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D3soccer.com => Men's soccer => Topic started by: LaPaz on September 11, 2011, 05:54:52 PM

Title: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 11, 2011, 05:54:52 PM
another year begining way to late for Nescac but I digresss.
I didnt get to any games this wknd but will catch a few next wknd including a HUGE Mid at Amh Sunday game.  From what i have read seems like the most exciting game was the Wes 3-2ot win over Bowdoin. I heard Wes field was unplayable so they had to play on a real short field on campus. Bowdoin looks like the strongest team on paper this year except for a glaring weakness in goal. I noticed Eddie Jones didnt play, is he injured?  Big loss in net for Bowdoin, but other than that they return almost everyone plus an addition b/c Hunter Clark was out all year last year. They will be tough. Good win for Wes.  Williams seemingly had an easy road win at lowly Bates. I hear they have a very good freshman class.  Trinty and new(old) memeber Hamilton played to a 1-1 draw, I'm willing to guess hamilton will not match last years 9-3-3 record having to play 10 Nescac games now.  Conn with a good road win over Colby 2-0, could be a surprise team even with the loss of Prophet.  Who will score for them aganist tougher competition? Finally Tufts gets a great opening draw with Midd and with new freshman Santos plus all the returning guys this new coach for Tufts will have them competing at their best in maybe 5-7 years. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 14, 2011, 11:16:56 AM
Today the Nescac schedule takes shape.  Because of Hamilton's inclusion to the league you will start to see mid-week league games and tons of sat/sun back to backs. Basically in 50 days teams will play 14 games, on agvg of a little more than a game every 3 days if u include Nescac playoffs. Should be interesting. So Hamilton will travel to Williams and after a 2 1/2 hr ride will face off aganist one of the toughest Nescac Opponents.  I am predicting a 4-0 Williams win..Good bounce back wins for Bowdoin and Midd. A bit of a disappointing draw for Wes aganist an improved Springfield and a disappointing loss for Trinity aganist Woc.State. Why as a coach you would schedule a mid week night road game on turf aganist a physical hungrary team like Worc.STate is beyond me. I mean they should have gotten a result but you have to make your schedule work for you to
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 15, 2011, 12:52:34 PM
9/17 Predictions: Havent seen many teams yet but will give it a try and after the weekend will have seen more teams.
Williams v Trinity 2-0
Well my prediction almost ran true it was Williams 3-0 not 4-0, but I didn't realize they would have to play on the turf yesterday and possibly Saturday.  That takes some getting used to. I believe the 3 weakest teams in NESCAC are prob Bates, Hamilton and Trinity and maybe Colby. Since Williams opens with the first 3 they should be 3-0 after the wknd. However, Trinity does have weapons including Mayernick, Buckley and a cpl promising frosh. Their D-line is always decent maybe a tad bit slow but decent but I have always said there real weak link is in goal and maybe in not having a target striker to play with Mayernick. 
Midd v Colby  1-0
Havent seen either team yet but this seems like a usual score that holds true.  Colby long trip, early game time and prob not much scoring punch.
Bowdoin v WNEC 2-1
I love this game on the schedule. WNEC coming off a complete trashing of Keene St.  As always they will be extremely fit and running and subbing and running.  It will be curious to see the end result because if Bowdoin takes WNEC lightly they will have a rude awakening. However, I think Bowdoin has more talent and athleticism and will outlast the golden bears.
Amherst v Bates 2-0
This matchup has been heavily favored to Amherst since 2005. Bates had there share of great games against them, one win I remember at Middlesex School maybe 6-7 years ago. Since then all Amherst and really no contest. Last year I was all over Bates for laying down against Amherst in a mid-week home game against them losing 5-0. I was at that game and couldn't believe the lack of effort and purpose from Bates. They do seem to be a bit stronger this year and always solid defensively and I like their Midfielder Murphy, he can strike a good ball. Amherst coming off a disappointing OT win against Bridgewater St and are just more talented than Bates in every area.

Hamilton v Conn 0-1
Tough week for Hamilton. Lots of travel and not a great team. Keeper is weakness, there backs are ok middies ok and strikers are dreadful. They are going to have to get some secondary scoring from somewhere this season. I like CONN in this game and like them as an improved side this year. Well coached and the coach is starting to get his recruits in there and build a team that he desires. 
Tufts v Wes  2-2
Wild game of weekend. Tufts is much improved and can be dangerous offensively more than in past years. Wes is a solid team, lots of returning starters and Hazelett always seems to come up with big goals and of course MY #1 keeper in Nescac Purdy.  Always liked him since he was a frosh and took them to NCAA sweet 16.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on September 16, 2011, 05:45:33 PM
Prediction Game

Good that after this weekend well get to have seen every team play at least one NESCAC game.  I like adding Hamilton to the league, although its too bad it means we dont get to see every team in action each weekend.

Midd v Colby (1-0)

Still hard to get a real sense of the teams so early, but in a game between a team that traditionally struggles and one that usually is strong (especially in a game at Midd), i think Midd will come away.  The fact that they might be looking ahead to Amherst the following day will make this one close.

Amherst v Bates (3-0)
There doesnt seem to be too much to say one this one, Amherst usually handles Bates easily, even when they don't play well.

Trinity v Williams (1-1)
I'm not sure what to make of Williams yet.  I dont remember User form years past, but he seems to have come out of the gates firing.  There two wins so far have both been big but against weaker competition so I'm not confident they really represent how good Williams will be this year.  Trinity can be tough at home.  Ill say they play well enough to earn a draw.

Hamilton v Conn (2-1)
I think Hamilton will get its first NESCAC win in its first home conference game.  I like Conn's new coach, but where will the goals come from without Prophet?  In this game I think someone will put one in, but it wont be enough.

Tufts v Wesleyan (2-0)
I think Tufts can really surprise this year (maybe even host a NESCAC playoff game?)  Wesleyan isn't going to be bad either, as beating Bowdoin showed (is Jones hurt?) but I like Tufts, who like Conn seems to finally have a coach who'll make some noise in the league.

9/18
Trinity v Bates (2-0)
I have no idea, just not sure Bates has a road win in them, even against a team that probably is middle of the pack at best.

Amherst v Midd (2-1 in OT)
This is certainly the marquee game this weekend matching two of the top three NESCAC teams from recent years (not ready to put Bowdoin up there with these two and Williams yet).  I really like Amherst a lot this year, they didn't lose too much from and were really lucky to bring Tsatsimpe back for another year (one of the most underratedly talented players in the league).   They also have Jae Heo back who was a stud as freshman when Amherst won the league and went to the final four.  Him and Noon up top could be quite dynamic.  I noticed Mooney hasn't played at all, yet they are 2-0 (seems like they outplayed Bridgewater in the previous game but struggled to get one past their keeper).  Midd's tie at Tufts I dont believe, as I have let on, is as bad of a result as years past, and they handled Norwich easily.  Is Lyvers the boy who once played for Colby? I remember him being one of their better players.  Macnee, Redmond and Pitney are dangerous.  Should be a good one.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on September 18, 2011, 10:09:36 AM
Certainly some interesting scores.  Colby (v Midd) and Conn (v Hamilton) both getting road wins surprised me a little.  From the first game I think it might reflect more that  Midd might be in for some trouble this year rather then Colby about to shake things up.  We'll have to see how they respond on the road today against Amherst.  Conn might be for real this year.  I know their two conference wins are against Hamilton and Colby, but if you want be a top team you've got to take care of lesser teams even away from home.  Conn still hasn't let up a goal.  The mid-week game vs Wesleyan will be a good barometer of where each really is at.

From what I read it seems Wesleyan and Tufts weren't playing the prettiest game, but a good win for Wesleyan nonetheless against a team I expected to make at least a little noise.  Not surprised Williams and Trinity drew, tough place to play.  Williams lost a lot from last year.  They never drop off too much, but could be in for some ups and downs this year.

Truthfully the score that surprised me most was Bates getting two goals on Amherst.  Don't think of Bates as particularly potent, although one did come on a PK.  Two of Amherst's four captain didn't play at all, not sure if they're hurt.

11 teams means more games, so right back at it today. I like that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 19, 2011, 10:19:42 AM
           What an incredible weekend of soccer, concluding with a performance by Amherst as dominant as some of those Williams' Jamaican teams.  I was so impressed by Amherst weapons all day. They are by far the most athletic team in Nescac and also have the most depth in the league.  #19 Heo is the difference maker from last year to this year.  He is the complete player up front and is so composed in front of the net(4 goals).  The third goal in the Amherst trashing of Midd by Heo was a beauty.  The most athletic player by far is #15 Tebs, he looks like a man amongst boys out there.  I wasn't as impressed with #24 Caslin or #27 Fikke but he has the long throw.  They are most dangerous up front with #9 Noon and #19 Heo with #4 Sucre behind them winning absolutely every ball in the air.  He takes the spot of Rothkopf for sure.  I liked the wing back #6 Aoyama as he is a skilled playe, not as impressed with other wing back #20 Lerner, but he is ok. #12 Kaplan played well but on set pieces he can be seen by everyone except the ref for holding and basically hugging players and not letting them get to where they need to go. I mean some good players barely saw any action #8 Gooden #11 Rooks #7 McNamara played a bit.  They have enough weapons to withstand 2-3 injuries throughout a season, and I didn't even see Mooney.

  Midd wasn't all that bad on the day and took it to them 2nd half a bit and had a couple real good scoring chances but couldn't finish. Mcanee was injured? #5 Pitney had an extremely good game for Midd creating some opportunities for himself and others. I thought the transfer from Seton Hall #3 was skilled and served a good left footed ball.  The rest were just ok #4 Redmond did not have a good day and neither did #7 Brazier or the transfer from Colby #11 Lyvers. I thought the frosh #8 played ok. #2 Colluci is a decent wingback but Heo turned him in knots before his 3rd goal. You can see Midd is struggling to finish their chances so far this year. I wouldn't write them off yet (never do) but they have to get on a roll and a visit to Bowdoin next weekend wont help that cause.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jim Matson on September 19, 2011, 04:48:37 PM
Heo is a special player and Amherst has a team this season. Maybe better than 2008?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 19, 2011, 05:44:41 PM
The start of this NESCAC season seems typical--whacky and highly competitive.  There will be some great games this year, as well as some unexpected results.

Amherst sounds like they've started out on quite a roll, helped by the return of Heo.  That said, I'll predict right now that no team is likely to get through the NESCAC schedule 9-0-0.

I'm the parent of a Bowdoin senior, and it's bittersweet for me to realize I'm nearing the end of a 4 year collegiate soccer journey that's been a lot of fun.  I know that a number of coaches and players are not entirely happy with the schedule this year.  With the addition of Hamilton to the schedule (welcomed by everyone), the NESCAC college presidents naturally decided not to extend the season on the front end by a week. 

The result is that there are several weekends of tough back-to-back games with long travel in between.  Bowdoin, for example, hosts Middlebury on Saturday and then boards a bus for Williamstown to play Williams on Sunday.  Not ideal circumstances under which to play two of your biggest league rivals.

All the teams have some version of this at some point in the season.  It puts a lot of strain on tired and injured bodies.

In contrast, my older son played D1 for an Ivy team and, other than an opening season tournament, they typically played all of their games on Wednesdays and Saturdays, allowing the body at least some chance of rest and recovery between games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on September 19, 2011, 08:44:27 PM
I know it's early, but how about some predictions for the the final nescac standings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on September 19, 2011, 10:36:40 PM
I agree with TrueNorth that the NESCAC will probably have some refining to do as far as make the 11 team schedule work.  I believe the NESCAC is built on the ideal that academics come first, but is having games Sat/Sun really better for a student than Wed/Sat?  Also it's one thing for a Mass team to play back to back games away to Maine teams to reduce travel, but a lot of these weekend a team is home early on Saturday and then away on Sunday.  I think Amherst is better than Midd, but could Midd having to play home/away in back-to-back days contributed to their sluggish first half?  On the whole though I'm don't think it matters too much, each team seems to have some tough weekend (Bowdoin and Wesleyan are the victims this weekend).

Heo definitely makes Amherst far more prolific than the last two years (a little off subject, but his action shot on the NESCAC site is tremendous).  Noon has been a good up top for Amherst the last two years, always seemingly in the right spot, but Heo's skill and imagination are rare for DIII.  On top of all that, as LaPaz said Thebe in the midfield is huge.  I think he is remarkably underrated and brings a lot to the table.  I remember him being listed as a senior last year, so fortune seems to be shining bright on Amherst for him and Jae Heo to be together for this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 21, 2011, 07:21:46 PM
Dan 's Mayernick two goals were too much for ECSU this afternoon as the Trinity Bantams defeated the Warriors 2-1 in Hartford CT.
This is the third straight loss for Eastern against Trinity.  :-[  Eastern scored 23 min into the first half on a penalty kick by Matt Esposito after he was pull down in the box.

Trinity really needs to find some one who is capable to operate a video camera.  Most of the game the camera was pointed away from where the ball was being played!!!!  It was soo bad I gave up watching at half time and went to live stats.  :'(
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 22, 2011, 10:16:57 AM
Wasn't there but sounds like from the report Wesleyan controlled the game vs Conn and is now 3-0 in Nescac.  Maybe I overrated Conn a bit and it might take them a little longer to build a solid program. The loss of Prophet is going to be to much by the end of the year as they will not be able to score goals against the top 5 of the league.

9/24 Predictions:

Midd at Bowdoin  1-1

I like Midd to bounce back from that drubbing by Amherst and at least get a draw in this game.  Bowdoin is very tough at home, but I am still not convinced of their goalkeeping. Midd finds a way to get a goal and some kind of result in this one. Bowdoin's season could swing either way with this game and Williams up on Sunday. 2 wins and they could roll all season. Midd needs a result more than any team in league right now.

Williams at Wes   1-1

I have seen Wes twice this year and am impressed.  They have the same team as last year but the players are one year older now and they understand what they need to do to win games. #6 Hazelett and #8 Paresi come to mind. Purdy has 3 shutouts already this year. Williams is missing Romero and his goals. The kid User has 3 goals but he is not a goal scorer and they lack that finishing touch that Amherst has with Heo.  They seem solid in the back but I am unconvinced of there 3 CM's when they play a 4-3-3. They give the ball away to much for my liking. #13 Angus Kennedy is improved but the other 2 need to step it up a little. Williams has been lucky the last few years at Wes to win but they may have revenge on their minds since Wes knocked them out of the Nescac's last year.

Trinity at Conn    2-0

I hate this game prediction. Trinity is the most unpredictable team in Nescac.  They have the talent to contend for the top 4, but sometimes they do not get motivated against certain teams.  Whether that is the players or coaching or lack of focus, I have no idea.  A 1-1 tie with Williams and if not for a late goal almost a victory shows that Trinity can hang with the big boys. Mayernick is now coming into his own and starting to rack up goals. Solid defensively and in midfield but they need better goaltending.  They would have won the game at Willliams if not for a horrible keeper mistake, coming to get a ball proceeding to drop it and then Williams player knocks it in. He is a good keeper just makes some dumb mistakes occasionally that costs his teams points. Conn I think I made a mistake on and just is not ready to contend. Conn's field is the worst in Nescac and can be a home advantage but they don't have the firepower to keep up.

Amherst at Hamilton 4-1

I went into Amherst in great detail in my last post so I will skip that this time.  I do not think there will be a let down game here. Hamilton just does not have the weapons that Amherst has. 

Tufts at Colby  1-0

Colby coming off a huge win against Midd.  Still think Tufts has more talent and will sneak a late goal to win this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on September 22, 2011, 09:30:34 PM
I thought Conn might have be a serious threat to finish in the top four with both Bowdoin and Midd seemingly struggling (granted it is still really early) but losing at home to Wesleyan in their first real test might indicate otherwise, especially if the game is as LaPaz noted.  Are Amherst, Wesleyan, and Williams going to be the class of the league this year?  Bowdoin clearly has played one league game so its hard to get a real gauge, but I hope so. Even though Amherst/Williams is obviously the best rivalry I always get the impression that the mutual respect between the two keeps those games civil, whereas with Wesleyan, for whatever reason, that doesn't exist making Wesleyan/Amherst and Wesleyan/Williams games a little more heated.  When the teams are good...all the better. 

9/24
Bowdoin v Midd (2-1)
I think both teams are going to come into this game desperate for a win.  Midd's desperation, with its terrible start, is clear.  For Bowdoin I think having to see themselves at the bottom of the standings (even though its meaningless since they've only played one game) will add some fire.  Really hard to sit around for two weeks with the taste of a NESCAC loss swishing around in your month.  I don't think Midd is as good.

Wesleyan v Williams (1-0)
These teams are probably pretty even, I'm giving a slight advantage to Wesleyan because they are home, on their small field, and have a better goalie.

Amherst v Hamilton (3-0)
Does this game feature the largest talent gap in the league?  Doesn't mean Hamilton can't win, I just don't think they will.

Don't really have anything to say about the other two games.  They could really go in any direction. 

9/25
Bowdoin v Williams (2-1)
I think this is the most interesting game of the weekend by far. This is a massive weekend for both the Polar Bears and Ephs. First off, each will have a played a tough game the day before and both will have to travel (Bowdoin a bit further) for this game.  Not sure if that sort of nullifies some of Williams' benefits of having this on at home.  Eddie Jones has been back for two games now but hasn't started in each.  TrueNorth probably knows more about his status then anyone else.  I know I said earlier I like when Williams is part of the top tier (as they pretty much always are) but i think they could take a serious hit this weekend.  Nick Powell is off to a fantastic start, albeit against some non-NESCAC competition, games in which players have historically been able to rack of the stats. They also appear to have two freshman who have been getting on the score sheet, to go along with the always stout defense anchored by Bishop.  I like Bowdoin a lot and think they will be back up near the top of standings after coming away with their second big victory of the weekend.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 22, 2011, 10:00:53 PM
It's always fun, and of course highly speculative to predict NESCAC game results.  With the crowded 11 team NESCAC schedule this year (crammed into a ridiculously short period from Sep. 10 to Oct. 26) and many back-to-back weekend games, I believe surprise results will abound.

Just because Amherst and Wesleyan have won their first several games does not mean they will remain hot all season.  Likewise, just because Middlebury has struggled early (but have outshot their opponents) and Bowdoin dropped an OT decision to Wes, doesn't necessarily mean they'll struggle all season.  Both Midd and Bowdoin have a lot of experienced talent back from last year's NCAA Elite Eight teams and will have an impact before its all said and done.

Lapaz commented that Trinity has the talent to threaten for the top four.  That may be true, but I suspect when the dust has settled, we may find that last year's clear top four (Amherst, Bowdoin, Middlebury, Williams in alphabetical order) will be tough to displace, even by a spirited Wes side that is off to a great start.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on September 25, 2011, 12:10:03 PM
A week with some serious dramatics. From the reports, Wesleyan slid one in with just under two minutes left in the second OT to knock off Williams and Bowdoin tied it up with just seconds left in regulation.  Was anyone at either game?  I love to hear how those goals happened.

Hamilton looked to play Amherst better yesterday than they have been playing other teams.  Maybe that will translate into their first conference win against Wesleyan today.

I'm really impressed with both Amherst and Wesleyan (if Trinity can beat a quality team they might become part of the discussion).  They seem to be on the verge of distancing themselves a little from the pack.  It might be a little tougher for Amherst though. I was looking ahead at some of the schedules, in a span of 8 days Amherst is away to Williams, Trinity, Colby and Bowdoin.  I can't recall any stretch in that difficult.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 26, 2011, 09:49:14 AM
Was at the Williams v Bowdoin game and thought for the most part Williams played with more energy and skill.  As I have said earlier Bowdoin's goalkeeping will ruin their season this year.  They were definitely an extremely tired bunch and do not have the depth of Williams and Amherst. Williams had chances to score more goals but did not and Bowdoin also had a few clear chances but could not finish.  I give Eddie Jones credit, as I learned from a parent he has a torn ACL and is playing on it b/c it's his senior season. He didn't do much in the game however. Bowdoin was just gassed by the middle of the 2nd half and Williams used that to their advantage as #7 Morrisroe was given a solid thru ball up the middle of the field and calmly finished it.  I did see Williams backline was banged up as their captain #5 Ratajchuk and #2 Weinrib, who has the long throw, were not playing.  However, the CM's that I was so critical of earlier played extremely well.  The other captain #8 Pugliese played well and two frosh #11 and #21 were skilled in the midfield.
All my Saturday predictions came true 4-1, except for a late Wes goal made my predicted TIE a win for Wes.  Good start for Wesleyan as they are playing well right now.  They still have away games at Amh and Midd and WNEC but other than that the rest of their schedule is weak. I do worry about them because they do not have great depth either, however they do sub a lot. Amherst is still the team to beat with Williams and Bowdoin right behind them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 29, 2011, 10:54:36 AM
Sat Prediction for 10/1

Midd vs Wes    0-2       Wes undefeated runs ends here. I believe they won up at Midd 2 years ago but caught them on a back to back Sun game.  The teams are fairly even, but I will give Midd the edge because of the home field and desperation to win their first Nescac game.  Also, Wes finally playing away from that high school JV field.  You would think Nescac AD's or coaches would complain about that field as being unplayable and dangerous for players. With Macnee back they are a better threat to score goals and Pitney is a solid player in CM. Cahill an experienced keeper and Midd's backline while not as good as it has been, is good enough to keep Wes off the board.  I like Wes starting 11, there backs are a bit slow and Purdy seems to be regressing a little  back to last year where he made some great saves but also some questionable decisions on crosses.  Still he is  my favorite Nescac keeper.  I just don't feel Wes can win up there. Just a hunch.

Trinity vs Colby   2-0    Don't look now but Trinity has gone 5 straight w/o a loss and seem to be picking up steam.  Good thing because they finish off the year with the toughest schedule of any team.  If there backline stays steady and goalkeeping remains ok, they have enough talent to certainly win this game at home but also get some results against the top 4.  Maynerick a legit force up front now and #10 El-Hachem and #6 Buckley turning into pretty solid CM's.  #8 Updike and #26 Reilly are good athletes.Honestly after seeing Trinity a couple times this year if Trinity plays hard and focused for 90 minutes they are a little more talented than Wes. There best players are all seniors and are athletic. Have not seen Colby yet but can imagine like I said before solid defensively and offensively challenged.  That being said, all the praise I have heaped on Trinity they are very capable of putting up a stinker and Colby winning this match.

Conn vs Bowdoin  0-3  I feel Bowdoin is going to really bounce back in this game. They are extremely hungry for a nescac win and Conn stands in the way.  They were gassed by the time they got to Williamstown and really didn't play with any energy against Williams.  I suspect they will come out guns a blazing against Conn.  Conn doesn't have the talent to keep up and I am betting the ball is in the air more than on the ground in this one.  Probably will be a really ugly game to watch.

Bates vs Hamilton  1-0  Bates gets first conf win. This will be Hamilton's first of two trips to Maine in the next 2 weeks. Welcome to NESCAC. Murphy bends a free kick to win this game late.

Amh  vs Tufts     2-0   I thought about this as a possible trap game with Williams looming for Amherst next week but just couldn't get myself to ride Tufts on this one. Tufts vastly improved but just not quite there yet and Amherst plays very well at home.  Heo continues his rampant scoring pace with 2 more in this one
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jim Matson on September 29, 2011, 07:58:09 PM
The Amherst prediction is a solid one. The highlight reel on the Amherst win over Middlebury was impressive.

Wesleyan will defeat Middlebury...I think. The NESCAC loves to produce those 0-0 draws especially when you least expect it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on September 30, 2011, 12:24:50 PM
I don't know if its bad or not, but the scheduling for this season is really odd (beyond the tough home/away weekends some teams have).  After this weekend Wesleyan will have played seven league games while Amherst and Bowdoin will have played just four.  It's fortunate for Wesleyan to have gotten so many intra-conference games while they are playing as well as they are.  Of they're five renaming games I think there is a good chance they only come away with 2 wins.  I think their perfect record will end this weekend in Middlebury (not sure if they will lose or draw, but I dont think they are going to win in Vermont).  I do think that they'll beat Colby on Sunday.

Of all the teams, Bowdoin has the most important weekend.  They must beat Conn College.  They've had the most difficult schedule thus far having only played Williams, Wesleyan, and Midd.  The backside of their schedule this is relatively easy, with Amherst (home) and Trinity (away) as the only games that should be tough.  Bowdoin has to turn it around at some point though, and if doesn't happen this weekend, it might not happen at all.

The other three games are not as interesting I dont think.  Amherst should beat Tufts at home and Trinity should do the same with Colby at home (even though neither could do it last year).  Bates and Hamilton each have probably their best, and maybe only chance, to get put up a league win.  No idea who will grab the opportunity, or if either will.

Sunday, I think Midd and Wesleyan win, while Trinity and Tufts draw.

Outside of the NESCAC, I expect Williams to get a little revenge on Babson for knocking them out of the NCAA last year.  They should also be able to handle MIT easily.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on October 02, 2011, 05:52:26 PM
The biggest story of the weekend has to be Bowdoin.  The reality might just be that they have fallen off a good deal from last year's final four squad.  Sure, not having Jones hurts them, but I dont think that is the whole story there.  I know LaPaz is saying their goalie is lackluster, and their goals against might be a reflection of that.

Midd gets four points out of the weekend, pretty good. I think Midd is going to rattle off a couple wins down the stretch.  Seem unlucky to have not beaten Weslyan, but that is what playing the Cardinals is like.  They get more points from games they dont belong in than anyone else.  Important for Midd to come back today and beat Conn College.

Just as Trinity seemed to be rolling, they go ahead and drop one to Tufts.  To me Conn College and Tufts are in the same boat.  Relatively new coaches who seem to have their teams trending upward, just not quite there yet.  Conn's win over Bowdoin isn't as impressive as I would have thought at the start of the season, given their struggles.

Meanwhile Amherst continues to roll along.  Another goal for Heo and Noon each this weekend.  10 goals in 4 leagues games is good, but I'm sure their coach is making it clear to them that they've got a lot more work to do.

Finally, Hamilton jumps up to 8th with their first ever NESCAC win.  I have no idea how Bates got two goals against Amherst when they managed 1 against Williams, Trinity, and Hamilton combined.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 03, 2011, 12:56:55 PM
NE Soccer-good pionts on Wesleyan, Conn and Tufts.  Bates got 2 goals aganist Amherst that 2nd week I believe off of a penalty kick and another off a restart. Trinity with a disappointing loss to Tufts but I noticed they had some injuries on their backline and upfront. No Binnie, Reilly, etc. Still should have come away with a draw. Williams with a demoralizing loss to Babson that will no doubt hurt there Pool C chances with losses to Wes and Babson.  It makes the Amherst game this weekend a MUST win for Williams, and that is to much pressure for a young team this early in season.  The commitee looks at 2 things obviously the final 3 regional rankings(not the coaches polls) and how many wins you got aganist NCAA tournament teams. You figure Wes and Babson should be in with Bowdoin out. So now Williams' 4 wins aganist Bates, Hamilton, Bowdoin and MIT do not look so strong. You could make the same argument for Amherst and their schedule but they are 7-0-0  and do not need to worry about it, for now.  Still to early to get this going and all stirred up but you can see the pressure these teams can put on themselves early if u drop a couple games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 03, 2011, 08:56:23 PM
In a 7PM game at Amherst, Amherst 4-Lesly 0.  The Lord Jeffs scored 2 in the first half...last 15 min. and 2 in the 2nd half early.  Jeffs had a number of freshmen in the latter portions of the second half...putting a great deal of pressure and shots on Lesly, but no goals.  Most of Amherst's starters in the first half were kept out of the 2nd half.....resting for the Williams game at Williams on Sunday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 06, 2011, 02:43:15 PM
A couple great games this weekend and a couple ho-hum games. Here's what I think:

Williams v Amherst   0-2
It is tough to go against Williams at home but I just feel like Amherst will win this game.  Williams is talented but young.  They have had some injuries to the backline and have had some issues scoring goals.  They just do not have a dominant scoring threat like Amherst does in Heo and Noon.  Both teams will be plenty rested but I wonder if the frosh Burbank-Crump can defend Heo all game w/o any mistakes. One mistake and he can burn you.  Williams will have there chances to score but can they finish them?  If anything Amherst is a bit weak at wingback and Williams does have plenty of team speed. I believe Williams cannot lose this game and still hope to get an at-large, at the very least they need a draw. Won't happen this year.

Bowdoin v Colby     2-0
Colby has scored 2 league goals in 5 games and haven't even played Williams, Amherst  and Bowdoin yet. Does anyone even remember the last time Colby beat Bowdoin? I would like to see Bowdoin break out and show New England that they are ready to go on a late season tear. To get an at-large now, they will have to win out, which wouldn't be as difficult as it sounds as 5 of last 6 games are at home.

Wesleyan v Bates     1-1
My upset of the week-end. Bates always plays Wes and Midd tough even getting late season wins against these teams in years past when they have had no right to.  Wes could be way over confident in this one and the Bates' keeper will have to come up with some BIG saves.  Bates going to have to get a result soon or they will be on outside looking in for Nescac tournament, also I would imagine these teams want to avoid 8th place so as to avoid Amherst in first round.

Hamilton v Midd     0-2
Midd hasn't lost in 5 games and hasn't given up a goal in 4 games. Their defense andgoaltending is playing solid and they do have goal scoring threats in Pitney and a healthy Macnee. Nice win for Hamilton at Bates last week, but they do not have the talent to win this game.

Tufts v Conn      1-1
Looking forward to this game.  These two improved sides are right in the middle of the pack in Nescac.  They have had some predicatable and not so predictable results. Tufts has a little more flair offensively and Conn has some more structure defensively than in years past. The frosh Santos for Tufts has been a great story this year and quite possibly Nescac rookie of  the year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on October 06, 2011, 07:56:46 PM
I dont understand why the Amherst Williams game is on Sunday instead of Saturday.  Neither is playing on Saturday, Williams hasn't played since last weekend and Amherst since Monday, and both play the following Tuesday.  Can anyone come up with a possible explanation?

Anyways, this game is clearly the top matchup of the week, just because it is Amherst/Williams.  There isn't much impressive about Williams season thus far, as LaPaz alluded to they aren't headed toward as Pool C bid as things are now.  They've raked up some goals against bad teams, but haven't found results against the better teams (Bowdoin may finish strong, but were certainly were not playing well when they faced Williams).  Their top scorer got two against Bates, one against Hamilton and hasn't found the net since.  The defense is strong though, that combined with the fact, that a win against Amherst can make their season, makes them scary coming into this game.  However, I think the reality is that Amherst's defense is just as strong.  I dont agree with LaPaz that Amherst has week defensive backs, maybe just because the rest of the team is so strong and they dont have the same depth at that position (though barring injuries, you dont really expect to sub backs anyways).  With Heo and Noon (and maybe with the addition Mooney who saw his first action of the season on Monday) leading charge, Amherst's offense if far better than Williams'.  I think they will create more chances and control possession, but Williams strong defense will limit the amount of times they can capitalize.  In the end I think Amherst wins this one by a goal (1-0).

The second most interesting game is Tufts and Conn College.  As I mentioned in my last post, I view this teams similarly and the stats seem to back that up.  They both score a little under 1.3 goals/game and give up about .8.  Conn College started out strong, but haven't been able to play up with some of the better teams in the league.  A similar argument could be made for Tufts, although I was impressed with their ability to rebound against Trinity after being drubbed by Amherst.  With all of this in mind, I guess it makes sense the two teams are next to each other in the standings, at 5 & 6 respectively.  All in all, Conn is a little better, and Tufts doesn't really have much of a home field advantage as some of the other teams in the league do. (1-0).

The other three games conference games strike me as a little more lopsided.  If LaPaz is correct in predicting a Bates/Wesleyan draw I would be pretty shocked.  If Bates sits in I think it is possible, but I just don't see Bates getting any points in this game.  (2-0).

Midd and Bowdoin should also handle their games easily, and begin to position themselves for the tournament.  Not that there is any reason the games are linked but I think those two teams win on an aggregate score of 5-1.

Truthfully, aside from Amherst Williams, what really interests me this weekend is Bowdoin and Babson.  The NESCAC is dominating the top of the regional rankings this year like they normally do (I know the NSCAA regional rankings mean nothing, but still).  Babson beat Williams, can they effectively end any hope Bowdoin has at a pool C bid (is that hope isn't already dead).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 07, 2011, 09:54:32 AM
While I feel Amherst is the best team in Nescac I cannot agree with NEsoccer on some of his points. If anything Amherst has racked up some goals aganist "bad" teams. they are 7-0-0 and have beaten Colby-Sawyer, Bridgewater St, Gordon, Lesley, Bates and Hamilton. Tufts is ok. That is a relatively "Soft" schedule and I have no idea why the coach with such a great team has to schedule such "cupcake" non-league games. I didnt say Amherst has weak defensive backs. I like the two CB's as Kaplan is a good player. He holds and pushes a little to much for my liking but he is very solid.  I said if there is a weakness on Amherst it is their wingbacks. #6 Aoyama is a very skilled and fast player but last year I liked him more on the wing midfield, so I am not sure how good of a defender he is. While I like #20 Lerner's energy and leadership I feel he is a weakness at back and can be broken down by good teams. We will see. I'm not saying they are bad players but if there is any suspect issues on Amherst squad it could be there. As far as controlling possesion NEsoccer thinks Amherst will create more chances and "control" possession.  If you have been watching NESCAC for years like myself you would know that Williams always out possesses its opponenets and will create chances off that possesion. Amherst the past few years have had so much talent but sometimes they waste it by sitting back and countering and hitting long balls instead of playing a capable possession game.  You are right that Amherst will create more chances and win this game but I doubt they will out possess Williams, especially on Williams' wide field. I just don't believe Williams has the same talent as Amherst and they do not have  a goal scoring threat like Amherst, that is why they will lose the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 07, 2011, 11:38:29 AM
NESoccer......One possible reason for the Amherst vs Williams game being played on Sunday is the damage to particular playing fields by the recent storms.  The women's fields may not be available....hence the scheduling of games to a turf field in North Adams.  The men's field maybe ok.  The women's game is on Sat.....probably on the men's field.  Hence the men's game is moved to Sunday.  Can't have such an important game played on field that was used only a few hours earlier.  Other than that who knows what the scheduling "bigs" reasons are.   Webcasts?  crowds?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on October 07, 2011, 11:41:16 AM
LaPaz, concerning the outside backs I think we're roughly on the same page.  Your point is mostly the same thing as what I said.

Concerning possession, Williams always traditionally out possessed their opponents because they have almost always had superior talent.  Past tendency can only carry so much weight on Sunday's game. 

We clearly agree that talent wise Williams isn't superior this year, but we seemingly differ on the extent to which the tide has swung.  Amherst has in recent years certainly had talent, but in the last two years especially (and even when they won the NESCAC and made the national semis) the one thing that was lacking was a central midfielder who could control the pace of the game.  I think the duo of #15 Tsatsimpe can do that.  Last year Tsatsimpe played in the middle, but he was often dropped in behind Rothkopf, whose style Amherst coach deferred to.  Rothkopf didn't have the same technical abilities as Tsatsimpe, and so Amherst played a certain way.  Without him as the face of the team I think they have been freed a little bit.  Beyond that, Noon is very adept at holding the ball up top and keeping possession.  I know Williams would like to play a certain way, but has anyone stepped into the roles of Kelly and Romero from last year as a midfielder who can dictate tempo and a forward who can hold the ball, respectively?  Obviously these roles aren't sufficient to control possession, but I do think they're necessary. Across the board Williams isn't as strong has they're were last year, and certainly not as good as two years ago or when they were entrenched at the top of the league during the early 2000s.  The only way that I think Williams is able keep possession in the game at 50/50 is if Amherst scores some early goals and decides to just sit in during the second half (as they did against Midd, a 3-0 game you left off your list).  Since I can't make it to the game, Im going to try and tune into the webcast to see how it all pans out (aside, why does Williams charge for the webcast? Does it come in HD?).  If this year Williams still dominates possession, then I will agree that will be the case forever and on forward.

About Amherst's schedule. I agree that their non-conference schedule is a joke and I would like to see at least one good team on it.  The difference for me so far between Amherst and Williams as far as racking up goals against bad teams is concerned is that while they have both scored against inferior teams, Amherst also put up 3 on Midd and Tufts, the most respectable teams on their schedule thus far.  The real test will be, as I mentioned somewhere in an earlier post,  Amherst's stretch from the 9th-16th.  That is the hardest I've four games in a row ive seen in recent memory.  That week will reveal if Amherst is really as good as we both think they might be.

I saw the field damage had shifted some the girl's games, wasn't sure about how if impacted the men.  Your theory seems good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on October 07, 2011, 11:42:36 AM
Didn't mean to say the duo, I know #15 is Tsatsimpe.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 07, 2011, 02:13:27 PM
Hamilton will beat Midd.

Hamilton is having a rough time in the new conference, but word to the wise; they always start slow.

This team will knock off a few others before 2011 is all said and done.

mark my words, Hamilton is playing well below its level so far this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 07, 2011, 04:16:42 PM
I have seen Hamilton twice this year and they may be the worst team in NESCAC along with Bates. They have no scoring punch, no creativity in midfield, no goalkeeping and their defense is slow.   This is not the weak Liberty League where u can rattle off a couple wins in a row aganist Skidmore, Vassar and the like. They are in a much more competitive league in NESCAC and they have to deal with all the travel that goes along with it. 8 hour road trips to play teams in Maine 2 week-ends apart does not help their cause. Last year they went 9-3-3, this year I am prediciting 4-8-2.  A very mediocore team at best.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 07, 2011, 04:25:44 PM
Lapaz: Great point in terms of the travel they have to do. Undoubtedly this will take a toll on the team. The liberty league is by no means weak.

Ask the  Vassar and Skidmore Coaches who have been trying to make tournament play for over a decade without any luck. I will stipulate that this year the liberty league is not as strong as years past, but they still have 2 Top 20 teams, and are sure to make noise in the national dance.

The NESCAC is a good conference, but Hamilton will be making a mark sooner than later.

Hamilton will not make the big dance, but they will beat some good teams this year before bowing out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 07, 2011, 10:05:25 PM
No question I might have overstated the "weak" point about Liberty League. Just top to btm Nescac is better. I have seen Hobart this year and they are very good. Could easily be Top 2 or 3 in Nescac. SLU havent seen yet but I know they are always good and being from New England I can say I remember DeMello on club teams and he could be one of the top 5 players in Nescac. Very savvy player. I guess I am just not enamored with Hamilton's style or lack their of. You are right they will get better fast because outside of Trinity and Conn they should be able to get kids in that Williams, Amherst , etc could not. So if the coach properly recruits I agree with you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 07, 2011, 10:19:34 PM
Random question about Liberty League...why do they allow only 4 teams into play-offs..with the addition of RIT(good addition btw) and Bard you could give #1 team a bye and play 2v7 3v6 and 4v5. Would give some teams a chance to make up for a cpl dropped games early in the year and make the overall season a bit more interesting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NHsocca1 on October 08, 2011, 12:08:51 AM
The way I see it, there are four tiers of teams this year:

Tier 1: Wesleyan, Williams,
Tier 2: Amherst, Bowdoin, Middlebury
Tier 3: Trinity, Tufts, Conn, Colby
Tier 4: Hamilton, Bates

I see the first tier as the early favorites.  The second tier are two teams that are dangerous enough to make a late season push and potentially win the championship.  Tier 3 can certainly upset anyone on any given day but haven't shown the consistency to get into the next tier.  There is a clear tier 4. 

Wesleyan looks to have the clearest path to the #1 seed.  I think Williams will beat Amherst this weekend and will end up in the #2 spot.  Williams is Williams and they have beaten Amherst for around twenty straight years, it's dumb to expect anything different (especially on their home field).  User Kushiana is the best player in the NESCAC this year and they have had some major injuries of late.  I think they run the table for the rest of the season. 

Really, really like Trinity in Tier 3 but they have some pretty crazy results.  They tied the Ephs but lost to Westfield State.  Mayernick might be the second best player in the league and I think he ends up leading the league in goals. 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on October 08, 2011, 01:19:16 AM
I like your tiering idea, very similar to the now ubiquitous power rankings that accompany every pro sport.  I do see the slotting, as well as some of the points you made, a little differently though.

First, I think Amherst clearly belongs in tier one (and I'm not sure if you meant to include them there because you also refer to the two teams in the second tier, though list three).  While they might not end up in the top spot, to this point they have arguably been the best, and without a doubt belong the top tier no matter how you draw the lines.

Trinity also should be in tier two, alongside Bowdoin and Midd.  The rest of it I agree with.

A few other things, Williams has certainly had the upper hand for the majority of the last 20 years of the rivalry, but since Amherst changed coaches before the 2007 season, the tenor has changed a bit.  In the those four year Amherst is 2-1-1 against Williams, with a win and a tie in Williamstown.  Yes it is a small sample, but I think it is more representative of the rivalry as it stands now.  About Kushiana as the best player in the league, that seems like a huge stretch to me.  He is the leading scorer for an offense that hasn't been too dynamic and hasn't even started several of Williams recent games (though has been healthy enough to play I assume since he did come off the bench in each).  I would buy Mayernick as the best player in the league.

I assume the major injuries you're referring to center around Ratajzak, is there someone else too?  Also, why does coach Russo switch goalies so much?  I'd just stick with Morrell.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NHsocca1 on October 08, 2011, 09:49:12 AM
Been watching Williams-Amherst for years...believe me, Williams wins this one with plenty of room to spare.  Amherst is a borderline first tier/second tier team.  This isn't 2010 and like Middlebury and Bowdoin they are going to need a year to reload.

I will buy what you are selling on Trinity if they find a way to get a win and a tie against Amherst, Bowdoin, Middlebury or Wesleyan.

By the way, who is this Liberty league guy that is touting Hamilton? When's the last time that The LL had a Final Four team? Didn't the NESCAC have one in each of the last four years? Talk about not playing anyone...take a look at St. lawrence's schedule.  They could go the whole year an not play one other NCAA tournament caliber team other than Hobart (and don't give me Rochester).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 08, 2011, 11:59:55 PM
NHsocca1- No idea what you have been watching for years but certainly havent been paying attention this year. Amherst is clearly the most talented and dominant team(so far)..User is not even in the top 5 top Nescac Players. He dribbles to much and has scored his goals aganist weak competiton(including the team u ranted aganist for a paragraph, Hamilton) Maynerick is not #1 and how "Amherst is in tier 2 not tier 1 is utter nonsense.  The top player in the league by far up to now is #19 Heo as he could be a top 5 in the Ivies. Maynerick I have been touting all year but he is to inconsistent to be #1. He has great games and then disappears. Williams had dominated Amherst during the Gooding years and as NESoccer states the tides have equalled out a bit more.  Wesleyan has def the easiest road left, (lets hope to god they dont finish #1 and host on that field), but in my mind have been a little lucky at times this year and still do not think they have the depth of Amherst or even Williams. Russo switches goalies I think because they are prety even and we have no idea how these guys perform in practice all week.

Anyway  Sat results

-Bowdoin season is history, just a comoplete letdown after a great final 4 run. They lost Hicks, Denton-Scneider and Prior plus the long throw but we all figured they would still be an extremely tough out. Coach made a huge mistake not recruiting a solid keeper to replace Hicks. Maybe they make a run in the NESCAC's. who knows

- Midd 5 in a row 4 w/o a goal let up...Players are gaining confidence Im sure and they look to be making a late season surge with Williams looming late in season.

-Conn and Tufts a predicatble result with what I hear was an extremely tediuos affair with neither team creating anything significant. 

-One more time Amherst 2-0 over Williams on Sunday
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 09, 2011, 01:38:56 PM
The Amherst vs. Williams game at Williams went to 2OT and ended 2-2.  Williams was up 1-0 after the half and it was 2-2 going into the first OT.  A somewhat shame that it was a audio broadcast only and the charge was 10 dollars for an audio feed!  Williams can do better with the largest endownment in the conference and their athletic tradition.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on October 09, 2011, 06:10:25 PM
I agree that charging for an audio feed is really poor, I was very disappointed.

The game though played out in a fitting way.  Amherst created many more chances and overall seemed much more threatening.  A scrappy goal off a restart and a rocket from Pugilese aren't things you can count on every day.  This game affirms LaPaz's belief that Heo is the best player in the league.  He is dangerous from every part of the field.  He scored one and drew the penalty on the other, could have probably had more as he nailed the post as time expired.  Amherst to me was  the better team.


This regular season crown is boiling down to Amherst/Wesleyan.  If Amherst can get go 2-0-1 this week it will make the late season match up between Amherst and Wesleyan huge.  The game is in Amherst, so Wesleyan won't have the luxury of their unique field.  Amherst's offense vs Wesleyan's defense will be great to watch, two best units in the NESCAC.

I really expected Bowdoin would go on a little run to end the season, but losing at home to Colby kills that notion.  The came back and tied Babson today, who was good enough to beat Williams, so Bowdoin clearly isn't a team others can take lightly, but their conference results have been baffling.

Midd is on a bit of a roll right now, I wouldn't be shocked if they win out.  4-0-1 in their last five outscoring opponents 12-0.  The only team they couldn't score against was Wesleyan, but no one score on Wesleyan.

Lastly, I really dislike the uneven scheduling.  I know it really doesn't make a huge difference, but the NESCAC should be able to do a better job balancing when games are.  For Wesleyan to not play a conference game in two weeks, while Amherst has 4 in 8 days (all on the road) is ridiculous. 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jellybelly on October 10, 2011, 09:41:37 AM
Definitely agree that charging to just listen to a game is lame.  When one considers the caliber of school Williams is, you would think they could at a minimum broadcast their games for free.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NHsocca1 on October 11, 2011, 08:32:27 AM
What happened on that Hamilton-Midd prediction?  Liberty League isn't anywhere close to the NESCAC. 9-3-3 could turn into 3-9-3.

i told you all Williams wouldn't lose at home.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 11, 2011, 09:29:52 AM
First of all Anherst did not dominate Williams in any way. If that Williams cretaed more chances than Amherst. #19 Heo had an awful day besides the weak goal scored he did nothing all day.  Amherst best plaeyer on the field that day was #9 Noon. He was all over the field winning balls, getting dangeroeus chances and creating for his teamates. Havent seen him play that well ever. I gues its which days you watch these players.  It can be very inconsistent. Anyway Wiliams should be disappointed with a draw, to have a 2-0 lead with 11 minutes left is inexusuable to let up.I believ they got alittle lazy on Defense at the end. Both teams clearly gassed by the end of the game.TuesdY SHOULD BE INTERESTING
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 11, 2011, 05:01:17 PM
Amherst shuts out Trinity 1-0 at Trinity.  Noon scores  in the 18th minute and Amherst plays it safe.  In the 2nd half of the game Amherst gets its first corner and makes several attempts to score.  In the last ten minutes they just play defense.  Trinity gets few good shots at the goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: sumfun on October 11, 2011, 08:01:21 PM
LePaz, Bowdoin recruited a great goalie that took his team to a state final four.  He hasn't been given much of a chance to play yet. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 12, 2011, 09:36:47 AM
sumfun-If the keeper was anygood they would have been playing him by now. My sources tell me they had to "beg" Wise to even play soccer(he's a lax player). This tells me that in pre season Bowdoin players saw what they had as frosh keepers and desperetly wanted Wise to play.  Please if I have the worng information let me know.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 13, 2011, 10:42:34 AM
sumfun- got ur message thanks.




Sat / Sun 10-15/10-16 Predictions.
So my predictions have been a bit off lately but maybe this week-end brings better results.

Bowdoin v Hamilton-   2-0   A must win for both teams to stay alive in the Nescac playoff hunt.  Bowdoin is beginning to become along with Trinity, Tufts and Conn totally unpredictable.  However, I have seen Hamilton a couple times and have stated in the past not particularly impressed. I hate to do it again but I will put my gut with Bowdoin on this one but if I was betting real money on Bowdoin all season I would be way in the hole. The travel is just too much for Hamilton this season. Is Call Nichols injured? Have not seen Bowdoin in a while and have not seen him in their line-up.  If so, that is a big loss in the middle of the park.

Conn v Bates-  1-1    My prediction for a Bates tie with Wes last week was a disaster.  However, I believe Conn will be looking ahead to Williams and might look past my mighty Bobcats. Big fan of #21 Murphy and #11 Hirshberg has shown he can score goals. I like Conn as they have some talented players in #7 Brown,( can be inconsistent, he drifts in and out some games), #6 Maghenzani, #8 O'Brien( very good athlete and work rate), #10 Hormel (see O'Brien) and decent goalkeeping for a keeper with not much size.  Their back 4 are athletic but slow and with the back 4 all seniors that will be interesting to monitor next year. No idea where the athletic #19 Garabedian has been. I thought he would be more of a helper this year.

Colby v Amherst  0-2   After a great and somewhat lucky comeback against Williams last weekend, Amherst looked completely drained against Trinity this week but still managed to come away with a victory.  An ugly affair with Trinity saw 11 combined team shots and I bet not even half were on goal. #19 Heo seems to be wearing down a bit or maybe just tired. Good thing is you have talent to pick him up with Noon playing some great soccer. That game against Williams was one of his best I have seen from him. Amherst just plugging away and will dismantle Colby even with tired legs.

Middlebury v Trinity  1-0  Two teams headed in opposite directions. I will go with the flow and pick the team that is winning right now. These two teams are not that far apart but without Reilly (is he injured?) Trinity's Defense looks a bit shakier than it did before. As we know they still have weapons but not enough to get a result at Midd.  Pitney and Macnee are the difference.    Midd looking to win out beat Williams and possibly a couple of Nescac playoff games and they will be in despite early season struggles.  They have no decent wins on the season so that could hurt, but hey still haven't let up a goal in 5 games. Very impressive.

Tufts v Williams  0-1   Williams needs this game and the next  4 to  be considered for an At-large. Tufts looked absolutely dismal against Conn last weekend.  Besides #18 Santos and maybe #12 Hoppenot and a couple others they had no one doing anything on the day. They were an unattractive team to watch on that day playing a little to defensively for my taste. Why Santos is on a wing midfield and not used as a striker is anyone's guess. Yes he has the skill to beat players wide but my money would be to play him up top and let him go to work.  Williams as pointed out by another poster has had some injuries but to inconsistent to be relied upon. I do think they can squeak a goal in this homecoming game for Tufts with noise coming in every direction(football game, etc)

Sunday:
A lot depends on Saturday and injuries and tired legs but here goes.

Bowdoin v Amherst- 0-0
Colby v Hamilton- 0-0
Bates v Tufts- 0-0
Conn v Williams 0-2


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 15, 2011, 05:07:32 PM
Amherst beats Colby 3-0 at Colby on a windy day.  The online coverage was off and on and I could not tell who was winning since the announcers didn't give any scores in the first half.....so I assume it was 0-0 at the half (was watching the football game on-line).  When I returned to the game late in the second half, still no scores given and I assumed Amherst was winning by the tone of the announcers.  The wind was quite noisy durning the broadcast.  It will be Bowdoin on Sunday...the last away game of four for Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 16, 2011, 03:15:29 PM
Amherst wins in Maine against Bowdoin 2-1.  It was 0-0 at the half with most of the attacking by Amherst.  In the first 5 minutes of the second half, Amherst goes ahead 1-0 on a goal by Noon.   Mid-way in the 2nd, Bowdoin ties it up off a corner.  Heo is injured later in the half and goes out of the game.  Carried off first and then favors his left ankle.  Amherst goes in front by 2-1 on a shot by Norton.  the last five minutes was as the Bowdoin announcers termed it...Chaotic".  Rough play in the second half as both sides get a yellow card.
Need to make a modification after seeing the box.  The goal attributed to Noon was by teammate Sucre, a header with an assist from Heo....off a corner.  My error was the error from the announcers who ID Noon as the player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on October 16, 2011, 06:34:25 PM
Shaping up to be an incredible stretch run with several intriguing story lines.

A the top of the list is the top of the table. Amherst I think proved their toughness making it out of their gauntlet 3-0-1 to tie Wesleyan for first place. Great for all fans that they get to play each other for what is essentially the regular season crown. I think amherst is the better team, by a hair. They have so many weapons (amh63, did heo return after his injury?).  If anyone can keep them off the score sheet it's Purdy and that defense though. Aside, any player of the year thoughts? To me its Noon vs Purdy. I favor Noon just because I think a lot of purdy's gaudy numbers are helped by the defense that plays in front of him. I wonder though if Heo and Noon will split votes (or however they make the decision) amongst those who would lean toward selecting an Amherst forward.

Then you've got trinity, tufts and williams left to fight it out for 3rd and 4th (I don't include conn because I believe amherst will beat them in their only remaining game). A really impressive pair of results for tufts this weekend, they're 6-1-1 in their last 8 games. Important to get those home quarterfinal games.

Finally there is the last spot in the tournament (assuming conn and midd finish 6&7 in some order). Only bates is eliminated, and Hamilton has a game in hand. I think Colby will get it as they reach ten points with a game left still against bates ( I do hope bates gets a win, hate to see anyone go winless but at Colby and home against midd, I don't know if they'll get it in either). All this means that last years final four team might not even reach the conference tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 18, 2011, 11:30:37 AM
Lets hope Amherst wins so they will most likely host(unless a 1v8 unlikely upset) the semi's and final. There field is in such better condition than Wesleyan.  I agree I thought Tufts fought and battled thru two very important and tough games this past weekend.  Between Tufts, Williams and Trinity, I would say Williams and maybe Tufts have the easiest schedule left for 3rd. Tufts has road games at Hamilton(who will be fighting for their life for #8 seed) and at Bowdoin(same). Williams a home game vs Colby( Williams is 12-0-1 all time vs Colby in 13 meetings, outscoring them 41-3...OUCH) and are at Midd( def a tough game but a result is possible for sure). I like it ending like this 1.Amherst
                     2.Wes
                     3.Williams
                     4.Trinity
                     5.Tufts
                     6.Conn
                     7.Midd
                     8.Bowdoin
Maybe u want to finish 3rd or 4th...I wuldnt want to play Midd opening round or even Bowdoin. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on October 18, 2011, 11:07:21 PM
I'd like Amherst to host as well, and I think they will. Even if the game ties between them and Wesleyan (though I like Amherst 1-0) Amherst has the easier final opponent. I have no idea what will happen 3/4/5. I could see any of the 6 combos happening.

I think it will shake out like this
Amherst
Wesleyan
Tufts
Williams
Trinity (just drew those three from a hat)
Midd
Conn College
Colby
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 20, 2011, 09:51:30 AM
With WNEC and Springfield losing home games yesterday and Roger Williams tying, this could possibly bring more teams into the picture like Brandeis and Williams if they can win out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on October 23, 2011, 04:50:25 PM
Biggest game of the year was a bit of a dud, I wasn't too impressed with either team going forward. Most of the shots were slow and from distance. The best chance was early in the game when Noon forced Purdy to go low and to his right go make a save, but it really wasn't that threatening. Seemed like Amherst's offense missed their most imaginative player, Heo. For their sake, I hope he isn't out too much longer. From all the stories written about him this year, seems like he must have been feeling it badly to have missed this game.  I think both will win their next game, not sure what the tie breaker is.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 24, 2011, 11:32:41 AM
First off I agree, I was at that Wes v Amh game and it was a tedious defense affair.  Good atmosphere though.  Interesting final week coming up.  With Williams' two wins and Springfield 2 losses plus a Roger Williams loss a Brandeis win and a Tufts loss this week's regional rankings in my opinion will look like this:

1.Amherst
2.Babson
3.Wesleyan
4.WNEC
5.Williams
6.Brandeis
7.Tufts
8.Trinity
9.ECONN
10.Middlebury
11.Roger Williams

Williams at Midd   0-0      An extremely important game for both teams.  Midd for seeding in Nescac's and Williams also for seeding but a win could really push them into At-large contenders.  Both teams have been playing much better lately, although from what the recap said of the Midd v Bates game it sounds like a horrible goalkeeping error that Midd got that 1-0 win.  Williams' goalkeeping has been getting stronger with Than Finan taking over for an injured Morrell. The defense in front of Finan has been exceptional as mostly impressive has been senior #4 Vestegard and frosh #3 Crump(former Bolts player and no idea why some Ivies would have passed on him, maybe not the fastest but certainly makes up for it for his defending). #5 Ratajczak has been ok but hasn't been as aggressive as I have seen him in years past. #2 Weinrib has the nice long throw and is pretty technical for a guy 6'3 but seems to be always injured or for whatever reason doesn't play every game.  The midfield has improved from the beginning of the year with the tenacious #13 Kennedy and skilled #23 Chistman (who the recap from yesterdays RPI game sounds like he scored 2 great goals) and the hard worker #8 Pugliese. Again Williams' has no strikers and no pure goal scorers and it shows in their stats with spread out goal scoring from middies and some forwards.  Midd has been shutting down teams since the beginning of October. I have not seen them since their 3-0 loss at Amherst but can imagine with Cahill and solid defending they will be extremely tough to score on. Macnee is the best pure striker in this game by far and could cause problems for Williams' backline.  My gut says scoreless draw though.

Tufts at Bowdoin   2-1    Just the biggest disappointment in a long time.  The sad part is Bowdoin will be losing a ton of good players Jones, Bishop, Nichols, Powell. 4 very good players all playing a huge roll in last years final four run.I still do not get this collapse and I am assuming no one does, would love an explanation from someone in the kno. Either way Bowdoin packed it in a long time ago and Tufts needs this game more than anything for a home seed and possible at-large aspirations. They had Hamilton on the ropes with about 10 minutes to play and just gave that game away. Really disappointing, as it sounds like they outplayed Hamilton for the most part of that game.  That game could quite cost them home field.

Bates at Colby     0-2   Can a team actually go 0-10 in Nescac play? This team can and will.  Colby is a decent side with average goalkeeping and defending.  Great midfielder in #10 Meisel who could be one of the top 5 players in Nescac. He runs the show on this team and when I say run I mean it. The kid doesn't stop working and he has skill to boot.  They have to win to get in which makes for an exciting game with high stakes and a ton of pressure. Bates will be playing with no pressure and will play spoiler, that makes this game dangerous for Colby but I believe they will prevail. Colby tries to play an attractive style of soccer by keeping the ball on the ground and do have some skill to do it. They like to attack with their wingbacks which puts pressure on defenses but also opens them up a bit. They just have no striker to rely on to score critical goals. Come to think of it not many teams in Nescac do.

Conn at Amherst   0-1   Amherst wants the home seed and Conn looking to stay ahead of Midd for 6 seed and possibly pass Tufts for 5. Amherst is def a different team without Heo but lately he wasn't producing as much.  They are less explosive offensively as that Wes game showed.  Can anyone update with an injury report or the type of injury he sustained?  Conn has been up and down all year but I believe they play much better on their home field than on the road. Advantage Amherst.

Trinity at Wes    0-0 Again the importance for home field and seeding, etc.  Trinity with that end of the year schedule has done much better than I thought they would and have a legit chance for #3 seed b/c of Williams having tough game.  Wes has more at stake though as home field for them means a huge advantage in Nescac's.  However, both these teams are so stingy on defense I do not see many chances in this game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 25, 2011, 08:49:21 PM
Was at the game on Sat.  Heo was on the sidelines in his covers and moved about ok, shouting encouragements to his teammates.  He limped off the field several games ago.  Saw Noon and several of his teammates on Sunday.  Their only remark about Heo was that he was injured.  Didn't expect any more or any less.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESoccr on October 25, 2011, 11:07:28 PM
1st post this yr. follow cac as kind of a hobby.  in hartford area & see bunch of games in wes, trin, amh corridor.  liked the amh-wes game.  exactly what i expected.  wes & amh both very strong defensively. that's good soccer.

lapaz - your knowledge is impressive.  as to bowdoin, jones & nichols out for season with injuries, but collapse shows lack of depth & points to probs in recruiting over past few yrs.  can't blame everything on keeper.  he might not be one of the best, but no one has said he's let in soft goals.  on other hand, amh missing mooney for whole season who was second high scorer and all nescac, and they haven't skipped a beat.   

for tomorrow, i see wes winning home field for nescac semis & finals.  think amh will be upset by conn, who has beaten them 2 or 3 three times in last 4 years.  amh looked very tired at end of wes game compared to wes who played more players for longer time.  even if heo returns, he hasn't been effective last 3-4 games anyway.  noon, sucer, and defense have been the leaders.  wes beats trin 1-0 (what else); midd and wms tie; colby over bates; and bow finally gets win over tufts.  don't knowhow that shakes out for tourney, but leave that to someone else. 

will start next post with thoughts for all nescac this year.         
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NHsocca1 on October 25, 2011, 11:50:33 PM
Williams over Midd 3-0-----Williams hitting stride at perfect time for playoff run.
Wes and Trinity tie 1-1-----Both teams playing great.
Conn over Amherst 2-0-----Conn beats Amherst regularly. An easy pick, not even an upset.
Tufts over Bowdoin 1-0-----Defensive battle.
Colby and Bates tie 0-0-----Another defensive battle.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 26, 2011, 09:19:21 AM
Williams never wins at MIDD..nhsoc must be a williams alum...I cant remember the last time they won at Midd even with the Jamaican connection and all those good teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on October 26, 2011, 06:19:09 PM
Bizarre final day. I didnt see the game, and the box score isn't yet available, but apparently Amherst missed a pk in the final seconds. I'm interested to see the stats of the game. I wonder if conn Coll (who as nhsocca said has handles Amherst) created equal chances or just finished the few they got. Also, curious if this game was back and forth or on team jumped out several goals early. In the end this lose, nor the one for Wesleyan is killer. Both are pool c locks. The biggest thing is now wesleyan has midd In the round rather than Colby. A bit of a scary proposition. I won't comment on home field advantage for the semis and finals, because anything can happen in the first week. I like trinity, what do they need to accomplish in this tourney to get in pool c if they don't win the whole thing. Same question for Williams. I think Williams will benefit from name recognition if only three teams are coming from the Nescac.

The best things from the day, the box score description of tufts' first goal against Bowdoin (for which there really isn't much left to be said) :

"1. 22:03 TUF Goal: Maxime Hoppenet. Assist: Gus Santos. cheeky move inside the box. delivered sharp cheddar to the upper 90"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 26, 2011, 07:49:21 PM
The story of the Amherst lost to Conn. is posted on the Amherst website.  From the stats and boxscore, Amherst was ahead......but lost the game.  Game went back and forth with Amherst up and Conn. making it 1-1 and the same for 2-2.  Noon missed the penalty kick to tie the game in the end.  The NESCAC site gives the story why Amherst got the top seed and gives the match ups.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESoccr on October 26, 2011, 11:47:31 PM
amh 3, went to look at amherst site story. sounds like amh dominated, but no win. story mentions  a few posts, offsides on goal, saved pk. conn keeper has 10 saves. kovacs has 1.  don't know what it is w/ conn & amh, but conn has some edge.  btw, looked at midd-wms story on midd site & looks like midd totally dominated.

 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESoccr on October 27, 2011, 12:26:15 AM
btw, noticed lots of guys from amh played v. conn, but not heo or tasimpe.  amh 63 or anyone else know why or whether they'll play sat?  missing one is tough, but missing both is a lot to make up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 27, 2011, 10:40:15 AM
From what part of that story do you read into the fact that Midd dominated?  I saw the game on video and Midd had numerous chances in first half and did dominate the half. 2nd half and OT were different story as Williams came on strong and had a cpl chances to win it in OT with some nice thru balls over the top of Midd's defenders and if not for some nice goalkeeping from Cahill would have won.  Williams 4 straight shutouts and Midd 1 goal allowed since September.  0-0 a pretty fair result.

Good luck to Wesleyan on Saturday, they better bring their "A" game or they will be quickly eliminated and we could see a nice Amherst v Midd Semi-final.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESoccr on October 27, 2011, 11:23:34 AM
Lap - just looked at shots on goal & corners. Didn't see game, so oobviously you know better. Agree midd very tough 1st round draw.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 27, 2011, 07:13:25 PM
Agreed...Also, Tufts v Williams,,not an easy game for Williams at all. The home field should help but I'm sniffing an upset. However,If it goes to PK's adv Williams as Finan has saved 2pk's already this year and saved Amh Pk that was a rebound goal.

Final 4: Amherst, Wes, Tufts, Conn
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 28, 2011, 11:30:18 AM
Busy weekend on Amherst campus this weekend as both soccer teams host games and the conference cross country championships are being run, etc.  There is an interesting story on the website on soccer.  B. Saldana, a junior backup GK is featured.  Seems he was selected to play for his national team.  Selected as an candidate goalie, he won out and was in the net for two of his team's games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: gustiefan04 on October 28, 2011, 11:34:24 AM
link to the story?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 28, 2011, 11:40:20 AM
Sorry about that....don't know how to link in here.  However, go to ...Amherst.edu to get to the school's website and then click on the ...athletic site and the story is featured on the front page of the site.  It is also on the soccer team site.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on October 28, 2011, 11:58:08 AM
https://www.amherst.edu/athletics/teams/fall/soccer-m/articles/2011/1027_saldana (https://www.amherst.edu/athletics/teams/fall/soccer-m/articles/2011/1027_saldana)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 29, 2011, 05:38:50 PM
Amherst beats Colby 4-0 at home.  Webcast cancelled due to weather.  It was 2-0 at the half.  Amherst had more shots, corners, fouls, etc.  Noon scored 2 goals and had an assist.  The fwd line was missing Heo and T (can't spell his name) again and Mooney was missing again....as I was hopping he would show up in the post season.  Lerner had 2 assists and Sucre had a goal.  Weather conditions impacts on play unknown.......late start of game.  Awaiting the story.  Seems Wes. loss to Midd. and Trinity won over Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on October 30, 2011, 11:16:28 AM
Don't think any of the results are too surprising. For the last several years, regardless of where they're ranked, midd seems to be the most dangeros team in the tournament. They and trinity are both playing really well right now. Reading the stories, seems like each game ended in a fair result. The most impressive thing to me from the weekend is amherst's depth. Three key starters, Heo, tsatsimpe, and norton all didn't play (on top of mooney having not been able to play this year). Any one with knowledge? Beating Colby without those players is one thing, taking on midd is another (do you think there is anyone Amherst wanted to see less than the team that has knocked them out the last two years and seems to be a guarantee every year to make the title game). Is the trinity v Williams game a play in game for the NCAA? I think whichever team wins that game, assuming they don't win the title should make the tournament. I think the most interesting scenario as far as bids could possibly play out would be midd winning it all. Amherst and Wesleyan must be in, if midd takes the tournament does the Nescac get four teams, or will that take the possible bid away from williams/trinity winner? Love to hear thoughts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jim Matson on October 30, 2011, 02:41:04 PM
I watched a couple of these matches, and the weather definitely had an impact on the results. Cutbacks were sloppy and it was tough for the players to keep their feet. I thought the pace of matches were slower than I would have expected, and the above has to the reason.

Amherst sets up the attack well. I was impressed with how they moved the ball, with or without their star. I anticipate they'll do well in the NCAA tourney.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 31, 2011, 10:40:01 AM
6 Nescac teams have a legitmate argument to get into NCAA's. 6 will not get in but 4 or possibly 5 will, especially if Babson and WNEC win their leagues.

Locks:   Amh, Wes(However, this team is struggling and does not deserve any type of home field)
Very Close:  Williams, Trinity
Border:  Midd
Long Shot:  Tufts

First of all Wednesday's regional rankings will make things even more clear. Let us remember that one game does not make or break your season, so when you say Trinity/Williams winner is in, it doesnt reflect just that game.
Personally, I do not agree with WNEC's high ranking. They continue to beat on a weak league and are 0-2 aganist Nescac(losses to Bowdoin and Wes). I have a hard time finding a "good" win on that schedule. They should win their league but still need to get by Roger Williams and Gordon. There coach is on the regional rankings commitee and while I realize he is out of the room when his team is discussed it is hard for me to believe that there is no influence whatsoever.

Babson is a legit #2 or whatever they are. They have some "good" wins and will likely get a first round bye and host a one gamer on the saturday to get into 3rd round.

Trinity should be in with road wins at Midd, Wes and a road tie at Williams. Home wins aganist Conn and ECONN will help. Their losses to Westfield and Worcester state will hurt but shouldn't do them in because both those teams have winning records and could still win their league tournament.

Williams again has the best S.O.S and at 9-3-3 I believe will also be in. A loss to Tufts and they would have been done. They might still need a result aganist Trinity but not if WNEC and Babson win their tourney's.

Midd is playing the best out of any team right now and with a win at AMH on sat and they will have to get in even if they lose the final. That would be road wins at Amh and Wes and home ties with Williams and Wes. their out of league schedule is weak but Castleton could win their league and possibly Norwich. Remember commitee likes it when you beat NCAA bound teams.

Tufts a defenite long shot they will need Trinity and Midd to lose semi's and WNEC and Babson to win league plus alot of other stuff around country to probably happen. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACInsider on October 31, 2011, 01:27:08 PM
A look into Middlebury's win over Wesleyan after talking to coach David Saward, who got his 300th career win.

http://nescacinsider.wordpress.com/2011/10/31/mens-soccer-a-monumental-moment-a-monumental-game-for-middlebury-and-coach-saward/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 03, 2011, 10:25:53 AM
Nov 2nd Regional Rankings have come out and are interesting to say the least.  Tufts are unfortunately done. A great season from a young team but losses to Hamilton and Williams at the end of the year looks to have done them in. Middlebury most likely will have to beat Amherst to get in.  A tie/PK loss might do the trick but highly unlikely.  Trinity has jumped 4 spots to the #6 seed and will need to either beat Williams or Tie.  To be on the safe side I would think it would be better to go all out and win that game for a definite at-large. I think Williams is in no matter what at #5 because they have the #1 S.O.S. A tie will not hurt them. However, a 1-3-3 record against ranked opponents is not good. Same for Midd as their record against ranked opponents is under .500.  Both those teams can obviously improve that with wins on Saturday.  Amherst and Babson have clinched home field for 1st and 2nd rounds and probably a bye into 2nd round. Wesleyan has played themselves out of home field but most likely will have an "easy" neutral site game for 1st round.  WNEC still befuddles me as a #4 seed with no quality wins. A loss in their tournament will drop their seeding, no doubt.

Trinity v Williams-   1-0       A tightly played match early in the morning.  Both teams are playing very well right now. Both teams are also dealing with some injuries.  With #26 Reilly out for the year Trinity has moved #6 Buckley in the back with #5 Packer and they have formed quite a defensive duo in front of the stellar and surprising play of the keeper Schonberg.  While I thought this move would hurt their midfield because Buckley was playing well there it hasn't as Frosh #19 Sun has some skill and the ever dangerous #10 El-Hachim is solid.  #7 Mayernick playing well all year and scores the game winner in this game with about 20 minutes to go.  Williams has played very well all year for such an inexperienced side and have dealt with a ton of injuries as well.  Their defense and goaltending has been the 2nd best in the league the past 3-4 weeks and their midfield is playing extremely well.  I just do not see them scoring in this game and in fact haven't scored more than 2 goals in a game since early September. It is tough to bet against Williams in this game because in the past Trinity has been so inconsistent but they have had Williams' # the past few years.  If it does go to PK's Williams has the advantage in net.

Amherst v Midd-     0-1      Not much detail needed here. Just a classic Midd/Amherst matchup. There will be some chances but not many and the team that can finish one chance will win/ If Heo and #15 Tebs are still out than advantage Midd and even if they are not out I still think Midd has a slight advantage.  They are playing the best in NESCAC right now and Amherst might have that feeling of if we lose we are still in.  Midd has to do win and must be thinking this is there year. They lose a ton of talent after the year.  Cahill, Redmond, Pitney Macnee, Calluci etc.  They might struggle next year a bit so these seniors will b e fighting for their careers here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 05, 2011, 04:47:52 PM
Amherst wins over Midd. 2-1 in OT.  Amherst was down by 1 goal at the half and into the 2nd half.  Did see Heo enter the game in the second half..or late in the first half when Amherst was behind and need to step up its attack against the tough Midd. defense.
Trinity won over Williams, I believe.  Had to switch over to the big Football game on campus between two undefeated teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccer on November 06, 2011, 10:43:48 AM
Championship day. Tsatsimpe and norton were back in the semi-final and Heo was available off the bench, which I imagine will be the case again today. With all those guys playing i think amherst is easily the most talented and deepest team in the league. Trinity however is probably playing better than anyone else right now having reeled off five straight wins (including @midd and @ wesleyan) since last losing to Amherst at home in a 1-0 game. I really think this is could be a special Amherst team. The hoops second ever conference title and a deep NCAA run would validate that. I see both happening.

I do think trinity should be into the tournament with a win or a loss. I can't imagine middlebury getting in, as they would be the fifth NESCAC team. (Im assuming if they get in williams a would have as well. I think Williams is the real bubble team). Have five from the conference gotten in before? With so few pool c bid, I can't imagine four going to one conference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: newefan on November 06, 2011, 10:49:59 AM
If Babson & Amherst both lose today then I think we might only see 3 NESCAC teams, Amherst, Wesleyan and Trinity.  Babson takes a spot over Williams.  If Babson wins then maybe Williams gets in. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 06, 2011, 02:08:12 PM
Amherst wins over Trinity 2-0 at home for the conference championship.  It was Amherst 1-0 at the half and Amherst played with a 2-0 lead well into the 2nd half.  It got rough near the end and passions ran high with a number of cards given.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESoccr on November 07, 2011, 05:29:34 PM
tourney committee totally underrated nescac.  amherst shld've been seeded on schedule strength and record v. ranked teams and same record as trinity (and won league and tourney).  nescac performance in past 4 yrs. shld count for something (middlebury national champs, and then amherst, williams, and bowdoin to semis after knocking off other nescacs).  watch trinity, ct or wesleyan go to semis from weakest bracket.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NHsocca1 on November 07, 2011, 10:12:34 PM
Williams should be in.

Amherst got hosed. 

Who is on the decision making committee? I bet not the Amherst or Williams coaches...

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 07, 2011, 10:21:13 PM
Amherst is in the easiest region, hardly a hosing.

Williams is most definitely one of the top 61 teams in the country, but they are only the fourth best team in their conference. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NHsocca1 on November 07, 2011, 10:42:15 PM
Hahaha...ok.  Easiest region. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 07, 2011, 10:47:02 PM
Please see the analysis in the Playoff thread.  Using the average rankings of the top four teams in each region, the Messiah/Amherst region comes out as the weakest. 

By the way, if healthy, I like Amherst to upset Messiah.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 09, 2011, 11:10:58 AM
The history for one tournament to the next means nothing. You might think there would be some link but there is not.
Amherst- Got a good first 4 teams and will make it out however their travels to Messiah should be an interesting challenge. they did not get "hosed" at all.
Trinity- Got lucky. If anything Wesleyan should be where Trinity is at Babson and Trinity should be heading to NJ, but looks like these conference tournaments played more of a factor than we once thought.
Wes-They didint end their season strong and did lose to Trinity at home but still I think this is a bit of a "miss". BTW there coach is the NESCAC region rep.
Williams- While def one of top 61 and had best strenght tof Schedule in country there 1-4-3 record aganist ranked teams doomed them. That unlucky loss to Amherst in last 10 minutes and the loss to Wes with 2 min remaining really hurt them. However, the loss to Trinity in Nescac semi's doomed their chances.
Midd- While playing the best of anyone late season and with the best and biggest senior class gone, this has to be a huge disappointment.  Their record aganist ranked teams also did them in plus 8 wins with 4 aganist bad opponents. They had no shot unless they beat Amherst in Nescac semis's, which from what I saw was a real dirty game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 10, 2011, 03:39:17 PM
http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2011-12/honors/allconference

2011 NESCAC Men's Soccer All-Conference
  First Team Institution Yr. Hometown
F Tyler Macnee Middlebury Sr. Williston, Vt.
F Dan Mayernick Trinity Sr. Gladwyne, Pa.
F Spencer Noon Amherst Jr. Farmington, Conn.
F Gus Santos Tufts Fr. Framingham, Mass.
M Rory O'Neill Wesleyan Jr. Silver Spring, Md.
M Robbie Redmond Middlebury Sr. Morristown, N.J.
M Thebe Tsatsimpe Amherst Sr. Johannesburg, South Africa

D Sean Bishop Bowdoin Sr. Danvers, Mass.
D Joe Buckley Trinity Sr. Shrewsbury, Mass.
D Chris Lerner Amherst Jr. Canton, Mass.
D Matt Ratajczak Williams Jr. Brooklyn, N.Y.
GK Adam Purdy Wesleyan Jr. Montclair, N.J.
         
  Second Team Institution Yr. Hometown
F Oscar Brown Connecticut College     
Sr. Ridgefield, Conn.
F Jae Heo Amherst So. Changwon, South Korea
F John Murphy Bates Jr. Yarmouth, Maine
F Alejandro Sucre Amherst Sr. Caracas, Venezuela
M Anthony El-Hachem   
Trinity Jr. Vernon, Conn.
M Andrew Meisel Colby Jr. Newtown, Conn.
M Otis Pitney Middlebury Sr. Washington, D.C.
D Ben Brewster Bowdoin So. Cape Elizabeth, Maine
D Jack Freeman Middlebury Jr. Ridgewood, N.J.
D Isaac Hancock Connecticut College Sr. Gettysburg, Pa.
D Phil Vestergaard Williams Sr. St. Petersburg, Fla.
GK Grant Schonberg Trinity Sr. Mendham, N.J.
         
  Player of the Year       
F Spencer Noon
Amherst Jr. Farmington, Conn.

         
  Rookie of the Year       
F Gus Santos
Tufts Fr. Framingham, Mass.

         
  Coach of the Year       
  Mike Pilger
Trinity
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 10, 2011, 03:43:49 PM
No idea what some of these coaches are watching..

First team:  Lerner, Macnee and Ratajczak not deserving. Macnee and Ratajczak had off years and no idea how in the world Lerner even made it on this list. I figure him to be one of Amherst weak links back there. Redmond is an iffy choice. I would have gotten those out and put in Meisel, Pitney and Vestegaard.

2nd team looks ok. Isacc Hancock a strecth as is Seton Hall transfer for MIdd.

I love the first team selection of Santos as FROSH.  good to see and C.O.Y Pilger a nice pick as well. Noon well deserving of P.O.Y
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESoccr on November 10, 2011, 07:05:41 PM
how could amherst coach (i forget his name) not be COY. they won regular season and tourney. pilger not more desrving than what Ken Murphy's done at my alma mater. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NHsocca1 on November 10, 2011, 07:36:23 PM
sAw all three games this past weekend.

macnee more than deserving,

lerner led team in assists and was Amherst best player in NESCAC final weekend.

I'd have made Wheeler COY for tying for reg season championship with same guys as last year. 

Other obersvations:

NO hamilton player on either team.  The only team not represented.

As many Conn College players as Williams players.  Sure that hasn't happened before. 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESoccr on November 10, 2011, 10:44:38 PM
lap - seems like you know NESCAC better than anyone.  you say lerner's a weak link in amherst defense. i watched them play twice this year, once at trinity and on webcast. he looked pretty good to me. i don't know other guys, but what other amherst defender would you have on all-conference? seems some amherst defense guy or keeper should be on one of teams.

and for you and socca, i still think amherst coach should've been COY. it's been a pretty long time since a team won both the regular season and tourney, hasn't it? i like wheeler and don't know much about the amherst coach, but the team had a great year. my camels spoiled a perfect season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NHsocca1 on November 10, 2011, 10:57:16 PM
a lot of good coaches in the league.

lerner definitely all-league worthy.

look for all three nescacs to get out of weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 10, 2011, 11:30:27 PM
In my opinion(I could be wRONG) Amherst coach deserved it  but im willing to bet he isnt the most liked coach in nescac and doubt he would garner the votes as a Pilger or Wheeler.  Murphy has done a good job at Conn but not sure how you can compare that with Trinity and say Murphy is more deserving after Pilger gets Trinity into NCAA's. 
-Macnee to me is a very good player.  However, I think he tends to disappear in "BIG" Nescac games. Doesnt remind me of a typical Midd striker as he lacks some toughness..
-Lerner a hard worker but Kaplan might deserve the pick more. You dont put your best defender(1st team) at wing back, your best players are up the middle of the spine of your team.  Tough for keepers this year, you could make a case for like 5 of them. So Kovacks not getting it isnt all that suprising.
-Will Trinity be over confident aganist this team from Maine?  They have done it before.
-Amherst will be good for the weekend
-Wes is more unpredictable as 1. really dont know the teams 2. prob night turf games, not used to that. 3. travel
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NHsocca1 on November 11, 2011, 05:30:55 AM
Here are my score predictions:

Wesleyan 2, Misercorida 1
Trinity 4, St Joe's 0
Amherst 3, Husson 1

(as a sidenote, I really am not an amherst fan, but they have won me over this season to some degree.  haven't seen a team play as hard as them in a while. saw them come back in last mins at williams and then in both games last weekend. gotta give credit to them....have made NCAAs 5 or 6 times in a row now.  Wasnt the case when I was in league.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 11, 2011, 09:53:28 AM
Amherst v Husson    3-0 - Amherst just to big and powerful for Husson.  Husson has been playing well of late and I hear they have a great long throw, but just a talent difference here.

Trinity v St.Joe's      2-0 - Trinity has played extremely well defensively since #6 Buckley has moved into defense and the goalkeeping has been good. Mayernick always in the right place at right time. He works hard for his goals with his quick feet( He beat the Williams keeper and defender to ball by a split 2nd last weekend to win game for Trinity). He is a natural goal scorer but does disappear for stretches at a time. #10 played well in that game and will need to continue to do so for Trinity to keep moving along. Didnt see #11 Binnie in that Williams game but he is a help up top for Trinity if he plays. The midfield besides #10 is average at best. I think they will come out sluggish but find a way to beat this team.


Wes v Miser            0-0 PK Loss   Just a complete hunch. Have no idea about opponent, but Wesleyan hasnt played in 2 weeks and might be rusty.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 12, 2011, 07:31:17 PM
Amherst cruches Husson, 4-0.....with S. Noon getting two.  Meets ECSU on Sunday at 1 PM on Hitchcock field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 13, 2011, 03:30:16 PM
Amherst moves on with a 4-2 win over ECSU today at home.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jim Matson on November 13, 2011, 04:16:38 PM
What was the deal with the fight? Was a red card given?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NHsocca1 on November 13, 2011, 05:03:23 PM
My brother was at game, said EConn took a bunch of cheap shots and really played ugly.  Apparently. Kaplan got knocked out of game on a dirty play off the ball when it was 4-1.  There was a scrum and pushing/shoving, etc.  Will be tough for Amherst to replace him if he's out for the year (which it sounded like).

Also said Alexi Lalas was there. Not sure why. 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: eyeinthestands on November 13, 2011, 08:29:43 PM
Eastern played ugly? Wasn't there but the box has Amherst with 21 fouls! (Eastern 10)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 14, 2011, 09:27:38 AM
Amherst is known for playing "ugly" sometimes and their coach isnt the best representative of fair play but Eastern was def chippy in this match.  Hey its tourney time and this is what happens plus you had a horrible ref who let things get way out of control far to early.

Didnt see the Wes game but congrats to them for a great season. I think they lose Paresi but not much else so they will be back pretty strong.

Trinity has to be extremely disappointed they had Babson with 2 minutes to go but Anderson scores an unmarked header off a corner to tie game. Trinity looked totally unprepared in penalties as they went 0-3(2 saves by a Babson field player who substituted for Crowley) and Babson went 3-3.  Coincidentally Crowley made a massive error to allow the Trinity goal with ten minutes left. I believe he is the weak link that will send Babson home next round.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 14, 2011, 10:22:33 AM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amherstcollege/6342352550/in/set-72157628121737070

The only guess as to why Alexi Lalas was at this game is maybe becuase Husson's assistant coach is his old Rutgers U coach Bob Reasso but Husson was eliminated the day before
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: eyeinthestands on November 14, 2011, 12:55:12 PM
"Amherst is known for playing "ugly" sometimes and their coach isn't the best representative of fair play but Eastern was def chippy in this match.  Hey its tourney time and this is what happens plus you had a horrible ref who let things get way out of control far to early."



AMEN to that!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 14, 2011, 02:34:39 PM
eyesinthestands, LaPaz,

You really had to be on site to see the aggressive play, because if you watched the Amherst streaming video, which was without commentators, you saw a poor quality feed that was freezing every 15 seconds or so, totally frustrating to watch, and I gave up at halftime and switched to  the Trinity/Babson video, which was relatively good and with play by play. ???

Anyway..... I 'll stop wining,   Congrats to Amherst and good luck in the sweet 16. With those 6'6'' Venezuelan twins, it is difficult to touch anything in the air, and should give AC a distinct advantage.  Plus Messiah is out, so that should make everyone play even harder for the walnut and bronze. 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GarbageGoals33 on November 14, 2011, 03:06:31 PM
I watched the Amherst video online.  It was a poor game all around in regards to quality of play.  It looked like a very physical kickball game.  I am guessing it could have been a very good game had the officiating not been so poor.  If the refs get control of the game early then the game wouldn't have fallen apart as it did.  The last 15-20 minutes was basically player after player going in on thuggish challenges.  No commentator was necessary as you could hear the coaches screaming the whole second half, it was comedy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 19, 2011, 05:10:47 PM
Quote from: NESoccr on November 07, 2011, 05:29:34 PM
tourney committee totally underrated nescac.  amherst shld've been seeded on schedule strength and record v. ranked teams and same record as trinity (and won league and tourney).  nescac performance in past 4 yrs. shld count for something (middlebury national champs, and then amherst, williams, and bowdoin to semis after knocking off other nescacs).  watch trinity, ct or wesleyan go to semis from weakest bracket.
Quote from: NHsocca1 on November 07, 2011, 10:12:34 PM
Williams should be in.

Amherst got hosed. 

Who is on the decision making committee? I bet not the Amherst or Williams coaches...
Well, lots of regular season talk and pre-tournament talk, and I'm waiting to hear what you guys have to say now.  Amherst got to host their sectional due to the Messiah loss and couldn't get the job done.  Trinity and Wesleyan didn't reach the Sweet 16, much less the semifinals.  For me, Amherst was the only one of the three in whom it was reasonable to have big although guarded expectations.  I think the fact that Williams, Middlebury, and Bowdoin were not as strong this year made it harder to gauge how good the conference's top teams really were.  In other words, did Amherst and Wesleyan do so well because they were so good this year or more because the other teams weren't so good this year.  Probably a bit of both.

For me personally, I think no more or less of the NESCAC after this tournament or this year.  It is what it is: a conference that most years has more quality teams than all or most all other conferences, but nationally those quality teams are not in a class of their own.  They are Top 10, Top 25, Top 40 type teams that have the potential for a deep tournament run but also can get beaten by numerous other top level teams from all the regions.  The run of four straight Final Fours with four different NESCAC schools is a testament to this, no doubt.  But on the flip side, from 1999 to 2006 when no NESCAC school made the Final Four it was still a very good conference and one of the nation's best.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 19, 2011, 06:27:36 PM
pretty fair assesment. After being at the game Amherst must feel "sick" they didnt win that game. They had numerous scoring chances and couldnt finish, but that is the game of soccer. Stevens was not that impressive at all as besides the 2 goals I cannot even remember another chance they had. With the talent Amherst has if they would play like Williams or SLU, I think they would be more successful. They would still have the advantage on any set pieces so why not keep the ball ont he floor a little more. They really only lose #15 Tebs and #12 Kaplan plus keeper. They will be strong for sure next year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESoccr on November 19, 2011, 11:29:45 PM
weasel, taking a shot at amherst after today's game is pretty weak if you know anything about the game. i took a ride up 91 to see the game.  as ususal paz sums it up.  the best team came out on bottom.  at the game, you could tell this was an upset.  amherst badly outplayed stevens.  stevens not very strong side, but amherst couldn't put ball in net from even a few feet away a couple of times.  stevens has a kid hit improbable rocket into upper 90 from 25 yards and another goal on ground through two defenders from 18.  decent shot, but keeper must have been blocked.  like paz, i don't think stevens had another shot in second half.  if you count long throws, amherst had about 20-25 set pieces.  hey, that's soccer.  woulda, coulda, shoulda, and out.  here's link to story i found on amherst site.  https://www.amherst.edu/athletics/teams/fall/soccer-m/articles/2011/1119_sit.       
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 20, 2011, 01:31:22 AM
NESoccr, I wasn't taking a shot at Amherst but at NESCAC fans.  After the rest of us have had to put up with some form of "the NESCAC is the best" being inserted in numerous threads over the course of the season, is it really that out of line to calmly point out that the NESCAC is out of the tournament? Is the banter only allowed to flow in one direction?  Com'n on, lighten up!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NHsocca1 on November 20, 2011, 08:18:20 AM
nesoccr....youre totally correct. Newport, Messiah, SLU all dominate and lose and there are posts about how unfair soccer is.  a nescac team dominates and loses and the there are three paragraph posts about how bad the nescac is.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 20, 2011, 09:48:56 AM
You're too much NHsocca1.  You want to crow about how good the NESCAC is every chance you get, but can't take a little ribbing when things don't turn out so well for the NESCAC teams.  And apparently it's got you so worked up that you can't read or think straight.  My post was two paragraphs, not three ;-) and it wasn't about how bad the NESCAC is.  Moreover, I think you are simply imagining Newport, Messiah, and SLU fans posting about the unfairness of soccer, because I haven't seen that (not that they'd be anything wrong with that, just as I have no problem with you guys saying you thought Amherst was better than Stevens).  Nor were the CNU, Messiah, and SLU fans talking beforehand about how good they were and how well they would do in the tournament.  And you see, that's the difference.  I would never have posted what I did if not for some of the things you guys had said before hand.  It's called banter and ribbing.  And if you're going to give, you have to be ready to get.  Btw, I had Amherst picked to win but since I didn't get to watch much of the match I don't have an opinion on the outcome.  I'm out.  You can have the last word.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d3fan1 on November 20, 2011, 02:11:39 PM
Flying Weasel, your word is the last word!!! You are are one of the ultimate experts on D3 soccer!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jim Matson on November 20, 2011, 10:21:27 PM
Well, yeah, he is. But that doesn't make him right all the time!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jellybelly on November 21, 2011, 01:27:53 AM
Flying Weasel, I agree with your comments and appreciate the tone with which you said them.  "Fair and balanced reporting".   :)  I have to say that over the years I have seen the same type of comments made about the women's Nescac teams.

A few years ago the Final Four on the ladies side consisted of Messiah, William Smith, Wheaton, and Williams.  In the semi-finals Wheaton beat Williams 3-1, and Messiah beat William Smith 3-0.  The final was a blow-out with Messiah beating Wheaton 5-0.  Afterwards there were posts (on a different site) about how Wheaton had such a tough game in the semi against Williams that they were worn out when it came time for the final and thus lost.  No credit to Messiah for being the better team that tournament.  :-\

Come to think of it, the Amherst men were in that Final Four and it was also the year that Messiah won in a shootout with their backup goalie in the net.  That was amazing!


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jim Matson on November 21, 2011, 08:11:44 AM
Well, I was there and yes, the Williams team was tough on Wheaton. But Messiah was a great team that season too.

The score might have ended at 3-0, but interestingly, Wheaton pulled most of their starters to give the reserves some "Final" game time. Messiah kept their top players in and continued to pound the goal. So 5-0 it was. No doubt that experience left a bad taste in someone's mouth, eh?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 2xfaux on November 21, 2011, 09:31:58 AM
I am not sure why that 2008 women's game is a topic here but I do remember there were some feelings hurt.  The fact is, and the box score shows this, that Messiah played everyone they had and the final two Messiah goals were scored by non-starters.  Wheaton showed this year versus Wash U. why you keep the pressure on them until the game is over.  A rematch of those squads would be interesting but I think W-S and Ithaca will have something to say about that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 21, 2011, 02:50:35 PM
Let the record show that it was not I that turned the NESCAC thread into a Messiah thread.  What do you guys want to do: chase our NESCAC friends off the board?  I sure hope not, because I gotta say that I've enjoyed lurking in this thread all season long as it was a great source of info on NESCAC happenings.  I wish all regions and conferences had such a presence on this message board, for the same reason. 

Sound like the Stevens and Montclair St. fans thought Amherst had a sub-standard field for the sectional (bumpy and beat up as well as small).  Is this the norm there throughout the season, or was it just a end of season problem?  Certainly disappointing if field conditions did not allow technical ability to shine and unfairly prejudiced teams wanting to keep the ball on the ground.  I had heard earlier that Amherst had two game-quality fields and maybe a third, but reports from the weekend aren't flattering.  Besides a Final Four trip to Williams waaaaay back in 1993 when the ground was half frozen while flurries fell, I don't have any knowledge of the NESCAC schools' facilities.

Anyway of the three NESCAC tournament team's, who is in best shape for next year (that is, who loses the least)?  And what of those that did not go dancing?  Will Williams and Middlebury be fighting for top spot in 2011?  And Bowdoin?  Can they get back in the mix?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 2xfaux on November 21, 2011, 03:08:04 PM
Sorry we didn't mean to hijack this NESCAC thread which is always interesting.  Blame it on Jim.  He may be the moderator but he is also a Wheaton wacko. ;)  We will take our conflicts back to the women's side where it belongs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jellybelly on November 21, 2011, 03:40:37 PM
Oops.. I take the blame for hijacking this thread.  Sorry!  I'm from Amherst, follow both men's and women's soccer, and love D3!  Got carried away there.  Won't happen again... :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 21, 2011, 04:13:51 PM
Fields:
Amherst usually is a nice grass field, small but not bumpy like it has been. I agree it was in awful condition at end of year as it didnt start out like that. They have field turf alternative.

Williams has the best field. It got flooded earlier this season and still held up pretty good. Always well manicured and very wide, it is a home advantage because Williams will force you to defend their possesion game and can get a weaker team tired out.One problem is is that it is in my opinion to far from campus. They also have field turf alternative but that is not a good surface.

Bowdoin has the next best field. Grass and good dimensions and always well manicured. Situated perfectly on campus they draw pretty well. They have field turf alternative.

Midd has a great field turf. They replaced there grass field about 6 years ago ( I was not in favor of it) but the field used to alwasy flood because it was at bottom of a hill. Best turf field in NESCAC.

Trinity-grass-middle of campus-a tad narrow. Not bad Avg field.

Bates-"See Trinity"

Hamilton- Since they just joined league I havent been there yet. Will get out there next year maybe.

Tufts- Annoying field located right next to football field and is always filled with whistles from other contests and just obnoxious PA, etc. The field is grass and narow.

Wes and Conn- Worst 2 fields in NESCAC. Horrible bumpy field conditions, middle of campus locations. Fans are the worst at these 2 schools. Narrow fields. BIG HOME advantage for tehse teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 21, 2011, 04:42:19 PM
2012:
Amherst- Lose Kaplan, Tebs, keeper and thats it. Heo, Noon, Sucre's, all back plus if Mooney red shirts this team will be dangerous. if you check 2012 Boys commits on espn they have a keeper from Jersey coming in with a good resume.He plays for St.Benedicts one of the best hs teams in country, so we will see.

http://espn.go.com/high-school/boys-soccer/commitments/story/_/id/7149850/2012-high-school-boys-soccer-ncaa-division-iii-verbal-commitments

Wes- They lose Paresi but not much else. They return Hazelett and Purdy and O'Niel and their D is back. They will always be a tough out as they are well organized defensively.

Trinity- They lose alot and they will not replace them quickly. They cannot replace Mayernick's goals, Buckley's work ethic and the keeper who played so well down the stretch. 3 KEY players gone plus the injured lax player Reilly. They will need others to step up or this team will drop down to .500.

Williams- They lose nothing except maybe Vestegaard, who played very well this year. Pugliese was a disappointment in his 4 years as he was highly touted coming out of hs. He worked very hard and ran and ran but would give the ball away to much. That was not one of Russo's best classes and could quite have been his worst or maybe this years So. is his worst. They need a goal scorer badly and could use a little more creativity in midfield to match up with teams of old.

Midd- They lose the absolute most. Pitney, Cahill, Calucci, Redmond, Macnee, i know im missing others but that was a good class. Midd known for reloading but Saward not a big recruiter as he lets the players come to him. He cannot afford to do that anymore as to many Nescac schools like Tufts and Conn are now heavily recruiting.

Bowdoin- They were so injured all year it was such a disappointment. Ive gone on and on about there injuries and keeeper issues and lackluster play. They lose a ton. Bishop, Powell, Nichols and Eddie Jones. 4 KEY memebers of that final four run. 4-7-3 I still cannot believe that.

Conn- They lose there whole D line, plus Oscar Brown one of their skill guys.Lets see who they get for recruits as they might be able to replace D and get a skilled player to replace Brown. What they really need is a goal scorer like they had 2 years ago in Prophet. Im a big fan of #10 Hormel and I liked there keeper when I saw them play but he is kind of short.

Colby-They dont lose much and return Meisel, a very good palyer. They lose keeper who was avg at best and Hendrickson but they can replace these guys. They could be ok next year.

Bates-This team loses keeper Watts who was avg and a cpl role players from an 0-10 squad. They return Murphy and a cpl others who are ok. Purgavie desperately needs a solid recruiting class as his job might be on the line pretty soon if they turn another 0-10 or 2-8 season in. This was not a happy place to be this year up in Lewiston,Maine.

Hamilton- Was disappointed with this team coming from Liberty League. I want to see how the coach changes his recruiting to fit Nescac. I will cut them some slack this year as they were feeling out the league but they should be doing better than 2-5-3 in league play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 21, 2011, 04:46:23 PM
Sorry forgot Tufts- This coach is impressing everyone with his recruiting and this is the team of the future in this league. They can get players in thru admissions easier than some, its still a well regarded school academically, they have the most kids(4,000 undergrads) right outside Boston. Lots of ++++ for recruits. All they needed was a coach that cared, and Shapiro does. Good young blood. Santos is an absolute STAR and I hear he has a top goalscorer from new england preps coming in. This team needs a couple more building blocks,, but they are close
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESoccr on November 21, 2011, 04:59:10 PM
amherst field was beat up.  don't know what it was like before.  someone said it's because they played in the snow during the bad storm.  another person sitting next to same guy said snow storm game plus 3 weekends of sat-sun killed field when they  hosted nescac and ncaas.  don't know about turf alternative.  field didn't seem so bad that couldn't play possession soccer.  good teams can play skilled soccer on dirt, so let's give it a break. 

hey weasel, as you know, soccer can be a cruel game, and i moaned about about results in messiah-newman and cnu-randolph, but not slu-oneota as that looks from boxscore and article like very even game. so, not a nescac thing at all.

amherst loses keeper, center back, and south african center mid, all very good and apparently 3-4 year starters.  tough to lose talent up the middle, but i gather team has guys on the bench and versatile starters who will fill shoes without much problem. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jim Matson on November 21, 2011, 06:32:08 PM
Wacko or not, I do like the NESCAC board. Yes I do.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: bigguy on November 21, 2011, 06:56:37 PM
Everyone likes the NESCAC board because they are so much fun to mess with  :D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on December 16, 2011, 04:11:43 PM
Very interesting the only NESCAC players to make all-american was 2nd team Vestegaard and Rory O'Neil(who for some reason was added late )..How does the NESCAC POY NOON not get all-american, 15 goals etc etc. This really proves that coaches are shunning amherst program and not giving their players votes.BTW the POY is voted on by players not coaches. While its immature to take this out on the players one can see how much Serpone is disliked by his peers. That much is obvious.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on December 16, 2011, 04:14:21 PM
2011 NSCAA/Continental Tires NCAA Men's Division III All-America Team
First Team       
Pos. Name Class School Hometown
GK Steve O'Meara Sr. Luther Darien, Ill
D Alex Laird Jr. St. Lawrence Monroe, N.Y.
D Mark Lavery Sr. Oglethrope Woodstock, Ga.
D Sean Moriarty Jr. Christopher Newport Yorktown, Va.
M Cody Costakis Sr. Washington (Mo.) Edgewood, Wash.
M Sam  DeMello* Jr. St. Lawrence Easthampton, Mass.
M Zack  Garcia** Sr. Trinity (Texas) Dallas, Texas
F Eric Anderson* Jr. Babson Scituate, Mass.
F Brian Lybert Sr. Christopher Newport Honolulu, Hawaii
F David  Rosenthal So. St. Olaf Burnsville, Minn.
F Travis Wall* Sr. Ohio Wesleyan Columbus, Ohio
         
Second Team       
GK Nathan Sprenkel Sr. DePauw Zionsville, Ind.
D Curtis Fornarotto Sr. Drew Ewing, N.J.
D Michael Olson Sr. Luther Downers Grove, Ill.
D Phil Vestergaard Sr. Williams St. Petersburg, Fla.
D Niro Wimalase Sr. Case Western Mason, Ohio
M Alex Oesewin Sr. Thomas More Louisville, Ky.
M Cory Dobkins Sr. Ohio Northern Dublin, Ohio
M Rory O'Neill Jr. Wesleyan Silver Spring, Md.
M James Garcia-Prats So. Luther Houston, Texas
M Kristoffer Grahn Sr. North Park Tibro, Sweden
F Vinny  Bell* Sr. Case Western Parma Heights, Ohio
F Matt Fechter Jr. Colorado College Westfield, N.J.
F Jamal  Howard Sr. Albertus Magnus West Haven, Conn.
F Sam Meyer Sr. DePauw Northfield, Ill.
         
Third Team       
GK Peter  Crowly Sr. Babson Lexington, Mass.
D Kevin  Brown Sr. Montclair State Wayne, N.J.
D Miles Colago Sr. Calvin Anoka, Minn.
D Taylor Ferry Sr. Dickinson Wyndmoor, Pa.
D Jake Urbaniak Sr. Texas-Tyler Foresthill, Teas
M Jonathan Balfour Sr. DeSales London, England
M Micah  Rose* Sr. Swarthmore Williston, Vt.
M Dylan Stone Sr. Ohio Wesleyan Easton, Conn.
M Max  Walker Sr. Babson Newton, Mass.
F Eric Fortier Jr. Oneonta Pleasant Valley, N.Y.
F Winston Mattheisen** Sr. Christopher Newport Williamsburg, Va.
F Pat McLean Sr. Washington (Mo.) Kingswood, Texas
F Corey Sindle So. Randolph Gloucester, Va.
F Clint Vatterrodt Sr. Rose Hulman Bloomington, Ill.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on December 17, 2011, 11:21:19 AM
2nd Team All-American defender Phil Vestergaard (Williams) was only 2nd Team All-NESCAC?!?!?!?

So who got this one wrong--the conference or the NSCAA?

I understand that most conferences base their honors on only conference play, but to be one of 30-some All-Americans out of approaching 10,000 D-III soccer players, how could your performance in conference play (typically representing at a minimum 1/3 of your regular season) be such that you do not make 1st-Team all-conference, but your full-season performance gets you All-American recognition?  That just defies reason.  Deep, strong teams often have All-Region caliber players that do not make 1st Team all-conference, especially in the stronger, deeper conferences.  There's reasons for that.  I get it.  But an All-American caliber player not on the all-conference 1st Team?!?  Now something's wrong.

In the specific case of Vestergaard, Williams had a 10-game NESCAC regular season schedule  and their full season was only 16 games.  So for 10 or 16 games he wasn't on of the best 4 defenders in his conference, but in the additional 6 games he did enough to prove himself one of the 7 best defenders in the nation.  Just does NOT make sense.

Any thoughts?  Is he that good (AA caliber)?  If so, why do you think he only got 2nd team All-NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on December 17, 2011, 12:41:08 PM
I would just like to say that La Paz did a real nice job as a newcomer to the soccer boards this season!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on December 17, 2011, 04:15:37 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on December 16, 2011, 04:11:43 PMHow does the NESCAC POY NOON not get all-american, 15 goals etc etc. This really proves that coaches are shunning amherst program and not giving their players votes.BTW the POY is voted on by players not coaches. While its immature to take this out on the players one can see how much Serpone is disliked by his peers. That much is obvious.

However, Amherst had two players make All-Region who weren't 1st Team All-NESCAC.  Jae Hoe and Alejandro Sucre made 2nd Team All-New England North despite only being 2nd Team All-NESCAC.  So that runs counter to your suggestion of anti-Serpone (anti-Amherst) voting in general (beyond the NESCAC coaches). 

Also, Spencer Noon did make 1st Team All-New England North.  At that point, I'm not sure how many of Serpone's peers have anything to do with the decisions of which All-Region 1st teamers are selected as All-Americans.  I must admit ignorance on how that works, but I had the impression that was decided by the national NSCAA D-III All-American committee (that is, all the regional chairs). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on December 17, 2011, 08:58:58 PM
NSCAA D3 Committee has Jon Anderson on committee..he is one of serpones peers even if in different leagues.  Babson has 3 thats 3 All-Americans. His son is def one but the other two are avg players. Max Walker a decent player not AA and personally the goalie I thought was the weak link. Either way something is up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NHsocca1 on December 17, 2011, 11:51:12 PM
just saw the AA's.  Don't think just amherst got shafted but the entire nescac.  how are there 3 babson players as AA, but 2 nescac reps?

Vesteguard from Williams? think he's a good player but surprised he is an AA.  Good to see O'neil get it, thought he had a good year

as far as voting, amherst had 5 guys on all-nescac teams including nescac POY (noon), and 4 guys all-region. if anything I thought they got plenty of votes and might have even be over-represented until the AA's. if there was an anti-amherst vote, it would have showed up in all-nescac, not AA. give the coaches more credit than that.

how about cahill and bishop? first team AA's last year and nothing this year.  seems like the process is messed up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3SoccerEnthusiast on December 20, 2011, 06:53:30 PM
Hello All -

I have been perusing these boards all year, didn't see fit to attempt to post until now. The NSCAA All-American team, especially with regard to NESCAC players, seems off. 2 NESCAC players, none on the 1st team? Either there is something wrong about the NSCAA All-American process, or this league is under-represented.

Vesteguard is a good NESCAC defender, but he was not even voted the best defender on Williams for the All-Conference team. When you are a 2nd-team All-NESCAC defender, the system has to be flawed if you also make 2nd team All-American. Additionally, the Williams soccer team did not even make the NCAA tournament, this is extremely disappointing as there were other worthy defenders in the region (Trinity's Buckley, Williams' Ratajczak).

Rory O'Neill of Wesleyan was the only choice the coaches got right. He had a great year, Wesleyan had a good year. Scoring midfielder that played on both sides of the ball, especially in the air.

Amherst's Noon and Tsatsimpe seem left out. Amherst finishes as the top-ranked New England team, yet does not manage a single AA? Meanwhile, Babson registers 3 AA even though they finish below Amherst in the regional rankings.

Noon leads one of the toughest conferences in the nation in scoring and does not make any team? I cannot remember a year when the NESCAC POY did not make 1st Team All-American.

Would also like to see more representation from Trinity in the AA team. Buckley and Schoenburg were great for the league's best defense all year, yet they do not get any love? Seems wrong.

Either way, once again the NESCAC showed they are one of the toughest leagues in the nation. While the NSCAA did not seem to highlight this, many soccer fans across New England realize this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on January 19, 2012, 09:33:53 AM
Update:
Quietly Bates has "promoted" George Purgavie to a new role of supervising both mens and womens soccer programs. A younger English assistant gets the head coaching job for the men. After a season from hell and a 0-10 Nescac record, I do not think this move suprised anyone. I give Purgavie credit for having some good teams in the middle of this decade but it became clear at the end he had lost some interest and lost his team as well.  I do not understand not having a nationwide search for the job as there are some great D1 assistants and D3 Head coaches / assistants that would have jumped at this opportunity. Instead they just hand the reins over to the assistant. Wish the new coach good luck as I am sure he will find out like Purgavie did a long time ago that Bates might be the toughest school in Nescac to recruit for.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 19, 2012, 12:09:38 PM
Early Pre-Season Poll-Just a Quick one-1-2 Notes...Will do a more precise one after rosters are set Sept 1st

1. Amherst-Still best talent and the weakest out of conference schedule maybe in history. Lose a few key players but replacable
2. Williams-Lose very little. Good freshman class coming in, especially kid from Hotchkiss / Ghana. Still no true goal scorers
3. Tufts-Great freshman class coming in to join Santos. Lose very few players, first game at Midd should give good indication
4. Wesleyan-They lose some decent players and always find a way to replace them.Toughest out of conference schedule.
5. Middlebury- They lose an abundant amount of good players. One + is a favorable conference home schedule
6. Bowdoin- The true unknown. After last years debacle and losing 3-4 good players and still no goalkeeping.
7. Conn College-The coach turning things around. Still no true goal scoring threat and they lose whole defensive line.
8. Colby-Slepper team. Meisel can get them some wins but he needs help. Maybe some frosh or improved play from upperclass
9. Trinity-Besides Midd they lose an abundant of talent and goalscoring and leadership. This team will drop considerably.
10. Hamilton-Wasnt impressed last year.one + is  favorable nescac home schedule with less travel. Def Unknown here
11. Bates-Coahing change will invegorate players I would hope. Murphy a gret talent but he needs help.Brutal schedule to start
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 03, 2012, 10:44:50 AM
Nice analysis, LaPaz. 

Good article on incoming Amherst frosh Forest Sisk, which talks generally about the adjustment from high school to college soccer:

http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/soccer/articles/2012/08/16/lincoln_sudbury_grad_sisk_determined_to_be_an_impact_player_on_the_pitch_at_amherst/

Amherst is absolutely loaded with goal scorers this year, and could really dominate the conference so long as they find a capable keeper (I imagine they brought in a big time recruit in this department).  I agree re: Williams, Ephs should have a stingy defense led by two very experienced keepers and all-American defender Ratajczak plus emerging defender Burbank-Crump, but they will need their leading scorer to have a LOT more than four goals this season to contend for an NCAA spot.  Hopefully the frosh you mention can help out, Kushaina can continue to improve (in the season preview Russo was saing he expected him to double his goal output, he has the ability if he gets more chances), Ebobisse who can really create offense will finally stay healthy (plagued by injuries throughout his time at Williams), and at least one from the Lima/Grady/Kastner group will emerge as a consistent scoring threat. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 07, 2012, 07:24:12 AM
Congrats to Coach Russo on his (incredibly) 400th career win!  A living legend.  Early returns indicate that Rashid may be the goal scorer that Williams desperately needs, as he scored both Eph goals in his first collegiate game, and led the team, by a wide margin, in shots.  He has an interesting background and is prominently featured in this article:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=ghanasoccer
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 07, 2012, 12:39:53 PM
First Week Predictions - Always tough

Bowdoin vs Wes- 2-1- New year and fresh start for Bowdoin. Got Eddie Jones back on a injury waiver and that should help. Still will be interested to see goalkeeping issues and team cohesion after last years disaster. This is Wesleyan's year they did not lose much and have added some decent freshman to the mix. Tough game to open the season for both teams. I wouldn't be suprised if my prediction is turned around in favor of Wes but I give Bowdoin home field adv. Would be a good one to watch and wish I was going to this one.

Williams vs Bates-3-1- Williams def the real deal with frosh Rashid. He scores goals and works very hard. He is not the only piece to the puzzle as they are strong in net with 2 solid keepers and have solid depth in midfield. Christman leads by his play and strong work ethic. They have Ratachuck back to lead the inexperienced defense along side him. Rumor has it that inexperience led to Westfield State's first goal. With Rashid, teams will have to pay more attention to him which will give plenty of opportunity for others like Ebbobise and User. Bates comes in with a new coach and new approach. Same result. Murphy is the big danger on this team. Maybe some frosh and others will help but I dont think they get a result on this day.

Conn vs Colby- 0-0  I do not know much yet about these two teams yet. Big fan of Meisel for Colby and if there is an edge I favor Colby because of him. Conn lost its whole backline and had limited scoring to begin with. Lets hope some frosh and others can step up.

Midd vs Tufts- 1-2 This is the game I am watching closely. Tufts is young and hungry and with Santos and some very good frosh coming in they will be very tough to beat. Midd lost the most players of any Nescac team and I believe will only have an average year at best. They are excellent at home and Tufts has a long trip up to VT but this is my "upset" special.

Hamilton vs Trinity- 2-0 This score reflects the players Trinity has lost to graduation, not Hamilton's overall talent level.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 09, 2012, 08:26:49 AM
Bowdoin loses at home to Wesleyan, 2-0.
Hamilton hosts Trinity to a 2-1 win, despite a Trinity own goal.
Williams beats Bates, 2-0.
Conn ties Colby, 0-0 2OT.
Middlebury loses at home to Tufts, 2-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 14, 2012, 07:20:40 PM
2nd Week Predictions:
Sorry been busy and gotta be fast

Wes vs Tufts-    1-1  Interesting matchup. Havent seen Tufts yet. Wes is playing like they want to make a run in NCAA's.

Wes vs Hamilton 1-0 Hamilton is much improved and if you take them lightly they will burn you. Abbot up front has speed and they have figured to attack with 4 and defend with 6 in Nescac to pick up some points.

Conn vs Hamilton 0-0 Read Hamilton above, however they play better at home and with long travel these games I could be wrong. Have yet to see Conn play but sith Colby;s midweek 3-0 loss to Husson that 0-0 first week tie with them is looking worse and worse. Who is scoring the goals for this Conn team.

Colby vs Midd  2-1  I believe Midd is way down this year. Colby will bounce back from a serious mid-week drubbing and I like how they play as they try to pass the ball on the carpet withMeisel running the show. Midd has a captain starting that played maybe 20 minutes in 3 years. Not a good sign.

Trinity vs Williams 0-1 Trinity has been Williams nemesis for the past 4-5 years and even knocked them out of the tournament last year, but Mayernick and Buckley and keeper are gone. Williams just to much talent to lose this game and trinity while they have some good attacking players in the El-Hachem brothers and wingers they other midfielders are weak and their backline is slow and inexperienced. Not sure if the keeper has been tested yest but he is a big boy at 6'3.

Bates vs Amherst 0-3 Amherst just to much talent and experience.

Bates vs Trinity 1-2  Battle of Nescac's 2 worst teams I believe. Trinity comes out on top with better attacking options and threats.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacsoccer on September 15, 2012, 10:54:25 AM
the first game, wesleyan hosting tufts, is the best and best interesting to me.  tufts seems to have been getting a little better each of the past three years.  beating wesleyan in middletown would show they are real this year.  wesleyan has two wins already, but I'm not sure either was really a quality opponent (I think bowdoin might be in line for another tough year 8 goals against southern maine notwithstanding) ill say tufts does it 1-0.

it is a big weekend for hamilton to show that they can hang with nescac teams. their first of two road games and arguably the  most difficult away fields has them at conn.  i think conn get by them 2-1.

sadly for hamilton, if my first prediction is right, theyll be playing a a weslayen team coming off a loss.  tough spot. wesleyan 2-0.

middlebury might be down, but colby is worse.  midd 2-0.

williams is a very interesting team to me this year.  what do they say about quarterbacks? if you think you have two quarterbacks, you probably have none.  I don't like the switching of the goalies.  have the better one win the spot and stick with him. User and Mohammed can be a dangerous duo leading the attack.  i like williams here.  1-0.

huge talent gap here, but the same was true last year and it was one of amherst's closest games of the season. amherst has a freshman goalie, but if he proves to be solid this is going to be another impressive year for amherst.  im not sure anyone will be able to come close to putting up the goal numbers amherst will, so many options.  only three important players lost from last year.  they're coming out firing i believe 4-1.

lastly, bates gets off what would be a 14 games NESCAC losing streak if they drop it to Amherst but taking down Trinity in a high scoring affair 4-3.




Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 15, 2012, 03:59:07 PM
Amherst beats Bates 2-0 at Bates on a bright, but windy day that may have impact the long kicks for both sides.  It was 0-0 at the half.  Both freshman goalies played well.  Amherst dominated the time of possession and shots on goal.  Bates' goalie turned away many of the shots.  Both sides had injuries with players leaving the field.  FY Amherst player taken off the field and went to get his wrist/arm looked t on a golf cart. Bates' player Lin helped off the field late in the game with an ankle injury.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 16, 2012, 02:03:17 PM
Colby-Midd was an outstanding, very entertaining evenly played D-III game, with both sides playing attractive soccer.  Midd wins in OT when Colby defender (who was not really under pressure) steps on ball and falls down in box, leaving it for a Midd attacker who fires off bar and then rebound headed into open net.  Tough way to lose.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 17, 2012, 11:10:18 AM
Monday Nescac Bantering.....Bowdoin excellent out of conference win aganist Babson. Not sure if it will hurt Babson as much as it might help Bowdoin if they can ever get some Nescac wins. A win at Midd on Sat would be a good start. I feel like I have been saying the same names for Bowdoin for 5-6 years, Eddie Jones, Hunter Clark, Call Nichols (where is he btw?), Gale, Danessart, Brewster, etc. Just joking but with all this talent and 3 str8 shutouts and disciplined defense they should be a tough out. Congrats to Bates for getting its first point since 2010 in Nescac aganist a most def tired Trinity bunch after saturday's game vs Williams. Now we will be looking for Bates first win in Nescac since a 1-0 win over Midd in Oct of 2010. Looking at the schedule and the play of this years Bates team I am having a hard time finding that win for Bates.Schedule makers have not been nice to Trinity as they have 3 seperate trips up to Maine. I picked the Tufts at Wesleyan game to go see live on Saturday. Tufts won the game and are sitting at 3-0 but after seeing their goalkeeper live I am absolutely convinced they will not be making a NCAA run unless some other keeper is injured. Tufts might have the worst goalkeeping in Nescac as he was bobbling balls and making high school keeper mistakes. However, it is a shame because I like the rest of their team. Sam Williams and company on defense are above average and obv Santos and Hoppenot can score for them. They need an answer in goal and fast although 2 great road wins at Wes and Midd. Wesleyan deserved at least a point on Saturday as they had many chances to tie that game up. I think I will go to either Williams v Wes or Midd v Bowdoin on sat. Speaking of Williams, 4-0 is a great start and I know they play a 4-3-3 but they seem a little out of shape or sorts in midfield. Muralles a great player and Ebobisse a great passer of the ball and a great left foot but they are both out of shape and cannot play 90 minutes. They and Amherst have the most dangerous attacking 3 in Nescac. Frosh Rashid and Junior User are the real deals up front. ALso, to u Williams' people out there what is up with Burbank-Crump? starting left back last year, I liked him there thought he was a tad slow but a great player out of Brooks School. Now he is down to garbage time and looks about 15-20 pounds out of shape. Im sure Russo loved to see that in pre-season. Amherst has been well Amherst....thumping the ball from the back and attacking with the best trio in Nescac and scoring goals. I saw they out shot Bates 26-1, unreal. Our Colby fan informed us of the bad luck they had aganist Midd, but failed to inform us why his team did not show up on the road aganist a lesser side in HUsson and got dropped 3-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 17, 2012, 03:01:53 PM
LaPaz, no excuse for Colby's 0-3 v. Husson.  They wrongfully assumed an easy victory was in store, and did not put in the necessary effort.  Also did not help that they hit the woodwork 4 times.  Husson does have a flip thrower who can throw 50 yards and several 6'-3" types, which makes them dangerous on throw ins and corners (on which they scored one of each).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacsoccer on September 19, 2012, 02:06:43 PM
I was only able to tune into the second half of the Amherst/Bates game when it was already 1-0.  Bates may have had the ball on Amherst's side of the field for one minute total in the last 30 or so minutes ofthe game, and never held possession there (that also was aided by the fact that Amherst had a strong wind at their back).  I didn't think Amherst was overly impressive though.  They struggled to connect passes it seemed, and none of their shots were that threatening from what I saw.  The one goal was just because both Alejandro and Federico Sucre are tremendous in the air (it happened to be Federico who put that one in).  I think amherst still has attacking talent, but they need a cog in the midfield to put it all together if they want to live up to the lofty ranking they currently hold.

I'm interested, LaPaz, what happens with Tufts' goalie.  They seem to have their teams since I started following the NESCAC (about five years ago). Looking back at your preseason you have Amherst, Williams, Tufts as the top three.  I agree, but could see any possible order between them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 21, 2012, 09:51:44 PM
Sat Predictions:

Williams v Wes 2-1  I give Williams the home field Adv. Key to the game will be if Williams can finish their chances.

Tufts v Colby  2-0 Im still waiting for goals aganist Tufts, not with Colby's anemic offense.

Midd v Bowdoin 0-0 Im thinking a predictable whack it long and chase game here.

Amherst v Hamilton 4-0 Rumor has it Hamilton is banged up with injuries.

Trinity v Conn 0-1 Conn gets hard fought road win but no doubt this will be a battle.

Sunday:

Williams v Conn 1-1 I bet Williams prepping for Wes all week and forgeting about Conn.

Midd v Amherst 1-0 My upset special. Amherst long saturday ride plays right into Midd's hands unless Amherst can score early and often on Hamilton the day before and rest everyone and Midd does have a battle with Bowdoin. Tough call

Trinity v Tufts  1-2 Tufts Santos squeeze's a late game winner
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 23, 2012, 04:42:42 PM
Amherst had a 2-0 record for the weekend.  They won at home against Hamilton 5-1. Amherst's shutout streak ends.
Today, in Vermont, it was a 2-0 win against Midd.  As the announcers stated, the physical Amherst team played hard against a physical Panther team but the skill level won out.  First score at around the 38th minute with the 2nd goal coming around the 81th min.  Several group pushing events to close out the game.  Amherst's depth won the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 23, 2012, 04:52:19 PM
LaPaz, don't feel discouraged. It's fun, and we all like that you put it out there.

So Williams went scoreless against Wesleyan. Notable were the Ephs' 24 fouls to Wes's 8. Guess the refs weren't homers?
(Williams is certainly outscoring their opponents in fouls: 22-4 vs. Trinity last weekend and 25-12 vs. Hamilton earlier that week. Does this reflect the personality of the team? Tactics?)

Tufts still undefeated but hit a skid of sorts this weekend with evens vs. Colby, 0-0, and Trinity, 1-1.

Midd hosted a winless weekend, blanked by Bowdoin and Amherst (no upset, despite the long bus ride for the Jeffs ;)).

Amherst still revving. Ugly game at Middlebury but got 'er done. Outscored opponents, 7-1, on the weekend. Scoring a lot from the air. Got a glimpse of the future with all healthy freshman on the field together in later stage of the match vs. Hamilton.

Surprised by Trinity's 3-0 result against Conn?

Anyone see any games to provide insight?


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacsoccer on September 23, 2012, 10:59:28 PM
the strongest impression i came away from this weekend is the league doesn't seem to be as deep as i expected.  amherst and williams might make this a two horse race.  middlebury is way down this year.  bates, hamilton, conn college (and probably colby) are going to seriously struggle getting points off anyone but each other. I am not convinced about bowdoin or trinity either. that leaves wesleyan and tufts.  i said in the last post that amherst williams and tufts could finish 1-2-3 in any order, but what an uninspiring pair of results tufts got this weekend.  i think it was reasonable to expect at least four points from tufts.  tufts and wesleyan fall just behind amherst and williams in my eyes.

having said all that, amherst and williams each seems to be in a really good place this year.  both have  a stingy defense and potent, diverse offense. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 25, 2012, 09:22:59 AM
Tuesday bantering....The league is def not as deep and games are becoming defensive slugfests. Ugly soccer to be honest. Even the notorious attractive playing Williams is prob leading the league in fouls. YES FOULS. That tells me they are out of shape or just are not tackling. Good luck aganist Amherst if your going to foul 20-25 times in that game you are playing right into there hands with the set pieces. Teams are getting banged up and these back to back games are just brutal. Amherst schedules 4 of the weakest teams in New England as non-conf games to ease the players playing time and injury woes. That said Williams and Amherst have the best teams because they have the best depth. They can withstand 2-3 injuries and fill in. Wesleyan subs alot but there depth is weaker and a team like Hamilton had so many injuries this past weekend aganist Amherst the coach was playing frosh for the first time. Depth is a factor for sure. Conn suprising 2 3-0 defeats. i think they are better than that. I like there backline and Hawkey and Hormel  and Marganzani are good players. There issue along with Tufts is Goalkeeping. 2 worst keepers in legaue at Tufts and Conn from what I have seen and they will kill there teams. Really only good goalkeepers in the league are Purdy and both keepers at Williams. Trinity keeps suprising me with results as El-hachem is putting team on his back and they are getting some goals from there front players. Mayernick would score the key 90th minute or OT goal but these guys can score so maybe they can hang in there. Bates and Colby just the 2 worst teams in the league. Colby and Bates 4 Nescac games and 0 goals. Midd 4 Nescac games and 1 goal and maybe 8 shots on goal all weekend. Just bad bad stuff. Midd coach looks as dis-interested as Purgavie did at Bates in the end. He needs to start recruiting. Any Midd athletic team should nnot be 1-3 in Nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 26, 2012, 05:59:27 PM
I think we need to add a little context for Midd's early season struggles. Depth was going to be a factor for Midd this year, and the Panthers could ill afford to lose players to significant injury, but that is what has happened. Three starters are out with knee injuries. One (Redmon) is done for the year, another (Portman) has yet to play, and the third (Smith, a starter since his freshman year) is out indefinitely.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 27, 2012, 09:19:28 PM
Every team has to deal with injuries, point is why does Midd not have the depth to replace these players. I could see a Conn or Bates not being able to but not a good enough excuse. Also, Smith is a back and Porter and the other kid are not top quality players. They are good but does not account for there lack of goals.

Sat:

Bowdoin v Conn 1-0 Just a complete guess here. I actually think Conn is better than they are playing but have been awful on the road. Bowdoin is 5-1 with road wins over Babson and Midd and 3 cupcake wins. Will they actually come out and try to play aganist Conn instead of playing 4 deep in the back in front of a very average goalkeeper? Conn has been playing a 4-3-3 with Hawkey making dangerous runs up front but no one able to deliver him a decent ball. Conn has some fast backs and I do believe this will be closer than last weekends games for Conn but still a loss.

Hamilton v Bates 2-0 A must win for both teams as a loss will most likely eliminate them from the Nescac tournament. I have seen both play and like Hamilton better especially at home as long as they are injury free. Bates has no weapons upfront except Murphy on set pieces but he is playing kinda lazy this year it seems to me. Hamilton has better scoring weapons and there #18 wins everything in the air in midfield.

Colby v Trinity 0-0 Trip #2 for Trinity upto Maine and I am picturing one of those games with 9 total shots and no goals. Trinity the better team but can they sneak one in the back of the net. This is a must win for Colby I think, I will give them credit as rumor has it they should have beaten Tufts last weekend but couldnt finish some golden chances. Can they get there first Nescac goal in this game? Will Meisel be battling El-Hachem in midfield? Must win for Trinity if they want to stay in the top 4-5 slots as there end of year schedule is brutal.

Tufts v Amherst 1-3 Big big game for both teams. I like Amherst weapons up front to much and do not like Tufts keeper. Thats a bad match. Serious size advantage for Amherst. It is homecoming so there will be a big crowd and maybe Tufts can catch Amherst off-guard. They can certainly score aganist them as Santos and the quick Hoppenot can beat Amherst's slow defense as I heard one of the Sucre brothers is playing back there now due to injury. He is slow. Will frosh keeper get rattled down in Medford? Prob not

Wes v Midd 3-1 I like Wes in this game with a huge home field adv and crowd to boot. Better weapons upfront, more subbing and one of the most efficient and conservative and well coached defenses in the league. Kinda reminds me of the old Midd squads that once was.

Sunday:

Tufts v Bates 3-0  So an 8 hr bus ride to upstate NY and then a 5 hr bus ride to Boston. I would put my house on this victory for Tufts. Will Bates even show up? Literally.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacsoccer on September 28, 2012, 02:39:30 PM
I agree that injuries aren't an excuse.  Amherst will be starting their fourth string center for the third game in a row this weekend.  Granted one of those games was a meaningless non-conference joke.  The expectation at midd should be that they can sustain a few injuries and stay afloat.

LaPaz, I have't seen Tufts' goalie, but he has only let in two all year and has the highest save percentage.  Why are you so down on him?

This is what I'm expecting this weekend...

Bowdoin will handle Conn relatively easily, though the tallies won't reflect the tenor of the game.  Bowdoin is going to out shoot Conn at a little better than 2:1 but the final will be 1-0.

Hamilton and Bates play each other in what is probably each team's only strong chance at a win this year.  I have no idea which of these teams is better.  Just because life is ironic, i see it at 1-1.

 
What to make of Trinity this year? They sit fourth in the standing but without any really impressive results.  Interestingly they were outshot in their win against Hamilton and got three goals on seven shots against Conn.  Not to harp on a point I've already made, but this seems like a really down year for the league.  I find myself thinking about who isn't as bad in most of the games.  I think trinity isn't as bad.  It's difficult to pick a team that has't score a conference goal. Colby ends that tomorrow, but doesn't get a win. 2-1.

Finish off Saturady with the two better games of the weekend.

I see a bit of a barn burner here.  Tufts really has a chance to do something this year if they can get three points out of this game.  I think Amherst is vulnerable down the middle of their defense.  They start a inexperienced sophopmore and now a converted midfielder in their center back spots.  Can Tufts attack through the middle? Caslin has stepped in nicely into the holding sport and bring a sense of calm to the field for them.  Satnos and Hoppenot need big games.  I think Amherst gets it though 3-2.

Even with the all that's been said about Middlebury, I dont think they will stay down.  They've lost against each of their quality opponents.  Wesleyan is certainly a quality oppenent and is very strong at home.  I like Midd 1-0 just because sometime things dont go as you expect.

Lastly, this game could be a big trap for Tufts.  Emotional let down from either a big win or crush defeat.  Either I think Bates has a chance to get points from them.  Unfortunately they're Bates.  In what will be the sloppiest game of the weekend, Tufts 2-0.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 28, 2012, 04:36:36 PM
I guess I am basing this Tufts keeper thing on only one game at Wesleyan. They beat Wesleyan 2-1 but wow did he look shaky. Bobbling balls, missing crosses, coming way out of his net, etc. Maybe i am being to unfair. I believe the defense in front of him is better than average and that also helps him. I will give him the benefit of the doubt for now. Maybe just a really bad game? If he shuts down the potent Amherst offfense, I will not mention it again. Maybe a Tufts fan on this site who sees him game in and game out can lend us some insight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 29, 2012, 05:32:18 PM
Amherst beats Tufts 2-0 in Melford.  Same score at the half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 29, 2012, 10:15:03 PM
LaPaz, Tufts' keeper anticipates well and gets his hands to ball but does tend to box away when he could/should catch and hold. Didn't see the first goal but heard the ball was served to the box from a throw-in, and it bounced in the box and was headed home. Maybe someone who saw it can say whether it was within the keeper's range (the six). Second goal was a well stroked pk that caught the keeper guessing the opposite way. Stupid foul in box, catching the Amherst attacker facing away from the goal. Tufts had a chance to score on a pk, but Santos looked casual on the approach and hit it off the left post. Amherst's keeper looks like the real deal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 30, 2012, 11:45:57 AM
Jump4Joy....the write-up by Tufts posted on the Amherst website just states that Amherst's leading scorer headed it in after a strong throw in into the box.  Seems to me that the goaltender was in the wrong place.
Since you post on the women's board.....would you be someone that has two kids playing for Amherst....one on the men's team and one on the women's team?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 01, 2012, 05:04:34 PM
amh63, I might ask the same question of you!  ;D
The men and women have been playing back-to-back, so if you see one game, you can see both fairly easily. Also, it's exciting to see two local teams who are nationally ranked and still undefeated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 01, 2012, 05:22:16 PM
Jump4Joy.....Well, I know that there are recent family connections existing on the teams.   I do have three kids that finished at Amherst....but that was before the turn of the century....One girl and two boys.  I'm glad that they do not follow this board....being referred to them as kids!  All are married and living lives of consequences as Amherst likes to put it.
I am a fan of S. Noon and follow the women players from Md.....where I reside.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 01, 2012, 06:59:06 PM
Glad to hear good things about your graduates. Noon's numbers are impressive. He certainly finds all kinds of ways to give his team the chance to win. Word is, he didn't grow up playing club soccer; for me, that makes his success all the more impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 02, 2012, 10:31:41 AM
Probably true about Noon.  I heard about him as a basketball and soccer player.  Met his parents in a NCAA game in York, PA.  He had an injury during his FY...mouth area that slowed his entrance to the MBB team.  Injuries during his soccer play in his next two years prevented him to join the MBB team.  His father was a star MBB star for the U. of Hartford and his older brother played BB...so it is not surprising that he may not have been a club soccer player. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 02, 2012, 10:07:52 PM
Amherst beat Lesley in Cambridge tonight 6-0.  It was 5-0 at the half.  Both sides inserted plenty of subs....Amherst starters came out early since they have a key game this weekend with Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 03, 2012, 01:35:38 PM
ridiculous out of conference scheduling for some of these Nescac schools. As a player for Amherst how is that of any use to play Lesley and Curry and outshoot them by 30-1 or whatever. It has become a joke. Wesleyan, Williams and Trinity have kept decent out of conference schedules. The Maine schools I can understand the travel issue but the rest should be ashamed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 03, 2012, 03:51:19 PM
Last night games by all the "CAC" teams were large wins by soccer scores.  The Curry team went to the NCAA last season.  Curry has a good record coming into the game....and in their conference.  They have several good players on the team.  One Curry player holds the scoring record for the school and one of their FY players made Rookie of the Week las week. 
Amherst needs to give game experience to their younger players and new goal keepers.  Remember Amherst starts a freshman in the goal.  Last night, he played for a half and another young inexperience goalkeeper was in for the second half.
Last season's game between the two teams was scoreless for 35 minutes or more, 2-0 at the half and 4-0 at the finish.  As stated earlier, still Curry was a tournament team.
Lighten up LaPaz.  There are many reasons coaches schedule schools....one reason is NOT to have a seemingly mismatch coming into a new season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 03, 2012, 10:06:22 PM
That is the biggest joke of an argument on this board. Curry's NCAA appearance may have been due to being in the weakest league in New England, to be honest I do not even remember them qualifying. Actually, I am wrong Lesley is in the weakest league. Either way I will not waste my time arguing this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2012, 11:25:33 AM
Sat Predictions:

Midd v Hamilton- 1-0 While I think Hamilton has improved this year and played teams tougher than last year, I do not see them garnering a point in this game. They play way better at home than on the road. That's not to say I would lay any money on this one. They can still attack with some decent players and Midd's defense is the worst I have seen it in a long time. Knisley is big and ok as a CB but their wingbacks and other CB are average and can be beaten. A set piece wins this game sometime in the 2nd half for Midd. Either Knisley gets to a corner with his head or Alvand heads a free kick in.

Amherst v Williams- 1-1  This game is a matchup of 2 teams trying to impose 2 different styles on each other. Whichever team manages to do this more effectively wins the game. I see both teams being able to do this throughout the game and for that reason I see a draw in this one. Amherst a huge size advantage on set pieces but Williams has a speed advantage and that is why I do not see them fouling as much as they have. It will be interesting to see who Russo gives the nod to in goal for this game. I think Finan is more courageous and a tougher kid than Morrell.  Also, I question both teams inexperienced backlines on how they handle each other's very good attacking players. Expect a big crowd at this game as Amherst football is on the road.

Colby v Bowdoin- 0-2  Colby still looking for its first Nescac goal. Not in this game. Bowdoin wants revenge for last year and Brewster wins everything in the air. The only chance is if Bowdoin looking past this one and thinking Williams on Sunday.

Bates v Wesleyan- 0-2 Wesleyan to strong defensively for Bates to get any great chances on net. Wesleyan have better weapons going forward and they need 6pts this weekend to stay in the Nescac trophy hunt. Bates cannot play to defensive as they are running out of games to get points from to try to sneak into that 8th spot. It is not going to happen in this game.

Conn v Tufts- 0-0  Interesting game here. Conn looking to break Nescac record for 0-0 games in a year. Conn has injuries as I have not seen O'Brien in the lineup for a while and he is a factor for them. They have back to back's at home so they need to sub players more than usual I would think. It is tough to break them down especially on that sh*t field at home. Tufts has been my inconsistent team this year to predict. They have some great wins and then your expectations rise and they tie Colby and Trinity back to back.

Sun Predictions:

Bowdoin v Williams- 0-1 Williams gets out of here with a slim victory. After back to backs on the road with Amherst and Bowdoin, I will not be suprised to see the injury list grow for Williams.

Colby v Wesleyan- 0-1 No way Colby scores on this defense. Wesleyan will have a tougher game here than the day before but still come out victorious.

Conn v Midd - 2-0 Midd will have a long travel day after Sat game with Hamilton. They will not be able to break down Conn's defense at Conn and will have trouble I think defending them. I see Conn getting a goal or 2 and a much needed first victory in this one.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 08, 2012, 10:52:44 PM
Monday bantering....Williams and Amherst played to a scoreless draw but Amherst imposed their style of play on the game and could have won the game 3-0. The ball was in Williams' defensive end for long stretches at a time. Amherst had the ball in the air for most of the game and controlled about 90% of headers. There size advantage was to much for Williams to handle. #4 Sucre must of had about 30 flick on's and about half of them landed on #9 Noon's foot. Noon was the most dangerous player on the day as he had a couple great chances at goals but could not finish. Amherst had some dangerous corners but there most dangerous part of their game are their 2 long throwers #15 Fikke and #20 Lerner. They must of had about 15-20 long throws in the game from both sides of the field and Williams' defense was under constant pressure from the start. #4 Sucre and #2 Sucre both at 6'5 and defender #12 at 6'4 controlled the game off each long throw and Noon, #23 Mooney and #19 Heo seemed to be in the right spots when the ball dropped but to Williams' credit they weathered the storm as best they could. #5 Ratachuck really is their only tall guy in the back at 6'4 but their keeper Finan kept Williams in the game with a couple big saves. Really though Williams snuck out of town with a point as they might of had 3 or 4 decent chances as their speed was neutralized by a grasss field that hadnt been mowed in maybe a month. A smart tactic for playing a Williams team that loves to keep the ball on the ground and use their team speed to beat you. They really did nothing in attack and that is a shame as Amherst' frosh keeper looked a bit awkward at times coming out of his net and just his overall demeanor. My guess is he hasnt really been tested all year and one team you would think would do that is Williams. Of course, Amherst coaches were yelling and screaming all game and acting crazy, Serpone got a yellow card 2 minutes in as it seemed the ref had dealt with him before and was not going to take any sh*t this game. Another pretty dirty play was when Williams sent a player to defend the long thrower on the right up to the out of bounds line #15 Fikke threw it right into his chest. A pretty dirtbag thing to do and he got carded for it. I believe the college rulebook allows opposing players to stand right in front of throwers, so the Williams player had every right to be there. Anyway, Amherst should be disappointed with a tie in this one but it is quite possible these 2 teams will meet again......My saturday predictions all turned out correct, not the scores exactly but the results. Colby still has no league goals in 6 games. They had the same team coming back from a average side last year and to be honest you hope for improvement and it has gotten ugly. I was expecting some better results, I have heard they have been a bit unlucky but you are what your record says you are. Conn has 5 ties in 7 games and without there 2 3-0 losses back to back to Trinity and Williams they have let up 3 goals in 5 games.Wesleyan has 5 shutouts in a row and let up 2 league goa;s all year in the same game. Amherst has let up 1 league goal and that will not change tmrw as they play Trinity and will win and shut them out. STINGY STINGY defenses and it will only get worse with the weather turning.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 09, 2012, 10:48:32 PM
LaPaz,
Before and after the Williams/Amherst match, you mention Amherst's imposing their style of play...in the air...headers. I missed the first half. I saw a second half and overtime that featured more play on the ground than not AND, as you said, Williams on their back foot in their own end. If you are suggesting that Williams plays on the ground and works it out of the back, that may be true--against other opponents; they could not do either against Amherst and not because the ball was in the air while I was watching. In fact, perhaps Williams DID impose their style, but Amherst was better at it! ;)

Also, I have yet to see Amherst's freshman keeper look awkward. He has been completely in control and effective. I'm confused about your assessment on that point. With his record, he has to be in consideration for ROY (although I know that will go to the guy, as always, who puts in the most goals and not the guy who lets the fewest in).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 10, 2012, 11:15:53 AM
Amherst found its offense again and was more efficient with its opportunities.  Led by Noon, Amherst shutout Trinity 6-0 at home yesterday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 10, 2012, 12:51:12 PM
Umm Amhersts' keeper has prob had 15 shots aganist him all year. A testament to how good they are in front of him but by no means does that make him a great keeper yet. All I thought was, when he did come off his LINE he looked awkward and clumsy a bit. I have been wrong before and my mind can be changed. Also, if you are suggesting Amherst actually tried to play on the ground that day u must have been watching the clouds on the video screen or got up to many times for sandwiches. The ball was in the 2 long throwers hands and on Sucre's head 75% of the game. Not saying thats the right or wrong way to play at all, in fact they play to their strengh which is their size and then running off the ball after it is flicked on. Im willing to bet half their goals have been scored on set pieces this year(corners, throws, free kicks) another 25% on flick on's off Sucre's head to Noon or Heo. They are good at what they do, no problem with that. I wasnt being overly critical.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 10, 2012, 05:38:15 PM
LaPaz,
Scarey! I looked at the box scores, and he's credited with 15 saves. Bingo (had you already peeked?). Still, keep watching him.
Also, I'm not saying that Amherst played on the ground most of the time, but they did so more than they had against Tufts the weekend before. Also, in addition to besting Williams in the air, the Jeffs were also more successful when playing on the ground than Williams was--a somewhat surprising idea, given the attention paid to Williams' contrasting style. Keep up the predictions and reports, LaPaz! It's interesting to watch games with ideas to test.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 11, 2012, 09:59:36 PM
Sat Predictions:
Williams v Tufts -  1-2  My upset special. I think Williams is due for a loss and this game might be the perfect setup. Let us not forget Williams ended Tufts season last year with 2 late goals in the Nescac quarters in the "snow bowl game". Tufts also beat Williams 2-0 at home last year. While I usually do not base games on last year's results, these 2 teams have changed very little. Tufts have some dangerous weapons upfront with Hoppenot and Blumenthal and Santos. Their midfield is solid and backline if Sam Williams is healthy is ok. Now if the keeper is a disaster then all bets are off and Williams could win handily but I got a feeling this game like most will be tight.

Bates v Conn  -  0-1 Bates season is about to end in a week and a half with a worse record than last year's disaster. They are still looking for their first Nescac win in over 2 years. I do not understand why their best player Murphy is not playing in the middle of the park. So much for the coaching change and a 3-2 loss at Husson last night only adds to the misery. Conn is banged up a little but will sneak a goal or 2 somehow and Bates will find it extremely hard to score against this stingy defense. Wouldn't put a lot of money on it but think this result holds true.

Trinity v Midd  - 1-2 Hard to win at Trinity but what is going thru their minds after a 6-0 drubbing at Amherst. Confidence must be low and I do not see Trinity's coach being a hardass with his players. Midd has #4 smith and #11 Lively back looking at box scores and I heard Smith is playing up top. Midd has enough weapons to win this game and desperately needs to. I would think they still have a shot at the #5 or #6 seed if they can win out. This game will show us what Trinity is made of after that loss to Amherst. Do they wilt? Do they get pumped and play like it's the last game of their lives? Will be a good one to watch.

Amherst v Colby-  5-0 Well I have picked 3 road teams to win games and this will be the perfect game to go with the home side. Colby has been stingy on defense but Amherst is on a mission and Colby just cannot match up athletically and physically with them. This one gets out of hand early.

Hamilton v Bowdoin- 2-0 Another upset here. Bowdoin has a LONG trip out to central NY and have Amherst on their minds. Bowdoin the better team but Hamilton is fighting for their season this weekend and I believe they can win this game. They play well at home and have the weapons up front to beat Bowdoin's weak keeper and wingbacks. I love Brewster but Hamilton's #18 can handle him on set pieces. If Eddie Jones is still out these 2 teams match up pretty evenly in my mind with everything put into consideration. If this game was at Bowdoin then a totally different story.

Sunday's predictions:
Williams v Babson- 2-0 Williams has lost 2 in a row to basically the same Babson side and was eliminated by them 2 years ago in the NCAA's. Babson has definite weapons in Anderson up top and Fischer and Stento wide. Fisher a very good 1v1 player, but I believe Babson's backline is a bit inexperienced and keeper not as good as Crowley was. They have a ton of seniors so this is their year to make another run, but not in this game. They will win their conference anyway and do not need to rely on an at-large bid.

Amherst v Bowdoin- 2-0 This turns into a disastrous road trip for Bowdoin as they could match up with Amherst athletically but still do not have the size to defend every set piece Amherst will get.

Hamilton v Colby-  0-1 HUGE game for Nescac playoffs. For some reason I have this hunch Colby gets their first Nescac goal here and has a happy 9 hour journey back home.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 14, 2012, 12:26:56 PM
Amherst beats Colby at home 2-0, scoring one goal in each of the periods.  Scoring being done by younger players these days.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on October 14, 2012, 12:48:57 PM
Well for the second week in a row Eph football 'encouraged' me to watch Eph soccer and I was rewarded with a great game and I'm guessing one of the best goals of the year for the win.  I'm still not sure how Williams kept Gus Santos from scoring even after watching it, he's relentless with tremendous speed.  Tough one for Tufts to lose I'm sure, especially since they had the equalizer make it to the goalline before being saved. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 18, 2012, 05:02:04 PM
Five NESCACS in top 11 of NCAA regional rankings, 3 in top 5. If rankings hold, how many go to NCAAs from NESCAC? Other thoughts?
New England                           
1   Amherst      11-0-1   11-0-1           
2   Williams      9-0-2      9-0-2           
3   Brandeis      11-1-1   12-1-1           
4   ECSU              12-0-1   12-0-1           
5   Wesleyan (CT)   7-2-2      7-2-2           
6   Babson      11-3-1   11-3-1           
7   Tufts              6-2-3      6-2-3           
8   MIT              8-3-1      8-3-1           
9   Roger Williams   11-4-0   11-4-0           
10   Bowdoin      7-3-2      7-3-2           
11   UMass-Dart      10-3-0   10-3-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 18, 2012, 09:38:53 PM
Ahh with Tufts and Wesleyan losing yesterday...I would say Amherst and williams are definite locks and if they win out could host for a while. Bowdoin and Tufts need to win out until Nescac finals and could lose and get in. Wesleyan beats Amherst sat and wins a couple more they could get in. Everyone else is done unless they win it all! Highly unlikely
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 18, 2012, 09:57:33 PM
Sat Predictions:

Colby v Williams- 0-2   Colby still without a Nescac goal and have been eliminated. A disappointment in my mind as they could have finished 6th or 7th this year I thought. 11am start might catch Williams sleeping at first but they will wake up and get out of Waterville with a win. Colby will not find the net in this one and with nothing to play for it will be interesting to see if they come out and work hard and attack with nothing to lose or just give up and half ass it around the field. Last home game for seniors.

Midd v Bates- 3-0 Midd has struggled with Bates in the past, not this year. This Bates team is just plain awful, worse than last year even with the 2 Nescac ties. We will have to wait another year for a Bates league win I believe. Another 11am start and I do not see them getting up for this one. Important game for Midd for Nescac seeding.

Bowdoin v Trinity- 2-1 Trinity's 3rd trip to Maine. They have fallen from their decent start and I believe they are where they should be as I predicted in the begining of the year. Although , I thought they wouldnt even make the tournament. Big game for both teams for Nescac seeding and the hope to avoid Amherst and Williams in the first round. Bowdoin plays to well at home and are desperate to win after dropping a few lately.

Wesleyan v Amherst- 0-0 Wesleyan sits back in its 4-4-1-1 and clogs up the middle of the field. Amherst misses numerous chances to score and Purdy and the D have a big day. Wesleyan might get a chance or 2 on the counter but they really need to win this game to make a statement and keep a at-large alive. Big crowd here for sure and Amherst will not find this game easy.

Tufts v Hamilton- 2-0  Tufts needs to win 4 to 5 games in a row and get to Nescac finals to get an at-large I think after that awful loss to MIT. This game is a start and also they are playing for a home game in the first round which would be very helpful. Hamilton needs to win this game and get a Conn loss on Wednesday to get 8th place and have the honor of playing Amherst in the first round. Not happeneing as they fail to qualify for the Nescac tournament again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacsoccer on October 20, 2012, 08:19:38 AM
Williams gets Colby in a spot I would not be envious of, playing with nothing to lose.  I just don't think they have the talent to do much with that freedom.  Williams 3-0.

Roughly the same story for this second game, just with a small talent gap.  Midd 2-0.

This is a really important game for each.  A home quarterfinal game is still possible for both Bowdoin and Trinity, especially in Bowdoin can knock off Tufts in the last week.  I think Bowdoin will win this game and keep the possibility of earning that game in their own hands. Bowdoin 1-0.

Wesleyan is going to park the bus in this one.  I expect Amherst almost all of the game to be played in front of Wesleyan's goal.  I actually think Amherst benefits from a team sitting in on them.  Even though they have talent to play I think the are more vulnerable to a team going at them.  You open yourself up to a big score, but the record over the last years seems to say Amherst will get a least one if you sit in and won't have to defend much.  Amherst 1-0

I think this will be a high scoring affair.  Both teams can score, and neither, particularly Hamilton, is stout defensively.  Hamilton has a lot to play for, win and they are in a good spot with Conn College finishing against Amherst.  I think they can do it. Hamilton 3-2.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 20, 2012, 08:43:02 PM
amh63, nice meeting you today on a beautiful afternoon in New England. Sorry you didn't see Amherst win, but you did see Noon with a big goal to put the Jeffs ahead--albeit temporarily. I didn't think Wesleyan packed it in as much as folks imagined they might. They were dangerous on the counterattack. I'd give the edge to Amherst on the day (shots stats says so, too), but the Jeffs had a hard time finding that final ball. Wesleyan played with a lot of heart. Will the #1 seed for NESCACs come to a coin toss?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 21, 2012, 10:00:24 AM
Jump4joy.....Ditto!  Did have a chance to chat a bit with Noon's family at the half.  Met them almost 4 years ago in York Pa.  Did not see you last year when the women's team played JHU at Messiah.  May same hello at Homecoming in Nov.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 22, 2012, 08:37:17 AM
Since Williams and Amherst have identical conference records and results, if both win Wednesday, hosting rights for the tourney would indeed come down to a coin toss.  Is that the first time in NESCAC tourney history that a coin toss would decide the top seed?  Of course, both still have to take care of business this week ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 22, 2012, 10:23:00 PM
Wed Pred:

Williams v Midd- 1-0 Midd plain and simple is just not as good this year. They always struggled with Bates but to lose so many home games this year is a disappointment. They lost a huge class from last year so this is not al suprising. Really a tie does them nothing so I cannot imagine they will sit back completely in this game. williams again outfouled RPI by 3 to 1 and if that happens in this one than Midd could get a goal or 2. This game is to important for Williams to lose but they might have heavy legs with their 3rd game in 5 days.

Conn v Amherst- 0-1 Conn has been Amherst's issue the past few years. To much on the line here but on that field and Conn's stingy Defense I guess anything is possible. A win for Conn could jump them to 6th possibly but not seeing that happeneing here.

Tufts v Bowdoin- 0-0 Game with biggest consequences. This game could be a replay on the 27th for the semi's. Both teams have faint chances still at an at-large if they win 3 or 4 in a row. For now the focus is on the home field for saturday. I am picturing a tight game with quality chances but no goals.

Trinity v Wes- 0-2 Trinity really fading fast. However, just when you count them out they pull an upset. Not here as Wes still has lots of work to do. They have their home seed but with such a senior laden team I think they want more. they want an at-large and again 3 to 4 wins might do it.

Bates v Colby- 3-4 Last game of the year and for some last game of careers. I am picturing goals and not alot of defense in this one. I think Colby the better team even if they havent gotten a goal yet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 24, 2012, 04:54:58 PM
On a damp playing field, Amherst finish the regular season with a 3-0 win over Conn. College in CT.  Spencer Noon scored the first goal in each half.  It was 2-0 at the half.  Amherst kept constant pressure on the Camels and a 4th goal by Amherst was called back.....possible off-side in the scramble in front of the goal?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 24, 2012, 05:57:29 PM
Congrats to Amherst and Williams on their undefeated seasons in NESCAC and overall.
Unfortunately, for Amherst, Williams won the coin toss today, so if the Ephs win their quarterfinal match Saturday, they'll be hosting the semis and finals next weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 26, 2012, 09:37:29 PM
Quarters:

Williams v Conn- 2-0 While Conn has improved and they are injury free I still do not think they can get out of Williamstown with a win. They could play 5-4-1 and clog the middle and hope for the best. They did beat Wesleyan at Wes, which is hard to do. Rumor has it they have a very good frosh class coming in next year.. Williams advances and continues its great run.

Amherst v Midd- 3-0 No idea where #4 Sucre has been but it doesnt matter, they are facing one of the worst Midd teams I have seen. #5 Portman is a good player and #9 Alvan can be dangerous but there backline and goalkeeping is awful. #16 Knisley is only decent player back there. I give them no chance in this game.

Wes v Trinity- 2-0 Tough to beat a team twice in 4 days. Tough but not impossible, Trinity's slide continues as winning at Wes will not happen. Wes is just a senior laden team and have more punch than Trinity up front and in back.

Tufts v Bowdoin- 0-1 This is the one re-match where I could see a different result. While I wouldnt lay any money on it, it is definitly possible for Bowdoin to come down here and win this game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: JustAFan on October 27, 2012, 12:13:48 PM
Tufts will probably be without 3 starters today due to injury (Volpe, Santos and Miele).  The Jumbos will need their bench to step up again vs. Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 27, 2012, 02:23:36 PM
Amherst wins against Midd. at home on a wet field.  Amherst was ahead 4-0 with less than 6 minutes to go.  The game was physical in the first half and it was 1-0 at the half with Amherst putting the pressure on the Panthers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 27, 2012, 05:44:32 PM
LaPaz, I believe Sucre sustained a serious ankle injury (broken?) against Trinity about three weeks ago.  Was in a boot/cast and on crutches when Colby played them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 28, 2012, 11:54:57 AM
OK. Asking this question on the men's and women's thread:
What happens when Williamstown is hit with 2-3 inches of rain this week? Those fields are notorious for flooding, being next to a river and on the flood plain. Amherst hosts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: sumfun on October 28, 2012, 03:31:41 PM
Amherst fields are at the bottom of a hill and not sure that they drain that much better, but they do have the turf field that they play field hockey on lacrosse on as an option.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 28, 2012, 07:57:52 PM
Sumfun....nice to hear from you.  I responded a bit on the women's soccer board to Jump4 joy's question.  Her question applies to both the women and men's games....and the other games to be played.  Amherst, IMO, is in a good position to host based on its records.
Without trying to dismiss your thoughts, I did take a few fluid dynamic courses at MIT and the "drainage" situation of a field rest primarily on whether the water drains well and if there is a lower level that it can drain to.  First water does not drain well if there is clay underneath and there is no lower level to drain into.  At Amherst, the two soccer fields are indeed below higher grounds...but there is a lower level for the water to drain to.  I was at the football game in Middletown.  The grass area by the visitor stands were very wet even on a sunny day after the rains the day before.  The problem was poor drainage.  Wes. had built a fine new venue at one end of the field with a courtyard.  It had edged the lower courtyard level with a stone edge facing the playing field......without any drainage holes!  The higher playing field had wet spots due to poor drainage at one end of the field.
With regards to the turf field....it may not suffice for the two semifinal games each for both men's and women's contests.
Oh yes, with regards to the fields at Williams, they were not playable after Irene last year.  Hope the storm will not be bad at Williamstown and things work out for all.  NESCAC officials have the call to make.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 29, 2012, 11:27:40 AM
For sure, it's NESCAC's call. Here's a repost from the women's thread:
Because they are scheduled to host the men's and the women's tourneys, if Williams uses turf, they'll probably have to split between their own and the field at MCLA. Will NESCAC split the site of either tourney, allowing Williams to have their home field for the men and the women, thus creating a special schedule, or will the league insist on one site for each individual tourney as is tradition? If both semis have to be played at the same site (one could argue that playing at two different fields could give an unfair advantage to one team--i.e. Williams men play at home against Tufts, but Wesleyan plays at MCLA against Amherst), then who has to move off campus--the men or the women?

In the event of flooding, it seems like the easiest and fairest thing to do is move the whole shebang to Amherst!  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 31, 2012, 07:09:01 PM
Here are the NCAA's final regional New England rankings. This is the one that counts for seeding and hosting sites for NCAAs. Looks like Williams barely eclipses Amherst for the #1 spot, seemingly due to in-region results against ranked teams. That's one way non-conference play can have an impact! These rankings are also key to determine at-large bids after conference champions receive the automatics. Do Tufts and Wesleyan have a shot?
1.   Williams      13-0-2      13-0-2            
2.   Amherst      13-0-2      13-0-2            
3.   Brandeis      14-2-1      15-2-1            
4.   Babson      13-3-2      13-3-2            
5.   ECSU              15-1-1      15-1-1            
6.   MIT              11-4-1      11-4-1            
7.   Tufts                9-3-3      9-3-3            
8.   Wesleyan (CT)     9-3-3      9-3-3            
9.   Roger Williams   15-4-0      15-4-0            
10.   Coast Guard   11-5-1      11-5-1            
11.   Bowdoin        8-5-2      8-5-2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 31, 2012, 07:21:25 PM
Both Wes and Tufts need to win one more game aganist one of those 2 ranked teams and I could see the winner getting in. However, I see a Williams v Amherst final and depending on how many pool C bids are left with teams around the country who get upset...aka a womens MIDD team
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 03, 2012, 04:05:56 PM
Amherst beats Wes. 1-0 at Williams.....will meet Williams in the conf. final on Sunday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 03, 2012, 04:29:08 PM
Congrats to Amherst on 1-0 victory over the Wesleyan Cardinals!!  Exciting evenly matched game except for one defensive lapse by the Cardinals allowing the only score.  Watching the game, it seemes that Wesleyan tried too many passes in or near the Lord Jeff box, which gave the stiffling LJ Defense a chance to clear, and, in many instances start breakaways.
Wesleyan probably should have taked more shots and made fewer passes, especially near the end of the game!! Wesleyan also had two great chances to score, but shots were either wide or over the crossbar.
Lord Jeffs vs Ephs should be an outstanding CAC soccer final 8-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 03, 2012, 09:25:25 PM
You called it LaPaz: Amherst vs. Williams in the final. Boy, did Tufts give the Ephs a run for their money, often looking like the stronger team despite missing top gun Santos on the field. In fact, it felt a little like Williams lucked out on the day. Lots of combination play for both teams, providing entertaining soccer for the fans. The Wesleyan/Amherst match was more frenetic, as each team spent a lot of time trying to jam it up the middle against one another. Lots of high pressure led to lots of turnovers and lack of rhythmic or poetic play. Hopefully, the Jumbos did a nice job wearing down the Ephs through two OTs. However, Williams has the advantage of familiar beds and pillows. Go Jeffs!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 04, 2012, 02:03:03 PM
Amherst wins the conference championship 2-0 over Williams at "Willie" town.  Amherst scored the first goal by Heo in the first minute  and Moody followed with a goal around the 16 minute mark.  The first half ended at 2-0.  The second half it was the same with Williams changing lineups to get a spark going but both sides were attacking the goals....imo.....Amherst's shots being more dangerous.  Williams late shot was pushed aside by Bull and there was some rough play following as Williams tried to get on the board...in the last five minutes.  Amherst defends their title and gets the automatic bid to the post season!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacsoccer on November 04, 2012, 05:20:44 PM
well well deserved title for Amherst.   Serpone gets a lot of crap and is not the most well liked coach by opposing teams, but three NESCAC titles in his first six years is special.  He had his team up for this game, Russo did not.  Hats off to him.  Also, any ideas why Rashid, User, and Ebobisse didn't start?  In light of Williams' slow start seems like a decision worth questioning.

The archives will show that Amherst and Williams played this season almost to a complete draw with the exception of the final, but in my eyes Amherst  was a better team this year and by far the class of the league.  I didn't watch all of the games (including the tie against Wesleyan), but there was not a single moment all year that I thought there was a chance they would lose.

I don't see a third NESCAC school getting in to the tournament (though my grasp of the national D3 scene is minimal).  Tufts will have its fingers crossed pretty tightly on Monday.  Obviously a lot depends on the draw, but I think Amherst and Williams can both make noise this year in the NCAA.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 04, 2012, 06:07:32 PM
In these last two weeks, Tufts has looked like a NCAA tournament team.  Perhaps they will be left out due to conference tournament upsets, but they are clearly NCAA Tournament worthy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacsoccer on November 04, 2012, 06:38:40 PM
I wasn't commenting on Tufts' worthiness, just the likelihood.  Three teams ranked ahead of them in the final NCAA regional rankings (Williams, Babson, and Brandeis) all will need a pool C bid.  They would be the seventh team from New England.  Doesn't seem out of the question, just borderline.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 04, 2012, 11:10:53 PM
Tufts 3-3-1 record aganist ranked teams is hard to ignore. They might have a shot. Wes is done. As far as Amherst and classy being in the same sentence.........ur on ur own with that one.....They were definitly the better team and they are senior laden and this has to be there year for a run at the title but as a neutral observer they are a classless team when it comes to sportsmanship and it all starts at the top with Serpone. Williams looked tired on the day and definitly were sleeping the first half. Not sure why Rashid and Ebobise and User did not start but they didnt make a difference when they were on the field anyway. Amherst plays hard and there high pressure was to much for Williams to handle. They have a very solid 11 and it just seemed they wanted it more than Williams. This should propel Amherst with a ton of confidence and anything short of San Antonio would be considered a failure for them. For Wiliams, they are not a final four team but should not hit the panic button just yet. 13-1-3 is nothing to feel bad about plus 4-1-3 aganist ranked teams and non conf wins over RPI, Babson and Westfield St all NCAA teams either thru AQ or Pool C. They should get a decent draw and Russo has been doing this for 35 years so I am sure if they have to face Amherst again they will come up with a different plan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on November 05, 2012, 03:03:00 AM
LaPaz: Would you like to justify with particulars your assertion that Amherst is classless?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 05, 2012, 08:04:35 AM
Not really...any soccer fan who has been watching Nescac long enough since Serpone took over kno what I am talking about. I am not wasting energy on a Amherst poster who just joined the convo late because he is pissed about anything Amherst having a negative tone to it.

but what the hell a cpl: and I stood near there bench for this purpose.

Coaches throwing F bombs every minute....
Dirty slide tackles
Coaches yelling at refs on every call..EVERY CALL THAT WENT AGANIST THEM.
The previous game when #15 Fikke threw his long throw into a players chest to move him out of the way, when the rulebook states he has every right to be there.

I could go on and on.....I also praised Amherst for coming out ready to go....They have a very solid team that has a real chance at a national championship. They were more aggresive than Williams and wanted the game more. For that I give the credit to Serpone for being able to get his guys up for this big game while Williams was still sleeping for whatever reason.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccer121285 on November 05, 2012, 08:11:42 AM
First time poster and Colby supporter. 

I felt compelled to post because I've been following DIII soccer for the past four years and I am disappointed by the way LaPaz has  ruined the discussion with consistently negative observations/feelings about almost every game and team.  The fact remains that these are DIII student-athletes that made the choice not to play DI sports, are not on scholarship and deserve our admiration and support, not constant scrutiny.  What is "classless" is to attack other people (players, coaches, teams) on internet message boards.

LaPaz, have you noticed that there was once a time that others make weekly picks along with you and it was a fun process? You have taken the fun out of it.  You seem to have a running discussion with yourself about how bad Bates is (not true), how the Middlebury coach seems "disinterested" (coming off best run in Middlebury soccer history 07-09), how Amherst plays poor soccer (have you watched them?!), and how the Tufts goalkeeper struggles (made some GREAT saves on Saturday).  Oh, and complaining about everyone's non conference schedule other than Williams even though on the NCAA website they are ranked  #7 in the NESCAC for Strength of Schedule behind (Amherst, Wesleyan, Conn College, Bates,Tufts and Colby).

It's disheartening because this thread should be a place where we celebrate NESCAC soccer, not constantly attack it. 

When this NESCAC thread was on D3kicks.com, LaPaz identified himself once as a Williams Alum and another time as a Williams parent (which is it, or both?).  Certainly not a neutral observer.   

As for Amherst. Let me congratulate them on a fine year.  They were clearly the best team in the league, and I thought they were the best team I've seen in my time following the league. I wish them the best and hope that they (along with Williams, Tufts and hopefully Wesleyan) represent the NESCAC well in the NCAA tournament.

Let me finish by saying that I hope that Andrew Meisel gets consideration for NESCAC Player of the Year.  He has had a terrific career and been a fine leader for the Mules.  Things didn't go their way this season but the future is bright in Waterville!

I hope others agree with the sentiment I shared above.  Thanks. 

 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 05, 2012, 08:21:18 AM
I am neither a Williams supporter or parent.  I have plent of positives along with my negatives. I will continue to talk to myself if need be..I do not need to waste time talking to happy go lucky my world is great and nothing is wrong in life, like yourself. I write what I see and I saw Amherst 6times this year. If you have read all my posts , which u obviously havent I have praise Meisel numerous times and even the style of play COlby played this year without the results. Bates was awful and there coach got fired / promoted for it....Midd coach just went 6-7-1 for first under .500 record since he got there and looks disinterested. This isnt a fact based column, opinion is also noted. If you do not like it do not read it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 05, 2012, 08:25:24 AM
Sorry to all for "Ruining the discussion" but nice of you to join in late and attack. Welcome to the real world
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacsoccer on November 05, 2012, 08:52:50 AM
Addressing a couple of topics...

first, the Amherst/Serpone classy thread, which seems to have started from a comment of mine.  I didn't say Amherst was classy, I said "class of the league" which in my eyes is a comment on their quality not style.  You may disagree on that front too.  Having said that, I don't agree with all of your points.  1) if you stood near their bench for the purpose of seeking out instance in which they swore, seems you might have been pre-disposed to reach a certain verdict. swearing though, especially at a college level, is hardly a problem.  2) don't agree that Amherst is any more inclined than another team to go in on dirty/reckless challenges. 3) yelling at the ref for every call, I agree with you there.  that drives me crazy. 4) I dont blame Fikke, I actually see that as classless on the other end.  You know he is going to throw it long and hard, if you dont want to get hit, dont stand where he releases it.

second, I have never read LaPaz's comments as classes.  This is a message board, your are allowed to be critical. It is not being broadcast at Bates, Middlebury, Amherst where players can't avoid it.  Also, nothing has crossed a line.  Bates is bad, Midd had a weak year, and Amherst plays a direct style (though poor is in the eye of the beholder).

Lastly, Meisel as player of the year is preposterous.  He may a decent player, fine leader and so on but you can write that story for so many players.  Colby was really bad in conference this year, and this is a conference award. This award will deservedly go to Noon. An all conference selection, first or second team, would be a more fitting accolade.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on November 05, 2012, 10:07:05 AM
LaPaz: For the record I'm not an Amherst parent, player, alum or fan or other Amherst poster - just wanted to know more about such a serious charge as classlessness.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 05, 2012, 11:42:28 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on November 04, 2012, 11:10:53 PM
Tufts 3-3-1 record aganist ranked teams is hard to ignore. They might have a shot. Wes is done. As far as Amherst and classy being in the same sentence.........ur on ur own with that one.....They were definitly the better team and they are senior laden and this has to be there year for a run at the title but as a neutral observer they are a classless team when it comes to sportsmanship and it all starts at the top with Serpone. Williams looked tired on the day and definitly were sleeping the first half. Not sure why Rashid and Ebobise and User did not start but they didnt make a difference when they were on the field anyway. Amherst plays hard and there high pressure was to much for Williams to handle. They have a very solid 11 and it just seemed they wanted it more than Williams. This should propel Amherst with a ton of confidence and anything short of San Antonio would be considered a failure for them. For Wiliams, they are not a final four team but should not hit the panic button just yet. 13-1-3 is nothing to feel bad about plus 4-1-3 aganist ranked teams and non conf wins over RPI, Babson and Westfield St all NCAA teams either thru AQ or Pool C. They should get a decent draw and Russo has been doing this for 35 years so I am sure if they have to face Amherst again they will come up with a different plan.
LaPaz
It is a shame that more of the NESCAC teams are not able qualify for the NCAA tournament as 2/3+ of CAC teams have outstanding records, vs strong SOS's and would beat up on a good proportion of the Auto Qualifiers.  Just too many excellent players/programs in this one Conference for its own good, so to speak.  But we all have to play by NCAA selection rules.  For example, I think Wesleyan has the team that could go deep in this tourney, Tufts as well. feel a bit sorry for these fantastic student athletes, (especially seniors) who will not have a chance to play in an NCAA National tournament!! 
And Oh, BTW Congrats to Amherst, (and amh63) for winning the CAC tourney!!
and PS, People can get pretty touchy on these boards and have thier feeling hurt easily ::), I know as my K points were decimated for criticizing the D-III basketball pre season polls, but +1K for your comments which are always made with a keen perception of the topic.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 05, 2012, 11:52:04 AM
Good post ECSUalum!  Just playing the other great NESCAC opponents each week (apart from attending fine academic institutions) is one of the reasons our sons and daughters are so blessed, even if they are never fortunate enough to play in the NCAA tourney . . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on November 05, 2012, 12:15:33 PM
I would say that passion causes all of us from time to time to get  a bit too agressive while making our points.
I do think that Lapaz knows the game however and makes some worthy observations.
As for myself, having seen seen/played Amherst and Williams in the tourney and  I can say that along with Messiah and Wheaton , they are  among the most competitive teams in College Soccer year in year out.
They make the NESCAC a respected league, the league also has some other very good teams, and I see better things coming for Hamilton once they get accustomed to the level/style of play.

I could see either team making the final 4 this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 05, 2012, 12:29:36 PM
Go to the excellent report (November 4, 2012), on front D3Soccer page, At-large berth analysis and predictions by Christan Shirk
which provides analysis and statistics on the AQ's, the Pool B/C candidates as well as all NCAA, (3rd week) regional rankings.  Interesting seeing all the SOS's of the teams and their records vs regionally ranked teams.  Check out all the CACteams.

Actually, here it is:  http://www.d3soccer.com/columns/around-the-nation/2012/at-large-analysis-and-predictions
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 05, 2012, 01:36:53 PM
Watched the NCAA D-III Mens Soccer Selection Show @1 pm, on NCAA.com.   Amherst, Williams, Tufts, Wesleyan are in!!!!!!!!!!  Congrats

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 05, 2012, 01:53:18 PM
The 2012 Bracket is now posted on NCAA.com and you can Watch a replay of NCAA.com D-III Mens Soccer Selection Show:  http://www.ncaa.com/video#!soccer-men/2012-11-05/diii-mens-soccer-2012-selection-show.

Host institutions are Williams College, Brandies U, and Swathmore College.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 05, 2012, 03:15:48 PM
Thnaks for the support..er karma pt....ECSU ALUM....Amherst a great draw....Tufts gets in with a decent regional record and suprisingly I think gets a good draw....Williams hosts and gets decent draw but SLU must be licking their chops at Williams' field dimensions and most shockingly Wesleyan #1 gets in and albeit has to go to Stevens but to play Haverford in 1st round...I believe Wheeler from Wesleyan is on the commitee and I kno he cannot be in the room when they are discussing his team but I am really suprised at that selection. Anyway good luck to all
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 05, 2012, 03:56:36 PM
ECSU.....thanks for the thought.. and the NCAA info on this board.  I see that your team has the pleasure to travel up to "Willie" town....after the first round.  Good luck!  Maybe our teams will meet sometime down the road.
LePaz....I wanted to point out earlier to you that Frank U. is a Williams grad. and presently lives in Williamstown.  He probably was watching the Amherst vs. Williams game last Sunday.  Calling him an Amherst supporter is a BIG insult.  Glad that Frank cleared that point with you.   
I actually may get to see the Amherst match this coming Sunday!  I will be up at Amherst for Homecoming events and other matters.  Must say hello to Noon's parents again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 05, 2012, 04:53:02 PM
Quote from: amh63 on November 05, 2012, 03:56:36 PM
ECSU.....thanks for the thought.. and the NCAA info on this board.  I see that your team has the pleasure to travel up to "Willie" town....after the first round.  Good luck!  Maybe our teams will meet sometime down the road.
LePaz....I wanted to point out earlier to you that Frank U. is a Williams grad. and presently lives in Williamstown.  He probably was watching the Amherst vs. Williams game last Sunday.  Calling him an Amherst supporter is a BIG insult.  Glad that Frank cleared that point with you.   
I actually may get to see the Amherst match this coming Sunday!  I will be up at Amherst for Homecoming events and other matters.  Must say hello to Noon's parents again.
Was debating if I should make the 2.5 hr ride, (one way), from lower Fairfield County CT and watch in the cold Berkshires, or just watch on what is a very good stream out of Williams from the comfort of my office,....hmmmmm.... I think I may stay home.  Yeah the Lord Jeffs gave us a wooping last year 4-2.  Hopefully if we meet, we can do better.
Anyway we wish the LJs good luck and a smooth path to the D-III finals, I think they have the team to do it this year, (Hope the Noone, Heo, Bull, and the Sucre boys are all healthy), however, those guys from Messiah are going to be tough at the Blossom in San Antonio!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NescacPlayer on November 05, 2012, 11:22:08 PM
Played in the league recently, but not going to reveal my allegiances.  Thought a player's perspective would be refreshing.

Surprised to see four at-large bids for the league, although Tufts and Wes are clearly worthy of the selection. Don't sleep on the Cardinals in the tourney.

Amherst clearly the class of the league in 2012.  Direct approach gets it done for a second straight year, but will be interesting to see how they match up against more possession oriented teams (i.e. Messiah).  Freshman keeper looks like the real deal. 

Looks like Williams has the toughest potential matchup this weekend in St. Lawrence. I'm sure the Ephs would rather have Tufts' draw.  Santos is a huge loss for Tufts who, IMO, is easily the best attacking player in the league (followed by Heo). 

Hopefully these four schools represent the conference well and make a run at a national title.

P.S: Good to see someone finally call out LaPaz. Consistently fills this thread with nonsense and is more focused on trolling than providing any semblance of insight.  Additionally, we should buy him/her some earmuffs so he/she doesn't poison his virgin ears.  ;D

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on November 06, 2012, 08:24:10 AM
LaPaz has actually been one of the top contributors to this thread as well as this board. He knows the game and the league well. Just because people may not like what he has to say doe not mean he is "trolling". He's made some pretty spot on observations about some the teams in both how they play and act as well. The way I see it there are no offensive words, only offended people. No need to resort to name calling either.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on November 06, 2012, 11:06:23 AM
I hold no brief for Serpone, but didn't LaPaz effectively call, on this board, Serpone classless?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on November 06, 2012, 02:25:21 PM
Well, yeah, but that's because Serpone is classless. LaPaz and many others, myself included, have witnessed this. I should have made it clear that it was the manner of name calling, not the actual name calling itself, that I had issue with...So as to not derail the thread too much...

I will be at one of the NESCAC sites this weekend. It will be interesting to see another NESCAC team besides Amherst play for once.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on November 06, 2012, 03:23:30 PM
Alright, folks, we got it, you don't like Serpone. But let's keep the axe-grinding to a minimum and focus on the soccer itself, if that's right.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacCaptain on November 06, 2012, 03:43:01 PM
I'm also a recent player in the league. I've seen every team play at least once this year.

Amherst was by far the best team.  But, having played them the past 4 years, I agree they (and Serpone) have 0 class whatsoever which is disappointing.  That said, I believe they will make a run in the tournament, but are certainly beatable as well. I'm shocked they've only allowed 2 goals.

Wesleyan should not have gotten in but could win a game or two as they are solid.

Congrats to Tufts on making the tourney for the first time in quite a while. They are my dark horse. I hear Santos may be back and they've played very well even without him.  Unlucky to have lost in PKs.

Williams is solid but, having seen them play this weekend, I fear they play too direct for a team not having the same talent up top as Amherst. Than could keep them in games (as he did against Tufts) but I don't see them going too deep.

Another great year for the NESCAC. I know we are all proud to be involved in this wonderful sports conference.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacFan12 on November 06, 2012, 03:54:07 PM
First time poster, former player, and long-time follower of the boards. Can't say I agree with the "classless" Amherst comment. They get a bad rep for having the loudest bench and a coach that is of a different mold than the traditional "old school" successful nescac coaches Saward and Russo. Also don't think they would be getting nearly as much negative press on these boards if they weren't dominant--no one cares if they are losing. Serpone has to be doing something right, you can't argue with 6 straight NCAA appearances, 1 final four, and 3 nescac titles...

That being said, I wanted to get the nescac awards discussion going. Can Amherst sweep the awards? (noon - POY, freshman goalie - FOY, and serpone COY) or does shapiro from tufts get the nod for COY? he took a tufts team that was terrible 3 years ago to an ncaa bid. Can't imagine anyone but noon and the amherst goalie winning the other two.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 06, 2012, 04:34:02 PM
CacFan12, your NESCAC award selections are solid.  Noon perhaps wins again, but was not as dominant this year, but then again, he probably didn't need to be.  Rashid from Williams is in the ROY discussion.  Shapiro has made Tufts into a real challenger for league title and deserves COY award.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 06, 2012, 11:05:38 PM
Nescac Player I wouldnt waste my time on here to "troll" as u say. U smell of Lord Jeff allegiance so I could care less anyway...Amherst can and has beaten some very good possesion teams this year like say Williams and if u actually followed the league Colby. Colby I would be willing to bet out possessed every team they played. They did it to a damaging degree ...i.e. little 10 ft square balls out of the back instead of hoofing it like Amherst does. #10 Rico actually makes Amherst a more possessing team than people give them credit for. He has subbed well for the injured #4 Sucre. Like I said before if Amherst doesnt win 3 games and make it to San Antonio with that talent the season will be a failure for them. Like the failures of the Williams Jamaican teams of the early 2000's in the NCAA's , but you prob wouldnt remember all that history.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacFan12 on November 07, 2012, 09:44:41 AM
In response to the comparison of "possession oriented" teams to teams (like Amherst) who "hoof it," I think, with all due respect, we are overestimating the quality of NESCAC players. As a former player myself, I love the NESCAC and think it is the best and most competitive league in DIII. That being said, this is DIII soccer. True, Colby has pratt and meisel who can dink and dunk 10 ft square balls all day, but at the end of the day, the big, bruising athletes (Sucres, O'Neill, etc.) are going to win out because that is the nature of the league. The players (but for a select few since the Williams' Jamaicans graduated) do not have the quality to string together 15 passes, swing a ball in, and score. If they could do that successfully, I submit that they would. Especially when teams play as high pressure as they do, it is unrealistic to expect these players to be able to do that. This league is about winning games, and the formula to do that (in all of DIII) is defend, win the physical battle (i.e., first and second balls, set pieces), and find a way to score a goal. If you look at the last four NESCAC final four runs, this is the makeup of a good team. Middlebury 07 (national champs, HUGE defenders, 0 goals in semis or finals), Amherst 08 (something crazy like 10 straight shutouts), Williams 09 (conor smith, mike vella--big athletes), and Bowdoin 10 (call nichols, sean bishop, denton-schneider big, strong guys). This is how you win in DIII. You play to win games, ugly or not. I think Serpone understands that. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 07, 2012, 11:12:05 AM
I am in agreement with you. 2010 Bowdoin went because of the long thrower and set pieces. Amherst always plays like that and Midd also. I was commendeing Colby for trying to play differently, which they did and failed at. They possessed incredibly well for the talent they had but failed because they did not have a go to striker to score goals. Aubin is not the answer. Williams in 2009 had 4 HUGE backs Smith, Vella, Vestegaard and Ratachuck but ehy also had creative front players and an all out 2 strikers in Pierre and Romero. The weakness of that team was their midfield. Bowdoin in 2010 was up a goal with 2 minutes left and couldnt hang on in the semis otherwise we would have seen that style aganist Messiah in the finals. That would have been interesting. Midd won in 2007 without scoring a goal in the semis and finals. It was ugly but effective but they got there because of an all out D and Ftorek as a dangerous striker. I agree with all your points Nescac is a physical league and Amherst right now is that team to beat.  I was just commending Colby for the way they tried to play. It failed as you can look at there record but during the flow of the game it was much more fun to watch than these "thugs" on some of these teams winning air balls flicking it to frwds and running to the corners. Even Wesleyan in there 4-4-1-1 is extremely defensive but they can be creative up top with Rodriguez but they have no finisher. This is just rambling but a fun rambling. Thanks for the response
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 07, 2012, 11:19:56 AM
Maybe Serpone's sportmanship is rubbing off on the womens coach also...if u havent seen this , which u prob have then please watch..Any Amherst people want to defend this class act?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytOgjiq8Qxw&feature=related


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 07, 2012, 02:43:14 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on November 07, 2012, 11:19:56 AM
Maybe Serpone's sportmanship is rubbing off on the womens coach also...if u havent seen this , which u prob have then please watch..Any Amherst people want to defend this class act?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytOgjiq8Qxw&feature=related

Should have been a RED CARD!!!!!!!!!  For a young women who I would presume has a bit more intelligence than average, it was a stupid cynical play. 
Just a comment on above discussion re physical style of play, ECSU had to put up with being literally mugged in two games with UMass Dartmouth at the end of the regular season.  UMD who led the LEConference with a 1.53 yellows/game, ( I am sure they also had 4-5 red cards as I saw 2 myself),  Keene was next with a 1.21 avg and ECSU with 0.47/game average.  UMD has a very good technical team, but give up SOO many set pieces, (and ultimately the goals that result), due to what I define as dumb fouls, yellow/red cards.  I had posted on the LEC page how a couple of UMD player had it in for one of our top players/scorers Cory Tobler, who was taken out of the game(s) a couple of times based on nasty UMD tackles.  Fortunately Cory is a tough kid who generally keeps his cool, and a bit lucky or he would be out injured this year.
Part of the problem can be the referee not controlling a game, which I have seen with UMD.  So, UMD's VG technical passing game, most of the time offset by their poor physical play.
In watching Amherst play, I see physicality, but not with malice.  Amherst just has some very big, very good players.  Cannot comment on the bench trash mouth, but that should be controlled by the coach to some extent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC Attack on November 07, 2012, 04:22:22 PM
Former player, reader for the past 5 years, decided to enter the action. I wanted to swing the conversation back towards all-nescac awards and teams. I have Heo as my POY after I realized Amherst has won the league every year he has been there (left for 2, not sure why, I think military related?), either Amherst GK or Rashid from Williams as ROY, and Shapiro COY -- turned around Tufts program in no time and they are my dark horse to win the league next year. You could pick Serpone as Cacfan suggested, but winning the league with the most talented group doesn't do much for me, we'll see how the NCAAs treat them.

As for teams, I haven't watched enough to attempt to construct them, but I think Ratajczak (best defender in the league hands down), Purdy, Noon, Heo, Santos, O'Neill, Meisel, and maybe Murphy would all be 1st team. I didn't see enough of the league this year to offer a 2nd group. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacFan12 on November 07, 2012, 04:56:58 PM
CAC Attack, glad to see another recent player on here. Maybe we played each other?

Heo is a nice pick for POY but if there's a lord jeff who takes the award its Noon. Consistently the league's top forward. Speaking of Amherst, does anyone know the deal with this Mikey Hokesma (?), the kid plays rarely but all he does on the field is produce goals (league leader in assists.) Am I missing something here or does he deserve a look for second team all-nescac?

I would actually throw Hoppenot from tufts on the first team as well. Dangerous player and often overlooked next to santos
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 07, 2012, 06:09:48 PM
He probably gathered his goals and assists with the worst 4 non team schedule in Nescac history for Amherst..Maybe he got a couple in the 6-0 trashing of Colby Sawyer or those tough matches aganist Lesley and Curry.

COY-Shapiro
POY-Noon
ROY-Bull

But as you will see just like last year the coaches vote for All-Americans and the coaches do not like Amherst. Noon was POY lst year and not even a 3rd team All-American...So these things are useless to discuss.

1st team

GK-Finan
D-Brewster
D-Nowak
D-Norton
D-Ratachuck ( but he wasnt as good this year in my opinion and injured alot)
M-El-Hacheem
M-Meisel
M-Murphy
M-O'Neal
F-Noon
F-Heo
F/M-Sucre
F-
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 07, 2012, 06:22:31 PM
Guys, you are overlooking Aoyama from Amherst. He's the most skilled player on that team and can do anything he wants with the ball--including picking it out of others' pockets (just ask any of Williams' forwards ;D). We all know how it is for backs and not getting any love from the all-star committees... Thing is, the guy is the real deal. Exchange him for the guy you said hasn't played much this season. If he were playing closer to the opponents' goal, he'd be leading the league in assists at the very least. Check him out this weekend: deft, clever/imaginative, aware. Caslin also works magic in possession. Magic.

Oh, and I'll take credit for being the first to propose Bull as ROY.  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccer121285 on November 07, 2012, 09:29:52 PM
LaPaz, thank you for welcoming me to the "real world" but I am quite aware of what my values are and what it looks like to cross a line. 

My real world is one in which I have run a successful business, had my share of success, was lucky enough to marry a beautiful women and have healthy, happy children of which I am very proud.  At no point is criticizing DIII soccer players and coaches in a public forum part of my "real world".

I'd guess that you are either a Williams coach, parent or player who doesn't deal all that well with losing. Sure, you try and mask your overall sentiment with slight Williams criticism (or purposely misspelling the names of the Williams players) but your overall agenda is to discredit Middlebury, Amherst, Bowdoin and whatever other NESCAC school is winning at the moment.  I think that most readers of this thread are smart enough to recognize that. 

Regardless, I will say a prayer for you and I hope that you come to terms with whatever inner anger/issues that you might have.   

I will continue to marvel at the quality of NESCAC soccer and I wish Wesleyan, Amherst, Williams and Tufts the very best in the NCAA tournament.  The opportunity to study and play soccer at any of the 11 schools in the NESCAC is something special, to be able to do it in postseason play surely will create lifelong memories.  Good luck to all!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 07, 2012, 09:34:21 PM
ok we agree to disagree. i will continue in my world and u continue in urs...but thanks for sharing ur life story
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on November 08, 2012, 03:40:35 AM
Welcome to Snark Central.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 08, 2012, 11:58:50 AM
Checking the list of first round NCAA mens soccer games for this weekend, it shows Live Stats and video for the Williams Thomas game but only Live Stats for the ECSU St Law. game,  Does anyone know if the ECSU game will be streamed??
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 08, 2012, 12:45:47 PM
Boy this Amherst chick throw in thing has gone national....seriosly what is this AD doing down there...I understand winning, but win with some class

http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2012/11/05/sometimes-in-womens-soccer-hitting-an-opponent-in-the-face-once-with-a-throw-in-just-isnt-enough-video/


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacFan12 on November 08, 2012, 01:48:30 PM
More All-NESCAC talk. the awards are up: http://nescac.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/honors/allconference

I'm not sure I could be more surprised and disappointed by the choices. In my opinion, these awards have lost what little credibility they had.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on November 08, 2012, 02:01:42 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on November 08, 2012, 12:45:47 PM
Boy this Amherst chick throw in thing has gone national....seriosly what is this AD doing down there...I understand winning, but win with some class

http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2012/11/05/sometimes-in-womens-soccer-hitting-an-opponent-in-the-face-once-with-a-throw-in-just-isnt-enough-video/
In 2010 the men's goalie at the time proceeded to run up to St. Lawrence's fans after they (Amherst) had just won in the second round of the NCAA tourney and threw the ball at them from only a few yards away. I'm inclined to view these two incidents as related.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Deuce on November 08, 2012, 03:00:46 PM
Quote from: Sandy on November 08, 2012, 02:01:42 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on November 08, 2012, 12:45:47 PM
Boy this Amherst chick throw in thing has gone national....seriosly what is this AD doing down there...I understand winning, but win with some class

http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2012/11/05/sometimes-in-womens-soccer-hitting-an-opponent-in-the-face-once-with-a-throw-in-just-isnt-enough-video/
In 2010 the men's goalie at the time proceeded to run up to St. Lawrence's fans after they (Amherst) had just won in the second round of the NCAA tourney and threw the ball at them from only a few yards away. I'm inclined to view these two incidents as related.

As a SLU player at the time, I couldn't believe my eyes when their GK drop kicked the ball into our student section from 10 feet away, as a group of 5-7 other players ran up the birm towards our fans and proceeded to taunt them and spit at them.

Never in my life have I seen a college team act like this. If the soccer gods really exist, Amherst will go out in a very, very cruel way this year. Hopefully at the hands of my Saints.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: keeker on November 08, 2012, 05:17:02 PM
Quote from: nescacsoccer on November 04, 2012, 05:20:44 PM
well well deserved title for Amherst.   Serpone gets a lot of crap and is not the most well liked coach by opposing teams, but three NESCAC titles in his first six years is special.  He had his team up for this game, Russo did not.  Hats off to him.
Serpone  is a good, hard working, and dedicated kid. I would say he was instrumental in turning around northwestern's program when lenahan brought him in as his 1st assistant. He did everything from recruiting to butt-kissing local youth soccer teams to bring more awareness to the nu soccer program. He told me he was also busy reading moneyball by michael lewis because northwestern only gave out 4.4 scholarship and they needed to find players that were flying under the radar of more prestigious d1s. Glad to see him bring same success to duke and now, as a head coach, to Amherst. Still can't believe how he played goalie for drew when he's barely 5ft tall.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacsoccer on November 08, 2012, 07:07:09 PM
The girl throwing the ball twice at her head, is that intentional? That is really poor if it is.  Sandy, viewing that as related to anything that happens with the men's team is foolish.  Tying is back to the AD, LaPaz, is equally silly. All the people disparaging Amherst share one thing in common: they lost to them.  It reads as bitter.  Deuce, I was not present for the incident you refer to, but read that as a pretty one-sided account.  Even if those actions were exactly as you describe, I can't imagine there is a piece of the story that is being left out, or that you are just unaware of.

Turning to the NESCAC awards...what a complete joke. Purdy? Purdy had a strong freshman season and since then as been just average.  Stats wise he is middle of the pack goalie and didn't strike me as being too special in anything I saw this year. If you want to go goalie, I would select Finan.  Do you think he was knocked because Morrell also gets time? Noon or Heo are the only two field player choices in my eyes, which is where I think the award should have gone..  Noon if your judging production, Heo if your looking at the person who most impacts each game.  That Heo isn't on the first team...c'mon. User from Williams also probably deserved at least second team recognition. Nizzi from Hamilton perhaps as well.  It seems there is a concerted effort to get someone from as many teams as possible represented on one of the teams.  Not sure I agree with that philosophy.

Also, are these awards not a bit hypocritical? I grant that comparing a goalie and field player is a difficult task, but if in POY you value a goalie over a field player how does Bull not win rookie of the year over Rashid? Bull didn't have to do much, but when called upon stepped up. Hard to overlook 12 shutouts (really 15, in three games he didn't get credit for a shutout because he was pulled).

Final piece to address in the All-Nescac nonsense.  This goes back to everyone disliking Serpone (which I also do, but not the degree other seems to).  I dont think he will ever win the award (conversely, it  the rest of the NESCAC coaches would be willing to kiss Russo's hands).  It seems to be accepted that getting to the top is easy, staying at the top is incredibly difficult.  Undefeated a year after winning the title, dominant both offensively and defensively, losing a top player/captain, and thoroughly out coaching your opponent in the conference title game (my understanding is that the voting happens after, or at least is based solely on the regular season, but it helps make my point).  Serpone seems like an obvious choice.  Yes this is Amherst heavy, but they were the decidedly the best team in the league this year, so that makes sense.  As far as Shapiro's involvement in this debate, I agree what he has done at Tufts is tremendous and they will be in contention for the next couple years.  But this award is just for 2012.  Several posters, myself and LaPaz included, noted at the start of the year that Tufts was a talented team.  I expected them to push Amherst and Williams all year.  At the end of the day I actually feel they underperformed this year in not finished above Wesleyan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on November 08, 2012, 09:13:48 PM
I'm not saying they're directly related. I was thinking more in terms of the culture that exists there that allows these types of actions to foster. Losing does not make me resent a team either. Being an ass does. Serpone knows how to coach, as is obvious with his success. No one is saying he can't and no one hates him for winning. His actions and that of his players sometimes however......

The fans were heckling the keeper and other players, something they do quite frequently. That happens. What shouldn't happen is running up and chucking the ball from a few yards away at their heads after you've just won though. Simple as that. There are other accounts of this that will tell you more or less the same thing. I know you can't take our word for it but it certainly happened.



How is Williams's field? I'm asking about quality, dimensions, overall playability really. I assume they got some snowfall earlier this week. Will this affect the conditions all that much? Same goes for the other sites as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TerrasIrradient on November 08, 2012, 10:05:27 PM
First time poster. Had to respond to this diatribe against Amherst and shed a little light...

"Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another, but let him work diligently and build one for himself...The desire to destroy what others build has it's roots in the soil of envy."

Lapaz while you do seem to have watched a lot of Nescac soccer, you are blinded when it comes to the jeffs. They've been one of top 5 teams in the region, if not the best one, for the past 5-6 years. No team plays beautiful soccer. As a previous poster mentioned, it's the nescac. It's tough, hard nosed soccer and winning 1st and 2nd balls. 80% of it is ugly 100% of the time. But that other 20% can sometimes be pretty special. This goes for every single team in the CAC...all capable of special moments, but not 90 minutes of great soccer. You seem to begrudge Amherst's "style" simply because they have size and are capable of scoring on a lot of set pieces. You describe them scoring goals on set pieces as "hoofing" it forward as if every team in the Nescac does not try to do the same thing on set pieces...score goals.

The jeffs, as well as many teams in the league, are indeed capable of doing some very special things in the final third with their creative attacking core. Sandy and deuce, for your viewing pleasure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bimkPkIu-Ck&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I'd like to congratulate Amherst, Williams, tufts and Wesleyan on great seasons. Filled out my bracket and have each of them going deep. Looking for a tufts/Williams rematch and a surprise to the rest of the country wih a deep run from a tough Wesleyan squad.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 08, 2012, 10:36:14 PM
I am officially done talking about these Jeffs....In fact I hope they lose now so all these Jeff fans go away. Can someone explain to me how Russo was "outcoached" in the final like a previous poster wrote. I think Amherst just has more takent thean Williams, nothing to do with coaching. I would take 35 years of winning and coaching experience over some irrational hothead anyday. The point of all this is that this coahces mentality or his disorder is affecting his players attitudes and it all starts at the top, and yes I blame the AD for leting this crap go on without discipline of any kind. He was reprimanded at the 2008 NCAA by the NCAA and Amherst swept that under the rug. He's a NUTJOB end of story
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccer121285 on November 08, 2012, 10:57:58 PM
LaPaz, once again you're the NUTJOB here. 

Please do all of us a favor and not only stop talking about the Jeffs but please stop talking about the other ten NESCAC teams as well.  No one respects you or your opinions.  One little dig at Williams and you show your true colors.  For what it's worth I thought Colby outplayed Williams for good stretches of the game this season.  We had the ball 60%-65% of the time.  Williams took their chances well and countered effectively but certainly not what they were cracked up to be. 

Glad to see Andrew Meisel recognized as first team All-NESCAC.  I still think he should have been considered for POY honors!

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on November 09, 2012, 02:05:31 AM
In this year's Amherst v Conn Coll game at Conn, an Amherst bench player ran over to a bell located near the Conn's field and rang it after each Amherst goal.  Clearly Amherst was amped up for this game since Conn had their number of late, but thats just ridiculous. 
Classless coach --> Classless team
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on November 09, 2012, 07:26:00 AM
I never said they weren't a good team and couldn't create goals...That's the first time I've seen those goals on video though and I see how easily those goals could have been avoided  :-\
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 09, 2012, 09:56:40 AM
soccer121285 your an idiot...I have been on this site for 2 years and kno the league much better than you. I have praised Colby enough. Meisel had a bad game aganist Williams and the final score was 4-0 williams. Doubt Colby outplayed them by your accoiunts. ONCE AGAIN I HAVE NO ALLEGIANCE TO WILLIAMS, but as you can see like other posters we are sick of the way Amherst has no class. I have no problem with them wining. JUSAT WIN WITH CLASS. I will keep posting on all teams regardless. You have 3 posts and take over this board.. DONT THINK SO..see ya next year
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TerrasIrradient on November 09, 2012, 11:15:27 AM
Final post about all this nonsense before my mind moves on to the NCAA tournament and watching some great DIII soccer (unfortunately via webcast instead of in person  :'()

This year and last year are the first two years that Serpone has had teams comprised of entirely players that he recruited if my math is correct. Putting the talent together and creating a team that runs like well oiled machine is part of the coaching process too.

2011: 16-2-2 Nescac Champs...Beat Trinity 1-0 in regular season and 2-0 in Nescac Finals
2012: 15-0-2 (so far) Nescac Champs....shutout Williams twice including 2-0 win in Final @Williams

I would like be so bold as to describe that as outcoaching....but the results speak for themselves.

LaPaz, thanks for the irony in your last post. I enjoyed it.

Good luck to all in the tourney, including SLU Sandy...would love to watch another match between SLU and Amherst if they are both fortunate enough to advance that far. It would be very intense I'm sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 09, 2012, 11:23:40 AM
your math is wrong..he's been there since 2007. been to one final four in 2008 in which he was reprimanded for bad behaviour. Goodings went to final four in 1997. They won with class and had some great teams as well..Thats one final four each..Being outcoached has nothing to do with records or any of that, it has to do with in game management and tactical changes. He definitly motivates his players. All I am saying is he and his team have no class after winning. Examples here have been mentioned at Conn, SLU and Williams.. the truth does not lie..players, i.e. kids in which they are take on the personality of their coach and in this case its getting ugly. My prediction is in the next 5 years there will be a huge incident at Amherst with all this nonsense and he will be right in the middle of it...You can see it coming
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on November 09, 2012, 12:12:48 PM
... guess you guys aren't going to take my advice about keeping the ax-grinding down? Seems like you have made your opinion clear.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GarbageGoals33 on November 09, 2012, 12:27:06 PM
The combativeness on this MB is borderline hilarious.  Too much Jersey Shore for you folks...

http://inthecac.wordpress.com/stuff-nescac-kids-like/


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Deuce on November 09, 2012, 01:11:15 PM
I'm going to reiterate my point in a civilized way. I am not trying to say that Serpone is not a good coach. That's not true. He's a tremendous coach, and has proved that with his track record since taking over.

As discussed, the manner in which they go about winning ( NOT TALKING ABOUT STYLE OF PLAY ), is unacceptable. The antics that go on with that program, starting from the bench through the players and back to the coach, are, BY ALL ACCOUNTS, despicable.

You've heard about the SLU incident from two separate players who were there at the time. Whether or not you want to believe it, it happened. The fans heckled, and the players took unacceptable actions towards spectators following the match.

Last year, we beat WNEU in OT at their field in front of a sizable crowd in the 2nd round. Did you see our players sprint straight towards their student section and throw the ball into them? Did you see me spit on their fans? No. We all followed the goal scorer to the corner and celebrated our victory as a team. The way you should. Now, let's put that to rest.

The point is that this was not an isolated incident, as noted by the several other posters on this thread. While in HS, I watched my cousin and his Bates side get knocked out of the NESCAC playoffs by Serpone's squad. I'm assuming most of you played college ball, and I'm also going to assume most of you did not win 4 straight NCAA titles, and have thus been knocked out at some point or another. It's the worst feeling you'll ever experience. Most of the time, players and coaches are gracious towards one another, recognizing the despair.

Not Serpone. I watched him run onto the field and flip off the entire Bates bench as he did so. Way to set an example, right?

I guess my true concern is for Amherst College. How can this go unpunished?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccer121285 on November 09, 2012, 01:49:46 PM
Deuce, I went back and checked because Bates hasn't made the playoffs in a bit and Amherst hasn't played in the NESCAC playoffs since Serpone has been the coach.  Maybe you are getting the teams confused that your cousin played for? Or maybe you're just vindictive???

All I know is when the Amherst coach played Colby this year he stabbed seven people, stole eight thousand dollars from the concession stand and then after they won 1-0, spit on the referees and scorekeepers.  What silliness. 

LaPaz, as for me being an idiot...I'd much rather have my son or any of his teammates play at Colby than to play at a place that has fans like you. All of my interactions with Williams people have been favorable up until this point.   I started on this board because I liked reading about the soccer in the league.  Now I just read you berate people that share different opinions from yourself.

Whether or not you care to admit it, Colby has outplayed Williams two times in a row.  Last year we outshot them 8-7 AT WILLIAMS, after a lousy PK call early in the game.  Oh, and in that game there was an awful foul by one of the Williams plays that could have broken a leg that resulted in a red card.   





Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC Attack on November 09, 2012, 02:12:50 PM
Just felt compelled...

Raised huge amounts of money and spread awareness for those who suffer from pedriatic cancer:
https://www.amherst.edu/athletics/misc/2009_10/1216_commservice

Stresses that academics come first to all of his players:
https://www.amherst.edu/athletics/teams/fall/soccer-m/articles/2009/1211_nscaa

Pretty decent success on the field too:
http://nescac.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/championship/release

Just relax.

Good luck to all in the NCAA tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 09, 2012, 03:00:25 PM
soccer121285-I realize you are trying to instigate me and trying to get me kicked off this site....I HAVE NO ALLEGIANCE TO WILLIAMS, as far as your constant Colby v Williams arguments...check ur facts ...since 2000 Williams is 12-0-1 aganist Colby with a 43-1 goal differential. That was easily looked up on the Williams website..YOU HAVE NO ARGUMENT HERE ....Colby is lucky to be playing past Oct 25th ever year...I have praised them for the way they tried to play this year albeiet unsuccessfully and there coach is a class act.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on November 09, 2012, 08:30:11 PM
Look, competition brngs out the best and the worst in all of us.
Deuce, I was at the WNEC game as well (we ran out of there with that one, great game great squad BTW).
I was also there 12 years ago. I have seen the sweetest kid (on the field and off) corvertly punch an opposing player, after seeing him rough up his freshman:)
This is the game we love, and passion goes both ways. Now, we all have our opinion of certain coaches, but lets agree that all us has beens can be annanommous( unless one has  a keen eye and memory), Coaches however, cannot be, and this is the internet where ones reputation can take a hit.
I say we say something nice, or nothing at all.
Or atleast say it in a way that shows some tact.

Amherst is a great squad, obviously coached quite well!!!
They must take the crown to truly join the ranks of the elite however.

Good luck to all  big squads and Cinderellas out there.

The slipper might yet fit in 2012...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacsoccer on November 10, 2012, 11:33:08 AM
Like a Saint from above, delivering a bit of sanity
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 10, 2012, 04:12:47 PM
Congratulations to the St Lawrence Saints on their 2-1 2OT victory over the ECSU Warriors.  Complete domination and well deserved.
A painful game to watch!!!! from 15min in, we could not to keep ball posession and collapsed into a defense that could not hold the lead!!! ::)
Also congrats to Williams College Ephs, should be a great game tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccitome on November 10, 2012, 09:22:30 PM
There's a saying "my mind is made up, don't confuse me with facts."  At the risk of confusing the posters who have slammed Amherst, I joined the Board yesterday only to inject some facts into the discussion.  This is my first and last post

Fact No. 1 -- Amherst was tied for 5th in yellow cards in the NESCAC this season; tied for 7th (with 4 other teams) in 2011; and tied for 6th in 2010.  In other words, over the past 3 years, Amherst has been in the lower half of the conference in yellow cards.

Fact No. 2 -- Until Justin Serpone, there has never been a NESCAC coach that was not named Coach-of-the-Year when his team both won the league regular season (outright last year) and the league tournament.

Fact No. 3 – In Serpone's first year, he started at Amherst a "Friends of Jaclyn Foundation" program that is designed "to improve the quality of life for children with [malignant] pediatric brain tumors and their families by pairing them with college and high school athletic teams."  His team "adopted" a 7 year-old boy who with a life-threatening brain tumor.  Now in remission, he remains an integral part of the team.  For some games, he sits in the bench and is part of team huddles.  At least four other Amherst teams have now adopted a Friends of Jaclyn child, and the entire athletics department holds an annual race walk – initially organized and staffed by Serpone and his players -- that has drawn more than 1,000 people and raised over $15,000 for the Foundation.  As Serpone says, "[the team's "adoptee"] gets the love and support of an entire team and my guys get the opportunity to grow as adults."  No other NESCAC team participates in Friends of Jaclyn, although the program has spread to over 300 schools. 

Fact No. 4 -- Amherst soccer perennially has more NESCAC All-Academic Team members than any other team.  In 2011, 14 players were on the league All-Academic squad compared to 5 for Williams.  Remarkably, 10 of Amherst's 14 were starters.

Fact No. 5 – Amherst soccer is the only NESCAC team to place 2 players (both starters) on the 2012 Capital One All-Academic First District Team (Division III).  There are only 12 players chosen in each of 8 districts.  Trinity, Tufts, and Wesleyan had a player on a District team.  In 2011, Amherst had 4 players (all starters) of the 12 named to the District team, more than any other Division III school in the country. 

Fact No. 6 -- Players in every sport (no matter the level) become heated in competition, and act in a way that he or she ultimately regrets.  None of the Amherst slammers has ever spoken with a player a day (or even an hour) after some stupid show of emotion. 

Fact No. 7 -- Deuce calls the Amherst program "despicable."  What's way beyond despicable are fans who call a German keeper "Kraut" and a center back with a common Jewish surname "Jew."  And it's disgusting to taunt these players with statements like "how's it feel for a Kraut and a Jew to play so close to one another?"  (I was at the St. Lawrence game). 

Based on the facts, it Amherst is an exemplary program for others to replicate, not revile.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on November 10, 2012, 10:25:53 PM
I think the discussion has been exhausted soccitome. Party is over. I'm tired of talking about it. I'm sorry I fueled the fire even. Yes, Serpone has done some great things off the field, we get it. I have heard this from others and I believe it to be true. Regardless of his success on and off the field though, he sometimes just behaves poorly as a coach in ways that are unbecoming of someone in his position. That's it in a nutshell really...

So let's talk about soccer.

Was anyone at the Williams game today? I managed to catch the second half and it seemed Thomas was playing pretty well against them up until they tied it up and even a little afterwards. Their #19 was running through the Williams defense with ease at times it seemed. They could have gone up 2-1 even if it weren't for a poor phantom call by the referee. From what I saw Williams's midfield and forwards are their strength, and it showed as the game progressed. They took control of the game and should have had 1-2 more goals if it weren't for Thomas's keeper. Williams does have good size in the back, but it seems, at least their left back, can be exploited with speed, as a few of the faster Thomas players had their way with him at times.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccitome on November 10, 2012, 11:11:39 PM
It's not just Serpone, but the Amherst players were widely impugned.  "Dirty," despicable," "outrageous" were just some of the adjectives.  I'm pleased the facts finally exhausted the discussion, which is so often the case.     
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on November 10, 2012, 11:37:25 PM
I meant that it was exhausted before you gave us your list, as the discussion was going nowhere fast.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Centennial1 on November 11, 2012, 10:27:54 AM
I have been a long time lurker here and have had no intentions of posting, but this topic motivated me to beat this pretty dead horse--so apologies to the thread--but I must opine. I coached at all levels of soccer, including a decade at D3, and never did I see behavior like that of the Amherst coach. I watched him with amazement over a couple of matches, and was saddened to see a coach modelling his berzerk antics to student athletes. I won't bother to detail what I saw, but it has colored my opinion of Amherst College.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on November 11, 2012, 05:00:47 PM
Quote from: soccitome on November 10, 2012, 11:11:39 PM
I'm pleased the facts finally exhausted the discussion, which is so often the case.   

Your 'fact' list didn't shut things down, just the realization that the Amherst contingent defending Serpone is a lost cause and people aren't going to bother anymore did.  Just the same as people stopped bothering with the Indiana-Bobby Knight apologists and the PSU-Paterno apologists.  The ends never justify the means.

Fact #1:  In your first post you stated: "This is my first and last post."

Fact #2: The quote above was taken from your 2nd post - a post that you specifically stated would never exist.

Fact #3: If you respond to this post it will be your 3rd post, and ironically will now become your last post.

Fact #4:  I'm starting to like making these little Fact lists. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jim Matson on November 11, 2012, 10:49:41 PM
Wow, enough on the subject! This conference is better than the direction this thread is going.... ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 12, 2012, 07:26:26 AM
Amherst seems to have a knack for finding really, really good coaches who are so despised by their peers that they fail to receive COY awards accordingly.  (Hixon is another example).  But I agree, this conversation has grown pretty damn stale, especially when there are other things (like two NESCAC teams in the same Sweet 16 section!) worthy of discussion ...

So, back to soccer, next weekend Amherst will (I assume) host the most academically-inclined soccer sectional in college soccer history: Amherst v. Swarthmore, and Williams v. Brandeis.  Amherst will, of course, be a big favorite, but all four teams have impressive records.  Whatever happens, the winner of the sectional can at least claim to be king of nerds ... I put the odds of a NESCAC team advancing to the Final Four at about 80 percent.  And with Messiah on the other side of the bracket entirely, the sky's the limit. 

Williams seems to have a problem coming out of the gates ... they gave up goals in the first minute of play in two of their last three games (Amherst and St. Lawrence).  They seem to get stronger as the game goes along, numerous come-from-behind victories this season, I wonder why they consistently get off to such slow starts, though.  In all events, the Ephs certainly have a flair for the dramatic!  I just hope they can start strong vs. a Brandeis team which has posted extremely impressive results, and if they get past Brandeis, figure out a different strategy for an Amherst team that seems to be substantially larger, more experienced, and more talented overall. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacalum on November 13, 2012, 12:23:18 AM
Former player here, long time reader of the boards. Hopefully nescac1's post gets us back to the soccer.

Couple thoughts on last weekend first. Disappointing from a Wesleyan standpoint, they're a talented team with a couple guys in O'Neil and Purdy who will be extremely difficult to replace. I thought they were going to make a little noise (defend well, have a couple difference makers and some tournament experience).  In the game I saw this year the first-year left back was extremely impressive. Tufts just isn't there yet.  They will be at some point. Santos not playing hurts a lot.  He's so talented but maddening to watch because of it.  Sometimes he can drift in and out, but when he's on it's scary.

Only got to watch a little bit of the Amherst game via webcast, and from what I saw it was far closer than the scoreline indicates. While certainly the most talented team in the league right now, they are not unbeatable by any means.  Did see the goal by the freshman, which was impressive, in addition to Noon's toe-poke.  If Dickinson scores that breakaway that game changes significantly and is anyone's to win.

Williams and SLU (did not see the game) played exactly what'd you expect Williams and SLU to play if you know both programs.  Two possession oriented teams and fortunately for NESCAC fans Williams wins out. Unfortunate Demello was injured, he's as good as advertised and then some.

For the weekend:

Amherst v. Swat - Should be a battle with Swat having lost to Amherst at home during Amherst's final 4 run. While I think Amherst is beatable, I don't think they lose this one at home. 2-0 Amherst at home.

Williams v. Brandeis - Williams is baffling to me.  Having guys as talented as Rashid, Murrales, Madding, Ebo and Ratajczak and then having a couple guys who are very subpar athletically leads to some uneven games.  They look awesome and then pedestrian in the same game. Their outside backs have serious trouble with speed, you can tell by how many guys get rotated through those spots. Haven't seen Brandeis play but looking at results I think I like Williams in this one 1-0.

Sunday: Amherst v. Williams - It's extremely difficult to beat the same team 3 times in a year.  Russo did some weird stuff in the NESCAC final (anyone know why User, Ebo and Rashid didn't start?), which I don't think he'll do here. This is truly anyone's game to win but if Williams comes out flat again they'll get run over. Serpone has been an exhausting topic on this board but his teams are up for big games (methods to his madness are debatable but they are ready usually). This is a tough pick, but I just don't think the Williams outside backs can contain the Amherst wingers while Amherst's outside backs can contain the Williams guys (Aoyoma is the best player in the League in my opinion). Amherst 1-0 in OT

Long post, sorry, I'll get the hang of this eventually.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 13, 2012, 08:11:05 AM
Good post cacalum!  To answer your question, Russo has, on a few occasions this year, brought his star striker / play-making midfield guys off of the bench to start the second half of back-to-back games, particularly where (like in the NESCAC semis) the first half of those games ended in extra time.  I assume the thought process was, start with some fresher bodies and keep the scoring threats rested for later in the game.  Obviously that cost them a bit vs. Amherst, so I imagine he won't do that again even if Williams advances past Brandeis in an extra time game.  Critical for Williams to get off to a good start (if they can beat Brandeis, which is far from a sure thing) because the Amherst defense is so athletic and tough that if you fall behind early, it's almost impossible to compete. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 16, 2012, 09:47:57 AM
Good to see someone spreading the love for Aoyama, cacalum!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacFan12 on November 16, 2012, 01:17:27 PM
Wanted to weigh in with some predictions for the weekend. I, too, appreciate the love for Aoyama! In my opinion, Aoyama plays defense by necessity, and if he were playing on any other NESCAC team, he'd be a winger and maybe the best in the league. If anyone has seen him play (I admittedly have only seen him once or twice), he is an offensive minded player with elite defensive skills. Love watching him play.

Swat v. Amherst - Haven't seen swat play but know they play tough and could present a challenge for an Amherst team who thinks their ticket to San Antonio is all but guaranteed. I think this is a "trap" game--as much as that is possible in the sweet 16s (i think that says something about how dominant this amherst team has been). That being said, Serpone gets the team jacked up and ready to go, look for a big game from Mooney--swat struggles with speed from the wings and Mooney is a 5th year senior who steps up in big games (goal in the nescac finals, hat trick against SLU in 2011). He won't let his team go down. Amherst 2-1

Brandeis v. Williams - a real wild card game. i think williams is the product of a down year from the nescac and great (as always) coaching from COY russo. I do not think they are as talented as their record shows, and may show some immaturity at points (sophomore  grady seems like a ticking time bomb ready to get a red card). Don't know much about brandeis but they do play on turf and that could be interesting given amherst's field must be beat up at this point in the season. Wouldn't be surprised to see a OT game here. Rashid scores a late goal to tie it and I'll go a 2OT 1-1 finish with williams taking it in PKs.

Sunday:

Amherst - Williams: Can you ask for a better game? Rivalry game, 3rd time in a year, all bets are off. Too much talent on Amherst as they squeak by for their second trip to the final four in 5 years. 1-0. Noon puts the team on his back and makes a play to carry his team to San Antonio

cant wait to watch. good luck to all
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 17, 2012, 03:52:47 PM
Amherst wins 2-1 over Swat. and moves on to meet Williams on Sunday.  It was 1-0 t the half, Amherst in the lead.  It was 2-0 Amherst with about 20 plus minutes to go when Amherst was called for a "foul"?.....leading to a PK goal for Swat.  Amherst held off Swat. for the rest of the game.....taking shots and playing on the Swat. side of the field most of the time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacsoccer on November 17, 2012, 04:03:33 PM
It's the matchup that everyone expected.  Williams will certainly be more ready this time and I would be shocked if they dont come out firing given how the last meeting went.  However, I believe Amherst is clearly the better team.  Should be a great game that comes down to the wire.  I cant predict a result that is anything but a complete guess, just never know when rivals meet this late in the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacsoccer on November 18, 2012, 02:50:49 PM
Exciting back and forth game that's still 0-0 with just over 20 minutes left in the second half.  Amherst has unbelievably hit the cross bar four times including two on back to back shots form just out the 18.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 18, 2012, 03:25:26 PM
Heading to OT in Amherst.  Williams has received good fortune as noted due to the various shots hitting the woodwork.  Finan made two incredible saves, both on fantastic, curling rocket shots by Noon and Wirz, to keep Williams alive.  Williams had one GOLDEN opportunity with Kushaina having a point blank a few feet from the goal look with a minute left, but he had a very tough angle and couldn't quite find the netting.  Then, with 30 seconds left, came the rocket shot from outside the box by Wirz, which Finan just barely knocked over the crossbar.  Amherst is very, very talented across the board.  Guys who have massive throw-ins essentially make any out of bounds ball a corner kick in the top quarter of the field.  Aoyama and Rico looked very good in the midfield, and Amherst's D is well organized, and of course Noon in particular is dangerous as a finisher.  Rashid looked great for Williams but often seemed to be doing it alone, just did not get enough help and Williams, other than the one late opportunity, rarely seriously threatened.  Amherst, on the other hand, had multiple golden opportunities, and Williams has to thank a bit of luck and certainly Finan's heroics, allowing them to stay in the game until OT. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 18, 2012, 03:51:23 PM
Going to PKs in Amherst.  Williams picked up its play in OT, and the two teams were roughly even, both with a few good chances (including yet another crossbar shot by Amherst, and a few very dangerous balls for Williams near the goal).  Sucks that a really, really hard fought game has to end this way.  Both teams look exhausted, left it all out there. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 18, 2012, 04:03:36 PM
Congrats to the Ephs, outshooting Amherst 4-3 in PKs!!  Incredible year for the Ephs, certainly no one had this team pegged for the Final Four, but I can't think of a more gutty / clutch Williams team, the number of OT victories this year is simply astounding.  Amherst was one of the most talented squads I've seen in NESCAC, but ultimately, luck was not on the Jeffs' side this game.  Man of the match for Williams was clearly Than Finan, the local hero made good with some absolutely acrobatic saves.  Good luck to the Ephs in San Antonio!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on November 18, 2012, 05:42:24 PM
Truly a win for the ages by Williams over Amherst today at Amherst. In three games this year, the highly favored Lord Jeffs out-shot the Ephs 67 to 27, yet came away with only a tie, one win, and today's loss.

Williams' excellent cohesive team effort, fine goal tending, and the tone set by Coach Russo over many years all were quite evident. Some of the best Division III soccer you'll ever see constructed by one of the great coaches in America and delivered by top-notch student athletes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jim Matson on November 19, 2012, 12:13:45 AM
And don't forget Matt in back! He was a key guy against Swat and Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 19, 2012, 07:24:01 PM
JumpShot,
Yes, Amherst showed their run-of-play dominance over Williams, as you mention, outshooting Williams 67-27 over the course of three games. I will add that the Jeffs also outscored the Ephs, 2-0. And, if I may correct you, recorded 1 (championship) victory and 2 ties against their rivals. Williams did advance to the final four on PKs (their demeanor heading into PKs told the story of their relief and giddy joy to have reached that stage) and will hopefully represent the NESCAC well.

While beaten on five shots that luckily were saved by woodwork, Finan was, indeed, clutch for his squad, which proved key, as Williams' anemic attack, supposedly led by their ROY, disappointed. (Sorry for the bitter tone, but I still contend that Bull deserved that accolade.)

As to your suggestion that Williams offered "some of the best Division III soccer you'll ever see": To be fair, you must admit that it was Amherst that displayed some of the best Div. III soccer you'll ever see constructed, and I'm sure that every Williams player--and the coaches--will agree they were outplayed by their opponent. Yes, Williams did a good job hanging in there and helping along their luck, and yes, Williams is a good team--one of the best Amherst played against this year (Swarthmore was also very good). But it's too bad the final four won't see the best the NESCAC has to offer this year.

Also, with Russo's record, who can argue that he has not set a tone over his many years at Williams? But let's agree that Serpone also was masterful in setting a tone with his players who played relentlessly attacking and suffocatingly defensive soccer. Nobody can argue against Serpone's mastery either. In six years, his program has won 3 NESCAC championships (two back-to-back), recording an 88-14-14 record for a .820 winning percentage. This year's team broke last year's record-setting season with a season-high of 17 wins (and 17 shut-outs, including 3 vs. Williams) on its way to an Elite 8 appearance and a #2 national ranking. Say it out loud with me: Wow!

Playing the same team three times in one season is always tricky. Williams did a good job making adjustments in their energy on defense and in their strategy (get it up route 1 quickly to get the ball away from Amherst's swarming attack, and send some balls through the final third to speedy attackers). Good luck to them going forward to Texas. With a number of talented FYs and sophs, they should be a good team again next year and then some.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 19, 2012, 10:30:19 PM
I wish the world was filled with more Justin Serpone's and Derek Shea's/ we would all be better for it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 20, 2012, 09:58:51 AM
Wow, Jump4Joy, bitter much?  Williams has had plenty of uber-talented teams who dominated shot opportunities in NCAA games (particularly during the Khari Stephenson / Alex Blake era), yet still lost.  It happens in soccer.  Amherst created more opportunities.  Williams had a few great ones that didn't come to fruition as well, but no doubt, Amherst (especially in the first half) created a lot more chances, and suffered from a lot of bad luck (although one of the five shots that hit the woodwork was first deflected by Than in one of his many tremendous saves).  Williams has been just an incredibly clutch team this year, mounting comeback win after comeback win, and keeping their composure in the pressure of OT and in PKs.  The Ephs earned their spot in the Final Four, and they will represent NESCAC with skill and class.  Amherst had a great year and was an extremely talented team.  They deserve credit for their tremendous season.  But so do the Ephs. 

As for Bull vs. Rashid, Rashid is clearly deserving.  Bull looks good, but it's hard to say how good considering how strong the Amherst defense was and how few clean chances ANY team seemed to get vs. them this year.  I think a lot of NESCAC goalies would have had similar stats playing with the same defense.  Rashid completed turned around what was a dormant Williams offense from last year.  He led the team in both goals and assists as a first year, and was a dynamic playmaker that every team had to account for.  With basically the same crew of attackers but without him last year, the Ephs created very, very little offense.  Take him away, they are an entirely different team, offensively. 

And sorry, but Serpone is no Russo.  First, there is the well-documented difference in, errr, demeanor (even watching the webcast of the last game, it was pretty annoying to watch Serpone waving his arms and going absolutely crazy complaining over every call / non-call, particularly on the several non-calls in which Amherst players obviously took dives, and particularly when two different Ephs were taken down in the box on borderline tackles, each time resulting in no-calls).  Serpone has had a very successful run over the past few years, no doubt.  Let's see if he can keep that run going once this year's great senior class and next year's great rising senior class are no longer with the team.  Russo has won a national title, sent a slew of players to the MLS and other professional leagues, and will now be coaching in his, I believe, sixth final four (would have almost certainly been more if the Eph powerhouses of the last 1980's were eligible for the NCAA tourney), and all while earning the uniform respect and admiration of his peers.  And he's replaced innumerable seemingly irreplaceable players, each time revitalizing the program with fresh blood.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on November 20, 2012, 10:24:51 AM
Agree with nescac1 comments.

"Whether it's a soccer game or in life, sometimes things don't go your way." Justin Serpone, following last Sunday's game.

Certainly the case at Amherst.

Here is a detailed "fair and balanced" report ---everyone can draw their own conclusions:

http://williams.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/releases/201211180051mm
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 20, 2012, 03:31:59 PM
Nescac1,
Well, yes! As a fan of soccer and a fan of Amherst, of course I'm feeling a bit bitter, though I'd say moreso disappointed. If you've been in the game long enough, you know what I feel because you have felt the same way at some point. After all, soccer is a game of passion and drama. But don't be so defensive: I'm not saying Williams is a bad team or Russo is a bad coach. (Didn't I claim the opposite, in fact?) Rather, I'm saying that Amherst is a good team and Serpone is a good coach. Russo has a wonderful record over his 34 years (a long time to amass such a record). Serpone, especially given his mere 6 years at Amherst, also has had wonderful "early years" record. Serpone's sideline demeanor is interesting, to be sure, but those 90-minute stints on the game-day sideline belies the grace of his daily positive impact upon his players. Summing up Serpone's coaching by looking only at his sideline fever is almost like judging a book by its cover. (Maybe Russo or one of his colleagues could mentor him a bit instead of turning their backs on him? As a long-time coach, I say that knowing it's really not a crazy idea.) Also, while I said some nice things about Williams, you must admit your post didn't say anything nice about Amherst, which seems either to be a mark of bitterness on your own part or simply an oversight.

JumpShot, thanks for posting that link. Much of what I mentioned is supported by the "fair and balanced" report there!

Again, good luck to Williams in Texas. It will be great for the league's cachet (including Amherst's) if they do very well. One thing's for certain: The Amherst/Williams rivalry will remain healthy well after this year's campaign becomes old news and well after any of us stop paying attention.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on November 20, 2012, 03:56:56 PM
Jump4Joy, you are welcome. As a final word on this matter, it is important to remember that in NESCAC (and much of Division III) "the game is for the players." Often out-of bounds comments are made by secondary participants ---alumni, parents, fans, administrators, even coaches, etc.--- that momentarily set aside this eternal truth.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 20, 2012, 04:28:29 PM
Well-said, jumpshot.  And Jump4Joy, just as you, seemingly bedgrudgingly (although your second post was far more gracious) said some good things about Williams mixed in with some less-than-flattering commentary, I did say plenty of good things about Amherst, both in my latest post, and my other commentary during and right after the game ... they are an immensely talented team, and I was very impressed with the play of virtually all the guys on the Amherst side, in particular Aoyama, Noon, Rico, Lerner, Heo, and a few others whose names I did not catch.  It's good for NESCAC as a whole when any team does well, and Williams and Amherst will both be very strong again next year.  Middlebury is one of the few teams to break the recent near-monopoly by Messiah, Williams will need to be at the very top of its game and will need more good fortune to have a similar break through in San Antonio, but I would not sleep on this very gutty Ephs team even if the other three Final Four teams are more highly-regarded. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 20, 2012, 06:12:40 PM
Nescac1,
My apologies. You have said nice things about Amherst. I misspoke: It was JumpShot whose omission I noticed.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I'm sure next year's league season will be as fun and exciting as ever.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 21, 2012, 01:43:49 PM
Thanks Jump4JOy, appreciate. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on November 21, 2012, 08:41:54 PM
I'm just glad to see the better brand of soccer won.  Can't argue with Amherst's results, but there's a reason no one likes to watch Stoke City.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 25, 2012, 08:34:08 AM
Sorry to grind away here. But, understandably, I couldn't let dacac's comment hang there until September...
This year, I've had a hard time hearing people dis Amherst's style. Yes, they are most often direct out of the back, but there's nothing Stoke about them in the attack half of the field. Perhaps Williams played dreamy soccer against other opponents during the season, but, Dacac, I'm not convinced you actually saw Williams play Amherst this season. In all three games (with the exception of about 7 mins in the first OT of NCAAs), Williams had NO style of play and looked rather like QPR, to extend your analogy ( ;)), including playing with 9 or 10 behind the ball and sending clearances out of the back to both relieve pressure and to feed the dangerous speedsters up top for counterattacks.
Again: Good luck to the Ephs in Texas. May they play beautiful and effective soccer. May they win it all. Go NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccer121285 on November 25, 2012, 10:47:37 AM
Thoughts on the NCAA tournament teams from the NESCAC:

Williams:
"Thumbs up" to Williams coach for changing style/tactics in the last game vs. Amherst.  They got everyone behind the ball, tried to counter quickly when they got it, and got some help from Lady Luck and got to another Final Four.  From the sounds of comments on this board this is not something that Williams likes to do but they knew they needed to do to advance and it worked out for them. That's good coaching.

Amherst:
Great season by Amherst. 56 Goals. 3 Goals Against. The best goal differential in NESCAC history (previous was +45 by the 2002 Williams team).  Undefeated season with back to back NESCAc championships something to be proud of. Many good players returning including 3 of their 4 backs and terrific freshman goalkeeper. 

Wesleyan:
Great team with a terrific senior class could have made made a tournament run (IMO) but PK's got in the way.  Is it just me or shouldn't OT be a bit longer before getting to PK's?  I watched some of the Wesleyan game and thought they were much better than Haverford. 

Tufts:
Another team that got unlucky in the NCAA's. Stats said they outplayed Vassar but game up a PK in OT.  Future is bright for the Jumbos!

As a side note, i expect improvement from all 3 Maine teams next season.  Bates, Colby and Bowdoin will all be better and helped by the experience of 2012. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 25, 2012, 07:43:44 PM
Amhest puts good pressure on the ball and the only way Williams could deal woth it was to whack it out of the back and let there speedy forwrds run onto it. They didnt create much but tactical changes and a will to win put an end to some storied careers.

Amherst- 56 Gf 3 Ga is nice but there 4 non leagues were really weak, do not compare to 2002 Williams team or any team from williams from 2000-2004 because the Jamacian teams played a much tougher schedule but like these amherst seniors WON NOTHING. Amherst loses alot. Sure they return some key players but Heo and Aayoma will not be as effective without the other 5 starters taking some pressure off of them so YES they will be good and most likely 1st but will not dominate like this year.

Williams- Lose 4 key Seniors, one a keeper who can be replaced by another great keeper sitting on the bench. ratachuck will not be replaced right away. Ebo and Christman I believe are key leadership cogs and very clever players but can be replaced. Having said that these 4 seniors have provided so much leadership I look at Williams' rising seniors and I see besides the keeper and maybe Lima a very average if not below average class which can lead to bad leadership and / or lack of playing time for seniors which in turn leads to player bickering which in turn leads to losses. To be continued.

Wesleyan loses the absolute most and most definitly will fall to 6th, 7th or even 8th. They will need a recruiting class or 2 to rebuild.

Tufts will be int he top 3 easliy and a very strong side as they can replace easch and every senior they have.

Conn will improve as I hear they have a Ghanain fred coming in that can score goals, which is one thing they have been lacking for a f ew years.

Midd will improve greatly with a highly regarded recruiting class coming in inclusding a 6'5 kid from Brooks who the Ivies missed on IMO.

Colby and Bates will be at rock bottom as usual ....Colby was anemic offensively and unless they get a true goal scorer, which they never do, they will be near the btm. Bates loses Murphy and will not replace him. Hamilton loses a trio of good seniors. Bowdoin will be in the middle of the pack.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 28, 2012, 06:33:14 AM
Nice article on Eph frosh Jonathan Westling.  Pretty ballsy move for Russo to start a frosh new to playing defense for the first time against Amherst, born out of either desperation or genius, either way, it seems to have worked out pretty well:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2012/11/27/sudbury-jonathan-westling-steps-forward-defense-for-williams-soccer/28pzK1ozRw02rEXwqxYiuI/story.html

Williams started two frosh outside backs vs. Amherst, and if they do the same in the Final Four, I imagine teams will look to exploit the inexperience there. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on November 28, 2012, 08:58:49 AM
Ceteris paribus, talent generally trumps experience.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amhfan on November 28, 2012, 02:14:47 PM
The crossbar had more of an effect of shutting down the Amherst offense than the 9 guys Williams played behind the ball for 110 minutes...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on November 28, 2012, 04:25:57 PM
And them damn crossbars kept moving around during play all to Williams' benefit!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 30, 2012, 12:17:59 PM
Hypothetically, of couse, if Williams and Amherst could have played 10 games, and we were betting men, who would have won the most games?  My vote to Amherst 7-3 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on November 30, 2012, 12:23:07 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on November 30, 2012, 12:17:59 PM
Hypothetically, of couse, if Williams and Amherst could have played 10 games, and we were betting men, who would have won the most games?  My vote to Amherst 7-3

If the Final Four was on the line, then I'd vote Williams 10-0   :P
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on November 30, 2012, 12:55:24 PM
The smart money generally comes out well ahead by taking advantage of emotional (and what the smart money regards as foolish) money.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 30, 2012, 03:53:32 PM
Quote from: frank uible on November 30, 2012, 12:55:24 PM
The smart money generally comes out well ahead by taking advantage of emotional (and what the smart money regards as foolish) money.

... and all the good luck bad luck, goal post "blocked shots" etc etc evens out.  Anyway, Good Luck to Williams College for a 2012 D-III National Soccer Championship.

Nice Job by the NCAA on the Williams/ON broadcast.  ON up 3-1 with less than 6 min to go.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bantams1 on December 04, 2012, 11:13:14 AM
The NCAA did a great with the finals, the stronger side of the brackett won out, glad to see the dominating team win. I believe the NESCAC will return to the final four next year with Brandeis making another statement. I watched Williams steal a game from them this year and they were clearly the better team but lost. Show me the facts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on December 04, 2012, 11:33:35 AM
Many knowledgeable persons claim that one is what the scoreboard says one is.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bantams1 on December 04, 2012, 01:29:33 PM
Ditka Frank, did you ever play in a soccer game, dominate for 85 minutes, then lose on a prayer? Did you watch Messiah last year? No sport replicates the game of soccer. Promise not to use my 85' Bears coach anymore. ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bantams1 on December 04, 2012, 02:53:18 PM
WOW - great news for the NESCAC, 2 first team NSCAA AA, 1 second and 1 third team selection. Congratulations to those Amherst, Williams, and Wesleyan Coaches.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on December 04, 2012, 04:04:02 PM
Like life, your correspondent makes no promises.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bantams1 on December 04, 2012, 05:10:49 PM
Frank, do you have a box of fortune cookies near the computer? Sorry. two 1st Team All Americans from Amherst (Noon & Aoyama), two 3rd Team (O'Neill, Wesleyan & Christman, Williams). Roger WILLIAMS, Kamali Webson made 2nd Team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on December 04, 2012, 06:18:05 PM
Chocolate chip.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on December 14, 2012, 08:39:08 PM
Spencer Noon gets dissed by d3 AA...not sure why again I will say a HEAVY midwestern bias.....for the east Ocel was ok but he is no where near the type of danger Noon was.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on December 14, 2012, 09:26:57 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on December 14, 2012, 08:39:08 PM
...not sure why again I will say a HEAVY midwestern bias.....

FWIW . . .

FIRST TEAM DISTRIBUTION
RegionSelections(Pct.)
New England
2
(18%)
East
3
(27%)
Mid-Atlantic
2
(18%)
South Atlantic
1
(9%)
Great Lakes
1
(9%)
Central
0
(0%)
North
2
(18%)
West
0
(0%)

New England + East + Mid-Atlantic + South Atlantic = 8 (72%)

Great Lakes + Central + North + West = 3 (27%)


OVERALL DISTRIBUTION (all three teams)
RegionSelections(Pct.)
New England
5
(15%)
East
6
(18%)
Mid-Atlantic
6
(18%)
South Atlantic
1
(3%)
Great Lakes
4
(12%)
Central
1
(3%)
North
6
(18%)
West
4
(12%)

New England + East + Mid-Atlantic + South Atlantic = 18 (54%)

Great Lakes + Central + North + West = 15 (45%)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on December 14, 2012, 09:58:13 PM
ur slittle % studyy wuld be more useful if we saw how many teams were actually in these regions u have put together
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jim Matson on December 14, 2012, 10:42:27 PM
The regions are "put together" by the NCAA.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bantams1 on December 14, 2012, 10:54:03 PM
Spencer Noon made D3 Soccer AA last year after getting dissed by the Nescac, but two of his teammates should be on D3's AA Team this year. Amherst gave up 3 goals all year and D3 Soccer recognizes that. Many of the players at the D3 level could be playing DI/II - too many good players. Good job D3 Soccer with the selection of Than Finan at Williams - better than AP.

Big day for the NESCAC with the announcement of the 2012 NSCAA Men's College Division Scholar All-America Team

http://www.nscaa.com/awards/college/2012-men-s-scholar-all-america--college-division-?utm_medium=short_url

Four players - Noon,Amherst - 1st Team, Oneill, Wesleyan & Christman, Williams - 2nd Team, El-Hachim, Trinity - 3rd Team. I bet those 4 players don't think about getting dissed by anyone. Way To Go NESCAC!



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on December 14, 2012, 11:11:23 PM
what is your point
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bantams1 on December 14, 2012, 11:28:43 PM
Read between the lines = D3 Soccer knows what the point is. Where you from - Williamstown?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on December 15, 2012, 09:10:14 AM
my point was there were only 3 Nescac players chosen...one of them not the leading scorer Noon.  I am actually defensing Amherst. what does Williamstown have to do with anything...Aoyoma as defensive player of the year is a joke...he is a wingback.....if he was so good defensively he would be a center back. the reason Aoyoma is so good and why everyone likes watching him is because he gets forward as a wingback and causes havoc and goals. he is a converted wing midfielder. He also choked when called upon hitting 3rd in penalties aganist Williams and calmy stepped up and hit it WAY over and right of the net..Ur defensive player of the year should be just that a DEFENSIVE HARD NOSED CB. I dont think Aoyoma fits that bill, he is fun to watch though. Lerner is another wingback who was efficient at whacking the ball forward and his 15-20 long throws. Finan deserves it, no other Williams player really, maybe Rashid or even Ebobisse shouls have made 3rd team. They were key to their final four run. I am PRO NESCAC nothing to do with Williamstown...Ur point makes no sense anyway, which doesnt suprise me coming from ur previous 8 posts of dribble and making no sense.  The NSCAA all-americans actually make more sense and are more evenly divided...hate to say....Also, Coach of the year should be given to the Ohio Northern guy....for what he did to get that team to the Final is incredible.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on December 15, 2012, 10:34:26 AM
LaPaz, you are correct of course, but d3soccer.com puts itself in a tough position by waiting until after NSCAA announces its team.  By waiting, they need to do something to distinguish themselves and end up putting players on the wrong teams (or excluding deserving players) just to do so.  d3soccer should announce their team first and then there would be a good debate once NSCAA makes its selections.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Owlsie on December 19, 2012, 06:07:49 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on December 15, 2012, 09:10:14 AM
my point was there were only 3 Nescac players chosen...one of them not the leading scorer Noon.  I am actually defensing Amherst. what does Williamstown have to do with anything...Aoyoma as defensive player of the year is a joke...he is a wingback.....if he was so good defensively he would be a center back. the reason Aoyoma is so good and why everyone likes watching him is because he gets forward as a wingback and causes havoc and goals. he is a converted wing midfielder. He also choked when called upon hitting 3rd in penalties aganist Williams and calmy stepped up and hit it WAY over and right of the net..Ur defensive player of the year should be just that a DEFENSIVE HARD NOSED CB. I dont think Aoyoma fits that bill, he is fun to watch though. Lerner is another wingback who was efficient at whacking the ball forward and his 15-20 long throws. Finan deserves it, no other Williams player really, maybe Rashid or even Ebobisse shouls have made 3rd team. They were key to their final four run. I am PRO NESCAC nothing to do with Williamstown...Ur point makes no sense anyway, which doesnt suprise me coming from ur previous 8 posts of dribble and making no sense.  The NSCAA all-americans actually make more sense and are more evenly divided...hate to say....Also, Coach of the year should be given to the Ohio Northern guy....for what he did to get that team to the Final is incredible.

So - the only defensive players to make All-American should be center backs  - ignore the outside players?  Look, I don't see enough teams/players to be knowledgeable enough to really know who should definitely make the team, much less POY, DPOY or OPOY, but certainly selecting the best TEAM should include all positions.

I would have said that the NSCAA was a bit biased toward the north/northeast on AA, and D3 corrected that bias a bit.  Same comment by positions - it seemed that they took a few more center mids/CB over wing players.  Also, looking solely at the stats, I certainly thought there were some very questionable choices by NSCAA as compared to D3.

Lastly - NESCAC got the numbers they deserved, or maybe a bit better.  The "best" conference in the country shouldn't get more than maybe 10% or so of the players.  The D3 AAs have 33 - 11 each for 1st, 2nd, 3rd teams.

One point we can agree on - the ON coach did a great job.  Just hard to argue that the Messiah guy didn't also do a great job.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on December 22, 2012, 02:05:11 PM
This Amherst piece almost brought tears to my eyes....Fact is Williams(twice) and Bowdoin have been to the final four in San Antonio since 2009. None of these players for Amherst have gotten a taste. Good SID work in a slow month. Time to move on
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on January 08, 2013, 05:57:12 PM
Bowdoin's Fran O'Leary resigns to become Toronto FC Assistant coach



http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/releases/20130108hslyeb


He brought a talented Bowdoin team to the 2010 Final Four and leaves a very good head coaching and secure job for a chance in MLS and a very unsecure job. Wish him the best. This opening should get a bunch of qualified canidates as it did when Ainscough left for Northeastern in 2005
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on January 22, 2013, 10:31:34 PM
Congrats to only D3 soccer player drafted in 2nd Supplemental draft...Sucre from Amherst

long shot but never kno...

http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/alejandro-sucre

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacFan12 on January 23, 2013, 09:11:08 AM
what a great day for nescac soccer! congrats to sucre, coach serpone, the amherst team, and the entire league. terrific accomplishment! rumor coming through the grape vine is that alexi lalas saw sucres play at Amherst during their junior year at an ncaa contest and was impressed. he has some old ties in the whitecaps organization. can anyone confirm or deny?

Also, not to bring this forum back to the coaching debate, but serpone deserves some credit for taking his team to an undefeated season without their MLS-bound striker (he was out with injury almost all season).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on January 23, 2013, 02:55:38 PM
More complete story and specifics are in a story on the Amherst College website...Athletics Section. Personal comments, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on March 11, 2013, 06:04:30 PM
Bowdoin names new Mens Soccer Coach from Univ. of Chicago and another Midd alum coaching in Nescac who I believed played with Shapiro of Tufts

http://athletics.bowdoin.edu/sports/msoc/2012-13/releases/20130310tfz12z

Lets see how he does, his record at U Chicago not overly impressive in 7 years but we will give him the benefit of the doubt
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on July 01, 2013, 10:55:09 AM
Any predictions for 2013???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on July 22, 2013, 08:19:54 PM
Former NESCAC soccer player and former teammate of mine, Winslow Murdoch, is working to create a cross-country documentary project about the challenges recent graduates face as they enter the job market.  The project is called "What Now? On the road with America's young, educated and unemployed" and you can check it out on Kickstarter here --> http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/102668313/what-now-0

BroBible also had a nice little writeup on the project --> http://www.brobible.com/college/article/cool-documentary-what-now

Very talented kid and a very interesting/relevant project
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 01, 2013, 07:34:39 AM
I have to think, after how they dominated NESCAC for most of last year, Amherst is still the favorite despite the offensive firepower they graduated.  Noon in particular is irreplaceable, and Lerner's throw-ins were a big weapon, but Aoyama is still the best player in NESCAC and they still have other all-NESCAC level guys in Heo, Fikke, Wirz and Rico.  Greg Singer should be a big presence up front as well after a year of expeirence.  Bull will be tested more often this year but looked up to the task, and has the pedigree.  Amherst won't totally dominate the way they did last season, though -- that was probably their national title window as that team definitely had the personnel to test Messiah. 

Williams after making the Final Four will also be back strong.  Losing Than Finan hurts -- he was spectacular -- but folks forget that he was neck-and-neck with Peter Morrell for much of the last three years so the Ephs should be fine at GK.  Williams was starting two frosh on the backline by the end of the year so they should benefit from added experience there as well, and they have five backs returning with extensive starting experience.  The Rashid-Kushaina duo is the second best 1-2 punch up front in NESCAC.  The Ephs do need to find a few more consistent creators / scorers to help those two out, especially with Ebobisse graduating.  Zach Grady if healthy and Matt Murralles are both certainly capable of filling that role, and perhaps a frosh will step up.  If a few of the young Eph midfielders step up Williams could challenge Amherst. 

Speaking of 1-2 punches Tufts will also contend led by the Hoppentot-Santos duo.  The Jumbos lose basically nothing to graduation and they along with Williams will pose the biggest threat to Amherst.  All three of those teams should be NCAA squads barring major injuries or anything else unexpected. 

Wesleyan could be in for the biggest drop-off, they graduate the only player who scored more than 3 goals from an anemic offense and Purdy won't be around to bail them out. 

Regarding Amherst, looks like they brought in another big and strong recruiting class in.  Six listed on this site alone (no other NESCAC squad has more than one), including, presumably, Aoyama's little brother.  Cassutt was POY in Minnesota:

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer/college-soccer-details/men/amherst/clgid-1413/tab-commitments
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on August 01, 2013, 10:40:00 AM
Thanks Nescac1 for jump starting the season.  Great info/analyses!  Still depressed about the lost to the Ephs and the graduation of Spencer Noon...had been following him since his freshman year. Met his great parents in a NCAA game in Pa. ...even at basketball games!
Always amaze me how you gleem sports data wrt the conference.
Expect a battle in the upcoming season for the title...I find it hard to predict in soccer due to not always knowing how the defensive side will develope.  Do agree with your picks on the offensive side.  Expect Heo will return to his FY breakout form and be a leader/captain.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 02, 2013, 03:29:04 PM
I also agree with the analysis. Amherst will be strong but not as strong as last year...but they are probably still the team to beat.  Williams will be good. Tufts should be strong with the 1-2 punch but they need more consistency. They also had a freshmen who performed very well at midfield and forward, especially when Santos missed the end of the season...looking forward to a great season.  The NESCAC is a very strong and proud conference.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 03, 2013, 02:13:43 PM
Since Nescac1 basically regurgitated some of my comments from the end of last season as predictions for 2013, I feel the need to also be a broken record. Some points:
1.   Aoyama is a solid solid player but if we are talking the most talented and outright most dangerous players in nescac it would have to be Santos at Tufts and Rashid at Williams. Those two can provide a much needed goal or "soccer magic" that a team needs to maybe win a big game. Rashid for example scoring very late against St. Lawrence last year in the NCAA's to tie the game which Williams ended up winning.  So when you say "best" for me natural skill and 1v1 attacking comes to mind, maybe for others different qualities make them the "best". To each his own.
2.   Your research at Top Drawer Soccer for incoming frosh is good but only coaches and SID's send that info in, so I am assuming other colleges just didn't bother.
Other than that your points are well taken.
-Amherst- they are defending champs so they are again the team to beat. They lose a ton, Noon, Sucre's, Mooney, etc. They also had a very deep bench that was hardly used last year. This could lead to l earning curves but Heo when he is interested is top 5 for sure and they have a solid back 4 and GK. Almost fell off my chair when I saw Amherst schedule WNEC as a non-league game. They must have had no one else to play that weekend or other minnows are sick of losing 8-0 to them.
-Williams-You are right Finan can be replaced by Morrell and even Morrell is maybe a bit better but one of the key reasons Williams got to 2 Final Fours in 4 years is Finan and his remarkable ability to stop PK's. That might be sorely missed late season. Ebobisse and Christman are replaceable but the loss of their leader Ratajczak could be problematic on defense. You are right they return a ton of defensive players so something to watch for. They have a decent out of league schedule, but getting a tad weaker each season.
-Tufts- You are also right they lose really nothing and have gained a year experience with all their players. Santos and Hoppenot are extremely dangerous and Nakamura is a solid MF. Definitly a NCAA team and an intriguing matchup against a very deep squad in Brandeis in early September should give a good indication and also MIT. Two good teams. Again, I think there weakness is GK behind a solid back 4. Also, rumor has it Santos and Shapiro did not see eye to eye by the end of the year and I remember him not starting a couple games. Shapiro should stay out of his way and let him work his magic.
-Conn- This is the up and comer in Nescac. Yes I know we have been saying this for a few years but this year they grabbed a Ghanaian striker and other good frosh to mix with very seasoned veterans and good players like O'Brien and Hormel. Home field advantage is solid and rumor has it they finally reseeded their field. YAY. Still they need to turn all those ties last year into wins or it won't matter.
-Midd-One of the worst Midd teams in history in 2012 is gone and in comes the best recruiting class of Nescac, still can never rely on frosh and they did graduate like 11 players so this will be an ongoing saga.
-Bowdoin- They lose a ton of solid players and a solid coach. I have no word on frosh or really the new coach. Will be back later on this one.
-Wesleyan-Nescac 1 is right they will drop off the most. They lose the most and rumor has it there was and end of year hazing issue which will result in suspensions for players. That's all I got but enough to say .500 would be a solid year. Still the toughest non-league schedule in Nescac and they have the fortune to somehow be the only team not to play any back to backs in regular season. This is small but can help.
Pick em....Trinity, Colby, Bates, Hamilton
Trinity should be competitive in every sport in Nescac as they can get most kids into the school, Colby and Bates lose their 2 best players in Meisel and Murphy and Hamilton is well Hamilton....long bus rides and 2 years without a Nescac tourney bid.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 04, 2013, 07:18:14 AM
Thanks LaPaz, you are the expert on NESCAC soccer so I must have internalized some of your past commentary.  But my views on Amherst and Williams in particular are also based on my own observations from late in the season. 

Does Williams have any potential impact players to watch coming in?  Ratajczak is a big loss in the center of the defense but I think ultimately the Ephs will be fine on that end with plenty of guys to choose from.  Should be much stronger on the outside with much more experience and tons of size there (made some errors last year as they were young and shuffling different combinations around before Westling and Grunman emerged as a starting duo during the NCAA's, they should be improved as they settle into those roles).  And Lima is a strong, experienced physical presence who could be an all-league guy this year, Burbank-Crump struggled with injuries last year but did start as a frosh and could be a factor, and Conder also returns. 

I think the bigger question for Williams is who will replace Ebobisse's playmaking to help out Rashid and Usher, Williams was most potent when those three worked together.  One potential candidate, Michael Madding, is apparently out for the year.  Muralles had some good moments and probably needs to step up.  But they need a playmaing midfielder to emerge for sure. 

Interesting re: Conn College as a team to watch.  Conn has really struggled of late vs. peers in virtually every sport and could use a team to rally behind ... 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 10, 2013, 10:46:05 AM
To answer your question, from what I have heard Williams has a decent class coming in. A good sized GK, couple midfields, one supposedly creative midfielder from Tenn area and 2 very solid CB's....one from Manhattan SC and another a 6'5 Cb from the Albany area who I believe Williams grabbed from R.P.I. As we kno Russo doesn't count on frosh and will not need the keep er until 2014 but does lose significant size in the back. This kid should compete with Ritter and Luke Peirce for playing time alongside Lima at CB. Burband Crump is a soild LB and Seitz and solid Russo type get forward wingback and Lima as you say a physical presence, however they are lacking size back there and with 40% of goals if not more in Nescac scored off set pieces this poses a big question mark. They do have plenty of depth on defense.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 12, 2013, 11:24:38 AM
Thanks LaPaz, sounds like a reasonably good complement to last year's class, which had a bit more star power. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on August 12, 2013, 05:11:05 PM
Heo is not returning this year.
Amherst, Williams, and Tufts will be real strong this year. The beauty of this league is that any team can win against any team if it's their day. I also agree with LaPaz on Conn. If they can win and not tie, they should do real well.

Anyone want to post their predictions for top 4 as of now?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on August 13, 2013, 02:58:34 AM
1. Williams
2. Tufts
3. Amherst
4. Bowdoin, Midd, or Conn (My heart says Conn so I will listen)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 13, 2013, 07:24:29 AM
WOW....is this true that HEO is not returning to Amherst?....that is a huge loss if confirmed, that means they lose there front 4 to graduation.  That is a huge loss.......thanks for the info, you beat me to it....If confirmed, Amherst might have trouble finding goals early in the season, but they have plenty of depth and might have to rely on midfields like Rico to score more.

Other tidbits I have learned.

1.Midd cannot use frosh in their first game at Amherst, I think a school rule or some frosh orientation that is interfering.  Again, Midd has the best freshman class coming in and they lost 11 players from a horrible 2012 team. Will they start some JV guys?  that boxscore will be an interesting one.
2. Rashid for Williams has a hip flexor injury and could be out for the first 3-4 weeks of season. This is not very good news for Williams as they will struggle to find goals early on. Players like Muralles and so forth will have to step up. They have a decent schedule to start the year so they may get away with his loss for a bit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 13, 2013, 05:13:41 PM
1. Tufts (surprise pick but the last 2 incoming classes 2011 & 2012 were very strong-don't know about 2013 incoming class)
2. Amherst (lost many players but probably still the team to beat anyway-don't know if their kick the ball long game will be as effective without noon and some big players gone)
3. Williams (hurt with Rashid out first 4 weeks-battled Tufts in 2 great games last year)
4. Conn (sleeper)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 13, 2013, 05:19:21 PM
LaPaz, I just read your earlier post about Shapiro and Santos at Tufts.  I heard that Santos was sick or had mono at the end of last year, and that is why they brought a freshman center mid up to forward.  Can anyone confirm this?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 13, 2013, 06:41:15 PM
I'm curious about the hazing and possible suspensions comment with Wesleyan.  Are we talking suspensions for a couple of players or 10?  And for 1 game or a handful of games?  All that said, unless the suspensions really hurt, I believe Wesleyan is being downgraded too much and will surprise on the upside.  Wheeler IMHO possibly best coach in the league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on August 13, 2013, 08:54:36 PM
@Flounders

I recall hearing that as well. I don't know why santos would have sat for any other reason...

and @ LaPaz, i heard about Heo from my friend's son who plays soccer at Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 14, 2013, 06:35:55 AM
Pre-season rankings are not worth much as they typically correspond very closely to the end-of-season rankings, but for what it's worth, Williams is ranked third and Amherst fourth heading into the season:

http://www.nscaatv.com/rankings/2062/NCAADivisionIII/women/Central/PreseasonPoll

But if accurate that Heo is not returning, and if Rashid misses a slew of games, obviously both will have trouble living up to those lofty rankings. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on August 14, 2013, 12:17:48 PM
Heo will be missed, if it turns out that he left the team.  Saw him play what was his breakout game as a freshman...in the Wesleyan game in Middletown.  Heo left Amherst to serve his two year military obligation in Korea ...blogging about his experience on-line.  His return year was last season, I believe.   Hope all is well...loves Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 14, 2013, 12:37:06 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on August 13, 2013, 06:41:15 PM
I'm curious about the hazing and possible suspensions comment with Wesleyan.  Are we talking suspensions for a couple of players or 10?  And for 1 game or a handful of games?  All that said, unless the suspensions really hurt, I believe Wesleyan is being downgraded too much and will surprise on the upside.  Wheeler IMHO possibly best coach in the league.

What happened?  I never heard about this...was it recent?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bury456 on August 14, 2013, 01:40:52 PM
Recent Midd Alum. I've been meaning to post for a while. An important point is that this message board is a running joke within NESCAC locker rooms.

1.  People have been underestimating Midd every year since before we won a National Championship.  Keep doing it. As far as last year being "one of the worst teams in history" does not take into account the fact that we were decimated by injuries from Day 1. Three of our best guys -  Portman, Ty Smith, and Redmond all missed MOST of the season.   Midd will be in top 4 this season without a doubt.  Willie Gervetz and Adam Bautista are two of the best ten players in the NESCAC. 

2.  I'm pretty sure the Tufts coach knows more than any random person writing on this message board about Santos.  Who the heck knows what goes on behind closed doors. He's turning the program around because he knows what he's doing.   Suggesting he "stay out of his way and let him work his magic" is insulting. He knows way more than you. 

3.  Aoyama is a much better player than anyone else in the NESCAC right now.

Let me recap...didn't say anything ground-breaking.  Midd gets no respect, FACT.  Tufts coach knows more about his best player than an anonymous poster on a message board, FACT.  Aoyama is the best player in the league, FACT.

Unlike others on this board, when I post I don't have a hidden agenda (LaPaz - you're not a Williams fan, huh?) and if I decide to keep posting it's going to be from a recent players perspective. 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 14, 2013, 03:05:28 PM
Quote from: Bury456 on August 14, 2013, 01:40:52 PM
Recent Midd Alum. I've been meaning to post for a while. An important point is that this message board is a running joke within NESCAC locker rooms.

1.  People have been underestimating Midd every year since before we won a National Championship.  Keep doing it. As far as last year being "one of the worst teams in history" does not take into account the fact that we were decimated by injuries from Day 1. Three of our best guys -  Portman, Ty Smith, and Redmond all missed MOST of the season.   Midd will be in top 4 this season without a doubt.  Willie Gervetz and Adam Bautista are two of the best ten players in the NESCAC. 

2.  I'm pretty sure the Tufts coach knows more than any random person writing on this message board about Santos.  Who the heck knows what goes on behind closed doors. He's turning the program around because he knows what he's doing.   Suggesting he "stay out of his way and let him work his magic" is insulting. He knows way more than you. 

3.  Aoyama is a much better player than anyone else in the NESCAC right now.

Let me recap...didn't say anything ground-breaking.  Midd gets no respect, FACT.  Tufts coach knows more about his best player than an anonymous poster on a message board, FACT.  Aoyama is the best player in the league, FACT.

Unlike others on this board, when I post I don't have a hidden agenda (LaPaz - you're not a Williams fan, huh?) and if I decide to keep posting it's going to be from a recent players perspective.


BURY, given your close perspective, what are your predictions for the coming season?  Who had the good freshman classes last year (2012)???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 14, 2013, 03:15:50 PM
The Wesleyan hazing issue was swept under the rug but it happened and there will be suspensions. Not sure for who and how long I just kno its there and Wheeler lucky to keep his job as McEachean at Skidmore was forced out.

To this BURY fool....Midd in 2012 was the worst thing I have seen them produce. I am not behind closed doors but I know people all across nescac and things get leaked. I am not a closet Williams fan just because I "BURY" Midd.....Why should Midd get respect after last season...that championship was 6 long years ago..yes they did have some injuries last year but its a fact Saward NEVER recruited or cared to until he started losing and others started recruiting like Shapiro and Murphy. I am in no mood to start arguments before the season starts..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on August 14, 2013, 03:16:01 PM
NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division III Men - National - Preseason Ranking - August 13, 2013
Rank, School, Prev. W-L-T


1 Messiah                     1 23-0-2
2 Loras                         3 23-2-1
3 Williams                     4 16-2-4
4 Amherst                     5 17-0-3
5 Ohio Northern             2 25-3-0
6 Montclair State           6 19-3-1
6 Wheaton (Ill.)             7 18-4-3
8 Trinity (Texas)            8 19-1-4
9 York (Pa.)                 12 18-2-4
10 University Of Scran.  9 17-2-3
10 Dominican (Ill.)        11 18-3-1
12 Brandeis                  13 18-3-1
13 Stevens I T              10 18-3-1
14 Rutgers-Camden      17 17-2-3
15 Swarthmore             14 16-3-2
16 Susquehanna            15 18-3-1
17 Wisconsin-Platteville  15 15-4-2
18 Carnegie Mellon        18 14-5-1
19 North Park                21 13-3-5
20 St. Lawrence            RV 14-3-3
21 Ohio Wesleyan          RV 13-3-5
22 Whitworth                23 13-3-3
22 Carleton                   25 17-2-2
24 SUNY Oneonta          NR 14-5-2
25 DePauw                   24 14-2-5

2012 final record and ranking shown.

Also receiving votes: University of Rochester, Colorado College
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 14, 2013, 03:20:12 PM
Also, if this board is a running joke why are you reading it...Your recent player perspective is not very accurate..Even with those 3 players and Ty Smith did play some, Midd was soft last year ..they were not a typical "dirty" MIDD team, they had no heart and certainly no GK and there captain was a bench player for 3 years.  Like I said I think they have a great recruiting class coming in so lets see if it works out
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bury456 on August 14, 2013, 03:33:10 PM
Sure, why not...

I can't see anything other than an Amherst-Tufts final.  Big drop off after those two teams IMHO.  Ready to see a new champ after Amherst the last two years but not sure Tufts can do it. 

1.  Amherst - Not convinced Heo is really that big a loss.  Hasn't done much against us.  Tall, skinny kid up-top (dont know his name) is going to be very good (freshman last year). GK is a monster.
2.  Tufts - I think Hoppenot is better than Santos but both are good and will score a bunch of goals. 
3. Williams - Big CB is going to be a lot to replace.  Christman also a strong player-often overlooked. 
4.  Middlebury - Top 4 standing won't surprise anyone in locker room.  Could have best back four in league. 
5.  Bowdoin - Brewster most under-rated player.  Also has killer beard. 
6.  Conn - Someone said they are going to surprise if they can turn their ties into wins.  Uhhhh, yeah.  Expert commentary. 
7.  Colby- Good players and good kids.  One year they are going to make Top 4. 
8.  Wesleyan- All top players graduated.  Wouldn't surprise me if they were higher but I honestly don't know anyone on their team anymore. BTW ALLEGED hazing incident is none of anyone's business. Inappropriate to discuss on a message board.     
9.  Bates
10.  Hamilton
11. Trinity
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 14, 2013, 03:36:09 PM
I have officially RETIRED from this MESSAGE BOARD...GOOD LUCK TO ALL.....Enjoy 2013.....BURY456 can fill you in on all nescac mens soccer since he IS IN THE KNO
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bury456 on August 14, 2013, 03:42:04 PM
Woah, woah, woah.  Back. Up. Brother.

First off, back off Coach Sayward.  Have some class. The guys a legend.  Certainly doesn't need to defending him but you have it all wrong.  Once the Conn coach wins a NESCAC playoff game you can compare them. 

Secondly, what in the world are you talking about?  Want me to get those guys to tell you how many minutes they played last year?  If Amherst or Williams had 3 major injuries to top players they'd be in middle of pack as well.

Finally, it's no secret that you're "not behind closed doors".  We've been saying for years exactly who you are.  Want me to take a few guesses???? :)  Tread carefully.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 14, 2013, 04:02:08 PM
No need to get touchy.  Part of the make-up of these types of boards are opinions. I don't want anyone to retire because I , for one, enjoy the opinions, even if I don't agree.... So, let's all take a deep breath and move forward.....Bury, us say Tufts and Amherst in a final...We know Amherst, but who else does Tufts have besides the often mentioned Santos and Hoppenot?  Also, I thought I read earlier somewhere that Tufts played very well after Santos went out....Yes, I would never discount Middlebury but I would be surprised if they finish in the top 2.....

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 14, 2013, 04:06:33 PM
Regarding the Preseason Poll..I don't tak much stock in it..Sure Messiah and Loras will be good.  They always are. But alot of the schools mentioned play in very easy conferences...not as competitive or deep as the NESCAS........
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on August 14, 2013, 04:08:13 PM
Complete agree with Flounder. We respect everyones opinions here. Please don't leave LaPaz  :(

Out of curiosity Bury, you think you guys will have the best back 4? Can you explain your thinking behind that? You lost Freeman, who in my opinion was one of the best full backs in the league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bury456 on August 14, 2013, 04:16:28 PM
Opinions are one thing.  Attacking people is another.  People mentioned are close to me and no one gets to just disparage people without being held accountable. 

Guy loves Williams and rips to shreds any program that is any threat.   Sick of it.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacalum on August 14, 2013, 04:56:11 PM
Well, this just got more lively. Good to have a couple more perspectives on this board. I haven't posted since last season but am also a recent player but will try and keep my homerism to a minimum. La Paz, love that you have an opinion and share it, hate that you resort to dramatics to try and get attention. Your soccer insights are valuable and I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting to hear them but I'm guessing I'm not alone in that I won't be begging you to come out of retirement solely so that you feel you have been satisfied with enough attention. I encourage you to take the high road here.

I think we can all agree the preseason rankings are there solely because people want to release them, not because they are based on any facts or insight other than finish of last year's tournament.

I can confirm that Heo is out this season for Amherst, which will certainly be a loss but don't think it is going to change much in the NESCAC standings (more on this later)

Although I disagree with the tact Bury456 went with expressing it, I agree the hazing incident shouldn't be discussed on this board as it leads to a whole lot of speculation about something that leads to very serious ramifications and no one on here knows the facts (I include myself among those who know nothing).

I only saw a few games in person last year and a bunch more via video or webcast so take everything with a grain of salt. I chose to use tiers instead of a top to bottom list as I haven't seen everyone play. Here are my thoughts on the first tier, I'll try and take a stab at the other tiers shortly:

Tier 1
Amherst - Still believe they are the team to beat without Heo more because of their GK, backs and center midfield. Sucres out means a little less rough and tumble on headballs and more soccer (hopefully), but the fact remains that they return Norton, Wirz, Aoyama, Caslin, Rico, Gooden, Fikke, and Bull. That's a pretty tough side to score against. Bury456, I'll take the Amherst back 4 as the best in the league. Attacking wise, I think there's plenty of talent, you just won't see one guy rack up points like a Noon. My guess is there will be a lot of interchange in the attacking positions and riding of the hot scorer.
Bottom Line:Favorite to win the league, a lot of attacking questions

Tufts - Put up or shut up time for these guys. Don't really lose a lot, Bauer is a leadership void which could be an issue with a young side but I don't think he did anything that is irreplaceable other than that (him and Lerner from Amherst very similar in that respect IMO). Santos and Hoppenot are probably the two best returning individual attacking players in the league at their respective positions (for those of you screaming that Rashid is better, I'd take Santos at the positions they play and would argue Hoppenot plays a different position). I think Nakamura is a very good player that will probably benefit greatly from a year of seasoning from a physical standpoint, thought in the couple games I saw his technical/tactical side was all there but physcially he got pushed around at times. GK position has to be better, you need your keeper to make a big save every once and a while to steal/save a game and the kid they had last year does not cut it. I'll harp on this because I'm a little old school and I think effort matters but Santos needs to grow up on the field. Whatever happens off of it happens, when he is on the field he should be giving max effort and when he does it shows but too often in the games I've seen he has a tough time here or there or doesn't get the ball and starts whining at his teammates and pouting. Pretty disappointing from a fan's perspective because he's so talented, probably even more disappointing if you're his teammate. I like Shapiro as a coach a lot, seems to do things the right way and his guys play hard for him.
Bottom Line:Lot of attacking talent, will definitely score goals, need to figure out goalkeeper and get over youth/growing pains

Williams - Morel starts in goal (hopefully if Russo can chill out with the GK headgames, which are insane to me, I don't know how a recruit goes to Williams as a GK after watching him pull goalies and make random decisions). I don't think there's much difference in Morel and Finan, I think Morel is better from what I've seen but I will preface that with saying I haven't seen a ton. Ratajczak is a huge loss, I frankly don't rate Burbank-Crump so I don't really know who fills the leadership void. Lima has all the physical tools to do so, I just wonder how he will do without Ratajczak, probably depends a bit on who they pair with him. In midfield, I like Madding and Muralles and think they can be very effective in there. Would like to see Muralles take a game by the horns a little more and be more dynamic and get a little further forward. La Paz said they had a good recruiting class so maybe there might be some help coming here as well. Up front you have User who is effective against most teams, but in my opinion doesn't have the technical ability to cause problems against the best teams. He's fast, we get it, he'll score some goals but he's not going to create much. Rashid on the other hand was my pick to have a dominant season, him being out hurts them a lot hopefully he's back for the Babson game as that looks like they're first real test.
Bottom Line:Plenty of talent here to win the league, will be a question if a few guys make the jump from being good to being class of the league
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 14, 2013, 05:41:28 PM
Lots of good insight from the new folks here!  I hope that everyone, La Paz included, keeps contributing. 

I have a LOT less soccer knowledge than any of you, but Aoyama also gets my vote for best player in the league.  I haven't seen much of the Tufts guys, so can't fairly judge them.  Rashid I put right behind Aoyama.  I think Greg Singer is the big guy from Amherst that was talked about below, and it does seem like he is a good candidate to get a lot of goals off of set plays, but Amherst does lose a lot in terms of guys who are proven finishers in other situations.  Amherst has plenty of creative midfielders still around, so the chances will be there. 

Cacalum, according to this, Madding, unfortunately, is out for the year: http://athletics.williams.edu/sports/msoc/2012-13/bios/madding_michael_4xv7.  With Madding and possibly Rashid out and Ebobisse graduated, the Ephs could really struggle with scoring early in the year.  Hopefully a younger player steps up early in the season, but the Ephs may have to ride their defense and play stingy early on. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 14, 2013, 06:28:52 PM
Wow.  Reminded yet again how glad I am my kid didn't go to a NESCAC.

Yes, LaPaz comes off as a little overconfident, but BURY certainly barged through the barroom door like a "recent alum" full of entitled bravado as well.  In defense of LaPaz I read his comment about Midd having it's worst season in a while as in the context of a historically very strong program and in the very same sentence he credited Midd with having the strongest recruiting class.  My gosh, he wasn't saying Midd is Colby or Bates! 

And I guess I see what a couple of you are saying about the hazing thing, but this reeks a little of the silent, privileged world of NESCAC-ites.  Do you think a hazing incident might make the news if it happened at Alabama, Kentucky, UCLA, or even Duke or Dartmouth?  Are D3 schools inherently more protected than D1s in terms of what happens there?  Maybe the Heo news shouldn't be reported.  Maybe none of the players should be critiqued.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on August 14, 2013, 08:02:00 PM
Cacalum, loved your post. Look forward to your "second tier" analysis.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 15, 2013, 12:14:54 PM
Ok im back....couldn't stay away, just had a really bad bad day yesterday and that MIDD alum hit my buttons....I also agree that more opinions not attacks are beneficial for this site.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 16, 2013, 09:22:22 AM
Ok Midd 2012:  6-7-1   3-6-1 in conference...they graduate 12 players...a decent wingback Jack Freeman was a Seton Hall transfer and was solid, the other wingback they used I believe was William Gevertiz he would get burned by any decent player he had to defend and he was undersized. He has a year to go. The only other decent player they graduate is Portman who was injured. Thats 10 players they lose including 3 bad GK's. That's a lot of #'s that are lost. This is a positive. They bring in a frosh class including Greg Conrad from Brooks a huge hulking def cm or CB or anywhere in the backbone of the team, he should contribute right away. Tommy Dils a Williamstown native is a very solid sized skilled player who should also contribute right away. Adam Glazer a fast striker from the Maryland area who should get a couple goals and cause some havoc for defenses. Then a couple kids off that incredible 2012 Berkshire School team that were key starters on that team. They weren't the best players but can hold there own in the college game. I still haven't heard about any GK recruits which in my mind is a huge weakness for them heading into the season. As far as the best back 4 in the league, not even close. Will they play Ty Smith up front? There frosh from last year need to step up as Declan Robinson is not the answer. Never said Saward wasn't a good coach just that he was a bit lazy on the recruiting front in the past. I predict a under 10 win season and they may knock off a couple good teams but certainly have a way's to go. The frosh will have the learning curve and again the keeper situation is less than ideal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bury456 on August 16, 2013, 01:44:40 PM
Short retirement.

In one breath you say more opinions and less bashing....then in your post you call all of the Midd GK's "bad".  They weren't bad they just weren't as good as the two best GK's this league has seen in Cahill and Bush.

I'm just saying that it's the same stuff every year.  if Williams isn't good, LaPAz disappears from the boards - if Williams is good, LaPaz goes and rips to shreds any other team that competes with them.  In 2010 he said Bowdoin played "kick and run", in 2011 and 2012 he ripped Amherst at every chance and he's already starting on Midd this year.  Watch what happens if Tufts beats Williams this year- he'll start chirping about something. 

I didn't say last year wasn't a disappointment. I said underestimating Middlebury was a mistake.  I'll take that 10 win wager.  One of us will have to admit they were wrong in a few months. 

I have no idea about recruits. 

Deklan Robinson is going to be a good player.  Started 8 games as a freshman.  Not many freshman in the entire league started that many games.  Give the kid a chance. 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 16, 2013, 02:51:27 PM
I have never disappeared from this board since I joined...I am a NESCAC fan not a Williams fan...I happen to like the way Williams plays soccer compared to Amherst style. If you go back and read my posts which u certainly do not have to do I have said that Amherst has the talent to play a nice possession/playing forward on the ground game..i.e. Williams but instead played it safe last year and kick and ran...hey it worked they went 17-0-2. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 16, 2013, 02:54:11 PM
Also I am not "ripping" MIDD just giving my OPINION... I will be happy to give a fair and honest opinion about Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on August 18, 2013, 07:53:43 PM
This incoming recruit for Amherst, Elliot Cassutt, might be worth keeping an eye on. He was the PoY in Minnesota and has won lots of other accolades:

http://elitesoccerreport.com/2013/02/20/minnesota-boys-poy-elliot-cassutt/

And also the HS PoY for Alaska, Jackson Lehnhart:

http://juneauempire.com/sports/2013-05-19/lehnhart-chosen-2013-alaska-boys-soccer-player-year#.UhFesGQ4VvU
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 18, 2013, 08:27:59 PM
Great articles.  All kidding aside, great reminder of the outstanding quality of kids these schools attract....and even all the way from Alaska.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 19, 2013, 09:43:53 AM
Quote from: Bury456 on August 16, 2013, 01:44:40 PM
Short retirement.

In one breath you say more opinions and less bashing....then in your post you call all of the Midd GK's "bad".  They weren't bad they just weren't as good as the two best GK's this league has seen in Cahill and Bush.

I'm just saying that it's the same stuff every year.  if Williams isn't good, LaPAz disappears from the boards - if Williams is good, LaPaz goes and rips to shreds any other team that competes with them.  In 2010 he said Bowdoin played "kick and run", in 2011 and 2012 he ripped Amherst at every chance and he's already starting on Midd this year.  Watch what happens if Tufts beats Williams this year- he'll start chirping about something. 


I think more freshman started than you think. I know Tufts had a defender and a midfield-forward who started, and at the end of the year had another freshman defender starting.  All were solid.  The midfield-forward tied for the lead in assists on the team and was the second leading freshman scorer in the NESCAC.  The defender was very solid.  Amherst had a very good goalie freshman and Williams had an excellent forward freshman, leading all freshman scorers.

I didn't say last year wasn't a disappointment. I said underestimating Middlebury was a mistake.  I'll take that 10 win wager.  One of us will have to admit they were wrong in a few months. 

I have no idea about recruits. 

Deklan Robinson is going to be a good player.  Started 8 games as a freshman.  Not many freshman in the entire league started that many games.  Give the kid a chance.

I think more freshman started than you think. I know Tufts had a defender and a midfield-forward who started, and at the end of the year had another freshman defender starting.  All were solid.  The midfield-forward tied for the lead in assists on the team and was the second leading freshman scorer in the NESCAC.  The defender was very solid.  Amherst had a very good goalie freshman and Williams had an excellent forward freshman, leading all freshman scorers. They should all be exciting to watch!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 19, 2013, 01:06:30 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on August 18, 2013, 08:27:59 PM
Great articles.  All kidding aside, great reminder of the outstanding quality of kids these schools attract....and even all the way from Alaska.

They have soccer in Alaska????  ::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: repete on August 20, 2013, 12:45:33 PM
Better than you'd think.

Kelly Cobb of USWNT U-20s and Duke (22 starts as a freshman) is probably cream of crop right now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 24, 2013, 04:58:03 PM
As nescac1 reported earlier and I just double checked Williams website Mike Madding is out for the year with an injury. This is a blow to the Ephs midfield for sure. He isn't a flashy player or as creative as Muralles but he is a very solid player and does things that do not show up on the box score. He is one of few Williams players who gives 110% when he plays, kind of like the graduated Pete Christman. He tackles hard and tracks his man from 18 to 18. He is a step slow and can be replaced but still something to worry about for Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on August 31, 2013, 10:17:25 AM
First Amherst's Fall sorting contest is the men's soccer game on Sept. 4....an evening away game at New England College...check the website for time.  Should be interesting in that the preliminary roster is not posted and the freshmen have had little time to be folded into the team practices.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 02, 2013, 09:55:42 PM
Amherst has posted it's preliminary roster.  It shows the names of six freshmen.....but not the brother of Julian.  Seems that the early recruitment list   is wrong or that he may have taken an "gap" year.  Heo is not listed.  First game is on Tues.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 03, 2013, 09:33:51 AM
So excited about the start of the Fall season, that I could not read.  There are 7 not 6 FY players listed on the prel roster.  Also the first a game is on Wednesday, the 4th at New England College in the evening.  The real test should be on Sat., the 7th against Middlebury at home.
Things change by the hour. 
Seems the final roster is posted.  Julien's younger brother, Justin, is now listed.  There are 8 new players !  Size and weights are provided.  The California FY  player is listed at 6'6"!  Oh yes, there is a Sucre '13 brother listed as an assistant coach.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 05, 2013, 09:43:20 AM
Amherst easily won its first game, as expected.  Looks like a few key guys may be injured, as Julian Aoyama and Milton Rico did not play.  The Jeffs did give up an early goal -- of course with a younger team, there is no way they will replicate last season's three goals allowed on the year. 

It looks like Amherst has brought in a stellar first-year class.  Serpone noted in the season preview that 7/10 pre-season goals were scored by frosh, and that trend continued in the first game: two goals and an assist from new starting striker Christopher Martin (replacement for Noon, it looks like ...), and then another goal and assist from two frosh coming in off the bench -- one of whom is a 6'6 MF!  In addition, Julian's little brother Justin started in his place, and Amherst's entire first-year class saw playing time in the game. 

It will be interesting to see how a young Amherst squad fares vs. stronger competition this weekend, especially if Aoyama and Rico are out.  But in all events, Serpone appears to have reloaded the roster. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 05, 2013, 10:36:57 AM
Thanks for the post on the Amherst game Nescac1!  Watched the game online...got on late and then saw that Amherst was behind!  Made an excuse to myself that NEC had more practice time, etc.  Still, it is often the nature of soccer that I never quite understand...unexpected ball bounces and quick strikes.  Wonder whether the turf field was a factor...being that the practices to date by Amherst has been on grass.  Seems that Both teams were playing a long ball game.  Amherst's goalie Bull even was credited with a shot attempt!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 06, 2013, 11:33:17 AM
Wow. 11 freshmen on Middlebury's roster, and I understand a number of them will see significant minutes this year.

Now, there was a rumor floating around the boards that the freshmen would not be making the trip down to Amherst on Saturday due to orientation obligations. Have no idea if there is truth to this rumor, though if so, the Lord Jeffs will be seeing a much different team than the rest of the league. Even so, for a team so reliant on first-year players, who knows what we can expect early. Should be a wild ride. Can't wait for things to get started.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 06, 2013, 04:27:10 PM
If FY orientation events impact participation in this weekend contest at Amherst, it will prove significant...in that there are Field Hockey and Women Soccer contests scheduled against the Panthers!  My take is that the FY players will be available...consider it part of orientation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 07, 2013, 03:44:47 PM
Williams beats Colby 1-0.  Williams' lone goal was from first-year Patrick Gordon, who I assume is related to former Eph Peter Gordon as they both hail from Woburn.  Rashid did not play as predicted, and the Williams offense was not terribly dynamic without him, creating a lot of corners but few really good scoring opportunities.  They will need him back ASAP.  Still, they gutted out the road win.  Strong play from the backs and goalie for the Ephs, and nice to see a young player make an impact. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 07, 2013, 04:56:44 PM
Oh, and by the way, if you can, listed to a Colby webcast.  The announcers are truly awesome.  Two British guys who both know soccer and are extremely entertaining.  Among the best student commentary you'll ever hear. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 07, 2013, 06:09:16 PM
So, rumors were true—Midd frosh don't play today against Amherst.

Lord Jeffs slip past a severely undermanned Panther squad, 2-1 in OT.

I understand that several of the 11 FYs are expected to be big contributors this year so an eyebrow raising result today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 07, 2013, 09:54:19 PM
Watched the game online and gathered that the Mid's bench was short today.  Played a tough game against Amherst that has played a number of their FY's.  Midd scored first on a penalty kick.  Stats show that Amherst led in all cats, including penalties.  Amherst's All-American Julian did play today with his younger brother Justin for awhile.  Julian missed  the first game due to an ankle injury.  Another star player Rico did not play, I believe.  Still, it was nick and tuck.  However, the FY's showed skill and speed but will need to play more team offense as they gather experience.  It was a bit warm as reported so I think the Panthers wished they had a bigger bench at times.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 10, 2013, 02:44:57 PM
Amherst got a lucky come from behind win against a depleted Midd squad.

Williams lucks out as their offense looks anemic against Colby but frosh Patrick Gordon(brother of Peter '09) gets the gamewinner and Williams holds off a Colby push at end of game.

Wesleyan apparently only suspended players for ONE game and still surprised everyone with an impressive 3-1 road win at Bowdoin.

Tufts hammers Bates 3-0. This "interm" ne coach for Bates has done nothing in the 2-3 years he has been there. This job should have been opened up to a national search. We ill continue to follow this.

Trinty squeaks by Hamilton 1-0. I honestly thought these 2 teams were relatively even on the day as this is the game I watched. Hamilton has a huge home game against Bates on Saturday and must win it to secure its first ever Nescac Playoff berth in my opinion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 11, 2013, 11:50:19 AM
LaPaz, interesting that Wes suspended players for a non-leaguer against Framingham State but not for their league opener. According to the student newspaper, Wes plans to stagger the suspensions (consequence of hazing) throughout the season so they'll have enough players available for games. I wonder if those staggers will include non-league games only? Also, with 42 (!) men on the roster, how could they not have enough players available? Not looking for dirty laundry, just curious about the thinking here.

On another point: What was "lucky" about Amherst's and Williams' wins?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on September 11, 2013, 05:21:17 PM
Anybody try the Williams feed this afternoon on NSN?  Just gave it a go on a couple different browsers and not getting anything. 


Update -Reached out to NSN via twitter and got the following response:  "experiencing internet fluctuations, working to get the feed back up."

Which I read as NSN was unaware that other people would be using the internet this afternoon.  But, better to get the bugs worked out early so they can set up an infrastructure to handle the bandwidth they need to provide a superior broadcast. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 11, 2013, 05:54:55 PM
Madz's...just tried the connection from the Nescac website.....got the link to the NSN broadcast on the Williams web...blank screen for a minute and then a notice that there is no connection.  Was on a IPad ...will try my Mac laptop since the IPAD does not support Flash.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 12, 2013, 11:03:04 AM
Amherst won a 4-1 contest over Curry last night in Milton, Ma.  Only stats online...it seemed to me that Amherst started slowly again...but won a game in which it out shot Curry 3 to 1...30-11 shots, same ratio in corner kicks and about the best combos in  the same in fouls.  I read an aggressive offense.
Again Julien Aoyama and Milton Rico did not play.  Justin Aoyama played and was listed as a defender.  Actually, the box score had 4 players listed as "D" , 3 players as midfielders and only 2 as forwards.  Don't know enough about the game to make anything of the designation differences.  Actually seen Justin in the attacking area...so it maybe early season sifting of young talented players in non conference matches to find the best combos for given situations.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 12, 2013, 08:09:52 PM
amh63, it seems Justin is becoming a fixture in the back. I believe it's the only position he has played thus far. Another talented Aoyama.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 13, 2013, 10:31:17 PM
Talk about early recruiting news!  This article mentions players headed to Williams and Amherst ... for fall of 2014:

http://boyssoccer.lohudblogs.com/2013/09/01/season-preview-port-chesters-steven-hernandez-a-trend-setter/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 14, 2013, 07:03:00 AM
2014's who verbally commit at this point in the season for fall is not that early. I the coach gives them the signal that they can get them in and there is mutual interest then its fine.  What isn't condoned is teams talking and writing letters to 2015's which rumor has it is being done as we speak.

Anyway:

Interesting matchups today:

Amherst v Bowdoin - Haven't seen either one live yet but this will be Amherst first real test. However, I was surprised by Bowdoin letting up 3 goals at home to Wesleyan. On that note, I agree with the poster about Wesleyan picking and choosing which games suspended players can play or not, that to me is not right. I was shocked that the school newspaper picked up on that story in the first place.  I will say Amherst 1-0 in this one. Injuries playing a factor and not sure what Bowdoin's goalkeeping situation is.

Wes v Wheaton-  I am assuming this is a game Wes sits some players but who the hell knows. Wheaton off to a decent start and could be a tough game for Wesleyan but Wes has dominated this matchup in recent years. 2-1 Wesleyan. I will give Wesleyan credit they are scoring goals at an alarming rate.

Trinity v Williams- This has been Williams bugaboo for the past 4-5 years and they seem too be having trouble scoring goals without Rashid. Trinity getting some unexpected good play by Savonon ( brother at Brandeis) ended up at Trinity because Brandeis couldn't get him in. Of course Trinity has its doors wide open for anyone. I will say another 1-0 game which could go either way.

Midd v Conn- 2 other teams I haven't seen, and Midd plays its Frosh for first time. Conn's Hawkey playing very well and they have more depth than usual. 1-1.

Hamilton v Bates- Bottom feeder game, long road trip doesn't bode well for Bates. I will give it to Hamilton 2-1.

Tufts v Colby- Last year Colby managed a 0-0 tie at Tufts. Tufts a very very good team and Colby just has no scoring threat for  Nescac games. 2-0 Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 14, 2013, 05:16:40 PM
Midd beats Conn, 1-0.

A Deklan Robinson (not the answer, huh?) header off a set piece—perfectly delivered by soph Court Lake—is the game's lone score.

Midd freshmen are as impressive as advertised. Glaser and Conrad started and played most of the game. Echeverria, Bean, and Davidson also played significant minutes. And then Dils and Ogle were on the field in the game's waning minutes as the Camels desperately tried to even things up.

Collins was solid in goal. Made good decisions and was very active.

With such a young team, leadership is in high demand—and it was delivered by Adam Batista. Very impressed with him. Reminded me of Harrison Watkins.

For Conn, they have a talent in freshman Ibrahim Mutala. He will be noticed during his four years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 14, 2013, 07:58:41 PM
Amherst beats Bowdoin 3-0 at home.  It was 2-0 at the half...with both Rico and Julian Aoyama playing.  Amherst had almost all it's freshman in the game in the second half.  The third goal came about in a strange sequence....Amherst scores on a rebound and while Amherst starts the celebration, play continues as the ref voided the goal.  Somehow, Amherst counters and scores...due to a "mistake by Bowdoin'S goalie.  the announcers were confused on what happened.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 16, 2013, 09:16:38 AM
Yeah, the timing of the third goal was a bit crazy. When the ref waived off the goal, Bowdoin quickly restarted with a goalkick, probably thinking they'd catch Amherst's D out of shape because they were celebrating. But in the rush to get forward, they were sloppy, and Amherst stole the ball back before it cleared the defensive third. Can't take anything away from the shot, though. It was sublime. Sadly AMH63, neither Rico nor Aoyama Sr. played.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 16, 2013, 12:29:05 PM
Jump4joy....you are correct!  Recognize my error when I checked the box score.  Posted my response to you earlier but on the the Football board.....to which Pat C. posted  a response...without calling me out as one would say.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 16, 2013, 12:47:29 PM
Correction to my earlier recount of third Amherst goal vs. Bow. While there was sloppiness getting it out of the defensive third, that messiness led to a throw-in. Throw went in to the keeper, whose pass back to the thrower got picked off by the Amherst goalscorer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 18, 2013, 07:18:37 PM
Amherst-Conn game ends in a 2OT 0-0 tie.  Had an on-line event.  Game goes down to 15 seconds with Conn having the ball.  Conn throw in the Amherst corner......the webcast goes down/stops.   Oh well,  must go with the flow with this new stuff.  Spent a time yesterday trying to get my internet problems resolved.  Spent some time with a new wireless modem/router today that arrived overnight.  Maybe need to upgrade other hardware.  oh yes, both sides seem to play hard, rough....with a number of players getting cramps, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 19, 2013, 06:19:27 AM
Sorry you were having trouble with the feed. You missed some ugliness, so maybe not such a bad thing! 110 mins of trying the same thing over and over again from both teams. CC played with extreme desire.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 19, 2013, 11:13:47 AM
Did notice one positive thing.  Julian was in the game for a time.  Still no M Rico though.
Sometimes the Amherst players maybe trying too hard...two bicycle kicks attempted.
With the Williams game coming up this weekend, for awhile, I thought the coach was resting some key players....seeing the score when I joined in late in the first period.  Guess Conn wanted to play up to their pre-season reviews.  This may prove to be a most interesting season.
Wonder if LePaz will show up for this weekend contest in Willie town :)
Me, will be in Clinton NY to catch a football game. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 19, 2013, 10:13:59 PM
Yes Lapaz plans on going to Amherst at Williams...My first chance at seeing the Jeffs. Williams despite its 4 goal outburst at Babson I think will have trouble scoring in this one. A coach would never rest key players in a league contest let alone a non-league. Rico is a big piece to Amherst puzzle as he keeps the game  moving along thru midfield. Both teams seem to have injury problems. I would assume Amherst will be really pumped up to beat Williams after they were eliminated last year by them..I'll go 1-1.

Midd at Bowdoin- Interesting game here. Bowdoin seems lost on defense and in goal and Midd is young and haven't played to many games yet. 1-0 Bowdoin.

Trinity at Colby- The surprise team by far in Nescac takes the long road up to Maine. Trinity has been known under Pilger to not get up for these type of games and Colby is a tough place to play with small field dimensions and a soft grass. Still Trinity has better weapons 2-0 Trinity.

Conn v Hamilton- Conn gets an impressive draw at Amherst but like I said before the season they need to turn these ties into wins or it is useless in conference. Hawkey is a workhorse with limited skill and Conn's midfield is better than Hamilton, factor in the long road trip and I say 3-0 Conn.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 21, 2013, 11:55:44 AM
I'm sure Amherst vs Williams will garner the headlines, but the game of the day in the area may well be Tufts vs. Brandeis.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 21, 2013, 07:59:22 PM
Check out Messiah vs Montclair St being streamed out of Shoemaker Field Grantham PA in the pouring rain. Massiah 1 MS 0.
Messiah is a machine 8-), completely dominating MS in first 20 min!!!  Nice feed in HD.
NESCACers should watch as one or more will most likely face one or both teams in the NCAA tourney
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 21, 2013, 08:48:55 PM
Amherst beats Williams in Willietown 1-0 in 2ot.   Lots of ot games in the conference today.

ECSU...thanks for the heads up.  Saw Messiah beat the Amherst women team in a quarter final game a couple years ago in Pa.  Aware of the teams from Messiah.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 22, 2013, 08:18:16 AM
Great win for Amherst over Williams yesterday. While Amherst had the edge more often, as the SH and SOG indicate (21-15, 11-3), Williams did own some moments in the game. A fair result yesterday (when we all know soccer is not always fair).
Tufts' 2-0 blanking of a highly-touted Brandeis team speaks well for NESCAC over UAA!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 23, 2013, 08:22:03 PM
Missed the games in Willie Town.  Was in Clinton NY watching Amherst in another type of football.
Thanks Jump4Joy for a "F air" post of the contest .   A point to you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 24, 2013, 07:30:16 PM
Tufts follows up impressive win over Brandeis 3 days later with 0-0 tie against Plymouth State.  Have to wonder about the consistency for this very talented team.  Loss to Wesleyan, win over Brandeis, tie to PSU.  I wouldn't make too much of the Brandeis loss for Brandeis. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacalum on September 24, 2013, 08:22:00 PM
Interesting start to the season from a lot of perspectives. Seems to me that no team has really separated themselves from the pack decisively. Amherst and Tufts were widely expected to be the class of the league but seem to have hit roadblocks (Amherst 0-0 tie at home against Conn, Tufts loss to Wesleyan and tie to Plymouth State tonight) but have won some big games (Amherst 1-0 win @ Williams and Tufts win against Brandeis).

Wesleyan seems to be the biggest wildcard, as the suspensions seem to change games pretty drastically (which is what it seems like from the outside, I haven't seen Wesleyan play live yet).

I think Conn tying Amherst away is a sign of a team that might be figuring it out. I wouldn't count the camels out of making some noise in the NESCAC tournament.

Tufts can certainly play with anyone, which isn't a surprise, yet they have a couple bad results. I've seen them a bit live and they are certainly talented, looking forward to watching them play Amherst this weekend in person and seeing how they respond to a frustrating tie to Plymouth State. If they're ready to make the next step they will get a win or a result, if they aren't ready they might self-destruct. We'll see how far they've come against an Amherst team that has had a week to prepare.

Williams puzzles me again. Didn't make the drive to see the rivalry game, but Amherst does post all their goals (little tacky if you ask me, but whatever, good to be able to see things), and Fikke's goal was a great run and pass from the right midfielder (the freshman, think it's Chris Martin but not sure) but what's more alarming is that everyone on Williams is flat footed. Plenty of guys back behind the ball, none of them paying attention. Russo needs to get these guys dialed in, Williams teams don't make mistakes like that especially at that point in the game.

Anyway, those are some ramblings, I'll have more once I can get out and watch more games. Picks for the weekend:

Colby 0 @ Midd 2 - Colby can't win this game, don't think they're talented enough against a pretty impressive panther squad that looks like it's getting better every week.

Trinity 1 @ Bates 0 - Just going off of results here, haven't seen both teams play but Trinity seems to be playing better as of late.

Conn 2 @ Williams 2 - Conn can certainly play on the wings with the freshman from NYC having some good speed and Hawkey is a threat all game. Williams doesn't know who they are yet and have some injuries that are hurting them.

Tufts 0 @ Amherst 2 - Game of the weekend? I think Amherst gets a goal on a set piece (shocker) and then gets another one late when Tufts is pushing forward. Difference here is 1-15 Amherst is more talented and tougher. Tufts has the two most talented players in Hoppenot and Santos but it's towards the end of the depth chart where they will struggle. Also think the Plymouth State tie is a sign of poor leadership, good teams with good leaders win games like that. Just my opinion.

Weselyan 3 @ Hamilton 1 - Wesleyan just far more talented than Hamilton.

Sidenote: Anyone who tried to watch the Conn Amherst game via stream knows this, but that was the worst soccer game I've ever seen. Largest waste of 90+ minutes I've had in a long time. Had to get that off my chest.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 25, 2013, 12:17:30 PM
Cacalum...enjoyed your post.  Enjoy the contest this weekend...whichever team you prefer! :)
Did catch a portion of the Camel vs Jeff's game on line.  Agreed with your view...for many reasons.  Enjoy soccer more live and when I know players.  Followed Noon '13 for four years...got to know his parents from both soccer and basketball games.  Have not picked a favorite yet but am leaning towards Norton since he is from my area of the world.  One must remember that Amherst is playing a lot of young players to date and is missing Milton Rico and Julian A. play....two impact players..for many games.  Did I get my tenses right?  Oh well...can claim that English is my second language :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on September 25, 2013, 12:26:42 PM
Quote from: cacalum on September 24, 2013, 08:22:00 PM
Williams puzzles me again. Didn't make the drive to see the rivalry game, but Amherst does post all their goals (little tacky if you ask me, but whatever, good to be able to see things), and Fikke's goal was a great run and pass from the right midfielder (the freshman, think it's Chris Martin but not sure) but what's more alarming is that everyone on Williams is flat footed. Plenty of guys back behind the ball, none of them paying attention. Russo needs to get these guys dialed in, Williams teams don't make mistakes like that especially at that point in the game.

I only caught the OTs this weekend so I didn't see much play overall, but the main thing I noticed different this year from last year is they really miss Rashid right now.  They had some opportunities but like you said they seem a little flat-footed.  He was a bit of a sparkplug last year that could make something out of nothing and I don't see that right now from the team.  I think if they can hold on and grind out some wins, they'll be a different team at the end of the year if they can get healthy.  They aren't exactly falling apart when you consider both loses came in the second OT but I don't think anything is going to come easy the way they are playing now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 25, 2013, 06:52:43 PM
In perhaps the most lopsided 1-0 match I have ever witnessed, Middlebury finally puts away a vastly overmatched Colby Sawyer squad in Middlebury.

Honestly, I bet CS was able to advance the ball within Middlebury's 18 twice during the entire 90 minutes of play. On the other end, under relentless pressure, the CS keeper played as if there were two of him.

The stat sheet bears this out. Midd out shoots CS 34-1. The CS keeper made 18 saves. 18. In a soccer match. He was all over the place. Other times he was in precisely the right place at the right time. Hats off to Colby Sawyer. 

Frosh Bean nets the winner w/ about 8 minutes left off a Deklan Robinson assist.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 25, 2013, 08:41:49 PM
Bucket....caught part of the game in the second half.....wanted to check out the NSN webcast.  I feel for you.....find college soccer hard to watch at times, especially online.  Still, better than pro soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 29, 2013, 04:59:33 PM
After a win over Tufts on Sat afternoon, the LJs win at Bates today 3-1 on a warm sunny day.  Goal keeper Bull scored the first goal from midfield!  With about 25 minutes to go, Bates scores and cuts the lead to 2-1.  Amherst scores soon after.  Amherst dominated the play for most of the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 29, 2013, 08:56:40 PM
Was at Williams v Amherst a week ago and that 106 minutes of wasted time...ball flying around like a basketball, of course we will surmise that Amherst succeeded in playing "their " game. I will say the best chance of the game was the first OT until Morell made a great save on I think Caslin or Fikke not sure. Amherst is for real and will win the conference, not as good as last year but they are having injury problems. Williams def misses Rashid but what they miss most is LUCK...last year they would win those 2ot games not lose them. Defensively they seem exposed at times and offensively User looks lost and disinterested.

Was at Tufts v Trinity today- Nice first half goal on a set piece by Sam Williams, Tufts lucked out as big Sam walked in free on a defensive breakdown by Trinity. Santos didn't start(pretty sure his MONO is gone by now) and when he did play he injured his groin first minute off the bench. when he went back in he played up top. The 2nd goal was a nice play down the right flank by the speed of Tal Smith and the finish of #14 forgetting his name I think Conner Brown. Very nice finish. Tufts started in a 4-4-2 then went to a 4-2-3-1 and were much more successful. Trinity also had there chances on some set pieces and thru balls but couldn't finish. Tufts #3 Ewing cleared one off the line that had beaten the keeper. Also, This Greenwood( the keeper) kid is a HUGE improvement over that kid last year. With him in goal and the speed of that Smith kid and the steady Nakamura and of course Santos if he wakes up and Hoppenot they are a legit legit team. They are a bit susceptible in the back as there wingbacks are not great, one got benched after 10 minutes and I don't like #6 Schiable in the middle. He is a good wingback , they miss that Kramer kid a tall lanky defender from last year as he is injured. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on October 01, 2013, 06:52:32 PM
Goal by the Ephs with just under 5 minutes left to keep their season alive.  Game was audio only today because someone sent the video equipment to the wrong place it sounded like.  Williams got one 12 minutes in to take the early lead and were able to hold Midd scoreless the majority of the match despite Midd having a lot of chances.  Midd finally broke through with just about five minutes left, but Williams came right back and took the lead again a moment later.  Tough loss for Midd who could have jumped up to a tie for second with a win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 01, 2013, 08:07:00 PM
Midd-Williams was a great match, evenly played. Williams's first goal and Midd's equalizer came from the identical spot on nearly identical free kicks—about 21 yards out, both balls bent around the wall and inside the left post. The only difference was that the Eph's goal was low and Greg Conrad's equalizer was top corner.

Looked like we were headed to overtime after Conrad evened things up, but then Williams shocked the home crowd with a nice counter and laser shot--didn't see who scored it, maybe because I was cringing.

Both teams played well; Williams might have had a 52-48 possession, if that. So evenly played. Midd's best chance before the Conrad goal was a Glaser blast—inside the box, but very tough angle, almost parallel w/ the end line)—that was just knocked down. Subsequent volley then went wide.

Fun game. Looking forward to the rest of the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 01, 2013, 10:13:44 PM
I see that Rashid is back for Williams and already made his presence felt by assisting on the game-winning goal.  That is big news for the Ephs, as his offensive dynamism was sorely missed.  He and Muralles should form a potent duo up front going forward. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 02, 2013, 10:44:30 AM
I should have pointed out how fast to the ball the Ephs were. Their speed is quite impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 04, 2013, 09:42:17 AM
Nice to see the BB posters moving over here.  I admit I watch soccer games live only if they occur around the football games.  I enjoy it when I know the players and/ or their parents.  Do admit that's I prefer the "long ball" game more than the possession style....just as I like the fast break game in basketball over the "Princeton" possession approach.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2013, 09:10:25 AM
Saturday Oct 5th 9am....little late but I feel like predicting. Lets see how I do.

Bowdoin at Trinity- Trinity has a real tough road ahead schedule wise. Last year they started out like this and collapsed. This year I feel might be a bit different. I underrated them in the beginning of the season as I didn't factor in some key frosh they have been key in helping them. Solid defensively, keeper a bit suspect but up front with Savonon and Carrisquillo and in midfield with Tobias they can be dangerous going forward. Also, coming off a tough week so they should get up for this game. Bowdoin has had a tough league schedule so far but the Thomas tie was shocking. They have been awful in goal since they went to the final four in 2010. They have weapons to win this game and if they go at the Trinity wingbacks they could win this however my prediction is :   1-1

Colby at Wesleyan- Colby coming off a 5-0 thrashing from Midd did beat Thomas 2-1. I feel they can stay in this game if there keeper has a decent game. He is on and off. Still have solid players in Pratt, Tollman etc and are decent defensively but have lacked any kind of scoring threat in years. Wesleyan playing there key players in league games with Sousa, Issiroff etc. I haven't seen them live yet so my guess is  :  Wesleyan 2-0

Skidmore at Williams- Liberty league vs Nescac. Skidmore has a couple key Jamacains and a Nigerian center half that could cause Williams some trouble if they come out sleeping. Williams a huge 2-1 win at Midd. Maybe the first win at Midd in 10 years for Williams. Rashid is back but not starting but Muralles playing out of his mind and Williams to solid defensively and in goal for Skidmore to score   :   Williams 2-0

Bates at Conn- Havent seen Bates but when you let a free kick goal in from halfield that tells me their keeper is either weak, small or makes horrible decisions. I do not believe they have anything up front that is dangerous for Conn to handle. Conn needs this win more than anyone today and will get it. Fast on the wings with O'Brien and frosh Weller and dangerous up front with Hawkey. Their keeper seems solid and defensively ok in the middle and suspect at wingback. I bet they come out in a 4-3-3 and go right at Bates. Bates does have a couple 0-0 draws so if they sit in maybe some trouble for Conn. Predicition :  Conn 2-1

Amherst at Hamilton- Hamilton playing very well at home. I still do not see a real scoring threat for Amherst like last year but they have managed to get goals from all around. Still they have already made long road trips to NH, Maine and now Western NY and next week again way up to Maine. At some point this might take a toll. Not today. Amherst 3-1

Midd at Tufts- Game of the day. Midd coming off a heartbreaker to Williams. They have better weapons with Glazer and Conrad who bent a great free kick ball past Williams' keeper. I still feel there backs are slow and they might have one of the worst keepers in Nescac in Collins. He is small and does not have good hands. Tufts to dangerous attacking and better in net. Midd still very dangerous on restarts as they are very big. If Tufts avoids those they can win this game.  0-0


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 05, 2013, 09:33:38 AM
It's a big NESCAC weekend for sure. LaPaz, I continue to enjoy reading your posts, especially the predictions. A couple of rebuttals:

In reference to the Williams/Amherst game, you write, "[W]e will surmise that Amherst succeeded in playing 'their' game." I become more confused by this implication. Every time Amherst plays "their" game against Williams, Williams doesn't win (they tied in NCAAs last year and advanced on PKs). In every game I've seen between these two NESCAC powerhouses, Williams looks eerily similar to Amherst in serving it long out of the back and then working to possess in the final third. So could it be that Williams has not succeeded in playing their game? ;)

Also, in defense of the Bates 'keeper last week: When there's a restart at the midstripe, most goalies cheat off the line a bit (top of 6-ish) in anticipation of a typical ball served into the mixer between the 6 and the 18. That's what this Bates 'keep did. Bull either decided to go for it (he does have the range) or got lucky. The ball dropped in just under the crossbar. So either opponents' keepers need to hold their line against Bull--even from extreme distance--which makes it easier for Amherst's targets to get to ball for a first or second ball on frame, or they continue to anticipate the service to make it difficult for targets to hit ball. Catch-22 against Amherst, apparently. Good for Bull, who should have been ROY last year (had to reiterate that point :) ). Nice to have a goalie who is a scoring/assist threat!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 06, 2013, 09:01:43 AM
Good job by Hamilton for a good performance at home vs Amherst.
It was always just a matter of time before Hamilton found its feet in a difficult league, they have historically been a strong club.
The result means nothing however, unless they build on it with a few more solid performances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 06, 2013, 11:46:40 AM
Saint...in a great weekend for Amherst teams, the TIE against Hamilton seemed a somewhat  downer to me, an Amherst fan.  Especially, when Amherst was starting to get it's offense going.  Hamilton must have played a heck of a game against the third ranked team.  FYI, it seems that the box showed that Amherst's first Team All-American, Julian A. Was in the game.  He had been missing for all but one previous games this season.  My congrats to your Continentals!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 06, 2013, 07:01:30 PM
They are not my Continentals at all  my friend.
Just competed against them a few times, and they were a very solid program.

My favorite color is Red.

I think Amherst scored with seconds to go and salvaged the tie.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 07, 2013, 10:36:49 AM
Not a lot of recent NESCAC commentary here (which I miss).

Some amateurish impressions thus far. 

Amherst is tough and will be a tough out for anyone but is not outstanding.  They lack the flair in attack of a Loras or Messiah.

The old nemesis Williams is gaining momentum and will be right there in the end.

Tufts COULD knock off either of the above in tournament play, but they also could lose to an inferior opponent.

Middlebury is close and may sneak in the NCAA tourney as the 4th NESCAC team but look for them next year to turn narrow losses into wins.

Trinity and Conn College are right on the edge.  A string of wins by either could land a NCAA spot, but I'm guessing their results will be too uneven for that to happen.  A surprise run in the NESCAC tourney may be their best hope.

Something not right at Wesleyan.  Big initial win away at Bowdoin.  Big home loss to Wheaton.  Barely, barely get by winless Colby at home.

Bowdoin playing better but just too much competition ahead of them.

Hamilton working hard to not be included in every sentence (like this one) with Colby and Bates.

Colby and Bates are very disappointing.  Hardly any offense at all.  Bates already replaced their long-time coach and you have to wonder if it is time for Colby coach (who really is a good guy and a Colby lifer) to graciously roll into emeritus status.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 10, 2013, 11:36:33 AM
The league standings should come into more defined form after this weekend. A lot of teams have doubleheader league games.

Amherst-Colby,Wes and Trinity left. The title and hosting rights are in their hands. Wes is a home game and even a tie there could be fine. They usually handle Trinity and Colby, but who knows.

Wesleyan-Out of conference schedule has really killed any at-large chances unless they run the table which seems unlikely from such a young team. Games against Williams, Trinity, Conn, Amherst and Midd will most likely give them over 5 total losses and at-large even at 5 losses has been done maybe once or twice in the last 10 years.

Tufts- Still have Williams,Bowdoin,Conn left but a key non league win against Brandeis will surely put there at large into their own hands. That showdown at Williams next weekend could seal it.

Trinity-Non leagues done excellent. That 4-0 drubbing of Wheaton really took me back a little. Tough road ahead starting with at Midd, Wes, Conn, Amherst. They will finish with more than one loss. Biggest win right now is against Williams.

Williams-Non leagues done excellent. this weekend could make or break them. at Wes and at Bowdoin then Tufts at home. They win all those and they should be ok . Even a tie with Tufts would prob be fine.

Midd- Tough schedule so far, their non-leagues are horrible and they have had some bad luck. They will have to run the table and prob get to Final game of Nescac's or maybe even have to win it.

Conn- See Midd

Hamilton-Some great results at home, but the travel for them puts them at a total disadvantage this weekend and 2 losses out of league have done them in.

Bates- Totally unimpressed with the new coach. At least up until his final year Purgavie sometimes would produce decent if not tough teams to play against. This guy has had 2 years and 1 more recruiting class to figure it out.


Colby-0-5 in league but a better team than Bates and can be a tough out especially at home. I do not agree that it is time to force the coach out up there and they won't as he is to nice a guy and been there for years, plus I am sure he will be retiring in 3-4 years anyway.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEnglandSoccer on October 10, 2013, 03:57:37 PM
As someone who is close to the Colby coaching situation, I can safely say that Serdjenian has long overstayed his welcome. Somehow put in charge of a college soccer team, he has knowledge of the game equivalent to a poor high school coach. The assistant for the past three years (Oestergaard) was an excellent candidate, but left for UNE this year as he couldn't deal with Serdjenian's struggle to hold on to the head coaching spot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 10, 2013, 09:17:26 PM
hmmmmmm.....someone's kid isn't getting enough playing time
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 11, 2013, 12:27:50 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 10, 2013, 09:17:26 PM
hmmmmmm.....someone's kid isn't getting enough playing time

Perhaps, but unless there have been multiple injuries to multiple starters, the W/L performance to date is a head scratcher  given that most of the Colby team was coming back from last year.  You can't get rid of the entire roster, but you can get rid of.... Don't know if they should or shouldn't, but its a tough situation as at this point do you already start playing for next year and sit Sr's/Jr's and play more underclassmen? This weekend should really clarify the NESCAC playoff picture and likely possible NCAA bids.  The league is much more balanced this season, and although Amherst sits in the top slot they are not the juggernaut of the last two years, slots 2 through 8 likely still will see a lot of movement over the next two weeks.  Can any one or two teams make a run in the last 5 games...it is possible, but likely to come from the team which is the healthiest as all teams are suffering from injuries at this point...should be an exciting last  few weeks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 11, 2013, 03:13:41 PM
Ummmm...they lost there best player Andrew Meisel in the central midfield. He made the engine run thru midfield. Very hard to replace that right away especially at Colby...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 11, 2013, 07:39:43 PM
Pretty much every team lost players, but when you return 8 or 9 starters from the previous year, even without your best midfielder you should be doing better than what Colby has shown to date. One player does not make a team...even a good midfielder....now if they lost a 10 goal scoring forward, then I could understand the loss of a single player creating a big void, but still one which can be overcome with different tactics/formation.  Hopefully Colby rights the ship as they have some talented players on their roster.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: irvschmid on October 11, 2013, 07:43:46 PM
I agree with the posters regarding the overall record of Colby.   Lots of talented juniors are  on the Colby squad.   Their record does not make sense.

Trinity Middlebury could be interesting if Trinity has any magic left.   I would think Middlebury should win at home on turf.

Conn vs. Tufts at Tufts.   If Tufts gets healthy, they could do some damage in the championships.   Again, I pick Tufts at hime.   Conn College has not produced the support their fine target forward deserves. 

Williams Wesleyan could be interesting.  Wesleyan has some OK wins with one solid win against Tufts.   But Wesleyan has some confusing losses.   Williams is still searching for a winning lineup.   Williams is the better squad in this one.   

One fan's opinion. 


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEnglandSoccer on October 11, 2013, 08:50:11 PM
LaPaz -- I do suppose that I came off as a little too abrasive and to the point. All I can say is that I do not, in fact, have a kid on this Colby team.

I suppose that the thing that really irks me about the Colby soccer program is the continual acceptance to finish at the bottom of the league every year. Much emphasis has been placed on the presence/absence of certain individual players on this thread, but when you broaden the scope of the picture (i.e. from the creation of the NESCAC to the present) you realize that Colby has never had a winning season. This simply cannot be a coincidence.
Bates had the same problem and made an attempt to fix it. It seems that Colby could care less about its Men's Soccer Program.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 12, 2013, 09:36:39 AM
Trinity vs Middlebury---Middlebury plays very good defense and tries to score off their set pieces (big physical team), not that dangerous in the run of play---Trinity is much more dangerous scoring from the flow of the game---I give the edge to Trinity even on the road.

Conn vs Tufts---both teams have been hit with the injury bug this year with constant changing lineups---Tufts is very strong at home and big physically---will Conn attack and let their offense loose or bunker in and hope for the tie---I give the edge to Tufts but could end up a tie like the last two years.

Wesleyan vs Williams---Wesleyan has been a mystery this year up and down--Williams is finally getting healthy at forward--edge to the Ephs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 13, 2013, 09:19:37 AM
Conn dominates Tufts at home wins 2 to 1.  Surprise game?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 13, 2013, 09:25:55 AM
Could be teams are underestimating Conn. Saw them play Amherst in a brutally hard-hitting, fast-paced, high pressure (also incredibly ugly) game. I wonder if yesterday's game featured the same energy that seems designed to prohibit the opponent from developing any kind of rhythm.

Side note: Amherst is on a 30-game streak without a loss. Impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 13, 2013, 01:39:53 PM
Conn dominated 2nd half and OT vs Tufts...deserved the win...especially with 3 injured starters and lost another one yesterday. Will be interesting how Conn does vs Colby.  Amherst unbearen streak in regular season is very impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 14, 2013, 09:30:10 PM
Didn't realize until looking at the standings that Wesleyan is still in the mix.  Seemed like they had lost every game for a couple of weeks but somehow are 4-2.  I assume with their out of conference losses they would need to win tournament or at least get to final to snag a NCAA bid.

Bowdoin is suddenly alive and Conn College had a big weekend.  Middlebury hanging in there nicely.  Trinity treading water and Tufts has to be considered mildly disappointing.

Don't know what to say about Colby.  They didn't do much better with Meisel last year. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 14, 2013, 09:52:12 PM
Basically 7 teams (Amherst not included since #1) fighting for playoff seedings #2 through #8.  They all play each other these last 2 1/2 weeks and all spots up for grabs as only 2 points separate #2 to #8. Middlebury has the easiest road left. Williams and Conn have all remaining nescac games at home. Wesleyan and Trinity have tough remaining away league games.  Bowdoin playing better could be a surprise. Playoff seedings and ncaa berths other than Amherst wont be decided until regular season is complete. League parity.... even Amherst has 2 ties and they could have lost to both Hamilton and Conn.  Who can get hot or stay hot and make a run?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: irvschmid on October 15, 2013, 10:44:00 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 13, 2013, 09:25:55 AM
Could be teams are underestimating Conn. Saw them play Amherst in a brutally hard-hitting, fast-paced, high pressure (also incredibly ugly) game. I wonder if yesterday's game featured the same energy that seems designed to prohibit the opponent from developing any kind of rhythm.

Side note: Amherst is on a 30-game streak without a loss. Impressive.



Love the semantics from Jump 4 Joy.    Somehow the team that has no losses in 30 games failed to get to the final four last year. 

Impressive.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 15, 2013, 10:55:57 PM
Impressive is 9-0-2 and 30 game regular season win/tie streak.  Cant stand Amherst but it is impressive whether or not they made the final four or not. You have to give them credit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 16, 2013, 05:50:59 PM

Rutgers Camden now extends unbeaten streak to 27 (22-0-5)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 17, 2013, 03:38:44 PM
Irv, make it 32!
Anyone know if any other teams, other than Rutgers Camden, in college soccer have that kind of streak going? Div 1, 2, 3? Men or women?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 17, 2013, 05:56:35 PM
Pretty amazing streak by Rutgers-Camden.  Any thoughts to this coming weekends games?
Tufts at Williams?
Middlebury at Bates?
Trinity at Conn?
Wesleyan at Amherst?
Colby at Hamilton?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 17, 2013, 08:01:45 PM
Colby had some great winning seasons from 1990-1993. I believe they even won the ECAC's before Nescacs could go to NCAA's. They had a great striker at the time(name I cant remember) and were 15-1-0 one of those years. Point taken though

Colby at Hamilton- Hamilton must win to keep any playoff hope alive and Colby just must have no confidence right now. Hamilton has shown well at home this year and an 8 hour bus trip to central NY doesn't help. 2-0 Hamilton.

Bowdoin at Conn- Conn is at 7-2-2 and if they win out could def be in the picture for at large consideration. Bowdoin an athletic team who will give them plenty to handle.  Big game for Nescac seeding.  I do not see many scoring chances in this game as both coaches will play it safe.  0-0

Wes at Amherst- Always a battle game. Wes was undone by Williams last week and even had a man advantage for 25minutes. They just can't score (many nescac teams problem) Wes to young to hang here and Amherst would love to clinch the title and little 3 at same time.  1-0 Amherst.

Tufts at Williams- Tufts is having some injury issues and need big time performers to step up and get motivated if they want a win in Williamstown. Williams coming off a great win at Wes on Saturday disappointed with a loss to a bigger more physical Bowdoin team. Ben Brewster was an animal in that game. Williams is a roller coaster ride with Rashid yet to find his stride. They are having big problems finishing. Tufts 2-0

Midd at Bates- Bates has been Midd's bugaboo for years. But this Bates team is one of the worst I have seen live. Midd 3-1.

Trinity in typical coach Pilger fashion failed to secure a game for the weekend leaving a open hole on their Nescac bye week. I mean from afar the guy is clueless as hell but you cant argue 7-2-2. Overachieving is an understatement and my guess is they will lose to Amherst,Conn and possibly Wes.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 17, 2013, 09:26:24 PM
Like your predictions/analysis for Hamilton/Colby:Amherst/Wesleyan; and middlebury/Bates.  I believe Williams will beat tufts in williamstown.  Williams is more talented and healthier and at home. Also I believe Conn will find a way to score as they have been scoring a lot lately from multiple players thus will get by bowdoin in a tough battle. Home field and big homecoming crowd will help Conn..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 18, 2013, 10:31:48 AM
Colby over Hamilton, 2-1, (before losing to Bowdoin and Bates).  The other way to look at the long bus ride is that it is a long way to go to come back with another loss.

Wesleyan ties Amherst 1-1.  Will be very odd if Wes finishes 2nd in NESCAC with their out-of-conference losses in terms of potential bid.

Williams 2-1 over Tufts.  Williams needs this game and Tufts has disappointed after very high expectations.

Conn vs Bowdoin.  Toughest one to pick IMHO.  Bowdoin coming on but Conn playing well and has a chance to be what we thought Tufts was going to be.  Alas, I see everything coming back to the mean and so Bowdoin wins 1-0.

Midd also coming on strong after a couple of tough, close losses earlier.  Midd 2-1 over Bates.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacalum on October 18, 2013, 11:12:56 AM
short and sweet here as I still haven't seen enough of these teams:

Hamilton Over Colby 1-0

Amherst over Wesleyan 2-0; Amherst too tough at home and Older Aoyama is back and healthy, which is not good news for Wesleyan

Tufts over Williams 2-0; Tufts will like playing on that big field 2-0; would like to see them hit their stride here and make things interesting in the NESCAC tourney

Conn over Bowdoin 2-0; Bowdoin coming off a big win vs. Tufts but I think Conn is tougher than folks are giving them credit for. they went toe to toe with Amherst in a pretty brutal game, I don't think Bowdoin's physicality will intimidate them

Midd over Bates 3-0; Midd is becoming more and more dangerous each week those young guys get time
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on October 18, 2013, 11:35:19 AM
Interesting split on the Williams-Tufts game but I've got to go Williams at home in this one.  I was able to watch the game last Saturday and they looked like a team that was getting back on track and getting to know each other better.  In the loss the next day they were flat as a pancake but after playing the last 30 mins on Saturday a man down it was predictable that they wouldn't have as much in the tank.  After having the week off to recharge and guys getting healthy, I'm expecting an effort similar to Saturday's match and not Sunday's match.  The schedule is in their favor and I think they know if they can get this one they've got a great shot at the #2 spot with Midd still having to play @ Wes. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 19, 2013, 07:38:42 PM
Irv, my bad. Now make it 32.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 20, 2013, 10:34:00 AM
You can keep the count rolling for Amherst but the truth is they are not good enough to keep it going. Someone will knock them off in the next 4-5 games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 20, 2013, 11:47:14 AM
So I gave Colby a little too much credit.  Guess I was feeling guilty for criticizing, and then they go down 4-1 to one of the other weakest teams.

Looking ahead to NCAA bids, are Amherst and Williams the only teams that are safe (barring a Williams collapse and early conference tourney exit)?  Tufts, Wesleyan, Conn, and Trinity all appear to be on shaky ground and may need at least a run to tournament final to get a bid.  Midd and Bowdoin surging down the stretch now with the inside track? 

Will one or two of these teams benefit from relative weakness in the region outside the conference?  Babson not having a banner year (although gets crack at Bowdoin today).  Wheaton has faltered a bit.  Even Brandeis is finding tough sledding in the UAA and could be 1-3 in conference in another hour or so.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 20, 2013, 12:03:09 PM
A lot of parity in all D3 will make the regional rankings very interesting. So much parity in Nescac and UAA. WNEC and Roger Williams and Gordon in a weak league but have good records. Roger Williams some good road wins they might be #4 or #5. I'm sorry but Brandeis not a good UAA record if they lose to Emory and have no clear cut good wins except at Babson, who is coming on.

1. Amherst- No question New England #1, only question is will they get one of the 2 important bye's in NCAA's. If they win out and win Nescac tourney they will. If they lose or tie a couple more they won't get bye but will def host.


2. Williams- Win out and they will be #2, some very good road wins which helps and counts as more points. Wins at Midd,Wes and Babson will help.

3. thru #11 no clue. Toss a coin. Trinity and Bowdoin will be in there but have tough games left. Conn as well. There tie at Amherst will help. Springfield would jave been there but a loss at Babson and no clear cut good wins except WNEC. WNEC if they beat Amherst could really be #3-4.

Still to much league play left to predict
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 20, 2013, 08:00:10 PM
I agree with LaPaz that other than Amherst there is much parity inD3/NEzsCAC.  Williams is next best team talent wise.  The rest of nescac is truly a toss up as week to week you never know who will show up.  Thought Conn was on a roll but watched their game and while they dominated 1st half they disappeared in 2nd half.  Conn's back line gave up two very soft goals as keeper and left back had a couple of uh oh moments.  Brewster and Bowdoin clamped down and Conn couldn't get the equilizer and were left wondering how they just lost to a so so polar bear team.  Kudos to Bowdoin as they took advantage.  If Conn doesn't rebound they may unbelievably not even make the playoffs and they still have to play Trinity and Wesleyan.  Tufts is still reeling.  Middlebury is in good position.  Hamilton is still alive. Trinity and Wesleyan are still both in control but with tough games remaining.  Amherst remains the cut above despite the 2 ties yet only team this year with talent to make a small run in the tournament but likely not a deep run.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 25, 2013, 11:48:00 AM
Predictions for tomorrow as always will be tough. Regional rankings were what I expected. Williams might drop a bit after a loss at ranked RPI but I do not think they will drop much. WNEC might drop a spot or 2 after a tie with Salve. Was a bit surprised the CCC got 4 teams ranked but hats off to the league but a Roger Williams vs Gordon match this weekend could be big. I have not seen any CCC team this year so if anyone out there has please fill us all in. Was a little surprised that Conn and Springfield were not ranked. Springfield vs MIT also a big match as is Trinity vs Conn.

Colby at Bowdoin- Colby 0-8 in Nescac and have taken a beating on this board. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain as they could still win the CBB. Either way their season is over Wednesday and lasted all of 2 months. This will be a battle game and while Bowdoin is more athletic I am not so sure they have any clear cut goal scorers. Bowdoin needs to keep winning to move up the regional rankings ladder so the pressure is all on them. They will handle it fine and Colby and will be sent packing. 2-0 Bowdoin

Bates at Williams- Again another team in Bates who has nothing to play for and nothing to lose. However, Williams usually gets up big after losing games. Bates I still believe is a worse team than Colby and are way to small at key positions(besides striker) and maybe central defenders to play in Nescac. Williams not a big team either but have way more weapons. Does Bates sit in and play for another useless tie and play with one striker or do they come out with reckless abandon with nothing to lose like they should. My bets are on the former with this useless English coach using this as a program builder(insert sarcasm here). If its the latter Williams blows them off the field. 4-0 Williams

Amherst at WNEC- Interesting non-league game. I have not seen WNEC play and do not know their roster but if they are reasonably big and can hang with Amherst and their set pieces, who knows. A win for WNEC here and an at-large will be a definite, so the pressure is on them really. Amherst already clinched but they need this game and a couple other wins to secure that all important BYE in the NCAA's. Big game here with tons of ramifications. Amherst 2-0

Trinity at Conn- Very interesting neither of these teams were ranked. Conn has some good road wins but I think they based it on SOS and Trinity has one GOOD win at home over Williams. The loss to Wesleyan really hurt as they missed a PK. They are really reeling right now. I was surprised Conn couldn't get at least a draw with Bowdoin last week and that hurt them. Winner of this game will be ranked. 1-1

Tufts at Hamilton- Hamilton has played very well at home and Tufts is reeling and has no confidence right now. Pressure all on Hamilton as they need a win here to stay in playoff picture. 3 years and they still can't crack the top 8 in Nescac. I think Tufts  has better talent and if they could get Santos back and playing before the tourney they could make a good run in Nescac's. No one would want to play them in the first round. They are a small team and I think that has hurt them in the physical league that Nescac has become. However, they are very quick up front even without Santos and can score goals. The keeper who is a big improvement over last years keeper was red carded last week at Williams so he will need to sit out. This could be a huge problem. Tufts rolls into central NY and comes away with a victory. 2-1

Midd at Wes- Battle game for seeding and possible 2nd or 3rd place. Can Wesleyan contain Glazer and can they find a goal of their own. Toss a coin here. 0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2013, 12:07:28 PM
I was writing this before seeing LaPaz...

Where's all the usual NESCAC interest?

Some key games this weekend with a few teams facing a rapidly closing door for an at large bid.

Trinity at Conn Coll -- I'm guessing the loser of this one is out, and that the winner may need to win the final game (Trinity has Amherst and Conn has Wesleyan) as well as at least a quarterfinal game in the NESCAC tourney.  At this point don't see either squad having a clear advantage so looks like toss-up game.

Hamilton hosting Tufts -- Long odds for Hamilton facing Tufts and then away at Williams.  Tufts has really underformed relative to very high expectations.  The win over Brandeis can only go so far, especially with Brandeis struggling recently as well.  This could be a tough one for Tufts on the road before closing with a hot Bowdoin team.  I'm guessing Tufts will have to win the NESCAC tourney to get a bid, or at least win the final two and then make a run to the final.

Wesleyan hosting Midd -- Massive game for both teams.  Guessing both need this game and a win or two in the tourney to snag a bid.  Wes will still have an away game at Conn Coll which may or not be huge depending on results tomorrow.  For an at large bid Wes also needs to overcome their non-conference losses.

Bowdoin vs Colby -- Potential trap game for Bowdoin.  They've been hot but is this a rival "throw out the records" game?  Bowdoin needs game badly as they close on the road at Tufts which will be a game Tufts desperately will need.

Williams hosting Bates -- Hate to be Bates with Williams coming off loss to RPI.  Williams looks to be in good shape as they close with Hamilton, but a surprise loss in either game could make things hairy for the Ephs.

Will the NESCAC get 4 bids even if not deserving?  Have they been limited to 3 in any recent years?

Do some of you NESCAC followers believe results thus far are due to the conference being down, parity, or both?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2013, 12:24:11 PM
Other than not mentioning them at all, what can one say about Colby?  When was the last time they finished in top 4 or even top 6 or got to NESCAC tourney semis?  Probably splitting hairs to say who is stronger or weaker between Bates and Colby but this year seems pretty clear that Bates has been in more games and more competitive overall.  Still a mystery to me how these two very attractive schools can't attract better recruits. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 25, 2013, 12:56:19 PM
Who knows what this weekend will bring....one thing for certain is the uncertainty.  Big/crucial games this weekend are Wesleyan vs Middlebury and Trinity vs Conn as the rest there is a clear cut favorite in every game.  Losers of these 2 games will be in stormy waters with no chance of NCAAs and an awful seeding in the league playoffs as no one wants to fall to #8 and face Amherst in game #1.  I like Middlebury and Conn in these games, which of course means that Wesleyan and Trinity will likely win...just like at the casino those with smart $$ go against my bets.  Should be eventful soccer watching this weekend.  Go NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 25, 2013, 02:22:24 PM
With regional rankings being a major factor I can only see Amherst as a definite bid. Williams and Midd might need to get to final, but Midd's SOS is not as good and Williams won head to head. Bowdoin in good shape  with win against Williams and tie vs Midd...early results were not very good. They will need a good run. Trinity and Conn a run to finals will get them ranked a depending on other teams results get them IN. All other teams will have to win league tourney.

Colby was 5th place a couple years ago...Bates under Purgavie used to sneak in almost every year and one year I think 2006 made the semi's. Hey its not easy. Just ask Nizzi at Hamilton who used to go 9-3-4 or whatever in Liberty league and even make NCAA's...guy can barely get 4 wins a year now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacCaptain on October 25, 2013, 03:26:16 PM
It is hard for me to believe the NESCAC would only receive 2 or even 3 bids to the tourney. I understand the records of the top 4 or 5 teams are worse than in years past (excluding Amherst) but this is due in large part to the top 8 all beating each other up.

The NESCAC out of conference record is 33-6-3 to this point (if my math is right), so it's hard to argue against the CAC dominance.

Does anyone have insight into the selections committee's thoughts here? It's possible an 8 win team could be the 2 seed and a couple upsets in the tourney could make it near impossible to choose between seeds 2-8. Could parity truly penalize the CAC and result in only 2 tournament teams despite the league's dominance?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 25, 2013, 09:02:22 PM
Happened in 2011---2 bids Amherst and Trinity...all based on regional rankings...When Nescac teams beat each other up it does the league no favors for more teams especially when you have teams like Gordon who play no one and are 14-1-0. Besides Gordon though WNEC, MIT and Roger Williams have beaten some decent teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2013, 10:52:11 PM
LaPaz, I checked and there were 3 in 2011.  You missed Wesleyan.  Interestingly, the UAA only had 2 in 2011 and then a whopping 5 in 2012.  I didn't realize there are only 19 Pool C bids, so the UAA had more than 25% of the total last year and combined with NESCAC those two conferences had basically half of the total at large bids.  Way too many automatic qualifiers IMHO with many high quality teams getting left out.

I was curious about Colby.  They were 5th in 2010 with a conference record of 4-5 and overall record of 7-7-1.  Their only seasons above .500 going all the way back to 2000 were in 2008 (7-6-1) and 2006 (6-5-3).  With the exception of the 5th place finish in 2010, over the last 13 years years they have finished 10th 3 times, 9th 5 times, and 8th 4 times.  They did fairly well throughout the decade of the 90s, including VERY well from 1990 through 1994 with a 16-1-1 season in '93, 13-1-2 in '90 and 11-3-2 in '94.  They also had strong years in '82, '79 and '78.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 26, 2013, 05:54:57 PM
Jeffs: 33 games without a loss.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 26, 2013, 11:30:42 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 25, 2013, 09:02:22 PM
Happened in 2011---2 bids Amherst and Trinity...all based on regional rankings...When Nescac teams beat each other up it does the league no favors for more teams especially when you have teams like Gordon who play no one and are 14-1-0. Besides Gordon though WNEC, MIT and Roger Williams have beaten some decent teams.
As to conference teams beating up on another, I don't see it as hurting just that much for the teams that come out in the top 3 or 4 sports.  Strength of schedule is very important to the selection committee, and you get that being in a strong conference.  Sure, teams pick up more losses, but observing the committee's at-large selections over the years I get the feeling that the committee is much more forgiving of losses to good teams than they are of a lack of wins against ranked teams.

Gordon's schedule certainly isn't very tough, relatively speaking.  They have beaten two of the three other non-NESCAC team you mention (Roger Williams and WNEC).  Time will tell, but Gordon may be on the ascent.  Maybe.  One surprising regular season isn't enough to tell, of course.  But they have a new head coach, Derek Pottieger, a D-I All-American at Penn State, a decent A-League/USL pro player, and most recently assistant to Dave Brandt (6 national titles at Messiah) during the first three years of Brandt's tenure at Navy.  Potteiger is assisted by Nick Thompson (Messiah All-American).  And Gordon currently has three players from Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, a school which provided Messiah with several eventual All-Americans, including Nick Thompson and Kai Kasiguran, the 2007 D-III Player-of-the-Year and older brother of two of Gordon's players.  Add to that a great season that can only help their recruiting, and Gordon might be able to build a top program over the coming years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 27, 2013, 10:39:47 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 26, 2013, 05:54:57 PM
Jeffs: 33 games without a loss.
stats of the game show that despite only a 1 to 0 victory the Lord Jeffs dominated the game from start to finish....word is it could have been 6 to0 if Amherst finished better.  No one wants to finish 8th and play them in first round of Nescac playoffs.  Playoff seedings #2 to #8 shuffling still up for grabs. Big win by Wesleyan over Middlebury.
CONN got some starters back from injury and dominated Trinity....5 goals in a nescac game really? WILLIAMS getting healthier handled Bates easily although they didn't finish as well as coach Russo wants.  Bowdoin rolls and Tufts stays alive. Big games Tuesday Bowdoin at Tufts and Wednesday Wesleyan at Conn....the topsy turvy season continues and Amherst keeps rolling on
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 27, 2013, 01:15:17 PM
This is a Nescac board...not one of your Messiah pom pom cheerleading boards. New England soccer people are well aware of the Messiah connections at Gordon and its Christian roots...Maybe they can dominate a weak league like Messiah does year in and year out. If only there were more D1 schools for these Christian right wing nuts to send their kids.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 27, 2013, 01:23:58 PM
With OWU almost certain to drop after 2 draws will Amherst climb to #1 in at least the NCAA poll?  Messiah and Rutgers-Camden appear to be the other competitors for the top spot.  All four of these schools have had impressive streaks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 28, 2013, 10:54:44 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 27, 2013, 01:15:17 PM
This is a Nescac board...not one of your Messiah pom pom cheerleading boards. New England soccer people are well aware of the Messiah connections at Gordon and its Christian roots...Maybe they can dominate a weak league like Messiah does year in and year out. If only there were more D1 schools for these Christian right wing nuts to send their kids.

LaPaz -- no need to go all political here. Thanks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 28, 2013, 10:47:41 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 27, 2013, 01:15:17 PM
This is a Nescac board...not one of your Messiah pom pom cheerleading boards. New England soccer people are well aware of the Messiah connections at Gordon and its Christian roots...Maybe they can dominate a weak league like Messiah does year in and year out. If only there were more D1 schools for these Christian right wing nuts to send their kids.

Sorry you took such offense, La Paz.  Since you took a swipe at the 14-1-0 record that Gordon has posted, I thought it fair to suggest that their 14-1-0 record might reflect more than just a weak schedule (though it certainly is a reflection of that).  BTW, it's exactly this type of information that I wish was shared more on this message board.  Who can possibly keep up on all the coaching changes, roster changes, recruiting classes, injuries, etc. and the potential they bring to change a program's immediate, short-term, and long-term fortunes?  So it's helpful and educational when everyone shares the insights, info, and knowledge they have.  Maybe all you New England soccer people knew about the situation at Gordon, but not everyone on this message board is a knowledgeable New England soccer person.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 29, 2013, 09:20:06 AM
Fair enough....I was having a bad day...sorry about that..anyway

Today:

Bowdoin at Tufts- Hige game for seeding in Nescac. Bowdoin I think has won 6 or 7 in a row, while Tufts is coming off a thrilling victory at Hamilton. The ref did them no favors in central Ny by booking them 5v times and giving a straight red. The red went to Holliday who can be replaced for this game without much difference. They get there #1 keeper back after suspension. This team / coach do confuse me as Hoppenot ( who scored the lone goal did not start). He has benched Santos, Nakomura and Hoppenot all this season. Anyway, I think if Tufts plays there game at home they can win this and get a home field for Nescac quarters. Bowdoin on a roll and wouldn't be suprised to see  them sit in a bit and let Tufts come at them. A tie is enough for Bowdoin to host. Tufts must take Brewster out of the game and go at the other Bowdoin defenders who I think are weak.  2-1 Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 29, 2013, 06:17:16 PM
LaPaz predicted a 1-goal separation between Jumbos and Polar Bears, so he was right: Tufts, 1-0, for the home berth on Saturday. These teams were playing for home field adv. last year at this time, too, with Tufts winning the prize then.

Check out the NCAA (NSCAA) rankings this week. Amherst #1, but only one other NESCAC team (Bowdoin) in the top 25. Could be trouble come berth time???
http://www.nscaatv.com/rankings/2746/NCAADivisionIII/men/National/Poll9
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 30, 2013, 11:05:50 AM
Big game today Wesleyan at Conn which will solidify the playoff seedings.  tough game to call.  If Wesleyan wins then they likely will end up in 3rd and Conn #7.  Wesleyan would play Middlebury.  Conn would travel to Williams.  If Conn wins Wesleyan likely will still end up in 3rd, but Conn in #6 for a rematch Saturday at Wesleyan.  Middlebury would travel to Williams (assuming Williams beats Hamilton which is not a given).  If I'm Conn better to win today and play rematch vs Wesleyan than travel out to Williams for Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 30, 2013, 01:06:46 PM

Predictions on Amherst at Trinity?    I would think 2-0 Amherst...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 30, 2013, 05:08:10 PM
Amherst wins over Trinity in Hartford this afternoon...4-0.  Trinity's announcers started off slow by calling the LJs Williams for about 10 minutes...catch himself and making the error again.  He did come back strong for the rest of the game.  Announcers stated that Hamilton won against Williams...thereby eliminating the Bantams from the playoffs.  Amherst would have met Trinity again in the first round...it seems.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on October 30, 2013, 05:20:31 PM
Very rough game at Williams which won't show up in the stat sheet because non-calls don't get recorded.  Both ways, it wasn't one sided at all.  Williams flat out blew getting a point with a missed penalty kick that was at least 5 ft over the crossbar.  Hamilton's game winner came between Morrell's legs which I'm sure he'll be kicking himself about. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2013, 05:41:14 PM
Did Colby really lose 5-1 at home against Bates?  0-10 for the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 31, 2013, 11:17:42 AM
Anyone want to take a shot at how NCAA bids are going to play out for the NESCAC?

Amherst looks to be the only entirely safe team and the only team that could survive a quarterfinal loss.  I don't see how the rest could get a bid without winning at least 1 game, and most would seem to need at least 2 games.  If the winner of Bowdoin vs Tufts managed to beat Amherst in the semis that would probably earn a bid.  I don't see Wesleyan getting a bid unless they beat Conn again, and also think the loser of Midd vs Williams will be out.  And I wouldn't be surprised if the semifinal in that half of the bracket is for a bid.  In other words, I could see NESCAC only getting 2 teams and at most 3 (if Amherst is upset in the quarters or semis).  Anyone see this differently?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: KICKIN95 on October 31, 2013, 11:49:23 AM
Watched some of the Trinity v Amherst match.  Amherst had little problem disposing of Trinity.  I thought the commentators were more entertaining than the match, I think they finally realized Trinity was actually playing Amherst instead of "Williams" about 5 min before the end of the 1st half.  If there wasn't video streaming with this match you would have been lead to believe this was a closely fought battle.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 31, 2013, 11:56:13 AM
Other than Amherst, everyone else really has to get to the finals to get a bid, with Williams the only other who could get a bid with one win in playoffs, and it looks like Williams gave away a game yesterday vs Hamilton completely outshooting them, missing a PK and unable to finish--so who truly knows about Williams.   there may only be 2 teams this year from NESCAC.  Wesleyan would have to get to the finals to get a bid as there out of conference play was not good.  Reading stats and write up of yesterday's game vs Conn looks like Wesleyan was outplayed, but found a way to win, thus rematch on Saturday could go either way.  By losing yesterday no way Conn could get a bid unless they won the tournament.  Wesleyan would have to make the finals to get a bid, same with Bowdoin/Tufts/Middlebury.  Crazy season as they all continue to beat each other up in the standings demonstrating little difference in talent/competitiveness between #' 2 through #8, yet likely only two bids this year, but anyone of other 7 could do well if they got the bid given how competitive the league has been.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacalum on October 31, 2013, 12:21:59 PM
Best part of the season here folks, NESCAC Tournament.

Will try and opine on NCAA bids later this weekend as I haven't had the time to look at the rest of the country and what it means for the NESCAC, will try and take a closer look this weekend and hopefully catch a game in-person as well.

Quarterfinal picks:

8. Hamilton at 1. Amherst (Amherst 1-0)
Amherst has rolled through the NESCAC this year besides for two blemishes in Hamilton and Conn College. They will be looking for a little payback and combined with them being at home and motivated I think they get this one done. Julien Aoyoama by all reports is rounding into shape and Hamilton only saw Aoyoama Lite in the first game (his younger brother). That being said Hamilton will not be afraid of the Jeffs as they probably (rightly so) feel they should have gotten 3 points at home. Still think Amherst has too many weapons here though.

7. Conn at 2. Wesleyan (0-0; Wes in PKs)
Wesleyan won the regular season match-up 1-0 yesterday. This pick comes from a couple of things: 1.) Wesleyan will tighten up in the back as they always have and play defense first and 2.) Wesleyan has not scored more than 1 goal in a game since the first week in September. Conn will try and stretch the game with their attacking players and particularly Hawkey but I don't think they have enough weapons to punch one in, especially @ the "birdcage." I'll go with the home squad in PKs but don't really have a particular reason other than that they are at home. I like Sousa for them btw, seems to be a pretty steady player.

6. Midd at 3. Williams (Midd 2-1)
Williams won 2-1 in the regular season matchup in early October. The beginning of this game means a lot for a couple reasons. First off, sounds like Williams really let one go yesterday against Hamilton at home and a couple guys might be hanging their heads a little lower today than yesterday. Combine that with the youth of Middlebury and if Williams lets Midd think they can win the game in the first 20, I think it might swing in Midd's favor.  I like Batista a lot, as well as Tyler Smith. Williams has never really gotten on track in my opinion this year. They're not as potent in attack as one would like to see.  Midd gets the win.

5. Bowdoin at 4. Tufts (Tufts 2-1)
Really hope this game is more interesting than the one I saw on webcast earlier this week, which was an absolute snore. Hoppenot the difference here as Bowdoin scores one late to make it interesting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 31, 2013, 01:46:04 PM
Conn Coll over Wes -- 2-1 -- Wes has been too uneven to beat a decent to good team 2 times in one week, and Conn has demonstrated more overall firepower.

Amherst over Hamilton 4-0, could be 5-0.

Bowdoin over Tufts in PKs

Williams over Middlebury 2-0 -- Based on Williams always sticks around long enough to torture Amherst and Midd is a year away

In semis, Amherst takes out Bowdoin (or Tufts) 3-1 and Williams beats Conn 2-1

Williams wins in final 1-0

In above scenario I would only have Amherst and Williams going to NCAAs with possible 3rd bid going to Bowdoin if Bowdoin does in fact get by Tufts and then plays very competitively against Amherst or manages to beat Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 31, 2013, 04:38:58 PM
Hamilton can shock Amherst.
They have not been in the Tourney in a while, and would love nothing better than to Dance again.
Hamilton simply have more to play for than Amherst.
Amherst knows they are a lock for NCAAs, but will also remember they are playing one of the few teams to take points from them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 31, 2013, 07:58:00 PM
Amherst will be looking to enact revenge on Hamilton for the earlier tie.  My guess is at least 3 to 0 for Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 01, 2013, 09:31:11 PM
Decided to join the board when things started to matter.

Predictions:

Amherst 3
Hamilton 0

Tufts 1
Bowdoin 0

Williams 1
Middlebury 0

Wesleyan 2
Conn College 1


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 02, 2013, 04:04:15 PM
All good predictions wrt to the Amherst game.  After a scoreless first half, Amherst surges to a 3-0 lead in the second half.  With many subs in, Amherst goes ahead 4-0 with less than two minutes to go.  Turned the game off.  Final score, Amherst 4, Hamilton 1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 02, 2013, 04:28:05 PM
Quote from: amh63 on November 02, 2013, 04:04:15 PM
All good predictions wrt to the Amherst game.  After a scoreless first half, Amherst surges to a 3-0 lead in the second half.  With many subs in, Amherst goes ahead 4-0 with less than two minutes to go.  Turned the game off.  Final score, Amherst 4, Hamilton 1.

Congrats, amh63, Amherst has clinched regular season?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacCaptain on November 04, 2013, 11:48:20 AM
http://bennettranking.com/men/d3

Has anyone else seen this computer based (seemingly unbiased) ranking site. Very interesting and takes factors like strength of schedule into account. For example it has Tufts at 8 in the country in large part because they've played the hardest schedule in the nation this season (according to their analytics).

7 Nescac teams in the top 16. If only the NCAA would take a look at this.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 04, 2013, 12:11:41 PM
I'd have to think that in addition to Amherst, both Williams (previously ranked fourth in the region, added a second win over Middlebury to strong wins over Conn College, Tufts, and Wesleyan) and Bowdoin (previously ranked third in region, may slip after a rough week but did manage to advance in PKs to the NESCAC semis) are both now in the NCAA tourney.  The two losses to Wesleyan may have knocked Conn out; at best they are barely on the bubble, and Midd is likewise barely on the bubble.  I think Wesleyan (may now be in, may need a result vs. Williams in the NESCAC semis, a win would lock up a berth for sure) will be the fourth NESCAC team in.

In sum, assuming Amherst beats Bowdoin (no lock), I'd say that the NESCAC NCAA picture looks like this: 1. Amherst (in) 2. Winner of Williams/Wesleyan (in) 3. Bowdoin (likely in) 4. Loser of Williams/Wesleyan (if Williams likely in, if Wesleyan on the fence) //// 5. Middlebury (likely out), 6. Conn (likely out).   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2013, 01:13:37 PM
Seems overly optimistic.

I would say Bowdoin needs to beat Amherst, and that only winner of Williams vs Wes is in.  Based on results, these teams have relatively mediocre records and some weak results.  If Williams got in at 10-6 that would be very generous with losses to Trinity and Hamilton (and also RPI and Bowdoin).  Wes at 9-6-1 would be a gift, especially with losses to Wheaton, Western New England and Hamilton.  Bowdoin in my view has slightly stronger overall results but still would be very fortunate at 8-4-4.  There is no argument for any of the quarterfinal losers.

I don't see any reasonable argument for the NESCAC getting more than 3 bids, and if they were any other conference not named UAA they wouldn't get more than 2.

I do give the Wesleyan coach credit for overcoming off the field distractions and a 5-4-1 start.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 04, 2013, 01:30:58 PM
Look at the last regional rankings:

http://www.nscaatv.com/rankings/2742/NCAADivisionIII/men/NewEngland/Poll9

There are always a lot of at-large teams from New England, which is one of the bigger regions, and a lot of NESCAC teams are among the highly-ranked teams in New England (may be some changes this week, but Bowdoin and Williams will both be in the top six, I'd expect, regionally).  Unless there are a LOT of upsets in conference tourney play (like Gordon and MIT both losing in conference tournaments), there should be at LEAST two and quite possibly three at-large teams from the NESCAC. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2013, 01:45:31 PM
You're looking at the wrong regional rankings.  The NCAA rankings are the ones that count, which is even more generous to Williams (#2 in 11/30 ranking), albeit before the Hamilton loss.  They don't have to take a certain quota from New England, so a 3rd and 4th NESCAC team at least in theory could be competing for a spot with Wartburg or Oberlin or Swat or Haverford or a 3rd NJAC team or whatever.  At least that's my understanding.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2013, 01:48:09 PM
http://www.d3soccer.com/rankings/2013/Men/regional-rankings-2

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 04, 2013, 02:22:58 PM
Woops, you are right, I was looking at the wrong rankings.  Those do indeed pain a less optimistic picture for NESCAC.  I would think a win vs. Hamilton balanced out a bit by a loss vs. Midd would not cause Williams to drop TOO far -- they should still be in with a result vs. Wesleyan, and have a good shot even with a loss.  Things look bleak for the rest of NESCAC, though.  Bowdoin likely needs at worst a tie vs. Amherst (and maybe even needs a win), and Wesleyan almost certainly needs to beat Williams to make it in. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2013, 03:18:21 PM
For the last published ranking this Weds I would guess Williams will drop a couple of spots, Bowdoin will stay about the same, and Wes could move up a few spots.  And then we won't know the final adjustments after this coming weekend's results.  My prediction is that they get 3.  The third pick will be dicey unless Bowdoin gets to the final in which case my bet is that the Williams vs Wes loser is screwed, although maybe that is the one scenario for a 4th bid if Williams is the semifinal loser.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 04, 2013, 03:59:16 PM
Amherst is in.  Williams is in win or lose (but they will beat Wesleyan who barely beat Conn in rematch).  3rd team, if any, will be Bowdoin.  3 teams at best from NESCAC this year, but could only be 2 if Amherst destroys Bowdoin in semi's (which is very possible).  NESCAC teams (other than Amherst) took turns beating up on each other greatly decreasing the chances of more than 2 teams this year.  Truthfully there really isn't much difference between any of Williams, Wesleyan, Bowdoin, Conn, Middlebury and Tufts as they are all about equal and a coin toss to pick any other team(s) other than Amherst.  This is not to say these teams are not good, because they are, but none of them are consistently good whether its game to game or even half to half.  Good luck to Amherst (god it kills me to say that), but they are the only team with a realistic chance out of NESCAC to get on a run in the NCAA tourney. Very entertaining soccer this year throughout the NESCAC--congratulations to all the teams/players/coaches.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2013, 04:08:53 PM
I don't see Williams as automatic unless just based on reputation.  They don't have results that separate them from Bowdoin or Wes.  In fact, those 3 teams have all beaten each other.  Losing to Hamilton at home knowing a lot was on the line in my mind was a real ding.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 04, 2013, 04:40:40 PM
Nothing is based on reputation...1.SOS....2.record vs ranked teams in any of the 3 rankings......3. quality road wins....it mystifies me how you think Bowdoin wont drop after going 0-1-1 this week against an unranked but very good Tufts team and how Williams will drop 3-4 spots..also, remember Wesleyan went 2-0-0 and was ranked 11th last week and won at Bowdoin earlier this year. They will need to beat Williams and at least tie Amherst in final. Williams I think will need to get at least a tie or maybe a win against Wesleyan. Bowdoin needs to win out as I suspect they will have dropped to #11 in regional rankings this week. Brandeis could pass Williams with a win against a ranked Chicago team and a tie against a ranked Wash U and a win that hurts them against Mt.Ida. After that Roger Williams and WNEC will drop MAYBE MAYBE MIT passes Williams and MAYBE Gordon.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2013, 07:09:22 PM
I suggested Williams would drop a couple of spots, not 3-4, even though I think they SHOULD drop 3-4.   Bowdoin may drop a spot or two but they also weren't at #2, and a very close away loss to Tufts should be less of an impact than a home loss to Hamilton, especially when a couple of days later Bowdoin advanced against Tufts.  And didn't Bowdoin beat Williams?  And I imagine Wesleyan will move up several spots.  I think Bowdoin could potentially get in beating Amherst and losing the final.  I personally think Williams and Wesleyan need another win.

Brandeis is hard to judge rankings-wise, because they like Dickinson, they stayed high forever even with weak results, and now they with the good weekend they just had I guess they are fine.

What happens with Wheaton, assuming MIT wins the NEWMAC tourney, also will be interesting.  There will be a real mess if someone like Babson wins their tournament and if Gordon doesn't win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacalum on November 04, 2013, 07:23:20 PM
Agree with La Paz on this one. The problem for the NESCAC this year is that while folks have beaten up on each other 2-8 (which is something that happened in previous years), there are multiple teams in New England with strong records that will get in before the NESCAC 3rd or 4th best team. Forgive me for not looking this up, but the years when the NESCAC has done so well with bids have been years where the league has literally not lost a game out-of-conference or lost very very few. That's an argument that you can win when your 8th place team is smoking the team from a weak conference with a great overall record but not one you can win when your team's in the 2-8 slots tie teams like Thomas or Plymouth State.

Also, folks who know this stuff more than I do, does the Chicago-Brandeis game count in the regional rankings? Forgive my ignorance but I somehow remember this being counted as out-of-region and not included in the regional rankings but incorporated in Pool C discussions? The reason I remember is that I think UAA teams have had pretty loud arguments (rightly-so) in that they were being punished for being in a multi-region conference when it came to regional rankings.  Figured I'd ask the question here as I'm sure someone must have the right info here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2013, 07:41:00 PM
Just realized Bowdoin is all the way down at #8.  Yeah, I don't think a 1 goal away loss to Tufts and then advancing over Tufts moves them down at all and wouldn't be shocked to see them move up a spot or two.  I expect RWU to drop.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OWUSoccer on November 05, 2013, 10:46:27 AM
I'd guess three teams get bids - too much beating up on each other and a few other teams in the region outside the NESCAC racking up gaudy records mean that those bubble teams need to pray others take care of their business.

As an aside, wherever those Bennett Rankings came from they're absurd and clearly weighted towards the NESCAC and UAA.  Any ranking that has Tufts (8-5-2, or barely winning more than half of their games) at #8 while Ohio Wesleyan (18-0-2) is #24, York (16-2) is #29 and Salisbury (16-2) is #55 (!!) cannot be taken even remotely seriously.  Maybe even more telling, somehow Colby (4-10, ZERO conference wins) is at #67 (top 20% of all D3 teams), ahead of Kenyon, DePauw, Susquehanna, Texas-Dallas, Dominican, John Carroll, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on November 05, 2013, 05:02:49 PM
Quote from: cacalum on November 04, 2013, 07:23:20 PMAlso, folks who know this stuff more than I do, does the Chicago-Brandeis game count in the regional rankings? Forgive my ignorance but I somehow remember this being counted as out-of-region and not included in the regional rankings but incorporated in Pool C discussions? The reason I remember is that I think UAA teams have had pretty loud arguments (rightly-so) in that they were being punished for being in a multi-region conference when it came to regional rankings.  Figured I'd ask the question here as I'm sure someone must have the right info here.
All conference games have always been considered in-region.  That's not in print anywhere that I know, but in practice all conference games, even for multi-region conferences have been included in in-region records.  BUT . . . starting this year, there is no "in-region" criteria.  They have done away with that.  I wrote about it in this column: http://d3soccer.com/columns/around-the-nation/2013/ncaa-regional-rankings-with-new-criteria .  The primiary criteria now includes all D-III opponents regardless of region. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on November 07, 2013, 07:53:42 AM
Ok so final regional rankings are out and top teams are getting knocked out of their conference tournaments. Pool C's are dwindling but I still feel New England will get its fair shake. Nescac got screwed a bit. Williams dropping to #5 with a good SOS and a 4-3-1 record against ranked opponents. They have played half there games against ranked opponents.  Not sure how WNEC jumped them. Gordon played 20 games 3 against ranked opponents is 3rd and I guess will get an at large. Even Brandeis, I look at that schedule and do not see any GOOD road wins and ONE GOOD win against a suspect Chicago team. They will get an at-large even being at the bottom of the UAA. Wesleyan deserved better they have the best SOS in the country and finished solo 2nd in Nescac. Bowdoin as suspected was dropped. Bowdoin and Wesleyan must win conference tourney. Amherst all set and Williams is our "bubble" team. Williams must beat Wesleyan and I think they will get in. Amherst must win tournament to have a chance at a NCAA BYE.

Wesleyan vs Williams- I haven't seen Wesleyan since their game against Amherst. Excellent results in last 4 games all 1-0 wins. As usual they are very organized defensively and dangerous on the counter but I still feel this team is very young and have no clear cut goal scorers. I have noticed Issiroff is back but not starting, so that is a good sign as he is dangerous but maybe not fully fit yet. Bratt and Gruner are good backbone players. Keeper when I saw him looked a bit suspect but maybe he is gaining his confidence as he is only a frosh. I still cant believe they shut out CONN twice in same week. Conn has a good attacking team. I am guessing Wesleyan is really sitting in with 4-2-3-1 but really a 4-5-1 defensively. Williams is your Nescac roller coaster team. They work hard and will get chances but can they finish them? Also, looks like they moved Lima( a captain) out of the back. I am guessing he is getting blame for Hamilton loss? Very hard for coaches to do this end of season and keep team harmony. I wonder what is going on inside that locker room.     Toss a coin

Amherst v Bowdoin- Amherst keeps rolling along. They have great size and set pieces and long throws and corners are there game. they are in a 4-3-3 last time I saw them and feel there most dangerous kid could be the frosh Martin. I really like his game as he is blazing fast. Best keeper in league with a solid back 4 with Caslin sitting in front of them. They are tough to break down but still not nearly as dangerous as the 2012 team and someone whether here or in NCAA's will beat them. Amherst beat Bowdoin early in the season but this is a different Bowdoin team. They can match Amherst athletically and Brewster might be the best player on the field. They have switched keepers to a frosh and have another incoming frosh keeper who is good. I think they are weakest in midfield and Amherst will take advantage in the middle of the park. This game will make your eyes sore from its ugliness, so watch with caution as the ball will be in the air 80-85% of time.     Toss a coin





Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 07, 2013, 05:48:03 PM
Semi predictions:

Williams over Wesleyan--While Williams has not done a great job at finishing this year much to Coach Russo's dismay they will find a way to play more physical than Wesleyan, and while scoring opportunities don't present themselves often against Wesleyan (ask Conn) Williams will find a way to score as their forwards are rounding into shape.   Wesleyan relies solely on the counter attack and will not get any good opportunities against Williams.  Williams 1 Wesleyan 0.   Another Wesleyan 1 to 0 score, but Wesleyan will be on the wrong end.

Amherst over Bowdoin--Amherst is the clear class  (did I really say that) of the league this year, although their playing style certainly cannot be called first class.  This is not a quality Bowdoin team, a good team--yes, but not nearly as talented or deep as Amherst.  While Bowdoin's record is OK, this is the weakest Bowdoin team in the last 4 years.  Amherst will dominate because they have the talent and physicality to do so.  Amherst 2 Bowdoin 0,  although shots and corners will be dominate in Amherst's favor.   Bowdoin's center back is very good, but he can't cover them all and Amherst will put Bowdoin under siege for most of the day.

Final:  Amherst 2 Williams 1.  Slugfest rematch of last years final, but Amherst finds a way to score twice and Williams can only push one across.

NCAA bids to Amherst and Williams only.  Rest of the League is pretty close, but butchered each other up and too many other great records in other non-NESCAC leagues in New England to ignore.   Now if the NESCAC league allowed their teams to play 4 additional non-league games so they had 18 games, then their possibly could have been more bids (up to 4), but since only 14 games and a year of parity other than Amherst only two bids will emerge.  Good luck to all 4 teams this weekend....who knows maybe there will be some upsets...after all that's why they settle it on the pitch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 07, 2013, 05:59:56 PM
What the heck, I'll go the other way.

Bowdoin over Amherst 1-0.  If Lycoming can beat Messiah when outshot 32-2 then Bowdoin can get by Amherst.  Bowdoin played 2 good games with Tufts down the stretch and Tufts may have been closest to Amherst talent-wise.

Wesleyan over Williams in PKs.  Williams just hasn't seemed right, and after some confusing results earlier Wesleyan seems to have some karma on their side.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 09, 2013, 10:38:34 AM
This weekend:

Amherst (2-0) 4 GF, 1 GA

Williams (1-1) 3 GF, 3 GA

Bowdoin (0-1) 0 GF, 2 GA

Wesleyan (0-1) 1 GF, 2 GA

Happy NESCAC Weekend,

SNoon
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 09, 2013, 04:06:48 PM
Very ugly Amherst-Bowdoin game.  Ball almost never on the ground, as LaPaz predicted, but Aoyama the younger gets it done in 2d OT, 2-1 Lord Jeffs.  Should be another war tomorrow against Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 09, 2013, 04:57:08 PM
Mr. Noon nailed the Williams-Wesleyan score and was only off by one goal in Amherst-Bowdoin.  Not too shabby. 

Williams and Amherst are now, I imagine, both locks for the tourney.  Bowdoin and Wesleyan seem to be on the outside looking in. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 10, 2013, 02:02:16 PM
Amherst wins the conference title on a good contest over Williams 1-0 at Hitchcock field in Amherst.
The winning score came in the 2nd period around the 40th minute.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on November 10, 2013, 02:54:44 PM
Only saw about half the match but I did see the winning goal.  My reaction to Morrell's decision making on the sequence of plays that lead to the goal...

???   ???  :o   >:( ??? :-[  ??? :'( 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 10, 2013, 04:03:42 PM
Congrats to the Lord Jeffs on another "CAC" Conference title!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 11, 2013, 08:11:35 AM
Quote from: madzillagd on November 10, 2013, 02:54:44 PM
Only saw about half the match but I did see the winning goal.  My reaction to Morrell's decision making on the sequence of plays that lead to the goal...

???   ???  :o   >:( ??? :-[  ??? :'(

Meanwhile, Bull at the other end makes a quality save when he must to preserve the victory. Too few shots on goal for both teams. Bull is the real deal and should get some HUGE props from the league this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on November 11, 2013, 01:31:04 PM
http://www.d3soccer.com/ncaatournament/2013/men/2013-mens-participants

Tournament participants announced.  Williams the only squad to get an At-Large bid
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 11, 2013, 01:38:08 PM
Interesting bracket.  Amherst has a very good shot at the Final Four as the Jeffs will be hosting all the way and that quarter of the bracket is not the strongest.  Things are pretty favorable for Williams as well, hosting the first two rounds.  If both teams take care of business, there could be an intriguing second round mentor-apprentice battle in Billsville between Mike Russo and (Williams coach-in-waiting?) Erin Sullivan of WNEC.  Looking way ahead it would be fun to see a rematch of last year's Elite 8 Williams-Amherst showdown.  But both teams have a lot of work to do first. 

One of the brackets is beyond stacked:  Ohio Wesleyan, Messiah, Wheaton (IL), three traditional powerhouses there, very tough. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 11, 2013, 02:40:37 PM
Tough to see only two (2) teams from the NESCAC make the tournament cut...especially when other New England teams from weaker conferences make the cut, but such is the nature of "automatic bids".  Don't have a problem with "at large bids" given the records of NESCAC (other than Amherst/Williams), but somehow leaving out Bowdoin/Wesleyan/Middlebury/Conn/Tufts (I know they butchered each other up) and including Elms, Bridgewater St, Thomas (ME) seems wrong, but it's NESCAC's own fault for only playing 14 games.  If they played 18 games (like most colleges) and added another 4 non-league games, then likely add 4 more wins on all 5 of these NESCAC teams and you have some pretty good records with 12/13/14 wins and then you easily could have had 2 or 3 more at large bids this year.  Only day dreaming of what could have should have happened because the 5 NESCAC teams left out of the NCAA's would like do as well if not better than most of the other New England colleges selected (not that any of them,  other than Amherst really has a great chance to advance to final 4).  Good luck Lord Jeffs and Ephmen....hope you both have a strong and long run this year. Go NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2013, 02:57:14 PM
^^^^Also creates some nice first round matchups for the NESCACs that do make it.  That's the other side of the coin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 11, 2013, 04:09:41 PM
Seems that Amherst's bracket is the only one without a first round "bye".   Can anyone explain the rational here...and/ or the selection of 51 teams.
For posters that remarked about the conference selection of "only" two members and relate that to the 14 game schedule ....how do you explain the Women side selection with 5 teams selected...the most for a conference....and also playing a "short?"schedule.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 11, 2013, 05:29:18 PM
For posters that remarked about the conference selection of "only" two members and relate that to the 14 game schedule ....how do you explain the Women side selection with 5 teams selected...the most for a conference....and also playing a "short?"schedule.

Good question from Amherst---difference between the men and women for the 2013 season is this:  The bottom 5 teams for women in NESCAC this year each only had 1 conference win each (bad teams not much parity in the league top to bottom), thus you had 5 bad teams who basically got beat by all the top 6 NESCAC teams, thus women's side top 5 teams had win totals of 13/12/11/12/9...for the top 5 teams they basically had 5 easy in conference games and 4 easier non-conference games, thus 9 easy wins which makes for good winning % and multiple team entries into NCAA even with a "short schedule".   Contrast that to the men's side in NESCAC, where they only had two (bottom 2) relative "easy teams" this year and thus only 6 (2 conference/4 non) potential easy victories...thus teams  #3 through 8 on men's side only had wins of 10,9 or 8 because they all butchered each other up within the league with only Amherst & Williams getting to 11+ wins.  In a year of relative parity on the men's side (other than Amherst...and even they were tied by Hamilton #8 and Conn #7) you are hurt by the short schedule and lower winning %.  On the women's side there were 4 superior teams and one very good team, 1 average team and 5 pretty mediocre to bad teams, thus 5 made it.  Winning % is the key ingredient and the parity (#2 through #9 on Men's side all could beat each other) on the men's side basically hurt the conference.   An expanded schedule could have helped the men's side winning %(especially if against other good New England competition) and would have likely solidified the women's NESCAC choices (same 5 would have been chosen).  Pure conjecture, but on the men's side Bowdoin/Wesleyan/Tufts/Middlebury/Conn/Hamilton were all pretty good teams who were left on the outside looking in.  Of course the other side of the argument is if they were that good then 2 or 3 of these teams would have finished with 7 or 8 conference wins instead of 4, 5 or 6 and made it even with a "short schedule".  Future advice--play better and win because they won't be expanding the schedule.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2013, 06:41:47 PM
Another possibility.  The NESCAC just  wasn't as strong as past years.  Nothing has changed in terms of number of games and most common non-conference opponents and NESCAC has a history of getting 3-4 teams.  Often the complaint is the other way, that they too many.  The other factor was the large number of other teams in the region that had outstanding records.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 11, 2013, 08:08:50 PM

One of the brackets is beyond stacked:  Ohio Wesleyan, Messiah, Wheaton (IL), three traditional powerhouses there, very tough.
[/quote]

Rutgers-Camden pod is also stacked.  The only thing that benefits them is a bye.  IF win over Lycoming/Kings, having to play either #4 Stevens or #6 in a Sweet 16 Matchup... IF win, then a matchup from either MSU or one of the top two teams in the UAA (Rochester or CMU)....



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: KICKIN95 on November 11, 2013, 08:16:22 PM
That is this years "Group of Death"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jim Matson on November 11, 2013, 10:23:06 PM
Rutgers-Camden is tough. That pod will be a struggle, especially with Stevens...the best team to never quite get there.

I said over on another board that I thought OWU and Messiah are really the top teams in that pod. The other "traditional powerhouse" may see some challenges this year.

The NESCAC women are just that much stronger than the men this season. Maybe the committee grabbed one team too many, but I'll bet no one will look back in a week and second guess that particular decision.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 12, 2013, 09:58:11 AM
Thanks to all for responses to my questions.  The board is set ...so let the race for the title begin! :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacattack on November 12, 2013, 12:12:24 PM
Congrats to Amherst but does anyone else think its hard to comprehend that two Williams players suffered broken legs and one was cut down from behind, in the box, all without a whistle from the Ref?
The intent to injure was unmistakable and the Ref allowed a good soccer game to turn into a street brawl.
The NESCAC must review the tape of that game and act accordingly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 12, 2013, 12:37:29 PM
Not hard to comprehend the injuries suffered by Williams vs Amherst....Amherst plays overly aggressive bordering on dirty and they are very big and very physical.  They push the envelope in every game and turn it into a street brawl ugly soccer.  If they only get called 1/3rd of the time for fouls then they've gained advantage on the other 2/3rd of the time fouls not called.  They also constantly move up 15 yards on every thrown in....again gaining an advantage....not saying its right or proper, but ultimately they win.  I hope the Williams players heal quickly and very sorry to hear about their injuries.  I did watch the game on video and it was a street brawl.  I'm sure if Williams has a problem with these specific plays and intent to injure they will be reviewed by NESCAC, but the problem will be how long the process may take and what if any punishment (if it is reviewed at all and if it is found to be warranted) would happen and when.  Regardless, despite the injuries, good luck to both teams in the NCAA's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacalum on November 12, 2013, 01:47:03 PM
First off, congrats to both Amherst and Williams for making it to the tournament and from my estimation having a good shot at getting to an Elite 8 matchup again by playing at home for the first two games. St. Lawrence is certainly a threat as is Rutgers-Newark, Gordon has a good record but not real sure how they'll deal with the increase in competition.

I'll leave the other NESCAC teams not getting bids as I think it's been pretty well-covered and fair on the boards. Williams getting such a "favorable" draw is a little surprising but I guess that means that if you play a tough schedule you get rewarded and that's how it should be.

I'm going to attempt to give the most even-keeled recap of the NESCAC championship weekend and hope that this does not turn into the mud-slinging competition that it turned into last year.

Semi-Finals:

Wesleyan v. Williams - Missed the first 20 mins but saw the rest of the game and was very very impressed by both teams and their commitment to play possession soccer. I would say Wesleyan had the most possession in the first half but Williams did a better job of converting their possession into dangerous chances around the 18. The first Williams goal was a fantastic piece of combination play between Rashid and Grady(I believe) and a nice finish. Wesleyan came out in the second half and moved their left-back Sousa, to the center of the midfield to presumably try and get him on the ball more with #10. I would say the second half was a lot like the first until Williams scored their second off a ridiculous combo between Murralles and Rashid (very unselfish of him btw on the second goal to pass instead of shoot).  Wesleyan responded at the end there with a nice goal and it was game on from there, missing a great chance with a header at the last second. #8 from Williams was fantastic and his centerback partner #4 is very very strong as well (slight edge to #8 in my opinion due to his ability to distribute better). #10 and #8 for Wesleyan as well as the goalkeeper (who made some great saves), were very strong as well.

Amherst v. Bowdoin - This one will be shorter than the previous summary because it was an absolute snore. Amherst wins 2-1 off a great goal by the younger Aoyama from about 20 minutes out.

Final - Amherst over Williams 1-0 in an absolute slugfest, with Williams losing the game on a bad mistake by Morrell. Feel terrible for him because he's a very good goalkeeper who turned off mentally for a few seconds and Amherst pounced.

Now I want to say a couple things before I voice my opinion on the injuries to Williams and the Amherst playing style. First is that while being an Amherst supporter, I have a ton of respect for the class of Mike Russo and the way he commits to possession soccer. It's a pleasure to watch.  He is a gentleman and I have friends who played for him and speak about him and the program with glowing terms. I was also at the game on Sunday, and happened to be standing right under the camera stand where the Williams left back was injured. I did not see what happened to the first Williams player on the free kick in the first half where I'm assuming he broke his leg. I remember it being a free kick, having a large mass of bodies be inside the box and then them having to help #5 (i think) off the field. I didn't see the play so have no clue or right to say anything about the nature of the injury. I hope he heals quickly as he is a very good player that probably goes unheralded for Williams' midfield. The second injury was right in front of me. That was a 50/50 ball that the Amherst right back went to ground for (studs not up) and the Williams Left back going in on the tackle very hard as well. It was obvious immediately that the Williams player was hurt and the Amherst player was at least shaken up. From my view there was no intent to injure and it easily could have been the other way around. That was two committed players going into a challenge 100% and what resulted happens in soccer sometimes.  Saying that Amherst had the intent to injure the Williams player is wrong in my opinion.

On playing style, I think Amherst kicks the ball way too much for having the talent that they have. They have players who can play possession but they choose not to for whatever reason. They have gotten results and are great on set pieces and defend very well so get a lot of wins but this will come back to bite them at some point.  Amherst plays extremely hard and definitely do push the envelope at times, but on Sunday that was definitely a two way street. There were some great, clean, physical battles between the center back of Williams #4 and #25 of Amherst where both players gave as good as they got. Same goes for Amherst's centerback #4 and Williams' #20 (Ritter, I think).  Caslin and Murralles had a battle in the center of the midfield. NESCAC finals, and rivalry games, are like this. Unfortunately two players from Williams got injured. No one wants to see that but it happens in sports. Also on the throw-ins, anyone who was at that game on Sunday saw that this was a point of emphasis for the referee who routinely moved players back to the proper spot on both teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacattack on November 12, 2013, 02:49:30 PM
First, I appreciate your candor and think that many of your comments are fair, with two exceptions.
First, Williams back #3, whose leg was broken on what you describe as a clean 50/50 confrontation has multiple open cleat wounds on his broken leg which would not be there if the Amherst player had come in cleats down. The game photos confirm this. Second, you didn't comment on the fact that the Williams' striker, #20, was cut down from behind in the box while attempting to shoot. No whistle, no foul, no card, no PK.
From where you were standing, you would have had a clear view of that play.
I'm sorry but while I agree that it was a hard fought match and that some of the aggressive play was fair, the large majority of fouls by Amherst, whether called or not, were dirty.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacFan12 on November 12, 2013, 03:08:49 PM
Another great NESCAC season in the books. Congratulations to all coaches and players. I'm not posting to stir the pot on Amherst, but I have read for years about how Amherst has the talent to play better soccer and they still rely on set pieces and physical play to win. I won't argue with that sentiment but obviously they are doing something right having won 3 straight NESCAC championships. However, could it be that this lack of possession oriented soccer is keeping them from reaching National Championship level? Just something to think about.

I'm curious to hear All-NESCAC predictions. Admittedly, I have not gotten to as many games as years past so I am no expert. I would have to think the tall striker on Conn gets 1st team consideration, Bull from Amherst, Rashid from Williams. Could any of these three make a play for POY? With his 4th NESCAC title in 7 seasons, is Serpone a lock for his first COY? Martin from Amherst as ROY?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacalum on November 12, 2013, 03:19:10 PM
Cacattack. Appreciate you taking a look at it from both sides of the coin. I'm trying to find the pictures you describe that show the play, I've looked on the Amherst and Williams sites that both link to the same photo gallery on the Amherst website. I'm more than happy to admit I saw the play the wrong way, from my angle the Amherst player did not go in with his studs up, but it was an extremely fast play so I could easily have not seen it correctly. I know this comes off as extremely biased but that's what I saw. Happy to admit I'm wrong here on the studs up situation. If you have a photo of the play in your possession, happy to look at it. Irregardless, what I will say is that I believe that the Amherst player had 0 intent to injure his Williams counterpart. I'm going to take a leap of faith here and assume that you disagree, vehemently. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on that one.

I didn't comment on the Williams striker #20 being "cut down from behind in the box while attempting to shoot. No whistle, no foul, no card, no PK," because it seemed like a good no call for me just like the one Amherst was whining about not getting in the Bowdoin game the day before. That's how I saw it. I thought the ref made a terrible no-call by not calling the Amherst center back on the foul in the corner of the field in the second half closer to the away team benches when he and #20 were at it again.  That was a foul and should have been called.  I'm going to take a wild guess that folks on here don't want to hear my second-by-second analysis 48 hours after a game is finished, so I omitted those two plays from my previous post and chose to focus elsewhere.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on November 12, 2013, 03:47:46 PM
Good strong and physical teams will always make it to the dance.
Add good set pieces and thats almost a lock for sweet 16 and beyond each year.
At some point in the tourney after that though, it takes a bit of technique and good ball possesion to advance.

Its not a surprise that the teams who have won the championship in the modern era were all ball possesion teams.

The problem is teams in the elite  8 are also physical and strong.
Hard to out muscle a team when the Championship is in their sights as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 12, 2013, 04:37:17 PM
Seems like every year around this time, there is some sort of debate around the tactics / attitude / general level of class exhibited by the Amherst team, in particular its head coach.  On the one hand, when you haven't lost a game in several years and have generally dominated the league, you are always going to be a bigger target for vitriol.  On the other hand, I don't recall the Middlebury or Williams teams ever engendering that level of hostility among their peers, even when dominating NESCAC in similar fashion, going to multiple final fours and winning national titles.  Food for thought ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacattack on November 12, 2013, 04:59:26 PM
Cacalum. I have no argument with you as I believe you are trying to be fair about what you saw. I saw cleats up, you didn't. I saw a foul in the box, you didn't. Perhaps we can agree that looking at the totality of rough play in the game rather than at a few particular plays, Amherst pushed the envelope way too far and the Ref allowed the game to get out of his control. Unfortunately, there were two season ending injuries, both on the Williams side.  Whether tighter control by the Ref over the overt physical play would have changed the outcome is impossible to say with any degree of certainty. However, the first game at Williams was not the street fight that the Final turned into, for whatever that's worth and the score was the same. After all, Amherst is undefeated and we certainly credit them for that.
However, the Williams players can be proud that a) they didn't retaliate for every elbow or kick from behind and b) they continued to play Mike Russo possession soccer throughout. Williams needs to re-load and focus on their NCAA opponents one at a time. And if a Williams/Amherst re-match results in a few weeks, I'm sure our boys will be ready.
Good luck to your team and I sincerely hope we get another shot at them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacattack on November 12, 2013, 05:42:55 PM
CacFan 12
A response to your thoughts about All-NESCAC. Field players for Williams, who should be considered for a 1st or 2nd Team look are (in order from back to front)
Pierce, Burbank-Krump, Muralles, Kastner and Rashid.
Best I've seen of our opponents are Fikke and Wirz (Amherst), McGann (Trinity), Conrad (Middlebury), Bratt (Wesleyan), Brewster and Dias Costa  (Bowdoin), Kayne and Schaible (Tufts), and Kraynak (Hamilton). ROY should probably be Glaser (Middlebury).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 12, 2013, 06:37:44 PM
Martin or Glaser look likely ROY with similar stats, and the glory often goes to goalscorers. Based on ability, Aoyama Jr. should be in that conversation, but at right back he doesn't have stats.
I'd throw in Norton, Caslin, Pascual-Leone. Aoyama Sr. has the silkiest skills in the league (see him skin the cat Sunday against Ephs, who had no choice but to hack him down just outside the box?) but missed many games...
Bull has to be a lock for gk starting XI.
Pierce at Williams stands out on their back line. Lima's got game, too.
Hawkey at Conn.
Didn't see everyone this year, so no disrespect to others.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 12, 2013, 09:58:54 PM
ROY is Glaser from Midd stats speak for themselves.  Bull is best goalie and Fikke had very good but POY is Hawkey from Conn .  WHere would Conn be without him? Plus he was usually being singled out each game for multiple coverage.  He had the stats and did more with a much weaker supporting cast than the rest. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 12, 2013, 10:59:41 PM
Dear members of D3Boards.com who post in the NESCAC section,

This post is not likely directed at you. The vast majority of the posters here have great opinions and embrace debate.

I have played in 74 collegiate soccer games for Amherst College over the past 4 years. I've had double jaw surgery from being kicked in the face from playing in this league:

[Warning: Do not click this link and view this picture if you are in denial regarding how physical all NESCAC soccer games are, or if you get nauseous from the sight of gruesome sports injuries]

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=f57hjq&s=5

I have been a NESCAC basketball player for a team that would end up winning a National Championship. Going up against 6'6'' players on the hardwood might seem like a physical challenge, but I can assure you it pales in comparison to playing a NESCAC soccer game. Every single game is a streetfight, cacattack. My final game of my career, against Williams, Matt Ratajak and Dan Lima kicked, pushed, and shoved me every single time the referee wasn't looking. Do you know what? I respect the hell out of those guys - they battled. They put blood, sweat, and tears into their college career, of course they were going to do everything in their power to keep Amherst College from scoring.

I was standing 2 feet from the sideline, which was 5 feet from the spot Justin Aoyama slide tackled Andre Burbank-Crump. I, along with the referee, had a perfect angle of what turned out to be an incredibly unfortunate, but clean play. Watch the video, notice how Aoyoma slides with his leg and meets the ball. I, along with the rest of the audience, held our collective breath as both players fell backwards immediately onto the ground. You mentioned, cacattack, that Burbank-Crump had cleat marks on his leg. May I ask - is it possible that after Aoyama tackled the ball, his momentum (and cleat) hit his leg? Unfortunate, yes. But that can happen on a clean tackle.

I noticed one poster wrote something to the tune of: Amherst plays overly aggressive and is big and physical. Like this is a bad thing? Did you watch the Williams Final 4 team of 2009 (a back line that was over 26 feet tall, featuring Connor Smith, Joe Vela, AND Matt Ratajak)? Are you forgetting when you all praised Bowdoin for making the Final 4 in 2010 for being set piece MONSTERS? Look at the back line of Middlebury and Bowdoin this year, selected by candidates for coach of the year in this league (**hint: their back lines, like the rest of this league, are overly aggressive, big, and physical.)

If you want to call Amherst College a dirty soccer team, I am not going to stop you. I will not even stoop to your level and call Williams a dirty team. But I will point out that Williams has 2 red cards on the season. Amherst has none. #foodforthought

Amherst College is not reinventing the wheel when it comes to winning college soccer games. Have you been watching the MLS playoffs -- the best league in American soccer? Watch. It is direct. It is aggressive. It is physical. Do you know what happens at an MLS game? I'll give you a hint -- it rhymes with feet stright.

Which gets me to my last point -- posters, who are you? Did you play in this league? Are you a parent? Are you a coach? Or are you just "a fan who's been following along for many years before finally deciding to post." Let's point out the elephant in the room - the sheer odds of having this many "fan's who have just been following the NESCAC for so many years before finally deciding to post" is shockingly small. Why not just tell us who you really are? A little transparency on these boards would do us all some good.


Thank you for your time,

S. Noon
Amherst College '13


PS - I am saving my best stuff for when the NESCAC awards are announced  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 13, 2013, 08:41:57 AM
Fair enough, Mr. Noon.  You have, more than anyone here, earned the right to opine, and your insights as a recent graduate are definitely appreciated! 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on November 13, 2013, 11:13:43 AM
With all due respect to Mr. Noon, my son's Under 6 soccer team just posted a 10-0 record with a 70-4 goal differential so I feel like I'm adequately qualified to post on the boards. 

In all seriousness, whether hard play is coached or not, it all comes down to the officiating in any sport.  Players will always look for any leverage they can to compete and it's up to the officials to determine where the line should be drawn between what's a foul or not a foul.  I think more than anything else, consistency is what people are looking for.  Once the official establishes what will be allowed in that match then it's on the players and coaches to adjust to that standard.  Any team that chooses to play a docile game and totally avoid fouls is putting themselves at a competitive disadvantage just the same as any team that relies solely on rough play without any regard to skill work.  Both will eventually lose to those that are able to play physical but still stay focused on capitalizing on opportunities which typically come out of the skill side. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on November 13, 2013, 01:00:54 PM
I'm sure people who post here are former All Americans, HS and College National Champs, and some maybe, played entire college career ranked in the top 3 nationally.
Most of us are has beens or doting and proud parents, but I don't think athletic recognition is required to provide solid soccer analysis.

A team that does not play technique oriented football will never win a national championship.
Perhaps in the 70s or 80s, but not today.

Williams has won the crown and came pretty darn close  to doing it a couple more times.
At the end of the day, the game when played the right way is really "The beautiful game"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 13, 2013, 01:45:30 PM
Great post, Noon.
Didn't see as many games as usual this year but I saw only one team really play any meaningfully beautiful moments against Amherst. It wasn't Williams; it was Colby. Colby didn't seem very interested in holding jerseys, pushing in the back from behind or coming in late the way many other teams in the league do. Sorry, folks, but as successful as they've been in recent years in other areas (winning titles, for one), Amherst is not alone at the top when it comes to the physical play so many of you seem to disdain. The league is brutal across the board.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 13, 2013, 02:57:58 PM
I viewed the Nov 16 NCAA match line-up on D3soccer.  Did not show that the games from Amherst being streamed!  I hope this is just a oversight as the Lord Jeffs have always streamed their tournament games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 13, 2013, 03:02:25 PM
Question for those in the know about the Ephs: how do you expect the Ephs will be affected by the two serious injuries to defenders?  Who will be expected to step up to help compensate? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 13, 2013, 03:20:15 PM
Rare poster on this board.  My knowledge of soccer is not as good as Madz...as I, an inner city boy, learned the game at Amherst in my FY in the dark ages.....when Amherst soccer played Harvard and top Div. 1 schools like UConn....before there was a "CAC" and such things as Div3 divisions.
I started following soccer again more when S. Noon started playing BB at Amherst...yes he was a guard with talent, but for injuries, he would have been on the bench..playing behind a POY in Div3 :)  Sorry, Spencer....you were good but not that good.
Anyway, I watched the title game on the web last Sunday.  The neutral announcers were good and neutral.  They did not second guess the refs/umps.  They were concerned for both players on the play that seemed to be a point of contention of certain posters.  They could not tell if there were head injuries, etc.....and left it alone....other than concerns over the players.
Where am I going with this post......it is surprising that there is an undertone to many of the recent posters, which I gather are not Amherst's fans.  One is that Amherst plays an ugly style of play vs a more "controlled/possession style". 
The latter style, I gather is the style of choice, that wins titles, that looks good and of course the way Williams play the  game. The rough physical style with long kicks, set pieces, and using big players that keep the ball from touching the ground is not true soccer, and in the long run played by teams that are losers.   Am I getting the "undertone" correct?
In any case, back to the Sunday game.  It seems to my observation that Williams was also playing a physical game and kicking the ball long, etc.  I figured that Williams' style of play to control the ball on the ground was not working...actually, it seems that Williams was having a hard time for most of the game keeping hold of the ball.  Oh well, I guess, I do not have enough soccer knowledge to really post here.....I can only state what I observed during the  game.  I do know enough to know when players take balls away from others, to know what a slide tackle is and when players collide in the air for a header, when there is a no foul called, the play goes on and when there is foul called by the refs, the other team gets the ball.  How many yellow cards were given?
That is my two cents here and more.  Have a good day all.  Williams and Amherst, both have more games to play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GarbageGoals33 on November 13, 2013, 03:31:22 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6Y6o7_cDfM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6Y6o7_cDfM)

Highlights from the Amherst game everyone was referring to previously.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 13, 2013, 03:38:01 PM
ECSU....for what the NCAA charges for the games...even when there is senior citizen discounts, why tell people that there is a webcast.  It is all about the money! :)  Seriously, I anticipate that Amherst will arrange to stream the contest since they are the host site.  Can not guarantee who the announcers will be.  For the "CAC" playoffs, the conference arranged to have NCN provide the announcers and the streaming responsibilty I gather.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 13, 2013, 03:46:38 PM
Quote from: GarbageGoals33 on November 13, 2013, 03:31:22 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6Y6o7_cDfM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6Y6o7_cDfM)

Highlights from the Amherst game everyone was referring to previously.

Ha!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 13, 2013, 03:48:43 PM
Quote from: amh63 on November 13, 2013, 03:38:01 PM
ECSU....for what the NCAA charges for the games...even when there is senior citizen discounts, why tell people that there is an webcast.  It is all about the money! :)  Seriously, I anticipate that Amherst will arrange to stream the contest since they are the host site.  Can not guarantee who the announcers will be.  For the "CAC" playoffs, the conference arranged to have NCN provide the announcers and the streaming responsibilty I gather.

Thanks or the reply :)  Looking forward to both matches!!  Announcers last year were students but were quite good.  I just hope that the person operating the camera is attentive to the match, as I posted in the past, an inattentive camera person can be very annoying.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 14, 2013, 03:25:55 PM
All-NESCAC team posted:

http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2013-14/honors/allconference

No major surprises.  Serpone finally wins COY.  The obvious choices won POY/ROY.  Also the expected goalies were selected.  A bit of a surprise that no Williams defensive players were selected, but the three Ephs picked were all worthy selections.  Amherst seems to have pushed its senior players for awards, shutting out some talented underclassmen who will have to wait their turn. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 14, 2013, 03:35:45 PM

I would think Serpone wins the NCAA COY as well.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ryan Harmanis on November 14, 2013, 04:22:08 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on November 14, 2013, 03:35:45 PMI would think Serpone wins the NCAA COY as well.

If past history is any indication Amherst will have to make a deep tournament run for that accolade.  In the past decade, only one coach has received the award without making it to the Final Four:

2012: McCarty (Messiah) - won title;
2011: Martin (OWU) - won title & set all-time wins record;
2010: Yeager (Lynchburg) - cinderella runner-up, 5 mins. and a horrible call away from the title;
2009: McCarty (Messiah) - won title;
2008: Brandt (Messiah) - won title;
2007: Seward (Middlebury) - won title;
2006: Ludwig (York) - elite 8, 21-0-3 and missed out on Final Four due to PKs;
2005: Zelentz (Gustavus Adolphus) - runner-up;
2004: Brandt (Messiah) - won title;
2003: Armuth (Drew) - runner-up
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 14, 2013, 05:00:01 PM
Here's 1 vote for the Oberlin coach.  First time in the history of the school to make NCAA tourney.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 15, 2013, 10:30:16 AM
Congratulations to those who were selected for All NESCAC 1st & 2nd teams.  Congratulations to Conn's Hawkey POY (well deserved and earned), Midd's Glaser ROY and Amherst's Serpone COY.  No surprises in the picks for POY/ROY/COY all deserving.  For those who asked what/how will Williams replace two injured defenders...the answer is not easily, however last year during the Eph's NCAA run they had moved Westling to outside back and that is a strong possibility again for the injured Burbank-Crump. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 15, 2013, 01:42:51 PM

Here's 1 vote for Rutgers-Camden coach... 

C:  Hey, how does playing for a state school in NJ sound? 

P:  Still weighing some options...

C:  How about Camden?  It's a really safe, up and coming city, with a great panoramic view of Philadelphia... and the field is pretty cool too.
     We don't have unlimited resources or rank among the best in the nation for liberal arts schools like the NESCAC, UAA, or Centennial but you          could play in one of the most physically demanding conferences, the almighty NJAC... and get a decent education.

P:  Sounds promising.  Count me in!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 15, 2013, 01:56:00 PM
Realistic candidates would be;  Potteiger from Gordon, McCarty, Serpone, Martin, Rothert, Oswald, Wags from F&M, Rensing from Stevens.   I think Waggoner from Randolph would have been a great candidate if they would have won the ODAC and made a run in the tournament with such a young program...     

What are some thoughts on POY... who from the NESCAC?

Vegter from Calvin? Jenkins from CSS? Bloecher from OWU? Payne from Messiah?

From NJAC it would only potentially be Mike Ryan from Rutgers-Camden or Raphael Araujo from Rutgers-Newark (one of the teams would need a deep run to make a case, though)



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 16, 2013, 03:39:40 PM
Williams and WNEC advance to set up a fun mentor-mentee showdown in the second round tomorrow, as (Williams heir apparent?) Erin Sullivan battles Mike Russo. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 17, 2013, 03:41:55 PM
Willimas dominates WNEC 4to 1. Shots 32to 3.  Westling 3 goals this weekend for Ephman.  Amherst dominates Gordon 5 to 0.  NESCAC showing its quality.  Still believe Wesleyan/Bowdoin/Middlebury/Conn/tufts were better teams than many who received NCAA bids.....shame they had to miss the party this year but the league is the best in New England by far.  Go Ephman and Lord Jeffs..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 17, 2013, 04:11:18 PM
Agreed!  The last goal was made on pure effort by the backup Amherst goalie who was put in along with an entire new team in the last few minutes..it seems.  In any case, the backup goalie got time on the offensive side....surprising the announcers a little who thought Bull would be taken out in the last 5 minutes of the game. played on a damp cold field.  Gordon was still attacking until the end....so I guess Bull was being left in to complete a shutout.  Good win for Amherst....no injuries reported.  Saw only the 2nd half and heard it was a little rough in the first half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 17, 2013, 05:51:09 PM
SLU's 8-0 dismantling of a previously pretty good Wheaton team sets up a final four caliber Sweet 16 match up with Amherst.  It's a shame that other quality Liberty League and NESCAC teams get squeezed out by AQs from such obviously inferior leagues. . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacCaptain on November 19, 2013, 12:04:37 PM
Seconding AllNescac and Colby Union. Sorry for the rant...

A year like this is simply infuriating for the Nescac teams left out of the dance. I can only help but think there'd be 4-5 CAC teams still left if they had been given bids.

All you need to do is look at Williams' schedule. 13 Nescac games and ONLY ONE decided by more than a goal. Of course Amherst had a few 2 and 3 goal Nescac wins but results like the Hamilton and Conn ties further go to show the Nescac's strength.

Amherst + Williams outscoring teams 16-1 through 4 games. Simply a disgrace to see Gordon college and other teams in there over Wesleyan/Conn/Tufts/Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 19, 2013, 03:21:36 PM

Isn't there usually a list of the Pool C teams... which team was the last one in? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 19, 2013, 03:36:56 PM
CacCapt, seems a little harsh, especially given that NESCAC usually gets 4 and at least 3.  What does the regional cmte do with a Gordon that is like 18-1 or 18-2?  They also had a solid first round win.  WNEC had Williams in trouble so the final score is deceiving.  The NESCAC women got 5.  It's all in the regional rankings and there were teams that took losses during the year like Dickinson, F&M, Brandeis, etc which managed to keep high regional rankings. 

Who was the strongest team that didn't get in?  I wouldn't say a NESCAC team.  DePauw and North Park are the first ones that come to mind for me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 19, 2013, 03:45:38 PM

Calvin got shafted.   They lost to OWU, Kenyon, Loras first 3 games of season, Hope, and Kalamazoo.   (Rutgers-Newark got in with L to RU-C (2x), Montclair, SIT, Plattsburgh)

DePauw with only losses to OWU and Oberlin...

Emory had a case over MIT and Miseri.




Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on November 19, 2013, 03:46:52 PM
I also think that Skidmore is a strong squad, who should be dancing next season.

WNEC is a solid program. I concur the Williams score seems a bit sdecieving, although the best team probably did win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 19, 2013, 05:21:57 PM
Calvin is a good team with a great player, but they let in a ton of goals.  That was their undoing.

If you're going to talk about the other NESCACs then you need to compare not just to the regional teams with great records that may have  suspect SOSs.  You have to ask if any of them should have gotten in over other similar strong teams that also didn't get in, and as suggested there are quite a few -- DePauw, North Park, Wash U, Emory, St. Olaf, Calvin, Denison, Oglethorpe, Carthage, Haverford, Swat, etc.  Haverford and Swat actually finished ahead of F&M and Dickinson in their conference.  And that's not even including ranked teams that didn't get in like Randolph and Texas-Dallas.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 19, 2013, 05:25:24 PM
Oh, sorry, and yeah I forgot Union, Skidmore, Vassar and RPI who probably all compare pretty favorably with mid-table NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 19, 2013, 09:13:30 PM
Did any of those touting WNEC actually see the game vs Williams?  I did.  Williams absolutely DOMINATED the game it wasn't as close as the 4 to 1 score.....they outshot them 33 to 3....repeat 33 to 3....no contest.  The NESCAC league and top 7 teams this year are superior to any other new England teams except Brandeis (very good team)....should all 7 teams be in the dance probably not just because of sheer numbers but definitely 4 or 5 should be in like the women's side.  NESCAC teams typically win 90% of there non league regular season games.  Year in year out top to bottom nescac league is in the top 3 D3 leagues EVERY YEAR. If they played 4 more non league games the dominence would be evev greater. Go Eph and Go Lord Jeff.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 19, 2013, 09:51:34 PM
Disagree.  Historically NESCAC gets plenty of love (as it should).  Are there too many AQs?  Sure.  Were there some teams in New England region probably ranked too high (in hindsight)?  Perhaps.  But you're looking at this too locally.

Let's look at some records of the teams you are talking about vs other notables who didn't get in and then explain how NESCAC 3-7 trumps more than half of the other omissions listed below.

Middlebury -- 9-5-1
Wesleyan -- 9-6-1 (with losses to regional teams who got in)
Tufts -- 8-5-2
Bowdoin -- 8-4-4
CC -- 8-5-2

DePauw -- 14-2-3
Calvin -- 14-5-1
Union -- 12-3-2
Haverford -- 11-5-2
Swat -- 12-5-4
Chris Newport -- 13-5-2
North Park -- 11-5-3
Emory -- 11-5-2
Wash U -- 10-4-3
RPI -- 11-5-2
Skidmore -- 12-6-2
Denison -- 12-4-3
John Carroll -- 15-4-1

You don't just have to beat out teams in your region.  You have to beat out teams in other regions as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 19, 2013, 11:54:56 PM
Add 4 more wins to each of these nescac teams if they played 18 games and they would have the requisite wins and winning %...with only 14 game schedule these superior teams are at a severe disadvantage vs rest of field in getting a bid.....yet even with that disadvantage I would take them vs any other #3-7 from any other league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 20, 2013, 10:38:31 AM
NESCAC is very hard to gauge because of the limited schedule and strictly in-region games.  The NE region is "fairly" weak, aside from the NESCAC... so any out of conference games should be wins.

I would love to see the NJAC and NESCAC have something similar to the ACC-B10 Challenge...   Mix up the match-ups, but below is the seeding.  I would put the NJAC about even with the NESCAC:

RU-C vs Amherst
Montclair St. vs Williams  (both played WNEC)... MSU won 2-0   Williams 4-1
RU-N vs Middlebury   
TCNJ vs Wesleyan
Stockton vs Tufts
WPU vs Bowdoin


8th place Ramapo lost in 2 OT at ECSU... (a team that tied Wesleyan on the Road this year)

Last place Kean beat Kenyon this year, lost to Rochester, lost to OWU (badly).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 20, 2013, 11:42:49 AM
It's not just about the relative strength of leagues.  No one (or hardly anyone) would contest that NESCAC is one of the top 2-3 leagues, if not the top league.  The issue in terms of actual bids comes down to specific teams.  Please tell me why Wesleyan at 9-6-1 should get in ahead of a Union at 12-3-2, DePauw at 14-2-3 or Calvin at 14-5-1.  Even if you add 3-4 wins to all of the NESCAC teams (which if they are going to play some tough non-league extra games you can't just assume), the number of "blemishes" are still high relative to other strong teams out of region.  I also agree with lastguy as I have said before.  Let's get the NESCAC alternating between 4-5 games per year against NJAC, Centennial and Liberty league teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TerrasIrradient on November 20, 2013, 02:12:02 PM
It's tough to compare the leagues/teams with a small sample size of matches, but I think looking at Hamilton's recent transition to the NESCAC is a fair gauge and, based on that, I would disagree pretty strongly that the aforementioned LL teams compare favorably with mid-table NESCAC teams. SLU is a great side and has been for a very long time. Beyond that, I don't really see many others that would finish in even the top half of the CAC.

Really looking forward to some great matches this weekend. The Jeffs and SLU should provide some fireworks in a really tough contest. I'll be expecting the winner of this one to move past Williams on Sunday after the EPHs secure a 2-1 victory on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sirius90 on November 20, 2013, 02:39:51 PM
One slight advantage that the NESCAC teams enjoy is the short schedule. My feeling is that they come into the post season fresher and with fewer injuries. I know of at least one of the bubble teams that didn't make it faltered late in part because of a decimated squad.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 20, 2013, 11:35:39 PM
The nescac league although only a14 game schedule is the "black and blue" league.  The games are vicious and beyond normal physical soccer. All the nescac teams are beat up injury wise just from their league games which better resemble Rugby for there physicality. Not really an advantage for a shorter schedule.  Go ephs and lord jeffs!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 21, 2013, 09:25:02 AM
Geez, All NESCAC.  Maybe NESCAC should just go D1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 21, 2013, 09:28:37 AM
TerrasIrradient, one spot left.  Who are you giving it to this year?  DePauw at 14-2-3, Union at 12-3-2, Calvin at 14-5-1 OR Wesleyan at 9-6-1 or Midd at 9-5-1?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sirius90 on November 21, 2013, 04:02:20 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 20, 2013, 11:35:39 PM
The nescac league although only a14 game schedule is the "black and blue" league.  The games are vicious and beyond normal physical soccer. All the nescac teams are beat up injury wise just from their league games which better resemble Rugby for there physicality. Not really an advantage for a shorter schedule.  Go ephs and lord jeffs!

Fair enough. That's why it's generally terrible to watch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 22, 2013, 09:07:27 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 21, 2013, 09:25:02 AM
Geez, All NESCAC.  Maybe NESCAC should just go D1.
who suggested nescac was as good or should be D1?  I didn't.  I did say and truly believe that the league plays overboard physically and unfortunately results in play that is "not the beautiful game" yet it does get results in the win column despite it being tough to watch.  I can only compare it to college soccer in new England ive seen but by far the most physical league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CCHoopster on November 23, 2013, 08:44:12 AM
NESCAC has been nothing special in soccer on the national stage. 2 Titles since '95. Basketball league, soccer a distant 2nd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 23, 2013, 08:54:29 AM
The weather may play an impact today, imo, at the games in Amherst.  Winds and wind gusts are expected. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 23, 2013, 09:20:01 AM
Quote from: CCHoopster on November 23, 2013, 08:44:12 AM
NESCAC has been nothing special in soccer on the national stage. 2 Titles since '95. Basketball league, soccer a distant 2nd. 
I don't believe many if any on this board believe the top team from nescac is best team in the D3 nation thus unlikely to stack up national championships however I believe most here believe top to bottom they are usually the top league in the country for D3 in most years.  Good luck to both Williams and Amherst today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 23, 2013, 09:36:02 AM
I'd say that NESCAC is about as good in men's soccer as it is in hoops, relative to the rest of the country.  The difference is that there is no single totally dominant team like Messiah, which is on a whole different level than everyone else, in D3hoops.  NESCAC has two champions (it only has three in basketball), I don't think any other league has had two teams win titles during the same time period.  Plus NESCAC has a slew of other Final Four appearances, Williams alone has made it to five Final Fours, and Midd and Amherst have also made it.  And there is a pretty good chance that NESCAC will add another Final Four appearance this year.  NESCAC is not be quite as strong at the top as NESCAC men's hoops, but the talent is more evenly dispersed throughout the league. 

All that being said, I don't see how NESCAC deserved more than two bids this season. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: socdude4 on November 23, 2013, 01:50:13 PM
I've watched the first 15 minutes of the Amherst game and am quite surprised by a couple of things. Mind you I don't watch much Amherst but I'm shocked by the facility. How does Amherst not have a better venue then just a field. No lights, no real seating area, chain link fence surrounding the back and no barriers separating the fans...How does the NCAA allow them to host?!?!?

Furthermore, how Amherst's bench (especially the Irish/Scottish assistant) is allowed to behave the way they do is outrageous. Please do everyone a favor- sit down, shut up and let the kids play!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ryan Harmanis on November 23, 2013, 02:13:03 PM
Pretty open game thus far.  Stop-and-go, mostly a result of the fact that Amherst attempts to bomb a long throw-in into the box anywhere on the positive side of midfield.  Both goalies look huge and have been strong on set pieces.

Very contrasting styles.  Amherst has been on top more but has played almost shockingly direct.  I'd put possession 60-40 for Amherst but SLU has probably connected twice as many passes.  That's embodied by the calls from the bench - every time Amherst gains possession the call is to send it, when SLU has it the call is to possess.  Amherst has been much more effective imposing their style on the game and have had the two best chances.

While I agree that Amherst's bench is extremely annoying, it's probably more of a function of camera location - rarely do fans get to hear exactly what gets said on the bench to this level.  I haven't heard much out of the ordinary except the coaching staff having a heart attack about things happening when each goalie punts it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: socdude4 on November 23, 2013, 02:17:33 PM
Shockingly direct is right...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: socdude4 on November 23, 2013, 03:14:05 PM
Shouting at the STL bench by the Amherst assistant...."that's a man's play. You have to play like a man." I'm not sure what exactly that means but very classy Amherst, very classy. Your comments about "letting the kids play" while shouting and trying to orchestrate the entire game from the sidelines is laughable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ryan Harmanis on November 23, 2013, 03:17:16 PM
Bathroom break = punished by missing Amherst's goal.  Anybody see it?  Seems like since that happened SLU has had the better of the play.  Just had a breakaway around the Amherst goalie but saved by a defender as it headed in.  Should make for a tense last 10-15 minutes (no clock on feed).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 23, 2013, 03:28:22 PM

That's what you get for sitting in.... BOMB!

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ryan Harmanis on November 23, 2013, 03:30:32 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on November 23, 2013, 03:28:22 PM

That's what you get for sitting in.... BOMB!

Wow.  Seriously, wow.  Spot on lastguy, Amherst gets punished for letting SLU pin them back for the last 35 minutes of the game with an absolute rocket.  Can't have been more than a minute left on the clock.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ryan Harmanis on November 23, 2013, 03:43:22 PM
Amherst dodges a bullet as SLU pings one off the post and hits the rebound directly at the goalkeeper as he scrambles backward on his line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ryan Harmanis on November 23, 2013, 03:55:14 PM
And against the run of play Amherst picks up a loose ball in the box and roofs it for the game winner.

Sets up an Elite 8 rematch with Williams.  Sixth time in two seasons - Amherst has gone 3-0-2 but Williams won the penalty shootout in 2012.  Should be interesting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 23, 2013, 04:57:46 PM
nice wrap of the game guys.  Amherst had the better of the first half in terms of SOG and corners....fouls were even, I believe.  I come back in the second half and Amherst is ahead 1-0.  Go back to the BB game, I am watching and return with 5 min. in the game...with less than a minute to goal, SLU scores.  Goes into the 2nd OT and Singer for Amherst scores the winner!  His 2nd of the game...according to background chatter....no announcers.  Amherst's coach bends over ass Amherst players rush the field.
Guess that is how it goes between two fine highly ranked teams.  Back and forth until lighting like goals.  In between one can go watch a BB game :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 23, 2013, 09:13:30 PM
Can the Lord Jeffs beat the Ephmen 3 times in the same year?  Pretty tough chore 3x.  Williams has been playing well but can they play possession vs Amhersts direct long ball thuggery?  Rooting for Ephmen.  Williams will be sky high after the last game between these two teams and the severe injuries suffered....but will it be enough?  Will Amherst again impose their direct style and get it done? This one will be a nail biter.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 24, 2013, 03:51:39 PM
Congrats to the Ephs for the 1-0 victory over Amherst!  Second straight year advancing in upset fashion on the Jeffs' home field, and this time, ending the huge Amherst result streak in the process.  A very nice bit of payback for football,  and yet another Final Four for Coach Russo (third in five years).  Tried to watch some of the game but a lot of technical difficulties, unfortunately.  Curious to hear thoughts from those who did.  Ephs will likely be facing Messiah in the semis, alas, so it only gets tougher.  But Williams has been playing tremendous soccer throughout the NCAA tourney and anything is possible! 

Quite a day for NESCAC fall sports: Bowdoin wins the championship in women's field hockey, and Midd women's soccer upsets Johns Hopkins to also advance to to the Final Four. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 24, 2013, 03:58:31 PM

Had technical difficulties the whole game with buffering, and then 2nd half shut off on me...

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 24, 2013, 04:04:35 PM
Would be curious to know who scored and when, and how goal was scored.  Disappointing that webcast ended abruptly with score still 0-0, but conditions looked horrendous.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 24, 2013, 04:17:42 PM
Chris "Beckham" Conder scored his second free kick goal of the weekend.  Wow.  His services have been fantastic all post season. Poetic justice as he replaced one of the guys injured in the last Amherst game.  Ephs outshot Amherst by a fair margin so sounds like a fair result.  Go Ephs!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on November 24, 2013, 04:18:28 PM
amh63 ---

To whom can I send a contribution at amherst to assure all of us can continue watching webcasts from amherst that work of Williams men soccer preventing amherst from going to the Final Four?

Congratulations to the Eph players and to Coach Mike Russo and his staff of Tom Demeo and Jeff Huffman--- one of the classiest coaching staffs and effective educators anywhere.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 24, 2013, 05:32:24 PM
Chris Conder pre-tourney: zero goals, two assists.  Chris Conder in tourney: two goals, four assists, almost all from set pieces or otherwise via a deep service.  I think it's fair to say he is in the zone ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cacalum on November 24, 2013, 05:45:27 PM
Congrats to Williams on advancing to another final 4. Terrible conditions for both squads made this a tough game to watch. Best of luck to the Ephs, I hope they go and win the title.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 24, 2013, 06:17:11 PM
Jump shot...send any monetary contributions to the trustees of Amherst College..c/o..Friends of Amherst Athletics.  They take even credit cards...no Diners Club cards at this time.  I thank you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on November 24, 2013, 06:28:13 PM
Disappointed to have not watched this but sounds like folks didn't get to see the end anyway. I tuned in right at 1:30 and the feed didn't work. When I finally got I up and running the graphic said it was 2-0 Amherst already so I turned it off.  Regardless, I'm very happy with the result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 24, 2013, 07:48:22 PM
Congratulations to the Ephmen!  Good luck in Final Four.  Go NESCAC! :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 25, 2013, 10:51:32 AM
As expected, Williams will play Messiah.  Ooof.  Has anyone seen them this year?  Looks like on paper that they are as deep and talented as usual, with multiple all-Americans spread throughout the line-up and dominant strikers and midfielders.  Williams will be a huge underdog but the Ephs have really raised their level of play in the tourney and they can go in with a nothing-to-lose attitude against the Goliath of D3.  The Mountenot-Muralles-Rashid combo (all of whom will fortunately be back next year) has become quite dangerous in the attack for the Ephs, all three are very creative players with the ball and they seem to have developed some good chemistry, with Kastner another guy who can finish.  And obviously, Conder has been an impressive weapon on set plays, so hopefully the Ephs can draw some fouls and/or corners to see if he can keep up his incredible streak.  The Ephs are almost surely not going to control the flow of play for the majority of the game, so they will need to get one or two quick strikes generated on counters or by great individual playmaking from the aforementioned trio. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 25, 2013, 02:02:30 PM
Congrats to Williams.
For the most part, the game was a tale of two halves due to the crazy wind (perhaps to blame for feed dying?).
Amherst did not score while the wind was at their backs, despite the ball's flirting with the goalline a few times. Williams did score with the wind at their back: A quality direct kick at the top of the box, slightly to the right, beat the wall and outstanding keeper Bull (Bull saved all 3 times the Ephs were on frame in the first half--including a 1v1). With the goal and 13 mins remaining, Ephs managed the clock well. Amherst played with some lively balls in the box late in the second half but couldn't get a true or clear shot.
Thank goodness the game ended at the end of regulation because it was colder than cold.
Good luck to Williams going forward.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 30, 2013, 10:58:04 AM
 NESCAC All Academic teams have been released. Congratulations to all the student athletes (especially the men soccer players) who received this award!  Well done! :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 04, 2013, 10:39:49 AM
Lots of small articles about the Ephs as well as mini-previews of Williams vs. Messiah posted below.  All previews recognize that Messiah is a big favorite.  I think this year's Williams team is actually a bit underrated in terms of how they are playing right NOW because of their record.  It really took awhile to gel with Rashid slow to return to form after the big injury.  The Ephs have been strong in goal and defensively all year, but their offense was worlds better in the post-season than it was during the regular season as Rashid, first-year Mountenot, and Muralles have gelled into a very dynamic attacking trio, and they have benefit from the addition of Conder's tremendous services to help on set pieces.  I actually think the Ephs are playing at a higher level than they were headed into last year's Final Four, when they advanced despite being absolutely dominated by Amherst.  All that being said, neither last year's team (which maybe was not quite as good as its record reflected) nor this year's (which most certainly is much better than its record reflects) is in Messiah's class talent-wise, obviously, so Messiah is right to be heavily favored.  But they should be favored over ANYONE in D3, as reflected by the jaw-dropping statistics noted in Messiah's Final Four preview: http://www.gomessiah.com/news/2013/12/3/MSOC_1203131054.aspx

Other articles:

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/mens-dii-diii-tourneys-down-to-final-four_aid32176
http://www.examiner.com/article/ncaa-division-iii-championship-preview-williams#sthash.HGTBL4ny.uxfs
http://www.voicesnews.com/articles/2013/12/04/sports/doc529de12f3ec08111051810.txt
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=293958
http://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/msoc/2013-14/releases/2013120444ctv0

Go Ephs! 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on December 04, 2013, 11:32:45 AM

Thanks for posting the local news:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20131203_Rutgers-Camden_soccer_in_its_first-ever_Final_Four.html


Loras and Messiah faithful; please post some articles from the local papers as well...

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ldahoSoccer on December 04, 2013, 12:05:48 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on December 04, 2013, 10:39:49 AM
Lots of small articles about the Ephs as well as mini-previews of Williams vs. Messiah posted below.  All previews recognize that Messiah is a big favorite.  I think this year's Williams team is actually a bit underrated in terms of how they are playing right NOW because of their record.  It really took awhile to gel with Rashid slow to return to form after the big injury.  The Ephs have been strong in goal and defensively all year, but their offense was worlds better in the post-season than it was during the regular season as Rashid, first-year Mountenot, and Muralles have gelled into a very dynamic attacking trio, and they have benefit from the addition of Conder's tremendous services to help on set pieces.  I actually think the Ephs are playing at a higher level than they were headed into last year's Final Four, when they advanced despite being absolutely dominated by Amherst.  All that being said, neither last year's team (which maybe was not quite as good as its record reflected) nor this year's (which most certainly is much better than its record reflects) is in Messiah's class talent-wise, obviously, so Messiah is right to be heavily favored.  But they should be favored over ANYONE in D3, as reflected by the jaw-dropping statistics noted in Messiah's Final Four preview: http://www.gomessiah.com/news/2013/12/3/MSOC_1203131054.aspx

Other articles:

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/mens-dii-diii-tourneys-down-to-final-four_aid32176
http://www.examiner.com/article/ncaa-division-iii-championship-preview-williams#sthash.HGTBL4ny.uxfs
http://www.voicesnews.com/articles/2013/12/04/sports/doc529de12f3ec08111051810.txt
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=293958
http://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/msoc/2013-14/releases/2013120444ctv0

Go Ephs!

I would favor Loras and R-C over Messiah right now.  Using past results to predict future performance is like driving a car looking in the rear view mirror. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on December 05, 2013, 07:48:41 AM
If past performance did not have substantial predictive value, the Racing Form would have been out of business for over a century.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on December 05, 2013, 08:36:41 AM
A question for the sophisticated, unemotional analyst: How would the typical d3 final four team fare against the typical middle-of-the-pack ACC team? Way too slow? Way too lacking in skill? Way too lacking in intensity? All three? None of the three? Other factors?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on December 05, 2013, 09:47:29 AM
I think they would hold their own.

Most final 4 players were recuited by D1 as well.
The issue in football is acclimation. Tough to go from 0-60 mph, but the talent is there.
Would take  an entire season to acclimate to pace and physical difference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on December 05, 2013, 10:01:33 AM
Quote from: Saint of Old on December 05, 2013, 09:47:29 AM
I think they would hold their own.

Most final 4 players were recuited by D1 as well.
The issue in football is acclimation. Tough to go from 0-60 mph, but the talent is there.
Would take  an entire season to acclimate to pace and physical difference.

Can only speak to Williams regarding the Final 4 teams, but in general the D3 schools would be slower overall team speed and also lack some height/physicality.  Pace of play would be faster in D1.  The D1 teams also have more skilled scoring firepower up front (much more depth) and would not miss their many opportunities to score.  Overall ball skill and tactical knowledge would not be different.  Intensity and effort would be the same.  Just bigger and faster (better athletes in D1).  No offense to these fine D3 players, and they are good college players, but they are D3 players.  If they were truly D1 ACC players then they would be playing in the ACC and they are not (and that goes for all in D3).  Good luck to Williams this weekend.  Go NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on December 05, 2013, 01:00:22 PM
Quote from: Alo35 on December 05, 2013, 10:39:33 AM
Quote from: All NESCAC on December 05, 2013, 10:01:33 AM
Quote from: Saint of Old on December 05, 2013, 09:47:29 AM
I think they would hold their own.

Most final 4 players were recuited by D1 as well.
The issue in football is acclimation. Tough to go from 0-60 mph, but the talent is there.
Would take  an entire season to acclimate to pace and physical difference.

Can only speak to Williams regarding the Final 4 teams, but in general the D3 schools would be slower overall team speed and also lack some height/physicality.  Pace of play would be faster in D1.  The D1 teams also have more skilled scoring firepower up front (much more depth) and would not miss their many opportunities to score.  Overall ball skill and tactical knowledge would not be different.  Intensity and effort would be the same.  Just bigger and faster (better athletes in D1).  No offense to these fine D3 players, and they are good college players, but they are D3 players.  If they were truly D1 ACC players then they would be playing in the ACC and they are not (and that goes for all in D3).  Good luck to Williams this weekend.  Go NESCAC.


I couldn't disagree more about the reason that some athletes choose d3 over d1. I personally can vouch for many players I have coached that have chosen the d3 route because they chose the school over the sport. There are also athletes that choose d3 so that they can make an immediate impact upon arrival and they don't want to sit the bench for a couple years before they play. The top d3 teams could easily hold their own against middle of the pack d1 schools.

The question was not why some athletes chose D3 vs D1, but how the top of D3 would do vs mid level ACC team...let's pick on BC for an example (not at the top of ACC).  Again let's pick on Williams because I have seen both Williams and BC play this year.  Not questioning if a few of the players on the Williams roster could play some D1 role on the BC team, but the question is comparing the entire Williams D3 team vs the entire BC's D1 team, and truthfully BC team is far superior based on both speed and athleticism, and most importantly depth.  While the top D3 teams each have a handful of players who might possibly play at D1, the D1 team has 25 players who are at this level or better than their D3 counterparts.  Listen I love D3 athletics, but D1 is D1 and D3 is D3 and there is a big difference in the depth and talent level.  D1 and D3 are not different in that if you are not playing serious minutes by your sophomore year, then chances are you won't be playing Jr or Sr year, so choosing D3 over D1 so you will play earlier in your career is an overplayed rationalization.   They likely chose D3 (if soley looking from a soccer standpoint) because yes they would play period (and early) because they were a viable impact D3 recruit, while only likely a marginal D1 recruit, that's just reality.  Might not be the reason they chose to attend a D3 college, but from a soccer perspective it is more than likely true.  If they played 10 times would Williams win once or twice...yes that's possible because anything can happen in a single soccer game, but BC would likely dominate the play 9 out of 10 games.  Always a good debate when broaching this subject, but having watched college soccer closely for the last 8 years there is a big difference between D1 ACC (mid level) and D3 top teams.  Just my honest opinion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ldahoSoccer on December 05, 2013, 01:43:49 PM
I watched Georgetown live this year on multiple occasions, and I don't think any D3 team would get the ball out of their own half. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on December 06, 2013, 08:08:43 AM
Good luck to all the Final Four participants.
I will tell you this, they all think they have the ability to play D1 (and some Professional).
That is because this game that we love is 95% about confidence.

I have personally  known D3 teams that had every forward on the roster doing a sub 4.3 forty.

D1 players are bigger yes, but this is not basketball or throwball.
Suarez, Messi and Aguero are not giants until the ball is at their feet.

Since there are atleast twice as  many D3 as there are D1 programs, it stands to reason that the talent spectrum is wider, but this is the Final 4!

I say again, the acclimation a player would need to adjust is one thing (kinda like what everyone does after High School).

Besides Confidence, the greatest ingredient in being a good soccer player is intelligence. There are some pretty smart boyz plying their trade in D3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on December 06, 2013, 09:39:05 AM
Your correspondent has seen in the very rough neighborhood of a dozen men's NESCAC soccer games in the last 13 years. He doesn't know soccer at all but does know speed - long sprint speed, quickness, change of direction and change of pace - and has never observed in any of those games anyone with close to 4.30/40 speed, much less sub 4.30/40 speed. He must have been watching the wrong games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on December 06, 2013, 10:13:54 AM

I tried to run a sub 4.3 40 at 2am a few weeks ago.   Turns out, you're not that fast when your drunk... and if pushed by a friend while running, you can smack your face on the concrete and fracture your skull.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 06, 2013, 10:26:11 AM
Good luck to the Ephs, who will hopefully represent NESCAC well vs. the Messiah juggernaut tonight!  Some nice videos, etc. from the Ephs' week in San Antonio here:

http://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/msoc/2013-14/releases/20131206h7bqpl

The future is bright for Williams assuming they can figure out a goalie situation for next year (neither back-up played much at all this year).  Only a few key players graduate and nearly all the offensive firepower returns, plus they will, presumably, get back three key injured players.  There is going to be a lot of depth and a lot of competition for playing time next year. Hopefully, though, they don't have to think about next year for a few more days!

Williams also has what looks to be a few strong offensive recruits already locked up:

Zach Morant:
http://www.lohud.com/article/20131129/SPORTS/311290070/
(says he is applying ED, but with a 2330 SAT and a 3.9 GPA, I'd say his odds are pretty good ...)

Also,

MF – Tom Young, Edgemont: The All-Section senior was the glue for the Panthers, leading the team with 15 goals and 11 assists. The Williams College-bound playmaker finished his career with 45 goals and 34 assists, and was also named MVP of League II-E.

(See http://boyssoccer.lohudblogs.com/2013/12/01/westchesterputnam-stars-nick-tunic-home-mamaroneck/)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on December 06, 2013, 10:43:08 AM


Maybe Saints of Old is thinking of SLU 1995-2000 when they had all those Jamaicans.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on December 06, 2013, 01:58:55 PM
lastguy: Your correspondent doesn't require any alcohol and pushing friend to cause him to fall on the way to the refrigerator - he does it all by himself. As far as his aspiration to run a 4.30/40 is concerned, you've got to be kidding.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GarbageGoals33 on December 06, 2013, 04:10:38 PM
A sub 4.3 40-yard dash is pretty good.  It would make you one of the fastest players to run the 40-yard dash in NFL combine history. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40-yard_dash

Sub 4.5 40-yard dash is probably a little closer to what you're looking for Saint...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 06, 2013, 09:37:07 PM
Well, Ephs giving it their best but they are dramatically outclassed.  Messiah is better than anyone the Ephs have played this year, by a very wide margin.  Entertaining soccer as both teams play a very similar style, unfortunately for the Ephs, Messiah just plays it better.  The first goal was flukey, a ball that popped high off a defender's leg and caught the goalie off his line and floated in, but the second was a beautiful and really too-easy header off a long cross.  Messiah up 2-0 already and have had several other very good chances, could easily be 3-0.  Muralles had two rocket shots for the Ephs, both of which narrowly missed, early in the game, but since then the Ephs have had no opportunities at all.  Thompson is the best player I've seen Williams play against in some time.  And the Messiah defenders are extremely tough to beat one-on-one.  Ephs will continue to give it their all, but falling down 2-0, and with Messiah pretty much in control it will take a miracle.  NO big surprise, but was hoping the Ephs could hang in for a bit longer ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 06, 2013, 10:30:46 PM
Well, Williams down 4-0, and Morrell made a few great saves so it could be worse.  Just nothing the Ephs can do, utterly dominatedth.  Messiah has three guys who all would easily be the best player in NESCAC, D Carter Robbins (simply incredible, Rashid could do nothing on at all vs. him, and he also added a nice goal off a set piece, he is on par with previous Williams defenders Kaufman and Leary, both of whom were national players of the year), and scheming MF's Jeremy Payne and Jack Thompson, who lived up to their all-American billings and who are just incredibly skilled and crafty offensive players, not to mention fast and athletic.  Ramirez had a strong game as well.  What is scary is that all four of those guys are Juniors.  As long as Messiah is around and makes it through early rounds, I don't see any NESCAC squad standing a chance.  Amherst might have matched up better simply because they play a different style rather than trying to beat Messiah at its own game, but the talent differential between Messiah and any NESCAC school is simply immense.  Still, a great tourney run for the underdog Ephs, who will be overall a stronger and deeper team next season. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on December 06, 2013, 11:12:26 PM
All is right in the world - the Ten Commandments lords it over SAT scores.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on December 10, 2013, 09:37:44 AM
Congratulations to the Ephmen for getting to the Final Four in back to back seasons.  Obviously Messiah is another level up talent wise come tourney time which every other D3 team found out.  Looking out towards 2014 season Williams will have a large portion of their line up back in tact and should be set up for a nice 2014 season (injuries not withstanding) contending again in the NESCAC.  any thoughts to who else will be strongly in the mix?  Middlebury? Amherst?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 10, 2013, 10:28:11 AM
In light of the fact that the best thing about first-year is that they become sophomores, Middlebury should be poised to make the biggest leap forward, and should be a top-three team for sure, as their tremendous frosh class continues to mature.  Amherst I think will still be in the mix but won't dominate the league as they have the past few years.  The Jeffs have all of their offensive firepower returning plus Rico will presumably return from his season-long injury; he was a crucial loss.  Bull is also a monster in goal.  But Amherst loses a slew of really strong defenders and is unlikely to be as stingy in terms of limiting opponents' chances. 

Williams should be improved after the confidence and experience gained from the late-season run and with the return of Michael Madding (who missed all year due to injury), Ritter and Burbank-Crump.  With those three guys plus Pierce, Danilak, Conder, Grunman, Seitz and Dory, the Ephs are really big, deep (two deep at basically every spot), and experienced at the defense / defensive midfielder positions.  The offensive engine of Rashid, Mountenot and Muralles return and those guys if they stay healthy will create plenty of chances, all are skilled and crafty and should work together even better next season.  I imagine Westling will play more up top given how many guys the Ephs have returning in the backfield.  But Williams has two huge question marks -- goaltender, since no one returning has played meaningful minutes, and they need to find another striker or two to replace Kushaina and Kastner.  If one or more of the incoming first-year players can step in right away to finish more of the opportunities the team will surely generate (the team has lacked for two years now an elite finisher), or perhaps someone like Westling can be effective moving into that role, they will be a Final Four threat again. 

Wesleyan and Tufts seem like the other two teams who could potentially contend. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 13, 2013, 11:28:23 AM
Congrats to the many NESCAC all-American players:

http://www.nscaa.com/2013-ncaa-division-iii-men-s-all-america-teams?utm_medium=short_url

Ben Brewster on the first team, Thomas Bull (who with only a senior ahead of him is well-positioned to be a two-time first-teamer) and Julien Aoyama on the second team, and Matt Muralles and Billy Hawkey on the third team.  Impressive showing. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on December 14, 2013, 11:58:19 AM
Congratulations boys...well done and well deserved...Go NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on January 06, 2014, 01:56:58 PM
Roughly when does the NESCAC Men's Soccer schedule get released?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on January 07, 2014, 12:31:08 PM
Most teams already kno their schedules now but officially it gets released June 1st......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on January 27, 2014, 04:19:09 PM
1st, 2nd and 5th best MLS players from Division III are Ephs ... not too shabby!

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/01/27/monday-postgame-ranking-best-lower-division-college-players-stick-mls
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on February 01, 2014, 01:29:25 AM
Very cool that they did an article like that.  Too bad the author completely overlooked Lance Key, a 3-time All-American at Trinity (Tx.), who started 34 games for the Colorado Rapids in 2000 and 2001 as a defender.  Key should have been at No. 3 or 4 on the list, and then the author wouldn't have needed to reach so much to fill out the list with Blake and Schunk at No. 5 (no offense to either of those players).  Key was a 4th Round pick in the 2000 SuperDraft (43rd overall).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on February 01, 2014, 03:57:12 AM
The general public loves ranked lists; the truly sophisticated believe that they are folly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on February 09, 2014, 02:18:48 PM
Great ESPN feature on former Eph Nick Pugliese:

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10424324
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: casualfan on February 10, 2014, 12:07:00 PM
I found the video of Pugliese to be very inspiring. It's encouraging to see that the local Afghan people were easily willing to set aside any differences for the betterment of the team and sport. Gotta love that he happens to be a former Division III athlete as well!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on March 20, 2014, 10:10:04 AM
Seabrook named head Colby men's soccer coach



WATERVILLE, Maine --- After 10 years as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I level, Ewan Seabrook was named the new head coach of the Colby College men's soccer program Wednesday.

Seabrook, a native of Lewes, England, will be Colby's first new men's soccer coach in nearly 40 years. He spent six seasons at the University of New Hampshire as associate head coach and four years as assistant coach at Hartwick College.

"Ewan distinguished himself from an extremely strong group of applicants as the right person to lead our program," said Marcella Zalot, Colby's Harold Alfond Director of Athletics. "I am confident that he will build and grow our men's soccer program on multiple levels and I know the young men in our program will thrive under his guidance. I am excited about this new chapter in the long and proud history of Colby men's soccer."

Before his coaching career, Seabrook played Division I soccer at Iona College and Oneonta State. He was selected to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Rookie Team while playing with Iona. Seabrook graduated with honors from Oneonta State in 2002 and earned academic all-conference team honors. Seabrook earned his master's degree from University of New Hampshire in 2011.

Seabrook now starts his first job as a head coach. He is only the seventh head men's soccer coach since the program was started in 1959.

"This really is a dream come true for me," Seabrook said. "I'm really grateful to Marcella and the search committee for this opportunity. I'm excited to join such an outstanding department and I want to bring a culture of success to every aspect of the soccer program."

Seabrook takes over the program from Mark Serdjenian, a 1973 Colby graduate who led the Mules to a 261-230-46 record over the last 38 years. Serdjenian is still with Colby, working as an assistant with women's soccer, women's lacrosse, and doing administrative work.

"It's an absolute honor to succeed Mark. He is Colby soccer," Seabook said. "I've heard so many great things about him from the search committee and other coaches. He has a wealth of knowledge and will be invaluable to me as I learn more about the team and the campus."

Seabrook comes to Colby after working with two good head coaches. Rob Thompson is in his 18th year at New Hampshire, while Ian McIntyre is now the head coach at Syracuse University after a successful stint at Hartwick. Seabrook also worked with Thompson on the Seacoast United Under-18 Soccer Club.

"I've been very lucky to have had two head coaches in Rob and Ian that have given me real latitude in being part of all aspects of running a college soccer program," Seabrook said. "I know that doesn't exist everywhere."

Seabrook helped Hartwick win the Atlantic Soccer Conference in 2005 and earn the program's first NCAA bid since 1995. During his tenure at UNH, the Wildcats were the 2009 America East regular season champions and made the America East title game in 2010 and 2012. A defender in college, Seabrook has worked with the defense, forwards, and goalies during his time as an assistant.

Off the field, Seabrook was involved on the UNH campus. He acted as an ambassador for the UNH White Ribbon Campaign to end violence against women, coordinated student-athletes to appear in an anti-homophobia video for the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, and co-created and delivered a Bystander Education curriculum to UNH's athletic teams.

"It's terrific that part of the fabric of being at Colby and part of the culture is to collaborate across campus," Seabrook said. "It's a strong part of my coaching conviction that we are privileged in athletics and we need to use that privilege to benefit the campus in ways we can."

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on March 23, 2014, 10:05:40 AM
Someone posted on another board that Amherst has a D1 transfer coming in, plus Heo returning for his senior year.  They should be loaded yet again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on March 23, 2014, 12:35:12 PM
No way Heo is playing next year. His frosh year was 2008..its 2014 and I believe there is a NCAA rule you have to play 4 in six years or something like that. I have not heard who the transfer is but most D1 transfers can be tricky. Midd's transfer from Seton Hall the past few years was a solid wingback but nothing special, certainly not able to change a game. Most transfers are transferring for a reason, usually not a positive one. As far as Williams goes you are right they GK situation is not a good one. Bravo is no starter and the other 2 have no experience. Madding a great player but after 3 ACL's you cannot count on him yet. The only real loss is Morrell and after the semi-final in San Antonio I am not so sure he is not replacable. User faded his last two years and Kastner suprised with 5 goals and his tenacious ball hunting they both can be replaced.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on March 23, 2014, 07:56:56 PM
This site http://www.studentsports.com/soccer/2013/09/25/class-2014-ncaa-division-iii-commitments/ lists midfielder Bryce Ciambella as transferring to Amherst from Division I Creighton.  From the Creighton men's soccer pages, he was a red-shirted as a freshman in 2012 and then did not appear in any games in 2013. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on March 25, 2014, 10:00:49 AM
Thank you..good site
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on April 21, 2014, 11:19:26 AM
Do many/all NESCAC schools have JV/reserve men's soccer teams? On the girls side, Middlebury is the only NESCAC that I am aware of that has a JV team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on April 21, 2014, 12:13:58 PM
Wesleyan
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on April 22, 2014, 01:07:24 AM
Williams, Midd and Bates have JV teams for men
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on April 23, 2014, 03:25:00 PM
I posted the following in the NESCAC women's soccer forum, but thought that followers of NESCAC men's soccer might also be interested:

I took a look at NESCAC men's and women's soccer stats to see what the similarities and differences were.

Many of the key stats are surprisingly similar.

Median team goals per game average (conf games only) - 2013, 2012, 2011
M - 1.1, 1.2, 0.9
W - 1.3, 1.2, 1.3
The women actually scored slightly more per game, but, given the small sample size, the difference may not be significant.

Median team shots per game average (conf games only) - 2013, 2012, 2011
M - 12.6, 12.3, 11.8
W - 12.4, 11.4, 13.5
Very similar for men and women's teams.

Saves percentage of #6 (approx median) ranked keeper (conf games only) - 2013, 2012, 2011
M - 0.800, 0.814, 0.791
W - 0.802, 0.821, 0.836
Fairly similar, but surprisingly (to me) the median women's keeper had a slightly higher saves percentage.


Some stats, however, do show differences.

Median corner kicks per game (conf only) - 2013, 2012, 2011
M - 4.4, 5.0, 4.4
W - 3.8, 3.9, 3.7
I think this difference is real. One possible theory is that women are not coached to seek corner kicks as much because women are generally weaker headers of the ball, so corner kicks are less valuable in the women's game than the men's game.


The biggest statistical difference that I found, however, was in fouls.

Median team fouls per game (conf only) - 2012, 2011, 2010 (I included 2010 because I could not find 2013 stats)
M - 12.2, 12.2, 10.5
W - 7.9, 8.5, 8.6
So a typical NESCAC women's game has only about 2/3 the number of fouls called as a typical NESCAC men's game, which, subjectively, seems about right to me.

Median team yellow cards per season (conf only) - 2013, 2012, 2011
M - 13, 8, 9
W - 0, 1, 2
This is a huge difference. There were an average of about 2 yellow cards handed out  in each men's game, while a women's team might see 2 all year.  Under FIFA rules, this would mean that NESCAC men commit about 10x as many "reckless", "unsporting" or "deliberate" fouls as NESCAC women.  I suspect men do commit more of these fouls, but I think part of it is also a general reluctance on the part of refs to hand out cards in women's games even when the conduct deserves it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on May 19, 2014, 02:49:56 PM
Was surprised to see on the Amherst website....on the Alumni section...the announcement of a reception and game on the 20 and 21 respectively for the men's soccer team in Paris!
No mention of it anywhere else.
Amherst does have an influential soccer alum in the region...Prince Albert of Monaco....who played for Amherst and has sponsored interns, etc. Related to soccer.   Interesting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on May 28, 2014, 04:22:19 PM
HUGE news in NESCAC soccer as Coach Russo announces he will be retiring following the 2014 season.  I'm fairly confident that he will go down as the best coach in NESCAC soccer history ... what an incredible legacy, and a class act through and through to boot.  The 2014 Ephs have a lot of talent returning, coming off a Final Four run with GK being the only major question mark, and posting strong results in Russo's last year as a coach will surely motivate them in the offseason. 

Coach Russo will be a very tough act to follow at Williams.  I am sure there will be many top-notch candidates for the job, including members of the Russo coaching tree like Erin Sullivan (likely the odds-on favorite) and Dan Calichman. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on June 02, 2014, 09:31:37 AM
Interesting news indeed. 2 Final fours in a row but knowing Russo I think he will be most disappointed with not winning a couple more NCAA championships. Those Jamaican teams in the beginning part of this decade were so damn talented. Whoever takes over in 2015 is getting one talented senior class. Rashid, Westling, Gruman, Ritter, etc.  It will be real disappointing because they are one of the few teams left that actually "play" soccer...i.e. Messiah, St.Lawrence. I doubt whatever coach takes over is going to continue this trend, especially the way Nescac has been trending.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on June 03, 2014, 03:46:51 PM
Since we are on the topic of Russo's retirement, I wanted to look at all the coaching changes in the last decade in Nescac and give them a grade. What was once a league in the late 70's,80's and 90's of consistency and less pressure and focus on winning in general has turned into a pressure packed league with parents and even alums getting into the Athletic Director's ear about not getting results.  Coaches lasted decades and could even go a decade under .500 and not worry about it too much. Recruiting was non-existent and it was a very secure job. In 1993, when the NCAA tournament ban was lifted this changed everything. You could even argue Russo and Williams aslo helped change the culture in the 80's as he started recruiting and sneaking players away from some of the Ivies (i.e Calichman-who was headed to Dartmouth). I am by no means saying Nescac was different than any other D1,D2 or D3 league. Some Ivies in the 80's were still not recruiting and you had D1 teams still scheduling D3 teams until they finally realized it was a no win situation. You are supposed to win and if you lost it looked real bad. Middlebury would beat UVM, Williams would beat Dartmouth, Tufts and Brandeis would give Harvard a game and even Wesleyan would play Yale.  NO pressure until the late 80's and early 90's. Anyway, I am going off topic and we could talk about this another time. Let's look at the coaching changes and if it was warranted and if the replacement has improved the program to date.

Amherst-Peter Gooding / Milton Gooding replaced by Justin Serpone in 2007. Peter Gooding was a legend and did so much for the game, was even the NSCAA President in the 90's. He was retiring in 2006 and wanted to hand the job to his son Milton who had been there about a decade coaching with him. For whatever reason, the new AD or President wasn't having it. Milton was an exceptional recruiter as he got a lot of talent to Amherst which in my opinion is half the job. However, for whatever reason they were not as consistent as they are now and not nearly as organized. Serpone has turned this program into a consistent winner and a dominant powerhouse year in and year out. He has rubbed some people the wrong way with his methods but you cannot argue the results or the hire.           A-

Bates-George Purgavie replaced by Stewart Flaherty in 2012. Purgavie had been there some 30 years with some decent teams and some bad ones. A solid coach and sneaky tactician, who seemed to really care about his players. His best years were 2002-2007 as he had some top of the league talent and results. This school is the toughest school to recruit to in Nescac for a number of reasons that is another story for another time. He was forced out in 2012 after a 0-10 Nescac record and bumped up to a director of coaching or overseer of both men's and women's soccer. A nice demotion for a nice guy who had been at the school for 30 years. It was time for a change no doubt as he looked a bit dis-interested in the end. Rumors were that Flaherty had gone behind Purgavie's back as his assistant to the AD and threw him under the bus. Whatever the truth is he got the AD's attention and ended up getting the job. I think Bates has never had less talent on its roster as it did last year. They had no weapons up front and looked dysfunctional on offense. In fairness to Flaherty, Purgavie left the cupboard dry but I think the AD would have been better served to hire a young gun assistant to really turn the program around and recruit and motivate...i.e Shapiro at Tufts. No offense to Flaherty but he looks lost in this league. I will give him another year or 2 to put his stamp on the program but for now Flaherty gets a D.           D

Bowdoin-Fran O'Leary replaced by Scott Wiercinski in 2013. O'Leary left for Toronto FC which is looking like a better move by the day and was replaced by Wiercinski. In 2005, when Ainscough was forced out and he went to Northeastern, Wiercinski was being considered for the job but O'Leary came out of nowhere from George Mason and decided he wanted back in D3. He knew the AD from Kenyon or something like that and they hired him in August of 2005 leaving Wiercinski wondering what the hell happened. He eventually got the U Chicago job. Fran was extremely organized defensively and in shape and it showed in 2010 with their NCAA final four team and if not for a late goal they could have won the whole thing. If Middlebury is recruiting, Bowdoin usually gets their scraps. Midd and Bowdoin will always get the best athletes in Nescac. They will feed off of Williams and Amherst scraps. Kids love Bowdoin's facilities and the town and the proximity to Boston. I have no opinion really of the new coach as he needs time but he is the PERFECT example of what Bates and Colby should have done, and what Tufts and Bowdoin did do; Former player in Nescac, D1 or D3 assistant or head coach, young fit and energetic. Basically he has a great understanding of the league and its players and its requirements.    B

Colby-Mark Serdjenian replaced by Ewan Seabrook in 2014. The longest tenured coach in Nescac was basically forced out after an 0-10 league record. Serdjenian was an all around great guy and coach. It is hard to recruit to Colby as you have to get in your car and drive everywhere from the middle of Maine to see kids and I do not think Serdjenian was a good recruiter. It's  a young man's job and this is the clearest example. Like Purgavie at Bates, Serdjenian was kept in the Athletic department until I assume he retires. Seabrook has no Nescac experience and is from across the pond. He comes from UNH as a top assistant. Time will tell    B-

Connecticut College-Bill Lessig replaced by Kenny Murphy in 2009. Murphy came from Brown as Noonan's top assistant and immediately lit a fire under Conn's players asses. Lessig should have been long gone by now as he was buying time. Another example of the old school Nescac coach who never recruited and made do with what he had. Lessig had a couple good teams in the early 90's but nothing else really to show for a long career. Murphy quickly learned that besides Trinity, Conn can get anyone in thru admissions for a Nescac school. He is a great recruiter and works his ass off recruiting. He gets results and is a good coach. The question now is can he bring this team to the next level and get them into a NCAA berth or a Nescac Final Four.      B+

Tufts-Ralph Ferrigno replaced by Josh Shapiro in 2010.  Ferrigno was the most aloof Nescac coach. His peers barely knew him. He had some great teams in the mid-90's and Tufts had a magical 1994 NCAA run where they hosted Johns Hopkins in front of 3,000 screaming fans. Somewhere along the line Ferrigno lost interest in his team, instead trying to focus on his camps which were making him pretty good money. Eventually, Tufts lost interest in him and canned him after 15 years.  If Tufts can be dominant in and win NCAA championships in LAX, there is no reason why Men's Soccer cannot do the same. Tufts is a great school, largest undergrads, Boston location, etc etc. It just needed some youthful energy and got it with Shapiro. Played at Midd, D1 assitant under Weise at Georgetown, paid his dues and has done an incredible job of recruiting and turning this team around. Ferrigno left him a bag of balls and some JV players. In four years he has gotten Tufts back in the NCAA's, has some of the best talent in Nescac(whether they gel is another story), and has brought life to this dormant program.  A

Hot Seat-Perry Nizzi-Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on June 06, 2014, 04:42:15 PM
Great summary LaPaz on the coaching changes....don't disagree with anything said.  Looking forward to the coming 2014 season.  Any scuttlebutt regarding impact frosh recruits heading to NESCAC for this fall?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Midwestrecruiter on June 06, 2014, 05:31:19 PM
How can Serpone receive A- and Shapiro A...?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 09, 2014, 08:46:26 PM
I agree LaPaz, great review.

A little off topic but speaking of long-term guys who not only have survived but done quite well recently (in addition to Russo) in this area, Coven at Brandeis comes to mind.  I know they had some great teams years ago and then maybe some so-so years for a long stretch, but certainly Brandeis has had a resurgence and he has been recruiting extremely well and getting a lot of local talent.  Brandeis is bringing in another big class for the Fall.  Will be interesting to see if they can get past the Sweet 16 where Williams has prevailed 2 years in a row.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 09, 2014, 09:02:38 PM
The other thing that seems a little disappointing with Bates and especially Colby is that you would assume that those long-term coaches had earned quite a bit of pull with admissions if they wanted to use it.  I agree that although on the same academic plane (and despite Colby being even further away) Bates is probably a tougher sell.  Not sure why that is other than Lewiston, but Colby has been a very hot school and one would think Colby could have recruited better.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on June 10, 2014, 02:41:03 PM
Coven was going to be fired about 5 years ago, after years of inept play. His peers came to his defense by calling the AD and alums chimed in. I think they gave him 2 years to figure it out and gave him a full time assistant. Gabe Margolis the assistant has been there for about 10 years and has done most of his recruiting and has been waiting for him to retire to take over. I do not think he is ready to give it up yet
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on June 10, 2014, 05:13:27 PM
If Coven was on the hot seat 5 years ago, then he certainly turned it around because he has had some very good teams the last 4 years and brought in some very good players.  He and Margolis do a very good job over at Brandeis and have kept a lot of Massachusetts soccer talent in Waltham.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on June 11, 2014, 08:42:22 PM
Agreed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on June 25, 2014, 02:14:13 PM
Corazon....welcome aboard.  Interesting and perceptive post, IMO.  I'm not a frequent poster on this board...more so on other sports boards.  Do read the post here since I am a fan of Spencer Noon, a recent graduate of Amherst and the last First Team All American player.  Saw him as a freshman and became friends with his parents over the years.  Connection was due to his basketball skills!  Played on the BB team for several years but injuries from soccer limited him on the hardwood...especially since the BB team was a Final 4 contender during his Amherst years.  The Nescac is a place where a student can play multi-sports.  Noon was all state in both BB and soccer and his father was an All-American BB player at the U. Of Hartford.
I suggest that you check out the Amherst website...soccer site...if you want to get another view of Amherst soccer and the head coach.  In particular, the blog of the team's trip to Europe recently.  Also there is a story of last year's team trip to the NJ to visit the professional team.
Good luck and "good hunting" to you. And your son. :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFollower on July 09, 2014, 01:53:36 PM
Anyone have predictions for the coming season?

Mine goes:
1. Williams
2. Amherst
3. Conn College
4. Middlebury
5. Trinity
6. Tufts
7. Wesleyan
8. Bowdoin
9. Hamilton
10. Colby
11. Bates

I think Conn and Middlebury are up and coming, but are going to be no match for Williams-Amherst. I have Williams winning regular season mostly because it's Russo's last season. Thoughts? Discussion?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on July 10, 2014, 05:54:11 AM
Mike Russo deserves to go out in style, but irrespective of outcome he has been a magnificent coach.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on July 10, 2014, 12:50:58 PM
Quote from: SoccerFollower on July 09, 2014, 01:53:36 PM
Anyone have predictions for the coming season?

Mine goes:
1. Williams
2. Amherst
3. Conn College
4. Middlebury
5. Trinity
6. Tufts
7. Wesleyan
8. Bowdoin
9. Hamilton
10. Colby
11. Bates

I think Conn and Middlebury are up and coming, but are going to be no match for Williams-Amherst. I have Williams winning regular season mostly because it's Russo's last season. Thoughts? Discussion?

Can't argue with putting Williams #1,  especially with the returning players (healthy forwards) for Williams, the last 2 Final 4 runs, and the "let's win it for Russo" effect.  Amherst #2 or #1B given how they have reload every year and dominate and their new frosh talent.  After that Conn, Middlebury, Tufts, Wesleyan mix in 2nd tier in any combination based upon returning personnel, then the rest in Tier 3.  Spots #3 through #6 will all probably be health driven....whoever is healthier for the bulk of season will finish higher.   Until someone comes along and knocks Williams and Amherst off their perch it's hard to argue against ranking them #1A and #1B.  Looking forward to this upcoming season.  I expect 4 NESCAC teams to make the NCAA's this Fall.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on July 12, 2014, 10:42:04 AM
1. Amherst- Jae Heo back and Rico plus a 10 day pre-season trip. Toughest schedule to start season. They get thru that and they are set.
2. Williams- talent is there, loads of seniors but lets remember Russo is a lame duck and most kids these days do not care. There are a couple bad seeds on this team that if not playing could ruin a good year. This team will be worth watching.
3. Wesleyan- They have now lifted SAT scores from requirements to get more athletes in(see Bowdoin). They have a decent frosh class and Wheeler always gets it done defensively. Toughest non-league schedule
4. Tufts- Maybe most talented group of seniors but there is def some issues inside this locker room. Another team to watch. Easiest schedule to start the year.
5. Midd- Athletic and talented and always organized but who is scoring goals aganist good teams?
6. Conn- see MIDD, without Hawkey I see no goalscoring agnist the better teams
7.Bowdoin- Will compete but without Brewster they will lack a toughness and struggle
8,9,10,11- Bates is just awful, Colby trying to re-build will be awful, Hamilton had some great results last year but lose alot of players and Trinty is your never ending roller coaster of wins and losses. Trinity will get some great results and are always dangerous on set pieces but then they will lose games mid-week that are mind boggling.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on July 12, 2014, 02:26:28 PM
My assessment is that Russo is so fair, decent, knowledgeable and effective that he will inspire even the selfish to cooperate - but probably you have more or better info than I.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 12, 2014, 09:31:29 PM
1.  Amherst -- Too strong and motivation will be consistently high with bitterly disappointing ends to last 2 seasons
2.  Middlebury -- Strong young talent matured with team that was close to breaking through last year
3.  Tufts -- Very talented team will fluctuate between some strong results and a couple of letdown moments
4.  Williams -- Good team but luck will go the other way this year as pressure of Russo's swan song works against them (or they will win league and bow out early in NCAAs, unless of course they beat Brandeis and Amherst back-to-back for 3rd year in a row)
5.  Wesleyan -- Not quite as strong and will fight and claw to be in the mix for the last NESCAC NCAA bid
6.  Conn College -- Good enough to fight for mid-stable spot but still not strong enough to break through into top 3
7.  Bowdoin -- Rebuilding but still good enough for favorable results against the bottom 4
8.  Trinity -- Difficult year and a step back after nearly breaking through prior couple of years (basically Conn College and Trinity reversing traditional roles)
9.  Hamilton -- Most unknown and toughest to gauge and maybe most likely for modest upside surprise
10. Bates -- Not good, but slightly more determined than Colby to pull out a couple of results
11. Colby -- Nice kids but roster is weak and not much reason to expect improvement in first year after coaching legend moves on

In terms of teams who may spoil another NESCAC entry in the final four, watch out for SLU this year.  Also Rochester, Hobart, Brandeis, maybe Union, and my sleeper is Wheaton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on July 16, 2014, 07:59:54 PM
Frank-Agreed..

NCAC- As far as teams to surprise Nescac's, those 4 teams you have listed would have no chance in the NCAA's aganist a Nescac. Just look at the history. I believe St.Lawrence lost to Williams in NCAA's in 2004, 2005, 2012 and St.Lawrence's best team in 1998, the year before their National Championship in 1999, which was basically the same team they lost in PK's. They beat Amherst in 2002 but since Serpone has taken over lost in 2008, 2010,2013.

Union- Until they decide to play a decent non-conference schedule they will never get into NCAA's.

Rochester- Always get a favorable NCAA draw because of coach being on the committee and always bow out in sweet 16.

Wheaton- Might win the NEWMAC but these teams hardly can compare to Cushing's great and deep teams of the early part of this decade.

Hobart- There best player #25 Bernard(forgot last name) went to Kent and is a legit player but they do not have the depth.

Brandeis- Would never be able to get by Amherst or Williams. They have good players and skilled players but need to get more physical and pure athletes. Guve them a Conrad from Midd or a Ben Brewster from Bowdoin and that would put them over the top
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 16, 2014, 09:55:54 PM
We'll see.  I'm sure there is a bit of a psychological hurdle, but I watched two full NCAA games of SLU and was very impressed.  They were within inches of knocking out Amherst last year, eventually losing in 2nd OT I believe, and they appear to have strong class coming in.  I think you also may be selling Rochester and Brandeis a little short.  Looking forward to the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 16, 2014, 10:02:11 PM
BTW, speaking of good NCAA draws, the New England region appears to offer some of the best ones.  Williams had a cakewalk to the sweet 16, and some of the other teams had a pretty desirable first 2 games as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on July 17, 2014, 11:31:57 AM
Listen I am a huge fan of the way SLU plays. They just do not have the same players they had back when they had the Jamaicans and Carruth and the GK that went to MLS. Durocher refuses to change his system and they did have bad luck as without DeMello in 2012 they lost to Williams. Thats the story though they have the talent to beat Nescac teams but just have not had the luck lately.

New England region can be easy but that's because all these AQ's come from weak New England Conferences. Also regional rankings ranked WNEC, Gordon and RWU all fom the CCC ahead of Nescac teams. For this only Amherst and Williams would get in. The 3 CCC teams got destroyed, except RWU, and the Nescac's were left wondering what happened.

Apple at Rochester is known in coaching circles to get or nudge his teams for favorable draws in NCAA's and sometimes he even gets UR into the dance with questionable records
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 01, 2014, 09:02:24 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on July 12, 2014, 10:42:04 AM
1. Amherst- Jae Heo back and Rico plus a 10 day pre-season trip. Toughest schedule to start season. They get thru that and they are set.
2. Williams- talent is there, loads of seniors but lets remember Russo is a lame duck and most kids these days do not care. There are a couple bad seeds on this team that if not playing could ruin a good year. This team will be worth watching.
3. Wesleyan- They have now lifted SAT scores from requirements to get more athletes in(see Bowdoin). They have a decent frosh class and Wheeler always gets it done defensively. Toughest non-league schedule
4. Tufts- Maybe most talented group of seniors but there is def some issues inside this locker room. Another team to watch. Easiest schedule to start the year.
5. Midd- Athletic and talented and always organized but who is scoring goals aganist good teams?
6. Conn- see MIDD, without Hawkey I see no goalscoring agnist the better teams
7.Bowdoin- Will compete but without Brewster they will lack a toughness and struggle
8,9,10,11- Bates is just awful, Colby trying to re-build will be awful, Hamilton had some great results last year but lose alot of players and Trinty is your never ending roller coaster of wins and losses. Trinity will get some great results and are always dangerous on set pieces but then they will lose games mid-week that are mind boggling.

Hi LaPaz, Question--Amherst is taking or has taken a 10-day pre-season trip abroad?  I had heard there was a moratorium on NESCAC teams from taking team trips abroad due to the potential increased dangers/terrorist perceived with such a trip.  This was the reason stated by a number of coaches a few years ago as to why no  such trips were being made in the past 4+years.  Where did the Amherst team go and I'm sure since its NESCAC these practices/trip/games reduce the amount of pre-season practices they can have once the real pre-season starts.  did they already take this team trip?  Just curious, however if they are getting a head start on things then they will surely be the team to beat once again given their already loaded roster.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on August 01, 2014, 10:53:52 AM
All NESCAC....in early Summer/late Spring, I found on the Alumni section of the Amherst website a mention of the trip abroad.  The team headed to Paris and met up with two players doing their time abroad.  They played in Paris, Lyon and in Monaco.....trip had a blog, photos, etc and may still be on the Soccer section of the Athletic Page.  Seems it was primarily arranged and sponsored by alumui supporters of the sport.
On The 3rd of August, the majority of the Amherst baseball team with profs, coaches head To Japan for a historic trip.  Again funded by alumni fans primarily.  Check it out on the Amherst website/ athletic section.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 03, 2014, 05:41:03 PM
from 2008-2012 pre season trips were banned for all sports. In regards to soccer you use to be able to take the trips in mid august right before pre-season. One every four years and to my knowledge every team took advantage of it. In 2008 they banned it and it was re-instated in 2013 for 2 trials. One being Williams men's Soccer and the other being maybe Wesleyan womens lax(not to sure how accurate that is). They re-introduced the trips but for some reason put a time frame on when they had to be taken. for mens and womens soccer it was either March break or after finals in May. Your example of a baseball team going in late August makes about zero sense, so as you can see another example of the presidents and AD's not knowing what the hell is going on.

In regards to the Amherst trip that is partially funded by Prince Albert 's good friend who played for Peter Gooding in 1982. I am sure the trip was first class and a late May trip while odd for soccer can only help get the guys motivated and in shape for the summer into pre-season. So YES an advantage
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 03, 2014, 05:45:42 PM
To answer another of your questions these trips have no effect on your pre-season days and double sessions. The new 15 game schedule has teams playing games 4 to 5 days into pre season. Basically 15 games in 60 days with a week or less pre season. An average of a game every 4 days. HUGE DISADVANTAGE
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 04, 2014, 12:08:10 AM
I am not too familiar with NESCAC teams, but just questioning how strong of a conference it is with only two teams posting 10 or more wins in the 2013 campaign.  And also the conference's NCAA national tournament representative gets beat 4-0 and gets out shot 25-11 in the semi-finals.  I only see the numbers, but stats like that certainly raise questions about the real strength of the conference.  Again not too familiar with the teams in the conference, just looking at the stats.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on August 04, 2014, 09:11:34 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on August 04, 2014, 12:08:10 AM
I am not too familiar with NESCAC teams, but just questioning how strong of a conference it is with only two teams posting 10 or more wins in the 2013 campaign.  And also the conference's NCAA national tournament representative gets beat 4-0 and gets out shot 25-11 in the semi-finals.  I only see the numbers, but stats like that certainly raise questions about the real strength of the conference.  Again not too familiar with the teams in the conference, just looking at the stats.

I would offer two observations:

1. It's tough for NESCAC teams to pile up lots of wins. For example,  in 2013 they were limited to 14 regular season games ... only 4 out of conference.  So they spend the regular season beating up on each other.  There are only a few "automatic wins" in the NESCAC ... Colby and Bates last year.  The rest of the games are hard-fought battles.  A quick tally appears to show the NESCAC 2013 non-conference record at 41-7-5. 

2. You can't measure a conference by a single semi-final game.  You can measure a team versus another team by a single game.  No doubt that Messiah is a far better team and program currently than any team in the NESCAC. But I suppose that could be said of any team and any conference.  Messiah stands head and shoulders above everybody right now.

In terms of quality and depth, I think the NESCAC ranks pretty high up there for the D-3 conferences.  Curious D3soccerwatcher ... what conference do you think is the best in the land top to bottom?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 04, 2014, 09:43:22 AM
D3soccerwatcher, trying to glean anyting from results vs. Messiah is silly.  That's like saying a NESCAC team played a D1 team and lost badly, so therefore NESCAC is not a power conference.  Messiah badly outclasses almost every team in D3, almost every year.  Indeed, only two teams OTHER than Messiah have won a national title in the past decade.  And guess what?  One of them (Middlebury) was a NESCAC squad.  In some of those title games, Messiah absolutely pasted opponents, including a 5-1 win in the 2012 championship game.  In D3 soccer, there is Messiah, and there is everyone else.  But what is clear is that NESCAC is clearly right there at the top of "everyone else." 

NESCAC has had two teams win national titles: Williams and Midd.  Williams may be the most storied non-Messiah program in Division 3: a national title, five other final four appearances, four national players of the year, and a slew of players playing professionally, including two who had very successful MLS careers.  Amherst also has a tremendous program, including two final four appearances and a current eight-year streak of NCAA appearances, with several deep runs in the tourney.  And the conference has tremendous depth across the board, with Trinity, Bowdoin, Tufts and Wesleyan all having very strong programs as well. 

Excluding Messiah (which is better than every other conference, combined) NESCAC and NJAC have had the most post-season success of any D3 conferences. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 04, 2014, 10:20:41 AM
Quote from: amh63 on August 01, 2014, 10:53:52 AM
All NESCAC....in early Summer/late Spring, I found on the Alumni section of the Amherst website a mention of the trip abroad.  The team headed to Paris and met up with two players doing their time abroad.  They played in Paris, Lyon and in Monaco.....trip had a blog, photos, etc and may still be on the Soccer section of the Athletic Page.  Seems it was primarily arranged and sponsored by alumui supporters of the sport.
On The 3rd of August, the majority of the Amherst baseball team with profs, coaches head To Japan for a historic trip.  Again funded by alumni fans primarily.  Check it out on the Amherst website/ athletic section.

thanks...sounds like a great opportunity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 04, 2014, 10:21:15 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on August 03, 2014, 05:41:03 PM
from 2008-2012 pre season trips were banned for all sports. In regards to soccer you use to be able to take the trips in mid august right before pre-season. One every four years and to my knowledge every team took advantage of it. In 2008 they banned it and it was re-instated in 2013 for 2 trials. One being Williams men's Soccer and the other being maybe Wesleyan womens lax(not to sure how accurate that is). They re-introduced the trips but for some reason put a time frame on when they had to be taken. for mens and womens soccer it was either March break or after finals in May. Your example of a baseball team going in late August makes about zero sense, so as you can see another example of the presidents and AD's not knowing what the hell is going on.

In regards to the Amherst trip that is partially funded by Prince Albert 's good friend who played for Peter Gooding in 1982. I am sure the trip was first class and a late May trip while odd for soccer can only help get the guys motivated and in shape for the summer into pre-season. So YES an advantage

Thanks for the reply.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on August 04, 2014, 02:54:52 PM
nescac1: Take a look at Ohio Wesleyan men's soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 04, 2014, 03:04:19 PM
Frank, a few other schools are certainly up there, did not mean to suggest that Williams was a clear second, by any means.  I'd say there is a top tier: Messiah, and then a closley-grouped second tier: in no particular order, Williams, Ohio Wesleyan, TCNJ, Wheaton (IL), Trinity (TX).  I believe that Williams has produced the most individual talent from that second tier, although Ohio Wesleyan has had the most team success (of course, some of the very best Williams teams were from right before the Ephs were permitted to participate in the NCAA tourney, in the 1988-1990 era).  But clearly, the top three from NESCAC (Williams, Midd, Amherst) are right there with the top three from any other conference, and NESCAC is deeper than most conferences, for sure. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 04, 2014, 08:25:48 PM
If judging based on past 5-7 years, I'd say Messiah, then Loras, then OWU.  Amherst and Williams are right there in the mix, although Amherst hurt by consecutive Elite 8 losses to Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 05, 2014, 01:13:22 AM
Certainly cannot leave Rutgers-Camden out of the discussion.  Those Jersey boys can play soccer.  Losing in the national final 2-1 in double OT.

As for strong conferences, I think you cannot overlook the CCIW.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 05, 2014, 01:26:57 AM
Also it would be remiss to not include the CAC and NJAC as very strong D3 men's soccer conferences.   York College in the CAC is one team that has consistently given Messiah fits over the past several years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 05, 2014, 07:42:25 AM
I don't think it's fair to include Rutgers-Camden and Loras in the same category as schools like Wheaton(IL), Williams, Ohio Wesleyan, TCNJ, Trinity(TX) etc., because those schools have been major powers for decades, and all have won titles over the years, and Rutgers-Camden and Loras are relative newcomers to being powerhouses ... let's see them maintain their elite status for more than a few years (I'm especially skeptical for Rutgers-Camden's staying power, since they have been helped by an influx of D1 transfers, a strategy that may or may not be sustainable over the long term). 

I did include NJAC as an elite D3 conference, and I would certainly include CCIW (CAC is a different story, because they are more a mediocre conference that happens to have two elite programs at the top).  But the point is not to quibble over which OTHER conferences may or may not be included in the conversation -- the point is, you were the one who claimed, based on a single game against Messiah in the Final Four that NESCAC was not a power conference (and by implication, that Williams was not a power program).  That's just flat-out silly, and it seems like you have now conceded the point by grouping NESCAC with CCIW, NJAC, etc., where I think it clearly belongs.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on August 05, 2014, 08:24:28 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on August 05, 2014, 01:26:57 AM
Also it would be remiss to not include the CAC and NJAC as very strong D3 men's soccer conferences.   York College in the CAC is one team that has consistently given Messiah fits over the past several years.

The strength of a conference should be based on the entire conference, not just one or two teams at the top. It would be like moving ManU and Liverpool to the MLS and claiming it's a better league than the Premiere League.  I speak of no specific conference, only pointing out a logical approach to the discussion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on August 05, 2014, 11:05:23 AM
Wheaton(84, 97)
OWU (98, 11)
Messiah (A Few)

All of the above play with at least 2 stars on their chest and have been strong in the modern Era.

In order to be in the conversation, that much is required from any other squad wanting to make a claim.

In all fairness, Williams by the numbers and by the results are clearly the closest challenger as one more title (very possible) would also supply the requisite criteria.

Beyond that, I think that Loras has been Balling over the last decade, but need that championship to make it count.
Ditto for Amherst.

An extremely strong bias keeps me from analysing the St. Lawrence Saints.

The Jersey Boys have to dance a few more years to convince most people, but I am a believer.

There are many teams that are right there, but sadly have to Win it all to get their rightful due.
Brandies won it all in '76, and have been playing good soccer the last few years.
Could Stevens be the best team never to win a title? They are extremely good.
U of R, Vassar and Skidmore have been steadily building good teams, but are a few runs from making the jump from Regional to National Elite.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 05, 2014, 06:53:24 PM
That OWU team in 98 beat Williams 1-0. That was one of the ugliest wins I have ever seen. WILLIAMS dominated them and just could not score. They had solid athletes but did not deserve the title that year and therefore being on your top teams OF ALL TIME. NO WAY. Jay Martin Lane, what ego.give me a break.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 05, 2014, 10:02:25 PM
LaPaz, I think you're out on a limb on this one.  You're going to base your opinion on OWU on one game in 1998 and your negative perception of Martin?  Regardless of what you think of him, OWU is arguably the #1 program in history and certainly no worse than #3.  I don't know about '98, but at least in recent years they have played a very attractive, possession-oriented style and on the field look more like Messiah than any other D3.  Have you looked at OWU's historical record over a 30 year period? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 05, 2014, 10:15:46 PM
OWU -- #1 in overall NCAA appearances (36?); 2 NCAA titles; 2 NCAA runner-up finishes; 8 Final Fours
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on August 06, 2014, 04:27:31 AM
Why the antipathy toward Martin?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on August 06, 2014, 07:41:50 AM
Williams '98 squad was CLASS. Trust me, I know how good they were!!! The fact is however, OWU were champs.
Also, anyone that could have beat that team (no matter how) deserved a title.
I was not saying who had the better individual team, but what programs can make a solid argument as being in a class by themselves while using objective criteria.
The most objective criteria is a Championship, plain and simple.
OWU has 2, no one relevant in the last 3 decades has more (except Messiah).

I have absolutely no affiliation or bias toward OWU, but as a classic poet once said "Game recognize game".
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on August 06, 2014, 09:07:41 AM
Bill Parcells coined an epigram about the scoreboard.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 06, 2014, 06:46:19 PM
Ok...I thought your argument was actual teams. Indeed SLU of that year, the year before their national championship went to PK's with Williams and lost in a snowstorm. That '98 SLU team also could have won it all and maybe motivated them for '99. who knows

apathy toward Martin is I guess based on what I have heard in national circles for years. I agree he produces great teams year after year and is a great coach, but at least years ago he was known for his massive EGO as much for his masterful coaching.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on August 07, 2014, 03:50:47 AM
If the possession of ego were a felony, think of the almost countless interesting and useful people who would end up behind bars - politicians, tycoons, sports and other entertainment figures for starters.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on August 07, 2014, 09:31:08 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on August 05, 2014, 10:02:25 PM
LaPaz, I think you're out on a limb on this one.  You're going to base your opinion on OWU on one game in 1998 and your negative perception of Martin?  Regardless of what you think of him, OWU is arguably the #1 program in history and certainly no worse than #3.  I don't know about '98, but at least in recent years they have played a very attractive, possession-oriented style and on the field look more like Messiah than any other D3.  Have you looked at OWU's historical record over a 30 year period?


1.  Messiah (603-94-34 since joining DIII in 81; 10 titles)
2.  OWU (40 consecutive winning seasons)
3.  Trinity
4.  Williams
5.  Wheaton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 07, 2014, 09:36:56 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on July 12, 2014, 09:31:29 PM
1.  Amherst -- Too strong and motivation will be consistently high with bitterly disappointing ends to last 2 seasons
2.  Middlebury -- Strong young talent matured with team that was close to breaking through last year
3.  Tufts -- Very talented team will fluctuate between some strong results and a couple of letdown moments
4.  Williams -- Good team but luck will go the other way this year as pressure of Russo's swan song works against them (or they will win league and bow out early in NCAAs, unless of course they beat Brandeis and Amherst back-to-back for 3rd year in a row)
5.  Wesleyan -- Not quite as strong and will fight and claw to be in the mix for the last NESCAC NCAA bid
6.  Conn College -- Good enough to fight for mid-stable spot but still not strong enough to break through into top 3
7.  Bowdoin -- Rebuilding but still good enough for favorable results against the bottom 4
8.  Trinity -- Difficult year and a step back after nearly breaking through prior couple of years (basically Conn College and Trinity reversing traditional roles)
9.  Hamilton -- Most unknown and toughest to gauge and maybe most likely for modest upside surprise
10. Bates -- Not good, but slightly more determined than Colby to pull out a couple of results
11. Colby -- Nice kids but roster is weak and not much reason to expect improvement in first year after coaching legend moves on

In terms of teams who may spoil another NESCAC entry in the final four, watch out for SLU this year.  Also Rochester, Hobart, Brandeis, maybe Union, and my sleeper is Wheaton.

How many of the NESCAC teams do a Pre-pre-season (captains practices get together--no coaches only the players) before the actual sanctioned pre-season begins?  I know of two who do....just wondering if this is a common theme throughout the NESCAC and other D3's?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 07, 2014, 02:14:09 PM
ITS VERY COMMON....because of the shortened pre-seasons, and MIDD I believe got caught a couple years ago as players were on Facebook about it.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 07, 2014, 02:16:42 PM
never said ego was a crime, just not a fan of self-promoters and he is one. If you want to start a new thread for Martin, I will post EGO and then let you people gush on every other post and leave it at that
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on August 07, 2014, 02:32:16 PM
Don't know Martin and hold no brief for or against him. Consequently have nothing to say about him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on August 07, 2014, 03:23:48 PM
Name a soccer coach who has won a national championship who does not possess an EGO or SHEGO (in the woman's game).
It takes supreme confidence to play our game well, and even more to manage supremely confident athletes.

I'm normally with you Lapaz, but not here. As a matter of fact.

One man's self confidence comes off to another as an ego.

In fact, i'm sure most of us have beens were criticized for having big ego's during our playing/coaching careers!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MidwestAficionado on August 07, 2014, 04:45:05 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on August 07, 2014, 02:14:09 PM
ITS VERY COMMON....because of the shortened pre-seasons, and MIDD I believe got caught a couple years ago as players were on Facebook about it.

And there is nothing illegal about it unless there is coach involvement... so unless Middlebury had coaches instructing or orchestrating these, not sure how they could get caught for voluntary, student organized workouts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 08, 2014, 12:57:23 PM
Quote from: MidwestAficionado on August 07, 2014, 04:45:05 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on August 07, 2014, 02:14:09 PM
ITS VERY COMMON....because of the shortened pre-seasons, and MIDD I believe got caught a couple years ago as players were on Facebook about it.

And there is nothing illegal about it unless there is coach involvement... so unless Middlebury had coaches instructing or orchestrating these, not sure how they could get caught for voluntary, student organized workouts

Given that a number of the NESCAC rosters are filled with players from around the country/world it would seem to be a difficult position to be in as a player who, (ie. for legitimate financial reasons or timing), could not attend these pre-pre-season captains practices/camps given the cost of flight/travel/accommodations/missing work just to get back to New England or timing of when the practices/camp is held.  They are just "wink wink" captains practices, but the coaches certainly know who is and who is not in attendance and knowing some/most of these coaches it would be a big negative not to attend, even for legitimate reasons.  Amazes me that NESCAC teams do this given the league's "mission statement"....understand why some teams/coaches would push the envelope for it (just like an arms race if they do it we must), but seems to fly in the face of what the league is supposed to be about.  It's pressure enough for the players having "so called voluntary" captains training for the entire 6 months of off season while your on campus, but to "strongly suggest" they should travel/pay for a pre-pre-season off campus must be a difficult decision/position to be in for some players/families.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on August 08, 2014, 01:17:00 PM
On the basketball side I've argued that the rule to start practice 2 weeks after the rest of the country does more harm than good.  Guys are still doing open gyms for those two weeks but instead of having coaching where you are often doing drills, taking breaks, etc. there is no one there to stop them from playing for 3+ hours if they choose.  Increases chances of injury and they don't do more studying because they are in the gym for the same amount of time or more than if they had practice.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 08, 2014, 02:13:03 PM
Quote from: madzillagd on August 08, 2014, 01:17:00 PM
On the basketball side I've argued that the rule to start practice 2 weeks after the rest of the country does more harm than good.  Guys are still doing open gyms for those two weeks but instead of having coaching where you are often doing drills, taking breaks, etc. there is no one there to stop them from playing for 3+ hours if they choose.  Increases chances of injury and they don't do more studying because they are in the gym for the same amount of time or more than if they had practice.

Don't disagree regarding your basketball example (good example),  but at least it's on campus and during the school year.  The soccer pre-pre-season is somewhere off-campus and not during school year, thus a lot of pressure to put on the student athlete if they have to afford/fit in an extra trip to New England if they are not from this area.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on August 09, 2014, 03:39:29 PM
All NESCAC:  I think you are off a bit here.  The NESCAC preseason is so short (1 week this year) that the kids are just trying to get together for a bit more bonding and fitness before the first game.  The purpose is not for the coach to see who attends and who doesn't.  And few, if any, NESCAC coaches will make playing time decisions based upon who attends the pre-pre.  The best and fittest players are going to play the most once the season starts, regardless whether they attended pre-pre.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 11, 2014, 12:04:58 PM
Quote from: Colbyunion on August 09, 2014, 03:39:29 PM
All NESCAC:  I think you are off a bit here.  The NESCAC preseason is so short (1 week this year) that the kids are just trying to get together for a bit more bonding and fitness before the first game.  The purpose is not for the coach to see who attends and who doesn't.  And few, if any, NESCAC coaches will make playing time decisions based upon who attends the pre-pre.  The best and fittest players are going to play the most once the season starts, regardless whether they attended pre-pre.

Would like to believe you are correct ColbyUnion, and do agree that ultimately the "best and fittest players are going to play", however once a coach puts a "negative" mark next to a player's name (for whatever reason....even for not attending the pre-pre-season....ie)the player is put in the bucket of "you're not sacrificing for the TEAM"), then if all other factors are equal when comparing two players competing for the same position, but one could not attend the pre-pre-season "voluntary" workouts that could be the deciding factor. But there is pressure put on the players to attend the pre-pre-season.   Issue is no different then I  suppose being a Science major and having timing schedule trouble with labs and practice....publically the coach will say academics come first, but privately he's very upset because the student athlete had to miss or be late for practice due to academic conflict.  Just a way of life in the NESCAC's I suppose....if they had a typical pre-season of at least 2 full weeks then there would be no need for a pre-pre-season mini camp.  That said, most of the NESCAC coaches now do try to treat their programs more like D1, than treating them like the bulk of D3, yet the Coaches seem to forget that these student/athletes are not on any athletic scholarship.  It's a very interesting dynamic within the league now on the soccer side as so many of the teams recently (last 4or 5 years) have attempted to upgrade their soccer programs (coaches/facilities) to catch Williams/Amherst.  Good because there is some tremendous soccer now being played throughout the league and most, if not all, league games are highly competitive.  However, not so good because similar to D1 it's a year round commitment for most of these teams/players which was not necessarily the case for many of these teams 6+ years ago.  Of course the option of "not to play" is always there for the student/athlete.  Moving past this issue and looking forward to this coming 2014 season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MidwestAficionado on August 11, 2014, 01:41:09 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on August 11, 2014, 12:04:58 PM
Quote from: Colbyunion on August 09, 2014, 03:39:29 PM
All NESCAC:  I think you are off a bit here.  The NESCAC preseason is so short (1 week this year) that the kids are just trying to get together for a bit more bonding and fitness before the first game.  The purpose is not for the coach to see who attends and who doesn't.  And few, if any, NESCAC coaches will make playing time decisions based upon who attends the pre-pre.  The best and fittest players are going to play the most once the season starts, regardless whether they attended pre-pre.

Would like to believe you are correct ColbyUnion, and do agree that ultimately the "best and fittest players are going to play", however once a coach puts a "negative" mark next to a player's name (for whatever reason....even for not attending the pre-pre-season....ie)the player is put in the bucket of "you're not sacrificing for the TEAM"), then if all other factors are equal when comparing two players competing for the same position, but one could not attend the pre-pre-season "voluntary" workouts that could be the deciding factor. But there is pressure put on the players to attend the pre-pre-season.   Issue is no different then I  suppose being a Science major and having timing schedule trouble with labs and practice....publically the coach will say academics come first, but privately he's very upset because the student athlete had to miss or be late for practice due to academic conflict.  Just a way of life in the NESCAC's I suppose....if they had a typical pre-season of at least 2 full weeks then there would be no need for a pre-pre-season mini camp.  That said, most of the NESCAC coaches now do try to treat their programs more like D1, than treating them like the bulk of D3, yet the Coaches seem to forget that these student/athletes are not on any athletic scholarship.  It's a very interesting dynamic within the league now on the soccer side as so many of the teams recently (last 4or 5 years) have attempted to upgrade their soccer programs (coaches/facilities) to catch Williams/Amherst.  Good because there is some tremendous soccer now being played throughout the league and most, if not all, league games are highly competitive.  However, not so good because similar to D1 it's a year round commitment for most of these teams/players which was not necessarily the case for many of these teams 6+ years ago.  Of course the option of "not to play" is always there for the student/athlete.  Moving past this issue and looking forward to this coming 2014 season.

This is very laden with assumptions and we know where those get us... if you are fit and can help the team win games, you're going to get on the field. Regardless of outside factors, pre-preseason attendance, what have you. Most D3 kids get 9-10 days of preseason before school starts. Many of these days are laden with orientation, meetings, exhibitions, etc. Its not like the NESCAC is singular in this issue of a very limited preseason.

I think it is great that the kids take the initiative to invest more time in their game than what is required of them. If they do the same with their career and family once they are done with college, they will be good citizens and have good lives. If they just settled for the bare minimum and then blamed other reasons for their lack of results, that would be a bad thing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 11, 2014, 02:20:32 PM
Pre-season rankings out, Amherst 3, Williams 6, no one else in NESCAC earns a mention.  These rankings, though, generally closely correspond with how teams finished last year, so they are of limited value. 

http://www.nscaatv.com/rankings/3112/NCAADivisionIII/men/PreseasonPoll
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MidwestAficionado on August 11, 2014, 03:34:05 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 11, 2014, 02:20:32 PM
Pre-season rankings out, Amherst 3, Williams 6, no one else in NESCAC earns a mention.  These rankings, though, generally closely correspond with how teams finished last year, so they are of limited value.

Every preseason poll in every sport is useless... but I would rather have something being published than nothing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 11, 2014, 03:40:56 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 11, 2014, 02:20:32 PM
Pre-season rankings out, Amherst 3, Williams 6, no one else in NESCAC earns a mention.  These rankings, though, generally closely correspond with how teams finished last year, so they are of limited value. 

http://www.nscaatv.com/rankings/3112/NCAADivisionIII/men/PreseasonPoll

Agreed, but still even though based on the merit of last year, hard to argue against these pre-season-rankings in light of NESCAC league.  The two teams who should be ranked are and the rest of the NESCAC need to earn a way on.  Let's hope for the NESCAC League there are more than 2 teams in the Final 2014 rankings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 12, 2014, 07:16:30 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on August 04, 2014, 12:08:10 AM
I am not too familiar with NESCAC teams, but just questioning how strong of a conference it is with only two teams posting 10 or more wins in the 2013 campaign.  And also the conference's NCAA national tournament representative gets beat 4-0 and gets out shot 25-11 in the semi-finals.  I only see the numbers, but stats like that certainly raise questions about the real strength of the conference.  Again not too familiar with the teams in the conference, just looking at the stats.

Quote from: nescac1 on August 05, 2014, 07:42:25 AM
I don't think it's fair to include Rutgers-Camden and Loras in the same category as schools like Wheaton(IL), Williams, Ohio Wesleyan, TCNJ, Trinity(TX) etc., because those schools have been major powers for decades, and all have won titles over the years, and Rutgers-Camden and Loras are relative newcomers to being powerhouses ... let's see them maintain their elite status for more than a few years (I'm especially skeptical for Rutgers-Camden's staying power, since they have been helped by an influx of D1 transfers, a strategy that may or may not be sustainable over the long term). 

I did include NJAC as an elite D3 conference, and I would certainly include CCIW (CAC is a different story, because they are more a mediocre conference that happens to have two elite programs at the top).  But the point is not to quibble over which OTHER conferences may or may not be included in the conversation -- the point is, you were the one who claimed, based on a single game against Messiah in the Final Four that NESCAC was not a power conference (and by implication, that Williams was not a power program).  That's just flat-out silly, and it seems like you have now conceded the point by grouping NESCAC with CCIW, NJAC, etc., where I think it clearly belongs.   

OK nescac1 lets look at the two quotes (or really one quote and one misquote)...

You said and I quote... "..the point is, you were the one who claimed, based on a single game against Messiah in the Final Four that NESCAC was not a power conference..." 

That's simply not true and not what I said (you can see my full quote above).  I used two pieces of real data to question the strength of NESCAC...

#1 -- Only two NESCAC teams posted 10 or more wins in the 2013 campaign.  Let's compare that to the CAC who you called a "mediocre conference".   Five CAC teams posted 12 or more wins in 2013.  These are real numbers, not my opinion.  If CAC is "mediocre", where does that leave NESCAC based on the data?
#2 -- The NESCAC NCAA tournament representative did get "pasted" 4-0 in the final 4.  We can all agree that's bad.  And yeah as you said in another post, Messiah did beat one other team in the final four by 4 goals one time a few years back.  So it's happened twice over the past several years.  That's not company I'd want to be in and not a stat I'd want to have to defend.

NESCAC may have some historical strength...but recent performance stats just aren't quite there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on August 12, 2014, 11:46:13 PM
Given the limited schedule, maybe take a look at nescac win percentage, d3sw.  It is a very strong conference. However, it is not a very strong region, outside of the nescac.  I think York and Salisbury are currently there with Williams and Amherst, but the south is one of the toughest regions now that the njac has shifted there.

Nescac1, I would certainly classify loras as a powerhouse just behind historic programs; messiah, owu, trinity, Wheaton, Williams. They consistently play a difficult out of conference schedule on top of a demanding league schedule.   Camden could be on its way, as they too put up some fine seasons playing difficult schedules year in year out.  Eliminating cupcake games as much as possible is a model that these two programs seem to embrace.   I guess if you want to be the best, you have to play the best teams out there. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 13, 2014, 07:08:07 AM
Once again, D3soccerwatcher, your arguments are just silly, because you ignore inconvenient facts and look at a tiny snapshot in time (which again, is why I don't put Loras and Rutgers Camden up among the top D3 soccer powers -- lots of teams have had amazing three years runs -- but can they do it for 10-20 years, is the question.  Would also help if they won a title). 

You used two isolated data points to make a sweeping conclusion.  And I don't think you understand the meaning of "true" because one of those two data points was, indeed, the margin of victory in a single game involving Messiah.  You keep contradicting yourself.  Is this data point meaningful, or is it not?  If it's not, then you are down to just one.  But yes, you ABSOLUTELY used performance in a single game as FIFTY PERCENT of the support for your flimsy argument, which has been thoroughly debunked.  Again, I just gave one example, but Messiah has absolutely trounced many, many REALLY good teams in Final Four games.   To question the strength of a conference as a whole based on that game is silly.  Since you seem focused inordinately on single data points, I found it interesting that you ignored this data point: that NESCAC is the ONLY conference beyond Messiah's to produce a national champion over the past eight years or so.  I guess Midd's title just doesn't count for you, ehhh?  And has also produced several other final four squads during that time frame. 

Your ONLY other data point supporting your argument is NESCAC's record in a SINGLE year, a year which wasn't the best year for NESCAC (but even in a relative down year, STILL produced two elite 8 and one final four squads!!!).  That is equally futile.   If you look at previous years, NESCAC's won-loss record is typically much better.  Look at Amherst's won-loss record over the past five years, or Williams' won-loss record over the past 20 or so -- both are among the very best in D3.  You also ignore the fact that NESCAC teams play fewer games so, yeah, of course, they are going to have fewer 10-win teams.  Finally, the fact that NESCAC is a much deeper and more balanced conference than most in Division 3 affects W-L records -- obviously, it's easier to post gaudy won-loss records when you play in a very top-heavy conference.  NESCAC typically has at least 5-6 real quality squads, many of whom beat other NESCAC teams that go on to play in or even win Final Fours. 

If you want to make a serious argument, at the very least you have to look to NESCAC's historical performance in NCAA tourney play (which includes two national titles, more than all but a small handful of conferences) and to NESCAC's historical won-loss PERCENTAGE out of conference (if NESCAC teams are beating other NESCAC teams, that doesn't help your argument in the least), which is extraordinarily high.  Your argument is, frankly, just demonstrably false. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 13, 2014, 07:30:52 AM
Oh, and by the way, NESCAC aggregate out-of-conference record in recent years:

2013: 44-14-5
2012: 46-14-8
2011: 49-15-2

So, yeah, NESCAC is a power conference. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on August 13, 2014, 09:26:24 AM
What stands out to me with the NESCAC is the depth of quality teams in the conference.   

In the regular season, it's not unusual to see a team that finishes 8th or 9th in the standings knock off a team that finishes 1st or 2nd.

Last year, for example, Trinity finished 9th in the conference yet beat a NCAA Final Four team (Williams) in the regular season.
This is not to suggest that Trinity was the better team, they obviously were not, but the depth and quality of teams in the conference is pretty good, which is how a CONFERENCE should be measured.

And to revisit the "10 wins" argument against ... the NESCAC team only played 14 games last year (it will be 15 this year) ... so given that 10 of the 14 were in-conference, it's not a valid argument to compare total wins to other conferences that (a) play more games and (b) are not as strong top to bottom.

In my opinion at least. :-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 13, 2014, 01:30:09 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 13, 2014, 07:30:52 AM
Oh, and by the way, NESCAC aggregate out-of-conference record in recent years:

2013: 44-14-5
2012: 46-14-8
2011: 49-15-2

So, yeah, NESCAC is a power conference.

Agreed---look at the out of conference winning %---if you add an 18 to 20 game schedule (with 8 or 10 non-league games) like most other D3 teams then you would have a number of NESCAC teams with 13 and 14 regular season win seasons---my guess even last year that would have been 4 or 5.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: KnightFalcon on August 13, 2014, 10:30:31 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 13, 2014, 07:08:07 AM
Once again, D3soccerwatcher, your arguments are just silly, because you ignore inconvenient facts and look at a tiny snapshot in time (which again, is why I don't put Loras and Rutgers Camden up among the top D3 soccer powers -- lots of teams have had amazing three years runs -- but can they do it for 10-20 years, is the question.  Would also help if they won a title). 

You used two isolated data points to make a sweeping conclusion.  And I don't think you understand the meaning of "true" because one of those two data points was, indeed, the margin of victory in a single game involving Messiah.  You keep contradicting yourself.  Is this data point meaningful, or is it not?  If it's not, then you are down to just one.  But yes, you ABSOLUTELY used performance in a single game as FIFTY PERCENT of the support for your flimsy argument, which has been thoroughly debunked.  Again, I just gave one example, but Messiah has absolutely trounced many, many REALLY good teams in Final Four games.   To question the strength of a conference as a whole based on that game is silly.  Since you seem focused inordinately on single data points, I found it interesting that you ignored this data point: that NESCAC is the ONLY conference beyond Messiah's to produce a national champion over the past eight years or so.  I guess Midd's title just doesn't count for you, ehhh?  And has also produced several other final four squads during that time frame. 

Your ONLY other data point supporting your argument is NESCAC's record in a SINGLE year, a year which wasn't the best year for NESCAC (but even in a relative down year, STILL produced two elite 8 and one final four squads!!!).  That is equally futile.   If you look at previous years, NESCAC's won-loss record is typically much better.  Look at Amherst's won-loss record over the past five years, or Williams' won-loss record over the past 20 or so -- both are among the very best in D3.  You also ignore the fact that NESCAC teams play fewer games so, yeah, of course, they are going to have fewer 10-win teams.  Finally, the fact that NESCAC is a much deeper and more balanced conference than most in Division 3 affects W-L records -- obviously, it's easier to post gaudy won-loss records when you play in a very top-heavy conference.  NESCAC typically has at least 5-6 real quality squads, many of whom beat other NESCAC teams that go on to play in or even win Final Fours. 

If you want to make a serious argument, at the very least you have to look to NESCAC's historical performance in NCAA tourney play (which includes two national titles, more than all but a small handful of conferences) and to NESCAC's historical won-loss PERCENTAGE out of conference (if NESCAC teams are beating other NESCAC teams, that doesn't help your argument in the least), which is extraordinarily high.  Your argument is, frankly, just demonstrably false.

I admire your passionate defense of NESCAC, but didn't OWU from NCAC win it all in 2011?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on August 14, 2014, 04:55:37 AM
The strength of OWU's men's soccer history is much more extensive and greater than a mere 2011 championship.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 14, 2014, 06:36:15 AM
My bad omitting OWU, but that doesn't diminish the underlying point: by whatever metric you choose to apply, NESCAC is among the power conferences of D3 soccer.  That is not any sort of controversial statement, it's just a fact. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on August 14, 2014, 09:17:26 AM

Is there a reason behind NESCAC not putting out a preseason coaches poll or am I not finding this online somewhere?   Don't all the conferences do this? 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on August 14, 2014, 09:51:36 AM
Such polls are not NESCAC's style - too superficial, too aggressive, too emphatic, too immodest, too self-congratulatory.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 14, 2014, 10:14:23 AM
Quote from: frank uible on August 14, 2014, 09:51:36 AM
Such polls are not NESCAC's style - too superficial, too aggressive, too emphatic, too immodest, too self-congratulatory.


Also, too athletically oriented which would rub too many in the NESCAC world the wrong way.  I'd say some of the previous posters 2014 pre-season NESCAC polls would be pretty accurate for what an actual league poll would be.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 14, 2014, 06:58:51 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 13, 2014, 07:30:52 AM
Oh, and by the way, NESCAC aggregate out-of-conference record in recent years:

2013: 44-14-5
2012: 46-14-8
2011: 49-15-2

So, yeah, NESCAC is a power conference. 

Question is who are they playing out of conference?  Wonder it there are many truly elite teams from other conferences like Rutgers-Camden (NJAC), Messiah (MAC), Wheaton (CCIW), or York (CAC) in these non-conference games.  You might be able to point to some good teams but my guess is the truly elite teams do not consistently make this non-conference list for NESCAC.  I may be wrong, but I think it's a question worth exploring.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC2424 on August 14, 2014, 10:07:09 PM
Hold on one second...

How about who teams play IN their conference? Arcadia, Lycoming and Widener aren't exactly Williams, Amherst and Middlebury. 

The top NESCAC teams can lose on any given day to the bottom NESCAC team.  This isn't true for any of the conferences listed above.

Of course teams should schedule harder out of conference if they aren't challenged every Sunday.  York had 6 cupcakes on their schedule last year...Messiah more than that...RCU played two schools named Cairn and Eastern Mennonaite, neither of which I've ever heard of.  Nothing wrong with any of this but it's not all about non-conferene or conference but rather the whole schedule as a whole. 

 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 14, 2014, 10:21:08 PM
How can you possibly take this position when last year's D3 NCAA National Champion got an at-large tournament bid because they didn't even win their conference.  That's proof that you are kidding yourself if you think NESCAC is the only conference where any team in the conference can beat the other.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 14, 2014, 10:30:03 PM
If by "cupcake" games you mean games won by 4 or more goals - Messiah had 7 of them.  One of them against the NESCAC team they faced.  So what's you point?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ryan Harmanis on August 15, 2014, 12:22:43 AM
My two cents - coming from an OWU alum so I'll try to tone down any bias:

The NESCAC setup cuts both ways, and it's probably why they rarely play big non-conference opponents.  The risk of hurting the NCAA profile isn't worth the reward.  Then again, four NESCAC teams get bids most years, so in many ways it's a positive.  You're never going to see something like DePauw last year happen to a NESCAC team.  Heck, Williams was 11-6 with zero wins/draws against tournament teams and got in.

It really depends on how you view conference strength.  Yes, Middlebury and OWU are the only non-Messiah winners in the last 10 years, but how much weight do you put on that?  The NCAC has only been strong 2-3 times in the past decade, and even though Messiah always wins their conference hasn't had another national threat in ages. 

I get the depth argument, but it's hard to compare teams 5-10 from conferences with no crossover.  From what I've seen on here and heard around the landscape, the real issue is this: it's a common refrain from NESCAC supporters that they send teams - multiple teams, not just a single program (Calvin, Loras, OWU, Trinity) to the Final Four regularly.  The complaint many others have - true or not - is that the "NESCAC" section of the NCAA bracket has often been weaker than the others. 

Taking last year as an example, the distribution of the top 4 NCAA-ranked teams from each region and the D3soccer.com Top 25: 

Williams' Section
Regional Rankings (5): #1-4 from New England, one other #2.
D3soccer.com (3): #5, #15, #20.

Camden
Regional Rankings (8): two #1s, two #2s, two #3s, two #4s.
D3soccer.com (6): #2, #4, #7, #10, #11, #13.

Messiah
Regional Rankings (8): three #1s, one #2, two #3s, two #4s.
D3soccer.com (7): #1, #3, #9, #12, #14, #19, #22.

Loras
Regional Rankings (6): two #1s, two #2s, one #3, one #4.
D3soccer.com (6): #6, #8, #16, #23, #24, #25.

Every other section had at least two regional #1s and twice as many top-25 teams.  Take that for what it's worth, but it's the most objective we can get at the D3 level.

Personally, I think the big difference comes from playing mostly other New England teams and avoiding heavy hitters from other regions in the tournament.  The NESCAC schools rarely have to worry about seeing any of the perennial top teams from other regions before the Final Four.  I come down somewhere in between.  I think the NESCAC gets in extra teams regularly almost solely on conference reputation, and I think they've had some easier NCAA draws. 

Then again, I know firsthand an "easy" draw doesn't get you to the Final Four, so perhaps the NESCAC deserves a little more credit.  One thing I would suggest is that the general NESCAC style of play - big, physical, relatively direct - is often more effective in the NCAA tournament.  The weather plays a role, teams are tight defensively, and it turns every game into a style most NESCAC teams are prepared to play.  Williams, which (from the games I've watched) does not play that style, is well-suited to get by the New England teams because they spend all season playing their style against Amherst's. 

As for getting thumped by Messiah, it happens.  The biggest issue for Williams is they play an open style, and if you go back-and-forth like that with a more talented team it rarely ends well.  There's a reason Messiah struggled most with Kenyon last year; they're big and physical and they took Messiah out of their game.  Williams played on Messiah's terms, hence the result.  The exact same thing happened to Ohio Northern in the 2012 final - they played a really attacking 4-3-3 and Messiah leveled them. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 15, 2014, 01:44:21 AM
Harmanis, where have you been?  Yours is some of the best commentary I've seen on this thread. Non-emotional and fact based. Love it. Agree 100% when you try to beat Messiah at their own game you probably are not going to like the result as Williams found out. You are very correct about Kenyon. I watched them beat Wheaton online and then traveled to Messiah to see them play live there. Kenyon played big and physical and that matched up well against the pure game that Messiah always plays. Same held true for Rutgers-Camden. They brought that rough and tumble Jersey soccer to the final and took Messiah into double OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC2424 on August 15, 2014, 08:16:34 AM
Last year 9th place NESCAC team spent time in the D3Soccer Top 25. 

In total, 8 NESCAC teams were ranked or "received votes" (the 7th place NESCAC team was "receiving votes" as late as mid October) at some point in 2013.

The Connecticut College Camels came in 7th in the NESCAC last year...if there was a tournament for 7th place in every conference they's have dominated like Germany.

Just for the record-Williams and Amherst aren't my "cup of tea" so none of my commentary above is meant to stick up for either of them.  And for the record I have no idea why anyone says Williams plays this open style of soccer.  It's a running joke in our locker room that people on these boards say that-might have been like that in the 90's but not recently and definitely not in the past four years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 15, 2014, 09:04:35 AM
Teams come and go out of the Top 25 throughout the season. What matters is where are they at the end. I'm betting that there will be an NJAC team and MAC team in the Final 4.  If an NESCAC team makes it that far this year, let's hope they fair better then they did last year when they finally have to face one of the big boys...because I like to watch good competitive D3 soccer just as much as anyone.  The top team or two in NESCAC certainly has the capability to compete at that level if they have the right game plan.  Time will tell.  Looking forward to watching great D3 soccer starting in just a few weeks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on August 15, 2014, 09:09:52 AM
Quote from: CAC2424 on August 15, 2014, 08:16:34 AM
The Connecticut College Camels came in 7th in the NESCAC last year...if there was a tournament for 7th place in every conference they's have dominated like Germany.

There are times I read something and think: "I wish I had written that!  Or even THOUGHT of that!" 
I'm not an expert by any means, but that sums it up for me.

Given geographical limitations and the reluctance of the NESCAC to expand the number of games played, this subject will continue to be a lively debate topic.  All in good fun, and all very enjoyable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 15, 2014, 09:29:45 AM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on August 15, 2014, 09:09:52 AM
Quote from: CAC2424 on August 15, 2014, 08:16:34 AM
The Connecticut College Camels came in 7th in the NESCAC last year...if there was a tournament for 7th place in every conference they's have dominated like Germany.

There are times I read something and think: "I wish I had written that!  Or even THOUGHT of that!" 
I'm not an expert by any means, but that sums it up for me.

Given geographical limitations and the reluctance of the NESCAC to expand the number of games played, this subject will continue to be a lively debate topic.  All in good fun, and all very enjoyable.

Good "outside of the box" comment regarding Conn College last year---they tied Amherst and lost extremely close one to Williams as the #7 conference team.  Earlier poster RH makes a very good point regarding the NESCAC out of conference schedule.  Given only a 14/15 game regular season schedule and the weekly conference games which could go either way (see team #7 above vs the annual top 2)  NESCAC teams are not going to travel far or schedule another top #20 team unless they are in New England.   Loading up their 5 non-conference games with other top 20 non-New England teams just isn't going to happen as it could possibly severely hamper all the NESCAC teams from a possible NCAA bid.  If that schedule  were expanded to 18 or 20 regular season games, then such travel and games would likely occur as another loss or two could be OK, but expansion beyond 15 regular season games in  the NESCAC is not going to happen any time soon.  Good discussion.  Season is right around the corner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on August 15, 2014, 09:49:09 AM
Quote from: CAC2424 on August 14, 2014, 10:07:09 PM
Hold on one second...

How about who teams play IN their conference? Arcadia, Lycoming and Widener aren't exactly Williams, Amherst and Middlebury. 

The top NESCAC teams can lose on any given day to the bottom NESCAC team.  This isn't true for any of the conferences listed above.

Of course teams should schedule harder out of conference if they aren't challenged every Sunday.  York had 6 cupcakes on their schedule last year...Messiah more than that...RCU played two schools named Cairn and Eastern Mennonaite, neither of which I've ever heard of.  Nothing wrong with any of this but it's not all about non-conferene or conference but rather the whole schedule as a whole. 



Amherst played NEC, Husson, and Curry so lets not talk about cupcakes here.   It's hard to gauge how good the NESCAC is because the out-of-conference games are typically against in-region teams from the weak New England region.   Atleast Williams played two decent out of region teams in that of RPI and Skidmore this year. 


Not sure how the scheduling works, but when you have to put 8-10 non conference games on the slate, you may run into mid-tier teams that don't want to play you (hence EMU and Cairn {formerly Philly Bible}).   Playing such teams will lower the OWP and in-turn, the SOS.   NESCAC truly has the advantage of only having to schedule 4 out-of-conference games (in a region that has 76 teams), regardless of how strong the conference just may be.    When you say 9th place Trinity had a positive result against a top team in the NESCAC, the NJAC is just the same:

Last place Kean beat sweet 16 Kenyon.
8th place Ramapo lost to RPI 2-1 (3rd place Williams also lost to RPI 3-2)
7th place Rowan lost to Brandeis 2-1  (Brandeis lost to Williams 2-0)
Middle of the pack TCNJ beat MSU, tied Camden, and also Stevens Tech.
3rd place Newark had a 10 minute meltdown vs Roger Williams in the tourney.

Go back to 2011 when Camden was predicted to finish 7th in the NJAC; Beat #1 Wesleyan, and then beat a Babson team that had a 20 game unbeaten streak before falling to a good side in that of Oneonta St in the Elite 8.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 15, 2014, 10:02:12 AM
Why does NESCAC play so few games?  I understand that fewer games means, fresher, more rested, less injured team when going into the playoffs.  Other than that what is the advantage of fewer games?  Is it a financial thing?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on August 15, 2014, 10:03:37 AM
York may have had cupcakes, but they still scheduled and beat Messiah during the season.   Also played Salisbury and CNU twice.  Came back and beat a very good side in that of Stevens Tech in the tourney...  If you watched the live feed, York totally dominated the 2nd half at Stevens.

York played a great game at Camden (a team who rarely loses at home).  Camden hit two bombs in the first half and a fluke goal early in 2nd half to put the game out of reach.   First goal was about 35 yds out lower side panel.  Second goal was one of the best I've seen all year when Auleta hit a half volley rip from just outside the box.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 15, 2014, 10:11:02 AM
Agree York's overall schedule is legit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on August 15, 2014, 10:24:03 AM
Camden has arguably the hardest in the nation, that is line with Loras this year:

#nocupcakes.   Here's to hoping they both make it to the final 4 again, as they will certainly be battle tested.

CAMDEN
F&M             17-4-2   
VWU            16-5-1 
Cabrini        10-7-4
Drew          11-4-5
Susqu         13-6-1 
Eastern      14-4-1
Lynchburg  11-6-2
CNU            13-5-2
Haverford   11-5-2
Swat           12-5-2 
                 128-51 -22     69.2%
----------------------------------------

LORAS

UW-W           14-6-1
Williamette   10-6-3
Carroll          13-4-2
Carleton       15-3-3
UST               10-4-4
St. Olaf          14-4-1
St. John           9-7-3
UofChicago      9-6-2
UWO             15-2-4
UWP               7-9-3
                  116-51-26     66.8%
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on August 15, 2014, 10:50:44 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on August 15, 2014, 10:02:12 AM
Why does NESCAC play so few games?  I understand that fewer games means, fresher, more rested, less injured team when going into the playoffs.  Other than that what is the advantage of fewer games?  Is it a financial thing?

Trust me, it's not a strategy to do better in the playoffs.

In my opinion, it's an institutional bias against athletics by the part of the NESCAC college Presidents, who worry that they won't been seen as strong academic schools should athletics do too well.  They want to be seen as the "Little Ivys".  For example, the NESCAC football teams only play 8 games (which is crazy because that means they don't even play every team every year which they could by adding a 9th game!) and are not allowed to compete in the D3 playoffs.  That's changing slowly, but it is most definitely about managing the perceived "brand" and nothing to do with trying to gain a competitive advantage. 

Oh, and I think the NESCAC Presidents are wrong.  They could have their cake and eat it too.  They just prefer to nibble on the hummus and roasted veggie plate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 15, 2014, 11:38:47 AM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on August 15, 2014, 10:50:44 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on August 15, 2014, 10:02:12 AM
Why does NESCAC play so few games?  I understand that fewer games means, fresher, more rested, less injured team when going into the playoffs.  Other than that what is the advantage of fewer games?  Is it a financial thing?

Trust me, it's not a strategy to do better in the playoffs.

In my opinion, it's an institutional bias against athletics by the part of the NESCAC college Presidents, who worry that they won't been seen as strong academic schools should athletics do too well.  They want to be seen as the "Little Ivys".  For example, the NESCAC football teams only play 8 games (which is crazy because that means they don't even play every team every year which they could by adding a 9th game!) and are not allowed to compete in the D3 playoffs.  That's changing slowly, but it is most definitely about managing the perceived "brand" and nothing to do with trying to gain a competitive advantage. 

Oh, and I think the NESCAC Presidents are wrong.  They could have their cake and eat it too.  They just prefer to nibble on the hummus and roasted veggie plate.


Spot on....goes back 40+ years.  The football issue (which is just mindboggling not to add a 9th game) perfectly illustrates the inflexibility of the League/Presidents as they "protect the brand". 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 15, 2014, 12:21:42 PM
Good to see everyone getting revved up as kids head back for preseason and games jsut 2 weeks away.

The NESCAC historically and currently is one of the top conferences.  Maybe what has changed is that they are not necessarily considered the #1 conference anymore, or at least without debate. but they surely are among the top 3-4.  Some of the criticisms in this thread recently could be directed at the UAA as well (another top conference).  They do tend to get some easy 1st round games, but there are other quality programs that end up in their region (SLU, Wheaton, Babson, Hobart, now Gordon, etc).  Would love to see Williams and Amherst put in different regions as well.

The stance of the NESCAC Presidents is interesting to me, as on the other hand the schools seem to take great pride in their lofty finishes in the overall sports race (Learfield Cup or whatever that is), and most or all of the NESCACs are known for having very athletic (albeit very bright) student bodies).  I think we discussed this last year.  Would be nice to see home and away series between NESCACs and some Centennial or NJAC or NCAC teams.

One comment on the size issue regarding Messiah.  They were huge.  Very skilled and lovely to watch but Wood, Payne, Robbins, etc are physically imposing players and some of the others are very solidly built.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on August 15, 2014, 01:33:10 PM

They just prefer to nibble on the hummus and roasted veggie plate.  CLASSIC.

Messiah will almost always be a contender for the title.  At this point, in that conference, they will be tournament bound year in and year out.  When you have your big time guys only playing 55-65 minutes a game, it certainly helps for deeper postseason runs.  It also gives the young guns a chance to get some playing time and improve under the system in place.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 15, 2014, 09:33:57 PM
Don't forget that Messiah did not win their conference last year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 15, 2014, 10:11:29 PM
D3SW, that last point has got to be your weakest.  Messiah DID win the regular season, and they lost in their tournament in a fluky game where they outshot Lycoming something like 50 to 3 and lost in PKs.  You can't make a case based on that their conference is as tough or that Lycoming would beat Williams or any top-half NESCAC except in a similarly fluky manner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 15, 2014, 10:12:19 PM
And don't forget that Williams made two straight final fours in years in which Amherst dominated NESCAC.   This whole argument started with a claim that NESCAC is not a power conference. I think that's been put to rest.  Unless someone can name, say, five better conferences, and support that claim. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on August 15, 2014, 11:44:16 PM
Power conference or not, NESCAC prefers, and foreseeably in the future will continue to prefer, whatever it is doing, and nothing said here or elsewhere on the street will influence NESCAC to make any change.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 16, 2014, 12:34:08 AM
Messiah did lose in the Conf tournament and relied on an at-large bid to get into the national tournament (I didn't place any value judgement on it like calling it "flukey", I just stated the fact).  By the way, SOG where 7-2 in the Conf final.  Lycoming gave themselves a chance to win for the simple fact that they have learned how to defend Messiah, unlike many others who have been unable to figure that out. 

This whole power conf discussion, while interesting at times, really doesn't amount to much in the end.  If you are a national caliber team you will emerge, no matter what conf you are in.  If you can't emerge then maybe you're not quite national caliber.  It really gets down to the best teams in the nation no matter where you find them or what conference they happen to be in. 

As for NESCAC - I truly have respect for your top teams as they have demonstrated over time that they are long-term quality teams - I'm sure that would be true no matter what conf they were in.  I hope to see a few NASCAC teams make some runs this year - as they frequently do. 

As we enter the season I'll be watching for the best teams to emerge - and I'll be following those teams wherever I find them.  All the best for success and particularly for safety and injury free seasons for all the terrific D3 players who make all our "rantings and ravings" possible on this site.  Enjoy the season...and may the best teams win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 16, 2014, 11:24:27 AM
DAMN people your blowing up this board with the never ending crap about who's conference is best. START A NEW THREAD
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 16, 2014, 04:04:20 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on August 16, 2014, 11:24:27 AM
DAMN people your blowing up this board with the never ending crap about who's conference is best. START A NEW THREAD

LaPaz, you obviously have problems with any words in the english language longer than four letters.  The four letter foul language is completely out of bounds on this site (hopefully you know that), and beyond that it's offensive.  Also you used two more four letter words (you seem to like those) when you should have used five letter words...your versus you're and who's versus whose.  So please watch the four letter stuff and let's keep it civil.  Good luck with the upcoming season.  If one of your NESCAC teams emerges as a top national D3 team, and I hope they do, I'll certainly be watching.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 16, 2014, 04:40:03 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on August 15, 2014, 10:11:29 PM
D3SW, that last point has got to be your weakest.  Messiah DID win the regular season, and they lost in their tournament in a fluky game where they outshot Lycoming something like 50 to 3 and lost in PKs.  You can't make a case based on that their conference is as tough or that Lycoming would beat Williams or any top-half NESCAC except in a similarly fluky manner.

NCAC New England - I think you make a good point and I wanted to respond to your question before I get off this thread.

Lycoming played Messiah twice last year - lost 2-1 and won in PK's.  Williams played Messiah once - lost 4-0.  That might be at least the basis of a case for Lycoming vs NESCAC teams.  Unless we think Lycoming could completely "fluke" it's way through 2 full games and two full overtime periods versus Messiah - that seems like it would be almost be impossible to do.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 16, 2014, 04:48:31 PM
d3socecerwatcher...HERES another four letter word BLOW me. sick of these right wing bible thumping fools
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 16, 2014, 04:56:23 PM
D3SW, your comeback on LaPaz impresses as juvenile through and through.  There was no really bad language there, and I'm sure LaPaz can handle himself in a grammar battle quite well.

Are you suggesting that Lycoming would have won the NESCAC last year?  What was Lycoming's record?  Your use of data and the inferences you make are specious to say the least.

Have you ever seen one of those result trees that "prove" Wooster would beat Alabama in football because Wooster beat someone who beat someone who beat who beat someone who beat someone, who then beat Alabama, so that Wooster>Alabama?  That's what your logic reminds me of.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: KnightFalcon on August 17, 2014, 05:24:09 PM
No way Lycoming does better in NESCAC than middle of the pack. They had a monster finish to their season last year - congrats to them - and now have to live up to those expectations this season. Ask Neumann how tough that was after beating Messiah in OT using a similar bunker approach in 2011. That makes for a couple of interesting match ups this year as Messiah hosts both teams in 2014 for the first time since those upsets.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC2424 on August 17, 2014, 06:27:32 PM
I don't think Lycoming makes the NESCAC playoffs.  Remember the 7th and 8th place team in the conference both tied Amherst who had a 40 game unbeaten streak. 

Enough about the 4-0 score against Williams.  Using one game's score as a reference point doesn't work in sports.  Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany but the US lost 1-0. Does that prove that the US is CLEARLY better than Brazil? Of course not.  Are they even in same class as Brazil? Of course not. 

Messiah was clearly "on" that night, were the better team, and won. Nothing more to see here.  Please move on to your own threads.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on August 18, 2014, 10:16:43 AM
"Remember the 7th and 8th place team in the conference both tied Amherst who had a 40 game unbeaten streak"
You're using the same "one night" statement to refute d3sw, and one games score as a reference point for Lycoming to not make the NESCAC postseason (this doesn't work in sports, as you have already mentioned).   Well anyways, that "second night" Hamilton played Amherst, they lost 4-1.    Lycoming lost to Messiah 2-1 earlier in season too, but also got waxed by Camden 4-0.  Just a matter of teams playing super conserative vs. straight up.

Sure, the NESCAC is a power conference, but Lycoming still played a fairly strong out-of-conference schedule;  York (L 0-1), Rochester (L 0-2), Susqu.  York and Rochester are teams that are on or near the same level as Amherst, Williams, and definitely on the same level as a team like Wesleyan...

Remember that Lycoming tied Messiah who at one point had a 33 game unbeaten streak before falling to York in 2013, and could very well be at 51 game unbeaten streak.


My opinion is that Lycoming would be in a 3 team race for the 7th and 8th spots...  much like the NJAC is a three team race for that 6th and final playoff spot.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 18, 2014, 01:13:14 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on August 18, 2014, 10:16:43 AM
"Remember the 7th and 8th place team in the conference both tied Amherst who had a 40 game unbeaten streak"
You're using the same "one night" statement to refute d3sw, and one games score as a reference point for Lycoming to not make the NESCAC postseason (this doesn't work in sports, as you have already mentioned).   Well anyways, that "second night" Hamilton played Amherst, they lost 4-1.    Lycoming lost to Messiah 2-1 earlier in season too, but also got waxed by Camden 4-0.  Just a matter of teams playing super conserative vs. straight up.

Sure, the NESCAC is a power conference, but Lycoming still played a fairly strong out-of-conference schedule;  York (L 0-1), Rochester (L 0-2), Susqu.  York and Rochester are teams that are on or near the same level as Amherst, Williams, and definitely on the same level as a team like Wesleyan...

Remember that Lycoming tied Messiah who at one point had a 33 game unbeaten streak before falling to York in 2013, and could very well be at 51 game unbeaten streak.


My opinion is that Lycoming would be in a 3 team race for the 7th and 8th spots...  much like the NJAC is a three team race for that 6th and final playoff spot.

Using the "one game example" can lead to unrealistic projections, but remember the #8 team in NESCAC last year Hamilton not only tied Amherst (#1), they also beat Wesleyan (#2 regular season), and also beat Williams (#3 regular season).  So while it's still a somewhat "fuzzy" comparison, the league is pretty tough top to bottom and most  certainly #'s #1 through #8.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on August 18, 2014, 01:37:18 PM
Hamilton has always been a historically good squad who would compete for a tourney spot in the Liberty League each year.
The problem for Hamilton is that they went to a very good league at the very moment their program was rebuilding after  afew strong years.
Hamilton has the ability to beat anyone in the Conference I believe. They just have not had the consistency to be a top 4 in NESCAC.
I thnk that in a season or two they will be right there competing once again for post season play.

The last 5-7 years in D3 soccer, good teams have become much better, and mediocracy is punished much more than before.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 19, 2014, 10:37:15 AM
Hamilton will never be able to compete in Nescac for a top 4 just because of the severe travel. They had their best team last year and were very average in conference. They had a great home record with some impressive results but two trips to Maine a trip to Connecticut and Boston or Central Mass ever year will wear a team down.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on August 19, 2014, 01:38:19 PM
We shall see.
I think Vassar faces the same challenge in the LL, but seem to make it work.
A very good point on the trouble teams have when they travel though.

I just think this program is too well coached to be perenial bottom feeders and wiill compete.

The good news is, we do not have towait that long to see.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 20, 2014, 04:29:32 PM
Quote from: Saint of Old on August 19, 2014, 01:38:19 PM
We shall see.
I think Vassar faces the same challenge in the LL, but seem to make it work.
A very good point on the trouble teams have when they travel though.

I just think this program is too well coached to be perenial bottom feeders and wiill compete.

The good news is, we do not have towait that long to see.

The difficulty of far travel away games runs through the entire league and is not limited to Hamilton as there are many 3 hour + destination bus rides.  On a different topic, I am still amazed the NESCAC continues to schedule at least one weekend (and sometime 2) per season with back to back regular season games on Sat/Sun given the physical toll a game takes, let alone back to back games on consecutive days.  For  a League of supposedly enlightened minds this scheduling trend is pretty barbaric in terms of player safety given the time necessary to recover from a match before being thrown into the next one.  I've got to believe some serious pulls and injuries can result from the second game given the fatigue from game 1.  In a league which is know for its very physical style of play I am very surprised to see this scheduling continuing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 20, 2014, 07:01:34 PM
Hamilton's travel is not matched by anyone else. 9 hours from Hamilton to Colby and Bates. 8 hours to Bowdoin, another 5-6 hours to Conn, Tufts, Trinity etc etc. Everyone else in the league has close competition to go with maybe a very long trip once or twice during the season.

The scheduling has to continue the way it is. You need to squeeze 15 games into 60 days. Thats a game every 4 days. Plus the back to backs get you ready for the NCAA's and Nescac tourney.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 20, 2014, 09:10:26 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on August 20, 2014, 07:01:34 PM
Hamilton's travel is not matched by anyone else. 9 hours from Hamilton to Colby and Bates. 8 hours to Bowdoin, another 5-6 hours to Conn, Tufts, Trinity etc etc. Everyone else in the league has close competition to go with maybe a very long trip once or twice during the season.

The scheduling has to continue the way it is. You need to squeeze 15 games into 60 days. Thats a game every 4 days. Plus the back to backs get you ready for the NCAA's and Nescac tourney.

Don't disagree that Hamilton is the toughest place to travel to or from. Regarding the schedule there are a few weeks. Which don't have a weekday game. Why not take those back to back and put one in the middle of the week?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on August 21, 2014, 12:36:26 AM
because nescac schools pride themselves on missing the fewest hours of class time as humanely possible. If a team schedules a mid week game its usually at night or against an opponent within 1 1/2 hours away. Not to mention, mid week road games are a huge disadvantage because players tend not to be as focused as weekend games
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on August 28, 2014, 03:06:42 PM
Amherst soccer preview is posted in its website.  There are seven new players...six freshman and a soph listed....bringing the present squad to 29 players.  There is also a new assistant coach...replacing an assistant that left for an head coaching position.  The writer of the preview is also a new assist SID.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 01, 2014, 04:08:30 PM
Williams season preview is posted as well as its roster
29 players with 7 freshmen on the roster.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 02, 2014, 10:50:18 AM
Things to watch for week 1 and week 1 guesswork:

Wesleyan v Bowdoin-        1-0             Wesleyan returns all 11 starters and has a pretty good incoming frosh class. They have more depth this year. I will be watching their keeper situation, long road trips including 2 to Maine, toughest non-conference schedule and opening game against a decent ECONN team. Bowdoin has lost some key cogs in Brewster, the injury plagued Jones and striker Dannesert. Their keeper situation was horrific last year and should get a big boost from an injury plagued frosh Steve Vansicklin. When I saw them last year they played extremely conservative and I do not expect that to change. I do not see a real dangerous roster here and do not expect Bowdoin in the top 6 this year. Wesleyan has more talent and experience.

Williams v Colby-               2-0             Williams is 15-0-1 all time aganist Colby outscoring them 47 to 3. The games have been closer the past few years and I expect this contest to be the same, but Williams will come out on top. Williams is returning a glut of players all over the field and really lost nothing to graduation. Thier biggest loss is in goal. I like the incoming frosh but Russo usually gives the returning kid first crack. Rashid and Muralles should be in full form and I like the kid Danilack in the back. Colby has been apathetic on offense for years and this is not changing this year or until the coach can bring in some quality up front. Their keeper Funkhouser is inconsistent at best and their midfield lacks any creativity. Pratt is good in the back. If Colby plays like UNH which is where the coach is coming from they might overtake Amherst as the ugliest style in Nescac.

Hamilton v Trinity-             1-1             Hamilton played very well at home last year. Trinity has gotten results against Hamilton every year. They started strong last year and completely faded at the end.  Hamilton loses some key players and might struggle this year and Trinty loses some key players in the spine of their team. Complete toss-up

Tufts v Bates               2-0                        - I have ripped Bates on this board for a while and deservingly so. NO need to beat a dead horse. I have also commended Tufts and its talent for the past 3 years. This senior class has talent across the board. I hope their egos can gel this year. They open with the easiest schedule and could be undefeated up until they play Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on September 02, 2014, 11:20:47 AM

http://www.nscaatv.com/rankings/3153

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 02, 2014, 12:39:26 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on September 02, 2014, 11:20:47 AM

http://www.nscaatv.com/rankings/3153

Report on Saturday tri-scrimmage of Wesleyan, Trinity and Conn was that none of them were impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 02, 2014, 08:23:00 PM
Tried to watch some of Amherst vs New England College, and it's really almost unwatchable.  Field looks like an indoor arena with old-style artificial turf.  Can't tell if the video is just distorted, but field looks like it is 80 by 45. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 02, 2014, 09:51:07 PM
Amherst and New England College headed to OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on September 03, 2014, 08:17:20 AM
Trinity preview is up.
Interesting to note that 23 rostered players are freshmen or sophomores.
Young team.

http://athletics.trincoll.edu/sports/msoc/2014-15/releases/20140902pd4x5x

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 03, 2014, 09:25:49 AM
Agree with NACANE....video coverage was not clear for a night game.   Amherst pulls it out in the 96th minute....by a newcomer to the squad.   NEC freshman GK played a fine game against.....dueling All-American Bull in the nets.  Second OT lost for NEC.
Believe the rest of the conference teams won their opening games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 03, 2014, 02:13:11 PM
Quote from: amh63 on September 03, 2014, 09:25:49 AM
Agree with NACANE....video coverage was not clear for a night game.   Amherst pulls it out in the 96th minute....by a newcomer to the squad.   NEC freshman GK played a fine game against.....dueling All-American Bull in the nets.  Second OT lost for NEC.
Believe the rest of the conference teams won their opening games.

Ben Bratt and the rest of the Wesleyan Cardinals D shut out the ECSU Warriors 1-0 yesterday. Goal came from Freshman forward Adam Cowie-Haskell on a tap in off a block by Eastern Goalkeeper Gregg Walton.  See  http://gowarriorathletics.com/sports/msoc/2014-15/releases/20140902ox4e2i for more details
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 03, 2014, 07:13:21 PM
Watched this game online. Wesleyan and ECSU were both sluggish in the first half. 2nd half Wesleyan turned on the burners and had ECSU pinned for long stretches of the half. Bratt had a moster game, Gruner playedheir heels very well and Issioff looked dangerous going forward. This Wesleyan team looked pretty good for only being out for about 5 days. I do feel tgheir keeper McConnell is suspect as he did not have to do much in this game but when he had to make decisions, he made some questionable ones racing off his line and misjudging his timing. This is a top 4 team along with Williams, Tufts and Amherst. Midd will be on these teams heels.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 03, 2014, 07:29:39 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 03, 2014, 07:13:21 PM
Watched this game online. Wesleyan and ECSU were both sluggish in the first half. 2nd half Wesleyan turned on the burners and had ECSU pinned for long stretches of the half. Bratt had a moster game, Gruner playedheir heels very well and Issioff looked dangerous going forward. This Wesleyan team looked pretty good for only being out for about 5 days. I do feel tgheir keeper McConnell is suspect as he did not have to do much in this game but when he had to make decisions, he made some questionable ones racing off his line and misjudging his timing. This is a top 4 team along with Williams, Tufts and Amherst. Midd will be on these teams heels.
Yeah LaPaz, your absolutely correct, Brat was literally all over the place on a day that had everybody dragging, showing excellent conditioning and his experience as one of the top defenders in NE.  I thought ECSU played the Cardinals close in the first half, and had a couple of good scoring chances, but 2nd half Wesleyan dominated. This veteran team will just get better as the season progresses.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 05, 2014, 02:49:44 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 03, 2014, 07:29:39 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 03, 2014, 07:13:21 PM
Watched this game online. Wesleyan and ECSU were both sluggish in the first half. 2nd half Wesleyan turned on the burners and had ECSU pinned for long stretches of the half. Bratt had a moster game, Gruner playedheir heels very well and Issioff looked dangerous going forward. This Wesleyan team looked pretty good for only being out for about 5 days. I do feel tgheir keeper McConnell is suspect as he did not have to do much in this game but when he had to make decisions, he made some questionable ones racing off his line and misjudging his timing. This is a top 4 team along with Williams, Tufts and Amherst. Midd will be on these teams heels.
Yeah LaPaz, your absolutely correct, Brat was literally all over the place on a day that had everybody dragging, showing excellent conditioning and his experience as one of the top defenders in NE.  I thought ECSU played the Cardinals close in the first half, and had a couple of good scoring chances, but 2nd half Wesleyan dominated. This veteran team will just get better as the season progresses.

Any predictions for the weekend? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 05, 2014, 03:21:42 PM
Things to watch for week 1 and week 1 guesswork:

Wesleyan v Bowdoin-        1-0             Wesleyan returns all 11 starters and has a pretty good incoming frosh class. They have more depth this year. I will be watching their keeper situation, long road trips including 2 to Maine, toughest non-conference schedule and opening game against a decent ECONN team. Bowdoin has lost some key cogs in Brewster, the injury plagued Jones and striker Dannesert. Their keeper situation was horrific last year and should get a big boost from an injury plagued frosh Steve Vansicklin. When I saw them last year they played extremely conservative and I do not expect that to change. I do not see a real dangerous roster here and do not expect Bowdoin in the top 6 this year. Wesleyan has more talent and experience.

Williams v Colby-               2-0             Williams is 15-0-1 all time aganist Colby outscoring them 47 to 3. The games have been closer the past few years and I expect this contest to be the same, but Williams will come out on top. Williams is returning a glut of players all over the field and really lost nothing to graduation. Thier biggest loss is in goal. I like the incoming frosh but Russo usually gives the returning kid first crack. Rashid and Muralles should be in full form and I like the kid Danilack in the back. Colby has been apathetic on offense for years and this is not changing this year or until the coach can bring in some quality up front. Their keeper Funkhouser is inconsistent at best and their midfield lacks any creativity. Pratt is good in the back. If Colby plays like UNH which is where the coach is coming from they might overtake Amherst as the ugliest style in Nescac.

Hamilton v Trinity-             1-1             Hamilton played very well at home last year. Trinity has gotten results against Hamilton every year. They started strong last year and completely faded at the end.  Hamilton loses some key players and might struggle this year and Trinty loses some key players in the spine of their team. Complete toss-up

Tufts v Bates               2-0                        - I have ripped Bates on this board for a while and deservingly so. NO need to beat a dead horse. I have also commended Tufts and its talent for the past 3 years. This senior class has talent across the board. I hope their egos can gel this year. They open with the easiest schedule and could be undefeated up until they play Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 05, 2014, 04:28:19 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 05, 2014, 03:21:42 PM
If Colby plays like UNH which is where the coach is coming from they might overtake Amherst as the ugliest style in Nescac.

This observation brings up an interesting question.  Is Amherst successful because or despite their style of play?  I have always thought that given the high level of players they have, they could be dominant regardless of the style of play.  A more attractive style might even enable them to win a game 3-0 instead of 1-0, for example.  I think their style of play has an effect on the whole conference, which, at times, gets "dragged down" as teams strive to be competitive with the Lord Jeffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 05, 2014, 04:54:03 PM
1st time poster. Miss what the NESCAC boards use to be with people making predictions on all the league games for the weekend so let's  start the craze up again. Here goes my best shot:

Saturday:

Bowdoin 0 Wesleyan 2
Personally, don't think Bowdoin had much going for them last year with the exception of Brewster (I think he wins player of the year if he's on Amherst or Williams) and Danssaert at times. With these two gone, I feel Bowdoin is going to struggle the whole year. Wes is looking to build off a strong season last year and should continue to give Amherst and Williams a run for their money.

Colby 0 Williams 3
Can Colby turn it around under Seabrook? If history (of D1 assistants taking over as NESCAC head coaches) has anything to say, the answer is yes. Unfortunately, I think this game is too early in the season to show much improvement from last season. Williams also has too much on the line with Russo's last season. This is an easy one for the Ephs.

Trinity 1 Hamilton 2
Two teams that have struggled in the last few years. Will probably be fighting all season to get blown out in the first round of the playoffs by Amherst or Williams. Think these teams will be evenly matched with the long bus ride for a young Trinity weighing too much on their legs.

Bates 0 Tufts 2
Hopefully this is the year that Tufts can actually turn this league from a two team run away. Hoping for big things with this team as both Santos and Hoppenot are seniors and should try to leave somewhat of a mark on the league from what I believe is somewhat of a disappoint. Doesn't speak well that Bates is the only team to not win their opening game. This should be an easy one for Tufts.

Sunday:
Amherst 1 Middlebury 0
Is this the year that Amherst finally starts to play soccer? They have the talent to finally do it and hopefully they learned from the elite 8 game last year. How does Midd's talented freshman class look in the 2nd year? I think this Midd team has a lot of upside potential and finish in the top half of the league this year. In the end I think Amherst's experience wins this one out in what is sure to be an absolute dogfight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 06, 2014, 10:23:58 AM
Quote from: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 05, 2014, 04:54:03 PM
1st time poster. Miss what the NESCAC boards use to be with people making predictions on all the league games for the weekend so let's  start the craze up again. Here goes my best shot:

Saturday:

Bowdoin 0 Wesleyan 2
Personally, don't think Bowdoin had much going for them last year with the exception of Brewster (I think he wins player of the year if he's on Amherst or Williams) and Danssaert at times. With these two gone, I feel Bowdoin is going to struggle the whole year. Wes is looking to build off a strong season last year and should continue to give Amherst and Williams a run for their money.

Colby 0 Williams 3
Can Colby turn it around under Seabrook? If history (of D1 assistants taking over as NESCAC head coaches) has anything to say, the answer is yes. Unfortunately, I think this game is too early in the season to show much improvement from last season. Williams also has too much on the line with Russo's last season. This is an easy one for the Ephs.

Trinity 1 Hamilton 2
Two teams that have struggled in the last few years. Will probably be fighting all season to get blown out in the first round of the playoffs by Amherst or Williams. Think these teams will be evenly matched with the long bus ride for a young Trinity weighing too much on their legs.

Bates 0 Tufts 2
Hopefully this is the year that Tufts can actually turn this league from a two team run away. Hoping for big things with this team as both Santos and Hoppenot are seniors and should try to leave somewhat of a mark on the league from what I believe is somewhat of a disappoint. Doesn't speak well that Bates is the only team to not win their opening game. This should be an easy one for Tufts.

Sunday:
Amherst 1 Middlebury 0
Is this the year that Amherst finally starts to play soccer? They have the talent to finally do it and hopefully they learned from the elite 8 game last year. How does Midd's talented freshman class look in the 2nd year? I think this Midd team has a lot of upside potential and finish in the top half of the league this year. In the end I think Amherst's experience wins this one out in what is sure to be an absolute dogfight.

Agree with both you and LaPaz's predictions (agree that Hamilton will beat Trinity due to the travel effect).  Also, regarding Amherst Middlebury on paper it should be a battle-royal with bodies falling all over the pitch given the relative big size of the players and talent and an early season big game, but I've got to believe that Amherst is going to come out loaded for bear after just squeaking by NE College in 2OT, thus could be a multiple goal game for Amherst in a surprise 2-0 or 3-0 win.  Wouldn't shock me if Middlebury upsets them, but I would never want to play Amherst after they had a lack luster performance against a much weaker team in the previous game.  Amherst has to guard against Middlebury in set pieces as the Panthers score many goals off these plays.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 06, 2014, 01:49:23 PM
Glancing at Midd's roster, I see the Panthers have a sophomore goalkeeper who is a DI transfer from Elon College. His Elon bio says he was first-team all state in Connecticut as a hs senior. It will be interesting to see if he can play.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 06, 2014, 03:52:09 PM
OK....rant time.

How can a school like Williams not have video or live stats that work?

And why does Tufts not start probably the two best players, and then when one of those players finally comes in and draws a PK that he wants to take the coach apparently calls for another player to take it who misses?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 06, 2014, 04:28:56 PM
Early implosion from Bates.  Undisciplined, yellow, then red.  Down 3-0.  Long year ahead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 06, 2014, 04:32:48 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 06, 2014, 01:49:23 PM
Glancing at Midd's roster, I see the Panthers have a sophomore goalkeeper who is a DI transfer from Elon College. His Elon bio says he was first-team all state in Connecticut as a hs senior. It will be interesting to see if he can play.

He can't play and I heard they will go with the frosh.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 06, 2014, 04:34:20 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 06, 2014, 03:52:09 PM
OK....rant time.

How can a school like Williams not have video or live stats that work?

And why does Tufts not start probably the two best players, and then when one of those players finally comes in and draws a PK that he wants to take the coach apparently calls for another player to take it who misses?

We know there are issues at Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 06, 2014, 04:45:06 PM
Colby at Williams cancelled, will be re-played tomorrow. Also, Rashid had to come out of the game with what looked to be a possible knee injury. Not a good start for the Ephs
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 06, 2014, 10:24:09 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 06, 2014, 03:52:09 PM
OK....rant time.

How can a school like Williams not have video or live stats that work?

And why does Tufts not start probably the two best players, and then when one of those players finally comes in and draws a PK that he wants to take the coach apparently calls for another player to take it who misses?

Who are you referencing? I am assuming it's either Gus santos or hoopenot. Probably don't want to expose your best shooters tendencies this early in the season when the game isn't on the line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 07, 2014, 08:07:22 AM
Quote from: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 06, 2014, 10:24:09 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 06, 2014, 03:52:09 PM
OK....rant time.

How can a school like Williams not have video or live stats that work?

And why does Tufts not start probably the two best players, and then when one of those players finally comes in and draws a PK that he wants to take the coach apparently calls for another player to take it who misses?

Who are you referencing? I am assuming it's either Gus santos or hoopenot. Probably don't want to expose your best shooters tendencies this early in the season when the game isn't on the line.

This is ridiculous statement. If you have a chance to score you do it. The best shooters can go either way. The real question as NCAC brought up is for the past 2 years their have been strange lineups and decisions out of Shapiro. Maybe these guys all have attitude issues or do not practice hard or at all?  Not just Santos and Hoppenot on the bench but Nakamura as well
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 07, 2014, 08:25:40 AM
re: Colby v. Williams, it's odd that they don't just pick up the game from where they left off, nice break for Colby after Williams got the early goal.  Fingers crossed Rashid is OK and it's not a ligament injury; he's had a lot of bad injury luck and obviously is the most dynamic offensive player the Ephs have.  Based on box score it seems like a frosh striker came in to replace him; that is a not a position where the Ephs have tremendous depth.  As LaPaz predicted Alcorn got the first shot at the goalie vacancy but Russo usually gives more than one goalie a shot over the course of the season, unless one is clearly superior.  As for live stats / video, I'm guessing that the massive lightning storm may have had something to do with the issues! 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 07, 2014, 08:33:21 AM
Yes, I meant Santos and Hoppenot.  You seem to be familiar with them since they rightly were your first guesses.  Your post really isn't logical.  A D3 saving their most dangerous players for later in the season so teams don't get a good look at them???  First, this was a real NESCAC game, so why would you risk getting off to an 0-1 start?  Secondly, all of the NESCAC teams already are very familiar with these two players and the only surprise would be not seeing them on the pitch.  Third, no coach who truly wants to win keeps their best players on the bench (or "saves them for later") unless there is some disciplinary or attitude issue and/or if there is some huge coaching ego issue.  The ONLY other argument that would make sense is saying that they are no longer two of the best players.  And if that is true then Tufts should be the favorite to win the national championship.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on September 07, 2014, 05:33:08 PM
Two bad goals off throw-ins...  Amherst equalizer with only 20 sec left. WOW.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 07, 2014, 06:38:06 PM
I'm not sure I'd call Amherst's goal a bad goal. There was a scrum in the box off the throw in and then a solid strike; keeper had no chance. Typical—or classic, depending on what shirt you're wearing—Amherst. I had shades of Willy Workman in Pepin flashing before my eyes. Little Bucket might have said it best: "Not again."

Hard to tell what happened on the Midd goal. It was set up by the Ogle throw—what a weapon—at least 40 yards in the air. Then just an unfortunate bounce off an Amherst player into the net.

Both teams played really hard. Amherst is so fast and strong it seemed at times they were playing with 12 or 13 men. Panthers were technically strong, played with a lot of grit. Recovered well when Amherst gained advantage, which they did often.

Very chippy play, tho it never got dirty. A couple of yellows, a lot of jawing. There was even chirping between some members of the coaching staffs. Emotions were running hot. By the end, everyone was spent.

Some partisan Panther observations:

*The DI transfer, Sydor, was, in fact, the keeper. He doesn't have the strongest leg, but he was quick off his line, had good instincts, and made some athletic saves.

*So good to see Luis Echiverria back out there after losing most of his first year to injury. Love watching him play.

*Glaser has such a motor.

*Goss-Woliner is a competitor. Reminds me of Harrison Watkins in that regard.

*Solid, solid play from Midd backs. They were pressured a lot and were steady all game.

*I expect that few teams can match Midd's Conrad, Bean, and Ogle inch-for-inch and pound-for-pound, but Amherst is one team that can. I see big days ahead this year for those sophs, especially Conrad.

So glad we're back and the season's under way!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 07, 2014, 07:12:26 PM
The Midd goal was soft, and through the hands of Bull which was the biggest surprise.  Result was probably very fair in the end, although Midd had to be distraught giving up an equalizer 20 secs from a big win.  Kudos to Midd for not losing in OT which seemed likely with the way regulation ended.

Generally the criticisms of Serpone have seemed overblown to me in the past, but I have to say that his sideline antics in the last 10-15 minutes were poor.  At one point looked like he almost made physical content with a ref.  Intense competitiveness is understandable but he needs to do a better job as the leader of that team and as a representative of the college.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 07, 2014, 09:32:03 PM
NESCAC memo featured in Fox "News" segment on the "wussification of sports": http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/09/07/11-colleges-ban-booing-at-soccer-games/ ... I guess Serpone didn't get the memo :). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 07, 2014, 09:51:37 PM
Midd goalie actually was the highlight of the day for me. With him in net they have a chance in any game compared to last year. They still do not have any legitimate goalscorers. Glazer scored a lot last year against weak competition and has definite wheels but has NO LEFT FOOT and did not have a sniff today. Conrad reminds me of a typical Midd / Bowdoin soccer player. Big, Strong, tremendous athlete but not a "soccer" player. He is very good but not a legitimate goal scorer. This game was extremely UGLY as anyone could have predicted. Ball flying around in the air most of the game, actually Amherst tried to play a bit. Rico and Pascuel Leone are skilled and good "soccer" players. Midd was extermely ugly especially out of the back. Heo, Singer and transfer did nothing today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on September 07, 2014, 10:11:36 PM
If one does it quietly, is a spectator at a NESCAC game permitted to pass gas?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC2424 on September 07, 2014, 10:47:27 PM
Good first weekend of soccer.

Conn looked good today vs. UMD.  Gave up two second half goals but had game in hand.  Devlin is a great player obviously.

Amherst-Midd today was intense. Good, old fashioned CAC game.  Caught 40 minutes or so.  Amherst seems to find a way.  Learned more about Midd today than Amherst- they are a force to be reckoned with again. Conn-Midd next weekend is going to be fireworks.   

Bowdoin -Wesleyan yesterday was a travesty.  Totally harmless shot by Wesleyan ended up in back of the net when it hit a hole in ground and bounced over Bowdoin goalkeepers -who is good- hands. Even game decided on an uneven play.  Pun intended. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 08, 2014, 12:39:09 PM
Quote from: CAC2424 on September 07, 2014, 10:47:27 PM
Good first weekend of soccer.

Conn looked good today vs. UMD.  Gave up two second half goals but had game in hand.  Devlin is a great player obviously.

Amherst-Midd today was intense. Good, old fashioned CAC game.  Caught 40 minutes or so.  Amherst seems to find a way.  Learned more about Midd today than Amherst- they are a force to be reckoned with again. Conn-Midd next weekend is going to be fireworks.   

Bowdoin -Wesleyan yesterday was a travesty.  Totally harmless shot by Wesleyan ended up in back of the net when it hit a hole in ground and bounced over Bowdoin goalkeepers -who is good- hands. Even game decided on an uneven play.  Pun intended.

We will find out about Conn in their next two games vs. Midd (9/13) and Amherst (9/17).  Both games will be a tall order (pun intended) for Conn.  Conn's new goalie will be tested by Midd's/Jeff's set pieces.  On the positive side for Conn both games are home.  If Conn can somehow avoid a sweep it will be a big step for them.  Expect the bodies to be flying and colliding in these games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 08, 2014, 03:32:03 PM
Noticed that posters awaiting American football to begin are appearing on the soccer board. :)
Bucket...for awhile thought you were broadcasting the game on NSN.  Saw a "little guy" on the sidelines working the balls.  Maybe in a few years, young Bucket wii be working the sidelines.  Amherst pays students over  10 bucks/hr these days to help in sporting events. 
The HD coverage was great for the Mid-AMH game.  Heard that Amherst will now have NSN coverage.
With respect to  Coach Serpone...he is the nicest person off the field.  Was surprise to see him..in the grey shirt..sitting with his senior assistant during the first half.   Remember, both guys are "thin" on top and can be mistaken.   Did see him get upset with some of the out of bound calls, as Amherst was trying to get as many chances to attack as possible in the last part of the game.  Believe his assistant was pulling him back at times.
Part of the tremendous number of headers by both teams is that both goalies were booming their free kicks down the field.  Bull, the Amherst goalie, has scored a goal off a kick and he was trying hard in the last 5 minutes of regulation time to get the ball into the attacking zone.  My take. 
Oh yes, Amherst has now played two OT games in two starts.  Seems to me that they are still trying to find the best offensive player combo, while rebuilding their defense...loosing two first team conf. Players to graduation....one an All-American......and the other a local boy from Sidwell Friends School.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 08, 2014, 03:40:10 PM
Agree ^^^^ strongly on 2 points: 1) the Midd video quality was superb; and 2) Bull did a great job getting balls into the final 3rd (final 1/4 really) and Midd made huge mistake in last 3-4 minutes continually playing balls out all the way to Bull so he could launch again instead of trying to keep possession and/or take ball to the corner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 08, 2014, 04:47:42 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 07, 2014, 09:32:03 PM
NESCAC memo featured in Fox "News" segment on the "wussification of sports": http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/09/07/11-colleges-ban-booing-at-soccer-games/ ... I guess Serpone didn't get the memo :).

Watched the Middlebury Amherst game.  The Amherst goalie completely misplayed the goal.  Right thru his hands at head level.  But I do believe the result was fair..I also saw Amherst use their midfield which was missing the last few years given the long kick and play style of the past. Amherst looked a little faster...It was a good game.

..Also watched the Tufts Bates game.  Hard to gauge how good Tufts will be based on this game but they controlled the play.  I also see these comments about some of the Tufts players and the Coach's decisions, as well as other coaches from other teams.  I believe that the Tufts comments are somewhat based on performances from 2-3 years ago.  I just don't know how people can question a coach's decision without knowing all of the surrounding facts like injuries or other emerging talent.  I know people like to opine on this board, which is half the fun, but many of the comments probably are made in jest or with some team bias....The attack on coaches seems a bit out of proportion.

...Conn College looks good and will be interesting to see them play against the top tier NESCAC teams...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on September 08, 2014, 05:19:39 PM
@Brother Flounder - you have it all wrong with Tufts... internal turmoil like you wouldn't believe in Medford. I'm talking players skipping practice, revolting against the coach, hoppenot and santos threatening to transfer to northeastern mid-season. shapiro just isn't a players coach and can't connect with any of them, making powerplays left and right starting other players. my sources close to the situation tell me that this tufts team is falling apart from the inside out
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 08, 2014, 06:37:38 PM
Quote from: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on September 08, 2014, 05:19:39 PM
@Brother Flounder - you have it all wrong with Tufts... internal turmoil like you wouldn't believe in Medford. I'm talking players skipping practice, revolting against the coach, hoppenot and santos threatening to transfer to northeastern mid-season. shapiro just isn't a players coach and can't connect with any of them, making powerplays left and right starting other players. my sources close to the situation tell me that this tufts team is falling apart from the inside out

Me thinks you are smoking the funny stuff. Why would someone transfer mid season when they are seniors??? No logic or sense.  I think your are stirring up the pot, so to speak.  Tufts looks like they are in real turmoil..12 gols to nil in 2 games....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 08, 2014, 08:26:02 PM
Quote from: amh63 on September 08, 2014, 03:32:03 PM
Noticed that posters awaiting American football to begin are appearing on the soccer board. :)
Bucket...for awhile thought you were broadcasting the game on NSN.  Saw a "little guy" on the sidelines working the balls.  Maybe in a few years, young Bucket wii be working the sidelines.  Amherst pays students over  10 bucks/hr these days to help in sporting events. 
The HD coverage was great for the Mid-AMH game.  Heard that Amherst will now have NSN coverage.
With respect to  Coach Serpone...he is the nicest person off the field.  Was surprise to see him..in the grey shirt..sitting with his senior assistant during the first half.   Remember, both guys are "thin" on top and can be mistaken.   Did see him get upset with some of the out of bound calls, as Amherst was trying to get as many chances to attack as possible in the last part of the game.  Believe his assistant was pulling him back at times.
Part of the tremendous number of headers by both teams is that both goalies was booming their free kicks down the field.  Bull, the Amherst goalie has scored a goal off a kick and he was trying hard in the last 5 minutes of regulation time to get the ball into the attacking zone.  My take. 
Oh yes, Amherst has now played two OT games in two starts.  Seems to me that they are still trying to find the best offensive player combo, while rebuilding their defense...loosing two first team conf. Players to graduation....one an All-American......and the other a local boy from Sidwell Friends School.

Little Bucket is about a year away from being a ballboy. He was seated with me in the mobile scorer's table booth.

Always nice to catch up with my friend Brian Hamm, and yes, I have always found Justin to be quite friendly off the pitch. I enjoy chatting with him whenever I have the opportunity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 08, 2014, 08:36:00 PM
I mean maybe the poster is exaggerating a bit and may have an ax to grind with Shapiro but I gotta say it sounds about right. The past few years Santos has been injured/out of shape and in and out of the starting lineup. We all know Shapiro can be tough, but the players have to take some responsibility. Last year we noticed Hoppenot randomly not starting and now this year Nakamura. Personally I am hoping the players come around and get in good shape and just follow thru with what the coach is saying and conversely Shapiro loosens his grip a bit. A player like Santos can win a game for you and he needs to be able to play freely and not being told to defend. You have other players to defend. This team is to damn talented to waste on infighting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC2424 on September 08, 2014, 09:10:30 PM
Can we not go on and on about the coaches?  As a player it was always frustrated me when everything was focused on the coaches and not on the players and the games.  I'd like to be active on this board this season and am going to do my best to be as non-biased as possible. Whatever is going on at Tufts is working.  12 goals in two games against anyone is a good start. They play Suffolk on Wednesday so it could be TWENTY goals in 3 games.

Some interesting midweeks.  Colby/Husson and Bates/Thomas will both be Maine battles.  Williams/WSU became more interesting after Williams had to play twice this weekend.  Any word on Williams injury situation?



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 08, 2014, 09:39:06 PM
Quote from: CAC2424 on September 08, 2014, 09:10:30 PMSome interesting midweeks.  Colby/Husson and Bates/Thomas will both be Maine battles.  Williams/WSU became more interesting after Williams had to play twice this weekend.  Any word on Williams injury situation?

Injuries or no, I would not expect Westfield to get within 3 goals of Williams.  The Maine games are likely to be closer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 08, 2014, 09:46:31 PM
Quote from: CAC2424 on September 08, 2014, 09:10:30 PM
Can we not go on and on about the coaches?  As a player it was always frustrated me when everything was focused on the coaches and not on the players and the games.  I'd like to be active on this board this season and am going to do my best to be as non-biased as possible. Whatever is going on at Tufts is working.  12 goals in two games against anyone is a good start. They play Suffolk on Wednesday so it could be TWENTY goals in 3 games.

Some interesting midweeks.  Colby/Husson and Bates/Thomas will both be Maine battles.  Williams/WSU became more interesting after Williams had to play twice this weekend.  Any word on Williams injury situation?

Yea all that coach talk is as mind numbing as all those posts you put us thru about a month ago  about who has the toughest conference in the country and why Nescac is better and if the 9th place team in Nescac played the 6th place team here blah blah blah...point being we all get our fuel from different places.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 08, 2014, 09:53:55 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 08, 2014, 09:39:06 PM
Quote from: CAC2424 on September 08, 2014, 09:10:30 PMSome interesting midweeks.  Colby/Husson and Bates/Thomas will both be Maine battles.  Williams/WSU became more interesting after Williams had to play twice this weekend.  Any word on Williams injury situation?

Injuries or no, I would not expect Westfield to get within 3 goals of Williams.  The Maine games are likely to be closer.

Westfield can be scrappy and they play on really bad turf. Also, Williams is known to butcher mid week games sometimes and this is not the days of Alex Blake and Co beating Westfield 10-0. However if Williams can score 2 quickly Westfield might pack it in. 2 years ago I believe westfield had a 1-0 lead with about 20 minutes left until Rashid scored 2 goals late to win it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 08, 2014, 10:48:13 PM
Ironically, amidst all this chatter about Tufts, they are this week's new #1 on Bennett Ranking.  Validity of the ranking aside, perhaps Tufts is just D3 men's soccer's version of the Billy Martin-era New York Yankees.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on September 08, 2014, 10:55:32 PM
I hear Hoppenot isn't starting because he's on trial with the phila union (where his brother plays) and is waiting to see that out, while santos is persuing a career in male modeling vs. soccer instead. shapiro has had it up to here with them and nakamura is no different. LaPaz hits the nail on the head - the coach just has to let the kids play. 12 goals to nil in 2 games means nothing when the coach's power plays keep those more capable from being on the field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 09, 2014, 09:40:20 AM
Re Williams injury:  Rashid went down screaming without contact with a right knee injury about 15 minutes into the (what was to become) abandoned Colby game Saturday.  On Sunday during the replay, he was on the sidelines in street clothes on crutches and a brace on his right leg.  Hopefully not the ACL and he will be able to return to action this season.  Even without him, Williams is very solid all over the field.  They will find goals from other players, and their defense will allow them to win many close games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on September 09, 2014, 11:19:21 AM

Tufts beat UMASS Boston and Bates, Wesleyan beats ECU and Bowdoin... you would atleast think Wesleyan would be ahead of Tufts in this scenario.   

I think Brandeis jumps Amherst this week in NSCAA rankings.  Williams still remains #1.   Both Wesleyan and Wheaton will be in the 20s to RV range.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 09, 2014, 11:26:46 AM
Tufts #1???  Do we need any further proof about how much of a joke the Bennett Rankings are?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on September 09, 2014, 11:38:51 AM

3 NESCAC teeams in Massey Top 10:

Messiah
Frank & Marsh
Amherst           (23 SOS; 4 RoS SOS)
Kenyon
Williams           (74 SOS; 2 Ros SOS)
Wesleyan CT    (14 SOS; 1 RoS SOS)
Emory
Ohio Wesleyan
Chris Newport
Montclair St


http://www.masseyratings.com/rate.php?s=csoc2014&sub=11620  (looks like most games are up to date)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 09, 2014, 11:48:54 AM
Since Messiah returns the overwhelming majority of its key players, including several all-Americans (Payne, Robbins, and Thompson are all among the best players in the nation, and star sophomore Brandt may join them this year, all would be the best player in NESCAC), from last year's national champion squad, any ranking that does not have them first until they lose a game is pretty silly. 

That Rashid injury report is very, very discouraging.  Hopefully just a sprain, but but more often than not, when you hear about something like that, it's a season-ending tear.  Williams has plenty of depth and balance but no elite finisher up front without Rashid. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 09, 2014, 12:53:35 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on September 09, 2014, 11:38:51 AM

3 NESCAC teeams in Massey Top 10:

Messiah
Frank & Marsh
Amherst           (23 SOS; 4 RoS SOS)
Kenyon
Williams           (74 SOS; 2 Ros SOS)
Wesleyan CT    (14 SOS; 1 RoS SOS)
Emory
Ohio Wesleyan
Chris Newport
Montclair St


http://www.masseyratings.com/rate.php?s=csoc2014&sub=11620  (looks like most games are up to date)

And 3 more in 10-20 ranking--Tufts, Conn and Midd
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on September 09, 2014, 05:56:41 PM
Williams 4, Westfield St 0.   Westfield's only shot came at the 89:23 mark in the game - well after every player and fan in attendance had been substituted in. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 10, 2014, 05:05:14 AM
Nice to see Williams getting strong production from its other two strikers in Rashid's absence -- Zach Grady now has three goals and an assist (not to mention the goal that didn't count in the cancelled first Colby "game") on the season, and first year Mark Sisco-Tolomeo added two more today.  Grady had only one goal in the past two years combined, so he has really stepped it up so far as a Senior.  If Rashid can return at some point this season (which obviously won't be happening if he torn an MCL or ACL),  the development of other scoring options up front will really help the team's depth. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 11, 2014, 09:34:12 AM
My sources tell me Rashid is out for the year with a torn ACL. Williams will need others to step up in big games or they will look a lot like Wesleyan against good teams. i.e. unable to finish chances.


Watched Wesleyan at Roger Williams last night. Wesleyan dominated and had plenty of chances to score but could not finish. Roger Williams was ok but nothing special. They were a physical team bordering dirty and their home field is an advantage. Turf, night game mid week, rowdy and large crowd were some but not all the factors against Wesleyan. I see why Wheeler scheduled this game but it would of behooved him to maybe schedule it at 4:15. He plays Wheaton this saturday at 7pm also and no doubt that will be a rowdy crowd as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 11, 2014, 10:21:24 AM
Thanks for the info, LaPaz.  Brutal blow for Russo in his last year.  Ephs will still be strong but obviously losing your top goal-scoring threat is not easy to overcome.  And of course, tough blow for Rashid, who now has suffered two major injuries in his career.  I wonder if he will try to take a semester off from school so he can play two more seasons of soccer. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on September 11, 2014, 10:30:08 AM
Big blow for a good player and program.
The good news is that there is still strength for the team and a bright future for the player.

On a related note, does anyone else notice a huge rise in the amount of ACL/MCL injuries compared to say 10-15 years ago?

I dont think it is the training regimen, as most  of these strong programs have the same coach in place.
Perhaps the lads are just being worn out before college?
Maybe different turfs?
Whatever the reason, D3 Soccer has been deprived of some super talented players for the past few years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 11, 2014, 11:37:33 AM
Saint of Old.......good observation.  I have noticed more such reported injuries in other sports...basketball.  Even in women sports.   I'm wondering if it is the due in part to the trend that kids start playing sports ...on. Really competative levels....at earlier ages.  Club teams, AAU teams, etc. Which impact the natural physical development of their bodies.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on September 11, 2014, 12:24:23 PM
If you are really bored you can google Dr. Eric Giza and you can find a lot of info.  He's a buddy of mine and is the chief of Ortho Foot/Ankle for UC Davis.  He's been an asst. physician for the US Soccer Federation, worked at Aston Villa FC, he is one of the researchers for MLS and most importantly he's the team physician for the Sac Republic FC which means I get free seats on the pitch  ;D.  He's been focused on soccer injuries for years and put out a lot of content on types of injuries, etc. 

Here's an example - not sure who this site is but they threw some of Eric's research into a nice infographic
http://joshkarnowski.com/2014/05/05/injury-statistics-of-professional-womens-soccer-infographic/

They found that while women have far fewer injuries in general, they are 4 times as likely to have knee injuries and Eric said it's primarily just development.  Muscles just aren't strong enough to support the activity when they are in hs/college.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 11, 2014, 12:34:27 PM
Just awful news for Williams and NESCAC fans. I saw their repeat game on line vs Colby and saw a strong, deep team, but perhaps a team lacking a special player. I had heard Rashid was that player.

Colby surprised me a little. They worked hard and kept the game closer than expected. Team is working much harder than last year and is probably a result of the new coaching staff. I'm hearing they're recruiting well.

Also surprised by Bates. I really thought they'd have better results this year as I thought Flaherty was recruiting pretty well. Saw their first game on line and was impressed by Knoth and Pereira, both playmaker types you don't often see in D3. They still have time and perhaps result would have been more respectable vs Tufts if not for the red card on Moyo.

The Amherst juggernaut is sputtering a bit but I'm sure they'll still be a force to be reckoned with at the end.

I'm intrigued by Tufts.  Is saw a couple of their games and I see a deep and talented team. If they don't implode, they could make a deep run. I haven't been impressed with Shapiro's style - saw a little bit during son's recruitment and have been fascinated by reading about the internal turmoil. They are still a very good team.

In summary, this might be the most competitive year in the NESCAC in some time. Nice to see the other schools besides Amherst and Williams competing.   Looking forward to seeing what Tufts, Wesleyan, Conn, Middlebury and Bowdoin do.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on September 11, 2014, 12:54:48 PM
Quote from: amh63 on September 11, 2014, 11:37:33 AM
Saint of Old.......good observation.  I have noticed more such reported injuries in other sports...basketball.  Even in women sports.   I'm wondering if it is the due in part to the trend that kids start playing sports ...on. Really competative levels....at earlier ages.  Club teams, AAU teams, etc. Which impact the natural physical development of their bodies.

I think it's more the specialization at a young age than the level of competition. Most sports use specific muscle groups (and their attaching hardware!) more than others, and those are the areas that seem to be getting beat up as kids continue to play. Although I freely admit I only believe this based on anecdotal evidence. Still, I think kids in middle and high school that played different sports each season got breathers for stressed muscles and tendons that they aren't getting now that they are playing 3 seasons of the same sport. Such is the nature of the beast these days.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on September 11, 2014, 01:17:16 PM
Weekend Predictions

Amherst @ Bowdoin - Will probably be a close game, but not as close as the 2013 Semi-Final without Brewster. Not sure about Bowdoin this year and hard to believe Amherst can't start producing offensively. 2-1 Amherst.

Trinity @ Williams - Williams won't get upset at home in Russo's last season. 3-1 Williams

Midd @ Conn - Physical battle, probably the ugliest game of the weekend. Can see Conn trying to shut it down for a tie, but I give midd the slight edge. 1-0.

Hamilton @ Bates - Bates looks like the worst team in the conference this year, and Hamilton appeared solid vs. Trin. I give them the edge 2-1.

Tufts @ Colby - Another week of internal turmoil, another win for Tufts. But Colby is a tough place to play, and a new coach has them energized and organized. Could see a tie, but Tufts should pull this out 1-0.

Wesleyan @ Wheaton - For the sake of the NESCAC, I hope they run Wheaton off the field & avenge last year's loss (when several key players sat due to suspension). 4-1 Wesleyan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2014, 01:26:50 PM
NESCAC-fanatic, I think you are going to be way off on Wesleyan vs Wheaton.  Could be 4-1 Wheaton as Wheaton is really on a tear and flying high.  I might go see this one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 11, 2014, 01:50:49 PM
Agree. Wheaton is very strong this year.  Probably a toss up for me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFollower on September 11, 2014, 02:33:17 PM
My predictions:
Amherst 2-0 Bowdoin. Amherst will find their feet, and Bowdoin without Brewster will have trouble containing them.

Trinity 1-3 Williams. Williams too complete of a team (even without Rashid) and always find a way to win. Savonen scores early but Willams prevails

Middlebury 1-1 Conn College. Most intriguing game of the weekend for me. Two teams that seem on the verge of making moves up the Nescac. We'll see if one pulls it off but I think they'll draw.

Hamilton 1-0 Bates. This game will be ugly. Hamilton has struggled away from home, but I think Bates will find a way to lose.

Tufts 1-1 Colby. Colby looked like an organized unit against Williams, something tufts hasn't faced yet this year. Given the Tufts state of affairs and playing away from home, I think they tie.

Wesleyan 1-2 Wheaton. Really hard to tell who will win this. Wheaton has yet to be truly challenged, but I think Wesleyan is missing a little bit of firepower/creativity. Giving Wheaton the benefit of the doubt due to their strong start to the year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 11, 2014, 02:44:28 PM
Quote from: SoccerFollower on September 11, 2014, 02:33:17 PM
My predictions:
Amherst 2-0 Bowdoin. Amherst will find their feet, and Bowdoin without Brewster will have trouble containing them.

Trinity 1-3 Williams. Williams too complete of a team (even without Rashid) and always find a way to win. Savonen scores early but Willams prevails

Middlebury 1-1 Conn College. Most intriguing game of the weekend for me. Two teams that seem on the verge of making moves up the Nescac. We'll see if one pulls it off but I think they'll draw.

Hamilton 1-0 Bates. This game will be ugly. Hamilton has struggled away from home, but I think Bates will find a way to lose.

Tufts 1-1 Colby. Colby looked like an organized unit against Williams, something tufts hasn't faced yet this year. Given the Tufts state of affairs and playing away from home, I think they tie.

Wesleyan 1-2 Wheaton. Really hard to tell who will win this. Wheaton has yet to be truly challenged, but I think Wesleyan is missing a little bit of firepower/creativity. Giving Wheaton the benefit of the doubt due to their strong start to the year.

Good predictions. My only difference of opinion is that I think Tufts wins by a couple of goals. Despite their turmoil, there is just too big of a gap in talent between the teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 11, 2014, 10:25:59 PM
Predictions:

Bowdoin v Amherst-         1-1                    I have said Bowdoin does not look as good on paper as in years past but they are athletic and were a bit unlucky against Wesleyan. I do not like Safian in goal as he is suspect and the back 4 are athletic but not extremely skilled. Diaz Costa in midfield is skilled and Andrew Jones has wheels. Amherst the better team but have struggled a bit out of the gate. Bull looks shaky so far and I do not see a legit goal scorer on this squad as of now. I give the game a tie on a hunch.

Conn v Midd-                   0-0                     This will be a defensive slugfest. Total shots for both teams will be under 15.  Midd has the advantage up front and in goal while Conn has the advantage in midfield ( big O'Brien fan) and on D.

Colby v Tufts-                  0-2                     Tufts has to many weapons and advantages all over the field no matter who is starting and who is not. Colby is def more organized defensively this year and it is quite apparent Serjenian left the new coach with some glorified JV players. Colby has a handful of good Nescac players including Vogel and others but this team needs a couple good recruiting classes before it can compete.

Bates v Hamilton-            0-1                     8 hour bus ride or not, Hamilton leaves Lewiston with a win. The poster below who praised Peabo Knoth and Peraria and also praised Flaherty's recruiting made me laugh out loud for real. Bates is the least talented squad since......well Bates 2013. Hamilton is misssing a key player in Griffin Abbott but still have weapons up front to score.

Williams v Trinity-            2-1                     Williams have struggled recently against Trinity but more so on Trinity's field. Trinity will send players forward and usually play a 4-3-3 with fast wingers and skill up the spine with Tobias and Savonen. Gk is weak and back 4 are big but a tad slow. Williams playing well so far but in my opinion have not played anyone yet and their keeper has not been tested. That will change Saturday. Williasm might have the best D in Nescac with Luke Pierce and Geoff Danilack in the middle and Andreas Burbank-Crump at left back. Murrales is due to score soon as well.

Wheaton(MA) v Wesleyan-     0-1                I am not on the band wagon of Wheaton yet. for all you posters thinking Wheaton is going to win by multiple goals and score 3 or 4 goals you are crazy. Wesleyan has given up a total of 1 goal in 3 games against decent competition. Wesleyan playes very solid organized defense. They dominated Roger Williams last night but could not score, will that change against Wheaton? Again a 7pm Saturday night start is not a smart schedule plan from Wheeler. The crowd will be large and rowdy for sure, they will however go home disappointed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 12, 2014, 07:21:47 AM
La Paz, I always like reading your posts. You are very knowledgeable, have inside info and are not afraid to speak your mind. I hope you'll keep the weekly predictions coming.

I'm curious as to your Bates comment though as I'm the guy who praised Knoth and Pereira but in all candor, I have a soft spot for flair players. I'm not trying to argue as I truly have no axe to grind here but just as you laughed out loud at my comment that I thought Flaherty must be recruiting better as he's brought these two players into the program (he's only had 2 recruiting cycles, I think) I laughed out loud at your past coaching ratings giving Shapiro at Tufts an "A" as I knew about their internal turmoil, his personality and his mediocre recruiting ability (but good classes). Is it possible that Flaherty is a good recruiter but recruits poorly?  Is it possible that Shapiro is a poor recruiter but recruits good classes?  What gives? What are the other forces at work?

Personally, I thought Flaherty was a very good recruiter - he worked really hard and for a long time and showed a lot of passion in son's recruitment but at the end of the day, my guy picked another school for non-soccer reasons.  He was recruited by the majority of the NESCACs so I got to meet most of the coaches and saw most of their correspondence. No matter what anyone says here, personal experience is that Flaherty is a good recruiter - but you say Bates is apparently not recruiting well, which could very well be (though I still like Knoth and Pereira a lot).

I wonder how much of recruiting a coach can control at a school like Bates?  While a great school, it is in a conference of all great schools, is geographically remote, in a not great town, and was left with little talent by his predecessor. Contrasting Bates with a school like Tufts (large,urban, non-Lac) and a coach in Shapiro who you've praised, I saw a vast difference in personality and effort between the two.  I do recognize it is entirely possible that Shapiro didn't rate my son as highly as the other NESCAC coaches, and maybe he actually makes an effort with guys who he likes but the difference between the two in our personal experience, was vast.

I guess my my question is more a philosophical one regarding two teams apparently headed in opposite directions -  Do you need to take into account the difficulty of recruiting into account in addition to the wins and losses when discussing coaching/program effectiveness?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on September 12, 2014, 08:34:43 AM
To all the gullible dads who can't sense sarcasm: there is no internal turmoil at Tufts. God forbid a coach has to deal with injuries or brings players off of the bench strategically. It's hilarious how one post can turn into fact so quickly. But glad you all "knew of the turmoil" beforehand.

I agree with you LaPaz- not quite ready to jump on the Wheaton bandwagon. I think wesleyan is too good definitely to collapse and will get a scrappy goal
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC2424 on September 12, 2014, 09:36:16 AM
Haha. It is pretty funny.  Let's look at the overreaction on this board (been like this for years) -

Tufts is falling apart. Not true.
Wheaton is all of a sudden a top team in NE. Not True.
Amherst is "sputtering". Not true.
Williams is better off without their best player.  Not True.

All of these things COULD be true but the NESCAC season is less than two weeks old.  Tufts is off to the best start to the season they could ever hope for.  Wheaton is 5-0 but hasn't played anyone yet.  If they beat Wesleyan-then YES- they are for real.  Amherst has won the last four NESCAC Championships. Probably deserve benefit of doubt until they start losing. Williams could be ok but the Rashid injury is a tough pill to swallow. I know 90 percent of the board are Williams fans but Rashid is the real deal.

Weekend Predictions

Conn 3 Midd 1- Devlin is on fire and will score another two on Midd.
Wesleyan 3 Wheaton 1 - Wesleyan totally underrated.  Good team.
Amherst 2 Bowdoin 0.  Another game of bodies flying everywhere.
Williams 1 Trinity 1.  Williams always struggles with Trinity.  Not surgeon this one but hopping for an undefeated weekend for the State of Connecticut. 
Bates 1 Hamilton 1.  Could pick this game either way so went with a tie. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 12, 2014, 09:57:18 AM
Who is saying that Williams is better off without Rashid?  Everyone (or least most everyone) and certainly I said that losing him was a big blow.  The team still has plenty of talent and is still capable for competing for the NESCAC title, but the Ephs will have to really scrap for goals and win a lot of close defensive battles without their most dynamic offensive player.  Here is hoping he can return 100 percent next fall and have better luck with injuries in his last year (or perhaps last two years) of his college career. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on September 12, 2014, 10:32:10 AM
CAC2424 - spot on.

Love all the experts on this page:

"I laughed out loud at your past coaching ratings giving Shapiro at Tufts an "A" as I knew about their internal turmoil, his personality and his mediocre recruiting ability (but good classes)." - Corazon, Tufts Insider

"The past few years Santos has been injured/out of shape and in and out of the starting lineup. We all know Shapiro can be tough, but the players have to take some responsibility. Last year we noticed Hoppenot randomly not starting and now this year Nakamura." - LaPaz, Santos' nutritionist & mind-reader of coaches

"Tufts 1-1 Colby. Colby looked like an organized unit against Williams, something tufts hasn't faced yet this year. Given the Tufts state of affairs and playing away from home, I think they tie." - SoccerFollower, Somerville Correspondent of Internal Affairs
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 12, 2014, 10:40:24 AM

Amherst 2 Bowdoin 0

Good luck to Bowdoin trying to out tough Amherst. Think the Lord Jeffs will get absolutely after the Polar Bears on set pieces. I would be scared to be the first team to face the Jeffs if their offense ever comes together after what should be viewed as a disappointing start for them after the last few years.



Trinity 1 Williams 2

Williams is just better especially at home against a young Trinity team who it seemed like had to battle and gut out a tie at Hamilton last week (got outshot 22-11).



Midd 1 Conn 0

Start of what could be a big week for Conn. If they don't lose both games I think that should be a moral victory. Don't know what to expect from Conn after losing POY in Hawkey. Haven't been tested yet (no offense Mitchell and UMass Dartmouth). Giving the edge to Midd here.



Hamilton 2 Bates 0

Did not see any of the Bates Tufts game but just looking at the box score they seem dreadful this year. Best of luck to them getting a win this season.



Tufts 2 Colby 1

Thinking this one could get away from Tufts traveling up to Maine and looking forward to Wes later in the week. Tufts is too superior to Colby to tie/loss but crazier things have happened in Maine.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 12, 2014, 10:50:03 AM
Two of of a team's arguably best players not starting is at least interesting.    No idea whether that reflects turmoil or not. The most laughable idea was the coach not playing them to keep them secret from coaches for later in the season even though they are probably two of the top 10 most known players in the NESCAC already. Anyway, the season will tell us if Tufts meets expectations or underperforms.

Amherst 3 Bowdoin 0

Williams 2 Trinity 0

Midd 3 Conn 1

Hamilton 2 Bates 1

Tufts 3 Colby 1

Wheaton 3 Wesleyan 2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 12, 2014, 10:55:47 AM
Corazon, I'm interested in your impressions on the recruitment trail.  In my experience among a handful of NESCAC coaches Wheeler at Wesleyan was the most responsive.  It is interesting that the schools that tend to be at the top of the NESCAC presumably have the highest hurdles to clear in terms of admissions.  And despite its remote location IMHO Colby is such a desirable school that I would think Colby would do much better.  Bates seems like a slightly tougher sell.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 12, 2014, 11:07:24 AM
Quote from: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 12, 2014, 10:40:24 AM

Amherst 2 Bowdoin 0

Good luck to Bowdoin trying to out tough Amherst. Think the Lord Jeffs will get absolutely after the Polar Bears on set pieces. I would be scared to be the first team to face the Jeffs if their offense ever comes together after what should be viewed as a disappointing start for them after the last few years.



Trinity 1 Williams 2

Williams is just better especially at home against a young Trinity team who it seemed like had to battle and gut out a tie at Hamilton last week (got outshot 22-11).



Midd 1 Conn 0

Start of what could be a big week for Conn. If they don't lose both games I think that should be a moral victory. Don't know what to expect from Conn after losing POY in Hawkey. Haven't been tested yet (no offense Mitchell and UMass Dartmouth). Giving the edge to Midd here.



Hamilton 2 Bates 0

Did not see any of the Bates Tufts game but just looking at the box score they seem dreadful this year. Best of luck to them getting a win this season.



Tufts 2 Colby 1

Thinking this one could get away from Tufts traveling up to Maine and looking forward to Wes later in the week. Tufts is too superior to Colby to tie/loss but crazier things have happened in Maine.

I like the picks above with two changes 1) Tufts will score 3 vs Colby, and 2) Midd/Conn 1-1 tie.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 12, 2014, 11:53:15 AM
Bates is indeed the toughest school to recruit to in Nescac for reasons brought up on this board before. However, I have heard players quitting on this squad including Nick Ford who was a fast winger type player who was decent. If the coach was better or the team was better maybe he would have stuck it out. Flaherty has had 3 recruiting cycles and I SEE NOTHING of substance in any one of them. Usually you can stumble across a player or 2. His GKing is horrible, backs are slow and can be beaten, there is no creativity in midfield and his strikers cannot hold the ball up or beat anyone 1v1. Purgavie might have gotten lazy at the end but he always recruited some decent players. The last one, John Murphy, was an exceptional Nescac player who was maybe the taker of free kicks in the league. I do not see these "game changers" in the current Bates squad.

I did give Shapiro an "A" over the summer and that might have been a mistake but you have to understand the dire straits that Ferrigno left this program in and Shapiro basically turned it around in 2 recruiting classes and made the NCAA's. That in itself is remarkable. The great thing about some turmoil in a team that is winning is that it can be ignored. If Tufts can get by Wesleyan at home and Brandeis on the road they could be 7-0 before Amherst. The game last year between Tufts and Amherst was an absolute sh*t show by Amherst players and Tufts parents and then Amherst parents which in turn became the trigger for the "damn" letter to Nescac parents that has this FOX News and its listeners in a tizzy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 12, 2014, 12:00:27 PM
This board has been most interesting this season to me...a real novice in understanding the sport....truly.  A city boy with no knowledge of the game...going up to Amherst when the varsity schedule had Harvard and UConn.  Played a bit...no...tried to play.  Had the speed but no skills to speak of. 
Anyway, it is nice ...but still puzzling that so many posters will make "predictions" of the games ahead.
Last night, I discussed some soccer...World Cup games...with two knowledgeable former players.  Wait...I mostly listened.  One, the father of a daughter in law who was an UVA recruited player and the other a player from Holland who is a friend of one of my sons.  Both men played in different systems/ styles.   In short, both men are still puzzled on the outcome of key games.
In short/ summary,  I enjoy the banter and the predictions and may watch more games in the future.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 12, 2014, 12:26:33 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 12, 2014, 10:55:47 AM
Corazon, I'm interested in your impressions on the recruitment trail.  In my experience among a handful of NESCAC coaches Wheeler at Wesleyan was the most responsive.  It is interesting that the schools that tend to be at the top of the NESCAC presumably have the highest hurdles to clear in terms of admissions.  And despite its remote location IMHO Colby is such a desirable school that I would think Colby would do much better.  Bates seems like a slightly tougher sell.

Hi NCAC New England,

I had actually posted an account of what we saw on the recruiting trail over the summer with ratings of the various NESCAC (6 of the 11 recruited him) coaches, but I took it down a few minutes after posting. I was uncomfortable rating peoples' performance when we were only 1 data point and while it is a hobby to most of us on this board, it is a profession for the coaches. I wouldn't like it if some anonymous poster rated by job performance either! 

Wes did not recruit him, but I've met Geoff Wheeler in non soccer settings and he seemed to be a great guy. Have heard good things about him, too.

Enjoy the games this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 12, 2014, 12:34:51 PM
Quote from: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on September 12, 2014, 10:32:10 AM
CAC2424 - spot on.

Love all the experts on this page:

"I laughed out loud at your past coaching ratings giving Shapiro at Tufts an "A" as I knew about their internal turmoil, his personality and his mediocre recruiting ability (but good classes)." - Corazon, Tufts Insider

"The past few years Santos has been injured/out of shape and in and out of the starting lineup. We all know Shapiro can be tough, but the players have to take some responsibility. Last year we noticed Hoppenot randomly not starting and now this year Nakamura." - LaPaz, Santos' nutritionist & mind-reader of coaches

"Tufts 1-1 Colby. Colby looked like an organized unit against Williams, something tufts hasn't faced yet this year. Given the Tufts state of affairs and playing away from home, I think they tie." - SoccerFollower, Somerville Correspondent of Internal Affairs

No, CAC2424 is not right on. His straw man argument claiming posters are saying Williams is better off without Rashid lost all credibility with me. The other points are a matter of debate. If you assume I made the Tufts comment simply by regurgitating other peoples' previous posts, you would be mistaken. However, I am not an insider, so I will give you the benefit of the doubt that everything is hunky dory in the Tufts locker room. They do have a really strong team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 12, 2014, 01:46:37 PM
Much has been made of the loss of Rashid in terms of Williams' potential this year.
Of course, I'm sorry that he's hurt; ACL injuries are tougher than many realize--on the body and on the psyche.
Certainly, he is a good weapon on the field, as he draws attention and keeps defenders busy.
I do wonder how significant the loss is. His 5 goals and 5 assists last year doesn't sound enormous. Perhaps one of the stats gurus here can enlighten me: what is the typical standard for leading scorer/point getter in the NESCAC? Is 15 points on the tip-top end of the spectrum for go-to goal-scorers? If nobody has that info at hand, where's the best place to find it? Thanks, folks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on September 12, 2014, 02:15:22 PM
Keep in mind that was in 16 games, so while he wasn't tops on the team (although close) he did it in 6 games less than his teammates.  NESCAC.com has all the historical stats, but you have to look at each team. Tops on Wes was 3 & 3 in 16 games.  Amherst had 3 that were more impressive but that was in 20+ games too.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on September 12, 2014, 03:01:30 PM
Depends on the season/team/post season run etc...

For example.
One year our leading goal scorer got 12 goals. Team scored 63. A very very long NCAA run.
The very next season, the leading scorer had 6  goals. Team scored 30. Sweet 16 run.

It really depends as there are many nuances involved.

Both top scorers had amazing years, but you have to judge by personal ratio of team goals/ team offense etc...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on September 12, 2014, 03:06:57 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on September 12, 2014, 01:46:37 PM
Much has been made of the loss of Rashid in terms of Williams' potential this year.
Of course, I'm sorry that he's hurt; ACL injuries are tougher than many realize--on the body and on the psyche.
Certainly, he is a good weapon on the field, as he draws attention and keeps defenders busy.
I do wonder how significant the loss is. His 5 goals and 5 assists last year doesn't sound enormous. Perhaps one of the stats gurus here can enlighten me: what is the typical standard for leading scorer/point getter in the NESCAC? Is 15 points on the tip-top end of the spectrum for go-to goal-scorers? If nobody has that info at hand, where's the best place to find it? Thanks, folks.
Best source is the NESCAC website, which has all past years' stats: http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/archive I don't think the 2013 stats page has a combined all-team individual stats sheet, so you might have to look at each team's individual stats for that year, but 2012 and earlier stats have combined individual stats pages - eg http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2012-13/stats/CONFLDRS.HTM#conf.wki
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 12, 2014, 03:42:31 PM
Thanks for the info/response, guys.
Becks, thanks for the link.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 12, 2014, 04:47:35 PM
I would only look at stats vs nescac teams instead of overall stats. This way weak out of conference schedules(Amherst and Midd) do not blur judgement.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 13, 2014, 12:59:06 AM
Quote from: Corazon on September 12, 2014, 07:21:47 AMPersonally, I thought Flaherty was a very good recruiter - he worked really hard and for a long time and showed a lot of passion in son's recruitment but at the end of the day, my guy picked another school for non-soccer reasons.  He was recruited by the majority of the NESCACs so I got to meet most of the coaches and saw most of their correspondence. No matter what anyone says here, personal experience is that Flaherty is a good recruiter - but you say Bates is apparently not recruiting well, which could very well be (though I still like Knoth and Pereira a lot).

I wonder how much of recruiting a coach can control at a school like Bates?  While a great school, it is in a conference of all great schools, is geographically remote, in a not great town, and was left with little talent by his predecessor. Contrasting Bates with a school like Tufts (large,urban, non-Lac) and a coach in Shapiro who you've praised, I saw a vast difference in personality and effort between the two.  I do recognize it is entirely possible that Shapiro didn't rate my son as highly as the other NESCAC coaches, and maybe he actually makes an effort with guys who he likes but the difference between the two in our personal experience, was vast.

My son's experience with both coaches squares with that of your experience.  My impression is that Bates is in a Catch-22 situation.  They won't be able to recruit better players until they are successful and they won't be successful until they recruit better players.  For the reasons you mentioned (compounded by success on  the field), Tufts is an  easier sell to players.  It appears that Coach Flaherty has to work harder than Coach Shapiro to attract quality players and hard work alone may not be enough to turn the tide in the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 13, 2014, 06:26:23 PM
LaPaz: "Murrales is due to score soon as well" -- very prescient, as Murrales has a hand in all three Eph goals with two goals and an assist.  Ephs continue to get nice contributions up front from two frosh, highly touted Tom Young, who is a another creative playmaker to go along with Moutenot and Murrales, and Sisco-Tolemeo, who is more of a finisher.  Rashid will of course be missed and his absence will loom particularly large in some of the bigger games yet to be played (Midd, Amherst, Tufts), but so far a lot of different guys are stepping into the void, which is what the Ephs need.  Meanwhile, the Eph defense continues to be very stout, with only 9 SOG allowed through three games. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 13, 2014, 10:15:11 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 13, 2014, 06:26:23 PM
LaPaz: "Murrales is due to score soon as well" -- very prescient, as Murrales has a hand in all three Eph goals with two goals and an assist.  Ephs continue to get nice contributions up front from two frosh, highly touted Tom Young, who is a another creative playmaker to go along with Moutenot and Murrales, and Sisco-Tolemeo, who is more of a finisher.  Rashid will of course be missed and his absence will loom particularly large in some of the bigger games yet to be played (Midd, Amherst, Tufts), but so far a lot of different guys are stepping into the void, which is what the Ephs need.  Meanwhile, the Eph defense continues to be very stout, with only 9 SOG allowed through three games.
Report on middlebury vs Conn. Middlebury 2 Conn 0. Great game in which Conn had the better of it for most of the game but missing two starting forwards couldn't score. Keeper for Middlebury Sydor played great made 3 huge saves. Middlebury scored twice within 5 minutes to strart 2nd half on two Conn hiccups. Glasser Horton and Robinson played well. For Conn Devlin and Mutala played well up front while Punt and Garabedian had great games on back line. Conn had 10 corners to Middleburys 1. Conn played very good game but Middlebury made the most of their 2 chances while Sydor shut the door.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 14, 2014, 04:51:09 AM
Looks like the weekend went as expected. Tufts struggled in Maine (as I expected). Williams appears to have dominated. Bates is still bates.

Want some more color on midd conn and Amherst bowdoin. As for midd conn shots are even but corners complete favore conn. Anyone care to elaborate?

Amherst bowdoin seems to be slightly favored to Amherst but not by much in what I am sure was a physical battle. Did anyone see the red card? Seems like a tough thing to give in the 90th minute regardless of the situation. Amherst could suffer from it midweek against conn
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 14, 2014, 08:55:40 AM
I missed the red card for Amherst.  Was it a for a 2nd yellow or a straight red?  No doubt Amherst is going to be there at the end, but one wonders if they are feeling some pressure after the way season ended past couple of years.  Big emotional displays towards end of Middlebury game and then a red card very late vs Bowdoin.  No doubt Amherst will be there at the end but for now they are impressing as a little on edge and volatile.

I noticed that Hamilton vs Bates ended in a bit of what announcer called a sort of "fracas."  Bates player crashed into Hamilton GK in last minute and a Hamilton defender came in to protect like you would see in a hockey scrum.  Easily could have been a red card or two but ref gave two yellows instead.  Bates is struggling to say the least and no doubt some frustration is showing as Bates has yet to score this season.  Very different vibe watching Colby where their play looks vibrant and almost inspired even though it is likely to be another tough season for them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 14, 2014, 09:28:27 AM
Quote from: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 14, 2014, 04:51:09 AM
Looks like the weekend went as expected. Tufts struggled in Maine (as I expected). Williams appears to have dominated. Bates is still bates.

Want some more color on midd conn and Amherst bowdoin. As for midd conn shots are even but corners complete favore conn. Anyone care to elaborate?

Amherst bowdoin seems to be slightly favored to Amherst but not by much in what I am sure was a physical battle. Did anyone see the red card? Seems like a tough thing to give in the 90th minute regardless of the situation. Amherst could suffer from it midweek against conn

CONN vs Mid was a good soccer match not the anticipated ugly brawl.  Conn had decided edge in possession and moved the ball around well and IMHO outplayed Mid.  Don't get me wrong Mid is good team and has size and talent
But Conn had many more opportunities and could not finish mostly due to great game by Mid keeper.  Conn missed Bitchell up top.  Corner kicks usually tell the story of a game and Conn had them all game but Mid as good teams will scored twice quickly ontheir only two good scouting oppotunities.  Conn and Mid are both good teams.  Mid centerbacks are stout. Conn backline was good and Mutala makes things happen for Conn.  Glasser is very good up top for Mid.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 14, 2014, 09:50:35 AM
Thought about putting this in the National thread but seemed to fit more here.

Almost skipped the trek to Wheaton because of rain forecast (and there was rain), but glad I didn't.

Very good interesting game that was highly competitive with great intensity.  LaPaz was right about a dearth of goals, but I have to believe Wheaton is for real.  And I wouldn't be surprised at all if Wheaton and Wesleyan meet again down the road.  My only concern re: Wheaton is that they have at least a 6 game stretch to end the season that turns out to be the weakest part of their schedule.  They'll have the NEWMAC tournament to challenge them but I wish they had another game like last night later in the schedule.

Wheaton jumped all over Wesleyan early and easily could have scored a couple of times in the first 15-20 minutes.  Wesleyan survived multiple great chances, a couple of them point blank.  Wesleyan gradually settled in and roughly around the time Wes started subbing (22-23 minutes in) the game started tilting more evenly and both teams had a couple of good chances.  A Wes player got in 1 v 1 on the Wheaton GK and was unlucky not to finish.  I was almost expecting the half to end with Wes up a goal after being outplayed pretty significantly for a good portion of the half, and I would have been curious to see how Wheaton handled that.

I thought Wesleyan had a slight advantage as the game wore on in the 2nd half, and a likely scenario seemed to be Wesleyan winning very late in the last 10-15 minutes or OT.  I can see Wesleyan winning a lot of games in just that fashion.  They get stronger the longer the game is still in doubt.  I want to say Wesleyan is deeper but I'm not sure that is true.  Both teams are deep with some outstanding frosh, and both teams are going to better in a few weeks.  The difference was that Wesleyan almost seemed better after they subbed, and Wheeler subbed earlier than Cushing and in the 2nd half basically every 15 minutes he sent 5-6 fresh players in at a time.  Wes played 3 different players at striker and the 3rd one only played for 3-4 minutes each half but looked dangerous.

Wheaton seemed more likely to score from the run of play, and Wes seemed more likely to score off a counter, an odd bounce that they capitalize on, or off a 50 to 60 yard free kick which they looked close to scoring on several times.  If I was a Wes fan, I would like to see more goals as I'm not sure about relying on a string of games 1-0 and/or late in OT (and eventually PKs).  I won't be surprised though if they do start scoring more as a soph and a frosh off the bench look very talented and creative on the offensive end.  Wheaton has some very talented frosh off the bench as well on the offensive end who should be even more threatening with a few more games under their belt.

On balance, a very fair result.  I would expect both teams to have very good seasons.  Both look hungry and both have very good, very experienced coaches.  Good atmosphere but the crowd was not raucous by any stretch.  Didn't see a big advantage for Wheaton in that regard, and Wes had its own sizeable contingent of supporters.  Played on a turf field (not the usual Wheaton field) and not sure who that favored.  I would go see both of these teams play again.

A random observation.  If you looked blindly at Wheaton's roster you easily could mistake it for a NESCAC roster.  Good diversity with a good number of kids from prep backgrounds.  Cushing has a lot of players from New York and NYC.  Very impressed with the quality and range of his recruiting, and in terms of racial mix Wheaton appears significantly more diverse than Wes which I found interesting.  Which led to a random thought that (even though this will never happen) Wheaton would not be a bad addition to the NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC2424 on September 14, 2014, 11:36:23 AM
Conn will roll 3-0 over Amherst on Wed.  Mark it down.

Completely unlucky against Midd.  Outclassed them in every way. Devlin due for huge game- just like Murrales was yesterday.  Huge year for the Camels.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 14, 2014, 01:33:32 PM
Quote from: CAC2424 on September 14, 2014, 11:36:23 AM
Conn will roll 3-0 over Amherst on Wed.  Mark it down.

Completely unlucky against Midd.  Outclassed them in every way. Devlin due for huge game- just like Murrales was yesterday.  Huge year for the Camels.
Cac2424 like your enthusiasm for the camels and they did outplay Mid but unless they can score they will have trouble. Oh and by the way last I heard Amherst is pretty good.  Devlin is good player as is Mutala and I like Kerrs creativity as I do Garabedian down the left side.  Hopefully Bitchell can come back but they need to score and Lord Jeffs will be ready. Should be another good game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on September 14, 2014, 01:43:46 PM
Quote from: CAC2424 on September 14, 2014, 11:36:23 AM
Conn will roll 3-0 over Amherst on Wed.  Mark it down.

Completely unlucky against Midd.  Outclassed them in every way. Devlin due for huge game- just like Murrales was yesterday.  Huge year for the Camels.
Too bad the game is at Conn.  Their video broadcast is awful.  The players are the size of insects and you can rarely see the ball.  They have a terrible camera angle and can't zoom in at all.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC2424 on September 14, 2014, 02:11:57 PM
Babson all over Williams in first half.  Goal could come any moment,
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC2424 on September 14, 2014, 02:13:24 PM
Boom.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 14, 2014, 02:26:51 PM
Soccer games at Conn are in the center of campus...not down towards the athletic  fields.  It's the Camels only football.  Nice location.  School needs to put some resources towards their coverage,IMO.
Will help in their recruitment in the long run.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 14, 2014, 02:43:33 PM
Quote from: maineman on September 14, 2014, 01:43:46 PM
Quote from: CAC2424 on September 14, 2014, 11:36:23 AM
Conn will roll 3-0 over Amherst on Wed.  Mark it down.

Completely unlucky against Midd.  Outclassed them in every way. Devlin due for huge game- just like Murrales was yesterday.  Huge year for the Camels.
Too bad the game is at Conn.  Their video broadcast is awful.  The players are the size of insects and you can rarely see the ball.  They have a terrible camera angle and can't zoom in at all.

I agree. Was really looking forward to this game and tried watching for awhile but it was unwatchable due to the Conn broadcast from one camera angle the entire game (with no sound). I enjoyed the HD broadcast of Bates - Hamilton (I reluctantly agree with this board that Bates is in for another long season) and the surprisingly competitive and entertaining Tufts - Colby game (Colby has basically the same players, but  plays like a different team - kudos to the coaching staff). Looked forward to watching the Wesleyan-Wheaton game but wife threatened divorce so missed that one.  Sounds like it was all it was expected to be.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 14, 2014, 02:45:31 PM
Quote from: CAC2424 on September 14, 2014, 11:36:23 AM
Conn will roll 3-0 over Amherst on Wed.  Mark it down.

Completely unlucky against Midd.  Outclassed them in every way. Devlin due for huge game- just like Murrales was yesterday.  Huge year for the Camels.

I like your passion and enthusiasm for Conn but there is 0.0% chance of your prediction coming true. This is Amherst we're talking about. I expect Amherst to pull this out in a brawl.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC2424 on September 14, 2014, 03:27:35 PM
Final in Williamstown.  Babson looked good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 14, 2014, 05:59:42 PM
Babson was sh*t...10 men behind the ball, they might have had 3 shots on net all day. Williams did look extremely tired.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 14, 2014, 06:02:49 PM
Conn has had an edge against Amherst the past 5 years or so. They have beaten them a couple times down at Conn and played them to a dogfight last year in Amherst. I watched Conn v Midd and was impressed by Conn up until the final 3rd. Amherst will be without Nico Pascuel and have traveled all over new england the past few weeks. My guess is they still pull it out
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on September 14, 2014, 06:15:59 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 14, 2014, 05:59:42 PM
Babson was sh*t...10 men behind the ball, they might have had 3 shots on net all day. Williams did look extremely tired.

Despite the 3-1 final score, Williams did had a tough match against Trinity on Saturday.
It was a battle, and there is little doubt the poor conditions (rain, wet field) took it's toll too.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 14, 2014, 06:25:15 PM
Wesleyan at Tufts mid-week should be interesting.  Wes also has away games at Williams and Midd later in the season.  Tough schedule, but would be refreshing to see Wes, Midd, or Tufts came out on top this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 14, 2014, 06:32:05 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 14, 2014, 05:59:42 PM
Babson was sh*t...10 men behind the ball, they might have had 3 shots on net all day. Williams did look extremely tired.

Williams also had only 3 shots on goal.  Babson has now beaten Williams 3 of the last 5 times they have played.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC2424 on September 14, 2014, 06:40:19 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 14, 2014, 05:59:42 PM
Babson was sh*t...10 men behind the ball, they might have had 3 shots on net all day. Williams did look extremely tired.

I was talking about the game that was played this afternoon.  Did the Babson goalie even have to make any saves?

I knew LaPaz and nescac1 wouldn't be happy but give credit where credit is due!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 14, 2014, 07:29:27 PM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on September 14, 2014, 06:15:59 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 14, 2014, 05:59:42 PM
Babson was sh*t...10 men behind the ball, they might have had 3 shots on net all day. Williams did look extremely tired.

Despite the 3-1 final score, Williams did had a tough match against Trinity on Saturday.
It was a battle, and there is little doubt the poor conditions (rain, wet field) took it's toll too.

If we accept the fatigue excuse at face value, it does not bode well for Williams in the conference tournament or in the NCAA (if they make it) given the back to back games necessary in each to advance.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 14, 2014, 08:58:27 PM
La Paz - Thoughts on Russo's replacement at Williams?  I had hoped for Dan Calichman but with the news that he's headed for Toronto FC, that appears unlikely although with the short longevity of MLS coaches, you never know. I saw him a few years ago and he always spoke fondly of Williams and said he missed the four seasons.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 14, 2014, 10:10:29 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 14, 2014, 08:58:27 PM
La Paz - Thoughts on Russo's replacement at Williams?  I had hoped for Dan Calichman but with the news that he's headed for Toronto FC, that appears unlikely although with the short longevity of MLS coaches, you never know. I saw him a few years ago and he always spoke fondly of Williams and said he missed the four seasons.

Fatigue in Nescac tournament and NCAA's is different for the most part as 2 teams are playing two equally tough teams. Williams played Trinity and Babson played the almighty Lesley. Shame on Russo for scheduling them like this. My guess is the new coach will drop Babson all together so 3 out of 5 is done. Babson had good teams with Anderson's son up top(which is how they beat Williams the other two times) but today's Babson is not nearly as good.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 14, 2014, 10:24:35 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 14, 2014, 08:58:27 PM
La Paz - Thoughts on Russo's replacement at Williams?  I had hoped for Dan Calichman but with the news that he's headed for Toronto FC, that appears unlikely although with the short longevity of MLS coaches, you never know. I saw him a few years ago and he always spoke fondly of Williams and said he missed the four seasons.
My guess is Calichman might still be in the running. Who is to say that he will like being an assistant. Wonder what Fran O'Leary is doing right now?
Sullivan is the other top name. The Williams alum and current WNEC coach while more a descendant of Masur at St.John's(he was asst there for a few years) than Russo, he is the perfect age and at a time in his career to move on to better jobs. Sullivan is well liked at WNEC though and he does have family and $$ to consider.

Let us not forget when Amherst opened up in 2007 they low balled the $$$ and it took a lot of decent candidates out of the running. Side note they actually asked Sullivan to interview then but he declined.

Eric Watson will garner an interview. 1997 Williams alum and former head coach at Linfield, SUNY New Paltz, and Utica.

Ur slew of over the age of 55 candidates, D1 retreads, fired coaches, Brits, and HS coaches will apply and waste the money on a postage stamp.

I am sure Russo will have a say on his replacement one way or another
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 15, 2014, 09:29:25 AM
I had always figured Sullivan was the favorite (and I'd be pretty surprised if Williams ends up paying him less than WNEC, but stranger thing have happened), he's done a lot at WNEC with a much smaller recruiting pool than he would have to work with at Williams, and I think that's only more the case now, since Watson has moved out of coaching and Calichman has moved to MLS, so I'm not sure how interested either would be.  Any of the three would be great picks, and with so many Ephs who have had careers in soccer, I do hope they keep this job in the Russo / Williams family barring just a crazy unexpected ace candidate. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 15, 2014, 09:31:48 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 14, 2014, 10:24:35 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 14, 2014, 08:58:27 PM
My guess is Calichman might still be in the running. Who is to say that he will like being an assistant. Wonder what Fran O'Leary is doing right now?
Sullivan is the other top name. The Williams alum and current WNEC coach while more a descendant of Masur at St.John's(he was asst there for a few years) than Russo, he is the perfect age and at a time in his career to move on to better jobs. Sullivan is well liked at WNEC though and he does have family and $$ to consider.

Let us not forget when Amherst opened up in 2007 they low balled the $$$ and it took a lot of decent candidates out of the running. Side note they actually asked Sullivan to interview then but he declined.

Eric Watson will garner an interview. 1997 Williams alum and former head coach at Linfield, SUNY New Paltz, and Utica.

Ur slew of over the age of 55 candidates, D1 retreads, fired coaches, Brits, and HS coaches will apply and waste the money on a postage stamp.

I am sure Russo will have a say on his replacement one way or another

Thanks for your thoughts. As usual, your comment is mixed with good intel and humor. I enjoyed your second to last sentence mixing Brits with fired coaches and HS coaches.  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CAC2424 on September 15, 2014, 09:37:48 AM
Hey LaPaz, any idea if Derek Russo would be a candidate?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 15, 2014, 10:14:10 AM
Quote from: CAC2424 on September 14, 2014, 11:36:23 AM
Conn will roll 3-0 over Amherst on Wed.  Mark it down.

Completely unlucky against Midd.  Outclassed them in every way. Devlin due for huge game- just like Murrales was yesterday.  Huge year for the Camels.

Not exactly "in every way." There's the ole "put-the-ball-in-the-back-of-the-net category" in which the Camels came up short.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 15, 2014, 01:00:07 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 15, 2014, 10:14:10 AM
Quote from: CAC2424 on September 14, 2014, 11:36:23 AM
Conn will roll 3-0 over Amherst on Wed.  Mark it down.

Completely unlucky against Midd.  Outclassed them in every way. Devlin due for huge game- just like Murrales was yesterday.  Huge year for the Camels.

Not exactly "in every way." There's the ole "put-the-ball-in-the-back-of-the-net category" in which the Camels came up short.

Touche Bucket.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 15, 2014, 04:57:55 PM
Quote from: CAC2424 on September 15, 2014, 09:37:48 AM
Hey LaPaz, any idea if Derek Russo would be a candidate?

As much a shot as learning dignity, class and sportsmanship from Justin Serpone and Derek Shea.

I suppose I could go into full detail on every single incident that Amherst has had in the 8 years since Serpone took over, but people are not interested in this kind of stuff. Let's talk about the upcoming games
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 15, 2014, 06:44:06 PM
Bowdoin v Bates-   2-0          Both teams need a win in the worst way. Bowdoin the better team and will win this one. I predict Bates clamps down on defense with 10 behind the ball to try to earn itself a draw. I do not think they get a goal in this game making it 5 games without a goal. What is more likely to happen? Bates scoring a goal or Bowdoin playing everyone on their bench
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 15, 2014, 06:49:42 PM
LaPaz, what do foresee with Wes vs Tufts, Amherst vs Conn, and then Williams vs Amherst?  I'm sensing that Williams and Amherst are still good but perhaps a half-notch down from last year while Wes, Midd, and Tufts are a half-notch better (although I am taking a wait and see approach with Tufts based on what we've already mentioned).  If somewhat accurate, do all 5 of these teams meet somewhere in the middle, and can one of the latter 3 supplant the former?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 15, 2014, 07:09:31 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 15, 2014, 06:49:42 PM
LaPaz, what do foresee with Wes vs Tufts, Amherst vs Conn, and then Williams vs Amherst?  I'm sensing that Williams and Amherst are still good but perhaps a half-notch down from last year while Wes, Midd, and Tufts are a half-notch better (although I am taking a wait and see approach with Tufts based on what we've already mentioned).  If somewhat accurate, do all 5 of these teams meet somewhere in the middle, and can one of the latter 3 supplant the former?

Possibly...BTW excellent recap of Wes and Wheaton. I was looking forward to watching that game online but there was no stream. A lot of factors for your scenario. 

1. Without Rashid can Williams score goals against tough opponents? They are going to need Muralles and Madding to score more than ever this year. They need Westling back on the field.

2. I agree with you as I just do not think Wesleyan has the firepower to score goals consistently. However, this Wesleyan team reminds me of Wesleyan in 2009 when they lost to Univ Rochester in the sweet 16 at Messiah and were leading I believe at the half. The only difference is this Wesleyan team might be deeper but they do not have Purdy in goal. I am not a believer in McConnell as of yet.

3. I really like this Tufts team. I like how they have played so far. They have firepower all over the field and have depth. I Like Greenwood in goal even though I wish he was an inch or two taller. My only issue with them is that physical teams have tended to bother them in the past and out muscle them, can they get a bit more physical without losing there style.

4. Amherst looks good so far. Even though Bull has given up 2 soft goals already, he is the best goalie in Nescac by two times over. With him in net, Amherst can afford to struggle offensively this year and get away with it. I will say it again after Conn, Tufts and Williams their tough games are done.  2W and a D or 2 Draws and a W might get it done. They will still have to play Wesleyan but WNEC is not as good and they always toast Trinity. The rest is cake.

5. Wildcard is Midd. If they beat Bowdoin at home and can beat Williams away, they could do it. I like the new goalie and this kid Horton in midfield is a suprise. Only question mark is their D.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 15, 2014, 08:22:55 PM
Nice job LaPaz.

As I suggested in the Wheaton recap, Wesleyan had a couple of subs, a soph and a frosh, who I think will help them offensively.  Does Wes always play with just one striker?  I think they have the talent to score so I will be curious to see how the next few games go.

To piggyback on your comments about Tufts, I think the question is how fragile are they going to be.  Beyond whether their style will be impact by more physicality, will they also be able to respond and still keep their cool.  And how together is the going to be, and how much will they fight for each other when faced with some diversity?

Bull really is a difference maker.  I'm surprised with such a stout defense that they have been so anemic offensively.  And why did the Amherst kid get a red card?

Is Westling injured?

One thing I didn't mention in the Wheaton-Wesleyan post is that it was surprising that there were no glaring errors in 110 minutes.  It was raining, the ball was often wet and slick, and the field was a bit slippery in the conditions.  I kept expecting a mistake from one of the GKs but none came, and both had to make some tough plays.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 15, 2014, 09:28:34 PM
Wesleyan has played a 4-5-1 and a 4-4-1-1 for a long time.  They usually leave that striker up top isolated and basically sit with 6 and attack with 4. Their 4 are cagey when attacking and sneak up you even when you feel like you are outplaying Wesleyan.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 16, 2014, 01:14:12 PM
AMan,
Agree with much of your report. I would add that Amherst seemed more interested than usual to keep the ball on the ground in the early stages and then both teams seem to tire late and started launching it. Amherst looks good when they pass and move, much like Bowdoin did in the first half when they played the ball quickly and deftly around the box (after by-passing midfield entirely). Bowdoin finished in a flurry typical of a team running out of time but did not penetrate until the direct kick at the top of the 18 (which Bull rejected convincingly--an important touch for him to answer any shakiness he may have exhibited earlier). I thought the 1-0 win for the Jeffs was a fair result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 17, 2014, 02:36:12 PM
Tufts v Wesleyan-  2-0      I think Tufts will have more chances but not sure they will capitalize. Wesleyan is at the disadvantage with the mid-week road game but they will clamp down.  All said I feel Tufts is the better team and should win the game.

Conn v Amherst-    0-0      Conn has proven in the past they can win this game. Amherst has not looked as sharp and has been road weary lately. Amherst at the disadvantage with the road travel mid week. This game was a battle last year and ended 0-0, I am expecting more of the same.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on September 17, 2014, 03:40:22 PM
Caught the 2nd half and OTs of the Bowdoin-Bates match up yesterday.  Not even sure how to describe this one other than to say that Bowdoin avoided what could have been a very painful loss, even a tie would have felt like a loss.  Not sure about the first half, but for the 2nd half and beyond Bowdoin had many more opportunities but they just didn't capitalize.  A couple open looks from inside the box that guys sent sailing over the crossbar even though they had time.  This game could have easily been 4-1 in regulation.  Both goalies made some nice saves near the end to stretch the game out as far as possible. 

As for Bates, I really didn't understand what they were trying to do.  With the exception of a few minutes here and there they just kept bombing the ball out of the back even when they had no intended target.  They'd relieve the pressure for 10 seconds and then Bowdoin would be right back on top of them.  I'd understand that a little bit if it was under duress but at least 30-40% of the time they didn't have anybody within 20-30 ft of them.  They didn't even look to move it out of the back and establish some ball control, they just kept bombing away.  Out of pure luck they happened to get one down the middle to Knoth who avoided the defenders and made a great chip over Safian. Their first goal of the year and if they keep giving it right back to the opposing team every time we might have to wait awhile to see #2. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on September 17, 2014, 05:36:00 PM
In a completely pedantic post, anybody know how the NESCAC scoreboard works?  Is it a feed sent in from schools?  Just asking because it was bizarre to see 3 games at halftime but each was different on how that was shown.  One was (1st Half - 00:00), another was (Half), and the other said (Halftime).  Seems odd that it wouldn't be consistent across games on the same site.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacCaptain on September 17, 2014, 06:56:32 PM
Caught the Tufts vs Wesleyan game. A hard fought battle on both sides but 1-0 in OT to Tufts a fair result. Wesleyan had their moments, creating 2 or 3 very dangerous opportunities but Tufts certainly had the better of the play with 21 shots and 5 or 6 clear goal-scoring opportunities.

A midfield battle for a large part of the game, but things opened up towards the end of the second half. Tufts pressed hard in the first OT and finally got one on a perfect corner to the back post from Pinheiro that Patel headed home.

Wesleyan could have stolen a point or even 3 here, but instead Tufts pushes the winning streak to 5. Will be interested to see if they can handle Brandeis on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on September 17, 2014, 07:28:03 PM
Not a great webcam view looking directly into the sun the 2nd half but looked like the Wes goalie made some great saves late in the match. Defintely would have gotten the game ball had they held on for the point.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 17, 2014, 08:54:01 PM
Amherst wins in New London, CT...1-0.  No video  Believe the recap is on the Amherst website for those interested.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 17, 2014, 10:09:21 PM
Quote from: CacCaptain on September 17, 2014, 06:56:32 PM
Caught the Tufts vs Wesleyan game. A hard fought battle on both sides but 1-0 in OT to Tufts a fair result. Wesleyan had their moments, creating 2 or 3 very dangerous opportunities but Tufts certainly had the better of the play with 21 shots and 5 or 6 clear goal-scoring opportunities.

A midfield battle for a large part of the game, but things opened up towards the end of the second half. Tufts pressed hard in the first OT and finally got one on a perfect corner to the back post from Pinheiro that Patel headed home.

Wesleyan could have stolen a point or even 3 here, but instead Tufts pushes the winning streak to 5. Will be interested to see if they can handle Brandeis on Saturday.

I also caught the game on video. Very good game but the angle of the sun into the camera made some viewing hard. It was a close score and game but Tufts had more chances. Santos and Kayne peppered the Wesleyan goaltender McConnell in OT but he made some great saves.  It was a beautiful header by Patel....A good game representative of the tough NESCAC competition.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 18, 2014, 12:32:01 PM
Quote from: amh63 on September 17, 2014, 08:54:01 PM
Amherst wins in New London, CT...1-0.  No video  Believe the recap is on the Amherst website for those interested.

Conn vs. Amherst game was a tale of two halves.  First half Conn looked awful and completely out of sorts and Amherst dominated, but Amherst's goal was the softest goal you will ever see.  Great long throw into the box which Conn's defense let hit the ground (why?) and then no one, and I mean no one on conn defense went to clear the ball and Amherst player easily took two  steps and easily kicked it in.  Amherst is not the  juggernaut of two years ago and not as good as last year as they are young and will get better each game, but they are still a very good team, big and fast and surprisingly playing the ball on the ground.  Conn in the first half tactically (why?) tried to play the long ball over the top which played right into Amherst's strength as they were much bigger than Conn and Conn had zero possession.   Amherst had only one other good scoring opportunity in 1st half and Conn's keeper made a great save.  He also made three great saves in the 2nd half to keep  them in the game.  2nd half Conn decided to play soccer and kept the ball on the ground and played much better, actually playing a possession game, but Amherst keeper Bull (tremendous player) came up big twice.  2nd half was pretty even with a slight edge to Conn as they put Amherst under a lot of pressure the last 20 minutes, but too little too late.  It could've been 0 to 0, but it also could have been 3-0 Amherst if not for the Conn goalie.  Don't know why Conn tried to play the long ball against a bigger team in the first half as that is not Conn's strength....they need to keep the ball on the ground and move it around because they will not be able to out physical a team like Amherst in the air.  Different Amherst team this year, but still very good and with Bull in net they will be in every game and likely win most.  Big game for Amherst coming up with Williams (if I read the schedule right).  Conn has to travel to Hamilton and will have their hands full if they play like they did in the first half.  If they play like they did vs Midd and 2nd half vs Amherst then perhaps they can get a win, but they need to keep the ball on the ground and somehow find a way to score a goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on September 18, 2014, 12:59:45 PM
Quote from: arkman on September 17, 2014, 11:41:23 PM
Suprised to hear the high praise of McConnell, he looked VERY shaky when I saw him okay earlier in the season, giving up questionable rebounds and looking suspect on crosses. Glad to see he's coming around.

He played well.  Greenwood was the one that had a shaky play that almost cost Tufts the game.  Decided to charge a ball at the far edge of the box and came up about 5 ft short. Wes player got the shot off and directly on goal but didn't put enough on it and a Tufts player was able to clear it before it reached the goal line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 18, 2014, 01:19:51 PM
I thought Tufts was the better team on the day, but Wesleyan had one opportunity to steal the game and did not capitalize. The first half literally put me to sleep( Sometimes I wonder if that is Wesleyan's game plan) but the 2nd half and OT was exciting and Tufts could have won the game 3-0 if not for some stellar goalkeeping by McConnell. Great header to win it. Tufts deserved it. Sidenote---The ref Bahji Salmon who also does D1 games was a nightmare. He has gotten so out of shape and has such a ego and was barely keeping up with the play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 18, 2014, 01:41:51 PM
Predictions Sat 9-20-2014:

Amherst v Williams- 1-0   Amherst is not quite as dangerous as last year and is struggling to score goals, but so is the whole league. Amherst has an edge against Williams in the regular season and this is their home opener. Williams after a lackluster performance against Babson should be well rested. Amherst has been travelling for 2 weeks and at some point you figure this will hit them. I feel if Amherst can shut down Muralles, Williams will have a tough time scoring on Bull. Alcorn has still not been tested enough in goal for Williams for me to believe he will not be nervous in this game. Both teams will have there chances but I think Amherst gets a goal on a set piece and will win.

Hamilton v Conn-  1-2   Hamilton has played well to start the year, but has not played anyone of significance yet. They play well at home and will try to come out and score against Conn. Conn needs a win and cannot afford to sit in a shell and whack long balls( Someone said they did this against Amherst). They are skilled enough with O'Brien, Mutala and Weller Himenez( noticed he played against Amherst) to build a quality attack.

Bates v Wesleyan- 0-2     Wesleyan is struggling offensively and are a road weary team right now. Perfect time to play Bates. Wesleyan should be able to break that scoreless streak here and get rolling again. I feel like Wesleyan has about 13-15 of the same type of players, which allows for depth and subbing but does not allow for dangerous chances throughout the game. They need to capitalize on the chances that they get and will do so at Bates. I see Issiroff and Bravo getting goals.

Trinity v Colby- 1-0      I think Colby is playing much more organized defensively then I have seen them play in years. The problem is they are still anemic on offense. Trinity is better than there 0-1-1 conference record suggests. They have a mix of skill, toughness and speed. I like this team as a sleeper later on in the season.

Brandeis v Tufts- 1-2    Tufts is for real and for some reason I feel they will play exceptionally well on Brandeis' turf. Brandeis is a bit overrated and has beaten no one yet. 5-0 against Hobart is impressive but Tufts will give them a game. Tufts will get up for this one and if they get by them and MIT later on the week, we will have a HUGE showdown with Tufts v Amherst next weekend that could decide the league. 

Midd v Bowdoin-  0-0   Ping-pong match. More goals or injuries in this one?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 19, 2014, 10:55:07 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 18, 2014, 01:41:51 PM
Predictions Sat 9-20-2014:

Amherst v Williams- 1-0   Amherst is not quite as dangerous as last year and is struggling to score goals, but so is the whole league. Amherst has an edge against Williams in the regular season and this is their home opener. Williams after a lackluster performance against Babson should be well rested. Amherst has been travelling for 2 weeks and at some point you figure this will hit them. I feel if Amherst can shut down Muralles, Williams will have a tough time scoring on Bull. Alcorn has still not been tested enough in goal for Williams for me to believe he will not be nervous in this game. Both teams will have there chances but I think Amherst gets a goal on a set piece and will win.

Hamilton v Conn-  1-2   Hamilton has played well to start the year, but has not played anyone of significance yet. They play well at home and will try to come out and score against Conn. Conn needs a win and cannot afford to sit in a shell and whack long balls( Someone said they did this against Amherst). They are skilled enough with O'Brien, Mutala and Weller Himenez( noticed he played against Amherst) to build a quality attack.

Bates v Wesleyan- 0-2     Wesleyan is struggling offensively and are a road weary team right now. Perfect time to play Bates. Wesleyan should be able to break that scoreless streak here and get rolling again. I feel like Wesleyan has about 13-15 of the same type of players, which allows for depth and subbing but does not allow for dangerous chances throughout the game. They need to capitalize on the chances that they get and will do so at Bates. I see Issiroff and Bravo getting goals.

Trinity v Colby- 1-0      I think Colby is playing much more organized defensively then I have seen them play in years. The problem is they are still anemic on offense. Trinity is better than there 0-1-1 conference record suggests. They have a mix of skill, toughness and speed. I like this team as a sleeper later on in the season.

Brandeis v Tufts- 1-2    Tufts is for real and for some reason I feel they will play exceptionally well on Brandeis' turf. Brandeis is a bit overrated and has beaten no one yet. 5-0 against Hobart is impressive but Tufts will give them a game. Tufts will get up for this one and if they get by them and MIT later on the week, we will have a HUGE showdown with Tufts v Amherst next weekend that could decide the league. 

Midd v Bowdoin-  0-0   Ping-pong match. More goals or injuries in this one?
LaPaz,
Great job with these forecasts, always with a keen insight into NESCAC soccer and IMHO always objective on both positive and negatives WRT this conference +k !!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 19, 2014, 01:02:10 PM
LaPaz, I understand your instinct on Tufts @ Brandeis and you may well be right.  This is an interesting one to me.  Brandeis needs to win this one (more than Tufts does), mostly to get them over a psychological hurdle if they find themselves vs NESCAC teams at the round of 32, sweet 16 and/or elite 8 stages.  In theory one would think playing all of the UAA teams would be good prep for going against top NESCAC foes in the tournament, but I think there is something about clearing the mental hurdle against noted rivals in your own region, so for that reason getting a result or results against Rochester, Emory, Wash U, etc may not entirely translate.  And from a fan's point of view, I don't think we really know how a Williams would do vs a OWU or a Tufts or Brandeis against a Kenyon, Amherst vs a Loras, Wesleyan or Midd vs a Wheaton (Ill) or Hope, and also why I wish we saw these kind of matchups occasionally in the early season when many teams tend to travel a bit....or like some Centennials vs NESCACs or some Liberty League's vs a few NCAC's, etc.

BTW, I think Wheaton (MA) has a similar dynamic to Brandeis in terms of getting over hurdles in anticipation of a tourney run.  I could see Wheaton getting a huge win against some out of region power but having a harder psychological time getting past an Amherst or Williams.  It just takes one or two breakthrough games, though, to get past that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 19, 2014, 01:18:06 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 19, 2014, 01:02:10 PM
LaPaz, I understand your instinct on Tufts @ Brandeis and you may well be right.  This is an interesting one to me.  Brandeis needs to win this one (more than Tufts does), mostly to get them over a psychological hurdle if they find themselves vs NESCAC teams at the round of 32, sweet 16 and/or elite 8 stages.  In theory one would think playing all of the UAA teams would be good prep for going against top NESCAC foes in the tournament, but I think there is something about clearing the mental hurdle against noted rivals in your own region, so for that reason getting a result or results against Rochester, Emory, Wash U, etc may not entirely translate.  And from a fan's point of view, I don't think we really know how a Williams would do vs a OWU or a Tufts or Brandeis against a Kenyon, Amherst vs a Loras, Wesleyan or Midd vs a Wheaton (Ill) or Hope, and also why I wish we saw these kind of matchups occasionally in the early season when many teams tend to travel a bit....or like some Centennials vs NESCACs or some Liberty League's vs a few NCAC's, etc.

BTW, I think Wheaton (MA) has a similar dynamic to Brandeis in terms of getting over hurdles in anticipation of a tourney run.  I could see Wheaton getting a huge win against some out of region power but having a harder psychological time getting past an Amherst or Williams.  It just takes one or two breakthrough games, though, to get past that.

Good point regarding Brandeis and Wheaton.  I believe you are spot on, however this may be the year both Brandeis and Wheaton break through as they both have talented teams this year who have been in the mix and tournament the past few years and may be ready to make their mark against the NESCAC and others.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 19, 2014, 01:59:35 PM
Bowdoin 0 Midd 1

Bowdoin has been struggling as of late (OT against Bates). Midd's sophomore's do not appear to be in any sort of slump. This game is going to be very direct on a field that is way too big for that. It's going to be ugly.

Conn 1 Hamilton 0

Conn seems to be a legit 4th or 5th this year. Hamilton hasn't proven anything yet to me.

Wesleyan 2 Bates 0

Bates, you had your chance in the middle of the week to get a lucky point against a sleepy Bowdoin team. Doubt they sniff the goal here.

Colby 1 Trinity 1

Haven't seen or heard much about either team so far.  So just going off that each team has been fairly easily beaten by Williams, I'll call it a tie.

Williams 0 Amherst 0

The million door question: is the ball in the air or on the ground more? Any of the NESCAC bball commentators want to make a line? Think Amherst dictates the play here but will continue their offensive struggles. Williams will get their chances but Bull is too good to let in anymore shaky goals this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 20, 2014, 04:56:44 PM
Amherst beats Williams at Home...4-1.  It was 2-1 at the half, Amherst.  Both schools start to clear their bench late in the 2nd.  Surprisingly, Williams changed its goalie first in the 2nd...to a freshman, while Amherst went to a senior much later.  Expect two more encounter this season in the conference between the arch rivals.  Saw only the 2nd half..but it seems Amherst got behind the Ephs to easily.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 20, 2014, 08:37:24 PM
According to the recap, this 4-1 drubbing is historic in the Jeffs v Ephs story. Not since 1933 has Williams let in 4 Amherst tallies. The regular season rivalry has belonged to The Jeffs since Serpone took office. It'll be interesting, as usual, to see if the NCAA picture will focus in the Jeffs' favor this year. Meanwhile Amherst can enjoy this solid and comfortable victory.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 20, 2014, 11:52:02 PM
Quote from: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 19, 2014, 01:59:35 PM
Bowdoin 0 Midd 1

Bowdoin has been struggling as of late (OT against Bates). Midd's sophomore's do not appear to be in any sort of slump. This game is going to be very direct on a field that is way too big for that. It's going to be ugly.

Conn 1 Hamilton 0

Conn seems to be a legit 4th or 5th this year. Hamilton hasn't proven anything yet to me.

Wesleyan 2 Bates 0[/b


Report on Conn Vs Hamilton on a beautiful but very windy day in Cinton NY. Tale of two halves. Hamilton had the wind in first half and had the edge but no good scoring g opportunities. Conn was awarded a PK in 1st half as Mutala was taken down in the box from behind (easy and correct pk call) but Hamilton keeper made the pk SAVE---HUGE.  2nd half Conn had the wind and controlled the play. Conn had a few good chances but Hamilton keeper played well.  With 2 minutes to play on Conn corner kick Garabedian placed a tremendous service onto Punt's head pretty goal from set piece. Not a pretty game but both teams competed well. Mutala and Devlin played well up front fir Conn while Flippen Punt and Garabedian played well in back.  For Hamilton Kraynak and Geslin played well up front and Reynolds and keeper played well in back. I was impressed with Hamilton.  They will be in every game this year. Conn has big week coming up with Coast Guard on Tuesday and Williams on Saturday.





WilliCAC bball commentators want to mawill continue their offensive struggles. Williams will get their chances but Bull is too good to let in anymore shaky goals this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 21, 2014, 07:47:24 AM
Quote from: amh63 on September 20, 2014, 04:56:44 PM
Amherst beats Williams at Home...4-1.  It was 2-1 at the half, Amherst.  Both schools start to clear their bench late in the 2nd.  Surprisingly, Williams changed its goalie first in the 2nd...to a freshman, while Amherst went to a senior much later.  Expect two more encounter this season in the conference between the arch rivals.  Saw only the 2nd half..but it seems Amherst got behind the Ephs to easily.   
amh63,
Tuned into LJ/Williams match yesterday.  Broadcast was really well done, (video looks to have been taken from opposite side of pitch vs previous years), excellent video quality on the stream, and great camera work!! 
The Lord Jeffs had a decided advantage yesterday, with Pascual-Leone and Martin looking very comfortable and technically competent on the ball.  Justin Aoyama looks to be a very good young player. Thomas Bull... well was Thomas Bull!!! Barring any injuries this year, it looks as if Amherst will comfortably breeze to another NESCAC title and into NCAAs, as I see the LJ just getting even better as the season progresses
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 21, 2014, 08:25:13 AM
Sunday's Heroes and Zeroes:

Heroes:

1. Amherst- They are the team to beat in New England and have been instilling fear into opponents in New England since 2010. Hmm I remember when Williams used to do that. They finished their chances yesterday and were better on the counter attack than Williams was.

2. Zach Punt- Excellent GW goal and near post run on a corner kick in the 88th minute. No better feeling than that and helped Conn enjoy that 6 hour bus ride.

3. Greg Sydor- Another nescac shutout in the books.

4. Adam Glaser- No sophomore slump here. He has picked up where he left off last year and is finishing his chances.

5. Christopher Martin- Excellent game from him yesterday looking dangerous in attack and finishing his chances. His speed was causing Williams backline problems all day. Also, excellent pressure on Williams D' causing a couple giveaways

6. Hamilton announcers- Funny, entertaining, knowledgeable.

Zeroes:

1. Williams- They had their chances but could not finish them. My biggest worry for them is they looked "soft". They were pulling out of tackles and not running thru the ball. Their backline looked unsure of themselves and were making some mistakes under high pressure. They will improve but their schedule ahead looks a bit daunting.

2. Tufts- They went to the Williams' school of finishing last night. They had a couple golden opportunities to score but shot wide, shot high or shot at the Brandeis' Keeper. They have a tougher schedule ahead than Williams.

3. Brandeis video stream- I sat thru 80 uneventful minutes of Brandeis v Tufts and then the stream freezes. Missed Brandeis' 2 goals.

4. Bates- 25-3 shots against. 3 SHOTS. Thank god Newbury is on the schedule.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 21, 2014, 08:27:49 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 21, 2014, 08:25:13 AM
Sunday's Heroes and Zeroes:

Heroes:

1. Amherst- They are the team to beat in New England and have been instilling fear into opponents in New England since 2010. Hmm I remember when Williams used to do that. They finished their chances yesterday and were better on the counter attack than Williams was.

2. Zach Punt- Excellent GW goal and near post run on a corner kick in the 88th minute. No better feeling than that and helped Conn enjoy that 6 hour bus ride.

3. Greg Sydor- Another nescac shutout in the books.

4. Adam Glaser- No sophomore slump here. He has picked up where he left off last year and is finishing his chances.

5. Christopher Martin- Excellent game from him yesterday looking dangerous in attack and finishing his chances. His speed was causing Williams backline problems all day. Also, excellent pressure on Williams D' causing a couple giveaways

6. Hamilton announcers- Funny, entertaining, knowledgeable.

Zeroes:

1. Williams- They had their chances but could not finish them. My biggest worry for them is they looked "soft". They were pulling out of tackles and not running thru the ball. Their backline looked unsure of themselves and were making some mistakes under high pressure. They will improve but their schedule ahead looks a bit daunting.

2. Tufts- They went to the Williams' school of finishing last night. They had a couple golden opportunities to score but shot wide, shot high or shot at the Brandeis' Keeper. They have a tougher schedule ahead than Williams.

3. Brandeis video stream- I sat thru 80 uneventful minutes of Brandeis v Tufts and then the stream freezes. Missed Brandeis' 2 goals.

4. Bates- 25-3 shots against. 3 SHOTS. Thank god Newbury is on the schedule.
EXCELLENT!!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 21, 2014, 12:06:39 PM
ECSU...nice to hear from you!  Been reading your post elsewhere.  Hope you and yours are well.
Anyway...yes the young Aoyama is a talent...his older brother was an All-American Pick last year in his senior year.  This year with a longer haircut, he has been playing on the back line.  The Amherst team...a deep team...has been looking for finishers to date.  Glad they broke out yesterday against their arch rival.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 21, 2014, 01:29:38 PM
amh63,
Thanks, right back at you!!
Must be fun to be a LJ alum, ie all the great athletics coming out of Amherst College, (men and women).  Football-Soccer, then Basketball, you really must look forward to Fall/Winter!!!  Class of the NESCAC in my book :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 21, 2014, 08:43:28 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 19, 2014, 01:02:10 PM
LaPaz, I understand your instinct on Tufts @ Brandeis and you may well be right.  This is an interesting one to me.  Brandeis needs to win this one (more than Tufts does), mostly to get them over a psychological hurdle if they find themselves vs NESCAC teams at the round of 32, sweet 16 and/or elite 8 stages.  In theory one would think playing all of the UAA teams would be good prep for going against top NESCAC foes in the tournament, but I think there is something about clearing the mental hurdle against noted rivals in your own region, so for that reason getting a result or results against Rochester, Emory, Wash U, etc may not entirely translate.  And from a fan's point of view, I don't think we really know how a Williams would do vs a OWU or a Tufts or Brandeis against a Kenyon, Amherst vs a Loras, Wesleyan or Midd vs a Wheaton (Ill) or Hope, and also why I wish we saw these kind of matchups occasionally in the early season when many teams tend to travel a bit....or like some Centennials vs NESCACs or some Liberty League's vs a few NCAC's, etc.

BTW, I think Wheaton (MA) has a similar dynamic to Brandeis in terms of getting over hurdles in anticipation of a tourney run.  I could see Wheaton getting a huge win against some out of region power but having a harder psychological time getting past an Amherst or Williams.  It just takes one or two breakthrough games, though, to get past that.

As a Brandeis alum who was at the game, I am glad that they won. However, objectively, it was definitely a competitive game, and I think there's a lot to think about afterwards, particularly after speaking to Coach Coven after the game.

In summary, Tufts was the better team the entire first half, in shots and everything. However, aside from the one Santos chance (which Graffy saved and held) they really didn't ever look like scoring (though the hosts did look like conceding a few times.) Brandeis would have definitely been happier with 0-0 at half.

The second half saw a major shift. Ocel got a left-footer off that worked the 'keeper, before Soboff hit the post and headed wide (probably should have scored) from the subsequent corner. Tufts got in once but Majumder tried to go outside of the boot and missed wide right, which was their best chance of the night. Soon after, Brandeis scored on a corner that Tufts failed to clear, as Soboff sent the ball into the middle where Lynch knocked it home. Tufts had a chance from the kickoff but, aside from that, didn't threaten much the rest of the game, as Savonen hit the post 1-v-1 (his shot rolled along the line before going out) before Vieira iced it 1-v-1 with just over 2 minutes left.

I would say that, on the day, Tufts was probably the better side for more of the game. However, despite being outshot, Brandeis created the better chances: of its six shots, two were goals, two hit the post, one was a sitter that should've been a goal, and one was a great save by Greenwood. Tufts, meanwhile, had the Majumder chance and the chance right after going 1-0 down, but didn't really create any other clear-cut chances.

After the game, Coven made an interesting point that, I think, summarizes up Brandeis' play versus the NESCAC. The top NESCAC teams are, in addition to being highly skilled, very physical and direct. UAA teams, on the other hand, play—generally speaking—more of a possession-based, technical game. Without bringing into the grass vs. turf debate (Brandeis lost at Tufts and at Amherst vs. Williams in the NCAA Tournament,) Brandeis struggled last year with its NESCAC opponents' physicality by trying to play them with their possession-based approach. However, in addition to having the advantage of being on turf last night, Brandeis played a lot more direct in the second half and moved Soboff—who is a skillful yet physical player—from striker to midfield, which ultimately resulted in them creating the better (albeit fewer) chances and winning the game. Regardless, beating Tufts will give Brandeis a big psychological boost.

I know that the outcome of every game is dependent on a number of factors and incidents, but I thought that was an interesting point regarding the quoted post.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 21, 2014, 09:09:17 PM
Interesting post, blooter442. Most NESCACs, and all types of college soccer teams in general, are indeed direct. Your observation about the UAA being possession based is interesting as the one who recruited my son aggressively mentioned his technical skills as being the reason he caught their eye. I don't think he got such feedback from the NESCACs. Not sure this means anything at all, but is interesting to me.

Question for the forum - which NESCAC team is the most possession based in your memory?  This year, as well as the past. Not sure if I see any this year - maybe Tufts, maybe Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 21, 2014, 09:13:42 PM
Great post blooter442.  Excellent analysis.  And given what you wrote and recent NCAA results it is critical that Brandeis figure out a style or compromise (if they can) that gives them a chance if facing a Amherst or Williams or Tufts or Midd down the road.  And I agree with the psychology.  Although perhaps a bit muted knowing that they didn't really outclass Tufts, getting the win is still big.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 22, 2014, 09:32:16 AM
Quote from: Corazon on September 21, 2014, 09:09:17 PM
Interesting post, blooter442. Most NESCACs, and all types of college soccer teams in general, are indeed direct. Your observation about the UAA being possession based is interesting as the one who recruited my son aggressively mentioned his technical skills as being the reason he caught their eye. I don't think he got such feedback from the NESCACs. Not sure this means anything at all, but is interesting to me.

Question for the forum - which NESCAC team is the most possession based in your memory?  This year, as well as the past. Not sure if I see any this year - maybe Tufts, maybe Williams.

Good point and question Corazon.  NESCAC overall definitely plays a more direct style, which I believe is driven  by the coaches.   I know the players would much rather play an on the ground short passing "tica tacka" possession game, but are mostly ordered  to send it long to the forwards or to the corner.  I believe this mostly direct style limits the NESCAC's once they get to the NCAA's as eventually you will run into teams just as big, fast and physical and yet these other teams can also play the possession game and that is when the NESCAC's run into trouble in the NCAA.  I would say for the last four years the most possession oriented team each year was Wesleyan---they like to play soccer and it's a fun game to watch rather than the rugby brawling knock'em over style of most of the rest of the league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 22, 2014, 10:31:54 AM
Quote from: All NESCAC on September 22, 2014, 09:32:16 AM
Quote from: Corazon on September 21, 2014, 09:09:17 PM
Interesting post, blooter442. Most NESCACs, and all types of college soccer teams in general, are indeed direct. Your observation about the UAA being possession based is interesting as the one who recruited my son aggressively mentioned his technical skills as being the reason he caught their eye. I don't think he got such feedback from the NESCACs. Not sure this means anything at all, but is interesting to me.

Question for the forum - which NESCAC team is the most possession based in your memory?  This year, as well as the past. Not sure if I see any this year - maybe Tufts, maybe Williams.

Good point and question Corazon.  NESCAC overall definitely plays a more direct style, which I believe is driven  by the coaches.   I know the players would much rather play an on the ground short passing "tica tacka" possession game, but are mostly ordered  to send it long to the forwards or to the corner.  I believe this mostly direct style limits the NESCAC's once they get to the NCAA's as eventually you will run into teams just as big, fast and physical and yet these other teams can also play the possession game and that is when the NESCAC's run into trouble in the NCAA.  I would say for the last four years the most possession oriented team each year was Wesleyan---they like to play soccer and it's a fun game to watch rather than the rugby brawling knock'em over style of most of the rest of the league.

U people have no clue..the most possession style team for the past 20 years is Williams. what are you watching
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 22, 2014, 10:33:37 AM
If Wesleyan's style is fun to watch, your entertainment value is pretty weak. Wesleyan doesn't whack the ball but they are very defensive and sit 4 to 5 deep in the back. They can put you to sleep on a good day. I am not arguing the results they have had but cmon
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 22, 2014, 11:46:11 AM
Quote from: All NESCAC on September 22, 2014, 09:32:16 AM
Good point and question Corazon.  NESCAC overall definitely plays a more direct style, which I believe is driven  by the coaches.   I know the players would much rather play an on the ground short passing "tica tacka" possession game, but are mostly ordered  to send it long to the forwards or to the corner.  I believe this mostly direct style limits the NESCAC's once they get to the NCAA's as eventually you will run into teams just as big, fast and physical and yet these other teams can also play the possession game and that is when the NESCAC's run into trouble in the NCAA.  I would say for the last four years the most possession oriented team each year was Wesleyan---they like to play soccer and it's a fun game to watch rather than the rugby brawling knock'em over style of most of the rest of the league.

While I will be the first to admit that I don't know a ton about the current NESCAC teams, I very much agree with your sentiment that teams relying too heavily on directness can find themselves outmatched when in the NCAA Tournament. As I previously stated, Brandeis ran into trouble last year in games against Tufts in the regular season and Williams in the NCAAs when trying to play with their default possession-based style, but this year found greater success against Tufts after they started to play direct in the second half of their 2-0 win. Even though Tufts was the better and more physical team for the first hour of this year's game, their lack of incisiveness with the ball in the final third throughout the game resulted in them creating few chances to score, which was exacerbated once Brandeis became more physical; in the second half, the Brandeis players made a conscious effort to play more direct, which, combined with their natural inclination to possess the ball, resulted in them creating the better chances and scoring the goals. Regardless, I recognize that each game is different, and that any team can win on any given day, so this single game is by no means a comprehensive assessment of the relationship between direct play and possession.

As far as which team is most possession-based, I would personally say that, in previous years, Williams was the most possession-based team I saw. However, I haven't seen enough of the NESCAC this year to make an educated statement regarding the current state of the League.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 22, 2014, 12:58:00 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 22, 2014, 10:33:37 AM
If Wesleyan's style is fun to watch, your entertainment value is pretty weak. Wesleyan doesn't whack the ball but they are very defensive and sit 4 to 5 deep in the back. They can put you to sleep on a good day. I am not arguing the results they have had but cmon

LaPaz since my NESCAC history only goes back six years I cannot comment on the Williams teams from 20+ years ago, and bowing to your experience/seniority I'm sure you are correct in your comparison.  That said, over the last 4 or 5 years IMHO Wesleyan plays the most possession oriented on the ground game in the NESCAC.  Is it defensive and counter attacking...sure....can it put you to sleep...perhaps, but that's what a possession style will sometimes do (unless your Barcelona) to both the fan, but also the opponent (leading to those counter attack Wesleyan goals).   Never said they were the best team or the most entertaining/explosive offensively, but Wesleyan plays soccer on the ground and from this fans perspective I'd rather watch that than "bombs away" direct to the forwards and giving away possession.  Wesleyan also allows it's opponent to play the ball on the ground and speaking from the opponent players view point they would rather do that then the direct over the top typical NESCAC offensive style were every ball/long pass is a 50/50 ball.  I wish more teams in the NESCAC would play a more possession oriented skillful (of the mind) on the ground game then the "track meet run you over long ball" which typically goes on each week in the NESCAC.  Not arguing this style gets results, but not my preferred cup of tea.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 22, 2014, 02:18:46 PM
Wesleyan has skilled players in the midfield...Issiroff, Souza, Bravo, etc but heir backs and especially their wing backs are not possessing the ball. They will whack the ball, not as much as the worst culprits(Midd, Amherst, Bowdoin) but under pressure their wingbacks(Toulette, Rubenstein are their weakest link) will whack it. Why else would Wheeler be starting a frosh Chin at wingback..his natural position is striker.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 22, 2014, 03:35:56 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 22, 2014, 02:18:46 PM
Wesleyan has skilled players in the midfield...Issiroff, Souza, Bravo, etc but heir backs and especially their wing backs are not possessing the ball. They will whack the ball, not as much as the worst culprits(Midd, Amherst, Bowdoin) but under pressure their wingbacks(Toulette, Rubenstein are their weakest link) will whack it. Why else would Wheeler be starting a frosh Chin at wingback..his natural position is striker.

Don't disagree.  Perhaps this years Wesleyan addition isn't as skillful on the outside backs as some of their prior teams.  Chin at wingback is getting your better players on the field, and as you know well many high school/club/DAP forwards and attacking mids are slotted to outside back in college for just such reason as they are good on the ball and calm under pressure and able to build some offense out of the back.  Wesleyan is losing some of their back line to graduation next year so they have to start preparing someone back there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 23, 2014, 04:50:42 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on September 22, 2014, 03:35:56 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 22, 2014, 02:18:46 PM
Wesleyan has skilled players in the midfield...Issiroff, Souza, Bravo, etc but heir backs and especially their wing backs are not possessing the ball. They will whack the ball, not as much as the worst culprits(Midd, Amherst, Bowdoin) but under pressure their wingbacks(Toulette, Rubenstein are their weakest link) will whack it. Why else would Wheeler be starting a frosh Chin at wingback..his natural position is striker.

Don't disagree.  Perhaps this years Wesleyan addition isn't as skillful on the outside backs as some of their prior teams.  Chin at wingback is getting your better players on the field, and as you know well many high school/club/DAP forwards and attacking mids are slotted to outside back in college for just such reason as they are good on the ball and calm under pressure and able to build some offense out of the back.  Wesleyan is losing some of their back line to graduation next year so they have to start preparing someone back there.

I would have to say that Tufts or Williams play more possession style, however, Amherst seems to have lately played more possession that usual.  Of course, a lot of that depends on your midfielders and their talents and vision.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 23, 2014, 08:02:12 PM
Bates down 2-0 at half vs Maine Maritime.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 23, 2014, 09:21:19 PM
They are an absolute embarrassment for Nescac. If they go 0-10 in Nescac it might be enough to send Stewart Flaherty packing
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 24, 2014, 03:47:21 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 23, 2014, 08:02:12 PM
Bates down 2-0 at half vs Maine Maritime.
Report on Conn 0 Coast Guard 1.  Same as Middlebry game with the same result.  Conn dominated game and possession yet couldnt score again.  Coast Guard scored on a quick counter attack off a Conn corner as Conn had everyone in the box and service was cleared quickly and long to CG forward who was all by himself and he struck a great shot from 30 yards out and beat the keeper who was caught off his line. This was CGs only scoring opportunity and threat and they scored.  Conn was missing forwards Mutala O'brien and still no Hermoniz yet.  All out for yesterdays game.  Conn is having problems in the final third and somehow has to find a way to score if it somehow wants to get a result vs Williams on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 24, 2014, 04:29:20 PM
MIDWEEK REVIEW

UNE 0 Bowdoin 2

Bowdoin seem to lack some of the toughness seen on previous years, but the winger Jones is a tremendous player.  Pretty standard win that was expected, with lively freshman Di Stefano netting.  I think Di Stefano has a bright future in the conference.

Coast Guard 1 Conn College 0

Very surprising result.  Ken Murphy is a tremendous recruiter and motivator, and I believe every year will see Conn make the break up the league.  Must be disheartening, but expect the Camels to bounce back.   Hilmonaz injured but looked a blaze of energy in the early fall last season.

Colby 2 USM 0

Colby continue the trend of winning out of conference and losing in conference that goes back over 2 years.  From my knowledge, USM is among weaker out of conference foes NESCAC teams face.  Not many players on Colby grab the eye outside of defender Stanton.

Middlebury 3 Colby-Sawyer 0

Watched second half of this game.  Fully believe sophomore forward Glaser is the conference's best player.  Dominant win for a resurgent squad (remember when Saward was finished in some eyes).

RPI 1 Williams 1

Can only imagine this is a good result for RPI, as Williams a good squad despite the surprising Amherst beating.  Freshman forward Sisco-Tolomeo one to keep an eye on. Shows Russo will not go the Sir Alex Ferguson route of leaving cupboard bare for successor.

Bates 0 MMA 2

Tough times for the Bobcats despite a 30-6 advantage in shots, surprising given some of the talent on the roster.  Sophomore Knot has 8 career goals and midfielder Moyo was a scholarship player at Creighton.  Flaherty coaching for his future.

Hamilton 2 Utica 1

Late winner lifts Continentals to a win.  Seen this squad twice, and Nizzi infuses a wonderful energy into the group.  2 goal scorer and all-NESCAC striker Kraynak started his Hamilton career as a defender.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 24, 2014, 04:44:14 PM
Nice summary, MENESCACFAN. Hope to see more posts from you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 24, 2014, 04:50:11 PM
How can the conferences best player have no left foot. Lets see what Midd does the rest of the way. They are better than last year because of GK. Still have to go to Trinty, Williams and Hamilton. Tufts and Wes at home.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 24, 2014, 05:21:30 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 24, 2014, 04:50:11 PM
How can the conferences best player have no left foot.

Many said David Beckham had no left foot, and Maradona no right, they played much bette revel than NESCAC so maybe it could be the case?  I am going on game impact I have seen admitting I don't see very game, we can all pick flaws in very player in the conference.  Surely better debate to say who you think is best, rather than shoot down another?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 24, 2014, 05:57:47 PM
ok...glasor is good but not the best..also you are comparing Glasor to everyone else and doing so while watching Colby Sawyer(one of the worst teams in new england).  Midd's out of conference schedule should be held against them. It is beyond WEAK. Santos, Rashid and Bull have the most impact. Conrad might be better than Glasor,
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 24, 2014, 06:19:14 PM
No I am not, I have watched Glaser 5 times now, I am aware there are better teams than Colby-Sawyer.  Rashid is a fantastic player but deadly we won't see him this fall, and he missed a portion of last fall.  He is certainly worth debate though.  Santos was the best freshman I have seen but is defensively lazy, drifts out of tough games and has regressed every year.

Top 5 in order for me.

1 - Glaser (Midd)
2 - Rashid (Williams)
3 - Muralles (Williams)
4 - Jones (Bowdoin)
5 - Santos (Tufts)

You?

Interesting note, I believe Amherst the best team despite not having any of the top five players.  Serpone does a wonderful job, regardless on thoughts of how he goes about it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 24, 2014, 06:28:19 PM
Serpone is a godsend to man as we know it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 24, 2014, 06:29:04 PM
Haha, not sure about that.  Good soccer coach though.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 24, 2014, 06:38:00 PM
I would switch Bull and Jones. Glasor might be the fastest striker and he does score goals but there is no way he is MVP of Nescac. I will put money on it that the coaches do not vote him MVP at the end of the year. I wouldn't bet my house on it but maybe $100
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 24, 2014, 06:50:53 PM
I would make that bet too, the award will go to a senior as it always does, whether they are the best player or not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 24, 2014, 06:57:33 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 24, 2014, 04:44:14 PM
Nice summary, MENESCACFAN. Hope to see more posts from you.

This post caused someone to give me a negative karma. Seriously.

As for top players, Bull and Glaser are both worthy candidates, IMO. I also believe Hoppenot of Tufts should be mentioned, although his coach's bizarre playing patterns have certainly hurt his cause (along with Santos). Rashid was my pre-season pick but he obviously can't be considered any longer.
If Hawkey got it last year, I see no reason for Glaser not to get it this year unless politics of him being a sophomore get in the way.

Amherst is the team to beat again. No surprises there. Serpone hustles and recruits good players. Combine that with the winning tradition and the top notch academics, and you have a perennial champion. It'll be interesting to see Russo's successor go up against Serpone on the recruiting trail.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 24, 2014, 07:45:43 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on September 24, 2014, 06:50:53 PM
I would make that bet too, the award will go to a senior as it always does, whether they are the best player or not.

The award does not always go to a senior. When Williams used to dominate, Alex Blake won it as a Soph and Junior, Khari Stephenson won it as a Junior and Josh Bolton won it as a Junior.

The seniors that have won it have def deserved it. Stephenson, Bolton, Huffer, Bush, Purdy, Noon, Connor Smith and Hawkey.

The one senior who did not deserve it was Harrison Watkins. He was a good back but not an MVP type.

Also, let us not over hype Amherst this year. They are not as good as 2013 and significantly not as good as 2012, which was a team that should have won a national championship.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 24, 2014, 07:53:17 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 24, 2014, 04:50:11 PM
How can the conferences best player have no left foot. Lets see what Midd does the rest of the way. They are better than last year because of GK. Still have to go to Trinty, Williams and Hamilton. Tufts and Wes at home.

Are Trinity and Hamilton that much more difficult road contests than Conn? Are Tufts and Wesleyan that much more difficult home contests than Amherst?

I agree—with regard to all teams and not just Middlebury—that one needs to see the rest of the schedule play out before we know how good anyone is. That's a basic concept. But I think it's a fair assessment at this point to say Midd could finish at or near the top of the conference.  It's not as if the Panthers have played only conference bottom feeders thus far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 24, 2014, 08:05:40 PM
I wasn't comparing who is more difficult. I said Glasor has no left foot and that Midd has the most pathetic non-conference schedule. Try reading and then responding
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 24, 2014, 08:42:09 PM
Good call on Hoppenot, very good player, winner's mindset and relentless runner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 24, 2014, 09:49:24 PM
MIDWEEK REVIEW PART 2

Is it just me, or is this the worst out of conference week for a long while in the NESCAC?

Western New England 1 Wesleyan 0

WNE have always been a Bear (sorry) for teams, but surprising to see a talented Wesleyan go down.  Wesleyan are a defensively tough group who maybe lack some firepower, this result could underline that.  Last year's out of conference losses had something to do with the Hazing suspensions, this is an out and out upset.

MIT 1 Tufts 1

Big boy matchup for the D3 word here.  Two teams that are likely to feature come NCAA tournament time.  1-1 draw likely a sign of mutual strength.  Kayne scores for Tufts, who seem to be a team with 4 or 5 regular scoring threats to come at you with.  Easy team on the eye too.

MIT still undefeated, so their coach may be engineering (sorry again) a quality season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 24, 2014, 10:32:02 PM
Gut reaction from a NESCAC perspective is to be disappointed about Wesleyan loss and failure to score goals.  And also moderately disappointed by Tufts 1-1 draw with MIT.  They need to win some of these games if they hope to meet the expectations that have eluded them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 24, 2014, 11:27:57 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 24, 2014, 10:32:02 PM
Gut reaction from a NESCAC perspective is to be disappointed about Wesleyan loss and failure to score goals.  And also moderately disappointed by Tufts 1-1 draw with MIT.  They need to win some of these games if they hope to meet the expectations that have eluded them.

Watched some of the tufts MIT game.  Again, tufts outplayed their opponent, especially in overtime. Tufts midfield looked excellent. MIT scored with about 3 minutes left. Kayne almost scored a second gol but the goaltender made an excellent punch over the crossbar. MIT comes after the ball well. They are a good team. Agree the jumbos need to win some of these games. Hope to make it to the Amherst tufts game this weekend. The Jeff's coming off a big win seemed to have turned a corner. Should be entertaining.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 24, 2014, 11:40:14 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 24, 2014, 07:45:43 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on September 24, 2014, 06:50:53 PM
I would make that bet too, the award will go to a senior as it always does, whether they are the best player or not.

The award does not always go to a senior. When Williams used to dominate, Alex Blake won it as a Soph and Junior, Khari Stephenson won it as a Junior and Josh Bolton won it as a Junior.

The seniors that have won it have def deserved it. Stephenson, Bolton, Huffer, Bush, Purdy, Noon, Connor Smith and Hawkey.

The one senior who did not deserve it was Harrison Watkins. He was a good back but not an MVP type.

Also, let us not over hype Amherst this year. They are not as good as 2013 and significantly not as good as 2012, which was a team that should have won a national championship.

Agree the Jeff's should have won it all in 2012.  Very strong and big team. They may not be as good but they certainly are talented and are probably the team to beat. That said, they have looked beatable at times this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 24, 2014, 11:45:26 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 24, 2014, 08:05:40 PM
I wasn't comparing who is more difficult. I said Glasor has no left foot and that Midd has the most pathetic non-conference schedule. Try reading and then responding
[/quote

Agree about the non-conference schedule. Other nescac teams have much harder non conference schedules....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 25, 2014, 08:10:24 AM
Seems glaring to leave Bull off any Top 5 list in NESCAC.
Sorry about Rashid, but he can't be included.
In the Midd game I saw this year, Conrad had more consistent impact.
Muralles must be considered, I agree.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 25, 2014, 08:51:29 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 24, 2014, 11:27:57 PM
Watched some of the tufts MIT game.  Again, tufts outplayed their opponent, especially in overtime. Tufts midfield looked excellent. MIT scored with about 3 minutes left. Kayne almost scored a second gol but the goaltender made an excellent punch over the crossbar. MIT comes after the ball well. They are a good team. Agree the jumbos need to win some of these games. Hope to make it to the Amherst tufts game this weekend. The Jeff's coming off a big win seemed to have turned a corner. Should be entertaining.

Agreed. I live down the street from Kraft Field, so I was able to see a bit. Tufts definitely the better side, especially in the midfield, but seem to lack incisiveness in the final third. Hoppenot looked dangerous as always, but I would have thought that Santos would have been a bit more involved—seemed to drift out of the game a bit. I personally believe MIT to be a bit behind Tufts, but they were dogged and hung in there. You could say that MIT was a bit fortunate to get a draw, as SOG were 8-1 Tufts. Then again, most of those shots were relatively routine efforts, so it wasn't completely undeserved. It will be interesting to see how Tufts approaches the Amherst match at the weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 25, 2014, 04:53:13 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 24, 2014, 08:05:40 PM
I wasn't comparing who is more difficult. I said Glasor has no left foot and that Midd has the most pathetic non-conference schedule. Try reading and then responding

Here is what i responded to, as you wrote it, verbatim:

"How can the conferences best player have no left foot. Lets see what Midd does the rest of the way. They are better than last year because of GK. Still have to go to Trinty, Williams and Hamilton. Tufts and Wes at home."

You say nothing of an out of conference schedule. What you do say is that "let's see what Midd does the rest of the way." And then you reference "still hav[ing] to go to Trinity, Williams and Hamilton. Tufts and Wes at home."

That is what I responded to.

So how should I have read it any differently, exactly?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 25, 2014, 06:58:21 PM
I am justly stating who Midd still has to play that can cause them problems, nothing else. I could of stated that Midd under Saward has a propensity to lose or tie games that they should win.

Also, you have my quote stating that Midd has a WEAK non-conference schedule. I mean you have quoted me and than responded as if I never said anything about non conference. AGAIN read than respond or bang your head against the wall a couple times. I am hoping for the latter
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 25, 2014, 09:14:10 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on September 24, 2014, 04:29:20 PM
MIDWEEK REVIEW

UNE 0 Bowdoin 2

Bowdoin seem to lack some of the toughness seen on previous years, but the winger Jones is a tremendous player.  Pretty standard win that was expected, with lively freshman Di Stefano netting.  I think Di Stefano has a bright future in the conference.

Coast Guard 1 Conn College 0

Very surprising result.  Ken Murphy is a tremendous recruiter and motivator, and I believe every year will see Conn make the break up the league.  Must be disheartening, but expect the Camels to bounce back.   Hilmonaz injured but looked a blaze of energy in the early fall last season.

Colby 2 USM 0

Colby continue the trend of winning out of conference and losing in conference that goes back over 2 years.  From my knowledge, USM is among weaker out of conference foes NESCAC teams face.  Not many players on Colby grab the eye outside of defender Stanton.

Middlebury 3 Colby-Sawyer 0

Watched second half of this game.  Fully believe sophomore forward Glaser is the conference's best player.  Dominant win for a resurgent squad (remember when Saward was finished in some eyes).

RPI 1 Williams 1

Can only imagine this is a good result for RPI, as Williams a good squad despite the surprising Amherst beating.  Freshman forward Sisco-Tolomeo one to keep an eye on. Shows Russo will not go the Sir Alex Ferguson route of leaving cupboard bare for successor.

Bates 0 MMA 2

Tough times for the Bobcats despite a 30-6 advantage in shots, surprising given some of the talent on the roster.  Sophomore Knot has 8 career goals and midfielder Moyo was a scholarship player at Creighton.  Flaherty coaching for his future.

Hamilton 2 Utica 1

Late winner lifts Continentals to a win.  Seen this squad twice, and Nizzi infuses a wonderful energy into the group.  2 goal scorer and all-NESCAC striker Kraynak started his Hamilton career as a defender.

MENESCACFAN.  Have to question your insight on Conn Coach.  If he were a great recruiter he would have recruited some strikers who could score in some NESCAC games.  As far as a motivator he is the anti-motivator as all he does is yell negatives at his team which from a players perspective gets real old real fast and is far from motivating.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 25, 2014, 09:48:01 PM
Murphy is a good recruiter. It is tough to recruit to Conn.2nd least attractive Nescac school, for a Nescac it is a bit unstable financially, most of its athletic facilities need a monster upgrade. Murphy has been there I think 5 years now. I give it another 3 to 4 more years before he has the look of Bill Lessig and realizing that no matter how much he recruits and no matter what he does it will be a hard nut to crack the top 4 in Nescac for Mens Soccer year in year out.
That being said he has done a wonderful job turning the program around and consistently getting into the Nescac playoffs. I believe the AD their mandates that if you miss the Nescac playoffs 2 to 3 years in a row you will get fired. I think their field hockey coach just got canned and their women's soccer coach recently got fired a few years back. It is a most ridiculous ultimatum. I know when he first got there he was making underclassmen practice after they had been eliminated in between the Nescac playoffs and NCAA's. It is legal to do, but no one does it. The underclassmen and trainers caused a ruckus with the AD. I think he is a pretty good coach
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 25, 2014, 10:49:24 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 25, 2014, 09:48:01 PM
Murphy is a good recruiter. It is tough to recruit to Conn.2nd least attractive Nescac school, for a Nescac it is a bit unstable financially, most of its athletic facilities need a monster upgrade. Murphy has been there I think 5 years now. I give it another 3 to 4 more years before he has the look of Bill Lessig and realizing that no matter how much he recruits and no matter what he does it will be a hard nut to crack the top 4 in Nescac for Mens Soccer year in year out.
That being said he has done a wonderful job turning the program around and consistently getting into the Nescac playoffs. I believe the AD their mandates that if you miss the Nescac playoffs 2 to 3 years in a row you will get fire
d. I think their field hockey coach just got canned and their women's soccer coach recently got fired a few years back. It is a most ridiculous ultimatum. I know when he first got there he was making underclassmen practice after they had been eliminated in between the Nescac playoffs and NCAA's. It is legal to do, but no one does it. The underclassmen and trainers caused a ruckus with the AD. I think he is a pretty good coach

Not in agreement with you LaPaz.  Have watched this team for the last 5 years and he will never get them over the hump because of his negativity or complete lack of any positivity.  The players tuned him out a few years ago due to his negativity and his constant long ball tactics.  He has never impressed. Good coaches get the most out of their players and you do that with more honey than vinegar or at least a balanced mix.  He's all vinegar.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 25, 2014, 11:36:40 PM
From what I saw, I thought Murphy was a good recruiter. He and his assistant do a good job of identifying talent and proactively approaching players and selling Conn to them. Many of the other NESCAC coaches simply wait to see who contacts them or sees who shows up at their camp. Not Murphy.

Curious to get more feedback on what he's like as a coach.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 25, 2014, 11:54:12 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on September 25, 2014, 09:14:10 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on September 24, 2014, 04:29:20 PM

MENESCACFAN.  Have to question your insight on Conn Coach.  If he were a great recruiter he would have recruited some strikers who could score in some NESCAC games.  As far as a motivator he is the anti-motivator as all he does is yell negatives at his team which from a players perspective gets real old real fast and is far from motivating.



Given he recruited last year's NESCAC MVP who was a striker, that comment is just a little silly isn't it?  If you don't like Murphy good for you, but Billy Hawkey could score NESCAC goals so don't rewrite history and ignore facts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 26, 2014, 12:15:18 AM
WEEKEND PREVIEW

BATES @ TRINITY

If this was the EPL, we would be marketing it as a relegation battle.  Given this is NESCAC, let's call it a low end playoff decider.  Bates and Colby are already being left behind, and need a result every time they step onto a field to change that pattern that seems to stretch back years.  Trinity are a likely 5-8 seed, and a win here can give them some postseason security.

Young gun strikers Cody Savonen and Peabo Knoth will likely be the go to guys for two unspectacular offensive teams.  Look for Trinity to come away with one goal more than Bates.

PREDICTION:  Bates 1 Trinity 2

MIDDLEBURY @ COLBY

As mentioned above, Colby drifting away at the foot of the table and need an upset win to change that.  Unbeaten Middlebury will see this as a chance to keep up their top of the table form with tougher challenges ahead.

Expect Glaser to stroke home a left footed finish before unveiling a t-shirt that reads "are you watching LaPaz" in celebration  ;-)

PREDICTION:  Middlebury 2 Colby 0

HAMILTON @ WESLEYAN

I like Hamilton.  They are not the most talented bunch in the league, but Nizzi is an energetic guy and his team a positive bunch.  While a long road trip, I can see them grabbing a point here against a talented and organized Wesleyan group.

Plenty of action at either end, but an entertaining scoreless draw awaits.

PREDICTION :  Hamilton 0 Wesleyan 0

WILLIAMS @ CONN

Williams are riding a three game winless streak and I expect them to respond in style here against a good Conn squad.  The Camels lst in midweek out of conference, and it is a tough ask to return to winning ways against the Ephs.

Senior Grady and freshman Sisco-Tolomeo to find the net for the Purple Cows.

PREDICTION:  Williams 2 Conn College 1

AMHERST @ TUFTS

Without doubt the game of the weekend, and a real show of exactly who Tufts are.  On performances so far, I believe they are a genuine title contender this fall.  They have as many offensive weapons as anyone, but the speed, power and emotional storm that Amherst bring will hold a revealing light against their prospects this year.

I see a mental toughness in Tufts I hav not seen or rated highly in the past.  While I do not think they will win this game, I think they will take a point that will be a big mental step for them as a group.  Gut feeling predicts a late qualifier for Maxime Hoppenot, who seems a big game playmaker.

PREDICTION:  Amherst 2 Tufts 2

BATES @ AMHERST

As big a home banker as there is.  Amherst likely to tie 3 points against a Bates team that will likely enter the contest winless.  There are some games where Amherst will need to dig deep to win, and some games where Bates will be fighting for points, not this one though.

Nico Pascal-Leone to run wild for the Jeffs.

PREDICTION:  Bates 0 Amherst 4
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 26, 2014, 09:37:00 AM
Trinity v Bates- 2-0   Trinity wants revenge for a stumble up at Bates last year that turned their season into chaos. I cannot keep beating a dead horse, but what the hell, Bates is AWFUL. This was a disaster hire and will not last if the players keep putting forth such a lackluster effort.

Colby v Midd- 0-0    My upset special. I think Colby can be dangerous at home. They are much more organized defensively and I expect that to keep improving each week. I predict Midd sleepwalks thru the first half and does not wake up until it is to late. Colby took a good Tufts side to OT.

Conn v Williams- 1-0  No upset here. Williams is struggling and will not get out of that hole here. This looks like Williams of 2008. They look great until the final third where they cannot finish. Conn weakness in goal and CB's are slow. Moutenot should be able to burn Conn's leftback but it all doesn't matter if you cannot finish.

Tufts v Amherst- 0-1 Tufts struggles with physical teams. This was a melee last year and tempers will be flaring again. Tufts just is not as good as I thought they would be yet. Amherst will find a way to win this one.

Wes v Hamilton- 0-0 Hamilton might be short on talent but Wes is short of confidence right now. Flip a coin that one of these teams gets a goal and it will stand up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 26, 2014, 10:41:01 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 25, 2014, 06:58:21 PM

Also, you have my quote stating that Midd has a WEAK non-conference schedule. I mean you have quoted me and than responded as if I never said anything about non conference. AGAIN read than respond or bang your head against the wall a couple times. I am hoping for the latter

Chill. Hadn't read that (separate) post when I responded to what you first wrote. And I think that if you took the time to read and comprehend what I wrote, you'd find that I was perfectly reasonable. Of course Midd could struggle with teams left on their schedule. But so far this year, we have seen no indication that they will.

Not sure where so much anger and hostility comes from.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 26, 2014, 11:28:52 AM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on September 25, 2014, 11:54:12 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on September 25, 2014, 09:14:10 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on September 24, 2014, 04:29:20 PM

MENESCACFAN.  Have to question your insight on Conn Coach.  If he were a great recruiter he would have recruited some strikers who could score in some NESCAC games.  As far as a motivator he is the anti-motivator as all he does is yell negatives at his team which from a players perspective gets real old real fast and is far from motivating.





Given he recruited last year's NESCAC MVP who was a striker, that comment is just a little silly isn't it?  If you don't like Murphy good for you, but Billy Hawkey could score NESCAC goals so don't rewrite history and ignore facts.

You are correct he did recruit Hawkey.
Hawkey deserved MVP last year--no question, especially since he was double teamed every game--he had a fabulous senior season.  Is Murphy a tireless recruiter---absolutely--he works hard on the recruiting trail.  He works hard year round from what I'm told so he certainly is putting in the effort.  And yes it is difficult to recruit to Conn vs a Williams/Amherst/middlebury, but while Hawkey scored last year, not so much in prior years (fact).  Do  they miss him up front---no question, but you have to have some players step up who can finish in the final third and that is lacking, and has been except for last year (and other than Hawkey it was lacking last year as well).  It's not unfamiliar territory this year across the league except for Tufts, Midd and Amherst---you have to score in order to win.  It's not just a Conn problem--the offensive end.  Somehow Conn has to get its offense going.  Soccer should be a simple game and sometimes some coaches over complicate it.  Sometimes you need to build up your players confidence and let'em play free in order to maximize their talents.  The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result.  Perhaps its time to change how you approach the team or tactics to get a better result.  It may or may not work, but you've got to look at it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 26, 2014, 11:58:01 AM
Think this is going to be a very boring weekend with the exception of the Amherst Tufts game. That game looks like it is going to decide the regular season champion.

Saturday:
Bates 0 Trinity 2
Bates is still Bates-ing it up with a mid-week loss to Maine Maritime.  They are no NESCAC foe. Expect the struggles to continue.

Middlebury 1 Colby 0
MIdd is just better. I agree going up to Colby is a difficult place to play. They always get an upset or two each year on the home field. Its windy and has some thick grass. I just don't think Colby has looked good enough to score a goal on Midd. If anything this game ends 0-0 with no action whatsoever.

Hamilton 0 Wesleyan 0
Can Wesleyan score anymore this year? Wesleyan is the better team but just have not been clicking as of late. Think this plays to a disappointing boring tie.

Williams 0 Conn 0
Both teams have been struggling as of late especially after these past midweek results. If either team can win this game this could turn around someone's season and give them a jump start on trying to lock up 2nd or 3rd in the league. Don't think that really happens with both teams struggling to find the net.

Amherst 2 Tufts 0
Choo choo. The Amherst offensive train is a rolling. Get out the way. Tufts has disappointed me this year. Think Tufts disappears in the physical battle. The homecoming atmosphere is sure to be awesome for the game.

Sunday:
Bates 0 Amherst 3
Only chance Bates has in this once is if Amherst has to go 120 minutes the day before and just about every single player gets hurt/a red card. They may also have a slight chance if Amherst wins an emotional one on Saturday. Just think Bates is so low on confidence nothing even matters.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 26, 2014, 12:35:51 PM
Quote from: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 26, 2014, 11:58:01 AM
]
Middlebury 1 Colby 0
MIdd is just better. I agree going up to Colby is a difficult place to play. They always get an upset or two each year on the home field. I\

Do they?  They were beaten 5-1 there by Bates last year and lost every other game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 26, 2014, 12:54:56 PM
I agree with the other poster. You cannot compare last year to this year.  I can imagine the players mailed it in last year on the final day of their season.Colby is still way short on talent but the new coach has them working hard and playing smarter and more organized sitting with a block of 6. The record does not show that yet but eventually it will. Colby has an advantage at home with a short field on the width side and high grass( like Babson's field). Midd has the better talent and most likely will win but somewhere down the line Colby will get a surprise result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 26, 2014, 01:45:59 PM
LaPaz you spent all last year saying Colby were better than Bates pre 5-1 loss.  Colby will have to win a game before getting credit for improving.  The likelihood is Bates or Colby get one win (against each other combined), meaning neither coach changed much.  While we will never know the truth, I really wonder about the admission piece at those schools.  Bowdoin certainly seems to be far ahead in every sport of the other 2 Maine schools.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on September 26, 2014, 02:05:08 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on September 26, 2014, 01:45:59 PM
LaPaz you spent all last year saying Colby were better than Bates pre 5-1 loss.  Colby will have to win a game before getting credit for improving.  The likelihood is Bates or Colby get one win (against each other combined), meaning neither coach changed much.  While we will never know the truth, I really wonder about the admission piece at those schools.  Bowdoin certainly seems to be far ahead in every sport of the other 2 Maine schools.

Admissions does indeed play a big part in NESCAC athletic success.
Having said that, Bowdoin has tougher admissions standards than the other two schools for athletes.
My non-soccer athlete was recruited by all three schools ... admission at Bates and Colby was a no-brainer ... Bowdoin was a stretch.

Coaching also plays a part ... you may draw your own conclusions from that statement in regards to the Men's Soccer Teams in the State of Maine.  ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 26, 2014, 02:13:00 PM
Genuine interest here FourMore.  Where did your non-soccer athlete attend and why?  I am partial to the Maine schools, but do love the NESCAC as a whole.  If I was to rewind to my college years, it seems the location of Tufts would have been a big draw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on September 26, 2014, 02:25:41 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on September 26, 2014, 02:13:00 PM
Genuine interest here FourMore.  Where did your non-soccer athlete attend and why?  I am partial to the Maine schools, but do love the NESCAC as a whole.  If I was to rewind to my college years, it seems the location of Tufts would have been a big draw.

Responded off-board in a private message.
One thing I'd like to clarify, in referring to the relative difficulty of admissions at the Maine schools, I am in no ways demeaning the quality of education provided by either Bates or Colby, I believe both to be top-notch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2014, 02:38:07 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on September 26, 2014, 02:13:00 PM
Genuine interest here FourMore.  Where did your non-soccer athlete attend and why?  I am partial to the Maine schools, but do love the NESCAC as a whole.  If I was to rewind to my college years, it seems the location of Tufts would have been a big draw.

A Maine native's 2¢: Having attended Brandeis and loved it, I now live in Massachusetts. While my mother is a Bowdoin alum, I don't know that I would have gotten in there (I was a "good, not great" student in high school,) but I did get into another NESCAC.

From a Maine (in-state) perspective, Bates and Colby are certainly prestigious schools—B, B & C are the top three schools academically in the state without doubt. However, even in-state, Bowdoin is definitely known as being "a bit more" prestigious. For example, kids who apply to Bowdoin are generally applying to the more selective NESCACs like Williams Amherst, Midd. Tufts, etc., while kids applying to Bates and Colby generally look at places like Brandeis (which, while not a NESCAC, has a surprising # of applicants/students from Maine), Conn. College, Hamilton, and Trinity. Additionally, Brunswick (while not much closer than Lewiston) is very close to Portland, and a lot closer to Portland than Waterville. Combine the academic prestige of Bowdoin with its accessibility, and it is little wonder that families from out of state would prefer to look there over Colby and Bates.

In conclusion, I am NOT knocking Colby or Bates academically, and I recognize that there are kids who would choose Bates or Colby over Bowdoin. However, even in Maine, there is a slight difference in prestige between Bowdoin and Bates/Colby, and that same dynamic is likely replicated outside of Maine as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 26, 2014, 03:04:57 PM
Good insight Fourmore, thanks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 26, 2014, 03:06:15 PM
Blooter, while not a Maine native I spend large chunks of time in Maine every year.  I would mirror your thoughts with regards to the CBB schools. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 26, 2014, 03:50:49 PM
boring conversation but I will chime in for a student athlete:

Amherst and Williams are top dogs. You might have a select few choose Midd or Bowdoin over these two for various reasons but it is rare. If you got into Harvard, Yale or Princeton you would choose those over Williams and Amherst. Wild Card would be Dartmouth and maybe Columbia and / or Penn.

Midd and Bowdoin will always get Williams and Amherst scraps. Midd and Bowdoin end up with the better athletes because of this but maybe not the best individual player for that sport(that is debatable).

Wild Card Tufts- It is very rare but you might choose Tufts over a Williams or Amherst because of location / undergrads / etc. Tufts usually gets all kinds of applicants and this bodes well for athletics. I am not sure how Tufts mens b-ball coach doesn't get better players or win more and not even sure how he has lasted this long. I am by no means a b-ball expert so I do not know.

Wesleyan- gets the more artsy kind of applicants and Williams / Amherst  scraps. Wesleyan is the Brown of the Nescac's. Even more so now with Wesleyan eliminating SAT scores.

Hamilton / Colby- good schools, nice campuses, but a tick below the others.

Trinity- An athletes paradise. Can get anyone in for Nescac standards. Beautiful campus and even starting to change the surrounding area.

Bates / Conn- I would much rather be in New London than Lewiston Maine.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 26, 2014, 04:10:56 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 26, 2014, 03:50:49 PM
boring conversation but I will chime in for a student athlete:

Amherst and Williams are top dogs. You might have a select few choose Midd or Bowdoin over these two for various reasons but it is rare. If you got into Harvard, Yale or Princeton you would choose those over Williams and Amherst. Wild Card would be Dartmouth and maybe Columbia and / or Penn.

Midd and Bowdoin will always get Williams and Amherst scraps. Midd and Bowdoin end up with the better athletes because of this but maybe not the best individual player for that sport(that is debatable).

Wild Card Tufts- It is very rare but you might choose Tufts over a Williams or Amherst because of location / undergrads / etc. Tufts usually gets all kinds of applicants and this bodes well for athletics. I am not sure how Tufts mens b-ball coach doesn't get better players or win more and not even sure how he has lasted this long. I am by no means a b-ball expert so I do not know.

Wesleyan- gets the more artsy kind of applicants and Williams / Amherst  scraps. Wesleyan is the Brown of the Nescac's. Even more so now with Wesleyan eliminating SAT scores.

Hamilton / Colby- good schools, nice campuses, but a tick below the others.

Trinity- An athletes paradise. Can get anyone in for Nescac standards. Beautiful campus and even starting to change the surrounding area.

Bates / Conn- I would much rather be in New London than Lewiston Maine.

I agree with your take LaPaz.  Tufts truly is a wild card, as it is more than twice the size of almost all others, and is the only school located in a major metropolitan area.  In those respects, it is not really a NESCAC school.  As you may know, in addition to having a new coach, Colby has a new president, among whose expressed goals are to raise applications and selectivity.  It will be interesting to see if those goals are achievable, and whether this new administration gives any more assistance than the last to the athletics department . . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 26, 2014, 04:46:31 PM
Quote from: Colbyunion on September 26, 2014, 04:10:56 PMIn those respects, it is not really a NESCAC school. 

This reference (to Tufts) is particularly astute.  It seems that Tufts is more a UAA-type school than a NESCAC-type school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 26, 2014, 05:08:43 PM
Always found it a little ridiculous that Tufts isn't better at athletics. They are the only NESCAC school close to a major city and one that offers engineering and business (I think only) as undergrad degrees. It is also by far and away the biggest so sneaking a poor performing student into the grade should not hurt the percentiles and thus there academic rankings. The school can get top recruits (ie top lax program) but somewhere the dots just don't connect.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 26, 2014, 05:18:24 PM
Raises an interesting question.  Why isn't Tufts in the UAA?  And why isn't Vassar a NESCAC or even Union (as a peer to Trinity and Conn)?

I agree mostly with the pecking order as described although I think the differences are slight.  Some kids will apply to Williams, Amherst, Midd, and Bowdoin and be very happy to get in any of them and while viewing them as on the same level.  The fact that 8 out of 10 double admits might or would choose Williams over Midd I don't think fairly describes how close they are.  Same with Bowdoin and Colby (I'm more familiar with Colby than Bates).  Yes, Bowdoin, with its annual top 5 or 6 national ranking gets the edge, but Colby has closed the gap.  With Colby now a top 15-18 school we're still talking pretty ultra-elite.  And yes, Colby is a little further away, but is a very attractive (and very popular) school, and should do better in soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 26, 2014, 05:29:09 PM
Is Williams without both Rashid and Westling for the season? Rashid's knee. Westling?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 26, 2014, 05:44:21 PM
Union was a member of Nescac until 1982. D1  hockey is more important to Union than being in Nescac at the moment.
Rashid is done for the season.
Westling is thought to be done for the season with a concussion. He had a couple at Andover and they are being cautious.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 26, 2014, 06:13:21 PM
Quote from: ihidebehindtheinternet on September 26, 2014, 05:08:43 PM
Always found it a little ridiculous that Tufts isn't better at athletics. They are the only NESCAC school close to a major city and one that offers engineering and business (I think only) as undergrad degrees. It is also by far and away the biggest so sneaking a poor performing student into the grade should not hurt the percentiles and thus there academic rankings. The school can get top recruits (ie top lax program) but somewhere the dots just don't connect.

Forbes ranked Williams as the best school in the country so one might choose it over Harvard, etc. also, I don't believe tufts has an undergrad business degree....it's really geared to liberal arts...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 26, 2014, 06:17:03 PM
Also, I believe tufts may have a lower acceptance rate than many other nescac schools but I have not verified that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 26, 2014, 09:47:03 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 26, 2014, 05:44:21 PM
Union was a member of Nescac until 1982. D1  hockey is more important to Union than being in Nescac at the moment.
Rashid is done for the season.
Westling is thought to be done for the season with a concussion. He had a couple at Andover and they are being cautious.

What a stupid move by Union. I'm sure they've been regretting it ever since.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 27, 2014, 03:24:27 PM
Amherst 1 Tufts 1 at half. Amherst coming on as Tufts dominated first 35 minutes. I almost felt sorry for Tufts as Amherst gets its gol on a pk due to an inadvertent handball. Kayne scored a nice gol for Tufts. Amherst is fast and started to put pressure on towards the end of the half. Tufts midfield is excellent. Tufts matching the physicality of the bigger amherst. They are showing more grit than I expected.  Amherst is dangerous on set plays. I hope this second half is good.  Any other reports?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: arkman on September 27, 2014, 03:32:10 PM
Colby takes down mid 3-0, huge upset. Did anybody watch?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 27, 2014, 04:50:34 PM
Watched the predicted slaughter that was bates at trinity.  A lot of us had it wrong.  Bates flew out of gate full of fire.  Sophomore Knoth scored along with two freshman.  Reports of dead bobcats and mules were greatly exaggerated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 27, 2014, 04:56:39 PM
and Bates has Amherst tomorrow after the Jeffs batteled in a double OT tie against Tufts in a very physical game.  For those who doubted the Jumbos physicality, you should have watched this game.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 27, 2014, 05:00:33 PM
Amherst and Tufts tie .....1-1 in OT.  Last few minutes, Tufts had a penalty kick and a corner kick but could not score.  It was warm and both teams played hard.  Amherst looked tired , imo, in the OT.   Both sides challenged each other for ball possession.  Tufts was more aggressive on their home turf...though it was grass :).
Think Amherst will take a tie.    Saw only the OT period.good day for the Jumbos...as their other football won again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 27, 2014, 05:06:09 PM
It was a direct kick...not a penalty kick.....I would have to agree that the Jeffs should be happy with the tie in this one, being on the road, scoring on a PK on an inadvertent hand ball in the box, and being outplayed in the 2nd OT by tufts midfield.....Great game to watch. What the NESCAC is all about.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 27, 2014, 05:23:03 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 27, 2014, 05:06:09 PM
It was a direct kick...not a penalty kick.....I would have to agree that the Jeffs should be happy with the tie in this one, being on the road, scoring on a PK on an inadvertent hand ball in the box, and being outplayed in the 2nd OT by tufts midfield.....Great game to watch. What the NESCAC is all about.

I also watched this game online and agree with the comments. Amherst hardly touched the ball for most of the first half hour. Tufts juniors are playing well this year. Even  had some nice give and goes. Yes, Amherst was on its heels in the second ot but they found a way to tie. There goal came on a hand ball in the box. It was of no consequence but I can see how it was called. Tufts won a lot of headers even though they were shorter and did a lot of slide tackling. Amherst does well on closing on the ball. It was a real battle. I would also have to give the edge to tufts in the game but they each get a point.

This was tufts third game in a row against undefeated teams. Let's see if they can keep up the intensity. I think Amherst will do well the rest of the year...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 27, 2014, 05:25:11 PM
Quote from: arkman on September 27, 2014, 03:32:10 PM
Colby takes down mid 3-0, huge upset. Did anybody watch?

Wow! Congrats!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 27, 2014, 06:03:08 PM
Saturday's Heroes and Zeroes:

Heroes:
1. Yinka Onayemi- Colby Jr, F- Monster game for this Colby striker. His speed up top was causing Midd problems all day. 

2. Colby- Excellent performance and they gained confidence as the game wore on. They sat with a block of six and frustrated Midd all day. I predicted this might happen I just did not know Colby had all those goals in them.

3. Bates- This was an impressive result. I did not see this coming at all.

4. Jayson Kayne- Tufts- Great goal that I thought might hold up.
5. Amherst and Tufts- Yes I know 9 shots in 110 minutes but the game had a great atmosphere and had chances throughout.

Zeroes:
1. Midd- As I predicted they came out asleep and never woke up. They thought they could roll off the bus and win this. They had a couple chances all day and the rest was ugly.
2. Williams- Minus Rashid this team has looked very average. They look slow and soft. This senior laden team needs to find some urgency.
3. Trinty- See Midd and Williams. Total complacency to start the game and they never woke up.
4. Midd CB- Could not see who it was but that might have been the worst own goal in the history of own goals. This goal gave Colby confidence.
5. Conn- great win but they are getting uglier than Midd and Amherst. No effort to play futbol.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 27, 2014, 06:58:25 PM
Interesting that after all the drama and surprise results early in the NESCAC season that Amherst appears to be the one team landing on its feet.  They barely won against New England College in the first game, were within 30 seconds of losing to Midd, and by reports here get outplayed and benefit from a fairly weak handball call for a PK to get out of Medford with a point.  They've already beaten Williams, so they should be pretty much running downhill from here.  For all the praise being heaped on Tufts, and I do think they are a top-tier team at least talent-wise, they've lost to Brandeis and have several draws.  If not for squeaking out a win over Wesleyan I think some would already be talking about underachieving.

And speaking of Wesleyan one wonders if they saved their season today.  Don't know anything about the call but getting a PK with 50 seconds left in the 2nd OT sounds fortunate.

Pointless to say this now, but I had a feeling Bates and Colby might win today.

Maybe Bates will join Amherst in the NCAA tourney as the second NESCAC entry, LOL.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFollower on September 27, 2014, 07:25:13 PM
Made the trip up to Medford for the Tufts-Amherst game, surprised no one has mentioned that Tufts were playing 10 v 11 for the last 15 minutes and both overtimes after one of their centerbacks got sent off.

Tufts dominated (as much as one can against an Amherst team who shoves the ball down your throat every time they get it) but they don't seem to be able to finish off games when theyre playing well. Didn't see Brandeis or MIT for them but from what these boards were saying and the box scores, it sounds like if theyd taken their chances they could have won.

This year seems to be open and a weekend full of surprises. I really thought Bates was going to go 0-10 or 0-9-1 in conference. Don't know where Colby found 3 goals either. Conn may have just turned their season around and I'm still confident that Williams will find their feet and end up 3-6 range and looking dangerous come playoff time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 27, 2014, 07:35:41 PM
WEEKEND REVIEW

Wow!!!!!  The concertina effect I believe is a good description of a weekend when the bottom and the top moved closer together points wise.

BATES 3 TRINITY 0

Just an amazing result.  Bates' woes seemed deeper than just losing in league games.  To be winless in 7, losing to Maine Maritime and face daunting back to back road games at Trinity and Amherst was a position nobody envied.  To fly out into a 3-0 lead is a phenomenal performance.  Given two freshman netted (Merchant and Watson) along with sophomore Knoth (surely an all-conference player?), maybe the suggestions Flaherty cannot recruit and the players have quit on him are off base?  Having watched this game more out of train wreck fascination than belief this would happen, they seem a fired up group to me.

Reality may well bite tomorrow, but a good day for the Bobcats.

As for Trinity, hearing whispers of a potentially lengthy suspension for their young goal scorer Savonen.  Can anyone confirm or deny those rumors?

MIDDLEBURY 0 COLBY 3

Equally brilliant result, and tip of the cap for whoever correctly called Colby's one upset a season (ihidebehind).  NCAC telling us he has a gut feeling after the fact does not count ;-)

Junior striker Yinka Onayemi scored a quickfire double after a Midd own goal to lift the Mules.  The fight for the #8 seed could get interesting if Bates and Colby pick up their game and can use these results as a launchpad.

Midd will hope to respond and not be dragged into the territory of a slump meaning a road playoff game come late October.

HAMILTON 1 WESLEYAN 2

Big win for Wesleyan, with impressive defender and emotional leader Ben Bratt netting a late OT game winner.  Wesleyan have not blown me away the last two years, but they have a strength, consistency and emotional stability that speaks well to Geoff Wheeler's coaching ability.  They are grinding it out yet again at the right end of the table.

The prolific Dan Kraynak is a tremendous physical presence and continues to find the net for the Continentals.

WILLIAMS 1 CONN COLLEGE 2

Given Bates and Colby were such huge underdogs, I think they fight it out for win of the weekend.  But this has to be a huge mental step for Conn.  Murphy is another one this board has made claims cannot motivate his players, but that is very obviously not the case.

A huge win that lifts Conn into the fight for a top four seed, and drops Williams into the fight with Wesleyan, Midd and Conn for those spots.  Coach Russo will be hoping for a quick response to avoid a three game winless streak, which must be unfamiliar territory in Williamstown.

Pat Devlin scored the decisive goal, and he is a tremendously gifted ball playing midfielder.

AMHERST 1 TUFTS 1

The game of the weekend lived up to the billing.  Tufts are a hugely talented group throughout their roster, and seemed to me this year to have made a step forward in terms of grit and fight.  A point against Amherst backs that up.  I believe the Jumbos are a contender this season.

Live wire Jason Kayne nets for Tufts, while Milton Rico (technical player not fitting the Amherst stereotype) equalizes for the Jeffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 27, 2014, 09:00:29 PM
Quote from: SoccerFollower on September 27, 2014, 07:25:13 PM
Made the trip up to Medford for the Tufts-Amherst game, surprised no one has mentioned that Tufts were playing 10 v 11 for the last 15 minutes and both overtimes after one of their centerbacks got sent off.

Tufts dominated (as much as one can against an Amherst team who shoves the ball down your throat every time they get it) but they don't seem to be able to finish off games when theyre playing well. Didn't see Brandeis or MIT for them but from what these boards were saying and the box scores, it sounds like if theyd taken their chances they could have won.

This year seems to be open and a weekend full of surprises. I really thought Bates was going to go 0-10 or 0-9-1 in conference. Don't know where Colby found 3 goals either. Conn may have just turned their season around and I'm still confident that Williams will find their feet and end up 3-6 range and looking dangerous come playoff time.

Agreed with all points. Tufts was very impressive even after going down to 10 men. They were definitely the better team in the middle third but final third penetration wasn't fantastic, though they spread the play well. Definitely could have won the Brandeis or MIT games had they been clinical in their finishing. Still don't understand why Santos doesn't play more—he's their live-wire (I saw posts earlier in the board that offered explanations, but I prefer not to speculate—just to opine that he makes things happen.) Amherst was Amherst but Tufts more than held their own.

Furthermore, Bates and Colby wins were ones that I definitely did not see coming.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 27, 2014, 10:54:33 PM
Interesting weekend of games, indeed. I only caught a few minutes of each game but in particular, hats off to Bates and Colby. I hope Stew Flaherty doesn't read these boards but if he does, congratulations. I couldn't be happier for you. I couldn't fathom them losing to Maine Maritime. I also on didn't see this blow out win, either.

As for Colby, what a difference this year compared to last year. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the new coaching staff can do with a recruiting class or two. They are a really well coached team.

Another intriguing story line is at the other end of the table. Will this be the year that the Amherst -
Williams stranglehold ends?  Williams is looking ordinary. I think whoever becomes the new coach has the potential to build a juggernaut if they get an aggressive recruiter coupled with the prestige and reputation.

Finally, I'm glad someone finally mentioned Pat Devlin. He is certainly a talent and will get mentioned for POY before he graduates. Yet another Kenny Murphy find from the same high school as Hawkey.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 27, 2014, 11:00:33 PM
Yes, Tufts had an edge over Amherst for much of the game. But not in goals!
Note: The "inadvertent" handling was Tufts' second in the box within 10 mins. The second one must have looked less "inadvertent" than the first. The foul was committed during a phase of the game when Amherst had the upper hand.
Interesting that on a day when Amherst looked less than usual, they still came away with a point on the road against a good looking side.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 27, 2014, 11:26:37 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on September 27, 2014, 11:00:33 PM
Yes, Tufts had an edge over Amherst for much of the game. But not in goals!
Note: The "inadvertent" handling was Tufts' second in the box within 10 mins. The second one must have looked less "inadvertent" than the first. The foul was committed during a phase of the game when Amherst had the upper hand.
Interesting that on a day when Amherst looked less than usual, they still came away with a point on the road against a good looking side.

Tufts was a man down and still looked better in the ot....you have to give them some credit....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 28, 2014, 07:44:05 AM
Nutmeg, I did give Tufts credit. I opened with such.  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 28, 2014, 04:39:31 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 27, 2014, 06:03:08 PM
Saturday's Heroes and Zeroes:

Heroes:
1. Yinka Onayemi- Colby Jr, F- Monster game for this Colby striker. His speed up top was causing Midd problems all day. 

2. Colby- Excellent performance and they gained confidence as the game wore on. They sat with a block of six and frustrated Midd all day. I predicted this might happen I just did not know Colby had all those goals in them.

3. Bates- This was an impressive result. I did not see this coming at all.

4. Jayson Kayne- Tufts- Great goal that I thought might hold up.
5. Amherst and Tufts- Yes I know 9 shots in 110 minutes but the game had a great atmosphere and had chances throughout.

Zeroes:
1. Midd- As I predicted they came out asleep and never woke up. They thought they could roll off the bus and win this. They had a couple chances all day and the rest was ugly.
2. Williams- Minus Rashid this team has looked very average. They look slow and soft. This senior laden team needs to find some urgency.
3. Trinty- See Midd and Williams. Total complacency to start the game and they never woke up.
4. Midd CB- Could not see who it was but that might have been the worst own goal in the history of own goals. This goal gave Colby confidence.
5. Conn- great win but they are getting uglier than Midd and Amherst. No effort to play futbol.

I would have to agree with this analysis, LaPaz.  I also caught the Amherst-Tufts game and the game was very exciting with a great atmosphere. The benches were lively, the fans were lively, and the players didn't disappoint. Amherst seems to use their mid-field a bit more than in the past. Tufts uses their midfield well (even with a man down)...like a poster mentioned before...easy on the eyes. Hoppenoot and Kayne had a real nice give and go but couldn't score.  Amherst is quick and doesn't allow much space.  Neither goalie could have saved the gols and they weren't tested much. The legs must have been tired after this one!!!!  This would be a good game to show NESCAC recruits!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 28, 2014, 11:34:51 PM
WEEKEND REVIEW PART 2

BATES 0 AMHERST 1

Amherst beat Bates in a soccer game.  In other news, the sun came up in the morning and went down at night.  I watched this game as the only game in town.

The first half was a pretty dominant display by Amherst, with right winger Chris Martin their best player.  Bates put their red headed central defender Martell at left back in a likely tactical shift designed to stop Martin.  Despite one way traffic and seemingly total dominance and 50 corners by the Jeffs the game went into half time scoreless.

The second half started with a huge error by a Bates central defender gifting Amherst the ball and Martin strode through for the game winner.  Bates did show fight in the second half and carved out some chances despite always being second best to Amherst.  Given the  Trinity win yesterday, it is fair to think Bates will view this is a productive weekend.

Amherst continue to win despite having not many superstar individuals or blowing anyone away.  That said, #10 seems a low national ranking for a team that beat Williams 4-1 and has not lost a conference game since.....?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 28, 2014, 11:41:03 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on September 28, 2014, 11:34:51 PM
WEEKEND REVIEW PART 2

BATES 0 AMHERST 1

Amherst beat Bates in a soccer game.  In other news, the sun came up in the morning and went down at night.  I watched this game as the only game in town.

The first half was a pretty dominant display by Amherst, with right winger Chris Martin their best player.  Bates put their red headed central defender Martell at left back in a likely tactical shift designed to stop Martin.  Despite one way traffic and seemingly total dominance and 50 corners by the Jeffs the game went into half time scoreless.

The second half started with a huge error by a Bates central defender gifting Amherst the ball and Martin strode through for the game winner.  Bates did show fight in the second half and carved out some chances despite always being second best to Amherst.  Given the  Trinity win yesterday, it is fair to think Bates will view this is a productive weekend.

Amherst continue to win despite having not many superstar individuals or blowing anyone away.  That said, #10 seems a low national ranking for a team that beat Williams 4-1 and has not lost a conference game since.....?

I'm sure their legs must have been heavy from the double ot battle with tufts yesterday...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 29, 2014, 12:23:29 AM
While that is obviously true, Bates had a game day before also and will have had heavy legs.  Without checking subs, I am going to throw a wild guess out there that Amherst is fitter and has more depth than Bates, so not sure exactly what difference that makes here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 29, 2014, 10:30:54 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 27, 2014, 06:03:08 PM
Saturday's Heroes and Zeroes:

Heroes:
1. Yinka Onayemi- Colby Jr, F- Monster game for this Colby striker. His speed up top was causing Midd problems all day. 

2. Colby- Excellent performance and they gained confidence as the game wore on. They sat with a block of six and frustrated Midd all day. I predicted this might happen I just did not know Colby had all those goals in them.

3. Bates- This was an impressive result. I did not see this coming at all.

4. Jayson Kayne- Tufts- Great goal that I thought might hold up.
5. Amherst and Tufts- Yes I know 9 shots in 110 minutes but the game had a great atmosphere and had chances throughout.

Zeroes:
1. Midd- As I predicted they came out asleep and never woke up. They thought they could roll off the bus and win this. They had a couple chances all day and the rest was ugly.
2. Williams- Minus Rashid this team has looked very average. They look slow and soft. This senior laden team needs to find some urgency.
3. Trinty- See Midd and Williams. Total complacency to start the game and they never woke up.
4. Midd CB- Could not see who it was but that might have been the worst own goal in the history of own goals. This goal gave Colby confidence.
5. Conn- great win but they are getting uglier than Midd and Amherst. No effort to play futbol.

Wondering why you list Conn as a "Zero" and UGLY vs Williams?  When Conn plays the ball on the ground they play good soccer.  Game vs Williams was physical both ways, but far from ugly.  in fact the 2nd Conn goal from Devlin via Dia (Fr) and Scmidt (So) was a very pretty goal and passing.  Devlin played a tremendous game in the middle for Conn.  The only time Williams had any consistent possession was in the first 20 minutes of the game when Devlin was on the bench (he didn't start).  As soon as Devlin came on the complexion of the game changed in favor of Conn.  Conn's right back Gikandi played a very solid game shadowing Williams #22 forward (very good player).  #7 for Williams Morealias (spelling) played a great game for the Ephs.  A deserved win for Conn as they outplayed Williams and did it by moving the ball around.  Yes the bodies were flying but Williams had something to do with that.  Conn still was missing starting forwards O'Brien, Mutala, and Hermoniz.  Hoping they get them back for next Saturday vs Bates which should dramatically increase their firepower and depth.   Congratulation to both Bates and Colby on their wins over the weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 29, 2014, 04:01:35 PM
I never said Williams was playing on the ground. Also, never said Devlin's goal was ugly. Conn deserved to win the game but Williams allowed them to dictate the game and once Williams' frosh keeper made a horrible blunder Conn was ahead to stay. The game was ugly in all respects and both teams have a serious injury bug and weak goalkeeping. That does not make for good finishes for either side
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 29, 2014, 05:09:18 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 29, 2014, 04:01:35 PM
I never said Williams was playing on the ground. Also, never said Devlin's goal was ugly. Conn deserved to win the game but Williams allowed them to dictate the game and once Williams' frosh keeper made a horrible blunder Conn was ahead to stay. The game was ugly in all respects and both teams have a serious injury bug and weak goalkeeping. That does not make for good finishes for either side

Conn dictated the game because Devlin, Patch and Adair controlled the midfield, not because Williams let them.  Blunder by the Williams keeper was caused because William's left back was put under pressure first and in turn so was the keeper and a great hustle play by Partk of Conn.  I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder because the game was not ugly IMHO and there was "futbal" being played.  I have seen many uglier NESCAC games over the years, this game was far from ugly.  If you wanted an example of ugly then you should have seen the game vs Coast Guard, where the CG's moto was "hit first, hit second and then boot the ball".  You are correct that both teams (Conn & Williams) have a serious injury bug this season.  Hopefully others players step up and some of those on the IR get back soon for both teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 29, 2014, 06:30:37 PM
Conn can get away playing like that because of that sh*t field they play on. They were more aggressive in midfield for sure but heir tactic all day was to hit long balls over the top. There was no futbol on that field just a desire to win more than Williams' desire. Nothing wrong with that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on September 29, 2014, 07:34:06 PM


As for Trinity, hearing whispers of a potentially lengthy suspension for their young goal scorer Savonen.  Can anyone confirm or deny those rumors?


This is true. .Stories of heavy drinking and fighting leading to an arrest. Other Trinity players were involved and they all missed the game vs Bates. I would imagine the school will come down hard on him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 29, 2014, 09:46:45 PM
An arrest?!  Wow.  Silly boy if that is the case, and hard to defend that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on September 30, 2014, 09:57:08 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on September 29, 2014, 07:34:06 PM


As for Trinity, hearing whispers of a potentially lengthy suspension for their young goal scorer Savonen.  Can anyone confirm or deny those rumors?


This is true. .Stories of heavy drinking and fighting leading to an arrest. Other Trinity players were involved and they all missed the game vs Bates. I would imagine the school will come down hard on him.

I am pretty sure that no other players face disciplinary action and missed the game vs Bates as a result.
I do know that Cody Savonen missed the game vs Bates due to his actions and faces additional consequences to his actions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on September 30, 2014, 09:58:38 AM
This is what separates the D3 vs D1 programs in terms of resources, in D3 you have to play on the team and act as your own hooligans :P
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEngland on September 30, 2014, 03:58:13 PM
Conn beating Williams is surprising. Looked back at the NESCAC archives (go back to 2000) and didn't see a win for Conn against Williams.
Big win even if it is a down year for Williams. Biggest question is whether it will be a one off or is Conn legitimate this year? Right now they are too inconsistent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on September 30, 2014, 08:52:33 PM
Maybe the kids just watch too much NFL Madzilla?   :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFollower on September 30, 2014, 09:02:56 PM
Conn has too much trouble scoring to be a real threat this season. They strike me as the type of team to come up with a big win one weekend and follow it up with a 0-0 or 1-1 against Trinity/Colby/Bates type despite outplaying them.

Predictions for tomorrows games?

Don't know much about non-NESCACs so I'll stay away from those.

Midd at Williams is interesting. Midd coming off a surprising 0-3 defeat to Colby, and Williams winless in their last 4. On one hand I think Midd is the better team this year and will want to rebound from an embarrassing loss. On the other hand, I have trouble seeing Williams go winless in 5, especially if losing four of them.

I'll go with Midd 2 - 1 Williams, but this score could very well be flipped. If Williams loses this one, they could be in for a long, long year (For their standards)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 30, 2014, 09:36:28 PM
Quote from: NewEngland on September 30, 2014, 03:58:13 PM
Conn beating Williams is surprising. Looked back at the NESCAC archives (go back to 2000) and didn't see a win for Conn against Williams.
Big win even if it is a down year for Williams. Biggest question is whether it will be a one off or is Conn legitimate this year? Right now they are too inconsistent.

Conn last beat Williams in 1992 per Conn website.  Health will be a key for Conn.  Getting Mutala; Obrien and Hermoniz back this coming weekend will give them a boost.  Maybe they broke the seal on the goal drought vs Williams.  If Devlin and Patch keep playing well in the middle they will continue to be in every game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 01, 2014, 12:05:12 AM
MIDWEEK PREVIEW

Hopefully the 'CAC is back to dominance after a ropey out of conference week last time out.  Also a high stakes game in Williamstown on tap.

MIDDLEBURY @ WILLIAMS

The Ephs sit at .500 after a four game winless streak, and the Panthers are not the most forgiving opponent under such circumstances.  Westling and Rashid are huge losses for Williams leaving the offense reliant on Muralles behind the powerful Zach Grady.

Middlebury ran into a late ambush in Waterville after an impressive start to the season.  Glaser the key to their offense, and will be hoping to add to his 5 goal season tally here.

The loser of this game will end up behind the 8 ball in the battle for a home playoff game.

Prediction:  Middlebury 1 Williams 1

HUSSON @ BOWDOIN

Husson will ride a four game win streak, and also have a 1-0 win over Endicott on their resume, whom Bowdoin beat 2-0.  Husson's powerhouse striker Phil Frost is definitely a NESCAC level player and will be a handful for a Bowdoin back line anchored by Nabil Odulate.

Bowdoin will win to take their record over .500, but will fight it out in a physical affair here.

Prediction:  Husson 1 Bowdoin 2

FRAMINGHAM STATE @ CONN COLLEGE

Framingham are a middling foe that should be easily dealt with by the talented and confident Camels.  Pat Devlin to be string puller in chief as Camels roll to a comfortable win.

Prediction:  Framingham State 0 Conn College 3

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND @ AMHERST

The Bears will face the Jeffs in the PDL stadium Lusitano, home of the Western Mass Pioneers.  Having already beaten Wesleyan, WNE will look to make Amherst their second NESCAC scalp of the season.

Amherst has a mentality and work ethic that allows them to impose themselves on many an opponent, and expect to see the same here, Talented winger Chris Martin to net the game winning goal in a hard fought affair.

Prediction:  Western New England 0 Amherst 1

COLBY @ THOMAS

Perennial NAC Champions Thomas play host to resurgent Colby, who will be sky high in confidence after their 3-0 mauling over the Panthers.

Khamisi Lightbourne is a speedy winger who played an outstanding game v Williams in the 2013 NCAA tournament, he will pose the biggest threat to the Mules.  Florida PDL player Tre Ming also found the net when the Terriers beat Bates 1-0 earlier in the season.

Confidence is a powerful thing, and expect Colby to continue their perfect out of conference record.

Prediction:  Colby 2 Thomas 0

NEWBURY @ BATES

A week ago I may have picked an upset here.  Bates stumbled form one embarrassment to the next this season before showing signs of life this weekend. 

Newbury have 2 wins, but expect sophomore scoring machine Peabo Knoth to give the Bobcats their first home win of the season.

Prediction:  Newbury 1 Bates 3
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 01, 2014, 08:29:33 AM
very good previews...I love people that actually take the time to research even non-conference foes. I disagree with the WNEC v Amherst prediction as WNEC is a weak side this year. That win over Wesleyan was almost embarrassing for Wesleyan. Amherst should win that one 3-0 and out shoot them 30-4. 

Midd at Williams- 0-0 I agree it will be a tie. Williams will make changes because they need a shake up. Muralles does not look like the same player as last year and Williams needs him more than ever. Midd's height will be a huge advantage on long throws from Ogle and on set pieces. Midd might be the biggest team in the country as they have maybe 6 or 7 players over 6'3.  Historically,  Midd usually scores on Williams from set pieces and Williams' usually scores on a Midd defensive breakdown. Williams has won the last 3 or 4 games but those Midd teams were a bit weaker and did not have good goalkeeping. Williams needs to better protect their suspect goalkeeping and cannot attack as much as they would like to. Williams has to fight itself to play defensively but this is what they need to do with all the injuries.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 01, 2014, 09:45:05 AM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 01, 2014, 12:05:12 AM
MIDWEEK PREVIEW

Hopefully the 'CAC is back to dominance after a ropey out of conference week last time out.  Also a high stakes game in Williamstown on tap.

MIDDLEBURY @ WILLIAMS

The Ephs sit at .500 after a four game winless streak, and the Panthers are not the most forgiving opponent under such circumstances.  Westling and Rashid are huge losses for Williams leaving the offense reliant on Muralles behind the powerful Zach Grady.

Middlebury ran into a late ambush in Waterville after an impressive start to the season.  Glaser the key to their offense, and will be hoping to add to his 5 goal season tally here.

The loser of this game will end up behind the 8 ball in the battle for a home playoff game.

Prediction:  Middlebury 1 Williams 1

HUSSON @ BOWDOIN

Husson will ride a four game win streak, and also have a 1-0 win over Endicott on their resume, whom Bowdoin beat 2-0.  Husson's powerhouse striker Phil Frost is definitely a NESCAC level player and will be a handful for a Bowdoin back line anchored by Nabil Odulate.

Bowdoin will win to take their record over .500, but will fight it out in a physical affair here.

Prediction:  Husson 1 Bowdoin 2

FRAMINGHAM STATE @ CONN COLLEGE

Framingham are a middling foe that should be easily dealt with by the talented and confident Camels.  Pat Devlin to be string puller in chief as Camels roll to a comfortable win.

Prediction:  Framingham State 0 Conn College 3

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND @ AMHERST

The Bears will face the Jeffs in the PDL stadium Lusitano, home of the Western Mass Pioneers.  Having already beaten Wesleyan, WNE will look to make Amherst their second NESCAC scalp of the season.

Amherst has a mentality and work ethic that allows them to impose themselves on many an opponent, and expect to see the same here, Talented winger Chris Martin to net the game winning goal in a hard fought affair.

Prediction:  Western New England 0 Amherst 1

COLBY @ THOMAS

Perennial NAC Champions Thomas play host to resurgent Colby, who will be sky high in confidence after their 3-0 mauling over the Panthers.

Khamisi Lightbourne is a speedy winger who played an outstanding game v Williams in the 2013 NCAA tournament, he will pose the biggest threat to the Mules.  Florida PDL player Tre Ming also found the net when the Terriers beat Bates 1-0 earlier in the season.

Confidence is a powerful thing, and expect Colby to continue their perfect out of conference record.

Prediction:  Colby 2 Thomas 0

NEWBURY @ BATES

A week ago I may have picked an upset here.  Bates stumbled form one embarrassment to the next this season before showing signs of life this weekend. 

Newbury have 2 wins, but expect sophomore scoring machine Peabo Knoth to give the Bobcats their first home win of the season.

Prediction:  Newbury 1 Bates 3

well done.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 01, 2014, 10:40:32 AM
Thanks LaPaz

Actually remember seeing the Frost kid from Husson kid on the youth club scene and (wrongly) thinking he would end up NESCAC or D1, huge kid physically.

You maybe right on WNE.  I go on limited games as far as judging them, did not see Wesleyan, but did see Bowdoin struggle with them 2-3 years back, I feel like Bowdoin were much better then than now.

Looking forward to watching Midd v Williams online today.  Really is a big one for both teams I feel.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ihidebehindtheinternet on October 01, 2014, 10:52:35 AM
Midd 1 Williams 0

Midweek game with each team having a pretty big weekend ahead of them. Think this game is going to be ugly and sloppy in this fall NESCAC weather. Winner here has a lead on third/fourth in the league. Loser is looking like they could be in trouble and end up 6th in the league. Think Williams is in a complete funk and won't be able to turn it around here. Midd wins on a set piece.

Anyone know why Amherst's home game is at Lusitano stadium? That's more of a home game for WNE. It's not like the game was going to be on grass to begin with (would have been on Amherst turf under the lights) and then they wanted to switch it to turf to ensure playing tonight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 01, 2014, 12:05:36 PM
ihidebehindtheinternet.....interesting handle.  Anyway, I will try.
First...Amherst plays soccer on its grass fields.  Maybe to preserve them for the weekend,
Second...think it wants to have bigger game attendance...for community charity purposes in the greater Springfield area.  Posters out and online stating that the game is free but ask the fans to make a five dollar donation.  Therefore a game under the nights and more locally to WNE.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2014, 04:28:49 PM
Ominous start for Williams as Midd goes one-up on a PK in the seventh minute. Great pen and hopefully the first of many goals—I would have called 0-0. Will be interesting to see if Williams can win this game after going one-down; I doubt it given the way they've been playing. But hey, I could very well be wrong.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2014, 06:27:53 PM
And I was.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2014, 06:47:15 PM
I watched last 35 minutes or so of this game and seemed to me that Williams dominated and had better chances during that time.  Midd's defense looked shaky and Williams repeatedly was able to play through midfield and get the ball out in space wide on right side to Young who looks like he is going to be very good player.  From a distance these look like good teams rather than potentially great teams.  The NESCAC playoffs as always are going to be a war.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 01, 2014, 07:13:03 PM
That was Williams' best game of the year. They were playing on the ground and very fluid futbol. If Williams continues to play like that they will win a lot of games this season. However, their GK was a bit of a train wreck as got lucky a couple of times as he was racing off his line and missing crosses. He is only a frosh and will get more stable. Midd had some chances but not as many as Williams and by OT they were time wasting to try and leave Williamstown with a draw. They are a good team and have hit a bit of a funk here with Tufts coming in on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 01, 2014, 09:25:58 PM
Amherst wins over WNE..2-1...in a home game in Springfield..  WNE went into the half with a 1-0 lead....a goal scored in the first 10 minutes of the game.  It was a damp night under the lights on a turf field.  Amherst came out in the 2nd period attacking and dominated the play...getting a goal with about 25 minutes to go.  With about 10 minutes to go, the game winner game on a long free  kick by Bull from midfield towards the goal...Amherst player sends a header in front of the goal and a Jeff player kicks the ball pass the WNE out of position goalkeeper.  A quick one..two...three touch goal so to speak.
Amherst killed the clock in the last 5 minutes.  WNE indeed played a tough..hard fought contest.  No stats or announcer for the webcast...no knowledge of how WNE scored presently as I came online late. It did appear to me that Amherst out shot WNE and had more corner kick opportunities. 
Too bad it was wet and damp...kept the attendance down.

Back with some particulars...amherst outshot WNE...31-3 ; Corner kick advantage 13-3, Amherst.
WNE got its goal at the 10:35 min mark on a free kick from the right side from 24 yards out.
See box on Amerst's website.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 02, 2014, 02:19:03 AM
MIDWEEK REVIEW

The 'CAC is indeed back.  A fantastic league game served up today accompanied by some resounding out of conference wins.

MIDDLEBURY 1 WILLIAMS 2

Two storied programs in need of a win serve up a double OT classic.  Middlebury opened the scoring on a shaky PK call in my eyes.  I am never a fan of the bouncing ball handball calls that can decide games.  Nonetheless a well taken penalty.  The Eph's rebounded before half time with Danilack forcing home a loose ball on a set play.

Game seemed pretty even to me after, with both teams having chances to score and Glaser's pace a factor.  Although he looks a little awkward, young keeper Schneiderman pulled off a good reflex save to keep the scores level.  Then cometh the hour, cometh Zach Grady, the senior is making a habit of big plays at big time, and goals like this could see him named NESCAC MVP.

If Mike Russo is deservedly to end his final season on a good note, this goal could well be remembered as the moment the ship was turned back in the right direction.  Williams back into th top four, something that would make Arsene Wenger cry with joy.

HUSSON 0 BOWDOIN 4

Complete and total dominance from Bowdoin.  A pair of goals in each half from Ward, Citrin, Goitia and Hall cap off a rout that saw the Polar Bears outshoot the wingless Eagles 34-2.  Junior midfielder Citrin also registered a pair of assists for Bowdoin.

FRAMINGHAM STATE 0 CONN COLLEGE 1

Framingham State go down fighting to Conn College in a surprisingly even game.  With the shot count even at 10-10, a header from Zach Punt in the last minute of the first half was enough to get the Camels over the hump (sorry!).

WSTERN NEW ENGLAND 1 AMHERST 2

There is a deeper meaning behind this game being played at Lusitano.  The stadium is the home of the Western Mass Pioneers, and many Jeffs including the Sucre brothers have represented the club.  Having players PDL in off-season is important to many NESCAC programs and this is likely Amherst building the relationship.

WNE took a first half lead, but Amherst responded through the excellent Chris Martin, and scored the winner when Gabriel Wirz finished off a long set play from GK Thomas Bull.

COLBY 2 THOMAS 2

While we mocked Bates for their defeat in Waterville, this Thomas squad is no joke.  They also held Bowdoin to a 0-0 draw last season.  Winger Charlie Dupee scored to put Colby in the lead going into half time, before Bermuda national team winger Khamisi Lightbourne replied 3 minutes into the second half.  Both players went ti for tat again with Dupee netting in the 56th minute, before Lightbourne leveled matters in the 70th.

If you eve get to see Thomas, Lightbourne is a lightning fast winger with a bag of tricks who will very likely feature in the NCAA tournament.  Talented but volatile Thomas playmaker Tre Ming was ejected int he last minute of regulation, forcing to see out both overtime periods a man down to secure the draw.

NEWBURY 0 BATES 9

Before you completely dismiss this result, consider that Newbury drew 1-1 with MIT, the same result that Tufts achieved v MIT.

The game actually went into half-time scoreless, before Bates went ballistic with a 9 goal surge in the second period.  Bobcat star man Knoth tallied 1 goal and 3 assists, and 5 Bobcat goals were scored by freshman.  Out of interest I took a quick glance at the season stats.  Bates have scored 14 goals, and 12 have been scored by freshman or sophomores.  I am not quite as sure Flaherty is the useless recruiter some paint him as.

On another note, even a Bates fan would admit they are a struggling NESCAC team (0-10 in 2011 followed by two 1 win seasons).  So dominant results like this are a huge sign of the NESCAC's strength against other divisions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 02, 2014, 08:47:22 AM
Excellent summary, MENESCACFAN. Keep it coming.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 02, 2014, 09:25:36 AM
Not sure what game you were watching as Williams dominated Midd. Williams could have won that game 4-1. They had wave after wave of chances but just couldnt finish. Midd had chances but they were more sporadic. Williams dominated possession and were playing some excellent futbol. The PK was a handball and had to be called. Also, Amherst absolutely dominated WNEC and should have won the game 5-1. WNEC sat deep and were blasting balls out of the back all night and seemed like they cleared about 5 balls off the goal line. Good game plan for WNEC( kind of what Babson did to Williams) but they couldn't hold on in the end. Again, WNEC is down a bit this year and seem to be missing the type of players they used to get in. Their 2006 and 2007 squads were tremendous and could hold up with any team in the country.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 02, 2014, 09:51:26 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 02, 2014, 08:47:22 AM
Excellent summary, MENESCACFAN. Keep it coming.
Thanks for the reporting Menescacfan.
However, report on Conn vs Framingham St game was a little off.  Shots were 19 for Conn to 10 for Framingham.  Conn handled the game  while resting 4 starters (Devlin, Patch, Mutala and OBrien).  Conn was in control of the entire game, although I will give Framingham kudos for effort and play.  Conn hit the crossbar twice and the post twice and missed four other great scoring opportunities in a bad weather game (pouring rain and big wind).  Could easily have been 4 or 5 to 0.  Many of Conn's younger players got some minutes. Good news for Conn was resting some players and they got Hlinomaz (Soph striker) back.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on October 02, 2014, 09:54:41 AM
Agreed that Williams dominated play after that initial Midd goal. Thanks for the clarification on the PK, didn't understand what the call was with the explanation given on the webcast but that makes sense to what I saw. The free kick was a bit of a head scratcher later on, didn't appear much happened there and with the 2-3 second delay on most calls the play had moved on. As for Schneiderman being a 'little awkward,' very generous description. There were times I was closer to the goal than he was and I was watching via webcast on the other side of the country. With his tendency to wander I think it was very lucky for the Ephs that Midd only managed 1 corner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFollower on October 02, 2014, 11:48:39 AM
Didn't catch the game, but moderately surprised that Williams pulled out the win, especially battling back from 1-0 down. The 2nd place to 6th mix is an interesting one. Tufts, Wesleyan, Midd, Williams, and Conn could all end 2nd with a strong end to their seasons IMO.

Trinity at Bowdoin: Neither have a stand-out win, but both seem solid enough. This would be a big 3 points to either team. Bowdoin is 4-3 but their three losses came to Midd, Wes, and Amherst and all were within 2 goals. I havent heard anything from the Trinity camp but without Savonen, they may have trouble scoring.

Trinity 0 - 1 Bowdoin


Williams at Skidmore: Is Williams back? This game will be a telling one agains a good not great Skidmore side. A win would do wonder for their confidence and chances at an NCAA bid.

Williams 2 - 1 Skidmore


Wesleyan at Colby: Colby at home are hard to break down, and Wesleyan have trouble scoring. Wesleyan are squeeking by in every win. Don't expect a goal-fest if you watch this one.

Wesleyan 0 - 0 Colby


Conn at Bates: Bates' form has turned, beating Trinity 3-0 was a huge win and losing 1-0 to Amherst is not a bad result. They seem to have more of an attacking threat but I think Conn is too good of a team. Devlin will break them down and with their returning strikers, Conn could be a real threat.

Conn 2 - 0 Bates


Tufts at Midd: Tufts seems solid enough, but also don't have a resounding win against any decent program. They got by Wesleyan with an overtime goal but other than that struggled to break down Colby and tied MIT. I was impressed with their tie against Amherst but they leave a lot to be desired. Midd seem to have a more dynamic attack with Conrad and Glaser and are at home. Surprised they've lost their last two and I expect them to come out fired up.

Midd 1 - 0 Tufts


Hamilton at Amherst: If this were at Hamilton it could be a different story but with the travelling I don't think Hamilton have a shot. Amherst to shove the ball down their throats enough times to score a few.

Hamilton 0 - 2 Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 02, 2014, 01:11:00 PM
Williams v Skidmore:
The loser must win the conference in order to get a bid to the dance.
Unfortunately both these teams already have a few losses to less than elite  competition on the year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 02, 2014, 02:03:01 PM
LaPAz

I think Williams did dominate possession but Middlebury did counter a lot to have the game in the balance in my eyes, particularly giving the Williams keeper seeming suspect.  We all differ in opinions, but I don't equate possession dominance to game dominance if the confer threat is there consistently.  More of a cat and mouse game, many a time a team dominants possession only to get beat on counter and claim a moral victor,y I never buy that train of thought which is why i viewed the game as even.

Corazon

My Conn report was off reading a game report that a box score reported even shots, if I am off there so be it, just trying to read up on what i love and summarize for those who don't have the time to scour all sites like I do.  I then add what I read to what I have seen from players/teams in the games I did watch.

Let's enjoy the weekend fellas.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 02, 2014, 02:29:11 PM
Thanks again, MENESCACFAN. I didn't comment on the Conn game, as I didn't watch it. Some people are hyper-sensitive and critical on this board, but I'm not one of them. I appreciate you and others taking their time to post their summaries.

Keep the summaries coming ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2014, 02:56:54 PM
Random thought...tradition counts for more than just favor in the rankings and such.  I'm guessing that wearing the Williams jersey means something for the players and gives them a psychological edge in most of their contests.  They aren't supposed to lose.  Even if they lose a couple more games and are out of the at-large picture I would then fully expect them to win the NESCAC tourney.  In other words, it will take some extra nails to keep their coffin closed.  That said, I agree that the OT win over Midd was huge for them and we might see them win 5 or 6 in a row.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 02, 2014, 03:00:08 PM
My bad Corazon, All NESCAC had said that but quoted you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 02, 2014, 03:03:10 PM
NCAC

I am not sure sport is that simple, otherwise Manchester United would not have crashed and burned in such spectacular fashion, or the New York Yankees.  Tradition is nice, but sport is cyclical and empires fall with new ones rising.  Williams won't win the tourney just because they have to.  They will need kids to make plays, as Grady did last night.  If that doesn't happen, another school will win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2014, 03:09:04 PM
MENESCACFAN, so you don't think Man U is a little tougher to beat because they are Man U?  You don't think there is a psychological hurdle that some teams have to clear to finally beat the big brother?  You don't think there is a certain aura that Messiah has when teams play them that doesn't have an effect?  You don't think there is anything at all to playing for the Williams jersey?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 02, 2014, 03:46:00 PM
Homefield advantage and a somewhat depleted Tufts back line might tip the scales for Midd on Sat.
Without their 6-4, 205 lb Jumbo (red card) at centerback, Tufts will need another weapon to push back against Midd's 6-5 210 lb up top.
Keeping their undefeated conference campaign alive might serve as the necessary fuel to Tufts fire, but Midd is fighting to avoid having to travel 3+  hours to anywhere come 'CAC playoff weekend. Midd, 2-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2014, 04:41:02 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 02, 2014, 03:09:04 PM
MENESCACFAN, so you don't think Man U is a little tougher to beat because they are Man U?  You don't think there is a psychological hurdle that some teams have to clear to finally beat the big brother?  You don't think there is a certain aura that Messiah has when teams play them that doesn't have an effect?  You don't think there is anything at all to playing for the Williams jersey?

NCAC, I would agree with you in most cases, but, last season saw a different trend. While top-four rivals like Liverpool and City blew United out of the water at Old Trafford, teams like Everton, Sunderland, Tottenham, and West Brom—who had not won at Old Trafford in many years—began to feel that they could go there and get three points. The aura of playing Man U was certainly in effect before Fergie left—we all know of Fergie's influence—but once he was gone, the "fear factor" went. I think teams still respected Man U, but I think that they realized that "we can play with them and we'll have a go at them."

Similarly, I would say that Williams is undoubtedly a program with tradition and talent, but I would also say that—while teams respect Coach Russo and his teams—they may also sense vulnerability this year (and even last year, where even the most ardent of Williams fans would admit that getting to the Final Four before being comprehensively blown out by Messiah was a miracle.) In summary, I think teams still respect Williams, but I don't think they "fear" them as much.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2014, 05:11:06 PM
Sure, once the dam breaks and a lot of people are beating you then the edge evaporates.  But until the perennial underdog breaks down the door the edge is still there.  And I think last year proves the point (and even the last 2 years).  Williams had no business being in the Final Four and yet there they were, back-to-back.  Don't think there wasn't a little doubt in the minds of even Amherst in those Elite 8 games?  And outside of Amherst, can you picture any other NESCAC with the relative talent that Williams had going to Final Fours back-to-back?

Gun to your head...assuming both teams equal in every way, who do you give the nod to in a NESCAC semifinal match, Conn College or Williams?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 02, 2014, 05:36:11 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 02, 2014, 05:11:06 PM
Sure, once the dam breaks and a lot of people are beating you then the edge evaporates.  But until the perennial underdog breaks down the door the edge is still there.  And I think last year proves the point (and even the last 2 years).  Williams had no business being in the Final Four and yet there they were, back-to-back.  Don't think there wasn't a little doubt in the minds of even Amherst in those Elite 8 games?  And outside of Amherst, can you picture any other NESCAC with the relative talent that Williams had going to Final Fours back-to-back?

Gun to your head...assuming both teams equal in every way, who do you give the nod to in a NESCAC semifinal match, Conn College or Williams?

NCAC New England--"gun to the head"--depends on two items--who has home field and who is healthier.  Given that Rashid and Westling won't be back due to injury and it looks like Conn is getting healthier edge is to Conn.   If game is in Williams then slight edge to Ephs, if game is in New London then edge to Camels.   Conn (who plays a lot of Sr's and Jrs) has played Williams very close over the last 5 years and while I'm sure they respect the Ephs there is no OMG factor of playing the Purple Cows.  Neutral site I'll take the healthier team as both teams have talent. I don't think there is any OMG factor in the NESCAC this year for any team.  Only recent team which had the OMG factor was in 2012 with that  Amherst team which was absolutely loaded, and yet they were beaten by Williams (you can throw out the OMG factor in a rivalry game of Eph vs Lord Jeff).  I don't believe within the NESCAC there really is any OMG factor as they are so familiar with each other and they all believe they can beat any other team in the NESCAC (ie. See Colby and Bates) and also lose to any other team (ie. see Middlebury and Trinity).   I'm sure all the teams in the New England region would have some OMG feeling if they play Messiah, but other than Messiah no one else in the country has any mystique or fear factor. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2014, 07:02:59 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on October 02, 2014, 05:36:11 PM
NCAC New England--"gun to the head"--depends on two items--who has home field and who is healthier.  Given that Rashid and Westling won't be back due to injury and it looks like Conn is getting healthier edge is to Conn.   If game is in Williams then slight edge to Ephs, if game is in New London then edge to Camels.

My thoughts exactly.

Keep in mind that, two years ago against the "loaded" Amherst team, Amherst hit the crossbar five times in that game (which ended 0-0.) Last year was more even, but Williams definitely rode their luck both years; I'm not sure that it was the "fear factor" that got them there. I simply believe that, on both occasions, they were rather fortunate, rather than benefiting from a fear factor. That said, we all know that soccer is a funny game, and whoever finishes their chances will win that given match on that given day—Amherst didn't finish their chances, and Williams did.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2014, 07:13:41 PM
Just to be clear, the edge on Amherst is different.  It's not a "fear factor" but there is still a hurdle there.  If they ended up playing again this year in an Elite 8 game, after Amherst has beaten them in the regular season and in the NESCAC tournament, you won't convince me that Amherst wouldn't have a little doubt in their minds about how fate might play out.  Just like probably the majority of us thought just before the Elite 8 kicked off last year.

You can call it luck or very odd coincidence that Williams went to consecutive final 4s when they were not clearly the best team, but it sure is strange that the team for whom fate fell for just happened to be Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 02, 2014, 08:03:28 PM
Williams does indeed have a psychological edge.
The saying "Whatever man has done man can do" applies to Williams because they have already won the big one.

This fact cannot be underrated.

Williams won it all in '95 and has been a national threat since.
Wheaton won in '84 then  '97 for the 2nd time and has been a National threat since
Messiah won in 00 and ditto.
OWU won its first in 98 then again in 11
SLU pulled the trick in '99.

Winning the whole thing does not make a team win automatically, it makes a team believe it can.

That's where the edge comes from.

Teams who have been to the mountaintop before feel as though they can go again.
That belief is what gives them the edge.

If and when Amherst, Loras, Stevens watch out, because their players will be even more confident after seeing the alum come back to campus with rings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2014, 08:30:22 PM
Thank you Saint of Old.  I was beginning to think no one believes in the concept of a psychological hurdle or edge in sports.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 02, 2014, 09:43:11 PM
NCAC

I thought Man U was tough to beat when they were the best, how is that jersey helping them last season and right now?  How did those pinstripes help the Yankees make the postseason in Jeter's last season when it just had to happen right?

You will only win if you have the best players.  Tradition is nice, but United are a team outside the EPL top four and the Yankees are not he outside of the playoffs looking in. 

Messiah are good right now because they have the best players.  If you put the Bates/Colby kids in those Williams jerseys, they wouldn't suddenly win.  It is a silly concept to suggest otherwise.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 02, 2014, 09:48:09 PM
Also NCAC this "Fear" you speak of, is it seasonal?  Amherst faced Williams in NESCAC title games and beat them.  Did this "fear" disappear, only to return weeks later?

You discredit the talent of Rashid, Westling, Muralles and even Russo suggesting some mystical force achieved those things.  It is talented players working hard, and an intelligent coaching staff doing their jobs well.  It is not mystique, aura and witchcraft.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 02, 2014, 09:56:43 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 02, 2014, 08:30:22 PM
Thank you Saint of Old.  I was beginning to think no one believes in the concept of a psychological hurdle or edge in sports.

No one said we didn't believe such an edge exists in sports......it does but IMHO there is  no aura about Williams men's soccer team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 02, 2014, 09:59:53 PM
^ agreed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 02, 2014, 10:15:05 PM
TRINITY @ BOWDOIN

High stakes playoff game in Brunswick, Maine.  Trinity currently hold the #8 spot with Bowdoin one point behind.  Trinity will play without their top scorer Savonen in all probability due to a situation that suggests some unrest behind the scenes in Hartford.

Bowdoin are ticking along in solid if not spectacular fashion.  Having watched Trinity blown away by Bates last weekend, I would predict winger Andrew Jones and solid defender Nabil Odulate to lift the Polar Bears to a vital win here.

PREDICTION:  Trinity 0 Bowdoin 1

WESLEYAN @ COLBY

"Ruthless" and "efficient" are words that come to mind when I think of Wesleyan.  Their relentless ability to grind out results reminds me of the great Italian club sides of the 1980's.  While I am sure Colby are flying high aftr last week's win over Middlebury, Thomas reminded them in midweek they have a way to go.

A well played game likely to be settled by a set play goal for the Cardinals.

PREDICTION:  Wesleyan 1 Colby 0

CONN COLLEGE @ BATES

Conn seem to be banged up but getting guys back at the right time, they certainly are a talented group.  The Bobcats have recently showed signs of salvaging their frankly horrendous season.

Upset of the week to be Bats grinding out a 0-0 draw that lifts them from the foot of the table, and keeps Conn in the think of the playoff spots.

PREDICTION:  Conn College 0 Bates 0

TUFTS @ MIDDLEBURY

Heat breaking loss for Middlebury in midweek to be followed up in midweek by  a visit of the most talented Tufts I have seen in my time following the league.  The Panthers back line does not blow me away, and Tufts just have too many options to score from too many different areas of the field.

PREDICTION:  Tufts 3 Middlebury 1

HAMILTON @ AMHERST

The Amherst juggernaut rolls on, and I do not see it stopping this week.  Hamilton are always a game opponent, and will have their chances but the energy, depth and strength of Amherst to give them another 3 points as we enter the second half of the season.

Hamilton players to be checking their phones on bus ride home hoping the teams behind them dropped points in the playoff race.  The Hamilton left back should have fits dealing with Chris Martin, though their center back Buck Reynolds is a quality player.

PREDICTION:  Hamilton 0 Amherst 2

WILLIAMS @ SKIDMORE

Williams did their most important work this week v Middlebury, but I would expect them to keep up the good vibes with a win over a good opponent by name, who sen to have had some down results this fall.

PREDICTION:  Williams 2 Skidmore 1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2014, 10:22:51 PM
MENESCACFAN, no diminishing of Williams is intended.  And they did just go to back-to-back final 4s.  If they have a full year or 2 of middling results then there will be no edge.  Right now there still is even if fading.  Man U had a 20 year run where there was an edge.  It's easy to use that as an example now.  And there was far less pressure on Amherst in a NESCAC tourney final than an elite 8 game.  Don't understand the pushback on this at all.  It's phenomenon that we see in sports every single week.  Let me remind you that last year at this same time there was absolutely no reason to believe that Williams was headed to another final 4.  Ask Serpone who he would least like to play in an elite 8 game this year....Williams, Tufts, Middlebury, or Wesleyan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 02, 2014, 10:27:05 PM
Williams has missed one Nescac final four in 13 years. CONN HAS NEVER MADE A NESCAC FINAL FOUR. In the end, Conn will NOT have a home game on the first playoff weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 03, 2014, 12:24:13 AM
You are diminishing it though.  They went on a run of form and invested hours of energy into a great season.  If a team gets out of the NESCAC, it is never a shock to see them go far, at least to me.

You suggest you give any kid a Williams jersey so they win, that is fairytale nonsense.  Because of the Williams success in the past, the kids in that jersey tend to be the better kids, and that is why runs of dominance are created.  If the jersey and mystique alone did it, dynasties would never end, and Manchester United would sit atop the EPL.  In fact no they wouldn't, because they would never have moved past Liverpool under Ferguson, as back then Liverpool wore the magical fairytale jersey and had the mystique and aura.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 03, 2014, 09:47:53 AM
Sorry I mentioned what I originally said, as this is getting tedious and my guess is that we don't really disagree.  You have made a straw man out of what is a rather common dynamic in sports.  And I never suggested anything close to putting all the Bates players in a Williams jersey would make them national contenders.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 03, 2014, 10:01:16 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 02, 2014, 10:27:05 PM
Williams has missed one Nescac final four in 13 years. CONN HAS NEVER MADE A NESCAC FINAL FOUR. In the end, Conn will NOT have a home game on the first playoff weekend.

LaPaz, don't get me wrong I am a very big Williams fan, but all good things eventually come to an end.  You sound like the Yankee's fans of the 1990's and early 2000's chanting "1918" when the Red Sox never won a World Series in 85 years....well you know that story.  Williams could go on a run and win the NESCAC tourney.  Conn could keep hitting cross bars and posts and miss the playoffs.  But there is no aura to the Williams men's soccer team.  I was very happy for their Final Four runs the past two years....somehow they got it done and kept winning.
I certainly expect Williams to be in the thick of it for the NESCAC playoffs as I do Conn.   Certainly all roads lead to Amherst which is the best team I've seen this year.  Yet the talent across the NESCAC has been slowly evening out the past 5 years and with it there is no unbeatable team this year.  Yes Amherst and Tufts seem to  have a little more firepower than the rest, but there is no dominate team this year.  Who knows maybe it will be a year 2004 story for someone not named Amherst or Williams this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 03, 2014, 10:17:35 AM
All NESCAC, the Red Sox are a perfect example.  They had to clear that hurdle.

And your post could have been written at this same time last year.  We know how that worked out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 03, 2014, 12:00:34 PM
NCAC, no hard feelings.  You feel one way I feel another.  I have played/coached and been on both of the (dynasty) dynamic, I find it the most overrated and fragile concept in sports.

I enjoy reading your posts, and the boards, let's move on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 03, 2014, 01:37:54 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 03, 2014, 12:00:34 PM
NCAC, no hard feelings.  You feel one way I feel another.  I have played/coached and been on both of the (dynasty) dynamic, I find it the most overrated and fragile concept in sports.

I enjoy reading your posts, and the boards, let's move on.

Agreed. Hey, we can all agree that Bates will win the NESCAC this year, so it's all good. ;)

(I am not out to diss Bates, just felt that it was time for some comic relief.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 03, 2014, 02:49:58 PM
It's all good. 

And we'll all be having a laugh (or crying) when/if Williams beats Amherst 1-0 or in PKs in the NESCAC final or the elite 8 game.  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 03, 2014, 03:54:19 PM
I do believe Amherst has overcome any "edge" that Williams had over them..even the possibility of the aura of the jersey. :). Why? 
Amherst, that still has not found a consistent offense, beat Williams 4-1 at home.....the highest number of goals against the EPHs since 1933 by Amherst...that is a fact!   In the second half of that game....Williams switched to its FY goalie and Amherst also went to another goalie...a senior.  Seems the young Williams goalie is still getting the most time.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 04, 2014, 08:52:47 AM
Quote from: All NESCAC on October 03, 2014, 10:01:16 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 02, 2014, 10:27:05 PM
Williams has missed one Nescac final four in 13 years. CONN HAS NEVER MADE A NESCAC FINAL FOUR. In the end, Conn will NOT have a home game on the first playoff weekend.

LaPaz, don't get me wrong I am a very big Williams fan, but all good things eventually come to an end.  You sound like the Yankee's fans of the 1990's and early 2000's chanting "1918" when the Red Sox never won a World Series in 85 years....well you know that story.  Williams could go on a run and win the NESCAC tourney.  Conn could keep hitting cross bars and posts and miss the playoffs.  But there is no aura to the Williams men's soccer team.  I was very happy for their Final Four runs the past two years....somehow they got it done and kept winning.
I certainly expect Williams to be in the thick of it for the NESCAC playoffs as I do Conn.   Certainly all roads lead to Amherst which is the best team I've seen this year.  Yet the talent across the NESCAC has been slowly evening out the past 5 years and with it there is no unbeatable team this year.  Yes Amherst and Tufts seem to  have a little more firepower than the rest, but there is no dominate team this year.  Who knows maybe it will be a year 2004 story for someone not named Amherst or Williams this year.

I am sorry CONN is just not that good. They are the same team as last year without Hawkey. Their goalkeeper is weak and CB"s to slow. They play ugly and can get away with it at their sh*t field but not on the road. Their schedule is still loaded with tough teams for them to play still. I like O'Brien, Devlin and Mutala but they do not have the depth or talent to keep pace with the top 4 in the league. Williams did not just somehow get it done and go to NCAA final 4's the past two years. In 2012 they were a very good team and happened to get lucky against maybe the best team in the country that year, Amherst. Lat year they also were a very good team and went head to head with Amherst and let up a couple soft goals against Messiah and the game was closer than 4-0. I will agree they were the weakest of the final 4 teams but the POINT is that Williams got there, got in the NCAA's , got a home field NESCAC game , went to the final, etc etc....CONN HAS DONE NONE OF THIS EVER. THEY WILL NOT DO IT THIS YEAR EITHER. So yes there is still an aura...TEAMS GET MORE PUMPED TO PLAY WILLIAMS AND AMHERST, EVEN MIDD...That is why CONN beat Williams this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 04, 2014, 01:44:39 PM
About 45 minutes until kickoff in Middlebury, and its been steadily raining for the past several hours with what appears to be no let up coming any time soon.

Will be interesting to see how the weather affects the two teams. I do know one thing—Midd's notoriously fast playing surface will be that much faster. Anything on the ground will really scoot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 04, 2014, 02:56:39 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 04, 2014, 08:52:47 AM
Quote from: All NESCAC on October 03, 2014, 10:01:16 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 02, 2014, 10:27:05 PM
Williams has missed one Nescac final four in 13 years. CONN HAS NEVER MADE A NESCAC FINAL FOUR. In the end, Conn will NOT have a home game on the first playoff weekend.

LaPaz, don't get me wrong I am a very big Williams fan, but all good things eventually come to an end.  You sound like the Yankee's fans of the 1990's and early 2000's chanting "1918" when the Red Sox never won a World Series in 85 years....well you know that story.  Williams could go on a run and win the NESCAC tourney.  Conn could keep hitting cross bars and posts and miss the playoffs.  But there is no aura to the Williams men's soccer team.  I was very happy for their Final Four runs the past two years....somehow they got it done and kept winning.
I certainly expect Williams to be in the thick of it for the NESCAC playoffs as I do Conn.   Certainly all roads lead to Amherst which is the best team I've seen this year.  Yet the talent across the NESCAC has been slowly evening out the past 5 years and with it there is no unbeatable team this year.  Yes Amherst and Tufts seem to  have a little more firepower than the rest, but there is no dominate team this year.  Who knows maybe it will be a year 2004 story for someone not named Amherst or Williams this year.

I am sorry CONN is just not that good. They are the same team as last year without Hawkey. Their goalkeeper is weak and CB"s to slow. They play ugly and can get away with it at their sh*t field but not on the road. Their schedule is still loaded with tough teams for them to play still. I like O'Brien, Devlin and Mutala but they do not have the depth or talent to keep pace with the top 4 in the league. Williams did not just somehow get it done and go to NCAA final 4's the past two years. In 2012 they were a very good team and happened to get lucky against maybe the best team in the country that year, Amherst. Lat year they also were a very good team and went head to head with Amherst and let up a couple soft goals against Messiah and the game was closer than 4-0. I will agree they were the weakest of the final 4 teams but the POINT is that Williams got there, got in the NCAA's , got a home field NESCAC game , went to the final, etc etc....CONN HAS DONE NONE OF THIS EVER. THEY WILL NOT DO IT THIS YEAR EITHER. So yes there is still an aura...TEAMS GET MORE PUMPED TO PLAY WILLIAMS AND AMHERST, EVEN MIDD...That is why CONN beat Williams this year.

La Paz - I'd be curious to get your take on the playing fields of each of the NESCAC schools. How would you rank them from 1-11?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 04, 2014, 04:10:25 PM
From Lewiston, Sophomore Peabo Knoth puts on a show and hits the game winner in OT. Bates 2 CONN 1. Knoth also created the first goal with a beautiful assist which Freshman Justin Yacovino finished. Knoth looks as good as any midfielder I've seen in the NESCAC. The future is looking brighter in Lewiston. Pat Devlin again looked good and hit the crossbar in OT. Good game in poor weather.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on October 04, 2014, 04:45:28 PM
Williams loses to Skidmore and Conn loses to Bates. Maybe neither of them are worthy of the nescac semis.

Regarding Williams "aura", I would argue that started fading away a few years ago, probably after the graduation of Gaston Kelly, and Romero
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 04, 2014, 07:03:38 PM
Just got home from the Middlebury Tufts game. O-0 in a driving storm. Middlebury played long ball to their large players. Tufts played very nice soccer. Middlebury missed a n easy gol when a tufts defender slipped. Otherwise, tufts had most of the scoring chances and dominated the last 35 minutes. Kayne and hop pent worked very well with hoppenot shooting one right on the goalie after Kayne dealt thru defenders and dished a beautiful pass. Santos played well. Middlebury is strong. Sydor made a couple of nice saves, and imho was the Middlebury player of the game. Coach Saward made a comment after the game how well tufts played and how the midfield moved the ball around. He was happy with the result. While Tufts played well, they didn't finish. Don't know what the tufts coach said. Someone mentioned that Tufts hasn't lost to Middlebury in the last 4 years. I still see the panthers as a very good team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 04, 2014, 10:50:54 PM
WEEKEND REVIEW

Well this league is getting more interesting by the week if you ask me.

TRINITY 0 BOWDOIN 2

Leading scorer Cody Savonen started for Trinity, so it appears whatever soap opera they had going on over in Hartford had blown over.  That said, it was not enough to prevent an impressive win for a Polar Bear squad that lifts itself firmly into the playoff mix, with the Bantams now on the outside looking in.

Powerful midfielder Sam White netted both Polar Bear goals.  The first a beautiful finish from an Andrew Jones back heel, and the second a headed goal from a bouncing ball in the area.  Goals here;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTKE0vJU3UM

Bowdoin keeper Steve van Siclen made only 2 saves, suggesting a pretty dominant display by the Polar Bears.

WESLEYAN 1 COLBY 0

Wesleyan do not score many goals, and they simply do not have to.  The goalkeepers combined for 8 saves here in a 'grind it out' affair.  The game was settled in the second period of OT when powerhouse midfielder Hans Erickson forced home a Brandon Sousa corner.

Kudos to coach Geoff Wheeler for his continued ability to guide his team through tough games and come out with three points.  The win leaves the Cardinals in sole possession of second place, having played two games less than leaders Amherst.

After such an impressive win last week, this must have been a heart breaker for the Mules.

CONN COLLEGE 1 BATES 2 (OT)

Very obviously, this Bobcat team is not the joke many thought they were.   Conn rolled into Lewiston off the back of a win over Williams, and took a first half lead through a Colin Patch free kick.  The Bobcats responded when freshman Justin Yacovino span and rolled into the side netting on the stroke of half time.

The teams went back and forth before the game was settled in OT by Peabo Knoth.  Incidentally, sophomore Knoth now leads the conference in points, and the Bobcats have had 14 of their 16 goals scored by freshman or sophomores.  Clearly the criticism of their coaches recruiting skills on these boards went way over the top, and that deserves some credit.

I fully expect to Conn to rebound and secure a playoff spot, but kudos to the Bobcats for responding to their horror show start to the fall.

TUFTS 0 MIDDLEBURY 0

Going by the game reports, and the observations of Nutmeg, this seemed a quality game played out by two high end NESCAC squads.  Tufts are the most impressive team I have observed when they tore Bates to shreds on the opening day.

My guess is neither of these teams will be disheartened with a point, and will enter the second half of the NESCAC season looking to secure a home playoff game.  Tufts remain a contender for the title in my eyes.

HAMILTON 0 AMHERST 1

This seems about as predictable as games get.  Nico Pasqual-Leone scored early for the Jeffs who then rolled onto victory doubling up the Continentals in shots 22-11.  There seems to be less of an edge to Amherst so far this year, but until they lose we will have to accept them as favorites for the number 1 seed.

This results drops the Jeffs out of the playoff spots, but they will see plenty more winnable games on their schedule than a trip to Amherst.

WILLIAMS 1 SKIDMORE 2

Ropey times for Williams, while it is out of conference, another loss cannot help their confidence any.  All three goals came int he first 30 minutes, with JC Bahr-De Stefano netting what reports suggested was a bit of a wonder goal.

Skidmore quickly responded with two goals from senior striker Adam Beek, and went on to close out the win.

The Eph's could face some goalkeeping problems.  The freshman Schneiderman was pulled after making 2 saves and conceding 2 goals, a terrible ratio.  If the net minding becomes a season long concern, no 'mystique' or 'aura' is going to help this team, interesting situation for the legendary Coach Russo to handle in his final season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 05, 2014, 01:34:00 AM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 04, 2014, 10:50:54 PM
WEEKEND REVIEW

Well this league is getting more interesting by the week if you ask me.

TRINITY 0 BOWDOIN 2

Leading scorer Cody Savonen started for Trinity, so it appears whatever soap opera they had going on over in Hartford had blown over.  That said, it was not enough to prevent an impressive win for a Polar Bear squad that lifts itself firmly into the playoff mix, with the Bantams now on the outside looking in.

Good analysis! Kudos to Bates for stepping up after being left for dead!



Powerful midfielder Sam White netted both Polar Bear goals.  The first a beautiful finish from an Andrew Jones back heel, and the second a headed goal from a bouncing ball in the area.  Goals here;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTKE0vJU3UM

Bowdoin keeper Steve van Siclen made only 2 saves, suggesting a pretty dominant display by the Polar Bears.

WESLEYAN 1 COLBY 0

Wesleyan do not score many goals, and they simply do not have to.  The goalkeepers combined for 8 saves here in a 'grind it out' affair.  The game was settled in the second period of OT when powerhouse midfielder Hans Erickson forced home a Brandon Sousa corner.

Kudos to coach Geoff Wheeler for his continued ability to guide his team through tough games and come out with three points.  The win leaves the Cardinals in sole possession of second place, having played two games less than leaders Amherst.

After such an impressive win last week, this must have been a heart breaker for the Mules.

CONN COLLEGE 1 BATES 2 (OT)

Very obviously, this Bobcat team is not the joke many thought they were.   Conn rolled into Lewiston off the back of a win over Williams, and took a first half lead through a Colin Patch free kick.  The Bobcats responded when freshman Justin Yacovino span and rolled into the side netting on the stroke of half time.

The teams went back and forth before the game was settled in OT by Peabo Knoth.  Incidentally, sophomore Knoth now leads the conference in points, and the Bobcats have had 14 of their 16 goals scored by freshman or sophomores.  Clearly the criticism of their coaches recruiting skills on these boards went way over the top, and that deserves some credit.

I fully expect to Conn to rebound and secure a playoff spot, but kudos to the Bobcats for responding to their horror show start to the fall.

TUFTS 0 MIDDLEBURY 0

Going by the game reports, and the observations of Nutmeg, this seemed a quality game played out by two high end NESCAC squads.  Tufts are the most impressive team I have observed when they tore Bates to shreds on the opening day.

My guess is neither of these teams will be disheartened with a point, and will enter the second half of the NESCAC season looking to secure a home playoff game.  Tufts remain a contender for the title in my eyes.

HAMILTON 0 AMHERST 1

This seems about as predictable as games get.  Nico Pasqual-Leone scored early for the Jeffs who then rolled onto victory doubling up the Continentals in shots 22-11.  There seems to be less of an edge to Amherst so far this year, but until they lose we will have to accept them as favorites for the number 1 seed.

This results drops the Jeffs out of the playoff spots, but they will see plenty more winnable games on their schedule than a trip to Amherst.

WILLIAMS 1 SKIDMORE 2

Ropey times for Williams, while it is out of conference, another loss cannot help their confidence any.  All three goals came int he first 30 minutes, with JC Bahr-De Stefano netting what reports suggested was a bit of a wonder goal.

Skidmore quickly responded with two goals from senior striker Adam Beek, and went on to close out the win.

The Eph's could face some goalkeeping problems.  The freshman Schneiderman was pulled after making 2 saves and conceding 2 goals, a terrible ratio.  If the net minding becomes a season long concern, no 'mystique' or 'aura' is going to help this team, interesting situation for the legendary Coach Russo to handle in his final season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 09:19:24 AM
WEKEND PREVIEW PART 2

Only one out of conference game today but some interesting subplots to play out for us.

ENDICOTT @ WILLIAMS

Endicott are a .500 team with some middling results that you would expect an in form NESCAC team to beat (Bowdoin did so), but is that where Williams are?  The Ephs have won one of their last 6, and are coming off a tough loss yesterday.

The Gulls will likely see a chance for an upset, but I see Williams taking him the win by the odd goal.  I expect freshman forward Mark Sisco-Tolomeo to get some out of conference action and find the net, an athletic and confident young man from Don Bosco in NJ.

Some stories to look for;
- Who will start in goal for Williams, and how will they perform?
- An assist by Zach Grady will move him into a tie atop the NESCAC points standings, a goal will see him take the lead.
- A goal by Grady will break his current tie with Dan Kraynak for most goals in the league.
- Mexican playmaker Diego Slobotzky appears to be having a big season, can he get it done against NESCAC opposition.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 05, 2014, 09:27:55 AM
With the increased interest in tracking statistical leaders, I suggest we focus on in-conference play vs. overall. That way, we're comparing apples to apples. That leaves Knoth (Bates) and Pascual-Leone (Amherst) tied at 8 points, with three players at 6: Grady (Williams), Rico (Amherst), White (Bowdoin).
Link: http://nescac.com/sports/msoc/2014-15/players?sort=p&view=&pos=kickers&r=1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 11:04:18 AM
I am utterly shocked that Peabo Knoth leads in conference goal scoring with 4. That is more surprising than any teams results at this point.  Sisco has been a major disappointment thus far for Williams. He was supposed to be a great striker with toughness and a nose for the goal. He had a greta chance against Skidmore yesterday and badly missed. He has gotten plenty of minutes to prove himself and has not done so yet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 11:30:37 AM
Williams is clearly down this year but I wouldn't worry too much. They will still make the NESCAC playoffs and who knows what can happen if the past has taught us anything. They will still be a force in the future and I wouldn't be surprised if the next coach takes them back to their dynastic best with some aggressive recruiting. No reason they can't scour the USSDA for good students and sell them on the perks of a Williams education/experience. They should get their share of players over most D1 programs and their $10k per year or the draw of immediate play time vs the Ivies.

Kenyon is a program doing just that (10-0, #2 in nation) with a tremendous Brit (father played for Chelsea) leading their recruiting. Identify talent at the Florida showcase, weekly emails and occasional phone calls (even after told no). Kenyon is no Williams as for a national draw. Difference is the recruiting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 11:47:08 AM
Jump4Joy, thank you for that.  Great point, and I did not actually know how to find that.  I am aware some players light up out of conference foes to hit that leaderboard, obviously Knoth not guilty of that.  I know Savonen of Trinity and Pereira of Bates did that last fall.

LaPAz, I would not be too shocked about Knoth.  He spent his summer playing for Portland Phoenix PDL, a team that competes at a higher level than NESCAC, and has produced over 20 professional players in the last 5 years.  I watched two of their games, and they are a tremendous standard.  Western Mass Pioneers, Boston Rams, CFC Azul and Vermont Voltage are all similar franchises in NESCAC school areas if you have interest in catching a game.  I would highly recommend it.

I have seen Sisco play, and have to say I expected him to make a big splash.  He is only young, he may well come good, maybe even today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 11:49:54 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 11:04:18 AM
I am utterly shocked that Peabo Knoth leads in conference goal scoring with 4. That is more surprising than any teams results at this point.  Sisco has been a major disappointment thus far for Williams. He was supposed to be a great striker with toughness and a nose for the goal. He had a greta chance against Skidmore yesterday and badly missed. He has gotten plenty of minutes to prove himself and has not done so yet.

I've seen Knoth play 4x now and he has stood out to me in every game. He is a player. Good to see Bates' freshmen and Sophomores step it up as it confirms to me that Im not crazy and what I saw on the recruiting trail - that Flaherty is a heck of a recruiter - synchs with reality. He's had 2 full recruiting classes as a head coach (the current Frosh and Sophs) - he's brought in 12 players (told me so himself) as well as Creighton transfer Moyo, as he got the head coaching spot after he 2011 season ended, though he was an assistant before that. Speaking of Bates, anyone know why Pereira hasn't been playing?

Colby's new coaching staff are also tremendous recruiters. In a few years, I'm predicting that the bottom of the NESCAC won't be occupied by Bates and Colby.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 11:57:04 AM
Can we please not get carried away. Bates does NOT have any legit players and KNOTH is not a great striker. He is ok. Good teams will shut him down.
Corazon your comments make me laugh as if Williams doesnt recruit like that now. Some Brit at Kenyon has come up with this "new idea"...F"ck brits all they do is take good jobs for american coaches.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 12:00:09 PM
Corazon you sound bitter that Williams didnt recruit your "average" son / player. Parents these days make me laugh, its like just face it your kid isnt good enough for certain elite programs. Praise Flaherty all you want but he is just a Brit poser who has taken a legit job from an American assistant coach.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 12:14:52 PM
You apparently laugh a lot it seems and I say this with all due respect, perhaps you might want to broaden your horizon and be open to other ideas. What do I know, I only experienced the recruiting first hand in real time.  I do not believe Williams attends the Academy showcases - at least I haven't seen them the last 2 years and I've never seen them on the sidelines of Academy games in New England that I've attended (which is plenty) not at Bolts, not at Revs, not at Seacoast.  I believe they recruit primarily from their ID camps and based on who fills out their recruiting profile on web site. This draws 350 or so candidates per year which is plenty and has served them well so far but perhaps the impact NESCAc recruits are too busy playing Academy games and corresponding with the D1s and other aggressive recruiters?  You may not care about some Brit at Kenyon, but they've been recruiting better than Williams, which should never happen.

By the way, I am a long time Wlliams fan. Seriously. You've been dominating this board with your strong opinions (which I very much enjoy) but you may not be always correct, or at the very least, there is another view point. Seems Williams could use Knoth about now, don't you think?  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 12:20:35 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 12:00:09 PM
Corazon you sound bitter that Williams didnt recruit your "average" son / player. Parents these days make me laugh, its like just face it your kid isnt good enough for certain elite programs. Praise Flaherty all you want but he is just a Brit poser who has taken a legit job from an American assistant coach.

Don't assume you know anything about my "average" son, LaPaz, including who he plays for or who our loyalties lie with.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 12:44:15 PM
Knoth is a 5'7 peanut and I predict will not score against Williams, Midd or Colby. Bates finishes 2-8-0 in the league and at the bottom where they normally finish...Also, I never professed to being right all the time but I usually am. Do not get overly sensitive about your son, if he has your genes I am sure his soccer brain is zero
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 12:49:01 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 12:44:15 PM
Knoth is a 5'7 peanut and I predict will not score against Williams, Midd or Colby. Bates finishes 2-8-0 in the league and at the bottom where they normally finish...Also, I never professed to being right all the time but I usually am. Do not get overly sensitive about your son, if he has your genes I am sure his soccer brain is zero

Thank you, La Paz. Don't ever change.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 05, 2014, 01:05:12 PM
LaPaz, you seem to be having a bad day.  You're acting in a way you are going to (or should) regret.  Your usual stuff is so good, even when you disagree, but this nasty streak is a different story.

Corazon, I'm going to disagree and agree with you.

It does come across as silly to suggest Williams should follow Kenyon.  Williams just went to 2 straight final fours and has a soccer tradition only a few schools can top.  I'm a major Kenyon fan, but Kenyon still has a lot to prove.

Kenyon has ramped up its recruiting and the future is bright, although one wonders if the assistant you talk about will stay for a long time.  Where I disagree with you about Kenyon is in terms of its national draw.  Kenyon isn't Williams, but it's still an excellent school and its national draw always has been fine.  Check out the roster geographically.  That's not new either.  Kenyon always has drawn from all over the country and usually has several international kids.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 01:24:45 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 05, 2014, 01:05:12 PM
LaPaz, you seem to be having a bad day.  You're acting in a way you are going to (or should) regret.  Your usual stuff is so good, even when you disagree, but this nasty streak is a different story.

Corazon, I'm going to disagree and agree with you.

It does come across as silly to suggest Williams should follow Kenyon.  Williams just went to 2 straight final fours and has a soccer tradition only a few schools can top.  I'm a major Kenyon fan, but Kenyon still has a lot to prove.

Kenyon has ramped up its recruiting and the future is bright, although one wonders if the assistant you talk about will stay for a long time.  Where I disagree with you about Kenyon is in terms of its national draw.  Kenyon isn't Williams, but it's still an excellent school and its national draw always has been fine.  Check out the roster geographically.  That's not new either.  Kenyon always has drawn from all over the country and usually has several international kids.

Thanks for your comment, NCAC. I did not mean to demean Kenyon in any way.  It is an excellent school and enough of a draw that we visited. They are indeed NESCAC level academically.  I was just comparing that for a top player from New England, Williams should win hands down. Hard for me to write thoughtful posts from my iPhone.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 04:59:30 PM
Knoth leads the conference in scoring and Moyo was a scholarship player at a D1 final four school.  That is legit and you can't argue otherwise.  They both play in the PDL which is a higher level than NESCAC suggesting further legitimacy.

"Flaherty is a Brit poser who has taken a job from an American."  "F*ck the Brits."  I think that right there LaPaz takes away all your credibility when discussing Flaherty or Seabrook at Colby.  You don't like that a young English guy has come into a world you seemed to think should work differently.  If the fact that he is English forms your opinion, you are a fool and a xenophobic idiot.  You can say now they will go 2-8, but two weeks ago you said they would go 0-10 so what do your words mean on that front?  Drop your grudge it really is sad to see a man of your age (I assume you are a grown man) act like this.

While we are at it, let's get the international students like Rashid and Pereira out of "our" league right?  Pathetic!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 05:15:49 PM
WEEKEND REVIEW PART 2

ENDICOTT 0 WILLIAMS 1 (2OT)

Williams ground out a win which will be very welcome in the locker room, without really answering many of the questions that existed going into the game.  Senior Zach Grady did indeed retake the lead for conference points with a dramatic winner in double OT, and will remain a front runner when the NESCAC MVP voting comes around.

Williams made the change at goalkeeper many will have suspected, but I am not sure Christian Alcorn making 1 save will have settled any indecision over who their number 1 guy is between the sticks.

If the Endicott game report is accurate, the Gulls did have two or three solid chances to score, but Williams outshot them 24-8, suggesting a well deserved win.

The win pushes Williams to above .500 overall, but this performance suggests Endicott should get plenty of wins in their own conference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 05:40:57 PM
Corazon

Just had a look into Pereira, I remember him being outstanding in the 5-1 Bates win at Colby last fall.  Last year he scored 6 goals (same as Knoth), but 5 did come out of conference against USM and UMF in heavy wins.

Looks like 3 games and 1 start this year, seems minimal enough that injury is the issue or some kind of attitude problem?  Would be interested to know what is the case myself.

On a similar note, it is likely the Savonen story was a bit blown up if he was back playing already on Saturday.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 05, 2014, 06:32:50 PM
Corazon, just one last note on Kenyon since you raised the issue.  The assistant you mentioned does appear to be doing a fantastic job but the full effects of his efforts won't be known for another year or two.  He really is only responsible for this year's frosh class.  A few of them are contributing but the core of this year's team is a large senior group that has been the foundation of the last two years bolstered by a very talented sophomore class and a very talented junior.  So the assistant came in after the core already was there.

As for Bates (and Colby too), one has to feel good for those kids who have suffered through some dismal and deflating times.  But let's not get ahead of ourselves.  An OT win over Conn may tell us just as much about Conn as it does about Bates.  Flaherty is not out of the woods yet by any stretch.  An important issue that no one has mentioned is how do his players respond to him and whether they enjoy playing for him.  I don't the answer to those questions personally.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 06:49:53 PM
Agreed on both points NCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 05, 2014, 06:56:55 PM
Speaking of Savonen, his older brother draws the foul against Case Western and finishes the PK for the Brandeis win.  He is well up the ladder on the all-time points list for Brandeis.  Excellent and clutch player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 07:06:55 PM
Impressive, must have been some good standard back yard kick arounds in that house hold!  The D3 soccer Manning brothers?  ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 07:30:04 PM
MONDAY PREVIEW

BOWDOIN @ UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE

As big a lock as they come, if the NCAA allowed gambling, I would bet my house on this.  Bowdoin seems to be hitting a decent stride and have now won 4 of their last 5 games, registering three shutouts.

Last fall, USM were the worst college soccer team I had ever seen, and they do seem to have picked up a little this year.  That said, they are not at the standard to bother a NESCAC opponent in the slightest.

I expect the Bears to use some second stringers and still dish out a heavy beating.  Target man forward Connor Keefe to add to his sole goal on the year, and Andrew Jones to move into the outright lead for NESCAC assists.  Livewire freshman Nick Di Stefano has played every game without starting any, and I expect him to find his way onto the scoring sheet here.

PREDICTION:  BOWDOIN 6 USM 0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 08:32:26 PM
First of all I am not a xenophobe. I am all for international players and the flair they bring the game. I do have a problem with these Brit imports that show up with a suitcase and an accent and they are hired by Colleges, Clubs, academy teams etc. They are everywhere and some not all do not have a clue but because they have an accent they get hired.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 08:38:03 PM
If you had met Flaherty and formed that opinion it could be taken seriously.  If you are outside looking in making those comments it is xenophobic.  "F*ck Brits" is xenophobic and uneducated.  Then again, you are the guy who wrote off Messiah as "right wing, Christian nut jobs" so maybe just stick to soccer on these boards, you have some interesting words there we can all agree and disagree on.

Some of your diatribe just makes yo seem bitter and twisted though, over D3 college soccer. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 08:46:18 PM
hey MENESCACFAN stop preaching to me. Stick to regurgitating recaps of games as if any of us cannot read the recaps
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 08:47:05 PM
Also, when American players or god forbid coaches try going to the UK to work or play they have to go thru HOOPS just to even MAYBE get a chance
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 08:49:33 PM
I have praised Seabrook on this board may times for organizing Colby this year. He has rubbed people the wrong way by making "deals" with opposing coaches of non-league teams to not give scouting reports. To me that is shady. Flaherty went behind head coach Purgavie's back, thru him under the bus..rolled him over and got him fired. That is slime. I need to take ashower after even thinking about it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 09:03:53 PM
Stop being Xenophobic and bigoted, then you may not feel preached at.  I will continue to recap for some who enjoy it as you rightly point out anyone can.  You continue to voice your opinions as I hope you realize anyone can, it would just be nice if you could do so without personal attacks and small minded hate.  I am sorry if a deeper anger is behind it for you.

Flaherty threw Purgavie under the bus now?  Please explain?  My understanding is Flaherty was assistant for one fall (10 weeks) and Purgavie had been at Bates for three decades.  How much credibility can a guy build in a fall to overrun three decades and have his word get Purgavie fired?  Seems a strange concept no? 

Maybe Purgavie got fired because he was bad at his job?  To feel so strongly surely you have some evidence or facts?  To criticize a 2-5 coach and support an 0-10 coach is strange.  What gives?  Seems quite the soap opera that could make interesting reading.  It does at least explain your clear disdain for Bates.

Any evidence of Seabrook and those cloak and dagger "deals" or is this third person hearsay you label shady?

It is painfully clear you have an agenda against the British.  You say the USA guys have to go through "hoops."  They do, immigration laws.  Same coming the other way.  You talk about suitcases and accents, that has nothing to do with anything and just reveals a predisposed judgement against an English coach.  Your train of thought may have some truth in some cases, but how does that differ from any other nationality including Americans?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 09:10:55 PM
I have no disdain for Bates. The product on the field today for Bates is the worst I have ever seen it and I have been around for a while. Purgavie had a bad year and got thrown under the bus by Flaherty and parents that Flaherty had cozied up to. The AD having no clue about soccer heard this knuckleheads accent and hired him. Flaherty's opening speech to parents in 2013..."I do not want to hear from anyone about your kids or their playing time. Which is justified, but you do not say it that way. I just feel he's over his head and is not an improvemnet from the mess he created from being a lousy assistant. It is a fact about both of these knuckleheads not heresy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 09:14:29 PM
I enjoy MENESCACFAN's recaps very much. Please keep it up. I also enjoy your soccer analysis, La Paz, but can you stop with the personal attacks and unfounded innuendos, please?  They only cheapen your message and undermines your credibility.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 09:18:14 PM
Purgavie had 2 winless years in 3.  Any mess created was from his 30 year reign.  Facts suggest right now the on-field product is slightly better, though it is certainly bottom end NESCAC.  As for a coach asking the parents to not complain about playing time, seriously, good on him, they should all say the same thing!

Let's let this go, getting way too personal and I don't care enough to linger on and fall out.  I disagree anything without evidence is hearsay, especially on internet message boards, and you feel strongly so it is what it is.

I do enjoy our back and forth's so let's move on to next week.  *extends hand*
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 09:19:52 PM
Thanks Corazon

I shall continue, I find it cathartic escapism, and very enjoyable.  I envy these kids living these times through the ups and downs of college athletics. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 09:23:14 PM
You got that right, MENESCACFAN! These kids are truly blessed, playing soccer and attending great schools!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 09:34:38 PM
I forgot about you Corazan. Mr. I know how kids are recruited to every Nescac school. I also know which coaches were at each academy showcase...give me a break. You claim Williams is down because of shoddy recruiting, Williams is down because they lost their top 2 attacking players in Rashid and Westling. Also, Rashid is a right to dream kid and would never have gone to any clinic, so you honestly have noc lue. Also, academy showcases are not the end all be all as they cater to rich kids who can afford it except for MLS clubs academy teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 09:37:43 PM
Mohammed Rashid played a year for Hotchkiss, hardly tough to spot for a New England school. 

Never mind Corazon, we tried to lighten it up ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 09:38:35 PM
HE GOT TO HOTCHKISS THRU RIGHT TO DREAM...GOOGLE IT AND LEARN
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 09:44:05 PM
I know all about Right to Dream.  They have tryouts in Africa and send kids to school in America for a combination of athletics and academics. 

On the USA end, they also put together a club team known as the Dover Dreamers and enter Showcase tournaments so college coaches can see them play outside of the limited High School window, the main tournament being NEFC Showcase in Lancaster, MA.  In addition to this, they have a top portion of kids commute and guest play for FSA club tams and Beachside Academy so they gain some of that exposure Corazon mentions.

You know some things, but you are not the only one with knowledge LaPaz.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 09:47:41 PM
So much anger ... Lighten up, La Paz. You're going to have a heart attack. Stu Flaherty is not the devil, being British is not a sin and I never said Williams was, either. Other people can have opinions besides you ...

How about Justin Serpone?  Now, there's a good recruiter!!!

In all seriousness, have a good night.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 05, 2014, 09:50:25 PM
Haha, Serpone is the man!  ;-)

Any truth in the rumors that LaPaz will spend tomorrow outside the NESCAC office in a "Vote Knoth" shirt lobbying for NESCAC Player of the Week honors?

All the best fellas.  Off to watch my Patriots look like a good team again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 09:58:56 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 12:14:52 PM
You apparently laugh a lot it seems and I say this with all due respect, perhaps you might want to broaden your horizon and be open to other ideas. What do I know, I only experienced the recruiting first hand in real time.  I do not believe Williams attends the Academy showcases - at least I haven't seen them the last 2 years and I've never seen them on the sidelines of Academy games in New England that I've attended (which is plenty) not at Bolts, not at Revs, not at Seacoast.  I believe they recruit primarily from their ID camps and based on who fills out their recruiting profile on web site. This draws 350 or so candidates per year which is plenty and has served them well so far but perhaps the impact NESCAc recruits are too busy playing Academy games and corresponding with the D1s and other aggressive recruiters?  You may not care about some Brit at Kenyon, but they've been recruiting better than Williams, which should never happen.

By the way, I am a long time Wlliams fan. Seriously. You've been dominating this board with your strong opinions (which I very much enjoy) but you may not be always correct, or at the very least, there is another view point. Seems Williams could use Knoth about now, don't you think?  :)

HMMM..you didnt say this???  At least be truthful to yourself. I am not going to have a heart attack. I have had to battle on these boards for years
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 10:00:18 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 11:30:37 AM
Williams is clearly down this year but I wouldn't worry too much. They will still make the NESCAC playoffs and who knows what can happen if the past has taught us anything. They will still be a force in the future and I wouldn't be surprised if the next coach takes them back to their dynastic best with some aggressive recruiting. No reason they can't scour the USSDA for good students and sell them on the perks of a Williams education/experience. They should get their share of players over most D1 programs and their $10k per year or the draw of immediate play time vs the Ivies.

Kenyon is a program doing just that (10-0, #2 in nation) with a tremendous Brit (father played for Chelsea) leading their recruiting. Identify talent at the Florida showcase, weekly emails and occasional phone calls (even after told no). Kenyon is no Williams as for a national draw. Difference is the recruiting.

You didnt say this??????   You cannot even remember your points
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 10:01:39 PM
If I was a betting man and I am..I would say that those two posts constitute an attack on the current Williams regime for not recruiting your son.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 10:12:12 PM
Sigh.

What I didn't say is that Williams is the devil or that I hated them. Quite the contrary, I am a genuine fan of the program (used to be buddies way back when with arguably Williams' best player ever). I wish they were doing better this year on the field.

It is my opinion that they could probably improve their recruiting and feel other lesser programs are recruiting more aggressively. I do not want to insult anyone or start a huge fight. I firmly believe they will quickly be a national power under their new coach. That is all. My opinion only. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 10:17:57 PM
And by the way, Serpone really is a good recruiter. Night and day difference. Amherst success is no accident.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 10:20:52 PM
No not SIGH...You keep mentioning devils and hate. You have no proof of the recruiting and how can you compare Serpone to Williams. You honestly know less than I barely credited you for. "Night and day"..give me a break.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 10:21:55 PM
You throw these opinions around like you actually have a clue. Please stop you are embarrassing yourself
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 10:23:49 PM
Russo CREATED recruiting in Nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 10:31:17 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 10:23:49 PM
Russo CREATED recruiting in Nescac.

Okay. Fine. Good night.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 10:55:49 PM
I bet that average son / player that Williams spurned is on the Kenyon roster. Again you are proving ur limitless knowledge of college soccer. Helicopter parent in a nut shell
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 11:07:09 PM
You are a classy guy, La Paz. I'm sure Mike Russo would be proud.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 11:11:00 PM
Because I am right. You have said I have an agenda but actually I do not. Your agenda is based on what schools your son did  / or didnt get accepted to. HOw can we believe what we read from your posts with your ridiculous attacks on subjects that you know nothing about
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 05, 2014, 11:31:12 PM
Can we please stop with the cheap shots and personal attacks?  While I initially found you amusing, your increasingly erratic behvior has shaken my confidence that I'm dealing with anyone worth corresponding with. It appears I confused deep seated prejudice and hate with wit.  Thanks to you, I'll just go back to being a lurker, but will offer my final thoughts as I've already invested too much of my time bantering with you.

I have no agenda.  Let me be clear on this.  I have no axe to grind with any coaches or teams. I believe every kid playing NESCAC soccer to be truly blessed.  You called me a helicopter parent - perhaps, but I don't make quarter million dollar investments without doing my due diligence (I have never in my life complained of playing time or positions with a coach for any of my kids).  I started posting here as I enjoyed talking D3 soccer with like minded people in a respecful manner and merely relayed some of our experiences of having 2 boys recently go through the soccer recruiting process. I thought some might find our experiences interesting and in fact, a few have asked me to post more about it. I merely wanted to offer a different view point to your usual drum beating about how Williams is the only school that plays true futbol and how awful Bates is and how the coach needs to be fired and what a bad person Justin Serpone is and how their style is ruining soccer.  It is my view that none of that is true.  I'm sorry if my personal experiences and opinion didn't synch with your prejudiced view of NESCAC soccer and how the world should be.

You on the other hand, have had a personal agenda to destroy Coach Flaherty's career, which I find repulsive and low, not to mention you were flat out wrong about his inability to recruit. You've also resorted to non-sensical diatribes against "the Brits". Who has the agenda here?  It appears I really set you off by acknowledging Williams' recent on field struggles (at least by williams standards) - even you have been denigrating the play of their 2 freshmen who've earned the most playing time. In response, I merely suggested Williams should try to more aggressively recruit USSDA players (while this program may not be ideal for everyone - particularly the geographically remote and the boarding school kids - the reality is that this is where the vast majority (95%?) of top players play and I firmly believe the average Academy player would be an impact player in D3).  I actually tried to spin the current state of affairs at Williams as a positive, by stating that Williams is the type of national draw and one of the few D3s who could successfully target the ultra high level players and felt their future coach will get them back to their dynastic best.  I never mentioned whether Williams recruited my son or not, as that is irrelevant (we got to know Jeff Huffman, and felt he was a good guy and appreciated his phone and email follow-ups, and thought coach Russo was a classy person and appreciated his succinct description of the murky NESCAC recruiting bands which really helped us, if that gives you a clue). I am entitled to my opinion. You do not need to agree but you do not get to continually make personal attacks as if this internet board is your personal fiefdom without repercussions. Before your insane rant, I was a strong Williams supporter. Now, I associate the program with you ... Just sickening.

Update:  it appears you've had your board privileges stripped - there is karmic justice, if I've ever seen it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 05, 2014, 11:48:06 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 10:35:11 PM
BLOW ME

Not acceptable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mjan on October 06, 2014, 09:25:23 AM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 10:55:49 PM
I bet that average son / player that Williams spurned is on the Kenyon roster. Again you are proving ur limitless knowledge of college soccer. Helicopter parent in a nut shell

Better to be a helicoter parent than a nutjob Ahole who "battles on these DIII msg boards for years" . Please get a life outside of this board.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 06, 2014, 09:43:29 AM
Having seen all of this, I felt the need to say something quick.

While we all have our biases, we should do our best to be objective and reasonable, especially when discussing things we disagree with. Logic and statistics, not emotion, make the best arguments. You all know that I am an ardent Brandeis fan, and have been for the last three years. Was I happy that they received a (fortunate) PK yesterday with a minute left in 2OT that allowed them to snatch a fortunate win? Of course! Did I think the PK was a foul? No. As a Brandeis alum, I am biased towards the UAA. However I do recognize that the NESCAC is an equally strong conference, in academics and in soccer, and would never make a statement regarding the superiority of either conference. Even when I am evaluating something that I feel strongly for or against, I try to remove my bias when evaluating that particular situation, scenario, or topic. We all are certainly entitled to our own opinions, and we are free like or dislike whatever we choose. There's a difference, though, between having a bias, and letting our evaluation of a situation or scenario be clouded by bias.

In summary, I simply want to say that I appreciate the objective discussions that I have with the members of this board, and I thank those of you who are objective. I'm not trying to be sanctimonious, or push my own agenda or M.O., but I'm simply saying that we should try our best (none of us are perfect, myself included) to be respectful and objective. Long may the good discussions continue.

blooter442
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 06, 2014, 10:04:49 AM
Hug it out Boyz Hug it out!!!!

Save the battles for the boyz we are all living through vicariously!!!

Moving on.
Great win by Williams after losing to a very strong Skidmore team, who are better than their 0-2 record in LL suggests.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MidwestAficionado on October 06, 2014, 10:37:00 AM
My favorite part of all this drama is that the guys name literally means "The Peace" yet he's been "battling on these boards for years". What irony.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 06, 2014, 11:03:46 AM
blooter442, I appreciate your candor about the PK for Brandeis.  Brandeis clearly was the stronger team but I thought at that point in the game Case deserved the point.  I too am a big fan of the current Brandeis team.  I am very familiar with several of the players and I'm hoping to see Brandeis make it this year to the final four, along with Kenyon.

Speaking of Kenyon, it is obvious Kenyon isn't going to win many admissions overlaps with Williams (and virtually no other D3 will either), but that said Kenyon does fare OK versus Colby, Hamilton, Bates, Trinity, and Conn.  There are some of us who actually do prefer the vibe of the "Midwest NESCACs" (Carleton, Grinnell, Oberlin, Macalester, Kenyon).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 11:53:31 AM
Well said Blooter

I can't deny I have a huge NESCAC bias.  There have been years combined out of league W-L record has fully backed it up.  Last two years though (without doing the math) it seems NESCAC is losing more and more out of conference games.

In Maine, Thomas have gotten results against Colby, Bowdoin and Bates in the last two years.  They also lost an NCAA tournament game 2-1 to Williams.  Their coach Chris Parsons is doing a heck of a job.  I thought he may have actually got the Colby job, Thomas is minutes away from Colby.

Williams has dropped a few in MA as have Tufts, not sure Amherst eve lose to anyone so they stay clear of this!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1nescac8 on October 06, 2014, 11:54:55 AM
I've been a fan of this board for while now. I played soccer in the NESCAC and had an extremely positive experience. I love the league, the rivalries, the academic/athletic balance, and fall in New England. Although I have never posted, this thread (which LaPaz started towards the end of my playing career) has allowed me to stay connected with the league. There is a great mix of perspectives here, some have deeply held allegiances and others are simply fans of the league/sport.

It's sad to see the attacking and needless bickering that has taken place the last few days, and it would be a shame if people stop posting on the board for fear of being attacked. Let's keep it civil, refrain from attacking individual commentators or players, and get on with the soccer discussion (which was been quite enjoyable for the last 4 years).

Lastly... MENESCACFAN - I love your weekly recaps. Keep 'em coming.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 11:57:26 AM
Thanks 1NESCAC8

Having lived it, I am sure you see why I enjoy following these falls so much.  To be honest, the nastiness and bickering came from one source who appears to have been relegated to guest.  I certainly intend to stay on these boards, without eve engaging or acknowledging his comments again.  His aim seems to be conflict, so let's enjoy the games and the kids.

And for those who say we are "living through" these kids....guilty ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 06, 2014, 01:35:04 PM
Glad the board has quieted down and returned to soccer thoughts.
I follow soccer at Amherst because of particular individuals over the years from my Wash.DC area..both men's and women soccer.  The technical aspects alludes me somewhat...what is "real" soccer?  I think the question is whether soccer is changing over time as it is in professional football and basketball.
Anyway...my comments are with coaches and college recruiting today..in D3.  In my era at Amherst, the nescac schools played all level schools.  Amherst played the Ivies...harvard and the UConns.
Today it is D3 only and generally the players recruited within the CAC are primarily D3 level in ability..but NOT always.  Nescac schools allow students to play multi sports which can be appealing to some...for example Spencer Noon of Amherst who holds the scoring record at Amherst.  I believe the All- American player came to Amherst because of basketball.  His father was an All-American BB player who knows the Amherst BB coach.  They played against each other in college. I digress.
My question on soccer recruiting.  When a student looks at a college, is it because of the program or the coach that will eventually determine the choice. Does the style of play matter other than the skill set?  I realize the coaches' interest level enters somewhat.
I remember the present Amherst coach arrival.  Amherst had good talent but middle of the pack record.  The new AD, who had been the AD at Bates,  was aware of situation a bit since her son played soccer at Amherst.  In his first season, Coach Serpone takes the players available deep into the NCAA in almost all away games.  He is a recruiter..yes...but he can coach.  He cares for his players and I believe he adapts his style to the players he can get...rather than the other way around.
Need to spell the coach's name before I enter the dog house.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 06, 2014, 01:59:36 PM
Quote from: amh63 on October 06, 2014, 01:35:04 PM
In his first season, Coach Seprone takes the players available deep into the NCAA in almost all away games.  He is a recruiter..yes...but he can coach.  He cares for his players and I believe he adapts his style to the players he can get...rather than the other way around.

Serpone has always impressed me with his ability to get results. To me, for being efficient and able to get results, he is the Jose Mourinho of NESCAC soccer—albeit, in my observations, he is a little bit more tactful than the latter (you all are welcome to your own opinions.) Though he has many successful players, I agree that it appears that he plays to their advantages rather than the system, which exemplifies his excellent understanding of his team. Personally, as a fan of the possession-based game, I wish Amherst were a little more fun to watch, but I also recognize that they are incredibly successful and hard to beat. The old saying goes, "success breeds success." As a result, his recruiting classes have gotten stronger and stronger.

Similarly, in my interactions with him, Mike Coven told me that it is his opinion that "your best 11 players should be on the field." I agree with that statement for the most part. Robbie Lynch, who was an All-New England CM at Weymouth High, came in and was put at right back as a freshman, and has, in my opinion, been very successful due to his athleticism and soccer smarts—even though it wasn't his traditional position. Brandeis had played a 4-3-3 in the first three seasons I watched them, but this season have (sometimes in-game) alternated between a 3-5-2 and 4-5-1. Coven has definitely benefited from full-time assistant Gabe Margolis' tactical nous, but the philosophy of adapting to your player's strengths is definitely part of Coven's philosophy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 02:22:11 PM
Amh63 I agree Serpone is a fantastic coach, but his recruiting is inherently linked to their success.  I spent a year handing out brochures to college coaches on sidelines in Vegas, Texas, Florida and other states.  I saw no NESCAC coach more than I saw Coach Serpone.  I can say without doubt recruiting has upped since his arrival, I say this not to take away from his excellent coaching ability, merely a statement of fact.  The NESCAC schools are far above many D3 schools in many cases when it comes to hours invested in recruiting.  I know some old school NESCAC guys resented Serpone making them work more.

He also has players competing in the PDL (a level above D1 college) over the summer and has recently had one of those guys drafted into the MLS recently.

As far as your question about a coach making kids choose a school.  I think a coach wins a battle against his 'perceived' group.  That is, a good recruiter like Serpone will take kids from Williams/Midd.  A good recruiter like Shapiro will take kids form Bowdoin/Wes or such. 

However, if Serpone went to Bates and Colby, he would not be recruiting kids away from Amherst and Williams.  For this reason, some of the players Ken Murphy has gotten to play at Conn College has impressed me.

Please do not anyone break down my groupings about who is better and worse, they are aimed to make a point not start finger pointing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 06, 2014, 02:59:57 PM
MENESCACFAN, in theory (unless you know differently) Amherst and Williams should have a higher yield with their selected targets but a smaller pool overall to draw from given tougher admission standards.  And if they do squeeze in a really substandard recruit, is it really in that recruit's interests to go there if he is going to be crushed academically by his peers?  That's why I've always thought Conn Coll, Trinity, and to a lesser degree, Bates and Colby should fare much better recruiting-wise, as the pool they can draw from should be bigger (albeit still limited compared to a lot of other D3s).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 05:02:30 PM
I do know of some exceptions yes.  The banding system at schools means Williams are able to get a kid into the school that would not be an otherwise Williams standard kid.   The bands are set by conference and not school.

There is actually a wonderful book about it if anyone has true interest called "Playing the Game" about NESCAC and Ivy recruiting.

But Williams and Amherst do not necessarily miss academic borderline kids that fall to Bates and Colby's lesser admission standards.  I have friends with Son's that went through this and honestly they do have some sway athletically.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 05:08:53 PM
NCAC and all, see link;
http://www.amazon.com/Playing-Game-Inside-Athletic-Recruiting/dp/0972202668

Really fascinating read.  I have spoke to two athletic coaches of Maine schools, and they pretty much verified it's accuracy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 06, 2014, 05:20:06 PM
Thanks, just downloaded to my Kindle.  Still would think that if Williams/Amherst can dip into Colby/Bates range that Colby/Bates should be able to dip even further.  And then there is the other question of whether you really want your B+, 1850 SATs kid trying to compete academically with A/A+, 2250+ kids at Williams/Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 05:32:03 PM
That is a question, but behind closed doors I think every athletics coach would say yes ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 06, 2014, 05:53:37 PM
Perhaps.  But for me, there's a matter of degree.  If, hypothetically, my kid is a A-, 2100 who has handled a full AP course load then I'll probably say "go for it," but if my kid is B+ or lower and sub-1900 I think better judgement needs to come in, and one has to ask at what point a family is trophy-hunting as their overriding theme in the college search when there are plenty of other "good enough" options in terms of prestige and otherwise.

BTW, nice call on Bowdoin vs So Maine!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 06, 2014, 06:45:45 PM
Posters all..thank you all for your response.  Your open opinions and views are most welcome...and the openness and differences in views should be welcome without criticism, imo.  That is how I learn.
A little follow up.  Spencer Noon was a multi- year All State. Player in both basketball and Soccer.  He played two years on the BB team but his injuries from playing soccer ended his bb career...missing a National Championship ring in BB.  A while back...there was a young women who transferred to Amherst from Harvard. She was a phenomenal athlete who excelled in three sports.  She transferred because schools like Harvard restricted her choices.
An advantage that may not be inherent at first glance is the financial resources at Amherst and Williams.  Both schools have the largest Endownments in the conference.  Both admit without consideration of financial need.  Amherst has a no loan policy...meaning you do not have to take out a loan.  Policy goes for non USA citizens.  This translate to recruiting around the World.  Coaches can look at players from community colleges and overseas, etc....students from all levels of family income, etc.  The key is academic qualification.  This translate to oversea players, potential players who were looking at D1 because of scholarships, etc.  Having the funds to meet financial needs provides Coach Serpone options.
Oh yes, there is a transfer from Creighton getting PT on the Amherst soccer team this season.  Is That school a D1 level soccer school?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 06, 2014, 07:07:07 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 05:02:30 PM
I do know of some exceptions yes.  The banding system at schools means Williams are able to get a kid into the school that would not be an otherwise Williams standard kid.   The bands are set by conference and not school.

There is actually a wonderful book about it if anyone has true interest called "Playing the Game" about NESCAC and Ivy recruiting.

But Williams and Amherst do not necessarily miss academic borderline kids that fall to Bates and Colby's lesser admission standards.  I have friends with Son's that went through this and honestly they do have some sway athletically.

Great book.

Interesting to note: the author is a Midd alum, and his son played on Dave Saward's national championship team in 2007.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 07:17:23 PM
Amh63, Creighton is a D1 Final Four school for soccer.  Bates started that trend though, Flaherty recruited Moyo as a transfer from there in 2013.

NCAC, thanks for the Bowdoin props, first correct score ever for me I think ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 06, 2014, 07:24:29 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 07:17:23 PMNCAC, thanks for the Bowdoin props, first correct score ever for me I think ;-)

Well done! Certainly wouldn't have predicted you'd be right at half (or for the first 44 minutes, for that matter.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 07:48:57 PM
MONDAY RECAP

BOWDOIN 6 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE 0

The Polar Bears rolled to their fourth straight win with a comfortable win over the Huskies.  As Blooter noted, it was tight at the half with ably a Thomas Henshall goal separating the teams.

The game exploded into life with a hat-trick in the space of five minutes from sophomore winger Austin Downing (no relation to former Liverpool player Stewart Downing I imagine, although it may have felt like it for 5 minutes to the USM defense).   Andrew Jones provided an assist on one of these goals, giving him the outright conference lead for that category.

On a side note, both Downing and Jones are products of Scarborough High School, the dominant force in High School soccer in Maine.  Scarborough also have a current freshman Wyatt Omsberg starting at Dartmouth, so I imagine a few NESCAC schools monitor their games.

Late goals from freshman defender Ben Ginzberg and sophomore Patrick Kearon rounded out a resounding Bowdoin win.

Elijah Leverett made 8 saves in goal for the Huskies.  There was strong talk of him bing heavily recruited by NESCAC schools and even UNH on the Maine club scene, but such stories can often be exaggerated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 06, 2014, 09:42:23 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 07:48:57 PM
Elijah Leverett made 8 saves in goal for the Huskies.  There was strong talk of him bing heavily recruited by NESCAC schools and even UNH on the Maine club scene, but such stories can often be exaggerated.

Wouldn't surprise me. He played well for a very solid Greely program which produced Oliver Blum, who started at Northeastern when they went to the NCAA D1 Tournament in 2012. Leverett wasn't quite that level, but he was very, very good in high school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 09:50:03 PM
NESCAC PREVIEW

After a fairly dominant midweek for NESCAC last time out, I see a few potential banana skins tomorrow night, should make for interesting viewing.  Ithaca v Hamilton appears to be the only video feed, or I would have liked to see the battle for Connecticut at Nevers Field!

WHEATON @ TRINITY

Trinity do have their star man Savonen back in the lineup, but they are a game above .500 overall and currently on the outside of the NESCAC playoff spots looking in.  The Wheaton Lyons are not an ideal opponent to face as the Bantams look to avoid slumping to a third straight loss.

Wheaton roll into a Hartford with a 10-1-1 record that includes a tie with Wesleyan, as well as wins over Babson, WPI and Roger Williams.  The NESCAC team is definitely the underdog here, and free scoring senior Travis Blair could be a key player for the Lyons.

PREDICTION:  Wheaton 3 Trinity 2

ITHACA @ HAMILTON

Like Trinity, Hamilton is another NESCAC team looking to avoid a third straight loss tomorrow.  The Continentals do not seem to be quite in the disarray Trinity are, and Ithaca not as strong an opponent as Wheaton.

I would expect Hamilton to return to winning ways here, with powerful target man Dan Kraynak finding the net.  Kraynak currently trails Williams senior Zach Grady by one goal in the lead for the golden boot.

PREDICTION:  Ithaca 0 Hamilton 2

CONNECTICUT COLLEGE @ EASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE

Conn College are an underrated team talent wise, and will be reeling off the back of an OT loss to Bates over the weekend.  They will be looking to give a backlash to Eastern Conn in this fixture, though it will be a tough one.

Coach Greg DeVito has built a tremendous program in Willimantic with an emphasis on quality defense.  Eastern Conn have conceded one or less goals in nine of their last 10 games, and played Wesleyan to a close 1-0 loss this fall, as well as drawing with MIT.

Conn College have a lot more attacking talent that Eastern Conn's typical opponent, and I see the Camels getting over the hump (sorry) by the odd goal here.

PREDICTION:  Conn College 1 Eastern Conn 0

AMHERST @ ELMS

Not much doubt in this one.  Amherst are one of the more dominant D3 programs in the nation, and Elms are not.  Elms are putting together a solid campaign, but the pressure, speed and aggression of the Lord Jeffs will likely overwhelm them and I see a comfortable win for Serpone and his men.

PREDICTION:  Amherst 3 Elms 0

SALVE REGINA @ WESLEYAN

What if I told you Wesleyan are the lowest scoring NESCAC team?  What is I told you Wesleyan have only one player who has scored more than one goal?  It likely, though true, will not change your opinion that they will win this game.  Salve Regina are a solid .500 squad with no spectacular results.

Wesleyan are an organized, motivated group with the habit of winning games regardless of the circumstances.  Expect them to win this game 1-0 on a set play after dominating possession.

PREDICTION:  Salve Regina 0 Wesleyan 1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 06, 2014, 09:51:36 PM
Thanks Blooter

I watched Blum play PDL for Portland Phoenix, excellent player.  He plays semi-pro lower league in Germany now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 07, 2014, 06:23:29 PM
CONNECTICUT COLLEGE @ EASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE

Conn College are an underrated team talent wise, and will be reeling off the back of an OT loss to Bates over the weekend.  They will be looking to give a backlash to Eastern Conn in this fixture, though it will be a tough one.

Coach Greg DeVito has built a tremendous program in Willimantic with an emphasis on quality defense.  Eastern Conn have conceded one or less goals in nine of their last 10 games, and played Wesleyan to a close 1-0 loss this fall, as well as drawing with MIT.

Conn College have a lot more attacking talent that Eastern Conn's typical opponent, and I see the Camels getting over the hump (sorry) by the odd goal here.

PREDICTION:  Conn College 1 Eastern Conn 0

ECSU pulls out a 2-1 win at home over an excellent Conn College team.  Ibrham Mutala, who was causing all kinds of problems for the Warrior defense was injured in first half and this injury may have made the difference in the outcome, as CC showed, IMHO, superior technical capabilities and won the possession war. Sophomore Tyler Jones made an outstanding run and a perfect finish for the lead 10 min into the second half, but frankly after that Eastern looked terrible, again with lapses in defensive play on a LOT of CC pressure.  I think Conn College was the better team, and ECSU dodged multiple bullets, (literally), to luckily pull it out. Just one of those games where the lesser team wins.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 07, 2014, 06:41:23 PM
The problem for Conn is that we are hearing "Just one of those games where the lesser team wins" too many times.  The case for Conn keeps being made but the reality right now is that they are a .500 team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 07, 2014, 06:48:19 PM
The NESCAC scoreboard shows a 5-0 win for Elms v Amherst.  That is an errror, right?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 07, 2014, 06:52:54 PM
The Elms website also shows a 5-0 win.  I am floored.  Did anyone see it?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 07, 2014, 07:13:37 PM
On the CAC scoreboard...Amherst leads 2-0 at the half.  It has a 6 PM start game.  Tend to believe the halftime score.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 07, 2014, 07:15:01 PM
Okay, both ther NESCAC and Elms web sites now show Amherst leading 2-0 in the second half.  All is right in the world again.  I've been on planes and hadn't had a chance to talk to anyone yet.  Whew.

By the way, loving this new peaceful, respectful board!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 07, 2014, 07:18:36 PM
Quote from: amh63 on October 07, 2014, 07:13:37 PM
On the CAC scoreboard...Amherst leads 2-0 at the half.  It has a 6 PM start game.  Tend to believe the halftime score.

Thanks, amh63!  I must have just caught a momentary glitch.  Interesting that Elms web site was tied into it as well. Even though it wasn't real, it's an example of why they play the games
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 07, 2014, 08:49:04 PM
Amherst wins over Elms 3-0.  Other than the ECSU win over Conn, the remaining CAC schools are winning or have won their contests.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 07, 2014, 08:58:14 PM
Huge result for Trinity over ranked Wheaton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 07, 2014, 09:36:36 PM
Trinity 4, Wheaton 3

A very evenly matched game, could have gone either way.
Wheaton team is skilled, physical ... but somewhat undisciplined.

Interesting in light of previous discussions on the relative strengths of conferences that the #9 NESCAC team beat the #1 NEWMAC team.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 07, 2014, 09:57:14 PM
Nice post, Arkman. Your table looks about right. Not sure I'd change anything.

I'll do some research on POY and FOY before commenting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 07, 2014, 09:58:49 PM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on October 07, 2014, 09:36:36 PM
Interesting in light of previous discussions on the relative strengths of conferences that the #9 NESCAC team beat the #1 NEWMAC team.

Be a little careful there.  With this win the NESCAC is now only 1-2-2 vs the NEWMAC so far this year.  The overall record probably says a little more about the relative strengths than a single game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 07, 2014, 10:12:13 PM
It's non-NESCAC but of more local interest and a surprise....Keene St beats Gordon 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 07, 2014, 10:22:10 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 07, 2014, 09:58:49 PM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on October 07, 2014, 09:36:36 PM
Interesting in light of previous discussions on the relative strengths of conferences that the #9 NESCAC team beat the #1 NEWMAC team.

Be a little careful there.  With this win the NESCAC is now only 1-2-2 vs the NEWMAC so far this year.  The overall record probably says a little more about the relative strengths than a single game.

Duly noted. Wasn't aware of that ... Your comment and analysis trumps mine. Do that was the first win for the NESCAC over the NEWMAC this year ... Huh. Thanks for the additional info. In actuality, I was surprised at the trinity Wheaton result ... A bit unexpected.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 07, 2014, 10:22:24 PM
I caught the Keene State - Brandeis game earlier in the year. They have a freshman striker named Promise Kpee (I think he is from the Congo) who really caught my eye and is a clear D1 talent. They played Brandeis close, and I expected them to do well, so this result is not that surprising. They haven't won as much as expected but they have a huge and pretty talented freshman class.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 07, 2014, 10:43:20 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 07, 2014, 10:22:24 PM
I caught the Keene State - Brandeis game earlier in the year. They have a freshman striker named Promise Kpee (I think he is from the Congo) who really caught my eye and is a clear D1 talent. They played Brandeis close, and I expected them to do well, so this result is not that surprising. They haven't won as much as expected but they have a huge and pretty talented freshman class.

Keene is definitely a solid team with a good upside. Aside from the Wheaton result at home (which was surprising to me,) they have been "in" every game they've played this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 07, 2014, 11:16:24 PM
Great discussion fellas, and about to start the recap.  To Give Arkman's idea some meat how about predictions for following categories.  My picks below based on purely on games I have watched this year (hence no Santos who I do love as a player, but just has not done it for me this fall).

MVP:  Zach Grady (Williams)
Rookie of the Year:  Nate Merchant (Bates)
Best GK:  Scott Greenwood (Tufts)
Best Defender:  Buck Reynolds (Hamilton)
Best Midfielder:  Colin Patch (Connecticut College)
Best Forward:  Adam Glaser (Middlebury)
Most goals:  Zach Grady (Williams)
Most points:  Peabo Knoth (Bates)
Most assists:  Andrew Jones (Bowdoin)
Coach of the Year:  Justin Serpone (Amherst)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 07, 2014, 11:41:59 PM
MIDWEEK REVIEW

Well the NESCAC did indeed go through tough games and a loss, though not in the game I expected.  Excitement all over the place as usual though, with a technical glitch revealing to all of us how we will feel when Amherst finally lose a game!

WHEATON 3 TRINITY 4

This surely has to be one of the best games of the season in D3 so far?  Wheaton rolled into town ranked in the national top 20 on the back of a 10-1-1 record.  It is east see why, with a striker force including monstrous athletes like Travis Blair and Amara Sesay.  Trinity limped into the game off the back of a combined 5-0 beating from Maine teams Bates and Bowdoin.

In what classified as an upset in my eyes, the Bantams pulled out a gritty win in a see saw battle that will have galvanized their locker room.

Blair put Wheaton ahead, before sophomore pit Cody Savonen and Tobias Gimand gave Trinity a 2-1 halftime lead.  In a wild 12 minute second half period, a Tim Shea goal was sandwiched between strikes by Blair and Sesay to take the game into the latter stages locked at 3-3.

Savonen popped up with an 84th minute winner, for a win that will have broken a slump for Trinity.

ITHACA 0 HAMILTON 1

A more routine affair as Hamilton snapped their two game slide with a 1-0 win over Ithaca in Clinton.  Andrew Martin's first goal of the season was the decisive strike as Hamilton will hope to carry this good feeling into conference play this weekend.

CONN COLLEGE 1 EASTERN CONN 2

Coach DeVIto does a fantastic job with Eastern Conn, and they seem to give NESCAC teams trouble, similar to Thomas in Maine. 

Adam Traxler gave Eastern Conn the lead, before Christian Schmidt leveled matters early in the second half.  Tyler Jones then found the net to drop the Camels to .500 and hand them their second straight loss.

AMHERST 3 ELMS 0

An internet glitch had us all believing Amherst lost 5-0.  It says a lot for Amherst that I am sure we all double checked that was true?  That said, if I sat and watched Amherst lose 5-0 with my own eyes I would still doubt it happened!

Former New Zealand youth international Kieran Bellew opened the scoring for the Jeffs, before sophomore Cameron Bean found the net twice to round out the scoring.  Interesting note is that Bean played in the US Youth Soccer U19 National Championship game over the summer, a game that also featured Bates sophomore Matt DiVite.  NESCAC is everywhere!

SALVE REGINA 0 WESLEYAN 4

This counts as somewhat of an offensive explosion for a Cardinal that had so far not scored more than twice in a single game.  The shutout however was much more predictable.

Omar Bravo, Matt Lynch, Brandon Sousa and Chris Kafina all found the net as Wesleyan raised their record to an impressive 6-2-2.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 08, 2014, 12:25:47 AM
Seems like NESCAC is weakening...with no teams in the NSCAA Top 10 and only one team in the Top 25 (and they have two ties already in only nine games played).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 08, 2014, 05:24:05 AM
Tremendous recap as usual, MENESCACFAN. I of course, empathized at your Amherst recap, and am impressed with your weaving of Cameron Bean winning the U19 USYSA Nationals for Concorde Fire (GA)... And here I figured I was the only nerd who cared about this type of stuff. Ha! Fire knocked off a loaded PDA Harkes (NJ) which also featured fellow Lord Jeff Soph Rohan Sood. The NJ club's roster was filled with players who started or got significant minutes for D1 programs as freshmen.  Encouraging that Bates' Soph Matt DiVite played significant minutes for Harkes. I felt that PDA perhaps unfairly stacked their roster as several key players, while they grew up playing for Harkes club team as youngsters, were actually Development Academy players during their U16 and U18 years. Fire, while not as formidable on paper based on colleges represented, played the more cohesive style and deservedly pulled out the upset in the final. Yeah, I actually watched the stream.

In case anyone hasn't heard of famed national powerhouse club PDA, they also won the U18 Development Academy National Championship last summer. They are the club which produced dominant Amherst goalkeeper Tom Bull (though he played for NY Red Bulls Academy his final year), who Justin Serpone recruited away from Georgetown (anyone care to debate me on Justin Serpone's recruiting ability?). Final fun NESCAC themed fact about PDA... their U18 Academy team from 2 years ago placed literally all but one player into major D1 programs. The one exception?  CONN's All-NESCAC Soph Pat Devlin. Tremendous recruiting coup for the hard working Kenny Murphy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 08, 2014, 05:27:36 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on October 08, 2014, 12:25:47 AM
Seems like NESCAC is weakening...with no teams in the NSCAA Top 10 and only one team in the Top 25 (and they have two ties already in only nine games played).

I think you may be right, D3soccerwatcher. More parity this year, which I actually prefer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 08, 2014, 08:57:00 AM
Watched the stream too Corazon ;-)  Don't remember the name but Fire had a tremendous African-American striker.  I liked the Neumann kid from PDA.

You are also correct about Murphy and his Devlin coup.  Here are the commitments from PDA's USSDA team and Premier team that year, what a fantastic club for getting players to the college level;
http://www.pdasoccer.org/home/694102.html

Devlin's USSDA teammates went to Princeton, Rutgers, Indiana, Yale, Georgetown and other schools.

The Premier team below sent a number D1, along with Sood to Amherst and DiVite to Bates.  On a side note, I saw DiVite play at Trinity.  Produced a wonderful assist before limping off and I do not believe has played since.  Sood I watched play against Bates the next day, not one of Amherst's stars, but a big strong presence who gets it done in NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 08, 2014, 09:00:07 AM
As for Serpone's recruiting ability, one guy would have debated, and he is gone ;-)

D3 Soccer Watcher I think you may be right as of now.  But tournament progress is really the only true yardstick in my eyes.  Teams ebb and flow so much in the fall, and rankings have limited value (see Trinity v Wheaton).

I do not have the time to research, but I would love to see a table of conference win/loss records in NCAA tournament play over the last decade.  That would be interesting and valuable,
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 08, 2014, 09:28:01 AM
Hard to leave the tufts midfielders out of discussion of best midfielders....imho they move and pass the ball around very well...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 08, 2014, 09:50:17 AM
Quote from: ECSUalum on October 07, 2014, 06:23:29 PM
CONNECTICUT COLLEGE @ EASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE

Conn College are an underrated team talent wise, and will be reeling off the back of an OT loss to Bates over the weekend.  They will be looking to give a backlash to Eastern Conn in this fixture, though it will be a tough one.

Coach Greg DeVito has built a tremendous program in Willimantic with an emphasis on quality defense.  Eastern Conn have conceded one or less goals in nine of their last 10 games, and played Wesleyan to a close 1-0 loss this fall, as well as drawing with MIT.

Conn College have a lot more attacking talent that Eastern Conn's typical opponent, and I see the Camels getting over the hump (sorry) by the odd goal here.

PREDICTION:  Conn College 1 Eastern Conn 0

ECSU pulls out a 2-1 win at home over an excellent Conn College team.  Ibrham Mutala, who was causing all kinds of problems for the Warrior defense was injured in first half and this injury may have made the difference in the outcome, as CC showed, IMHO, superior technical capabilities and won the possession war. Sophomore Tyler Jones made an outstanding run and a perfect finish for the lead 10 min into the second half, but frankly after that Eastern looked terrible, again with lapses in defensive play on a LOT of CC pressure.  I think Conn College was the better team, and ECSU dodged multiple bullets, (literally), to luckily pull it out. Just one of those games where the lesser team wins.

Agree with your post ESU Alum.  typical Conn game where they out play the opponent and have multiple very good scoring chances and walk away with only 1 goal or none.  ECSU had 2 very good scoring chances and buried them both.  It was a very entertaining game as both teams played soccer not kickball rugby.  I was impressed with ECSU as they are a very fast team and have a lot of depth. They played a lot of players.  Conn's injury bug  seems to have caught up to them as ECSU's fresh legs were the difference in my opinion.  Conn can't seem to finish in the final third.  In the past 2 games vs Bates and ECSU conn has had (by my count) 10 "walk in on the goalie or a clean shot from 10 yards in" and only have 1 goal to show for it (Bates goal came on a 25 yard free kick by Patch).  Some have been tremendous saves by the opposing keeper (Bates keeper made 4 HUGE saves) and others have been shot directly at the keeper or not on frame. ECSU looked like a well coached team and I was impressed with their skill level.  Yes Conn outplayed them just as they outplayed Bates (I was impressed by a few of Bates players), but you can't win if you cant score and right now Conn can't score.  Its certainly not for lack of effort or opportunity. 
Conn has a very difficult doubleheader weekend coming up vs Tufts and Colby.  They have to win 1 of those games.  I must laud the play of Conn's center mid Devlin.  He is the engine that makes Conn go and even though he is playing "banged up" he is IMHO the best midfielder in the NESCAC.  he is a very good player. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 08, 2014, 09:53:23 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 08, 2014, 09:28:01 AM
Hard to leave the tufts midfielders out of discussion of best midfielders....imho they move and pass the ball around very well...

I've had that same thought, Nutmeg, but wanted to finish my research before posting.  Interesting point is that I believe Tufts plays a 4-2-3-1 and their two pivot starting center mids, Rui Pinheiro and Zachary Halliday, are both from Princeton, NJ, although different schools.  Pinheiro in particular, has impressed me - very technical with some flair and a good passer and has taken some strong free kicks and come up with a few key game winning plays. I don't recall anyone mentioning him before.  He will probably be considered a top midfileder for me.  Intrigued with the Tufts midfield indeed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 08, 2014, 10:14:18 AM
Nutmeg, I believe Tufts has the best midfield unit.  Always a different story picking an individual though IMO.  Tufts may even be the best team if it is not Amherst this fall.  I just don't think that automatically makes their individual player better than Patch or another guy.  If Colin Patch was at Tufts, I believe he starts and is their best midfielder.

Another example, Hamilton back line is half as good as Amherst's, but I like Reynolds more than any Amherst individual.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 08, 2014, 10:47:30 AM
All Nescac,
Thanks for the compliments on ECSU.  Coach DeVito has done a great job over the past 7-8 yrs... and I think he is now in the process of crafting a team that in 2 years may be able to compete with the Amhersts and Wheatons in New England, ie playing a lot of freshmen/sophomores these days. I continue to be impressed with So. Greg Walton, who had some outstanding saves on point blank shots yesterday. However, they are still young and I should be more patient with them, but I was pulling my hair out at the end of yesterdays game :'(.  Conn College has some very impressive young players in Mutala, Devlin, Schmidt, and Hlinomaz, all will just get better next year, especially in combination with the veterans currently on the squad.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 08, 2014, 10:52:36 AM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 08, 2014, 10:14:18 AM
Nutmeg, I believe Tufts has the best midfield unit.  Always a different story picking an individual though IMO.  Tufts may even be the best team if it is not Amherst this fall.  I just don't think that automatically makes their individual player better than Patch or another guy.  If Colin Patch was at Tufts, I believe he starts and is their best midfielder.

Another example, Hamilton back line is half as good as Amherst's, but I like Reynolds more than any Amherst individual.

I like Patch, but it is hard to argue he is the best midfielder in the conference when he isn't the best mid on his team.  He's a good player at holding mid and he is a warrior, but Devlin is better.  When Devlin is not on the field Conn's play takes a serious dip.  Can't say that about Patch, although I don't know because I don't believe he's been off the field yet this year.  But when Devlin's not in the game it is very noticeable. Patch does a very good job at holding mid, but Devlin is the choice.  Can't comment about Tufts middies yet because haven't seen them. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 08, 2014, 02:57:36 PM
Fair argument.  But very different players in same position.  Devlin is a Paul Scholes and Patch is a Roy Keane.

As I said originally I am basing these picks purely on this fall and games I have seen.  Devlin has limped in and out of every game I watched him and he is visibly slowed with some niggling problem whatever it is.  If I am going on reputation, Santos and Nakamura enter this debate too along with Muralles, and yes Devlin is better than Patch.  Tough to say that this fall though.
 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 08, 2014, 03:49:26 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 08, 2014, 02:57:36 PM
Fair argument.  But very different players in same position.  Devlin is a Paul Scholes and Patch is a Roy Keane.

As I said originally I am basing these picks purely on this fall and games I have seen.  Devlin has limped in and out of every game I watched him and he is visibly slowed with some niggling problem whatever it is.  If I am going on reputation, Santos and Nakamura enter this debate too along with Muralles, and yes Devlin is better than Patch.  Tough to say that this fall though.


Can't say RE: Keane vs Scholes as I have only seen Scholes play towards the end of his illustrious career with ManU ("go Red Devils"), but I will take your word for the comparison differences between two good players. Patch and Devlin are two different style mids and a great combination. I am very glad Conn finally moved Patch into the mid position this year and off the back line.  They should have made that move last year.  I am looking forward to finally seeing Tufts play this weekend.  Conn will have their hands full with the Jumbos and I don't believe Tufts has forgotten last years 2OT loss on the Hawkey golden goal. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 08, 2014, 03:58:20 PM
Enjoy the game, Tufts dismantling of Bates on opening day was the best performance I have witnessed so far this season by any NESCAC team.  Take your pick of Hoppenot, Santos, Kayne and Brown for scoring threats.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 08, 2014, 04:15:36 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 08, 2014, 09:53:23 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 08, 2014, 09:28:01 AM
Hard to leave the tufts midfielders out of discussion of best midfielders....imho they move and pass the ball around very well...

I've had that same thought, Nutmeg, but wanted to finish my research before posting.  Interesting point is that I believe Tufts plays a 4-2-3-1 and their two pivot starting center mids, Rui Pinheiro and Zachary Halliday, are both from Princeton, NJ, although different schools.  Pinheiro in particular, has impressed me - very technical with some flair and a good passer and has taken some strong free kicks and come up with a few key game winning plays. I don't recall anyone mentioning him before.  He will probably be considered a top midfileder for me.  Intrigued with the Tufts midfield indeed.

I was very impressed with Pinheiro's play at Middlebury on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 08, 2014, 04:44:00 PM
Question for those knowledgeable..soccer playing posters.  What is more difficult for a player...a wet turf field or a wet grass field..a "pitch" for you posters. :).  Especially in rain.  Saw a group of pics from last Sat's game at Amherst between the Jeffs and the Hamilton Continentals.  Aware that the uniforms and shoes become heavy, etc.  The pics show players quite happy that the game was over under the conditions.
Another thing that I am seeing more of this season....players wearing bright color shoes..individualized...like the GK uniforms.  Not standard issues so to speak.  Guess the coaches are allowing it.  Saw the trend in men's basketball come on several years ago.  Poster Bucket is aware of my attention to shoes on the playing field.  I am aware that players in college sports in D3, in the conference often have different brands of shoes...again not standard issue. The question here is the small breakout of COLORs.  Is this due to the recent World Cup event?  Interested in hearing thoughts/comments on the matter wrt to soccer.   Do not notice it as much on the women side...interesting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 08, 2014, 09:04:33 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 08, 2014, 03:58:20 PM
Enjoy the game, Tufts dismantling of Bates on opening day was the best performance I have witnessed so far this season by any NESCAC team.  Take your pick of Hoppenot, Santos, Kayne and Brown for scoring threats.

Kayne, the center attacking mid, and Brown, a winger have impressed in the games I saw. The other two mentioned midfielders are more the defensive midfielders. Kayne and Pinhero controlled the tempo, both being excellent passers, Kayne being more the attacking type.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 08, 2014, 09:43:22 PM
Amh63, as far as the color's go I think the answer simply lies in marketing.  Nike and Adidas do a good job of creating a cool image to go with their cleats and getting the idol players to wear them.  College kids follow suit.  Boring answer, but I really think it is that simple.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEngland on October 09, 2014, 09:08:46 AM
Quote from: amh63 on October 08, 2014, 04:44:00 PM
Question for those knowledgeable..soccer playing posters.  What is more difficult for a player...a wet turf field or a wet grass field..a "pitch" for you posters. :).  Especially in rain.  Saw a group of pics from last Sat's game at Amherst between the Jeffs and the Hamilton Continentals.  Aware that the uniforms and shoes become heavy, etc.  The pics show players quite happy that the game was over under the conditions.
Another thing that I am seeing more of this season....players wearing bright color shoes..individualized...like the GK uniforms.  Not standard issues so to speak.  Guess the coaches are allowing it.  Saw the trend in men's basketball come on several years ago.  Poster Bucket is aware of my attention to shoes on the playing field.  I am aware that players in college sports in D3, in the conference often have different brands of shoes...again not standard issue. The question here is the small breakout of COLORs.  Is this due to the recent World Cup event?  Interested in hearing thoughts/comments on the matter wrt to soccer.   Do not notice it as much on the women side...interesting.

A wet grass field is more difficult. Wet turf field is slick and quick but they drain quickly and do not retain the same amount of water as a turf field. On a wet grass field the players have to deal with mud and the ground becoming bumpy with divots from the players running on it. The ball also gets stuck on a wet grass field whereas on a wet turf field the ball would skip. The turf fields are more consistent in the wet/rainy conditions. The only time I think players would choose turf over grass is when its raining otherwise grass is the preference (Williams and Amherst fields come to mind) This is an analysis of college grass field which are unlikely to compare to professional fields and stadiums.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFollower on October 09, 2014, 01:50:57 PM
Weekend Predictions:

SATURDAY

Wes @ Williams: Over the next 6 of their games, we're going to find out exactly what Wesleyan are made of. They're 6-2-2, second in the league, but have no signature win. They face Williams, Amherst, Trin, Middlebury, and Conn to end the year. Despite their struggles, I still think Williams are dangerous, beating Midd was a huge result for them. I think Williams are able to grind out a win, and Wesleyan's lack of attack gets the best of them.

        Prediction: Wes 0 – 1 Williams


Bowdoin @ Hamilton: Travelling to Hamilton is never easy, but Bowdoin have quietly won 4 in a row. They only lost by one goal to Amherst and Wesleyan, and only by two to Midd. Hamilton have never lost by more than a goal. Hamilton less impressive at home compared to last year. Hard to tell how this one will end up, I think a scrappy tie is in the books.

   Prediction: Bowdoin 1 – 1 Hamilton


Middlebury @ Trinity: Big win for Trinity this week against Wheaton. But this followed losses to Bowdoin and Bates. They desperately need Nescac wins. Middlebury seem to be faltering somewhat with losses to Colby and Williams. The tie against Tufts was a fine result.

   Prediction: Middlebury 2 – 1 Trinity


Tufts @ Conn: Tufts are still in a decent position and have looked good in certain games, but they've also tied three and lost one in their last 4 after starting 5-0. Conn are extremely unpredictable and are very talented. This could be the surprise result of the weekend if the Conn strikers find their scoring boots.

   Prediction: Tufts 1 – 1 Conn College


Colby @ Amherst: Impressive result against Middlebury for Colby, and almost came out of the Wesleyan game with a draw. Amherst keep rolling and getting one goal wins. I think they will break down Colby at least once and Colby will not be able to put any real pressure on them.

   Prediction: Colby 0 – 2 Amherst


SUNDAY

Bowdoin @ Williams: Bowdoin will have to travel to Williamstown from Hamilton while Williams are home both days, which may have an effect. Both will have had hard-fought games the day before. Grit is going to win this one, but I think they will end up scoreless.

   Prediction: Bowdoin 0 – 0 Williams


Middlebury @ Hamilton: Middlebury too have a lot of travel. I think Glaser and Conrad find their form and put away Hamilton early.

   Prediction: Middlebury 2 – 0 Hamilton


Colby @ Conn: This game is begging for a 0 – 0, but I think Conn's talent may win this one for it. Colby is still in the run of it for their playoffs if they finish strong and keep compact defensively.

   Prediction: Colby 0 – 1 Conn College


Tufts @ Trinity: This one will be interesting and both will have heavy legs. Should see a lot of goals here.

   Prediction: Tufts 3 – 1 Trinity
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 09, 2014, 09:27:24 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 08, 2014, 05:27:36 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on October 08, 2014, 12:25:47 AM
Seems like NESCAC is weakening...with no teams in the NSCAA Top 10 and only one team in the Top 25 (and they have two ties already in only nine games played).

I think you may be right, D3soccerwatcher. More parity this year, which I actually prefer.

Parity makes for interesting intra-conference games.  But the question really is...what level of play is that parity at?  We will find out when we see how the NESCAC representative(s) in the NCAA national tournament does.  Hopefully better than last year...as I recall the NESCAC representatives didn't fair too well as one NESCAC team lost to the other NESCAC team who then went on to  exit the tournament by getting beat soundly by a score of 4-0 (that score doesn't seem like parity).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1nescac8 on October 09, 2014, 10:23:12 PM
When spun that way it makes the 2 NESCAC teams sound pretty bad. But that 4-0 loss was in the final four to the eventual national champion, and those 2 NESCAC teams advanced through the Northeast region of the bracket without much problem.

You can't take 1 result and say that somehow indicates the strength of an entire conference. The #10 team in the NESCAC just beat the #12 team in the country this week, but that doesn't mean every NESCAC team is a top 10-15 team in the country.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 09, 2014, 10:45:33 PM
Quote from: 1nescac8 on October 09, 2014, 10:23:12 PM
When spun that way it makes the 2 NESCAC teams sound pretty bad. But that 4-0 loss was in the final four to the eventual national champion, and those 2 NESCAC teams advanced through the Northeast region of the bracket without much problem.

You can't take 1 result and say that somehow indicates the strength of an entire conference. The #10 team in the NESCAC just beat the #12 team in the country this week, but that doesn't mean every NESCAC team is a top 10-15 team in the country.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Bennett Ranking had 7 NESCAC teams in the top 10. Ha!  Must be true then.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 10, 2014, 12:11:51 AM
D3 Soccer Watcher.  "One team beat another then lost."  That game was in the Elite Eight.  We get your point about dropping more games, but do not paint two NESCAC teams reaching each other in the round of 8 as a sign of weakness, that is total delusion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 10, 2014, 12:25:36 AM
SATURDAY PREVIEW

This weekend is really going to sort the wheat from the chaff.  We could end up with three teams racing away at the top, or have the playoff pack end the weekend a few points apart.  Let the gems commence.

WESLEYAN @ WILLIAMS

If Wesleyan can pull out the win here, is will really leave Williams behind the top 3 teams with a gap beginning to open, switching the Eph's attention to a 4th seed and home game on the playoffs.

I do not think that happens just yet, and see man of the moment Zach Grady finding the odd goal to lift Williams at a time they really need it.

PREDICTION:  Wesleyan 0 Williams 1

BOWDOIN @ HAMILTON

A high stakes game at the lower end of the playoff picture.  A win for Bowdoin will secure them in the playoff spots, whereas Hamilton currently sit on the outside looking in.

Hamilton have one of the bigger home field advantages in the league, and powerhouse forward Dan Kraynak versus Bowdoin's athletic center back Nabil Odulate will be a fantastic duel.

PREDICTION:  Bowdoin 1 Hamilton 2

MIDDLEBURY @ TRINITY

Trinity are another team currently needing points to lift into a playoff spot, whereas Middlebury will be looking to secure a top four spot.  A draw against Tufts continued Middlebury's solid form, whereas Trinity seem very erratic, beating highly ranked Wheaton on the back of being smashed by Bates.

Consistency comes out on top for me, with the Panthers registering a valuable road win.

PREDICTION:  Middlebury 3 Trinity 1

TUFTS @ CONN COLLEGE

Many people believed a talented Camel squad would make a visible jump this year, and I was one of them.  That said, they cannot quite get over the hump (sorry) yet, and this is not a good matchup for a team looking to play into some form.

Tufts are a relentlessly attacking force, and will take the spoils here in an entertaining and attacking affair.

PREDICTION:  Tufts 3 Conn College 2

COLBY @ AMHERST

Ewan Seabrook is doing a fine job at Colby.  He has tightened up a horrible defensive line, and already surpassed last season's win total.  That said, I don't believe in fairytales, and they will not be returning from Amherst with any points.

PREDICTION:  Colby 0 Amherst 2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 10, 2014, 01:40:29 AM
Quote from: 1nescac8 on October 09, 2014, 10:23:12 PM
When spun that way it makes the 2 NESCAC teams sound pretty bad. But that 4-0 loss was in the final four to the eventual national champion, and those 2 NESCAC teams advanced through the Northeast region of the bracket without much problem.

You can't take 1 result and say that somehow indicates the strength of an entire conference. The #10 team in the NESCAC just beat the #12 team in the country this week, but that doesn't mean every NESCAC team is a top 10-15 team in the country.

In their 26 games last year, Messiah only beat 8 teams by 4 or more goals...the the most successful NESCAC team of 2013 was one of them...but that was last year. I hope the NESCAC national tournament representative does well this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 10, 2014, 05:26:45 AM
D3soccerwatcher - I think you're reading way too much into one result, which happened to be in the national semifinal. Amherst was the NESCAC's best team, but they were upset. Those things happen. As for this year, I'd say the average NESCAC team would do quite well against an average team from another conference. Let's see what happens on the field before we declare the NESCAC dead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 10, 2014, 05:51:55 AM
The current Massey rankings, which I've found to be pretty accurate, has the NESCAC rated #2 conference, behind the UAA.  They have plenty of NESCAC teams in the national top 25.

The flawed Bennett Ranking still has NESCAC ranked #1. Bennett gives too much weighting to strength of schedule, tilting the power to NESCAC.

NSCAA rankings are done by a committee of 8 representatives, each representing a different geography. It stands to reason that the votes will be pretty spread out and not allow any particular conference to dominate.

Let's see what happens in the NCAA
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 10, 2014, 09:27:53 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 10, 2014, 05:51:55 AM
The current Massey rankings, which I've found to be pretty accurate, has the NESCAC rated #2 conference, behind the UAA.  They have plenty of NESCAC teams in the national top 25.

The flawed Bennett Ranking still has NESCAC ranked #1. Bennett gives too much weighting to strength of schedule, tilting the power to NESCAC.

NSCAA rankings are done by a committee of 8 representatives, each representing a different geography. It stands to reason that the votes will be pretty spread out and not allow any particular conference to dominate.

Let's see what happens in the NCAA

Agreed. I would be particularly interested to see how mid- and lower-level UAA and NESCAC teams would stack up against each other. I imagine it would be quite even.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 10, 2014, 05:51:39 PM
Predictions

Wesleyan 2 Williams 1

Amherst 4 Colby 1

Midd 3 Trinity 1

Conn Coll 2 Tufts 1

Bowdoin 1 Hamilton 1


Williams 2 Bowdoin 1

Midd 3 Hamilton 0

Colby 2 Conn Coll 1

Tufts 4 Trinity 1


Curry 1 Bates 0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 10, 2014, 06:30:34 PM
The NESCAC AND UAA have more strength/quality top to bottom then other conferences (the Centennial Conference had a several year run not long ago when they were on par with these two, IMO).  But that obviously doesn't mean their best are any better than other conferences' best, only that their 3rd thru 6th teams are better than other conferences 3rd thru 6th.  It would be very interesting to see the UAA and NESCAC go head to head, #1 vs. #1, #2 vs. #2, #3 vs. #3, and on down through.  Otherwise, as Corazon said, let's see what happens in the NCAA tournament.  While that will have to wait another few weeks, we can reflect on how the two conferences have performed in the tournament in the past and I find it hard to look at the tournament record and use the word "best" in conjunction with the UAA.

I'll give the NESCAC their due as they have been fairly consistent in getting teams into the Elite 8 of the tournament.  The UAA on the other hand, simply has not.  Despite getting the most entrants into the tournament most years, the UAA only has had two Elite 8 appearances in the past 17 years (and both times an upset eased their path).  That does not seem like the record of one of the nation's top two conferences. I think it does illustrate that having a lot of good teams does not equate to having true title-contenders.  The NESCAC went 8 years from 1999 to 2006 without a Final Four appearance*, similarly illustrating that point.  (* they then impressively sent four different teams in four years).

To be fair to the UAA in the above comparison, the NESCAC has a certain advantage with its teams being bunched in the same quandrant of the bracket.  Sure, it prevents them from getting multiple teams deep in the tournament, but facilitates them getting one team deep.  The UAA has their teams spread out, but as mentioned that has enabled them to grab more at-large berths then the NESCAC. But advancement aside, I believe the NESCAC has had genuine title-contenders on a more frequent basis.  In fact, has the UAA hasn't had a true title-contender in at least 20 years?  Is Brandeis going to be an exception to that trend?  For me the jury is still out. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 10, 2014, 07:55:12 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on October 10, 2014, 06:30:34 PM
The NESCAC AND UAA have more strength/quality top to bottom then other conferences (the Centennial Conference had a several year run not long ago when they were on par with these two, IMO).  But that obviously doesn't mean their best are any better than other conferences' best, only that their 3rd thru 6th teams are better than other conferences 3rd thru 6th.  It would be very interesting to see the UAA and NESCAC go head to head, #1 vs. #1, #2 vs. #2, #3 vs. #3, and on down through.  Otherwise, as Corazon said, let's see what happens in the NCAA tournament.  While that will have to wait another few weeks, we can reflect on how the two conferences have performed in the tournament in the past and I find it hard to look at the tournament record and use the word "best" in conjunction with the UAA.

I'll give the NESCAC their due as they have been fairly consistent in getting teams into the Elite 8 of the tournament.  The UAA on the other hand, simply has not.  Despite getting the most entrants into the tournament most years, the UAA only has had two Elite 8 appearances in the past 17 years (and both times an upset eased their path).  That does not seem like the record of one of the nation's top two conferences. I think it does illustrate that having a lot of good teams does not equate to having true title-contenders.  The NESCAC went 8 years from 1999 to 2006 without a Final Four appearance*, similarly illustrating that point.  (* they then impressively sent four different teams in four years).

To be fair to the UAA in the above comparison, the NESCAC has a certain advantage with its teams being bunched in the same quandrant of the bracket.  Sure, it prevents them from getting multiple teams deep in the tournament, but facilitates them getting one team deep.  The UAA has their teams spread out, but as mentioned that has enabled them to grab more at-large berths then the NESCAC. But advancement aside, I believe the NESCAC has had genuine title-contenders on a more frequent basis.  In fact, has the UAA hasn't had a true title-contender in at least 20 years?  Is Brandeis going to be an exception to that trend?  For me the jury is still out.

As I have said before, I refuse to make a judgement on which is the "better" soccer conference, as I believe both are excellent. But you raise an interesting point, and I believe there are many interesting things in this debate. Brandeis is the only UAA team to have won the NCAA Championship, while both Middlebury and Williams have won it from the NESCAC, so in that category the NESCAC has the advantage. However, the UAA has had more bids in the last few years. Conversely, the NESCAC, as you said, has had more final four appearances in the last 20 years. On the other hand, some might argue that the UAA has more parity top-to-bottom, thus making it more "competitive."

In conclusion, I would say it all depends on one's viewpoint and what factors they believe carry the most significant weight in defining who is more "successful." As seen here, different factors benefit different conferences, and different people have different views of what "success" is. One thing is for sure, though—it will be fun to see how things shake up this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 10, 2014, 08:04:36 PM
The UAA also has the advantage (or disadvantage) of being 3 teams smaller than the NESCAC, which I think adds to the perception of more across the board strength with the UAA, even though Case, NYU, and to some extent Chicago, have struggled comparatively.

For my money the Centennial appears to have quite a bit of depth this year.

Remarkably, virtually every conference is showing some weakness that seems unexpected, at least in its relative uniformity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 10, 2014, 08:09:05 PM
I'm not the historical expert that some of you are, but I would think major stumbling blocks in the NCAA tournament for the UAA have been Messiah and OWU.  If memory serves Wash U has lost a couple of close ones to OWU.  Brandeis is really the one that has ended up head to head with the NESCAC, and if they are going to break through it would make sense that this is the year. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 10, 2014, 09:29:54 PM
Well, when you get 4 or 5 teams into the tournament most years, it takes more than just Messiah and OWU to keep you from getting some one deep into the tournament.  Like I said, I think the UAA is a very good conference that regularly is full of good teams, but they rarely have a title-contender.  The few times a team seemed to be a contender they couldn't live up to expectations (Emory a time or two, comes to mind).  And then of all UAA teams to reach a Final Four, NYU unexpectedly did in 2006 (motivated by an off-the-field situation), upsetting a darn good Stevens team in the second round.

It would seem that Brandeis picked a favorable year to make a run at the title with the NESCAC seemingly being a little down this season.  But they play the games for a reason and if they face a NESCAC school or two in the tournament, I personally would still be hesitant about picking a UAA team over a NESCAC team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 11, 2014, 12:08:30 PM
Wesleyan already up 1-0 on Williams in first 4 minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 11, 2014, 05:40:28 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 10, 2014, 05:26:45 AM
D3soccerwatcher - I think you're reading way too much into one result, which happened to be in the national semifinal. Amherst was the NESCAC's best team, but they were upset. Those things happen. As for this year, I'd say the average NESCAC team would do quite well against an average team from another conference. Let's see what happens on the field before we declare the NESCAC dead.

Corazon - I think you take a very reasonable position with your comments.  I particularly like the let's wait and see what happens approach. The NCAA tournament will give us a very good indication of the quality of the top NESCAC team(s).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 11, 2014, 07:36:51 PM
Amherst wins over Colby 3-1 at home.  It was 2-1 at the half.  As the sun came out, Amherst seemed stronger and to me dominated the Mules.  Watched after the football game, so do not see the first half and only the last 26 minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 12, 2014, 01:37:06 AM
WEEKEND ROUNDUP PART 1

Well this weekend had the chance to open up a three horse race atop the division, which ended up being vey much not the case, with the race for top 4 spots getting very tight.

WESLEYAN 1 WILLIAMS 2

This was a chance for Wesleyan to grind their way to the top of the pack, but The Ep's reentered the picture of hosting a NESCAC playoff game.

A goal by Adam Cowie-Haskell sent Wesleyan into the interval a goal ahead, before NESCAC leading scorer and MVP front runner Zach Grady leveled matters for the Eph's.  Maine product Luke Pierce then struck a vital winner for Williams, with both goals being assisted by English midfielder Chris Conder.

BOWDOIN 3 HAMILTON 1

Bowdoin rolled to their 5th straight win in Clinton, NY.  Hamilton is a notoriously difficult road trip fir NESCAC teams, and it spake volumes for the current Polar Bear squad that they could win comfortably in such a hostile environment.

Sam White, Eric Goitia and Matt Dias-Coasta all found the net for Bowdoin, with Erich Marcks resounding for Hamilton.

Goalkeeper Steve van Siclin made 2 saves for the Polar Bears, suggesting another impressive defensive display.

MIDDLEBURY 1 TRINITY 1

A point that does for for the Panthers than it does for the Bantams.  Greg Conrad responded to an early Fernando Cuevo Torr strike to put Middlebury in the #6 spot, while the Bantams are on the outside of the playoff spots looking in.

TUFTS 3 CONN COLLEGE 1

The rampant Jumbos continued their fine form in a game that explode to life during the first 12 minutes.  Kevin O'Brien gave Conn the lead before the prolific Jumbo offense burst into action.  Gus Santos and giant center back Peter Lee-Kramr netted for Tufts, before Connor Brown rounded out a win that keeps Tufts firmly in the #2 spot.

COLBY 1 AMHERST 3

Colby continue to put up good fights in conference games, but the Amherst juggernaut rolls on and continues to lead the NESCAC with their unbeaten record.

Jae Heo opened the scoring Amherst before Nico Pascual-Leone scored either side of half tim.  A goal by Dan Vogel gave dolby a brief glimmer of hope by sending the Mules in at half time with only a 2-1 deficit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 12, 2014, 10:00:26 AM
Keeping it tight for the homestretch (if you can call it a homestretch when some teams have just under half of their conference games left to play!) is a good thing for fans (exciting) and for teams (motivational).

It's a little early to be lining up POYs and All-Stars, but any candidate list without Bull and Pascual-Leone is incomplete at best. Did you see the latter's bicycle kick yesterday that led to the first goal?! It was legit. Several believed it to carom from the underside of the crossbar and over the line, but it took a clean-up touch to convince the ref. I know many believe that the accolades should belong to seniors, but I've already seen ridiculous picks for POY, seemingly given out of some kind of sentimentality vs. reality.

Also, fellas, while the scorers' tables vary in accuracy and philosophy (Tufts, for example, records double assists), I'll reiterate that it doesn't make sense to be using the overall stats to compare conference players. I don't say this just because P-L has 13 to Grady's 8 as of this morning; in fact, I proposed this idea before P-L was the league point leader.

Finally, while it's fun to throw names out there, I know that anything I say means nothing when it comes down to it. But let's keep having fun and throwing them around anyway.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 12, 2014, 10:05:07 AM
Pascual-Leone was superb yesterday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 12, 2014, 06:41:21 PM
Let's at least admit that notwithstanding the meltdown of our NESCAC friend he very often was on the money.

Williams is back (if they ever left), and on the odd chance that we get one more Amherst-Williams Elite 8 game I got Williams.

Hoppenot and now Santos are both starting for Tufts and the Jumbos are looking like what we thought they could be.  Shapiro may win COY simply by smartening up and letting the best players play.  And who scored for Tufts today?  Yep, Santos and Hoppenot.

And with all the hype about Conn and its bevy of POY candidates the Camels will be fortunate just to grab the 7th or 8th playoff spot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 12, 2014, 07:38:49 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 12, 2014, 06:41:21 PM
Let's at least admit that notwithstanding the meltdown of our NESCAC friend he very often was on the money.

Williams is back (if they ever left), and on the odd chance that we get one more Amherst-Williams Elite 8 game I got Williams.

Hoppenot and now Santos are both starting for Tufts and the Jumbos are looking like what we thought they could be.  Shapiro may win COY simply by smartening up and letting the best players play.  And who scored for Tufts today?  Yep, Santos and Hoppenot.

And with all the hype about Conn and its bevy of POY candidates the Camels will be fortunate just to grab the 7th or 8th playoff spot.

On the money he might have been, but that guy was a lunatic. Good riddance, as far as I'm concerned. This board is far better off with him gone.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2014, 08:26:59 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 12, 2014, 06:41:21 PM
Hoppenot and now Santos are both starting for Tufts and the Jumbos are looking like what we thought they could be.  Shapiro may win COY simply by smartening up and letting the best players play.  And who scored for Tufts today?  Yep, Santos and Hoppenot.

My thoughts exactly. Tufts are a different team when Santos is on the field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 13, 2014, 09:45:53 AM
1.  20pts  8gp  6-0-2  Amherst            (at Wesleyan, home Trinity)
2.  17pts  7gp  5-0-2  Tufts                 (home Williams, home Hamilton, at Bowdoin)
3.  15pts  7gp  5-2-0  Williams            (at Tufts, at Bates, at Hamilton))
4.  12pts  6gp  4-2-0  Wesleyan         (home Amherst, home Trinity, at Middlebury, home Conn College)
5.  12pts  8gp  3-2-3  Middlebury        (home Bates, home Wesleyan)
6.    9pts  7gp  3-4-0  Bowdoin           (home Conn College, at Colby, home Tufts)
7.    7pts  7gp  2-4-1  Conn College    (at Bowdoin, at Trinity, at Wesleyan)
8.    6pts  7gp  2-5-0  Bates                (at Middlebury, home Williams, home Colby)

9.    5pts  7gp  1-4-2  Trinity                (at Wesleyan, home Conn College, at Amherst)
10.  4pts  7gp  1-5-1  Colby                 (home Hamilton, home Bowdoin, at Bates)
10.  4pts. 7gp  1-5-1  Hamilton            (at Colby, at Tufts, home Williams)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 13, 2014, 12:50:22 PM
Hey all

Work took over this weekend, but what a weekend.  I understand the point of throwing names around being pointless.  If we want to be finicky these boards ar pointless no?  We all watch limited samples and throw around what we see.

Let's keep doing the same and not trying to convince others they are missing something we can see.  I watch one to two games per weekend, as do we all.  So the truth lies somewhere in the mire of all these posts.

As for our "meltdown" friend.  I truly hope he is OK away from these boards, I am not sure how D3 soccer can induce such spiteful outbursts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 13, 2014, 12:59:06 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 12, 2014, 06:41:21 PM
Let's at least admit that notwithstanding the meltdown of our NESCAC friend he very often was on the money.

Williams is back (if they ever left), and on the odd chance that we get one more Amherst-Williams Elite 8 game I got Williams.

Hoppenot and now Santos are both starting for Tufts and the Jumbos are looking like what we thought they could be.  Shapiro may win COY simply by smartening up and letting the best players play.  And who scored for Tufts today?  Yep, Santos and Hoppenot.

And with all the hype about Conn and its bevy of POY candidates the Camels will be fortunate just to grab the 7th or 8th playoff spot.

Report on Tufts vs Conn from Saturday.  Another typical first half performance from Conn, they outplayed Tufts and were losing 3 to 1 at the half.  Tufts first two goals were on MAJOR goalie errors.  Tufts 3rd goal was a very pretty counter attack.  Conn actually opened the scoring on a nice O'Brien goal. Conn changed keepers with 5 minutes to goal in the first half. Second half was a different story as Conn had to chase the game and Conn's coach refused to substitute (with a game the next day which could be a win it was a huge coaching blunder).  Tufts played keep away and Conn chased and completely ran out of steam with 20 minutes left when their best defender Punt was seriously injured in a freak collision into the goal netting.  yes, Tufts won, but I was not overly impressed with them.  Tufts offense was held in check other than the counter attack goal.  Conn out shot them and had many more threating scoring chances, but in typical Conn form could not score.  Amherst is still the most impressive team I've seen in person this year, certainly much more than Tufts as I was not impressed with their back line, although I do like their keeper and he played a very good game.  Tufts coach did a great job utilizing his bench to keep his players fresh.  It does appear Tufts has some quality depth to their roster and their coach is not afraid to use it.

Sunday Colby came to New London and in a must game for both teams neither team could muster a goal.  Colby had some shots but none were threatening at all.  Conn again had a number of great scoring chances (crosses, free kicks and corner kicks) to score but again came up empty.  Conn looked exhausted in the OT, yet they still threatened.  Had Conn's coach perhaps used his bench vs Tufts perhaps they might have had something left in the tank vs Colby to get a much needed win.  Hats off to Colby who competed well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 13, 2014, 02:35:31 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on October 13, 2014, 12:59:06 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 12, 2014, 06:41:21 PM
Let's at least admit that notwithstanding the meltdown of our NESCAC friend he very often was on the money.

Williams is back (if they ever left), and on the odd chance that we get one more Amherst-Williams Elite 8 game I got Williams.

Hoppenot and now Santos are both starting for Tufts and the Jumbos are looking like what we thought they could be.  Shapiro may win COY simply by smartening up and letting the best players play.  And who scored for Tufts today?  Yep, Santos and Hoppenot.

And with all the hype about Conn and its bevy of POY candidates the Camels will be fortunate just to grab the 7th or 8th playoff spot.

Report on Tufts vs Conn from Saturday.  Another typical first half performance from Conn, they outplayed Tufts and were losing 3 to 1 at the half.  Tufts first two goals were on MAJOR goalie errors.  Tufts 3rd goal was a very pretty counter attack.  Conn actually opened the scoring on a nice O'Brien goal. Conn changed keepers with 5 minutes to goal in the first half. Second half was a different story as Conn had to chase the game and Conn's coach refused to substitute (with a game the next day which could be a win it was a huge coaching blunder).  Tufts played keep away and Conn chased and completely ran out of steam with 20 minutes left when their best defender Punt was seriously injured in a freak collision into the goal netting.  yes, Tufts won, but I was not overly impressed with them.  Tufts offense was held in check other than the counter attack goal.  Conn out shot them and had many more threating scoring chances, but in typical Conn form could not score.  Amherst is still the most impressive team I've seen in person this year, certainly much more than Tufts as I was not impressed with their back line, although I do like their keeper and he played a very good game.  Tufts coach did a great job utilizing his bench to keep his players fresh.  It does appear Tufts has some quality depth to their roster and their coach is not afraid to use it.

Sunday Colby came to New London and in a must game for both teams neither team could muster a goal.  Colby had some shots but none were threatening at all.  Conn again had a number of great scoring chances (crosses, free kicks and corner kicks) to score but again came up empty.  Conn looked exhausted in the OT, yet they still threatened.  Had Conn's coach perhaps used his bench vs Tufts perhaps they might have had something left in the tank vs Colby to get a much needed win.  Hats off to Colby who competed well.

Funny, Tufts controlled the games they tied.  Probably felt good for them, even they did seem to dominate the second half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 13, 2014, 10:32:29 PM
Bates 4 Curry 0.

Bates has won 4 of the last 5, with the only loss being at Amherst 1-0. Nice recovery by the young Bobcats who are currently in line for a trip to the NESCAC playoffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 13, 2014, 11:49:44 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 13, 2014, 10:32:29 PM
Bates 4 Curry 0.

Bates has won 4 of the last 5, with the only loss being at Amherst 1-0. Nice recovery by the young Bobcats who are currently in line for a trip to the NESCAC playoffs.

An impressive turnaround.  Some people on this board said they were left for dead....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 14, 2014, 09:59:02 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 13, 2014, 10:32:29 PM
Bates 4 Curry 0.

Bates has won 4 of the last 5, with the only loss being at Amherst 1-0. Nice recovery by the young Bobcats who are currently in line for a trip to the NESCAC playoffs.

Congratulations Bates Bobcats!  Good work.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 14, 2014, 04:29:04 PM
I see that they Tufts is the top team in the RV category in D3Soccer.com's rankings, but I am surprised that they haven't yet made the NSCAA Top 25. The home tie against MIT nonwithstanding, the only "bad" result they've had was losing at Brandeis—drawing at Middlebury and home to Amherst are, in my mind, acceptable results. Personally, I would have the Jumbos ahead of No. 23 Coast Guard, albeit just behind Wheaton (who are in the RV category) despite the fact that Tufts has beaten Trinity and Wesleyan—two teams that Wheaton failed to beat. Just my opinion, of course.

Could this weekend change that? Being at home, I'm picking the Jumbos to eke it 2-1. Maybe at that point they'll break into the NSCAA rankings? They're certainly knocking on the door.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 14, 2014, 08:58:16 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 14, 2014, 04:29:04 PM
I see that they Tufts is the top team in the RV category in D3Soccer.com's rankings, but I am surprised that they haven't yet made the NSCAA Top 25. The home tie against MIT nonwithstanding, the only "bad" result they've had was losing at Brandeis—drawing at Middlebury and home to Amherst are, in my mind, acceptable results. Personally, I would have the Jumbos ahead of No. 23 Coast Guard, albeit just behind Wheaton (who are in the RV category) despite the fact that Tufts has beaten Trinity and Wesleyan—two teams that Wheaton failed to beat. Just my opinion, of course.

Could this weekend change that? Being at home, I'm picking the Jumbos to eke it 2-1. Maybe at that point they'll break into the NSCAA rankings? They're certainly knocking on the door.
[/qu

While I wasn't impressed with Tufts performance vs Conn on Saturday they are a superior team to Coast Guard having seen both play Conn.  They should be ranked ahead of Coast Guard.  Coast Guard puts 11 behind the ball and waits for a counter attack or set piece. They play a completely defensively game. I am amazed at Coast Guards record.  They are however the fittest team you will see this year.  I am very interested to see the Williams vs Tufts game coming up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 14, 2014, 08:59:53 PM
Amherst wins mid- week game at Drew...1-0, the same score at halftime.  Next game in Middletown this Saturday.  Nescac game and for the "little three" title :).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 14, 2014, 10:40:02 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 14, 2014, 04:29:04 PM
I see that they Tufts is the top team in the RV category in D3Soccer.com's rankings, but I am surprised that they haven't yet made the NSCAA Top 25.  . . . . .  Personally, I would have the Jumbos ahead of No. 23 Coast Guard, . . .
I agree.  Thought Tufts, Wartburg, and Cortland St. (and some others, but especially these three) had much better cases than Coast Guard and Wabash whose weak schedules are not befitting a Top 25 team, IMHO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 14, 2014, 11:20:26 PM
The NSCAA New England rankings have Tufts #5 and Coast Guard #3.

Other NESCACs:  Amherst #2, Williams #8 and Middlebury #9 giving the conference 4 teams in the regions top 9.  Of note is that NEWMAC has four teams in the top 7.

Brandeis is the only non NESCAC/NEWMAC in the top 9.  Nichols is #10.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 15, 2014, 06:40:41 AM
After a very demanding work week plan to get back on the previews and roundups this weekend, though will skip Trinity game tonight.  Did watch Bates v Curry live Monday, 4-0 win for Bates.  Peabo Knoth had one of his quieter games and right winger Nate Merchant was their best player.  Three of the four goals netted by freshman for a team that may soon be dubbed the "Baby Bobcats."

Think the league really started to take shape after weekend and we now have three tiers barring a major run of form somewhere one way or the other.

TIER 1

Home teams for tournament locking in.  Amherst, Tufts, a resurgent Williams and Wesleyan looking like the top four.  I continue to believe Tufts may just win this whole thing.

TIER 2

Middlebury and a red hot Bowdoin starting look very safe bets for playoff spots, and seem to playing well in addition to that.

TIER 3

A five team league, of which the top two will make the tournament.  One game (three points) separates this league top to bottom.  This could make for some fun viewing over the next 3 games.

Current standings are;
Conn College 7pts
Bates 6pts
Trinity 5pts
Colby 4pts
Hamilton 4pts

Crunch games left here are Hamilton @ Colby (this weekend), a game that could leave the loser down and out.  Also Conn @ Trinity (10/25) and Colby @ Bates 10/29.

Tie breaker is head to head I believe so status there is;
Conn have edge over Hamilton
Bates have edge over Conn and Trinity
Trinity have edge over Colby
Colby have no edge but yet to play Hamilton and Bates
Hamilton have edge over Bates.

Good luck to the Bantams tonight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 12:31:27 PM
I wanted to start a new thread for unbiased Nescac talk.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 12:39:23 PM
I was getting sick of posters claiming that there is a "night and day" difference between Amherst and Williams in recruiting. Last time I checked Williams has been to 3 NCAA FINAL FOUR'S in 5 YEARS, Amherst 0.

The poster was also trying to claim Williams does not recruit academy players and Kenyon does. Williams has more academy players than Kenyon on its roster. Also, a number of Kenyon players on that roster were not recruited by Williams because there were better players out there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 16, 2014, 12:44:23 PM
I wondered how long it would be before LP reappeared.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 12:46:54 PM
This is not LP. Big games this week-end
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 12:48:26 PM
Williams at Tufts-  This game will determine 2nd place in the league. Also, for Williams if they win this game it will give them a solid resume fortourney time even with 4 losses. How Tufts is not in the top 25 is beyond me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 12:51:55 PM
Amherst at Wesleyan- Wesleyan needs a win for their NCAA resume. This would be almost a lock if they can win this game. However, I feel Amherst will be motivated to lock up 1st place in the best league in the country and will win this game. Both teams in my opinion are still struggling to score goals and I do not know where Amherst would be without Pascuel-Leone and Martin. These two players will put Amherst over the edge and if Jae Heo would show up and play like he did as a Frosh and Soph this team could be very hard to beat come tourney time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 12:57:02 PM
Conn at Bowdoin- Conn has under performed this year but in their defense they have been ravaged by injuries now with Punt done for the year. I feel Conn still has better players than Bowdoin and will sneak this game. I have not benn to impressed with Bowdoin. There best players are all O'Leary recruits and the new coach better get on his horse to get some players in there. Van Siclein is a huge upgrade over Safian in net and they are solid on the back line but they lack anything close to a top striker. #5 is a very skilled player and I have no idea where Keefe is.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 01:00:42 PM
Hamilton at Colby- The other poster is correct that the loser of this game is toast. Hamilton and Conn might have the worst goalkeeping in the league but Kraynak has been scoring goals and I have always been a fan of Griffen Abbott. His electric speed down the flank is matched by few in the league. Reynols is ok in the back but not great as he is a step slow to keep up with dangerous strikers. The good news is that Colby possesses no dangerous striker. Hamilton sneaks a 1-0 win in Waterville.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 01:02:14 PM
Bates at Midd- 4-0 Midd as Glazer and Conrad maybe the best dynamic duo in the league. These two eat up marginal defenders and Bates has plenty of those.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 01:05:32 PM
Off topic- caught the Kenyon v Denison game last night and if Kenyon is the new #1 team in the country I would be shocked. They looked decent at best and maybe I caught them on an off night but there is no way they would match up with this year's Messiah team. I also caught the Messiah v Stevenson game and it looked like weather could have been a factor. Messiah dominated but looked a step sluggish and Stevenson perfected their game plan of parking 8-10 guys behind the ball and trying to counter when they had the chance. Stevenson also found some luck which is what you need to get a draw against Messiah.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 01:13:04 PM
As far as NCAA resumes I feel Nescac has a chance to get 4-5 teams in the tourney.
-Amherst is a lock.
-Williams beats Tufts and wins out and gets to the semi's they will be in.
- Tufts still needs to win out. 3 draws and a possibility of am average record vs ranked teams could hurt them. loss to Brandeis, ties to Amherst and Midd and maybe a win against Wesleyan but other than that I do not see any other good results as of yet.
-Wesleyan needs to beat either Amherst or Midd plus they need results against Trinty and Conn. Very tall order for this unit but I put nothing past Wheeler who is one of the most organized coaches in the country.
-Midd has to win out, which they should do. However, their schedule is very weak out of conference and I do not see to many results against possible ranked opponents
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 01:27:38 PM
Wheaton(MA) is a very good team attacking but defensively they are a lacking and goalkeeping is average. Their schedule is weak non-conference and with a tie against Wesleyan losses at Trinty and at Brandies can anyone give me a good win on their resume? Maybe Babson.

Brandeis has some excellent results and should be a lock to host deep into the tourney but they are in the 2nd best conference in the country and still have some very tough opponents left. If they slip up this weekend they could be dropping of their perch.

Babson does have an excellent non-league schedule except for the fact they have npt beaten any of those teams except Williams. With 4 losses and tough games left at Springfield and home against Bowdoin and ECONN they might have to win their tourney.

Coast Guard is so overrated and I agree with the poster that they are very fit but 10 men behind the ball in EVERY game is so UGLY. Their last 4 games are very tough and I would not be suprised if they lose 3 of 4 which will put them OUT.

WPI- Extremely weak schedule and massively overrated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 16, 2014, 01:57:34 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 12:46:54 PM
This is not LP.

I am deeply suspicious. Your grammar, sentence structure, and word usage is virtually identical, and I find it odd that a brand new user with 11 posts (all of which are on this thread) starts a thread and goes on and profiles all of the upcoming weekend games. Maybe I'm wrong, but I have a hard time believing the quoted statement.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 02:07:16 PM
Sorry to disappoint you but I am not. Lets focus on the league and the games not who is posting and who isn't. Thanks for reading
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 16, 2014, 02:07:54 PM
There is absolutely no way NESCAC gets 5 teams in.     Amherst and Tufts seem to be locks...  Williams, Middlebury, Wesleyan will be battling for that 3rd spot (with the potential for a 4).

I agree that Tufts should be ranked.  What are you thoughts on how NCAA would rank?  I think the first three are clear, then some separation with lots of shuffling to come.

1) Amherst
2) Brandies
3) Tufts
-------------------------------
4) Wheaton MA (tied Wesleyan, loss to Brandeis, beat Babson)
5) Middlebury (tied Wheaton, Amherst, and Tufts, but loss to Williams.  Slightly stronger SOS, better win %)
6) Williams (beat Middlebury and Wesleyan, but lost to Babson... have stronger SOS)
7) Babson (losses to Oneonta St, Brandeis, Coast Guard, Wheaton... Higher SOS than Coast Guard)
8) Wesleyan
9) Coast Guard
10 WPI
11 Gordon

     
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 02:17:20 PM
I didn't say they would get 5 teams but have the potential to. Also, Tufts is not a lock because they have 3 draws. They still have work to do.

New England usually get 7 to 8 teams in because of the number of teams in the region.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 02:31:10 PM
This weekend is HUGE for regional rankings but if it was done today I think it would look like this-

1. Brandeis
2. Amherst
3. Wheaton
4. Tufts
5. Coast Guard
6. Babson
7. Williams
8. Midd
9. WPI
10. ECONN
11. Bowdoin
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 16, 2014, 02:35:24 PM
Mr.Right, it is very odd because you started this thread and then proceeded in a quite manicky fashion to reel off a bunch of posts in a row.  You also said you wanted the new thread because the other was so biased, and then you went on to take swipes at Amherst and Kenyon.  Some of your statements were wild.  I actually don't think Williams does have more academy players than Kenyon, and Kenyon already demonstrated last year that they can go toe-to-toe with Messiah.  The teams are virtually the same except Messiah is missing last year's National POY or National Off POY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 02:36:13 PM
Best Fields in Nescac:

4 legitimate grass fields with solid dimensions-

Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin and Hamilton

3 grass fields with narrow dimensions and average grass-

Colby, Tufts ans Bates

1 crap turf field-

Midd

2 absolute disgraces-
Conn- an improvement from their last field in the middle of campus but still bad grass and women's field dimensions.
Wes- same field that was used in the 1950's. horrible grass with actual mini ditches.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 02:38:30 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 16, 2014, 02:35:24 PM
Mr.Right, it is very odd because you started this thread and then proceeded in a quite manicky fashion to reel off a bunch of posts in a row.  You also said you wanted the new thread because the other was so biased, and then you went on to take swipes at Amherst and Kenyon.  Some of your statements were wild.  I actually don't think Williams does have more academy players than Kenyon, and Kenyon already demonstrated last year that they can go toe-to-toe with Messiah.  The teams are virtually the same except Messiah is missing last year's National POY or National Off POY.

Kenyon has a couple MA kids from Silver Lake RHS, a couple Berkshire school kids who wanted Williams and a few other Nescac's but the schools were not interested and an Andover kid that also Nescac schools passed on. After watching Kenyon last night they are NOT the best team in D3 and would struggle to crack the top 4 in Nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 16, 2014, 02:41:25 PM
OK, Mr.Right, go ahead and pop off another 15 posts. 

BTW, there's exactly one unbeaten, untied team in the entire country right now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 02:43:01 PM
If you are so sure about the academy kid ratio between Kenyon and Williams please present your research and prove it to me. Personally I do not really care but anyway I would like to know the facts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 16, 2014, 02:41:25 PM
OK, Mr.Right, go ahead and pop off another 15 posts. 

BTW, there's exactly one unbeaten, untied team in the entire country right now.

I seem to have hit a nerve. I apologize for that. You should start a Kenyon thread
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 02:48:35 PM
Also I did not know there was a rule about multiple posts and I am not forcing you to read my posts. If you are offended in anyway I do apologize but I allowed to have an opinion
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 16, 2014, 02:59:15 PM
Lol.  You did say this is the UNBIASED thread, correct?

BTW, I defended Williams in the other discussion, pointing out as you did that it is rather silly to question Williams' recruiting right after they went to 2 straight final fours.  That said, wouldn't you say that Williams could use those Berkshire kids?  And where were your facts and research when you popped off that Williams has more academy kids?  And do you know for a fact what schools all of these kids applied to?  Do you know which kids made All-State, All-New England, etc and what clubs they played for and how highly those club teams were ranked? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 03:03:55 PM
Honestly it is not important to me. I do know for a fact that those Berkshire school kids wanted a couple NESCAC's badly. Williams was not the only school to pass on them and no I do not feel Williams would rather have them. Again I have no agenda and am pretty fair. I really do not want to get in a back and forth about this. Academy players are not the end all be all. They are designed to attract affluent kids except for MLS academy teams who get the best players no matter if you can pay or not. Example: Charlie Romero a great Williams striker never played club soccer because he played multiple sports in high school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 16, 2014, 04:05:06 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 15, 2014, 06:40:41 AM
After a very demanding work week plan to get back on the previews and roundups this weekend, though will skip Trinity game tonight.  Did watch Bates v Curry live Monday, 4-0 win for Bates.  Peabo Knoth had one of his quieter games and right winger Nate Merchant was their best player.  Three of the four goals netted by freshman for a team that may soon be dubbed the "Baby Bobcats."

Think the league really started to take shape after weekend and we now have three tiers barring a major run of form somewhere one way or the other.

TIER 1

Home teams for tournament locking in.  Amherst, Tufts, a resurgent Williams and Wesleyan looking like the top four.  I continue to believe Tufts may just win this whole thing.

TIER 2

Middlebury and a red hot Bowdoin starting look very safe bets for playoff spots, and seem to playing well in addition to that.

TIER 3

A five team league, of which the top two will make the tournament.  One game (three points) separates this league top to bottom.  This could make for some fun viewing over the next 3 games.

Current standings are;
Conn College 7pts
Bates 6pts
Trinity 5pts
Colby 4pts
Hamilton 4pts

Crunch games left here are Hamilton @ Colby (this weekend), a game that could leave the loser down and out.  Also Conn @ Trinity (10/25) and Colby @ Bates 10/29.

Tie breaker is head to head I believe so status there is;
Conn have edge over Hamilton
Bates have edge over Conn and Trinity
Trinity have edge over Colby
Colby have no edge but yet to play Hamilton and Bates
Hamilton have edge over Bates.

Good luck to the Bantams tonight.

In an effort to provide an "unbiased NESCAC" site (and equal time) I do agree with MENESCACFAN's above stratification Tiers.  Big games this coming weekend which will have an impact in all the Tiers, and yet all the teams still hold their own destinies--win out or win 2 and tie the third and you've got your spot.  the parity in the league this year (or maybe its the lack of a dominate team) tells me I wouldn't be surprised to see some upsets this coming weekend.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 16, 2014, 04:24:32 PM
Got to agree All-NESCAC.  Have to say, I am going to find that bottom tier by far the most interesting viewing until the playoffs come around.  When the two "league" winners will likely be dispatched by Tufts and Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 04:51:24 PM
Tufts- I truly am a fan of Tufts and the way they play. They deserve to be in the top 25 and could crack the top 20 with a win over Williams.  They might have the most talented team ON PAPER in the conference but that does not mean they will win it all. Greenwood might be the 2nd best goalie in the league (behind Bull). Sam Williams and Peter Lee Kramer have to be the best center back combo in the league. They are physical and athletic and very dangerous on set pieces in the air. Patel is an average wing back and to be honest I am not familiar with the other wing back. I believe he is a frosh but am curious to why Connor Schaible if healthy is not starting there as I always liked him as one of the better wing backs in the league. In midfield I have been wondering all season as to why Kento Nakamura is not getting significant playing time. I felt the past 3 years he was one of their most skilled players(2nd to Santos). Now that is one player I bet some other Nescac teams would love to have playing for them. Pinheiro is a skilled midfielder who strikes a great ball and certainly is a threat to score from set pieces. We all know Santos' exceptional speed and 1v1 play. Hoppenot can drift in and out of games but has a nose for the goal that is exciting to watch. Hoppenot has been a Williams' killer in the past. I think in he might have 3 or 4 goals against Williams. Tufts has considerable depth off the bench. Kayne and Majumder are very dangerous threats to score. Majumder is a physical force up top and plays well with his back to goal. He has quick feet for a big guy. If he had struck the ball better against Brandeis and scored on that half break away I believe Tufts would have won that game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 05:29:01 PM
Bowdoin-I have not been impressed by Bowdoin this year. They have not gotten any results against the top 4 in Nescac. Like I said before, their best players are all O'Leary recruits except for Stevie Van Siclen who would of ended up a bottom tier Ivy or someplace in D1 had it not been for two ACL injuries he has suffered before college. In goal Van Siclen is solid and a big boy in net almost comparable to Bull but because of those knee injuries I feel he might be a tad slow getting down to the ground. They moved Kiefer Solarte from holding mid to right back. He is an average wing back with decent speed and skill but at 5'7 he can be exposed. The other wing back is Danny Melong who is big and athletic and a leader on the field but has no skill and whacks everything near him. In the middle is Nabil Odulate who is very athletic and decent on the ball. The other central defender is Eric Goitia who is a solid player. He is dangerous on set pieces. A solid but not superior back 4. In midfield Thomas Henshall and Hunter Miller are good but I do not think they would be starting on Amherst, Williams or Tufts. I am a big fan of Diaz-Costa and believe he is their best player. Very skilled and silky smooth with the ball. A fun player to watch. Andrew Jones a top 5 1v1 player in Nescac but he tends to drift in and out of games especially when teams put their focus on him defensively.  Sam White at 6'4 should be a beast and is a physical specimen and athletic as heck but he is "soft" for his size. He needs to get tougher and more physical to be a force in this league. Last year I loved Cedric Charlier. He was another physical specimen that had raw athletic ability. Unfortunately, he looks to be about 15lbs heavier than last year and a complete non-factor getting a couple 15 minute shifts off the bench. Sam Ward is a solid player but nothing special. Frosh DiStefano is a spark plug off the bench out of Phillips Andover but his size has limited him at this point in the college game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 16, 2014, 05:31:04 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 16, 2014, 04:24:32 PM
Got to agree All-NESCAC.  Have to say, I am going to find that bottom tier by far the most interesting viewing until the playoffs come around.  When the two "league" winners will likely be dispatched by Tufts and Amherst.

I agree.  The bottom tier reminds me of the relegation battles in the EPL - very entertaining in its own right.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: chelseafc30 on October 16, 2014, 07:19:00 PM
This has surely got to be a joke thread. But I do know that Kenyon has a D1 transfer from Providence College who played for Solar Chelsea Academy in Texas. So there's one academy player for Kenyon. That's all I really know about either school's number of academy players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 16, 2014, 07:54:20 PM
FYI...there seems an emerging of another nescac board....started by Mr. Right.  Seems Dom posters here are chatting there....one questioning if LP has moved.  Amusing and interesting....but sad if true.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 16, 2014, 08:11:10 PM
amh63, I would think that most of us will stay on this board. I just had to say there that I "very highly suspect" that we have a former user re-registering as a different alias.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 16, 2014, 08:13:59 PM
If it's not him it's a very close cousin as he picked up on the exact same themes of LP, which really ticks me off because I tried to throw him a lifeline to smarten up before he got booted and he just kept barreling along.  And then the new thread just happens to be a NESCAC thread. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 16, 2014, 08:21:33 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 16, 2014, 02:07:16 PM
Sorry to disappoint you but I am not. Lets focus on the league and the games not who is posting and who isn't. Thanks for reading

Yes you are. You share the same IP address and I knew that when I approved you to post.

Since you were not banned from posting, rather, deleted yourself voluntarily, I allowed you to re-register. However, starting a new NESCAC board is not necessary and I will assign the same warning level you had when you bailed on the board.

I find it amusing that a poster immediately sniffed you out without access to the admin info.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 16, 2014, 08:43:30 PM
It took about 2 seconds to figure you out, LaPaz/Mr.Right.  I hadn't planned on engaging you, but since you've been outed, I thought I'd offer my 2 cents. 

As long as you stay respectful, there are no hard feelings on my end.  You have your moments of brilliance and some interesting insights but you are also blinded by your prejudices and biases, that you are unable to hear another view point.  I sincerely hope you work out your demons.  I do hope you are able to return and engage in respectful soccer conversation.

Peacefully,

Corazon
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerfan1 on October 17, 2014, 08:58:57 AM
The return of LP is taking away from the big games this weekend. Here are my predictions:

Bates at Midd- 0-2
Bates has looked a lot better this season than in seasons past.  However, Midd's turf field is one of the biggest home field advantages in the NESCAC.  Glaser and Conrad look good, both scoring goals over the weekend.  I say a goal from each and Midd cruises comfortably past a resurgent Bates team.

Conn Coll at Bowdoin- 1-1
This is a really tough game to call.  Conn College has not looked good recent weeks, and apparently their center back Punt will be out for the season.  That being said, they still have a great midfield led by Devlin, and can create scoring chances.  Bowdoin has looked really good recently, winning five in a row before losing to Williams last week.  Their center back number 8 is a great athlete, but I see a physical game that ends 1-1.

Amherst at Wesleyan- 1-0
Amherst as usual finds themselves at the top of the table moving into playoff time.  I know there has been a lot of talk about Amherst and their playing style, and while it isn't pretty, they win games.  Also, Pascal-Leone is a ver good player, and Martin is always dangerous.  I am still not convinced that Wesleyan has enough weapons to consistently score goals, and I think that they may have a tough time against Amherst this weekend. 

Hamilton at Colby- 1-0
Really big game at the bottom of the table. Hamilton has not scored as many goals in recent games as they were at the beginning.  Also not sure where Reynolds is but he missed both games this weekend and they gave up five goals in his absence.  Kraynak is a strong hold up forward, and I think he will score one. Colby is a surprise team this year for me.  They look very well organized defensively, which is a night and day change from last year's team.  They are always tough to beat at home (as midd knows).

Williams at Tufts- 1-2
After an unusually shaky start to the season, Williams has seemed to find their usual form.  I haven't seen any of their games this year, but it seems like Grady is finding the back of the net a lot, and they haven't been giving up many goals.  That being said, Tufts is probably the best team in the NESCAC skill wise.  Their midfield is loaded with talented players highlighted by the fact that Santos still comes off the bench in many games.  Hoppernot and brown up top are threats and I think that they will take the victory over Williams at home.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 17, 2014, 09:26:15 AM
Nice picks, soccerfan1 and welcome.  I hope you'll post more.

Your picks are sound to me.  The two most difficult games to predict for me are the Conn-Bowdoin and the Hamilton-Colby games, which are toss ups for me.  I can easily see them ending in ties.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 17, 2014, 09:36:20 AM
One myth that continues to be perpetuated on this board and others is that the US Soccer Development Academy ("USSDA" or "DAP" or "Academy") caters to the rich kids, and as a result, many great lower income players get left behind and ignored.  While there are always exceptions, that notion is complete bs and about as accurate as a comment that only rich people can send their kids to NESCAC schools.  Neither points are true.  If a player is good enough to be accepted into the program, or if a student is strong enough to be accepted into a NESCAC school, you will get to go.  Financial aid is readily available and I do not know of a single impact player being turned away due to finances. It is the geographcially remote kids and the boarding school kids who are punished, but that is a small sampling of soccer players, maybe 5-10%.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFollower on October 17, 2014, 09:49:06 AM
I agree soccerfan, let's get back to soccer. And welcome back, Lapaz. I always appreciate the insight you bring.

Bates 0 - 2 Midd: Midd need to win and must be hoping to see Tufts and Amherst win in order to get back in the race for a home playoff spot with Wesleyan and Williams. Middlebury are 2-0-2 at home and their two ties came against tufts and amherst. I can't see anything but a Middlebury win here.

Conn Coll 0 - 1 Bowdoin: Conn have been extremely disappointing this year, and losing Punt makes it even harder. Bowdoin are a hard-working, organized team, and I think they have enough to find a winner tomorrow.

Amherst 2 - 0 Wesleyan:  I think Amherst's physicality and style of play will overwhelm the Wesleyan defensive group and Amherst will score early on in the game and punish them against when Wesleyan have to stretch to try to find an equalizer.

Hamilton 0 - 0 Colby: Colby at home can give any team problems. Tufts and Wesleyan squeeked by with wins there and Middlebury lost 0-3. I don't think either team will find the net, but if someone does, it's going to be Colby.

Williams 2 - 1 Tufts: Though talented, I think Williams have the mental edge against Tufts. If i recall correctly, Tufts have lost their last 4 or 5 games against Williams. My prediction is that Tufts go up a goal early and Williams come from behind (as they did against Wesleyan and Middlebury). I just don't think Tufts will have the mentality down the stretch and into the playoffs to make a real run (For NESCACs or NCAAs)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2014, 09:58:30 AM
Interesting about the mental toughness aspect for Tufts can you elaborate on that or explain why u think that?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2014, 09:59:37 AM
reading into your post it seems like a half shot at the leadership of the captains or the seniors?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2014, 10:16:13 AM
Ok thats fair as I have said in the past Tufts can be physically overwhelmed in games but this year they seem to be holding their own in that department against the 3 most physical teams in Midd, Amherst and Conn. Since Williams is not one of the most physical teams Tufts should not have a problem there. When you said mentality I assumed you were talking about leadership but really you were talking about their inability to close out games and win big games. I twisted that into poor leadership but maybe its just a mindset ingrained in them. However, after watching them multiple times this year I think they are a strong senior laden bunch and have gotten over the hump. This talented senior class has been to only 1 NCAA tournament and lost to a weaker Vassar side. I think they have some hunger to show people what they are made of
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 17, 2014, 10:16:42 AM
Quote from: soccerfan1 on October 17, 2014, 08:58:57 AM
The return of LP is taking away from the big games this weekend. Here are my predictions:

Bates at Midd- 0-2
Bates has looked a lot better this season than in seasons past.  However, Midd's turf field is one of the biggest home field advantages in the NESCAC.  Glaser and Conrad look good, both scoring goals over the weekend.  I say a goal from each and Midd cruises comfortably past a resurgent Bates team.

Conn Coll at Bowdoin- 1-1
This is a really tough game to call.  Conn College has not looked good recent weeks, and apparently their center back Punt will be out for the season.  That being said, they still have a great midfield led by Devlin, and can create scoring chances.  Bowdoin has looked really good recently, winning five in a row before losing to Williams last week.  Their center back number 8 is a great athlete, but I see a physical game that ends 1-1.

Amherst at Wesleyan- 1-0
Amherst as usual finds themselves at the top of the table moving into playoff time.  I know there has been a lot of talk about Amherst and their playing style, and while it isn't pretty, they win games.  Also, Pascal-Leone is a ver good player, and Martin is always dangerous.  I am still not convinced that Wesleyan has enough weapons to consistently score goals, and I think that they may have a tough time against Amherst this weekend. 

Hamilton at Colby- 1-0
Really big game at the bottom of the table. Hamilton has not scored as many goals in recent games as they were at the beginning.  Also not sure where Reynolds is but he missed both games this weekend and they gave up five goals in his absence.  Kraynak is a strong hold up forward, and I think he will score one. Colby is a surprise team this year for me.  They look very well organized defensively, which is a night and day change from last year's team.  They are always tough to beat at home (as midd knows).

Williams at Tufts- 1-2
After an unusually shaky start to the season, Williams has seemed to find their usual form.  I haven't seen any of their games this year, but it seems like Grady is finding the back of the net a lot, and they haven't been giving up many goals.  That being said, Tufts is probably the best team in the NESCAC skill wise.  Their midfield is loaded with talented players highlighted by the fact that Santos still comes off the bench in many games.  Hoppernot and brown up top are threats and I think that they will take the victory over Williams at home.


Agree with your "crystal ball".  Although Colby could get a result vs Hamilton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2014, 10:23:40 AM
The Williams at Tufts match up is really a tough one to predict. Williams is under the gun to win out in the regular season and I would argue so is Tufts. The committee does not like a boat load of draws and Tufts already has 3. One or two more draws and a loss in the quarters could bury them. Anyway, it will come down to which team is hungrier to win. If Williams rolls off the bus and sleepwalks in the first half which they have done quite a bit this year, then they will be toast. The pressure will be cooking in this game and the crowd will be quite loud and large as the football game will be behind them as well. The game will be won in midfield. Tufts has not beaten Williams since Shapiro's first year in 2011. However, the games have been VERY close and it will depend on who can finish their chances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 17, 2014, 10:52:44 AM
Unbiased opinion having only watched a handful of games on live feed...

Tufts 2, Williams 1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2014, 11:49:04 AM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on October 17, 2014, 10:52:44 AM
Tufts 2, Williams 1

Agreed. Teams are very even and Williams perhaps has the upper hand psychologically but I think home-field advantage could prove decisive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 17, 2014, 11:50:55 AM
MrRight, Tufts seems a lot like your friends at Kenyon.  Many will not believe in Tufts until they prove it.  The game with Williams gives them a golden opportunity, and then getting to the NESCAC final and playing a very competitive game against Amherst would go a long way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 17, 2014, 12:13:34 PM
7-1-3 with arguably one of the toughest SOS in the nation almost has them dialed in for at worst a Pool C bid.    A win over Williams would pretty much lock them in the dance, bearing some epic collapse down the stretch.

MASSEY RANKINGS currently has Tufts at 9th overall.... SOS 1, Total SOS including remaining games at 2.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2014, 12:34:07 PM
7-1-3 is a very good record but figuring their only opponents that will be regionally ranked are Amherst, Midd and Brandeis. That's 0-1-2 against those. Maybe Wesleyan so that would give them a win there. However, by the final regional rankings Wesleyan may not be in there. The Williams game is a catch 22 for Tufts. If they beat them great but then Williams will not be regionally ranked. If they lose than that will be another team that gives them a loss in records vs ranked opponents. SOS is only one factor. In 2011, Williams had the #1 SOS and missed the tournament because they had  a 1-3-2 record against regionally ranked opponents. Williams will gain with a victory because Tufts will still be ranked even if they lose..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 17, 2014, 02:37:49 PM
I see this talk about recruiting from USSDA teams. Don't several teams have those players?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 17, 2014, 02:40:05 PM
I also looked at non-conference schedules and Tufts had several tough opponents, a bit tougher than other Nescac schools.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 17, 2014, 02:41:26 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 17, 2014, 02:37:49 PM
I see this talk about recruiting from USSDA teams. Don't several teams have those players?

Yes, they do indeed.  Guessing maybe one per class for most of the schools.  Just because a player is an Academy player does not necessarily make them an impact player in the NESCAC, but they usually are pretty good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 17, 2014, 02:48:28 PM
Do u know who they are, offhand. It would be interesting to know.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 17, 2014, 02:59:22 PM
Sure, I know some of the players off the top of my head, but I haven't researched it enough to post intelligently and treat the data in an unbiased manner.  When I get some time, I will do the proper research, as I think it would be an interesting topic to discuss.  RIghtly or wrongly, the vast majority of our country's top youth players get funneled into that program.  One data point that I found to be interesting from a past post was that the much talked about Pat Devlin of CONN was the only player from his Academy team in NJ not to go D1.  Imagine that.

Enjoy the games this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 17, 2014, 03:03:29 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 17, 2014, 02:59:22 PM
Sure, I know some of the players off the top of my head, but I haven't researched it enough to post intelligently and treat the data in an unbiased manner.  When I get some time, I will do the proper research, as I think it would be an interesting topic to discuss.  RIghtly or wrongly, the vast majority of our country's top youth players get funneled into that program.  One data point that I found to be interesting from a past post was that the much talked about Pat Devlin of CONN was the only player from his Academy team in NJ not to go D1.  Imagine that.

Enjoy the games this weekend.

I would think a few wise players would choose nescac schools over D1 programs at less than stellar universities. That's just my opinion and not fact.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 17, 2014, 03:15:29 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 17, 2014, 03:03:29 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 17, 2014, 02:59:22 PM
Sure, I know some of the players off the top of my head, but I haven't researched it enough to post intelligently and treat the data in an unbiased manner.  When I get some time, I will do the proper research, as I think it would be an interesting topic to discuss.  RIghtly or wrongly, the vast majority of our country's top youth players get funneled into that program.  One data point that I found to be interesting from a past post was that the much talked about Pat Devlin of CONN was the only player from his Academy team in NJ not to go D1.  Imagine that.

Enjoy the games this weekend.

100% agree - gotta think long term.

I would think a few wise players would choose nescac schools over D1 programs at less than stellar universities. That's just my opinion and not fact.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 17, 2014, 03:45:44 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 17, 2014, 03:15:29 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 17, 2014, 03:03:29 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 17, 2014, 02:59:22 PM
Sure, I know some of the players off the top of my head, but I haven't researched it enough to post intelligently and treat the data in an unbiased manner.  When I get some time, I will do the proper research, as I think it would be an interesting topic to discuss.  RIghtly or wrongly, the vast majority of our country's top youth players get funneled into that program.  One data point that I found to be interesting from a past post was that the much talked about Pat Devlin of CONN was the only player from his Academy team in NJ not to go D1.  Imagine that.

Enjoy the games this weekend.

100% agree - gotta think long term.

I would think a few wise players would choose nescac schools over D1 programs at less than stellar universities. That's just my opinion and not fact.

All of the NESCAC teams have a number of Academy players--Conn has 7 on their current roster.  The before mentioned Devlin shocked many D1 coaches choosing Conn over D1 programs. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 17, 2014, 11:25:53 PM
WEEKEND PREVIEW

BATES @ MIDDLEBURY

Bates are clinging onto the #8 seed right now after a frankly astounding turnaround in form.  I can see it coming to end in Vermont this weekend though.  Freshman striker Glaser is an excellent attacking threat, and give Midd the victory needed to guarantee a playoff spot.

PREDICTION:  Bates 1 Middlebury 2

CONN @ BOWDOIN

One place in the standings separates these two teams, but they do seem to be heading in very different directions.  Bowdoin have reeled off 5 wins out of 6, while Conn are riding a four game winless streak with rumored injuries.

Polar Bears to take advantage of home field advantage and further separate the top 6 NESCAC teams from the chasing pack.

PREDICTION:  Conn 0 Bowdoin 2

AMHERST @ WESLEYAN

The sun rises, the sun sets, Amherst grind their way to a gritty 1-0 win, likely from a set play.  Somewhat of a pressure game for the Jeffs, with Tufts breathing down their neck for the #1 seed.

PREDICTION:  Amherst 1 Wesleyan 0

HAMILTON @ COLBY

Hands down the most intriguing game of the weekend in my eyes, and the one I will be watching.  Given the head to head tie breaker, the loser is likely all but done on the playoff race, and we all love a pressure game.

I believe Hamilton are the better team, but it is a long trip and Colby are very disciplined and organized this year.  I can see a cautious affair given the high stakes ending in a scoreless draw.

PREDICTION:  Hamilton 0 Colby 0

WILLIAMS @ TUFTS

Biggest point of interest here personally is if Tufts are as good as i think they are (league contender).  If so, I believe they beat Williams and go into the home straight neck and neck with Amherst for the #1 seed and regular season title.

Zach Grady may be the hottest player in the league right now, but Tufts simply have more threats from more spots on the field.

Williams 1 Tufts 2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 18, 2014, 05:25:05 PM
Amherst, Tufts, winner of Wesleyan vs Middlebury for the 3rd NESCAC team to make the dance...

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 18, 2014, 05:31:02 PM
MENESCACFAN nails 4 of his 5 picks including getting the correct score in 3 and calling a tie. Only blemish was missing the Wes upset of Amherst.  Well done!  Looking forward to your picks for next week. Will refer to you as Mr. Crystal ball.
Title: NESCAC Standings
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 18, 2014, 07:28:10 PM
1.  20pts  8gp  6-0-2  Tufts                 (home Hamilton, at Bowdoin)
2.  20pts  9gp  6-1-2  Amherst            (home Trinity)
3.  15pts  7gp  5-2-0  Wesleyan          (home Trinity, at Middlebury, home Conn College)
4.  15pts  8gp  5-3-0  Williams            (at Bates, at Hamilton))
5.  15pts  9gp  4-2-3  Middlebury        (home Wesleyan)
6.  12pts  8gp  4-4-0  Bowdoin            (at Colby, home Tufts)
7.    7pts  8gp  2-5-1  Conn College     (at Trinity, at Wesleyan)
8.    6pts  8gp  2-6-0  Bates                (home Williams, home Colby)

9.    5pts  7gp  1-4-2  Trinity                (at Wesleyan, home Conn College, at Amherst)
10.  5pts  8gp  1-5-2  Colby                 (home Bowdoin, at Bates)
10.  5pts. 8gp  1-5-2  Hamilton            (at Tufts, home Williams)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2014, 09:10:01 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on October 18, 2014, 05:25:05 PM
Amherst, Tufts, winner of Wesleyan vs Middlebury for the 3rd NESCAC team to make the dance...
[/quote

Lets wait until the regional rankings come out. If Wesleyan and Midd tie than whats ur response? Not to mention Bowdoin and Williams still would have slim chances if they make the Nescac final and win out.

Wednesday's Regional Rankings will look like this:
1. Brandeis
2. Amherst
3. Tufts
4. Wheaton
5. Coast Guard
6. Wesleyan
7. Midd
8. Babson- although not if they lose to Bowdoin tmrw.
9. Williams
10. Bowdoin
11. WPI
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2014, 09:11:33 PM
I do not see any other teams cracking the top 11 regional rankings. WPI is lucky to get in their with their super soft schedule. Nescac will dominate those rankings
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 18, 2014, 10:00:01 PM
I think a more likely Regional ranking, based heavily on wining % and SOS, would be:

1. Brandeis
2. Amherst
3. Wheaton
4. Coast Guard
5. Tufts
6. Babson
7. Middlebury
8. WPI
9. Wesleyan
10. Gordon
11. Bowdoin

There is zero chance that Williams appears in this ranking with their 7-5-1 record.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2014, 10:15:55 PM
If your basis is on SOS than Gordon and WPI have no business getting near this..give me one decent win on either of those 2 schedules. NONE. Gordon will not be on that ranking. Williams beat Wesleyan, Midd and Bowdoin which are all on your rankings and mine. Gordon and WPI and for that matter Coast Guard have no quality WINS
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2014, 10:18:29 PM
Never argue Mr. Right because I am always RIGHT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 18, 2014, 10:22:28 PM
Nice to see you showing a sense of humor, LaPaz. Welcome back.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2014, 10:24:13 PM
Also to clarify last year I think Williams was ranked #3 in the 2nd regional rankings and had 4 losses, #5 in the 3rd regional rankings with 5 losses. Remember the committee looks at good wins being the great equalizer to bad losses. Without good wins your right 7-5-1 would be as useless as 11-3 with no good wins. Gordon and WPI have NO good wins and bad losses.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2014, 10:24:45 PM
Must have humor in life.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 18, 2014, 10:28:22 PM
How was the Tufts game today?  I didn't get a chance to see it. Was it as spirited as I would have imagined?  Parity makes things interesting. Still hard to see a team besides Amherst and Williams at the top.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 18, 2014, 10:29:46 PM
I meant it will take some getting used to. Tufts is a deserved leader, imo.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2014, 10:33:55 PM
Actually Tufts was the better team today. They had a some great scoring chances but couldnt finish. Williams was flat. They had maybe three legit chances and that was it. Santos got clipped running away from goal in the box and ref called a PK. It was a legit call as Santos got clipped but a defender should never be swiping at a players legs RUNNING AWAY from goal. The worst part about this result is now Tufts most likley is going to host the NESCAC tournament on that sh*t field.  When I rated the fields earlier in the week that field should of been grouped with Wes and Conn's. Horrible slick playing surface with uneven grass. They mow it high.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 18, 2014, 10:38:08 PM
Thanks for the feedback. wow. Clipped running away from the goal should never happen.

How many do you think we get into the NCAAs?  This is where the NESCAC parity and strength of schedule works against us.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 18, 2014, 10:44:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 18, 2014, 10:15:55 PM
If your basis is on SOS than Gordon and WPI have no business getting near this..give me one decent win on either of those 2 schedules. NONE. Gordon will not be on that ranking. Williams beat Wesleyan, Midd and Bowdoin which are all on your rankings and mine. Gordon and WPI and for that matter Coast Guard have no quality WINS

Again, read more carefully.  My basis was winning % AND SOS.  Gordon, WPI and Coast Guard have very high winning %.  Williams does not.  Williams beat some good teams and lost to too many not so good teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2014, 10:45:49 PM
Regional rankings are not done based solely on winning %. Your rankings are just right for NSCAA. See we both feel happy now
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2014, 10:54:29 PM
I actually believe Nescac will get 4. Couple things to look at. First most of the good conferences across the country are beating each up a bit and 2nd a lot of teams outside the top 10  have 3 to 4 losses already.  Also, New England usually goes down the rankings to about #7 or #8 to get in the NCAA's. Nescac really needs Brandeis to win the UAA and Wheaton to win the Newmac. Besides Nescac and Newmac they are all one bid leagues this year in New England. That leaves regional rankings to probably have 4 NEWMAC and 5 NESCAC  get ranked this week plus Brandeis and maybe Nichols and ECONN.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 18, 2014, 11:02:16 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 18, 2014, 10:38:08 PM
Thanks for the feedback. wow. Clipped running away from the goal should never happen.

How many do you think we get into the NCAAs?  This is where the NESCAC parity and strength of schedule works against us.
How do you figure that the parity and SOS counts against the NESCAC?  Parity, depth, and high SOS has always been the case for the NESCAC and they've always gotten their share of at-large berths.  There has always been a more than twice as many conferences as Pool C at-large berths--that is, less than one Pool C berth for every two conferences.  The NESCAC almost always gets 2 at-large berths, and sometimes 3 while the great majority of conferences don't get any at-large berths. I'm not saying the NESCAC have gotten more than they deserved, but I'm not seeing how parity, depth, and high SOS has worked against the NESCAC when they regularly get the most at-large berths besides the UAA.

The NCAA committee loves SOS and they love wins vs. ranked teams.  Their rankings and at-large selections reflect this year after year.  So SOS can't work against you.  And with so many schools in the New England region resulting in 11 spots in the ranking, the NESCAC will get enough teams in the rankings that the top ones will have the wins vs. ranked to combine with the SOS.  Sure, almost all years there are some teams in the rankings that probably don't deserve it over the next NESCAC team, but those are the spots in the rankings that are not going to get at-large berths anyways.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 18, 2014, 11:03:37 PM
Thanks for the props Corazon, wish I had laid some money down on those picks ;-)  3 correct scores may have turned a profit. 

Very interesting weekend as always, and if there was any doubt that the top 6 teams have separated from the chasing pack of five, I would say that is dead now.  These results did though ensure a little excitement as to who gets a playoff home game.

BATES 1 MIDDLEBURY 2 (OT)

Exciting game by the sounds of it, Middlebury's two star guys (Glaser and Conrad) get goals while gritty Bates take them to OT and Knoth assists a goal by freshman Spofera.

The win draws Middlebury level on points with Wesleyan and Williams, though the Panthers have played more games.

Bates remain in the playoff spots and it is fair to say they are still playing well.  Two trains of thought seem common on these boards.  One being Bates are an embarrassment with no good players, and the other that Stuart Flaherty is clueless.  One or the other is not correct, as they really have salvaged their season for the run in.

CONN 0 BOWDOIN 2

Two second half goals by Henshall and Charlier give the Polar Bears their 6th win in 7 games.  The win also keeps the Polar Bears comfortably locked into the playoff spots as the race enters the home straight.  Given their form, this may be the team the home seeds want to avoid in round one.

Conn are now winless in their last 5 games with a high pressure contest at Trinity on the horizon next weekend.  The Camels find themselves in a playoff scramble among five teams now separated by two points.  They will have to find a win from somewhere to make the tournament, but seem on the slide.

AMHERST 1 WESLEYAN 2 (OT)

It has happened, it has happened!  In all seriousness, can anyone tell me the last regular season loss for Amherst before this one?  Matt Lynch opened the scoring before Greg Singer equalized to save the Jeffs.....or did he?  Freshman Adam Cowie-Haskell likely made himself the front runner for rookie of the year with a big time winning goal to lit Wesleyan to the #3 spot.  With game sin hand, the Cardinals remain a contender for the #1 seed.  Coach Wheeler really does an outstanding job with this group.

HAMILTON 0 COLBY 0 (2OT)

True to form, and while scoreless a very exciting game!  The drama and attrition of the situation clearly visible, and both teams not really throwing numbers forward with abandon.

Wile I do have some Maine bias, I do believe Colby had the bette rod the run of play, and set themselves up nicely for a potential playoff decider at Bates on the final day.

WILLIAMS 0 TUFTS 1

Another mental step for Tufts as they top the cows for a win that lifts them into pole position in the league.  Opposing coaches must get headaches thinking of how many different Jumbo players can hurt you going forward.

Spoke to a friend who is a Tufts parent.  Turns out Santos started the season with a quad strain, so any discussion of Shapiro 'motivating' him by team selection was over analysis.  He has now found his form, and is without doubt one of the premier attacking players in the league.  The scary thing is, Tufts was doing well before he caught fire.  Look out for this team to make a deep run come tournament time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 18, 2014, 11:04:42 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 18, 2014, 10:38:08 PM
Thanks for the feedback. wow. Clipped running away from the goal should never happen.

How many do you think we get into the NCAAs?  This is where the NESCAC parity and strength of schedule works against us.

We drove down to watch the Williams-Tufts game. As stated above, Williams looked flat. Tufts midfield dominated the game until subs came on late. The Williams forward was no threat. Tufts hit the cross bar and post and the Williams goalie made some great saves. Has Tufts turned the corner dominating both Amherst and Williams. I am not so sure and we'll have to wait and see.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 18, 2014, 11:21:23 PM
MENESCACFAN, only problem with that theory on Santos is that he still was playing major minutes, just off the bench.  How did not starting protect him?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 18, 2014, 11:28:15 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 18, 2014, 11:04:42 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 18, 2014, 10:38:08 PM
Thanks for the feedback. wow. Clipped running away from the goal should never happen.

How many do you think we get into the NCAAs?  This is where the NESCAC parity and strength of schedule works against us.

We drove down to watch the Williams-Tufts game. As stated above, Williams looked flat. Tufts midfield dominated the game until subs came on late. The Williams forward was no threat. Tufts hit the cross bar and post and the Williams goalie made some great saves. Has Tufts turned the corner dominating both Amherst and Williams. I am not so sure and we'll have to wait and see.

I watched the video of the Tufts game. Their midfield works the best I have seen in the last couple of years. Attacking midfielder Kayne and Pinhero really find ?Brown, Santos and hoppenot, and Kayne can score. While none of those midfielders will win POY they will hopefully get some recognition. They are fun to watch and it's good to see an alternative to the long ball game that has dominated the league the last couple of years. That said, they still have win the big games in the next few weeks. I don't care if Amherst lost, they are dangerous.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 18, 2014, 11:38:36 PM
NCAC

Not a theory of mine.  A statement from a Tufts fan who spoke to Santos at a tailgate.  While not concrete, the opposite theory of Shapiro 'motivating' him really doesn't seem to have any grounding other than being thrown around on here.

I do know as a former coach, trainers can advise players play a certain amount of minutes, if so some coaches bring them off the bench.  It's less exciting, but may just all be the truth.  It is unlikely Shapiro is less aware than all of us as to what Santos can do in a game.

On a side note, Shapiro gets inside track on coach of the year as of today in my eyes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 18, 2014, 11:54:43 PM
And does the same rationale apply to last year???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 12:16:20 AM
Did not really follow the situation year, merely relaying information.  Your excessive use of question marks suggest you are looking for a heated debate over a passing comment so let's move on.  Neither you or I know the truth of the situation, thought it was an interesting piece of insight I heard.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 19, 2014, 12:25:49 AM
Your acceptance and publishing of a rationalization shared at a tailgate event for something that has been going for at least 2 and maybe 3 years are dubious.  Let's put this another way.  There's probably a little more to the story than your reporting suggested.  That's all.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 03:19:55 AM
There is a lot more than we both publish, we are outside observers who do not actually know the truth in this or any other scenario. 

What I say could be 100% true for all we know, or maybe not.

As I said let's not get too heated over it, enjoy our debates on here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 19, 2014, 06:19:43 AM
Flying Weasel, my point regarding NESCAC parity and NCAA selections is that I believe in a year like this, a good, solid team like a Middlebury or Williams, might get penalized by having a less than stellar in conference record because they have to play a good team every week. There are no gimmes in the NESCAC. If those two teams were in a weaker conference, I'm sure they'd have a much better record.

For example, if Coast Guard played in the NESCAC, do you think they'd make the NCAAs?  I would bet against it as I'd believe they would be lucky to be in the middle. Would the committee value a mediocre record and a really high SOS (like most NESCACs) over a really good record and a mediocre SOS?  I don't know. Perhaps the ideal for NCAA purposes is to play in a weak conference and win the league but to also have a strong out of conference schedule so that you still have a chance at an at large bid in case you don't.

For the record, I have not previously followed D3 tournament selections so I may be wrong here, though my common sense meter tells me otherwise.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 19, 2014, 06:44:33 AM
Just for kicks, I checked the Massey Rankings simulator to see how Coast Guard would do if they were to become the 12th member of the NESCAC. They came in 7th ahead of only Conn, Trinity, Colby, Hamilton, and Bates. A 7th place team will not make the NCAAs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 19, 2014, 07:02:26 AM
I also checked to see how Stevens, another near certain NCAA tournament participant playing in a weak conference, would fare in the NESCAC.

Stevens also came in 7th, in the same slot as where Coast Guard placed.  If Stevesn and Coast Guard played each other?  Coast Guard wins 45%, Stevens wins 33%, they tie 22%.

I've found the Massey Rankings to be quite accurate in the past. I know, I need to get a life.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 19, 2014, 07:49:43 AM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 03:19:55 AM
There is a lot more than we both publish, we are outside observers who do not actually know the truth in this or any other scenario. 

MENESCACFAN, I'm not getting overheated or even looking for a heated debate.  I was challenging the rationale you offered, which was presented semi-journalistically as fact, as opposed to the usual more obvious hypothetical bantering and opinion offering that many of us engage in.  I'm probably also reacting a little to you presenting some information and then deciding when a conversation about it should or should not be shut down.  Other than that, I'm simply offering my opinion that the explanation did not make a lot of sense to me, as least not as presented as THE reason why he wasn't starting.  Like I suggested, would make more sense to me if he didn't play at all for a few games resting a strained muscle as opposed to starter minutes off the bench.  Not to mention that the rationale wouldn't explain why Hoppenot also wasn't starting.  Or why, it turns out, Santos DID start the first game of the season, then did not for a number of games, and did not miss any.  If you said the initial opinions offered on Santos a few weeks ago that involved the coach were over the line, including whatever I offered, I probably wouldn't disagree with you.  And I do agree with your comment that we really don't know.

I guess my last point on this is that I'm pretty sure most of us are here just for the fun of it, and as fans, parents, observers, etc we enjoy sharing information, back and forth commentary, and even disagreeing occasionally.  I know I do.  On the other hand, this site is also journalistic in nature and really the place to go for D3 soccer, and no doubt many folks with any interest in D3 soccer across the country visit the site and read our ramblings.  It seems to me that we've started talking about teams in a little more detail (and perhaps personally), and also talking more about specific players and whether they are good, just OK, or suck, how they got recruited and by whom, or whatever, and we should probably think about that a little.  And when we do decide to post about specifics we might want to consider whether we are presenting what we offer clearly enough as fact, a possible relevant factor, theory or opinion, gossip, etc.  I would throw in that it's not helpful (to me) for posters to claim they know something of a inside nature for a fact but then we're just supposed to trust them because they really can't talk about it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 19, 2014, 07:53:04 AM
A LOT of us in or from the New England area seem to think we are pretty smart  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 09:28:58 AM
NCAC

I will be honest, a little sensitive to shutting down as the last debate I got into here went down the road of xenophobia and blind prejudice.  Shouldn't have tarred you with that brush.  I still feel the Santos scenario I offered is very believable, and you don't.  It is what it is.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 09:37:52 AM
SUNDAY PREVIEW

BOWDOIN @ BABSON

Tough out of conference opponent for in form Bowdoin on the back of a conference game, and a road trip less.  This really is a tough ask, but Bowdoin are one of the form teams in the league today and I think they will grind out a draw with Wiernicski (sp?) rotating the lineup a bit.  The relatively fresher legs of Austin Downing, Sam Ward and Cedric Charlier likely a big factor.

10 goal striker Justin Laurenzo is Babson's go to guy, and has won the NEWMAC and ECAC Offensive Player of the week awards on separate weekends this season.

PREDICTION:  Bowdoin 1 Babson 1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 19, 2014, 10:15:04 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 18, 2014, 10:45:49 PM
Regional rankings are not done based solely on winning %. Your rankings are just right for NSCAA. See we both feel happy now

Amazing how selectively you read.  You have responded twice to posts stating winning % AND SOS and failed both times to recognize the word "AND".   Results and strength of schedule are important.  Williams simply does not have the results.  Coast Guard, who you say has no quality wins, has beaten two teams that have defeated Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 19, 2014, 10:27:55 AM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 09:37:52 AM
SUNDAY PREVIEW

BOWDOIN @ BABSON

Tough out of conference opponent for in form Bowdoin on the back of a conference game, and a road trip less.  This really is a tough ask, but Bowdoin are one of the form teams in the league today and I think they will grind out a draw with Wiernicski (sp?) rotating the lineup a bit.  The relatively fresher legs of Austin Downing, Sam Ward and Cedric Charlier likely a big factor.

10 goal striker Justin Laurenzo is Babson's go to guy, and has won the NEWMAC and ECAC Offensive Player of the week awards on separate weekends this season.

PREDICTION:  Bowdoin 1 Babson 1

Babson also played a tough conference game yesterday (on the road), but it is difficult to pick against Bowdoin in this one.  They come in with a lot of momentum, and Babson has not been consistent and has given up more than a goal per game on average.  Additionally, Bowdoin has owned Babson the last 5 or 6 years.   By the way, Laurenzo is a midfielder.

Bowdoin 2 - Babson 1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 11:20:50 AM
Seen 20 minutes of Babson if I am honest playing Williams, they looked good and results are strong.  Laurenzo looked to be playing forward to me or at least a #10 role.  Kids switch or teams switch formation.  If he is indeed doing the genuine defensive work of a midfielder, the numbers are even more impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2014, 12:11:49 PM
Looking at Nescac Team Stats in Conference only there are some telling figures.

The most impressive stat is Tufts only letting up 2 conference goals ( 1 penalty kick) in 8 games.

Williams at the bottom of the stat table with 24 corners compared to about 60 for Tufts and Amherst.

Conn is 3rd in corners with 50 and only 94 Shots and 5 goals. That is one corner for every 2 shots. 2:1 shots and corners is a ridiculous statistic and very telling of Conn's inability to finish on set pieces and not creating legitimate shots.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 12:18:57 PM
"The most impressive stat is Tufts only letting up 2 conference goals ( 1 penalty kick) in 8 games."

In full agreement  I always had Tufts down as a flair attacking team that lacked defensive steel (see Liverpool in EPL last season or Arsenal in EPL...well....every season).

They really have moved up a level, well played to Coach Shapiro and all of them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 19, 2014, 12:22:13 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 11:20:50 AM
Seen 20 minutes of Babson if I am honest playing Williams, they looked good and results are strong.  Laurenzo looked to be playing forward to me or at least a #10 role.  Kids switch or teams switch formation.  If he is indeed doing the genuine defensive work of a midfielder, the numbers are even more impressive.

Laurenzo definitely plays a No. 10 role, at least in all of the Babson games I've seen this year.

Was interesting, though; yesterday I caught the Bowdoin/Conn. game and Sam White was playing as part of the midfield 2 in a 4-2-3-1. I don't see too much of Bowdoin but is this an anomaly? Thought he was an out-and-out striker, but I guess not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2014, 12:27:34 PM
Laurenzo is a legit player. One of few on that Babson side. White has been playing attack CM for Bowdoin but in my opinion he is to "soft" for that 6'4 frame of his. Bowdoin will start in a 4-4-2 and if they go ahead they tend to sit on the lead against better teams and almost fall back into a 4-5-1. If they fall behind I have seen Werzinski even go to what looks to be a 4-2-4  but most probably a 4-3-3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 19, 2014, 12:30:53 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 19, 2014, 12:27:34 PM
White has been playing attack CM for Bowdoin but in my opinion he is to "soft" for that 6'4 frame of his.

I'd agree with that. I saw him play when in high school. Quick, athletic, clean player, but he never really put himself about. Saw the trend continue yesterday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 01:48:30 PM
I remember White being phenomenal in High School.  His freshman year I watched him play right wing and forward, and now he is back in mid but yes a bit of a "looks like Tarzan plays like Jane" as one Football movie once quoted.

He also had a good younger brother named JP White who was extremely good, I thought he would go NESCAC.  Anyone know where he is and how he is playing?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 19, 2014, 02:57:47 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 01:48:30 PM
I remember White being phenomenal in High School.  His freshman year I watched him play right wing and forward, and now he is back in mid but yes a bit of a "looks like Tarzan plays like Jane" as one Football movie once quoted.

He also had a good younger brother named JP White who was extremely good, I thought he would go NESCAC.  Anyone know where he is and how he is playing?

Here you go:  http://www.hwsathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4314
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 03:30:07 PM
Thanks

Played in all 20 games as a freshman, seems he is doing fine.  Surprised he did not end up at Bowdoin to be honest.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 19, 2014, 06:33:11 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 03:30:07 PM
Thanks

Played in all 20 games as a freshman, seems he is doing fine.  Surprised he did not end up at Bowdoin to be honest.

I agree. Sam is obviously two years older, but JP was an All-American his senior year and was named Maine Sunday Telegram MVP—I figured he would go to a NESCAC as well. Regardless, it seems that he is playing well for a good Hobart side.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 19, 2014, 08:51:46 PM
Babson 1 - Bowdoin 0

Strange game.  Babson had the slight edge in a pretty evenly matched first half.  Bowdoin then totally outplayed Babson and dominated the first 25 minutes of the second half but could only generate a couple of good scoring opportunities.  The pendulum then swung back to Babson who controlled play the rest of the way including the overtimes.  Babson knocked on the door multiple times before cashing in early in the 2nd overtime.

Observations:
- Bowdoin is a much smaller team than in the past few years. 
- First-class soccer facility and field at Babson and a nice crowd.
- NESCAC is now 1-3-2 vs. the NEWMAC this season
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 08:58:11 PM
SUNDAY REVIEW

Bowdoin 0 Babson 1 (2OT)

Only managed to catch half hour of this, found the previously discussed Laurenzo pretty quiet on the day.  This was always going to be a tough ask for Bowdoin schedule wise, and it appears many starters were playing most of the game.

Babson grab what seems a deserved win in OT on a goal from Logan Ventura.  A yellow listed at the time of the goal suggest some pretty demonstrative celebrations?  Anyone see it?

Quality win for a good Babson team, but on the NESCAC end not sure how much this hurts Bowdoin.  A #5/6 NESCAC team was not getting an at large bid anyway, so if they win their next conference game (rivalry game @ Colby) I imagine they will still enter the NESCAC tourney in a good mindset.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 08:59:36 PM
Echo the thoughts of Off Pitch on the facilities at Babson.  Must be a huge recruiting edge.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 19, 2014, 09:02:52 PM
Ventura was booked for removing his shirt.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 19, 2014, 09:12:20 PM
That it?  Always seemed a lame rule to me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 19, 2014, 10:17:17 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 19, 2014, 06:44:33 AM
Just for kicks, I checked the Massey Rankings simulator to see how Coast Guard would do if they were to become the 12th member of the NESCAC. They came in 7th ahead of only Conn, Trinity, Colby, Hamilton, and Bates. A 7th place team will not make the NCAAs.

Just for kicks, I checked the Massey Rankings to see how Babson would do if they were to become the 12th member of the NESCAC.  They came in 7th behind Williams and Bowdoin.  The kicker is that Babson has defeated both.  I wouldn't put too much faith in the Massey Rankings.

Massey also has the UAA as the best D3 conference in the land, NESCAC #2, and NEWMAC #5.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: arkman on October 19, 2014, 11:26:51 PM
Caught Babson-Bowdoin, close contest, great shot to win it for Babson. A number of good chances for both sides but Babson probably overall better. Bowdoin definitely was resting some players though, with notably Odulate, Henshall, keefe, and Jones seeing no minutes. For large portions of the game 3/4 or 4/4 of Bowdoins attackers were freshmen. Agreed though that this game probably won't affect Bears season that much except for momentum.

Also, Mr. Right, I would describe their formation as a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 before a 4-4-2 due the holding nature of two of the center midfielders and the fact that Dias Costa usually plays under the striker, occasionally trying to get in behind but usually receiving to feet and playing with the midfield. It's all semantics though.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 20, 2014, 08:37:52 AM
Sounds like it was a good game.  Both teams must have been exhausted as each played the day before. The box score description says freshman Ventura went past 3 defenders and scored unassisted (signaling he may be an attacking mid) but he is listed as a defender on the Babson web site.  Dribbling past 3 Bowdoin defenders is not easy to do.  Was the goal as nice as it sounds?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 20, 2014, 09:31:29 AM
Ventura was playing right back.  It was certainly a nice opportunistic shot, but two of the Bowdoin defenders made feeble stabs at the ball with no real effort to contain.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 10:17:53 AM
Bowdoin v Babson was a tedious affair between two teams that have minimal scoring options. It deserved to be a draw for both teams. Diaz-Costa was the best player on the field and had 2 or 3 golden scoring chances. Babson has a knack for scheduling these Nescac contests the day after playing minimal competition. I think Babson played Lesley before Williams. This game probably knocks Bowdoin out of the top 11 in the regional rankings as they just do not have a legit win on their schedule. Babson will most likely get the #7 seed and if they win out and reach the Newmac final they will get in. Personally the Liberty League is more impressive to me than the Newmac. Better top to bottom. Emerson and Clark are two of the worst teams in New England.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 10:21:28 AM
Arkman- after watching Diaz Costa a couple of games this season he really is one of the more technical players in the league. You are correct a 4-2-3-1 makes sense to me. Where is Keefe? They really miss him up top.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 20, 2014, 10:31:04 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 10:17:53 AM
Bowdoin v Babson was a tedious affair between two teams that have minimal scoring options. It deserved to be a draw for both teams. Diaz-Costa was the best player on the field and had 2 or 3 golden scoring chances. Babson has a knack for scheduling these Nescac contests the day after playing minimal competition. I think Babson played Lesley before Williams. This game probably knocks Bowdoin out of the top 11 in the regional rankings as they just do not have a legit win on their schedule. Babson will most likely get the #7 seed and if they win out and reach the Newmac final they will get in. Personally the Liberty League is more impressive to me than the Newmac. Better top to bottom. Emerson and Clark are two of the worst teams in New England.

Mr. Right, how is it that the NEWMAC is so bad and yet the NESCAC only won 1 of the 6 contests with the NEWMAC this season?  Is it just that the NEWMAC ADs are more clever at scheduling than their NESCAC counterparts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 20, 2014, 10:33:33 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 19, 2014, 12:11:49 PM
Looking at Nescac Team Stats in Conference only there are some telling figures.

The most impressive stat is Tufts only letting up 2 conference goals ( 1 penalty kick) in 8 games.

Williams at the bottom of the stat table with 24 corners compared to about 60 for Tufts and Amherst.

Conn is 3rd in corners with 50 and only 94 Shots and 5 goals. That is one corner for every 2 shots. 2:1 shots and corners is a ridiculous statistic and very telling of Conn's inability to finish on set pieces and not creating legitimate shots.

Good stats Mr Right....very telling.  Drilling down even deeper on Conn...of their 5 NESCAC goals 1 came on a corner vs Hamilton and 1 came on a free kick vs Bates, thus only 3 in the run of play (one of which was a major brain cramp from the Williams goalie).  Conn  continues to struggle.  Game vs Bowdoin was "Ground Hog Day" all over again.  Conn came out and had 3 great chances to score in the first 15 minutes and of course didn't, yet outplayed Bowdoin in first half.  But typical Conn coaching little substitution in the first half and all very late (last 10 minutes of half).  2nd half Bowdoin who subbed early and often in the first half had fresh legs and dominated the 2nd half.  Conn rarely subbed in the 2nd half and looked exhausted while Bowdoin continued to run players in and out.  Conn is on a 4 game winless streak and much of it and their 2nd half struggles can be put squarely on Conn Coach whose poor substitution pattern (or lack there of any utilization)  and usage of his bench.  when every other team you face subs 20 to 25 minutes into the game and has players with gas still left in their tank for the 2nd half yet you leave your starters in virtually the entire game you will lose.  Yes, Conn can't score, but its not from lack of opportunities, yet you still need to have fresh legs on the field to have a chance.  Tired legs and tired players lead to poor decisions and poor play.  Four straight games now the Conn coach refused to use his bench and it has hurt his team as he is not putting his team in position to succeed. His constant yelling and negativity during the game (and after the game) is getting very old.  he doesn't seem able to get the most out the talent he has on the roster and I don't think he ever will unless he changes his coaching style (unlikely ever to happen).  Coaching there continues to underwhelm me.  Conn HAS to win vs Trinity this coming weekend in order to have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. It doesn't look good down in Camel Land. In other news big wins by the Jumbos over the Ephmen, and the Cardinals over the Lord Jeffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 10:35:46 AM
ugh your tireless argument about win loss records between conferences being the end all be all is ridiculous. First of all AD's do not schedule the games coaches do. I just rate the teams based on what I see on the field. You are correct the Newmac has had some great and lucky results this year against its more powerful brother Nescac. Breaking down each game would tell more.

Conn v Coast Guard- Coast Guard sits 10 behind the ball scores on a fluke play and horrible GK mistake. Conn dominated.

MIT v Tufts- MIT had maybe 3 shots all day and sat back 10 behind the ball. etc etc.  I could go on Williams v Babson same deal.

The top teams in Nescac are just better than the top teams in Newmac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 20, 2014, 10:38:02 AM
I get your point.  NESCAC is better than NEWMAC, they just can't beat them on the field of play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 10:39:30 AM
Can you go start a NEWMAC thread PLEASE.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 10:43:23 AM
2008 reminds me of how this year is shaping up. In 2008, some Newmac teams were getting high winning % against bad teams and got about 4 teams regionally ranked. They got 3 teams in the tourney. I think Clark, Babson and MIT. They proceeded to go 0-3 in the NCAA's in the first round against teams like Johnson and Wales, Framingham State etc. This will repeat itself this year. Wheaton is a very good attacking team but have major lapses defensively to go far in the NCAA's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 10:45:20 AM
All Nescac- can you go into more detail of the starting 11 for Conn and the substitution patterns. I am curious because of all the injuries they have had you would figure guys should be playing alot
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 10:52:39 AM
Honestly I know I presented the facts about Conn's inability to score in the run of play but Conn's biggest problem is having maybe the worst GK in the league. In the games I have seen and the highlights of the Bowdoin goals the GK made a horrible mistake on the 2nd goal. A teams lack of quality GK can affect other players play on the field. If you cannot trust who is in net everything else falls apart
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 11:09:01 AM
Absolutely.  Greenwood has always impressed me with his athleticism and toughness. Bull is just a beast in net.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 20, 2014, 11:29:49 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 10:35:46 AM
ugh your tireless argument about win loss records between conferences being the end all be all is ridiculous. First of all AD's do not schedule the games coaches do. I just rate the teams based on what I see on the field. You are correct the Newmac has had some great and lucky results this year against its more powerful brother Nescac. Breaking down each game would tell more.

Conn v Coast Guard- Coast Guard sits 10 behind the ball scores on a fluke play and horrible GK mistake. Conn dominated.

MIT v Tufts- MIT had maybe 3 shots all day and sat back 10 behind the ball. etc etc.  I could go on Williams v Babson same deal.

The top teams in Nescac are just better than the top teams in Newmac.

Sorry Mr. Right, you invite these responses when you make statements that are simply not supported by reality or facts.  You wanted an unbiased thread.  I think posters generally post on this thread because we have ties to a NESCAC school and/or enjoy the quality of NESCAC play, the competition and the rivalries.  There are a couple of NESCAC teams that I will go out of my way to watch play every year because they play quality, entertaining soccer.  I have traveled to watch Williams play multiple times in past few years.  There is no disputing that NESCAC is historically the dominant, preeminent conference in New England and one of the strongest (and some years the strongest) soccer conferences in the country.  Having said that, I know you consider it blasphemy to observe and opine that the conference is down a little this year compared to prior years, but the results back me up.  Disparaging another conference against which the NESCAC is not having much current success does not show the NESCAC in a good light.

Even down a little, NESCAC should still get three into the NCAA tournament (unlike the injustice of only two last year).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 20, 2014, 11:47:42 AM
Seems the NESCAC is fairly safe to get 3 and there's probably a scenario where they could get 4.  That said, there is going to be a squeeze(s) somewhere as there is one LESS Pool C slot.

And regardless of debates about style of play or how they got there, Babson definitely have played themselves into consideration.  They've played a strong schedule overall (Oneonta also).  However, a NEWMAC semis loss might do them in.

The Wesleyan win over Amherst seems huge, and may turn out to be a key game that knocks out Midd and Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 20, 2014, 01:09:15 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 20, 2014, 11:47:42 AM
The Wesleyan win over Amherst seems huge, and may turn out to be a key game that knocks out Midd and Williams.

Interesting. I know that head-to-head record is a factor in selection (Williams has defeated both Wesleyan and Middlebury), but how much of a factor is record against common opponents? Ephs got walloped by Amherst 4-1, while Wesleyan obviously beat Amherst on Saturday and Midd drew.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 20, 2014, 01:23:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 10:52:39 AM
Honestly I know I presented the facts about Conn's inability to score in the run of play but Conn's biggest problem is having maybe the worst GK in the league. In the games I have seen and the highlights of the Bowdoin goals the GK made a horrible mistake on the 2nd goal. A teams lack of quality GK can affect other players play on the field. If you cannot trust who is in net everything else falls apart

Mr Right you are correct (I couldn't say right).  GK has been a troublesome position (and a deflating one) for Conn this season.  If they had Tuft's, Midd's or Amherst's or Bowdoin GK as their GK they probably would have a few more W's and a couple more Draws than their record now shows....even with their inability to finish in the final third.  And maybe solid GK play could energize the strikers....you are correct it does effect a team.  But they still should be scoring.  As far as their substation pattern, or lack there of, even with the injuries you do not let your starting forwards play 75 to 85 minutes of the game and expect them to play at a high level (no coasting & all out all the time)....not when your opponents are constantly subbing and you are playing against fresh legs.   They have younger recruited players who can give you 15 to 20 minutes a half and give your starters a chance to rest.  When your forwards and mids don't chase or track back or get to balls because they are gassed you are playing with fire.  Also, taking a starting forward and putting him in the back line and sitting down a seasoned starter when you've already lost your best defender for the year is not a sound move as it weakens you in two positions.  Keeping a seasoned starter in the midfield on the bench for an untested mid and not giving the former starter much, if any, playing time when your midfield is tiring is not sound.  Fresh legs make a difference. Tired legs lead to bad decisions leading to bad plays ending up with losses.  If your opponents use their bench depth (early and often)and you don't you are playing with fire.  yes, they have a hobbled Mutala and Punt (he is missed in a big way) is out, but other than that they are no worse than any other team (at this point every team is banged up).  One player who continues to get better as the season moves along is Patch.  They need to trust the bench and get some fresh legs in the game early and often so they don't run out of steam in the 2nd half which has happened now 4 games in a row.  Certainly playing your starters for virtually the entire game is clearly not working....maybe using the bench could make a difference...he was doing this earlier in the year, why he stopped I don't know.  He needs to trust his players and stop over coaching because he has been outcoached in each of the last 4 games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 01:41:34 PM
Excellent post but I was hoping you could put names to the starting 11 and the bench as to minutes and all that. Sometimes coaches lean on seniors sometimes coaches bench seniors who have the case of "senioritis". Conn and Williams have been killed with injuries this year. I do not see any major injuries on Amherst, Midd and Tufts. Also, sometimes coaches go with the guys who give them the most in practice and tend to punish guys with minutes who half-ass practice. Not saying that is the case here but am more curious to who is and is not playing as I have a decent handle on all Conn's players
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 20, 2014, 01:44:28 PM
Wasn't someone just very recently talking about how incredible the Conn coach is?

And blooter wasn't thinking so much head to head but rather Wes vitally creating greater distance in terms of loss column.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 01:45:59 PM
I can think of a couple great players in the past years and have no information as to why they are not playing regular minutes. If anyone knows please fill us in.

Issiroff-Wesleyan.  Great play maker in midfield has found the bench and limited minutes.  I love Gruner in midfield but certainly Issiroff is better quality than Erickson and Bravo.

Nakamura-Tufts. From starter to maybe 10 minutes a game if lucky. I always thought he was one of Tufts more creative players. My only guess here is that Shapiro does not think he is tough enough but certainly he is equal to Pinheiro if not a tad better.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 20, 2014, 03:18:57 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 01:45:59 PM
I can think of a couple great players in the past years and have no information as to why they are not playing regular minutes. If anyone knows please fill us in.

Issiroff-Wesleyan.  Great play maker in midfield has found the bench and limited minutes.  I love Gruner in midfield but certainly Issiroff is better quality than Erickson and Bravo.

Nakamura-Tufts. From starter to maybe 10 minutes a game if lucky. I always thought he was one of Tufts more creative players. My only guess here is that Shapiro does not think he is tough enough but certainly he is equal to Pinheiro if not a tad better.
[/b]
I will start this off by saying that I don't have any inside information regarding Tufts but I have seen a few live games and one video game.  The midfield combination works very well together, as mentioned by other posters.  They probably have the best midfield group, as a whole, in the NESCAC. I simply think it's a matter of chemistry and not about an individual talent comparison between the mentioned players.  From what I have seen, there seems to be a better rythym with the group that starts and maybe that's what the coach sees.  Kayne seems to be the main (and most versatile) playmaker in his central attacking role, and the midfielders behind him seem to start the attack through him. Pinheiro is a good passer and Brown and Santos are fast and talented wingmen.  Defensively, the midfield presses well. Of course, this has been only in the games that I have seen.  It could be totally different in other games and others can confirm.  Also the video feeds are a bit challenging at times.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 20, 2014, 06:53:31 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 01:45:59 PM

Nakamura-Tufts. From starter to maybe 10 minutes a game if lucky. I always thought he was one of Tufts more creative players. My only guess here is that Shapiro does not think he is tough enough but certainly he is equal to Pinheiro if not a tad better.


Going on the words of a Tufts parent here, but here is the rumor on Nakamura.  Who by the way, as a freshman and sophomore was a first team All-NESCAC player in my eyes.  His first two years he played for a Boston Rams PDL franchise and was razor sharp fitness wise.  This past summer he worked a lucrative internship back in Japan, did not touch a soccer ball and has been straight up beaten out of the lineup by sharper guys due to being rusty and unfit.  If that is true and you keep winning, I imagine yo udon't just get back in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 20, 2014, 07:48:31 PM
I've been waiting for Jae Heo of Amherst to get going as well.  He is still very good of course, but he was lights out his first couple of years.  I suppose when you take time off, it takes awhile to get your timing back.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 20, 2014, 09:37:24 PM
A lot is made of D3 being student friendly compared to D1, but the difference is only one of degree.  Playing for these D3 teams, especially the more competitive ones, takes a ton of time and effort.  Kids have to show up in better shape than they ever imagined coming out of high school (or else they won't play even if they have a great pedigree, and I'm sure we all a few Academy kids who are sitting the bench or no longer playing at all).  Then there are the summers in between.  Kids have a lot pressure to play at as high a level as possible in the summer, to run, to get stronger, etc while also feeling increased pressure each year to be doing some productive (job, internship, travel abroad, etc) in terms of their academic and career futures.  You're not going to get in med school if you spend most of your time in the summers in the gym and on the pitch.  In many cases, upperclassmen are actually at some disadvantage as the new, gung ho recruits come in.  Coaches try to attract stronger classes every year, and D3 college soccer is not a place where the juniors or seniors are awarded any priority or even "the tie goes to the senior" status.  We all know that if 10-12 players come in as frosh that maybe only 4-6 are still playing as seniors.  And as we are handicapping teams and games we have no idea who had to pull an all-nighter because of a biochemistry exam or a 15 page paper that is due.  Don't get me wrong.  I know many of these young men love playing, love their teammates, and love playing for their schools.  There are certainly life-long benefits.  But it's not easy, and ironically the deep run that all of the players crave and strive for also comes with a cost, as that run goes right into final exam prep period. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 20, 2014, 09:37:59 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 20, 2014, 07:48:31 PM
I've been waiting for Jae Heo of Amherst to get going as well.  He is still very good of course, but he was lights out his first couple of years.  I suppose when you take time off, it takes awhile to get your timing back.

Yeah, but that was about 5 years ago. :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 11:44:52 AM
Charlier seemed to me to be about 15lbs overweight. He is a good athlete but not with that xtra baggage on him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 21, 2014, 11:47:14 AM

Tufts still not passing Coast Guard in d3soccer rankings...  I guess that means Coast Guard will be #2 in NSCAA too, because they didn't lose last week.

1) Brandeis
2) Coast Guard
3) Wheaton MA
4) Tufts
5) Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 11:48:24 AM
Good god is that a joke.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 21, 2014, 11:52:17 AM
That is pretty much a joke. Both Amherst & Tufts should be ahead of CG and Wheaton IMHO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 11:56:42 AM
Can you imagine Coast Guard is actually going to get in the NCAA's and host a sectional. A first round treat of Coast Guard v Elms awaits
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 21, 2014, 12:25:51 PM
Agree.  Total joke.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 21, 2014, 12:41:42 PM


I agree as well... NSCAA is all coaches that vote, correct?   Perhaps the little guys are sticking together.

Tufts should be #2 in region, without question.


Will be interesting to see how the South Atlantic votes with Emory CNU and RU-N losing.   MSU should easily be #1, but I doubt that will be the case.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 21, 2014, 12:50:31 PM


Going to call it now.... ECU will be beat CG, Wheaton will also beat CG... CG fails to win NEWMAC and will not get a pool C bid.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 12:54:12 PM
I would have predicted that as well. Our ECSU friend has told us they have some major injuries. I am not confident they can break down Coast Guard.I think Springfield and Wheaton can beat them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 21, 2014, 12:58:05 PM
Yea, I don't get the votes for Coast Guard.  Their schedule just doesn't merit inclusion in the Top 25. 

To teams with weak schedules and guady records:  If you are that good, but don't have the schedule to prove it, tough!  You have the NCAA tournament to put up or shut up.  And if you win a couple tournament games and turn some heads, you'll get the plaudits at that time and they will be deserved.  Until then, tough!

Transylvania had a couple years where they made noise in the tournament despite a weak schedule that, IMHO, didn't merit Top 25 consideration.  But usually these teams either don't even make it out of their conference tournament or flop in the NCAA's.

Maybe not as egregious , but I didn't understand Luther's Top 10 ranking in September given who they had played.  And I find Whitworth at No. 9 to be ridiculous--they're getting a lot of mileage out of an opening weekend 1-0 win at Wheaton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 01:05:46 PM
This is why I cannot imagine Coast Guard cracking the top 5 in New England regional rankings. I also do not think WPI gets past #11. After Babson beating Bowdoin and predicting a 1-0 Coast Guard triumph over ECONN today here is what I predict for New England tmrw.

1. Brandeis
2. Amherst
3. Tufts
4. Wheaton
5. Wesleyan
6. Coast Guard
7. Babson
8. Middlebury
9. Williams
10. Nichols
11. WPI
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 21, 2014, 01:21:50 PM
Tufts still hasn't cracked the NSCAA top 25?! Not even RV?! :o

FWIW, Emory plummeted to RV after being #9 last week. Probably due to two losses/weak SOS.

Anyway, I am stunned by the New England rankings. I know Amherst lost, but I can't believe Coast Guard jumped them.

http://www.nscaatv.com/rankings/3710/NCAADivisionIII/men/NewEngland/Poll8
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Alo35 on October 21, 2014, 01:22:12 PM
First time poster here for the NESCAC thread and only really posted one other time that I can remember. Really enjoy reading some of your thoughts and opinions and hope to be able to pitch in some of my own thoughts now that I have started watching a lot more of the NESCAC games!

I think the New England rankings for next week will provide a much more accurate top 10. There are quite a few interesting games this week that could see some of the weaker ranked times (i.e. Coast Guard) knocked down quite a ways.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Alo35 on October 21, 2014, 01:26:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 12:54:12 PM
I would have predicted that as well. Our ECSU friend has told us they have some major injuries. I am not confident they can break down Coast Guard.I think Springfield and Wheaton can beat them.

Sorry for the quick second reply, but I believe from what I have seen Coast Guard plays with a lone striker. I heard rumors that he has broken his leg which could make it even tougher for CGA to compete these next 3 games, especially with their lack of goal scoring this season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 01:44:05 PM
Excellent inside info...what was his name? DId he do it in practice or a recent game? To be honest I am not that familiar with their roster.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 21, 2014, 02:04:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 01:05:46 PM
This is why I cannot imagine Coast Guard cracking the top 5 in New England regional rankings. I also do not think WPI gets past #11. After Babson beating Bowdoin and predicting a 1-0 Coast Guard triumph over ECONN today here is what I predict for New England tmrw.

1. Brandeis
2. Amherst
3. Tufts
4. Wheaton
5. Wesleyan
6. Coast Guard
7. Babson
8. Middlebury
9. Williams
10. Nichols
11. WPI

The other forum was deleted... but I think it was close to my thoughts:
Agree with 1-5
6: Middlebury
7. Williams  (beat RPI, Wesleyan, and Middlebury but lost to Babson)
8. Coast Guard
9. Babson (lost to highly ranked teams, but no significant wins other than Williams)
10. WPI
11. Gordon
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 21, 2014, 03:09:54 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 01:05:46 PM
This is why I cannot imagine Coast Guard cracking the top 5 in New England regional rankings. I also do not think WPI gets past #11. After Babson beating Bowdoin and predicting a 1-0 Coast Guard triumph over ECONN today here is what I predict for New England tmrw.

1. Brandeis
2. Amherst
3. Tufts
4. Wheaton
5. Wesleyan
6. Coast Guard
7. Babson
8. Middlebury
9. Williams
10. Nichols
11. WPI


Having seen both CG and ECSU this year....all things equal ECSU is the far better team and should win....however, CG will play its "maul ball" and put 10 men behind and wait them out....can ECSU stay patient and score when they get their chances because they will have chances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 21, 2014, 04:13:33 PM
I have also seen both ECU and Coast Guard this year, and Coast Guard will take this one - probably 1-0. It will be a case of men against boys, and the men will beat a young Eastern Conn St team.  ECU, who has been shut out by UMass-Boston and Albertus Magnus, will have difficulty generating scoring opportunities against a superior CG team and will probably end up with very few shots in this game.

Coast Guard will then lose to Wheaton Saturday and drop in the rankings helping Wesleyan and Middlebury.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 21, 2014, 05:21:16 PM
My proposed order:

1. Brandeis
2. Tufts (due to the way they outplayed Amherst)
3. Amherst
4. Wheaton
5. Wesleyan
6. Middlebury
7. Williams
8. Babson
9. Coast Guard
10. Nichols
11. WPI5
12 Gordon or MIT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 21, 2014, 05:50:12 PM
OK, here is a projection from a different perspective:

1. Brandeis
2. Amherst
3a. Wheaton
3b. Tufts
5. Coast Guard
6. Wesleyan
7. Middlebury
8. WPI
9. Babson
10. Gordon
11. Nichols

Williams has too many losses to non-ranked teams.  Wesleyan will drop slightly in the next ranking.  Coast Guard and WPI are both overrated here but will also not drop until the next rankings, and Babson will rise as a result.  (next time:  5. Middlebury, 6. Babson, 7. Wesleyan, 8. Coast Guard, 9. Gordon, 10. WPI)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 07:29:01 PM
It is better to lose to non-ranked teams than ranked ones, as long as you beat the ranked ones. Helpful to your record vs ranked opponents. Williams will have a strong SOS even if they have lost 5 games. Their non-conference is much better than say Midd who could be in for some tough sledding with a weak non-conference
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 07:37:18 PM
Also williams lost to 3 ranked teams on your "list". You keep making a case for Gordon but they have 3 losses to unranked teams and 0 wins against ranked ones. That is a recipe for not getting ranked.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 21, 2014, 07:39:24 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 21, 2014, 04:13:33 PM
I have also seen both ECU and Coast Guard this year, and Coast Guard will take this one - probably 1-0. It will be a case of men against boys, and the men will beat a young Eastern Conn St team.  ECU, who has been shut out by UMass-Boston and Albertus Magnus, will have difficulty generating scoring opportunities against a superior CG team and will probably end up with very few shots in this game.

Coast Guard will then lose to Wheaton Saturday and drop in the rankings helping Wesleyan and Middlebury.
ECSU holding off the USCGA 0-0 with 9 min left in regulation. CG leads comfortably in SOG and Shots. ECSU playing w/o Jones and Warren, lots of frosh playing!!!

now 0-0 into overtime
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 21, 2014, 08:10:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 07:29:01 PMIt is better to lose to non-ranked teams than ranked ones, as long as you beat the ranked ones. Helpful to your record vs ranked opponents.
This is true.  Record versus ranked teams seems to be very important looking at regional rankings and at-large selections over the past decade.  Wins versus ranked teams can make up for extra losses that lower the win pct. The committee seems to want to know that you can play with the big boys more than they care that you lost a couple games you should have won.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 21, 2014, 08:19:32 PM
ECSU -0 USCGA- 0 2 OT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 21, 2014, 08:22:09 PM
Will the non-conference bad losses not hurting too much apply if Castleton holds on against Midd?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 21, 2014, 08:49:03 PM
The NESCAC strength of schedule argument has always been based on playing a NESCAC schedule.  This has been true in the past because NESCAC teams have dominated even the pretty good out of conference teams faced.  However, this year it is not the case.  NESCAC has struggled agains decent out of conference competition thereby somewhat diluting the alleged SOS within the conference.

Case in point - Middlebury goes down to Castleton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 08:49:07 PM
1-0 Castleton beats Midd..That will significantly hurt MIDD. Coach John O'Conner(former U Chicago coah who left for URI and then promptly got fired from URI for turning that program into a hot mess) gets a great win against a Midd team who beat them 9-1 last year. It meant a lot to Castleton to win that game.

We know Nescac teams do not get up for these mid week non-conference games but Midd most likely took them lightly and were not ready to play tonight or thought they could just show up and win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 08:50:43 PM
Off Pitch you are so right. Here is hoping for a WPI v Coast Guard and Gordon v Elms sectional. Maybe you could host the sectional in your back yard
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 21, 2014, 08:53:41 PM
So Mr. Right, do you actually deny that NESCAC teams have had a poorer record against outside competition this season compared to any in recent memory?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 21, 2014, 08:56:59 PM
Or are you saying it just doesn't matter because NESCAC teams win 50% of the games vs. other NESCAC teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 08:59:33 PM
Your right off pitch. Nescac is really over rated. It is more enjoyable for me to agree with you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 21, 2014, 09:03:51 PM
Just don't understand why you are in denial regarding the results we have witnessed this year.  These results have to mean something.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 21, 2014, 09:06:20 PM
The mid-week excuse only goes so far.  It's not like Midd would be thinking they had a lot of room for error.  They can't afford to drop any games if they hope to get a bid.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 09:12:59 PM
Lets just put it this way. In tomorrow's regional rankings there will be 5 Nescac teams. More than any other conference in the region. Thats all that really matters.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFollower on October 21, 2014, 09:35:40 PM
Out of curiosity for the coast guard and Middlebury results, are tonight's games taken into consideration for the NCAA's ranking tomorrow?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 09:37:17 PM
Yes
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 21, 2014, 09:45:01 PM
Quote from: SoccerFollower on October 21, 2014, 09:35:40 PM
Out of curiosity for the coast guard and Middlebury results, are tonight's games taken into consideration for the NCAA's ranking tomorrow?

No.  Only for games through Sunday (just like the NSCAA and D3soccer.com rankings).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 21, 2014, 09:47:31 PM
Actually, continuing a current trend, you are wrong.  Tomorrow's regional ranking matters not at all.  It is the final ranking that matters.  Tomorrow's ranking are of some interest, but there will undoubtedly be significant changes before the 10/29 rankings come out (i.e. Middlebury dropping) and again before 11/5 and again before the final.

Please recall that you were also very confident last year in the positioning of conference teams until only 2 made the national tournament.

Also, only results reported by 2pm 10/20 will be considered in tomorrow's rankings, so the Middlebury and Coast Guard results will not be considered until the 10/29 rankings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 09:50:21 PM
Mr.Right is never wrong. Also, regional rankings matter most at the end but the first and 2nd rankings give teams some idea or hope that they can continue to push frwd with winning if they are outside the top 6. Not sure what you are referencing about last year. Usually a quote to go along with your statement might help. Happy hunting
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 09:54:23 PM
Just curious if you had to choose a winner in these "pretend" match ups who you would choose. Ill give you the home field

Coast Guard v Williams

Babson v Amherst

WPI v Tufts

Gordon v Midd

Nichols v Bowdoin
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Alo35 on October 21, 2014, 11:44:41 PM
@ECSUalum.... your team looks like it could be very, very dangerous in the next year or two. I was surprised to see how young that team is. One senior on the entire roster.... not sure I would want to play them in the next two years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: backyarddawg on October 22, 2014, 12:26:45 AM
All of this chatter is great but everything still goes through Amherst in the end.  Does anyone believe Tufts can win a back-to-back game in November?  Not proven yet but have the chance to do so this fall.

Brandeis is a great squad but last year played Williams when it mattered and fell short.

Coast Guard who?

Amherst has the proven track record and until someone dethrones them other then Williams we have to believe Amherst is still topdawg.

Should make for an interesting tournament.  Hopefully a few of the schools get shipped out of that region.  Bring them down to the Mid-Atlantic!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 22, 2014, 08:29:06 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2014, 08:49:07 PM
1-0 Castleton beats Midd..That will significantly hurt MIDD. Coach John O'Conner(former U Chicago coah who left for URI and then promptly got fired from URI for turning that program into a hot mess) gets a great win against a Midd team who beat them 9-1 last year. It meant a lot to Castleton to win that game.

We know Nescac teams do not get up for these mid week non-conference games but Midd most likely took them lightly and were not ready to play tonight or thought they could just show up and win.

I didn't know OC was the Castleton coach. Great guy. Former Dartmouth assistant way back when.

Can't speak to the psyche of the Midd team; perhaps you're right. But soccer, as we know, is a funny game. Panthers outshoot Spartans 15-5, have a 7-1 advantage on corners, lose 1-0. It happens.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2014, 09:50:32 AM
Yes...In the late 1980's and early 1990's O'Conner and Ferrigno(former Tufts head coach) were Bobby Clarke's assistant's at Dartmouth. Clarke helped Ferrigno get Tufts in 1991 and O'Conner get U Chicago in 1994. When Clarke left Dartmouth for the New Zealand national team in 1994 Fran O'Leary, fresh off taking Kenyon to the 1993 NCAA final 4 got the Dartmouth job. Russo, fresh off hosting and taking Williams to the 1993 NCAA final and losing to a powerhouse UC SanDiego turned down the job because they were not paying as much $$ at the time. This led to 2 questionable decisions most likely based on ego. O'Leary left Dartmouth in 2001 for George Mason and O'Conner left Chicago for URI in 2005. O'Leary bailed George Mason in 2005 for Bowdoin and O'Conner took a decent URI program that played with flair and used to recruit a lot of Jamaicans to an absolute mess in just 5 years. He got fired by a new AD that was hired. Both men left jobs with very good security for D1 and a supposedly higher level D1. Both failed. Ironically, O'Leary repeated the mistake 2 years ago when he left a extremely secure Bowdoin job for Toronto FC, where he got fired.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 22, 2014, 10:20:58 AM
Quote from: Alo35 on October 21, 2014, 11:44:41 PM
@ECSUalum.... your team looks like it could be very, very dangerous in the next year or two. I was surprised to see how young that team is. One senior on the entire roster.... not sure I would want to play them in the next two years.
Alo35,
Thanks, I hope so, the loan Senior is Jon Decasanova, who returned from Cancer therapy this year and still regaining his fitness.  The freshmen/sophomores are good players and will get better with experience/playing time which they are getting a lot of this year.  We have an excellent So GK and a real good D now, just need to get some scoring punch.  Hoping 2015 or 16 season will take this team to a level equivalent to Amherst/other top NESCAC teams.
I also thought Eastern would lose 1-0 last night, but their tough D prevailed vs a talented USCGA team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 22, 2014, 10:30:11 AM
Quote from: backyarddawg on October 22, 2014, 12:26:45 AM
All of this chatter is great but everything still goes through Amherst in the end.  Does anyone believe Tufts can win a back-to-back game in November?  Not proven yet but have the chance to do so this fall.

Brandeis is a great squad but last year played Williams when it mattered and fell short.

Coast Guard who?

Amherst has the proven track record and until someone dethrones them other then Williams we have to believe Amherst is still topdawg.

Should make for an interesting tournament.  Hopefully a few of the schools get shipped out of that region.  Bring them down to the Mid-Atlantic!

Backyarddog There's gotta be a first time and I think this year Brandeis makes a deep run.  Really like coaches Coven and Margolis and they have some serious talent at Brandeis.  Tufts why not?  They keep getting results and while I was  not impressed with their defense (outside backs are so so) they continue to stay at the top of NESCAC.  Amherst is a good team, but not a great team and their biggest advantage is their keeper Bull he is a  big time game changer.  This is not the Amherst team of 2012 (that was a special team).  Brandeis makes the deepest run this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 22, 2014, 12:55:36 PM
Quote from: backyarddawg on October 22, 2014, 12:26:45 AM
All of this chatter is great but everything still goes through Amherst in the end.  Does anyone believe Tufts can win a back-to-back game in November?  Not proven yet but have the chance to do so this fall.

Amherst has the proven track record and until someone dethrones them other then Williams we have to believe Amherst is still topdawg.

Accepting your assertion that Amherst is top dog, I looked into the other NCAA hopefuls in the conference (Tufts, Wesleyan, Middlebury and Williams) and specifically at their out of conference results.  Removing the 3 wins against the teams with losing records to focus in on half way decent competition, these four teams have surprisingly won only 40% their games (6 of 15) against the remaining non-NESCAC teams.  This is certainly not typical of NESCAC's usual domination of New England, and it may well impact objective rankings.

Since, by default, NESCAC teams win or tie half their games against NESCAC teams, this sample size of 18 games would seem to indicate that either the conference is down this year, or the parity is an indicator that other teams in the region are closing the gap that once existed between them and NESCAC teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 22, 2014, 12:58:51 PM
Or to look at it another way, Tufts, Williams, Wesleyan and Middlebury collectively have a better winning % within the conference than the do outside of the conference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 22, 2014, 03:19:06 PM
Tufts already up on Plymouth State 3-0 at the 12 minute mark.........
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on October 22, 2014, 03:42:53 PM
NCAA REGION RANKINGS - OCTOBER 22 (http://d3soccer.com/rankings/2014/Men/regional-rankings-1)

NEW ENGLAND REGION (Data Sheet (http://www.d3soccer.com/rankings/2014/men/Data_10-22/New%20England_Men_Data_10-22-14.pdf))

RankSchool
Division III Record
Overall Record
1Brandeis
14-1-0
14-1-0
2Coast Guard
13-1-0
13-1-0
3Tufts
8-1-3
8-1-3
4Amherst
10-1-2
10-1-2
5Wheaton (Mass.)
14-2-1
14-2-1
6Babson
11-4-0
11-4-0
7Wesleyan
7-3-2
7-3-2
8Gordon
12-3-0
12-3-0
9Middlebury
7-2-3
7-2-3
10Williams
7-5-1
7-5-1
11WPI
11-3-0
11-3-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 22, 2014, 03:53:10 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 22, 2014, 03:19:06 PM
Tufts already up on Plymouth State 3-0 at the 12 minute mark.........

3-0 AT HALF.  Just looked at live stats. Goals by Santos (2) and Hoppenot.  Looks like they rested Greenwood and Kayne for this non-conference match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 22, 2014, 08:41:03 PM
Trinity at Wesleyan apparently called because of rain.  Guess they didn't want to destroy Jackson Field like they did in the 2009 NCAA mud bowl.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 22, 2014, 08:45:48 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 22, 2014, 08:41:03 PM
Trinity at Wesleyan apparently called because of rain.  Guess they didn't want to destroy Jackson Field like they did in the 2009 NCAA mud bowl.

Delayed 30 minutes due to lightening in the area.
Playing on the turf field so no mud to be found.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 22, 2014, 08:53:57 PM
WesCast says cancelled.  Why didn't they play on the turf field in the 2009 tournament games?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 22, 2014, 08:59:46 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 22, 2014, 08:53:57 PM
WesCast says cancelled.  Why didn't they play on the turf field in the 2009 tournament games?

Players back on field warming up.
Re: turf field I'm not sure it was here in '09
Edit: '07? Not a Wesleyan guy so I have no idea.


And at 9:01pm they are off the field.
No idea.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 22, 2014, 09:04:17 PM
been there since 2007
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 22, 2014, 09:20:34 PM
9:16 trinity Wesleyan délayed another 30
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2014, 09:57:34 PM
That will be cancelled if it is delayed one more time
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2014, 09:58:21 PM
They will start from scratch most likely tmrw or Sunday because there is not another time to play it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 22, 2014, 10:08:23 PM
It's official.
Trinity Wesleyan cancelled due to lightening will be replayed in its entirety.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2014, 10:11:32 PM
Do they know when it will be replayed?

Since your there maybe ask the ref
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2014, 10:18:01 PM
These New England regional rankings seem more absurd than usual. How does Coast Guard jump Tufts and Amherst? Wins against WPI and Babson I guess is all they need. I suppose Amherst SOS is a little weaker with that weak out of conference and their record vs ranked opponents would be only 1-1-2. Tufts has a decent non-conference but their regional record is 2-1-2 compared to Coast Guard's 2-0-0. I guess this suggests it is best to schedule absolute weak non-conference games and somehow beat the only 2 or 3 ranked teams you play. This is what gets them in and hosting that is ridiculous.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2014, 10:21:18 PM
Even more absurd is Gordon. Complete cupcake non-conference schedule. One of the worst conferences in the nation. 3 losses to average teams and 0 wins against ranked teams. I knew Williams would get ranked mostly because of its 2-2-1 record vs ranked opponents but I really think Nichols got hosed, they beat Gordon and still didn't get ranked. Granted their schedule also sucks but hey if your going to rank Gordon why not Nichols as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFollower on October 22, 2014, 10:39:49 PM
NESCAC site says it's going to be replayed tomorrow night at 7
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 22, 2014, 11:19:28 PM
Coast Guard also beat MIT.  Tufts did not.  Nichols has a lower winning % than Gordon against an even weaker schedule.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2014, 11:33:35 PM
who cares....that makes no difference as MIT is not ranked. Your case for Nicholls not being ranked is proving my point for Gordon not being ranked.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 23, 2014, 06:58:45 AM
Record vs. ranked is being thrown about, but remember, that criteria isn't applicable in developing the first rankings of the year.  As such, that column in the regional data sheet is left blank the first week. 

(BTW, there must be a mix up, because the men's New England and South Atlantic data sheets weren't updated--it's still the data sheets from the last rankings of 2013.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 08:17:38 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2014, 11:33:35 PM
who cares....that makes no difference as MIT is not ranked. Your case for Nicholls not being ranked is proving my point for Gordon not being ranked.

You say it makes no difference, yet Coast Guard IS ranked ahead of Tufts and Gordon IS ranked and Nichols is not.  So, clearly it does make a difference.

Winning % matters. SOS matters.  Result vs common opponents matters.  These are all criteria that are supposed to be considered.

Gordon is ranked instead of Nichols because they have a better win % and SOS.  The fact that they are ranked proves absolutely nothing about Nichols except that Nichols should be ranked below Gordon, and they are.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 09:37:33 AM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on October 23, 2014, 06:58:45 AM
Record vs. ranked is being thrown about, but remember, that criteria isn't applicable in developing the first rankings of the year.  As such, that column in the regional data sheet is left blank the first week. 

Are you suggesting they do not consider it at all? I am not saying you are wrong its just why would you not consider one criteria in one ranking and then in the next two. So if you are correct and it is not considered than we could see some major jumps and drops next week even if teams continue to win games this week.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:08:05 AM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 08:17:38 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2014, 11:33:35 PM
who cares....that makes no difference as MIT is not ranked. Your case for Nicholls not being ranked is proving my point for Gordon not being ranked.

You say it makes no difference, yet Coast Guard IS ranked ahead of Tufts and Gordon IS ranked and Nichols is not.  So, clearly it does make a difference.

Winning % matters. SOS matters.  Result vs common opponents matters.  These are all criteria that are supposed to be considered.

Gordon is ranked instead of Nichols because they have a better win % and SOS.  The fact that they are ranked proves absolutely nothing about Nichols except that Nichols should be ranked below Gordon, and they are.

Arguing SOS for Gordon is laughable. My post was a jab at Gordon more than praise for Nichols. Both schools deserve to not be ranked and if the Weasel is correct than record vs ranked opponents will surely drop Gordon all together. Your constant attack on Nescac schools is getting old and as I have suggested in the past your should start a new thread for the minnows of New England.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 10:11:16 AM
I guess it is hard to dispute facts.  I am sorry that you consider the presentation of facts to be an "attack".  So much for your desire for an unbiased thread.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 10:13:45 AM
I also realize you are avoiding like the plague any actual discussion of the fact that Tufts, Williams, Wesleyan and Middlebury have such a substandard record this year agains the "minnows".   I know, discussing actual results is an attack.  Sorry.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:23:13 AM
You are ignoring the fact the minnows play such a weak schedule themselves that they boost there own winning %. One game is not the end all be all. You compare Gordon and Nicholls yet Nicholls beat Gordon. That is your whole argument on this thread for Nescac being down is the head to head stuff, yet you ignore your own facts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:25:52 AM
You also conveniently ignored my post before


Just curious if you had to choose a winner in these "pretend" match ups who you would choose. Ill give you the home field

Coast Guard v Williams

Babson v Amherst

WPI v Tufts

Gordon v Midd

Nichols v Bowdoin

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 10:26:58 AM
My argument about NESCAC being down is based on Tufts, Williams, Wesleyan and Middlebury (the NCAA hopefuls and the better teams in the conference) winning only 50% of their games against non-NESCAC competition.   That is parity this season, not superiority like almost every season before.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:29:00 AM
Tufts-  3-1-1
Williams  2-2-1   
Midd- 4-1-0
Wes   2-1-2 

Your math does not add up my friend
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 10:29:10 AM
Yes, I understand you would rather pretend than talk about acutal game results.  You will go to any length to avoid discussing the substandard out of conference results of the NESCAC tournament hopefuls.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:30:02 AM
Not to mention:

Amherst - 5-0-0
Colby-  4-0-1
Trinty- 5-0-0
Hamiltom 4-1-0

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:30:44 AM
Your argument is weak at best
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 10:33:36 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:29:00 AM
Tufts-  3-1-1
Williams  2-2-1   
Midd- 4-1-0
Wes   2-1-2 

Your math does not add up my friend


You are correct.  I did not include Tuft's impressive win over Plymouth St this week.  With that win the NESCAC power teams have won 55% of their games against the minnows.  If you take wins out against the weak teams with losing records, these teams collectively have won only 40% (6 of 15) of the games agains decent competition.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 10:36:19 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:30:44 AM
Your argument is weak at best

I guess so since Gordon, with their weak non-NESCAC schedule, has only won 80% of their games agains the type of competition that Tufts, Wesleyan, Williams and Middlebury have beaten 55% of the time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:36:30 AM
Oh I see how you operate pick and choose the wins and losses you want.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:37:47 AM
Please post Gordons results and Tufts results next to each other. There is not one sane person(that doesnt include yourself) that would pick Gordon over Tufts...You are really bad at losing arguments
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:39:05 AM
Williams had played Skidmore, RPI, Babson......Gordon has played Husson, Eastern Nazerene, etc etc...Please keep posting and show how limited your knowledge is
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 10:43:13 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:36:30 AM
Oh I see how you operate pick and choose the wins and losses you want.

You can't have it both ways.  You are the one that totally dismisses results vs. weak competition when discussing Gordon, Coast Guard, WPI et al.   But if you think weak teams should be treated equally for NESCAC schools fine.  Let's stick with the NCAA hopeful's winning rate of 55% against ALL non-NESCAC competition.  Gordon has won 80% against non-NESCAC competition, and you assert that they are overrated.  The NESCAC teams competing with Gordon for a tournament spot have fared worse.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 10:45:44 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:37:47 AM
Please post Gordons results and Tufts results next to each other. There is not one sane person(that doesnt include yourself) that would pick Gordon over Tufts...You are really bad at losing arguments

Tufts is ranked #3, Gordon #8.  Gordon is not going to be picked over Tufts.  Gordon might very well be selected over Middlebury, Wesleyan or Willams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 10:51:05 AM
This is not an "argument" about Gordon, it is a recognition that the top NESCAC teams have not been as successful against non-NESCAC schools this season as any other season in memory.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 11:02:02 AM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 10:45:44 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:37:47 AM
Please post Gordons results and Tufts results next to each other. There is not one sane person(that doesnt include yourself) that would pick Gordon over Tufts...You are really bad at losing arguments

Tufts is ranked #3, Gordon #8.  Gordon is not going to be picked over Tufts.  Gordon might very well be selected over Middlebury, Wesleyan or Willams.

I do not think so. The CCC is a one shot pony this year. Its win out or bust but lets agree to disagree for now until the NCAA selections are made.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 11:07:30 AM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 10:43:13 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 10:36:30 AM
Oh I see how you operate pick and choose the wins and losses you want.

  Let's stick with the NCAA hopeful's winning rate of 55% against ALL non-NESCAC competition.  Gordon has won 80% against non-NESCAC competition, and you assert that they are overrated.  The NESCAC teams competing with Gordon for a tournament spot have fared worse.

If you are so adamant about this 80% to 55% thing, I honestly have lost track of what we are arguing about, please include and match the schedules of Wesleyan, Williams and Midd. Are you arguing that Gordon's schedule is more difficult than Williams, Midd or Wesleyan? Please enlighten us
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 11:42:14 AM
Mr. Right, this is not about Gordon.  Another poster opined that Amherst was the team to beat, leaving Tufts, Wesleyan, Middlebury and Williams hoping for an at-large selection to the NCAA tournament.  I looked at those teams specifically to see how they had done out of conference.  It turns out that these four teams who are legitimate NCAA tournament candidates won only 50% of their games against non-NESCAC competition (which is the correct % by the way).

I observed that a 50% collective win rate by these NCAA hopefuls was not typical of NESCAC's historic domination of other teams in the region.  It is a reasonable sample size of 20 games.  Why these NESCAC teams have only won 50% of these games is open to conjecture.  I believe the NESCAC is down a little this year.  Alternatively, the NESCAC might be the same as always and other teams in the region are improving.  Either way, drawing conclusions for this season only, there seems to be more parity than usual in New England. 

This is not an attack on the NESCAC.  This is an observation about the conference and the environment in which it competes for NCAA tournament spots.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 12:04:07 PM
The New England data sheet is out.  Here are the SOS for the ranked teams

1. Brandeis        0.637
2. Coast Guard  0.559
3. Tufts              0.617
4. Amherst         0.596
5. Wheaton        0.589
6. Babson          0.608
7. Wesleyan      0.616
8. Gordon          0.564
9. Middlebury     0.559
10. Williams       0.606
11. WPI             0.515

So WPI has the weakest schedule to date as expected.  Coast Guard, Middlebury, Gordon, Wheaton and Amherst are also below 0.600
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 23, 2014, 12:30:06 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 11:42:14 AM
Mr. Right, this is not about Gordon.  Another poster opined that Amherst was the team to beat, leaving Tufts, Wesleyan, Middlebury and Williams hoping for an at-large selection to the NCAA tournament.  I looked at those teams specifically to see how they had done out of conference.  It turns out that these four teams who are legitimate NCAA tournament candidates won only 50% of their games against non-NESCAC competition (which is the correct % by the way).

I observed that a 50% collective win rate by these NCAA hopefuls was not typical of NESCAC's historic domination of other teams in the region.  It is a reasonable sample size of 20 games.  Why these NESCAC teams have only won 50% of these games is open to conjecture.  I believe the NESCAC is down a little this year.  Alternatively, the NESCAC might be the same as always and other teams in the region are improving.  Either way, drawing conclusions for this season only, there seems to be more parity than usual in New England. 

This is not an attack on the NESCAC.  This is an observation about the conference and the environment in which it competes for NCAA tournament spots.

Off Pitch it's a combo---NESCAC has no dominant teams this year (good teams, but no great teams) and other New England non-NESCAC teams are getting better.   The overall winning % for non-league NESCAC games is down compared to the last 3 or 4 years....that said I don't see Coast Guard or Gordon doing anything in the NCAA's...Tufts & Amherst have a much better chance to win a few NCAA games than do either CG or Gordon (assuming they get in).  I still believe Brandeis is the best team in New England this season and could have the longest run in the post season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 23, 2014, 12:36:36 PM
I have to agree with ALL NESCAC for the most part I do see Amherst and Tufts having an equal chance as Brandeis, barring injuries.  I watched the Brandeis Tufts game and despite the 2-0 score, Tufts played well in that game and controlled a majority of the play, until they pushed guys forward to try to equalize the 0-1 score.  That's when Brandeis scored the second goal.  FWIW, at this stage, I can't see Coast Guard even sniffing a win against Amherst of Tufts.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 01:35:22 PM
Mostly agree.  I have seen 8 of the ranked teams in person this year, but I have NOT seen Amherst.  Otherwise, Brandeis is the most complete team.  The are talented, play good soccer and are more physical than in years past.  I believe they are final 4 material.  Tufts is not very far behind.  Wheaton is a very dangerous team that could beat anyone in the region, but they are probably not built for a sustained run in the tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 23, 2014, 04:03:46 PM
Hi all,

First time poster here, but have been following the NESCAC (and to a lesser extent other NE conferences) for the past decade or so. Figured I should create an account just as the postseason picture starts shaping up!

Anyway, interesting NSCAA National rankings this past week IMO, especially with regards to the New England region. Regardless of USCGA's ranking (I'll let off-pitch and Mr. Right debate that  ;) ), Tufts not receiving votes really surprised me. I've seen them play once in person, and once online, and they look like a very talented (and deep) squad all around. Up the middle, the two big centerbacks work well together and are quick for their size, the CMs (Kayne esp) control play well, and distribute the ball to -take your pick- any number of dangerous wingers and forwards (Santos, Hoppenot, etc).

I did a cursory overview of the D3 regional rankings SOS in each region (by cursory overview, I mean I scrolled quickly down the list for each region), and found that Tufts has the 4th highest SOS in D3. (feel free to correct this, but I think it's right).

1)Chicago .646
2) Brandeis .637
3) North Central .622
4) Tufts .617 (ironically that's the Boston area code, too)

Their only loss comes to Brandeis, at Brandeis. Sure, one iffy tie (MIT), but it seems as though they dominated that game looking at the stat sheet. How does the NSCAA ranking miss them?  A very dangerous "underdog" come tournament time, especially if they keep flying under the radar to teams from other regions. Would NOT want to meet them in the first game if I'm a team that's unfamiliar with their quality...I think they could make a good run in the NCAAs if they continue to play this well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 04:23:36 PM
Coast Guard will drop for next week and Tufts will no longer be under the radar. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 23, 2014, 04:25:33 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 23, 2014, 04:03:46 PM
Hi all,

First time poster here, but have been following the NESCAC (and to a lesser extent other NE conferences) for the past decade or so. Figured I should create an account just as the postseason picture starts shaping up!

Anyway, interesting NSCAA National rankings this past week IMO, especially with regards to the New England region. Regardless of USCGA's ranking (I'll let off-pitch and Mr. Right debate that  ;) ), Tufts not receiving votes really surprised me. I've seen them play once in person, and once online, and they look like a very talented (and deep) squad all around. Up the middle, the two big centerbacks work well together and are quick for their size, the CMs (Kayne esp) control play well, and distribute the ball to -take your pick- any number of dangerous wingers and forwards (Santos, Hoppenot, etc).

I did a cursory overview of the D3 regional rankings SOS in each region (by cursory overview, I mean I scrolled quickly down the list for each region), and found that Tufts has the 4th highest SOS in D3. (feel free to correct this, but I think it's right).

1)Chicago .646
2) Brandeis .637
3) North Central .622
4) Tufts .617 (ironically that's the Boston area code, too)

Their only loss comes to Brandeis, at Brandeis. Sure, one iffy tie (MIT), but it seems as though they dominated that game looking at the stat sheet. How does the NSCAA ranking miss them?  A very dangerous "underdog" come tournament time, especially if they keep flying under the radar to teams from other regions. Would NOT want to meet them in the first game if I'm a team that's unfamiliar with their quality...I think they could make a good run in the NCAAs if they continue to play this well.

Onion Bag, from my viewing this year you are spot on about Tufts and there have been many posts here about their style of soccer (technical, pretty, etc.), and their midfielders and center backs this year.  However, once tourney time starts, u never know what can happen. Injuries and returning players have something to do with it.  Tufts played Vassar 2 years ago in the first round of the tourney and completely dominated them but lost 0-1 in overtime.  I was at the game.  I seem to remember that Kayne was a freshman and had many shots.  Nothing fell.  On the other hand, Williams moved farther than Amherst even though Amherst probably had the better team over the last few years.  You just  never know....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 23, 2014, 04:44:34 PM
Very true. Especially with the physicality of the NESCAC tournament on the horizon, there could be some players banged up heading into NCAAs. I also think the NESCAC tourney will be more brutal than ever, since the bubble teams from the conference (Williams, Midd, Wesleyan, maybe Bowdoin?) are going to have to fight tooth and nail to prove themselves worthy of a bid.

One of those three teams will have to make the final to warrant any discussion of an at-large (if they don't in fact win the championship game). I can only see the NESCAC getting at most three teams into the NCAAs this year.

I know it's unlikely (although with the NESCAC you never know)...but what if Amherst and Tufts (our two assumed locks for the NCAAs) fail to make the finals, and any of those two (Williams, Midd, Wes, Bowdoin) do instead. Is that a scenario in which the NESCAC could potentially get 4 bids?

I know I'm jumping way ahead...but just wanted to have a little fun with hypotheticals ;D Anyway, a great weekend of soccer awaits! Excited to hear all of your predictions.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 23, 2014, 04:48:44 PM
Well, there are still regular season games to play in the NESCAC so not sure if anyone is a lock for NCAA's yet, but if Amherst and Tufts win out, I can't see either of them not making the NCAA's, even if they lost in the Nescac tourney, especially Tufts with their SOS.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 23, 2014, 06:03:09 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 23, 2014, 04:03:46 PM. . . interesting NSCAA National rankings this past week IMO, especially with regards to the New England region. Regardless of USCGA's ranking (I'll let off-pitch and Mr. Right debate that  ;) ), Tufts not receiving votes really surprised me. . . .

The NSCAA national committee, working off the regional polls, historically has given spots 1 thru 8 in the national ranking to the eight regional No. 1's, spots 9 thru 16 to the regional No. 2's, spots 17 to 24 to the regional No. 3's, the last spot to one of the regional No. 4's, and the "Receiving Votes" to some of the other regionl No. 4's.  After rigidly following that framework for many years, they have allowed themselves to deviate a little from that in the past couple years.  To be honest, I don't even pay much attention to the NSCAA national rankings for that reason, so I can't say for sure, but it seems like even though they've loosened up on the ordering of the teams a little bit, they still adhere rigidly to including three teams from each region except one which gets a fourth team. So they still severely limit their albility to reflect that some regions in a given year may be stronger and deeper than others and some regions may be weaker than others.

So to your questioning of the exclusion of Tufts from the NSCAA national rankings, that is a pure product of them not being top 3 or 4 in the New England region.  The NSCAA does not do a national poll (even if they call it one), only regional polls from which a national committee decides on a national ranking. So, your real question is why was Tufts only No. 5 in the NSCAA New England regional poll.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 08:37:13 PM
Wesleyan in a dogfight with Trinity. They are down 2-1. This could be bad news for Wesleyan because they play at Midd in 38 hours. Midd coming off that bad loss could be real jacked for Saturday's game and on the turf I think they will be able to break down Wesleyan and win 2-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 08:50:27 PM
Looks like GK McConnell got a red card. Things go from bad to worse
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2014, 09:13:40 PM
How quickly things can change.

Wesleyan had a 1-0 lead in the 2nd half last night when game was called, and then loses to Trinity tonight.  The younger Savonen has a goal and an assist, and Wes GK sees red.

I thought Wes was getting close to locking in a 3rd bid for the NESCAC, and they still might, but as Mr.Right notes, next game is away at an equally desperate Middlebury.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 09:20:05 PM
Interesting side note- In the you learn something new every day department.

The yellow cards from yesterday's game carry over. To me this does not make sense. I mean we all know that if the game is called before 75 minutes it goes down as a postponement yet how do the yellow cards stick? Does that mean the two players with yellow cards if they got another yellow tonight would get tossed? We used to have a ref on the old d3kicks.com site who would help with these questions. Anyone have any back knowledge on this?  It makes no sense to me that you can carry over cards.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 09:24:35 PM
For what it's worth, if you take the NE data sheet and simply multiply the winning % by the SOS and sort the result, here would be the standings (actual ranking in parentheses):

1. Brandeis (1)
2. Coast Guard (2)
3. Amherst (4)
4. Wheaton (5)
5. Tufts (3)
6. Gordon (8)
7. Babson (6)
8. Wesleyan (7)
9. WPI (11)
10. Middlebury (9)
11. Nichols
12. Eastern CT St
13. UMass-Boston
14. U of NE
15. Johnson & Wales
16. Williams (10)
17. Bowdoin
23. Trinity

The only teams actually ranked higher than this simple projection (Tufts, Babson, Wesleyan, Williams) are coincidentally the teams with SOS over .600.   A strong SOS seems to be rewarded as opposed to a weak SOS being penalized.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 23, 2014, 09:31:29 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 09:20:05 PM
Interesting side note- In the you learn something new every day department.

The yellow cards from yesterday's game carry over. To me this does not make sense. I mean we all know that if the game is called before 75 minutes it goes down as a postponement yet how do the yellow cards stick? Does that mean the two players with yellow cards if they got another yellow tonight would get tossed? We used to have a ref on the old d3kicks.com site who would help with these questions. Anyone have any back knowledge on this?  It makes no sense to me that you can carry over cards.

Unreal. Makes no sense at all. If anyone can shed light on this rule, I'd appreciate it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 23, 2014, 10:47:09 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 09:24:35 PM
For what it's worth, if you take the NE data sheet and simply multiply the winning % by the SOS and sort the result, here would be the standings (actual ranking in parentheses):

1. Brandeis (1)
2. Coast Guard (2)
3. Amherst (4)
4. Wheaton (5)
5. Tufts (3)
6. Gordon (8)
7. Babson (6)
8. Wesleyan (7)
9. WPI (11)
10. Middlebury (9)
11. Nichols
12. Eastern CT St
13. UMass-Boston
14. U of NE
15. Johnson & Wales
16. Williams (10)
17. Bowdoin
23. Trinity

The only teams actually ranked higher than this simple projection (Tufts, Babson, Wesleyan, Williams) are coincidentally the teams with SOS over .600.   A strong SOS seems to be rewarded as opposed to a weak SOS being penalized.

OP, I see you like Brandeis and CG so how would u personally rank the top 10?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 23, 2014, 11:11:00 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 23, 2014, 09:31:29 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2014, 09:20:05 PM
Interesting side note- In the you learn something new every day department.

The yellow cards from yesterday's game carry over. To me this does not make sense. I mean we all know that if the game is called before 75 minutes it goes down as a postponement yet how do the yellow cards stick? Does that mean the two players with yellow cards if they got another yellow tonight would get tossed? We used to have a ref on the old d3kicks.com site who would help with these questions. Anyone have any back knowledge on this?  It makes no sense to me that you can carry over cards.

Unreal. Makes no sense at all. If anyone can shed light on this rule, I'd appreciate it.

First, it's 70 minutes, not 75 minutes to be an official game.

Here's a link to the rules book and an excerpt of the rule.

http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/SO14.pdf

7.5 Suspended Game
A suspended game is considered a temporary action (because of elements
or other causes). If the conditions leading to a suspended game persist and the
game is not resumed the same day, the game shall be considered "no contest"
if it has not progressed to 70 minutes. A "no contest" does not count, and all
normal statistics are nullified; however, cautions or ejections occurring in a
"no contest" shall be subject to the procedures stated in Rules 12.11, 12.12,
and 12.13.

And those rules referenced at the end are the ones about card accumulation, suspensions, more severe penalties for certain types of misconduct, etc.   

As I understand it the cards remain registered and official, meaning they are punished just the same as having occurred in an official game and count towards one's accumulation of cards.  But they do not carry over in the sense Mr.Right suggests they might; that is, the players do not start the "do-over" game with a yellow card before a second has even come off the clock.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Alo35 on October 23, 2014, 11:38:26 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 09:24:35 PM
For what it's worth, if you take the NE data sheet and simply multiply the winning % by the SOS and sort the result, here would be the standings (actual ranking in parentheses):

1. Brandeis (1)
2. Coast Guard (2)
3. Amherst (4)
4. Wheaton (5)
5. Tufts (3)
6. Gordon (8)
7. Babson (6)
8. Wesleyan (7)
9. WPI (11)
10. Middlebury (9)
11. Nichols
12. Eastern CT St
13. UMass-Boston
14. U of NE
15. Johnson & Wales
16. Williams (10)
17. Bowdoin
23. Trinity

The only teams actually ranked higher than this simple projection (Tufts, Babson, Wesleyan, Williams) are coincidentally the teams with SOS over .600.   A strong SOS seems to be rewarded as opposed to a weak SOS being penalized.

Since it is getting closer and closer to Conference and NCAA tournament time I thought it would be very interesting to see how these teams rank in goals against average and save percentage for their GK's. As I have seen over the past couple of years a lot of close NCAA tournament games have been lost by dumb GK mistakes that cost their teams their entire season. In the close games I am a firm believer that the team with the better defense almost always win. Anyway for time management I am just going to be looking at the top 15 teams that you have listed. I do acknowledge that the goals against stat might be flawed a little since that is also partially determined by who a team plays. But just for good fun here it goes

Ranks for Goals Against Average:
1. Brandeis .26
2. WPI .33
3. Coast Guard .39
4. Tufts .44
5. Eastern Conn .51
6. Amherst .59
7. Midd .65
8. Nichols .73
9. Wheaton .75
    Johnson and Wales .75
    Gordon .75
12. Wesleyan .77
13. UNE .89
14. Babson 1.13
15. Umass Boston 1.33

Ranks for Save percentage (For teams who split keepers equally I did an average between the two keepers. For teams that have one main keeper I took the main keepers average.... not going to post names of the keepers):
1. Coast Guard .909
2. Eastern Conn .899
3. Brandeis .897
4. UNE .890
5. WPI .886
6. JWU .850
7. Wesleyan .833
8. Gordon .830
    Midd .830
10. Amherst .826
11. Nichols .825
12. Wheaton .824
13. Tufts .800
14. Babson .776
15. Umass Boston .750



Take what you want from this but I feel as though this shows how strong MOST of the top teams in New England are to score on. I just thought it would be some interesting stats to throw out there 


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Alo35 on October 23, 2014, 11:40:09 PM
Can't figure out how to edit..... I meant to say how hard it is to score on the top teams in new england. I apologize for the mishap
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 24, 2014, 08:35:10 AM
Current Playoff Picture

1.  20pts  8gp  6-0-2  Tufts                 (home Hamilton, at Bowdoin)
2.  20pts  9gp  6-1-2  Amherst            (home Trinity)
3.  15pts  8gp  5-3-0  Williams            (at Bates, at Hamilton)
4.  15pts  8gp  5-3-0  Wesleyan          (at Middlebury, home Conn College)
5.  15pts  9gp  4-2-3  Middlebury        (home Wesleyan)
6.  12pts  8gp  4-4-0  Bowdoin            (at Colby, home Tufts)
7.    8pts  8gp  2-4-2  Trinity               (home Conn College, at Amherst)
8.    7pts  8gp  2-5-1  Conn College     (at Trinity, at Wesleyan)

9.    6pts  8gp  2-6-0  Bates                (home Williams, home Colby)
10.  5pts. 8gp  1-5-2  Hamilton            (at Tufts, home Williams)
11.  5pts  8gp  1-5-2  Colby                 (home Bowdoin, at Bates)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 24, 2014, 08:51:14 AM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on October 24, 2014, 08:35:10 AM
Current Playoff Picture

1.  20pts  8gp  6-0-2  Tufts                 (home Hamilton, at Bowdoin)
2.  20pts  9gp  6-1-2  Amherst            (home Trinity)
3.  15pts  8gp  5-3-0  Williams            (at Bates, at Hamilton)
4.  15pts  8gp  5-3-0  Wesleyan          (at Middlebury, home Conn College)
5.  15pts  9gp  4-2-3  Middlebury        (home Wesleyan)
6.  12pts  8gp  4-4-0  Bowdoin            (at Colby, home Tufts)
7.    8pts  8gp  2-4-2  Trinity               (home Conn College, at Amherst)
8.    7pts  8gp  2-5-1  Conn College     (at Trinity, at Wesleyan)

9.    6pts  8gp  2-6-0  Bates                (home Williams, home Colby)
10.  5pts. 8gp  1-5-2  Hamilton            (at Tufts, home Williams)
11.  5pts  8gp  1-5-2  Colby                 (home Bowdoin, at Bates)

So with Wes loss to Trinity, a Middlebury win over the Cardinals guarantees the Panthers a top-4 finish and a home date in the NESCAC quarters. (Even if Wes were to beat Conn in this scenario, the head-to-head tiebreaker would go to Midd.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 24, 2014, 10:35:53 AM
Some excellent games to look forward to this weekend.

Wes @ Midd

In many eyes, this is the game of the weekend, and it's become further intensified by Trinity's win over Wesleyan. I'm impressed with both teams' ability to grind out games, and not concede goals. Despite Middlebury's significant advantage up top with Glaser and Conrad, I don't see Wesleyan letting up a goal coming off of a loss in which they let up 2. If there is one thing Geoff Wheeler is good at, it's creating a disciplined back line- Wesleyan remain tight and difficult to pick apart.

Of course, I also don't see Wes scoring a goal either. This will be a grueling affair, with both teams knowing that a loss will effectively knock them out of home field advantage in the playoffs. I think there are many cards in the cards here (sorry)- bodies will be flying and play will be bogged down in midfield with a few off chances here and there.

Wes 0-0 Midd, 2OT

Conn College @ Trinity

Trinity will be on a high and playing with some confidence after the win over Wesleyan, and I expect that to translate into freer play. Conversely, Conn is still reeling (their last win came on Oct. 1...over Framingham State), but I believe they get up for this one. Playoff spots are still up for grabs at the bottom of the table, and i think both teams will be playing with more intensity than perhaps we've seen so far this season. Is this the game where Conn finally realizes it's full potential? Devlin and the Irishman O'Brien get goals here, but so do the Bantams have their own Irishman in O' Shea- he gets one, and Savonen notches the other. The most exciting game in my eyes this weekend.

Conn 2-2 Trinity

Bowdoin @ Colby

Bowdoin has been a team that has niether wowed me nor disappointed me this year. Before the season, I thought they'd be middle of the pack and so far, that's held true. They've lost the games they were "supposed" to lose (Wes, Amherst, Midd, Williams) and have won the games they should win (Bates, Trinity, Hamilton, Conn). I'd say they are favored on paper here, but something tells me that Colby is going to rise to the occasion on Senior Day to make a push for that last playoff spot and salvage the season. They've shocked me once this season with a win over Midd, and I think it happens again with a win over Bowdoin. My upset special of the week, and the game that throws the bottom half of the table into disarray.

Bowdoin 0- 1 Colby

Williams @ Bates

Bates, oh Bates, how you torment me! Which Bates side will show up? The one that loses to Maine Maritime 2-0, or the one that beats Trinity 3-0? I think somewhere in the middle- a loss would be devastating, but a tie is manageable and still keeps them in the running for the playoffs. As such, I see them playing a bit more defensive. Williams, on the other hand, needs to win games like these to prove itself worthy of an at-large bid (if they don't win the NESCAC title), and I believe they come out fired up. Is having Grady enough? Five of his nine goals have come in NESCAC games, and he gets another here as Williams wi- WAIT- Peabo Knoth scores to tie it up in the death! This game will be physical, but entertaining. Both teams get their first NESCAC ties of the year, and the playoff picture is further muddled.

Williams 1- 1 Bates

Hamilton @ Tufts

Tufts sit at the top of the table for the first time that I can remember since I started following the league. I've been high on Tufts all year, and I see no reason to change my tune for this game (if Tufts had to travel to Hamilton, that would be another story). However, Tufts has been a team that has seemed to struggle once they are recognized as being a very formidable opponent (thinking about a couple of years ago when they were nationally ranked and then played poorly and bowed out in the first round of NCAAs to a lesser Vassar side).

As such, I think that Shapiro will stress not getting complacent, and I think that he will (or at least he should) remind them that they still need to earn respect by highlighting the fact that they are not nationally ranked. Tufts comes into this fired up with something to prove to everyone in the region, as well as homefield advantage throughout the playoffs to play for. That, coupled with it being Senior Day (i.e. Kramer, Williams, Santos, Hoppenot) is surely enough motivation.

I've been impressed with Kraynack for Hamilton, and I doubt he wants his senior year to end without making the playoffs, but I cannot see Hamilton beating an in-form Tufts.

Interesting note- Tufts is the only team in the league that controls their own destiny at this point in time. Let's see how they handle it.

Tufts 2- 0 Hamilton

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2014, 01:28:56 PM




A suspended game is considered a temporary action (because of elements
or other causes). If the conditions leading to a suspended game persist and the
game is not resumed the same day, the game shall be considered "no contest"
   

As I understand it the cards remain registered and official, meaning they are punished just the same as having occurred in an official game and count towards one's accumulation of cards.  But they do not carry over in the sense Mr.Right suggests they might; that is, the players do not start the "do-over" game with a yellow card before a second has even come off the clock.


Thanks for the info. This still makes no sense to me because if a game is suspended "no contest" everything should wipe out even the cards if it is registered as never being played. Why not keep goal and assist stats. Also, if a player gets a red card in a no contest match they would not be able to play in the next match even if the game was considered to never have been played.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 24, 2014, 01:37:51 PM
The cards counting from a suspended game make sense when you think about it from pov of a red card.  In other words, should a player not be accountable for a red card able offense just because game is suspended?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2014, 01:43:37 PM
Predictions:

Wes at Midd- Lets remember Wesleyan played a 60 minute game on Wednesday and a 90 minute game yesterday. They have a 4 1/2 - 5 hour bus ride today and then an 11am game tomorrow against Midd. Their goalie McConnell is out from the red card and they will be starting most likely a keeper that has never played before. Midd is coming off a humiliating loss to Castleton St (maybe for the first time ever) and will be extra jacked. Home playoff game on the line. You are correct this game will be artery clogged in the midfield with few shots for either side but Midd prevails. 2-0 Midd

Williams at Bates- I cannot agree with any of you that Bates gets a result here. Williams is down but not that down. Bates has played better of late, i'll give you that but they do not have the talent to match Williams. Williams only issue will be can they finish the numerous chances they get? Williams is also 1-4-0 on the road which is cause for concern. I do not think Williams has lost to Bates since the mid 90's and it will not happen here. 2-0 Williams

Conn at Trinity- Conn are really struggling. They need to sack that keeper and give someone else a shot. He has basically lost them 3 games this year. They still have some good talent even with all the injuries. Trinity will have some tired legs but Pilger substitutes freely and does have better depth than Conn. Complete toss up but I say Conn 2-1

Bowdoin at Colby- Does Bowdoin have injuries or was he really resting all those players against Babson. If he was resting them then why even play Babson at all? If they are injured than Bowdoin is screwed. Diaz Costa I like but I do not see much else on this side. Colby as we have said over and over is organized defensively but still anemic up front. Bowdoin is basically locked in the #6 seed. I say Bowdoin 1-0

Hamilton at Tufts- This will be my upset special. If anyone watched the Hamilton v Oneonta st game you would be hard pressed to not think Hamilton wasnt the #4 team in the country. They outplayed Oneonta in every facet and had about 5 golden chances to score but the keeper made some incredible saves for Oneonta. I was really unimpressed with Oneonta after that effort. They are not a final 4 team unless that keeper plays out of his mind like that every game. Hamilton will score and Tufts short field might help them. Hamilton needs a sharp and focused keeper and they can get a result here. 1-0 Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2014, 01:44:46 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 24, 2014, 01:37:51 PM
The cards counting from a suspended game make sense when you think about it from pov of a red card.  In other words, should a player not be accountable for a red card able offense just because game is suspended?

Yes....Should a player not have his goal taken away if a game is suspended. Either count the game or do not count the game. Not lets keep track of  this but not that
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 24, 2014, 03:39:00 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2014, 01:43:37 PM
Predictions:

Wes at Midd- Lets remember Wesleyan played a 60 minute game on Wednesday and a 90 minute game yesterday. They have a 4 1/2 - 5 hour bus ride today and then an 11am game tomorrow against Midd. Their goalie McConnell is out from the red card and they will be starting most likely a keeper that has never played before. Midd is coming off a humiliating loss to Castleton St (maybe for the first time ever) and will be extra jacked. Home playoff game on the line. You are correct this game will be artery clogged in the midfield with few shots for either side but Midd prevails. 2-0 Midd

Williams at Bates- I cannot agree with any of you that Bates gets a result here. Williams is down but not that down. Bates has played better of late, i'll give you that but they do not have the talent to match Williams. Williams only issue will be can they finish the numerous chances they get? Williams is also 1-4-0 on the road which is cause for concern. I do not think Williams has lost to Bates since the mid 90's and it will not happen here. 2-0 Williams

Conn at Trinity- Conn are really struggling. They need to sack that keeper and give someone else a shot. He has basically lost them 3 games this year. They still have some good talent even with all the injuries. Trinity will have some tired legs but Pilger substitutes freely and does have better depth than Conn. Complete toss up but I say Conn 2-1

Bowdoin at Colby- Does Bowdoin have injuries or was he really resting all those players against Babson. If he was resting them then why even play Babson at all? If they are injured than Bowdoin is screwed. Diaz Costa I like but I do not see much else on this side. Colby as we have said over and over is organized defensively but still anemic up front. Bowdoin is basically locked in the #6 seed. I say Bowdoin 1-0

Hamilton at Tufts- This will be my upset special. If anyone watched the Hamilton v Oneonta st game you would be hard pressed to not think Hamilton wasnt the #4 team in the country. They outplayed Oneonta in every facet and had about 5 golden chances to score but the keeper made some incredible saves for Oneonta. I was really unimpressed with Oneonta after that effort. They are not a final 4 team unless that keeper plays out of his mind like that every game. Hamilton will score and Tufts short field might help them. Hamilton needs a sharp and focused keeper and they can get a result here. 1-0 Hamilton

Mr Right I hope you are right (this time I had to say it) regarding Conn vs Trinity...Conn has to get a W on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 24, 2014, 06:02:36 PM
Quote from: Alo35 on October 23, 2014, 11:38:26 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 23, 2014, 09:24:35 PM
For what it's worth, if you take the NE data sheet and simply multiply the winning % by the SOS and sort the result, here would be the standings (actual ranking in parentheses):

1. Brandeis (1)
2. Coast Guard (2)
3. Amherst (4)
4. Wheaton (5)
5. Tufts (3)
6. Gordon (8)
7. Babson (6)
8. Wesleyan (7)
9. WPI (11)
10. Middlebury (9)
11. Nichols
12. Eastern CT St
13. UMass-Boston
14. U of NE
15. Johnson & Wales
16. Williams (10)
17. Bowdoin
23. Trinity

The only teams actually ranked higher than this simple projection (Tufts, Babson, Wesleyan, Williams) are coincidentally the teams with SOS over .600.   A strong SOS seems to be rewarded as opposed to a weak SOS being penalized.

Since it is getting closer and closer to Conference and NCAA tournament time I thought it would be very interesting to see how these teams rank in goals against average and save percentage for their GK's. As I have seen over the past couple of years a lot of close NCAA tournament games have been lost by dumb GK mistakes that cost their teams their entire season. In the close games I am a firm believer that the team with the better defense almost always win. Anyway for time management I am just going to be looking at the top 15 teams that you have listed. I do acknowledge that the goals against stat might be flawed a little since that is also partially determined by who a team plays. But just for good fun here it goes

Ranks for Goals Against Average:
1. Brandeis .26
2. WPI .33
3. Coast Guard .39
4. Tufts .44
5. Eastern Conn .51
6. Amherst .59
7. Midd .65
8. Nichols .73
9. Wheaton .75
    Johnson and Wales .75
    Gordon .75
12. Wesleyan .77
13. UNE .89
14. Babson 1.13
15. Umass Boston 1.33

Ranks for Save percentage (For teams who split keepers equally I did an average between the two keepers. For teams that have one main keeper I took the main keepers average.... not going to post names of the keepers):
1. Coast Guard .909
2. Eastern Conn .899
3. Brandeis .897
4. UNE .890
5. WPI .886
6. JWU .850
7. Wesleyan .833
8. Gordon .830
    Midd .830
10. Amherst .826
11. Nichols .825
12. Wheaton .824
13. Tufts .800
14. Babson .776
15. Umass Boston .750



Take what you want from this but I feel as though this shows how strong MOST of the top teams in New England are to score on. I just thought it would be some interesting stats to throw out there
Alo35,
Nice job putting together these stats, looks like we have quite a few excellent keepers in NE, +k.  BTW to edit go to upper right hand corner at top of your original post and click on the 'modify" icon.  This will bring the post back for you to edit/modify.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2014, 09:32:47 PM
Amherst v Mount Saint Mary- 2-2 Final score. A game filled with deflection goals, 2:1 Fouls to shots, red cards, hard fouls, last second goals. Amherst soccer in a nut shell. Luckily Amherst scored with 49 seconds left or this could have been a disaster. This result will not hurt them but Amherst needs to wake up a bit here as they are starting to look beatable. Not since 2009 and 2010 has Amherst looked this vulnerable. Amherst was struggling to score to start the year but recently have been struggling defensively and giving up goals. Bull has not been his usually stellar self this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 24, 2014, 10:06:47 PM
Mr.Right, you've indicated you're not too impressed with some of the teams that have been highly ranked.  Who do you think are the top 5-6 teams after Messiah? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2014, 08:57:34 AM
Honestly I am not sure because I have not seen some of the top teams play yet. I liked Trinity(TX) the one game I saw them but they are a crap shoot in the NCAA's. I have not seen any teams out west. I wish we could go back a decade or two when the west had some power house teams. UC San Diego in the late 80's thru the mid 90's before they went D2 was a legit D3 team molded like a D1 team. Redlands and UC Santa Cruz in the early 2000's were legit teams. Just recently the west has dropped off significantly and I would like to know why.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2014, 09:03:06 AM
Sorry I went off topic and forgot to respond to the question. The teams I have seen are very good top 25 teams but in my opinion are not Final 4 material. Kenyon seem stout defensively but lack any scoring punch. They would be a top 4 team in Nescac but that is it.  They are perfect for Nescac.  New England players, lack of scoring punch, physical in the back, good GK. They would help Nescac as well as they do try to play futbol but lack a striker who can finish against good teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2014, 09:13:26 AM
I guess it is frustrating because Messiah is so much better than the lot. Parity is king right now and anyone can be beaten in the NCAA's. I still like Trinty(TX), Loras, Kenyon, F&M, Tufts. Loras is still there because I like their team speed and toughness and willingness to battle for 90 minutes. They are very tough to play against. The others I threw in there but could all be beaten at any time. Oneonta, Brandeis, St.Lawrence are teams I have seen that are not quite up to snuff. SLU to many injuries and Brandeis will lose a couple more games with 3 remaining on the road. To me everyone says Nescac is down this year, and it is but the UAA is also down and those teams are beating each other up. How Rochester gets regionally ranked over and over bothers me. Coach Apple must present great arguments for his side before he steps out of the room when his team is being considered. Emory 1-3-0 in the league and gets regionally ranked despite a weak southern schedule. I saw Loras play Chicago and Chicago was getting man handled in that particular game. I liked Carneige Mellon and I thought they were the better team vs Brandeis. Have not seen Case Western but they have some impressive results. NYU I saw play Emory and was not impressed by either team. If only NYU went out and stuck their nuts out and played one of the many decent teams right near them, I would start giving them some credit. The way the coach schedules his out of conference schedule is ridiculous. 11-3-0 means nothing to me when you are playing the CC of NY schools and the skyline conference every game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2014, 09:38:55 AM
I basically agree with you.  In my view there are probably 12-15 teams that could take turns being the next 5 after Messiah.  Trinity is one of the best of the bunch.  Loras is certainly battle tested and the experience/tradition of advancing far is invaluable.  I am intrigued by F&M because they really have not had a stumble with a very good schedule, but I can't completely erase from my mind how Messiah blitzed them last year in the Elite 8 (and they also lost supposedly their best player).  Calvin for me suddenly is a little overrated and Wheaton (Ill) is as good as anybody.  I think Brandeis and Kenyon are very similar insofar as being in the same boat....that is, very good teams but many have doubts, and lately Kenyon has provided a little more reason for doubt than the Judges.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 25, 2014, 10:03:06 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2014, 09:13:26 AM
To me everyone says Nescac is down this year, and it is

That wasn't really so hard, was it?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2014, 10:05:32 AM
You are taking my quote out of context...typical right wing shenanigans.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 25, 2014, 10:33:41 AM
Spin away Mr. Right.  Or, you can always go back and edit that post to remove your admission.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 25, 2014, 10:39:16 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2014, 09:13:26 AM
I guess it is frustrating because Messiah is so much better than the lot. Parity is king right now and anyone can be beaten in the NCAA's. I still like Trinty(TX), Loras, Kenyon, F&M, Tufts. Loras is still there because I like their team speed and toughness and willingness to battle for 90 minutes. They are very tough to play against. The others I threw in there but could all be beaten at any time. Oneonta, Brandeis, St.Lawrence are teams I have seen that are not quite up to snuff. SLU to many injuries and Brandeis will lose a couple more games with 3 remaining on the road. To me everyone says Nescac is down this year, and it is but the UAA is also down and those teams are beating each other up. How Rochester gets regionally ranked over and over bothers me. Coach Apple must present great arguments for his side before he steps out of the room when his team is being considered. Emory 1-3-0 in the league and gets regionally ranked despite a weak southern schedule. I saw Loras play Chicago and Chicago was getting man handled in that particular game. I liked Carneige Mellon and I thought they were the better team vs Brandeis. Have not seen Case Western but they have some impressive results. NYU I saw play Emory and was not impressed by either team. If only NYU went out and stuck their nuts out and played one of the many decent teams right near them, I would start giving them some credit. The way the coach schedules his out of conference schedule is ridiculous. 11-3-0 means nothing to me when you are playing the CC of NY schools and the skyline conference every game.

I aim to please, so here is your statement IN context.  Enjoy the games today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 25, 2014, 11:03:28 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2014, 10:05:32 AM
You are taking my quote out of context...typical right wing shenanigans.

Does thus mean "Mr. Right" isn't a political refererence? Haha
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2014, 01:01:00 PM
Midd beats Wesleyan 2-1 in a very entertaining match. I thought the game would be clogged in the midfield but it was the exact opposite as both sides had numerous chances to score. I would say the wind was a factor as both teams had an advantage withe wind at their backs each half. The difference was a superb game from Greg Conrad. A hat trick on the day and he looked like a nescac POY today. His 2nd goal was pure magic with a deft touch up with his back to goal an excellent flick over the goalies head. Wesleyan missed McConnell as his replacement was a bit shaky. Wesleyan did have plenty of chances to tie the game at the end but Midd held on for the victory. Great Nescac game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 25, 2014, 01:25:29 PM
Mr. Right- shame on you for not watching until the final whistle! Midd wins 3-1, and Conrad ends up with a hat trick. With Wes pressing, a bad clearance/pass by the keeper, leads to a poor attempt at another clearance near midfield. The ball bounces around among two Midd and two Wes players, and I believe a Midd player poked it through to Conrad, who had been watching the scrum from the wing, resulting in a breakaway out of absolutely nothing. Conrad one touches as a defender begins to close him own, and he rips a shot from just outside the 18 for his 3rd of the game. An excellent finish.

Sadly, 3-1 doesn't reflect how good a game it was. Really could have gone either way- both teams played hard and even for the full 90. Open, free, exciting match- the way NESCAC should be!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2014, 01:34:21 PM
I did watch to the final whistle. I misprinted the score. I correctly predicted Midd's win and if you had read my post I said Conrad got a hat trick.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 25, 2014, 02:13:25 PM
Just started watching Williams vs. Bates. 1-1 less than 10 minutes in. No live stats—just video; did anyone see which players got the goals (and when)?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 25, 2014, 02:49:25 PM
Announcer on the Tufts webcast just said defender Monil Patel injured his ankle in practice and is not playing today. Can anyone with Tufts ties on here confirm? Hope it's nothing serious. He's fun to watch
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 25, 2014, 03:03:33 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 25, 2014, 02:49:25 PM
Announcer on the Tufts webcast just said defender Monil Patel injured his ankle in practice and is not playing today. Can anyone with Tufts ties on here confirm? Hope it's nothing serious. He's fun to watch

Just talked to a Tufts parent at the game and the Patel injury happened yesterday in practice. Not sure how long he'll be out for.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 25, 2014, 03:27:01 PM
It's Senior Day at Tufts and all seniors started. The game started slow without much rythym but Tufts started to take over about half way through the first half having several corners.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 25, 2014, 04:27:43 PM
Kayne to Santos... 2-0 final
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 25, 2014, 04:55:57 PM
Current Playoff Picture

1.  23pts    9gp  7-0-2  Tufts                 (at Bowdoin)
2.  20pts    9gp  6-1-2  Amherst            (home Trinity)
3.  18pts  10gp  5-2-3  Middlebury         done
4.  16pts    9gp  5-3-1  Williams            (at Hamilton)
5.  15pts    9gp  5-4-0  Wesleyan          (home Conn College)
6.  12pts    9gp  4-5-0  Bowdoin            (home Tufts)
7.  10pts    9gp  3-5-1  Conn College     (at Wesleyan)
8.    8pts    9gp  2-5-2  Trinity               (at Amherst)

9.    8pts    9gp  2-5-2  Colby                (at Bates)
10.  7pts    9gp  2-6-1  Bates                (home Colby)
11.  5pts.   9gp  1-6-2  Hamilton            (home Williams)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2014, 05:00:22 PM
Hamilton is the only team officially eliminated
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 25, 2014, 05:31:47 PM
Why is Trinity ahead of Colby?  Is it because of the head to head matchup?  Colby has a better goal differential. I do not know how the tie breaker works.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 25, 2014, 05:42:43 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 25, 2014, 05:31:47 PM
Why is Trinity ahead of Colby?  Is it because of the head to head matchup?  Colby has a better goal differential. I do not know how the tie breaker works.

Yes first tie breaker is head to head Trinity beat Colby. It's the snapshot at this moment ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2014, 06:58:43 PM
Well next week's regional rankings seem even more unpredictable after this weekends upsets and losses, ties by the ranked teams. ECONN at Babson tomorrow is the only match up left with implications before the next ranking comes out. I do not see many teams behind the first 11 that could crack the rankings. The only possible team could be UMASS Boston but I do not think their SOS is good enough. They do play at Plymouth State tomorrow which should drop that SOS even more.

1. Brandeis- idle and sitting pretty for now.
2. Tufts- keep winning and #2 will be theirs. Win over Hamilton solidifies #2.
3. Wheaton- tie vs Coast Guard could be enough to move up to #3 but not sure about #3-#5. Complete toss up.
4. Amherst- tie vs Mount Saint Mary is disappointing but I do not think they drop significantly.
5. Coast Guard- Ties vs ECONN and Wheaton. Teams usually will not drop from #2 to #5 as you could flip flop them and Amherst.

Those will be your top 5 teams, however the order could change. The big question mark is what happens #6-#11. Everyone except WPI lost or tied and some had multiple losses.

6. WPI- I think with the win over Babson they could realistically jump to #6 as there SOS will improve and record vs ranked gets a lone victory.
7. Babson- This is temporary as they lost to WPI and if they lose or tie ECONN tomorrow they might drop to #10 or #11. A loss and they will disappear.
8. Midd- Loss to Castleton was bad but they did beat Wesleyan and stand at 8-3-3 with a decent SOS and some respectable results against some top teams.
9. Williams- Tied Bates. They could flip flop back with Gordon but they both tied.
10. Gordon- Tied Salve Regina.
11. Wesleyan-With two losses to Midd and Trinity they very well could be gone but the issue is I have no one else that deserves this spot.

Others:
Trinity had a shot but lost to Conn.
ECONN has a bad SOS but had they beaten UMASS Dartmouth they could have snuck in. They lost.
Nichols just has a horrible SOS and with a win over Eastern Nazarene that will drop more.
UMASS Boston- has a very unlikely shot but you never know.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 27, 2014, 12:03:00 PM
I agree with your predictions, Mr. Right. Additionally, I remember you mentioning that Conrad looked like NESCAC POY on Saturday for Midd, and I have to agree. He was sensational! I'm very interested to see how the middle of the pack- Midd, Wesleyan, and Williams- plays out in the NESCAC tournament. Could see any of them reaching the finals if they play like we know they can.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 27, 2014, 01:31:45 PM
I attended the Bates v Williams game on Saturday.

Horrible start for Bates with Williams netting around 20 seconds in and the thought of Williams cruising to an easy win crossed my mind and I imagine many others.  Goal was right wing cross missing everybody and being finished by Conder at the back post, good finish.

Bates responded very well and equalized through freshman midfielder Merchant.  Cross from Pereira (who is now back playing well for those who mentioned his name earlier in season), half clearance and Merchant volleyed home.  Bates then hit the crossbar (goal line scramble so not sure which player) in the dying minutes of first half.

Best chances in second half were two that Grady just could not get on the end of, then Knoth was clean through on goal but denied with a great save in first minute of OT.

Enjoyable game.  Looking forward to Wednesday, with #1 seed, home field game and seed #7 and #8 all on the line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 27, 2014, 01:33:15 PM
Also, huge props to oldonionbag on nailing three perfect score predictions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 27, 2014, 02:38:50 PM
Good analysis, MENESCAC. I heard Knoth had a chance in the OT- very surprised he didn't put it away. Sounds like it was a great play by the keeper, who's received his fair share of criticism on this board. Good for him.

Thanks for the praise, too...although, I was quite off on the Conn and the Williams games. Here's hoping for a perfect prediction score this week!

Also, (and alas it might be too late for this year), but keeping a running record of our picks each week would be a fun little game to play, much like the NFL pregame shows do. Each week we could have our own standings update. Is Mr. Right always right? Or does the oldonionbag peel back some layers to get his predictive juices flowing? 8-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2014, 02:43:18 PM
Lets not forget Tom Young in the OT or 2nd half I cannot remember had a golden chance but he hit it just wide. Williams is a different team at home than on the road this year. Home 6-1-1 and usually come out gangbusters. On the road 1-4-1 and usually come out as flat and uninterested as can be.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 27, 2014, 03:03:00 PM
Usually, Williams really starts to gel towards the end of the season..right about this time.  If they do, will it be enough to make the NCAA's?  The coach really seems to get them to play well at the end of the year......Posters have mentioned the offense of Tufts this year, but they have only let in 4 goals all year. The center backs have been mentioned here but it should be noted that the midfield presses very well and comes up with many steals.  Given this, Bowdoin plays very well at home so it should be a good game on Wednesday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2014, 03:08:50 PM
Some things to ponder for Wednesday's predictions:

Amherst v Trinity- Since 2007 when Serpone arrived at Amherst he has absolutely dominated Trinity. I believe 9-0-0 including playoff games. Amherst has been coming off a disappointing week should be fired up but they are basically stuck in the #2 spot because even if Tufts loses to Bowdoin they would win the tie breaker based on records vs top 4 teams. Trinity is predictably inconsistent, as ever since Pilger took over in 2003 they have been like this. If Trinity bogs down and protects its semi decent GK they could get a result. The great thing about Trinity is they never sit 10 deep even if they are the weaker team they will try to play with you. Trinity must win to get in tournament but they will come up short here.Amherst 2-0

Bates v Colby- Very important game for both teams. Colby could possibly sneak into #8 with a draw but Bates needs to win this. Colby would be eliminated if Trinity can get a draw though. This will be an interesting game to watch how each coach plays his cards. Do they sit back and counter or does Colby sit back the first half and then come at t hem the 2nd. Seabrook is ultra conservative with this bunch but might be forced to come out and try to attack from the get go. Bates will not sit deep and really have not done so this year when I have watched. 1-1

Hamilton v Williams- Hamilton already is eliminated. Williams have been consistently flat on the road. Williams desperately wants to win and get that #3 seed. Hamilton's keeper has killed them all year but Hamilton is more physical than Williams and could contain them that way. Tough one to call but I say 1-1

Wesleyan v Conn- Conn still needs to win to make sure they get in and also they could possibly jump to the #6 seed which would behove them to face Williams instead of Amherst. However, Conn has had success against Serpone in the past and a Conn v Amherst first round game would be an absolute blood bath. Wesleyan needs to get on track but I feel they are basically locked into the #5 seed as I do not see them beating Conn. Conn 1-0

Bowdoin v Tufts- If Tufts wins this game they could lose in the 1st round and still get into the NCAA's. Bowdoin has been hit with a severe injury bug and I am not sure the status of the injured players but 7 total shots against Colby is not good. Tufts also would like some revenge against Bowdoin as they knocked them out last year and ended their season. 1-0 Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 27, 2014, 03:25:23 PM
Colby would not be eliminated by Trinity draw with Amherst; it would only mean they need a win against Bates to get in.  A Trinity loss and Colby tie also gets Colby in.  Colby could also jump to 7 with Conn loss, Trinity loss or tie, and Colby win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 27, 2014, 03:43:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 27, 2014, 03:08:50 PM
Some things to ponder for Wednesday's predictions:

Amherst v Trinity- Since 2007 when Serpone arrived at Amherst he has absolutely dominated Trinity. I believe 9-0-0 including playoff games. Amherst has been coming off a disappointing week should be fired up but they are basically stuck in the #2 spot because even if Tufts loses to Bowdoin they would win the tie breaker based on records vs top 4 teams. Trinity is predictably inconsistent, as ever since Pilger took over in 2003 they have been like this. If Trinity bogs down and protects its semi decent GK they could get a result. The great thing about Trinity is they never sit 10 deep even if they are the weaker team they will try to play with you. Trinity must win to get in tournament but they will come up short here.Amherst 2-0

Bates v Colby- Very important game for both teams. Colby could possibly sneak into #8 with a draw but Bates needs to win this. Colby would be eliminated if Trinity can get a draw though. This will be an interesting game to watch how each coach plays his cards. Do they sit back and counter or does Colby sit back the first half and then come at t hem the 2nd. Seabrook is ultra conservative with this bunch but might be forced to come out and try to attack from the get go. Bates will not sit deep and really have not done so this year when I have watched. 1-1

Hamilton v Williams- Hamilton already is eliminated. Williams have been consistently flat on the road. Williams desperately wants to win and get that #3 seed. Hamilton's keeper has killed them all year but Hamilton is more physical than Williams and could contain them that way. Tough one to call but I say 1-1

Wesleyan v Conn- Conn still needs to win to make sure they get in and also they could possibly jump to the #6 seed which would behove them to face Williams instead of Amherst. However, Conn has had success against Serpone in the past and a Conn v Amherst first round game would be an absolute blood bath. Wesleyan needs to get on track but I feel they are basically locked into the #5 seed as I do not see them beating Conn. Conn 1-0

Bowdoin v Tufts- If Tufts wins this game they could lose in the 1st round and still get into the NCAA's. Bowdoin has been hit with a severe injury bug and I am not sure the status of the injured players but 7 total shots against Colby is not good. Tufts also would like some revenge against Bowdoin as they knocked them out last year and ended their season. 1-0 Tufts


Spot on for Amherst vs Trinity---Amherst is the pick...I can't see Trinity beating Amherst.  Trinity looked exhausted playing Conn on Saturday and although the stats don't show it Conn out played them.  You are correct Trinity wants to attack, attack, attack and that is what gets them into trouble.

Bates vs Colby---if Bates wins they can move into 7th place with a Conn loss or tie.  Although I like the Colby team and their grit I believe Bates has 2 or 3 players who can make a difference....I think Bates wins this.

Wesleyan vs Conn---on paper this is a good game as they match up well and both want to play possession soccer....however Conn suffered another injury vs Trinity as Patch was taken from the field (early in the game) and looked concussed and would appear to be doubtful for Wednesday.  Losing Patch would be another big blow for Conn after already losing their best defender Punt.  Conn recovered vs Trinity but it will take a huge effort to get a result vs Wesleyan as this severely weakens Conn's middle (assuming Patch doesn't play on Weds).  Would like to think Conn could, but I am doubtful....I think a draw is the outcome.  Which coupled with a Bates win would leave Conn in the 8th spot
and a trip to Medford.

Tufts vs Bowdoin---Tufts wins going away...they want the league title without any League L--Tufts is the pick.

Williams vs Hamilton---Williams somehow finds a way to play well on the road and gets the W at Hamilton for Coach Russo.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2014, 04:00:20 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 27, 2014, 03:25:23 PM
Colby would not be eliminated by Trinity draw with Amherst; it would only mean they need a win against Bates to get in.  A Trinity loss and Colby tie also gets Colby in.  Colby could also jump to 7 with Conn loss, Trinity loss or tie, and Colby win.

I made that clear in my post....Colby losses the head to head with Trinity, SO IF COLBY AND TRINITY DRAW THEY ARE OUT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 27, 2014, 04:17:06 PM
Here's how I see it ... please feel free to correct or add info:
From the bottom up:

Hamilton = eliminated

Bates = In with a win and Trinity loss/tie or Conn College loss.

Colby = In with a win and Trinity loss/tie or
In with a tie and a Trinity loss

Trinity = In with a win or
In with a tie and a Bates/Colby tie

Conn College = In with a win or
In with a loss/tie and a Trinity loss/tie or
In with a loss/tie and a Bates loss/tie

Bowdoin = already in will be #6 or #7 seed

Wesleyan = already in will be #4, #5 or #6 seed

Williams = already in will be #3, #4 or #5 seed

Middlebury = already in will be #3 or #4 seed

Amherst = already in will be #1 or #2 seed

Tufts = already in will be #1 or #2 seed

I'm not sure Amherst in officially stuck at #2 ... but it sure would take going quite deep into the tie-breaker rules to push them to #1. Don't think Tufts would own tie-breaker vs top-4 if Williams ends up #4 instead of Wesleyan.  But my head is spinning with all the permutations ...


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 27, 2014, 04:20:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 27, 2014, 04:00:20 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 27, 2014, 03:25:23 PM
Colby would not be eliminated by Trinity draw with Amherst; it would only mean they need a win against Bates to get in.  A Trinity loss and Colby tie also gets Colby in.  Colby could also jump to 7 with Conn loss, Trinity loss or tie, and Colby win.

I made that clear in my post....Colby losses the head to head with Trinity, SO IF COLBY AND TRINITY DRAW THEY ARE OUT.

Actually you didn't.  What you said was this: "Colby would be eliminated if Trinity can get a draw..."    That would imply that Colby is out if Trinity draws, which is not true.  Your follow up of: "Colby losses the head to head with Trinity, SO IF COLBY AND TRINITY DRAW THEY ARE OUT." is quite clear, as well as accurate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2014, 04:26:08 PM
You are not reading my post correctly as I was saying either way Colby needs a result and cannot rely on Trinity losing to Amherst. However, I just remembered that Colby v Bates is being played at 8pm as they will already know the Amherst v Trinity result which in my opinion is not fair. Bates has every right to play their mid week games on turf as long as the opposing coach approves but Nescac should step in on this in the future and mandate all games on the final day in conference be played at relatively the same time give or take a half an hour.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 27, 2014, 04:31:01 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 27, 2014, 04:26:08 PM
You are not reading my post correctly as I was saying either way Colby needs a result and cannot rely on Trinity losing to Amherst. However, I just remembered that Colby v Bates is being played at 8pm as they will already know the Amherst v Trinity result which in my opinion is not fair. Bates has every right to play their mid week games on turf as long as the opposing coach approves but Nescac should step in on this in the future and mandate all games on the final day in conference be played at relatively the same time give or take a half an hour.

When one writes, it is the author's job to be clear.  Surely they taught you that at the fine academic  institution you attended. 
In my humble opinion, you were not.  At least one other agrees. ;-)

Enough on that ... no worries from my end.  Far be it for me to quibble with one with the name "Mr. Right". haha

But ... you are 100% Mr. Right on the Bates-Colby start time.  I was just composing a post about the 8pm start in Lewiston.  This is ridiculous and the NESCAC should step in and correct this.  There should never ever be a situation where games are played with playoff implications where both teams know the result needed.  Didn't the World Cup have this problem in the 70s and correct  it?  It's a joke.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 27, 2014, 06:01:29 PM
Then again, this isn't the World Cup  ;).  If the time has been the time for weeks, why should it be changed now?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2014, 06:48:39 PM
Not changed now but in the future the conference should make sure this does not happen again
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFollower on October 27, 2014, 08:19:42 PM
The NESCAC weekly release says that Tufts have clinched first place... Does anyone care to explain? If they lose and Amherst win they'll be equal on points. I was under the impression that the tie breakers were "Head to Head" then "Results against top 4" and "Results against top 8". If the top four are williams midd tufts and amherst, then wouldn't they be exactly tied for all of those criteria?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2014, 09:11:33 PM
Because of the 6th tiebreaker down...

Comparison of results of conference games played against conference teams in rank order.  Wesleyan will finish no lower than 5th. Bowdoin 6th. Therefore Tufts wins that battle. It does beat 2012 when Amherst and Williams tied every category for 1st place all the way down to a coin flip.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2014, 09:12:48 PM
Hey I wish Amherst would win that tiebreaker if I were any other team in the conference. Tufts field compares to a high school field or Wesleyan's field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFollower on October 27, 2014, 09:26:12 PM
Ah, thanks! I hadn't understood that it went in descending order like that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 27, 2014, 11:29:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 27, 2014, 09:12:48 PM
Hey I wish Amherst would win that tiebreaker if I were any other team in the conference. Tufts field compares to a high school field or Wesleyan's field.

I hear you Mr. Right, but it's good to see someone other than Amherst win once in awhile...lol...imho Tufts really deserved to win the conference this year...Oh, A.S. Roma used the Tufts field this summer as its practice field for its game at Fenway against Liverpool....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 28, 2014, 08:50:13 AM
Tie Breaking Procedures
Ties will be broken as follows:

Head-to-head result (if teams play each other more than once during the regular season, the game that appears on the league schedule will be the game that is counted).

If teams tied during the regular season, or there is a 3-way or more tie, the following tie breaking procedure will be used:

Best record among tying teams, against one another (head-to-head).
Best conference winning percentage.
Most conference wins (in games that are part of the conference schedule and count toward league standings).
Comparison of results of conference games played against top 4 teams (including all teams at the 4th spot).
Comparison of results of conference games played against top 8 teams (including all teams at the 8th spot).
Comparison of results of conference games played against conference teams in rank order.
Comparisons shall be made one team at a time starting with the highest ranked team.
If the tie remains after comparing results against the highest ranked team, the results against the next team in rank order shall be used. This process is continued until a winner is determined.
Coin flip (or similar random action involving all tied teams).
Note: In case of ties among three or more schools, the criteria above will be applied in order until a team is (or teams are) separated. At that point, the process begins anew (returning to the first criteria) with the remaining teams. The process is continued until the tie is eventually broken. In cases where only a random action will break the tie of three or more teams, the random action will be applied to all teams involved in the tie. For example, if three teams are tied and only a random action (pulling names out of a hat) will break the tie, each name will be pulled and seeded in order of being pulled. Also, in the event that there are two (or more) groups of teams tied at different spots in the standings and the only criteria left that can be used to break those ties is a coin flip/random action, the coin flip/random action used to break the tie of one group (to put teams in rank order) will not affect the tie breaking procedures of the other group(s) of tied teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 28, 2014, 09:08:38 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 27, 2014, 11:29:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 27, 2014, 09:12:48 PM
Hey I wish Amherst would win that tiebreaker if I were any other team in the conference. Tufts field compares to a high school field or Wesleyan's field.

I hear you Mr. Right, but it's good to see someone other than Amherst win once in awhile...lol...imho Tufts really deserved to win the conference this year...Oh, A.S. Roma used the Tufts field this summer as its practice field for its game at Fenway against Liverpool....

I was thinking the same thing Nutmeg. If it's good enough for one of the most storied clubs in European football to train on, I'd assume it's OK for a conference tournament game to be played on. However, it is hard to decide which is more impressive- winning the NESCAC or winning Serie A.  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 28, 2014, 09:09:37 AM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on October 28, 2014, 08:50:13 AM
Tie Breaking Procedures
Ties will be broken as follows:

Head-to-head result (if teams play each other more than once during the regular season, the game that appears on the league schedule will be the game that is counted).

If teams tied during the regular season, or there is a 3-way or more tie, the following tie breaking procedure will be used:

Best record among tying teams, against one another (head-to-head).
Best conference winning percentage.
Most conference wins (in games that are part of the conference schedule and count toward league standings).
Comparison of results of conference games played against top 4 teams (including all teams at the 4th spot).
Comparison of results of conference games played against top 8 teams (including all teams at the 8th spot).
Comparison of results of conference games played against conference teams in rank order.
Comparisons shall be made one team at a time starting with the highest ranked team.
If the tie remains after comparing results against the highest ranked team, the results against the next team in rank order shall be used. This process is continued until a winner is determined.
Coin flip (or similar random action involving all tied teams).
Note: In case of ties among three or more schools, the criteria above will be applied in order until a team is (or teams are) separated. At that point, the process begins anew (returning to the first criteria) with the remaining teams. The process is continued until the tie is eventually broken. In cases where only a random action will break the tie of three or more teams, the random action will be applied to all teams involved in the tie. For example, if three teams are tied and only a random action (pulling names out of a hat) will break the tie, each name will be pulled and seeded in order of being pulled. Also, in the event that there are two (or more) groups of teams tied at different spots in the standings and the only criteria left that can be used to break those ties is a coin flip/random action, the coin flip/random action used to break the tie of one group (to put teams in rank order) will not affect the tie breaking procedures of the other group(s) of tied teams.

Thank you for this- I always wondered how tiebreakers were decided!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2014, 09:22:09 AM
That really surprises me that AS Roma would train on that sh*t field. I know they are owned by a Boston guy and maybe he went to Tufts or lives near Somerville, who knows but the quality of that field is really poor. Like others there dimensions are narrow but the biggest problem is the bumpiness and uneven playing surface.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2014, 09:25:10 AM
On the other hand maybe AS Roma wanted to get used to the extremely narrow Fenway field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 28, 2014, 12:30:46 PM
field looks nice! maybe they've installed new sod?http://www.gotuftsjumbos.com/general_news/2014-15/roma
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 28, 2014, 03:13:07 PM
Hey Mr. Right or others...Someone mentioned that Tufts was the number one seed even if they lose tomorrow.  How does the NESCAC work...is the playoff champion the conference winner, or is the regular season winner the conference winner and the playoff tournament winner the tournament winner...in other words, are there 2 winners???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 28, 2014, 03:18:01 PM
@Brother Flounder

Quote from: oldonionbag on October 28, 2014, 09:09:37 AM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on October 28, 2014, 08:50:13 AM
Tie Breaking Procedures
Ties will be broken as follows:

Head-to-head result (if teams play each other more than once during the regular season, the game that appears on the league schedule will be the game that is counted).

If teams tied during the regular season, or there is a 3-way or more tie, the following tie breaking procedure will be used:

Best record among tying teams, against one another (head-to-head).
Best conference winning percentage.
Most conference wins (in games that are part of the conference schedule and count toward league standings).
Comparison of results of conference games played against top 4 teams (including all teams at the 4th spot).
Comparison of results of conference games played against top 8 teams (including all teams at the 8th spot).
Comparison of results of conference games played against conference teams in rank order.
Comparisons shall be made one team at a time starting with the highest ranked team.
If the tie remains after comparing results against the highest ranked team, the results against the next team in rank order shall be used. This process is continued until a winner is determined.
Coin flip (or similar random action involving all tied teams).
Note: In case of ties among three or more schools, the criteria above will be applied in order until a team is (or teams are) separated. At that point, the process begins anew (returning to the first criteria) with the remaining teams. The process is continued until the tie is eventually broken. In cases where only a random action will break the tie of three or more teams, the random action will be applied to all teams involved in the tie. For example, if three teams are tied and only a random action (pulling names out of a hat) will break the tie, each name will be pulled and seeded in order of being pulled. Also, in the event that there are two (or more) groups of teams tied at different spots in the standings and the only criteria left that can be used to break those ties is a coin flip/random action, the coin flip/random action used to break the tie of one group (to put teams in rank order) will not affect the tie breaking procedures of the other group(s) of tied teams.

Thank you for this- I always wondered how tiebreakers were decided!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 28, 2014, 03:20:07 PM
Thanks OnionBag.  I saw that post but I wan asking about the final results.  Is there a conference winner and a conference champion, or just the conference champion?  Thanks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEngland on October 28, 2014, 04:27:53 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 28, 2014, 03:20:07 PM
Thanks OnionBag.  I saw that post but I wan asking about the final results.  Is there a conference winner and a conference champion, or just the conference champion?  Thanks.

Only one winner, the tournament champion. No regular season champion.

"Football is the only sport that honors a NESCAC champion based on the final regular season conference standings. In all other sports that have conference standings, a regular season champion is not recognized."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 28, 2014, 04:28:49 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 28, 2014, 03:20:07 PM
Thanks OnionBag.  I saw that post but I wan asking about the final results.  Is there a conference winner and a conference champion, or just the conference champion?  Thanks.

It is my understanding that only the NESCAC tournament winner gets the automatic bid to the NCAAs and all other must rely on an at-large bid no matter they finish in the regular season standings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on October 29, 2014, 01:49:08 AM
Agree with previous posts on Bates v Colby time, although glad I will get to attend late game.

Interesting note though.  In NESCAC women's soccer all teams played today, but Bates and Colby will go tomorrow.  No idea why!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 29, 2014, 09:46:35 AM
Predictions for the day:

Trinity @ Amherst

This could be the first time in recent memory that Amherst are not nationally ranked or sit at the top of the NESCAC, and I think the tie with Mt. St. Mary's will have lit a fire under these guys (if Serpone hasn't already chewed them to pieces- I shudder to think what the bus ride back must've been like. Trinity has had their ups and downs all year- at teams seeming to be a composed and dangerous attacking group, while at others complacent and easy to pick apart. Although the Bantams will need at least a point in this game to have any hope of advancing to the playoffs, I do not see them beating an Amherst team coming off a stretch in which they have (by their standards) played poorly. Additionally, since this is at Amherst, Trinity will not have their "bros" in the stands to heckle the opponent. Some early fireworks here as both teams come into the game with a spark, but the Lord Jeffs take this one.

Trinity 1- 3 Amherst

Colby @ Bates

First, let me see that it is an atrocity that this game will not be played simultaneously with the others. It gives these two teams an incredibly unfair advantage to already know the results of the league, and I hope this will not happen again in the future, but I digress...

This is the CBB Rivalry at its best. Colby sit at 8 points, while Bates is just behind with 7. Both are fortunate that Trinity is playing Amherst (and that they will know the result before they take the field). Colby's defense has been organized all year, and I believe that they will sit in for this game and challenge the Bates offense to beat them. I really don't know what to think of Bates, but I have grown to love the unpredictability of them. I can recall a month ago when people on this board were questioning if they'd win a game this year...now they're playing for a spot in the conference tournament! It's stuff like that that makes the NESCAC better than any other league in the country. As such, I'm picking the Bobcats to finish their improbable run with a victory, and secure a spot in the playoffs (if Conn loses and Bates wins, then Bates will actually secure the 7th spot as they beat Conn head to head). I expect a tense and torrid affair- bodies will be falling faster than the leaves and emotions will be running higher than the gametime temperature. A thriller on a crisp Autumnal night in Lewiston!

Colby 1- 2 Bates 2OT

Conn @ Wesleyan

Middling Conn would seem to be without a couple of its best players, and Wesleyan is coming off a disappointing week after losses to Trinity and Middlebury saw them drop from third in the table to fifth. Wesleyan has a decent amount of fan support in games that matter (though this is midweek), and I think being at home helps here. Conn are lucky, in my opinion, to be in the most comfortable position of all the bubble teams, sitting in 8th with 10 points. Though it's not have a far trip to make, I don't feel as though they will threaten Wesleyan here. Wes needs a win to have a shot at a home game, as I would not want to travel to Williamstown for the quarterfinals. I also think the youngster Cowie-Haskell gets another here, and Wesleyan goes into the playoffs with some confidence.

Conn 0 - 1 Wesleyan

Tufts @ Bowdoin

Tufts has secured the #1 seed, but I don't think that will make them complacent. I still think this is a loaded team with a lot of depth and a lot to prove to the region and to the nation. Bowdoin knocked them out of the NESCACs last year in PKs, in a game in which I felt Tufts was destined to win (they scored in the last minute of regulation to tie it up). Losing hurts, but losing in PKs with momentum on your side hurts even more. I expect them to come out hungry. Bowdoin, as I mentioned last week, as been a bit anemic of late, and 10 of their 11 goals allowed have been in conference play this year. Tufts comes out fired up, and finish the regular season undefeated in conference play.

Tufts 2 - 0 Bowdoin

Williams @ Hamilton

With nothing left to play for except for pride, Hamilton faces a Williams squad that not only has a home quarterfinal to play for, but their coach's legacy as well. I think Hamilton comes out determined- they played well against Tufts for periods last week, (if they weren't desperately pressing in the final minutes, would not have given up the breakaway goal to Santos in the 89th to make it 2-0). I also think Williams comes out determined, and relatively fresher than most teams who have had to travel to Hamilton, as they are the closest school geographically and don't have to spend as long a time on a bus.This will be a fun game to watch, in my opinion, but I think the Ephs win this one for Russo, despite the Continentals valiant effort.

Williams 2 - 1 Hamilton OT

Midd @ Plymouth State

Don't really know much about Plymouth State, but I do know quite a bit after watching Middlebury last week. When they play well, they are DANGEROUS. I expect them to win an out of conference game such as this. If they want any shot of an at-large bid from the committee for the NCAAs, they have to win these types of games handily...which they will. Although their final position in the NESCAC is out of their control, they still want to go into the playoffs with confidence.

Midd 3 - 0 Plymouth State

What a wild Wednesday we have!

If my predictions are right, the standings will look like this heading into the playoffs:

Tufts
Amherst
Williams
Middlebury
Wesleyan
Bowdoin
Bates
Conn

Eliminated: Hamilton, Colby, Trinity
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2014, 10:23:34 AM
Sorry, but could not disagree more with the uproar over the time of Colby v Bates.  It's not a playoff game.  It's a regular season match.

I checked just two other conferences.

In the Centennial on the final regular season day, F&M plays Dickinson at 4:30, Haverford plays Swat at 7:00, and Muhlenberg plays at 6.

In the NCAC, Kenyon plays Oberlin at 3:30, OWU plays at 7:30, and Wabash plays at 5:00.

Now the Colby vs Bates clash is the key variable in the whole regular season of the NESCAC?  And does anyone really think either team is going to play much differently because of the outcome of Trinity vs Amherst (which, come on, we know what the result is going to be most likely to 90% certainty?  It's a rivalry game for two teams who even if they do qualify for the tournament aren't going very far.  They both will try to win.  And would Trinity play Amherst differently if all the games were at the same time?  Maybe it's preferable for conferences to have all games on the final day at the same time, but come on, this isn't the AFC East in the NFL.  It's D3 soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 29, 2014, 11:02:51 AM
NCAC- As someone who I'm assuming played soccer, you have to know it completely changes the way teams play the game. It's the difference between playing not to lose and playing to win.

Look- if Trinity loses, then all Colby has to do is tie. They can play WAY more defensively than they would otherwise: they can dribble the ball into the corner as many times as possible, they can take a few yellows for time-wasting, they can pass it around in the back for long periods of time. However, if Trinity wins, the entire game is changed. Colby will play high-pressure, high intensity soccer, knowing they need to win to secure a playoff spot. Wouldn't it be better if all games were played at the same time so as not to allow one team an unfair advantage of setting a more specialized line-up, or selecting tactics that otherwise would not be selected? It not only changes the way Colby will play the game, but it will thus affect the way Bates must respond, as well. I get the argument that, "the true test of a team is to see how good they are by adapting their game", but come on. Imagine knowing you had the final playoff spot in your back pocket if you can manage a tie, as opposed to not knowing if a tie or a win allows you to progress?!

In addition to tactics, your individual and team psyche DOES change. The reason the Champions League, Euro, World Cup, etc is structured the way it is is so that teams do not have the advantage of knowing what has happened in other games, and so must play their own game as they would have originally. Imagine if two years ago when Man City and Man U played their respective final games at the same time (and Aguero scored in the 93rd to win the title), if one of those games had been played earlier than the other...?

Yes both teams will most likely play to win, but the door could be left open for one of these teams to play to tie- a much easier and advantageous task.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2014, 01:27:32 PM
I guess I'm also objecting to the idea that there was some planned advantage.  That's why I posted the info on the other conferences to prove that the scheduling of the Colby vs Bates game is not some idiosyncratic outlier.

And I will challenge your reasoning.  IF the games were at the same time Colby would STILL play the same way, because they would go in presuming an Amherst win (if you buy the argument that they would base strategy on known or likely scenarios of other games).  Your suggestion is also faulty for another huge reason.  You can't just play for a draw and earn a draw.  It's one thing to play for a draw with 10 minutes left or once in OT but it would be a dangerous strategy to start the game that way.  What happens to that strategy when Bates scores in the first 5 minutes???

And playing at the same time doesn't completely eliminate any strategic gamesmanship.  Let's say they are playing at the same time and you know that in the first 20 minutes Amherst already is up 2-0?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 29, 2014, 01:29:30 PM
10/29 Regional Rankings:

   School   
1.   Brandeis   
2.   Coast Guard   
3.   Tufts   
4.   Wheaton (Mass.)   
5.   Amherst   
6.   Babson   
7.   Middlebury   
8.   WPI   
9.   Gordon   
10.   Williams   
11.   Eastern Connecticut   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 01:43:25 PM
Whoever said on this board that Williams is playing today for Russo's legacy almost made me pee myself. I am pretty sure his legacy is already set in stone, no matter the result today or if their season ends on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 01:46:52 PM
How does Coast Guard not drop to #3 or #4?
How does Tufts not get #2?
How does Babson sit idle at #6 after losing yet another game and to another ranked opponent which gives them a 1-4-0 record vs ranked. That bothers me.
How does Wesleyan drop out and Williams stay idle at #10 if they have the same record and Wesleyan has a better SOS. I get it Williams beat Wesleyan but they both should be there.
How is Gordon still relevant in this discussion?
What is ECONN doing in there?
Does this committee have any ability or are they allowed to think outside the box a bit?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 29, 2014, 02:09:47 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 01:43:25 PM
Whoever said on this board that Williams is playing today for Russo's legacy almost made me pee myself. I am pretty sure his legacy is already set in stone, no matter the result today or if their season ends on Saturday.

I did. By that I meant that this team doesn't want to be the team to let Russo down- in the last year of such a storied career- by limping to the postseason and struggling to progress past the first round of the NESCACs. To use another analogy that should help you from rushing to the bathroom...wouldn't it have been nice for Derek Jeter's last game to have taken place in the playoffs, where he belonged? Surely Williams players will be down if they don't make the NCAAs- not only down on themselves, but also down because they want Russo to have one more chance in the sun.

I'm glad you were able to control your bladder. :-*
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 02:14:06 PM
I guess understand your point better now with some more clarity. I said this on this board back in August that the 2014 Williams side has a couple bad seeds on that team. This coupled with losing their best player with an ACL and some highly touted frosh that have been really under performing will make for a very possible quick season. They do have the talent to beat anyone but they just do not have the confidence right now. I am actually interested in how they come out today against a Hamilton side that has nothing left to play for.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 29, 2014, 02:15:57 PM
Agreed. Such a shame Rashid is hurt. He's exactly what Williams needs come tournament time. I think it'll be a good game this afternoon against Hamilton, though.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 29, 2014, 02:17:25 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 01:46:52 PM
How does Coast Guard not drop to #3 or #4?
How does Tufts not get #2?
How does Babson sit idle at #6 after losing yet another game and to another ranked opponent which gives them a 1-4-0 record vs ranked. That bothers me.
How does Wesleyan drop out and Williams stay idle at #10 if they have the same record and Wesleyan has a better SOS. I get it Williams beat Wesleyan but they both should be there.
How is Gordon still relevant in this discussion?
What is ECONN doing in there?
Does this committee have any ability or are they allowed to think outside the box a bit?

Agree with all of these points^^

Looking at the other regional rankings, and seeing how d3 boards is BLOWING up with complaints from the other regions that I'm not intimately familiar with, it would seem as if the committees have some explaining to do across the board.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2014, 03:09:15 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 01:46:52 PM
How does Coast Guard not drop to #3 or #4?
How does Tufts not get #2?
How does Babson sit idle at #6 after losing yet another game and to another ranked opponent which gives them a 1-4-0 record vs ranked. That bothers me.
How does Wesleyan drop out and Williams stay idle at #10 if they have the same record and Wesleyan has a better SOS. I get it Williams beat Wesleyan but they both should be there.
How is Gordon still relevant in this discussion?
What is ECONN doing in there?
Does this committee have any ability or are they allowed to think outside the box a bit?

Totally Agree. Some coaches must be close to the Coast Guard coach...lol.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2014, 03:46:08 PM
Anyone who isn't watching this Bowdoin-Tufts game should be. Tufts up 1-0, but has hit the crossbar as well at 1-0. Bowdoin has had a PK saved and a shot cleared off the line. The only damper is the (I'm assuming) Tufts mother who has a really obnoxious and repetitive cheer that resembles an annoying bird.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2014, 03:48:11 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 29, 2014, 03:46:08 PM
Anyone who isn't watching this Bowdoin-Tufts game should be. Tufts up 1-0, but has hit the crossbar as well at 1-0. Bowdoin has had a PK saved and a shot cleared off the line. The only damper is the (I'm assuming) Tufts mother who has a really obnoxious and repetitive cheer that resembles an annoying bird.

I see that Tufts rested a couple of starters also.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2014, 03:50:34 PM
Oh, I have to say that The announcer is one of the better ones....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 29, 2014, 03:51:38 PM
Great game in Brunswick so far. About ten minutes in, Bowdoin's Charlier is put through alone on goal and makes a move to beat Greenwood, but doesn't put enough on it as its heading for goal and is cleared off the line by a Tufts defender.

A great free kick from Tufts Pinherio form 30 yards out causes trouble in the box, and D Sam Williams scissor kicks a bouncing ball (it was INCREDIBLY acrobatic) that strikes the cross bar and falls right onto the head of Kyle Volpe who puts it away to put Tufts up 1-0.

With about ten minutes left, a shot from Bowdoin hits a Tufts defender in the arm as he's sliding to block it- it seemed a bit controversial as I think it would've hit the defender's body anyway- and a PK is given. The shooter goes up the middle, and although Greenwood guesses to his left, he stretches his feet out to just barely make a phenomenal save as the ball goes over the bar and out.

Overall, Tufts has dominated possession. Their midfield plays beautiful soccer, but has fallen asleep at times today and has let Bowdoin get in their fair share of chances. Also, Kayne is out with a foot injury, but should be back by Saturday, according to the announcer. Might be just a  precaution to sit him out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2014, 03:53:33 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2014, 03:50:34 PM
Oh, I have to say that The announcer is one of the better ones....

Agreed. I'm talking about a background noise that I keep hearing that I heard at Saturday's game as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2014, 03:55:57 PM
Tufts just scored again on a laser by a sub.  I didn't recognize the name.  Yes, Patel and Kayne did not start.  Kayne is usually the attacking center mid and his sub scored the first goal. Maybe that is why you noticed the lack of aggressiveness....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 29, 2014, 03:56:44 PM
And no sooner did I post than a beauty is scored by youngster Gaston Bucherano for Tufts. Bucherano receives the ball on the left side and cuts towards the middle, finding a teammate (couldn't see who it was) who combines for a silky give and go, receiving it back at the top of the 18. He beats two defenders by himself and rifles a dipping shot from the 18 that bounces off the near post and in.

2-0 Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 29, 2014, 04:25:55 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 29, 2014, 03:46:08 PM
Anyone who isn't watching this Bowdoin-Tufts game should be. Tufts up 1-0, but has hit the crossbar as well at 1-0. Bowdoin has had a PK saved and a shot cleared off the line. The only damper is the (I'm assuming) Tufts mother who has a really obnoxious and repetitive cheer that resembles an annoying bird.

Too funny. When we had to listen to her for the entire game a few weeks ago, my wife said"please tell me she is the parent of a senior." :-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2014, 04:38:28 PM
Beautiful Bowdoin header goal by Nick DiStefano.... 2-1 Tufts....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacCaptain on October 29, 2014, 04:47:54 PM
After listening to it for 4 years and making sure to sit several sections away each game, I can confirm it is the parent of a senior.

2-2 all of a sudden. Great response from Bowdoin this half. Tufts did just hit the post as well in an attempt to regain the lead. Back and forth game now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2014, 04:48:59 PM
Note, that Tufts has several subs in the game.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2014, 04:49:45 PM
Quote from: CacCaptain on October 29, 2014, 04:47:54 PM
After listening to it for 4 years and making sure to sit several sections away each game, I can confirm it is the parent of a senior.

2-2 all of a sudden. Great response from Bowdoin this half. Tufts did just hit the post as well in an attempt to regain the lead. Back and forth game now.

Guess I shouldn't have gotten up to use the bathroom.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on October 29, 2014, 05:16:29 PM
Here's your lowlight of the game.  Should have been a red card and a potential game winning PK for Bowdoin.

http://instagram.com/p/uwEjgzpPg9/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2014, 05:19:26 PM
Wow, wonder if he connected?  Anyway, Tufts brought back some starters and seemed to dominate possession in the first overtime.  Let's see what happens...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2014, 05:31:16 PM
2-2 final.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 05:41:04 PM
Quote from: madzillagd on October 29, 2014, 05:16:29 PM
Here's your lowlight of the game.  Should have been a red card and a potential game winning PK for Bowdoin.

http://instagram.com/p/uwEjgzpPg9/


That was a horrendous play..Was that Hoppenot? He is known for losing his composure sometimes and you are correct that should have an immediate red card..Linesman was staring right at it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on October 29, 2014, 05:47:33 PM
no, was Kramer (CB). very very bad
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 05:53:57 PM
really?  Wow Kramer is usually pretty level headed. Kramer and big ole Sam Williams are two of the best CB's in the country in my opinion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on October 29, 2014, 05:55:00 PM
I would say Kramer (moreso than Hoppenot) has the tendency to lose his composure. Red card (2nd yellow) vs Amherst was a similar situation - he didn't instigate, but retaliated right in front of the linesman. agree his is a very very good CB otherwise
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2014, 05:55:24 PM
Unbelievable that he got away with that, and there's a history of bad acting there.  Classless.

Bad draw for Tufts.  Exactly what they did not need.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2014, 05:56:08 PM
Very overrated (the player I mean).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 05:57:13 PM
overrated? what are we talking about here?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 06:00:57 PM
Wow just saw the Amherst v Trinity box score. These teams have bad blood with each other but look at all those cards. Rico gets a red card and puts Amherst in a hole for the weekend. Anyone see this game? How did he get the red?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on October 29, 2014, 06:01:17 PM
Well Williams pulled out the victory but they looked very average doing so.  Game was very even, which is not a good thing when one team has nothing really to play for.  Even in corners 4-4, Williams with a small 15-11 margin in shots.  Play of the game made by Alcorn for Williams.  Hand ball called in the box 70th min after Hamilton played ping pong for a few seconds between the Ephs defenders.  Alcorn guessed left and was correct - not a particularly well struck shot by Kraynak on the ground and Alcorn made the save to keep it 0-0.  Lit a little spark under Williams which got them a bit more on the attack.

79th minute - Williams with the corner, Hamilton failed to clear it out and Williams gets a nice little give and go to Grady who makes the 1:1 move and beats the GK from the left side.  Williams played keep away the rest of the match with no serious chances for Hamilton the rest of the way. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 06:04:06 PM
You are correct Williams looked very flat and uninterested AGAIN. First of all that was a horrible call as that was no PK. Hamilton is a good team but like most Nescac teams they cannot score. Once Williams moved Danilack into the midfield that changed the game into Williams favor. He gave the give and go to Grady who buried his chance and gets to 10 goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2014, 06:22:41 PM
I'll just leave it at agreeing with you about how horrendous that play was.  Could have seriously injured the other player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 06:33:26 PM
2 games already set for Saturday

Williams v Bowdoin  and Midd v Wesleyan

The loser of Midd v Wesleyan will be cooked. Good rematch of an excellently played game last Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 07:42:46 PM
Anyone close to the Bowdoin camp?  What is the injury situation for Jones, White and Keefe?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 29, 2014, 09:13:22 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 06:00:57 PM
Wow just saw the Amherst v Trinity box score. These teams have bad blood with each other but look at all those cards. Rico gets a red card and puts Amherst in a hole for the weekend. Anyone see this game? How did he get the red?

I was at the game but must confess that with the score 4-2, and the heavy rain starting to fall and only 90 seconds left, I went to put my dog in the car.  As soon as I got to the bottom of that hill below the far goal, a ruckus ensued.  I asked my son (a Trinity player so consider the source) what happened and he said that Rico "made a bad judgment on a header" and banged a Trinity player pretty hard, who they think may now have a concussion.  The reason for the red is that is was his second yellow of the game.

That's what I know, and it's second hand form somebody within feet of the action.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 29, 2014, 09:57:30 PM
FourMore, sounds accurate to me from where I was standing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 29, 2014, 09:58:58 PM
Colby locks up the 7 seed and bumps Conn to 8, so Conn gets to visit Tufts on Saturday while Amherst hosts Colby.
Good luck, and have fun, all!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 29, 2014, 10:03:52 PM
Madzillagd: I've viewed your instagram image of Tufts throwing a ferocious elbow during the Bowdoin game. Does NESCAC ever review incidents like that on the men's side? I know the women's side has reviewed game tape after the fact to exact penalties regarding play in the post-season. A deliberately violent assault like that (off ball, too!) probably merits some kind of review, no?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 29, 2014, 10:09:00 PM
SOS ratings for ranked NE teams:

1. Brandeis     0.638
2. Babson       0.612
3. Wesleyan   0.605
4. Wheaton    0.598
5. Amherst     0.592
6. Tufts          0.589
7. Coast Guard 0.585
8. Williams     0.585
9. Middlebury  0.544
10. Gordon      0.543
11. WPI           0.535
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 29, 2014, 10:38:56 PM
Saw the stream of the entertaining Colby-Bates game. I expected a Bates win and was proven wrong. I knew Colby was solid defensively (4 straight shut outs) but I just didn't think they had any offense. I'm still not sure how strong they are offensively but they got the job done tonight on 2 corners.
The announcers also said Colby has a loaded incoming recruiting class and in fact, I saw a reference to it earlier in the week on Topdrawer Soccer.  Not surprised, as Ewan Seabrook is a former U18 Academy head coach and works hard. Very impressed with what he has done in his first year without any of his own recruits.

We'll see whether they can keep it up Saturday in Amherst. I will be there live and am very psyched for the playoffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 29, 2014, 10:44:27 PM
A quick scan of the data sheets shows that only the following teams have SOS > 0.600:

Chicago         0.646
Brandeis        0.638
North Central (IL)  0.630
Babson           0.612
Haverford       0.611
Emory             0.605
Wheaton (IL)  0.603
Swarthmore    0.602
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 11:06:16 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 29, 2014, 10:03:52 PM
Madzillagd: I've viewed your instagram image of Tufts throwing a ferocious elbow during the Bowdoin game. Does NESCAC ever review incidents like that on the men's side? I know the women's side has reviewed game tape after the fact to exact penalties regarding play in the post-season. A deliberately violent assault like that (off ball, too!) probably merits some kind of review, no?


Oh yes they do...Last year for Williams their captain Dan Lima head butted Conn's Weller Hilomanaz   and got suspended 2 games. They looked at both teams video. The play happened with 30 seconds left in the game and the ref never even called a foul on Lima, Conn's coach did not pursue it but Weller sustained a concussion and his parents wrote the league office, President and AD of Williams and put up a huge stink.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 11:20:45 PM
Can you send the link of that topdrawer soccer article about Colby 2015 recruiting class...I am interested to see what he's got coming in.  He was overhead telling another coach that he has figured Nescac out and he is only going to recruit players 6'1 and above.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 29, 2014, 11:53:02 PM
http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club-soccer-articles/boys-commitments:-loyal-to-loyola_aid35101

Here you go. Not much of an article but I so rarely see NESCAC recruits get mentioned that I noticed it. There was also a reference to Colby recruiting on Mass Talking Soccer Forum a few weeks ago, and then I heard the announcers mention it again tonight so it caught my attention. If anyone has any insights on Colby or any other NESCAC schools, I'd love to hear about it. Of course, it is all speculation in NESCAC land as they still need to get past admissions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 29, 2014, 11:55:00 PM
As for 6-1 and taller comment, I don't necessarily agree. Perhaps for the back line and target striker but you also need playmakers and they tend to be smaller.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 30, 2014, 12:10:39 AM
I think he meant defenders. Also, That Mass Soccer Forum is known for blatant rumors and parents posturing. I would not put to much stock into that website. As far as kids and admissions the top players that schools are recruiting hard have known for a couple weeks if they would get support from admissions and the coach would let the player know but to keep it secret  as long as the kid kept his grades where they are he is given a verbal acceptance by the coach.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 30, 2014, 12:16:33 AM
Agree with you on both counts but man, that Mass Talking Soccer forum is a joke.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 30, 2014, 12:18:36 AM
I think it is ridiculous that you have parents outing their son's teammates college choices etc etc
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 30, 2014, 12:22:50 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 29, 2014, 11:55:00 PM
As for 6-1 and taller comment, I don't necessarily agree. Perhaps for the back line and target striker but you also need playmakers and they tend to be smaller.

I have to agree. There have been many posts about how well the Tufts midfield plays. I don't think any of the starters are over six feet....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 30, 2014, 12:49:08 AM
Fwiw, this is the comment I referenced from Mass Talking Soccer ...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered  View Post
Not to derail from the women's conversation, but does anyone know how the new colby men's coach is doing with recruiting? He's done an impressive job organizing the inherited team.

Colby coach is really working on the recruiting end. It seems like every time I turn around I hear about another kid that plays/has played with my son being "recruited" by Colby coach. My son is a 2016 and he is working on him. Enjoying being with your teammates can go a long way toward building a successful team. I think Colby is going to get better each year under this coach.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 30, 2014, 09:20:41 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2014, 01:46:52 PM
How does Coast Guard not drop to #3 or #4?
How does Tufts not get #2?
How does Babson sit idle at #6 after losing yet another game and to another ranked opponent which gives them a 1-4-0 record vs ranked. That bothers me.
How does Wesleyan drop out and Williams stay idle at #10 if they have the same record and Wesleyan has a better SOS. I get it Williams beat Wesleyan but they both should be there.
How is Gordon still relevant in this discussion?
What is ECONN doing in there?
Does this committee have any ability or are they allowed to think outside the box a bit?

The rankings, with one major exception, are pretty reasonable given the data.  The exception is Eastern Connecticut State.  They were not ranked 10/22.  So what did they do between 10/22 and 10/29 to get recognized?  They went 0-2-1 with a good tie vs. Coast Guard but losing to both UMass-Dartmouth and Babson scoring a grand total of 0 goals for the week.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 30, 2014, 09:29:04 AM
So Babson goes 1-1-0 and loses to another ranked team and sits at #6. 1-5-0 against ranked teams with a good SOS but they haven't beat any of those tough opponents.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 30, 2014, 09:30:34 AM
What data are you matching to tell us that was legitimate. You yourself had the rankings totally different when you predicted it and you had the same data
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 30, 2014, 09:39:00 AM
Actually, my projection was very close except that I had Wesleyan in instead of Eastern Connecticut.  I used a spreadsheet updating the winning %, but I was not able to accurately update the SOS.  If you look at these factors on the new data sheet, the rankings are mostly reasonable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 30, 2014, 09:48:05 AM
Since you are the expert at this could you go over the Great Lakes region and take a look at Geneva who I think is ranked #6 or #7. I posted in another section about this. Tell me if you think they deserve that spot and why. I posted it in the National forum
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 30, 2014, 09:48:44 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 30, 2014, 09:29:04 AM
So Babson goes 1-1-0 and loses to another ranked team and sits at #6. 1-5-0 against ranked teams with a good SOS but they haven't beat any of those tough opponents.

It looks like Babson is 2-4 against teams ranked in New England.  My guess is that they stuck at #6 because of a good winning % versus a very good SOS compared to the likes of Gordon and WPI.  Babson also has a better winning % against a better SOS than Middlebury, Wesleyan or Williams.  It would be extremely difficult to move any of those teams, except WPI based on head to head, ahead of Babson based on the data.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 30, 2014, 09:49:02 AM
Here was my post:

I am curious what you think on this


After looking at the Great Lakes regional rankings I wanted to see why everyone was going crazy over Geneva being  7th. After looking, that might be one of the most egregious mistake in the rankings I have ever see. A 8-4-2 record with a .522 SOS with ONE good win against Carnegie Mellon and a bunch of bad losses including a 6-0 thrashing by John Carroll. It seems the region is down but I would think some of those NCAC teams like DePauw or even Hiram who have a better SOS. This region will not get more than 2 Pool C's. Loser of the Kenyon / OWU NCAC final, I assume John Carroll will win their league but if they do not they would get the other. Maybe one of the two UAA teams also gets in but it is a stretch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 30, 2014, 10:05:52 AM
A very quick spreadsheet of the Great Lakes region yields:

1. Kenyon
2. John Carrol
3. Ohio Wesleyan
4. CM
5. Case
6. Ohio N
7. DePauw
8. Capital
9. Geneva
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 30, 2014, 03:05:41 PM
To the more knowledgeable NESCAC posters (Mr. Right, NCAC, off-pitch, etc), I was wondering if you could give an injury update on each team? Which important players will be missing from the NESCAC quarterfinals (or the entire tournament for that matter) from each team? I'd be interested to see how that will impact games...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2014, 03:20:17 PM
I'm not up to date on injuries, but was just wondering if Conn Coll is expecting any injured players to be available.  Also wondering when and if there will be a ruling on a suspension for the Tufts CB.  Is Tufts safe even if they lose to Conn Saturday?

Also, looking ahead to a possible semifinal of Williams at Amherst, will Amherst have a chance to bounce Williams out of the NCAAs? 

The Wesleyan @ Midd game is a really tough one to pick.  If it plays to form otherwise, though, I could see the winner beating Tufts (if Tufts gets by Conn).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 30, 2014, 03:43:38 PM
I think Tufts would be safe either way given their record and SOS but there have been some real surprises in the rankings lately so who knows...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 30, 2014, 11:19:29 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 30, 2014, 03:43:38 PM
I think Tufts would be safe either way given their record and SOS but there have been some real surprises in the rankings lately so who knows...

I also think they are safe.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 31, 2014, 08:43:42 AM
Given the other NESCAC teams' struggles, I can't see Amherst or Tufts not getting an at-large if they fail to make the finals, or even get knocked out this weekend...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 31, 2014, 10:52:40 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 30, 2014, 03:20:17 PM
I'm not up to date on injuries, but was just wondering if Conn Coll is expecting any injured players to be available.  Also wondering when and if there will be a ruling on a suspension for the Tufts CB.  Is Tufts safe even if they lose to Conn Saturday?

Also, looking ahead to a possible semifinal of Williams at Amherst, will Amherst have a chance to bounce Williams out of the NCAAs? 

The Wesleyan @ Midd game is a really tough one to pick.  If it plays to form otherwise, though, I could see the winner beating Tufts (if Tufts gets by Conn).

Conn is (pardon the pun) in "a world of hurt" regarding their injuries.  They lost two more starters at Wesleyan.  Doubtful any of the injured will be back for Tufts thus their depth is extremely depleted as they are now down 3 starters from original 11 (3 of their best players Punt, Patch, Mutala) and two other key reserves (one of which was now a starter).  Losing Patch in the middle is a severe blow and was very noticeable at Wesleyan.  Conn will have to have a heroic effort on Saturday at Tufts from its remaining players to have a chance, but like all season (same at Wesleyan on Weds) can they score a goal....they always have the opportunities, but the lack of finishing is beyond comprehension. But you never know how the soccer ball will bounce which is why they'll actually play the game on Saturday, but it will be a tall order for Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 31, 2014, 11:18:49 AM
Thanks All NESCAC, appreciate the info. I didn't know they were missing 3 starters- thought it was only 2. That's a tall task for them tomorrow
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: play-to-win on October 31, 2014, 01:41:16 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2014, 05:19:26 PM
Wow, wonder if he connected?  Anyway, Tufts brought back some starters and seemed to dominate possession in the first overtime.  Let's see what happens...

http://instagram.com/p/uwEjgzpPg9/     Nice job on the Vid Madzillagd.

Watching the video in slow motion (clicking on the video image rapidly) one can see that the Tufts player connected big time. My guess is that this player will not be be returning to any NESCAC action and may possibly not participate in any NCAA Tournament play as well. Given the deliberate and violent nature of this off-ball foul those that pass judgement on such matters for the NESCAC body have no choice but to respond in a manner that exceeds penalties given in the past. The game official must have been watching the ball when he missed this penalty kick/red card moment for Bowdoin. I hope the Bowdoin player is not seriously injured and will be able to play on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 31, 2014, 03:10:33 PM
Quote from: play-to-win on October 31, 2014, 01:41:16 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2014, 05:19:26 PM
Wow, wonder if he connected?  Anyway, Tufts brought back some starters and seemed to dominate possession in the first overtime.  Let's see what happens...

http://instagram.com/p/uwEjgzpPg9/     Nice job on the Vid Madzillagd.

Watching the video in slow motion (clicking on the video image rapidly) one can see that the Tufts player connected big time. My guess is that this player will not be be returning to any NESCAC action and may possibly not participate in any NCAA Tournament play as well. Given the deliberate and violent nature of this off-ball foul those that pass judgement on such matters for the NESCAC body have no choice but to respond in a manner that exceeds penalties given in the past. The game official must have been watching the ball when he missed this penalty kick/red card moment for Bowdoin. I hope the Bowdoin player is not seriously injured and will be able to play on Saturday.

Ouch...that was awful....if last years incident at Williams with the head butt is any precedent then that Tufts player is going to be missing multiple games if not the rest of the season....very undisciplined and unnecessary....I hope the Bowdoin player is OK.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacCaptain on October 31, 2014, 03:50:44 PM
NESCAC playoff time, great time of year. Here are my predictions. Curious to hear others.

Tufts 1 - Conn 0

Amherst 3 - Colby 0

Williams 1 - Bowdoin 2

Wesleyan 2- Middlebury 1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 31, 2014, 03:55:11 PM
Colby 1 Amherst 0 1st OT

Williams 2 Bowdoin 1

Wesleyan 2 Midd 1

Tufts 3 Conn 0

Semis

Williams 3 Colby 1

Wesleyan 2 Tufts 1

Final

Williams 2 Wesleyan 1 2OT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 31, 2014, 04:37:14 PM
So, NCAC, if your preditions hold true...Williams gets the automatic. Who else gets in? Amherst and Tufts? Does Wesleyan for making it all the way to the finals? Does the NESCAC get 3 and possibly 4 into the NCAAs in a "down year"...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 31, 2014, 05:26:55 PM
In that scenario I would say 3.  Wesleyan would be in the conversation along with Rochester, RPI and maybe a 3rd NJAC team, but I don't think getting to the final would get them past Tufts or Amherst.  I would predict Wesleyan in that scenario as one of the last teams out.  They would have 6 losses, right?  I think that's one too many.

Prediction is based mainly on the idea that I can't picture Williams going out.  I think they have to get at least to the NESCAC final.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2014, 06:16:21 PM
First of all in your scenario Tufts would play Colby and Wes would play Williams. They reseed the teams after the first round.

I have been a big fan of Williams for a long time but even I have to admit that without Rashid and Westling they have really struggled. They still have the talent to win it but they really need players like Muralles and Madding to step up and play their best soccer this year. Their 3 best players this year have been Danilack, Grady and Pierce. They need that monster senior class to step it up if they are going to advance.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2014, 06:22:13 PM
The only gimme game I see is Tufts v Conn. If Conn is missing all those players due to injury and have serious GK issues they cannot win that game. I am sure they will bunker in and with Devlin anything ccould happen but I just do not see it.

Amherst will be able to survive vs Colby even w/o Rico as Colby's starting GK got injured against Bates. I am not sure if he will play or not.

Bowdoin has the potential to beat Williams and if they happen to score the first goal they should be good to go as they will bunker in after that and Williams has shown all year their struggles breaking down opponents. I still pick Williams in this one because of the home field and Bowdoin has some injuries and I am not sure who is not playing for them. I have not seen White, Keefe or Jones for a while.

Wesleyan and Midd will be a very close game and I expect Wesleyan to learn from the game last Saturday. That being said I think Midd will win this one in PK's or 1-0.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2014, 06:25:45 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 31, 2014, 05:26:55 PM
In that scenario I would say 3.  Wesleyan would be in the conversation along with Rochester, RPI and maybe a 3rd NJAC team, but I don't think getting to the final would get them past Tufts or Amherst.  I would predict Wesleyan in that scenario as one of the last teams out.  They would have 6 losses, right?  I think that's one too many.

Prediction is based mainly on the idea that I can't picture Williams going out.  I think they have to get at least to the NESCAC final.


Williams got a pool C last year with a record of 11-6 so 6 losses still would have a chance, a small chance. With all the UAA and Nescac teams with an abundance of losses this could possibly happen again
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 31, 2014, 06:31:12 PM
Revision:

Conn 2 Tufts 1 -- I just am not sold on Tufts and losing a 2-0 lead to Bowdoin and loss of composure not good signs for me

Semis

Williams 3 Conn 1

Wesleyan 2 Colby 0

Final as noted before
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 31, 2014, 06:38:30 PM
Mr.Right, Williams had 6 losses but no ties, so Wesleyan (or Williams with a loss) would actually have 8 blemishes. 

I'll compromise and say Wes gets a spot if they lose final in PKs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2014, 06:38:46 PM
Interesting fact..Conn and Colby are the only teams to never make a Nescac Semi-Final game in 15 years. It will not happen this year. Purgavie advanced Bates in 2008 and I cannot include Hamilton because it is still a small sample size.

Williams is the only team in 15 years to never have to go onto the road into the 1st round. They have never finished below 4th.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2014, 07:04:18 PM
Records in Championship Play:                   In Order of Winning %

Team                 Years Qualified              W - L - T          PK Advance              PCT                      Championships      Runner-Up

Williams                       14                       20-7-3                 2-3                       .717                                 6                       3
Amherst                      14                       19-9-2                 1-2                       .667                                 4                        3
Middlebury                  14                        20-10-4              3-4                       .647                                 3                        5
Bowdoin                      13                        9-11-3                1-3                       .457                                                           2
Wesleyan                     14                        8-12-2                1-2                       .409                                 1
Trinity                           7                         3-7-0                  0-0                       .300                                                           1
Tufts                            12                        1-9-4                  1-4                       .214
Bates                            6                         1-6-0                  0-0                       .143
Conn College                6                          0-6-0                  0-0                       .000
Colby                            3                          0-3-0                  0-0                      .000
Hamilton                       1                          0-1-0                  0-0                      .000
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 01, 2014, 07:35:21 AM
Predictions:

Tufts 2. Conn 0

Bowdoin 1. Williams 0

Amherst 2. Colby 0

Wesleyan 2. Middlebury 1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 01, 2014, 09:01:21 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 31, 2014, 06:31:12 PM
Revision:

Conn 2 Tufts 1 -- I just am not sold on Tufts and losing a 2-0 lead to Bowdoin and loss of composure not good signs for me

NCAC NEW ENGLAND. CONN will not beat Tufts. Even if Conn were healthy Murphy would screw it up. Hes not a good coach and he lost his team after his Bates game tantrum. The only reason they have done as well as they have is because of the skills of the players. His negativity continues to only beat down his players.




Williams 3 Conn 1

Wesleyan 2 Colby 0

Final as noted before
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 01, 2014, 09:02:16 AM
Just can't picture Russo walking off the field with a home loss in a NESCAC quarterfinal for his final game.  I give Bowdoin a 10% chance of advancing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 01, 2014, 09:45:29 AM
Predictions:

Tufts 3 - 1 Conn

Williams 1 - 1 Bowdoin (Williams on PKs)

Amherst 2 - 0 Colby

Middlebury 1 - 0 Wesleyan 2OT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 01, 2014, 09:54:03 AM
Would Russo rather walk off the field losing to Bowdoin or walk off the field at Tufts losing to Amherst. His last game ever would be a loss to Amherst...That would really STING
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 01, 2014, 10:03:52 AM
He wouldn't lose to Amherst  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 01, 2014, 10:19:39 AM
Predictions:

Tufts 2 - Conn 0
Williams 0 - Bowdoin 0 (Bowdoin on PKs)
Amherst 2 - Colby 0
Middlebury 0 - Wesleyan 0 (Weslyan on PKs)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 01, 2014, 12:51:25 PM
Tufts in a Jumbo hole at the half...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 01, 2014, 01:55:15 PM

Is the Tufts game final?  The live stats feed was having issues.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 01, 2014, 02:01:58 PM
Conn wins.

Williams out.

Wes and Midd in OT as Wes GK makes huge error with 4 min left in reg.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 01, 2014, 02:06:47 PM
Looks like this could be a banner day for Amherst.  No Williams to worry about anymore and home field for rest of NESCAC tourney.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on November 01, 2014, 03:58:48 PM
Conn v Tufts was an ugly game on a **** field. Tufts gets hosed on a missed PK call in the first half, and two chances looked to be over the line that were not called goals. Tough way to potentially end the season.

Classy conn player also tells a tufts player after the game that he would f*** the accent out of his mother .. No place for that
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: backyarddawg on November 01, 2014, 04:32:28 PM
What is going on in the NESCAC?  Upsets all day.

From the elbow to that language seems like some things need to change.

Go Amherst!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 01, 2014, 04:34:47 PM
Near fight after the Bowdoin win over Williams as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on November 01, 2014, 04:37:52 PM
From the webcast it was hard to tell whether or not that was a PK. Initially I thought it was, but the Tufts forward (was it Hoppenot?) didn't really protest the yellow he received for diving.

Not surprised that this is the year an 8-seed beats a 1-seed. There are no elite teams in the league, and Tufts is probably the weakest 1-seed I can remember. Hard to imagine they don't earn an automatic bid though.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 01, 2014, 05:08:03 PM
Congrats to Conn College!  The weather and poor field conditions surely helped them. Rain and high winds. It soaked me! Tufts kept hammering in the second half but just couldn't score.  They had chances. Their forward missed on a good chance. Don't like hearing that kind of trash talk. Reminds me of Zidane in the World Cup.  I thought Kayne and Devlin were the two outstanding players. Devlin is smart and Kayne is shifty and smooth. Both pass extremely well.  This was only Tufts second loss so I really wouldn't say they were a weak No.1.  I suppose your same comment would have applied to Amherst or Middlebury, etc. since they also are having down years and Amherst seems the most vulnerable it has in years.  So, in that regard, I can see where you may be coming from.  It was certainly an interesting year and it's not over.  I also see Tufts getting an at-large bid (would be very surprised if the were snubbed given their record and SOS).  Conn College has to win out to make the tourney.  Again, good win for CC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 01, 2014, 08:35:18 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 01, 2014, 05:08:03 PM
Congrats to Conn College!  The weather and poor field conditions surely helped them. Rain and high winds. It soaked me! Tufts kept hammering in the second half but just couldn't score.  They had chances. Their forward missed on a good chance. Don't like hearing that kind of trash talk. Reminds me of Zidane in the World Cup.  I thought Kayne and Devlin were the two outstanding players. Devlin is smart and Kayne is shifty and smooth. Both pass extremely well.  This was only Tufts second loss so I really wouldn't say they were a weak No.1.  I suppose your same comment would have applied to Amherst or Middlebury, etc. since they also are having down years and Amherst seems the most vulnerable it has in years.  So, in that regard, I can see where you may be coming from.  It was certainly an interesting year and it's not over.  I also see Tufts getting an at-large bid (would be very surprised if the were snubbed given their record and SOS).  Conn College has to win out to make the tourney.  Again, good win for CC.

Agree with you BroFlounder.  Tale of two halves. Conn had the wind in 1st half and carriesd the play.  Tufts had the wind in 2ndhalf and was all over Conn. Conn scored early on a verypretty build up and knocked in a rebound d save
Tufts came out flat and was in a state of shock when Conn scored first.  Conns second goal left Tufts very shaken. Tufts really missed Kramer at centerback.  Conn used a lot ofplayers and kept runniing in fresh legs.  Tufts dominated 2nd half and they had their chances but Conn defense and keeper played well.  It took the best game of the season by Conn and their players gutted it out.  The bad weather helped Conn immensley as it really hurt the very skillfullTufts team.  Tufts will get a NCAA bid and they deserve one.  No one saw this upset coming but Conn finaly scored and they did so early and their confidence grew.  They will need an even better effort vs Amherst to have a chance but you never know as soccer is a strange game.  I do have to say that it did look like Tufts scored two more goals on the goal line but they were waived off.  Bitchell also played a great game for Conn.


.  Tufts came out flat and was in a state of shock when Conn scored first
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2014, 07:45:01 AM
After everything that happened yesterday this NESCAC thread has been awfully quiet.

Congrats to Coach Russo on his great career.  There's no perfect way to go out unless you get a walk-off national title, but two final fours in your last three years ain't bad.  He created a tradition where Williams often had the best team in the NESCAC but even when they weren't you still had to get through Williams.  I'm sure they will hire someone who will carry on and keep Williams very much in the mix on the national scene.

Tufts no doubt is safe for an at-large bid, but one wonders if this extremely talented squad can rally to make some noise.

Is Middlebury in with a win over Bowdoin?  That seems like the most likely scenario for a NESCAC getting 3 teams.

If Bowdoin wins, and assuming Bowdoin would not manage to beat Midd and Amherst back-to-back, would the NESCAC only get 2?

Everything has set up nicely for Amherst.  Home field for the rest of the NESCAC, a NCAA slot pretty much wrapped up, and nemesis Williams out of the way.  The only glitch for them, and maybe this actually is a plus, is that they are unlikely to host at the sweet 16 stage.  Brandeis and Oneonta would seem to be ahead of Amherst in that pecking order.

Wesleyan is probably the team that will have the biggest regrets, as a few bounces made the difference between an outstanding season and what at least on paper looks pretty mediocre.  Midd was very, very fortunate to advance.




Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 02, 2014, 10:30:39 AM
Yes, applause to Russo's legacy.

While Williams is on a down year, that sag has also tugged at the shoulders of traditional giants Middlebury and Amherst.
With Tufts asserting themselves in the regular season, perhaps they just haven't been there enough to know how to hammer it home. We'll get another look at the Jumbos' ability to step it up in the first round of the NCAAs. Meanwhile, Shapiro is the likely COY (but sentimentality might give it to Russo even though this Ephs season does not merit the laurel).

After a third minute goal, the Jeffs looked like they were going to walk into the semis. But sloppy conditions and sloppy play left the door open for Colby, especially in the second half when the Camels started to see much more of the ball and seemed to gain more and more belief. Amherst's athleticism won the game. Interestingly, the Jeffs used an incredibly short bench--maybe because of the promise of an entire week between matches? Chernin and Stanton were notables for Colby in my book. Wirz was playing to win for Amherst.

Caught some of the Tufts/Conn game. Looked like Conn was playing D every time I checked in, but a couple of times when I checked back, Conn had scored yet another goal. Conditions like yesterday's usually end up working against the team that likes to build via triangles in the middle third. Perhaps someone who was there can comment on whether that was the case yesterday.

Without home field advantage, the key factor in the Midd/Bowdoin match next week might hinge on the how Midd shuts down the nifty quickness of the Polar Bears when they get to the top of the 18 or how Bowdoin handles the power of Conrad in making space for Glaser.
Question: Who were the PK takers yesterday b/w Midd and Wesleyan? Who scored? I'm surprised that info is not readily available. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 02, 2014, 10:39:49 AM
Caught the Tufts game. Conn came out better in the first 15-20 minutes, and as previous posters have stated, I think it took Tufts a bit of time to adjust. That being said, Tufts dominated the rest of the game. Despite the awful weather (which definitely helped Conn, especially after they could sit back and defend the lead) I think Tufts actually played very, very well and were unfortunate not to score another one. There was span of ten minutes late in the second half in which the ball did not even cross into the Jumbos' half.

Additionally, I think that two PKs could have been awarded. From the webcast, and from the announcer, it sounded as though Hoppenot was clearly tripped up after beating a defender in the first half. I'm not sure the yellow was for diving- I think Hoppenot got it for dissent after debating the call. Hoppenot also had a golden opportunity late in the game to tie, as a through ball was played to him and he was in on goal. It was a difficult angle, and he opted for outside of the foot. The keeper made a great little kick save.

A very entertaining game. Conn, to their credit, was able to hang on. Definitely the best I've seen the Camels play in years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 02, 2014, 10:45:06 AM
Responding to my own question, here's what I found on the Wesleyan site, the most info I can find so far:

Wesleyan got the early edge when McConnell guessed right diving to his right and stopping the first Panther PK.  All players then made their shots on the next eight attempts with conversions by Cardinals Ben Bratt '15, Daniel Issroff '15, Sousa and Hans Erickson '16.  Thus, Wesleyan had a chance to clinch when Charlie Gruner's '17 turn came up as Wesleyan was shooting second.  His attempt was saved, sending the teams into sudden-victory PKs.  Middlebury scored on its next try and Wesleyan came up shot as Adam Cowie-Haskell's '18 bid was saved.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2014, 10:51:56 AM
Wesleyan definitely had the advantage and the game on their boot to win it.  To the credit of Midd's PK takers they had a ton of pressure not to miss after missing the first one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 02, 2014, 10:54:55 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 02, 2014, 10:45:06 AM
Responding to my own question, here's what I found on the Wesleyan site, the most info I can find so far:

Wesleyan got the early edge when McConnell guessed right diving to his right and stopping the first Panther PK.  All players then made their shots on the next eight attempts with conversions by Cardinals Ben Bratt '15, Daniel Issroff '15, Sousa and Hans Erickson '16.  Thus, Wesleyan had a chance to clinch when Charlie Gruner's '17 turn came up as Wesleyan was shooting second.  His attempt was saved, sending the teams into sudden-victory PKs.  Middlebury scored on its next try and Wesleyan came up shot as Adam Cowie-Haskell's '18 bid was saved.

From the Middlebury side of things, Noah Goss-Woliner had his shot saved by McConnell to open PKs. Wes scored on their attempt to give them 1-0 lead after 1.

2nd, 3rd, 4th attempts were made by both teams. Midd goal scorers were Bean, Conrad, Glaser.

Top of the 5th, Midd's Deklan Robinson gets the equalizer, and then Sydor comes up huge on the Wes potential game-clincher.

Moving to sudden victory, Midd's Kirk Horton succeeds on his attempt, and then Sydor registers his second-consecutive save, sending Midd on to the semis.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 02, 2014, 04:20:53 PM
Despite the early exit, I think Tufts' Josh Shapiro is the deserving Coach of the Year, with Colby's Ewan Seabrook also getting consideration.  Williams' Mike Russo had a phenomenal career, but no chance he gets any votes for this year.  If they were to do a NESCAC lifetime achievement award, absolutely.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 02, 2014, 04:45:51 PM
Is it an NCAA rule that after 2 OT's a league playoff game is a tie must be decided by PK's?  Could NESCAC or any league require the game to be played out to a golden goal?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ryan Harmanis on November 02, 2014, 05:06:14 PM
Quote from: maineman on November 02, 2014, 04:45:51 PM
Is it an NCAA rule that after 2 OT's a league playoff game is a tie must be decided by PK's?  Could NESCAC or any league require the game to be played out to a golden goal?

I'm not going to the rulebook but it has to be an NCAA rule. These games count toward tournament selection, and if the teams don't play identical games then it becomes impossible to compare them.

Hypothetical: Teams X and Y are on the bubble in the conference semis. Team X wins in 4OT while Team Y gets knocked out in penalties. Even though both teams played identical 110 minute games to a draw, Team X won a game when Team Y didn't even have the chance to do so. In terms of benefits, Team X gets (1) a win, whereas Team Y only got a draw in identical circumstances; and (2) the opportunity to play another game and pick up a big win (or the AQ).

Also, additional time almost always favors the better team, making it an even bigger advantage in terms of NCAA bids for any conference that implemented the rule.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2014, 05:12:57 PM
Looking at Ncaa's for Nescac.

Amherst will be in no matter what. They could get a nice 1st round hosting bonus with weak teams with a Nescac championship.

Tufts will get in but might need to sweat it out a bit. Amherst, Brandeis and loser of Coast Guard / Wheaton will need one all ahead of Tufts. If both Wheaton and Coast Guard need one then it starts getting a bit hairy. If other top teams start losing in their respective conference tournaments it could be trouble.

Bowdoin and Conn need to win it all.

Midd will be out with a loss and PK loss. They will squarely be on the bubble along with Babson with a conference finals loss.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2014, 05:14:42 PM
To clarify why Tufts needs to worry some is because in the last regional rankings Williams and Wesleyan will drop out. That is 2 wins for Tufts gone. Bowdoin will move in and that is a tie. They lost to Brandeis, tied Midd, Amherst and Bowdoin. That is 0-1-3. That is borderline at best
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 02, 2014, 05:17:36 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 02, 2014, 05:14:42 PM
To clarify why Tufts needs to worry some is because in the last regional rankings Williams and Wesleyan will drop out. That is 2 wins for Tufts gone. Bowdoin will move in and that is a tie. They lost to Brandeis, tied Midd, Amherst and Bowdoin. That is 0-1-3. That is borderline at best

If Tufts doesn't make it in, it would be a travesty.  Can you imagine if only Amherst makies the NCAAs?  I wonder when the last time NESCAC only got one in?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2014, 05:23:17 PM
maybe 10+ years ago when there were only 3 At-large teams in the country. Kind of what it will look like in 2-3 years
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2014, 05:33:43 PM
Tufts will get in barring an unusual scenario with a ton of likely AQ teams needing at-large bids.  And Tufts is accountable for having to sweat a bit.  They squandered a two-goal lead to Bowdoin, lost their CB due to inexplicable reckless behavior, and then came out flat against a depleted Conn team that no one gave a chance (except NCAC New England). 

Also don't see why Shapiro would be a cinch COY.  His team has more talent than any team in the league this year.  What about the Bowdoin coach?  I'm not sure any of them had stellar years coaching-wise, although I can see giving the Colby guy a few votes and let's hope he does have the Mules on an upswing.  Frankly, and I'm not a fan, Serpone might be the most deserving.  After two brutal exits from the Elite 8 Amherst has had another almost flawless season with a little bit less talent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2014, 05:54:36 PM
Shapiro will win COY also you are right since Tufts won the regular season nescac championship they will get in. In the history of the Nescac there has never been a winner of the regular season Nescac and not getting a Pool C.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 02, 2014, 05:56:26 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 02, 2014, 05:33:43 PM
Tufts will get in barring an unusual scenario with a ton of likely AQ teams needing at-large bids.  And Tufts is accountable for having to sweat a bit.  They squandered a two-goal lead to Bowdoin, lost their CB due to inexplicable reckless behavior, and then came out flat against a depleted Conn team that no one gave a chance (except NCAC New England). 

Also don't see why Shapiro would be a cinch COY.  His team has more talent than any team in the league this year.  What about the Bowdoin coach?  I'm not sure any of them had stellar years coaching-wise, although I can see giving the Colby guy a few votes and let's hope he does have the Mules on an upswing.  Frankly, and I'm not a fan, Serpone might be the most deserving.  After two brutal exits from the Elite 8 Amherst has had another almost flawless season with a little bit less talent.

Yes, Tufts squandered a lead at Bowdoin, but that was with most starters out when that happened, as Tufts had already clinched the one seed... Shapiro may get it because of the regular season ?Record... One loss...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2014, 05:59:15 PM
Apparently Seabrook has already gotten a commitment from Aoyama's brother. He is a good player. Bowdoin needs to amp up the recruiting as teams that should not start passing them are. I am not impressed by many of Weirsinski's recruits as all the good players are O'Leary's. the only good recruit is the GK Van Sicklien but he was heavily recruited by others including D1's but he fell in Bowdoin's lap because of his ACL issues
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 02, 2014, 07:09:29 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 02, 2014, 05:54:36 PM
Shapiro will win COY also you are right since Tufts won the regular season nescac championship they will get in. In the history of the Nescac there has never been a winner of the regular season Nescac and not getting a Pool C.

Mr. Right, as you know, there's no such thing as a regular season NESCAC championship.
Therefore, Tufts has not won anything (yet) this year. ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 02, 2014, 07:53:45 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 02, 2014, 07:09:29 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 02, 2014, 05:54:36 PM
Shapiro will win COY also you are right since Tufts won the regular season nescac championship they will get in. In the history of the Nescac there has never been a winner of the regular season Nescac and not getting a Pool C.

Mr. Right, as you know, there's no such thing as a regular season NESCAC championship.
Therefore, Tufts has not won anything (yet) this year. ;)

Seconded. What an asinine comment.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2014, 09:24:21 PM
I meant the regular season. I should not of even responded because as usual Bucket adds no value to a soccer board but whatever
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 02, 2014, 10:16:06 PM
My vote for coach of the year goes to Seabrook.  I think the award should go to the guy who got his group of personnel to over perform, and Colby did that more than anyone in my opinion.  The 0-10 squad from 2013 had one All-NESCAC player Pratt who graduated.  Despite scoring only 6 goals, the group made the playoffs thanks to organization, motivation and discipline.  I can only imagine what a threat they are going to be if the rumors of incoming quality players are true.

Shapiro definitely improved Tufts, but between the meltdown of Kramer at Bowdoin, and first round playoff exit questions of them lacking the cutting edge come crunch time remain.

Thoughts on other coaches in the league.

Murphy - Underperformed in regular season, but despite injuries pulled off a huge result come playoff time to put a positive spin on the season.

Saward - Very good job, riding talented younger group and a final four berth is deserved.  This program noticeably dipped a few years back, but has rebounded.

Wiercinski - Good job.  Big result over Wesleyan, and final four is a decent performance, though not earth shattering for Bowdoin.  I win over Midd next week would make this a very significant year, and Wiercinski a contender for award.

Serpone - Not a bad year by any means,, and likely favorites for another title.  Have to win the championship to hold serve though in my eyes, as they do seem a lot closer to the pack than they have been in years past.  I watched the Colby game, and after an early goal threatened floodgates opening, they struggled in the attacking third for most of the game.

Wheeler - Par year for Wheeler, and by that I mean very good.  Organized and quality team that lack a striker.  Will doubtless be disappointed with first round exit.

Russo - Magnificent career ends on not his greatest showing.  This year won't be remembered, but he will be for a long, long time.

Pilger - Disappointing year.  Seems a long time ago he won the Coach of the Year award.  Missed playoffs, and off field problems with Savonen marred season.

Flaherty - Jekyll and Hyde personified.  Won none in September, went on a tear in October.  Ended 6 year run of no home NESCAC wins with 2-1 win over Conn.  7 points a NESCAC total matched only once in last 6 years in Lewiston.  Decent year.

Nizzi - Big disappointment.  A playoff team last year that seemed on the rise with a senior laden lineup.  They now graduate many starters, and the magnifying glass will be on his recruiting efforts come next fall.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 02, 2014, 11:04:49 PM
Ok, MENESCACFAN, you sold me on Seabrook. He did the most with what he had to work with. Looking forward to seeing his first recruiting class perform.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on November 03, 2014, 07:41:49 AM
Serpone's poor behavior on the sidelines is exceeded only by his failures to beat Williams at home in the NCAA tournament the past two years. Perhaps he should have learned what it is all about from watching Russo ....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 03, 2014, 08:03:54 AM
I just want to add to the kudos to Coach Russo.  It's fair to say that his legacy will never be equaled in NESCAC: a national title, six NESCAC titles (would have been a lot more if NESCAC had hosted tournaments prior to 2000), six Final Fours, countless NESCAC POYs and all-Americans, multiple national players of the year, several alums performing at a high level in the MLS and other pro leagues, a substantial and highly-successful coaching tree, and a legacy of class on and off the pitch.  Although this year wasn't the cherry on the sunday that was anticipated, it did hurt to lose for the season two of the team's most dynamic offensive players, and a few other guys didn't quite produce as anticipated.  And going out with two Elite 8 upsets over Amherst in his last three years has to feel pretty darn good. 

It will now be interesting to see who Williams hires to replace the irreplaceable Russo.  Erin Sullivan would, it seems, be the favorite, but this is one of the best D3 coaching jobs in the country and I'm sure there will be no shortage of very strong candidates for the position.  Hopefully Rashid and Westling can return 100 percent next year to give the offense a boost, although the team does lose Grady, who had a breakout senior year, and his production will be tough to match.  Tom Young and Malcolm Mountenot will need to step up as schemers next year, and hope that Rashid can be the primary finisher along with a few of the younger guys from this year's squad.  The Ephs also lose several strong defenders so they will need several unknowns to play on the back line, but at least they could have a potentially physically imposing group if Danilek, Ritter, and Muellers all play in the back.  At least they have more experience at goalie returning.  With the right coach, and a few years of strong recruiting (this year will, I imagine, be a very difficult recruiting year due to the coaching uncertainty), I anticipate that Williams will resume its position among the NESCAC and national soccer powerhouses.  But of course it may take a year or two of transition as the Ephs instill a new system and start to bring in the talent to fit that system. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on November 03, 2014, 09:12:23 AM
Quote from: jumpshot on November 03, 2014, 07:41:49 AM
Serpone's poor behavior on the sidelines is exceeded only by his failures to beat Williams at home in the NCAA tournament the past two years. Perhaps he should have learned what it is all about from watching Russo ....

I will agree about the Amherst coach's poor behavior on the sidelines.  It stood out to me in my first year watching NESCAC action.  He's obviously a great coach, he doesn't need to behave the way he does ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2014, 09:47:57 AM
Serpone has done a phenomenal job and over a 5 year stretch has to be considered among the top handful of D3 coaches in the country.  His alleged sideline behavior rubs me the wrong way as well, but why?  Is it the overt displays of competitiveness which conflicts with what we expect from traditional "gentleman's" NESCAC behavior?  As the old guard has been exiting over the past few years maybe it's a good thing to have greater diversity in styles.  I am confident I would complain about Serpone a lot as a fan of an opponent, but that said, he gets my vote for COY.  Other than Tufts (barely) finishing first in the regular season with an extremely talented team that has underachieved and finally has done nothing more so far than meet expectations, I don't see the basis of the argument that Shapiro is a clear-cut choice.  And I wonder if some here would vote the same way if Tufts has an early 1st or 2nd round NCAA exit.  And I don't buy the argument that Tufts had already clinched the #1 seed when they lost a 2-goal lead because of reserves playing, because there still was more to play for than a #1 seed (like making sure team stays on an uptick heading into playoffs and the potential for hosting NCAA games).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 03, 2014, 09:50:06 AM
Ditto.......I just want to add to the kudos to Coach Russo.

I would agree that Serpone does not need to act that way, and outside of Amherst fans, most people really detest that behavior.  Recruiting wise, and soccer wise, he does a good job....  My vote goes to Shapiro for COY.  I think he wins by a slight margin.  You state he has a talented team,  well he also had to recruit to get that team something your analysis neglects.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 03, 2014, 09:54:09 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on November 03, 2014, 08:03:54 AM
I just want to add to the kudos to Coach Russo.  It's fair to say that his legacy will never be equaled in NESCAC: a national title, six NESCAC titles (would have been a lot more if NESCAC had hosted tournaments prior to 2000), six Final Fours, countless NESCAC POYs and all-Americans, multiple national players of the year, several alums performing at a high level in the MLS and other pro leagues, a substantial and highly-successful coaching tree, and a legacy of class on and off the pitch.  Although this year wasn't the cherry on the sunday that was anticipated, it did hurt to lose for the season two of the team's most dynamic offensive players, and a few other guys didn't quite produce as anticipated.  And going out with two Elite 8 upsets over Amherst in his last three years has to feel pretty darn good. 

It will now be interesting to see who Williams hires to replace the irreplaceable Russo.  Erin Sullivan would, it seems, be the favorite, but this is one of the best D3 coaching jobs in the country and I'm sure there will be no shortage of very strong candidates for the position.  Hopefully Rashid and Westling can return 100 percent next year to give the offense a boost, although the team does lose Grady, who had a breakout senior year, and his production will be tough to match.  Tom Young and Malcolm Mountenot will need to step up as schemers next year, and hope that Rashid can be the primary finisher along with a few of the younger guys from this year's squad.  The Ephs also lose several strong defenders so they will need several unknowns to play on the back line, but at least they could have a potentially physically imposing group if Danilek, Ritter, and Muellers all play in the back.  At least they have more experience at goalie returning.  With the right coach, and a few years of strong recruiting (this year will, I imagine, be a very difficult recruiting year due to the coaching uncertainty), I anticipate that Williams will resume its position among the NESCAC and national soccer powerhouses.  But of course it may take a year or two of transition as the Ephs instill a new system and start to bring in the talent to fit that system.

I agree with this.  What an unbelievable legacy.  Not sure I envy the next coach as that is a high standard.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 03, 2014, 12:11:22 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 03, 2014, 09:50:06 AM
Ditto.......I just want to add to the kudos to Coach Russo.

I would agree that Serpone does not need to act that way, and outside of Amherst fans, most people really detest that behavior.  Recruiting wise, and soccer wise, he does a good job....  My vote goes to Shapiro for COY.  I think he wins by a slight margin.  You state he has a talented team,  well he also had to recruit to get that team something your analysis neglects.

Very good point. Are the Tufts seniors playing now his first ever recruiting class? If so, then that's pretty impressive- taking a 2 win team the year prior to starting, and building it into a first place regular season finisher in 4 years at least merits some discussion. It seems as though Tufts receives contributions from FY, sophs, juniors, as well which is another testament to recruiting. If not COY, then is Shapiro the best recruiter?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 03, 2014, 02:00:09 PM
Interesting question.  If Shapiro were the coach of Bates or Hamilton, do you think you'd be mentioning him as the best recruiter?  Tufts is such a different product than any other NESCAC - urban, huge, non-LAC.  I think we're comparing apples to oranges.  Tufts seems more of a UAA type school to me.  Did he bring in good players?  Absolutely, but not sure there is another NESCAC which offers a comparable product. 



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccer69 on November 03, 2014, 02:19:07 PM
Who do we think could be MVP contenders and rookie of the year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2014, 02:54:12 PM
Good point, Corazon.

I think I asked about Tufts RE: the UAA last year.....or maybe that was Johns Hopkins (who I think the reply was that Hopkins had been in the UAA).  Tufts and Hopkins both would make sense as UAA schools.

So now recruiting is the key variable that trumps other criteria?  Are we counting the previous couple of years of underperforming with that great recruiting as part of the calculation?  Is he developing them once they get there?  Do they get better?  Santos was NESCAC Rookie of the Year and 1st team NESCAC AS A FROSH. Hoppenot was 1st team NESCAC as a soph and junior.  Doesn't matter to me at all who wins NESCAC COY, but seems like there's been pushback on disagreement but no real rationale provided as to how the award is deserved.  Serpone has recruited well too, and consistently produced.  There probably hasn't been a week in 3 (or 4?) years when Amherst wasn't ranked in the national top 15, and Tufts STILL hasn't cracked the top 15.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 03, 2014, 03:14:03 PM
I thought this issue about Santos came up before.  I believe he got mononucleosis during his sophomore season and was hurt and/or played hurt his junior year.  I am basing this on a sketchy memory so I can't be 100% sure..... As long as Tufts is in the NESCAC you cannot use the apple and orange comparison.  Also, do you really think Tufts has a recruiting edge over Williams, Anherst or Bowdoin.  People would die to go to those schools also......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 03, 2014, 03:42:24 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 03, 2014, 02:54:12 PM
There probably hasn't been a week in 3 (or 4?) years when Amherst wasn't ranked in the national top 15, and Tufts STILL hasn't cracked the top 15.

Very good points NCAC, and ones that I am glad I don't have to answer when casting my vote...mainly because I don't have one! And, this is just busting your chops- Tufts was 12th in last week's NSCAA national rankings ;)

http://www.nscaatv.com/rankings/3794/NCAADivisionIII/men/Poll9
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2014, 03:48:20 PM
LOL.  All the way from RV to #12 and in less than a week back to RV.  Well played.  You got me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 05:15:00 PM
This is what I wrote back in July please put your attention to Tufts

Since we are on the topic of Russo's retirement, I wanted to look at all the coaching changes in the last decade in Nescac and give them a grade. What was once a league in the late 70's,80's and 90's of consistency and less pressure and focus on winning in general has turned into a pressure packed league with parents and even alums getting into the Athletic Director's ear about not getting results.  Coaches lasted decades and could even go a decade under .500 and not worry about it too much. Recruiting was non-existent and it was a very secure job. In 1993, when the NCAA tournament ban was lifted this changed everything. You could even argue Russo and Williams aslo helped change the culture in the 80's as he started recruiting and sneaking players away from some of the Ivies (i.e Calichman-who was headed to Dartmouth). I am by no means saying Nescac was different than any other D1,D2 or D3 league. Some Ivies in the 80's were still not recruiting and you had D1 teams still scheduling D3 teams until they finally realized it was a no win situation. You are supposed to win and if you lost it looked real bad. Middlebury would beat UVM, Williams would beat Dartmouth, Tufts and Brandeis would give Harvard a game and even Wesleyan would play Yale.  NO pressure until the late 80's and early 90's. Anyway, I am going off topic and we could talk about this another time. Let's look at the coaching changes and if it was warranted and if the replacement has improved the program to date.

Amherst-Peter Gooding / Milton Gooding replaced by Justin Serpone in 2007. Peter Gooding was a legend and did so much for the game, was even the NSCAA President in the 90's. He was retiring in 2006 and wanted to hand the job to his son Milton who had been there about a decade coaching with him. For whatever reason, the new AD or President wasn't having it. Milton was an exceptional recruiter as he got a lot of talent to Amherst which in my opinion is half the job. However, for whatever reason they were not as consistent as they are now and not nearly as organized. Serpone has turned this program into a consistent winner and a dominant powerhouse year in and year out. He has rubbed some people the wrong way with his methods but you cannot argue the results or the hire.           A-

Bates-George Purgavie replaced by Stewart Flaherty in 2012. Purgavie had been there some 30 years with some decent teams and some bad ones. A solid coach and sneaky tactician, who seemed to really care about his players. His best years were 2002-2007 as he had some top of the league talent and results. This school is the toughest school to recruit to in Nescac for a number of reasons that is another story for another time. He was forced out in 2012 after a 0-10 Nescac record and bumped up to a director of coaching or overseer of both men's and women's soccer. A nice demotion for a nice guy who had been at the school for 30 years. It was time for a change no doubt as he looked a bit dis-interested in the end. Rumors were that Flaherty had gone behind Purgavie's back as his assistant to the AD and threw him under the bus. Whatever the truth is he got the AD's attention and ended up getting the job. I think Bates has never had less talent on its roster as it did last year. They had no weapons up front and looked dysfunctional on offense. In fairness to Flaherty, Purgavie left the cupboard dry but I think the AD would have been better served to hire a young gun assistant to really turn the program around and recruit and motivate...i.e Shapiro at Tufts. No offense to Flaherty but he looks lost in this league. I will give him another year or 2 to put his stamp on the program but for now Flaherty gets a D.           D

Bowdoin-Fran O'Leary replaced by Scott Wiercinski in 2013. O'Leary left for Toronto FC which is looking like a better move by the day and was replaced by Wiercinski. In 2005, when Ainscough was forced out and he went to Northeastern, Wiercinski was being considered for the job but O'Leary came out of nowhere from George Mason and decided he wanted back in D3. He knew the AD from Kenyon or something like that and they hired him in August of 2005 leaving Wiercinski wondering what the hell happened. He eventually got the U Chicago job. Fran was extremely organized defensively and in shape and it showed in 2010 with their NCAA final four team and if not for a late goal they could have won the whole thing. If Middlebury is recruiting, Bowdoin usually gets their scraps. Midd and Bowdoin will always get the best athletes in Nescac. They will feed off of Williams and Amherst scraps. Kids love Bowdoin's facilities and the town and the proximity to Boston. I have no opinion really of the new coach as he needs time but he is the PERFECT example of what Bates and Colby should have done, and what Tufts and Bowdoin did do; Former player in Nescac, D1 or D3 assistant or head coach, young fit and energetic. Basically he has a great understanding of the league and its players and its requirements.    B

Colby-Mark Serdjenian replaced by Ewan Seabrook in 2014. The longest tenured coach in Nescac was basically forced out after an 0-10 league record. Serdjenian was an all around great guy and coach. It is hard to recruit to Colby as you have to get in your car and drive everywhere from the middle of Maine to see kids and I do not think Serdjenian was a good recruiter. It's  a young man's job and this is the clearest example. Like Purgavie at Bates, Serdjenian was kept in the Athletic department until I assume he retires. Seabrook has no Nescac experience and is from across the pond. He comes from UNH as a top assistant. Time will tell    B-

Connecticut College-Bill Lessig replaced by Kenny Murphy in 2009. Murphy came from Brown as Noonan's top assistant and immediately lit a fire under Conn's players asses. Lessig should have been long gone by now as he was buying time. Another example of the old school Nescac coach who never recruited and made do with what he had. Lessig had a couple good teams in the early 90's but nothing else really to show for a long career. Murphy quickly learned that besides Trinity, Conn can get anyone in thru admissions for a Nescac school. He is a great recruiter and works his ass off recruiting. He gets results and is a good coach. The question now is can he bring this team to the next level and get them into a NCAA berth or a Nescac Final Four.      B+

Tufts-Ralph Ferrigno replaced by Josh Shapiro in 2010.  Ferrigno was the most aloof Nescac coach. His peers barely knew him. He had some great teams in the mid-90's and Tufts had a magical 1994 NCAA run where they hosted Johns Hopkins in front of 3,000 screaming fans. Somewhere along the line Ferrigno lost interest in his team, instead trying to focus on his camps which were making him pretty good money. Eventually, Tufts lost interest in him and canned him after 15 years.  If Tufts can be dominant in and win NCAA championships in LAX, there is no reason why Men's Soccer cannot do the same. Tufts is a great school, largest undergrads, Boston location, etc etc. It just needed some youthful energy and got it with Shapiro. Played at Midd, D1 assitant under Weise at Georgetown, paid his dues and has done an incredible job of recruiting and turning this team around. Ferrigno left him a bag of balls and some JV players. In four years he has gotten Tufts back in the NCAA's, has some of the best talent in Nescac(whether they gel is another story), and has brought life to this dormant program.  A

Hot Seat-Perry Nizzi-Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 05:19:41 PM
Shapiro deserves coach of the year. He won the regular season for Tufts for the first time and this is a huge accomplishment. He is a very sharp coach and has the most tactical acumen besides Russo in the league. He is not the best recruiter in the league but a close 2nd to Serpone. Also, lets remember the coaches vote for all these end of season rewards and they will give it to Shapiro. Serpone is still not liked by some coaches and this usually hurts Amherst players in these end of season rewards.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 05:31:30 PM
I thought I would also recognize Russo as he is retiring. What a legend. His best teams and most entertaining teams were from 1998-2006. There was only 1 final 4 in those 8 years which was also his biggest disappointment. However, there was maybe 5 Final 8's and always a massive upset in those games. Those teams could have beaten many D1's and I would be willing to say they could have won a couple IVY league titles especially the teams with Khari Stephenson, Alex Blake, Josh Bolton, Teddy Giancopolous, Mark Williams and Josef Powell. Maybe the biggest upset in NCAA D3 history was 2001 in a 1st round game at Cole Field in Williamstown. All those Jamaicans and skilled talent went up against a MASCAC team Worcester St. Williams out shot them 44-3 and lost in PK's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 05:35:04 PM
As far as his replacement it will be Erin Sullivan if he wants it. The only thing I could imagine holding him back would be money. The players would probably like current assistant Derek Cece a Midd grad. He is a very good coach but may end up being just a little to young and green but he would also be an excellent choice. I bet Fran O'Leary throws his name in the hat and will not have a chance to get it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 06:29:15 PM
For any of my POY and 1st team Nescac selections which I will do after Sunday you MUST only consider Conference stats not Total stats.  It is the only fair way to do this.

POY- Absolute toss up between Greg Conrad and Nico Pascual Leone. Zach Grady may get 1 or 2 votes but will not win it. I think both Conrad and Pascual Leone deserve it. Both are extremely important to his team and you would see a season like Williams had without Rashid if either was out for the season. I would vote for Pascual Leone by a tiny hair just because he has scored some incredible goals and I think maybe 3 GW goals. Conrad's 2nd goal against Wesleyan 1 week ago was incredible and also deserves mention. I am glad I do not have to vote for this one and I predict it might be a dead heat.

COY- Shapiro
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 03, 2014, 07:02:09 PM
Nice string of posts, Mr. Right. There are some really good insights. The 44-3 shot advantage and still losing is incredible.

Can you see a scenario where Sullivan won't come to Williams?  Surely Williams can offer as much money as WNE?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 07:18:03 PM
Everyone thinks Sullivan does not make any money at WNEC but he has been there 15 years. He turned around a dormant program and became associate AD. They love him down there and I believe he has 3 kids and his family really like the schools and surrounding areas. If Williams low balls the offer like Amherst did in 2007 there could be some issues . Saying all that I still believe he will get it and take it. Looking at WNEC's season this past year he must be disappointed that his season is already over and he has taken WNEC as far as they can go with multiple NCAA appearances highlighted by a 2006 Sweet 16 classic game vs Johns Hopkins at Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2014, 07:58:33 PM
Mr.Right no doubt is right that Serpone won't win because the coaches don't like him.  Probably turned their stomachs to give it to him a year ago.  On merit, though, it's not a close call.  One regular season loss in how many seasons?  Which team do you give the better chance of making a run to the Elite 8 or final four, Amherst or Tufts?  And why is that?  Shapiro was in the running up until he blew the Bowdoin game and then didn't have his team ready to play an injured #8 seed on his home field.  Also still does not have any huge, unexpected wins.  That said, he should learn from his mistakes this year and be a better coach going forward.

Anyone know how long the suspension is for the Tufts player?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 03, 2014, 08:07:36 PM
My vote for player of the year goes to Zach Grady of Williams.  Not only a good run of goals, but OT game winners, and others at important times.  Also a very fiery character who seemed to have an uplifting impact on those around him.  What would there season have been without him?

My vote for rookie of the year goes to Nate Merchant of Bates.  Extremely fast right midfielder in a 4-4-2 who scored 4 goals in 10 games, and defended like a Tasmanian devil.

Also I loved the previous idea about running totals for predictions next season.  What do you say we all guess our first team All-NESCAC, and see who hits the most of the 11 selections?  Should be fun, and some form of measure beyond opinion into what we are seeing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 09:06:55 PM
Do not get me wrong I like Grady and he had an incredible year but he most likely will get Most Improved Player not POY.

Rookie of the year will be Adam Cowie-Haskell
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2014, 09:47:30 PM
I think it's hard to overestimate the relief that Amherst will feel knowing that they don't have to look over their shoulder for Williams.  I think Amherst rolls, and Serpone will be smart enough to be thinking ahead with a chance of being impressive enough to challenge Brandeis and Oneonta for home games.  Conn gave absolutely everything they had and barely, barely held off Tufts.  I see the Camels getting overwhelmed, and then in a final on their home field I would see Middlebury having some chance if the Panthers could get ahead by a couple early but just don't see that happening. 

I don't know all the teams as well as you guys, but is there a POY candidate from Tufts?  I might vote for Bull.  And Cowie-Haskell might be right in a very weak year overall for first years.  Young from Williams impressed me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 09:51:19 PM
In fairness to Grady he did fade in and out of games and usually struggled more with big physical central defenders. His worst game was against Tufts and Amherst. That being said he did struggle last Saturday against Bowdoin.

Saying that Bowdoin v Midd will be a game of the year I could not disagree more.  Bowdoin has gotten healthy really fast as Keefe,Jones and White all played and were the difference against Williams. Their wingbacks are quick and skilled but have a serious height issues. Bowdoin does try to play futbol against teams that will knock it around like Tufts and Williams but against Conn, Amherst and Midd my guess is Bowdoin will revert back into volleyball r ping pong with the 3 worst thumpers in the league and country. You are correct that Midd does not have a good supporting cast but they have 2 legitimate goal scorers and a great keeper. You do not need much more to win this tournament. The first game between these 2 teams was completely muddled in midfield and painful to watch. I agree Bowdoin is going to get a result in this game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 09:56:26 PM
Tufts does not have a POY but will have 3 or 4 First team guys on the conference team. Bull has had his worst year this year compared to his prior 2 years. Conn have always played Amherst extremely tough and I have to agree against Colby they were struggling in the final 3rd. Even with all those injuries Conn has enough talent to make it a game. They certainly have just as much talent right now as Colby so there is always a chance. Slim...but a chance
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2014, 10:03:23 PM
Bull might have had a couple more handling errors than in the past, but his distribution and ability to consistently put his team in the other team's 18 are deadly.  A VERY valuable player. 

As you all talk about these teams and their weaknesses I find myself disappointed that Wesleyan is out.  They really screwed up conceding a home playoff game to Williams.  For me they were one of the more talented and balanced teams across the board.  Bratt in the back, a loaded midfield, Cowie-Haskell and then Lynch coming on who was very dangerous.  I liked the way they played although I wish they had been a little more offensive.  They played an excellent game on the road against Midd and should have won.

Conn had their game of the year and will be exhausted. Amherst wins by 3 or 4 goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: arkman on November 03, 2014, 10:14:51 PM
NCAC I couldn't disagree more. Conn has only given up 3 goals once this season in a 3-1 loss to Tufts. They have a week to rest and possibly get Patch back and I don't think Amherst's offense is as good as you think. They have only scored multiple goals this season in NESCAC against Trinity (a team that very much struggles to deal with physicality), Williams (who pressed forward almost suicidally, but still a surprising result), and early-season Colby. They've scored one goal in every other game, including a 1-0 win v. Conn. They tied amherst 0-0 last year and lost 1-0 this year. They can certainly defend the lord jeffs, but can they score goals? I think not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 10:19:22 PM
Agreed on Bull. You are correct.

Also, I agree with you about Wesleyan as they deserved to beat Midd but their GK killed them. He was their weak link all year and had they had Purdy in net they could have had a year like 2009 with an offensively challenged team, organized defensively, excellent midfield defending and dangerous play makers. I compared this years team with 2009 before the season and had they had some great Goalkeeping it could have been really good
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 03, 2014, 10:27:52 PM
I think Bull had a down year. Tufts players to be considered are Williams, Kayne, Santos, Brown and maybe Hoppenot and Greenwood....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 03, 2014, 10:33:45 PM
Also agree with Mr. Right that that Shapiro wins COY in a very close vote.  does anyone know how much input a coach has for his one players.  I know often coaches submit their own players that they think deserve it....and are choices completely based on stats?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 10:36:53 PM
Each coach votes on First team players based on a certain amount of selections each coach puts out for players on his own team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 03, 2014, 10:39:03 PM
Do teams with better records have more input or votes?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 10:43:09 PM
Absolutely NOT...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 10:51:52 PM
The disdain for Amherst has seen some deserving players not get awards. The worst case was in 2012 when Spencer Noon did not win POY and I think they had only 1 or 2 First team players. Serpone took offense and rightly so and proceeded to ask in 2013 for about an hour of conversation on a conference call giving each team about 7 minutes to talk about why their players deserve to make first team, 2nd team etc..This was not well received by the other coaches.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 03, 2014, 11:00:54 PM
So that call never took place?  Do u think some coaches confer about it before voting?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2014, 11:31:02 PM
The call did take place much to the disdain of the coaches.

Maybe a couple confer about it but to be honest most coaches lazily just look at stats and how the player performed against their own team. Also they look at prior years...For instance Matt Muralles for Williams had a great career with many nominations and awards racked up in his 3 years prior to this year. He was one of a couple reasons why Williams failed this year. He did not work hard and let his teammates down with selfish and disenchanting play. He was a major disappointment but you may have a coach vote for him anyway.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 04, 2014, 12:24:35 AM
I am going to guess at a 3-4-3, but here is All-NESCAC from my observations.  Thoughts of others?  Let's see who can get most of 11 for a bit of fun.  Let's not tell others why they are wrong (we all watch different samples throughout fall), simply state your own 11, will be fun to compare with real All-NESCAC 11 when it comes out.

GK - Greg Sydor (Middlebury)
D - Nabil Odulate (Bowdoin)
D - Sam Williams (Tufts)
D - Gabriel Wirz (Amherst)
M - Adam Jones (Bowdoin)
M - Tim Shea (Trinity)
M - Jason Kayne (Tufts)
M - Rui Pinheiro (Tufts)
F - Zach Grady (Williams)
F - Greg Conrad (Middlebury)
F - Nico Pascual-Leone (Amherst)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 08:20:34 AM
Telling others why they are wrong is the best part for me. Does that ruin your time on the site? Can you go over your rules for this board again?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 08:33:25 AM
4-3-3

G- Scott Greenwood- Tufts
D- Geoff Danilack- Williams
D- Sam Williams- Tufts
D- Gabe Wirz- Amherst
D- Ben Bratt- Wesleyan
M- Gus Santos- Tufts
M- Greg Conrad- Midd
M- Jason Kayne- Tufts
F- Zach Grady- Williams
F- Nico Pascual Leone- Amherst
F- Adam Glazer- Midd
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 08:34:48 AM
You have overrated Odulate all season. He is a special athlete but not one one the best soccer players in the league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 04, 2014, 08:36:43 AM
I have to say Mr. Right that your picks are pretty good.  I may substitute Bull for Greenwood but given Bull's year compared to the last 2 years, it may be a toss-up.  If the picks are really based on this year's performance and not past reputation, you are pretty spot on.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 08:58:13 AM
Thanks man..what about your 11?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: onetouch on November 04, 2014, 09:22:52 AM
[quote.For instance Matt Muralles for Williams had a great career with many nominations and awards racked up in his 3 years prior to this year. He was one of a couple reasons why Williams failed this year. He did not work hard and let his teammates down with selfish and disenchanting play. He was a major disappointment but you may have a coach vote for him anyway.
[/quote]

Disgusting comment by you Lapaz/Right.  Time to ban you again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 09:27:00 AM
Sorry you get upset at the truth
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 04, 2014, 09:34:44 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 08:58:13 AM
Thanks man..what about your 11?

G- Scott Greenwood- Tufts
D- Geoff Danilack- Williams
D- Sam Williams- Tufts
D- Gabe Wirz- Amherst
M- Devlin
M- Gus Santos- Tufts
M- Greg Conrad- Midd
M- Jason Kayne- Tufts
F- Zach Grady- Williams
F- Nico Pascual Leone- Amherst
F- Adam Glazer- Midd

I was at the Tufts Bowdoin game and was wondering why Kayne and Patel didn't play.  A parent was talking about Kayne and Patel. Patel hurt his leg and Kayne played the last 3 weeks with a broken big toe.  Shapiro must have rested Kayne since Tufts had won the #1 seed at that point.  I don't know where Patel stands.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 09:56:01 AM
good questions..no one has answered about Kramer either. That is the biggest issue. Patel can be replaced by Schiable if necessary. I would assume Kayne will play hurt in the NCAA's instead of not playing at all. I still think with a bunch of upsets to other teams in different conferences around the country Tufts is going to sweat out a bid but I believe they will get it.

However Tufts will not be in the pod of 4 teams to host in the New England regions.

Brandeis, Amherst, Wheaton and Coast Guard will be hosting if results hold serve
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 04, 2014, 09:59:13 AM
I just went back and checked the box score and Kayne started in the Conn College playoff game.  Yes, I think Tufts will and should make it and agree they won't be a host......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 10:05:57 AM
I find it interesting that people are ripping Shapiro for going 0-1-1 last week. Remember this is Nescac and any team can beat anyone. I cannot downgrade their season with a week's worth of work and injuries and suspensions. You are correct is it disappointing because had they won the Nescac championship they would have hosted to the Final 4. They have a big home field advantage. In saying that I believe they will be a tough out for any of the top teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 04, 2014, 10:25:03 AM
Agree with you Mr. Right. Every team hits hot streaks and cold streaks in the NESCAC at random points in the season. I think that the injuries, the suspension (was it league-mandated or Shapiro-imposed?), and the weather were all factors in the loss to Conn. Tufts dominated most of the game, and were extremely unlucky not to score. Looking at the stats, they had 20 shots and 9 corners...sometimes the ball does not bounce your way, but that's what makes this sport great. As for the Bowdoin game...what can you do about a game-tying free kick ripped into the upper 90 from 30 yards out? Sometimes you must simply shake your head and applaud the opponent.

I also think the Jumbos will receive an at-large bid. Any team who draws Tufts in the NCAAs might be in for a rude awakening if they play to their potential. Of course... I could also see them losing in the first round with their penchant for unpredictability   ;)

How high (or low) would you have Tufts seeded? A 7th or an 8th seed seems to be about right...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 10:31:54 AM
They will not drop past #5 in this week's regional rankings as the teams right behind them are squarely on the bubble. Midd, Babson and WPI all have work to do. If any of those 3 lose their next game they are out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 10:34:33 AM
Kramer is the big question mark. I have no info on this. Lima's incident last year was as horrific as Kramer's and he was suspended one game by Russo and then 2 extra games by Nescac. It also was very controversial because Weller Hilomanz parents were writing letters and emails to anyone and everyone. I believe they pushed the buttons of Nescac to discipline him. I have no idea who the player was that got elbowed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2014, 10:42:56 AM
What is the evidence of this terrible season Bull has had?  I recall one big error all season.  His other strengths make him a concern for opposing defenses that no other GK can come close to, and I am a Greenwood fan. 

And Tufts would not have hosted to the final four unless Brandeis lost a couple more games or Oneonta for that matter.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 04, 2014, 10:45:35 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 08:20:34 AM
Telling others why they are wrong is the best part for me. Does that ruin your time on the site? Can you go over your rules for this board again?

I just figure more interesting to see you picks rather than you pontificate with your own opinion solely.  You are often wrong yourself like the rest of us.  Not my rules but there are rules about respect on this board, hence your need to change your identity and deny it was you when coming back.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 10:47:10 AM
You are correct about Tufts hosting. They would have had 1st and 2nd round but not home field until the final 4. Now they most likely will be sent to Wheaton's pod...

Bull has been very effective but not perfect like we are used to. I guess that is a compliment but Greenwood will get the nod this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 10:48:49 AM
I never was banned and I have the right to come back. I wanted to get away from this board and start my own but was not allowed to. I will post my opinions and I am usually right. I do not tell you what to post and what not to post. If you do not like it . Thats not my problem
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 04, 2014, 10:52:32 AM
Well let's see the real 11 when it comes out.  We will see who is right the most out of 11. 

A lot of people on here make some great predictions and can say they are "usually" right.  Some of your opinion is subjective that can never be proved right or wrong.  Look forward to tracking picks next fall, as we will see if you live up to that name.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 04, 2014, 10:55:03 AM
Weak arguments against Bull. He isn't as great this year as last? That can't possibly be the barometer. All-star status is based on performance relative to this year's players, isn't it? Bull is a beast on defense and attack.

Also, the claim that Shapiro should get COY because of his team's #1 regular-season finish is an interesting argument, given Serpone was denied--TWICE--even though the same was true for his team in 2011 and 2012 (coin toss gave it to Williams). If Serpone was denied for his personality, are we okay with COY as a personality contest? What about for POY and all-stars? They should go to the nicest guys instead of the best players? Hm.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 10:55:57 AM
I never said that alot of people are wrong, I just say that I am usually right. I enjoy posters opinions and predictions and I also enjoy discussing them. Some posters I do not enjoy but that does not give me the right to say post this or do not post that. I have never nor would I ever demand people post a certain way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 10:57:02 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 04, 2014, 10:55:03 AM
Weak arguments against Bull. He isn't as great this year as last? That can't possibly be the barometer. All-star status is based on performance relative to this year's players, isn't it? Bull is a beast on defense and attack.

Also, the claim that Shapiro should get COY because of his team's #1 regular-season finish is an interesting argument, given Serpone was denied--TWICE--even though the same was true for his team in 2011 and 2012 (coin toss gave it to Williams). If Serpone was denied for his personality, are we okay with COY as a personality contest? What about for POY and all-stars? They should go to the nicest guys instead of the best players? Hm.

I am not saying that is the right way to do this. However, it has been done is the reality of it. 2012 Amherst got screwed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 04, 2014, 11:05:08 AM
I think Bull is the third best GK I have seen this fall.  He has let in more goals than previous seasons, ranks 4th in GAA, and ranks and 9th in save percentage.

That is not a weak argument in any way, shape or form.  He has not been the best GK in the league.  You do not pick an All-NESCAC GK on attacking acumen, if so then the Bates guy has 3 assists, and he is not close.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 04, 2014, 11:07:46 AM
MENESCAC, who are your two ahead of him? I would presume Greenwood- who else...?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 04, 2014, 11:16:05 AM
Quote from: oldonionbag on November 04, 2014, 11:07:46 AM
MENESCAC, who are your two ahead of him? I would presume Greenwood- who else...?

Gotta be Sydor, right?

Seems to me that Sydor, Bull, and Greenwood were the top tier keepers this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 04, 2014, 11:20:20 AM
Sydor and Greenwood were best IMO in that order.  I also thought Greenwood was excellent last fall.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2014, 11:22:35 AM
Pick whoever you want for All-NESCAC.  When we do the fantasy league Bull will be my #1 GK pick and maybe even #1 pick overall.

Mr.Right, it would be interesting to know more about your background if you can divulge a little more while still maintaining your anonymity.  You are often "right," and you obviously know your NESCAC and even a fair amount of non-NESCAC.  I very much enjoy your participation at least 95% of the time.  And you would be "right" even more often if you stayed focused on just that and avoided some of extracurricular jabbing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 11:23:59 AM
Greenwood gets the nod I think he is the most athletic and is a extremely tough kid. He might be an inch or two to short and that might come back to haunt Tufts later but he makes some incredible saves. I also think Alcorn for Williams steadily improved this year and you will see him as a legit keeper the next 2 years
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2014, 11:25:30 AM
Ok I will try to not jab anymore but I have to admit it gets me out of bed in the morning. It gives me a rush sometimes that I thoroughly enjoy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2014, 11:32:55 AM
Mr.Right, we all love a good jab now and again.  Just defeats your purpose when and if it morphs into the apparent MO.

And Greenwood is fantastic.  3-4 more inches and would have made for a top-tier D1 GK.

Sydor is also very good, and how about the Bowdoin GK?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 04, 2014, 11:36:27 AM
Greenwood should and probably will be captain next year. I love his fire and his attitude. It's not often that a young GK can rally his troops so well- his leadership has impressed me the most. Additionally, he is GREAT off the line- at least three times during the Conn game he recognized a ball over the top would beat his centerbacks and cleared them well before they became dangerous.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 04, 2014, 11:40:49 AM
NCAC if anyone here is smart enough to create I would LOVE and even pay for a fantasy NESCAC league!

But come on, nobody picks a GK first in fantasy ;-)

Another great question.  Next fall (so seniors gone).  People top fantasy NESCAC pick and dark horse?

Mine is Conrad, goals mean points in that league.  Knoth for dark horse.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2014, 11:42:34 AM
Arkman, we'll see on the Conn vs Amherst game.  I do find it interesting that just a few days ago almost everyone picked Conn to lose to Tufts by at least 2-3 goals.  Conn gave a heroic effort on Saturday.  Of course they will try to duplicate that but to be fair they were mostly holding on for dear life in those last 30 minutes against Tufts and needed a little good fortune to hold off the Jumbos.  If Tufts had gotten another one there was was 95% chance Tufts would have won in OT.  And in contrast to Tufts, Amherst will be fully prepared from the opening whistle.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on November 04, 2014, 12:40:51 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 04, 2014, 11:22:35 AM
Mr.Right, it would be interesting to know more about your background if you can divulge a little more while still maintaining your anonymity.

I doubt he will ever tell you that but I think most folks would be surprised if they ever found out based on past behavior. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 04, 2014, 01:04:36 PM
Quote from: madzillagd on November 04, 2014, 12:40:51 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 04, 2014, 11:22:35 AM
Mr.Right, it would be interesting to know more about your background if you can divulge a little more while still maintaining your anonymity.

I doubt he will ever tell you that but I think most folks would be surprised if they ever found out based on past behavior.

SERPONE! :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 04, 2014, 01:05:36 PM
Just kidding. One of the best parts about these boards is that I try and picture what each person behind their respective keyboards looks like...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on November 04, 2014, 01:55:29 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on November 04, 2014, 01:04:36 PM


SERPONE! :o

Haha.  Funny but no. I'm not going to out him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: play-to-win on November 04, 2014, 02:30:50 PM
11.04.14 New England Rankings are out


1   Brandeis University
2   Wheaton College
3   Amherst College
4   United States Coast Guard Academy
5   Tufts University
6   Babson College
7   Middlebury College
8   Worcester Polytechnic Institute
9   Nichols College
10   Gordon College
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2014, 10:02:17 PM
Just watched Rutgers-Camden and since we are talking about players here, I haven't seen a single striker/forward in the NESCAC as lethal as Mike Ryan for Camden.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 05, 2014, 12:02:35 AM
Haven't seen him NCAC.  Best non-NESCAC front pair I watched was the Wheaton front line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 10:14:01 AM
Yes. Ryan is one of the best D3 players in the country. Wheaton's strikers do not compare. Camden sjouhld be in the NCAA's with Newark and MOntclair St. The NJAC's top 4 are better than the UAA and Nescac top 4.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 05, 2014, 10:21:14 AM
Just to clarify, is the reference above to Wheaton (MA) or Wheaton (Ill)?  And as trivia bonus question, have the two Wheatons ever played each other?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 10:29:22 AM
Wheaton,MA and no they have never played
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 05, 2014, 10:32:02 AM
Would love to see Camden and/or Montclair play against Amherst or Brandeis.  I think those would be compelling games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 11:03:58 AM
Newark was in Brandeis' pod last year but lost in the 1st round to Roger Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 05, 2014, 11:06:45 AM


Newark handled Roger Williams except for that 15 min lapse where they let up 3 goals!   That crushed my Duhawk NCAA soccer bracket...

NESCAC vs NJAC in NCAA TOURNAMENT

2011:   Rutgers-Camden 2, Wesleyan 1
2010:   Middlebury 2, William Paterson 1
2006:   Montclair St 1, Wesleyan 0
2002:   Williams 4, Stockton 1
2000:   Rowan 2, Williams 1
1999:   Stockton 1, Williams 0   (ELITE 8)
1997:   TCNJ 2, Amherst 1
            Kean 5, Trinity 1.
            Trinity 2, Ramapo 1.   
1996:  TCNJ 1, Williams 0 (OT) (ELITE 8) (TCNJ won title)
1995:  Williams 3, TCNJ 0 (ELITE 8) (Williams won title)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 11:16:04 AM
Williams dismantled national champion Stockton 4-1 at Keene St in 2002. Great game. The they go on to lose to a park the bus Arcadia in PK's at Southern CT because of a snow storm. That might have been one of the worst losses in Russo's career. The coach of that Arcadia team? Tom Carlin Villinova's coach now
They dominated in 1998 and 1999 but lost and that 1996 loss was a heart breaker as they were defending national champion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 05, 2014, 11:25:39 AM
Tom DeGeorge, Robbie White, and Ben Swan were the trio that put Arcadia on the map.    I think they got pummelled at Messiah in 02...  After that they had some battles with Eastern in the PAC, but faded away.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 05, 2014, 02:12:30 PM
NEW ENGLAND REGION (data sheet)
   School   
1   Brandeis   16-2-0   16-2-0
2   Wheaton    16-2-2   16-2-2
3   Coast   13-1-3   13-1-3
4   Amherst   12-1-3   12-1-3
5   Babson   14-5-0   14-5-0
6   Tufts   10-2-4   10-2-4
7   WPI           13-4-0   13-4-0
8   Gordon   14-4-1   14-4-1
9   Middlebury9-3-4   9-3-4
10   Wesleyan   8-5-3   8-5-3
11   Nichols   12-2-4   12-2-4
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 05, 2014, 02:42:33 PM
Still amazed that Coast Guard is ranked ahead of Amherst....having seen both teams play I'm not sure if a handful of Coast Guard players would even make the Amherst roster(and not sure if any would start)....I guess playing a bunker mentality defensive style all year continues to get Coast Guard results and the higher ranking...but if they get to play in the NCAA...my $$ is on Amherst in a big way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 05, 2014, 03:55:43 PM
I know they tied Wheaton, but looking at the teams below Coast Guard...I think Amherst, Tufts, Babson, Middlebury, and Wesleyan would all beat them, having seen each team play multiple times.

I hope I'm wrong, but I can't see CGA making it past the first-round of the NCAAs if they draw a creative team (with a few flashy players like a Santos from Tufts) or a physical team with big men up top, like a Conrad from Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr. Not Right on November 05, 2014, 05:46:56 PM
All NESCAC thoughts:

POY - Pascual-Leone. Glaser is the best player in the league IMO, but don't think he will get the votes here.

ROY - Merchant. Along with Knoth, he carried a pretty weak Bates team since returning from injury. Very good + dangerous two-way player.

COY - Shapiro. I think Seabrook deserves it for getting the absolute most out of a Colby squad that was horrible last year, graduated its two best players, and didn't have any great incoming players. However, I don't think he wins this award, Shapiro has done a great job to turn the Tufts team around.

First Team

GK – Sydor (Middlebury)
D – Bratt (Wesleyan)
D – Odulate (Bowdoin)
D – Williams (Tufts)
M – Santos (Tufts)
M – Devlin (Conn)
M – Martin (Amherst)
M – Pascual – Leone (Amherst)
F – Conrad (Middlebury)
F – Grady (Williams)
F – Glaser (Middlebury)


Second Team

GK – Bull (Amherst)
D – Wirz (Amherst)
D – Danilack (Williams)
D – Stanton (Colby)
M – Shea (Trinity)
M – Merchant (Bates)
M – Kayne (Tufts)
M – Goss – Woliner (Middlebury)
M – Jones (Bowdoin)
F – Knoth (Bates)
F – Savonen (Trinity)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 05, 2014, 08:09:08 PM
Most difficult schedules in New England according to the 11/5 data sheet are below:

1. Brandeis        0.633
2. Babson          0.602
3. Wesleayan     0.600
4. Wheaton       0.597
5. Amherst         0.587
6. Coast Guard  0.580
7. Tufts              0.576

These are the only teams with SOS over 0.575.  ALL of these teams are ranked as SOS is clearly being rewarded.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 08:45:59 PM
Quote from: Mr. Not Right on November 05, 2014, 05:46:56 PM
All NESCAC thoughts:

POY - Pascual-Leone. Glaser is the best player in the league IMO, but don't think he will get the votes here.

ROY - Merchant. Along with Knoth, he carried a pretty weak Bates team since returning from injury. Very good + dangerous two-way player.

COY - Shapiro. I think Seabrook deserves it for getting the absolute most out of a Colby squad that was horrible last year, graduated its two best players, and didn't have any great incoming players. However, I don't think he wins this award, Shapiro has done a great job to turn the Tufts team around.

First Team

GK – Sydor (Middlebury)
D – Bratt (Wesleyan)
D – Odulate (Bowdoin)
D – Williams (Tufts)
M – Santos (Tufts)
M – Devlin (Conn)
M – Martin (Amherst)
M – Pascual – Leone (Amherst)
F – Conrad (Middlebury)
F – Grady (Williams)
F – Glaser (Middlebury)


Second Team

GK – Bull (Amherst)
D – Wirz (Amherst)
D – Danilack (Williams)
D – Stanton (Colby)
M – Shea (Trinity)
M – Merchant (Bates)
M – Kayne (Tufts)
M – Goss – Woliner (Middlebury)
M – Jones (Bowdoin)
F – Knoth (Bates)
F – Savonen (Trinity)




This is obviously MENSNESCACFAN. Your constant hard on for Bates, Colby and Odualte gave you away. NICE TRY
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 08:51:09 PM
With Middlebury knocked down to #9 past Gordon which is a complete joke they now have to win the whole thing. Tufts is going to be sweating now because they are knocked down to #6. Last year New England went 7 deep with MIT getting a At large at #7 but I do not think they will go that deep this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 08:54:25 PM
Gordon is 14-4-1 with a .545 SOS which is not good and a 0-1-0 record v ranked. The only reason they are still there is because their AD is the commitee head. They have a crap SOS, they do not go out and play any ranked teams and are rewarded with a #8 seed. FLAWED SYSTEM
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 05, 2014, 09:00:38 PM
Not a debate I'm that interested in, but I will say there is no way Gordon's schedule is tougher than Luther's, so there is something wrong with the SOS calculation and obviously great variability in how different regions rank.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 09:13:36 PM
tell me about it. Gordon in OT right now with Roger Williams so hopefully this puts them to bed for GOOD
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 05, 2014, 09:40:34 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 08:51:09 PM
With Middlebury knocked down to #9 past Gordon which is a complete joke they now have to win the whole thing. Tufts is going to be sweating now because they are knocked down to #6. Last year New England went 7 deep with MIT getting a At large at #7 but I do not think they will go that deep this year.

Quite simply, Gordon is ranked ahead of Middlebury because they have a better winning % AND a better SOS than Middlebury.

Gordon 14-4-1 (.763) and SOS .545
Middlebury 9-3-4 (.688) and SOS .533
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 09:47:29 PM
You and the band of idiots better known as the committee are correct however the formula is severely flawed and needs to be revised. Midd would beat Gordon 3-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 05, 2014, 09:52:56 PM
Yes, we all get that you think that a NESCAC team would never lose a "pretend" game.  However, the committee has a responsibility to be objective, not to use your eye test viewed through NESCAC colored glasses.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 09:55:22 PM
Right.....and there SOS is extremely objective
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 09:58:48 PM
Do me a favor. Keep track of all your minnow teams in the NCAA tournament that get Pool C's from New England region and give me their overall record in the NCAA's and how far they get. Tufts(assuming they get in), Amherst and maybe Midd or Bowdoin will get past the 2nd round into the sweet 16 which none of these teams will.

Coast Guard, WPI , Babson, Gordon, etc
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 05, 2014, 09:59:55 PM
SOS is totally objective.

Objective - not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.

"The Strength-of-Schedule used by the Division III soccer committees is based on Opponents' Average Winning Percentage (OWP) and Opponents' Opponents' Average Winning Percentage (OOWP) with home and away multipliers being applied for men's soccer. For men's schedules, a multiplier of 0.85 is applied for home games and 1.25 for away games. Neutral site games are assumed to be unfactored."

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 10:00:35 PM
Gordon and other teams will always have a better win % over a Nescac with a few losses and ties because of games played. They play 5 or 6 more games than Nescac schools. Gordon would struggle to get into the top 8 of Nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 10:02:46 PM
The SOS is flawed Big time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 10:03:44 PM
Damn Gordon gets thru on PK's..God is on their side until the NCAA tournament starts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 05, 2014, 10:08:10 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 10:00:35 PM
Gordon and other teams will always have a better win % over a Nescac with a few losses and ties because of games played. They play 5 or 6 more games than Nescac schools. Gordon would struggle to get into the top 8 of Nescac.

You are mostly correct.  However, most years NESCAC schools will have a better SOS which is usually rewarded.  BUT, this year the NESCAC schools had an unusually poor record outside of the conference.  This resulted in SOS for many NESCAC schools to be lower than usual and allowed the minnows like Gordon, WPI, Babson, Coast Guard to look better by comparison.

This situation would not exist if the NESCAC schools had fared as well in real out of conference games as they do in your pretend matchups.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: arkman on November 05, 2014, 10:35:59 PM
Off pitch - you are generally right about rankings, and are a much better predictor of them than Mr. Right.

Mr. Right - Much as you say you like logic and objectivity, you seem to lack it frequently. That said, I think you can be, you're just remarkably bad at articulating your points and differing your opinion from objective facts.

The New England rankings most certainly make sense based on the ranking criteria. However, I would agree that the SOS is a limited statistic. I would hesitate to criticize it too much because I don't have a better alternative, but I also don't feel like taking the time to come up with one and I would opine that doing so is possible.

The issue with SOS is, as Off Pitch noted, based on opponents winning percentage and opponents opponents winning percentage. The majority of games most teams play, and especially NESCAC teams, are against team in their conference. Among all in-conference games, I believe (though i'm too lazy to calculate specifically) the winning percentages would generally cancel out because every game must be won. What's left is games that are tied, so teams with conferences that have more ties per capita (aka NESCAC) will have worse SOSs. What's left is out-of conference record, which also has flaws. If a team plays a team that has done well in a crappy conference that may not be so good, it will have a good AWP, but may not actually be any good. However, I will say I agree with off pitch that  the NESCAC has not performed up to snuff this year, so it deserves to some extent it's "Just desserts".

However, I don't think anyone that's sane could think that Gordon's SOS, the best of which is ECSU (Loss), Roger Williams (Loss), and... (i'm struggling to pick another decent team from that list. Maybe maine maritime?) is harder than Midd's, featuring, Amherst (tie), Tufts (Tie), Williams (Win), Wesleyan (Win, Tie), Bowdoin (Win).

More importantly, by Mr. Right's "Sniff test" - if both teams were to play a game against a random team in D3, any random team, who would you put money on to get a result? Midd or Gordon? I think the ranking criteria do need to be reviewed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 05, 2014, 10:42:31 PM
Quote from: Mr. Not Right on November 05, 2014, 05:46:56 PM
All NESCAC thoughts:

POY - Pascual-Leone. Glaser is the best player in the league IMO, but don't think he will get the votes here.

ROY - Merchant. Along with Knoth, he carried a pretty weak Bates team since returning from injury. Very good + dangerous two-way player.

COY - Shapiro. I think Seabrook deserves it for getting the absolute most out of a Colby squad that was horrible last year, graduated its two best players, and didn't have any great incoming players. However, I don't think he wins this award, Shapiro has done a great job to turn the Tufts team around.

First Team

GK – Sydor (Middlebury)
D – Bratt (Wesleyan)
D – Odulate (Bowdoin)
D – Williams (Tufts)
M – Santos (Tufts)
M – Devlin (Conn)
M – Martin (Amherst)
M – Pascual – Leone (Amherst)
F – Conrad (Middlebury)
F – Grady (Williams)
F – Glaser (Middlebury)


Second Team

GK – Bull (Amherst)
D – Wirz (Amherst)
D – Danilack (Williams)
D – Stanton (Colby)
M – Shea (Trinity)
M – Merchant (Bates)
M – Kayne (Tufts)
M – Goss – Woliner (Middlebury)
M – Jones (Bowdoin)
F – Knoth (Bates)
F – Savonen (Trinity)

I can't see two Middlebury forwards making the first team.....I also don't see two Amherst midfielders making the first team. While Amherst did better this year at using the midfield it is generally not their style. tufts had the most impressive midfield this year, both in style of play and importance. Most of them even scored more than their forwards. From the games I saw, Kayne, brown, pinhiro and Santos played well.  Santos is flashy and came on strong. brown is a fighter. Kayne, very versatile, dictates the tempo and play and both he and brown play great defense. pinhiro is steady and good on set plays.  I think two of them will make the first team....probably Kayne and santos, but can see another combination.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 11:00:49 PM
Arkman- That is real lazy of you to point out I am bad at articulating my thoughts. Why not give me 3 examples of this or are you to lazy
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: arkman on November 05, 2014, 11:12:49 PM
Mr. right

Ha.

Anyways, my apologies, that came out harsher than I intended. I meant to say that you generally are the most knowledgable person on this board, but frequently find yourself in needless conflict because you don't make your points particularly well when conflict might not be necessary.

oh the irony.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 11:15:32 PM
Maybe but I also get lazy and do not feel like thinking before I write every post. If I have to articulate my thoughts before every post this would become as tedious as filling in zeroes in the phone book.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 11:15:59 PM
Anyway on yo Midd and Bowdoin
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 05, 2014, 11:17:29 PM
Mr.Right, I know you've been waiting all might for a final.  Lesley nipped Newbury 3-2.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 11:24:11 PM
While I have praise Midd's talent compared to Gordon I feel real shaky against picking them over Bowdoin. Like we have stated all year Midd has Conrad, Glazer, Horton and a couple decent defenders plus a decent keeper. Bowdoin has more talent across the board as long as all their injured players are available. There game back in September was a tedious affair muddled in the midfield with neither team looking that spry offensively. Bowdoin's wingbacks bother me in this game just because of their size. They are very skilled and very quick but their lack of size could be an issue against Midd. Goita serves a mean ball, one of the best in Nescac but Bowdoin does not have Brewster anymore and lack their usual toughness to get to the end of one of those serves.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 11:25:19 PM
I saw that final. How does Newbury who lost 9-0 to Bates TIE MIT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 05, 2014, 11:57:39 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 05, 2014, 08:45:59 PM
Quote from: Mr. Not Right on November 05, 2014, 05:46:56 PM
All NESCAC thoughts:


This is obviously MENSNESCACFAN. Your constant hard on for Bates, Colby and Odualte gave you away. NICE TRY


Can the same moderator who outed you as LaPaz please confirm via IP address that this is not in fact me?  Would be appreciated.  I am fine with giving my opinions, no need to cloak myself as you did, not ashamed of any of my opinions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 06, 2014, 12:06:25 AM
Interesting slant though, the guy said Colby had limited players and put one defender on the 2nd team.  Given they finished regular season with 4 straight shutouts hardly absurd is it?

I have requested the moderator confirm it is not me, then you may have to get your head around the fact at least two people (gasp) think Odulate is a good player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 12:08:22 AM
I think Odulate is a good athlete not a 1st team Nescac soccer player. There is a difference
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 06, 2014, 12:13:50 AM
I am well aware there is a difference, I just disagree with you and rate the boy highly as a player.  What is sad is that if somebody else says the same thing (moderator will out me if I am pulling a LaPaz here) you automatically think it must be me, as two people could not possibly have an opinion different to yours?

Pretty insane train of thought to be honest.  I also put no Bates or Colby players on my All-NESCAC team, so the "hard on" I have may be overblown in your mind.  I just thought you were wrong calling Bates an embarrassment to the league who would go 0-10, time proved I was correct on that one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 12:22:58 AM
You and this "other" you both voted Merchant as ROY..That is a major stretch...Cowie-Haskell will win hands down. Also, I do not care that people have different opinions in fact I welcome it, Just because the IP addresses are different would prove nothing. Either way I really do not care I just found it humorous.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 12:25:29 AM
You and this "other" you also wanted Seabrook COY. That is alos a major stretch as no coach with an under .500 record would ever get it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 06, 2014, 12:27:29 AM
Merchant scored 4 goals in 10 games from midfield and may have been Bates' best player.  Only freshman in top 10 for points per game and goals per game.  You may not agree, but nothing funny about it.

Again you cannot conceive this other person exists.  You have to realize how funny that is to me if you imagine for a second there is no other.  IP addresses did prove you were LaPaz after trying to deny it so they are not totally useless.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 06, 2014, 12:31:10 AM
I believe you will see more than one "other" agree with Seabrook, one of whom has been around a while and definitely not me.

It was a unique scenario.  Colby were awful and lost the better player son that awful team, what Seabrook did with that group was fantastic, and the best example in the league of getting the most out of your personnel.  He may not win it, but he will get votes.  Certainly deserves it more than some of the coaches who were over .500 so that cannot be the measuring stick.

I tipped Shapiro all year, but sadly that was a shaky ending that could impact the voting.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 12:35:01 AM
Cowie-Haskell had 4 goals against Nescac competition. Merchant had 2. We are not counting goals against Maine Maritime(oh wait they did not score against them) or Newbury..SORRY
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 06, 2014, 12:39:29 AM
One played center forward and one played midfield, so hardly a fantastic measure to go solely with 4 goals to 2.  That yardstick would make Jozy Altidore a better player than Michael Bradley every time.

Bates lost to Maine Maritime, not sure how that sways a rookie of the year award. 

Cowie-Haskell certainly in the running, and it is a two horse race form what I saw.  No other real contenders.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccer69 on November 06, 2014, 12:39:53 AM
We also need to pay attention to rookies who may not have scored as many goals.  Yes Cowie Haskell had 4 goals in nescac competition, but I have seen him play in multiple games where he has not been involved at all.  Such an inconsistent player does not deserve to win ROY.  POY has to go to NPL of Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 12:42:42 AM
Most frosh are inconsistent. A striker usually wins these awards because of goals or a GK because of GA. Maybe a stand out defender but it is rare. ROY is a different animal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 06, 2014, 12:42:58 AM
Who are you suggesting for ROY then Soccer69?

I would go with Grady for POY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 12:44:12 AM
I realize Cowie-Haskell is not a great striker but he had some big GW goals for Wesleyan and to me there is no one else in the running for this so he will win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 06, 2014, 01:41:03 AM
I've been traveling and just got home to find these awesome arguments. I love this board.

MENESCAFAN, you've been outed!  Ha. Reminds me of when LaPaz was convinced my son was turned away by Willliams and is on the Kenyon roster. Yeah, that's why I spend practically all my posting time on the NESCAC board.

I agree that Seabrook probably deserves the award but agree with Mr. Right that he won't win due to a sub .500 record.

Pascual-Leone is my pick for POY.

I don't have a strong view on ROY. No one really jumped out for me and I didn't get a chance to watch Merchant closely during the Bates games I was able to watch. I do know that Flahertys recruits are way better than his predecessors.

I'm looking forward to the NCAAs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr. Not Right on November 06, 2014, 08:42:19 AM
Didn't mean to cause any arguments over who this is.. It is not MENSNESCACFAN.

When the moderator does confirm he will confirm it is not.

To address my "hard ons" -

For the ROY talk, agree that Merchant's goal v Newburry looks like a joke now as it was a 9-0 win. That game was 0-0 at half and Newburry was a six-win team (more wins than Bates) that, as mentioned, did tie MIT. He scored the winner against Trinity and tied the game at 1 against Williams with a goal. Plus scored against Curry, a team Mr. Right and maybe others picked Bates to lose to, and a team that finished its regular season 10-8-1. Bates losing to Maine Maritime was the worst NESCAC team loss of the season outside of Midd losing to Castleton but has little to do with this vote, I would imagine. Not a lot of midfielders are scoring four goals, especially freshman.

COY - Again I do think Seabrook deserves it but will not get it. Mr Right, you and everyone else thought Colby were horrible this season and I agree that they were horrible in terms of ability, and were the least talented team in the NESCAC, but he did something special with that group. I don't think anyone here will deny it. Nobody has picked a Colby player on first team, but they allowed 13 goals overall this season (tied for third best in the league) and 9 goals in conference (tied for second best in the league). They were organized and defended well, a mark of a good coach for me. Last year, with a more talented group of players, the allowed 29 goals in conference. So, letting up 20 fewer goals this season, while playing one more game (playoff v Amherst), is a phenomenal turnaround and should be recognized. They scored 7 goals in conference this season compared to 5 last year, so that number was similar, but the organization and defensive discipline this season that was completely lacked last season was the difference. Credit to the new coaching staff for that.

Odulate - Shouldn't have to defend him here really. Excellent athlete, which you agree with Mr. Right, and to me one of the top defenders in the league. I actually think he is the best RB in the league but is being played out of position at Bowdoin because he is more important to them as a CB this season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 09:37:51 AM
I never said Colby was horrible and I have praised Seabrook enough to make me sick. He got them organized and playing with a belief that has not been seen there in a long time. Lets continue to follow the situation in the next few years. They still need a legit striker or 2 , a GK , creative midfielder or 2, etc. They also had no injuries this year and that will not happen every year. He needs to build the depth of this roster.

Bates has improved A LITTLE. These are not the best recruits Bates has seen as between 2003-2008 Bates had some very talented teams. Much  more talent than this current squad. I saw both Bates teams numerous times and there is no comparison. For as much as you all loved Bates and the recruits that Flaherty brought in and for that matter Flaherty himself, where are they now? when did their season end? In 3 years he has not cracked a Nescac play off spot. Should we give him 5 years? 10?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr. Not Right on November 06, 2014, 10:23:04 AM
Agree on Colby point. I think Seabrook will add depth with his first recruiting class and build on it from there.

I watched Bates a few times back then but not enough to comment. Looking at Purgavie's biography online I can see: "Between 2001 and 2011, he led the Bobcats to six postseason appearances in the NESCAC Championship, including a three-year span from 2004 to 2006 that included an appearance in the tournament semifinals and a 27-14-5 record."

Seems like a below-average NESCAC team to me, especially when you consider Hamilton wasn't in the league at that point, so eight out of ten teams made the playoffs each year. In those ten seasons, Bates was either last or second to last in the league four times and only won a playoff game once. I don't know how far ahead they were of this current Bates team, of which the majority of the best players are freshman and sophomores.

I think every coach should be given five years to mark his mark on the program unless really poor on-field results and/or off field problems occur. So much of the job is recruiting and after five years as a head coach, a coach finally has a team built of entirely his own players.

Obviously, success recruits itself as Williams has shown for decades. Good players want to play for good, proven teams.

I think five-ten years from now Colby and Bates will be in the middle third, edging towards the top third of the league, Hamilton will be at the very bottom and Bowdoin and Trinity will be in the bottom third as well. Basing this on the talent the coaches bring in/ I think they will bring in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2014, 10:29:37 AM
One point on Bates from a very great distance.  Assuming they are recruiting better another question would be how they develop once they get here and do they get disgruntled along the way.  I will say up front that I have zero knowledge of the reasons but there were several good players who were getting decent to starter playing time who would be seniors who were no longer playing this year (at least 3, maybe 1 or 2 more).

I would place a slightly bigger bet on Colby over the next 4-5 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 10:43:52 AM
Bates and Colby need to be creative and can not go after the same players as Bowdoin. They will lose that battle every day. I have heard Seabrook has been all over the country which for a Nescac is different but impressive. Let' see if any of those players pan out and if they do matriculate at Colby. If they do not matriculate will he start throwing in the towel or applying elsewhere? Coaches learn at these Nescac bottom feeders that you have to do almost double the recruiting work of say an Amherst and Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 06, 2014, 10:50:18 AM
Long-time follower. First-time poster.

ROY:  Ward (Bowdoin)

POY:  Grady (Williams)

COY:  Shapiro (Tufts)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 11:11:36 AM
Are we voting on who we want to win or who will win?

Who Will Win:
COY-Shapiro
POY-NPL
ROY-Cowie-Haskel

Who I want to Win:

COY-Shapiro
POY-NPL
ROY-Cowie-Haskel
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 11:12:42 AM
For 1st and 2nd team Nescac coaches get to pick a GK and 5 field players and rank them 1-5. Some coaches may put less than 5 players out there or no GK it really depends on the coach.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2014, 11:22:23 AM
Mr.Right, let's get Tufts in the tournament first before we officially announce Shapiro as COY.  With what has happened with MSU, Luther, etc and Babson leaping Tufts who knows what is going to happen, although I do think Tufts is going to get in and Midd is not unless they win final.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 11:24:56 AM
They will go 6 deep in New England. Tufts needs WPI and Babson to lose on Saturday at Wheaton which is possible. It would also help them if Amherst won the Nescac tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2014, 11:48:22 AM
Mr.Right, even your buddy Off Pitch will have to admit you know a ton about D3 soccer.  Can't believe you had details on how Messiah used the Fri-Sat set-up.

Anyway, with Tufts, do you think they are competing with Babson and WPI only, or do you think what happens with Rochester, RPI, Montclair, Salisbury, etc will factor in?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 06, 2014, 12:01:55 PM
It would be a terrible shame if Tufts do not make the NCAA tournament.  They have a week or so to regroup and shake off the mental blow of loss, and the talent to make a real deep run if the mindset is right.

Does  anyone know if Kramer is eligible to play if they do make the tourney?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 06, 2014, 12:06:07 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 05, 2014, 10:42:31 PM
Quote from: Mr. Not Right on November 05, 2014, 05:46:56 PM
All NESCAC thoughts:

POY - Pascual-Leone. Glaser is the best player in the league IMO, but don't think he will get the votes here.

ROY - Merchant. Along with Knoth, he carried a pretty weak Bates team since returning from injury. Very good + dangerous two-way player.

COY - Shapiro. I think Seabrook deserves it for getting the absolute most out of a Colby squad that was horrible last year, graduated its two best players, and didn't have any great incoming players. However, I don't think he wins this award, Shapiro has done a great job to turn the Tufts team around.

First Team

GK – Sydor (Middlebury)
D – Bratt (Wesleyan)
D – Odulate (Bowdoin)
D – Williams (Tufts)
M – Santos (Tufts)
M – Devlin (Conn)
M – Martin (Amherst)
M – Pascual – Leone (Amherst)
F – Conrad (Middlebury)
F – Grady (Williams)
F – Glaser (Middlebury)


Second Team

GK – Bull (Amherst)
D – Wirz (Amherst)
D – Danilack (Williams)
D – Stanton (Colby)
M – Shea (Trinity)
M – Merchant (Bates)
M – Kayne (Tufts)
M – Goss – Woliner (Middlebury)
M – Jones (Bowdoin)
F – Knoth (Bates)
F – Savonen (Trinity)

I can't see two Middlebury forwards making the first team.....I also don't see two Amherst midfielders making the first team. While Amherst did better this year at using the midfield it is generally not their style. tufts had the most impressive midfield this year, both in style of play and importance. Most of them even scored more than their forwards. From the games I saw, Kayne, brown, pinhiro and Santos played well.  Santos is flashy and came on strong. brown is a fighter. Kayne, very versatile, dictates the tempo and play and both he and brown play great defense. pinhiro is steady and good on set plays.  I think two of them will make the first team....probably Kayne and santos, but can see another combination.....

Nutmeg, I would tend to agree with your analysis here, and the comments that it would be a travesty of the Jumbos weren't given an at-large bid....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 06, 2014, 03:29:45 PM
NCAC

Out of interest, who are the 3 older Bates players you liked no longer playing or benched?  I watch a fair amount of Bates games and know a few parents well with kids on the team.  Nick Ford quit, but also quit the Lacrosse team where he was a leading scorer.  I am told by parents he is a sailor and close to national champion level and focused on that.

I can't think of any others to be honest out side of injuries that ended careers.

I would also place a slightly larger bet on Colby, but am pleased to see all three Maine teams trending up.

MR raises some good points about Bowdoin's best players being O'Leary guys, but with a strong program the older players will typically be the better ones.  Freshman Sam Ward and Nick Di Stefano showed well this fall and will be good.  I also hear they have an excellent CM from Rivers coming who had interest from several Ivies.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2014, 03:57:08 PM
I was thinking of Sorice and Schliech (sp?), but I see Sorice was on the roster and playing so maybe got injured?  So maybe not as many as I thought.  I can't recall how many frosh they started with who would be seniors, but every program has some attrition like that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 06, 2014, 04:05:08 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 06, 2014, 03:57:08 PM
I was thinking of Sorice and Schliech (sp?), but I see Sorice was on the roster and playing so maybe got injured?  So maybe not as many as I thought.  I can't recall how many frosh they started with who would be seniors, but every program has some attrition like that.

When you discuss attrition from an original frosh recruiting class most colleges will be lucky if they keep  60% of the class all 4 years (this would be a great % typically)....I am amazed at Conn's % for this years Sr class as it still has 100% of the 7 frosh recruits from 4 years ago (and most of them play).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 06, 2014, 04:27:14 PM
Schleich I know suffered a career ending head injury at Williams last fall.  Sorice I do not know.  He played in some Bates games this fall and not others, also played PDL over the summer in NY.  I thought Sorice was pretty good, real scrappy defender even if lacking a bit technically compared with a typical NESCAC player. 

Not sure if that was an injury/performace/coaching issue.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 06, 2014, 04:29:19 PM
Great point above from Al-NESCAC on what was clearly a good Conn class!  Hamilton also seemed to start 7 or 8 seniors this fall.  I am really interested to see what happens there.

If I am right that class was recruited to a perennial conference power.  Certainly not the case anymore, and may b in with Bats/Colby/Conn for player attraction.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2014, 05:29:57 PM
Yes, I retract my original comment about Bates and apologize for it.  I should have done more homework before commenting.  I thought had recalled someone else a few weeks suggest that some players had become unhappy during the Flaherty era but maybe I just imagined that.

All-NESCAC is correct.  A pretty high % of attrition is normal, and probably more so the bigger the class.  The current Kenyon senior group started with 20 as frosh.  Now they are at 11.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 08:29:47 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 06, 2014, 11:48:22 AM
Mr.Right, even your buddy Off Pitch will have to admit you know a ton about D3 soccer.  Can't believe you had details on how Messiah used the Fri-Sat set-up.

Anyway, with Tufts, do you think they are competing with Babson and WPI only, or do you think what happens with Rochester, RPI, Montclair, Salisbury, etc will factor in?


I believe Tufts will be competing with mainly New England and East regions maybe South Atlantic just because of geography. First of all you do not want teams behind you jumping ahead of you so WPI would be the best bet to go out for them first. Gordon has no chance of passing Tufts if they lose in the CCC final and really have no business being in this ranking to begin with. Middlebury might have a slim chance of passing them with a win and a tie but I doubt it. Then you could make yourself very safe by passing Babson which I would imagine will be difficult without playing a game and Babson losing to a highly ranked team. So most likey they will be sitting st #6 and in the past that has been good enough from New England but maybe not this year. 4 out of the 5 teams ahead of them might need Pool C's and the East region is stronger this year. Tufts might want Case to beat Rochester but that would give another spot to Case. They would like Amherst to win Nescac so only 3 of 5 teams ahead of them will need a Pool C. They would like SLU to win the Liberty League to eliminate RPI as I do not think RPI gets in over Tufts. Montclair St is finished if they do not win the NJAC so they are not a threat.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on November 06, 2014, 08:42:34 PM
Tufts 10-2-4 v. RPI 13-3-3 is a tough one. I would have to go slightly with RPI (although they could well win the LL and make my points moot). The East is a bit stronger this year and both teams are ranked 6th regionally in the latest rankings. These rankings however did not take into account RPI's near dismantling of a strong Vassar team. They have been ranked nationally for almost the entire season and have really good senior leadership.
I will concede however that Mr. Right is normally very right and my analysis could be clouded by watching a few RPI games this season while only taking Tufts record  and SOS into consideration.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 08:44:55 PM
My Nescac Votes

COY
1. Shapiro
2. Seabrook
3. Saward

ROY
1. Cowie-Haskel
2. Chandler Smith
3. Merchant

POY
1. NPL
2. Conrad
3. Wirz

GK
1. Greenwood
2. Sydor
3. Bull

Defenders
1.Wirz
2.Williams
3.Bratt
4.Danilack
5.Goitia

Midfielders
1.Devlin
2.Santos
3.Gruner
4.Kayne
5.Tobias Gimand

Forwards
1. NPL
2. Conrad
3. Grady
4. Glazer
5. Savonen
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2014, 08:47:11 PM
Quote from: Saint of Old on November 06, 2014, 08:42:34 PM
Tufts 10-2-4 v. RPI 13-3-3 is a tough one. I would have to go slightly with RPI (although they could well win the LL and make my points moot). The East is a bit stronger this year and both teams are ranked 6th regionally in the latest rankings. These rankings however did not take into account RPI's near dismantling of a strong Vassar team. They have been ranked nationally for almost the entire season and as a result have really good senior leadership.
I will concede however that Mr. Right is normally very right and my analysis could be clouded by watching a few RPI games this season while only taking Tufts record  and SOS into consideration.

I would have agreed with you had RPI gotten a result at a resurgent Keene ST. They laid an egg up in Keene that night. However I believe RPI will get in also just not over Tufts. With a tie at SLU they will get in and also jump UR with a UR loss
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 07, 2014, 10:34:13 AM
Mr. Right, I'm impressed with your NESCAC votes.  With a son in the league, I've seen every team in the league play at least once this year, and it is clear from your selections that you have paid close attention and truly identified some of the league's under-the-radar gems.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 07, 2014, 11:26:29 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 07, 2014, 10:34:13 AM
Mr. Right, I'm impressed with your NESCAC votes.  With a son in the league, I've seen every team in the league play at least once this year, and it is clear from your selections that you have paid close attention and truly identified some of the league's under-the-radar gems.

The only glaring omission from Mr. Right's otherwise unassailable vote list IMHO is in the ROY category.  Ward (Bowdoin) is hands-down the best freshman in the conference.  While Cowie-Haskel (Wesleyan) will probably win the award based on twice being selected as NESCAC player of the week and the OT goal he scored to end Amherst's conference unbeaten streak (a big positive in the eyes of most NESCAC coaches), Ward has no peer in terms of technical ability, tactical awareness, work rate, versatility, durability, commitment, attitude and overall soccer acumen.  Statistics tell only a very small part of the story on this one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 07, 2014, 09:34:33 PM
I like Colby's Stanton at back. Effective. We cannot completely ignore Chernin at midfield for Colby. Silky and smart. If we're looking at other under-the-radar guys, we can't overlook Aoyama for Amherst. Pegged in at center back for much of the season due to injuries and whatnot, his composure on the ball and defensive timing are both quality. Maybe he finally gets his due next year? (Took a while for folks to recognize his older brother's prowess, too.) On a possession-oriented team, probably a force in midfield.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2014, 09:33:58 AM
Midd v Bowdoin- I like Bowdoin in this one 1-0. This game should be very even and could tilt either way. With all the injured players playing last week end vs Williams they looked like a totally different team. Both teams have solid GK's. Bowdoin played a nice possession style against Williams and I enjoyed watching it but it seems to me when they play these other 3 schools they tend to whack it as much as the other team. 3 things to watch will be can Bowdoin shut down Conrad? Will Glaser show up and play like one of the best Nescac strikers? Will the ball stay on the ground for 20 straight seconds?

Amherst v Conn- 2-1 Amherst. I like Conn I really might have picked them in this battle. The reason I could not is their spotty Goalkeeping. Murphy is one of the better recruiters but he really left this position bare. It has cost them a good season. Ironically, as I type this I remember that they made the Nescac Final 4 for the first time ever. The season ends here and hopefully not with a keeper error. Amherst has been getting early goals and hanging on or late goals to tie the match and or win.  This will be a war in midfield and if Conn can get an injured player or two back they will make this a scrappy game. 1 thing to watch will the ball stay on the ground for 10 straight seconds?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 08, 2014, 11:36:01 AM
I like Stanton a lot also and think he has a shot for second team all conference, no chance Chernin gets a vote in top 5 midfielders in the league though. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2014, 11:41:34 AM
Midd and Bowdoin in a heated battle after the 1st half. The game as predicted has been mucked up in midfield. Bowdoin has had 2 good chances to score and Midd has not really threatened. Midd has probably had an advantage so far in possession
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 08, 2014, 11:49:57 AM
Possession game of chess b/w Midd and Bow. I'm giving Bow 60-40 on the ball. Missed first 5 mins. Bowdoin with best chance when Sydod coughed up and spilled it to the 12. Bow should have buried the gimme, but Panthers dodged a bullet when Jones (playing very well) missed wide.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 08, 2014, 11:54:22 AM
Also, I wouldn't qualify the middle third play as "mucked up." But most of the game (on the ground for themostpart) has been orchestrated there for sure. Conrad playing well with back to goal. Glaser mostly silent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 08, 2014, 12:47:45 PM
Field must be tilted. 60-40 to Midd. OT now
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2014, 12:49:12 PM
This game is a complete snooze fest. I would be willing to guess about 3 SOG for Bowdoin and maybe 2 for Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2014, 12:56:54 PM
OT has picked up steam fro both teams as they are finally waking up
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 08, 2014, 01:07:18 PM
Now in 2OT and Conrad almost wins it. PKs a very real possibility. Who has the edge there in terms of GK?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 08, 2014, 01:14:04 PM
Midd desperately needs an outright win and not PK survival.  Two games will haunt them....30 secs away from beating Amherst and losing to Castleton (not to mention the debacle at Colby).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 08, 2014, 01:32:27 PM
The better team today won. Polar Bears more solid throughout the field. Conrad did well for Midd. Midd might hAve been better if Glaser had played sitting under Conrad instead of hidden out wide in some kind of fortress of solitude. Congrats to Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2014, 01:40:51 PM
Glaser drifts out wide himself and with his speed he should be out wide. As usual against better teams he is shut down.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr. Not Right on November 08, 2014, 02:08:58 PM
Conn College goal after 12 seconds. Conn 1 - 0 Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr. Not Right on November 08, 2014, 02:19:19 PM
Only 9 minutes for Amherst to equalize from a corner. Conn has looked shaky defending long throws so far, and with shaky goaltending previously mentioned, Amherst could add another goal on a long throw/set play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2014, 02:22:55 PM
I missed Conn's goal off the kickoff. I was getting a drink. How did it happen?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 08, 2014, 03:04:33 PM
Beautiful curler into the right top 90 from the left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr. Not Right on November 08, 2014, 03:23:21 PM
Yes it was. To add to that, Conn had the ball at kickoff, after the tap smashed it long towards the corner. Amherst did not deal with it well, Conn wins the ball back and terrific finish. No chance for Bull.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 08, 2014, 03:24:25 PM
But, it is, after all, 3-1 Amherst right now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 08, 2014, 04:15:17 PM
Question, if voting is not done already, not sure of time line.

Diid Bowdoin coach just enter the COY debate?  Few expected them to get this far for sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 08, 2014, 04:19:56 PM
And the Bowdoin GK?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 08, 2014, 04:23:44 PM
When is the final being played? And when are the NCAA at-large picks chosen??
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2014, 04:37:13 PM
Voting was done Wednesday
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 08, 2014, 04:38:00 PM
When are they announced??
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2014, 04:41:42 PM
I think next week
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 08, 2014, 04:46:01 PM
When are the ncaa tourney teams announced?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2014, 04:50:13 PM
MOnday 1:30pm ncaa.com
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 08, 2014, 06:41:38 PM
Interesting.  It would certainly have changed my vote.

Still would not have picked the Bowdoin GK, Sydor from Middlebury in my eyes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 09, 2014, 12:50:45 AM
If Bowdoin win tomorrow.  Does that give NESCAC three in all likelihood or are Tufts toast?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 09, 2014, 06:19:07 AM
I think the NESCAC gets 3 in that case. I just can't fathom Tufts being left out in any case.

Amherst will be ready on their home field so Bowdoin is going to have to play their best game to have a chance. Predicting Amherst 2 Bowdoin 0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 09, 2014, 08:34:52 AM
Bowdoin may look like a different team when they face Amherst's high pressure. If the Polar Bears can still pass and move in triangles under high pressure the way they did against a lower pressurizing Midd team, they will give the Jeffs fits. If Amherst overpowers Bowdoin's niftiness on attack (led by Jones), Bowdoin will have to find another way. Do they have one? Hopefully no PKs for Amherst; Bowdoin's keep came up big yesterday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 09, 2014, 09:45:41 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 09, 2014, 08:34:52 AM
Bowdoin may look like a different team when they face Amherst's high pressure. If the Polar Bears can still pass and move in triangles under high pressure the way they did against a lower pressurizing Midd team, they will give the Jeffs fits. If Amherst overpowers Bowdoin's niftiness on attack (led by Jones), Bowdoin will have to find another way. Do they have one? Hopefully no PKs for Amherst; Bowdoin's keep came up big yesterday.

Mr. Right you were spot on on your predictions yesterday.  Bowdoin gets by Midlebury and Amherst gets by Conn as Conn has another poor performance from their keeper.  Great game meaning tense and on edge ending in pk win for Bowdoin.  Great job by both goalies in PK's especially Bowdoin goalie. But I must say the pk takers as a group were aweful on both sides but it was very exciting as a pk ending always is.  These shots in person were poorly placed and with no power at all but still exciting as PK endings can be.

size wise it was like the varsity vs JV team
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 09, 2014, 10:44:37 AM
OORegarding Anherst vs Conn let me say this upfront Amherst was bigger taller faster and better than Conn.  The size difference for Conn without Patch and Punt's was comical.....it was like the high school varsity vs the JV from a size comparison. Anherst won every air ball all day and the ball was in the air all day.  Mr Right you are correct Murphy didn't recruit a goalie and the keeper position let Conn down again as Amhersts second goal went right through his hands.  Make that save and keep the game enen and who knows.  Murphy (Coach Negative and Dictator) again continues to underwhelm as a coach as he again thinks hes the smartest guying in the room and overcoached his team making changes when changes need not be made.  We know when you play Amherst its going to be a brawl (more on that later) and Amherst is going g to attack....if you are going to stay in your 4-3-3 formation and try to play defensively even when you are down and keep two of hour's better offensives attacking players on the bench especially when you are down 3 to 1? He doesn't play O'brien much who has size and speed and physicality to match Amherst. He also sits his only attacking back Garabedian which allowed Amherst not to worry about any offense coming out if the back line because it cant with the personnel he used. You dont use a4-3-3 if you don't have outsidebacks who can create any offense.  This played right into Amhersts strength as now they could suffocate Conn midfield which they did as Conn couldn't play wide with no attacking backs and O'brien on the bench much too long.
Not good coaching by Murphy not putting your best 11 out on the field. He also failed to use sub Schmidt a big fast physical forward who could counter someof Amhersts physicality. Too late too little he puts these 3 players in the game the last 15 minutes and guess what Conn produced some offense a few shots and the corner which led to Conn 2nd goal. Too little too late but imagine if Amherst had to actuallyworry about a Conn attack then maybe they don't dominate the midfield as much and maybe its a game but no lets change what we've done all year and play defevsive.....didn't work....bad coaching decision.  Amherst is good BUT they did not create any scoring opportunities in the final third from the flow of play BUT as they always do they create multiple dangerous set pieces (corners & free kicks) by my count 15 dangerously close attempts which produced all 3 Amherst goals. Its their style throw thugery Rugby brawl run-yiu-over knock-you-down all day style. Its ugly but it works for them because you end ho fouling g them and give them set pieces and THEY ARE DEADLY ON SET PIECES! #14 serves amazing kicks he was phenominal yesterday.  I don't like their style but they win and they were the better team and better coached team yesterday by a large margin. That said Amherst is the most obnoxious and arrogant team.  I have watched that team for 5 years and their histrionics complaining chirpping showboating theatrics (coaches and team) is way over the top.  There is a reason they are the most disliked team in the league and it has nothing to do with their winning record.  Thus like the vast majority of the NESCAC I say Go Bowdoin!         
outside outside backs who can
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 10:55:15 AM
ALL NESCAC, your comments about Amherst in microcosm are similar to why some outsiders trend towards a lukewarm or even mildly to moderately negative view of the NESCACs in general.  There is at minimum a vague sense of a superiority and socioeconomic status entitlement vibe that rubs some the wrong way, and which, for the most part, does not seem to pertain to the equally academically outstanding UAA group.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2014, 11:30:27 AM
I agree  Conn's keeper killed them on one goal. However, as someone else mentioned Conn's defense on Amherst long throws and free kicks was dismal. I saw a lot of ball watching and that hurt them. I said on the other board that if Amherst meets Brandeis in the sweet 16 or elite 8 at Brandeis they will have a distinct advantage on Brandeis narrow field. They are physically imposing and will force Bowdoin today under high pressure like someone pointed out to whack it. Bowdoin will not have time to play short quick balls into their midfield their wing backs will be forced to whack it. Also, I do not think Bowdoin can get away with playing those small wing backs today. what ever happened to #4 Melong? He does not have much skill but he is big and athletic. He would help today. I like Bowdoin chances today. They have already gotten thru Williams and Midd, why not Amherst. If they can get thru they will get to the NCAA's for the first time since a NCAA Final 4 run in 2010. That was really O'Leary at his best and some really athletic players. Physically imposing backs and very organized a good keeper and some skill in midfield with toughness, a deadly long thrower and speed on the wings. That was a good team who should have been in the Final that year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 09, 2014, 11:43:48 AM
One point about Amherst's thuggery as deemed singular in the league according to those who will cast stones: Conn out-mugged Amherst, 25-19, yesterday... The Jeffs don't corner the market on hard hitting play
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 09, 2014, 11:52:24 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 09, 2014, 10:55:15 AM
ALL NESCAC, your comments about Amherst in microcosm are similar to why some outsiders trend towards a lukewarm or even mildly to moderately negative view of the NESCACs in general.  There is at minimum a vague sense of a superiority and socioeconomic status entitlement vibe that rubs some the wrong way, and which, for the most part, does not seem to pertain to the equally academically outstanding UAA group.

No one else in the NESCAC comes even close to Amherst regarding sense of superiotity and arrogance when it comes to Men's soccer....they win in a landslide (like Nixon over McGovern).  Its too bad because there is right way and a wrong way.  They are extremely talented and very good and I would like to root fir them given how good they are but their ARROGANCE doesn't allow it. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2014, 12:20:31 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 09, 2014, 11:52:24 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 09, 2014, 10:55:15 AM
ALL NESCAC, your comments about Amherst in microcosm are similar to why some outsiders trend towards a lukewarm or even mildly to moderately negative view of the NESCACs in general.  There is at minimum a vague sense of a superiority and socioeconomic status entitlement vibe that rubs some the wrong way, and which, for the most part, does not seem to pertain to the equally academically outstanding UAA group.

No one else in the NESCAC comes even close to Amherst regarding sense of superiotity and arrogance when it comes to Men's soccer....they win in a landslide (like Nixon over McGovern).  Its too bad because there is right way and a wrong way.  They are extremely talented and very good and I would like to root fir them given how good they are but their ARROGANCE doesn't allow it.

No need to limit this observation to men's soccer.  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 09, 2014, 12:53:13 PM
Regarding the Amherst backlash, I can tell you that the players are very loyal to the coaching staff and the parents are happy with their sons' choice.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 09, 2014, 01:17:51 PM
Is it me or is this Amherst-Bowdoin game a SNOOZEFEST or good defense????
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 09, 2014, 01:48:16 PM
OT. Amherst with the best chance: hit the post. Bowdoin well organized in the back
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2014, 02:34:56 PM
Quote from: Corazon on November 09, 2014, 12:53:13 PM
Regarding the Amherst backlash, I can tell you that the players are very loyal to the coaching staff and the parents are happy with their sons' choice.

No backlash here. Just an observation of a culture of arrogance that surrounds Lord Jeffs athletics. At least they have a reason to be arrogant—they're good at just about everything. They're kinda like the Yankees. (And I say this as a Yankee fan.) Rather than dispute that everyone thinks you're arrogant, embrace this.

I have no reason to doubt the players are extremely loyal to the coaching staff. They should be. Justin Serpone has developed a hell of a program. And I'll offer another contrary opinion: I like Serpone.

Also, I'm sure parents are thrilled with their kids' choices. Who wouldn't be!?

For a fun and humorous take on Amherst's arrogance, just take a gander at this great episode from the Middlebury hoops documentary. Another sport, obviously. But the opinion is the same.

http://vimeo.com/87147196
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2014, 02:36:06 PM
WOW. Who would have said Bowdoin would win the NESCAC championship when they were 2-0 down to Tufts at home two weeks ago? Not I, for one, and I'm sure that I'm not alone.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 09, 2014, 02:38:39 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 09, 2014, 01:48:16 PM
OT. Amherst with the best chance: hit the post. Bowdoin well organized in the back

Bowdoin wins in PKS.  Karma payback haunts Lord Jeff and all of NESCAC gives a collective cheer!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 02:39:06 PM
OK, I was pretty neutral, but after those Bull shenanigans and the ref just letting it happen, I am SO GLAD Bowdoin won.  Cannot stand that behavior and should not be permitted.  Credit to Bowdoin for prevailing in the face of that ridiculousness.

On a side note, I'm ready to cast my vote for NPL as POY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2014, 02:44:39 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 09, 2014, 02:39:06 PM
OK, I was pretty neutral, but after those Bull shenanigans and the ref just letting it happen, I am SO GLAD Bowdoin won.  Cannot stand that behavior and should not be permitted.  Credit to Bowdoin for prevailing in the face of that ridiculousness.

That was absurd. I loved how one of the Bowdoin guys (fourth kicker?) looked and gloated at him after he made his pen, because Bull had been a total jerk in the buildup to that kick in particular. Karma
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 02:47:44 PM
And it took 5 kickers for the lackadaisical ref to catch on and finally go get the ball instead of letting Bull walk the ball up to the kicker and play those mind games.  Karma indeed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 09, 2014, 02:48:10 PM
Agreed that NPL is the best player in the league this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 09, 2014, 03:00:03 PM
Yep, Bull was a real tool.  Hope Greenwood beats him out for 1st team.  That was classless...... I still think Tufts makes it to the tourney but will probably lose some sleep tonight. Being on top of the regular season standings just may get them in. Congrats to the Bears... Amherst had its chances..... Bears sucked it up in pks......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2014, 03:01:26 PM
It will be interesting where the committee places Amherst. I will be watching that for sure as I feel they should be hosting the 1st 2 rounds but they will not be hosting the sweet 16. I think their 2 first round opponents will be tougher than they could have been had they not faltered down the stretch a bit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 03:05:50 PM
Maybe it would be good for Amherst to get off that field and go elsewhere.  Maybe it's been a negative for them these last 2-3 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 09, 2014, 03:08:41 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2014, 02:34:56 PM
Quote from: Corazon on November 09, 2014, 12:53:13 PM
Regarding the Amherst backlash, I can tell you that the players are very loyal to the coaching staff and the parents are happy with their sons' choice.

No backlash here. Just an observation of a culture of arrogance that surrounds Lord Jeffs athletics. At least they have a reason to be arrogant—they're good at just about everything. They're kinda like the Yankees. (And I say this as a Yankee fan.) Rather dispute that everyone thinks you're arrogant, embrace this.

I have no reason to doubt the players are extremely loyal to the coaching staff. They should be. Justin Serpone has developed a hell of a program. And I'll offer another contrary opinion: I like Serpone.

Also, I'm sure parents are thrilled with their kids' choices. Who wouldn't be!?

For a fun and humorous take on Amherst's arrogance, just take a gander at this great episode from the Middlebury hoops documentary. Another sport, obviously. But the opinion is the same.

http://vimeo.com/87147196

Thanks, Bucket. I enjoyed the video. 😎
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2014, 03:09:05 PM
Well hopefully they get to Brandeis as I think their field plus the turf will help them
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on November 09, 2014, 03:10:03 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 09, 2014, 03:00:03 PM
Yep, Bull was a real tool.  Hope Greenwood beats him out for 1st team.  That was classless...... I still think Tufts makes it to the tourney but will probably lose some sleep tonight. Being on top of the regular season standings just may get them in. Congrats to the Bears... Amherst had its chances..... Bears sucked it up in pks......

I would be curious from somebody more familiar with the program and the coach:

Does Serpone
(a) encourage
(b) condone
(c) tolerate
(d) discourage
(e) ignore
(f) chastise
(g) punish

the type of boorish behavior displayed by his keeper today?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2014, 03:15:25 PM
That was nothing check out the more egregious throw in by Max Fickke in 2012 into a Williams player sternum. Then 2 weeks later an Amherst woman's player does the same in a video that goes viral into a colby players.

Ever since Suzanne Coffey became the AD this crap has been getting bad. She let all this go on and I believe Serpone got punished for boorish behavior in the 2008 NCAA's by having an Amherst rep stand with him on the sideline in 2009. I might have the years wrong. This has been said over and over and nothing changes. I like most teams now just choose to ignore it and one +++ is it makes beating him all the more fun.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2014, 03:23:48 PM
Bowdoin wins Nescac scoring 0 goals in 220 minutes. It reminds me of Middlebury winning the NCAA's in 2007. Same deal. Brian Bush got the MVP. I would imagine Stevie gets the MVP here and has started to really play well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 03:38:36 PM
Mr.Right, I don't see Amherst getting home field over Oneonta, Brandeis or SLU.  So you must have them ahead of Wheaton, Cortland or maybe a Muhlenberg
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 09, 2014, 04:00:33 PM
Congrats to Bowdoin. But please. Both goalies were trying to get in the kickers' heads. Just because one got down on his knee as if to pray doesn't mean he wasn't delaying the kick.
Also, the karma idea doesn't fly with me. Not like the Jeffs got there by cheating.
Anyway, Bowdoin executed their game plan and won it all despite not scoring all weekend. GK comes up huge both days. They get the AQ they desperately needed for their only shot at NCAA. Kudos.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 04:05:39 PM
J4J, there is no comparison to be made.  The Bowdoin GK didn't flail around or intrude on the PK takers' space or go grab the ball and slowly walk it up to the kicker, act like he is personally handing him the ball and then aggressively place the ball on the spot, and then gyrate wildly slowly all the way back to goal and then continue gesticulating and moving side to side just before and during the kick.  Not a close call on this one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2014, 04:10:41 PM
Thats if Oneonta is put in New England. Usually only one NY team hosts in New England region. I think Amherst passes Wheaton and Coast Guard based on thei 1-0-1  record. Like I said a lot is up in there air. They could be shipped up to SLU like in 2010.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 09, 2014, 04:13:52 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 09, 2014, 04:05:39 PM
J4J, there is no comparison to be made.  The Bowdoin GK didn't flail around or intrude on the PK takers' space or go grab the ball and slowly walk it up to the kicker, act like he is personally handing him the ball and then aggressively place the ball on the spot, and then gyrate wildly slowly all the way back to goal and then continue gesticulating and moving side to side just before and during the kick.  Not a close call on this one.

My favorite was when Bull hung from the crossbar and swayed back and forth 😋
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 09, 2014, 04:14:26 PM
I saw nothing new here. Keepers have been doing it forever. They need every advantage, as the odds are stacked against them. Sometimes the posters here seem very thin skinned. It's not golf at the country club. I forgive Bull on this one just as I forgive the Bowdoin keeper for delaying the game with every goal kick in The second half and both OTs, and how I forgive his supposed genuflections during PKs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2014, 04:17:50 PM
It was like the German back up keeper in the World Cup and Calvin's keeper yesterday. The best way to shove it in his face is to score and win, which is what Bowdoin did.  It is ridiculous behavior but until a rule is put in place it will continue
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2014, 04:22:05 PM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on November 09, 2014, 03:10:03 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 09, 2014, 03:00:03 PM
Yep, Bull was a real tool.  Hope Greenwood beats him out for 1st team.  That was classless...... I still think Tufts makes it to the tourney but will probably lose some sleep tonight. Being on top of the regular season standings just may get them in. Congrats to the Bears... Amherst had its chances..... Bears sucked it up in pks......

I would be curious from somebody more familiar with the program and the coach:

Does Serpone
(a) encourage
(b) condone
(c) tolerate
(d) discourage
(e) ignore
(f) chastise
(g) punish

the type of boorish behavior displayed by his keeper today?

Serpone himself was a keeper, and seeing that he's a feisty guy, I'm sure he doesn't mind the head games.

I thought Bull was over the top, but not egregiously so. But if you are going to act that way, you better show up and make the stops. The best revenge is scoring, which Bowdoin did. But whatever. I'd have far less tolerance if anyone taunted once the game was over. And to be fair, Stevie did his share of showboating yesterday, making a point to demonstratively stare down Glaser after he stopped his PK. 

I chuckle a bit at the poster who decried the keeper's antics, yet cheered at the Bowdoin player's gloating after scoring. I agree that the Bowdoin kid had the final say by putting the ball in the net. If you don't like the keeper's behavior, the goal should be enough. But to then cheer on the scorer's gloating...well, isn't that a touch hypocritical?

Either love both or decry both; you can't pick and choose.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 09, 2014, 04:25:35 PM
Good point, fair point, Bucket
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 04:39:29 PM
Completely disagree with you Bucket.  After what Bull did to that one kicker in particular the kicker was completely within his rights to jaw back after scoring.  In fact, if had been that player I would have confronted Bull again after the game was over.  Completely out of line.

Bull was egregiously over the top.  But I blame the ref more.  The refs have got to be attuned to that stuff and intercede.  The refs (all 3) have nothing else to worry about but the PKs and have no excuse not to be on top of it.  And the notion that the Bowdoin GK did anything remotely similar is outrageous.  He did not significantly delay or interfere with the Amherst PK takers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2014, 04:43:10 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 09, 2014, 04:39:29 PM
Completely disagree with you Bucket.  After what Bull did to that one kicker in particular the kicker was completely within his rights to jaw back after scoring.  In fact, if had been that player I would have confronted Bull again after the game was over.  Completely out of line.

Bull was egregiously over the top.  But I blame the ref more.  The refs have got to be attuned to that stuff and intercede.  The refs (all 3) have nothing else to worry about but the PKs and have no excuse not to be on top of it.  And the notion that the Bowdoin GK did anything remotely similar is outrageous.  He did not significantly delay or interfere with the Amherst PK takers.

I was fine with the Bowdoin player jawing precisely because of Bull's theatrics. But again, it's silly to say that one is ok while the other is not. Hold both to the same standard.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 04:51:14 PM
Nope, because it's not the same at all.  One is a complete instigation and the other is having to delay, block it out, make the kick, and then after let the GK know you didn't appreciate his bull#4t (no pun intended).   And some trash-talking and even a little gamesmanship during the actual game and run of play for me is different than the PK scenarios, which by virtue of the very deadlocked outcome should be fair and have some regulation to them in terms of procedure and what is allowed or not allowed.  I can see that Bull can (should?) do what he can if permitted but as I said the refs at that point literally have nothing else to do but to make sure the PK process is fair.  There is no scenario where the ref shouldn't be the one handing the player the ball.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2014, 04:59:04 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 09, 2014, 04:51:14 PM
Nope, because it's not the same at all.  One is a complete instigation and the other is having to delay, block it out, make the kick, and then after let the GK know you didn't appreciate his bull#4t (no pun intended).   And some trash-talking and even a little gamesmanship during the actual game and run of play for me is different than the PK scenarios, which by virtue of the very deadlocked outcome should be fair and have some regulation to them in terms of procedure and what is allowed or not allowed.  I can see that Bull can (should?) do what he can if permitted but as I said the refs at that point literally have nothing else to do but to make sure the PK process is fair.  There is no scenario where the ref shouldn't be the one handing the player the ball.

I'm with you on the ref's responsibilities here. He shouldn't have allowed Bull to walk all the way up to the player and place the ball.

It could be that I'm more blase about Bull's behavior because it's classic Amherst. (See my earlier posts.) I don't expect anything different. The best reward is beating them.

Of course, I will admit my own hypocrisy. If it were my team he was doing this to, I could very well be more exercised. It's easier for me to make these above-the-fray, moral stands when I don't have proverbial skin in the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 09, 2014, 05:09:26 PM
So, does the Nescac get 2 or 3 teams in?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 09, 2014, 05:19:07 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 09, 2014, 05:09:26 PM
So, does the Nescac get 2 or 3 teams in?
Three. The two finalists and Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 05:19:48 PM
3...Mr.Right is projecting 4-5 for UAA and NESCAC with Bowdoin surprise gets 3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on November 09, 2014, 05:25:07 PM
amHerst athletic department has no standards for behavior --- culture has deteriorated into arrogance, poor sportsmanship, "optimistic" admissions, focus on major sports, recent highly publicized on-campus shortcomings, pressure on coaches from AD, president, etc., as a result of trying to play catch-up with Williams (Directors' Cups, academic standing, successful new buildings), Middlebury's Panther Pride (competitive spirit, community involvement, etc.).

Lj's alumni and faculty not happy with overall situation and tone ...changes on the way...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 09, 2014, 05:51:56 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on November 09, 2014, 05:25:07 PM
amHerst athletic department has no standards for behavior --- culture has deteriorated into arrogance, poor sportsmanship, "optimistic" admissions, focus on major sports, recent highly publicized on-campus shortcomings, pressure on coaches from AD, president, etc., as a result of trying to play catch-up with Williams (Directors' Cups, academic standing, successful new buildings), Middlebury's Panther Pride (competitive spirit, community involvement, etc.).

Lj's alumni and faculty not happy with overall situation and tone ...changes on the way...

Is this speculation or fact? Do u really think much will change?  And what is optimistic admissions...under 28 ACT's?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2014, 05:54:11 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2014, 04:22:05 PM
I agree that the Bowdoin kid had the final say by putting the ball in the net. If you don't like the keeper's behavior, the goal should be enough. But to then cheer on the scorer's gloating...well, isn't that a touch hypocritical?

Either love both or decry both; you can't pick and choose.

Obviously, neither is morally "good." However, my position with those kind of things is that, if someone antagonizes you in that situation and you defeat them, then you are perfectly entitled to equal (celebratory) retaliation. You could certainly argue that the goal being scored is equal retaliation, but I think that if the 'keeper is being obnoxious to the kicker that the kicker has the right to gloat if they score. I certainly don't think you're "wrong"; I just see it differently.

Tangental opinion: Though I think they are the best team in the NESCAC, I also think Amherst got what they deserved. Sure, Bowdoin was very lucky to get as far as they did in the tournament—I won't deny that. However—in my opinion—Amherst has played uninspiring soccer all year, gotten two ties in the last minute when they should have lost both games, and just been very lucky overall. Their luck ran out today; we shall see if it comes back during the tournament. I, for one, as a Brandeis fan, recognize that Amherst's physical—yet effective—style could certainly cause the Judges problems if the two were to meet, and I might even pick Amherst over Brandeis. However, I am not a fan of the way Amherst plays.

Let me say that I do realize that, at the end of the day, it's about winning games. However, while objectively their style of play gets them results (fact), I don't like the way they do it (opinion).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 09, 2014, 06:03:05 PM
Agree about the Brandeis style. The Bowdoin/Midd match was more to my liking style-wise. I was surprised to hear from at least one poster that it was a snoozer. I tend to get glassy eyed when the ball pops up all over the place for no reason. Guys in Amherst know how to play the beautiful game, but it is not the favored flavor. The rock em sock em has won conference titles in recent times, but maybe the league is changing its style, so the Jeffs might have to adapt.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 09, 2014, 06:04:53 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 09, 2014, 06:03:19 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 09, 2014, 05:54:11 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2014, 04:22:05 PM
I agree that the Bowdoin kid had the final say by putting the ball in the net. If you don't like the keeper's behavior, the goal should be enough. But to then cheer on the scorer's gloating...well, isn't that a touch hypocritical?

Either love both or decry both; you can't pick and choose.

Obviously, neither is morally "good." However, my position with those kind of things is that, if someone antagonizes you in that situation and you defeat them, then you are perfectly entitled to equal (celebratory) retaliation. You could certainly argue that the goal being scored is equal retaliation, but I think that if the 'keeper is being obnoxious to the kicker that the kicker has the right to gloat if they score. I certainly don't think you're "wrong"; I just see it differently.

Tangental opinion: Though I think they are the best team in the NESCAC, I also think Amherst got what they deserved. Sure, Bowdoin was very lucky to get as far as they did in the tournament—I won't deny that. However—in my opinion—Amherst has played uninspiring soccer all year, gotten two ties in the last minute when they should have lost both games, and just been very lucky overall. Their luck ran out today; we shall see if it comes back during the tournament. I, for one, as a Brandeis fan, recognize that Amherst's physical—yet effective—style could certainly cause the Judges problems if the two were to meet, and I might even pick Amherst over Brandeis. However, I am not a fan of the way Amherst plays.

Let me say that I do realize that, at the end of the day, it's about winning games. However, while objectively their style of play gets them results (fact), I don't like the way they do it (opinion).

I not sold either that Amherst would beat Brandeis. Tufts dominated Amherst this year but Amherst tied the game because of an inadvertent hand ball in the box....and Brandeis beat Tufts... I am not even sure Amherst is any better than Tufts at this point..and kudos to Bowdoin...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 09, 2014, 06:35:03 PM
Was at the game today. Great game by Bowdoin -- they did a really good job staying compact and making it difficult for Amherst to get good looks. That tactical decision, combined with a bit of luck (Nico P-L hitting the post, Cam B. sending a shot just wide, etc.) got them a well-deserved victory.

Re: PK shootout. Great shots by both teams and Bull very unlucky on the first shot -- that goal was ultimately the difference. The ball hit the post, ricocheted off his back, and then trickled in by only a few inches. A few inches can win a championship!

I also wanted to opine on what some posters here are saying about Thomas Bull. He is not a dirty player, or any of the other adjectives some posters used to describe him, at all. He's a fierce competitor and emotions were running high today. It's very easy to look at things from 500 feet away and see them one way, but between the lines things aren't always so black and white. I was privileged to call him a teammate for one year and he's one of the nicest young guys you'll ever meet. As for his back and fourth/gamesmanship, it was INTENSE. It's part of the reason why I love college sports! There was also 3 referees standing within 10 yards of him that didn't think it was a big deal.

(I briefly thought about posting YouTube links here showing the top goalies in the world doing the exact same things before penalty shootouts, but you can all look them up yourselves!)

...can't wait for the NCAA's, and Amherst's first Final Four since 2008! 


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 09, 2014, 06:41:34 PM
Quote from: 12SNoon on November 09, 2014, 06:35:03 PM
Was at the game today. Great game by Bowdoin -- they did a really good job staying compact and making it difficult for Amherst to get good looks. That tactical decision, combined with a bit of luck (Nico P-L hitting the post, Cam B. sending a shot just wide, etc.) got them a well-deserved victory.

Re: PK shootout. Great shots by both teams and Bull very unlucky on the first shot -- that goal was ultimately the difference. The ball hit the post, ricocheted off his back, and then trickled in by only a few inches. A few inches can win a championship!

I also wanted to opine on what some posters here are saying about Thomas Bull. He is not a dirty player, or any of the other adjectives some posters used to describe him, at all. He's a fierce competitor and emotions were running high today. It's very easy to look at things from 500 feet away and see them one way, but between the lines things aren't always so black and white. I was privileged to call him a teammate for one year and he's one of the nicest young guys you'll ever meet. As for his back and fourth/gamesmanship, it was INTENSE. It's part of the reason why I love college sports! There was also 3 referees standing within 10 yards of him that didn't think it was a big deal.

(I briefly thought about posting YouTube links here showing the top goalies in the world doing the exact same things before penalty shootouts, but you can all look them up yourselves!)

...can't wait for the NCAA's, and Amherst's first Final Four since 2008!

Appreciate the classy response and viewpoint. Yes, things get intense but imho I really think he was over the top, notwithstanding that he is a nice guy. thanks
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 09, 2014, 06:44:41 PM
Blotter in agreement regarding Amherst style...understand it from a tactical perspective but absolutely loathe watching that style.  Also to a prior poster who rightfully pointed out yesterdays amount of Conn fouls against Amherst when decrying thuggery all over the pitch....when you play the bully you either fight fire with fire or you get crushed.  Take a look accross the NESCAC at Amhersts opponents and you will find that vs Amherst the opponents fouls much higher than their game average....reason is because of Amhersts thuggery which is by design.  The other teams would rather just play soccer but Amherst dictates a physical brawl take place and you either fight or get knocked out....unfortunately most teams cant compete with Amhrrsts athletic physicality but Bowdoin Middlebury and Tufts can this year.
also NPL of Amherst is my POY he was terrific thus weekend
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 06:57:53 PM
I think 12SNoon hit the nail on the head, even though I vigorously disagree with his slant on Bull's behavior today.  How good of a guy Bull is in "real life" is not relevant.  And the notion (if that's what it was) that the refs condoned the behavior I think is utterly false.  They were tuned out and lackadaisical right at the wrong time, and this is proven by the ref (finally) after the PK we are most focused on, actually running to beat Bull to the ball so that Bull could not do a repeat of so generously walking the ball up to the kicker.

But where I think 12SNoon is totally on target is that emotions ARE running high, and that is to be expected this time of the year.  It makes total sense that former alums/players, especially recent players who may still have very close ties to their programs, AND parents of players and former players, are going to show their emotions on this site.  Certainly there has been some gamesmanship and "seed planting" on this message board that mirrors what we're talking about.  Even at this D3 level, the competition is fierce and it is hard to make a deep run.  We all look to every angle that might help our team.  We all look for the stats and scenarios that favor our team getting a bid, getting a good draw, getting home field, etc, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2014, 07:39:55 PM
Amherst will not be sniffing a Final Four this year. $100 to any of you Amherst fans and i'll give you odds
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on November 09, 2014, 07:42:50 PM
Whether or not a player is a nice guy off the field is not relevant. Every nescac game is heated, but it is up to the players to conduct themselves acceptably and up to the coaches to ensure this. As a whole, teams do uphold a level of decency while still maintaining the competitive spirit that we love about college athletics. Every now and then a player crosses the line, but positive competitive spirit generally prevails.

The outlier here, as most neutral observers have recognized, is Amherst. There are many reasons for this, but I think most would agree that the problem lies with Serpone and his staff. Serpone encourages a type of thuggery that you rarely see in college soccer, and with the exception of a few creative types, he fields players who have the natural physical abilities to carry out his over-aggressive game plan.

But hey, he gets results. And if results are paramount then the way Serpone coaches is acceptable. However, I imagine the Amherst administration values the image of the school and its student body over the win/loss record of the soccer team. Hopefully we will soon see some changes in Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2014, 07:47:57 PM
NOthing has changed since 2007. I would not bet on it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 07:56:50 PM
Back to soccer.

It was interesting that blooter noted how far Bowdoin has come from being down 2-0 to Tufts at home.  And by the same token, that was a key moment for Tufts going in the opposite direction.  I'm not going to raise the whole COY thing again, but a coach has to realize securing the #1 seed for the conference tournament isn't the only game in town.  We've barely talked about Tufts at all in over a week and they've gone off the radar except for occasional anxious questions about whether or not they are "safe."  We all think Tufts is going to get in, but their draw in the tournament is not likely to be great (or perhaps what it could have been).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2014, 08:00:13 PM
or it could be the other way around. Tufts could be sent to Wheaton or maybe even Babson and make either of those teams miserable
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 08:03:44 PM
Are you confident they will come out and beat either of those teams after 2 weeks of not playing?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 09, 2014, 08:09:15 PM
Tufts could definitely beat either of those teams.  not saying they will but they certainly can. Would you really be surprised either way? I wouldnt. remember, ?Tufts only have lost twice all year. I know you are down on them by your posts  but they do have the potential...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 09, 2014, 08:10:43 PM
And, they will be healthy.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2014, 08:15:36 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 09, 2014, 08:03:44 PM
Are you confident they will come out and beat either of those teams after 2 weeks of not playing?

That's a good question. I would give a slight edge to Wheaton, but I think Tufts is better than Babson and would have their way with them. Then again, Babson beat Wheaton yesterday, as they capitalized on their opportunities and Wheaton didn't, so you never know.

The Trinity game aside, I have liked watching Wheaton this year. Blair is obviously a force up front, and I really rate Finkelstein in the middle. Two great players. I also think that Altneu and Kossoff are great players. No, they're not fantastic on defense, but they keep the ball well, can score, and are able to hold their own against any team.

Despite their record, I haven't been impressed by Babson at all this season. They aren't very dynamic, and, defensively, they are average. When Laurenzo is isolated, their whole game plan goes out the window. He is a top player and drives that team, but when he gets shut down they don't seem to have an answer. Ventura and Carlos are solid as well, but I doubt they'd get into the starting XI of most NESCAC teams. That said, they capitalized on their opportunities yesterday and pulled the shock of the weekend IMHO. They could make a run, but I don't see it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 09, 2014, 08:49:27 PM
Quote from: 12SNoon on November 09, 2014, 06:35:03 PM
Was at the game today. Great game by Bowdoin -- they did a really good job staying compact and making it difficult for Amherst to get good looks. That tactical decision, combined with a bit of luck (Nico P-L hitting the post, Cam B. sending a shot just wide, etc.) got them a well-deserved victory.

Re: PK shootout. Great shots by both teams and Bull very unlucky on the first shot -- that goal was ultimately the difference. The ball hit the post, ricocheted off his back, and then trickled in by only a few inches. A few inches can win a championship!

I also wanted to opine on what some posters here are saying about Thomas Bull. He is not a dirty player, or any of the other adjectives some posters used to describe him, at all. He's a fierce competitor and emotions were running high today. It's very easy to look at things from 500 feet away and see them one way, but between the lines things aren't always so black and white. I was privileged to call him a teammate for one year and he's one of the nicest young guys you'll ever meet. As for his back and fourth/gamesmanship, it was INTENSE. It's part of the reason why I love college sports! There was also 3 referees standing within 10 yards of him that didn't think it was a big deal.

(I briefly thought about posting YouTube links here showing the top goalies in the world doing the exact same things before penalty shootouts, but you can all look them up yourselves!)

...can't wait for the NCAA's, and Amherst's first Final Four since 2008!

Bull's actions during the PK shootout constituted unsporting behavior, a cautionable offense under the Laws of the Game, and he should have seen yellow.

The Bowdoin player who converted the 4th kick and then glared and exchanged pleasantries with Bull was Ward (#21), arguably the top freshman in the league.

Switching the point of attack/discussion - does anyone know the playing status of the Tufts center-back who committed the violent foul at the end of the Bowdoin game and subsequently sat out the opening round  loss to Conn in the NESCAC tournament?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2014, 08:57:50 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 09, 2014, 08:09:15 PM
Tufts could definitely beat either of those teams.  not saying they will but they certainly can. Would you really be surprised either way? I wouldnt. remember, ?Tufts only have lost twice all year. I know you are down on them by your posts  but they do have the potential...

I totally understand your take on my posts regarding Tufts but I'm not so much down on them but instead feel they have much to prove as a team that has had A/A- talent for certainly the past 2 and maybe the last 3 years and we/you are still talking about potential.  And I personally feel the events of the past 2 weeks have made things even harder for them.  Yes, I definitely think they are capable of beating Wheaton and definitely Babson (although it seems everyone here has been doubting Babson all year and yet here they are), but I wouldn't be surprised to see them lose to either also.  Maybe having their backs against the wall and the adversity of the past 2 weeks will inspire the Jumbos.  We'll see.  I do like a few of their players a lot, and I like the style they play.  They also have a tremendous shot-stopping GK.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 09, 2014, 09:02:24 PM
I would rather play Wheaton right now than Babson.  Wheaton has loads of talent, but there is something missing.  Finkelstein should be the glue for them but this team is not playing as well in November as they did in September.  Anderson must be a heck of a coach for Babson, because for a team whose best players couldn't start for most NESCAC teams they were still able to beat Williams and Bowdoin (and Wheaton).  They are playing their best soccer of the season right now after an early season injury bug.  That being said, I don't think any team in New England relishes the thought of drawing Tufts, Amherst or Bowdoin right now. 

With the parity we have seen in NE this season, the absence of a dominant team (other than perhaps Brandeis) and so many surprises and upsets, I doubt the NCAAs will be any different.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 10, 2014, 12:07:39 AM
A happy day for this fan that the NESCAC championship is heading to Maine for a year.

Even as a Bowdoin fan today, the reaction to Bull I find totally overblown.  He is approximately the 1,000th soccer goalkeeper to attempt mind games in a shootout.

Here is an amusing psyche out attempt and response from scorer in D1 that went viral this year;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAudm4_1lBY

Bruce 'Spaghetti legs' Grobelaar is also revered for this famous shootout in Europe;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2GyLdD1iwE

While it may fit an agenda, this is a common tactic and not Amherst arrogance.  If it backfires then you look silly and take it on the chin, which I am sure Bull will.

Go UBears!  Now let's hope for three teams in the tourney tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 10, 2014, 09:40:47 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2014, 07:39:55 PM
Amherst will not be sniffing a Final Four this year. $100 to any of you Amherst fans and i'll give you odds

Mr. Right you are spot on with Vegas on this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 10, 2014, 09:46:28 AM
Mr. Right- selections come out at 1:30 today on the NCAA website correct?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2014, 10:11:44 AM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on November 10, 2014, 12:07:39 AM
A happy day for this fan that the NESCAC championship is heading to Maine for a year.

Even as a Bowdoin fan today, the reaction to Bull I find totally overblown.  He is approximately the 1,000th soccer goalkeeper to attempt mind games in a shootout.

Here is an amusing psyche out attempt and response from scorer in D1 that went viral this year;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAudm4_1lBY

Bruce 'Spaghetti legs' Grobelaar is also revered for this famous shootout in Europe;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2GyLdD1iwE

While it may fit an agenda, this is a common tactic and not Amherst arrogance.  If it backfires then you look silly and take it on the chin, which I am sure Bull will.

Go UBears!  Now let's hope for three teams in the tourney tomorrow.

It's a common tactic to walk up to the top of 6 and do a stare down or say something, and to do all of that hand waving and swaying back and forth going back to the goal and while awaiting the kick in goal (none of which refs should alow in my opinion).  It is NOT common to go to the extremes that Bull did.  And I blame the ref for being so aloof and unfocused and not interceding.  IF Bowdoin had lost (not advanced) this topic would be on fire on this thread, and if any of our faves lost in the face of that, we would be incensed. Imagine Amherst losing in PKs to Williams with the Williams GK acting like that with a final four berth on the line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 10, 2014, 10:57:42 AM
Yes it is common, watched this game for a long time and seen the likes over and again, will in the future too.  I wonder if Bull did not play for Amherst if the criticism would be quite as stinging.

Out of interest I went back on these boards and compared the reaction to the two incidents, also compared the level of criticism kids received;

1)   Thomas Bull playing mind games in a shootout.
2)  Peter Lee Kramer violently assaulting a Bowdoin player with a cheap elbow, leaving the kid knocked out and likely seriously injured.

Thomas Bull receives the most criticism?  Surprising.

Seems an anti-Amherst vibe with priorities out of whack to be honest.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2014, 11:05:17 AM
Absolutely not MENESCACFAN.  Kramer did get nailed on this site and only reason it hasn't been worse is because it was so serious most probably have been nervous to comment about it.  Notice that several have asked how long he is suspended and no will answer that.

You keep avoiding what would have been the reaction if Bowdoin has lost.  I think you should watch a replay of exactly how it went down and especially with that 4th kicker.  Now imagine YOUR team losing 5-4 on PKs against a GK acting like that.

What Bull did with that 4th kicker especially and then also the monkey bar swinging on the goal so the goal was still shaking when the kick was taken were OVERBOARD.  Should have been carded.

I have been an Amherst defender (albeit not a fan particularly) and mostly have defended Serpone who I think should be the COY.  The comments about Bull for the most part have nothing to do with an anti-Amherst bias.  To be honest, I was shocked by his behavior.  And I had a very similar reaction to the Calvin GK.

Again, you are not considering to what degree this thread would have blown up had Bowdoin lost in the face of that. 

BTW, if you go back you'll see that I nominated Bull not just for 1st team GK but also NESCAC POY.

And part of the reason this topic also is going on more than the Kramer one is because of defenses by folks like you.  No one defended the Kramer incident.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 10, 2014, 11:20:58 AM
With regards to the Kramer thing, I think that every single poster on here was a bit shocked at how out of line that was. That's not something you can debate ie "he had every right to hit him/he should not have hit him." I think the reason we're debating the Bull thing is because there are actually two sides. With the Kramer case, I can't see how one could defend that.

For the record, while gamesmanship is to be expected (and I won't knock a keeper for trying to throw off the shooter during a PK), that was a little ridiculous. Jumping around and waving your arms, sure...but Bull walking up and staring the shooter down while placing the ball on the spot, then proceeding to channel his inner 5 year old by jumping on the bar was a bit over the top. Still, you're always going to try and get away with as much as you can, and I think the responsibility falls on the ref to take control of the situation. You don't just blow the whistle to signal to the shooter he can shoot...you have to continue to ref the game. A yellow, a verbal warning, or asking for the ball from Bull and then giving it to the next PK taker all were viable options, yet he did nothing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2014, 11:25:25 AM
Quote from: oldonionbag on November 10, 2014, 11:20:58 AM
With regards to the Kramer thing, I think that every single poster on here was a bit shocked at how out of line that was. That's not something you can debate ie "he had every right to hit him/he should not have hit him." I think the reason we're debating the Bull thing is because there are actually two sides. With the Kramer case, I can't see how one could defend that.

For the record, while gamesmanship is to be expected (and I won't knock a keeper for trying to throw off the shooter during a PK), that was a little ridiculous. Jumping around and waving your arms, sure...but Bull walking up and staring the shooter down while placing the ball on the spot, then proceeding to channel his inner 5 year old by jumping on the bar was a bit over the top. Still, you're always going to try and get away with as much as you can, and I think the responsibility falls on the ref to take control of the situation. You don't just blow the whistle to signal to the shooter he can shoot...you have to continue to ref the game. A yellow, a verbal warning, or asking for the ball from Bull and then giving it to the next PK taker all were viable options, yet he did nothing.

Exactly!  Right on the money.  That ref should never ref another playoff game again.  Unbelieveably aloof for a conference final with a NCAA berth on the line.  It took him to the 5th kick before he at least interceded by running to get the ball himself so that Bull couldn't do a repeat performance.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ireallylikesoccer on November 10, 2014, 01:22:11 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on November 10, 2014, 10:57:42 AM
Out of interest I went back on these boards and compared the reaction to the two incidents, also compared the level of criticism kids received;

1)   Thomas Bull playing mind games in a shootout.
2)  Peter Lee Kramer violently assaulting a Bowdoin player with a cheap elbow, leaving the kid knocked out and likely seriously injured.

Was in attendance at this game and happened to be standing close to the Tufts 18 when this happened. Although I agree the foul was uncalled for and should have been grounds for an immediate red, the video feed actually makes it look worse than it was. In reality, the player was NOT knocked out and got up only seconds later, was never inspected by one of the trainers that were present, and continued to play in both overtimes. There was not even a visible mark from the elbow which would be expected from a hard knock to the nose/mouth/face region. The foul was committed (stupidly) inside the penalty box with only a minute or two left in regulation, so naturally Bowdoin appealed for the penalty, which would include the player who got knocked to stay on the ground and embellish a little, which is only natural and I do not blame him. It does however make the foul look much more atrocious on video as the feed was cut off before we are able to see the events that follow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 10, 2014, 01:23:50 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on November 10, 2014, 11:20:58 AM
With regards to the Kramer thing, I think that every single poster on here was a bit shocked at how out of line that was. That's not something you can debate ie "he had every right to hit him/he should not have hit him." I think the reason we're debating the Bull thing is because there are actually two sides. With the Kramer case, I can't see how one could defend that.

For the record, while gamesmanship is to be expected (and I won't knock a keeper for trying to throw off the shooter during a PK), that was a little ridiculous. Jumping around and waving your arms, sure...but Bull walking up and staring the shooter down while placing the ball on the spot, then proceeding to channel his inner 5 year old by jumping on the bar was a bit over the top. Still, you're always going to try and get away with as much as you can, and I think the responsibility falls on the ref to take control of the situation. You don't just blow the whistle to signal to the shooter he can shoot...you have to continue to ref the game. A yellow, a verbal warning, or asking for the ball from Bull and then giving it to the next PK taker all were viable options, yet he did nothing.

Spot on Oldonionbag...both on the Kramer incident and the Bull criticism.  Regarding the anti-Amherst wave in general...no question it's there, but it's only there because the Lord Jeff's earned it.  They are like Ben Stiller's character in the movie "Dodgeball"...."We're Global Gym, we're better than you, and we know it!"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 10, 2014, 01:28:01 PM
Quote from: Ireallylikesoccer on November 10, 2014, 01:22:11 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on November 10, 2014, 10:57:42 AM
Out of interest I went back on these boards and compared the reaction to the two incidents, also compared the level of criticism kids received;

1)   Thomas Bull playing mind games in a shootout.
2)  Peter Lee Kramer violently assaulting a Bowdoin player with a cheap elbow, leaving the kid knocked out and likely seriously injured.

Was in attendance at this game and happened to be standing close to the Tufts 18 when this happened. Although I agree the foul was uncalled for and should have been grounds for an immediate red, the video feed actually makes it look worse than it was. In reality, the player was NOT knocked out and got up only seconds later, was never inspected by one of the trainers that were present, and continued to play in both overtimes. There was not even a visible mark from the elbow which would be expected from a hard knock to the nose/mouth/face region. The foul was committed (stupidly) inside the penalty box with only a minute or two left in regulation, so naturally Bowdoin appealed for the penalty, which would include the player who got knocked to stay on the ground and embellish a little, which is only natural and I do not blame him. It does however make the foul look much more atrocious on video as the feed was cut off before we are able to see the events that follow.

By shear luck this deliberate elbow did not do more damage....it was very close to doing severe damage and the intentional nature it was delivered leaves little question regarding a sanction.  Thank god the Bowdoin player wasn't seriously hurt.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 10, 2014, 01:45:09 PM
3 NESCACs are in:

Bowdoin
Amherst
Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacCaptain on November 10, 2014, 02:03:38 PM
Good to see the committee got things right. Wouldn't we all love to see a Tufts vs Coast Guard sweet 16 matchup!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 10, 2014, 02:08:21 PM
Quote from: CacCaptain on November 10, 2014, 02:03:38 PM
Good to see the committee got things right. Wouldn't we all love to see a Tufts vs Coast Guard sweet 16 matchup!

Would be nice, but Tufts has a better chance than Coast Guard of making it that far.  Can't seem to find out who is hosting rounds 1/2 on the NCAA website...does anyone know who is hosting in New England?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 10, 2014, 02:12:41 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 10, 2014, 02:08:21 PM
Quote from: CacCaptain on November 10, 2014, 02:03:38 PM
Good to see the committee got things right. Wouldn't we all love to see a Tufts vs Coast Guard sweet 16 matchup!

Would be nice, but Tufts has a better chance than Coast Guard of making it that far.  Can't seem to find out who is hosting rounds 1/2 on the NCAA website...does anyone know who is hosting in New England?

Agreed, except that Dickinson is far better than Catholic. Dickinson beat them 3-0 this year. Another easier draw for CGA...I guess the committee seems to like them! ::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 10, 2014, 02:14:37 PM
Below are my general observations regarding the draw.

Bowdoin: Assuming both teams make it out of the first round, I think Bowdoin could give Brandeis some problems physically and on set pieces. However, they lack any real dynamism on offense. Furthermore, while Brandeis would have every reason to fear Amherst due to its physicality, Bowdoin is not as potent as Amherst offensively. Henshall, White, and Goitia are good players, but White is not nearly as physical as he should be given his stature. I do like Van Siclen and I think he could be as good as Greenwood and Bull if he keeps it up. Charlier, after a standout frosh campaign, really hasn't impressed me at all; he appears to have lost significant dynamism. I like Bowdoin—it is near where I grew up and I come from a Bowdoin family—but they don't have any real speed or skill that I have seen. They are a "solid" team, but could very well get sawed apart by a team that is quicker and more dynamic. That said, White's goal against Williams was great, and if the Bears can conjure up some kind of magic like that they could be in for a good run.

Amherst: Couldn't believe that they aren't hosting. Then again, I can. I don't think they've played particularly well all season, and very well could have lost against Middlebury and Mt. St. Mary. I've only watched St. Lawrence a few times, but, the Rochester loss aside, they've been very good. As far as Amherst goes, NPL—who should be NESCAC POY in my eyes, Bull (despite his Bull$#!* yesterday, pun intended), Singer, and Wirz have impressed me. Not sure how to feel about their chances. On the one hand, they are an experienced team, but I think we all agree that they are their most "vulnerable" they have been in years.

Tufts: Good to see Tufts make it in, especially considering their body of work all year. It's hard to tell how far they'll go, but, as NCAC said, they have A/A- talent. They are solid front to back. Santos is finally playing on a consistent basis; he is their best player in my mind when he is on his game. Hoppenot, while lacking true speed, is a solid target man. Moving back, I really like Kayne, Pinheiro, and Williams as well, and Greenwood is an excellent goalkeeper. IMHO, when Tufts is on its game, it is the best team in the NESCAC. The big question is which Tufts team shows up? After all, I think Wheaton, despite its uncharacteristic loss this weekend, is a very, very solid team, and, coupled with home-field advantage, would make a very tough second-round opponent.

Either way, definitely looking forward to the first two rounds this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 10, 2014, 02:23:13 PM
Agree with all of your points here Blooter, but let's remember to take it one game at a time  ;) Here's to hoping all 3 NESCACs get past the first round!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 10, 2014, 02:26:34 PM
Quote from: Ireallylikesoccer on November 10, 2014, 01:22:11 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on November 10, 2014, 10:57:42 AM
Out of interest I went back on these boards and compared the reaction to the two incidents, also compared the level of criticism kids received;

1)   Thomas Bull playing mind games in a shootout.
2)  Peter Lee Kramer violently assaulting a Bowdoin player with a cheap elbow, leaving the kid knocked out and likely seriously injured.

Was in attendance at this game and happened to be standing close to the Tufts 18 when this happened. Although I agree the foul was uncalled for and should have been grounds for an immediate red, the video feed actually makes it look worse than it was. In reality, the player was NOT knocked out and got up only seconds later, was never inspected by one of the trainers that were present, and continued to play in both overtimes. There was not even a visible mark from the elbow which would be expected from a hard knock to the nose/mouth/face region. The foul was committed (stupidly) inside the penalty box with only a minute or two left in regulation, so naturally Bowdoin appealed for the penalty, which would include the player who got knocked to stay on the ground and embellish a little, which is only natural and I do not blame him. It does however make the foul look much more atrocious on video as the feed was cut off before we are able to see the events that follow.

A truly self-serving and irresponsible misrepresentation of the key facts by an obvious Tufts supporter.  The only credible point you make is that you were viewing the action from a point on the sideline fairly close to the edge of the box, which would isolate you somewhat from the obnoxious, wounded-bird cry emanating from the Tufts section in the stands throughout the game.  Pray tell: is Lee-Kramer eligible to play in the NCAA tournament or did NESCAC issue a multiple-game suspension for his violent and  inexcusable conduct?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 10, 2014, 02:50:47 PM
All NESCAC - suspect you have found 1st/2nd round hosting information by now, but if not, the printable bracket posted on NCAA.com seems to indicate that Franklin & Marshall, Brandeis, St. Lawrence, SUNY Cortland, Wheaton and Muhlenberg will host 2 games, while Nichols and Morrisville State will host opening round games only, with winners traveling to SUNY Oneonta and Messiah, respectively.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on November 10, 2014, 02:54:24 PM
Congratulations to Tufts getting in.  I agree that their body of work spoke for itself this year and they deserved a bid.  Also, and unfortunately I have it from a reputable source that Peter Kramer (starting center back) will continue his suspension through the first round but would be eligible to play if they make it to round 2. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 10, 2014, 02:58:37 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on November 10, 2014, 01:45:09 PM
3 NESCACs are in:

Bowdoin
Amherst
Tufts

Well Deserved!!!  Good Luck to all!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2014, 03:01:51 PM
Interesting rematch of Amherst at SLU. Should be heated..Tufts v Dickinson will be a good game as Wheaton should steamroll Daniel Webster.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 10, 2014, 03:07:27 PM
Mr. Right - are you familiar with the field surfaces at the schools hosting the 1st and 2nd round games (natural grass or artificial)?  Will that be a factor in any of the early match-ups in your view?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2014, 03:08:00 PM
give me the schools and i will tell you the surface
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 10, 2014, 03:14:25 PM
F&M, Wheaton, St. Lawrence, Brandeis, SUNY Cortland and Muhlenberg. Thanks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2014, 03:17:18 PM
F&M I saw this wknd and it looked like sh*t turf.
St.Lawrence a great grass 120 v 80 field. They should be able to spread out Amherst
Brandeis a sh*t turf field that is 72 wide. Very narrow.
Wheaton is a nice grass field that Tufts and wheaton should both enjoy
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 10, 2014, 03:21:37 PM
Quote from: RelegationZone on November 10, 2014, 02:50:47 PM
All NESCAC - suspect you have found 1st/2nd round hosting information by now, but if not, the printable bracket posted on NCAA.com seems to indicate that Franklin & Marshall, Brandeis, St. Lawrence, SUNY Cortland, Wheaton and Muhlenberg will host 2 games, while Nichols and Morrisville State will host opening round games only, with winners traveling to SUNY Oneonta and Messiah, respectively.

Thank you Relegation Zone.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 10, 2014, 03:21:57 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 10, 2014, 02:14:37 PM
Below are my general observations regarding the draw.

Bowdoin: Assuming both teams make it out of the first round, I think Bowdoin could give Brandeis some problems physically and on set pieces. However, they lack any real dynamism on offense. Furthermore, while Brandeis would have every reason to fear Amherst due to its physicality, Bowdoin is not as potent as Amherst offensively. Henshall, White, and Goitia are good players, but White is not nearly as physical as he should be given his stature. I do like Van Siclen and I think he could be as good as Greenwood and Bull if he keeps it up. Charlier, after a standout frosh campaign, really hasn't impressed me at all; he appears to have lost significant dynamism. I like Bowdoin—it is near where I grew up and I come from a Bowdoin family—but they don't have any real speed or skill that I have seen. They are a "solid" team, but could very well get sawed apart by a team that is quicker and more dynamic. That said, White's goal against Williams was great, and if the Bears can conjure up some kind of magic like that they could be in for a good run.

Amherst: Couldn't believe that they aren't hosting. Then again, I can. I don't think they've played particularly well all season, and very well could have lost against Middlebury and Mt. St. Mary. I've only watched St. Lawrence a few times, but, the Rochester loss aside, they've been very good. As far as Amherst goes, NPL—who should be NESCAC POY in my eyes, Bull (despite his Bull$#!* yesterday, pun intended), Singer, and Wirz have impressed me. Not sure how to feel about their chances. On the one hand, they are an experienced team, but I think we all agree that they are their most "vulnerable" they have been in years.

Tufts: Good to see Tufts make it in, especially considering their body of work all year. It's hard to tell how far they'll go, but, as NCAC said, they have A/A- talent. They are solid front to back. Santos is finally playing on a consistent basis; he is their best player in my mind when he is on his game. Hoppenot, while lacking true speed, is a solid target man. Moving back, I really like Kayne, Pinheiro, and Williams as well, and Greenwood is an excellent goalkeeper. IMHO, when Tufts is on its game, it is the best team in the NESCAC. The big question is which Tufts team shows up? After all, I think Wheaton, despite its uncharacteristic loss this weekend, is a very, very solid team, and, coupled with home-field advantage, would make a very tough second-round opponent.

Either way, definitely looking forward to the first two rounds this weekend.


Bowdoin may have the momentum and current intangibles to make a run.  Yes, Van Siclen is hot now.

Amherst can do damage if Pascale-Leone continues to play well, even though this has been a down year for the Lord Jeffs....

Tufts can make a run also. The players you mentioned are excellent. Most notably, Kayne played the last few games with a broken big toe and should be healed..This should help Tufts tempo...Maybe a Tufts supporter can elaborate on this and Kramer's status for the upcoming game.

Good luck to all 3 teams!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 10, 2014, 03:37:20 PM
Per earlier post (#1927) from NEPitch62, Kramer drew 2-game suspension and will not play in opening round NCAA game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2014, 03:39:28 PM
The question is was that from Tufts AD, Shapiro or Nescac?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 10, 2014, 03:41:31 PM
Very good question from MR there.  Shame we can get no info here.

Also it turns out someone WOULD defend Kramer, absolutely the most embarrassing post I have read on here to condone and minimize that act.

Very pleased to see all three teams in.  Thoughts on who will go furthest?

My gut tells me it will be Tufts to regroup, find early season form and make a run.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 10, 2014, 03:52:34 PM
Would be much more devastating if Tufts did not also have Sam Williams. An absolutely phenomenal defender that's flown under the radar until this year. I remember seeing him as a freshmen and being very impressed with his poise and calmness on the ball.

Tufts seems like the most dangerous team to me, but as always, the question is: which Tufts team will show up? (I didn't know this prior to today, but they have the 19th ranked defense in all of D3 soccer. Pretty impressive considering their NESCAC competition.)

Amherst has not impressed me this year, but as always, it's Amherst in the NCAAs...and who would bet against that...?

Bowdoin's miracle run gives them the most momentum going in, but keep in mind, they haven't scored a goal in 230 minutes. Still, they haven't allowed one in 250 minutes, and as the old adage goes, defense wins championships...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 10, 2014, 04:03:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 10, 2014, 03:39:28 PM
The question is was that from Tufts AD, Shapiro or Nescac?

Total speculation, but have to believe NESCAC intervened and imposed the punishment.  That said, a 2-game ban would have allowed Kramer to play in the NESCAC final had Tufts held serve to that point, and that would have been an absolute travesty IMO.  The offense was far more egregious than the one committed last season by the Williams player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2014, 04:08:41 PM
Agreed to that. Lima made contact with Hillomanz but not like Kramer did. Lima got 2 games from Nescac. Did anyone figure out who Kramer hit?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on November 10, 2014, 05:16:13 PM
I was told that Tufts gave Kramer the 2 game suspension (but NESCAC could have been involved) and I also agree that the act was egregious and violent and he deserved it.  Sam is a great defender as is the whole back line when they are together so we'll see.  Greenwood will need to step up big time!  I feel that Shapiro will figure this out (as a front runner to COY) and perhaps sit Kramer for a while in game 2 if they make it that far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2014, 05:23:19 PM
That makes absolutely no sense to SIT Kramer for the hell of it in game 2. Why would any coach do this?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on November 10, 2014, 05:28:59 PM
Well, for 1 Mr. Right, the foul should have probably got him suspended for the rest of the season.  Lucky the kid didn't get maimed on that play.  And two, allowing him to start in front of Sullivan or other deserving, well mannered players might send the wrong message to his players - or recruits for that matter.  But what do I know...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 10, 2014, 05:49:24 PM
Quote from: RelegationZone on November 10, 2014, 04:03:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 10, 2014, 03:39:28 PM
The question is was that from Tufts AD, Shapiro or Nescac?

Total speculation, but have to believe NESCAC intervened and imposed the punishment.  That said, a 2-game ban would have allowed Kramer to play in the NESCAC final had Tufts held serve to that point, and that would have been an absolute travesty IMO.  The offense was far more egregious than the one committed last season by the Williams player.

RelegationZone--having witnessed the Williams offense and seen the long lasting effect it caused the Conn player I beg to differ and say both offenses were very egregious and intent to injure unquestionable and both were uncalled for. One is not more egregious than the other and sanctions were warranted in both cases.  The fact the Williams offense was actually after the final whistle made it very egregious.  Luckily the Bowdoin player wasn't seriously inured, unfortunately the Conn player was injured, concussed and missed significant class time. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2014, 08:31:04 PM
Quote from: NEPitch62 on November 10, 2014, 05:28:59 PM
Well, for 1 Mr. Right, the foul should have probably got him suspended for the rest of the season.  Lucky the kid didn't get maimed on that play.  And two, allowing him to start in front of Sullivan or other deserving, well mannered players might send the wrong message to his players - or recruits for that matter.  But what do I know...




Let me get this straight, after serving the 2 game suspension you want Shapiro to not play Kramer in the 3rd out of respect to more deserving well mannered players. I am assuming we are a generation or most likely 2 generations apart so I will lay down out of respect but this just does not happen in the NESCAC we have today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccer69 on November 10, 2014, 09:08:36 PM
Any chance anyone recorded the Amherst v. Bowdoin penalties? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2014, 09:09:49 PM
LOL why are you giving SLU a scouting report
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2014, 09:28:09 PM
Mr.Right, I have to say that I still laugh sometimes that you renamed yourself "Mr.Right."  That was clever.  I never would have thought of that.  The attempted disguise was less clever, but I'm glad you're here instead of not here.  I may need to borrow some of your medication at some point.  I'm experiencing some tournament-induced hypomania.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2014, 09:36:12 PM
better than full mania...well I love D3 soccer and this is the best site out there so I had to get back in. D3kicks was a great one also but the founders got real jobs and had no time to run it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on November 11, 2014, 08:05:00 AM
By the way Mr. Right, I said not start Kramer, I didnt say not play him - i'm not crazy..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2014, 12:10:20 PM
Tufts has got their opportunity.  They on paper will have 3 tough but based on talent winnable games where they would not be a clear underdog in any of them -- Dickinson, Wheaton, Muhlenberg.  If they can get through the weekend, they would have renewed confidence and momentum, and if Muhlenberg is waiting my sense is that the Mules are steady and very solid defensively but not explosive by any stretch.  So given their talent a run to the sweet 16 and/or Elite 8 is not unreasonable if the Jumbos are as good as many suggest.  We'll see what they do.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on November 13, 2014, 01:22:29 PM
They're out now:http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2014-15/honors/allconference

COY: Shapiro
POY: Conrad
ROY: ACH

Tufts (5): Hoppenot, Williams, Santos, Kayne, Greenwood
Middlebury (4): Conrad, Glaser, Cydor, Robinson
Amherst (3): NPL, Wirz, Bull
Wesleyan (2): Bratt, Gruner
Bowdoin (2): Goitia, Odulate
Conn (2): Devlin, Patch
Williams (2): Danilack, Grady
Bates (1): Knoth
Hamilton (1): Frost
Trinity (1): Savonen
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 13, 2014, 02:22:22 PM
From the Tufts website:

Six members of the 2014 Tufts University men's soccer team were recognized as the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) announced its All-Conference Teams today. That's the most in team history.

Coach Shapiro
Williams
Hoppenot

With five players on the two teams, the Jumbos also have the most among the conference's 11 teams teams this fall.

Senior co-captains Maxime Hoppenot and Sam Williams are on the First Team, while senior forward Gus Santos, junior midfielder Jason Kayne and sophomore goalkeeper Scott Greenwood made the second team. Josh Shapiro was also voted as NESCAC Coach of the Year by his peers.

Hoppenot earned All-NESCAC first team honors for the third consecutive year, making him the only player on this year's All-Conference teams to achieve that feat. Williams steps up to the first team after earning second team accolades last fall. Santos was previously a second team pick in 2012 after taking first team and Rookie of the Year honors in 2011. These are the first All-Conference awards for the others.

Despite modest stats of three goals and two assists through 16 games thus far, Hoppenot's play offensively and defensively up front was still valued by the league's coaches. According to Coach Shapiro, his status as one of the most dangers forwards in the conference has led to the significant increase in goal-scoring by Jumbo midfielders.

Santos

Kayne

Greenwood

Williams anchors a Jumbo defense that leads NESCAC and is one of the best in the nation allowing a 0.59 goals against average. Excellent in the air and one of the league's top one-vs.-one defenders, Williams has also scored three goals this season including a game-winner versus Hamilton.

Santos got hot in the second half of the season and helped Tufts overcome a stretch where they had no wins in four games (0-1-3). He scored goals in five consecutive games including wins over Connecticut College, Trinity, Williams and Hamilton. His six goals and one assist for 13 points are second on the team overall.

Kayne, perhaps the Jumbos' most creative offensive player, has added four goals and four assists to the Tufts attack. All four of his assists came in NESCAC games, tying him for the conference lead in that category. Her scored the lone goal in Tufts' 1-1 tie against Amherst and had two assists in a win over Bates.

Greenwood, a tremendous young leader in back, has helped the Jumbos shut out nine of their 16 opponents thus far. Seven of those came in the 10 NESCAC games. The 10 goals the Jumbos have allowed are the fewest in NESCAC and Greenwood has a 0.61 goals against average and .743 save percentage.

In his fifth season at the helm, Coach Shapiro led Tufts to an undefeated NESCAC season (7-0-3) and the Jumbos' first #1 seed in the conference championship tournament. The Jumbos also earned an NCAA Tournament berth for the second time in the last three seasons under Coach Shapiro.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 13, 2014, 02:50:18 PM
Re: All-NESCAC Selection Travesty

For Gab Wirz not to make 1st team, in a season where he was often the best player on the field for Amherst (alongside NPL), is a glaring error.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 13, 2014, 02:52:21 PM
I think the same thing can be said for Santos, Kayne & Greenwood...but that is the nature of the beast and I won't take away from those named to the first team.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 13, 2014, 03:30:39 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 13, 2014, 02:52:21 PM
I think the same thing can be said for Santos, Kayne & Greenwood...but that is the nature of the beast and I won't take away from those named to the first team.....

In the same vein that we ask for accountability and fairness for teams/coaches/referees/fans during games, it would be irresponsible to overlook the sheer injustices that often occur when NESCAC coaches select their all-conference teams. At some point this process & system probably needs to be re-worked.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 13, 2014, 03:46:39 PM

As an outsider, I think the Colby coach was deserving of the award...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 13, 2014, 03:47:03 PM
You may know more than me, but how do these "sheer injustices" occur?  Isn't it a democratic vote for the players?  What are the injustices and how can they be fixed?  Thanks for your insight!..or maybe Mr. Right has some input in this regard.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 13, 2014, 04:36:13 PM
To my understanding the coaches are responsible for nominating their own players, after which a ballet is circulated. The coaches then vote without even having a conference call. Uneducated votes are therefore commonplace.

Take Julien Aoyoma of Amherst in 2011 for example:

D3 Soccer National Defensive Player of the Year
All-American

...2nd team All-NESCAC.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 13, 2014, 05:22:23 PM
Congrats to Midd sophomore Greg Conrad for being named NESCAC Player of the Year.

I'll admit to being a little bit surprised—though thrilled for the kids—to see four Panthers on the first team, more than any other NESCAC squad:

*Conrad
*Adam Glaser
*Deklan Robinson
*Greg Sydor

Instant thoughts:

*Three sophomores and a junior. The next two years should be a whole lot of fun up here in the Green Mountain State.
*Sydor...talk about an impact transfer, first-team all-conference at a position the Panthers sorely needed help.
*Really happy for Robinson. The Panther defenders have been roundly maligned on these boards, and to my admittedly blue-and-white shaded vision, I thought they played quite well this year. It seems that the conference coaches felt similarly, naming the central defender of this line to the first-team all-conference.
*Two years of play for Glaser, two first-team All-Nescac nods. Quite impressive.
*And Conrad, so often he seemed to be on just another level than everyone else (witness regular season hat trick against Wesleyan). Glad to see him recognized with this honor.

---

Congrats to all of the other honorees. A terrific group of players, each deserving of the recognition bestowed upon them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 13, 2014, 05:38:53 PM
I'm gonna back up Mr. Noon on this one.  It's one thing to be resentful and/or passive-aggressive with a coach, but it's wrong to take that out on college kids.  If you are going to bother handing out these kind of awards then try your darnedest to get them right.  If something's a really close call and goes the other way, then that's one thing, but the Aoyoma example was a great one.  I don't follow that stuff to know how many egregious errors are made, but still....There seemed to be some rough consensus that NPL from Amherst was the most deserving player.

And on the other hand, I can't quite get my head around why these awards are so important to people.  The topic of who deserved and was going to to win these awards has been one of the most popular (and passionate) in this thread.  Why is this stuff more compelling?  I've also found that announcing these awards when they do (and not just NESCAC), and this happens in high school too, right in the middle of tournament season is a real distraction.  Why not wait until the season has ended?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 13, 2014, 05:39:19 PM
Quote from: 12SNoon on November 13, 2014, 03:30:39 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 13, 2014, 02:52:21 PM
I think the same thing can be said for Santos, Kayne & Greenwood...but that is the nature of the beast and I won't take away from those named to the first team.....

In the same vein that we ask for accountability and fairness for teams/coaches/referees/fans during games, it would be irresponsible to overlook the sheer injustices that often occur when NESCAC coaches select their all-conference teams. At some point this process & system probably needs to be re-worked.

I definitely agree, but in all my experience with youth, high school and college sports, I have seen some sort of bias, politics, or results where all of the players that really deserved the awards didn't receive them, or where some coaches had more pull over others in the voting process for some reason. It's unfortunate and shouldn't happen but does.....It would take a total group effort of the coaches, and maybe the athletic directors, to establish some sort of fair process, and then total compliance thereafter..... One thing I also noticed is that the offensive winners often go to those with the best statistics, but in some cases the best statistics don't always reflect the best or most important players to a team..... 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2014, 08:21:02 PM
Well Noon would know travesty ever since he was not named player of the year in 2012. Wirz should have been on the 1st team for Deklan Robinson but I do not think it was a travesty. Bratt, Williams and Daniliack are quality and I think you should have put Wirz for Robinson. I think coaches not voting for Amherst players is over blown nowadays. From 2008-2012 it was legitimate and last year Serpone won COY and his players have been awarded. This year I see know slight other than Wirz and that might have been a minor vote call. Noon might be better served to motivate his former All Nescac teammate Jae Heo as he has really disappeared all year. If he had the quality he had a couple years ago Amherst would be well on its way. Serpone and his players used to get punished in this voting because of the buffoonery he and his players act like on the field. Nowadays teams ignore it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2014, 08:30:04 PM
Coaches nominate 5 players from their own teams to be voted on by the rest of the league. After the league has received this coaches send in 5 votes each for forwards,midfield and backs..3 GK and 3 coaches all ranked 1 thru 5. Also, ROY and POY. The league tallies up the votes with a point system and you get 1st and 2nd team and COY,ROY and POY. Coaches cannot vote for their own players and with all the players they send for nomination they can write a very short paragraph on why they should vote for their player. Also, to be noted coaches do not have to nominate 5 players from their own team. Some only nominate 2 or 3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 13, 2014, 09:45:39 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 13, 2014, 08:21:02 PM
Well Noon would know travesty ever since he was not named player of the year in 2012. Wirz should have been on the 1st team for Deklan Robinson but I do not think it was a travesty. Bratt, Williams and Daniliack are quality and I think you should have put Wirz for Robinson. I think coaches not voting for Amherst players is over blown nowadays. From 2008-2012 it was legitimate and last year Serpone won COY and his players have been awarded. This year I see know slight other than Wirz and that might have been a minor vote call. Noon might be better served to motivate his former All Nescac teammate Jae Heo as he has really disappeared all year. If he had the quality he had a couple years ago Amherst would be well on its way. Serpone and his players used to get punished in this voting because of the buffoonery he and his players act like on the field. Nowadays teams ignore it.

Jae actually tore his ACL and his college career is officially over, so I'll pass.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2014, 10:13:32 PM
Kind of like when you passed in 2012 against Williams in PK's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GarbageGoals33 on November 13, 2014, 10:17:17 PM
Does that seem like a necessary comment?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GarbageGoals33 on November 13, 2014, 10:22:24 PM
Felt like giving me some smite there Mr. Right? There's a difference between trolling and being a Richard. Don't be a Richard.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2014, 10:24:48 PM
You gave it to me so I gave it back. Don't be so sensitive its only karma
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 13, 2014, 11:38:29 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 13, 2014, 02:52:21 PM
I think the same thing can be said for Santos, Kayne & Greenwood...but that is the nature of the beast and I won't take away from those named to the first team.....

Yes any of those players could have been named to the first team and their would be no argument here. Congrats to all!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 14, 2014, 11:13:02 PM
Calling Wirz on second team a gross injustice is hyperbole.  Maybe it is just a difference of opinion and not some agenda?  Everybody on these boards had different opinions, so stands to reason the coaches would too.

The biggest surprise to me was Hoppenot on 1st team and Santos 2nd, seems the wrong way around.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 15, 2014, 04:23:39 AM
I agree on the Santos/Hoppenot transposition. Hoppenot is a good player who did not have a great year.  His reputation apparently carried him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacCaptain on November 15, 2014, 11:38:59 AM
I disagree. Having seen several Tufts games this year, I think Hoppenot is a no doubt first team player. Yes his production was not as high scoring just 3 goals this year, but he is the key to the Tufts attack. His ability to shield defenders and hold up the ball may be the best I have ever seen (at the non-professional level). He finds a way to somehow consistently win long balls over defenders and manage to keep possession as the midfielders support him in the final third.

Good luck to all the NESCAC teams today!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2014, 11:56:14 AM
I noticed Hoppenot is working his ass off this year on the field.He is also known for scraping for goals when Tufts really needs one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2014, 03:45:30 PM
Tufts gets a well deserved win today against Dickinson for their first NCAA win in maybe 20 years. This is a good team folks and tomorrow's match up with Wheaton should be fireworks. Tufts worked their ass off today and I hope they have that energy tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 15, 2014, 05:19:19 PM
Amherst wins 2-0 over Fitchburg St. Today.  Will meet host St. Lawrence on Sunday.  Last season, Amherst won over St. Lawrence in the post season in a 2OT game...2-1, I Believe.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 15, 2014, 06:27:36 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 15, 2014, 03:45:30 PM
Tufts gets a well deserved win today against Dickinson for their first NCAA win in maybe 20 years. This is a good team folks and tomorrow's match up with Wheaton should be fireworks. Tufts worked their ass off today and I hope they have that energy tomorrow.

Congrats to the Jumbos. Tomorrow will bring a tough game on Wheaton's home field but if they stay focused and play good defense they can win the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 15, 2014, 11:06:26 PM
Quote from: CacCaptain on November 15, 2014, 11:38:59 AM
I disagree. Having seen several Tufts games this year, I think Hoppenot is a no doubt first team player. Yes his production was not as high scoring just 3 goals this year, but he is the key to the Tufts attack. His ability to shield defenders and hold up the ball may be the best I have ever seen (at the non-professional level). He finds a way to somehow consistently win long balls over defenders and manage to keep possession as the midfielders support him in the final third.

Good luck to all the NESCAC teams today!

Sorry, for me, a first team NESCAC forward needs to score more than 1 league goal and 1 assist in 10 games.  He is a good player but in my opinion, there are more deserving players this year. And yes, I watched many of Tufts' games. If he was a new player this year without the past pedigree, no way he gets chosen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 15, 2014, 11:09:22 PM
Sounds like Bowdoin had a dramatic win and an incredible sounding goal in over time. I Missed the game. I'd love a first hand account from one who saw it.

So the NESCAC goes 3 for 3 today. It appears its demise has been greatly exaggerated. 3 tough games tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2014, 12:22:43 PM
Bowdoin and Brockport played an interesting game between two teams that are not at the top of their conference but close. The Sunyac side was more physical as Sunyac sides usually are but Bowdoin was more technical. Every time each team scored a goal they let off the gas a bit and allowed the other to score 10 minutes later. It was a see saw battle that was entertaining to watch. DIaz Costa, Henshall and Hunter Miller all played very well. Odulate had a great header off a corner to tie it 2-2. Well played game. Brockport earned their Pool C bid and I thought were just a tad better than a RPI or Haverford. Bubble teams that just missed out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 16, 2014, 12:50:55 PM
Thanks for the report. Today should be interesting as all 3 are playing quality opponents.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2014, 01:17:18 PM
Tufts up early 1-0 but looks like they lost Gus Santos to a knee injury. Very very disappointing as he is their most technical player. I feel for them lets hope its not to serious
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2014, 02:17:51 PM
Gus Santos back on the field for Tufts. Wheaton playing extremely chippy and trying to get Tufts out of their game. Still 1-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 16, 2014, 03:04:05 PM
Tufts wins 2-0. Kayne gets a goal from about 14 yards out after a Monil Patel free kick bounces around in the box and falls to his feet. Very good composure from the team after Wheaton started playing a bit chippier, as Mr. Right said. On to the sweet sixteen for the Jumbos!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 16, 2014, 03:48:48 PM
Lee Owen subs in to make three massive saves in the penalty shootout as Amherst takes down St. Lawrence in a close one! Big  time performance by the freshman.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 16, 2014, 03:52:51 PM
Quote from: 12SNoon on November 16, 2014, 03:48:48 PM
Lee Owen subs in to make three massive saves in the penalty shootout as Amherst takes down St. Lawrence in a close one! Big  time performance by the freshman.

12SNoon, any idea why they opted for him this game, but not in the NESCAC championship?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2014, 03:55:27 PM
Bull has lost some  PK battles the last 3 years. To me he looks a bit slow off the line. Intimidating yes but maybe a touch awkward
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 16, 2014, 04:58:34 PM
Lee looked like a cat on the line today.
Bull looked plenty intimidating when his PK broke the back of the net.
St. Lawrence is a good team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 16, 2014, 05:47:13 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on November 16, 2014, 03:04:05 PM
Tufts wins 2-0. Kayne gets a goal from about 14 yards out after a Monil Patel free kick bounces around in the box and falls to his feet. Very good composure from the team after Wheaton started playing a bit chippier, as Mr. Right said. On to the sweet sixteen for the Jumbos!

Watched the game on video. Wheaton is a very quick and direct team. They couldn't penetrate the two big center defenseman. Yes, they were chippy the first half. Was surprised there was no card at all on the play that took santos out. they were not chippy in the second. tufts dominated the second half peppering the golie and hitting the crossbar. The goalie made a great save on a hoppnot on a one on one after a beautiful thru ball from Kayne. The Tufts goalie Greenwood made a couple of great saves. Kayne, who had an assist on the first goal scored the insurance goal. Was very impressed with the 2 center backs, greenwood and Kayne. It seemed like a very fast pace...Maybe someone who was there can chime in on the pace as it's hard to tell on video
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on November 16, 2014, 07:10:55 PM
The Tufts Wheaton game was extremely fast pasted.  The Tufts back line in tact: Patel, Kramer, Williams, Zinner were unbelievable in their confidence and teamwork throughout the match.  Greenwood was amazing on two plays in particular and the mid field was very efficient in their ball movement.  The offense had more than a few chances to open this one up but kudos to the Wheaton back line to avoid a further blow out.  The Jumbos on to the sweet 16!  They are formidable right now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 16, 2014, 07:23:09 PM

Quote
12SNoon, any idea why they opted for him this game, but not in the NESCAC championship?

Can't say for certain, but it's fair to assume the Jeffs were trying to mix things up after their lost penalty shootout last weekend. Bull is by no means awkward or a bad penalty shootout keeper (he's saved many PK's over the last 3 years), but having a freshman keeper who St. Lawrence couldn't scout certainly played to Amherst's advantage.

Something that is hard to completely understand as an outsider is how tough it is to go up to St. Lawrence and play them. They have one of the longest, widest fields in all of DIII, and their attacking/free-flowing style of play is a lot to handle. Some NESCAC teams pride themselves on playing beautiful soccer, but you really haven't seen anything until you watch the Saints play. They throw numbers forward, have incredible overlapping runs, and have great creativity with the ball at their feet. Throw in their crazy fans and oftentimes frigid weather, and in my four years it was easily the toughest environment to play in.

You have to give a lot of credit to Coach Serpone for leading Amherst to two victories this weekend given these circumstances. He's won a ton of games bigger than this, but it might enter the conversation as one of his best coaching performances to date. For starters, he made the incredibly gutsy decision against Fitchburg State to rest his ENTIRE front 6, and trusted his second-string guys to go out there and deliver an NCAA tournament victory. That speaks to the level of preparedness Serpone asks of his entire squad, but it was also crucial in keeping the starters fresh for Sunday's game against a more formidable opponent.

That coaching strategy (which reminded me a lot of this man: http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1207000/thumbs/o-GREGG-POPOVICH-facebook.jpg) allowed him to win the coaching matchup today against SLU's Durocher. By refusing to sit back on St. Lawrence's big field and let them play -- like every other team who plays them -- he flipped the script and took them out of their comfort zone by high-pressuring the Saints on their every move. You might think sitting back is the best option against SLU on their massive field, but it was because the Jeffs did the exact opposite -- high, intense pressure on all parts of the field -- that the Saints could only muster one goal on the day after they had just scored 7. That pressure for 110 minutes by the Amherst front 6 is not possible if they were tired from playing the day before.

Finally, the penalty shootout. I'm not going to speak too candidly on the boards about this (there are more games to be played!), but Serpone had his fingerprints all over it. Putting in the freshman Lee Owen and seeing him make 3 amazing saves was the story of the day, but there were some other highlights as well that shouldn't go unnoticed. Thomas Bull decided that if he wasn't stopping kicks he might as well be scoring them, and the freshman Kieran Bellew got up and absolutely buried the game-winner. It's psychologically difficult to win a penalty shootout just a week after losing one, and Serpone somehow got those guys to erase those demons and get a victory in one of the most entertaining PK shootouts in Lord Jeff history.

It's going to be interesting to see how the Jeffs handle Brandeis in the next round, but Serpone is turning it up at an interesting time in what is an exciting time for NESCAC coaching. With the Ephs' Russo (who had an incredibly disappointing final year, but what an amazing career) leaving, as well an influx of new, young coaches into the league, Serpone suddenly finds himself as one of the most experienced NESCAC heads. It's hard to argue with the results and the facts (although surely we'll certainly have a few right-minded posters who will give it their best [albeit rumor-laden] attempt).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on November 16, 2014, 07:32:42 PM
Credit to Amherst obviously, but you're implying that they outplayed SLU with their game plan.  They didn't.  SLU had tons more opportunities, and should have capitalized on lots of chances.  Barring the first 10 minutes and a stretch of another 10 minutes late in the 2nd half, SLU dictated the pace of the game.  I respect Serpone for his intrinsic results, but his coaching style is a disgrace to the game and a stain on NCAA athletics.  His team advanced by chance, and the way he and his team conduct themselves on the sidelines does not make them a respectable program barring wins.  One day it'll all catch up to him. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 16, 2014, 07:40:03 PM
12 S Noon, you should have watched the Wheaton v. Tufts game today if you wanted to see fast pace and midfield play.....one of the fastest paced games that I have seen in a long while. Both teams should be proud of the pace and style...

On another note, very shocked Amherst took ouy the first string goalie...hope it doesn't result in as a dent in his confidence. Congrats to the Jeffs on the win...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2014, 07:43:58 PM
Before we anoint Serpone "the special 1" lets see if he can get Amherst to the Final 4. With Williams out of the way they have a good chance. They are much bigger than Brandeis and F&M and more physical. Oneonta has a special GK and good size. This could be the year Amherst does it, ironic as it is their worst team since 2008 who made it to the Final 4 also
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2014, 07:46:59 PM
Amherst has high pressured all year. This does cause opponents havoc and if Brandeis plays with 3 backs against them it could be a HUGE mistake
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on November 16, 2014, 07:53:26 PM
I see you're trying to use the final sentence of your essay to discredit the opinions of anyone who didn't play at Amherst. But the "rumors" exist or a reason, and your viewpoint holds no more value than anyone else's.

That being said... very impressive victory by Amherst today.  As always, Serpone kept his team extremely well organized. Today was the first time I have seen St. Lawrence play in 2014, and I would argue their attack is as dangerous as any in D3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2014, 07:58:50 PM
Just ask him why arguably the best player in 2012 did not step up to the plate in PK's against Williams in the Elite 8. Surely he could have placed one better than Aoyama or Lerner
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 16, 2014, 08:04:24 PM
Quote from: stlawus on November 16, 2014, 07:32:42 PM
Credit to Amherst obviously, but you're implying that they outplayed SLU with their game plan.  They didn't.  SLU had tons more opportunities, and should have capitalized on lots of chances.  Barring the first 10 minutes and a stretch of another 10 minutes late in the 2nd half, SLU dictated the pace of the game.  I respect Serpone for his intrinsic results, but his coaching style is a disgrace to the game and a stain on NCAA athletics.  His team advanced by chance, and the way he and his team conduct themselves on the sidelines does not make them a respectable program barring wins.  One day it'll all catch up to him. 

Never said that/implied that. SLU was great today.

Quote from: Nutmeg on November 16, 2014, 07:40:03 PM
12 S Noon, you should have watched the Wheaton v. Tufts game today if you wanted to see fast pace and midfield play.....one of the fastest paced games that I have seen in a long while. Both teams should be proud of the pace and style...

On another note, very shocked Amherst took ouy the first string goalie...hope it doesn't result in as a dent in his confidence. Congrats to the Jeffs on the win...

I heard! I wish I could have watched it -- Tufts could make a run this year.

Quote from: Mr.Right on November 16, 2014, 07:46:59 PM
Amherst has high pressured all year. This does cause opponents havoc and if Brandeis plays with 3 backs against them it could be a HUGE mistake

Agreed, it could. Will be fun to watch.

Quote from: dacac on November 16, 2014, 07:53:26 PM
I see you're trying to use the final sentence of your essay to discredit the opinions of anyone who didn't play at Amherst. But the "rumors" exist or a reason, and your viewpoint holds no more value than anyone else's.

That being said... very impressive victory by Amherst today.  As always, Serpone kept his team extremely well organized. Today was the first time I have seen St. Lawrence play in 2014, and I would argue their attack is as dangerous as any in D3.

That wasn't what I was getting at at all, but noted.

Quote from: Mr.Right on November 16, 2014, 07:58:50 PM
Just ask him why arguably the best player in 2012 did not step up to the plate in PK's against Williams in the Elite 8. Surely he could have placed one better than Aoyama or Lerner

You've brought this up twice, so I'll give you reasoning behind it:

For those who need the background, I was the number 6 shooter in a penalty shootout in 2012 because I was the 6th best penalty kick shooter on our team. We ended up losing the shootout to Williams in 5 shots, so I didn't have a chance to kick. At no point have I ever been ashamed of not stepping up to take a kick before a more-worthy teammate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 16, 2014, 08:09:30 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 16, 2014, 07:46:59 PM
Amherst has high pressured all year. This does cause opponents havoc and if Brandeis plays with 3 backs against them it could be a HUGE mistake

Actually, Brandeis has switched to four at the back, moving Kyle Robinson to CB from their Carnegie/Emory weekend forward. However their wing backs do like to push up so it'll be interesting to see how they approach it from a defensive standpoint. Both are very fast but pushing forward is nevertheless risky.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2014, 08:15:34 PM
Fair answer thank you. 

Blooter I could have swore they were playing 3 in the back today against Bowdoin but I was watching on video so I could be wrong. Soboff will be able to control the midfield against Amherst but I am interested to see how Brandeis comes out against them. Set pieces will be very difficult for them as they tend to foul quite a bit and cannot afford to do that against Amherst. Brandeis is extremely fast down the flanks as is Amherst for that matter. Who will impose their style on who. Amherst has been very good at getting Williams out of their technical style for the past 4-5 years and if Amherst swarms the ball like they did against SLU it could be problematic
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 16, 2014, 10:29:01 PM
"I disagree. Having seen several Tufts games this year, I think Hoppenot is a no doubt first team player. Yes his production was not as high scoring just 3 goals this year, but he is the key to the Tufts attack."

He scored 1 goal in 10 games from a center forward position.  Santos scored 4 and 2 game winners.  Santos got it done more this fall and far more deserving of first team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 16, 2014, 10:32:55 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on November 16, 2014, 10:29:01 PM
He scored 1 goal in 10 games from a center forward position.  Santos scored 4 and 2 game winners.  Santos got it done more this fall and far more deserving of first team.

Would agree with you. I have seen Tufts quite a bit this year. Hoppenot is a good target man and certainly gets his team's AMs more involved. That said, he lacks any real pace and did not score enough goals this year for a CF, regardless of how well he holds up the ball. I would have put Kayne and Santos on the first team over Hoppenot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 16, 2014, 11:03:47 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 16, 2014, 10:32:55 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on November 16, 2014, 10:29:01 PM
He scored 1 goal in 10 games from a center forward position.  Santos scored 4 and 2 game winners.  Santos got it done more this fall and far more deserving of first team.

Would agree with you. I have seen Tufts quite a bit this year. Hoppenot is a good target man and certainly gets his team's AMs more involved. That said, he lacks any real pace and did not score enough goals this year for a CF, regardless of how well he holds up the ball. I would have put Kayne and Santos on the first team over Hoppenot.

Well, I look at it as who is valuable to their team, and not just on stats. If u look at it that way, hoppnot is up there. The problem is that it's hard to measure or quantify intangibles.  The tufts middies you mention are excellent players and also as valuable....in fact, I think the whole tufts midfield was valuable to the team for that matter. But if you are forced to look just at stats to give awards I can see your point....in that regard defensive midfielders won't get much attention....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 17, 2014, 09:03:45 AM
Would just like to say a quick congrats to Bowdoin on a great season. If they weren't playing my alma mater, I would have been rooting for them last night.

They came to play last night and certainly had their chances, as the SOG stats were relatively even. In the end, Brandeis matched them physically and had a tiny bit more speed and sharpness in possession, which, coupled with the home-field turf advantage, probably made the difference.

For me, it was really awesome to see them take down Williams, Middlebury, and Amherst, having lost to all three teams earlier in the season. Granted, two of those wins came on PKs, but to have the mental fortitude to rebound from those three setbacks is impressive, not to mention coming back from 2-0 down in the second half against Tufts, at which point they seemed completely done. Well done Polar Bears and congratulations.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 17, 2014, 11:23:15 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 17, 2014, 09:03:45 AM
Would just like to say a quick congrats to Bowdoin on a great season. If they weren't playing my alma mater, I would have been rooting for them last night.

They came to play last night and certainly had their chances, as the SOG stats were relatively even. In the end, Brandeis matched them physically and had a tiny bit more speed and sharpness in possession, which, coupled with the home-field turf advantage, probably made the difference.

For me, it was really awesome to see them take down Williams, Middlebury, and Amherst, having lost to all three teams earlier in the season. Granted, two of those wins came on PKs, but to have the mental fortitude to rebound from those three setbacks is impressive, not to mention coming back from 2-0 down in the second half against Tufts, at which point they seemed completely done. Well done Polar Bears and congratulations.

Yep, the Bears finished real strong and should hold their heads up...... Good Luck to Tufts and Amherst!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 17, 2014, 03:04:44 PM
Bowdoin finished very strong and really surprised everyone. They lose Goita, Melong, Henshall and White. This is not bad and they can basically replace all these guys. Goita and Henshall came into their own this year and White started playing better as the year went on. Melong I havd not seen since the middle of October so I assume he was injured. 4 seniors lost to graduation is not bad and they already have a commitment from Rivers CM Jake Stenquist whose brother played at Dartmouth. He is a good player not the most technical but a very tough kid and not afraid to tackle hard. Typical Bowdoin / Midd recruit and I feel he will immediately help Bowdoin in midfield.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 17, 2014, 03:18:29 PM
Congrats to Tufts.  I am one of the (few?) posters who had ben withholding judgment about the Jumbos, and they came through their pod, away from home, with flying colors.  They had two very good wins where no one would have been shocked had they been knocked off, and they impressively handled a talented Wheaton squad (with a lot to prove themselves) on Wheaton's home field.

The Jumbos should be drenched in confidence at this point, with an excellent overall regular season, and now two very solid NCAA wins.  I think Muhlenberg is fortunate to host in this one, which probably keeps the odds at about 50/50, but I still favor Tufts here.  The Mules will be tough to break down and an early Mules goals might be too much to overcome, but Tufts is dynamic and explosive enough to prevail.    I would expect them to put Muhlenberg under more pressure than a Dickinson could, and be at least on par in that regard with F&M.

And of course the further a talented advances the more their confidence grows, and Tufts certainly has the firepower to challenge Messiah (if the Falcons can handle Cortland who should be tough).  At this juncture all of the remaining teams are capable and all know they are ony two games away from the Final Four.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 17, 2014, 03:28:27 PM
After watching Muhlenberg twice they remind me of a Wesleyan with an edge. I do not know if Tufts will get a goal or two but I am pretty confident Muhlenberg will not  be scoring more than 1 goal in this game. Greenwood played excellent all weekend and Tufts D without Kramer on Saturday really gave Dickinson nothing. A Monil Patel horrendous error gave Dickinson their goal but that was it. Wheaton was better but they did not finish their chances that they created.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 17, 2014, 04:28:13 PM
Yes, nice job by Bowdoin to claim the conference crown and get to the second round of NCAAs.
Question: Why not more mention of Jones? For me, he was their best player in the NESCAC semi and final, and he was taken off the field way too much, especially in OT. When Jones and Dias Costa are on the field at the same time, the Polar Bears were their most dangerous in the three games I saw them play this fall.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 17, 2014, 04:35:37 PM
I agree with you but wonder if he is a liability sometimes defensively. Bowdoin in a 4-2-3-1 usually looks like a 4-5-1 defensively and usually asks those wingers to track back. While Jones speed on the flank and skill to me are more beneficial than not tracking back but Weirsinski seems to me to be a bit to conservative.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 17, 2014, 04:58:38 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 17, 2014, 04:35:37 PM
I agree with you but wonder if he is a liability sometimes defensively. Bowdoin in a 4-2-3-1 usually looks like a 4-5-1 defensively and usually asks those wingers to track back. While Jones speed on the flank and skill to me are more beneficial than not tracking back but Weirsinski seems to me to be a bit to conservative.
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 17, 2014, 04:28:13 PM
Yes, nice job by Bowdoin to claim the conference crown and get to the second round of NCAAs.
Question: Why not more mention of Jones? For me, he was their best player in the NESCAC semi and final, and he was taken off the field way too much, especially in OT. When Jones and Dias Costa are on the field at the same time, the Polar Bears were their most dangerous in the three games I saw them play this fall.

Jones had a hamstring injury in the last weeks of the regular season, and he was questionable for the post-season.  That may have impacted his PT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on November 17, 2014, 11:43:34 PM
IMO (and I certainly could be wrong) I don't think either NESCAC team will make it past this weekend.  Competition is simply getting too strong at this point.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 17, 2014, 11:46:23 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on November 17, 2014, 11:43:34 PM
IMO (and I certainly could be wrong) I don't think either NESCAC team will make it past this weekend.  Competition is simply getting too strong at this point.

You obviously haven't checked the schedule strength of the two teams left.... Should be 2 good games
But I predict both will move on...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 17, 2014, 11:52:03 PM
Do not even reply to this knucklehead Nutmeg. He is a troll. Just tell him that since 2007 7 Nescac teams have made the NCAA FInal 4. Thats 7 of the 8 years. This is not the UAA sorry
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on November 17, 2014, 11:52:14 PM
For Tufts to advance past this weekend they will have to go through Messiah (assuming they win on Saturday).  I think we all can agree that's difficult.

For Amherst to advance past this weekend they will have to take on F&M or Oneonta - that's also very stiff competition.

Like I said just my opinion that neither NASCAC team gets past this weekend.

What's your prediction?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on November 17, 2014, 11:55:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 17, 2014, 11:52:03 PM
Do not even reply to this knucklehead Nutmeg. He is a troll. Just tell him that since 2007 7 Nescac teams have made the NCAA FInal 4. Thats 7 of the 8 years. This is not the UAA sorry

Are you predicting that both NESCAC teams advance past this weekend into the Final 4?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 17, 2014, 11:57:59 PM
Yes
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 17, 2014, 11:59:57 PM
F&M and Oneonta are hardly superior to Amherst. After watching F&M they would really struggle dealing with Amherst size and physicality. Oneonta I believe is over rated and will not make it out. The winner of Amherst v Brandeis gets thru.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2014, 12:01:13 AM
since 2007 7 Nescac teams have made the NCAA FInal 4. Thats 7 of the 8 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on November 18, 2014, 12:01:25 AM
Bold prediction.  I like it.  Good luck.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sherlock Holmes on November 18, 2014, 12:09:35 AM
I really don't think F&M is as undersized as you make them out to be. I'll readily admit that I've seen very little of Amherst, but I have no doubt that F&M has just as much in the size department as really any team might want to throw out there. Now, maybe Amherst is a bit more physical than F&M, and if that's the case it may be an advantage for them. However, it also may be a disadvantage - you never know how tightly the game is going to be called, and that can work against teams who play that style.

I think F&M will also be helped by their performance against Rochester - even though it went to PKs, their offense looked like it had woken up a bit compared to the lackluster display they put on against J&W. If they can continue that through the weeklong break, I think the Dips have a decent shot at getting through the section. Assuming they move past Oneonta St. (and I really think that's still a big if in and of itself), an Amherst/F&M matchup would be a lot of fun to watch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 18, 2014, 07:15:29 AM
So far, it's not like Messiah has really dominated in the tourney. They can be beat this year. The way Tufts is playing, if they get past Muhlenberg, they are up to the task. Their SOS should help them. All games from now on will be battles.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on November 18, 2014, 09:14:15 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 18, 2014, 07:15:29 AM
So far, it's not like Messiah has really dominated in the tourney. They can be beat this year. The way Tufts is playing, if they get past Muhlenberg, they are up to the task. Their SOS should help them. All games from now on will be battles.....

I think one of the things that people are missing about Messiah this year is their defense. Only four teams have scored against Messiah all year. And Tufts has not been scoring a ton of goals lately. When Messiah dominates defensively like they have been, they don't have to run up big scores to win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sherlock Holmes on November 18, 2014, 10:09:25 AM
Plus, you make it sound like they squeaked by in two tight games. They've really only had the opportunity to play once, and that was after what, seven or eight days off? I think you could tell in the first 15 or 20 minutes that there was some rust there as a result. And they easily could have won by three or four but for some spectacular saves by the Morrisville GK and a few blown chances.

I think Messiah has the most complete unit, and they're still the favorite despite only beating Morrisville State 1-0. I agree with D3soccerwatcher, their defense is fantastic, from the keeper forward. Their CB Robbins is one of the calmest presences you'll ever see in situations that might normally overwhelm a typical player.

I think if there's a plan for beating Messiah, it's all about weathering the storm as long as possible. Just accept that you're going to get out-possessed, out-cornered, and outshot, but keep everything out of the box. And I'm not saying to bunker in - you still need a solid shape to pressure the ball the entire way in your half. The longer the game goes scoreless, the more their defense will creep up the field to contribute to the attack, and that's where you exploit with pressure on the ball and a long ball over/through the back line. Morrisville State nearly pulled that off perfectly and got a partial breakaway on a quick counterattack just before Messiah's eventual game-winner, but their keeper came up with a big save.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2014, 10:21:57 AM
I see where you are coming from about Messiah but you seem to say they cannot be beat.  That is something I cannot agree with at this point, especially only winning 1-0.... I have to agree with Nutmeg in that I am saying is that Tufts or Muhlenberg can give them a good fight and maybe come out with a win.......They are both playing very well right now and Tufts had a very high SOS.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sherlock Holmes on November 18, 2014, 10:29:26 AM
Oh I'm not saying they can't be beat at all. Certainly they can. I'll absolutely agree that they didn't look their best in the first game. What I'm saying is that it was just one game - I'm leaning more towards the "They were probably a little rusty, and I'm more of the mind that they can only improve from there" rather than "Well they only beat Morrisville 1-0, so they aren't that good." That's all I was saying. I totally agree, every game from here on out will be a battle, no matter who is playing. I think both Tufts and Muhlenberg will be able to hang with them defensively, and I don't see any blowouts on the horizon. And this is all assuming Messiah gets past Cortland as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 18, 2014, 10:30:14 AM
I hope some of you have the pleasure of seeing Messiah in action in person.  They are overwhelming to handle and asking a team that has never played them to deal with them (and win) is a tall task.  Yes, they can be beaten, but a number of things will have to break a certain way for that to happen.  Wheaton (Ill) might be the best equipped to battle the Falcons straight up, but even then I would expect Messiah to win 3-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 18, 2014, 10:32:04 AM
Exactly Sherlock.  The best chance for Tufts or Muhlenberg against Messiah is to have Cortland take the Falcons out of the picture.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 18, 2014, 10:41:05 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on November 18, 2014, 09:14:15 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 18, 2014, 07:15:29 AM
So far, it's not like Messiah has really dominated in the tourney. They can be beat this year. The way Tufts is playing, if they get past Muhlenberg, they are up to the task. Their SOS should help them. All games from now on will be battles.....

I think one of the things that people are missing about Messiah this year is their defense. Only four teams have scored against Messiah all year. And Tufts has not been scoring a ton of goals lately. When Messiah dominates defensively like they have been, they don't have to run up big scores to win.

I think you're a bit off here D3SoccerWatcher- Tufts has been scoring, especially of late. In fact, the last time they did not score was in a 0-0 tie away at Middlebury in driving rain on OCTOBER 4. Since then they have scored 19 goals in 9 games, for a 2.1 goals per game average, and have scored 2 goals in each NCAA game. Not sure where that argument is coming from?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 18, 2014, 11:30:50 AM
Look, I'm no Tufts fan, but I admire their program and the way they play the game. I objectively think they are very, very good—they have a well-coached, well-balanced team, front-to-back, and a very good goalkeeper. I personally thought that Wheaton (MA) was a bit better prior to Sunday's game, but Tufts went down there and played like the home team. They are a force.

Can Tufts beat Messiah? Certainly! If Tufts gets past Muhlenberg, they'd be fired up for that game. When such a mountainous task is only 90 minutes in front of you, the mentality is different than at the beginning of, say, the NESCAC tournament (which might be why Tufts was punished for being complacent against Conn., thinking they were in for a long run by default.) As a result, Tufts would no doubt give Messiah everything possible, and are capable of winning. Furthermore, Messiah would no doubt be possessing and attacking, which, as a previous poster said, could leave gaps as the game goes on.

Will Tufts beat Messiah? Don't think so. I think Tufts has Elite Eight potential, no doubt, but I don't see them being Final Four material. They have struggled at times this season to break down teams which are good, not great (read MIT, Conn), teams that you would expect to see them beat. Then again, they did beat Wheaton convincingly at their place this weekend. Defensively, they seem to have lapses in concentration at times (giving up two goals in quick succession against both Brandeis and Bowdoin.) Additionally, their offensive tactics are, while effective, a tad predictable—a huge part of Tufts' gameplan is sending the ball to Hoppenot, who holds it up for Santos, Kayne, and Pinheiro. I could very well see Messiah's center backs isolating Hoppenot (who is not the quickest player in the world) and Santos (who doesn't have the best workrate) and shutting off service from midfield, which would counter Tufts' attacking gameplan very well.

Hey, anything can happen, but I think it's a bit premature to be suggesting that Messiah is not that good, especially when the Jumbos have their own shortcomings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 18, 2014, 11:30:54 AM
Quote from: Sherlock Holmes on November 18, 2014, 12:09:35 AM
I really don't think F&M is as undersized as you make them out to be. I'll readily admit that I've seen very little of Amherst, but I have no doubt that F&M has just as much in the size department as really any team might want to throw out there. Now, maybe Amherst is a bit more physical than F&M, and if that's the case it may be an advantage for them. However, it also may be a disadvantage - you never know how tightly the game is going to be called, and that can work against teams who play that style.

I think F&M will also be helped by their performance against Rochester - even though it went to PKs, their offense looked like it had woken up a bit compared to the lackluster display they put on against J&W. If they can continue that through the weeklong break, I think the Dips have a decent shot at getting through the section. Assuming they move past Oneonta St. (and I really think that's still a big if in and of itself), an Amherst/F&M matchup would be a lot of fun to watch.

Sherlock Holmes....ask Watson if F&M can put 5 starting field players who are 6'3", 6'4", 6'4", 6'5" and 6'6" who are all very good players...and oh forgot to mention the keeper is 6'3" and sturdy....I haven't looked at F&M's roster, but haven't seen another team this year yet who can match Amherst's size....they are deadly on set pieces whether corner kicks, free kicks or throw ins (they have a long throw in defender)...and the rest of the team is very talented and they give constant high pressure...I'm not a big fan of how Amherst plays or conducts themselves, but they are a very good team and well coached.  I see both Amherst and Tufts advancing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2014, 11:35:46 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 18, 2014, 11:30:50 AM
Look, I'm no Tufts fan, but I admire their program and the way they play the game. I objectively think they are very, very good—they have a well-coached, well-balanced team, front-to-back, and a very good goalkeeper. I personally thought that Wheaton (MA) was a bit better prior to Sunday's game, but Tufts went down there and played like the home team. They are a force.

Can Tufts beat Messiah? Certainly! If Tufts gets past Muhlenberg, they'd be fired up for that game. When such a mountainous task is only 90 minutes in front of you, the mentality is different than at the beginning of, say, the NESCAC tournament (which might be why Tufts was punished for being complacent against Conn., thinking they were in for a long run by default.) As a result, Tufts would no doubt give Messiah everything possible, and are capable of winning. Furthermore, Messiah would no doubt be possessing and attacking, which, as a previous poster said, could leave gaps as the game goes on.

Will Tufts beat Messiah? Don't think so. I think Tufts has Elite Eight potential, no doubt, but I don't see them being Final Four material. They have struggled at times this season to break down teams which are good, not great (read MIT, Conn), teams that you would expect to see them beat. Then again, they did beat Wheaton convincingly at their place this weekend. Defensively, they seem to have lapses in concentration at times (giving up two goals in quick succession against both Brandeis and Bowdoin.) Additionally, their offensive tactics are, while effective, a tad predictable—a huge part of Tufts' gameplan is sending the ball to Hoppenot, who holds it up for Santos, Kayne, and Pinheiro. I could very well see Messiah's center backs isolating Hoppenot (who is not the quickest player in the world) and Santos (who doesn't have the best workrate) and shutting off service from midfield, which would counter Tufts' attacking gameplan very well.

Hey, anything can happen, but I think it's a bit premature to be suggesting that Messiah is not that good, especially when the Jumbos have their own shortcomings.

Believe me, I am not suggesting nor did anyone else suggest that "Messiah is not that good."  I think everyone knows that.  I am just opining that they can be beat.  I think Tufts has a better chance given their diverse scoring options but the Jumbos still have to get past Muhlenberg.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 18, 2014, 11:41:17 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2014, 11:35:46 AM
I am just opining that they can be beat.

That's definitely fair; I suppose my interpretation was a bit narrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 18, 2014, 11:41:59 AM
Good bit of banter here. Blooter- I think you just pointed out how any team - not just Messiah - can counter the Jumbos. It's just that Messiah will probably be able to do it more effectively than any other team  ;) Additionally, let's keep in mind that Muhlenberg is no one-trick pony, and the Jumbos better not put the cart before the mule. (bada-bing! 8-)) They must focus all of their attention and energy on the task at hand.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sherlock Holmes on November 18, 2014, 11:44:04 AM
No need to ask Watson! I consulted the internets instead. According to their rosters, Amherst has 15 players 6-0 or taller. Four of those are goalkeepers. F&M has eleven players 6-0 or taller. One of those is a goalkeeper. So, both teams could easily field a tall team. Again, all I said is F&M is not as undersized as what some are making them out to be. What may have been a huge advantage for Amherst most of the season could very well be muted, if not cancelled out altogether, by the relative height of F&M. The Dips are equally deadly on set pieces, and they too play the "long throw" game very well. I'm no NESCAC expert, but it sounds like these teams could be incredibly similar, and it'll be interesting to see what happens if and when they meet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 18, 2014, 12:51:14 PM
Quote from: Sherlock Holmes on November 18, 2014, 11:44:04 AM
No need to ask Watson! I consulted the internets instead. According to their rosters, Amherst has 15 players 6-0 or taller. Four of those are goalkeepers. F&M has eleven players 6-0 or taller. One of those is a goalkeeper. So, both teams could easily field a tall team. Again, all I said is F&M is not as undersized as what some are making them out to be. What may have been a huge advantage for Amherst most of the season could very well be muted, if not cancelled out altogether, by the relative height of F&M. The Dips are equally deadly on set pieces, and they too play the "long throw" game very well. I'm no NESCAC expert, but it sounds like these teams could be incredibly similar, and it'll be interesting to see what happens if and when they meet.

Sherlock...I pulled a Watson and consulted the internet via F&M...your research is correct, however of F&M's starters they have one who is 6'3" and one 6'2" vs Amherst's 5 giants....both have big keepers....will be an interesting match....I will be curious to see how F&M handles Amherst's "over the line" physicality as the Lord Jeffs will foul you hard on most plays, some get called, but most don't because they would be whistling foul for 90 minutes if they called everything.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 18, 2014, 01:20:03 PM
F&M, similar to Brandeis and Kenyon, seems to be one of those teams that folks can't quite believe in as for real.  The Dips got a huge break last year when OWU lost so their Elite 8 appearance looks (and was) soft, and that impression was bolstered by the woodshed licking they took from Messiah.  And yet F&M has been in the top 5 of the rankings essentially the entire season.  They've lost one game all season to a good Haverford squad.  They got my attention the very first weekend when they went 2-0 against Camden and York (and that was before anyone realized those usual powerhouses were going to struggle).  They also have been the dominant team in the Centennial for two years running, a conference that certainly has its share of strong programs.  It is possible they won't be able to handle Amherst's size and physicality, but it won't be because they are used to playing weakling teams from a weak schedule.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 18, 2014, 02:19:42 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 18, 2014, 01:20:03 PM
F&M, similar to Brandeis and Kenyon, seems to be one of those teams that folks can't quite believe in as for real.  The Dips got a huge break last year when OWU lost so their Elite 8 appearance looks (and was) soft, and that impression was bolstered by the woodshed licking they took from Messiah.  And yet F&M has been in the top 5 of the rankings essentially the entire season.  They've lost one game all season to a good Haverford squad.  They got my attention the very first weekend when they went 2-0 against Camden and York (and that was before anyone realized those usual powerhouses were going to struggle).  They also have been the dominant team in the Centennial for two years running, a conference that certainly has its share of strong programs.  It is possible they won't be able to handle Amherst's size and physicality, but it won't be because they are used to playing weakling teams from a weak schedule.

OK...very good points...however we digress and jump ahead....I'll be rooting for the Judges of Brandeis to top the Lord Jeffs....thus not sure if we'll see the Amherst vs F&M....Brandeis is a very good team and well coached and should be very interesting in the contrasting styles between Brandeis and Amherst....I believe Coach Coven's team shocks Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 18, 2014, 02:59:15 PM
Brandeis is not in the underdog role this year.  If anything, they should be a slight favorite vs Amherst.  They should, and I believe they will, fully expect to prevail over the Lord Jeffs.  Will not be surprised in the least to see any of the 4 teams in this sectional advance.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4231CenterBack on November 18, 2014, 03:53:10 PM
I have seen Brandeis play twice this year. Once against Tufts and again v. Bowdoin. They are very a good mix of technical ability and athleticism.  Savonen and Soboff are exceptional.  They are certainly a better soccer team than Amherst. Of course it will likely be close because Amherst will defend well and they may even score an ugly goal off a free kick.  Field conditions, and weather could be in Amherst's favor......the uglier the better.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 18, 2014, 06:41:02 PM
Re: Amherst v. Brandeis, Head to Head

It's much too early to spoil my prediction for this game so early in the week, but here's some food for thought.

http://cl.ly/image/210h1g2q302d/Brandeis_-_Brandeis_Athletics_and_NESCAC.png

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcl.ly%2Fimage%2F210h1g2q302d%2FBrandeis_-_Brandeis_Athletics_and_NESCAC.png&hash=35c7d793e453af42c2b960dee863afc8b69a7302)
[Preview]

Couple of thoughts:

More to come soon...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2014, 07:47:24 PM
I have to admit the past 2 games have changed my view on Brandeis. I have underrated them all year. I have seen them in person 5 times now and on video about 8 times. The past two games on their carpet they have looked like the 2nd best team in the country. Soboff looks like one of the best players in D3 and everyone else is playing exceptionally well. They have excellent speed on the flank, strikers that can finish under pressure, solid GK and blooter you are right they are playing with 4 backs now.

That being said I still favor Amherst in this game. Amherst high pressure and workmanlike approach this year has really rattled some opponents. Admittedly, this is Amherst least talented side since 2008. 2008 was the last Amherst team and only Serpone team to make it to the final 4. That team was big, not very good team speed and technically average. That team beat Trinity TX in Pk's and then got trounced by Stevens in the Final 4 and were severely over matched. This team is more talented than that one and I favor them in this pod. They have been unable to get by Williams in 2 straight elite 8 games for various reasons but this road match up will serve them well
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2014, 08:39:21 PM
To add to this I believe Amherst has the ability to intimidate Brandeis at the start. Brandeis will have Williams in the back of their minds as they have lost to them the past 2 years and it is basically the same team minus a couple players. They have also seen Amherst and Williams dominate this region for a long time. If Amherst plays it's cards right an I am sure they will I could see Brandeis being intimidated to start the game and maybe for about 10 or 15 minutes until they get into their own rhythm. Brandeis will recover fine but the first 10-15 minutes Amherst needs to try to get on the board and by then it could be to late for Brandeis.  Lat year, Williams scored 4 minutes in and won the game 2-0. Brandeis out possessed Williams a bit but they got man handled physically. Brandeis might have that in the back of their heads and come out fired up and actually take it to Amherst to start. I really want to watch this game as it will be interesting to see who dictates play. To me Brandeis is about the same and plays the same as SLU so it will be the same type of game. Can Brandeis finish what SLU could not
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 19, 2014, 09:01:30 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2014, 07:47:24 PM
I have to admit the past 2 games have changed my view on Brandeis. I have underrated them all year. I have seen them in person 5 times now and on video about 8 times. The past two games on their carpet they have looked like the 2nd best team in the country. Soboff looks like one of the best players in D3 and everyone else is playing exceptionally well. They have excellent speed on the flank, strikers that can finish under pressure, solid GK and blooter you are right they are playing with 4 backs now.

I appreciate your objectivity. I certainly don't think they're Final Four material, but I felt that they would get out of the first two rounds.

Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2014, 08:39:21 PM
Lat year, Williams scored 4 minutes in and won the game 2-0. Brandeis out possessed Williams a bit but they got man handled physically. Brandeis might have that in the back of their heads and come out fired up and actually take it to Amherst to start.

Given their NCAA history with Williams, many of us doubted that Brandeis could beat a NESCAC team. Well they have twice this season—Tufts and Bowdoin. Granted both of those games were on their turf, and not on grass, but they have proven that they can match (not better, but match) NESCAC teams physically. Amherst in my mind is the most physical team they will see all year, but, the point is, Brandeis is much more fit to compete with teams physically this year than last, as their overall size has definitely increased the last two years. Conor Lanahan (CB), the leader of Brandeis' back line who I believe should be in the conversation for All-American on defense, is 6'4" and doesn't lose many headers. Soboff and Savonen are big guys. Josh Ocel (Sam's younger brother) is 6' and holds down the fort at CM, and two new freshmen—Bernardo Ponte and Patrick Flahive—are both 6' and see the field regularly. Additionally, Robbie Lynch, while not that tall, can definitely mix it up, and at 5'8" consistently outjumped Eric Anderson of Babson (who is 6'4") for headers during Brandeis' 2OT victory in 2012.

I am not implying that Brandeis matches up to Amherst physically—at all. Like I said, I would even still consider Amherst slight favorites. I am just saying that they have cleared the mental hurdle of proving they can beat NESCAC teams, and are better able to deal with the physical threat that they pose.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 19, 2014, 09:12:38 AM
I think Soboff looks like a 1st team All-American. I hope Brandeis has their defenders in practice under complete duress as they will see that aplenty on gameday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 19, 2014, 09:18:24 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 19, 2014, 09:01:30 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2014, 07:47:24 PM
I have to admit the past 2 games have changed my view on Brandeis. I have underrated them all year. I have seen them in person 5 times now and on video about 8 times. The past two games on their carpet they have looked like the 2nd best team in the country. Soboff looks like one of the best players in D3 and everyone else is playing exceptionally well. They have excellent speed on the flank, strikers that can finish under pressure, solid GK and blooter you are right they are playing with 4 backs now.

I appreciate your objectivity. I certainly don't think they're Final Four material, but I felt that they would get out of the first two rounds.

Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2014, 08:39:21 PM
Lat year, Williams scored 4 minutes in and won the game 2-0. Brandeis out possessed Williams a bit but they got man handled physically. Brandeis might have that in the back of their heads and come out fired up and actually take it to Amherst to start.

Given their NCAA history with Williams, many of us doubted that Brandeis could beat a NESCAC team. Well they have twice this season—Tufts and Bowdoin. Granted both of those games were on their turf, and not on grass, but they have proven that they can match (not better, but match) NESCAC teams physically. Amherst in my mind is the most physical team they will see all year, but, the point is, Brandeis is much more fit to compete with teams physically this year than last, as their overall size has definitely increased the last two years. Conor Lanahan (CB), the leader of Brandeis' back line who I believe should be in the conversation for All-American on defense, is 6'4" and doesn't lose many headers. Soboff and Savonen are big guys. Josh Ocel (Sam's younger brother) is 6' and holds down the fort at CM, and two new freshmen—Bernardo Ponte and Patrick Flahive—are both 6' and see the field regularly. Additionally, Robbie Lynch, while not that tall, can definitely mix it up, and at 5'8" consistently outjumped Eric Anderson of Babson (who is 6'4") for headers during Brandeis' 2OT victory in 2012.

I am not implying that Brandeis matches up to Amherst physically—at all. Like I said, I would even still consider Amherst slight favorites. I am just saying that they have cleared the mental hurdle of proving they can beat NESCAC teams, and are better able to deal with the physical threat that they pose.

I agree with both of you here. Mr. Right's, I had the same sort of epiphany while watching them this past week. They're no longer getting tossed around. One could even argue they're playing with a chip on their shoulder because of that "soft" reputation. I think Amherst comes into this game perhaps overconfident because of their presumed unmatched physicality and pedigree.

One thing is for certain: it's not going to be a pretty game- I'm sure the Lord Jeffs will want to impose themselves early with hard tackles.

I'm predicting its 0-0 at half. Amherst gets a goal of a set piece, and Brandeis answers a bit later in the 65-80th minute range. I like Brandeis to win it in the first OT 2-1.  :o

Why do I think that? I don't even know, but I'm going with my gut here 8-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 19, 2014, 09:40:36 AM
I agree even though I have been picking Amherst all week I also think Brandeis sneaks one in late to win it. They have been doing that all year so why not now. I have praised Brandeis the way they play at home, I just want to see the same play on the road against an Amherst side who's only goal is to impose their will on you and muck up the game as best as possible. If Brandeis can even play 75% of the way they played on Saturday night and even for a bit Sunday they can win this game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ihidebehindtheinternet on November 19, 2014, 09:50:34 AM
i hope brandeis is bringing some extra jerseys to this game. not sure if the uaa jersey stitching will hold up against the chaos that amherst will bring on set pieces.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 19, 2014, 10:00:06 AM
Brandeis MUST limit fouls to an absolute minimum in their own half. If they can keep Amherst to 4 corners or less they will survive. Also, must keep fouls under 15 for the game and keep it to 5 or 6 in their own half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 19, 2014, 10:05:08 AM
We must also remember that Amherst will be without Bubba Van Wie against Brandeis from the red card he got against SLU. While they can survive without him he is an integral player off the bench and has the massive long throw. When Amherst got corners, SLU was zoning on the 6 yard box and man marking the runners in. It was quite effective as everyone was back in the box defending.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: play-to-win on November 19, 2014, 08:45:15 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 19, 2014, 09:12:38 AM
I think Soboff looks like a 1st team All-American. I hope Brandeis has their defenders in practice under complete duress as they will see that aplenty on gameday.

I have seen Soboff play twice this year (Babson, Wheaton). He is very talented, holds the ball well under pressure and has good size. He can score goals. He has D1 experience (S. Fla, Rutgers) and brings some maturity (25 yrs.) to the team. While he is talented I do not see him as a top 3 striker in the country. Perhaps he could run the table.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 19, 2014, 11:40:39 PM
I also saw those 2 Brandeis games and he was not as involved as he was the past 2 games. If he is not in your Top 3 I am curious who is
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 20, 2014, 06:05:15 PM
Why has this thread turned so quiet?

I can't wait for the Amherst-Brandeis game.  My only prediction right now is that it is going to be an Instant Classic.

I'm not quite as interested in Tufts-Muhlenberg but that should be intriguing as well.

And I've got a funny feeling about the Messiah-Cortland match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 20, 2014, 06:24:39 PM
What more is there to say at this point?
Amherst is the underdog and will have to pull out all the stops like they did vs. SLU to advance to Sunday. Can they muster that kind of intensity two weekends in a row? Maybe.
Tufts can take down Muhlenberg if they don't freak out as they have in the past (even as recently as the conference tourney). Jumbos seem to be back in a groove.
I guess the only chatter left might be inside scoops on injuries or game plans. Doubt we'll be hearing from loose lips at this point! Have fun, everyone.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on November 20, 2014, 08:30:42 PM
All I can say at this point is GO JUMBOS!!  Feelin' it...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 20, 2014, 10:10:04 PM
Hope Tufts can carry the momentum into this weekend.. they are playing extremely well right now. I think the loss to Conn College where CC scored two early goals opened their eyes to start games with intensity and focus....to go out and take the game.  Good luck to the NESCAC teams this weekend!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 21, 2014, 04:42:05 PM
NCAC

Can't speak for all.  I have gone a bit quiet as frankly go in to a lot of these games blind to opponent so can't really predict.

Rooting hard for Tufts and Amherst this weekend though.  I think the NESCAC took a lot of bullets this fall in terms of out of conference losses, this could be a huge weekend though if both teams get out of it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 21, 2014, 04:48:21 PM
All we have heard this year is that the NESCAC is down and that Amherst isn't as good as they were in the past...and Tufts can't win the big one.  Well, they are both still alive and both have had very tough SOS's.  Not many thought Tufts would advance past Wheaton, let alone Dickinson... They actually outplayed Wheaton quite well....and Bowdoin won their first round NCAA game... So, here's to Tufts and Amherst this weekend!!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 21, 2014, 04:50:56 PM
The one poster claiming all year that Nescac is down and conferences like the CCC and Newmac are chippin away at Nescac's dominance has DISAPPEARED.  Typical bum
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: play-to-win on November 21, 2014, 06:55:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 19, 2014, 11:40:39 PM
I also saw those 2 Brandeis games and he was not as involved as he was the past 2 games. If he is not in your Top 3 I am curious who is

I don't have a Top 3. I am hoping the games and teams that remain will present a more dynamic choice than what I have seen thus far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 21, 2014, 06:57:52 PM
doubtful. The season is almost over and if you have not found a top 3 yet it is doubtful you will now
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: play-to-win on November 21, 2014, 07:10:40 PM
No, plenty of time. Fifteen elite games yet to be played.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 21, 2014, 07:20:58 PM
My point is the top dogs will show up now but most likely these dogs have been barking all year. I am assuming you do not watch much D3 soccer which is fine but you should have just said that to begin with. I understood you to have watched all these games all year and you still cannot pick top 3 players in the country
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 21, 2014, 09:10:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 21, 2014, 04:50:56 PM
The one poster claiming all year that Nescac is down and conferences like the CCC and Newmac are chippin away at Nescac's dominance has DISAPPEARED.  Typical bum

Gosh, it is nice to be missed.  Odd that you highlight a claim with which you ultimately agreed.

Sorry to not have participated in this past week's discussion.  My wife inexplicably prioritized our first ever trip to Paris over the first round of the tournament.  No computer, no TV - fantastic week.  I highly recomdend it.

Now back to business.  After predicting 7 of the 9 first round games involving New England schools correctly, I am ready to call tomorrow's games. 

Brandeis 1 - Amherst 0.  Brandeis is very poised on the ball and well be bothered less by Amherst's pressure than other teams Amherst has played. 

Muhlenberg 1 - Tufts 1 (Tufts in PKs).  The Mule's stout D will not be able to hold Tufts and their O will not be able to generate more than one goal.

Prendre à la (gauche) banque.  (my poor language skills did get in the way a few times)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: play-to-win on November 21, 2014, 10:25:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 19, 2014, 10:05:08 AM
We must also remember that Amherst will be without Bubba Van Wie against Brandeis from the red card he got against SLU. While they can survive without him he is an integral player off the bench and has the massive long throw. When Amherst got corners, SLU was zoning on the 6 yard box and man marking the runners in. It was quite effective as everyone was back in the box defending.

Game report reveals Amherst had one (1) corner. And I believe Amherst had one (1) set piece three (3) yards from the base line and scored. What are you talking about? Did you "watch" the game?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 21, 2014, 10:36:58 PM
Off pitch, you need to get your priorities straight. How can you possibly prioritize a trip to Paris over obsessing about NESCAC/D3 soccer?

I fully expect both teams to advance, by the way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 21, 2014, 10:44:37 PM
Quote from: play-to-win on November 21, 2014, 10:25:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 19, 2014, 10:05:08 AM
We must also remember that Amherst will be without Bubba Van Wie against Brandeis from the red card he got against SLU. While they can survive without him he is an integral player off the bench and has the massive long throw. When Amherst got corners, SLU was zoning on the 6 yard box and man marking the runners in. It was quite effective as everyone was back in the box defending.

Game report reveals Amherst had one (1) corner. And I believe Amherst had one (1) set piece three (3) yards from the base line and scored. What are you talking about? Did you "watch" the game?



Well on Amherst corner that's how SLU defended. Ahh yes I watched the game obviously you did not having to rely on the trusty stats to paint you a picture of what happened.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 21, 2014, 10:45:27 PM
If you need me to explain to you what man marking and zoning on the 6 means and more of soccer terms I would be happy to help you out
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2014, 06:57:34 AM
MrR, the way I read it, Play2Win was questioning how effective SLU's zonal marking was in the six, as the Jeffs scored on that situation. Doesn't sound "quite effective" as you suggest, given Amherst didn't get many chances to execute a CK type situation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2014, 06:58:40 AM
Go NESCAC! Onward ho, Jeffs and Jumbos!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 22, 2014, 10:44:25 AM
I was talking about how they defended Amherst CK as an example, nothing about a set piece from just outside the 6
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2014, 01:19:21 PM
Ok. The restart was a few yards in from the corner. Anyway: Go Jeffs!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 22, 2014, 01:49:17 PM
Game is about to start, so it's time for my prediction:

3-0 JEFFS.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 22, 2014, 01:53:04 PM
Jeffs 2-0

Jumbos 2-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ihidebehindtheinternet on November 22, 2014, 02:24:14 PM
Anyone else struggling with the amherst Brandeis feed?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 22, 2014, 02:25:17 PM
YES!  Been waiting for this game for long time! 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ihidebehindtheinternet on November 22, 2014, 02:38:24 PM
This feed is an absolute disgrace for an NCAA tournament game let alone a sweet 16/elite 8 pod. No team should be allowed to host if they can't supply the fans who can't travel a simple live feed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 22, 2014, 02:41:11 PM
join me in writing the AD and SID of Oneonta and Muhlenberg.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2014, 02:48:11 PM
Could be that sleet and rain are to blame for poor feed. Good game so far. Each team lucky to have a shoutout going. May be biased but it feels like amherst may have had a slight edge. Will be against wind in second half, so tilt might change hands
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 22, 2014, 03:01:03 PM
Brandeis is completely out of their game. I do not think they have connected 3 passes a far cry from their sectional last weekend. They need to calm down and play their game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on November 22, 2014, 03:10:14 PM
And the Jumbos go up 1-0 on a free kick headed into the back of the net!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2014, 03:45:12 PM
Field tilted for judges in second half but no goals
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2014, 04:52:18 PM
Bummer. Brandeis advances on pks. Jeffs had it going in OT, hitting the post twice in a row.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 22, 2014, 05:36:11 PM
After correctly picking Tufts and Brandeis to advance, here is what my spreadsheet says about tomorrow's games:

Messiah 3 - Tufts 1.  Tufts will play Messiah very competitively... for about 15 minutes.  Messiah goes up two at the half and coasts to the final 4.

Oneonta St 2 - Brandeis 1.  This will be the more entertaining and enjoyable game to watch (if the feed works).  Oneonta will bring Amherst's pressure with more discipline and skill.  Brandeis will be repeatedly knocking on the door for the equalizer at the end but will come up just short in a very even match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 22, 2014, 05:59:11 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on November 22, 2014, 05:36:11 PM
After correctly picking Tufts and Brandeis to advance, here is what my spreadsheet says about tomorrow's games:

Messiah 3 - Tufts 1.  Tufts will play Messiah very competitively... for about 15 minutes.  Messiah goes up two at the half and coasts to the final 4.

Oneonta St 2 - Brandeis 1.  This will be the more entertaining and enjoyable game to watch (if the feed works).  Oneonta will bring Amherst's pressure with more discipline and skill.  Brandeis will be repeatedly knocking on the door for the equalizer at the end but will come up just short in a very even match.

Your spreadsheet told you all that?!?!?!   ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 22, 2014, 06:59:32 PM
Watched the games. The Muhlenberg field may be the worst I've seen. Field seems very short and people slipping all over. Slowed the Tufts attack but may help Tufts tomorrow. The Jumbos pretty much controlled the game and play. kudos to the elephants! can anyone there comment on the field...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sherlock Holmes on November 22, 2014, 07:11:10 PM
Was there. Field was atrocious. Any cuts whatsoever were met with immediate slips. Not only that, but ruts, divots and bumps all over the place. And for the piece de resistance, the "grounds crew" came out at halftime and poured bags of drying agent of some sort in the goal areas. All in all - terrible.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sherlock Holmes on November 22, 2014, 07:14:07 PM
Although when I read about the Kenyon sectional having to get postponed, I do feel bad for complaining, but still. It's in terrible shape. One bad bounce could cost one of these teams everything, and that would be a shame.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2014, 09:42:08 PM
Oneonta field terrible, too. I'm gonna blame it on weather vs maintenance. Frozen surface caused slipping and sliding all day in both matches. Should be pretty mushy tomorrow with rain and thaw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2014, 09:57:10 PM
Hey guys, I know there's soccer going on (hoorah), but can someone tell me why I'm getting negative karma points? (And how do we give each other points anyway?) I try to be fair. Am I missing something? ???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 22, 2014, 09:57:53 PM
If Tufts is going to have a puncher's chance tomorrow they must weather the initial shock to the system in the first 15-18 minutes.  If they can get through that unscathed while adjusting to a speed of play they will not have seen over the past 2 years then their chances go up significantly...not necessarily to win but to at least have a shot.  Task #1 is to convince Messiah that they are in a game.  As talented as Tufts is there likely will not be one position on the field where they have an advantage...and it's like that for every team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2014, 10:04:14 PM
Go Jumbos! Go NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 22, 2014, 10:34:37 PM
Jumbos keep on rolling!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 22, 2014, 10:41:01 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 22, 2014, 09:57:53 PM
If Tufts is going to have a puncher's chance tomorrow they must weather the initial shock to the system in the first 15-18 minutes.  If they can get through that unscathed while adjusting to a speed of play they will not have seen over the past 2 years then their chances go up significantly...not necessarily to win but to at least have a shot.  Task #1 is to convince Messiah that they are in a game.  As talented as Tufts is there likely will not be one position on the field where they have an advantage...and it's like that for every team.

how much faster is Messiah than Wheaton MA? Also I find it hard to believe your last sentence IMHO.... Seems like a little bit of a stretch to me. Hopefully, Tufts SOS will pay dividends.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 22, 2014, 11:23:41 PM
Nutmeg are you going to be there in person?  Get back to us.  The one spot that might be debatable is GK.  Hopefully Greenwood can keep the Jumbos it.  And yes, they are much faster, stronger and more skilled than Wheaton (MA), and I am a Wheaton fan. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 23, 2014, 02:07:03 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 22, 2014, 11:23:41 PM
Nutmeg are you going to be there in person?  Get back to us.  The one spot that might be debatable is GK.  Hopefully Greenwood can keep the Jumbos it.  And yes, they are much faster, stronger and more skilled than Wheaton (MA), and I am a Wheaton fan.

I wish I was there!  Limited to video......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on November 23, 2014, 11:37:57 AM
amHerst's continuing poor NCAA tournament performances and coach's behavior may have the administration pondering a change. Oft-stated goal of winning national championships in "major sports" places intense pressures on coaches and admissions to the discontent of academic faculty and campus culture.... Stay tuned for changes....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on November 23, 2014, 12:37:30 PM
No chance the Amherst coach gets fired, none at all.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 23, 2014, 12:58:54 PM
Poor performance in ncaa? Who has done significantly better consistently from nescac in post season over past several years? Williams went to final four twice but quickly dispatched in semis. I'll have to look at archives for accurate stats, but sweet sixteens and elite eights don't add up to "poor" in my book, especially when considering some runs ended in ties settled by PKs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2014, 01:54:56 PM
Serpone is not getting fired

Williams has been better than Amherst in NCAA's

Their 2 Final 4's have been closer than the score..

Jump for Joy you are obviously a Amherst parent or Alum just admit it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2014, 01:56:10 PM
Williams 3 NCAA FInal 4's in past 5 years Amherst 0...

2008 Serpone got Amherst to Final 4. After some thought most of those players were the Gooding's not his.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 23, 2014, 02:21:51 PM
I can not believe there are people seriously thinking Serpone is getting fired.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 23, 2014, 02:26:44 PM
No one is seriously thinking Serpone is getting fired, folks succumbing a bit too easily to troll-bait here. 

How about Tufts?  Scored in the first minute vs. Messiah, and it's held up through the first two thirds of the game.  Incredibly, Messiah has only FIVE shots so far, NONE on goal.  Can't say I saw that coming ... fingers crossed that Tufts can hold on and pull off a miracle ... Messiah has for the most part the same cast of characters back from last year, with only one real key loss up front, and that was the most impressive D3 team I've seen in many years. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 23, 2014, 02:29:58 PM
Incredible defensive save by a Tufts defender. Messiah attacker had beat Greenwood to his right post but the back cleared it off the line when it looked like it was in. Great play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 23, 2014, 02:55:38 PM
Congrats to the Jumbos for stunning the D3soccer world.  Hopefully this will permanently put to rest the ridiculous "debate" from earlier in the fall from those who claimed that NESCAC, despite placing a team in the Final Four just about every year, is not one of the elite D3 soccer conferences ... great day for NESCAC soccer with Williams also advancing in women's soccer. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 23, 2014, 02:59:23 PM
Great day for NESCAC. Congrats to Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 23, 2014, 03:00:59 PM
LaPaz, of course I am. Stating the obvious.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on November 23, 2014, 03:02:16 PM
Tufts gets an early goal and stuns Messiah 1-0! An earlier poster made a wish that the Jumbos' strength of schedule would be an asset, and that may well have played an important part. Having seen Messiah play this year and numerous times in the past, I assure you that, as good as the program is in recruiting and coaching, opponents such as Gettysburg, Catholic, Widener, Albright, Hood, York, etc., clearly do not constitute rigorous preparation for tournament play. Perhaps it made more of a difference this time than in other years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 23, 2014, 03:02:53 PM
How bout them 'Bo's!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 23, 2014, 03:04:19 PM
My point about ncaa performances wasn't that williams hasn't gone farther (didn't I say they did?). My point was that amherst has not been poor as JumpShot claimed in what can only be read as hyperbole.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2014, 03:05:20 PM
You backhanded Williams on your way to praising Amherst. Amherst has nothing to stand on vs Williams in NCAA's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2014, 03:07:17 PM
It has nothing to do with SOS...Messiah was not ready to play today and Tufts took advantage
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on November 23, 2014, 03:10:16 PM
How did Tufts score? I missed it by a few minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 23, 2014, 03:14:24 PM
Mr Right, in a move to keep la paz, I'm not going to get into a pissing contest with you. It's just costing me karma points because you can smite with your 600+ posts, while I cannot.  :-*

So, oh righteous one, do you agree with JumpShot that Amherst has been "poor" in its NCAA record. Wouldn't that put NESCAC under scrutiny as a potentially weak conference, given that Amherst and Williams have finer NCAA performance records than all other 'CAC teams in recent memory? Don't you agree that NESCAC is one of the strongest leagues in D3? If NESCAC is one of the strongest leagues in D3, and if Amherst has one of the most notable post-season records along with Williams, then don't you agree with me that Amherst's ncaa record is rather good and not "poor" per JumpShot?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2014, 03:16:48 PM
I never said Amherst has a poor NCAA record. You attack on every point and are way to sensitive. Do not backhand if you cannot take the heat
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 23, 2014, 03:20:18 PM
Yes, you never said Amherst has a poor record. I'm looking for common ground here and a disagreement with JumpShot. Is that a yes?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 23, 2014, 03:40:31 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 22, 2014, 09:57:53 PM
If Tufts is going to have a puncher's chance tomorrow they must weather the initial shock to the system in the first 15-18 minutes.  If they can get through that unscathed while adjusting to a speed of play they will not have seen over the past 2 years then their chances go up significantly...not necessarily to win but to at least have a shot.  Task #1 is to convince Messiah that they are in a game.  As talented as Tufts is there likely will not be one position on the field where they have an advantage...and it's like that for every team.

NCAC, watched the Tufts game. Yes they outplayed Tufts in the first half but not the second. Tufts had several players as fast. Messiah is the best organized and passing team I've seen. Kayne's settling of the ball and blast from 25 was a great gol. Tufts won the war and had great heart. You can give me a negative karma mark again but you have to give Tufts credit
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 23, 2014, 05:39:21 PM
Can anyone who attended the game give a first hand account?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 23, 2014, 05:59:42 PM
Nutmeg, I didn't give you a negative karma point.

Congrats to Tufts. I am certainly surprised as I'm sure many are.  Huge accomplishment for Tufts, regardless of how the game played out or the field or whatever.  And obviously didn't see a second of it so have no idea how it played out.  They deserve full credit for beating Messiah.  They now have as good a chance as anyone, although Wheaton probably the clear favorite, but if Oneonta can beat Wheaton the who knows.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on November 23, 2014, 11:34:51 PM
Messiah was not ready to play?  are you kidding me?  Tufts has been handing it to the NCAA participants the whole tourney.  Messiah was outmatched today - it wasn't that they weren't up to the task.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2014, 11:49:01 PM
Quote from: NEPitch62 on November 23, 2014, 11:34:51 PM
Messiah was not ready to play?  are you kidding me?  Tufts has been handing it to the NCAA participants the whole tourney.  Messiah was outmatched today - it wasn't that they weren't up to the task.

That was a great game. I agree that Messiah was indeed ready to play and was up to the task. They played better than Tufts in the first half. The second half seemed even. The Tufts goal was a real Golasso. Tufts deserved the win. Let's hope Tufts comes out strong each game. They seemed to have learned from the Conn College game.  Even though it was a loss that loss seemed to force Tufts to be prepared. Keep it up Jumbos.  Work hard and enjoy the ride!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 24, 2014, 12:17:13 AM
I just think for the first 15 minutes Messiah assumed they would win the game and were asleep. I have seen them start games much better than that
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on November 24, 2014, 12:38:08 AM
Quote from: NEPitch62 on November 23, 2014, 11:34:51 PM
Messiah was not ready to play?  are you kidding me?  Tufts has been handing it to the NCAA participants the whole tourney.  Messiah was outmatched today - it wasn't that they weren't up to the task.

It's quite a stretch to say that Messiah was outmatched.  Tufts earned the win today.  But "outmatched" is pushing it.  If these two teams played each other 10 times, well...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: KnightFalcon on November 24, 2014, 12:53:24 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 23, 2014, 05:39:21 PM
Can anyone who attended the game give a first hand account?
Go look at the Post from Flying Weasel over on the national discussion. He was at the game as was I, but I couldn't sum up the game any better than he did - it was spot on
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacCaptain on November 24, 2014, 10:33:59 AM
Agreed, the Flying Weasel post is spot on. I was at the game as well.

The goal was special. Kayne hit it perfectly -- a very difficult volley just behind a crowded 18 with Messiah defenders charging after the clear. It gave the Jumbos immediate belief they could actually pull this off.

The last 44 minutes of the first half were all Messiah. Tufts would just clear the ball hoping Hoppenot could get a hold of it all alone and Messiah would come charging right back down (granted with very few actual shots). You felt Tufts had to somehow get to halftime with the lead intact and they managed.

The second half was a completely different story. Tufts had it locked in Messiah's end the first 10-15 minutes and started connecting passes in the midfield. When Messiah turned up the pressure, upon winning possession Tufts was able to get a hold of it and counterattack very effectively with a combination of Hoppenot, Santos, and Kayne for the most part (with Brown and Majumder also having success). Messiah's goalie came up big on several occasions.

The last 15 was intense. Messiah hit the crossbar and the elder Halliday made a game saving slide to clear the ball off the line. He had a massive game, playing a relentless 90 minutes in the defensive center midfield. Williams also stepped up as he has all year, keeping 2012 National POTY Jeremy Payne very quiet.

This was the first time I've seen Messiah play and I was incredibly impressed. They are as advertised. The service on their set pieces is of professional quality. They played mistake free soccer for 70 minutes. It wasn't until the last 15 were I saw 3-4 bad touches or missed passes out of bounds. I think reality set in and they realized they might actually fall (after a 6-0 win the previous day). But hats off to the Falcons, this powerhouse was fun to watch.

It didn't hurt that the Tufts fans made this feel like a home game despite the much longer trip. Shapiro managed this game masterfully. The way he utilized his subs was crucial to keep the energy level high for 90. Congratulations to the Jumbos! Hoping they can continue this special run. They certainly have all the right pieces.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 24, 2014, 10:56:15 AM
Perhaps Bennett is on to something here... The formula had Tufts as high as #2 last year and closed out at #6.   As the 4th ranked NESCAC team in 2013, they were #4 in Bennett Preseason rankings... KUDOS to them.

On a side note:  this is the NESCACs 5th team to reach the FINAL FOUR (Amherst, Bowdoin, Middlebury, Tufts, Williams) during this rather impressive run.  Only one conference has more teams to reach the FINAL FOUR
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 24, 2014, 12:01:04 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 23, 2014, 03:07:17 PM
It has nothing to do with SOS...Messiah was not ready to play today and Tufts took advantage

If you believe Flying Weasel's account (#1867 on the National Perspective thread), Messiah was fully ready to play. And, if you believe Messiah's own coach--who doesn't hide it when his team disappoints him--the Falcon played well enough to win on another day (http://www.gomessiah.com/news/2014/11/23/MSOC_1123141858.aspx).  B/c of a bad feed, I saw only the final 15 minutes, but the Falcons certainly won those 15 minutes and could have had 2 goals on a different day--one blocked off the line when the keeper was beaten, the other hit the crossbar. Give Tufts some credit, Mr. Right. You might say that Tufts was Tuff: they earned the right to go to the Final Four. Messiah didn't give it to them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 24, 2014, 12:16:53 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on November 23, 2014, 03:02:16 PM
Tufts gets an early goal and stuns Messiah 1-0! An earlier poster made a wish that the Jumbos' strength of schedule would be an asset, and that may well have played an important part. Having seen Messiah play this year and numerous times in the past, I assure you that, as good as the program is in recruiting and coaching, opponents such as Gettysburg, Catholic, Widener, Albright, Hood, York, etc., clearly do not constitute rigorous preparation for tournament play. Perhaps it made more of a difference this time than in other years.

No doubt several other conferences are tougher, top to bottom, than the one Messiah is part of--especially since the traditional rival Elizabethtown College (who won the national title in the late 1980s and was a perennial tournament team for decades) left the conference after 2013--I think (to be frank) they were tired of losing to Messiah and wanted different opponents, but I digress. Some of the teams listed by jumpshot are in our conference: you play them, regardless of SOS. But, really--Catholic isn't a good team? If not for that terrible non-call last weekend, Tufts would have played them instead of Muhlenburg. York isn't a good team? I'll give you that for 2014, but not for any other recent season. Messiah plays York annually, and it's almost always a tight game, with York winning sometimes: how many other teams can say that they've beaten the Falcons more than once in the past decade? At least one of those games, York was the superior team; they just could never seem to score enough in the tournament, or they were probably Final Four material somewhere in there. Gettysburg is also good, quite often, though not this year. They also have given Messiah blemishes (plural) in recent years. Messiah played 3 tournament teams this year, all of them out of conference. In another year, it could have been five or six (take your pick from York, TCNJ, Redlands, Neumann, or Etown). Some years we play CNU, Roanoke, Gordon, or Wheaton-ILL, or Chicago. It all depends on travel and who's coming East to play us.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 24, 2014, 12:33:42 PM
Quote from: Falconer on November 24, 2014, 12:16:53 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on November 23, 2014, 03:02:16 PM
Tufts gets an early goal and stuns Messiah 1-0! An earlier poster made a wish that the Jumbos' strength of schedule would be an asset, and that may well have played an important part. Having seen Messiah play this year and numerous times in the past, I assure you that, as good as the program is in recruiting and coaching, opponents such as Gettysburg, Catholic, Widener, Albright, Hood, York, etc., clearly do not constitute rigorous preparation for tournament play. Perhaps it made more of a difference this time than in other years.

No doubt several other conferences are tougher, top to bottom, than the one Messiah is part of--especially since the traditional rival Elizabethtown College (who won the national title in the late 1980s and was a perennial tournament team for decades) left the conference after 2013--I think (to be frank) they were tired of losing to Messiah and wanted different opponents, but I digress. Some of the teams listed by jumpshot are in our conference: you play them, regardless of SOS. But, really--Catholic isn't a good team? If not for that terrible non-call last weekend, Tufts would have played them instead of Muhlenburg. York isn't a good team? I'll give you that for 2014, but not for any other recent season. Messiah plays York annually, and it's almost always a tight game, with York winning sometimes: how many other teams can say that they've beaten the Falcons more than once in the past decade? At least one of those games, York was the superior team; they just could never seem to score enough in the tournament, or they were probably Final Four material somewhere in there. Gettysburg is also good, quite often, though not this year. They also have given Messiah blemishes (plural) in recent years. Messiah played 3 tournament teams this year, all of them out of conference. In another year, it could have been five or six (take your pick from York, TCNJ, Redlands, Neumann, or Etown). Some years we play CNU, Roanoke, Gordon, or Wheaton-ILL, or Chicago. It all depends on travel and who's coming East to play us.

I looked back and it was Nutmeg who made the comment about SOS.  I agree, Messiah has a harder schedule than given credit for but I also think SOS has some value and Tufts had a very high SOS. On the other hand, Messiah has been National Champions several times and I am sure the opponents higher SOS didn't help those opponents.  So, maybe we can agree that the SOS benefited Tufts here and was less of a detriment to Messiah...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 24, 2014, 12:47:10 PM
Thank you for the correction, BF. I just used the "quote" feature, and jumpshot came up automatically. Just sayin'...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 24, 2014, 03:58:08 PM
Tufts Shapiro's Princeton NJ connection / pipeline is serving him well. Shapiro built that connection while at Georgetown
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 24, 2014, 04:17:06 PM
Did Shapiro earn himself the COY yesterday...? What do you guys think?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 24, 2014, 04:19:56 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on November 24, 2014, 04:17:06 PM
Did Shapiro earn himself the COY yesterday...? What do you guys think?

I think it's going to Byrne from Oneonta St if they reach the final...   

Did Brandeis coach get it for New England Region?   At least Shapiro is in the mix now that they made the FINAL FOUR.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 24, 2014, 04:21:29 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on November 24, 2014, 04:19:56 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on November 24, 2014, 04:17:06 PM
Did Shapiro earn himself the COY yesterday...? What do you guys think?

I think it's going to Byrne from Oneonta St if they reach the final...   

Did Brandeis coach get it for New England Region?   At least Shapiro is in the mix now that they made the FINAL FOUR.

When does the voting for the COY and all-american teams take place...before or after the NCCA final game?  That could have a major impact....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 24, 2014, 04:25:21 PM
Voting I believe takes place this week and next week
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 24, 2014, 04:30:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 24, 2014, 04:25:21 PM
Voting I believe takes place this week and next week

Mr. RIGHT, do u think any NESCAC players make first or second team all-american given their NESCAC play and NCAA play?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 24, 2014, 04:35:25 PM
Quote from: CacCaptain on November 24, 2014, 10:33:59 AMIt didn't hurt that the Tufts fans made this feel like a home game despite the much longer trip.  Shapiro managed this game masterfully. The way he utilized his subs was crucial to keep the energy level high for 90. Congratulations to the Jumbos! Hoping they can continue this special run. They certainly have all the right pieces.

CacCaptain brings up a couple points that bear reinforcing.

1.  Tufts energy, intensity, and work rate from start to finish was incredible.  Without that I don't think they hold on for the win.  They're not the first team to find a way to keep Messiah at bay without parking the bus, but that usually requires (in addition to discipline) expanding a lot of energy, physically and mentally, and rarely can they keep it up for the full ninety.  Usually after Messiah's starters have that first go at the defense coming out of halftime you see some fatigue starting to creep in and whatever was working for them starts losing its effectiveness.  Tufts did not have a noticeable drop off.  They matched Messiah's work rate for the full game which is saying something.

2. The Tufts fans brought it.  Messiah's fans not so much.  Sad but true.  Despite how close Muhlenberg is to Messiah, I was shocked not to see many more fans.  Disappointing.  The families were there.  Numerous former players.  But there didn't seem to much of a student presence, the type that bring the majority of the noise and vocal support.  Historically Messiah has travelled very well in big numbers.  Over the years Messiah fans have made many a road game in the tournament seem like a home game, ever since that first title won at Rowan where it seemed we outnumbered the home Rowan fans.

And I wanted to just add one more comment and say that of all the Messiah seniors, I thought Brian Ramirez played incredible well in very adverse conditions in the middle of the park with the Tufts players closing down quickly, going in hard, etc.  He was a beast at times, winning or maintaining possession incredibly well despite all the physical play and tight spaces.  He really worked his butt off and sacrificed body.  Tufts clogged the passing lanes in front of him and did a great job denying chances to slot the ball forward to Payne and Brandt, so he often had to work the ball to the wings which is fine when it's one of the options not the only option.  All the seniors played their hearts out, but if I had to single out one for extra praise and recognition in that particular game, I give it to him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 24, 2014, 04:38:33 PM
I thought that NSCAA national COY was voted on after the tournament with the eight regional COY's being joined on the ballot by the national champion coach (if not already on as regional COY).  I did not know that all four Final Four coaches were in the mix.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 24, 2014, 04:38:52 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on November 24, 2014, 04:35:25 PM
Quote from: CacCaptain on November 24, 2014, 10:33:59 AMIt didn't hurt that the Tufts fans made this feel like a home game despite the much longer trip.  Shapiro managed this game masterfully. The way he utilized his subs was crucial to keep the energy level high for 90. Congratulations to the Jumbos! Hoping they can continue this special run. They certainly have all the right pieces.

CacCaptain brings up a couple points that bear reinforcing.

1.  Tufts energy, intensity, and work rate from start to finish was incredible.  Without that I don't think they hold on for the win.  They're not the first team to find a way to keep Messiah at bay without parking the bus, but that usually requires (in addition to discipline) expanding a lot of energy, physically and mentally, and rarely can they keep it up for the full ninety.  Usually after Messiah's starters have that first go at the defense coming out of halftime you see some fatigue starting to creep in and whatever was working for them starts losing its effectiveness.  Tufts did not have a noticeable drop off.  They matched Messiah's work rate for the full game which is saying something.

2. The Tufts fans brought it.  Messiah's fans not so much.  Sad but true.  Despite how close Muhlenberg is to Messiah, I was shocked not to see many more fans.  Disappointing.  The families were there.  Numerous former players.  But there didn't seem to much of a student presence, the type that bring the majority of the noise and vocal support.  Historically Messiah has travelled very well in big numbers.  Over the years Messiah fans have made many a road game in the tournament seem like a home game, ever since that first title won at Rowan where it seemed we outnumbered the home Rowan fans.

And I wanted to just add one more comment and say that of all the Messiah seniors, I thought Brian Ramirez played incredible well in very adverse conditions in the middle of the park with the Tufts players closing down quickly, going in hard, etc.  He was a beast at times, winning or maintaining possession incredibly well despite all the physical play and tight spaces.  He really worked his butt off and sacrificed body.  Tufts clogged the passing lanes in front of him and did a great job denying chances to slot the ball forward to Payne and Brandt, so he often had to work the ball to the wings which is fine when it's one of the options not the only option.  All the seniors played their hearts out, but if I had to single out one for extra praise and recognition in that particular game, I give it to him.

Was he number 11 in the middle?  If so, he had tremendous composure and excellent ball skills from what I could see on video.  What did you think of the Tufts midfielders, technically and skillwise?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 24, 2014, 04:44:20 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on November 24, 2014, 04:38:33 PM
I thought that NSCAA national COY was voted on after the tournament with the eight regional COY's being joined on the ballot by the national champion coach (if not already on as regional COY).  I did not know that all four Final Four coaches were in the mix.

I'm probably wrong.  When in doubt, trust in FW.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 24, 2014, 04:48:10 PM
I honestly do not know, and so I could certainly be wrong.  I can't really say anymore where I got the impression it was the 8 regional COY's and the national champion, but it's the impression I have carried with me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 24, 2014, 04:51:24 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on November 24, 2014, 04:35:25 PM
Quote from: CacCaptain on November 24, 2014, 10:33:59 AMIt didn't hurt that the Tufts fans made this feel like a home game despite the much longer trip.  Shapiro managed this game masterfully. The way he utilized his subs was crucial to keep the energy level high for 90. Congratulations to the Jumbos! Hoping they can continue this special run. They certainly have all the right pieces.

CacCaptain brings up a couple points that bear reinforcing.

1.  Tufts energy, intensity, and work rate from start to finish was incredible.  Without that I don't think they hold on for the win.  They're not the first team to find a way to keep Messiah at bay without parking the bus, but that usually requires (in addition to discipline) expanding a lot of energy, physically and mentally, and rarely can they keep it up for the full ninety.  Usually after Messiah's starters have that first go at the defense coming out of halftime you see some fatigue starting to creep in and whatever was working for them starts losing its effectiveness.  Tufts did not have a noticeable drop off.  They matched Messiah's work rate for the full game which is saying something.

2. The Tufts fans brought it.  Messiah's fans not so much.  Sad but true.  Despite how close Muhlenberg is to Messiah, I was shocked not to see many more fans.  Disappointing.  The families were there.  Numerous former players.  But there didn't seem to much of a student presence, the type that bring the majority of the noise and vocal support.  Historically Messiah has travelled very well in big numbers.  Over the years Messiah fans have made many a road game in the tournament seem like a home game, ever since that first title won at Rowan where it seemed we outnumbered the home Rowan fans.

And I wanted to just add one more comment and say that of all the Messiah seniors, I thought Brian Ramirez played incredible well in very adverse conditions in the middle of the park with the Tufts players closing down quickly, going in hard, etc.  He was a beast at times, winning or maintaining possession incredibly well despite all the physical play and tight spaces.  He really worked his butt off and sacrificed body.  Tufts clogged the passing lanes in front of him and did a great job denying chances to slot the ball forward to Payne and Brandt, so he often had to work the ball to the wings which is fine when it's one of the options not the only option.  All the seniors played their hearts out, but if I had to single out one for extra praise and recognition in that particular game, I give it to him.

Wanted to echo everything Flying Weasel said here. I was surprised Messiah didn't have more/louder fans, with Allentown being so close. I was thinking maybe it was because it was on a Sunday? I don't know how religious the student body typically is, so my apologies- don't mean to offend, just curious. I think the Tufts fans really helped the players. At least when I played, I know that having a huge student section/chants/cheering really helped me go that extra mile.

With regards to the work rate- I was interested to see how that was going to play out with Messiah having been able to rest a ton of their starters after the 6-0 shellacking, and Tufts having to more or less grind out the win the previous day. That they were able to keep pace is a testament to working hard and getting in shape in the offseason/easier weeks during the season.

Additionally, Ramirez was exceptional. Flying Weasel, would there be any chance he'd get an invite to the MLS combine? He's got the build, pace, vision, technical skills to hold his own at the MLS level IMO. Just a thought!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 24, 2014, 05:53:32 PM
Yes, number 11 is Brian Ramirez. He has the best overall skill set of any Falcon during his 4 years here, but he isn't very fast. That could prevent him from having much of a future in professional soccer. IMO. Of course, Josh Wood (last year's POY) is even slower, and he did get an invite to the combine. But Josh is more of a pure scorer, while Ramirez is a super distributor who was also our best imitation of bend it like Beckham.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 24, 2014, 07:10:36 PM
Quote from: Falconer on November 24, 2014, 05:53:32 PM
Yes, number 11 is Brian Ramirez. He has the best overall skill set of any Falcon during his 4 years here, but he isn't very fast. That could prevent him from having much of a future in professional soccer. IMO. Of course, Josh Wood (last year's POY) is even slower, and he did get an invite to the combine. But Josh is more of a pure scorer, while Ramirez is a super distributor who was also our best imitation of bend it like Beckham.

He looked pretty quick on the video feed, but sometimes its hard to tell....What was your impression of the Tufts midfielders seeing them in person?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: KnightFalcon on November 24, 2014, 08:28:32 PM
I thought #6 was pretty sharp and had a pretty good battle going with Ramirez the whole game. And I'll second what was said previously about Ramirez - I thought he was exceptional and the hardest working player out there ...not taking anything away from the effort of the Tufts players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 24, 2014, 11:22:48 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 24, 2014, 12:33:42 PM
Quote from: Falconer on November 24, 2014, 12:16:53 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on November 23, 2014, 03:02:16 PM
Tufts gets an early goal and stuns Messiah 1-0! An earlier poster made a wish that the Jumbos' strength of schedule would be an asset, and that may well have played an important part. Having seen Messiah play this year and numerous times in the past, I assure you that, as good as the program is in recruiting and coaching, opponents such as Gettysburg, Catholic, Widener, Albright, Hood, York, etc., clearly do not constitute rigorous preparation for tournament play. Perhaps it made more of a difference this time than in other years.

No doubt several other conferences are tougher, top to bottom, than the one Messiah is part of--especially since the traditional rival Elizabethtown College (who won the national title in the late 1980s and was a perennial tournament team for decades) left the conference after 2013--I think (to be frank) they were tired of losing to Messiah and wanted different opponents, but I digress. Some of the teams listed by jumpshot are in our conference: you play them, regardless of SOS. But, really--Catholic isn't a good team? If not for that terrible non-call last weekend, Tufts would have played them instead of Muhlenburg. York isn't a good team? I'll give you that for 2014, but not for any other recent season. Messiah plays York annually, and it's almost always a tight game, with York winning sometimes: how many other teams can say that they've beaten the Falcons more than once in the past decade? At least one of those games, York was the superior team; they just could never seem to score enough in the tournament, or they were probably Final Four material somewhere in there. Gettysburg is also good, quite often, though not this year. They also have given Messiah blemishes (plural) in recent years. Messiah played 3 tournament teams this year, all of them out of conference. In another year, it could have been five or six (take your pick from York, TCNJ, Redlands, Neumann, or Etown). Some years we play CNU, Roanoke, Gordon, or Wheaton-ILL, or Chicago. It all depends on travel and who's coming East to play us.

I looked back and it was Nutmeg who made the comment about SOS.  I agree, Messiah has a harder schedule than given credit for but I also think SOS has some value and Tufts had a very high SOS. On the other hand, Messiah has been National Champions several times and I am sure the opponents higher SOS didn't help those opponents.  So, maybe we can agree that the SOS benefited Tufts here and was less of a detriment to Messiah...

Flounder, I am glad someone pays attention to my posts! I really wish I could have been at that messiah-tufts game...seemed pretty special...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 29, 2014, 01:32:44 PM
Wishing the best to Tufts this coming week..Go NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 29, 2014, 04:52:20 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 29, 2014, 01:32:44 PM
Wishing the best to Tufts this coming week..Go NESCAC!

Indeed. During the season, we might argue within the conference, but absolutely pulling for the NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 30, 2014, 01:11:20 PM
Quote from: Corazon on November 29, 2014, 04:52:20 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 29, 2014, 01:32:44 PM
Wishing the best to Tufts this coming week..Go NESCAC!

Indeed. During the season, we might argue within the conference, but absolutely pulling for the NESCAC!

Let's go Jumbos and do the NESCAC proud!  Here's hope to the continued run!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 01, 2014, 07:27:42 PM
Do any of you NESCAC fans have a theory on why the NESCAC is by far the most popular conference on this site (at least as measured by post volume)?  Is the attachment and loyalty to the NESCAC a demographic thing, or a combination of several things?  Thoughts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 01, 2014, 07:37:54 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on December 01, 2014, 07:27:42 PM
Do any of you NESCAC fans have a theory on why the NESCAC is by far the most popular conference on this site (at least as measured by post volume)?  Is the attachment and loyalty to the NESCAC a demographic thing, or a combination of several things?  Thoughts?

Let me take a stab at this, though it is based on pure speculation..... First, the competition in the NESCAC is very good and their our good rivalries. Second, there "MAY" be a touch more school spirit as the schools are considered  the "Little Ivies" with some of the best academic institutions in the country.  Given these facts, people are proud of level of competition, both in academics and sports...but who really knows....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 01, 2014, 07:48:35 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on December 01, 2014, 07:37:54 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on December 01, 2014, 07:27:42 PM
Do any of you NESCAC fans have a theory on why the NESCAC is by far the most popular conference on this site (at least as measured by post volume)?  Is the attachment and loyalty to the NESCAC a demographic thing, or a combination of several things?  Thoughts?

Let me take a stab at this, though it is based on pure speculation..... First, the competition in the NESCAC is very good and their our good rivalries. Second, there "MAY" be a touch more school spirit as the schools are considered  the "Little Ivies" with some of the best academic institutions in the country.  Given these facts, people are proud of level of competition, both in academics and sports...but who really knows....

Actually I'm not sure even the actual Ivy League generates the devotion we see here about the NESCAC.  The UAA also is very much in the same ballpark academically top to bottom (albeit with slightly different types of schools except for Tufts), and while geographically more spread out, there are good rivalries there as well.  The top half of the Centennial also is very comparable.  Is it something about New England in particular, emanating from and then an extension of the New England elite prep school culture?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 01, 2014, 08:53:40 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on December 01, 2014, 07:48:35 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on December 01, 2014, 07:37:54 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on December 01, 2014, 07:27:42 PM
Do any of you NESCAC fans have a theory on why the NESCAC is by far the most popular conference on this site (at least as measured by post volume)?  Is the attachment and loyalty to the NESCAC a demographic thing, or a combination of several things?  Thoughts?

Let me take a stab at this, though it is based on pure speculation..... First, the competition in the NESCAC is very good and their our good rivalries. Second, there "MAY" be a touch more school spirit as the schools are considered  the "Little Ivies" with some of the best academic institutions in the country.  Given these facts, people are proud of level of competition, both in academics and sports...but who really knows....
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Actually I'm not sure even the actual Ivy League generates the devotion we see here about the NESCAC.  The UAA also is very much in the same ballpark academically top to bottom (albeit with slightly different types of schools except for Tufts), and while geographically more spread out, there are good rivalries there as well.  The top half of the Centennial also is very comparable.  Is it something about New England in particular, emanating from and then an extension of the New England elite prep school culture?

It could be a factor but I don't know what percentage of the NESCAC population comes from elite prep schools......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 01, 2014, 09:14:14 PM
Brother Flounder, I'd venture to guess that the % is relatively high, and certainly much higher than any other conference in the country.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 01, 2014, 09:20:40 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on December 01, 2014, 09:14:14 PM
Brother Flounder, I'd venture to guess that the % is relatively high, and certainly much higher than any other conference in the country.

Probably higher than most of the country (don't know about California), but it wouldn't be limited to NESCAC.  Many other fine eastern colleges have this...and I am not sure what it has to do with participation on this forum.  It may be a contributing factor but who the hell knows. The fraternity culture is big in the Midwest...how would that factor in?  Just too hard to tell!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on December 01, 2014, 10:20:30 PM
Interesting thoughts. I have no idea, but I'd guess the elite prep school thing is a contributing factor, as well as the fact that it is one of the most competitive soccer conferences. Also, Mr. Right is a NESCAC fan, which gets the post count up there!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 01, 2014, 10:54:43 PM
Quote from: Corazon on December 01, 2014, 10:20:30 PM
Interesting thoughts. I have no idea, but I'd guess the elite prep school thing is a contributing factor, as well as the fact that it is one of the most competitive soccer conferences. Also, Mr. Right is a NESCAC fan, which gets the post count up there!

That's a funny one.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on December 02, 2014, 09:22:19 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on December 01, 2014, 07:27:42 PM
Do any of you NESCAC fans have a theory on why the NESCAC is by far the most popular conference on this site (at least as measured by post volume)?  Is the attachment and loyalty to the NESCAC a demographic thing, or a combination of several things?  Thoughts?

It's complicated.

I think a lot of it comes down to the history between the schools and the rivalries that have existed for literally centuries. I know the UAA and the top academic Centennial schools have history, but most of them - even if they have one rival- don't have 5 or 6 or 7 rivals! When you play for a NESCAC team, you literally learn to loathe (in the most sporting way possible) the other schools. And, the fact of the matter is, you probably looked at or got into 3 or 4 of them- you can't have a school you chose not to attend beat you! Everything from academics to alumni prestige to sports titles is hotly contested. The proximity and familiarity of the schools is unmatched in any D3 conference (excluding single state leagues i.e. SUNYAC).

There is the history and prestige of not only the schools, but of the area. New England gave birth to the country, and still a hotbed of progress and innovation...as crazy as it sounds, this still affects the way that people from New England act, and transcends athletics and anything collegiate. 4 of the top 10 schools in USNWR, and 8 of the top 20 in USNWR are NESCAC (this is strictly liberal arts, so excluding Tufts...which would most likely be top ten given its academics and 17% acceptance rate). I think that there is certainly a feeling that "since we're the cream of the academic crop, we need to be the cream of the athletic crop too."

Additionally, the NESCAC is a smaller version of the Ivy league concerning legacies, as well. When I was going to a NESCAC school (I was second gen), several of my friends had relatives dating back to the early 1800s that had attended the same schools, and whose ancestors had continued to attend. The "New England prep school" rivalries also continue into college, as many players are already familiar with each other from having played at a prestigious prep school. I'm not saying every kid that plays NESCAC went to prep school (I didn't), but it is unique in that you'll have 5 or 6 players from each team that have played against each other since they were 14 or 15 years old. That type of familiarity (just did a quick look- Tufts has 5 NE prep school kids form the same league, Amherst 6, Williams 7, etc)breeds more intense passion than say, two teams with no players who have competed before.

There's a lot more I could add, but I hope that gives you a sense of why the NESCAC alumni and students are so passionate about their schools/sports! Anyone care to add?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 02, 2014, 09:53:34 AM
Thanks oldonionbag.  That was excellent and all rings true.

As much as the NESCAC gets the most attention by far, and while I am very familiar with the schools as I live in the region, there oddly is a bit of mystery around the schools and conference, especially for those out of the area, and which I think is partly a function of the insularity of the schools.  Because so many games are devoted to playing each other, and since they play less total games, we don't get to see these schools play a lot of the other noteworthy soccer D3s.  Even in the tournament they tend to play each other or a very familiar regional foe like Brandeis or SLU.  All of this as a backdrop makes the Tufts vs OWU matchup very interesting/compelling.  As has been noted in the other threads, this edition of OWU isn't the best in recent years, but it is still very good and has peaked at the right time with only one loss in probably more than two months.  On the other hand, Tufts probably will throw more overall talent at OWU than any team OWU has faced this year, so I am curious to see how OWU will handle the offensive weaponry of the Jumbos.  I'm gonna say that two of OWU's bigger, athletic midfielders, Barnes and Rieger, are going to be key to the outcome, as well as whether OWU's outside backs can hold their own.  Both teams should feel they have an excellent chance to move on to the Final.  I'm leaning Tufts, and Greenwood could be key for them.  OWU are masters of the early goal, and I don't like Tufts as much if they go down a goal, so scoring first will be big as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 02, 2014, 10:43:38 AM
Quote from: oldonionbag on December 02, 2014, 09:22:19 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on December 01, 2014, 07:27:42 PM
Do any of you NESCAC fans have a theory on why the NESCAC is by far the most popular conference on this site (at least as measured by post volume)?  Is the attachment and loyalty to the NESCAC a demographic thing, or a combination of several things?  Thoughts?

It's complicated.

I think a lot of it comes down to the history between the schools and the rivalries that have existed for literally centuries. I know the UAA and the top academic Centennial schools have history, but most of them - even if they have one rival- don't have 5 or 6 or 7 rivals! When you play for a NESCAC team, you literally learn to loathe (in the most sporting way possible) the other schools. And, the fact of the matter is, you probably looked at or got into 3 or 4 of them- you can't have a school you chose not to attend beat you! Everything from academics to alumni prestige to sports titles is hotly contested. The proximity and familiarity of the schools is unmatched in any D3 conference (excluding single state leagues i.e. SUNYAC).

There is the history and prestige of not only the schools, but of the area. New England gave birth to the country, and still a hotbed of progress and innovation...as crazy as it sounds, this still affects the way that people from New England act, and transcends athletics and anything collegiate. 4 of the top 10 schools in USNWR, and 8 of the top 20 in USNWR are NESCAC (this is strictly liberal arts, so excluding Tufts...which would most likely be top ten given its academics and 17% acceptance rate). I think that there is certainly a feeling that "since we're the cream of the academic crop, we need to be the cream of the athletic crop too."

Additionally, the NESCAC is a smaller version of the Ivy league concerning legacies, as well. When I was going to a NESCAC school (I was second gen), several of my friends had relatives dating back to the early 1800s that had attended the same schools, and whose ancestors had continued to attend. The "New England prep school" rivalries also continue into college, as many players are already familiar with each other from having played at a prestigious prep school. I'm not saying every kid that plays NESCAC went to prep school (I didn't), but it is unique in that you'll have 5 or 6 players from each team that have played against each other since they were 14 or 15 years old. That type of familiarity (just did a quick look- Tufts has 5 NE prep school kids form the same league, Amherst 6, Williams 7, etc)breeds more intense passion than say, two teams with no players who have competed before.

There's a lot more I could add, but I hope that gives you a sense of why the NESCAC alumni and students are so passionate about their schools/sports! Anyone care to add?

Excellent description, Bag!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: KnightFalcon on December 02, 2014, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on December 02, 2014, 09:53:34 AM
Thanks oldonionbag.  That was excellent and all rings true.

As much as the NESCAC gets the most attention by far, and while I am very familiar with the schools as I live in the region, there oddly is a bit of mystery around the schools and conference, especially for those out of the area, and which I think is partly a function of the insularity of the schools.  Because so many games are devoted to playing each other, and since they play less total games, we don't get to see these schools play a lot of the other noteworthy soccer D3s.  Even in the tournament they tend to play each other or a very familiar regional foe like Brandeis or SLU.  All of this as a backdrop makes the Tufts vs OWU matchup very interesting/compelling.  As has been noted in the other threads, this edition of OWU isn't the best in recent years, but it is still very good and has peaked at the right time with only one loss in probably more than two months.  On the other hand, Tufts probably will throw more overall talent at OWU than any team OWU has faced this year, so I am curious to see how OWU will handle the offensive weaponry of the Jumbos.  I'm gonna say that two of OWU's bigger, athletic midfielders, Barnes and Rieger, are going to be key to the outcome, as well as whether OWU's outside backs can hold their own.  Both teams should feel they have an excellent chance to move on to the Final.  I'm leaning Tufts, and Greenwood could be key for them.  OWU are masters of the early goal, and I don't like Tufts as much if they go down a goal, so scoring first will be big as well.
Spot on NCAC - I'm picking Tufts as well, but all bets are off if OWU scores early and makes Tufts chase the game. Having only seen Tufts once, I'm really curious to see if that magnificent effort was a once in a lifetime event where everything comes together at the right moment or if they are able to bring that same level of effort, discipline and skill on Friday after 2 weeks off. I'm expecting the latter and will be disappointed if their sectional final effort was just an aberration.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 02, 2014, 02:44:36 PM
Quote from: KnightFalcon on December 02, 2014, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on December 02, 2014, 09:53:34 AM
Thanks oldonionbag.  That was excellent and all rings true.

As much as the NESCAC gets the most attention by far, and while I am very familiar with the schools as I live in the region, there oddly is a bit of mystery around the schools and conference, especially for those out of the area, and which I think is partly a function of the insularity of the schools.  Because so many games are devoted to playing each other, and since they play less total games, we don't get to see these schools play a lot of the other noteworthy soccer D3s.  Even in the tournament they tend to play each other or a very familiar regional foe like Brandeis or SLU.  All of this as a backdrop makes the Tufts vs OWU matchup very interesting/compelling.  As has been noted in the other threads, this edition of OWU isn't the best in recent years, but it is still very good and has peaked at the right time with only one loss in probably more than two months.  On the other hand, Tufts probably will throw more overall talent at OWU than any team OWU has faced this year, so I am curious to see how OWU will handle the offensive weaponry of the Jumbos.  I'm gonna say that two of OWU's bigger, athletic midfielders, Barnes and Rieger, are going to be key to the outcome, as well as whether OWU's outside backs can hold their own.  Both teams should feel they have an excellent chance to move on to the Final.  I'm leaning Tufts, and Greenwood could be key for them.  OWU are masters of the early goal, and I don't like Tufts as much if they go down a goal, so scoring first will be big as well.
Spot on NCAC - I'm picking Tufts as well, but all bets are off if OWU scores early and makes Tufts chase the game. Having only seen Tufts once, I'm really curious to see if that magnificent effort was a once in a lifetime event where everything comes together at the right moment or if they are able to bring that same level of effort, discipline and skill on Friday after 2 weeks off. I'm expecting the latter and will be disappointed if their sectional final effort was just an aberration.

Well, Tufts did win 2 road games in the tourney against home teams (Muhlenberg and Wheaton)....so, IMHO you can't say their journey to date has been an aberration to date.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on December 02, 2014, 07:40:25 PM
Back to the matter at hand.  The Jumbos are primed and ready for a run to the National Championship!!  The team is practicing well and there are no injuries to report.  They leave Boston at 12:30 tomorrow and will get a day on the field prior to Friday's semi against O/W.  Tough final four field for sure but I think the seniors are going to get us through to the finals.  Then its up to Santos, Hoppenot, Kayne, Halliday, Williams, Kramer, Patel, Zinner, Greenwood and the rest of the Boys to bring home the championship!!  Go NESCAC and GO JUMBOS!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 02, 2014, 07:56:11 PM
Quote from: NEPitch62 on December 02, 2014, 07:40:25 PM
Back to the matter at hand.  The Jumbos are primed and ready for a run to the National Championship!!  The team is practicing well and there are no injuries to report.  They leave Boston at 12:30 tomorrow and will get a day on the field prior to Friday's semi against O/W.  Tough final four field for sure but I think the seniors are going to get us through to the finals.  Then its up to Santos, Hoppenot, Kayne, Halliday, Williams, Kramer, Patel, Zinner, Greenwood and the rest of the Boys to bring home the championship!!  Go NESCAC and GO JUMBOS!!!!

GET EM BOS!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: KnightFalcon on December 02, 2014, 09:39:00 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on December 02, 2014, 02:44:36 PM
Quote from: KnightFalcon on December 02, 2014, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on December 02, 2014, 09:53:34 AM
Thanks oldonionbag.  That was excellent and all rings true.

As much as the NESCAC gets the most attention by far, and while I am very familiar with the schools as I live in the region, there oddly is a bit of mystery around the schools and conference, especially for those out of the area, and which I think is partly a function of the insularity of the schools.  Because so many games are devoted to playing each other, and since they play less total games, we don't get to see these schools play a lot of the other noteworthy soccer D3s.  Even in the tournament they tend to play each other or a very familiar regional foe like Brandeis or SLU.  All of this as a backdrop makes the Tufts vs OWU matchup very interesting/compelling.  As has been noted in the other threads, this edition of OWU isn't the best in recent years, but it is still very good and has peaked at the right time with only one loss in probably more than two months.  On the other hand, Tufts probably will throw more overall talent at OWU than any team OWU has faced this year, so I am curious to see how OWU will handle the offensive weaponry of the Jumbos.  I'm gonna say that two of OWU's bigger, athletic midfielders, Barnes and Rieger, are going to be key to the outcome, as well as whether OWU's outside backs can hold their own.  Both teams should feel they have an excellent chance to move on to the Final.  I'm leaning Tufts, and Greenwood could be key for them.  OWU are masters of the early goal, and I don't like Tufts as much if they go down a goal, so scoring first will be big as well.
Spot on NCAC - I'm picking Tufts as well, but all bets are off if OWU scores early and makes Tufts chase the game. Having only seen Tufts once, I'm really curious to see if that magnificent effort was a once in a lifetime event where everything comes together at the right moment or if they are able to bring that same level of effort, discipline and skill on Friday after 2 weeks off. I'm expecting the latter and will be disappointed if their sectional final effort was just an aberration.

Well, Tufts did win 2 road games in the tourney against home teams (Muhlenberg and Wheaton)....so, IMHO you can't say their journey to date has been an aberration to date.
Let me rephrase - what I meant was that I've only seen Tufts play one game ...ever. So I was wondering if that Messiah game performance was pretty typical compared to their season to date and therefore I should expect to see a similar level of play against OWU on Friday. Or was that their best performance to date and something that will be tough to duplicate. I'm expecting a performance equal to what I saw against Messiah which is why I'm picking them to win Friday. Did not mean to imply anything other than that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 02, 2014, 09:57:57 PM
That game against Messiah was a war and the "Giant Slayer" goal was enough to win. I watched all of the Tufts tournament games on video and Tufts has brought it every game. They did "lay an egg" against Conn College in the NESCAC tourney but they seemed to have learned to come out strong since then.  They also outplayed Amherst this year even though the game ended in a tie due to an inadvertent handball in the box. If they bring that intensity they can advance to the final....their midfield play was some of the nicest in the NESCAC this year....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 02, 2014, 10:01:11 PM
Tufts performance is pretty typical than to what they played against Messiah. A couple things..Tufts is used to a narrow field like the one at Muhlenberg as their home field is narrow and not the best surface. OWU is as athletic as Messiah and on a bigger field this might cause Tufts some problems. Tufts is far from anemic scoring goals so if they do fall behind not to worry. This two week break has not been helpful to Nescac teams in the Final 4 for whatever reason. Maybe academics or who knows or maybe just a coincidence. Maybe because it is the first time all year they have taken flights for games unlike other teams. I really do not know. I think it will be an even game with a late game winner by either side
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 02, 2014, 10:10:30 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 02, 2014, 10:01:11 PM
Tufts performance is pretty typical than to what they played against Messiah. A couple things..Tufts is used to a narrow field like the one at Muhlenberg as their home field is narrow and not the best surface. OWU is as athletic as Messiah and on a bigger field this might cause Tufts some problems. Tufts is far from anemic scoring goals so if they do fall behind not to worry. This two week break has not been helpful to Nescac teams in the Final 4 for whatever reason. Maybe academics or who knows or maybe just a coincidence. Maybe because it is the first time all year they have taken flights for games unlike other teams. I really do not know. I think it will be an even game with a late game winner by either side

Don't think its a flight thing as many of these players played for the USSDA and made several trips by plane and bus....lets go NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Midwest Soccer on December 02, 2014, 11:59:53 PM
Don't think many D3 teams outside of the UAA fly anywhere for games...outside of, maybe, the 1st or 2nd weekend of the year.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 03, 2014, 07:59:02 AM
How stupid of me to question academy players' routines.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on December 03, 2014, 11:38:09 AM
The recent Final Four NESCAC swoons are probably just a natural progression of playing the cream of the crop. However, I do know that given the delay in timing and running into the late semester the last two Williams teams had HUGE end of year Academic requirements (papers, tests...) which they received no relief/delay from the Institution during this travel period down to the Final Four which had a number of these Student Athletes scrambling during the Final Four writing papers and studying for Exams.  Of course every college team runs into this sort of thing, but certainly in the NESCAC there is no relief or delay given and I'm sure it doesn't help any team having such conflicting competing priorities.  Just saying.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on December 03, 2014, 12:11:40 PM
I know for the Williams basketball team, a good portion of the team sat down for a midterm proctored by an assistant coach at 10 pm the night before the Amherst Final Four game.  Nice tool to make sure your players are in the hotel and not out screwing around the night before the big game :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 03, 2014, 01:20:53 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on December 03, 2014, 11:38:09 AM
The recent Final Four NESCAC swoons are probably just a natural progression of playing the cream of the crop. However, I do know that given the delay in timing and running into the late semester the last two Williams teams had HUGE end of year Academic requirements (papers, tests...) which they received no relief/delay from the Institution during this travel period down to the Final Four which had a number of these Student Athletes scrambling during the Final Four writing papers and studying for Exams.  Of course every college team runs into this sort of thing, but certainly in the NESCAC there is no relief or delay given and I'm sure it doesn't help any team having such conflicting competing priorities.  Just saying.

You can't have it both ways (or maybe you can).  Compared to the other elite LACs in the country (top 50), the NESCAC schools have far and way more of an athletic emphasis.  How many years in a row has Williams won the Director's Cup?  While they are perhaps more regulated (or have the appearance of tighter, more restrictive regulations) the NESCACs are famous for the "jock-scholar" environment.  Sports are bigger on NESCAC campuses than at many other D3s.  It's hard to imagine that the schools don't support and make some accommodations for teams involved in deep NCAA runs.  And I doubt there are any data to indicate that they have less accommodations than similar non-NESCAC schools in other regions of the country.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 03, 2014, 05:00:29 PM
One of the main reasons NESCAC schools seem to have more of an athletic presence / jock reputation / perform well in the Director's Cup is not so much the accommodations for athletes, which I guarantee are not anything special or unique (and if anything, the opposite is true), but rather just how MANY sports NESCAC schools have.  Look at Williams for example: a big chunk of the Ephs' directors cup points every year come from sports like women's crew, men's and women's golf, skiiing, and wrestling that few D3 college even offer.  If there is a D3 sport with a national tournament, the majority of NESCAC schools will field a team in that sport, for the most part.  And the NESCAC schools attract many of their best athletes in sports that happen to coincide with a lot of high academic achieving kids (in particular, private school kids): tennis, cross country, track and field, swimming and diving, field hockey, lacrosse, etc.  So yes, the NESCAC schools, in the aggregate, have a huge athletic emphasis because of the diffusion of athletes across so many competitive programs, but do they have a bigger emphasis than other schools for any PARTICULAR team?  I'd say no. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 03, 2014, 05:13:31 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on December 03, 2014, 05:00:29 PM
One of the main reasons NESCAC schools seem to have more of an athletic presence / jock reputation / perform well in the Director's Cup is not so much the accommodations for athletes, which I guarantee are not anything special or unique (and if anything, the opposite is true), but rather just how MANY sports NESCAC schools have.  Look at Williams for example: a big chunk of the Ephs' directors cup points every year come from sports like women's crew, men's and women's golf, skiiing, and wrestling that few D3 college even offer.  If there is a D3 sport with a national tournament, the majority of NESCAC schools will field a team in that sport, for the most part.  And the NESCAC schools attract many of their best athletes in sports that happen to coincide with a lot of high academic achieving kids (in particular, private school kids): tennis, cross country, track and field, swimming and diving, field hockey, lacrosse, etc.  So yes, the NESCAC schools, in the aggregate, have a huge athletic emphasis because of the diffusion of athletes across so many competitive programs, but do they have a bigger emphasis than other schools for any PARTICULAR team?  I'd say no.


I agree with this.  The demand is there due to the academic quality of the schools throughout the whole entire conference. I know of a few players who turned down D1 offers to play D3 soccer, especially since D1 scholarships for men's soccer basically suck and are not given to all players.  Some were even offers at Ivy League schools, which also don't give athletic scholarships.  Would you choose to play at a Williams, Amherst, Tufts, Bowdoin, and the like, and start all 4 years or choose another institution of lesser academic quality in which you may not play until you were a junior or senior?  If you pick the school for its academics over its soccer team, which most logical people should, this would not be surprising.   I believe Tufts just won the lacrosse and women's softball national title's this past year.  Most of the NESCAC schools really don't drop their academic guidelines that much for athletes so I don't agree with your premise as to why these teams are successful in the Directors Cup....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 03, 2014, 06:07:09 PM
BF, did I offer a premise as to why they do well in the Director's Cup?

It goes without saying that the NESCAC schools are very attractive and highly desirable (although what some NESCAC folks have more trouble acknowledging is that some actually prefer non-NESCAC attractive/desirable schools and partly because they are a little less pretentious).

As to NESCAC1's point, I think that makes the overall point rather well.  The fact that these schools offer and support so many different sports adds to the view that these are schools where athletics are highly valued.  That doesn't mean they skimp on academics or cut athletes breaks, but there are a lot of schools that don't cut athletes breaks.  We also wouldn't see coaches getting replaced at Bates and Colby if soccer wasn't considered important (along with other sports).  I think there have been some studies done about the percentages of varsity athletes at these schools versus their non-NESCAC competitors.  There are some who think athletics are too highly valued at the NESCACs.  I'm just highlighting another view to balance the suggestion that the NESCACs are under some kind of burden in tournament play that other schools don't share.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 03, 2014, 07:12:19 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on December 03, 2014, 06:07:09 PM
BF, did I offer a premise as to why they do well in the Director's Cup?

It goes without saying that the NESCAC schools are very attractive and highly desirable (although what some NESCAC folks have more trouble acknowledging is that some actually prefer non-NESCAC attractive/desirable schools and partly because they are a little less pretentious).

As to NESCAC1's point, I think that makes the overall point rather well.  The fact that these schools offer and support so many different sports adds to the view that these are schools where athletics are highly valued.  That doesn't mean they skimp on academics or cut athletes breaks, but there are a lot of schools that don't cut athletes breaks.  We also wouldn't see coaches getting replaced at Bates and Colby if soccer wasn't considered important (along with other sports).  I think there have been some studies done about the percentages of varsity athletes at these schools versus their non-NESCAC competitors.  There are some who think athletics are too highly valued at the NESCACs.  I'm just highlighting another view to balance the suggestion that the NESCACs are under some kind of burden in tournament play that other schools don't share.

I agree with your last sentence in that I am not taking the position that the academic burden should be an excuse.....Also, it would be interesting to see the average ACT or SAT scores of athletes in each conference....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 03, 2014, 07:29:55 PM
BF, no contest on SAT scores.  NESCAC and UAA far and away have the highest average scores.  Other conferences like the Centennial (on par at the top end) are weighted down by some less elite schools.  And as NESCAC1 suggested, in some ways this helps the NESCAC as the NESCAC schools do attract very good athletes who are high academic achievers and especially on the East Coast soccer is a sport that jives very nicely with that demographic.

FWIW, my favorite NESCACs are Colby and Wesleyan.  And I personally would prefer Midd or Bowdoin to Williams or Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 03, 2014, 08:54:38 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on December 03, 2014, 07:29:55 PM
BF, no contest on SAT scores.  NESCAC and UAA far and away have the highest average scores.  Other conferences like the Centennial (on par at the top end) are weighted down by some less elite schools.  And as NESCAC1 suggested, in some ways this helps the NESCAC as the NESCAC schools do attract very good athletes who are high academic achievers and especially on the East Coast soccer is a sport that jives very nicely with that demographic.

FWIW, my favorite NESCACs are Colby and Wesleyan.  And I personally would prefer Midd or Bowdoin to Williams or Amherst.

For what reasons?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on December 03, 2014, 09:24:54 PM
Well, for what its worth, Tufts is my favorite NESCAC school for obvious reasons.  The team landed safely and have really cool NCAA embossed hotel room keys.  Let the bling offerings begin!!  GO JUMBOS!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 03, 2014, 10:40:18 PM
Quote from: NEPitch62 on December 03, 2014, 09:24:54 PM
Well, for what its worth, Tufts is my favorite NESCAC school for obvious reasons.  The team landed safely and have really cool NCAA embossed hotel room keys.  Let the bling offerings begin!!  GO JUMBOS!!


Pitch, forget da bling, and score some golassos! Go NESCAC!  And go Jumbos!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on December 05, 2014, 11:58:51 AM
Let's go BOs!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: KnightFalcon on December 05, 2014, 03:20:55 PM
They are off to their winning strategy of scoring early ... Great start for Tufts

Maxime should have buried that
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: KnightFalcon on December 05, 2014, 03:31:54 PM
I think I got my answer about whether Tufts would bring the same effort to this game as they did against Messiah - they look very sharp. Could easily be 3-0 by now... this may get ugly
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 05, 2014, 09:19:50 PM
Quote from: KnightFalcon on December 05, 2014, 03:31:54 PM
I think I got my answer about whether Tufts would bring the same effort to this game as they did against Messiah - they look very sharp. Could easily be 3-0 by now... this may get ugly

Falcon, the Tufts midfield looked great today, pressuring and distributing. Hope they can keep that intensity up tomorrow. They did get to rest some legs which may help. Should be a great game. Go NESCAC...Go Tufts!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: KnightFalcon on December 05, 2014, 09:31:04 PM
Agree - I thought Tufts looked fantastic today in all phases. A very dominant performance. They are clearly playing at the top of their game right now and Wheaton is going to be in for a very tough game Saturday
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on December 06, 2014, 09:01:35 AM
Good luck Tufts Men and Lady EPHS. GO NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 06, 2014, 10:29:34 AM
Quote from: All NESCAC on December 06, 2014, 09:01:35 AM
Good luck Tufts Men and Lady EPHS. GO NESCAC!

Ditto!  Go Get Em NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 06, 2014, 11:16:22 AM
I'll echo that sentiment by modifying to Ephs "women." That "lady" stuff is for sissies, and the Williams team is anything but.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: KnightFalcon on December 06, 2014, 04:00:51 PM
anybody want to wake Tufts back up ... they've still got 30 minutes to play
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 06, 2014, 04:54:59 PM
NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on December 06, 2014, 05:39:49 PM
Congrats to Tufts!  Wins the Title!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 06, 2014, 05:45:30 PM
Congrats to Tufts!  I really, REALLY want to dig up the conversation from a month or so back when folks were claiming that NESCAC was not a power conference, and pointing to Williams' loss in the Final Four last year as "evidence."  I guess we can, once and for all, put that to rest.  Messiah is the best soccer program in Division 3.  But NESCAC is clearly the deepest conference ... now boasting THREE different national title teams from three different schools over the past 20 years, and that excludes Amherst, which has been the dominant team in the conference over the past five regular seasons.  Incredible, unexpected run for the Jumbos, and they won in very, very convincing fashion in the Final Four -- no fluke whatsoever, that team. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on December 06, 2014, 06:16:31 PM
Fantastic run by Tufts. Very happy for the Jumbos and for the NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on December 06, 2014, 08:30:10 PM
The impressive thing is that they didn't roll through New England region teams to suggest that nescac teams benefit from geography during this tournament.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on December 06, 2014, 08:37:39 PM
Congrats Jumbos. And amen to everything nescac1 said.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on December 07, 2014, 08:22:42 AM
Quote from: Corazon on December 06, 2014, 06:16:31 PM
Fantastic run by Tufts. Very happy for the Jumbos and for the NESCAC.

How bout them Jumbos!  Congratulations!  I would say the "urban myth" about the depth strength of NESCAC has been put to rest. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 07, 2014, 09:49:21 AM
Quote from: All NESCAC on December 07, 2014, 08:22:42 AM
Quote from: Corazon on December 06, 2014, 06:16:31 PM
Fantastic run by Tufts. Very happy for the Jumbos and for the NESCAC.

How bout them Jumbos!  Congratulations!  I would say the "urban myth" about the depth strength of NESCAC has been put to rest.

DEM BOS...DEM BOS.... DEM JUMBOS!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerfan111 on December 07, 2014, 06:55:36 PM
Great stuff by Tufts and Shapiro. Now the question is, how long does Shapiro stay at Tufts? Does he jump ship for Yale?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on December 08, 2014, 08:46:14 AM
Wow, how about that lockerroom turmoil at Tufts huh? Seems like Shapiro really lost handle of the boys this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 08, 2014, 09:11:57 AM
Quote from: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on December 08, 2014, 08:46:14 AM
Wow, how about that lockerroom turmoil at Tufts huh? Seems like Shapiro really lost handle of the boys this year.

That's a good one!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 08, 2014, 09:34:53 AM
Quote from: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on December 08, 2014, 08:46:14 AM
Wow, how about that lockerroom turmoil at Tufts huh? Seems like Shapiro really lost handle of the boys this year.

Make sure you clarify exactly where that particular suggestion came from.  The answer is ironic.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on December 08, 2014, 09:57:25 AM
Quote from: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on September 12, 2014, 10:32:10 AM
CAC2424 - spot on.

Love all the experts on this page:

"I laughed out loud at your past coaching ratings giving Shapiro at Tufts an "A" as I knew about their internal turmoil, his personality and his mediocre recruiting ability (but good classes)." - Corazon, Tufts Insider

"The past few years Santos has been injured/out of shape and in and out of the starting lineup. We all know Shapiro can be tough, but the players have to take some responsibility. Last year we noticed Hoppenot randomly not starting and now this year Nakamura." - LaPaz, Santos' nutritionist & mind-reader of coaches

"Tufts 1-1 Colby. Colby looked like an organized unit against Williams, something tufts hasn't faced yet this year. Given the Tufts state of affairs and playing away from home, I think they tie." - SoccerFollower, Somerville Correspondent of Internal Affairs
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 08, 2014, 10:00:55 AM
Well played, NESCAC-fanatic.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 08, 2014, 03:22:31 PM
Quote from: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on December 08, 2014, 09:57:25 AM
Quote from: NESCAC-fanatic00203 on September 12, 2014, 10:32:10 AM
CAC2424 - spot on.

Love all the experts on this page:

"I laughed out loud at your past coaching ratings giving Shapiro at Tufts an "A" as I knew about their internal turmoil, his personality and his mediocre recruiting ability (but good classes)." - Corazon, Tufts Insider

"The past few years Santos has been injured/out of shape and in and out of the starting lineup. We all know Shapiro can be tough, but the players have to take some responsibility. Last year we noticed Hoppenot randomly not starting and now this year Nakamura." - LaPaz, Santos' nutritionist & mind-reader of coaches

"Tufts 1-1 Colby. Colby looked like an organized unit against Williams, something tufts hasn't faced yet this year. Given the Tufts state of affairs and playing away from home, I think they tie." - SoccerFollower, Somerville Correspondent of Internal Affairs







This might make sense but I actually gave Shapiro an "A" back in June 2014. Taking bits and pieces of quotes and using them to your advantage is not a skill
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 08, 2014, 03:40:34 PM
And he says he doesn't care much about karma, but yet we see the hair trigger every day now.  Petulant, childish behavior.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on December 08, 2014, 04:36:55 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 11:11:00 PM
Because I am right. You have said I have an agenda but actually I do not. Your agenda is based on what schools your son did  / or didnt get accepted to. HOw can we believe what we read from your posts with your ridiculous attacks on subjects that you know nothing about

You mean using a quote like this, Mr. Right?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 08, 2014, 04:46:09 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on December 08, 2014, 04:36:55 PM
Quote from: LaPaz on October 05, 2014, 11:11:00 PM
Because I am right. You have said I have an agenda but actually I do not. Your agenda is based on what schools your son did  / or didnt get accepted to. HOw can we believe what we read from your posts with your ridiculous attacks on subjects that you know nothing about

You mean using a quote like this, Mr. Right?







I do not follow what that quote has to do with anything
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on December 08, 2014, 04:47:40 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2014, 10:43:23 AM
2008 reminds me of how this year is shaping up. In 2008, some Newmac teams were getting high winning % against bad teams and got about 4 teams regionally ranked. They got 3 teams in the tourney. I think Clark, Babson and MIT. They proceeded to go 0-3 in the NCAA's in the first round against teams like Johnson and Wales, Framingham State etc. This will repeat itself this year. Wheaton is a very good attacking team but have major lapses defensively to go far in the NCAA's.

Spot on, sir!   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 08, 2014, 04:49:56 PM
Yes in fact when the NCAA forces teams to only play 18 games with no mid week out of conference games these teams winning % should go down
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on December 11, 2014, 04:00:51 PM
2014 NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division III Men's All-New England Region

http://www.nscaa.com/news/2014/12/2014-nscaa-continental-tire-ncaa-division-iii-men-s-all-new-england-region

First Team             
Pos. Player                Class                  School                                   Hometown
D Ben Bratt                Sr.                 Wesleyan                               Winchester, Mass.
D Sam Williams         Sr.                   Tufts                                  Thetford Center, Vt.
F Greg Conrad         So.                Middlebury                              Peabody, Mass.
             
Second Team                
Pos. Player             Class         School                            Hometown
K Greg Sydor          So.            Middlebury                     Madison, Conn.
D Gabriel Wirz        Sr.          Amherst                         New York, N.Y.
F Zach Grady             Sr.       Williams                       East Bridgewater, Mass.
F Nico Pascual-Leone  Jr.        Amherst                      Wayland, Mass.
             
Third Team             
Pos. Player            Class        School                               Hometown
D Geoff Danilack       Jr.         Williams                               Rockville, Md.
D Nabil Odulate        Jr.         Bowdoin                               Ellicott City, Md.
M Pat Devlin            So.     Connecticut College                Washington Crossing, Pa.
M Charlie Gruner     So.        Wesleyan                             Stevenson, Md.
F  Maxime Hoppenot  Sr.         Tufts                                  Princeton, N.J.
                 
Fourth Team              
Pos. Player             Class       School                                   Hometown
D Deklan Robinson     Jr.     Middlebury                               Gloucester, Mass.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 11, 2014, 04:03:40 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on December 11, 2014, 04:00:51 PM
2014 NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division III Men's All-New England Region

http://www.nscaa.com/news/2014/12/2014-nscaa-continental-tire-ncaa-division-iii-men-s-all-new-england-region

First Team             
Pos. Player                Class                  School                                   Hometown
D Ben Bratt                Sr.                 Wesleyan                               Winchester, Mass.
D Sam Williams         Sr.                   Tufts                                  Thetford Center, Vt.
F Greg Conrad         So.                Middlebury                              Peabody, Mass.
             
Second Team                
Pos. Player   Class   School Hometown
K Greg Sydor          So.            Middlebury                     Madison, Conn.
D Gabriel Wirz        Sr.          Amherst                         New York, N.Y.
F Zach Grady             Sr.       Williams                       East Bridgewater, Mass.
F Nico Pascual-Leone  Jr.        Amherst                      Wayland, Mass.
             
Third Team             
Pos. Player   Class   School Hometown
D Geoff Danilack       Jr.         Williams                               Rockville, Md.
D Nabil Odulate        Jr.         Bowdoin                               Ellicott City, Md.
M Pat Devlin            So.     Connecticut College                Washington Crossing, Pa.
M Charlie Gruner     So.        Wesleyan                             Stevenson, Md.
F  Maxime Hoppenot  Sr.         Tufts                                  Princeton, N.J.
                 
Fourth Team              
Pos. Player   Class   School Hometown
D Deklan Robinson     Jr.     Middlebury                               Gloucester, Mass.

I think this voting occurs pretty early. Wish it took place after the NCAA tourney.  I would like to have seen a few more from Tufts since they won the NCAA, like Kayne, Santos, Kramer, Brown, or Pinheiro, etc......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 11, 2014, 05:14:31 PM
Anybody got the scoop on why Williams missed out on Majumber and Sam Williams right in their own back yard?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 11, 2014, 09:08:36 PM
Since you think you are funny I suppose I will answer.

1. Majumder is a Williamstown kid coached by Russo but he did not want to go to Williams. His father is a Prof at Williams and Russo recruited him but he wanted to get out of town. He most certainly had the grades. He wanted Harvard but the coach would not "tip" for him so he chose Tufts. Here is a recent article about Majumder and his college choice

http://www.berkshireeagle.com/localsports/ci_27112326/williamstowns-nathan-majumder-celebrates-an-ncaa-soccer-championship

2. Sam Williams is a converted forward and not many coaches knew about him. You might need a geography lesson since Sam is from northern Vermont and would be much closer to Midd than Williams. The better question would of been how did Middlebury / Saward miss this kid. 

I am thinking we all should ask NCAC New England questions about D3 and Nescac. Let's see how far he gets before he throws his hands up



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on December 11, 2014, 10:43:30 PM
That is a nice article on Majumder. Hard to believe he was not recruited by Tufts but a walk-on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on December 12, 2014, 09:04:07 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 11, 2014, 09:08:36 PM
Since you think you are funny I suppose I will answer.

1. Majumder is a Williamstown kid coached by Russo but he did not want to go to Williams. His father is a Prof at Williams and Russo recruited him but he wanted to get out of town. He most certainly had the grades. He wanted Harvard but the coach would not "tip" for him so he chose Tufts. Here is a recent article about Majumder and his college choice

http://www.berkshireeagle.com/localsports/ci_27112326/williamstowns-nathan-majumder-celebrates-an-ncaa-soccer-championship


A double major in computer science and mathematics at Tufts and dad a prof at Williams. Wonder if the kid is smart? LOL
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 12, 2014, 05:22:29 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on December 12, 2014, 09:04:07 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 11, 2014, 09:08:36 PM
Since you think you are funny I suppose I will answer.

1. Majumder is a Williamstown kid coached by Russo but he did not want to go to Williams. His father is a Prof at Williams and Russo recruited him but he wanted to get out of town. He most certainly had the grades. He wanted Harvard but the coach would not "tip" for him so he chose Tufts. Here is a recent article about Majumder and his college choice

http://www.berkshireeagle.com/localsports/ci_27112326/williamstowns-nathan-majumder-celebrates-an-ncaa-soccer-championship


lol.....

A double major in computer science and mathematics at Tufts and dad a prof at Williams. Wonder if the kid is smart? LOL
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on December 16, 2014, 08:30:33 PM
I have a question regarding NESCAC recruiting.  How frequently are recruits brought in during the regular admission process?  I'm wondering whether the recruiting classes are largely done by now, or do you occasionally bring in recruits in the spring as well.

I just recall when my NESCAC player went through this, he got the "offer" in July, shortly after the pre-admission read by admissions.  He verbally committed immediately, then sweated out the actual early decision admission offer in December.  I assume most "tipped" athletes already know where they're going.

I'd be interested in other peoples' experiences.  Thanks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 16, 2014, 11:53:06 PM
Coaches have their "tips" for ED guys done as early as June but most likely August thru October. RD they will have their reads by January and will decide if they will support the player depending if they have any tips/protects left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on December 17, 2014, 06:30:20 AM
With the college seasons over and on winter break with my soccer playing family, I have no games to watch. Thus, I'm left posting and reading this board and Big Soccer to get my soccer fix. Thus, here is my very early prediction for the NESCAC season off the top of my head without doing any research yet on graduations and recruiting classes:

1. Amherst
2. Tufts
3. Middlebury
4. Williams
5. Wesleyan
6. Bowdoin
7. Colby
8. Conn
9. Bates
10. Trinity
11. Hamilton



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 17, 2014, 10:22:36 AM
Quote from: Corazon on December 17, 2014, 06:30:20 AM
With the college seasons over and on winter break with my soccer playing family, I have no games to watch. Thus, I'm left posting and reading this board and Big Soccer to get my soccer fix. Thus, here is my very early prediction for the NESCAC season off the top of my head without doing any research yet on graduations and recruiting classes:

1. Amherst
2. Tufts
3. Middlebury
4. Williams
5. Wesleyan
6. Bowdoin
7. Colby
8. Conn
9. Bates
10. Trinity
11. Hamilton

This would be my approximate order also, at this point......but I can easily see many flip flops of certain teams
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CacCaptain on December 17, 2014, 03:14:50 PM
As fun as it is discussing next season in December, I'll rewind to the present.

Congrats to Coach Shapiro on national coach of the year: http://www.gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/msoc/2014-15/releases/coach_of_the_year

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 17, 2014, 03:16:20 PM
Quote from: CacCaptain on December 17, 2014, 03:14:50 PM
As fun as it is discussing next season in December, I'll rewind to the present.

Congrats to Coach Shapiro on national coach of the year: http://www.gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/msoc/2014-15/releases/coach_of_the_year

Yes, this was brought up in another thread, I believe.  Well deserved!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 17, 2014, 06:29:30 PM
To no one's surprise, Erin Sullivan named Eph head coach.  The perfect choice to continue the Russo legacy:  http://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/msoc/2014-15/releases/20141217y25zot

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 17, 2014, 10:07:15 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on December 17, 2014, 06:29:30 PM
To no one's surprise, Erin Sullivan named Eph head coach.  The perfect choice to continue the Russo legacy:  http://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/msoc/2014-15/releases/20141217y25zot

Yes, I think he will do well there!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on December 18, 2014, 10:19:47 AM
Erin Sullivan is an excellent choice to continue the character, learning, and competitive success that Mike Russo and other world-class coaches/faculty have imbedded on the playing fields, gyms, tracks, pools, and classrooms at Williams College.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 18, 2014, 10:56:43 AM
Quote from: jumpshot on December 18, 2014, 10:19:47 AM
Erin Sullivan is an excellent choice to continue the character, learning, and competitive success that Mike Russo and other world-class coaches/faculty have imbedded on the playing fields, gyms, tracks, pools, and classrooms at Williams College.

Yes, I would also agree. Great pick!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on December 25, 2014, 09:55:17 PM
Caught the following while surfing the Mass Talking-Soccer board in the 2015 Boys Soccer Verbal Commitments thread:

"Chris Lewis - MPS- Milton - Amherst
Jake Stenquist-FC Stars-Rivers-Bowdoin
CJ Masterson- Bruno United-Barrington/NMH-Bowdoin
Jeff Lin-NEFC-Rivers-Colby
Cam Clouse - GPS-Worcester Academy-Colby
Tim Hilbrunner-FC Stars-Groton Dunstable-Conn College*
Ben Manoogian-FC Stars-Peabody-Conn College*
Greg Evans - FC Blazers - Hamilton
Eric Gooden-Western-Amherst/NMH-Wesleyan"

"Archii Hakkapeliittaa, an exchange student from Finland attending Wellesley High, is planning to attend Williams. Not sure if this belongs on this thread, but he is supposedly very good and almost turned pro."

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 26, 2014, 04:12:16 PM
None of the players I recognize are real game changers but all very solid. I like Stenquist for sure. That kid has some bite
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Harley47 on December 27, 2014, 06:27:52 PM
I asked this on Mr. Right's board but what do you guys think Midd's weakest position is going into next season?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 28, 2014, 07:29:43 AM
I can't find anything at all about any Finish soccer player attending Wellesley High School, or anyone of that name, period, so perhaps that is a joke? 

Lewis sounds like an impressive recruit for Amherst:  Chris Lewis: the Defensive Player of the Year in ISL soccer, the senior and team captain led Milton to an undefeated season and the semifinals of the Class tournament. He's a two-time ISL All-Star and also a member of the Jamaican U-20 national team.

A few Eph ED recruits (I believe): Sean Dory, from Troy (I assume brother of current Eph Brandon Dory), Harrison Fyke (previously noted by Mr. Right), and GK Aaron Schein, from NYC.  I'm sure it was a challenge recruiting ED for Williams given the uncertain coaching situation, so good that they locked some guys down (there may be others as well, not sure).  Hopefully Sullivan can bring in a few more guys in the RD round. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 28, 2014, 11:57:38 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on December 28, 2014, 07:29:43 AM
I can't find anything at all about any Finish soccer player attending Wellesley High School, or anyone of that name, period, so perhaps that is a joke? 

Lewis sounds like an impressive recruit for Amherst:  Chris Lewis: the Defensive Player of the Year in ISL soccer, the senior and team captain led Milton to an undefeated season and the semifinals of the Class tournament. He's a two-time ISL All-Star and also a member of the Jamaican U-20 national team.

A few Eph ED recruits (I believe): Sean Dory, from Troy (I assume brother of current Eph Brandon Dory), Harrison Fyke (previously noted by Mr. Right), and GK Aaron Schein, from NYC.  I'm sure it was a challenge recruiting ED for Williams given the uncertain coaching situation, so good that they locked some guys down (there may be others as well, not sure).  Hopefully Sullivan can bring in a few more guys in the RD round.

Anyone hear about the Tufts recruits?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 28, 2014, 12:15:31 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on December 28, 2014, 07:29:43 AM
I can't find anything at all about any Finish soccer player attending Wellesley High School, or anyone of that name, period, so perhaps that is a joke? 

Lewis sounds like an impressive recruit for Amherst:  Chris Lewis: the Defensive Player of the Year in ISL soccer, the senior and team captain led Milton to an undefeated season and the semifinals of the Class tournament. He's a two-time ISL All-Star and also a member of the Jamaican U-20 national team.

A few Eph ED recruits (I believe): Sean Dory, from Troy (I assume brother of current Eph Brandon Dory), Harrison Fyke (previously noted by Mr. Right), and GK Aaron Schein, from NYC.  I'm sure it was a challenge recruiting ED for Williams given the uncertain coaching situation, so good that they locked some guys down (there may be others as well, not sure).  Hopefully Sullivan can bring in a few more guys in the RD round.






It is never a challenge to recruit to Williams or Amherst. No matter if Russo, Serpone, Gooding, the Pope, etc is there or is leaving or is a lame duck. Kids want to go to those schools no matter what. While it may be a disappointment if their coach is leaving I in no way can believe it would make the kid opt for a different school. Unless the school was a Harvard, Yale ,Princeton. Where Russo and Serpone have challenges is when they are only allowed 3 or 4 tips and have to deciphr which kids are going to pan out in the college game. That is a very hard thing to predict and both coaches have made numerous mistakes and both have scored on a couple.


Biggest Tip Flop last 5-7 years.

Amherst- Dave Masterman
Williams- Tim Marchese
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 28, 2014, 12:29:22 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on December 25, 2014, 09:55:17 PM
Caught the following while surfing the Mass Talking-Soccer board in the 2015 Boys Soccer Verbal Commitments thread:

"Chris Lewis - MPS- Milton - Amherst
Jake Stenquist-FC Stars-Rivers-Bowdoin
CJ Masterson- Bruno United-Barrington/NMH-Bowdoin
Jeff Lin-NEFC-Rivers-Colby
Cam Clouse - GPS-Worcester Academy-Colby
Tim Hilbrunner-FC Stars-Groton Dunstable-Conn College*
Ben Manoogian-FC Stars-Peabody-Conn College*
Greg Evans - FC Blazers - Hamilton
Eric Gooden-Western-Amherst/NMH-Wesleyan"

"Archii Hakkapeliittaa, an exchange student from Finland attending Wellesley High, is planning to attend Williams. Not sure if this belongs on this thread, but he is supposedly very good and almost turned pro."





I have never heard of Hakkapeliiittaa either. The only really solid players on this list are going to Bowdoin. Stenquist and Masterson and are very solid players that could help Bowdoin right away in midfield. Williams and Amherst wanted Masterson but he did not have the SAT's to get in. Lewis is a skilled Jamaican but has a reputation of being lazy. Maybe Serpone will get that out of him. Nick Lynch a Gooding recruit who played one year for Serpone had his best year at Amherst with Serpone so we shall see. Colby recruits I have not seen but I do know that Worcester Academy was VERY good this year so the kid that PG'd there could be solid.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on December 28, 2014, 02:59:04 PM
I believe Hakapeliitaa to almost certainly be a joke. I asked someone wired into Mass soccer and he has not heard of him. Nothing on google either. That Mass talking soccer forum gets a lot of bogus posts like this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 28, 2014, 03:01:55 PM
Yes that site is horrible.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 28, 2014, 07:43:23 PM
Some of these things being posted are not OK.  Just because we have come to expect it from said poster doesn't mean it should be tolerated.

A Philips Andover kid doesn't need a tip to Williams and especially if not the category of player to even be in a discussion about a tip.  Some kids are good enough at soccer to attempt to play whether they were heavily recruited or not, and some can get in these schools without soccer and then try to play when they get there.  And there is no way Bowdoin takes kids for soccer that can't get in Williams or Amherst with a tip if needed.  Now a Jamaican kid is lazy?  Only the Bowdoin recruits are any good? 

At this point the question isn't IF insiders are giving the poster certain information, but why?  Why would they trust him with the type of information that it is being put out there without a hesitation or second thought?

And a couple of you out there are promoting the behavior.  Stop for a second and think.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 28, 2014, 08:55:53 PM
NCAC your public fight against me on these boards are pathetic. You have become as irrelevant as ever and you are  pouting like a small child and logging in and giving myself and others negative karma every night for the past month. As if anyone really cares. Stop and think how irrelevant and petty you have become.

Just because a kid went to Andover does not mean he did not need a tip. Bowdoin does not look at SAT's so when a kid gets a 500 Verbal or Math he is not getting into Williams or Amherst even if he is a star player. I might spout an opinion or two that bother some but you have NO CLUE about D3 Soccer and pretend that you do.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 28, 2014, 09:41:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 28, 2014, 08:55:53 PM
NCAC your public fight against me on these boards are pathetic. You have become as irrelevant as ever and you are  pouting like a small child and logging in and giving myself and others negative karma every night for the past month. As if anyone really cares. Stop and think how irrelevant and petty you have become.

Just because a kid went to Andover does not mean he did not need a tip. Bowdoin does not look at SAT's so when a kid gets a 500 Verbal or Math he is not getting into Williams or Amherst even if he is a star player. I might spout an opinion or two that bother some but you have NO CLUE about D3 Soccer and pretend that you do.

I have been wondering why I have been getting so many negative karma points lately, like everyday, even when i don't post......that's too bad.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 28, 2014, 09:44:19 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on December 28, 2014, 09:41:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 28, 2014, 08:55:53 PM
NCAC your public fight against me on these boards are pathetic. You have become as irrelevant as ever and you are  pouting like a small child and logging in and giving myself and others negative karma every night for the past month. As if anyone really cares. Stop and think how irrelevant and petty you have become.

Just because a kid went to Andover does not mean he did not need a tip. Bowdoin does not look at SAT's so when a kid gets a 500 Verbal or Math he is not getting into Williams or Amherst even if he is a star player. I might spout an opinion or two that bother some but you have NO CLUE about D3 Soccer and pretend that you do.

I have been wondering why I have been getting so many negative karma points lately, like everyday, even when i don't post......that's too bad.....

Oh, I was thinking of writing the moderator about the excessive acts but decided it wasn't worth it.  Mr, Right, is this behavior aimed at NESCAC fans mostly?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 28, 2014, 09:48:12 PM
So many things wrong in that post it's hard to know where to begin.

I've tried very hard to avoid you.   Someone needed to speak up.   You forget that without some help you most likely wouldn't have made it past your first 2 weeks as Mr.Right.  Now you're posting stuff that no one has even asked you about.  Just random negative things about specific kids revealing private information (that I know is actually wrong more than half the time) that you have no business spouting off about.  You seem to have no filter at all about whether the kind of details you are assigning to specific people is OK or not.  In just a couple of months you've posted 3 times as much as you did in 4 years as LaPaz.  You would seem to have some investment in winning the award as D3 soccer guru.  More power to you if that brings equilibrium to your ego.  BTW, did I claim anywhere to be a D3 soccer expert? 

You conjecturing and lecturing about negative karma points are very funny.  No one can even challenge one of your posts without you assigning karma points. You are consistently rude and insulting, but if anyone challenges you, then you are offended and start sounding almost litigious in response.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 28, 2014, 10:04:25 PM
NCAC you are a SAINT. Thank god you are around to police this site. counting how many times I post, spewing rules that do not exist, making me remember that "I wouldn't make it past my 1st 2 weeks", whatever that means.


Tell me HOW DO YOU KNOW I AM WRONG MORE THAN HALF THE TIME. Do you have examples and proof? Of Course you do not....You just like to say you do...

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 28, 2014, 10:05:13 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on December 28, 2014, 09:41:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 28, 2014, 08:55:53 PM
NCAC your public fight against me on these boards are pathetic. You have become as irrelevant as ever and you are  pouting like a small child and logging in and giving myself and others negative karma every night for the past month. As if anyone really cares. Stop and think how irrelevant and petty you have become.

Just because a kid went to Andover does not mean he did not need a tip. Bowdoin does not look at SAT's so when a kid gets a 500 Verbal or Math he is not getting into Williams or Amherst even if he is a star player. I might spout an opinion or two that bother some but you have NO CLUE about D3 Soccer and pretend that you do.

I have been wondering why I have been getting so many negative karma points lately, like everyday, even when i don't post......that's too bad.....






Flounder you are dealing with a CHILD. Try to ignore his idiocy
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 28, 2014, 10:06:30 PM
BF, I feel your pain.  I've had stretches without posting of more than a week and still picked up my negative karma every single day.  Oh, the irony of you posing your inquiry to Mr.Right.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 28, 2014, 10:25:07 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on December 28, 2014, 09:44:19 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on December 28, 2014, 09:41:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 28, 2014, 08:55:53 PM
NCAC your public fight against me on these boards are pathetic. You have become as irrelevant as ever and you are  pouting like a small child and logging in and giving myself and others negative karma every night for the past month. As if anyone really cares. Stop and think how irrelevant and petty you have become.

Just because a kid went to Andover does not mean he did not need a tip. Bowdoin does not look at SAT's so when a kid gets a 500 Verbal or Math he is not getting into Williams or Amherst even if he is a star player. I might spout an opinion or two that bother some but you have NO CLUE about D3 Soccer and pretend that you do.

I have been wondering why I have been getting so many negative karma points lately, like everyday, even when i don't post......that's too bad.....

Oh, I was thinking of writing the moderator about the excessive acts but decided it wasn't worth it.  Mr, Right, is this behavior aimed at NESCAC fans mostly?

Interesting...I have not been that active over the holidays and just noticed a big jump in negative karma points...and I follow the Nescac....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on December 28, 2014, 10:53:19 PM
Interesting posts. I've also been picking up negative karma points nearly every day ... Someone is having some fun at our expense. Does anyone know when you get to qualify to be able to give karma?  I don't particularly care. I'm just curious.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on December 28, 2014, 10:55:24 PM
Pretty amazing the NESCAC site is this active in late December, eh?

Happy new year, guys. Look forward to talking soccer with you guys in August ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 29, 2014, 09:26:23 AM
Quote from: Corazon on December 28, 2014, 10:55:24 PM
Pretty amazing the NESCAC site is this active in late December, eh?

Happy new year, guys. Look forward to talking soccer with you guys in August ...

Back at ya!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 02, 2015, 08:43:02 AM
Some Maine commitments people may have interest in. 

Sterling Weatherbie of Cape Elizabeth to Tufts
CJ Masterson of NMH to Bowdoin
Jefferey Lin of Rivers to Colby
Jake Stenquist of FC Stars to Bowdoin
Andrew Mitchell of Seacoast to Colby
Andrew Parsons of Mount Blue to Bates
Dan Carlson of NEFC to Colby

Happy New Year to all.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 02, 2015, 08:49:41 AM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on January 02, 2015, 08:43:02 AM
Some Maine commitments people may have interest in. 

Sterling Weatherbie of Cape Elizabeth to Tufts
CJ Masterson of NMH to Bowdoin
Jefferey Lin of Rivers to Colby
Jake Stenquist of FC Stars to Bowdoin
Andrew Mitchell of Seacoast to Colby
Andrew Parsons of Mount Blue to Bates
Dan Carlson of NEFC to Colby

Thanks!  I wish them all the best!  Happy New Year to you all!

Happy New Year to all.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on January 05, 2015, 04:17:46 PM
Quote from: Corazon on December 28, 2014, 10:53:19 PM
Interesting posts. I've also been picking up negative karma points nearly every day ... Someone is having some fun at our expense. Does anyone know when you get to qualify to be able to give karma?  I don't particularly care. I'm just curious.

200 posts. And you are best off ignoring it positive or negative. I tend to give positive karma when posts make me laugh or are really informative. I very rarely have given negative karma and it is almost exclusive to someone being insulting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 05, 2015, 04:37:54 PM
Thanks for solving that mystery.  I actually reread a few posts wondering why they don't belong on the site.  Didn't realize it was as easy as someone who has an issue just clicking, seems silly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 05, 2015, 04:39:10 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on January 05, 2015, 04:37:54 PM
Thanks for solving that mystery.  I actually reread a few posts wondering why they don't belong on the site.  Didn't realize it was as easy as someone who has an issue just clicking, seems silly.

It must be "that easy" since many NESCAC posters have been getting negative karma points everyday for the past few weeks.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 05, 2015, 05:53:41 PM
Thanks also for solving that mystery.  I see I've gained 4 more negatives since that post asking for clarification.  Oh, well ...

I do look forward to being able to give karma points, just so that I can give positive points to the many good posters who have an inordinately high percentage of negatives.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 05, 2015, 05:55:19 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on January 05, 2015, 04:37:54 PM
Thanks for solving that mystery.  I actually reread a few posts wondering why they don't belong on the site.  Didn't realize it was as easy as someone who has an issue just clicking, seems silly.

You are a great example of a good poster who has an 8:1 negative to positive ratio.  Makes no sense, except you're a NESCAC fan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 07, 2015, 06:45:18 PM
Thanks.  It did make me wonder why the website was being so sensitive.  I think we all have a good idea what is happening now.

I imagine sometime midseason I will be able to vindictively click away on the negative points ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 07, 2015, 09:14:40 PM
"I think we all have a good idea what is happening now."

Since we have such an idea, it doesn't bother us as much...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 07, 2015, 09:41:54 PM
It's actually pretty funny. We'll be able to reciprocate next season and I'll send some positive karma to most of you. I've been getting into NESCAC hoops lately, and virtually everyone's karma there is overwhelmingly positive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 07, 2015, 09:45:41 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on January 07, 2015, 09:14:40 PM
"I think we all have a good idea what is happening now."

Since we have such an idea, it doesn't bother us as much...

Flounder, only 2 more posts for you to hit 200! 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 08, 2015, 10:12:23 AM
Quote from: Corazon on January 07, 2015, 09:45:41 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on January 07, 2015, 09:14:40 PM
"I think we all have a good idea what is happening now."

Since we have such an idea, it doesn't bother us as much...

Flounder, only 2 more posts for you to hit 200!

Thanks...now I will be one of the "Big Wigs!"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 08, 2015, 06:25:24 PM
Nice article on Tufts' run ...

http://digital.nesoccerjournal.com/nxtbooks/seamans/nesoccerj_201501/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 09, 2015, 05:22:31 AM
++...nice article on the Tufts championship.

Big agenda items for the Nescac coaches in their yearly meeting is

1. Gettting a proposal out there for ranking conferences before ranking teams. i.e rewarding legit wins in or out of league. My issue here is that besides Wesleyan and Williams the other teams should be winning their 5 out of league games  and must be done for Nescac to garner 4 to 5 bids.  Midd, Amherst, Bates and Colby should all be 5-0-0. Hamilton v Oneonta and Tufts v Brandeis are two of the toughest non-leagues we have. The issues is that Tufts and Hamilton's other 4 non-leagues are cupcakes except for a very defensive minded new MIT coach. Bowdoin v Babson is OK but Bowdoin should be winning this game like they have in the past. Bowdoin's other 4 games were mere blips on the schedule for bus availability.

2. NCAA will be cracking down on regular season games for all D3. I think I heard by at least 10%, this actually helps and /or does not affect Nescac's 15 game regular season. Let's see what it does for Wheaton MA.

3. NCAA will be cracking down on tournament invites maybe not in 2015 or 2016 but will be looking hard at it before 2017 to go back to the old Win your league and 3 Pool C's for the country. Hey at least the Final 4 and Final and maybe the Elite 8 would be entertaining.

4. Sideline behaviour-general topic discussion with no doubt where the 20 eyes are all on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Midwest Soccer on January 09, 2015, 08:51:40 AM
Mr Right,

In the format of going back to the old "win your league and 3 Pool C's for the whole country", is it up to each conference to determine whether they want a tournament to go along with their conference representative? I know some conferences don't have tournaments and just award it to their regular season champion.

If they cut games down 10% that would obviously affect the out of conference schedule. I'm curious if schools/coaches would be more in favor of spreading their regular games out if that was the case to get better rest and recovery or if they still want to cram an extra 2 games in at the end of the season and call it a tournament (most tourneys are just semis and finals) and have the winner of a 2 game season take the bid to the big dance.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 09, 2015, 09:51:03 AM
Quote from: Corazon on January 08, 2015, 06:25:24 PM
Nice article on Tufts' run ...

http://digital.nesoccerjournal.com/nxtbooks/seamans/nesoccerj_201501/

Very nice article. The Champions can bask in their sunshine this long cold winter.....but they will have to work hard for next year as they will now have a target on their back.  Again, congrats to the Jumbos for their fantastic playoff run....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on January 09, 2015, 10:33:58 AM
Quote from: Midwest Soccer on January 09, 2015, 08:51:40 AM
Mr Right,

In the format of going back to the old "win your league and 3 Pool C's for the whole country", is it up to each conference to determine whether they want a tournament to go along with their conference representative? I know some conferences don't have tournaments and just award it to their regular season champion.

If they cut games down 10% that would obviously affect the out of conference schedule. I'm curious if schools/coaches would be more in favor of spreading their regular games out if that was the case to get better rest and recovery or if they still want to cram an extra 2 games in at the end of the season and call it a tournament (most tourneys are just semis and finals) and have the winner of a 2 game season take the bid to the big dance.

Thoughts?


I would assume it would be the way as it was before...  And when the powerhouses lose the conference tourneys, those with hope are SOL.   I think in '00 SLU and Williams did not win their conference tourneys and as a result E-town was left out (15-3 with two losses to Messiah and to then powerhouse Drew, all on the road).

I mentioned to my internet pal Saint of Old... it was in 1999 that I knew Messiah had something really special for the years to come... From Boyle between the pipes to Crist up top and Giordano off the bench... with the anchor of Faro, the engine of Hayden, and Sauer on the flank it was only a matter of time before they would claim a title. 
   
In 1999 and 2000.... E-town had a combined record of 33-5-1... 4 of those losses to were Messiah...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on January 09, 2015, 11:53:52 AM

http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2000-01/championship/championship_release

Back in the days of the 4OT...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 09, 2015, 02:38:30 PM
great article. Williams dominated Midd that day but Midd's GK was a stud keeper. He is now Amherst Head Baseball Coach and GK Coach for Serpone. His pops is actually a ref in western mass and if I am still correct does college games but has been gently bumped to the women's games.  So Last Guy is right they will still base this thing on conference tournaments and 3 MAJOR POWERHOUSE Conferences / Teams that get upset will get in. Personally, it promotes and makes for dreadful futbol. Park the 2nd and 3rd bus and what the hell form a line across the goal. The upsets are gone but man you get some really good early round games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 09, 2015, 02:44:26 PM
Quote from: Midwest Soccer on January 09, 2015, 08:51:40 AM
Mr Right,

In the format of going back to the old "win your league and 3 Pool C's for the whole country", is it up to each conference to determine whether they want a tournament to go along with their conference representative? I know some conferences don't have tournaments and just award it to their regular season champion.

If they cut games down 10% that would obviously affect the out of conference schedule. I'm curious if schools/coaches would be more in favor of spreading their regular games out if that was the case to get better rest and recovery or if they still want to cram an extra 2 games in at the end of the season and call it a tournament (most tourneys are just semis and finals) and have the winner of a 2 game season take the bid to the big dance.

Thoughts?




Presidents are cutting schedules because they want their midweek's back for academics not 2 1/2 hour bus rides. There will still be some mid week conference games but I am guessing regular season's will be maxed at 18.if that. maybe 16. conference tournaments will not be touched. Also, I hate the 4 team tournament. The Liberty league tournament has more than 4 good teams and one or two always gets left out. This is turn maybe would have given RPI an xtra win to get into NCAA's and even Skidmore the talent to win the whole thing
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 09, 2015, 05:17:59 PM
Makes sense, considering this is D3 soccer and no one is getting paid to play. Keep the focus on academics and limit the long road trips. Thankfully, the proposed scheduling will have no impact on the NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on January 09, 2015, 08:49:37 PM
Quote from: Corazon on January 08, 2015, 06:25:24 PM
Nice article on Tufts' run ...

http://digital.nesoccerjournal.com/nxtbooks/seamans/nesoccerj_201501/

Yep...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on January 09, 2015, 08:52:05 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on January 09, 2015, 02:44:26 PM
Quote from: Midwest Soccer on January 09, 2015, 08:51:40 AM
Mr Right,

In the format of going back to the old "win your league and 3 Pool C's for the whole country", is it up to each conference to determine whether they want a tournament to go along with their conference representative? I know some conferences don't have tournaments and just award it to their regular season champion.

If they cut games down 10% that would obviously affect the out of conference schedule. I'm curious if schools/coaches would be more in favor of spreading their regular games out if that was the case to get better rest and recovery or if they still want to cram an extra 2 games in at the end of the season and call it a tournament (most tourneys are just semis and finals) and have the winner of a 2 game season take the bid to the big dance.

Thoughts?




Presidents are cutting schedules because they want their midweek's back for academics not 2 1/2 hour bus rides. There will still be some mid week conference games but I am guessing regular season's will be maxed at 18.if that. maybe 16. conference tournaments will not be touched. Also, I hate the 4 team tournament. The Liberty league tournament has more than 4 good teams and one or two always gets left out. This is turn maybe would have given RPI an xtra win to get into NCAA's and even Skidmore the talent to win the whole thing

All this while D1 is thinking of extending the season to a full year.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 09, 2015, 11:49:31 PM
Would a 10% reduction in games not help the NESCAC?  Given NESCAC teams play 15 games anyway, it would bring everyone else closer.  Or would NESCAC cut a game also?  That seems silly if so.

Great article Corazon.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on January 10, 2015, 06:21:34 AM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on January 09, 2015, 11:49:31 PM
Would a 10% reduction in games not help the NESCAC?  Given NESCAC teams play 15 games anyway, it would bring everyone else closer.  Or would NESCAC cut a game also?  That seems silly if so.

Great article Corazon.

I hope the NESCAC doesn't cut a game.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 10, 2015, 07:53:56 AM
The 18 game max would actually benefit Nescac greatly. Their 15 games would not be touched. However, as you could see last year squeezing 15 games from Sept 3-Oct 28 is VERY difficult. The week-end back to backs are almost going to be a MUST if this schedule is going to work and we all know all constant back to backs can rip teams apart with injuries and the like.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 10, 2015, 10:31:26 AM
Some offseason news.

Jason Kayne (Tufts) and Peabo Knoth (Bates) named All-American (Honorable Mention) by the Jewish Sports Review last week.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 10, 2015, 01:33:22 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on January 10, 2015, 10:31:26 AM
Some offseason news.

Jason Kayne (Tufts) and Peabo Knoth (Bates) named All-American (Honorable Mention) by the Jewish Sports Review last week.

Congrats Boys!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on January 16, 2015, 12:40:18 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on January 10, 2015, 01:33:22 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on January 10, 2015, 10:31:26 AM
Some offseason news.

Jason Kayne (Tufts) and Peabo Knoth (Bates) named All-American (Honorable Mention) by the Jewish Sports Review last week.

Congrats Boys!

ditto!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 20, 2015, 01:00:54 PM
I heard recently there is talk of extending college soccer to a year round spring/fall season.  Given the talk of budget cuts, this seems pie in the sky.  Anyone know/heard any different here?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 20, 2015, 01:05:53 PM
I have also heard the same thing.  I do think it will happen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 20, 2015, 01:37:30 PM
Regardless of what happens nationally, I think there is zero chance of that happening in the NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 20, 2015, 01:39:29 PM
That is driven by D1 coaches but I just don't see that being productive in D3.  Kids picked D3 for a reason - and one of the reasons is so that soccer doesn't have to be all-consuming.  While that makes total sense for players gunning for the pros or the national teams, it makes far less for D3 and even less than that for NESCAC
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 20, 2015, 02:40:08 PM
Quote from: Corazon on January 20, 2015, 01:39:29 PM
That is driven by D1 coaches but I just don't see that being productive in D3.  Kids picked D3 for a reason - and one of the reasons is so that soccer doesn't have to be all-consuming.  While that makes total sense for players gunning for the pros or the national teams, it makes far less for D3 and even less than that for NESCAC

Corazon, I seem to still be getting negative karma points even though I haven't been on for awhile........ Hmmmm.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 20, 2015, 02:57:44 PM
Sorry about that.  As soon as I can give karma, will throw you some positive ones to balance it out.  All NESCAC-centric posters are picking up negative karma - often on a daily basis.  Clearly, someone has an axe to grind.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 20, 2015, 02:59:17 PM
Quote from: Corazon on January 20, 2015, 02:57:44 PM
Sorry about that.  As soon as I can give karma, will throw you some positive ones to balance it out.  All NESCAC-centric posters are picking up negative karma - often on a daily basis.  Clearly, someone has an axe to grind.

Don't know why... If you go thru most of the NESCAC posts they really aren't that offensive.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 20, 2015, 03:04:17 PM
I know.  I have a theory, but will keep it to myself as I don't want to cause a big fight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 20, 2015, 03:05:18 PM
Quote from: Corazon on January 20, 2015, 03:04:17 PM
I know.  I have a theory, but will keep it to myself as I don't want to cause a big fight.

Yep, not worth fighting about......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 20, 2015, 03:06:24 PM
I only have a few more posts to go ...  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 20, 2015, 03:07:54 PM
Quote from: Corazon on January 20, 2015, 03:06:24 PM
I only have a few more posts to go ...  :)

And you will be one of THE "Big Wigs!!"   :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 20, 2015, 03:08:57 PM
Yes, I will be able to die happy ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 20, 2015, 03:09:34 PM
Ok.  I promise to limit my frivilous posting
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 20, 2015, 03:59:36 PM
It really seems silly.  Time line of conversation in NCAA;

"Hey I think we should shrink the NCAA tournament to save money"
followed by
"Hey we should cut 10% of games to save money"
then....
"Hey lets double the length of the season."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 20, 2015, 04:31:36 PM
I can't imagine the ADs are going to like it either as they need to juggle the field space and resources with the spring sports.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on January 20, 2015, 11:34:18 PM
I don't know if the season has to go all year but maybe training or practicing should be allowed on a more serious basis
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 22, 2015, 09:37:50 AM
I see LP/MR is inactive again.  Did I miss another blow up?  Shame he had seems a lot more rational and less insulting of late.  Anyone taking bets on the next name he resurfaces under?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on January 22, 2015, 10:51:03 AM
I'm going to post my response to some of the rumblings and theories about negative karma on this thread since I am not supposed to visit the other one.  And for those of you fretting I'm sure your buddy will be back under a new platform and all re-energized and ready to go within a few days.  We're in a long lull period anyway so overall participation is down right now, although my own participation I must admit has been limited by the unpleasantness and vitriol launched in my direction by a particular poster.  I am also at the end of my run, so to speak.  So while I expect to continue following the D3 landscape for a while, I won't have the passion (which I understand cuts both positively and negatively) that gripped me over the past couple of years.

First things first.  I am responsible for many (but not all) of the negative karma points for an obvious poster and one other poster over the past month+.  I gave a few points to 2-3 other posters but not as many as the theory goes.  Not proud of my role at all.  Kind of took on a life of its own.   My personal journey with soccer goes back about 17 or so years.  Great, great ride, and I probably need some time to reflect and get it all in perspective.  It is hard to get one's hands around all that went into all those years, including all the elements and little mini-experiences and adversities overcome along the way. In that regard, maybe I can blame a bit of my behavior on "the heat of the moment."

That said, allow me to clarify my view about this karma thing from my perspective, which I believe is backed up by the chronology of posting events on this site. 

The reaction and the whole "NESCAC" fan theory aren't quite accurate, and my sense is that some of the comments have been rather myopic and insular.  For instance, did anyone notice that MY negative karma points went from 11 to 48, and mostly by 1 point a day?  Do any of you recall how the negative karma rage started?   Essentially ANY poster who disagreed with Mr. Right received negative karma and every single time thereafter if any disagreement continued.  He even confirmed the behavior and then shrugged it off saying karma wasn't a big deal at all (and yet he remained steadfast in doling it out).  Ask Falconer, D3Soccerwatcher, Midwest Soccer, etc, etc.  And, ironically, it was during that same period that a few of you seemed to bond with him and reinforce the guru complex, which no doubt at least roughly coincided with Tufts' great run to the championship.  The real irony, though, is that some of the new Mr. Right boosters were the exact same posters who had cheered with relief when LaPaz exited stage left with comments something like "good riddance" and exclamations about how badly he had behaved.  Further irony of course is that I helped facilitate his comeback with his new name and even implored him to contain himself a few times so that we didn't miss out on his participation and insights during the whole tournament.  I am pretty sure we joked at one point about picking up a yellow here and there with me imploring him not to get a "red card." 

There has been recent commiserating with MENESCACFAN.  I've never given that poster a single negative karma point.  And I would strongly guess all of that poster's negative points came from Mr. Right.  You may recall that Mr. Right was quite combative and insulting with MENESCACFAN and even accused the latter of being Mr. Not-Right.  A few of you may recall LaPaz's classy departure.

I'm not anti-NESCAC.  I know some and am familiar with many of players in the NESCAC.  I watched at least 2-3 NESCAC matches every weekend.  I've repeatedly said that NESCAC is a great and probably the "best" conference filled with great schools.  I will own that my view is this site already had been very NESCAC-heavy and for a stretch has become NESCAC Central, and some of the posting suggesting that NESCAC doesn't get its due and fair share of everything started rubbing me the wrong way.  I 'd bet I wasn't the only one who had that reaction.  And comments like suggesting Danny Brandt might be leaving Messiah because he couldn't handle the licking Tufts put on him really did almost push me over the edge.  But what really bothered me about what seemed like the little groupie lovefest that formed is how many noxious things at least a few of you overlooked in the process.  And I'm not talking about just the repeated derogatory digs comments about Christian schools.  There was the continued needling of some posters, and in my view the really offensive taunting of one of the all-time NESCAC greats, Spencer Noon.  There were very personal disclosures that (whether true or untrue) had no business being disclosed on this site.  There were comments about who is good and who is not, and who the worst recruits were ever for certain schools, using actual names.  I won't bother to try and remember all of the transgressions, but they went way beyond the content of his insults and jabs with me.  If he was occasionally confronted, he cried foul and insisted he was being picked on.  He apparently felt entitled to jab freely and often while those jabbed were supposed to keep their hands tied behind their backs.  Suffice it to say that my take is a poster insisted that no one could challenge his right to bully, boast, insult posters, insult players past and present by name, etc, etc, and that if anyone did challenge then that poster not only would get negative karma but also be publicly berated in a very personalized and ugly manner.  (And that's likely why some of you likely think his behavior had improved, as really some posters either tired of challenging him and/or were intimidated by the aggression and wildness of his little snit-fits.  The board in large part was simply conceded to him.)  So, yeah, when a few of you just ignored all that and kept cheering in apparently some NESCAC group-think, I was annoyed and occasionally angered.

This is a great site.  Nothing is perfect, but I know the people who run it are rock-solid people and they work extremely hard.  For the most part they let us posters do our thing.  But the site should never be about 1 or 2 posters, or a place where posters feel intimidated about posting for fear of being insulted or even mildly threatened.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 22, 2015, 11:14:28 AM
NCAC

I largely agree with your take.  He won't be missed and seemed to think knowledge gave him the right to insult and insinuate his opinions as fact.  What was apparent is he knew some people in the league so could call them and gain information, not sure that is a sign of intelligence in my eyes. 

The comments made about Serpone, foreign coaches taking American jobs, and disrespect to people who have been on the field and done it like Noon were embarrassing, and I share you view.

Now he is gone I hope this board will start to mirror the much more intelligent and less sensitive Basketball on this same thread.  If he does come back, hopefully he can start his own thread again which can be avoided.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 22, 2015, 03:40:35 PM
So I figured it may be fun to discuss our take on each team in the league during the dull off season.  Bottom to top, here are my observations on Hamilton who I watched three time last fall. 

2014 PERFORMANCE

I am surprised as I watched them twice early in the season.  An emphatic win at Bates, and a tough loss v Conn.  In both games they looked a playoff team to me.  Strong holding center mid in Frost, hard working and powerful forward in Kraynak and a quality defender in Reynolds.  They also seemed a pretty vibrant group full of confidence.  Despite what I think, somewhere down the line the wheels fell off and finishing the season without scoring in five games must have been a depressing note for the seniors to leave on.

OUTLOOK

They will be hit very hard by graduation.  Reynolds, Abbott, Kraynak, Frost and Balboa all graduate and seemed to me the core of their lineup.  Pressure will be on the younger players to step up, but I would predict they miss the playoffs again.

An interesting thing about Hamilton is the surest seniors were recruited to a different conference where Hamilton was a traditional power.  If thy struggle to pull in the same caliber of player as a now bottom end team, the next two seasons are where that is going to show on the field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 22, 2015, 04:27:46 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on January 22, 2015, 10:51:03 AM
I'm going to post my response to some of the rumblings and theories about negative karma on this thread since I am not supposed to visit the other one.  And for those of you fretting I'm sure your buddy will be back under a new platform and all re-energized and ready to go within a few days.  We're in a long lull period anyway so overall participation is down right now, although my own participation I must admit has been limited by the unpleasantness and vitriol launched in my direction by a particular poster.  I am also at the end of my run, so to speak.  So while I expect to continue following the D3 landscape for a while, I won't have the passion (which I understand cuts both positively and negatively) that gripped me over the past couple of years.

First things first.  I am responsible for many (but not all) of the negative karma points for an obvious poster and one other poster over the past month+.  I gave a few points to 2-3 other posters but not as many as the theory goes.  Not proud of my role at all.  Kind of took on a life of its own.   My personal journey with soccer goes back about 17 or so years.  Great, great ride, and I probably need some time to reflect and get it all in perspective.  It is hard to get one's hands around all that went into all those years, including all the elements and little mini-experiences and adversities overcome along the way. In that regard, maybe I can blame a bit of my behavior on "the heat of the moment."

That said, allow me to clarify my view about this karma thing from my perspective, which I believe is backed up by the chronology of posting events on this site. 

The reaction and the whole "NESCAC" fan theory aren't quite accurate, and my sense is that some of the comments have been rather myopic and insular.  For instance, did anyone notice that MY negative karma points went from 11 to 48, and mostly by 1 point a day?  Do any of you recall how the negative karma rage started?   Essentially ANY poster who disagreed with Mr. Right received negative karma and every single time thereafter if any disagreement continued.  He even confirmed the behavior and then shrugged it off saying karma wasn't a big deal at all (and yet he remained steadfast in doling it out).  Ask Falconer, D3Soccerwatcher, Midwest Soccer, etc, etc.  And, ironically, it was during that same period that a few of you seemed to bond with him and reinforce the guru complex, which no doubt at least roughly coincided with Tufts' great run to the championship.  The real irony, though, is that some of the new Mr. Right boosters were the exact same posters who had cheered with relief when LaPaz exited stage left with comments something like "good riddance" and exclamations about how badly he had behaved.  Further irony of course is that I helped facilitate his comeback with his new name and even implored him to contain himself a few times so that we didn't miss out on his participation and insights during the whole tournament.  I am pretty sure we joked at one point about picking up a yellow here and there with me imploring him not to get a "red card." 

There has been recent commiserating with MENESCACFAN.  I've never given that poster a single negative karma point.  And I would strongly guess all of that poster's negative points came from Mr. Right.  You may recall that Mr. Right was quite combative and insulting with MENESCACFAN and even accused the latter of being Mr. Not-Right.  A few of you may recall LaPaz's classy departure.

I'm not anti-NESCAC.  I know some and am familiar with many of players in the NESCAC.  I watched at least 2-3 NESCAC matches every weekend.  I've repeatedly said that NESCAC is a great and probably the "best" conference filled with great schools.  I will own that my view is this site already had been very NESCAC-heavy and for a stretch has become NESCAC Central, and some of the posting suggesting that NESCAC doesn't get its due and fair share of everything started rubbing me the wrong way.  I 'd bet I wasn't the only one who had that reaction.  And comments like suggesting Danny Brandt might be leaving Messiah because he couldn't handle the licking Tufts put on him really did almost push me over the edge.  But what really bothered me about what seemed like the little groupie lovefest that formed is how many noxious things at least a few of you overlooked in the process.  And I'm not talking about just the repeated derogatory digs comments about Christian schools.  There was the continued needling of some posters, and in my view the really offensive taunting of one of the all-time NESCAC greats, Spencer Noon.  There were very personal disclosures that (whether true or untrue) had no business being disclosed on this site.  There were comments about who is good and who is not, and who the worst recruits were ever for certain schools, using actual names.  I won't bother to try and remember all of the transgressions, but they went way beyond the content of his insults and jabs with me.  If he was occasionally confronted, he cried foul and insisted he was being picked on.  He apparently felt entitled to jab freely and often while those jabbed were supposed to keep their hands tied behind their backs.  Suffice it to say that my take is a poster insisted that no one could challenge his right to bully, boast, insult posters, insult players past and present by name, etc, etc, and that if anyone did challenge then that poster not only would get negative karma but also be publicly berated in a very personalized and ugly manner.  (And that's likely why some of you likely think his behavior had improved, as really some posters either tired of challenging him and/or were intimidated by the aggression and wildness of his little snit-fits.  The board in large part was simply conceded to him.)  So, yeah, when a few of you just ignored all that and kept cheering in apparently some NESCAC group-think, I was annoyed and occasionally angered.

This is a great site.  Nothing is perfect, but I know the people who run it are rock-solid people and they work extremely hard.  For the most part they let us posters do our thing.  But the site should never be about 1 or 2 posters, or a place where posters feel intimidated about posting for fear of being insulted or even mildly threatened.

I may have been that one other poster. Go back and look at all of my 200+ posts. Really, how many, if any, were offensive? Really....And, other NESCAC posters continued to receive negative posts. The only real personal attacks I saw were from you and Mr. Right.  Others have also noticed this.  At least you own up to some of it.... I appreciate your candor.  I just noticed you seem to get more upset as the NESCAC, and especially Tufts, excelled. (and if it really makes you feel better...you can still give me daily negative karma points...lol)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on January 22, 2015, 04:55:11 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on January 22, 2015, 03:40:35 PM
So I figured it may be fun to discuss our take on each team in the league during the dull off season.  Bottom to top, here are my observations on Hamilton who I watched three time last fall. 

2014 PERFORMANCE

I am surprised as I watched them twice early in the season.  An emphatic win at Bates, and a tough loss v Conn.  In both games they looked a playoff team to me.  Strong holding center mid in Frost, hard working and powerful forward in Kraynak and a quality defender in Reynolds.  They also seemed a pretty vibrant group full of confidence.  Despite what I think, somewhere down the line the wheels fell off and finishing the season without scoring in five games must have been a depressing note for the seniors to leave on.

OUTLOOK

They will be hit very hard by graduation.  Reynolds, Abbott, Kraynak, Frost and Balboa all graduate and seemed to me the core of their lineup.  Pressure will be on the younger players to step up, but I would predict they miss the playoffs again.

An interesting thing about Hamilton is the surest seniors were recruited to a different conference where Hamilton was a traditional power.  If thy struggle to pull in the same caliber of player as a now bottom end team, the next two seasons are where that is going to show on the field.

Great idea. I look forward to reading the rest.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 22, 2015, 05:17:59 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on January 22, 2015, 09:37:50 AM
I see LP/MR is inactive again.  Did I miss another blow up?  Shame he had seems a lot more rational and less insulting of late.  Anyone taking bets on the next name he resurfaces under?

Suspecting that he was the cause of all the negative karma, I took his post total down to 100 as an experiment to see if the karma levels leveled off. Guess that wasn't popular but quitting the board was a little more than I expected. He was not banned.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 22, 2015, 06:49:13 PM
Thanks Corazon, interested to see the takes of others.

Thanks Pat, I imagine he will come back.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on January 22, 2015, 07:48:45 PM
BF, my apologies.  You got caught in the crossfire.  Some of your posts made me insane but none were offensive or mean-spirited in any way, at least not intentionally.  As for your impression, my sense is that a fallacy of temporality is being made.  Just because Tufts excelled around the same time the little holy war heated up doesn't mean they were connected.  I have no connection to Tufts positive or negative, and none of my kids ever applied to Tufts.  I've already stated that while not seduced by the NESCAC I am generally a fan.  Tufts didn't have anything to do with "my team" bowing out.  I only regret that they didn't get a chance to play Tufts.  There were a bunch of great match-ups that never happened but that's part and parcel of what a tournament is all about.  The only indirect link is that as some of you got more excited and were celebrating together I think you looked the other way on some other stuff.

Mr. Coleman, please take away 30 negative karma points from BF and give them to me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on January 22, 2015, 09:19:39 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on January 21, 2015, 04:47:23 AM
Mr.Right got his posts cut from 900 to 100 for no reason. He obviously upset the right wing majority on this site. BTW NCAC New NewEngland has been giving negative karma to us for the past 2 months for those of you that care. Personally, this site is regulated by a darker side of god's will and I have finally have had enough. You will not hear from me again and I wish all my supporters the best of luck in life.

Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 22, 2015, 05:17:59 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on January 22, 2015, 09:37:50 AM
I see LP/MR is inactive again.  Did I miss another blow up?  Shame he had seems a lot more rational and less insulting of late.  Anyone taking bets on the next name he resurfaces under?

Suspecting that he was the cause of all the negative karma, I took his post total down to 100 as an experiment to see if the karma levels leveled off. Guess that wasn't popular but quitting the board was a little more than I expected. He was not banned.

Wow, I didn't know that Pat was a right winger ruling from the dark side of god's will!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on January 23, 2015, 09:58:08 AM
I confess that I am a right winger.

I think SLU had too many good strikers when I played so Coach put me out to the flank :)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 2xfaux on January 23, 2015, 11:49:51 AM
Quote from: Saint of Old on January 23, 2015, 09:58:08 AM
I confess that I am a right winger.

I think SLU had too many good strikers when I played so Coach put me out to the flank :)


In the midst of all the recent histrionics...thanks for the breath of fresh air. :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 23, 2015, 12:52:07 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on January 22, 2015, 09:19:39 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on January 21, 2015, 04:47:23 AM
Mr.Right got his posts cut from 900 to 100 for no reason. He obviously upset the right wing majority on this site. BTW NCAC New NewEngland has been giving negative karma to us for the past 2 months for those of you that care. Personally, this site is regulated by a darker side of god's will and I have finally have had enough. You will not hear from me again and I wish all my supporters the best of luck in life.

Quote from: Pat Coleman on January 22, 2015, 05:17:59 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on January 22, 2015, 09:37:50 AM
I see LP/MR is inactive again.  Did I miss another blow up?  Shame he had seems a lot more rational and less insulting of late.  Anyone taking bets on the next name he resurfaces under?

Suspecting that he was the cause of all the negative karma, I took his post total down to 100 as an experiment to see if the karma levels leveled off. Guess that wasn't popular but quitting the board was a little more than I expected. He was not banned.

Wow, I didn't know that Pat was a right winger ruling from the dark side of god's will!

I guess it was indeed a bit of social experimentation. :) But it is the only way to revoke a person's karma privileges.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on January 23, 2015, 07:25:28 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on January 22, 2015, 07:48:45 PM
BF, my apologies.  You got caught in the crossfire.  Some of your posts made me insane but none were offensive or mean-spirited in any way, at least not intentionally.  As for your impression, my sense is that a fallacy of temporality is being made.  Just because Tufts excelled around the same time the little holy war heated up doesn't mean they were connected.  I have no connection to Tufts positive or negative, and none of my kids ever applied to Tufts.  I've already stated that while not seduced by the NESCAC I am generally a fan.    That's what bothered me more than anything.  Tufts didn't have anything to do with "my team" bowing out.  I only regret that they didn't get a chance to play Tufts.  There were a bunch of great match-ups that never happened but that's part and parcel of what a tournament is all about.  The only indirect link is that as some of you got more excited and were celebrating together I think you looked the other way on some other stuff.

Mr. Coleman, please take away 30 negative karma points from BF and give them to me.

No Sweat NCAC......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 24, 2015, 06:32:22 PM
#10 Bates

2014 PERFORMANCE

Hands down the most bipolar team in NESCAC (or D3?) history.  Failed to score a goal in their first 5 and failed to win any of their first 7 games of the season.  Followed that up with wins over Trinity (3-0 no less) and Conn, and a draw with Williams.  Scored nine goals in a half v Newbury yet lost to Maine Maritime, bat Curry comfortably yet lost to Thomas, you figure it out!

OUTLOOK

See above!  Tough to figure out.  Biggest plus is that all their impact players return.  Their freshman class netted 12 goals, the sophomore class 7, and the junior/senior class combined for 3.  Will likely fight for the #8 seed, with it coming down to regular season finale all over again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on January 30, 2015, 12:34:43 PM
Any word on NESCAC Recruits for next Fall?  any difference makers?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on January 30, 2015, 04:10:11 PM
Ones I know of who are touted as impact are;

Jake Stenquist (Rivers School to Bowdoin).
Jefferey Lin (Rivers School to Colby)
Chris Lewis (Jamaica youth national team to Amherst)
Drew Parsons (Mount Blue to Bates)
Sterling Weatherbie (Seacoast Academy to Tufts)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on February 01, 2015, 05:06:24 PM
#9 TRINITY

2014 PERFORMANCE

As in 2013, Trinity got off to a good start and tailed off later in the season.  An early win over Colby and late upset over Wesleyan stood out as their only NESCAC wins.  This seems to me a program on the slide, and it seems a long time ago they made the NESCAC final and Pilger named coach of the year.

OUTLOOK

Lose their best player in Tim Shea, but return two impact sophomores in Cody Savonen (CF) and Tobias Gimand (CM).  As mentioned they, have seem to have fallen below the top tier, and I would not be surprised to see them miss the playoffs again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on February 04, 2015, 02:13:15 PM
Here's a partial list of colleges for 2015 Academy players (with 30 of 77 clubs reporting) http://www.socceramerica.com/article/62510/dc-united-leads-ussda-clubs-in-college-bound-pla.html

I see 2 players headed to NESCAC from this list, with both going to Colby.  Jansen Aoyama of FC Delco (PA) and Richie Gutierrez of NJCSA (NJ).  Along with Andrew Mitchell of Seacoast (NH) who took his senior year off to play HS ball (NSCAA HS All-American), that appears to be quite a haul for Ewan Seabrook.

Hopefully, they will list the other clubs' info soon so we can see which other Academy players are also going to NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on February 04, 2015, 04:14:05 PM
Colby stole an Aoyama brother (I'm assuming, but seems like a safe assumption) from Amherst?? Wow.  NJ has great soccer talent and it's also impressive to get a guy up to Colby who likely was recruited by the many strong regional D3 teams in that area.  Seems like an impressive haul, indeed. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on February 04, 2015, 10:41:01 PM
Thanks Corazon

Great list.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on February 05, 2015, 12:25:12 PM
Yesterday was Colby's turn to shine in the recruiting wars.  Today, it is Tufts' day.  With a few more Academys reporting, http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2015/02/04/18/48/150204-across-the-academy, Tufts gets on the NESCAC score board with Ryan Friedman of San Diego Surf (CA).  Along with Seacoast Acadamy (NH) players Sterling Weatherbie and Henry Stevens, the national champs re-load with a strong Academy trio of their own.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on February 05, 2015, 12:28:08 PM
Quote from: Corazon on February 05, 2015, 12:25:12 PM
Yesterday was Colby's turn to shine in the recruiting wars.  Today, it is Tufts' day.  With a few more Academys reporting,  http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2015/02/04/18/48/150204-across-the-academy , Tufts gets on the NESCAC score board with Ryan Friedman of San Diego Surf (CA).  Along with Seacoast Acadamy (NH) players Sterling Weatherbie and Henry Stevens, the national champs re-load with a strong Acadmey trio of their own.

Wow, 2 great days. Congrats to those programs.  I am impressed that these schools get USSDA players instead of the players opting for D1 programs.  They most likely had D1 options but chose schools where they could play (maybe right away) and get great educations.  I applaud these types of decisions.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on February 05, 2015, 12:53:29 PM
Good point.  Not such a tough decision to go NESCAC for some families as D1 money is paltry relative to overall cost.  I guess it depends on which D1 programs are recruiting them.  You also have the impact player vs bench decision and the all-consuming soccer vs experience college decisions at play. Soccer is far different than say, basketball or football where you are competing with full rides.

I expect most of the NESCAC programs to land an Academy player or two.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on February 05, 2015, 03:15:16 PM
Quote from: Corazon on February 05, 2015, 12:53:29 PM
Good point.  Not such a tough decision to go NESCAC for some families as D1 money is paltry relative to overall cost.  I guess it depends on which D1 programs are recruiting them.  You also have the impact player vs bench decision and the all-consuming soccer vs experience college decisions at play. Soccer is far different than say, basketball or football where you are competing with full rides.

I expect most of the NESCAC programs to land an Academy player or two.

Agree.  Much easier decision on the Men's side than the Women's in soccer to chose D3 over D1 as there is very little $$ available, unlike FB or BB.  Chose NESCAC get a great education and play/start for 4 years.  Each NESCAC team will bring in 1 or 2 Academy players each year as has been the case for the past 3 or 4 years. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 05, 2015, 11:22:13 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on February 05, 2015, 12:28:08 PM
Quote from: Corazon on February 05, 2015, 12:25:12 PM
Yesterday was Colby's turn to shine in the recruiting wars.  Today, it is Tufts' day.  With a few more Academys reporting,  http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2015/02/04/18/48/150204-across-the-academy , Tufts gets on the NESCAC score board with Ryan Friedman of San Diego Surf (CA).  Along with Seacoast Acadamy (NH) players Sterling Weatherbie and Henry Stevens, the national champs re-load with a strong Acadmey trio of their own.

Wow, 2 great days. Congrats to those programs.  I am impressed that these schools get USSDA players instead of the players opting for D1 programs.  They most likely had D1 options but chose schools where they could play (maybe right away) and get great educations.  I applaud these types of decisions.....

spot on Flounder!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 05, 2015, 11:24:40 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on February 05, 2015, 03:15:16 PM
Quote from: Corazon on February 05, 2015, 12:53:29 PM
Good point.  Not such a tough decision to go NESCAC for some families as D1 money is paltry relative to overall cost.  I guess it depends on which D1 programs are recruiting them.  You also have the impact player vs bench decision and the all-consuming soccer vs experience college decisions at play. Soccer is far different than say, basketball or football where you are competing with full rides.

I expect most of the NESCAC programs to land an Academy player or two.

Agree.  Much easier decision on the Men's side than the Women's in soccer to chose D3 over D1 as there is very little $$ available, unlike FB or BB.  Chose NESCAC get a great education and play/start for 4 years.  Each NESCAC team will bring in 1 or 2 Academy players each year as has been the case for the past 3 or 4 years.

I think the trend is getting higher. More academy players have chose the NESCAC lately...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GarbageGoals33 on February 06, 2015, 05:50:20 PM
I had a chance to play with Gabriel Wirz the last few days at the Minnesota United FC (trial player training/tryout).  Seemed like a nice kid, not a bad player either.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on February 07, 2015, 07:31:17 PM
You can add one more USSDA to the NESCAC scoreboard.  The Bates soccer facebook page talks about Andrew Munoz of Dallas Texans as an incomer, has a photo of the kid playing against FC Dallas.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 08, 2015, 05:08:23 PM
It would be interesting to know how many USSDA players are on each team....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4231CenterBack on February 08, 2015, 06:20:24 PM
I would be careful about putting too much emphasis on USSDA clubs and the recruits coming out if them. There can be a tremendous difference in quality from one USSDA club to another. My experience here in the Boston area is that there are one or two that are excellent and the others are just like any other club.  The Revs academy is legit but teams like Bolts or Seacoast, while still very good, are not any better than a number of non-USSDA clubs in the area.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 08, 2015, 11:55:07 PM
Quote from: 4231CenterBack on February 08, 2015, 06:20:24 PM
I would be careful about putting too much emphasis on USSDA clubs and the recruits coming out if them. There can be a tremendous difference in quality from one USSDA club to another. My experience here in the Boston area is that there are one or two that are excellent and the others are just like any other club.  The Revs academy is legit but teams like Bolts or Seacoast, while still very good, are not any better than a number of non-USSDA clubs in the area.

I think centerback is right...cant put too much emphasis on USSDA clubs and their players entering the college ranks.  There is certainly a big difference in quality between clubs in different parts of the country. Are all the best players really playing in the USSDA...of course not.  For some, if not many, playing on these teams has to do with the affluence of their family -- how much money, time, and family resources can be sacrificed to play in the USSDA?  Many of these USSDA clubs are true businesses (with all the politics that come along with that) - reaping real profits that get parlayed to their leadership and coaching staffs so that they can keep their "non-profit" status.  I think is many cases these clubs don't really develop good players as much as they simply attract good players (who were quite well developed in second level clubs) who think they have to be playing in the  USSDA to have a shot at college - and so their families sacrifice (dearly in many cases) to chase the dream.  And there are so many great players who simply don't live close enough to a USSDA club to make it work or whose families can't or won't make that kind of sacrifice for one child at the expense of the entire family.

What's happened numerous times in our area is players will travel to the closest USSDA club for a year or two - lock up their college offer - and then simply quit the USSDA to go back and play for their high school team and finish up with their home club.  It's pretty interesting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4231CenterBack on February 09, 2015, 10:15:16 AM
Interesting article on the topic:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/08/25/youth-soccer-players-face-tough-choices-with-academy-system/iktagUJXCTKxITaiDl9VwM/story.html
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 09, 2015, 10:36:35 PM
Quote from: 4231CenterBack on February 09, 2015, 10:15:16 AM
Interesting article on the topic:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/08/25/youth-soccer-players-face-tough-choices-with-academy-system/iktagUJXCTKxITaiDl9VwM/story.html

Very interesting and I agree with most points. If you are one of the top players with good college potential, I think, generally, USSDA, is the best way to go....given the training, traveling and commitment involved...prepares you better for college soccer....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on February 14, 2015, 12:05:54 AM
Not sure about the Boston Bolts comment.  The Tufts starting goalkeeper came from that academy.  If you read through D1 commitment pages, it is very obvious the better college players are coming from the USSDA system.  While there are exceptions, the concentration of talent is far higher and therefore kids are more college ready in most cases.  Seacoast recently produced freshman starters at Northeastern and Dartmouth.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 14, 2015, 12:53:00 AM
I tend to agree. While some USSDA teams are stronger than others, most are stronger than the next club level and play better competition.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on February 14, 2015, 09:04:11 AM
The Tufts GK played for Bolts DAP for 1 or 2 years max.  Spent most of his youth club career with a regular fairly high level non-DAP team.  No question that a DAP player is probably a good to very good player and a pretty safe bet, especially for D3.  It is certainly a resume enhancer and no doubt catches the eye of D3 coaches and helps kids get a nice jump and foot in the door in terms of recruitment.  May help in getting some kids a boost with admissions at tougher schools.  Coaches like to talk about how their programs are attracting DAP players.  That said, DAP status does not necessarily tell you a lot about a kid's hunger going forward or provide a guarantee that a school is getting someone who will be an impact player.  And DAP certainly wasn't created to be a breeding ground for D3 players.

Would be interesting to take the two All-American lists and see how many were part of DAP and how many were not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on February 14, 2015, 09:09:40 AM
Certainly doesn't tell you about hunger, but what does?  I think you summarize it by saying a USSDA player is a safe bet and likely a good to very good player.  It is also true that a USSDA consistently practice and plays against better competition.  It is also a recruiting status symbol if you will to attract those kids widely perceived as D1 territory. 

If you use the All-American lists for all 3 divisions would be interesting yes.  Silly just to use D3 though.  The division attracts less USSDA players, so there will be less in the Al-American team proving not much at all.  In D1, I expect the vast majority to be USSDA.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on February 14, 2015, 09:42:40 AM
No question about D1.  Probably 85% or more are from DAP.  But most of us here are more interested in D3, correct?  When DAP players are choosing D3 and/or those choosing D3 are coming from the bottom 1/3 or bottom half of DAP rosters that's when I think the motivation of the player is a little more complicated.  And in New England especially there tends to be significant overlap between DAP and the New England prep school scene.  And I agree that the training and competition are better.  That said, I've seen DAP kids who have peaked and are using the DAP status to some extent to access a good D3 school.  Not all of them turn out to be studs even in D3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on February 14, 2015, 10:06:09 AM
We are interested in D3 yes, but realize D1 is a higher level of competition.  So when things like level of player come up D1 a very relevant comparison.  To suggest a player is on the bottom third of a USSDA roster is more unmotivated than a top end non-USSDA player holds no weight at all for me.

Not all turn out to be studs, but I do not understand the resistance to the train of thought that USSDA is superior to non-USSDA.  All question marks (motivation, not all pan out) are not USSDA problems, they are teenage kid problems.  I would guess every NESCAC school wants USSDA kids very year, and many D3 teams can't touch them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on February 14, 2015, 11:48:36 AM
I have no problem acknowledging that DAP is superior, and for those seeking D1 it is a no-brainer and arguably a necessity.  The question I have for D3 is to what extent it is overkill and a status symbol for players and D3 coaches.  DAP was never intended to be a bridge to Bowdoin or Middlebury.  But it is being used by some percentage of DAP participants for that kind of purpose, especially in New England.  Nothing wrong with that I suppose, and no question that those players are going to have an edge heading into their frosh years.  They are going to benefit from a more than fair look from their college coach, but in the long run they still have to produce.  The coach isn't going to just keep playing you based on your resume.  I think that's all I meant by motivation.  Kids have to produce, and you can't always predict how all of the new experiences and opportunities of college are going to impact the soccer piece.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on February 14, 2015, 12:32:57 PM
Of course USSDA is a higher level. It is the highest level in US youth club soccer. I can not believe there are people who think other New England club teams can beat Bolts or Seacoast U18 Academy. That notion simply boggles the mind.

Of course, not every Academy player will be an impact player at the D3 level but if you see that they  are a starter or get considerable playing time at the U18 level, very high likelihood they'll be an impact player in the NESCAC before they graduate. I've seen many, many USSDA games as well as quite a few club games in New England and you simply can not compare the 2 levels. There are some very good players who do not play Academy for various reasons but you can not compare club vs Acadmy teams. They simply are not close.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on February 14, 2015, 12:43:52 PM
Most USSDA players go D1. Almost every USSDA player has D1 options. They may not be the right ones, but most have multiple D1 options. When my older son was going through the recruiting process, we only targeted a few Ivies and NESCAC.  Most incoming D1 interest were from schools we viewed as non-starters. Not too much incoming NESCAC, but once we made contact, he pretty much had his pick. What we also encountered was that his Academy club tried heavily influencing him into going D1 regardless of academic fit. They could not fathom voluntarily going D3. This is what the NESCAC coaches are competing with.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on February 14, 2015, 12:53:57 PM
Of the three incoming New England based USSDA players, I've seen 2 play several times and know them pretty well through reputation (I'm a year removed from intimately knowing this class).  I fully expect both Mitchell (Colby), a creative midfielder/winger and Stevens (Tufts), a rugged defender, DM Type, will be impact NESCAC players, perhaps even right away. I have not seen Weatherbie play much (except a couple of times in prep school) but believe he is pretty solid too.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on February 14, 2015, 03:31:57 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on February 14, 2015, 09:04:11 AM
The Tufts GK played for Bolts DAP for 1 or 2 years max.  Spent most of his youth club career with a regular fairly high level non-DAP team.  No question that a DAP player is probably a good to very good player and a pretty safe bet, especially for D3.  It is certainly a resume enhancer and no doubt catches the eye of D3 coaches and helps kids get a nice jump and foot in the door in terms of recruitment.  May help in getting some kids a boost with admissions at tougher schools.  Coaches like to talk about how their programs are attracting DAP players.  That said, DAP status does not necessarily tell you a lot about a kid's hunger going forward or provide a guarantee that a school is getting someone who will be an impact player.  And DAP certainly wasn't created to be a breeding ground for D3 players.

Would be interesting to take the two All-American lists and see how many were part of DAP and how many were not.

Agreed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on February 14, 2015, 03:33:22 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on February 14, 2015, 09:09:40 AM
Certainly doesn't tell you about hunger, but what does?  I think you summarize it by saying a USSDA player is a safe bet and likely a good to very good player.  It is also true that a USSDA consistently practice and plays against better competition.  It is also a recruiting status symbol if you will to attract those kids widely perceived as D1 territory. 

If you use the All-American lists for all 3 divisions would be interesting yes.  Silly just to use D3 though.  The division attracts less USSDA players, so there will be less in the Al-American team proving not much at all.  In D1, I expect the vast majority to be USSDA.

Agreed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 14, 2015, 04:45:32 PM
There are some D3 USSDA players that are better than some D1 USSDA players that opt to play for various D3 schools that are religious or highly recognized educational institutions. And, it doesn't matter where you played youth for heart and hunger as that generally comes from within....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 14, 2015, 04:49:44 PM
I also would like to know how many USSDA players were on the National Champion, Tufts, just for curiosity sake.... Does anyone know?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 14, 2015, 04:53:13 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on February 14, 2015, 12:05:54 AM
Not sure about the Boston Bolts comment.  The Tufts starting goalkeeper came from that academy.  If you read through D1 commitment pages, it is very obvious the better college players are coming from the USSDA system.  While there are exceptions, the concentration of talent is far higher and therefore kids are more college ready in most cases.  Seacoast recently produced freshman starters at Northeastern and Dartmouth.

Also agree on this.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on February 14, 2015, 04:59:05 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on February 14, 2015, 04:49:44 PM
I also would like to know how many USSDA players were on the National Champion, Tufts, just for curiosity sake.... Does anyone know?
Off the top of my head, the MA DAPs include: Greenwood, Miele, Kramer, Santos
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on February 14, 2015, 05:48:53 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on February 14, 2015, 04:59:05 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on February 14, 2015, 04:49:44 PM
I also would like to know how many USSDA players were on the National Champion, Tufts, just for curiosity sake.... Does anyone know?
Off the top of my head, the MA DAPs include: Greenwood, Miele, Kramer, Santos

I think one of those came from the Bolts non-DAP team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on February 14, 2015, 06:30:16 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on February 14, 2015, 12:05:54 AM
Not sure about the Boston Bolts comment.  The Tufts starting goalkeeper came from that academy.  If you read through D1 commitment pages, it is very obvious the better college players are coming from the USSDA system.  While there are exceptions, the concentration of talent is far higher and therefore kids are more college ready in most cases.  Seacoast recently produced freshman starters at Northeastern and Dartmouth.

Last year's Seacoast 18s also graduated 2 players to D2 who I believe would have been considered among the very top players in the league as freshmen if they would have gone to NESCAC.  Last year's Bolts sent players to Stanford, Duke, BC and Northeastern, among other D1s as scholarship recipients.  The BC and Northeastern kids played a lot as freshmen.  Like I've said, you simply can not compare club vs Academy in terms of impact players.  I know my comments will not be popular among most readers on this board, but I'm simply stating reality and not trying to offend.  Not sure why this is such a hard concept to understand. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on February 14, 2015, 06:43:50 PM
Quote from: Corazon on February 14, 2015, 06:30:16 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on February 14, 2015, 12:05:54 AM
Not sure about the Boston Bolts comment.  The Tufts starting goalkeeper came from that academy.  If you read through D1 commitment pages, it is very obvious the better college players are coming from the USSDA system.  While there are exceptions, the concentration of talent is far higher and therefore kids are more college ready in most cases.  Seacoast recently produced freshman starters at Northeastern and Dartmouth.

Last year's Seacoast 18s also graduated 2 players to D2 who I believe would have been considered among the very top players in the league as freshmen if they would have gone to NESCAC.  Last year's Bolts sent players to Stanford, Duke, BC and Northeastern, among other D1s as scholarship recipients.  The BC and Northeastern kids played a lot as freshmen.  Like I've said, you simply can not compare club vs Academy in terms of impact players.  I know my comments will not be popular among most readers on this board, but I'm simply stating reality and not trying to offend.  Not sure why this is such a hard concept to understand.

Not sure who you are referring to.  Just to be clear, I don't find your comments controversial.  DAP is superior and will account for the vast majority of D1 slots, and DAP kids will have an edge in D3 recruiting as well.  I think the confusion is coming in by mixing D1 and D3 together.  A particular player might have had D1 offers but the D3 level is not comparable to the D1 level in general, and I say that as a D3 parent/fan.  And, barring rare exceptions, kids who can play (I mean really play) at Stanford, Duke, BC, etc and even the Ivies are not going to pick even the most attractive D3s instead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 14, 2015, 11:22:46 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on February 14, 2015, 06:43:50 PM
Quote from: Corazon on February 14, 2015, 06:30:16 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on February 14, 2015, 12:05:54 AM
Not sure about the Boston Bolts comment.  The Tufts starting goalkeeper came from that academy.  If you read through D1 commitment pages, it is very obvious the better college players are coming from the USSDA system.  While there are exceptions, the concentration of talent is far higher and therefore kids are more college ready in most cases.  Seacoast recently produced freshman starters at Northeastern and Dartmouth.

Last year's Seacoast 18s also graduated 2 players to D2 who I believe would have been considered among the very top players in the league as freshmen if they would have gone to NESCAC.  Last year's Bolts sent players to Stanford, Duke, BC and Northeastern, among other D1s as scholarship recipients.  The BC and Northeastern kids played a lot as freshmen.  Like I've said, you simply can not compare club vs Academy in terms of impact players.  I know my comments will not be popular among most readers on this board, but I'm simply stating reality and not trying to offend.  Not sure why this is such a hard concept to understand.

Not sure who you are referring to.  Just to be clear, I don't find your comments controversial.  DAP is superior and will account for the vast majority of D1 slots, and DAP kids will have an edge in D3 recruiting as well.  I think the confusion is coming in by mixing D1 and D3 together.  A particular player might have had D1 offers but the D3 level is not comparable to the D1 level in general, and I say that as a D3 parent/fan.  And, barring rare exceptions, kids who can play (I mean really play) at Stanford, Duke, BC, etc and even the Ivies are not going to pick even the most attractive D3s instead.


No one anywhere stated that D3 is equal or better than D1....just that some kids may choose a D3 school given religious or education opportunities...and I am aware of a few that have done so...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 14, 2015, 11:27:06 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on February 14, 2015, 06:43:50 PM
Quote from: Corazon on February 14, 2015, 06:30:16 PM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on February 14, 2015, 12:05:54 AM
Not sure about the Boston Bolts comment.  The Tufts starting goalkeeper came from that academy.  If you read through D1 commitment pages, it is very obvious the better college players are coming from the USSDA system.  While there are exceptions, the concentration of talent is far higher and therefore kids are more college ready in most cases.  Seacoast recently produced freshman starters at Northeastern and Dartmouth.

Last year's Seacoast 18s also graduated 2 players to D2 who I believe would have been considered among the very top players in the league as freshmen if they would have gone to NESCAC.  Last year's Bolts sent players to Stanford, Duke, BC and Northeastern, among other D1s as scholarship recipients.  The BC and Northeastern kids played a lot as freshmen.  Like I've said, you simply can not compare club vs Academy in terms of impact players.  I know my comments will not be popular among most readers on this board, but I'm simply stating reality and not trying to offend.  Not sure why this is such a hard concept to understand.

Not sure who you are referring to.  Just to be clear, I don't find your comments controversial.  DAP is superior and will account for the vast majority of D1 slots, and DAP kids will have an edge in D3 recruiting as well.  I think the confusion is coming in by mixing D1 and D3 together.  A particular player might have had D1 offers but the D3 level is not comparable to the D1 level in general, and I say that as a D3 parent/fan.  And, barring rare exceptions, kids who can play (I mean really play) at Stanford, Duke, BC, etc and even the Ivies are not going to pick even the most attractive D3s instead.


Sure, BC, Stanford and Duke are no brainers....but what about D1 schools like Indiana State v. A school like Bowdoin, University of Chicago, Emory, etc....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on February 15, 2015, 07:02:22 AM
NCAC, my comments were primarily meant for the posters who said the very top Academy players might be good, but the others are no different than the good club teams. In New England, Bolts and Seacoast Academies were specifically mentioned as being no different than other good New England club teams (that is 2/3!). Being very familiar with the New England club soccer scene, I found that notion ludicrous.

I would agree that many bench players from Academy teams are no better than the top club players, but no way that a club team will beat a USSDA team as the upper half of any Academy team will be far better than anyone on a club team with a few rare exceptions. You can take this same club vs USSDA analogy and apply it to D1 vs D3 soccer. Would Amherst beat UCONN? No chance. Would Amherst beat Northeastern? Still highly unlikely.

I am not necessarily pro-Academy. I recognize it is not for everyone. I only posted of USSDA players going to NESCACs as I thought they were notable gets for the NESCAC coaching staff. It doesn't mean every USSDA player will be an impact player in the NESCAC but the chances of them becoming one is much higher than a normal club player. I don't know every incoming recruit I've posted about, but the ones I know about, I'm highly confident will be impact players in the NESCAC.

USSDA is always a sensitive topic in the youth soccer landscape. If it weren't, people wouldn't have given me negative karmas. Invariably, the USSDA bashers come from the following groups: 1) those whose kids didn't make the teams but felt they were good enough and felt they were screwed, 2) parents who knew their kids weren't good enough but resented the top players on their clubs leaving, rendering their teams weaker, and 3) club coaches whose non-USSDA clubs get decimated with their best players leaving and 4) HS coaches and parents whose best players can't play and they don't understand why not.

As for the questions regarding how many of the Tufts starters played Academy, I believe the answer is the majority. I haven't yet researched it fully, but I was curious about the Princeton, NJ connection so I looked into it at one time and found they all played Academy ball at the same club (Match Fit Chelsea) except for Kramer who went to prep school in New England (Revs) so you can add Hoppenot, Pinheiro and Holliday to the list. Yes folks, academy players are usually pretty good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on February 15, 2015, 07:31:51 AM
Fran O'Leary is back to coaching. He is the new head coach for UMASS.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 15, 2015, 08:30:58 AM
Quote from: Corazon on February 15, 2015, 07:02:22 AM
NCAC, my comments were primarily meant for the posters who said the very top Academy players might be good, but the others are no different than the good club teams. In New England, Bolts and Seacoast Academies were specifically mentioned as being no different than other good New England club teams (that is 2/3!). Being very familiar with the New England club soccer scene, I found that notion ludicrous.

I would agree that many bench players from Academy teams are no better than the top club players, but no way that a club team will beat a USSDA team as the upper half of any Academy team will be far better than anyone on a club team with a few rare exceptions. You can take this same club vs USSDA analogy and apply it to D1 vs D3 soccer. Would Amherst beat UCONN? No chance. Would Amherst beat Northeastern? Still highly unlikely.

I am not necessarily pro-Academy. I recognize it is not for everyone. I only posted of USSDA players going to NESCACs as I thought they were notable gets for the NESCAC coaching staff. It doesn't mean every USSDA player will be an impact player in the NESCAC but the chances of them becoming one is much higher than a normal club player. I don't know every incoming recruit I've posted about, but the ones I know about, I'm highly confident will be impact players in the NESCAC.

USSDA is always a sensitive topic in the youth soccer landscape. If it weren't, people wouldn't have given me negative karmas. Invariably, the USSDA bashers come from the following groups: 1) those whose kids didn't make the teams but felt they were good enough and felt they were screwed, 2) parents who knew their kids weren't good enough but resented the top players on their clubs leaving, rendering their teams weaker, and 3) club coaches whose non-USSDA clubs get decimated with their best players leaving and 4) HS coaches and parents whose best players can't play and they don't understand why not.

As for the questions regarding how many of the Tufts starters played Academy, I believe the answer is the majority. I haven't yet researched it fully, but I was curious about the Princeton, NJ connection so I looked into it at one time and found they all played Academy ball at the same club (Match Fit Chelsea) except for Kramer who went to prep school in New England (Revs) so you can add Hoppenot, Pinheiro and Holliday to the list. Yes folks, academy players are usually pretty good.

Good summary!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on February 15, 2015, 12:19:28 PM
Good post above Corazon.  There is actually a 4th category of resentment towards DAP, which may overlap with some of your others.  DAP was intended to provide a road to the national team pools, professional play, or at a minimum D1 college play.  D3 has never been part of the mission.  So there is a view that some may view coaches and families that use DAP for D3 as taking advantage of an opportunity for which it was not intended.  I completely agree with you that even the best non-DAP teams could not compete (at least not consistently) with the DAP teams.  That said, there are individual players from non-DAP clubs who can compete and who desire many of the same schools as DAP kids who end up going D3.  From that standpoint, there can be some resentment that those DAP kids who go D3 get an advantage (from admissions and/or D3 coaches) that seems unfair.  The non-DAP player may have to work a little harder and may have to wait his turn a little longer to get a completely full look.  Or he may have to prove that some coaches made a mistake by focusing too much on DAP.  Savonen from Brandeis is a perfect example.  I will go out on a limb and assume he might have entertained offers from top NESCACs.  Instead, he went on to become one of the all-time best players in Brandeis history, made (I think) 1st team Academic All-American (so no question would have done well academically at any of the NESCACs) and made All-American teams as well.  Great player, great student, great kid.  He also in addition to not playing DAP (and when from the far end of Cape Cod DAP isn't really an option) went to a public school instead of a fancy prep school.  I'm not suggesting that there are a ton of kids like this (and even fewer with the kind of college career he had), but there are a good number, and for that kind of kid there may be a little extra motivation in the tank.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on February 15, 2015, 03:01:09 PM
Well, I see I am getting my daily negative NESCAC  marks again....  HMMMM.  Maybe I won't post anymore... even when I am away from the board for a week I seem to garner a few.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 15, 2015, 08:18:01 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on February 09, 2015, 10:36:35 PM
Quote from: 4231CenterBack on February 09, 2015, 10:15:16 AM
Interesting article on the topic:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/08/25/youth-soccer-players-face-tough-choices-with-academy-system/iktagUJXCTKxITaiDl9VwM/story.html

Very interesting and I agree with most points. If you are one of the top players with good college potential, I think, generally, USSDA, is the best way to go....given the training, traveling and commitment involved...prepares you better for college soccer....

There are some parts of the college soccer experience that HS soccer prepares you for better then USSDA...

1) PRE-SEASON CAMP - two weeks of double or triple sessions (no such thing is USSDA)
2) FITNESS TESTS - timed runs, etc. (doesn't exist in many USSDA programs)
3) TRAINING EVERYDAY IN SEASON - HS does this (USSDA doesn't get close)
4) PLAYING 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK - regular occurrence in HS and in college, not in USSDA
5) JUGGLING ACADEMICS AND SOCCER EVERYDAY - HS yes, USSDA no
6) CAMARADERIE - in HS play with your same class or four years, USSDA rosters change every year and frequently within the season - guys play for their scholarships as much or more than they play for their teams
7) PRIDE - play for your school and your community - no such thing in USSDA: players come from all over, mostly just parents attend games
8) MEDIA ATTENTION - learn to handle extensive local media coverage for HS soccer, no local media coverage of  USSDA teams

These are just the areas that come to mind.  I'm sure I'm missing some.  Please chime in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on February 15, 2015, 08:43:29 PM
SW, you can't count juggling academics, unless you want to argue that USSDA players don't go to school.  The time demands are greater, especially when calculated over the full year.  I will say that forcing kids to opt out of high school is one of big downsides of DAP, and especially for kids tracking for D3 where giving up HS soccer is not worth it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 15, 2015, 11:42:32 PM
Over the entire year the USSDA may be demanding in terms of juggling academics just by virtue of having a much longer season, but while in season HS is more demanding in juggling academics as student athletes are training, playing and/or traveling 6 out of 7 days every week during the season.  Also HS athletes must maintain their academic standing to participate in HS sports...the USSDA doesn't track or care about their players academic performance.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 15, 2015, 11:54:56 PM
Quote from: Corazon on February 15, 2015, 07:02:22 AM

As for the questions regarding how many of the Tufts starters played Academy, I believe the answer is the majority. I haven't yet researched it fully, but I was curious about the Princeton, NJ connection so I looked into it at one time and found they all played Academy ball at the same club (Match Fit Chelsea) except for Kramer who went to prep school in New England (Revs) so you can add Hoppenot, Pinheiro and Holliday to the list. Yes folks, academy players are usually pretty good.

I did some digging on where this past Fall's Messiah roster stands in terms of USSDA players (Flying Weasel the Messiah expert on these boards will have to confirm).  Looks like they had just 2 or maybe 3 of their 25+ player roster who where truly USSDA players.  Looks like the vast majority where HS players...including the 2013 and 2014 POY's.  That being said, I think I recall reading in that book about Messiah, that Messiah (going back to the Brandt days) likes to find those really good players who sorta fly under the radar.  Again we'll need Flying Weasel to shed some light on this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ishmael55 on February 16, 2015, 02:50:08 AM
The view from Southern California where there are many NESCAC supporters, many really good youth soccer players, and many USSDA programs:
   1.   Top to bottom of the roster, USSDA gets the best player who want that experience, and fit.  There are several parts to that as things apply to NESCAC:
•   When all things are equal, our USDDA clubs have the overall best rosters.  There are players in the club programs who are as good as USSDA player's, but overall, if a good club team plays a USSDA team, you expect the USDDA team to prevail.  There are exceptions in terms of teams, and there are even more exceptions with respect to individual players.  But overall where we live the USSDA experience is better from a pure soccer perspective.   
•   Not all USSDA clubs are equal—and it's not the fault of anyone who runs the non-USSDA clubs.  Galaxy and Chivas (or whomever they will be in the future) have more money and can bring in more stuff, including more players that don't fit the pay to play model which is the club paradigm in So Cal.   If you watched an unsanctioned league play in the Lennox area of los Angeles you would see astounding youth skill, but regrettably not very much of that soccer skill is going to make it through to the next level.  Notable exceptions:  Zardes and Villareal on the MLS Galaxy roster.  (They attended Leuzinger High School.  I would be in shock to hear that any NESCAC recruiter has been there).  Unfortunately, many others are left behind.  While Galaxy and Chivas have money, the balance of the USSDA teams in SoCal need money—and though I believe that they work earnestly to bring in players based on merit, money is an issue.  A coach at a championship D2 program here once observed of our club team which he coached and championed: "there is an inverse relationship between the ability to play and the ability to pay"
•   There are always outliers... really good players who are not USSDA whom you see as good players—D1, D2, D3--wherever.  But if you're a D3 coach—you're not going to Lennox –you have a recruiting budget that leaves room in a thimble, and you would be foolish not to use that money in the USSDA showcases etc.—there is a lot of bang for your buck there.   
   2.   NESCAC is different in terms of academics and location.  There is a good bit of variation top to bottom on NESCAC in terms of academics, but even at the bottom, it's pretty "selective".  As to location, more than half of the schools are in what we would refer to as cow counties (Amherst, Williams, Middlebury, Hamilton and all the Maine schools). 
   3.    If you're going to a NESCAC school you're going for the school experience –the academics and contacts you hope to make—what Notre dame calls the 40 year commitment—not to make your living playing soccer.   That is a future that any sane parent would encourage, but not every 17-18 year old who lives to have the rock on his foot with the opportunity to send a laser to the area recognizes. 
   4.    Its all a crap shoot for the coaches at D3.  Is the USSDA kid who showed up a kid who still loves the game and wants to work his ass off after  he has seen his USSDA teammates go to UCSB, UCKLA, Indiana, Notre dame etc?    What about the kid who no one recruited but showed up with fire, despite the fact that he was not a USSDA player?

   Its much easier to coach and recruit on Sunday night with a glass of scotch behind you. USSDA is a lot of good, but there are a lot of good players out here who are not USSDA.       
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on February 16, 2015, 10:20:32 AM
I enjoyed reading your post, Ishamel. Good to see views of a poster from So Cal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on February 16, 2015, 10:29:55 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 15, 2015, 08:18:01 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on February 09, 2015, 10:36:35 PM
Quote from: 4231CenterBack on February 09, 2015, 10:15:16 AM
Interesting article on the topic:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/08/25/youth-soccer-players-face-tough-choices-with-academy-system/iktagUJXCTKxITaiDl9VwM/story.html

Very interesting and I agree with most points. If you are one of the top players with good college potential, I think, generally, USSDA, is the best way to go....given the training, traveling and commitment involved...prepares you better for college soccer....

There are some parts of the college soccer experience that HS soccer prepares you for better then USSDA...

1) PRE-SEASON CAMP - two weeks of double or triple sessions (no such thing is USSDA)
2) FITNESS TESTS - timed runs, etc. (doesn't exist in many USSDA programs)
3) TRAINING EVERYDAY IN SEASON - HS does this (USSDA doesn't get close)
4) PLAYING 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK - regular occurrence in HS and in college, not in USSDA
5) JUGGLING ACADEMICS AND SOCCER EVERYDAY - HS yes, USSDA no
6) CAMARADERIE - in HS play with your same class or four years, USSDA rosters change every year and frequently within the season - guys play for their scholarships as much or more than they play for their teams
7) PRIDE - play for your school and your community - no such thing in USSDA: players come from all over, mostly just parents attend games
8) MEDIA ATTENTION - learn to handle extensive local media coverage for HS soccer, no local media coverage of  USSDA teams

These are just the areas that come to mind.  I'm sure I'm missing some.  Please chime in.

My views on D3SoccerWatcher's 8 points between HS and Academy

HS is Better:
  6 - Camarederie
  7 - Pride
  8 - Media Attention

SAME
  1 - Pre-season Camp (USSDAs have this)
  2 - Fitness Tests (USSDAs have this)
  5 - Juggling Academics

Academy is Better
  3 - Training every day in season - USSDA trains 4x week, allowing rest and recovery
  4 - Playing 2 -3x week - USSDA plays once per week, and occasionally 2x week
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on February 16, 2015, 11:35:46 AM
I would agree with Corazon's analysis here.  It should also be noted regarding juggling academics is that the driving time to and from practice for USSDA takes up a lot of time, and many games are out of town......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 16, 2015, 10:08:25 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on February 16, 2015, 11:35:46 AM
I would agree with Corazon's analysis here.  It should also be noted regarding juggling academics is that the driving time to and from practice for USSDA takes up a lot of time, and many games are out of town......

I would also agree that juggling academics may be a little harder for USSDA players given the sometimes long drives to practice and out of town weekend games....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 16, 2015, 10:21:31 PM
For what it's worth, I went to the Tufts website to see how many played for USSDA teams but for some reason they don't have individual biographies for the players. So, I googled a few names of players not mentioned already and saw that Connor Schaible played for Bsltimore Bays Chelsea and Jason Kayne played for the Chicago USSDA team SOCKERS FC. I seem to recall that is the club Michael Bradley played for....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 16, 2015, 11:02:19 PM
Quote from: Corazon on February 16, 2015, 10:29:55 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 15, 2015, 08:18:01 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on February 09, 2015, 10:36:35 PM
Quote from: 4231CenterBack on February 09, 2015, 10:15:16 AM
Interesting article on the topic:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/08/25/youth-soccer-players-face-tough-choices-with-academy-system/iktagUJXCTKxITaiDl9VwM/story.html

Very interesting and I agree with most points. If you are one of the top players with good college potential, I think, generally, USSDA, is the best way to go....given the training, traveling and commitment involved...prepares you better for college soccer....

There are some parts of the college soccer experience that HS soccer prepares you for better then USSDA...

1) PRE-SEASON CAMP - two weeks of double or triple sessions (no such thing is USSDA)
2) FITNESS TESTS - timed runs, etc. (doesn't exist in many USSDA programs)
3) TRAINING EVERYDAY IN SEASON - HS does this (USSDA doesn't get close)
4) PLAYING 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK - regular occurrence in HS and in college, not in USSDA
5) JUGGLING ACADEMICS AND SOCCER EVERYDAY - HS yes, USSDA no
6) CAMARADERIE - in HS play with your same class or four years, USSDA rosters change every year and frequently within the season - guys play for their scholarships as much or more than they play for their teams
7) PRIDE - play for your school and your community - no such thing in USSDA: players come from all over, mostly just parents attend games
8) MEDIA ATTENTION - learn to handle extensive local media coverage for HS soccer, no local media coverage of  USSDA teams

These are just the areas that come to mind.  I'm sure I'm missing some.  Please chime in.

My views on D3SoccerWatcher's 8 points between HS and Academy

HS is Better:
  6 - Camarederie
  7 - Pride
  8 - Media Attention

SAME
  1 - Pre-season Camp (USSDAs have this)
  2 - Fitness Tests (USSDAs have this)
  5 - Juggling Academics

Academy is Better
  3 - Training every day in season - USSDA trains 4x week, allowing rest and recovery
  4 - Playing 2 -3x week - USSDA plays once per week, and occasionally 2x week

My point wasn't so much which is better in the absolute, but rather which experience is a better emulation of the college soccer experience...

PRE-SEASON CAMP - I don't think there is a U-16 or U-18 USSDA club in the country that does double or triple sessions for two weeks straight like they do in HS and college.  So HS is more like college on this factor.
TRAINING EVERYDAY IN SEASON - you train everyday in season in HS and college (with the possible exception of some Sundays) - as you point out the USSDA does not do that.  Therefore HS is much more like college in this regard.
JUGGLING ACADEMICS - In season, HS has got to be harder - training and playing everyday and traveling for away games sometimes multiple times per week.  However, over the course of the entire year,  USSDA does have a longer season...so perhaps a toss up on this one.
PLAYING GAMES 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK - HS and College do this frequently.  USSDA not much at all.  HS is a much better representation of college in this regard.
FITNESS TESTS - I know many HS and college programs are on the track testing fitness as players begin camp.  I don't think most USSDA clubs do this, if they even have access to track and field facilities.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 16, 2015, 11:26:05 PM
Quote from: Corazon on February 16, 2015, 10:20:32 AM
I enjoyed reading your post, Ishamel. Good to see views of a poster from So Cal.

Agree.  Great post and happy to hear a west coast perspective.  Welcome and I hope you will continue to post throughout the 2015 campaign.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 17, 2015, 01:45:57 AM
One last point (hopefully) on the USSDA.  In all sports in which the US is dominant player in the world (football, basketball, baseball, swimming, track & field, etc. and WOMEN'S SOCCER) virtually all roads to the professional ranks and world class status include playing high school as an important part of player growth and development.  But not men's soccer...in their infinite wisdom US Soccer, decided almost 10 years ago to start a program that excludes HS soccer in hopes of gaining world class status.  Oh yeah...that's right...but the US is not a dominant player in world soccer, inclusion of a sub-par professional league (MLS).  Bucking the model that works in every other sport in the US, including WOMEN'S SOCCER...which has done way better on the world scene then men's soccer ever has.  But it simply is not working.  In fact, many of the core players on our national team didn't even really learn their soccer in the US...instead learning in places like Germany and Iceland, but getting on the US team via dual citizenship.  Youth soccer in the US is a broken system, where we have become so enamored by what "works" in other parts of the world, we have ignored the proven model that we already have that has produced world class status in most major sports.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on February 17, 2015, 07:00:31 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 17, 2015, 01:45:57 AM
One last point (hopefully) on the USSDA.  In all sports in which the US is dominant player in the world (football, basketball, baseball, swimming, track & field, etc. and WOMEN'S SOCCER) virtually all roads to the professional ranks and world class status include playing high school as an important part of player growth and development.  But not men's soccer...in their infinite wisdom US Soccer, decided almost 10 years ago to start a program that excludes HS soccer in hopes of gaining world class status.  Oh yeah...that's right...but the US is not a dominant player in world soccer, inclusion of a sub-par professional league (MLS).  Bucking the model that works in every other sport in the US, including WOMEN'S SOCCER...which has done way better on the world scene then men's soccer ever has.  But it simply is not working.  In fact, many of the core players on our national team didn't even really learn their soccer in the US...instead learning in places like Germany and Iceland, but getting on the US team via dual citizenship.  Youth soccer in the US is a broken system, where we have become so enamored by what "works" in other parts of the world, we have ignored the proven model that we already have that has produced world class status in most major sports.

Agree with you here. The no HS rule makes sense for maybe 5% of the kids playing USSDA. For the other 95%, it robs them of an invaluable experience that many kids cherish for the rest of their lives.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 17, 2015, 08:03:25 AM
Quote from: Corazon on February 17, 2015, 07:00:31 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 17, 2015, 01:45:57 AM
One last point (hopefully) on the USSDA.  In all sports in which the US is dominant player in the world (football, basketball, baseball, swimming, track & field, etc. and WOMEN'S SOCCER) virtually all roads to the professional ranks and world class status include playing high school as an important part of player growth and development.  But not men's soccer...in their infinite wisdom US Soccer, decided almost 10 years ago to start a program that excludes HS soccer in hopes of gaining world class status.  Oh yeah...that's right...but the US is not a dominant player in world soccer, inclusion of a sub-par professional league (MLS).  Bucking the model that works in every other sport in the US, including WOMEN'S SOCCER...which has done way better on the world scene then men's soccer ever has.  But it simply is not working.  In fact, many of the core players on our national team didn't even really learn their soccer in the US...instead learning in places like Germany and Iceland, but getting on the US team via dual citizenship.  Youth soccer in the US is a broken system, where we have become so enamored by what "works" in other parts of the world, we have ignored the proven model that we already have that has produced world class status in most major sports.

Agree with you here. The no HS rule makes sense for maybe 5% of the kids playing USSDA. For the other 95%, it robs them of an invaluable experience that many kids cherish for the rest of their lives.

I also agree....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on February 23, 2015, 06:16:27 PM
http://www.tulsaroughnecksfc.com/latest-news/jimenez-and-brewster-are-first-official-player-signings

Ben Brewster (Bowdoin) signed by Tulsa USL team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 23, 2015, 09:41:19 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on February 23, 2015, 06:16:27 PM
http://www.tulsaroughnecksfc.com/latest-news/jimenez-and-brewster-are-first-official-player-signings

Ben Brewster (Bowdoin) signed by Tulsa USL team.

Congrats!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 23, 2015, 11:30:52 PM
I was surprised to see how few fans attend NESCAC soccer games.  Any insights?

NCAA 2014 DIII Soccer Attendance

Rank   Institution   Conference   Accum Attendance   Avg Attendance
1   Messiah   Commonwealth   20,765   1,730
2   Ohio Wesleyan   North Coast   10,652   888
3   Wheaton (IL)   CCIW   11,382   876
4   Hope   Michigan Intercol.   8,107   737
5   Chris. Newport   CAC   9,130   702
6   Roanoke   ODAC   6,177   562
7   North Park   CCIW   4,455   495
8   Hampden-Sydney   ODAC   3,953   494
9   Mary Washington   CAC   4,788   479
10   St. Lawrence   Liberty League   5,251   477
11   Brockport   SUNYAC   4,200   467
12   Wartburg   IIAC   4,907   446
13   Loras   IIAC   5,783   445
14   Va. Wesleyan   ODAC   3,498   437
15   York (PA)   CAC   3,775   419
16   Geneva   Presidents' AC   4,122   412
17   Texas-Dallas   American Southwest   4,083   408
18   Frank. & Marsh.   Centennial   4,883   407
19   Husson   North Atlantic   4,390   399
20   Randolph   ODAC   3,117   390
21   Cal Lutheran   SCIAC   4,159   378
22   Stevens   Empire 8   3,764   376
23   Franklin   HCAC   3,320   369
24   Covenant   USA South   4,033   367
25   SUNY Oneonta   SUNYAC   5,188   346
26   Knox   Midwest Conference   3,448   345
27   Montclair St.   NJAC   3,692   336
28   Mary Hardin-Baylor   American Southwest   2,675   334
29   Calvin   Michigan Intercol.   3,585   326
30   Connecticut Col.   NESCAC   2,600   325
31   Lycoming   Commonwealth   3,186   319
32   Lynchburg   ODAC   3,438   313
33   Coe   IIAC   2,462   308
34   East. Mennonite   ODAC   2,997   300
35   UMass Boston   Little East   2,306   288
36   Tufts   NESCAC   2,550   283
37   Carleton   Minn. Intercol.   2,536   282
38   Whittier   SCIAC   2,497   277
39   Rochester (NY)   UAA   2,474   275
40   Babson   NEWMAC   3,545   273
41   John Carroll   Ohio AC   2,702   270
42   Gordon   CCC   3,222   269
43   Houghton   Empire 8   2,150   269
44   McMurry   American Southwest   1,065   266
45   Centre   SAA   2,115   264
46   Bowdoin   NESCAC   2,108   264
47   DePauw   North Coast   1,849   264
48   New England Col.   North Atlantic   2,600   260
49   MSOE   Northern Athletics   2,847   259
50   Brandeis   UAA   2,590   259
51   Trinity (TX)   SCAC   2,820   256
52   WPI   NEWMAC   2,050   256
53   Concordia-M'head   Minn. Intercol.   1,788   255
54   Johns Hopkins   Centennial   1,531   255
55   Amherst   NESCAC   2,278   253
56   Coast Guard   NEWMAC   2,260   251
57   Sewanee   SAA   1,942   243
58   Susquehanna   Landmark   1,678   240
59   Dubuque   IIAC   1,911   239
60   Whitworth   Northwest   1,910   239
61   Elizabethtown   Landmark   1,908   239
62   Denison   North Coast   1,675   239
63   Otterbein   Ohio AC   1,436   239
64   Benedictine (IL)   Northern Athletics   2,145   238
65   Millikin   CCIW   1,900   238
66   Eastern   Freedom   2,356   236
67   Kenyon   North Coast   2,556   232
68   Centenary (LA)   SCAC   2,315   232
69   Dallas   SCAC   2,296   230
70   Albertus Magnus   Great Northeast   2,500   227
71   Occidental   SCIAC   2,036   226
72   Rhode Island Col.   Little East   1,794   224
73   Lancaster Bible   NEAC   1,994   222
74   Wentworth   CCC   1,990   221
75   SUNY Poly   NEAC   2,197   220
76   Elms   NECC   2,195   220
77   Middlebury   NESCAC   1,533   219
78   Augustana (IL)   CCIW   1,316   219
79   Salisbury   CAC   2,400   218
80   Linfield   Northwest   2,155   216
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on February 24, 2015, 03:54:47 AM
NESCAC emphasizes participation in all things over spectating.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on February 24, 2015, 09:38:11 AM
Quote from: frank uible on February 24, 2015, 03:54:47 AM
NESCAC emphasizes participation in all things over spectating.

Agree with Frank.  Also D3SW, these attendance stats for NESCAC are guestimates and unreliable at best.  There are no stadiums in NESCAC, so spectators mostly stand around the pitch.  The attendance is the scorekeeper's estimate, and could be off significantly.  Further, for weekend NESCAC games (i.e., Saturdays), all of one school's varsity athletic teams for the fall season play the other school's teams, so multiple games are taking place simultaneously.  There could be a football game, field hockey match, and two soccer games all taking place within a short distance of each other.  Fans frequently circulate among the games, and end up watching the most exciting one.  There might be 150 fans at men's soccer in the first half, but 500 at the end of an exciting match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on February 24, 2015, 09:59:01 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on February 24, 2015, 09:38:11 AM
Quote from: frank uible on February 24, 2015, 03:54:47 AM
NESCAC emphasizes participation in all things over spectating.

Agree with Frank.  Also D3SW, these attendance stats for NESCAC are guestimates and unreliable at best.  There are no stadiums in NESCAC, so spectators mostly stand around the pitch.  The attendance is the scorekeeper's estimate, and could be off significantly.  Further, for weekend NESCAC games (i.e., Saturdays), all of one school's varsity athletic teams for the fall season play the other school's teams, so multiple games are taking place simultaneously.  There could be a football game, field hockey match, and two soccer games all taking place within a short distance of each other.  Fans frequently circulate among the games, and end up watching the most exciting one.  There might be 150 fans at men's soccer in the first half, but 500 at the end of an exciting match.

Agree with the participation over spectating.  The NESCAC's are small but a very large % of Athletes on campus who would rather be doing than watching.  Good crowds are typical at Conn home games due to location of field (center of campus) and no football.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on February 24, 2015, 12:09:27 PM
To be fair, NESCAC may lead in canine attendance in the nation though. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on February 24, 2015, 05:12:13 PM
Quote from: madzillagd on February 24, 2015, 12:09:27 PM
To be fair, NESCAC may lead in canine attendance in the nation though.
Yes, madzilla, I should have posted that most of the spectators stand around the pitch with their dogs . . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 24, 2015, 09:31:01 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on February 24, 2015, 09:38:11 AM
Quote from: frank uible on February 24, 2015, 03:54:47 AM
NESCAC emphasizes participation in all things over spectating.

Agree with Frank.  Also D3SW, these attendance stats for NESCAC are guestimates and unreliable at best.  There are no stadiums in NESCAC, so spectators mostly stand around the pitch.  The attendance is the scorekeeper's estimate, and could be off significantly.  Further, for weekend NESCAC games (i.e., Saturdays), all of one school's varsity athletic teams for the fall season play the other school's teams, so multiple games are taking place simultaneously.  There could be a football game, field hockey match, and two soccer games all taking place within a short distance of each other.  Fans frequently circulate among the games, and end up watching the most exciting one.  There might be 150 fans at men's soccer in the first half, but 500 at the end of an exciting match.

I would say that these all "issues" faced by other schools as well.  Let's not look at Messiah as they have been drawing huge crowds to their games for decades which are literally in the middle of nowhere...but that's a whole other conversation. 

Instead let's look at Wheaton (IL) for example.  Based in Chicagoland.  They have several other CCIW and D3 schools close by, not to mention D1 schools.   And yes for CCIW conference games, all the teams from both schools frequently play each on the same weekend.  They have other top notch Wheaton Fall sports to compete with including a Top 20 Women's Cross Country team, a Top 20 football team, and even a top 20 women's soccer team.  They have an unparalleled number professional sports to compete with including two MLB teams (Cubs and Sox), NFL team (Bears), NBA team (Bulls), NHL team (Black Hawks), AHL Team (Wolves), NASCAR (ChicagoLand Speedway), and last but not least the Chicago Fire of the MLS.  There is no D3 men's soccer team in the country with more competition for fans than Wheaton,  In addition, the Wheaton soccer field is wedged in a shoe box between RR tracks on one side and dorms on the other.  There are walls behind the goal lines that on one side are so close to the field they are heavily padded to protect the players.  And the bleachers are so close, fans can barely see the near touchline from most seats.  And yet with all this working against them, Wheaton consistently outdraws every NESCAC team by a mile.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 24, 2015, 09:55:43 PM
Quote from: madzillagd on February 24, 2015, 12:09:27 PM
To be fair, NESCAC may lead in canine attendance in the nation though.

That's a good one!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on February 25, 2015, 06:30:28 AM
If your correspondent were a bettor, he might place a small sum favoring the truth of the proposition that NESCAC is most probably not unhappy with the level of attendance at its men's soccer games, whatever the causes of such level may be.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 25, 2015, 09:50:50 PM
Quote from: frank uible on February 25, 2015, 06:30:28 AM
If your correspondent were a bettor, he might place a small sum favoring the truth of the proposition that NESCAC is most probably not unhappy with the level of attendance at its men's soccer games, whatever the causes of such level may be.

The "truth of the proposition" that NESCAC is "not unhappy with the [low] level of attendance at its men's' soccer games" is very consistent with everything I've observed about NESCAC.  It's rather unfortunate that NESCAC and its member institutions are so disconnected from the very players that they purport to represent that they perpetuate this type of attitude about attendance, of which you seem to have a fairly high level of certainty.  And here's the disconnect...and you can ask any current or former college soccer player on these boards...great players LOVE to play for great crowds.

The fact that you point out, that NESCAC isn't concerned with such things is disappointing for the players.  And I suppose that's one way to go.  Or they could take a page out the Messiah or Wheaton (IL) playbook, and embrace and foster the large crowds, and build the facilities to accommodate them.  While I know there are many things that soccer recruits consider when picking a school, attendance at games is one of them.  It's unfortunate its not something that NESCAC cares too much about.  Because certainly with the quality of NESCAC soccer that is so heralded on these boards, NESCAC should surely be able to draw large crowds for their men's soccer teams.  Perhaps one day they will.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 25, 2015, 10:15:26 PM
Yes, players like crowds. But players like highly selective educational schools like many of the NESCACS and that is more important to the typical NESCAC student athlete. By the way, attendance didn't seem to hamper Tufts this year.... Yes, attendance is nice and many NESCAC schools schedule football games the same time as soccer games... This is one thing that could be changed to help soccer attendance...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 25, 2015, 10:42:07 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on February 25, 2015, 10:15:26 PM
Yes, players like crowds. But players like highly selective educational schools like many of the NESCACS and that is more important to the typical NESCAC student athlete. By the way, attendance didn't seem to hamper Tufts this year.... Yes, attendance is nice and many NESCAC schools schedule football games the same time as soccer games... This is one thing that could be changed to help soccer attendance...

You are falling victim to the tyranny of the "OR".  You seem to think that it is either great academics OR great soccer that draws great crowds.  You need a new paradigm...the genius of the "AND".  Wheaton (IL) can rival most schools on academics AND have a great soccer team that draws more fans then almost all other D3 schools in the nation.

Since Tufts has only made the NCAA National Tournament twice in the past 16 years (or more), hard to conclude that the lack of attendance hasn't hampered them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 26, 2015, 03:12:29 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 25, 2015, 10:42:07 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on February 25, 2015, 10:15:26 PM
Yes, players like crowds. But players like highly selective educational schools like many of the NESCACS and that is more important to the typical NESCAC student athlete. By the way, attendance didn't seem to hamper Tufts this year.... Yes, attendance is nice and many NESCAC schools schedule football games the same time as soccer games... This is one thing that could be changed to help soccer attendance...

You are falling victim to the tyranny of the "OR".  You seem to think that it is either great academics OR great soccer that draws great crowds.  You need a new paradigm...the genius of the "AND".  Wheaton (IL) can rival most schools on academics AND have a great soccer team that draws more fans then almost all other D3 schools in the nation.

Since Tufts has only made the NCAA National Tournament twice in the past 16 years (or more), hard to conclude that the lack of attendance hasn't hampered them.

I am not familiar with Wheaton' schedule but are their home football games played at the same time as their soccer games? And is it your contention that Wheaton rivals the Nescac schools for academics... i.e., Bowdoin, Williams, Tufts, Amherst, etc.....?

Also, I just checked and Wheaton hasn't won a national championship in practically 20 years.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on February 26, 2015, 01:02:05 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 25, 2015, 09:50:50 PM
Quote from: frank uible on February 25, 2015, 06:30:28 AM
If your correspondent were a bettor, he might place a small sum favoring the truth of the proposition that NESCAC is most probably not unhappy with the level of attendance at its men's soccer games, whatever the causes of such level may be.

The "truth of the proposition" that NESCAC is "not unhappy with the [low] level of attendance at its men's' soccer games" is very consistent with everything I've observed about NESCAC.  It's rather unfortunate that NESCAC and its member institutions are so disconnected from the very players that they purport to represent that they perpetuate this type of attitude about attendance, of which you seem to have a fairly high level of certainty.  And here's the disconnect...and you can ask any current or former college soccer player on these boards...great players LOVE to play for great crowds.

The fact that you point out, that NESCAC isn't concerned with such things is disappointing for the players.  And I suppose that's one way to go.  Or they could take a page out the Messiah or Wheaton (IL) playbook, and embrace and foster the large crowds, and build the facilities to accommodate them.  While I know there are many things that soccer recruits consider when picking a school, attendance at games is one of them.  It's unfortunate its not something that NESCAC cares too much about.  Because certainly with the quality of NESCAC soccer that is so heralded on these boards, NESCAC should surely be able to draw large crowds for their men's soccer teams.  Perhaps one day they will.

The truth of the matter is most colleges D1, D2 and D3 don't have much of a following/crowd/attendance for Men's soccer.  Yes there are a few (very few), but if you are getting 250+ attendance at most games (regardless of the Division) then you are doing pretty well.  I've been to many a D1 game (ACC and others) and they hover around this mark.  Yes the players like to play in front of big crowds (biggest NESCAC I've seen is about 1500 at Conn's homecoming--remember no football at Conn), but this is no different than these players had in Club, DAP or HS---small crowds, thus it really isn't a let down because they are used to low fan attendance.  Wheaton (IL) and a handful of others seem to be rare exceptions....and good for them....but I don't see the NESCAC (or other leagues or Divisions) changing much any time soon.  Football dwarfs soccer in this country for spectator attendance at the college level (at any level) and it does so on the NESCAC campuses as well providing a very big hurdle unlikely to be overcome.  Combine that with the NESCAC students would rather be doing than watching and you arrive at the attendance results we have. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 26, 2015, 06:13:28 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on February 26, 2015, 01:02:05 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 25, 2015, 09:50:50 PM
Quote from: frank uible on February 25, 2015, 06:30:28 AM
If your correspondent were a bettor, he might place a small sum favoring the truth of the proposition that NESCAC is most probably not unhappy with the level of attendance at its men's soccer games, whatever the causes of such level may be.

The "truth of the proposition" that NESCAC is "not unhappy with the [low] level of attendance at its men's' soccer games" is very consistent with everything I've observed about NESCAC.  It's rather unfortunate that NESCAC and its member institutions are so disconnected from the very players that they purport to represent that they perpetuate this type of attitude about attendance, of which you seem to have a fairly high level of certainty.  And here's the disconnect...and you can ask any current or former college soccer player on these boards...great players LOVE to play for great crowds.

The fact that you point out, that NESCAC isn't concerned with such things is disappointing for the players.  And I suppose that's one way to go.  Or they could take a page out the Messiah or Wheaton (IL) playbook, and embrace and foster the large crowds, and build the facilities to accommodate them.  While I know there are many things that soccer recruits consider when picking a school, attendance at games is one of them.  It's unfortunate its not something that NESCAC cares too much about.  Because certainly with the quality of NESCAC soccer that is so heralded on these boards, NESCAC should surely be able to draw large crowds for their men's soccer teams.  Perhaps one day they will.

The truth of the matter is most colleges D1, D2 and D3 don't have much of a following/crowd/attendance for Men's soccer.  Yes there are a few (very few), but if you are getting 250+ attendance at most games (regardless of the Division) then you are doing pretty well.  I've been to many a D1 game (ACC and others) and they hover around this mark.  Yes the players like to play in front of big crowds (biggest NESCAC I've seen is about 1500 at Conn's homecoming--remember no football at Conn), but this is no different than these players had in Club, DAP or HS---small crowds, thus it really isn't a let down because they are used to low fan attendance.  Wheaton (IL) and a handful of others seem to be rare exceptions....and good for them....but I don't see the NESCAC (or other leagues or Divisions) changing much any time soon.  Football dwarfs soccer in this country for spectator attendance at the college level (at any level) and it does so on the NESCAC campuses as well providing a very big hurdle unlikely to be overcome.  Combine that with the NESCAC students would rather be doing than watching and you arrive at the attendance results we have.

Good analysis!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on February 26, 2015, 06:47:01 PM
I think part of what drives some crazy about NESCAC and some of its fans is that no matter the topic the answer is always that NESCAC is the best.  And being the best always seems to have the overlay of that special brand of New England elitism, where the NESCACs are almost the extension programs of the Andovers and Exeters in the region (prep college as it were).

Not big crowds?  Well, that's by design.  Participation over spectating.  Athletic, active student bodies.  Plus all sports play at the same time (and somehow this is construed as unique to NESCAC when a ton of other D3s also play all their sports on the same day and around the same times).

Didn't win this year or get enough NCAA bids?  Well, that's because NESCAC plays less games and has no spring season, which of course is spun as NESCAC schools doing collegiate athletics the right way and kept in perspective with respect to the overriding academic missions (even though there are a lot of similar non-NESCAC schools who do the same sorts of things and are even more strict in terms of admissions pull for athletes (need go further than Swat, Haverford, Johns Hopkins, Wash U, Carleton, Oberlin, etc).  But even despite the self-imposed, supposedly higher order restrictions, we're still the best anyway.

Tufts just own a national title.  Wheaton hasn't won one in 20 years.  Of course Wheaton has been in the NCAA tourney for how many consecutive years, and often with very deep runs?  And Tufts at least in recent years hasn't had even two NCAA appearances back to back.  Well, let's go back to talking about what an absolute bloodbath the NESCAC is.  The team beat each other and instead of the 6 or 7 bids they deserve they only get 3-4.

NESCAC fans sometimes seem to get defensive and even defiant when confronted by lukewarm reactions.  But some of that is on NESCAC.  Some seem to prefer keeping NESCAC, its schools, and its image as insular as possible, which of course contributes to the country-clubbish, exclusive aura.  Despite the complaints, one wonders if the some NESCAC supporters prefer the negative reactions from outside as confirmation of how special the schools and their athletics and academics are.  In other words, I'm not sure the NESCAC family really wants to be embraced (which might have the effect of bringing them too much into a bigger fold, a bigger family, with some perceived dilution of their exclusivity).

In short, for some of us outside the NESCAC grand ballroom, the whole NESCAC self-congratulatory industry can be a bit much to take.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 26, 2015, 07:56:22 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on February 26, 2015, 01:02:05 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 25, 2015, 09:50:50 PM
Quote from: frank uible on February 25, 2015, 06:30:28 AM
If your correspondent were a bettor, he might place a small sum favoring the truth of the proposition that NESCAC is most probably not unhappy with the level of attendance at its men's soccer games, whatever the causes of such level may be.

The "truth of the proposition" that NESCAC is "not unhappy with the [low] level of attendance at its men's' soccer games" is very consistent with everything I've observed about NESCAC.  It's rather unfortunate that NESCAC and its member institutions are so disconnected from the very players that they purport to represent that they perpetuate this type of attitude about attendance, of which you seem to have a fairly high level of certainty.  And here's the disconnect...and you can ask any current or former college soccer player on these boards...great players LOVE to play for great crowds.

The fact that you point out, that NESCAC isn't concerned with such things is disappointing for the players.  And I suppose that's one way to go.  Or they could take a page out the Messiah or Wheaton (IL) playbook, and embrace and foster the large crowds, and build the facilities to accommodate them.  While I know there are many things that soccer recruits consider when picking a school, attendance at games is one of them.  It's unfortunate its not something that NESCAC cares too much about.  Because certainly with the quality of NESCAC soccer that is so heralded on these boards, NESCAC should surely be able to draw large crowds for their men's soccer teams.  Perhaps one day they will.

The truth of the matter is most colleges D1, D2 and D3 don't have much of a following/crowd/attendance for Men's soccer.  Yes there are a few (very few), but if you are getting 250+ attendance at most games (regardless of the Division) then you are doing pretty well.  I've been to many a D1 game (ACC and others) and they hover around this mark.  Yes the players like to play in front of big crowds (biggest NESCAC I've seen is about 1500 at Conn's homecoming--remember no football at Conn), but this is no different than these players had in Club, DAP or HS---small crowds, thus it really isn't a let down because they are used to low fan attendance.  Wheaton (IL) and a handful of others seem to be rare exceptions....and good for them....but I don't see the NESCAC (or other leagues or Divisions) changing much any time soon.  Football dwarfs soccer in this country for spectator attendance at the college level (at any level) and it does so on the NESCAC campuses as well providing a very big hurdle unlikely to be overcome.  Combine that with the NESCAC students would rather be doing than watching and you arrive at the attendance results we have.

The truth?  Really?  You should probably know what the truth is before you attempt to define it.  Your contention that "there are few (very few)" college soccer programs at any NCAA level with "much of a following/crowd/attendance" is simply FALSE!  Below is the list of the top 50 teams' average attendance per game across all D1, D2, and D3 programs.  There are many (very many) college soccer programs with significant followings/crowds/attendance on a regular basis. 

The truth?  You have to go way further down this list until you even hit the top NESCAC soccer team.  You can run and hide behind excuses like academics and football teams.  But the truth?  The truth is that many other schools have high academic standards and football teams.  The truth?  The Wheaton (IL) football team finished the 2014 season ranked 8th in the nation and NESCAC doesn't even have a football team in the top 25.  And yet Wheaton soccer crowds are almost triple those of the top NESCAC team.

The truth?  Very few fans attend NESCAC soccer games compared to other NCAA teams in the nation.  And that is also very much the case when compared to many other D3 soccer programs.  And that's the truth!!!

Rank   Div   Institution   Conference   Avg Attendance
1   I   UC Santa Barbara   Big West   3,844
2   I   Louisville   Atlantic Coast   3,572
3   I   UConn   AAC   3,541
4   I   Maryland   Big Ten   2,688
5   I   South Carolina   Conference USA   2,602
6   I   Cal Poly   Big West   2,397
7   I   Indiana   Big Ten   2,379
8   I   New Mexico   Conference USA   2,276
9   I   Virginia   Atlantic Coast   2,182
10   I   Creighton   Big East   2,170
11   I   Clemson   Atlantic Coast   1,895
12   I   North Carolina   Atlantic Coast   1,833
13   I   Akron   Mid-American   1,825
14   I   Utah Valley   Western Athletic   1,750
15   III   Messiah   Commonwealth   1,730
16   I   Penn St.   Big Ten   1,706
17   I   UCLA   Pac-12   1,615
18   I   Syracuse   Atlantic Coast   1,424
19   I   Wake Forest   Atlantic Coast   1,402
20   I   SIUE   Missouri Valley   1,259
21   I   Tulsa   AAC   1,254
22   I   Notre Dame   Atlantic Coast   1,242
23   I   Washington   Pac-12   1,220
24   I   Charlotte   Conference USA   1,199
25   I   Kentucky   Conference USA   1,167
26   I   Saint Louis   Atlantic 10   1,160
27   I   Portland   West Coast   1,148
28   I   Michigan   Big Ten   1,134
29   I   Dayton   Atlantic 10   1,127
30   I   Providence   Big East   1,114
31   I   Stanford   Pac-12   1,100
32   I   Dartmouth   Ivy   1,095
33   I   UNCW   Colonial   1,064
34   I   UMBC   America East   1,059
35   I   St. John's (NY)   Big East   1,042
36   I   Michigan St.   Big Ten   1,039
37   I   Georgetown   Big East   1,031
38   I   San Diego   West Coast   1,028
39   I   Hartford   America East   1,018
40   I   UAB   Conference USA   920
41   III   Ohio Wesleyan   North Coast   888
42   III   Wheaton (IL)   CCIW   876
43   I   Old Dominion   Conference USA   860
44   I   Duke   Atlantic Coast   856
45   I   North Carolina St.   Atlantic Coast   847
46   I   High Point   Big South   844
47   I   Binghamton   America East   843
48   I   Furman   Southern   843
49   I   Virginia Tech   Atlantic Coast   839
50   I   Oakland   Horizon   830
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: frank uible on February 26, 2015, 08:32:59 PM
It is recommended that one avoid this thread if he should desire to have greater equanimity and less anxiety arising out of comparisons of his favorite educational institution with NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 26, 2015, 08:49:17 PM
Quote from: frank uible on February 26, 2015, 08:32:59 PM
It is recommended that one avoid this thread if he should desire to have greater equanimity and less anxiety arising out of comparisons of his favorite educational institution with NESCAC.

Honestly I'd rather compare Messiah to NESCAC, but that's not even a fair fight, particularly when it comes to fan attendance.  So I went a notch lower to Wheaton (a soccer program with which I have absolutely no affiliation at all) simply because they are an easy comparison.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 26, 2015, 09:08:28 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on February 26, 2015, 06:47:01 PM
I think part of what drives some crazy about NESCAC and some of its fans is that no matter the topic the answer is always that NESCAC is the best.  And being the best always seems to have the overlay of that special brand of New England elitism, where the NESCACs are almost the extension programs of the Andovers and Exeters in the region (prep college as it were).

Not big crowds?  Well, that's by design.  Participation over spectating.  Athletic, active student bodies.  Plus all sports play at the same time (and somehow this is construed as unique to NESCAC when a ton of other D3s also play all their sports on the same day and around the same times).

Didn't win this year or get enough NCAA bids?  Well, that's because NESCAC plays less games and has no spring season, which of course is spun as NESCAC schools doing collegiate athletics the right way and kept in perspective with respect to the overriding academic missions (even though there are a lot of similar non-NESCAC schools who do the same sorts of things and are even more strict in terms of admissions pull for athletes (need go further than Swat, Haverford, Johns Hopkins, Wash U, Carleton, Oberlin, etc).  But even despite the self-imposed, supposedly higher order restrictions, we're still the best anyway.

Tufts just own a national title.  Wheaton hasn't won one in 20 years.  Of course Wheaton has been in the NCAA tourney for how many consecutive years, and often with very deep runs?  And Tufts at least in recent years hasn't had even two NCAA appearances back to back.  Well, let's go back to talking about what an absolute bloodbath the NESCAC is.  The team beat each other and instead of the 6 or 7 bids they deserve they only get 3-4.

NESCAC fans sometimes seem to get defensive and even defiant when confronted by lukewarm reactions.  But some of that is on NESCAC.  Some seem to prefer keeping NESCAC, its schools, and its image as insular as possible, which of course contributes to the country-clubbish, exclusive aura.  Despite the complaints, one wonders if the some NESCAC supporters prefer the negative reactions from outside as confirmation of how special the schools and their athletics and academics are.  In other words, I'm not sure the NESCAC family really wants to be embraced (which might have the effect of bringing them too much into a bigger fold, a bigger family, with some perceived dilution of their exclusivity).

In short, for some of us outside the NESCAC grand ballroom, the whole NESCAC self-congratulatory industry can be a bit much to take.

Very well said.  And very true!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on February 26, 2015, 09:25:40 PM
 ;)
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 26, 2015, 07:56:22 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on February 26, 2015, 01:02:05 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 25, 2015, 09:50:50 PM
Quote from: frank uible on February 25, 2015, 06:30:28 AM
If your correspondent were a bettor, he might place a small sum favoring the truth of the proposition that NESCAC is most probably not unhappy with the level of attendance at its men's soccer games, whatever the causes of such level may be.

The "truth of the proposition" that NESCAC is "not unhappy with the [low] level of attendance at its men's' soccer games" is very consistent with everything I've observed about NESCAC.  It's rather unfortunate that NESCAC and its member institutions are so disconnected from the very players that they purport to represent that they perpetuate this type of attitude about attendance, of which you seem to have a fairly high level of certainty.  And here's the disconnect...and you can ask any current or former college soccer player on these boards...great players LOVE to play for great crowds.

The fact that you point out, that NESCAC isn't concerned with such things is disappointing for the players.  And I suppose that's one way to go.  Or they could take a page out the Messiah or Wheaton (IL) playbook, and embrace and foster the large crowds, and build the facilities to accommodate them.  While I know there are many things that soccer recruits consider when picking a school, attendance at games is one of them.  It's unfortunate its not something that NESCAC cares too much about.  Because certainly with the quality of NESCAC soccer that is so heralded on these boards, NESCAC should surely be able to draw large crowds for their men's soccer teams.  Perhaps one day they will.

The truth of the matter is most colleges D1, D2 and D3 don't have much of a following/crowd/attendance for Men's soccer.  Yes there are a few (very few), but if you are getting 250+ attendance at most games (regardless of the Division) then you are doing pretty well.  I've been to many a D1 game (ACC and others) and they hover around this mark.  Yes the players like to play in front of big crowds (biggest NESCAC I've seen is about 1500 at Conn's homecoming--remember no football at Conn), but this is no different than these players had in Club, DAP or HS---small crowds, thus it really isn't a let down because they are used to low fan attendance.  Wheaton (IL) and a handful of others seem to be rare exceptions....and good for them....but I don't see the NESCAC (or other leagues or Divisions) changing much any time soon.  Football dwarfs soccer in this country for spectator attendance at the college level (at any level) and it does so on the NESCAC campuses as well providing a very big hurdle unlikely to be overcome.  Combine that with the NESCAC students would rather be doing than watching and you arrive at the attendance results we have.

The truth?  Really?  You should probably know what the truth is before you attempt to define it.  Your contention that "there are few (very few)" college soccer programs at any NCAA level with "much of a following/crowd/attendance" is simply FALSE!  Below is the list of the top 50 teams' average attendance per game across all D1, D2, and D3 programs.  There are many (very many) college soccer programs with significant followings/crowds/attendance on a regular basis. 

The truth?  You have to go way further down this list until you even hit the top NESCAC soccer team.  You can run and hide behind excuses like academics and football teams.  But the truth?  The truth is that many other schools have high academic standards and football teams.  The truth?  The Wheaton (IL) football team finished the 2014 season ranked 8th in the nation and NESCAC doesn't even have a football team in the top 25.  And yet Wheaton soccer crowds are almost triple those of the top NESCAC team.

The truth?  Very few fans attend NESCAC soccer games compared to other NCAA teams in the nation.  And that is also very much the case when compared to many other D3 soccer programs.  And that's the truth!!!

Rank   Div   Institution   Conference   Avg Attendance
1   I   UC Santa Barbara   Big West   3,844
2   I   Louisville   Atlantic Coast   3,572
3   I   UConn   AAC   3,541
4   I   Maryland   Big Ten   2,688
5   I   South Carolina   Conference USA   2,602
6   I   Cal Poly   Big West   2,397
7   I   Indiana   Big Ten   2,379
8   I   New Mexico   Conference USA   2,276
9   I   Virginia   Atlantic Coast   2,182
10   I   Creighton   Big East   2,170
11   I   Clemson   Atlantic Coast   1,895
12   I   North Carolina   Atlantic Coast   1,833
13   I   Akron   Mid-American   1,825
14   I   Utah Valley   Western Athletic   1,750
15   III   Messiah   Commonwealth   1,730
16   I   Penn St.   Big Ten   1,706
17   I   UCLA   Pac-12   1,615
18   I   Syracuse   Atlantic Coast   1,424
19   I   Wake Forest   Atlantic Coast   1,402
20   I   SIUE   Missouri Valley   1,259
21   I   Tulsa   AAC   1,254
22   I   Notre Dame   Atlantic Coast   1,242
23   I   Washington   Pac-12   1,220
24   I   Charlotte   Conference USA   1,199
25   I   Kentucky   Conference USA   1,167
26   I   Saint Louis   Atlantic 10   1,160
27   I   Portland   West Coast   1,148
28   I   Michigan   Big Ten   1,134
29   I   Dayton   Atlantic 10   1,127
30   I   Providence   Big East   1,114
31   I   Stanford   Pac-12   1,100
32   I   Dartmouth   Ivy   1,095
33   I   UNCW   Colonial   1,064
34   I   UMBC   America East   1,059
35   I   St. John's (NY)   Big East   1,042
36   I   Michigan St.   Big Ten   1,039
37   I   Georgetown   Big East   1,031
38   I   San Diego   West Coast   1,028
39   I   Hartford   America East   1,018
40   I   UAB   Conference USA   920
41   III   Ohio Wesleyan   North Coast   888
42   III   Wheaton (IL)   CCIW   876
43   I   Old Dominion   Conference USA   860
44   I   Duke   Atlantic Coast   856
45   I   North Carolina St.   Atlantic Coast   847
46   I   High Point   Big South   844
47   I   Binghamton   America East   843
48   I   Furman   Southern   843
49   I   Virginia Tech   Atlantic Coast   839
50   I   Oakland   Horizon   830


Wow...someone is a little cranky.  Here's the truth---I've been to  many BC, Northeastern, BU, Holy Cross and UNH soccer games (all D1  Men and Women) and rarely have they ever topped 250+ when I've been in attendance.  small sample I know but I'd say this is a general statement about college soccer in New England in total, not just D3 NESCAC.   D2's and D3's in New England are just as bad, but honestly who cares.  Those who watch are soccer fans....just proves there aren't many soccer fans in New England.  Sure you can point to UConn, but their soccer program has been pretty consistently good since the 1980's.  Hey if you want to label everyone associated with the NESCAC provincial, elitist, snobbish....feel free...doesn't bother me in the least.  The league has great schools, great students and great athletics...as do a number of other D3's, but top to bottom #1 through #11 you'll be hard pressed each year to find a better League in D3 combining these qualities....sorry but I couldn't help myself returning to the my provincial elitism.  LOL ;) ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on February 26, 2015, 09:42:48 PM
Quote from: frank uible on February 26, 2015, 08:32:59 PM
It is recommended that one avoid this thread if he should desire to have greater equanimity and less anxiety arising out of comparisons of his favorite educational institution with NESCAC.

Perfectly parallels the dynamic described.

Members only strongly preferred, but if you must visit then at least be a very grateful, polite, and envious guest. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 26, 2015, 09:48:22 PM
 
Quote from: NCAC New England on February 26, 2015, 09:42:48 PM
Quote from: frank uible on February 26, 2015, 08:32:59 PM
It is recommended that one avoid this thread if he should desire to have greater equanimity and less anxiety arising out of comparisons of his favorite educational institution with NESCAC.

Perfectly parallels the dynamic described.

Members only strongly preferred, but if you must visit then at least be a very grateful, polite, and envious guest.

Must be something right with the NESCAC as the non- NESCAC fans seem to dominate the NESCAC thread lately! :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 26, 2015, 09:55:12 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on February 26, 2015, 09:25:40 PM
;)
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 26, 2015, 07:56:22 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on February 26, 2015, 01:02:05 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 25, 2015, 09:50:50 PM
Quote from: frank uible on February 25, 2015, 06:30:28 AM
If your correspondent were a bettor, he might place a small sum favoring the truth of the proposition that NESCAC is most probably not unhappy with the level of attendance at its men's soccer games, whatever the causes of such level may be.

The "truth of the proposition" that NESCAC is "not unhappy with the [low] level of attendance at its men's' soccer games" is very consistent with everything I've observed about NESCAC.  It's rather unfortunate that NESCAC and its member institutions are so disconnected from the very players that they purport to represent that they perpetuate this type of attitude about attendance, of which you seem to have a fairly high level of certainty.  And here's the disconnect...and you can ask any current or former college soccer player on these boards...great players LOVE to play for great crowds.

The fact that you point out, that NESCAC isn't concerned with such things is disappointing for the players.  And I suppose that's one way to go.  Or they could take a page out the Messiah or Wheaton (IL) playbook, and embrace and foster the large crowds, and build the facilities to accommodate them.  While I know there are many things that soccer recruits consider when picking a school, attendance at games is one of them.  It's unfortunate its not something that NESCAC cares too much about.  Because certainly with the quality of NESCAC soccer that is so heralded on these boards, NESCAC should surely be able to draw large crowds for their men's soccer teams.  Perhaps one day they will.

The truth of the matter is most colleges D1, D2 and D3 don't have much of a following/crowd/attendance for Men's soccer.  Yes there are a few (very few), but if you are getting 250+ attendance at most games (regardless of the Division) then you are doing pretty well.  I've been to many a D1 game (ACC and others) and they hover around this mark.  Yes the players like to play in front of big crowds (biggest NESCAC I've seen is about 1500 at Conn's homecoming--remember no football at Conn), but this is no different than these players had in Club, DAP or HS---small crowds, thus it really isn't a let down because they are used to low fan attendance.  Wheaton (IL) and a handful of others seem to be rare exceptions....and good for them....but I don't see the NESCAC (or other leagues or Divisions) changing much any time soon.  Football dwarfs soccer in this country for spectator attendance at the college level (at any level) and it does so on the NESCAC campuses as well providing a very big hurdle unlikely to be overcome.  Combine that with the NESCAC students would rather be doing than watching and you arrive at the attendance results we have.

The truth?  Really?  You should probably know what the truth is before you attempt to define it.  Your contention that "there are few (very few)" college soccer programs at any NCAA level with "much of a following/crowd/attendance" is simply FALSE!  Below is the list of the top 50 teams' average attendance per game across all D1, D2, and D3 programs.  There are many (very many) college soccer programs with significant followings/crowds/attendance on a regular basis. 

The truth?  You have to go way further down this list until you even hit the top NESCAC soccer team.  You can run and hide behind excuses like academics and football teams.  But the truth?  The truth is that many other schools have high academic standards and football teams.  The truth?  The Wheaton (IL) football team finished the 2014 season ranked 8th in the nation and NESCAC doesn't even have a football team in the top 25.  And yet Wheaton soccer crowds are almost triple those of the top NESCAC team.

The truth?  Very few fans attend NESCAC soccer games compared to other NCAA teams in the nation.  And that is also very much the case when compared to many other D3 soccer programs.  And that's the truth!!!

Rank   Div   Institution   Conference   Avg Attendance
1   I   UC Santa Barbara   Big West   3,844
2   I   Louisville   Atlantic Coast   3,572
3   I   UConn   AAC   3,541
4   I   Maryland   Big Ten   2,688
5   I   South Carolina   Conference USA   2,602
6   I   Cal Poly   Big West   2,397
7   I   Indiana   Big Ten   2,379
8   I   New Mexico   Conference USA   2,276
9   I   Virginia   Atlantic Coast   2,182
10   I   Creighton   Big East   2,170
11   I   Clemson   Atlantic Coast   1,895
12   I   North Carolina   Atlantic Coast   1,833
13   I   Akron   Mid-American   1,825
14   I   Utah Valley   Western Athletic   1,750
15   III   Messiah   Commonwealth   1,730
16   I   Penn St.   Big Ten   1,706
17   I   UCLA   Pac-12   1,615
18   I   Syracuse   Atlantic Coast   1,424
19   I   Wake Forest   Atlantic Coast   1,402
20   I   SIUE   Missouri Valley   1,259
21   I   Tulsa   AAC   1,254
22   I   Notre Dame   Atlantic Coast   1,242
23   I   Washington   Pac-12   1,220
24   I   Charlotte   Conference USA   1,199
25   I   Kentucky   Conference USA   1,167
26   I   Saint Louis   Atlantic 10   1,160
27   I   Portland   West Coast   1,148
28   I   Michigan   Big Ten   1,134
29   I   Dayton   Atlantic 10   1,127
30   I   Providence   Big East   1,114
31   I   Stanford   Pac-12   1,100
32   I   Dartmouth   Ivy   1,095
33   I   UNCW   Colonial   1,064
34   I   UMBC   America East   1,059
35   I   St. John's (NY)   Big East   1,042
36   I   Michigan St.   Big Ten   1,039
37   I   Georgetown   Big East   1,031
38   I   San Diego   West Coast   1,028
39   I   Hartford   America East   1,018
40   I   UAB   Conference USA   920
41   III   Ohio Wesleyan   North Coast   888
42   III   Wheaton (IL)   CCIW   876
43   I   Old Dominion   Conference USA   860
44   I   Duke   Atlantic Coast   856
45   I   North Carolina St.   Atlantic Coast   847
46   I   High Point   Big South   844
47   I   Binghamton   America East   843
48   I   Furman   Southern   843
49   I   Virginia Tech   Atlantic Coast   839
50   I   Oakland   Horizon   830


Wow...someone is a little cranky.  Here's the truth---I've been to  many BC, Northeastern, BU, Holy Cross and UNH soccer games (all D1  Men and Women) and rarely have they ever topped 250+ when I've been in attendance.  small sample I know but I'd say this is a general statement about college soccer in New England in total, not just D3 NESCAC.   D2's and D3's in New England are just as bad, but honestly who cares.  Those who watch are soccer fans....just proves there aren't many soccer fans in New England.  Sure you can point to UConn, but their soccer program has been pretty consistently good since the 1980's.  Hey if you want to label everyone associated with the NESCAC provincial, elitist, snobbish....feel free...doesn't bother me in the least.  The league has great schools, great students and great athletics...as do a number of other D3's, but top to bottom #1 through #11 you'll be hard pressed each year to find a better League in D3 combining these qualities....sorry but I couldn't help myself returning to the my provincial elitism.  LOL ;) ;)

Provincial elitism aside Jeeves, spot on....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 26, 2015, 10:03:31 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on February 26, 2015, 06:47:01 PM
I think part of what drives some crazy about NESCAC and some of its fans is that no matter the topic the answer is always that NESCAC is the best.  And being the best always seems to have the overlay of that special brand of New England elitism, where the NESCACs are almost the extension programs of the Andovers and Exeters in the region (prep college as it were).

Not big crowds?  Well, that's by design.  Participation over spectating.  Athletic, active student bodies.  Plus all sports play at the same time (and somehow this is construed as unique to NESCAC when a ton of other D3s also play all their sports on the same day and around the same times).

Didn't win this year or get enough NCAA bids?  Well, that's because NESCAC plays less games and has no spring season, which of course is spun as NESCAC schools doing collegiate athletics the right way and kept in perspective with respect to the overriding academic missions (even though there are a lot of similar non-NESCAC schools who do the same sorts of things and are even more strict in terms of admissions pull for athletes (need go further than Swat, Haverford, Johns Hopkins, Wash U, Carleton, Oberlin, etc).  But even despite the self-imposed, supposedly higher order restrictions, we're still the best anyway.

Tufts just own a national title.  Wheaton hasn't won one in 20 years.  Of course Wheaton has been in the NCAA tourney for how many consecutive years, and often with very deep runs?  And Tufts at least in recent years hasn't had even two NCAA appearances back to back.  Well, let's go back to talking about what an absolute bloodbath the NESCAC is.  The team beat each other and instead of the 6 or 7 bids they deserve they only get 3-4.

NESCAC fans sometimes seem to get defensive and even defiant when confronted by lukewarm reactions.  But some of that is on NESCAC.  Some seem to prefer keeping NESCAC, its schools, and its image as insular as possible, which of course contributes to the country-clubbish, exclusive aura.  Despite the complaints, one wonders if the some NESCAC supporters prefer the negative reactions from outside as confirmation of how special the schools and their athletics and academics are.  In other words, I'm not sure the NESCAC family really wants to be embraced (which might have the effect of bringing them too much into a bigger fold, a bigger family, with some perceived dilution of their exclusivity).

In short, for some of us outside the NESCAC grand ballroom, the whole NESCAC self-congratulatory industry can be a bit much to take.

Does Wheaton play their football games the same time or simultaneously with their football games?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 26, 2015, 10:04:05 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on February 26, 2015, 09:25:40 PM
;)
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 26, 2015, 07:56:22 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on February 26, 2015, 01:02:05 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on February 25, 2015, 09:50:50 PM
Quote from: frank uible on February 25, 2015, 06:30:28 AM
If your correspondent were a bettor, he might place a small sum favoring the truth of the proposition that NESCAC is most probably not unhappy with the level of attendance at its men's soccer games, whatever the causes of such level may be.

The "truth of the proposition" that NESCAC is "not unhappy with the [low] level of attendance at its men's' soccer games" is very consistent with everything I've observed about NESCAC.  It's rather unfortunate that NESCAC and its member institutions are so disconnected from the very players that they purport to represent that they perpetuate this type of attitude about attendance, of which you seem to have a fairly high level of certainty.  And here's the disconnect...and you can ask any current or former college soccer player on these boards...great players LOVE to play for great crowds.

The fact that you point out, that NESCAC isn't concerned with such things is disappointing for the players.  And I suppose that's one way to go.  Or they could take a page out the Messiah or Wheaton (IL) playbook, and embrace and foster the large crowds, and build the facilities to accommodate them.  While I know there are many things that soccer recruits consider when picking a school, attendance at games is one of them.  It's unfortunate its not something that NESCAC cares too much about.  Because certainly with the quality of NESCAC soccer that is so heralded on these boards, NESCAC should surely be able to draw large crowds for their men's soccer teams.  Perhaps one day they will.

The truth of the matter is most colleges D1, D2 and D3 don't have much of a following/crowd/attendance for Men's soccer.  Yes there are a few (very few), but if you are getting 250+ attendance at most games (regardless of the Division) then you are doing pretty well.  I've been to many a D1 game (ACC and others) and they hover around this mark.  Yes the players like to play in front of big crowds (biggest NESCAC I've seen is about 1500 at Conn's homecoming--remember no football at Conn), but this is no different than these players had in Club, DAP or HS---small crowds, thus it really isn't a let down because they are used to low fan attendance.  Wheaton (IL) and a handful of others seem to be rare exceptions....and good for them....but I don't see the NESCAC (or other leagues or Divisions) changing much any time soon.  Football dwarfs soccer in this country for spectator attendance at the college level (at any level) and it does so on the NESCAC campuses as well providing a very big hurdle unlikely to be overcome.  Combine that with the NESCAC students would rather be doing than watching and you arrive at the attendance results we have.

The truth?  Really?  You should probably know what the truth is before you attempt to define it.  Your contention that "there are few (very few)" college soccer programs at any NCAA level with "much of a following/crowd/attendance" is simply FALSE!  Below is the list of the top 50 teams' average attendance per game across all D1, D2, and D3 programs.  There are many (very many) college soccer programs with significant followings/crowds/attendance on a regular basis. 

The truth?  You have to go way further down this list until you even hit the top NESCAC soccer team.  You can run and hide behind excuses like academics and football teams.  But the truth?  The truth is that many other schools have high academic standards and football teams.  The truth?  The Wheaton (IL) football team finished the 2014 season ranked 8th in the nation and NESCAC doesn't even have a football team in the top 25.  And yet Wheaton soccer crowds are almost triple those of the top NESCAC team.

The truth?  Very few fans attend NESCAC soccer games compared to other NCAA teams in the nation.  And that is also very much the case when compared to many other D3 soccer programs.  And that's the truth!!!

Rank   Div   Institution   Conference   Avg Attendance
1   I   UC Santa Barbara   Big West   3,844
2   I   Louisville   Atlantic Coast   3,572
3   I   UConn   AAC   3,541
4   I   Maryland   Big Ten   2,688
5   I   South Carolina   Conference USA   2,602
6   I   Cal Poly   Big West   2,397
7   I   Indiana   Big Ten   2,379
8   I   New Mexico   Conference USA   2,276
9   I   Virginia   Atlantic Coast   2,182
10   I   Creighton   Big East   2,170
11   I   Clemson   Atlantic Coast   1,895
12   I   North Carolina   Atlantic Coast   1,833
13   I   Akron   Mid-American   1,825
14   I   Utah Valley   Western Athletic   1,750
15   III   Messiah   Commonwealth   1,730
16   I   Penn St.   Big Ten   1,706
17   I   UCLA   Pac-12   1,615
18   I   Syracuse   Atlantic Coast   1,424
19   I   Wake Forest   Atlantic Coast   1,402
20   I   SIUE   Missouri Valley   1,259
21   I   Tulsa   AAC   1,254
22   I   Notre Dame   Atlantic Coast   1,242
23   I   Washington   Pac-12   1,220
24   I   Charlotte   Conference USA   1,199
25   I   Kentucky   Conference USA   1,167
26   I   Saint Louis   Atlantic 10   1,160
27   I   Portland   West Coast   1,148
28   I   Michigan   Big Ten   1,134
29   I   Dayton   Atlantic 10   1,127
30   I   Providence   Big East   1,114
31   I   Stanford   Pac-12   1,100
32   I   Dartmouth   Ivy   1,095
33   I   UNCW   Colonial   1,064
34   I   UMBC   America East   1,059
35   I   St. John's (NY)   Big East   1,042
36   I   Michigan St.   Big Ten   1,039
37   I   Georgetown   Big East   1,031
38   I   San Diego   West Coast   1,028
39   I   Hartford   America East   1,018
40   I   UAB   Conference USA   920
41   III   Ohio Wesleyan   North Coast   888
42   III   Wheaton (IL)   CCIW   876
43   I   Old Dominion   Conference USA   860
44   I   Duke   Atlantic Coast   856
45   I   North Carolina St.   Atlantic Coast   847
46   I   High Point   Big South   844
47   I   Binghamton   America East   843
48   I   Furman   Southern   843
49   I   Virginia Tech   Atlantic Coast   839
50   I   Oakland   Horizon   830


Wow...someone is a little cranky.  Here's the truth---I've been to  many BC, Northeastern, BU, Holy Cross and UNH soccer games (all D1  Men and Women) and rarely have they ever topped 250+ when I've been in attendance.  small sample I know but I'd say this is a general statement about college soccer in New England in total, not just D3 NESCAC.   D2's and D3's in New England are just as bad, but honestly who cares.  Those who watch are soccer fans....just proves there aren't many soccer fans in New England.  Sure you can point to UConn, but their soccer program has been pretty consistently good since the 1980's.  Hey if you want to label everyone associated with the NESCAC provincial, elitist, snobbish....feel free...doesn't bother me in the least.  The league has great schools, great students and great athletics...as do a number of other D3's, but top to bottom #1 through #11 you'll be hard pressed each year to find a better League in D3 combining these qualities....sorry but I couldn't help myself returning to the my provincial elitism.  LOL ;) ;)

OK...your last line got a chuckle out of me...truth is always funnier then fiction.

But let's be honest, the five D1 schools you listed aren't very good soccer teams...with the possible exception of BU.  Four of the five programs were well under .500 and none of them made the national tourney.  I don't think programs of this caliber would get much fan support in any part of the country.

Fan attendance points to style of soccer that people like to watch.  I think that's why Messiah, Ohio Wesleyan, and Wheaton draw such large and loyal crowds.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on February 26, 2015, 10:07:33 PM
I agree with this mostly. Messiah has the best style I've seen. Great midfield work. Tufts played the next best brand or pretty soccer with Wheaton a close 3rd...this is based on last years games....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 26, 2015, 10:48:10 PM
I think the trick is to establish a style of soccer that people like to watch and to produce a winning tradition with that style over a long period of time.  That builds large and loyal fans bases.  I think Messiah, OWU, and Wheaton have done that.  Tufts now has the opportunity to build that kind of loyal following.  Time will tell if they are able to sustain their success.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on February 27, 2015, 04:14:28 PM
Quote from: frank uible on February 26, 2015, 08:32:59 PM
It is recommended that one avoid this thread if he should desire to have greater equanimity and less anxiety arising out of comparisons of his favorite educational institution with NESCAC.
Couldn't agree more Frank.  They hate us, cause they ain't us, as the Pats would say.  I think everyone else's contempt for the NESCAC parallels that for the Patriots.  And I'm sure this post will bring negative karma, but NESCAC alums can take it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on February 27, 2015, 05:25:02 PM
In the midst of Winter Sports CAC championship events, was wondering what was driving all the posts on the soccer board....especially the astute Frank U. :)
Found the logic in the posts to be both programmatic at times and good.  It does keep one busy...including me...on a cold day. 
My conclusions from the attendance related topic are...the Midwest colleges like Wheaton like soccer...attendance at soccer games does not relate to winning championships...mixing attendance numbers from big schools with small schools and collective levels is counter productive.
I have attended a championship tourny at Messiah..women soccer.  Messiah plays the games on a field/ pitch..whatever...with stands for the fans.  Did not see tremendous number of fans  in attendance...less than a thousand....many parents, friends, etc of the players mostly.  Yes, Messiah had much more fans than Amherst in attendance...probably due to shorter drive times :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on February 28, 2015, 10:52:52 AM
Quote from: amh63 on February 27, 2015, 05:25:02 PM
In the midst of Winter Sports CAC championship events, was wondering what was driving all the posts on the soccer board....especially the astute Frank U. :)
Found the logic in the posts to be both programmatic at times and good.  It does keep one busy...including me...on a cold day. 
My conclusions from the attendance related topic are...the Midwest colleges like Wheaton like soccer...attendance at soccer games does not relate to winning championships...mixing attendance numbers from big schools with small schools and collective levels is counter productive.
I have attended a championship tourny at Messiah..women soccer.  Messiah plays the games on a field/ pitch..whatever...with stands for the fans.  Did not see tremendous number of fans  in attendance...less than a thousand....many parents, friends, etc of the players mostly.  Yes, Messiah had much more fans than Amherst in attendance...probably due to shorter drive times :)

I would somewhat agree that "attendance at soccer games does not relate to winning championships".  So while you have said what doesn't impact attendance, I'm curious what factors you think do impact attendance.

I also agree that the big schools (like Tufts) would be expected to have larger crowds at their games...that's logical.

Finally, I think that characterizing Messiah's  soccer game attendance  by what you saw at a Messiah's women's game is not relevant.  That's kinda like comparing the WNBA to the NBA.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on March 03, 2015, 04:34:45 PM
Partial 2015 NESCAC Men's Soccer schedule posted:

http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2015-16/schedule?confonly=1

I do not believe this is a complete schedule ... it looks like each school has 9 conference games instead of 10.
Is there a chance soccer has adopted football's $#$%^* idea that one shouldn't play all other team's in the conference?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on March 03, 2015, 10:46:20 PM
Nice dig. Looks like a work in process as 3 or 4 schools have all 10 NESCAC games scheduled while the rest only show 9 games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on March 03, 2015, 10:50:26 PM
Early predictions on the top 4 NESCAC finishers?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on March 04, 2015, 12:29:48 PM

1) Amherst
2) Middlebury
3) Tufts
4) Williams

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on March 04, 2015, 06:43:01 PM
1 and/or 2. Amherst or Tufts
3. Middlebury
4. Williams
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on March 04, 2015, 07:03:45 PM
1) Middlebury
2) Tufts
3) Amherst
4) Wesleyan
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on March 04, 2015, 10:14:51 PM
1. Amherst
2. tufts
3. Middlebury
4. Wesleyan
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on March 06, 2015, 08:22:39 PM
1) Amherst
2) Middlebury
3) Wesleyan
4) Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on March 07, 2015, 12:33:44 PM
more to come but you people seem to be giving Midd and Wesleyan high ratings for 2015. Wesleyan loses about 8-9 KEY players and Midd has not gotten it done since 2010. Did we all forget Bowdoin who loses a player or 2 and Williams. Williams will have Rashid back and Both Williams and Bowdoin have good frosh coming in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on March 07, 2015, 12:46:07 PM
Whoa, welcome back.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on March 07, 2015, 12:49:37 PM
Thank you. After being gone 2 months I am trying to catch up but after reading some posts it doesn't seem I missed to much. I will try to fill in some information little by little.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on March 08, 2015, 12:20:15 AM
Mr. Right, u crawled out of your hole....welcome back. What have u heard about the Tufts and Amherst recruits?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ishmael55 on March 08, 2015, 03:59:45 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on March 07, 2015, 12:33:44 PM
more to come but you people seem to be giving Midd and Wesleyan high ratings for 2015. Wesleyan loses about 8-9 KEY players and Midd has not gotten it done since 2010. Did we all forget Bowdoin who loses a player or 2 and Williams. Williams will have Rashid back and Both Williams and Bowdoin have good frosh coming in.

As to Wesleyan, you may be overstating their losses.  Wesleyan does lose both its best player (Bratt) and their keeper(both substantial losses), but only one other consistent starter.  They lose  6 of last season's 19 goals. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on March 08, 2015, 04:22:04 PM
Quote from: Corazon on March 07, 2015, 12:46:07 PM
Whoa, welcome back.

Whoa is right!!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on March 08, 2015, 05:09:47 PM
Quote from: Ishmael55 on March 08, 2015, 03:59:45 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on March 07, 2015, 12:33:44 PM
more to come but you people seem to be giving Midd and Wesleyan high ratings for 2015. Wesleyan loses about 8-9 KEY players and Midd has not gotten it done since 2010. Did we all forget Bowdoin who loses a player or 2 and Williams. Williams will have Rashid back and Both Williams and Bowdoin have good frosh coming in.

As to Wesleyan, you may be overstating their losses.  Wesleyan does lose both its best player (Bratt) and their keeper(both substantial losses), but only one other consistent starter.  They lose  6 of last season's 19 goals.


First of all when I was thinking of Wesleyan's losses I was not talking about Emmett McConnell their graduating GK. He was an average GK at best and can be replaced especially the way Wheeler usually ends up with a top end GK. After their semi-final debacle against Midd their backup GK was horrific who was forced to play because of McConnell red card the game before. McConnell was missed in that game but can be replaced. Ben Bratt cannot be replaced right away. Bravo, Issiroff, Bratt and Lynch are good players. I thought Sousa and Erickson also were graduating so I was thinking they were also gone. They still have those 2 plus Gruner and a couple others but as this team is made up currently they are not a top 4 team in Nescac. They will continue to slog it out and fight for each game but I do not see a legitimate goal scoring threat. Cowie-Haskell had a good frosh year but he will be marked this year and Wesleyan will struggle to score goals and if their GK situation is not figured out they will struggle to win those slog it out 1-0 games they usually win
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on March 11, 2015, 11:37:26 AM
I feel like this is the most uncertainty surrounding a Williams team that I can ever recall, mainly because of the coaching transition -- I have little doubt that Erin Sullivan will be a very good leader for the program, but obviously replacing alegend Russo is not easy, and I imagine there may be some changes in system / philosophy which will require an adjustment period.  Williams also loses six senior starters -- three in the back, and 17/23 goals scored.  So it will be an entirely different team in many respects.

Now, if Rashid returns and stays healthy (no guarantee), he should be able to replace Grady's production up front, with more help hopefully from Sisco-Tolomeo and Young who should play much bigger roles up front as sophomores and will be counted on to produce offense.  If Westling returns from injury that would help, but that is another big question mark.  With two young GKs returning, that unit should be improved, at least, but it wasn't like Williams had the top GK unit in the league last year.  Danilak is one of the best players in NESCAC, and Moutenot is a crafty schemer who may have a break out year.  The Ephs also have a lot of size in midfield and the back with Muellers, Dory and Ritter averaging about 6'4. 

The Ephs should be stronger up front (even with the loss of Grady) and in goal than last year, but there are huge question marks in the midfield and defense.  Hopefully Harrison Fyke can step in to a midfield slot; I'm not sure if there are any other frosh who can help right away, although Mr. Right seems to know of a few (and I'd be curious to hear) ... still, between massive turnover in coaching and throughout the lineup, with two key guys potentially returning from season-long injuries, and counting, I imagine, on a few frosh, there is huge uncertainty -- Danilak and GK are really the only positions that are totally known quantities at this point, either due to new guys stepping up or health question marks.  What will be the key differences, Mr. Right, between Russo and Sullivan's styles of soccer, if any? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on March 11, 2015, 03:25:00 PM
Unfortunately I believe that Russo and Sullivan's style will differ significantly. Russo favored skill and speed and required his players to possess the ball and play to feet to build up their attack. Williams was a great counter attacking team but as we saw last year they were "soft" in midfield and I would venture to guess one of the worst Nescac squads at tackling. Pierce was a tough kid and Danilack while highly skilled was also tough but I ask you to give me any others that were. I felt bad because besides 2008 that squad minus Rashid was one of worst in the last 30 years at Williams. They looked at times uninterested and not willing to fight as a team. After their 0-3-1 mid season run they quietly began to lose confidence in themselves. Muralles was a shade of himself and Madding looked like after 3 ACL injuries just a step to slow.

It will be interesting to see how Sullivan plays. What was a starting lineup last year could be changed completely this year as he might change formation and style. WNEC was be pesky, physical and run all day types but without much skill the last few years. With better talent Sullivan might continue to harp on possessing, skill and speed but I would not be surprised to see a change in philosophy.

Alcorn is very solid in net and he had a pretty good season gaining confidence toward the end of the year. He will only keep learning under Sullivan as he was a former keeper at Williams. The big question mark would be how Rashid is coming back from his injury. Williams has a September heavy schedule and will be playing Oneonta St, Babson and Skidmore in September as well as their nescac slate. Sullivan picked up Oneonta St and was never shy about playing the best teams he could at WNEC. I believe he played Oneonta at WNEC also.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on March 11, 2015, 03:35:29 PM
Mr. Right, what have you heard about Tufts and their recruits, and what is your forecast for next season?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on March 11, 2015, 09:53:47 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on March 11, 2015, 03:35:29 PM
Mr. Right, what have you heard about Tufts and their recruits, and what is your forecast for next season?

Tufts will be good again. They lose some of their top starters but retain most of their championship team. They have an excellent midfield and goalie....and will be fine up the middle. Teams will be gunning for them however and they will have to play with intensity...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on March 11, 2015, 10:09:50 PM
Mr.Right by far my favorite poster on the forum... my buddy saint of old second. ....but NESCAC is a fickle mistress.

Yes, Tufts should be good but I see them finishing third in league.  Combination of league depth plus hangover.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on March 12, 2015, 06:50:27 PM
Thanks Lastguy. I am gushing and also love your posts as well. Humorous with plenty of D3 knowledge especially knowledge of the NJAC with which we never get many people posting about.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on March 13, 2015, 11:39:45 AM
Great to have Mr. Right back.  These boards are nowhere near as fun without him!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on March 26, 2015, 08:07:19 AM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on March 03, 2015, 04:34:45 PM
Partial 2015 NESCAC Men's Soccer schedule posted:

http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2015-16/schedule?confonly=1

I do not believe this is a complete schedule ... it looks like each school has 9 conference games instead of 10.
Is there a chance soccer has adopted football's $#$%^* idea that one shouldn't play all other team's in the conference?

Looks like the schedules have been removed from the NESCAC website.  Either posted in error prematurely, or being finalized to post the final schedules.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on March 26, 2015, 08:50:09 AM
They need to be finalized with exact dates and times. Usually June 1st is when they will be posted.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on March 31, 2015, 07:02:29 AM
Only 5 months until the season starts!  Since things are slow, I'll try to get things going with my predictions for the upcoming year.

NESCAC Champs:  Amherst - this is the year the Jeffs put it all together and go to the Final 4.

Player of the Year:  Nico Pascual Leone , Amherst - the classy senior is finally recognized for his skills.

Coach of the year:  Ewan Seabrook, Colby - his vaunted recruiting class gives him ammo to continue the Mules' improbable climb up the NESCAC ladder.

Freshman of the Year:  Archii Hakaapelittaa, Williams - the Finnish sensation takes Williamstown by storm and proves he's no mirage.

Thoughts? What are your predictions?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on March 31, 2015, 09:21:23 AM
Funny, Corazon, re: the Finnish sensation. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on March 31, 2015, 10:10:17 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on March 31, 2015, 09:21:23 AM
Funny, Corazon, re: the Finnish sensation.

Ha! Well, it is April 1 (almost). In all seriousness, I thought long and hard about the incoming recruits and given I've only seen 2-3 guys play, I realized I have no clue. I doubt even the coaches have a great grasp given the lack of publicity in D3 and particularly with NESCAC and its policy of no press releases, etc.  We'll just have to watch the kids play for a couple of months, then begin the speculating.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on March 31, 2015, 10:28:01 AM
Quote from: Corazon on March 31, 2015, 07:02:29 AM
Only 5 months until the season starts!  Since things are slow, I'll try to get things going with my predictions for the upcoming year.

NESCAC Champs:  Amherst - this is the year the Jeffs put it all together and go to the Final 4.

Player of the Year:  Nico Pascual Leone , Amherst - the classy senior is finally recognized for his skills.

Coach of the year:  Ewan Seabrook, Colby - his vaunted recruiting class gives him ammo to continue the Mules' improbable climb up the NESCAC ladder.

Freshman of the Year:  Archii Hakaapelittaa, Williams - the Finnish sensation takes Williamstown by storm and proves he's no mirage.

Thoughts? What are your predictions?


NESCAC Champs:  Amherst - this is the year the Jeffs put it all together and go to the Final 4.  Maybe the NESCAC but FINAL 4???????

Player of the Year:  Nico Pascual Leone , Amherst - the classy senior is finally recognized for his skills. Possible, if he is the leading scorer.  The award frequently goes to the highest scorer.  There are several great all-around players (including playmaker midfielders and defenders who should win the award but don't).

Coach of the year:  Ewan Seabrook, Colby - his vaunted recruiting class gives him ammo to continue the Mules' improbable climb up the NESCAC ladder. Remains to be seen.

Freshman of the Year:  Archii Hakaapelittaa, Williams - the Finnish sensation takes Williamstown by storm and proves he's no mirage.  Now this is a tough one.....

Thoughts? What are your predictions?

I think the battle will be between Amherst and Tufts.  I give Amherst the nod at this point since all will be gunning for the defending National Champions (who lost some key players).  Tufts will  have to battle this dilema and fight threw a championship hangover. They still have excellent players and an exceptional midfield and goaltender.  We just have to wait to see of they can rise to the occasion.  No one expected them to do much in the NCAA tourney last year and they had several doubters, but they basically dominated all of their tourney games (except Messiah) with a historical run. They will have to dig deep as everyone in the NESCAC will have extra motivation to take down the champion.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on April 27, 2015, 06:28:10 PM
Rumor of the week..Topic-Colby.....Their new president is from Stanford and WANTS a big emphasis on athletics. With a new AD from Harvard and new Dir. of Admissions, they have committed to spending millions to upgrade their athletic facilities. With everyone on board Colby will be sneaking some kids in that have no business matriculating there. More to come later on this but a prime example is the youngest Aoyama brother wanted to follow his 2 older brothers and go to Amherst. His grades / boards did not meet Amherst standards let alone any Nescac school but Colby got him in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on April 28, 2015, 11:38:34 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on April 27, 2015, 06:28:10 PM
Rumor of the week..Topic-Colby.....Their new president is from Stanford and WANTS a big emphasis on athletics. With a new AD from Harvard and new Dir. of Admissions, they have committed to spending millions to upgrade their athletic facilities. With everyone on board Colby will be sneaking some kids in that have no business matriculating there. More to come later on this but a prime example is the youngest Aoyama brother wanted to follow his 2 older brothers and go to Amherst. His grades / boards did not meet Amherst standards let alone any Nescac school but Colby got him in.

Interesting rumor....Colby wouldn't be the first NESCAC to relax it's standards for a few years to revamp its athletics, and thus reinvigorate the alumni base.  Second rumor of the week has massive roster changes down at Conn.....they lose 7 seniors to graduation and could be up to 7 other players not returning....they better have a large and skilled group of freshman coming in to plug those roster holes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on April 28, 2015, 01:18:15 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on April 27, 2015, 06:28:10 PM
Rumor of the week..Topic-Colby.....Their new president is from Stanford and WANTS a big emphasis on athletics. With a new AD from Harvard and new Dir. of Admissions, they have committed to spending millions to upgrade their athletic facilities. With everyone on board Colby will be sneaking some kids in that have no business matriculating there. More to come later on this but a prime example is the youngest Aoyama brother wanted to follow his 2 older brothers and go to Amherst. His grades / boards did not meet Amherst standards let alone any Nescac school but Colby got him in.

Mr. Right, you are mostly correct regarding Colby.  The president is a Hamilton grad and was most recently E.V.P. at U. Chicago.  Don't think he ever worked at Stanford, but did have an important position at Brown before Chicago.  Colby will probably bring in a large group of freshman (12-15?) including young Aoyama.  [I don't know anything about his admissions credentials; it may be that he just wanted to forge his own path and not follow in his brothers' footsteps.]  Several of the group are USDAP players and/or have other impressive soccer credentials.  Coach Seabrook has covered a lot of territory in the last 12 months and we will see if his efforts pay off.  Of course, this may take a couple of more seasons.

Hopefully, Colby will place greater emphasis on athletics.  The new administration does seem committed.  Facilities will definitely be upgraded.  Applications rose by nearly 50% this year (to almost 8,000), so Colby shouldn't have to sacrifice quality to make the athletics teams a bit more competitive with those schools to whom it would like to compare itself.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on April 28, 2015, 08:16:42 PM
I am certainly intrigued with Colby.

They initially caught my attention with Seabrook's recruitment of some players I thought would go on to stronger soccer programs. Seabrook used to be the Seacoast U18 Academy coach so not surprised he was able to snag some good players but what surprises me is that I've also read about Colby's huge increase in applications - guessing admit rate will be 20% or less this year (down from 26-28% in past years) so I don't know how they synch their emphasis on greater selectivity with the supposedly large and talented soccer recruiting class. My niece was rejected this spring with great credentials, and I honestly thought she would be a lock for admission.

If Colby continues their surge in NESCAC soccer, an already loaded conference will get even tougher. Imagine that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on April 28, 2015, 08:21:05 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on April 28, 2015, 11:38:34 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on April 27, 2015, 06:28:10 PM
Rumor of the week..Topic-Colby.....Their new president is from Stanford and WANTS a big emphasis on athletics. With a new AD from Harvard and new Dir. of Admissions, they have committed to spending millions to upgrade their athletic facilities. With everyone on board Colby will be sneaking some kids in that have no business matriculating there. More to come later on this but a prime example is the youngest Aoyama brother wanted to follow his 2 older brothers and go to Amherst. His grades / boards did not meet Amherst standards let alone any Nescac school but Colby got him in.

Interesting rumor....Colby wouldn't be the first NESCAC to relax it's standards for a few years to revamp its athletics, and thus reinvigorate the alumni base.  Second rumor of the week has massive roster changes down at Conn.....they lose 7 seniors to graduation and could be up to 7 other players not returning....they better have a large and skilled group of freshman coming in to plug those roster holes.

Also intrigued with CONN. I really thought before last year that they would make a big move and become one of the top 3-4 teams. Obviously didn't work out that way. I thought they worked the recruiting as hard as any NESCAC. Curious how they will bounce back.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on April 28, 2015, 08:28:46 PM
Final post for this evening - intrigued also with Williams. Curious how the group will react to a new coach and whether they will regroup and return to their usual position at the top of the NESCAC. Curious also as to their style of play. Goalkeepers aren't usually known for playing the attractive style Russo played (see Mr. Right's past post on this topic). I personally prefer having Williams as a national power. Just seems like they should be, so my view of the world will seem normal again 😏

Looking forward to seeing everyone's NESCAC ranking in due course.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on April 29, 2015, 07:50:44 AM
Quote from: Corazon on April 28, 2015, 08:21:05 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on April 28, 2015, 11:38:34 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on April 27, 2015, 06:28:10 PM
Rumor of the week..Topic-Colby.....Their new president is from Stanford and WANTS a big emphasis on athletics. With a new AD from Harvard and new Dir. of Admissions, they have committed to spending millions to upgrade their athletic facilities. With everyone on board Colby will be sneaking some kids in that have no business matriculating there. More to come later on this but a prime example is the youngest Aoyama brother wanted to follow his 2 older brothers and go to Amherst. His grades / boards did not meet Amherst standards let alone any Nescac school but Colby got him in.

Interesting rumor....Colby wouldn't be the first NESCAC to relax it's standards for a few years to revamp its athletics, and thus reinvigorate the alumni base.  Second rumor of the week has massive roster changes down at Conn.....they lose 7 seniors to graduation and could be up to 7 other players not returning....they better have a large and skilled group of freshman coming in to plug those roster holes.

Also intrigued with CONN. I really thought before last year that they would make a big move and become one of the top 3-4 teams. Obviously didn't work out that way. I thought they worked the recruiting as hard as any NESCAC. Curious how they will bounce back.

Rumors out of Conn indicate as many as eight returning players have quit it transferred due to dissatisfaction with the coach.  Will be interesting to see if (a) rumors are true; and if they are (b) how this affects Conn in 2015 and beyond
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on April 29, 2015, 08:03:18 PM
We all know Conn / Murphy is one of the more hardworking recruiters in the conference and we have said many times how he has upgraded Conn's soccer program since Lessig in his final 10 years was rather lethargic about the whole situation. Interestingly, Lessig would always field teams full of frosh and sophs because upperclassmen would quit on him. I think Murphy is an extremely good coach but I have heard while he works the players hard(a +++) he also can be quite negative (a ----) with players these days who need constant coddling and positive re-enforcement. My guess is he will learn from this and change his style a nudge. He has changed the team to the point where when you see Conn on your schedule you know you are in for a battle and physical war compared to Lessig in the mid 2000's when you could circle a win on your schedule by giving some basic effort and showing up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on April 29, 2015, 08:23:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on April 29, 2015, 08:03:18 PM
We all know Conn / Murphy is one of the more hardworking recruiters in the conference and we have said many times how he has upgraded Conn's soccer program since Lessig in his final 10 years was rather lethargic about the whole situation. Interestingly, Lessig would always field teams full of frosh and sophs because upperclassmen would quit on him. I think Murphy is an extremely good coach but I have heard while he works the players hard(a +++) he also can be quite negative (a ----) with players these days who need constant coddling and positive re-enforcement. My guess is he will learn from this and change his style a nudge. He has changed the team to the point where when you see Conn on your schedule you know you are in for a battle and physical war compared to Lessig in the mid 2000's when you could circle a win on your schedule by giving some basic effort and showing up.

Agreed. Murphy has done an excellent job with the Conn College program ... players these days do require coddling.  It will be interesting to see if he adapts, or can bring in players suited to his style without adaptation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACsoccerguy on May 04, 2015, 08:04:22 AM
The Correct Soccer Standings for the 2015 NESCAC Soccer season (regular season):

1) Middlebury
2) Williams
3) Amherst
4) Tufts
5) Bates
6) Bowdoin
7) Wesleyan
8) Conn
9) Trinity
10) Colby
11) Hamilton

Middlebury will have Glaser, Conrad and Sydor back. Dominate. Williams has Rashid back and he should be the best player in the league, I expect sophomore Sisco-Tolomeo to blow up this year with Grady gone - Sisco can play, and Danilack will be the second best defender in the league. Amherst return their two best attacking players, Martin and Pascual-Leone, and are bringing in a beast of a center back who will be the best defender in the league as a freshman. I feel Tufts will drop off from everyone else's predictions having lost two dangerous attacking players in Hoppenot and Satnos, plus both center backs. That is tough to replace. Bates returns pretty much everyone, and if the incoming recruiting class is as impactful as the current freshmen were, will finish top half of the table. Sixth seems about right for Bowdoin, they were not great last year but went on a surprise run in the playoffs, and return a majority of their team. Wesleyan and Conn will be average, I think, Wesleyan lose Bratt who was a top five defender in the league last year and neither team have a serious goal scoring threat unless they have recruited one. Colby will drop off, they lose several key players and yes they are bringing in recruits as all posters have mentioned - but every other team in the league is also. Aside from two or three players, the rest of Colby's class are all average NESCAC players, and you have to wonder how they will buy into Seabrook's boot it, pack it in and defend, score from set plays system that was very successful last season. Trinity may be worse than Colby overall but have a goalscorer in Savonen. I expect them to leak goals as they graduate three of their back four, which wasn't good last season, Hamilton will really struggle having lost half their starting team including their best player Jacob Frost and their best defender Buck Reynolds. Not sure they even win a league game, and I see them being bottom of the league by a big margin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on May 06, 2015, 04:20:25 PM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on May 04, 2015, 08:04:22 AM
The Correct Soccer Standings for the 2015 NESCAC Soccer season (regular season):

1) Middlebury
2) Williams
3) Amherst
4) Tufts
5) Bates
6) Bowdoin
7) Wesleyan
8) Conn
9) Trinity
10) Colby
11) Hamilton

... Trinity may be worse than Colby overall but have a goalscorer in Savonen. I expect them to leak goals as they graduate three of their back four, which wasn't good last season, ...

One could certainly argue that Trinity is destined to miss the NESCAC playoffs again this coming fall unless some of their newcomers and/or returning players step it up a notch, and nobody can disagree with the fact they surrendered more goals in league play than any other squad ... it is worth noting that Trinity only graduated two players that had significant playing time last season: Tim Shea (F) and Kyle Johnston (D). Of the 18 players that appeared in 10 or more of the 15 games, the class breakdown was as follows: Seniors 2, Juniors 2, Sophomores 8, Freshman 6. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on May 06, 2015, 05:46:20 PM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on May 04, 2015, 08:04:22 AM
The Correct Soccer Standings for the 2015 NESCAC Soccer season (regular season):

1) Middlebury
2) Williams
3) Amherst
4) Tufts
5) Bates
6) Bowdoin
7) Wesleyan
8) Conn
9) Trinity
10) Colby
11) Hamilton

Middlebury will have Glaser, Conrad and Sydor back. Dominate. Williams has Rashid back and he should be the best player in the league, I expect sophomore Sisco-Tolomeo to blow up this year with Grady gone - Sisco can play, and Danilack will be the second best defender in the league. Amherst return their two best attacking players, Martin and Pascual-Leone, and are bringing in a beast of a center back who will be the best defender in the league as a freshman. I feel Tufts will drop off from everyone else's predictions having lost two dangerous attacking players in Hoppenot and Satnos, plus both center backs. That is tough to replace. Bates returns pretty much everyone, and if the incoming recruiting class is as impactful as the current freshmen were, will finish top half of the table. Sixth seems about right for Bowdoin, they were not great last year but went on a surprise run in the playoffs, and return a majority of their team. Wesleyan and Conn will be average, I think, Wesleyan lose Bratt who was a top five defender in the league last year and neither team have a serious goal scoring threat unless they have recruited one. Colby will drop off, they lose several key players and yes they are bringing in recruits as all posters have mentioned - but every other team in the league is also. Aside from two or three players, the rest of Colby's class are all average NESCAC players, and you have to wonder how they will buy into Seabrook's boot it, pack it in and defend, score from set plays system that was very successful last season. Trinity may be worse than Colby overall but have a goalscorer in Savonen. I expect them to leak goals as they graduate three of their back four, which wasn't good last season, Hamilton will really struggle having lost half their starting team including their best player Jacob Frost and their best defender Buck Reynolds. Not sure they even win a league game, and I see them being bottom of the league by a big margin.

Are the NESCAC faithful already relegating Tufts to the status of "one hit wonder"?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on May 06, 2015, 10:52:42 PM
Tufts often gets less respect....they were doubted all the way to their national championship last fall...and proved everybody wrong, making an incredible run against many powerhouses....one hit wonder or not, those boys will never forget it and will forever be history makers for Tufts, bringing home the first national championship....all I can say is let the doubters continue to doubt....it just may provide the fuel for another exceptional year in a very tough division....

One thing is for sure, even with the loss of Santos Tufts will have one of the best midfield combination in the conference and country....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACsoccerguy on May 07, 2015, 08:03:39 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on May 06, 2015, 05:46:20 PM
Are the NESCAC faithful already relegating Tufts to the status of "one hit wonder"?

No. I think Tufts will be back to that level, but not this year. They have a very strong recruiting class and a bunch of talented players returning, but I don't think any team can lose their two best attacking players and two center backs and have a championship caliber season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on May 07, 2015, 12:21:12 PM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on May 07, 2015, 08:03:39 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on May 06, 2015, 05:46:20 PM
Are the NESCAC faithful already relegating Tufts to the status of "one hit wonder"?

No. I think Tufts will be back to that level, but not this year. They have a very strong recruiting class and a bunch of talented players returning, but I don't think any team can lose their two best attacking players and two center backs and have a championship caliber season.

So Tufts CB Kramer is not returning for a 5th year as previously suggested?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on May 11, 2015, 08:14:57 PM
Nescac rumblings:

1. Top 5 BONEHEADS in Nescac soccer history Cody Savonen--Great player, not as good as his brother at Brandeis but very good. He gets in serious trouble for the 2nd time this year and gets tossed from Trinity. He cost his team a couple games this fall by getting suspended for a drinking fiasco and now this. Maybe he just needs to mature a bit but this puts a serious damper in Trinity's 2015 prospects even if there was not much there to begin with. If they get more than 2 league wins this season I will be shocked. Savonen will need a 2nd chance and a New England school will surely come calling. Brandeis I do not think would be able to touch him but a school with lax admissions standards and known for giving 2nd chances, Wheaton MA, would be my best guess. It would be a win win for both kid and soccer team. Cushing should be able to keep him in line better than Pilger.

2. Wesleyan gets a serious striker off of Superclub Blackrock FC All-Stars. Very skilled and quick he should provide some serious punch up top.

3. Conn also gets a Blackrock player who is solid. Without naming names he is a good player but from what I hear had 2 D's on his transcript. In NESCAC THAT USED TO BE UNTOUCHABLE FOR ANY SCHOOL. Guess Murphy snuck him thru.

4. Word around Williamstown is that Rashid is fully healthy and running. This will no doubt help Williams get back on track.

5. Amherst has a great Jersey kid coming in a 6'4 CB who is very athletic and skilled. Comes from the same area as Mark Sisco at Williams. I am a big believer in recruiting from Jersey as those kids tend to have a bite and edge more so that the New England preps.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on May 12, 2015, 09:54:27 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on May 11, 2015, 08:14:57 PM

5. Amherst has a great Jersey kid coming in a 6'4 CB who is very athletic and skilled. Comes from the same area as Mark Sisco at Williams. I am a big believer in recruiting from Jersey as those kids tend to have a bite and edge more so that the New England preps.

Agree with you on the Jersey kids . . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on May 12, 2015, 11:23:02 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on May 12, 2015, 09:54:27 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on May 11, 2015, 08:14:57 PM

5. Amherst has a great Jersey kid coming in a 6'4 CB who is very athletic and skilled. Comes from the same area as Mark Sisco at Williams. I am a big believer in recruiting from Jersey as those kids tend to have a bite and edge more so that the New England preps.

Agree with you on the Jersey kids . . .

This goes back 20 years, but as a Jersey kid who played at what was then the regional select level we used to love playing the New England regional schools. We always considered them easy to throw off their game with some early physical play. Especially the offensive types. They just didn't handle being bodied up as well as the mid-atlantic or mid-west state regional teams we matched up with, let alone the other Jersey/New York/Penn regionals. Interesting to see that some people still think that disparity exists.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on May 12, 2015, 11:32:45 AM
Tufts has had a good Jersey connection the last few years.  They even reached as far as Chicago, Arizona and California for some recruits.  The Chicago and California areas are hotbeds for players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: WilltheMan on May 21, 2015, 03:03:05 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on May 06, 2015, 10:52:42 PM
Tufts often gets less respect....they were doubted all the way to their national championship last fall...and proved everybody wrong, making an incredible run against many powerhouses....one hit wonder or not, those boys will never forget it and will forever be history makers for Tufts, bringing home the first national championship....all I can say is let the doubters continue to doubt....it just may provide the fuel for another exceptional year in a very tough division....

One thing is for sure, even with the loss of Santos Tufts will have one of the best midfield combination in the conference and country....
It seems to me that the now sophomores will have the biggest impact on the league.  Look at Conrad as an example from last year.  Just seems like freshman don't get the run as they adjust to both the physical play and all else that comes along with being a freshman.  You kind of know what you get from the uppers but it's really the sophomores who will cause surprises.  Conrad was a recruited as huge athletic center back, look at him now.  I think Tufts, Wesleyan and Trinity all had deep classes last year.  I wouldn't be surprised if the latter outplay expectations.  Lastly I know 4 D1 recruits that walked away from offers and are planning on playing in NESCAC next year.  There have to be others I don't know about and that's the fun of it,  you really can't tell until you see a few games.

I love the writeups from local news and experts

For example: :http://www.iberkshires.com/story/47352/Williams-College-Men-s-Soccer-Season-Outlook.html

...anyone who watched Williams last year-- was 80% of that preview completely wrong?   Just an observation.  Williams will be better just from graduating some of the underachievers.

My Top 4 (so close almost not worth putting in order)
1)Middlebury (Returning talent insane)
2)Tufts (How could you put them lower?)
3)Amherst (Serpone just reloads)
4)Wesleyan....(Wheelers men have a lot of skill and a good coach)

Pickum Williams/Bowdoin  then the rest are a total toss up.  I watch an awful lot of NE soccer.  Saw all teams at least three times last year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on May 21, 2015, 03:11:17 PM
Quote from: WilltheMan on May 21, 2015, 03:03:05 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on May 06, 2015, 10:52:42 PM
Tufts often gets less respect....they were doubted all the way to their national championship last fall...and proved everybody wrong, making an incredible run against many powerhouses....one hit wonder or not, those boys will never forget it and will forever be history makers for Tufts, bringing home the first national championship....all I can say is let the doubters continue to doubt....it just may provide the fuel for another exceptional year in a very tough division....

One thing is for sure, even with the loss of Santos Tufts will have one of the best midfield combination in the conference and country....
It seems to me that the now sophomores will have the biggest impact on the league.  Look at Conrad as an example from last year.  Just seems like freshman don't get the run as they adjust to both the physical play and all else that comes along with being a freshman.  You kind of know what you get from the uppers but it's really the sophomores who will cause surprises.  Conrad was a recruited as huge athletic center back, look at him now.  I think Tufts, Wesleyan and Trinity all had deep classes last year.  I wouldn't be surprised if the latter outplay expectations.  Lastly I know 4 D1 recruits that walked away from offers and are planning on playing in NESCAC next year.  There have to be others I don't know about and that's the fun of it,  you really can't tell until you see a few games.

I love the writeups from local news and experts

For example: :http://www.iberkshires.com/story/47352/Williams-College-Men-s-Soccer-Season-Outlook.html

...anyone who watched Williams last year-- was 80% of that preview completely wrong?   Just an observation.  Williams will be better just from graduating some of the underachievers.

My Top 4 (so close almost not worth putting in order)
1)Middlebury (Returning talent insane)
2)Tufts (How could you put them lower?)
3)Amherst (Serpone just reloads)
4)Wesleyan....(Wheelers men have a lot of skill and a good coach)

Pickum Williams/Bowdoin  then the rest are a total toss up.  I watch an awful lot of NE soccer.  Saw all teams at least three times last year.


My Top 4 (so close almost not worth putting in order) Agreed!!!
1)Middlebury (Returning talent insane) Yes, great talent..had some trouble scoring last year in key games. Could win it!
2)Tufts (How could you put them lower?) Agreed.  The midfield works extremely well, starting with Kayne in the attacking middle, then Brown on the outside, and Pineiro playing a hybrid attacking defensive middle.  Don't know who will replace Santos.......
3)Amherst (Serpone just reloads)... Yes.
4)Wesleyan....(Wheelers men have a lot of skill and a good coach) I feel that Wesleyan is just a tad out of the top 3.

Williams will upset the foregoing apple cart if Rashid can play like he did as a freshman.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 07, 2015, 11:36:29 PM
With Nescac Schedules officially released my thoughts on the 5 non-conference games are mixed...

B+ goes to Tufts and Williams...Williams sticks with RPI,Skidmore,Babson,Endicott and drops Westfield St for SUNY Oneonta..That is pretty challenging. Looks like Sullivan favors more mid-week games than Russo who favored the Sat / Sun games. Sullivan will learn that Nescac teams usually do not get motivated for mid-week away games.Tufts has Brandies and picks up an away game at Keene St at night which is no picnic. The Gordon game does nothing for me. Also they keep Plymouth St and Endicott..

Amherst picks up WPI and keeps there usual 5 road games to help boost their SOS for road wins..I like the strategy except the road games are unimpressive at best..WPI gets picked up for Drew...To me that is an easier win but a night mid-week turf game after a battle with Williams could be problematic.

Colby impresses with a game with Wheaton MA after their Tufts match. The other 4 Maine games are geographically convenient but SOS weak.

Conn and Bowdoin disappoint with weaker schedules than usual even if Bowdoin keeps Babson.

I am most surprised by Wesleyan. Wheeler usually has the best schedule. He drops Wheaton MA and Roger Williams for John Jay and at Haverford..Interesting choice but certainly not tougher than Williams and Tufts schedules. This might have resulted from Wesleyan out of conference losses hurting their 2013 and 2014 NCAA chances.

Midd and Bates get an F...Midd drops Southern Vt for Green Mountain..This is just so BAD and this is your Top team in Nescac for some of these posters..Give me a break.

Bates well is just not even worth talking about...Flaherty likes to pad a couple wins to his resume to give the clueless AD a reason to keep him.

Trinity at least keeps Wheaton

Hamilton usually play SUNY Oneonta.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACsoccerguy on June 08, 2015, 11:46:23 AM
I hear that Nico Pascual-Leone (Amherst) and Zach Grady (Williams) are both playing for the Western Mass Pioneers in the PDL? Surely these are the two most talented attacking players Western Mass have ever had, and they will lead the Pioneers to a superb season. Last season Western Mass finished third in the Eastern Conference with 8 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws. Thoughts on where these two NESCAC studs will take this team?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on June 08, 2015, 12:36:04 PM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on June 08, 2015, 11:46:23 AM
I hear that Nico Pascual-Leone (Amherst) and Zach Grady (Williams) are both playing for the Western Mass Pioneers in the PDL? Surely these are the two most talented attacking players Western Mass have ever had, and they will lead the Pioneers to a superb season. Last season Western Mass finished third in the Eastern Conference with 8 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws. Thoughts on where these two NESCAC studs will take this team?

Well, they are 1-2-1 in the first four games of their 15 game schedule and have scored only two goals in those four games.  Grady has played 177 minutes and has not scored.  Pascual-Leone, on the other hand, has played only 41 minutes but has scored a goal.   Third place in the five team Eastern Conference is a realistic expectation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on June 08, 2015, 12:56:50 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 07, 2015, 11:36:29 PM
B+ goes to Tufts and Williams...Williams sticks with RPI,Skidmore,Babson,Endicott and drops Westfield St for SUNY Oneonta..That is pretty challenging.

Given the toughness of the NESCAC slate, I think filling four of five non-conference dates with RPI, Skidmore, Babson, and Oneonta St. is very solid, so props to Williams even if RPI and Skidmore are scheduled primarily due to proximity.  Oneonta St-Williams is a great "measuring stick" game for both schools to add to their schedule and is a pretty short trip, relatively speaking.  Would seem to be a good non-conference game for the two schools to maintain year-in-year-out.


Quote from: Mr.Right on June 07, 2015, 11:36:29 PM
Looks like Sullivan favors more mid-week games than Russo who favored the Sat / Sun games. Sullivan will learn that Nescac teams usually do not get motivated for mid-week away games.

Why is that (that NESCAC teams usually don't get motivated for midweek games)?


Quote from: Mr.Right on June 07, 2015, 11:36:29 PM
Hamilton usually play SUNY Oneonta.

Last year was the first time the two teams had ever played each other, if I'm not mistaken.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 08, 2015, 05:28:20 PM
Is following the PDL and caring who wins a serious thing?  For college kids it's just a good way to prep for the fall season.

And I would bet you those are NOT the two most talented players who have ever played for the Western Mass Pioneers....and probably not even a close call.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on June 09, 2015, 09:29:58 AM


PDL is a solid league with plenty of D1 talent looking to get to the next level.    They could very well be the best attackers Western Mass has ever had, but that division is typically weaker than others.  NPL will be in the running for player of the year with Hollingsworth, Andryk from MSOE, Williams from Oneonta St, and Mike Ryan from Rutgers-Camden.

The Mid-Atlantic division has the powerhouse of Reading AC (most alumni for MLS: just in the last two seasons, I think 10+ players have been drafted and are on active rosters).  Jersey Express made the final in 2014, and OC Nor'easters made the final 4 in 2013.  Factor in the Red Bulls U-23, and DC United U-23 it shapes up to be a very deep division.  In 2013, OC Noreasters lost to Unions starting XI at PPL Park in injury time of the 3rd round of the Open Cup (game can be seen on youtube).

Also, you can catch some good games on live stream in the PDL if you have nothing better to do.   Michigan Bucks is always competitive. 


In other soccer news... how did Thailand's mens team not beat Norway in the WC over the weekend?



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on June 09, 2015, 10:33:37 AM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on June 09, 2015, 09:29:58 AM


PDL is a solid league with plenty of D1 talent looking to get to the next level.    They could very well be the best attackers Western Mass has ever had, but that division is typically weaker than others.  NPL will be in the running for player of the year with Hollingsworth, Andryk from MSOE, Williams from Oneonta St, and Mike Ryan from Rutgers-Camden.


I like to favor players who play harder schedules and have good all around games, that is being playmakers who play great defense....who may be considered underdogs given that their stats may not be off the charts.  Hollingsworth, though not an underdog, fits that category (if he stays healthy).  Kayne from Tufts also fits that category, who, based on conversations with people knowledgeable about Tufts, was an integral part to Tufts NCAA Championship run.  Aside from being playmakers, both play stellar defense.  I am not sure about Andryk's all around game.  The goalie from Tufts, Greenwood, should get some consideration.  Rashid, from Williams, if healthy (he has had injuries every year), could be a dark horse. Williams is good.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on June 09, 2015, 04:14:46 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on June 09, 2015, 10:33:37 AM
The goalie from Tufts, Greenwood, should get some consideration. 

I meant to ask this last fall after the Final Four, but with Scott Greenwood's name coming up again I will finally ask the question.  Why is Greenwood considered to be so good? 

I ask because his save percentage in 2014 was only .797 which ranked just 113th in men's Division III.  In fact, before the NCAA tournament, his save percentage was a mere .743 which wasn't even ranked in the top 200.  Now, I know that stats don't tell the whole story, so what's the rest of the story?  Are some judging him purely on some top displays in the tournament?  Was he fighting any injuries during the regular season that need to be taken into consideration?  OK, he plays in the tough NESCAC which might produce less impressive stats, but on the other hand the NESCAC hasn't exactly been this high-scoring top-attacking conference in recents times.  And in any case, there's a big difference between a tough schedule resulting in a .875 save pct. instead of a save pct. over .900, and a sub .800 save pct. that doesn't even rank in the top 100.  While I saw him make some nice saves in the tournament, every time somehow sang his praises and threw his name out their for end-of-year honors, I just couldn't reconcile that with his statistics which were average at best across all of D-III. 

So help me understand why Greenwood is considered so good?  Honestly, this isn't a dig at him.  It's a genuine curiousity on my part.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on June 09, 2015, 04:27:06 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on June 09, 2015, 04:14:46 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on June 09, 2015, 10:33:37 AM
The goalie from Tufts, Greenwood, should get some consideration. 

I meant to ask this last fall after the Final Four, but with Scott Greenwood's name coming up again I will finally ask the question.  Why is Greenwood considered to be so good? 

I ask because his save percentage in 2014 was only .797 which ranked just 113th in men's Division III.  In fact, before the NCAA tournament, his save percentage was a mere .743 which wasn't even ranked in the top 200.  Now, I know that stats don't tell the whole story, so what's the rest of the story?  Are some judging him purely on some top displays in the tournament?  Was he fighting any injuries during the regular season that need to be taken into consideration?  OK, he plays in the tough NESCAC which might produce less impressive stats, but on the other hand the NESCAC hasn't exactly been this high-scoring top-attacking conference in recents times.  And in any case, there's a big difference between a tough schedule resulting in a .875 save pct. instead of a save pct. over .900, and a sub .800 save pct. that doesn't even rank in the top 100.  While I saw him make some nice saves in the tournament, every time somehow sang his praises and threw his name out their for end-of-year honors, I just couldn't reconcile that with his statistics which were average at best across all of D-III. 

So help me understand why Greenwood is considered so good?  Honestly, this isn't a dig at him.  It's a genuine curiousity on my part.

Here is my take on what I have seen... It's his presence and confidence and big saves in pressure situations.  I note your take on save percentage and it is something that could be looked at...but it doesn't tell what saves were relatively easy or hard so I am not sure it is an accurate measure.....I guess the same could be said for GAA since a team with a great set of defenders and midfielders can help keep that stat down....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 09, 2015, 05:37:58 PM
And supposedly Tufts had fantastic defenders and midfielders....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 09, 2015, 05:40:59 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on June 08, 2015, 12:36:04 PM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on June 08, 2015, 11:46:23 AM
I hear that Nico Pascual-Leone (Amherst) and Zach Grady (Williams) are both playing for the Western Mass Pioneers in the PDL? Surely these are the two most talented attacking players Western Mass have ever had, and they will lead the Pioneers to a superb season. Last season Western Mass finished third in the Eastern Conference with 8 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws. Thoughts on where these two NESCAC studs will take this team?

Well, they are 1-2-1 in the first four games of their 15 game schedule and have scored only two goals in those four games.  Grady has played 177 minutes and has not scored.  Pascual-Leone, on the other hand, has played only 41 minutes but has scored a goal.   Third place in the five team Eastern Conference is a realistic expectation.

So based on those stats so far I wouldn't say they rank as "all time greats" in Pioneers history.  The Pioneers by the way have been around for a long time and play in a historic stadium in soccer-savvy and soccer-rich Ludlow, Mass.

And let's remember that Grady wasn't even a starter at Williams until his senior year and might well not have started that year either if Rashid had been healthy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 09, 2015, 05:43:32 PM
Greenwood is athletic with very good instincts and capable of spectacular saves.  He is on the smallish side for a GK.  To be honest, I'm shocked about the stats posted by Flying Weasel.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on June 09, 2015, 07:11:19 PM
With respect to all posters here, I'd like to address the questions around Scott Greenwood.  As a NESCAC fan, I've seen Greenwood on a number of occasions and I have to say that he was the missing link to Shapiro's plan for making that incredible run in the tournament.  His athleticism on the field is unmatched and his vocal command of the (very strong) Tufts back line prevents shots from even making their way to the net.  His GAA was very strong (20th nationally) which I believe to be the ultimate stat for a goalkeeper.  He had a couple of soft games (Bowdoin at the end of the NESCAC season) but in the end, he is everything Coach Shapiro could ask for in a keeper - and a national champion and most outstanding defensive player of the NCAA Tourney - as a second yr player.

I also hear he made the Boston Rams summer team (NE Revs amateur affiliate) and is doing very well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 09, 2015, 09:02:22 PM
Greenwood is on the shorter side(Think Jon Busch) and is very athletic and vocal like you have all said but his biggest and best qualities are his heart and toughness..He plays unafraid and with plenty of confidence. I enjoy watching him in net.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 09, 2015, 09:12:42 PM
I do not have a right answer for why some not all but some Nescac teams sleepwalk thru non-conference mid-week road games. Maybe they are over confident and feel like showing up will be enough. 2014 games that come to mind where Nescac teams "took the night off" Midd at Castleton St, Midd at Colby-Sawyer, Amherst at New England College and even Amherst at WNEC last year. RPI at Williams, Bates v Newbury at half was 0-0...I really have no idea other than the different type of games that they are...Less competitive because of the non-rivalry, turf games, night games,etc..The unfamiliar can bring out the worst in some..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on June 09, 2015, 10:01:33 PM
Mr Right, I think you hit the nail on the head with Greenwood's characteristics. Toughness and heart can certainly make up for shortfalls in "prototypical" keeper traits.  He's proved it time and time again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on June 09, 2015, 10:53:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 09, 2015, 09:12:42 PM
I do not have a right answer for why some not all but some Nescac teams sleepwalk thru non-conference mid-week road games. Maybe they are over confident and feel like showing up will be enough. 2014 games that come to mind where Nescac teams "took the night off" Midd at Castleton St, Midd at Colby-Sawyer, Amherst at New England College and even Amherst at WNEC last year. RPI at Williams, Bates v Newbury at half was 0-0...I really have no idea other than the different type of games that they are...Less competitive because of the non-rivalry, turf games, night games,etc..The unfamiliar can bring out the worst in some..

I don't know either, but I've heard Ivy League coaches make this same claim, that they don't do well in mid week non-conference road games. Perhaps it is the emphasis on academics more so than other conferences? 

By the way, I loved logging in and seeing a bunch of new comments on the NESCAC. Let's keep it going.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on June 10, 2015, 02:05:24 PM
I think there is certainly a midweek complacency in NESCAC teams on occasion.  When you are told you play for the most respected and powerful conference in the nation, it is inevitable a teenage kid may not look at out of conference games quite the same way all the time no?

Not to mention the classes.  There is a difference between playing on a weekend, and running straight from class to the locker room/bus for a game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on June 10, 2015, 06:03:15 PM
I truly do not believe the mid-week "thing" in NESCAC has anything to do with complacency and everything to do with academic pressure. Even more true at the traditionally more rigorous schools within the league. Not surprising to hear the same of some of the IVYs. Unless we've been there (and a few of us have), most of us don't realize how taxing it is on the body and mind to play soccer at some of these academically rigorous schools. It's amazing what these kids pulls off, really. (Ah: youth!) Especially those with high GPAs. Grueling.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 10, 2015, 09:00:19 PM
And midweek games for Swat, Haverford, Hopkins, F&M, Dickinson, Muhlenberg, Carleton, Macalester, Oberlin, Kenyon, DePauw, Denison, Vassar, RPI, Skidmore, Union, SLU, Hobart, Centre, WPI, MIT, Babson, Wheaton (MA), Wheaton (Ill), Sewanee, etc, etc, etc?  All 8 of the UAA schools?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on June 11, 2015, 10:18:07 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 09, 2015, 09:02:22 PM
Greenwood is on the shorter side(Think Jon Busch) and is very athletic and vocal like you have all said but his biggest and best qualities are his heart and toughness..He plays unafraid and with plenty of confidence. I enjoy watching him in net.

To me, the word that comes to mind is inspiring. Watching him this past season, what stuck out was his ability to rally the troops. I'm sure we all remember that one kid we played with who could get you up for a game no matter what. If you were down, he told you you were going to pull it out. If you were up, he gave you confidence that you'd see it through. Though it's certainly an intangible, it's a HUGE part of why I believe he is a great keeper.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on June 11, 2015, 10:19:54 AM
Quote from: oldonionbag on June 11, 2015, 10:18:07 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 09, 2015, 09:02:22 PM
Greenwood is on the shorter side(Think Jon Busch) and is very athletic and vocal like you have all said but his biggest and best qualities are his heart and toughness..He plays unafraid and with plenty of confidence. I enjoy watching him in net.

To me, the word that comes to mind is inspiring. Watching him this past season, what stuck out was his ability to rally the troops. I'm sure we all remember that one kid we played with who could get you up for a game no matter what. If you were down, he told you you were going to pull it out. If you were up, he gave you confidence that you'd see it through. Though it's certainly an intangible, it's a HUGE part of why I believe he is a great keeper.

Bag, seeing Tufts, what are your thoughts on some players and the upcoming season?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACsoccerguy on June 11, 2015, 07:43:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 07, 2015, 11:36:29 PM

Midd and Bates get an F...Midd drops Southern Vt for Green Mountain..This is just so BAD and this is your Top team in Nescac for some of these posters..Give me a break.

Bates well is just not even worth talking about...Flaherty likes to pad a couple wins to his resume to give the clueless AD a reason to keep him.



There are some Bates Haters on this website, I think we should shorten the name to Baters. Mr. Right, you are definitely the Master Hater!

Bates keeps the same exact schedule that they went .500 in last year - and the same schedule that Bennett Rank had #1 in the country for SOS. That said - I think Bennett Rank overrates the NESCAC and that contributed to the ranking. Bates finishing with twice as many losses as wins and in the top 100 by Bennett Rank is questionable.

Middlebury wasn't dominant out of conference last year either as they lost a game and drew a game. Wesleyan lost a game and drew two out of conference.. NESCAC schools combined for 11 non conference losses I believe, so is keeping the same/similar schedules that bad? If the out of conference games for 2014 were too easy (given that you say 2015 is and 2014 was similar) shouldn't the NESCAC schools have only a handful of losses and draws in those games? I know the argument is that kids don't get up for midweek games, but it's not as though other schools skip class Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for a Wednesday night game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on June 12, 2015, 09:30:08 AM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on June 11, 2015, 07:43:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 07, 2015, 11:36:29 PM

Midd and Bates get an F...Midd drops Southern Vt for Green Mountain..This is just so BAD and this is your Top team in Nescac for some of these posters..Give me a break.

Bates well is just not even worth talking about...Flaherty likes to pad a couple wins to his resume to give the clueless AD a reason to keep him.



There are some Bates Haters on this website, I think we should shorten the name to Baters. Mr. Right, you are definitely the Master Hater!

Bates keeps the same exact schedule that they went .500 in last year - and the same schedule that Bennett Rank had #1 in the country for SOS. That said - I think Bennett Rank overrates the NESCAC and that contributed to the ranking. Bates finishing with twice as many losses as wins and in the top 100 by Bennett Rank is questionable.

Middlebury wasn't dominant out of conference last year either as they lost a game and drew a game. Wesleyan lost a game and drew two out of conference.. NESCAC schools combined for 11 non conference losses I believe, so is keeping the same/similar schedules that bad? If the out of conference games for 2014 were too easy (given that you say 2015 is and 2014 was similar) shouldn't the NESCAC schools have only a handful of losses and draws in those games? I know the argument is that kids don't get up for midweek games, but it's not as though other schools skip class Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for a Wednesday night game.

The 2014 season was much more "rocky" out-of-conference for the NESCAC teams then the previous 5 years as they did lose 11 non-conference games, where in the previous years that number would be cut in half.  Let's see how the 2015 season plays out.  My guess is that the NESCAC returns to form back to only 5 non-conference losses.  No doubt there are some real cupcakes scheduled for non-conference by some given regional proximity, yet given that all 10 Conference games are brutal battles which typically could go either way scheduling more than 2 tough out of conference games is a very dangerous line to cross if you're a NESCAC team....especially one which could be a "bubble" team for an NCAA bid....better to win all your non-conference games than lose one or two to other similar good non conference foes.  yes if you win its a big boost, but if you lose then you won't have a chance because the League Schedule will butcher up almost all the teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACsoccerguy on June 12, 2015, 11:24:33 AM
Good points, and well said.

Interesting game last night where four NESCAC players were in action - Boston Rams v Western Mass Pioneers. Rashid and Greenwood started for Rams, while Pascual-Leone started for the Pioneers and Grady played 26 minutes off the bench. Greenwood kept the clean sheet, making five saves, and Rashid scored and got four shots away in his 62 minutes of action. Indicator that he is back healthy and in form?

First win of the season for Greenwood, Rashid and the Rams. Western Mass I thought looked very weak and I would be surprised if they won a game again this season. They are really missing Junior Alencar - a striker who scored 19 goals in 17 games in 2013 for them and 14 goals in eight games last season. Not sure what he is doing now. I'd be stunned if Western Mass as a team scored 14 this entire season.

Last weekend, Bates' Peabo Knoth (playing for Portland) scored the winner in stoppage time against the Rams in a 1-0 win. For the Rams, Greenwood did not play and Rashid played 29 minutes off the bench. Bates' Noah Riskind played five minutes off the bench for Portland.

Seacoast (no NESCAC players) should win the division. Portland (Knoth, Riskind, Sean Moyo - Bates) should be second. Connecticut (no NESCAC players) should be third. Rams (Rashid, Greenwood) fourth. Pioneers (NPL, Grady) a distant fifth.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on June 14, 2015, 11:24:44 PM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on June 12, 2015, 11:24:33 AM
Good points, and well said.

Interesting game last night where four NESCAC players were in action - Boston Rams v Western Mass Pioneers. Rashid and Greenwood started for Rams, while Pascual-Leone started for the Pioneers and Grady played 26 minutes off the bench. Greenwood kept the clean sheet, making five saves, and Rashid scored and got four shots away in his 62 minutes of action. Indicator that he is back healthy and in form?

First win of the season for Greenwood, Rashid and the Rams. Western Mass I thought looked very weak and I would be surprised if they won a game again this season. They are really missing Junior Alencar - a striker who scored 19 goals in 17 games in 2013 for them and 14 goals in eight games last season. Not sure what he is doing now. I'd be stunned if Western Mass as a team scored 14 this entire season.

Last weekend, Bates' Peabo Knoth (playing for Portland) scored the winner in stoppage time against the Rams in a 1-0 win. For the Rams, Greenwood did not play and Rashid played 29 minutes off the bench. Bates' Noah Riskind played five minutes off the bench for Portland.

Seacoast (no NESCAC players) should win the division. Portland (Knoth, Riskind, Sean Moyo - Bates) should be second. Connecticut (no NESCAC players) should be third. Rams (Rashid, Greenwood) fourth. Pioneers (NPL, Grady) a distant fifth.

I believe the Rams coach is the old Tufts assistant coach and a few other Tufts players could have played but had other commitments and out of town internships...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on June 15, 2015, 02:08:48 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on May 11, 2015, 08:14:57 PM
Nescac rumblings:

1. .... Cody Savonen--.....  He gets in serious trouble for the 2nd time this year and gets tossed from Trinity. He cost his team a couple games this fall by getting suspended for a drinking fiasco and now this. Maybe he just needs to mature a bit but this puts a serious damper in Trinity's 2015 prospects even if there was not much there to begin with. If they get more than 2 league wins this season I will be shocked.

Hot off the presses.
Savonen back at Trinity this fall.
All sources indicate that there was no second offense, just a very bad first one.
When this was originally posted, I believed the statement "tossed from Trinity" was incorrect for fall 2015.
He was not on campus this past spring, but will return in the fall.

No judgment either way, just information.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on June 17, 2015, 08:03:38 PM
FourMore, I had heard Savonen has transferred to UNH for the fall.  Guess we will find out in a month or so!

Also heard Tufts have transferred in a forward from Boston University.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on June 19, 2015, 09:12:00 AM
Quote from: MENESCACFAN on June 17, 2015, 08:03:38 PM
FourMore, I had heard Savonen has transferred to UNH for the fall.  Guess we will find out in a month or so!

Also heard Tufts have transferred in a forward from Boston University.

Question heard over on the NESCAC Football Blog---how many of the NESCAC teams (in our case soccer) do the players vote/select the Captains and how many do the Coaches select the Captains?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on June 24, 2015, 12:46:23 PM
Interesting question, I wouldn't know to be honest.  Would seem to me a combination, players asked for input and coach has final say.  I doubt players get final say anywhere.  What do you think?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on June 24, 2015, 08:15:46 PM
Might there also be some teams who philosophically do not have captains?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on June 25, 2015, 11:17:12 AM
Every NESCAC team I have ever watched has a kid shouting while wearing an armband at the very least ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 25, 2015, 01:20:52 PM
I believe most teams have players vote for captains at the end of each season. I am sure the coach has final say but you would have to figure that most players and coaches would be on the same page as to who the captain(s) would be. Leaders stand out even if it not the most talented player or liked player in the locker room.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 25, 2015, 01:31:54 PM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on June 11, 2015, 07:43:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 07, 2015, 11:36:29 PM

Midd and Bates get an F...Midd drops Southern Vt for Green Mountain..This is just so BAD and this is your Top team in Nescac for some of these posters..Give me a break.

Bates well is just not even worth talking about...Flaherty likes to pad a couple wins to his resume to give the clueless AD a reason to keep him.



There are some Bates Haters on this website, I think we should shorten the name to Baters. Mr. Right, you are definitely the Master Hater!

Bates keeps the same exact schedule that they went .500 in last year - and the same schedule that Bennett Rank had #1 in the country for SOS. That said - I think Bennett Rank overrates the NESCAC and that contributed to the ranking. Bates finishing with twice as many losses as wins and in the top 100 by Bennett Rank is questionable.

Middlebury wasn't dominant out of conference last year either as they lost a game and drew a game. Wesleyan lost a game and drew two out of conference.. NESCAC schools combined for 11 non conference losses I believe, so is keeping the same/similar schedules that bad? If the out of conference games for 2014 were too easy (given that you say 2015 is and 2014 was similar) shouldn't the NESCAC schools have only a handful of losses and draws in those games? I know the argument is that kids don't get up for midweek games, but it's not as though other schools skip class Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for a Wednesday night game.


I am not a Bates hater at all  I just am really unimpressed with the way Flaherty went out about getting the Bates job and with the results of his short 4 year tenure.

I do not fall into the camp that argues that Nescac academics play a role into mid-week game letdowns. It is the same for most student athletes. I argue it is just an over confidence that some teams feel that all they need to do is "show up" to win. As far is Midd is concerned by playing 5 teams that will have below .500 SOS and records they will put a lot of pressure on themselves to get results against Nescac top 6 teams. If they go 2-2-2 against the top 6 you can kiss there NCAA at-large chances out the window. Even if they go 6-3-1 in Nescac and 5-0-0 out of conference for a 11-3-1 record there SOS will hover around .550. So they put heavy pressure on themselves to get results against Amherst, Williams, Tufts and Bowdoin. If those 6 nescac wins include Bates, Trinity, Colby and Hamliton they will find themselves on the outside looking in. Where as Tufts and Williams can lose a couple Nescac games and still feel comfortable because there SOS will be around .595-.600 area. They just give themselves more opportunities to get solid wins..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on June 26, 2015, 01:39:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 25, 2015, 01:31:54 PM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on June 11, 2015, 07:43:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 07, 2015, 11:36:29 PM

Midd and Bates get an F...Midd drops Southern Vt for Green Mountain..This is just so BAD and this is your Top team in Nescac for some of these posters..Give me a break.

Bates well is just not even worth talking about...Flaherty likes to pad a couple wins to his resume to give the clueless AD a reason to keep him.



There are some Bates Haters on this website, I think we should shorten the name to Baters. Mr. Right, you are definitely the Master Hater!

Bates keeps the same exact schedule that they went .500 in last year - and the same schedule that Bennett Rank had #1 in the country for SOS. That said - I think Bennett Rank overrates the NESCAC and that contributed to the ranking. Bates finishing with twice as many losses as wins and in the top 100 by Bennett Rank is questionable.

Middlebury wasn't dominant out of conference last year either as they lost a game and drew a game. Wesleyan lost a game and drew two out of conference.. NESCAC schools combined for 11 non conference losses I believe, so is keeping the same/similar schedules that bad? If the out of conference games for 2014 were too easy (given that you say 2015 is and 2014 was similar) shouldn't the NESCAC schools have only a handful of losses and draws in those games? I know the argument is that kids don't get up for midweek games, but it's not as though other schools skip class Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for a Wednesday night game.


I am not a Bates hater at all  I just am really unimpressed with the way Flaherty went out about getting the Bates job ...

Seems to me this has been said before. If you don't have evidence (which we know you don't) and don't have anything new to add, enough with your axe-grinding. We get it, you don't like him. I'm officially saying you can stop saying this unless you have evidence.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Cacstar12 on June 26, 2015, 02:14:24 PM
Hi, couple year out nescac player here. Finally bored enough at work to participate. You guys are interesting to read. Your knowledge is based off of stats, some watching games and lapaz. There are some things that go on in the team that you guys don't know. You guys would post some incredibly incorrect things about my team in the pat when I played. Lapaz was way off a lot of the times. I heard he's from williamstown. One of the williams players said he sees him a lot.

Some interesting younger insight on what you guys have talked about recently.

Greenwood-legit.
Conn-joke. Once they get a field that isn't 105 yards they can talk.
Amherst- everyone hates them. Not for being good, but for their style. No one likes them
Williams- very hard to break down,
Tufts- better every year, interesting to see what happens
Trinity- admissions will always be the same there letting in idiots
Middlebury- glazer and Conrad score against week teams, Conrad will grow and crush big teams next year

Forwards- an interesting stat to look at that no one has is amount of games scored in. Grady scored 10 goals, but only one game where he scored more than one goal and it was two. So nine games score in. 0 assists, but he was also playing with a weak williams offense
Conrad- racked them up at times, then disappeared. Not that technical. But as far as a tough nescac center forward goes he is elite. Savonen is a lesser version of Conrad. Hopponot stopped scoring. Washed up.
Player of the year- nico pl. no contest
Colby could pull a tufts and grow in the future.
Defenders- most are all similar. It's who is stronger and can kick the ball further essentially. The first team/second team drama was useless because there was no drop. They were equal for center backs.

Tidbits that people are unaware of
Grady was a nut job. If Russo wasn't older and had more patience he could have crafted him into a real star. I was coaching at a camp as a college player counceler and the coaches all agreed he was a gamble worth taking, but still a gamble. Only know that from the camp and playing against him. If rashid was healthy, and he took whatever meds he took this season williams would have been far better.
Serpone- blindly recruits a lot of players surprisingly. Does not have to discipline players as much.
Santos- didn't really fit in to the tufts system as they grew and was frustrated with the long ball
Bates- Pebo knoth had a lot of options other than bates. Knoth is one of the best players in the league...he just plays for bates.dont know why he chose bates though.
Conn- I always hear conn players in summer league complaining about the coach.
Wesleyan- has off the field discipline problems that are scrapped under the table except for the hazing scandal.
Andrew miesel- made Colby even worse when he was there. Every one of his teammates hated him. But he was skilled.
Bowdoin- went from the final four to a non conference tourney team mainly from the atmosphere Fran brought from what I heard. He lost respect from his players.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on June 26, 2015, 03:34:18 PM
Fantastic post CacStar, look forward to your insight.  Would be interested in the best 11 you ever played with and against?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Cacstar12 on June 26, 2015, 09:33:56 PM
I don't even want to think about my top 11 I've played with or against in nescac. It will exclude any player who loves the long ball. Aka any Amherst/ starting to be midd player. If Conrad/glazer played in Spain everyone would laugh at them, where as a forward who plays with a team who plays with the ball on the ground would get more respect. They deserve respect because they signed up to play nescac soccer and only Conrad found a way. Wirz from Amherst who spencer noon freaked out about not getting all nescac about, does not deserve it. If he got it, that's basically saying the best nescac can offer is a center back that panicks and punts the ball. Wirz was perfect for nescac. Nothing else. My best center back pairing would be raicjack and Brewster by far. I refuse to debate outside backs, all so similar. Athletic and can run. Center mids are more interesting. I want to say Rory from Wesleyan because he was a huge typical nescac player, but he could play. He could connect passes well and had vision, but Christman from williams did that and was a hard tackler. It's hard to pick the best center mids because they are all different. I'd say the ones that could play were the best. Instead of head the ball or lay it off for another long ball.also the lower teams would have had center mids that had potential, I just didn't see it because their teams would get rocked. So I can't really say.

My main thing, Amherst killed d3 soccer. They decided that finding skilled players wasn't a thing so they butchered the game by bringing in the sucre twins. One of them got drafted and everyone I know would have paid 100$ to watch him train not only with a pro team but even a pdl team. Such a joke, but also such an achievement. What coaching. To transform soccer into a form of wwe wrestling takes skill. Everyone hates Amherst for killing the game of soccer and adding a sense of fairness to it. Their announcing of the lineup was like a basketball team and then they jump against eachother was one thing, but they get the results. If God is a soccer ball. Amherst is a knife. They don't play soccer they found a loophole that everyone is catching onto. Middlebury got Conrad. If Amherst got Conrad, even messiah would bow down. Huge religious rift right there, but still. The smaller fields are better for long ball teams. That's why williams is so good at home (120x80) field.

I hope Colby, tufts, new williams, bates(yes bates, they will suck, but they try and play atleast) decide and counter amhersts trend of putting 6'4+ guys on the field to disrupt things. I respect Grady and knoth for being a center forward and short. More for knoth for having a more fluid career, but we'll see what happens in the end. We've all seen guys don well then fail.

So my best eleven would have more Colby kids. They play.
Bowdoin doesn't have a style, they just adapted.
All interesting for the nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on June 26, 2015, 10:23:33 PM
Interesting posts, Cacstar. Hope to see more of you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 27, 2015, 10:27:40 AM
Surprise, I'm not as ready to endorse Cacstar as the prior 2 posters.  And I'm frankly surprised at how quickly the poster was so enthusiastically endorsed by I'm sure 2 very bright NESCAC observers, given that the poster seems to throw a lot of detailed, interesting "tidbits" against the wall in a very scatter-shot style where any grievance the poster ever had gets blurted out so suddenly and/or urgently.  Let the negative karma fly, but I suggest reading those posts over again a little more closely, with attention to how personalized (and inappropriate?) some of the comments are, and from a bit more sober perspective rather than as interested observers hungry for any seemingly juicy, provocative info-bites thrown on your plate.  And if a poster like Cacstar is going to play the role of new insider, maybe the readers (and the recipients of the more negative swipes) should be privy to a little more about the poster's affiliations and allegiances (assuming of course that the poster is in fact a new insider and not someone we've heard from before).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on June 27, 2015, 10:30:56 AM
NCAC

Simply found interesting perspective someone who has actually been there NCAC, like it or not we haven't.  Not sure why it touches such a nerve with you.

One question Cacstar?  Did you watch Colby last fall?  I love what they achieved and had Seabrook as my coach of the year pick, but your observation on their style is off base.  Not sure even the Colby players and coaches would claim that was true.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 27, 2015, 10:40:07 AM
And as an observer who definitely is not a NESCAC insider, I am curious about how the posting regarding the the NESCAC schools seems to trend.  Amherst (without fail and with the most visceral intensity), Conn (or at least their coach), Bates (and at least their coach), and Trinity seem to get the most negativity.  Middlebury seems to trend negative.  Wesleyan is about the same and perhaps trends slightly positively.  Bowdoin is mostly left alone and kind of a neutral sleeper.  The real loves seems to go to Williams (basically without fail), Tufts (now off the charts and perhaps deservedly so), and Colby (the school many seem to pull and hope for the hardest).  And then there's Hamilton who might as well still be in the Liberty League.  So my question for the true insiders -- do Williams, Tufts and Colby deserve to be so beloved compared to the rest of the conference?  And is this soccer-specific love or representative of impressions about the schools in general?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 27, 2015, 10:46:19 AM
MENESCACFAN, interesting question.  I had more of a reaction (re:  your hitting nerves reference) to the 2 endorsements than I did Cacstar's posts.  I don't have any strong NESCAC favorites or allegiances, although living in this area and being a huge D3 soccer fan I am interested in the local scene.  Let me be explicit that I have no ties to Amherst to all, and I've seen a thing or 2 from Amherst I didn't particularly like, but that said, the negative attention lopped on them seems a little out-sized.  I'd ask you to re-read Cacstar's 2nd paragraph in his 2nd post.  I'd also suggest that referring to certain players as "nutjobs" and references to medication and similar stuff like that may be just a little off the deep end.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on June 27, 2015, 11:52:12 AM
I think it is negative and overly dramatic yes but still very interesting, but reading these boards for a while I have learned to take all that with a pinch of salt.  Is CacStar really the first poster to do this?  Mr.Right has become some lovable grump, but if CacStar is negative then so is he, and many of us, me included at time I imagine.  Why be so sensitive to it?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MENESCACFAN on June 27, 2015, 11:54:28 AM
Also as far as NESCAC allegiance goes mine lies with the three Maine teams, and I attend games for all three.  I am disappointed Bowdoin's success gained so little praise and seemed swept over on these boards (think Colby actually got more love), but that did not happen locally.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 27, 2015, 12:29:20 PM
I have to agree with NCAC....This poster is as unbearable a read as I have seen on here. Regurgitating most information in an unimpressive and most unorganized way. I had to stop reading halfway down as my brain could not keep up and a shiny light caught my attention.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 27, 2015, 12:57:53 PM
MENESCACFAN, I'm not sensitive to the material in any personal way.  None of it personally impacts me in the least.  And I don't feel protective or defensive on behalf of any of those particular schools or players mentioned.  Just didn't share the same first impression/reaction as you did, and don't necessarily want to encourage that style.  It's also one thing to be negative (I hae been and I'm sure will be again), but it's another (for me) to be negative in a way that is off-base and out-of-bounds for a forum like this.

And Mr.Right, I gave you some + karma.  Hope we can move forward and enjoy the upcoming season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on June 27, 2015, 03:09:28 PM
Quote from: Cacstar12 on June 26, 2015, 09:33:56 PM
I don't even want to think about my top 11 I've played with or against in nescac. It will exclude any player who loves the long ball. Aka any Amherst/ starting to be midd player. If Conrad/glazer played in Spain everyone would laugh at them, where as a forward who plays with a team who plays with the ball on the ground would get more respect. They deserve respect because they signed up to play nescac soccer and only Conrad found a way. Wirz from Amherst who spencer noon freaked out about not getting all nescac about, does not deserve it. If he got it, that's basically saying the best nescac can offer is a center back that panicks and punts the ball. Wirz was perfect for nescac. Nothing else. My best center back pairing would be raicjack and Brewster by far. I refuse to debate outside backs, all so similar. Athletic and can run. Center mids are more interesting. I want to say Rory from Wesleyan because he was a huge typical nescac player, but he could play. He could connect passes well and had vision, but Christman from williams did that and was a hard tackler. It's hard to pick the best center mids because they are all different. I'd say the ones that could play were the best. Instead of head the ball or lay it off for another long ball.also the lower teams would have had center mids that had potential, I just didn't see it because their teams would get rocked. So I can't really say.

My main thing, Amherst killed d3 soccer. They decided that finding skilled players wasn't a thing so they butchered the game by bringing in the sucre twins. One of them got drafted and everyone I know would have paid 100$ to watch him train not only with a pro team but even a pdl team. Such a joke, but also such an achievement. What coaching. To transform soccer into a form of wwe wrestling takes skill. Everyone hates Amherst for killing the game of soccer and adding a sense of fairness to it. Their announcing of the lineup was like a basketball team and then they jump against eachother was one thing, but they get the results. If God is a soccer ball. Amherst is a knife. They don't play soccer they found a loophole that everyone is catching onto. Middlebury got Conrad. If Amherst got Conrad, even messiah would bow down. Huge religious rift right there, but still. The smaller fields are better for long ball teams. That's why williams is so good at home (120x80) field.

I hope Colby, tufts, new williams, bates(yes bates, they will suck, but they try and play atleast) decide and counter amhersts trend of putting 6'4+ guys on the field to disrupt things. I respect Grady and knoth for being a center forward and short. More for knoth for having a more fluid career, but we'll see what happens in the end. We've all seen guys don well then fail.

So my best eleven would have more Colby kids. They play.
Bowdoin doesn't have a style, they just adapted.
All interesting for the nescac.

CAC, yes Amhersmt played long ball. So do many D1 teams. As far as others trying to counter Amherst's so-called trend of giants, did u watch the Tufts midfield last year. The decision to play soccer started at Tufts when Shapiro entered... The midfield is a joy to watch. Very talented an cohesive.... Check them out this year...sounds like u didn't see them last year...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on July 09, 2015, 12:32:30 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on May 11, 2015, 08:14:57 PM
2. Wesleyan gets a serious striker off of Superclub Blackrock FC All-Stars. Very skilled and quick he should provide some serious punch up top.

Mr. Right - Are you referring to Komar?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on July 15, 2015, 11:13:36 AM
The admission rates for the incoming NESCAC freshmen are out.  Not getting any easier to get in ...

Amherst 13.7%
Bowdoin 14.9%
Tufts 16.0%
Williams 16.8%
Middlebury 17.0%
Bates 21.4%
Wesleyan 21.9%
Colby 22.5%
Hamilton 24.9%
Trinity 33.0%
Conn 36.7%*

* last year's stat. Conn hasn't published this year's results yet
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on July 15, 2015, 09:30:50 PM
Quote from: Corazon on July 15, 2015, 11:13:36 AM
The admission rates for the incoming NESCAC freshmen are out.  Not getting any easier to get in ...

Amherst 13.7%
Bowdoin 14.9%
Tufts 16.0%
Williams 16.8%
Middlebury 17.0%
Bates 21.4%
Wesleyan 21.9%
Colby 22.5%
Hamilton 24.9%
Trinity 33.0%
Conn 36.7%*

* last year's stat. Conn hasn't published this year's results yet
Impressive!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 17, 2015, 04:04:07 PM
Quote from: Becks on July 09, 2015, 12:32:30 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on May 11, 2015, 08:14:57 PM
2. Wesleyan gets a serious striker off of Superclub Blackrock FC All-Stars. Very skilled and quick he should provide some serious punch up top.

Mr. Right - Are you referring to Komar?


I forgot the kids name but I saw that team play twice this past spring and he is a legit player. I was shocked when I heard he was going to Wesleyan. Maybe he had 2 "great" days when I saw him but I would of guessed a lower tier Ivy would be interested in him. He will help that team immensely and immediately. He is not quite as fast as Mutala(Conn) but more skilled and physically more advanced which will help him get goals in Nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on July 17, 2015, 04:13:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on July 17, 2015, 04:04:07 PM
Quote from: Becks on July 09, 2015, 12:32:30 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on May 11, 2015, 08:14:57 PM
2. Wesleyan gets a serious striker off of Superclub Blackrock FC All-Stars. Very skilled and quick he should provide some serious punch up top.

Mr. Right - Are you referring to Komar?


I forgot the kids name but I saw that team play twice this past spring and he is a legit player. I was shocked when I heard he was going to Wesleyan. Maybe he had 2 "great" days when I saw him but I would of guessed a lower tier Ivy would be interested in him. He will help that team immensely and immediately. He is not quite as fast as Mutala(Conn) but more skilled and physically more advanced which will help him get goals in Nescac.
If Conn is going to score any goals this coming season then Mutala better have a good summer as he was hurt for most of last Fall with leg injury after leg injury which really hurt Conn's attack.  He can be a difference maker in the offensive end, but you have to be on the field  to make a difference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on July 19, 2015, 09:19:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on July 17, 2015, 04:04:07 PM
Quote from: Becks on July 09, 2015, 12:32:30 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on May 11, 2015, 08:14:57 PM
2. Wesleyan gets a serious striker off of Superclub Blackrock FC All-Stars. Very skilled and quick he should provide some serious punch up top.

Mr. Right - Are you referring to Komar?


I forgot the kids name but I saw that team play twice this past spring and he is a legit player. I was shocked when I heard he was going to Wesleyan. Maybe he had 2 "great" days when I saw him but I would of guessed a lower tier Ivy would be interested in him. He will help that team immensely and immediately. He is not quite as fast as Mutala(Conn) but more skilled and physically more advanced which will help him get goals in Nescac.
"physically more advanced" - Hmmm, probably not Komar. Komar is quick and skillful but pretty skinny. Also, at least at Berkshire School, Komar was a CM not a forward.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 22, 2015, 01:04:05 PM
I said physically more advanced than Mutala which is not saying much since Mutala might weigh 135 soaking wet. I was comparing both players for some reason. That kid will be fine in Nescac and be able to create scoring opportunities that Wesleyan have struggled with since their banner year in 2009.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GabWirz on July 29, 2015, 11:07:22 AM
Quote from: Cacstar12 on June 26, 2015, 09:33:56 PM
I don't even want to think about my top 11 I've played with or against in nescac. It will exclude any player who loves the long ball. Aka any Amherst/ starting to be midd player. If Conrad/glazer played in Spain everyone would laugh at them, where as a forward who plays with a team who plays with the ball on the ground would get more respect. They deserve respect because they signed up to play nescac soccer and only Conrad found a way. Wirz from Amherst who spencer noon freaked out about not getting all nescac about, does not deserve it. If he got it, that's basically saying the best nescac can offer is a center back that panicks and punts the ball. Wirz was perfect for nescac. Nothing else. My best center back pairing would be raicjack and Brewster by far. I refuse to debate outside backs, all so similar. Athletic and can run. Center mids are more interesting. I want to say Rory from Wesleyan because he was a huge typical nescac player, but he could play. He could connect passes well and had vision, but Christman from williams did that and was a hard tackler. It's hard to pick the best center mids because they are all different. I'd say the ones that could play were the best. Instead of head the ball or lay it off for another long ball.also the lower teams would have had center mids that had potential, I just didn't see it because their teams would get rocked. So I can't really say.

My main thing, Amherst killed d3 soccer. They decided that finding skilled players wasn't a thing so they butchered the game by bringing in the sucre twins. One of them got drafted and everyone I know would have paid 100$ to watch him train not only with a pro team but even a pdl team. Such a joke, but also such an achievement. What coaching. To transform soccer into a form of wwe wrestling takes skill. Everyone hates Amherst for killing the game of soccer and adding a sense of fairness to it. Their announcing of the lineup was like a basketball team and then they jump against eachother was one thing, but they get the results. If God is a soccer ball. Amherst is a knife. They don't play soccer they found a loophole that everyone is catching onto. Middlebury got Conrad. If Amherst got Conrad, even messiah would bow down. Huge religious rift right there, but still. The smaller fields are better for long ball teams. That's why williams is so good at home (120x80) field.

I hope Colby, tufts, new williams, bates(yes bates, they will suck, but they try and play atleast) decide and counter amhersts trend of putting 6'4+ guys on the field to disrupt things. I respect Grady and knoth for being a center forward and short. More for knoth for having a more fluid career, but we'll see what happens in the end. We've all seen guys don well then fail.

So my best eleven would have more Colby kids. They play.
Bowdoin doesn't have a style, they just adapted.
All interesting for the nescac.


Hey everybody,

I've been reading the boards for the past four years, so now that I have graduated it's surreal to finally be participating on this forum with the likes of d3boards legends such as Mr. Right!

I just wanted to respond to Cacstar12's post about "good soccer" and my lack of soccer skills.  I was actually just offered a contract in the Swiss promotion league (3rd division) so there are clearly professional coaching staffs out there who believe that I have the ability to do more than just "panic and punt the ball" and that I am more than just perfect for the NESCAC and "nothing else".  When I arrived as a freshman at Amherst four years ago, I bought into Coach Serpone's system.  I decided that I would sacrifice my love of dribbling out of the back for the greater good of the team.  And after 4 years, 3 NESCAC championships, 65 wins, a 40 game unbeaten streak, and a season in which we conceded 3 goals over the course of 20 games (which is an NCAA record) I am very happy that I put my trust in Coach Serpone (He's also actually a great guy, believe it or not). 

As for your "interesting" metaphor involving God, a knife, a soccer ball, and a loophole in the system that Amherst has found, I hate to break it to you brother but there is no loophole.  For as long as I've been at Amherst, we've gone out and played for 90 minutes on the same field, using the same ball, and adhering to the same rules and regulations as the rest of the league.  The loophole thing sounds like an excuse to me.

I would also like to address your sentiments, that are shared by many posters, regarding the "good soccer" that is played in the NESCAC by teams other than Amherst.  I admit that Amherst does not play anything like Barcelona or Bayern Munich, but if you think that there is a team in the NESCAC that does I would have to strongly disagree.  Having grown up around soccer and having been in Europe for the past month trialing with pro teams, I can tell you that there is not a team in the NESCAC that plays soccer comparable even to low level European pro teams.  But that's not a bad thing.  It seems like many of the d3boards regular contributors forget that soccer is about results.  There are no judges who award style points for the type of soccer played.  This is not figure skating or gymnastics.  At the end of the day, every team in the NESCAC wants to win and how they go about trying achieve that goal is their own business.     
   
Finally, as for your jab at Ale Sucre's soccer playing ability.  I had the privilege to play with him for two years and he is a fantastic player.  After he was drafted in the MLS Draft he went on trial in France and there were a couple of Ligue 2 French teams that were interested in him, but he ended up choosing not to pursue a soccer career.  I personally think he would be able to hold his own at a PDL practice so your 100 dollars would probably just go to waste.  His brother Fede was also talented and a very important piece in Amherst's 40 game unbeaten streak, so your allegations regarding Ale and Fede butchering the game of soccer are absolutely ludicrous.  But hey, I shouldn't be surprised given that this is coming from the guy who would pick a bunch of Colby guys when choosing the best 11 players he has played with in the NESCAC.  I mean no disrespect to the Colby program or the Colby players because there have been some good Colby players and I think that they keep improving every year, but for your top 11 in the league? Seriously?
   

Great to finally be on the boards!!! 





Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on July 29, 2015, 11:14:10 AM
Quote from: GabWirz on July 29, 2015, 11:07:22 AM
Quote from: Cacstar12 on June 26, 2015, 09:33:56 PM
I don't even want to think about my top 11 I've played with or against in nescac. It will exclude any player who loves the long ball. Aka any Amherst/ starting to be midd player. If Conrad/glazer played in Spain everyone would laugh at them, where as a forward who plays with a team who plays with the ball on the ground would get more respect. They deserve respect because they signed up to play nescac soccer and only Conrad found a way. Wirz from Amherst who spencer noon freaked out about not getting all nescac about, does not deserve it. If he got it, that's basically saying the best nescac can offer is a center back that panicks and punts the ball. Wirz was perfect for nescac. Nothing else. My best center back pairing would be raicjack and Brewster by far. I refuse to debate outside backs, all so similar. Athletic and can run. Center mids are more interesting. I want to say Rory from Wesleyan because he was a huge typical nescac player, but he could play. He could connect passes well and had vision, but Christman from williams did that and was a hard tackler. It's hard to pick the best center mids because they are all different. I'd say the ones that could play were the best. Instead of head the ball or lay it off for another long ball.also the lower teams would have had center mids that had potential, I just didn't see it because their teams would get rocked. So I can't really say.

My main thing, Amherst killed d3 soccer. They decided that finding skilled players wasn't a thing so they butchered the game by bringing in the sucre twins. One of them got drafted and everyone I know would have paid 100$ to watch him train not only with a pro team but even a pdl team. Such a joke, but also such an achievement. What coaching. To transform soccer into a form of wwe wrestling takes skill. Everyone hates Amherst for killing the game of soccer and adding a sense of fairness to it. Their announcing of the lineup was like a basketball team and then they jump against eachother was one thing, but they get the results. If God is a soccer ball. Amherst is a knife. They don't play soccer they found a loophole that everyone is catching onto. Middlebury got Conrad. If Amherst got Conrad, even messiah would bow down. Huge religious rift right there, but still. The smaller fields are better for long ball teams. That's why williams is so good at home (120x80) field.

I hope Colby, tufts, new williams, bates(yes bates, they will suck, but they try and play atleast) decide and counter amhersts trend of putting 6'4+ guys on the field to disrupt things. I respect Grady and knoth for being a center forward and short. More for knoth for having a more fluid career, but we'll see what happens in the end. We've all seen guys don well then fail.

So my best eleven would have more Colby kids. They play.
Bowdoin doesn't have a style, they just adapted.
All interesting for the nescac.


Hey everybody,

I've been reading the boards for the past four years, so now that I have graduated it's surreal to finally be participating on this forum with the likes of d3boards legends such as Mr. Right!

I just wanted to respond to Cacstar12's post about "good soccer" and my lack of soccer skills.  I was actually just offered a contract in the Swiss promotion league (3rd division) so there are clearly professional coaching staffs out there who believe that I have the ability to do more than just "panic and punt the ball" and that I am more than just perfect for the NESCAC and "nothing else".  When I arrived as a freshman at Amherst four years ago, I bought into Coach Serpone's system.  I decided that I would sacrifice my love of dribbling out of the back for the greater good of the team.  And after 4 years, 3 NESCAC championships, 65 wins, a 40 game unbeaten streak, and a season in which we conceded 3 goals over the course of 20 games (which is an NCAA record) I am very happy that I put my trust in Coach Serpone (He's also actually a great guy, believe it or not). 

As for your "interesting" metaphor involving God, a knife, a soccer ball, and a loophole in the system that Amherst has found, I hate to break it to you brother but there is no loophole.  For as long as I've been at Amherst, we've gone out and played for 90 minutes on the same field, using the same ball, and adhering to the same rules and regulations as the rest of the league.  The loophole thing sounds like an excuse to me.

I would also like to address your sentiments, that are shared by many posters, regarding the "good soccer" that is played in the NESCAC by teams other than Amherst.  I admit that Amherst does not play anything like Barcelona or Bayern Munich, but if you think that there is a team in the NESCAC that does I would have to strongly disagree.  Having grown up around soccer and having been in Europe for the past month trialing with pro teams, I can tell you that there is not a team in the NESCAC that plays soccer comparable even to low level European pro teams.  But that's not a bad thing.  It seems like many of the d3boards regular contributors forget that soccer is about results.  There are no judges who award style points for the type of soccer played.  This is not figure skating or gymnastics.  At the end of the day, every team in the NESCAC wants to win and how they go about trying achieve that goal is their own business.     
   
Finally, as for your jab at Ale Sucre's soccer playing ability.  I had the privilege to play with him for two years and he is a fantastic player.  After he was drafted in the MLS Draft he went on trial in France and there were a couple of Ligue 2 French teams that were interested in him, but he ended up choosing not to pursue a soccer career.  I personally think he would be able to hold his own at a PDL practice so your 100 dollars would probably just go to waste.  His brother Fede was also talented and a very important piece in Amherst's 40 game unbeaten streak, so your allegations regarding Ale and Fede butchering the game of soccer are absolutely ludicrous.  But hey, I shouldn't be surprised given that this is coming from the guy who would pick a bunch of Colby guys when choosing the best 11 players he has played with in the NESCAC.  I mean no disrespect to the Colby program or the Colby players because there have been some good Colby players and I think that they keep improving every year, but for your top 11 in the league? Seriously?
   

Great to finally be on the boards!!! 


I have been absent for awhile. I will agree with comments that there are punt and run teams and possession teams in the NESCAC and elsewhere in college soccer. To say that all college soccer is more physical, strength and speed as opposed to tactical is just oversimplification. GabWirz.  I watched several Amherst games last year.  Am I right in detecting that the style last year was more pass oriented than years in the past?  Also, you've played against other teams...Did any stand out as being more tactical than simply relying on more speed, physicality and strength?  What about the NCAA champions..what would you categorize their style as?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on July 29, 2015, 01:13:04 PM
Gabwirz,

What are your predictions for 1-11 this upcoming season?
And I am also interested in who you would have in your nescac "all star" team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 29, 2015, 06:24:19 PM
Yes, @GabWirz, can you share a few (or a lot) of kind words about the Tufts squad? You can make a few souls here very, very happy.

Congrats on your career and welcome to the board. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GabWirz on July 30, 2015, 10:49:49 AM
In response to NCAC New England and Brother Flounder I thought Tufts was a very good team this past year because they had a very solid defense, a hard-working midfield, and special attacking players like Santos and Hoppenot who finally played up to their full potential.  They had the maturity to defend a 1-0 lead against Messiah for almost 90 minutes and I have nothing but respect for the likes of Williams, Santos, Hoppenot and the other players who led that team.

Predictions for this upcoming season are extremely tough because I believe that the NESCAC will have more parity than ever.

I think that the top 4 in no particular order will be Amherst, Wesleyan, Middlebury and Williams.
Amherst will be strong like they always are.
Wesleyan has underperformed in the past and will put out a solid side as always.  They are also not losing that much.
Middlebury will be very dangerous and fun to watch with Glazer and Conrad leading the charge as upperclassmen now.
Williams will be reinvigorated with Erin Sullivan at the helm and I think they will rebound from last year's dip.

5) Tufts - losing Williams, Hoppenot, Santos, Kramer etc. will be tough for them
6) Bowdoin - They also lose some key seniors and I think they over-performed this past year
7) Conn - I've really liked Conn in the past but I have heard rumblings about key players leaving, which will definitely hurt them
8) Colby - They keep improving every year and I think they will be better than Bates, Trinity, and Hamilton this year
9) Bates - Peabo is good and if he has a great season he could make some things happen for this squad
10) Trinity - Savonen leaving will hurt them
11) Hamilton - Kraynak, Reynolds, Abbott and Frost leaving will be tough on them

As for my NESCAC All-Star team of players I have played against:

If I made an All-Star team including Amherst players there would be a lot of Amherst players on there because I am obviously biased so I will refrain from including any Amherst players.

FWD:
Hawkey (Conn)
Conrad (Midd)
Hoppenot (Tufts)

MF:
Rory (Wes)
Pitney (Midd)
Devlin (Conn)

DF:
Bratt (Wes)
Brewster (Bowdoin)
Ratacjzak (Williams)
Freeman (Midd)

GK:
Purdy (Wes)

Bench:
Kraynak (Hamilton)
Santos (Tufts)
Issroff (Wes)
Patch (Conn)
Redmond (Midd)
Seitz (Williams)
Cahill (Midd)


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on July 30, 2015, 11:17:24 AM
Savonen is not leaving Trinity... last I knew he had decided to return.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on July 30, 2015, 03:11:02 PM
Great reply GabWirz.

Out of curiosity, who were the best players you've played with at Amherst over the years? (if you don't mind sharing)

I also completely agree with you about how there are many players (like you) in the league who could play at a higher level and are more "skilled" then they might show.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on July 30, 2015, 05:04:35 PM
Quote from: GabWirz on July 30, 2015, 10:49:49 AM
In response to NCAC New England and Brother Flounder I thought Tufts was a very good team this past year because they had a very solid defense, a hard-working midfield, and special attacking players like Santos and Hoppenot who finally played up to their full potential.  They had the maturity to defend a 1-0 lead against Messiah for almost 90 minutes and I have nothing but respect for the likes of Williams, Santos, Hoppenot and the other players who led that team.

Predictions for this upcoming season are extremely tough because I believe that the NESCAC will have more parity than ever.

I think that the top 4 in no particular order will be Amherst, Wesleyan, Middlebury and Williams.
Amherst will be strong like they always are.
Wesleyan has underperformed in the past and will put out a solid side as always.  They are also not losing that much.
Middlebury will be very dangerous and fun to watch with Glazer and Conrad leading the charge as upperclassmen now.
Williams will be reinvigorated with Erin Sullivan at the helm and I think they will rebound from last year's dip.

5) Tufts - losing Williams, Hoppenot, Santos, Kramer etc. will be tough for them
6) Bowdoin - They also lose some key seniors and I think they over-performed this past year
7) Conn - I've really liked Conn in the past but I have heard rumblings about key players leaving, which will definitely hurt them
8) Colby - They keep improving every year and I think they will be better than Bates, Trinity, and Hamilton this year
9) Bates - Peabo is good and if he has a great season he could make some things happen for this squad
10) Trinity - Savonen leaving will hurt them
11) Hamilton - Kraynak, Reynolds, Abbott and Frost leaving will be tough on them

As for my NESCAC All-Star team of players I have played against:

If I made an All-Star team including Amherst players there would be a lot of Amherst players on there because I am obviously biased so I will refrain from including any Amherst players.

FWD:
Hawkey (Conn)
Conrad (Midd)
Hoppenot (Tufts)

MF:
Rory (Wes)
Pitney (Midd)
Devlin (Conn)

DF:
Bratt (Wes)
Brewster (Bowdoin)
Ratacjzak (Williams)
Freeman (Midd)

GK:
Purdy (Wes)

Bench:
Kraynak (Hamilton)
Santos (Tufts)
Issroff (Wes)
Patch (Conn)
Redmond (Midd)
Seitz (Williams)
Cahill (Midd)

I note your Tufts champion team analysis and all-star selection favor Hoopenot.  Many people on this forum complained about his all-NESCAC selection because he didn't score many goals as a forward.  I tend to agree with your analysis because the work he created allowed the mid-fielders to score many points and led to the Jumbo midfield being one of the best all-around midfields in the country.  I believe 3 of the 4 starting midfielders return next year. I don't know who will fill in for Hoppenot. It will be interesting to see.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 30, 2015, 08:33:15 PM
Wirz--You are an excellent player and I enjoyed watching you from 2012-2014. I do not remember you playing much your frosh year. I just have never bought the argument that by whacking the ball out of the back is overall better for the team. Amherst has lost the last 3 years in the NCAA's to teams that try to play on the ground. Williams and Brandeis throughout those years would usually like to possess the ball more than most.  Amherst effectively lured Williams and Brandeis both years into whacking more than they would have liked but they failed to advance the past 3 years. 2012 was Amherst most talented team I have ever seen and I have seen a ton of Amherst sides. That team was more than capable of possessing and playing and winning doing so. From a distance it seems that Serpone is to paranoid to play that way almost like he does not trust his backs enough to build up the attack on the ground. I guess I do not want to get to deep into this because I realize I am fighting a losing battle here. You have been tremendously successful in terms of wins and losses but failed to get to the NCAA Final 4. I would have thought Serpone might have changed his ways a bit and tried to change styles after all those tough end of the year losses.

I am most interested in what a typical Amherst practice was like...Maybe you could share?

Also, you Nescac All Star team is spot on except maybe Seitz,,,That was a bit of a stretch..He had a great 2012 soph year but really disappointed his last 2 years and was even benched both years halfway thru. He was the best wingback at going forward and working his ass off but he was just a very weak tackler.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GabWirz on July 31, 2015, 06:35:38 AM
Thank you for the kind words Mr. Right.  I am not one to make excuses, so I give the utmost credit to Williams in 2012 and 2013, and Brandeis in 2014 for beating us in the elite 8.  However, like you said, Williams and Brandeis did not exactly play possession-oriented soccer in those elite 8 games.  I think anyone who was at those games or played in those games would admit that they were very ugly, scrappy games due to the conditions.  Williams and Brandeis fought hard, and at the end of the day things went their way and not ours.  I have even heard from people that are more familiar with the Brandeis program than I am that they had such a successful season in 2014 because they had become tougher and more physical than they were in the past.  At the end of the day, I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion regarding which style is most effective.  I personally have the utmost faith in the way Coach Serpone and Coach Shea are doing things at Amherst, and I'd like to think that Amherst will get back to the final four soon. 

As for a typical Amherst practice:  It usually begins with an intense warmup.  We then work on our pregame lineup announcements and being loud on the bench.  This usually goes straight into practicing our WWE moves for around 25 minutes.  After that we practice hard tackling for about an hour, and we end with hitting long balls for around 20 minutes.  Just kidding.

We start with a warm up that usually goes into possession.  After possession there will likely be some defensive work for the backs and maybe some finishing for the attacking players.  We then usually end playing some sort of game.  Very similar to what I was used to playing club and academy.

In terms of Seitz, like you said, I really liked him because of how fit he was and because he loved to attack.  I also thought he served great crosses. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 02, 2015, 11:58:16 PM
Quote from: GabWirz on July 30, 2015, 10:49:49 AM
In response to NCAC New England and Brother Flounder I thought Tufts was a very good team this past year because they had a very solid defense, a hard-working midfield, and special attacking players like Santos and Hoppenot who finally played up to their full potential.  They had the maturity to defend a 1-0 lead against Messiah for almost 90 minutes and I have nothing but respect for the likes of Williams, Santos, Hoppenot and the other players who led that team.

Predictions for this upcoming season are extremely tough because I believe that the NESCAC will have more parity than ever.

I think that the top 4 in no particular order will be Amherst, Wesleyan, Middlebury and Williams.
Amherst will be strong like they always are.
Wesleyan has underperformed in the past and will put out a solid side as always.  They are also not losing that much.
Middlebury will be very dangerous and fun to watch with Glazer and Conrad leading the charge as upperclassmen now.
Williams will be reinvigorated with Erin Sullivan at the helm and I think they will rebound from last year's dip.

5) Tufts - losing Williams, Hoppenot, Santos, Kramer etc. will be tough for them
6) Bowdoin - They also lose some key seniors and I think they over-performed this past year
7) Conn - I've really liked Conn in the past but I have heard rumblings about key players leaving, which will definitely hurt them
8) Colby - They keep improving every year and I think they will be better than Bates, Trinity, and Hamilton this year
9) Bates - Peabo is good and if he has a great season he could make some things happen for this squad
10) Trinity - Savonen leaving will hurt them
11) Hamilton - Kraynak, Reynolds, Abbott and Frost leaving will be tough on them

As for my NESCAC All-Star team of players I have played against:

If I made an All-Star team including Amherst players there would be a lot of Amherst players on there because I am obviously biased so I will refrain from including any Amherst players.

FWD:
Hawkey (Conn)
Conrad (Midd)
Hoppenot (Tufts)

MF:
Rory (Wes)
Pitney (Midd)
Devlin (Conn)

DF:
Bratt (Wes)
Brewster (Bowdoin)
Ratacjzak (Williams)
Freeman (Midd)

GK:
Purdy (Wes)

Bench:
Kraynak (Hamilton)
Santos (Tufts)
Issroff (Wes)
Patch (Conn)
Redmond (Midd)
Seitz (Williams)
Cahill (Midd)

I agree with Wirz -- that there is a likelihood that Tufts does not make the national tournament this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on August 03, 2015, 06:27:03 AM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on June 08, 2015, 11:46:23 AM
I hear that Nico Pascual-Leone (Amherst) and Zach Grady (Williams) are both playing for the Western Mass Pioneers in the PDL? Surely these are the two most talented attacking players Western Mass have ever had, and they will lead the Pioneers to a superb season. Last season Western Mass finished third in the Eastern Conference with 8 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws. Thoughts on where these two NESCAC studs will take this team?

Well, apparently having the best player in the NESCAC (in my opinion) did not help the Western Mass Pioneers too much in the PDL. They finished with a record of 1 win, 11 losses and 2 ties, placing them dead last in their division and 60th of 63 PDL teams.

Looking forward to the real games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on August 03, 2015, 06:39:17 AM
Welcome to the boards, GWirz. One of my pet peeves on the boards is the constant Amherst bashing. I guess that is to be expected somewhat when one team has such a dominant record (since Serpone's arrival). I've always thought the bashing of the playing style to be somewhat ironic as the team does have some of the most skilled players in the league - just last year, Wirz, Heo, Rico and Pascual-Leone to name a few, would rank as some of the most skilled players in the league. The criticism reminds me a bit of the criticism Chelsea faces in the EPL. Any team with Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Fabregas should not be criticized for their playing style but that is exactly what you hear. If Chelsea were a mid table team, no one would much care.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on August 03, 2015, 07:29:05 AM
Here are the NESCAC standings since Serpone arrived at Amherst in 2007 (3 points for win, 1 for tie):

Amherst - 175 points - 54-9-13
Williams - 151 points - 47-19-10
Wesleyan - 141 points - 44-23-9
Middlebury - 133 points - 40-23-13
Bowdoin - 110 points - 33-32-11
Tufts - 108 points - 32-32-12
Trinity - 100 points - 30-36-10
Conn - 87 points 24-37-15
Colby - 60 points - 17-50-9
Bates - 41 points - 11-57-8

Hamilton did not join the league until 2011 - record is 8-22-10 and pro-rated would fall in between Conn and Colby
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 03, 2015, 09:59:20 AM
Quote from: Corazon on August 03, 2015, 06:39:17 AM
Welcome to the boards, GWirz. One of my pet peeves on the boards is the constant Amherst bashing. I guess that is to be expected somewhat when one team has such a dominant record (since Serpone's arrival). I've always thought the bashing of the playing style to be somewhat ironic as the team does have some of the most skilled players in the league - just last year, Wirz, Heo, Rico and Pascual-Leone to name a few, would rank as some of the most skilled players in the league. The criticism reminds me a bit of the criticism Chelsea faces in the EPL. Any team with Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Fabregas should not be criticized for their playing style but that is exactly what you hear. If Chelsea were a mid table team, no one would much care.

At least we agree here, Corazon. Amherst over the last 5-6 years has been one of the top 5 programs in the country...maybe top 3, with Messiah and Loras, and understanding that OWU, Wheaton, and maybe Trinity (TX) in that discussion.  I would assume their 40+ game win streak is unparalleled in NESCAC history.  Getting to (or not) the final four for a few teams has come down to PK shootouts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on August 03, 2015, 10:33:31 AM
NCAC - Yup.  Not sure we disagree on the Duke comments either, as mine were meant for the other poster, who I thought had some pretty incredible views.

Looking forward to the season so that we can actually debate some live soccer!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 03, 2015, 10:46:10 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on August 02, 2015, 11:58:16 PM
Quote from: GabWirz on July 30, 2015, 10:49:49 AM
In response to NCAC New England and Brother Flounder I thought Tufts was a very good team this past year because they had a very solid defense, a hard-working midfield, and special attacking players like Santos and Hoppenot who finally played up to their full potential.  They had the maturity to defend a 1-0 lead against Messiah for almost 90 minutes and I have nothing but respect for the likes of Williams, Santos, Hoppenot and the other players who led that team.

Predictions for this upcoming season are extremely tough because I believe that the NESCAC will have more parity than ever.

I think that the top 4 in no particular order will be Amherst, Wesleyan, Middlebury and Williams.
Amherst will be strong like they always are.
Wesleyan has underperformed in the past and will put out a solid side as always.  They are also not losing that much.
Middlebury will be very dangerous and fun to watch with Glazer and Conrad leading the charge as upperclassmen now.
Williams will be reinvigorated with Erin Sullivan at the helm and I think they will rebound from last year's dip.

5) Tufts - losing Williams, Hoppenot, Santos, Kramer etc. will be tough for them
6) Bowdoin - They also lose some key seniors and I think they over-performed this past year
7) Conn - I've really liked Conn in the past but I have heard rumblings about key players leaving, which will definitely hurt them
8) Colby - They keep improving every year and I think they will be better than Bates, Trinity, and Hamilton this year
9) Bates - Peabo is good and if he has a great season he could make some things happen for this squad
10) Trinity - Savonen leaving will hurt them
11) Hamilton - Kraynak, Reynolds, Abbott and Frost leaving will be tough on them

As for my NESCAC All-Star team of players I have played against:

If I made an All-Star team including Amherst players there would be a lot of Amherst players on there because I am obviously biased so I will refrain from including any Amherst players.

FWD:
Hawkey (Conn)
Conrad (Midd)
Hoppenot (Tufts)

MF:
Rory (Wes)
Pitney (Midd)
Devlin (Conn)

DF:
Bratt (Wes)
Brewster (Bowdoin)
Ratacjzak (Williams)
Freeman (Midd)

GK:
Purdy (Wes)

Bench:
Kraynak (Hamilton)
Santos (Tufts)
Issroff (Wes)
Patch (Conn)
Redmond (Midd)
Seitz (Williams)
Cahill (Midd)

I agree with Wirz -- that there is a likelihood that Tufts does not make the national tournament this year.
.

I think Amherst is the team to beat, although they are not as dominant as in the past.  Oh, and I see Tufts is being doubted again...just like last year.... If they can keep up on scoring they should do well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on August 03, 2015, 10:50:15 AM
With the NESCAC season kicking off soon, I'd like to offer my pre-season predictions for all 11 teams.  I plan to eventually compile a consensus board rankings before the first games on Sept.8.  11 points for a #1 selection, 10 for #2, etc.  Might be fun to see how we do as a consensus ...

1. Amherst
2. Tufts
3. Middlebury
4. Williams
5. Wesleyan
6. Bowdoin
7. Colby
8. Conn
9. Bates
10. Trinity
11. Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: WilltheMan on August 03, 2015, 02:10:47 PM
1)Middlebury
2)Tufts
3)Amherst
4)Wesleyan
5)Williams
6)Colby
7)Bowdoin
8)Hamilton
9)Conn
10)Trinity
11)Bates
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ViewFromTheHill on August 03, 2015, 10:32:08 PM
I agree with those who think Midd will be the best team in the league this year, and it's not because of Conrad and Glazer. Their GK Sydor was the difference maker for them in a lot games last year, and I think he will be even better this campaign. It also doesn't hurt that all of their starting defenders are returning. Midd will be the toughest team to breakdown in the league this season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 04, 2015, 02:18:35 PM
Sydor is a definite improvement over their complete debacle of a goalkeeper in 2013. He is quick and has excellent reflexes but he alone does not mean Middlebury will be in 1st place. Greg Conrad is the most talented player in the league but besides him everyone else is very average. This current Midd team would lose 3-0 or 4-1 to the Midd of 2007 and 2008. Even Midd in 2007 had some trouble scoring goals so that result is saying something of what I think 2015 Midd will look like. Let's face it Saward is half way out the door and practically begging for retirement as I believe his assistants do all the recruiting. He refuses to leave the state for non-conference games and sometimes looks "c'est la vie" on the sidelines. The minute Adam Glaser gets a left foot you will have my attention. With his speed and skill he could be the best in the league but good defensive teams just sit on his right foot and contain him rather easily. Midd will always be tough to break down and they will always have one of the more athletic teams but I am not sold this is even a top 4 side yet. I would guess 5th. I hate to hark on the schedule but what the hell....I will repeat again that with the weak non-conference slate that they have they will end up with an end of year SOS at best at .550..That is usually "bubble" material for a Pool C bid. This will put tremendous pressure on Midd to get "good wins". If they finish 6-3-1 in Nescac + 5-0-0 outside they will be 11-3-1 with a .550 SOS. They will most likely only play 4 to 5 Regionally ranked teams when it is all said and done. They better go 3-1-1 against them or maybe 2-1-2. Basically, they will need to out of Amherst, Williams, Tufts, Wesleyan and Bowdoin get 3 wins..That is a lot of pressure on a couple of individual games. The rest of the schedule they cannot have any hiccups. There schedule does not help them as they are at Amherst, at Bowdoin and at Tufts and Wesleyan back to back Sat / Sun. Not to mention they face Williams at home the last game of the season and are 0-5-1 against them in the last 6 games played and have not beaten them since a blustery cold day in 2009..I am not overly optimistic on Midd this year as of yet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on August 04, 2015, 02:30:03 PM
Mr. Right - I'd love to see your 1-11 picks for the league.

Also, is Williams keeping all of the assistants from last year?  Have you heard how Rashid is coming along in his recovery?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 04, 2015, 02:33:12 PM
1)Amherst
2)Tufts
3)Williams
4)Middlebury
5)Bowdoin
6)Wesleyan
7)Colby
8)Hamilton
9)Conn
10)Trinity
11)Bates
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEngland on August 04, 2015, 05:29:56 PM
1)Amherst
2)Williams
3)Tufts
4)Wesleyan
5)Middlebury
6)Bowdoin
7)Conn
8)Colby
9)Trinity
10)Hamilton
11)Bates
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on August 04, 2015, 05:54:42 PM
1. Amherst
2. Wesleyan
3. Tufts
4. Middlebury
5. Williams
6. Bowdoin
7. Colby
8. Trinity
9. Conn
10. Bates
11. Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on August 04, 2015, 06:34:01 PM
1. Amherst
2. Middlebury
3. Williams
4. Tufts
5. Bowdoin
6. Wesleyan
7. Conn
8. Colby
9. Trinity
10. Hamilton
11. Bates
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 04, 2015, 07:20:10 PM
Any final word on whether Kramer is coming back for 5th year for Tufts and/or Lynch for 5th year at Brandeis?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 04, 2015, 07:23:48 PM
1) Tufts (tie)
1) Amherst (tie)
3) Wesleyan
4) Middlebury
5) Williams
6) Conn
7) Colby
8) Bowdoin
9) Trinity
10) Bates
11) Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ViewFromTheHill on August 04, 2015, 07:34:18 PM
Mr. Right, I absolutely agree with you that Sydor alone won't win Midd the league this year. Just think that because he and a number of other important players are returning this year, they have a great chance to win the NESCAC.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 04, 2015, 08:33:40 PM
Should be one of the more interesting years in the NESCAC.  Tufts has seriously interrupted the Amherst-Williams supremacy.  Williams is now sort of an unknown, which is weird.  Midd is a title contender but few would be surprised to see them end up at 4th or 5th.  There is some early money on Wesleyan to have a big year.  The sentiment seems to be that Colby will make a jump up, and I'm in that group, but one wonders how much that has to do with folks really liking the school and pulling for them as an underdog.  We'll see very soon.  A ton of pressure on the Bates coach.  Bowdoin is the team that often goes unnoticed and is trending lower.  Did we forget amidst the Tufts celebrating that Bowdoin made a great run and won a game in the NCAA tournament?  Trinity seemed to be knocking on the door of the 4th-5th range for a couple of years, and now they seem like a good bet to miss the NESCAC playoffs (again).  And is Hamilton picked last because they really are the weakest or simply due to being too far away? Everyone seems down on Conn, but I could see them coming in around 5th or 6th.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on August 04, 2015, 09:56:55 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on August 04, 2015, 08:33:40 PM
Should be one of the more interesting years in the NESCAC.  Tufts has seriously interrupted the Amherst-Williams supremacy.  Williams is now sort of an unknown, which is weird.  Midd is a title contender but few would be surprised to see them end up at 4th or 5th.  There is some early money on Wesleyan to have a big year.  The sentiment seems to be that Colby will make a jump up, and I'm in that group, but one wonders how much that has to do with folks really liking the school and pulling for them as an underdog.  We'll see very soon.  A ton of pressure on the Bates coach.  Bowdoin is the team that often goes unnoticed and is trending lower.  Did we forget amidst the Tufts celebrating that Bowdoin made a great run and won a game in the NCAA tournament?  Trinity seemed to be knocking on the door of the 4th-5th range for a couple of years, and now they seem like a good bet to miss the NESCAC playoffs (again).  And is Hamilton picked last because they really are the weakest or simply due to being too far away? Everyone seems down on Conn, but I could see them coming in around 5th or 6th.

Pretty good analysis!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 05, 2015, 12:18:13 PM
1 Amherst
2 Middlebury
3 Tufts
4 Williams
5 Wesleyan
6 Bowdoin
7 Trinity
8 Conn
9 Colby
10 Bates
11 Hamilton

I see #'s 7 through #11 a toss up, but ultimately not any where good enough to compete with  #'s 1 through 6 as they will be in a different class for Fall 2015.  Some of #''s 7 through 11 in past years could compete (especially Conn and Trinity), but I don't see it happening this year.  I like Amherst and Middlebury to be the top two.  Amherst for their program and Middlebury for their returning players.  Tufts will still be good, but they are losing a lot of 3 and 4 year starters off last years Championship team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on August 05, 2015, 02:09:06 PM
1 Amherst ... Serpone sideline antics may be annoying but he's a winner.
2 Middlebury ... solid in the back, won't give up many.
3 Tufts ... should capitalize on last year's magical season.
4 Williams ... you know you've got a great program when 4th is a disappointment.
5 Wesleyan ... solid returning cast, knocking on the top-4 door.
6 Bowdoin ... ready to join the upper echelon? My gut says no.
7 Trinity ... lost only 2 starters from 2014, and yet only 4 seniors on roster in 2015. Still young.
8 Colby ... getting better, but in this conference better isn't always enough.
9 Bates ... Knoth is talented but not enough around him, including the coach.
10 Conn ... rumors indicate they are intentionally youthful in 2015, but will be good soon enough.
11 Hamilton ... lost a lot from a so-so squad last year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 05, 2015, 10:55:06 PM
Interesting that many insiders on this string are indicating that Tuft's won't even be a top 2 NESCAC finisher, much less a national power.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 06, 2015, 09:50:49 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on August 05, 2015, 10:55:06 PM
Interesting that many insiders on this string are indicating that Tuft's won't even be a top 2 NESCAC finisher, much less a national power.

4 of 9 so far have Tufts at either #1 or #2 and of the other 5 sending in pre-season rankings 4 had them at #3 and the other at #4.  I'd say that most everyone on this board respects Tufts and was thrilled for their run to the Championship last year.  Let's see how they fare this season, but clearly based on sustained performance over a long time Amherst is always going to be in the hunt and will warrant being ranked #1 or #2.  Middlebury could be this years Tufts (I believe they will) where most everyone is back including their back line, keeper and their two most explosive players.  Tufts will need to have some sustained success to be considered in with Amherst and Williams as typical national powers out of the NESCAC, but it certainly wouldn't surprise me if they do have another great season, however replacing those departed long-time senior starters will not be easy as they were very good players.  One year of Championship success doesn't guarantee future success just ask the Red Sox, however it would be great if we had a season long 3 or 4 horse race for the NESCAC Championship this fall.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ViewFromTheHill on August 06, 2015, 01:26:56 PM
1. Middlebury
2. Amherst
3. Wesleyan
4. Williams
5. Tufts
6. Bowdoin
7. Trinity
8. Bates
9. Colby
10.Conn
11. Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on August 06, 2015, 03:53:08 PM


1) Amherst
2) Middlebury
3) Williams
4) Tufts
5) Wesleyan


Slight change from my previous post...  Switching Williams above Tufts.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on August 06, 2015, 06:02:32 PM
Hey everyone...

Excited for a big season here :)

Decided to take a stab at this prediction thing:

1. Amherst - Good Lord (Jeff) this might be the most stacked Amherst team ever
2. Williams - Don't underestimate how much a new coach can invigorate a program
3. Middlebury - Four 1st-team All-NESCAC players coming back
4. Tufts - Just lost a big senior class but they'll be dangerous
5. Wes - Was impressed with their younger players last year
6. Everybody else
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on August 07, 2015, 09:17:30 PM
Tufts will finish top two.

Defense - both their starting fullbacks return. They have rising sophomores who can fill in the void left by Williams and Kramer.

Midfield - their three starting center mids, Pinheiro, Halliday, and Kayne, are returning. They also have depth.

Forwards - yes, santos and hoppenot are big losses, but they have strong freshman who came off the bench last year. don't forget about Brown. Very good, crafty player who has been a starter the last few years. Majumder impressed me with his play and I think he can do what hoppenot did for this tufts team last year.

I think some of you forget how good of a team Tufts is at moving the ball....
Don't forget the way tufts plays isn't over reliant on players making "special plays." They are a true team, with everyone playing a role on both sides of the ball. They are very hard to break down which was the key to their success last year. I've heard they have strong freshman coming in. That coupled with returning players who I'm sure are eager for repeat success after tasting it last year makes them dangerous.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on August 08, 2015, 01:26:46 AM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on August 07, 2015, 09:17:30 PM
Tufts will finish top two.

Defense - both their starting fullbacks return. They have rising sophomores who can fill in the void left by Williams and Kramer.

Midfield - their three starting center mids, Pinheiro, Halliday, and Kayne, are returning. They also have depth.

Forwards - yes, santos and hoppenot are big losses, but they have strong freshman who came off the bench last year. don't forget about Brown. Very good, crafty player who has been a starter the last few years. Majumder impressed me with his play and I think he can do what hoppenot did for this tufts team last year.

I think some of you forget how good of a team Tufts is at moving the ball....
Don't forget the way tufts plays isn't over reliant on players making "special plays." They are a true team, with everyone playing a role on both sides of the ball. They are very hard to break down which was the key to their success last year. I've heard they have strong freshman coming in. That coupled with returning players who I'm sure are eager for repeat success after tasting it last year makes them dangerous.

We all know how hard it is to repeat. This applies to the Jumbos. Their midfield will make them very good and consistent. Kayne is a 4 year starter with excellent vision and passing skills. Brown is very fast and pinheiro and Holliday are good holders. As stated above, the midfield moves the ball very well, and they play good defense.  Goaltending is excellent. The defense should be very good but may take a few games to get chemistry. Majunder had a good ncaa tourney but we'll have to see if that continues.  Result....top 3
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on August 08, 2015, 10:17:32 AM
I think the real question isn't "Where will Tufts finish in the conference?", but rather "Will NESCAC produce a true national championship contender, and who will that be?"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 08, 2015, 03:07:01 PM
Quote from: Corazon on August 04, 2015, 02:30:03 PM
Mr. Right - I'd love to see your 1-11 picks for the league.

Also, is Williams keeping all of the assistants from last year?  Have you heard how Rashid is coming along in his recovery?


Rashid is doing quite well and had a very successful summer season. Williams will need him to score goals this year unlike 2012 and 2013 he will need to score 7-8 goals minimum.

Williams assistants are as follows. Sullivan will keep Cece and has hired a former SLU assistant as his 2nd man. Demeo retired with Russo and Huffman was let go.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 08, 2015, 03:16:27 PM
As with most college teams never underestimate the loss of not just senior talent but senior leaders. When Williams lost Matt Ratajczak after there 2012 Final 4 run they lost the heart and soul of the program. That was leader they are currently still searching for. They also had a nice 2013 Final 4 run but it was beginning to show late that year the loss of real leadership and it totally blew up in Russo's last year in 2014. So in Williams case the graduation of 9 seniors and a coaching change might help next year.

Tufts and Amherst will lose considerable talent and also key leaders. They both have very impressive frosh coming in but do they have capable leaders to guide them thru. We will see.

Without explanations I give you my 1-11

1. Tufts
2. Amherst
3. Williams
4. Bowdoin
5. Midd
6. Wesleyan
7. Conn
8. Colby
9. Trinity
10. Hamilton
11. Bates

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on August 16, 2015, 04:59:54 PM
Thanks. I think Williams will miss DeMeo's experience more than they realize. I've heard he did a lot on the scouting and tactics behind the scenes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACsoccerguy on August 19, 2015, 06:47:44 PM
Hey lads,

Quick question for the NESCAC fans here before the preseason begins. I was watching an English U17 Academy game the other day and it got me thinking - Would a NESCAC all star team beat a U16/U17/U18 English Academy team? Curious and excited to hear some thoughts on this topic.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 20, 2015, 11:54:44 AM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on August 19, 2015, 06:47:44 PM
Hey lads,

Quick question for the NESCAC fans here before the preseason begins. I was watching an English U17 Academy game the other day and it got me thinking - Would a NESCAC all star team beat a U16/U17/U18 English Academy team? Curious and excited to hear some thoughts on this topic.

I've only seen 1 UK Academy team play and they were good, but 21 and 22 year olds vs 16 and 17 year olds is a big difference from a physical standpoint....and do not underestimate the physicality factor (or as we in NESCAC land like to say "the Amherst factor"...meant as a compliment).  Just my opinion on a very theoretical question.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on August 20, 2015, 11:59:44 AM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on August 19, 2015, 06:47:44 PM
Hey lads,

Quick question for the NESCAC fans here before the preseason begins. I was watching an English U17 Academy game the other day and it got me thinking - Would a NESCAC all star team beat a U16/U17/U18 English Academy team? Curious and excited to hear some thoughts on this topic.

I'm thinking the Academy kids would have more skill, but the age and development difference would be too great. On the other hand, if you played with 3 subs instead of NCAA rules, it's possible the college kids would drop before the Academy kids... However, if you took one of the under 21 Academy teams I think they steamroll D1 teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on August 24, 2015, 12:04:55 PM
Word on the street is that Peter Kramer may be back for his 5th year at Tufts.  If true, this immediately improves their back four with the loss of only Sam Williams (yes, All-American Sam Williams.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 24, 2015, 12:55:56 PM
Quote from: NEPitch62 on August 24, 2015, 12:04:55 PM
Word on the street is that Peter Kramer may be back for his 5th year at Tufts.  If true, this immediately improves their back four with the loss of only Sam Williams (yes, All-American Sam Williams.)

That would be a shocker....but if so it would definitely push Tufts up in pre-season expectations having another quality experienced center back return.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 25, 2015, 10:14:51 AM
Not so fast..Kramer was a key piece for Tufts last year but 5th year seniors tend to not be as motivated as they once were. They decide to come back and they are ready to play but 3 weeks in sometimes they wonder what the heck they are still doing in school and are ready to get out in January and start work. I am not saying this will be the case but in my experience I have seen this happen on numerous occasions
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 25, 2015, 12:32:01 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on August 25, 2015, 10:14:51 AM
Not so fast..Kramer was a key piece for Tufts last year but 5th year seniors tend to not be as motivated as they once were. They decide to come back and they are ready to play but 3 weeks in sometimes they wonder what the heck they are still doing in school and are ready to get out in January and start work. I am not saying this will be the case but in my experience I have seen this happen on numerous occasions

Good points Mr. Right....and add in if he's just made the decision to come back now how much work did he put in this past Spring and Summer...time will tell, but questions abound.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on August 25, 2015, 01:39:10 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on August 25, 2015, 12:32:01 PM
Good points Mr. Right....and add in if he's just made the decision to come back now how much work did he put in this past Spring and Summer...time will tell, but questions abound.

My guess is that decision would have been made last spring, probably before Tufts' commencement. Usually, returning to the sports field for another season is done on the premise that the student will march in the spring, but will have taken the spring semester off in the understanding that they will return for classes during the fall season (and officially receive their degree in December.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 25, 2015, 02:10:39 PM
Blooter, at most NESCAC schools that is the case, but Tufts and Wesleyan have the advantages of hosting graduate programs, so players with eligibility remaining can graduate and then enroll in one of those program.  (I guess theoretically it could happen at Williams too, if any fifth-year student athlete was REALLY into art history!). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on August 25, 2015, 03:50:33 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 25, 2015, 02:10:39 PM
Blooter, at most NESCAC schools that is the case, but Tufts and Wesleyan have the advantages of hosting graduate programs, so players with eligibility remaining can graduate and then enroll in one of those program.  (I guess theoretically it could happen at Williams too, if any fifth-year student athlete was REALLY into art history!). 

Ah, yes, you're correct. I know there's a rule against such a thing in the Ivy League, but I didn't even think of that possibility existing in the NESCAC, although clearly it can.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on August 26, 2015, 10:39:33 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 25, 2015, 02:10:39 PM
Blooter, at most NESCAC schools that is the case, but Tufts and Wesleyan have the advantages of hosting graduate programs, so players with eligibility remaining can graduate and then enroll in one of those program.  (I guess theoretically it could happen at Williams too, if any fifth-year student athlete was REALLY into art history!).

Good point Nescac1....also, you're right about Williams LOL they have 5 or 10 grad Art History students per year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 26, 2015, 08:40:23 PM
Williams will be very much interested in this whole will he  / wont he play as a 5th year. Rashid missed all of 2014 and will be eligible to return in 2016 for a 5th year. My money say's he will return as he lives and dies futbol  but we will see
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 26, 2015, 09:03:50 PM
Just scanned Wesleyan's roster.  I got a feeling the Cardinals are going to have a big year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: WilltheMan on August 27, 2015, 10:48:37 AM
I agree
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on August 28, 2015, 01:00:52 PM
The pre-season rankings for both Massey and Bennett are out.  The NESCACs rank as follows (out of 410 D3 teams):

Massey
Tufts (1)
Amherst (8)
Bowdoin (16)
Williams (17)
Midd (20)
Wesleyan (21)
Conn (36)
Trinity (38)
Colby (42)
Hamilton (71)
Bates (104)

Bennett
Tufts (1)
Amherst (6)
Bowdoin (8)
Midd (19)
Williams (22)
Wesleyan (24)
Trinity (41)
Colby (44)
Conn (46)
Hamilton (47)
Bates 80

Board consensus (as of today)
1. Amherst
2. Middlebury
3. Tufts
4. Williams
5. Wesleyan
6. Bowdoin
7. Colby
8. Conn
9. Trinity
10. Bates
11. Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 04, 2015, 10:31:05 AM
Williams has its season preview posted.  A large first-year group of 12 players, although who knows how many will end up on the final roster vs. the JV.  Only five are listed by name, presumably those are the top-tier recruits. 

http://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/msoc/2015-16/releases/20150828qzy7vm

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2015, 11:53:45 AM
Bowdoin posts its 2015 roster and I only see 6 Frosh. Jake Stenquist is an excellent player as he brings a level of toughness in midfield that Bowdoin will love. The 2 Canadians are unknowns to me but could be a possible surprise. I like this team and the way Wiercinski has started to put his stamp on the program. I predicted they would come in 4th in Nescac and I think they would have a chance at 3rd if they play very well. I am a big fan of Stevie Van Siclen in net and after his showing in last years Nescac tournament he proved why D1 teams wanted him. His 2 ACL's scared them off but if he can stay injury free I am expecting big things.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2015, 12:00:19 PM
Rumors persist that Colby is bringing in as many as 15 Frosh. I have not verified that but if that is the case expect sweeping roster changes. I have my doubts about the integrity of Seabrook(just a hunch) but he can coach and Colby looked more organized defensively last year than I have ever seen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2015, 12:05:19 PM
Hamilton has a very friendly schedule to start the year. They lost a bunch of seniors from a very average team but lets not see if they can get off to a fast start and build confidence and momentum. Since 2011, when Hamilton re-joined Nescac they have really struggled. I believe they have only made the Nescac tournament once as the #8 seed and got hammered by Amherst that year. A couple more seasons of the same and coach Nizzi will most likely start feeling some heat if he has not already.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2015, 12:17:38 PM
Middlebury does not have their roster posted yet but I know of a few solid recruits matriculating in 2015. With a solid backbone from Sydor through Conrad and compliments on either side I am looking for Midd to hit double digit wins for the first time since 2010. That is A VERY SUPRISING STAT especially with the weak non-conference games. I predicted them 5th and I will stand by that. They will certainly not win Nescac this year like everyone else is predicting and you can quote me on it come November.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 05, 2015, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 04, 2015, 12:17:38 PM
They will certainly not win Nescac this year like everyone else is predicting and you can quote me on it come November.

Will do.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on September 05, 2015, 04:02:10 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 04, 2015, 12:17:38 PM
Middlebury does not have their roster posted yet but I know of a few solid recruits matriculating in 2015. With a solid backbone from Sydor through Conrad and compliments on either side I am looking for Midd to hit double digit wins for the first time since 2010. That is A VERY SUPRISING STAT especially with the weak non-conference games. I predicted them 5th and I will stand by that. They will certainly not win Nescac this year like everyone else is predicting and you can quote me on it come November.

Not sure who "everybody" is, but only two out of twelve on this board have picked Middlebury to win the NESCAC (so far at least).

Mr. Right's "prediction" isn't so much a mind-blowing guarantee as a statistically probable outcome, given that there may be 4-5 teams with an equal chance of winning the NESCAC.

Perhaps Mr. Right would have been more accurate to say: "The board consensus is that Middlebury will finish 2nd.  I say they finish 5th.  You can quote me come November that I'll be closer than the consensus."

It should be noted, however, that he is still going against the grain. ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 07, 2015, 10:24:19 AM
Predictions for the games this week?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on September 07, 2015, 11:27:42 AM
I'll take a stab at the NESCAC games for Saturday, September 12th:

Middlebury 3 Conn College 1
Bates 2 Hamilton 0
Williams 2 Trinity 1
Amherst 1 Bowdoin 0
Tufts 3 Colby 0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2015, 12:33:12 PM
First of all the way Colby plays and what Tufts has lost there is no way Tufts gets 3 goals.

Bates scoring 2 against Hamilton is a laugh

A total of 4 goals in a Midd v Conn game is also laughable. Maybe 4 Total SOG.

The others are ok predictions.

I say
Middlebury 0 Conn College 0
Bates 0 Hamilton 0
Williams 2 Trinity 0
Amherst 1 Bowdoin 1
Tufts 1 Colby 0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2015, 12:42:22 PM
2015 Williams roster is out. Frosh to keep an eye on Greg Andreou and Harrison Fyke. Connor Capitolo could also help. I would like to see Soph Tom Young break out this year as he has amazing skill and speed but he is very SOFT. He should be on the flank or as an attacking MF so he is not relied upon to defend because he is a very weak tackler
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 07, 2015, 04:30:33 PM
Tufts roster finally out.  Kramer not on it. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 07, 2015, 04:58:11 PM
Amherst's roster is posted.  Six freshmen listed.  Some surprises on the defensive side...size and a brother of a senior.  No backup goalie to Bull.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2015, 05:18:24 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 07, 2015, 04:30:33 PM
Tufts roster finally out.  Kramer not on it.



Of all the backs I see listed on Tufts roster I see a boatload of wingbacks and not much in the middle. Conor Coleman is big and vocal but a step waaay to slow
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2015, 05:28:54 PM
Huge surprises on Conn College roster...VERY YOUNG....I do not see 2 very good players...Ibrahim Mutala and Weller Hilnomaz..Hilnomaz might have had to hang them up because of a concussion sustained from a Dan Lima elbow back in 2013 that had the "crazy" parents of Hilnomaz threatening to sue Williams College...good luck with that..the Mutala thing surprises me..However, the kid Jibri Salaam from Hotchkiss is the REAL deal. Still a young team with some good returning players, curious as to why Patch is not a captain.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 07, 2015, 05:29:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2015, 05:18:24 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 07, 2015, 04:30:33 PM
Tufts roster finally out.  Kramer not on it.



Of all the backs I see listed on Tufts roster I see a boatload of wingbacks and not much in the middle. Conor Coleman is big and vocal but a step waaay to slow

What's the scoop on the 6'5" first-year player from NYC?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2015, 05:50:12 PM
NO clue on my end but good luck starting a frosh in the middle of the D..If he has speed he could be the guy especially in Nescac. Horace Mann usually produces mid to above average players but usually they are the "pampered" type. Not saying all but most think they are better than they are...This kid could be the real deal we will soon see
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2015, 05:55:22 PM
Looks like Bates added transfer brother of George Purgavie's last great recruit John Murphy. He was a superb player on a horrible side. No idea how good the brother is
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 07, 2015, 06:49:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2015, 05:28:54 PM
curious as to why Patch is not a captain.

Patch is a captain . . .  Read the bottom of the roster where the captains are listed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2015, 07:10:55 PM
You are correct I did miss that. Still we have all heard rumblings about players quitting and Murphy kicking a few off but the latest is Conn administration is a bit frustrated with him. In other words he is not very flexible. He is on thin ice if this is true as that AD down there is known for a quick hook.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2015, 09:27:03 PM

Away   Home   
   
Trinity    Worcester State       
Mitchell    Connecticut College    
Tufts    Endicott    
Bates    Newbury    
Eastern Connecticut    Wesleyan    
Bowdoin    Univ. New England
Colby    Maine Maritime    
Amherst    New England College    

Out of all these games which ones could see a Nescac team draw or lose?

1. Trinity- They still have Savenon and Bednarek but they might be in for a battle on the turf
2. Colby-With 22 Frosh and a complete upheaval on the roster it is possible but Maine Maritime is AWFUL.
3. Wesleyan- ECONN might be leg heavy with all the travel but they could get out of Wesleyan with a draw on the turf
4. Tufts-Endicott will pack it in and they did draw a Calvin side that might not be as good as they used to be. Tufts will win but you never know

The others will not be threatened.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 08, 2015, 08:40:15 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2015, 05:18:24 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 07, 2015, 04:30:33 PM
Tufts roster finally out.  Kramer not on it.



Of all the backs I see listed on Tufts roster I see a boatload of wingbacks and not much in the middle. Conor Coleman is big and vocal but a step waaay to slow

In looking at Tufts' roster, Henry Stevens, who I thought would be an impact freshman defender is not on it. His academy profile had listed Tufts. Pretty big loss, which I guess wasn't meant to be.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 08, 2015, 08:52:29 AM
I really can't see any opening losses for the NESCAC teams. Tufts is playing a pretty good Endicott side, so I guess that is always possible, but only because of Endicott being a solid side.

If Colby were playing a decent team, that would be my pick for the upset due to the massive roster upheaval, but Maritime simply doesn't have the talent to compete. Check out the Colby season preview. 19 freshman out of a roster of 32. Look at the sizes of their freshman defenders - 6-7, 6-6, 6-3. Seabrook doing it his way - guess he wasn't thrilled with what he inherited.

If I had to pick one game in which NESCAC had to win with my life on the line, I'll take Amherst over New England College. Very excited to see the freshmen make their debuts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 09:54:14 AM
A roster of 32 with 19 freshman for a Nescac side is just plain ridiculous. Someone should let Seabrook know this is not UNH. I get it--he did inherit NOTHING but this is a bit over the top. That's approx 64 parents in this guy's ear about why his kid isnt playing..Good luck with that
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 09:57:10 AM
I agree Amherst will beat New England College but they did struggle to a 2-1 win last year in that box pit. So if I had to wager a game with my LIFE on the line I would have to take god help me for saying this but Bates v Newbury. Not so much that I like this Bates side its just Newbury is lucky if they have 11 players on the field standing with 2 legs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 08, 2015, 12:19:34 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2015, 05:28:54 PM
Huge surprises on Conn College roster...VERY YOUNG....I do not see 2 very good players...Ibrahim Mutala and Weller Hilnomaz..Hilnomaz might have had to hang them up because of a concussion sustained from a Dan Lima elbow back in 2013 that had the "crazy" parents of Hilnomaz threatening to sue Williams College...good luck with that..the Mutala thing surprises me..However, the kid Jibri Salaam from Hotchkiss is the REAL deal. Still a young team with some good returning players, curious as to why Patch is not a captain.

Not a surprise as we knew huge roster changes were coming....the Camels will take their lumps this year...tough to lose 3 out  of your 4 backs...they will be young all around...better hope Devlin, Patch, and Bitchell stay healthy the entire year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 01:16:12 PM
I understand all that I just wasn't expecting one of the players missing to be Mutala...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 08, 2015, 06:11:04 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 01:16:12 PM
I understand all that I just wasn't expecting one of the players missing to be Mutala...

Yes Mutala is a big loss offensively, but he was rarely on the field due to injury.  Without Mutala and Heimeloz they lost a lot of firepower up front...don't know where the offense will come from and losing the back line will make it very tough to keep it close....the freshman better produce for the Camels....it could be a long year in New London.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 07:03:51 PM
Quick Tufts goal 40 seconds in..Becharano from Connor Brown...Having a hard time seeing the numbers..can anyone see there CB's
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 07:11:57 PM
I predicted Shapiro would start #22 Conor Coleman as one CB and looks like Dan Sullivan is the other. Coleman is 2 steps to slow for good teams in my opinion. He has Conor Schaible sitting in front of the back 4
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 07:18:35 PM
Just a GREAT goal by Tufts up 2-0 now. Classic Patel serve and a superb finish by Dan Sullivan. Tufts is pressing hard and look very dangerous
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 08, 2015, 07:29:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 07:18:35 PM
Just a GREAT goal by Tufts up 2-0 now. Classic Patel serve and a superb finish by Dan Sullivan. Tufts is pressing hard and look very dangerous

The Jumbo midfield is starting where they left off. Dominating at this point. Spee of Brown and craftiness, vision and defense of Kayne. 2 pretty goals
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 07:31:29 PM
Yes Brown is FLYING....Midfield tough to break down as usual...Not sure how thrilled I am about the CB's just yet but lets enjoy this dominating display. Just shows how much depth they had in 2014
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 08, 2015, 07:37:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 07:31:29 PM
Yes Brown is FLYING....Midfield tough to break down as usual...Not sure how thrilled I am about the CB's just yet but lets enjoy this dominating display. Just shows how much depth they had in 2014

Yes, the cb's will have to be tested. Tufts seems to have lost some momentum one Pineiro and Kayne subbed off....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 07:49:27 PM
Video is awful but Trinity is up 2-0 on Worcester ST..Savonen nets 1. With Bednarek,Savonon and Tobias that is not a bad 3...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 07:51:39 PM
Conn beats Mitchell 1-0 on a 81st minute strike from Devlin but looks like a whole new starting 11 besides Devlin, Bitchell and Patch. They did out shoot them 28-3 but the big test will be Saturday. I believe Midd is without Frosh for the 3rd year in a row as they will have some orientation thing which will help Conn's cause
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 07:53:11 PM
Nutter how did Endicott score I missed it?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 08:03:15 PM
Wesleyan v ECONN is by far the closest game of the night. Wesleyan looks a little sluggish in the 10 minutes I have seen..They do have 6 corners in the 1st half with nothing to show for it....ECONN had a great chance with a nice save by Wesleyan's new keeper Eric Jasinski
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 08, 2015, 08:07:05 PM
I was about to write a gushing post on Tufts right when Endicott scored.  Probably a good thing as Shapiro will have something to complain about at halftime.  Biggest compliment I can give the Jumbos is that they look like a good Messiah team....dangerous from almost every position, great flow, good organization, and just picking the opponent apart.  They look super confident.  Hard to see anyone in NESCAC other than Amherst really challenging them.  They could play 3 times and will be great if those 2 end up in same bracket with SLU down the road.

Tufts preseason preview made a lot of being disrespected and under the radar last year.  That actually helped them.  Messiah might have been better prepared if Tufts had come in ranked as a top 5 squad.  They basically were under the radar all the way to lifting the trophy!  On the other hand, watching them tonight and imagining Hoppenot, Santos and the 2 CBs out there really does say something about how superb they were.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 08, 2015, 08:13:52 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 07:53:11 PM
Nutter how did Endicott score I missed it?

Shapiro subbed in about 7 or 8 guys and Tufts lost rhythm.  They scored up the middle
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 08, 2015, 08:39:21 PM
Endicott came out strong in the second half but Tufts midfield starts getting the rhythm back with 20 minutes left. Kayne with a very sweet pass to Eichhors for the 3rd goal....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 08, 2015, 08:40:55 PM
I think some of us were a little blinded hoping for Colby to be a surprise.  I'm not sure their best player would even make the roster of the top 4-5 NESCAC teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on September 08, 2015, 10:34:20 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 08, 2015, 08:13:52 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 07:53:11 PM
Nutter how did Endicott score I missed it?

Shapiro subbed in about 7 or 8 guys and Tufts lost rhythm.  They scored up the middle

Do you foresee a problem with depth?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 08, 2015, 10:41:04 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on September 08, 2015, 10:34:20 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 08, 2015, 08:13:52 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 08, 2015, 07:53:11 PM
Nutter how did Endicott score I missed it?

Shapiro subbed in about 7 or 8 guys and Tufts lost rhythm.  They scored up the middle

Do you foresee a problem with depth?

I think it's too early to tell.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2015, 09:01:16 AM
Tufts will not be as deep as 2014 but they are still deep enough to compete with anyone in D3. They came out like gangbusters yesterday I only watched the 1st half but was very impressed. I think Greenwood will be facing more shots this year because like I have said on earlier posts at this point the two CB's are a huge drop off from Kramer and Williams. I think good teams especially in Nescac will have an easier time scoring if they can get thru that stout midfield
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2015, 09:04:47 AM
I watched most of the Wesleyan v ECONN game. This is a prime example of a nescac team only out about a week going up against a team out 3 weeks with games under their belt. Wesleyan was the better team on the day and should feel robbed they did not get anything from the game. They hit posts and crossbars and the ECONN goalie was excellent. Wesleyan came out sluggish but dominated in the 2nd half. ECONN is a good team not Great but good and have some excellent wins right now against middle of the pack teams in top conferences. They are athletic and have a great keeper but I think they would struggle against some of the top D3 teams to score.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 09, 2015, 09:24:15 AM
I missed the Tufts game last night.  It sounds like they played pretty well for their first game and that the midfield was outstanding.  They will have a NESCAC test against Colby this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 09, 2015, 09:40:23 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 09, 2015, 09:01:16 AM
I think Greenwood will be facing more shots this year because like I have said on earlier posts at this point the two CB's are a huge drop off from Kramer and Williams. I think good teams especially in Nescac will have an easier time scoring if they can get thru that stout midfield

I agree with both points. Tufts is fairly well-balanced in their midfield three of Kayne, Pinheiro, and Halliday, but it is a little lightweight; Halliday is the only one of the three that provides the "bite." When you keep the ball as well as Tufts does, you don't need to rely so much on the physicality. That said, I think teams that really body up in the middle and keep the ball will cause the Jumbos problems.

For me, Williams should have been 1st team All-American; he and Conor Lanahan of Brandeis were the two best CBs in NE last year. Kramer came up with some big goals but was nowhere near the level of Williams defensively IMHO. If their new CBs can develop leadership to make up for missing Williams, I think they'll be OK.

Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 09, 2015, 09:24:15 AM
I missed the Tufts game last night.  It sounds like they played pretty well for their first game and that the midfield was outstanding.  They will have a NESCAC test against Colby this weekend.

They were very good. When they were "on" they were unplayable. However, they did have some rough patches where EC had the ball and would have been punished by a more potent office.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2015, 10:24:41 AM
A couple comments on the Williams v Oneonta St monster game today. I will re-iterate how I do not agree with Sullivan adding this type of game to his schedule as your 1st game and being only a week out compared to Oneonta being 3 games in and 3 weeks out. I would have played this game sometime in the beginning of October and maybe these 2 coaches will do that in the future. I do however commend him for taking this mighty challenge on. Since I know Williams better than I know Oneonta I will comment on Williams.

1.   2014 Williams side was a very skilled side and the loss of their best player Rashid cost them 3 wins in my estimation which would have put them on the NCAA bubble.
2.   2014 Williams was also the "softest" Williams side I have ever seen. They were the worst tackling team in Nescac and lacked a hunger for the ball more than their opponents. It was sad watching that at times. Their midfield defending was atrocious. They lost their two best tacklers in Pierce and Crump.
3.   Now to 2015. I will guess Sullivan will play a 4-3-3 pinched in the midfield so you are attacking and defending with 5. They have skill attacking as Rashid, Moutenot, De-Stefano and Tommy Young should be starting today bearing any injuries. I would expect their best player Danilack at CB with Meullers. I have no clue on the wingbacks. Gruman will hold and sit in front of the back 4. Alcorn in goal.
4.   I am still seeing possible midfield defending issues leaving the backs out to dry. However, Williams are a dangerous team attacking that Oneonta has not seen yet this season. I am expecting a lot of goals in this game. I would guess over 3 goals today
5.   Oneonta and Williams draw 2-2.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2015, 11:12:19 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 08, 2015, 08:40:55 PM
I think some of us were a little blinded hoping for Colby to be a surprise.  I'm not sure their best player would even make the roster of the top 4-5 NESCAC teams.
[/quote




I cannot agree with this as Colby has a couple players like Vogel and Chandler Smith I would take on my roster. 19 Frosh withstanding and the 6'5, 6'8, 6'7 players recruited are interesting to me. If these guys were that good they would be in D1. This tells me they are a step or 2 slow or not that skilled. When you are relying on your goalie from last year to start at striker last night that raised my eyebrows. Seabrook is a good coach and they are very well organized defensively but every year we ask the same question....WHO AND HOW WILL THEY SCORE GOALS.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on September 09, 2015, 06:01:12 PM
Frustrating that NSN seems to take 2 weeks every year to get their act together on these webcasts.  Seems like the first couple of games always have problems.  Great way to start the year for the Ephs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2015, 08:18:44 PM
I think it was just the Williams game as the Midd and Hamilton games on NSN are fine.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2015, 08:28:05 PM
Good God...Hamilton cannot afford to lose 1-0 at home to Oswego St. Time will tell and lets see if they can take advantage of a Bates 8 hour road trip on Saturday and bounce back. If not things are going to start getting hot for Perry Nizzi. Since 2006 we have seen the Goodings forced out of Amherst, Lessig nudged from Conn, Purgavie re-assigned at Bates, Ferrigno fired at Tufts, Serdgenian re-assigned at Colby. This is in a 8 year time period. For Nescac and D3 soccer that is quite alot. Parents and kids are having more say in these decisions than ever before and it is getting to be getting stressful / pressure. Fun for outside observers like myself but I am not a fan of alums / parents getting in an AD's ear about these decisions. I guess I am just old school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 09, 2015, 08:35:07 PM
Midd with only 1 goal so far deep into 2nd half with Norwich.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 09, 2015, 11:00:51 PM
Congrats to Erin Sullivan on an impressive start to his coaching career as the Ephs beat a top-five team 2-0!   Both goals coming from Sisco-Tolomeo who has been projected as a break-out player.  Good to see Rashid back in the starting lineup although I'm sure it will take a few games to work off the rust, and hopefully the Ephs are cautious with him at first. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr. Soccer8 on September 09, 2015, 11:21:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 04, 2015, 11:53:45 AM
Bowdoin posts its 2015 roster and I only see 6 Frosh. Jake Stenquist is an excellent player as he brings a level of toughness in midfield that Bowdoin will love. The 2 Canadians are unknowns to me but could be a possible surprise. I like this team and the way Wiercinski has started to put his stamp on the program. I predicted they would come in 4th in Nescac and I think they would have a chance at 3rd if they play very well. I am a big fan of Stevie Van Siclen in net and after his showing in last years Nescac tournament he proved why D1 teams wanted him. His 2 ACL's scared them off but if he can stay injury free I am expecting big things.
Seems like NESCAC got some great freshman classes this year. I watched the Bowdoin-Tufts exhibition game this past weekend and Bowdoin's freshmen were quite impressive, left back #21, Matty McColl, in particular. He's a physical presence on the pitch: tall, fast, and an aggressive tackler. He started and played all 120 minutes (went into overtime) and easily controlled the Tufts wingers for most of the game. Apparently from BC, Canada obviously not much was known about this kid, but he's going to make an impact on Bowdoin's team this year with his strong defending and ability to go forward and take players on in the flank. Tufts had some impressive freshman as well, one of notice was #18 Jarod Glover. Extremely fast and shifty in the midfield, and also scored the game-winning goal in overtime. Definitely two players to watch this season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2015, 09:28:31 AM
Anyone know what the scoop is/was with C. Savonen? There were rumblings that he was done at/expelled from Trinity, but based on what I've heard he seemed to have smartened up, is playing again, and is back among the goals. He's got great talent and arguably made more of an impact than his brother did as a freshman, and we all know how good his brother turned out to be. Would be a huge boost for Trinity if they can keep him in the lineup for the next two years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2015, 12:56:01 PM
Quote from: Mr. Soccer8 on September 09, 2015, 11:21:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 04, 2015, 11:53:45 AM
Bowdoin posts its 2015 roster and I only see 6 Frosh. Jake Stenquist is an excellent player as he brings a level of toughness in midfield that Bowdoin will love. The 2 Canadians are unknowns to me but could be a possible surprise. I like this team and the way Wiercinski has started to put his stamp on the program. I predicted they would come in 4th in Nescac and I think they would have a chance at 3rd if they play very well. I am a big fan of Stevie Van Siclen in net and after his showing in last years Nescac tournament he proved why D1 teams wanted him. His 2 ACL's scared them off but if he can stay injury free I am expecting big things.
Seems like NESCAC got some great freshman classes this year. I watched the Bowdoin-Tufts exhibition game this past weekend and Bowdoin's freshmen were quite impressive, left back #21, Matty McColl, in particular. He's a physical presence on the pitch: tall, fast, and an aggressive tackler. He started and played all 120 minutes (went into overtime) and easily controlled the Tufts wingers for most of the game. Apparently from BC, Canada obviously not much was known about this kid, but he's going to make an impact on Bowdoin's team this year with his strong defending and ability to go forward and take players on in the flank. Tufts had some impressive freshman as well, one of notice was #18 Jarod Glover. Extremely fast and shifty in the midfield, and also scored the game-winning goal in overtime. Definitely two players to watch this season.






Bowdoin lost 3 key players to graduation last year. Eric Goitia, Sam White and Tom Henshall. Looking at last years Conference stats ONLY these 3 accounted for 8 of the 12 goals scored in Nescac play. That would cause alarm for some people, but not myself. I believe Bowdoin can replace these guys and not drop off from my prediction of 3rd/4th place in Nescac.

Bowdoin at Amherst has to be the Nescac game of the week. Amherst will be looking for revenge from last year's Nescac Final and Bowdoin will be looking to get a great win for their resume. More on predictions later......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 10, 2015, 01:14:50 PM
Amherst 2 Bowdoin 1
Midd 2 Conn Coll 2
Tufts 5 Colby 0
Bates 2 Hamilton 1
Williams 3 Trinity 1
Wesleyan 2 Haverford 2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on September 10, 2015, 02:21:36 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 10, 2015, 09:28:31 AM
Anyone know what the scoop is/was with C. Savonen? There were rumblings that he was done at/expelled from Trinity, but based on what I've heard he seemed to have smartened up, is playing again, and is back among the goals. He's got great talent and arguably made more of an impact than his brother did as a freshman, and we all know how good his brother turned out to be. Would be a huge boost for Trinity if they can keep him in the lineup for the next two years.

Here's the Reader's Digest version:  He got into some trouble, was disciplined by Trinity, hopefully learned his lesson, decided to return to Trinity, is on the team, likes his teammates, and is off to a great start (3 goals in 2 games albeit non-conference opponents). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2015, 02:53:47 PM
Amherst v Bowdoin       0-0     Bowdoin is out to prove that 2014 was no fluke and I believe they matchup with Amherst this year better than ever. I believe Nescac is wide open this year and any of 5 teams could win it.

Midd v Conn                 1-1       Midd will not have frosh for this game due to an orientation thing they do every year which has got to drive the coaches NUTS.  Conrad nets one on set piece and Devlin snags one back.

Hamilton v Bates          1-0     I believe Hamilton bounces back and gets a much needed Nescac win. This game means VERY MUCH to both teams as a win here will help either to sneak into the Nescac play-offs as the #8 seed. I do not see either team qualifying and would be a quick exit for either if they snuck in.

Trinity v Williams          2-1  Trinity has been a thorn in Williams side for the past 7-8 years, especially at home. Williams looked very motivated and in form against Oneonta. I am still not convinced of Williams midfield defending.  Trinity coach Pilger always has some great set piece's and I believe Bednarek will catch Williams napping to win it.

Tufts v Colby                 1-0  Tufts will most definitely not score 5 goals against Colby, I believe they will struggle a bit to get 1 or 2. Colby will be organized enough to keep Tufts at bay but will generate few if any chances of their own. Tufts looked very impressive and in-form against Endicott and they will dominate possession and come away with the W in this one.

Haverford v Wesleyan     0-1 This is an unknown for me as I do not know much about Haverford yet this year. Wesleyan will slog it out and play how Wesleyan always plays. Cowie-Haskell or the Frosh will sneak one in to win it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2015, 03:13:19 PM
Amherst 1-0 Bowdoin
Midd 2-1 Conn
Hamilton 0-0 Bates
Trinity 2-1 Williams
Tufts 2-0 Colby
Haverford 1-1 Wesleyan
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 10, 2015, 03:44:46 PM
Mr.Right, first of all, with the exception of the talent level at Colby and a predicted scoreline, let me say that so far I have agreed with all of your posts down to the last details.  Of course you may end being "right" on Colby vs Tufts as well but is Colby's goal to lose every game 0-1?  If Tufts can score 4 against Wheaton and 3 against OWU I think they can score a few against the Mules.  First home game after a national title, good players competing for playing time, and an opponent with a ton of new, young kids who may be overwhelmed by the quality of Tufts.  I'd be more confident about Colby keeping this close if this was the final 3rd of the season.  Of course if it's 2-0 or 3-0 at the half and Tufts is leading 17-1 in shots then Shapiro may just empty the bench which could limit the scoreline.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2015, 04:30:01 PM
I think you misunderstood...We just agree to disagree on that prediction. I wasn't attacking your opinion just using yours to bolster my argument. After watching Colby play extremely UGLY futbol all year last year and sitting 10 deep when needed I just have a hunch Tufts might get frustrated breaking them down.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 10, 2015, 05:51:54 PM
I missed the mid-week games due to work, so I'm offering the following predictions purely on gut.

Amherst 1-0 over Bowdoin - I expect a close game and seriously considered a 0-0 prediction, but Amherst's slight edge in talent and confidence in Bull gives Amherst the nod.

Midd 2-0 over Conn.  Midd's attacking firepower overcomes Conn's effort.  Devlin can only do so much. After an amazing frosh class 2 years ago, last year's was disappointing.  We'll need to wait another week to see this year's.

Bates 2-1 over Hamilton.  I just have a feeling about Bates as their run in the second half coincided with Flaherty playing the younger guys. Peabo continues scoring and Pereira appears to be back.

Williams 3-1 over Trinity.  Welcome back, Ephs.  Nice coming out party for Sisco-Tolomeo, which  I'm guessing was aided by the danger of Rashid.  Really nice to have Williams back as a power.

Tufts 3-0 over Colby. I'm in the middle of Mr. Right and NCAC. Colby must have really looked bad as the usually thoughful and diplomatic NCAC's comments had me chuckling a little. Saw them live twice last year and thought they were solid.  Wouldn't be shocked with a 1-0 score either.

Wesleyan 1-1 tie vs Haverford.  Tough start for Wes. They're too good to lose back to back, but 'Ford is a good team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 10, 2015, 06:23:34 PM
Interesting side notes....Pereira at Bates had a twin or cousin who played at Kenyon his freshmen year and then quit.  Came in highly regarded.  Kenyon has a frosh Koval who must be brother of soph Koval at Conn Coll (both from Colorado and both played at Worcester Academy).  The younger one scored first goal of season for Kenyon in first game.  Another side note....Stronach who graduated from Colby last year and IMHO was one of the most highly regarded Colby players coming in reputation-wise since Pratt was initially posted somewhere as committing to Kenyon.  Colby lost some good players to graduation so I'm not sure we know whether they will look as solid this year as last year.  I watched some of the game against Maine Maritime and well....you've seen my prediction.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 10, 2015, 06:32:22 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 10, 2015, 05:51:54 PM
I missed the mid-week games due to work, so I'm offering the following predictions purely on gut.

Amherst 1-0 over Bowdoin - I expect a close game and seriously considered a 0-0 prediction, but Amherst's slight edge in talent and confidence in Bull gives Amherst the nod.

Midd 2-0 over Conn.  Midd's attacking firepower overcomes Conn's effort.  Devlin can only do so much. After an amazing frosh class 2 years ago, last year's was disappointing.  We'll need to wait another week to see this year's.

Bates 2-1 over Hamilton.  I just have a feeling about Bates as their run in the second half coincided with Flaherty playing the younger guys. Peabo continues scoring and Pereira appears to be back.

Williams 3-1 over Trinity.  Welcome back, Ephs.  Nice coming out party for Sisco-Tolomeo, which  I'm guessing was aided by the danger of Rashid.  Really nice to have Williams back as a power.

Tufts 3-0 over Colby. I'm in the middle of Mr. Right and NCAC. Colby must have really looked bad as the usually thoughful and diplomatic NCAC's comments had me chuckling a little. Saw them live twice last year and thought they were solid.  Wouldn't be shocked with a 1-0 score either.



Wesleyan 1-1 tie vs Haverford.  Tough start for Wes. They're too good to lose back to back, but 'Ford is a good team.

I'm going with Corazon's picks for 1st NESCAC weekend of action except for Wesleyan...I believe the Cardinal's drop another one to a very good Haverford team....the rest seem spot on....looking forward to watching the action.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 10, 2015, 06:35:45 PM
Last thing on the Colby comments (which btw mostly apply to Bates as well).  I might have been exaggerating just a bit about not making a roster, but I'm confident about not starting for a top 4 NESCAC squad.  Sisk at Amherst has rarely started and often not played much at all.  He'd be a star at Colby.

And now that I think about it the Pereira kid who went to Kenyon is 6'1, ~180 lbs, so probably not a twin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 10, 2015, 10:54:50 PM
I'll play:

Amherst 1 - Bowdoin  0      Tight game but Amherst wins, bearly.
Midd 2 - Conn  0               Conn struggled against Mitchell !  Player losses = too many ex-Conns
Hamilton 0 -Bates 1           Hamilton hasn't scored a goal since Oct 11 last year. 
Trinity 1 - Williams  2        Is Williams back?  They are at least superior to this young Trinity side.
Tufts 3 - Colby  0              Tufts cuts through Colby like Swiss cheese.
Haverford 2 - Wesleyan 1    Tough for Wes to focus on this long expedition to PA, while it won't be a fiesta, Haverford has the edge and will escape with the win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 11:12:55 AM
No love for NESCAC on Hero Sports?  While the NESCAC is number 1 in their conference power rankings, there is no review of the conference or no NESCAC players in their top 5 at any position so far.  Wheaton has 2 midfielders alone (even though they started the season poorly).  The NESCAC has several excellent players, some certainly worthy of consideration.... Savonen, Pascal-Leone, Kayne, Greenwood, many more, etc....  The NESCAC has the strongest SOS and plays less games so statistics don't stand out. Thoughts?

http://herosports.com/sport/collegesoccer/d3-mens-soccer/#more_articles_bottom

Ooops, I missed Conrad at forward....I see he's listed :(
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2015, 11:27:31 AM
No love for NESCAC?  And in your 2nd sentence you open with Hero Sports making NESCAC the #1 conference.

That said, less game overall, a later start, and in general lower scoring games yield less impressive individual stats at least on paper.  Maybe that's what you are picking up on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 11:42:57 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 11, 2015, 11:27:31 AM
No love for NESCAC?  And in your 2nd sentence you open with Hero Sports making NESCAC the #1 conference.

That said, less game overall, a later start, and in general lower scoring games yield less impressive individual stats at least on paper.  Maybe that's what you are picking up on.

Yes, I acknowledged the conference power ranking.... Yes, I picked up on the lower volume of games..... That shouldn't detract from recognition of the conference players......

Do you feel that Wheaton garners extra or excess attention?  I still remember the Wheaton women's soccer coach being a guest the whole second half of the NCAA championship broadcast last fall.  They talk about Wheaton the whole half while Tufts was winning..... Wheaton has a strong history and deserves some glory but I just think it's a little excessive on occasion....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2015, 12:36:22 PM
I actually think you're serious.

The Wheaton women's coach thing was admittedly a little weird and I can imagine annoying to a Tufts fan, but IN THE BIG PICTURE, I challenge you to pick the top-10 most discussed non-NESCAC teams and compare that to the coverage of the NESCAC.  It's not even close.  As for individual players, more games against teams like Oneonta St would bump up the notoriety of players.  NESCAC can often seem like it's own intentionally insulated club.  Yearly games against non-NESCAC powerhouses would boost the exposure of individual players and broaden the NESCAC's appeal more nationally.  You only have to look in-region to see a school that very recently has done a great job in the individual accolades department.....Brandeis.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 11, 2015, 12:59:40 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 11, 2015, 12:36:22 PM
I actually think you're serious.

The Wheaton women's coach thing was admittedly a little weird and I can imagine annoying to a Tufts fan, but IN THE BIG PICTURE, I challenge you to pick the top-10 most discussed non-NESCAC teams and compare that to the coverage of the NESCAC.  It's not even close.  As for individual players, more games against teams like Oneonta St would bump up the notoriety of players.  NESCAC can often seem like it's own intentionally insulated club.  Yearly games against non-NESCAC powerhouses would boost the exposure of individual players and broaden the NESCAC's appeal more nationally.  You only have to look in-region to see a school that very recently has done a great job in the individual accolades department.....Brandeis.
It's easier scheduling wise to play more out of conference out of region games against better National soccer powers if you have more than 14/15 regular season games to play which is the issue facing NESCAC teams.  If they had 18/19 games like most other colleges....longer pre-season and longer regular season, then perhaps you could get more nation exposure, but given the limited schedule and shortened window of the regular season playing more out of region teams does not work for NESCAC....with only 4 or 5 non-conference games why would any NESCAC team load up with 4 or 5 tough out of conference games when every NESCAC conference game is a blood bath?  Brandeis with its national league exposure and lengthier schedule can do this and does quite well getting the exposure and deserved accolades....but its tougher in the NESCAC from the limited schedule perspective. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 01:02:32 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on September 11, 2015, 12:59:40 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 11, 2015, 12:36:22 PM
I actually think you're serious.

The Wheaton women's coach thing was admittedly a little weird and I can imagine annoying to a Tufts fan, but IN THE BIG PICTURE, I challenge you to pick the top-10 most discussed non-NESCAC teams and compare that to the coverage of the NESCAC.  It's not even close.  As for individual players, more games against teams like Oneonta St would bump up the notoriety of players.  NESCAC can often seem like it's own intentionally insulated club.  Yearly games against non-NESCAC powerhouses would boost the exposure of individual players and broaden the NESCAC's appeal more nationally.  You only have to look in-region to see a school that very recently has done a great job in the individual accolades department.....Brandeis.
It's easier scheduling wise to play more out of conference out of region games against better National soccer powers if you have more than 14/15 regular season games to play which is the issue facing NESCAC teams.  If they had 18/19 games like most other colleges....longer pre-season and longer regular season, then perhaps you could get more nation exposure, but given the limited schedule and shortened window of the regular season playing more out of region teams does not work for NESCAC....with only 4 or 5 non-conference games why would any NESCAC team load up with 4 or 5 tough out of conference games when every NESCAC conference game is a blood bath?  Brandeis with its national league exposure and lengthier schedule can do this and does quite well getting the exposure and deserved accolades....but its tougher in the NESCAC from the limited schedule perspective.

:) :) :)  Your last points are very logical.....  And your point about the "blood baths" should also be recognized by the rest of the country by now......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 01:03:47 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 11, 2015, 12:36:22 PM
I actually think you're serious.

The Wheaton women's coach thing was admittedly a little weird and I can imagine annoying to a Tufts fan, but IN THE BIG PICTURE, I challenge you to pick the top-10 most discussed non-NESCAC teams and compare that to the coverage of the NESCAC.  It's not even close.  As for individual players, more games against teams like Oneonta St would bump up the notoriety of players.  NESCAC can often seem like it's own intentionally insulated club.  Yearly games against non-NESCAC powerhouses would boost the exposure of individual players and broaden the NESCAC's appeal more nationally.  You only have to look in-region to see a school that very recently has done a great job in the individual accolades department.....Brandeis.

I'll defer to Mr. Right on this one..... ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2015, 01:25:01 PM
ALLNESCAC, agreed, but that is all self-imposed.  The rest of the country (and the rest of us) aren't doing that to the NESCAC teams and players.

And BF, the conference habitually is ranked as the #1 conference.  What more do you want the rest of the country to admit???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2015, 01:27:15 PM
BTW, the ultra-academic argument doesn't work either.  The UAA is every bit as elite academically as the NESCAC, and we just agreed that UAA-member Brandeis does a great job getting accolades for its players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 01:29:38 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 11, 2015, 01:25:01 PM
ALLNESCAC, agreed, but that is all self-imposed.  The rest of the country (and the rest of us) aren't doing that to the NESCAC teams and players.

And BF, the conference habitually is ranked as the #1 conference.  What more do you want the rest of the country to admit???

I am not talking about the conference as a whole.... talking about players..... since the scoring state are lower....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 11, 2015, 02:13:05 PM
Interesting posts on this board on pre- season team and player national recognitions..  I find the same points raised here on other Nescac boards.  Shorter season, academic pressure, etc.  Yes, the Nescac is unique in many ways in the World of sports...just as the Ivies are, and the Vanderbilts and Nothwesterns are in their conferences.  Still, the student athletes are aware of those limitations as well as the opportunities when attending.
In the end, in The D3 world, the conference wins a heck of a lot of National titles in all sports and its teams win a lot of academic-athletic awards....as well as individual ones too!  Over the years,  I have found pre- season recognition of teams/individuals...or lack of such...not worth in depth discussion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on September 11, 2015, 02:32:08 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 11:12:55 AM
No love for NESCAC on Hero Sports?  While the NESCAC is number 1 in their conference power rankings, there is no review of the conference or no NESCAC players in their top 5 at any position so far.  Wheaton has 2 midfielders alone (even though they started the season poorly).  The NESCAC has several excellent players, some certainly worthy of consideration.... Savonen, Pascal-Leone, Kayne, Greenwood, many more, etc....  The NESCAC has the strongest SOS and plays less games so statistics don't stand out. Thoughts?

http://herosports.com/sport/collegesoccer/d3-mens-soccer/#more_articles_bottom

Ooops, I missed Conrad at forward....I see he's listed :(

First off, they did do a preview of the NESCAC.  http://herosports.com/collegesoccer/nescac-mens-soccer-preview-2015/

Second, as to the Top 5 returning players at each position, while there may be a questionable pick or two in there, who are the obvious NESCAC players that deserved to make a Top 5 list at their position? 

Finally, try being less hypersensitive to any perceived lack of recognition for being the absolute best.  It's unbecoming for you and a turn-off (to say the least) to the rest of us.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2015, 02:35:01 PM
I have to agree with Weasel on this....Let's just focus on the teams, players, coaches and matchups....I usually do not involve myself in these strongest conference debates because we go thru this every year on this board.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 02:59:35 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on September 11, 2015, 02:32:08 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 11:12:55 AM
No love for NESCAC on Hero Sports?  While the NESCAC is number 1 in their conference power rankings, there is no review of the conference or no NESCAC players in their top 5 at any position so far.  Wheaton has 2 midfielders alone (even though they started the season poorly).  The NESCAC has several excellent players, some certainly worthy of consideration.... Savonen, Pascal-Leone, Kayne, Greenwood, many more, etc....  The NESCAC has the strongest SOS and plays less games so statistics don't stand out. Thoughts?

http://herosports.com/sport/collegesoccer/d3-mens-soccer/#more_articles_bottom

Ooops, I missed Conrad at forward....I see he's listed :(


First off, they did do a preview of the NESCAC.  http://herosports.com/collegesoccer/nescac-mens-soccer-preview-2015/

Second, as to the Top 5 returning players at each position, while there may be a questionable pick or two in there, who are the obvious NESCAC players that deserved to make a Top 5 list at their position? 

Finally, try being less hypersensitive to any perceived lack of recognition for being the absolute best.  It's unbecoming for you and a turn-off (to say the least) to the rest of us.


Weasel... I stand corrected.  I didn't see that write up when I looked...probably didn't look back far enough.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2015, 04:15:06 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on September 11, 2015, 02:32:08 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 11:12:55 AM
No love for NESCAC on Hero Sports?  While the NESCAC is number 1 in their conference power rankings, there is no review of the conference or no NESCAC players in their top 5 at any position so far.  Wheaton has 2 midfielders alone (even though they started the season poorly).  The NESCAC has several excellent players, some certainly worthy of consideration.... Savonen, Pascal-Leone, Kayne, Greenwood, many more, etc....  The NESCAC has the strongest SOS and plays less games so statistics don't stand out. Thoughts?

http://herosports.com/sport/collegesoccer/d3-mens-soccer/#more_articles_bottom

Ooops, I missed Conrad at forward....I see he's listed :(

First off, they did do a preview of the NESCAC.  http://herosports.com/collegesoccer/nescac-mens-soccer-preview-2015/

Second, as to the Top 5 returning players at each position, while there may be a questionable pick or two in there, who are the obvious NESCAC players that deserved to make a Top 5 list at their position? 

Finally, try being less hypersensitive to any perceived lack of recognition for being the absolute best.  It's unbecoming for you and a turn-off (to say the least) to the rest of us.

Thank you!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 04:41:36 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 02:59:35 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on September 11, 2015, 02:32:08 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 11:12:55 AM
No love for NESCAC on Hero Sports?  While the NESCAC is number 1 in their conference power rankings, there is no review of the conference or no NESCAC players in their top 5 at any position so far.  Wheaton has 2 midfielders alone (even though they started the season poorly).  The NESCAC has several excellent players, some certainly worthy of consideration.... Savonen, Pascal-Leone, Kayne, Greenwood, many more, etc....  The NESCAC has the strongest SOS and plays less games so statistics don't stand out. Thoughts?

http://herosports.com/sport/collegesoccer/d3-mens-soccer/#more_articles_bottom

Ooops, I missed Conrad at forward....I see he's listed :(


First off, they did do a preview of the NESCAC.  http://herosports.com/collegesoccer/nescac-mens-soccer-preview-2015/

Second, as to the Top 5 returning players at each position, while there may be a questionable pick or two in there, who are the obvious NESCAC players that deserved to make a Top 5 list at their position? 

Finally, try being less hypersensitive to any perceived lack of recognition for being the absolute best.  It's unbecoming for you and a turn-off (to say the least) to the rest of us.


Weasel... I stand corrected.  I didn't see that write up when I looked...probably didn't look back far enough.....


Second, as to the Top 5 returning players at each position, while there may be a questionable pick or two in there, who are the obvious NESCAC players that deserved to make a Top 5 list at their position? 

I will take a stab.... Pascal-Leone, Kayne, Greenwood, Savonen..and Rashid if healthy...(and Conrad but he's already listed and possibly Connor Brown)....It's unfortunate they don't play in as many games and in easy conferences.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on September 11, 2015, 05:21:56 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 04:41:36 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on September 11, 2015, 02:32:08 PM
Second, as to the Top 5 returning players at each position, while there may be a questionable pick or two in there, who are the obvious NESCAC players that deserved to make a Top 5 list at their position? 
I will take a stab.... Pascal-Leone, Kayne, Greenwood, Savonen..and Rashid if healthy...(and Conrad but he's already listed and possibly Connor Brown)....It's unfortunate they don't play in as many games and in easy conferences.....

But would you admit that none of them are clear-cut, undeniable Top 5 at their position?  Or do you contend they are?  And you have to be kidding including Rashid.  Why would anyone making a preseason Top 5 forward list (or will he play midfield?) from the hundreds of candidates, pick a player coming back from ACL surgery after missing all of last year when there's numerous other forwards who had great seasons last year and are back with another year of experience under their belt.  I'm not saying the players you list aren't deserving, but so are the players that were picked Top 5 (with, as I said, a questionable selection or two).

I'm curious to see how Greenwood does this year.  Last year his save pct. was unimpressive throughout most of the year despite having a stellar team and defense in front of him limiting the quality of shots he faced.  He looking impressive in the NCAA's, and the NESCAC fans raved about him, which made his year-long stats a surprise when I looked them up.

In the end, though, isn't it silly to get worked up over a preseason position Top 5 list?  Sillier than taking a preseason Top 25 or Week 1 ranking too seriously!  On to another set of weekend games in what could be a very interesting season and wide open race for a national title.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 05:28:01 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on September 11, 2015, 05:21:56 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 04:41:36 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on September 11, 2015, 02:32:08 PM
Second, as to the Top 5 returning players at each position, while there may be a questionable pick or two in there, who are the obvious NESCAC players that deserved to make a Top 5 list at their position? 
I will take a stab.... Pascal-Leone, Kayne, Greenwood, Savonen..and Rashid if healthy...(and Conrad but he's already listed and possibly Connor Brown)....It's unfortunate they don't play in as many games and in easy conferences.....

But would you admit that none of them are clear-cut, undeniable Top 5 at their position?  Or do you contend they are?  And you have to be kidding including Rashid.  Why would anyone making a preseason Top 5 forward list (or will he play midfield?) from the hundreds of candidates, pick a player coming back from ACL surgery after missing all of last year when there's numerous other forwards who had great seasons last year and are back with another year of experience under their belt.  I'm not saying the players you list aren't deserving, but so are the players that were picked Top 5 (with, as I said, a questionable selection or two).

I'm curious to see how Greenwood does this year.  Last year his save pct. was unimpressive throughout most of the year despite having a stellar team and defense in front of him limiting the quality of shots he faced.  He looking impressive in the NCAA's, and the NESCAC fans raved about him, which made his year-long stats a surprise when I looked them up.

In the end, though, isn't it silly to get worked up over a preseason position Top 5 list?  Sillier than taking a preseason Top 25 or Week 1 ranking too seriously!  On to another set of weekend games in what could be a very interesting season and wide open race for a national title.

Yes, all of the preseason polls are rather silly, but they are given and people always respond...and really, the only poll that really matters is the last one. Regarding Rashid... yes silly for a preseason poll but not as prediction for the end of the season.  I do think that Pascal-Leone, Kayne and Savonen could be there instead of Borge.  Also, Hollingsworth was picked.  Look at his stats from last year. Impressive but not super..... Also, he just had his third surgery in 3 years on the same knee.....But he means so much to his team.  The same can be said for Greenwood.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 05:33:21 PM
I'm not saying the players you list aren't deserving, but so are the players that were picked Top 5 (with, as I said, a questionable selection or two).

Agreed.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2015, 05:53:08 PM
It's unfortunate they don't play in easier conferences?  Huh?  You want to take away the single biggest thing they have going for them?  Now you don't want to be in the top conference in the country?

Hollingsworth is a leading candidate for national player of the year.  Look, I love the Savonen brothers.  I've seen both of them play, including in person, a lot.  The older one had a fabulous career and got everything out of his talent and was rewarded with a slew of accolades and honors.  The younger one is certainly an important player for Trinity but he's not one of the top 5 forwards in the country and may not even be top 5 in the NESCAC.

The NESCAC is going to get a ton of attention this year, especially because there is going to be great interest in Tufts and that will overflow to the other leading NESCAC squads.  Pascal-Leone and Kayne will get their due, as will other top NESCAC players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2015, 06:05:41 PM
One last comment of this top players list theme.  You're acting like the only kids under consideration are the ones someone picked in a preseason list and your NESCAC players.  There are a ton of other really good players out there around the country.  I don't pretend to know who they are all either.  But between the NJAC, the South Atlantic teams like Roanoke, Lynchburg, NC Wesleyan, Virginia Wesleyan, schools like Trinity (TX) and Whitworth that those of us on the East Coast know almost nothing about, Loras, and others I'm sure there are a bunch of under-the-radar players who deserve attention.  What about the Webb kid at Carnegie Mellon who had a hat trick against Messiah and already has 7 goals???  Then there are kids like Schaefer, Barnes and Evan Lee at OWU and Barnes and Eudy at Kenyon.  The list could go on and on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2015, 06:36:53 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 11, 2015, 06:05:41 PM
One last comment of this top players list theme.  You're acting like the only kids under consideration are the ones someone picked in a preseason list and your NESCAC players.  There are a ton of other really good players out there around the country.  I don't pretend to know who they are all either.  But between the NJAC, the South Atlantic teams like Roanoke, Lynchburg, NC Wesleyan, Virginia Wesleyan, schools like Trinity (TX) and Whitworth that those of us on the East Coast know almost nothing about, Loras, and others I'm sure there are a bunch of under-the-radar players who deserve attention.  What about the Webb kid at Carnegie Mellon who had a hat trick against Messiah and already has 7 goals???  Then there are kids like Schaefer, Barnes and Evan Lee at OWU and Barnes and Eudy at Kenyon.  The list could go on and on.

I agree there are other players from other conferences.... but this is  NESCAC thread so that is why I mentioned NESCAC players.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 11, 2015, 06:44:28 PM
I may try to get over to Medford tomorrow to catch the Tufts-Colby game. If so, I will try to post a report.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2015, 07:47:05 PM
"I agree there are other players from other conferences.... but this is  NESCAC thread so that is why I mentioned NESCAC players....."

Yeah, it's a NESCAC thread, but you're complaining about national-level recognition.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 12, 2015, 11:32:20 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 11, 2015, 01:25:01 PM
ALLNESCAC, agreed, but that is all self-imposed.  The rest of the country (and the rest of us) aren't doing that to the NESCAC teams and players.

And BF, the conference habitually is ranked as the #1 conference.  What more do you want the rest of the country to admit???

NCAC agree it is self imposed and I don't have issue with it or the perceived lack of National Attention at a player or team level because of the shortened schedule.  I was just stating why this "perceived lack  of attention" may exist.  NESCAC is a rather unique "animal" in the D3 world, rightly or wrongly, they (the College Presidents/Trustees) do things how they want to do it.  No Football playoffs for the NESCAC even though the Coaches, players and fans/alumni want it and only an 8 game schedule...too bad not happening.  Shortened schedule for soccer and other sports...it is what it is, and it is self imposed.  I can honestly say I never once heard any NESCAC soccer players complaining about only playing a 14/15 game regular season...and I am in agreement with a shortened schedule....they don't go to a NESCAC school first and foremost to play soccer, if they can play while they're there fantastic and  congratulations!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 01:56:24 PM
Midd defeats Conn 1-0. Tell me if this sounds familiar, 2 minutes in Midd scores off a long throw. Conn had about 4-5 really good chances to score but could not finish. I thought they were the better team today and deserved something from that game. Midd's ace in goal Sydor had a fantastic game and cut off some good scoring chances for Conn. For Conn I saw 3 suspect things. 1. Like last year, I am not a big fan of Conn's keeper he is a weak link for them. 2. Gikandi at Left back had a disasterous game as he must have given the ball away 5 times in the 2nd half and 3. Besides Devlin and Patch who is going to step up and get them goals? I saw 2 good frosh on the field for Conn. Good result for Midd w/o their frosh
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 12, 2015, 01:59:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 01:56:24 PM
Midd defeats Conn 1-0. Tell me if this sounds familiar, 2 minutes in Midd scores off a long throw. Conn had about 4-5 really good chances to score but could not finish. I thought they were the better team today and deserved something from that game. Midd's ace in goal Sydor had a fantastic game and cut off some good scoring chances for Conn. For Conn I saw 3 suspect things. 1. Like last year, I am not a big fan of Conn's keeper he is a weak link for them. 2. Gikandi at Left back had a disasterous game as he must have given the ball away 5 times in the 2nd half and 3. Besides Devlin and Patch who is going to step up and get them goals? I saw 2 good frosh on the field for Conn. Good result for Midd w/o their frosh

Right, I would have thought Middlebury would at least score 2-3 goals....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 02:02:21 PM
Midd did not look dynamic in attack. As usual they were very dangerous on their multiple long throws(where the goal came from) and set pieces. However, they are strong up the middle as their backbone starting with Sydor is very good. They will be tough to break down
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 03:29:00 PM
Wesleyan comes from behind to defeat Haverford 2-1 in 2OT. Wes tied it in the 88th minute and Chiris Kafina got the gamewinner in OT. From what I saw of the game it was a great college soccer game. Up and down see-saw action with both teams attacking well. I was impressed by Haverford's style as they just "go for it" and atttack which obviously leaves them open on the counter. That is the way college soccer should be played. I will most definitely be watching more of their games this year. They took a usually conservative "slug it out" Wesleyan side and made them play their style. If only some more teams in Nescac would play like that. Wesleyan adapted fine and were absolutely playing some attractive futbol also. Excellent win for Wesleyan and they can enjoy that 4 hour bus ride back to CT. That win might come in handy in November.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 12, 2015, 03:52:26 PM
Mr. Right, are you sure you were watching the right game? Definitely smell a bias towards Midd.

1. Conn's defense and keeper weren't tested all game. How could you get a reading on a keepe who didn't even have to make a real save?

2. Disastrous game? What type of game did all the other outside defenders have when they surely gave away the ball more than a few times? Gikandi is definitely one of the better defenders on the ball in this league.

3. Yes, Conn's Leon looked particularly impressive. Would have liked to see Middlebury's freshman play.

Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 01:56:24 PM
Midd defeats Conn 1-0. Tell me if this sounds familiar, 2 minutes in Midd scores off a long throw. Conn had about 4-5 really good chances to score but could not finish. I thought they were the better team today and deserved something from that game. Midd's ace in goal Sydor had a fantastic game and cut off some good scoring chances for Conn. For Conn I saw 3 suspect things. 1. Like last year, I am not a big fan of Conn's keeper he is a weak link for them. 2. Gikandi at Left back had a disasterous game as he must have given the ball away 5 times in the 2nd half and 3. Besides Devlin and Patch who is going to step up and get them goals? I saw 2 good frosh on the field for Conn. Good result for Midd w/o their frosh
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 04:39:16 PM
I was watching the right game. No bias towards Midd I said Conn should of tucked away the chances they had but they didn't. Midd looked rather sluggish going forward as they sometimes can but they took advantage of what they do best. SET PIECES. SYdor came up with some good saves and thwarted Conn's chances. Conn's keeper is very average at best. Just a fact. In the 2nd half, Giknadi gave the ball away about 5 times that Midd picked off but did nothing with. Gikandi is NOT one of the better defenders in the league. I thought Conn had some good possession going forward and were trying to play futbol a bit. They were not whacking it as much as they have in the past. Let's agree to disagree sometimes 2 people can watch the same game and come away with different perspectives.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 04:47:18 PM
Williams beats Trinity 2-0. 1st half Williams came out like gangbusters and could of had 3-4 goals if not for some nice saves and clearances from Vogel and I believe Malcolm Joseph. Williams just had to much firepower attacking. With Rashid, Moutenot,Young and Sisco that is a very solid attacking 4. Sisco had a nice header in the first half. Trinity was not w/o their own chances in the 1st half and Savonen could have finished 1 or 2. The 2nd half was A BIT DIFFERENT. Williams came out very sluggish and really created NOTHING until Rashid's goal. Trinity put the pressure on early in the 2nd half but just could not break thru and eventually died out by the 70th minute. Trinity will have a chance to grab that #8 seed if they come to play every game and can plot a few goals in league play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 04:51:04 PM
I did not see Bates v Hamilton but the stats tell the story. 11 total shots and 5 SOG all game for BOTH teams combined. That must have been an ugly game. However, great win for Bates and it makes that bus ride much more enjoyable. We knew Hamilton lost a ton of seniors last year on a very average team but this has the possibility of getting really UGLY. Does anyone see 2 wins on their schedule this year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 04:52:51 PM
I did not catch any of the Amherst v Bowdoin game. Maybe Corazon can fill us in? Or someone else?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 12, 2015, 05:12:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 04:39:16 PM
I was watching the right game. No bias towards Midd I said Conn should of tucked away the chances they had but they didn't. Midd looked rather sluggish going forward as they sometimes can but they took advantage of what they do best. SET PIECES. SYdor came up with some good saves and thwarted Conn's chances. Conn's keeper is very average at best. Just a fact. In the 2nd half, Giknadi gave the ball away about 5 times that Midd picked off but did nothing with. Gikandi is NOT one of the better defenders in the league. I thought Conn had some good possession going forward and were trying to play futbol a bit. They were not whacking it as much as they have in the past. Let's agree to disagree sometimes 2 people can watch the same game and come away with different perspectives.

Yeah, I was at the game, and I have found Mr. Right's observations to have been spot on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 12, 2015, 05:21:27 PM
I was at most of the Tufts v Colby game. Tufts won 2-0. Not a pretty game. Colby clogged up the middle and Tufts goals came from a cross and corner....tufts scored the goals early and thus had many substitutions in the game. Goals from Majumber and Brown....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 12, 2015, 05:34:24 PM
Nutmeg, given all the various predictions on Colby vs Tufts, can you give us a little more on this one?  Did Colby look better, weaker, or the same as last year?  Any players stand out? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 12, 2015, 05:45:36 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 12, 2015, 05:34:24 PM
Nutmeg, given all the various predictions on Colby vs Tufts, can you give us a little more on this one?  Did Colby look better, weaker, or the same as last year?  Any players stand out?

Based oh this game, and remember they are playin a very good team, they may have issues scoring. I think they play aggressive defense. The game didn't have a good flow. A lot of out of bounds balls. And since tufts had a good lead early, they subbed in many players, which also slowed the game. I don't know if the game is a good indicator of how Colby will be. The Tufts usuals played pretty good. Patel and the holding midfielder Holiday looked pretty good. Greenwood wasn't tested. But Colby hit the post once
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 12, 2015, 05:57:36 PM
Nothing to post on the Amherst 1-0 win over Bowdoin at Amherst.  Amherst won on a goal late in the game....0-0 in the first half.   Seems the NSN broadcast broke down for me online.
After watching a fine video cast in the women's game....something may have happened..wet weather??
Was looking forward to the match...since Amherst lost to the Polar Bears in the CAC title game last season...on PKs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldCardinal on September 12, 2015, 07:05:10 PM
Another observation about Colby.  They have a guy with a very long throw and clearly looked to use that a lot against Tufts.  They have a ton of freshmen, some of whom look decent but there's no way to have much continuity with that many new faces.  Also, I thought Brown on Tufts looked extremely dangerous.  Tufts looked really good (no surprise) in the first 30 minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 13, 2015, 06:05:19 PM
Didn't make it to the Tufts game today but caught it on video. Tufts wins 1-0. Out shot Plymouth State about 23-3 and Tufts missed a pk. Tufts must have had 85% possession. The midfield played very well. Kayne had several nice distributions into the box but the Plymouth Stat goalie played very well. Holiday had the header for the lone goal. The tufts midfield played great defense. Both teams played yesterday so legs must be tired.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 13, 2015, 07:39:52 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 13, 2015, 06:05:19 PM
Didn't make it to the Tufts game today but caught it on video. Tufts wins 1-0. Out shot Plymouth State about 23-3 and Tufts missed a pk.

According to the box score, Tufts was credited with a team save, so I'm assuming Plymouth State had one cleared off the line.

Interestingly enough, back in 2013, Jumbos started really well then went to Plymouth State and drew 0-0. Not that any one regular-season result can make or break a campaign, but that was when the wheels started to come off. Would have been a smash and grab if PSU had nicked a draw, but (barring a fluke) Tufts is simply too good to not win those games anymore.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 13, 2015, 07:44:57 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 13, 2015, 07:39:52 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 13, 2015, 06:05:19 PM
Didn't make it to the Tufts game today but caught it on video. Tufts wins 1-0. Out shot Plymouth State about 23-3 and Tufts missed a pk.

According to the box score, Tufts was credited with a team save, so I'm assuming Plymouth State had one cleared off the line.

Interestingly enough, back in 2013, Jumbos started really well then went to Plymouth State and drew 0-0. Not that any one regular-season result can make or break a campaign, but that was when the wheels started to come off. Would have been a smash and grab if PSU had nicked a draw, but (barring a fluke) Tufts is simply too good to not win those games anymore.

Both teams had a defender clear it off the line
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: WilltheMan on September 14, 2015, 08:57:17 AM
First week:

All Nescac           5
FourMore           5
Off Pitch           5
1970 Nesc   4
OldCard           4
JumpJoy           4
WilltheMan   3
Mr Right           1

Question is how to handle ties.  Without objection correct ties will receive 2 points.  The alternative was a wrong tie is a 1/2.  Works out in similar fashion.  be nice if we can get a few more, can pro rata add anyone this week.

Will
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 14, 2015, 09:20:23 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 01:56:24 PM
Midd defeats Conn 1-0. Tell me if this sounds familiar, 2 minutes in Midd scores off a long throw. Conn had about 4-5 really good chances to score but could not finish. I thought they were the better team today and deserved something from that game. Midd's ace in goal Sydor had a fantastic game and cut off some good scoring chances for Conn. For Conn I saw 3 suspect things. 1. Like last year, I am not a big fan of Conn's keeper he is a weak link for them. 2. Gikandi at Left back had a disasterous game as he must have given the ball away 5 times in the 2nd half and 3. Besides Devlin and Patch who is going to step up and get them goals? I saw 2 good frosh on the field for Conn. Good result for Midd w/o their frosh

Watched the entire Midd/Conn game....Midd was fortunate Conn didn't get a result from them because Midd looked very very average.  Midd played the long ball and hoped for set pieces (no different then the last two years).  What was different was that Midd did not pressure Conn at all and Conn enjoyed the lengthy possession and actually played the ball on the ground (something very new and groundbreaking (pun) for Conn), but of course Conn can't score, but they did play some pretty possession short passing game which led to 5 or 6 very good scoring chances.  Midd's Sydor played BIG....very good keeper. Condrad and Glaser were OK, but not to the level I've seen them play before.  Devlin, Patch and Adair dominated the middle for Conn and Midd's center mid's were non existent.  But, throw in set piece two minutes into the game and Midd pops the goal.  Gikandi did give away some passes, but that's not his strong suite as the last few years they had Punt and Garabedian controlling possession out of the back, but give the Conn back line some time.  Gikandi is the only back with experience and he has his hands filled trying to be the voice/leader back there with three newbies which is not easy. Midd better pick up their game because they were unimpressive.  I thought with Conn losing 5 senior starters from last years squad and then all the other players who did not return that Midd would dominate and win 2 or 3 to 0, but Midd was actually outplayed in my book, but all that matters is Midd got the 'W".
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 14, 2015, 09:56:49 AM
Okay, I am gettiing thoroughly confused now.  Let's just merge these two threads - it will be too difficult policing people to post on the correct NESCAC thread.

ANyhow, Willitheman, you forgot to include my picks - got 5 correct.  Heart told me to pick Wes, but head overruled and picked a tie instead.  Revised standings are as follows:

All NESCAC - 5
FourMore - 5
Corazon - 5
Offpitch - 5
1970 Nescac - 4
OldCard - 4
Jump4joy -4
willtheman - 3
Mr. Right -1

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 14, 2015, 09:58:02 AM
Oops - meant to post on the NESCAC Picks thread instead
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 14, 2015, 11:24:33 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 04:52:51 PM
I did not catch any of the Amherst v Bowdoin game. Maybe Corazon can fill us in? Or someone else?

Sorry, Mr. Right.  I tend not to check the boards during game days - too busy watching, talking,  observing, etc.  I did hear an interesting comment this weekend though.  Kramer is indeed at Tufts for a fifth year, but is not expected back on the team, which is too bad as Tufts would be tough to beat with him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2015, 12:33:07 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 14, 2015, 11:24:33 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2015, 04:52:51 PM
I did not catch any of the Amherst v Bowdoin game. Maybe Corazon can fill us in? Or someone else?

Sorry, Mr. Right.  I tend not to check the boards during game days - too busy watching, talking,  observing, etc.  I did hear an interesting comment this weekend though.  Kramer is indeed at Tufts for a fifth year, but is not expected back on the team, which is too bad as Tufts would be tough to beat with him.


Well add that to Top 3 Bizarre stories of the year
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2015, 12:42:39 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 14, 2015, 11:24:33 AM
Sorry, Mr. Right.  I tend not to check the boards during game days - too busy watching, talking,  observing, etc.  I did hear an interesting comment this weekend though.  Kramer is indeed at Tufts for a fifth year, but is not expected back on the team, which is too bad as Tufts would be tough to beat with him.

Not that this has anything to do with soccer, but this might explain why:
http://www.iberkshires.com/blog/blotter/2929/Superior-Court-Briefs-May-22.html

(Wasn't able to find anything on the judgment, so innocent until proven guilty, of course.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2015, 12:56:37 PM
GOOD GOD...Add that to the Top 3 bizarre stories of the season!!...The kid is from Jersey went to Andover and was at Tufts...Wonder what he is doing in Williamstown..Anyway, thanks for trashing his reputation on these boards..LOL...I have been acused of that before but now I have a cell mate
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2015, 01:07:22 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 14, 2015, 12:56:37 PM
I have been acused of that before but now I have a cell mate

Cell mate...I enjoyed that one. :D :D When someone (allegedly) does something as dumb as that, they trash their own reputation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2015, 01:12:23 PM
Agreed..However when I posted the whole Wesleyan hazing incident in 2013 posters were relentless
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2015, 01:24:10 PM
Colby puts up another stinker at Wheaton on Sunday. Tough trip from Maine to Boston this weekend as they lose to Tufts and Wheaton without scoring a goal and only getting 3 SOG in two games....YIKES....This is reminding me of Colby ala 2013...Is it possible they were better in 2014? Let's see if they cannot bounce back with a couple home games coming up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2015, 01:48:33 PM
I really do not see any out-of conference games that Nescac teams may lose this week.

EASY WINS:

Trinity v Westfield ST
Midd v GreenMountain (Midd could play 7 v 11 and still win)..I will say this again Midd should be penalized extra for playing the weakest team in D3
Hamitlon v SUNY Polytechnic---This may be one of few wins Hamilton will muster all season.
Wesleyan v JohnJay

WINS BUT A POSSIBLE UPSET COULD BE HAD:

Williams v Skidmore---Skidmore with the loss of Beek is down this year IMO.
Amherst v WNEC---WNEC might compete but Amherst will win handily
Coast Guard v Conn---Conn wins but Coast Guard will have a chance at a draw.
Bates v UNE---Bowdoin beat UNE 7-0 but Bates is nowhere near as good a Bowdoin, still Bates wins to go 3-0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 14, 2015, 02:00:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 14, 2015, 01:24:10 PM
Colby puts up another stinker at Wheaton on Sunday. Tough trip from Maine to Boston this weekend as they lose to Tufts and Wheaton without scoring a goal and only getting 3 SOG in two games....YIKES....This is reminding me of Colby ala 2013...Is it possible they were better in 2014? Let's see if they cannot bounce back with a couple home games coming up.

Hard to say without watching a few of their games and considering they played 2 of the top teams in New England, but in speaking with a Tufts supporter who saw them live, view is that Colby was probably better in 2014 (Colby took Tufts to OT last year) but they have a lot of freshmen who play, so once they gel as a team - perhaps by middle of year, they might become better than last year.  Couldn't help but notice they started 7 freshmen vs Wheaton. Has this ever happened before in the NESCAC?

Mr. Right, how do you feel about Williams?  Do you feel they will be a threat to win the NESCAC?  How is this year's playing style?  Curious whether Sullivan plays a traditional NESCAC direct style or plays it on the ground.  We all know last year was a down year, but  do you feel they are back to their typical levels?  I hope to catch some of their game this weekend.  As of now, looks like it might be a 3 way battle between Tufts, Amherst and Williams but dismissing middlebury for one lacklustre game would be foolish, so to me, it is still a 4 way battle.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2015, 02:16:45 PM
I think it is a legitimate 5 WAY battle...Amherst, Williams, Midd, Bowdoin and Tufts. Also, Wesleyan might hang around for a while. Conn and Trinity will battle for 7th and 8tn IMO...Colby, Bates and Hamilton need work.

Williams has looked good so far. Again with Rashid, Moutenot, Young and Sisco plus De-Stefano they can attack with any team in Nescac. I really feel with Rashid last year they would have been fine. Anyway, they can attack but they lack depth as I am not a fan of who is coming off the bench quite yet. Also, Danilack is as solid as they come at CB and the frosh Andreau is solid and fast at LB but RB TL Guest is not my answer there and Meullers is still a fast CB but still a bit untested. Alcorn is hit or miss some games.

The Oneonta win was a good one even if they are not quite as good. The 1st half at Trinity, Williams came out like gangbusters but the 2nd Half WAS AWFUL....They looked sluggish and ineffective at best and reminded me of 2014 but they came out with the win. Skidmore I do not think will be much of a test but the Maine trip will tell us a lot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 14, 2015, 04:20:55 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 14, 2015, 02:00:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 14, 2015, 01:24:10 PM
Colby puts up another stinker at Wheaton on Sunday. Tough trip from Maine to Boston this weekend as they lose to Tufts and Wheaton without scoring a goal and only getting 3 SOG in two games....YIKES....This is reminding me of Colby ala 2013...Is it possible they were better in 2014? Let's see if they cannot bounce back with a couple home games coming up.

Hard to say without watching a few of their games and considering they played 2 of the top teams in New England, but in speaking with a Tufts supporter who saw them live, view is that Colby was probably better in 2014 (Colby took Tufts to OT last year) but they have a lot of freshmen who play, so once they gel as a team - perhaps by middle of year, they might become better than last year.  Couldn't help but notice they started 7 freshmen vs Wheaton. Has this ever happened before in the NESCAC?


I attended both Colby games this weekend.  They will likely take some lumps while they sort things out, but the freshmen are a talented group.  8 freshman finished the game against Tufts.  Colby could start a freshman at every position without any real drop-off in talent.  But that will be the coach's dilemma this season:  trying to find the right mix of experience and young talent, and trying to find everyone's best position.  Perhaps they will not break through this year, but with a couple of more strong recruiting classes to completely fill out the roster, Colby should be quite competitive.

In 2014, Colby lost to Tufts 1-0 on an 86' goal, but Tufts probably dominated statistically more in that game than last weekend.  The difference was that the 2014 Colby team had an experienced GK and more organized defense than at the moment.  One assumes that Colby will become more stout on defense, but scoring will be the primary challenge.  Coach Seabrook did not bring in any true strikers, so the scoring will need to come from attacking midfielders.  A three-year starter at striker who is tall and extremely fast decided not to play his senior season (as did his backup).  This means that there is no true striker on the roster, and a lack of size and speed to stretch the center of opposing defenses.

Wheaton's demise was somewhat over-exaggerated.  After a slow start, they have won four on the trot and looked solid yesterday.  They have two dangerous forwards, some physical battling midfielders, and a very organized defense.  They will be difficult for any team to beat.  That said, yesterday's game was 0-0 until the 65' minute when the referee awarded what appeared to be a dubious PK that completely changed the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2015, 04:28:17 PM
Interesting that 2 players quit on Seabrook..Who? Also, how Colby could not recruit a striker is beyond me. They have not been able to score goals in 15 years
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2015, 04:41:25 PM


Wheaton's demise was somewhat over-exaggerated.  After a slow start, they have won four on the trot and looked solid yesterday.  They have two dangerous forwards, some physical battling midfielders, and a very organized defense.  They will be difficult for any team to beat.  That said, yesterday's game was 0-0 until the 65' minute when the referee awarded what appeared to be a dubious PK that completely changed the game.
[/quote]





Sorry but Wheaton is 4-2-0 and the wins are against Husson(weak), Keene St( very weak this year, actually surprisingly weak), Colby (average at best) and WNEC (struggling to start year)...We will have a better idea about Wheaton after September as they have a 7 game stretch with good competition.

v Springfield (tough in conference battle)
v Roger Williams (should be a W, but former assistant Greenslit will get them up for this one)
at WPI
v Brandeis
at Babson
v Trinity CT
v MIT

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2015, 05:30:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 14, 2015, 04:41:25 PM
v Trinity CT

That's one I'm looking forward to. Could be a game that has big implications, as both teams could very well be on the bubble for the tournament this year. Remember that Trinity was one of a few blemishes in Wheaton's 17-4-2 campaign last year, and I think with revenge on the mind and especially being at home Wheaton will come out guns blazing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 14, 2015, 07:10:29 PM
Excellent post, 1970. Colby has been fascinating to follow and I've been pulling for them a bit. I was surprised by Seabrook's turnaround last year and can't believe he has 19 freshmen. We know he can coach and recruit, but this year is going to be a tough one for him to manage with 32 players though. I think they're going to have a tough year playing without a striker. You can win without one as a possession based team but their direct style and the plethora of attacking mids is a strange mix. Reminds me a bit of UMASS Lowell's recent entry into D1 and their subsequent complete roster turnover. Can anyone shed any light on other roster turnovers in the NESCAC? How about at Tufts when Shapiro replaced Ferrigno?

Any Bates followers on here who can give us an update?  Last year's second half surge coincided with Flahery playing the younger guys over the less talented upperclassmen. I found him to be a relentless recruiter and believe he has increased the talent level each year. Even though Hamilton is down this year, making that massive trip from Lewiston and pulling out a W is impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 14, 2015, 08:00:30 PM
How many hours is the trip from Hamilton to Colby?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 14, 2015, 08:47:51 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 14, 2015, 08:00:30 PM
How many hours is the trip from Hamilton to Colby?

7-8 hours
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 14, 2015, 09:00:05 PM
My revised NESCAC rankings after week 1.

1. Amherst
2. Tufts
3. Williams
4. Middlebury
5. Bowdoin
6. Wesleyan
7. Conn
8. Trinity
9. Bates
10. Colby
11. Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 14, 2015, 09:18:35 PM
Huge weekend for Bowdoin.  Wesleyan and Williams back to back.  And big game for Wesleyan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 12:04:32 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 14, 2015, 09:00:05 PM
My revised NESCAC rankings after week 1.

1. Amherst
2. Tufts
3. Williams
4. Middlebury
5. Bowdoin
6. Wesleyan
7. Conn
8. Trinity
9. Bates
10. Colby
11. Hamilton



Not sure how Amherst jumped Tufts already.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 12:34:01 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 14, 2015, 09:18:35 PM
Huge weekend for Bowdoin.  Wesleyan and Williams back to back.  And big game for Wesleyan.



At this point all games with the top 6 are HUGE....I expect Williams, Amherst, Midd, Bowdoin, Tufts and Wesleyan to beat each other up this year. Also add Conn and Trinity who could knock someone off on a good day.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 15, 2015, 02:46:08 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 12:34:01 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 14, 2015, 09:18:35 PM
Huge weekend for Bowdoin.  Wesleyan and Williams back to back.  And big game for Wesleyan.



At this point all games with the top 6 are HUGE....I expect Williams, Amherst, Midd, Bowdoin, Tufts and Wesleyan to beat each other up this year. Also add Conn and Trinity who could knock someone off on a good day.

Agree Mr. Right...it's going to be another grinder of a season with no runaway team like the Amherst squad of 2012...will be very tightly packed up top...and it may be Conn and/or Trinity who knocks off 1 or 2 of these top teams to throw it in more turmoil come October.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 02:55:30 PM
Exactly..I even expect Colby and Bates to get a rare draw or even a win against the top 6. Hamilton I think might go 0-9-1 this year and will not be a factor unless they get their sh*t together real soon.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 15, 2015, 03:08:52 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 12:04:32 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 14, 2015, 09:00:05 PM
My revised NESCAC rankings after week 1.

1. Amherst
2. Tufts
3. Williams
4. Middlebury
5. Bowdoin
6. Wesleyan
7. Conn
8. Trinity
9. Bates
10. Colby
11. Hamilton



Not sure how Amherst jumped Tufts already.

Amherst has always been my #1 choice, as well as that of the consensus NESCAC board (8 of 13 respondents picked them #1). Not sure how beating a decent Endicott team, an all-frosh Colby and a bad Plymouth State should vault Tufts over Amherst, who beat a bad New England College team and a good Bowdoin team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 15, 2015, 03:19:15 PM
Mr. Right, you're not seriously trying to start yet another negative karma war, are you?  I thought we had found a good middle ground of respecting each others views.

As a gesture of good faith, I am giving you a POSITIVE karma.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 03:23:49 PM
National Champions BABY...Let's get Amherst to a Final 4 before WE VAULT THEM...LOL
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 03:25:03 PM
I have not given you a negative karma...I gave lastguy a positive karma today and that is it...Maybe someone is doing that to you to instigate you into thinking it was me...Lets not even start this again it wastes time and space
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 15, 2015, 03:29:47 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 03:25:03 PM
I have not given you a negative karma...I gave lastguy a positive karma today and that is it...Maybe someone is doing that to you to instigate you into thinking it was me...Lets not even start this again it wastes time and space

Ha ha. You're probably right. Thanks.  In total agreement!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 15, 2015, 03:31:25 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 02:55:30 PM
Exactly..I even expect Colby and Bates to get a rare draw or even a win against the top 6. Hamilton I think might go 0-9-1 this year and will not be a factor unless they get their sh*t together real soon.

Totally agree with this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 15, 2015, 03:32:59 PM
I'd love to hear the views of a Hamilton supporter.  Not sure I've seen any on these boards. 

Question is - does the distance (every other game is a brutal road trip) hurt or help the team?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 03:40:35 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 15, 2015, 03:32:59 PM
I'd love to hear the views of a Hamilton supporter.  Not sure I've seen any on these boards. 

Question is - does the distance (every other game is a brutal road trip) hurt or help the team?



It should hurt and help them..Interestingly I see two mid-week road games at Midd and Williams..Usually, they had one mid-week with these teams. That will definitely HURT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 04:12:02 PM
Congrats to Mark Sisco for winning Nescac Player of the Week after netting 3 goals in 2 games against Oneonta St and Trinity CT...Let's see if this gets Rashid fired up to match him and Williams will be rocking and rolling. I expect one if not both to net one today against Skidmore
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 04:42:07 PM
Skidmore catches Williams NAPPING on a long throw and excellent finished header...Set piece snoozer's on defensive end...Skidmore looks like they are UP for this one and better than I expected...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 04:51:46 PM
Williams is playing like they thought they could wake up this morning, roll out of bed and get to the field by 4:30pm and WIN.....This sluggishness reminds me of a lot of games in 2014 and the 2nd half of their game v Trinity CT on Saturday...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 15, 2015, 06:22:15 PM
2-0 Skidmore with 2:37 left. Literally 13 seconds after I turned on the broadcast. Great finish - game, set, match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 15, 2015, 06:28:07 PM
WOW...Trinity with a PK in OT against Westfield State and Gimand misses it. Oh dear.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on September 15, 2015, 06:32:09 PM
Final
Skidmore (Liberty League)  - 2
Williams (NESCAC) -0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 15, 2015, 06:48:16 PM
Anxiously awaiting the result of Middlebury - Green Mountain.

Green Mountain comes into the game having lost to Newbury 8-2, Norwich 12-0 and powerful St. Josephs (ME) 11-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 15, 2015, 06:54:23 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on September 15, 2015, 06:48:16 PM
Anxiously awaiting the result of Middlebury - Green Mountain.

Green Mountain comes into the game having lost to Newbury 8-2, Norwich 12-0 and powerful St. Josephs (ME) 11-0.

What is the partisan view of Middlebury's schedule?  Even more emphasis on academics than other NESCACs and hence the need to stay local, like making frosh miss the first game for some orientation thing?  Giving back to the state of VT?  What would be the spin from the coach on this?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 15, 2015, 07:01:01 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on September 15, 2015, 06:48:16 PM
Anxiously awaiting the result of Middlebury - Green Mountain.

Green Mountain comes into the game having lost to Newbury 8-2, Norwich 12-0 and powerful St. Josephs (ME) 11-0.

Middlebury prevails 10-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 15, 2015, 07:51:06 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on September 15, 2015, 07:01:01 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on September 15, 2015, 06:48:16 PM
Anxiously awaiting the result of Middlebury - Green Mountain.

Green Mountain comes into the game having lost to Newbury 8-2, Norwich 12-0 and powerful St. Josephs (ME) 11-0.

Middlebury prevails 10-0.

Wonder what Middlebury's goals per game averages were last year for conference v. Nonconference. Not taking away from their talented forwards but these kind of games really boost individual stats....but I don't think the non conference schedule helps them in the long run....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 15, 2015, 08:02:30 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on September 15, 2015, 06:32:09 PM
Final
Skidmore (Liberty League)  - 2
Williams (NESCAC) -0

Wow. Skidmore leaves its ... mark in Williamstown.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 15, 2015, 08:09:12 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on September 15, 2015, 07:01:01 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on September 15, 2015, 06:48:16 PM
Anxiously awaiting the result of Middlebury - Green Mountain.

Green Mountain comes into the game having lost to Newbury 8-2, Norwich 12-0 and powerful St. Josephs (ME) 11-0.

Middlebury prevails 10-0.

I was at the game live and it was much closer than the score might indicate. Green Mountain started a bit slow and Middlebury capitalized on a few Green Mountain mistakes to take a 9-0 lead into the half. However, the second half was a barn burner as Green Mountain found its shape and made several piercing runs through the Midd defense. They went back and forth, Mano a Mano ... A true college soccer Classic.

Not really.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 15, 2015, 08:11:02 PM
I like that, Corazon.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 09:19:42 PM
Skidmore v Williams 2-0....Like I said I think Williams was overconfident and felt all they needed to do was show up.Heck that's what I kind of thought and I am not even playing. I thought Williams looked awful..Rashid could not beat the wingback who was athletic but not skilled, Tom Young and De-Stefano were awful in midfield and Danilack left the game in the 1st half with some kind of injury. They cannot afford to lose him.

Skidmore is athletic, has a very good goalkeeper, plays conservative and when they lose the ball THEY ALL DROP. Well coached team. They are not the most skilled bunch and I do not think they will be able to score goals consistently.

As for Williams, I am very interested to see how they bounce back this weekend. How do they respond to Sullivan. Do they cave and get down on themselves or are they a resilient bunch? In 2014 without Rashid and a Matt Muralles who was a shell of himself they caved. My only issue is in 2015 they have Rashid so there is no excuse.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 09:20:45 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on September 15, 2015, 06:32:09 PM
Final
Skidmore (Liberty League)  - 2
Williams (NESCAC) -0




LOL..This is guy gets my vote for DB of the year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2015, 10:00:01 PM
Trinity draws Westfield 1-1...Why am I not surprised a Pilger led Trinity does not get juiced for this game...Missing a penalty notwithstanding this is a horrible result. Westfield lost to Coast Guard 6-1 about a week ago. Out shooting them 39-7 doesn't mean anything if you cannot get a win. Of course to top it off Trinity goes ahead 1-0 in the 81st minute to only give up the tying goal 3 minutes later....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 01:11:12 PM
Saturday Nescac Predictions: Home team listed first.

Bowdoin v Wesleyan    1-0      Big game for both teams. Bowdoin is looking to get their 1st Nescac win and Wesleyan is opening Nescac play. Wesleyan looks very similar to their 2014 side. I thought their effort in their comeback win against Haverford was commendable. Bowdoin is a bit more athletic and has more speed on the flanks than Wesleyan. This game will be nip and tuck and either team will win this 1-0. Wesleyan is very organized defensively as usual but Bowdoin is also and I believe Bowdoin has 1 or 2 more weapons up front as well as a GK advantage. I love the Wesleyan frosh up front he just needs a little more experience before he takes off. I'll admit I like how both these teams have been built and groomed.

Trinity v Hamilton          2-0        If either of these teams want to vie for 7th or 8th place they NEED to win this game. I'll admit I have not seen Hamilton this year yet but their box scores and results paint a small picture of what they have done. As usual in the 11 years Pilger has been Head coach this team is a monster roller coaster ride. You never know how they will play. On their best day, they could be mid-table but on their worst day they look lethargic and uninterested. Trinity has some solid weapons going forward but their back 4 needs some work. From what I have seen, Trinity's GK has improved steadily and gives them a SOLID GK this year. Tobias and Savonen net one each and they take care of business at home.

Colby v Williams          0-0         Colby has had all week to prepare for their home opener. After their own Boston massacre this week-end I have a funny feeling they are going to BE UP for this one. I have no idea how they are going to score goals in Nescac and I do not think they will put much pressure on Williams in their attacking 3rd but maybe they can sneak one on a set piece. If Geoff Danilack is unavailable this weekend that will hurt Williams backline tremendously.  Like Skidmore, I believe Colby will be man marking Rashid all over the field which means someone else on Williams will need to pick it up and finish one. Williams will outshoot Colby 2:1 but they will not finish and this will end in a draw.

Tufts v Conn                 1-1         I was impressed with how Conn played Midd last weekend and felt they deserved a point from that game. Conn have a solid backbone except I feel in goal. Massive revenge game for Tufts, but Tufts has not really played anyone yet and in their last 2 games have had to sneak a goal or two to win. Tufts is always a tough place to play as they usually get a great and rowdy crowd. Like last year, Conn can get physical with Tufts skilled and talented midfield and muck the game up a bit to their advantage.

Amherst v Midd              0-1             This is the game of the weekend. This game was an absolute bloodbath last year and I expect the same. An 88th minute strike gave Amherst a draw up at Midd last year. Amherst has more skill than Midd on the flanks as Martin and Nico can beat guys 1v1. Sydor for Midd REALLY impressed me last week v Conn and if he plays like that every week Midd will be very tough to score on. Both teams are the most physical in Nescac so that battle is a wash and Amherst has more skill although I must admit I have not seen Amherst this year. I will be watching this game for sure. I have a hunch Conrad has a monster game and comes away with the GW goal. Amherst has sominated Midd the last 5 years as Midd has not won since 2010 when they beat Amherst during the year and in the NCAA's up at Bowdoin.  Midd also will have their talented but inexperienced freshman class available for the game.


I will predict Sunday's game Saturday night as I feel a lot will depend on the results on Saturday.


Sunday

Williams at Bowdoin
Trinity at Tufts
Conn At Colby

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 16, 2015, 01:45:25 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 15, 2015, 07:51:06 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on September 15, 2015, 07:01:01 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on September 15, 2015, 06:48:16 PM
Anxiously awaiting the result of Middlebury - Green Mountain.

Green Mountain comes into the game having lost to Newbury 8-2, Norwich 12-0 and powerful St. Josephs (ME) 11-0.

Middlebury prevails 10-0.


Wonder what Middlebury's goals per game averages were last year for conference v. Nonconference. Not taking away from their talented forwards but these kind of games really boost individual stats....but I don't think the non conference schedule helps them in the long run....

Yes and no, regarding individual stat boost. I don't think the starters played more than 10 minutes or so, so there's only so much boosting they can do. But yes, I agree with your overall premise—a game like this shouldn't be played, and I don't see how it helps the Panthers at all.

I can't image that anyone really likes such a match-up outside of the backup goalie and other reserves who logged starter minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 01:48:26 PM
Maybe because Saward only had to sit on a bus for an 1 hour or so.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 16, 2015, 01:55:17 PM
Amherst has a game today at 4:30 PM.  There will be a video cast.

Bucket...has your son been working as a ball boy at any of the games?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 02:00:28 PM
The Amherst v WNEC game will be interesting to follow. I think WNEC lost a great coach in Erin Sullivan and are still trying to find themselves. This game was DOMINATED by Amherst last year but I do not think they scored until the 75th minute to win it on a corner if I am not mistaken. I have not seen WNEC play this year but they did beat Gordon and had a wild game v Wheaton MA. I am not sure their style or formation. Either way Amherst just has to much talent to slip up in this one unless they are looking ahead to Midd. One thing about Serpone that I like is that he seems to have his guys ready TO PLAY every game. I like that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 16, 2015, 02:27:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 02:00:28 PM
The Amherst v WNEC game will be interesting to follow. I think WNEC lost a great coach in Erin Sullivan and are still trying to find themselves. This game was DOMINATED by Amherst last year but I do not think they scored until the 75th minute to win it on a corner if I am not mistaken. I have not seen WNEC play this year but they did beat Gordon and had a wild game v Wheaton MA. I am not sure their style or formation. Either way Amherst just has to much talent to slip up in this one unless they are looking ahead to Midd. One thing about Serpone that I like is that he seems to have his guys ready TO PLAY every game. I like that.

I caught snippets of the Wheaton and Gordon games, but not enough to give an informed opinion or description of WNEU's play.  I do know that, as often happens when a new coach comes to town, a good number of players (including a couple of young starters) who played last year are no longer on the roster.  Coach O'Neill has a solid D3 background as a player at Middlebury and as a coach at Gettysburg in addition to his forays in D1 coaching.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 03:33:02 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 16, 2015, 02:27:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 02:00:28 PM
The Amherst v WNEC game will be interesting to follow. I think WNEC lost a great coach in Erin Sullivan and are still trying to find themselves. This game was DOMINATED by Amherst last year but I do not think they scored until the 75th minute to win it on a corner if I am not mistaken. I have not seen WNEC play this year but they did beat Gordon and had a wild game v Wheaton MA. I am not sure their style or formation. Either way Amherst just has to much talent to slip up in this one unless they are looking ahead to Midd. One thing about Serpone that I like is that he seems to have his guys ready TO PLAY every game. I like that.

I caught snippets of the Wheaton and Gordon games, but not enough to give an informed opinion or description of WNEU's play.  I do know that, as often happens when a new coach comes to town, a good number of players (including a couple of young starters) who played last year are no longer on the roster.  Coach O'Neill has a solid D3 background as a player at Middlebury and as a coach at Gettysburg in addition to his forays in D1 coaching.





This is quite true of coach Devin O'Neill however he is very lucky to have gotten that WNEC job. He had a perfect / cozy gig at Gettysburg for life if he wanted it but his ego got in the way and left to become an assistant at D1 Bradley University. He wanted to be a D1 Head Coach. Rumor has it he could not stand Head Coach Jim DeRose at Bradley University who quite frankly is a nightmare as he is very negative and coaches every play screaming and yelling. I believe he got out of there after a year or 2 and went to work for Sam Koch at UMASS. Unfortunately, Sam Koch(Colby graduate) passed away 2 years ago after battling a long illness. O'Neill was given the reigns at UMASS in August 2014 as interim Head Coach at UMASS. He then proceeded to go 3-15-1 or something disastrous like that with his OWN recruits and did not even get an interview for the job when it opened this winter. Fran O'Leary got it. Long story short he is very lucky to have gotten that WNEC job and return to college coaching. Let's see if he settles down and stays there for a while.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 16, 2015, 03:37:22 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 03:33:02 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 16, 2015, 02:27:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 02:00:28 PM
The Amherst v WNEC game will be interesting to follow. I think WNEC lost a great coach in Erin Sullivan and are still trying to find themselves. This game was DOMINATED by Amherst last year but I do not think they scored until the 75th minute to win it on a corner if I am not mistaken. I have not seen WNEC play this year but they did beat Gordon and had a wild game v Wheaton MA. I am not sure their style or formation. Either way Amherst just has to much talent to slip up in this one unless they are looking ahead to Midd. One thing about Serpone that I like is that he seems to have his guys ready TO PLAY every game. I like that.

I caught snippets of the Wheaton and Gordon games, but not enough to give an informed opinion or description of WNEU's play.  I do know that, as often happens when a new coach comes to town, a good number of players (including a couple of young starters) who played last year are no longer on the roster.  Coach O'Neill has a solid D3 background as a player at Middlebury and as a coach at Gettysburg in addition to his forays in D1 coaching.





This is quite true of coach Devin O'Neill however he is very lucky to have gotten that WNEC job. He had a perfect / cozy gig at Gettysburg for life if he wanted it but his ego got in the way and left to become an assistant at D1 Bradley University. He wanted to be a D1 Head Coach. Rumor has it he could not stand Head Coach Jim DeRose at Bradley University who quite frankly is a nightmare as he is very negative and coaches every play screaming and yelling. I believe he got out of there after a year or 2 and went to work for Sam Koch at UMASS. Unfortunately, Sam Koch(Colby graduate) passed away 2 years ago after battling a long illness. O'Neill was given the reigns at UMASS in August 2014 as interim Head Coach at UMASS. He then proceeded to go 3-15-1 or something disastrous like that with his OWN recruits and did not even get an interview for the job when it opened this winter. Fran O'Leary got it. Long story short he is very lucky to have gotten that WNEC job and return to college coaching. Let's see if he settles down and stays there for a while.


MR. RIGHT coming out with the 411!!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Soccer Balls on September 16, 2015, 04:14:24 PM
Don't believe what Mr. Wrong says.  ;D
Koch died just over a year ago and O'Neill filled in for a year after assisting Koch for 2.
He will do just fine at WNEC.
He's a Western Mass kid who played at Middlebury
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 04:26:18 PM
DID I NOT JUST EXPLAIN THAT IN MY POST??? You need to read posts before reacting
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 04:29:27 PM
Instead of just reacting to everything I post and complaining why not be part of a conversation and ADD something to the board...That might be asking to much of you though
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 16, 2015, 04:47:44 PM
Quote from: amh63 on September 16, 2015, 01:55:17 PM
Amherst has a game today at 4:30 PM.  There will be a video cast.

Bucket...has your son been working as a ball boy at any of the games?

His first game running the sideline will be next week. He's very excited!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 16, 2015, 04:53:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 03:33:02 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 16, 2015, 02:27:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 02:00:28 PM
The Amherst v WNEC game will be interesting to follow. I think WNEC lost a great coach in Erin Sullivan and are still trying to find themselves. This game was DOMINATED by Amherst last year but I do not think they scored until the 75th minute to win it on a corner if I am not mistaken. I have not seen WNEC play this year but they did beat Gordon and had a wild game v Wheaton MA. I am not sure their style or formation. Either way Amherst just has to much talent to slip up in this one unless they are looking ahead to Midd. One thing about Serpone that I like is that he seems to have his guys ready TO PLAY every game. I like that.

I caught snippets of the Wheaton and Gordon games, but not enough to give an informed opinion or description of WNEU's play.  I do know that, as often happens when a new coach comes to town, a good number of players (including a couple of young starters) who played last year are no longer on the roster.  Coach O'Neill has a solid D3 background as a player at Middlebury and as a coach at Gettysburg in addition to his forays in D1 coaching.





This is quite true of coach Devin O'Neill however he is very lucky to have gotten that WNEC job. He had a perfect / cozy gig at Gettysburg for life if he wanted it but his ego got in the way and left to become an assistant at D1 Bradley University. He wanted to be a D1 Head Coach. Rumor has it he could not stand Head Coach Jim DeRose at Bradley University who quite frankly is a nightmare as he is very negative and coaches every play screaming and yelling. I believe he got out of there after a year or 2 and went to work for Sam Koch at UMASS. Unfortunately, Sam Koch(Colby graduate) passed away 2 years ago after battling a long illness. O'Neill was given the reigns at UMASS in August 2014 as interim Head Coach at UMASS. He then proceeded to go 3-15-1 or something disastrous like that with his OWN recruits and did not even get an interview for the job when it opened this winter. Fran O'Leary got it. Long story short he is very lucky to have gotten that WNEC job and return to college coaching. Let's see if he settles down and stays there for a while.

I find it unfair to say that Devin's "ego" got in the way. He had an ambition to coach at the Division I level. How does that make someone egotistical, having a desire to compete at the top level (or "a" top level) of your profession?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 05:06:07 PM
Ok...I agree maybe it was to strong / opinionated for people but if someone has a family and decides to leave a good job for a D1 Assistant job that maybe pays a little less, on the road way more, etc etc I guess I figured it was a bit of an ego thing. Point taken...However, the facts are the facts which was my point to begin with...Not a big thing, I wish Devin well at WNEC
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 17, 2015, 10:47:28 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 01:11:12 PM
Saturday Nescac Predictions: Home team listed first.

Bowdoin v Wesleyan    1-0      Big game for both teams. Bowdoin is looking to get their 1st Nescac win and Wesleyan is opening Nescac play. Wesleyan looks very similar to their 2014 side. I thought their effort in their comeback win against Haverford was commendable. Bowdoin is a bit more athletic and has more speed on the flanks than Wesleyan. This game will be nip and tuck and either team will win this 1-0. Wesleyan is very organized defensively as usual but Bowdoin is also and I believe Bowdoin has 1 or 2 more weapons up front as well as a GK advantage. I love the Wesleyan frosh up front he just needs a little more experience before he takes off. I'll admit I like how both these teams have been built and groomed.

Trinity v Hamilton          2-0        If either of these teams want to vie for 7th or 8th place they NEED to win this game. I'll admit I have not seen Hamilton this year yet but their box scores and results paint a small picture of what they have done. As usual in the 11 years Pilger has been Head coach this team is a monster roller coaster ride. You never know how they will play. On their best day, they could be mid-table but on their worst day they look lethargic and uninterested. Trinity has some solid weapons going forward but their back 4 needs some work. From what I have seen, Trinity's GK has improved steadily and gives them a SOLID GK this year. Tobias and Savonen net one each and they take care of business at home.

Colby v Williams          0-0         Colby has had all week to prepare for their home opener. After their own Boston massacre this week-end I have a funny feeling they are going to BE UP for this one. I have no idea how they are going to score goals in Nescac and I do not think they will put much pressure on Williams in their attacking 3rd but maybe they can sneak one on a set piece. If Geoff Danilack is unavailable this weekend that will hurt Williams backline tremendously.  Like Skidmore, I believe Colby will be man marking Rashid all over the field which means someone else on Williams will need to pick it up and finish one. Williams will outshoot Colby 2:1 but they will not finish and this will end in a draw.

Tufts v Conn                 1-1         I was impressed with how Conn played Midd last weekend and felt they deserved a point from that game. Conn have a solid backbone except I feel in goal. Massive revenge game for Tufts, but Tufts has not really played anyone yet and in their last 2 games have had to sneak a goal or two to win. Tufts is always a tough place to play as they usually get a great and rowdy crowd. Like last year, Conn can get physical with Tufts skilled and talented midfield and muck the game up a bit to their advantage.

Amherst v Midd              0-1             This is the game of the weekend. This game was an absolute bloodbath last year and I expect the same. An 88th minute strike gave Amherst a draw up at Midd last year. Amherst has more skill than Midd on the flanks as Martin and Nico can beat guys 1v1. Sydor for Midd REALLY impressed me last week v Conn and if he plays like that every week Midd will be very tough to score on. Both teams are the most physical in Nescac so that battle is a wash and Amherst has more skill although I must admit I have not seen Amherst this year. I will be watching this game for sure. I have a hunch Conrad has a monster game and comes away with the GW goal. Amherst has sominated Midd the last 5 years as Midd has not won since 2010 when they beat Amherst during the year and in the NCAA's up at Bowdoin.  Midd also will have their talented but inexperienced freshman class available for the game.

Hamilton has only scored a grand total of 3 goals in their last 11 games.  This is simply not a team equipped to compete for 7th or 8th.  Trinity controls this game and takes some momentum to Tufts ... but falls short on Sunday in a competitive game.  Trinity will be in the top 8 at the end.

Middlebury will not be well served by their tune-up game with Green Mountain and will fall short at Amherst.  On the other hand, Wesleyan will benefit from their sojourn to Haverford and will prevail at Bowdoin if either team can manage to score.

Sometimes its not who you play but when you play them, and Colby will not be happy catching Williams after their Skidmore skid.  The Ephs will play with an edge and take care of business in Waterville.

Conn is simply no match for Tufts.  Conn has scored one goal in three outings (2 goals vs. Coast Guard were Coast Guard own goals), Conn will not score at Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 17, 2015, 11:18:51 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 05:06:07 PM
Ok...I agree maybe it was to strong / opinionated for people but if someone has a family and decides to leave a good job for a D1 Assistant job that maybe pays a little less, on the road way more, etc etc I guess I figured it was a bit of an ego thing. Point taken...However, the facts are the facts which was my point to begin with...Not a big thing, I wish Devin well at WNEC

Reading from his biography at WNEU (still getting used to the "U" part!), he left Gettysburg to be HEAD coach at East Carolina, where stayed for 4 years before moving to Bradley.  And, from what I understand, he DID get an interview for the UMass position and was a finalist for the job.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 17, 2015, 12:49:22 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 17, 2015, 11:18:51 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2015, 05:06:07 PM
Ok...I agree maybe it was to strong / opinionated for people but if someone has a family and decides to leave a good job for a D1 Assistant job that maybe pays a little less, on the road way more, etc etc I guess I figured it was a bit of an ego thing. Point taken...However, the facts are the facts which was my point to begin with...Not a big thing, I wish Devin well at WNEC

Reading from his biography at WNEU (still getting used to the "U" part!), he left Gettysburg to be HEAD coach at East Carolina, where stayed for 4 years before moving to Bradley.  And, from what I understand, he DID get an interview for the UMass position and was a finalist for the job.



You are correct he left to be a head coach at East Carolina, I forgot about that. It was a total disaster as he could not turn the program around. I also inquired to my sources and he did get a token interview but CERTAINLY WAS NOT A FINALIST.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 18, 2015, 02:45:28 PM
A HUGE congratulations to Stewart Flaherty for beating University of New England last night 6-0. Bowdoin beat them 7-0 earlier in the year but unlike Bates they took their starters out basically after halftime. I tuned in last night at about the 75th minute as was pleasantly surprised to see Bates up 6-0 and most of their starters still in the game. That is a class act.

A serious congrats to University of New England for their style of play. Former Colby and Bates assistant coach Peter Oestergaard does not have much talent on the field but he continues to emphasize playing attractive futbol. They try to play on the ground and to feet instead of whacking everything in sight which if they did they might have better results but this style is much more watchable and should be how college soccer is played. He tried to emphasize this at Colby, when he was there and it worked with fair results. I am rooting for them in conference play where they will try to keep up with Endicott, WNEC, Gordon and Nicholls.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 18, 2015, 03:18:38 PM
Just so there is no confusion this is Stewart Flaherty's 4th season at Bates and his combined Nescac record is:

5-21-5

He has never won more than 2 games in conference and already has 1 this year. Do people think Bates can get to 3 or 4 wins this year? Will they make the Top 8?

I say depending how they do against Trinity and Colby will determine if they get in the Top 8.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on September 18, 2015, 10:36:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 18, 2015, 02:45:28 PM
A HUGE congratulations to Stewart Flaherty for beating University of New England last night 6-0. Bowdoin beat them 7-0 earlier in the year but unlike Bates they took their starters out basically after halftime. I tuned in last night at about the 75th minute as was pleasantly surprised to see Bates up 6-0 and most of their starters still in the game. That is a class act.
This is sarcasm, right?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on September 19, 2015, 07:53:18 AM
Quote from: Becks on September 18, 2015, 10:36:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 18, 2015, 02:45:28 PM
A HUGE congratulations to Stewart Flaherty for beating University of New England last night 6-0. Bowdoin beat them 7-0 earlier in the year but unlike Bates they took their starters out basically after halftime. I tuned in last night at about the 75th minute as was pleasantly surprised to see Bates up 6-0 and most of their starters still in the game. That is a class act.
This is sarcasm, right?

I'd bet my life on it. ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 19, 2015, 05:00:05 PM
Tufts beats Conn in a goal fest 3-2. Jumbos came from behind twice and Majumder scored a nice individual effort for the winner. Kayne could very well be POY - he makes them tick.

That said, Tufts looks very soft. Their defenders weren't there for the first goal, and they were completely caught napping trying to play offsides on the second. Their attack is still brilliant, but, as I said before, they have a skilled midfield but not an imposing one. Their CBs are not doing very well either. I have a lot of respect for Tufts for how they play the game, but they've got to become more solid if they're going to make a run similar to last year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 19, 2015, 06:03:55 PM
Strong first half for Amherst today. Early (very) goal held up in second half. Deserved the win.
What's the skinny on the Colby win?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 19, 2015, 06:05:33 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 19, 2015, 05:00:05 PM
Tufts beats Conn in a goal fest 3-2. Jumbos came from behind twice and Majumder scored a nice individual effort for the winner. Kayne could very well be POY - he makes them tick.

That said, Tufts looks very soft. Their defenders weren't there for the first goal, and they were completely caught napping trying to play offsides on the second. Their attack is still brilliant, but, as I said before, they have a skilled midfield but not an imposing one. Their CBs are not doing very well either. I have a lot of respect for Tufts for how they play the game, but they've got to become more solid if they're going to make a run similar to last year.
[/quote

Saw the video Which is hard to judge but your analysis is pretty spot on. Kayne turned the good conn college midfield in circles and the goalie made a great save on a Kayne blast. The conn college goalie played well. Tufts hot the post too. I think declined plays well but holds a lot. Kayne does make tufts tick as u say but the speed of brown gives Kayne space and pinhero and Holliday provide back up so he can move. The whole midfield plays good defense. Tufts defense needs more time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 19, 2015, 06:13:20 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on September 19, 2015, 06:03:55 PM
Strong first half for Amherst today. Early (very) goal held up in second half. Deserved the win.
What's the skinny on the Colby win?

I watched a decent amount of this one.  Colby just hung around and hung around.  Towards the end kept Williams from really threatening too much and occasionally won a free kick or corner of their own.  Vogel looked like he had scored directly off a corner in 1st OT but Williams GK managed to yank it off the line.  In 2nd OT Vogel got another corner to Colby's tallest player who has a clean finish to win the game.  Colby, deservedly, was very pumped.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 19, 2015, 06:15:28 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 19, 2015, 06:05:33 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 19, 2015, 05:00:05 PM
Tufts beats Conn in a goal fest 3-2. Jumbos came from behind twice and Majumder scored a nice individual effort for the winner. Kayne could very well be POY - he makes them tick.

That said, Tufts looks very soft. Their defenders weren't there for the first goal, and they were completely caught napping trying to play offsides on the second. Their attack is still brilliant, but, as I said before, they have a skilled midfield but not an imposing one. Their CBs are not doing very well either. I have a lot of respect for Tufts for how they play the game, but they've got to become more solid if they're going to make a run similar to last year.
[/quote

Saw the video Which is hard to judge but your analysis is pretty spot on. Kayne turned the good conn college midfield in circles and the goalie made a great save on a Kayne blast. The conn college goalie played well. Tufts hot the post too. I think declined plays well but holds a lot. Kayne does make tufts tick as u say but the speed of brown gives Kayne space and pinhero and Holliday provide back up so he can move. The whole midfield plays good defense. Tufts defense needs more time.

Devlin
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 20, 2015, 08:22:59 AM
I guess it was OT Saturday in the NESCAC. 4 of 6 went extra.

Williams MUST get a result today vs Bowdoin if they're going to contend.

Colby undoubtedly used NCAC New England's earlier scouting report as bulletin board material.

Anyone see the Hamilton-Trinity game?  Every team still in contention for playoffs but Conn and Trinity can not afford to lose again today.

Amherst takes out Bowdoin and Midd in consecutive weekends. Christopher Martin has 5 goals now in 4 games.

Amherst and Tufts separating from the pack. That match-up will be a war.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 20, 2015, 08:47:41 AM
Amherst plays at Elms today.  Time is 2PM....stats...no video.   Maybe a good time for some backups to stretch their legs.  In the write up of the physical battle with Middlebury, Amherst coach mentions that Amherst has a number of nicks and bruises and was happy about the win...thinks the Panthers are one of the better teams in the conf.   A number of freshmen were getting time yesterday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 20, 2015, 10:38:50 AM
Will be interesting to see what Williams and Bowdoin have left in the tank today.
Edge has to go to Bowdoin, who slept in their own beds last night.
(Although the hotel mattresses might actually be more comfortable than dorm beds?)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 20, 2015, 11:04:23 AM
Also surprised wrt to all the OTs yesterday.
Talking about Chris Martin...some concerns yesterday on the Amherst side as Chris went down....stayed down.  Relief somewhat when he put weight on a leg.  Assisted off somewhat.  Announcers was glad to see Chris on the sidelines in the 2nd half.   Did not watch the second half much.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 20, 2015, 03:15:46 PM
Jumbos midfield doing a carve up job and majumber emerging with 2 more goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 20, 2015, 03:25:57 PM
Majumder having a monster weekend.

Conn having their way at Colby up 2-0 at half. They have played way better than their record indicated.

Williams to me looks just like they did in 2014 except now they Rashid, which befuddles me even more. THEY HAVE NEVER LOST TO COLBY and they looked pissed they were in OT for the tie. Today, I thought Bowdoin earned a draw as CJ Masterson missed a clear 1v1 with Alcorn to give Bowdoin the lead in the 2nd half. Williams converted off a set piece bouncer and leave Maine 1-1-0. Williams is 3-2-0 heading against Amherst but they also will have a key Oneonta win in their pocket and I believe they will beat an overrated but not overrated in the committee's eyes RPI to have 2 superb out of conference wins. However, they have not looked right since 2013 IMO.

Midd takes it on the chin against an Amherst side that might impose their way to the Nescac title but again fall short in the NCAA's...Amherst against Tufts might determine who hosts all the way thru but Brandeis might have something to say about that.

Midd's frosh impressed me against Amherst and will be a force in league play and will be very tough to beat in November

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 20, 2015, 06:46:00 PM
Thoughts on the weekend. Amherst looks good. Conn college played Tufts well and has a good midfield but has trouble scoring. Tufts midfield, both offensively and defensively, dominates as a group, and Kayne does make the team "tick" and he played very well against the Conn College tough midfield, and with majumbder hot they will be tough. Williams is a surprise so far and needs to step up fast. Middlebury, is lurking and cannot be underestimated. In the NESCAC, though, many surprising things can happen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 20, 2015, 10:04:25 PM
I will preview the upcoming Williams v Amherst game in depth not to mention the midweek Bowdoin v Bates and the other monster  game between Tufts v Brandeis later in the week.

One thing I will say about Williams v Amherst is that my biggest fear for Williams is their wing backs vs NPL and Chris Martin. Williams will start a very mature and fast wing back frosh in Greg Andreau who I imagine will be dealing with NPL. The experience vs non-experience does not bother as much as the other side. In fact in the 2012 NCAA Elite 8 game Russo started Frosh Noah Gruman at right back and he shut down experienced Spencer Noon. My issue is at right back where if Williams starts who they have been starting in TL Guest who is a good defender but 2 steps to slow for my taste that ultra speedy Martin will "do" him a couple times and one of those instances could lead to a goal. More on this later..........
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 20, 2015, 11:06:27 PM
One thing I forgot to mention in watching Tufts yesterday: Greenwood is a fantastic shot stopper, but he did not look confident on set pieces. He punched away two deliveries (actually, "slapped" would probably be a better verb) when he had time and space to catch them. I heard a few Tufts supporters audibly wondering "why didn't he catch it?" The best thing Brandeis can do is flood the box with high balls and hope he misplays one.

Tufts looks fantastic offensively, and Majumder is on fire. He is a lot to handle up top, and I'd say he's an upgrade on Hoppenot. As I said before, they look soft through the middle and defensively, although I'd argue that their midfield is the best attacking midfield in the NESCAC. Brandeis, on the other hand, has pretty much the opposite problem; they look excellent defensively, but their CFs continue to drop too wide and too deep. That is something that they're definitely addressing in this 10-day break.

It'll be a fantastic battle, but I think homefield advantage will be big for Tufts, as they would have discovered losing 2-0 at Brandeis last year after winning by the same margin at home the year before. This year, I'd say based on current form, Tufts edges 'Deis 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:03:44 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 20, 2015, 11:06:27 PM
One thing I forgot to mention in watching Tufts yesterday: Greenwood is a fantastic shot stopper, but he did not look confident on set pieces. He punched away two deliveries (actually, "slapped" would probably be a better verb) when he had time and space to catch them. I heard a few Tufts supporters audibly wondering "why didn't he catch it?" The best thing Brandeis can do is flood the box with high balls and hope he misplays one.

Tufts looks fantastic offensively, and Majumder is on fire. He is a lot to handle up top, and I'd say he's an upgrade on Hoppenot. As I said before, they look soft through the middle and defensively, although I'd argue that their midfield is the best attacking midfield in the NESCAC. Brandeis, on the other hand, has pretty much the opposite problem; they look excellent defensively, but their CFs continue to drop too wide and too deep. That is something that they're definitely addressing in this 10-day break.

It'll be a fantastic battle, but I think homefield advantage will be big for Tufts, as they would have discovered losing 2-0 at Brandeis last year after winning by the same margin at home the year before. This year, I'd say based on current form, Tufts edges 'Deis 1-0.

I am a little miffed about your defensive view on the Tufts middies. They swarm and have many many steals. I've never seen other midfielders slide tackle as much, especially Kayne. Do you mean physical size?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 21, 2015, 12:37:16 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:03:44 AM
I am a little miffed about your defensive view on the Tufts middies. They swarm and have many many steals. I've never seen other midfielders slide tackle as much, especially Kayne. Do you mean physical size?

I disagree.

Has nothing to do with their physical size. Rather, they have a tendency to get overrun at times. I've watched them several times in person, and I can count several times from Saturday where Conn took the ball and went back to front - through the middle of the park - virtually unchallenged. To borrow an analogy from the early days of the PL, they have a few guys like Paul Scholes, but lack a Roy Keane to break up play in midfield.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:40:14 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 21, 2015, 12:37:16 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:03:44 AM
I am a little miffed about your defensive view on the Tufts middies. They swarm and have many many steals. I've never seen other midfielders slide tackle as much, especially Kayne. Do you mean physical size?

I disagree.

Has nothing to do with their physical size. Rather, they have a tendency to get overrun at times. I've watched them several times in person, and I can count several times from Saturday where Conn took the ball and went back to front - through the middle of the park - virtually unchallenged. To borrow an analogy from the early days of the PL, they have a few guys like Paul Scholes, but lack a Roy Keane to break up play in midfield.

Most of what you are referring to happened when there were some non-starters in.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 21, 2015, 12:45:48 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:40:14 AM
Most of what you are referring to happened when there were some non-starters in.....

Well, in my observation, it often happened when the three starters - Kayne, Pinheiro, and Halliday - were in. I know who the starters are. I even praised their attacking acumen. I'll agree to disagree, but I don't think you should take offense over someone else's differing opinion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:53:45 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 21, 2015, 12:45:48 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:40:14 AM
Most of what you are referring to happened when there were some non-starters in.....

Well, in my observation, it often happened when the three starters - Kayne, Pinheiro, and Halliday - were in. I know who the starters are. I even praised their attacking acumen. I'll agree to disagree, but I don't think you should take offense over someone else's differing opinion.

No offense is taken. And I agree with a lot of your analysis. And I think Conn College is better than given credit for on this board. They have a strong midfield....I think at this stage in the season they have the two best midfields in the NESCAC and maybe the country. And I mostly agree that Kayne could be a candidate for player of the year, as u stated above, given his field general status, though if majumber keeps his pace up, it could be a different story.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 21, 2015, 09:32:38 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:53:45 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 21, 2015, 12:45:48 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:40:14 AM
Most of what you are referring to happened when there were some non-starters in.....

Well, in my observation, it often happened when the three starters - Kayne, Pinheiro, and Halliday - were in. I know who the starters are. I even praised their attacking acumen. I'll agree to disagree, but I don't think you should take offense over someone else's differing opinion.

No offense is taken. And I agree with a lot of your analysis. And I think Conn College is better than given credit for on this board. They have a strong midfield....I think at this stage in the season they have the two best midfields in the NESCAC and maybe the country. And I mostly agree that Kayne could be a candidate for player of the year, as u stated above, given his field general status, though if majumber keeps his pace up, it could be a different story.

Attended the Tufts vs Conn game in wonderful sunny Medford, MA and watched the Conn Vs Colby game live stream.  Tufts vs Conn was a physical battle with some bad blood left over from last years NESCAC playoff win by Conn over Tufts before Tufts went on to its magical mystery tour run to the National Championship.  It was a great soccer game and won by the better team--Tufts.  However, Conn gave Tufts all it could handle and Conn's two goals were great goals by two of their outstanding freshman forwards #11 Leon and #14 Lockwood.  These two Conn freshman are legitimate scoring threats....Murphy went out and recruited some goal scorers and they are both tough players.  Conn played well until the last 20 minutes when fatigue set in and Conn's back line was visibly exhausted leading to a great game winning goal by #24 of Tufts (he's a tremendous center forward...great with the ball at his feet and a quick trigger).  Conn's back line is shaky, but their goalie DeCuhna played tremendous making 5 huge saves or it could have been Tufts 4 or 5.  Tufts dominated the middle....the jumbos midfield and forwards are extremely skilled and fast and they swarmed Devlin every time he touched the ball.  Tufts was fun to watch, but their Center backs are shaky...overall they are a very very good team and play a fun style of soccer.
Sunday's Colby vs Conn game saw two pretty tired teams, but Conn dominated Colby and were again led in scoring by the freshman Leon and Lockwood.  I really like Leon....he's a very good player with sneaky speed and tough.  Colby looked like they didn't have any legs left after upsetting Williams the day before.  Conn got some good play from another freshman #12 Manogian at center mid who played most of the game.  Looks like Conn is strong in the middle and up top, but back line is very shaky, but to be expected after losing 3 long time starters to graduation.  Murphy looks like he has reloaded with a pretty good freshman class and while this year they will be a tougher game then I had originally thought (didn't know the frosh would score the way they have) this year, but next year they will be pushing for a very good year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 21, 2015, 09:51:42 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:53:45 AM
And I mostly agree that Kayne could be a candidate for player of the year, as u stated above, given his field general status, though if majumber keeps his pace up, it could be a different story.

Good point. Majumder has five goals - and it's not even October - from 15 shots. That's an incredibly impressive shot percentage no matter how you spin it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 21, 2015, 10:01:21 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 21, 2015, 09:51:42 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:53:45 AM
And I mostly agree that Kayne could be a candidate for player of the year, as u stated above, given his field general status, though if majumber keeps his pace up, it could be a different story.

Good point. Majumder has five goals - and it's not even October - from 15 shots. That's an incredibly impressive shot percentage no matter how you spin it.
#24 Majumder is a handful....he is extremely dangerous in the final third, has another gear than most NESCAC players and also a quicker first step to gain leverage and he has a quick accurate trigger.  Both his goals against Conn were great goals (some very bad defending by Conn's young inexperienced backs, but great offense by Majumder).  He is the real deal and while Kayne is very good, Majumder is on fire right now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2015, 12:06:27 PM
I believe Majumder is a definite upgrade over Hoppenot as he has improved greatly. he is looking like a striker all Nescac teams would want. A pure finisher. Majumder wanted Harvard bad but Harvard was not interested. He is from Williamstown and Russo wanted him bad also but he wanted out of town and chose Tufts. Another example of Tufts stealing a kid away from top level schools
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2015, 12:21:49 PM
The two frosh for Conn are excellent players. The one from Avon is a surprise to me as he was not on many radars. Conn is scoring goals at a frenetic pace unseen before in the Murphy era. They are also letting in an amazing amount of goals unseen in the Murphy era. I love how these things work out
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2015, 12:39:19 PM
After watching Colby v Williams on Saturday I will say NCAC is right Colby hung around and hung around and scored and WIDE open header off a corner. I mean Stanton was WIDE open. Colby has a long throwing frosh Cam Clougher but I was unimpressed for the most part on what I saw from them throughout the day. They were organized and they played very conservatively and took advantage of what they could but to me instead of bringing in 19 frosh who are very similar in many ways why not TRY to get 2 or 3 studs and fill in the rest. Easier said than done especially at Colby but they need like most teams a legit striker.

I thought Bowdoin v Williams was an interesting game. Rashid was unheard from basically the whole game except for his set piece. Sullivan benched De-Stefano and Moutenot for some height with the 2 Dory brothers starting, one up top and one in midfield. They give the team more height not sure about toughness but anyway I expect to see them in the line-up against Amherst. I think Williams two CB's are starting to take charge and become 2 of the best in the conference with Danilack and Tobias as they are extremely fast and tough.

As for Bowdoin they looked more tired than Williams did which is an indication that they might not be as fit. Diaz-Costa was unheard from all game and went out with an apparent injury. The frosh CJ Masterson might have been the most dangerous player on the field as he is lighting fast and got in a couple times but could not finish. This is basically the same lineup as last year for Bowdoin and still feel their wingbacks are question marks. Downing is fast and gets forward but is not very physical and Solarte is a step slow for my taste and Moutenot burned him a time or 2 on the flank.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 21, 2015, 12:49:57 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on September 21, 2015, 09:32:38 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:53:45 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 21, 2015, 12:45:48 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 21, 2015, 12:40:14 AM
Most of what you are referring to happened when there were some non-starters in.....

Well, in my observation, it often happened when the three starters - Kayne, Pinheiro, and Halliday - were in. I know who the starters are. I even praised their attacking acumen. I'll agree to disagree, but I don't think you should take offense over someone else's differing opinion.


No offense is taken. And I agree with a lot of your analysis. And I think Conn College is better than given credit for on this board. They have a strong midfield....I think at this stage in the season they have the two best midfields in the NESCAC and maybe the country. And I mostly agree that Kayne could be a candidate for player of the year, as u stated above, given his field general status, though if majumber keeps his pace up, it could be a different story.

Attended the Tufts vs Conn game in wonderful sunny Medford, MA and watched the Conn Vs Colby game live stream.  Tufts vs Conn was a physical battle with some bad blood left over from last years NESCAC playoff win by Conn over Tufts before Tufts went on to its magical mystery tour run to the National Championship.  It was a great soccer game and won by the better team--Tufts.  However, Conn gave Tufts all it could handle and Conn's two goals were great goals by two of their outstanding freshman forwards #11 Leon and #14 Lockwood.  These two Conn freshman are legitimate scoring threats....Murphy went out and recruited some goal scorers and they are both tough players.  Conn played well until the last 20 minutes when fatigue set in and Conn's back line was visibly exhausted leading to a great game winning goal by #24 of Tufts (he's a tremendous center forward...great with the ball at his feet and a quick trigger).  Conn's back line is shaky, but their goalie DeCuhna played tremendous making 5 huge saves or it could have been Tufts 4 or 5.  Tufts dominated the middle....the jumbos midfield and forwards are extremely skilled and fast and they swarmed Devlin every time he touched the ball.  Tufts was fun to watch, but their Center backs are shaky...overall they are a very very good team and play a fun style of soccer.
Sunday's Colby vs Conn game saw two pretty tired teams, but Conn dominated Colby and were again led in scoring by the freshman Leon and Lockwood.  I really like Leon....he's a very good player with sneaky speed and tough.  Colby looked like they didn't have any legs left after upsetting Williams the day before.  Conn got some good play from another freshman #12 Manogian at center mid who played most of the game.  Looks like Conn is strong in the middle and up top, but back line is very shaky, but to be expected after losing 3 long time starters to graduation.  Murphy looks like he has reloaded with a pretty good freshman class and while this year they will be a tougher game then I had originally thought (didn't know the frosh would score the way they have) this year, but next year they will be pushing for a very good year.

I also watched the Tufts Conn game on video and I tend to agree with All Nescac and Nutmeg's interpretation of the Midfield play. They "swarmed" Devlin who eventually got frustrated and obtained a Yellow card.  They are excellent both offensively and defensively.  That said, I feel Conn College will be a team to watch.
 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2015, 01:01:06 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 20, 2015, 11:06:27 PM
One thing I forgot to mention in watching Tufts yesterday: Greenwood is a fantastic shot stopper, but he did not look confident on set pieces. He punched away two deliveries (actually, "slapped" would probably be a better verb) when he had time and space to catch them. I heard a few Tufts supporters audibly wondering "why didn't he catch it?" The best thing Brandeis can do is flood the box with high balls and hope he misplays one.








I agree with this as Greenwood is a superb shot stopper but does at times look unsure of whether to come or not to come on crosses and set pieces. Last year he did not have to worry about it as Kramer and Williams for the most part cleared everything out. This year is a bit different. You do notice a stutter step with him when he deciding to come or not. His shot stopping qualities and toughness far outweigh this picky critical point
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 21, 2015, 01:41:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 21, 2015, 01:01:06 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 20, 2015, 11:06:27 PM
One thing I forgot to mention in watching Tufts yesterday: Greenwood is a fantastic shot stopper, but he did not look confident on set pieces. He punched away two deliveries (actually, "slapped" would probably be a better verb) when he had time and space to catch them. I heard a few Tufts supporters audibly wondering "why didn't he catch it?" The best thing Brandeis can do is flood the box with high balls and hope he misplays one.

Good point as both of Conn's goals were on Direct Kicks--first one the Tufts Center Back misjudged in the air and let the  long ball go over the top of him, and the 2nd was another free kick where Tufts back line tried to pull Conn offside and another Tufts defender lost his man on Lockwood's pretty 2nd goal.






I agree with this as Greenwood is a superb shot stopper but does at times look unsure of whether to come or not to come on crosses and set pieces. Last year he did not have to worry about it as Kramer and Williams for the most part cleared everything out. This year is a bit different. You do notice a stutter step with him when he deciding to come or not. His shot stopping qualities and toughness far outweigh this picky critical point
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on September 21, 2015, 04:31:20 PM
Had the chance to make it up to the Midd <> Amherst game over the weekend.

*Fantastic game to watch! Good scoring chances from both sides and the talent level was high.
*Chris Martin scored a superb header in the first 30 seconds. He's on a TEAR right now with these goals.
*Thomas Bull made a ridiculous point-blank save that I'm still scratching my head how it didn't go in -- I believe Glaser was the one who nearly scored it.
*Midd outside backs looked overwhelmed at times with speed of Amherst players. I think they are very good players without high pressure though.
*Glaser and Conrad were dangerous as per usual for the Panthers, especially on set pieces.
*Midd GK Sydor is a very good player. He'll keep Midd in a lot of games this year.
*Midd tried to use #18's long throw every single chance they could in the second half. It's a dangerous play but if I'm being honest it's pretty ugly on the eyes.
*My biggest takeaway: Amherst freshman #4 Luke Nguyen is the real deal. Would not be surprised at all if he winds up Freshman of the Year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2015, 04:41:38 PM
Excellent recap of the game. Thank you for that however one bone to pick is that in 2012 you had 2 LONG THROWERS LERNER AND FIKKE which was even uglier on the eyes coming from all directions all game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 21, 2015, 07:28:50 PM
Will Bates still be unblemished after Bowdoin, @Wesleyan and @Williams all within a 5 day period?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2015, 08:02:08 PM
Neither Wesleyan,Williams and especially Bowdoin can have anything but a WIN against Bates. I have not seen Bates this year so I really cannot comment on them as much. Bowdoin better have more energy than the game on Sunday vs Williams. They cannot afford to keep a weaker Bobcat side in the game as they did last year at home.  I remember Bowdoin going up 1-0 and seemingly dominating possession against a win less Bates side. A long ball played by Sean Moyo from Bates defesive 3rd and run onton by Peabo Knoth who finished it tied the match. I remember Bowdoin winning it in 2 OT I think off the head of Connor Keefe off a corner. They need to put Bates away early and keep them at bay, which I believe they will do.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on September 21, 2015, 08:33:43 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 21, 2015, 04:41:38 PM
Excellent recap of the game. Thank you for that however one bone to pick is that in 2012 you had 2 LONG THROWERS LERNER AND FIKKE which was even uglier on the eyes coming from all directions all game

Heh I knew someone would pick up on my touch of irony  ;D

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 22, 2015, 04:21:43 PM
Glaser padding his stats today against Colby-Sawyer..Will this year be the year this kid steps up and starts scoring against Top 4 Nescac teams. Conrad cannot do everything
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 22, 2015, 04:51:25 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 22, 2015, 04:21:43 PM
Glaser padding his stats today against Colby-Sawyer..Will this year be the year this kid steps up and starts scoring against Top 4 Nescac teams. Conrad cannot do everything

Ahhh, the Middlebury tough non-conference schedule....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 22, 2015, 05:37:36 PM
For those interested....there is a short utube video highlights of the Midd-Amherst game on the Amherst website....men's soccer section. In it is a play by no.4 of Amherst.....the freshman player cited by 12snoon....from Old Lyme, CT.   Another CT raised POY..Spencer?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: WilltheMan on September 22, 2015, 06:29:29 PM
Bow-Bates Weds get your picks in......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 22, 2015, 08:13:00 PM
Bowdoin v Bates  3-0  I have not seen a lick of Bates yet as I could not bear to watch a Bates v Newbury, Thomas, Hamilton or UNE. Actually, I did tune into a second of Bates v UNE and was shocked to see them up 6-0 and have their starters still in the game at the 75 minute mark. I turned it off immediately. If Bowdoin comes out like they should and with the talent they have and give 100% max effort they will smoke Bates. With my new favorite frosh CJ Masterson and Andrew Jones flying up and down the flanks they should have plenty of sniffs at goal. Can the Keefe's and Ward's and Miller's finish these babies off. If Diaz-Costa is injured long term that is concerning but they will not need him in this game. Odulate is still in my mind not a top 5 central defender but he can deal with Peabo Knoth easily enough.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 02:32:02 PM
Williams v Amherst...First Williams
They have played to me almost a 4-1-4-1 starting from back to front

                                                                                Alcorn
TL Guest                                                 Muellers                  Danilack                              Andreou
     
                                                                                 Grumman


                                                               Bahr-de Stefano
                                                                                         Tom Young
Moutenot                                                                                                                       Rashid

         
                                                                           Sisco



A line-up of some pretty good skill and speed attacking but this line-up lacks size and speed in some places. If I were making out a line-up vs Amherst I would have to get some height in the middle so I would swap Bahr-de Stefano with Sean Dory which Sullivan did against Bowdoin. Also, to match the speed and skill of Martin and NPL which are Amherst two most dangerous weapons I would move the faster Muellers to Right Back for Guest and start Brandon Dory at CB. He gives you much needed height and athleticism and Muellers can keep up with Martin.



Now I have not seen Amherst at all this year so my Amherst friends can correct me if I am wrong because I myself am a little confused on their line-up based on box scores. In year past they have shown a 4-3-3 so if I base it off that my guess is:

                                                                                              Bull
Aoyama                                                                      Bean             Fitzgerald                                               Nguyen / Lehnhart

                                                                                           Orozco
                                             
                                                                             Nguyen/ Lenhart         

                                                                                                            Rico
NPL                                                                                                                                                                        Martin

                                                                                             Singer



                                                                                           
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 02:37:39 PM
Also,

Can someone explain to me why Aidan Murray cannot get on the field for Amherst. He was a highly touted recruit that many Nescac's wanted. Where is Rohan Sood as he started last year quite a bit. WHy is Ciambella not holding this year? Is he injured?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 23, 2015, 02:38:16 PM
Mr.Right, can you believe they don't let us coach the games??  I am 100% sure Kenyon wins the national title last year if I was coaching, lol!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 23, 2015, 02:46:16 PM
Next 3 games for Tufts and Amherst should tell us a lot.

Amherst is @Williams, @WPI (mid-week night game), Tufts

Tufts is Brandeis, @Wesleyan (mid-week afternoon game), @Amherst

If Amherst wins all 3 they likely will be ranked #1 nationally in both polls.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 23, 2015, 02:47:08 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 23, 2015, 02:46:16 PM
Next 3 games for Tufts and Amherst should tell us a lot.

Amherst is @Williams, @WPI (mid-week night game), Tufts

Tufts is Brandeis, @Wesleyan (mid-week afternoon game), @Amherst

If Amherst wins all 3 they likely will be ranked #1 nationally in both polls.

Boy, those are some tough schedules......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 02:48:29 PM
Well If Williams does not switch to some height in the middle and speed at RB they will lose this game IMO. NPL and Martin will be a handful and add in the experienced Rico if he starts. Williams is somewhat young and I can picture a few of the frosh and soph's with wide eyes and frozen legs. You cannot lose a second of concentration on any Amherst set piece or long throw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 02:51:07 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 23, 2015, 02:46:16 PM
Next 3 games for Tufts and Amherst should tell us a lot.

Amherst is @Williams, @WPI (mid-week night game), Tufts

Tufts is Brandeis, @Wesleyan (mid-week afternoon game), @Amherst

If Amherst wins all 3 they likely will be ranked #1 nationally in both polls.




Not only that if Amherst defeats Williams, WPI and Tufts they could go undefeated as their schedule really softens at the end. They do have a mid-week battle with Conn who have caused Amherst problems in the past especially at Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 23, 2015, 02:52:29 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 02:48:29 PM
Well If Williams does not switch to some height in the middle and speed at RB they will lose this game IMO. NPL and Martin will be a handful and add in the experienced Rico if he starts. Williams is somewhat young and I can picture a few of the frosh and soph's with wide eyes and frozen legs. You cannot lose a second of concentration on any Amherst set piece or long throw.

Don't doubt you at all.  And, I was mostly serious.  Such is life for a deluded, over-involved, over-invested parent (and when you're even a little smart makes things even worse!).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 23, 2015, 02:58:59 PM
I want to say the @WPI mid-week game will be a tricky one for Amherst (and a great opportunity for WPI), but alas, I think Amherst will have just too much talent to be bothered by the Engineers.  And WPI has played a mostly very soft schedule.

I'm sure Mr.Right can tell us who would be favored in a Green Mountain versus Becker affair.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 03:02:31 PM
Well WPI has less talent but a mid-week night road turf game after a battle with Williams might make it a tricky proposition. Let me just say that a Amherst loss to WPI and a Tufts loss to Brandeis and a Wesleyan loss at WNEC will absolutely throw everything off for other Nescac teams come November and the regional rankings.

Also,

I forgot Amherst still has a battle with Wesleyan at home at the end of the year. Wesleyan has always frustrated Amherst and with their win over Amherst last year gave the Nescac title to Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 04:52:36 PM
Wesleyan up 1-0 over WNEC at the half on a Brendon Souza goal. Surprisingly, they are being out shot 4-1 SOG. One shot one goal is all they need but I was expecting a little more.

Meanwhile at the half Conn and Elms knotted at 0-0. This is disappointing and Conn and frankly Nescac cannot afford this result
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 23, 2015, 05:05:10 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 04:52:36 PM
Wesleyan up 1-0 over WNEC at the half on a Brendon Souza goal. Surprisingly, they are being out shot 4-1 SOG. One shot one goal is all they need but I was expecting a little more.

If I remember correctly in this fixture last year it was pretty much the opposite as WNEC snuck a 1-0 win at Wesleyan after being outshot by some crazy margin. Cardinals might see this as karma if it holds up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 08:25:04 PM
Could Bates sit any deeper on Bowdoin...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 08:31:12 PM
I must admit Bates looks good on the counter and fast on the turf. They are dropping deep after losing the ball but I like former Bates star Murphy's brother. Merchant has some wheels but cannot beat anyone 1v1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 23, 2015, 09:22:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 08:31:12 PM
I like former Bates star Murphy's brother.

He seems quite good, and what he lacks in stature he makes up for in speed and technical ability. His brother was more of a bruiser but had a killer left foot and scored two free-kick winners against Middlebury in '10 and '12. Both Murphys came from the same Yarmouth high school program, which in the last 5 years has arguably become Maine's premier H.S. program even with Class A Scarborough and Falmouth, as Luke Pierce (who, by the way, scored 18 goals as a CM in high school before Russo turned him into a CB. I think he was a much better CB due to his aerial prowess and good tackling.)

On another note, where has Knoth been? One early chance but he has been kept very quiet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 23, 2015, 10:23:04 PM
Bates and Bowdoin ends a 0-0 bore draw. Bowdoin hit the post twice, but Bates had some great chances to steal it in OT. Also, whoever the Bowdoin player was that was the recipient of that layoff in the final minute of 2OT should have done much better - he tried to pass it past the keeper at the near post when he absolutely should have smoked it.

Bowdoin retained the ball much better, and were the better side, but they absolutely shanked some passes. Their tackling and possession was superior to Bates, but they gave the ball away way too much. Was it the unfamiliarity of the turf? I don't know, but there was some very suspect passing going on.

Can't say I saw Bates being without a loss come late September...I'm preeeeeeeeeeeetty sure that will change this weekend. But hey, you never know.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 23, 2015, 11:06:18 PM
I'm going to give Bates some credit.  I thought they looked stronger as the game progressed, and I thought they looked like they expected to win instead of waiting for something to happen where they would lose.  A little lacking in firepower, but they definitely may contend for one of those last playoff spots.  And I sort of agree about the announcers, but they clearly were having fun, enjoying the game, knew a fair amount about their players, and who among us was expecting a Dennis Bergkamp reference??!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2015, 06:43:10 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 23, 2015, 05:05:10 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 04:52:36 PM
Wesleyan up 1-0 over WNEC at the half on a Brendon Souza goal. Surprisingly, they are being out shot 4-1 SOG. One shot one goal is all they need but I was expecting a little more.

If I remember correctly in this fixture last year it was pretty much the opposite as WNEC snuck a 1-0 win at Wesleyan after being outshot by some crazy margin. Cardinals might see this as karma if it holds up.



You are correct. Because of their style sometimes weaker sides can sneak a win against Wesleyan but that style also usually gets them 1 or 2 monster wins a year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2015, 06:50:53 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 23, 2015, 09:22:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 23, 2015, 08:31:12 PM
I like former Bates star Murphy's brother.

He seems quite good, and what he lacks in stature he makes up for in speed and technical ability. His brother was more of a bruiser but had a killer left foot and scored two free-kick winners against Middlebury in '10 and '12. Both Murphys came from the same Yarmouth high school program, which in the last 5 years has arguably become Maine's premier H.S. program even with Class A Scarborough and Falmouth, as Luke Pierce (who, by the way, scored 18 goals as a CM in high school before Russo turned him into a CB. I think he was a much better CB due to his aerial prowess and good tackling.)

On another note, where has Knoth been? One early chance but he has been kept very quiet.



Yes the younger Murphy seems to be faster and has the possibility of being a really good Nescac player. His brother had a great left foot and made Bates a very dangerous side to foul anywhere from 30-35 yards out. Bates has always been a bugaboo for Midd. Midd is never "ready" to play them. I did not know Luke Pierce scored 18 goals in High School, I cannot even picture that. I think the Williams baseball coach really recruited him hard but he ended up liking soccer better after arriving at Williams and really took off in the middle of his soph year in 2012 as he was being used to sit in front of the back 4 against teams like Amherst, Midd etc. Then he went to CB. He was good in the air, great tackler and fearless but he also had very good speed.

Do not forget current Colby MF Chandler Smith who I believe also went to Pierce's school. Another "worker" that coach's love.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2015, 07:00:28 AM
I thought Bates had some more firepower than they have had going forward for a couple years now. A decent mix of technical ability, speed and workers. Sometimes "turf" can make teams look faster than they are. I just feel Bates GK while making a couple superb saves is also a major weakness for them. He drops balls, comes out when he should stay home and I do not think he gets down well. I am not so sure about Bates back 4 either but you are correct they are playing with some great confidence right now and might get a result or 2 this week-end. If they sit like that against Williams and Wesleyan they could frustrate them but I need to see them on grass before I compliment them any further. All that being said Bowdoin looked awful. I am really disappointed in the way they have come out to start the year. Jones was invisible and their wingbacks Solarte and Downing kept giving the ball away. They did not create that many chances and certainly did not finish them when they did.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 24, 2015, 07:54:35 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 23, 2015, 11:06:18 PM
And I sort of agree about the announcers, but they clearly were having fun, enjoying the game, knew a fair amount about their players, and who among us was expecting a Dennis Bergkamp reference??!

Didn't hear that one! Impressive. Looking back, I was probably over-critical given my disappointment that Bowdoin wasn't creating anything, as I was rooting for the Bears due to my connection to Bowdoin.

Quote from: Mr.Right on September 24, 2015, 06:50:53 AM
I did not know Luke Pierce scored 18 goals in High School, I cannot even picture that. I think the Williams baseball coach really recruited him hard but he ended up liking soccer better after arriving at Williams and really took off in the middle of his soph year in 2012 as he was being used to sit in front of the back 4 against teams like Amherst, Midd etc. Then he went to CB. He was good in the air, great tackler and fearless but he also had very good speed.

Yeah, he actually came to Williams for baseball, despite being arguably the best player in Maine the year before. 18 goals as a senior, leading his team to the state title, 17 goals as a junior, and the winner in the regional final (state semi-final) upset against a Falmouth team with Gabe Hoffman-Johnson as a sophomore. What's most impressive about Pierce is that he was a three-sport athlete (soccer, basketball, baseball) all throughout high school and that he did this all without playing club soccer to my knowledge, yet IMO was on the same "level" as HoJo. You don't see that much nowadays.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2015, 10:13:38 AM
You had me up to the point of comparing him to as u call him "HoJo". Which "HoJo" are we talking about? The older one went to Williams and younger to Dartmouth. First off their father was a tremendous athlete at Williams in the late 70's as his best sport was Hockey in which I believe he lost his eye. Actually as I am typing now I know the older one was Caleb? I think and then Gabe. Gabe was a "stud" club level and Russo knew he was a player and knew the Ivies would come calling and actually Stanford was  involved at one point.Caleb a decent player but not on Gabe's level. Russo thought the one way to get Gabe from the Ivies would be to get Caleb even if he most likely knew Caleb would be on the cut line of making the team each year. Alas, Gabe did not follow and enrolled at Dartmouth and played decent but under achieved IMO. He was often injured and I do not believe he was the right player for Jeff Cook's system at the time at Dartmouth. He would have been a machine at Williams if he stayed injury free. Anyway, I cannot possibly say that Pierce and HoJo were on the same technical level. Not even close
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 24, 2015, 10:33:51 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 24, 2015, 10:13:38 AM
You had me up to the point of comparing him to as u call him "HoJo". Which "HoJo" are we talking about? The older one went to Williams and younger to Dartmouth. First off their father was a tremendous athlete at Williams in the late 70's as his best sport was Hockey in which I believe he lost his eye. Actually as I am typing now I know the older one was Caleb? I think and then Gabe. Gabe was a "stud" club level and Russo knew he was a player and knew the Ivies would come calling and actually Stanford was  involved at one point.Caleb a decent player but not on Gabe's level. Russo thought the one way to get Gabe from the Ivies would be to get Caleb even if he most likely knew Caleb would be on the cut line of making the team each year. Alas, Gabe did not follow and enrolled at Dartmouth and played decent but under achieved IMO. He was often injured and I do not believe he was the right player for Jeff Cook's system at the time at Dartmouth. He would have been a machine at Williams if he stayed injury free. Anyway, I cannot possibly say that Pierce and HoJo were on the same technical level. Not even close

Yes, I was talking about Gabe. Caleb was an OK player, but as you said, right about on the cut line. That is interesting insight that Russo knew that the Ivies would come calling for Gabe (which they did) and so figured that he would go for Caleb and use that influence.

I should have clarified - I never meant that Gabe and Pierce were on the same technical level. Not at all - HoJo was a fantastic, skilled forward who played in countless showcase tournaments and did very well. Rather, what I meant was that their impact for their respective teams was similar. Luke was very much the leader for a Yarmouth squad that went 17-0-1 and won the state title his senior year, while Gabe did similarly for a Falmouth side the year before that went 16-0-2. The year before that, in 2008, Falmouth went undefeated through the regular season, beating Yarmouth twice, before Pierce scored the winner that knocked them out of the playoffs on their home turf. Coincidentally, the assist came from a corner kick from Johnny Murphy.

I would never compare HoJo and Pierce's technical abilities, not at all, but the fact that Pierce scored even close to the number of goals as HoJo did while playing at CM is impressive in itself.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2015, 12:25:06 PM
Ok I misunderstood.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2015, 01:47:35 PM
Nescac Predictions: Home team listed first.


Williams v Amherst              0-1         

I already previewed this match so I will copy and paste and hopefully someone who has seen Amherst this year could correct me if I am wrong on their line-up.
First Williams they have played to me almost a 4-1-4-1 starting from back to front

                                                                                Alcorn
TL Guest                                                 Muellers                  Danilack                              Andreou
     
                                                                                 Grumman


                                                               Bahr-de Stefano
                                                                                         Tom Young
Moutenot                                                                                                                       Rashid

         
                                                                           Sisco



A line-up of some pretty good skill and speed attacking but this line-up lacks size and speed in some places. If I were making out a line-up vs Amherst I would have to get some height in the middle so I would swap Bahr-de Stefano with Sean Dory which Sullivan did against Bowdoin. Also, to match the speed and skill of Martin and NPL which are Amherst two most dangerous weapons I would move the faster Muellers to Right Back for Guest and start Brandon Dory at CB. He gives you much needed height and athleticism and Muellers can keep up with Martin.



Now I have not seen Amherst at all this year so my Amherst friends can correct me if I am wrong because I myself am a little confused on their line-up based on box scores. In year past they have shown a 4-3-3 so if I base it off that my guess is:

                                                                                              Bull
Aoyama                                                                      Bean             Fitzgerald                                               Nguyen / Lehnhart

                                                                                           Orozco
                                             
                                                                             Nguyen/ Lenhart         

                                                                                                            Rico
NPL                                                                                                                                                                        Martin

                                                                                             Singer



Bowdoin v Midd           0-1              After the past two matches I have watched of Bowdoin, they look like they have lost some confidence and are really struggling to finish their chances. They did not have a good day against Bates last night as they could not string 2-3 passes together. This team needs a couple line-up changes IMO. That is not a good recipe heading into a contest against Midd. I must admit I might have underrated Midd a bit in my season predictions in August. I like a couple of their frosh and their spine is very solid. Sydor is playing like he is the best GK in Nescac which IMO he is right now. Maybe Glazer can knock one in against a solid Nescac side.

Colby v Trinity             1-1               Both teams BADLY need a win in this game. I give a slight edge to Colby because of the home game. Just when you count Trinity out they usually come up with a big win. Not yet though. They got screwed with the schedule this year as they are making two separate trips to Maine.

Wesleyan v Bates          1-0   OT          Bates has it going right now. Wesleyan has a near perfect record against Bates the past 15 years. They need this game to start padding a resume. It will not be easy but Erickson nets a header to win it in OT. Umm someone needs to wake up Cowie-Haskell this year? Maybe a Soph Slump.

Conn v Hamilton            1-0                Conn is playing great against good teams and struggling against bad teams. They have more talent than Hamilton even if their backline is young and inexperienced. Who can score goals for Hamilton this year?

Tufts v Brandeis              1-0               I am hoping that Blooter could give us a Brandeis line-up and preview. I have only seen them play Babson. I know they are struggling a bit to score this year but they have had 10 days off. Nescac POW Nathan Majumder is running HOT right now racking up the goals against Nescac teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 24, 2015, 02:10:08 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 24, 2015, 01:47:35 PM
Nescac Predictions: Home team listed first.


Williams v Amherst              0-1         

I already previewed this match so I will copy and paste and hopefully someone who has seen Amherst this year could correct me if I am wrong on their line-up.
First Williams they have played to me almost a 4-1-4-1 starting from back to front

                                                                                Alcorn
TL Guest                                                 Muellers                  Danilack                              Andreou
     
                                                                                 Grumman


                                                               Bahr-de Stefano
                                                                                         Tom Young
Moutenot                                                                                                                       Rashid

         
                                                                           Sisco



A line-up of some pretty good skill and speed attacking but this line-up lacks size and speed in some places. If I were making out a line-up vs Amherst I would have to get some height in the middle so I would swap Bahr-de Stefano with Sean Dory which Sullivan did against Bowdoin. Also, to match the speed and skill of Martin and NPL which are Amherst two most dangerous weapons I would move the faster Muellers to Right Back for Guest and start Brandon Dory at CB. He gives you much needed height and athleticism and Muellers can keep up with Martin.



Now I have not seen Amherst at all this year so my Amherst friends can correct me if I am wrong because I myself am a little confused on their line-up based on box scores. In year past they have shown a 4-3-3 so if I base it off that my guess is:

                                                                                              Bull
Aoyama                                                                      Bean             Fitzgerald                                               Nguyen / Lehnhart

                                                                                           Orozco
                                             
                                                                             Nguyen/ Lenhart         

                                                                                                            Rico
NPL                                                                                                                                                                        Martin

                                                                                             Singer



Bowdoin v Midd           0-1              After the past two matches I have watched of Bowdoin, they look like they have lost some confidence and are really struggling to finish their chances. They did not have a good day against Bates last night as they could not string 2-3 passes together. This team needs a couple line-up changes IMO. That is not a good recipe heading into a contest against Midd. I must admit I might have underrated Midd a bit in my season predictions in August. I like a couple of their frosh and their spine is very solid. Sydor is playing like he is the best GK in Nescac which IMO he is right now. Maybe Glazer can knock one in against a solid Nescac side.

Colby v Trinity             1-1               Both teams BADLY need a win in this game. I give a slight edge to Colby because of the home game. Just when you count Trinity out they usually come up with a big win. Not yet though. They got screwed with the schedule this year as they are making two separate trips to Maine.

Wesleyan v Bates          1-0   OT          Bates has it going right now. Wesleyan has a near perfect record against Bates the past 15 years. They need this game to start padding a resume. It will not be easy but Erickson nets a header to win it in OT. Umm someone needs to wake up Cowie-Haskell this year? Maybe a Soph Slump.

Conn v Hamilton            1-0                Conn is playing great against good teams and struggling against bad teams. They have more talent than Hamilton even if their backline is young and inexperienced. Who can score goals for Hamilton this year?

Tufts v Brandeis              1-0               I am hoping that Blooter could give us a Brandeis line-up and preview. I have only seen them play Babson. I know they are struggling a bit to score this year but they have had 10 days off. Nescac POW Nathan Majumder is running HOT right now racking up the goals against Nescac teams.

Amherst 2 Williams 0  --can't wait for Amherst Tufts;

Midd 2 Bowdoin -- Midd gets back on track as both Glasser and Conrad score.

Trinity 1 Colby 0---Trinity the better side;

Conn 2 Hamilton 0---Conn finally gets back home after 4 road games and the frosh keep scoring;

Tufts 1 Brandeis 0--Tufts is very very good and outplays a good Brandeis squad. No stopping Majumder. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 24, 2015, 02:28:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 24, 2015, 01:47:35 PM
Tufts v Brandeis              1-0               I am hoping that Blooter could give us a Brandeis line-up and preview. I have only seen them play Babson. I know they are struggling a bit to score this year but they have had 10 days off. Nescac POW Nathan Majumder is running HOT right now racking up the goals against Nescac teams.

Tufts is struggling to defend right now, and Brandeis is struggling to score, which makes for a finely-poised contest.

Lineup (4-3-3):

                                                                               Fryer

DePietto                                              Lanahan                      Robinson                                                          Lynch


                                                                               Miskin   

                                                           Ocel                                Picard   


Vieira                                                                                                                                                        Jastremski
                                                                               Bradley                                                             


It's no secret that Brandeis has been struggling to score. For a team that bagged 19 goals in its first 7 games last year, this year they have 7. A lot of that has to do with the departure of Savonen and Soboff, but the bigger problem, I think, is the guys that have been trusted to play up top - particularly at CF - are wide players by trade, and so have a tendency to drop too wide and too deep. The Judges are creating chances down the wing, as has been one of their strengths, but are often finding that there's nobody to finish them off. I imagine that working on the positional play of their CFs is something that will have been practiced in the aforementioned 10-day break. They might look to get Ocel involved as a late-arriving midfielder, as he is a good goalscorer from midfield. Additionally, I might imagine that Chris Bradley will start up top; he scored against Hardin-Simmons and has the speed/size to unsettle the Tufts CBs.

Last year, when this game was at Brandeis, many picked Tufts over Brandeis. However, the Jumbos' poor finishing cost them and Brandeis took its chances. To be fair, the Judges - despite being outshot 12-8 - had the significantly better chances: out of eight shots, two were goals by Lynch and Vieira, two hit the woodwork, one was well-saved by Greenwood, one was a sitter that Soboff missed, and two were off target. Majumder, meanwhile, had Tufts' best chance on the break down the left wing right before the first Brandeis goal, but he shot wide when a more careful finish would have likely been a goal.

This year, despite their defensive deficiencies, I think Tufts has the advantage, particularly with Majumder running in the form he's in, as well as being at home. 1-0 Jumbos.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2015, 02:40:23 PM
Excellent preview..Thanks..Savonen was a great player and very hard to replace right away but I really enjoyed watching Soboff. He was such a natural athlete and was technical and had a great engine in midfield for Brandeis. Savonen is tough to replace because of the great goal scoring but I imagine Soboff was just as important asset and equally hard to replace.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEngland on September 25, 2015, 04:05:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 24, 2015, 01:47:35 PM

Conn v Hamilton            1-0                Conn is playing great against good teams and struggling against bad teams. They have more talent than Hamilton even if their backline is young and inexperienced. Who can score goals for Hamilton this year?


In my opinion thats been Conn's problem in recent years. Not taking care of business against the weaker sides like the top half of the Nescac does. Last year they won their first playoff game. A top 4 finish would build on that but 1-6 are all very, very good teams. The program is much improved from Lessig's last years but taking the next step to the top 4 looks to be extremely difficult. Still a good side though and have shown the ability to compete and beat some great teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on September 26, 2015, 11:54:01 AM
Fantastic job here everyone on predictions for the week. Here's what I'm thinking:

Amherst 2-0 Williams
Bowdoin 1-0 Middlebury
Colby 1-1 Trinity
Conn 3-1 Hamilton
Wes 1-0 Bates
Brandeis 0-0 Tufts


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2015, 04:28:46 PM
Brandeis pulls the upset at Tufts 1-0.  Judges won the midfield battle, and, despite not looking great upfront, scored through a very nice header from Vieira midway through the first. Many had predicted – myself included – Brandeis to be overwhelmed by the Jumbos. Tufts got desperate last 20 and Majumder wasn't in the game much, dropping wide a lot. Huge win for the Judges.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 26, 2015, 04:33:46 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 26, 2015, 04:28:46 PM
Brandeis pulls the upset at Tufts 1-0.  Judges won the midfield battle, and, despite not looking great upfront, scored through a very nice header from Vieira midway through the first. Many had predicted – myself included – Brandeis to be overwhelmed by the Jumbos. Tufts got desperate last 20 and Majumder wasn't in the game much, dropping wide a lot. Huge win for the Judges.

I caught some of the game. Was majumber offside on the goal on the pass slipped thru by Kayne. How much did Kaynes bicycle kick miss by?  Hard to tell on video. Tufts outshoots Brandeis and the Judges with 5 yellows but deserve the win...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2015, 04:47:19 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 26, 2015, 04:33:46 PM
I caught some of the game. Was majumber offside on the goal on the pass slipped thru by Kayne. How much did Kaynes bicycle kick miss by?  Hard to tell on video. Tufts outshoots Brandeis and the Judges with 5 yellows but deserve the win...

From my angle he was off, but not by much. Hard to say. That was a decision that really could've gone either way. Kayne's bicycle was about a foot over the bar, but it was an excellent effort and no way the keeper could have saved it if on target.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 26, 2015, 04:49:08 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 26, 2015, 04:47:19 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 26, 2015, 04:33:46 PM
I caught some of the game. Was majumber offside on the goal on the pass slipped thru by Kayne. How much did Kaynes bicycle kick miss by?  Hard to tell on video. Tufts outshoots Brandeis and the Judges with 5 yellows but deserve the win...

From my angle he was off, but not by much. Hard to say. That was a decision that really could've gone either way. Kayne's bicycle was about a foot over the bar, but it was an excellent effort and no way the keeper could have saved it if on target.

Thanks Bloot!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on September 26, 2015, 05:00:03 PM
I wouldn't call a Brandeis victory an upset, but that's just me
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2015, 06:54:39 PM
Now that I'm home, I figured I'd provide some more Brandeis vs. Tufts notes.

I said before the game that this game would come down to Brandeis' lack of scoring (yet excellent defense) vs. Tufts' shaky defense (and excellent attack). In the end, Brandeis' defense held firm, and, despite being outshot 11-4, was able to finish. The shot count was somewhat misleading, though, as the SOG count was 3-3.

Tufts had a lot more shots, but, other than Kayne's excellent attempted bicycle kick that went just over the bar, the only real threatening opportunity was when Majumder put the ball in the net long after the whistle had gone. He is at his best when he stays up top like last weekend, but today he consistently dropped too wide and too deep. When he did go up top, he was well marked by Conor Lanahan, whose calmness was huge for the Judges. That said, Majumder is still one heck of a player, and I think he will continue to do very well this season.

In a stark contrast to the last time the Judges played at Kraft Field (a 2-0 loss in September '13), Brandeis won the midfield battle, and were arguably more physical than Tufts (they received five yellow cards.) Brandeis was first to the majority of 50/50 balls, and they "swarmed" the Jumbos' midfield in the same manner that Nutmeg spoke of Tufts doing last week (upon further reflection, I suppose I agree with Nutmeg's analysis - Tufts does effectively swarm and win the ball, although it was Brandeis doing the swarming today.)

Big takeaways:
1. Tufts' defense is still a work in progress. The Tufts CBs weren't very composed, and, several times, put Greenwood in a bad spot with hasty backpasses, and they could have very well shipped a 2nd or 3rd goal. The shakiness doesn't seem to be a lack of organization, but rather a lack of confidence. That said, coming in fresh off the bench and replacing Williams and Lee-Kramer is a big ask, and I think they'll improve as they gain experience. They'll have a huge test next weekend at Amherst, as Martin is on fire and Singer will be high on confidence after bagging a brace in the win over Williams today, but if Tufts can hold its own defensively and Majumder plays like we know he can, I think Tufts has a good chance to snatch a draw or even a victory. It will be a great battle

2. Brandeis' attack still needs some work. Tufts' commitment to attacking left them with a ton of space, particularly in the second half, and there were several occasions on which the Judges either made the wrong pass or hesitated on the ball and allowed Tufts to clear when more decisive action could very well have resulted in a shot or a goal. However, they have scored in all but one of their games this season, and IMHO they had the better chances of the day, so they were good value for their win. It's a stark contrast to the Brandeis of 2011 (the year before they made NCAAs,) when the Judges often outplayed their opponents but couldn't get the result. Since 2012, they've improved in that aspect, and was evidenced in the last 20 minutes when Tufts "threw the kitchen sink" at them.

3. This was perhaps a good wake-up call at the right time for Tufts, and a confidence booster for Brandeis. I wouldn't go as far to accuse the Jumbos of having being complacent, but when you are the defending national champion, you're in the #1 spot towards the end of September, and you dominated your opponent 2-0 the last time you played at home (in 2013), it is possible. Better now than in the NCAA Tournament. Brandeis, meanwhile, will now have the confidence that it can go to nationally-ranked teams and win on the road, as most of its big wins last year - including the 2-0 victory over Tufts - were at home. Additionally, this could be the kickstarter they need to start scoring goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2015, 06:59:21 PM
Amherst v Williams Recap....2-1 Amherst 2OT---Williams was in a 4-1-2-3...GK: Alcorn  D: Andreau, Danilack, Sommers and TL Guest..Grumman sitting and then Sean Dory and Tom Young attacking with Rashid, B.Dory and Sisco up top. Amherst was in a 4-3-3 with GK: Bull  D: Aoyama, Ajayi, Bean and Lehnhart ....Orozco sitting with Rico and Haskell and you had up top Singer with Martin and NPL..                                   


1st half Amherst was better than Williams and had maybe 2 or 3 decent chances to score but both teams were feeling each other out a bit and it was a sluggish half. There were not that many SOG in the 1st half from what I can remember. Williams could not get anything going and had maybe 1 chance all half. 2nd half Amherst came out in the 1st five minutes and had a great chance but it was a nice save by Alcorn to keep the game at 0-0. Then IMO the game changed as Williams really took it to Amherst for the next 25 minutes. They had some good looks and were playing excellent combination passing and finally broke thru on a nice ball by Rashid and what looked to be a sweet back heel by B.Dory which his brother who was unmarked in the box finished off. Williams had a couple chances to go up 2-0 but were unlucky to do so. Amherst looked a bit gassed mid way thru the half but then a nice cross was sent in and Greg Singer hit a bullet to tie the score. First OT Williams was the team that looked gassed and the game was seemingly headed for a 1-1 draw. WIth 45 seconds left , I believe NPL? took the a long throw that got flicked on and drilled into the net by Singer for the win..

Very tough way to lose for Williams who now sit at 3-3-0 and not in a good spot with games at Wes, at Midd, at RPI, at Babson and v Tufts still left. Amherst now has only Tufts, Conn and Wes in their way of a perfect 15-0-0 regular season. They should go at the very least 1-1-1 against those teams and finish 13-1-1 for most likely a #1 or #2 seed in New England with Brandeis and Tufts right behind them.

Some Notes:

-Best player on the field for both teams was NPL. The kid played out of his mind today and looked like a certain Nescac POY candidate.
-Aoyama is just a fun player to watch. He really limited Rashid today and plays with speed and toughness and looks to have a high soccer IQ.
-Martin did nothing today as TL Guest was fine against him as he turned him once in the 2nd half that was dangerous but Amherst could not finish the play. Guest did a good job on him.
-CB Bean had a nice game and the frosh #6 Ajayi was athletic but was one of the Amherst players who really looked gassed in the 2nd half. Lehnhart is a solid wingback but nothing special.
- Amherst does not have the depth it once did as subs Sisk, Murray, Malnik and VonZiegsar did nothing. Aziz Khan is fast and looked dangerous but wore down after a while. Not sure how fit he is and also Murray who is quick also looked gassed in the 2nd half as he was not running hard to track back.

Williams notes:

I thought their back 4 was solid. Grumman was decent in front of the back 4.
Alcorn was solid in net.
I was most disappointed in Williams attack. Sisco did nothing today and was kept at bay by the CB's. He works hard but sometimes his touch is not the best and balls will bounce off him. Moutenot who was benched again and looks to be in Sullivan's doghouse is such a speedy and skilled player but is very soft. Ditto for Tommy Young. Skilled and speedy but soft. Bahr De-Stefano who I liked last year as he scored some goals didnt get off the bench till 10 minuted left in the 1st half. Maybe another player in the doghouse?

Good news for Williams is that Russo's last recruiting class looks to be a very good one. #6 LB Andreou is an extremely poised, fast and skilled LB. Sean Dory the goalscorer is better than his brother and shows flashes of skill and toughness and kid that came off the bench impressed me today was Scatt McDonald who works very hard and is a scrapper. The Canadian kid Fyke is the most skilled of them all but did not play today.

Bad news for Amherst is they will be losing Bull, NPL, Rico and Singer..That is 4 VERY good players. Besides Martin these 4 are Amherst Best. Amherst needs to bring in a really good class next year or they may be coming back to the pack.

Man of the match: Greg Singer because of the two goals but in reality NPL was the best player on the field and really impressed me today. I think Tufts is going to have their hands full at Amherst next week
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 26, 2015, 09:42:09 PM
Mr. R,
I agree with much of your Amherst-Williams assessment. It was Amherst in the first half and Williams for much of the second half, from their goal five minutes into the half and then throughout the next 25 mins.

I disagree with your dismissal of the Amherst reserves. Overall, they forced Williams back and laterally more often than not.

As the Jeffs recover from injury and illness, they will only get better.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Soccer Balls on September 27, 2015, 12:29:59 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 26, 2015, 04:47:19 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 26, 2015, 04:33:46 PM
I caught some of the game. Was majumber offside on the goal on the pass slipped thru by Kayne. How much did Kaynes bicycle kick miss by?  Hard to tell on video. Tufts outshoots Brandeis and the Judges with 5 yellows but deserve the win...

From my angle he was off, but not by much. Hard to say. That was a decision that really could've gone either way. Kayne's bicycle was about a foot over the bar, but it was an excellent effort and no way the keeper could have saved it if on target.

Was in the Tufts football stands with great view of this.

100% onside.
Who knows of Majinde would have scored. Whistle blew quickly and Brandeis stopes playing. Majinde put it on the net. But everyone except him had stopped playing
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 27, 2015, 04:18:35 PM
Turned off the Bates-Williams game with 5 left to go watch Babson-RPI, but apparently Bates stole it in 2OT?! What happened? I'm floored. Crazy weekend for both teams - Williams with brutal back-to-back 2OT losses at home and Bates got steamrolled at Wesleyan. If anyone was to get the winner for the Bobcats it would be Knoth, but Bates looked pretty awful the whole game and I wouldn't have imagined in my wildest dreams that they would tie, let alone win it. Did anyone watch the whole way through?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 27, 2015, 04:26:38 PM
Same here, blooter.  I checked score occasionally and saw Williams had a 22 to 3 lead in shots and so assumed it was over.  Bates got a long ball into box under 2 minutes that fell right to feet of Merchant and he put it in.  In OT Bates actually had the ball some.  Merchant managed to get a head on ball on Williams touchline and video froze.  I saw where Knoth was positioned and imagined me might score if Merchant could head the ball back into the six.....when video resumed Bates was celebrating.  Didn't actually see the goal.  A stunning defeat for Williams in a game they appeared to fully control until 2 minutes left.  Merchant actually almost earlier in OT on a good run and decent shot low to the corner but Alcorn may a good save.  Williams now may need to win NESCAC tournament to get a bid.  Bates stole this one and will take a split on this road trip all the way to the bank.  Happy ride home to Lewiston.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: WilltheMan on September 27, 2015, 04:32:17 PM
I watched whole game.  Misplayed ball in box off a deflection with under two to go.  But in truth Bates was running at them in the last 15.  Overtime Bates dominated.  Almost scored 2 minutes prior to final, sick save by Williams keep.  I am only guessing but out of gas back to back OT and I'm sure Amherst took something out of them.  Give Bates credit, never quit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 27, 2015, 04:35:21 PM
Quote from: WilltheMan on September 27, 2015, 04:32:17 PM
I am only guessing but out of gas back to back OT and I'm sure Amherst took something out of them.  Give Bates credit, never quit.

Agreed on both fronts. My guess is that Bates started taking out/resting some of their key players yesterday once the game at Wesleyan was lost in order to have some fresh(er) legs. When you hang in there and don't quit you always give yourself a chance. Unfortunately for Williams, they've experienced that type of opposition two weekends in a row (Colby last weekend, Bates this.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 27, 2015, 05:52:49 PM
Williams has really put themselves behind the 8 ball with the losses to Colby and Bates, obviously both very winnable games.  Pretty tough to spot the top teams two losses to weaker teams.

They need to win the next six -- Conn, @RPI, @Endicott, @Wesleyan, @ Babson, Hamilton -- before ending with Tufts and @Midd.  That would put them at 9-4 overall and 5-3 in the conference heading into the last two games.  Perhaps they could lose or draw one of the six as long as they win all the conferences games which means that @Wesleyan is the must win and that presumes they can handle Conn.  If they could pull all that off they could perhaps get by with a split in those last two monster games.  They must be besides themselves, though, losing two games they mostly dominated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 27, 2015, 07:02:05 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 27, 2015, 05:52:49 PM
Williams has really put themselves behind the 8 ball with the losses to Colby and Bates, obviously both very winnable games.  Pretty tough to spot the top teams two losses to weaker teams.

They need to win the next six -- Conn, @RPI, @Endicott, @Wesleyan, @ Babson, Hamilton -- before ending with Tufts and @Midd.  That would put them at 9-4 overall and 5-3 in the conference heading into the last two games.  Perhaps they could lose or draw one of the six as long as they win all the conferences games which means that @Wesleyan is the must win and that presumes they can handle Conn.  If they could pull all that off they could perhaps get by with a split in those last two monster games.  They must be besides themselves, though, losing two games they mostly dominated.

That is a tall order. Really stunning that Williams loses to Colby and Bates on back to back weekends. I'm a big fan of underdogs, but never could have predicted this. I guess that is why they play the games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 27, 2015, 07:27:03 PM
Yes, it's daunting, but just a couple of weeks ago most of us would have predicted winning at least 4 out of those 6 and probably 5.  And here's another thought, how would you like to be Amherst or Tufts playing Williams in the NESCAC quarterfinals.  My guess is that they get to the #6 or #5 spot and play Midd, Wes, or Bowdoin in the first tourney game away.  Bates now is a bit of a problem now and not just a nuisance.  They have 2 NESCAC roads wins and a draw with Bowdoin.  Of course they are what they are, although now they are going to be more confident and sky-high.  Now watch them lose to Trinity at home.  They might not win another game, or they could end up as the #7 or #8 seed.  Anything's possible, but I can't see them beating Amherst, Tufts or Midd.  So that leaves Trinity, Colby and Conn.  They still are going to need at least a couple more results.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 28, 2015, 10:10:13 AM
As we near the end of September - and I know we've mentioned them a bit - I want to take a closer look at Bates, who is IMHO the surprise of the NESCAC season thus far. Last year at this point they were 1-7-1; this year, 5-1-1. Of course, home victories over UNE and Thomas aren't exactly giant slaying results, but they tied and lost those respective games last year, so that's an improvement.

As far as NESCAC games go, winning on the road at Hamilton isn't exactly unheard of, either, but that was another game that they lost (at home) last year. I certainly think they rode their luck against Bowdoin at times, but they probably deserved a draw, and even looked threatening at times on the turf of Garcelon. I kind of expected them to get dominated by Wesleyan, although I thought it would be more like 3-0 and not five. However, I don't think any of us thought they would go to Williams and win, especially considering that they looked awful for 75 of the 90 minutes. To their credit, they hung in there and didn't quit, and - from what others have said - were the better side in OT.

I like Knoth as a player. His workrate is good, he's a good finisher, and he's unselfish. Will he as a forward ever be on the same level as, say, Conrad or Majumder? I don't think so - but I think he is most definitely in that next group. Merchant is also a solid player and Murphy has done well so far, so they have a decent nucleus that, on their day, can make things happen.

The question is, where will they go from here? I'd certainly rather face Tufts, Amherst, and Middlebury at home rather than away, so they have that going for them. How competitive they'll be, I don't know. I think if they were to play those games on their turf it might throw Tufts and Amherst off - which I don't believe they are, as generally afternoon kickoffs are at Russell St. Field - but that could just be me thinking that they looked faster and more threatening than they actually did against Bowdoin. As someone mentioned earlier, playing on turf can produce such an optical illusion.

It would be one thing if the Williams win was the biggest win in recent program history, but it's worth remembering that Bates has logged big away victories in the past - both at Middlebury, both when the Panthers were nationally ranked in '10 and '12, and both from free-kicks from J. Murphy - but then soon faded to irrelevance. The cynic in me says it would be classic Bates to follow up beating Williams away with dropping a clanger home against Maine Maritime or at Curry. Then again, they've already registered more victories than in both seasons they beat Middlebury, so this year could be different. Will be interesting to see where they go from here. Regardless, they've certainly gotten us talking.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2015, 12:28:47 PM


First a few notes:

Williams has NEVER under Russo lost to Bates at home in his 36 years and had not lost to Bates at all since 1996. Russo also never lost to Colby the past 15 years of playing and NEVER let Colby even SCORE a GOAL.

Also, Williams under Russo have never been under .500 this late in the season since 1982.

It goes without saying that I am MASSIVELY disappointed in Williams this season. They are really underperforming and losing concentration at the end of games.

It is not like Russo left Sullivan a team of stiffs. This team has plenty of talent and has Rashid back from injury and are still not getting it done.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2015, 12:49:27 PM
I already recapped the Amherst v Williams game which Williams coughed up the lead and the game with 12 minutes left. Now Williams v Bates recap is even more disheartening. Up until the 88th minute Williams was dominating this Bates side. Bates had maybe 2 legit chances all game and not a real sniff at goal. Williams was dominating possession and I thought they looked good doing so even if they could not finish their chances to get a 2 or 3 goal lead.

Bates was gassed the whole game as they do not have much depth and maybe can go 13 or 14 deep. A fluke play in the 89th minute off a cross and Nate Merchant who was WIDE open blasted the tying goal in. This is the 3rd game this year(Colby and Amherst the others) that Williams fell asleep on the weak side and the opponent took advantage. After Merchant's goal Bates WOKE UP and was taking it to Williams throughout the OT. The goal gave Bates a new life and they played fantastic and could have won it earlier in OT but Alcorn made a nice save. If Bates can play like that did in OT then they are a top 6 team in Nescac. However, I do not think they can play like that in every game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2015, 01:10:58 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 27, 2015, 05:52:49 PM
Williams has really put themselves behind the 8 ball with the losses to Colby and Bates, obviously both very winnable games.  Pretty tough to spot the top teams two losses to weaker teams.

They need to win the next six -- Conn, @RPI, @Endicott, @Wesleyan, @ Babson, Hamilton -- before ending with Tufts and @Midd.  That would put them at 9-4 overall and 5-3 in the conference heading into the last two games.  Perhaps they could lose or draw one of the six as long as they win all the conferences games which means that @Wesleyan is the must win and that presumes they can handle Conn.  If they could pull all that off they could perhaps get by with a split in those last two monster games.  They must be besides themselves, though, losing two games they mostly dominated.





There is no way Williams will get a Pool C this year. They are struggling with confidence and seem to be worse off than last year which I did not think was possible. I like the way Conn is playing now and if they do not fall into a trap game with Trinity on Tuesday have a chance of getting a result at Williams on Saturday. Williams has more talent than RPI, Babson, Conn, Hamilton and Endicott but I do not see them going 6-0-0 in those games and then at Midd and v Tufts. Williams is cooked for a Pool C right now unless they win out which is not going to happen.


Nescac NCAA teams IMO

Locks: Amherst, Tufts

Solid: Midd

Need to keep fighting but have a chance: Conn, Wesleyan

Under achieving to say the least and basically need to win out: Williams and Bowdoin

Over achieving with no chance of a Pool C: Bates

Goodnight Irene: Trinity, Hamilton, Colby
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 28, 2015, 01:21:52 PM
Good stuff. You have me chuckling again. + karma, Mr. Right.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2015, 01:55:50 PM
Bubble teams Wesleyan and Conn and maybe Midd still have tough schedules left:

Wesleyan maybe the toughest:  v Tufts, v Midd, v Williams, at Amherst and at Conn. Wesleyan with 2 losses already really can afford only 2 more losses and maybe a draw or 2.

Conn: at Williams, v Bowdoin, v Wesleyan, v ECONN..at 5-2-0 if Conn doesn't slip up against "trap" games like Bates and Trinity and can beat ECONN and then go 1-1-1 against Wes, Williams and Bowdoin they will most definitely have a Pool C shot if they can return to the Nescac Semi's.

Midd:  at Tufts , at Wesleyan on a back to back and then Williams at home. Again no slip ups against "trap" games and go 1-1-1 and make Nescac Semi's or Final they should be good to go. One problem with Midd is their SOS will be hovering around .550 so they need more wins v Ranked teams then the others they will be fighting with. That is why a possible Nescac final appearance is needed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2015, 04:54:26 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 28, 2015, 10:10:13 AM
As we near the end of September - and I know we've mentioned them a bit - I want to take a closer look at Bates, who is IMHO the surprise of the NESCAC season thus far. Last year at this point they were 1-7-1; this year, 5-1-1. Of course, home victories over UNE and Thomas aren't exactly giant slaying results, but they tied and lost those respective games last year, so that's an improvement.

As far as NESCAC games go, winning on the road at Hamilton isn't exactly unheard of, either, but that was another game that they lost (at home) last year. I certainly think they rode their luck against Bowdoin at times, but they probably deserved a draw, and even looked threatening at times on the turf of Garcelon. I kind of expected them to get dominated by Wesleyan, although I thought it would be more like 3-0 and not five. However, I don't think any of us thought they would go to Williams and win, especially considering that they looked awful for 75 of the 90 minutes. To their credit, they hung in there and didn't quit, and - from what others have said - were the better side in OT.

I like Knoth as a player. His workrate is good, he's a good finisher, and he's unselfish. Will he as a forward ever be on the same level as, say, Conrad or Majumder? I don't think so - but I think he is most definitely in that next group. Merchant is also a solid player and Murphy has done well so far, so they have a decent nucleus that, on their day, can make things happen.

The question is, where will they go from here? I'd certainly rather face Tufts, Amherst, and Middlebury at home rather than away, so they have that going for them. How competitive they'll be, I don't know. I think if they were to play those games on their turf it might throw Tufts and Amherst off - which I don't believe they are, as generally afternoon kickoffs are at Russell St. Field - but that could just be me thinking that they looked faster and more threatening than they actually did against Bowdoin. As someone mentioned earlier, playing on turf can produce such an optical illusion.

It would be one thing if the Williams win was the biggest win in recent program history, but it's worth remembering that Bates has logged big away victories in the past - both at Middlebury, both when the Panthers were nationally ranked in '10 and '12, and both from free-kicks from J. Murphy - but then soon faded to irrelevance. The cynic in me says it would be classic Bates to follow up beating Williams away with dropping a clanger home against Maine Maritime or at Curry. Then again, they've already registered more victories than in both seasons they beat Middlebury, so this year could be different. Will be interesting to see where they go from here. Regardless, they've certainly gotten us talking.



I tend to agree with your analysis of Bates. I have never been a fan of Knoth but he is like a little fly, buzzing around and working hard and finishing what he can. He gets the most out of his size as possible. He is not a top level striker but for Bates he is fine. What he needs is a 6'3 target striker alongside him and another quick playmaker playing right behind him. Bates does not have this. He was basically invisible against Williams all day and did not do much. The kid who played very well to my surprise was Sean Moyo. I really have never been a fan of this Creighton transfer but he impressed me against Williams. He is a tremendous worker in midfield and is Bates very vocal leader. He worked his ass off against Williams and was Bates best player on the day. Again, Bates can only go 2-3 subs deep against Nescac teams so these players will have a hard time on back to backs. Merchant finished his chance and I love his speed but he cannot beat anyone 1v1. Bates wingbacks are NOT very good. Good teams(like Williams should be) must take advantage of this. Bates 2 CB's DiBenedetto and Riskind are solid and tough. bates in general must be the shortest team in Nescac as what they lack in size they make up for in grit. Another player who had a decent day was Bates MF Luis Pereira who is decently skilled and caused problems for Williams in OT. The wingback Munoz is a monster weak link for this team. Even though GK Polito made a couple tremendous saves against Bowdoin and Williams I believe he is a major weak link for them also. He tends to make monster gaffes right after making monster saves. He drops balls and comes way off his line when he should stay home. In fact in the 75th minute with Bates down 1-0 Flaherty subbed Polito for the backup GK. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY. At first I thought he was going to put Polito in the field because maybe he was a good field player but NOPE..Then when Bates tied it in the 89th minute Polito went back in for the OT....Not sure if Flaherty knows what he is doing but whatever he is 5-1-1 right now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 28, 2015, 09:42:41 PM
Wow. Colby loses to Thomas College of Maine. NCAC was dead on accurate in his assessment, at least based on the 20 or so minutes I watched. Very disappointing, as I thought they might take a step up this year. Instead, they appear to be the worst team in NESCAC by a wide margin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 28, 2015, 10:23:52 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 28, 2015, 09:42:41 PM
Wow. Colby loses to Thomas College of Maine. NCAC was dead on accurate in his assessment, at least based on the 20 or so minutes I watched. Very disappointing, as I thought they might take a step up this year. Instead, they appear to be the worst team in NESCAC by a wide margin.

WOW. At home, too!

To be fair, Thomas has two legit freshmen players in D.J. Nicholas and Adam LaBrie - LaBrie set the record for goals in a single season at Yarmouth High School, which is arguably the top program in Maine right now, and Nicholas scored some crazy number of goals at North Yarmouth Academy, which is rivals with Peabo Knoth's Waynflete, and Nicholas scored way more goals than Knoth ever did. Both LaBrie and Nicholas are good enough to play for a NESCAC team, and I myself am surprised that they didn't end up at a NESCAC. Either way, Thomas could certainly be competitive within New England DIII if those two stay fit all four years, because they are excellent talents.

Where Colby definitely falls short is their men's soccer website - atrocious! No stats except for archives, and you've got to scour the news page to get any recaps. :P
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 29, 2015, 10:06:03 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 28, 2015, 10:23:52 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 28, 2015, 09:42:41 PM
Wow. Colby loses to Thomas College of Maine. NCAC was dead on accurate in his assessment, at least based on the 20 or so minutes I watched. Very disappointing, as I thought they might take a step up this year. Instead, they appear to be the worst team in NESCAC by a wide margin.

WOW. At home, too!

To be fair, Thomas has two legit freshmen players in D.J. Nicholas and Adam LaBrie - LaBrie set the record for goals in a single season at Yarmouth High School, which is arguably the top program in Maine right now, and Nicholas scored some crazy number of goals at North Yarmouth Academy, which is rivals with Peabo Knoth's Waynflete, and Nicholas scored way more goals than Knoth ever did. Both LaBrie and Nicholas are good enough to play for a NESCAC team, and I myself am surprised that they didn't end up at a NESCAC. Either way, Thomas could certainly be competitive within New England DIII if those two stay fit all four years, because they are excellent talents.

Where Colby definitely falls short is their men's soccer website - atrocious! No stats except for archives, and you've got to scour the news page to get any recaps. :P

Yes, very disappointing result for Colby.  Theses two schools are in the same town and play every year for a Cup, which Colby had lost approximately only once in 20 years.  The game used to be a point of emphasis for Colby, but is no longer, as was evidenced by Colby's lineup.  Only a few starters played significant minutes.  And Stanton was injured in the first half (apparently seriously).  Coach either gave a number of regulars the night off, or the team is loaded with injuries.  And the winning goal was a comedy of errors, with a Colby defender's attempted clearance ricocheting off a clueless Thomas attacker into Colby's net.

But that doesn't take anything away from Thomas.  In addition to the two strong freshmen noted by Blooter, Thomas has two upperclassmen, Ming and Clemmons, who appear to have D-1 talent, and dominated the game, with Clemmons scoring both regulation goals.  Thomas is prone to concentration lapses and lack of discipline which definitely costs them games they should win, but from what I have observed, they are annually the most talented team in that league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 29, 2015, 10:26:12 AM
This is going to sound strange but I watched the last 15 minutes and 2 OTs of Colby last night and actually felt more optimistic.  I noticed at least a couple of key players not playing as well.  They still aren't possessing the ball a lot, but I think they can get there, as I saw several players use nice touch and moves to break into open space.  I saw more individual skill than I expected, and they just need more time to learn to play together.  My guess now is that at least 7-8 of those 19 frosh will be good players over 4 years, and if they can get a few dynamic recruits over the next two years, then the team when the current frosh are juniors and seniors may be a contender.  I also was impressed with Thomas.  They have several VERY talented players.  An entertaining game to watch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 12:08:28 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 28, 2015, 09:42:41 PM
Wow. Colby loses to Thomas College of Maine. NCAC was dead on accurate in his assessment, at least based on the 20 or so minutes I watched. Very disappointing, as I thought they might take a step up this year. Instead, they appear to be the worst team in NESCAC by a wide margin.





I have now seen every Nescac team this year and I can tell you without question the WORST team is Hamilton. They have the least amount of talent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 12:10:08 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 28, 2015, 10:23:52 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 28, 2015, 09:42:41 PM
Wow. Colby loses to Thomas College of Maine. NCAC was dead on accurate in his assessment, at least based on the 20 or so minutes I watched. Very disappointing, as I thought they might take a step up this year. Instead, they appear to be the worst team in NESCAC by a wide margin.

WOW. At home, too!

To be fair, Thomas has two legit freshmen players in D.J. Nicholas and Adam LaBrie - LaBrie set the record for goals in a single season at Yarmouth High School, which is arguably the top program in Maine right now, and Nicholas scored some crazy number of goals at North Yarmouth Academy, which is rivals with Peabo Knoth's Waynflete, and Nicholas scored way more goals than Knoth ever did. Both LaBrie and Nicholas are good enough to play for a NESCAC team, and I myself am surprised that they didn't end up at a NESCAC. Either way, Thomas could certainly be competitive within New England DIII if those two stay fit all four years, because they are excellent talents.

Where Colby definitely falls short is their men's soccer website - atrocious! No stats except for archives, and you've got to scour the news page to get any recaps. :P



Thomas also has the "problem" player Tre Ming who would be starting on some Nescac teams. He is a very skilled player but a total mess upstairs...That being said Thomas should win the conference and possibly be a thorn in a side of a team looking ahead in the NCAA's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 29, 2015, 12:24:39 PM
I haven't seen Hamilton yet, but my limited viewing of Colby - admittedly limited to some of the Thomas game and some of the Maine Maritime game, which is available on replay (you have to watch at least 10 or so minutes to fully appreciate what I was saying - hat tip to NCAC New England) has caused me to abandon them as my underdog team. They are so unathletic, so disjointed, and totally lacking any kind of offensive spark. We know Seabrook's style is boring, but this year, they also are weak in defense, unlike last year.  Sorry, Colby.  I'll let the more informed posters like 1970 update us on the the team's progression, but they've been really disappointing to me.  I'm sure I overreacted at their surprising form last year, and I may be overreacting to their disappointing form this year.  We shall see.

I think I'm going to board the Bates underdog train. I always need an overachieving team to follow, and they are interesting.  Looking forward to seeing "La Flama Blanca" :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 12:33:31 PM
Congrats to Greg Singer who was named Nescac Men's Soccer POW....His 2 goals were instrumental in Amherst comeback win over Williams, but I still say the best player on the field that day was NPL. NPL should be POY. The New England region as a whole is a bit down this year and I am not sure we will see a New England region team in the NCAA Final 4 this year, but if we do Amherst will have as good a chance as Brandeis or Tufts to get there.

Interestingly, Amherst only NCAA Final 4 team with Serpone at the helm was in 2008, with basically the Gooding's players. The Gooding's took Amherst also in 1997. The 2008 squad IMO was the least talented Amherst squad in Serpone's tenure but they got it done when it mattered. They did get smacked in the 2008 NCAA Final 4 by Stevens 4-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on September 29, 2015, 12:46:05 PM
Agree with you there on NPL.  But in soccer, goals are what get peoples' attention and Singer's award is deserved. 

As good as Amherst has been since Serpone's arrival, there is a little lingering disappointment at the NCAA results.  Hopefully, that will change this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: WilltheMan on September 29, 2015, 12:52:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 12:08:28 PM
Quote from: Corazon on September 28, 2015, 09:42:41 PM
Wow. Colby loses to Thomas College of Maine. NCAC was dead on accurate in his assessment, at least based on the 20 or so minutes I watched. Very disappointing, as I thought they might take a step up this year. Instead, they appear to be the worst team in NESCAC by a wide margin.
I have now seen every Nescac team this year and I can tell you without question the WORST team is Hamilton. They have the least amount of talent.

OK that was the last straw.  I find your observations to be always emphatically stated but really not very astute.  Luke Piece a fast player?  Are you out of your mind?  Courageous, sure, good in the air –yup but his lack of pace and Russo's inability to recognize it was a major problem with that team.  Luke to his credit would try and anticipate and guess to make up for the pace issue but you can only do so much.  In the Amherst game they went after him like it was a religion.  Film doesn't lie. Bates was shelled by Hamilton, who actually posses the ball fairly well with the 4 central players.  They have a finishing issue as do many of these teams.  Game could have easily been 2-0 other way.  Trinity was dominant for the first 15 minutes vs. Hamilton then were an over-the-top mess. If Hamilton could finish at all that's 4 or 5.  The backline is disorganized.  I think vs. the better NESCAC teams Hamilton is overmatched but there was very little difference vs. Bates, Trinity, and Conn.  For what I do I have watched all but 4 NESCAC games, the overreliance on score on shot stats is astounding.  So many of theses shots are little more than turnovers shooting from angles and distance that would make an EPL player blush.  How many dangerous possetions did your team create is a better way to measure.  But you have to actually watch the game film to figure it out.  Your observations on who is soft and not is hysterical.  If one of my lads is playing high I don't want him stuck in on a tackle.  What sense is that, he needs to keep his feet and not be engaged so if he can nick it away he's off with a chance.  Getting "stuck in" for my offensive players does not help create a quick counter and just makes them easier to find in transition.  I'd rather keep our shape up top, not chase all the time and pick it clean when we can.  This macho hammer everybody thing is past.  Let it go.  I want my center three hard, everyone else I want mobile.....Also, I do not like talking about individual players, I think at the very least impolite.  -----Especially when some of the negativity is from ignorance of how they are trying to play.

Best,
Will




Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 01:12:48 PM
My observations are accurate and you taking offense is comical. Luke Pierce was fast. Russo's inability to recognize it? What does that mean? He moved him to CB because he was tough and fast.....You take offense to me saying Tom Young is soft..WELL HE IS SOFT...He is skilled and attacks well with speed but he is soft as butter...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 01:19:33 PM
Today's Games: Home team listed first:

Conn v Trinity-  2-1        At some point Trinity is going to wake up and get Savonen and Bednarek on the score sheet. Trap game for Conn as they could be looking ahead to Williams on Saturday. Trinity's backline organized but a step slow and Conn should take advantage.

Midd v Hamilton-   2-0     Glazer nets 2 and Hamilton might get 2-3 SOG if lucky. They will not be able to penetrate Midd's backline and GK

Wesleyan v Tufts- 1-0   Upset special. Wesleyan NEEDS this game bad as they need a solid win on their resume. They will slug it out with Tufts and find a way to score and hold on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: WilltheMan on September 29, 2015, 01:22:41 PM
Forget Luke, forget Tom I used them as examples.  I could list 25 "observations" that you have made that are boderline crazy.  Time for me to go back to charting games and exit this board.  This is a business for me, time to go away before I screw it up. 

You are a bully, and an ignorant one at that.

Good luck to the rest of you. 

I'm out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 01:24:23 PM
Fantastic....Do not let the door hit you on the way out...Feel free to check in on my accurate and astute observations anytime..


Your quote: "This is a business for me"....I appreciate that line I almost wet myself laughing...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 04:21:16 PM
Tufts right in the middle of an interesting / unfair? Nescac scheduling quirk.....mid-week at Wesleyan and then a Sat / Sun back to back at Amherst and at Hamilton. That is an unusual schedule in Nescac
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 04:41:29 PM
Of course, Hamilton scores off a header to go up 1-0 on Midd and Conn up 1-0 on Trinity midway thru the 1st half. I have a feeling both games have more goals in store
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 04:49:28 PM
Pouring rain in Middlebury...As Midd usually does against weaker competition they are playing futbol on the ground and possessing quite well. I wish they would do this more often. They are possessing well but Hamilton is compact defensively and not letting Midd get any quality sniffs yet
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2015, 05:59:43 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 04:21:16 PM
Tufts right in the middle of an interesting / unfair? Nescac scheduling quirk.....mid-week at Wesleyan and then a Sat / Sun back to back at Amherst and at Hamilton. That is an unusual schedule in Nescac

Kayne to Zimmer, hits post.... kayne with a beauty to Majumder in stride..hits post on open net...0-0 still
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 29, 2015, 06:21:01 PM
As much as he's a great shot stopper, Greenwood again fails to impress on set pieces and crosses. I've seen him three times this year - twice in-person, once on video - and each time he's failed to cleanly claim a high ball at least once. Maybe it's because, as Mr.Right mentioned earlier, he used to have Williams and Lee-Kramer to clear all of the high balls for him? No doubt he is an excellent 'keeper, but he really needs to learn how to better deal with those situations - at the moment, Bull and Sydor are ahead of him in the NESCAC IMHO. I'd say that Greenwood is about even with Van Siclen, who really impressed toward the end of last year, and not just for his penalty heroics.

Wesleyan and Tufts heading to OT...Majumder clean through hit the upright...slightly fancy the Jumbos to finish this one, although I could see Cowie-Haskell popping up with the winner. Finely poised.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 29, 2015, 06:25:32 PM
Well, call it even on open misses now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2015, 06:26:19 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 29, 2015, 06:25:32 PM
Well, call it even on open misses now.

Greenwood must have saved it as Weleyan got the corner... Did he?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 29, 2015, 06:27:52 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2015, 06:26:19 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 29, 2015, 06:25:32 PM
Well, call it even on open misses now.

Greenwood must have saved it as Weleyan got the corner... Did he?

Maybe but I think ACH mainly flubbed it....either way, ACH should have buried it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2015, 06:28:23 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 29, 2015, 06:27:52 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2015, 06:26:19 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 29, 2015, 06:25:32 PM
Well, call it even on open misses now.

Greenwood must have saved it as Weleyan got the corner... Did he?

Maybe but I think ACH mainly flubbed it....either way, ACH should have buried it.

yep
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 29, 2015, 06:28:54 PM
The little freshman for Wes is really good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 06:34:08 PM
Wow, Tufts really lucky to get out of Middletown CT with a 0-0 tie!  Handball by Tufts in the Box not called and 2 open net shots missed by Wesleyan's Haskell :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 29, 2015, 06:40:28 PM
Seems like Shapiro is still working through his roster a bit in terms of finding combinations and who is going to play where.  Schaible was playing right back and Zinner was at right mid.  Is that how they usually play?  I thought it was other way around or Schaible in holding mid slot.  Also had Glover up to with Majumder for a whole.  Don't think we say Glover for Brandeis game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 29, 2015, 06:42:06 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 06:34:08 PM
Wow, Tufts really lucky to get out of Middletown CT with a 0-0 tie!  Handball by Tufts in the Box not called and 2 open net shots missed by Wesleyan's Haskell :o

To be fair, Tufts missed at least 2 wide open chances as well.  I thought Tufts carried the play first 30 minutes of 2nd half and Wes edged them for the next 20.  Didn't see the the 1st half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 07:32:15 PM
After watching the Wesleyan game and the Tufts vs Plymouth State game, not sure Tufts is a #1 in country team!!  Amherst should prevail when they play Saturday!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 08:13:21 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 29, 2015, 06:28:54 PM
The little freshman for Wes is really good.




This was the kid I was revving up in August..I saw this kid at Berkshire School and 2 times this spring. Wesleyan is going to start benefiting from, like Bowdoin, lifting the SAT requirement which is ridiculous.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 08:15:20 PM
That was a typical Wesleyan performance. Great 0-0 tie for Wheeler that no doubt will help in November. Now they must somehow get to 10 wins
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 29, 2015, 08:37:40 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 08:13:21 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 29, 2015, 06:28:54 PM
The little freshman for Wes is really good.




This was the kid I was revving up in August..I saw this kid at Berkshire School and 2 times this spring. Wesleyan is going to start benefiting from, like Bowdoin, lifting the SAT requirement which is ridiculous.

Berkshire is turning out an incredible number of college soccer players, both D1 and D3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 08:59:00 PM
Yes..Berkshire coach Jon Moody really started turning that program around. When I was in the preps Berkshire was a nice scenic view for a game you would win 4-0. He sometimes goes a little overboard but his players love him and he treats them very well..He is also in admissions and almost recruits to Berkshire like it was a college program.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 29, 2015, 09:04:31 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 06:34:08 PM
Wow, Tufts really lucky to get out of Middletown CT with a 0-0 tie!  Handball by Tufts in the Box not called and 2 open net shots missed by Wesleyan's Haskell :o

Someone doesn't like the Jumbos...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 29, 2015, 09:11:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 04:21:16 PM
Tufts right in the middle of an interesting / unfair? Nescac scheduling quirk.....mid-week at Wesleyan and then a Sat / Sun back to back at Amherst and at Hamilton. That is an unusual schedule in Nescac

Lots of time on the bus to play FIFA!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 29, 2015, 09:13:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 29, 2015, 08:59:00 PM
Yes..Berkshire coach Jon Moody really started turning that program around. When I was in the preps Berkshire was a nice scenic view for a game you would win 4-0. He sometimes goes a little overboard but his players love him and he treats them very well..He is also in admissions and almost recruits to Berkshire like it was a college program.

A former 4 year player at Kenyon (graduated 2013), JJ Jemison, I believe is in the admissions office there and maybe helps out with coaching.  He attended Berkshire. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 09:19:16 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 29, 2015, 09:04:31 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 06:34:08 PM
Wow, Tufts really lucky to get out of Middletown CT with a 0-0 tie!  Handball by Tufts in the Box not called and 2 open net shots missed by Wesleyan's Haskell :o

Someone doesn't like the Jumbos...

No, just making observations like everybody else on this thread ???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 29, 2015, 09:20:44 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 09:19:16 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 29, 2015, 09:04:31 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 06:34:08 PM
Wow, Tufts really lucky to get out of Middletown CT with a 0-0 tie!  Handball by Tufts in the Box not called and 2 open net shots missed by Wesleyan's Haskell :o

Someone doesn't like the Jumbos...

No, just making observations like everybody else on this thread ???

Just joking around, my friend....😊😎😉
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 09:27:09 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 29, 2015, 09:20:44 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 09:19:16 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 29, 2015, 09:04:31 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 06:34:08 PM
Wow, Tufts really lucky to get out of Middletown CT with a 0-0 tie!  Handball by Tufts in the Box not called and 2 open net shots missed by Wesleyan's Haskell :o

Someone doesn't like the Jumbos...

No, just making observations like everybody else on this thread ???

Just joking around, my friend....😊😎😉
Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 29, 2015, 09:45:18 PM
I was impressed with Cowie-Haskell in the Wes-Tufts game, even though he missed on a couple of good chances.  He's a little better than I thought.  I had him pegged as sort of just a poacher but he's trickier with the ball in space and inside the box than I expected.  That said, he waited too long trying to get totally free instead of letting it go.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on September 29, 2015, 11:57:56 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 07:32:15 PM
After watching the Wesleyan game and the Tufts vs Plymouth State game, not sure Tufts is a #1 in country team!!  Amherst should prevail when they play Saturday!!

Tufts has now gone 265 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  They are going to have to find a way out of that funk if they hope to prevail against Amherst.  That being said, ECSUalum may have the right pick for Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 08:41:52 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on September 29, 2015, 11:57:56 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 07:32:15 PM
After watching the Wesleyan game and the Tufts vs Plymouth State game, not sure Tufts is a #1 in country team!!  Amherst should prevail when they play Saturday!!

Tufts has now gone 265 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  They are going to have to find a way out of that funk if they hope to prevail against Amherst.  That being said, ECSUalum may have the right pick for Saturday.
D3soccer,
Additionally, Amherst has given up just one goal, (against 6' 5" Thomas Bull), in 6 matches!  Of course in the rain this weekend, anything can happen, but I will take the Lord Jeffs over the Jumbos in this one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 30, 2015, 10:05:05 AM
ECSU....nice to see you on this board to keep people straight! :)
The one goal against Amherst was the Williams game in Willytown.  Saw the Amherst goal to tie the game and the one that won it in OT on a video clip on the Amherst website...somewhere.
It will be raining in Amherst for the 2:30 start. Me, will be at the football game.  If it gets to be a blowout, will slip away to watch soccer live...in the rain.  I must be crazy.
Amherst plays WPI today....Wednesday....so both Tuft's and Amherst will have both played a mid week game when they meet on Sat.
When Amherst went to the final 4 under Gooding in Fredricksburg, Va.....I made the trip down to MWU...as it is now called.  Gooding was fine for Amherst at the time.  I am glad he is gone...has a turf field named after him.  His last years at Amherst...AD...were not good ones for the soccer program,IMO.  He had his son as a co- coach and tried to insert his son as the coach...not acceptable process....leading to his replacement as AD.  His replacement was an AD at another CAC school and also the parent of an Amherst soccer player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2015, 10:18:33 AM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 08:41:52 AM
D3soccer,
Additionally, Amherst has given up just one goal, (against 6' 5" Thomas Bull), in 6 matches!  Of course in the rain this weekend, anything can happen, but I will take the Lord Jeffs over the Jumbos in this one.

I think I would too. It's interesting, because if we were talking about this same matchup a week ago I'm guessing many of us would have predicted the Jumbos to edge this one - even with it being away.

What one week can do. After beating Williams away, and combined with Tufts' two most recent results, Amherst seems to have become the new favorite. Tufts, meanwhile, has gone scoreless for two games, and still seems to have some defensive issues, which may well be exacerbated with the Amherst front three of NPL, Martin, and Singer, who - in addition to scoring for fun at the moment - also have a significant size advantage, which, given Amherst's propensity for scoring from set pieces and throw-ins, could prove decisive. Combine that with a solid back-line and Bull in net, who IMHO is the best keeper in the NESCAC, perhaps along with Sydor, and the task looks daunting.

While I think Amherst is the favorite at the moment, I still think Tufts could sneak it. Shapiro will have his team set up to do well - he's an excellent tactician, and I doubt he has any ambitions of heading to Amherst for the draw. Majumder will be up for this one, especially after drawing blanks the last two games. I like Kayne a lot as a player, and his intelligence and skill in the center of the park could set the tempo - Pinheiro and Halliday are good as well, but Kayne is on a different level for me. And Greenwood, for all his issues on set pieces (which could be problematic against Amherst), is an excellent shot-stopper and is capable of the spectacular save, which can often be the difference between winning and losing.

I'd say Amherst is a bit more complete at the moment, which is why I'd pick them to edge it 1-0, but both teams have some superlative players. Should be a great game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 30, 2015, 10:51:14 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 30, 2015, 10:18:33 AM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 08:41:52 AM
D3soccer,
Additionally, Amherst has given up just one goal, (against 6' 5" Thomas Bull), in 6 matches!  Of course in the rain this weekend, anything can happen, but I will take the Lord Jeffs over the Jumbos in this one.

I think I would too. It's interesting, because if we were talking about this same matchup a week ago I'm guessing many of us would have predicted the Jumbos to edge this one - even with it being away.

What one week can do. After beating Williams away, and combined with Tufts' two most recent results, Amherst seems to have become the new favorite. Tufts, meanwhile, has gone scoreless for two games, and still seems to have some defensive issues, which may well be exacerbated with the Amherst front three of NPL, Martin, and Singer, who - in addition to scoring for fun at the moment - also have a significant size advantage, which, given Amherst's propensity for scoring from set pieces and throw-ins, could prove decisive. Combine that with a solid back-line and Bull in net, who IMHO is the best keeper in the NESCAC, perhaps along with Sydor, and the task looks daunting.

While I think Amherst is the favorite at the moment, I still think Tufts could sneak it. Shapiro will have his team set up to do well - he's an excellent tactician, and I doubt he has any ambitions of heading to Amherst for the draw. Majumder will be up for this one, especially after drawing blanks the last two games. I like Kayne a lot as a player, and his intelligence and skill in the center of the park could set the tempo - Pinheiro and Halliday are good as well, but Kayne is on a different level for me. And Greenwood, for all his issues on set pieces (which could be problematic against Amherst), is an excellent shot-stopper and is capable of the spectacular save, which can often be the difference between winning and losing.

I'd say Amherst is a bit more complete at the moment, which is why I'd pick them to edge it 1-0, but both teams have some superlative players. Should be a great game.

I agree with the Blooter analysis.  I think we will see a few of the best players at their position in the NESCAC and perhaps the country in Majumder, Bull, Pascal-Leone, Kayne martin and Singer.  I give the edge to Amherst, especially since it's a home game, but in the rain anything can happen and I wouldn't be surprised in the least to see a Tufts win.  I think Greenwood is the type of player who really steps up in big games and could rival Bull in this one.  I think Bull is playing better after a somewhat down year.  Majumder is brute force. PL is very talented and hot. Kayne does quite possibly have the best vision, skill and soccer intelligence at center mid in the country. Tufts has not been finishing lately on some of his distribution.  Halliday will be a key and Amherst will go long while Tufts tries to maintain possession.  Unfortunately, the rain may take away from some of this fine talent and the game could be sloppy.  Is this the year Serpone takes the leap, or does he lose his voice screaming during a Tufts upset?  Should be fun. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on September 30, 2015, 11:55:22 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 29, 2015, 09:45:18 PM
I was impressed with Cowie-Haskell in the Wes-Tufts game, even though he missed on a couple of good chances.  He's a little better than I thought.  I had him pegged as sort of just a poacher but he's trickier with the ball in space and inside the box than I expected.  That said, he waited too long trying to get totally free instead of letting it go.
I saw the first half and a bit of the 2d half of the Wes-Bates game and thought ACH was very dynamic and dangerous. Took his chances well in that game. The little frosh (Komar) set up the first Wes goal (scored by Sousa before ACH came into the game) by beating a defender with a quick move on the end-line and sending a ball on the ground through the box.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2015, 12:03:55 PM
Quote from: Becks on September 30, 2015, 11:55:22 AM
I saw the first half and a bit of the 2d half of the Wes-Bates game and thought ACH was very dynamic and dangerous. Took his chances well in that game. The little frosh (Komar) set up the first Wes goal (scored by Sousa before ACH came into the game) by beating a defender with a quick move on the end-line and sending a ball on the ground through the box.

Aside from the fact that I agree with this assessment, I think it's really funny that there's "Becks" who I've seen on this forum, and someone named "Giggs" who posts on the women's forum. One on each wing (forum) - just like the 90s and Man Utd!   ;)

(I'm aware that Giggs has posted on the men's forum, and Becks on the women's, but still a funny thing to think about. Even more personifies that Becks and Giggs used to occasionally switch wings to confuse opposing defenders.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 01:11:38 PM
Quote from: amh63 on September 30, 2015, 10:05:05 AM
ECSU....nice to see you on this board to keep people straight! :)
The one goal against Amherst was the Williams game in Willytown.  Saw the Amherst goal to tie the game and the one that won it in OT on a video clip on the Amherst website...somewhere.
It will be raining in Amherst for the 2:30 start. Me, will be at the football game.  If it gets to be a blowout, will slip away to watch soccer live...in the rain.  I must be crazy.
Amherst plays WPI today....Wednesday....so both Tuft's and Amherst will have both played a mid week game when they meet on Sat.
When Amherst went to the final 4 under Gooding in Fredricksburg, Va.....I made the trip down to MWU...as it is now called.  Gooding was fine for Amherst at the time.  I am glad he is gone...has a turf field named after him.  His last years at Amherst...AD...were not good ones for the soccer program,IMO.  He had his son as a co- coach and tried to insert his son as the coach...not acceptable process....leading to his replacement as AD.  His replacement was an AD at another CAC school and also the parent of an Amherst soccer player.

amh63,

Hello Sir, hope you and the fam are well!!  If you are crazy for being a tried-and-true LJ fan than there are hundreds on these d3sports threads that are equally "crazy" for their alma maters including myself.  I bet you are looking forward to the big Amherst-Williams football game!  They should televise that game!!!! Seiously!!
I will probably head up to Amherst again to watch ECSU-Amherst basketball this January, (Lord Jeffery Inn), if it is scheduled similar to two years ago.   Le Frak is a fun venue to watch the Lord Jeffs play.  Unfortunately it is when the students are away for break, so it much quieter!  I am sure Coach Hixon will have another excellent team loaded with outstanding Freshmen.
Good Luck to the Lord Jeff footballers and talk to you soon. :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2015, 01:52:44 PM
Looking at Conn College at 6-2-0 they have a difficult schedule to end the year but they also have an excellent chance at receiving a Pool C if they can take of their business at Home.

at Williams
v ECONN
v Bates
at Amherst
at Framingham St
v Bowdoin
v Wesleyan

They need to go 4-0-0 at home against ECONN, Bates, Bowdoin and Wesleyan. A tall order but they can accomplish it with max effort. That would give them some solid wins against ranked opponents and they also will have a solid SOS.

3 road games against Williams, Framingham and Amherst. They must beat Framingham and get a result at Williams or at Amherst. Even if they go 1-1-1 for these 3 road games they will have a very solid resume as long as they take care of their business at Home.

I think Conn has an excellent chance at Williams on Saturday because Williams is a mess right now. Confidence is low. I have a feeling Williams home field will be flooded by Saturday with all the rain coming in as it does not drain well at all. The game could be played on the Football field turf
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 01:54:57 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 09:27:09 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 29, 2015, 09:20:44 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 09:19:16 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 29, 2015, 09:04:31 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 06:34:08 PM
Wow, Tufts really lucky to get out of Middletown CT with a 0-0 tie!  Handball by Tufts in the Box not called and 2 open net shots missed by Wesleyan's Haskell :o

Someone doesn't like the Jumbos...

No, just making observations like everybody else on this thread ???

Just joking around, my friend....😊😎😉
Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ::)

Oh My, nicked twice on this thread for expressing opinion on Tufts.  Are we getting a bit sensitive?  Sorry Jumbo fans, you are just not as good as last year!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 30, 2015, 02:09:58 PM
ECSU, the irony is that Tufts arguably is better than they were at this exact same time last year.  The Jumbos unquestionably are among the top handful of teams in the country.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 02:17:28 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 02:09:58 PM
ECSU, the irony is that Tufts arguably is better than they were at this exact same time last year.  The Jumbos unquestionably are among the top handful of teams in the country.
So another National Championship for the Jumbo eh? That remains to be seen!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2015, 02:24:03 PM
http://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/msoc/2015-16/videos/20150928-omb8p99w


This is the link to Amherst 2 goals in their comeback victory over Williams this past Saturday.

The 1st goal is a ball pumped into the box that bounced off a few heads until Amherst #2 Bean headed it to NPL. Williams #22 Moutenot who is very skilled and fast and technical but SOFT could have battled harder to win that b all and clear it but he shied away from the ball and Bean overpowered him to it. See Willtheman even technical players must defend sometimes and this is a classic example of "shying away" from the ball that a Tom Young or Moutenot or De-Stefano who are all technical but also very SOFT. This is one of the errors on the play. Now the ball is in the air and NPL who is smaller than Williams TL Guest wins that ball as TL Guest jumps and misses the ball AND LOOKS LIKE HE ALMOST SHIED AWAY FROM IT.  Then an excellent cross on the ground finds the wide open Greg Singer in the box who buries it. If you look closely Wlliams #6 Frosh Andreau is caught ball watching and does not track Singer.

The 2nd goal was a fake long throw by NPL and the he threw it short and the ball was pumped into the box and a nice flick header by Amherst found the WIDE OPEN Singer again. AGAIN Williams #6 Frosh Andreau is caught ball watching and Singer buries it wide open..

I realize Frosh will make mistakes but as a defender you cannot keep ball watching and expect to stay on the field. Both goals were preventable if Williams had shown some FIGHT and toughness and of course not losing concentration on set pieces at the end of games when players start to get tired.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2015, 02:24:47 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 02:09:58 PM
ECSU, the irony is that Tufts arguably is better than they were at this exact same time last year.  The Jumbos unquestionably are among the top handful of teams in the country.

That is definitely true, but a big part of Tufts' postseason run was because Santos and Hoppenot really turned it on in the latter part of last season. The Jumbos don't have those two to call on this year, although it remains to be seen whether Majumder could potentially fill that void.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 30, 2015, 02:26:13 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 02:17:28 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 02:09:58 PM
ECSU, the irony is that Tufts arguably is better than they were at this exact same time last year.  The Jumbos unquestionably are among the top handful of teams in the country.
So another National Championship for the Jumbo eh? That remains to be seen!!

Didn't say that because the odds of any one team versus the field is low, especially this year, but I certainly think the Jumbos will be in the mix.  Of course I may be overly influenced by having just seen them live.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 30, 2015, 02:35:37 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 30, 2015, 02:24:47 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 02:09:58 PM
ECSU, the irony is that Tufts arguably is better than they were at this exact same time last year.  The Jumbos unquestionably are among the top handful of teams in the country.

That is definitely true, but a big part of Tufts' postseason run was because Santos and Hoppenot really turned it on in the latter part of last season. The Jumbos don't have those two to call on this year, although it remains to be seen whether Majumder could potentially fill that void.

Right, but Hoppenot and Santos were on the team at this point last year.  Any team that is going to make a run to the Final Four (and win it) will need a few of their star guys to get hot.  I guess what I'm saying is that I can't think of any teams that have a significantly better chance than Tufts.  There's probably at least 8-10 teams that have a good chance and probably one or two that we aren't even thinking about.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 02:46:26 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 02:26:13 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 02:17:28 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 02:09:58 PM
ECSU, the irony is that Tufts arguably is better than they were at this exact same time last year.  The Jumbos unquestionably are among the top handful of teams in the country.
So another National Championship for the Jumbo eh? That remains to be seen!!

Didn't say that because the odds of any one team versus the field is low, especially this year, but I certainly think the Jumbos will be in the mix.  Of course I may be overly influenced by having just seen them live.

Tufts men's soccer comparison after 7 games:
Goals For vs Goals against
2014      2015
19-4        11-4
so how are they better this year vs last, they have scored almost half as many goals this year, perhaps even vs weaker competition!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2015, 02:49:26 PM
I think against really quality defensive sides Tufts is going to have trouble scoring. I am waiting to see how they do against Midd and Amherst. Kind of like RPI will have trouble scoring against good teams I feel Tufts will have trouble against great teams
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2015, 02:54:14 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 02:35:37 PM
Right, but Hoppenot and Santos were on the team at this point last year.  Any team that is going to make a run to the Final Four (and win it) will need a few of their star guys to get hot.

Of course, but I guess my point was that those two - specifically Santos, who made just one start in eight September games - weren't playing much at the end of this month last year. Not to say that two players are the sole decider of team results, but I'd say last year's Tufts would have been equal or better than this year's team if those two been playing their normal minutes at this point of the 2014 season. Of course, there's no way of ever knowing, but a thought nonetheless.

Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 02:35:37 PM
I guess what I'm saying is that I can't think of any teams that have a significantly better chance than Tufts.  There's probably at least 8-10 teams that have a good chance and probably one or two that we aren't even thinking about.

Certainly don't disagree with that. As we all know, there is a ton of parity this year, and the Jumbos return a talented core of players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2015, 02:59:37 PM
Hoppenot is replaceable by Majumder. Majumder doesn't track back and press like Hoppenot but he can finish and score goals.

Santos is another story. Along with Tufts talented Midfield last year and this year for that matter you also need that "special" player who you can rely on to do something "special" when needed. Beating a couple guys 1v1, finishing a chance that most players would not be able to finish, etc. Santos has that quality that is not easily replaced.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 30, 2015, 03:20:29 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 02:46:26 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 02:26:13 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 02:17:28 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 02:09:58 PM
ECSU, the irony is that Tufts arguably is better than they were at this exact same time last year.  The Jumbos unquestionably are among the top handful of teams in the country.
So another National Championship for the Jumbo eh? That remains to be seen!!

Didn't say that because the odds of any one team versus the field is low, especially this year, but I certainly think the Jumbos will be in the mix.  Of course I may be overly influenced by having just seen them live.

Tufts men's soccer comparison after 7 games:
Goals For vs Goals against
2014      2015
19-4        11-4
so how are they better this year vs last, they have scored almost half as many goals this year, perhaps even vs weaker competition!

This is getting convoluted.  I didn't say they are better or better than they were at the end of last season.  I said an argument could be made.  Just a week ago folks were insisting that Tufts had to be ranked #1 in both polls.  Last year at this time I don't think they were even in the RV category.  Not saying that was right but it was the facts.  And yes, they lost some key players, but so did a lot of good teams.  Consider what Messiah lost.  And I agree about Santos.   I got killed on this board right around this time last year for questioning why Santos wasn't starting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 03:30:19 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 02:46:26 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 02:26:13 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 02:17:28 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 02:09:58 PM
ECSU, the irony is that Tufts arguably is better than they were at this exact same time last year.  The Jumbos unquestionably are among the top handful of teams in the country.
So another National Championship for the Jumbo eh? That remains to be seen!!

Didn't say that because the odds of any one team versus the field is low, especially this year, but I certainly think the Jumbos will be in the mix.  Of course I may be overly influenced by having just seen them live.

Tufts men's soccer comparison after 7 games:
Goals For vs Goals against
2014      2015
19-4        11-4
so how are they better this year vs last, they have scored almost half as many goals this year, perhaps even vs weaker competition!

Look, There is no doubt that the Jumbos are a fine soccer team and may very well be in the elite 8 or final 4 this year, ( I would bet money they don't repeat), they are well coached and Coach Shapiro always does a great job backfilling the graduating class, but last year they scored 8 goals vs UM Boston, who, maybe had an off game on D but were not a bad side, and this year scored 1 goal vs Plymouth State, who, although not terrible, lets face it, are not a NE powerhouse! 
I agree with Mr Right in that against a big, tall, strong backfield and goalkeeper, the Jumbos may have difficulties scoring enough goals to win.
NCAC NE, I think we can agree that straight stats may not be the best indicator so early in the season and that a lot of intangibles and a bit of luck comes into play by the end of the season
We will just have to see how it all plays out!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 30, 2015, 03:36:46 PM
I'm so disappointed Kenyon isn't playing that I'll just go ahead and argue a little more :)

Brandeis only beat Bridgewater State, Nichols and Clark 1-0.  Last year, when the Judges were considered a very strong contender for the Final Four and I believe ranked #1 in New England, they beat Mt Ida 1-0 for heaven's sakes.  Not sure comparing scores like that works.

And who would you bet money will win the tournament at this point?

I'm not betting Tufts is going to repeat either, but just a short week ago Tufts was considered da bomb.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 30, 2015, 03:51:37 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 03:36:46 PM
I'm so disappointed Kenyon isn't playing that I'll just go ahead and argue a little more :)

Brandeis only beat Bridgewater State, Nichols and Clark 1-0.  Last year, when the Judges were considered a very strong contender for the Final Four and I believe ranked #1 in New England, they beat Mt Ida 1-0 for heaven's sakes.  Not sure comparing scores like that works.

And who would you bet money will win the tournament at this point?

I'm not betting Tufts is going to repeat either, but just a short week ago Tufts was considered da bomb.

I wouldn't bet on any one team winning it. First, Wheaton Illinois was the "bomb", then Loras, then Tufts, now Amherst or Kenyon.   And yes, Tufts lost players like other teams (though I believe Kayne and Brown were the second and third leading scorers last year).  The loss of the central defenders were just as important as Santos........  The winner will probably be a team not mentioned in my first sentence...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2015, 04:09:55 PM
Bowdoin at Husson has been postponed. No idea why since Husson plays on turf
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2015, 04:33:00 PM
I did not catch the Tufts v Wesleyan game yesterday but after reading the recap I did not realize the game was called after the 1st OT due to darkness. I would not think it gets pitch black dark until 6:45pm-7:00pm. This game started at 4:30pm so I am confused on why the game was called. Some refs will defer to the coaches and some of the veteran refs will call it themselves. I would imagine that Wheeler for Wesleyan was happy with a 0-0 draw so he might not of cared but Shaprio at Tufts might have wanted to continue. That is just a guess but actually if Wesleyan had some good opportunities than maybe Wheeler would wanted to finish it.

Either way if darkness is an issue there is no reason for this game to have started at 4:30pm. It should have started at 4pm. In the first place this matchup between Tufts v Wesleyan should not be a midweek fixture. It was last year for the first time. Mid week fixtures should be only games 1 hour apart. Maybe a Conn v Wesleyan or Trinity v Wesleyan but not Tufts v Wesleyan. This should be a back to back game on a Sat / Sun..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 30, 2015, 04:49:12 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 30, 2015, 03:36:46 PM
I'm so disappointed Kenyon isn't playing that I'll just go ahead and argue a little more :)

Brandeis only beat Bridgewater State, Nichols and Clark 1-0.  Last year, when the Judges were considered a very strong contender for the Final Four and I believe ranked #1 in New England, they beat Mt Ida 1-0 for heaven's sakes.  Not sure comparing scores like that works.

And who would you bet money will win the tournament at this point?

I'm not betting Tufts is going to repeat either, but just a short week ago Tufts was considered da bomb.

As I have stated in the past re top 25 polls, which supposedly provides an indication of team strength, the only important one is the final, however to your point above, having a small sample of games/stats/info has never stopped anyone on this or any other thread from debating who the best NCAA D-III soccer team in the country currently is.  You would have to have the time to actually watch many many matches, which IMHO, is the best way to evaluate and debate a teams potential  at any given time vs the rest of the field.  Most of us don't have that luxury, so its always a matter of opinion, which ideally should be aired freely on these threads.  Good Luck to the Jumbos this year!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2015, 04:51:45 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 30, 2015, 04:33:00 PM
I did not catch the Tufts v Wesleyan game yesterday but after reading the recap I did not realize the game was called after the 1st OT due to darkness. I would not think it gets pitch black dark until 6:45pm-7:00pm. This game started at 4:30pm so I am confused on why the game was called. Some refs will defer to the coaches and some of the veteran refs will call it themselves. I would imagine that Wheeler for Wesleyan was happy with a 0-0 draw so he might not of cared but Shaprio at Tufts might have wanted to continue. That is just a guess but actually if Wesleyan had some good opportunities than maybe Wheeler would wanted to finish it.

Either way if darkness is an issue there is no reason for this game to have started at 4:30pm. It should have started at 4pm. In the first place this matchup between Tufts v Wesleyan should not be a midweek fixture. It was last year for the first time. Mid week fixtures should be only games 1 hour apart. Maybe a Conn v Wesleyan or Trinity v Wesleyan but not Tufts v Wesleyan. This should be a back to back game on a Sat / Sun..

Ah, so that was it! Figured that I was missing something, as only one OT was played (I was going back-and-forth between the game and other tabs.) Didn't know if I had just missed the first OT, or if the game went quicker than I thought.

And normally I would agree that Wheeler would be happy with a point, but ACH fluffed a chance just before the end where Greenwood saved but he really should have scored. That said, 0-0 against Tufts is a good result for Wesleyan, especially on the balance of play.

Either way, you'd think they might have anticipated that it might go to 2OT? Sounds like awful planning by the athletic department, or whatever other powers that be.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2015, 04:59:01 PM
Well the Nescac office does all Nescac scheduling but certainly AD's and coaches can look at the conference schedule which is made in advance the year prior and talk to Nescac about any possible issues. I am not sure but I think the schools determine the time of the game.


On another Note:

A small local newscast had a short highlights or lowlights for the Hamilton keeper of the Midd v Hamilton game

http://www.wcax.com/story/30147096/middlebury-soccer-doubles-up-on-hamilton



Someone needs to tell the Hamilton keeper not to stand planted on the 6 yard box.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: greenoguy on October 01, 2015, 11:20:29 AM
I know Hamilton's not doing well right now, but I won't accept the argument that they don't have talent.  Every team in the NESCAC has talent.  Hamilton can move the ball they just need to do it more.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2015, 12:16:05 PM
From what I have seen of Hamilton they do try to possess, I will give them props for that but they just do not have the talent yet to win in Nescac. They have been an afterthought since joining Nescac in 2011. They did graduate a lot of good players from a decent 2014 side so they are young. If Trinity was not such a disorganized mess than Hamilton would finish in the basement but because Pilger cannot organize Trinity and really recruit like he should, Hamilton might finish above Trinity. That being said, Trinity has more talent than Hamilton IMO
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 01, 2015, 12:35:31 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 01, 2015, 12:16:05 PM
From what I have seen of Hamilton they do try to possess, I will give them props for that but they just do not have the talent yet to win in Nescac. They have been an afterthought since joining Nescac in 2011. They did graduate a lot of good players from a decent 2014 side so they are young. If Trinity was not such a disorganized mess than Hamilton would finish in the basement but because Pilger cannot organize Trinity and really recruit like he should, Hamilton might finish above Trinity. That being said, Trinity has more talent than Hamilton IMO

agree.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2015, 01:55:02 PM
Saturday Prediction: Home team listed first.

Midd v Colby                           1-0                   A matchup of two teams who rely on long throwers for some of their goals. This game will be closer than most expect. Colby will have a tough time creating anything going forward against Midd's defense but they will have some chances off set pieces.  If Stanton for Colby is injured that will hurt but they will stay very compact defensively and they are organized enough to frustrate Midd. All that being said, Midd just has more talent and will find a way to score early and keep Colby at bay.

Hamilton v Wesleyan               0-1            Another game that will be tighter than people may think. Hamilton has a knack of playing well at home and Wesleyan could be over confident against Hamilton because of their SOLID effort v Tufts. Wesleyan's keeper this year has been a nice surprise as he is playing very well. In Wheeler's system you need a good keeper behind his solid and organized back 4. Wesleyan always attacks with 5 and defends with 5 like most teams. They are structurally more set up in a 4-1-4-1 but attacking they look like a 4-4-1-1. This game will be no picnic as the longer Hamilton stays in the game the more frustrated Wesleyan will get. The frosh Pez will net the gamewinner.

Williams v Conn                      2-0           Williams gets back on track v Conn. I think Williams GK and backline have enough quality to thwart anything that Conn has going forward. With a week to think about a horrendous weekend Williams comes out pumped up and focused. Rashid and Moutenot get on the score sheet as they can take Conn's wingbacks 1v1. One thing to watch for is Sullivan's lineup. He must be thinking about some changes after last week and who will or will not be sacked.

Bates v Trinity                        1-2           This is Trinity's 2nd trip to Maine this year because of an unfair scheduling quirk. This is the game that Trinity wakes up and plays to its potential. They looked uninterested and unmotivated against Conn mid-week. Let's see if Pilger can get these guys going. If Bates wins they will have to be considered for a national ranking, something almost unthinkable at the beginning of the year.

Amherst v Tufts                      2-0          Game of the week. Both teams have played a couple games in the past week and both I feel will be tired a bit. Who is the fittest team? That might prove to be the X factor in this game. NPL, Martin and Singer is a forward line that has to be considered  Top 3 in the country. NPL was not that active against WPI and Martin was unheard from until his blazing run down the right flank to hit Singer with the game winner. That is all that matters with strikers as you can disappear all game and out of nowhere STRIKE.  Amherst will be xtra pumped for this one and I believe will overwhelm Tufts at home. Bean and Okijama can handle Majumder and Tufts will find it hard to break down Amherst's D.

Sunday:

Hamilton v Tufts                     0-2             This will be Tufts 4th game in 8 days and that is asking a lot. Throw in the amount of travel the past days and you have a tired bunch. Hamilton is basically playing for pride at this point as after Saturday they might not be able to see the 8th seed even if they squint. Tufts bounces back and rights the ship
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2015, 02:16:42 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 01, 2015, 01:09:38 PM
Mr.Right, how would you rank top 5 GKs in NESCAC?




Ranking based on THIS year alone, not career or potential.  I will copy and paste on Nescac board as really this is a Nescac issue

1. Midd-                   Greg Sydor
2. Amherst-              Tom Bull
3. Tufts-                   Scott Greenwodd
4. Wesleyan              Jack Katkavich
5. Williams               Christian Alcorn


Stevie Van Siclen is one of the best goalies in the league but has not quite played up to potential this year. Also, I was kind of harsh in my critique at the beginning of the year of Conn's Austin Dacunha as he is beginning to wear on me and I have seen him make some tremendous saves this year.

Trinity's Zabala makes some great saves but also makes some grave mistakes. That also goes for Bates GK Polito.

Not a fan of Pollack of Hamilton and Colby cannot figure out themselves who to start week in and week out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2015, 02:30:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 01, 2015, 02:16:42 PM
Ranking based on THIS year alone, not career or potential.  I will copy and paste on Nescac board as really this is a Nescac issue

1. Midd-                   Greg Sydor
2. Amherst-              Tom Bull
3. Tufts-                   Scott Greenwodd
4. Wesleyan              Jack Katkavich
5. Williams               Christian Alcorn


Stevie Van Siclen is one of the best goalies in the league but has not quite played up to potential this year.

I'd agree with this. Previously said that Bull was #1, and I think he and Sydor are the top two, but after watching Bull last night for the second time this year I think I would put Sydor ahead of him at the moment.

In comparing #2 vs. #3, Bull and Greenwood are very opposite 'keepers. I know I've slated Greenwood time and time again for his set piece issues, but he's probably a better pure shot-stopper than Bull. Bull, meanwhile, is normally commanding in his own box, but last night had some issues. Still, he's a good shot-stopper and is handily better than Greenwood on high balls - and given the importance of defending set plays in the NESCAC, this is more crucial than in other leagues.

Really hope that Bowdoin turns the corner, because Van Siclen is a fantastic talent. To be fair to him, his defense was much more solid (in the latter part of) last year - I think Goitia was an underrated player and really was the "leader" of that Bowdoin backline. They miss him for sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2015, 02:36:08 PM
Agreed. Goitia is a big loss but I did not think it would be a loss to this extreme. Ben Brewster loss I can see but not Goitia.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2015, 09:32:46 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 01, 2015, 01:55:02 PM
If Bates wins they will have to be considered for a national ranking, something almost unthinkable at the beginning of the year.

This is a crazy thought to me, although you may be right. I'm well aware that I just wrote a praise-filled post about Bates, but the fact that they currently have the same record as Tufts of all teams has more to do with the caliber of opponents Bates has played rather than them being on equal levels. To be fair, Tufts up to this point hasn't really had a super difficult schedule aside from Brandeis and Wesleyan, either, but even with their defensive hiccups they're still a vastly superior side to Bates IMHO.

What "big wins" does Bates have so far? Sure, Williams was exciting and unexpected, but that was more based on historical sentiment than an actual giant slaying. This is a Williams team that is 3-4 so far, and while Bates was the underdog, it wasn't like they were playing a top-10 Williams side. The first talented team Bates played against - Wesleyan - they got hammered 5-0 away, illustrating major defensive deficiencies. They barely slipped by Thomas at home in OT, which is still more than Colby could do, but they've yet to face any of Tufts, Midd, or Amherst. Those three games are at home, sure, but the best I could see Bates doing in any of those is a draw. Knoth is a good striker but I have a feeling that all three of those teams could mark him out of the game. Same thing with Merchant - good player, not great. Conn and even Colby away will be tough, given the in-state rivalry. The reality is that there are no easy games in the NESCAC, but Bates still has the toughest part of its schedule to come, and the picture quickly becomes ominous.

On the flip side, there are a lot of two-loss and three-loss teams nationally, and Bates is currently not one of them. Furthermore, the Bobcats have already eclipsed their win totals from each of the last five years. So maybe they are onto something.

Hey, if Bates goes on a run and does well, I'll give credit where it's due, but the fact that they could even be in with a shout for a national ranking is an absolute farce at this point.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2015, 12:35:43 PM
Hey I am in total agreement with you Blooter but if they can somehow go 1-1-1 against Midd, Tufts and Amherst and beat Conn away than they will have an excellent chance at a Pool C. That of course is not realistic and my guess is they go 0-4-0 against those 4 teams and sneak the 7th seed in the tournament and lose in 1st round to the #2 seed and their season will end on Halloween 10-31-2015 and we will forget all about Bates....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2015, 01:29:54 PM
Fair point. Regardless, will make for good viewing.

What are the chances of some games getting moved to artificial turf tomorrow? I know we spoke of Amherst potentially doing that against Tufts, but what schools would be able or be willing to do that?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2015, 02:15:12 PM
I have heard Western Mass is not going to get as much rain as the Boston area / coastal areas. I am not sure how much rain has already fallen though. Amherst and Williams fields do not drain well so I either could move their games if needed but I do not think they will. If Amherst does move it to turf I feel that will be to Tufts advantage a bit.

Not sure about Western NY either but I do not believe Hamilton has a turf field option. someone can correct me if I am wrong
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 02, 2015, 02:57:26 PM
Hamilton has a turf field behind the soccer field, but in my experience it has been used exclusively for football (which has a home game tomorrow anyway).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2015, 03:50:15 PM
Yes you are correct but I do not think they can use that field for soccer. It might have lacrosse lines but not soccer. I would imagine Hamilton's field drains decently well even though there is a hill behind the field, the track must soak up a bunch of water
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 11:03:10 AM
Midd v Colby ready to kick off..Of course the SUN is out in Middlebury, VT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 11:10:28 AM
1-0 Midd..Corner and a great header by a Colby defender into his own net....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 11:15:37 AM
Colby has a great chance but A GREAT save by Sydor.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 03, 2015, 11:21:54 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 01, 2015, 02:30:46 PM

I'd agree with this. Previously said that Bull was #1, and I think he and Sydor are the top two, but after watching Bull last night for the second time this year I think I would put Sydor ahead of him at the moment.

Sydor has 3 ga; Bull has 2. Feel significant that it's Hamilton that scores twice against Sydor.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 11:50:58 AM
Midd is dominating this game and are obviously so dangerous on set pieces and throw-ins, they have had a couple chances to make extend their lead. Colby had a great chance but a remarkable save by Sydor thwarted Colby's lone chance. Midd really needs to extend this lead as you need to bury a team like Colby not keep them in the game. Midd Frosh O'Grady having a nice half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 12:36:47 PM
Midd scores and goes up 2-0 with about 25 minutes left..ONCE AGAIN a defense caught napping / losing concentration. Nice ball by Deklan Robinson over Colby's back line into the feet of Glaser and he buries it.  All 4 defenders caught ball watching and a nice touch by Glaser to take a 40 yard ball of his foot and bury it.

Hook-Line-Sinker...This game is done..25 minutes left 2-0 Midd. No way Colby's anemic offense gets 2 back. I would bet my soul on it.

This was an absolutely dominating performance by MIDD. They are looking very dangerous come November, especially on their home turf
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 03, 2015, 01:03:16 PM
Colby in shambles at the moment, with some key injuries.  Looks like some of the freshmen are starting to get discouraged.  They may lose out unless they get a result very soon.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 03, 2015, 01:18:33 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 03, 2015, 11:21:54 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 01, 2015, 02:30:46 PM

I'd agree with this. Previously said that Bull was #1, and I think he and Sydor are the top two, but after watching Bull last night for the second time this year I think I would put Sydor ahead of him at the moment.

Sydor has 3 ga; Bull has 2. Feel significant that it's Hamilton that scores twice against Sydor.

Steady downpour during the Hamilton game; second goal was late and slipped through Sydor's hands with the game standing at 4-1. Perhaps slight lack of concentration coupled with a very slippery ball.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 02:34:27 PM
Willians v Conn   0-0 at the Half....

Conn absolutely without questioned dominated the 1st half. If someone was keeping possession stats it might be 70%-30% Conn. They have come out onto Cole Field and have played an excellent brand of futbol. They are keeping the ball on the ground and working everything thru Devlin in midfield. They have their wing backs coming up into attack and causing problems for the Ephs. I remember not to long ago when WILLIAMS USED TO DOMINATE AND POSSESS like Conn just did in the 1st half.

Devlin is playing like a candidate for Nescac POY as he has looked very dangerous all half distributing and getting a couple shots off. The Frosh Lockwood looks ok with #3 Daniel Adair also having a good half. All tat being said with Conn dominating possession, they have not gotten to many dangerous shots off all half. They have had 3 dangerous chances all half. Devlin found #17 Christian Murphy WIDE open on the left side of net with no defenders around him and just absolutely flubbed it over the net.  A couple corners and long throws have had some shots and a header that Williams GK Christian Alcorn made a great save on. Conn should be up 2-0.

Williams again came out sluggish and could not connect 3 straight passes together, Sullivan started 3 Frosh LB Amdreau and #2 Sean Dory and #3 Scatt McDonald. NO one on Williams has played well except #8 Geoff Danilack. Sisco has really gotten nothing done the past 5 games and at this point in his career looks to be overrated. Williams needs Sullivan to LIGHT into them at halftime to get them going.

Conn is possessing like they never have before. They look like old Williams sides or Tufts and Brandeis. They look good but they have 3 Problems

1. They have no legit striker who can finish. They have played some beautiful balls in the box and Devlin is pplaying out of his mind but no one that I can see is a great finisher.

2. Conn's wing backs attack very well but I am still not sure about their backline defensively. #8 Patch and #24 Sommers are good and Sommers is fast but good teams could take advantage of them defensively IMO.

3. GK DaCunha is ok but to me looks like at anytime could make a fatal mistake. If I was coaching this team he would worry me just a bit.

Wind looks to be playing a factor so let's see if Williams can pick it up in the 2nd half or will Conn continue to dominate and finish one off and get out of Williamstown with a W
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 02:36:06 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 02:34:27 PM
Willians v Conn   0-0 at the Half....

Conn absolutely without questioned dominated the 1st half. If someone was keeping possession stats it might be 70%-30% Conn. They have come out onto Cole Field and have played an excellent brand of futbol. They are keeping the ball on the ground and working everything thru Devlin in midfield. They have their wing backs coming up into attack and causing problems for the Ephs. I remember not to long ago when WILLIAMS USED TO DOMINATE AND POSSESS like Conn just did in the 1st half.

Devlin is playing like a candidate for Nescac POY as he has looked very dangerous all half distributing and getting a couple shots off. The Frosh Lockwood looks ok with #3 Daniel Adair also having a good half. All tat being said with Conn dominating possession, they have not gotten to many dangerous shots off all half. They have had 3 dangerous chances all half. Devlin found #17 Christian Murphy WIDE open on the left side of net with no defenders around him and just absolutely flubbed it over the net.  A couple corners and long throws have had some shots and a header that Williams GK Christian Alcorn made a great save on. Conn should be up 2-0.

Williams again came out sluggish and could not connect 3 straight passes together, Sullivan started 3 Frosh LB Amdreau and #2 Sean Dory and #3 Scatt McDonald. NO one on Williams has played well except #8 Geoff Danilack. Sisco has really gotten nothing done the past 5 games and at this point in his career looks to be overrated. Williams needs Sullivan to LIGHT into them at halftime to get them going.

Conn is possessing like they never have before. They look like old Williams sides or Tufts and Brandeis. They look good but they have 3 Problems

1. They have no legit striker who can finish. They have played some beautiful balls in the box and Devlin is pplaying out of his mind but no one that I can see is a great finisher.

2. Conn's wing backs attack very well but I am still not sure about their backline defensively. #8 Patch and #24 Sommers are good and Sommers is fast but good teams could take advantage of them defensively IMO.

3. GK DaCunha is ok but to me looks like at anytime could make a fatal mistake. If I was coaching this team he would worry me just a bit.

Wind looks to be playing a factor so let's see if Williams can pick it up in the 2nd half or will Conn continue to dominate and finish one off and get out of Williamstown with a W

I've said before that Conn is good this year...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 03:11:55 PM
After that halftime rave about Conn, the 2nd half has been more even with the game staying in the middle of the field with few chances.


Williams takes the lead with 15 minutes to go in the game. A soft throw-in in Conn defensive 3rd by Gikandi of Conn gets won by Williams and a nice ball was sent down the flank to Rashid and he made a great run and sent an even better ball into the middle of the box and was finished off by Frosh Harrison Fyke. After the goal, Williams has picked it up and is playing much better.

Conn will be massively disappointed if they do not get anything out of this game as they absolutely dominated the 1st half but could not finish their chances and kept Williams in the game. One play was all Williams needed. Now let's see if Williams can hold the lead, which has also been their major problem this year.


1-1 Conn at Williams...Conn scores 5 minutes after Williams..


Of course 2 minutes later an innocent enough looking ball down the right flank was sent into the box by Frosh Leon(a great ball) to Matthew Bitchell and he stuck with it and won a tackle from a Williams defender which was a "soft" tackle by Williams and Bitchell finishes it off....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 03:28:48 PM
2 heavyweights going at it in Amherst. 0-0 at half. Field just a little slippery. Very good defensive battle. Amherst maybe with more chances and Tufts showing good possession in some spurts. Patel with a good defensive play. Amherst has the height but tufts has won many balls. The ref is letting them play a bit. Kayne was mugged a couple of times with no call but he has still managed some some good passes. Amherst needs to use their height more and tufts needs to play thru the middle more...of course, that's easy to say and harder to do against these fine teams...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 04:00:00 PM
Williams v Conn 1-1 Final...Both teams get a point but Conn outplayed Williams the whole 1st half. The 2nd half was more even. The OT underachieving Mark Sisco missed an absolute sitter right infront of the net with only DaCahuna in front of him. It looked to be a foul but was not called and he was in only to hit it over the net. Conn unfortunate to not get 3 pts and Williams fortunate to get 1 pt. The OT I felt Williams had more of the play as Conn looked gassed but they did have a mid-week battle with Trinity so they might have started to get heavy legs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 04:02:26 PM
Trinity CT finally gets a Win in Nescac play at Bates 2-1. Now they are in contention for a top 8 finish. Like most of us predicted Bates could take a precipitous fall the rest of the way as their schedule only gets harder. That could be a big win for Trinity come November 1st if Bates and Trinity have the same record the tie breaker will go to Trinity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 04:14:53 PM
Just tuned into this Amherst v Tufts game and it is 0-0 with about 20 minutes left and both teams have had some great chances but could not finish. NPL again playing extremely well from what I have seen. Martin almost got a half bike off but it went wide.

Tufts Patel saves Tufts with 30 seconds left to clear a ball going into the net past Greenwood off the line..Heading into OT...Both teams played mid-week so no clear cut advantage for either
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 04:28:24 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 04:14:53 PM
Just tuned into this Amherst v Tufts game and it is 0-0 with about 20 minutes left and both teams have had some great chances but could not finish. NPL again playing extremely well from what I have seen. Martin almost got a half bike off but it went wide.

Tufts Patel saves Tufts with 30 seconds left to clear a ball going into the net past Greenwood off the line..Heading into OT...Both teams played mid-week so no clear cut advantage for either

Patel has made 2 great plays. Very physical game and ref really letting them play
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 04:47:50 PM
Some fist a cuffs almost breaks out in OT...Martin was involved and is a somewhat dirty player after whistle's. These teams do have bad blood as each teams fans in 2013 almost had fist a cuffs after a Tufts v Amherst game..It is hard for any neutral observer to root for Amherst, not because they have been winning Nescac Titles and not for their style of play but for their bench antics and dirty plays during games. Sometimes it gets to be embarrassing that they represent Nescac with these type of actions. I used to get really annoyed by it in the beginning of Serpone's tenure when all this started but now its comical and eventually will come back to bite them IMO...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 03, 2015, 04:52:02 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 04:47:50 PM
Some fist a cuffs almost breaks out in OT...Martin was involved and is a somewhat dirty player after whistle's. These teams do have bad blood as each teams fans in 2013 almost had fist a cuffs after a Tufts v Amherst game..It is hard for any neutral observer to root for Amherst, not because they have been winning Nescac Titles and not for their style of play but for their bench antics and dirty plays during games. Sometimes it gets to be embarrassing that they represent Nescac with these type of actions. I used to get really annoyed by it in the beginning of Serpone's tenure when all this started but now its comical and eventually will come back to bite them IMO...

Completely agree.  I've been saying the same thing for the last few years.  I've never seen a more disrespectful program than Amherst.  I honestly don't know how the bench is not carded every single game.  If you've ever watched a video feed with the camera set up right behind the bench you'd know that it's 10x worse than what you see and hear now. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 04:53:30 PM
What a great goal by NPL and win for Amherst...NPL is just playing out of his mind this year..I really enjoy watching him play...IMO he is surpassing the play in 2012 of Spencer Noon. If NPL continues to play like this and gets the support from Singer, Martin and Rico , Amherst has a great chance to win the NCAA tournament for the 1st time. I also thought a KEY player who has come back from injury and plays with heart and passion was #28 Bryce Ciambella. He's a tough kid


That has got to sting for Tufts who are 0-2-1 in their last 3 games against sold competition.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 04:55:22 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 04:47:50 PM
Some fist a cuffs almost breaks out in OT...Martin was involved and is a somewhat dirty player after whistle's. These teams do have bad blood as each teams fans in 2013 almost had fist a cuffs after a Tufts v Amherst game..It is hard for any neutral observer to root for Amherst, not because they have been winning Nescac Titles and not for their style of play but for their bench antics and dirty plays during games. Sometimes it gets to be embarrassing that they represent Nescac with these type of actions. I used to get really annoyed by it in the beginning of Serpone's tenure when all this started but now its comical and eventually will come back to bite them IMO...

Wow, Tufts dominates second overtime but on a defensive mistake NPL picks it up and scores with under 4 minutes. Brown had a good chance. I was ready to name
Patel man of the match until that goal. NPL and Kayne played well in the middle. Hard one to lose..definitely thought it would end 0-0.  Martin and singer didn't over impress in this one...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 04:55:39 PM
Quote from: stlawus on October 03, 2015, 04:52:02 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 04:47:50 PM
Some fist a cuffs almost breaks out in OT...Martin was involved and is a somewhat dirty player after whistle's. These teams do have bad blood as each teams fans in 2013 almost had fist a cuffs after a Tufts v Amherst game..It is hard for any neutral observer to root for Amherst, not because they have been winning Nescac Titles and not for their style of play but for their bench antics and dirty plays during games. Sometimes it gets to be embarrassing that they represent Nescac with these type of actions. I used to get really annoyed by it in the beginning of Serpone's tenure when all this started but now its comical and eventually will come back to bite them IMO...

Completely agree.  I've been saying the same thing for the last few years.  I've never seen a more disrespectful program than Amherst.  I honestly don't know how the bench is not carded every single game.  If you've ever watched a video feed with the camera set up right behind the bench you'd know that it's 10x worse than what you see and hear now.


Believe me I have seen it for years but am almost immune at this point. You would think a school of Amherst stature would come down hard on these type of antics but the President doesn't care, I think she sits in a chair right on the touchline and watches the games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 05:05:27 PM
Quote from: stlawus on October 03, 2015, 04:52:02 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 04:47:50 PM
Some fist a cuffs almost breaks out in OT...Martin was involved and is a somewhat dirty player after whistle's. These teams do have bad blood as each teams fans in 2013 almost had fist a cuffs after a Tufts v Amherst game..It is hard for any neutral observer to root for Amherst, not because they have been winning Nescac Titles and not for their style of play but for their bench antics and dirty plays during games. Sometimes it gets to be embarrassing that they represent Nescac with these type of actions. I used to get really annoyed by it in the beginning of Serpone's tenure when all this started but now its comical and eventually will come back to bite them IMO...

Completely agree.  I've been saying the same thing for the last few years.  I've never seen a more disrespectful program than Amherst.  I honestly don't know how the bench is not carded every single game.  If you've ever watched a video feed with the camera set up right behind the bench you'd know that it's 10x worse than what you see and hear now.

Unfortunately, it is so embarrassing and common that it has becoming a running joke. It shouldn't be considered a joke though. He ca act that way all he wants and they can play the long chippy style and win....but take note...Serpone has no ncaa ring....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 03, 2015, 05:16:59 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 05:05:27 PM
Unfortunately, it is so embarrassing and common that it has becoming a running joke. It shouldn't be considered a joke though. He ca act that way all he wants and they can play the long chippy style and win....but take note...Serpone has no ncaa ring....

It's even more embarrassing to hear people try to justify it, really. Sure, there's a certain amount of that kind of behavior anywhere, but when it's as much and as consistent as happens at Amherst, it crosses the line. Was quite happy when Brandeis knocked them out last year, I wasn't at the game but I was watching on video and annoyed with the antics.

Tactically speaking, to Amherst's credit, the Jeffs get off a surprising # of shots, so I don't think we can exactly call them a "park the bus" team, but when they run into a more technically-sound program that can match them physically, they're going to have problems. They certainly know how to win clutch games, which you need to do, but I don't think they have the technical ability to win a national championship (I could well be proven wrong, but I personally believe that a team has to possess a certain amount of technical ability, and I don't think NPL alone is enough in that department - Martin is fast, Singer is effective, but NPL is the only player I'd call technically adept.) The rock 'em-sock 'em approach certainly works against teams in which Amherst is either technically or physically better, as it is an imposing style, but when they start to run into teams that are as physical and more technical, then you get found out really quick.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 05:20:44 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 03, 2015, 05:16:59 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 05:05:27 PM
Unfortunately, it is so embarrassing and common that it has becoming a running joke. It shouldn't be considered a joke though. He ca act that way all he wants and they can play the long chippy style and win....but take note...Serpone has no ncaa ring....

It's even more embarrassing to hear people try to justify it, really. Sure, there's a certain amount of that kind of behavior anywhere, but when it's as much and as consistent as happens at Amherst, it crosses the line. Was quite happy when Brandeis knocked them out last year, I wasn't at the game but I was watching on video and annoyed with the antics.

Tactically speaking, to Amherst's credit, the Jeffs get off a surprising # of shots, so I don't think we can exactly call them a "park the bus" team, but when they run into a more technically-sound program that can match them physically, they're going to have problems. They certainly know how to win clutch games, which you need to do, but I don't think they have the technical ability to win a national championship (I could well be proven wrong, but I personally believe that a team has to possess a certain amount of technical ability.) The rock 'em-sock 'em approach certainly works against teams in which Amherst is either technically or physically better, as it is an imposing style, but when they start to run into teams that are as physical and more technical, then you get found out really quick.

Totally agree with the analysis.... The game was a real battle...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 03, 2015, 05:21:44 PM
At this point I'm just a bit baffled that the NCAA hasn't stepped in to at least address the problem.  I remember last year SLU hosted the first 2 rounds of the NCAA tournament, and Amherst was playing the second game.  After SLU won I headed home because it was so cold, but Amherst and Fitchburg St were warming up on the practice fields below Sandy.  As the Amherst players made the walk up to the field, they were all actively taunting the Fitchburg players as they warmed up.  It's beyond the point of being ridiculous. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 05:38:54 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 03, 2015, 05:16:59 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 05:05:27 PM
Unfortunately, it is so embarrassing and common that it has becoming a running joke. It shouldn't be considered a joke though. He ca act that way all he wants and they can play the long chippy style and win....but take note...Serpone has no ncaa ring....

It's even more embarrassing to hear people try to justify it, really. Sure, there's a certain amount of that kind of behavior anywhere, but when it's as much and as consistent as happens at Amherst, it crosses the line. Was quite happy when Brandeis knocked them out last year, I wasn't at the game but I was watching on video and annoyed with the antics.

Tactically speaking, to Amherst's credit, the Jeffs get off a surprising # of shots, so I don't think we can exactly call them a "park the bus" team, but when they run into a more technically-sound program that can match them physically, they're going to have problems. They certainly know how to win clutch games, which you need to do, but I don't think they have the technical ability to win a national championship (I could well be proven wrong, but I personally believe that a team has to possess a certain amount of technical ability, and I don't think NPL alone is enough in that department - Martin is fast, Singer is effective, but NPL is the only player I'd call technically adept.) The rock 'em-sock 'em approach certainly works against teams in which Amherst is either technically or physically better, as it is an imposing style, but when they start to run into teams that are as physical and more technical, then you get found out really quick.




Blooter,

How many teams would you guess are out there that can match Amherst physicality and skill?  I would guess maybe 5-10. This year there is so much parity that this could be the year they pull it off. I do believe you all are underestimating Amherst technical ability a little. The problem is that they do impose their will against teams as best as any team in the country. They force you out of your comfort zone which is an underrated +..Yes they have been eliminated by more technical sides in 2012 and 2013 by Williams and 2014 by Brandeis but their fortune might change this year. Who knows...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 05:41:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 05:38:54 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 03, 2015, 05:16:59 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 05:05:27 PM
Unfortunately, it is so embarrassing and common that it has becoming a running joke. It shouldn't be considered a joke though. He ca act that way all he wants and they can play the long chippy style and win....but take note...Serpone has no ncaa ring....

It's even more embarrassing to hear people try to justify it, really. Sure, there's a certain amount of that kind of behavior anywhere, but when it's as much and as consistent as happens at Amherst, it crosses the line. Was quite happy when Brandeis knocked them out last year, I wasn't at the game but I was watching on video and annoyed with the antics.

Tactically speaking, to Amherst's credit, the Jeffs get off a surprising # of shots, so I don't think we can exactly call them a "park the bus" team, but when they run into a more technically-sound program that can match them physically, they're going to have problems. They certainly know how to win clutch games, which you need to do, but I don't think they have the technical ability to win a national championship (I could well be proven wrong, but I personally believe that a team has to possess a certain amount of technical ability, and I don't think NPL alone is enough in that department - Martin is fast, Singer is effective, but NPL is the only player I'd call technically adept.) The rock 'em-sock 'em approach certainly works against teams in which Amherst is either technically or physically better, as it is an imposing style, but when they start to run into teams that are as physical and more technical, then you get found out really quick.

Right, how do us think it would go if they played Tufts again on Tufts field or a neutral or turf field?




Blooter,

How many teams would you guess are out there that can match Amherst physicality and skill?  I would guess maybe 5-10. This year there is so much parity that this could be the year they pull it off. I do believe you all are underestimating Amherst technical ability a little. The problem is that they do impose their will against teams as best as any team in the country. They force you out of your comfort zone which is an underrated +..Yes they have been eliminated by more technical sides in 2012 and 2013 by Williams and 2014 by Brandeis but their fortune might change this year. Who knows...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 03, 2015, 06:10:57 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 05:41:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 05:38:54 PM
Blooter,

How many teams would you guess are out there that can match Amherst physicality and skill?  I would guess maybe 5-10. This year there is so much parity that this could be the year they pull it off. I do believe you all are underestimating Amherst technical ability a little. The problem is that they do impose their will against teams as best as any team in the country. They force you out of your comfort zone which is an underrated +..Yes they have been eliminated by more technical sides in 2012 and 2013 by Williams and 2014 by Brandeis but their fortune might change this year. Who knows...
Right, how do us think it would go if they played Tufts again on Tufts field or a neutral or turf field?

I'd say 5-10 as well. You are probably right that I undersold them technically, but I've watched them several times and have never been impressed by their play - the way they play the ball forward often is very direct, and while they are powerful and fast enough to saw their way through a team that plays defensively, the teams that can retain the ball and match them athletically are able to cut off their passing routes and give themselves a great chance. It's very possible could be wrong, and this could be the year that it all changes, but based on what I've seen so far I'm not sold. From my observation of them, if Amherst has a significant advantage in either A. skill or B. athleticism, they tend to win, but if the other team can match them in one department and beat them in the other, then that's when they run into trouble.

Nutmeg - on a neutral pitch or Kraft Field, I would give a slight edge to Tufts, just because I think Tufts is every bit as athletic (even if not the same team size as Amherst) and more skilled. Even at Hitchcock today, they had a couple of good chances in the OT periods today and I think better finishing could have seen them steal it. Excellent finish by NPL for the winner, though - Amherst probably just deserved to shade it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2015, 06:15:17 PM
Agreed blooter...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 03, 2015, 06:19:51 PM
On another note - it appears that Mr.Right hit the nail on the head with Bates vs. Trinity today not just in the score but en general. Always though the Bates start to the season was too good to be true, but their three big games - Tufts, Amherst, and Middlebury - are all at home so you never know (that said, I stand by my statement that I think the most they'll get from any of those three is a point.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 03, 2015, 07:01:49 PM
It really is amazing how perspective affects recall. Greenwood puts a hit on NPL during the opening minute of play. Thuggery that gets a warning from the ref. if it's a warning how is it not a foul for a pk? Tufts defender goes up with no attempt to play the ball and splits open Orozco's eyebrow. Antics. Leading to the "almost fisticuffs" #6 gives NPL nut tap while he's on the ground. Martin stands up to. Tufts player who puts his forehead on Martins forehead and you call out Martin as the aggressor?
Tufts had a well worked bid to goal in the 2nd OT for their only real threat in 2nd OT. Hardly dominant.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 03, 2015, 08:30:51 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on September 29, 2015, 11:57:56 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 07:32:15 PM
After watching the Wesleyan game and the Tufts vs Plymouth State game, not sure Tufts is a #1 in country team!!  Amherst should prevail when they play Saturday!!

Tufts has now gone 265 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  They are going to have to find a way out of that funk if they hope to prevail against Amherst.  That being said, ECSUalum may have the right pick for Saturday.

After today's loss, Tufts has now gone 371 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  That's the equivalent of over four full games without a goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 03, 2015, 09:06:19 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 03, 2015, 11:21:54 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 01, 2015, 02:30:46 PM

I'd agree with this. Previously said that Bull was #1, and I think he and Sydor are the top two, but after watching Bull last night for the second time this year I think I would put Sydor ahead of him at the moment.

Sydor has 3 ga; Bull has 2. Feel significant that it's Hamilton that scores twice against Sydor.

Disagree. Personally, I think that a weaker team scoring two goals against a GK has more to do with the defense being caught napping than anything the goalkeeper did. Less potent offenses can come up with wonder strikes that give the 'keeper no chance (I'm not saying that Hamilton's two were wonder goals, but IMHO goalkeepers should be judged upon the premises of "how much chance did he have with the shot, and did he do everything in his power to stop it?")

I've watched both extensively and my opinion that Bull is probably slightly more commanding on crosses and set pieces, but Sydor is a better shot-stopper to the point where I'd give it to Sydor. Nonetheless I think both are very good and the top two in the NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 03, 2015, 09:08:23 PM
Blooter,
In response to the first part of your post: What?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 09:08:46 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on October 03, 2015, 08:30:51 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on September 29, 2015, 11:57:56 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 07:32:15 PM
After watching the Wesleyan game and the Tufts vs Plymouth State game, not sure Tufts is a #1 in country team!!  Amherst should prevail when they play Saturday!!

Tufts has now gone 265 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  They are going to have to find a way out of that funk if they hope to prevail against Amherst.  That being said, ECSUalum may have the right pick for Saturday

After today's loss, Tufts has now gone 371 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  That's the equivalent of over four full games without a goal.

Noted, but they have played 3 great defensive teams in a row, one which will be no.1 and one probably in top 5... That has a little something to do with it...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 03, 2015, 09:24:18 PM
Jump4Joy,

You said that you feel it's "significant" that two of Sydor's three goals conceded were against Hamilton (thus implying he is inferior because he conceded two goals against a team who doesn't have a great attack.) I was saying that I don't think that is a logical way of judging one versus the other. The defense's inaction could have put the GK in a position where he couldn't have saved the shot - or two, in the case of Hamilton. It's very plausible that the Hamilton attack caught the Middlebury D napping (I didn't see the game so I don't know, but just saying I don't think it's all on Sydor that Middlebury conceded two goals against Hamilton.)

I very much understand you picking Bull because A. he is a very good goalkeeper, B. he plays for your team, and C. he has conceded less goals than Sydor so far this year :P; my opinion that Sydor is better comes from watching him and Bull several times in the past couple of years, although, again, I think both are excellent and definitely the top two in the NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 03, 2015, 09:27:28 PM
Blooter, Thanks for the follow up. I suppose to make a most accurate assessment of GKs, we'd have to see video of every save and every goal against. I doubt that happens at all-star meetings. Same goes for field players. Do we see video of the brilliant goals, the half chances converted, the clever touch that creates space. No. We're left to stats such as "game winners" if that. Moreso, we look at flat stats. Like Glaser's. Two Gs and two As at Colby-Sawyer. Two more Gs at Green Mountain. The totals at the end of the season will not break down that 10 of his points come during the likes of those two games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 03, 2015, 09:29:31 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 03, 2015, 09:27:28 PM
Blooter, Thanks for the follow up. I suppose to make a most accurate assessment of GKs, we'd have to see video of every save and every goal against. I doubt that happens at all-star meetings. Same goes for field players. Do we see video of the brilliant goals, the half chances converted, the clever touch that creates space. No. We're left to stats such as "game winners" if that. Moreso, we look at flat stats. Like Glaser's. Two Gs and two As at Colby-Sawyer. Two more Gs at Green Mountain. The totals at the end of the season will not break down that 10 of his points come during the likes of those two games.

That's fair. Would be great if we could perfect the process, but that will happen when pigs fly.  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 03, 2015, 09:35:21 PM
True story.
I should say that Sydor is a good keeper. Bull and Sydor are the top 2 from what I've seen so far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 04, 2015, 04:53:29 AM
Got a chance to watch the Amherst vs Tuft's battle on grass.  Arrived near the end of the 2nd half.  Stood awhile with  some Tuft's players...women players...and a coach.  Not as close as I liked due to nearby dorm construction.  Did see the players movement and flow of the game.  Was at the football game earlier.  After reading the earlier posts....I really suggest some posters go to see Amherst play live.  All this talk about the coach, sideline antics of players, etc. is a little over the top IMO.  Having watched Amherst play at WPI in a tough close away game...there was no sideline player antics...Amherst coaches were very quiet...maybe too passive at times.  In the time  I watched the game afar, I saw the coach talk to his key player alone and aside...before the first OT.  I heard him talking to the team before the first OT....saying to them...no scoring by Tuft's.  Did anyone see that online?  hear that ?  coaching moments.   Sideline players did get upset over no calls on teammates.  Saw the  scuffle that had the refs working and players separating players.
Bottom line...as in football games...it's different watching live and watching on a screen.  Believe it will make you a better poster and a better person to call out the action and not pounding on the coaches.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 04, 2015, 05:12:18 AM
Quote from: amh63 on October 04, 2015, 04:53:29 AM
Got a chance to watch the Amherst vs Tuft's battle on grass.  Arrived near the end of the 2nd half.  Stood awhile with  some Tuft's players...women players...and a coach.  Not as close as I liked due to nearby dorm construction.  Did see the players movement and flow of the game.  Was at the football game earlier.  After reading the earlier posts....I really suggest some posters go to see Amherst play live.  All this talk about the coach, sideline antics of players, etc. is a little over the top IMO.  Having watched Amherst play at WPI in a tough close away game...there was no sideline player antics...Amherst coaches were very quiet...maybe too passive at times.  In the time  I watched the game afar, I saw the coach talk to his key player alone and aside...before the first OT.  I heard him talking to the team before the first OT....saying to them...no scoring by Tuft's.  Did anyone see that online?  hear that ?  coaching moments.   Sideline players did get upset over no calls on teammates.  Saw the  scuffle that had the refs working and players separating players.
Bottom line...as in football games...it's different watching live and watching on a screen.  Believe it will make you a better poster and a better person to call out the action and not pounding on the coaches.

Totally agree with this. Surprised to see some of the posts on here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: backyarddawg on October 04, 2015, 08:11:45 AM
Amen Amh63

For all those haters out there who only come on this board and rip Amherst and Coach Serpone, you need to really be careful what you say.  As someone who has no ties to the program but has follows them, the hate towards them is because they win.   You ask anyone of his former players and what Coach Serpone does for them on and off the field is the most important thing.  The life lessons and drive to compete to their fullest. I've heard from multiple alums about  how their relationship w Coach Serpone will be forever.  Not many players leave a program saying that.  Remember it is more then about the wins and losses.

As for Stl the jealously of loosing to Amherst so many times in a row must hurt.   I was at the Amherst SLU game back in 2010 and the disrespect the SLU fans had  toward Amherst players was nothing to write home about so before you call out Amherst on you might want to check your own program out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 04, 2015, 11:08:53 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 03, 2015, 09:27:28 PM
Blooter, Thanks for the follow up. I suppose to make a most accurate assessment of GKs, we'd have to see video of every save and every goal against. I doubt that happens at all-star meetings. Same goes for field players. Do we see video of the brilliant goals, the half chances converted, the clever touch that creates space. No. We're left to stats such as "game winners" if that. Moreso, we look at flat stats. Like Glaser's. Two Gs and two As at Colby-Sawyer. Two more Gs at Green Mountain. The totals at the end of the season will not break down that 10 of his points come during the likes of those two games.

In case it was lost in yesterday's flurry of game reports, I'm reposting my comment on Sydor and the game v. Hamilton:

Steady downpour during the Hamilton game; second goal was late and slipped through Sydor's hands with the game standing at 4-1. Perhaps slight lack of concentration coupled with a very slippery ball.
---

Make of it what you will to support your respective arguments! :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on October 04, 2015, 11:14:52 AM
Quote from: backyarddawg on October 04, 2015, 08:11:45 AM
Amen Amh63

For all those haters out there who only come on this board and rip Amherst and Coach Serpone, you need to really be careful what you say.  As someone who has no ties to the program but has follows them, the hate towards them is because they win.   You ask anyone of his former players and what Coach Serpone does for them on and off the field is the most important thing.  The life lessons and drive to compete to their fullest. I've heard from multiple alums about  how their relationship w Coach Serpone will be forever.  Not many players leave a program saying that.  Remember it is more then about the wins and losses.

As for Stl the jealously of loosing to Amherst so many times in a row must hurt.   I was at the Amherst SLU game back in 2010 and the disrespect the SLU fans had  toward Amherst players was nothing to write home about so before you call out Amherst on you might want to check your own program out.

You're missing the point. No one is doubting Serpone cares about his own players and wants them to succeed after college. What bothers people is the over the top arrogance and extreme lack of sportsmanship that he encourages.

This observation is not affected by Amherst's W/L record. I played in the league from '08-'11, and during this time Amherst was always one of the top 3/4 programs, but was not viewed as the defacto best program. However, they were the only top program with such a poor reputation league-wide. It is absolutely deserved.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 04, 2015, 11:26:37 AM
Quote from: backyarddawg on October 04, 2015, 08:11:45 AM
Amen Amh63

For all those haters out there who only come on this board and rip Amherst and Coach Serpone, you need to really be careful what you say.  As someone who has no ties to the program but has follows them, the hate towards them is because they win.   You ask anyone of his former players and what Coach Serpone does for them on and off the field is the most important thing.  The life lessons and drive to compete to their fullest. I've heard from multiple alums about  how their relationship w Coach Serpone will be forever.  Not many players leave a program saying that.  Remember it is more then about the wins and losses.

As for Stl the jealously of loosing to Amherst so many times in a row must hurt.   I was at the Amherst SLU game back in 2010 and the disrespect the SLU fans had  toward Amherst players was nothing to write home about so before you call out Amherst on you might want to check your own program out.

I'm going to have to disagree with you here. This "hatred" toward Amherst and Coach Serpone is not because they win. It's how they win. (Or lose.) It's far too simplistic to say it's due to winning. Was the same hatred directed toward Coach Saward and the dominant Middlebury teams in the mid-2000s? Was it directed at the Panthers and Saward when they won a national championship? Is it directed at Tufts and Coach Shapiro? The defending national champions? Was it directed at Williams and Coach Russo when they won a national title in the mid-1990s?

No.

A constant for these Amherst teams under Serpone is a chippiness, an arrogant attitude that occasionally bubbles over into nastiness (from the bench, on the field).

I have no doubt that the players love him and that their relationships with him will span lifetimes. He's no Bobby Knight. Being honest, I would love him, too, if I played for him.

Personally, I like Justin. He's not a bad man. But even as a fan, the competitor (aggressor?) in me wants Amherst to lose, every time they step on the pitch. And it's not because they win more games than they lose. It's how they win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 04, 2015, 01:14:39 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 09:08:46 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on October 03, 2015, 08:30:51 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on September 29, 2015, 11:57:56 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 07:32:15 PM
After watching the Wesleyan game and the Tufts vs Plymouth State game, not sure Tufts is a #1 in country team!!  Amherst should prevail when they play Saturday!!

Tufts has now gone 265 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  They are going to have to find a way out of that funk if they hope to prevail against Amherst.  That being said, ECSUalum may have the right pick for Saturday

After today's loss, Tufts has now gone 371 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  That's the equivalent of over four full games without a goal.

Noted, but they have played 3 great defensive teams in a row, one which will be no.1 and one probably in top 5... That has a little something to do with it...

Are you referencing #8 Brandeis who gave up two goals to Trinity and another two goals to Carnegie Mellon?  And are you also referencing unranked Wesleyan who gave up two goals to Bowdoin?  I think to make claim to being the best you have to beat the best. While Tufts certainly made an absolutely unbelievable run to win last year's tournament, IMO they were probably not the best team in the country.  And IMO that may prove to be true as I don't think they will get very close to defending their title this year. Many of the NESCAC insiders on this string have not even picked Tufts to win the conference.

That being said, I fully except Tufts will finally break their scoreless streak today and have a break out game against last place Hamilton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 04, 2015, 01:38:24 PM
My only comment on yesterday's Tufts-Amherst match is how really physical, (mean), it got and that the referee did not card anyone.  Personally, players from both sides came close to being seriously injured, and this ridiculous referee let the game get out of control to the point of the confrontation.  It reminded me of a boxing match where in the first couple of rounds the boxers feel each other out and by the 10 round they are beating the s..t out of each other.  NESCAC and/or the NCAA should have a talk with this guy Brookman!!!

NPL's goal was brilliant, it was like where the player come to the net and the opposing player put insane topspin on the ball for the winnerl!!  Congrats to Amherst on the remaining unbeaten, and on another clean sheet by TB!, who IMHO is by far the best GK in NE!!!

BTW a tough game for Tufts then have to board a bus and travel to Western NY, (4-5 hrs?) to play Hamilton for a 1:30pm game!! ???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 04, 2015, 02:14:49 PM
Anybody know why Tufts got two attempts at the penalty kick vs Hamilton, the first of which was blocked by Hamilton's keeper Pollack?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 04, 2015, 03:39:29 PM
Quote from: dacac on October 04, 2015, 11:14:52 AM
Quote from: backyarddawg on October 04, 2015, 08:11:45 AM
Amen Amh63

For all those haters out there who only come on this board and rip Amherst and Coach Serpone, you need to really be careful what you say.  As someone who has no ties to the program but has follows them, the hate towards them is because they win.   You ask anyone of his former players and what Coach Serpone does for them on and off the field is the most important thing.  The life lessons and drive to compete to their fullest. I've heard from multiple alums about  how their relationship w Coach Serpone will be forever.  Not many players leave a program saying that.  Remember it is more then about the wins and losses.

As for Stl the jealously of loosing to Amherst so many times in a row must hurt.   I was at the Amherst SLU game back in 2010 and the disrespect the SLU fans had  toward Amherst players was nothing to write home about so before you call out Amherst on you might want to check your own program out.

You're missing the point. No one is doubting Serpone cares about his own players and wants them to succeed after college. What bothers people is the over the top arrogance and extreme lack of sportsmanship that he encourages.

This observation is not affected by Amherst's W/L record. I played in the league from '08-'11, and during this time Amherst was always one of the top 3/4 programs, but was not viewed as the defacto best program. However, they were the only top program with such a poor reputation league-wide. It is absolutely deserved.

spot on
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 04, 2015, 03:42:26 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 04, 2015, 11:26:37 AM
Quote from: backyarddawg on October 04, 2015, 08:11:45 AM
Amen Amh63

For all those haters out there who only come on this board and rip Amherst and Coach Serpone, you need to really be careful what you say.  As someone who has no ties to the program but has follows them, the hate towards them is because they win.   You ask anyone of his former players and what Coach Serpone does for them on and off the field is the most important thing.  The life lessons and drive to compete to their fullest. I've heard from multiple alums about  how their relationship w Coach Serpone will be forever.  Not many players leave a program saying that.  Remember it is more then about the wins and losses.

As for Stl the jealously of loosing to Amherst so many times in a row must hurt.   I was at the Amherst SLU game back in 2010 and the disrespect the SLU fans had  toward Amherst players was nothing to write home about so before you call out Amherst on you might want to check your own program out.

I'm going to have to disagree with you here. This "hatred" toward Amherst and Coach Serpone is not because they win. It's how they win. (Or lose.) It's far too simplistic to say it's due to winning. Was the same hatred directed toward Coach Saward and the dominant Middlebury teams in the mid-2000s? Was it directed at the Panthers and Saward when they won a national championship? Is it directed at Tufts and Coach Shapiro? The defending national champions? Was it directed at Williams and Coach Russo when they won a national title in the mid-1990s?

No.

A constant for these Amherst teams under Serpone is a chippiness, an arrogant attitude that occasionally bubbles over into nastiness (from the bench, on the field).

I have no doubt that the players love him and that their relationships with him will span lifetimes. He's no Bobby Knight. Being honest, I would love him, too, if I played for him.

Personally, I like Justin. He's not a bad man. But even as a fan, the competitor (aggressor?) in me wants Amherst to lose, every time they step on the pitch. And it's not because they win more games than they lose. It's how they win.

agreed. My time watching NESCAC soccer is very limited but the antics on the Amherst sidelines don't even compare.  It's awful.  I don't feel that way about Tufts, and they won the whole thing last year.  Nobody is doubting Serpone's relationships with his players.  But that has nothing to do with how they conduct themselves in matches, which is deplorable.  Look forward to my negative K from Amh63 ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 04, 2015, 03:48:16 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 04, 2015, 11:26:37 AM
I'm going to have to disagree with you here. This "hatred" toward Amherst and Coach Serpone is not because they win. It's how they win. (Or lose.) It's far too simplistic to say it's due to winning. Was the same hatred directed toward Coach Saward and the dominant Middlebury teams in the mid-2000s? Was it directed at the Panthers and Saward when they won a national championship? Is it directed at Tufts and Coach Shapiro? The defending national champions? Was it directed at Williams and Coach Russo when they won a national title in the mid-1990s?

No.

A constant for these Amherst teams under Serpone is a chippiness, an arrogant attitude that occasionally bubbles over into nastiness (from the bench, on the field).

I have no doubt that the players love him and that their relationships with him will span lifetimes. He's no Bobby Knight. Being honest, I would love him, too, if I played for him.

Personally, I like Justin. He's not a bad man. But even as a fan, the competitor (aggressor?) in me wants Amherst to lose, every time they step on the pitch. And it's not because they win more games than they lose. It's how they win.

Well stated. I've got a lot of respect for Shapiro and Russo, who are both class acts, and, also happen to have won national championships. Can't say the same of Serpone.

WOW.

Hamilton goes and beats Tufts 2-1 in 2OT. Crazy. PK with about 10 left tied it up and then the hosts snuck a winner in 2OT. That said, soccer is clearly not the announcer at Hamilton's first sport. He has called multiple corner kicks "penalty kicks" and was the most deadpan every play until Hamilton scored the winner. I know not everyone likes soccer like we do, but that was absolutely awful soccer announcing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 04, 2015, 03:59:59 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 04, 2015, 03:54:02 PM
Wierd game and congrats to Hamilton. Tufts has different lineups and rested starters. Can't tell what happened on Hsmiltons first goal. Thought Greenwood had it but the he gets a yellow. Can anyone explain. Now, last years finalists may not make the tourney....

Didn't get that either. What happened on the play? Was on another tab and got back just in time to hear that Hamilton was getting a PK (the announcer got it right that time.) Usually if the GK gets a PK called against him it's because he took out the striker 1-v-1 and that can be a red card if it was denying a goalscoring opportunity. But just a yellow doesn't lead me to believe he did that - did he pick up a backpass or something? (By the way, if that's what it was, that should only be an indirect kick, not a PK.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 04, 2015, 04:06:50 PM
Tufts fans, let me introduce you to Tennessee Jed.  He's got the "good stuff."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 04, 2015, 04:11:38 PM
I'm stunned by that result.

Tufts might have to win NESCAC tourney,which is doable, but probably fine if get a result with Midd and don't drop points to anyone else.  Shocked though.  0-3-1 since #1 ranking? Is that correct?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 04, 2015, 04:18:50 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 04, 2015, 04:06:50 PM
Tufts fans, let me introduce you to Tennessee Jed.  He's got the "good stuff."

LOL. Man Utd fans could use some of that too today! ;D

Quote from: NCAC New England on October 04, 2015, 04:11:38 PM
I'm stunned by that result.

Me too. It was a bit of a smash-and-grab, really, but even that said you've got to win those games and Tufts didn't do enough.

To be fair, last year Tufts did have a similar four-game hangover that started with a Brandeis loss, but that only culminated in ties with MIT, Amherst, and Midd. This year, you are correct - the stretch is 0-3-1 instead of 0-1-3. And without that senior class, things are suddenly looking pretty ominous this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 04, 2015, 04:26:20 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 04, 2015, 04:18:50 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 04, 2015, 04:06:50 PM
Tufts fans, let me introduce you to Tennessee Jed.  He's got the "good stuff."

LOL. Man Utd fans could use some of that too today! ;D

Quote from: NCAC New England on October 04, 2015, 04:11:38 PM
I'm stunned by that result.
Me too. It was a bit of a smash-and-grab, really, but even that said you've got to win those games and Tufts didn't do enough.

To be fair, last year Tufts did have a similar four-game hangover that started with the Brandeis, but that only culminated in ties with MIT, Amherst, and Midd. This year, you are correct - the stretch is 0-3-1 instead of 0-1-3. And without that senior class, things are suddenly looking pretty ominous this year.

You're right, but last year at that time they weren't just #1 and no one at that point was thinking they were going to be national champs.  I at least was thinking, same old very talented underachieving Jumbos and was dramatically proven wrong.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 04, 2015, 04:28:40 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 04, 2015, 04:06:50 PM
Tufts fans, let me introduce you to Tennessee Jed.  He's got the "good stuff."

That's a good one!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TennesseeJed on October 04, 2015, 05:59:30 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 04, 2015, 04:06:50 PM
Tufts fans, let me introduce you to Tennessee Jed.  He's got the "good stuff."

Too funny.  Never expected to be introduced here, especially as a hooch supplier, but how can I resist coming to the aid of grieving fellow d3 soccer fans as we share unfortunate and avoidable losses following #1 nat'l rankings. (I'm a Kenyon supporter and we just ceded our first loss to DePauw, for those not following the line of thought.). To all Tufts and Kenyon fans, I raise a toast to the Jumbos and the Lords and hope to see you all on the sidelines of an NCAA tournament game in November!  In the meantime, I can highly recommend a Jack Daniels single barrel with a cube or two of ice. :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 04, 2015, 07:49:10 PM
Quote from: TennesseeJed on October 04, 2015, 05:59:30 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 04, 2015, 04:06:50 PM
Tufts fans, let me introduce you to Tennessee Jed.  He's got the "good stuff."

Too funny.  Never expected to be introduced here, especially as a hooch supplier, but how can I resist coming to the aid of grieving fellow d3 soccer fans as we share unfortunate and avoidable losses following #1 nat'l rankings. (I'm a Kenyon supporter and we just ceded our first loss to DePauw, for those not following the line of thought.). To all Tufts and Kenyon fans, I raise a toast to the Jumbos and the Lords and hope to see you all on the sidelines of an NCAA tournament game in November!  In the meantime, I can highly recommend a Jack Daniels single barrel with a cube or two of ice. :)

TennJed (great name btw unless or even if you're from Tennessee and your name is Jed), what exactly is the "Devil's Cut"? 

As someone who takes himself way too seriously, it's important to remember to not take oneself too seriously. 

Your presence on the board is going to make my ride this year a lot more enjoyable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TennesseeJed on October 04, 2015, 09:20:18 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 04, 2015, 07:49:10 PM
Quote from: TennesseeJed on October 04, 2015, 05:59:30 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 04, 2015, 04:06:50 PM
Tufts fans, let me introduce you to Tennessee Jed.  He's got the "good stuff."

Too funny.  Never expected to be introduced here, especially as a hooch supplier, but how can I resist coming to the aid of grieving fellow d3 soccer fans as we share unfortunate and avoidable losses following #1 nat'l rankings. (I'm a Kenyon supporter and we just ceded our first loss to DePauw, for those not following the line of thought.). To all Tufts and Kenyon fans, I raise a toast to the Jumbos and the Lords and hope to see you all on the sidelines of an NCAA tournament game in November!  In the meantime, I can highly recommend a Jack Daniels single barrel with a cube or two of ice. :)

TennJed (great name btw unless or even if you're from Tennessee and your name is Jed), what exactly is the "Devil's Cut"? 

As someone who takes himself way too seriously, it's important to remember to not take oneself too seriously. 

Your presence on the board is going to make my ride this year a lot more enjoyable.

Thanks for the kind words NCACNE, delighted to be in the company of other D3 soccer fans and even happier to find fellow Kenyon fans.

TennesseeJed is a reference from a Grateful Dead song of the same name.  No deep story or significance to the song, I just liked the name and the TN connection is significant. Both sides of my family are long time Tennesseeans and even though I don't currently live there and haven't for some time I still consider it home. I'm in New England as you are, surrounded by NESCAC schools and teams and many friends who are alums of each. I think they're great institutions, both academically and athletically and I wish I had time to go see more NESCAC soccer games in person.

Devil's cut is the nasty piece of cut up sod just in front of the Kenyon goal that gives opponents a W in 99'.... >:(

Seriously, (if I can respond seriously to your perhaps not so serious question--I'm always serious about whiskey) devil's cut is a Jim Beam marketing gimmick that plays on what is referred to as the "angel's share."  Angel's share is the alcohol and water vapor that evaporates from the barrels as whiskey ages. Since bourbon and whiskey is typically aged in storage buildings that are not air conditioned, the evaporation can be significant over a long 8-12 year aging cycle.  The angel's share is not captured by distillers and is considered to be a gift or offering to angels.  Beam's devil's cut, they claim, is the whiskey that they have sucked out of the pores of the oak barrels in which the whiskey has been aged.

Sorry to drag on about non-NESCAC and non-soccer stuff here in a NESCAC soccer thread. Thank you for your indulgence.

Congrats to Amherst and Hamilton and their fans for the W's against Tufts. Tufts fans, the whiskey offer is a standing invitation!  Hoping we both won't need it after this weekend.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 04, 2015, 11:02:34 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on October 04, 2015, 01:14:39 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 03, 2015, 09:08:46 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on October 03, 2015, 08:30:51 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on September 29, 2015, 11:57:56 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 29, 2015, 07:32:15 PM
After watching the Wesleyan game and the Tufts vs Plymouth State game, not sure Tufts is a #1 in country team!!  Amherst should prevail when they play Saturday!!

Tufts has now gone 265 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  They are going to have to find a way out of that funk if they hope to prevail against Amherst.  That being said, ECSUalum may have the right pick for Saturday

After today's loss, Tufts has now gone 371 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  That's the equivalent of over four full games without a goal.

Noted, but they have played 3 great defensive teams in a row, one which will be no.1 and one probably in top 5... That has a little something to do with it...

Are you referencing #8 Brandeis who gave up two goals to Trinity and another two goals to Carnegie Mellon?  And are you also referencing unranked Wesleyan who gave up two goals to Bowdoin?  I think to make claim to being the best you have to beat the best. While Tufts certainly made an absolutely unbelievable run to win last year's tournament, IMO they were probably not the best team in the country.  And IMO that may prove to be true as I don't think they will get very close to defending their title this year. Many of the NESCAC insiders on this string have not even picked Tufts to win the conference.

That being said, I fully except Tufts will finally break their scoreless streak today and have a break out game against last place Hamilton.

Tufts finally breaks their scoreless streak after 408 consecutive scoreless minutes...but to no avail against NESCAC last place Hamilton.  Absolute stunner.  As Tuft's website says..."Hamilton Golden Goal in Second Overtime Stuns Men's Soccer, 2-1".  And it's not like Tufts dominated and just got a bad result -- SOG's: Tufts 2, Hamilton 4.  Really is stunning for a team laying claim to a possible repeat.  That's 0-3-1 in their last four outings, with a tie and a loss in the last six days to two nationally unranked teams.  Tufts will likely fall off the national rankings on Tuesday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 04, 2015, 11:07:22 PM
First...4moreyears...why would I give you a negative K. .do not know your post history. Or you.  Should I ?  No. My post is to suggest one will improve the posting on a game by chatting on the field action and avoid post feelings about the coaches.  Do I want to read about how a coach yells too hard for his players when I do not know that you prefer a quiet coach.  Does anyone know the real reason why there are so many Yankee haters?  Because they win?...they have too much money?  Because it is fun?  It Appears that the reasons given is really unexplained.....think on that a little.  Some one gives a reason and the poster is pounded.
Now complaints on the no calls as well as the calls..that is to be expected..acceptable human nature, IMO. :)
My friend Bucket..nice try.  Understand the Indiana MBB coach insertion by the way.  Still not good enough.  How they win?.....need more than that.  Going back in history to other coaches is IMO is not good enough posters...to a time before social media.  People just did not have the means to complain about some one or something as they today...me thinks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 05, 2015, 06:11:52 AM
Quote from: amh63 on October 04, 2015, 11:07:22 PM
First...4moreyears...why would I give you a negative K. .do not know your post history. Or you.  Should I ?  No.

Was just kidding around, my apologies probably shouldn't have singled you out.  But I would like to clarify that I am not an Amherst hater.  Having been exposed to Amherst football from the other side of the ball, I consider EJ Mills and his program a class act in all respects.  So it really has nothing to do with "jealousy" because they win.  It's how Amherst soccer conducts themselves.  I think Serpone is an excellent coach, and it would not surprise me that he has excellent relationships with his players that last for years after the players graduate.  Simply put, my observation is that Serpone's style on the sideline during a game towards the refs and his opponents is lacking in class. This is based on first-hand, in-person observations, I have never watched an Amherst game on video.  Just my opinion, others can have theirs.

PS - Somebody gave me negative K based on my post ... I knew that was coming from SOMEBODY ... LOL
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 05, 2015, 09:49:55 AM
Four more years....appreciate your post.  I now know why you do not like the coach.  He yells at the refs...about calls...support his players.  Clearer now.  Judgement on his approach is another thing ...do not want to know.  Others do not like his " style of play"....long ball, etc.  versus preferred " true" soccer.  I say field rather than pitch....so.
FYI....I also got singled.  That is another matter.  Since I post on other boards...it could be for a post elsewhere.  When I give a plus K, I tell someone.  If I give a negative one, I will do the same.  Just my style.
Because I can....plus K to you...being up front and clearer.  Me...better stay off this board.  Only played freshman ball.  Not very good...being a city boy and never saw the game...private school game.
In the sixties...when Amherst played the Ivies...no Div3 or Nescac...the Amherst Soccer Coach dropped Harvard off the schedule when their coach complained about an Amherst player.  The Amherst football Coach dropped a school off the schedule because of their coach's behavior..  Coach Darp did that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 05, 2015, 12:20:23 PM
I didn't mean to start a 2 page Serpone bashing. I have been praising Amherst for the most part all year, especially NPL and Singer. I feel they have a very good side with a real chance of getting to the NCAA Final 4. Let's leave it at that and move on
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 05, 2015, 12:33:14 PM
A bunch of mid-week Nescac teams are playing non-conference games this week. Most of them against weaker competition but the big game is on Wednesday. Conn v ECONN is a MUST win for both teams for Pool C chances. I was completely impressed with Conn in the 1st half against Williams. They are young but they played futbol with precise passing thru Devlin and build their attack on the ground. The wingbacks push forward into attack with speed. If Conn plays like that every game they are def an NCAA team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 05, 2015, 01:46:16 PM
I think the travel Tufts had this past week really showed against Hamilton. A mid-week 2 1/2 drive to Wesleyan ND Playing 110 minutes. The a 2 hr drive on Saturday and battling Amherst for almost 110 minutes and then going another 3 1/2 hours to Hamilton the next day. We have talked about the major losses to graduation for Tufts but this type of travel would wear any team down. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on October 05, 2015, 01:54:07 PM
Having watched many amherst soccer games in person in recent years, the coach's conduct is deplorable ---and everyone knows it including the college's administration.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 05, 2015, 02:04:09 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 05, 2015, 01:54:07 PM
Having watched many amherst soccer games in person in recent years, the coach's conduct is deplorable ---and everyone knows it including the college's administration.




This is understood and having watched Nescac for YEARS I agree but let's just forget about and focus on the games...IMO Amherst has a Top 3 Frontline in the nation and a solid backline AND A REAL good chance of getting to the NCAA Final 4
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 05, 2015, 02:10:00 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 05, 2015, 01:54:07 PM
Having watched many amherst soccer games in person in recent years, the coach's conduct is deplorable ---and everyone knows it including the college's administration.

In what ways? I am not familiar with that region or coach but I feel like this could go for many coaches? But in all reality is it the coaches fault that the refs have no clue what is going on half the time??? (Assuming one of the ways he is being deplorable is by shouting at the officiating crew).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 05, 2015, 02:12:17 PM
I am begging everyone to just FORGET IT. Mid-Atlantic it is much much more than that but let's just leave it at that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 05, 2015, 02:39:30 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 05, 2015, 02:12:17 PM
I am begging everyone to just FORGET IT. Mid-Atlantic it is much much more than that but let's just leave it at that.

Sounds good  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 05, 2015, 05:50:36 PM
Mr.Right, re: your comment about SLU coach not starting starters.  From box score looks like Shapiro started an entirely different midfield against Hamilton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2015, 12:50:57 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 05, 2015, 05:50:36 PM
Mr.Right, re: your comment about SLU coach not starting starters.  From box score looks like Shapiro started an entirely different midfield against Hamilton.



This is entirely different. On a back to back usually coaches will give some different players a chance. 1. To give his starters a much needed rest and 2. To try to get a 1-0 lead with a mix of starters and subs.

However, I doubt you would have seen him do this if Hamilton was on Saturday and Amherst on Sunday. So your point is somewhat valid. SLU was not on a back to back when they played POTSDAM
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 06, 2015, 01:19:20 PM
Tufts completely drops off the national poll today and barely sneaks into the New England poll at 10th.  It's still too early to tell, but might Tufts Cinderella story already be over, and might they be relegated to "one hit wonder" status?  Time will tell.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 06, 2015, 01:36:13 PM
I think they are top 25 quality and I am big for thinking defending champs should get an automatic bid to defend their title so I have them at 23 in my poll  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2015, 01:56:47 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on October 06, 2015, 01:19:20 PM
Tufts completely drops off the national poll today and barely sneaks into the New England poll at 10th.  It's still too early to tell, but might Tufts Cinderella story already be over, and might they be relegated to "one hit wonder" status?  Time will tell.



Sour Grapes from a Messiah fan that is still in denial that his once proud dynasty is in total disarray.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 06, 2015, 02:27:36 PM
Uh oh, I can see some negative k's being flung back and forth and from far and near  Duck your heads ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 06, 2015, 02:28:33 PM
I try and keep it fair and nice on here for the most part...I just want some +K... ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 06, 2015, 02:57:39 PM
Quote from: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 06, 2015, 02:28:33 PM
I try and keep it fair and nice on here for the most part...I just want some +K... ;D
+k  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2015, 04:54:09 PM
Wesleyan 2-1 over Salve Regina at halftime..Wheeler seems to be resting some players as he knows this weekend's back to back with Colby and Midd are monster games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2015, 04:54:59 PM
Wheaton v Trinity 1-1 at halftime...You would think Savonen gets a goal in the 2nd half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 06, 2015, 05:40:09 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on October 06, 2015, 01:19:20 PM
Tufts completely drops off the national poll today and barely sneaks into the New England poll at 10th.  It's still too early to tell, but might Tufts Cinderella story already be over, and might they be relegated to "one hit wonder" status?  Time will tell.

Many one hit wonders if you look at Champions.  You can never take it away from those boys who participated.  Oh, do you recall the Giant Slayer goal by Kayne against Messiah last November???? That was nice, wasn't it?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 06, 2015, 06:43:27 PM
3-2 trinity over Wheaton in OT.
Goal by Savonen to win it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 06, 2015, 07:33:26 PM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on October 06, 2015, 06:43:27 PM
3-2 trinity over Wheaton in OT.
Goal by Savonen to win it.

Box score says Malcolm Joseph.  Is that wrong?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 06, 2015, 09:44:17 PM
It was Savenon.  I was on the fence alongside the field at that end of the field.
I think Wheaton probably got confused as Joseph is #8 (and played on the back line today) and Savenon is #9.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEngland on October 07, 2015, 06:14:53 PM
Conn 1-0 ECSU.

Didn't see the game but that is a good win for the Camels. 6 game unbeaten streak and 7-2-1 on the season. Bates, Amherst, Bowdoin and Wesleyan left in conference. 6-3-1 or 5-3-2 is reasonable. Is that enough to host this year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 07, 2015, 07:19:52 PM
Yes..They should for the 1st time in Nescac History get a Top 4 seed, unless they totally fizzle which I do not think will happen. 7-2-1 wit 5 games remaining. To stay in a Pool C At-Large picture which again I feel they can they must go 11-3-1 or 10-3-2. The great news is Bates, Bowdoin and Wesleyan are all home. Amherst is the road game along with Framingham St. They could go 9-4-2 only if they beat Amherst and get to Nescac Semi's and lose in PK's...Alot of ifs I know but they have a much more favorable schedule to end then does Wesleyan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 08, 2015, 08:43:08 AM
With thanks to today's technology .....there is s short highlight video of the Tuft's-Amherst match at Amherst...on the Amherst website....Athletics...Soccer site.  Shows some fine play by both GKs.
Oh yes, Amherst played an away game last night...out of conference...in Newburgh NY.  Won 3-0.  Seems there were many new faces in the Amherst lineup.   
While the school is on a mid- semester break, the team travels up to Maine for a conference match on Sat.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 08, 2015, 09:51:22 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 07, 2015, 07:19:52 PM
Yes..They should for the 1st time in Nescac History get a Top 4 seed, unless they totally fizzle which I do not think will happen. 7-2-1 wit 5 games remaining. To stay in a Pool C At-Large picture which again I feel they can they must go 11-3-1 or 10-3-2. The great news is Bates, Bowdoin and Wesleyan are all home. Amherst is the road game along with Framingham St. They could go 9-4-2 only if they beat Amherst and get to Nescac Semi's and lose in PK's...Alot of ifs I know but they have a much more favorable schedule to end then does Wesleyan.

A lot of ifs...agreed, but with the home schedule it is possible.  Conn should have a sizeable crowd on Saturday on the Temple Green for homecoming game vs Bates....the frosh have really come through for the Camels as Leone and Lockwood again combine for the winner vs EConn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 08, 2015, 10:28:22 AM

Nescac Predictions...Home Team Listed First.

Saturday:

Wesleyan v Colby-----------0-1         This is my upset special. Wesleyan will be overlooking Colby to Midd on Sunday and stumble. Wesleyan has more talent all over the field and out shoots Colby 3:1 but Colby sneaks a header in off a long throw by #10. This game will be stuck in midfield expect for set pieces as Colby will defend well against Wesleyan slow possession style through midfield.

Tufts v Midd-----------------1-0         Game of the Week.  Also, a VERY tough prediction.  Tufts is 0-3-1 in their last 4 but they were in all 4 and could have gone 3-0-1. Midd is beating their weak competition but also taking care of business against Nescac teams they should beat. This game is different. Midd will always be solid on set pieces with Conrad taking most just outside the box and can connect with that killer left foot.  On Corner sand and Long Throws they have an abundance of size and usually this is where Deklan Robinson earns his navy blue. Midd also will not possess much, which is what Tufts defends well the most. Midd GK Sydor having a great year. All this points to a MIdd win but NOPE. Tufts showed us against Amherst they can play against this type of style and be successful. They did not win but had chances to win. Tufts CB's with their height should deal with Midd's long throws and corners but they will wear you down if you give them too many. On Tufts short field Midd will be flinging these in all day. Just % wise the more you give the more the ball bounces around and gets put home. Still my hunch say's Tufts 1-0 in an ugly ugly game as Midd will just turn this into a Volleyball game.. Parents please cover any soccer player's eyes under 12 watching. This is not how soccer is meant to be played.

Trinity v Bowdoin--------------1-2    Trinity is playing better of late but Bowdoin has more talent than Bates and Wheaton. Bowdoin has really disappointed me so far this year but their schedule is in their favor the rest of the year. I would like to see Andrew Jones get more involved and not only fly up and down the wings but maybe beat a guy or 2 and score.  I think Bowdoin can shut down anything Trinity has going forward. With Savonen, Grimand and Bednarek there is talent there but these Trinity sides can never get on the same page. The 2011 Trinity team did and had good leaders on the field and Myernick who was a head case but could score KEY goals.  This is not 2011 Trinity. Bowdoin takes it.

Hamilton v Amherst------------0-2      The last time Amherst travelled to Hamilton they went away with a draw in a game where Hamilton played well.  I do not think Hamilton's backline can deal with Amherst Front 3 but I did not see Martin in the box score last night for Amherst. Maybe he got some rest for a minor injury, who knows. Either way, Amherst just too much.

Conn v Bates---------------------3-1     Two teams going in opposite directions IMO. Conn cannot take Bates lightly and must not drop this game. Bates was over achieving to begin the year and they will come back to the bottom of the table where they normally are. Conn's CB Sommers has enough speed to deal with Knoth and I think if Conn attacks Bates like they did Williams with their wingbacks flying up and down the flanks they will score some goals and have many chances against Bates defense. They must go after Bates weakness in wingback Munoz and get as many shots as possible off against Bates GK Polito who will bobble some of them. Bates is decent on the counter though so Conn needs to stay on Perreria who threads the needle nicely.

RPI v Williams----------------------0-2   Two teams going in the same direction, which is DOWN. However, after watching RPI last night I felt Union stayed with them the whole game and had chances to win it. I was not overly impressed with RPI.  I also think they miss the LL Playoffs. Williams has talent they just need to get some balls and hunger to win any game at this point. I think Williams will look good on the turf and overwhelm RPI with shots and a couple goals. Union didn't really test RPI's keeper much but that will change in this game. Sullivan has nothing to lose at this point, they need to go all out attack mode here. I would love to see a 3-4-3 but I will not happen.

Sunday:

Wesleyan v Midd--------------------1-1  Another tough one to predict. Wesleyan always plays Midd tough and both teams will be worn down a bit after Saturday's games. Which team has better fitness and mentality to find a way to win it? I have no answer but I promise I will watch this one and let you know.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 08, 2015, 12:51:07 PM
Mr.Right.....thanks for your thoughtful predictions.  Guess I cannot even read the schedule.  Clinton should be an interesting destination.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 08, 2015, 01:32:27 PM
SOS (opponent's winning percentage) thru 10/7:

                                         OWP      Current record       
1.  Tufts             56-23-9    0.687       5-3-1
2.  Williams        47-19-9    0.687       3-4-1
3.  Colby            48-33-8    0.584       2-5-2
4.  Hamilton       50-37-10   0.567       5-5-0               
5.  Wesleyan       44-37-6    0.540       6-2-1                 
6.  Amherst         48-41-7    0.536       9-0-0                 
7.  Middlebury     38-34-4    0.526       6-1-1                 
8.  Bowdoin         36-35-5    0.507       4-2-2                 
9.  Conn              45-45-8    0.500       7-2-1
10. Trinity           44-46-8    0.490       4-4-2         
11.  Bates            39-43-7   0.478       6-2-1                 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 08, 2015, 01:39:03 PM
As was predicted in the beginning of the year Williams and Tufts would have the best SOS in Nescac and a couple of the best in the country. At this point it does not matter for Williams but for Tufts sitting at 5-3-1 they might only need 9 wins to get in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheSwayzeTrain on October 09, 2015, 09:22:04 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 08, 2015, 01:39:03 PM
As was predicted in the beginning of the year Williams and Tufts would have the best SOS in Nescac and a couple of the best in the country. At this point it does not matter for Williams but for Tufts sitting at 5-3-1 they might only need 9 wins to get in.

Disappointing to see Williams not be where they usually are this time of year. Might take some time for Sullivan but he will have the Ephs where they need to be soon enough. Can they get a result at RPI who is in their own little slide? Big turf fields haven't suited Williams well in the past, including when the Engineers got the win at home two years ago. Gut says 1-1, both teams struggling to find the back of the net; could even be 0-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 10, 2015, 03:07:50 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 06, 2015, 05:40:09 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on October 06, 2015, 01:19:20 PM
Tufts completely drops off the national poll today and barely sneaks into the New England poll at 10th.  It's still too early to tell, but might Tufts Cinderella story already be over, and might they be relegated to "one hit wonder" status?  Time will tell.

Many one hit wonders if you look at Champions.  You can never take it away from those boys who participated.  Oh, do you recall the Giant Slayer goal by Kayne against Messiah last November???? That was nice, wasn't it?

I agree with everything you are saying.

First, there absolutely are many one hit wonders if you look at teams that have won the D3 Soccer National Championship one time.  And that is exactly my point.  The more teams that can do it, the less unique it is.  For these teams the earth, moon, stars and sun all just happened to align at one glorious moment (or season) and then never really aligned again.  It's like trying to catch a butterfly with your bare hands.  You can try and try and try and maybe just once after much flailing you catch it.  But you can't repeat or duplicate the effort.  The real power of excellence comes with longevity...the ability to replicate or duplicate effort and corresponding positive results.  The question isn't can you flail and maybe catch the butterfly just once, but can you build a system (a program) that can do it time and time again.  When you start to define true champions (i.e. excellence) with this measure the list gets short very quickly...such as Babson in the 70's, UNC-Greensboro in the 80's, and Messiah in the 2000's.  When a program can string together successes like these have, there is something intentional going on that transcends the occasional random alignment of the earth, moon and stars.

All that being said, I also agree that you can't take away the fact that so many teams have won the Championship once.  Yes, they did it and for some in rather dramatic fashion.  The young men who participated on those teams will never forget their run and will lay claim to it for the rest of their lives - as they should.  And yes, of course Kayne made the shot of a lifetime against Messiah, catching every molecule of air in just the right way during it's flight.  No one in PA is going to forget that shot any time soon.  Yes it was a nice, even beautiful shot.  You can never take that shot away from that young man.

All I'm saying is this.  Do win it once, and then win it again and again.  Take the opportunity to prove that it wasn't just a one-off run when everything just so happened to align.  Certainly Tufts has the opportunity to do that now.  I think we all can agree that it is extremely difficult to do and that is exactly my point.  And that's exactly why so few have done it.

I also want to temper this a bit and say that it's not just about championships.  There are certainly some programs around who haven't won a lot of championships but who are consistently at or near the top.  And there are a few NESCAC teams who many would place in this group.  I think others might place teams like Wheaton (IL) in this group as well.  And these programs should ABSOLUTELY be part of the conversation about long term excellence in D3 soccer.  I don't think Tufts is quite there yet, but maybe they will be in the years to come.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2015, 11:54:08 AM
Wesleyan up 2-0 over Colby at Halftime.I guess they were not overlooking them. I was watching Midd v Tufts, did anyone see how Wesleyan scored?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 10, 2015, 11:56:27 AM
Middlebury - 0
Tufts - 0
Halftime

I was struck by the amount of time the ball is in the air.  Vast number of long flighted balls (by both teams) - playing over top of the mid-field instead of building through it.  Kind of like a tennis match.  Resulting in only two total SOG's in the first half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2015, 11:58:11 AM
Welcome to a grind it out Nescac game..That is what Midd does and it wears you down
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 10, 2015, 12:03:53 PM
Majumder blew yet another phenomenal ball played by Kayne in tight space that put Majumder basically 1v1 with Sydor and knocked it wide.  Beginning with the Brandeis game Majumder has really cooled off.  Kayne has got to be the best in D3 in making killer passes while well-covered.  Extremely good player, and frankly, the only midfielder for Tufts that I've noticed at all watching them pretty closely for at least 3-4 games.  The problem for Kayne is that he doesn't have Santos and Hoppenot on the other side of those passes.  Tufts at least right now does not look anything like the team that steamrolled through the NCAA tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2015, 12:06:32 PM
Agreed...Majumder should have finished and Tufts is not the same team but someone needs to wake up Connor Brown.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2015, 12:08:17 PM
Chris Kafina makes it 3-0 Wesleyan with about 35 minutes left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 10, 2015, 12:12:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 10, 2015, 12:06:32 PM
Agreed...Majumder should have finished and Tufts is not the same team but someone needs to wake up Connor Brown.

We are on same page.  Was just gonna ask if Brown was injured or something and then I looked at Live Stats and saw he actually is playing.  A key player for Tufts and I didn't even know he was on the field.

Kayne's slight build and good but not blazing speed must be the reasons he isn't playing for a good D1 program.  I haven't seen NPL live or with really good video but I'd personally vote for Kayne as POY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 10, 2015, 12:13:17 PM
Majumder's back. 1-0 'Bos

Wasn't an easy finish, and on his left foot as well, but he kept his cool. Would have been easy for him to fluff that given his past few games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2015, 12:15:36 PM
Majumder scores a BIG goal....Meanwhile Wesleyan is just DOMINATING Colby...Wes looks good today
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 10, 2015, 12:16:59 PM
Finally a nice finish.  Thought Sydor could have done better as he got caught in between.

And to be fair to both sides with the critiques, can't see what the big deal is about Conrad.  Showing me nothing.

And credit Connor Brown with starting the play that led to goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 10, 2015, 12:23:58 PM
Tufts looking MUCH better now.  Mr.Right was right.  They really needed that goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 10, 2015, 12:25:30 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 10, 2015, 12:16:59 PM
And to be fair to both sides with the critiques, can't see what the big deal is about Conrad.  Showing me nothing.

Can't say I understand either. To be fair to him, only watched him a handful of times and while he's a good finisher and an excellent target man due to his stature (seeing him at 6'5" stand next to 6' Tufts CB Sullivan is quite the contrast) I was pretty surprised that he was named NESCAC POY last year. That said, he really hasn't had a lot of help this game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2015, 12:28:09 PM
Midd is SO UGLY to watch...Worse than Amherst..Conrad is a very dangerous player he needs a better midfielder than #8 Skayne feeding him balls...Skayne does NOthing for me...If Midd ties this up it will be Conrad
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 10, 2015, 12:32:10 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 10, 2015, 12:25:30 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 10, 2015, 12:16:59 PM
And to be fair to both sides with the critiques, can't see what the big deal is about Conrad.  Showing me nothing.

Can't say I understand either. To be fair to him, only watched him a handful of times and while he's a good finisher and an excellent target man due to his stature (seeing him at 6'5" stand next to 6' Tufts CB Sullivan is quite the contrast) I was pretty surprised that he was named NESCAC POY last year. That said, he really hasn't had a lot of help this game.

I think has Wes has a real good shot to beat Midd tomorrow.  Now watch Middd come back and beat Tufts 2-1, but not seeing it at the moment.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 10, 2015, 12:43:32 PM
Oh dear...the mother with the obnoxious "bird call" chant is back...  ::)  :(
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2015, 01:04:11 PM
Good bounce back game for Tufts. They deserved to win as they looked much more comfortable in the 2nd half. You are all correct Kayne is a fun player to watch as he is so composed and technical. Middlebury looked like they have the past 5 year against better competition. They just have no skill in midfield. They are just SO DIRECT that when that fails they have no skill to fall back on. Glaser was a another "no show" and Conrad IMO is to slow to play up top like that. He should be playing behind Glaser.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 10, 2015, 01:06:09 PM
Good win for Tufts, who needed that, as well as Majumder. Looked the better team the whole way through and combined athleticism with good passing, particularly in the second half. Conrad was anonymous, but then again so was the whole team. They are, aesthetically, very similar to Amherst, and will have to step up their possession game if they expect to compete with the top of the NESCAC. Been saying for a long time that Kayne is an excellent player and he has been by far the best of their midfield three.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 10, 2015, 01:36:04 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 10, 2015, 11:54:08 AM
Wesleyan up 2-0 over Colby at Halftime.I guess they were not overlooking them. I was watching Midd v Tufts, did anyone see how Wesleyan scored?

Colby continuing to be without several key players  Very makeshift lineup with several players playing new positions.  Great experience for the frosh that may hold them in good stead a couple of years from now, but I wouldn't pick them to beat anyone at this point in time . . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2015, 02:21:27 PM
Conn scores 20 minutes in up 1-0 on Bates. Frosh Leon with a nice tricky goal as he trapped the ball with his fut and turned with the ball still on his foot and scored. Conn ALL OVER Bates early and just a great crowd and atmosphere at Conn...The toughest place to play in Nescac because of the rowdy crowds
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 10, 2015, 02:31:32 PM
I also agree that Tufts controlled the game. It wasn't jus long ball against long ball. The two passes that Kayne gave majumber were great through traffic. Majumber finishes one and should have scored on the other. The passes were threaded through 3 people right on the feet of Majumber. Score Should have been at least 2-0. Don't know how many assists he would have if the Jumbos were finishing. I do agree the middlebury forwards weren't much of a threat. If Tufts were scoring Kayne would be player of the year, but also because the number of steals he has too. Will this win be enough to propel Tufts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2015, 02:41:11 PM
Conn still sitting on a 1-0 lead with about 5 minutes to go in 1st half. They are playing well but Devlin had a chance to make it 2-0 from about 10 yrds out and hit it just wide. Bates has not had any chances but you still need to put them away. Conn's Frosh Lockwood is a moose on the loose out there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2015, 03:25:30 PM
Conn up 1-0 middle of 2nd half...Bates has not had anything but Conn has let them hang around. Also, the 2nd Half Conn has come out really flat and with no energy..Almost, like at the half they figured they have locked this up already...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 10, 2015, 04:48:41 PM
Drama in Hartford.

Trinity goes up 1-0 on a Sam Milbury goal.
With 17 seconds left, a beautiful Bowdoin cross into the box is punched (yes punched) with two hands by a Bowdoin player to the net. Trinity goalie saves and mysteriously no call on the blatant and intentional handball. Shades of Diego Maradona. All hell breaks loose. Players, coaches, fans go crazy. Bowdoin proceeds to take advantage and scores on the corner sending the game to OT.

With 41 seconds left in OT 2, Tobias Gimand sends a pretty ball to Cody Savonen, who finishes for the 2-1 Trinity win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 10, 2015, 09:54:28 PM
Here's my take from the Tufts video feed.. First, I hate watching games on video casts. Second, Tufts came out strong dominating possession and with purpose. Agree that it wasn't  just long ball against long ball. Conrad takes up space but was handled well by Tufts defense. Glaser is quick but didn't have any threats. Thought the Tufts defense did well today. Majumder played well. Yes, he should have probably scored more than one goal but he looked good. Greenwood had one excellent save. I don't think Sydor could have done much better on the goal. As mentioned in several posts over the last few months, Kayne runs the Tufts offense. This was true last year too. I feel he and Patel were the unsung cogs in the Tufts championship last year. Maybe Kayne doesn't have the options  he had last year but I think Majumder has scored more this year than  Hoppenot did last year. I will agree that Kayne is a top notch player and the most fun midfielder to watch in the NESCAC, if not the country, but I haven't seen many non NESCAC games...The 2 passes today were made with pinpoint accuracy through heavy traffic....representative of The Beautiful Game...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 11, 2015, 07:38:37 AM
Amherst handled Hamilton, 3-0, in the second half after concerted first-half effort by H to play high pressure on D and get forward quickly on attack, keeping the Jeffs at bay. Hamilton couldn't sustain as the Purple and White took over with authority. After the second one went in, the game felt in hand; preserving the shutout (8th this season) became the focus from the Amherst fans' perspective. Of all active goalkeepers in the nation (all 3 divisions), Bull leads with 43 career shutouts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 09:21:18 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 11, 2015, 07:38:37 AM
Amherst handled Hamilton, 3-0, in the second half after concerted first-half effort by H to play high pressure on D and get forward quickly on attack, keeping the Jeffs at bay. Hamilton couldn't sustain as the Purple and White took over with authority. After the second one went in, the game felt in hand; preserving the shutout (8th this season) became the focus from the Amherst fans' perspective. Of all active goalkeepers in the nation (all 3 divisions), Bull leads with 43 career shutouts.


I did not see the 2nd Half but from what I caught in the 1st Half Hamilton was possessing very nicely but just not creating anything in the Final 3rd. They have some decent skill and technical players but it sounds like everything fizzled out in the 2nd Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jim Matson on October 11, 2015, 09:47:15 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on October 10, 2015, 03:07:50 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 06, 2015, 05:40:09 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on October 06, 2015, 01:19:20 PM
Tufts completely drops off the national poll today and barely sneaks into the New England poll at 10th.  It's still too early to tell, but might Tufts Cinderella story already be over, and might they be relegated to "one hit wonder" status?  Time will tell.

Many one hit wonders if you look at Champions.  You can never take it away from those boys who participated.  Oh, do you recall the Giant Slayer goal by Kayne against Messiah last November???? That was nice, wasn't it?

I agree with everything you are saying.

First, there absolutely are many one hit wonders if you look at teams that have won the D3 Soccer National Championship one time. 
...

I also want to temper this a bit and say that it's not just about championships.  There are certainly some programs around who haven't won a lot of championships but who are consistently at or near the top.  And there are a few NESCAC teams who many would place in this group.  I think others might place teams like Wheaton (IL) in this group as well.  And these programs should ABSOLUTELY be part of the conversation about long term excellence in D3 soccer.  I don't think Tufts is quite there yet, but maybe they will be in the years to come.

Solid points made. The difficulty in just repeating as champs once is tough enough.

As a side comment, last year's Final Four of course did give us our champ, but we didn't see a dominating effort in any of the matches. Thus, it doesn't surprise me that Tufts isn't showing up strong this season. But I have to say that those matches were as entertaining as it gets in the FF. The speed at which the Oneonta/Wheaton and the Tufts/Wheaton matches were played made for a wonderful experience for us in the stands.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 09:47:53 AM
Just sitting here waiting to watch Wesleyan v Midd and I am interested to see how Midd comes out today. Midd looked awful against Tufts yesterday bit that was yesterday and today is a different day. Wesleyan are going to have to put both Gruner and Erickson on the field together today to match Midd's size but I am more interested in seeing how the Frosh Martinez-Paiz does against Midd's backline. This kid is one of the more technical frosh in Nescac right now. Will Midd force Wesleyan into an ugly aerial attack or can Wesleyan play its game.There also is a big difference in playing Tufts than playing Colby so Wesleyan has that going for them also today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 09:51:44 AM
That Wesleyan win at Haverford could prove VITAL for them come November.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 10:55:06 AM
Midd absolutely MUST win this game v Wesleyan as their only possible win vs a ranked team is Conn this year. We talked in August how their schedule leaves them vulnerable if they do not beat the Top 3 Nescac teams as that is their only chance at getting wins v ranked. Also, nothing on their schedule that is left after today even resembles a ranked team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 11, 2015, 11:35:33 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 10:55:06 AM
Midd absolutely MUST win this game v Wesleyan as their only possible win vs a ranked team is Conn this year. We talked in August how their schedule leaves them vulnerable if they do not beat the Top 3 Nescac teams as that is their only chance at getting wins v ranked. Also, nothing on their schedule that is left after today even resembles a ranked team.

I know you'll want to play this close to the vest at least until Williams can get to 9-4-1 or 8-4-2, BUT, the Ephs do have a chance with Wes, Tufts and Midd still on the schedule and potential ranked Endicott and Babson. 

Let's compare next to Midd and Conn.  Williams has wins over Oneonta, RPI and Bowdoin (probably won't be ranked but still good win) and a tie with Conn.  Midd's best results are ONLY a win over Conn and a tie with Bowdoin.  That's it although we'll see if they pick up another good win today.  Conn's best results are a win over ECSU and a draw with Williams.  Midd has by far the easiest schedule after today, but with some very low SOS teams and final game at home with Williams which COULD be huge one.  Conn has tough games left and so does Williams, but that also represents opportunity for the Ephs.  IF Midd doesn't get a result today I might well favor Williams to land ahead of Midd and Conn, at least in terms of overall resume.  Of course Wes also would slide back to the pack if they don't get a result today.

A NCAA tourney with Williams in it is a better NCAA tournament than without.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 11, 2015, 11:37:09 AM
Wes should have already scored, so that worries me for Wes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 11:40:07 AM
0-0 In 1st Half between Midd and Wes in a predicted slug fest stuck in midfield.  Both teams trying to go over the top but Midd looks so much bigger and athletic than Wesleyan and have taken that frosh right out of the game. Gruner doing a nice job defending Conrad so far.  Wesleyan keeps trying to attack in the air and they will not win this game doing that against Midd. You will just be playing into their wheelhouse.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 11:48:35 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 11, 2015, 11:35:33 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 10:55:06 AM
Midd absolutely MUST win this game v Wesleyan as their only possible win vs a ranked team is Conn this year. We talked in August how their schedule leaves them vulnerable if they do not beat the Top 3 Nescac teams as that is their only chance at getting wins v ranked. Also, nothing on their schedule that is left after today even resembles a ranked team.

I know you'll want to play this close to the vest at least until Williams can get to 9-4-1 or 8-4-2, BUT, the Ephs do have a chance with Wes, Tufts and Midd still on the schedule and potential ranked Endicott and Babson. 

Let's compare next to Midd and Conn.  Williams has wins over Oneonta, RPI and Bowdoin (probably won't be ranked but still good win) and a tie with Conn.  Midd's best results are ONLY a win over Conn and a tie with Bowdoin.  That's it although we'll see if they pick up another good win today.  Conn's best results are a win over ECSU and a draw with Williams.  Midd has by far the easiest schedule after today, but with some very low SOS teams and final game at home with Williams which COULD be huge one.  Conn has tough games left and so does Williams, but that also represents opportunity for the Ephs.  IF Midd doesn't get a result today I might well favor Williams to land ahead of Midd and Conn, at least in terms of overall resume.  Of course Wes also would slide back to the pack if they don't get a result today.

A NCAA tourney with Williams in it is a better NCAA tournament than without.




I don't need to play it close to the vest..Williams is unlucky for sure this year with 3 losses in 2 OT but they do not look right. Rashid is too isolated out on the flank and does not touch the ball enough. Sisco is not living up to his potential and they just cannot score goals. They also lose concentration at crucial times on defense and weaker teams have taken advantage. They just look flat and do not play a full 90. The one positive is GK Alcorn in net has looked excellent this year.They will not beat Tufts but I think they will bring Endicott back down to earth on Tuesday who BTW had like 6-7 straight shutouts before yesterday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 12:18:39 PM
Of course now Wesleyan goes up 1-0 on Midd off a set piece from midfield after a stupid foul by Glaser and Cowie-Haskell flicked it in the net. Earlier, Martinez-Puiz and Kafina had a nice combo and dangerous near post shot from Puiz that was nicely saved by Midd. Midd HAS NOTHING right now and look dangerously close to getting shutout this week-end
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 11, 2015, 12:26:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 11:48:35 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 11, 2015, 11:35:33 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 10:55:06 AM
Midd absolutely MUST win this game v Wesleyan as their only possible win vs a ranked team is Conn this year. We talked in August how their schedule leaves them vulnerable if they do not beat the Top 3 Nescac teams as that is their only chance at getting wins v ranked. Also, nothing on their schedule that is left after today even resembles a ranked team.

I know you'll want to play this close to the vest at least until Williams can get to 9-4-1 or 8-4-2, BUT, the Ephs do have a chance with Wes, Tufts and Midd still on the schedule and potential ranked Endicott and Babson. 

Let's compare next to Midd and Conn.  Williams has wins over Oneonta, RPI and Bowdoin (probably won't be ranked but still good win) and a tie with Conn.  Midd's best results are ONLY a win over Conn and a tie with Bowdoin.  That's it although we'll see if they pick up another good win today.  Conn's best results are a win over ECSU and a draw with Williams.  Midd has by far the easiest schedule after today, but with some very low SOS teams and final game at home with Williams which COULD be huge one.  Conn has tough games left and so does Williams, but that also represents opportunity for the Ephs.  IF Midd doesn't get a result today I might well favor Williams to land ahead of Midd and Conn, at least in terms of overall resume.  Of course Wes also would slide back to the pack if they don't get a result today.

A NCAA tourney with Williams in it is a better NCAA tournament than without.




I don't need to play it close to the vest..Williams is unlucky for sure this year with 3 losses in 2 OT but they do not look right. Rashid is too isolated out on the flank and does not touch the ball enough. Sisco is not living up to his potential and they just cannot score goals. They also lose concentration at crucial times on defense and weaker teams have taken advantage. They just look flat and do not play a full 90. The one positive is GK Alcorn in net has looked excellent this year.They will not beat Tufts but I think they will bring Endicott back down to earth on Tuesday who BTW had like 6-7 straight shutouts before yesterday.

Just sayin'.  Even with all you noted Williams is very much alive to fight for a 3rd or 4th NESCAC bid and will be a tough out in the NESCAC tourney.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 11, 2015, 12:29:59 PM
Mr.Right, where does NSN get these 50 year old semi-professional announcers?  They do a good job, although as I write this I don't knoww if Wes is a NSN school.  Sounds like same guy who did games for Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 11, 2015, 12:35:00 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 11, 2015, 12:29:59 PM
Mr.Right, where does NSN get these 50 year old semi-professional announcers?  They do a good job, although as I write this I don't knoww if Wes is a NSN school.  Sounds like same guy who did games for Williams.

I mostly agree, but whoever does the Bowdoin games is awful. Super monotone and then "shot...SCOREEEEEEE!" in the most obnoxious hockey announcer voice you could ever hear. The Hamilton announcer last week was awful, too, even worse than the Bowdoin guy.

Anyway, Midd ties it up 1-1 completely against the run of play. O'Grady with a nice strike. Wes had been dominating all half but, as they say, "it only takes one." Finely poised, this.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 12:35:15 PM
No clue but they are professional. NSN video has disappointed of late but is usually pretty reliable. I think the announcers are like refs in that they do it as a 2nd profession
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 11, 2015, 12:45:20 PM
WOW. Conrad, who has been very quiet all game, puts Midd 2-1 up with 10 left. A smash-and-grab from Wesleyan's standpoint, but they had chances to go 2 up and didn't put them away. Wes more dominant, Midd has been more clinical.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 12:46:27 PM
Agreed...Wheeler is not going to be happy after this game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 11, 2015, 12:54:48 PM
Double agreed.  Wes may be seriously regretting this game come selection day.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 12:58:39 PM
Exciting finish with Cowie-Haskell almost snagging the tying goal off his head. I think Wes is still ok but now a showdown between Conn and Wes looms with the loser most likely done.Wesleyan also is going to need to beat or go 2-0-1 against Conn, Williams and Amherst which will be daunting but something that can be done. They looked much better in the 2nd Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 11, 2015, 01:01:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 11, 2015, 12:58:39 PM
Exciting finish with Cowie-Haskell almost snagging the tying goal off his head. I think Wes is still ok but now a showdown between Conn and Wes looms with the loser most likely done.

But first they get Williams next Saturday.  Getting interesting.  May all come down to who can get to NESCAC semis and the final.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 11, 2015, 01:08:58 PM
Even with all of the crazy happenings, is it still realistic to see both semi-finalists and finalists getting bids? I still see the NESCAC as a three-bid league (AQ + 2 AL). I suppose it all depends on how the semi-finals pan out - for example, in '12 Wes played Amherst close in a 1-0 loss, while Tufts took Williams to PKs before losing, hence the four bids.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 11, 2015, 03:53:56 PM
Very tough loss for Wesleyan.  Looked at stats and Wes led in shots 19 to 11 and corners a mind-boggling 11 to 1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 11, 2015, 09:28:59 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 11, 2015, 01:08:58 PM
Even with all of the crazy happenings, is it still realistic to see both semi-finalists and finalists getting bids? I still see the NESCAC as a three-bid league (AQ + 2 AL). I suppose it all depends on how the semi-finals pan out - for example, in '12 Wes played Amherst close in a 1-0 loss, while Tufts took Williams to PKs before losing, hence the four bids.

Yes, I think it's possible....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 11, 2015, 09:48:07 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 11, 2015, 09:28:59 PMYes, I think it's possible....

After Midd's result against Wesleyan today, I think it is too. Having talked about Wesleyan and Midd as being in contention for NCAA bids, along with Tufts and obviously Amherst, I realized that I completely forgot about Conn, who is quietly 8-2-1. And that's not even counting Williams, who picked up a huge win at an RPI team who is still in the NSCAA top 10, which could do wonders for their confidence and could result in them closing the season out strong.

Here's what I think: assuming 2012 was any indication, if the two semi-finalists can play close games with the two finalists (either PKs or one-goal decisions), then I think they are both very well in with a shout for the selection show. That said, there have been a ton of parity and shocks nationwide this year, so it very well could be that some bids get sent elsewhere. We'll just have to see.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 11, 2015, 09:55:33 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 11, 2015, 09:48:07 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 11, 2015, 09:28:59 PMYes, I think it's possible....

After Midd's result against Wesleyan today, I think it is too. Having talked about Wesleyan and Midd as being in contention for NCAA bids, along with Tufts and obviously Amherst, I realized that I completely forgot about Conn, who is quietly 8-2-1. And that's not even counting Williams, who picked up a huge win at an RPI team who is still in the NSCAA top 10, which could do wonders for their confidence and could result in them closing the season out strong.

Here's what I think: assuming 2012 was any indication, if the two semi-finalists can play close games with the two finalists (either PKs or one-goal decisions), then I think they are both very well in with a shout for the selection show. That said, there have been a ton of parity and shocks nationwide this year, so it very well could be that some bids get sent elsewhere. We'll just have to see.

It's also possible because this doesn't appear to be a year where the NESCAC is going to lose bids like in the last couple of years to a RWU or Coast Guard, etc and also may benefit from the way the NEWMAC, Liberty and SUNYAC appear to be playing out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 11, 2015, 09:58:18 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 11, 2015, 09:55:33 PM
It's also possible because this doesn't appear to be a year where the NESCAC is going to lose bids like in the last couple of years to a RWU or Coast Guard, etc and also may benefit from the way the NEWMAC, Liberty and SUNYAC appear to be playing out.

That too. The CCC fluke in '13 came to be largely as a result of Gordon being nationally-ranked, RWU beating said Gordon team in the postseason, and then WNE beating Roger Williams and getting the AQ. If Gordon had won the conference as expected, you'd likely be looking at a one-bid league; even Roger Williams' wins over Babson and Wheaton wouldn't likely have gotten it to the big dance. Looking back, it's crazy how one upset played a huge role in changing the whole picture from being a one-bid league to suddenly being a three-bid league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 12, 2015, 12:10:46 AM
Current top 5 results of D3Soccer.com poll, with over 450 votes cast.  Not sure how these type of sentiments might translate to the possibility of 3+ national bids coming out of NESCAC?  Thoughts?

At the midpoint of the regular season, which men's conference has been the best (strongest, deepest, etc.) this year ?

Centennial (F&M, Haverford, Gettysburg, Dickinson, etc.) (82) - 18%

NCAC (Kenyon, Ohio Wesleyan, Denison, DePauw, etc.) (74) - 16%

NJAC (Montclair St., Rutgers-Camden, Kean, Rowan, etc.) (68) - 14%

UAA (Brandeis, Carnegie Mellon, Case Western, Washington U., etc.) (61) - 13%

NESCAC (Amherst, Tufts, Middlebury, Connecticut, etc.) (53) - 11%
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2015, 11:55:34 AM
Given that we normally only get two days of NESCAC soccer in a weekend, I think most of us forgot about Babson at Bowdoin today.

Should be an interesting matchup. While Babson probably has had a slightly better season, having picked up some good results in tying RPI and beating UMass-Boston on their home patch, both teams are not where they would want to be at this point in the year (Babo is 7-4-1; Bowdoin 4-3-2.) Babson has lost at home to MIT and Wheaton, and Bowdoin fell at home to Williams. Both teams have come in for criticism on these boards, but I think that the craziest thing - and maybe this is just my own perception - is that each team, even with one less loss, would be talked about much more seriously. For example, a 5-2-2 Bowdoin team would be considered very much in the thick of the NESCAC, while an 8-3-1 Babson would be perceived in a similar light in the NEWMAC. That said, there's still a long way to go before the conference tournaments start, so both teams could make runs in their respective postseason tourneys.

Both teams seem to be having (some) trouble scoring goals - Bowdoin has 19 on the season, and Babson has 18. While Carlos is carrying the load so far, with six, it will be interesting to see if, up top, Kaplan will step up - I think he is a good player and got four goals last year, but I think we'll know a lot more about him w/his end-of-year stats. Bowdoin, meanwhile, has five players with two goals, and nine guys with one goal. It's tough to say whether that means that the spreading of the scoring is due to A. balance or B. happenstance. I'd be more inclined to say "balanced" if they had, say, five guys on four or five goals, but maybe I'm being too critical. Either way, having 14 different players on the scoresheet thus far this year is admittedly impressive.

Defensively, both teams are pretty tight at the back. Babson's game vs. ECSU aside, both teams have been "in" every game they've played. I think Van Siclen has suffered from a lack of protection this season - he is a good talent as we saw last year, and he'll only get better. Similarly, I think Donato is a great keeper and has been unfortunate with some of the goals he's given up this year. Expect this one to be a tight contest at the back, as it always seems to be.

Based on what I've seen of both teams this year, coupled with home-field advantage, I'd give the slight edge to Bowdoin, 1-0. That said, wouldn't be surprised if Babson snuck this one in OT like they did last year at home.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2015, 02:16:06 PM
Bowdoin and Babson tied at 1-1 early second half. Bowdoin definitely the stronger side throughout the first half, but Kaplan put Babo 1-0 up against the run of play. Bowdoin has definitely been dominant down the wings all game, though, and its persistence eventually paid off with Miller grabbing the equalizer from a low cross.

Blooter's daily trivial announcer complaint: Bowdoin's "shot...SCOREEEEEEEEE!!!!" announcer is on duty today, so maybe those with sensitive ears would be advised to mute.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2015, 02:28:45 PM
What is going on up there in Brunswick? Is Babson having a meltdown in 2nd Half?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2015, 02:35:21 PM
Bowdoin now up 3-1. Three goals in 12 minutes to overturn a 1-0 deficit. The Polar Bears just seem a lot more athletic and are good value for their lead, although two of Bowdoin's three goals have come from very preventable crosses - the other appeared to be a deflected shot, so a bit hard-luck on the Beavers. Assuming Bowdoin holds out, beating Babson by two clear goals will be a big win for their confidence - especially considering Babson has some good results this season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2015, 02:52:31 PM
4-1! Keefe all alone in the middle and triples his goal output for the season. A far cry from my pre-game prediction of 1-0. I cannot believe Bowdoin has hit Babson for four, although to be fair none of them have been Donato's fault.

Crazy thing - the Beavers have actually outshot the Polar Bears 12-9.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2015, 03:00:00 PM
Sounds like Keefe showed up to play today. For Bowdoin to be truly successful they need him to be a beast on the middle and finish off crosses and rebounds. Sometimes he fades in and out of games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 12, 2015, 03:06:13 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 12, 2015, 02:16:06 PM
Blooter's daily trivial announcer complaint: Bowdoin's "shot...SCOREEEEEEEEE!!!!" announcer is on duty today, so maybe those with sensitive ears would be advised to mute.

I had not heard this fellow before, but I tuned in just in time for Bowdoin's third goal.  My kid happened to be in the room at the time and has taken to imitating said announcer incessantly.  I guess I should have taken Blooter's advice and muted the computer BEFORE tuning in  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2015, 03:28:00 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 12, 2015, 03:06:13 PM
I had not heard this fellow before, but I tuned in just in time for Bowdoin's third goal.  My kid happened to be in the room at the time and has taken to imitating said announcer incessantly.  I guess I should have taken Blooter's advice and muted the computer BEFORE tuning in  ;)

Oh man, that's brutal! Before the game, I realized that I hadn't heard him in a while on Bowdoin broadcasts (I've watched a couple this season) and thought they might have gone to someone else. Then the tying goal came along, and it was the confirmation that I was indeed wrong. :P
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEngland on October 13, 2015, 09:53:04 AM
Conn is 3-4-1 in last 8 against Amherst so they have had a little bit of success against the Jeffs. I think a point today is essential.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2015, 10:00:11 AM
Amh 2 Conn 0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 13, 2015, 10:21:31 AM
NESCAC Match of the day:
Tufts takes on upstart Gordon. Predictions?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 13, 2015, 10:46:56 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on October 13, 2015, 10:21:31 AM
NESCAC Match of the day:
Tufts takes on upstart Gordon. Predictions?

Tufts 2
Gordon 1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 13, 2015, 11:43:10 AM
Some numbers from 2015:
(thru yesterday's games)

NESCAC in non-conference games this year: 
35 wins
6  losses
2  ties

109 GF
22  GA

The six losses:

Tufts to Brandeis 1-0 despite 11-4 advantage in shots, 10-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Wesleyan to E. Connecticut 1-0 despite 17-7 advantage in shots, 13-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Williams to Skidmore 2-0 despite 13-10 advantage in shots, 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Hamilton to Oswego State 1-0 despite 21-12 advantage in shots, 9-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Colby to Wheaton 2-0  Colby outshot 13-6, held advantage in corners 8-5.
Colby to Thomas 3-2 Colby outshot 19-17, Thomas had advantage in corners 8-3.

The two ties:

Trinity with Westfield State despite 39-7 advantage in shots, 14-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Colby with Husson despite 19-6 advantage in shots, 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Just found it interesting.

And I'm always amazed at the parity in the NESCAC:

Current #11 seed Colby beats Williams
Current #10 seed Bowdoin beats Wesleyan
Current #9 seed Hamilton beats Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2015, 12:13:02 PM
It is essential that for all of Nescac that Tufts defeats Gordon and Williams defeats Endicott. The only team that might benefit from Endicott beating Williams is Tufts who gave Endicott its only loss this season.

I only saw the 1st Half of the Tufts v Endicott game over a month ago and Tufts dominated them and had them pinned in. They do have a ton of shutouts and this mid-week road night game on turf will be tough for Williams but doable.

The other game pits Gordon at Tufts. I have not seen Gordon this year but I saw them plenty last year and I find it admirable that they try to "play" but Tufts should control possession and are just more athletic and should control this game. One worry is that this is Gordon's "NCAA Championship game", this is a win that can define a program and they will be extremely pumped. Tufts will need to match their intensity and I am not sure if they will take them as seriously as they should. If they beat Gordon they will most likely end any chance of them getting a Pool C . The players NEED to know this and Shapiro must get this point across because they will be battling these type of teams in November for a Pool C.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2015, 01:01:09 PM
Amherst v Conn    1-0   Which Conn teams shows up? The one that played so well against Williams and the 1st Half v Bates or the the flat un-interested and sloppy team that came out in the 2nd Half against Bates. My hunch is the former, especially against Amherst. Amherst will have the ball in the air most the game so it will take Conn out of it's possession oriented style they have been playing lately. However, if Conn attacks with their wingbacks like they did against Williams they will be able to counter in this game. I would sit in 1st Half in a block of 7 and all out attack with 3 and go into halftime 0-0, then I would go at Amherst thru Devlin and try to snag a goal. I would man mark NPL and try to frustrate him and take him out of the game. CB Sommers is fast enough to deal with Martin and Patch must use his physicality to deal with Singer and Orozco. I imagine Serpone might start Rico and Haskell because Conn does not have the size it once did and is a more technical side. Amherst looked flat 1st Half against Hamilton and Hamilton was able to possess against them nicely but got nothing out of it, maybe 1 or 2 non-threating chances but Amherst did not look good 1st Half in Clinton, NY. I did not see the 2nd Half. Amherst has also been lucky this year which is what you need this time of year. 3 wins in 2 OT over Williams, WPI and Tufts could all have been losses or draws but they find a way to get it done when it matters because of their front 3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2015, 03:41:57 PM
Amherst strikes 1st but Rico leaves game with an apparent knee injury..Conn settling down
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 13, 2015, 04:00:23 PM
Looks like Amherst scored 58 seconds in. Two strikes in the 1st minute this year against Middlebury and now Conn. - you can't fall asleep against them, especially at home!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 13, 2015, 04:24:01 PM
Amherst up 2-0 at half. Benches cleared at the tail end of the half and only one yellow card given out. Unnecessary by the Amherst goalie to come out 20 yards and push the Conn. player after a physical 50/50 tackle just outside the box near the corner flag. Both benches clear and a sub from Amherst gets a card. Poor officiating IMO if you give one team's sub a card for being on the field then the the other team's bench should also get a card. Also the goalie didn't even get a card which is what started the entire altercation. Poor officiating nationwide in every game I have watched this year. Sad for our game and the teams competing. Center official is probably in his mid to late 50's...struggling to keep up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 13, 2015, 04:28:41 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 13, 2015, 04:00:23 PM
Looks like Amherst scored 58 seconds in. Two strikes in the 1st minute this year against Middlebury and now Conn. - you can't fall asleep against them, especially at home!

2nd goal came off a corner kick which led to a scrum in front of the net and Amherst toe poked it in. Nothing pretty but effective none the less.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 13, 2015, 05:46:48 PM
Amherst 4-0 over Conn. At Hitchcock Field.  Both teams benefitted from no wet weather!
Caught the 2nd half.....Bull made some solid saves....one on his back it seems.
Amherst had more shots on goal...controlling the pace of the game for the most part.  Amherst continue to insert their younger players in the latter part of the half. 
Multi-goal afternoon for both Rico and PNL...I believe.  Really depended on the announcer to ID the point scorers...watched on- line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2015, 09:19:59 PM
I wouldn't want this if I was a fan of one of the teams, but would be great drama if Amherst and Tufts play twice more, in the NESCAC tourney final and then a Sweet 16 or preferably Elite 8 game.  Will be interesting to see if they get placed in different sectionals.  If so, I suppose we could see them face off in a Final Four game.  Certainly Midd or Wes or maybe Williams could upset one of them in the NESCAC tourney, but Amherst and Tufts clearly appear to be on another level than the rest.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 13, 2015, 10:00:30 PM
Quote from: amh63 on October 13, 2015, 05:46:48 PM
Amherst 4-0 over Conn. At Hitchcock Field.  Both teams benefitted from no wet weather!
Caught the 2nd half.....Bull made some solid saves....one on his back it seems.
Amherst had more shots on goal...controlling the pace of the game for the most part.  Amherst continue to insert their younger players in the latter part of the half. 
Multi-goal afternoon for both Rico and PNL...I believe.  Really depended on the announcer to ID the point scorers...watched on- line.

Congrats to the Lord Jeffs on a nice in conference victory over a pretty good Conn College side!!  The more I see Amherst play in general and key players like Bull, Martin, NPL, and Singer in particular, the more I think the Jeffs will be in the NCAA finals this year.  To score against Bull is like having a LAX net to shoot for, I wouldn't be surprised to see him end up in the MLS or on a future USA National team after his college career is over, assuming he wants to give it a try with his Amherst degree in his pocket ;)!!  He is just superb!!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2015, 03:49:57 PM
After watching bits and pieces of those Nescac games yesterday my thoughts are:

Tufts v Gordon---I only caught the 2nd Half but was unimpressed with both teams. Gordon created nothing offensively and Tufts really did not either. Both teams could not string 3-4 passes together and the game looked like it was being played on mud with each player having cement attached to their shoes. Good win for Tufts as sitting at 7-3-1 and with their SOS will be good to go as long as they finish off the regular season strong. Gordon if regionally ranked will be at that #9,#10 and #11 seed and if they lose will drop off the map but if they win they will not move much unless they beat Endicott who will be seeded #6,#7,#8 range.

Amherst v Conn---I caught most of the game and Amherst just flat out dominated Conn. If Amherst keeps playing like this they will be very hard to beat in November. 15-0-0 is looking more and more likely as they will easily win both games in Maine. Wesleyan always throws Amherst a curveball but I think they will have revenge on their minds from last year coupled with the fact that they will be home they should dispatch of Wesleyan. Trinity is the last mid-week game of the season and they have dominated Trinity in Serpone's tenure. They looked better than Conn in every aspect on the field yesterday. Conn went down 2 goals and threw in the towel.

Williams at Endicott---The most disappointing game of the night. Endicott is a good / average team. Nothing special or nothing that jumps out at you. Just a solid back 4 with decent GK but they do not have much going forward. They play hard for their coach which is more than I can say for Williams. Williams looks un-interested and unwilling to work for 90 minutes to win games. I guess I underestimated the loss of Zack Grady's 10 goals last year. I just assumed Rashid and Sisco would pick up the slack and some midfielders would also help out. That has not been the case at all. Williams has now scored 1 goal in each of the past 7 games. That is not going to cut it. I never imagined Williams Men's Soccer losing to Colby, Bates, Skidmore and Endicott(I consider that a loss) in a 10 year span let alone in 1 year. I understand there was a massive coaching change but there have been no big injuries and they got one of their better players back this season in Rashid. It goes without saying 4-4-2 is massively disappointing. At this point, changes need to be made. They have been starting Troy Ritter and Noah Grumman together who both play defensive MF. Unless you are a playing a 4-2-3-1 and you shouldn't be then one needs to go. I would get Tom Young back in the starting line-up but put him out on the flank where he can use his speed and skill to beat guys 1v1 like Moutenot does. Young had been playing attacking CM and to me he just gets eaten up by bigger more physical players. I would play a 4-3-3 with GK Alcorn and the backline which has done fine and Grumman holding. Use the frosh Andreau and Rashid as attacking CM with Young and Moutenot on the flanks and maybe give someone else a run up top as Sisco isn't getting it done lately. Without overhaul with this line-up and formation you will see more of the same against Wesleyan, Tufts and MIdd and most likely Williams will finish with a losing record for the first time since 1982.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 14, 2015, 05:46:39 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 14, 2015, 03:49:57 PM
After watching bits and pieces of those Nescac games yesterday my thoughts are:

Tufts v Gordon---I only caught the 2nd Half but was unimpressed with both teams. Gordon created nothing offensively and Tufts really did not either. Both teams could not string 3-4 passes together and the game looked like it was being played on mud with each player having cement attached to their shoes. Good win for Tufts as sitting at 7-3-1 and with their SOS will be good to go as long as they finish off the regular season strong. Gordon if regionally ranked will be at that #9,#10 and #11 seed and if they lose will drop off the map but if they win they will not move much unless they beat Endicott who will be seeded #6,#7,#8 range.

Amherst v Conn---I caught most of the game and Amherst just flat out dominated Conn. If Amherst keeps playing like this they will be very hard to beat in November. 15-0-0 is looking more and more likely as they will easily win both games in Maine. Wesleyan always throws Amherst a curveball but I think they will have revenge on their minds from last year coupled with the fact that they will be home they should dispatch of Wesleyan. Trinity is the last mid-week game of the season and they have dominated Trinity in Serpone's tenure. They looked better than Conn in every aspect on the field yesterday. Conn went down 2 goals and threw in the towel.

Williams at Endicott---The most disappointing game of the night. Endicott is a good / average team. Nothing special or nothing that jumps out at you. Just a solid back 4 with decent GK but they do not have much going forward. They play hard for their coach which is more than I can say for Williams. Williams looks un-interested and unwilling to work for 90 minutes to win games. I guess I underestimated the loss of Zack Grady's 10 goals last year. I just assumed Rashid and Sisco would pick up the slack and some midfielders would also help out. That has not been the case at all. Williams has now scored 1 goal in each of the past 7 games. That is not going to cut it. I never imagined Williams Men's Soccer losing to Colby, Bates, Skidmore and Endicott(I consider that a loss) in a 10 year span let alone in 1 year. I understand there was a massive coaching change but there have been no big injuries and they got one of their better players back this season in Rashid. It goes without saying 4-4-2 is massively disappointing. At this point, changes need to be made. They have been starting Troy Ritter and Noah Grumman together who both play defensive MF. Unless you are a playing a 4-2-3-1 and you shouldn't be then one needs to go. I would get Tom Young back in the starting line-up but put him out on the flank where he can use his speed and skill to beat guys 1v1 like Moutenot does. Young had been playing attacking CM and to me he just gets eaten up by bigger more physical players. I would play a 4-3-3 with GK Alcorn and the backline which has done fine and Grumman holding. Use the frosh Andreau and Rashid as attacking CM with Young and Moutenot on the flanks and maybe give someone else a run up top as Sisco isn't getting it done lately. Without overhaul with this line-up and formation you will see more of the same against Wesleyan, Tufts and MIdd and most likely Williams will finish with a losing record for the first time since 1982.

Watched the Amherst vs Conn game and completely agree with your assessment.  The Lord Jeffs are the class of the league and should run the regular season table.  They are more talented and much more physical than every other NESCAC team this year.  Amherst continues it's knock you down play, but I've watched it for the last 6 years and while I don't like the style they make it work for them every year as it puts an oh oh factor into the opposing players head on whether they are going to be run over or not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 14, 2015, 11:02:11 PM
No doubt they have some players but we are being kind.  I have seen them 3 times this year live.  In each game it basically went to fisticuffs.  Ref lost control each time.  For an institution as fine as Amherst to have this embarrassing behavior on the pitch is puzzling.  Why isn't anything done?  I watched the last game with a friend who is an Amherst alum, he apologized throughout dinner.  The vulgarities that the Amherst bench screamed at the AR were astounding.  The coach just sat there and the ref did nothing.   It was a disgrace, in Canada we would say this team is gooning it up.  After most plays the player passing the ball is hit 2 or three steps later as the ref's gaze has moved on.  Eventually the players are more concerned with protecting themselves and the mistakes happen.  I have seen at least 10 elbows in the three games that an MMA fighter would be proud of.  At least they keep their sticks down.

I haven't seen anything like this circus in 25 years.  I was a hockey player at a rival school, just to be fair about it.

A thought does occur to me,  in junior if we ran into a team like this our coach would start the 4th line.  After all the hits happened and there were 6 game misconducts the skaters had half a chance to skate.  Maybe that's what needs to be done here.  After 3 or 4 rivals do it in a row maybe Amherst will get the message.  The way it is going someone is going to get seriously hurt,  it's not if but when.  Very sad.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 15, 2015, 08:29:54 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 14, 2015, 03:49:57 PM
After watching bits and pieces of those Nescac games yesterday my thoughts are:

Amherst v Conn---I caught most of the game and Amherst just flat out dominated Conn. If Amherst keeps playing like this they will be very hard to beat in November. 15-0-0 is looking more and more likely as they will easily win both games in Maine. Wesleyan always throws Amherst a curveball but I think they will have revenge on their minds from last year coupled with the fact that they will be home they should dispatch of Wesleyan. Trinity is the last mid-week game of the season and they have dominated Trinity in Serpone's tenure. They looked better than Conn in every aspect on the field yesterday. Conn went down 2 goals and threw in the towel.


Yes sir I watched as well and you are spot on. I was very impressed with Amherst. That team has all the parts for a Final 4 run IMO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 15, 2015, 10:48:56 AM
Quote from: chrisseitz14 on October 15, 2015, 10:32:23 AM
Super Sunday
Amherst 0 - Bates 4. (shots 24-4)

;D ;D Knoth hat-trick and a late goal by Pereira?

Quote from: chrisseitz14 on October 15, 2015, 10:32:23 AM
A question I pose to all of you, what would klinsman, the US national team coach, think if he saw an Amherst game?

He would invite Serpone to be his #2 and then Ancelotti will take over the vacant post at Amherst next year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 15, 2015, 02:18:14 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 15, 2015, 10:48:56 AM
Quote from: chrisseitz14 on October 15, 2015, 10:32:23 AM
Super Sunday
Amherst 0 - Bates 4. (shots 24-4)

;D ;D Knoth hat-trick and a late goal by Pereira?

Quote from: chrisseitz14 on October 15, 2015, 10:32:23 AM
A question I pose to all of you, what would klinsman, the US national team coach, think if he saw an Amherst game?

He would invite Serpone to be his #2 and then Ancelotti will take over the vacant post at Amherst next year.


Any guesses on approx. minutes that Bates will be in Amherst Half all game?

I say 15
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 15, 2015, 02:21:58 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 15, 2015, 02:18:14 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 15, 2015, 10:48:56 AM
Quote from: chrisseitz14 on October 15, 2015, 10:32:23 AM
Super Sunday
Amherst 0 - Bates 4. (shots 24-4)

;D ;D Knoth hat-trick and a late goal by Pereira?

Quote from: chrisseitz14 on October 15, 2015, 10:32:23 AM
A question I pose to all of you, what would klinsman, the US national team coach, think if he saw an Amherst game?

He would invite Serpone to be his #2 and then Ancelotti will take over the vacant post at Amherst next year.


Any guesses on approx. minutes that Bates will be in Amherst Half all game?

I say 15

Less than 10---it won't be very pretty.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 15, 2015, 04:46:15 PM
Fast Food Nescac Picks Saturday 10-17-2015..Home Team listed 1st.

Colby v Amherst----------0-4     This could get ugly fast.  Side bet-                Amherst- Over 4 goals    -125
                                                                                                                Colby---- Over 4 SOG     +175
                                  Colby injured players that need to be subbed during match-----  Over 2            -200


Wesleyan v Williams------1-1    Wesleyan squarely on the NCAA Bubble. With Williams, Amherst, Conn and Trinity left on the schedule they can determine their Pool C fate. I am looking at a 1-1-2 finish.


Bowdoin v Hamilton------1-0      Loser of this game will most likely miss out on Nescac play-offs. Advantage to the team that did not travel 8 hours.


Midd v Trinity-------------0-1      Trinity won at Midd in 2011. I can see a possible upset here. That would not only kill any chance Midd has at a pool C but also get Trinity closer to qualifying for the Nescac playoffs.


Bates v Tufts-------------0-2       This game will be more competitive than the score line but Tufts must get this win.


Sunday:

Bates v Amherst--------0-3         Bates will be worn down by playing Tufts the previous day while Amherst will have only played Colby...

Babson v Williams------0-4         Williams breaks out of its scoring slump and thumps Babo
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 15, 2015, 08:07:22 PM
EasyGoer, your name belies your post. First post, too!

Sounds like you enjoyed a delicate hockey experience. ;)

Welcome to the boards.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 15, 2015, 08:58:44 PM
I haven't seen anything first hand with Amherst, but I'm persuaded by the sheer volume of complaints that there must be something to them, even if exaggerated.  However, short of other NESCAC coaches and their school ADs and Presidents filing more formal complaints to to the Amherst administration nothing is going to happen.  Indeed, I would expect Amherst's intensity, well, to intensify.  I'm sure the program believes (not without merit) that they should have won at least 1 national title over the last 5 or so years, and they have suffered extremely painful losses in Elite 8 games to their top rival (top rival in all regards), including I believe one in PKs during their truly impressive 40 game (or whatever it was) unbeaten streak in the most competitive D3 conference in America.  Last year they were knocked out again in PKs (by Brandeis) and watched another NESCAC rival juggernaut to a NCAA title.  One would presume that they are going to do whatever is necessary that they are permitted to do under the rules to go as far as they can and to win a national title if they can.  They are one of two remaining unblemished teams in all of D3.  They easily could have lost or been held to a draw in one or two, but 11-0 (with 27 goals and 2 against) is where they are.  We know Tufts can beat them on the day, and there may be another NESCAC team or two that can get a result.  Certainly there will be a team or two at least from the Sweet 16 on who will provide great resistance to their mission to reach the Final Four, but right now they must be considered one among a very small number of true favorites as they have been just what we would expect them to be amidst an otherwise chaotic and unpredictable D3 season.  Now, a real question is, while we can expect their intensity to intensify is whether there is a breaking point where (even within the context of their natural style) the intensity will be too much and turn into an Achilles heel.  That is the ultimate challenge for Serpone (and his Amherst men), and aside from the antics, his ultimate standing as a coach will rest on whether he can thread the needle of that dilemma just described.  That's a ton of pressure, and that pressure is part and parcel of their challenge ahead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 15, 2015, 09:19:08 PM
Well said, NCAC. At first - and even as recently as two weeks ago - I didn't buy the hype, but the more and more they've played and won the close games, I think that there's something different this season. Last year they looked more vulnerable than they have in a while and - although they were unlucky to lose on PKs in the NCAA tourney - they were knocked off the perch by Bowdoin in the NESCAC, which I think really hit them hard. After all, going from being hands-down the best team in the league year after year to losing on PKs to the #6 seed who you previously beat away from home is rough.

They've come back this year with a vengeance. NPL is his usual self. Martin is on fire and it may well come down to him and NPL for NESCAC POY - although I'm sure the boys from Tufts, particularly Kayne and Majumder, will have something to say about that. Singer - who in my view is underrated as a CF - has come up with the big goals at the right times.

I think last season was a humbling experience, and in my view they were lucky to only lose one game all regular season - they didn't play very well and were fortunate to come out with ties instead of losses on many an occasion. Either way, they were a Sweet Sixteen team, which I think was about right given how they played all season. This year, you can't say that they haven't been the better side in almost all (if not all) of their games. Last year, they were fortunate to end up 14-1-6; this year, I think they're a justified 11-0.

Certainly, as the fall wears on and the games get tougher, we'll see what Amherst is really made of. But combine the cruelness of '12 and '13 (particularly '12, given the talent on that team) with being below their standards in '14, I think '15 might be different.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 16, 2015, 08:36:55 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 15, 2015, 08:07:22 PM
EasyGoer, your name belies your post. First post, too!

Sounds like you enjoyed a delicate hockey experience. ;)

Welcome to the boards.

Thanks, never motivated to post before though I have read the boards.  You are right I did like a little contact in my day.  I think there is a difference between putting someone on their back when level or being physical moving them off the ball and what goes on with Amherst. Amherst is a circus where I'm sure Serpone enjoy's this rep, sorta the Oakland Raiders scare the hell out of you before you even line up mystique.  I just hope there isn't a Darryl  Stingley out there.  If the ref's would send a few of them off and actually enforce the rules it was also stop.  Studs up, headers through other players, tackles from behind, elbows that are more like punches, borderline horse collars and all the other antics are not tough it's ridiculous.  NESCAC is basically an arm of the member schools.  The AD at Amherst clearly doesn't care and they are the most influential school.  Effectively they have been put on notice.  I am not rooting for it but it seems very predicable when the injury does occur and they have done nothing the lawyer is going to have a field day demonstrating knowledge and forethought.  The fact the trustee's of Amherst are seemingly unaware of this brewing disaster is also a little surprising.  Trust me unlike the AD they won't be so tolerant.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 16, 2015, 08:57:01 AM
and I'm sorry one PS,

When an opposing player can't read or see clearly for a year I do not believe "We were really close to winning a national title and i was under a lot pressure" will be an acceptable defense.

at least not in any court I know of......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 16, 2015, 10:32:21 AM
Quote from: EasyGoer27 on October 16, 2015, 08:57:01 AM
and I'm sorry one PS,

When an opposing player can't read or see clearly for a year I do not believe "We were really close to winning a national title and i was under a lot pressure" will be an acceptable defense.

at least not in any court I know of......

So how do you account for Amherst not having players sent off with any frequency?  The refs are all in Amherst's pocket?  Opposing coaches who are concerned don't ask the refs before and the during the game to watch out for red-cardable cheap shots?  You're talking about lawyers and courts of law?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 16, 2015, 11:01:01 AM
Amherst in 11 games has 18 yellow cards to their opponents 12.   14 different Amherst players have receives yellow cards so far this season.

In 10 games, Amherst has averaged 16.6 fouls per game while their opponents have averaged 11.1  - The Hamilton game is not included in this as the box score indicates no fouls on either side despite 6 yellow cards being given.  Given the number of yellow cards, I suspect the inclusion of this game would only increase their per game average.   Amherst has committed more fouls than their opponents in every game but one (Williams 20 fouls - Amherst 18).


For comparative purposes, Tufts has 6 yellow cards in 11 games and averages 10.4 fouls per game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GabWirz on October 16, 2015, 11:40:38 AM
As an ex-Amherst player, the constant Amherst bashing on the boards over the past few years has gotten old, but I respect the fact that people are entitled to their own opinions and can say what they want within reason about Amherst.  We play a very physical game, our bench has always been active, Coach Serpone is usually extremely animated on the sideline, and we don't look anything like Barcelona.  We argue on the boards about whether these qualities are good or bad for days, which usually doesn't lead to anything productive, but that is the nature of the boards and I have no problem with that. However, I think that EasyGoer27's accusations involving "studs up tackles", "tackles from behinds", "elbows that are more like punches", "borderline horse collars", and hypothetical lawsuits in which an opposing player is suing an Amherst player because he was hit so hard that he can't read or see clearly for a year, are a bit over the line.  I think there is very little evidence out there that Amherst players are truly dirty or that they purposefully try and injure other opponents (I do not think fouls or yellow cards can be equated with dirty play, rough yes, dirty no).  In the past 3 years there have been 3 instances of truly dirty behavior in the NESCAC that I can think of and none involved an Amherst player.  The players involved in these instances were Lima, and Kramer twice.  In no way do I think that their actions reflect the Williams and Tufts programs respectively, I just want to to point out that they were not Amherst players. 

At the end of the day, I think that the boards should continue to be a place where people voice their opinions, which undoubtedly will involve continued Amherst bashing (which is just white noise to me at this point).  However, it should not be a place where making baseless accusations about 18-22 year olds intending to harm one another is ok.  That is the only reason I've decided to jump on the boards quickly to defend my ex-teammates.       
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 16, 2015, 11:43:21 AM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 16, 2015, 11:01:01 AM
Amherst in 11 games has 18 yellow cards to their opponents 12.   14 different Amherst players have receives yellow cards so far this season.

In 10 games, Amherst has averaged 16.6 fouls per game while their opponents have averaged 11.1  - The Hamilton game is not included in this as the box score indicates no fouls on either side despite 6 yellow cards being given.  Given the number of yellow cards, I suspect the inclusion of this game would only increase their per game average.   Amherst has committed more fouls than their opponents in every game but one (Williams 20 fouls - Amherst 18).

Your stats hardly justify the comments regarding Amherst on these boards. I've seen as many Amherst games as anyone on here and here's the reality - they may be aggressive and I can see how they might rub opposing teams the wrong way (losing hurts, right?) but the comments are over the top and reeks of sour grapes.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 16, 2015, 11:47:57 AM
Totally agree with GWirz. Sounds like we were reading, and taking offense at the same time.  >:(

I do respect others' ability to voice their opinions but get queasy reading specific players' names being mentioned with comments that may or may not be accurate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 16, 2015, 11:52:46 AM
My final post on this matter. Easy goer, I'm the person who gave you a negative karma. Congratulations, as it takes a lot for me to give those out. Not sure I've seen such a smug, know-it all post which is so laughably one sided.  I should know better than to take a break in my work day to come back to these boards.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2015, 12:48:29 PM
My 2 cents...I agree with Wirz and Corazon that EasyGoer has really exaggerated the issue with Amherst. They play hard and chippy but they are not out to injure anyone and it is a little much to be talking about lawyers and MMA and horse collars. I have not witnessed any late tackles after the ref turns away. To imply this is ridiculous.

I will say that Amherst does not show much sportsmanship which I feel is the reason that people fly off the handle about the way they play and the comments they make that are greatly exaggerated.

We can just leave it at that and move on, as Wirz said this is all becoming "White Noise"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 16, 2015, 12:55:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 16, 2015, 12:48:29 PM
My 2 cents...I agree with Wirz and Corazon that EasyGoer has really exaggerated the issue with Amherst. They play hard and chippy but they are not out to injure anyone and it is a little much to be talking about lawyers and MMA and horse collars. I have not witnessed any late tackles after the ref turns away. To imply this is ridiculous.

I will say that Amherst does not show much sportsmanship which I feel is the reason that people fly off the handle about the way they play and the comments they make that are greatly exaggerated.

We can just leave it at that and move on, as Wirz said this is all becoming "White Noise"

Agreed.  And if Amherst gets to the Final Four and wins a national title they will have earned it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 16, 2015, 12:59:34 PM
The referee is the person who has the control and authority to stop any un-sportsman-like conduct!  If it was up to me personally I would not hesitate to flash the red card if I saw a build up of very aggressive play, of course with  verbal warning to coach and the player(s) ahead of time.  These are student athletes and they deserve to be protected from harm in soccer as in any other sport or activity, and if a ref allows athletes to get injured, after a build up of dangerous play, they should be laible!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 16, 2015, 02:29:23 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 15, 2015, 10:48:56 AM
Quote from: chrisseitz14 on October 15, 2015, 10:32:23 AM
Super Sunday
Amherst 0 - Bates 4. (shots 24-4)

;D ;D Knoth hat-trick and a late goal by Pereira?

Quote from: chrisseitz14 on October 15, 2015, 10:32:23 AM
A question I pose to all of you, what would klinsman, the US national team coach, think if he saw an Amherst game?

He would invite Serpone to be his #2 and then Ancelotti will take over the vacant post at Amherst next year.

Ha ha. I saw this earlier and didn't get it, but just realized chrisseitz is (jokingly) picking a 4-0 win for Bates. I had assumed it was the other way around. Well, Bates is my under dog team, but I honestly see no way of pulling an upset here. I don't think it will be quite as one sided as many think though.

As for what Klinsi would say if he saw an Amherst game... I think you can safely replace Amherst with any NESCAC team (possible exception is Tufts, but Colby counts twice) He'd see hard tackles, athleticism, balls in the air, reliance on set pieces, a general lack of ball skills or anything resembling Barcelona  ... Kinda like the USMNT?  I will say this though, Klinsi will get fired before Serpone!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 16, 2015, 03:09:24 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 16, 2015, 11:52:46 AM
My final post on this matter. Easy goer, I'm the person who gave you a negative karma. Congratulations, as it takes a lot for me to give those out. Not sure I've seen such a smug, know-it all post which is so laughably one sided.  I should know better than to take a break in my work day to come back to these boards.
You seem like a rational sort.  Not meaning to be smug and it took a lot for me to log on here.  I am replying to several of the post not just you.  I don't know where the liability lies(somewhere between refs and coach).  You need to see it live.  Then watch the video, you catch a little bit of it as camera rolls away.  As far as cards, it is also clear the refs once they give a yellow to a player are very hesitant to give the 2nd.  The boys have caught on, a first yellow doesn't even slow them down.  The elbow that cut open a player a few games ago was from a player that had a yellow, in the box 2-3 seconds after the ball was up the pitch.  Bloody mess coming off the field, not even a foul much less a yellow.  Photo's also don't lie on some of the tackles, yes studs up.  Shall we start posting them, calling out the players by name and number?  Please don't tell me I don't know what I'm talking about.  I am a neutral observer and know as many people at Amherst as the other schools.  I was and am offended but what I've seen.
Go watch for yourself, watch after the play off the ball antics and draw your own conclusions before assuming I'm wrong. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 16, 2015, 03:44:05 PM
message received I will drop it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on October 16, 2015, 05:15:13 PM
My amHerst friends have been embarrassed and apologetic regarding lj men's soccer for several years. Even they are disappointed the poor behavior exhibited by the coach and players continues without the administration or athletic director addressing it. Oh well, players and observers of NESCAC sports have seen it before ---and will again. In a conference known for setting effective standards for operating leading higher educational enterprises, there have been many superb, even legendary, coaches in various men and women's sports. In any case, these conditions won't last much longer ...stay turned....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 16, 2015, 07:15:04 PM
Quote from: GabWirz on October 16, 2015, 11:40:38 AM
As an ex-Amherst player, the constant Amherst bashing on the boards over the past few years has gotten old, but I respect the fact that people are entitled to their own opinions and can say what they want within reason about Amherst.  We play a very physical game, our bench has always been active, Coach Serpone is usually extremely animated on the sideline, and we don't look anything like Barcelona.  We argue on the boards about whether these qualities are good or bad for days, which usually doesn't lead to anything productive, but that is the nature of the boards and I have no problem with that. However, I think that EasyGoer27's accusations involving "studs up tackles", "tackles from behinds", "elbows that are more like punches", "borderline horse collars", and hypothetical lawsuits in which an opposing player is suing an Amherst player because he was hit so hard that he can't read or see clearly for a year, are a bit over the line.  I think there is very little evidence out there that Amherst players are truly dirty or that they purposefully try and injure other opponents (I do not think fouls or yellow cards can be equated with dirty play, rough yes, dirty no).  In the past 3 years there have been 3 instances of truly dirty behavior in the NESCAC that I can think of and none involved an Amherst player.  The players involved in these instances were Lima, and Kramer twice.  In no way do I think that their actions reflect the Williams and Tufts programs respectively, I just want to to point out that they were not Amherst players. 

At the end of the day, I think that the boards should continue to be a place where people voice their opinions, which undoubtedly will involve continued Amherst bashing (which is just white noise to me at this point).  However, it should not be a place where making baseless accusations about 18-22 year olds intending to harm one another is ok.  That is the only reason I've decided to jump on the boards quickly to defend my ex-teammates.     

I'm no fan of Amherst, but I find myself agreeing with everything that Gabe Wirz has written. Well said.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 16, 2015, 07:26:17 PM
Quote from: GabWirz on October 16, 2015, 11:40:38 AM
As an ex-Amherst player, the constant Amherst bashing on the boards over the past few years has gotten old, but I respect the fact that people are entitled to their own opinions and can say what they want within reason about Amherst.  We play a very physical game, our bench has always been active, Coach Serpone is usually extremely animated on the sideline, and we don't look anything like Barcelona.  We argue on the boards about whether these qualities are good or bad for days, which usually doesn't lead to anything productive, but that is the nature of the boards and I have no problem with that. However, I think that EasyGoer27's accusations involving "studs up tackles", "tackles from behinds", "elbows that are more like punches", "borderline horse collars", and hypothetical lawsuits in which an opposing player is suing an Amherst player because he was hit so hard that he can't read or see clearly for a year, are a bit over the line.  I think there is very little evidence out there that Amherst players are truly dirty or that they purposefully try and injure other opponents (I do not think fouls or yellow cards can be equated with dirty play, rough yes, dirty no).  In the past 3 years there have been 3 instances of truly dirty behavior in the NESCAC that I can think of and none involved an Amherst player.  The players involved in these instances were Lima, and Kramer twice.  In no way do I think that their actions reflect the Williams and Tufts programs respectively, I just want to to point out that they were not Amherst players. 

At the end of the day, I think that the boards should continue to be a place where people voice their opinions, which undoubtedly will involve continued Amherst bashing (which is just white noise to me at this point).  However, it should not be a place where making baseless accusations about 18-22 year olds intending to harm one another is ok.  That is the only reason I've decided to jump on the boards quickly to defend my ex-teammates.     

Thanks for making this post. I would say to people as well -- if there are posts like this that moderators should be seeing, feel free to hit the "report to moderator" link. That will help alert us to possible issues.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2015, 01:41:21 PM
Amherst men's soccer, women's soccer, football, and field hockey all playing at Colby today. Gotta praise the efficiency of getting four games against a single school done at once - the only things missing are X-C and volleyball if I'm not mistaken?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2015, 02:49:49 PM
Amherst - Colby still 0-0 in the second half. Gotta praise Colby for defending resolutely, but they're not exactly parking the bus - they're going forward when they have the ball.

And just as I'm typing that, a Colby player breaks in 1-on-1 with Bull, who came out well to cut off the angle. Great save at the second attempt, but the Colby striker made an absolute hash of the finish - should have gone for the chip. That was a good of a chance as he's ever going to get against the stingy Lord Jeffs defense.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2015, 03:37:21 PM
Amherst gets out of Waterville with a 2-0, but Colby showed a good account of themselves. Were unlucky to not go 1-0 up in the second half, but I'd still have fancied the Jeffs to finish it off even if down at one point.

Williams - Wesleyan is 0-0, probably will end up going to OT. Really good back-and-forth game where neither side has really been on top but both look equally threatening.

Bowdoin seems to have come alive after Monday's win over Babson, up 2-0 on Hamilton in the first half in a game where many predicted would be a one-goal affair.

Bates and Tufts still deadlocked at 0-0 in the first half, but probably the matchup of the day so far. Kayne is absolutely toying with the Bates midfield, displaying excellent passing and equally as good close control. Pinheiro has gotten a few passes wrong but looks decent otherwise, as does Halliday. Bates had the ball in the net but was ruled out for offsides, but Tufts has had the better of the chances and play and looks far superior.

Added note: Does anyone know why Knoth wasn't in the starting XI? Have to assume it's for an injury rather than tactical...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2015, 05:17:39 PM
Someone please tell me that the Tufts at Bates boxscore is wrong???????

0-0 2ot

42 Shots 26 SOG for Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 17, 2015, 05:18:52 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 17, 2015, 05:17:39 PM
Someone please tell me that the Tufts at Bates boxscore is wrong???????

0-0 2ot

42 Shots 26 SOG for Tufts

I was just about to make the same comment Mr Right  ha ha ha !!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 17, 2015, 05:21:49 PM
NPL bikes the winner. Nuff said.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2015, 05:21:57 PM
Bates - Tufts finishes 0-0. No idea how the Jumbos didn't win that one. 42 shots but never truly tested the goalkeeper - the Bates scorekeeper kept saying "defensive save by X player" in the stats but in my understanding most schools used "blocked" unless it was clearly going in and cleared off the line, so maybe the Bates scorekeeper had no idea what they were doing. Anyway, Bates had a few chances on the counter and put one in the net which was ruled out for offsides but Tufts should have been out of sight by that point. Previously I said that the most I thought Bates would get from Tufts, Amherst, or Midd would be a point and while they got one against Tufts my guess is Amherst will be more ruthless tomorrow.

Polito kept a clean sheet but no spectacular saves or anything. That's on Tufts for not doing better in the final third.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 17, 2015, 07:37:21 PM
Is 42 shots without scoring some kind of record?

The NESCAC really is brutal.  A very painful stretch for Wesleyan, a team I think has the quality of a NCAA tournament team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on October 17, 2015, 08:13:30 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 17, 2015, 07:37:21 PM
The NESCAC really is brutal.  A very painful stretch for Wesleyan, a team I think has the quality of a NCAA tournament team.
I saw the Wes-Williams game from the end of the first half to the end of the game. Wes created better chances that Williams in the 2d half, hit the crossbar twice, and had a curler just miss onto the top of the net. I think they were unlucky not to get the win in regulation. Williams really didn't threaten much in the 2d half, but had a good chance in OT1. Rashid created the goal in OT2 by getting by his defender on the end line and hammering a shot at a bad angle that the Wes keeper couldn't hold onto and a Williams player got the tap in from the spilled ball.

Williams played B Dory as striker for most of the game (at least the part I saw), but I didn't think he was very effective there. He wasn't used very effectively as a target man, knocking balls down for teammates, and his speed is not anything that is going to threaten a defense with runs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2015, 08:46:09 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 17, 2015, 07:37:21 PM
Is 42 shots without scoring some kind of record?

The NESCAC really is brutal.  A very painful stretch for Wesleyan, a team I think has the quality of a NCAA tournament team.

Don't know, but with players of their quality you'd think that they would have put at least one away.

Having watched most of the game, I can't say that they were unlucky - it wasn't like they hit the post 5 times or anything. I can't even say that the Bates defense - who, to their credit, kept a clean sheet - played exceptional. Rather, Tufts' finishing was just really poor. There was one chance toward the end of the first half where a Tufts reserve was about 12 yards out unmarked and just the GK to beat. But he passed it toward the corner at (seemingly) two miles an hour and the 'keeper got down to make the save, when, had the Tufts player put any power on the shot, the keeper would have stood no chance at that range. Majumder was clean through down the right but tried to go high and for power but ended up shooting right at the GK in a situation where he should have gone low and for the far corner. Kayne had a similar chance where he took the wrong shot. I'm not accusing them of being too casual, but there was little directness about Tufts' play, even in the later stages of the game - they appeared to be too patient. They're at their crushing best when they play with tempo and urgency, often slicing through opponents and setting their attackers up for easy goals.

Even with that in mind, it could have been worse for the Jumbos. Despite being outplayed, Bates had the ball in the net midway through the first half and it appeared to be a goal, as they started celebrating, but there was a late flag for offsides. Also, Bates had two shots on goal in a minute in OT, which - at that point - a matter of inches can decide the game. The one positive that the Jumbos can take is that they didn't lose, but that being said they should have won convincingly.

Update: The Bobcats apparently tied w/Bowdoin for 7th in the NESCAC, but Bates still has to play Amherst and Midd. at home. Should be an exciting race between those two and Trinity for spots 7 and 8.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on October 17, 2015, 11:10:39 PM
http://youtu.be/LCia4TkWoyU (http://youtu.be/LCia4TkWoyU)

NESCAC POY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 17, 2015, 11:18:43 PM
Like I said. Basically.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on October 17, 2015, 11:28:53 PM
http://cl.ly/image/1L000s1W2E3W (http://cl.ly/image/1L000s1W2E3W)

COY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 18, 2015, 05:35:38 AM
Quote from: 12SNoon on October 17, 2015, 11:10:39 PM
http://youtu.be/LCia4TkWoyU (http://youtu.be/LCia4TkWoyU)

NESCAC POY.

Agree. Felt he should have won it last year as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 18, 2015, 06:17:33 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 17, 2015, 05:21:57 PM
Bates - Tufts finishes 0-0. No idea how the Jumbos didn't win that one. 42 shots but never truly tested the goalkeeper - the Bates scorekeeper kept saying "defensive save by X player" in the stats but in my understanding most schools used "blocked" unless it was clearly going in and cleared off the line, so maybe the Bates scorekeeper had no idea what they were doing. Anyway, Bates had a few chances on the counter and put one in the net which was ruled out for offsides but Tufts should have been out of sight by that point. Previously I said that the most I thought Bates would get from Tufts, Amherst, or Midd would be a point and while they got one against Tufts my guess is Amherst will be more ruthless tomorrow.

Polito kept a clean sheet but no spectacular saves or anything. That's on Tufts for not doing better in the final third.

I watched a little (granted, it was only on my phone) and I don't think there is any way Tufts legitimately had 42 shots. If they did, what are the odds that none goes in? I just don't believe the stats. I've seen plenty of games where they credit the wrong player with a shot or sog or I specifically remember a certain player getting a couple of good shots off, only to see zeros in the stats. I guess the stats are only as good as the person keeping the score.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 18, 2015, 06:21:10 AM
I just re-checked, and Tufts' stats have been reset to 29 shots. That is much more believable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 18, 2015, 11:48:26 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 18, 2015, 06:21:10 AM
I just re-checked, and Tufts' stats have been reset to 29 shots. That is much more believable.

Makes sense. Still, 29 shots, many of them on goal, and with plyaers like those on Tufts' team you'd think that at least one goes in. Otherwise, you set yourself up for trouble, and the longer the game goes on the greater a chance there is for them to get one and pull the upset. Like I said, the positive for Tufts is at least they didn't lose, but it shouldn't have even been a game by that point.
Title: NESCAC Playoff Picture
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 18, 2015, 01:02:30 PM
1.   7-0-0   21 pts   Amherst               at Bates, home Wesleyan, at Trinity
2.   5-2-1   16 pts   Middlebury           at Bates, home Williams
3.   4-2-2   14 pts   Tufts                    at Williams, home Bowdoin
4.   4-3-1   13 pts   Conn College        home Bowdoin, home Wesleyan
5.   3-3-1   10 pts   Wesleyan             at Trinity, at Amherst, at Conn College
5.   3-3-1   10 pts   Williams               home Hamilton, home Tufts, at Middlebury
7.   2-3-2   08 pts   Bates                   home Amherst, home Middlebury, at Colby
7.   2-3-2   08 pts   Bowdoin               home Colby, at Conn College, at Tufts
9.   2-5-1   07 pts   Trinity                  home Wesleyan, home Amherst
10. 2-6-0   06 pts   Hamilton              at Williams, home Colby
11. 1-5-1   04 pts   Colby                   at Bowdoin, at Hamilton, home Bates

Ties will be broken as follows:

Head-to-head result (if teams play each other more than once during the regular season, the game that appears on the league schedule will be the game that is counted).
If teams tied during the regular season, or there is a 3-way or more tie, the following tie breaking procedure will be used:

•Best record among tying teams, against one another (head-to-head).
•Best conference winning percentage.
•Most conference wins (in games that are part of the conference schedule and count toward league standings).
•Comparison of results of conference games played against top 4 teams (including all teams at the 4th spot).
•Comparison of results of conference games played against top 8 teams (including all teams at the 8th spot).
•Comparison of results of conference games played against conference teams in rank order.
•Comparisons shall be made one team at a time starting with the highest ranked team.
•If the tie remains after comparing results against the highest ranked team, the results against the next team in rank order shall be used. This process is continued until a winner is determined.
•Goal differential up to but not exceeding three goals for each conference game that is part of the conference schedule (e.g., if a team wins 1-0, the team's goal differential would be +1. If a team wins 2-1, goal differential would be +1. If a team wins 4-0, the goal differential would be +3).
•Coin flip (or similar random action involving all tied teams).

Note: In case of ties among three or more schools, the criteria above will be applied in order until a team is (or teams are) separated. At that point, the process begins anew (returning to the first criteria) with the remaining teams. The process is continued until the tie is eventually broken. In cases where only a random action will break the tie of three or more teams, the random action will be applied to all teams involved in the tie. For example, if three teams are tied and only a random action (pulling names out of a hat) will break the tie, each name will be pulled and seeded in order of being pulled. Also, in the event that there are two (or more) groups of teams tied at different spots in the standings and the only criteria left that can be used to break those ties is a coin flip/random action, the coin flip/random action used to break the tie of one group (to put teams in rank order) will not affect the tie breaking procedures of the other group(s) of tied teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 18, 2015, 03:38:02 PM
Mr.Right, does Williams have a pulse now?  Let's say they beat Hamilton and split with Tufts and Midd, and then get to NESCAC semis or final.  That would put them on 6 losses but with wins over Oneonta, RPI, and Babson in addition to NESCAC wins.  I guess RPI and Babson may not end up being ranked, though.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerTroll on October 18, 2015, 03:56:49 PM
Watched Bates-Tufts on phone. Announcers made it watchable with good comments and funny reparte'.  Tufts D is great, but at cost of not having enough men forward on counters. Coleman, their Center Back played better, still looking for his left foot and a couple of more runs forward (he could do to put on a few pounds - tall with no meat on the bones not typical center back stuff). Subs Halliday and Sclar seemed to get props from announcers for strong play and shooting on goal. Greenwood gets another shutout to buffer the school record. Wish the announcers talked less about Sullivans head dress. Thought Tufts could have taken advantage of wind a bit more in the half they had it in their favor. They now make it too interesting to get first round home in the NESCAC tourney and might have to stress over NCAA  :oat large bid, but if they keep shooting in their final contests, they should be OK. NCAA has to honor last years champs if it is close.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 18, 2015, 05:02:18 PM
NPL: Nattie Hattie.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 18, 2015, 05:26:00 PM
Watched the Amherst-Bates game on the flat screen.  Amherst 3-0 with NPL pulling a hat trick.  It was a very windy day with sea gulls on the field..announcers stated the birds could not stay aloft much.  Even some snow furries late in the game as Amherst kept sending in new players.....so did Bates with a FY in the goal.  Still Amherst attacked and with under a minute to play.....Bates subs made some nice shots on goal.  Never know in this game what can happen.
Anyway, the announcers saw in the 2nd half there was little chance for Bates....though chatting about 4 goals in the last minute for Bates.....better than talking about T. Bull being the Whisperer to the Gulls.  Clever, but straying away from the action too much :).
Amherst is now 13-0 and seems to be going forward with confidence in their team play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on October 18, 2015, 05:58:24 PM

Watched Bates <> Amherst today. Nico is on absolute fire right now.

http://cl.ly/image/461t0B373k0v (http://cl.ly/image/461t0B373k0v)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 18, 2015, 06:00:48 PM
Congrats to Jeffs for locking up #1 seed for playoffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on October 19, 2015, 01:31:42 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 18, 2015, 11:48:26 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 18, 2015, 06:21:10 AM
I just re-checked, and Tufts' stats have been reset to 29 shots. That is much more believable.

Makes sense. Still, 29 shots, many of them on goal, and with plyaers like those on Tufts' team you'd think that at least one goes in. Otherwise, you set yourself up for trouble, and the longer the game goes on the greater a chance there is for them to get one and pull the upset. Like I said, the positive for Tufts is at least they didn't lose, but it shouldn't have even been a game by that point.

In their last 7 games Tufts is 2-3-2.  During that 7 game stretch Tufts has allowed only 4 goals but they have only scored 3 goals.  Tufts has scored 12 goals for the season, with 1.2 average goals per game.  Still further their shot% is .080.  These offensive stats currently put them in the offensive neighborhood of NESCAC teams such as Hamilton, Colby and Trinity (currently the bottom three teams in the conference overall).  Tufts defense is stingy for sure, but they are going to have to find a way to score goals or they may end up on the outside looking in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 19, 2015, 07:45:46 AM
as of October 18th

1.   8-0-0   24 pts   Amherst*             home Wesleyan, at Trinity
2.   5-2-1   16 pts   Middlebury+         at Bates, home Williams
3.   4-2-2   14 pts   Tufts+                 at Williams, home Bowdoin
4.   4-3-1   13 pts   Conn College+      home Bowdoin, home Wesleyan
5.   3-3-1   10 pts   Williams               home Hamilton, home Tufts, at Middlebury
6.   3-3-1   10 pts   Wesleyan             at Trinity, at Amherst, at Conn College
7.   2-3-2   08 pts   Bowdoin               home Colby, at Conn College, at Tufts
8.   2-4-2   08 pts   Bates                   home Middlebury, at Colby

9.   2-5-1   07 pts   Trinity                  home Wesleyan, home Amherst
10. 2-6-0   06 pts   Hamilton              at Williams, home Colby
11. 1-5-1   04 pts   Colby                   at Bowdoin, at Hamilton, home Bates

* clinches #1 seed
+ clinched playoff berth

Tuesday
Colby at Bowdoin

Wednesday
Wesleyan at Trinity
Hamilton at Williams

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2015, 09:05:24 AM
Quote from: 12SNoon on October 17, 2015, 11:10:39 PM
http://youtu.be/LCia4TkWoyU (http://youtu.be/LCia4TkWoyU)

NESCAC POY.


NPL will win POY...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2015, 09:10:57 AM
Quote from: 12SNoon on October 17, 2015, 11:28:53 PM
http://cl.ly/image/1L000s1W2E3W (http://cl.ly/image/1L000s1W2E3W)

COY.


Serpone should win COY but the question remains will enough of his peers vote for him? Stay tuned
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2015, 09:14:03 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 18, 2015, 03:38:02 PM
Mr.Right, does Williams have a pulse now?  Let's say they beat Hamilton and split with Tufts and Midd, and then get to NESCAC semis or final.  That would put them on 6 losses but with wins over Oneonta, RPI, and Babson in addition to NESCAC wins.  I guess RPI and Babson may not end up being ranked, though.


Excellent win for Williams as I predicted they would find their scoring boots vs Babson but its not enough. They must win the AQ.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 19, 2015, 09:41:36 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 19, 2015, 09:14:03 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 18, 2015, 03:38:02 PM
Mr.Right, does Williams have a pulse now?  Let's say they beat Hamilton and split with Tufts and Midd, and then get to NESCAC semis or final.  That would put them on 6 losses but with wins over Oneonta, RPI, and Babson in addition to NESCAC wins.  I guess RPI and Babson may not end up being ranked, though.


Excellent win for Williams as I predicted they would find their scoring boots vs Babson but its not enough. They must win the AQ.

I'm gonna say that one more blemish, preferably a draw, and getting to NESCAC final gets them in as 4th team, made possible by lack of strength in NEWMAC and elsewhere.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2015, 12:38:37 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 19, 2015, 09:41:36 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 19, 2015, 09:14:03 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 18, 2015, 03:38:02 PM
Mr.Right, does Williams have a pulse now?  Let's say they beat Hamilton and split with Tufts and Midd, and then get to NESCAC semis or final.  That would put them on 6 losses but with wins over Oneonta, RPI, and Babson in addition to NESCAC wins.  I guess RPI and Babson may not end up being ranked, though.


Excellent win for Williams as I predicted they would find their scoring boots vs Babson but its not enough. They must win the AQ.




At 6-4-2 they do not have a chance...They were 7-4-1 at this point last year but the schedule to end the year was different. They will not go clean against Midd, Tufts and Hamilton.

I'm gonna say that one more blemish, preferably a draw, and getting to NESCAC final gets them in as 4th team, made possible by lack of strength in NEWMAC and elsewhere.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2015, 02:34:12 PM
Nescac NCAA chances:

Locks:

Amherst

Very Close to Lock:

Middlebury
Tufts

Bubble:

Conn College---They need to win out and get much needed wins v Ranked. However, I noticed coach Kenny Murphy is on Committee which might help a nudge.
Wesleyan---Going in wrong direction but the win at Haverford will help. They MUST win out and beat Amherst. Tall order.

Slim chance:

Bowdoin---Must win out and reach Final
Williams---They will have good record v Ranked and strong SOS----Wins v Oneonta, Wesleyan, RPI and still to play Tufts and Midd...Still they must Win out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2015, 02:55:54 PM
Amherst unless a complete collapse will host and receive the 1st Round bye in the NCAA tournament. The 2nd round game usually is a tough one but Amherst should handle them. The Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games will also be hosted at Amherst. This is where Serpone has notoriously COME UP short. 2012 and 2013 losing to Williams at Home. Losing in 2014 to Brandeis at Oneonta. 2011 getting smacked by Stevens at home in the Sweet 16. In 2010 losing to Bowdoin at Bowdoin in the Sweet 16 in PK's. 2009 getting whacked at York PA in RD32 which Williams went on to beat them in PK's to reach Final 4.

POINT:

Amherst dominates regular Season but has 1 Final 4 in 2008 to show for it. Serpone's weakest team was 2008 and they got smacked by Stevens in Final 4----4-1.

Williams since 2009 has been to 3 FINAL 4's beating Amherst twice TO GET THERE...


MAIN POINT:

It would be an understatement to say Serpone has UNDERPERFORMED in the NCAA's after dominating regular season in most year...


Will this be the year he gets through and finished the deal...????

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 01:41:30 PM
Congrats to NPL on a well deserved Nescac POW.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 01:50:12 PM
Fast Food Nescac Predictions:

Keene St v Tufts-----5-10 years ago Keene St was one of the top teams in New England. A 6pm night game at Keene St was absolutely no picnic. Tufts must win this game and I believe they will. Keene St has really dropped off the past few years and I have not seen them this year. This still could be a tricky mid-week fixture for Tufts but they snatch this game 2-0.

Framingham St v Conn-----I have not seen Framingham St this year but Conn College has no room for error in this one. I have a hunch Conn will outshoot Framingham 3:1 with SOG but my hunch say's they might have trouble finishing...I say Conn 1-0.

Midd v Plymouth St-----I have been unimpressed with Midd this year as they look like a poor man's Amherst. This is Midd's toughest non-conference game this year which is absolutely laughable. Their Out of conference schedule might come back and bite them in the ass come November, which is what I predicted back in August...Midd takes it 3-0.


Bowdoin v Colby------Big game for both teams. Colby MUST win to stay in the Nescac Play-off hunt. Bowdoin MUST win for better seeding and a long-shot pool C. Bowdoin will not take Colby lightly as Colby surprised everyone last year and beat Bowdoin 1-0 at home...NOT this year..Bowdoin takes it 2-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 20, 2015, 02:00:26 PM
RE: NESCAC bid picture...

I do NOT expect Conn to be in position to get a bid on selection day.

Amherst looks like the only absolute lock.

I expect Midd and Tufts to get bids, but I would not be shocked (surprised, yes) to see one of these play themselves out of a bid with another unexpected loss and/or a quarterfinal loss in NESCAC tourney.

Beyond those three, I think Williams and Wesleyan have a 30/70 chance that could improve to 70/30 IF one of them can hold to one more blemish or less and get to the NESCAC final.  I slightly favor Williams over Wes for this to happen, although Wes could have their luck turn and win an OT game in the tourney and/ get an advance on PKs.  If Midd or Tufts falter then the optimistic scenario for one of these could go up to 80/20, like say Williams or Wes takes out Midd or Tufts in the quarters.

The rest IMHO (including Conn) will have to win the AQ.

So 3 bids VERY likely and a possible 4.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 02:18:20 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 20, 2015, 02:00:26 PM
RE: NESCAC bid picture...

I do NOT expect Conn to be in position to get a bid on selection day.

Amherst looks like the only absolute lock.

I expect Midd and Tufts to get bids, but I would not be shocked (surprised, yes) to see one of these play themselves out of a bid with another unexpected loss and/or a quarterfinal loss in NESCAC tourney.

Beyond those three, I think Williams and Wesleyan have a 30/70 chance that could improve to 70/30 IF one of them can hold to one more blemish or less and get to the NESCAC final.  I slightly favor Williams over Wes for this to happen, although Wes could have their luck turn and win an OT game in the tourney and/ get an advance on PKs.  If Midd or Tufts falter then the optimistic scenario for one of these could go up to 80/20, like say Williams or Wes takes out Midd or Tufts in the quarters.

The rest IMHO (including Conn) will have to win the AQ.

So 3 bids VERY likely and a possible 4.



Lets remember Wesleyan has the very important Haverford win. If they draw Amherst and they have a draw v Tufts and win the rest and get to Semi's they have a chance.

Let's remember Conn College beat ECONN which will help. They must beat Wesleyan and WIN OUT and reach Final.

I am not impressed with MIdd's resume as their only 2 legit wins are against Wesleyan and Conn, so if neither or those are regionally ranked they are in trouble.

Tufts is the exception even at 7-3-2. Their SOS and OWP will be HIGH. They beat Midd, Gordon, Conn. Tied Wesleyan. They MUST beat Williams and Bowdoin and reach Semi's with at least a PK loss and they will be in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 04:29:15 PM
Colby holding Bowdoin 0-0 midway thru the 2nd Half....This is unacceptable for Bowdoin...They must get this game...

Mid dominating Plymouth 4-0 2nd Half

Conn scores to go up 1-0 on Framingham 1st Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 05:12:35 PM
Bowdoin v Colby 0-0 heading into 2OT....Bowdoin must push #'s forward...A loss is worse than a draw at this point. A draw does them no good....They need to win this game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 05:16:43 PM
God is Colby UGLY to watch...wasting time, whacking everything in sight, long throws....This team deserves to be buried in two weeks
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 05:26:54 PM
Bowdoin cannot get it done Final Score Bowdoin v Colby 0-0....Very disappointing. I suppose Colby is still in the race but good god are they UGLY to watch...Hopefully Seabrook applies for that Northeastern job, Nescac would be better off w/o his style of play
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 20, 2015, 05:28:24 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 05:26:54 PM
Bowdoin cannot get it done Final Score Bowdoin v Colby 0-0....Very disappointing. I suppose Colby is still in the race but good god are they UGLY to watch...Hopefully Seabrook applies for that Northeastern job, Nescac would be better off w/o his style of play

Ha ha. Zero chance.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 20, 2015, 05:29:15 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 05:16:43 PM
God is Colby UGLY to watch...wasting time, whacking everything in sight, long throws....This team deserves to be buried in two weeks

Pretty pathetic game, but Bowdoin was just not good enough on the day. They play the ball out to the wings, but they don't seem to have any pace down the sides and their final ball was absolutely pathetic on multiple occasions. Colby looked like they were going to steal it with about 10 seconds left, as the guy had rounded Van Siclen, but he fluffed it and was blown for offsides.

Also, with 1 left in 2OT, seemed like sheer cowardice from the ref to give the free-kick just outside the box. Unbelievable. Looked in the box and a stonewall penalty to me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 05:31:35 PM
Yea it was a close call....Bowdoin should have plenty of pace on the wings with Andrew Jones and CJ Masterson...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 20, 2015, 06:05:00 PM
Now Bowdoin (6-3-3) is going to have to win at Conn AND at Tufts to have any chance for a Pool C at all.   Only one team got a Pool C bid with as many as 5 losses and 3 ties last year, and Rochester had a better SOS than Bowdoin will have.  In 2013, two teams got in with 6 losses (Williams 11-6-0 and Luther 14-6-0), but they did not have the ties that each count as half a loss.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 20, 2015, 06:52:09 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 20, 2015, 06:05:00 PM
Now Bowdoin (6-3-3) is going to have to win at Conn AND at Tufts to have any chance for a Pool C at all.   Only one team got a Pool C bid with as many as 5 losses and 3 ties last year, and Rochester had a better SOS than Bowdoin will have.  In 2013, two teams got in with 6 losses (Williams 11-6-0 and Luther 14-6-0), but they did not have the ties that each count as half a loss.

Pool C????

Bowdoin is fighting to make the NESCAC tournament...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 20, 2015, 07:19:55 PM
If Trinity beats Wesleyan AND Bates wins at Colby, then Bowdoin would need to win one of Conn and Tufts to make the NESCAC tournament
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 20, 2015, 07:53:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 05:16:43 PM
God is Colby UGLY to watch...wasting time, whacking everything in sight, long throws....This team deserves to be buried in two weeks

I have to agree with you here. They are truly unwatchable. Thankfully, they are an outlier even in a league known for direct play. If there's an uglier style than Seabrook's in the country, I'd love to hear about it. Laughable that some (includeding yours truly) lauded his coaching last year.

Speaking of playing style, I've enjoyed watching Tufts and Conn this year. Old Williams in the past as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 21, 2015, 10:05:53 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 20, 2015, 07:53:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 05:16:43 PM
God is Colby UGLY to watch...wasting time, whacking everything in sight, long throws....This team deserves to be buried in two weeks

I have to agree with you here. They are truly unwatchable. Thankfully, they are an outlier even in a league known for direct play. If there's an uglier style than Seabrook's in the country, I'd love to hear about it. Laughable that some (includeding yours truly) lauded his coaching last year.

Speaking of playing style, I've enjoyed watching Tufts and Conn this year. Old Williams in the past as well.

You are both being a bit harsh on Colby.  I'm not going to argue with your assessment of their watchability, but we're down to the business end of the season and teams like Colby must now do whatever they can to continue playing into the postseason.  Seabrook inherited a pretty good roster, but 9-10 of those guys are gone this year (and then he lost his captain early in the season), so it is a total reboot.  I've noticed that he has shortened his bench and has probably settled on whatever style will concede the least and give them some kind of chance going forward.  If we're still seeing this style two years from now, then blast away, but you should cut him a bit of slack in the short run.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEngland on October 21, 2015, 11:09:50 AM
I think Amherst and Midd will get bids. Conn could get in with wins over Bowdoin and Wesleyan putting them at (11-3-1) and then two playoff wins. They have some work to do but dont have any bad losses. Losses to Midd, Tufts and Amherst and a tie against Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2015, 11:41:40 AM
Again Bad losses to ranked teams are worse than losses to non-ranked teams...Conn has 1 legit win against ECONN...They must beat Wesleyan but then I do not think Wesleyan will be ranked if Conn and Amherst beat them...Another catch-22.....Conn has plenty of work left BUT the New England rep for Nescac is Conn's coach Kenny Murphy so that might help a nudge if at all
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2015, 11:45:00 AM
Midd has wins against Conn and Wesleyan...That are their only 2 solid victories. If neither of those teams are ranked than Midd is in serious trouble. Their record is over inflated by playing 5 incredibly weak non-conference games...I predicted this in August that Midd based on their schedule would have about 4 chances to garner legit wins over ranked opponents. They lost to Amherst and Tufts..They better pray Conn and / or Wesleyan is ranked...Their SOS will be hovering around .550...Midd has a lot of work to do as they are not in by any means...

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2015, 11:54:36 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 21, 2015, 10:05:53 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 20, 2015, 07:53:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 05:16:43 PM
God is Colby UGLY to watch...wasting time, whacking everything in sight, long throws....This team deserves to be buried in two weeks

I have to agree with you here. They are truly unwatchable. Thankfully, they are an outlier even in a league known for direct play. If there's an uglier style than Seabrook's in the country, I'd love to hear about it. Laughable that some (includeding yours truly) lauded his coaching last year.

Speaking of playing style, I've enjoyed watching Tufts and Conn this year. Old Williams in the past as well.

You are both being a bit harsh on Colby.  I'm not going to argue with your assessment of their watchability, but we're down to the business end of the season and teams like Colby must now do whatever they can to continue playing into the postseason.  Seabrook inherited a pretty good roster, but 9-10 of those guys are gone this year (and then he lost his captain early in the season), so it is a total reboot.  I've noticed that he has shortened his bench and has probably settled on whatever style will concede the least and give them some kind of chance going forward.  If we're still seeing this style two years from now, then blast away, but you should cut him a bit of slack in the short run.



I am not being harsh on Colby. First of all you are telling me that Seabrook inherited a GOOD roster from former coach Mark Serdjenian????  Serdgenian was bumped UPSTAIRS for going 0-10-0 in Nescac in 2013. So please do not tell me he inherited a great roster. Either way, Seabrook does NOT HAVE TO play the way he is playing. He could focus on some skill and passing and possession. Surely he has some technical players....After watching Colby against Williams, Amherst and Bowdoin I must say they are without doubt the ugliest team I have witnessed in a long time...Former Colby Assistant Coach Peter Oostergaurrd at University of New England has way less talent than the Colby roster yet he tries to play and possess and at least gives it a solid try even with a weak team..I commend him for it..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 21, 2015, 11:59:48 AM
The Wes loss to Midd was a KILLER, as they seemed to have the game, and Wes DOES have the out of conference good games that Midd does not.

Feel really bad for Wes because they did everything they are supposed to do but dropped a couple that easily could have gone their way.  One of the hard-luck teams of the year so far, and I'd love to see the Cardinals make it and Midd pay for that schedule. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2015, 12:15:12 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 21, 2015, 11:59:48 AM
The Wes loss to Midd was a KILLER, as they seemed to have the game, and Wes DOES have the out of conference good games that Midd does not.

Feel really bad for Wes because they did everything they are supposed to do but dropped a couple that easily could have gone their way.  One of the hard-luck teams of the year so far, and I'd love to see the Cardinals make it and Midd pay for that schedule.



You are correct. It always seems Wheeler / Wes always disappoints with one to many losses...The loss to ECONN really hurts...They have the Haverford game but they MUST beat Amherst and Conn which will be very HARD...Basically, at 7-4-1 and a loss to Amherst coming up they are AQ or bust..However, I will be interested to see if they are ranked TODAY.. I am guessing maybe #10 or #11...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2015, 12:24:34 PM
That being said comparing Wesleyan and Williams..Wesleyan is 7-4-1 and Williams is 6-4-2...Both have very good SOS but Williams has some better wins v Ranked and bad losses to unranked teams...I will be curious to see if Wesleyan is ranked because comparing both teams Williams seems to have better wins...Personally, they BOTH should be ranked and teams like Gordon and Springfield should not be ranked...We will see...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 21, 2015, 01:42:34 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 21, 2015, 10:05:53 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 20, 2015, 07:53:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 05:16:43 PM
God is Colby UGLY to watch...wasting time, whacking everything in sight, long throws....This team deserves to be buried in two weeks

I have to agree with you here. They are truly unwatchable. Thankfully, they are an outlier even in a league known for direct play. If there's an uglier style than Seabrook's in the country, I'd love to hear about it. Laughable that some (includeding yours truly) lauded his coaching last year.

Speaking of playing style, I've enjoyed watching Tufts and Conn this year. Old Williams in the past as well.

You are both being a bit harsh on Colby.  I'm not going to argue with your assessment of their watchability, but we're down to the business end of the season and teams like Colby must now do whatever they can to continue playing into the postseason.  Seabrook inherited a pretty good roster, but 9-10 of those guys are gone this year (and then he lost his captain early in the season), so it is a total reboot.  I've noticed that he has shortened his bench and has probably settled on whatever style will concede the least and give them some kind of chance going forward.  If we're still seeing this style two years from now, then blast away, but you should cut him a bit of slack in the short run.

Fair enough, 1970. I think the real disappointment on this board with Colby, and in retrospect, the rather harsh comments, are because most of the longer term regulars on here WANTED Colby to do well, as let's face it - who doesn't like a good underdog story? I believe you are not updated on the recent NESCAC history. Seabrook inherited a roster that went 0-10 the previous year, and willed them to 7th place. They weren't pretty, but that was excused due to a lack of talent. Then he seemingly was recruiting well - landing at least 3 USSDA players and maybe more (with only half the academys reporting). The future seemed bright and we all pulled for them - they were consensus 7th pick in pre-season (I think) on these boards.

But the red flags were there in the pre-season. 32 man roster? 19 freshmen? 20-25 man rotation? Are you kidding me? Mr. Right predicted disaster in the pre-season. Then the always intelligent and diplomatic NCAC New England gave us a scouting report for the ages after their first game. I had to see it for myself and saw some of the the replay. He was dead on. It was the UGLIEST game I've ever seen at any level. I've also seen 5-6 of their other games (granted, several only for 10-20 minutes per pop) as well as one live.  There was no exaggeration. The team, and it's style, is the worst in the NESCAC.

If you look at Seabrook's background, we shouldn't be all that surprised. He was assistant at U New Hampshire, which many considered the ugliest in D1 under their previous regime (since dismantled). He is also English, with the stereotypes that go along with that style. We do know he is organized, and recruits well. How he got the plethora of attacking mids (your scouting - 1970) to buy into his vision and commit to Colby is a head scratcher. He may be a heck of a recruiter, but when you play that style, the talent is wasted. And you guys complain about Amherst and Middlebury??? I sincerely hope they play soccer in the future. Last place in the NESCAC will hopefully send him a signal that maybe his style is not going to be well received. I promise though, no more Colby comments from me until 2017 😊 Unless they win next year and at least try to play soccer, then I'll jump on their band wagon.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 21, 2015, 01:44:06 PM
Two absolute must-win games today for both Wes and Williams. Good teams, having frustrating seasons. Expect both to come through with narrow wins.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 21, 2015, 02:05:20 PM
Regional rankings are out.

No surprise that Amherst is 1st in New England.

Tufts is 3rd, Middlebury 6th, Conn 7th, and Wesleyan 9th.

Also, FYI, Middlebury's SOS is .586. Wesleyan's, by comparison, is .581.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2015, 03:08:30 PM
Tufts and Williams have by far the Highest SOS in New England and the country. If Williams can finish clean and get to the final they will have a shot IMO...Tufts will have a shot to host to the Final 4 if Amherst slips up once or twice.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2015, 03:16:29 PM
Trinity v Wesleyan 1-1 10 minutes in.....possible 6-7 goal fest today?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2015, 03:26:16 PM
1st Half Williams and Hamilton knotted at 0-0...Williams looking like it has most of the season, they are not playing with any guts....Just when I praised their SOS at .648 or whatever and even a 6-4-2 record with a smallest of chances Pool C if they went CLEAN(no draws or losses), they look listless and are playing down to their competition against Hamilton. Amherst also did this 1st Half at Hamilton but they also came out in the 2nd Half fired up and winning 3-0. Can Williams do the same?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2015, 03:27:47 PM
Williams starting B.Dory and Sisco so they have sacked Tommy Young again. What an enigma.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ihidebehindtheinternet on October 21, 2015, 03:29:14 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2015, 03:08:30 PM
Tufts and Williams have by far the Highest SOS in New England and the country. If Williams can finish clean and get to the final they will have a shot IMO...Tufts will have a shot to host to the Final 4 if Amherst slips up once or twice.

Just doing some quick back of the envelope math, a 15-2 amherst (lose one of last two and loss in nescac semis) would actually bring tufts strength of schedule to below brandeis's. that 1000 winning percentage really helps boost your strength of schedule. not to mention both of tufts remaining games will dilute their strength of schedule as well. given brandeis has the head to head as well, i don't really see any change of tufts hosting past the first weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2015, 03:31:15 PM
You are maybe right but Tufts playing Williams and Bowdoin hardly dilutes their schedule as much as Brandeis taking on NYU....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 21, 2015, 04:09:30 PM
Quote from: Corazon on October 21, 2015, 01:42:34 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 21, 2015, 10:05:53 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 20, 2015, 07:53:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2015, 05:16:43 PM
God is Colby UGLY to watch...wasting time, whacking everything in sight, long throws....This team deserves to be buried in two weeks

I have to agree with you here. They are truly unwatchable. Thankfully, they are an outlier even in a league known for direct play. If there's an uglier style than Seabrook's in the country, I'd love to hear about it. Laughable that some (includeding yours truly) lauded his coaching last year.

Speaking of playing style, I've enjoyed watching Tufts and Conn this year. Old Williams in the past as well.

You are both being a bit harsh on Colby.  I'm not going to argue with your assessment of their watchability, but we're down to the business end of the season and teams like Colby must now do whatever they can to continue playing into the postseason.  Seabrook inherited a pretty good roster, but 9-10 of those guys are gone this year (and then he lost his captain early in the season), so it is a total reboot.  I've noticed that he has shortened his bench and has probably settled on whatever style will concede the least and give them some kind of chance going forward.  If we're still seeing this style two years from now, then blast away, but you should cut him a bit of slack in the short run.

Fair enough, 1970. I think the real disappointment on this board with Colby, and in retrospect, the rather harsh comments, are because most of the longer term regulars on here WANTED Colby to do well, as let's face it - who doesn't like a good underdog story? I believe you are not updated on the recent NESCAC history. Seabrook inherited a roster that went 0-10 the previous year, and willed them to 7th place. They weren't pretty, but that was excused due to a lack of talent. Then he seemingly was recruiting well - landing at least 3 USSDA players and maybe more (with only half the academys reporting). The future seemed bright and we all pulled for them - they were consensus 7th pick in pre-season (I think) on these boards.

But the red flags were there in the pre-season. 32 man roster? 19 freshmen? 20-25 man rotation? Are you kidding me? Mr. Right predicted disaster in the pre-season. Then the always intelligent and diplomatic NCAC New England gave us a scouting report for the ages after their first game. I had to see it for myself and saw some of the the replay. He was dead on. It was the UGLIEST game I've ever seen at any level. I've also seen 5-6 of their other games (granted, several only for 10-20 minutes per pop) as well as one live.  There was no exaggeration. The team, and it's style, is the worst in the NESCAC.

If you look at Seabrook's background, we shouldn't be all that surprised. He was assistant at U New Hampshire, which many considered the ugliest in D1 under their previous regime (since dismantled). He is also English, with the stereotypes that go along with that style. We do know he is organized, and recruits well. How he got the plethora of attacking mids (your scouting - 1970) to buy into his vision and commit to Colby is a head scratcher. He may be a heck of a recruiter, but when you play that style, the talent is wasted. And you guys complain about Amherst and Middlebury??? I sincerely hope they play soccer in the future. Last place in the NESCAC will hopefully send him a signal that maybe his style is not going to be well received. I promise though, no more Colby comments from me until 2017 😊 Unless they win next year and at least try to play soccer, then I'll jump on their band wagon.

I commend the thoughtful reply.  No doubt this season has not worked out the way Seabrook hoped.  Having seen every game the team played from 2012-14, I would argue that last season's roster was the best in terms of producing results.  Given the loss of 10 influential players from that roster, coupled with bringing in so many freshmen, the team now needs to learn to win again.

If Seabrook is not able to incorporate a more attractive style while producing successful results as he builds the roster (one year is never enough time), then all criticism on this board will be warranted.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2015, 04:16:31 PM
Williams goes up on Hamilton 1-0 and as predicted its a goal fest in Hartford as Wesleyan and Trinity stuck at 2-2. If these results hold, Wesleyan will be dropped from the rankings and Williams might slip in with their SOS....Not a given but a definite possibility. The other factor at play here is that Williams would pass Wesleyan for the #5 seed in Nescac playoffs and Trinity will stay alive for a #8 or #7 seed. Hamilton could once again for the fourth time in 5 years miss out on the Nescac play-offs. That Hamilton v Colby game this week-end will be a MUST win for both teams, NO DRAWS
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 21, 2015, 05:20:34 PM
Trinity beats Wesleyan in OT 3-2 on a goal by sam Milbury
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 21, 2015, 05:25:05 PM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on October 21, 2015, 05:20:34 PM
Trinity beats Wesleyan in OT 3-2 on a goal by sam Milbury

Well, at Wesleyan's SOS will go up  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 21, 2015, 05:49:28 PM
Eight of Trinity's 14 games have gone to OT this year. Had they won all eight instead of just three, they'd be 11-3. Not realistic to expect, obviously, but still something to think about: when you go to OT, you're - excluding the chance of a draw - "technically" odds-even with the other team. The Bantams have all of the pieces, but just can't seem to put it together (on an ironic note, how many times have we said that about Wesleyan this year?)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 21, 2015, 06:06:21 PM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on October 21, 2015, 05:20:34 PM
Trinity beats Wesleyan in OT 3-2 on a goal by sam Milbury

Wow. That must have been heart breaking for Wes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 21, 2015, 06:10:17 PM
At this point it's probably almost better for Wesleyan to know they must win AQ.  The odds of that obviously aren't great, but they go up significantly if you knock off a favorite in the quarters.  They are capable of playing competitively with any team in the NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 21, 2015, 06:14:15 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 21, 2015, 06:10:17 PM
At this point it's probably almost better for Wesleyan to know they must win AQ.  The odds of that obviously aren't great, but they go up significantly if you knock off a favorite in the quarters.  They are capable of playing competitively with any team in the NESCAC.

Agree. Wes is one of those teams I always respect and wouldn't be shocked if they beat an Amherst on any given day.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 21, 2015, 06:19:00 PM
For me, I think the feel-good story in the NESCAC this year has to be Conn. There were many comments on these boards about how Kenny Murphy was too negative and that many players weren't coming back. Well, the board was wrong ...

I've personally seen how hard that coaching staff worked to bring in talented, under the radar recruits. Plus props for this year's exciting freshman class and for allowing them to do their thing. They are a fun group to watch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 21, 2015, 08:52:19 PM
as of October 21st

1.   8-0-0   24 pts   Amherst             home Wesleyan, at Trinity
2.   5-2-1   16 pts   Middlebury           at Bates, home Williams
3.   4-2-2   14 pts   Tufts                  at Williams, home Bowdoin
4.   4-3-1   13 pts   Conn College       home Bowdoin, home Wesleyan
4.   4-3-1   13 pts   Williams               home Tufts, at Middlebury
6.   3-4-1   10 pts   Wesleyan             at Amherst, at Conn College
6.   3-5-1   10 pts   Trinity                  home Amherst
8.   2-3-3   09 pts   Bowdoin               at Conn College, at Tufts

9.   2-4-2   08 pts   Bates                   home Middlebury, at Colby
10. 2-7-0   06 pts   Hamilton               home Colby
11. 1-5-2   05 pts   Colby                   at Hamilton, home Bates

Here's an interesting scenario:
Wesleyan loses to Amherst and Conn College.
Bowdoin wins one of their last two games.
Bates beats Colby.
Wesleyan is out of the NESCAC playoffs, losing the tie-breaker to Trinity based on today's game.
Not out of the realm of possibility?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 22, 2015, 11:04:12 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 21, 2015, 06:19:00 PM
For me, I think the feel-good story in the NESCAC this year has to be Conn. There were many comments on these boards about how Kenny Murphy was too negative and that many players weren't coming back. Well, the board was wrong ...

I've personally seen how hard that coaching staff worked to bring in talented, under the radar recruits. Plus props for this year's exciting freshman class and for allowing them to do their thing. They are a fun group to watch.

Agree Corazon, but I also believe Murphy has adjusted his coaching style (for the better) given the off season turmoil, and also his playing style....and HUGE props for freshman class especially Leone, Lockwood and Manoogian.  Leone should probably be ROY.  They will be severely tested vs Bowdoin and Wesleyan in last two games....hoping the Camels can continue winning ways on this positive season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 22, 2015, 11:08:03 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 21, 2015, 06:19:00 PM
For me, I think the feel-good story in the NESCAC this year has to be Conn. There were many comments on these boards about how Kenny Murphy was too negative and that many players weren't coming back. Well, the board was wrong ...

I've personally seen how hard that coaching staff worked to bring in talented, under the radar recruits. Plus props for this year's exciting freshman class and for allowing them to do their thing. They are a fun group to watch.

They have some really nice players, and I agree with the talented, under the radar recruits. How highly-touted was Hawkey? He was a fantastic player, could both create for himself and finish chances. Wish I'd gotten the chance to see him more.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 22, 2015, 12:00:38 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 22, 2015, 11:08:03 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 21, 2015, 06:19:00 PM
For me, I think the feel-good story in the NESCAC this year has to be Conn. There were many comments on these boards about how Kenny Murphy was too negative and that many players weren't coming back. Well, the board was wrong ...

I've personally seen how hard that coaching staff worked to bring in talented, under the radar recruits. Plus props for this year's exciting freshman class and for allowing them to do their thing. They are a fun group to watch.

They have some really nice players, and I agree with the talented, under the radar recruits. How highly-touted was Hawkey? He was a fantastic player, could both create for himself and finish chances. Wish I'd gotten the chance to see him more.

Hawkey was highly touted coming out of NJ.  Conn has done a very good job of recruiting plucking 1 or 2 highly-touted recruits for each class over the past 5 or 6 years, but every team needs a finisher like Hawkey or Leone or conn's now assistant Prophet...scoring goals leads to winning and winning cures all ills.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 22, 2015, 12:16:04 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on October 22, 2015, 11:04:12 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 21, 2015, 06:19:00 PM
For me, I think the feel-good story in the NESCAC this year has to be Conn. There were many comments on these boards about how Kenny Murphy was too negative and that many players weren't coming back. Well, the board was wrong ...

I've personally seen how hard that coaching staff worked to bring in talented, under the radar recruits. Plus props for this year's exciting freshman class and for allowing them to do their thing. They are a fun group to watch.

Agree Corazon, but I also believe Murphy has adjusted his coaching style (for the better) given the off season turmoil, and also his playing style....and HUGE props for freshman class especially Leone, Lockwood and Manoogian.  Leone should probably be ROY.  They will be severely tested vs Bowdoin and Wesleyan in last two games....hoping the Camels can continue winning ways on this positive season.

Agree with All NESCAC.  There is no doubt that Murphy has done a remarkable job this year, silencing his critics and those that predicted a poor season for the Camels.  But the posters who pointed out that his style was rubbing young players and recruits the wrong way were not incorrect.  While no coach is going to get along with every potential recruit, the first-hand accounts of him berating high school players that chose another school over Conn College, refusing to shake hands after games with players that spurned him etc, those things were real.  Hopefully he has changed those tendencies, and winning certainly cures many ills.  In the end, I'm fond of coaches that mold young men into better people, as well as better players on the pitch.  That's just part of what a NESCAC experience in particular should do in my book.  And none of the above criticisms change the fact that Murphy is an excellent coach.  He is.  Conn College is indeed a "feel-good" story this season, both players and coaches have really done an outstanding job.  I think it's also important to note that we all have our own opinions on stuff and I fully respect those that post on this board, with no exceptions.  I say that specifically to Corazon, who obviously has forgotten more about soccer than I know. So no disrespect intended, even when we disagree!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 12:48:10 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 22, 2015, 11:08:03 AM
Quote from: Corazon on October 21, 2015, 06:19:00 PM
For me, I think the feel-good story in the NESCAC this year has to be Conn. There were many comments on these boards about how Kenny Murphy was too negative and that many players weren't coming back. Well, the board was wrong ...

I've personally seen how hard that coaching staff worked to bring in talented, under the radar recruits. Plus props for this year's exciting freshman class and for allowing them to do their thing. They are a fun group to watch.

They have some really nice players, and I agree with the talented, under the radar recruits. How highly-touted was Hawkey? He was a fantastic player, could both create for himself and finish chances. Wish I'd gotten the chance to see him more.



Hawkey was highly touted but Murphy got him away from another school for which I cannot remember. When Hawkey was a junior and senior Murphy would play a 4-4-1-1 or what looked to be a 4-5-1. Hawkey was not only one of the better players in Nescac he was also one of the fittest. He would be on an island up top and did the best he could. Defensively, Conn would drop numbers when they lost the ball but they would pressure High and Hawkey did that alone...He would run all day pressing opposing teams backs when they had the ball. He was a machine but I think Prophet was a more clinical striker who was actually recruited by \the now departed Bill Lessig. Murphy did not inherit much from Lessig but he did get Prophet from him.

I also must say I was pleasantly surprised to see Conn's change of style this year. From what I have heard from some insiders is that the players have bought into Murphy and what he is preaching. This team got rid of some of the "cancers" on the team last year(Mutala and Hillomenez) and they are playing like a solid core....All that being said, they still have much work to do to get a Pool C. They are ranked #7 now but their record v ranked will be 1-3-0 unless Bowdoin or Williams could sneak into the rankings and I am guessing Wesleyan will drop out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 22, 2015, 01:44:22 PM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on October 22, 2015, 12:16:04 PM
Agree with All NESCAC.  There is no doubt that Murphy has done a remarkable job this year, silencing his critics and those that predicted a poor season for the Camels.  But the posters who pointed out that his style was rubbing young players and recruits the wrong way were not incorrect.  While no coach is going to get along with every potential recruit, the first-hand accounts of him berating high school players that chose another school over Conn College, refusing to shake hands after games with players that spurned him etc, those things were real. 

That's a real shame. I know that recruiting can be an emotional and time-consuming process for both parties, so I get that a coach would be disappointed if a recruit who had strung him along instead chose a rival program, but it's in the coach's best interest to take the high road. Doing otherwise is just petty IMHO.

Quote from: FourMoreYears on October 22, 2015, 12:16:04 PM
And none of the above criticisms change the fact that Murphy is an excellent coach.  He is.  Conn College is indeed a "feel-good" story this season, both players and coaches have really done an outstanding job.

Definitely true. I really like their collective workrate, and they have some good skill to boot. They have to reach the NESCAC final in my book to have a shot at Pool C, but I think if they were to get to NCAAs they have the tools to be a Sweet Sixteen team. And once you're there, who knows?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEngland on October 22, 2015, 02:36:08 PM
Conn went 5-4 (Nescac) in Murphy's first year. Conn had some talent during Lessig's last few years that rolled over to Murphy but how much can you do in your first year with two weeks of practice? That team should have had Genco on it. Genco transferred from Conn after his sophomore year and ended up at Amherst. He was a 3x All Nescac player. Im not saying they win a Nescac championship but I think they had a decent side.

I like Conn's style and Devlin is just on a different level than almost the whole conference. They have been improving each year and hosting a game this year is a necessity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 02:42:51 PM
School   Conf   Overall
Amherst   8-0-0   13-0-0
Middlebury   5-2-1   10-2-1
Tufts   4-2-2   8-3-2
Connecticut College   4-3-1   9-3-1
Williams   4-3-1   7-4-2
Wesleyan   3-4-1   7-5-1
Trinity   3-5-1   6-5-3
Bowdoin   2-3-3   6-3-3
Bates   2-4-2   7-4-2
Hamilton   2-7-0   5-9-0
Colby   1-5-2   3-7-3

Is it me or is this conference extremely overrated??

Bowdoin and Williams essentially have as many blemishes as they do wins yet we are discussing their chances to make NCAA's. Makes no sense. The top 4 are solid. The rest of the league is mediocre at best. I would take the Centennial and NJAC over the NESAC this year any day of the week. Now the top 4 of the NESAC vs the top 4 of the other conferences is a different story because that would be something to see. But a conference as a whole...the NESAC is a joke. Top 4 make the bottom 7 look good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 02:52:24 PM
Saturday 10-24-2015 Predictions:  Home Team listed 1st

Williams v Tufts--------------Williams has scored 11 goals in the past 2 games v Babson and Hamilton. They also are 3-0-0 in their last 3 with big conference wins at Wesleyan and v Hamilton. The Wesleyan 2OT win was lucky as both teams had opportunities to win that game. At 7-4-2 Williams almost has an identical record as 8-3-2 Tufts. If Williams beats Tufts this weekend they will most certainly be ranked at #8 or #9. Both of these teams have outstanding SOS and Record v Ranked. Both teams MUST win this game. Tufts can afford a DRAW but Williams cannot if they have any Pool C aspirations. This is going to be a tight game and the difference will be who can finish their chances. I think if Williams stays tight on Kayne and marks Majumder well they have a good chance. Tufts central defenders are just not the same and it has really hurt them most of the year. I think Williams get jacked for this game and are playing with some confidence right now....FINAL   2-0 WILLIAMS


Hamilton v Colby--------------Hamilton was eliminated from the Nescac Playoffs after losing 4-0 to Williams yesterday. Since 2011, when Hamilton joined Nescac from the Liberty League they have failed to finish in the Top 8 (Nescac Playoffs) in 4 of 5 years. That is very telling of how tough Nescac is as Hamilton used to have relative success in the Liberty League and even qualified for the NCAA's a couple years. They are very FAR OFF  FROM THAT nowadays. Colby MUST win at Hamilton and against Bates to qualify for Nescac Playoffs. Personally, they do not deserve to qualify and I also do not think they will. Even if they do it would be a quick exit...I say Hamilton snags a victory here...FINAL  1-0 HAMILTON



Bates v Midd------------------One team that has given Midd fits over the years has been Bates. They have upset Midd a couple times the past 10 years but not this year. There is tOo much on the line for Midd as they cannot drop anymore games. Midd should physically impose their style over Bates but Bates has some speed that they could use to burn Midd's backline. Again, I am not very impressed with Midd this year but they have enough to deal with the pesky Bobcats....FINAL 1-0 MIDD


Conn v Bowdoin---------CI have to say I was surprised to see Conn ranked #7 in New England. I figured maybe #9 or #10. That win over ECONN is HUGE but they cannot have anymore slip-ups...This is a MUSt win for Conn and for their Pool C chances. Bowdoin MUST win this game to qualify for the Nescac playoffs...They should be vying for the #6 seed..Bowdoin has been my biggest disappointment this year and the DRAW with Colby was horrific. My only question is will Conn be able to score against Bowdoin? FINAL   0-0


Amherst v Wesleyan----------Wesleyan has lost 3 in a row and basically have finished off their season by doing so. They were unlucky against Williams and Trinity and Midd...They could have easily won all 3 games and then you would be looking at a New England Region ranking of #4 or #5. Well it did not happen and now most certainly Wesleyan will drop out of the rankings which will hurt Midd and possibly Conn College for record v ranked. Wesleyan always gives Amherst fits but not this year. Amherst will have revenge on their minds from last year and they also want to win the Little 3 with a victory. Wesleyan has to be very low in confidence right now as its AQ or bust for them and they are definitely not winning the AQ.....FINAL AMHERST 3-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 02:54:59 PM
Great stuff Mr. Right! I agree with all your score predictions except Williams won't beat Tufts 2-0. I think Tufts wins 3-1 and ends this whole Williams discussion for good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 03:00:13 PM
Genco was a great player at Conn and a good player at Amherst. He did not make the difference for Amherst that I thought he might. Lessig certainly got a couple decent players but near the end of his tenure he certainly was not recruiting like he should have been.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 22, 2015, 03:15:14 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 02:42:51 PM
School   Conf   Overall
Amherst   8-0-0   13-0-0
Middlebury   5-2-1   10-2-1
Tufts   4-2-2   8-3-2
Connecticut College   4-3-1   9-3-1
Williams   4-3-1   7-4-2
Wesleyan   3-4-1   7-5-1
Trinity   3-5-1   6-5-3
Bowdoin   2-3-3   6-3-3
Bates   2-4-2   7-4-2
Hamilton   2-7-0   5-9-0
Colby   1-5-2   3-7-3

Is it me or is this conference extremely overrated??

Bowdoin and Williams essentially have as many blemishes as they do wins yet we are discussing their chances to make NCAA's. Makes no sense. The top 4 are solid. The rest of the league is mediocre at best. I would take the Centennial and NJAC over the NESAC this year any day of the week. Now the top 4 of the NESAC vs the top 4 of the other conferences is a different story because that would be something to see. But a conference as a whole...the NESAC is a joke. Top 4 make the bottom 7 look good.

Hard to argue with this sentiment, though I don't think that anyone is seriously talking about Bowdoin as a contender for NCAA play. As I stated earlier, they are in a dogfight to make the NESCAC tournament!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 22, 2015, 03:17:13 PM
I agree Bucket with what you said. Shooter has a decent point.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 03:18:06 PM
This is the year where the overrated leagues and teams don't make it. The gap is closing and I think people are finally seeing that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 03:33:52 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 02:42:51 PM
School   Conf   Overall
Amherst   8-0-0   13-0-0
Middlebury   5-2-1   10-2-1
Tufts   4-2-2   8-3-2
Connecticut College   4-3-1   9-3-1
Williams   4-3-1   7-4-2
Wesleyan   3-4-1   7-5-1
Trinity   3-5-1   6-5-3
Bowdoin   2-3-3   6-3-3
Bates   2-4-2   7-4-2
Hamilton   2-7-0   5-9-0
Colby   1-5-2   3-7-3

Is it me or is this conference extremely overrated??

Bowdoin and Williams essentially have as many blemishes as they do wins yet we are discussing their chances to make NCAA's. Makes no sense. The top 4 are solid. The rest of the league is mediocre at best. I would take the Centennial and NJAC over the NESAC this year any day of the week. Now the top 4 of the NESAC vs the top 4 of the other conferences is a different story because that would be something to see. But a conference as a whole...the NESAC is a joke. Top 4 make the bottom 7 look good.



I hate getting into this Nescac argument but Nescac IS NOT A JOKE OF A LEAGUE....I just made my point about Hamilton coming from the Liberty League and struggling....The bottom 3 Hamilton, Colby and Bates are definitely not up to snuff but they can beat teams....Bowdoin, Williams and Wesleyan would be winning many more games in other leagues...What exactly league do you feel trumps Nescac?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 03:35:41 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 03:33:52 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 02:42:51 PM
School   Conf   Overall
Amherst   8-0-0   13-0-0
Middlebury   5-2-1   10-2-1
Tufts   4-2-2   8-3-2
Connecticut College   4-3-1   9-3-1
Williams   4-3-1   7-4-2
Wesleyan   3-4-1   7-5-1
Trinity   3-5-1   6-5-3
Bowdoin   2-3-3   6-3-3
Bates   2-4-2   7-4-2
Hamilton   2-7-0   5-9-0
Colby   1-5-2   3-7-3

Is it me or is this conference extremely overrated??

Bowdoin and Williams essentially have as many blemishes as they do wins yet we are discussing their chances to make NCAA's. Makes no sense. The top 4 are solid. The rest of the league is mediocre at best. I would take the Centennial and NJAC over the NESAC this year any day of the week. Now the top 4 of the NESAC vs the top 4 of the other conferences is a different story because that would be something to see. But a conference as a whole...the NESAC is a joke. Top 4 make the bottom 7 look good.



I hate getting into this Nescac argument but Nescac IS NOT A JOKE OF A LEAGUE....I just made my point about Hamilton coming from the Liberty League and struggling....The bottom 3 Hamilton, Colby and Bates are definitely not up to snuff but they can beat teams....Bowdoin, Williams and Wesleyan would be winning many more games in other leagues...What exactly league do you feel trumps Nescac?

The bottom 7 teams.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 03:37:15 PM
Ok I am done responding to you...You are clueless at best and wasting my time...You make no sense...I asked you what league is better
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 03:42:09 PM
Centennial trumps NESAC. UAA(not this year) would be the other. Misread your post hard to read and drive at the same time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 03:43:59 PM
So the Centennial trumps Nescac....HMMMMM the 6th place team Wesleyan in Nescac went to Haverford and won 2-1 THIS YEAR.....Centennial teams have been for years been coming up to New England in the NCAA's and have been dispatched by Nescac's...The one league that might have Nescac's # is the NJAC which Last Guy went into last year doing year by year results....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 22, 2015, 03:44:26 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 02:42:51 PM
School   Conf   Overall
Amherst   8-0-0   13-0-0
Middlebury   5-2-1   10-2-1
Tufts   4-2-2   8-3-2
Connecticut College   4-3-1   9-3-1
Williams   4-3-1   7-4-2
Wesleyan   3-4-1   7-5-1
Trinity   3-5-1   6-5-3
Bowdoin   2-3-3   6-3-3
Bates   2-4-2   7-4-2
Hamilton   2-7-0   5-9-0
Colby   1-5-2   3-7-3

Is it me or is this conference extremely overrated??

Bowdoin and Williams essentially have as many blemishes as they do wins yet we are discussing their chances to make NCAA's. Makes no sense. The top 4 are solid. The rest of the league is mediocre at best. I would take the Centennial and NJAC over the NESAC this year any day of the week. Now the top 4 of the NESAC vs the top 4 of the other conferences is a different story because that would be something to see. But a conference as a whole...the NESAC is a joke. Top 4 make the bottom 7 look good.

You would take the Centennial over the NESCAC?  Okay, how about putting a team that is undefeated in the Centennial against one of the mediocre teams with a losing record in the NESCAC.  Better yet, lets let it be a home game for the Centennial power.   No contest I guess. 

Oh wait, that game has already been played.  Mediocre Wesleyan made the long trek to PA and defeated Haverford 2-1. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 22, 2015, 03:52:24 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 22, 2015, 03:44:26 PM
You would take the Centennial over the NESCAC?  Okay, how about putting a team that is undefeated in the Centennial against one of the mediocre teams with a losing record in the NESCAC.  Better yet, lets let it be a home game for the Centennial power.   No contest I guess. 

Oh wait, that game has already been played.  Mediocre Wesleyan made the long trek to PA and defeated Haverford 2-1.

Ok, ok...to be fair, that same Wesleyan team lost at home against ECSU. Obviously irrelevant in our comparison of the Centennial and the NESCAC, and I agree that the NESCAC is superior, but just saying that it goes both ways.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 03:55:04 PM

I love and want all newcomers to the site as they help build the site and can add some useful insight. I just have no patience for newcomers that fire out like a cannon and start posting on 8 different threads random jargon with no factual back-up.

Shooter,

Good to hear you are driving and posting at the same time, since you are now logged out I am guessing you might have hit a telephone pole or better yet an oak tree..

Best

Mr.Right
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 22, 2015, 04:02:45 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 03:42:09 PM
Centennial trumps NESAC. UAA(not this year) would be the other. Misread your post hard to read and drive at the same time.

C'mon Shooter you just "duck hooked one out of play".  Top to bottom NESCAC league teams/games are never a given.  Name me one conference which each and every year one of the bottom 4 always beats one or multiple of the top 4.  it happens each and every year in NESCAC.  This year look at Bates, Hamilton and Colby and who they have gotten a result against.  Look to your other leagues and you don't see this year in and year out because there are typically 2 or 3 cupcake league games (not talking out of conference games) every year.....not so in the NESCAC as the NECAC cupcakes bite back.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 04:04:05 PM
Bloots,

Your my cellmate man and I have your back and I totally agree with you but this Shooter was a little much. Maybe I over reacted but these One and Done posters drive me nuts....Join the boards and make valid points and stick with us and you will be respected and your insights will be much more valid because we kind of know where you are coming from...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 22, 2015, 04:11:45 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 04:04:05 PM
Bloots,

Your my cellmate man and I have your back and I totally agree with you but this Shooter was a little much. Maybe I over reacted but these One and Done posters drive me nuts....Join the boards and make valid points and stick with us and you will be respected and your insights will be much more valid because we kind of know where you are coming from...

I agree with you, and appreciate you trying to avoid the debate in the first place; I was actually responding to Off Pitch saying that the sixth-place NESCAC team can go beat the top team in the Centennial. My point was more that - since Wesleyan lost at home to ECSU - it goes both ways and that NESCAC teams lose non-conference games too. That said, Off Pitch had every right to make that point, as Shooter made a direct comparison between NESCAC and Centennial - I was just interjecting to make sure we don't get carried away.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 22, 2015, 04:38:08 PM
I love it that Mr. Right has created an alter ego or persona ("Shooter McGavin") on these boards even more outrageous than he, so that he can argue with himself and win.  Very clever!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 04:59:18 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 22, 2015, 04:38:08 PM
I love it that Mr. Right has created an alter ego or persona ("Shooter McGavin") on these boards even more outrageous than he, so that he can argue with himself and win.  Very clever!




CHEERS......Since 2000 Colby Men's Soccer might be one of the worst programs in any sport in Nescac or maybe even the country....


Colby's Nescac Record since 2000.............................27-101-17..........I will not even bother getting that win %......

In 16 years Colby has made the Top 8 (Nescac Play-offs) 2 TIMES.....Enough said
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 22, 2015, 05:08:40 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 04:59:18 PM

In 16 years Colby has made the Top 8 (Nescac Play-offs) 2 TIMES.....Enough said

FWIW, the Mules have made the NESCAC playoffs 4 TIMES since 2008 alone . . .  Not saying the program is any good, but just want to make sure we get it RIGHT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 05:11:31 PM
You are correct I meant 4 times total in 16 years....There record of 27-101-17 is ACCURATE.....Go MULES
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 22, 2015, 05:16:23 PM
+K if I could give it.  These boards are much better/more fun when you're participating, whether as LaPaz, Shooter McGavin, that crazy Messiah Guy (falconlover25), or anyone else!  Oh wait, those weren't all you?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2015, 05:25:27 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 03:55:04 PM

I love and want all newcomers to the site as they help build the site and can add some useful insight. I just have no patience for newcomers that fire out like a cannon and start posting on 8 different threads random jargon with no factual back-up.

Shooter,

Good to hear you are driving and posting at the same time, since you are now logged out I am guessing you might have hit a telephone pole or better yet an oak tree..

Best

Mr.Right

Mr.Right, gonna give you +k on this even though you probably gave me some negative action today which is fine.

Above might be post of the decade, and the one to your cellmate Bloots almost just as good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 05:28:42 PM
NCAC I did not give you any neg karma at all today.....I gave -karma to Shooter...I actually agreed with most of your points with the whole Kenyon argument. You the know the mid-west better than me but just eyeballing OWU's schedule and Kenyon's I just do not see much difference at all. I had 3 teams with head scratching regional rankings...1.Kenyon....2.OWU and 3..Cortland St....Actually, I have about 10 others but will wait till next week to see what comes to fruition
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 08:42:54 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 03:55:04 PM

I love and want all newcomers to the site as they help build the site and can add some useful insight. I just have no patience for newcomers that fire out like a cannon and start posting on 8 different threads random jargon with no factual back-up.

Shooter,

Good to hear you are driving and posting at the same time, since you are now logged out I am guessing you might have hit a telephone pole or better yet an oak tree..

Best

Mr.Right

Sorry just left the ER and I would have much rather it been an oak. Damn pine tree needles are all over my car now. Anyways what did I miss?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 08:45:50 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 04:04:05 PM
Bloots,

Your my cellmate man and I have your back and I totally agree with you but this Shooter was a little much. Maybe I over reacted but these One and Done posters drive me nuts....Join the boards and make valid points and stick with us and you will be respected and your insights will be much more valid because we kind of know where you are coming from...

And I am not a one post wonder! I know the game better than you do. I will be happy to have a serious conversation with you. Pick my brain if need be. Adding spice to the boards isn't a bad thing. Everyone gets sick and tired of you bashing the same schools all season long even when they time and time again prove themselves. Unless it's Skidmore. A Messiah Hater at heart. It's sad that you can't always enjoy the beautiful game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 09:02:20 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 22, 2015, 03:52:24 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 22, 2015, 03:44:26 PM
You would take the Centennial over the NESCAC?  Okay, how about putting a team that is undefeated in the Centennial against one of the mediocre teams with a losing record in the NESCAC.  Better yet, lets let it be a home game for the Centennial power.   No contest I guess. 

Oh wait, that game has already been played.  Mediocre Wesleyan made the long trek to PA and defeated Haverford 2-1.

Ok, ok...to be fair, that same Wesleyan team lost at home against ECSU. Obviously irrelevant in our comparison of the Centennial and the NESCAC, and I agree that the NESCAC is superior, but just saying that it goes both ways.

Thanks for the back-up blooter. I am glad you are reasonable enough to look at it from both sides unlike Mr. Wrong.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 09:04:12 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on October 22, 2015, 04:02:45 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 03:42:09 PM
Centennial trumps NESAC. UAA(not this year) would be the other. Misread your post hard to read and drive at the same time.

C'mon Shooter you just "duck hooked one out of play".  Top to bottom NESCAC league teams/games are never a given.  Name me one conference which each and every year one of the bottom 4 always beats one or multiple of the top 4.  it happens each and every year in NESCAC.  This year look at Bates, Hamilton and Colby and who they have gotten a result against.  Look to your other leagues and you don't see this year in and year out because there are typically 2 or 3 cupcake league games (not talking out of conference games) every year.....not so in the NESCAC as the NECAC cupcakes bite back.

Your name is ALL NESAC...so bias might be in play here...NJAC that happens, Centennial it usually happens...UAA it happens. So no the NESAC is not the only conference that happens in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2015, 09:10:03 PM
A12SNoon, can you share a piece on what playing D3 college soccer meant to you for 4 years and how your life has been impacted?  Would love to see bright, articulate fairly recent alums share that here.  You don't even have to mention Amherst specifically if you want to avoid the Amherst stuff but obviously you could talk about that as much as you wish.  Take your time and do it right.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 09:14:25 PM
If you actually want the serious statement Mr. Right here it is. My point I was getting at before the pine tree came out of no where was that the NESAC gets too much hype. Just like the Centennial and UAA. They are the SEC of college soccer. It's not that those schools/conferences, and in the case of our argument the NESAC, are overrated but it's more that all the other conferences are underrated. Bottom teams upset or tier top tier teams in conference play all the time. The atmosphere is so much different from non-conference to conference. That's why having a "blemish" in a conference that's considered bad is annoying because a team in a "good" conference loses and its not a blemish because it's a good conference...but a a team loses or ties in a "bad" conference and their season is over unless they win it. I would like to see the comparison of certain conferences and teams vs each other. It varies year to year for sure. But this year I am pretty sure the Freedom side of the MAC has a leg up head to head vs the Commonwealth side of the MAC. Would anybody in their right mind that knows soccer at all say the Freedom is better than the Commonwealth? No. Never. Even though they won the majority of the head to head it doesn't mean that conference is better. The same holds true for a hypothetical that if the Empire 8 teams would win more head to head against NESAC. Does that mean that the Empire 8 is better than the NESAC? Hell no! So that's great that Haverford lost an early season game when they were figuring things out. It's not a 100% sole justification that the NESAC is better than the Centennial because Wesleyan beat Haverford. That's a stupid assumption my friend and for someone as yourself Mr. Right that does obviously know a lot and follow the game closey I would have expected better from you. Donations for my hospital bill will be posted in the "GoFundMe@Shooter" topic I am going to start tomorrow. Thanks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on October 22, 2015, 09:49:46 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2015, 09:10:03 PM
A12SNoon, can you share a piece on what playing D3 college soccer meant to you for 4 years and how your life has been impacted?  Would love to see bright, articulate fairly recent alums share that here.  You don't even have to mention Amherst specifically if you want to avoid the Amherst stuff but obviously you could talk about that as much as you wish.  Take your time and do it right.

Heh, appreciate the shoutout @NCAC New England. I think that's an offseason piece for me when I have more time on my hands. I'm a little busy for your homework assignment right now as building seatgeek.com (http://seatgeek.com) with 3 other Amherst and Williams soccer alums(!) takes up too much of my time. I will say this though: D3 and NESCAC soccer are incredibly special to me. So much so that I'm taking a train up to Amherst right now for Saturday's game. I've seen every home game this season in person 8-).

...and here are my picks for Saturday.

Colby 0 at Hamilton 1

Middlebury 4 at Bates 1

Bowdoin 1 at Connecticut College 0 | OT

1 Tufts at Williams 1 | 2OT

0 Wesleyan at Amherst 1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2015, 09:58:25 PM
That's really cool @12SNoon....It's fascinating (and cool) to see how many alums feel pulled back to their teams/schools and do exactly what you are doing right now.  Enjoy the game.  And a long train ride is a perfect time to compose your thoughts, drift into a visceral nostalgia, and get that piece done ;).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 22, 2015, 10:03:37 PM
Never used that site but I am looking for tickets for a game. How's it work? Is it a safe and reliable website to get tickets from? Thanks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on October 23, 2015, 12:11:56 PM
Quote from: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 22, 2015, 10:03:37 PM
Never used that site but I am looking for tickets for a game. How's it work? Is it a safe and reliable website to get tickets from? Thanks.

We aggregate tickets from all over the web, similar to Kayak.com in the travel space. Definitely safe, reliable, and growing! http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2015/04/02/seatgeek-scores-62-million-for-its-ticket-selling-app/  (http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2015/04/02/seatgeek-scores-62-million-for-its-ticket-selling-app/)

Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2015, 09:58:25 PM
That's really cool @12SNoon....It's fascinating (and cool) to see how many alums feel pulled back to their teams/schools and do exactly what you are doing right now.  Enjoy the game.  And a long train ride is a perfect time to compose your thoughts, drift into a visceral nostalgia, and get that piece done ;).

Thanks! It should be a good one.

Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 04:38:08 PM

CHEERS......Since 2000 Colby Men's Soccer might be one of the worst programs in any sport in Nescac or maybe even the country....

Colby's Nescac Record since 2000.............................27-101-17..........I will not even bother getting that win %......

In 16 years Colby has made the Top 8 (Nescac Play-offs) 2 TIMES.....Enough said

I wouldn't be surprised if one of these years Colby turns it around. They have good players but they're in the best conference. I think it's a bit harsh to say they're one of the worst programs in the country though. I'm just going to leave this here... http://athletics.greenmtn.edu/sports/msoc/2015-16/teams/greenmountain (http://athletics.greenmtn.edu/sports/msoc/2015-16/teams/greenmountain)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: madzillagd on October 23, 2015, 01:08:12 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on October 22, 2015, 09:14:25 PM
I would like to see the comparison of certain conferences and teams vs each other.

I don't know if this exists on the soccer side or not but this is something people have done regularly on the basketball side and the results are exactly what you'd think they'd be.  The top hoops conferences, NESCAC/WIAC/CCIW, end up at the top every year with all the others falling in line below them pretty much in alignment with what their reputation is.  I'm guessing if we had the soccer stats it would line up the same way most years.  There's a reason why reputations are earned over the course of many years.  There are going to be up years and down years but I don't think it's as offbase as you think it is. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on October 23, 2015, 01:23:05 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2015, 09:58:25 PM
It's fascinating (and cool) to see how many alums feel pulled back to their teams/schools.

I'd like to think a fair percentage of us recent grads are drawn back in. Especially if conditions are set up for it to happen easily. Besides the bonds you forge and memories you create there are other factors that I think contribute to people getting "pulled back", as you say, to the teams after graduation.

At SLU we have an extensive network of alumni who follow the team year in and year out. We're told as soon as we commit that there are guys that graduated over a decade ago that are supporting us all over the country. Every year at our alumni weekend we befriend the alumni who we only heard about through stories or emails they'd send in support of our season. As soon as the whistle blows during our last game we are already know them well and are immediately embraced as fellow alumni. We then follow in their footsteps and support the current teams in whatever capacity we are able to much like they did and continue to do.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2015, 01:34:13 PM
Quote from: 12SNoon on October 23, 2015, 12:11:56 PM
Quote from: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 22, 2015, 10:03:37 PM
Never used that site but I am looking for tickets for a game. How's it work? Is it a safe and reliable website to get tickets from? Thanks.

We aggregate tickets from all over the web, similar to Kayak.com in the travel space. Definitely safe, reliable, and growing! http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2015/04/02/seatgeek-scores-62-million-for-its-ticket-selling-app/  (http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2015/04/02/seatgeek-scores-62-million-for-its-ticket-selling-app/)

Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2015, 09:58:25 PM
That's really cool @12SNoon....It's fascinating (and cool) to see how many alums feel pulled back to their teams/schools and do exactly what you are doing right now.  Enjoy the game.  And a long train ride is a perfect time to compose your thoughts, drift into a visceral nostalgia, and get that piece done ;).

Thanks! It should be a good one.

Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2015, 04:38:08 PM

CHEERS......Since 2000 Colby Men's Soccer might be one of the worst programs in any sport in Nescac or maybe even the country....

Colby's Nescac Record since 2000.............................27-101-17..........I will not even bother getting that win %......

In 16 years Colby has made the Top 8 (Nescac Play-offs) 2 TIMES.....Enough said

I wouldn't be surprised if one of these years Colby turns it around. They have good players but they're in the best conference. I think it's a bit harsh to say they're one of the worst programs in the country though. I'm just going to leave this here... http://athletics.greenmtn.edu/sports/msoc/2015-16/teams/greenmountain (http://athletics.greenmtn.edu/sports/msoc/2015-16/teams/greenmountain)




Yes Green Mountain really makes a great case for a D4 or D5....I was responding to Colby's absolute ineptitude in Nescac...They have a New President, AD and COaches and they are going to be focusing on Athletic facilities and beefing up their programs so you might be right that in 5-10 years Colby could be a force but let's wait and see....I also was responding to the absolute ugliness of how they play currently...It is a bit harsh to say their Men's Soccer program is one of the worst in the country and maybe I went a tad overboard but let's face it 27-101-17 is A VERY BAD NESCAC TEAM in the last 16 years...Other Colby athletic teams have had better success so it goes without saying  that Colby Men's Soccer can and should have done a tad better the past 16 years
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 23, 2015, 02:00:14 PM

Colby 0 at Hamilton 1

Middlebury 3 at Bates 0

Bowdoin 0 at Connecticut College 1

1 Tufts at Williams 2

0 Wesleyan at Amherst 2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2015, 02:05:00 PM
Quote from: Sandy on October 23, 2015, 01:23:05 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2015, 09:58:25 PM
It's fascinating (and cool) to see how many alums feel pulled back to their teams/schools.

I'd like to think a fair percentage of us recent grads are drawn back in. Especially if conditions are set up for it to happen easily. Besides the bonds you forge and memories you create there are other factors that I think contribute to people getting "pulled back", as you say, to the teams after graduation.

At SLU we have an extensive network of alumni who follow the team year in and year out. We're told as soon as we commit that there are guys that graduated over a decade ago that are supporting us all over the country. Every year at our alumni weekend we befriend the alumni who we only heard about through stories or emails they'd send in support of our season. As soon as the whistle blows during our last game we are already know them well and are immediately embraced as fellow alumni. We then follow in their footsteps and support the current teams in whatever capacity we are able to much like they did and continue to do.

Great to hear, and didn't mean to just single out Mr. Noon.  Would love to see a thread or regular feature where newer alums (and older) share their experiences and what those experiences still mean to them.  I'm also curious about whether ex-players consider ex-players from other schools, including rival schools, part of a larger fraternity.  Was cool to hear about alums of Amherst and Williams working on something together. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 23, 2015, 02:08:26 PM

How come the presses didn't stop when Green Mountain beat SUNY Cobleskill?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2015, 02:27:26 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on October 23, 2015, 02:08:26 PM

How come the presses didn't stop when Green Mountain beat SUNY Cobleskill?



Because SUNY Cobleskill has also not won a game and rumor has it they used a GK with one leg
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on October 23, 2015, 03:46:18 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 23, 2015, 02:05:00 PM
I'm also curious about whether ex-players consider ex-players from other schools, including rival schools, part of a larger fraternity.  Was cool to hear about alums of Amherst and Williams working on something together. 

I think there is to an extent. Some people may be a little salty but it's always cool to find out a player that you now play with used to play on a rival team in your league, even if there was some bad blood between the teams. Union in my case especially. On a few of my teams after college I've played with kids from Clarkson, Union, Bowdoin, Ithaca, Macalester, WNEU, ECSU (which my brother plays for now), Hamilton and some others. Haven't played with too many NESCAC players but I went to high school with and/or played with a few on my club teams growing up, including Noon. It's different when you're playing against each other and even when you've graduated as well as when your alma maters clash. I do think the rivalry dies down outside of those times though, at least in my experience.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 23, 2015, 03:58:08 PM
Sandy, congratulations on your fine career at SLU.  My son graduated in 2012 from Union and was also a LL all-conference defender (2d team) in 2011.  Union and SLU had some great games from 2008 to 2011, including back-to-back OT games in 2010, in one of which SLU's winning goal at Sandy came late in the 2d OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2015, 04:12:09 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 23, 2015, 03:58:08 PM
Sandy, congratulations on your fine career at SLU.  My son graduated in 2012 from Union and was also a LL all-conference defender (2d team) in 2011.  Union and SLU had some great games from 2008 to 2011, including back-to-back OT games in 2010, in one of which SLU's winning goal at Sandy in the 2d OT was 5 yards offside.

That is great!  Classic!  +k
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 23, 2015, 04:15:32 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 23, 2015, 04:12:09 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 23, 2015, 03:58:08 PM
Sandy, congratulations on your fine career at SLU.  My son graduated in 2012 from Union and was also a LL all-conference defender (2d team) in 2011.  Union and SLU had some great games from 2008 to 2011, including back-to-back OT games in 2010, in one of which SLU's winning goal at Sandy in the 2d OT was 5 yards offside.

That is great!  Classic!  +k

Thanks NCAC NE, and maybe Sandy won't disagree (every opponent in the LL claimed SLU had the biggest home field advantage in the league), but on further reflection, I decided to soften my post to make it less adversarial.  (See edit).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2015, 04:22:28 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 23, 2015, 04:15:32 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 23, 2015, 04:12:09 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 23, 2015, 03:58:08 PM
Sandy, congratulations on your fine career at SLU.  My son graduated in 2012 from Union and was also a LL all-conference defender (2d team) in 2011.  Union and SLU had some great games from 2008 to 2011, including back-to-back OT games in 2010, in one of which SLU's winning goal at Sandy in the 2d OT was 5 yards offside.

That is great!  Classic!  +k

I wish you would edit it back the way you had it.  We ALL have memories like that and that still burn.  There are moments and plays in games that still will periodically and without reason scorch through my cerebral cortex on my drive to work.

Thanks NCAC NE, and maybe Sandy won't disagree (every opponent in the LL claimed SLU had the biggest home field advantage in the league), but on further reflection, I decided to soften my post to make it less adversarial.  (See edit).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2015, 04:39:49 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 23, 2015, 03:58:08 PM
Sandy, congratulations on your fine career at SLU.  My son graduated in 2012 from Union and was also a LL all-conference defender (2d team) in 2011.  Union and SLU had some great games from 2008 to 2011, including back-to-back OT games in 2010, in one of which SLU's winning goal at Sandy came late in the 2d OT.




I remember watching the Union v SLU game in 2012 when a Union player had one of the more dirtier plays I have seen injuring Sam DeMello in Sam's Senior season. W/O DeMello, SLU still qualified for the NCAA's but were not nearly as dangerous and got ousted in Williamstown by Williams College in the RD32. I remember the GK on that 2012 SLU team to be their weak link as he made some glaring errors during that season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 23, 2015, 05:01:24 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2015, 04:39:49 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 23, 2015, 03:58:08 PM
Sandy, congratulations on your fine career at SLU.  My son graduated in 2012 from Union and was also a LL all-conference defender (2d team) in 2011.  Union and SLU had some great games from 2008 to 2011, including back-to-back OT games in 2010, in one of which SLU's winning goal at Sandy came late in the 2d OT.




I remember watching the Union v SLU game in 2012 when a Union player had one of the more dirtier plays I have seen injuring Sam DeMello in Sam's Senior season. W/O DeMello, SLU still qualified for the NCAA's but were not nearly as dangerous and got ousted in Williamstown by Williams College in the RD32. I remember the GK on that 2012 SLU team to be their weak link as he made some glaring errors during that season.

My son was gone by the 2012 season, so I did not see that game, and cannot comment, but clearly DeMello was one terrific player.  Unfortunately, SLU also lost Brendan Gorman (the league's best forward) in previous seasons, and their string of bad luck injuries apparently continues to this day.  That the program continues to go deep into NCAA tourneys is a testament to the depth of the roster.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2015, 05:05:47 PM
Yes this is very true, but the foul on DeMello was extremely DIRTY...I do not even think the kid got sent off
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 23, 2015, 05:24:47 PM
1970 you are correct indeed. And I appreciate your soccer IQ and observation of our beloved Saints.
I will say this (and I am a Saint so take this with a grain of salt)
If Demello and Gorman were able to play 4 injury free seasons they would have taken the team to the promise land again.

Gorman is a beast and was since his freshman year, and Demello is on the Mt. Rushmore of Saints (only 2 others with him... for now...)

I always enjoy the NESCAC/Liberty League battles deep in the NCAAs.

Hopefully this year the LL can get one.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on October 23, 2015, 05:53:34 PM
Thanks 1970's. I graduated 2012 as well. I never played right up against your son since I played right back and when I got up it was on the wing.

I don't disagree. It certainly helped we had a large field and occasionally an atmosphere to match. Teams also had to travel a ways, but we also had to travel pretty far each weekend away trip too.

I remember those two OT games quite fondly though haha
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 23, 2015, 07:36:09 PM
Looks like Amherst found its replacement for Tom Bull next year ...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/river-forest/sports/ct-oak-oak-park-river-forest-huskies-boys-soccer-will-dunne-tl-0902-20150910-story.html
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nescac84 on October 24, 2015, 12:59:52 AM
Hello all,

As a former Nescac player, I have followed these boards a lot and finally have felt the need to join.

As for a quick set of predictions for tomorrow:

Colby 1 - Hamilton 0 : I think it will be a brutal game and the one goal scoreline could go either way. Mistake in the back will cost Hamilton.

Midd 0 - Bates 0 : Midd has had a lot of trouble scoring this year and I think Bates will hold them scoreless after holding Tufts scoreless last week.

Williams 2 - Tufts 2 : I think Rashid will be too much for the Tufts defense, but I have not been a fan of Williams defense this year either. A draw. 

Amherst 0 - Wesleyan 2 - I think Wesleyan has a lot more to lose than Amherst and Wesleyan takes advantage of this.

Bowdoin 0 - Conn 1 - Bowdoin has had trouble scoring and this is a breakout year for Conn. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 11:51:50 AM
What year did you play and for what team and I should be able to break down your strengths and weaknesses...j/k only share if you want and I will charge my memory bank...I usually have a great memory bank for D3 soccer especially Nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 11:54:55 AM
Everyone picking Conn today and it is a MUST win for them to keep their regional ranking but I have a funny feeling Bowdoin might get a result...I am actually rooting for Conn and Murphy to get a NCAA bid. I believe it would be Conn's first NCAA bid ever but I do remember Lessig having some great Conn teams in the early 90's that won an ECAC Championship and he might have qualified for the NCAA's in 1995 or 1996...I will have to check that
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 01:57:07 PM
1-0 Tufts v Williams at the Half...Tufts had a 30mph wind 1st Half which Williams should have in the 2nd Half...If I am Sullivan, I have nothing to lose...With the wind you should be able to pin Tufts in their half for the majority of it so why not go to a 3-4-3 or a 4-2-3-1 and have the wingbacks attack attack attack....Williams should get plenty of chances with this whipping wind...They have nothing to lose so GO FOR IT....We will see...More to come..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 24, 2015, 02:02:37 PM
Williams Tufts first half.  I will start with WIND. EXTREMELY windy so the game is sloppy. Even the sure footed Kayne corkscrewed a shot. Tufts up 1-0 on an unfortunate handball in box. Tufts tapped it to Kayne on a corner kick and he whipped a left footed cross into the box that hit a defenders hand. Mwjumbder converted pk. Tufts had possession the first 20 minutes and had the wind. I expect Williams to have the better play in the second half. 2 more observations. Williams needs to get the ball to Rashid more. Shapiro moved Kayne to left wing from center mid. Tufts possession up the middle is not as good but that could be the wind....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 24, 2015, 02:03:24 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 01:57:07 PM
1-0 Tufts v Williams at the Half...Tufts had a 30mph wind 1st Half which Williams should have in the 2nd Half...If I am Sullivan, I have nothing to lose...With the wind you should be able to pin Tufts in their half for the majority of it so why not go to a 3-4-3 or a 4-2-3-1 and have the wingbacks attack attack attack....Williams should get plenty of chances with this whipping wind...They have nothing to lose so GO FOR IT....We will see...More to come..

I agree!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 02:06:12 PM
We both agree Nutter and had basically the same observations....With the wind Williams will become more dangerous and this is a MUST WIN for Tufts for their at-large chances..If I were Shapiro I would sit in a bit and play ugly if need be
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 02:08:36 PM
Well we both SPOKE to soon...Tufts Majumder gets a sweet goal off a beautiful ball to him at the 18 1 minute into the 2nd Half...NIce goal by Majumder and that is a HUGE GOAL.....Tufts is looking very dangerous going forward, there only question mark might be in the back but Tufts is a legit NCAA team, not quite as solid as last year because of the seniors they lost but they will be right in the thick of it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2015, 02:16:45 PM
Well then, I said Majumder would be up for this! Wouldn't have predicted the scoreline, but Williams caught napping right out of the gates of the second half. The angle looked way too narrow from how wide he was, didn't see him taking the shot there, but he made a really nice finish and those are big goals not just in the context of the game but also his confidence.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 02:20:43 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 24, 2015, 02:16:45 PM
Well then, I said Majumder would be up for this! Wouldn't have predicted the scoreline, but Williams caught napping right out of the gates of the second half. The angle looked way too narrow from how wide he was, didn't see him taking the shot there, but he made a really nice finish and those are big goals not just in the context of the game but also his confidence.


Agreed...But where was the Williams LB? Was he dragged over to the middle? Majumder had tons of time and space...Majumder is becoming the best striker in the league and possible Nescac POY candidate
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 02:24:41 PM
Greenwood having a great game today and he will need to continue to play out of his mind to give Tufts a legit NCAA run
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 02:30:14 PM
WOW Tufts just dominating Williams today. Williams looks like they came out of halftime Again un-interested and UNWILLING to work for 90 minutes to get back into the game...Williams just a MASSIVE disappointment this year and it is getting really ugly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 02:32:48 PM
Turning to the Wesleyan at Amherst game...Both teams with the same line-ups for the most part but looks like Wheeler SACKED his GK Katkavich for Brian Harnett...I thought Katkavich played well early this year but apparently he is getting the blame for the Trinity/Midd and Williams losses....Let's see what they have in the tank for Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 02:54:02 PM
Conn v Bowdoin 0-0 at the HALF...This game will be a massive battle in the 2nd Half..I think I will watch this one unless Wesleyan can snag a tying goal against Amherst, which I am not expecting...

Midd always plays down to their competition..Came out sleeping more than likely..Anyone see the goal or who scored?  That could be one to watch also although it could be an UGLY one
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2015, 02:54:21 PM
Amherst score less than 4 minutes in...whether it's coming out of the gates strong or other teams falling asleep, I'm not sure, but the Jeffs' ability to score early has certainly helped them this year.

Speaking of fast starts, Bates scores 4 minutes in against Middlebury. I'm going to guess that was a case of complacency on the Panthers' part.

3-0 in Williamstown has got to be one of the legendary scorelines. Two for Majumder - I figured he would have a big game but a brace against Williams is a collector's item. Williams again blows hot and cold - they pick up big results on the road but will now be 1-4-1 at home this year. IMHO Tufts isn't the team it was last year, but on this evidence they're in good form and ready. Would it be criminal for me to suggest that Rashid isn't the same player he was? Before, he had players like Ebobisse, etc. to work off of and so looked pretty good, but his stats have remained stagnant since that freshman campaign. No doubt the injury hurt, and he really can't do it all on his own, so maybe I'm being a bit harsh. Still like his pace and trickery.

Re Mr.Right: Agreed, the Williams LB got caught out there. No right making that shot from that angle, but a good finish nonetheless.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2015, 02:54:48 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 02:54:02 PM
Midd always plays down to their competition

THIS.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 02:58:27 PM
I was wrong looks like Bowdoin up 1-0 on Conn at the Half....The Nescac standings are going to be all askew if some of these results hold...I guess bates scored on a Noah Riskind Header most likely off a set piece
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 24, 2015, 03:01:15 PM
Right, I was also shocked by the second half and Tufts superiority. Goals by Majumbder and Kayne. Mouteneau looked good for Williams in the first half and Dory should have scored. Greenwood played excellent as you say.  Here is my question. I am a big Rashid supporter. I am miffed about his play this year. Do they not get him the ball? Is he a step slower due to his injuries? Thoughts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 24, 2015, 03:04:04 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 02:58:27 PM
I was wrong looks like Bowdoin up 1-0 on Conn at the Half....The Nescac standings are going to be all askew if some of these results hold...I guess bates scored on a Noah Riskind Header most likely off a set piece

Watching the Conn College v. Bowdoin game with sound muted.
At one point in 1st half the camera panned to scoreboard which clearly said "Camels 1, Bowdoin 0".
Not sure what the score is, though in at least one instance I know the NESCAC site had an incorrect final in a Women's Soccer game this season.
Any confirmation of the actual CC-Bowdoin score appreciated!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 03:05:56 PM
Bloots it would not be criminal to say Rashid is not the same....He has talent around him maybe not like User and Ebobisse but I think he has lost a 1/2 a step from that ACL injury but is still mighty dangerous. Opponents def key in on him..More disappointing is how this team has not responded to a new coach. They all just seem uninterested and unwilling to put in the max effort...Just very ugly to watch....If ever a team needed a Players Only meeting it would be Williams
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 03:07:51 PM
Jeez well we need a accurate SCORE of the Conn v Bowdoin game..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 24, 2015, 03:09:38 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 03:07:51 PM
Jeez well we need a accurate SCORE of the Conn v Bowdoin game..

Very annoying that they don't have the score on the graphics on the broadcast ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 24, 2015, 03:11:52 PM
Bowdoin College website shows Conn College winning 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 03:17:31 PM
1-0 Conn...

Also, looks like Midd score 2 quick goals to take a 2-1 lead over bates
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2015, 03:18:44 PM
Correction: Williams is now 2-4-1 at home, not 1-4-1. Still, to be under .500 at home for a program with that legacy is surprising.

Last year, I was very surprised that Williams didn't go on a run and miraculously make NCAAs. There were elements of miracle about their 2012 and 2013 Final Four runs, and I thought that if nothing else they would find a way to get back to NCAAs. It would be ridiculous to suggest that the players last year didn't care - especially considering it was Russo's last year in charge - but this year has definitely been one of transition and perhaps the players don't have the same winning mentality that the program used to possess. That said, I still think Sullivan will come good - he's too good of a coach not to, and I think they've shown excellence in bursts this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 24, 2015, 03:26:37 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 02:54:02 PM
Conn v Bowdoin 0-0 at the HALF...This game will be a massive battle in the 2nd Half..I think I will watch this one unless Wesleyan can snag a tying goal against Amherst, which I am not expecting...

Midd always plays down to their competition..Came out sleeping more than likely..Anyone see the goal or who scored?  That could be one to watch also although it could be an UGLY one

Midd's bad habit this year has been conceding early goals. It's happened in at least five or six games. Against the better teams, like Amherst, the margin for error is so slim that such a slip up can be disastrous as this year's 1-0 result showed (with the goal coming in the opening few minutes). Against Hamilton, Trinity, Wesleyan, and now Bates, Midd has fallen down early 1-0 only to come back and take the lead in the second half.

It's not a way you want to be playing heading in to November. At the same time, I do like the resilience it shows to be able to battle back time and again. You just don't want to be in that position against an Amherst-quality team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 24, 2015, 03:34:04 PM
Conrad from Glaser, Conrad's second of the day. 3-1 Midd w/12:00 remaining.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 03:40:35 PM
STUPID foul by Conn gives Bowdoin a set piece about 25ft out and Bowdoin buries it...Andrew Jones buries a 25ft bullet into Conn's goal to keeper's left...GK should have been hedging in that direction but he looked frozen on his line....1-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 24, 2015, 03:42:15 PM
O'Grady now. 4-1 Middlebury.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 03:42:40 PM
Of course while I was posting Bowdoin scores again Connor Keefe and I MISSED it...2-1 Bowdoin about 10-15 minutes left....Conn's NCAA chances slipping bigtime.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 24, 2015, 04:31:24 PM
as of October 24th

1.   9-0-0   24 pts   Amherst             at Trinity
2.   6-2-1   19 pts   Middlebury          home Williams
3.   5-2-2   17 pts   Tufts                  home Bowdoin
4.   4-4-1   13 pts   Conn College       home Wesleyan
4.   4-4-1   13 pts   Williams             at Middlebury
6.   3-3-3   12 pts   Bowdoin               at Tufts
7.   3-5-1   10 pts   Trinity                 home Amherst
8.   3-5-1   10 pts   Wesleyan            at Conn College

9.   3-7-0   09 pts   Hamilton             season done
10. 2-5-2   08 pts   Bates                   at Colby
11. 1-6-2   05 pts   Colby                   home Bates

Remaining Games:

Tuesday
3:00pm   Wesleyan at Conn College

Wednesday
2:30pm   Williams at Middlebury
2:30pm   Bowdoin at Tufts
3:00pm   Amherst at Trinity
8:00pm   Bates at Colby

Clinched A Playoff Spot
Amherst (#1), Middlebury (#2 or #3), Tufts (#2 or #3), Conn College, Williams, Bowdoin

Out of Playoffs
Colby, Hamilton

Three For Two Spots
Trinity =
In with a win over Amherst
In with a tie with Amherst
In with a loss to Amherst and either a Wesleyan loss OR a Bates loss or tie

Wesleyan =
In with a win over Conn College
In with a tie with Conn College
In with a loss to Conn College and a Bates loss or tie

Bates =
In with a win over Colby AND a loss by EITHER Trinity and Wesleyan

I think I got it right. :-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2015, 04:41:13 PM
This could be the 1st time in 16 years that Williams is not a Top 4 seed with a Home game.

This could be the 1st time in 16 years Conn gets a Top 4 Seed with a home game.

Everyone will want to avoid the #8 seed but the one team I would give a chance to is Wesleyan even though they did not show up today. Wheeler will come up with an extremely defensive strategy against Amherst again and as long as he can get superb Goalkeeping(which is a HUGE IF) then they would have a shot..Amherst would destroy Bates. Serpone has owned Trinity since he arrived and I suspect theywill win on Wednesday but at some point Trinity will get a Win against them just when you count them out. Trinity has enough athleticism and talent and a few guys who can score to upset a top team like Midd or Tufts. They are just sometimes so unorganized and not on the same page that they can also get hammered...Wait and see time..


Amherst unless they lose in the 1st round of Nescac Playoffs has locked up the #1 seed, hosting to the final 4 and the 1st round bye.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 24, 2015, 06:51:31 PM
This just in: Amherst 5, Wes 0.
No noise?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2015, 07:28:00 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 24, 2015, 06:51:31 PM
This just in: Amherst 5, Wes 0.
No noise?

What? That they've blown out their last seven opponents 20-0? They'll in all likelihood go to the #1 spot this week? NPL = NESCAC POY?

I think we've already said everything that's say-able about Amherst. ;) When the playoffs start, I'm guessing there will be more Lord Jeffs-related noise.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 25, 2015, 08:26:21 AM
Quote from: Bucket on October 24, 2015, 03:26:37 PM

Midd's bad habit this year has been conceding early goals. It's happened in at least five or six games. Against the better teams, like Amherst, the margin for error is so slim that such a slip up can be disastrous as this year's 1-0 result showed (with the goal coming in the opening few minutes). Against Hamilton, Trinity, Wesleyan, and now Bates, Midd has fallen down early 1-0 only to come back and take the lead in the second half.

It's not a way you want to be playing heading in to November. At the same time, I do like the resilience it shows to be able to battle back time and again. You just don't want to be in that position against an Amherst-quality team.

Bucket, do you see Midd's early lapses a function of GK focus or moreso a starting XI focus?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 25, 2015, 10:25:12 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 25, 2015, 08:26:21 AM
Quote from: Bucket on October 24, 2015, 03:26:37 PM

Midd's bad habit this year has been conceding early goals. It's happened in at least five or six games. Against the better teams, like Amherst, the margin for error is so slim that such a slip up can be disastrous as this year's 1-0 result showed (with the goal coming in the opening few minutes). Against Hamilton, Trinity, Wesleyan, and now Bates, Midd has fallen down early 1-0 only to come back and take the lead in the second half.

It's not a way you want to be playing heading in to November. At the same time, I do like the resilience it shows to be able to battle back time and again. You just don't want to be in that position against an Amherst-quality team.

Bucket, do you see Midd's early lapses a function of GK focus or moreso a starting XI focus?

I'm really not sure...Sydor is such an intense guy on the field and such a good keeper, I have a hard time believing he's not totally zeroed in at the start of each match. And at the same time, I certainly don't get the sense that the starting XI begins games complacent. It's a head scratcher, to be sure. It could be one of those things where the XI are so aware of this, that they're actually *too* tense at the start of matches?

This is totally armchair psychology here...I really don't have an answer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on October 25, 2015, 10:58:43 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 24, 2015, 06:51:31 PM
This just in: Amherst 5, Wes 0.
No noise?
Fouls     1    2    Total
Wesleyan University    6    5    11
Amherst    13    10    23

CAUTIONS AND EJECTIONS
AMHERST     #26    Justin Aoyama     Yellow card    28:56
WESM15     #21    Danny Rubenstein     Yellow card    40:07
AMHERST     #5    Andrew Orozco     Yellow card    43:10
AMHERST     #10    Milton Rico     Yellow card    47:53
AMHERST     #4    Luke Nguyen     Yellow card    47:53
AMHERST     #TM    Team     Yellow card    50:24
WESM15     #10    Brandon Sousa     Yellow card    61:07
AMHERST     #14    Nico Pascual-Leone     Yellow card    62:25
WESM15     #10    Brandon Sousa     Red card    64:00
AMHERST     #28    Bryce Ciambella     Yellow card    64:53 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 25, 2015, 11:51:18 AM
Homer here:
Yeah. I know, I know. Several cards were laughable, which the haters don't want to hear and won't believe.

Many foul calls were totally legit and came from hard play.

Notable: It was the Cardinals who drew the red.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on October 25, 2015, 12:09:02 PM
Based on the number of fouls, it is possible that some of the Amherst yellows were for persistent infringement.

What was Amherst's "Team" yellow for? I didn't know there was such a thing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 25, 2015, 12:22:43 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 25, 2015, 11:51:18 AM
Yeah. I know, I know. Several cards were laughable, which the haters don't want to hear and won't believe.

The "team" yellow is typically on the coach.   

Amherst has apparently joined the ranks of the Patriots, anyone who watches Amherst and has any question about the coach's or team's behavior is automatically a "hater".
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on October 25, 2015, 12:58:59 PM
Amherst now has 26 yellow cards for the season, 8 more than Hamilton, which has the second most. And Amherst has a game in hand over Hamilton with which to widen their lead. No other NESCAC team has more than 10.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 25, 2015, 01:08:00 PM
Citing that statistic is a micro-aggression and is hateful. Shame on you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 25, 2015, 01:59:18 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on October 25, 2015, 11:22:29 PM
Quote from: Becks on October 25, 2015, 12:58:59 PM
Amherst now has 26 yellow cards for the season, 8 more than Hamilton, which has the second most. And Amherst has a game in hand over Hamilton with which to widen their lead. No other NESCAC team has more than 10.

It seems like you're suggesting that Amherst is a #dirty team. That makes sense in a vacuum (more cards = more dirty) but Amherst games are extremely intense, so they're often refereed differently than most other NESCAC games. I've heard this from the referees themselves and other former non-Amherst NESCAC players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 26, 2015, 07:13:21 AM
Quote from: 12SNoon on October 25, 2015, 11:22:29 PM
Quote from: Becks on October 25, 2015, 12:58:59 PM
Amherst now has 26 yellow cards for the season, 8 more than Hamilton, which has the second most. And Amherst has a game in hand over Hamilton with which to widen their lead. No other NESCAC team has more than 10.

It seems like you're suggesting that Amherst is a #dirty team. That makes sense in a vacuum (more cards = more dirty) but Amherst games are extremely intense, so they're often refereed differently than most other NESCAC games. I've heard this from the referees themselves and other former non-Amherst NESCAC players.

If this were the "Amherst games are intense" theory was the cause, one would find that the opponents of Amherst gather more cards in Amherst games than they do in other non-Amherst games.  It's not research I'm inclined to do, but that would support this theory.  Otherwise, it's just that Amherst has a style of play that results in more cards for themselves.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 26, 2015, 10:51:42 AM
Lots of yellows in college soccer are earned through persistent infringement.
The fouls, in and of themselves, are not "dirty." Rather, the same player has committed a series of recognized fouls.
That's another way a team can look "dirty" on paper when they are not "dirty" overall.
For me, a team is "dirty" when its players intend to injure the opponents. I don't get that vibe from Amherst.
While there have been a few moments in NESCAC games over the past several years when it has felt that both teams are trying to "get back at" one another, I generally see most games as intensely passionate and not "dirty."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on October 26, 2015, 11:37:55 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 26, 2015, 10:51:42 AM
Lots of yellows in college soccer are earned through persistent infringement.
The fouls, in and of themselves, are not "dirty." Rather, the same player has committed a series of recognized fouls.
That's another way a team can look "dirty" on paper when they are not "dirty" overall.
For me, a team is "dirty" when its players intend to injure the opponents. I don't get that vibe from Amherst.
While there have been a few moments in NESCAC games over the past several years when it has felt that both teams are trying to "get back at" one another, I generally see most games as intensely passionate and not "dirty."
I think "dirty" is a pretty subjective term. I think most often it is used to refer not to a player who is very physical but to a player who uses a lot of unsportsmanlike techniques to try to get an advantage - such stepping on your feet on corners so you can't run or jump, elbowing you or pinch you when the ref isn't looking, intentionally taking little cheap shots after the ball has gone and the refs are looking the other way, and/or who hold as much as they can get away with. It may well be that Amherst doesn't engage in those unsportsmanlike techniques (at least not significantly more than other teams), but rather plays with a physical aggressiveness that often borders of recklessness. While many view physical players as more honorable than players who engage in unsportsmanlike techniques, they are no more loved by opponents or opposing or neutral fans. Regardless of whether there is intent to injure, physical play that results in a lot of fouls pretty obviously increases the risk of injury. And from a spectators standpoint, results in a less attractive game with more stoppages.

Amherst seems to be about as loved by the rest of the CAC as Bill Laimbeer's Pistons were loved by the rest of the NBA.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on October 26, 2015, 12:17:44 PM
Re Wes - Sousa red card could be a real blow. By my calculation, if Bates beats Colby, Wes needs to get at least a tie against Conn to lock up a spot in the NESCAC tournament. It would be sad for Sousa if the red card against Amherst is his last game. If Wes qualifies, would Sousa be able to play in the first round of the NESCAC tourney? Wes will no doubt be rooting for Amherst to beat Trinity on Wed in order to avoid the first round rematch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 26, 2015, 12:19:54 PM
I would bet Bates v Colby ends in a 0-0 hence eliminating Bates.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 26, 2015, 01:27:05 PM
I have to agree with Bloots----This issue has been re-hashed over and over for years....Personally, if you all want to keep re-hashing it someone should it as a new topic so we can just focus on Nescac without the Serpone bashing....Personally, I agree with you easygoer but I have nothing left to say about it nor the energy to do it....My biggest beef with Serpone nowadays is his NCAA failures.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 26, 2015, 04:31:00 PM
Congrats to Tobias Gimand being named Nescac Player of the Week...He is Trinity's best playmaker and is a very skilled player. If Trinity plans on making a late season run they have the athleticism, skill and work ethic to do so but they need this guy creating chances for Savonon and others to finish...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 26, 2015, 04:59:59 PM
Checking some Nescac stats...Only Conference games so we are not including some of these Cupcakes that everyone plays. Tufts and Williams are the only 2 schools that DID NOT PLAY any cupcakes, so props to them.Anyway some interesting and telling stats...

-Amherst has the most Goals Scored in conference at an amazing 22GF and also have only 1 Goal allowed to Williams. 22GF and 1 GA is very impressive. Their best team in Serpone's tenure in 2012 they had 24GF and 2GA.

-Wesleyan is 2nd in the league in Shots at 141. I would have never guessed that.

-Wesleyan also leads the league in Corners at 64 and Conn is a distant 2nd at 53.

-Amherst has an astounding 19 yellow cards but in 2012 they only had 8. Trust me that 2012 side was just as chippy than 2015.

-Bowdoin has scored 7 goals in 9 conference games. That only bests Bates and Colby. I do not think Bowdoin has scored that few goals in Nescac in a long long long time. If that does not pick up their season will be over on Halloween.

-Trinity is the only team to not have recorded a shutout.

-Bates is DEAD LAST in corners with an horrible 19. The next closest team is Hamilton at 34....Think about that 19 Corners in 9 Games...One of the reason they have only scored 6 goals

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 26, 2015, 10:21:02 PM
As the season winds down and thoughts of POY, I have some comments and thoughts....

Top forward... NPL and Majumder.
Top Midfielder: Kayne (also best 2 way player)
Best Defender: having trouble picking the top one...recommendations accepted
Best Goalie: Sydor
Best Coach: Serpone
Best Mascot: Tufts
POY: top goal scorer will most likely win this...

Thoughts or comments?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on October 27, 2015, 02:45:08 AM
Always a fun game. I'll take a stab and add a Rookie of the Year category

Top forward: Pascal-Leon
Top Midfielder: Devlin
Best Defender: Odulate
Best Goalie: Sydor
Best Coach: Serpone
POY: Probably goes to NPL or Majumder, but I believe Devlin & Kayne are the top 2 players
ROY: Leon
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 27, 2015, 03:46:43 AM
Quote from: dacac on October 27, 2015, 02:45:08 AM
Always a fun game. I'll take a stab and add a Rookie of the Year category

Top forward: Pascal-Leon
Top Midfielder: Devlin
Best Defender: Odulate
Best Goalie: Sydor
Best Coach: Serpone
POY: Probably goes to NPL or Majumder, but I believe Devlin & Kayne are the top 2 players
ROY: Leon

Not bad... I saw the Tufts Conn game and thought Kayne outplayed Devlin but it was fairly close.... Devlin was scrappier and Kayne had better technique and skill.  The amount of energy expended by the 2 during a game is unmatched.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 27, 2015, 07:13:22 AM
Since Amherst has given up 2 goals all year might need to consider an Amherst defender and/or Bull as the GK.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 27, 2015, 09:18:59 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 27, 2015, 07:13:22 AM
Since Amherst has given up 2 goals all year might need to consider an Amherst defender and/or Bull as the GK.

I would say Bull, and I'll amend my opinion to say that he's been better than Sydor on the year (although Sydor is still second in the NESCAC my book, Greenwood just behind in third.) I would say Bean is the physical leader of the back line, which has been impressive, and Aoyama is one of the most intelligent outside backs I've ever seen (along with his brother) in Division III, but Bull makes the whole operation work together. And you can't argue with 2 GA out of 48 SOG - that's a 95.8 save percentage.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 27, 2015, 09:56:28 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 27, 2015, 09:18:59 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 27, 2015, 07:13:22 AM
Since Amherst has given up 2 goals all year might need to consider an Amherst defender and/or Bull as the GK.

I would say Bull, and I'll amend my opinion to say that he's been better than Sydor on the year (although Sydor is still second in the NESCAC my book, Greenwood just behind in third.) I would say Bean is the physical leader of the back line, which has been impressive, and Aoyama is one of the most intelligent outside backs I've ever seen (along with his brother) in Division III, but Bull makes the whole operation work together. And you can't argue with 2 GA out of 48 SOG - that's a 95.8 save percentage.

Top forward... NPL or Majumder.
Top Midfielder: Kayne
Best Defender: Bean
Best Goalie: Bull
Best Coach: Serpone
POY: top goal scorer will most likely win this as stated above and that is usually the case...but I'll second Kayne for best all-around player
Best Fan:  MR. RIGHT!!!! ;D

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 27, 2015, 04:14:31 PM
Conn - Wesleyan 0-0 in the second half. Half-chances for both sides but nothing significant from what I've seen. That said, I really like the Conn video feed being right behind the benches and not having commentary - Conn and Brandeis feeds both do this, but I'm sure there's more. Either way, makes for some great insight into what happens on the bench and touchline.

Update: Conn takes it 1-0. Missed the goal but the Camels looked the better team in the second half and created the more threatening opportunities, although Wes did have a good chance that DaCunha made a good save from.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 27, 2015, 05:19:39 PM
as of October 24th

1.   9-0-0   24 pts   Amherst             at Trinity
2.   6-2-1   19 pts   Middlebury          home Williams
3.   5-2-2   17 pts   Tufts                  home Bowdoin
4.   5-4-1   16 pts   Conn College       ---
5.   4-4-1   13 pts   Williams             at Middlebury
6.   3-3-3   12 pts   Bowdoin               at Tufts
7.   3-5-1   10 pts   Trinity                 home Amherst
8.   3-6-1   10 pts   Wesleyan            ---

9.   3-7-0   09 pts   Hamilton             ---
10. 2-5-2   08 pts   Bates                   at Colby
11. 1-6-2   05 pts   Colby                   home Bates

Remaining Games:

Wednesday
2:30pm   Williams at Middlebury
2:30pm   Bowdoin at Tufts
3:00pm   Amherst at Trinity
8:00pm   Bates at Colby

Clinched A Playoff Spot
Amherst (#1), Middlebury (#2 or #3), Tufts (#2 or #3), Conn College, Williams, Bowdoin, Trinity

Out of Playoffs
Colby, Hamilton

Two For One Spot

Wesleyan =
In with a Bates loss or tie

Bates =
In with a win over Colby

I think I got it right. :-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 27, 2015, 07:22:18 PM
Is the Wes 5-loss spiral at the end here a head scratcher or what?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 27, 2015, 07:36:51 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 27, 2015, 07:22:18 PM
Is the Wes 5-loss spiral at the end here a head scratcher or what?

YES, makes one wonder if something is going on there, but on the other hand, except for the one blowout, almost all of their losses could have gone either way.  If Wesleyan somehow survives as the 8th seed I still wouldn't be completely shocked to see them pull the upset.  Everything went downhill for them starting with the home loss to Midd, a game they looked like they were going to win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 28, 2015, 10:22:58 AM
The Amherst score was surprising.....then again, it was homecoming at Amherst and a late start.  Amherst had sweep the Wes teams playing earlier..football, women's soccer, football and field hockey.  The score at the half was 1-0 and the temperature was dropping.  The Wes team may have just wanted to just wanted to join their teams on the trip back home.  Was not at the game...still chatting with friends after the football game.  Just a thought comment only. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on October 28, 2015, 03:36:57 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 27, 2015, 07:22:18 PM
Is the Wes 5-loss spiral at the end here a head scratcher or what?
Some tough losses in the first 3 (Middlebury, Williams and Trinity), where they seemed to be the better team at least in some of the games. Blowout against Amherst was aided by the red card to Sousa. Absence of Sousa also affected them in the loss to Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 28, 2015, 03:45:48 PM
Quote from: Becks on October 28, 2015, 03:36:57 PM
Some tough losses in the first 3 (Middlebury, Williams and Trinity), where they seemed to be the better team at least in some of the games. Blowout against Amherst was aided by the red card to Sousa. Absence of Sousa also affected them in the loss to Conn.

Well said. Didn't think they deserved to lose against Midd. especially after taking a 1-0 lead, but that happens.

Tufts - Bowdoin is a dog of a game at 0-0. Midd - Williams not any better. Trinity - Amherst has been by far the most entertaining, and Trinity actually looked (kind of) threatening on the counter. That said, Trinity was undone by giving away a foul in the box, and Amherst will likely go on to roll. Unfortunate for the Bantams, who obeyed the cardinal rule of not giving up an early goal to Amherst, and looked just about equal to the Jeffs.

What ever happened to Cedric Charlier from Bowdoin? The kid was a revelation as a freshman, but has lost a ton of influence and isn't nearly the same player that he was before IMHO. I'm watching him now and wondering how he's the same player - he lost a ton of speed and doesn't seem to be the same intimidating presence that he once was.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 28, 2015, 04:24:56 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 28, 2015, 03:45:48 PM
Quote from: Becks on October 28, 2015, 03:36:57 PM
Some tough losses in the first 3 (Middlebury, Williams and Trinity), where they seemed to be the better team at least in some of the games. Blowout against Amherst was aided by the red card to Sousa. Absence of Sousa also affected them in the loss to Conn.

Well said. Didn't think they deserved to lose against Midd. especially after taking a 1-0 lead, but that happens.

Tufts - Bowdoin is a dog of a game at 0-0. Midd - Williams not any better. Trinity - Amherst has been by far the most entertaining, and Trinity actually looked (kind of) threatening on the counter. That said, Trinity was undone by giving away a foul in the box, and Amherst will likely go on to roll. Unfortunate for the Bantams, who obeyed the cardinal rule of not giving up an early goal to Amherst, and looked just about equal to the Jeffs.

What ever happened to Cedric Charlier from Bowdoin? The kid was a revelation as a freshman, but has lost a ton of influence and isn't nearly the same player that he was before IMHO. I'm watching him now and wondering how he's the same player - he lost a ton of speed and doesn't seem to be the same intimidating presence that he once was.

Bowdoin Tufts going into overtime in the rain  0-0.  Tufts had the better possession and shot advantage 13-3....... But 0-0... Anyone's game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2015, 04:33:06 PM
You are correct the Trinity v Amherst game is the most entertaining ....


Midd takes Williams 1-0 in OT ON A GOAL BY GLASER ON HIS LEFT FOOT....WHO WOULD OF BELIEVED IT. 2v1 Moffat and Glaser v Alcorn and Moffat looked like he was going to shoot but slid one to Glaser and I immediately thought u bozo shoot it but Glaser finished with his left....Now I will get off his left foot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 28, 2015, 04:39:37 PM
Tufts totally dominating in the 1st OT... still 0-0.... Anyone's game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2015, 04:40:48 PM
I am loving how Trinity is using Sam Milbury up top like a poor man's Greg Conrad
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2015, 04:44:10 PM
Trinity playing very well...If they play like this they will give Midd a game...Ohhh Danny O'Neil almost had the game winner but was offsides..Trinity's back 4 are suspect but they are athletic enough
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on October 28, 2015, 04:45:16 PM
Trinity is giving Amherst a ton of trouble; Tobias for trinity is legit. Where is NPL? I haven't seen him all game. Hopefully he isn't injured as that would be a huge loss for Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 28, 2015, 04:47:28 PM
I've said it a million times already so apologies but my goodness Greenwood needs to improve on set pieces. He's a fantastic shot-stopper, maybe even better than Bull or Sydor in that respect, but I can count two occasions in the first OT alone where he just batted it away when he full well should have caught it. Teams, especially teams in NCAAs, are going to recognize that, and he very well could be Tufts' weak link on dead balls. That said, if he redeems himself by making a fantastic save from the resulting shot, then all the better, but the best thing to do it eliminate that possibility by claiming the ball cleanly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2015, 04:55:13 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on October 28, 2015, 04:45:16 PM
Trinity is giving Amherst a ton of trouble; Tobias for trinity is legit. Where is NPL? I haven't seen him all game. Hopefully he isn't injured as that would be a huge loss for Amherst


Tobias very skilled and threads the needle nicely to Savonen...Trinity is UP for this one and the rain and nasty conditions help there cause. They are playing nicely in their offensive 3rd. Amherst losses this they will lose that NCAA bye.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 28, 2015, 04:55:33 PM
0-0 Final in Jumboville.  Greenwood made a nice save in second OT.  Tufts outshoots Bowdoin 17-9.  Very wet game. Not many standouts.  kayne is smooth and just missed wide.  Majumder didn't have any real good chances.  Bowdoin's defense was good, and packed in.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on October 28, 2015, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 28, 2015, 04:55:13 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on October 28, 2015, 04:45:16 PM
Trinity is giving Amherst a ton of trouble; Tobias for trinity is legit. Where is NPL? I haven't seen him all game. Hopefully he isn't injured as that would be a huge loss for Amherst


Tobias very skilled and threads the needle nicely to Savonen...Trinity is UP for this one and the rain and nasty conditions help there cause. They are playing nicely in their offensive 3rd. Amherst losses this they will lose that NCAA bye.

What team do you think they would lose the bye to? I would still consider them deserving with only 1 blemish on their record on the year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2015, 05:21:19 PM
True but if they picked up a tie here and say a loss in the Nescac Tournament I do not think they will get the bye
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2015, 05:24:39 PM
Amherst has had a multitude of chances to FINISH this off and just not happening. This is what happens in nasty weather in November to Amherst...This DRAW VERY important to Trinity to get the #7 seed to avoid Amherst on Saturday if Bates wins tonight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 28, 2015, 05:25:53 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 28, 2015, 05:24:39 PM
Amherst has had a multitude of chances to FINISH this off and just not happening. This is what happens in nasty weather in November to Amherst...This DRAW VERY important to Trinity to get the #7 seed to avoid Amherst on Saturday if Bates wins tonight.

Watching the Tufts game, I concur about the November weather... Tough to score......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2015, 05:26:32 PM
Gimand to Savonen yet BARELY offside....Great finish however even offside he finishes like his brother...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 28, 2015, 05:29:23 PM
Trinity the first team to take points off the Lord Jeffs all season. Granted, Amherst is well and truly in the #1 spot, but Serpone no doubt would have wanted 15-0 and they had plenty of chances to get the win. Got to give Trinity credit for showing resiliency. Thought they were dead and buried after going 1-0 down, but Gimand was MOTM for me and capped his afternoon with a goal. The 2OT offside on Savonen was probably the right decision, and it would have been harsh on Amherst, but even then Trinity had some chances on the counter. Great showing, Bantams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on October 28, 2015, 05:38:33 PM
Trinity's season has been the opposite of Wes's. Trinity went 0-4-1 in their first 5 games and then went 3-1-1 in their last 5. They have played 9 OT games this year. At the start of the season they lost or tied them, at the end of the season they tied or won them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2015, 05:42:29 PM
I believe that Tufts v Bowdoin will be a replay on Saturday in Medfa...You can bet Bowdoin will pack it in again and they are very good at it.

To the Charlier question....The kid is a flat out athlete and scored a 2013 game winner v Williams but I am not sure his skills match his athleticism. He dows not defend well enough to play wingback...His only real place to play is out wide due to his speed but then who do bench?  I also agree he has fallen off the map and should get a 10-15 minute run....That usually means one of three things...1.Bad Practice Habits....2. Coach's Doghouse...3. Not good fitness
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2015, 05:47:42 PM
Quote from: Becks on October 28, 2015, 05:38:33 PM
Trinity's season has been the opposite of Wes's. Trinity went 0-4-1 in their first 5 games and then went 3-1-1 in their last 5. They have played 9 OT games this year. At the start of the season they lost or tied them, at the end of the season they tied or won them.



They also outplayed Midd and should have won that game and add 2more wins against WCONN and Westfield that were disasters and a Draw with Colby then you are talking 4 more wins and a Regionally ranked team.  You could say that about any team though I suppose
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 28, 2015, 06:02:01 PM
I watched 90% of Bowdoin-Tufts.  Might be in the minority, and aside from the shot count, I thought Bowdoin played a great game.  And The Polar Bears looked more likely to score during both OTs, and frankly in the 2nd OT I don't know how they didn't score.  I also thought Bowdoin had a good bit of possession and a handful of corners with some dangerous forays down the flanks, especially the left side.  Bowdoin will not be an easy team to take out and I'm guessing they would or will feel pretty comfortable playing Tufts again knowing they easily could have won today.  Greenwood is a great shot-stopper and Van Siclen was outstanding, and had a phenomenal outlet pass in OT that nearly led to a goal.

Amherst, OK, come on.  I've mostly defended you for the better part of 2 years.  5 cards again today?  Almost becoming a caricature.  You're too good for this.  Go out and physically dominate but cut out the histrionics.  Great school, great program.  Act like it.

And let me say that I think Patel has got to be the best (or in the top 2-3) natural left back in the country.  I love Lynch at Brandeis but he's naturally a mid or right back playing out of position.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 28, 2015, 06:49:22 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 28, 2015, 06:02:01 PM
I watched 90% of Bowdoin-Tufts.  Might be in the minority, and aside from the shot count, I thought Bowdoin played a great game.  And The Polar Bears looked more likely to score during both OTs, and frankly in the 2nd OT I don't know how they didn't score.  I also thought Bowdoin had a good bit of possession and a handful of corners with some dangerous forays down the flanks, especially the left side.  Bowdoin will not be an easy team to take out and I'm guessing they would or will feel pretty comfortable playing Tufts again knowing they easily could have won today.  Greenwood is a great shot-stopper and Van Siclen was outstanding, and had a phenomenal outlet pass in OT that nearly led to a goal.

Amherst, OK, come on.  I've mostly defended you for the better part of 2 years.  5 cards again today?  Almost becoming a caricature.  You're too good for this.  Go out and physically dominate but cut out the histrionics.  Great school, great program.  Act like it.

And let me say that I think Patel has got to be the best (or in the top 2-3) natural left back in the country.  I love Lynch at Brandeis but he's naturally a mid or right back playing out of position.

Patel is an unsung star for Tufts.  I also watched the game and Bowdoin's defense played well and they pack it in..  I thought Tufts has most of the possession and shots but Greenwood came up with an excellent save.  ... I feel Tufts will win a rematch IF they don't let Bowdoin frustrate them......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2015, 06:53:15 PM
If Bowdoin gets the 1st goal they drop deeper than any team I have ever seen. They are very hard to break down.


Wesleyan has one thing going for them tonight, with a win Colby could win the CBB for the 2nd straight year in Men's Soccer which would have to be a first in over 25 years.


Williams finishes under .500 for the 1st time ever in Nescac. Wow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 28, 2015, 09:11:33 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 28, 2015, 05:29:23 PM
Gimand was MOTM for me and capped his afternoon with a goal.

Agreed. Nifty.
Amazing that Bull even got a piece of that one, as he had to extend himself fully and cover the entire 8 yards of the goal face.

As for Milbury being a "poor man's Conrad," the former was much more effective and present against Amherst than the latter was this year.

GK debate question: If Bull were on the Tufts team, who do you think Shapiro would start in net: Bull or Greenwood? What about Saward?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on October 28, 2015, 10:37:49 PM
Colby 0-0 Bates, which means Wes is the 8th seed and gets a rematch against the Bash Boys.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 28, 2015, 11:13:01 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 28, 2015, 09:11:33 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 28, 2015, 05:29:23 PM
Gimand was MOTM for me and capped his afternoon with a goal.

Agreed. Nifty.
Amazing that Bull even got a piece of that one, as he had to extend himself fully and cover the entire 8 yards of the goal face.

As for Milbury being a "poor man's Conrad," the former was much more effective and present against Amherst than the latter was this year.

GK debate question: If Bull were on the Tufts team, who do you think Shapiro would start in net: Bull or Greenwood? What about Saward?

Okay, I'll bite on this... Kayne!!!😛
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on October 28, 2015, 11:18:54 PM
Tough to see the Lord Jeffs tie today, but I still think they're on the verge of being one of the best Amherst teams ever...

Food for thought – here's how the 2015 team stacked up in NESCAC play against my favorite Amherst team ever ;): http://cl.ly/image/1e3x1L3o1b3s (http://cl.ly/image/1e3x1L3o1b3s)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 28, 2015, 11:20:49 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 28, 2015, 06:49:22 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 28, 2015, 06:02:01 PM
I watched 90% of Bowdoin-Tufts.  Might be in the minority, and aside from the shot count, I thought Bowdoin played a great game.  And The Polar Bears looked more likely to score during both OTs, and frankly in the 2nd OT I don't know how they didn't score.  I also thought Bowdoin had a good bit of possession and a handful of corners with some dangerous forays down the flanks, especially the left side.  Bowdoin will not be an easy team to take out and I'm guessing they would or will feel pretty comfortable playing Tufts again knowing they easily could have won today.  Greenwood is a great shot-stopper and Van Siclen was outstanding, and had a phenomenal outlet pass in OT that nearly led to a goal.

Amherst, OK, come on.  I've mostly defended you for the better part of 2 years.  5 cards again today?  Almost becoming a caricature.  You're too good for this.  Go out and physically dominate but cut out the histrionics.  Great school, great program.  Act like it.

And let me say that I think Patel has got to be the best (or in the top 2-3) natural left back in the country.  I love Lynch at Brandeis but he's naturally a mid or right back playing out of position.

Patel is an unsung star for Tufts.  I also watched the game and Bowdoin's defense played well and they pack it in..  I thought Tufts has most of the possession and shots but Greenwood came up with an excellent save.  ... I feel Tufts will win a rematch IF they don't let Bowdoin frustrate them......

I also saw the game. Bowdoin's defense bends but doesn't break, especially in the constant rain. Ditto on Patel. IMHO, Tufts was the better team and probably deserved the win, but greenwood had to make a good save... yes, Msjumder was somewhat quiet and as mentioned above, Kayne was good. Guys were slipping all over and I thought it may end 0-0 because of the rain and the way Bowdoin sags.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 28, 2015, 11:24:50 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 28, 2015, 06:02:01 PM
I watched 90% of Bowdoin-Tufts.  Might be in the minority, and aside from the shot count, I thought Bowdoin played a great game.  And The Polar Bears looked more likely to score during both OTs, and frankly in the 2nd OT I don't know how they didn't score.  I also thought Bowdoin had a good bit of possession and a handful of corners with some dangerous forays down the flanks, especially the left side.  Bowdoin will not be an easy team to take out and I'm guessing they would or will feel pretty comfortable playing Tufts again knowing they easily could have won today.  Greenwood is a great shot-stopper and Van Siclen was outstanding, and had a phenomenal outlet pass in OT that nearly led to a goal.

Amherst, OK, come on.  I've mostly defended you for the better part of 2 years.  5 cards again today?  Almost becoming a caricature.  You're too good for this.  Go out and physically dominate but cut out the histrionics.  Great school, great program.  Act like it.

And let me say that I think Patel has got to be the best (or in the top 2-3) natural left back in the country.  I love Lynch at Brandeis but he's naturally a mid or right back playing out of position.

NCAC, good analysis, but thought Tufts dominated the first OT. I missed the Amherst game.  What happened with the play behind the cards?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 28, 2015, 11:49:29 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 28, 2015, 11:24:50 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 28, 2015, 06:02:01 PM
I watched 90% of Bowdoin-Tufts.  Might be in the minority, and aside from the shot count, I thought Bowdoin played a great game.  And The Polar Bears looked more likely to score during both OTs, and frankly in the 2nd OT I don't know how they didn't score.  I also thought Bowdoin had a good bit of possession and a handful of corners with some dangerous forays down the flanks, especially the left side.  Bowdoin will not be an easy team to take out and I'm guessing they would or will feel pretty comfortable playing Tufts again knowing they easily could have won today.  Greenwood is a great shot-stopper and Van Siclen was outstanding, and had a phenomenal outlet pass in OT that nearly led to a goal.

Amherst, OK, come on.  I've mostly defended you for the better part of 2 years.  5 cards again today?  Almost becoming a caricature.  You're too good for this.  Go out and physically dominate but cut out the histrionics.  Great school, great program.  Act like it.

And let me say that I think Patel has got to be the best (or in the top 2-3) natural left back in the country.  I love Lynch at Brandeis but he's naturally a mid or right back playing out of position.

NCAC, good analysis, but thought Tufts dominated the first OT. I missed the Amherst game.  What happened with the play behind the cards?

You might be right about the 1st OT but Bowdoin had the far better chances to score and should have scored.  I disagree that Bowdoin just packed it in.  They kept possession when they got it, played through the middle and down the flanks and were looking to score throughout the game.  Perhaps Tufts had 60%+ of the possession but Bowdoin periodically was dangerous.  Let's remember what Bowdoin did last year.  They are not a team to take lightly.

With Amherst I just noticed the box score and 5 yellows in a row, all from Amherst.  I'm so ambivalent about Amherst because they clearly have an outstanding program and currently are the undisputed #1 team in the country.  I wish them well but they are just adding pressure to themselves if they turn everyone against them.

Bull gets the nod for me as a GK because he literally can kick the ball 85-90 yards down the field so his goal kicks and any other kicks he has are essentially free kicks and put the other team under in a way no other team can.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2015, 12:05:38 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 28, 2015, 09:11:33 PM
GK debate question: If Bull were on the Tufts team, who do you think Shapiro would start in net: Bull or Greenwood? What about Saward?

Bull. Greenwood is the best shot stopper in the league in my opinion, but not nearly good enough on set pieces and crosses (see my commentary from earlier today, and throughout the season.) Last year, he had Williams and Kramer to take care of the majority of high balls, but he doesn't have that luxury this year. And while he was key in Tufts' run to the title last year he could be a real liability come tournament time. Bull is 95% as good as Greenwood at shot stopping but incredibly confident and composed on high balls, so that makes him a better GK for me. Tougher to say between Bull and Sydor, as I think Amherst's back line is better than Midd's, but Bull's distribution is excellent so I would say Bull on current form.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2015, 10:12:43 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 28, 2015, 09:11:33 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 28, 2015, 05:29:23 PM
Gimand was MOTM for me and capped his afternoon with a goal.

Agreed. Nifty.
Amazing that Bull even got a piece of that one, as he had to extend himself fully and cover the entire 8 yards of the goal face.

As for Milbury being a "poor man's Conrad," the former was much more effective and present against Amherst than the latter was this year.

GK debate question: If Bull were on the Tufts team, who do you think Shapiro would start in net: Bull or Greenwood? What about Saward?



I am in complete agreement with you and that is why I gave Milbury a back handed compliment which you took offense to. Millbury is no Conrad but he worked his ass off yesterday and if he and the whole Trinity team can continue to PLAY LIKE THAT we will see them in November at Amherst for the Nescac Final 4. The problem with Trinity under Pilger the last 11 years in which I have been repeating myself over and over is that WE do not know which Trinity side will show up? One thing about Serpone I KNOW Amherst SHOWS up to every game. Serpone is intense and his team plays that way. All I am saying is I have NO CLUE which Trinity side will show up at Midd. A side tha8t outplayed them earlier up there and lost in OT or a side that will think they are better then they are and get whacked 3-0. Trinity's backline and GK will have to be on their TOES all games with Ogle's long throws and set pieces...If Midd takes Gimand out of the game like they did Kayne at Tufts then it will be an ugly sloppy game that will finish 1-0 either way. Midd has an absolute knack of just cluster f*cking the whole game up in midfield and giving the game no rhythm which gives neither team an advantage. They just plan on scoring on set pieces. IT is UGLY but for the most part effective.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2015, 10:36:06 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2015, 10:12:43 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 28, 2015, 09:11:33 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 28, 2015, 05:29:23 PM
Gimand was MOTM for me and capped his afternoon with a goal.

Agreed. Nifty.
Amazing that Bull even got a piece of that one, as he had to extend himself fully and cover the entire 8 yards of the goal face.

As for Milbury being a "poor man's Conrad," the former was much more effective and present against Amherst than the latter was this year.

GK debate question: If Bull were on the Tufts team, who do you think Shapiro would start in net: Bull or Greenwood? What about Saward?



I am in complete agreement with you and that is why I gave Milbury a back handed compliment which you took offense to. Millbury is no Conrad but he worked his ass off yesterday and if he and the whole Trinity team can continue to PLAY LIKE THAT we will see them in November at Amherst for the Nescac Final 4. The problem with Trinity under Pilger the last 11 years in which I have been repeating myself over and over is that WE do not know which Trinity side will show up? One thing about Serpone I KNOW Amherst SHOWS up to every game. Serpone is intense and his team plays that way. All I am saying is I have NO CLUE which Trinity side will show up at Midd. A side tha8t outplayed them earlier up there and lost in OT or a side that will think they are better then they are and get whacked 3-0. Trinity's backline and GK will have to be on their TOES all games with Ogle's long throws and set pieces...If Midd takes Gimand out of the game like they did Kayne at Tufts then it will be an ugly sloppy game that will finish 1-0 either way. Midd has an absolute knack of just cluster f*cking the whole game up in midfield and giving the game no rhythm which gives neither team an advantage. They just plan on scoring on set pieces. IT is UGLY but for the most part effective.

Mr. Right, I was at the Tufts Middlebury game.  Middlebury simply played long ball and Tufts owned the midfield. Yes, it was 1-0 but Tufts really owned that game.... So, in that regard, I would disagree as they did not have any real midfield presence and didn't take any midfielders out of the game....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2015, 10:51:37 AM
Hard to believe that Bates could not score 1 goal in 110 minutes with a playoff spot on the line.  The bottom 3 teams ended up being exactly who most of us expected.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2015, 11:30:40 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 29, 2015, 10:51:37 AM
Hard to believe that Bates could not score 1 goal in 110 minutes with a playoff spot on the line.  The bottom 3 teams ended up being exactly who most of us expected.

Agreed, but I think Bates is definitely one to watch next year - perhaps not a "contender" in the form of a top-4 NESCAC side but I think they could be even more in the mix than they were this year. Knoth will be back and so will Merchant and Murphy, who are all decent players. Watson is solid, too. However, Bates does lose Pereira, Riskind, and Polito, which in the context of their team are pretty big losses, and the big question will be how the next GK will do - Polito was by no means in the Bull/Sydor/Greenwood class, but he did well overall.

Like I said, it was interesting that some were talking about Bates as a potential Pool C contender at one point. I was a bit skeptical, and so it proved - I think they were over-hyped after beating Williams and starting 5-1-1, despite the fact that they had yet to play any of Tufts, Amherst, and Midd still to come (one point out of nine in three home games = not good enough, especially since they were beating Midd at halftime.) A winning season for the first time in 7 years is great, so congratulations to the Bobcats for their improvement, but consistency has been Bates' biggest enemy this year. They've not worried any of the top teams in the NESCAC, but they were certainly the most noted team in terms of improvement IMHO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2015, 11:37:18 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 29, 2015, 11:30:40 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 29, 2015, 10:51:37 AM
Hard to believe that Bates could not score 1 goal in 110 minutes with a playoff spot on the line.  The bottom 3 teams ended up being exactly who most of us expected.

Agreed, but I think Bates is definitely one to watch next year - perhaps not a "contender" in the form of a top-4 NESCAC side but I think they could be even more in the mix than they were this year. Knoth will be back and so will Merchant and Murphy, who are all decent players. Watson is solid, too. However, Bates does lose Pereira, Riskind, and Polito, which in the context of their team are pretty big losses, and the big question will be how the next GK will do - Polito was by no means in the Bull/Sydor/Greenwood class, but he did well overall.

Like I said, it was interesting that some were talking about Bates as a potential Pool C contender at one point. I was a bit skeptical, and so it proved - I think they were over-hyped after beating Williams and starting 5-1-1, despite the fact that they had yet to play any of Tufts, Amherst, and Midd still to come (one point out of nine in three home games = not good enough, especially since they were beating Midd at halftime.) A winning season for the first time in 7 years is great, so congratulations to the Bobcats for their improvement, but consistency has been Bates' biggest enemy this year. They've not worried any of the top teams in the NESCAC, but they were certainly the most noted team in terms of improvement IMHO.

Ditto!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on October 29, 2015, 11:48:02 AM
Do they charge people to see NESCAC playoff games?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 29, 2015, 11:50:03 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2015, 10:12:43 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 28, 2015, 09:11:33 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 28, 2015, 05:29:23 PM
Gimand was MOTM for me and capped his afternoon with a goal.

Agreed. Nifty.
Amazing that Bull even got a piece of that one, as he had to extend himself fully and cover the entire 8 yards of the goal face.

As for Milbury being a "poor man's Conrad," the former was much more effective and present against Amherst than the latter was this year.

GK debate question: If Bull were on the Tufts team, who do you think Shapiro would start in net: Bull or Greenwood? What about Saward?



I am in complete agreement with you and that is why I gave Milbury a back handed compliment which you took offense to. Millbury is no Conrad but he worked his ass off yesterday and if he and the whole Trinity team can continue to PLAY LIKE THAT we will see them in November at Amherst for the Nescac Final 4. The problem with Trinity under Pilger the last 11 years in which I have been repeating myself over and over is that WE do not know which Trinity side will show up? One thing about Serpone I KNOW Amherst SHOWS up to every game. Serpone is intense and his team plays that way. All I am saying is I have NO CLUE which Trinity side will show up at Midd. A side tha8t outplayed them earlier up there and lost in OT or a side that will think they are better then they are and get whacked 3-0. Trinity's backline and GK will have to be on their TOES all games with Ogle's long throws and set pieces...If Midd takes Gimand out of the game like they did Kayne at Tufts then it will be an ugly sloppy game that will finish 1-0 either way. Midd has an absolute knack of just cluster f*cking the whole game up in midfield and giving the game no rhythm which gives neither team an advantage. They just plan on scoring on set pieces. IT is UGLY but for the most part effective.

I think Middlebury deserves a little more credit than they get on these boards. I mean, we're talking about a team that finished second in the NESCAC, with lone losses coming on the road at Amherst and at Tufts, both 1-0 results.

The Panthers are second in conference play in goals scored and fourth in goals allowed, eeked out by Bowdoin and Tufts by one and two goals, respectively.

I know that some predicted Middlebury to finish 5th, adding that their SOS wouldn't surpass .550. Neither of which came to pass, obviously. In fact, Midd's .579 SOS was better than Amherst's (.573) and was good for 4th highest in the conference.

And I say this while fulling acknowledging that Trinity could spring the upset on Saturday. I was extremely impressed with them a few weeks ago, and I've stated that Middlebury has had the bad habit of conceding early goals this year.

Amherst deserves all their accolades for dominating league play this year. No one was close to them this season. But I feel that the Panthers are a pretty damn good second-place team.  I've read a lot about how Wesleyan should have won in Middletown and Trinity should have won in Middlebury, but you know what? They didn't. And it's not as if the Panthers won either game on fluke plays or penalty kicks. And a byproduct of staging so many second-half comebacks and/or OT wins is that this team always feels like it will win in the end. And that's a great attitude to have in November.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 29, 2015, 11:51:07 AM
Another team that may bear watching next year is Trinity.
They've finished the season strong, and have almost everybody coming back.
Only 4 Seniors on the roster: Mark Perrault, Malcolm Joseph (both starters), Josh LeBlanc, and Jack Vogel (injured most of year)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on October 29, 2015, 11:51:30 AM
QuoteAgreed, but I think Bates is definitely one to watch next year - perhaps not a "contender" in the form of a top-4 NESCAC side but I think they could be even more in the mix than they were this year. Knoth will be back and so will Merchant and Murphy, who are all decent players. Watson is solid, too. However, Bates does lose Pereira, Riskind, and Polito, which in the context of their team are pretty big losses, and the big question will be how the next GK will do - Polito was by no means in the Bull/Sydor/Greenwood class, but he did well overall.

Like I said, it was interesting that some were talking about Bates as a potential Pool C contender at one point. I was a bit skeptical, and so it proved - I think they were over-hyped after beating Williams and starting 5-1-1, despite the fact that they had yet to play any of Tufts, Amherst, and Midd still to come (one point out of nine in three home games = not good enough, especially since they were beating Midd at halftime.) A winning season for the first time in 7 years is great, so congratulations to the Bobcats for their improvement, but consistency has been Bates' biggest enemy this year. They've not worried any of the top teams in the NESCAC, but they were certainly the most noted team in terms of improvement IMHO.
Bates needs to find a way to score more goals. The 0-0 result against Colby is not too surprising given how impotent both team's offenses were this year. In league play, Bates only scored 6 goals all season and Colby only 4. Knoth may be their best forward, but he only had 2 goals and only 3 shots on goal all season in league play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2015, 11:52:07 AM
Quote from: Bucket on October 29, 2015, 11:50:03 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2015, 10:12:43 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 28, 2015, 09:11:33 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 28, 2015, 05:29:23 PM
Gimand was MOTM for me and capped his afternoon with a goal.

Agreed. Nifty.
Amazing that Bull even got a piece of that one, as he had to extend himself fully and cover the entire 8 yards of the goal face.

As for Milbury being a "poor man's Conrad," the former was much more effective and present against Amherst than the latter was this year.

GK debate question: If Bull were on the Tufts team, who do you think Shapiro would start in net: Bull or Greenwood? What about Saward?



I am in complete agreement with you and that is why I gave Milbury a back handed compliment which you took offense to. Millbury is no Conrad but he worked his ass off yesterday and if he and the whole Trinity team can continue to PLAY LIKE THAT we will see them in November at Amherst for the Nescac Final 4. The problem with Trinity under Pilger the last 11 years in which I have been repeating myself over and over is that WE do not know which Trinity side will show up? One thing about Serpone I KNOW Amherst SHOWS up to every game. Serpone is intense and his team plays that way. All I am saying is I have NO CLUE which Trinity side will show up at Midd. A side tha8t outplayed them earlier up there and lost in OT or a side that will think they are better then they are and get whacked 3-0. Trinity's backline and GK will have to be on their TOES all games with Ogle's long throws and set pieces...If Midd takes Gimand out of the game like they did Kayne at Tufts then it will be an ugly sloppy game that will finish 1-0 either way. Midd has an absolute knack of just cluster f*cking the whole game up in midfield and giving the game no rhythm which gives neither team an advantage. They just plan on scoring on set pieces. IT is UGLY but for the most part effective.

I think Middlebury deserves a little more credit than they get on these boards. I mean, we're talking about a team that finished second in the NESCAC, with lone losses coming on the road at Amherst and at Tufts, both 1-0 results.

The Panthers are second in conference play in goals scored and fourth in goals allowed, eeked out by Bowdoin and Tufts by one and two goals, respectively.

I know that some predicted Middlebury to finish 5th, adding that their SOS wouldn't surpass .550. Neither of which came to pass, obviously. In fact, Midd's .579 SOS was better than Amherst's (.573) and was good for 4th highest in the conference.

And I say this while fulling acknowledging that Trinity could spring the upset on Saturday. I was extremely impressed with them a few weeks ago, and I've stated that Middlebury has had the bad habit of conceding early goals this year. But I think this has more to do with Trinity and less to do with Middlebury.

Amherst deserves all their accolades for dominating league play this year. No one was close to them this year. But I feel that the Panthers are a pretty damn good second-place team.  I've read a lot about how Wesleyan should have won in Middletown and Trinity should have won in Middlebury, but you know what? They didn't. And it's not as if the Panthers won either game on fluke plays or penalty kicks. And a byproduct of staging so many second-half comebacks and/or OT wins is that this team always feels like it will win in the end. And that's a great attitude to have in November.

Bucket, many people on this forum picked Middlebury in the first 2 at the beginning of the year.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 29, 2015, 11:55:54 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2015, 11:52:07 AM
Bucket, many people on this forum picked Middlebury in the first 2 at the beginning of the year.....

That's true, and I should have acknowledged that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2015, 11:57:50 AM
On the topic of Amherst tying yesterday - and I think that many of us were just plain shocked that the Lord Jeffs didn't find a way to win the game as they've done in 2OT so many times this year - I think a tie actually could have been the best thing for them and at the perfect time. Avoiding a tie in the postseason would be in their interest, both for the obvious desire to get an outright win as well as the fact that they haven't had great luck in penalty shootouts, last year losing to Bowdoin in the NESCAC final and Brandeis in NCAAs, along with the Williams NCAA shootout of 2012. So if a tie had to happen, it's best that it happen now. Winning every game is the ideal way - and it is - but it's also not realistic and creates a certain amount of pressure in my book. A tie doesn't have the same humbling effect as a loss does, but it relieves some of that pressure I think.

Look at Messiah - for all the National Titles they've won, they've only done it once without a single blemish, going 24-0 in 2005. SLU was another notable one to do it at 22-0 (1999), but most national championship sides have a blemish or two throughout the regular season. And while a loss can have a galvanizing "wounded animal" effect, a tie still gives Amherst the confidence to go and get things done.

Bowdoin - Tufts was actually a much better game than I gave it credit for. Particularly in OT, both teams created some chances, and Greenwood had to make a good save in 2OT. Mr.Right is correct that Bowdoin sits back and is hard to break down once they get the first goal, but Wiercinski isn't a "park the bus" coach by any means when it's 0-0 - his teams attack sensibly, but stay organized. Tufts will feel that they should and could have won it, and I'd say they were the better team on the balance of the game, but Bowdoin will be equally confident having forced Tufts to drop points at home for just the second time this year. This is the game of the weekend for me in terms of competitiveness, although Wesleyan's second crack at Amherst will be fun as well (although I still see the Jeffs winning comfortably.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 29, 2015, 12:08:37 PM
Agree with Noon..the Amherst-Trinity game was hard to watch.  First it was raining hard at times and it was getting dark as the game went into OT.  The wet field made goal attempts hard...for both sides. Announcers pointed out that both teams were using the long in the air kicks to set up the offenses.
With respect to several of the Amherst Yellow cards and maybe one Trinity card.  The ref was quick to issue if a player was complaining about a call.  Example..the yellow on Martin...as the announcer related.  There was a scum of players in front of the Trinity goal...the ball went into the goal.  A off-side was called on Amherst.  Martin rushed up to the ref and stated that was not possible...got a card
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2015, 12:09:26 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 29, 2015, 11:57:50 AM
On the topic of Amherst tying yesterday - and I think that many of us were just plain shocked that the Lord Jeffs didn't find a way to win the game as they've done in 2OT so many times this year - I think a tie actually could have been the best thing for them and at the perfect time. Avoiding a tie in the postseason would be in their interest, both for the obvious desire to get an outright win as well as the fact that they haven't had great luck in penalty shootouts, last year losing to Bowdoin in the NESCAC final and Brandeis in NCAAs, along with the Williams NCAA shootout of 2012. So if a tie had to happen, it's best that it happen now. Winning every game is the ideal way - and it is - but it's also not realistic and creates a certain amount of pressure in my book. A tie doesn't have the same humbling effect as a loss does, but it relieves some of that pressure I think.

Look at Messiah - for all the National Titles they've won, they've only done it once without a single blemish, going 24-0 in 2005. SLU was another notable one to do it at 22-0 (1999), but most national championship sides have a blemish or two throughout the regular season. And while a loss can have a galvanizing "wounded animal" effect, a tie still gives Amherst the confidence to go and get things done.

Bowdoin - Tufts was actually a much better game than I gave it credit for. Particularly in OT, both teams created some chances, and Greenwood had to make a good save in 2OT. Mr.Right is correct that Bowdoin sits back and is hard to break down once they get the first goal, but Wiercinski isn't a "park the bus" coach by any means when it's 0-0 - his teams attack sensibly, but stay organized. Tufts will feel that they should and could have won it, and I'd say they were the better team on the balance of the game, but Bowdoin will be equally confident having forced Tufts to drop points at home for just the second time this year. This is the game of the weekend for me in terms of competitiveness, although Wesleyan's second crack at Amherst will be fun as well (although I still see the Jeffs winning comfortably.)

I agree with this.  Hopefully, the weather will be better and that hampered the game yesterday.  I just checked and here is the official recap of the game.... http://www.gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/msoc/2015-16/releases/20151028qqdwue

I didn't realize that Tufts has not let in a goal since October 4. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 29, 2015, 12:10:01 PM
Quote from: Sandy on October 29, 2015, 11:48:02 AM
Do they charge people to see NESCAC playoff games?

I don't know of any school that charges for NESCAC playoff games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ViewFromTheHill on October 29, 2015, 12:20:31 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2015, 10:12:43 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 28, 2015, 09:11:33 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 28, 2015, 05:29:23 PM
Gimand was MOTM for me and capped his afternoon with a goal.

Agreed. Nifty.
Amazing that Bull even got a piece of that one, as he had to extend himself fully and cover the entire 8 yards of the goal face.

As for Milbury being a "poor man's Conrad," the former was much more effective and present against Amherst than the latter was this year.

GK debate question: If Bull were on the Tufts team, who do you think Shapiro would start in net: Bull or Greenwood? What about Saward?



I am in complete agreement with you and that is why I gave Milbury a back handed compliment which you took offense to. Millbury is no Conrad but he worked his ass off yesterday and if he and the whole Trinity team can continue to PLAY LIKE THAT we will see them in November at Amherst for the Nescac Final 4. The problem with Trinity under Pilger the last 11 years in which I have been repeating myself over and over is that WE do not know which Trinity side will show up? One thing about Serpone I KNOW Amherst SHOWS up to every game. Serpone is intense and his team plays that way. All I am saying is I have NO CLUE which Trinity side will show up at Midd. A side tha8t outplayed them earlier up there and lost in OT or a side that will think they are better then they are and get whacked 3-0. Trinity's backline and GK will have to be on their TOES all games with Ogle's long throws and set pieces...If Midd takes Gimand out of the game like they did Kayne at Tufts then it will be an ugly sloppy game that will finish 1-0 either way. Midd has an absolute knack of just cluster f*cking the whole game up in midfield and giving the game no rhythm which gives neither team an advantage. They just plan on scoring on set pieces. IT is UGLY but for the most part effective.

The funny thing about the conversations regarding Conrad and Millbury is that they're best friends off the field! Both players went to Brooks in Mass. I don't know if they read what people write on these boards, but if they do I'm sure they find it pretty amusing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on October 29, 2015, 12:55:52 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 29, 2015, 12:10:01 PM
Quote from: Sandy on October 29, 2015, 11:48:02 AM
Do they charge people to see NESCAC playoff games?

I don't know of any school that charges for NESCAC playoff games.

Alright, I wasn't sure. I live in Cambridge so if I have some time on Saturday I was thinking about going to see the Tufts/Bowdoin game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on October 29, 2015, 01:11:15 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 29, 2015, 11:57:50 AM
On the topic of Amherst tying yesterday - and I think that many of us were just plain shocked that the Lord Jeffs didn't find a way to win the game as they've done in 2OT so many times this year - I think a tie actually could have been the best thing for them and at the perfect time. Avoiding a tie in the postseason would be in their interest, both for the obvious desire to get an outright win as well as the fact that they haven't had great luck in penalty shootouts,  year losing to Bowdoin in the NESCAC final and Brandeis in NCAAs, along with the Williams NCAA shootout of 2012. So if a tie had to happen, it's best that it happen now. Winning every game is the ideal way - and it is - but it's also not realistic and creates a certain amount of pressure in my book. A tie doesn't have the same humbling effect as a loss does, but it relieves some of that pressure I think.

I have to agree with you on this. I think this will be a benefit for Amherst going forward as there certainly will be pressure taken off them both in terms of the blemish on their record and not having the unanimous #1 in the nation target on their backs. If I were an Amherst fan I would even want them to lose a hard-fought battle during the playoffs just to get them primed and hungry for the NCAA.

Regarding trinity, what impressed me so much about them was not just the fact that they got the result or showed that they can be dangerous. I was most impressed by the fact that they did not let the better team (Amherst) dictate the pace of the game. Amherst played their usual direct bruising style, while trinity controlled the ball on the ground with quick give and go's in the middle third and attacking third and needling passes all the way from the defense through the middle and up top.   

Also, Trinity was physical but definitely did not get sucked into Amherst's chippiness and still managed to play their own game. When you face the top team in the country and still can dictate the flow of the game for large stretches, that is a very impressive feat.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2015, 01:23:34 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 29, 2015, 11:50:03 AM
I think Middlebury deserves a little more credit than they get on these boards. I mean, we're talking about a team that finished second in the NESCAC, with lone losses coming on the road at Amherst and at Tufts, both 1-0 results.

Middlebury won me over by coming back to thump Bates on the road. The fact that they were down 1-0 at the half and came back to win 4-1, and not just 2-1 with two fluky goals, was impressive. They deserved that, both in getting the victory as well as the margin. They did not show up to play against Tufts and were simply awful in that game, but have rebounded quite well. My belief is that Tufts is still the second-best team in the NESCAC in terms of talent, but Midd got the #2 spot by four points and results are results - four points is a margin that you can't argue with.

I think there was a fair amount of skepticism (from myself included) because they somehow stayed second in the NESCAC by the skin of their teeth for most of the season, and won a couple of games in which they were arguably outplayed. The Tufts performance didn't help their perception, either. However, the fact that they've been perfect since that loss and finished four points ahead of Tufts (which is a lot, especially at the top end of the table) means they deserve it IMHO.

Quote from: NEsoccerfan on October 29, 2015, 01:11:15 PM
Regarding trinity, what impressed me so much about them was not just the fact that they got the result or showed that they can be dangerous. I was most impressed by the fact that they did not let the better team (Amherst) dictate the pace of the game. Amherst played their usual direct bruising style, while trinity controlled the ball on the ground with quick give and go's in the middle third and attacking third and needling passes all the way from the defense through the middle and up top.   

Also, Trinity was physical but definitely did not get sucked into Amherst's chippiness and still managed to play their own game. When you face the top team in the country and still can dictate the flow of the game for large stretches, that is a very impressive feat.

Indeed. When Amherst went 1-0 up on the PK, I thought it was a shame because Trinity had played well up to that point, but figured that they were dead and buried. Had some work to do, so I tuned out, but when I saw that it was 1-1 on the live stats I was shocked. Most teams bow in the face of Amherst adversity, especially after they go 1-0 up, but the fact that Trinity rebounded and got an equalizer - and then made it stand up - was impressive. Gimand was phenomenal, pulling the strings, and I can see why he was NESCAC Player of the Week. Probably the best I've ever seen from him, and I think Trinity put up the biggest fight that an opponent has managed against Amherst this year, and that's not just because of the result, but the balance of play as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2015, 01:44:47 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on October 29, 2015, 01:11:15 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 29, 2015, 11:57:50 AM
On the topic of Amherst tying yesterday - and I think that many of us were just plain shocked that the Lord Jeffs didn't find a way to win the game as they've done in 2OT so many times this year - I think a tie actually could have been the best thing for them and at the perfect time. Avoiding a tie in the postseason would be in their interest, both for the obvious desire to get an outright win as well as the fact that they haven't had great luck in penalty shootouts,  year losing to Bowdoin in the NESCAC final and Brandeis in NCAAs, along with the Williams NCAA shootout of 2012. So if a tie had to happen, it's best that it happen now. Winning every game is the ideal way - and it is - but it's also not realistic and creates a certain amount of pressure in my book. A tie doesn't have the same humbling effect as a loss does, but it relieves some of that pressure I think.

I have to agree with you on this. I think this will be a benefit for Amherst going forward as there certainly will be pressure taken off them both in terms of the blemish on their record and not having the unanimous #1 in the nation target on their backs. If I were an Amherst fan I would even want them to lose a hard-fought battle during the playoffs just to get them primed and hungry for the NCAA.

Regarding trinity, what impressed me so much about them was not just the fact that they got the result or showed that they can be dangerous. I was most impressed by the fact that they did not let the better team (Amherst) dictate the pace of the game. Amherst played their usual direct bruising style, while trinity controlled the ball on the ground with quick give and go's in the middle third and attacking third and needling passes all the way from the defense through the middle and up top.   

Also, Trinity was physical but definitely did not get sucked into Amherst's chippiness and still managed to play their own game. When you face the top team in the country and still can dictate the flow of the game for large stretches, that is a very impressive feat.


This is very true. Trinity possessed the ball as well as you can against Amherst. They must continue to do this against Midd. Trinity must not get sucked into playing the ball thru the middle of the field. Grimand and the others must switch fields and the guys on the flanks must be disciplined and stay out there. That is the best way to defeat Middlebury is to space that field out as best you can and have little 1v1 battles on the flanks. You will not beat Midd thru the center of the field. Grimand will not have 2 seconds before he gets whacked in midfield so he must be on top of his game and play two touch like yesterday. Midd's weak link is their wingback Rodlauer as he can be beaten 1v1 and you must attack him. Midd like Amherst is very good at imposing their style on you so as long as Trinity does not get sucked into that type of volleyball game then they can win. However, with Ogle bombing throw after throw into box and with guys like Horton, Wiener, Bean and Conrad all 6'4 and taller they are just VERY dangerous on set pieces more so than Amherst has been this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2015, 01:47:39 PM
"The Lord Jeffs are who we thought they were.  That's why we took the damn field!  Now, if you wanna go ahead and crown 'em, then go ahead and crown their a$#!  But the Lord Jeffs are who we thought they were!"

-- credit and/or apology to Dennis Green
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2015, 02:00:54 PM
Bucket,

You are correct I was harsh on Midd early in the year and predicted them to finish 5th. I underestimated the pieces around Conrad, Glaser, D.Robinson and Sydor. I was wrong. They are very tough to breakdown and impose their style on teams just as well as Amherst. This style will be very effective come November especially against teams from different regions who are unfamiliar with them. My problem with Midd is they have not had a decent playmaker in the central midfield since Robbie Redmond in 2009. They can only play direct which is fine but they have nothing to fall back on if it is not working in a particular game. The Tufts game this year is a good example as Midd mucked that game up well and Tufts could not put 3 passes together and the game was one of the more uglier games I have seen all year. However, Tufts finished their chance and won 1-0. Tufts controlled possession better in the 2nd Half and Midd could not get the ball / possess thru midfield to give Glazer or Conrad any chances. They maybe had 2 SOG all game. That is where Amherst and Midd are different as Amherst has more skilled players if necessary like Haskell, Rico in midfield to change mid game if Orozco or whoever is not getting the job done. I guess my main point is if Midd had ONE serious creative midfielder that could thread the needle they could be one of the best teams in the country as they have everything else. I am a big fan of Conrad, Glaser with his incredible speed, Deklan Robinson in the middle of the defense and he is one of the best finishers with his head on set pieces that Nescac has and Sydor in net. I will be very interested to see how far they get in the NCAA's this year. They have not been since 2010 so these guys should be pumped.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 29, 2015, 03:38:02 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2015, 02:00:54 PM
Bucket,

You are correct I was harsh on Midd early in the year and predicted them to finish 5th. I underestimated the pieces around Conrad, Glaser, D.Robinson and Sydor. I was wrong. They are very tough to breakdown and impose their style on teams just as well as Amherst. This style will be very effective come November especially against teams from different regions who are unfamiliar with them. My problem with Midd is they have not had a decent playmaker in the central midfield since Robbie Redmond in 2009. They can only play direct which is fine but they have nothing to fall back on if it is not working in a particular game. The Tufts game this year is a good example as Midd mucked that game up well and Tufts could not put 3 passes together and the game was one of the more uglier games I have seen all year. However, Tufts finished their chance and won 1-0. Tufts controlled possession better in the 2nd Half and Midd could not get the ball / possess thru midfield to give Glazer or Conrad any chances. They maybe had 2 SOG all game. That is where Amherst and Midd are different as Amherst has more skilled players if necessary like Haskell, Rico in midfield to change mid game if Orozco or whoever is not getting the job done. I guess my main point is if Midd had ONE serious creative midfielder that could thread the needle they could be one of the best teams in the country as they have everything else. I am a big fan of Conrad, Glaser with his incredible speed, Deklan Robinson in the middle of the defense and he is one of the best finishers with his head on set pieces that Nescac has and Sydor in net. I will be very interested to see how far they get in the NCAA's this year. They have not been since 2010 so these guys should be pumped.

Great post (and well appreciated)...+K to you. I'm in 100 percent agreement with all that you write here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 30, 2015, 04:41:00 PM
Halloween and not even 2 months into a season and Bates, Colby and Hamilton seasons are over. Wesleyan, Bowdoin, Williams and Conn's seasons could be over tomorrow. At least they have a chance unlike the bottom 3. BTW after watching the 2nd Half and OT of the Bates v Colby game I cannot believe Bates were not pushing more #'s forward. I mean with 10 minutes left in regulation YOU must go for it play with 2 fast CB's and go 3-4-3 attacking with 7. It actually is easier to start the game like this because your guys have fresher legs to run up and down the flanks. Riskier but your odds of scoring increase. Either way they would have gotten smashed on Saturday at Amherst.


I hate this weekend in Nescac because you can only realistically watch one game. Anyway, Fast Food Predictions and going with most upsets.

Amherst v Wesleyan---I cannot imagine Wesleyan losing like they did a week or 2 ago. They have lost 5 in a row and look to be out of sorts. Wheeler will get them prepared and they should sit in defensively rather well. I have no idea why he benched his starting GK last time they played Amherst but get the starter back in and sit in with a block of 6 or 7 using both Erickson and Gruner. This game will get very chippy and if Wesleyan can find a way to score first they can pull the upset. I say 0-0 Wes in PK's.

Midd v Trinity----Loved the way Trinity played on Wednesday and I said previously how I think they need to play against Midd to win. I think if Gimand gets whacked early Midd can take him out of his game. Savonen will have a tough time with Midd's trees and I say Midd plays one of its better games and Trinity shows how inconsistent and frustrating they can be. Midd 2-0.

Tufts v Bowdoin----Replay of a game 3 days ago. These type of games usually can get chippy and out of control fast. Keefe gets his head on the end of a corner in the 80th minute to spring the 1-0 upset.

Conn v Williams---Two teams going in different directions as Williams is going DOWN and Conn is going somewhat Sideways. I'll take sideways over down. This was a great game up in Williamstown a month ago and I still feel like Williams has more natural talent but they just keep finding ways to lose games. They cannot score goals but Alcorn has been a pleasant surprise in net this year so he could be the difference. Conn's midfield is much better than Williams midfield but I think this will be a very even game with both sides getting chances. for some reason I feel like Williams will give a full 90 minute effort and win this game 2-1. Rashid and Danilack somehow find a way to keep this disappointment of a season going.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on October 30, 2015, 05:39:23 PM
Over the last five years, the lower-seeded team in the Quarterfinals has won 5 of the 20 games (25%).  Huge student/fan turnouts at Midd (#2) and Conn (#4) will carry the home teams to victory tomorrow. Midd also benefits big-time from playing on the plastic pitch. Wes (#8) upsets Amherst in PKs after a 1-1 tie.  Bowdoin (#6) takes down Tufts 2-1 in OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 30, 2015, 06:10:15 PM
Agreed. Conn will have a MASSIVE turnout tomorrow. Tufts could be packed as well if their football team is away but you are correct that Conn is the toughest place to play because they get a massive and rowdy bunch
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 30, 2015, 07:02:38 PM
Ahh...so I was wrong the Midd v Trinity game at 11am and Tufts v Bowdoin at 1:30. The others at 12:30pm This gives us fans a chance to follow most of the games..     


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 30, 2015, 07:06:16 PM
Here's what I was thinking in August:
1. Amherst
2. Middlebury
3. Williams
4. Tufts
5. Bowdoin
6. Wesleyan
7. Conn
8. Colby
9. Trinity
10. Hamilton
11. Bates

Some accurate, some close. Not too far off. Fun to watch it all unfold.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on October 30, 2015, 08:00:14 PM
Quote from: Corazon on August 28, 2015, 01:00:52 PM
The pre-season rankings for both Massey and Bennett are out.  The NESCACs rank as follows (out of 410 D3 teams):

Massey
Tufts (1)
Amherst (8)
Bowdoin (16)
Williams (17)
Midd (20)
Wesleyan (21)
Conn (36)
Trinity (38)
Colby (42)
Hamilton (71)
Bates (104)

Bennett
Tufts (1)
Amherst (6)
Bowdoin (8)
Midd (19)
Williams (22)
Wesleyan (24)
Trinity (41)
Colby (44)
Conn (46)
Hamilton (47)
Bates 80

Board consensus (as of today)
1. Amherst
2. Middlebury
3. Tufts
4. Williams
5. Wesleyan
6. Bowdoin
7. Colby
8. Conn
9. Trinity
10. Bates
11. Hamilton

I thought it would be fun to see how well the consensus board did in picking the NESCAC standings in late August (see above).

Here are the actual standings:

1. Amherst
2. Midd
3. Tufts
4. Conn
5. Williams
6. Bowdoin
7. Trinity
8. Wes
9. Bates
10. Hamilton
11. Colby

We did pretty well and correctly picked the top 3, which is outstanding considering everyone else in the country did the lazy thing and picked the defending champs #1. We most underrated Conn, which did 4 spots better than predicted. We most overrated Colby, which did 4 spots worse. Other than that, we were pretty spot on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 10:58:26 AM
Let's see which Trinity team shows up. These early start times up at Midd I think favor Midd but who knows. If Midd loses this game they will be in serious trouble. If they win they are safe IMO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 11:28:57 AM
Midd scores on a failed clearance and ball bouncing around on that carpet. 1-0 Midd 20 mins left 1st Half. Trinity playing well but they need to get more chances. Pilger moves Gimand out wide which is a good move and a bad move because he will have more room out there but not enough touches.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 11:33:52 AM
2-0 Midd off a ball in the box that got headed down and finished. A complete GK error. Trinity needs to WAKE up fast as their season is slipping away. Savonen working hard but I'd like to see Millbury working harder
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 11:53:39 AM
Halftime Midd 2-0 over Trinity. Midd slicing thru Trinity's backline like butter. Trinity's backs are not having the best of days. #22 Barovick for Midd mad a nice cut of the ball and lost the Trinity to defender , put the ball on his left foot and whiffed. Should be 3-0. Midd is playing well so far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 01:15:59 PM
Wesleyan hanging very tough at Amherst. They have had a couple chances and are playing very compact defensively. They look much better this game so far. 0-0 Halftime
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 01:41:39 PM
2nd Half Wes and Amherst still 0-0. Wesleyan's Gruner a golden opportunity to put Wes up 1-0 but missed the PK..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 02:00:07 PM
Wes Frosh stud Martinez-Piez on the counter with  a bullet. 1-0 Wesleyan with about 19 minutes left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 02:24:38 PM
Wes with the upset 1-0. Amherst will get in but they will not be hosting until the Final 4. Wesleyan played VERY well to end that 5 game losing streak
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 31, 2015, 02:29:39 PM
Observations of the Bowdoin Tufts game first half. Bowdoin sagging back and playing smart and score on a rebound by Ondulate off a Greenwood save.  Tufts is definitely possessing and pressing. Van Siclen made a couple of nice saves.  Kayne had a beauty of a feed to Lawson in front of the net but he couldn't put it away. Both Majumber and kayne with shots on goal.  Bowdoin spaces well and I didn't they would score but one fell to them and they put it in......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 31, 2015, 02:31:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 02:24:38 PM
Wes with the upset 1-0. Amherst will get in but they will not be hosting until the Final 4. Wesleyan played VERY well to end that 5 game losing streak

WOW, upset of the day.  Wesleyan played them well twice. Kudos....  Will it make Amherst hungrier or are the no longer invincible givent he past tie and loss to Wesleyan?  Can't be good for their confidence at this point...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 31, 2015, 02:34:06 PM
Conn scores with 2 seconds left to even the match 3-3 with Williams. Heading to overtime! :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 31, 2015, 02:34:25 PM
Who will host then, Brandeis?   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 31, 2015, 02:37:11 PM
So the tournament now shifts to Vermont, where Middlebury will face Wesleyan in one semifinal.

Conn-Williams winner will face Tufts-Bowdoin winner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 31, 2015, 02:46:47 PM
Tufts outshooting 8-1 but Majumber with his second yellow and Tufts with man down. I couldn't see the foul.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 02:50:53 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on October 31, 2015, 02:34:25 PM
Who will host then, Brandeis?   


I would think so. Amherst will host RD64/32 but I cannot believe they would host until Final 4. No way unless there are upsets which the way this year is going is quite possible.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 31, 2015, 02:51:34 PM
Bowdoing with a handball in the box..Not Called....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 31, 2015, 02:57:06 PM
Mr. Right was right...Bowdoin now really sagging.....Will be hard for Tufts to score...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 31, 2015, 03:37:28 PM
Bowdoin holds on 1-0. Give their defense much credit. Tufts outshoots them 13-2 even with a man down for practically the whole second half. Van Siclen their man of the match.  Bowdoin won't score much so their defense will have to be outstanding like today. The Jumbos should be proud since they played well with 10 men in the seciond half....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 03:41:47 PM
Tufts at 9-4-3 but a good resume. They are just going to have to sweat it out again. They do have a high SOS and good RvR but you can be sure other regions based on this season are going to have upsets. I am not so sure they make it this time around. They need MIT, Midd and ECONN to win Nescac, Newmac, and Little East. Then I think they would snag the last new England bid as they might fall to #6. The problem now is you have Conn College who is ranked behind them and will move up especially if they beat a ranked Bowdoin side in the Semi..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 31, 2015, 03:46:23 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 03:41:47 PM
Tufts at 9-4-3 but a good resume. They are just going to have to sweat it out again. They do have a high SOS and good RvR but you can be sure other regions based on this season are going to have upsets. I am not so sure they make it this time around. They need MIT, Midd and ECONN to win Nescac, Newmac, and Little East. Then I think they would snag the last new England bid as they might fall to #6. The problem now is you have Conn College who is ranked behind them and will move up especially if they beat a ranked Bowdoin side in the Semi..

I agree. A tufts win would have secured them a spot. If they are a border team do they get any intangible consideration for being defending champ?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 31, 2015, 03:46:52 PM
Appropriately brutal end to a brutally tough first year for Erin Sullivan -- he packed enough heartbreak into this year to hopefully last the next five, in particular, the losses to Amherst and Conn thanks to goals in the waning seconds of the game, plus THREE other OT losses.  Just could not catch a break late in games.  Maybe a product of a young roster and a new coach, who knows.  But the good news is that, if Rashid returns for a fifth year (which I am guessing he will), every significant contributor other than Danilak returns.  With a year in Sullivan's system, a much more experienced and talented roster overall, and a year of Sullivan's recruits (fingers crossed he has a strong first class coming in), plus with (hopefully) a few bad breaks out of the system, I am optimistic that Williams will return next year to its usual position as a NESCAC contender. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 31, 2015, 03:49:59 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 31, 2015, 03:46:23 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 03:41:47 PM
Tufts at 9-4-3 but a good resume. They are just going to have to sweat it out again. They do have a high SOS and good RvR but you can be sure other regions based on this season are going to have upsets. I am not so sure they make it this time around. They need MIT, Midd and ECONN to win Nescac, Newmac, and Little East. Then I think they would snag the last new England bid as they might fall to #6. The problem now is you have Conn College who is ranked behind them and will move up especially if they beat a ranked Bowdoin side in the Semi..

I agree. A tufts win would have secured them a spot. If they are a border team do they get any intangible consideration for being defending champ?

No, they're not supposed to.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 31, 2015, 04:55:07 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 31, 2015, 03:46:52 PM
Appropriately brutal end to a brutally tough first year for Erin Sullivan -- he packed enough heartbreak into this year to hopefully last the next five, in particular, the losses to Amherst and Conn thanks to goals in the waning seconds of the game, plus THREE other OT losses.  Just could not catch a break late in games.  Maybe a product of a young roster and a new coach, who knows.  But the good news is that, if Rashid returns for a fifth year (which I am guessing he will), every significant contributor other than Danilak returns.  With a year in Sullivan's system, a much more experienced and talented roster overall, and a year of Sullivan's recruits (fingers crossed he has a strong first class coming in), plus with (hopefully) a few bad breaks out of the system, I am optimistic that Williams will return next year to its usual position as a NESCAC contender.
Conn wins in PKs and outplays Williams for entire game and OT.  Williams scores on PK and 2 2nd half counters of "where did the defense go" type.  Conn scores with 2 seconds left on Patch free kick knocked in by Covell.  Conn keeper big in PKs.  Conn definitely deserved this win. The better team won.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 31, 2015, 08:31:28 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 01:41:39 PM
2nd Half Wes and Amherst still 0-0. Wesleyan's Gruner a golden opportunity to put Wes up 1-0 but missed the PK..

Congrats to Wes for getting it done.

In my weekly wink at Mr. Right: Wes did not miss the PK. Bull saved it.  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 01, 2015, 01:35:28 PM
What do bubble teams do this week if they have been eliminated from the NESCAC tournament?  I would imagine that locks, like Amherst, continue to practice, but would Tufts keep practicing?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 01, 2015, 02:39:04 PM
Quote from: maineman on November 01, 2015, 01:35:28 PM
What do bubble teams do this week if they have been eliminated from the NESCAC tournament?  I would imagine that locks, like Amherst, continue to practice, but would Tufts keep practicing?

You would think so, although that is an interesting question. I would imagine that they practice until they know their season is over, but I could be wrong.

On another note, just getting back from D.C. - a crazy weekend in the NESCAC! Three of four underdogs win, and it sounds like Wesleyan deserved their victory. I'll recap my thoughts in full tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 01, 2015, 05:19:26 PM
Quote from: maineman on November 01, 2015, 01:35:28 PM
What do bubble teams do this week if they have been eliminated from the NESCAC tournament?  I would imagine that locks, like Amherst, continue to practice, but would Tufts keep practicing?
They will continue to practice.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 01, 2015, 08:41:39 PM
Some interesting Championship facts:

1.  This is the second consecutive year the #2, #4, #6 and #8 seeds have advanced to the semifinal round.

2.  From 2008, when NESCAC adopted the current 8-team tournament format, to 2014, the #4 seed advanced to the semifinal round in six of seven years (tying the #1 seed for the highest quarterfinal winning percentage - 86%), but never reached the final match.

3.  Since 2008, teams seeded #4, #5, #7 and #8 have never reached the championship match.

4.  In the seven years from 2008 to 2014, the team hosting the semifinal round has reached the final match six times (86%), but has only won the championship twice (29%).

5.  From 2008 to 2014, whenever the #6 seed has advanced to the semifinal round (twice), the team has moved on to the championship match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on November 02, 2015, 12:51:22 AM
Quote from: Bucket on October 31, 2015, 03:49:59 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on October 31, 2015, 03:46:23 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 31, 2015, 03:41:47 PM
Tufts at 9-4-3 but a good resume. They are just going to have to sweat it out again. They do have a high SOS and good RvR but you can be sure other regions based on this season are going to have upsets. I am not so sure they make it this time around. They need MIT, Midd and ECONN to win Nescac, Newmac, and Little East. Then I think they would snag the last new England bid as they might fall to #6. The problem now is you have Conn College who is ranked behind them and will move up especially if they beat a ranked Bowdoin side in the Semi..

I agree. A tufts win would have secured them a spot. If they are a border team do they get any intangible consideration for being defending champ?

No, they're not supposed to.

Agree they are not supposed to...but...I think it's been two decades since a National Champion did not make the following year tournament (you historians out there can confirm that).  Just seems like there might be a level of respect afforded the defending National Champion.  Perhaps an intangible, but maybe it happens.  IMO the defending champ should be given every benefit of the doubt and afforded every reasonable opportunity to come back and defend their title (but that's just my opinion).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2015, 08:18:05 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on November 02, 2015, 12:51:22 AM
IMO the defending champ should be given every benefit of the doubt and afforded every reasonable opportunity to come back and defend their title (but that's just my opinion).

I must say that I don't follow this logic.  Not professional boxing.  D1 basketball doesn't even work that way.  And the defending champ does have a full opportunity to repeat, along with all the other teams trying to win. 

A side interesting note....Tufts finished last season before the tourney with a draw and a loss.  Exact same with Amherst this year.  The only difference is that Amherst is a strong favorite while Tufts was at best a darkhorse pick.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2015, 09:53:17 AM
I had one other thought on the defending champ theme.  Might sound good in the abstract but maybe not so much when you get really specific.  Let's say Tufts gets the last bid from the New England region and Bowdoin (if they beat Conn) and MIT (having maybe best season in program history) are out.  How do you explain that to Bowdoin?  By telling them they lost out because Tufts are defending champs, after just going 1-0-1 away with that team in the last two weeks?  By saying Tufts drew and lost on their home pitch but outshot Bowdoin by a large margin?  Now if the SoS and RvR on balance with all other relevant data still fairly puts Tufts over the top in this hypothetical then fine, but you have to keep in mind that teams get picked over other teams who want it just as bad and have worked just as hard.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 02, 2015, 10:20:23 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 02, 2015, 09:53:17 AM
I had one other thought on the defending champ theme.  Might sound good in the abstract but maybe not so much when you get really specific.  Let's say Tufts gets the last bid from the New England region and Bowdoin (if they beat Conn) and MIT (having maybe best season in program history) are out.  How do you explain that to Bowdoin?  By telling them they lost out because Tufts are defending champs, after just going 1-0-1 away with that team in the last two weeks?  By saying Tufts drew and lost on their home pitch but outshot Bowdoin by a large margin?  Now if the SoS and RvR on balance with all other relevant data still fairly puts Tufts over the top in this hypothetical then fine, but you have to keep in mind that teams get picked over other teams who want it just as bad and have worked just as hard.

I think your last sentence explains it.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 02, 2015, 10:21:09 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 02, 2015, 09:53:17 AM
I had one other thought on the defending champ theme.  Might sound good in the abstract but maybe not so much when you get really specific.  Let's say Tufts gets the last bid from the New England region and Bowdoin (if they beat Conn) and MIT (having maybe best season in program history) are out.  How do you explain that to Bowdoin?  By telling them they lost out because Tufts are defending champs, after just going 1-0-1 away with that team in the last two weeks?  By saying Tufts drew and lost on their home pitch but outshot Bowdoin by a large margin?  Now if the SoS and RvR on balance with all other relevant data still fairly puts Tufts over the top in this hypothetical then fine, but you have to keep in mind that teams get picked over other teams who want it just as bad and have worked just as hard.

What are Conn's chances of gaining an at-large spot if they beat Bowdoin, but lose in a tight game in NESCAC finals?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 02, 2015, 10:22:13 AM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 02, 2015, 10:21:09 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 02, 2015, 09:53:17 AM
I had one other thought on the defending champ theme.  Might sound good in the abstract but maybe not so much when you get really specific.  Let's say Tufts gets the last bid from the New England region and Bowdoin (if they beat Conn) and MIT (having maybe best season in program history) are out.  How do you explain that to Bowdoin?  By telling them they lost out because Tufts are defending champs, after just going 1-0-1 away with that team in the last two weeks?  By saying Tufts drew and lost on their home pitch but outshot Bowdoin by a large margin?  Now if the SoS and RvR on balance with all other relevant data still fairly puts Tufts over the top in this hypothetical then fine, but you have to keep in mind that teams get picked over other teams who want it just as bad and have worked just as hard.

What are Conn's chances of gaining an at-large spot if they beat Bowdoin, but lose in a tight game in NESCAC finals?

If Middlebury wins, then none, as Tufts would probably get it...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2015, 10:32:57 AM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 02, 2015, 10:21:09 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 02, 2015, 09:53:17 AM
I had one other thought on the defending champ theme.  Might sound good in the abstract but maybe not so much when you get really specific.  Let's say Tufts gets the last bid from the New England region and Bowdoin (if they beat Conn) and MIT (having maybe best season in program history) are out.  How do you explain that to Bowdoin?  By telling them they lost out because Tufts are defending champs, after just going 1-0-1 away with that team in the last two weeks?  By saying Tufts drew and lost on their home pitch but outshot Bowdoin by a large margin?  Now if the SoS and RvR on balance with all other relevant data still fairly puts Tufts over the top in this hypothetical then fine, but you have to keep in mind that teams get picked over other teams who want it just as bad and have worked just as hard.

What are Conn's chances of gaining an at-large spot if they beat Bowdoin, but lose in a tight game in NESCAC finals?

Fair to good, but Bowdoin's chances would be even better.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2015, 11:13:19 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 02, 2015, 10:20:23 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 02, 2015, 09:53:17 AM
I had one other thought on the defending champ theme.  Might sound good in the abstract but maybe not so much when you get really specific.  Let's say Tufts gets the last bid from the New England region and Bowdoin (if they beat Conn) and MIT (having maybe best season in program history) are out.  How do you explain that to Bowdoin?  By telling them they lost out because Tufts are defending champs, after just going 1-0-1 away with that team in the last two weeks?  By saying Tufts drew and lost on their home pitch but outshot Bowdoin by a large margin?  Now if the SoS and RvR on balance with all other relevant data still fairly puts Tufts over the top in this hypothetical then fine, but you have to keep in mind that teams get picked over other teams who want it just as bad and have worked just as hard.

I think your last sentence explains it.....

Explains what?  The post wasn't about whether Tufts will in fact get a bid.  They very well might.  The post was about whether the defending champ, whoever it might be, should be credited in some way towards a bid simply by virtue of being the defending champ.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 02, 2015, 11:15:41 AM
Now if the SoS and RvR on balance with all other relevant data still fairly puts Tufts over the top in this hypothetical then fine..... Not commenting on the fact that they are defending champs... but ib SOS and RVR.....given the closeness of the teams.. that's all.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 02, 2015, 11:49:47 AM
Keep in mind that Brandeis winning the UAA frees up a Pool C spot for someone, likely a New England team. The Judges have been pretty much Pool C locks the past few years, but I don't think many - including myself - thought they would win the AQ, as they've always relied on an at-large bid. That said, the UAA will probably get at least two Pool C bids, likely WashU and Carnegie, so it may well cancel out any potential gain.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2015, 12:00:15 PM
Tufts and the Nescac Championship are separate entities now. Conn beating Bowdoin or Bowdoin beating Conn really means nothing now for Tufts. Tufts is now just another bubble team hoping the proper Pool C teams win their respective leagues. Like MIT. Newmac, CCC and Little East are all 1 bid leagues now especially with both ECONN and UMASS Boston losing this prior wknd. Their resume at 9-4-3 .620 SOS and RvR stack up well against other bubble teams in other regions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2015, 12:15:28 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 31, 2015, 03:46:52 PM
Appropriately brutal end to a brutally tough first year for Erin Sullivan -- he packed enough heartbreak into this year to hopefully last the next five, in particular, the losses to Amherst and Conn thanks to goals in the waning seconds of the game, plus THREE other OT losses.  Just could not catch a break late in games.  Maybe a product of a young roster and a new coach, who knows.  But the good news is that, if Rashid returns for a fifth year (which I am guessing he will), every significant contributor other than Danilak returns.  With a year in Sullivan's system, a much more experienced and talented roster overall, and a year of Sullivan's recruits (fingers crossed he has a strong first class coming in), plus with (hopefully) a few bad breaks out of the system, I am optimistic that Williams will return next year to its usual position as a NESCAC contender.






I have never in all my years seen a team lose so many games the way Williams did this season. Total loss of concentration and that falls on players but also on coaches to make sure you have the right personal on the field when protecting leads and they know their specific responsibilities. Williams looked clueless in this regard. It was just one thing after another. Point being I expected Williams to cough up that 3-2 lead late because I had seen them doing this all year. Once I saw the free kick you just knew and maybe the players thought this as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2015, 01:41:01 PM
Quote from: maineman on November 01, 2015, 01:35:28 PM
What do bubble teams do this week if they have been eliminated from the NESCAC tournament?  I would imagine that locks, like Amherst, continue to practice, but would Tufts keep practicing?




Of course they continue to practice. Nescac teams do not get enough practice as it is. In fact, Murphy got in trouble with some players his first year at Conn for continuing practices for just underclassman until the NCAA pairings were announced. The problem was that Conn had no chance of making it. Perfectly legit and under the rules to do but some players and especially training staff were not thrilled with it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerTroll on November 02, 2015, 06:05:37 PM
Tufts was 10-2-4 at the same time last year having lost in the quarters as well. Then on a six game win streak of away games for the entire tourney to take it all. The NCAA needs to honor that run and their status as reigning champs if they are on the bubble this year. They had it in them last year as a mediocre team at the end of the season to go on a dream run and the NCAA would welcome another one of those from the defending champs. Watched the quarter final, coach failed to adjust in second half and get more offense on the field. He kept same scoreless team from first half who showed no offensive ability and changed nothing even after going one down and losing their striker to a red card. Even with 10 men they still kept things even and had some chances...He needs to recognize that his defensive minded set up needs tinkering. A second striker or attacking mid to keep forward to give their existing striker someone to pass to. Their striker always gets ball with back to goal and then has to do something, but no one up with him to do it with. With their defense, they could play 2 up and 8 back with 2 middies having attack responsibility, they are that good on D. Would be nice to see them get a chance at NCAA run. :P
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 02, 2015, 06:19:09 PM
Quote from: SoccerTroll on November 02, 2015, 06:05:37 PM
They had it in them last year as a mediocre team at the end of the season to go on a dream run and the NCAA would welcome another one of those from the defending champs.
Not sure they were a mediocre team. Underachieving, yes. Inconsistent, yes. But with the talent they had, players like Santos, Williams, Lee-Kramer, and Hoppenot, I would say they were one of the best teams in the nation on paper. However, it is about results, and in that respect I would say they could have been labeled "mediocre."

Quote from: SoccerTroll
Their striker always gets ball with back to goal and then has to do something, but no one up with him to do it with.
I agree with this. Hoppenot last year got his ball with back to goal all the time, but he usually had outlets to pass to in Santos and Brown. This year, Majumder has often been isolated when he's gotten the ball, and has been forced to go unlock the defense by himself. I still maintain that Majumder is a superior striker to what Hoppenot was, but he needs some help.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 02, 2015, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: SoccerTroll on November 02, 2015, 06:05:37 PM
Tufts was 10-2-4 at the same time last year having lost in the quarters as well. Then on a six game win streak of away games for the entire tourney to take it all. The NCAA needs to honor that run and their status as reigning champs if they are on the bubble this year. They had it in them last year as a mediocre team at the end of the season to go on a dream run and the NCAA would welcome another one of those from the defending champs. Watched the quarter final, coach failed to adjust in second half and get more offense on the field. He kept same scoreless team from first half who showed no offensive ability and changed nothing even after going one down and losing their striker to a red card. Even with 10 men they still kept things even and had some chances...He needs to recognize that his defensive minded set up needs tinkering. A second striker or attacking mid to keep forward to give their existing striker someone to pass to. Their striker always gets ball with back to goal and then has to do something, but no one up with him to do it with. With their defense, they could play 2 up and 8 back with 2 middies having attack responsibility, they are that good on D. Would be nice to see them get a chance at NCAA run. :P

I agree with some of this, and maybe Kayne or Brown could have been moved up to striker but Tufts did have a couple of chances and missed. Too bad about Majumder's 2 yellows.  Jumbos had the best record in the NESCAC going into the NESCAC tourney last year so they weren't really mediocre....Hoppenot and Majumder are different. Hoppenot also had a number of breakaways from Kayne last year that he could have scored on but missed.  I would say that Santos opened the field a bit for Tufts also enabling others to score. Kayne and Brown were the second and third top scorers for the Jumbos last year..... Like any team, it's like comparing apples to oranges from one year to the next..... Would be nice to see Tufts make it...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2015, 08:39:48 PM
I'll say this much.  If Tufts does get in they are capable of making another deep run.  They probably don't match last year's team, but I watched them live and they are very, very good.  They can beat anyone in the country.  Bowdoin, and we need to give Bowdoin some credit instead of just saying they "sit in," may be just the kind of team that gives them trouble, and in a little bit the same way Brandeis has given them trouble.  Bowdoin if I have this right is 1-0-2 with Tufts in their last three games.  All that said, the jeopardy that Tufts currently is in is on them.  You can't keep drawing in your final regular season game and lose in your conference quarters and expect great things to happen, although obviously last year that is exactly what happened.  I think all of us would have liked to see another Tufts-Amherst game, and maybe we still will.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2015, 09:53:09 PM
Blooter, thinking about Bowdoin and Brandeis in the same sentence made me remember that they played in the Rd of 32 last year at Brandeis.  Of course, the Judges won....wait for it....1-0.  Brandeis didn't score until the 75th minute on a pass from Ocel to Miskin for a header past Van Siclen.  Brandeis dominated the shot chart 18 to 4 with a 9 to 0 advantage in the 1st half.  Sounds like from the recap that Bowdoin had a couple of chances.

Side note.....one of the ARs in that game was Larry Caldwell, former NASL professional player, and father of Scottie Caldwell, starting holding mid for the New England Revolution and former player for Caleb Porter at Akron when Akron won a national title.  Brother Keith was an All-Ivy performer at Brown and sister Amy was a WNT U17 player who played at Boston College.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 02, 2015, 10:03:36 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 02, 2015, 09:53:09 PM
Blooter, thinking about Bowdoin and Brandeis in the same sentence made me remember that they played in the Rd of 32 last year at Brandeis.  Of course, the Judges won....wait for it....1-0.  Brandeis didn't score until the 75th minute on a pass from Ocel to Miskin for a header past Van Siclen.  Brandeis dominated the shot chart 18 to 4 with a 9 to 0 advantage in the 1st half.  Sounds like from the recap that Bowdoin had a couple of chances.

Side note.....one of the ARs in that game was Larry Caldwell, former NASL professional player, and father of Scottie Caldwell, starting holding mid for the New England Revolution and former player for Caleb Porter at Akron when Akron won a national title.  Brother Keith was an All-Ivy performer at Brown and sister Amy was a WNT U17 player who played at Boston College.

Super cool side note! Thanks for that.

Bowdoin vs. Brandeis was a good, competitive game. Bowdoin definitely held its own and showed up to play, and even had the ball in the net four minutes in (waved offsides.) Brandeis was definitely the more skilled and faster team, but Bowdoin was the bigger side, was well-organized, and kept the Judges from creating any real chances of note until the goal. Great header from Miskin, who had been chasing his first collegiate goal all year, on a class ball from Ocel. It was one of those that I knew was going to be a goal once it went past Van Siclen even though it seemed to take forever to hit the back of the net. Bowdoin created one or two chances after the goal - I think White had his close-range header saved by Graffy - but it was never really "hearts-in-mouth" stuff and Brandeis was able to close out the win.

Again, it's worth reiterating that Bowdoin's organization kept Brandeis from creating any real chances other than the goal, so it was a very even game and the Polar Bears held their own. That said, I think Brandeis had Bowdoin in its own half most of the game, and its superior speed and skill eventually proved the difference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 02, 2015, 10:12:09 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 02, 2015, 08:39:48 PM
I'll say this much.  If Tufts does get in they are capable of making another deep run.  They probably don't match last year's team, but I watched them live and they are very, very good.  They can beat anyone in the country.  Bowdoin, and we need to give Bowdoin some credit instead of just saying they "sit in," may be just the kind of team that gives them trouble, and in a little bit the same way Brandeis has given them trouble.  Bowdoin if I have this right is 1-0-2 with Tufts in their last three games.  All that said, the jeopardy that Tufts currently is in is on them.  You can't keep drawing in your final regular season game and lose in your conference quarters and expect great things to happen, although obviously last year that is exactly what happened.  I think all of us would have liked to see another Tufts-Amherst game, and maybe we still will.

This is a good analysis, NCAC. Tufts was inconsistent this year, and yes, on a given day, they can beat anyone in the country, including Amherst. They lost to Amherst at the end of double overtime at Amherst. Their defense improved as the year went on as they didn't let up a goal for almost 4 weeks, and there were OT games in that stretch.  They still need to eek in and then the offense would have to get hot like last year....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2015, 08:51:15 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 02, 2015, 06:19:09 PM
Quote from: SoccerTroll on November 02, 2015, 06:05:37 PM
They had it in them last year as a mediocre team at the end of the season to go on a dream run and the NCAA would welcome another one of those from the defending champs.
Not sure they were a mediocre team. Underachieving, yes. Inconsistent, yes. But with the talent they had, players like Santos, Williams, Lee-Kramer, and Hoppenot, I would say they were one of the best teams in the nation on paper. However, it is about results, and in that respect I would say they could have been labeled "mediocre."

Quote from: SoccerTroll
Their striker always gets ball with back to goal and then has to do something, but no one up with him to do it with.
I agree with this. Hoppenot last year got his ball with back to goal all the time, but he usually had outlets to pass to in Santos and Brown. This year, Majumder has often been isolated when he's gotten the ball, and has been forced to go unlock the defense by himself. I still maintain that Majumder is a superior striker to what Hoppenot was, but he needs some help.




This is all very true for Tufts between the differences of this year and last year. The biggest difference is not having the end of season form that Gus Santos had last year. He and Brown for that matter were using speed and skill to beat guys 1v1 and dragging over defenders to free up others to score. Majumder is a better natural striker than Hoppenot but Hoppenot worked harder tracking back and pressing. Tufts is not pressing like they were last year, most likely because they would become WAY more exposed but it is not as entertaining to watch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 03, 2015, 10:07:34 AM
Good student newspaper article on Tufts soccer loss to Bowdoin. Shapiro is a class act.  The seniors of last year and this year definitely brought Tufts back to the forefront.

http://tuftsdaily.com/sports/2015/11/02/tufts-falls-bowdoin-nescac-quarters/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 03, 2015, 10:34:54 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 03, 2015, 10:07:34 AM
Shapiro is a class act.

Agree with this 100%. Whether you read his comments in defeat or after they won the national championship, he's always fair, objective, and incredibly respectful. Even though they're not my team, I have huge respect for the Tufts program and a significant amount of that is due to Shapiro's demeanor both at and away from the field. A lot of coaches would do well to learn from him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 03, 2015, 11:44:51 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 03, 2015, 10:34:54 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 03, 2015, 10:07:34 AM
Shapiro is a class act.

Agree with this 100%. Whether you read his comments in defeat or after they won the national championship, he's always fair, objective, and incredibly respectful. Even though they're not my team, I have huge respect for the Tufts program and a significant amount of that is due to Shapiro's demeanor both at and away from the field. A lot of coaches would do well to learn from him.

He's a Midd alum, so of course he's a class act.  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 03, 2015, 01:00:05 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 03, 2015, 11:44:51 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 03, 2015, 10:34:54 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 03, 2015, 10:07:34 AM
Shapiro is a class act.

Agree with this 100%. Whether you read his comments in defeat or after they won the national championship, he's always fair, objective, and incredibly respectful. Even though they're not my team, I have huge respect for the Tufts program and a significant amount of that is due to Shapiro's demeanor both at and away from the field. A lot of coaches would do well to learn from him.

He's a Midd alum, so of course he's a class act.  :)

Shapiro is a class act to his team, parents and opposing teams....seen it on a couple of occasions....wish more of the coaches has his people skills.

If Conn, Bowdoin or Wesleyan wins the NESCAC AQ tournament....who gets left out of the NCAA?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 03, 2015, 01:05:01 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 03, 2015, 01:00:05 PM
If Conn, Bowdoin or Wesleyan wins the NESCAC AQ tournament....who gets left out of the NCAA?

Could go either way between Tufts and Midd, but I'd say Tufts would probably be out. Tufts was ranked 3rd in the NE RRs to Middlebury's 4th, but that was before Tufts went 0-1-1 against Bowdoin at home. Then again, Tufts does have a superior RvR and better SOS, as well as the head-to-head matchup, so you could make a case for them. However, if Midd wins the NESCAC according to plan, then Tufts will 99% get that second bid. And there is still the possibility that the committee could give out three Pool C's to the NESCAC, although I doubt it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2015, 01:27:13 PM
AGAIN....Tufts and Nescac are separate entities now. Just because if Conn wins the AQ it doesn't mean either Midd or Tufts would be in or out. Tufts is now up against all regions bubble teams. The only effect Tufts will feel and other bubble teams will feel across the nation is if MIT loses in their tournament. Multiply that by all the other teams in all the other regions that get upset and now the leftovers are where Tufts will be with the leftovers. Read Shapiro's quote, even he understands this. It all depends on other teams in other regions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Fiveminutesfolks on November 04, 2015, 12:47:45 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 03, 2015, 01:05:01 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 03, 2015, 01:00:05 PM
If Conn, Bowdoin or Wesleyan wins the NESCAC AQ tournament....who gets left out of the NCAA?

Could go either way between Tufts and Midd, but I'd say Tufts would probably be out. Tufts was ranked 3rd in the NE RRs to Middlebury's 4th, but that was before Tufts went 0-1-1 against Bowdoin at home. Then again, Tufts does have a superior RvR and better SOS, as well as the head-to-head matchup, so you could make a case for them. However, if Midd wins the NESCAC according to plan, then Tufts will 99% get that second bid. And there is still the possibility that the committee could give out three Pool C's to the NESCAC, although I doubt it.

Even if Midd loses on Saturday I have a very hard time believing they would leave out a team that is 13-2-2 in place of a 9-4-3. Regardless of SOS and head-to-head it just wouldn't make sense. Particularly since Midd got left out last year. That being said, I think both teams deserve a bid if Midd doesn't get the AQ.

Predictions for this weekend? I'm thinking Middlebury has an advantage due to their squad strength, form and the pitch - but it could be a tricky match up vs. Bowdoin who they have had a shaky record against in recent years. Conn hasn't beat Midd on the other hand in a very long time. But the match against Wesleyan should be exciting as clashes between the Panthers and the Cardinals usually are.

My guesses:

Conn 2 - Bowdoin 1
Midd 3 - Wesleyan 1

Midd 2- Conn 0

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 04, 2015, 12:49:15 PM
Quote from: Fiveminutesfolks on November 04, 2015, 12:47:45 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 03, 2015, 01:05:01 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 03, 2015, 01:00:05 PM
If Conn, Bowdoin or Wesleyan wins the NESCAC AQ tournament....who gets left out of the NCAA?

Could go either way between Tufts and Midd, but I'd say Tufts would probably be out. Tufts was ranked 3rd in the NE RRs to Middlebury's 4th, but that was before Tufts went 0-1-1 against Bowdoin at home. Then again, Tufts does have a superior RvR and better SOS, as well as the head-to-head matchup, so you could make a case for them. However, if Midd wins the NESCAC according to plan, then Tufts will 99% get that second bid. And there is still the possibility that the committee could give out three Pool C's to the NESCAC, although I doubt it.



Even if Midd loses on Saturday I have a very hard time believing they would leave out a team that is 13-2-2 in place of a 9-4-3. Regardless of SOS and head-to-head it just wouldn't make sense. Particularly since Midd got left out last year. That being said, I think both teams deserve a bid if Midd doesn't get the AQ.

Predictions for this weekend? I'm thinking Middlebury has an advantage due to their squad strength, form and the pitch - but it could be a tricky match up vs. Bowdoin who they have had a shaky record against in recent years. Conn hasn't beat Midd on the other hand in a very long time. But the match against Wesleyan should be exciting as clashes between the Panthers and the Cardinals usually are.

My guesses:

Conn 2 - Bowdoin 1
Midd 3 - Wesleyan 1

Midd 2- Conn 0

Yep, but that 9-4-3 team beat Middlebury....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2015, 01:12:12 PM
HA....Midd scoring 5 goals this week-end...FAT CHANCE
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Fiveminutesfolks on November 04, 2015, 01:58:10 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 04, 2015, 12:49:15 PM
Quote from: Fiveminutesfolks on November 04, 2015, 12:47:45 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 03, 2015, 01:05:01 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 03, 2015, 01:00:05 PM
If Conn, Bowdoin or Wesleyan wins the NESCAC AQ tournament....who gets left out of the NCAA?

Could go either way between Tufts and Midd, but I'd say Tufts would probably be out. Tufts was ranked 3rd in the NE RRs to Middlebury's 4th, but that was before Tufts went 0-1-1 against Bowdoin at home. Then again, Tufts does have a superior RvR and better SOS, as well as the head-to-head matchup, so you could make a case for them. However, if Midd wins the NESCAC according to plan, then Tufts will 99% get that second bid. And there is still the possibility that the committee could give out three Pool C's to the NESCAC, although I doubt it.



Even if Midd loses on Saturday I have a very hard time believing they would leave out a team that is 13-2-2 in place of a 9-4-3. Regardless of SOS and head-to-head it just wouldn't make sense. Particularly since Midd got left out last year. That being said, I think both teams deserve a bid if Midd doesn't get the AQ.

Predictions for this weekend? I'm thinking Middlebury has an advantage due to their squad strength, form and the pitch - but it could be a tricky match up vs. Bowdoin who they have had a shaky record against in recent years. Conn hasn't beat Midd on the other hand in a very long time. But the match against Wesleyan should be exciting as clashes between the Panthers and the Cardinals usually are.

My guesses:

Conn 2 - Bowdoin 1
Midd 3 - Wesleyan 1

Midd 2- Conn 0

Yep, but that 9-4-3 team beat Middlebury....
Yeah of course, but that's not really how the selection process works. You honestly think that given their respective resumes a >10 win team would get in over a 13 win team? Give me one similar example in the history of the NCAA selection process in any division...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 04, 2015, 02:01:55 PM
Quote from: Fiveminutesfolks on November 04, 2015, 01:58:10 PM
Yeah of course, but that's not really how the selection process works. You honestly think that given their respective resumes a >10 win team would get in over a 13 win team? Give me one similar example in the history of the NCAA selection process in any division...

Well Rochester, pretty much every year ;D Except this one. Hyperbole, I know, but Rochester has benefited from some very questionable selections in the past with eight, nine wins.

But I do think you're right. Would be tough to take a 9-4-3 side over a 13+ win team.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 04, 2015, 07:58:11 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2015, 01:12:12 PM
HA....Midd scoring 5 goals this week-end...FAT CHANCE

They did last weekend...and only needed one game to do it. :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2015, 08:02:00 PM
I think it's safe to conclude at this point that our friend BF is gonna vote that Tufts should get in regardless of any results or comparisons ;).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 04, 2015, 08:16:18 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 04, 2015, 08:02:00 PM
I think it's safe to conclude at this point that our friend BF is gonna vote that Tufts should get in regardless of any results or comparisons ;).

Even if they were 4-9-3!!! ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2015, 08:20:09 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 04, 2015, 08:16:18 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 04, 2015, 08:02:00 PM
I think it's safe to conclude at this point that our friend BF is gonna vote that Tufts should get in regardless of any results or comparisons ;).

Even if they were 4-9-3!!! ;)

Touche!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 04, 2015, 08:24:15 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 04, 2015, 08:20:09 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 04, 2015, 08:16:18 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 04, 2015, 08:02:00 PM
I think it's safe to conclude at this point that our friend BF is gonna vote that Tufts should get in regardless of any results or comparisons ;).

Even if they were 4-9-3!!! ;)

Touche!

+K for not coming back ripping me!!!!  I might even go as far as Williams making it!!! ::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2015, 10:29:49 AM
Looking at Middlebury if they lose to a Wesleyan side on Saturday or even tie / lose they would have to be on the bubble. Bowdoin could pass them and I think Tufts actually would get chosen over them because Tufts 7 blemishes is better than Midd's 6 wins v garbage. Hard to ignore Tufts resume over Midd's in SOS and RvR and Tufts beat them head to head.

That would actually be the 1st time Nescac would get 2 teams in the NCAA"s while still losing in the quarters. Someone had asked that before.


Off of memory. Before 2004 when the D3 Tournament was MUCH smaller with only 3 Pool C's they would ONLY take 1 loss sides from top conferences that got knocked out.

2003- Williams
2002- Amherst
etc

I would have to look at the archives to jog my memory
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 05, 2015, 10:51:58 AM

If Middlebury were to lose, I'd think the committee would also lean Tufts for an at-large...

I think we are going to see a defensively organized senior laden squad win the NCAA Title this year...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 05, 2015, 11:00:39 AM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on November 05, 2015, 10:51:58 AM

If Middlebury were to lose, I'd think the committee would also lean Tufts for an at-large...

I think we are going to see a defensively organized senior laden squad win the NCAA Title this year...

I also agree with RIGHT's analysis.... Middlebury will, most likely, have to win the NESCAC.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2015, 01:58:55 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 05, 2015, 11:00:39 AM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on November 05, 2015, 10:51:58 AM

If Middlebury were to lose, I'd think the committee would also lean Tufts for an at-large...

I think we are going to see a defensively organized senior laden squad win the NCAA Title this year...

I also agree with RIGHT's analysis.... Middlebury will, most likely, have to win the NESCAC.....

There's no way that Middlebury plummets that far in the regional ranking to not be selected if they advance to the finals and lose. A loss on Saturday and it gets a little more dicey, but I think the Panthers still get in even then, though it's far from a given.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2015, 04:23:55 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2015, 01:58:55 PM
There's no way that Middlebury plummets that far in the regional ranking to not be selected if they advance to the finals and lose. A loss on Saturday and it gets a little more dicey, but I think the Panthers still get in even then, though it's far from a given.

Was definitely skeptical of Middlebury due to SOS earlier, but you can't argue with 13-2-1 at this point in the season. Even if they lose this weekend, they end up with four blemishes max and that's more than good enough this year IMHO.

Someone made a comment that SOS is the new RvR, and I think that is an interesting insight. Because there are tons of blemishes nationwide, and there aren't a ton of teams with records like 16-1 or 17-2, SOS is the way of sorting the "men from the boys" in terms of who is most battle-tested and thus most likely to have a good postseason. Obviously armchair D3 soccer philosophy, but still an interesting consideration (then again, where else but an armchair is D3 soccer philosophy done from? ;) )
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 06, 2015, 09:38:05 AM
Nice pick-up for Erin Sullivan in his first recruiting class -- Chris Fleischer was the Gatorade POY in D.C. as a junior. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/highschools/st-albans-boys-soccer-surges-past-georgetown-prep-in-iac-title-game/2015/11/05/09befa70-83cb-11e5-9afb-0c971f713d0c_story.html

Hopefully Sullivan will have a big recruiting year -- with a much more experienced team returning, plus a year in his system, together with some strong recruits, Williams could be back in a big way next fall. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2015, 10:18:53 AM
I think Williams needs to really choose their captains wisely next year. They desperately need field leaders. I do not see one of those in the upcoming senior class so maybe a junior.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 06, 2015, 10:34:34 AM
That's a great way of putting it. With all of the games that it threw away this year at critical times, it's clear that Williams lacked someone to be able to calm everyone down and keep them focused. Teams with good on-field leaders are able to 1. keep their team from conceding a goal in the last few minute of a period and 2. if they do concede a goal in regulation, they get their team back and focused and avoid conceding another. Now I'm not saying that all goals conceded in the last minute of a game are a result of an incompetent defense or lack of concentration, sometimes it's just a great offensive play, but the number of times that it happened to Williams this year suggests that they lacked a leader to keep them focused in those crucial moments. Despite his team's six losses last year, I would have a hard time believing that Luke Pierce would have let such debacles happen this year - he's the kind of leader that they were crying out for, and it just goes to show how much they missed him.


They conceded goals at all the wrong times: Colby in the last minute of 2OT; Amherst at home in the last minute of 2OT (I know Amherst was applying pressure, but you have to be able to see it out at that point); Bates in the last 2 minutes of regulation; Middlebury in OT; Conn in the last six seconds. That's twice that Williams lost in the final minute of 2OT this year - brutal, but at the same time, as I like to say "if you can't win, then make sure you don't lose."

Had they managed to close out potential wins against Bates, Colby, and Conn, that's 10 wins and suddenly they're looking legit for Pool C with their SOS. In fact, they could have had as many as 12 wins - five of their losses came as a result of goals either conceded late in regulation or in overtime. Just goes to show you that the margins between success and failure are incredibly thin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2015, 11:23:07 AM
Nescac Predictions:

Midd v Wesleyan---I do not remember the last time Midd lost a Home game at 11am. It has been a while. You can basically copy and paste what I said about Midd in the Midd v Trinity preview here. Got to spread them out as best you can and try to either attack them from the flanks or if you can have your central midfielders when they receive the ball hit some nice central balls over the top or diagonal balls out wide. Midd's wingbacks have speed but Wesleyan's superstar Frosh Martinez-Paiz has the speed to beat them and certainly Midd's central defenders in a foot race. He was the difference against Amherst and if Wesleyan is going to advance he most likely will need to be involved. Wheeler has been starting both Erickson and Gruner in midfield  for some size and Sousa has the skill to get players the ball. Cowie-Haskell is a nice option to have off the bench as he did not start against Amherst. I think the player really stepping up for them is Nick Jackson, he has been playing phenomenally.  Wesleyan played Midd very well at Home a couple weeks ago and were unfortunate to lose that game as they has a couple chances to go up 2-0 and were sitting on a 1-0 lead with about 20 minutes left. Wesleyan can also be very hard to break down especially on grass. Since 2010 Midd and Wesleyan have been extremely even. Midd has a slight 3-2-2 advantage with not one of those games being decided by more than 1 goal. Expect more of the same in this one.   I'll follow suit with most of the Nescac playoffs and go with the dog.Wesleyan 2-1.                 


Odds:
Wesleyan       +175
Midd               -135
Draw               +200


Conn v Bowdoin----Conn showed me some true grit, desire and guts to come back and beat Williams in a wild game in New London, CT last week. Part of that was due to Williams deficiency in closing out games but a lot of that was Conn's confidence that they were the better team and deserved to win. Clear and simple they wanted that game more. I have not seen many Conn sides that could do that. Usually they would of crumbled. I imagine they have been practicing on their own turf for a week to get ready for Midd's field. I think with their new possession style and passing on the turf might help them speed Bowdoin up more than they want to be sped up. Bowdoin can be very deliberate but they have some talent on the flanks and in midfield. I believe Conn's weakness is their backline. That backline looked shaky at best v Williams and will need to improve if they are to hold off Bowdoin. Bowdoin has a huge advantage in goal especially if this game goes to PK's. I thought Williams missed their PK's more than Conn's GK saved them. I'll take Bowdoin 1-0.


Odds:
Conn              +125
Bowdoin        -110
Draw              +200
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 06, 2015, 01:00:44 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 06, 2015, 10:34:34 AM
That's a great way of putting it. With all of the games that it threw away this year at critical times, it's clear that Williams lacked someone to be able to calm everyone down and keep them focused. Teams with good on-field leaders are able to 1. keep their team from conceding a goal in the last few minute of a period and 2. if they do concede a goal in regulation, they get their team back and focused and avoid conceding another. Now I'm not saying that all goals conceded in the last minute of a game are a result of an incompetent defense or lack of concentration, sometimes it's just a great offensive play, but the number of times that it happened to Williams this year suggests that they lacked a leader to keep them focused in those crucial moments. Despite his team's six losses last year, I would have a hard time believing that Luke Pierce would have let such debacles happen this year - he's the kind of leader that they were crying out for, and it just goes to show how much they missed him.


They conceded goals at all the wrong times: Colby in the last minute of 2OT; Amherst at home in the last minute of 2OT (I know Amherst was applying pressure, but you have to be able to see it out at that point); Bates in the last 2 minutes of regulation; Middlebury in OT; Conn in the last six seconds. That's twice that Williams lost in the final minute of 2OT this year - brutal, but at the same time, as I like to say "if you can't win, then make sure you don't lose."

Had they managed to close out potential wins against Bates, Colby, and Conn, that's 10 wins and suddenly they're looking legit for Pool C with their SOS. In fact, they could have had as many as 12 wins - five of their losses came as a result of goals either conceded late in regulation or in overtime. Just goes to show you that the margins between success and failure are incredibly thin.

I love the Ephmen, but "coulda, woulda, shoulda".  Bill Parcell's once said "you are what your record says you are!", and the Ephs were just OK, nothing special this year, which is exactly what their record reflects for 2015.  Losing so many close games is the sign of a "not so good squad", not a good one....a good one would have at least tied those games.  The loss to Conn although gut wrenching due to the time left would have be an upset as Conn thoroughly outplayed Williams the entire game.  I'm hopeful the Ephmen rebound next year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 06, 2015, 02:05:33 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 06, 2015, 01:00:44 PM
Bill Parcell's once said "you are what your record says you are!", and the Ephs were just OK, nothing special this year, which is exactly what their record reflects for 2015.  Losing so many close games is the sign of a "not so good squad", not a good one....a good one would have at least tied those games.

I think they were more talented than their record suggests, but you're absolutely right — results are results and you have nobody to blame if you don't close out those games.

Looking at this weekend's playoffs:

Middlebury 0-1 Wesleyan - I feel like I say that a team will be "up for" a game too often, but I really mean it with Wesleyan. They got absolutely robbed at home against Middlebury a month ago, and that was the start of a five-game slide. Wesleyan has been hard done by on multiple occasions this season, and make no mistake about it, they are a wounded animal right now, as Amherst found out — the win over Amherst has to be one of the best coaching performances in D3 history due to all of the surrounding circumstances, both tactically and motivation-wise, by Wheeler. And from what I read, it sounded like they were fully in that game against Amherst and fully deserved the result, so all the more impressive that it wasn't a total smash-and-grab fluke result. (Yes, if Wesleyan and Amherst played 10 times, Amherst would probably win 7 or 8, but Wesleyan deserved the result on the day.) Middlebury has been consistent and I've liked their fight, particularly in the latter part of the season, and they absolutely ripped Trinity to shreds last week. Sydor has recovered well from a bit of a mid-season slump, and, let's face it, they haven't lost since the defeat at Tufts in early October. That said, regardless of their record, I think Wesleyan is the superior side - even with the Panthers having Conrad and Glaser. And with the momentum and new-found belief that they'll no doubt possess, I think that will do it. You can never dismiss how much intangibles - mainly the intensity of the postseason and the desire of revenge - will power a team, and I think that could just be enough to do it for Wesleyan in this particular case.

Conn 0-1 Bowdoin - Maybe I'm going too much off historical sentiment, but I like Bowdoin in this one. Not because they beat Conn at their place a few weeks back, but, much like they were last year at this time, Bowdoin has become very hard to beat. We've all gone on about Bowdoin's defensive tendencies, and I saw that Odulate said this week that the team's "first focus as a team is always being defensively solid." (http://bowdoinorient.com/article/10623) And while that's very much a goal of all teams, the fact that it was clearly labeled as their "first focus" is pretty telling. That said, Bowdoin is not a "park the bus" team - they do get forward and go for it when they can. I think that's more a case of Wiercinski knowing how to best use the players that he has than trying to impose his philosophy - UChicago definitely knew how to attack, particularly the 2009 side that won the UAA. Conn, well, I've yet to see a giant-slaying result from them this year. That said, aside from Bowdoin they took care of business against all of the lesser teams in the league, and while they beat Tufts last year in the infamous NESCAC quarterfinal they are 0-3 against the top 3 in the league (to be fair, they had the opposite schedule of Bates, meaning they played all three away) If you had asked me last year who I would have picked in the semi involving Bowdoin, I would have said Middlebury, but the way that Bowdoin won three games on the road was impressive. With the belief they can do it again - and given how hard they are to break down - I say Bowdoin, although I could well be wrong.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 06, 2015, 05:29:26 PM
Neither a #4 nor a #8 seed has ever reached the NESCAC Championship match in the modern era (since 2008).  Nothing will change this time around.

Middlebury 1
Wesleyan 0

Bowdoin 3
Connecticut College 1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2015, 06:47:50 PM
Well in 2005 Wesleyan made a great run as the last seed(then #7) and won the whole tournament and got the AQ.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 06, 2015, 08:40:25 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 06, 2015, 06:47:50 PM
Well in 2005 Wesleyan made a great run as the last seed(then #7) and won the whole tournament and got the AQ.

And, of course, the winner of #6 vs #7 back then automatically drew the #1, which had a bye in the opening round, making Wesleyan's improbable run to the title all the more impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2015, 08:46:46 PM
Nah....You are correct #1 had a bye but is was:

7 v 2
6 v 3
5 v 4

Either way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 07, 2015, 11:12:31 AM
Wesleyan is retaining the ball much better than Middlebury so far. Wes player did really well to win the ball back from the Midd player trying to shepherd it out (that's why you always fight for it,) but then Sousa - from an angle - absolutely shanked a shot over the bar. Awful shot, and while you gotta go for power make sure you get it on frame.

Just as I write this, Conrad blows a big 1-on-1 change with Katkavich. Big let off for Wesleyan. Good contest so far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 11:17:38 AM
Yes a much cleaner game so far than a couple weeks ago.#8 Max Jones for Wesleyan battling hard, however you need to sit on his right foot because his left foot is weak
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 07, 2015, 11:24:34 AM
Great save by Katkavich off the Glaser free-kick. Was probably 25 or so out but he still put good speed and curl on it towards the far corner, and Katkavich managed to hold it as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 11:24:50 AM
Great save for Wesleyan GK Jack Katkavich off a dangerous free kick right outside the box by Adam Glaser
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 11:28:47 AM
Another great chance of a set piece for Midd. They are so dangerous on set pieces.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 11:38:26 AM
Horrible defensive mistake by Wesleyan's Teddy Lyons allows Glaser to play a nice ball to Conrad as he was 1v1 with the GK and Katkavich made another great save but Conrad shot it right at him. After that mistake, Lyons should find his ass on the pine.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 07, 2015, 12:29:22 PM
Could this be any more of a textbook NESCAC semi?  0-0 under 15 to go.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 12:31:59 PM
Yea I mean both teams have had some good chances in the 1st Half but the 2nd Half has slowed down a notch and neither team with many chances. About 10 minutes to go.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on November 07, 2015, 01:34:23 PM
Wesleyan over Middlebury in PKs (5-4) after scoreless tie.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 01:35:26 PM
Wesleyan advances past Midd on PK's to get to the Nescac Final to play the winner of Bowdoin / Conn. Midd will get a Pool C with the draw. Wesleyan's 3rd Kicker missed but the ref gave him a mulligan I am guessing because Sydor jumped early. Definitely controversial.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 07, 2015, 01:43:22 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 01:35:26 PM
Wesleyan advances past Midd on PK's to get to the Nescac Final to play the winner of Bowdoin / Conn. Midd will get a Pool C with the draw. Wesleyan's 3rd Kicker missed but the ref gave him a mulligan I am guessing because Sydor jumped early. Definitely controversial.

Controversial is an understatement. Referee didn't call it; Linesman ruled he was off his line. Late flag, too. Midd bench obviously livid. Wes bench laughing in disbelief. Both coaches said they'd never seen anything like it. Linesman told Saward after the game that he'd be sleeping just fine tonight. Unreal scene.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 07, 2015, 01:45:35 PM
Spotted: Serpone at Brandeis vs. NYU
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 01:45:43 PM
Wow..The camera did not turn to midfield after the game, was Saward bullsh*t and in the refs mug?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 01:47:29 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 07, 2015, 01:45:35 PM
Spotted: Serpone at Brandeis vs. NYU



No problem with that. You have to be prepared just in case they see them down the line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 01:48:02 PM
Bloots,

Is Coven resting guys or is he playing straight up against NYU?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 07, 2015, 01:48:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 01:45:43 PM
Wow..The camera did not turn to midfield after the game, was Saward bullsh*t and in the refs mug?

He was calm, but definitely shared his opinion that he'd never seen anything like it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on November 07, 2015, 01:50:23 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 07, 2015, 01:43:22 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 01:35:26 PM
Wesleyan advances past Midd on PK's to get to the Nescac Final to play the winner of Bowdoin / Conn. Midd will get a Pool C with the draw. Wesleyan's 3rd Kicker missed but the ref gave him a mulligan I am guessing because Sydor jumped early. Definitely controversial.

Controversial is an understatement. Referee didn't call it; Linesman ruled he was off his line. Late flag, too. Midd bench obviously livid. Wes bench laughing in disbelief. Both coaches said they'd never seen anything like it. Linesman told Saward after the game that he'd be sleeping just fine tonight. Unreal scene.
Isn't it the linesman's call? Isn't he the one stationed on the line for PKs to check for just that infraction? Not called much, but is from time to time. I'm surprised that the coaches would say they'd never seen anything like it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 07, 2015, 01:52:25 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 01:47:29 PM
No problem with that. You have to be prepared just in case they see them down the line.
I have no problem with, it I like it! Scouting means that you respect your potential opposition, and I bet Coven will be watching a few games tomorrow.

Playing a mostly senior-laden lineup. Still a strong team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on November 07, 2015, 02:10:15 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 07, 2015, 01:43:22 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 01:35:26 PM
Wesleyan advances past Midd on PK's to get to the Nescac Final to play the winner of Bowdoin / Conn. Midd will get a Pool C with the draw. Wesleyan's 3rd Kicker missed but the ref gave him a mulligan I am guessing because Sydor jumped early. Definitely controversial.

Controversial is an understatement. Referee didn't call it; Linesman ruled he was off his line. Late flag, too. Midd bench obviously livid. Wes bench laughing in disbelief. Both coaches said they'd never seen anything like it. Linesman told Saward after the game that he'd be sleeping just fine tonight. Unreal scene.

(watching on the stream so I can't comment on specifics) but for what it's worth, that is the AR's call to make, that's why he is on the goal line. Again I'm speculating but usually referee crews go over signals for situations like this (I.E. If keeper steps early, the AR moves his flag from the left hand to the right to signal a retake). Obviously raising the flag is one pretty common way to do this, but maybe he re raised his flag late because the Center Ref missed the original signal? And better for the AR to process for the extra second to make sure he gets it right. Again, only watched on the stream, but I'm predisposed to believe the guy who was on the line and watching the line
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 07, 2015, 02:12:01 PM
Quote from: Becks on November 07, 2015, 01:50:23 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 07, 2015, 01:43:22 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 01:35:26 PM
Wesleyan advances past Midd on PK's to get to the Nescac Final to play the winner of Bowdoin / Conn. Midd will get a Pool C with the draw. Wesleyan's 3rd Kicker missed but the ref gave him a mulligan I am guessing because Sydor jumped early. Definitely controversial.

Controversial is an understatement. Referee didn't call it; Linesman ruled he was off his line. Late flag, too. Midd bench obviously livid. Wes bench laughing in disbelief. Both coaches said they'd never seen anything like it. Linesman told Saward after the game that he'd be sleeping just fine tonight. Unreal scene.
Isn't it the linesman's call? Isn't he the one stationed on the line for PKs to check for just that infraction? Not called much, but is from time to time. I'm surprised that the coaches would say they'd never seen anything like it.

Yes, it is the linesmans call--I was just being specific in that it was not the referee who waved the save off. And from what I understand, the rationale given for the alleged infraction could have been flagged on just about any kick, thus the disbelief.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 02:25:34 PM
Ref looked to have an issue with Sydor throughout the PK's. He did not like that Sydor was staring down each Wesleyan kicker. He might have made it a bit personal but know way of knowing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 02:26:18 PM
Bowdoin goes up early on Conn 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 07, 2015, 02:27:27 PM
So who will be left out, Tufts or Middlebury?  Does the NESCAC get 4?   Here's to hoping MIT wins.   The fact that Midd got to PKs makes me now believe they have the upper hand on Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 02:30:23 PM
I think Midd is IN with the draw as I do not see anyone that could pass them except Bowdoin. Tufts is most certainly on the bubble and will be in the First 4 IN or First 4 OUT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 02:34:11 PM
Bowdoin goes up 2-0 on Conn. Conn needs to WAKE UP. They have come out completely flat and must try to get 1 back before halftime.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 02:37:54 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 02:30:23 PM
I think Midd is IN with the draw as I do not see anyone that could pass them except Bowdoin. Tufts is most certainly on the bubble and will be in the First 4 IN or First 4 OUT



Looking at the situation if Bowdoin's scoreline stays the same they will pass Tufts with a win IMO. Another ranked W gives them 3 and they won the head to head battle with Tufts. It is going to get really interesting if they do not win the AQ.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 02:50:22 PM
With a 2-0 Bowdoin lead, Conn is going to HAVE to come out flying 2nd Half and start forcing the issue. Must start sending players forward and pressing and attacking which will leave them exposed. I have a feeling Murphy is going to light into them at Halftime.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 03:31:56 PM
This is a really disappointing effort by Conn today. Bowdoin is just suffocating them today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 07, 2015, 03:45:20 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on November 07, 2015, 02:10:15 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 07, 2015, 01:43:22 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 01:35:26 PM
Wesleyan advances past Midd on PK's to get to the Nescac Final to play the winner of Bowdoin / Conn. Midd will get a Pool C with the draw. Wesleyan's 3rd Kicker missed but the ref gave him a mulligan I am guessing because Sydor jumped early. Definitely controversial.

Controversial is an understatement. Referee didn't call it; Linesman ruled he was off his line. Late flag, too. Midd bench obviously livid. Wes bench laughing in disbelief. Both coaches said they'd never seen anything like it. Linesman told Saward after the game that he'd be sleeping just fine tonight. Unreal scene.

(watching on the stream so I can't comment on specifics) but for what it's worth, that is the AR's call to make, that's why he is on the goal line. Again I'm speculating but usually referee crews go over signals for situations like this (I.E. If keeper steps early, the AR moves his flag from the left hand to the right to signal a retake). Obviously raising the flag is one pretty common way to do this, but maybe he re raised his flag late because the Center Ref missed the original signal? And better for the AR to process for the extra second to make sure he gets it right. Again, only watched on the stream, but I'm predisposed to believe the guy who was on the line and watching the line

Honestly, as I was watching that very kick I thought to myself wow he certainly took a big jump forward right before the kick was struck. Although it is rarely called and I agree that the ref seemed to take issue with middlebury's goalie staring down the opposition, it appeared to be the right call for me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 03:51:24 PM
Yes but that would be a travesty if the ref called that for spite..Which I do not believe happened but still it was most certainly controversial
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on November 07, 2015, 04:12:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 03:31:56 PM
This is a really disappointing effort by Conn today. Bowdoin is just suffocating them today.

Yep, that's what happens when you give up early goals to a team with a great defense. Conn gave it a go in the 2nd half but Bowdoin's backline locked down and Conn was only able to generate half chances. Leon had a good opportunity early on in the 2nd half, but that's about all Conn could muster.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 06:35:51 PM
If Bowdoin can find a goal or 2 each game their season is going to continue a few more weeks. Win or lose they are getting In and likely will jump Tufts and maybe even Midd. If MIT and UMASS Boston get the AQ's then Nescac has a chance for 3 Pool C's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 07, 2015, 06:38:41 PM
This is quite the setup. So Tufts pretty much has to root for Bowdoin, MIT, and UMASS-Boston to all win tomorrow to have any chance? (Fun fact: Bowdoin's record is 9-3-4; Tufts 9-4-3.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 06:47:00 PM
Tufts does have the 2nd best SOS in the country but they are sweating for sure. If Wesleyan wins there is no way Nescac gets 4 Pool C's. Amherst, Midd, Bowdoin, Tufts. 3 Pool C's are definite IMO but 4 is a stretch and Tufts will be the one left out especially with Midd drawing today. A loss might of had them sweating also.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 07, 2015, 06:47:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 06:35:51 PM
If Bowdoin can find a goal or 2 each game their season is going to continue a few more weeks. Win or lose they are getting In and likely will jump Tufts and maybe even Midd. If MIT and UMASS Boston get the AQ's then Nescac has a chance for 3 Pool C's.

I think the only way Bowdoin can jump Midd is if the Polar Bears tie Wes and lose in PKs (thus not earning the AQ). Even then, I'm not sure it would happen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 07, 2015, 06:56:08 PM
Bowdoin must be the definition of efficient.  4 shots, 2 goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 07, 2015, 06:56:36 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 06:47:00 PM
Tufts does have the 2nd best SOS in the country but they are sweating for sure. If Wesleyan wins there is no way Nescac gets 4 Pool C's. Amherst, Midd, Bowdoin, Tufts. 3 Pool C's are definite IMO but 4 is a stretch and Tufts will be the one left out especially with Midd drawing today. A loss might of had them sweating also.

What about the fact tha Tufts beat Middlebury? Given that and their way harder schedule could they squeeze out Middlebury?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 07, 2015, 06:57:47 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 07, 2015, 06:56:08 PM
Bowdoin must be the definition of efficient.  4 shots, 2 goals.

It was even worse when they beat Tufts... That's how they do it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 07, 2015, 07:02:26 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 07, 2015, 06:56:36 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 06:47:00 PM
Tufts does have the 2nd best SOS in the country but they are sweating for sure. If Wesleyan wins there is no way Nescac gets 4 Pool C's. Amherst, Midd, Bowdoin, Tufts. 3 Pool C's are definite IMO but 4 is a stretch and Tufts will be the one left out especially with Midd drawing today. A loss might of had them sweating also.

What about the fact tha Tufts beat Middlebury? Given that and their way harder schedule could they squeeze out Middlebury?

Tufts was one place behind Midd in this week's regional rankings. Does a tie result (PK loss) in the semifinals drop them below Tufts, who was idle? That's what we're asking here. Hard to move a team down with a tie or a team up when they were idle. But it could happen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 07, 2015, 07:10:26 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 07, 2015, 07:02:26 PM
What about the fact tha Tufts beat Middlebury? Given that and their way harder schedule could they squeeze out Middlebury?

Don't think so. Tufts did have a much harder schedule, to be fair to Midd, they're 13-2-2 to Tufts' 9-4-3, and they advanced one round further in the NESCAC tournament than did the Jumbos. That said, you never know, and I recently advocated that Tufts should get in - however, they only have themselves to blame if they don't.

This will have to be one of the most unpredictable selection shows ever.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 07, 2015, 07:19:34 PM
Might come down to whether MIT can get their AQ.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 07:22:18 PM
UMASS Boston helps everyone out with their AQ. I think MIT will also get the AQ as they are a much better team than Babson. Babson is going to be sitting 10 deep you can be sure of that which might frustrate MIT but it will not matter.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 07, 2015, 07:26:14 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 07, 2015, 07:19:34 PM
Might come down to whether MIT can get their AQ.

And even then, the big question is will they go four teams deep in the NESCAC? They did three years ago when Tufts took an undefeated Williams team to PKs and Wesleyan lost 1-0 to an undefeated Amherst, but the committee might feel differently this year especially considering, in addition to their good-but-not-great record, Tufts was knocked out in the quarters.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 07:29:49 PM
I just think there have been to many upsets around the country for Nescac to get 4 Pool C's. Midd and Tufts should be rooting hard for the Polar Bears and the AQ
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 07, 2015, 07:35:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 07:29:49 PM
I just think there have been to many upsets around the country for Nescac to get 4 Pool C's. Midd and Tufts should be rooting hard for the Polar Bears and the AQ

Highly doubt they'd give out four Pool Cs; I meant "four deep" as the AQ + 3 Pool Cs. In my book they'll definitely go three, so AQ + Amherst and Midd, but that third potential Pool C could either end up being Tufts (if Bowdoin wins) or Bowdoin (if Wesleyan wins.)

Even if Bowdoin wins, there is the possibility they just go "three deep," so AQ + 2 Pool Cs, in which case Tufts would likely be out. Unpredictable for sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 07:40:11 PM
Nah...The way the rankings are in New England and IF MIT gets it done tomorrow then there most definitely will be the AQ plus 3 Pool C's. I think that win for Bowdoin over a ranked Conn teams gives them 3 ranked wins. So if Wesleyan gets the AQ I believe Bowdoin will get the Pool C over Tufts. Amherst and Midd are safe IMO
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 07, 2015, 07:42:32 PM
Right, but if Bowdoin wins and MIT wins as expected then Tufts would be safe, yes?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2015, 07:44:12 PM
IDK safe is not a word I would use but they might just sneak in. I think they will be out if Wesleyan wins
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on November 08, 2015, 01:52:39 PM
Talk about a risk-averse first 90 minutes. I guess that's to be expected with defensive minded teams like Wes and Bowdoin. Interesting to see if teams take more chances in extra time
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACGUY on November 08, 2015, 02:03:45 PM
So...final predictions on which NESCAC teams will get bids?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 08, 2015, 02:15:26 PM
When are the bids announced?  Sunday or Monday?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACGUY on November 08, 2015, 02:26:31 PM
1:30 EST on Monday
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 08, 2015, 04:39:18 PM
Now that NESCAC games are over , what are people's predictions on the conference teams, POY, ROY and COY?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on November 08, 2015, 05:48:48 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 08, 2015, 04:39:18 PM
Now that NESCAC games are over , what are people's predictions on the conference teams, POY, ROY and COY?

Are POY, ROY, etc. votes submitted before or after the conference tournament?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 08, 2015, 05:50:18 PM
Quote from: dacac on November 08, 2015, 05:48:48 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 08, 2015, 04:39:18 PM
Now that NESCAC games are over , what are people's predictions on the conference teams, POY, ROY and COY?

Are POY, ROY, etc. votes submitted before or after the conference tournament?

Before.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 08, 2015, 06:25:03 PM
Congrats to Bowdoin. And unlike last year's semis and final, they scored goals in both games! ;)

Who would have predicted they'd win another NESCAC title a year later? Not any of us, methinks, but that's why they play the games and the Polar Bears got it done. They play with defensive solidity, but they do go forward well and I have been impressed with their offense the last month or so.

Have to think that Tufts is safe with Bowdoin winning the AQ, but they'll be sweating since MIT lost in the NEWMAC final.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACGUY on November 08, 2015, 06:34:45 PM
I think the question is: Tufts, Middlebury, or both?

Thoughts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 08, 2015, 06:39:07 PM
Quote from: NESCACGUY on November 08, 2015, 06:34:45 PM
I think the question is: Tufts, Middlebury, or both?

Thoughts?

I think that Bowdoin winning initially had us thinking "both," and I personally have a feeling they'll take both, but MIT losing throws a monkeywrench into it. If it comes down to "which" of the two, then it has to be Middlebury.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 08, 2015, 07:13:13 PM
Quote from: NESCACGUY on November 08, 2015, 06:34:45 PM
I think the question is: Tufts, Middlebury, or both?

Thoughts?

Middlebury's in. Tufts is sweating due to MIT loss. I'm thinking they're either last in or first out. It's that close.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on November 08, 2015, 08:35:15 PM
Here is a link to video of the Jones' winning goal for Bowdoin in OT (http://athletics.bowdoin.edu/sports/msoc/2015-16/releases/20151108o0zoea). Nice finish by Jones and a pretty good free kick by Van Siclen to make it possible (he got the assist on the goal).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 09:16:34 AM
Great goal but Wesleyan's RB caught napping and Jones slipped in behind him to finish Wesleyan's season. Great goal and if we look back into August I was the only ONE predicting Bowdoin finishing Top 3. Everyone else scoffed. I'll give myself a kiss on the shoulder now
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 10:17:04 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 09:16:34 AM
Great goal but Wesleyan's RB caught napping and Jones slipped in behind him to finish Wesleyan's season. Great goal and if we look back into August I was the only ONE predicting Bowdoin finishing Top 3. Everyone else scoffed. I'll give myself a kiss on the shoulder now

But they didn't finish top 3; they finished 6.  ;)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 10:18:39 AM
I still gave myself a kiss and if anyone else feels the urge I am available
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2015, 10:27:42 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 10:18:39 AM
I still gave myself a kiss and if anyone else feels the urge I am available

Sure, but I'm guessing the Russian gal would be better.

And what do I get for calling the MIT loss?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 09, 2015, 11:24:21 AM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 08, 2015, 04:39:18 PM
Now that NESCAC games are over , what are people's predictions on the conference teams, POY, ROY and COY?

POY: 1) NPL, 2) Kayne, 3) Majumder
COY 1) Wiercinski, 2) Serpone
ROY:  ?????
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 11:48:20 AM
ROY is Wesleyan's Paiz-Martinez
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 09, 2015, 11:51:26 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 11:48:20 AM
ROY is Wesleyan's Paiz-Martinez

Good choice... What about POY and COY?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 11:53:36 AM
POY- NPL
COY-Wiercinski
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 09, 2015, 11:56:34 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 11:53:36 AM
POY- NPL
COY-Wiercinski

Consensus.... too bad, they don't breakdown awards even further like, best defender, best goalie, best offensive player, best all-around player....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 12:08:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 11:48:20 AM
ROY is Wesleyan's Paiz-Martinez

I second that nomination. It was a pleasure to watch him play this weekend; the kid is so smooth and deft with the ball.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 12:10:28 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 11:53:36 AM
POY- NPL
COY-Wiercinski

Coach of the Year should be Wiercinski if they vote after the tournament. But I had heard that all voting is done between regular season and tournament. If so, then Serpone.

I guess this choice will be definitive as to the time-frame of voting!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2015, 12:16:50 PM
POY - NPL
COY - Wiercinski (dependent on voting timeline)
ROY - Martinez-Paiz
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 09, 2015, 12:17:23 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 12:10:28 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 11:53:36 AM
POY- NPL
COY-Wiercinski

Coach of the Year should be Wiercinski if they vote after the tournament. But I had heard that all voting is done between regular season and tournament. If so, then Serpone.

I guess this choice will be definitive as to the time-frame of voting!

Yes, if you base this on predictions, however, I am basing it on who I think deserves it...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 09, 2015, 12:47:00 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 11:48:20 AM
ROY is Wesleyan's Paiz-Martinez

what about Conn's Leon for ROY...surely he deserves strong consideration with 6 goals and 2 assists (most of them in NESCAC competition)....Paiz-Martinez had 1 goal 5 assists.  Conn probably doesn't make the NESCAC playoffs if Leon and his other freshman striker mate Lockwood combine for 11 goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2015, 01:08:34 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 09, 2015, 12:47:00 PM
what about Conn's Leon for ROY...surely he deserves strong consideration with 6 goals and 2 assists (most of them in NESCAC competition)....Paiz-Martinez had 1 goal 5 assists.  Conn probably doesn't make the NESCAC playoffs if Leon and his other freshman striker mate Lockwood combine for 11 goals.

Certainly a good point, and I watched both players this year. Leon was excellent, and he would be my next choice after Martinez-Paiz.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 01:19:09 PM
Surprisingly, Leon went under the radar and was not heavily recruited by other Nescac's from what I hear.



Also,

Rumor has it that Tufts landed a STUD of a recruit out of Jersey. More on this later.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2015, 01:39:20 PM
Tufts is in. Also, lol @ the pronunciation of Majumder.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 01:41:01 PM
No Middlebury.

Stunned.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2015, 01:41:30 PM
Holy cow. No Middlebury?! That is a shocker. Even with the H2H loss I still would have picked Middlebury objectively. Wow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 01:43:00 PM
That is really bad. I can see if they lost to Wesleyan but they drew. RPI over Midd is a tough one
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 01:47:05 PM
We can argue Tufts or Middlebury over and over. Frankly, I'm surprised Tufts would jump Middlebury in the rankings, on a week when the Jumbos were idle and the Panthers earned a tie result. Makes me wonder if the unconscious defending champ bias came into play.

But what is unconscionable, in my mind, is selecting RPI over Middlebury. Both must have been sitting at the top of each region at that point, and the committee went with RPI.

And this makes that linesman decision to wave off a Sydor PK save even harder to stomach.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2015, 01:49:19 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 01:47:05 PM
Makes me wonder if the unconscious defending champ bias came into play.
Have to think it did, even though it shouldn't have. And this is coming from someone who enjoys watching Tufts play.

Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 01:47:05 PM
But what is unconscionable, in my mind, is selecting RPI over Middlebury. Both must have been sitting at the top of each region at that point, and the committee went with RPI.

And this makes that linesman decision to wave off a Sydor PK save even harder to stomach.
Both of those things were shockers. Really awful. Sorry mate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 01:51:13 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 09, 2015, 01:49:19 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 01:47:05 PM
Makes me wonder if the unconscious defending champ bias came into play.
Have to think it did, even though it shouldn't have. And this is coming from someone who enjoys watching Tufts play.

Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 01:47:05 PM
But what is unconscionable, in my mind, is selecting RPI over Middlebury. Both must have been sitting at the top of each region at that point, and the committee went with RPI.

And this makes that linesman decision to wave off a Sydor PK save even harder to stomach.
Both of those things were shockers. Really awful. Sorry mate.

Thx...appreciate it. +k.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 01:52:13 PM
Nah...Tufts deserved it with the SOS.....This absolutely is telling Middlebury YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE STATE OF VT and play decent teams out of conference
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on November 09, 2015, 01:58:17 PM
Bucket, disappointing ....perhaps weaker Mid schedule that included wins over Green Mountain 10-0, Colby-Sawyer 6-0, and Plymouth State 5-0, narrow win over Castleton State 2-1 offset close loses to Tufts and the Moose. Sometimes same issue in basketball due in part to Vermont location.

Yet, RPI schedule also weak in first three games of the season versus Lyndon State, Mount St. Mary, and Sage.

Hard to figure .... we still respect Panther Pride!

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on November 09, 2015, 02:01:35 PM
Interesting that Mr. Right and I had the same thought which he posted his first while I was typing my post ....Two astute (and modest) observers, I guess....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 02:05:45 PM
This is why in August I clamored with that schedule of Midd's you would have to beat some Top 5 Nescac teams. The wins v Conn, Williams and Wes did them nothing this year. The lost to Amherst and Tufts and drew Bowdoin. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 09, 2015, 02:57:37 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 01:47:05 PM
We can argue Tufts or Middlebury over and over. Frankly, I'm surprised Tufts would jump Middlebury in the rankings, on a week when the Jumbos were idle and the Panthers earned a tie result. Makes me wonder if the unconscious defending champ bias came into play.

But what is unconscionable, in my mind, is selecting RPI over Middlebury. Both must have been sitting at the top of each region at that point, and the committee went with RPI.

And this makes that linesman decision to wave off a Sydor PK save even harder to stomach.

Obviously, I agree with this.  And, like I said before, the head-to-head loss to Tufts may have been a deciding factor....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 09, 2015, 02:58:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 01:52:13 PM
Nah...Tufts deserved it with the SOS.....This absolutely is telling Middlebury YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE STATE OF VT and play decent teams out of conference
That may be true but RPI???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 09, 2015, 03:06:16 PM
This is the CAC board? :)
Amherst received a bye and will host a 2nd round NCAA game on Sunday, the 15th.  Being a NCAA post season game, guess there will be fees to attend.  parking should be ok but a long walk to the fields due to dorm construction taking former spaces.  Seems there will also be a women's game around....but No football game.  Football game in Willytown and the women's volleyball team will play at MIT in a NCAA post season match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 03:28:29 PM
The good news is that Midd only loses Deklan Robinson. They are extremely junior heavy this year so next year should be their year. After that they could be rebuilding for a while. Still a tough way to end your career. I actually thought they had a chance at hosting RD64 / RD32
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2015, 04:28:26 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 01:52:13 PM
Nah...Tufts deserved it with the SOS.....This absolutely is telling Middlebury YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE STATE OF VT and play decent teams out of conference

I would love to see Midd play Plattsburgh and RPI instead of Green Mountain and Castleton, and I truly hope this happens.

But Midd's strength of schedule is not as big an albatross as you make it out to be: It was higher than Amherst's. It was higher than MIT's. It was higher than U-Mass-Boston's. It was higher than Bowdoin's. In fact, in the New England rankings, only two teams had a higher SOS: Brandeis and Tufts. We'r not talking about Endicott's .505 SOS here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 09, 2015, 05:02:52 PM
Been reading the various soccer boards to make sense of some of the brackets in the NCAA tourney. Realize that the soccer world is even harder to understand than the basketball post season brackets.
Went to the Div 3 NCAA site and looked at the last soccer regional rankings listed...Nov.4. 
Went to the the NE regional rankings....Brandeis first, Amherst 2nd.  It was surprising to see Midd Higher than Tuft's... 4th and 5th, I recall. Both way ahead of Bowdoin....but Bowdoin did get the AQ.
Something must have moved Tuft's over Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 09, 2015, 05:16:37 PM
Haven't done the homework but could be RvR?
(or the idea that they get the golden brush with last year's championship trophy as some have speculated might happen?)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 09, 2015, 11:45:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2015, 11:53:36 AM
POY- NPL
COY-Wiercinski

POY KAYNE
COY WIERCINSKI
ROY PAIZ MARTINEZ
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerTroll on November 10, 2015, 10:47:09 AM
Middlebury loss to Tufts and "defending champs" propelled Tufts in. SOS might have been the tiniest of factors. Tufts down the stretch had no offense and will need to throw some bodies forward with Majumder to keep their heads above water and score some goals in the tourney.  Shapiro needs to change something to get this offense jump started. Amherst slowing down at end of season into Conf tourney makes me wonder. Bowdoin would be an interesting pick to go far, but not sure how they stack up out of conference. I will be glued to computer as the tourney rolls on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2015, 10:59:52 AM
That pod at MIT might have 3 games with a TOTAL OF 1 GOAL if we are lucky. Stalemates abound
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 10, 2015, 11:14:15 AM
Quote from: SoccerTroll on November 10, 2015, 10:47:09 AM
Middlebury loss to Tufts and "defending champs" propelled Tufts in. SOS might have been the tiniest of factors. Tufts down the stretch had no offense and will need to throw some bodies forward with Majumder to keep their heads above water and score some goals in the tourney.  Shapiro needs to change something to get this offense jump started. Amherst slowing down at end of season into Conf tourney makes me wonder. Bowdoin would be an interesting pick to go far, but not sure how they stack up out of conference. I will be glued to computer as the tourney rolls on.

Having watched Bowdoin a number of times, I would say that Bowdoin could very well hang with and beat anyone perhaps ranked 20-25 nationally. That's why I'm most intrigued at the prospect of an MIT vs. Bowdoin game in the Second Round - two teams with good attacks that are tough to break down. I might even fancy Bowdoin in that game due to their being battle-tested against the rest of the NESCAC (although it's worth mentioning that MIT's once-terrible SOS of .497 has improved to .543.) Bingham up front for MIT is a lot to handle, but he has been kept completely quiet by a few sides this year. Could be one of the standout Second Round fixtures of the whole tournament.

Majumder is a great striker but while Connor Brown is still around Majumder doesn't have the supporting cast that Hoppenot did last year - most notably Santos to score the goals. To be fair to the rest of the Tufts team, Kayne has been feeding Majumder from his CM position all season, so it's not so much the supply as the finishing that's the problem. On their day, they're unstoppable - e.g. winning away at Williams 3-0 - but then other days they can't get one past an average Bates side. Confounding.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 10, 2015, 11:25:57 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 10, 2015, 11:14:15 AM
Quote from: SoccerTroll on November 10, 2015, 10:47:09 AM
Middlebury loss to Tufts and "defending champs" propelled Tufts in. SOS might have been the tiniest of factors. Tufts down the stretch had no offense and will need to throw some bodies forward with Majumder to keep their heads above water and score some goals in the tourney.  Shapiro needs to change something to get this offense jump started. Amherst slowing down at end of season into Conf tourney makes me wonder. Bowdoin would be an interesting pick to go far, but not sure how they stack up out of conference. I will be glued to computer as the tourney rolls on.

Having watched Bowdoin a number of times, I would say that Bowdoin could very well hang with and beat anyone perhaps ranked 20-25 nationally. That's why I'm most intrigued at the prospect of an MIT vs. Bowdoin game in the Second Round - two teams with good attacks that are tough to break down. I might even fancy Bowdoin in that game due to their being battle-tested against the rest of the NESCAC (although it's worth mentioning that MIT's once-terrible SOS of .497 has improved to .543.) Bingham up front for MIT is a lot to handle, but he has been kept completely quiet by a few sides this year. Could be one of the standout Second Round fixtures of the whole tournament.

Majumder is a great striker but while Connor Brown is still around Majumder doesn't have the supporting cast that Hoppenot did last year - most notably Santos to score the goals. To be fair to the rest of the Tufts team, Kayne has been feeding Majumder from his CM position all season, so it's not so much the supply as the finishing that's the problem. On their day, they're unstoppable - e.g. winning away at Williams 3-0 - but then other days they can't get one past an average Bates side. Confounding.

Definitely agree with the Bowdoin analysis.  The one thing that could go against them is if their opponent scores early, whether by fluke or earned goal.  I don't see them as a come from behind team.  Regarding Tufts, they have the same issue of last year.  No one predicted them to do anything for the same reasons, that they had the talent but didn't know what team would show up.  It would be nice if they had another scoring target, like Middlebury does, so they will have to get goals from other sources (which they have definitely done at times).  I stated earlier that NPL should get POY but I wouldn't be surprised if Kayne got it, as he is excellent on both defense and offense, and makes the Jumbos tick.  He and the other Jumbos will have to step it up again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerTroll on November 10, 2015, 11:49:34 AM
NESCAC so defense minded, it is hard to see technically talented players flourish. That is partly how Amherst gets to you, physical D and some technical offense on the counter. Tufts and Bowdoin need to find the sleeper in their midst, that technical unknown on the team that can make moves, create space and pass/score to compliment Majumder. 9 back on D makes it far too lonely for Majumder and Kayne/Brown aren't the answer and haven't been this season. Tufts and Bowdoin need to find the sleeper on their teams and another NCAA gear to get it done and go deep.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2015, 12:05:21 PM
Bowdoin has Van Siclien. As long as he is playing well they will not have to score many goals. They have a great advantage in PK's. You are correct though if they do fall behind 1-0 they will be in trouble
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 10, 2015, 12:14:33 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 10, 2015, 11:25:57 AM
Definitely agree with the Bowdoin analysis.  The one thing that could go against them is if their opponent scores early, whether by fluke or earned goal.  I don't see them as a come from behind team.

Good point. I'd also say that they tend to get worn down by more skilled sides over the course of the game, even if they manage to keep it 0-0. They defended well at Amherst for 80 minutes this year before eventually losing 1-0 due to Amherst's superior pressure which paid off in the last 10 minutes. Last year, when I saw them against Brandeis in the NCAA 2nd Round, they were forced to defend for most of the game, and did it well, but eventually Brandeis' superior speed and skill told the difference and the Judges scored with 15 minutes left and won 1-0. And while these are only two incidences of that, I'd say that when good teams come at you with wave after wave of attack and you're on the back foot, it can be hard to sustain that defensive solidity and, chances are, the better team breaks through more often than not. But Mr.Right is correct, with Van Siclen back there they'll be in any game that they enter.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 10, 2015, 12:15:02 PM
Quote from: SoccerTroll on November 10, 2015, 11:49:34 AM
NESCAC so defense minded, it is hard to see technically talented players flourish. That is partly how Amherst gets to you, physical D and some technical offense on the counter. Tufts and Bowdoin need to find the sleeper in their midst, that technical unknown on the team that can make moves, create space and pass/score to compliment Majumder. 9 back on D makes it far too lonely for Majumder and Kayne/Brown aren't the answer and haven't been this season. Tufts and Bowdoin need to find the sleeper on their teams and another NCAA gear to get it done and go deep.

Disagree with your first sentence.  I have seen several players flourish and with technical skill.... Amherst?  Will they get the NCAA Monkey off their back?  They definitely have the talent but will they finish?  That's the $100,000.00 question......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerTroll on November 10, 2015, 05:42:22 PM
Tufts road to Championship went through Messiah last year. Scored in first minute then held on white knuckle screaming and kicking for 89 minutes. D3 is about defense, so the team with the best counter and tenacity will carry the day. A little luck isn't a bad thing either.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 10, 2015, 06:46:47 PM
Quote from: SoccerTroll on November 10, 2015, 05:42:22 PM
Tufts road to Championship went through Messiah last year. Scored in first minute then held on white knuckle screaming and kicking for 89 minutes. D3 is about defense, so the team with the best counter and tenacity will carry the day. A little luck isn't a bad thing either.

You gotta have some luck to win a championship. Tufts had some luck in that game - they had to defend for 89:07, and they were bailed out on different occasiosn by the crossbar, a wonder save from Greenwood, and a goal-saving tackle from Zach Halliday after the Messiah player had beat Greenwood 1-v-1. That being said, if you score a wonder goal against Messiah in the first minute and can hold on for 89 minutes, you deserve it 100% regardless of luck.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 10, 2015, 06:49:59 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 10, 2015, 06:46:47 PM
Quote from: SoccerTroll on November 10, 2015, 05:42:22 PM
Tufts road to Championship went through Messiah last year. Scored in first minute then held on white knuckle screaming and kicking for 89 minutes. D3 is about defense, so the team with the best counter and tenacity will carry the day. A little luck isn't a bad thing either.

You gotta have some luck to win a championship. Tufts had some luck in that game - they had to defend for 89:07, and they were bailed out on different occasiosn by the crossbar, a wonder save from Greenwood, and a goal-saving tackle from Zach Halliday after the Messiah player had beat Greenwood 1-v-1. That being said, if you score a wonder goal against Messiah in the first minute and can hold on for 89 minutes, you deserve it 100% regardless of luck.

Tufts also missed a couple of gimme's in the second half... I can remember to great passes by Kayne to hoppenot for one on one chances that were shanked. Yes, Tufts had to defend the whole first half but played equally as well or better than Messiah in the secnd half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 10, 2015, 06:51:54 PM
Quote from: SoccerTroll on November 10, 2015, 05:42:22 PM
Tufts road to Championship went through Messiah last year. Scored in first minute then held on white knuckle screaming and kicking for 89 minutes. D3 is about defense, so the team with the best counter and tenacity will carry the day. A little luck isn't a bad thing either.

And Troll.. what about The Giant Slayer goal?  It was exceptional, as even note by the Messiah coach...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 10, 2015, 07:26:37 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 10, 2015, 06:51:54 PM
And Troll.. what about The Giant Slayer goal?  It was exceptional, as even note by the Messiah coach...

Ok, ok...serious question, when did "The Giant Slayer Goal" become a proper noun/trademark? I mean, it's an accurate description, but where did that phrase come from? (Genuinely curious, because I've seen it on countless occasions.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 10, 2015, 09:45:33 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 10, 2015, 07:26:37 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 10, 2015, 06:51:54 PM
And Troll.. what about The Giant Slayer goal?  It was exceptional, as even note by the Messiah coach...

Ok, ok...serious question, when did "The Giant Slayer Goal" become a proper noun/trademark? I mean, it's an accurate description, but where did that phrase come from? (Genuinely curious, because I've seen it on countless occasions.)

I don't know where it came from, but it fits so nicely :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2015, 10:18:11 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 10, 2015, 06:49:59 PM
Tufts also missed a couple of gimme's in the second half... I can remember to great passes by Kayne to hoppenot for one on one chances that were shanked. Yes, Tufts had to defend the whole first half but played equally as well or better than Messiah in the secnd half.

Just reading this now. Not sure that I agree they were equal to or better than Messiah in the second half - I counted about four or five clear-cut chances for Messiah to Tufts' one or two. Regardless, we can agree to disagree, but what I will say is that Tufts deserved it, and I was happy that they were the NESCAC's representative in the Final 4.

Still want to know where the "Giant Slayer" term came from. ;) Please do let me know if you ever find out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 10:26:37 AM
Nah I agree 2nd Half Tufts had some great chances ONLY because Messiah was PUSHING #'s forward. Santos was the MVP of that whole run. That is what Tufts is missing. They do not have a Santos for defenses to watch. They are much easier to defend than last year. They are not much easier to break down but they are easier to defend. Unless Conor Brown shows up and Majumder is finishing this Tufts side will not get out of the 1st weekend. Now had Tufts finished strong they would of had Bowdoin's draw and I would have given them a great chance for the Elite 8. However, with the games being on turf this might actually help Tufts in attack and their speed on the flanks will be helped.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2015, 11:33:33 AM
Think Van Siclen should make at least 2nd team All-NESCAC. Bull and Sydor are the top two GKs IMHO, but I think Van Siclen is on the same level as Greenwood and I would personally say has been better this year. He was let down by his defense earlier in the year, but played well throughout the season and didn't give up a single goal in the NESCAC tourney. Has a GAA of 0.39, which is only second in the NESCAC to Bull's 0.24.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 11:40:04 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 11, 2015, 11:33:33 AM
Think Van Siclen should make at least 2nd team All-NESCAC. Bull and Sydor are the top two GKs IMHO, but I think Van Siclen is on the same level as Greenwood and I would personally say has been better this year. He was let down by his defense earlier in the year, but played well throughout the season and didn't give up a single goal in the NESCAC tourney. Has a GAA of 0.39, which is only second in the NESCAC to Bull's 0.24.

Certainly a good argument!  When are the selections announced?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2015, 11:42:28 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 11:40:04 AM
Certainly a good argument!  When are the selections announced?

Not sure, but I think tomorrow. Looking at the press release, last year was 11/13 (Thursday before NCAAs) and tomorrow would be the same corresponding date/week. UAA seems to announce their All-Conference squads on the same day as well - anyone know why Thursday?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:42:34 AM
Yes but he is helped a nudge by Bowdoin's deliberate style. After Bowdoin's great NCAA Final 4 run in 2010 they had a 2-3 year nightmare in GOAL before Van Siclien arrived. They had some great teams with some horrible goaltending that really HURT them from 2011-2013. That was on O'Leary for not recruiting a legit GK and I believe they even had to beg an average at best GK Will Wise who was a Lax player to play in net. They are very happy Van Siclien is in Brunswick for another 2 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 11:45:18 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 10:26:37 AM
Nah I agree 2nd Half Tufts had some great chances ONLY because Messiah was PUSHING #'s forward. Santos was the MVP of that whole run. That is what Tufts is missing. They do not have a Santos for defenses to watch. They are much easier to defend than last year. They are not much easier to break down but they are easier to defend. Unless Conor Brown shows up and Majumder is finishing this Tufts side will not get out of the 1st weekend. Now had Tufts finished strong they would of had Bowdoin's draw and I would have given them a great chance for the Elite 8. However, with the games being on turf this might actually help Tufts in attack and their speed on the flanks will be helped.

Good Analysis RIGHT......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:45:26 AM
yes usually the Thursday before NCAA's the Nescac teams are announced followed by an OUTCRY of Amherst players / alums questioning why a lot of their players have been left off. Coaches screwing Amherst this way and that. Will that trend continue this year?


                                                                               Yes           -125
                                                                                No           +115
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 11:46:20 AM
 
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:45:26 AM
yes usually the Thursday before NCAA's the Nescac teams are announced followed by an OUTCRY of Amherst players / alums questioning why a lot of their players have been left off. Coaches screwing Amherst this way and that. Will that trend continue this year?


                                                                               Yes           -125
                                                                                No           +115

:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 11:47:12 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:45:26 AM
yes usually the Thursday before NCAA's the Nescac teams are announced followed by an OUTCRY of Amherst players / alums questioning why a lot of their players have been left off. Coaches screwing Amherst this way and that. Will that trend continue this year?


                                                                               Yes           -125
                                                                                No           +115

RIGHT, thoughts on First Team???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2015, 11:47:28 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:42:34 AM
Yes but he is helped a nudge by Bowdoin's deliberate style. After Bowdoin's great NCAA Final 4 run in 2010 they had a 2-3 year nightmare in GOAL before Van Siclien arrived. They had some great teams with some horrible goaltending that really HURT them from 2011-2013. That was on O'Leary for not recruiting a legit GK and I believe they even had to beg an average at best GK Will Wise who was a Lax player to play in net. They are very happy Van Siclien is in Brunswick for another 2 years.

Certainly a fair point that Bowdoin's style helps him out, but his record - especially in PKs - is commendable. Dan Hicks was a good goalkeeper and was commanding, but you're right, there did seem to be a void for a while.

I was impressed by Van Siclen last year, not just because of the PK saves but the way he commanded his box so well for a first-year, and he's improved this year. Perhaps Bowdoin will even begin to  take more risks offensively since they have the confidence of having him back there. I don't mean to sound premature, and this is totally speculation, but if he continues to improve I think he could be an All-American by his senior year - he's got serious talent. That said, he also plays hockey, but with the competitiveness of the Bowdoin soccer program and his huge role in that success, he may well shift his attention to the pitch. We'll have to see.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 11:48:45 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 11, 2015, 11:47:28 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:42:34 AM
Yes but he is helped a nudge by Bowdoin's deliberate style. After Bowdoin's great NCAA Final 4 run in 2010 they had a 2-3 year nightmare in GOAL before Van Siclien arrived. They had some great teams with some horrible goaltending that really HURT them from 2011-2013. That was on O'Leary for not recruiting a legit GK and I believe they even had to beg an average at best GK Will Wise who was a Lax player to play in net. They are very happy Van Siclien is in Brunswick for another 2 years.

Certainly a fair point that Bowdoin's style helps him out, but his record - especially in PKs - is commendable. Dan Hicks was a good goalkeeper and was commanding, but you're right, there did seem to be a void for a while.

I was impressed by Van Siclen last year, not just because of the PK saves but the way he commanded his box so well for a first-year, and he's improved this year. Perhaps Bowdoin will even begin to  take some risks offensively since they have the confidence of having him back there. I don't mean to sound premature, and this is totally speculation, but if he continues to improve I think he could be an All-American by his senior year - he's got serious talent. That said, he also plays hockey, but with the competitiveness of the Bowdoin soccer program and his huge role in that success, he may well shift his attention to the pitch. We'll have to see.

Speaking of All-Americans, how many will the NESCAC get???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:51:13 AM
Well I have said many times he is a D1 Keeper that should be in the Ivies or even a BC but they they all stayed away because of the 2 ACL's he had before college. Coaches figure with that injury will 1. Either come more injuries or 2. He cannot get low quick enough. He has proven them all wrong so far. Even a couple top Nescac sides stayed away and with him liking / playing hockey I imagine that is why he chose Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2015, 11:59:46 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:51:13 AM
Well I have said many times he is a D1 Keeper that should be in the Ivies or even a BC but they they all stayed away because of the 2 ACL's he had before college. Coaches figure with that injury will 1. Either come more injuries or 2. He cannot get low quick enough. He has proven them all wrong so far. Even a couple top Nescac sides stayed away and with him liking / playing hockey I imagine that is why he chose Bowdoin.

Good point. Wiercinski made a comment last year about how he supports the two-sport athlete, and I bet a lot of other coaches probably wouldn't be so open to the idea. But if the kid is doing well in both sports and neither is detrimental, then who cares?

Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 11:48:45 AM
Speaking of All-Americans, how many will the NESCAC get???

Oomf. Tough question. Amherst could have as many as three - my guess is that NPL will be on the 1st Team, and depending on how things end up Bull could be an AA selection too. Maybe even Martin? Personally I would have Kayne as an All-American because I think he is a fantastic player, but the stats monkeys might not like his one goal and two assists. That said, if you've watched Tufts you know that he is absolutely what makes him tick, and I think he's their best player. Majumder has to be given some consideration with nine goals and five game-winners in a tough league. Conrad was an All-American last year and had more goals this year so could be considered too.

Final guess: 4 between the three teams, with NPL on the first team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2015, 12:06:57 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 11:48:45 AM

Speaking of All-Americans, how many will the NESCAC get???
[/quote]

NESCAC will get all 33 spots and Tufts starting XI will comprise the First Team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 12:07:21 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 11, 2015, 11:59:46 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:51:13 AM
Well I have said many times he is a D1 Keeper that should be in the Ivies or even a BC but they they all stayed away because of the 2 ACL's he had before college. Coaches figure with that injury will 1. Either come more injuries or 2. He cannot get low quick enough. He has proven them all wrong so far. Even a couple top Nescac sides stayed away and with him liking / playing hockey I imagine that is why he chose Bowdoin.

Good point. Wiercinski made a comment last year about how he supports the two-sport athlete, and I bet a lot of other coaches probably wouldn't be so open to the idea. But if the kid is doing well in both sports and neither is detrimental, then who cares?

Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 11:48:45 AM
Speaking of All-Americans, how many will the NESCAC get???

Oomf. Tough question. Amherst could have as many as three - my guess is that NPL will be on the 1st Team, and depending on how things end up Bull could be an AA selection too. Maybe even Martin? Personally I would have Kayne as an All-American because I think he is a fantastic player, but the stats monkeys might not like his one goal and two assists. That said, if you've watched Tufts you know that he is absolutely what makes him tick, and I think he's their best player. Majumder has to be given some consideration with nine goals and five game-winners in a tough league. Conrad was an All-American last year and had more goals this year so could be considered too.

Final guess: 4 between the three teams, with NPL on the first team.

I agree with NPL on 1st team.

I don't think Martin

I think Bull will make it but not first team

Majumder has a slight chance because people who don't know him will see his goals

I agree with your Kayne analysis. He "should definitely" make it but may not unless the rest of the country realizes that NESCAC stats are generally not high, especially for midfielders... As mentioned earlier here, it would be nice to have seen Kayne play with NPL, given Amherst's general lack of midfield play.

Conrad is in the same boat as Majumder but has a better chance since he made it last year
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 12:07:56 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 11, 2015, 12:06:57 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 11:48:45 AM

Speaking of All-Americans, how many will the NESCAC get???

NESCAC will get all 33 spots and Tufts starting XI will comprise the First Team.
[/quote]

:o :o ;D ::) ::) :'( ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on November 11, 2015, 12:32:27 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:51:13 AM
Well I have said many times he is a D1 Keeper that should be in the Ivies or even a BC but they they all stayed away because of the 2 ACL's he had before college. Coaches figure with that injury will 1. Either come more injuries or 2. He cannot get low quick enough. He has proven them all wrong so far. Even a couple top Nescac sides stayed away and with him liking / playing hockey I imagine that is why he chose Bowdoin.

Van siclen was being recruited by Amherst up until he tore his ACL. His brother was a very good hockey player for Amherst, who graduated in 2013, so would have been a natural fit. The post-season success in soccer slowed his development as a hockey player during his first season at Bowdoin as he was not able to join the hockey team until well into the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2015, 12:40:20 PM
Quote from: quicksilver on November 11, 2015, 12:32:27 PM
Van siclen was being recruited by Amherst up until he tore his ACL. His brother was a very good hockey player for Amherst, who graduated in 2013, so would have been a natural fit. The post-season success in soccer slowed his development as a hockey player during his first season at Bowdoin as he was not able to join the hockey team until well into the season.

Interesting. Well, as far as his soccer development is concerned, getting thrown right between the pipes as a freshman clearly helped as opposed to waiting two years for Bull to graduate. And hey, he has two NESCAC titles to show for it, so clearly he made the right choice! ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 12:47:23 PM
Quote from: quicksilver on November 11, 2015, 12:32:27 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:51:13 AM
Well I have said many times he is a D1 Keeper that should be in the Ivies or even a BC but they they all stayed away because of the 2 ACL's he had before college. Coaches figure with that injury will 1. Either come more injuries or 2. He cannot get low quick enough. He has proven them all wrong so far. Even a couple top Nescac sides stayed away and with him liking / playing hockey I imagine that is why he chose Bowdoin.

Van siclen was being recruited by Amherst up until he tore his ACL. His brother was a very good hockey player for Amherst, who graduated in 2013, so would have been a natural fit. The post-season success in soccer slowed his development as a hockey player during his first season at Bowdoin as he was not able to join the hockey team until well into the season.




Van Siclein would have been a "tip" for either Williams or Amherst. It makes absolutely no sense for Amherst to "tip" for a GK to sit on the bench and watch Bull. I am guessing that is why if Amherst was interested why would they "tip" for him. Unless because of the legacy. Either way he made a good choice going to Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on November 11, 2015, 01:24:49 PM
Van Siclen seems to believe that Amherst backed off because of the ACL injury, which actually occurred in his junior year in high school. . . This article from the Bowdoin student newspaper has good info on his recruitment (http://bowdoinorient.com/article/9730), including that his recruitment was initiated by Wiercinski's predecessor.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2015, 01:31:28 PM
Quote from: quicksilver on November 11, 2015, 01:24:49 PM
Van Siclen seems to believe that Amherst backed off because of the ACL injury, which actually occurred in his junior year in high school. . . This article from the Bowdoin student newspaper has good info on his recruitment (http://bowdoinorient.com/article/9730), including that his recruitment was initiated by Wiercinski's predecessor.

I was actually just reading that article! A very interesting piece.

I also read an article from the Tufts newspaper (http://"http://tuftsdaily.com/sports/2012/10/19/mens-soccer-shapiro-sets-recruiting-sights-higher/") which detailed Shapiro's motivation to, when he took over, first bring in a class of athleticism and pace - Santos and Hoppenot - and second get a group of players with high soccer IQs - Kayne and Pinheiro. Santos was, as a Tufts parent described to me at a game once, a "virtuoso" and was the X factor that teams couldn't prepare for last year, and as Mr.Right said was the MVP of Tufts' tourney run. Combine that with Williams, who I think should have been a 1st Team All-American on D, and Lee-Kramer, who made some dumb decisions at times but was nonetheless imposing and a threat on set pieces, as well as Hoppenot holding the ball up and tracking back, and Tufts had a combination that was hard to beat. Even though they have played excellent soccer this year, not sure that they have the same level of athleticism, and I think that is the difference - they are much easier to defend against and even with Majumder they don't have quite the same scoring punch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 03:05:05 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 11, 2015, 01:31:28 PM
Quote from: quicksilver on November 11, 2015, 01:24:49 PM
Van Siclen seems to believe that Amherst backed off because of the ACL injury, which actually occurred in his junior year in high school. . . This article from the Bowdoin student newspaper has good info on his recruitment (http://bowdoinorient.com/article/9730), including that his recruitment was initiated by Wiercinski's predecessor.

I was actually just reading that article! A very interesting piece.

I also read an article from the Tufts newspaper (http://"http://tuftsdaily.com/sports/2012/10/19/mens-soccer-shapiro-sets-recruiting-sights-higher/") which detailed Shapiro's motivation to, when he took over, first bring in a class of athleticism and pace - Santos and Hoppenot - and second get a group of players with high soccer IQs - Kayne and Pinheiro. Santos was, as a Tufts parent described to me at a game once, a "virtuoso" and was the X factor that teams couldn't prepare for last year, and as Mr.Right said was the MVP of Tufts' tourney run. Combine that with Williams, who I think should have been a 1st Team All-American on D, and Lee-Kramer, who made some dumb decisions at times but was nonetheless imposing and a threat on set pieces, as well as Hoppenot holding the ball up and tracking back, and Tufts had a combination that was hard to beat. Even though they have played excellent soccer this year, not sure that they have the same level of athleticism, and I think that is the difference - they are much easier to defend against and even with Majumder they don't have quite the same scoring punch.

This makes good sense. Santos was on fire during the tourney run.  He has great offensive skills.  Kayne was also hot. Brown played well...., and the defense and Greenwood were excellent.  Santos had his best years as a freshman and senior and was basically absent in between.  Santos was either extremely hot or cold, and it's hard to imagine that he was benched for a short time.  I think Majumbder is as athletic as Hoppenot.  In the Championship game Kayne stole the ball twice and had 2 breakaways.   Instead of shooting he passed to Majumbder both times (who scored once)...unselfish player.  It was fun to watch Hollingswerth (raw speed) and Kayne (excellent skills and vision) play against each other, and while it probably won't happen, it would be good to see them go at it again.  Yes, the first 2 years of Shapiro's recruiting came together well.  The combination of players was excellent. IF Tufts plays like they did against Williams and Middlebury, they will be tough...right NCAC?  8-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2015, 03:13:28 PM
Absolutely, BF.  Tufts is the clear tournament favorite.  And Danny Brandt still thinks he made the right decision leaving Messiah because he could not handle the humiliation of losing to Tufts which you were the first to so adroitly identify  ;).

Btw, how did you like that Kayne goal against Messiah?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 03:14:44 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 11, 2015, 03:13:28 PM
Absolutely, BF.  Tufts is the clear tournament favorite.  And Danny Brandt still thinks he made the right decision leaving Messiah because he could not handle the humiliation of losing to Tufts which you were the first to so adroitly identify  ;).

Btw, how did you like that Kayne goal against Messiah?

Should have made SportCenter's top 10!!! ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 03:25:33 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 03:14:44 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 11, 2015, 03:13:28 PM
Absolutely, BF.  Tufts is the clear tournament favorite.  And Danny Brandt still thinks he made the right decision leaving Messiah because he could not handle the humiliation of losing to Tufts which you were the first to so adroitly identify  ;).

Btw, how did you like that Kayne goal against Messiah?

Should have made SportCenter's top 10!!! ;)

I don't recall ever saying anything about Danny Brandt though..............
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2015, 03:43:54 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 03:25:33 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2015, 03:14:44 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 11, 2015, 03:13:28 PM
Absolutely, BF.  Tufts is the clear tournament favorite.  And Danny Brandt still thinks he made the right decision leaving Messiah because he could not handle the humiliation of losing to Tufts which you were the first to so adroitly identify  ;).

Btw, how did you like that Kayne goal against Messiah?

Should have made SportCenter's top 10!!! ;)

I don't recall ever saying anything about Danny Brandt though..............

Check out your posts from mid-December to early January of last year and I'm guessing you'll find it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 11, 2015, 06:14:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:45:26 AM
yes usually the Thursday before NCAA's the Nescac teams are announced followed by an OUTCRY of Amherst players / alums questioning why a lot of their players have been left off. Coaches screwing Amherst this way and that. Will that trend continue this year?


                                                                               Yes           -125
                                                                                No           +115

The all-NESCAC voting process does make it difficult – but I'd argue Serpone has gotten snubbed more often than his players in years past by not winning COY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 11, 2015, 10:50:22 PM
Quote from: 12SNoon on November 11, 2015, 06:14:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2015, 11:45:26 AM
yes usually the Thursday before NCAA's the Nescac teams are announced followed by an OUTCRY of Amherst players / alums questioning why a lot of their players have been left off. Coaches screwing Amherst this way and that. Will that trend continue this year?


                                                                               Yes           -125
                                                                                No           +115

The all-NESCAC voting process does make it difficult – but I'd argue Serpone has gotten snubbed more often than his players in years past by not winning COY.

If votes were in before the tournament he may just get it....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2015, 10:32:52 AM
Taking a stab at this weekend (both rounds - completely for fun):

Amherst 2-0 Morrisville State - Serpone will rest some players but they still get through with a comfortable win.

Tufts 3-0 Salisbury - Sea Gulls are good but Jumbos are better.
Montclair State 1-0 Tufts (OT) - This was a tough one to pick, and Tufts will be ready, but with being at home, on turf, I think MSU edges it.

Bowdoin 2-1 Plattsburgh - Plattsburgh has a capable offense but Bowdoin will hit them on the counter.
MIT 0-1 Bowdoin - Still think MIT isn't battle-tested enough. Bowdoin is.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2015, 10:55:13 AM
Wow Bloots your predictions are "out there" to say the least.

Tufts beating Salisbury 3-0 is not going to happen. You know as well as I how anemic Tufts has been offensively. 3 goals is asking alot against a capable side like Salisbury which I have to admit I have not seen play this year.

Bowdoin 2-1 over Plattsburgh will also not happen. This game will be lucky to see 8 SOG combined. I have also not seen Plattsburgh this year but based on past years Chris Waterbury sides usually feel a team out for the 1st Half. Bowdoin certainly will not take any chances in the 1st Half and risk getting out of their shape. This game will have a snooze alert at the 60 minute mark so we can wake up in time for some late game SOG and penalties.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2015, 10:58:40 AM
Tufts has had on (Williams) and off (Bates) offensive days, so I see them getting their offense out for the weekend in the first game. But I also wouldn't be surprised to see a 0-0 that goes to PKs.

To be fair, Bowdoin scored two against Conn. College with 4 SOG. Divide 8 by 2 and that's what you get. ;) Either way, think Bowdoin gets through to the second round and beats MIT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2015, 11:03:18 AM
Mr.Right, while you're here, what do you think of Tre Ming of Thomas (ME)? The Thomas coach said that he is "one of the three best players in D3" and while I figure it's just the guy being delusional Ming does have 20 assists this year to go along with six goals and those numbers are legit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2015, 11:11:06 AM
I answered that fully in another section
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2015, 11:16:18 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2015, 11:11:06 AM
I answered that fully in another section

Ah, now I see. My guess is that of Brandeis' three in the middle, one of them is going to be tasked with man-marking him and shutting him off. Get him frustrated and he won't be as effective.

Back to NESCAC, assuming that Tufts beats Salisbury, how would they set up against Montclair State? Obviously Tufts likes to play teams straight-up, and I appreciate and admire that, but Amherst aside I don't think they will have played a team that imposes its style on you like MSU does. My guess is they'll have to sacrifice some up front and hope to hit on the counter, and maybe have Majumder work as a false-nine (although it seems like he does that quite a bit sometimes.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2015, 11:23:32 AM
Honestly, I do not think Tufts makes it to that game.

I am just hoping we can get better video quality than the NJAC Final at MSU. Looking down on the field from a Tower and seeing little dots move around the field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 12, 2015, 12:02:00 PM
Does Majumder have to sit out the Salisbury game?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2015, 12:06:47 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on November 12, 2015, 12:02:00 PM
Does Majumder have to sit out the Salisbury game?

The answer has to be YES.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 12, 2015, 12:32:46 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 12, 2015, 12:06:47 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on November 12, 2015, 12:02:00 PM
Does Majumder have to sit out the Salisbury game?

The answer has to be YES.

Interesting... did he receive a straight red or a double yellow? If it was a straight red, what was it for? I completely missed that game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2015, 12:33:32 PM
Exactly...Without Majumder Tufts will have to play Dexter Eichorst up top who has Size and that is it. He lacks any kind of creativity and is unable to create anything for himself. It will be an absolute struggle for Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2015, 12:37:14 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 12, 2015, 12:32:46 PM
Interesting... did he receive a straight red or a double yellow? If it was a straight red, what was it for? I completely missed that game.

Two yellows; not sure.

Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2015, 12:33:32 PM
Exactly...Without Majumder Tufts will have to play Dexter Eichorst up top who has Size and that is it. He lacks any kind of creativity and is unable to create anything for himself. It will be an absolute struggle for Tufts.

I totally forgot about that. Yup, that will be a problem. Eichhorst is a lacrosse player and I watched him up top a few times, not even on the same planet as Majumder.

Maybe they'll put Connor Brown up top instead? Becherano? Both are wide players IIRC but still better than Eichhorst methinks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 12, 2015, 12:43:57 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2015, 12:33:32 PM
Exactly...Without Majumder Tufts will have to play Dexter Eichorst up top who has Size and that is it. He lacks any kind of creativity and is unable to create anything for himself. It will be an absolute struggle for Tufts.

Maybe Brown or Kayne???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2015, 12:52:09 PM
There is no way they would take Kayne out of midfield and Brown would get eaten alive by bigger more physical CB's. There is no reason to panic and move everyone around. They will have to keep things in place and hope to get a goal somehow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on November 12, 2015, 02:22:47 PM
Glad to see Odulate won POY. Best defender in the league in my opinion. No sensational strikers this season and a few great midfielders (Devlin & Kayne) who aren't goal scorers... so why not give it to the best defender.

Leon is a very deserving ROY.

Regarding COY - It's pretty hard to argue Serpone isn't the most deserving in terms of his team's performance, but clearly the voters (coaches) are making a statement that there is more to being a great coach than winning percentage.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2015, 02:43:35 PM
Odulate is a good selection. Personally would have gone for NPL, but as you said the best defender in the league hands-down.

Looks like the only time Serpone did win COY was in 2013. And while I can understand giving it to Shapiro last year, Russo in 2012, Pilger in 2011 (Trinity was NESCAC finalists), and O'Leary in 2010, this year is different. What those years have in common is that you could make a case in each of those years that there was a deserving recipient other than Serpone, but this year going 14-0-1 through the regular season and guiding his team to the No. 1 rank made Serpone the absolute clear favorite and the most deserving in terms of objective criteria, especially in a year where the rest of the NESCAC is a bit down in terms of Amherst being the absolute clear-as-daylight favorite. But as dacac says, there's clearly something else that's going into it - of all the years he's been in the running, and except for the year that he won it, he's had valid challengers beat him out, but this was the year that he was the absolute clear-as-daylight favorite but didn't get it. This year makes it obvious, if it wasn't already, that some feathers have been ruffled.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 12, 2015, 02:44:02 PM
Quote from: dacac on November 12, 2015, 02:22:47 PM
Glad to see Odulate won POY. Best defender in the league in my opinion. No sensational strikers this season and a few great midfielders (Devlin & Kayne) who aren't goal scorers... so why not give it to the best defender.

Leon is a very deserving ROY.

Regarding COY - It's pretty hard to argue Serpone isn't the most deserving in terms of his team's performance, but clearly the voters (coaches) are making a statement that there is more to being a great coach than winning percentage.

This has been clear for quite some time now.

Serpone has steered an Amherst team to a 1st round NCAA bye with only two 1st-team and one 2nd-team NESCAC players. Shouldn't that make him one of the best coaches ever, of all time?

Odulate is a really good defender, but the fact that nobody on these boards picked him to win POY speaks volumes. How many posters picked NPL? Most of you, because he was the league's best player, hands down.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 12, 2015, 02:45:28 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 12, 2015, 02:43:35 PM
Odulate is a good selection. Personally would have gone for NPL, but as you said the best defender in the league hands-down.

Looks like the only time Serpone did win COY was in 2013. And while I can understand giving it to Shapiro last year, Russo in 2012, and Pilger in 2011 (Trinity was NESCAC finalists), and O'Leary won it in 2010, this year is different. What those years have in common is that you could make a case in each of those years that there was a deserving recipient other than Serpone, but this year going 14-0-1 through the regular season and guiding his team to the No. 1 rank made Serpone the absolute clear favorite and the most deserving in terms of objective criteria, especially in a year where the rest of the NESCAC is a bit down in terms of Amherst being the absolute clear-as-daylight favorite. But as dacac says, there's clearly something else that's going into it - of all the years he's been in the running, and except for the year that he won it, he's had valid challengers beat him out, but this was the year that he was the absolute clear-as-daylight favorite but didn't get it. This year makes it obvious, if it wasn't already, that some feathers have been ruffled.

Looks like this ruffling trickled down to the players as well, as Amherst only had 3 players make all-conference compared to middlebury's 5 and Tufts 4. Seems pretty silly IMHO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 12, 2015, 02:46:23 PM
Quote from: 12SNoon on November 12, 2015, 02:44:02 PM

Serpone has steered an Amherst team to a 1st round NCAA bye with only two 1st-team and one 2nd-team NESCAC players. Shouldn't that make him one of the best coaches ever, of all time?


Yes, best ever. He's on the odds-on favorite to replace Klinsmann if the US struggles in early qualifying.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 12, 2015, 02:47:22 PM
Quote from: 12SNoon on November 12, 2015, 02:44:02 PM
Quote from: dacac on November 12, 2015, 02:22:47 PM
Glad to see Odulate won POY. Best defender in the league in my opinion. No sensational strikers this season and a few great midfielders (Devlin & Kayne) who aren't goal scorers... so why not give it to the best defender.

Leon is a very deserving ROY.

Regarding COY - It's pretty hard to argue Serpone isn't the most deserving in terms of his team's performance, but clearly the voters (coaches) are making a statement that there is more to being a great coach than winning percentage.

This has been clear for quite some time now.

Serpone has steered an Amherst team to a 1st round NCAA bye with only two 1st-team and one 2nd-team NESCAC players. Shouldn't that make him one of the best coaches ever, of all time?

Odulate is a really good defender, but the fact that nobody on these boards picked him to win POY speaks volumes. How many posters picked NPL? Most of you, because he was the league's best player, hands down.

Yes, I think most think NPL would be deserving, and picked him because they thought the voters like goals.   People also stated that Kayne would be a good pick.  You cannot take away from Odulate.  I would have had no qualms with any of the 3 winning.  Yes, if they voted before the tourney, people thought Serpone would win.  I bet if Amherst won out he would have. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 12, 2015, 02:47:57 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 12, 2015, 02:46:23 PM
Quote from: 12SNoon on November 12, 2015, 02:44:02 PM

Serpone has steered an Amherst team to a 1st round NCAA bye with only two 1st-team and one 2nd-team NESCAC players. Shouldn't that make him one of the best coaches ever, of all time?


Yes, best ever. He's on the odds-on favorite to replace Klinsmann if the US struggles in early qualifying.

that's pretty funny....  Humor is a good way to battle sour grapes....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 12, 2015, 02:50:09 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 12, 2015, 02:47:57 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 12, 2015, 02:46:23 PM
Quote from: 12SNoon on November 12, 2015, 02:44:02 PM

Serpone has steered an Amherst team to a 1st round NCAA bye with only two 1st-team and one 2nd-team NESCAC players. Shouldn't that make him one of the best coaches ever, of all time?


Yes, best ever. He's on the odds-on favorite to replace Klinsmann if the US struggles in early qualifying.

that's pretty funny....  Humor is a good way to battle sour grapes....

I try.  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GabWirz on November 12, 2015, 02:57:10 PM
It really bothers me that Nico did not win player of the year.  He is quite obviously the best player in the NESCAC and on top of the ridiculous skill, physicality, and general effectiveness he has exhibited each game this season, he also has the best stat line in the league to back it up (11 goals and 4 assists).  While these awards should be taken with a grain of salt, they do mean something, and it really is too bad that 30 years down the road Nico will not have a NESCAC POY award to look back upon.   I am somewhat embarrassed for the NESCAC coaches who voted in Odulate over Nico because it shows not only a huge bias but also an inability to evaluate talent (which might be why Serpone is such a superior recruiter to his NESCAC counterparts).  At first I thought Amherst had a recruiting edge because Serpone worked hard and had Amherst's academic reputation working in his favor, but now I am really starting to wonder if it actually has to do with the fact that many NESCAC coaches watch games and genuinely think, "Oh that kid Nico who just scored 3 goals against us in 20 minutes,  one of which was a bicycle kick, is not as good as that solid defender we played against last week".  People always criticize Amherst for a so-called inability to play soccer, but I am really starting to question who knows what about the game and whether the guys who didn't pick Nico are the same guys who try and argue that Hazard is better than Messi.  I am not trying to badmouth Odulate here.  I just think Nico is THAT good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2015, 03:01:18 PM
Quote from: GabWirz on November 12, 2015, 02:57:10 PM
It really bothers me that Nico did not win player of the year.  He is quite obviously the best player in the NESCAC and on top of the ridiculous skill, physicality, and general effectiveness he has exhibited each game this season, he also has the best stat line in the league to back it up (11 goals and 4 assists).  While these awards should be taken with a grain of salt, they do mean something, and it really is too bad that 30 years down the road Nico will not have a NESCAC POY award to look back upon.   I am somewhat embarrassed for the NESCAC coaches who voted in Odulate over Nico because it shows not only a huge bias but also an inability to evaluate talent (which might be why Serpone is such a superior recruiter to his NESCAC counterparts).  At first I thought Amherst had a recruiting edge because Serpone worked hard and had Amherst's academic reputation working in his favor, but now I am really starting to wonder if it actually has to do with the fact that many NESCAC coaches watch games and genuinely think, "Oh that kid Nico who just scored 3 goals against us in 20 minutes,  one of which was a bicycle kick, is not as good as that solid defender we played against last week".  People always criticize Amherst for a so-called inability to play soccer, but I am really starting to question who knows what about the game and whether the guys who didn't pick Nico are the same guys who try and argue that Hazard is better than Messi.  I am not trying to badmouth Odulate here.  I just think Nico is THAT good.

Yeah I have to say that despite me saying that Odulate was a good pick, and I'll stand by that as he's the best defender in the conference in my book, NPL was my pick hands-down. And the fact that he has 11 goals from the wing - many of them important and many of them spectacular - makes him the standout player in the league. There was a bit of a clamor that he didn't win it last year, and I think he had a strong case, but he was absolutely the best for me this year. Just my 2¢
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 12, 2015, 03:02:16 PM
Quote from: GabWirz on November 12, 2015, 02:57:10 PM
It really bothers me that Nico did not win player of the year.  He is quite obviously the best player in the NESCAC and on top of the ridiculous skill, physicality, and general effectiveness he has exhibited each game this season, he also has the best stat line in the league to back it up (11 goals and 4 assists).  While these awards should be taken with a grain of salt, they do mean something, and it really is too bad that 30 years down the road Nico will not have a NESCAC POY award to look back upon.   I am somewhat embarrassed for the NESCAC coaches who voted in Odulate over Nico because it shows not only a huge bias but also an inability to evaluate talent (which might be why Serpone is such a superior recruiter to his NESCAC counterparts).  At first I thought Amherst had a recruiting edge because Serpone worked hard and had Amherst's academic reputation working in his favor, but now I am really starting to wonder if it actually has to do with the fact that many NESCAC coaches watch games and genuinely think, "Oh that kid Nico who just scored 3 goals against us in 20 minutes,  one of which was a bicycle kick, is not as good as that solid defender we played against last week".  People always criticize Amherst for a so-called inability to play soccer, but I am really starting to question who knows what about the game and whether the guys who didn't pick Nico are the same guys who try and argue that Hazard is better than Messi.  I am not trying to badmouth Odulate here.  I just think Nico is THAT good.

I know NCAC will "rag" me but they haven't won an NCAA Championship (team names withheld) so you can't rag on the other coaches who have in the NESCAC.  They must have some ability to recruit.  I stated that Nico would have been a good choice. The same with Kayne and Odulate.  Nico knows how to play the game.  No question. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 12, 2015, 03:18:58 PM
Quote from: GabWirz on November 12, 2015, 02:57:10 PM
It really bothers me that Nico did not win player of the year.  He is quite obviously the best player in the NESCAC and on top of the ridiculous skill, physicality, and general effectiveness he has exhibited each game this season, he also has the best stat line in the league to back it up (11 goals and 4 assists).  While these awards should be taken with a grain of salt, they do mean something, and it really is too bad that 30 years down the road Nico will not have a NESCAC POY award to look back upon.   I am somewhat embarrassed for the NESCAC coaches who voted in Odulate over Nico because it shows not only a huge bias but also an inability to evaluate talent (which might be why Serpone is such a superior recruiter to his NESCAC counterparts).  At first I thought Amherst had a recruiting edge because Serpone worked hard and had Amherst's academic reputation working in his favor, but now I am really starting to wonder if it actually has to do with the fact that many NESCAC coaches watch games and genuinely think, "Oh that kid Nico who just scored 3 goals against us in 20 minutes,  one of which was a bicycle kick, is not as good as that solid defender we played against last week".  People always criticize Amherst for a so-called inability to play soccer, but I am really starting to question who knows what about the game and whether the guys who didn't pick Nico are the same guys who try and argue that Hazard is better than Messi.  I am not trying to badmouth Odulate here.  I just think Nico is THAT good.

FWIW, I have to agree with Gabe that it is an embarrassment that NPL hasn't won POY at least once in his career.  There is no explanation other than anti-Amherst sentiment among the voters.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on November 12, 2015, 03:32:59 PM
Quote from: GabWirz on November 12, 2015, 02:57:10 PM
It really bothers me that Nico did not win player of the year.  He is quite obviously the best player in the NESCAC and on top of the ridiculous skill, physicality, and general effectiveness he has exhibited each game this season, he also has the best stat line in the league to back it up (11 goals and 4 assists).  While these awards should be taken with a grain of salt, they do mean something, and it really is too bad that 30 years down the road Nico will not have a NESCAC POY award to look back upon.   I am somewhat embarrassed for the NESCAC coaches who voted in Odulate over Nico because it shows not only a huge bias but also an inability to evaluate talent (which might be why Serpone is such a superior recruiter to his NESCAC counterparts).  At first I thought Amherst had a recruiting edge because Serpone worked hard and had Amherst's academic reputation working in his favor, but now I am really starting to wonder if it actually has to do with the fact that many NESCAC coaches watch games and genuinely think, "Oh that kid Nico who just scored 3 goals against us in 20 minutes,  one of which was a bicycle kick, is not as good as that solid defender we played against last week".  People always criticize Amherst for a so-called inability to play soccer, but I am really starting to question who knows what about the game and whether the guys who didn't pick Nico are the same guys who try and argue that Hazard is better than Messi.  I am not trying to badmouth Odulate here.  I just think Nico is THAT good.

Let's not act like he was running around dropping hat tricks on everyone. He had 1 league hat-trick and it was against Colby, one of the worst NESCAC squads I can remember.

NPL is a great player, no question, but I don't think he is head and shoulders above the rest as you are indicating. It was a tight race for POY with with more than 1 deserving winner. That being said, I have no doubt that NPL's candidacy suffered from anti-Amherst sentiment, and that sucks. But if you don't want your players to have to suffer due to association with your coach, then fire your coach.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 12, 2015, 03:33:38 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 12, 2015, 03:18:58 PM
Quote from: GabWirz on November 12, 2015, 02:57:10 PM
It really bothers me that Nico did not win player of the year.  He is quite obviously the best player in the NESCAC and on top of the ridiculous skill, physicality, and general effectiveness he has exhibited each game this season, he also has the best stat line in the league to back it up (11 goals and 4 assists).  While these awards should be taken with a grain of salt, they do mean something, and it really is too bad that 30 years down the road Nico will not have a NESCAC POY award to look back upon.   I am somewhat embarrassed for the NESCAC coaches who voted in Odulate over Nico because it shows not only a huge bias but also an inability to evaluate talent (which might be why Serpone is such a superior recruiter to his NESCAC counterparts).  At first I thought Amherst had a recruiting edge because Serpone worked hard and had Amherst's academic reputation working in his favor, but now I am really starting to wonder if it actually has to do with the fact that many NESCAC coaches watch games and genuinely think, "Oh that kid Nico who just scored 3 goals against us in 20 minutes,  one of which was a bicycle kick, is not as good as that solid defender we played against last week".  People always criticize Amherst for a so-called inability to play soccer, but I am really starting to question who knows what about the game and whether the guys who didn't pick Nico are the same guys who try and argue that Hazard is better than Messi.  I am not trying to badmouth Odulate here.  I just think Nico is THAT good.

FWIW, I have to agree with Gabe that it is an embarrassment that NPL hasn't won POY at least once in his career.  There is no explanation other than anti-Amherst sentiment among the voters.

Okay then, and I see your points, but why is there such an anti-sentiment?  Did it exist before Serpone?  My history doesn't go that far back....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 12, 2015, 03:38:11 PM
Another interesting quirk of the voting—the only freshman to earn a spot on the first or second team is Daniel O'Grady and not the rookie of the year, Mark Leon. I'm a big fan of O'Grady and am thrilled for him but am somewhat surprised he's the lone first-year to find a place on either team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on November 12, 2015, 03:51:48 PM
I'm not going to start another flame war over the topic but is anyone really surprised NESCAC coaches don't give votes to Amherst players?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2015, 05:09:53 PM
These are grown, presumably very mature men at some of the most elite, prestigious colleges in the United States.  Give the awards to the best players and the best coach for that year, period.  Even if you hate them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 12, 2015, 05:23:13 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 12, 2015, 05:09:53 PM
These are grown, presumably very mature men at some of the most elite, prestigious colleges in the United States.  Give the awards to the best players and the best coach for that year, period.  Even if you hate them.

This.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on November 12, 2015, 05:26:12 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 12, 2015, 05:09:53 PM
These are grown, presumably very mature men at some of the most elite, prestigious colleges in the United States.  Give the awards to the best players and the best coach for that year, period.  Even if you hate them.

Then maybe they truly thought Odulate was the most deserving?  Like you said, they're mature enough to decide who earned the award.  Players that anchor teams to success are awarded more often.  Odulate helped Bowdoin secure their second NESCAC championship in as many years in a competitive league.  Odulate put his money where his mouth is and rose to the occasion. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on November 12, 2015, 05:29:24 PM
In the end how much does it truly matter?  So you can reminisce 20 years down the road when you're drinking with friends?  These guys aren't playing for individual awards. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 12, 2015, 05:38:45 PM
Quote from: stlawus on November 12, 2015, 05:26:12 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 12, 2015, 05:09:53 PM
These are grown, presumably very mature men at some of the most elite, prestigious colleges in the United States.  Give the awards to the best players and the best coach for that year, period.  Even if you hate them.

Then maybe they truly thought Odulate was the most deserving?  Like you said, they're mature enough to decide who earned the award.  Players that anchor teams to success are awarded more often.  Odulate helped Bowdoin secure their second NESCAC championship in as many years in a competitive league.  Odulate put his money where his mouth is and rose to the occasion.

Yeah, I don't think Odulate wins this award if Bowdoin doesn't win the NESCAC tourney. With the win and with his defensive dominance this year, I think he was deserving of the honor. I also think that Nico was deserving.  I can see arguments either way. Personally, if I had a vote, I would have given the nod to Nico. But I also can't argue selecting the league's best defensive player on the league championship team. Now, if an "inferior" offensive player had been chosen, then I can see making a much bigger deal about the Nico snub.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 12, 2015, 05:40:53 PM
Has anyone considered the possibility that the coaches simply hate hyphenated names? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 12, 2015, 05:59:37 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on November 12, 2015, 05:40:53 PM
Has anyone considered the possibility that the coaches simply hate hyphenated names?

Or can't be bothered to write out a name that long on their ballots?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 12, 2015, 06:06:15 PM
I don't have anything else to add that hasn't already been expressed, but the anti-Amherst bias in the NESCAC has become farcical.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2015, 06:46:29 PM
Quote from: stlawus on November 12, 2015, 05:29:24 PM
In the end how much does it truly matter?  So you can reminisce 20 years down the road when you're drinking with friends?  These guys aren't playing for individual awards.

I agree with this, BUT, if you're going to go to the trouble of giving out awards, then try to get them right.  If there is some kind of blackballing deal going on then that's just wrong, or at least limit the blackballing to the coach if you must.

I don't know enough about the players to know who the POY is.  Based on what I've read here, including from some folks who are not Amherst fans, NPL was very deserving.  What did Bowdoin finish in the league?  6th?  The fact that they won back to back NESCAC tourneys by very thin margins each time is a great credit to the TEAM/COACH, but I don't know if that's a basis for a POY decision.  Amherst has been arguably the most dominant team in D3 soccer this year, and at worst #2 or #3. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 12, 2015, 10:27:25 PM
Congrats to all of the young men. Many years of hard work to earn the awards!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 12, 2015, 10:53:36 PM
Let's change the subject from NPL getting snubbed for POY – here are my top 4 goals this year in the NESCAC:

1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmXARtiwu1Q
2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEPo3uCdYYA
3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaMPt3kFQvw
4 - https://youtu.be/Y1OuzM6lBP4?t=14s
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2015, 08:32:07 AM
Quote from: 12SNoon on November 12, 2015, 10:53:36 PM
Let's change the subject from NPL getting snubbed for POY – here are my top 4 goals this year in the NESCAC:

1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmXARtiwu1Q
2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEPo3uCdYYA
3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaMPt3kFQvw
4 - https://youtu.be/Y1OuzM6lBP4?t=14s





WOW...That goal that NPL scored against Tufts was a horrible GK'ing error by Greenwood. He was caught WAY off his line. In real time I did not notice that until I saw the replay.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2015, 08:46:01 AM
Well that was an easy prediction. Coaches vote and Amherst gets screwed. Year in and year out. As a coach you should not be punishing Amherst players for their coaches antics but until there are changes to the Amherst sideline behavior by Coaches and Players this will continue. Do I agree with it ? NO  Is it petty? YES. However, let's see if Serpone uses this as a motivation tool of "us v world" to get his team going again to start the NCAA's. One thing Serpone does not lack is getting his team ready to play NO MATTER the opponent. I do not remember the last time I saw Amherst come out of the gate FLAT. There is a lot to be said for that.

 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2015, 08:59:29 AM
Odulate as POY is an interesting choice. He would not have even been in my Top 5 but if Harrison Watkins can win it in 2010 then surely Odulate can. I have been critical of his defending in the past especially last year but I suppose he has improved. He is a great athlete, has wheels and is a great asset on set pieces on both ends. Maybe I just lose track of him when I am watching Bowdoin because I am usually half asleep. Or maybe it is because I notice attackers more than defenders. To me the player on Bowdoin who sticks out is Andrew Jones when he is playing well. HIs running up and down the flank is fun to watch. I certainly do not turn on the live stream to watch Odulate. I personally would rather see a Devlin, NPL, Rashid type work some magic but hey what do i know.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 13, 2015, 10:27:22 AM
Quote from: 12SNoon on November 12, 2015, 10:53:36 PM
Let's change the subject from NPL getting snubbed for POY – here are my top 4 goals this year in the NESCAC:

1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmXARtiwu1Q
2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEPo3uCdYYA
3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaMPt3kFQvw
4 - https://youtu.be/Y1OuzM6lBP4?t=14s

Best team goal effort is this 9-pass goal from amherst that starts at the 1 minute mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MBYyW_ZEcQ

Goes to show that Amherst is a more nuanced team this year and not afraid to play technically on the ground, despite having a size advantage against nearly every opponent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 13, 2015, 10:28:36 AM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 13, 2015, 10:27:22 AM
Quote from: 12SNoon on November 12, 2015, 10:53:36 PM
Let's change the subject from NPL getting snubbed for POY – here are my top 4 goals this year in the NESCAC:

1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmXARtiwu1Q
2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEPo3uCdYYA
3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaMPt3kFQvw
4 - https://youtu.be/Y1OuzM6lBP4?t=14s

Best team goal effort is this 9-pass goal from amherst that starts at the 1 minute mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MBYyW_ZEcQ

Goes to show that Amherst is a more nuanced team this year and not afraid to play technically on the ground, despite having a size advantage against nearly every opponent.

I'd also add that the goal by orozco at the start of the video was more impressive than at least 2 of NPL's goals posted above.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2015, 10:30:42 AM
That had to be Amherst best performance all season against Wesleyan smoking them 5-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2015, 10:34:03 AM
The NPL goal against Bates was another GK'ing error by Bates GK Polito. That is a horrendous error and he was obviously screened but cmon you gotta get to that ball. I would have begun recruiting a GK 2-3 years ago if that is what I inherited. Flaherty will be forced to recruit a GK as his #1 priority this off season. If he was smart than he should already have one locked up ED.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 13, 2015, 11:08:39 AM
Not familiar with the pitch at MIT - other than that it is plastic.  Does anyone know if it is larger than the setup at Brandeis?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 13, 2015, 11:10:35 AM
Quote from: RelegationZone on November 13, 2015, 11:08:39 AM
Not familiar with the pitch at MIT - other than that it is plastic.  Does anyone know if it is larger than the setup at Brandeis?

They are of comparable size, I think Brandeis' is a bit narrower but a bit longer, so it all equals out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 13, 2015, 11:12:29 AM
Didn't realize this about Tufts/Majumder: "The forward has posted nine goals to rank second among all NESCAC players, and accounts for nearly half of the Jumbos' goals this season heading into the NCAA Tournament."

9 of 20 goals. Looking at it, 20 goals is 5 less than the Brandeis offense - that of the standard one-goal victories - has put up at 25. Who would have guessed Brandeis would score more than Tufts at the beginning of the year? I'd certainly have not, and I'm a Judges supporter.

Assuming Majumder doesn't play tomorrow, they could be in serious trouble. I think Tufts is the more talented team, but their finishing has let them down in recent weeks, even when he is on the pitch, not to mention off it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2015, 11:46:43 AM
The one thing they have going for them is do you remember their 1st game of the year at Endicott on the turf. That might have been the best 1st Half they played all year. They were clinical and not relying on Majumder in that game. However, that game feels like it happened last year and i am assuming Salisbury is a couple notches better than Endicott. Will be an interesting game to watch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 13, 2015, 11:48:24 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 13, 2015, 11:46:43 AM
The one thing they have going for them is do you remember their 1st game of the year at Endicott on the turf. That might have been the best 1st Half they played all year. They were clinical and not relying on Majumder in that game. However, that game feels like it happened last year and i am assuming Salisbury is a couple notches better than Endicott. Will be an interesting game to watch.

I agree that the Turf may actually help Tufts in this game.  I assume they have been practicing on their new field hockey turf field...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 13, 2015, 12:03:12 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 13, 2015, 11:48:24 AM
I agree that the Turf may actually help Tufts in this game.  I assume they have been practicing on their new field hockey turf field...

You're right - they actually practice there quite a bit. I live down the street, and I see them on Bello Field quite often.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerTroll on November 13, 2015, 01:10:30 PM
Watched Tufts a bit this year. Majumder out creates more opportunity than not for Shapiro to be creative. They have Eichhorst and Becherano, Sclar and Smith (I think he is injured)  listed on their roster. Sclar and Becherano usually sub in at mid, but there is a chance for one of them to shine, Sclar is listed at mid and forward and has a goal. Should be fun to see what coach does with this, two up front wouldn't sacrifice much on D and could jumpstart the offense they have been lacking at the end of the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerTroll on November 13, 2015, 05:08:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2015, 12:52:09 PM
There is no way they would take Kayne out of midfield and Brown would get eaten alive by bigger more physical CB's. There is no reason to panic and move everyone around. They will have to keep things in place and hope to get a goal somehow.

Wouldn't be surprised if Tufts comes out technical with someone off bench with technical skill on the MSU turf. Big physical backs will either foul or get beat by that. Tufts been good on corners and set pieces so the fouls would benefit them. Looking for a sleeper off the bench and a dominant showing by them against both opponents this weekend then it is off to Ohio for the Kenyon leg and sweet 16.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Becks on November 13, 2015, 11:50:34 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 13, 2015, 10:30:42 AM
That had to be Amherst best performance all season against Wesleyan smoking them 5-0.
Doesn't hurt to play a man up for half the game, but the highlight goal came at full strength.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 14, 2015, 12:39:46 PM
Good luck to the NESCAC squads playing this weekend.  Hopefully the conference can provide another championship this year....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 12SNoon on November 14, 2015, 02:38:47 PM
Quote from: Becks on November 13, 2015, 11:50:34 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 13, 2015, 10:30:42 AM
That had to be Amherst best performance all season against Wesleyan smoking them 5-0.
Doesn't hurt to play a man up for half the game, but the highlight goal came at full strength.

?

http://cl.ly/image/3N3p1P293H0D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 14, 2015, 03:03:20 PM
As predicted Bowdoin and Plattsburgh deadlocked at 0-0 about 65 minutes in. Bowdoin with 2 decent chances but neither team with any great chances. Huge wind advantage for Plattsburgh 1st Half and Bowdoin 2nd Half. This has PK's written all over it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 14, 2015, 03:13:18 PM
No clue why Bowdoin is allowing Plattsburgh free long throw after long throw. The kid does not have that great a long throw so put a kid right in his face and disrupt it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 14, 2015, 03:32:20 PM
Bowdoin dominating the last 10 minutes but cannot finish. Plattsburgh's GK seems up to the challenge
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 14, 2015, 03:34:34 PM
Bowdoin steals it with 15 seconds left. Niang with a header off the great corner from Miller. 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 14, 2015, 03:35:42 PM
Bowdoin wins it with 20 seconds left off a corner. Very tough way for Plattsburgh's season to end but Bowdoin was a deserved winner. Hunter Miller with a nice in swinging corner finished off by Niang. Almost a free header as he lost his mark
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerTroll on November 15, 2015, 09:44:38 AM
Bowdoin and Tufts both dominate their games and have to deal with late goals to advance. Nescac needs to find some offensive threats to mix in slightly with the defense minded game being played.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2015, 12:03:51 PM
Not sure what you are talking about. Tufts looked plenty creative and dynamic yesterday. Bowdoin not as much but they also played a nice game. I thought Diaz-Costa played well as he has been under the radar all season. If he somehow finds his game they can get it done today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Tres Coyotes on November 15, 2015, 12:17:34 PM
Diaz-Costa for Bowdoin was injured early in the season and has just come back the last couple of games. He did look good and adds much to their attack in the middle. Keefe looked good holding up the ball & passing as well. Their defense and goalie will keep them in the game. Van Siclen made a couple of nice stops and really made a difference. Following their 2010 year Bowdoin did have a couple of goalie recruits who suffered injuries and never panned out. They certainly look solid for the next couple of years with Van Siclen
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2015, 12:47:42 PM
Yes you are correct. That slipped my mind as looking on their website it looks like he got injured after playing Williams and came back about 3 weeks ago. What was the injury? He played so well last year for Bowdoin. Yesterday he caught my attention though as he was playing like he did last year. Keefe also played very well you are correct and almost had a goal 2nd Half but he was a handful for Plattsburgh. Van Siclien did well but I do not remember to many dangerous Plattsburgh chances. Maybe 2 if that. Solarte also flies under the radar and I thought he did a nice job yesterday pushing forward.

Another thing I noticed is they have not lost since October 10th at Trinity. I also noticed that was the last time Middlebury lost on October 10th at Tufts. I think Babson winning the Newmac knocked Midd out and Midd would have been down at F&M taking care of business.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 15, 2015, 12:57:21 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 15, 2015, 12:47:42 PM
Yes you are correct. That slipped my mind as looking on their website it looks like he got injured after playing Williams and came back about 3 weeks ago. What was the injury? He played so well last year for Bowdoin. Yesterday he caught my attention though as he was playing like he did last year. Keefe also played very well you are correct and almost had a goal 2nd Half but he was a handful for Plattsburgh. Van Siclien did well but I do not remember to many dangerous Plattsburgh chances. Maybe 2 if that. Solarte also flies under the radar and I thought he did a nice job yesterday pushing forward.

Another thing I noticed is they have not lost since October 10th at Trinity. I also noticed that was the last time Middlebury lost on October 10th at Tufts. I think Babson winning the Newmac knocked Midd out and Midd would have been down at F&M taking care of business.

Pretty sure the injury DC sustained was knee-related.  Word is he probably could have returned sooner, but the conservative approach taken by Wiercinski and the Bowdoin training staff now seems to be paying off big time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 15, 2015, 01:05:41 PM
Quote from: Tres Coyotes on November 15, 2015, 12:17:34 PM
Diaz-Costa for Bowdoin was injured early in the season and has just come back the last couple of games. He did look good and adds much to their attack in the middle. Keefe looked good holding up the ball & passing as well. Their defense and goalie will keep them in the game. Van Siclen made a couple of nice stops and really made a difference. Following their 2010 year Bowdoin did have a couple of goalie recruits who suffered injuries and never panned out. They certainly look solid for the next couple of years with Van Siclen

Important to remember that Van Siclen was not (unlike Bull at Amherst) annointed the starting keeper when he arrived on campus.  The incumbent at that time - now a junior - suffered an injury mid-season last year and that event opened the door for Van Siclen, who has obviously capitalized on the opportunity and not looked back.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 15, 2015, 01:14:05 PM
Bowdoin looks really good on MIT's turf in these first 10 minutes. Looking solid in possession and getting forward well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2015, 01:15:40 PM
Seems like the plan is get the wind and get forward and get the 1st goal. Good plan especially against a surprised MIT side.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerTroll on November 15, 2015, 01:16:34 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 15, 2015, 12:03:51 PM
Not sure what you are talking about. Tufts looked plenty creative and dynamic yesterday. Bowdoin not as much but they also played a nice game. I thought Diaz-Costa played well as he has been under the radar all season. If he somehow finds his game they can get it done today.

Can't dominate the offensive half that much and come away with only two goals. need to take more shots or create better chances. Majumder back today with fresh legs, that should add something.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2015, 01:46:01 PM
Keefe draws a questionable PK that I could not tell whether it was or was not a PK. Keefe stepped up to take it and clanged it off the post. Bowdoin could not afford to miss that opportunity because MIT will have the wind 2nd Half. IMO Bowdoin subs to much. To many avergae players replacing each other. Levi Morant up top is fast I guess but balls are bouncing off him. Charlier and Ellsworth same thing. Why not give Stenquist a run in midfield. He will be a good player in Nescac. I understand giving players a blow 1st Half but not too many players. Trinity does the same thing. To many line up changes. That being said Bowdoin dominated possession for the 1st 20 minutes but the game has gotten clogged in midfield since.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2015, 02:13:04 PM
MIT looking much better 2nd Hlaf. Van Siclien almost gifted them a goal off a badly taken set piece that he misjudged and it went right thru his hands. He is very lucky that did not end up in the back of the net.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2015, 02:18:42 PM
Bowdoin's Sam Ward really switching fields nicely today. Pin point precision passing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 15, 2015, 02:37:50 PM
Quote from: SoccerTroll on November 15, 2015, 01:16:34 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 15, 2015, 12:03:51 PM
Not sure what you are talking about. Tufts looked plenty creative and dynamic yesterday. Bowdoin not as much but they also played a nice game. I thought Diaz-Costa played well as he has been under the radar all season. If he somehow finds his game they can get it done today.

Can't dominate the offensive half that much and come away with only two goals. need to take more shots or create better chances. Majumder back today with fresh legs, that should add something.

Two goals often win games, especially for good defensive and possession teams. Tufts controlled that game. They will have to really show up today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2015, 02:53:55 PM
Bowdoin and MIT heading to OT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 15, 2015, 03:00:39 PM
Bowdoin against the wind in the 2nd half, and now against the wind in the first OT. They'll get the wind if they last until 2OT, and then have to like their chances with Van Siclen in goal if it goes to PKs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2015, 03:07:15 PM
Bowdoin wasting corners as they keep going short. You have the size just let Ward or Miller serve it in the mixer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2015, 03:09:10 PM
MIT wins it in OT off a Bingham header. Wide open off the cross and caught Van Sicklein going the wrong way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 15, 2015, 03:14:14 PM
Great header from Bingham. MIT was better in the second half, but Bowdoin looked more compact in OT. Just one lapse of concentration. I'll say that I think MIT deserved to move on, they shut me up and proved me wrong by beating a good, solid side in Bowdoin, but they'll come up against Oneonta next week, and that will be a completely different task.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2015, 08:31:47 AM
Tufts with a great comeback yesterday and looked dangerous on the turf. Back to the grass at Kenyon.

I also just found out this Seton Hall Prep Stud committed to Tufts this summer. More Jersey roots / connections for Shapiro. This kid is going to be a good one in Nescac.

http://leagueathletics.com/Page.asp?n=55813&org=fccopa.com


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 16, 2015, 10:39:45 AM
Let's go Amherst and Tufts!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 16, 2015, 03:40:40 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 16, 2015, 10:39:45 AM
Let's go Amherst and Tufts!

Agree...let's go NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 16, 2015, 04:53:37 PM
Amherst website posted that Amherst will host the sectional.  Lycoming, Brandeis and Trinity University will join Amherst....on the Hitchcock grass pitch.  Hope I got that correct.
Someone posted earlier that maybe the case.  Brandeis vs Trinity....both ranked higher than Amherst presently.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Corazon on November 16, 2015, 05:38:41 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 16, 2015, 08:31:47 AM
Tufts with a great comeback yesterday and looked dangerous on the turf. Back to the grass at Kenyon.

I also just found out this Seton Hall Prep Stud committed to Tufts this summer. More Jersey roots / connections for Shapiro. This kid is going to be a good one in Nescac.

http://leagueathletics.com/Page.asp?n=55813&org=fccopa.com

Interesting. There's also a kid headed to Williams. Mr. Right, have you heard anything about him?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FamilyFriend on November 17, 2015, 02:42:59 AM
High time Serpone and the Amherst boys perform. Look to see it happen this year. GK and 4 year starter Bull is has big game experience and looked in the zone against Morrisville, going to be tough to beat the potential D3 shutout record holder on his pitch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 17, 2015, 10:29:59 AM
Quote from: Corazon on November 16, 2015, 05:38:41 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 16, 2015, 08:31:47 AM
Tufts with a great comeback yesterday and looked dangerous on the turf. Back to the grass at Kenyon.

I also just found out this Seton Hall Prep Stud committed to Tufts this summer. More Jersey roots / connections for Shapiro. This kid is going to be a good one in Nescac.

http://leagueathletics.com/Page.asp?n=55813&org=fccopa.com

Interesting. There's also a kid headed to Williams. Mr. Right, have you heard anything about him?




He is not a difference maker.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 17, 2015, 11:34:01 AM
Mr. Right, what do you think of Sullivan as a recruiter, generally, based on early results?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 17, 2015, 11:46:25 AM
Well we do not know yet. This will be Sullivan's 1st class at Williams. I have no idea who has committed yet but we will not know until next season what type of player he will bring in. This year's frosh were Russo's last class and I believe it will turn out to be a very good class. Fyke, Andreau, MacDonald are all good technical frisky players which should of seen more time this year IMO. If Rashid comes back then the only true loss will be Danilack. Everyone else is replaceable. This team needs field leaders badly and I certainly am having a hard time seeing that in next year's seniors. Like I said before they better pick their captains wisely. Personally, the only captain material I am seeing on this roster is GK Alcorn and that can be tricky as GK's are sometimes not the best captains even if he is the best leader.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 17, 2015, 02:48:56 PM
Gotcha.  Agree that Rashid coming back is key, with him and everyone else back on offense and hopefully some additions, they could be pretty dynamic up front, lots of quickness.  Need to clean up the late-game goals surrendered and Danilack is a big hole and D was hit-or-miss at times, so hopefully some good defenders coming in.  He does have Chris Fleischer coming in at MF who was Gatorade POY in D.C.  as a junior, but hard to know what to make of those awards at times.  Sometimes leaders are made, not born, so perhaps a few surprising figures will step to the forefront.  Also after a year as coach Sullivan has now had a chance to place his stamp on the team, always tough in the first year following a legend. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 17, 2015, 10:56:23 PM
Quote from: SoccerTroll on November 13, 2015, 05:08:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2015, 12:52:09 PM
There is no way they would take Kayne out of midfield and Brown would get eaten alive by bigger more physical CB's. There is no reason to panic and move everyone around. They will have to keep things in place and hope to get a goal somehow.

Wouldn't be surprised if Tufts comes out technical with someone off bench with technical skill on the MSU turf. Big physical backs will either foul or get beat by that. Tufts been good on corners and set pieces so the fouls would benefit them. Looking for a sleeper off the bench and a dominant showing by them against both opponents this weekend then it is off to Ohio for the Kenyon leg and sweet 16.

Troll, you called that one!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 17, 2015, 11:03:05 PM
How would one describe Kenyon's style or type of play?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2015, 10:14:36 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 17, 2015, 11:03:05 PM
How would one describe Kenyon's style or type of play?

Wingtips or NCAC would probably know this....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on November 18, 2015, 10:21:49 AM
Quote from: amh63 on November 16, 2015, 04:53:37 PM
Amherst website posted that Amherst will host the sectional.  Lycoming, Brandeis and Trinity University will join Amherst....on the Hitchcock grass pitch.  Hope I got that correct.
Someone posted earlier that maybe the case.  Brandeis vs Trinity....both ranked higher than Amherst presently.

Ranked higher in the polls that aren't the NCAA...all the teams that got byes are hosting...why do you think they got byes? It's cuz they are the top 3 seeds in the committee's perspective. It would be contradictory to have Amherst get a bye then have say Brandeis host? Trinity wouldn't host because that would mean 3 teams flying rather than just 1 in Trinity flying to Mass.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 18, 2015, 10:56:14 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2015, 10:14:36 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 17, 2015, 11:03:05 PM
How would one describe Kenyon's style or type of play?

Wingtips or NCAC would probably know this....

We are in the quiet period.

Honestly, a homer fan is not the best person to get impressions from IMO.  Sort of like it's easier to know what someone else's issue are than your own.  Perceptions of one's own team often can be distorted.  The views of an opponent or neutral fan would likely be more credible.  I've also ironically seen Tufts LIVE exactly 1 more more time than I've seen Kenyon this year (zero).

In that vein, I may offer my thoughts on how to defeat Tufts at some point later today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Domino1195 on November 18, 2015, 12:17:57 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 18, 2015, 10:56:14 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2015, 10:14:36 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 17, 2015, 11:03:05 PM
How would one describe Kenyon's style or type of play?

Wingtips or NCAC would probably know this....

We are in the quiet period.

Honestly, a homer fan is not the best person to get impressions from IMO.  Sort of like it's easier to know what someone else's issue are than your own.  Perceptions of one's own team often can be distorted.  The views of an opponent or neutral fan would likely be more credible.  I've also ironically seen Tufts LIVE exactly 1 more more time than I've seen Kenyon this year (zero).

In that vein, I may offer my thoughts on how to defeat Tufts at some point later today.

Saw both games this weekend and the earlier game versus Marietta. As I said after the Marietta game: when the front two lines stay connected they play the game beautifully. There were questions early on about replacing all four backs, for the most part Kenyon's backs have performed well.

Saturday's game was a test of patience as Westminster parked the bus and waited for a counter. I was hanging on the fence at the attacking end second half -the cross from Barnes was 10 feet in front of me. You did hear a little dissention among the Kenyon players - to be expected given Westminster's tactics.

Sunday's game against Chicago was not their finest moment. #11 (I was told he was UAA Newcomer of the Year) had his way against Kenyon's left back - creating multiple scoring chances. Chicago really should have had 3 goals min in the first half. Unfortunately a hard studs-in tackle(a foul was called) on #11's ankle hobbled him for the rest of the half. He did not start the second, came in and left within minutes 2nd half - tried to retape his ankle - did not return. That injury and the concussion suffered by #2 took two starters out for Chicago. Should be noted that all but 2 starters return for them and they have some good recruits coming - a very highly rated player from Cincinnati.

Just before Kenyon scored - Amolo got the ball in his half and was one on three - I said aloud," You better foul him now!" I repeated this twice - moments later they got the trying goal. The Chicago fans looked at me - I smiled and said - " I was trying to tell you what was going to happen!"

If you give Kenyon space - especially Amolo - they will hurt you. If you force them to play possession in their attacking end you may find success with counters. We saw that pacy wingers can get by the outside backs - and we saw that Kenyon is not opposed to hard fouls.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 18, 2015, 12:37:58 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 18, 2015, 10:56:14 AM
We are in the quiet period.

Honestly, a homer fan is not the best person to get impressions from IMO.  Sort of like it's easier to know what someone else's issue are than your own.  Perceptions of one's own team often can be distorted.  The views of an opponent or neutral fan would likely be more credible.  I've also ironically seen Tufts LIVE exactly 1 more more time than I've seen Kenyon this year (zero).

In that vein, I may offer my thoughts on how to defeat Tufts at some point later today.

As Domino posted, I'll offer one to the contrary - about how to play Tufts. NCAC, I have been meaning to do this for a while, so apologies if I take some of your material, but having seen Tufts live twice and online several other times I thought I would provide a guide to their strengths and weaknesses. For the record, I am a complete neutral in this one, so this is no attempt to "out" Tufts - just conveying things that are there on the pitch for all to see.

Strengths:

Passing. Jason Kayne is one of the best central midfielders in Division III. I would easily put him top three. He's a two-way player who can defend just as well as he can attack, and he can thread a ball through the eye of a needle. Though his counterparts Pinheiro and Halliday are also very good, Kayne is a class above and makes everything look easy, most notably his passing. Aside from Kayne, Tufts is very good at passing the ball, from front to back, and Greenwood's distribution is excellent. Keeping them out of their rhythm is key.

Set Pieces: Do not give Tufts set pieces. They have excellent delivery, whether from Patel or Pinheiro, and they have weapons to get on the end of it like Sullivan, Coleman, and Majumder. Sullivan and Coleman are not even in the same class defensively as Williams and Lee-Kramer were, but they both can attack the ball very well. Three of Tufts' five goals this weekend came from attacking set pieces, so that should tell you enough.

Wing Play: Connor Brown isn't quite on the same level as Gus Santos was, but he is still an excellent winger. Between him and the Tufts fullbacks, they're very good at getting down the side and either putting in crosses or taking a shot.

Weaknesses:

Defending Set Pieces: I've said a million times that Scott Greenwood is an excellent goalkeeper in terms of shot-stopping, but that he is not nearly good enough on dead balls. But it's not just him - Sullivan and Coleman are good at attacking set pieces, but they don't seem to be on the same level in terms of clearing them out. This is completely anecdotal, but the only times I've seen Tufts especially vulnerable defensively is when they're defending a corner kick or free kick.

They Over-Complicate Things (esp. finishing): Tufts is the NESCAC's best example of a possession side, and they play some great stuff. But sometimes they make one passes too many, or try to take the perfect shot when a simple effort (e.g. Connor Brown's screamer vs. MSU) would do.  Also, Majumder has a tendency to drop too deep and too wide at times for a central striker, and while I know it's part of Tufts' play to have the striker hold up the ball, sometimes there's no one there in the box to finish chances.

Based on what I've seen of Kenyon, Tufts and Kenyon seem to be very similar teams in that they both possess excellent players on both sides of the ball, and are both very good in terms of "team defense" and going forward. The key for Kenyon will be to keep Tufts from getting set pieces and disrupt Tufts' rhythm, as they are incredibly dangerous when they build up a head of steam. Brandeis did an excellent job of this when the two teams played earlier this year, breaking up Tufts' midfield play despite the fact that they dominated possession and kept them from having any clear-cut opportunities. That is another key - if Tufts gets a good chance, more often than not they will finish it (of course, there was the Bates game when the Tufts players couldn't hit a barn door if they tried, but that was an anomaly), so keeping them out of those positions is important, too.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2015, 12:51:06 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 18, 2015, 12:37:58 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 18, 2015, 10:56:14 AM
We are in the quiet period.

Honestly, a homer fan is not the best person to get impressions from IMO.  Sort of like it's easier to know what someone else's issue are than your own.  Perceptions of one's own team often can be distorted.  The views of an opponent or neutral fan would likely be more credible.  I've also ironically seen Tufts LIVE exactly 1 more more time than I've seen Kenyon this year (zero).

In that vein, I may offer my thoughts on how to defeat Tufts at some point later today.

As Domino posted, I'll offer one to the contrary - about how to play Tufts. NCAC, I have been meaning to do this for a while, so apologies if I take some of your material, but having seen Tufts live twice and online several other times I thought I would provide a guide to their strengths and weaknesses. For the record, I am a complete neutral in this one, so this is no attempt to "out" Tufts - just conveying things that are there on the pitch for all to see.

Strengths:

Passing. Jason Kayne is one of the best central midfielders in Division III. I would easily put him top three. He's a two-way player who can defend just as well as he can attack, and he can thread a ball through the eye of a needle. Though his counterparts Pinheiro and Halliday are also very good, Kayne is a class above and makes everything look easy, most notably his passing. Aside from Kayne, Tufts is very good at passing the ball, from front to back, and Greenwood's distribution is excellent. Keeping them out of their rhythm is key.

Set Pieces: Do not give Tufts set pieces. They have excellent delivery, whether from Patel or Pinheiro, and they have weapons to get on the end of it like Sullivan, Coleman, and Majumder. Sullivan and Coleman are not even in the same class defensively as Williams and Lee-Kramer were, but they both can attack the ball very well. Three of Tufts' five goals this weekend came from attacking set pieces, so that should tell you enough.

Wing Play: Connor Brown isn't quite on the same level as Gus Santos was, but he is still an excellent winger. Between him and the Tufts fullbacks, they're very good at getting down the side and either putting in crosses or taking a shot.

Weaknesses:

Defending Set Pieces: I've said a million times that Scott Greenwood is an excellent goalkeeper in terms of shot-stopping, but that he is not nearly good enough on dead balls. But it's not just him - Sullivan and Coleman are good at attacking set pieces, but they don't seem to be on the same level in terms of clearing them out. This is completely anecdotal, but the only times I've seen Tufts especially vulnerable defensively is when they're defending a corner kick or free kick.

They Over-Complicate Things (esp. finishing): Tufts is the NESCAC's best example of a possession side, and they play some great stuff. But sometimes they make one passes too many, or try to take the perfect shot when a simple effort (e.g. Connor Brown's screamer vs. MSU) would do.  Also, Majumder has a tendency to drop too deep and too wide at times for a central striker, and while I know it's part of Tufts' play to have the striker hold up the ball, sometimes there's no one there in the box to finish chances.

Based on what I've seen of Kenyon, Tufts and Kenyon seem to be very similar teams in that they both possess excellent players on both sides of the ball, and are both very good in terms of "team defense" and going forward. The key for Kenyon will be to keep Tufts from getting set pieces and disrupt Tufts' rhythm, as they are incredibly dangerous when they build up a head of steam. Brandeis did an excellent job of this when the two teams played earlier this year, breaking up Tufts' midfield play despite the fact that they dominated possession and kept them from having any clear-cut opportunities. That is another key - if Tufts gets a good chance, more often than not they will finish it (of course, there was the Bates game when the Tufts players couldn't hit a barn door if they tried, but that was an anomaly), so keeping them out of those positions is important, too.

Excellent analysis BLOOTS!    I would add one intangible.  Many players on Tufts played in the final four and championship game last year.  Not so with Kenyon.  So, there is the outstanding issue of how a team will handle the pressure....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2015, 12:52:41 PM
Quote from: Domino1195 on November 18, 2015, 12:17:57 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 18, 2015, 10:56:14 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2015, 10:14:36 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 17, 2015, 11:03:05 PM
How would one describe Kenyon's style or type of play?

Wingtips or NCAC would probably know this....

We are in the quiet period.

Honestly, a homer fan is not the best person to get impressions from IMO.  Sort of like it's easier to know what someone else's issue are than your own.  Perceptions of one's own team often can be distorted.  The views of an opponent or neutral fan would likely be more credible.  I've also ironically seen Tufts LIVE exactly 1 more more time than I've seen Kenyon this year (zero).

In that vein, I may offer my thoughts on how to defeat Tufts at some point later today.

Saw both games this weekend and the earlier game versus Marietta. As I said after the Marietta game: when the front two lines stay connected they play the game beautifully. There were questions early on about replacing all four backs, for the most part Kenyon's backs have performed well.

Saturday's game was a test of patience as Westminster parked the bus and waited for a counter. I was hanging on the fence at the attacking end second half -the cross from Barnes was 10 feet in front of me. You did hear a little dissention among the Kenyon players - to be expected given Westminster's tactics.

Sunday's game against Chicago was not their finest moment. #11 (I was told he was UAA Newcomer of the Year) had his way against Kenyon's left back - creating multiple scoring chances. Chicago really should have had 3 goals min in the first half. Unfortunately a hard studs-in tackle(a foul was called) on #11's ankle hobbled him for the rest of the half. He did not start the second, came in and left within minutes 2nd half - tried to retape his ankle - did not return. That injury and the concussion suffered by #2 took two starters out for Chicago. Should be noted that all but 2 starters return for them and they have some good recruits coming - a very highly rated player from Cincinnati.

Just before Kenyon scored - Amolo got the ball in his half and was one on three - I said aloud," You better foul him now!" I repeated this twice - moments later they got the trying goal. The Chicago fans looked at me - I smiled and said - " I was trying to tell you what was going to happen!"

If you give Kenyon space - especially Amolo - they will hurt you. If you force them to play possession in their attacking end you may find success with counters. We saw that pacy wingers can get by the outside backs - and we saw that Kenyon is not opposed to hard fouls.

Thanks for the analysis Domino!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 18, 2015, 01:08:16 PM
blooter, you pretty much nailed it and hit basically every point I would make.  Bottom line is that Tufts is very good, very dangerous, and very confident in their chances regardless of opponent (a combination of the vibe that begins with and flows down from Shapiro and just excellent overall talent).  The game I saw was the Brandeis game and I thought Tufts was a little better although they were two teams clearly in the same class.  I'd guess out of 10 games Tufts would have a 5-3-2 advantage (with the caveat that I think Brandeis has gotten even better over the course of the season). 

What surprised me about Tufts given how possession-oriented they are with a reputation as somewhat of a finesse team, is that they can be very physical and even chippy when needed.  The Brandeis game struck me as very physical on both sides.  Majumder will get an extra shot or two in and Sullivan is a huge guy who seems to embrace an enforcer role.  Greenwood is more feisty than chippy but his presence adds to the feeling that an opponent is going to have a long day trying to handle the Jumbos.

The things I would underscore from what blooter wrote are the following....1) disrupt and know where Kayne is at all times and whenever he gets the ball anywhere from 40 yards in on the attacking side of the field prevent his access to delivering those killer through/slip passes just behind the defense; 2) make Patel play defense at left back (best natural left back in the country IMO BY FAR), be aware of him making a play anytime he has the ball, and limit his opportunities for in-swinging free kicks from anywhere inside his offensive half and corners; 3) do NOT allow Patel to have a swing at a bunch of free kicks and corners; 4) be aware that Tufts floods the midfield with five and tries to win the game in the middle two-thirds which leads to those Kayne and set piece opportunities; 5) do NOT fall asleep on Connor Brown, and Shapiro may move him back and forth from left and right sides to see where he can use his speed and aggressiveness with a favorable match-up; 6) make Tufts defend, put them under pressure, make the game a little chaotic, and in general keep them out a rythym; 7) go into the halftime break tied or with a lead which will allow the opponent to get a feel for Tufts' overall quality and what you are up against.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 18, 2015, 01:20:53 PM
One thing I will say is that I still have a hard time picturing these 2 teams facing off especially in Gambier, OH....the kind of intra-regional game many of us would love to see and hardly ever do.  Both teams are very similar in that they are re-built from last year's editions.  I am very confident that Kenyon, if healthy, and that's a big IF, would have given Tufts a heck of a game last year and an opponent a little different than any of the others Tufts faced.  I'll regret that that didn't happen for a long time.  I think that would have been a really, really good one.  They both lost about the same amount....Kenyon lost all of its back line, a couple of strongly contributing mids, and a couple of key reserves, and Tufts lost 2 CBs, Santos, Hoppenot, and some key subs.  These are different teams than last year but with strong returning cores and some new players stepping into big roles. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 18, 2015, 01:38:57 PM
Any Messiah folks want to comment on Lycoming's chances with Amherst?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2015, 01:42:01 PM
From Dominos analysis, it would appear that Connor Brown and Becharano use their speed to stretch and pressure the Kenyon midfield and outside backs. Tufts will have to pressure the back line. If this was turf that would be easier...and move the wings. It would be nice to play majumber and becharano together at times for extra pressure. Amolo must be marked at all times. Sullivan and Coleman have been stepping up big and must continue.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 19, 2015, 08:19:47 PM
I like the foregoing analysis. Usually, when u see NCAA or other general analysis it generally mentions leading scorers and goaltender save percentages.... No matter what people say, u can learn something on these boards!😉 Go NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 20, 2015, 09:29:02 AM
Will Tufts be ready to go today?  Weather looks to be a nice sunny clear day with some wind and temps in the upper 40's. Tufts newspaper reviewed the past weekend and the players had some interesting quotes.

http://tuftsdaily.com/sports/2015/11/16/sullivan-brown-help-tufts-advance-sweet-16/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: wingtips2 on November 20, 2015, 09:34:29 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2015, 10:14:36 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 17, 2015, 11:03:05 PM
How would one describe Kenyon's style or type of play?

Wingtips or NCAC would probably know this....
Sorry I didn't see this earlier.
The others hit the nail on the head.
Can't underestimate how important Lowrie has been this year - he covers a lot of the mistakes made by the outside backs.
Tufts gave a good account of themselves today - cruel way to lose.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 21, 2015, 07:50:42 AM
Only one NESCAC team left to cheer for.
Let's get the good vibes going, fellas.
Go Amherst!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 21, 2015, 11:52:21 AM
Who are the NESCAC all-Americans this year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 21, 2015, 02:15:49 PM
Breaking news: Amherst in Elite 8
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerTroll on November 21, 2015, 02:22:56 PM
Watched Tufts game. They seem to have kept ball in offensive half more than Kenyon. Just couldn't finish. Got goals on nice set pieces/corners. Tired legs at end so D couldn't get the late game clear. Could have gone either way. Tufts again showed Tourny experience and grit. SSweet 16 good result after so so end of season. Looking for them to do well next year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 21, 2015, 05:15:11 PM
Amherst plays Trinty University on Sunday.  Both teams had 2-0 wins.  Announcers mentioned that Trinity fans came to Hitchcock Field carrying a Texas Flag! :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 21, 2015, 06:08:13 PM
Quote from: amh63 on November 21, 2015, 05:15:11 PM
Amherst plays Trinty University on Sunday.  Both teams had 2-0 wins.  Announcers mentioned that Trinity fans came to Hitchcock Field carrying a Texas Flag! :)

Should be a war.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 21, 2015, 11:20:53 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 21, 2015, 11:52:21 AM
Who are the NESCAC all-Americans this year?

NPL
Odulate
Bull
Kayne
Majumder
Patel
Devlin...maybe
Conrad...maybe
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 22, 2015, 03:59:49 PM
 Amherst survives. NESCAC alive.... Will this be Serpone's year? Will the NESCAC have back to back Champions?  Stay tuned....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 22, 2015, 04:04:19 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 22, 2015, 03:59:49 PM
Amherst survives. NESCAC alive.... Will this be Serpone's year?

Could be!  Was very impressed how they kept focused and did not get frustrated by a very stingy Trinity defense today.  Amherst stuck to their game and finally got the breakthrough.  If they continue to keep this discipline and effort, it will take a Herculean effort to beat them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 22, 2015, 04:12:59 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 21, 2015, 11:20:53 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 21, 2015, 11:52:21 AM
Who are the NESCAC all-Americans this year?

NPL
Odulate
Bull
Kayne
Majumder
Patel
Devlin...maybe
Conrad...maybe

Definitely,

NPL- on fire
Odulate- NESCAC POY
Bull- stingy goalie
Kayne- best all-around player in NESCAC
Majumder- emerged as an excellent scorer

Maybe

Patel- underrated steady left back
Conrad.......good scorer
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 22, 2015, 05:00:58 PM
This may be over the top.....but this is the CAC board!
Amherst wins over Trinity Un in the 2nd OT...1-0....with about 5 minutes to go.  Nico PL got the score in a strike in close...in the box area.
That is the details of the game for those that did NOT watch the game live or OnIne!
Now you posters can continue to chat on whatever you were chatting about
Oh yes, the details are now posted on the Amherst website.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 22, 2015, 05:42:18 PM
Will be interesting if Amherst wins this whole thing despite being knocked out by the 8th seed in the NESCAC tournament. I believe the 1 seed had never lost the first game of the conference tournament besides for Tufts last year, and look where that got them.

Surely the Amherst players (and the Tufts players from last year) benefitted from the rest of having almost two weeks off to prepare for the NCAAs. Maybe being the 1 seed and losing to the 8th seed is actually an omen for national success?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2015, 05:47:43 PM
OK, folks. I know I wear a giant A on my hat and my heart on my sleeve for the Purple and White, but I hafta say I'm a little Surprised that you NESCAC-ers can't  just bite back the bitters and wish these guys well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on November 22, 2015, 06:04:41 PM
3 out 4 New England teams drop out of the tourney in their round of 16 games.  Congrats to Amherst...headed to their third final-4 appearance in program history.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2015, 06:26:05 PM
  :D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 22, 2015, 06:30:45 PM
Until that one-week stretch back in late October, Amherst had been the consensus #1 team for most of the season. They were the better team today and were yesterday, and they have as good of a chance at winning it all (in fact, I'd say the best chance) as they've ever had. Good luck to the Jeffs. I certainly think their semi-final against Oneonta will be the more entertaining semi of the two.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2015, 06:33:47 PM
 :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerTroll on November 22, 2015, 06:46:22 PM
I am a Tufts supporter, but elated that a fellow NESCAC school is heading to final 4. Demonstrates the quality of the league. Good luck Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 22, 2015, 07:11:28 PM
Quote from: SoccerTroll on November 22, 2015, 06:46:22 PM
I am a Tufts supporter, but elated that a fellow NESCAC school is heading to final 4. Demonstrates the quality of the league. Good luck Amherst.

I more partial to the Ephraim Purple Cows but Go Amherst! Go NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 22, 2015, 07:12:29 PM
Thanks for the support, fellas.
Go Amherst. Go NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2015, 09:35:36 AM
I find it very difficult to root for Amherst but IMO they will WIN this NCAA Tournament. They are clearly the best team and deserved to win it all in 2012. Serpone does not have the best of luck though so anything can happen but they are the most talented side in D3
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2015, 04:12:08 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 21, 2015, 11:52:21 AM
Who are the NESCAC all-Americans this year?

I know we are all immersed in the mighty Amherst but any further comments on this?  Even Mr. Right is quiet....... ::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 23, 2015, 04:17:40 PM
FYI, on the Amherst Soccer website, there is about a minute or less video of NPL's winning kick.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 23, 2015, 06:41:29 PM
Quote from: amh63 on November 23, 2015, 04:17:40 PM
FYI, on the Amherst Soccer website, there is about a minute or less video of NPL's winning kick.

Unless I'm missing something that goal was 90% about the assist.  Heady (no pun intended) play.  Trinity allowed 3 headers in a row on that play inside the box and got punished for it.  Soccer is such a strange game.  You fight off corner after corner and short throw after short throw and eventually one bounces right or wrong (depending on which team you are on).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2015, 06:46:16 PM
Yes it was an excellent flick by Bean then I believe Lenhart had the best flick and NPL did his thing to finish it off...Well I have defended Amherst enough in one day(today) than I can handle. I am finished let someone else pull that weight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 23, 2015, 06:51:36 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2015, 04:12:08 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 21, 2015, 11:52:21 AM
Who are the NESCAC all-Americans this year?

I know we are all immersed in the mighty Amherst but any further comments on this?  Even Mr. Right is quiet....... ::)

No sure what you're looking for, and I'm sure this will give someone a chance at some more negative karma for me (although two people will have to wait for tomorrow since they apparently were offended by something in what seemed like pretty non-controversial posts earlier today). Anyways, I very much agree with you Tufts die-hards about how good Kayne is (and that's why I made him priority #1 in my scouting review of Tufts), but 1 goal and 2 assists for an entire season for an attacking mid are not AA numbers, even taking into account the usual retorts about playing less games and tougher competition.  For how great of a player he is those stats don't add up to a great year.  Compare to Hollingsworth, another high-profile attacking mid, with 18 goals and 6 assists. 

On the other hand, NPL may end up National POY even though he couldn't win NESCAC POY.  I don't think there is another player left in the Final Four who could get it over him even if Amherst loses.  It would have to be someone like Hollingsworth or another star from another team that already is out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 23, 2015, 06:52:57 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 23, 2015, 06:46:16 PM
Yes it was an excellent flick by Bean then I believe Lenhart had the best flick and NPL did his thing to finish it off...Well I have defended Amherst enough in one day(today) than I can handle. I am finished let someone else pull that weight.

Lenhart had the throw, then two players headed it and then the third header for the assist I think was Murray (I think?).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2015, 08:55:24 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 23, 2015, 06:51:36 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2015, 04:12:08 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 21, 2015, 11:52:21 AM
Who are the NESCAC all-Americans this year?

I know we are all immersed in the mighty Amherst but any further comments on this?  Even Mr. Right is quiet....... ::)

No sure what you're looking for, and I'm sure this will give someone a chance at some more negative karma for me (although two people will have to wait for tomorrow since they apparently were offended by something in what seemed like pretty non-controversial posts earlier today). Anyways, I very much agree with you Tufts die-hards about how good Kayne is (and that's why I made him priority #1 in my scouting review of Tufts), but 1 goal and 2 assists for an entire season for an attacking mid are not AA numbers, even taking into account the usual retorts about playing less games and tougher competition.  For how great of a player he is those stats don't add up to a great year.  Compare to Hollingsworth, another high-profile attacking mid, with 18 goals and 6 assists. 

On the other hand, NPL may end up National POY even though he couldn't win NESCAC POY.  I don't think there is another player left in the Final Four who could get it over him even if Amherst loses.  It would have to be someone like Hollingsworth or another star from another team that already is out.

I don't give the negative karma.. you were the one who went on the rampage last year!  NPL could definitely win it.  Hollingsworth is fantastic.  He takes the penalty kicks, plays in an easier schedule and plays more games.  He definitely wouldn't have those stats in the NESCAC... fact is fact notwithstanding your attempt to disclaim it.  And I'm not comparing Kayne to Hollingsworth. 2 different players with 2 different skill sets. I have seen them both play. Hollingsworth has fanstastic speed. Kayne is better with the ball and has better vision and passing skills.....Recall Hoppenot got a second or third team AA last year as a forward with only 6 goals. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2015, 09:08:39 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 23, 2015, 06:51:36 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2015, 04:12:08 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on November 21, 2015, 11:52:21 AM
Who are the NESCAC all-Americans this year?

I know we are all immersed in the mighty Amherst but any further comments on this?  Even Mr. Right is quiet....... ::)

No sure what you're looking for, and I'm sure this will give someone a chance at some more negative karma for me (although two people will have to wait for tomorrow since they apparently were offended by something in what seemed like pretty non-controversial posts earlier today). Anyways, I very much agree with you Tufts die-hards about how good Kayne is (and that's why I made him priority #1 in my scouting review of Tufts), but 1 goal and 2 assists for an entire season for an attacking mid are not AA numbers, even taking into account the usual retorts about playing less games and tougher competition.  For how great of a player he is those stats don't add up to a great year.  Compare to Hollingsworth, another high-profile attacking mid, with 18 goals and 6 assists. 

On the other hand, NPL may end up National POY even though he couldn't win NESCAC POY.  I don't think there is another player left in the Final Four who could get it over him even if Amherst loses.  It would have to be someone like Hollingsworth or another star from another team that already is out.

By the way, what non-controversial quotes are you referring to? I didn't notice any...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 23, 2015, 09:19:52 PM
I don't buy your argument.  How do you know Hollingsworth doesn't have equal vision and ball/passing skills?  After all, the assists comparison is 6 to 2 in his favor.  And I'm not disclaiming what you want to include.  I'm saying that even factoring in more games and better competition (even though Wheaton has a pretty high SOS and played Loras x2, Wash U, North Park, Rose-Hulman, Carthage, and 4 NCAA games, etc), the numbers still don't add up.  Do you really think Hollingsworth would be limited to 3 goals and 2 assists in the NESCAC (and NCAA tournament)?  If Kayne had 5 goals and at least 7 or 8 assists then you might have an argument.  Kayne is an attacking mid, not a holding mid.  A player of his caliber should have more than 2 assists for a whole regular season, NESCAC tourney, and 3 NCAA games.  Great player, but the numbers aren't adding up even if all of the excuses are included.  I wouldn't have even commented on this at all but you seem very interested in the AA theme, and I assume you want honest discussion about it that goes just a bit beyond blind allegiances.

I posted a couple of posts in the other thread earlier today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2015, 09:26:31 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 23, 2015, 09:19:52 PM
I don't buy your argument.  How do you know Hollingsworth doesn't have equal vision and ball/passing skills?  After all, the assists comparison is 6 to 2 in his favor.  And I'm not disclaiming what you want to include.  I'm saying that even factoring in more games and better competition (even though Wheaton has a pretty high SOS and played Loras x2, Wash U, North Park, Rose-Hulman, Carthage, and 4 NCAA games, etc), the numbers still don't add up.  Do you really think Hollingsworth would be limited to 3 goals and 2 assists in the NESCAC (and NCAA tournament)?  If Kayne had 5 goals and at least 7 or 8 assists then you might have an argument.  Kayne is an attacking mid, not a holding mid.  A player of his caliber should have more than 2 assists for a whole regular season, NESCAC tourney, and 3 NCAA games.  Great player, but the numbers aren't adding up even if all of the excuses are included.  I wouldn't have even commented on this at all but you seem very interested in the AA theme, and I assume you want honest discussion about it that goes just a bit beyond blind allegiances.

I posted a couple of posts in the other thread earlier today.

First of all, I have seen the 2 play in person. Have you?  That's how I base the comparison. Not on your numbers...You may have mentioned this before, or someone else, but Kayne made numerous passes for breakaways that were flubbed by other players. Should have had at least the amounts you claimed.  And, defensively, both are fantastic with multi-steals per game. Anyway, I see your points...just don't agree.  We can agree to disagree and I won't even give you a negative karma... ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 23, 2015, 09:33:27 PM
Last point.  I think Amherst plays in the NESCAC.  NPL has 13 g, 5 a, Martin has 10 g, 5 a, Singer 6 g, 6 a, midfielder Orozco 4 g, 3 a, defender Bean 1 g, 5 a, and defender Lehnhart 6 a.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2015, 09:36:45 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 23, 2015, 09:33:27 PM
Last point.  I think Amherst plays in the NESCAC.  NPL has 13 g, 5 a, Martin has 10 g, 5 a, Singer 6 g, 6 a, midfielder Orozco 4 g, 3 a, defender Bean 1 g, 5 a, and defender Lehnhart 6 a.

I have seen Orozco play.  Not close to Kayne.  Martin and Singer are great players but don't have his talent. The NESCAC coaches felt the same way in the NESCAC voting for conference players. They see the players up close and personal so must think otherwise....Again, we can agree to disagree and I won't even give you a negative karma... ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 23, 2015, 09:40:46 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2015, 09:36:45 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 23, 2015, 09:33:27 PM
Last point.  I think Amherst plays in the NESCAC.  NPL has 13 g, 5 a, Martin has 10 g, 5 a, Singer 6 g, 6 a, midfielder Orozco 4 g, 3 a, defender Bean 1 g, 5 a, and defender Lehnhart 6 a.

I have seen Orozco play.  Not close to Kayne.  Martin and Singer are great players but don't have his talent. The NESCAC coaches felt the same way in the NESCAC voting for conference players. They see the players up close and personal so must think otherwise....Again, we can agree to disagree and I won't even give you a negative karma... ;)

And you missed the point again.  I'm agreeing with you that Kayne is one of the top 2-3 players in the league.  You've suggested that the league itself is a huge limiting factor.  If these lesser players above can rack up some numbers then it's fair to make numbers a relevant factor in how great of a season someone had.  If it's a done deal for you why did you ask again for more discussion?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2015, 09:43:22 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 23, 2015, 09:40:46 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2015, 09:36:45 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on November 23, 2015, 09:33:27 PM
Last point.  I think Amherst plays in the NESCAC.  NPL has 13 g, 5 a, Martin has 10 g, 5 a, Singer 6 g, 6 a, midfielder Orozco 4 g, 3 a, defender Bean 1 g, 5 a, and defender Lehnhart 6 a.

I have seen Orozco play.  Not close to Kayne.  Martin and Singer are great players but don't have his talent. The NESCAC coaches felt the same way in the NESCAC voting for conference players. They see the players up close and personal so must think otherwise....Again, we can agree to disagree and I won't even give you a negative karma... ;)

And you missed the point again.  I'm agreeing with you that Kayne is one of the top 2-3 players in the league.  You've suggested that the league itself is a huge limiting factor.  If these lesser players above can rack up some numbers then it's fair to make numbers a relevant factor in how great of a season someone had.  If it's a done deal for you why did you ask again for more discussion?

Done... Let it go..... ::) :-* :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 23, 2015, 09:50:47 PM
All I'll add is if Kayne  is in the discussion even though he lacks the stats then Devlin must be. In my opinion he is the best midfielder in this league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 23, 2015, 10:03:42 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 23, 2015, 09:50:47 PM
All I'll add is if Kayne  is in the discussion even though he lacks the stats then Devlin must be. In my opinion he is the best midfielder in this league.

Kayne and Devlin are fantastic players both worthy of the recognition...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 23, 2015, 10:05:54 PM
Food for thought (at the risk of receiving more negative karma from one of you who enjoys dolling out):
Non-NESCAC POY NPL scores twice this weekend: a PK to ice the Sweet 16 (validity of call is moot in terms of conversion) and the clutch game winner in 2OT to advance to the Final Four.
(Also: Non-NESCAC COY brings his team to the show.)
Why are we still talking about Kayne, who disappeared vs. Amherst and is not playing at this point?

Lots of players are contenders for AA. Some more than others.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 23, 2015, 10:11:51 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 23, 2015, 10:05:54 PM
Food for thought (at the risk of receiving more negative karma from one of you who enjoys dolling out):
Non-NESCAC POY NPL scores twice this weekend: a PK to ice the Sweet 16 (validity of call is moot in terms of conversion) and the clutch game winner in 2OT to advance to the Final Four.
(Also: Non-NESCAC COY brings his team to the show.)
Why are we still talking about Kayne, who disappeared vs. Amherst and is not playing at this point?

Lots of players are contenders for AA. Some more than others.

If I recall, several posters have said NPL is worthy NPY...national player of the year... We catch your drift...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 23, 2015, 10:16:46 PM
Right. I forgot that most here picked NPL as NESCAC POY, too. Thanks for the reminder.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 24, 2015, 09:29:04 AM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 23, 2015, 09:50:47 PM
All I'll add is if Kayne  is in the discussion even though he lacks the stats then Devlin must be. In my opinion he is the best midfielder in this league.

Spot on...completely agree with you on Devlin....tremendous player....D1 coaches are still shaking their heads that Murphy somehow stole him for Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 24, 2015, 11:04:10 AM
Jump4Joy.....been busy on other boards.....Thanks for holding the fort! :)...plus K
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 24, 2015, 12:23:46 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 24, 2015, 09:29:04 AM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 23, 2015, 09:50:47 PM
All I'll add is if Kayne  is in the discussion even though he lacks the stats then Devlin must be. In my opinion he is the best midfielder in this league.

Spot on...completely agree with you on Devlin....tremendous player....D1 coaches are still shaking their heads that Murphy somehow stole him for Conn.



Murphy also stole him from other Nescac's that saw him play to late as I imagine some Patriot and Ivies saw as well. Murphy was on Devlin as a Soph / Junior and the others were just late to the dance. Now some kids would have de-committed and changed their minds but it looks like Devlin went with who wanted him most. Congrats to coach and player. Now Murphy needs to provide him with 2 or 3 more pieces to get this team into the NCAA's. I would like to see them get another striker and GK to challenge DaCahuna. Also, a 1v1 guy out on the flank that can beat guys. They missed that from the Ghanian that quit. They will miss Patch and Bitchell and will need to find adequate replacements. This is a very important off season for Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 24, 2015, 01:31:39 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 24, 2015, 12:23:46 PM
Quote from: All NESCAC on November 24, 2015, 09:29:04 AM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 23, 2015, 09:50:47 PM
All I'll add is if Kayne  is in the discussion even though he lacks the stats then Devlin must be. In my opinion he is the best midfielder in this league.

Spot on...completely agree with you on Devlin....tremendous player....D1 coaches are still shaking their heads that Murphy somehow stole him for Conn.



Murphy also stole him from other Nescac's that saw him play to late as I imagine some Patriot and Ivies saw as well. Murphy was on Devlin as a Soph / Junior and the others were just late to the dance. Now some kids would have de-committed and changed their minds but it looks like Devlin went with who wanted him most. Congrats to coach and player. Now Murphy needs to provide him with 2 or 3 more pieces to get this team into the NCAA's. I would like to see them get another striker and GK to challenge DaCahuna. Also, a 1v1 guy out on the flank that can beat guys. They missed that from the Ghanian that quit. They will miss Patch and Bitchell and will need to find adequate replacements. This is a very important off season for Conn.

spot on Mr Right, but Conn was a very young team this Fall, and hopefully the Frosh will continue to improve, but since next year is Devlin's Sr year they need to make the most of it...so yes this off season is very important to try to add a few more pieces.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 25, 2015, 09:47:32 AM
A few random notes.  First, this is four straight years that a NESCAC team has made the Final Four, from three different programs, including at least one national title in that time period.  Can we put to rest any questions about what is the best conference in Division 3, finally?  Has any D3 conference EVER had three different teams in three straight final fours?  Maybe the NJAC I'm thinking ...?

I have to say I like Amherst's chances vs. Oneonta considering that Williams beat them 2-0, and outshot them so it was no fluke.  Granted, that was early in the season, but Amherst was substantially better than the Ephs this year. 

Speaking of the Ephs, a few links of interest.  First, a story on Bobby Fabricant, another Sullivan ED recruit.  Looks like he is bringing in a large class, and so far, of the three that have been noted here, two are from New Jersey and one from D.C.; surprising considering that Sullivan has spent his career coaching a generally regional New England squad. 

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/3969398898520130290/boys-soccer-delbarton-is-the-top-team-in-the-final-njcom-top-20-for-2015/

Finally, great Boston Globe article on former Eph Steve Ginsberg: 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2015/11/20/catching-with-steve-ginsberg-needham-high-williams-college-men-soccer/gdbRARxu22MMdALcKyopSM/story.html
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 25, 2015, 10:04:41 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on November 25, 2015, 09:47:32 AM
A few random notes.  First, this is four straight years that a NESCAC team has made the Final Four, from three different programs, including at least one national title in that time period.  Can we put to rest any questions about what is the best conference in Division 3, finally?  Has any D3 conference EVER had three different teams in three straight final fours?  Maybe the NJAC I'm thinking ...?

I have to say I like Amherst's chances vs. Oneonta considering that Williams beat them 2-0, and outshot them so it was no fluke.  Granted, that was early in the season, but Amherst was substantially better than the Ephs this year. 

Speaking of the Ephs, a few links of interest.  First, a story on Bobby Fabricant, another Sullivan ED recruit.  Looks like he is bringing in a large class, and so far, of the three that have been noted here, two are from New Jersey and one from D.C.; surprising considering that Sullivan has spent his career coaching a generally regional New England squad. 

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/3969398898520130290/boys-soccer-delbarton-is-the-top-team-in-the-final-njcom-top-20-for-2015/

Finally, great Boston Globe article on former Eph Steve Ginsberg: 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2015/11/20/catching-with-steve-ginsberg-needham-high-williams-college-men-soccer/gdbRARxu22MMdALcKyopSM/story.html

Great point about the NESCAC.  Also, let's hope the Ephmen rebound next year...recruit sounds promising.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Tres Coyotes on November 25, 2015, 10:30:57 AM
Maybe even more impressive for NESCAC is FIVE DIFFERENT teams making the final four in the last 9 years.
2007 Middlebury
2008 Amherst
2009 Williams
2010 Bowdoin
2012 Williams
2013 Williams
2014 Tufts
2015 Amherst

Winning the championship is a huge deal, but making the final four is quite memorable as well. Banquets, NCAA hoopla and gear, its an unforgettable weekend.

Amherst will have its hands full with Oneonta. Their game with Haverford was very well played with Haverford having more chances and the Fords having as much skill as anyone. Oneonta is very dangerous going forward and also big and strong.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 25, 2015, 03:30:11 PM
Quote from: Tres Coyotes on November 25, 2015, 10:30:57 AM
Maybe even more impressive for NESCAC is FIVE DIFFERENT teams making the final four in the last 9 years.
2007 Middlebury
2008 Amherst
2009 Williams
2010 Bowdoin
2012 Williams
2013 Williams
2014 Tufts
2015 Amherst

Winning the championship is a huge deal, but making the final four is quite memorable as well. Banquets, NCAA hoopla and gear, its an unforgettable weekend.

Amherst will have its hands full with Oneonta. Their game with Haverford was very well played with Haverford having more chances and the Fords having as much skill as anyone. Oneonta is very dangerous going forward and also big and strong.

Didn't realize that about having five different teams in the final four. That is impressive.

I do agree that Amherst vs. Oneonta will be a fantastic game, and I think Oneonta is one of the few teams in the country who could really give Amherst a run for its money. I said earlier that the way to beat Amherst is to be able to match them in either physicality or skill and beat them in the other department. I don't think Oneonta is quite as physical as Amherst is, but I think they can match them there, and I think they are significantly better in skill and attack. That said, Serpone will set up to win, and you can bet that Amherst will do whatever it can take to keep Oneonta from playing its game. Excited for this one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan20 on December 03, 2015, 10:15:04 AM
NSCAA All New-England Teams

First Team                       
Pos.   Player       Class       School   Hometown
K   Thomas Bull          Sr.         Amherst   Montgomery, N.J.
D   Cooper D'Ambrosio      Sr.         Eastern Connecticut State    Andover, Conn.
D   Conor Lanahan     Sr.         Brandeis   Avon, Conn.
D   Carter Ocko         Jr.         Endicott   Danvers, Mass.
D   Nabil Odulate          Sr.         Bowdoin   Ellicott City, Md.
D   Deklan RobInson     Sr.         Middlebury   Gloucester, Mass.
M   Sean Bingham         Sr.         Massachusetts Insititute of Technology   Garden City, N.Y.
M   Tyler Carlos         Sr.         Babson   Prospect, Conn.
M   Xavier Carty         Jr.         Johnson & Wales (R.I.)   Mount Vernon, N.Y.
M   Caleb Cole          Jr.         Gordon   Coatesville, Pa.
M   Patrik Devlin          Jr.         Connecticut College   Washington Crossing, Pa.
M   Tre Ming                 Sr.         Thomas (Maine)   Devonshire, Bermuda
M   Josh Ocel        Jr.       Brandeis   North Attleboro, Mass.
F   Greg Conrad        Jr.       Middlebury   Peabody, Mass.
F   Conor Murtagh       Sr.       Bridgewater State   Walpole, Mass.
F   Nico Pascuel-Leone     Sr.       Amherst   Wayland, Mass.
                   
Second Team                           
Pos.   Player       Class       School   Hometown
K   Nick Weinstein         Jr.         Endicott   Trumball, Conn.
D   Christian Albrecht    Sr.         Norwich   Albuquerque, N.M.
D   Kevin Davis          Jr.         Wheaton (Mass.)   Beacon, N.Y.
D   Ben Gradert         So.         Gordon   Hudson, Ohio
M   Shintaroh Itoh         Sr         Endicott   Tokyo, Japan
M   Mohamed Kenawy   Fr         Massachusetts-Boston   Revere, Mass.
M   Jake Picard          Sr.         Brandeis   West Suffield, Conn.
M   Jake Tietgens         Sr.         Castleton   Stamford, Vt.
F   Abdulla Al Khalifa   Sr.         Endicott   Riffa, Bahrain
F   Luke Alvaro         Jr.         Springfield   Chicopee, Mass.
F   Pedro Dasilva          Sr         Massachusetts-Boston   Fogo, Cape Verde
F   Komla Dogbey       So.       Rhode Island College   Providence, R.I.
F   Adam Glaser        Jr.       Middlebury   Washington D.C.
F   Kareem Itani       Jr.       Massachusetts Insititute Of Technology   Dallas, Texas
F   Nathan Majumder    Jr.       Tufts   Williamstown, Mass.
F   Michael Skarbelis    So.       New England College   North Andover, Mass

Third Team                       
Pos.   Player       Class       School   Hometown
K   Gregory Sydor          Jr.         Middlebury   Madison, Conn.
D   Justin Aoyama         Jr.         Amherst   Narberth, Pa.
D   Geoff Danilack          Sr.         Williams College   Rockville, Md.
D   Andrew Gonzalez   Sr.         Babson   Durham, Conn.
D   Charlie Gruner          Jr.         Wesleyan   Stevenson, Md.
D   Robbie Lynch         Sr.         Brandeis   Weymouth, Mass.
D   Monil Patel         Sr.         Tufts   Niskayuna, N.Y.
M   Emmett Basaca   So.         Wentworth Institute of Technology   San Diego, Calif.
M   Austin Freel         Sr.         Massachusetts Insititute Of Technology   San Diego, Calif.
M   Tobias Gimand         Jr.         Trinity (Conn.)   Fairfield, Conn.
M   Noah Kossoff         Sr.         Wheaton (Mass.)   New York, N.Y.
F   Ian Hutchinson         Jr.         Daniel Webster   Litchfield, N.H.
F   Christopher Martin   Jr.       Amherst   Philadelphia, Pa.
F   Carlos Martinez   Sr.         Mount Ida    Newton, Mass.
F   Amarah Sesay         So.         Wheaton (Mass.)   New York, N.Y.
F   Denali Sexton         So.         Colby-Sawyer    Barrington, R.I.
F   Jacob Zimmerman    Jr.         Norwich   Litchfield, N.H.


Thoughts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 03, 2015, 10:20:50 AM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan20 on December 03, 2015, 10:15:04 AM
NSCAA All New-England Teams

First Team                       
Pos.   Player       Class       School   Hometown
K   Thomas Bull          Sr.         Amherst   Montgomery, N.J.
D   Cooper D'Ambrosio      Sr.         Eastern Connecticut State    Andover, Conn.
D   Conor Lanahan     Sr.         Brandeis   Avon, Conn.
D   Carter Ocko         Jr.         Endicott   Danvers, Mass.
D   Nabil Odulate          Sr.         Bowdoin   Ellicott City, Md.
D   Deklan RobInson     Sr.         Middlebury   Gloucester, Mass.
M   Sean Bingham         Sr.         Massachusetts Insititute of Technology   Garden City, N.Y.
M   Tyler Carlos         Sr.         Babson   Prospect, Conn.
M   Xavier Carty         Jr.         Johnson & Wales (R.I.)   Mount Vernon, N.Y.
M   Caleb Cole          Jr.         Gordon   Coatesville, Pa.
M   Patrik Devlin          Jr.         Connecticut College   Washington Crossing, Pa.
M   Tre Ming                 Sr.         Thomas (Maine)   Devonshire, Bermuda
M   Josh Ocel        Jr.       Brandeis   North Attleboro, Mass.
F   Greg Conrad        Jr.       Middlebury   Peabody, Mass.
F   Conor Murtagh       Sr.       Bridgewater State   Walpole, Mass.
F   Nico Pascuel-Leone     Sr.       Amherst   Wayland, Mass.
                   
Second Team                           
Pos.   Player       Class       School   Hometown
K   Nick Weinstein         Jr.         Endicott   Trumball, Conn.
D   Christian Albrecht    Sr.         Norwich   Albuquerque, N.M.
D   Kevin Davis          Jr.         Wheaton (Mass.)   Beacon, N.Y.
D   Ben Gradert         So.         Gordon   Hudson, Ohio
M   Shintaroh Itoh         Sr         Endicott   Tokyo, Japan
M   Mohamed Kenawy   Fr         Massachusetts-Boston   Revere, Mass.
M   Jake Picard          Sr.         Brandeis   West Suffield, Conn.
M   Jake Tietgens         Sr.         Castleton   Stamford, Vt.
F   Abdulla Al Khalifa   Sr.         Endicott   Riffa, Bahrain
F   Luke Alvaro         Jr.         Springfield   Chicopee, Mass.
F   Pedro Dasilva          Sr         Massachusetts-Boston   Fogo, Cape Verde
F   Komla Dogbey       So.       Rhode Island College   Providence, R.I.
F   Adam Glaser        Jr.       Middlebury   Washington D.C.
F   Kareem Itani       Jr.       Massachusetts Insititute Of Technology   Dallas, Texas
F   Nathan Majumder    Jr.       Tufts   Williamstown, Mass.
F   Michael Skarbelis    So.       New England College   North Andover, Mass

Third Team                       
Pos.   Player       Class       School   Hometown
K   Gregory Sydor          Jr.         Middlebury   Madison, Conn.
D   Justin Aoyama         Jr.         Amherst   Narberth, Pa.
D   Geoff Danilack          Sr.         Williams College   Rockville, Md.
D   Andrew Gonzalez   Sr.         Babson   Durham, Conn.
D   Charlie Gruner          Jr.         Wesleyan   Stevenson, Md.
D   Robbie Lynch         Sr.         Brandeis   Weymouth, Mass.
D   Monil Patel         Sr.         Tufts   Niskayuna, N.Y.
M   Emmett Basaca   So.         Wentworth Institute of Technology   San Diego, Calif.
M   Austin Freel         Sr.         Massachusetts Insititute Of Technology   San Diego, Calif.
M   Tobias Gimand         Jr.         Trinity (Conn.)   Fairfield, Conn.
M   Noah Kossoff         Sr.         Wheaton (Mass.)   New York, N.Y.
F   Ian Hutchinson         Jr.         Daniel Webster   Litchfield, N.H.
F   Christopher Martin   Jr.       Amherst   Philadelphia, Pa.
F   Carlos Martinez   Sr.         Mount Ida    Newton, Mass.
F   Amarah Sesay         So.         Wheaton (Mass.)   New York, N.Y.
F   Denali Sexton         So.         Colby-Sawyer    Barrington, R.I.
F   Jacob Zimmerman    Jr.         Norwich   Litchfield, N.H.


Thoughts?

Obviously being a Tufts fan, the omission of Kayne is a glaring error. Maybe it was his lower scoring this year as NCAC stated.  However, he outplayed several of the names listed at midfield at head to head competition, including Devlin and Itoh... And Patel should have been on the first team...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on December 03, 2015, 01:47:23 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on December 03, 2015, 10:20:50 AM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan20 on December 03, 2015, 10:15:04 AM
NSCAA All New-England Teams

First Team                       
Pos.   Player       Class       School   Hometown
K   Thomas Bull          Sr.         Amherst   Montgomery, N.J.
D   Cooper D'Ambrosio      Sr.         Eastern Connecticut State    Andover, Conn.
D   Conor Lanahan     Sr.         Brandeis   Avon, Conn.
D   Carter Ocko         Jr.         Endicott   Danvers, Mass.
D   Nabil Odulate          Sr.         Bowdoin   Ellicott City, Md.
D   Deklan RobInson     Sr.         Middlebury   Gloucester, Mass.
M   Sean Bingham         Sr.         Massachusetts Insititute of Technology   Garden City, N.Y.
M   Tyler Carlos         Sr.         Babson   Prospect, Conn.
M   Xavier Carty         Jr.         Johnson & Wales (R.I.)   Mount Vernon, N.Y.
M   Caleb Cole          Jr.         Gordon   Coatesville, Pa.
M   Patrik Devlin          Jr.         Connecticut College   Washington Crossing, Pa.
M   Tre Ming                 Sr.         Thomas (Maine)   Devonshire, Bermuda
M   Josh Ocel        Jr.       Brandeis   North Attleboro, Mass.
F   Greg Conrad        Jr.       Middlebury   Peabody, Mass.
F   Conor Murtagh       Sr.       Bridgewater State   Walpole, Mass.
F   Nico Pascuel-Leone     Sr.       Amherst   Wayland, Mass.
                   
Second Team                           
Pos.   Player       Class       School   Hometown
K   Nick Weinstein         Jr.         Endicott   Trumball, Conn.
D   Christian Albrecht    Sr.         Norwich   Albuquerque, N.M.
D   Kevin Davis          Jr.         Wheaton (Mass.)   Beacon, N.Y.
D   Ben Gradert         So.         Gordon   Hudson, Ohio
M   Shintaroh Itoh         Sr         Endicott   Tokyo, Japan
M   Mohamed Kenawy   Fr         Massachusetts-Boston   Revere, Mass.
M   Jake Picard          Sr.         Brandeis   West Suffield, Conn.
M   Jake Tietgens         Sr.         Castleton   Stamford, Vt.
F   Abdulla Al Khalifa   Sr.         Endicott   Riffa, Bahrain
F   Luke Alvaro         Jr.         Springfield   Chicopee, Mass.
F   Pedro Dasilva          Sr         Massachusetts-Boston   Fogo, Cape Verde
F   Komla Dogbey       So.       Rhode Island College   Providence, R.I.
F   Adam Glaser        Jr.       Middlebury   Washington D.C.
F   Kareem Itani       Jr.       Massachusetts Insititute Of Technology   Dallas, Texas
F   Nathan Majumder    Jr.       Tufts   Williamstown, Mass.
F   Michael Skarbelis    So.       New England College   North Andover, Mass

Third Team                       
Pos.   Player       Class       School   Hometown
K   Gregory Sydor          Jr.         Middlebury   Madison, Conn.
D   Justin Aoyama         Jr.         Amherst   Narberth, Pa.
D   Geoff Danilack          Sr.         Williams College   Rockville, Md.
D   Andrew Gonzalez   Sr.         Babson   Durham, Conn.
D   Charlie Gruner          Jr.         Wesleyan   Stevenson, Md.
D   Robbie Lynch         Sr.         Brandeis   Weymouth, Mass.
D   Monil Patel         Sr.         Tufts   Niskayuna, N.Y.
M   Emmett Basaca   So.         Wentworth Institute of Technology   San Diego, Calif.
M   Austin Freel         Sr.         Massachusetts Insititute Of Technology   San Diego, Calif.
M   Tobias Gimand         Jr.         Trinity (Conn.)   Fairfield, Conn.
M   Noah Kossoff         Sr.         Wheaton (Mass.)   New York, N.Y.
F   Ian Hutchinson         Jr.         Daniel Webster   Litchfield, N.H.
F   Christopher Martin   Jr.       Amherst   Philadelphia, Pa.
F   Carlos Martinez   Sr.         Mount Ida    Newton, Mass.
F   Amarah Sesay         So.         Wheaton (Mass.)   New York, N.Y.
F   Denali Sexton         So.         Colby-Sawyer    Barrington, R.I.
F   Jacob Zimmerman    Jr.         Norwich   Litchfield, N.H.


Thoughts?

Obviously being a Tufts fan, the omission of Kayne is a glaring error. Maybe it was his lower scoring this year as NCAC stated.  However, he outplayed several of the names listed at midfield at head to head competition, including Devlin and Itoh... And Patel should have been on the first team...

While I agree Kayne should be somewhere on the list, I disagree that he outplayed Devlin in there head to head meeting at Tufts  back in September won by Tufts 3-2.  Pretty much a stalemate between the two especially since Tufts was virtually double marking Devlin the entire game.  They both should be on the list, but certainly Devlin had significantly less talent surrounding him than did Kayne this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 04, 2015, 01:37:08 AM
Quote from: All NESCAC on December 03, 2015, 01:47:23 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on December 03, 2015, 10:20:50 AM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan20 on December 03, 2015, 10:15:04 AM
NSCAA All New-England Teams

First Team                       
Pos.   Player       Class       School   Hometown
K   Thomas Bull          Sr.         Amherst   Montgomery, N.J.
D   Cooper D'Ambrosio      Sr.         Eastern Connecticut State    Andover, Conn.
D   Conor Lanahan     Sr.         Brandeis   Avon, Conn.
D   Carter Ocko         Jr.         Endicott   Danvers, Mass.
D   Nabil Odulate          Sr.         Bowdoin   Ellicott City, Md.
D   Deklan RobInson     Sr.         Middlebury   Gloucester, Mass.
M   Sean Bingham         Sr.         Massachusetts Insititute of Technology   Garden City, N.Y.
M   Tyler Carlos         Sr.         Babson   Prospect, Conn.
M   Xavier Carty         Jr.         Johnson & Wales (R.I.)   Mount Vernon, N.Y.
M   Caleb Cole          Jr.         Gordon   Coatesville, Pa.
M   Patrik Devlin          Jr.         Connecticut College   Washington Crossing, Pa.
M   Tre Ming                 Sr.         Thomas (Maine)   Devonshire, Bermuda
M   Josh Ocel        Jr.       Brandeis   North Attleboro, Mass.
F   Greg Conrad        Jr.       Middlebury   Peabody, Mass.
F   Conor Murtagh       Sr.       Bridgewater State   Walpole, Mass.
F   Nico Pascuel-Leone     Sr.       Amherst   Wayland, Mass.
                   
Second Team                           
Pos.   Player       Class       School   Hometown
K   Nick Weinstein         Jr.         Endicott   Trumball, Conn.
D   Christian Albrecht    Sr.         Norwich   Albuquerque, N.M.
D   Kevin Davis          Jr.         Wheaton (Mass.)   Beacon, N.Y.
D   Ben Gradert         So.         Gordon   Hudson, Ohio
M   Shintaroh Itoh         Sr         Endicott   Tokyo, Japan
M   Mohamed Kenawy   Fr         Massachusetts-Boston   Revere, Mass.
M   Jake Picard          Sr.         Brandeis   West Suffield, Conn.
M   Jake Tietgens         Sr.         Castleton   Stamford, Vt.
F   Abdulla Al Khalifa   Sr.         Endicott   Riffa, Bahrain
F   Luke Alvaro         Jr.         Springfield   Chicopee, Mass.
F   Pedro Dasilva          Sr         Massachusetts-Boston   Fogo, Cape Verde
F   Komla Dogbey       So.       Rhode Island College   Providence, R.I.
F   Adam Glaser        Jr.       Middlebury   Washington D.C.
F   Kareem Itani       Jr.       Massachusetts Insititute Of Technology   Dallas, Texas
F   Nathan Majumder    Jr.       Tufts   Williamstown, Mass.
F   Michael Skarbelis    So.       New England College   North Andover, Mass

Third Team                       
Pos.   Player       Class       School   Hometown
K   Gregory Sydor          Jr.         Middlebury   Madison, Conn.
D   Justin Aoyama         Jr.         Amherst   Narberth, Pa.
D   Geoff Danilack          Sr.         Williams College   Rockville, Md.
D   Andrew Gonzalez   Sr.         Babson   Durham, Conn.
D   Charlie Gruner          Jr.         Wesleyan   Stevenson, Md.
D   Robbie Lynch         Sr.         Brandeis   Weymouth, Mass.
D   Monil Patel         Sr.         Tufts   Niskayuna, N.Y.
M   Emmett Basaca   So.         Wentworth Institute of Technology   San Diego, Calif.
M   Austin Freel         Sr.         Massachusetts Insititute Of Technology   San Diego, Calif.
M   Tobias Gimand         Jr.         Trinity (Conn.)   Fairfield, Conn.
M   Noah Kossoff         Sr.         Wheaton (Mass.)   New York, N.Y.
F   Ian Hutchinson         Jr.         Daniel Webster   Litchfield, N.H.
F   Christopher Martin   Jr.       Amherst   Philadelphia, Pa.
F   Carlos Martinez   Sr.         Mount Ida    Newton, Mass.
F   Amarah Sesay         So.         Wheaton (Mass.)   New York, N.Y.
F   Denali Sexton         So.         Colby-Sawyer    Barrington, R.I.
F   Jacob Zimmerman    Jr.         Norwich   Litchfield, N.H.


Thoughts?

Obviously being a Tufts fan, the omission of Kayne is a glaring error. Maybe it was his lower scoring this year as NCAC stated.  However, he outplayed several of the names listed at midfield at head to head competition, including Devlin and Itoh... And Patel should have been on the first team...

While I agree Kayne should be somewhere on the list, I disagree that he outplayed Devlin in there head to head meeting at Tufts  back in September won by Tufts 3-2.  Pretty much a stalemate between the two especially since Tufts was virtually double marking Devlin the entire game.  They both should be on the list, but certainly Devlin had significantly less talent surrounding him than did Kayne this year.

While you may ask 100 NESCAC fans who is better, 50 may say Kayne and 50 May say Devlin...different styles, but the omission of Kayne is very questionable and unwarranted...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 04, 2015, 02:55:47 PM
Just noticed Middlebury Men's Basketball plays St.Lawrence, Plattsburgh St, Skidmore, RPI and Keene St...Men's Soccer if they did not learn a lesson from their omission in the NCAA's should take a quick glance at their Men's Basketball schedule. If we do not see some sort of change in 2016 then they will be stuck in the same situation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on December 04, 2015, 08:44:48 PM
GO TOM BULL and the Lord Jeffs in PKs on to the finals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on December 04, 2015, 08:53:48 PM
Agree with you ECSU!   Terrific game....watched the last 15 minutes and through the two OT.  The offensive leaders and Bull made the necessary 4 PKs.  Go JEFFs!!   Go NorthEast!
Plus K
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 05, 2015, 12:23:14 AM
Bull sets the tone in PKs by stoning Oneonta's first attempt. Then the power move with a monster PK of his own, blasted past O's GK. All-American.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 05, 2015, 12:26:17 AM
Tremendous showing by Amherst alumni at today's game in KC. About 20 guys flew in to support their program. Quite a testament to the team culture, really.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 05, 2015, 09:48:46 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on December 05, 2015, 12:26:17 AM
Tremendous showing by Amherst alumni at today's game in KC. About 20 guys flew in to support their program. Quite a testament to the team culture, really.


Hate to break it to you but Williams, Tufts , Bowdoin and Middlebury had the same showing by excited Alums in their respective Final 4 runs...Your "culture" is no different than any others....-K
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 05, 2015, 10:07:10 AM
Mr. R,
I never claimed Amherst's culture to be singular.
Not sure why my observation and comment merited -K.
Maybe we should agree that NESCAC culture is strong?
Whadaya say, as a self-proclaimed NESCAC fan, that you throw some +K toward Amherst today?  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 05, 2015, 10:13:01 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on December 05, 2015, 10:07:10 AM
Mr. R,
I never claimed Amherst's culture to be singular.
Not sure why my observation and comment merited -K.
Maybe we should agree that NESCAC culture is strong?
Whadaya say, as a self-proclaimed NESCAC fan, that you throw some +K toward Amherst today?  ;D



I am the only one of you "Amherst fans" that have actually been praising them these NCAA's...If you are relying on me to be your biggest cheerleader on this site, you are in trouble...I  told myself to ignore the bench shenanigans this tournament and just focus on the field and I have done that and praised Amherst as much as I can. You are on your own today as I have a hunch Loras is going to pull it out
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 05, 2015, 10:20:13 AM
C'mon, man. Just try it: Go NESCAC.  :D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on December 05, 2015, 10:21:27 AM
Quote from: amh63 on December 04, 2015, 08:53:48 PM
Agree with you ECSU!   Terrific game....watched the last 15 minutes and through the two OT.  The offensive leaders and Bull made the necessary 4 PKs.  Go JEFFs!!   Go NorthEast!
Plus K
amh63
Isn't Tom Bull just the best GK in D-III soccer!!!  USA National Team next!!
Scoring against TB is like an fan trying to put the puck into the goal from half court with the net covered with a piece of plywood cut out with the little mouse hole ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 05, 2015, 10:22:58 AM
BTW: I just read your post on the other thread. (Apologies for missing my usual lightning-quick reflexes. Late night...)
Nice to see some praise.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on December 05, 2015, 11:30:41 AM
ECSUalum...agree!

Jump4Joy....plus K....I have my doubts wrt MR.Right...based on his postings. 
Anyway....I believe I met you once....at Middletown while we were watching an Amherst-Wesleyan battle.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 05, 2015, 11:43:01 AM
Amh63, +K for your +K!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on December 05, 2015, 08:58:51 PM
Amherst wins the National Title 2-1 over Loras!  Great night for the CAC as Williams won the women's Title.
Second straight year that Nescac teams have won.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on December 06, 2015, 07:57:05 AM
Quote from: amh63 on December 05, 2015, 08:58:51 PM
Amherst wins the National Title 2-1 over Loras!  Great night for the CAC as Williams won the women's Title.
Second straight year that Nescac teams have won.

CONGRATULATIONS my friend and to the Lord Jeffs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on December 06, 2015, 08:32:43 AM
Quote from: amh63 on December 05, 2015, 08:58:51 PM
Amherst wins the National Title 2-1 over Loras!  Great night for the CAC as Williams won the women's Title.
Second straight year that Nescac teams have won.

Congratulations Amherst Men and Williams Women. GO NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerTroll on December 06, 2015, 11:20:23 AM
Big congrats to Amherst. Nice to see NESCAC showing itself as the premier D3 soccer conference. Don't agree Bull more than a great D3 goalie. He needs to hold on to more shots and be a tiny bit more agile to be National team considered. Not trying to take away from his great skill and props for winning Championship, just need to temper his accolades to the realm in which he plays. Yea being 6'5" helps, but I have seen big guys who are lights out agile, fast, smart and don't drop anything and they are National team material. Must say I was not impressed by his 1970's throwback mustache. Well done Lord Jeffs. Go NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FamilyFriend on December 06, 2015, 02:06:04 PM
Soccer troll living up to his name. Congrats to Amherst and d3 shutout record holder Tom bull.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on December 06, 2015, 04:14:17 PM
Good possibility Amherst might repeat the feat next year. Their whole defense (besides Bull) and midfield return. If they can find a few people to pick up the goal scoring burden Pascual-Leone and Singer take with them then they should be set for a great season. This championship would not have been possible without many unsung heroes (Bean, Ciambella, Orozco, etc...) Keep an eye out for the freshman Nguyen because the kid is a great player and will only improve.

Can't wait for next season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on December 06, 2015, 04:49:58 PM
Bull on the national team?  I hope we're being sarcastic here.  The current GK pool is set for a very long time. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: firstplaceloser on December 06, 2015, 04:56:20 PM
the chances of USMNT looking at any D3 player is very rare. he is good but there is at least 10 D1 keepers better than him. he should probably start with PDL and see how it goes there
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on December 06, 2015, 05:34:42 PM
There are tons of DI keepers that are better in combination with the pool that is already around.  Hamid and Sean Johnson are 2 of the best keepers in MLS, and Cody Cropper is only 22 playing in the English Championship, as well as Charlie Horton. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FamilyFriend on December 07, 2015, 12:36:46 AM
A .940~ save percentage deserves some respect. He will get the chance to prove his ability on the professional level and from there certain assumptions on here will either be nixed or verified. Personally think he has what it takes to make it at the top level of US soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: firstplaceloser on December 07, 2015, 12:44:41 AM
Quote from: FamilyFriend on December 07, 2015, 12:36:46 AM
A .940~ save percentage deserves some respect. He will get the chance to prove his ability on the professional level and from there certain assumptions on here will either be nixed or verified. Personally think he has what it takes to make it at the top level of US soccer.

it's a .940 at the D3 level my friend. he needs to see how he does at the PDL level first before national team is brought up. he's an above average D3 goalie.

I'm not taking away any respect the kid just won a national championship
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 07, 2015, 09:31:36 AM
The best keeper in D3? In my mind, absolutely. But despite his stature, Bull isn't quite as quick or agile (read: athletic) as top D1 keepers.

Hey, a D3 athlete dominating national competition has been done before, like track 800m runner Nick Symmonds did, but still unlikely.

On another note: Lewiston (ME) high school senior Abdi Shariff-Hassan was recently profiled in a Press Herald article. The kid is good - athletic, skilled, and an excellent leader. One of those kids that you could see sliding into a college XI while he was still in high school. The article stated that "Shariff-Hassan is being recruited by top academic schools from all three divisions, McGraw said, including Dartmouth, Swarthmore, Bates, Colby, Vermont, New Haven and Southern New Hampshire." While he could go for Bates given the hometown connection with Lewiston, I would have a hard time believing that he would pass up the chance to play for Dartmouth, and Bates isn't exactly a D3 soccer hotbed, so I couldn't really see him going there if a more legit program was truly interested. Thoughts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on December 07, 2015, 11:34:11 AM
Bull's shutout percentage seems more of a direct result of defend first team mentality...  He only had to make 73 saves in 21 games.  In 2014 his save percentage was only 78% (16 GA, 57 SVs).    His ceiling is probably mid-tier USL, and will likely end up in NASL... He's got the frame and leg strength, but his athleticism is not MLS worthy.  It's not like he was AA all four years...  NSCAA 2nd team in 2013 and 3rd team in 2015...  Zero times AA for d3soccer.com. 

Bull's save percentage of .936 is 10th all time, just ahead of another National Champion, Brian Bush ('07 Middlebury).  Bush had 87 saves, 6 GA in 20 games in comparison to Bull's 73 saves, 5 GA, 21 games.

Why has he not played PDL during the summer?

Amherst GK Leonard Kovacs had 32 shutouts in 74 games...  Where is he these days? 


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 08, 2015, 10:07:09 AM
Kovacs thought he was god's gift to GK'ing. Opponents could not stand him. He would wind up opposing teams crowds, wave to players he stuffed...Just a complete nightmare.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 08, 2015, 03:56:15 PM
Congrats to Amherst!!! Back to Back NESCAC.... Next year Middlebury to make a CAC 3 peat?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 08, 2015, 08:49:27 PM
Yes, well done Amherst!  Middlebury was slighted this year so maybe they get there revenge next year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 09, 2015, 11:07:49 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on December 07, 2015, 09:31:36 AM
The best keeper in D3? In my mind, absolutely. But despite his stature, Bull isn't quite as quick or agile (read: athletic) as top D1 keepers.

Hey, a D3 athlete dominating national competition has been done before, like track 800m runner Nick Symmonds did, but still unlikely.

On another note: Lewiston (ME) high school senior Abdi Shariff-Hassan was recently profiled in a Press Herald article. The kid is good - athletic, skilled, and an excellent leader. One of those kids that you could see sliding into a college XI while he was still in high school. The article stated that "Shariff-Hassan is being recruited by top academic schools from all three divisions, McGraw said, including Dartmouth, Swarthmore, Bates, Colby, Vermont, New Haven and Southern New Hampshire." While he could go for Bates given the hometown connection with Lewiston, I would have a hard time believing that he would pass up the chance to play for Dartmouth, and Bates isn't exactly a D3 soccer hotbed, so I couldn't really see him going there if a more legit program was truly interested. Thoughts?




This is interesting, can u send a link to the article? Off topic I was wondering when the flux of Somali refugees that came to Lewiston at the turn of the century would actually help the soccer community up there. Also, it is past ED time so if he was hot on Dartmouth's list then he would already be heading there. My total guess is he would be fringe at Dartmouth and Bates most likely has to be pushing hard. I have never seen such a strange mix of schools that someone would be applying to. They all are very different in so many ways. usually kids clump a bunch of the same school together and maybe have one wildcard that they apply to.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 09, 2015, 01:29:26 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 09, 2015, 11:07:49 AM
This is interesting, can u send a link to the article? Off topic I was wondering when the flux of Somali refugees that came to Lewiston at the turn of the century would actually help the soccer community up there. Also, it is past ED time so if he was hot on Dartmouth's list then he would already be heading there. My total guess is he would be fringe at Dartmouth and Bates most likely has to be pushing hard. I have never seen such a strange mix of schools that someone would be applying to. They all are very different in so many ways. usually kids clump a bunch of the same school together and maybe have one wildcard that they apply to.

http://www.pressherald.com/2015/12/06/boys-soccer-abdi-shariff-hassan-lewiston/

Well I think that the hometown factor could be big, but I really have a hard time believing that if he has options to go to a better soccer program and school that he wouldn't head there - apparently he is a good student, too. Make no mistake, Bates is a good school, but it is also very "average" as far as NESCACs go, both academically and athletically, and I think a place like Swarthmore is a significantly better school and is 3 years removed from a Sweet 16 appearance, while Bates has never made the NCAA Tournament and its best season in quite some time resulted in them going 7-6-3. Again, pure speculation, and from what I understand Bates is pushing very hard, but that if he is as gifted academically as the coach would indicate then he will likely have better options out there.

The Lewiston team this year was very legit as far as high school programs go. They pass the ball extremely well and their off-the-ball movement was very good. Very athletic and skilled. Based on what I saw, I think they would be competitive in D3, not top 25 or anything, but they'd win some games.

Re: talk of Midd. winning the whole thing next year: In my book, it would be a surprise of Tufts proportions if Midd were to win the whole thing. They did it in 2007 and that was a surprise, but don't see lightning striking twice. The one thing Midd has going for it is that it doesn't lose anyone except Deklan Robinson, and you can't underestimate the value of team chemistry. However, I don't see an exceptional amount of talent in that team: Sydor is very good, and Glaser and Conrad are very good, but aside from them I'm not wowed.

Some might say that Tufts won it out of nowhere, thus making a case for Midd to do so. Well, even in Tufts' case, while their win was surprising, they had some incredible talent — particularly Williams, Lee-Kramer, Kayne, Brown, Santos, and Hoppenot — and their average 2014 regular season was more of them failing to play to their potential more than anything. Someone made a comment about Tufts having A/A- talent that year, and I agree; meanwhile, I would give Midd a B+.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 09, 2015, 02:13:25 PM
Now that they have fully knocked down the door I think Amherst is going to be even more difficult to stop in the NESCAC.  Tufts will still be a strong contender, and Midd should be right in the mix.  I haven't checked to see how much Bowdoin and Wesleyan are losing, and a bounce-back season from Williams would make sense.  Perhaps the best test of conference's strength is how hard it is for a Conn Coll or Trinity to truly break into the top 4 or so in a year over year fashion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 09, 2015, 02:14:14 PM
Excellent article...This kid has come a long way from a refugee camp. Love these stories...Also, has been Americanized a bit with the leggins and gloves. A good way to impress a college coach that you know is there watching you in a frigid cold game is to NOT wear gloves...Shows a touch of toughness that some coaches love.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 09, 2015, 04:59:49 PM
This post adds nothing to the discussion, but I just had to say how happy I am for Amherst.
And I think it's cool that NESCAC is at the top for the second year.
Excellent league: intense rivalries, lots of talent, tremendous alumni loyalty. So fun.
Already looking forward to next year.
Also, I appreciate the thoughtful posts here, especially those that took the time to research stats, including historical stuff, and those that provided insightful analysis. That takes times and dedication.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on December 11, 2015, 10:36:22 AM
Congrats to the NESCAC players who earned All-American honors:

First Team: Deklan Robinson, Middlebury

Second Team: Nico Pascual-Leone, Amherst

Third Team: Patrick Devlin, Conn, and Thomas Bull, Amherst

http://nescac.org/sports/msoc/2015-16/releases/NSCAA_All-America_120415
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on December 11, 2015, 01:08:31 PM
Quote from: Bucket on December 11, 2015, 10:36:22 AM
Congrats to the NESCAC players who earned All-American honors:

First Team: Deklan Robinson, Middlebury

Second Team: Nico Pascual-Leone, Amherst

Third Team: Patrick Devlin, Conn, and Thomas Bull, Amherst

http://nescac.org/sports/msoc/2015-16/releases/NSCAA_All-America_120415

Absolutely...Congratulations.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 11, 2015, 02:08:19 PM
Quote from: Bucket on December 11, 2015, 10:36:22 AM
Congrats to the NESCAC players who earned All-American honors:

First Team: Deklan Robinson, Middlebury

Second Team: Nico Pascual-Leone, Amherst

Third Team: Patrick Devlin, Conn, and Thomas Bull, Amherst

http://nescac.org/sports/msoc/2015-16/releases/NSCAA_All-America_120415

Saw the AA teams a week back, but did not realize that Robinson made the first team. Well done, and although Midd. only loses him next year he will have big shoes to fill. Still think NPL should have been first team, but I'll stop beating a dead horse beyond that. Bull was an AA selection, no question. Really happy to see Devlin got some recognition, I think within these boards he is very well-known but I feel like he is vastly underrated by the casual NESCAC observer, so glad to see that he was recognized.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 11, 2015, 02:37:12 PM
Very surprised to see Deklan Robinson 1st TEAM...To me he was a very good defender and the best pure header of the ball in Nescac but not a 1st Team'er..Maybe 3rd....To me he was more dangerous on set pieces for Midd in their attacking 3rd..Very good knack for getting his head on the ball and very good at creating enough space to do so.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 11, 2015, 02:52:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 11, 2015, 02:37:12 PM
Very surprised to see Deklan Robinson 1st TEAM...To me he was a very good defender and the best pure header of the ball in Nescac but not a 1st Team'er..Maybe 3rd....To me he was more dangerous on set pieces for Midd in their attacking 3rd..Very good knack for getting his head on the ball and very good at creating enough space to do so.

Yeah, I think that was part of the shock on my part. Granted, I don't know a ton about Midd., but while I know he was a key player for them I was a bit confused about that. Certainly didn't realize that he was a defender first and foremost, I thought he was mostly an attacking set piece weapon.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 16, 2015, 05:27:59 PM
Congratulations to Amherst's Justin Serpone on his national COY recognition.

http://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/msoc/2015-16/releases/20151215h1tj5o

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on December 16, 2015, 07:57:59 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on December 09, 2015, 01:29:26 PM

Re: talk of Midd. winning the whole thing next year: In my book, it would be a surprise of Tufts proportions if Midd were to win the whole thing. They did it in 2007 and that was a surprise, but don't see lightning striking twice. The one thing Midd has going for it is that it doesn't lose anyone except Deklan Robinson, and you can't underestimate the value of team chemistry. However, I don't see an exceptional amount of talent in that team: Sydor is very good, and Glaser and Conrad are very good, but aside from them I'm not wowed.

Some might say that Tufts won it out of nowhere, thus making a case for Midd to do so. Well, even in Tufts' case, while their win was surprising, they had some incredible talent — particularly Williams, Lee-Kramer, Kayne, Brown, Santos, and Hoppenot — and their average 2014 regular season was more of them failing to play to their potential more than anything. Someone made a comment about Tufts having A/A- talent that year, and I agree; meanwhile, I would give Midd a B+.

Daniel O'Grady, a freshman starter all year for the Panthers, will be one of Midd's all-time best. Just watch. And I have it on good authority that Midd is bringing in a handful of very creative playmakers next year.

Could be a magical year for Midd in 2016. But it's folly to predict national championships. Far too many variables. But it's gonna be a fun ride...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on December 16, 2015, 11:54:05 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on December 11, 2015, 02:08:19 PM
Quote from: Bucket on December 11, 2015, 10:36:22 AM
Congrats to the NESCAC players who earned All-American honors:

First Team: Deklan Robinson, Middlebury

Second Team: Nico Pascual-Leone, Amherst

Third Team: Patrick Devlin, Conn, and Thomas Bull, Amherst

http://nescac.org/sports/msoc/2015-16/releases/NSCAA_All-America_120415

Saw the AA teams a week back, but did not realize that Robinson made the first team. Well done, and although Midd. only loses him next year he will have big shoes to fill. Still think NPL should have been first team, but I'll stop beating a dead horse beyond that. Bull was an AA selection, no question. Really happy to see Devlin got some recognition, I think within these boards he is very well-known but I feel like he is vastly underrated by the casual NESCAC observer, so glad to see that he was recognized.


Yes, NPL should have been on first team. Good for Devlin. He and Kayne were the best midfielders, even though they only scored 5 and 4 points each. Bloots, you also stated that Kayne deserved recognition. The casual NESCAC observer and outsiders who look at stats alone don't realize how good these 2 were. Both play great defense with many steals. Devlin is extremely scrappy. Kayne is more crafty and ambidextrous with fantastic vision. They were very fun too watch....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 17, 2015, 12:50:57 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on December 16, 2015, 11:54:05 PM
Yes, NPL should have been on first team. Good for Devlin. He and Kayne were the best midfielders, even though they only scored 5 and 4 points each. Bloots, you also stated that Kayne deserved recognition. The casual NESCAC observer and outsiders who look at stats alone don't realize how good these 2 were. Both play great defense with many steals. Devlin is extremely scrappy. Kayne is more crafty and ambidextrous with fantastic vision. They were very fun too watch....

Correct, I do believe that Kayne would have been worthy of All-American, or at the very least All-New England. One of the best CMs in the country, even if his stats didn't show it this year, although I can see why he didn't get the recognition he deserves because of his stats this year (1g & 2a; last year had 6g & 7a.) Not saying it was justified, just that I can understand the logic.

Regardless, I think both Kayne and Devlin are AA-worthy players, and were the two best central midfielders in the NESCAC this year IMHO. I'd really like to see Conn. make a run next season for Devlin's sake.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on December 17, 2015, 10:08:18 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on December 17, 2015, 12:50:57 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on December 16, 2015, 11:54:05 PM
Yes, NPL should have been on first team. Good for Devlin. He and Kayne were the best midfielders, even though they only scored 5 and 4 points each. Bloots, you also stated that Kayne deserved recognition. The casual NESCAC observer and outsiders who look at stats alone don't realize how good these 2 were. Both play great defense with many steals. Devlin is extremely scrappy. Kayne is more crafty and ambidextrous with fantastic vision. They were very fun too watch....

Correct, I do believe that Kayne would have been worthy of All-American, or at the very least All-New England. One of the best CMs in the country, even if his stats didn't show it this year, although I can see why he didn't get the recognition he deserves because of his stats this year (1g & 2a; last year had 6g & 7a.) Not saying it was justified, just that I can understand the logic.

Regardless, I think both Kayne and Devlin are AA-worthy players, and were the two best central midfielders in the NESCAC this year IMHO. I'd really like to see Conn. make a run next season for Devlin's sake.

Agree with you Blooter442....would love to see the Camels make the NCAA's next year in Devlin's senior year as he will be very tough to replace, as will Kayne...both are fun to watch...really like Devlin's toughness and simple yet very effective footwork, and his motor...he never stops and he was playing "banged up" all year from pre-season nagging injury.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 19, 2015, 01:36:10 PM
NESCAC COY split between coaches from Bowdoin (3-3-4 for #6 NESCAC seed; 11-4-4 [includes NESCAC and NCAA post-season]) and Middlebury (7-2-1 for #2 NESCAC seed; 13-2-2 [includes NESCAC post-season; did not qualify for NCAA post-season]). Bowdoin did win NESCAC tournament, but I believe NESCAC COY is based on regular season performance (?).

National COY to Amherst (9-0-1 for #1 NESCAC seed; 18-1-2 [includes NCAA post-season]).

Who got it right?

Note: Is it really true that this co-COY is Saward's second from NESCAC? Seems strange for a 31-year vet. Maybe the conference hasn't been awarding it for too long?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 21, 2015, 09:41:25 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on December 19, 2015, 01:36:10 PM
NESCAC COY split between coaches from Bowdoin (3-3-4 for #6 NESCAC seed; 11-4-4 [includes NESCAC and NCAA post-season]) and Middlebury (7-2-1 for #2 NESCAC seed; 13-2-2 [includes NESCAC post-season; did not qualify for NCAA post-season]). Bowdoin did win NESCAC tournament, but I believe NESCAC COY is based on regular season performance (?).

National COY to Amherst (9-0-1 for #1 NESCAC seed; 18-1-2 [includes NCAA post-season]).

Who got it right?

Ok, ok, we get it. Can't you just be happy with your national championship? ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 22, 2015, 11:52:07 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on December 19, 2015, 01:36:10 PM
NESCAC COY split between coaches from Bowdoin (3-3-4 for #6 NESCAC seed; 11-4-4 [includes NESCAC and NCAA post-season]) and Middlebury (7-2-1 for #2 NESCAC seed; 13-2-2 [includes NESCAC post-season; did not qualify for NCAA post-season]). Bowdoin did win NESCAC tournament, but I believe NESCAC COY is based on regular season performance (?).

National COY to Amherst (9-0-1 for #1 NESCAC seed; 18-1-2 [includes NCAA post-season]).

Who got it right?

Note: Is it really true that this co-COY is Saward's second from NESCAC? Seems strange for a 31-year vet. Maybe the conference hasn't been awarding it for too long?




Nescac has only been considered a "playing" league since Fall 2000. Before 2000, Nescac existed but was not recognized as an official league and therefore did not get AQ's. This was quite normal for D3 up until the 1990's. Nescac would rely on "Pool C's" to get into the NCAA's from 1993-1999 and they got their fair share of them. Almost as many then as now and with a much smaller NCAA tournament. There are 3 reasons why Saward does not have more COY's.

1. Nescac has only been handing out conference rewards since 2000.
2. Williams absolutely dominated Nescac from 2000-2006 and Amherst has dominated from 2008-present.
3. Middlebury had their BEST 3 year run from 2006-2008 in which they won the NCAA's in 2007 and Saward got his due. They were very good in 2008 but had lost Ftorek and a couple others to graduation and almost got back to the Final 4 but came up short. After 2008 they began a steady fall. Minus a surprising run in 2010 that saw them lose to Bowdoin in the Elite 8 at the buzzer in amazing fashion of which you can catch a glimpse on youtube. That 2010 Midd team overachieved incredibly. They got a good draw and were benefited from Babson beating Williams in the RD32. They have struggled for Midd standards since 2010.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 22, 2015, 05:21:14 PM
Blooter:  ;D
Mr. Right: helpful info. I was wondering if it had to do with the official formation of the conference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on January 01, 2016, 10:16:15 AM
Somehow I have picked up two more negative karma points in the days since Christmas?

Wishing positive karma to us all for the new year!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on January 05, 2016, 03:53:57 PM
An interesting thought I've had recently is how much Bates could really go either way next year, although I had the same thought this past year. I'm tempted to say that next year could be the year that they become NESCAC contenders (not in the same vein as Amherst or Middlebury, but perhaps in the Conn. College category.) They have some talent and their 7-6-3 record last year was their best in quite some time, and they bring back pretty much all of their key players except for Pereira and Polito. They even looked to be in contention for an NCAA bid after starting 5-1-1 and beating Williams in 2OT on the road. In fact, in starting 5-1-1, they eclipsed their number of wins from the year before.

However, they did not finish the season strongly at all, and it was quite telling that they couldn't put a goal past Colby with a NESCAC bid on the line. Obviously, winning a road game can be difficult, especially when it is a "must win," but that's a game that I definitely thought they would win. Another concern was that the week after the Williams win they lost at home to Trinity. There was brightness in flashes for Bates, but the Bobcats lacked the consistency on both sides of the ball to challenge.

One thing to note about Bates is that they have some good talent in Knoth, Merchant, and Murphy, but the issue that could rear its ugly head for Bates is its overall lack of height and physicality. For example, those three players — the Bobcats' three key returners, I'd argue — are 5' 8", 5' 10", and 5' 8", respectively. And of its key outfield players, Parsons is the tallest at 6' 1".

Based on returning players only, Bates has an average height of 5' 9.76". Compare that to:

Amherst 6' 0.04"
Bowdoin 5' 11.35"
Hamilton 5' 11.04"
Middlebury 6' 0.21"
Trinity 5' 11"
Tufts 5' 11.59"
Wesleyan 5' 10.74"
Williams 5' 11.54"

Obviously that doesn't take into account people coming in next year, but Bates is the shortest team in the NESCAC*, and is nearly an inch shorter than the next-shortest team, Wesleyan, who is 0.98" taller on average. Knoth and Merchant are quick and skilled, but as I've said before not on the same level as Majumder or Conrad, and I think part of that has to do with their inability to impose themselves up top like those two do. Soccer is very much played on the ground, but in a league where set pieces and physicality are so important, the Bobcats are at a huge disadvantage.

What was different for Bates this year, though, is that it was able to score more than in the past, especially against big teams like Middlebury and Williams. If Bates was able to get Abdi Shariff-Hassan from Lewiston, that would be a huge coup. However, he is also being courted by Dartmouth and other NESCAC suitors. The hometown link could be big, but, with no disrespect to Bates intended, it'd be hard to imagine him not considering destinations elsewhere, especially those more prestigious academically or perhaps boasting a better program than Bates. Regardless, he would be an excellent addition and could make an impact right away, but I don't think he alone would be the difference. It will be up to the whole squad to make the difference if they want to challenge in the NESCAC.

* Heights were not listed on Colby or Conn. College's rosters.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on March 19, 2016, 01:29:36 PM
http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2016-17/schedule

2016 schedule starting to fill in ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on March 19, 2016, 01:31:21 PM
(sorry for the formatting ... posted in case the above link isn't working or is removed)

Away   Home   Notes/Location      Time   Links
Wednesday, September 7
Norwich    Middlebury    Middlebury, Vt.      4:00 PM   
Saturday, September 10
Hamilton    Bates    Lewiston, Maine      TBA   
Trinity    Williams    Williamstown, Mass.      TBA   
Tufts    Colby    Waterville, Maine      TBA   
Amherst    Bowdoin    Brunswick, Maine      TBA   
Middlebury    Connecticut College    New London, Conn.      TBA   
Saturday, September 17
Colby    Williams    Williamstown, Mass.      TBA   
Bowdoin    Wesleyan    Middletown, Conn.      TBA   
Trinity    Hamilton    Clinton, N.Y.      TBA   
Bates    Tufts    Medford, Mass.      TBA   
Amherst    Middlebury    Middlebury, Vt.      TBA   
Saturday, September 24
Bowdoin    Middlebury    Middlebury, Vt.      TBA   
Connecticut College    Hamilton    Clinton, N.Y.      TBA   
Williams    Amherst    Amherst, Mass.      TBA   
Colby    Trinity    Hartford, Conn.      TBA   
Wesleyan    Bates    Lewiston, Maine      TBA   
Sunday, September 25
Middlebury    Hamilton    Clinton, N.Y.      TBA   
Williams    Bates    Lewiston, Maine      TBA   
Colby    Connecticut College    New London, Conn.      TBA   
Saturday, October 1
Amherst    Tufts    Medford, Mass.      TBA   
Middlebury    Colby    Waterville, Maine      TBA   
Hamilton    Wesleyan    Middletown, Conn.      TBA   
Williams    Connecticut College    New London, Conn.      TBA   
Bates    Trinity    Hartford, Conn.      TBA   
Sunday, October 2
Hamilton    Tufts    Medford, Mass.      TBA   
Bates    Amherst    Amherst, Mass.      TBA   
Trinity    Wesleyan    Middletown, Conn.      TBA   
Tuesday, October 4
Maine Maritime    Colby    Waterville, Maine      TBA   
Saturday, October 8
Hamilton    Amherst    Amherst, Mass.      TBA   
Wesleyan    Colby    Waterville, Maine      TBA   
Tufts    Middlebury    Middlebury, Vt.      TBA   
Connecticut College    Bates    Lewiston, Maine      TBA   
Trinity    Bowdoin    Brunswick, Maine      TBA   
Sunday, October 9
Bowdoin    Colby    Waterville, Maine      TBA   
Saturday, October 15
Colby    Amherst    Amherst, Mass.      TBA   
Bowdoin    Hamilton    Clinton, N.Y.      TBA   
Middlebury    Trinity    Hartford, Conn.      TBA   
Wesleyan    Williams    Williamstown, Mass.      TBA   
Tufts    Connecticut College    New London, Conn.      TBA   
Sunday, October 16
Amherst    Connecticut College    New London, Conn.      TBA   
Wesleyan    Middlebury    Middlebury, Vt.      TBA   
Bowdoin    Williams    Williamstown, Mass.      TBA   
Tufts    Trinity    Hartford, Conn.      TBA   
Bates    Maine Maritime    Castine, Maine      3:00 PM   
Saturday, October 22
Amherst    Wesleyan    Middletown, Conn.      TBA   
Bates    Middlebury    Middlebury, Vt.      TBA   
Connecticut College    Bowdoin    Brunswick, Maine      TBA   
Hamilton    Colby    Waterville, Maine      TBA   
Williams    Tufts    Medford, Mass.      TBA   
Wednesday, October 26
Trinity    Amherst    Amherst, Mass.      TBA   
Middlebury    Williams    Williamstown, Mass.      TBA   
Tufts    Bowdoin    Brunswick, Maine      TBA   
Colby    Bates    Lewiston, Maine      TBA   
Connecticut College    Wesleyan    Middletown, Conn.      TBA   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on March 21, 2016, 10:48:05 AM
FYI, there is a soccer story wrt Milton Rico's training with a pro team in Brazil on the Amherst website
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on March 21, 2016, 09:18:11 PM
Quote from: amh63 on March 21, 2016, 10:48:05 AM
FYI, there is a soccer story wrt Milton Rico's training with a pro team in Brazil on the Amherst website

Interesting town to go to.  Of all the out-of-the-way places in Brazil, I actually know and have passed through Tubarão numerous times.  In fact, my wife and kids just changed buses in Tubarão on Friday on the way to visit relatives about an hour north of there in Garopaba.  There's some very beautiful beaches along that stretch of coast north from Tubarão up to Garopaba (half of these (http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/materias/fotos-as-12-melhores-e-mais-belas-praias-de-santa-catarina) are in that strecth) that beyond being very scenic are also known for some of the best surfing in Brazil and for annual whale breeding just off shore.

I'm inferring from the article that Rico was trying to make the club's U-20 team as one of the three allowed over-aged players, and he made it to the final week of cuts before being let go.  Whatever the case may be, I'm sure it was a great experience, on and off the field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on May 02, 2016, 07:38:57 PM
Surprised by this as Rico was IMO the least effective as the years went on at Amherst. I thought his best year was his Sophmore year. Personally, he was a skilled player that Amherst usually bypassed by blasting it over his head but he also had a bit of a dirty streak and certainly will not be missed by Nescac opponents. He sometimes would come in late and hard which some thought to be "dirty" but I just chalked it up to his competitiveness. He is replaceable and is by no means a pro player
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 14, 2016, 02:45:48 PM
The 5 Out of conference games for Nescac schools are basically finalized for and they are WELL BELOW AVERAGE and frankly disappointing for EVERY Nescac team.

NOTE: I have not seen Wesleyan's schedule yet but did notice they will be playing Swarthmore on their bye week-end so that is promising but I am guessing they dropped Haverford for Swat and that would be a level below.

2 Massive disappointing schedules are, yes you guessed it, Midd and Amherst. Tufts and Williams have the better schedules in the league like last year but even Williams drops a notch as they dump Oneonta for ECONN. It is understandable considering Williams had its worst season in maybe 35 years last year but it maked no sense to me. ECONN will be in Williamstown with 10 men behind the ball and Williams will struggle to break that down instead of playing Oneonta in a free flowing attacking game. Hats off to ECONN for playing half of the Nescac teams as that reminds me of Springfield and WNEC as they used to play about 4-5 Nescac teams each year. I will rate Tufts as the BEST with games at Brandeis and playing Keene St, Gordon and Endicott. Ho-Hum.

However the absolute biggest embarrassment has to be your defending national champion Amherst.

Amherst-----------------They have their usual 5 road non-conference games to pick up max SOS. They drop WNEC, WPI, Elms and Mt St Mary's and pick up Pine Manor, Mt. Ida, Rhode Island College and MIT. New England College stays on the schedule. That is such a complete JOKE for the reigning National Champions. Get some nut sack and play some real teams PLEASE. Pine Manor and Mt Ida is just pathetic. RIC and MIT are decent but MIT will be rebuilding next year and should fall off from last years surprise Sweet 16 run. MIT will most likely finish Middle of the pack in NEWMAC next year. The only way Serpone will learn is if they get the Middlebury 2015 syndrome and by the looks of this schedule if Amherst fails to win the Nescac tournament and drops a few key Nescac games they will be left out of the dance.


Midd---------------------This is AGAIN A JOKE and SHOCKING especially after everything that went on in 2015 and being snubbed by the NCAA committee, They will play 4 below average teams( Colby-Sawyer, Norwich, Castleton St and Plymouth St) and 1 very average team in Keene St. Looks like Saward either 1. Could care less about whether he makes the NCAA's or 2. Did not learn from last years scheduling debacle. Hey at least they dropped Southern VT and Green Mountain, two teams that would get beaten by a talented JV High School team full of 8th graders.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on June 14, 2016, 05:21:43 PM
Pine Manor and Mount Ida?!?!  Good grief. 

Is Serpone really playing the SOS game?  If Pine Manor (10-7-1 in 2015), Mount Ida (12-7-1), Rhode Island (11-7-0), New England Col. (12-8-1), and MIT (18-3-1) can all stay a few games over .500 like last year (a big IF, however), then given those are all away games, that will be OK for Amherst's SOS when combined with their NESCAC slate.  Can't expect an SOS over .600, but approaching .600, sure. And it's an improvement over last year when they had Elms (8-10-1) and Mount St. Mary (5-10-4) on their schedule and still managed a SOS of .573.

Just another reminder that the SOS computation needs re-worked and the home/away multiplier needs to be softened.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on June 15, 2016, 11:22:03 AM
Mr. Right good to hear from you! Is it possible that Midd had already been in a contracted agreement for their schedule or are they playing different teams than last year for non-conference? If so, maybe they already had the schedule pretty much finalized before they knew what happened with NCAA's. To my understanding, scheduling can be tricky because teams are scheduling teams throughout the season before knowing their fate with NCAA's sometimes. It could be hard for them to drop an average team in trying to pick up a good team. One because it may look bad to drop a poor team after having them on the upcoming schedule and may cause bad blood and two because there is still the factor of finding another team in their place...but I would imagine the coach would have that lined up with an agreement to play the better team before dropping the poorer team. Just a possibility? Any insight on this?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 16, 2016, 08:21:21 PM
Quote from: Mid-Atlantic Fan on June 15, 2016, 11:22:03 AM
Mr. Right good to hear from you! Is it possible that Midd had already been in a contracted agreement for their schedule or are they playing different teams than last year for non-conference? If so, maybe they already had the schedule pretty much finalized before they knew what happened with NCAA's. To my understanding, scheduling can be tricky because teams are scheduling teams throughout the season before knowing their fate with NCAA's sometimes. It could be hard for them to drop an average team in trying to pick up a good team. One because it may look bad to drop a poor team after having them on the upcoming schedule and may cause bad blood and two because there is still the factor of finding another team in their place...but I would imagine the coach would have that lined up with an agreement to play the better team before dropping the poorer team. Just a possibility? Any insight on this?


I would say this is tru possibly 15% of the time. Usually you have your regular out of conference opponents and you have them lined up during the season and just need to fit in the dates and times for both teams. You also have the "new" out of conference opponents that you MUST atleast get in a Home and Away match but those games might not be decided until December / Jan...However, as far as Midd goes we came up back in the winter with a list of Liberty League teams that are within 2 hours and would be a big boost to their schedule. For example, RPI, Skidmore, SLU, Union etc. Now Liberty League teams play a 8 or 9 game in conference schedule which always means most of those teams are searching for games out of conference and in some instances begging for games to fill their schedule. If Midd called I would guess most of those teams would play, but Midd never called. RPI will play anyone anywhere. Oneonta literally begs good progrmas to play them every year. My point is that this is on Midd and for that matter Amherst. Now both teams have put themselves in another spot  where they better beat 75% of the ranked Nescac teams they will play because neither of them will be playing any ranked teams out of conference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on June 17, 2016, 09:48:00 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 16, 2016, 08:21:21 PM
Quote from: Mid-Atlantic Fan on June 15, 2016, 11:22:03 AM
Mr. Right good to hear from you! Is it possible that Midd had already been in a contracted agreement for their schedule or are they playing different teams than last year for non-conference? If so, maybe they already had the schedule pretty much finalized before they knew what happened with NCAA's. To my understanding, scheduling can be tricky because teams are scheduling teams throughout the season before knowing their fate with NCAA's sometimes. It could be hard for them to drop an average team in trying to pick up a good team. One because it may look bad to drop a poor team after having them on the upcoming schedule and may cause bad blood and two because there is still the factor of finding another team in their place...but I would imagine the coach would have that lined up with an agreement to play the better team before dropping the poorer team. Just a possibility? Any insight on this?


I would say this is tru possibly 15% of the time. Usually you have your regular out of conference opponents and you have them lined up during the season and just need to fit in the dates and times for both teams. You also have the "new" out of conference opponents that you MUST atleast get in a Home and Away match but those games might not be decided until December / Jan...However, as far as Midd goes we came up back in the winter with a list of Liberty League teams that are within 2 hours and would be a big boost to their schedule. For example, RPI, Skidmore, SLU, Union etc. Now Liberty League teams play a 8 or 9 game in conference schedule which always means most of those teams are searching for games out of conference and in some instances begging for games to fill their schedule. If Midd called I would guess most of those teams would play, but Midd never called. RPI will play anyone anywhere. Oneonta literally begs good progrmas to play them every year. My point is that this is on Midd and for that matter Amherst. Now both teams have put themselves in another spot  where they better beat 75% of the ranked Nescac teams they will play because neither of them will be playing any ranked teams out of conference.

Do you think Amherst is worried about losing Bull, NPL, and others which is why they "dumbed down" there schedule this season? I can't imagine this is the reasoning? But Messiah has done the same thing this year but that was after having a poor year, by their standards, but maybe Amherst is trying to avoid that down year altogether and is hoping to have a lot of wins out of conference to help boost momentum for conference...would be tough to keep the defending champs out if they have a decent record...example Tufts? Just thinking aloud is all  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on July 01, 2016, 01:08:56 PM
Not sure if anyone read about the Amherst soccer connection that was exposed, uh, revealed in the news yesterday:

See #4:  http://heavy.com/news/2016/06/krit-mclean-naked-nude-man-model-times-square-video-trump-name-instagram-facebook-youtube-new-york/

http://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/msoc/2012-13/bios/mcclean_krit_2zp2


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 06, 2016, 01:12:09 PM
WOW....Serpone must be so proud of that one...50/50 he was high on crack...That might be the most ridiculous thing I have seen all year...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on July 08, 2016, 01:26:36 PM
Slow sports day in the Nescac....so wandered into the Soccer board.
Read the most recent posts and am a little puzzled.  The sad story wrt to the " naked man" has a Amherst link?  There was a 2015 roster and a FY roster shown.  The final 2015 roster on the soccer site does not show the FY roster link.  In fact, I reviewed all the rosters back to 2008!  The 2015 roster does show a tall player from the same NYC HS..a 6'5" FY.  The only possible reason would be a player on the pre- season roster that dropped off the team during the season and was removed accordingly.  Since the article stated a 21 year old person....I went back to rosters initially to 2011 and even further later.
Off Pitch...where did you get the link?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on July 08, 2016, 03:44:07 PM
http://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/msoc/2012-13/roster

Not sure what you are looking at, but he is still listed on the 2012-13 roster (for now anyway).  I wouldn't be surprised if this link mysteriously disappears from the Amherst site at some point.  The link I originally posted was to his individual page. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on July 08, 2016, 06:41:28 PM
Off Pitch.....It is what it is!  My confusion was your initial post that had his FY pic under the soccer team banner that has 2015 National champ.  Thus I looked over the 2015 roster.
I then proceeded to the 2014 roster and so forth.  I missed his name on the  2012 roster....my error.
The subject was NOT on the 2013 roster...telling me he was either cut or did not come out.  Note the rosters are by Fall year.
In any case if he remained in school, he would have graduated this year.  He will always be linked to the class of 2016 whether he graduated or not....based on my experience with school record keeping.  Do not expect the athletic department will make any changes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on July 09, 2016, 10:35:13 AM
My confusion lies here: Why poke at this young man's obvious struggle in the hopes of casting a shadow over Amherst men's soccer? Shouldn't we be sending him well wishes for recovery and wellness? The beautiful game is meant to unify. We can be better here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on July 09, 2016, 01:05:22 PM
Jump4Joy....well said!  Plus K.  The Amherst soccer season is not too far off.  The first games are early Sept.... Indicating practice will be in August.  Last year I attended a DC reception for new students.  Hosts were the parents of a soccer player.  The parents were planning to open up their other home in Lancaster Pa. for informal practice sessions of the women soccer team before the start of school.  The hosts will do the reception again in late July.  Expect to attend again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on July 11, 2016, 11:49:34 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on July 09, 2016, 10:35:13 AM
My confusion lies here: Why poke at this young man's obvious struggle in the hopes of casting a shadow over Amherst men's soccer? Shouldn't we be sending him well wishes for recovery and wellness? The beautiful game is meant to unify. We can be better here.

The guy obviously has some issues, and I 100% agree. The only caveat is that I hope you'd believe the same if it was, say, a Williams player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on July 11, 2016, 11:55:36 AM
One thing I can guarantee, each and everyone of us who played in college, had a teammate (or 2) who it would not surprise us to hear was involved in a similar incident.
Mostly these guys are Goalies  :), but there are also a few  energy guys/tough as nails guy, or crazy guys on the squad who would be capable of this.

These were also some of the best guys to hang with from time to time.
It takes many different personalities to make a good team... just cant have too many of them on one team!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on July 12, 2016, 11:46:29 AM
We played one game at Saint Lawrence and our captain on the way back got off the bus, stripped naked, borrowed a fishing pole and went wading for salmon in the seaway, funniest thing I ever saw......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 14, 2016, 07:09:11 PM
Compared to that Amherst kid that sounds like choir boy stuff...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on July 14, 2016, 11:45:31 PM
While I may not be the biggest NESCAC fan on these boards, history is history, and some of the NESCAC teams have certainly made deep runs into the tournament, including a few NESCAC national champs over the decades.   My question to the New England experts is this...Is NESCAC the only legit D3 soccer conf in New England?  I rarely hear anyone talking about the CCC and can't ever recall anyone even mentioning the MASCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on July 15, 2016, 04:20:33 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on July 14, 2016, 11:45:31 PM
While I may not be the biggest NESCAC fan on these boards, history is history, and some of the NESCAC teams have certainly made deep runs into the tournament, including a few NESCAC national champs over the decades.   My question to the New England experts is this...Is NESCAC the only legit D3 soccer conf in New England?  I rarely hear anyone talking about the CCC and can't ever recall anyone even mentioning the MASCAC.

I'm certainly no New England expert, but the NEWMAC is surely worthy of mention (7th ranked conference by Hero Sports and 11th ranked conference by Massey Ratings).  MIT made a nice run in the NCAA tournament last year and Babson is a perennial powerhouse.  The conference is made up of kind of a hodgepodge of schools (e.g., Coast Guard, Springfield, Wheaton [MA]).  Teams in the NEWMAC can on occasion give NESCAC schools a good game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on July 15, 2016, 11:37:19 AM
Wheaton and Babson are the two traditional powers in the NEWMAC.  MIT and the others are occasionally competitive, but Wheaton and Babson are almost always at the top of the conference. 

Out of curiosity (and boredom), I looked to see what their historical records are against NESCAC schools to see if they do actually on occasion give them a good game.

Wheaton record vs NESCAC:
Amherst      3-5-2
Bates           3-1-0
Bowdoin      8-6-5
Colby           2-5-1
Conn           1-3-1
Hamilton     0-0-0
Middlebury  0-1-0
Trinity          0-3-1
Tufts           3-5-0
Wesleyan    5-4-2
Williams     1-7-1
TOTAL    29-45-14   (0.409)

Babson record vs. NESCAC
Amherst       4-13-6
Bates           10-3-2
Bowdoin      18-17-7
Colby           19-9-4
Conn           1-0-1
Hamilton     0-0-0
Middlebury  7-4-6
Trinity          7-0-1
Tufts           8-7-0
Wesleyan    7-6-3
Williams    10-25-3
TOTAL    91-84-33   (0.517)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on July 18, 2016, 11:49:59 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on July 14, 2016, 11:45:31 PM
While I may not be the biggest NESCAC fan on these boards, history is history, and some of the NESCAC teams have certainly made deep runs into the tournament, including a few NESCAC national champs over the decades.   My question to the New England experts is this...Is NESCAC the only legit D3 soccer conf in New England?  I rarely hear anyone talking about the CCC and can't ever recall anyone even mentioning the MASCAC.

I'll take a swing at this. While I'm by no means an expert, I'm always down to offer my thoughts on New England teams.

The NEWMAC is not in the same echelon as the NESCAC in terms of year-in, year-out consistency. That said, it is definitely respectable, and I would say "legit" if not in the "powerhouse" category. I'd say that, any given year, the best team in the NEWMAC will be around the level of perhaps the #3-#5 team in the NESCAC, and, in some years, maybe even higher (Babson's 10-11 and 11-12 teams come to mind).

That said, such is not the case most years (in my observation). Case in point: I think we can all agree that, last season, Amherst and MIT were the best teams in the NESCAC and NEWMAC based on their body of work — even if neither won the conference. And while Bowdoin did win the NESCAC, they were ranked #6 in the conference regular season rankings, and MIT, barely eked by them at home in OT. Now, obviously, there are numerous factors that go into games like that, and we say "any given day" for a reason, but the fact that it took until the 99th minute for a goal to come illustrates the parity between the two teams, I think.

Another thing is that the NEWMAC conference tournament has a tendency to produce upsets, which results in a team that has done virtually nothing all year going to NCAAs. In fact, no team ranked #1 in the conference during the regular season has won the NEWMAC since Babson in 2010. The other years: 2011 Springfield (9-4-3 regular season) beat Babson. 2012 MIT (11-4-1) beat Babson. 2013 Wheaton (14-5) beat MIT. 2014 Babson (14-5) beat Wheaton. 2015 Babson (11-6-2) beat MIT.

Certainly, the NESCAC tournament has produced similar upsets: however, the difference is that when the NESCAC champ gets to NCAAs via an upset, it stays in until at least the 2nd Round: in fact, Bowdoin in the last two years has been the only NESCAC champ in the last 10 years who has been knocked out before the Sweet 16 (losing to Brandeis and MIT). The NEWMAC, meanwhile, has not had the same success. In fact, four out of the five champions listed (Springfield, MIT, and Babson x2) has been knocked out in the 1st Round, and the one that didn't (Wheaton) was beaten 8-0 by St. Lawrence in the 2nd Round. Last year, Babson didn't get beaten that badly by F&M, losing 5-1, but they didn't get out of the 1st Round and they also lost 7-2 to Williams at home. Bottom line: the NESCAC schools, even those who have produced upsets en route to a conference title, are ready when NCAAs come around. The NEWMACs, meanwhile, are not (at least not to the same degree).

Last year, MIT had one of the best sides in NEWMAC history, making it to the 3rd Round of NCAAs, but I don't think that they were battle-tested enough in their regular season (as evidenced by their poor SOS). And while you can't ignore that they did defeat a NESCAC school, I'd say they would have been "middle of the pack" in the NESCAC.

Is the NEWMAC "legit"? In my book, yes. Is it the 2nd best conference in New England? I would say so. Is it on the same level as the NESCAC? Absolutely not.

The CCC, meanwhile, will produce a quality NCAA participant every few years. Western New England had a few years where they were pretty strong under Erin Sullivan, and only a 3-2 loss to St. Lawrence in the 2011 NCAA 2nd Round kept them from getting to the Sweet 16. However, most years they are represented by the conference winner only, who promptly gets knocked out in the NCAA 1st Round. Gordon and Roger Williams have been exceptions to this in recent years, but both have been unceremoniously dumped out in the 2nd Round, and I can say with 99% certainty that no CCC school has made it to the 3rd Round of the NCAAs (I saw the Roger Williams 2013 hype video in which the locker room speech inferred that this was the case). Certainly, CCC schools spring surprising results from time to time against the NESCACs/NEWMAC/UAA (Gordon beating Carnegie Mellon last year, Roger Williams downing Wheaton and Babson in 2013, and Western New England beating Wesleyan in 2010, 2013, and 2014,) but such wins are the exception rather than the norm, and is symptomatic of the CCC's inconsistency in terms of producing "legit" NCAA participants.

Each of the GNAC, LEC, MASCAC, and NAC may produce a "legit" team every five or so years. However, most years the conference winner is dumped out in the 1st Round of NCAAs. They're the type of teams that will "sit in" against the big teams, and while it will ultimately work for the majority of the game, the favorite usually finds a way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 18, 2016, 12:58:04 PM
I would have to agree with most of this Bloots....Keene St from 2000-2008 were one of New England's better teams from the LEC but that would be the exception and even Keene St would struggle in the NCAA's but were always a dangerous side especially at Home because of their field and rowdy fans.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on July 18, 2016, 03:50:25 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on July 18, 2016, 11:49:59 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on July 14, 2016, 11:45:31 PM
While I may not be the biggest NESCAC fan on these boards, history is history, and some of the NESCAC teams have certainly made deep runs into the tournament, including a few NESCAC national champs over the decades.   My question to the New England experts is this...Is NESCAC the only legit D3 soccer conf in New England?  I rarely hear anyone talking about the CCC and can't ever recall anyone even mentioning the MASCAC.

I'll take a swing at this. While I'm by no means an expert, I'm always down to offer my thoughts on New England teams.

The NEWMAC is not in the same echelon as the NESCAC in terms of year-in, year-out consistency. That said, it is definitely respectable, and I would say "legit" if not in the "powerhouse" category. I'd say that, any given year, the best team in the NEWMAC will be around the level of perhaps the #3-#5 team in the NESCAC, and, in some years, maybe even higher (Babson's 10-11 and 11-12 teams come to mind).

That said, such is not the case most years (in my observation). Case in point: I think we can all agree that, last season, Amherst and MIT were the best teams in the NESCAC and NEWMAC based on their body of work — even if neither won the conference. And while Bowdoin did win the NESCAC, they were ranked #6 in the conference regular season rankings, and MIT, barely eked by them at home in OT. Now, obviously, there are numerous factors that go into games like that, and we say "any given day" for a reason, but the fact that it took until the 99th minute for a goal to come illustrates the parity between the two teams, I think.

Another thing is that the NEWMAC conference tournament has a tendency to produce upsets, which results in a team that has done virtually nothing all year going to NCAAs. In fact, no team ranked #1 in the conference during the regular season has won the NEWMAC since Babson in 2010. The other years: 2011 Springfield (9-4-3 regular season) beat Babson. 2012 MIT (11-4-1) beat Babson. 2013 Wheaton (14-5) beat MIT. 2014 Babson (14-5) beat Wheaton. 2015 Babson (11-6-2) beat MIT.

Certainly, the NESCAC tournament has produced similar upsets: however, the difference is that when the NESCAC champ gets to NCAAs via an upset, it stays in until at least the 2nd Round: in fact, Bowdoin in the last two years has been the only NESCAC champ in the last 10 years who has been knocked out before the Sweet 16 (losing to Brandeis and MIT). The NEWMAC, meanwhile, has not had the same success. In fact, four out of the five champions listed (Springfield, MIT, and Babson x2) has been knocked out in the 1st Round, and the one that didn't (Wheaton) was beaten 8-0 by St. Lawrence in the 2nd Round. Last year, Babson didn't get beaten that badly by F&M, losing 5-1, but they didn't get out of the 1st Round and they also lost 7-2 to Williams at home. Bottom line: the NESCAC schools, even those who have produced upsets en route to a conference title, are ready when NCAAs come around. The NEWMACs, meanwhile, are not (at least not to the same degree).

Last year, MIT had one of the best sides in NEWMAC history, making it to the 3rd Round of NCAAs, but I don't think that they were battle-tested enough in their regular season (as evidenced by their poor SOS). And while you can't ignore that they did defeat a NESCAC school, I'd say they would have been "middle of the pack" in the NESCAC.

Is the NEWMAC "legit"? In my book, yes. Is it the 2nd best conference in New England? I would say so. Is it on the same level as the NESCAC? Absolutely not.

The CCC, meanwhile, will produce a quality NCAA participant every few years. Western New England had a few years where they were pretty strong under Erin Sullivan, and only a 3-2 loss to St. Lawrence in the 2011 NCAA 2nd Round kept them from getting to the Sweet 16. However, most years they are represented by the conference winner only, who promptly gets knocked out in the NCAA 1st Round. Gordon and Roger Williams have been exceptions to this in recent years, but both have been unceremoniously dumped out in the 2nd Round, and I can say with 99% certainty that no CCC school has made it to the 3rd Round of the NCAAs (I saw the Roger Williams 2013 hype video in which the locker room speech inferred that this was the case). Certainly, CCC schools spring surprising results from time to time against the NESCACs/NEWMAC/UAA (Gordon beating Carnegie Mellon last year, Roger Williams downing Wheaton and Babson in 2013, and Western New England beating Wesleyan in 2010, 2013, and 2014,) but such wins are the exception rather than the norm, and is symptomatic of the CCC's inconsistency in terms of producing "legit" NCAA participants.

Each of the GNAC, LEC, MASCAC, and NAC may produce a "legit" team every five or so years. However, most years the conference winner is dumped out in the 1st Round of NCAAs. They're the type of teams that will "sit in" against the big teams, and while it will ultimately work for the majority of the game, the favorite usually finds a way.
I was at that SLU v. WNEC game in 2011.
Both teams played extremely hard and showed a lot of will.
That is still one of the best college games I ever attended, and SLU ran out of there with the win.
Could have gone either way.

I actually thought that the WNEC program had arrived and would go on to some great things after watching that game.
They had some great players and played total football as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on July 19, 2016, 09:27:02 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on July 18, 2016, 11:49:59 AM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on July 14, 2016, 11:45:31 PM
While I may not be the biggest NESCAC fan on these boards, history is history, and some of the NESCAC teams have certainly made deep runs into the tournament, including a few NESCAC national champs over the decades.   My question to the New England experts is this...Is NESCAC the only legit D3 soccer conf in New England?  I rarely hear anyone talking about the CCC and can't ever recall anyone even mentioning the MASCAC.

I'll take a swing at this. While I'm by no means an expert, I'm always down to offer my thoughts on New England teams.

The NEWMAC is not in the same echelon as the NESCAC in terms of year-in, year-out consistency. That said, it is definitely respectable, and I would say "legit" if not in the "powerhouse" category. I'd say that, any given year, the best team in the NEWMAC will be around the level of perhaps the #3-#5 team in the NESCAC, and, in some years, maybe even higher (Babson's 10-11 and 11-12 teams come to mind).

That said, such is not the case most years (in my observation). Case in point: I think we can all agree that, last season, Amherst and MIT were the best teams in the NESCAC and NEWMAC based on their body of work — even if neither won the conference. And while Bowdoin did win the NESCAC, they were ranked #6 in the conference regular season rankings, and MIT, barely eked by them at home in OT. Now, obviously, there are numerous factors that go into games like that, and we say "any given day" for a reason, but the fact that it took until the 99th minute for a goal to come illustrates the parity between the two teams, I think.

Another thing is that the NEWMAC conference tournament has a tendency to produce upsets, which results in a team that has done virtually nothing all year going to NCAAs. In fact, no team ranked #1 in the conference during the regular season has won the NEWMAC since Babson in 2010. The other years: 2011 Springfield (9-4-3 regular season) beat Babson. 2012 MIT (11-4-1) beat Babson. 2013 Wheaton (14-5) beat MIT. 2014 Babson (14-5) beat Wheaton. 2015 Babson (11-6-2) beat MIT.

Certainly, the NESCAC tournament has produced similar upsets: however, the difference is that when the NESCAC champ gets to NCAAs via an upset, it stays in until at least the 2nd Round: in fact, Bowdoin in the last two years has been the only NESCAC champ in the last 10 years who has been knocked out before the Sweet 16 (losing to Brandeis and MIT). The NEWMAC, meanwhile, has not had the same success. In fact, four out of the five champions listed (Springfield, MIT, and Babson x2) has been knocked out in the 1st Round, and the one that didn't (Wheaton) was beaten 8-0 by St. Lawrence in the 2nd Round. Last year, Babson didn't get beaten that badly by F&M, losing 5-1, but they didn't get out of the 1st Round and they also lost 7-2 to Williams at home. Bottom line: the NESCAC schools, even those who have produced upsets en route to a conference title, are ready when NCAAs come around. The NEWMACs, meanwhile, are not (at least not to the same degree).

Last year, MIT had one of the best sides in NEWMAC history, making it to the 3rd Round of NCAAs, but I don't think that they were battle-tested enough in their regular season (as evidenced by their poor SOS). And while you can't ignore that they did defeat a NESCAC school, I'd say they would have been "middle of the pack" in the NESCAC.

Is the NEWMAC "legit"? In my book, yes. Is it the 2nd best conference in New England? I would say so. Is it on the same level as the NESCAC? Absolutely not.

The CCC, meanwhile, will produce a quality NCAA participant every few years. Western New England had a few years where they were pretty strong under Erin Sullivan, and only a 3-2 loss to St. Lawrence in the 2011 NCAA 2nd Round kept them from getting to the Sweet 16. However, most years they are represented by the conference winner only, who promptly gets knocked out in the NCAA 1st Round. Gordon and Roger Williams have been exceptions to this in recent years, but both have been unceremoniously dumped out in the 2nd Round, and I can say with 99% certainty that no CCC school has made it to the 3rd Round of the NCAAs (I saw the Roger Williams 2013 hype video in which the locker room speech inferred that this was the case). Certainly, CCC schools spring surprising results from time to time against the NESCACs/NEWMAC/UAA (Gordon beating Carnegie Mellon last year, Roger Williams downing Wheaton and Babson in 2013, and Western New England beating Wesleyan in 2010, 2013, and 2014,) but such wins are the exception rather than the norm, and is symptomatic of the CCC's inconsistency in terms of producing "legit" NCAA participants.

Each of the GNAC, LEC, MASCAC, and NAC may produce a "legit" team every five or so years. However, most years the conference winner is dumped out in the 1st Round of NCAAs. They're the type of teams that will "sit in" against the big teams, and while it will ultimately work for the majority of the game, the favorite usually finds a way.

Blooter,
Great commentary and insight. Thank you!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on July 19, 2016, 09:28:40 AM
Nice Analysis Bloots!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on August 05, 2016, 07:55:44 AM
It's getting close to that time of year again. Post your standing predictions. Made these predictions based on watching the league the past few years. No one knows all of the recruits coming in for each team so these are just educated guesses :)

1. Amherst - Whole team minus Bull, NPL, and Singer are returning. That defense and midfield is MEAN. For pete sakes look at the names! Bean, Lehnhart, Aoyoma, and Sood, coupled with Ciambella, Orozco, and Nguyen (a real special player), make the most physical and athletic defense and midfield in the league. I can't see them not winning this thing. I just can't see them accepting anything besides first place. I have never seen a team with such a desire to win. Heck, they have to be favorites for the national championship as well. Knowing Serpone, I'd bet my money their incoming keeper has a monster kick like Bull. Couple that with those gigantic throw ins this team is guaranteed to score goals. Yes there may be less special goals like those that singer and NPL scored, but I'm sure others like Martin will pick up that burden.
2. Tufts - I have always been an admirer of Shapiro's Tufts. Their style is easy on the eye, but they can also get stuck in when needed. Losing Kayne, the underrated Pinheiro (happy he finally got some recognition last year, not many people start for 4 years at this level) and Brown (who never got the recognition he deserved), and solid defenders in Schaible and Patel. But they have players ready to step up. The older Halliday has always impressed me and we all know how good Majumder is. Lets see what the latter will do this year as the league won't make the same mistake and underestimate him again. They lack a WOW player like Santos, but they are the definition of a TEAM.
3. Middlebury - Losing Robinson. They'll definitely have a chip on their shoulder from missing the playoffs last year. I still just can't see them finishing higher than third. In order to do so they would have to beat Amherst at Amherst's own game, which is not happening, or consistently outplay Tufts. Middlebury has skilled players but they need to start using them more rather than just playing kick and run to Glaser and Conrad. Keep your eye out for O'Grady. The kid is special.
4.  Bowdoin - They did lose good players in Odulate, Miller, and the underrated Solarte and Jones, but they are just such a well coached team you can never count them out. When I think of their roster next year there are no names that excite me.  When it comes time for playoff season they are just so tough to beat. If there is one thing I learned over the year it is to NEVER count Bowdoin out. If you give up a goal to this team they will buckle in and you will not score. I like Niang's athleticism and am still waiting to see if Ward's hype is deserved.
5. Williams - I just can't see them finishing above 5th after losing Rashid and Danilack. Yes, they have some promising young players and some talented returning players, but I still have not seen the latter players step up to the occasion. I hope no one is offended, but in my opinion these past few Williams teams have been "soft." Maybe it's just because when I think of Williams I think of the 2011 and 2012 teams. Those were some big boys. I was tempted to put them lower but this is Williams.
6. Wesleyan - Losing some solid players in Sousa, Kafina, Jones, and Erikson. Returning Cowie-Haskell, Gruner, and Paiz, who I think could be the best offensive player in the league this year.  Don't know too much about their defense though so this is a bit of a wildcard pick
7. Conn - They lost some experienced players in the underrated Patch, Gikandi, and Bitchell. They are going to have a young and inexperienced team. One thing they do have is Devlin who IMO is HANDS DOWN the best player in the league. Their fairytale season last year was a joy for all impartials. It would be great to see them do something similar, but I just can't see it happening. Lets see if Leon and Lockwood (who reminds me of Hawkey) get sophomore syndrome.
8. Trinity - Can't really think of anyone important that they are losing. Such an erratic team. One day they can be the best team in the league, and a few days later they can look horrible. Nevertheless, I can't wait to see how Savonen and O'Neil do their senior year.
9-11 - Colby, Bates, Hamilton - These last few spots are separated by so few points that anyone can finish anywhere. Heck with enough luck one of these teams could finish in the top 8. These teams are bottomdwellers that just stay there. I just can't see this changing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 05, 2016, 04:57:04 PM
Is Rashid definitely gone from Williams?  I know he had another year of eligibility ... if he is not around I agree that scoring could be tough this year, if he is, they return pretty much their entire offense and should be more dynamic up front.  It will be interesting to see what Erin Sullivan's first recruiting class is like, hopefully a few guys who can help right away. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on August 05, 2016, 07:59:07 PM
Great stuff Swans. I think Bates could surprise as they have some solid young talent but I also think they were exposed last year over the course of the season. Agree with the #s top to bottom, though, and good analysis. Well done.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 08, 2016, 02:15:14 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 05, 2016, 04:57:04 PM
Is Rashid definitely gone from Williams?  I know he had another year of eligibility ... if he is not around I agree that scoring could be tough this year, if he is, they return pretty much their entire offense and should be more dynamic up front.  It will be interesting to see what Erin Sullivan's first recruiting class is like, hopefully a few guys who can help right away.


Rashid will be back for 1 more year at Williams this fall which is great news. However, Russo's last great recruit Harrison Fyke will not be back which is not good news. He showed some flashes as a Frosh last year and will only get better. Last year was one of the most disappointing seasons Williams has had in 40 years. They had no leadership, no toughness and they lose their best player in Danilack. If you look at their schedule it is interesting to say the least. They open with 6 straight home games. They start the season with 8 games in 15 days. That is just plain ridiculous even in a usually condensed Nescac schedule. Their first 6 games are all very winnable and they could start 6-0-0 if they play well. However, 4 of the games will be against teams that will play 10 deep in Williamstown and Williams is hoing to have to break them down which will be difficult. ECONN, Colby, Babson and RPI will all sit in for the most part. Even Endicott will be sitting. Tarinity will play them straight up but in my humble opinion Trinity is due for a good season. They lose almost nothing from last year and will be a tough out as long as Pilger can keep them focused for every game which he usually struggles with.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 08, 2016, 02:28:17 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on August 05, 2016, 07:55:44 AM
It's getting close to that time of year again. Post your standing predictions. Made these predictions based on watching the league the past few years. No one knows all of the recruits coming in for each team so these are just educated guesses :)

1. Amherst - Whole team minus Bull, NPL, and Singer are returning. That defense and midfield is MEAN. For pete sakes look at the names! Bean, Lehnhart, Aoyoma, and Sood, coupled with Ciambella, Orozco, and Nguyen (a real special player), make the most physical and athletic defense and midfield in the league. I can't see them not winning this thing. I just can't see them accepting anything besides first place. I have never seen a team with such a desire to win. Heck, they have to be favorites for the national championship as well. Knowing Serpone, I'd bet my money their incoming keeper has a monster kick like Bull. Couple that with those gigantic throw ins this team is guaranteed to score goals. Yes there may be less special goals like those that singer and NPL scored, but I'm sure others like Martin will pick up that burden.
2. Tufts - I have always been an admirer of Shapiro's Tufts. Their style is easy on the eye, but they can also get stuck in when needed. Losing Kayne, the underrated Pinheiro (happy he finally got some recognition last year, not many people start for 4 years at this level) and Brown (who never got the recognition he deserved), and solid defenders in Schaible and Patel. But they have players ready to step up. The older Halliday has always impressed me and we all know how good Majumder is. Lets see what the latter will do this year as the league won't make the same mistake and underestimate him again. They lack a WOW player like Santos, but they are the definition of a TEAM.
3. Middlebury - Losing Robinson. They'll definitely have a chip on their shoulder from missing the playoffs last year. I still just can't see them finishing higher than third. In order to do so they would have to beat Amherst at Amherst's own game, which is not happening, or consistently outplay Tufts. Middlebury has skilled players but they need to start using them more rather than just playing kick and run to Glaser and Conrad. Keep your eye out for O'Grady. The kid is special.
4.  Bowdoin - They did lose good players in Odulate, Miller, and the underrated Solarte and Jones, but they are just such a well coached team you can never count them out. When I think of their roster next year there are no names that excite me.  When it comes time for playoff season they are just so tough to beat. If there is one thing I learned over the year it is to NEVER count Bowdoin out. If you give up a goal to this team they will buckle in and you will not score. I like Niang's athleticism and am still waiting to see if Ward's hype is deserved.
5. Williams - I just can't see them finishing above 5th after losing Rashid and Danilack. Yes, they have some promising young players and some talented returning players, but I still have not seen the latter players step up to the occasion. I hope no one is offended, but in my opinion these past few Williams teams have been "soft." Maybe it's just because when I think of Williams I think of the 2011 and 2012 teams. Those were some big boys. I was tempted to put them lower but this is Williams.
6. Wesleyan - Losing some solid players in Sousa, Kafina, Jones, and Erikson. Returning Cowie-Haskell, Gruner, and Paiz, who I think could be the best offensive player in the league this year.  Don't know too much about their defense though so this is a bit of a wildcard pick
7. Conn - They lost some experienced players in the underrated Patch, Gikandi, and Bitchell. They are going to have a young and inexperienced team. One thing they do have is Devlin who IMO is HANDS DOWN the best player in the league. Their fairytale season last year was a joy for all impartials. It would be great to see them do something similar, but I just can't see it happening. Lets see if Leon and Lockwood (who reminds me of Hawkey) get sophomore syndrome.
8. Trinity - Can't really think of anyone important that they are losing. Such an erratic team. One day they can be the best team in the league, and a few days later they can look horrible. Nevertheless, I can't wait to see how Savonen and O'Neil do their senior year.
9-11 - Colby, Bates, Hamilton - These last few spots are separated by so few points that anyone can finish anywhere. Heck with enough luck one of these teams could finish in the top 8. These teams are bottomdwellers that just stay there. I just can't see this changing.




Good work SWANS. I would have to agree with most of this. I am going with this:


1. Midd
2. Amherst
3. Tufts
4. Williams
5. Bowdoin
6. Conn
7. Trinity
8. Wesleyan
9. Bates
10. Colby
11. Hamilton



Amherst will reload but they are losing WAY TO MUCH to win this league. Midd has the most talent and have the best spine to win this thing. The have a lot to prove and will be very motivated. Tufts will not be as strong and will need to rely on Frosh and Soph to get 3rd. Williams still has no leadership and toughness but have skill and speed to win games. Bowdoin loses some key talent but with the best GK in the league they will be a tough out. If Conn had a serious GK I would place them 3rd or 4th but they don't as of yet. DaCahuna is a nightmare in net. Trinity has a lot of talent but also has weak GK'ing and like you said we never know which Trinity team will show up. Wesleyan loses the most and will struggle this year in the back. Bates showed some flashes for the first time in 5 years so they ill be hard to beat especially in Lewiston and Colby and Hamilton are just a bit to young still to compete week in and week out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 08, 2016, 03:04:45 PM
Thanks for the update on Rashid, Mr. Right.  That is indeed good news for Williams.  Too bad about Fyke, but hopefully Sullivan has some good frosh in who can help right away in his first class.  With Rashid at 100 percent, Tolomeo, Moutenot, Young in attacking midfield and up front, with occasional help from the Dory brothers, Williams should have a lot more experienced firepower this year and I imagine will score substantially more goals than last year's anemic attack, should be able to get back up to average over 2 per game. Rashid alone creates a lot of problems and Moutenot has tremendous skill set if he can compete physically, and Tolomeo proved he can be a target striker. 

They also have a ton of experience at goalie.  Agree that losing Danilak is tough and need more disciplined and tough play defensively in midfield and back. Need to do a better job winning in the middle of the field and avoiding mistaked in back.  Andreu and Muellers are a very good starting point there, hopefully a newcomer or two can step up right away and contribute.  If the Ephs can make it back to the NCAAs that would be a very succesful year.  Being in the second year under Sullivan should help as well, now that the adjustment period is over. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on August 08, 2016, 04:18:40 PM
Rashid has looked good/fit in summer league.........I expect good things......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on August 09, 2016, 11:31:49 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on July 18, 2016, 12:58:04 PM
I would have to agree with most of this Bloots....Keene St from 2000-2008 were one of New England's better teams from the LEC but that would be the exception and even Keene St would struggle in the NCAA's but were always a dangerous side especially at Home because of their field and rowdy fans.

WRT the LEC, I would start to watch UM Boston as contending for the future, (see my NE post), if they can continue to recruit the Portuguese/other, (Cape Verde Island/other) international players to the team and play a more disciplined game.  Not sure ECSU can ever compete with NESCAC w/o recruiting some top scorers of the caliber of Max Fantle, (their D has always been above average), but we will see.  BTW, Maxim Fantle will be assisting Coach DeVito this year.
Don't know what has happened to Keene St, they have really dropped out of being a competitive side, but, as Mr Right states above, can be a pain in the butt at home.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on August 09, 2016, 11:42:22 AM
FYI, Amherst lost a two year assistant coach this Summer.  He moved to the Head Coach position at Benedictine.  Do not know enough wrt soccer if this matters.  Amherst's HC has high praise for Attila's contributions to the team's success.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on August 09, 2016, 02:27:51 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on August 09, 2016, 11:31:49 AM
WRT the LEC, I would start to watch UM Boston as contending for the future, (see my NE post), if they can continue to recruit the Portuguese/other, (Cape Verde Island/other) international players to the team and play a more disciplined game.  Not sure ECSU can ever compete with NESCAC w/o recruiting some top scorers of the caliber of Max Fantle, (their D has always been above average), but we will see.  BTW, Maxim Fantle will be assisting Coach DeVito this year.
Don't know what has happened to Keene St, they have really dropped out of being a competitive side, but, as Mr Right states above, can be a pain in the butt at home.

Yeah I remember Brandeis having problems with Keene St. a couple of years back – eventually winning 2-1 on a somewhat fluky goal, but having been given a run for their money.

UMass-Boston is definitely one to watch, but I think their two biggest issues last year were their players' temperament and composure. They were on a tear last year before getting tripped up at a very average Babson, and while they went on to win the conference title they made an uneventful exit from NCAAs (amidst a player controversy). That said, if they can get those issues together and bring in some solid recruits, I think we may well be talking about them in the same vein as Gordon, etc. about being ready to make that next step to New England powerhouse (while UMB might have more talent, I think Gordon is a much more established program at this point).

ECSUalum, I should have mentioned that ECSU always puts up a good test against the NESCACs – I think my brain was tired by the end of the post, and so just did a quick summary of the other conferences I could think of. :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 09, 2016, 05:35:39 PM
Looks like a lot of early money on Middlebury, not only to take the NESCAC but also to be a prime threat for the national title.

Definitely a high risk, high reward pick. I'm going the other way with a hunch that they will disappoint, and with the view that last year was their year to shine which didn't pan out due to a combination of blowing it and getting screwed.  I think they would have been a tough out had they made the tourney last year.  Obviously could do it this year but all of the good NESCAC teams are very familiar with how to deal with the two big guns up top.

I expect this to be one of best NESCAC seasons since I've been paying attention. Tufts is here to stay and Williams will come back. Amherst will be a load to handle with the pressure finally off of them and even with the high profile graduations. And Wesleyan is due to take over the Bowdoin role sooner or later.

Tufts
Amherst
Williams
Wesleyan
Midd
Conn Coll
Trinity
Bowdoin
Colby
Bates
Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on August 09, 2016, 05:49:21 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on August 09, 2016, 02:27:51 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on August 09, 2016, 11:31:49 AM
WRT the LEC, I would start to watch UM Boston as contending for the future, (see my NE post), if they can continue to recruit the Portuguese/other, (Cape Verde Island/other) international players to the team and play a more disciplined game.  Not sure ECSU can ever compete with NESCAC w/o recruiting some top scorers of the caliber of Max Fantle, (their D has always been above average), but we will see.  BTW, Maxim Fantle will be assisting Coach DeVito this year.
Don't know what has happened to Keene St, they have really dropped out of being a competitive side, but, as Mr Right states above, can be a pain in the butt at home.

Yeah I remember Brandeis having problems with Keene St. a couple of years back – eventually winning 2-1 on a somewhat fluky goal, but having been given a run for their money.

UMass-Boston is definitely one to watch, but I think their two biggest issues last year were their players' temperament and composure. They were on a tear last year before getting tripped up at a very average Babson, and while they went on to win the conference title they made an uneventful exit from NCAAs (amidst a player controversy). That said, if they can get those issues together and bring in some solid recruits, I think we may well be talking about them in the same vein as Gordon, etc. about being ready to make that next step to New England powerhouse (while UMB might have more talent, I think Gordon is a much more established program at this point).

ECSUalum, I should have mentioned that ECSU always puts up a good test against the NESCACs – I think my brain was tired by the end of the post, and so just did a quick summary of the other conferences I could think of. :)
No problem Blooter, your analysis was excellent!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on August 11, 2016, 10:32:53 AM
FYI.....Amherst just announced the hiring of two new assistant coaches.....details on Amherst soccer website.  It is interesting to note that one new assistant is a 2016 graduate of Bates and a former player on the soccer team...the women's team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on August 12, 2016, 01:28:52 PM
Quote from: amh63 on August 11, 2016, 10:32:53 AM
FYI.....Amherst just announced the hiring of two new assistant coaches.....details on Amherst soccer website.  It is interesting to note that one new assistant is a 2016 graduate of Bates and a former player on the soccer team...the women's team.

I say good for her! Looks like she has a lot of great experience that could lend itself to coaching with SAAC involvement, etc.

The other hire has links to D3 soccer as well - Matt Travis, son of Emory coach Sonny Travis.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 12, 2016, 04:44:01 PM
I will give Serpone some credit with his assistants. It seems like every off season one of his assistants is getting hired to be a Head Coach. I am guessing maybe 4-5 the last 5 years....That is very impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on August 16, 2016, 06:12:55 PM
Prediction 2016
1.  Middlebury - senior-laden team bests Amherst early at home and also has Tufts at home
2.  Amherst - too much talent
3.  Williams - played well at times in '15 after a slow start, will be better still in '16
4.  Tufts - must reload after losing five starters
5.  Bowdoin - will finish 5th or 6th then win conference tourney
6.  Trinity - young team on the upswing
7.  Conn
8.  Wesleyan
9.  Bates
10. Hamilton
11. Colby
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 16, 2016, 07:08:52 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on August 09, 2016, 05:35:39 PM
Looks like a lot of early money on Middlebury, not only to take the NESCAC but also to be a prime threat for the national title.

Definitely a high risk, high reward pick. I'm going the other way with a hunch that they will disappoint, and with the view that last year was their year to shine which didn't pan out due to a combination of blowing it and getting screwed.  I think they would have been a tough out had they made the tourney last year.  Obviously could do it this year but all of the good NESCAC teams are very familiar with how to deal with the two big guns up top.

I expect this to be one of best NESCAC seasons since I've been paying attention. Tufts is here to stay and Williams will come back. Amherst will be a load to handle with the pressure finally off of them and even with the high profile graduations. And Wesleyan is due to take over the Bowdoin role sooner or later.

Tufts
Amherst
Williams
Wesleyan
Midd
Conn Coll
Trinity
Bowdoin
Colby
Bates
Hamilton

In case my picks got too buried at end of last page...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on August 16, 2016, 07:17:05 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on August 16, 2016, 06:12:55 PM
Prediction 2016
1.  Middlebury - senior-laden team bests Amherst early at home and also has Tufts at home
2.  Amherst - too much talent
3.  Williams - played well at times in '15 after a slow start, will be better still in '16
4.  Tufts - must reload after losing five starters
5.  Bowdoin - will finish 5th or 6th then win conference tourney
6.  Trinity - young team on the upswing
7.  Conn
8.  Wesleyan
9.  Bates
10. Hamilton
11. Colby
p

I like this but would probably switch Tufts and Williams. Much parity given the loss of Tufts and Amherst studs to graduation. Rashid needs to step up this year...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on August 17, 2016, 06:31:01 PM
Regular Season Prediction 2016

1. Middlebury - Senior talent puts them slightly above Amherst for me. Don't know if they'll win conference title, but I'd say they'll make NCAAs and go to the Sweet 16 at the very least and probably Elite 8.
2. Amherst - Bull and NPL losses are huge, as well as that of Singer, but they still bring back the majority of their spine. We will see. I'd give them Elite 8 given their tourney know-how.
3. Tufts - While there are skeptics (including myself for a bit) I actually think Tufts will be relatively strong this year, as they bring back their GK, 2 CBs, Majumder, etc. Still, losing 2/3 CMs, Brown, et al will hurt. NCAAs possible.
4. Bowdoin - Graduated a bit of talent this past year, including a huge defensive loss in Odulate, but Van Siclen will keep them in games and they can score goals when they need to.
5. Williams - They have been "soft" the last couple of years, but we saw glimpses of what they can do. Rashid being back is huge, although I don't think he's the same player since the injury. Could surprise.
6. Wesleyan - Cowie-Haskell and Martinez-Paiz have to be the two best hyphenated last names in the NESCAC this year. They'll spring a few surprises, and could well finish higher than 6th.
7. Trinity - We all know of their "Jekyll and Hyde" status, but their talent puts them at the halfway point of the rankings over other teams.
8. Conn - Devlin is primed to have a good year, but not sure that his teammates are on his level. Would love to be proved wrong, as I have always enjoyed Conn.
9. Bates - My dark horse pick. They have a decent squad of players coming back and some talent in Knoth/Merchant/Murphy/Watson, but I am hesitant to put them higher. Could surprise.
10. Hamilton - Just barely above Colby. Not a ton of goals and not super solid defensively either.
11. Colby - 11 total goals scored last year. Beating Williams for the first time in a while had to do some good for confidence, but the rest of the season was lackluster.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 18, 2016, 07:08:59 PM
Bloots has been talking up Bates as his sleeper Nescac pic( by that I mean a top 8) and I will continue to talk up Trinity as my sleeper pick(by that a top 6).

For Trinity to accomplish this they need to so a couple of things.

1, Their Junior and Senior leaders MUST get these guys focused and ready to go in pre-pre season( by this I mean Captain's practice. NO la-de-da go for a 2 mile run and drink the night away. They must focus as players as this is one of Head Coach Pilger's weaknesses. i.e getting his team up for games against weaker competition.

2. Come back to pre-season in the best fitness shape as possible. This team has 3-4 very good players and the rest are all interchangeable as Pilger will give everyone minutes and substitutes freely.

3. Pilger needs to get a SET starting 11 and stick to it. Far to often he mixes things up and I get the feeling players do not know where they stand all the time.

4. Pilger is one of the best coaches in Nescac at drawing up and practicing set pieces. Trinity always catches opponents napping in the Fiinal 3rd on set pieces. So keep this up.

5. THEY MUST have solid GK'ing. GK mistakes can devastate a team like Trinity as they tend to snowball into field players giving up. A great example was last year in the Nescac quarters last year against Midd at Midd. They were 0-0 20 minutes in and had some chances to sneak a goal but did not, GK made a couple mistakes and Trinity gave up in the 2nd Half and finished their season getting trashed by Midd 5-0.

6/ MUST MUST start the season off strong. Only 6 games in September is good news and their first 7 games look like this.

at Rivier------Cakewalk win
at Williams----A win here would be such a lift but a draw will work. Fight hard here and catch Williams off guard in there 1st game and an unsure team.
v Conn--------Always a heated battle but a 1-0 win or a draw will work in this one.
at Hamilton----MUST MUST get a win here. They are a more talented team but Hamilton can be tricky at home. A loss here will devastate morale.
at Endicott----Typical Pilger scheduling bungle as he schedules this on the Monday after a 5 hour Hamilton trip..Winnable game here if focused.
v Colby--------Get a quick goal and you will win this game. Colby has nothing up front. Keep Colby at 0-0 by the 70th minute and your looking at a useless draw
v Bares--------Could be some goals in this game but Bates should have some heavy legs with 8-9 games in September and a couple back to backs already.


So in 7 games they really need to go 5-1-1. At the very least in those 5 conference games they really need at least 3 wins there.

If this team plays the way they did against Amherst last year they are a top 4 side.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on August 19, 2016, 09:14:35 AM
Trinity will be improved this year but may be a year away from the level of their 2008-9 and 2011 "High Five City" teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on August 19, 2016, 01:29:48 PM
1) Amherst- You are King until your not.  Owen will be an excellent replacement for Bull.  Drop off will be less than expected.  Fix, Nguyen go box to box with a year under their belt. Khan and Murray can fly.  Might surprise and be a better team on the ground.  Defense always solid. Reload indeed.
2) Tufts- Once again the players coming off the bench should fit the system well.  They will be hard to breakdown- they simply will not give up the ball.  Majumder will get a basket of goals slipping between the CB's with the high possession.  Shapiro's last two classes were excellent and you will see them step up this year.  Dogfight to the end with Amherst.
3) Middlebury- Same crew that was robbed a birth last year.  With their style they can be shut down if opposition has a few large pacey players at the back/holding.  Will absolutely beat up on less physical teams.  The boys up in Middlebury claim last two classes are best of Saward tenure.  Only a tic behind top two but I think they will loose a tight game or two on style and that will cost them.
3a) Conn- Very underrated.  Speed all over the field.  Devlin is a superior player. You could see in stretches where they were dominate last year.  With a year of playing together........Leon might lead the league in goals.  Murphy's year.
5) Williams-Rashid back is huge.  They failed to finish off games last year, never quite seemed organized at the back.  If they can improve that they can beat anyone.  One of the top offensive players injured.  Fyke (top recruit) also gone.  Still have enough up top to work the ball.  Team seemed to not have identity last year, play over the top or keep the ball, changed game by game.  It's all on the back.
6) Bowdoin- Excellent coach but a middling roster.  They will play tight but it seems they are often outplayed and get a result.  No idea about quality of last year's class or incoming.  Maybe Scott starts to make the team "his". 
7) Trinity- Can bang a bit, Cody tough as nails. Very tough box to box and when "on" can give possession teams fits with high pressure.   Do they play hard every game?  If they do move up a spot or two.
8) Wesleyan- Nothing wrong with what they do but they just seem to play a tic slower than the other possession teams.  Very organized, well coached, Gooden should make an impact this year to go along with  Paiz and Haskell. 
The gap between the top eight spots very tight in my eyes, then a gap to:
9) Hamilton-  The outgoing class was top heavy.  They lost top recruit to transfer.  Played very well for stretches with underclassmen.  Played Amherst, Williams even for a half, beat Tufts and Trinity in OT.  Back line needs to tighten up after league last goals against.  If no improvement at back drop to last.
10) Colby- Pretty decent back line. Cam can cover box to box with anyone.  A lot of young players logged minutes, let's see if those minutes cause next step...
11 Bates- Fiesty, scrappy bit of skill and pace up top but I've always felt just getting by....

Reading what I'm about to post some points seem negative, not meant to be.  We are comparing teams in what most believe is the toughest conference in the county.  Even bottom three compete anywhere else.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on August 23, 2016, 04:37:16 PM
Well -- it's been quite a while since I posted on d3boards, but happy to be back! I was perusing Hero and Massey rankings and came across an article with Shapiro's preview for the 2016 season: http://herosports.com/news/ncaa-d3-mens-soccer/tufts-mens-soccer-2016-preview?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Link&utm_campaign=D3MSoccer. Enjoy. Can't wait for the season - the past several years have been the most exciting NESCAC seasons I can remember (of course, two national champion teams help)!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on August 23, 2016, 04:44:45 PM
And would you look at that -- Hero sports really stepping up their game! It looks like Hero is previewing its preseason top-25 teams. See below - looks like these all came out on August 17. Apologies if someone has already posted this.

Wesleyan: http://herosports.com/news/ncaa-d3-mens-soccer/wesleyan-mens-soccer-2016-preview

Williams: http://herosports.com/news/ncaa-d3-mens-soccer/williams-mens-soccer-2016-preview

Bowdoin: http://herosports.com/news/ncaa-d3-mens-soccer/bowdoin-mens-soccer-2016-preview
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on August 23, 2016, 05:27:22 PM
Looks like Hero Sports has previews for the top 27 men's and top 33 women's teams in their pre-season rankings, and likely more to come.  Not sure how that one guy is cranking out so many, but more power to him.  Granted most are pretty basic and simple (and who knows how insightful they really are), but if they can be trusted, they can quickly give a sense of what a team has returning.  Hero is also doing pre-season All-Americans.  Hero is trying to do some nice things.  My impression in past seasons (which could be wrong) is that they still don't have someone that knows and loves Division III soccer which has always seemed to be the case with the different sites that start covering Division I and then try to expand down into Division II and III.  For example, someone might want to tell Hero Sports that their second ranked conference in men's soccer, WIAC, stopped sponsoring men's soccer last season, while also mentioning that the Commonwealth and Freedom should be treated as separate conferences not a single Middle Atlantic Conference and that the logo they are showing for the Middle Atlantic Conference is actually that of the Division I Mid-American Conference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 23, 2016, 05:39:54 PM
I must say that is a good effort by hero Sports to do these previews. The best part are the coaches interviews giving us more knowledgeable Nescac people an insight to what each coach is thinking before the season begins. Also, a great way to solidify what newcomers will have the most impact compared to what we know about some of them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 31, 2016, 05:38:09 PM
Bates AD being forced out at the end of the year. Nothing to do with soccer although it should as Stewart Flaherty has not been an upgrade at all.



http://nescac.com/news/2016-17/BAT_McHugh_082516
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 31, 2016, 05:50:04 PM
Former Yale assistant and recently Head Coach at Western Connecticut is added to Trinity's staff. In his 4 years at WCONN they were a complete and utter disaster. I am unsure if he resigned to be closer to Hartford or if he was fired. Does anyone remember when WCONN had chippy, athletic ans a couple skilled players that would win their league and get into the NCAA's every once and a while. This was only 10 years ago and those days like Keene St are long gone


http://athletics.trincoll.edu/sports/msoc/2016-17/releases/Men-s_Soccer_11617

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 31, 2016, 06:04:30 PM
Again, I will re-iterate Trinity as my sleeper team. They lost 3 seniors and all are replaceable. Malcolm Joseph is a loss but can be replaced. The other 2 were oft injured or did not contribute all that much.  Very interested in opening Nescac play on 9-10 with Trinity travelling to Williams. They need a draw but a win would not be all that surprising. After just finding out Williams captains I am not impressed. They lacked leadership last year and JC Bahr-DeStefano, Christian Alcorn and Kevin Mercandante do mot scfream leadership to me. Alcorn canbe a leader from net but the other 2 not so sure. Bahr-Destefano is a fine player but not a leader and Mercadante while a tough kid a most likely Williams best tackler is not the greatest player and cost them big time when Sullivan tried playing him at wingback last year. He was caught out of position on more than a couple occasions and lacked speed to play there. Captains usually get a bulk of minutes and Alcorn and Bahr-Destefano will be fine but IMO the only place for Mercadante is Defensive CM. Looking ofrward to see both teams line-ups in thus game.

Heard from a Midd friend that Williams will be scrimmaging Midd this Saturday. Not sure where
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on August 31, 2016, 06:45:24 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on August 31, 2016, 05:50:04 PM
Former Yale assistant and recently Head Coach at Western Connecticut is added to Trinity's staff. In his 4 years at WCONN they were a complete and utter disaster. I am unsure if he resigned to be closer to Hartford or if he was fired. Does anyone remember when WCONN had chippy, athletic ans a couple skilled players that would win their league and get into the NCAA's every once and a while. This was only 10 years ago and those days like Keene St are long gone


http://athletics.trincoll.edu/sports/msoc/2016-17/releases/Men-s_Soccer_11617

Kostelis is a decent coach.  He inherited nothing on his arrival and notched 1, 3, 4, and 7 wins in his four years - clearly moving in the right direction.  Not sure of the circumstances of his departure, but WConn has almost all of last year's contributors returning and should be a .500 team this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerKick on August 31, 2016, 07:28:58 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on August 31, 2016, 05:38:09 PM
Bates AD being forced out at the end of the year. Nothing to do with soccer although it should as Stewart Flaherty has not been an upgrade at all.



http://nescac.com/news/2016-17/BAT_McHugh_082516

From the article you sent: "Since arriving in 2007, McHugh has overseen historic achievements on the field, including the college's best-ever ranking, in 2015, in the annual Directors' Cup measuring U.S. collegiate success at the NCAA tournament level.

His tenure has included Bates' first NCAA team championship, in women's rowing in 2015; individual national titles in track and field, squash, and tennis; a first-ever NCAA tournament bid for men's lacrosse; a return to the NCAAs for women's lacrosse and men's basketball; and the improvement of the football program, now at its strongest in 30 years and winners of a share of the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin Conference title for five straight years. Bates athletes have earned more than 200 All-America honors since 2007, and the college has hosted two NCAA championships, in skiing and men's tennis."

Doesn't seem like he is being forced out as you say...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 31, 2016, 09:30:59 PM
Word is he is being forced out for other issues....Im glad you have learned to interpret press releases as the truth to a situation..Based on that release he should be promoted. There is more and more pressure to win in Nescac then ever before...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 31, 2016, 09:33:09 PM
-1 k
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerKick on August 31, 2016, 09:50:21 PM
Devastated...

Regardless, Bates won't be as bad as you think this year Mr. Right. They won't win the league but may have the best freshman class
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 03, 2016, 06:02:06 PM
FYI.....the Amherst Athletic Soccer website has posted its 2016 Team Assessment/Preview.  HC Serpone has high expectation from his GK and this year's returning players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 05, 2016, 11:47:39 PM
Quote from: amh63 on September 03, 2016, 06:02:06 PM
FYI.....the Amherst Athletic Soccer website has posted its 2016 Team Assessment/Preview.  HC Serpone has high expectation from his GK and this year's returning players.

Alternate Headline: Coach of Reigning National Champions Expects His Players To Play Well
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 06, 2016, 12:07:07 PM
Williams' roster out ... a huge 30-man roster:

http://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/msoc/2016-17/roster

The Ephs should be very strong up front this year led by Rashid, Moutenot, and Sisco-Tolomeo, with support from Young and hopefully a frosh or two.  Goalie should also be solid, with loads of experience now.  Midfield and the back are the bigger question marks, with Muellers and Andreu the two sure-things in the back and lots of other guys who have seen some time but are more uncertain.  Williams has a big frosh class (eight players) and hopefully one or two guys can make an immediate impact.  The two mentioned by Coach Sullivan in the Hero Sports preview, Fleischer and Bardong, can hopefully step right in and help in the midfield area. 

One interesting addition to the roster is 6'5 sophomore Ian Kagame, he didn't play varsity last year so I'm not sure how good he is, but I believe he is the son of the President of Rwanda, so there could be some interesting spectators at Eph games! 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 04:23:00 PM
20 minutes in Wesleyan at ECONN and Wesleyan had ECONN pinned in for about 5 minutes and had 2 or 3 great chances to score but could not finish. ECONN starting to come on and keeping possession better. ECONN looks like the team that has been out for about 3 weeks and Wesleyan looks a bit sloppy in its 1st game. As was reported earlier this week ECONN was hoofing it but I see ECONN trying to keep possession and their backs trying to keep the ball on the ground almost to a fault as Wesleyan has almost picked 1 or 2 short passes off from ECONN's backs. This has a 1-0 scoreline written all over it. Updates to follow
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 04:58:00 PM
0-0 Wesleyan at ECONN at the half. The game is getting stuck in midfield with both teams giving the ball away quite frequently. Like someone mentioned in an earlier post Wesleyan needs to be a little faster in possession and especially on the counter they should be able to get a goal. Gruner  and Nick Jackson look solid for Wesleyan. Not a big Rubenstein fan but he gets the job done.  Wesleyan needs to get Cowie-Haskell and Martinez-Paiz more involved 2nd Half. Same goes for Charlie Livingstone who looks improved from last year
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 06, 2016, 05:24:27 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 04:58:00 PM
0-0 Wesleyan at ECONN at the half. The game is getting stuck in midfield with both teams giving the ball away quite frequently. Like someone mentioned in an earlier post Wesleyan needs to be a little faster in possession and especially on the counter they should be able to get a goal. Gruner  and Nick Jackson look solid for Wesleyan. Not a big Rubenstein fan but he gets the job done.  Wesleyan needs to get Cowie-Haskell and Martinez-Paiz more involved 2nd Half. Same goes for Charlie Livingstone who looks improved from last year

No Martinez-Paiz at all through about 60 minutes. Don't know why he hasn't featured, though he does appear to be dressed for this game. #FreeKomar
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 05:36:50 PM
WOW....ECONN #20 makes and incredible athletic and skilled move to beat Gruner and finish to go up 1-0. Wesleyan knots it at 1-1 30 seconds later on a nice finish by Cowie-Haskell. ECONN caught flat-footed after scoring. I like Wesleyan's Frosh #5 Wolf. He has some skill and heart
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 05:51:31 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 06, 2016, 05:24:27 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 04:58:00 PM
0-0 Wesleyan at ECONN at the half. The game is getting stuck in midfield with both teams giving the ball away quite frequently. Like someone mentioned in an earlier post Wesleyan needs to be a little faster in possession and especially on the counter they should be able to get a goal. Gruner  and Nick Jackson look solid for Wesleyan. Not a big Rubenstein fan but he gets the job done.  Wesleyan needs to get Cowie-Haskell and Martinez-Paiz more involved 2nd Half. Same goes for Charlie Livingstone who looks improved from last year

No Martinez-Paiz at all through about 60 minutes. Don't know why he hasn't featured, though he does appear to be dressed for this game. #FreeKomar



Must be disciplinary. Wheeler also didn't start his #1 GK Katkavich but subbed him on 10 minutes in. Strange
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 06:23:37 PM
ECONN and Wesleyan ends 1-1. Wesleyan not bad for their 1st game but will have to be disappointed with the draw. I thought they deserved to win and some great chances to score but either the final pass or the final shot was not sharp enough.

For ECONN, they had I would guess 2 SOG all game as I do not remember seeing Wes GK all game except for the goal. They have a couple good athletes but not a ton of skill in midfield or a legit goalscorer. Their defense is the real weakness and needs to be shored up quickly as they were giving the ball away way to much. With a Saturday game v Muhlenberg and a Sunday trip to Williams, they could be looking at a 0-4-1 start. DeVito might need to move some players around until he finds the right mix.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 06, 2016, 06:24:52 PM
More of the same from Eastern! Unbelievable! They just cannot maintain any possession!  some of the more experienced players playing poorly!   Eastern was fortunate to hold a very good technical team to a tie.  It was the Cardinals first game of the season, if this Cardinal team had a few games behind them it would have been loss #3 for ECSU.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 06, 2016, 07:16:09 PM
Watching Endicott vs. Tufts...Jumbos with the majority of the possession but the Gulls with some decent touches as well. I like the Endicott commentators. A good balance between insightful and funny.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 06, 2016, 07:21:19 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 06, 2016, 07:16:09 PM
Watching Endicott vs. Tufts...Jumbos with the majority of the possession but the Gulls with some decent touches as well. I like the Endicott commentators. A good balance between insightful and funny.

The announcers are good. Tufts has the possession but not the passing midfield like last few years.  More physical...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 07:43:13 PM
2016 Amherst roster out. I did not realize former Conn College player Weller Hlinomaz has transferred to Amherst. The kid played pretty well as a frosh at Conn, had wheels and skill on the flank. Was the recipient of a Dan Lima(Former Williams Captain) elbow to the head in 2013 that knocked him out for the rest of his frosh season with a concussion. He and his parents wrote everyone and their mother including the President of Williams College threatening lawsuits and trying to get Lima suspended or even expelled. It was an embarrassment. Lima was suspended 2 games and the matter was done. However, Hlinomaz and his parents are or were complete headcases and I believe he was cut by Murphy last year because of attitude issues. Not a bad jump to graduate from Amherst over Conn so it all works out in the end. If he still has any attitude issues that will be resolved quickly by Serpone and Amherst. I doubt he does and am sure he has matured. With his speed on one flank and Martin's on the other that is 2 very dangerous 1v1 players out wide and changes the whole complexion of this 2016 Amherst side.

Interesting fact since Serpone took over that is the 2nd player he has snagged from Conn's roster as a transfer, the 1st being Genko back in 2008. He was one of Lessig's last great recruits at Conn before bolting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 06, 2016, 07:53:28 PM
Conn also won their first game 9-0. But everyone knows the real test will be this weekend against Middlebury who I do not believe has lost to Conn during Murphy's tenure. Murphy has not hesitated to get rid of talented players with bad attitudes in the past. Look at the success that approach brought this past season.

Another note of interest is the absence of ROY Mark Leon on the Camel's roster. I wonder what that is about.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 06, 2016, 07:56:17 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 06, 2016, 07:16:09 PM
Watching Endicott vs. Tufts...Jumbos with the majority of the possession but the Gulls with some decent touches as well. I like the Endicott commentators. A good balance between insightful and funny.

Is Majumder dressed? Out with an injury perhaps?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sandy on September 06, 2016, 08:04:20 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 06, 2016, 06:24:52 PM
More of the same from Eastern! Unbelievable! They just cannot maintain any possession!  some of the more experienced players playing poorly!   Eastern was fortunate to hold a very good technical team to a tie.  It was the Cardinals first game of the season, if this Cardinal team had a few games behind them it would have been loss #3 for ECSU.

The problem is that DeVito doesn't play the possession game and has no desire to even try. He'd rather play players that can run forever and work hard. Working smart isn't something he seems to favor. Most of the time he wants the ball sprayed out to the wings by the center mids to eventually be swung in for a cross. If they try and play it around and end up losing it. He'll get angry about that instead of encouraging them to play it around a bit. Hes got some players that can play and possess a good touch, but he'd rather play inexperienced freshmen who can run around a lot instead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 06, 2016, 08:53:21 PM
WOW! Endicott 1-0 over Tufts! Did not see that one coming, especially after last year's heartbreak and losing so much talent. Well done to the Gulls. Despite Tufts playing without Majumder and it being the Jumbos' first game, you can't say that the Gulls didn't earn that one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 06, 2016, 08:59:38 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 06, 2016, 08:53:21 PM
WOW! Endicott 1-0 over Tufts! Did not see that one coming, especially after last year's heartbreak and losing so much talent. Well done to the Gulls, you can't say that they didn't earn that one.

Holistic thoughts on the Tufts game... 1) Majumber didn't play and they could surely use him.  2) They appear more physical in play. 3) They definitely miss Kayne and crew in the mid-field as there was a lack of cohesion, style, and flow...the style they've been known for over the last several years.  4) Some of the freshman looked very good.  5) They just lost the most successful class in history to graduation so they may take a little time to gel, which definitely can be done.

Endicott played well and they deserve the credit.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 06, 2016, 09:16:09 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 06, 2016, 08:53:21 PM
WOW! Endicott 1-0 over Tufts! Did not see that one coming, especially after last year's heartbreak and losing so much talent. Well done to the Gulls. Despite Tufts playing without Majumder and it being the Jumbos' first game, you can't say that the Gulls didn't earn that one.

Yes, i agree wth this and Brother Flounder's comments. Both spot on. The Gulls did earn it....and it being the first game for Tufts, and without their top scorer, didn't give us a good read yet on a young team....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 06, 2016, 09:16:50 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 06, 2016, 08:59:38 PM
Holistic thoughts on the Tufts game... 1) Majumber didn't play and they could surely use him.  2) They appear more physical in play. 3) They definitely miss Kayne and crew in the mid-field as there was a lack of cohesion, style, and flow...the style they've been known for over the last several years.  4) Some of the freshman looked very good.  5) They just lost the most successful class in history to graduation so they may take a little time to gel, which definitely can be done.

Endicott played well and they deserve the credit.....

They definitely missed that midfield experience, which will be tough to replace. However, I thought Rojas put in a good shift, and they did have some good spells. No need to panic, as it's the first game, and an away game at turf on that, but as you said the Jumbos will likely take time to gel (they also lost Patel and Brown, who were perhaps underrated but whose influences will be missed). Still think this is an NCAA-caliber team.

Brother, do you know what was up with Majumder? I didn't see him, but I was watching on and off, so he could well have been there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 06, 2016, 09:24:18 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 06, 2016, 09:16:50 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 06, 2016, 08:59:38 PM
Holistic thoughts on the Tufts game... 1) Majumber didn't play and they could surely use him.  2) They appear more physical in play. 3) They definitely miss Kayne and crew in the mid-field as there was a lack of cohesion, style, and flow...the style they've been known for over the last several years.  4) Some of the freshman looked very good.  5) They just lost the most successful class in history to graduation so they may take a little time to gel, which definitely can be done.

Endicott played well and they deserve the credit.....

They definitely missed that midfield experience, which will be tough to replace. However, I thought Rojas put in a good shift, and they did have some good spells. No need to panic, as it's the first game, and an away game at turf on that, but as you said the Jumbos will likely take time to gel (they also lost Patel and Brown, who were perhaps underrated but whose influences will be missed). Still think this is an NCAA-caliber team.

Brother, do you know what was up with Majumder? I didn't see him, but I was watching on and off, so he could well have been there.

I don't know.. I was surprised that he didn't play and the announcers seemed miffed also (though that doesn't mean anything).  I will ask around tomorrow to see if I can find anything out...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 10:00:59 PM


Hamilton rejoined Nescac in all sports in 2011. They came from a solid league in the Liberty League and were very successful in that league making the NCAA's a couple times. They join Nescac and Perry Nizzi has really struggled. They are 11-29-10 since re-joining Nescac. While that is bad, more troubling is they seem to be progressively getting worse each year. They are starting to lose out of conference games they should not be losing and would not of lost in the LL. I know I know 1st game and all but losing to Oswego State 2-0 is not a good sign. If there was ever a hot seat for Nescac coaches this year it is up in Clinton, NY.




Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 10:06:25 PM
Tufts is going to have its ups and downs this year. They lost a very talented and successful class but have re-loaded. With youth and in-experience come losses. They will win games and look really good some days and some days will be making mental mistakes a veteran team would not make. That is to be expected from a young side. Encouraging thing is Shapiro keeps re-loading and they are not going away anytime soon.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 06, 2016, 10:39:40 PM
One thing I will say is that is the best opposition and result for Endicott to start the season with. I didn't think they would necessarily do much this year with all that they lost to graduation, and the season is very young, but that is a huge confidence booster for the Gulls.

Also, heard second-hand that the goal came about after Greenwood misplayed a high ball. Again, it's just one moment and one game, and I did not see it, but you all likely remember how I continuously said last year that Greenwood does not command his box well enough and often slaps the ball away when he should be catching it. Hopefully he works on that, because he is a very good goalkeeper otherwise.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on September 06, 2016, 10:59:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 10:00:59 PM


Hamilton rejoined Nescac in all sports in 2011. They came from a solid league in the Liberty League and were very successful in that league making the NCAA's a couple times. They join Nescac and Perry Nizzi has really struggled. They are 11-29-10 since re-joining Nescac. While that is bad, more troubling is they seem to be progressively getting worse each year. They are starting to lose out of conference games they should not be losing and would not of lost in the LL. I know I know 1st game and all but losing to Oswego State 2-0 is not a good sign. If there was ever a hot seat for Nescac coaches this year it is up in Clinton, NY.

Wait am I reading this correctly?  Did the not "legit" and "extremely WEAK" state school from Oswego NY (who travels to PA to play Messiah this weekend), just handily shut out NESCAC Hamilton - the team that beat the reigning National Champs last year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 11:27:34 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 06, 2016, 10:39:40 PM
One thing I will say is that is the best opposition and result for Endicott to start the season with. I didn't think they would necessarily do much this year with all that they lost to graduation, and the season is very young, but that is a huge confidence booster for the Gulls.

Also, heard second-hand that the goal came about after Greenwood misplayed a high ball. Again, it's just one moment and one game, and I did not see it, but you all likely remember how I continuously said last year that Greenwood does not command his box well enough and often slaps the ball away when he should be catching it. Hopefully he works on that, because he is a very good goalkeeper otherwise.


Yes I remember you saying that. I am surprised his peers did not vote him a captain. From a distance he seems like a leader to me. Just a thought...Told you Rojas will be a stud in Nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 11:38:35 PM
Another team concerning me is my sleeper team....Trinity,,,,Is Savonen injured? I have no info on this but lets hope it is not long term. More concerning is where is Alex Bednarek? He is / was one of their top 4 players and he is not even on the roster?  Other guys are going to really have to step it up...The 2 I am talking about are Tobias Gimand and Sam Milbury.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 11:44:33 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on September 06, 2016, 10:59:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 10:00:59 PM


Hamilton rejoined Nescac in all sports in 2011. They came from a solid league in the Liberty League and were very successful in that league making the NCAA's a couple times. They join Nescac and Perry Nizzi has really struggled. They are 11-29-10 since re-joining Nescac. While that is bad, more troubling is they seem to be progressively getting worse each year. They are starting to lose out of conference games they should not be losing and would not of lost in the LL. I know I know 1st game and all but losing to Oswego State 2-0 is not a good sign. If there was ever a hot seat for Nescac coaches this year it is up in Clinton, NY.

Wait am I reading this correctly?  Did the not "legit" and "extremely WEAK" state school from Oswego NY (who travels to PA to play Messiah this weekend), just handily shut out NESCAC Hamilton - the team that beat the reigning National Champs last year?


NURSE.....................
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan20 on September 07, 2016, 09:12:15 AM
Was at Endicott Tufts, Majdumer was out with a concussion I believe someone said. Tufts dominated possession as expected but the Gulls were really tough to break down. EC started 4 freshman as well. Tufts will be fine this year, last night wasn't an "easy" opener.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on September 07, 2016, 11:01:34 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 11:38:35 PM
Another team concerning me is my sleeper team....Trinity,,,,Is Savonen injured? I have no info on this but lets hope it is not long term. More concerning is where is Alex Bednarek? He is / was one of their top 4 players and he is not even on the roster?  Other guys are going to really have to step it up...The 2 I am talking about are Tobias Gimand and Sam Milbury.

Mr. Right--
Savonen is injured.
Bednarek decided to stop playing last spring.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 07, 2016, 11:05:54 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 11:44:33 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on September 06, 2016, 10:59:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 10:00:59 PM


Hamilton rejoined Nescac in all sports in 2011. They came from a solid league in the Liberty League and were very successful in that league making the NCAA's a couple times. They join Nescac and Perry Nizzi has really struggled. They are 11-29-10 since re-joining Nescac. While that is bad, more troubling is they seem to be progressively getting worse each year. They are starting to lose out of conference games they should not be losing and would not of lost in the LL. I know I know 1st game and all but losing to Oswego State 2-0 is not a good sign. If there was ever a hot seat for Nescac coaches this year it is up in Clinton, NY.

Wait am I reading this correctly?  Did the not "legit" and "extremely WEAK" state school from Oswego NY (who travels to PA to play Messiah this weekend), just handily shut out NESCAC Hamilton - the team that beat the reigning National Champs last year?


NURSE.....................


Anyone else watch the game?  5 players slated to start for Hamilton out injured.  Still Hamilton pretty dominant first 30 min, Ref disallowed a goal on a blown call (I love my video replay system I caught 4 games in 2 hours of sitting), Hamilton missed a PK, couple of other chances.  Goal on a counter-scramble.  Goalie/Def misplay 3 minutes later and there ya go 2-0 dominate win.  2nd half was even to leaning Hamilton seemed like they played 20 players.  But I do  agree, results matter and a few more like this could be a problem.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: onetouch on September 07, 2016, 02:47:20 PM
Love to know what your video replay system is EasyGoer! 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 07, 2016, 04:38:59 PM
Edit system at work, totally stealing it via stream......  It's to point where I'm pretty good fast forwarding through all the down time. ;D  Surprising amount of down time in these games.  Still nothing like live, might drive down and catch a Williams game Sat, I'll be missing did the ref get it right feature.....

PS lots of freeware ---friends say V-catcher works reasonably......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 07, 2016, 04:40:37 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 07:43:13 PM
2016 Amherst roster out. I did not realize former Conn College player Weller Hlinomaz has transferred to Amherst. The kid played pretty well as a frosh at Conn, had wheels and skill on the flank. Was the recipient of a Dan Lima(Former Williams Captain) elbow to the head in 2013 that knocked him out for the rest of his frosh season with a concussion. He and his parents wrote everyone and their mother including the President of Williams College threatening lawsuits and trying to get Lima suspended or even expelled. It was an embarrassment. Lima was suspended 2 games and the matter was done. However, Hlinomaz and his parents are or were complete headcases and I believe he was cut by Murphy last year because of attitude issues. Not a bad jump to graduate from Amherst over Conn so it all works out in the end. If he still has any attitude issues that will be resolved quickly by Serpone and Amherst. I doubt he does and am sure he has matured. With his speed on one flank and Martin's on the other that is 2 very dangerous 1v1 players out wide and changes the whole complexion of this 2016 Amherst side.

Interesting fact since Serpone took over that is the 2nd player he has snagged from Conn's roster as a transfer, the 1st being Genko back in 2008. He was one of Lessig's last great recruits at Conn before bolting.

Headcases!? Attitude Issues!? Are we sure this family's not somehow related to Serpone?

Also, there are all types of stories of Serpone snooping around other NESCAC rosters for players. I know he's familiar with rules and regulations in this area...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2016, 05:12:12 PM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on September 07, 2016, 11:01:34 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 11:38:35 PM
Another team concerning me is my sleeper team....Trinity,,,,Is Savonen injured? I have no info on this but lets hope it is not long term. More concerning is where is Alex Bednarek? He is / was one of their top 4 players and he is not even on the roster?  Other guys are going to really have to step it up...The 2 I am talking about are Tobias Gimand and Sam Milbury.
Mr. Right--
Savonen is injured.
Bednarek decided to stop playing last spring.


4 More,


What is Savonen's injury? Is it short term?  What a shame about Bednarek as I have been a fan since his Beachside days. Such a good athlete and player. I wonder what happened?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 07, 2016, 05:32:03 PM
Midd struggling at home with Norwich....down 1-0 at halff.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2016, 05:35:26 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 07, 2016, 04:40:37 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 06, 2016, 07:43:13 PM
2016 Amherst roster out. I did not realize former Conn College player Weller Hlinomaz has transferred to Amherst. The kid played pretty well as a frosh at Conn, had wheels and skill on the flank. Was the recipient of a Dan Lima(Former Williams Captain) elbow to the head in 2013 that knocked him out for the rest of his frosh season with a concussion. He and his parents wrote everyone and their mother including the President of Williams College threatening lawsuits and trying to get Lima suspended or even expelled. It was an embarrassment. Lima was suspended 2 games and the matter was done. However, Hlinomaz and his parents are or were complete headcases and I believe he was cut by Murphy last year because of attitude issues. Not a bad jump to graduate from Amherst over Conn so it all works out in the end. If he still has any attitude issues that will be resolved quickly by Serpone and Amherst. I doubt he does and am sure he has matured. With his speed on one flank and Martin's on the other that is 2 very dangerous 1v1 players out wide and changes the whole complexion of this 2016 Amherst side.

Interesting fact since Serpone took over that is the 2nd player he has snagged from Conn's roster as a transfer, the 1st being Genko back in 2008. He was one of Lessig's last great recruits at Conn before bolting.

Headcases!? Attitude Issues!? Are we sure this family's not somehow related to Serpone?

Also, there are all types of stories of Serpone snooping around other NESCAC rosters for players. I know he's familiar with rules and regulations in this area...




As much as Serpone's on field antics have driven me crazy the past 10 years, I have actually heard off the field he is a really good guy with a level head and a totally different personality. Countless former Amherst players swear by him and love him and the experience he and the program provided them. You gotta respect that. Not to mention the National Championship in 2015. Also, I have never heard any rumors of him poaching other players from other Nescac teams but who knows anymore.

                                    Of the 4 Nescac teams to have won National Championships in Men's Soccer it took Serpone 9 years to do it. That is impressive. More impressive was Shapiro at Tufts winning it in his 4th year after taking over a program that was driven into the ground by old coach Ralph Ferrigno. Ferrigno left Shapiro NOTHING. Those were all his recruits. To me that is really impressive..

                                                      It took Shapiro(Tufts)-------------4 years to win a National Championship.
                                                                 Serpone(Amherst)---------9 years to win a National Championship.
                                                                 Russo(Williams)-----------15 years to win a National Championship. BUT and a big BUT only 3 years after Nescac started allowing teams to compete in the NCAA's.
                                                                 Saward(Midd)-------------21 years to win a National Championship. 15 years after ban was lifted.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2016, 05:42:40 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 07, 2016, 05:32:03 PM
Midd struggling at home with Norwich....down 1-0 at halff.



MIddlebury should pull this game out but I am shocked at how out of shape some of Midd's players look on video. Maybe it is the stream but I do not think so. I will not mention names but it looks like a few missed the off season work part of all this. After seeing this I will be picking Conn this week-end to beat Midd. They have talent but do they have work ethic? Right now this is not the team that I expected to show up motivated to win Nescac outright. A bit concerning.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2016, 06:07:26 PM
As predicted Midd will come back and win this game as they have scored 2 quick 2nd Half goals to go up 2-1. In the some things never change category, Adam Glaser scores on a breakaway. Still refusing to use his left foot. Takes the harder route and keeps the ball on his right foot to beat GK. If Norwich had a somewhat average GK he would have made that save. I have never seen a player score so many goals and never use his weaker peg. I guess that is something to be be impressed by but like I have said for 4 years, the better teams shut him down easily by sitting on his right foot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2016, 06:11:17 PM
4-1 Midd lead with about 20 minutes left as Midd is rolling now and scoring a couple off set pieces as usual but Norwich is frankly AWFUL defensively and have a horrific GK. As I am writing this Norwich subs GK's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 07, 2016, 07:06:49 PM
+1 Mr.Right...great reporting so far this year.  Were you actually at the Wesleyan game? Catching any live action this weekend?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 07, 2016, 07:10:46 PM
Amherst off to an early 1-0 lead. The Conn transfer Hlinomaz with a ridiculous goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2016, 09:15:26 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 07, 2016, 07:06:49 PM
+1 Mr.Right...great reporting so far this year.  Were you actually at the Wesleyan game? Catching any live action this weekend?


I was at ECONN v Wesleyan my only live game so far. My next games are a classic New England doubleheader on 9.24.....Williams at Amherst 2pm and then  Tufts and Brandeis 7pm....Until then its all live stream
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2016, 09:18:52 PM
I am really liking Bates Frosh from Ghana and Hotchkiss Opoku....He is small but mad quick and skilled...2 goals tonight already. Bloots you could be right on Bates but I want to see what he can do against bigger more physical Nescac defenders first
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 07, 2016, 09:43:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2016, 09:18:52 PM
I am really liking Bates Frosh from Ghana and Hotchkiss Opoku....He is small but mad quick and skilled...2 goals tonight already. Bloots you could be right on Bates but I want to see what he can do against bigger more physical Nescac defenders first

Yeah I think that's the big question, it's great to see what they can do against the less competitive teams, and you often get a great glimpse of talent in those games, but it's how you perform in the big games that matters.

While I'd be thrilled if I was here, I'm bummed to be out of town the day of Williams/Amherst and Tufts/Brandeis. Knew that I was missing the latter, but didn't know the former was that day as well until I saw your post above. What a great day of D3 soccer that will be.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 07, 2016, 10:06:52 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2016, 05:42:40 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 07, 2016, 05:32:03 PM
Midd struggling at home with Norwich....down 1-0 at halff.



MIddlebury should pull this game out but I am shocked at how out of shape some of Midd's players look on video. Maybe it is the stream but I do not think so. I will not mention names but it looks like a few missed the off season work part of all this. After seeing this I will be picking Conn this week-end to beat Midd. They have talent but do they have work ethic? Right now this is not the team that I expected to show up motivated to win Nescac outright. A bit concerning.

FWIW, it was really hot on the turf, over 100 degrees, which was certainly a factor today. I didn't get the sense that any of the players were out of shape; it was just that hot.

My take on the first half was that Midd was playing a bit tentative, almost being too patient. When they picked up the tempo and pressure in the second half, it was obvious that Norwich wouldn't be able to withstand it.

Conrad sat out the second half with an apparent injury. Hopefully it's nothing serious.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 08, 2016, 06:02:24 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 06, 2016, 06:24:52 PM
More of the same from Eastern! Unbelievable! They just cannot maintain any possession!  some of the more experienced players playing poorly!   Eastern was fortunate to hold a very good technical team to a tie.  It was the Cardinals first game of the season, if this Cardinal team had a few games behind them it would have been loss #3 for ECSU.

BTW, (I should have mentioned), the ECSU stream and play by play was very good, looks to have a new HD video, good camera work, commentary was sound, even though announcer could not decide if it was Wesleyan College or University LOL!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 08, 2016, 08:09:39 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 07, 2016, 09:43:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2016, 09:18:52 PM
I am really liking Bates Frosh from Ghana and Hotchkiss Opoku....He is small but mad quick and skilled...2 goals tonight already. Bloots you could be right on Bates but I want to see what he can do against bigger more physical Nescac defenders first

Yeah I think that's the big question, it's great to see what they can do against the less competitive teams, and you often get a great glimpse of talent in those games, but it's how you perform in the big games that matters.

While I'd be thrilled if I was here, I'm bummed to be out of town the day of Williams/Amherst and Tufts/Brandeis. Knew that I was missing the latter, but didn't know the former was that day as well until I saw your post above. What a great day of D3 soccer that will be.


Looks like 80+ degree weather, Amherst/Bowdoin then to catch more than a half of Bates, over to Williamstown (a delightful place to stay early fall) then back down east.  Catch three games and New England can not be more gorgeous than up route 2 this time of year.......I'll post impressions....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 08, 2016, 08:10:21 PM
Amherst opened its season last night in RI against RIC.  It was a little wet...light rain...in the evening game.  The LJs starting with a new GK, had an 1-0 lead in the first half and closed the half with two more goals.  RIC announcers summarized that there were few chances against Amherst's defense.  The second half saw RIC more aggressive on offense, but it was 4-0 after a freshmen drilled a shot from 25 yds out for a goal.  Finally RIC scored on a penalty kick towards the end of the game.  Questionable call....even to the announcers.  Amherst scoring freely in the 2d half in a physically played game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2016, 08:36:08 PM
9-10 Predictions:

Bowdoin v Amherst-----0-0    Both teams looked solid in their season opening games. Amherst is the better team, has more talent, more depth and more speed. They will out shoot Bowdoin in this game but Van Siclen will stand on his head to keep Bowdoin level. Everyone is gunning for Amherst because they are reigning national champs. This means they will see every teams best effort.....If Dias-Costa can control midfield he will force Orozco to have to defend. Bowdoin has speed on the flanks to beat guys 1v1. Not like Amherst speed but above average. Personally, I would go at Rohan Sood instead of Aoyama who is pretty solid defensively and speedy. I am not a fan of CB Bean as he is a step slow and can be beaten. Bowdoin will need some luck to pull this draw out.

Williams v Trinity-----------2-1 Williams   Without Savonen Trinity will not have their best line-up on the field. Gimand is very skilled and gives great thru balls but who will finish them off? Miblury might but he is more likely to be banging with Williams inexperienced CB's and could score off a bad bounce or a header. Williams has something to prove this year after their worst season since 1982. With Moutenot, Rashid, Tom Young and Singleton on the flanks, Williams might be the fastest and most skilled team in Nescac 1v1. Bahr-DeStefano is a solid attacking midfielder and Sisco can finish up top. Williams' issue will not be attacking this year it will be defending. They made countless defensive errors last year that cost them games. Alcorn is solid in net but only 5'11 so I would be getting crosses in from the flank for Milbury as much as possible. Still will not be enough in this game.

Conn v Midd--------------------1-0 Conn   This game will be a battle. I still say Midd looked gassed against Norwich the other day and against a better more fit team like Conn that will give Conn a significant advantage. Who knows what the Conrad injury is? Midd has IMO the best GK in the league it will be tough for Conn to score. Who knows what Conn's GK will do this year. Conn defends set pieces usually very well and that is Midd's bread and butter. Midd might need a week or 2 to get fit and cohesive. When they do they will be a beast to reckon with. Conn snags a much needed win against a Top 4 Nescac side.

Bates v Hamilton-------------------2-0 Bates  Hamilton seems to be off to another disaster of a season. Their roster seems gutted and I do not know many of their newcomers. 8 hr bus ride on top of all that and Bates wins this game. Knoth, Opoku and Merchant alone are better than anything Hamilton has. Bates looked gritty the other night and worked hard. I was impressed. Their question mark is in goal. Who knows what they have back there. Bates wins this one UNLESS Hamilton absolutely sits in and parks it, which they usually do not do.

Colby v Tufts--------------------------2-0 Tufts   Colby had 1 SOG against St. Joseph's(Maine). Enough said. Colby is organized defensively but have NOTHING going forward. This team is way to young and Seabrook's recruiting prowess I think has been highly over-rated. I didn't even see one of their better players, Chandler Smith, in their line-up. Tufts should be motivated enough to win this game after the Endicott loss. Colby will park the bus and the longer they keep the score 0-0 the better chance they will have to snag a draw.Over / Under on Nescac goals scored by Colby all season might be 4.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 08, 2016, 08:51:40 PM
Mr.Right, how would rank the NESCAC coaches?

I assume there is consensus on Serpone and Shapiro being the top two.  I personally also like Wheeler, and it's hard to argue with first few years for the Bowdoin skipper.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 08, 2016, 10:30:54 PM
Mr. Right interesting predictions. Interesting to note Conn's starting goalkeeper for the last few years (Dacunha) is not rostered. I wonder why. Regarding Conn's strength on set pieces I disagree. As a fan of the team I have suffered heartbreak watching them constantly concede goals off of them. Last year alone I can recall the Camels losing to Middlebury, Amherst, Tufts, and Bowdoin (twice) off of them.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2016, 03:06:58 PM
Conn usually defends set pieces well, maybe I am remembering the Patch and Punt era of players that did well in the air. I watched Tufts and Conn last year in person and Tufts did not beat them on set pieces at all. Nathan Majumder scored a couple goals by burning defenders and slipping it by the GK. Also, if I remember correctly Midd scored off a long throw(set piece) header but it was not the defending of the throw that was the issue, it was bad GK'ing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2016, 03:17:08 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 08, 2016, 08:51:40 PM
Mr.Right, how would rank the NESCAC coaches?

I assume there is consensus on Serpone and Shapiro being the top two.  I personally also like Wheeler, and it's hard to argue with first few years for the Bowdoin skipper.


This is hard because their has been so much coaching turnover in Nescac the past 10 years.

Best Recruiters for their respective schools have to be Serpone, Shapiro, Murphy.

Weircinski has been at Bowdoin a couple years now and all of Fran O'Leary's recruits are gone. Most of those recruits won Bowdoin the past 2 Nescac Championships. I think he needs to step on the pedal more in recruiting as they should be getting better players at Bowdoin. Not bad but not great.

Pilger should be able to get basically anyone he wants at Trinity if they are decent students. From a distance I would say he needs to work harder recruiting.

Seabrook has been overrated at Colby.

Flaherty has been below average but this new class looks decent at Bates.

Nizzi has been a disaster at Hamilton.

To early to rate Sullivan at Williams.

Wheeler a decent recruiter and Saward gets Williams and Amherst scraps but does not recruit hard.


As far as X's and O's they are all very solid.

It's really a toss up as players win games not coaches. Coaches can lose games with bad decision making, putting players in the wrong position for them to succeed, bad communication, not getting teams ready to battle every game, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 09, 2016, 04:40:56 PM
Bowdoin 1-1 Amherst - Amherst will do enough to score past Van Siclen, but I think Bowdoin can get one going the other way.
Williams 2-0 Trinity - Two sides that blew hot and cold last year, but a Savonen-less Trinity doesn't pose nearly as much threat.
Conn 1-2 Midd - Even without Conrad, Midd will grind it out.
Bates 2-0 Hamilton - Not saying they'll be an NCAA team or anything, but I still stand by Bates as my sleeper pick, and I think they'll cruise in this one.
Colby 0-2 Tufts - Tufts will get their play in gear and win comfortably.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 09, 2016, 04:58:05 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 09, 2016, 04:40:56 PM
Bowdoin 1-1 Amherst - Amherst will do enough to score past Van Siclen, but I think Bowdoin can get one going the other way.
Williams 2-0 Trinity - Two sides that blew hot and cold last year, but a Savonen-less Trinity doesn't pose nearly as much threat.
Conn 1-2 Midd - Even without Conrad, Midd will grind it out.
Bates 2-0 Hamilton - Not saying they'll be an NCAA team or anything, but I still stand by Bates as my sleeper pick, and I think they'll cruise in this one.
Colby 0-2 Tufts - Tufts will get their play in gear and win comfortably.

Amherst 1-0
Williams 2-1
Midd2-1
Bates 1-0
Tufts 3-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 09, 2016, 05:41:30 PM
Amherst 2-1
Williams 3-1
Tufts 2-0
Conn 2-1
Hamilton 2-1

Couple of upsets but what the hell........can't wait.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 09, 2016, 06:25:09 PM
Bowdoin 0 - Amherst 1  - In conference last year, the Polar Bears were shut out by Amherst, Williams, Tufts, Middlebury, Bates and Colby.  The trend continues and Amherst prevails.

Williams 3 - Trinity 1  - The Ephs defeated Trinity last year in Hartford, and the Bantums were less than scintillating against Rivier Tuesday.  Williams starts slow but prevails in the second half.

Bates 2 - Hamilton 0  -  My exhaustive research tells me that Hamilton's biggest star, Lin-Manuel Miranda, has left the program (I have it on good authority that he actually went to Wesleyan).  Bates successfully defends their home turf.

Conn 2 - Middlebury 1  -  A hot, humid day in the deep south of NESCAC land helps the Camels avenge last year's 1-goal loss at Middlebury.

Colby 0 - Tufts 1  -   The challenge in predicting this game is guessing how many time Tufts scores.  Colby packs it in and holds the Jumbos to a single goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 09, 2016, 07:13:40 PM
Did Hamilton join/rejoin the NESCAC for academic or athletic reasons? Seems that over the past 5 years the academic ranking has risen fairly dramatically while at least for soccer athletic fortunes have suffered.

Also wonder about another year of Colby "packing it in." If you're going to finish 9th, 10th or 11th regardless go ahead and play so you've got a chance to do better in a year or two with perhaps a better platform for recruiting as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 10, 2016, 02:40:25 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 09, 2016, 07:13:40 PM
Did Hamilton join/rejoin the NESCAC for academic or athletic reasons? Seems that over the past 5 years the academic ranking has risen fairly dramatically while at least for soccer athletic fortunes have suffered.

Also wonder about another year of Colby "packing it in." If you're going to finish 9th, 10th or 11th regardless go ahead and play so you've got a chance to do better in a year or two with perhaps a better platform for recruiting as well.

I do not think Hamilton technically "rejoined" NESCAC, as I believe they have continuously/regularly been a member of the league in some sports, but not in others.  The move in 2011-12 was to make membership uniform across all sports.  Also, Hamilton's academic ranking has always been quite high, and I doubt membership in NESCAC across all sports has had a dramatic impact.

As for Colby, we will have to see.  Coach Serdjenian regularly tried to "play" an attractive, attacking style, regardless of the strength of the team, and sometimes the results suffered.  Seabrook inherited a fairly strong group in the fall of 2014 that went 7-5-3, beat Middlebury, Bates, and Bowdoin, and gave Amherst a good run in a 1-0 loss in the conference quarterfinals, while emphasizing strong defense.  However, almost a dozen players (and all but a handful of goals) from that group departed, so Seabrook elected to go with 19 freshmen last year.  He's trying to rebuild the program without totally sacrificing results, so there has naturally been a defensive emphasis.  What's more, he hasn't yet found players (such as Chernin or Meisel) who were dangerous at the attacking midfield position.  In the first game this season, multiple starters did not play at all, so I assume they are dealing with key injuries.  But you are correct NCAC NE; at some point, there will likely come a difficult decision about what style to play if there is little hope of qualifying for the playoffs.  I just don't know where the goals will come from regardless what style they play, so it may be better from a developmental standpoint to keep the score low.  I think the program is likely still 2-4 years away from a definitive answer as to whether it can rise above the bottom of the league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 10, 2016, 02:59:22 PM
Amherst wins over Bowdoin 1-0 again...making several posters " brilliant". :). Goal was scored within the first two minutes of the 2nd half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 10, 2016, 03:30:18 PM
1-1 in Waterville. Majumber not starting again. The other forward, Becherano, with a pretty gol. Mules come back on a defensive breakdown and almost score again....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 10, 2016, 03:38:04 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 10, 2016, 03:30:18 PM
1-1 in Waterville. Majumber not starting again. The other forward, Becherano, with a pretty gol. Mules come back on a defensive breakdown and almost score again....

Yes. Colby not just packing it in. Making runs forward.  Tufts started out strong but pretty equal now...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 10, 2016, 04:01:29 PM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 10, 2016, 03:38:04 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 10, 2016, 03:30:18 PM
1-1 in Waterville. Majumber not starting again. The other forward, Becherano, with a pretty gol. Mules come back on a defensive breakdown and almost score again....

Yes. Colby not just packing it in. Making runs forward.  Tufts started out strong but pretty equal now...

1-1 half.  Halliday pk saved by Gibson.... Pretty wide open game....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 10, 2016, 04:29:48 PM
Tufts dominating second half. Colby now seems to have packed it in...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 10, 2016, 05:39:34 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 10, 2016, 04:29:48 PM
Tufts dominating second half. Colby now seems to have packed it in...

Tufts 1 Colby 1....2 OT.  Yes, Colby packed it in after first have but did have a good chance in 2nd OT. Greenwood with a very nice save. Tufts dominated possession and shots. The shots came mostly from outside. Yes, they could have used Majumder. If they can work on that last nice pass up front they can be dangerous.... As has been said, they will need a little time to gel....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 10, 2016, 05:41:29 PM
Hamilton knocks off Bates 1-0 in Lewiston.  Colby ties Tufts 1-1.  Looks again like predicting results will be very difficult.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 10, 2016, 07:27:44 PM
FREE ADVICE:

After watching some of Conn vs. Middlebury today, the key to breaking down Middlebury is figuring out how to tackle their suffocating (perhaps excessive) overloading on the wings:

(https://s18.postimg.org/6xvabd2xh/IMG_7069.png) (https://postimg.org/image/6xvabd2xh/)

(https://s18.postimg.org/wuoynz6l1/IMG_7070.png) (https://postimg.org/image/wuoynz6l1/)



(Hint: Avoid going North-South down the wings, it's what they want. Beat their overload by pivoting out through your holding midfielder, switching the point of attack quickly, and going right at the weak side outside back.)

***Also, huge shoutout to Conn College for having their video stream be tactical cam instead of being at midfield
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2016, 07:57:13 PM
I am not so sure Conn is quite as strong as last year. I thought the GK made some nice saves and Conn had numerous chances to score but could not FINISH. Last year they would have finished one or 2 of those. MIdd was whacking everything in sight. So ugly to watch. Not to mention once they went up 1-0 they were time wasting for about a half hour. UGLY. Conn needed to keep the ball on the ground more, you will not win an air war with Midd. Sydor made some tremendous saves for the shutout and was man of the match.

Tufts absolutely dominated Colby 2nd Half but again could not FINISH. They deserved the win IMO but Colby's Chandler Smith did the job of 2 CB's to keep Colby level.

Williams defeated a depleted Trinity side but it was more even then the score suggests. Trinity had its chances but could not finish. They could have used Savonen. Rumor has it he will be back in a couple weeks. Man of the match was Rashid. He scored on a great goal and was causing problems for Trinity's backs all day. Trinity looked gassed and are not totally fit yet. Williams CB Tobias Meullers shut down Milbury all day although Milbury did have 2-3 good chances to score. Gimand did not have a great game today and would drive me NUTS as a coach as he absolutely refuses to tackle. He is SCARED to get stuck in. He is skilled but he will not win any 50/50 balls nor does he want to.  Trinity's #7 Oliver Murphy was their man of the match as he worked hard, got stuck in and is very skilled. As usual the 1st goal was a GK mistake. Trinity's GK situation has been a disaster for the last 3 years and will not improve this year.


The Hamilton result at Bates shocked me but I did not catch any of the game. That is 3 points that Bates is going to wish they had at the end of October.

Wesleyan absolutely dominating Swarthmore 4-1 with about 10 minutes left. Good win for Wesleyan but Swarthmore does not look very strong this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 11, 2016, 03:53:57 PM
A VERY poor 1st half by ECSU against Williams in Williamstown MA!!  Defense chasing their tails, no possession, poor passing, getting out hustled, pushed around!  At this point its just a matter of time when the Ephs score unless Eastern can get their act together in part 2 ::)

Williams 1-0 over Eastern.  Another example of a NESCAC team dominating an LEC team!! :-[
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on September 11, 2016, 10:17:59 PM
Weekend prediction results:

Easygoer -- 3 of 5
Nutmeg -- 3 of 5
Blooter -- 2 of 5
Mr Right - 2 of 5
Offpitch -- 2 of 5

Almost everyone made the same easy picks -- Amherst & Williams -- after that well...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2016, 11:52:31 AM
Eastern Conn played ok at Williams. The announcers kept saying there was a huge wind advantage / disadvantage each half. 1st Half Eastern was going into the wind and I thought did the best they could. Williams just has more depth and talent then ECSU. However, ECONN had a couple golden chances to score 2nd Half but did not capitalize. It is not like Williams dominated the game, they had a few great chances to score and nabbed 1 goal which was enough to win it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 12, 2016, 12:13:18 PM
Quote from: D3soccerwatcher on September 11, 2016, 10:17:59 PM
Weekend prediction results:

Easygoer -- 3 of 5
Nutmeg -- 3 of 5
Blooter -- 2 of 5
Mr Right - 2 of 5
Offpitch -- 2 of 5

  Almost everyone made the same easy picks -- Amherst & Williams -- after that well...
Well how do you handle ties?  Kind of an automatic loss for all....

   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2016, 12:14:12 PM
Nescac Week 1 Heroes and Zeroes:

Heroes:

1. Amherst- Very good win at Bowdoin as they keep rolling along and are off to another strong start.

2. Williams- 2 wins and 2 shutouts. The best start to the season they could have hoped for.

3. Hamilton- Just when we all thought it was another doomed season they make the 9 hour trek to Maine and defeat Bates.

4.Greg Sydor- Best GK in the league and he proved it this weekend making a couple tremendous saves and grabbing a shutout for Midd's 1-0 win at Conn.

5. Rashid- He is playing as well as I have ever seen him play to start the season. He might have to put Williams on his back to defeat their toughest opponents.


Zeroes:

1. Midd- A 1-0 win at Conn is excellent. The time wasting 2nd Half was unlike any Midd team I have seen. They stared time wasting with about 30 minutes left in the game after scoring their goal. They are to good for that.

2. Mateo Zabala- Trinity's GK cost them this week-end with a horrific GK'ing error to give Williams a 1-0 lead. Trinity needs to figure out their GK'ing issues and fast before they can progress.

3. Trinity- They looked gassed 2nd Half at Williams and it is obvious that some not all but some Trinity players did not come back fit and ready to go.

4. Bates- They just dug themselves a hole by not getting 3 points against Hamilton. They have more talent than Hamilton and needed that game.

5. Tufts- Yes I know they are young and will take some time to gel and Majumder is out but they had numerous chances against Colby 2nd half to snag a goal and could not take advantage.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 12, 2016, 12:36:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2016, 12:14:12 PM
Nescac Week 1 Heroes and Zeroes:

Heroes:

1. Amherst- Very good win at Bowdoin as they keep rolling along and are off to another strong start.

2. Williams- 2 wins and 2 shutouts. The best start to the season they could have hoped for.

3. Hamilton- Just when we all thought it was another doomed season they make the 9 hour trek to Maine and defeat Bates.

4.Greg Sydor- Best GK in the league and he proved it this weekend making a couple tremendous saves and grabbing a shutout for Midd's 1-0 win at Conn.

5. Rashid- He is playing as well as I have ever seen him play to start the season. He might have to put Williams on his back to defeat their toughest opponents.


Zeroes:

1. Midd- A 1-0 win at Conn is excellent. The time wasting 2nd Half was unlike any Midd team I have seen. They stared time wasting with about 30 minutes left in the game after scoring their goal. They are to good for that.

2. Mateo Zabala- Trinity's GK cost them this week-end with a horrific GK'ing error to give Williams a 1-0 lead. Trinity needs to figure out their GK'ing issues and fast before they can progress.

3. Trinity- They looked gassed 2nd Half at Williams and it is obvious that some not all but some Trinity players did not come back fit and ready to go.

4. Bates- They just dug themselves a hole by not getting 3 points against Hamilton. They have more talent than Hamilton and needed that game.

5. Tufts- Yes I know they are young and will take some time to gel and Majumder is out but they had numerous chances against Colby 2nd half to snag a goal and could not take advantage.

Right, I agree with most of your analysis.  Too early to call Middlebury a "zero" yet.  Tufts looked dominant in the second half and overtimes but they seemed to be missing that last pass or more creative closer chances, as most of the shots came from longer distances. In the past they were able to score on easier chances or feeds closer to the net...I give them an incomplete at this point and will have to see what impact Majumbder has upon his return.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2016, 12:47:40 PM
Those are just WEEK 1 HEREOS and ZEROES. Obviously, A zero can turn into a hero and vice versa. Just one week of observations. Nothing else
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 12, 2016, 12:51:00 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2016, 12:47:40 PM
Those are just WEEK 1 HEREOS and ZEROES. Obviously, A zero can turn into a hero and vice versa. Just one week of observations. Nothing else

Gotcha!  Sounds like my relationship with me and my young wifey......

What did you think of Tufts scoring chances?  Most, if not all, were from the outside.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 14, 2016, 10:52:55 AM
Mid week:

Conn 2-0 over Trinity,  take another shot picked them vs Midd.
Tufts 3-0 over Gordon, first win
Williams 2-1 over decent Endicott team
Bates 3-0 over NE

I'll be @Williams though 2W this weekend looked a little sluggish to me.....they pick up the pace today.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2016, 11:57:10 AM
Big game today with Conn @ Trinity------Both teams need to avoid going 0-2-0 in Nescac play to start the season. Conn won this game 2-0 at home last year with Mark Leon scoring both goals. Meanwhile, Leon is completely missing from Conn's roster and he is a big loss. Besides Devlin, Conn is extremely young this year. They have only 8 Juniors and Seniors on the entire roster and are starting up to 3-4 Frosh in every game so far. If Trinity can control Devlin in midfield, which is a big if, they can win this game. Trinity's Oliver Murphy really impressed me against Williams and he MUST have the same type of game today. Milbury is a beast up top but he is a step slow which hurts him against quick defenders and Williams Tobias Muellers ate him up this past weekend. Both teams MUST test the GK's because they are both suspect in net. I wouldn't be surprised to see Trinity start their other GK Quade today. He is a senior and Pilger played him quite a bit last year and I think he is a better GK than Zabala. While I am inclined to pick a 1-1 draw I will give Trinity the benefit of the doubt and say Trinity 2-1.


As far as the other non-conference games today I usually do not predict them but I will say that they are all MUST WINS for these 3 nescac teams if they want to stay in the hunt for Pool C's. Williams has started strong this year and I do not believe Endicott will be able to muster a lot of shots mid-week 3 1/2 hour road game in Williamstown. I will say I have not seen Endicott this year so I am interested in watching some of this game today to see what they have. Tufts has not won a game yet and MUST win today at Gordon or they can kiss this young season good-bye for a Pool C unless they reel off 8-9 straight wins, which I do not see happening. 0-1-1 against Endicott an Colby is not an ideal start at all so let's see if they can rebound. I will be watching Trinity v Conn an some of the Williams v Endicott games so I will not be tuning into this one. Bates will and should win easily today but they went 1-0 down to Newbury on Sunday and did pull it out 2-1. Maybe Newbury is better than we all think.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 14, 2016, 12:05:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 14, 2016, 11:57:10 AM
Big game today with Conn @ Trinity------Both teams need to avoid going 0-2-0 in Nescac play to start the season. Conn won this game 2-0 at home last year with Mark Leon scoring both goals. Meanwhile, Leon is completely missing from Conn's roster and he is a big loss. Besides Devlin, Conn is extremely young this year. They have only 8 Juniors and Seniors on the entire roster and are starting up to 3-4 Frosh in every game so far. If Trinity can control Devlin in midfield, which is a big if, they can win this game. Trinity's Oliver Murphy really impressed me against Williams and he MUST have the same type of game today. Milbury is a beast up top but he is a step slow which hurts him against quick defenders and Williams Tobias Muellers ate him up this past weekend. Both teams MUST test the GK's because they are both suspect in net. I wouldn't be surprised to see Trinity start their other GK Quade today. He is a senior and Pilger played him quite a bit last year and I think he is a better GK than Zabala. While I am inclined to pick a 1-1 draw I will give Trinity the benefit of the doubt and say Trinity 2-1.


As far as the other non-conference games today I usually do not predict them but I will say that they are all MUST WINS for these 3 nescac teams if they want to stay in the hunt for Pool C's. Williams has started strong this year and I do not believe Endicott will be able to muster a lot of shots mid-week 3 1/2 hour road game in Williamstown. I will say I have not seen Endicott this year so I am interested in watching some of this game today to see what they have. Tufts has not won a game yet and MUST win today at Gordon or they can kiss this young season good-bye for a Pool C unless they reel off 8-9 straight wins, which I do not see happening. 0-1-1 against Endicott an Colby is not an ideal start at all so let's see if they can rebound. I will be watching Trinity v Conn an some of the Williams v Endicott games so I will not be tuning into this one. Bates will and should win easily today but they went 1-0 down to Newbury on Sunday and did pull it out 2-1. Maybe Newbury is better than we all think.

I will also go with Trinity here.  Devlin is very scrappy and tough to control.  The only player that I've seen outplay him offensively and defend him well was Kayne from Tufts.  If Trinity can shadow him with one or 2 players (I would do so) then Trinity can come up with the win.

I think Williams will win the game by a goal but I still need to see they are "for real" this year, given last year's performance. Rashid looks good and this is important for Williams.

The Tufts-Gordon game is tough to predict since Tufts is still gelling with the absence of many strong players.  The game is at Gordon but I am going to say Tufts wins by a goal.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2016, 01:05:00 PM
Trinity 1-0 Conn - Neither team has started particularly well, but home field proves the edge for the Bantams.

Williams 2-0 Endicott - A road trip to Williamstown on a weekday afternoon is too much for an Endicott team that has started the season well.

UNE 1-2 Bates - Bates has a habit of making games more difficult than they should be, but they still have enough to get by the Nor'Easters.

Gordon 1-2 Tufts - Going with my gut and saying that Tufts gets its first win of the year. Could very well see this one ending in a draw also.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 14, 2016, 03:18:31 PM
Trinity 2 - Conn 1  -  Trinity's last three NESCAC home games have been wins against Wesleyan and Bowdoin and a tie with Amherst.  Energized at home they slip by Conn.

Williams 1 - Endicott 0  -  The Ephs squeak by in OT against a stingy Endicott D.

UNE 2 - Bates 1  -  Upset alert.

Gordon 1 - Tufts 2  - Gordon has been a bit of a disappointment early, and Tufts has only managed a single goal in their first two games.  The Jumbos wear Gordon down and win late.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2016, 04:35:04 PM
I hate tryin to watch 2 games that I want to see. I was watching Trinity v Conn and missed Endicott's goal 3 minutes in to go up 1-0. Sounded like a long range shot that got by Alcorn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2016, 04:36:29 PM
So, uh, Endicott 1-0 up at Williams inside 3 minutes. From outside the box on the left wing, over Alcorn and into the top corner off the far post. Not sure if it took a deflection but if not then that is a fantastic shot.

Endicott starting strongly. They certainly aren't overawed by the occasion. Alcorn had no chance, it was right up top.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2016, 04:38:58 PM
What a goal Devlin to Lockwood for Conn as they go up 1-0 over Trinity about 10 minutes in. Conn looks more interested in the game than Trinity so far and I can say they are way more fit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2016, 04:45:24 PM
Endicott almost with a second off the corner. Gulls are looking dangerous on the two set pieces they've had thus far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2016, 04:48:00 PM
16th minute, Muellers on a rebound, 1-1. Roofed it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2016, 04:48:25 PM
Yes I agree. Just looking at Endicott I would think they are undersized and an average team but they are very scrappy, work hard and have some skill. As I am typing Williams ties it up 1-1 but an even game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2016, 04:50:04 PM
Trinity ties it up 1-1 off a rebound. Conn's defenders with a couple mistakes and Conn's GK came chargin off his line and didnt get all the ball. Trinity knots it up 1-1. Pretty even game so far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2016, 04:58:35 PM
Tufts not having much luck on the North Shore thus far this year, Gordon 1-0 up just over 10 minutes in. Any word on a potential Majumder return? Brother? Nutmeg?

On another note, I heard a low-flying jet flying right over Wenham in the background of the Tufts-Gordon videocast, and correctly guessed the type of engine just by hearing it (looked at the Flightradar24 map of the area to confirm). I need better hobbies. ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2016, 04:59:24 PM
Conn goes up 2-1 on a long throw that Devlin finished off a nice header to give Conn a 2-1 lead. Trinity's defense caught flat footed. Trinity a massive defensive breakdown. I have a feeling that will not be the last goal scored in this game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2016, 05:04:02 PM
Good shot by Rojas, Gordon GK makes a good save. Resulting corner was poor. Tufts growing into this game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 14, 2016, 05:05:35 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 14, 2016, 05:04:02 PM
Good shot by Rojas, Gordon GK makes a good save. Resulting corner was poor. Tufts growing into this game.

Yes, I just tuned in and saw that.  Didn't see the Gordon goal....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2016, 05:16:47 PM
Just realized that Greenwood is not starting for Tufts today. Anyone have any intel? As much as I slate him for his weakness on set pieces, he is still a very good goalkeeper, and I can't imagine that they would bench him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2016, 05:20:14 PM
Another massive wind advantage / disadvantage in Williamstown. Endicott gets into the half 1-1 going into the wind. Weinstein made a couple good saves but Endicott's wingbacks look like the weakness for them. 2nd Half should be interesting with Endicott getting the wind advantage.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2016, 05:55:03 PM
Devlin another goal off a long throw. 3-1 Conn. Followed up his own header off the crossbar with another header into the net. 2 goals an 1 assist in this game an Devlin looks to be a lock on Nescac POW before the weekend. Trinity's GK Zabala is just NOT GOOD. Trinity's defense has been flat footed and un-interested all game. Conn in complete control now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2016, 05:59:48 PM
As good as Rashid is, his M.O. seems to be to get the ball, slow down, and attempt to dribble around the defender. It may be just me, but he seems a step slower than he was before the injury - that would be understandable. Most frustratingly, he doesn't pass the ball when he's got teammates in significantly better positions. Now watch him go on a mazy run and score the winner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2016, 06:11:01 PM
1-1 Endicott and Williams with 10 minutes left. Endicott rips a screamer off the post just missing a chance to go up 2-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2016, 06:21:59 PM
WHAT A SAVE by the Gordon goalkeeper. Less than 30 seconds left, a bullet header from the Tufts player off a cross, fantastic reactions to tip it over. Gordon clears the ensuing corner, game ends 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2016, 06:54:17 PM
Final from Williamstown 1-1. Ephs bossed the SOG 6-1 and had more of the ball but Endicott deserved the draw. In a year where many thought they would struggle Endicott is now 3-1-1 and I think Riley Hoffman could be a star for the future. They have a three-game homestead next week, including Trinity on Monday night.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2016, 07:00:21 PM
Williams and Endicott end up 1-1. Williams did not look good this game especially 2nd Half and OT's. This was their 3rd game in 5 days and it looked it. Bad news for them is they have another doubleheader this weekend a mid week tilt next week and another doubleheader the following weekend. Horrific scheduling. Endicot had some chances and have some skill and speed but nothing earth shattering. GK is very solid, Alcorn looked a bit shaky today on a couple crosses and really Williams looked flat all game.

Tufts loses at Gordon 1-0 and from the times I was getting a peek I again saw Tufts in their opponents half but not getting that final pass or shot that they need. I do not rate Gordon as I rarely saw them with the ball but they get the job done. That was a tremendous save by the Gordon keeper with 30 seconds left to preserve the win.

Trinity got a late goal from Milbury off a corner to make it 3-2 and had 1 more chance to use Milbury's head to tie the game but the service was just a bit high. Good win for Conn on the road. Trinity needs to re-organize defensively and in net. Time to make some changes as they just cannot afford to be making some of the mistakes they are making back there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 14, 2016, 10:27:08 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 14, 2016, 07:00:21 PM
Williams and Endicott end up 1-1. Williams did not look good this game especially 2nd Half and OT's. This was their 3rd game in 5 days and it looked it. Bad news for them is they have another doubleheader this weekend a mid week tilt next week and another doubleheader the following weekend. Horrific scheduling. Endicot had some chances and have some skill and speed but nothing earth shattering. GK is very solid, Alcorn looked a bit shaky today on a couple crosses and really Williams looked flat all game.

Tufts loses at Gordon 1-0 and from the times I was getting a peek I again saw Tufts in their opponents half but not getting that final pass or shot that they need. I do not rate Gordon as I rarely saw them with the ball but they get the job done. That was a tremendous save by the Gordon keeper with 30 seconds left to preserve the win.

Trinity got a late goal from Milbury off a corner to make it 3-2 and had 1 more chance to use Milbury's head to tie the game but the service was just a bit high. Good win for Conn on the road. Trinity needs to re-organize defensively and in net. Time to make some changes as they just cannot afford to be making some of the mistakes they are making back there.


Was switching between games....

Williams-endicott....agree with above comments. Williams looked a little tired and Rashid could have distributed better.  Jury still out on Williams but I think they'll be good. Endicott has become formidable.

Conn-trinity. As mentioned above, Devlin is an excellent player. Only a few can handle him and with Kayne graduated he is the best midfielder in the NESCAC.  I really enjoyed watching that battle in the past. Conn can use some more support and Trinity has to improve its defense. They are pretty equal.

Tufts-Gordon.  Again, no Majumder. Again, they outshoot their opponent and lose.  As I mentioned after the Colby game, the new midfield will have to work on a better rhythm and getting in that last pass to create easier chances. Mr. Right also stated that he noticed the same issue. That save in the last minute may be one of the better ones we'll see all year. While Gordon comes up with the win, they weren't super impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 15, 2016, 09:42:58 AM
Gordon didn't reinvent the wheel or do anything super impressive, but they held firm throughout the game and that save at the end was unreal and perhaps cruel on Tufts. Really nice goal from the Scots though, both the ball in and the header, nothing stand-in GK Johnson could do about that one.

While Tufts could use Majumder for sure, I think they perhaps miss Connor Brown even more. His pace down the wings helped stretch the
defense and create a lot of space for Majumder and others to take advantage of. I'd say Kayne is the biggest loss that Tufts has had to endure, but Brown's graduation left a similar void.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 15, 2016, 10:04:37 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 15, 2016, 09:42:58 AM
Gordon didn't reinvent the wheel or do anything super impressive, but they held firm throughout the game and that save at the end was unreal and perhaps cruel on Tufts. Really nice goal from the Scots though, both the ball in and the header, nothing stand-in GK Johnson could do about that one.

While Tufts could use Majumder for sure, I think they perhaps miss Connor Brown even more. His pace down the wings helped stretch the
defense and create a lot of space for Majumder and others to take advantage of. I'd say Kayne is the biggest loss that Tufts has had to endure, but Brown's graduation left a similar void.

Spot on, Bloots!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 15, 2016, 12:44:01 PM
Yes. I alluded to something similar in my earlier prediction on how the standings will look at the end of the season. Pinheiro and Brown were two extremely underrated players. Devlin has been the best midfielder in the league the past few years. It's good to see Conn scoring goals even though they are letting some in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on September 15, 2016, 01:49:18 PM
Undoubtedly, Devlin is a beast. I was hoping he would get a chance to make an NCAA run this year, but it will be difficult with Leon out for the season and a suspect backline.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 16, 2016, 11:10:21 AM
Williams 2-0 over Colby, seemed a little better mid week, stay undefeated.
Amherst 2-1 over Middlebury- Coin flip wish this game was later in the season.
Wesleyan 1-1 tie with Bowdoin
Hamilton 2-1 over Trinity, Trinity just plain bad at the back.....


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2016, 11:36:10 AM
Williams 2-0 Colby - Ephs have enough to get the job done in a solid win.
Amherst 1-0 Middlebury - Tempted to say draw, but I think Amherst will finish one more chance than their opponents.
Wesleyan 1-0 Bowdoin - Not sure that Bowdoin will score but this could well be a tie as well.
Hamilton 2-1 Trinity - Hamilton isn't prolific, but Trinity is leaking goals.
Tufts 3-0 Bates - Tufts gets its first win of the year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 16, 2016, 11:40:32 AM
Williams 2-0 Colby
Amherst 1-1 Middlebury.  Time for Middlebury to show they are for real.
Wesleyan 0-0 Bowdoin
Hamilton 1-2 Trinity
Tufts 2-0 Bates
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 16, 2016, 11:44:02 AM
Quote from: EasyGoer27 on September 16, 2016, 11:10:21 AM
Williams 2-0 over Colby, seemed a little better mid week, stay undefeated.
Amherst 2-1 over Middlebury- Coin flip wish this game was later in the season.
Wesleyan 1-1 tie with Bowdoin
Hamilton 2-1 over Trinity, Trinity just plain bad at the back.....
Opps forgot Tufts 1-0 Bates, they have to win a game soon don't they?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 16, 2016, 12:33:19 PM
Williams 1-0 Colby  - The Ephs come out flat, but one goal is enough to overcome Colby.
Amherst 0-1 Middlebury -  I'll stick with my preseason prediction that Midd prevails at home.
Wesleyan 1-0 Bowdoin -   Another 1-0 game for the Polar Bears
Hamilton 2-1 Trinity -  Hamilton still without Lin-Manuel Miranda but hard to bet on Trinity on the road.
Tufts 1-0 Bates -   Tufts doubles their season goal total.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on September 16, 2016, 02:47:23 PM
Mind if I jump in? I want to try and follow the New England teams a little more  :D

Williams 2-1 Colby
Amherst 1-0 Middlebury OT
Wesleyan 0-1 Bowdoin
Hamilton 3-3 Trinity
Tufts 1-0 Bates
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 17, 2016, 03:51:10 PM
At Tufts Game. Up 1-0 on Becherano at half.  Majumbder out and Greenwood back in goal.  Tufts is only up by 1 but it is complete domination by the Jumbos. 16-1 shot differential. They need another score.  I went to the grass field but found out that the Jumbos play on a new turf field. I would have love to have seen the last two year's teams play on this field, given their quickness and style of play.... Any updates?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 17, 2016, 04:52:59 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 17, 2016, 03:51:10 PM
At Tufts Game. Up 1-0 on Becherano at half.  Majumbder out and Greenwood back in goal.  Tufts is only up by 1 but it is complete domination by the Jumbos. 16-1 shot differential. They need another score.  I went to the grass field but found out that the Jumbos play on a new turf field. I would have love to have seen the last two year's teams play on this field, given their quickness and style of play.... Any updates?

3-0 final. Total domination.  38-3 shot differential....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 17, 2016, 09:47:00 PM
Amherst (1) - Middlebury (1)
It's unfortunate that Amherst is the reigning national champion and class of the conference because watching them play soccer is so damn miserable. I'm aware that is not a new opinion. That being said, you have to imagine they are content as they can be taking a share of the points away at Middlebury --- arguably their biggest competition this season.  From what I saw, the game was fairly evenly contested, though I'd still argue that Amherst is very beatable against teams that don't get forced into playing ugly Amherst soccer by succumbing  Amherst's pressure. The times when Middlebury's back line was patient enough to keep possession and break the initial hard pressure of Amherst's front four, all of a sudden Amherst would be incredibly exposed; Amherst's outside backs are pushed up so high that it leaves large gaps in front of the centerbacks and in the wide channels once the first line of pressure is broken. Teams that commit to keeping possession against Amherst will not only find it easier to break down one of NESCAC's best defenses, but they'll disrupt the scrappy, kick and run, fouls and set piece heavy game Amherst wants. Against Amherst patience in possession is the best offense and the best defense.

Wesleyan (0) - Bowdoin (1)

Classic Bowdoin/Wesleyan matchup, two teams built around defending and the game defined by one or two key chances.  A free kick about 30 yards out swung in towards Niang who used his size and strength to power his header home was all that was needed for Bowdoin on the day.
...Does Wesleyan secretly have the worst field in the NESCAC? If not, who? The ball moves fairly slowly on that grass and is very bumpy, making it difficult for any team to truly develop any rhythm on the ball.  Which poses a problem for Wesleyan, a much smaller, less imposing and more technical team than the types of teams they'd have to knock off if they want to finish towards the top of the league. Maybe it was the field, but Wesleyan was far too willing to just simply kick the ball long and try to gain field position, play in cross after cross into Bowdoin's big trees at the back, or try to play difficult through balls to Cowie-Haskell, instead of using his 6'3" frame as a hold-up guy to keep possession. For 80 minutes, Bowdoin was able to pretty calmly deal with Wesleyan's frantic/hurried attacks, giving up only a few half chances.  It was really the last 10 minutes or so when Wesleyan starting playing centrally into the feet of Cowie-Haskell or Gruner in Zone 14 (that the top of the box-ish area: here for an overview http://leochanperformanceanalysis.blogspot.com/2013/08/what-is-zone-14-in-football.html), allowing players to run off and get shots. It's when they did a better job of keeping possession in the attacking 3rd that they were more dangerous, instead of the frantic, turnover-prone style they played most of the game.

Last thought: Teams are remarkably uncreative on set pieces, particularly for shorter teams coming up against big teams. There's a huge inefficiency to be exploited by being far more creative at getting a free header -- or even better, flipping a free kick/corner from one where the opportunity results in a header to one where you try to get a shot off -- but, teams (like Wesleyan today) we're totally content to loft the balls right into Bowdoin's big, tall defense. Those are wasted opportunities, and teams that want to make the most of their chances against the stingy Amherst's, Bowdoin's, and Middlebury's of the world might be served to try some crazy set pieces on the training ground. Here's some good examples: https://youtu.be/BZWAZWCjya0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2016, 11:51:16 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 17, 2016, 03:51:10 PM
At Tufts Game. Up 1-0 on Becherano at half.  Majumbder out and Greenwood back in goal.  Tufts is only up by 1 but it is complete domination by the Jumbos. 16-1 shot differential. They need another score.  I went to the grass field but found out that the Jumbos play on a new turf field. I would have love to have seen the last two year's teams play on this field, given their quickness and style of play.... Any updates?

I believe that Tufts and Bates have played on Bello Field before (I want to say circa 2012). Not sure why Bates particularly, but I know that both teams traditionally use grass fields (Kraft at Tufts, Russell St. at Bates) but do have turfs available (Bello at Tufts, Garcelon at Bates). That said, I believe the two teams have used their grass fields the last two years - 2014 was at Tufts, 2015 at Bates - so it is interesting that they used the turf today.

I think it's pretty rare for Tufts to play on the turf, but I for one would like to see more games on that field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 18, 2016, 12:57:48 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 17, 2016, 11:51:16 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 17, 2016, 03:51:10 PM
At Tufts Game. Up 1-0 on Becherano at half.  Majumbder out and Greenwood back in goal.  Tufts is only up by 1 but it is complete domination by the Jumbos. 16-1 shot differential. They need another score.  I went to the grass field but found out that the Jumbos play on a new turf field. I would have love to have seen the last two year's teams play on this field, given their quickness and style of play.... Any updates?

I believe that Tufts and Bates have played on Bello Field before (I want to say circa 2012). Not sure why Bates particularly, but I know that both teams traditionally use grass fields (Kraft at Tufts, Russell St. at Bates) but do have turfs available (Bello at Tufts, Garcelon at Bates). That said, I believe the two teams have used their grass fields the last two years - 2014 was at Tufts, 2015 at Bates - so it is interesting that they used the turf today.

I think it's pretty rare for Tufts to play on the turf, but I for one would like to see more games on that field.

Bloots, I was told by a Tufts parent that this is the new Men' soccer field and that new field turf was installed last year.... We'll have to see...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2016, 01:30:21 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 18, 2016, 12:57:48 PM
Bloots, I was told by a Tufts parent that this is the new Men' soccer field and that new field turf was installed last year.... We'll have to see...

Interesting! To be fair, I never thought Kraft was in great condition, at least in comparison to other NESCAC fields like Pickard at Bowdoin, so I could understand that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 18, 2016, 02:05:56 PM
Williams goes up 1-0 on Babson 5 minutes in on a Rashid strike and a Babson defensive breakdown. Babson has come out flying but Williams gets on the board first.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 18, 2016, 02:08:53 PM
Williams knockin it around pretty well. With Rashid, Sisco, Moutenot and Bahr-DeStefano they do have a quick counter attack if you ar not ready. Babson knockin it around also but their final pass is off so far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2016, 03:07:05 PM
Just saw the Williams goal. Rashid given far too much space by CB Abankroh, who stood off him as he shaped to shoot. Not just his fault, though - Babson as a whole had about two or three chances to properly clear the ball, which it failed to do. Anderson will be furious with that defending - especially after they'd started the game well - as coming back from a 1-0 deficit in Williamstown is a tall task.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2016, 03:14:50 PM
Watched about 20 minutes of 1st half of Oneonta at Hamilton.  Continentals very much holding their own, had Oneonta pinned for a while, and should have scored on a nice rolling cross right in front of the net that a sliding player should have tapped in.  Hamilton definitely appears to have some talent.  Is Passatiore (sp?) for Oneonta the same player who got a straight red against Haverford late in game last year?  A real enforcer and would not be fun to play against.  Very, very physical and at least one Hamilton player got an elbow to the head for his troubles.

0-0 at half.  Now Oneonta will probably come out and win 3-0 or 4-0 but I think Hamilton looks competitive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2016, 03:17:25 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 18, 2016, 03:14:50 PM
Is Passatiore (sp?) for Oneonta the same player who got a straight red against Haverford late in game last year?  A real enforcer and would not be fun to play against.  Very, very physical and at least one Hamilton player got an elbow to the head for his troubles.

Yes. The Red Dragons missed him against Amherst last year, although I think Amherst was deserving winners of the title in the end.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2016, 03:20:49 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 18, 2016, 03:17:25 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 18, 2016, 03:14:50 PM
Is Passatiore (sp?) for Oneonta the same player who got a straight red against Haverford late in game last year?  A real enforcer and would not be fun to play against.  Very, very physical and at least one Hamilton player got an elbow to the head for his troubles.

Yes. The Red Dragons missed him against Amherst last year, although I think Amherst was deserving winners of the title in the end.

From what I saw in the 1st half today I'm guessing AP's absence against Amherst was well-earned.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2016, 03:32:30 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 18, 2016, 03:20:49 PM
From what I saw in the 1st half today I'm guessing AP's absence against Amherst was well-earned.

Probably a fair point. I don't remember the circumstances or the play that led to the red card, but while he is not the biggest guy he definitely makes his presence felt. He didn't get the same kind of accolades as Sutherland et al, but I think he might be their best all-around player. According to the Oneonta website, he moved to CM from the back, and I think he's done a tremendous job.

Watching the 2nd half of Babson vs. Williams. How Babson could really use a true CF. They've had a few decent openings but haven't had anyone there to finish the move. They moved Villari up top, but he is an outside back by trade, and while he scored in the first game he hasn't netted since. I remember from Brandeis' 1-0 win over Babson in 2013 that Babson did very well at the back and in the middle of the park, but didn't have a true goalscorer in the mold of Eric Anderson to finish things off. They had Laurenzo a couple of years back, and he was a good player, but haven't had anyone of that same caliber up top since.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 18, 2016, 03:53:14 PM
Williams defeats Babson 1-0 but held on in the end. Babson was given a deserved PK after Alcorn came sprinting out of net and tried to punch th eball but missed an punched a Babson player. 37 Seconds left and babson's best chance to tie and the kid misses the PK. These are the types of games Williams would lose last year but they are finding a way to win this year so far. 2nd Half they looked gassed and have another 3 games this week.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2016, 03:53:40 PM
Williams gets away with a 1-0 victory - however, the last minute was way more eventful than it should have been. Williams defenders got beat way too easily to a high, hopeful ball, Alcorn comes out to punch it away and gets the Babson player instead, PK given. Parker steps up, looking to score his second high-pressure PK in 8 days, but Alcorn makes a great save - to be fair, it wasn't a great PK from Parker. Still, Alcorn redeemed himself big time there. That was wild. Williams 4-0-1, Babson now 2-4-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2016, 04:03:52 PM
Amidst all that excitement, Hamilton is still tied 0-0 with Oneonta with less than 10 minutes to play in regulation! Craziness.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 18, 2016, 04:09:40 PM
Hamilton working VERY HARD from what I am seeing last 10 minutes. Looks like they have moved to turf also
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2016, 04:12:01 PM
OT....video is much better this year at Hamilton with clear picture and better, closer angle (perhaps because different field as Mr.Right noted).  Of course when video freezes out that's not helpful.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 18, 2016, 04:18:43 PM
Tufts about to win there second straight on Bello field and the new turf 3-0, with Becherano with 2 more.  Tufts outsthooting them 30-2... that makes 68-5 shot advantage in last 2 games. Johnson in goal, majumbder out again. Jumbos seem to like turf...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2016, 04:19:39 PM
Ah, that's too bad.  Was pulling for Hamilton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 18, 2016, 08:11:20 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 18, 2016, 04:18:43 PM
Tufts about to win there second straight on Bello field and the new turf 3-0, with Becherano with 2 more.  Tufts outsthooting them 30-2... that makes 68-5 shot advantage in last 2 games. Johnson in goal, majumbder out again. Jumbos seem to like turf...

I caught the tail end of the game online.  One of the nice things about the Tufts webcast is that they show replays of goals, both immediately after they happen and at the end of the game.   Consequently, I was fortunate to see Becherano's magnificent strike and Rojas's first collegiate goal (chested at the top of the 18, turn, and half-volley into the back corner).  I think we'll see a few more from Rojas before he's through.  I did have to wonder, however, whether Mr. Right, like his Shark Tank cousin, Mr. Wonderful, will be receiving a royalty on each Rojas goal  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 07:07:34 AM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 18, 2016, 08:11:20 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 18, 2016, 04:18:43 PM
Tufts about to win there second straight on Bello field and the new turf 3-0, with Becherano with 2 more.  Tufts outsthooting them 30-2... that makes 68-5 shot advantage in last 2 games. Johnson in goal, majumbder out again. Jumbos seem to like turf...

I caught the tail end of the game online.  One of the nice things about the Tufts webcast is that they show replays of goals, both immediately after they happen and at the end of the game.   Consequently, I was fortunate to see Becherano's magnificent strike and Rojas's first collegiate goal (chested at the top of the 18, turn, and half-volley into the back corner).  I think we'll see a few more from Rojas before he's through.  I did have to wonder, however, whether Mr. Right, like his Shark Tank cousin, Mr. Wonderful, will be receiving a royalty on each Rojas goal  ;)

lol...Kudo's to Shapiro for snapping that Rojas kid up because in the old days Williams, Amherst or even Midd would of snatched him away from Tufts. He CHOSE Tufts over any other school and that really is what Shapiro has changed in only 5 years at Tufts. It is truly amazing what he has done.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 07:49:37 AM
Nescac Week 2 Heroes and Zeroes

Heroes

1. Midd- I thought they played very well on Saturday against Amherst. You could tell they were fired up from the get go and that is the Midd I want to see every game. They have the athletes and the size and Tom Dils showed in midfield that they also have some skill. They are 19-0-5 in their last 24 games at home. Last loss at home was against Williams in 2013. VERY IMPRESSIVE.

2. Amherst- They keep rolling along doing their thing. GK Owen showing he is no slouch with a great save on the Glaser PK. I thought he might have done better to cut off the angle on Conrad's goal but that is kind of picky. Weapons all over the field but I still think Amherst trees in the back are a weakness against skilled opposition. With a most likely undefeated Williams coming to town this Saturday I am curious to see if Williams with Rashid, Moutenot, Bahr-DeStefano and Sisco can break them down with quickness on the counter.

3. Williams- 4-0-1 is a good start but they have not played anyone yet that is a serious threat to score goals. RPI could be a trap game if they are thinking ahead to Amherst on Saturday. Again the scheduling needs to be criticized because they are starting to look leg heavy late in games. 8 games in 16 days is mind boggling.

4. Hamilton- 2-0-0 in Nescac and were battling Oneonta all the way until the end but they fell just short. This happens to young teams as I believe Nizzi is giving his frosh a ton of minutes. They are working extremely hard from the little I have seen. Word is they are only playing on turf because their grass field is unplayable for some reason. Maybe they should stay on the turf.

5. Tufts- Good bounce back week-end. I did not catch any of their games but let's see if this young side with plenty of talent can keep it going.

Zeroes:

1. Trinity- 0-3-0 is an unacceptable start. Savonen is back but it might take a week or 2 before he gets into form. They have 3 winnable games coming up and they must beat Colby and Bates to have any chance at Nescac tournament. Let's see if they can muster a W tonight at Endicott who have gone 1-0-1 against Nescac foes.

2. Bates- UGLY week. They grab a draw with University of New England and then get absolutely trounced at Tufts. Tufts out shot them 34-3 and 14-0 SOG. UGLY.

3. Colby- Very organized but very young. They still have no weapons up top and are not a threat to score against better competition. Aoyama hit a nice free kick to tie up the game at Williams  but they had few chances at best. They will not have many games with more than 1 goal this year.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 19, 2016, 10:15:19 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 07:49:37 AM
Nescac Week 2 Heroes and Zeroes

Heroes

1. Midd- I thought they played very well on Saturday against Amherst. You could tell they were fired up from the get go and that is the Midd I want to see every game. They have the athletes and the size and Tom Dils showed in midfield that they also have some skill. They are 19-0-5 in their last 24 games at home. Last loss at home was against Williams in 2013. VERY IMPRESSIVE.

2. Amherst- They keep rolling along doing their thing. GK Owen showing he is no slouch with a great save on the Glaser PK. I thought he might have done better to cut off the angle on Conrad's goal but that is kind of picky. Weapons all over the field but I still think Amherst trees in the back are a weakness against skilled opposition. With a most likely undefeated Williams coming to town this Saturday I am curious to see if Williams with Rashid, Moutenot, Bahr-DeStefano and Sisco can break them down with quickness on the counter.

3. Williams- 4-0-1 is a good start but they have not played anyone yet that is a serious threat to score goals. RPI could be a trap game if they are thinking ahead to Amherst on Saturday. Again the scheduling needs to be criticized because they are starting to look leg heavy late in games. 8 games in 16 days is mind boggling.

4. Hamilton- 2-0-0 in Nescac and were battling Oneonta all the way until the end but they fell just short. This happens to young teams as I believe Nizzi is giving his frosh a ton of minutes. They are working extremely hard from the little I have seen. Word is they are only playing on turf because their grass field is unplayable for some reason. Maybe they should stay on the turf.

5. Tufts- Good bounce back week-end. I did not catch any of their games but let's see if this young side with plenty of talent can keep it going.

Zeroes:

1. Trinity- 0-3-0 is an unacceptable start. Savonen is back but it might take a week or 2 before he gets into form. They have 3 winnable games coming up and they must beat Colby and Bates to have any chance at Nescac tournament. Let's see if they can muster a W tonight at Endicott who have gone 1-0-1 against Nescac foes.

2. Bates- UGLY week. They grab a draw with University of New England and then get absolutely trounced at Tufts. Tufts out shot them 34-3 and 14-0 SOG. UGLY.

3. Colby- Very organized but very young. They still have no weapons up top and are not a threat to score against better competition. Aoyama hit a nice free kick to tie up the game at Williams  but they had few chances at best. They will not have many games with more than 1 goal this year.

Mr. Right, I think your right on these... ::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 19, 2016, 10:16:50 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 07:07:34 AM
lol...Kudo's to Shapiro for snapping that Rojas kid up because in the old days Williams, Amherst or even Midd would of snatched him away from Tufts. He CHOSE Tufts over any other school and that really is what Shapiro has changed in only 5 years at Tufts. It is truly amazing what he has done.

A good example of how Tufts has become (arguably) the only NESCAC who can go toe-to-toe on a regular basis with Williams and Amherst for players.

Of course, this is just one example, and certainly you'll get a kid who chooses Midd or Bowdoin over those two every once in a while, but I think Tufts perhaps has even more of an appeal at this point in time. While the academic reputation and location near the city most certainly have something to do with it, but the program that Shapiro has built in the last five years would certainly be appealing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 19, 2016, 01:30:12 PM
as for the picks, we aren't very good at this everyone went 3-2....I'll go with the obvious Bowdoin 2-0 over Bates tomorrow.   

Williams-Amherst war Sat.  2:30       Middle-Bowdoin 11 AM appetizer.....don't think the lawn is getting done....



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 19, 2016, 02:52:36 PM
Quote from: EasyGoer27 on September 19, 2016, 01:30:12 PM
as for the picks, we aren't very good at this everyone went 3-2....I'll go with the obvious Bowdoin 2-0 over Bates tomorrow.   

Williams-Amherst war Sat.  2:30       Middle-Bowdoin 11 AM appetizer.....don't think the lawn is getting done....

Bowdoin 1-0 over Bates
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 19, 2016, 03:01:16 PM
Bowdoin 2 - Bates 0   - Bates has not scored in their two previous conference games, and that should not change at Bowdoin.  The Polar Bears, on the other hand, have lit up the scoreboard for one goal in two games.   Bowdoin scores two against a demoralized Bates side.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 19, 2016, 03:06:53 PM
Bowdoin 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 19, 2016, 03:16:02 PM
CBB games are like picking a derby fixture in the EPL.  Form doesn't necessarily hold, but I do think Bowdoin gets it done 2-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 19, 2016, 03:18:12 PM
Hey Mr.Right, random thought - what ever happened to Jonathan Westling? He was a real beast for Williams, and was particularly good when I saw him in the 2013 Round of 16, but I haven't heard anything about him since. Injury?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 19, 2016, 04:26:14 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 19, 2016, 03:18:12 PM
Hey Mr.Right, random thought - what ever happened to Jonathan Westling? He was a real beast for Williams, and was particularly good when I saw him in the 2013 Round of 16, but I haven't heard anything about him since. Injury?

He's 23 or 24 years old for starters. Shld have graduated in May as did a PG year or equivalent at Philips Andover. Guess it's possible he has a year of eligibility left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 19, 2016, 04:38:54 PM
I'm pretty sure Westling suffered several major injuries which sadly ended his soccer career. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 19, 2016, 04:51:58 PM
A contemporary of Westling (same age and also some kind of gap year) was Reifsnyder who seemed to have an on again, off again career at Wesleyan and who previously had some success in the Revs DAP program after years with the Greater Boston Bolts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 07:29:07 PM
Ok lets see if Trinity brings it A game tonight.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 07:41:33 PM
First of all comparing Westling to Reifsnyder is an absolute insult to Westling...Reifsnyder was a complete bust at Wesleyan and he was undersized and a step slow for the college game.

Westling's career ended after his Sophmore season because of to many concussions.

He was an absolute integral part of Williams 2012 and 2013 NCAA Final 4 runs.

He was a 6'3 natural striker..Great skill and speed for his size. One weakness was he was a bit soft for his size. He was a stud at Andover and as a frosh played up top for Williams off the bench. His biggest contribution was against Amherst in the Elite 8 in 2012. Amherst had the BEST team in the nation hands down in 2012. Williams was a very good top 10 team but not on Amherst's level in 2012. They escaped 0-0 in the regular season but Amherst had them pinned in almost all game. In the Nescac Championship on Williams field they dominated Williams all game and beat them 2-0. So after Williams dispatched Brandeis in the Sweet 16, they had to figure out a different way to approach the 3rd game and most important of the season. Russo sat his 2 highly skilled but undersized wingbacks Chris Seitz and Chris Conder and started 2 Frosh at wingbacks to matchup with Amherst size an speed. He put Frosh Noah Gruman at right back to slow down Spencer Noon and more courageously stuck Westling and left back, where he had never played. While Amherst hit like 6 crossbars and posts the switches at the back made a BIG time difference. The only mistake Russo made IMO was he kept them at those same positions against Ohio Northern in the NCAA Final 4 and it cost them because Westling's inexperience at the back showed in that game. Anyhow.....

In 2013 he was back at striker and was roaring with goals all the way thru to the NCAA Final 4 in 2013 and a big part of dispatching Amherst in the Elite 8 again
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 07:47:48 PM
I had a feeling Trinity would come out pissed off...Great goal by Tobias Gimand. 1-0 Trinity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 19, 2016, 08:04:23 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 07:41:33 PM
First of all comparing Westling to Reifsnyder is an absolute insult to Westling...Reifsnyder was a complete bust at Wesleyan and he was undersized and a step slow for the college game.

I didn't exactly compare them but noted they were contemporaries (both 1993s, played ODP together, both prep school kids, etc, etc).  Your comments are salient, though, in terms of credentials, accolades, club affiliations, DAP vs non-DAP, etc not always being reliable indicators of how college careers will pan out.  Sometimes the DAP kids are the ones grabbing pine.  Some kids also mature early and peak early (think kids who are 5'8 andvery solidly built and maybe shaving at  14/15 and at 20 are still 5'8 and solidly built but no longer dominant like they were and perhaps now a step or two slow).  If memory serves Reifsnyder was a starter for the Revs DAP who scored goals and at some point was probably considered a D1 prospect.  I agree that Wesleyan did not go well for him at least in terms of soccer.  Westling IMHO was more of a late bloomer who did have some big moments at Williams and who would have gotten better every year if he had been able to keep playing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 08:12:26 PM
Agreed....I do not see Savonen in this game...Is he back yet? I thought he had returned against Hamilton, at least he was noted in the boxscore...This game is getting very stretched and has no rhythm no yet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 08:19:59 PM
1-0 Trinity at the half. No rhythm yet for either side and nor great chances either. Both teams giving the ball away much to easily. Probably a fair score at the half but you can tell when Pilger subs Murphy and Gimand at midfield with about 15 minutes to go in the 1st Half, Trinity dropped off quite a bit. They do not control possession as well which leads to giveaways. I am sniffing a goal or 2 more in this game and not sure who will get those goals yet. Could be a game of two halves.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 08:42:30 PM
2nd Half Endicott has come out flying and are putting pressure on Trinity's backline and GK. Quade almost coughed up a goal and then made a tremendous 2nd save. He is suspect back there but I believe an upgrade over Zabela.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 09:10:53 PM
Endicott ties it up with 10 minutes left on a "sick" free kick right outside the 18. An absolute beauty that hopefully will be on youtube somewhere. They have dominated the 2nd half as Trinity looks gassed and has come out flat the entire 2nd Half. They cannot keep any possession and Endicott frankly looks way more interested in this game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 19, 2016, 09:15:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 09:10:53 PM
Endicott ties it up with 10 minutes left on a "sick" free kick right outside the 18. An absolute beauty that hopefully will be on youtube somewhere. They have dominated the 2nd half as Trinity looks gassed and has come out flat the entire 2nd Half. They cannot keep any possession and Endicott frankly looks way more interested in this game

What a hit that was. Beautiful free kick. Tell you what, the one thing Endicott does not do is quit. Calabrese has instilled a strong mentality in his team this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 09:21:40 PM
Agreed. Endicott works their tails off all game and it shows that they came back very fit and ready for the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2016, 09:30:48 PM
Trinity steals it 2 minutes into OT on a nice header from a set piece. Not sure if that was Milbury or Murphy who finished it but whoever it was they got up and snapped it past Weinstein for the winner. Futbol is a crazy game.....Big win for Trinity, now lets see if this gives them some much needed confidence for the rest of the season. They have Colby at home on Saturday and somehow need to find a W for that game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 20, 2016, 08:04:44 PM
Conn beats Coast Guard 1-0 in a game in which Devlin received a red card at 55:44.  Coast Guard had received two yellows in the preceding minute, so I would imagine things got interesting for a while in New London.   Conn only out-shot CG 7-6.   Pretty sure this means Devlin misses Saturday's game at Hamilton. 

Did anyone see this game?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 20, 2016, 08:09:47 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on September 20, 2016, 08:04:44 PM
Conn beats Coast Guard 1-0 in a game in which Devlin received a red card at 55:44.  Coast Guard had received two yellows in the preceding minute, so I would imagine things got interesting for a while in New London.   Conn only out-shot CG 7-6.   Pretty sure this means Devlin misses Saturday's game at Hamilton. 

Did anyone see this game?

7-6 shots? A real snooze fest.  That red card will hurt his team...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 21, 2016, 10:15:46 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 20, 2016, 08:09:47 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on September 20, 2016, 08:04:44 PM
Conn beats Coast Guard 1-0 in a game in which Devlin received a red card at 55:44.  Coast Guard had received two yellows in the preceding minute, so I would imagine things got interesting for a while in New London.   Conn only out-shot CG 7-6.   Pretty sure this means Devlin misses Saturday's game at Hamilton. 

Did anyone see this game?

7-6 shots? A real snooze fest.  That red card will hurt his team...

Watched a good chunk of the game....Conn controlled the game....typical Conn/Coast Guard game--a battle royal of a heated rivalry of schools literally across the street from one another with bodies slamming all over the field.  Never pretty when these two schools play.  Losing Devlin (the best CM and player in the league IMHO) is a killer, but Conn has some confidence going.  Manoogian and Lockwood and the back line with Summers are all playing well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 21, 2016, 10:17:26 AM
A few Eph mentions in this article:

Nobles' defender Nick Ranieri is listed as having committed to Williams (his twin brother will be playing for Dartmouth).  Nobles' coach and former Eph great Steve Ginsberg is also highlighted:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/2016/09/20/ranieri-twins-putting-academy-experience-play-nobles/GWTmuAfLuz4kXdVSKExx0J/story.html
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2016, 10:55:08 AM
Quote from: All NESCAC on September 21, 2016, 10:15:46 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 20, 2016, 08:09:47 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on September 20, 2016, 08:04:44 PM
Conn beats Coast Guard 1-0 in a game in which Devlin received a red card at 55:44.  Coast Guard had received two yellows in the preceding minute, so I would imagine things got interesting for a while in New London.   Conn only out-shot CG 7-6.   Pretty sure this means Devlin misses Saturday's game at Hamilton. 

Did anyone see this game?

7-6 shots? A real snooze fest.  That red card will hurt his team...




Watched a good chunk of the game....Conn controlled the game....typical Conn/Coast Guard game--a battle royal of a heated rivalry of schools literally across the street from one another with bodies slamming all over the field.  Never pretty when these two schools play.  Losing Devlin (the best CM and player in the league IMHO) is a killer, but Conn has some confidence going.  Manoogian and Lockwood and the back line with Summers are all playing well.




Was it a straight red? What happened? Coast Guard is typically VERY fit and will run all day and usually have decent GK'ing. Their 2-0 result against Babson turned my head for sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2016, 11:01:47 AM
Some big games today and this weekend....Trap games today

RPI at Williams, Keene St at Midd and WNEC at Wesleyan....

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 21, 2016, 06:35:22 PM
Amherst loses to Mount Ida?  and goal challenged Hamilton puts up 5?  Wes life and death in OT,



I know nothing.  I know nothing.....Hogan!!!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 21, 2016, 06:50:55 PM
Quote from: EasyGoer27 on September 21, 2016, 06:35:22 PM
Amherst loses to Mount Ida?  and goal challenged Hamilton puts up 5?  Wes life and death in OT,



I know nothing.  I know nothing.....Hogan!!!!!!

Like April Fool's.  Especially when you see the score and box link on the Amherst site.  Game does't start for 10 minutes.  Stats are a repeat of stats from Mt. Ida win over Anna Maria.  Doubt Mt Ida gets 26 shots against Amherst, but still odd how the alleged result made it to Amherst website.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on September 21, 2016, 08:37:30 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 21, 2016, 06:50:55 PM. . . but still odd how the alleged result made it to Amherst website.

Well, both schools' athletics websites are powered by Presto Sports, so when anyone with a log-in and permissions (the two schools and D3soccer.com) makes any changes concerning the match, it instantly shows up on all Presto powered websites that are listing the match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 22, 2016, 10:21:00 AM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 21, 2016, 06:50:55 PM
Quote from: EasyGoer27 on September 21, 2016, 06:35:22 PM
Amherst loses to Mount Ida?  and goal challenged Hamilton puts up 5?  Wes life and death in OT,



I know nothing.  I know nothing.....Hogan!!!!!!

Like April Fool's.  Especially when you see the score and box link on the Amherst site.  Game does't start for 10 minutes.  Stats are a repeat of stats from Mt. Ida win over Anna Maria.  Doubt Mt Ida gets 26 shots against Amherst, but still odd how the alleged result made it to Amherst website.

Not only that it showed my guy Aziz with a goal


Amherst
#   PLAYER   POS   SH   SOG   G   A
0   Dalton Gill *   gk   0   0   0   0
2   Cameron Bean *      1   0   0   0
3   Jimmy McMillian *      0   0   0   0
4   Luke Nguyen *      1   1   0   0
5   Andrew Orozco *      0   0   0   0
7   Aziz Khan *      4   3   1   0
8   Kieran Bellew *      2   1   0   0
9   Weller Hlinomaz *      5   2   1   0
10   Sam Malnik *      0   0   0   0
11   Riley Kobus *      0   0   0   0
13   Christopher Martin      0   0   0   0
15   Aidan Murray      0   0   0   0
17   Cameron Hardington *      0   0   0   0
21   Alden Von Ziegesar      0   0   0   0
TM   TEAM      0   0   0   0
TOTALS   13   7   2   0
#   GOALIES       SOG   GA   SV   MIN
0   Dalton Gill (L, 0-1)      11   3   8   90:00


how strange.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 22, 2016, 10:39:23 AM
Great day for NESCAC (well, except for Amherst's SID ...)!  22-5-4 aggregate out-of-conference record so far for NESCAC schools ... not too shabby. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on September 22, 2016, 12:56:15 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 21, 2016, 10:55:08 AM
Quote from: All NESCAC on September 21, 2016, 10:15:46 AM
Quote from: Nutmeg on September 20, 2016, 08:09:47 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on September 20, 2016, 08:04:44 PM
Conn beats Coast Guard 1-0 in a game in which Devlin received a red card at 55:44.  Coast Guard had received two yellows in the preceding minute, so I would imagine things got interesting for a while in New London.   Conn only out-shot CG 7-6.   Pretty sure this means Devlin misses Saturday's game at Hamilton. 

Did anyone see this game?

7-6 shots? A real snooze fest.  That red card will hurt his team...




Watched a good chunk of the game....Conn controlled the game....typical Conn/Coast Guard game--a battle royal of a heated rivalry of schools literally across the street from one another with bodies slamming all over the field.  Never pretty when these two schools play.  Losing Devlin (the best CM and player in the league IMHO) is a killer, but Conn has some confidence going.  Manoogian and Lockwood and the back line with Summers are all playing well.




Was it a straight red? What happened? Coast Guard is typically VERY fit and will run all day and usually have decent GK'ing. Their 2-0 result against Babson turned my head for sure.
Straight Red, but literally within seconds of two straight yellow cards on Coast Guard.  Devlin has always had a "bite" to him when he or one of his teammates has been wronged/hit/clipped....boys will be boys.  conn handled the game quite well playing Coast Guard with only 10 players for the last 35 minutes. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 22, 2016, 01:56:25 PM
Was just curious. Yes has Devlin has that "bite" but that is what makes him a special player. Unfortunately, Hamilton will be chomping at the bit to go 3-0-0 in Nescac this weekend when they face Conn w/o their best player. I will predict a defensive struggle and go Conn v Hamilton 1-1

Wesleyan is taking a long trip up to Bates looking for its first win in Nescac play. They have done very well out of conference and this game will come down to who can finish the few chances that either team will get in a game that will be muddled in midfield. 1-0 Wesleyan

Colby has managed to lose to St.Joseph's(Maine) and Husson in the same season within 2 weeks. Even former coach, Serdjenian always took care of business against the Maine schools out of conference. Colby hasn't had a real stud of a player since Andrew Meisel 4 years ago. Seabrook in his 3rd year has done nothing to revitalize this program. With the win against Endicott, Trinity finds some passion and goals and I'll go Trinity 2-0

Midd is on a roll now and has not lost at home in 3 years. Bowdoin continues to struggle with Colby and Bates the past few seasons. Midd really impressed me against Amherst. They are more talented than Bowdoin, faster and if they come out fired up they will win this game 2-0. I however am picturing Bowdoin bearing down and sitting deep. This game will be as ugly as you might ever see. The ball will be in the air ALOT. 1-1 Draw

Amherst is not quite at the level as they were in 2015. They have some weaknesses that can be exploited. Williams is playing with a ton of confidence right now. I say Rashid snags one on the counter and Sullivan gets his 1st Win over Amherst. 1-0 Williams
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 22, 2016, 02:47:45 PM
You can see highlights from all of Williams' games here.  Rashid seems to be in the thick of things on nearly every goal or near-miss.  The Ephs are fortunate to have him back for a fifth year! 

https://www.youtube.com/user/WilliamsEphsSports
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 2xfaux on September 22, 2016, 03:09:49 PM
How do NESCAC schools deal with 5th year players?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 22, 2016, 03:15:34 PM
Quote from: 2xfaux on September 22, 2016, 03:09:49 PM
How do NESCAC schools deal with 5th year players?

NESCAC does not have special rules for fifth year players.  If they meet all of the eligibility requirements to participate under NCAA rules (such as within permissible time after initial matriculation, not having used up all eligibility (subject to waiver rules), and meeting the enrollment requirements), then they can play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 22, 2016, 03:26:37 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 22, 2016, 03:15:34 PM
Quote from: 2xfaux on September 22, 2016, 03:09:49 PM
How do NESCAC schools deal with 5th year players?

NESCAC does not have special rules for fifth year players.  If they meet all of the eligibility requirements to participate under NCAA rules (such as within permissible time after initial matriculation, not having used up all eligibility (subject to waiver rules), and meeting the enrollment requirements), then they can play.

Yes, but it's fairly rare for 5th years in the NESCAC
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 22, 2016, 03:54:02 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 22, 2016, 03:26:37 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 22, 2016, 03:15:34 PM
Quote from: 2xfaux on September 22, 2016, 03:09:49 PM
How do NESCAC schools deal with 5th year players?

NESCAC does not have special rules for fifth year players.  If they meet all of the eligibility requirements to participate under NCAA rules (such as within permissible time after initial matriculation, not having used up all eligibility (subject to waiver rules), and meeting the enrollment requirements), then they can play.


Pretty sure he red shirted and took a year off from school.  I have seen this for all sorts of reasons, Family issue, injury, finance, religious obligation....really non of our business I think.   As far as i know 4 years max play per NCAA........

Yes, but it's fairly rare for 5th years in the NESCAC
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 22, 2016, 03:55:23 PM
Quote from: EasyGoer27 on September 22, 2016, 03:54:02 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 22, 2016, 03:26:37 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 22, 2016, 03:15:34 PM
Quote from: 2xfaux on September 22, 2016, 03:09:49 PM
How do NESCAC schools deal with 5th year players?

NESCAC does not have special rules for fifth year players.  If they meet all of the eligibility requirements to participate under NCAA rules (such as within permissible time after initial matriculation, not having used up all eligibility (subject to waiver rules), and meeting the enrollment requirements), then they can play.


Pretty sure he red shirted and took a year off from school.  I have seen this for all sorts of reasons, Family issue, injury, finance, religious obligation....really non of our business I think.   As far as i know 4 years max play per NCAA........

Yes, but it's fairly rare for 5th years in the NESCAC

Yep, he had a couple of injuries and would certainly fit the bill
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 23, 2016, 11:20:30 AM
Sept 24 games
Middlebury 1 - Bowdoin 0 
Hamilton 1 - Conn 0
Bates 0 - Wesleyan 1   
Trinity 2 - Colby 1
Amherst 2 - Williams 0
Brandeis 1 - Tufts 0

Could Hamilton have sole possession of first place after Saturday?  Yes.  Conn far from home without their best player falls to the Continentals while Amherst handles Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 23, 2016, 11:24:08 AM
Middlebury 0 - Bowdoin 0
Hamilton 1 - Conn 0
Bates 0 - Wesleyan 1   
Trinity 2 - Colby 1
Amherst 2 - Williams 1
Brandeis 1 - Tufts 2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 23, 2016, 11:38:49 AM
Middlebury 1 - Bowdoin 0
Hamilton 2 - Conn 1
Bates 0 - Wesleyan 1   
Trinity 1 - Colby 2
Amherst 2 - Williams 1
Brandeis 2 - Tufts 1

Hamilton does capture first.....then has---- Middlebury, at Wes, at Tufts, at Amherst in 11 days.   Good luck with that.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on September 23, 2016, 12:56:39 PM
Middlebury 1 - Bowdoin 0
Hamilton 1 - Conn 1
Bates 0 - Wesleyan 0   
Trinity 1 - Colby 2
Amherst 1 - Williams 1
Brandeis 2 - Tufts 3
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 23, 2016, 12:58:57 PM
Middlebury 1 - Bowdoin 1 - Panthers are the superior team, but I just can't see Bowdoin losing this one.
Hamilton 1 - Conn 0 - Hamilton has certainly been playing the better, and Conn. has lost Devlin for this one.
Bates 0 - Wesleyan 2 - Wesleyan's offense comes alive in this game.
Trinity 1 - Colby 0 - Galvanized by the win over Endicott, Trinity gets a goal and makes it stand up.
Amherst 1 - Williams 1 - Amherst is at home and should be considered the favorite, but for some reason I think Williams will get one for the draw. I do not think Amherst is as strong as they were last year - they are probably better than the 2014 team, but not by much. They have some weapons offensively and I think they are better with Hlimonaz than they would be without him. However, Rashid is starting to look like the player of old, and even without as much speed as before (IMHO) he is still a force to be reckoned with, and I think that Sullivan is starting to see the side playing like he wants it to in his second season.
Brandeis 1 - Tufts 0 - Even as a Brandeis alum, I picked Tufts last year in this fixture, but Brandeis went and won the game away at Tufts. I think both teams are still trying to find their footing, and while Tufts is a very good squad Brandeis is very tough to beat at home (44-3-2 since the start of 2012) and downed Haverford - who I think is a superior side to Tufts - earlier this month. Despite my pick, I would not be surprised to see a draw or a Jumbos win - they have been playing on turf this year, apparently, and almost pulled one out in this fixture in 2014, but they spurned a few big opportunities while Brandeis took its chances. I like Rojas as a player and Sullivan and Coleman are good on attacking set pieces, and really came into their own at the back last year after starting the year a bit shakily.

On a related note, any word on when/if Majumder might return? If he was to return tomorrow, that would be huge for Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2016, 01:33:55 PM
For your weekly CLASSY move of the week.......Word has it Amherst and Serpone have scheduled a 10-15 minute honoring of its 2015 National Championship RIGHT before kick-off against Williams tomorrow almost forcing Williams players to stand there and watch.   1. I have never heard of a team doing an "honoring" of a championship the next season. IMHO I believe Serpone is loving the opportunity to STICK it to their rivals. He has been known for mind games before like forcing SLU to switch benches in an NCAA game on their home field because Amherst was the "home" team. This type of honoring will do 1 of 3 things....1. Pump Williams UP to stick it to Amherst.   2. Instill a little fear into Williams, reminding them they are playing the National Champions. 3. NO Impact...With these bitter rivals I am guessing their will be some kind of mental impact somewhere...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 23, 2016, 01:39:47 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 23, 2016, 01:33:55 PM
For your weekly CLASSY move of the week.......Word has it Amherst and Serpone have scheduled a 10-15 minute honoring of its 2015 National Championship RIGHT before kick-off against Williams tomorrow almost forcing Williams players to stand there and watch.

Oy vey. ::)

Reminds me of the 2009 Man Utd-Liverpool game at Old Trafford where United had won the Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup the year before and the United announcer introduced the home team as "the Champions of England, Europe, and the World...Manchester United!" Didn't seem that it achieved the desired effect, as Liverpool won that game 4-1.

To be fair, it is Amherst's first home game of the year, but I don't think it would be unlike Serpone to look at the schedule and go "ah, Williams, perfect!"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2016, 02:04:16 PM
I've been focused so much on Williams at Amherst I forgot to predict Tufts at Brandeis....I have no info on Majumder but even if he does play you have to figure it will take him a week or 2 to get fit and in rhythm. Brandeis has had almost 10 days off so they should be WELL rested. I never remember Coven going so many days in between games. I noticed Flahive did not start against WPI and not sure why as he is a dependable player. Is Ocel injured? There are still some question marks with both of these young teams. I am not so sure Tufts is over the hump just yet and if Ocel is playing I say he or Vieira snag a goal in front of net during a scrum off a set piece of some kind. I am trying my best to get to this game after Williams / Amherst...Tufts / Brandeis should be much more attractive futbol to watch than the Amherst game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 23, 2016, 03:10:30 PM
attractive?  Williams/Amherst.....last time at Amherst 2 years ago there were at least 3 off the ball "fisticuffs", ref completely lost control.  At that point it was both sides going at it.  It looked like a Sunday afternoon match in Newark.  BTW I think Amherst won 4-1 but the soccer almost seemed like an afterthought.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 23, 2016, 03:14:42 PM
PS the Goer will be present for this one again......Can't catch the MMA aspects on the video......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 23, 2016, 03:23:11 PM
No idea if Ocel is injured but Brandeis is a totally different team with him. Don't know why Flahive didn't play but even though he is not a traditional CF he usually does well enough to get a goal when he plays up top.

Vieira got the winner last year, so he'll be up for it, I'm sure. I think Brandeis usually takes around a 10-day break at some point in the season; however, last year they went from the Tufts game right into Carnegie the following weekend, so no break then. Then again, IIRC, last year I'm pretty sure they took 9 days off between the WashU game and the next game on the calendar, so perhaps the break is just happening earlier in the year this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2016, 03:37:55 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 23, 2016, 03:23:11 PM
No idea if Ocel is injured but Brandeis is a totally different team with him. Don't know why Flahive didn't play but even though he is not a traditional CF he usually does well enough to get a goal when he plays up top.

Vieira got the winner last year, so he'll be up for it, I'm sure. I think Brandeis usually takes around a 10-day break at some point in the season; however, last year they went from the Tufts game right into Carnegie the following weekend, so no break then. Then again, IIRC, last year I'm pretty sure they took 9 days off between the WashU game and the next game on the calendar, so perhaps the break is just happening earlier in the year this year.


lol..Vieira is always UP for every game..That is the best part about the kid. He works so hard and is non-stop pressing and moving. Fun to watch
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 23, 2016, 05:10:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 23, 2016, 03:37:55 PM
lol..Vieira is always UP for every game..That is the best part about the kid. He works so hard and is non-stop pressing and moving. Fun to watch

You are RIGHT...pun intended haha. I was at the Brandeis-Haverford game standing by the goal when Brandeis was attacking first half, and Vieira busted down the left wing and put in a cross only for no one to be in the box...he goes "GET IN THERE! WHAT THE HELL?!" Miskin scored a few minutes later so it was a moot point, but it was pretty funny, and epitomizes his drive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEngland on September 23, 2016, 07:17:05 PM
Middlebury 1 - Bowdoin 0
Hamilton 0 - Conn 2
Bates 1 - Wesleyan 2
Trinity 3 - Colby 1
Amherst 2 - Williams 2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 23, 2016, 09:25:54 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 23, 2016, 01:33:55 PM
For your weekly CLASSY move of the week.......Word has it Amherst and Serpone have scheduled a 10-15 minute honoring of its 2015 National Championship RIGHT before kick-off against Williams tomorrow almost forcing Williams players to stand there and watch.   1. I have never heard of a team doing an "honoring" of a championship the next season. IMHO I believe Serpone is loving the opportunity to STICK it to their rivals. He has been known for mind games before like forcing SLU to switch benches in an NCAA game on their home field because Amherst was the "home" team. This type of honoring will do 1 of 3 things....1. Pump Williams UP to stick it to Amherst.   2. Instill a little fear into Williams, reminding them they are playing the National Champions. 3. NO Impact...With these bitter rivals I am guessing their will be some kind of mental impact somewhere...

Your reminder that Serpone bears a creepy and uncanny resemblance to Voldemort

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs17.postimg.org%2Fvezorsrjz%2Fimage.jpg&hash=a5c9bc893f026e0ec54d6cc7df870b3d7ebbbd2f)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 24, 2016, 07:07:50 AM
Raising the championship banner at the next season's first home game is standard practice for teams from high school right through the pros. Are all those other teams in the history of sport classless? Bruins? Pats? Sox? Celts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on September 24, 2016, 10:25:10 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on September 24, 2016, 07:07:50 AM
Raising the championship banner at the next season's first home game is standard practice for teams from high school right through the pros. Are all those other teams in the history of sport classless? Bruins? Pats? Sox? Celts?

Have to agree with you. Nothing wrong with doing this at first home game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 24, 2016, 04:40:09 PM
The 1972 theft of a gold medal by Russia over the USA in men's bball courtesy of the officials relived on the pitch at Trinity today.  With under a minute in 2nd OT ref gives Colby a second throw-in attempt after Trinity had cleared the first one and this time Colby scored to win it.  Great road win for the Mules.  Trinity already struggling mightily takes a loss they could not afford.

Amherst closes out Williams 4-2 after Williams came back from a 2-0 deficit to draw even at 2-2.  I'm sure commentators who were at the game will chime in later.

Bates enjoys an almost routine 2-0 win over Wesleyan.  The Cardinals may have a tough time bouncing back from this one.

And Hamilton is now 3-0 in the NESCAC after beating a Devlin-less Conn Coll squad.

Almost forgot.  Midd gets by Bowdoin 2-1 in OT on a PK.  Not convinced Midd is more than a round of 32 or at most Sweet 16 team especially considering the teams they would likely face at those stages.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 24, 2016, 05:08:44 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 24, 2016, 04:40:09 PM
The 1972 theft of a gold medal by Russia over the USA in men's bball courtesy of the officials relived on the pitch at Trinity today.  With under a minute in 2nd OT ref gives Colby a second throw-in attempt after Trinity had cleared the first one and this time Colby scored to win it.  Great road win for the Mules.  Trinity already struggling mightily takes a loss they could not afford.

Amherst closes out Williams 4-2 after Williams came back from a 2-0 deficit to draw even at 2-2.  I'm sure commentators who were at the game will chime in later.

Bates enjoys an almost routine 2-0 win over Wesleyan.  The Cardinals may have a tough time bouncing back from this one.

And Hamilton is now 3-0 in the NESCAC after beating a Devlin-less Conn Coll squad.

Almost forgot.  Midd gets by Bowdoin 2-1 in OT on a PK.  Not convinced Midd is more than a round of 32 or at most Sweet 16 team especially considering the teams they would likely face at those stages.

NCAC, I went back to watch the end of the Colby-Trinity game. Before the first throw, the ref walked out of the screen to the right (towards midfield), perhaps to speak to one of the benches or to the official's table.  Whatever, it was clear that although the players were playing, time was out.  In fact, the assistant ref directly in front of the camera was looking across the field during the first throw and never even looked at the play. Then, the ref walked back into the action, and the re-throw ensued.  Obviously, Trinity feels hard done, but if the ball had gone in while time was out, Colby would have complained mightily about the goal not counting. 

With Conn's loss at Hamilton, tomorrow's Colby-Conn clash could decide which team remains in the playoff race.

Wesleyan looked horrible at Bates.  Something is wrong with the Cardinals. With their last two results, Bates looks like they are figuring things out.

I was impressed by Hamilton.  They had the better of the play while I watched.  This looks like the best team they've had in 7-8 years, when they were a contender in the Liberty League.

Williams looks like they will struggle with big athletic teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 24, 2016, 05:12:54 PM
70sNP, thanks for the explanation.  I have no stake at all in that one but watching on video and seeing events unfold was pretty stunning.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 24, 2016, 05:21:22 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 24, 2016, 05:12:54 PM
70sNP, thanks for the explanation.  I have no stake at all in that one but watching on video and seeing events unfold was pretty stunning.

I agree that the way it unfolded on the video was stunning. That's why I re-viewed, hoping to see something that I missed in real time.  I hope to be at the Conn-Colby game tomorrow, and may get a better explanation.  Hopefully that ending will not decide which team makes or misses the playoffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 24, 2016, 06:22:13 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 24, 2016, 05:08:44 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 24, 2016, 04:40:09 PM
The 1972 theft of a gold medal by Russia over the USA in men's bball courtesy of the officials relived on the pitch at Trinity today.  With under a minute in 2nd OT ref gives Colby a second throw-in attempt after Trinity had cleared the first one and this time Colby scored to win it.  Great road win for the Mules.  Trinity already struggling mightily takes a loss they could not afford.

Amherst closes out Williams 4-2 after Williams came back from a 2-0 deficit to draw even at 2-2.  I'm sure commentators who were at the game will chime in later.

Bates enjoys an almost routine 2-0 win over Wesleyan.  The Cardinals may have a tough time bouncing back from this one.

And Hamilton is now 3-0 in the NESCAC after beating a Devlin-less Conn Coll squad.

Almost forgot.  Midd gets by Bowdoin 2-1 in OT on a PK.  Not convinced Midd is more than a round of 32 or at most Sweet 16 team especially considering the teams they would likely face at those stages.

NCAC, I went back to watch the end of the Colby-Trinity game. Before the first throw, the ref walked out of the screen to the right (towards midfield), perhaps to speak to one of the benches or to the official's table.  Whatever, it was clear that although the players were playing, time was out.  In fact, the assistant ref directly in front of the camera was looking across the field during the first throw and never even looked at the play. Then, the ref walked back into the action, and the re-throw ensued.  Obviously, Trinity feels hard done, but if the ball had gone in while time was out, Colby would have complained mightily about the goal not counting. 

With Conn's loss at Hamilton, tomorrow's Colby-Conn clash could decide which team remains in the playoff race.

Wesleyan looked horrible at Bates.  Something is wrong with the Cardinals. With their last two results, Bates looks like they are figuring things out.

I was impressed by Hamilton.  They had the better of the play while I watched.  This looks like the best team they've had in 7-8 years, when they were a contender in the Liberty League.

Williams looks like they will struggle with big athletic teams.

I agree with a lot of this.

Nice to see Hamilton start to make the jump, but let's see where they are after they go through the tough part of their schedule.

Conn-Colby game will be big. I'm not ready to give up on Conn, I think there is a decent team there; they were competitive vs. Middlebury and ought to have gotten a result off them.

I think Wesleyan struggled missing Cowie-Haskell for almost the whole game and Komar for another game. They are probably the team's most dangerous attacking players.
That being said, this team - and this program - seems lost. They lack identity. The program seems devoid of any overarching culture or identity. And on the field, there's no real tactical identity for teams to contend with, or for Wesleyan to hang it's hat on when the going gets tough. Don't remember the last time Wesleyan didn't make the tournament, but I wouldn't rule it out. They rarely troubled Bates, whofound plenty of space behind Wesleyan's defense.

*Was going to write something about Bowdoin and Middlebury tying, and then I realized that's not what happened. Weird*

Hot Take: I think Williams plays the best soccer in the conference. They are composed on the ball and endeavor to keep the ball on the ground. They have the ability to play precise, right combinations in the final 3rd and move fairly well off the ball. Plus, they have Rashid -- that helps. But, as Amherst has shown year after year, all the great soccer in the world can be crushed by ruthlessly executed anti-soccer. I don't know how Williams overcomes that. Even though I think Amherst is plenty beatable, they're King of the Hill until someone comes and knocks 'em off.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 24, 2016, 09:16:45 PM
Brandeis-Tufts about to go to 2OT. A relatively even, well-fought game in which both sides have created some decent chances without really opening things up. The Judges bossed the first half and had a shot cleared off the line in the first half, while the Jumbos came into the game in the second and only a great save from Woodhouse denied Rojas. Finely poised.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 24, 2016, 09:28:52 PM
Tufts takes it with less than a minute left in 2OT 1-0 through Zazzali. That's a tough one to take for Brandeis, who loses its second 2OT game of the year. Judges need to learn to close games out better - losing with less than a minute left in 2OT is really, really poor game management.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 24, 2016, 09:34:28 PM
Brandeis kid made a decision to go with a big slide and didn't come up with ball allowing Braun (thought Rojas at first as both big tall kids) to make a play to the end line and find a player for an open net.  Superb play by Braun in a big moment.  And will be tough for Brandeis who has their chances and from what I saw was mostly controlling the two OTs.

As a neutral a very exciting, intense game even on video.  Like a Sweet 16 game.  Would love to hear about the atmosphere in person.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on September 24, 2016, 09:38:25 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 24, 2016, 09:28:52 PM
Tufts takes it with less than a minute left in 2OT 1-0 through Zazzali. That's a tough one to take for Brandeis, who loses its second 2OT game of the year. Judges need to learn to close games out better - losing with less than a minute left in 2OT is really, really poor game management.

Good analysis, Bloots. Great game that either side could have won. Jumbos still without Majumbder. The win was good for the young teams confidence. Both teams showed big hearts in the game and the crowd was very into the game. Nice pass by the big guy, Braun...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 24, 2016, 09:47:38 PM
BTW, Ocel is a 1st Team All-American.  Unusual player with great versatility and a real feel for the game.  Slippery and yet physical at the same time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 24, 2016, 09:50:31 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on September 24, 2016, 09:34:28 PM
Brandeis kid made a decision to go with a big slide and didn't come up with ball allowing Braun (thought Rojas at first as both big tall kids) to make a play to the end line and find a player for an open net.  Superb play by Braun in a big moment.  And will be tough for Brandeis who has their chances and from what I saw was mostly controlling the two OTs.

As a neutral a very exciting, intense game even on video.  Like a Sweet 16 game.  Would love to hear about the atmosphere in person.

A good play, no doubt, but they should never have been allowed to get that far down the pitch in the first place. I think of the saying "if you can't win, at least make sure you don't lose," and getting caught on the break in the last minute of 2OT (without PKs coming up) is absolutely bone-headed. Brandeis misses the experience of Lanahan back there, as both 2OT losses this year have come as a result of silly defensive mistakes (a PK and then this tonight). I can't remember the last time that Brandeis lost at home in overtime - it was certainly before I was ever there.

Aside from the obvious reason of losing, it's somewhat frustrating to see Brandeis blowing these 2OT games because, you know, if you're getting shellacked and completely dominated, then that's symptomatic of its own set of problems. But when you are firmly "in" the game, and very much could have won, and lose because of dumb mistakes, that's almost more frustrating because there is the sense that it is preventable. (I must say that these guys are far more capable of handling these pressure situations than I would be, but that's why they're out there and I'm not. ;) ) Perhaps I've been spoiled because Brandeis has won so many one-goal/OT/2OT games in the time that I've been a student/alumnus, so I've just become accustomed to thinking "they'll find a way to get it done or at least manage to keep from losing," but this team is clearly still finding its feet.

Quote from: NCAC New England on September 24, 2016, 09:47:38 PM
BTW, Ocel is a 1st Team All-American.  Unusual player with great versatility and a real feel for the game.  Slippery and yet physical at the same time.

Also agree with this. His physicality was a major factor in Brandeis' 2014 win over Tufts, the Judges' first win over a NESCAC side in years. The central midfield of Ocel, Hernandez, and Miskin that has been around since the start of 2014 is by far Brandeis' most physical in the time I've watched them, and has allowed them to compete with physical teams much better than before.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 24, 2016, 09:54:26 PM
I certainly enjoyed the fiercely contested game online, but was a bit surprised at how long and lumpy both teams were playing.  Was that a function of the teams adopting a conservative approach and not "really opening things up" (as Blooter noted)?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2016, 10:30:31 PM

Williams / Amherst Heroes and Zeroes:

Heroes:

1. Amherst scrappiness and finishing----They were cool as cucumbers today in their finishing. Faster to 2nd balls and more physical then Williams all day. Williams was fouling to much(maybe because of tired legs) and not getting to loose balls as fast as Amherst was(especially Lehnhart. Amherst was quicker to loose balls and very precise with their finishing.

2. Jackson Lehnhart---2 goals. Not the prettiest but he will take them.

3. Williams attacking 5---I thought for 70 minutes Williams looked very good. The last 20 minutes they looked very leg heavy and gassed. Sullivan's scheduling has to be criticized for this. 7th game in 15 days and it really showed at the end of the game. Williams worked so hard for 70 minutes and just had nothing left. Williams showed some nice crisp passing and interchanging up top. They were dangerous on the counter as usual. Rashid, Moutenot, Bahr-DeStefano, Madding, and Sisco were causing problems for Amherst defense. Rashid and Sisco were burning Aoyama at right back for a good chunk of the game. Rashid had a great strike to tie the game 2-2.

4. Amherst Set Pieces----These were dangerous all day especially with a beast the size of Orozco. He was banging all day and causing havoc with his flicks.

5. The Game----I thought I would be witnessing a typical Amherst defensive slug fest. Instead there were plenty of goals, a ton of action and was happy with the way Williams was able to stick to their possession oriented game on the attack. Amherst was just to physical today.


Zeroes

1. Williams GK Christian Alcorn------Alcorn looked very shaky in net today and should have saved 2 of the 4 goals. His defense did not help him by fouling so much and not clearing balls that should have been cleared that led to Amherst goals. With a game tomorrow at Bates, I would not be surprised if Sullivan sits him tomorrow in favor of Schein or Schneiderman. It's just a hunch and even though he is a captain he did not play well today.

2. Amhest GK Lee Owen-----Thomas Bull he IS NOT. He looked shakier then Alcorn. The 1st Williams goal was completely his fault as he was to far off his line. He had butter fingers all day and teams MUST test this kid with shots. Had trouble in the sun and catching routine crosses. Amherst will not be going far in the NCAA's if Owen plays like he did today. YIKES.

3. Sullivan's scheduling------ They have gotten away with it up to now but it is starting to catch up with them. For 70 minutes Williams played well but the last 20 minutes they were heavy legged and gassed. This led to numerous defensive mistakes and lunging in and fouling instead of tackling. Credit Amherst for taking advantage. Tomorrow will be their 8th game in 16 days which is mind boggling especially in Nescac and now are travelling another 3 1/2 hours up to Bates for tomorrow's game. I am not expecting much against Bates tomorrow and have a bad feeling about a game they MUST win.

4. Amherst CB's-----While they are trees and very good in the air they are a step slow and better teams can and will take advantage if they are physical enough.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2016, 10:37:54 PM
The only other game I caught today was Midd v Bowdoin 1st half online.....I completely disagree with NCAC as the 1st half Midd looked very good. They were not whacking it and with O'Grady, Goulart and Dils in midfield they were knocking it around the carpet. Goulart's thru ball to Glaser was perfection and Glaser's finish was nasty for Midd's 1-0 lead at halftime. I did not see the 2nd Half or Bowdoin's goal but Midd will be a tough out for any team in the country especially with Sydor in net. Besides Williams and Tufts I expect Midd to cruise the rest of the way and if they stay injury free they will be tough to break down and beat. With their favorable schedule I expect them to win Nescac and host right thru the Sweet 16.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2016, 11:57:25 PM
Tomorrow's games:

Conn v Colby-----Conn wil bounce back well tomorrow and handle Colby rather easily. 2-0 Conn

Bates v Williams-----Can Bates ride the high of he Wesleyan win and have its best weekend in years. Can Williams run for a solid 90 minutes and focus mentally for this game? In years past Williams always had the depth on their bench to give significant minutes to for some fresh legs. I am not so sure they have the depth they used to have. If Bates can stay organized defensively and focused they could win the game. 1-0 Bates
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 25, 2016, 09:32:44 AM
Conn 2 - Colby 0
Bates 1 - Williams 1

The three Connecticut schools now sit at the bottom of the standings, but Conn gets well today against a Colby team that lost at Husson.  Williams is the superior side vs. Bates, but Bates is at home coming off a big win over Wesleyan while Williams comes into town tired and down.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 25, 2016, 11:32:36 AM
Clarification on Middlebury...

No disrespect intended.  In my mock national poll I believe I've had Midd in my top 6-8 range since the beginning of the season and I still do.  If the Panthers win the NESCAC and end up hosting two weekends they indeed will have a great shot.  And teams that haven't played them will find them an unusual and difficult team to play with the combo of Conrad and Glaser.  I would agree that their midfield play looks improved as well.  Also in their favor is that as a team moves forward the games can come down to one or two plays and Midd is the kind of team that can get that vital goal off a set piece or strike from Conrad or Glaser. 

These are my caveats.  Midd's out of conference schedule consists of Norwich, Keene St, Plymouth St, Castleton and Colby-Sawyer.  All of the other upper tier NESCACs have tougher schedules than that so I think Midd has a smaller margin of error.  I'm going to assume Amherst will have a bid locked up.  Let's say the NESCAC gets 3 bids overall.  I see Williams and Tufts as real threats, and Midd has both left to play and perhaps again in a NESCAC semifinal.  If NESCAC gets 4 bids then Midd should be fine, but if the out-of-conference factor again comes into play they could be in trouble if they are the team counting on a 4th bid.  In their favor, I don't see many teams in the region outside of UMass-Bos and Gordon challenging for bids (if they lose their conference tourneys), and then there is Brandeis.  The NEWMAC doesn't look like more than an AQ league at the moment nor does the LL although Vassar may have a shot beyond SLU.  And especially if Midd is not at home, I don't necessarily see them winning a round of 32 or Sweet 16 game with a Rowan, Oneonta, Amherst, SLU or maybe even a Brandeis, Tufts, Haverford, Plattsburgh.  We shall see.

I think Williams will find a way to win today.  They need this win.  I liked the emotion and intensity Rashid showed yesterday. 

Does anyone know if and when Majumder is coming back?  Of course a question will be if he can jump right in and perform at the level he is capable of?  Also curious about Corkery at Haverford, as Haverford's fate may intersect with the NESCAC down the road.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 25, 2016, 01:18:55 PM
Happy for Rashid that he's healthy and playing well overall. Ephs will have to remain focused in late stages of games. Can't stop playing cuz you think you've been fouled only to concede ball in final third for the insurance goal. Lots of physical effort by both teams yesterday. Williams looks nifty on the quick counter--more so than they do around the box. Amherst able to string passes together to get in dangerous areas for looks at goal and important set pieces. For the record: did not see the right back get schooled as has been stated. More than solid defender. Williams attackers like to dance on the ball but were forced back and laterally most of the time. However you see it, a great rivalry.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 25, 2016, 02:33:47 PM
Oh, come on, really? 

I'm gonna try not to comment on negative karma the rest of the season, but if people are going that route could you at least give a brief explanation when you dole it out, or at least cite the offending trigger?  That would allow recipients to further clarify, correct oversights, misunderstandings, etc, and to acknowledge when there simply are honest disagreements.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 25, 2016, 10:19:42 PM
I didn't give it to you but now Ill give u a -k for complaining about it. My own rule now for giving -/+ k is when I give it, which is not that frequent anymore I wil let u know and why. I got like 3 -k from some of these Amherst homers that didnt like my posts...Oh well...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 26, 2016, 09:31:45 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 25, 2016, 10:19:42 PM
I didn't give it to you but now Ill give u a -k for complaining about it. My own rule now for giving -/+ k is when I give it, which is not that frequent anymore I wil let u know and why. I got like 3 -k from some of these Amherst homers that didnt like my posts...Oh well...

Your sense of integrity coupled with that fine logic has me speechless.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 26, 2016, 10:16:00 AM
Saw Devlin in person yesterday, and would be shocked if there is a better player in the league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 26, 2016, 12:28:18 PM
Got to think Devlin could have made a difference in Hamilton.

That being said,

Hamilton 1-0 over Middlebury.  I still think Middlebury will make sweet 16, but Hamilton's home, they are hot, why not?  Upset special.

Tufts over Wes 2-0, think Tufts will start to get it going.........
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 26, 2016, 01:16:39 PM
OK. Full disclosure...
Metro: -1 for calling "he who must not be named" by name.  ;D
Rudy: +1 for recognizing celebratory sports traditions as normal
Mr. R: -1 for seeing them as "classless."

Meanwhile, I'll take my two negative karma points from this weekend with a grain of salt.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 26, 2016, 01:58:23 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 26, 2016, 10:16:00 AM
Saw Devlin in person yesterday, and would be shocked if there is a better player in the league.

Yep, it's not even close. In my opinion he is a first team all American. Heck, I think he should have been one last year, but he lacked the stats and Conn didn't do too well. He has added goals to his game this year. If Conn does well I wouldn't be surprised to see him get first team as every coach knows how good he is.

Conn's loss to Hamilton wasn't just due to Devlin's absence. They were also losing a few other key players to (I assume) injuries. Can't wait to see their game vs Williams this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 26, 2016, 04:43:47 PM
Quote from: EasyGoer27 on September 26, 2016, 12:28:18 PM
Got to think Devlin could have made a difference in Hamilton.

That being said,

Hamilton 1-0 over Middlebury.  I still think Middlebury will make sweet 16, but Hamilton's home, they are hot, why not?  Upset special.

Tufts over Wes 2-0, think Tufts will start to get it going.........

Is Hamilton for real this year? This seems like a good opportunity to find out. Long away day trip for Midd midweek, but it's a program that knows how grind out results in this kind of environment. Midd 2-1

Is it too early for the first absolute must-win game of this season? Wes comes off a horrible day up at Bates, now 0-2 in conference -- and their schedule only gets tougher in the back half. If they lose and go 0-3 in conference, I'm not sure if they can manage their way back from that. On the other hand, a win against a quality Tufts team could be an inflection point that knocks them back on track. Result of this game dependent on the injury status of Cowie-Haskell and Martinez-Paiz for Wes and Majumder for Tufts. But going to run with Tufts 2-1 as well
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 26, 2016, 04:49:00 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 26, 2016, 04:43:47 PM
Quote from: EasyGoer27 on September 26, 2016, 12:28:18 PM
Got to think Devlin could have made a difference in Hamilton.

That being said,

Hamilton 1-0 over Middlebury.  I still think Middlebury will make sweet 16, but Hamilton's home, they are hot, why not?  Upset special.

Tufts over Wes 2-0, think Tufts will start to get it going.........


Is Hamilton for real this year? This seems like a good opportunity to find out. Long away day trip for Midd midweek, but it's a program that knows how grind out results in this kind of environment. Midd 2-1

Is it too early for the first absolute must-win game of this season? Wes comes off a horrible day up at Bates, now 0-2 in conference -- and their schedule only gets tougher in the back half. If they lose and go 0-3 in conference, I'm not sure if they can manage their way back from that. On the other hand, a win against a quality Tufts team could be an inflection point that knocks them back on track. Result of this game dependent on the injury status of Cowie-Haskell and Martinez-Paiz for Wes and Majumder for Tufts. But going to run with Tufts 2-1 as well


1-0 Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2016, 04:54:04 PM
Hamilton 0-1 Middlebury - Midd gets a crucial road victory and Hamilton will somehow get denied a penalty/called offside/etc. in its quest for the equalizer.

Tufts 0-0 Wesleyan - Even taking into consideration their win on Saturday, a Tufts team with Majumder is a lot more dangerous than a Tufts team without Majumder. If they get him back, I'd say they're convincing winners, but until I hear otherwise on his status, I'll take the draw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 26, 2016, 06:48:48 PM
Hamilton 0-2 Middlebury       Hamilton meets reality in the form of a Panther.
Tufts 2-0 Wesleyan      Wesleyan fares no better at Tufts than they did at Bates.  The Cardinals have scored only 1 goal in their last three games, and Tufts has 3 consecutive shutouts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 27, 2016, 01:16:57 PM
Today's Predictions:

Hamilton v Midd-----This is the game where the rubber might hit the road for Hamilton. If they can win they have a legitimate argument to be a Top 25 team and would have a perfect 4-0-0 Nescac record. They have some advantages...1. Mid-Week Home game. 2. Midd might not take them seriously...I just really like the way Midd has been playing the past couple weeks and think they have better players, more athleticism, more depth, way more height and quite honestly more skill in midfield. Midd 4-1

Tufts v Wesleyan-----Not sure how Brandeis is still ranked Top 25 and Tufts is not RV...anyhow...If we think Wesleyan is going to rebound from a 2-0 defeat at Bates and beat Tufts we are kidding ourselves. Tufts is starting to come into its own and should handle Wesleyan today. I like Wesleyan's frosh on the flank but they just do not have the weapons to win this game mid-week on turf...3-0 Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 27, 2016, 03:43:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 27, 2016, 01:16:57 PM
Tufts v Wesleyan-----Not sure how Brandeis is still ranked Top 25 and Tufts is not RV...anyhow...If we think Wesleyan is going to rebound from a 2-0 defeat at Bates and beat Tufts we are kidding ourselves. Tufts is starting to come into its own and should handle Wesleyan today. I like Wesleyan's frosh on the flank but they just do not have the weapons to win this game mid-week on turf...3-0 Tufts

I am equally confused, but Brandeis needs to start winning games and fast. Ever since beating Haverford they have been in free-fall. If they fail to beat Wheaton tonight then - outside of winning the UAA, which they likely won't because Chicago is extremely strong - their NCAA hopes are pretty much toast.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on September 27, 2016, 03:50:22 PM
Hamilton 1
Middlebury 1

Winning is hard and winning on the road is even harder. Midd gets a result and stays unbeaten while Hamilton raises a few more eyebrows.

Tufts 2
Wesleyan 0

This game has Tufts written all over it and I am going with that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 27, 2016, 09:14:38 PM
Wesleyan over Tufts?! (I was the closest to predicting it, but still thought that the best Wes. would get was a draw.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 28, 2016, 09:42:54 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 27, 2016, 09:14:38 PM
Wesleyan over Tufts?! (I was the closest to predicting it, but still thought that the best Wes. would get was a draw.)

Tough loss for the young Jumbos..... and another game without Majumber....... This is what happens with a young team....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2016, 11:23:16 AM
I watched most of the Tufts v Wesleyan game and quite honestly put me to sleep. Tufts just does not have the legitimate weapons it did 2 years ago. They are a good team just not a great team. Wesleyan was whacking it much more than usual last night maybe because of Tufts pressure or the unfamiliarity with the turf..not sure...The goal was a nice goal off a set piece with a nice finish from Nick Jackson I believe. Greenwood had a chance to come and get it but in reality his defenders should have gotten to it first. I like CB Sullivan but I think CB Coleman is a step slow and can be beaten by quicker strikers. Wesleyan did just enough last night to get the Win and remind us all that they are not going anywhere.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 28, 2016, 01:38:11 PM
That was an especially good win for Wesleyan, since they continued to play without Cowie-Haskell and Martinez-Paiz.  Showed a lot of character, knowing their backs were against the wall and getting a result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2016, 01:46:07 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 28, 2016, 01:38:11 PM
That was an especially good win for Wesleyan, since they continued to play without Cowie-Haskell and Martinez-Paiz.  Showed a lot of character, knowing their backs were against the wall and getting a result.


It was a good win and shows how underrated Wheeler is as a coach. They have a very tough schedule remaining and have dug themselves a bit of a hole but it is a start. I was surprised how well they played on the turf considering they probably only practiced on turf for 1 day. That being said, it is not like they dominated Tufts and really did not have that many chances to score in the game. Neither did Tufts as the game was muddled in midfield and Wesleyan's backs were hoofing it more than usual. Taylor Chin who had a great Andover career is being used sparingly as a wingback. Personally, I think he would be more dangerous on the flank taking guys on. Charlie Livingstone was another highly regarded recruit who has disappointed so far in his Wesleyan career. Anyhow...let's see if they can keep it going.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 28, 2016, 06:11:20 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 28, 2016, 01:46:07 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 28, 2016, 01:38:11 PM
That was an especially good win for Wesleyan, since they continued to play without Cowie-Haskell and Martinez-Paiz.  Showed a lot of character, knowing their backs were against the wall and getting a result.


It was a good win and shows how underrated Wheeler is as a coach. They have a very tough schedule remaining and have dug themselves a bit of a hole but it is a start. I was surprised how well they played on the turf considering they probably only practiced on turf for 1 day. That being said, it is not like they dominated Tufts and really did not have that many chances to score in the game. Neither did Tufts as the game was muddled in midfield and Wesleyan's backs were hoofing it more than usual. Taylor Chin who had a great Andover career is being used sparingly as a wingback. Personally, I think he would be more dangerous on the flank taking guys on. Charlie Livingstone was another highly regarded recruit who has disappointed so far in his Wesleyan career. Anyhow...let's see if they can keep it going.

It was a good win for Wesleyan in so much as it was an absolute must-win (and they got it on the road against a better team), but I don't know this is kind of performance is sustainable for a team that wants to be competitive. I mean, if we were going to simulate this game 100 times (no ties), Tufts wins like 70-80% of the time, no? I mean, Wesleyan had no real chances outside of the goal and struggled to string more than a couple passes together. That said, they were increasingly disciplined defensively as the game wore on and Tufts found it difficult down a goal to break Wes down. Credit ought to go to Wheeler and his guys for digging deep and pulling the game out, but this team will still struggle without fixing some fundamental problems.

After the game settled down initially, I thought Tufts first 20 minutes or so we're great. They allowed the ball to move, spread the game out before trying to combine with their striker, and were aggressive going at goal. That really wore off though as the game dragged on, and Wesleyan closed off the center of the field, forcing Tufts to play down the flanks.  After the goal, Tufts couldn't really break Wes down and create big chances. It will be interesting when Majumder comes back if Tufts can be a more efficient scoring team.

Side note: Fan of Zach Halliday, a true #6 who provides an effective pivot is too rare these days
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 28, 2016, 07:45:45 PM
At MIT-Amherst. 0-0 just 15 in but MIT kid missed a free back header off a free kick. Owen did not cover himself in glory, was super shaky and didn't know whether to stay home or come for the set piece. Bean also got schooled by an MIT winger only for the kid to make a bad pass. Amherst still well in control but they do have some vulnerabilities, particularly Sood. Amherst is certainly physical but while it perhaps makes sense on grass they are hoofing a lot considering they're on turf.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 28, 2016, 08:02:30 PM
Have to give Amherst credit - they have put together a couple of solid, on-the-ground, slick passing moves. Martin and Ciambella are real talents. However, the hoofing is out in full force - particularly from the CBs. No need to boot it every time you get the ball, particularly if there is no pressure (maybe I'm just a purist.)

As I type this, each team had a great chance in the space of a minute. This game is more wide open than I'd have thought.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 28, 2016, 08:40:37 PM
MIT up 1-0, Stuntz free kick. 33:59 left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 28, 2016, 09:15:13 PM
Amherst rallies to go up 2-1 with 2 goals in the last 6 mins. First goal should've never stood, as there were about 4 players offside. Regardless, you can't deny that Amherst never quits.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 29, 2016, 12:00:54 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 28, 2016, 09:15:13 PM
Amherst rallies to go up 2-1 with 2 goals in the last 6 mins. First goal should've never stood, as there were about 4 players offside. Regardless, you can't deny that Amherst never quits.

This game, like other(s) last year (e.g., WPI), exemplifies why Amherst are defending national champs.  Every team has an off game, or runs into an exceptional game by a weaker opponent, but Amherst has consistently been able to grind out the positive results.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 29, 2016, 12:18:29 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 29, 2016, 12:00:54 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 28, 2016, 09:15:13 PM
Amherst rallies to go up 2-1 with 2 goals in the last 6 mins. First goal should've never stood, as there were about 4 players offside. Regardless, you can't deny that Amherst never quits.

This game, like other(s) last year (e.g., WPI), exemplifies why Amherst are defending national champs.  Every team has an off game, or runs into an exceptional game by a weaker opponent, but Amherst has consistently been able to grind out the positive results.

Agree with this 100%.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2016, 12:47:51 PM
Yes.........BUT there is a major difference and now I am not the only one to comment on it....Amherst GK Lee Owen is no Thomas Bull and frankly is one of the worst GK'ers in Nescac. Amherst will not be going very far with him in net. I noticed it in the Williams game and now he struggled in the MIT game according to reports. He is a major weakness for them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 29, 2016, 01:51:33 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 29, 2016, 12:47:51 PM
Yes.........BUT there is a major difference and now I am not the only one to comment on it....Amherst GK Lee Owen is no Thomas Bull and frankly is one of the worst GK'ers in Nescac. Amherst will not be going very far with him in net. I noticed it in the Williams game and now he struggled in the MIT game according to reports. He is a major weakness for them.

Haven't seen him and don't doubt you are Right.  I refer more to the mentality and will to win.  So far, Amherst has been able to overcome the loss of multiple AAs -- NPL and Bull -- and get a result in every game.  Maybe they won't be able to overcome GK shortcomings all season, but so far, so good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 29, 2016, 02:24:53 PM
After MIT scored, Amherst was rattled for the best part of 30 minutes, and MIT almost went 2-0 up on a few occasions. In all the times I have seen Amherst I've never seen them rattled the way they were last night, in fact despite the fact that Amherst started throwing men forward MIT was fully in control until the tying goal went in. Even so, I would say on the balance of play for the whole game that Amherst probably deserved to win, but had the equalizer not counted (as it shouldn't have) I think MIT would've perhaps held on. Regardless, I do agree with 1970s NESCAC Player in that Amherst does usually find a way, and they have to be commended for the fact that they battle until the end. They also had some very solid one-touch passing on display last night, moreso than I've seen from them - they indeed can possess the ball when they choose to. That said, there was a lot of long balls, perhaps way more than necessary, but you can't argue with their success in recent years even with the long-ball game.

I will agree with Mr.Right that Owen is not very solid in goal based on what I saw - certainly not to the level that Bull was. In fact, while the goal was a great, curling shot by Stuntz, it was from 25+ yards out on the right wing and perhaps should've been saved. Moreover, he got stuck in no-mans land off a restart and gave an MIT kid a free header (that missed), which is all the more surprising considering Amherst is a vastly bigger and more physical team than MIT, whose tallest outfield player is 6'2" compared to Amherst having guys like 6'6" Orozco and 6'3" Bean. Whether he develops into the next Thomas Bull or not, I don't know, because he still has time, but he was extremely indecisive commanding his area on multiple occasions and, based on what I saw, will certainly run into trouble the further into the tournament that Amherst gets.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 29, 2016, 04:34:22 PM
Looked like a couple of guys were in an offside position on the tying goal.
Must be that the goalscorer was not.
Anyone have any video?
Amherst was in the hunt hard at that point in the game, so not surprising one finally went in.
Gotta like the guts ball by Amherst, as a few have already highlighted.
MIT must have been gutted not to have been able to hold on.
Also, regarding height of field players last night: 8 of Amherst's are listed as 6' or over; 7 of MIT's.
Credit to MIT who played big last night.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 29, 2016, 06:57:56 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on September 29, 2016, 04:34:22 PM
Looked like a couple of guys were in an offside position on the tying goal.
Must be that the goalscorer was not.
Anyone have any video?
Amherst was in the hunt hard at that point in the game, so not surprising one finally went in.
Gotta like the guts ball by Amherst, as a few have already highlighted.
MIT must have been gutted not to have been able to hold on.
Also, regarding height of field players last night: 8 of Amherst's are listed as 6' or over; 7 of MIT's.
Credit to MIT who played big last night.

From my angle, as I was sitting near the Amherst goal, Orozco - the goalscorer - was offsides. I did feel that MIT got robbed at that moment, and based on what I saw I still don't think the goal should have stood. However, this afternoon I went back and found the video (http://"https://portal.stretchinternet.com/mit/portal.htm?eventId=301659&streamType=video"), which even after watching 3 or 4 times was inconclusive. Despite the goal being offsides from my view, I can understand why the linesman might have flubbed it, because it was a very tough call for the following reasons:

1. When the ball was half-cleared - prior to the ball being played by Aoyama - Orozco and the Amherst players were very much onside, as an MIT player was slow to get back up the field.

2. However, at the point where the ball is played, the aforementioned player is not in view of the camera, and before he goes out of view, he is seen running back up the field. Moreover, the camera is not at an angle that accurately represents depth perception. As such, at the moment the ball is played, there's no way to tell whether he is still playing them onside or not.

3. In the video, when the ball is played, Orozco - compared to the other players in the shot - appears to be offsides. At that moment, he was out near the right sideline, perhaps expecting a diagonal ball. When he scores the goal, however, he is at the top-right corner of the 6-yard-box.

4. As a result of Orozco's initial positioning - being out of the play and not appearing to be involved with the scoring chance - the linesman may well not have paid much attention to whether he - as opposed to the players in the center - was offsides or not. And though the linesman is supposed to be watching everyone for offsides, it is perhaps understandable that he didn't pay much attention to the guy out on the wing when the ball was being played into the center. That doesn't mean that I condone it, but it did not look like Orozco was going to be involved in the goalscoring chance.

5. Moreover, Orozco may well have obstructed the linesman, who was positioned on the near sideline.

6. The ball played into the 18 was a nice, well-weighted one-timer from Aoyama. However, it did bounce, and only after it bounced did Orozco head it in, meaning that MIT failed to clear it despite it bouncing off the turf. When it was first played, it appeared that an MIT defender would probably clear it away, as it was a high, hopeful ball, but none did. Again, I am not saying I am excusing the linesman, but I do understand why he might not have thought much of a ball that looked like it was going to be headed away.

7. As far as other players interfering with the goalkeeper, there were none. In fact, the only reason that the goalscoring chance happened was that MIT let the ball bounce, which Orozco then headed home. Whether the MIT defenders were unable to clear the ball away because they were too far up (and the Amherst players or offsides) or not, I don't know - they could well have been. However, what is known is they failed to clear the ball, and that's how the goal happened.

All told, Orozco was offsides from my angle. However, I can understand why the linesman wasn't able to make a call and - as is generally accepted - gave the benefit of the doubt to the attacker.

Amherst definitely deserved the win on the night, so I can ultimately have no complaints on that front. However, I can very much understand why MIT would feel aggrieved. Regardless, a good game, and a fun one to watch. Onto the weekend!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 29, 2016, 11:54:58 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 29, 2016, 06:57:56 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on September 29, 2016, 04:34:22 PM
Looked like a couple of guys were in an offside position on the tying goal.
Must be that the goalscorer was not.
Anyone have any video?
Amherst was in the hunt hard at that point in the game, so not surprising one finally went in.
Gotta like the guts ball by Amherst, as a few have already highlighted.
MIT must have been gutted not to have been able to hold on.
Also, regarding height of field players last night: 8 of Amherst's are listed as 6' or over; 7 of MIT's.
Credit to MIT who played big last night.

From my angle, as I was sitting near the Amherst goal, Orozco - the goalscorer - was offsides. I did feel that MIT got robbed at that moment, and based on what I saw I still don't think the goal should have stood. However, this afternoon I went back and found the video (http://"https://portal.stretchinternet.com/mit/portal.htm?eventId=301659&streamType=video"), which even after watching 3 or 4 times was inconclusive. Despite the goal being offsides from my view, I can understand why the linesman might have flubbed it, because it was a very tough call for the following reasons:


Took a pretty extensive look at the goal, and I'm fairly confident that the goalscorer was inside, but there's definitely uncertainty as to whether other Amherst players were in an offside position when the ball is kicked.

Here's a screenshot of the last frame in which the second to last defender for MIT is on the screen. Defender is way to the left (highlighted by the blue line) and the eventual scorer is the rightmost Amherst player in the box (highlighted by the red circle). Apologies if the photos are small, I think you can zoom or click on them.
(https://s12.postimg.org/g8qk1vt7h/image.jpg)

As the ball comes out, you can make out the shadow of the MIT player way to the left. The goalscorer is definitely onside at this point, and you could probably make a decent case that the other Amherst players in the box are also onside -- though it's obviously difficult to make out the exact alignment of the defender and the assistant referee relative to those players

(https://s17.postimg.org/95lecn6mn/image.jpg)

Here is the moment the ball is kicked. The defender is totally out of the shot now, but we can still use the positioning of the assistant referee as a gauge of offsides position. If we assume that the assistant referee is in the correct position -- in this case, in line with the second to last defender -- then his determination of whether a player is in an offsides position only requires use of simple heuristic; he does not really have to focus on the exact position of each player. Rather, any player to the AR's left (and even) is onside and any player to his right if off. From the looks of the photo, the goalscorer is I think unequivocally to the left of the AR, and thus, onside in the eyes of the AR. Again, the status of the other Amherst players in the penalty area is fairly ambiguous, but they seem at least even based on my own perception of the photo. You can use the football lines as a decent guide for position of the AR vs. the Amherst players

(https://s13.postimg.org/nkxpk44uv/image.jpg)


Once the ball is in the air and the MIT defender is back in the frame its pretty difficult to reconstrut e situation. The only remaining question is the question of whether that one Amherst player in the middle of the box was offside AND attempted to play the ball. Otherwise we've got to assume (if we believe the AR had proper positioning) that the goal is good.

(https://s11.postimg.org/eg782i45v/image.png)

(https://s11.postimg.org/83s2so13n/image.png)

(https://s11.postimg.org/fxsoe28wj/image.png)
(https://s11.postimg.org/rob796r2r/image.png)
(https://s11.postimg.org/o5z7csq6r/image.png)
(https://s11.postimg.org/tio1qxe37/image.png)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 30, 2016, 07:41:46 AM
Metro: Well done.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2016, 10:41:43 AM
Weekend Picks

Tufts 0-1 Amherst
Despite its 6-0-1 record, Amherst did display some defensive vulnerabilities on Wednesday night. Moreover, Tufts is on its home turf, and will probably try to quicken the pace of the game. That said, I don't know where Tufts' offense will come from, and think that Amherst will get a solitary goal.

Wesleyan 1-0 Hamilton - Buoyed by Tuesday's rather unexpected win at Tufts, Wesleyan keeps things rolling.

Colby 0-2 Middlebury - Colby keeps this one tight for a while, but Middlebury will get it done on the road.

Trinity 1-1 Bates - Can't pick between the two teams. Trinity blows hot and cold, Bates has done the same - they impressively beat Wesleyan at home, only to be listless against Williams the next day.

Conn. 1-2 Williams - Williams is really starting to find its stride, even after conceding 4 goals against Amherst last weekend. Conn. can muster some offense but I think Williams has too much.

Wesleyan 1-0 Trinity - A tight one to call, but home field advantage gives Wesleyan a slim edge.

Tufts 2-1 Hamilton - Hamilton has played well as of late, and Tufts has had some problems scoring, but I think the Jumbos find a way in this one.

Amherst 3-0 Bates - I had picked Bates to be my darkhorse, but they really haven't come out of the shadows yet this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2016, 12:51:48 PM
Metro that was EXCELLENT....I say the AR was out of position based on those pics...+1 Metro
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2016, 12:52:32 PM
Nescac picks I will do Sat morning...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 30, 2016, 01:34:50 PM
Wow 8 conference games......

Hamilton 2 Wesleyan 1, Hamilton keeps surprising out posses Wes
Middlebury 2 Colby 0  League leaders cruise after midweek escape
Bates 2 Trinity 1  Bates quick attackers give Trinity fits......
Conn 2 Williams 1  First home pick, Devlin back and Conn back on track
Tufts 1 Amherst 0  Upset special don't think Amherst going undefeated, Tufts shocks at home.

Sunday:
Wes 2 Trinity 1 season of misery continues for Trinity
Hamilton 2 Tufts 1 same as last year Hamilton matches well with Tufts.
Amherst 4 Bates 1  Amherst comes home pissed and pounds smallish Bates.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on September 30, 2016, 02:41:12 PM
Shooter's Predictions

Tufts 2-1 Amherst

Wesleyan 1-1 Hamilton

Colby 1-3 Middlebury

Trinity 0-0 Bates

Conn. 2-1 Williams

Wesleyan 1-0 Trinity

Tufts 0-1 Hamilton 

Amherst 2-0 Bates
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 30, 2016, 02:48:14 PM
Oct 1
Wesleyan 1 - Hamilton 0    Wesleyan has only managed 2 goals in their last 4 games, and Hamilton has been shut out in all 3 of their losses.  The Cardinals win at home.

Colby 1 - Middlebury 2    Colby has lost 3 of their last 4 surrendering 8 goals in the process. 

Trinity 2 - Bates 1    Trinity has not won at home, but they are a better October team.  They start their climb out of the cellar.

Conn 2 - Williams 1     Conn surprises the Ephs.

Tufts 0 - Amherst  2    The Jumbos have already been blanked 3 times this season by less formidable competition than Amherst.  The Lord Jeffs roll on.

Oct 2
Wesleyan 2 - Trinity 1    Cant pick Trinity two games in a row.

Tufts  2 - Hamilton 1

Amherst 3- Bates 0 



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2016, 11:27:44 PM
Saturday's Predictions:

Wesleyan v Hamilton-----I believe life on the road for this young Hamilton side might be a struggle in Nescac this season. The most impressive stat of the season so far is that in 4 Nescac games so far, Hamilton has 1GA.  Very Impressive.. While this game will be an even game, I like the way Gruner is starting to play for Wes and as long their backline stays in check they will win this game.  1-0 Wesleyan

Colby v Midd--------Midd playing like the best team in Nescac and the past few weeks have been playing some attractive futbol. They have WAY more talent than Colby. I do have a hunch that Colby will BUNKER in and frustrate Midd all day. I like Midd 2-0 but I think they out shoot Colby 30-5 and come away with nothing. One of those frustrating games......0-0 Draw

Trinity v Bates-------My sleeper team, Trinity, has been asleep all season except for their nice road win at Endicott last week only to follow it up with a dud against Colby. I think there will be some goals in this game and if Trinity's backline can limit mistakes they will win the game. Both teams have weak GK'ing so goals will be at a premium..Trintiy 3-2

Conn v Williams------Williams playing very well so far this season. They will have revenge on their minds as Conn ended their season last year. Sean Dory will be man marking Devlin I would imagine and while Dory is a good player, I think Devlin can handle him. I still think Conn's other pieces are not as strong as last year and Williams has more depth but Conn has the best home field advantage in the league with its rowdy crowd. Conn's GK is a bit suspect so I will go
2-2 Draw

Tufts v Amherst----In years past Amherst has ruled this matchup by being way more physical than Tufts. I think that changes this year as Tufts comes out of the gates pumped up to defeat the National Champions. I think the turf will help Tufts in this one and I have no idea who will score for them but I still say Amherst might have the worst GK in Nescac. Tufts will be able to test him and will get a couple by him. Amherst shows their tired legs tomorrow...2-0 Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 01, 2016, 08:01:23 AM
Today's weather can work to be an equalizer. Depending on conditions of fields, can create sloppy and unpredictable play. All about keeping it simple, shortening strides and getting behind the ball. Usually, the team quicker to adjust--even if it means changing styles--comes out on top. Tempting to stay in and watch online...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 01, 2016, 09:13:33 AM
What's the word on Majumber?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2016, 11:52:27 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 01, 2016, 09:13:33 AM
What's the word on Majumber?

No idea of his condition, but barring a miracle I think you are safe for today's game. ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2016, 12:20:42 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 01, 2016, 08:01:23 AM
Today's weather can work to be an equalizer. Depending on conditions of fields, can create sloppy and unpredictable play. All about keeping it simple, shortening strides and getting behind the ball. Usually, the team quicker to adjust--even if it means changing styles--comes out on top. Tempting to stay in and watch online...


That is correct. Today's games in New England will all have wet and rainy weather conditions. Defensive mistakes and GK'ing errors will no doubt have a ton to do in today's games
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2016, 02:25:41 PM
Trinity up 2-0 over Bates at half-time. Trinity is rolling along and are such a better team with Savonen om the lineup. Defenses have to focus on him and it gives his teammates a ton more freedom.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2016, 02:36:24 PM
Williams up 1-0 over Conn 10 minutes in. Horrific defending by Conn as multiple players were ball watchching. Singleton scores and had at least 5 seconds with the ball at his feet. Conn caught ball watching and ole'ing on defense.


I tell you what since Williams' goal, Conn has dominated. They have had at least 3 excellent chances to snag a goal back. Their finishing needs to be much better but they have Williams on their heels now. I have a feeling there will be more goals in this one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2016, 02:59:13 PM
Well, well, well...Tufts up 1-0 on Amherst, Becherano with the goal. Apparently was a rebound. He has six on the season and while I believe he got a brace against Plymouth State that is a very good return so far for someone who isn't seen as possessing the same talent as talisman Majumder (who bagged 9 goals last year, so at this pace Becherano might be in with a shout for hitting double figures.) Fair play to him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2016, 03:07:39 PM
I am having problems with the Tufts / Amherst live stream.

Meanwhile Conn tie up the game with Williams 1-1 on a Pat Devlin PK. Unintentional handball in the box but a tough call for the ref. Conn has deserved to get a goal as they are out possessing Williams and frankly look the better team so far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2016, 03:13:35 PM
2-0 Tufts. Wow. Amherst had the next three shots following 1-0 but Tufts hits a sucker punch. If Tufts can get into half at 2 up and can keep Amherst out the first 5 minutes of the second half they will have a great chance. That said, Amherst will not go quietly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2016, 03:20:30 PM
Looks like Majumder is back, making his first appearance of the year as a sub.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on October 01, 2016, 04:01:30 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 01, 2016, 03:13:35 PM
2-0 Tufts. Wow. Amherst had the next three shots following 1-0 but Tufts hits a sucker punch. If Tufts can get into half at 2 up and can keep Amherst out the first 5 minutes of the second half they will have a great chance. That said, Amherst will not go quietly.

You guys, Tufts is good. And if they can score regularly, they'll be very good. Analysis.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2016, 04:10:04 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on October 01, 2016, 04:01:30 PMYou guys, Tufts is good. And if they can score regularly, they'll be very good. Analysis.

Been a big "if" up to this point in the season, but perhaps with their star CF showing some semblance of health then perhaps that will come to fruition. They may well have turned a corner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2016, 04:11:09 PM
Conn goes up 2-1 on Williams with about 10 minutes left on a Lockwood rebound bullet. 2nd Half has not been as sharp as the 1st Half. Neither team has had to many chances but Conn finished what they got.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2016, 04:24:46 PM
Conn a massive 2-1 win over Williams as they have owned Williams the past 3 years. Pretty even game but like I said before the 2nd Half was not as good or entertaining as the 1st Half. This win propels Conn into the Top 6 of nescac and with a decent schedule left it is not unrealistic to think they could end up in the Top 4. Williams now has 10 days to think about the loss as they do not play again until a mid-week fixture at Skidmore then a HUGE back to back weekend tilt with Wesleyan and Bowdoin. Personally, they played a much better game at Amherst than they did today but now 3 Nescac losses and they still have Midd, Tufts, Bowdoin, Hamilton and Wes on the schedule....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2016, 04:32:59 PM
3-0! Majumder marks his return in style with a goal against Amherst. This is the first time in 5 seasons that Amherst has conceded more than twice in a game (2011 vs. Conn. College, 3-2 loss), and it also marks the first time in 7 years since Amherst has lost by three goals (also against Conn. College in a 4-1 loss in 2009). Just goes to show how consistent they've been defensively.

But full credit to the Jumbos. They accomplished the incredibly rare feat of outshooting Amherst, 18-12, and also bossed the SOG category 8-4. They've taken their lumps thus far this season, but this is an excellent example of their potential.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 01, 2016, 05:47:57 PM
Deserved win by Jumbos today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on October 01, 2016, 06:56:43 PM
Big win for Tufts!  Zinner back, Madjumber back and Greenwood looking like he's in total command.  The defense was jelling and Halliday and Weatherbie were controlling the distribution throughout.  Look for Tufts to make a run in the second half if they all stay healthy!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2016, 07:11:36 PM
After some surprise results today and a typical Nescac Saturday where anyone can beat anyone on any day in Nescac. I knew Tufts would come out pumped and now with Majumder back they could go on a run. That kind of result today sometimes gets a team going like no other. Those dropped games early against Gordon and Endicott might come back to haunt them in November but they still have an outside shot at a Pool C especially if they can string 4-5 wins together.

Sunday Predictions:

Amherst v Bates-----It will be very interesting how Amherst comes out tomorrow. Luckily they are playing Bates, who looked just awful today against Trinity. I did not see the 3-0 drubbing put on Amherst by Tufts but you have got to think Serpone will make some changes. They have a GK 6'5" Frosh sitting on the bench and it might be time to make the switch as this Lee Owen experiment is not working. Amherst the past 5 years would have come out tomorrow and RIP this Bates side 4-0, but this Amherst side seems a bit more fragile and lacking confidence because of the weak GK'ing. Bates has enough firepower up front to spring a upset but they looked horrific today at Trinity. Amherst bounces back tomorrow but questions are still lingering.....3-1 Amherst

Wesleyan v Trinity-----Loser of this game might miss the Nescac playoffs. This is a toss up game asboth sides have their weaknesses. I liked the way Savonen changes Trinity's dynamic but Trinity's GK'ing and defense is not good. 1-1 Draw

Tufts v Hamilton------Hamilton is racking up some BIG wins for the first time since they re-joined the league in 2011. It is hard to predict against them but Tufts just got a shot in the arm today....1-0 Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 02, 2016, 10:00:19 AM
Will be interesting to see how much time Majumber gets today.
Shapiro's player management, putting him in for the final 10 of each half, suggests a testing out of rehabbed injury.
So on his way back but not fully back yet. Potting the punctuation point yesterday should give player (and coach) confidence going forward.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 12:55:14 PM
Ok....Trinity and Wesleyan about to start...Does Trinity gain some confidence from yesterday's Bates win? Does Wesleyan put their slow conference start behind them and play as if it is a new season today?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 01:07:44 PM
Trinity comes out ROARING and have held possession for about 5 minutes. I do not think Wesleyan has touched the ball. Beautiful thru ball by Frosh Farr onto Milbury's feet and uses some nice quick footwork to slot the ball in the back of the net out of reach from Wes GK Katkavich.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 01:14:26 PM
After starting yesterday Savonen looked to be in decent shape and playing decent but Pilger did not start him today....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 01:18:53 PM
Trinity goes up 2-0 on a PK by Oliver Murphy. Wesleyan's Nick Jackson pulled Milbury's jersey to slow him down in the box and the ref caught it. Wesleyan really needs to PICK IT UP....Wesleyan still missing their two best strikers in Cowie-Haskell and Martinez-Paiz but their effort is not matching Trinity's as of yet
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 01:27:41 PM
Wesleyan starting to press Trinity's suspect backline and it is working. Trinity giving the ball away a ton and Wesleyan looks to be settling in
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 01:39:02 PM
Wesleyan has been all over Trinity since Trinity's 2 goals. The problem is they cannot finish their chances. Still 2-0 Trinity almost halftime
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 02:18:03 PM
Trinity still up 2-0 and both teams have come out fighting this half. Trinity looks much better to start the half then at the end of the 1st Half. Trinity really falls off when Gimand, Murphy, Milbury, etc come off the field but Wesleyan had some scoring chances that they just could not finish. As I am typing, Trinity on a 3 on 2 break with Gimand giving a great thru ball to Milbury who was alone in goal and blasts it 20 yards over the goal. This can be a common theme in D3 soccer as the finishing needs to better. The player must know that he has time to receive the ball, take a deep breath and slot the ball across the goal into the net. Sounds easier said than done but strikers really need to work on this stuff.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 02:32:32 PM
Wesleyan snags a goal back to make it 2-1 Trinity with about 15 minutes left. It was a goal off a throw in to Frosh Alec Haas who scored off the outside of his foot from an impossible angle. This Wesleyan Frosh Haas is a good player with a ton of skill and wheels.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2016, 02:49:44 PM
Dan Sullivan scored his 2,744th goal of the season (http://drive.google.com/open?id=0BypZHNl-L5WSdzczVjNFRWkzUnM)! I knew he was good at attacking set pieces, but didn't know he was that good!  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 02:59:45 PM
Trinity finishes off a 2-0-0 Nescac Weekend with 2 big wins and 6 very much needed points with a 2-1 win at Wesleyan. Meanwhile, Wesleyan moves to the basement of Nescac for the 1st time in YEARS. However, they are a young team as Wheeler played 3-4 Frosh significant minutes and I really liked the kid Haas and Wolf who have wheels. With all the injuries Wesleyan has its no surprise they are struggling a bit BUT once they get those players back into form(if they get them back) they will be a very formidable opponent. With Gruner, 2 injured strikers, 3-4 Frosh who look good and some decent role players they will be a tough team to beat. They might be running out of time on this season unless they can string some wins together but their schedule gets very tough.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 03:01:24 PM
Now let's see how Amherst responds today. I can already tell you that Serpone benched GK Lee Owen for a 6'5 Frosh Will Dunne. It should have happened a game or 2 ago.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 03:19:54 PM
Tufts v Hamilton all knotted up at 2-2 with about 15 minutes left in the game. After getting a shutout yesterday, Shapiro benches Greenwood for Johnson. Not sure if he is rotating goalies from game to game but it might not be allowing for either one of them to get any rhythm. Tufts looking like since I tuned in to be getting the most of possession but not really creating anything that dangerous. Hamilton has not had a SOG since I have tuned in. Looks like a tale of 2 Halves as this game does not look like it has already had 4 goals in it. Tufts really needs this win even more than Hamilton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 03:22:25 PM
Amherst get a Christopher Martin goal off a rebound to go up 1-0 on Bates. They will most likely cruise in this one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2016, 03:52:51 PM
Watching the Tufts game, just tuned in, and I've already heard two of my least favorite sounds: the Tufts parent doing the bird call cheer, and the color commentator who I am pretty sure was the color guy for MIT last year. Not sure if he is a grad student at Tufts or a transfer student or what, but I never really took to his commentary – very bland in my humble opinion.  Will be watching the rest of the game on mute.  :P
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2016, 03:55:22 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 02, 2016, 03:52:51 PM
Watching the Tufts game, just tuned in, and I've already heard two of my least favorite sounds: the Tufts parent doing the bird call cheer, and the color commentator who I am pretty sure was the color guy for MIT last year. Not sure if he is a grad student at Tufts or a transfer student or what, but I never really took to his commentary – very bland in my humble opinion.  Will be watching the rest of the game o

I agree and also the play by play guy is so monotone he has the capability of putting someone to sleep. Tufts dominating but have not had many really dangerous chances.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on October 02, 2016, 06:22:25 PM
I don't understand Shapiro's thinking on the keeper change.  Yes, I agree that Johnson will take over next year when Greenwood graduates and he could use some reps but the Jumbos still have a good season in front of us.  Hamilton is a different team this year and for it to be Johnson's first Nescac game seemed to be ill timed.  I have to believe that the result would have been different with Greenwood in there.  With all the top players back, Shapiro has to field his best side - and IMHO that means Greenwood in net.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2016, 07:36:41 PM
Quote from: NEPitch62 on October 02, 2016, 06:22:25 PM
I don't understand Shapiro's thinking on the keeper change.  Yes, I agree that Johnson will take over next year when Greenwood graduates and he could use some reps but the Jumbos still have a good season in front of us.  Hamilton is a different team this year and for it to be Johnson's first Nescac game seemed to be ill timed.  I have to believe that the result would have been different with Greenwood in there.  With all the top players back, Shapiro has to field his best side - and IMHO that means Greenwood in net.

I can see both sides of the coin.

I have watched Greenwood for four years and have often been critical of his inability to command his area, as I've seen a number of occasions where he's simply slapped the ball away when he very well should catch it, and his indecisiveness on set pieces has been evident at times. It could even be argued that Wesleyan's goal on Tuesday could've been prevented if he hadn't waited so long to come for the ball, as by the time he came off his line the shot was already past him, and perhaps would've been saved if he'd stayed home (I'll give him the benefit of the doubt - it was a great ball).

Regardless, while Greenwood is the superior 'keeper all-around, I can understand why Shapiro would have wanted to rotate Johnson in, as he will be taking over between the sticks next year, although I do agree that this probably wasn't the right NESCAC game for it - I might have done it during the Bates game, although hindsight is 20-20 as Tufts was winless at that point and the Bates result was far from guaranteed.

That said, I have also praised him when he has performed well. He is a very good keeper, easily top 5 in New England and I'd have him just behind Sydor and joint-second with Van Siclen in the NESCAC. What is impressive is that he has the intangibles - leadership and confidence - that many don't have. I did not see the goals today, but I did see that at least one was a rebound, and from what I have seen Greenwood is pretty good at not giving up rebounds. Tufts is at a critical juncture in its season, with tests against Middlebury, Bowdoin, and Williams still to come, and if it can go perhaps 2-0-1 in those three matches I think they'll be in great shape for a Pool C bid, particularly given the wins over Amherst and Brandeis. And for those three games, particularly, I think Greenwood should and will be in net.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan20 on October 02, 2016, 08:51:02 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 02, 2016, 07:36:41 PM
Quote from: NEPitch62 on October 02, 2016, 06:22:25 PM
I don't understand Shapiro's thinking on the keeper change.  Yes, I agree that Johnson will take over next year when Greenwood graduates and he could use some reps but the Jumbos still have a good season in front of us.  Hamilton is a different team this year and for it to be Johnson's first Nescac game seemed to be ill timed.  I have to believe that the result would have been different with Greenwood in there.  With all the top players back, Shapiro has to field his best side - and IMHO that means Greenwood in net.

I can see both sides of the coin.

I have watched Greenwood for four years and have often been critical of his inability to command his area, as I've seen a number of occasions where he's simply slapped the ball away when he very well should catch it, and his indecisiveness on set pieces has been evident at times. It could even be argued that Wesleyan's goal on Tuesday could've been prevented if he hadn't waited so long to come for the ball, as by the time he came off his line the shot was already past him, and perhaps would've been saved if he'd stayed home (I'll give him the benefit of the doubt - it was a great ball).

Regardless, while Greenwood is the superior 'keeper all-around, I can understand why Shapiro would have wanted to rotate Johnson in, as he will be taking over between the sticks next year, although I do agree that this probably wasn't the right NESCAC game for it - I might have done it during the Bates game, although hindsight is 20-20 as Tufts was winless at that point and the Bates result was far from guaranteed.

That said, I have also praised him when he has performed well. He is a very good keeper, easily top 5 in New England and I'd have him just behind Sydor and joint-second with Van Siclen in the NESCAC. What is impressive is that he has the intangibles - leadership and confidence - that many don't have. I did not see the goals today, but I did see that at least one was a rebound, and from what I have seen Greenwood is pretty good at not giving up rebounds. Tufts is at a critical juncture in its season, with tests against Middlebury, Bowdoin, and Williams still to come, and if it can go perhaps 2-0-1 in those three matches I think they'll be in great shape for a Pool C bid, particularly given the wins over Amherst and Brandeis. And for those three games, particularly, I think Greenwood should and will be in net.



Bloots-
Agree with all of your analysis on Greenwood. The kid has won a national championship so he's doing something right. After shutting out Amherst it doesn't make much sense to make a change for another big game against a stronger than usual Hamilton side.

Sydor is the best goalie in the NESCAC, maybe even the region and one of the top keepers nationally. Van Siclen and Greenwood A1 and A2 I believe.

Who would your top 5 keepers in the New England region be?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2016, 09:21:27 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan20 on October 02, 2016, 08:51:02 PM
Bloots-
Agree with all of your analysis on Greenwood. The kid has won a national championship so he's doing something right. After shutting out Amherst it doesn't make much sense to make a change for another big game against a stronger than usual Hamilton side.

Sydor is the best goalie in the NESCAC, maybe even the region and one of the top keepers nationally. Van Siclen and Greenwood A1 and A2 I believe.

Who would your top 5 keepers in the New England region be?

That is a very good question. Hmm.

1st: Sydor
2nd-5th (in no particular order): Weinstein, Van Siclen, Greenwood, Woodhouse

I think Sydor is indisputably number one in the region this year.  I don't think I can rank the remaining four goalkeepers in any particular order, but I agree with Van Siclen just edging Greenwood for 2nd in the NESCAC - they are about even, but I think Van Siclen is slightly better all-around. Weinstein of Endicott is also very good, a D1 transfer and I think he is a big reason that Endicott has done as well as they have after losing a ton up top. Finally, I would put Woodhouse of Brandeis in there, as while Brandeis has struggled defensively this year he has made some good stops, and made some huge saves last year en route to Brandeis winning the UAA. 

Honorable mentions: Spoonhour of Gordon and Alcorn of Williams
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 04, 2016, 10:30:51 AM
At 6-2-0 Conn College still has Pool C aspirations but they have a tough schedule remaining. They will have some regionally ranked wins but I suspect Hamilton might be regionally ranked in November so that would be a loss for them. They cannot afford any slip-ups in their next two winnable games at ECONN and at Bates. they need two wins and really need a result v Amherst, even a draw will work. Conn should win today but they need to try and score early and force ECONN to come out of their shell. The longer ECONN hangs around the more problems Conn College will have. I say 1-0 Conn


Midd should beat Plymouth State today 5-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 05, 2016, 09:51:40 AM
In Middlebury's 6-0 win against Plymouth State on Tuesday, they picked up a Team Red Card.  Does anyone know what it was for and if it will affect player/coaching strength for the next game against Tufts on Saturday?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 05, 2016, 10:22:00 AM
Quote from: maineman on October 05, 2016, 09:51:40 AM
In Middlebury's 6-0 win against Plymouth State on Tuesday, they picked up a Team Red Card.  Does anyone know what it was for and if it will affect player/coaching strength for the next game against Tufts on Saturday?

Where do you see that? The box score says zero red or yellow cards:

http://athletics.middlebury.edu/sports/msoc/2016-17/boxscores/20161004_q0kh.xml
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 05, 2016, 11:01:34 AM
Quote from: Bucket on October 05, 2016, 10:22:00 AM
Quote from: maineman on October 05, 2016, 09:51:40 AM
In Middlebury's 6-0 win against Plymouth State on Tuesday, they picked up a Team Red Card.  Does anyone know what it was for and if it will affect player/coaching strength for the next game against Tufts on Saturday?

Where do you see that? The box score says zero red or yellow cards:

http://athletics.middlebury.edu/sports/msoc/2016-17/boxscores/20161004_q0kh.xml

Wow, I could have sworn I saw it on the live stats yesterday.  Guess not!  That's good news!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on October 05, 2016, 02:34:16 PM
Anyone know if teams post video highlights anywhere? It would nice to at least be able to see the goals in games I don't catch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 05, 2016, 03:03:10 PM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on October 05, 2016, 02:34:16 PM
Anyone know if teams post video highlights anywhere? It would nice to at least be able to see the goals in games I don't catch.

Amherst and Bowdoin are pretty good about posting highlights - Amherst even has its own MSOC YouTube channel.

Amherst (http://"https://www.youtube.com/user/AmherstMensSoccer")
Bowdoin (http://"https://www.youtube.com/user/BowdoinSportsInfo")
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 05, 2016, 03:37:55 PM
I find it annoying and bit amusing that Amherst only posts:

1) goals from games that they win or draw (which to be fair, is a lot)

2) only goals they score

They have conveniently left out the Tufts highlights...I guess I understand the logic, but just because we don't see something doesn't mean we don't remember it...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 05, 2016, 04:24:11 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 05, 2016, 03:37:55 PM
I find it annoying and bit amusing that Amherst only posts:

1) goals from games that they win or draw (which to be fair, is a lot)

2) only goals they score

They have conveniently left out the Tufts highlights...I guess I understand the logic, but just because we don't see something doesn't mean we don't remember it...

I am with you, but Amherst is far from being the only one that does it. In fact, it seems that a lot of schools do that. Rochester (http://www.youtube.com/user/URMensSoccer) is notoriously bad about it, as far as only posting their goals and not the other team's goes, although to be fair to them they will sometimes post highlights from games they lose while excluding the goals the other team scored.

Babson's athletics channel rarely posts anything except for their goals, but they have a decent selection of games on another men's soccer YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh8Ct6w2861LVme0n9DWg8w) that are the full, uncut games from 2011-2013 or so. A good place to go if you've got time to kill.  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 05, 2016, 05:32:48 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 05, 2016, 03:37:55 PM
I find it annoying and bit amusing that Amherst only posts:

1) goals from games that they win or draw (which to be fair, is a lot)

2) only goals they score

They have conveniently left out the Tufts highlights...I guess I understand the logic, but just because we don't see something doesn't mean we don't remember it...

This really seems like a reach. I'm pretty sure Amherst is very much within the norm on this. A bet a list of teams that posts the goals of opponents is a very short one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on October 05, 2016, 09:21:22 PM
Thanks blooter. Good to see those, I wish more teams did this. It's a nice way to let people follow the season when they can't always watch games.

I watched through the highlights posted (unfortunately aren't many), and picked my favorite from each team.

Bowdoin: https://youtu.be/t7TTaR9hdCA (https://youtu.be/t7TTaR9hdCA)
The first goal in this video is a fantastic volley from around 23 yards out that loops over the keeper. My question is, did Bowdoin's #12 take his first touch with his weak foot and volley with his strong, or take his first touch with his strong foot and volley with his weak? Impressive regardless.

Amherst: https://youtu.be/al_Zb9e8ALY?t=38s (https://youtu.be/al_Zb9e8ALY?t=38s)
The last goal in this video is a fantastic first touch and strike to the upper left corner by Hlinomaz. I would have the same question as above if I wasn't pretty sure beforehand that he is right-footed. A absolute fantastic rip, especially for the weak foot.

https://youtu.be/9UoHRev1ZEE (https://youtu.be/9UoHRev1ZEE) almost missed that one, which may be a goal of the season contender. Just an absolute stunner of a volley, Hlinomaz can really strike a ball. Looking like a smart move by Serpone bringing him in.


Bowdoin seems to do the same as Amherst with not posting any highlights for other team. Annoying, but I see why it seems to be standard protocol.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2016, 11:45:40 PM
Saturday Predictions:

Middlebury v Tufts-----Biggest and most intriguing game in Nescac this weekend. Tufts has had some big results against good competition this year but unfortunately they have lost to weaker competition. Tufts will have some big wins come November against ranked teams and if they can snag a win against Midd this weekend you can rack up another ranked win. Even at 4-3-2 they still have Pool C possibilities with their wins. Midd has not lost at home since 2013. They played a listless game against Colby last weekend(which Mr.Right predicted 0-0) and maybe they have hit a funk. Tufts will be used to the turf and have had good results against Midd the past 5 years. If Midd has a weakness it is their backline being a tad slow. Tufts gets a huge win at Midd.  1-0 Tufts

Colby v Wesleyan----I have talked at length about Wesleyan's injury issues and some bad luck this year. This is a MUST win for either side with the loser being basically eliminated from the Nescac Playoffs. Wheeler usually get his guys pumped up when their backs are against the wall. Colby is the RPI of Nescac this year and are just BAD going forward this year. I say Wheeler pushes his wingbacks forward and gives them freedom to attack because it will be all or nothing. A draw does Wesleyan NO GOOD. Gruner should be the best player on the field and Wesleyan will finally finish in this game...Wesleyan 3-0

Bowdoin v Trinity----All of a sudden Trinity has won 3 games in a row and are 5-4-0 and 2-4-0 in Nescac. They have the toughest schedule left in the whole league with games against Bowdoin, Midd , Tufts and Amherst left. They have 6 pts and usually 10-11pts gets you into the Nescac play-offs. I believe they MUST win this game at Bowdoin and should have the confidence to do so. I do not know what to make of Bowdoin this year as they have beaten teams they should beat and lost to teams they should lose to. That being said Bowdoin has some good athleticism(not as good as the past few years) but still good and this game could get chipper. Murphy and Milbury stay red-hot for Trinity and snag 2 goals but Quade(who played very well against Wheaton) has an absolute stinker and Trinity's defense let's them down...Bowdoin 3-2

Bates v Conn-----Bates striker Knoth has really disappointed this year. He has been basically INVISIBLE all year. Bates cannot afford some of their better players to not play well. They had a massive disaster of a week-end losing to Trinity and Amherst last weekend and got outscored 6-0 in 2 games. OUCH...Conn has won 4 in a row and have Pool C aspirations at 7-2-0 and cannot afford a let down here..Devlin should dominate Bates midfield but I have a hunch Conn comes out obver-confident and doesn't show up this game. 1-1 Draw

Amherst v Hamilton----Serpone went back to Lee Owen in net on Wednesday against New England College which I think is a mistake. Who will start in this game? Hamilton is very scrappy but in the 2nd Half at Tufts they did not have 1 decent scoring opportunity and are still a year or 2 away from being FOR REAL IMO...They start to fade down the stretch run...Amherst 2-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 07, 2016, 09:53:26 AM
Streak week predictions:

Middlebury 1 - Tufts 1      Middlebury has not scored against Tufts since 2011 and has not beaten them since 2010.  One streak ends tomorrow and one continues.

Colby 0 - Wesleyan 1         Colby has not scored a goal against Wesleyan since 2009 and has not beaten them since 1978.

Bowdoin 2 - Trinity 1      The home team has not lost this match-up since 2009

Bates 0 - Conn 2               The home team has not lost this game since 2009.  That streak likely ends tomorrow, but the Camels can't get caught looking ahead to Tuesday's tilt with Amherst.

Amherst 3 - Hamilton 1     The first place Continentals have never beaten Amherst since joining the NESCAC.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 07, 2016, 11:26:17 AM
Middlebury 1 - Tufts 2     
Colby 0 - Wesleyan 1       
Bowdoin 2 - Trinity 1     
Bates 1 - Conn 1               
Amherst 2 - Hamilton 0     
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 07, 2016, 01:34:35 PM
NESCAC Picks

Middlebury 1-0 Tufts - Going to buck the trend here and pick Middlebury. As seems to be in their calling card, Tufts wins some big games but then they drop some clangers, so you never know which Tufts team is going to show up. Also, Middlebury is a much bigger team and I think they will use their size and Greenwood's weakness on set pieces to get their 1st W over Tufts in 6 years.   
Colby 0-2 Wesleyan - Wesleyan gets a result on the road.
Bowdoin 2-1 Trinity - Bowdoin does not have a lot of goals but they have just enough for this one.
Bates 1-2 Conn. College - Much like Bowdoin, Conn. is not what you think of as a free-scoring side. But they have Devlin; Bates does not have a player with the same influence.
Amherst 3-0 Hamilton - I hate to say it but I think this is the game where Hamilton gets humbled. Would love to be proven wrong.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 07, 2016, 02:20:30 PM
Tufts 1-0 over Midd.  I think Tufts controls the midfield, sneak one by a very tough defense.  Tufts might win the league.
Wes 2-0 over Colby.  Sort of comfortable 2-0, couple of breakaway or through ball goals
Bowdoin 1-0 Trinity.....I think Bow handles Sav
Conn 3-1 Bates Bates sneak one in in a game Conn dominates.  my Conn love affair continues.
Ham 2-1 over Amherst.....Trying to use my eyes, Hamilton just looks better.  Not sure I'd lay cash on this though......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 08, 2016, 01:07:28 PM
Tufts goes up 1-0 on a free kick that went over the head of a Midd CB and Sydor was blocked. Big goal 1-0 Tufts 1 minute in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 08, 2016, 01:12:43 PM
Jesus...Midd comes out asleep at the wheel as their defense failed to clear a ball in the box off a corner and Tufts slammed it home...2-0 Tufts 10 minutes in. Still a long way to go though
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 08, 2016, 01:53:34 PM
Halftime---2-0 Tufts....Closer game than the score suggests. Midd has had a couple chances to get on back but were stopped by Greenwood. #27 Goulart for Midd a very skilled player but he needs some help in midfield. The game is starting to get stretched and we will see if this is a game of 2 halves.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 08, 2016, 07:44:31 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on October 07, 2016, 09:53:26 AM
Streak week predictions:

Middlebury 1 - Tufts 1      Middlebury has not scored against Tufts since 2011 and has not beaten them since 2010.  One streak ends tomorrow and one continues.

Colby 0 - Wesleyan 1         Colby has not scored a goal against Wesleyan since 2009 and has not beaten them since 1978.

Bowdoin 2 - Trinity 1      The home team has not lost this match-up since 2009

Bates 0 - Conn 2               The home team has not lost this game since 2009.  That streak likely ends tomorrow, but the Camels can't get caught looking ahead to Tuesday's tilt with Amherst.

Amherst 3 - Hamilton 1     The first place Continentals have never beaten Amherst since joining the NESCAC.

Streak update:
Middlebury has still not scored against Tufts since 2011 and has not beaten them since 2010.

Colby ended their scoring drought against Wesleyan but has still not beaten them since 1978.

Hamilton has still never beaten Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 08, 2016, 07:55:15 PM
Trouble for Bowdoin as Stevie Van Siclien had to leave the Bowdoin v Trinity game before halftime with an injury. If it is his ACL he would be finished as he has already had past issues with that. I do not know what to make of Bowdoin as they had their chances in this game but could not finish. Trinity looked asleep 1st half but they were the better team 2nd Half. That is a big win for Trinity as that is now 4 wins in a row. Bowdoin has some weapons but they play to conservative for my liking. Dias-Costa was causing Trinity problems on the flank and Charlier and Niang are physical specimens and very good athletes but I am not sure how good of soccer players they are but there athleticism makes up for it. Stenquist was ineffictive in the midfield and was fouling to much. They must beat Colby tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2016, 09:07:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 08, 2016, 07:55:15 PM
If it is his ACL he would be finished as he has already had past issues with that.

Hope not! :-\
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on October 09, 2016, 11:14:58 PM
I thought I saw Van Siclen on the sidelines on crutches and wearing an ankle boot (like for a sprained ankle). I could not be 100% certain that it was he but it did look like him . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2016, 11:05:15 AM
All I can tell you is he went out of the game in the 1st Half off a relatively simple tackle right outside his box so you could be right.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2016, 12:24:26 PM
Tuesday Prediction-

Amherst at Conn---This game has been a heated battle since Murphy took over at Conn but the past few years this match-up has leaned Amherst way. Conn plays very well at home and will have a nice home field advantage. Obviously, Amherst has more depth which can matter in a game like this especially late in the game. However, everything is up in the air depending on who Amherst starts in net. I hate to keep beleaguering this point but that is how bad the situation is IMO from the games I have seen with Lee Owen in net. He grabbed a shutout against Hamilton this wknd but I did not catch the game and I am not sure if he was tested. Conn will test him. The issue is Amherst has enough in midfield really take Devlin out of the game who is having one hell of a season so far. Devlin has 7 Nescac conference goals which is very impressive. Conn's defense will have to bang all game and they have done pretty well all year in front of an average GK in Cameron. I would love to see Diang on the flank cause Amherst problems by beating Amherst wingbacks which he is capable of doing. This game will get UGLY and the ball will be in the air a ton...Tough to predict this one but a win in this game and Conn will certainly be in line for a Pool C at 9-2-0 and frankly also be in line to WIN the Nescac league. Huge game. I will go 1-1 DRAW
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 11, 2016, 01:09:43 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 10, 2016, 12:24:26 PM
Tuesday Prediction-

Amherst at Conn---This game has been a heated battle since Murphy took over at Conn but the past few years this match-up has leaned Amherst way. Conn plays very well at home and will have a nice home field advantage. Obviously, Amherst has more depth which can matter in a game like this especially late in the game. However, everything is up in the air depending on who Amherst starts in net. I hate to keep beleaguering this point but that is how bad the situation is IMO from the games I have seen with Lee Owen in net. He grabbed a shutout against Hamilton this wknd but I did not catch the game and I am not sure if he was tested. Conn will test him. The issue is Amherst has enough in midfield really take Devlin out of the game who is having one hell of a season so far. Devlin has 7 Nescac conference goals which is very impressive. Conn's defense will have to bang all game and they have done pretty well all year in front of an average GK in Cameron. I would love to see Diang on the flank cause Amherst problems by beating Amherst wingbacks which he is capable of doing. This game will get UGLY and the ball will be in the air a ton...Tough to predict this one but a win in this game and Conn will certainly be in line for a Pool C at 9-2-0 and frankly also be in line to WIN the Nescac league. Huge game. I will go 1-1 DRAW

I really think it will be a draw but to be different, 2-1 Lord Jeffs.  Still waiting to see how the respond the rest of the season to the spanking by Tufts.....

Gotta love the NESCAC conference. Tough battles all of the time....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2016, 01:12:16 PM
Forgot to mention in this Amherst v Conn matchup it is a sort of "welcoming home party" for Junior Weller Hlinomaz who played for Conn as a Frosh in 2013 and had a now common dustup with Coach Kenny Murphy. Personally, if I were Conn I would stick him hard the first time he gets the ball and remind him that he used to play at Conn. He looks stronger then he did a couple years ago but he is not a tough kid and can be taken right out of a game with one nice crunching tackle.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan20 on October 11, 2016, 01:23:45 PM
Just curious does anyone know when the NCAAS regional rankings start? Getting to that time of year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2016, 01:29:00 PM
I am guessing a week from tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 11, 2016, 01:38:49 PM
Was looking at stats from the NESCAC weekly release, and what jumped out at me was Tufts' GAA. In 10 games, they've conceded only four goals. Middlebury technically has a better GAA, but I would argue they have played a weaker schedule (i.e. Midd has played Norwich, Keene State, and Plymouth State (the only team Tufts has also played)). Tufts has shutout Brandeis, Hamilton, and Midd. I know Greenwood is a stud, but looks like the defense is coming together nicely. Has anyone been following the Tufts D closely and can comment?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2016, 02:01:40 PM
Never look at Overall stats just conference stats. So both have played 6 games in conference and only let up 4GA. That is very good. Midd however has only scored 5 goals in 5 games and that is just horrible and Tufts has 11 Goals in 6 games which is a clip of almost 2 a game and is about the best you can do in the league. The best stat is Conn's Pat Devlin has 7 Nescac Goals in 6 games besting 5 teams GF total. That is insane.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2016, 02:07:18 PM
As for Tufts CB's. I am a fan of Sullivan but I think Coleman can be a total question mark.  Coleman is good in the air but IMO is 1 1/2 steps to slow and also can give the ball away quite a bit in some games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 11, 2016, 02:37:50 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 11, 2016, 01:38:49 PM
Tufts has shutout Brandeis, Hamilton, and Midd. I know Greenwood is a stud, but looks like the defense is coming together nicely. Has anyone been following the Tufts D closely and can comment?

Amherst, too! ;)

They are quite good on attacking set pieces, but they can be a bit vulnerable defending them. I would agree with Mr.Right's analysis of Coleman, but I would also say that Sullivan can be a bit indecisive. You can read far back for my criticism of Greenwood on set pieces but he is a very good goalkeeper otherwise and a close second (with Van Siclen out injured) to Sydor in the NESCAC IMHO. Tufts' right back Matt Zinner is very good as well, he is fun to watch. Not sure who they are playing at left back but Patel was very good when I saw him play the last two years.

On this subject, I was initially a bit surprised to see that Tufts wasn't even in RV of the NSCAA poll this week, particularly considering they have wins over Amherst and Middlebury, both of whom are ranked. On second thought, while Tufts has some impressive wins in its CV this year, they are currently 5-3-2. The Jumbos have obviously played less games than Carthage, but the average winning percentage of the top 25 is .853 compared to Tufts' .600. It may just be anecdotal, but I feel that there are a lot of teams this year with an uncharacteristically low number of blemishes compared to other years (there are a number of unbeaten or one-loss teams in New England alone: Amherst, Middlebury, Springfield, Gordon, UMASS-Boston), and Tufts may be suffering in the NSCAA Regional polls as a result of its early-season blips.

Of course, the NCAA Regional Rankings are the ones that matter, and not the NSCAA top 25, but an interesting observation nonetheless. If Tufts is to go clean throughout the rest of the regular season, then I think they will surely be in that top 25 at the end of the year, but it is certainly interesting to note that they weren't ranked top 25 by the NSCAA at times during the 2014 regular season, and we all know how that year ended for Tufts. That may well have been representative of the NSCAA's (in my humble opinion) flawed logic, but that's a whole other story.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 11, 2016, 02:45:14 PM
I should add that it is very difficult to get a goal against Tufts from open play on the ground - they press very well and usually do enough to eliminate the threat before it gets inside the 18. If they do concede, it is usually from a high ball or a set piece in my observations.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 11, 2016, 02:47:00 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 11, 2016, 02:37:50 PM
On this subject, I was initially a bit surprised to see that Tufts wasn't even in RV of the NSCAA poll this week, particularly considering they have wins over Amherst and Middlebury, both of whom are ranked.

If the NSCAA follows their age-old Top 25 framework/template (regional #1's at 1 thru 8, regional #2's at 9 thru 16, etc...), a team needs to be #4 in their region (not higher or lower) to be "Receiving Votes" for the national Top 25.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 11, 2016, 04:27:45 PM
Wheaton up 1-0 on Wesleyan midway through the first half on a beautiful afternoon in Middletown.  Wesleyan has had the better of play, but Wheaton was able to poke one in. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 11, 2016, 04:38:43 PM
Conn down 2-0 to Amherst in the first half. First goal was a terrible mistake. A Conn defender passed the ball back and Ciambella reached it first and slotted it past the goalkeeper. The second goal started with a ball over the top that Ciambella chipped over the Conn keeper. This doesn't look good for the camels.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 11, 2016, 04:44:21 PM
And Wheaton goes up 2-0 with about 8' left in the first half on an acrobatic goal by Diniz of a bike-assist by Sesay.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 11, 2016, 07:38:42 PM
Watching the Amherst-Conn game right now (video).
I have to watch on mute.
Hoping to see this guy Devlin everyone is talking about.
Did he start today? Can't see any Conn midfielder taking control. Jersey numbers are not clear on my screen.
I'm a few minutes after Amherst goes up 1-0 on a miscue and pounce.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 11, 2016, 07:42:29 PM
Devlin is number 4 and has red hair (might be hard to tell). I have watched him against Amherst in the past and he is more than capable of running around their midfield. He struggled today because Amherst made the game destructive and completely marked him out of it. Any elite midfielder would struggle in that game.  Conn's lack of quality elsewhere was glaringly obvious today. I originally had them at finishing 7th. They have some tough games coming up so let's see if they can recover from this loss.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 11, 2016, 07:47:39 PM
Thanks, Swan. Can't see hair color or numbers. He's definitely been made invisible.
Just saw that cheeky chip by Ciambella for the brace.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 11, 2016, 08:04:28 PM
Really well taken restart at the top of the box by Conn. Up and over the wall and heading under the bar. So difficult to do at close range like that. Owen up to the task to tip it over for the corner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 11, 2016, 09:01:23 PM
Just saw in the stats that it was Devlin who scored Conn's consolation goal in the closing minutes. I watched the play a couple of times to understand the call but couldn't see what the ref saw in it. Biased lenses? (I'm sure I'll know the answer when I receive my negative karma point that I score each time I post...) At any rate: Well taken PK. Side netting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 11, 2016, 09:52:25 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 11, 2016, 09:01:23 PM
Just saw in the stats that it was Devlin who scored Conn's consolation goal in the closing minutes. I watched the play a couple of times to understand the call but couldn't see what the ref saw in it. Biased lenses? (I'm sure I'll know the answer when I receive my negative karma point that I score each time I post...) At any rate: Well taken PK. Side netting.

+K for recognizing your own (potential) bias. :)

FWIW, I thought it was a bit soft as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 11, 2016, 10:23:03 PM
If it helps I am a staunch Conn fan and had no idea what the penalty call was for either.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 12, 2016, 09:49:52 AM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on October 11, 2016, 07:42:29 PM
Devlin is number 4 and has red hair (might be hard to tell). I have watched him against Amherst in the past and he is more than capable of running around their midfield. He struggled today because Amherst made the game destructive and completely marked him out of it. Any elite midfielder would struggle in that game.  Conn's lack of quality elsewhere was glaringly obvious today. I originally had them at finishing 7th. They have some tough games coming up so let's see if they can recover from this loss.

I also thought he had a tough game. Usually Amherst isn't strong in the middle but they defended him well...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2016, 10:33:26 AM
With 6 teams with Nescac Doubleheaders this weekend we should have a much clearer picture of the Nescac Playoffs after Sunday

Nescac Predictions for Saturday:

Wesleyan at Williams----Williams just came off of a 11 day hiatus with a 1-1 draw at Skidmore. They looked somewhat flat in the game but Skidmore is a very solid side that by my estimations WILL win the Liberty League. Wesleyan is coming off a 2-1 loss v Wheaton who also is playing very well right now. Wesleyan will be coming into Williamstown a desperate side in the need of a result to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. It is becoming more apparent in each game I watch that Sullivan will only attack with 5. He does not allow his wingbacks to overlap and attack like Russo used to. That is his choice and totally understandable its just going to be hard to break down teams like Bowdoin and Wesleyan who are traditionally very COMPACT. If Wesleyan can take Rashid out of the game they will have a chance in this. Williams has played very well at home this year. 1-1 Draw

Bowdoin at Hamilton-----Another desperate side like Wesleyan is Bowdoin. They must get points this weekend. No idea about the injury status of Van Siclien but his back up did a decent job in the game I saw v Trinity stuffing Milbury 1v1 2nd Half. They have better athletes than Hamilton with Niang, Charlier, and Bubb up and down the spine, with Dias-Costa on the flank causing havoc and with Stenquist in midfield sticking guys I favor Bowdoin in this game. The one missing player this year for them has been Sam Ward as he has been invisible all year. He will need to start scoring some goals for this team to succeed the rest of the way. 1-0 Bowdoin

Tufts at Conn------Conn really missed a chance this week to grab a result against a ranked team in Amherst. I still do not quite know what to make of them this year. Some games they have looked just as good if not better than last year but other games you can see they are missing some key pieces from last year especially Leon. I also do not quite know what to make of Tufts. They have nothing that is really "special" like 2014 except Majumder but he has only been back for 3 games.  They work VERY HARD and have very solid pieces at every position. Becherano has 6 goals(4 in Nescac) which is impressive but he can be shut down and to be honest I never rated him before this season. At 5-3-2, Tufts controls its own destiny for a Pool C especially with some VERY solid wins on the resume already. If they finish 4-1-0 they will be 9-4-2 with 3 to 4 ranked wins which will be enough to get them a Pool C. Tufts 2-0

Midd at Trinity------Trinity is 4-0-1 in its last five games. Midd needs to get its Nescac play back on track as they have not won a Nescac game since winning at Hamilton in late September. Midd has 5 goals in 6 conference games which is dreadful. This could be a game where the floodgates open for Midd scoring wise as Trinity does not have much to mark Glaser and Conrad with. They ended Trinity's season 5-0 last year in the Nescac Quarters. Even without Savonen, Trinity has been playing very competitively the past month and can get a good home crowd as long as their football team is not playing at home. Murphy and Gimand must control midfield and pull the strings if Trinity is to have a shot. 3-1 Midd

Colby at Amherst------Colby plays very COMPACT against better teams and will throw 10 players behind the ball in this one. Colby still has a Nescac Playoff Pulse because they have Hamilton and Bates left after this game. They still need points though and they will try to grind out a draw. The problem is Colby will not have more than 3 SOG all game. That gives Amherst the ability to push numbers forward all game if they wanted to and put Colby under tremendous stress without fearing any consequences on the back end. I think they roll. Amherst 3-0

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 13, 2016, 10:55:36 AM
MR, always a pleasure to read your NESCAC predictions!  FYI, although you may be aware, once the NESCAC football season starts (approximately the 3rd weekend in September), until the end of the soccer season (late October), men's and women's soccer, field hockey, and football from one school all travel and play the same school as a group.  So, for example, while Middlebury is playing Trinity in men's soccer, their football teams will be playing each other on the field next door.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2016, 11:03:16 AM
Nah.....The Football schedule does not follow Soccer and Field Hockey.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 13, 2016, 11:07:38 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 13, 2016, 10:55:36 AM
MR, always a pleasure to read your NESCAC predictions!  FYI, although you may be aware, once the NESCAC football season starts (approximately the 3rd weekend in September), until the end of the soccer season (late October), men's and women's soccer, field hockey, and football from one school all travel and play the same school as a group.  So, for example, while Middlebury is playing Trinity in men's soccer, their football teams will be playing each other on the field next door.

With 6 teams with Nescac Doubleheaders this weekend we should have a much clearer picture of the Nescac Playoffs after Sunday

Nescac Predictions for Saturday:

Wesleyan at Williams---- 2-1 Williams

Bowdoin at Hamilton-----1-0 Bowdoin

Tufts at Conn------Game of the week.  I think your analysis is spot on.  Tufts doesn't have the likes of Kayne this year to defend Devlin.  Kayne played Devlin very well during his career and frustrated him defensively.  I think Majumbder steps up this game though and Tufts wins 2-1.

Midd at Trinity------2-2 draw

Colby at Amherst------Amherst 2-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 13, 2016, 11:11:49 AM
Williams 2 - Wesleyan 0      Wesleyan lost at home to Wheaton (6th place NEWMAC) and is 1-3 in October.  Williams is undefeated at home.  I don't think Wesleyan has won a regular season game in Williamstown since 1992.

Hamilton 2 - Bowdoin 1    Hamilton just survived the toughest stretch of their schedule 1-2-1 (Conn, Middlebury, Tufts, Amherst) and remain in 2nd place.

Conn 1 - Tufts 2         Tufts is coming on (5-1-1 in their last 7) and gives the Camels another home loss.

Trinity 0 - Middlebury 2      Trinity is still an enigma.  They string together 4 wins in a row and then tie a weak Western Connecticut team at home. 

Amherst 4 - Colby 0              Since losing to Tufts, Amherst is 4-0 outscoring their opponents 12-1.  Colby has lost 2 of their last 3.  Amherst rolls.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 13, 2016, 11:53:36 AM
Williams 1-0 Wesleyan
Hamilton 2-1 Bowdoin
Conn 1-1 Tufts
Trinity 1-2 Middlebury
Amherst 3-0 Colby
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 13, 2016, 01:48:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 13, 2016, 11:03:16 AM
Nah.....The Football schedule does not follow Soccer and Field Hockey.

I stand corrected.  Football does not exactly track field hockey and soccer (and indeed, it cannot, as the conference has only 10 football teams).  What I should have said is that while the soccer and field hockey regular seasons are underway, when a school's teams in those sports are at home, then I believe that school's football team is also at home.  So when Trinity's soccer team plays at home this weekend against Middlebury, the football team will also be playing at home against Tufts.  [I believe that the reverse is also true:  when field hockey and soccer travel during their regular seasons, that school's football team also travels.]  And for some weekends, it is true (as stated in my OP) that two schools will play each other in all four sports.  In any event, the fact that there are typically multiple NESCAC events taking place simultaneously at a host school means that supporters of that school's sports teams may have to make choices about which game to watch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 13, 2016, 04:26:28 PM
I agree with those saying the Tufts - Conn game is the one to watch. It is also Conn's alumni weekend so the atmosphere will be electric. Don't count the Camels out yet. Tufts is definitely a more preferable team to play against compared to Amherst as they actually play soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2016, 05:24:27 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 13, 2016, 11:07:38 AM

Tufts at Conn------Game of the week.  I think your analysis is spot on.  Tufts doesn't have the likes of Kayne this year to defend Devlin.  Kayne played Devlin very well during his career and frustrated him defensively.  I think Majumbder steps up this game though and Tufts wins 2-1.


It's very, very tough to let go.  As a parent myself I know and I'm sure I'm the most blatant example on this site.

Kayne was a phenomenal player.  Definitely an All-American level player.  Seems like he is an outstanding young man as well.

That said, I wonder if you think Kayne's superior supporting cast, in addition to other more personal factors, might have influenced what transpired on the field and your perceptions of their head-to-head play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 13, 2016, 05:42:45 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 13, 2016, 05:24:27 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 13, 2016, 11:07:38 AM

Tufts at Conn------Game of the week.  I think your analysis is spot on.  Tufts doesn't have the likes of Kayne this year to defend Devlin.  Kayne played Devlin very well during his career and frustrated him defensively.  I think Majumbder steps up this game though and Tufts wins 2-1.


It's very, very tough to let go.  As a parent myself I know and I'm sure I'm the most blatant example on this site.

Kayne was a phenomenal player.  Definitely an All-American level player.  Seems like he is an outstanding young man as well.

That said, I wonder if you think Kayne's superior supporting cast, in addition to other more personal factors, might have influenced what transpired on the field and your perceptions of their head-to-head play.

That's a fair post and yes he had a great supporting cast as well.  However, he did start all 4 years with that superior cast you speak of, which is, in itself, quite impressive.   He also scored Tufts most important and historical goal, against Messiah.  Notwithstanding, I am basing my comment on the games that I watched in person or on the computer.  Others who have watched the match up, or have seen them play (separately or against each other), can chime in so as to address any bias you speak of... Just making observations on personal viewing. As I have said many times, they are both fantastic players with different styles, and I would love to have both on my team if I was a coach.  First, both were (or are) the hearts of their respective teams. Devlin is very scrappy and in your face. He is more of a battler. Relentless.  Kayne, IMHO, had the best vision, was best on the ball-better soccer skills, and probably the best passer in the NESCAC in the past several years.  Both are or were great defensively.  Others, such as Blooter, Nutmeg, and Mr. Right, who may have seen them in person (against each other or separately) can also comment.  I think this is a fair take on the situation you speak of..... I realize in the past that you have been down on the NESCAC and that have recently come around.  I just try to make factual statements.  Thanks. Flounder
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 13, 2016, 05:56:25 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 13, 2016, 05:42:45 PM
That's a fair post and yes he had a great supporting cast as well.  However, he did start all 4 years with that superior cast you speak of, which is, in itself, quite impressive.   He also scored Tufts most important and historical goal, against Messiah.  Notwithstanding, I am basing my comment on the games that I watched in person or on the computer.  Others who have watched the match up, or have seen them play (separately or against each other), can chime in so as to address any bias you speak of... Just making observations on personal viewing. As I have said many times, they are both fantastic players with different styles, and I would love to have both on my team if I was a coach.  First, both were (or are) the hearts of their respective teams. Devlin is very scrappy and in your face. He is more of a battler. Relentless.  Kayne, IMHO, had the best vision, was best on the ball-better soccer skills, and probably the best passer in the NESCAC in the past several years.  Both are or were great defensively.  Others, such as Blooter, Nutmeg, and Mr. Right, who may have seen them in person (against each other or separately) can also comment.  I think this is a fair take on the situation you speak of..... I realize in the past that you have been down on the NESCAC and that have recently come around.  I just try to make factual statements.  Thanks. Flounder

They played the same position but were very different players, much akin to Scholes (Kayne) and Gerrard (Devlin). One was an excellent passer and attacking midfielder who could defend as well, and the other a box-to-box leader whose bravado and energy are unparalleled. I only saw the two of them play once and I personally thought Devlin got the better of Kayne that time but I will reiterate that that was just one occasion so I will refrain from making a judgement of who was better head-to-head.

If I was a coach and I was going for versatility within an XI and a player who would get stuck in and lift a team I would personally pick Devlin, but if I needed someone to control the tempo and run the game for me I'd go with Kayne. All comes down to what you value more and what the needs of the team are: Kayne did very well in a very good team who needed a maestro to make them tick, and he was often the best player on the field for his Tufts side, while Devlin has grabbed Conn. by the scruff of the neck at times and gotten them to victory through sheer willpower and drive. Regardless, both excellent players, and fun to watch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2016, 06:02:08 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 13, 2016, 05:42:45 PM

That's a fair post and yes he had a great supporting cast as well.  However, he did start all 4 years with that superior cast you speak of, which is, in itself, quite impressive.   He also scored Tufts most important and historical goal, against Messiah.  Notwithstanding, I am basing my comment on the games that I watched in person or on the computer.  Others who have watched the match up, or have seen them play (separately or against each other), can chime in so as to address any bias you speak of... Just making observations on personal viewing. As I have said many times, they are both fantastic players with different styles, and I would love to have both on my team if I was a coach.  First, both were (or are) the hearts of their respective teams. Devlin is very scrappy and in your face. He is more of a battler. Relentless.  Kayne, IMHO, had the best vision, was best on the ball-better soccer skills, and probably the best passer in the NESCAC in the past several years.  Both are or were great defensively.  Others, such as Blooter, Nutmeg, and Mr. Right, who may have seen them in person (against each other or separately) can also comment.  I think this is a fair take on the situation you speak of..... I realize in the past that you have been down on the NESCAC and that have recently come around.  I just try to make factual statements.  Thanks. Flounder

I don't have an opinion as I didn't see them go had to head and only have seen Devlin just a little bit on video.  Kayne played with a better team was all I was saying.  I ended up seeing Kayne in person (ironically in a loss to Brandeis) and I will say without hesitation that he may have been one of the top 2-3 midfielders in the country at least his last 2 years. 

And yes, Kayne scored a historical goal and nothing will ever change that.  More importantly, he won a national title.  And you and I will forever share something that could be a trivia question.  Your son, and my son, both scored goals against Messiah during the 2nd weekend of NCAA tournaments.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 13, 2016, 07:06:37 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on October 13, 2016, 04:26:28 PM
Tufts is definitely a more preferable team to play against compared to Amherst as they actually play soccer.

I'm not convinced that this is what was intended here (Swan, feel free to explicate), but the way I read this comment: Amherst makes it difficult for teams to play well.
Isn't that the objective? Impose yourself upon the competition to the point where you cancel out their effectiveness while scoring more goals than they do.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 13, 2016, 07:14:59 PM
I'm not trying to bash Amherst. They know how to win and have a national championship to show for it. I'm just saying that this game will be a pleasant watch for spectators since the ball will spend a lot less time in the air.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 13, 2016, 11:13:05 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 13, 2016, 05:56:25 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 13, 2016, 05:42:45 PM
That's a fair post and yes he had a great supporting cast as well.  However, he did start all 4 years with that superior cast you speak of, which is, in itself, quite impressive.   He also scored Tufts most important and historical goal, against Messiah.  Notwithstanding, I am basing my comment on the games that I watched in person or on the computer.  Others who have watched the match up, or have seen them play (separately or against each other), can chime in so as to address any bias you speak of... Just making observations on personal viewing. As I have said many times, they are both fantastic players with different styles, and I would love to have both on my team if I was a coach.  First, both were (or are) the hearts of their respective teams. Devlin is very scrappy and in your face. He is more of a battler. Relentless.  Kayne, IMHO, had the best vision, was best on the ball-better soccer skills, and probably the best passer in the NESCAC in the past several years.  Both are or were great defensively.  Others, such as Blooter, Nutmeg, and Mr. Right, who may have seen them in person (against each other or separately) can also comment.  I think this is a fair take on the situation you speak of..... I realize in the past that you have been down on the NESCAC and that have recently come around.  I just try to make factual statements.  Thanks. Flounder

They played the same position but were very different players, much akin to Scholes (Kayne) and Gerrard (Devlin). One was an excellent passer and attacking midfielder who could defend as well, and the other a box-to-box leader whose bravado and energy are unparalleled. I only saw the two of them play once and I personally thought Devlin got the better of Kayne that time but I will reiterate that that was just one occasion so I will refrain from making a judgement of who was better head-to-head.

If I was a coach and I was going for versatility within an XI and a player who would get stuck in and lift a team I would personally pick Devlin, but if I needed someone to control the tempo and run the game for me I'd go with Kayne. All comes down to what you value more and what the needs of the team are: Kayne did very well in a very good team who needed a maestro to make them tick, and he was often the best player on the field for his Tufts side, while Devlin has grabbed Conn. by the scruff of the neck at times and gotten them to victory through sheer willpower and drive. Regardless, both excellent players, and fun to watch.

I've haven't been on the boards much lately given work constraints, but both Bloots and Flounder have accurate analysis... would love to see the game but will be out of town.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 14, 2016, 11:02:57 AM
Having seen both play multiple times I think these are pretty accurate analyses. I'd say that each gave to their respective teams what the teams needed most - Kayne gave Tufts the silky smooth passing and vision needed to play Tufts' on the ground and link-up attacking style. Devlin gave Conn the presence on both sides of the ball in the midfield the team needed to stay in games. Not saying that Kayne lacks grit or Devlin skill, but just saying that their roles on their respective teams were the glue that held each together. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 15, 2016, 05:58:09 PM
I see Tufts with a big shutout win on the road against Conn.  Any reports?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 15, 2016, 06:08:45 PM
Sunday's Predictions:

Williams v Bowdoin-------Williams defeated Wesleyan today in another poorly played game. Williams looked flat for most of the game and were lucky to pull out the Win in OT. Wesleyan had some great chances to win the game but absolutely cannot FINISH.  Williams is doing enough to win these games but it is not pretty. Christian Alcorn in net played very well today an made some nice saves to keep Wesleyan at bay. Their midfield is getting out played and they are giving the ball away way to much. Bowdoin got a HUGE win in OT at Hamilton today and look like a pretty formidable outfit the past few games. They have the athletes and skill to beat Williams and this will be a very even game. The question mark for Bowdoin is their backup GK. If Williams plays like it did today they will lose. Bowdoin 2-1

Middlebury v Wesleyan-----Wesleyan is very young as Wheeler started 3 Frosh and gave significant minutes to another 2-3 today. Wheeler has a very good Freshman class(I would say their Frosh are better than Williams' Frosh, which is alarming) as they have good speed and skill but they are young and inexperienced. They will be a pretty good side the next couple of years. Unfortunately, minus a miracle Wesleyan will not be participating in the Nescac tournament this year. They are solid at CB as Wheeler has moved Gruner back there with Nick Jackson and they possess the ball quite well and had some good counters today they just cannot finish. Middlebury is stuck in neutral after another draw at Trinity today. Another game and another Nescac game for Middlebury without a goal. This is starting to become worrisome as they are 0-1-2 in their last 3 Nescac games and have been shutout in ALL OF THEM. That's 5 goals in 7 Nescac games which is ABYSMAL. The good news is they have a dejected Wesleyan side coming into town. Wesleyan looked tired at the end of the game today and lack the size to deal with Middlebury on set pieces. You would think Middlebury will get out of its scoring slump tomorrow. If they do not get a Win v Wesleyan tomorrow their Pool C chances could start to flush down the toilet. They really need to get back on track as their only significant result is a 1-1 draw v Amherst. Middlebury 2-0

Tufts v Trinity----I did not catch the Tufts v Conn game today but Tufts somehow gets another Win with only 2 SOG according to the stats. The point is they ARE GETTING IT DONE for now. At 6-3-2 they have definite Pool C aspirations with some excellent road wins over Conn and Middlebury and a Home thrashing of Amherst. My guess is they will be regionally ranked this week at #4 and if they finish 3-1-0 and get 1 win in the Nescac tournament they will get an At-Large berth. Nescac is looking more and more likely to be only a 3 bid league this year and Tufts will be 1 of those teams as long as they do not collapse. Trinity has been playing some very competitive futbol the past few weeks and have gone 4-0-2 in their last 6 games. They have really dug their heels in and have come back from a 0-4-0 start and now instead of not playing in the Nescac tournamnet they are playing for the best seed they can get. I am going to go with the upset and say Trinity gets it done tomorrow...2-1 Trinity
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 15, 2016, 07:21:04 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 15, 2016, 06:08:45 PM
Sunday's Predictions:



Middlebury v Wesleyan-----Wesleyan is very young as Wheeler started 3 Frosh and gave significant minutes to another 2-3 today. Wheeler has a very good Freshman class(I would say their Frosh are better than Williams' Frosh, which is alarming) as they have good speed and skill but they are young and inexperienced. They will be a pretty good side the next couple of years. Unfortunately, minus a miracle Wesleyan will not be participating in the Nescac tournament this year. They are solid at CB as Wheeler has moved Gruner back there with Nick Jackson and they possess the ball quite well and had some good counters today they just cannot finish. Middlebury is stuck in neutral after another draw at Trinity today. Another game and another Nescac game for Middlebury without a goal. This is starting to become worrisome as they are 0-1-2 in their last 3 Nescac games and have been shutout in ALL OF THEM. That's 5 goals in 7 Nescac games which is ABYSMAL. The good news is they have a dejected Wesleyan side coming into town. Wesleyan looked tired at the end of the game today and lack the size to deal with Middlebury on set pieces. You would think Middlebury will get out of its scoring slump tomorrow. If they do not get a Win v Wesleyan tomorrow their Pool C chances could start to flush down the toilet. They really need to get back on track as their only significant result is a 1-1 draw v Amherst. Middlebury 2-0


No Glaser certainly didn't help Middlebury's offensive woes in conference play today, though the Panthers did have several good scoring opportunities; they just couldn't find the back of the net. 

Panther partisans are hoping the boys bust out of the scoring slump tomorrow, as you suspect they might. (And I hope you're right.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 15, 2016, 08:21:00 PM
What was the reason Glaser did not play? Injured or Suspension?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 16, 2016, 12:34:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 15, 2016, 08:21:00 PM
What was the reason Glaser did not play? Injured or Suspension?

He's injured.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 16, 2016, 02:55:59 PM
Big win for the Jumbos yesterday.  I agree with Mr. Right that today will be a tough one. 1-1 draw...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2016, 08:21:59 PM
Very rough day for Wesleyan and Trinity today. They were both completely outclassed today by Middlebury and Tufts respectfully. Neither Trinity nor Wesleyan had  any dangerous chances all game.

As usual we find Colby and Bates missing the Nescac tournament again this year with Wesleyan hanging on by a thread. They will all be able to play spoiler but their seasons will be over in a week and a half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on October 16, 2016, 08:33:49 PM
Tufts certainly on a roll.  Defense and goalkeeping dominate all weekend while the offense has taken advantage of their chances.  Trinity, sorry Mr. Right, played admirably today but ran into a buzz saw.  Becherano has taken Majumder's place as the go-to striker and Greenwood is not only the best keeper in the Cac, but one of the best in the nation.  Look for Tufts to make another run.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2016, 08:51:00 PM
Quote from: NEPitch62 on October 16, 2016, 08:33:49 PM
Tufts certainly on a roll.  Defense and goalkeeping dominate all weekend while the offense has taken advantage of their chances.  Trinity, sorry Mr. Right, played admirably today but ran into a buzz saw.  Becherano has taken Majumder's place as the go-to striker and Greenwood is not only the best keeper in the Cac, but one of the best in the nation.  Look for Tufts to make another run.


Hey I agree with most of this..You do not have to apologize to me.....Tufts really IMPRESSED me today with their suffocating defense and all 10 guys buzzing around like bees pressing Trinity into oblivion. Becherano has really improved with another 2 goals today. I disagree with you that Tufts will make another NCAA run as while they are playing their best right now, I really believe they are peaking to early and will get bounced from the NCAA's rather quickly. This is not 2014 or even 2015 Tufts as against better teams they are going to struggle creating scoring opportunities as they just do not have the same complimentary pieces nor do they have a stud to take over a game. I hate to be a downer but I really believe Becherano can be taken out of a game by better teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on October 16, 2016, 09:12:58 PM
Mr. Right, unsure I agree that Tufts is peaking too early.  They started 3-3-1 through 7 games and since have gone 4-0-1 in their last five with 3 to go.  Tufts mid-field has been relatively mistake free as of late and fellow national champions Majumder and Zinner are coming back into form.  With Weatherbie on the wing - who is very impressive in my opinion and Becherano up front, goals will come.  And the defense - Sullivan (who I know you are a fan of) and Coleman are doing a formidable job in front of Greenwood.  Now, to be fair, it will remain to be seen if they can carry the weight of Kramer and Williams (All American) in the back if they make it to the Show.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2016, 09:27:31 PM
You could be right BUT it would really make me nervous as a coach to have Becherano with 9 goals and the rest of the team with no more than 1 goal. If Majumder or some midfielders do not start scoring they are in trouble....In November better teams can take Becharano out of a game and then what? Other guys MUST contribute to scoring goals or it will be a quick exit. I know you are a proud parent and I do not mean to sound like a downer as I really do enjoy watching Tufts play but I also am realistic about the situation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on October 16, 2016, 09:45:03 PM
Fair enough Mr. Right.  If Majumder fails to build minutes in these last few, Becherano will be swinging in the breeze against quality defenses come the tournaments.  All I can say is that Tufts right now is extremely confident and feel they can beat anybody - just ask Brandeis, Amherst, and Middlebury - all top ranked programs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 16, 2016, 09:51:38 PM
Tufts did not impress me in their win against Conn yesterday. Compared to previous Tufts teams they are inferior technically and far less imposing physically. I can see Tufts advancing to the second or third round of the tournament because the rest of the league is down this year, but Mr. Right is spot on when he says Tufts is VERY beatable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 16, 2016, 11:51:17 PM
On the subject of Tufts, Becherano has 9 goals this year in mid-October. IIRC Majumder scored 9 in the entirety of last year, and we were all raving about him, so given that the former was seen to be a fill-in for Majumder while he was out injured and he has carried the load and then some I think Becherano really deserves some credit for what he's done thus far this year. What were his #s like last year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 17, 2016, 11:11:00 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 16, 2016, 11:51:17 PM
On the subject of Tufts, Becherano has 9 goals this year in mid-October. IIRC Majumder scored 9 in the entirety of last year, and we were all raving about him, so given that the former was seen to be a fill-in for Majumder while he was out injured and he has carried the load and then some I think Becherano really deserves some credit for what he's done thus far this year. What were his #s like last year?

I agree that Becherano certainly deserves the credit.  We all thought that Tufts would need time to gel.  They "seem" to have done so with big wins over the last few weeks.  I am not sure if there are any other teams that could have accomplished that feat.  Their tough schedule and conference should propel them into the NCAA tourney.   Notwithstanding, they still have a scant of unpredictability to them but they are certainly moving in the right direction and are playing excellent soccer. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 17, 2016, 11:39:19 AM
Tufts with two more NESCAC shutouts. The defense (and Greenwood) is coming up big. Also, Tufts defends EXTREMELY well as a team - high pressure, causing mistakes, smothering the opposition as soon as they cross midfield. I was very impressed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2016, 01:30:17 PM
I agree with all of this and have even talked about Tufts relentless pressure and how hard they work as a team. First of all they are not quite a  LOCK to get a Pool C just yet. They are certainly very close but cannot afford any slips. IMO they will struggle to score goals in and if they are in the NCAA's but alot of teams are like that around the nation. I guess I am just not completely SOLD on 2016 Tufts like I was on 2014 Tufts / 2015 Tufts. They do not have a player that can put the team on his back and win games. They have depth and a lot of similar good players but nothing "special" that can win games in November. We are getting ahead of ourselves so lets see how Tufts does in its final 2 games v Williams and at Bowdoin. I am thinking they are going to struggle breaking BOTH those teams down so I am interested in seeing it play out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 17, 2016, 02:07:02 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on October 16, 2016, 09:51:38 PM
Tufts did not impress me in their win against Conn yesterday. Compared to previous Tufts teams they are inferior technically and far less imposing physically. I can see Tufts advancing to the second or third round of the tournament because the rest of the league is down this year, but Mr. Right is spot on when he says Tufts is VERY beatable.

Agree with Swans....watched Conn v Tufts--tale of 2 halves--Tufts controlled in first half, but Conn dominated in 2nd half, and but for a couple of great saves by Tufts keeper Tufts would have lost.  This Tufts squad is the weakest in the past 4 years by a big margin....they did not impress....got the Win, but not impressed.  That said Devlin for Conn continues to shine he is POY going away.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 17, 2016, 02:29:16 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 17, 2016, 01:30:17 PM
I agree with all of this and have even talked about Tufts relentless pressure and how hard they work as a team. First of all they are not quite a  LOCK to get a Pool C just yet. They are certainly very close but cannot afford any slips. IMO they will struggle to score goals in and if they are in the NCAA's but alot of teams are like that around the nation. I guess I am just not completely SOLD on 2016 Tufts like I was on 2014 Tufts / 2015 Tufts. They do not have a player that can put the team on his back and win games. They have depth and a lot of similar good players but nothing "special" that can win games in November. We are getting ahead of ourselves so lets see how Tufts does in its final 2 games v Williams and at Bowdoin. I am thinking they are going to struggle breaking BOTH those teams down so I am interested in seeing it play out.

I would have to agree. Those are 2 hard games.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 17, 2016, 08:01:41 PM
With all due respect, I'm waiting for the POY contender to make game-changing impact in tough games.
Hard to emerge as POY without being a consistent game changer in contests against the top of one's league.
Who are the other contenders this year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 17, 2016, 08:35:33 PM
Regarding deep run predictions...

What is working in every team's favor this year is that there just don't appear to be that many truly elite teams to worry about, so the the number of teams that MIGHT make a deep run could be higher than normal.  I don't see more than 3-4 teams nationally that I absolutely would want to avoid if I am a darkhorse candidate.  On that premise, any NESCAC team that makes the tournament will have a chance to win a couple or three games.

With that as a backdrop, IMHO Amherst has the best chance to make a deep run which obviously is not going very far out on a limb.

I would say Tufts has the second-best chance (assuming the Jumbos make the tournament) to make a good run.  Shapiro has proven himself and I am now a believer that he has a way with the psychology of a team.  He's also proven that he's bigger than any individual player or players or single recruiting class.  Yes, he has been getting good players but he is the key piece to the puzzle.  Tufts will be very competitive as long as he is there.  The other thing is that once you win a game or two a certain amount of belief follows, and just multiply that for programs that have a recent history of going very deep or winning the whole thing.  Also, still having players on your team that "won it all" has some value when finding yourself in tight games against teams that may be equal or even a little better who don't have that kind of experience/confidence.

Midd has the third best chance.  No one will be surprised if Midd does make a deep run, and many will think they significantly underdelivered if they don't.  My guess at this point is that a good run for Midd would involve a bit of good fortune in the 2nd and/or 3rd round with a win in OT or advancing at least once on PKs.

And then I think either Williams or Bowdoin could take the Bowdoin role of the past couple of years, especially if Tufts or Midd seriously falter.

Conn will play valiantly in some big games but I just don't see the Camels getting through 3 good NESCAC teams in a row.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on October 18, 2016, 09:54:46 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 17, 2016, 08:01:41 PM
With all due respect, I'm waiting for the POY contender to make game-changing impact in tough games.
Hard to emerge as POY without being a consistent game changer in contests against the top of one's league.
Who are the other contenders this year?

On Saturday, Tufts had one player follow Devlin around the entire game. Even when he was nowhere near the ball, Tufts had a player right next to him. When he received the ball, 2/3 guys were on him instantaneously. Despite all this focus on him, he still had a great game. He created nearly all of Conn's opportunities and, as usual, was the best player on the field. NESCAC teams know how Conn plays and make defending Devlin their focal point. They're waiting for another conn player to beat them, unfortunately, no one has stepped up. Better teams with more attacking options and depth can't be defended like teams are defending Conn. If you look at the top forwards and attacking midfielders of the past, they've always had at least 1, and usually more than 1 great attacking option playing alongside them. Devlin does not, and as a result opposing teams are able to focus in on him more so than other top players.

Despite Conn's shortcomings, Devlin's impact this season has been incredible. Over the past few years, I can't recall a player as technically & athletically gifted and as competitive as he is. In my opinion, he's the best and most impactful player NESCAC player I've seen in a while.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 18, 2016, 10:58:03 AM
Quote from: dacac on October 18, 2016, 09:54:46 AM
If you look at the top forwards and attacking midfielders of the past, they've always had at least 1, and usually more than 1 great attacking option playing alongside them. Devlin does not, and as a result opposing teams are able to focus in on him more so than other top players.

This.

If you look at the the POYs going back to 2010, 3 have been attackers or midfielders (Conrad, Hawkey, and Noon) and 3 have not (Watkins, Purdy, Odulate). The only one who had to shoulder a similar amount of weight offensively was, ironically, Hawkey. Even so, Hawkey only scored 9 goals and 2 game winners that year, and Devlin has 12 goals and 4 game winners so far this year, and the only potentially "big" game winner that Hawkey scored that year was the winner at Tufts (who wasn't even an NCAA team that year) so there you go.

As far as offensive standouts go, IMHO NPL was the most deserving candidate even if Odulate won last year. He had Martin, Singer, et al. Conrad had Glaser. Noon had Heo. Who does Devlin have?

Also, 12 goals and 3 assists from midfield is excellent, so I can't say I really buy Jump4Joy's criticism.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2016, 12:47:20 PM
Monster game today in Nescac....

Hamilton v Williams----This game could well determine who gets a home seed in the Nescac tournament. Williams will be regionally ranked today so they also have faint hopes at a Pool C but would need to go 4-1-0 I think to snag a bid. Anyhow, Williams got 4 pts this past weekend against Wesleyan and Bowdoin which is usually very good, however they did not play very well IMO in either game. Their GK Alcorn came up BIG in both games to preserve the results. Hamilton is as predicted starting to fade as the season nears its end. Mid-Week 3 hour road trip's usually are not good for the visiting team but I think Williams has more depth, talent, speed and skill to put Hamilton away in this game. Last year they absolutely DOMINATED Hamilton and while this game will be closer I feel Williams midfield can control the game today. With Andreou, Bahr de-Stefano and Sean Dory in midfield for Williams that is a very formidable midfield and one of the better ones in Nescac. Andreou is VERY skilled, Sean Dory IMO is Williams' toughest kid and Bahr de-Stefano works his ass off. I think they sneak one late...Williams 2-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 19, 2016, 01:38:35 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 18, 2016, 10:58:03 AM

As far as offensive standouts go, IMHO NPL was the most deserving candidate even if Odulate won last year. He had Martin, Singer, et al. Conrad had Glaser. Noon had Heo. Who does Devlin have?

Also, 12 goals and 3 assists from midfield is excellent, so I can't say I really buy Jump4Joy's criticism.

I agree with Bloots about NPL's being the deserving POY last year, and I hear the argument about having other strong players around him. I also agree that 12 G and 3 A works to support Devlin's place in the POY conversation.

So, any other contenders?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 19, 2016, 02:06:24 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 19, 2016, 01:38:35 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 18, 2016, 10:58:03 AM

As far as offensive standouts go, IMHO NPL was the most deserving candidate even if Odulate won last year. He had Martin, Singer, et al. Conrad had Glaser. Noon had Heo. Who does Devlin have?

Also, 12 goals and 3 assists from midfield is excellent, so I can't say I really buy Jump4Joy's criticism.

I agree with Bloots about NPL's being the deserving POY last year, and I hear the argument about having other strong players around him. I also agree that 12 G and 3 A works to support Devlin's place in the POY conversation.

So, any other contenders?

Two other very impactful players that I have seen this fall are Cowie-Haskell of Wesleyan and Ciambella of Amherst.  They are the clear leaders on those teams.  Ciambella has boundless energy, defends well, and scores goals.  With Wesleyan struggling, it is doubtful Cowie-Haskell will be a serious contender, even though he has scored a bunch of goals.  And with Middlebury struggling to score goals, it seems unlikely that the POY could come from that squad.  Perhaps Becherano or Greenwood of Tufts will receive consideration if Tufts completes the run they are currently on.

With that said, Devlin, in my opinion, is the most talented and has done more for his team than any other individual player.  After seeing him in person, it is tough to figure how D-1 programs passed him over.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 19, 2016, 02:12:53 PM
Doubt he'll win POY and I'd vote for Devlin just based on what I've read here alone, but few players more valuable to his team and clutch than Lehnhart at Amherst.  Martin having a pretty good year too.  Midd GK might get some votes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 19, 2016, 03:24:17 PM
Devlin CHOSE Conn over d1 and other elite d3 schools. He would start at every d3 school, and the majority of d1 schools.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 19, 2016, 04:52:24 PM
Right now, it would be hard to argue with Devlin, but the year is not over......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 19, 2016, 05:09:50 PM
Becherano with an assist and a goal (10 on the year, passes Majumder's total from last year) so far in the Tufts/Keene State game....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 19, 2016, 05:47:22 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 19, 2016, 04:52:24 PM
Right now, it would be hard to argue with Devlin, but the year is not over......

You're right - we can't count out Kayne! ;)

(I kid, I kid - all in good fun Flounder.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 19, 2016, 07:17:42 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 19, 2016, 05:47:22 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 19, 2016, 04:52:24 PM
Right now, it would be hard to argue with Devlin, but the year is not over......

You're right - we can't count out Kayne! ;)

(I kid, I kid - all in good fun Flounder.)

I have to admit that's a good one, Bloots!  +1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 20, 2016, 10:40:53 AM
Quote from: dacac on October 18, 2016, 09:54:46 AM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 17, 2016, 08:01:41 PM
With all due respect, I'm waiting for the POY contender to make game-changing impact in tough games.
Hard to emerge as POY without being a consistent game changer in contests against the top of one's league.
Who are the other contenders this year?

On Saturday, Tufts had one player follow Devlin around the entire game. Even when he was nowhere near the ball, Tufts had a player right next to him. When he received the ball, 2/3 guys were on him instantaneously. Despite all this focus on him, he still had a great game. He created nearly all of Conn's opportunities and, as usual, was the best player on the field. NESCAC teams know how Conn plays and make defending Devlin their focal point. They're waiting for another conn player to beat them, unfortunately, no one has stepped up. Better teams with more attacking options and depth can't be defended like teams are defending Conn. If you look at the top forwards and attacking midfielders of the past, they've always had at least 1, and usually more than 1 great attacking option playing alongside them. Devlin does not, and as a result opposing teams are able to focus in on him more so than other top players.

Despite Conn's shortcomings, Devlin's impact this season has been incredible. Over the past few years, I can't recall a player as technically & athletically gifted and as competitive as he is. In my opinion, he's the best and most impactful player NESCAC player I've seen in a while.

Spot on.  it's awful hard to create the offense and score the goal....every Butch Cassidy needs a Sundance...and Devlin doesn't have the other players around him when playing against the top talent teams in the league this year.  Devlin was tremendous last year and he has raised his level of play even higher this season.  He could have gone to a number of Top D1 teams, but CHOSE Conn and it is quite evident from his play that he is a D1 talent dominating in THE top D3 league.  That said while there is no clear cut dominate team this season Amherst, once again, appears to be the best of the bunch as they continue to get it done game after game which continues to be a very impressive run  of soccer year after year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2016, 11:05:47 AM
First of all I will say without question Devlin is a great player but he WOULD NOT START on most D1 teams like a previous poster has stated. He was a late bloomer and because Murphy is such a great recruiter he noticed him and got the kid to commit to Conn. After it was to late others noticed as well like Williams and Amherst both wanted him and were ready to get him thru admissions. 4 Patriot League schools wanted him and he would have played a starting role on all of them. 2 Ivies wanted him and he would have started on them as well BUT he would not be starting ON MOST ACC and BIG 10 schools. I mean he is good but not that good as there are a ton of kids around the country that are just as good if not better and play the same type of game. THE BEST THING ABOUT THE KID.....He NEVER DE-COMMITTED from Conn. He had every chance to go to top Nescac's and some Patriot and IVY league schools BUT KEPT HIS WORD TO MURPHY. That to me is the most admirable characteristic he has.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 21, 2016, 11:25:58 AM
+1

And kept his word to his teammates. Just as - if not more - important.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 21, 2016, 11:32:12 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2016, 11:05:47 AM
THE BEST THING ABOUT THE KID.....He NEVER DE-COMMITTED from Conn. He had every chance to go to top Nescac's and some Patriot and IVY league schools BUT KEPT HIS WORD TO MURPHY. That to me is the most admirable characteristic he has.

I was going to say, certainly impressive that he turned down the Ivies after they became involved - although I know of folks who would choose Williams over Dartmouth, for example. I even know a kid from my hometown who chose Middlebury over Dartmouth, although that was for his academic program I believe.

On the subject of Ivies, were they willing to "tip" him?

Does seem like he is/was a bit of a late bloomer, even in college, as he had 1g&1a his freshman year, but has really improved the last two years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2016, 11:42:04 AM
Saturday's Nescac Predictions:

Middlebury v Bates------Middlebury is in great shape for a Pool C ranked #4 in New England. They are however in much deeper trouble with a most likely season ending injury to their top striker Adam Glaser. An unfortunate end to a very talented and superior career. I was told that it is possible he returns but unlikely. I have been hard on him for his 4 years because he relies so much on his right foot and never used his left but I will say he might go down as one of Midd's best strikers in their history. This injury is very problematic for Midd as they were having trouble scoring goals even with him. A deep NCAA run is still possible because they are so stout up their spine, have the best GK in Nescac and still have Goulart, Conrad,etc and CAN SHUT down good teams defensively. Bates has continued to under perform under Stewart Flaherty and will miss the Nescac Playoffs and Top 8 ONCE AGAIN. I have said this over and over but former coach George Purgavie did a much better job with Bates usually qualifying them for the Top 8 and 1 or 2 years getting them to the Nescac Semi's. He was fired because of one 0-10-0 season and [removed as warned previously/admin] by Flaherty to get his job. VERY UNFORTUNATE. Anyhow, Bates has nothing to play for and have been dreadful all year. No reason to believe that will change against Midd.....2-0 Midd

Bowdoin v Conn---------This game has Nescac Playoff seeding implications and both teams are regionally ranked so it might have faint Pool C aspirations. I think this will be a very even game but both teams are heading in different directions. Bowdoin has been playing very well of late and Conn has been fading a bit down the stretch. I think Bowdoin has better talent and more athleticism. If they can beat Conn and Tufts to end the season and get themselves in their familiar Nescac run they will get a Pool C. It will be tough as they can struggle to score but Conn's defense has been making mistakes and GK Cameron is average at best. Charlier finishes a Dias-Costa cross to win it. 2-1 Bowdoin

Colby v Hamilton---------Hamilton played very well against Williams mid-week and deserved to win the game IMO. Hamilton kid missed a SITTER with a wide open net to win it right before OT. These things happen to young teams but that HURTS. Colby needs to win it's final 2 games and get tons of help from other teams to nab the #8 seed. It's a pipe dream but still possible. Colby cannot just SIT IN like usual against Hamilton as they need to win the game so this will give Hamilton plenty of opportunities to counter and score as Hamilton needs a win to have any hopes at a Top 4 seed. Normally, I would predict a 0-0 snooze fest here but with both teams attacking(as least they better be attacking) I am looking at some goals. Hamilton with the 9 hour trip to Maine. OUCH on the ass but they get it done.

Tufts v Williams-----------HUGE GAME with Nescac seeding and Pool C aspirations for both teams. Tufts is seeded #8 and Williams #6...Very Strange to me. Tufts has much better wins and Williams only with 1 ranked win against Babson so these rankings might change especially if Tufts wins the game. Williams is 2-0-1 is their last 3 Nescac games and are winning but playing really poorly IMO. Rubber hits the road here as Tufts is playing VERY well and believe will dominate the game. I was very impressed on how Tufts SLAMMMED the door on Trinity last Sunday defensively and gave them NOTHING. Majumder always plays very well against his hometown team and look for him to get a goal or 2. A win here and Tufts will certainly be climbing the rankings and be a hair away from a Pool C. Williams just has not impressed me yet and I have no reason to believe it changes int his game especially on the carpet....3-1 Tufts


Wesleyan v Amherst----------Throw out the records in this heated rivalry as Wesleyan has really held its own with Amherst the past 5 years upsetting them on numerous occasions especially in Middletown. Wesleyan MUST beat Amherst and Conn to qualify for the Nescac Playoffs. That is a tough ask but it is possible. Wesleyan will have a heated and great crowd in this game and playing the game on possibly the worst field in Nescac will only serve to help Wesleyan. Amherst needs to beat Wesleyan and Trinity to assure itself of the #1 seed and a great draw in the NCAA's. Wesleyan needs to attack and score as they HAVE to win so this will really open them up which Amherst will take advantage of. I say Cowie-Haskell and Gruner with Gallo's help and a complete GK blunder by Lee Own gets the upset special for Wesleyan this weekend.  3-2 Wesleyan
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerKick on October 21, 2016, 07:18:47 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2016, 11:42:04 AM
Saturday's Nescac Predictions:

I have said this over and over but former coach George Purgavie did a much better job with Bates usually qualifying them for the Top 8 and 1 or 2 years getting them to the Nescac Semi's. He was fired because of one 0-10-0 season and a complete back-stabbing(rumor) by Flaherty to get his job. VERY UNFORTUNATE. Anyhow, Bates has nothing to play for and have been dreadful all year. No reason to believe that will change against Midd.....2-0 Midd

Purgavie
2007: 1-7-1 in conference
2008: 4-5 in conference
2009: 0-8-1 in conference
2010: 2-6-1 in conference
2011: 0-10 in conference

Total: 7-36-3

Flaherty
2012: 1-7-2 in conference
2013: 1-7-2 in conference
2014: 2-7-1 in conference
2015: 2-5-3 in conference
2016 (so far): 1-6-1 in conference

Total: 7-32-9

How exactly is this "much better" from Purgavie?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 21, 2016, 08:36:24 PM
Quote from: SoccerKick on October 21, 2016, 07:18:47 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2016, 11:42:04 AM
Saturday's Nescac Predictions:

I have said this over and over but former coach George Purgavie did a much better job with Bates usually qualifying them for the Top 8 and 1 or 2 years getting them to the Nescac Semi's. He was fired because of one 0-10-0 season and a complete back-stabbing(rumor) by Flaherty to get his job. VERY UNFORTUNATE. Anyhow, Bates has nothing to play for and have been dreadful all year. No reason to believe that will change against Midd.....2-0 Midd

Purgavie
2007: 1-7-1 in conference
2008: 4-5 in conference
2009: 0-8-1 in conference
2010: 2-6-1 in conference
2011: 0-10 in conference

Total: 7-36-3

Flaherty
2012: 1-7-2 in conference
2013: 1-7-2 in conference
2014: 2-7-1 in conference
2015: 2-5-3 in conference
2016 (so far): 1-6-1 in conference

Total: 7-32-9

How exactly is this "much better" from Purgavie?

Good example of how one can use stats to one's advantage by looking at a limited sample.  SoccerKick, if you go back to 2000 and look at Bates record for 2000-2006, they were 19-33-11, made the conference playoffs 5 of 7 years, and made the conference semifinals in 2006.  Based upon that larger sample, although you are correct that Purgavie was struggling at the end (and maybe it was time for him to go), his earlier record supports Mr. Right's claims.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 12:24:03 PM
Thank you 1970's Player you beat me to the punch. After watching a ton of Purgavie's teams over the years his sides from 2003-2006 were his BEST. There were some great players on those teams and they were a bit unlucky in 2004 and 2005 as they had the talent to win the whole league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 12:41:03 PM
Bowdoin dominating Conn as they are playing with a ton of confidence. It is 1-0 Bowdoin but should be 2-0 if not for a Conn player clearing one of the line. Conn jusr does not have the players this year IMO. This would be a big win for Bowdoin if they can hold on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 12:44:53 PM
Weather will be a factor in all Nescac games today. The rain is just dumping all over New England. This means weaker teams should be able to hang in there today especially on grass....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerKick on October 22, 2016, 12:50:53 PM


Good example of how one can use stats to one's advantage by looking at a limited sample.  SoccerKick, if you go back to 2000 and look at Bates record for 2000-2006, they were 19-33-11, made the conference playoffs 5 of 7 years, and made the conference semifinals in 2006.  Based upon that larger sample, although you are correct that Purgavie was struggling at the end (and maybe it was time for him to go), his earlier record supports Mr. Right's claims.
[/quote]

I'd agree IF Flaherty took over the team in 2006 or 2007 when they were at their best. Taking over a team that had a grand total of 8 points in conference the combined three years before he took over? I think that is a different story
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 01:07:38 PM
Flaherty has had 5 years to put his stamp on the program and has DONE NOTHING. Not to mention he was Purgavie's assistant for 3 years prior to taking over so he was a big part of the problem to begin with. This job should have opened up to a National Search and did not. I think it will open again in a few years especially with a new AD coming to town
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 01:09:25 PM
AND.....Bates upsets Midd in OT 3-2....Very bad loss for Midd as they will drop in the rankings but still will be in line for a Pool C unless they totally collapse. Looked like a Midd defensive breakdown
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerKick on October 22, 2016, 01:13:21 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 01:07:38 PM
Not to mention he was Purgavie's assistant for 3 years prior to taking over

2 years
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 22, 2016, 01:15:11 PM
Bates outplayed them most of the game, especially in the OT.  Deserved win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 01:20:59 PM
I missed most of the game....Without Glaser Midd could be in trouble...They must have been over confident but they cannot afford anymore slip ups
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 22, 2016, 01:24:02 PM
Seems to me if bowdoin sits this deep conn will tie this game. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 22, 2016, 01:25:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 01:20:59 PM
I missed most of the game....Without Glaser Midd could be in trouble...They must have been over confident but they cannot afford anymore slip ups

I was very surprised, Bates were quicker to the ball had back line under constant pressure for last 20-25 minutes
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 01:27:30 PM
Bowdoin always SITS DEEP with a 1-0 lead and they tend to waste time as well. It can be frustrating to watch especially for their opponents. It is not sportsmanship IMO
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 22, 2016, 01:34:40 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 01:27:30 PM
Bowdoin always SITS DEEP with a 1-0 lead and they tend to waste time as well. It can be frustrating to watch especially for their opponents. It is not sportsmanship

They are wicked good on the counter and might be the equal of Amherst on offensive corners....like watching Italy 1970's

Still Conn are generating chances
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 01:38:42 PM
Conn generating some chances BUT I they they look weak in attack. They just do not have anything "special" besides Devlin that can get a goal. Bowdoin does look good on the counter as Dias-Costa has looked dangerous all game. They are going to be a tough out especially if Safian stays solid in net.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 01:53:55 PM
WOW....Conn ties it up 1-1 with about 3 minutes left. Both teams need this victory but I am shocked Bowdoin could not Finish the game off...That hurts but lets see if they can snag a OT goal. Bowdoin deserves to win but that is futbol..

Hamilton jumps out to an early 1-0 lead over Colby as they looked very focused on winning that game and possibly getting a Top 4 finish.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2016, 02:16:48 PM
Conn couldn't even get out of their own end in the latter stages of regulation and then Bowdoin IMO did the Camels a favor by taking the ball to the corner over and over with more than 6 minutes left.  Bowdoin had number of chances to go up 2-0 and then stopped trying even though they were getting into final 3rd with some ease.  We'll see if they pay for it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 02:30:56 PM
Looks like Williams at Tufts is delayed for some reason.....Will check out Weslryan v Amjerst...Wesleyan NEEDS a Win and it will be tough but lets see if they can sneak a upset
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 02:37:32 PM
1-1 Draw Bowdoin v Conn...Bowdoin unlucky not to get the Win and must feel cheated with a questionable handball that was not called when Conn scored. Like NCAC said Bowdoin didn't get that 2nd goal which they should have gotten to put the game away and it cost them. A draw does not hurt either team but both teams needed the 3 pts for their faint Pool C chances. Now neither team will climb the Regional Rankings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2016, 02:49:10 PM
Midd never had any reason to be overconfident (except for maybe first game of season given preseason hype about maybe being the next NESCAC national champion, and a few can have fun re-posting this if that happens).  As far as I can tell, they haven't had a sterling or "wow, watch out" performance all season.  Their signature wins are 1-0 over Conn and 2-1 over Bowdoin.  The home draw with Amherst may be their best result, honestly.  No reason to underestimate Bates when you've already had two 0-0 draws with Colby and Trinity BEFORE losing Glaser.

And now they go on the road to Williams.  Will be huge game for both teams, and even more interesting if Williams can pull out a result today.  At this point I'm not sure I'd favor Midd in any quarterfinal NESCAC likely matchup, except for maybe Hamilton and especially if they drop to 5th and lose the home game.  I didn't check to see if they could drop to 5th.

I was getting ready to tout Bowdoin as again a very dangerous team and then they end up settling for a bad draw with Conn and apparently are in 7th.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 02:51:11 PM
Becharano another goal to give Tufts an early 1-0 lead over Williams. He might get POY over Devlin..It will be close.

Wesleyan playing hard and preserving a 0-0 draw v Amherst with a nice save by Wesleyan GK Jasinski

Hamilton gets another goal and looks to have a comfortable 2-0 leaf over Colby,,,
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 03:02:59 PM
I must say Wesleyan looks very good v Amherst so far. They are playing a nice two touch possession game which is difficult on the sh*t field p;us the rain and plus Amherst trying to disrupt it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 03:31:06 PM
Hamilton RIPS Colby 4-0 and will be very happy with that decisive win. Hamilton still has a chance for a Top 4 seed but needs some help. Nevertheless, great WIN for Hamilton and a much more enjoyable 9 hour ride home. Well done Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 03:56:20 PM
Garrett Hardesty with a nice finish to give Wesleyan a 1-0 lead over Amherst..I must say Amherst has looked very unimpressive in this game and Wesleyan looks the better team. Amherst IMO will not be going far this year in the NCAA's. They look a shell of themselves from last year which was predicted after all their seniors graduated. If Wesleyan had only played like this all year they would be a #5 seed and regionally ranked but losses to Hamilton, Bates and a tough loss to Williams killed them. They still do have a chance to qualify with a win here and a win v Conn which is doable. Let's see if they can hold on with about 20 minutes left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 04:00:59 PM
Amherst starting to get frustrated and playing "dirty" IMO..Orozco gets a 2nd yellow and he is tossed and will miss the all important final game v Trinity....If Tufts can hold on v Williams they are going to win Nescac
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 04:07:37 PM
Amherst pushing numbers forward and Wesleyan with a long ball to Cowie-Haskell who with a nice touch brought it down to his left foot and finished it past Owen...2-0 Wesleyan and this game is finished...BIG WIN for Wesleyan...Amherst might need to make some changes for next game as they look to be out of sorts for most of the game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 22, 2016, 04:17:00 PM
I'm surprised Serpone is still sticking with Owen. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 22, 2016, 04:26:08 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 04:07:37 PM
Amherst pushing numbers forward and Wesleyan with a long ball to Cowie-Haskell who with a nice touch brought it down to his left foot and finished it past Owen...2-0 Wesleyan and this game is finished...BIG WIN for Wesleyan...Amherst might need to make some changes for next game as they look to be out of sorts for most of the game
Amherst get 2 in last 9 min playing with 10 to tie it.  Going to OT  unbelievable
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 04:35:40 PM
That is absolutely NUTS that Amherst ties that game down 2-0 and down to 10 men with 7 minutes left. Wesleyan absolutely collapsed and I am reminded why they are missing the Nescac Playoffs...Those goals should have never happened. Credit Amherst for battling until the end
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 22, 2016, 04:39:46 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2016, 02:49:10 PM
  No reason to underestimate Bates when you've already had two 0-0 draws with Colby and Trinity BEFORE losing Glaser.

FWIW, Glaser did not play against Trinity.

FWIW, II: No way Midd underestimated Bates today. Both teams played hard in miserable conditions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 22, 2016, 04:50:58 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 04:35:40 PM
That is absolutely NUTS that Amherst ties that game down 2-0 and down to 10 men with 7 minutes left. Wesleyan absolutely collapsed and I am reminded why they are missing the Nescac Playoffs...Those goals should have never happened. Credit Amherst for battling until the end

How the hell did that happen? They should be ashamed of themselves....

Congrats to the Jumbos.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 22, 2016, 04:58:07 PM
Quote from: EasyGoer27 on October 22, 2016, 04:54:30 PM
One of the dumbest fouls I have ever seen, completely uncalled for.  Watched the replay 4 times because I couldn't believe it.  PK Amherst 3-2 winner.

As Trump would say....that game was rigged!

Lol.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 22, 2016, 05:00:33 PM
Total gutsball by Amherst. They find a way. Again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 22, 2016, 05:26:48 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 04:07:37 PM
Amherst pushing numbers forward and Wesleyan with a long ball to Cowie-Haskell who with a nice touch brought it down to his left foot and finished it past Owen...2-0 Wesleyan and this game is finished...BIG WIN for Wesleyan...Amherst might need to make some changes for next game as they look to be out of sorts for most of the game

Oops.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2016, 06:10:29 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 22, 2016, 04:39:46 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2016, 02:49:10 PM
  No reason to underestimate Bates when you've already had two 0-0 draws with Colby and Trinity BEFORE losing Glaser.

FWIW, Glaser did not play against Trinity.

FWIW, II: No way Midd underestimated Bates today. Both teams played hard in miserable conditions.

Apologies on Glaser.  So he got hurt in the Castleton game or right after in practice?

Overall I think the point still holds.  Don't think anyone is going to confuse Midd with Chicago, Rowan, Messiah, etc before or after the Glaser injury. 

Game with Williams is huge.  Williams needs it and Midd needs it to stay in Pool C contention. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 22, 2016, 06:19:44 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2016, 06:10:29 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 22, 2016, 04:39:46 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2016, 02:49:10 PM
  No reason to underestimate Bates when you've already had two 0-0 draws with Colby and Trinity BEFORE losing Glaser.

FWIW, Glaser did not play against Trinity.

FWIW, II: No way Midd underestimated Bates today. Both teams played hard in miserable conditions.

Apologies on Glaser.  So he got hurt in the Castleton game or right after in practice?

Overall I think the point still holds.  Don't think anyone is going to confuse Midd with Chicago, Rowan, Messiah, etc before or after the Glaser injury. 

Game with Williams is huge.  Williams needs it and Midd needs it to stay in Pool C contention.

Castleton. And, yeah, I agree, the point does hold.

And yes, huge game down in Williamstown this week.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on October 22, 2016, 07:02:36 PM
Tufts squeaks out a 1-0 result v. Williams.  Crazy game with chances throughout on both sides.  #10 POY is not an unrealistic prediction.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 07:03:52 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 22, 2016, 05:26:48 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 04:07:37 PM
Amherst pushing numbers forward and Wesleyan with a long ball to Cowie-Haskell who with a nice touch brought it down to his left foot and finished it past Owen...2-0 Wesleyan and this game is finished...BIG WIN for Wesleyan...Amherst might need to make some changes for next game as they look to be out of sorts for most of the game

Oops.


Well traditionally a team like Wesleyan would be so COMPACT especially at the end of games with a lead. Oops that I called it to early. I actually really feel bad for Wheeler and Wesleyan. I will say that Amherst is going NOWHERE FAST in the NCAA"s...They might get a easy pod to begin the tournament but they will not get out of the Sweet 16. That is the worse Amherst side I have seen since 2009 and 2010. They will not be going far
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 22, 2016, 08:10:27 PM
MR's comparison of Amherst's talent this year to last year is probably accurate, but importantly, I don't think the players know that, as evidenced by their record and multiple late comeback wins.  They will be a tough out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 08:11:45 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2016, 06:10:29 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 22, 2016, 04:39:46 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2016, 02:49:10 PM
  No reason to underestimate Bates when you've already had two 0-0 draws with Colby and Trinity BEFORE losing Glaser.

FWIW, Glaser did not play against Trinity.

FWIW, II: No way Midd underestimated Bates today. Both teams played hard in miserable conditions.

Apologies on Glaser.  So he got hurt in the Castleton game or right after in practice?

Overall I think the point still holds.  Don't think anyone is going to confuse Midd with Chicago, Rowan, Messiah, etc before or after the Glaser injury. 

Game with Williams is huge.  Williams needs it and Midd needs it to stay in Pool C contention.



I do not agree with this....No one is going to confuse RUN, Rowan, Messiah and Chicago's skill with Middlebury BUT Middlebury and Saward will get them very organized defensively come November. The top of Nescac is just as or more athletic than those teams and are all VERY organized defensively which is what matters in November even more so than skill. Nescac teams have proven that with multiple different teams in the Final 4 and Champions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 22, 2016, 08:20:13 PM
HC Serpone wins his 150th game...in his 10th season. 
Like most posters the outcome surprised me.....since I stopped watching with about 8 minutes to go...online.  I came to the game in the second half and there was steady rain.  Saw the two Cardinal goals and wished Amherst GK was Bull.  Read the Amherst write-up and saw that several young players for Amherst were involved in the "comeback".  Bodes well for the future.
Have watched a number of games live at Wes in the past.  The fans are in the background on-line. Aware that the students are on break and it is Homecoming.  Was surprised to see the posted attendance is over 300!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2016, 08:49:34 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 08:11:45 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2016, 06:10:29 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 22, 2016, 04:39:46 PM
Quote from: NCAC New England on October 22, 2016, 02:49:10 PM
  No reason to underestimate Bates when you've already had two 0-0 draws with Colby and Trinity BEFORE losing Glaser.

FWIW, Glaser did not play against Trinity.

FWIW, II: No way Midd underestimated Bates today. Both teams played hard in miserable conditions.

Apologies on Glaser.  So he got hurt in the Castleton game or right after in practice?

Overall I think the point still holds.  Don't think anyone is going to confuse Midd with Chicago, Rowan, Messiah, etc before or after the Glaser injury. 

Game with Williams is huge.  Williams needs it and Midd needs it to stay in Pool C contention.



I do not agree with this....No one is going to confuse RUN, Rowan, Messiah and Chicago's skill with Middlebury BUT Middlebury and Saward will get them very organized defensively come November. The top of Nescac is just as or more athletic than those teams and are all VERY organized defensively which is what matters in November even more so than skill. Nescac teams have proven that with multiple different teams in the Final 4 and Champions.

Mr.Right, if Midd gets to the Final Four I will be the first to come post what a fool I am.

Look, my in-laws LIVE in Middlebury.  Love the school.  Kid went to hockey camps there.  BUT, they went 0-0 with Colby, just lost to Bates, have no really impressive wins, and now have lost their All-NESCAC striker.  They are fighting for their lives now just to get in the tournament IMO.  SoS is decent but not high by any means.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2016, 08:52:15 PM
I will add that I like Amherst's chances to go deep better than Midd's and I like Tufts' chances better than either.   I think Tufts COULD play with Chicago, Rowan, RUN, etc
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on October 22, 2016, 09:02:43 PM
Thank you for someone finally chiming in on Tuft's chances.  They have won every game they should have as of late - including a thrashing of Amherst 3-0 and are getting their best players back to tournament level fitness.  The Jumbos still have work to do but the NCAAs are not out of reach and based on current SOG results, in the toughest league in the country, have a good chance of moving on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 09:04:29 PM
Tufts does not have the skill as Rowan, RUN, Chicago either but they can shut teams down defensively. I do not think Midd is a Final 4 team anyhow and frankly I do not think we will see a Nescac Final 4 team this year but I do believe while Midd cannot score goals they can be and will be just like Tufts extremely difficult to break down and both Tufts and Midd have excellent GK'ing. Those are factors in November. We shall see...Amherst will not be a factor this year as I am not impressed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2016, 09:13:01 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 09:04:29 PM
Tufts does not have the skill as Rowan, RUN, Chicago either but they can shut teams down defensively. I do not think Midd is a Final 4 team anyhow and frankly I do not think we will see a Nescac Final 4 team this year but I do believe while Midd cannot score goals they can be and will be just like Tufts extremely difficult to break down and both Tufts and Midd have excellent GK'ing. Those are factors in November. We shall see...Amherst will not be a factor this year as I am not impressed

I thought the strength of Midd WAS their two forwards.  First, they have to make the tournament.  Could they advance on a couple of 0-0 PK or 1-0 games?  Sure.  I know they are a good team.  But they've projected by some to be a real national contender.

Listen, I think you are "right" 95%+ of the time.  You have astute insights.  You know your stuff.  In this case, you seem to be reacting to me on a personal level more than the data.

The difference between Midd and Amherst is that Amherst wins in games like today and Midd sometimes loses them.

And I could definitely see Tufts making a deep run.  They've beaten Midd, Amherst and Williams.  Shapiro is a good psychologist.  Even without BF/Nutmeg's kid they gotta a chance.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 09:29:10 PM
MIdd hasn't scored goals all season. In saward's tenure they are known for being extremely organized defensively and that is how they won the NCAA title in 2007...I have no idea why you think this is "personal", it's not I am just reacting to you because you are basing your opinions on a couple scorelines v Bates and Colby that mean nothing. In fact, it is always better to lose to unranked teams than ranked ones. I do not believe Midd drops further than #6. Williams with another loss to a ranked team in Tufts is much worse tha Midd losing to Bates. Tufts should jump all the way to #3 or #4 with their superior RvR and they deserve it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2016, 09:38:38 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2016, 09:29:10 PM
MIdd hasn't scored goals all season. In saward's tenure they are known for being extremely organized defensively and that is how they won the NCAA title in 2007...I have no idea why you think this is "personal", it's not I am just reacting to you because you are basing your opinions on a couple scorelines v Bates and Colby that mean nothing. In fact, it is always better to lose to unranked teams than ranked ones. I do not believe Midd drops further than #6. Williams with another loss to a ranked team in Tufts is much worse tha Midd losing to Bates. Tufts should jump all the way to #3 or #4 with their superior RvR and they deserve it

I've cited a lot more data than that, and I gave my opinion before those games.  Maybe we can agree that so far they have underperformed compared to preseason prognostications/expectations. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 22, 2016, 10:11:08 PM
Can you two stop bickering  ;D

We can all agree that Tufts, Amherst, and Midd are the only three teams will a chance at progressing far in the NCAAs. Defense wins championships and both teams have strong defenses when needed. In these NCAA games anything can happen. It really comes down to two things: making less mistakes than your opponent and moments of magic (a la Kayne's giant killer goal).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on October 22, 2016, 11:27:24 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on October 22, 2016, 10:11:08 PM
Can you two stop bickering  ;D

We can all agree that Tufts, Amherst, and Midd are the only three teams will a chance at progressing far in the NCAAs. Defense wins championships and both teams have strong defenses when needed. In these NCAA games anything can happen. It really comes down to two things: making less mistakes than your opponent and moments of magic (a la Kayne's giant killer goal).

You must be Kayne's father too! ::) ::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: HooksLeft on October 23, 2016, 04:59:06 PM
hi everyone. first time poster here so quick 2 sentences of background for y'all: played at amherst a "few" years ago under serpone, still try to watch as many nescac games as i can but finding the time to watch teams other than when they're playing amherst can be tough, so my current knowledge regarding the rest of the league is limited by my "how-did-they-perform-against-amherst" lense.

i'd also like to give a quick shoutout to those of you who have been posting for the past "few" years. while i was a player there were two key motivators: haters on the field and haters off the field. Back when Mr. Right was LaPaz and St. Lawrence fans were at their most bitter (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixGWDqPGZrQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixGWDqPGZrQ)) nothing got me jacked up for gameday like a little d3board amherst-bashing.

with that in mind, i would like to say that the reason for my posting is to make sure that this debate continues in a passionate yet amicable way. i intend to poke a button or two for the sake of fun but please make sure to let me know if anyone ever feels i've taken something too far and i'll make sure to cut back. love you all and don't want anyone to stop posting or stop having fun on here because of me.

NOW ONTO THE SOCCER - what. a. game.... obviously talking about the amherst - wesleyan matchup this weekend. there's been a lot of posts about Amherst falling back to the pack, the NESCAC being wide open, etc. but here we sit with Amherst at the top of the table as November approaches. It has been YEARS since Amherst hasnt been in sole possession or at least locked tightly with one other team as NESCAC playoffs rolls around, so I think it's dangerous to count them out of a deep run. History would not be on your side if so.

That being said, I agree with many of you who have suggested that watching this Amherst team is different than watching the most dominant Amherst teams in the past. This team doesn't start foaming at the mouth on every single set piece like the team in 2012. They don't score some of the most skilled goals the NESCAC has ever seen like the team that won a national championship last year (bicycle kicks for days!). Lee Owen isn't going to gobble up every set piece like Thomas Bull (i'm honestly not sure why someone would think that in the first place). HOWEVER... none of this is relevant and I'll tell you why: Justin Serpone has put together objectively great seasons year after year after year because he adjusts his plan to his personnel and not vice versa. Every coach does this to some extent, but no one in my entire life (soccer or otherwise) has been better at identifying a source of greatness within his team. 2012 - players were great at imposing their will physically. 2015 - players were great at making the player next to them better (find Orozco's head, find Martin in space)... this year there seems to be criticism because observers are having a hard time identifying Amherst's niche but this Wesleyan game was the first time anyone would be able to watch and observe what will drive this Amherst team to a deep playoff run: Being able to find a way to get things done. Period.

This senior class has seen plenty of wins and plenty of great Amherst teams. They're plenty good at soccer (trust me) but what will you will all realize in the coming months is that if you give this group of seniors a task (ANY task in ANY walk of life) then you don't even need to check back in. You can just sit and wait knowing that it will get done better than you had originally hoped. Playing at Wesleyan (Amherst's most recent kryptonite) down 2 goals with almost no time on the clock and down one your most influential players, how did they respond? By throwing in the subs and preparing for how they'll shake things up for next game? Not on Serpone's team. Not under the class of 2017. Amherst men's soccer is best when their backs are up against the wall and thats been proven year after year after year. It takes grit, mental fortitude, a spirit that won't quit, and the composure to capitalize when it matters in order to win a game like they won yesterday. The same can be said about a deep playoff run. Heard it here first.

Now who wants to disagree first! Looking forward to getting this started. Thanks for reading.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2016, 05:46:10 PM
HooksLeft, welcome aboard.  Always surprised there aren't more ex-players posting but apparently most players are much better with moving on with their lives than most parents.  That in itself would make for an interesting in-depth essay/column.  Why so many of us could so much about D3 soccer at all is another take on that.

At any rate, I am neither an Amherst lover or hater.  I did defend the program when the criticism got a little too thick a couple of years ago, but I've also called out what at times seemed like unnecessary aggression.  But as you suggest, no one is ever going to accuse Amherst of not caring or mailing it in.  If one is going to put money on a horse then Amherst isn't a bad horse to choose.  If I was Amherst-affiliated I think my motto might be:  hate me all you want but disrespect me at your own risk.

I want to clarify my Midd comments as I think at this point the take-away is maybe a bit distorted.

I had Midd in the top 10 (nationally) of my own little Top 15 poll for at least the first 4-5 weeks of the season.  Even when I wasn't that impressed by their results on the field after a month or so I said they looked something like a round of 32 or Sweet 16 team.  They struggled more since then and now have lost a key player (although I hope he does get back in time for the NESCAC playoffs/NCAAs).  They have not dominated the way that some of us thought they might coming into the season.  I bet many would have predicted Conrad as POY.  Also please bear in mind that I absolutely think they got robbed last year.  RPI getting a bid over Midd in my mind was a joke, disgrace, insert your own word, etc.  So maybe this will be the year that Midd ends up getting the benefit of the doubt if they end up needing that.

Midd still has a good shot at a Pool C if they need it.  I believe they are still fully in control of their own destiny but I am suggesting their margin for error has closed significantly.  My own prediction is that a win over Williams and a quarterfinal NESCAC win would be enough.  If they lose to Williams and lose in the quarters I think in most years that would spell trouble.  If they lose to Williams and lost in the NESCAC semis I think normally that would spell trouble.

The caveat or silver lining is that no one else is stepping up to challenge for the last spot of two in New England for Pool Cs.  Bowdoin had a chance yesterday.  Conn had a chance.  Williams had a chance yesterday as well.  Gordon had a chance but Gordon, Endicott and Wentworth have all sort of canceled each other out.  None of the triumvirate of Wheaton/MIT/WPI is challenging.  One would think Springfield but their SoS is deadly.  Whoever doesn't get an AQ between UMass-Boston and RIC might be one we can count.  I doubt Clark is going to get a bid over Midd but if they win out and get to the NEWMAC final and lose to Babson who knows.  The one wild card I haven't mentioned is Brandeis. ...the Judges could be a problem, but this isn't like the last few years when Brandeis had a stellar record and a bid basically already locked up.    So, Midd MAY benefit from so few challengers really stepping up.  We'll see.  If they can win 2 or 3 games in a row it will be a moot point.

The teams that would seem almost 100% safe are Amherst, UMass-Boston, and Tufts.  Babson may be close and RIC is right there (and hoping Montclair is ranked at the end because they probably need that one).  A Williams win over Midd and a Williams quarter win and certainly a semi win would have the Ephs in a very good spot. 

As an aside, some might be surprised to learn that Midd hasn't been in the NCAA tournament since 2010.  Would be shocking if they went through the entire Conrad/Glaser era without a bid.  Here's hoping that they can pull together with some Amherst-style toughness and get the job done over the next week or so.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 23, 2016, 07:38:13 PM
Good win for Tufts over the Ephs.  The Jumbos have beaten 4 tough teams but they still need a win against Bowdoin.  Bowdoin has been a thorn for them recently so they will have to come in strong.....
Amherst had a great comeback but, like Mr. Right says, goaltending remains subject.... You need hot goaltenders come playoff time...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2016, 11:28:49 PM
Final Regular Season Games For Nescac This Week....FWIW I have no idea why some of these games are played on Tuesday and the others on Wednesday. This started happening a few years ago and personally I feel it gives an unfair advantage to the the teams playing on Tuesday allowing for 1 extra day of rest for Saturday's quarterfinals. I am guessing both coaches have to agree on it but still all games should be played the same day. Anyhow.....

Tuesday Predictions:

Bowdoin v Tufts-------At 7-3-4 Bowdoin has faint Pool C hopes if they run the table and lose in the Nescac Finals. They should have beaten Conn on Saturday if not for a lucky goal by Conn with 3 minutes left and a questionable no call on a hand ball in the box. Instead of sitting at 8-3-3 they are 7-3-4 and that is a big difference not only for Pool C aspirations but more importantly Nescac Seeding. I believe the best they can do is finish #6 which would help them avoid Amherst and Tufts. Bowdoin IMO is one of the hottest teams in Nescac right now and are playing some of their best futbol to date. They are very athletic om their backline where Sam Ward has found a home. Riley Bubb is a great athlete and Matty McColl is solid with a "killer" left foot and some of the best service in the league especially on set pieces. Dias-Costa causes all kind of 1v1 problems for defenses and Levi Morant has been playing very well. I am not the biggest Cedric Charlier fan as a natural striker but he is one hell of an athlete and can finish when need be. Niang is a beast in midfield but tends to run out of gas after a while but he can shut down opposing midfielders well when asked to. He is replaced by Jake Stenquist who is a tough kid and tackles hard but fouls WAY to much giving opposing teams dangerous set pieces. Stenquist was a highly regarded recruit who IMO has not quite lived up to his billing YET. He might come into his own very soon and they will need him. As you can probably tell I am very high on Bowdoin right now even if they are playing one of the "hottest" teams in the country in Tufts. I do not think Tufts will break Bowdoin down unless there is a complete breakdown or Gk'ing error in this game. Tufts NEEDS this win and a Nescac quarterfinal win and they will be a definite Pool C team and possibly win Nescac if Amherst falters against Trinity(Which i do not see happening). I say Bowdoin scores off a set piece and takes the game in which should be a pleasure to watch. Bowdoin 1-0


Williams v Midd-------Both these teams are struggling right now. Both teams need a win to keep any Pool C hopes alive. I do not think either team gets a win in this game. I think Midd comes into this game with a total defensive mindset and preaches a shutout in pregame, meaning the ultimate goal will be to not let Williams score and to take Rashid out of his game. There will be some brutal tackles in this game. Interestingly, Sullivan benched his captain Bahr de-Stefano and senior Moutenot against Tufts and it might have backfired. Those two players are badly needed if they are playing on their "A" game as Moutenot co haan cause serious problems for defenses with his speed. The players I am a fan of are Sean Dory at holding midfield who is a TOUGH kid and Andreau at attacking midfield who has some serious skill with both feet. The winner of this game gets the #3 seed and host while the loser most likely gets the #4 seed and also host and play Hamilton or Conn at home which would not be a bad draw IMO. Midd just cannot score goals this season against good competition but will not concede in this game and I believe we will have a slugfest stalemate...0-0 DRAW
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 25, 2016, 07:08:40 PM
Bowdoin proves to be Tufts' bogey team once again. (Interestingly enough, the NE column on D3soccer.com said as much, so if I haven't outed my identity already, head over there to see bloots' writing. ;) )

Did anyone see the game? Sounds like it was a reasonably well-deserved victory for Bowdoin, although I would assume Tufts had most of the ball. Even more impressive is that Bowdoin got the W without Van Siclen in goal, although Safian was the Polar Bears' GK in 2014 before getting injured and did well enough.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 25, 2016, 08:16:12 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 25, 2016, 07:08:40 PM
Bowdoin proves to be Tufts' bogey team once again. (Interestingly enough, the NE column on D3soccer.com said as much, so if I haven't outed my identity already, head over there to see bloots' writing. ;) )

Did anyone see the game? Sounds like it was a reasonably well-deserved victory for Bowdoin, although I would assume Tufts had most of the ball. Even more impressive is that Bowdoin got the W without Van Siclen in goal, although Safian was the Polar Bears' GK in 2014 before getting injured and did well enough.

Yep, also stated Bowdoin has been a thorn in Tufts side....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2016, 11:28:11 PM
BIG BIG wins for Bowdoin and Williams today....Massive losses for Midd and Tufts.....Midd is fading and their Pool C chances are REALLY fading. Both Williams and Midd are at 9-3-3 but Williams has the better SOS and both teams will have under .500 RvR as long as Conn stays ranked tomorrow. Rumor has it that Glaser WANTS to and is TRYING to play in Saturday's Quarterfinal and Midd desperately needs him. Most likely we will see a re-match of today's game with #3 Williams hosting #6 Midd....It will be very difficult to beat Midd twice in 1 week let alone 1 season. Williams dominated the game and played their best IMO since their loss to Amherst. Williams was up 1-0 but in the 75th minute Conrad hit an absolute beauty of a free kick that was easily heading into the goal to tie the game at 1-1 but Williams GK Alcorn made a tremendous save to preserve the lead and Williams tacked on 2 more on some nice possession to win the game 3-0.

As far as Bowdoin and Tufts they will now need deep runs in the Nescac tournament to get Pool C consideration and they both have it in them to do it. Problem is this is also looking like another rematch with #2 Tufts hosting #7 Bowdoin. I will repeat it is very difficult to beat a team twice in the same week.


Wednesday's Predictions:

Amherst v Trinity-----These two teams will meet tomorrow and then again on Saturday in the Nescac Quarters as Amherst will be the #1 Seed and Trinity the #8 seed. Amherst needs this game tomorrow more than Trinity so they can solidify NCAA hosting priorities. If I were Trinity I would rest some players and maybe give everyone a run especially the seniors as they must be in full GO mode on Saturday. Last year Trinity played very well in this end of the year contest drawing Amherst 1-1 in Hartford. This year in this particular game i expect Amherst to roll as there is no love lost between Pilger and Serpone. 3-0 Amherst

Wesleyan v Conn--- ---Conn MUST win this game to get the all important #5 seed and a rematch at Hamilton in the Nescac Quarters thing much from them bat they would feel pretty confident about. Rumor is Wesleyan will be playing all young players so I am not expecting much from them but they will want to prove to Wheeler they belong. Conn too much.   Conn 2-0

Bates v Colby-------This game means absolutely nothing except Bates could win the CBB. Either way I would hope both teams score goals in a meaningless game.  3-3 DRAW
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: wizard on October 26, 2016, 09:26:42 AM
Wednesday's Predictions:[/b]


Wesleyan v Conn--- ---Conn MUST win this game to get the all important #5 seed and a rematch at Hamilton in the Nescac Quarters thing much from them bat they would feel pretty confident about. Rumor is Wesleyan will be playing all young players so I am not expecting much from them but they will want to prove to Wheeler they belong. Conn too much.   Conn 2-0

Mr. Right - I've always loved your insight and have been more a lurker on the board that a contributor. My son still plays in the NESCAC and I find it hard to post objectively, so I avoid it. That being said, and I don't question Wesleyan's ability and right to play who they want, I was wondering about your opinion since I respect it. I am only asking your opinion - Since Wesleyan winning, losing or coming square in this game will have effects on the #2 through 7 teams quarterfinal match-ups, don't they have an ethical/sportsmanship responsibility to play out the game with their best available players?

Reminds me of the arguments when the Colts pulled Peyton out of the game and the Jets won a game they likely shouldn't have and got into the playoffs.

Just curious.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 26, 2016, 04:03:29 PM
Wizard, I don't see Wesleyan having any ethical obligation whatsoever, other than doing what is best for the program and the players.  Every NESCAC squad had its own opportunity on the playing field to secure its seeding.  Not saying Wesleyan should tank by any means, but with little to play for, what is best for the program is to get some young players who have worked hard and are the future of the program a chance to shine on the pitch. 

Big win for Williams vs. Midd, tough that they will likely have to do it again.  Scott MacDonald returned for the Ephs in that game after missing nearly the entire year with injury.  Andreu, however, did not play, presumably due to injury ... hopefully nothing serious as he is a key player for the Ephs.  I would like to think that one more win should get Williams a Pool C bid, with wins over Babson, Middlebury, and whoever they play Saturday, Hamilton and Trinity, and ties vs. Bowdoin and Endicott.  That is a pretty solid resume.  The Ephs' only three losses are all very high-quality losses: road losses to Amherst, Conn and Tufts, two of them by one goal. But the Ephs could really use one more strong result. 

If it's Midd vs. Williams, I imagine the Panthers will need to beat Williams and likely win at least one more game to secure a spot, in light of Midd's very weak non-conference schedule.  Tufts I would think is in with one more win, too. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 26, 2016, 04:52:11 PM
It's a shame Wesleyan has had the season they do. They play some great football and are one of the few teams to try and pass it.

This time around Conn should be liking their chances against Hamilton since their key players are healthy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 26, 2016, 11:58:10 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on October 26, 2016, 04:52:11 PM
It's a shame Wesleyan has had the season they do. They play some great football and are one of the few teams to try and pass it.

This time around Conn should be liking their chances against Hamilton since their key players are healthy.


Agree....Wesleyan is a definite Top 8 team but the loss to Trinity and Bates killed them
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 26, 2016, 11:59:57 PM
Quote from: wizard on October 26, 2016, 09:26:42 AM
Wednesday's Predictions:[/b]


Wesleyan v Conn--- ---Conn MUST win this game to get the all important #5 seed and a rematch at Hamilton in the Nescac Quarters thing much from them bat they would feel pretty confident about. Rumor is Wesleyan will be playing all young players so I am not expecting much from them but they will want to prove to Wheeler they belong. Conn too much.   Conn 2-0

Mr. Right - I've always loved your insight and have been more a lurker on the board that a contributor. My son still plays in the NESCAC and I find it hard to post objectively, so I avoid it. That being said, and I don't question Wesleyan's ability and right to play who they want, I was wondering about your opinion since I respect it. I am only asking your opinion - Since Wesleyan winning, losing or coming square in this game will have effects on the #2 through 7 teams quarterfinal match-ups, don't they have an ethical/sportsmanship responsibility to play out the game with their best available players?

Reminds me of the arguments when the Colts pulled Peyton out of the game and the Jets won a game they likely shouldn't have and got into the playoffs.

Just curious.


Wizard I have to agree with Nescac 1...You cannot rely on other teams to help / hurt you. It was Wesleyan's right to play whoever they felt like and frankly they played alot of their seniors anyway but he did start and play some "fresh" names
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2016, 01:55:20 AM
And Bates loses to Colby 1-0 in both teams final game. That is 5 years under Stewart Flaherty and NOT 1 Nescac Playoff appearance. Not 1 Top 8 in his tenure. Even Seabrook at Colby has qualified once in 3 years. With a new AD coming to town I would guess Flaherty better get some results next year or it could be his final act. New AD's tend to want to put their own STAMP on failing sports teams at their school and since this job was never opened up to a National Search it wouldn't surprise me to see some pressure on Flaherty next year. Not all Bates sports teams are failing like Men's Soccer in fact they have some very successful ones right now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 27, 2016, 09:36:13 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 27, 2016, 01:55:20 AM
And Bates loses to Colby 1-0 in both teams final game. That is 5 years under Stewart Flaherty and NOT 1 Nescac Playoff appearance. Not 1 Top 8 in his tenure. Even Seabrook at Colby has qualified once in 3 years. With a new AD coming to town I would guess Flaherty better get some results next year or it could be his final act. New AD's tend to want to put their own STAMP on failing sports teams at their school and since this job was never opened up to a National Search it wouldn't surprise me to see some pressure on Flaherty next year. Not all Bates sports teams are failing like Men's Soccer in fact they have some very successful ones right now.

And to think I picked them as my dark horse team...  ::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NewEngland on October 27, 2016, 10:11:18 AM
Amherst v. Trinity
Tufts v. Bowdoin
Williams v. Middlebury
Hamilton v. Connecticut College

Out:
Colby
Bates
Wesleyan

My two big surprises here are Hamilton and Wesleyan. Wesleyan always seems to find a way and I believe this is the first time that they will miss the NESCAC playoffs.
Hamilton got some good results against the lower teams of the NESCAC, beating Bates, Trinity, Colby, Wesleyan and getting a win over a mid table Connecticut College team. That 4-5-6 seed is generally the teams that beat up on the lower teams and pick up one or two other results against the better sides. Winning those games is essential to making the playoffs. Fair play to them as I did not expect them to be hosting this year.

The league is so competitive. I can see Bowdoin and Middlebury as 7 and 6 seeds playing for the championship. I still think Amherst and Tufts are the class of the NESCAC but anything can happen in a playoff game. I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

And my guesses since it will be impossible to predict:

Amherst v. Trinity - 3-0 Amherst
Tufts v. Bowdoin - 2-1 Tufts
Williams v. Middlebury - 1-1 Midd on PKs
Hamilton v. Connecticut College - 2-1 CC

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 27, 2016, 11:36:59 AM
Pure class from Bowdoin's #27 on the first goal! What a strike - at any level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3pcg11t24E
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2016, 11:41:45 AM
Saturday's Nescac Quarterfinal Predictions:

Interestingly, 3 of the 4 games being played on Saturday are re-matches from Tuesday / Wednesday Regular Season Final Games:

#5 Conn at #4 Hamilton-------Hamilton won the regular season game 1-0 but did not have Devlin. Conn is DEAD last in Shots in Nescac games by about 20. They have a total of 84 Shots in 10 games which is horrific. They are the leaders in SH% at .155 which is good. They are also 3rd in the league in Corners which is helpful but it doesn't seem they are scoring many goals off of them. Hamilton is 3rd in the league with 126 Shots but almost dead last in Corners. Hamilton as predicted is starting to fade as the season comes to a close. Most people will pick Conn in this game and most people like this draw for Conn but Hamilton can be a tough place to play and win. I think Conn's GK has been a major liability the past few games and he will need to be on his toes. Their backline has been decent but nothing spectacular. I think this game ends in a draw and goes to Pk's.....1-1 DRAW, Hamilton wins 5-4 in PK's

#6 Midd at #3 Williams--------I thought Williams played VERY WELL on Tuesday in their 3-0 drubbing of Midd. That scoreline will not happen again IMO. This will be a 1 goal game and Midd desperately needs Glaser to come back in what could be his final game of his career. Not only has Midd been horrific scoring goals but they have leaked 6 goals in the past 2 games which is AWFUL. Their RB against Williams looked very slow and was getting burned and their CB's are not blazing fast either. Conrad will need to take this game over and try to nab one off a set piece which he is very good at taking. Williams GK Christian Alcorn has been playing very well of late saving a killer Conrad set piece on Tuesday. I believe I saw Moutenot leave the game with an ankle injury which would be a big loss for Williams on the flank. I think Midd takes the 2 1/2 hour drive down Route 7 pumped up and ready to go and as long as Midd's defense holds and Sydor starts playing like the best GK in the league they can shut Williasm midfield down. Williams LB Scatt McDonald who is a tough kid and good player finally came back from a 6 week injury and started but he doesn't look match fit yet so I would be going at him and testing him early. Midd's Goulart should be able to handle Williams RB Mercadante and CB Brandory Dory is still to me a big question mark back there. Williams' midfield with Bahr de-Stefano, Andreau and Sean Dory is very talented IMO. No idea where top recruit Tom Young has disappeared to but he seems to be in Sullivan's doghouse. He is a very smart and dangerous 1v1 player who has serious speed.   0-0 DRAW Midd PK's

#7 Bowdoin at #2 Tufts----Another rematch from Tuesday. Tufts leads Nescac Shots with almost 200 in 10 games which is a clip of almost 20 a game and VERY Impressive. They also lead the league with only 6GA in 10 games and 2 of them coming on Tuesday v Bowdoin. Those stats are hard to argue with. This is a game on the carpet that Tufts should have a big advantage over Bowdoin because Bowdoin rarely plays on turf. Bowdoin to me has been the "hottest" team in the league the past 2-3 weeks. They are playing typical Bowdoin futbol in late October and November. Solid defensively, good GK'ing, not making any mental mistakes and scoring when needed. They are going to be hard to break down but if Tufts scores 1st they will win the game. Bowdoin is at its best when they score first and "hold" serve with their defense. Everything is pointing in Tufts favor but I am going to predict a Bowdoin victory. 2-1 Bowdoin

#8 Trinity at #1 Amherst------It is very hard to imagine Amherst losing to Trinity an also losing for the 2nd year in a row in the Nescac Quarters losing hosting rights. Amherst has more depth, better players and a much  better defense. Trinity is going to have to play the best game of their season to win this. Murphy will have to get stuck in all game and Gimand will have to thread the needle and also get stuck in. Gimand does not play well against physical players and Amherst knows that. Trinity will need GK Quade to make BIG saves and their defense cannot make any mental mistakes. This is alot to ask for. Milbury is going to have to work his ass off tracking back if he loses the ball not walking back. Role players like Bruno, Steel, Cuervo Torrelo, Burns and Baker all need to play wih high intensity and non stop workrate. These are things that Trinity has struggled with in the past but MUST do it to win this game. They also need Frosh Henry Farr to shoot the ball. In fact Trinity should be shooting the ball as much as possible and going in for rebounds because Lee Owen is an average GK at best. Amherst should win the game 3-1 but I am going with an upset special. Trinity 2-1

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2016, 11:47:58 AM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 27, 2016, 11:36:59 AM
Pure class from Bowdoin's #27 on the first goal! What a strike - at any level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3pcg11t24E


Excellent strike from Bowdoin's #27 Ely Spencer but an even great run by #17 Ben Ginzberg right at the Tufts defense. Tufts looked very lax on that play not tackling and allowing Ginzberg to do what he wanted. The goal was fantastic but Tufts lack of pressure on that play would have me VERY CONCERNED
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 27, 2016, 11:50:44 AM
#5 Conn at #4 Hamilton-------1-1 DRAW, Hamilton wins 5-4 in PK's  AGREE WITH MR. RIGHT.

#6 Midd at #3 Williams--------   1-0 Williams

Tufts-Bowdoin.  Tufts will score first forcing Bowdoin to change their defensive game plan. 2-0 Tufts

#8 Trinity at #1 Amherst------2-1 Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 27, 2016, 12:38:33 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 27, 2016, 11:36:59 AM
Pure class from Bowdoin's #27 on the first goal! What a strike - at any level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3pcg11t24E

What a hit that is. Greenwood had zero chance - that's top bins.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 27, 2016, 12:43:35 PM
Hamilton over Conn 2-1 tight game Hamilton at home.
Williams 2-0 over Midd-  Hard to see 3-0 being reversed, for some reason Midd can't score.
Bowdoin 1-1 Tufts.  Absolute dogfight Bowdoin through on PK's
Amherst 2-0 over Trinity  Putting 3 in vs Wes playing with 10 men to win tells you all you need to know.  No letdown.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 27, 2016, 02:15:27 PM
Hamilton  1-2 Conn...Devlin scores in OT to knock off the surprise team of the CAC.
Williams 1-1 Midd...hard fought battle, Midd thru on PKs to keep faint Pool C alive.
Tufts 2 - 1 Bowdoin...similar to Tuesday, but lightning doesn't strike twice. Becherano with the late winner.
Amherst 3-1 Trinity...Amherst dispatches Trinity fairly easily, but give up a soft one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 27, 2016, 04:43:10 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 27, 2016, 11:36:59 AM
Pure class from Bowdoin's #27 on the first goal! What a strike - at any level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3pcg11t24E

Funny little story...when Bowdoin was playing at Midd, I see #27 on the Poler Bear roster from my hometown, Lexington, Virginia.

I say to him at halftime, "Not too many folks from Lex find themselves all the way up here." He was surprised, but not as surprised as the both of us when we realized that I went to high school with both of his parents, and even lived next door to his mom when we were in middle school.

Funny world.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on October 28, 2016, 04:48:48 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 27, 2016, 02:15:27 PM
Hamilton  1-2 Conn...Devlin scores in OT to knock off the surprise team of the CAC.
Williams 1-1 Midd...hard fought battle, Midd thru on PKs to keep faint Pool C alive.
Tufts 2 - 1 Bowdoin...similar to Tuesday, but lightning doesn't strike twice. Becherano with the late winner.
Amherst 3-1 Trinity...Amherst dispatches Trinity fairly easily, but give up a soft one.

I think OldOnionBag has this spot on....Conn wins in rematch as both Devlin and Manoogian get to play vs Hamilton this time.....Midd finds a way as the Ephs cannot get their offense started in this one.....Tufts won't let Bowdoin do it twice in a season to them....and Amherst will overwhelm Trinity as the Lord Jeff's (sorry but they will always be the Lord Jeff's) continue on their way to the NECAC Tournament Title.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on October 28, 2016, 10:01:09 PM
Conn 2 - 0 Hamilton
Midd 1 - 0 Williams (2OT)
Bowdoin 1 - 1 Tufts (6-5 PKs)
Amherst 3 - 0 Trinity
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 11:57:14 AM
God.....Hamilton looks much bigger than Conn...Also, its about time for Murphy to get rid of the camels road kits.....UGLY....Hamilton looks pumped and ready to go I got a feeling this is going to be a heated game.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 12:12:30 PM
10 minutes in Hamilton v Conn 0-0....Game is pretty sloppy so far in tough wet, windy conditions...No real chances from either side..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 12:33:45 PM
Hamilton's Frosh Aidan Wood giving Conn some problems defensively as he has been very active. Good player with decent speed and 2 good chances to score. The score is still 0-0 with about 10 minutes to go until halftime. Conn has not impressed me so far and like I have been saying all year they just are not as good as the 2015 Conn side. They really miss Leon. This game has PK's written all over it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 12:56:16 PM
0-0 Hamilton v Conn at Halftime. I can understand why Conn is DEAD last in Nescac in the Shots category. They have not had anymore than 1 dangerous chance all half. They picked up some possession the last 5 minutes but still are missing that "final" ball or SOG that is needed. Very impressed with the improvement this season of Hamilton's Alec Talsania as he has had a very good 1st Half and is mighty quick with decent skill. Hamilton has not had to many dangerous chances either but they look like they are knocking on the door and if the game stays like  this 2nd Half they will get a goal. With all this being said, Conn has such a dangerous weapon with Manoogian's long throws and Pat Devlin that they might snag a goal against the run of play. This could be a game of halves so maybe Conn comes out fired up 2nd Half as Murphy surely cannot be pleased at what he is seeing
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 12:58:47 PM
Moving to the Midd at Williams game...I do not see Glaser in Midd's starting line-up or Moutenot in Williams starting line-up. Maybe they are / will be coming off hte bench but those would be 2 key losses for both sides.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 01:12:13 PM
Glaser makes an appearance for Midd about 10 minutes in...So good news for Midd that Glaser giving it a go..Williams Moutenot is out for the season so that will hurt.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 01:32:24 PM
2nd Half with about 20 minutes left, Hamilton scored on an absolute horrific GK'ing error on Conn's GK Cameron. He should of been benched for that mistake that was one of the worst I have seen all year. Hamilton was called for a handball in their box off a corner and Devlin calmly knocked in the PK to tie the game 1-1 with 20 minutes left. Conn has played much better offensively 2nd Half but Hamilton IMO has been the better team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 01:53:48 PM
0-0 Williams v Midd at the half....Pretty even game but Midd had a really great chance to score but again Williams GK Christian Alcorn makes a tremendous save to keep Williams in the game...Alcorn has been playing like the best GK in the league the past few weeks.

Hamilton and Conn look to be headed to OT

Amherst and Trinity deadlocked at 0-0 20 minutes in...

MIssed the goals but Bowdoin up 2-0 at Tufts and like I have said are playing some of the best futbol in the league. That is a huge LEAD for Bowdoin and Tufts better get going or they will be ON THE DEFINITE BUBBLE if they lose this game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 01:58:53 PM
After looking at the Tufts and Bowdoin replays of the goals. Bowdoin scores off Tufts RB miscue and I think it was Charlier who buried it. Tufts then gifted Bowdoin a PK which Greenwood saved to keep the score at 1-0 Bowdoin. Then Bowdoin scores off a cross that was finished as ts CB's could not get the ball cleared and as Bloots has been saying all year Greenwood froze on the cross which he should have come out and punched. Bigtime mistakes and Bowdoin has a 2-0 lead
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 02:15:03 PM
Hamilton defeat Conn 3 minutes into OT 2-1 and that will end Conn's season. Another massive defensive breakdown by Conn's Sommers and then another horrific GK'ing error by Conn's Cameron. He misjudged the ball and then basically had it in his hands and dropped it. Conn's GK Cameron lost the game today for Conn but Hamilton I thought was the better team. Conn really needs to figure out their Gk'img situation for 2017 and obviousely have other huge holes to fill. The biggest question is will Conn stay ranked which will help / hurt other Nescac's RvR....Great career for Devlin and a tough way to end your career but Conn just had really nothing around him to help him..Hamilton's season rolls on and if Bowdoin's result holds they wouhld avoid playing Amherst in the Nescac Semi's(assuming Amherst defeats Trinity today who are playing very well 1st half at Amherst).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 02:23:07 PM
Tufts get 1 back before halftime and now it is Bowdoin up 2-1...

Trinity gives up a late goal in the 1st half to Amherst and now look like last year when they lost to Midd 5-0. Played hard for 30 minutes and then give up a goal or two and absolutely CAVE and quit...2-0 Amherst almost halftime.

Midd at Williams still 0-0 with about 25 minutes left and Williams playing well 2nd Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2016, 03:04:38 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 01:58:53 PM
After looking at the Tufts and Bowdoin replays of the goals. Bowdoin scores off Tufts RB miscue and I think it was Charlier who buried it. Tufts then gifted Bowdoin a PK which Greenwood saved to keep the score at 1-0 Bowdoin. Then Bowdoin scores off a cross that was finished as ts CB's could not get the ball cleared and as Bloots has been saying all year Greenwood froze on the cross which he should have come out and punched. Bigtime mistakes and Bowdoin has a 2-0 lead

The best and worst of Greenwood in that short stretch. Betting Tufts will throw the kitchen sink at Bowdoin in the last 20. Wonder if they can cope.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2016, 03:11:55 PM
To be honest I am still not totally sold on the Tufts CBs. I know we all talk about how much of a beast Sullivan is but he doesn't have even close to the same level of composure that Williams or Lee-Kramer did and seems to be shaky at times. Coleman, like Mr.Right said, is a step slow although imposing. I like Zinner at right back but he did make a mistake today on the first goal - that said, no one is perfect. The Tufts defense is "solid," for sure, but I have a hard time believe that Williams/Lee-Kramer would have let the things that happened today happen when they were playing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 03:33:16 PM
Bowdoin finishes the Tufts sweep by beating them 2-1 and advancing to the Nescac Semi's....They are a "hot" team right now...That is 2 straight wins v ranked and you have to figure they will be sitting right behind Brandeis in Wednesday's Regional Rankings at #6 or #7...


Midd just wins an absolutely crucial game with 1 second left in 2ot off a corner an a misjudged header by Williams CB Brandon Dory as they finish the game off with literally 1 second on the clock..Interestingly, the ref stopped the clock with 7 seconds left before Midd took the corner for some off camera unknown reason. Midd would not have had time to score if the clock wasn't stopped...YIKES...That is how Williams lost games last year and their season most likely just came to an end at 9-4-3 but I do believe with the earlier win v Midd they will still be ranked. They just will not be ranked high enough to get a Pool C. VERY TOUGH way to end your careers but these type of losses are becoming a trademark in Sullivan's first 2 years at Williams. NOT GOOD......Congrats to Rashid on a FANTASTIC CAREER starting in 2012 winning the game single handily against SLU in 2012 to advance them to the NCAA Final Four and then again the NCAA Final 4 in 2013...They have not been back to the NCAA's since and it is starting to get worrisome
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2016, 03:42:29 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 03:33:16 PM
Interestingly, the ref stopped the clock with 7 seconds left before Midd took the corner for some off camera unknown reason. Midd would not have had time to score if the clock wasn't stopped...YIKES.

Yeah I didn't understand that call, I have never seen a ref stop the clock for the (apparent) reason that it would allow the attacking team to take the corner. If the shot leaves the player's foot and goes in as time expires, I can understand that, but stopping the clock to let them have time for a corner is a bit fishy IMHO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 29, 2016, 04:17:53 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 29, 2016, 03:42:29 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 03:33:16 PM
Interestingly, the ref stopped the clock with 7 seconds left before Midd took the corner for some off camera unknown reason. Midd would not have had time to score if the clock wasn't stopped...YIKES.

Yeah I didn't understand that call, I have never seen a ref stop the clock for the (apparent) reason that it would allow the attacking team to take the corner. If the shot leaves the player's foot and goes in as time expires, I can understand that, but stopping the clock to let them have time for a corner is a bit fishy IMHO.

Yeah, it was strange, and I wish there was an explanation since it all happened off camera. Could have been a perfectly reasonable stoppage. Or not. We're left to wonder.

As it stands, heartache for the Ephs; euphoria for the Panthers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2016, 04:21:16 PM
I think a replay will show that the Midd kid had the ball in the corner with 10 or 11 secs left. IMO he would have gotten the corner off with at least a couple of secs for someone to put it in.  The stoppage allowed Midd ot seit up but also time for Williams to get organized. Still heart-wrenching way to end and seemed liked going to PKs would have been fair result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2016, 04:27:06 PM
Also think it is hard to know who won't get a bid.  Teams keep losing big games but the teams who might take their spots also lose.  Clark drubbed by Wheaton today.  Springfield beats Coast Guard but Coast Guard won't stay ranked and Springfield has yet to be ranked.  Tufts may still be OK amazingly.  Williams might have a shot if Brandeis and RIC crack, although RIC won today.  And then there is Bowdoin.  Will Bowdoin move ahead of Williams and can Bowdoin get in with one more win?  Same with SLU.  Fans are saying they are out but who is going to jump them?  New Paltz? Fredonia?  Hobart?  Maybe Vassar.  And what happens if Rochester drops the next two or goes 0-1-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 05:46:20 PM
We have been at this long enough to know who and where teams will be ranked except for a few exceptions.  With 4 ranked wins Tufts should be fine but AGAIN for the 3rd straight year they will still need to sweat it out. Bowdoin will not only be ranked next week but should be on the "bubble" near #6 or #7 and will have a cementing game against Amherst that if they Win or Draw will get them in because they will have 3-4 ranked wins. I am not even sure they have to get a result in that game..Brandeis will have 5-6 ranked wins and if they beat UR tomorrow will be off the bubble and get themselves a Pool C IMO. They were ranked #8 this week and with 2 more ranked wins would move to #4 or #5 on Wednesday. Midd will have 3 ranked wins but I thinkk they are still on the bubble because of the SOS. Williams only has 2 ranked wins and that will just not be good enough this year to get a Pool C. To many upsets in conference tournaments and only 19 Pool C bids and staring at a 9-4-3 record with only 2 ranked wins is not enough and yes Bowdoin will jump Williams in the rankings....

The big if for Nescac teams is whether Conn stays ranked. If they do not then Midd loses a RvR win.

The other big question is the Newmac...Babson all of a sudden might find itself with only 1 ranked win over Brandeis because certainly Coast Guard and WPI will drop out and Clark will be borderline. RIC and UMASS Boston should be fine even though they only have 1 ranked win apiece they are not going to drop in the rankings because RIC keeps winning and UMASS Boston does also.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on October 29, 2016, 06:16:23 PM
Mr. Right, with Tufts going down twice this week to Bowdoin and standing at 9-5-2, do you still think they have a shot at a pool C bid?  I know they beat ranked teams but does it come down to how the tourneys finish at this point?  i.e. Amherst has to win out, Babson has to win out, etc?  As a senior Tufts parent, knowing the end could be now, I'm looking for a beacon of light.  I appreciate all opinions.

Thanks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 07:21:32 PM
Quote from: NEPitch62 on October 29, 2016, 06:16:23 PM
Mr. Right, with Tufts going down twice this week to Bowdoin and standing at 9-5-2, do you still think they have a shot at a pool C bid?  I know they beat ranked teams but does it come down to how the tourneys finish at this point?  i.e. Amherst has to win out, Babson has to win out, etc?  As a senior Tufts parent, knowing the end could be now, I'm looking for a beacon of light.  I appreciate all opinions.

Thanks.


LOL.....You and other parents, players,Shapiro and everyone else in Medfa, excuse me Somerville will be sweating it out....Tufts is SQUARELY on the bubble...9-5-2 is not good. 4-2-0 v Ranked teams is VERY GOOD....SOS of .611 is also VERY GOOD...4-3-0 on the road is ok.....When the 3rd Regional Rankings come out at 2pm this Wednesday we will have a clearer picture but I think Tufts will get in unless there are a ton of upsets in conference tournaments around the country...For example if Hamilton won the Nescac tourney next weekend that would take a bid, etc , etc....Like I said earlier in the week it is not just the New England region you will / should be looking at but ALL regions......I would love to see OFFPITCH (cause he is good with these numbers) compare 3 teams with all the info....Tufts, SLU and Ohio Wesleyan which are ALL on the bubble, maybe add a fourth tram for fun....If Tufts is ranked #7 or lower on Wednesday you will be sweating profusely but if they are #6 or better Tufts should be ok...Still you are in the bubbke
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2016, 07:36:40 PM
May I suggest Montclair...

Aside from the getting bid or not it really is a mystery that 3 years in a row Tufts loses in NESCAC quarters AT HOME. Almost everyone will agree, like last year, that they can do damage if they get in, but the pattern, which now feels like a pattern, seems very odd especially given that the Jumbos have probably one of the top 5 coaches in D3.

BTW, they trump OWU significantly on SoS, OWU is something like 3-3-2 on R v R and probably slight advantage on winning pct.

If UMass-Boston and RIC play again, can RIC absorb another ranked loss? Is Babson in even with a loss in NEWMAC semis?  Is Brandeis going to  be ranked higher than Tufts and/or Midd?  I would argue Springfield should get a bid regardless but they aren't even ranked because of poor SoS.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2016, 07:40:28 PM
Quote from: NEPitch62 on October 29, 2016, 06:16:23 PM
Mr. Right, with Tufts going down twice this week to Bowdoin and standing at 9-5-2, do you still think they have a shot at a pool C bid?  I know they beat ranked teams but does it come down to how the tourneys finish at this point?  i.e. Amherst has to win out, Babson has to win out, etc?  As a senior Tufts parent, knowing the end could be now, I'm looking for a beacon of light.  I appreciate all opinions.

Thanks.

I will opine that you will probably be OK, mainly due to the impressive number of ranked wins Tufts has. That said, 9-5-2 is one loss worse than last year's 9-4-3, so you never know. Either way, you should be proud of the careers that your son and his classmates have put together!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2016, 07:55:03 PM
What is pretty incredible all around is that there are a number of teams who were looking like locks at around the halfway point (Rochester, WashU, Tufts, Middlebury, etc.) and are now definitely bubble. For its part, Tufts' record wasn't particularly stellar, but - until Tuesday - they were absolutely the form team, and had some very good ranked results against Brandeis, Midd., and Amherst. Midd., as we know, won their game today, so they're still alive. Pretty wild to think that Bowdoin could even sneak a Pool C if they don't win the NESCAC at 9-3-4, and even if they lose in the semis they're 9-4-4 (a better record than Tufts' 9-5-2) and with 2 H2H wins over Tufts. Not saying that the last bid would come down to Tufts and Bowdoin, but just illustrating how unpredictable the selection process could be.

Conversely, there are teams like Brandeis who I still think have two blemishes too many (perhaps because I am the eternal pragmatist-borderline-pessimist when it comes to teams I support) and seemed completely out of the picture at the halfway point yet could possibly could sneak a Pool C. That said, even if they do beat UR tomorrow, they still have to go to NYU, who upset UR yesterday, so nothing is guaranteed. Either way, I'll be in China during Selection Monday, and might not have Internet access, so I'll just have to see how it shakes out. ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 08:01:20 PM
If Brandeis beats UR tomorrow then they are IN..BUT...and a big BUT they must hope Emory, Clark and UR are ranked on Wednesday which I think they all will be. That would be 6 Ranked wins and that would be A+++ Stuff...Even at 11-4-3 if you have 6 ranked wins you are all set not to mention one of tje best SOS in the country at .638....A loss tomorrow though would be devasting, a draw would put them right on the BUBBLE. After watching Brandeis absolutely pummel Emory on Friday as they completely dominated I am pretty convinced Coven and Margolis have this team PUMPED...They have won like 6 in a row and seem to be scoring goals and not conceding....Put it this way. I would rather be Brandeis right now than Tufts,,,,,Also, they keep winning while other New England Ranked teams are losing and with the SOS and RvR they will keep moving up the ladder in the rankings. If they win tomorrow or even get a draw they will be ranked no lower than #6 but if they win I could see them at #4. In 2013, Williasm finished the season at 11-6-0 and got a Pool C ranked #6 and even hosted a relatively easy pod because of their RvR and SOS...Brandeis controls its own destiny
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2016, 08:07:24 PM
Well you certainly know more than I do Mr.Right. I probably could find this somewhere, but am just too lazy to look, so what will the pairings be for next week's semis?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2016, 09:02:46 PM
Hamilton v Midd-----11am

Bowdoin at Amherst-----1:30pm

The times are a guess as Amherst has the option. In years past, Serpone usually takes the 1:30pm game because his players would rather not play at 11am and I think he gives them the decision. It has also burned them sometimes by not taking the 11am game. It does not sound like much but with the Championship at 12pm on Sunday and with the 2nd Semi might not ending until 4pm that means maybe 20 hours of player rejuvenation. Now for guys who are 6ft and smaller they can kind of deal but with guys that are 6'2 or taller it takes bigger guys longer to rejuvenate. Meaning heavier legs for the trees. We will see what gametime he chooses but I would guess based on years past the 1:30pm game...

I am really looking forward to these semi's. Credit to Bowdoin's coach Scott Weircinski for getting his teams in his 4 year tenure at Bowdoin to REALLY come together and play well in mid October / November. It seems every year they are making runs and pushes as the season winds down. I think they will sit deep against Amherst and play conservative and try to counter but IMO they are just as good as Amjerst and could win this game. I would not have said that in 2014 when they met in the Final but this year Amherst IMO is just not as strong. However, THEY PLAY VERY WELL AT HOME.

The other match-up will be interesting as well. Perry Nizzi really has Hamilton WORKING HARD. They are very fit and will want revenge on Midd from their home loss to them earlier in the season. I have a feeling Midd might come in a tad over-confident and if so they will get beat. Hamilton impressed me today against Conn and have the weapons and workrate to beat Midd...

Anyhow just a quick preview but my Predicitons will come mid-week


ONE SHOUT OUT:   I was VERY impressed with Adam Glaser today who the announcer said did his knee about 3 weeks ago and he did not start but Saward brought him off the bench 10 minutes in and was causing some havoc. I was impressed by the kid's toughness. He then limped off the field in the 2nd Half and looked like he aggravated his knee but he came back in OT and was limping a little but toughed it out and still showed his blazing speed.....I really respect the kid and his "old school" toughness..You could tell he did not want his career to end and wanted to get on the field and help anyway he could....++++
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 31, 2016, 10:09:01 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 29, 2016, 07:55:03 PM
What is pretty incredible all around is that there are a number of teams who were looking like locks at around the halfway point (Rochester, WashU, Tufts, Middlebury, etc.) and are now definitely bubble. For its part, Tufts' record wasn't particularly stellar, but - until Tuesday - they were absolutely the form team, and had some very good ranked results against Brandeis, Midd., and Amherst. Midd., as we know, won their game today, so they're still alive. Pretty wild to think that Bowdoin could even sneak a Pool C if they don't win the NESCAC at 9-3-4, and even if they lose in the semis they're 9-4-4 (a better record than Tufts' 9-5-2) and with 2 H2H wins over Tufts. Not saying that the last bid would come down to Tufts and Bowdoin, but just illustrating how unpredictable the selection process could be.

Conversely, there are teams like Brandeis who I still think have two blemishes too many (perhaps because I am the eternal pragmatist-borderline-pessimist when it comes to teams I support) and seemed completely out of the picture at the halfway point yet could possibly could sneak a Pool C. That said, even if they do beat UR tomorrow, they still have to go to NYU, who upset UR yesterday, so nothing is guaranteed. Either way, I'll be in China during Selection Monday, and might not have Internet access, so I'll just have to see how it shakes out. ;)

Bloots, I am leaning the other way. I think the Jumbos may be bumped this year.  Another hard schedule and best conference hurt (but ironically can help come selection time). Let's hope they make it as they often step up in tourney time!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2016, 12:01:08 PM
Like I have said before Tufts RvR and SOS can only HELP THEM but their overall record at 9-5-2 could HURT them. Certainly 9 win teams have had Pool C's in the past BUT usually it is a 9-4-3 or 9-3-4. Now 7 blemishes is 7 blemishes but 5 losses to me might be a problem. Still 4 ranked wins will be one of the highest in the region behind Brandeis. Now Bowdoin will be ranked so they will be 4-2-0 RvR which is good BUT if Endicott is ranked on Wednesday and Conn is not ranked then Tufts RvR will be 3-3-0 which would put them IMO on the wrong side of the bubble...Really all depends on Wednesday at 2pm when the 3rd Regional Rankings come out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 01, 2016, 07:52:44 PM
Nescac Semi-Final Predicitons:

Hamilton v Midd-----------------Interesting game herewith Midd beating Hamilton in Clinton,NY earlier in the year 1-0. Congrats to Eli Morris a courageous tough kid who won Nescac POW this past week and might be Hamilton's first POW since joining Nescac in 2011(a guess but I would have to double check the archives). Hamilton is a very hard working team, young, has speed and has some young technical players. Alex Cadet is a very skilled midfielder but he is not a tough kid and one crunching tackle could take him right out of the game amd Midd will know that. However, if you give him space he can thread the needle and put the ball on his teammates feet in good positions. Alec Talsania has excellent skill and speed and Aidan Wood is a tireless worker. So Hamilton will have 1 advantage over Midd and that is their speed v Midd's slow backs especially former Midd standout Deklan Robinson's brother who can be beat and is SLOOOWW.  Midd should be all set for a Pool C but after last year they will not be taking any chances. They have a significant advantage at GK and in size. Hamilton must avoid fouling Midd too much as Conrad can score from outside the box and is nasty with that left foot. If Midd gets to many set pieces Hamilton will be in trouble. Midd has not been playing very well of late and did not look particularly impressive at Williams on Saturday(to be fair neither did Williams). I think Glaser woll give it a go and Midd's midfield will shutdown Hamilton;s midfield and not allow to many dangerous chances for Hamilton in this match. Midd gets it done as long as they do not show up over-confident. Midd 2-0

Amherst v Bowdoin-----------Bowdoin the "hottest" team in the league right now playing very well. Amherst plays very well at home. I believe Bowdoin will sit deep an stay very organized defensively and counter when possible. Amherst Christopher Martin and Weller Hlinomaz could be the difference as they will be able to go at and beat Bowdoin's wingbacks. Bowdoin's Charier who is not the hardest worker is going to have to work his hardest to bang with Amherst CB's. Amherst will only attack with 5 as they will not send their wingbacks forward in this game. So the game could get very ugly and the ball will be in the air a ton bypassing midfield. Miang and Orozco could be a fun match-up to watch. There will be more fouls than shots in this game and will come down to whichever team makes the fewest mental mistakes. Bowdoin will want to avoid PK's as Amherst GK Lee Owen is very good in PK's and I am assuming Van Siclien(who is also good in Pk's) is gone for the season. If Amherst can win the Nescac Championship tgey will be hosting up until the NCAA Final 4 so a big tournament for them. Bowdoin looking for a remarkable 3rd straight Nescac Championship. Bowdoin I believe is still on the bubble for a Pool C but a win or draw will get them into the NCAA's. A Bowdoin loss will have them on the bubble and would be one of the least few In / Out. Bowdoin can control its own destiny and I believe they will. 2-1 Bowdoin
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 02, 2016, 03:11:01 PM
Oof! Tufts not in the regional rankings.
Bowdoin, on the back of a two-win week over Tufts, is at 9 after not being ranked in the regional top 10.
Also: Brandeis up to the 5 spot after not being ranked--sitting between #3 Middlebury and #7 Williams.
So that brings NESCAC up to 4 in the regional top 10. Respectable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on November 02, 2016, 03:12:49 PM
I thought I saw Tufts ranked #5 in NE.  Am I missing something?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 02, 2016, 03:16:02 PM
I'm looking at NSCAA NCAA rankings. Tufts was 3 last week.
http://www.nscaa.com/web/Rankings/College_Rankings/NCAA_DIII_MEN/web/rankings/ncaa/diii_men.aspx
Did I get that wrong?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEPitch62 on November 02, 2016, 03:17:42 PM
I just went to NCAA regionals - just updated today.  They are different?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 02, 2016, 03:18:07 PM
OK. Here's the NCAA's:
http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/soccer-men/d3/regional-rankings

Tufts at 5. That gives NESCAC 5 total. Even more respectable!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 02, 2016, 03:18:26 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 02, 2016, 03:16:02 PM
I'm looking at NSCAA NCAA rankings. Tufts was 3 last week.
http://www.nscaa.com/web/Rankings/College_Rankings/NCAA_DIII_MEN/web/rankings/ncaa/diii_men.aspx
Did I get that wrong?

Yes. The NCAA Regional Rankings just came out today and are on the NCAA's website. Those are the NSCAA rankings - they are different. :)

Edit: Appears this has been clarified. Stupid slow Internet!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 02, 2016, 03:20:38 PM
NCAA's New England         
1.   Amherst           14-1-1   14-1-1
2.   UMass Boston   15-1-2   15-1-2
3.   Babson           11-4-3   11-4-3
4.   Brandeis           10-4-3   10-4-3
5.   Tufts                     9-5-2     9-5-2
6.   Middlebury           10-3-3   10-3-3
7.   Rhode Island    14-3-1   14-3-1
8.   Clark (MA)           14-4-0   14-4-0
9.   Williams             9-4-3     9-4-3
10.   Bowdoin             9-3-4     9-3-4
11.   Endicott           12-5-2   12-5-2
12.   Wheaton (MA)   10-6-2   10-6-2
         
   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 11:00:46 AM
Midd v Hamilton ready to kickoff. I predicted Midd 2-0 and they should be the winner if they bring their "A" game. Hamilton is a dangerous team so Midd better be ready to go.


NOTE: Hamilton's starting GK Harris Pollack is not in the game for some reason. A frosh gets I believe his 1st start of the season...That is big news as Midd should test the Hamilton Frosh early and often
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 11:16:46 AM
Midd taking it to Hamilton first 15 minutes...Midd has not had any real dangerous chances but they have been in Hamilton's half all game. Hamilton has not looked threatening at all offensively so far. Also, they are fouling too much and giving Midd to many corners and long throws as Midd will convert one of them if you keep giving them chances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 11:34:41 AM
MIdd goes up 1-0 over Hamilton on a nice counter but a Midd scored on a harmless shot by Skayne and a HORRIFIC GK'ing error by the Hamilton Frosh GK who coughed the ball up on what should of been an easy save and Conrad buries the rebound. Hamilton's GK could have just coughed up all the hard work Hamilton has put in all season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 11:36:46 AM
WOW...Hamilton gets one back to make it 1-1 on a cross that was headed into the net by #9 Schmidt. He was not challenged by Midd's CB on the header and had a free look...Game On
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 12:34:30 PM
Midd's Glaser in all alone against the GK BUT the ball is on his left foot...Looked like a 14 year old's left foot...Some things never change..SHould be 2-1 Midd
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2016, 12:38:20 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 12:34:30 PM
Midd's Glaser in all alone against the GK BUT the ball is on his left foot...Looked like a 14 year old's left foot...Some things never change..SHould be 2-1 Midd

The left sprained MCL a factor as well....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 12:54:37 PM
Midd v Hamilton heading to OT knotted up at 1-1. 2nd Half has been a slugfest and the ball has been slogging around in midfield with the two teams having few dangerous chances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 01:13:10 PM
Hamilton gives Midd Heartache as they defeat Midd 2-1 in OT...Cadet hit a nice corner and Nescac Player Of the Week Eli Morris who scored against Conn last week on a header got another goal to beat Midd off a corner. Midd's defense looked asleep on the play as Morris was WIDE OPEN. I could not tell if he headed it down or what but Sydor had no chance....MIDD IS REALLY ON THE BUBBLE NOW.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 02:32:49 PM
Amherst v Bowdoin still knotted at 0-0....Bowdoin has not had one dangerous chance as they really are only attacking with 4. Very conservative and to conservative IMO...Amherst has had maybe 1 or 2 dangerous chances but this game is being played as predicted...Christopher Martin has come to play today as he is the most dangerous player on the field. Hlinomaz has been very quiet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on November 05, 2016, 02:45:02 PM
I don't watch a lot of NESCAC soccer but a few questions on the Bowdoin vs Amherst game

It could be the camera angle, but is that Amhesrt field as small as it looks on the video stream?

This doesn't seem to a very possession oriented style of play (in either direction), is that typically the norm?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 03:00:33 PM
It is the camera angle. Amherst field is not narrow....Amherst as you most liekly remember won the 2015 NCAA Championship using their superior athleticism, relying on set pieces and speed on the flanks. Bowdoin usually tries to play a little but it is very hard to against Amherst. That is what Amherst does best is take their opponent out of any kind of possession oriented game. I would love to see a Messiah v Amherst and see who imposes their style on who....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on November 05, 2016, 03:08:16 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 03:00:33 PM
It is the camera angle. Amherst field is not narrow....Amherst as you most liekly remember won the 2015 NCAA Championship using their superior athleticism, relying on set pieces and speed on the flanks. Bowdoin usually tries to play a little but it is very hard to against Amherst. That is what Amherst does best is take their opponent out of any kind of possession oriented game. I would love to see a Messiah v Amherst and see who imposes their style on who....

YES...I agree that would be a great match-up to watch.  Contrasting styles going head-to-head.  Maybe it will happen in the weeks to come.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 03:36:18 PM
Bowdoin goes up 1-0 with about 12 minutes left over Amherst..They score off a corner but first of all the corner should never have happened as Amherst GK Lee Owen parried a cross over the goal instead of catching a harmless ball. Bowdoin's corner was a nice play as it was a low line drive that got flicked into the middle of the box and finished. Amherst #5 Orozco lost his man and should have cleared the ball...Owen I think was blinded but either way Lee Owen kills his team again with a ball that should have been caught. Orozco should be blamed for the goal as he fell asleep.

Update: Bowdoin just shoots themselves in the foot by giving up an own goal with 10 minutes left....1-1...Matt McColl flicks a long cross into his own net. What a disaster...Then in true Amherst spirit and class Hlinomaz or Lind goes over and hugs him for scoring for them....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 03:40:17 PM
Amherst wins 2-1  over Bowdoin as Christopher Martin makes a nice dashing run and finds Hlinomaz on the left top of the box and he finishes near post. GK Safian with a huge ERROR for Bowdoin as you always protect your near post...WOW...Bowdoin just self-destructed and ended their season in a matter of 4 minutes. Bubble teams can remain calm at least for one more day.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 05, 2016, 06:05:05 PM
From where I was standing, Bowdoin did not "just self-destruct" as if out of the blue. They were under pressure throughout the game moreso than not. The five minutes or so leading up to their first goal was definitely a phase of the game when they had the momentum, but Amherst was in control for more phases than were the Polar Bears. Bowdoin scored against themselves off an Amherst re-start that put the Bears under true pressure. Amherst scored the go-ahead on another run at goal that pressured and cracked Bowdoin's defense. In my book, that means Amherst ended Bowdoin's season. With respect to Bowdoin, they did not concede willfully in the manner described. Also, in Safian's defense, Hlinomaz hit a reverse strike against his run; Safian was probably anticipating the more predictable shot to his left instead of to his right through screening legs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2016, 07:09:15 PM
GK's never give away the near post...His mistake....Bowdoin played very very conservatively all game which means they wanted to absorb Amherst pressure and bend not break which they did until the own goal. I never said they conceded willfully, that makes no sense as what team concedes willfully? They just had some BAD LUCK flicking a header into their own goal and Safian not covering his near post. Tough way to end their season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2016, 12:10:34 PM
Amherst v Hamilton in the Nescac final. Hamilton would be a great story still using their backup frosh GK instead of senior Harris Pollack. Huge wind advantage in this game as Hamilton has the wind 1st Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2016, 12:34:27 PM
Hamilton at Amherst knotted at 0-0 with about 15 minutes left in the 1st Half. No real dangerous chances for either side but Hamilton is holding its own and more. A relatively easy shot by Talsania was coughed up by Lee Owen but no Hamilton player followed the shot. Hamilton MUST continue to shoot on Owen and follow their shots as Amherst GK Lee Owen is just so suspect in net and will be Amherst downfall come NCAA tournament time. On the flip side Christopher Martin is playing his best futbol right now and is just such a dangerous player especially with his nasty speed...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2016, 12:52:52 PM
Amherst up 1-0 on Hamilton at Halftime. Bryce Ciambella had a great chance of the match as he missed a golden opportunity to give Amherst the lead when he sky rocketed a shot about 10 yards out. Then Amherst scores with 1 second remaining in the Half on a set piece that bobbled around the box and was not cleared. I could not see who scored but it looked very close to being offside. Very unlucky for Hamilton as they go down 1-0 at the Half at the buzzer and now will have to play into the wind to try to tie the score up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 06, 2016, 12:59:58 PM
Offsides unlikely with 18 people inside the box, with at least two thirds of them inside the six.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2016, 01:13:51 PM
2-0 Amherst as I missed the 2nd Goal but Hamilton is in trouble. It is very difficult to come back and score 2 goals at Amherst. Still a ton of time but looks like bubble teams can breathe a little easier as Amherst will win the Nescac Regular Season Title and the Nescac Tournament Title. I just do not see Hamilton coming back from this deficit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2016, 01:15:25 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 06, 2016, 12:59:58 PM
Offsides unlikely with 18 people inside the box, with at least two thirds of them inside the six.


Video is tough to tell but it looked close....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2016, 02:13:25 PM
Congrats to Amherst for winning the Nescac double and now they will host all the way to the NCAA Final 4 IMO...

Also, congrats to Hamilton after getting to the Nescac Final for the first time they end their season 10-7-1 and lose a couple KEY players to graduation now. They lose GK Harris Pollack, Speedy and skilled Alec Talsania, Mike Lubelczyk, Spencer Heller and Alex Cadet. They are all replacable but Talsania will be tough to replace right away as he really came on this year. Cadet's kill in midfield will be missed but can be replaced. Hamilton should be able to continue to build and move forward next year with a few new recruits they should be able to stay in the Top 8 of Nescac in 2017.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 06, 2016, 04:59:48 PM
Jump4Joy....nice point wrt the crowd in the box.  Plus K.  It is noted that the first goal was from a free kick from the right side with the time running down.  The Amherst kicker made a nice kick into a crowd of players and it was almost like a "scrum"...Rugby term...of foot moment, IMO.  No ref was going to call an offside as the ball descended....even if the players wore different shoe colors :). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 06, 2016, 06:58:02 PM
So how's this for brutal? [Acknowledging that this has nothing to do with the NESCAC other than one of the teams being Bucket's alma mater and the loser of this match possibly snagging a Pool C.]

In the ODAC championship, Washington & Lee is 6 minutes away from capturing its first conference title since 1989, when young Bucket was a freshman.

Lynchburg not only evens the score, but then wins on a W&L own goal with 3:00 minutes remaining. Absolutely brutal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 06, 2016, 08:41:58 PM
Ouch!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 06, 2016, 09:00:42 PM
Quote from: amh63 on November 06, 2016, 04:59:48 PM
Jump4Joy....nice point wrt the crowd in the box.  Plus K.  It is noted that the first goal was from a free kick from the right side with the time running down.  The Amherst kicker made a nice kick into a crowd of players and it was almost like a "scrum"...Rugby term...of foot moment, IMO.  No ref was going to call an offside as the ball descended....even if the players wore different shoe colors :).
Congrats to Amherst on another outstanding season, best of luck in the Tournament!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2016, 12:46:46 AM
LOL...Williams moved up 2 spots from #9 in new England to #7 without even playing a game. Midd beats Williams and loses to an unranked team and drops 2 spots. Bowdoin beats Tufts twice in a week and has a 1-0 lead over Amherst in the 80th minute before self destructing and losing but only moves up 1 spot. All 3 teams in Bowdoin, Williams and Midd are very good teams who could have won an NCAA game or 2 but get snubbed.


Midd has not sniffed an NCAA game in 6 years and what a WASTE of a senior class with Conrad, Sydor, Glaser etc to not make 1 NCAA Tournament in their 4 years. That is very worrisome and maybe it is time for Saward to hang em up. He has said he would go a couple more years but either BEEF up the out of conference schedule or beat the Top 4 in Nescac or you just cannot get into the NCAA's...Worrisome at Midd as they graduate a TON but maybe they need a culture change and "new" leadership on the field. When your best player is a hockey player you have to question where his mind is 100% of the time. No disrespect to Conrad he is a nasty player but maybe his leadership was lacking. IDK.

Another worrisome trend is a storied program like Williams has not been to the NCAA's in 3 years and has not been to a Nescac Semi-Final in 3 years. That is just unacceptable for such a storied program. They lose a TON also in Rashid, Bahr De-Stefano, Alcorn, Dory and the Frosh that Sullivan brought in were not impressive IMO as I would rate Wesleyan's Frosh class better than Williams..That CAN NEVER happen. Sullivan and his staff really need to get going and get some good players coming in the pipeline. Also, I  hate the way Williams plays now. I usually loved watching Williams attack from all angles, give their wingbacks the freedom to run up and down the flank and really really counter well...They do none of that since he took over. They only attack with 5 and have become just another kind of conservative Nescac side that is much more boring to watch. Unfortunate...If Sullivan would turn his head 180 degrees and see how the Williams Women play and how great of a recruiter she is he might learn something. These Williams sides just do not compare to the glory days of the early 2000's when there was MAGIC all over the field with the Jamaicans and blowing good teams off the field..Oh well those days are long gone.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 08, 2016, 06:31:33 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 08, 2016, 12:46:46 AM
LOL...Williams moved up 2 spots from #9 in new England to #7 without even playing a game. Midd beats Williams and loses to an unranked team and drops 2 spots. Bowdoin beats Tufts twice in a week and has a 1-0 lead over Amherst in the 80th minute before self destructing and losing but only moves up 1 spot. All 3 teams in Bowdoin, Williams and Midd are very good teams who could have won an NCAA game or 2 but get snubbed.

Not here to argue if the NESCAC got snubbed.  But wanted to point out a couple inaccuracies in your breakdown of the New England rankings.

Middlebury's win over Williams was not in the last week, it was the previous week.  Middlebury lost 0-3 to Williams and then beat Williams 1-0 that week, falling from #5 in the 2nd ranking to #6 in the 3rd ranking.  They dropped from #6 to #8 in the fourth and final ranking, having lost to unranked Wesleyan (By the way, shouldn't a loss to an unranked weaker opponent cost you more than losing to a ranked higher quality opponent?)

And both of Bowdoin's wins over Tufts were not in the last week, but in the previous week.  They went from unranked in the 2nd Ranking to #10 in the 3rd ranking on the back of those two wins over Tufts, and then, after losing to Amherst, moved up 1 spot to #9 in the 4th and final ranking.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2016, 01:35:22 PM
Yes I realize my venting about Nescac was inaccurate but I guess I was more upset with how the Week 3 rankings stacked up to begin with in New England. Brandeis deservedly pushed WAY up the rankings after beating 2 ranked teams in Emory and UR that week but Bowdoin did not after beating Tufts who was ranked #2 in New England that week. So both teams beat ranked teams twice but Brandeis got a monster jump and Bowdoin did not. Brandeis SOS and RvR were better than Bowdoin's and deserved the huge rise in the rankings but I thought Bowdoin's resume was good enough to jump to #7.

Also, is there such thing as a good loss anymore? Bowdoin losing a Nescac Semi to Amherst 2-1 after leading in the 80th minute to me is better than beating a team with a weak SOS and OWP. I don't know anymore. I am guessing Midd would still of been snubbed if they had beaten Hamilton in the Nescac Semi's because it would not of helped their RvR or SOS.

In the 4th Rankings Williams moved UP 2 spots to #7 from #9 without even playing a game. I just do not understand that. How does a team MOVE UP the rankings after getting eliminated in their conference tournament quarters and not playing a game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on November 08, 2016, 02:04:24 PM
What did the NESCAC go out of conference, like 58-6, something close to that?  Last two National champs, and one at large bid?  The system is beyond flawed.  Completely penalizing for the fact there are no cupcakes in the league and 15 game limit.  Would anyone argue even Conn would be a likely favorite first round if they got in?  Wouldn't almost every CAC team be a fav? NCAA used to take huge numbers from power conferences for a reason, the idea is best teams go, not best mathematical game goes based on sequence from poor starting point polls.....

My two cents, go Tufts and on to next year.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2016, 12:47:21 PM
I cannot defend Midd not getting a Pool C. This board was all over them last year when they got left out and my pleading with Midd to go ply some tougher teams Out of conference went unheard. They dropped Southern Vt for Keene St. Not good enough. After another snub this year i think it is as plain as black and white that the committee is sending a message that Midd really needs to beef up their non-conference schedule. Broken record here but there is no reason they cannot play a couple Liberty League teams which are only about 2 hours away. Personally, I would keep Castleton St and Norwich on the schedule because they are teams Midd has always played and are really nice short rides. So you have Castleton St and Norwich as your "easier" non conference games. Keene St was a decent pick-up but they have been struggling the past 5 years. You can keep them BUT you must drop Plymouth St and Colby-Sawyer and get 2 better teams on that schedule.

Bowdoin is kind of in the same boat. If you cannot beat the best Nescac teams than your out of conference schedule gets a real hard look ny the committee. They have a Babson game which is good and they have always played. However, the 4 Maine schools they play out of conference just do not cut it. They used to play Wheaton(MA). That would be a good game to add...They could easily pick up a couple Newmac teams like MIT or a team like Gordon which is a little over an hour away.

We would be saying the same exact thing about Amherst schedule BUT THEY BEAT the top Nescac teams every year so it really does not matter. It will matter in the future if they start losing games to Tufts, Midd, Williams or Bowdoin even Conn.

Williams had a decent Non-Conference slate with RPI, Skidmore, Babson, Endicott and ECONN. Unfortunately for them those schools besides Babson and maybe Endicott all had "down" years. They could possibly keep that schedule and be ok but what happened to the Oneonta game they played at home last year(won 2-0)? They must still owe them a game at their place? Why not get hem back on the schedule next year?

Tufts non-conference was ok also. Brandeis. Endicott, Gordon, Keene St and Plymouth St. It would have been questionable BUT they defeated the top Nescac teams like Amherst, Midd and Williams. I thought the 2 losses to Bowdoin would really hurt them and I am guessing they were 1 of the last Pool C's selected.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 13, 2016, 07:23:43 PM
Amherst with a deserved win over Daniel Webster, who fought to the wire.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 14, 2016, 12:10:52 PM
Amherst could have played 9 v 11 and quite possibly defeated Daniel Webster...Oneonta is a young side this year so if they somehow get by RUN who is not used to grass then Amherst will be in the Final 4. 2016 Oneonta is not the same team of 2015 or nowhere near 2014 Oneonta. Do not get me wrong they are a very good side but they are very beatable...RUN is so dangerous attacking wise but they will look a bit different on grass than turf..Remember they were up here in September and lost to Wheaton(MA) on their grass field and while it was 2 months ago it still threw them a bit I thought
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 14, 2016, 12:29:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 14, 2016, 12:10:52 PM
Amherst could have played 9 v 11 and quite possibly defeated Daniel Webster...Oneonta is a young side this year so if they somehow get by RUN who is not used to grass then Amherst will be in the Final 4. 2016 Oneonta is not the same team of 2015 or nowhere near 2014 Oneonta. Do not get me wrong they are a very good side but they are very beatable...RUN is so dangerous attacking wise but they will look a bit different on grass than turf..Remember they were up here in September and lost to Wheaton(MA) on their grass field and while it was 2 months ago it still threw them a bit I thought
My only comment is to quote Dick Allen, the baseball player: If a horse can't eat it, I don't want to play on it.

IMO the NCAA rule should limit tournament games only to grass fields, except in unusual circumstances.  "Grass-like" ain't grass, and it's proliferation shouldn't be encouraged.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 14, 2016, 02:52:25 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 14, 2016, 12:10:52 PM
RUN is so dangerous attacking wise but they will look a bit different on grass than turf..Remember they were up here in September and lost to Wheaton(MA) on their grass field and while it was 2 months ago it still threw them a bit I thought

That was 24 hours after beating Babson 3-2 on Babson's grass field.   Hard to jump to too many conclusions based on a single result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 14, 2016, 06:07:35 PM
Some folks might have had more interesting games to watch on Sunday, but Daniel Webster deserves credit for playing hard for the full 90, knowing 1) they were looking at a 3-goal deficit, AND 2) that they were going to be dis-banded no matter what, as their school closes its doors at the end of the academic year. Gutsy. Not many people could say they would give it their all in those circumstances. DW did.

In the face of some criticisms that some teams have imploded or self-destructed, DW did neither. They don't deserve to be summarily dismissed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 14, 2016, 06:38:02 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 14, 2016, 06:07:35 PM
Some folks might have had more interesting games to watch on Sunday, but Daniel Webster deserves credit for playing hard for the full 90, knowing 1) they were looking at a 3-goal deficit, AND 2) that they were going to be dis-banded no matter what, as their school closes its doors at the end of the academic year. Gutsy. Not many people could say they would give it their all in those circumstances. DW did.

In the face of some criticisms that some teams have imploded or self-destructed, DW did neither. They don't deserve to be summarily dismissed.

Didn't know about the disbandment, but that makes it even more impressive. I myself laughed at the possibility of DW giving Montclair State a game last year, yet IIRC they proceeded to knot things up 2-2 before eventually falling 3-2. Impressive spirit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on November 19, 2016, 02:51:32 PM
I'm not particularly surprised that not-actually-that-good Amherst couldn't get past their first real opponent of the tournament, while Tufts -- the best team in the NESCAC this year -- have clawed their way into the Elite 8. Sure, the tournament is always a bit of a crapshoot, but it was pretty clear that Tufts was the most complete team in the conference this year, even when they were failing to take points from winnable games
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 19, 2016, 03:21:18 PM
Good that Tufts is advancing. They certainly fell into good fortune to have the home field today against a highly depleted opponent. Let's hope they continue and bring the NESCAC back to the final four again. While their record does not support claims of being the best team in NESCAC this year--during the season or during the conference tournament--they are the team still standing. Go NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 19, 2016, 03:26:11 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 19, 2016, 03:21:18 PM
Good that Tufts is advancing. Must be said they played at home (a freak fortune) and played against a highly depleted opponent. Let's hope they continue and bring the NESCAC back to the final four again.

I, too, would like to see Tufts do well. The only thing that could have gone better for them today was Trinity-Kenyon going the full 110, but the Lords will be able to rest some guys for tomorrow by the looks of it. That said, Tufts will be desperate for revenge on its home patch given the way Kenyon knocked them out last year. I anticipate it will be a good game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 19, 2016, 05:29:55 PM
Amherst will lose ANOTHER monster class...It is very tough to continue your dominance after losing 2 HUGE classes, this year and last year. 2017 Amherst will be interesting to see how they line-up.

They lose:   Andrew Orozco, Jackson Lenhart, Christopher Martin, Rohan Sood, Justin Aoyama and Bryce Ciambella...That is 6 very key players and counting what they lost last year that is a TON...They will always re-load but would predict they might struggle in 2017 especially early in the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 19, 2016, 05:38:06 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 19, 2016, 05:29:55 PM
Amherst will lose ANOTHER monster class...It is very tough to continue your dominance after losing 2 HUGE classes, this year and last year. 2017 Amherst will be interesting to see how they line-up.

They lose:   Andrew Orozco, Jackson Lenhart, Christopher Martin, Rohan Sood, Justin Aoyama and Bryce Ciambella...That is 6 very key players and counting what they lost last year that is a TON...They will always re-load but would predict they might struggle in 2017 especially early in the season.

Does Hlinomaz return? I thought he entered school at Conn. in the fall of 2013, so would be a senior this year if he didn't take a year off (he may well have), but I would imagine a school like Amherst would require a minimum of 2 years - I know Brandeis did when I transferred, although I came in as a sophomore so it was a non-issue. He did well this year and if he is back I think that is big for them. Think that Martin is perhaps the more praised player but Ciambella is the biggest loss IMHO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 20, 2016, 03:28:46 PM
Repeating myself from another thread: NESCAC back in final four.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 20, 2016, 03:39:15 PM
Hlinomaz did not play in 2015 so yes he has another year.

From the beginning I thought Tuft's had as good a chance as anyone to win this thing. They don't give up many chances. Defense wins championships. Roll on Jumbos!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 20, 2016, 04:56:33 PM
Yes, the Tufts defense was strong today. Sullivan, especially, plays an extremely physical game that is hard to crack.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on November 20, 2016, 05:24:33 PM
So much for the rankings...... Congrats Tufts!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on November 20, 2016, 05:44:01 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 19, 2016, 03:21:18 PM
Good that Tufts is advancing. They certainly fell into good fortune to have the home field today against a highly depleted opponent. Let's hope they continue and bring the NESCAC back to the final four again. While their record does not support claims of being the best team in NESCAC this year--during the season or during the conference tournament--they are the team still standing. Go NESCAC.

I know that sports is results-oriented, but it's still bewildering that folks will overweight the importance of outcomes relative to the importance doing things right on process. Outcomes are almost inherently subject to chance, uncertainty, and fluctuation, but getting process right increases the liklihood of success in the long-run. IMO, though I think it's clear if you've seen them play over the course of the season, Tufts played the best soccer and was the most complete team in the NESCAC. Their level of chance creation suggested a team that would have success; even in their first 3 games where they went 0-2-1, they still created many more chances.

If we could simulate this season like 1000 times, I'd have a hard time picking another team over Tufts given everything we've seen this season from everyone in the league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on November 20, 2016, 05:48:08 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on November 20, 2016, 05:44:01 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on November 19, 2016, 03:21:18 PM
Good that Tufts is advancing. They certainly fell into good fortune to have the home field today against a highly depleted opponent. Let's hope they continue and bring the NESCAC back to the final four again. While their record does not support claims of being the best team in NESCAC this year--during the season or during the conference tournament--they are the team still standing. Go NESCAC.

I know that sports is results-oriented, but it's still bewildering that folks will overweight the importance of outcomes relative to the importance doing things right on process. Outcomes are almost inherently subject to chance, uncertainty, and fluctuation, but getting process right increases the liklihood of success in the long-run. IMO, though I think it's clear if you've seen them play over the course of the season, Tufts played the best soccer and was the most complete team in the NESCAC. Their level of chance creation suggested a team that would have success; even in their first 3 games where they went 0-2-1, they still created many more chances.

If we could simulate this season like 1000 times, I'd have a hard time picking another team over Tufts given everything we've seen this season from everyone in the league.

Although clearly the secret to NCAA tourney success is getting bounced in the 1st round of NESCACs
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 21, 2016, 03:29:48 PM
I think Tufts has a major weakness at LB...That McMillian kid like I said in another thread can be beaten quite easily 1v1 against better opponents, whacks everything and gives the ball away WAY to much for my liking...Coleman is also to slow but he and especially Sullivan did a very nice job this weekend in tough conditions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on November 21, 2016, 04:10:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 21, 2016, 03:29:48 PM
I think Tufts has a major weakness at LB...That McMillian kid like I said in another thread can be beaten quite easily 1v1 against better opponents, whacks everything and gives the ball away WAY to much for my liking...Coleman is also to slow but he and especially Sullivan did a very nice job this weekend in tough conditions.

From what I recall, it looked like Coach Shapiro went with Zinner down the stretch.  Tufts had a freshman, Jameson, at left back for part of the season, but maybe he got hurt.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 21, 2016, 04:19:11 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on November 21, 2016, 04:10:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 21, 2016, 03:29:48 PM
I think Tufts has a major weakness at LB...That McMillian kid like I said in another thread can be beaten quite easily 1v1 against better opponents, whacks everything and gives the ball away WAY to much for my liking...Coleman is also to slow but he and especially Sullivan did a very nice job this weekend in tough conditions.

From what I recall, it looked like Coach Shapiro went with Zinner down the stretch.  Tufts had a freshman, Jameson, at left back for part of the season, but maybe he got hurt.

He did go with Zinner but only because McMillian went out due to injury after a tackle I think...Anyhow Zinner has weaknesses as well but if I am a team I would overload that side and really put pressure on them down that flank
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 28, 2016, 02:05:35 PM
Just saw that the NSCAA regional COYS are out.
NESCAC gets the New England nod in Serpone.
http://tinyurl.com/j4k5qch
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan20 on November 30, 2016, 01:21:37 PM
Does anyone know when the all region teams come out for NSCAA?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan20 on December 01, 2016, 04:13:49 PM
First Team

Pos.   First   Class   School   Hometown
K   Chris Moura   Sr.   Rhode Island College   Rumford, R.I.
D   Justin Aoyama   Sr.   Amherst College   Narbeth, Pa.
D   Xavier Carty   Sr.   Johnson & Wales University   Mount Vernon, N.Y.
D   Marcelo Cunha   Jr.   University Of Massachusetts-Boston   Goiania, Brazil
D   Jackson Lehnhart   Sr.   Amherst College   Juneau, Alaska
M   Bryce Ciambella   Sr.   Amherst College   Ocala, Fla.
M   Willie Clemons   Jr.   Thomas College   Paget, Bermuda
M   Caleb Cole   Sr.   Gordon College   Coatesville, Pa.
M   Patrick Devlin   Sr.   Connecticut College   Washington Crossing, Pa.
M   Denis Martinez   So.   University Of Massachusetts-Boston   Chelsea, Mass.
M   Josh Ocel   Sr.   Brandeis University   North Attleboro, Mass.
M   Mohammed Rashid   Sr.   Williams College   Accra, Ghana
F   Luke Alvaro   Sr.   Springfield College   Chicopee, Mass.
F   Gaston Becherano   Sr.   Tufts University   Hollywood, Fla.
F   Komla Dogbey   Jr.   Rhode Island College   Providence, R.I.
F   Matt Vidal   Sr.   University Of Massachusetts-Dartmouth   New Bedford, Mass.
Second Team

Pos.   First   Class   School   Hometown
K   Gregory Sydor   Sr.   Middlebury College   Madison, Conn.
D   Kofi Abankroh   Sr.   Babson College   Worcester, Mass.
D   Benjamin Gradert   Jr.   Gordon College   Hudson, Ohio
D   Daniel Sullivan   Sr.   Tufts University   Brooklyn, N.Y.
M   Emmett Basaca   Jr.   Wentworth Institute of Technology   San Diego, Calif.
M   Kevin Davis   Sr.   Wheaton College (Mass.)   Beacon, N.Y.
M   Daniel Sullivan   Sr.   Rhode Island College   Pawtucket, R.I.
M   Moctar Niang   So.   Bowdoin College   New York, N.Y.
M   Moab Schiers   Sr.   Norwich University   South Weber, Utah
F   Zack Blais   Sr.   Clark University   Tiverton, R.I.
F   Gregory Conrad   Sr.   Middlebury College   Peabody, Mass.
F   Adam Glaser   Sr.   Middlebury College   Washington, D.C.
F   Adam Labrie   So.   Thomas College   Yarmouth, Me.
F   Christopher Martin   Sr.   Amherst College   Philadelphia, Pa.
F   Noah Martins   So.   Wentworth Institute of Technology   Dartmouth, Mass.
F   Amara Sesay   Jr.   Wheaton College (Mass.)   Bronx, N.Y.
Third Team

Pos.   First   Class   School   Hometown
K   Christian Alcorn   Sr.   Williams College   Richmond, Va.
D   Ryan Cohane   Jr.   Endicott College   Easton, Conn.
D   Luke Eckels   Fr.   Hamilton College   Ridgewood, N.J.
D   Austin Read   Jr.   United States Coast Guard   Takoma Park, Md.
D   Michael Skarbelis   Jr.   New England College   North Andover, Mass.
M   Tobias Gimand   Sr.   Trinity College   Copenhagen, Denmark
M   Zach Halliday   Sr.   Tufts University   Cranbury, N.J.
M   Mohamed Kenawy   So.   University Of Massachusetts-Boston   Revere, Mass.
M   Alex McCormick   Sr.   Castleton University   Starkboro, Vt.
M   Brendan Nemes   Jr.   Worcester Polytechnic   Kingston, Mass.
M   Daniel O'Grady   So.   Middlebury College   New York, N.Y.
F   Ronaldinho Diniz   Fr.   Wheaton College (Mass.)   Brockton., Mass.
F   Ethan Ellsworth   Jr.   Bowdoin College   Greenlawn, N.Y.
F   Denali Sexton   Jr.   Colby-Sawyer College   Barrington, R.I.
F   Ocane Williamson   Fr.   University Of Massachusetts-Boston   St. Catherine, Jamaica
F   Jacob Zimmerman   Sr.   Norwich University   Litchfield, N.H.


SHOCKED that Scott Greenwood was not on this list. Also pretty surprised Weinstein and/or Woodhouse didn't make the list as I wasn't very high on Alcorn or Moura from RIC
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on December 01, 2016, 06:11:04 PM
I really don't understand how Gimand has made All-NESCAC first team the last two years. Halliday should be higher on that list, he makes Tufts tick. Good to see Lenhart and Aoyoma get recognition. Obviously no one is surprised by Devlin's inclusion. He should be at worst a second team all american. Happy for Niang. He's a beast!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CovensCorner on December 01, 2016, 08:13:21 PM
Did Jackson Lehnhart get recruited while living in Juneau Alaska or is that just his hometown? I would be rather interested to hear the recruiting story behind him if anyone is familiar unless he just had to travel to California or Washington to get seen at a showcase. Either way, there can't be too many recruits coming from Alaska, especially to a top tier program such as Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 02, 2016, 04:13:36 PM
Quote from: CovensCorner on December 01, 2016, 08:13:21 PM
Did Jackson Lehnhart get recruited while living in Juneau Alaska or is that just his hometown? I would be rather interested to hear the recruiting story behind him if anyone is familiar unless he just had to travel to California or Washington to get seen at a showcase. Either way, there can't be too many recruits coming from Alaska, especially to a top tier program such as Amherst.

Pretty cool article on Lehnhart - it appears he is indeed originally from Alaska. http://www.gazettenet.com/Amherst-men-s-soccer-6214188
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 02, 2016, 04:37:58 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan20 on December 01, 2016, 04:13:49 PM
SHOCKED that Scott Greenwood was not on this list. Also pretty surprised Weinstein and/or Woodhouse didn't make the list as I wasn't very high on Alcorn or Moura from RIC

Yeah, that's surprising.

I was out of the country when the All-NESCAC squads were announced so didn't see them until today, but I was also surprised to see that he didn't even get 2nd Team All-NESCAC. That said, Sydor is very deserving of All-NESCAC honors, and I found Alcorn to be very solid, so I can't complain about the quality of the choices, but rather just Greenwood's omission.

I am not a Greenwood fanboy and have been critical of him in the past, but I thought he was the best GK in the NESCAC this year, and even managed to improve on what I think was his one true weakness - high balls and set pieces. Moreover, his GAA and save percentage are among the best in the country, all the more impressive considering Tufts plays an extremely demanding schedule.

Woodhouse would have been deserving - as would Weinstein - as he was MASSIVE against Amherst and kept Brandeis in the game today but didn't have the numbers that some of the other GKs had, which I think is analogous to the situation with Kayne and his omission from the All-American selections last year, although I maintain that was more a function of Brandeis taking a while to figure out its defense rather than Woodhouse's play. Still, I think he would have been a deserved All-Region honoree.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 03, 2016, 11:59:19 AM
With regard to Greenwood and Woodhouse, it could be that the blemishes on their records work against them in the all-star discussion. Their teams peaked at the right times, but those early losses must have had a true impact on the selection process. For example, giving up 5 in one game on 10 SOGs is glaring against Woodhouse. Giving up goals that lead to losses against teams going nowhere didn't help Greenwood. Of course, GAA depends, on large part, on the defenders in front of you, but at the all-star selection table, those numbers are haunting.

I bet that both Woodhouse and Greenwood care more about bringing their teams to the Final Four than they do about collecting hardware that begins to collect dust within a week after their senior seasons end--genuine accomplishments for both.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 03, 2016, 01:12:20 PM
An interesting side note: I was watching the video of the Brandeis men doing community service by talking to a local elementary school PE class, and discovered who I believe to be - if not his long-lost twin - Serpone (https://youtu.be/-VZ_bzINTcA?t=7m1s) hanging around with the Brandeis squad in the last minute of the video. Didn't realize that he was in Virginia, but I personally think it's pretty cool to see him spending time with colleagues like Coven (and Margolis), as I'm sure there is extensive mutual respect between the two.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 03, 2016, 01:31:56 PM
He might be the NCAA rep for New England which would mean he needs to be at the Final 4
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on December 03, 2016, 04:31:07 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on December 03, 2016, 01:12:20 PM
An interesting side note: I was watching the video of the Brandeis men doing community service by talking to a local elementary school PE class, and discovered who I believe to be - if not his long-lost twin - Serpone (https://youtu.be/-VZ_bzINTcA?t=7m1s) hanging around with the Brandeis squad in the last minute of the video. Didn't realize that he was in Virginia, but I personally think it's pretty cool to see him spending time with colleagues like Coven (and Margolis), as I'm sure there is extensive mutual respect between the two.

LOL respect for Serpone amongst other DIII coaches *crying laughing emoji*
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on December 04, 2016, 10:47:24 AM
Congrats to the Jumbos! Another CAC title! 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 04, 2016, 11:06:46 AM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on December 03, 2016, 04:31:07 PM
LOL respect for Serpone amongst other DIII coaches *crying laughing emoji*

Ten consecutive NCAA appearances, who knows how many NESCAC titles, and a national championship. Even considering his sideline antics, I'm sure that he is well-respected by his peers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ishmael55 on December 05, 2016, 03:02:57 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan20 on December 01, 2016, 04:13:49 PM
First Team

Pos.   First   Class   School   Hometown
K   Chris Moura   Sr.   Rhode Island College   Rumford, R.I.
D   Justin Aoyama   Sr.   Amherst College   Narbeth, Pa.
D   Xavier Carty   Sr.   Johnson & Wales University   Mount Vernon, N.Y.
D   Marcelo Cunha   Jr.   University Of Massachusetts-Boston   Goiania, Brazil
D   Jackson Lehnhart   Sr.   Amherst College   Juneau, Alaska
M   Bryce Ciambella   Sr.   Amherst College   Ocala, Fla.
M   Willie Clemons   Jr.   Thomas College   Paget, Bermuda
M   Caleb Cole   Sr.   Gordon College   Coatesville, Pa.
M   Patrick Devlin   Sr.   Connecticut College   Washington Crossing, Pa.
M   Denis Martinez   So.   University Of Massachusetts-Boston   Chelsea, Mass.
M   Josh Ocel   Sr.   Brandeis University   North Attleboro, Mass.
M   Mohammed Rashid   Sr.   Williams College   Accra, Ghana
F   Luke Alvaro   Sr.   Springfield College   Chicopee, Mass.
F   Gaston Becherano   Sr.   Tufts University   Hollywood, Fla.
F   Komla Dogbey   Jr.   Rhode Island College   Providence, R.I.
F   Matt Vidal   Sr.   University Of Massachusetts-Dartmouth   New Bedford, Mass.
Second Team

Pos.   First   Class   School   Hometown
K   Gregory Sydor   Sr.   Middlebury College   Madison, Conn.
D   Kofi Abankroh   Sr.   Babson College   Worcester, Mass.
D   Benjamin Gradert   Jr.   Gordon College   Hudson, Ohio
D   Daniel Sullivan   Sr.   Tufts University   Brooklyn, N.Y.
M   Emmett Basaca   Jr.   Wentworth Institute of Technology   San Diego, Calif.
M   Kevin Davis   Sr.   Wheaton College (Mass.)   Beacon, N.Y.
M   Daniel Sullivan   Sr.   Rhode Island College   Pawtucket, R.I.
M   Moctar Niang   So.   Bowdoin College   New York, N.Y.
M   Moab Schiers   Sr.   Norwich University   South Weber, Utah
F   Zack Blais   Sr.   Clark University   Tiverton, R.I.
F   Gregory Conrad   Sr.   Middlebury College   Peabody, Mass.
F   Adam Glaser   Sr.   Middlebury College   Washington, D.C.
F   Adam Labrie   So.   Thomas College   Yarmouth, Me.
F   Christopher Martin   Sr.   Amherst College   Philadelphia, Pa.
F   Noah Martins   So.   Wentworth Institute of Technology   Dartmouth, Mass.
F   Amara Sesay   Jr.   Wheaton College (Mass.)   Bronx, N.Y.
Third Team

Pos.   First   Class   School   Hometown
K   Christian Alcorn   Sr.   Williams College   Richmond, Va.
D   Ryan Cohane   Jr.   Endicott College   Easton, Conn.
D   Luke Eckels   Fr.   Hamilton College   Ridgewood, N.J.
D   Austin Read   Jr.   United States Coast Guard   Takoma Park, Md.
D   Michael Skarbelis   Jr.   New England College   North Andover, Mass.
M   Tobias Gimand   Sr.   Trinity College   Copenhagen, Denmark
M   Zach Halliday   Sr.   Tufts University   Cranbury, N.J.
M   Mohamed Kenawy   So.   University Of Massachusetts-Boston   Revere, Mass.
M   Alex McCormick   Sr.   Castleton University   Starkboro, Vt.
M   Brendan Nemes   Jr.   Worcester Polytechnic   Kingston, Mass.
M   Daniel O'Grady   So.   Middlebury College   New York, N.Y.
F   Ronaldinho Diniz   Fr.   Wheaton College (Mass.)   Brockton., Mass.
F   Ethan Ellsworth   Jr.   Bowdoin College   Greenlawn, N.Y.
F   Denali Sexton   Jr.   Colby-Sawyer College   Barrington, R.I.
F   Ocane Williamson   Fr.   University Of Massachusetts-Boston   St. Catherine, Jamaica
F   Jacob Zimmerman   Sr.   Norwich University   Litchfield, N.H.


SHOCKED that Scott Greenwood was not on this list. Also pretty surprised Weinstein and/or Woodhouse didn't make the list as I wasn't very high on Alcorn or Moura from RIC

Seems strange to me that with 16 NESCAC student-athletes receiving All-region recognition , two Wesleyan Players who were 1st team all NESCAC, Gruner ( a 4 time 1st team selection) and Cowie-Haskel ( I think a 2 time 1st team selection) get no recognition at the region level.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 05, 2016, 04:18:16 PM
Congrats to Tufts.  Pretty amazing that with all the national success Williams, Midd and Amherst have had, Tufts is the first NESCAC team to win two titles.  For a team to have zero wins in its first three games -- all against meh competition -- and then end the regular / NESCAC tourney season with two straight losses to a non-NCAA Bowdoin team, and then win the national title while only surrendering a single goal, is beyond remarkable.  I think there can no longer be any doubt that NESCAC is the best conference in D3 soccer, and hopefully future tourneys will reflect that by including more NESCAC squads.

Great that Shapiro also represents Middlebury via his undergraduate ties.  I have to think, with such immense success so quickly at Tufts, and with all of his D1 assistant coaching experience, a lot of D1 schools will be coming knocking.  He can probably have his choice of some good jobs at high-academic D1 schools if he so desires ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on December 06, 2016, 09:59:36 AM
Was just thinking the same thing. Mr Right - I will defer to you for the gossip on Shapiro's desire/offers to coach at a high-caliber D1 school  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 06, 2016, 10:09:36 AM
Quote from: oldonionbag on December 06, 2016, 09:59:36 AM
Was just thinking the same thing. Mr Right - I will defer to you for the gossip on Shapiro's desire/offers to coach at a high-caliber D1 school  ;)

Congrats to the Jumbos.  Wonderful Experience!  Good luck to Shapiro as well, wherever he ends up (including Tufts!).....
Title: Re: NESCAChe
Post by: Mr.Right on December 07, 2016, 12:28:27 PM
A few points:

1. I have no inside info on Shapiro nor am I inside his head so I have no idea what he is thinking about in terms of a career path. I have been around long enough to see many coaches go in many different directions for various reasons and with mixed results. My point is if he WANTED to go D1 this would HAVE TO be the time to do it. He has an exceptional resume with a 4 year playing career at Middlebury, D1 assistant experience at Georgetown, D3 head coaching experience with 2 national titles in his 6 years at Tufts . A massive turn around for a once doormat Nescac team when former coach Ralph Ferrigno basically gave up in the mid 2000's. He must be in his mid 40's which is a perfect time to make a move because if you wait to long and get to around 50 you will most likely lose your chance.

2. Harvard---With the fiasco at Harvard this season and them cancelling their season I cannot believe the current coach will survive, even though this was all sone before he got there. There will be pressure to fire him and Shapiro would be an absolute great fit for Harvard. I believe he applied they when it open after Jaime Clark left for Creighton but was passed over for Carl Junot who ran Harvard into the ground and was fired after only 3 years because of massive player/parent complaints, etc.

3. There have been plenty of examples of D3 coaches leaving great situations for D1 jobs that were not great fits. Usually this is because of the massive egos on some of these coaches. John O'Connor left U Chicago I think in 2005 to go to URI. O'Connor did nothing special at Chicago as I believe he qualified for the NCAA's once in 10 years there. URI hired him and he left a "safe" job at Chicago for a situation that was going to be tough. He had to follow longtime legend Ed Bradley at URI who had fantastic success recruiting foreign players and blending them in with local kids. O'Connor had NO SUCCESS and ran the program into the ground because of a loss of scholarships which was not his fault but when AD"S change in D1 they can take away your scholarships and give them to more beneficial programs like mens basketball and football. So he gets fired at URI and I am guessing in his mid 50's and IS LUCKY to catch on at Castleton St as their Head Coach. Certainly not the career path he was expecting. There are numerous examples of this...Think O'Leary at Bowdoin leaving for TFC. Disaster. He was lucky to catch on at UMASS and that will be his last job. Point is KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO....Ivy League and Patriot League jobs are usually very safe.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on December 07, 2016, 01:44:55 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on December 04, 2016, 11:06:46 AM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on December 03, 2016, 04:31:07 PM
LOL respect for Serpone amongst other DIII coaches *crying laughing emoji*

Ten consecutive NCAA appearances, who knows how many NESCAC titles, and a national championship. Even considering his sideline antics, I'm sure that he is well-respected by his peers.

Winning and respect... not mutually exclusive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on December 07, 2016, 03:46:34 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on December 07, 2016, 01:44:55 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on December 04, 2016, 11:06:46 AM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on December 03, 2016, 04:31:07 PM
LOL respect for Serpone amongst other DIII coaches *crying laughing emoji*

Ten consecutive NCAA appearances, who knows how many NESCAC titles, and a national championship. Even considering his sideline antics, I'm sure that he is well-respected by his peers.

Winning and respect... not mutually exclusive.

Agreed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on December 07, 2016, 05:03:35 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on December 07, 2016, 03:46:34 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on December 07, 2016, 01:44:55 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on December 04, 2016, 11:06:46 AM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on December 03, 2016, 04:31:07 PM
LOL respect for Serpone amongst other DIII coaches *crying laughing emoji*

Ten consecutive NCAA appearances, who knows how many NESCAC titles, and a national championship. Even considering his sideline antics, I'm sure that he is well-respected by his peers.

Winning and respect... not mutually exclusive.

Agreed

Are they envious oh his success? Probably. Do they respect him as a coach and character? The conversations I've had with D3 college coaches lead me believe they think he's a stain on the profession.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 08, 2016, 12:40:02 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on December 07, 2016, 03:46:34 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on December 07, 2016, 01:44:55 PM
Winning and respect... not mutually exclusive.
Agreed

Of course not but...

Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on December 07, 2016, 05:03:35 PM
Are they envious oh his success? Probably. Do they respect him as a coach and character? The conversations I've had with D3 college coaches lead me believe they think he's a stain on the profession.

...as someone who has spoken with a handful of D3 coaches myself, I've not had this experience. Sure, I bet a few of them think he's a bit over the top, but from what I can tell he is well-respected in general.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 09, 2016, 10:23:28 AM
Serpone has leveled off finally after 10 years. When he first came into the league he was absolutely not respected or liked. That has changed over time and after coaches got to know him off the field they liked him. Game day is a different story though
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 09, 2016, 02:30:18 PM
We can all learn from that observation.
The advantage of age and experience: We evolve!

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 09, 2016, 02:55:17 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on December 09, 2016, 02:30:18 PM
We can all learn from that observation.
The advantage of age and experience: We evolve!

Well, usually, anyway...I think Trump, McConnell, Sessions, etc. are examples of those who haven't quite "evolved" and have perhaps gone the other way as they've aged. 😂 😂 😂

Sorry, I know this is no place for politics, but that was just too good to resist.

Even so, as Mr.Right said, I think there is a big difference between game day and off the pitch. It's much easier to appreciate your competitors as fellow human beings when they aren't simply demonized as the "enemy" but as, you know, a real person because you see them outside the field of competition. When you don't see those people outside of the arena it is easier to develop hostility towards them, but when you see them in a different setting I think it often allows you to have a different – and perhaps more tolerant – perspective.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on December 13, 2016, 02:35:59 PM
Just looked at the final D3Soccer.com poll.  Impressive to see Tufts went 6-0 against the final top 10, and 8-0 against the final top 25 allowing just 1 goal.  Defense wins Championships...

On to 2017! Hopefully the NESCAC Conference can make it 4 titles in a row...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 13, 2016, 10:36:39 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on December 13, 2016, 02:35:59 PM
On to 2017! Hopefully the NESCAC Conference can make it 4 titles in a row...

On that subject, who do we think the favorites for the NESCAC title will be next year?

I did not keep up with the NESCAC very well this year besides Tufts (because of geography and interest) and the Maine teams (mostly Bowdoin because of my family connections) so I don't really know who is looking like the best squad coming back. Based on what I know, I am tempted to say it is wide open – even with Tufts' and Amherst's success in recent years, I do not see one clear favorite for next year. Amherst loses a good number of starters. Tufts loses a decent amount right down the spine – Greenwood, Sullivan, Zach Halliday, Lawson, Becherano, and Majumder. I think having Hlinomaz coming back next year will be big for Amherst and I think Tufts has some good young guys but I think the loss of guys like Greenwood – a four-year starter and arguably the key to Tufts' title success this year – and Majumder and Becherano could be bigger than the Jumbos realize at the moment and could see them come back to the pack a bit more next year, but you never know. That said, I like Tasker a lot and Rojas and Braun made big impacts this year and could become household names in years to come.

Elsewhere, I think Midd.'s losses of Conrad and Glaser will be big. Conn's loss of Devlin will likely be big as well. Gimand and Savonen were the guys keeping Trinity competitive from what I could tell. I am tempted to say Bates could surprise but I said that I thought they would this year and they did not have a good year, finishing below .500. I look forward to the year that they finally break out and have a good year, but it doesn't seem likely to happen anytime soon. Is Hamilton legit or did they just overachieve this year?

Seems like Bowdoin brings back a good amount, Niang is a beast. Did we ever find out what happened to Van Siclen?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 14, 2016, 02:01:39 AM
As much as I am a Nescac fan I can predict with certainty that Nescac will not win a 4th straight NCAA Cgampionship next year. In fact I do not see a Nescac team reaching the Elite 8 next year. It is waaay to early to say but a ton of the predictions will be based on what talent each team brings in and what talent has been developed over the off-season from returning players. BTW Hopefully we can rely on Ommadawn and possibly others for his outstanding work with his off-season "Hot Stove Action" and list of incoming Frosh and some highlights...A quick look from my point of view for 2107.....

Amherst----With the losses of two huge classes last year and this year I think they will struggle a bit especially early in the season depending on their early Nescac schedule. No program can lose all those starters in 2 years and expect to get to the 2017 NCAA Final 4. It is Amherst so they will reload big time but not enough to win the 2017 Nescac title. Hlinomaz is a good player but tends to disappear in games against better competition. I thought the last 3 weeks of the season in 2016 he was a non factor plus he is not a talented enough player like a NPL to put a team on his back. A Top 4 finish I expect but there will be more losses on the resume in 2017 than there have been lately.

Wesleyan---This team was very young last year coupled with some very bad luck and they were in the Nescac basement for the 1st time in Wheeler's 17 years. I was very impressed with 3 of their Frosh and like I said before I thought their Freshman class was better than Williams' freshman class which SHOULD never happen in any year. This team will rebound significantly if they can find a formidable back 4 and GK. This is Wheeler's bread and butter and I expect him to turn this ship around to make a run at a Top 4 next year in Nescac.

Williams---They lose a ton of talent and REALLY need a big time Frosh class next year or at least 1 truly Impact player to come in. Sullivan is a very good coach but I think he needs to step it up recruiting wise as they are starting to dig themselves a hole and have not made an NCAA appearance in over 3 years since their back to back NCAA Final 4 runs in 2012 and 2013. Russo missed 3 NCAA tournaments in 22 years in which Williams was allowed to participate. Sullivan has missed 2 in 2 years with some talented sides. Time to step it up a bit.

Bowdoin----After beating the eventual NCAA Champion 2 times in a week they got SNUBBED by the NCAA Committee in not getting into the NCAA's in 2016. I thought this Bowdoin side was one of the "hottest" teams in the country the last month of the season. They deserved to be in even over Middlebury IMO. They lose Dias-Costa and THAT IS IT....His skill will be missed but should be replaceable especially in Wiercinski's system and style of play. If they can get even 1 or 2 quality frosh that can help even off the bench this team will have some serious depth for the first time since their 2010 NCAA Final 4 run. I really think Bowdoin can win the 2017 Nescac Title based on returning their whole back 4 and midfield(besides Dias-Costa) and getting the best GK back in the league(assuming Van Siclien's injury was not a ACL issue). This team needs to come back fit and ready to go and I am expecting better things from Stenquist in midfield along with Niang they could form the best CM duo in Nescac next year. I would like to see Bowdoin drop one or two of those "weak" Maine schools out of conference and maybe put a Gordon / Endicott / Wheaton(MA) on their schedule along with Babson to beef up the SOS and OWP. These are all teams that are in close proximity and all teams Bowdoin has played in the past. Also, THEY MUST start the season ready to go and string 5 to 6 wins together instead of relying on October / November to get "hot" as this is starting to be a trademark of Wiercinski's sides.

Tufts-----You cannot argue with 2 NCAA Championships in 3 years and it is quite clear that Shapiro is the best coach in Nescac if not the D3 Nation right now. He is also a quality recruiter as he and Serpone are the best in Nescac. I give the edge to Shapiro in recruiting over Serpone because of the slight disadvantage(which IMO is diminishing by the day) of recruiting to Tufts over Amherst academically. Still like Bloots said they LOSE A TON. I was expecting Tufts to be a quality side in 2016 but not a NCAA Champion side by a long shot. What I have noticed in Shapiro's tenure is how players have developed year to year and improved in quality from Frosh onwards(think Majumder and Halliday)..I was a bit disappointed in Rojas this year as I was expecting "more" out of him as he has some serious talent. He has skill but for a Jersey kid and a kid with his frame I was disappointed that he was not a more physical player. Sometimes kids can get a bit overwhelmed from club soccer to Nescac in their Frosh year with the physicality of the league but when I notice him pulling out of tackles that opened my eyes. I think he will only get stronger and grow right into his frame and have a very good Soph year. I will be curious to see what kind of recruits Shaprio brings in but they will not be repeating NCAA Champions in 2017.

Hamilton----What a great bounce back year for Perry Nizzi and finally cracking the Top 4 In Nescac for the 1st time since rejoining the league in 2011. In fact I believe that was the 1st time they cracked the Top 7. They were very young last year and I liked what I saw out of a couple Frosh especially up top but they did also rely on 3 key seniors that will be big losses for a program like Hamilton. If Nizzi can get another 2-3 solid contributing Frosh and a GK they will continue to not only surprise but contend for a possible NCAA berth but they must go 5-0-0 out of conference or 4-0-1 if they keep Oneonta St on their schedule.

Trinity----Savonen will be back for 1 more year as I believe they red-shirted him so that will be a big bonus but they lose 3 very key players in midfielders Gimand and Murphy and Milbury up top. Personally, Murphy is the biggest loss as he was a tough Jersey kid that worked very hard in midfield. Gimand while very skilled was very "soft" and almost afraid to tackle so maybe they can get some more physicality in midfield and add some skill as well to feed Savonen up top. Maybe they can convince Bednarek to come back for his senior year. They MUST shore up defensively and in net but Pilger IMO is the worst recruiter in Nescac. There is no reason for Trinity to not be a Top 5 side with their admissions advantages and fantastic campus as they compete for Nescac titles in every other sport. I believe they are getting a brand new field next year and if that rumor is right I believe it will be turf. Not sure if that is in 2017 or 2018 or if the project was cancelled but I remember hearing that so that might give them a nice home field advantage. I still expect a Top 8 next year.

Conn---On the flip side Kenny Murphy is one of the best recruiters in Nescac considering all the disadvantages he has to work with at Conn. 2 advantages are admissions and no Football but again the campus and facilities just do not stack up to other Nescac's. They lose their best player in Devlin and he is NOT REPLACEABLE next year. They were not as good as they were in 2015 and I am not expecting much in 2017 unless he gets a couple studs in his Frosh class. The problem is we will only be waiting to find out the 2-3 usual players that will either have been booted off the team or quit because of the demanding style and sometimes overly negative Murphy that players get sick of that happens every year. The loss of Leon this year really hurt. Their GK'ing was shaky at best and for the first time in a while I thought their back 4 was not as physical and not nearly as organized as they usually are under Murphy. I am not expecting much next year from Conn unless again he gets a stud player or 2 that can contribute right away.

Midd----No NCAA tournament appearances since 2010. Waste of a pretty good 2016 class that got nowhere in their 4 years except racking up goals against the likes of Southern Vt and Green Mountain and getting the occasional "good" result against the better teams in Nescac. To be fair they really got snubbed by the NCAA Committee in 2016 and especially in 2015. Also, for the first time in a long time they started to show a resemblance of balance in playing styles with some whacking from the Back 4 but also some good creativity and skill in midfield and were knocking the ball around on the carpet much more than I have seen a Midd team do since 2009. Like I have said in previous posts the loss of their 3 best players in Sydor, Conrad and Glaser will REALLY HURT but maybe this team needs some new leaders with more ambition and fight. If Saward is sticking around for a couple more years then HE MUST rely on his former players and young assistants to start recruiting and maybe letting them start getting their fingerprints on the program kind of like Margolis at Brandeis. Midd WILL ALWAYS get great athletes but if they can snag a couple skilled, fast and creative players next year then I think this team will be right there. This will no doubt be the hardest team to predict for next year until we see what they have coming in and what they have developed in the off season. I will predict they will struggle next year with some growing pains as they will be very young but sometimes that is not such a bad thing and they could surprise. Again.....very tough to predict Midd right now for 2017.

Who am I missing?


Ahhhh....Bates and Colby....Our two most unlikely Nescac coaches that IMO are just not good fits at Nescac schools for various reasons. Both teams continue to under perform year after year. Seabrook I will give a pass because he has only been at Colby 3 years and does have a Nescac Top 8 on his resume but they looked seriously over matched in 2015 and 2016 in some games against the better Nescac sides. Again, he is a very good coach and has Colby very organized defensively almost like a Leicester City did against Man City this past weekend except they do not have anything resembling a counter attack which BTW Leicester looked so good on the counter against City but of course had nothing today against Bournemouth. Yes back to my point...at some juncture Colby must find some players like Meisel and create some fast skilled counters out of their defensive shell and MUST GET A STRIKER who can finish. If not they will continue to get the surprise result here and there in league play and rack up 3 to 4 0-0 draws in Nescac play which will not get it done for a Top 8. One thing about Pilger at Trinity he will not sit in against teams and that allows his teams to get wins and 3 points when maybe they do not deserve it(Think their 2OT wins at Bowdoin and a nice trashing of Wesleyan in October that got them 6 points and into the Top 8. Colby MUST play more aggressive when on the counter and in attack.

Bates----Disaster.... I love to remind all you Bates fans that the last time Bates made the Nescac tournament was when Purgavie was coaching. 5 years at Bates for Flaherty and not 1 finish better than 10th. Ugly. I said from the beginning this was not a good fit and I will stick to it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on January 18, 2017, 08:30:55 PM
After 33 years, Dave Saward will step down as head coach of the Middlebury soccer program at the conclusion of the 2017 season.

Alex Elias is the coach-in-waiting.

http://athletics.middlebury.edu/sports/msoc/2016-17/releases/20170118dalxb2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 22, 2017, 12:51:12 PM
Saward is / was a legend at Midd but the last 6 years have been trying times up at Midd for Men's Soccer...No NCAA berths and the talent to have been in 3 of them. Excellent job opportunity and while Alex Elias is an excellent coach I am a bit shocked that they do not open the job up at least. They would get some great applicants and former players(Kyle Dezotell) that would apply. Elias I believe has never been a Head Coach anywhere and is quite young for a Nescac job so all etes will be on that situation moving forward.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on January 27, 2017, 06:38:56 PM
Thanks to the efforts of Shooter and OldNed on the new "hot stove" thread, we are able to get a glimpse of some of the new recruits for NESCAC squads.  It looks like Amherst in particular has locked up a few real gems...

Amherst

Nate Brody  http://www.hudl.com/video/3/6108735/5721de24041ddc1b00788731

Sebastian Derby  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5STLl2rqsA

Jack O' Brien  http://www.hudl.com/profile/3254177/jack-obrien

Michael Saks  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeXUPSvzMsM


Connecticut College

Renzo Albertoni  http://www.ncsasports.org/mens-soccer-recruiting/wisconsin/verona/verona-area-high-school1/renzo-albertoni

Liam Donelan  http://www.hudl.com/video/3/6877575/5721d9560c5e681224b344e1

AJ Marcucci  http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4574999/5721e6e7b019261f80e8a1da


Williams

Nicholas Ranieri  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu1LZJygXtI


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: injured_nescac_player on February 15, 2017, 04:29:04 PM
Hey guys,

I just wanted to share what one of our guys wrote about NESCAC soccer (he's a player in it). It's an absolutely hilarious satire about NESCAC soccer, and I still chuckle when I read it. takeplug is a site that (a former player, still in college, had to stop because of several knee surgeries) was just founded a couple days ago. Hope you take a read, you'll be missing out if you don't!

https://www.takeplug.com/writing-1/2017/2/14/would-paul-pogba-make-it-in-the-nescac

Cheers.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on February 16, 2017, 10:01:01 AM
Quote from: injured_nescac_player on February 15, 2017, 04:29:04 PM
Hey guys,

I just wanted to share what one of our guys wrote about NESCAC soccer (he's a player in it). It's an absolutely hilarious satire about NESCAC soccer, and I still chuckle when I read it. takeplug is a site that (a former player, still in college, had to stop because of several knee surgeries) was just founded a couple days ago. Hope you take a read, you'll be missing out if you don't!

https://www.takeplug.com/writing-1/2017/2/14/would-paul-pogba-make-it-in-the-nescac

Cheers.

"Could he still perform on a cold, rainy night in Maine?" 😂
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: sokermom on February 16, 2017, 11:38:12 AM
This article is quite hilarious.  Good job.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on February 19, 2017, 01:55:55 PM
Quote from: injured_nescac_player on February 15, 2017, 04:29:04 PM
Hey guys,

I just wanted to share what one of our guys wrote about NESCAC soccer (he's a player in it). It's an absolutely hilarious satire about NESCAC soccer, and I still chuckle when I read it. takeplug is a site that (a former player, still in college, had to stop because of several knee surgeries) was just founded a couple days ago. Hope you take a read, you'll be missing out if you don't!

https://www.takeplug.com/writing-1/2017/2/14/would-paul-pogba-make-it-in-the-nescac

Cheers.

Go Mules!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on February 23, 2017, 04:49:50 PM
Quote from: injured_nescac_player on February 15, 2017, 04:29:04 PM
Hey guys,

I just wanted to share what one of our guys wrote about NESCAC soccer (he's a player in it). It's an absolutely hilarious satire about NESCAC soccer, and I still chuckle when I read it. takeplug is a site that (a former player, still in college, had to stop because of several knee surgeries) was just founded a couple days ago. Hope you take a read, you'll be missing out if you don't!

https://www.takeplug.com/writing-1/2017/2/14/would-paul-pogba-make-it-in-the-nescac

Cheers.

Now that is funny.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on April 05, 2017, 10:08:12 PM
Here's another batch of highlight videos from new recruits at NESCAC schools:

Bates

Blaise Marceau  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlKNkWa7mAw

Bowdoin

Alex Chaban  https://vimeo.com/148389801

Aidan Loten  https://vimeo.com/147753088

Max McPherron  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-PbsuXqzVI

Colby

Alberto Butts-Lee  http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/worcester-academy-hilltoppers-(worcester,ma)/soccer/videos.htm?videoid=feab895f-ff27-455a-955f-669995d7056b

Middlebury

Marco Kaper  http://www.hudl.com/video/3/6968570/575436cb051e325b5c6d2f74

Andriy Proctor  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-Sx3Qa9R4k

Tufts

Will Harned  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVljXAok90c

Williams

George Taylor  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYrJcGyeUSc
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on May 13, 2017, 09:49:11 PM
This might have been covered elsewhere, but apparently Amherst's mascot is now the Mammoth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZHpxAXDJto
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on May 24, 2017, 12:27:54 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on April 05, 2017, 10:08:12 PM
Here's another batch of highlight videos from new recruits at NESCAC schools:

Bates

Blaise Marceau  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlKNkWa7mAw

Bowdoin

Alex Chaban  https://vimeo.com/148389801

Aidan Loten  https://vimeo.com/147753088

Max McPherron  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-PbsuXqzVI

Colby

Alberto Butts-Lee  http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/worcester-academy-hilltoppers-(worcester,ma)/soccer/videos.htm?videoid=feab895f-ff27-455a-955f-669995d7056b

Middlebury

Marco Kaper  http://www.hudl.com/video/3/6968570/575436cb051e325b5c6d2f74

Andriy Proctor  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-Sx3Qa9R4k

Tufts

Will Harned  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVljXAok90c

Williams

George Taylor  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYrJcGyeUSc


Some good players on this list. The kid Williams got from Berkshire School is a very good player and I believe he was the best player on a very talented Berkshire School team so that is a start for Sullivan but Williams needs goal scorers next season or they will continue to struggle.

I believe Nescac schedules will be out next week as it is always interesting to see who each Nescac team decides to play in their 5 non-conference games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 05, 2017, 11:41:57 AM
As of June 5th only one Nescac team schedule has been released. Williams has their 2017 schedule up and it is nothing special with a surprisingly WEAK team on it.  Their 5 non-conference games are at RPI, Skidmore, at Coast Guard, at Babson and hosting Mt.St Vincent. For a historically strong program like Williams and a reputation for playing the best teams in New England this schedule is certainly not as challenging as it could be. 2 Newmac's and 2 Liberty League games are fine but it looks like they had an opening weekend in October that they needed to fill an they filled it with any team they could find.  If that is the case then I understand why you would be playing Mt.St.Vincent and will give them a pass. Not sure why you would pick up a road tilt at Coast Guard who will sit 10 behind the ball and try to steal the game on the counter.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Striker22 on June 06, 2017, 12:29:06 PM
http://bantamsports.com/sports/msoc/2017-18/schedule

Trinity appears to have posted their 2017 schedule.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on June 06, 2017, 12:55:02 PM
The NESCAC composite schedule is up on the NESCAC Men's Soccer page:  http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2017-18/schedule.  You can click on each team to see its individual schedule.  Some teams' schedules may still be a work in progress
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on June 06, 2017, 01:05:06 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on June 06, 2017, 12:55:02 PM
The NESCAC composite schedule is up on the NESCAC Men's Soccer page:  http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2017-18/schedule.  You can click on each team to see its individual schedule.  Some teams' schedules may still be a work in progress

Excited to see that Babson added Tufts this year. Brandeis and Tufts have played the past four years, a good test for both teams, and I think Babson vs. Tufts will be similarly competitive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on June 07, 2017, 09:57:31 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 05, 2017, 11:41:57 AM
As of June 5th only one Nescac team schedule has been released. Williams has their 2017 schedule up and it is nothing special with a surprisingly WEAK team on it.  Their 5 non-conference games are at RPI, Skidmore, at Coast Guard, at Babson and hosting Mt.St Vincent. For a historically strong program like Williams and a reputation for playing the best teams in New England this schedule is certainly not as challenging as it could be. 2 Newmac's and 2 Liberty League games are fine but it looks like they had an opening weekend in October that they needed to fill an they filled it with any team they could find.  If that is the case then I understand why you would be playing Mt.St.Vincent and will give them a pass. Not sure why you would pick up a road tilt at Coast Guard who will sit 10 behind the ball and try to steal the game on the counter.

Mount St. Vincent somehow got a game with Messiah last year, and now this year play at York (Pa.) on 9/8, at Williams on 10/7, and at Tufts on 10/10.  Very peculiar.  Mount St. Vincent has a new coach, Montclair State 2015 grad Maxx Wurzburger, but he was only announced on May 22.  The shady Jon Langer was the head coach last year, so did he manage to get these big games?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 17, 2017, 10:39:11 AM
Well Midd has not learned anything from their last 2 snubs from the NCAA's..They have Castleton, Norwich, Plymouth St, Colby-Sawyer and Keene St as their 5 non-conference games. Keene St will be decent and the rest are below average.

I have already written about Williams' below average schedule. I will say again why in the world would you play at Coast Guard. Mid-week in New London,CT against a very hard working team that will sit 10 deep and run all day. Why not play a team that has more skill and not sit back?

Tufts has the best non-conference schedule as well they should being reigning NCAA Champs. Brandeis, Babson, Keene St are good games. Mt. St Vincent will be playing there 2nd Nescac opponent in 3 days when they visit Tufts. This is a GOOD schedule, not great but good enough.

Amherst is showing only 2 non conference games on their schedule so far. I will not be holding my breath for the other 3. I can predict as usual a very WEAK non-conference slate. Interestingly, they are travelling to Merchant Marine on a Thursday for a night game at 8pm before their game at Williams on Saturday. That is less than 48 hours turn around time and a good 3 hour bus ride. I do not like that decision but Serpone smartly puts Merchant Marine on their schedule as they WILL DOMINATE their new league(2nd year) in the Skyline. That will give Amherst a game and a win against an NCAA opponent which the committee loves and will pump up their OWP. I just wouldn't have scheduled it right before the Williams game on a Thursday night.

I am most disappointed with Bowdoin. They drop Babson(who they have played every year since the 1980's) and are playing 5 weak Maine schools. They are going to be one of the better teams in Nescac and there is no reason they cannot play a good schedule. They are in close enough proximity to Boston to play good teams. They got snubbed from the NCAA's last year because of their WEAK Non-conference schedule and proceed to go ahead and make it even weaker.

I have complained about this for years. If you do not have good teams on your schedule you will not have good wins on your resume. Bowdoin will have 5-6, good Nescac teams on their schedule but now must win at least 3 of those games against Midd, Amherst, Tufts, etc to get wins v Ranked teams. If you put 3 GOOD ranked teams on your non-conference schedule at least you have 3 more opportunities to get ranked wins. What Bowdoin, Midd and Amherst do to themselves forces them to put all their eggs in 1 basket. Amherst has gotten away with it for years but the other schools have not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on June 17, 2017, 08:02:16 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 17, 2017, 10:39:11 AM
Well Midd has not learned anything from their last 2 snubs from the NCAA's..They have Castleton, Norwich, Plymouth St, Colby-Sawyer and Keene St as their 5 non-conference games. Keene St will be decent and the rest are below average.

I have already written about Williams' below average schedule. I will say again why in the world would you play at Coast Guard. Mid-week in New London,CT against a very hard working team that will sit 10 deep and run all day. Why not play a team that has more skill and not sit back?

Tufts has the best non-conference schedule as well they should being reigning NCAA Champs. Brandeis, Babson, Keene St are good games. Mt. St Vincent will be playing there 2nd Nescac opponent in 3 days when they visit Tufts. This is a GOOD schedule, not great but good enough.

Amherst is showing only 2 non conference games on their schedule so far. I will not be holding my breath for the other 3. I can predict as usual a very WEAK non-conference slate. Interestingly, they are travelling to Merchant Marine on a Thursday for a night game at 8pm before their game at Williams on Saturday. That is less than 48 hours turn around time and a good 3 hour bus ride. I do not like that decision but Serpone smartly puts Merchant Marine on their schedule as they WILL DOMINATE their new league(2nd year) in the Skyline. That will give Amherst a game and a win against an NCAA opponent which the committee loves and will pump up their OWP. I just wouldn't have scheduled it right before the Williams game on a Thursday night.

I am most disappointed with Bowdoin. They drop Babson(who they have played every year since the 1980's) and are playing 5 weak Maine schools. They are going to be one of the better teams in Nescac and there is no reason they cannot play a good schedule. They are in close enough proximity to Boston to play good teams. They got snubbed from the NCAA's last year because of their WEAK Non-conference schedule and proceed to go ahead and make it even weaker.

I have complained about this for years. If you do not have good teams on your schedule you will not have good wins on your resume. Bowdoin will have 5-6, good Nescac teams on their schedule but now must win at least 3 of those games against Midd, Amherst, Tufts, etc to get wins v Ranked teams. If you put 3 GOOD ranked teams on your non-conference schedule at least you have 3 more opportunities to get ranked wins. What Bowdoin, Midd and Amherst do to themselves forces them to put all their eggs in 1 basket. Amherst has gotten away with it for years but the other schools have not.

One of those 5 Maine teams is St. Joseph's of Maine, a team that beat Babson in PKs in the NCAA tournament last year.  They are a team made up of predominantly sophs and freshmen, so they figure to be even stronger this year.  I wouldn't be surprised if Bowdoin loses to Saint Joe's.

That being said, I agree with everything you say about Bowdoin's strength of schedule and it baffles me that a team that lost out on the tournament last year due to SOS didn't take measures to fix the problem.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on June 28, 2017, 11:02:56 AM
I've no idea how this team is compiled, but two future NESCAC players on the USA Today H.S. all-American third team, Jules Oberg (Williams) and Jake LaBranche (Middlebury):

http://usatodayhss.com/2017/american-family-insurance-all-usa-boys-soccer-third-team
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 28, 2017, 01:44:56 PM
No idea...... but that kid Oberg that Williams got was Berkshire School's best player last year. He will be Williams best recruit but he is a defender and Williams needs attackers but not a bad snag for sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on June 28, 2017, 03:39:14 PM
Thanks Mr. Right.  It does seem like Williams has a tremendous group of defenders next year between Oberg, Muellers, Dory, MacDonald (assuming he returns healthy), Andreu, and another incoming frosh, Ranieri.  But the playmaking up front and finishing are both huge question marks.  Hopefully Sisco-Tolomeo will have a strong senior year finishing up top, more akin to his sophomore year, but he is a senior and be a marked man without any other obvious finishers on the roster.  And the playmaking up front is an even bigger question mark with Rashid (in particular, he carried so much of the offensive load), Bahr Stefano, and Moutenot graduating.  Williams is going to have to grind our a lot of low-scoring games unless a few really unexpected playmakers emerge. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 29, 2017, 12:14:52 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on June 28, 2017, 03:39:14 PM
Thanks Mr. Right.  It does seem like Williams has a tremendous group of defenders next year between Oberg, Muellers, Dory, MacDonald (assuming he returns healthy), Andreu, and another incoming frosh, Ranieri.  But the playmaking up front and finishing are both huge question marks.  Hopefully Sisco-Tolomeo will have a strong senior year finishing up top, more akin to his sophomore year, but he is a senior and be a marked man without any other obvious finishers on the roster.  And the playmaking up front is an even bigger question mark with Rashid (in particular, he carried so much of the offensive load), Bahr Stefano, and Moutenot graduating.  Williams is going to have to grind our a lot of low-scoring games unless a few really unexpected playmakers emerge.

Yes I agree, btw Ranieri is also a VERY good player as well as Oberg but he is also a defender. To me Sisco-Tolomeo has been a major disappointment but maybe he can have a monster senior year
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on June 29, 2017, 02:44:42 PM
One of our kids from from Berk claims Jules maybe delaying a year.  Not sure why.  He seemed pretty sure about it.

Still think Williams will have plenty.

Driving the 2 hours down to see another Berk alum tonight at Yankee Stadium, Go Jack go.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on June 29, 2017, 03:44:08 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 29, 2017, 12:14:52 PM
Yes I agree, btw Ranieri is also a VERY good player as well as Oberg but he is also a defender. To me Sisco-Tolomeo has been a major disappointment but maybe he can have a monster senior year

In an interesting parallel with former Eph Geoff Danilack, Nick Ranieri has a brother (fraternal twin, I think) headed off to Dartmouth (Danilack had two brothers play at Dartmouth).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerKick on June 30, 2017, 09:18:35 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 28, 2017, 01:44:56 PM
No idea...... but that kid Oberg that Williams got was Berkshire School's best player last year. He will be Williams best recruit but he is a defender and Williams needs attackers but not a bad snag for sure.

Better than Jacob Shaffelburg who is playing pro games for Bethlehem Steel as a 15 year old?
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2017/3/17/14957746/academy-newcomer-jacob-shaffelburg-makes-debut-in-bethlehem-steel-friendly

Better than Ahria Simmons who has been starting for Bermuda's Senior team at 17 years old?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rEIfQiJcyc

Better than Duke commit Stephen O'Connell?
http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=211630688&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Better than Northeastern commit Noah Abrams?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeCCmLTDMEk

We know you like Williams, but come on...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dog Face on June 30, 2017, 12:12:29 PM
I'd be interested to hear how often freshman are major impact players in NESCAC- I would not have thought that this occurred often.  I guess I'm questioning how much a couple of freshman backs (albeit very good ones) will matter for Williams. 

Those two backs are no doubt a good starting point for a good freshman class for Williams, but still seems they are a bit less aggressive on the recruiting side than some of their peers- one would think the pressure would be building in Williamstown.  The Berkshire back is a plum pick and likely required some work, but he was right in their backyard.   You know Tufts and Amherst will recruit hard every year, and with their recent trophies will have a good pool available- other boards show both schools also getting very good recruits in their local market.

It obviously matters what kids want, but Tufts seems really well positioned for recruiting. It has the titles and a highly regarded young coach, and its academic stature has risen to where it's almost equal to Williams and Amherst.  And unique amongst the NESCACs, it a bigger university in an urban setting with perhaps a bit more flexibility on the admissions side.   A very powerful and attractive combination for recruiting.    Negatives?  Recent move to a turf field (players raised on turf may not recognize it, but the wear and tear over 4 years of intensive college seasons adds up) and speculation that the coach will move on given his accolades. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on June 30, 2017, 01:52:05 PM
I feel like Tufts has not really prioritized athletics until the last five years or so.  Something clearly changed since around 2010, as Tufts rapidly become, despite very little history of high-profile athletic success, a contender in football (after years of chronic losing) and a national powerhouse in men's lacrosse, men's soccer, women's softball, and men's hoops (multiple national titles in all save for hoops, which has advanced fairly deep twice in the NCAAs in recent years).  I always wondered why Tufts DIDN'T have more athletic success -- it has a much bigger student body than any other NESCAC school, has a strong national profile, and is the ONLY NESCAC school in a true urban environment (well, unless you count Hartford, but I'm not sure that is really a recruiting asset) in an era in which kids gravitate more and more to urban schools.  Williams, Amherst and Midd will all be basically fighting for the same kid, since all three are so similar -- but Tufts has a unique profile in NESCAC.  So once Tufts focused on athletics (as it clearly has) and made some great coaching hires (ditto), it was almost inevitable that it would emerge along with Amherst/Midd/Williams in the top tier of aggregated NESCAC athletic programs.  It's actually kind of amazing in some ways that the other three, despite being far smaller and more rural, remain in that top tier, year after year. 

As for Williams soccer, for whatever reason the Ephs (dating back to the last few years under Russo) have struggled to bring in big-time goal scorers up front.  Rashid was really the only clearly elite, super-dynamic recruit up front that the Ephs featured this entire DECADE.  From 2011-2016, Rashid was the only Williams forward to be named all-confernece other than Zach Grady, who sort of emerged out of nowhere to have a big impact as a senior.   If you look before 2011, there was typically a different Eph, and just as often two Ephs, forward on the all-NESCAC squads, year after year.  And it's not like Williams hasn't had good players at other positions over that time period.  For whatever reason, Williams has been in a bit of a draught in terms of elite forwards.  Compare that to Williams women's soccer, which seems to bring in two elite forwards every year!  Hopefully Sullivan can remedy that soon, or else Williams will continue to slip back in the standings. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on June 30, 2017, 07:53:14 PM
Following up on the thoughtful predictions made by Blooter and Mr. Right in the middle of December, I took a quick peek at the returning offensive power of NESCAC teams.  I looked only at goal scoring for the sake of simplicity and, in so doing, ignored the presence or absence of the players setting the table for the goal scorers. Nevertheless, the numbers provide support for the narratives offered by Blooter and Mr. Right.

Percentage of 2016 Goals Scored by 2017 Returners

1.  Colby 100%
2.  Bowdoin 97%
3.  Wesleyan 86%
4.  Bates 77%
5.  Hamilton 70%
6.  Conn 64%
7.  Williams 59%
8.  Amherst 50%
9.  Trinity 44%
9.  Tufts 44%
11. Middlebury 42%

Raw Number of 2016 Goals Scored by 2017 Returners

1.  Bowdoin 30
2.  Amherst 27
3.  Conn 23
4.  Hamilton 19
5.  Wesleyan 18
6.  Bates 17
7.  Tufts  15
8.  Williams 13
8.  Middlebury 13
10. Colby 12
11. Trinity 7

Looking at these numbers in isolation (at one's peril!), it is tempting to conclude that Amherst and Bowdoin will sail to the top of the table and that Tufts and Middlebury might find themselves behind Conn College and Hamilton unless they find or develop some goal scorers.  Of course, the defensive capabilities of these teams will also have a big impact on the eventual standings as well. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 01, 2017, 12:24:59 PM
Quote from: SoccerKick on June 30, 2017, 09:18:35 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 28, 2017, 01:44:56 PM
No idea...... but that kid Oberg that Williams got was Berkshire School's best player last year. He will be Williams best recruit but he is a defender and Williams needs attackers but not a bad snag for sure.

Better than Jacob Shaffelburg who is playing pro games for Bethlehem Steel as a 15 year old?
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2017/3/17/14957746/academy-newcomer-jacob-shaffelburg-makes-debut-in-bethlehem-steel-friendly

Better than Ahria Simmons who has been starting for Bermuda's Senior team at 17 years old?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rEIfQiJcyc

Better than Duke commit Stephen O'Connell?
http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=211630688&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Better than Northeastern commit Noah Abrams?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeCCmLTDMEk

We know you like Williams, but come on...


Fine he was 1 of their better players and yes I think he is better than Abrams
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 07, 2017, 09:51:51 AM
I forgot to give props to Wesleyan and Wheeler for having a pretty decent schedule this year for his 5 non-conference games. WPI, Vassar, Wheaton, and Swarthmore are 4 very decent games. Now if he can go 3-1-1 or 4-0-1 with that schedule plus snag a couple good Nescac wins they will be sitting pretty. Wesleyan was very young last year and had some bad luck but I think if they can find a decent GK they can bounce back and challenge for a Top 4 spot.

Amherst has Pine Manor, Eastern Nazarene, New Rochelle, Merchant Marine and New England College. That is just so weak but he gets it done every year by beating the best Nescac squads and getting those quality wins.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 07, 2017, 09:59:21 AM
Conn College improved their schedule a bit for 2017. Endicott, ECONN and Swarthmore. Eh but better than 2016. Conn will be very young this year and need to improve there back 4 and GK'ing if they want to sneak into the Top 6.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 07, 2017, 10:10:39 AM
That Amherst schedule is poor.  Amherst should have taken the lead in seeking a first or second weekend set-up with top tier back to back games, like Messiah and Dickinson or F&M or Haverford OR one of those with a Camden, Rowan or Montclair. And Amherst with Williams or Midd should invite OWU and a Kenyon or Denison or Oberlin for a weekend invitational as almost any school would enjoy a September trip to New England.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 07, 2017, 10:40:29 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 07, 2017, 10:10:39 AM
That Amherst schedule is poor.  Amherst should have taken the lead in seeking a first or second weekend set-up with top tier back to back games, like Messiah and Dickinson or F&M or Haverford OR one of those with a Camden, Rowan or Montclair. And Amherst with Williams or Midd should invite OWU and a Kenyon or Denison or Oberlin for a weekend invitational as almost any school would enjoy a September trip to New England.

Will never happen because Nescac schools are at such a disadvantage because they cannot start preseason until Sept 1st while all those schools would have been back for 2-3 weeks. Coaches would not take the risk of going 0-2-0 on the opening weekend after being only back a week from preseason. Also, the Nescac schedule starts on the 2nd Saturday in September so you are thrust right into conference games immediately while teams from other conferences usually do not start conference play until the 3rd week of September or even later. The only team that could do that would be the team that gets a bye on opening weekend. I believe Wesleyan usually gets the bye on opening weekend
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 07, 2017, 05:07:50 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on July 07, 2017, 10:40:29 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 07, 2017, 10:10:39 AM
That Amherst schedule is poor.  Amherst should have taken the lead in seeking a first or second weekend set-up with top tier back to back games, like Messiah and Dickinson or F&M or Haverford OR one of those with a Camden, Rowan or Montclair. And Amherst with Williams or Midd should invite OWU and a Kenyon or Denison or Oberlin for a weekend invitational as almost any school would enjoy a September trip to New England.

Will never happen because Nescac schools are at such a disadvantage because they cannot start preseason until Sept 1st while all those schools would have been back for 2-3 weeks. Coaches would not take the risk of going 0-2-0 on the opening weekend after being only back a week from preseason. Also, the Nescac schedule starts on the 2nd Saturday in September so you are thrust right into conference games immediately while teams from other conferences usually do not start conference play until the 3rd week of September or even later. The only team that could do that would be the team that gets a bye on opening weekend. I believe Wesleyan usually gets the bye on opening weekend

I know, I know.  The topic comes up almost every year.  It's just a shame.  I'm sure the NESCAC sees itself as reflecting (and protecting) excellence and tradition, but one wonders if there is a risk of that becoming insular and parochial.  An occasional update for the 21st century might be reasonable.  And giving these schools an extra 7-10 days and room for two more games would seem reasonable to me.  Of course one could argue that continuing to win national titles proves that a shortened season, limited schedule and lack of spring season work just fine.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dog Face on July 11, 2017, 03:22:24 PM
Methinks that a change in NESCAC, if any, would be in the opposite direction.  The "professionalization" of sports at these tiny schools (complete with extended post-season play, and varsity athletes who are identified separately from the student body as a whole) is raising the hackles of faculty.  I can't see how much further they could go given the limitations already in place, and I can't imagine they'd return to prohibiting post-season play, but I could see a tightening of preferences given to athletes in admissions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 11, 2017, 09:09:30 PM
Quote from: Dog Face on July 11, 2017, 03:22:24 PM
Methinks that a change in NESCAC, if any, would be in the opposite direction.  The "professionalization" of sports at these tiny schools (complete with extended post-season play, and varsity athletes who are identified separately from the student body as a whole) is raising the hackles of faculty.  I can't see how much further they could go given the limitations already in place, and I can't imagine they'd return to prohibiting post-season play, but I could see a tightening of preferences given to athletes in admissions.

I definitely get what you are saying and you may well be right.  I certainly am not a NESCAC expert at least to the degree some others are on this board, but I have lived for 25+ years in New England, I'm a longstanding observer, and I've had an interest in the excellence and culture of this group of schools which share many similarities with other elite D3s but also some peculiarities.  One of the great paradoxes to me is that I think of the NESCAC schools as highly valuing athletics and the conference that they all share together adds to that as well as the uniquely elite aura that they share (while acknowledging that the aura wafts more prominently as one works through the schools up towards Amherst and Williams, while, on the other hand, the conference mission is a shared mission built on limiting athletics and making sure athletics don't overstep their proper role within the larger educational mission.  OK, that sentence was way too long.  If you take the top 8-10 non-NESCAC LACs, excluding Davidson which is D1, those schools, at least as a group, historically have not had the same level of emphasis on athletics on their campuses.  I think one could argue that the limitations the NESCAC places on number of games, length of season,  lack of spring season, etc, where intended or not, actually has an effect of enhancing the eliteness that the conference and its member schools are famous for.

As for trends going forward, I think it's going to be interesting.  As the baby boomer phase comes to an end, the bubble may burst a little regarding the arms race among many of these D3 schools where over the last decade especially there has been an intensified focus on admission rates (as in lowering them as much as possible), raising the bar for test scores that are competitive, and building newer and better facilities.  In this vein, it seems that many schools, NESCAC and non-NESCAC alike, have placed a greater emphasis on improved performance in athletic programs and a greater overall emphasis on athletics.  Someone just in the last week or so commented on the change at Tufts in recent years.  When supply among these "elite" schools starts overtaking demand the dynamics will be interesting to watch.  Will some compensate by putting even greater emphasis on athletics?  I would guess so.  Sure, no doubt there are faculty members at all of these schools who believe strongly that athletics are driving the cart too much.  That said, some faculty members are big fans of athletic teams, and in any cases, faculty groups may not win out versus aggressive Presidents intent of boosting the overall image and desirability of their schools, admissions departments, and alumni groups.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nutmeg on July 11, 2017, 11:29:40 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 17, 2017, 10:39:11 AM
Well Midd has not learned anything from their last 2 snubs from the NCAA's..They have Castleton, Norwich, Plymouth St, Colby-Sawyer and Keene St as their 5 non-conference games. Keene St will be decent and the rest are below average.

I have already written about Williams' below average schedule. I will say again why in the world would you play at Coast Guard. Mid-week in New London,CT against a very hard working team that will sit 10 deep and run all day. Why not play a team that has more skill and not sit back?

Tufts has the best non-conference schedule as well they should being reigning NCAA Champs. Brandeis, Babson, Keene St are good games. Mt. St Vincent will be playing there 2nd Nescac opponent in 3 days when they visit Tufts. This is a GOOD schedule, not great but good enough.

Amherst is showing only 2 non conference games on their schedule so far. I will not be holding my breath for the other 3. I can predict as usual a very WEAK non-conference slate. Interestingly, they are travelling to Merchant Marine on a Thursday for a night game at 8pm before their game at Williams on Saturday. That is less than 48 hours turn around time and a good 3 hour bus ride. I do not like that decision but Serpone smartly puts Merchant Marine on their schedule as they WILL DOMINATE their new league(2nd year) in the Skyline. That will give Amherst a game and a win against an NCAA opponent which the committee loves and will pump up their OWP. I just wouldn't have scheduled it right before the Williams game on a Thursday night.

I am most disappointed with Bowdoin. They drop Babson(who they have played every year since the 1980's) and are playing 5 weak Maine schools. They are going to be one of the better teams in Nescac and there is no reason they cannot play a good schedule. They are in close enough proximity to Boston to play good teams. They got snubbed from the NCAA's last year because of their WEAK Non-conference schedule and proceed to go ahead and make it even weaker.

I have complained about this for years. If you do not have good teams on your schedule you will not have good wins on your resume. Bowdoin will have 5-6, good Nescac teams on their schedule but now must win at least 3 of those games against Midd, Amherst, Tufts, etc to get wins v Ranked teams. If you put 3 GOOD ranked teams on your non-conference schedule at least you have 3 more opportunities to get ranked wins. What Bowdoin, Midd and Amherst do to themselves forces them to put all their eggs in 1 basket. Amherst has gotten away with it for years but the other schools have not.

I'm somewhat amazed about Middlebury...after supposedly getting burned the last 2 years... how could u not take a different approach?  Amherst doesn't surprise me.  Tufts continues to follow its success with a tough non-conference schedule.  It puts a lot of pressure on them but it seems to have worked...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on July 12, 2017, 12:50:50 AM
Quote from: Dog Face on July 11, 2017, 03:22:24 PM
Methinks that a change in NESCAC, if any, would be in the opposite direction.  The "professionalization" of sports at these tiny schools (complete with extended post-season play, and varsity athletes who are identified separately from the student body as a whole) is raising the hackles of faculty.  I can't see how much further they could go given the limitations already in place, and I can't imagine they'd return to prohibiting post-season play, but I could see a tightening of preferences given to athletes in admissions.

It's hard to imagine a wholesale conference-wide retreat from the athletico-academic complex.  Excelling in sport at the national level seems to have become part of the core identity of at least some of the conference's member institutions.  I'm not sure if it is legend or reality, but I heard in the mid-90s that the President of Williams aspired to win a national championship in every sport in which the college participated.  The Ephs' presence at or near the top of the Directors' Cup every year would appear to support that position.  With respect to non-NESCAC institutions, I heard recently that MIT has been attempting to enhance its (already strong) athletic profile as well, decreasing admissions criteria minimally (dipping to like maybe the 99.8th percentile) to greatly expand their pool of potential student athletes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on July 12, 2017, 11:55:04 AM
Quote from: Ommadawn on July 12, 2017, 12:50:50 AM
Quote from: Dog Face on July 11, 2017, 03:22:24 PM
Methinks that a change in NESCAC, if any, would be in the opposite direction.  The "professionalization" of sports at these tiny schools (complete with extended post-season play, and varsity athletes who are identified separately from the student body as a whole) is raising the hackles of faculty.  I can't see how much further they could go given the limitations already in place, and I can't imagine they'd return to prohibiting post-season play, but I could see a tightening of preferences given to athletes in admissions.

It's hard to imagine a wholesale conference-wide retreat from the athletico-academic complex.  Excelling in sport at the national level seems to have become part of the core identity of at least some of the conference's member institutions.  I'm not sure if it is legend or reality, but I heard in the mid-90s that the President of Williams aspired to win a national championship in every sport in which the college participated.  The Ephs' presence at or near the top of the Directors' Cup every year would appear to support that position.  With respect to non-NESCAC institutions, I heard recently that MIT has been attempting to enhance its (already strong) athletic profile as well, decreasing admissions criteria minimally (dipping to like maybe the 99.8th percentile) to greatly expand their pool of potential student athletes.

Ommadawn and PaulNewman are both correct:  An exceptional athletic profile not only enhances the desirability of NESCAC schools among the best student athletes, it also enhances the schools in various other ways:  increases application numbers, lowers acceptance rates, creates greater goodwill among alumni (which of course helps with fundraising), and adds to the overall prestige of the schools.  Even if certain faculty members resent perceived preferential treatment for athletes, they understand the benefits that the school derives therefrom and likely accept that the benefits outweigh any negatives.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 12, 2017, 12:13:39 PM
Quote from: Dog Face on July 11, 2017, 03:22:24 PM
Methinks that a change in NESCAC, if any, would be in the opposite direction.  The "professionalization" of sports at these tiny schools (complete with extended post-season play, and varsity athletes who are identified separately from the student body as a whole) is raising the hackles of faculty.  I can't see how much further they could go given the limitations already in place, and I can't imagine they'd return to prohibiting post-season play, but I could see a tightening of preferences given to athletes in admissions.


This statement is very accurate. I do not agree with it as a lot of players and coaches do not agree with it but it is a fact. Athletics are getting a ton of pressure from faculty that has put the brakes on anything moving forward. It was even discussed 4-5 years ago of possibly pulling back from post season appearances by Nescac programs or only allowing the AQ to participate but no other participants in each sport. So Nescac is lucky just to be where they are at right now. Football was pushing for a 9th game or even post-season play that was shot down immediately. Ommadawn is correct that former Williams President Morty Shapiro who has since moved on to Northwestern was instrumental in keeping Nescac schools in post-season play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 12, 2017, 12:49:57 PM
Just to clarify I think we have two different thoughts going regarding NESCAC.  I agree completely that it is unlikely that NESCAC will ease its parameters on the preseason, season, post-season, etc.  I don't expect any significant change in that regard despite my lament.  We can debate whether those restrictions really appease faculties versus how much they have to do with maintaining the unique standing and aura of the member schools as a whole.  The paradox I was suggesting is that, notwithstanding those parameters, athletics are a big deal at these schools, and I would argue a bigger deal than at many similar non-NESCAC institutions.  I've long been aware of Williams' usual top standing regarding the Learfield Cup or whatever it is called, and I've seen other schools very recently highlighting their strong ranking in that same regard.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on July 12, 2017, 01:41:11 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on July 12, 2017, 12:13:39 PM
Quote from: Dog Face on July 11, 2017, 03:22:24 PM
Methinks that a change in NESCAC, if any, would be in the opposite direction.  The "professionalization" of sports at these tiny schools (complete with extended post-season play, and varsity athletes who are identified separately from the student body as a whole) is raising the hackles of faculty.  I can't see how much further they could go given the limitations already in place, and I can't imagine they'd return to prohibiting post-season play, but I could see a tightening of preferences given to athletes in admissions.


This statement is very accurate. I do not agree with it as a lot of players and coaches do not agree with it but it is a fact. Athletics are getting a ton of pressure from faculty that has put the brakes on anything moving forward. It was even discussed 4-5 years ago of possibly pulling back from post season appearances by Nescac programs or only allowing the AQ to participate but no other participants in each sport. So Nescac is lucky just to be where they are at right now. Football was pushing for a 9th game or even post-season play that was shot down immediately. Ommadawn is correct that former Williams President Morty Shapiro who has since moved on to Northwestern was instrumental in keeping Nescac schools in post-season play.

NESCAC football does have a ninth game beginning in Fall 2017 . . .  Also known as the "full round robin schedule," meaning each NESCAC team will  play each of the other NESCAC schools having a football program (Conn. College does not have a team).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 12, 2017, 01:58:27 PM
That is right I forgot they ended up getting the 9th game but they wanted postseason which was shot down
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on July 12, 2017, 02:04:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on July 12, 2017, 01:58:27 PM
That is right I forgot they ended up getting the 9th game but they wanted postseason which was shot down

And I'm sure you are correct that post-season football for NESCAC is unlikely ever to happen.  As it is, winning the NESCAC, Little Three or CBB championship will have to suffice.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on July 12, 2017, 02:05:36 PM
Just noticed that this thread hit 300 pages today, and likely will go over 4500 posts this week.  Impressive!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on July 12, 2017, 02:11:06 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 12, 2017, 12:49:57 PM
Just to clarify I think we have two different thoughts going regarding NESCAC.  I agree completely that it is unlikely that NESCAC will ease its parameters on the preseason, season, post-season, etc.  I don't expect any significant change in that regard despite my lament.  We can debate whether those restrictions really appease faculties versus how much they have to do with maintaining the unique standing and aura of the member schools as a whole.  The paradox I was suggesting is that, notwithstanding those parameters, athletics are a big deal at these schools, and I would argue a bigger deal than at many similar non-NESCAC institutions.  I've long been aware of Williams' usual top standing regarding the Learfield Cup or whatever it is called, and I've seen other schools very recently highlighting their strong ranking in that same regard.

I believe your identification of a paradox is accurate, and I'm sure that paradox makes the NESCAC members quite comfortable too!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on July 12, 2017, 04:47:52 PM
This is an interesting recent discussion regarding the academics vs. athletics "paradox" within the NESCAC schools.  Several thoughts come to my mind. 

First there is empirical evidence to suggest that college athletes perform as well or better than their non-athlete peers in the career world following college.  Even many of the pure-minded LAC professors have to be aware of the importance of a fruitful, remunerative career for college students following their family's $250K 4-year investment.

Second the implied "gap" in academic achievement between non-athletes and recruited athletes at NESCAC schools is relatively narrow.  That gap is much wider at the Ivies.  One of my sons played soccer at Bowdoin, was a very strong student, and probably didn't need a tip even though it was indicated it would be available to him if needed.

My other son played soccer for Brown, which is frankly what got him in.  He was also the number one recruit at Bowdoin, but would have been a "C band"...meaning he would have needed the coach's tip and a number of strong recommendations.  We were ready to encourage him to reach out to an Olympic medalist who is a friend of ours for a recommendation letter.  All this despite the fact that he was a very strong student.

Today's NESCAC schools (and UAA schools, Claremont schools upper midwest LAC schools, etc.) place a strong emphasis on building a diverse community of students each year.  They talk about the importance of looking beyond just the metrics of GPA and board scores to the intellectual curiosity, passions and community involvement of applicants...and this includes athletic achievement.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on July 12, 2017, 05:05:36 PM
Quote from: truenorth on July 12, 2017, 04:47:52 PM
This is an interesting recent discussion regarding the academics vs. athletics "paradox" within the NESCAC schools.  Several thoughts come to my mind. 

First there is empirical evidence to suggest that college athletes perform as well or better than their non-athlete peers in the career world following college.  Even many of the pure-minded LAC professors have to be aware of the importance of a fruitful, remunerative career for college students following their family's $250K 4-year investment.

Second the implied "gap" in academic achievement between non-athletes and recruited athletes at NESCAC schools is relatively narrow.  That gap is much wider at the Ivies.  One of my sons played soccer at Bowdoin, was a very strong student, and probably didn't need a tip even though it was indicated it would be available to him if needed.

My other son played soccer for Brown, which is frankly what got him in.  He was also the number one recruit at Bowdoin, but would have been a "C band"...meaning he would have needed the coach's tip and a number of strong recommendations.  We were ready to encourage him to reach out to an Olympic medalist who is a friend of ours for a recommendation letter.  All this despite the fact that he was a very strong student.

Today's NESCAC schools (and UAA schools, Claremont schools upper midwest LAC schools, etc.) place a strong emphasis on building a diverse community of students each year.  They talk about the importance of looking beyond just the metrics of GPA and board scores to the intellectual curiosity, passions and community involvement of applicants...and this includes athletic achievement.

I have found the same to be true.... It was harder to get into upper-echelon NESCAC schools than Ivie's for student athletes.  The Ivies rely on a formula that gives them a greater range for student athletes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 15, 2017, 12:03:25 PM
Taking a double look at Williams schedule shows an addition of a match v Curry on the same day the Mt.St Vincent game was scheduled. I wonder if the abrupt coaching change at Mt.St.Vincent resulted in them dropping that game if indeed that did happen. Decent upgrade for Williams if this is the case as Curry is an average team but will have a very weak schedule of their own so that will drag the OWP and OOWP way down. If in fact Mt.St.Vincent dropped Williams in June that is absurd. Your reputation will dry up fast as a coach and AD if you are dropping teams 2-3 months before the season starts. It is near impossible to get another game that close to the season starting with every team's schedule all locked up. I do not know if that is what happened but it is my best guess. No clue if Mt.St.Vincent dropped Tufts also?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Clotpoll on July 15, 2017, 02:46:47 PM
Quote from: truenorth on July 12, 2017, 04:47:52 PM
This is an interesting recent discussion regarding the academics vs. athletics "paradox" within the NESCAC schools.  Several thoughts come to my mind. 

First there is empirical evidence to suggest that college athletes perform as well or better than their non-athlete peers in the career world following college.  Even many of the pure-minded LAC professors have to be aware of the importance of a fruitful, remunerative career for college students following their family's $250K 4-year investment.

Second the implied "gap" in academic achievement between non-athletes and recruited athletes at NESCAC schools is relatively narrow.  That gap is much wider at the Ivies.  One of my sons played soccer at Bowdoin, was a very strong student, and probably didn't need a tip even though it was indicated it would be available to him if needed.

My other son played soccer for Brown, which is frankly what got him in.  He was also the number one recruit at Bowdoin, but would have been a "C band"...meaning he would have needed the coach's tip and a number of strong recommendations.  We were ready to encourage him to reach out to an Olympic medalist who is a friend of ours for a recommendation letter.  All this despite the fact that he was a very strong student.

Today's NESCAC schools (and UAA schools, Claremont schools upper midwest LAC schools, etc.) place a strong emphasis on building a diverse community of students each year.  They talk about the importance of looking beyond just the metrics of GPA and board scores to the intellectual curiosity, passions and community involvement of applicants...and this includes athletic achievement.

My daughter was a four-year laxer & top contributor in a big time d3 program. Very good student, bio major...but definitely not med school material. Got a good job three weeks after graduation...just because the boss saw 'lacrosse' on the resume. Got a better job a year later- in a field where she had zero experience/expertise- because the person charged with the hire saw 'lacrosse' on her resume. Friends of hers with 4.0s- but no sports- are still living in mom's basement two years later.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on July 15, 2017, 05:18:23 PM
College lacrosse on the resume often leads to great connections and great career opportunities.  For example, there is no shortage of college lax players in the investment banking world.  And the pipeline persists because they generally perform well in pressurized job situations... 

The same is generally true among college soccer alums.  As one example, my Bowdoin alum son has two teammates who are very bright and climbing the ladder quickly at Oppenheimer & Co. in NYC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on July 24, 2017, 09:54:37 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on July 15, 2017, 12:03:25 PM
Taking a double look at Williams schedule shows an addition of a match v Curry on the same day the Mt.St Vincent game was scheduled. I wonder if the abrupt coaching change at Mt.St.Vincent resulted in them dropping that game if indeed that did happen. Decent upgrade for Williams if this is the case as Curry is an average team but will have a very weak schedule of their own so that will drag the OWP and OOWP way down. If in fact Mt.St.Vincent dropped Williams in June that is absurd. Your reputation will dry up fast as a coach and AD if you are dropping teams 2-3 months before the season starts. It is near impossible to get another game that close to the season starting with every team's schedule all locked up. I do not know if that is what happened but it is my best guess. No clue if Mt.St.Vincent dropped Tufts also?

Yeah, this is really strange.  Mount St. Vincent's schedule was released on July 18th and it does not include Messiah even though Messiah's schedule continues to show a game at Mount St. Vincent on Saturday 9/16. That date is open on MSV's scheudle, but falls between a Thursday (9/14) match and a Monday (9/18) match, the latter against Montclair State, the new coach's alma mater. And those games come after a bizarre 3 games in 3 days, Sunday-Monday-Tuesday (9/10-9/11-9/12).

Williams and Tufts continue to show on MSV's schedule, but Williams' schedule does not include MSV while Tuft's does.  With the Williams game included, it would mean 3 games in four days, playing at Purchase on Saturday (10/7), at Williams on Sunday (10/8) and at Tufts on Tuesday (10/10).

Games listed on both MSV's schedule and their opponents' schedule include Plattsburgh State, Montclair State, Tufts and TCNJ--incredible for a program of such little stature.  And who knows what the deal is with the Messiah and Williams games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 24, 2017, 01:04:27 PM
I have confirmed that Mt.St Vincent actually dropped the game v Williams back in June. Luckily, Williams was able to get another game in its place but it goes without saying how absurd it is for a school to drop a game 2-3 months before the season starts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on August 03, 2017, 03:46:56 PM
For what it's worth, the D3 preseason rankings is out....see the noted board.  Tufts is ranked no.1 with Amherst ranked 10.  No other Nescac team in the top 25.
Amherst's first game is on the 5 th of Sept.  The first day of the academic year for Amherst!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on August 04, 2017, 09:56:52 AM
Quote from: Ommadawn on June 30, 2017, 07:53:14 PM
Following up on the thoughtful predictions made by Blooter and Mr. Right in the middle of December, I took a quick peek at the returning offensive power of NESCAC teams.  I looked only at goal scoring for the sake of simplicity and, in so doing, ignored the presence or absence of the players setting the table for the goal scorers. Nevertheless, the numbers provide support for the narratives offered by Blooter and Mr. Right.

Percentage of 2016 Goals Scored by 2017 Returners

1.  Colby 100%
2.  Bowdoin 97%
3.  Wesleyan 86%
4.  Bates 77%
5.  Hamilton 70%
6.  Conn 64%
7.  Williams 59%
8.  Amherst 50%
9.  Trinity 44%
9.  Tufts 44%
11. Middlebury 42%

Raw Number of 2016 Goals Scored by 2017 Returners

1.  Bowdoin 30
2.  Amherst 27
3.  Conn 23
4.  Hamilton 19
5.  Wesleyan 18
6.  Bates 17
7.  Tufts  15
8.  Williams 13
8.  Middlebury 13
10. Colby 12
11. Trinity 7

Looking at these numbers in isolation (at one's peril!), it is tempting to conclude that Amherst and Bowdoin will sail to the top of the table and that Tufts and Middlebury might find themselves behind Conn College and Hamilton unless they find or develop some goal scorers.  Of course, the defensive capabilities of these teams will also have a big impact on the eventual standings as well.

Ommadawn,
question for you about Bowdoin and their returning goal scorers.  From a quick look at their 2016 stats, it appears they are losing 2 goal scorers from last year- Charlier with 1 goal and Dias Costa with 5 goals.  Do I have that correct, or am I missing something?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on August 04, 2017, 12:33:36 PM
Quote from: OldNed on August 04, 2017, 09:56:52 AM
Quote from: Ommadawn on June 30, 2017, 07:53:14 PM
Following up on the thoughtful predictions made by Blooter and Mr. Right in the middle of December, I took a quick peek at the returning offensive power of NESCAC teams.  I looked only at goal scoring for the sake of simplicity and, in so doing, ignored the presence or absence of the players setting the table for the goal scorers. Nevertheless, the numbers provide support for the narratives offered by Blooter and Mr. Right.

Percentage of 2016 Goals Scored by 2017 Returners

1.  Colby 100%
2.  Bowdoin 97%
3.  Wesleyan 86%
4.  Bates 77%
5.  Hamilton 70%
6.  Conn 64%
7.  Williams 59%
8.  Amherst 50%
9.  Trinity 44%
9.  Tufts 44%
11. Middlebury 42%

Raw Number of 2016 Goals Scored by 2017 Returners

1.  Bowdoin 30
2.  Amherst 27
3.  Conn 23
4.  Hamilton 19
5.  Wesleyan 18
6.  Bates 17
7.  Tufts  15
8.  Williams 13
8.  Middlebury 13
10. Colby 12
11. Trinity 7

Looking at these numbers in isolation (at one's peril!), it is tempting to conclude that Amherst and Bowdoin will sail to the top of the table and that Tufts and Middlebury might find themselves behind Conn College and Hamilton unless they find or develop some goal scorers.  Of course, the defensive capabilities of these teams will also have a big impact on the eventual standings as well.

Ommadawn,
question for you about Bowdoin and their returning goal scorers.  From a quick look at their 2016 stats, it appears they are losing 2 goal scorers from last year- Charlier with 1 goal and Dias Costa with 5 goals.  Do I have that correct, or am I missing something?

My bad, OldNed!  Sorry for the error.  Assuming there are no other errors (a big assumption  ;)), Bowdoin drops to #3 on the upper list and #2 on the lower list.  Things still look promising for the Polar Bears, though!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on August 04, 2017, 02:29:13 PM
No worries, Omadawn.  I'm not trying to nitpick or anything like that.  I was looking at the Bowdoin roster/stats as my son's team will be playing them this year and I was trying to get an idea of who the better players are and that's when I noticed the discrepancy.  I'm going to assume your other figures are correct, and you're right that things are looking good for Bowdoin this year-  Massey has them rated #7 in their preseason rankings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 14, 2017, 07:02:55 PM
With the news that Merchant Marine has canceled their season it looks like Amherst has lost a game and had to find a game quick before the season. Looks like Rutgers Newark will make the trek back up to Amherst this season in what should be a great game. I really enjoyed RUN last year but they looked sluggish and slower on Amherst grass field when they were beaten down by Brandeis in the NCAA Sweet 16. They will get a chance to go back up to Amherst and prove they belong. Good on Amherst for actually playing a legit team in one of their 5 non-conference games but I wonder if Serpone's hand was forced as it is near impossible to find a game 2 months before the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on August 16, 2017, 08:10:13 PM
One game on the Amherst schedule I'm intrigued about is September 27 vs. the College of New Rochelle.  New Rochelle sophomore forward Jovanni Garcia scored 30 goals and added 20 assists last year as freshman - crazy stats.  It'll be interesting to see if he can find any space to operate against the Amherst D.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on August 24, 2017, 09:55:22 PM
As the season approaches, I keep thinking more and more that Tufts could have a tough start to the season without Greenwood in net. (Could, not will.) Not to say anything bad about the heir apparent to the GK position, Johnson, who held his own in his cameo appearances last year, but Greenwood played a huge role in the Jumbos' two NCAA titles, and I would argue that he was the key player in the run last year. Moreover, a vocal goalkeeper like him is immeasurably important in organizing the defense, particularly in possession-oriented teams like Tufts. For all that I criticized him on set pieces and high balls, he improved massively in those departments last season, and I think he was the best GK in the NCAA last year. He is a once-in-a-decade player that will be very tough to replace.

As I've mentioned before, Tufts still returns talent elsewhere on the pitch, and they are an incredibly deep team. However, I do think that the graduation losses of Greenwood, Sullivan, Halliday, Majumder, and Becherano could be bigger than we think -- five guys is not that many, numerically, but those were incredibly key players. Defensively, it will be up to Johnson, Coleman (and whoever plays alongside him), Weatherbie, and MacMillian (who I think could be the Jumbos' weak link down the left side, but I digress) to step up and prove me wrong.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bengalsrule on August 28, 2017, 04:07:49 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on August 24, 2017, 09:55:22 PM
As the season approaches, I keep thinking more and more that Tufts could have a tough start to the season without Greenwood in net. (Could, not will.) Not to say anything bad about the heir apparent to the GK position, Johnson, who held his own in his cameo appearances last year, but Greenwood played a huge role in the Jumbos' two NCAA titles, and I would argue that he was the key player in the run last year. Moreover, a vocal goalkeeper like him is immeasurably important in organizing the defense, particularly in possession-oriented teams like Tufts. For all that I criticized him on set pieces and high balls, he improved massively in those departments last season, and I think he was the best GK in the NCAA last year. He is a once-in-a-decade player that will be very tough to replace.

As I've mentioned before, Tufts still returns talent elsewhere on the pitch, and they are an incredibly deep team. However, I do think that the graduation losses of Greenwood, Sullivan, Halliday, Majumder, and Becherano could be bigger than we think -- five guys is not that many, numerically, but those were incredibly key players. Defensively, it will be up to Johnson, Coleman (and whoever plays alongside him), Weatherbie, and MacMillian (who I think could be the Jumbos' weak link down the left side, but I digress) to step up and prove me wrong.

blooter442. Looking for some honest feedback !  I have a nephew ( my favorite nephew) who starred in his high school team in Brooklyn and captained his travel team too.  He's looking to try out for the Tufts team this weds. He actually played against a Tufts recruit, back during Memorial Day weekend, in Maryland !  I believe that his defensive skills, size and athleticism at the very least warrant a good look by Tufts assistant coaches during walk on tryouts weds. One of Tufts coaches saw him play in MD tourney also !

    My question to you is, what, if any, history do the Jumbos have of keeping a walk on?  Is that something that happens often? Seldom? Never?  Having, myself,  been a D-3 assistant coach for the past 11 years ( basketball) I've seen, first hand, at least 1 non-recruited player make 9 of the past 11 Bengals squads! Just curious as to how often that has happened at Tufts? Appreciate any feedback that you or anyone else associated with Tufts, can give. I've tentatively penciled in October 1 at Hamilton, which is 4 hours from Buffalo, to watch the Jumbos ( and my nephew), play the Alex's!

I can also take offline p messages too!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 28, 2017, 07:49:22 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on August 24, 2017, 09:55:22 PM
As the season approaches, I keep thinking more and more that Tufts could have a tough start to the season without Greenwood in net. (Could, not will.) Not to say anything bad about the heir apparent to the GK position, Johnson, who held his own in his cameo appearances last year, but Greenwood played a huge role in the Jumbos' two NCAA titles, and I would argue that he was the key player in the run last year. Moreover, a vocal goalkeeper like him is immeasurably important in organizing the defense, particularly in possession-oriented teams like Tufts. For all that I criticized him on set pieces and high balls, he improved massively in those departments last season, and I think he was the best GK in the NCAA last year. He is a once-in-a-decade player that will be very tough to replace.


Good point, Bloots.... but I recall posters, including myself, saying this after the 2016 class graduated...and look what happened...  NCAA hardware....
As I've mentioned before, Tufts still returns talent elsewhere on the pitch, and they are an incredibly deep team. However, I do think that the graduation losses of Greenwood, Sullivan, Halliday, Majumder, and Becherano could be bigger than we think -- five guys is not that many, numerically, but those were incredibly key players. Defensively, it will be up to Johnson, Coleman (and whoever plays alongside him), Weatherbie, and MacMillian (who I think could be the Jumbos' weak link down the left side, but I digress) to step up and prove me wrong.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on August 28, 2017, 09:27:54 PM
Quote from: Bengalsrule on August 28, 2017, 04:07:49 PM
My question to you is, what, if any, history do the Jumbos have of keeping a walk on?  Is that something that happens often? Seldom? Never?  Having, myself,  been a D-3 assistant coach for the past 11 years ( basketball) I've seen, first hand, at least 1 non-recruited player make 9 of the past 11 Bengals squads! Just curious as to how often that has happened at Tufts? Appreciate any feedback that you or anyone else associated with Tufts, can give. I've tentatively penciled in October 1 at Hamilton, which is 4 hours from Buffalo, to watch the Jumbos ( and my nephew), play the Alex's!

While I'm not associated with the Tufts program, I would imagine that they would at least give him a fair shake (Brother Flounder might be able to give you a better answer regarding walk-ons within the Tufts program). A few years back, a D1 transfer (not walk-on, but similar "outside of the recruited class" situation) came in, and while the coach said that they don't usually go out of their way to take those players in order to control the team's cohesion, this guy evidently was good enough to crack the lineup. Shapiro is a classy guy -- not overly gregarious or warm, but very fair and pragmatic -- and I think your nephew would get an objective assessment of his potential as far as being in the squad.

Ironically, the one case I do know of a guy trying to walk on at Tufts, he was cut -- only then did he go out for track, where he won four NCAA individual titles at 800 meters (including sub-1:50, which is insane)! Mitch Black (http://"http://www.gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/mtrack/2015-16/releases/20160528ltvf2o"). He grew up the town over from me, and one of my good friends from high school was his training partner and teammate in indoor and outdoor track. I knew he was a good talent, but couldn't have imagined that he would be that good.

Good luck to your nephew! Regardless of whether he succeeds, he is at a great school, so he shouldn't take much stock in whether he ends up playing soccer or not.

Quote from: Brother Flounder on August 28, 2017, 07:49:22 PM
Good point, Bloots.... but I recall posters, including myself, saying this after the 2016 class graduated...and look what happened...  NCAA hardware....

For sure, and you can never count the Jumbos out. For me, the big difference between this year and last year was that, while Tufts lost key players last year (Patel, Kayne, Pinheiro, Brown, etc.) the majority of the offense and defense remained intact. Of course, midfield is a big part of any team's success, so you can't underestimate the losses of 2 out of 3 midfielders (as was the case with Tufts last year), but when you keep three of your back four, plus most of your offensive firepower, you always have a good chance -- particularly if you have a standout goalkeeper and a solid center back (the adage "defense wins championships" comes to mind).

It will be interesting to see what kind of start they put together -- those players might not be missed at all. Time will tell.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bengalsrule on August 28, 2017, 10:40:30 PM
blooter, I appreciate the candid feedback. And I agree. A Tufts education is 2nd to none (with or without soccer). Helluva comeback by your guy Mitch Black !  Hopefully Brother Flounder will have some additional feedback. Thanks again!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 28, 2017, 11:14:24 PM
Quote from: Bengalsrule on August 28, 2017, 10:40:30 PM
blooter, I appreciate the candid feedback. And I agree. A Tufts education is 2nd to none (with or without soccer). Helluva comeback by your guy Mitch Black !  Hopefully Brother Flounder will have some additional feedback. Thanks again!

Based on what I hear, he will get an honest look. I've also heard that walk ons have made the team in the past.... it's not easy, so he should give it all he's got.... that's all he can ask of himself... Good luck!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on August 29, 2017, 01:30:32 AM
Quote from: Bengalsrule on August 28, 2017, 10:40:30 PM
blooter, I appreciate the candid feedback. And I agree. A Tufts education is 2nd to none (with or without soccer). Helluva comeback by your guy Mitch Black !  Hopefully Brother Flounder will have some additional feedback. Thanks again!

I've realized that the previous link didn't work -- my bad! Not to get too far off track (no pun intended), but here's a link (http://www.gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/mtrack/2015-16/releases/black_feature) to an even better story about Black -- and one in which Shapiro is featured. The latter says he "would tell [himself] now that [he] probably made the wrong decision [to cut Black] knowing how competitive and motivated a kid  is." Oh well, hindsight is 20/20!

It also spoke to the previously-mentioned criteria that Shapiro had in building his first two recruiting classes -- athleticism in the first, technical ability in the second. Given that his team won a national title during the time period that Black was at Tufts, I think Shapiro has been vindicated, and given how successful he has been on the oval, I would bet Black is (indirectly) grateful that he was cut. ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bengalsrule on August 29, 2017, 11:29:41 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on August 28, 2017, 11:14:24 PM
Quote from: Bengalsrule on August 28, 2017, 10:40:30 PM
blooter, I appreciate the candid feedback. And I agree. A Tufts education is 2nd to none (with or without soccer). Helluva comeback by your guy Mitch Black !  Hopefully Brother Flounder will have some additional feedback. Thanks again!

Based on what I hear, he will get an honest look. I've also heard that walk ons have made the team in the past.... it's not easy, so he should give it all he's got.... that's all he can ask of himself... Good luck!

Thank you Brother Flounder! An Honest Look is all that 1 can ask. He will definitely give it all that he's got...plus 1! I almost want to drive up there tomorrow just to encourage him (tryouts). I think that i'll just cheer him on from Buffalo! Here's to hoping that Weds Sept 6th, has a special meaning to me !!  Thanks again to both you and blooter442!!

Plus k to you both!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on August 30, 2017, 12:15:08 PM
New England Soccer Journal
Division 3 Underrated Men's Teams
http://www.nesoccerjournal.com/nesoccerjournal/august_2017/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1144205&apstp=false#articleId1144205

Quote4. Williams

The NESCAC is often dominated by Tufts and Amherst, but Williams is consistently competing for top spots, too. Just a year ago, the Ephs went 9-4-3 and 6-3-1 in conference play.

They've lost a handful of key starters to graduation, but head coach Erin Sullivan puts out a solid squad year in and year out.

Williams underrated?  NESCAC often dominated by Tufts?  And is Erin Sullivan's two years at Williams enough to talk in terms of "year in year out" (or is his time at WNE being referenced here as well)?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 30, 2017, 12:44:20 PM
Quote from: Bengalsrule on August 28, 2017, 04:07:49 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on August 24, 2017, 09:55:22 PM
As the season approaches, I keep thinking more and more that Tufts could have a tough start to the season without Greenwood in net. (Could, not will.) Not to say anything bad about the heir apparent to the GK position, Johnson, who held his own in his cameo appearances last year, but Greenwood played a huge role in the Jumbos' two NCAA titles, and I would argue that he was the key player in the run last year. Moreover, a vocal goalkeeper like him is immeasurably important in organizing the defense, particularly in possession-oriented teams like Tufts. For all that I criticized him on set pieces and high balls, he improved massively in those departments last season, and I think he was the best GK in the NCAA last year. He is a once-in-a-decade player that will be very tough to replace.

As I've mentioned before, Tufts still returns talent elsewhere on the pitch, and they are an incredibly deep team. However, I do think that the graduation losses of Greenwood, Sullivan, Halliday, Majumder, and Becherano could be bigger than we think -- five guys is not that many, numerically, but those were incredibly key players. Defensively, it will be up to Johnson, Coleman (and whoever plays alongside him), Weatherbie, and MacMillian (who I think could be the Jumbos' weak link down the left side, but I digress) to step up and prove me wrong.

blooter442. Looking for some honest feedback !  I have a nephew ( my favorite nephew) who starred in his high school team in Brooklyn and captained his travel team too.  He's looking to try out for the Tufts team this weds. He actually played against a Tufts recruit, back during Memorial Day weekend, in Maryland !  I believe that his defensive skills, size and athleticism at the very least warrant a good look by Tufts assistant coaches during walk on tryouts weds. One of Tufts coaches saw him play in MD tourney also !

    My question to you is, what, if any, history do the Jumbos have of keeping a walk on?  Is that something that happens often? Seldom? Never?  Having, myself,  been a D-3 assistant coach for the past 11 years ( basketball) I've seen, first hand, at least 1 non-recruited player make 9 of the past 11 Bengals squads! Just curious as to how often that has happened at Tufts? Appreciate any feedback that you or anyone else associated with Tufts, can give. I've tentatively penciled in October 1 at Hamilton, which is 4 hours from Buffalo, to watch the Jumbos ( and my nephew), play the Alex's!

I can also take offline p messages too!


Here is my honest and blunt feedback. Your nephew has no shot. I would not say that usually BUT u referenced that Tufts staff and / or Shapiro saw the kid in November and must have not been impressed by something because they did not reach out to him. Since he got in on his own he must be an excellent student BUT again Shapiro who know if the kid had the grades and boards to get in on his own and offer him a shot in preseason without wasting a Tip/ Protect or Ice in admissions. Also, you only have so many roster spots available SO the kid will have to blow away Shapiro in that tryout which is asking alot for a kid in one practice / scrimmage. By blow away I mean his athleticism or skill or speed. Again, if the kid had any of those 3 qualities when Shapiro saw him in November then he would have been contacted. Also, the kid is at a disadvantage in the tryout because Shaprio will be looking for something SPECIAL and in the back of his mind he will remember that performance the kid had in November. It is only natural. Maybe the kid had a bad showing when Shapiro saw him? Happens all the time and coaches miss out on a ton of good players by not watching them more than once.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 30, 2017, 12:50:41 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on August 30, 2017, 12:15:08 PM
New England Soccer Journal
Division 3 Underrated Men's Teams
http://www.nesoccerjournal.com/nesoccerjournal/august_2017/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1144205&apstp=false#articleId1144205

Quote4. Williams

The NESCAC is often dominated by Tufts and Amherst, but Williams is consistently competing for top spots, too. Just a year ago, the Ephs went 9-4-3 and 6-3-1 in conference play.

They've lost a handful of key starters to graduation, but head coach Erin Sullivan puts out a solid squad year in and year out.

Williams underrated?  NESCAC often dominated by Tufts?  And is Erin Sullivan's two years at Williams enough to talk in terms of "year in year out" (or is his time at WNE being referenced here as well)?

Interesting...New England Soccer Journal is not known for going "to deep" into D3 College Soccer so I would not put to much stock into it but Williams lost a ton to graduation last year and IMO their best recruit from Berkshire School decided not to enroll this fall and will wait a year. Not good. They are 1-2 key injuries away from disaster and for Williams Men's Soccer disaster is .500.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bengalsrule on August 30, 2017, 04:33:50 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on August 30, 2017, 12:44:20 PM
Quote from: Bengalsrule on August 28, 2017, 04:07:49 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on August 24, 2017, 09:55:22 PM
As the season approaches, I keep thinking more and more that Tufts could have a tough start to the season without Greenwood in net. (Could, not will.) Not to say anything bad about the heir apparent to the GK position, Johnson, who held his own in his cameo appearances last year, but Greenwood played a huge role in the Jumbos' two NCAA titles, and I would argue that he was the key player in the run last year. Moreover, a vocal goalkeeper like him is immeasurably important in organizing the defense, particularly in possession-oriented teams like Tufts. For all that I criticized him on set pieces and high balls, he improved massively in those departments last season, and I think he was the best GK in the NCAA last year. He is a once-in-a-decade player that will be very tough to replace.

As I've mentioned before, Tufts still returns talent elsewhere on the pitch, and they are an incredibly deep team. However, I do think that the graduation losses of Greenwood, Sullivan, Halliday, Majumder, and Becherano could be bigger than we think -- five guys is not that many, numerically, but those were incredibly key players. Defensively, it will be up to Johnson, Coleman (and whoever plays alongside him), Weatherbie, and MacMillian (who I think could be the Jumbos' weak link down the left side, but I digress) to step up and prove me wrong.

blooter442. Looking for some honest feedback !  I have a nephew ( my favorite nephew) who starred in his high school team in Brooklyn and captained his travel team too.  He's looking to try out for the Tufts team this weds. He actually played against a Tufts recruit, back during Memorial Day weekend, in Maryland !  I believe that his defensive skills, size and athleticism at the very least warrant a good look by Tufts assistant coaches during walk on tryouts weds. One of Tufts coaches saw him play in MD tourney also !

    My question to you is, what, if any, history do the Jumbos have of keeping a walk on?  Is that something that happens often? Seldom? Never?  Having, myself,  been a D-3 assistant coach for the past 11 years ( basketball) I've seen, first hand, at least 1 non-recruited player make 9 of the past 11 Bengals squads! Just curious as to how often that has happened at Tufts? Appreciate any feedback that you or anyone else associated with Tufts, can give. I've tentatively penciled in October 1 at Hamilton, which is 4 hours from Buffalo, to watch the Jumbos ( and my nephew), play the Alex's!

I can also take offline p messages too!


Here is my honest and blunt feedback. Your nephew has no shot. I would not say that usually BUT u referenced that Tufts staff and / or Shapiro saw the kid in November and must have not been impressed by something because they did not reach out to him. Since he got in on his own he must be an excellent student BUT again Shapiro who know if the kid had the grades and boards to get in on his own and offer him a shot in preseason without wasting a Tip/ Protect or Ice in admissions. Also, you only have so many roster spots available SO the kid will have to blow away Shapiro in that tryout which is asking alot for a kid in one practice / scrimmage. By blow away I mean his athleticism or skill or speed. Again, if the kid had any of those 3 qualities when Shapiro saw him in November then he would have been contacted. Also, the kid is at a disadvantage in the tryout because Shaprio will be looking for something SPECIAL and in the back of his mind he will remember that performance the kid had in November. It is only natural. Maybe the kid had a bad showing when Shapiro saw him? Happens all the time and coaches miss out on a ton of good players by not watching them more than once.

Not sure where you got "Shapiro saw the kid in November". I said that an assistant saw him in May. Brother Flounder and blooter pretty much covered all of my bases for me already (thanks again fellas....you are right....there's nothing like a TUFTS education. Today was his first official day of matriculation). 

But thank you, Mr Right, for your blunt, candid and helpful feedback!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 30, 2017, 06:19:33 PM
Let's keep this real. If a kid is determined to attend Tufts, with soccer or no soccer, that's a great choice. But if a kid is determined to play soccer and see the field there are plenty of equal and even a few arguably stronger academic choices where you aren't competing with recruits at a place that has won  2 out of the last 3 national titles.  Aside from other NESCAC choices, there are schools like Carleton, Swat, Haverford, W&L and Oberlin more in the LAC category and then choices similar in size to Tufts like Hopkins, Chicago, Wash U, Emory, CMU and the rest of the UAA schools.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on September 02, 2017, 07:26:27 PM
Just saw on twitter that Tufts and Bowdoin played a "preseason" game today. Anyone have any more info about this game and how the 2 teams looked?? It might have been at Tufts but am not sure about the location . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 02, 2017, 07:54:04 PM
Middlebury and Williams also scrimmaged today. Had hoped to go, but then the day got away from me...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 04, 2017, 08:06:28 AM
Bucket.....nice to hear from you!  Understand well your post.  Seems that Amherst took a trip to Iceland to build team and practice.  If what I have seen on the Amherst website, FYs are still busy on their class "bonding".  Convocation is tonight and the team 's first game is on Tuesday.
The season is underway!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on September 04, 2017, 10:36:37 AM
Quote from: quicksilver on September 02, 2017, 07:26:27 PM
Just saw on twitter that Tufts and Bowdoin played a "preseason" game today. Anyone have any more info about this game and how the 2 teams looked?? It might have been at Tufts but am not sure about the location . .

I heard it was 1-1 tie but no details on how either team looked.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 04, 2017, 12:50:11 PM
In recent years (at least during the Fran O'Leary era) Bowdoin typically scrimmaged Colby and/or Bates.  It's good to change it up a little bit.  On paper these should be two of the stronger sides in the league this season based on talent and experience.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2017, 04:51:53 PM
Quote from: truenorth on September 04, 2017, 12:50:11 PM
In recent years (at least during the Fran O'Leary era) Bowdoin typically scrimmaged Colby and/or Bates.  It's good to change it up a little bit.  On paper these should be two of the stronger sides in the league this season based on talent and experience.

Truenorth, I have been predicting that Bates will have a breakout season for the past two or three years, and it hasn't come to fruition yet.

They did well enough in 2015, going 5-1-1 to start the season and getting big Ws over Williams and NCAA participant Thomas, and draws against NCAA sides Tufts and Bowdoin. Yet even though they had arguably their three most difficult games at home -- Tufts, Amherst, and Middlebury -- they got a disappointing return of 1 point from those three games. They didn't have a particularly "young" team then, either -- as a Maine native, I was rooting for them to have a successful season, as they had several players from the Greater Portland area on their roster. However, it was not to be.

Given their recent history, I can't see them turning a corner this year, but I would welcome the opportunity to be proved wrong.

Edit: After the fact, I realized you might have meant Tufts and Bowdoin will be two of the stronger sides, not Colby and Bates. Still wouldn't mind seeing Bates or Colby surprise this year, although I root for the Polar Bears first and foremost in the NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 05, 2017, 08:03:51 AM
Blooter, sorry if my note was confusing.  Yes, I meant that Bowdoin and Tufts should be two of the stronger sides in the NESCAC this season.

My son played for the Polar Bears and thus I'm a Bowdoin fan first and foremost, but I'm a Maine resident and like you I generally wish good things for both Bates and Colby as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 05, 2017, 09:41:22 AM
Tufts-Bowdoin scrimmage was at Bowdoin late Saturday afternoon. 1-1 tie. 

Bates opens the season this afternoon at Farmington.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on September 05, 2017, 12:17:49 PM
2017 predicted order of finish:

1.  Tufts
2.  Amherst
3.  Bowdoin
4.  Williams
5.  Wesleyan
6.  Middlebury
7.  Trinity
8.  Bates
9.  Conn
10.  Hamilton
11.  Colby
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 05, 2017, 12:25:18 PM
Williams has its roster and season preview up.   Jules Oberg is not listed so I guess the rumor that he is delaying a year is true.  Not a huge deal because the Ephs' defense should still be a major strength this year.  Othewrise, the team has loads of question marks.  First, who will be the goalie?   Three candidates on the roster, hopefully someone steps up.  Second, who will provide the playmaking as offensive-minded midfielders and who will finish up top?  Sisco-Tolomeo, Singleton, and Young are a solid foundation up front, but none have shown consistent dynamism or ever been all-NESCAC; all three will need to really step up their level as seniors.  One frosh has quite an interesting bio, perhaps he can help: http://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/msoc/2017-18/bios/petrik_eli_ep58?view=bio.  Or perhaps one of the sophomore forwards will make a bigger impact, as well.  But as of now, definitely unclear where much the goal scoring will come from ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 05, 2017, 07:57:34 PM
Amherst opened its season this afternoon beginning at 4:30 Pm.  Due to the threat of thunderstorms in the area, game moved to Gooding field near the Fieldhouse...on artificial turf.  Closer to shelter in case of lightning, etc.  Opponent was Easrern Nazarene that had a short bench and a 0-2 record to date, I believe.  It was 0-0 at halftime with Amherst dominating the play but no score. Eastern even lost its starting goalie halfway through the first half due to an injury.  With about 30 minutes to go in the half, the game was delayed due to weather conditions.  Amherst had a 1-0 lead.  Game was called around 6 PM and is now listed as Postponed!   No stats are listed.  Guess the game will be played at a later date.  Interesting situation. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 06, 2017, 09:48:11 AM
Very sad to share some tragic news about the death of former Eph player Pierre Meloty-Kapella:

http://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/bay_area/founder-of-social-media-firm-killed-in-train-strike/article_030e4258-92a6-11e7-bdf8-979a39ca6c6c.html
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2017, 02:54:56 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 06, 2017, 09:48:11 AM
Very sad to share some tragic news about the death of former Eph player Pierre Meloty-Kapella:

http://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/bay_area/founder-of-social-media-firm-killed-in-train-strike/article_030e4258-92a6-11e7-bdf8-979a39ca6c6c.html


That is a tragedy. Pierre was a solid striker and was an integral part of Williams' 2009 NCAA Final Four run. He was a dynamic striker with tons of speed and skill. Best wishes to his family.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2017, 03:01:14 PM
Quote from: amh63 on September 05, 2017, 07:57:34 PM
Amherst opened its season this afternoon beginning at 4:30 Pm.  Due to the threat of thunderstorms in the area, game moved to Gooding field near the Fieldhouse...on artificial turf.  Closer to shelter in case of lightning, etc.  Opponent was Easrern Nazarene that had a short bench and a 0-2 record to date, I believe.  It was 0-0 at halftime with Amherst dominating the play but no score. Eastern even lost its starting goalie halfway through the first half due to an injury.  With about 30 minutes to go in the half, the game was delayed due to weather conditions.  Amherst had a 1-0 lead.  Game was called around 6 PM and is now listed as Postponed!   No stats are listed.  Guess the game will be played at a later date.  Interesting situation.


You have to have played 70 minutes for it to be considered final I believe. Either 70 or 75 minutes. Obviously, that did not happen and now I believe if they cannot work out another time to play the game it will be considered cancelled. Not sure why Eastern Nazerene will be rushing to re-schedule a match with Amherst in which they will get clobbered. Because this is a non conference match it is not required to be re-played. My best guess in these situations with these type of one-sided games that Serpone schedules they will NOT replay this game and Serpone will need to find another game which is hard but not impossible as many teams would love a crack at Amherst. RUN made it happen a month ago when Amherst lost Merchant Marine.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2017, 03:14:13 PM
Trinity gets a brand new Men's and Women's Soccer field. Looks nice and with lights. Trinity will open against Williams Saturday.

http://www.bantamsports.com/sports/msoc/2017-18/releases/Men-s_Soccer_G_11718

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2017, 03:18:23 PM
Trinity looks to have both Savonen and Bednarek back for their senior years. That is good news for Trinity fans. They have a ton of frosh as usual and Pilger will be making massive substitutions but the big question mark has to be who will be in central midfield and can Trinity find a safe and reliable GK and solid defense which i imagine Bednarek will be leading unless he plays defensive central midfield.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 06, 2017, 06:50:26 PM
Just had a quick look at the lineups for the Tufts versus Babson game which is supposed to start in 10 mins. It does not appear that Tufts is playing with a recognized striker, Tasker was the most offensive player I saw. That said, I haven't checked their roster, so maybe folks have moved around positions  or they have some new young guy up top. From what I know, I don't think any of the guys returning this year are in the same class as Majumder or Becherano. On the flip side, I can't see Babson scoring a ton of goals, as they haven't been a very dynamic offense side for the past few years, although they did score 3 in 2 straight games this weekend, so perhaps that is changing. Still, I'm going 2-1 Jumbos.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 06, 2017, 07:49:29 PM
Tufts-Babson 0-0 at half. Stream isn't up so following the stats, but seems the Jumbos are shading an even battle without many chances. Lots of fouls and subs. I suspect we might see some goals in the second half as the game opens up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2017, 07:50:21 PM
Midd takes a 1-0 lead on Norwich late in the 1st Half off a foul outside the box / set piece / Header goal...Some things just never change.

Norwich has actually held its own for the majority of the 1st half and they work hard(expected from a military academy) and Middlebury did not look particularly good before the goal. Midd will win this game 2-0 or 3-0....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 06, 2017, 08:23:58 PM
About 20 left in the second half and it's still 0-0 between Babson and Tufts. Jumbos bossing shots and SOG 9-2 and 6-1 but can't solve Takami. Can't speak to the quality of the chances since I'm going off the stats, but I cannot see Babson winning this game based on what's gone on so far — and if the Beavers do win, it'll be a smash-and-grab victory.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 06, 2017, 08:43:21 PM
Tufts-Babson headed to OT. Jumbos bossing shots and SOG by multiples of 7 (14-2 and 7-1, respectively.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 06, 2017, 08:54:22 PM
Did we do predictions? Predictions anyone? Don't tell me I missed them!

Well, mine are the only ones that matter anyways. I was originally planning on writing up a bit on each team and giving a regular season final prediction, but due to time constraints, I've focused on three teams, tried to write a bit for the rest, and grouped everyone by category. Hopefully before Saturday I'll have a chance to fill out the rest of the league in more detail. Here goes:

Group 1: The Favourite - Not much needs to be said here. This team should finish no lower than 2nd in the league and will feel disappointed without either a NESCAC title or a run to at least NCAA quarters. Expectations could not be higher for...
Tufts: The Jumbos have cemented themselves as perennial NESCAC, and to some extent national, powerhouses. Shapiro is an excellent coach, playing a well-defined style that makes it easy for players to step up year after year. He's obviously a great recruiter as well, and has brought in a lot of talent. Along with Kevin Halliday, look out for sophomore Gavin Tasker, who looked dangerous for most of last year but didn't put up that many points. There's concern over the loss of celebrated goalkeeper Greenwood who yours truly believes was good but overrated. That said, I didn't have the chance to watch many of their NCAA games where he apparently was at his best. But Tufts fans shouldn't be too worried - they add Freshman GK Will Harned out of a successful Beachside academy program. A quick glance at his old highlight tape shows a keeper with good size, positioning, and confidence, and solid technique for his age. I would be unsurprised to see him win the starting job at some point. Biggest question for me is cb pairing - the rest should figure itself out. A quick shoutout to junior Sterling Weatherbie for being my favorite D3 soccer name.

Group 2: The Contenders - I wouldn't be surprised to see either of these teams host the NESCAC regular season crown. But they couldn't care less about that - they've got just as good as a chance as Tufts at the real silverware, the NESCAC championship. Both these teams will look to pick up their 3rd conference championship in 5 years, but there are some questions about both.
Amherst: The big bad wolves of the NESCAC lose cb Bean, cm/tree Orozco, speed threat Martin, quality from Sood+ Aoyama+ Lenhard, and goalscoring midfielder Ciambella. That's a lot of talent gone from the returning NESCAC champions. There is absolutely no way they fall out the top 4 - Serpone is too good at running his system, and I'd expect at least 2 freshman to step up into main roles along with 2-3 more returners. I'd say they could fall out of top 3, but it seems highly unlikely unless one of Williams/Midd/Hamilton massively outperforms my expectation. The key players going forward will be returners Hlinomaz, Nyugen, and likely a freshman. I don't see the first two carrying the weight of the players they've lost. But I wouldn't worry too much about that - they'll bring in some trees maybe 6'5 fitzgerald and get the goals they need on set pieces. The big worry for me at Amherst is losing key defenders and Orozco in the midfield. I would expect Serpone to have a plan to replace them, but it's a big ask. Compounded with the fact that the goalie situation looked not-too-solid at times last year, and it's a real worry. Can they win NESCAC - yes. Are they the second-most likely to? - almost certainly. Will they dominate most of the league like they have in previous years - no.

Bowdoin: Popular pick to have a good year. Return all-around cm star and leading goalscorer Niang, who was the league's best offensive header of the ball last year. Van Siclen's return gives them the best keeper in the league, and Ward has been class throughout his career. The team loses 4-year starter and workhorse Dias Costa in the midfield, big body Charlier up top, and utility player Downing. Look for senior Ellsworth, tricky and creative on the ball, to step into a bigger attacking role. Junior Morant has quality and size, and should see an increased attacking role as well. The Bubb-Ward cb pairing was solid last year, but will need to be a bit better for the Polar Bears to become a top 4 team. But this team was a rather unfortunate OG from the NESCAC finals last year, and haven't lost all that much. Wiercisnki is a very good defensive coach, and though his team doesn't play pretty, they've had a fair bit of success. How many teams could boast a 3W 1D 0L record against Tufts over the past two years? This team will be athletic, defensively excellent, and probably the biggest set-piece threat in the league. If they can learn to find goals from open play, don't have their usual slow start, and see good years from 3/4 of Morant/Ellsworth, Bubb, Ward, and Stenquist, they should take the step and finally be a top 3 team no problem.

Group 4: The Question Marks - Stranger things have happened than one of these teams lifting the NESCAC finals trophy. 2014 and 2015 Bowdoin would have found itself in this group. But the teams here are unproven, young, and have major question marks going into the season. 2 have lost enough senior talent that the teams themselves are largely unknown. One was a surprising young upstart from last season that will look to continue to impress. One of these teams will host a first-round NESCAC game, and two wouldn't be overly surprising. If any of these teams can get a couple star freshman and see a couple veterans step up, they could easily take the step up to become contenders.
Hamilton: The darling underdogs of NESCAC 2016 return for the new season - older, wiser, and hopefully with a better goalkeeper. The lack of a quality netminder to organize and control their defensive area was a major flaw for Hamilton last year. Current soph Cadwell, a tall young man at 6'4, won the job late in the season and appears to have kept it (he gave up all three goals in tonight's draw to SUNY Oswego). I never had the chance to see him play, and I can't get last year's statistics to load so I can see how he did and against what competition. They also bring in 6'3 freshman Watkins. This team will be good regardless - the bring back young stars Morris, Wood, and another attacker whose name I forget. More importantly, they bring back a very impressive hustle, will to win, and athleticism that will help them compete and see them likely finish in the 4-6 range. But at tourney time, they will believe in themselves and be very dangerous. If they can add a little more talent, guile, and identity to last year's team, they could step up to the contenders tier.

Williams: This team lost a ton of seniors, and whether they can replace them is not a question I can answer at this time. My guess is - kind of. Another recruiting class for Sullivan will help him mold the team to his liking, but they'll take time to mesh, and Sullivan hasn't really proven himself as a coach yet. This young Williams team I expect to be more physical in the midfield and creative but more direct offensively. The questions surround the lack of pace in the back line, the replacement in goal creation left by the numerous departing seniors, and the heir to Alcorn's surprisingly great year in goal. Also what style they'll play - last year Williams didn't have the defensive solidness of Bowdoin, the overbearing pressing and physicality of Amherst, the size and speed of Middlebury, or the pretty passing and solid defending of Tufts. This team has more questions than answers, but they are a historically successful program with a young, historically successful coach, and some quality returners. I see them as likely 5-6 finishers.

Middlebury: This team is in a very similar situation to Williams, having lost 4 of the best players in the league. It remains to be seen what is left behind and what freshman are brought in, but I think they'll be better off than Williams. I'm a big fan of O'Grady and Goulart, and I see they've brought in some large freshman. There's a big talent gap to be filled, but I think the two vets can carry the offensive load. Combined with their normal solid defending, the carpet at home, and set piece goals, I think they're in for a 3-5 place finish, likely fighting with Hamilton and Bowdoin for those spots. Depending on what kind of talent they bring in from the bench and freshmen, particularly up top, in goal, and at cb, they could be a real threat come tournament time.

Group 5: One of These Teams Won't Make Playoffs-These teams have some good pieces, but it would be a major surprise if they could pull a 2016 Hamilton and come out of nowhere as real competitors.
Trinity: Loses Gimand, the main man in midfield. Also big striker Milbury up top. This team is consistently inconsistent, but I don't see them putting it together this year. I'd expect a good year from Savonen, and they might push top 5, but they've never shown the cohesiveness and defense necessary to do better. Don't see any reason for that to change but you never know.

Welseyan: Highest ceiling of the teams here. Honestly they could finish anywhere from 3-10, and anywhere 4-10 wouldn't surprise me. Cowie-Haskell and Komar are fantastic offensive talents, and Wheeler's sides are usually well-organized defensively and competent passers going forward. They've lack a good netminder and a defensive presence outside of Gruner. Losing him could see them really struggle on the backend unless they get major contributions from freshman or veterans step up out of nowhere. Regardless, Wheeler's team has come up with quite a few surprises recently, and they could be a nice big banana peel in the first round of NESCACs.

Conn: Losing Pat Devlin is a big blow to this team, as well as to the league overall. He was an offensive force and all-around player like few other in recent memory (NPL I'd say is the other main one, Rashid pre-ACLs). Replacing his offensive threat will be hard, but they have a couple other quality players like the underrated Manoogian, the big man Lockwood, and ... not really sure who the last pieces are. Maybe Dieng, maybe yao. Maybe Butera. This team needs another mid/attacking piece and a big dose of defensive discipline to be competitive, but I can't see them turning it around too much. Like Trinity, they have a good striker and a couple other class players, but will struggle elsewhere and defensively. Looks to be a rebuilding year at Conn, but who knows -- Murphy has had decent success finding impact freshman in the past, and they could potentially add enough pieces to move up to the 4-6 range. More likely, they'll find themselves in the 6-9 spots.

Group 6: Relegation Candidates-We keep waiting for these teams to improve, but so far it just hasn't been there. Neither looks ready to turn the corner this year, though Colby seems slightly better poised after bringing in a big freshman class last year. The CBB championship will be fun as always, but only one Maine team should be in the top 8 at the end of the year.
Bates: Losing Knoth, their best attacker and goalscorer, and Martell, a leader and decent defender, is tough. Maybe Opoku can find some spark, and Merchant looks to be their best bet to bag goals. But I don't have much to say here. They've been rebuilding for years and don't show much signs of improvement.

Colby: The Camels, on the other hand, have cause for hope. They return a whole bunch of freshmen, and with Aoyama providing the spark next to the Tower, they've got a little more of a threat going forward than 1-dimensional bates. They also showed an ability to defend at times, giving up only 1 goal against Tufts and Amherst while shutting out Mid. They best bet is to get more consistent defensively and milk their home field up in Waterville for every point it's worth. I can see this team squeaking into NESCACs over lackluster Trinity/Conn teams, but it's less than likely. They're still very young and lacking talent, but some promise is there. I think they'll play some very entertaining games this year, mainly against Bowdoin, Bates, and maybe Trinity. But Seabrook is still a year or two away from pushing into the next category.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 06, 2017, 08:56:41 PM
Well, that didn't take long — Tufts wins it 39 seconds into OT, Tasker with the goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 06, 2017, 09:33:22 PM
Seems like a deserved win for Tufts, who bossed every statistical category. The Jumbos took a while to get into the game, but, once they got going, they really started to turn the screw, particularly in the second half. I am curious to see what Johnson is capable of when tested — perhaps Greenwood might not be missed as much as previously thought.

As for the Beavers, they won their first two games, but, despite parking the bus well through regulation, their resistance eventually broke in OT as I thought it might. As previously mentioned, the SLU result was a good one, but I think Tufts was a totally different proposition, particularly away from home on turf. I'd still venture to say Babson is capable of getting a result at Brandeis on Saturday, but — after suffering an opening loss while watching the Beavers start 2-0 — I think the Judges will be encouraged by the result tonight (suggesting the Beavers aren't infallible away from home).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 06, 2017, 09:36:20 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 06, 2017, 06:50:26 PM
It does not appear that Tufts is playing with a recognized striker, Tasker was the most offensive player I saw.

Great call, Blooter!  "Tasker. 8-ball. Side pocket."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 06, 2017, 10:03:14 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 06, 2017, 09:36:20 PM
Great call, Blooter!  "Tasker. 8-ball. Side pocket."

I had a gut feeling he'd score. I wish I could say I called it...buuuuut I can't.  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on September 07, 2017, 09:34:36 AM
Was anyone able to get to any of the opening games? I'm surprised Tufts didn't stream its game...you know being the defending champs and all!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 07, 2017, 10:10:56 AM
Holy cow, what a goal! 

https://twitter.com/MiddAthletics/status/905756298746236929
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 07, 2017, 10:52:08 AM
Quote from: oldonionbag on September 07, 2017, 09:34:36 AM
Was anyone able to get to any of the opening games? I'm surprised Tufts didn't stream its game...you know being the defending champs and all!

My guess is Tufts' stream was cancelled because of the weather. When it is raining, a lot of times places will cancel their live stream for fear of ruining their camera and equipment.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2017, 11:22:27 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 07, 2017, 10:10:56 AM
Holy cow, what a goal! 

https://twitter.com/MiddAthletics/status/905756298746236929


I like the kid from Geneva College and was posted in another threads goal way better but still a nice goal for sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2017, 11:55:08 AM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 06, 2017, 08:54:22 PM
Did we do predictions? Predictions anyone? Don't tell me I missed them!


Group 1: The Favourite - Not much needs to be said here. This team should finish no lower than 2nd in the league and will feel disappointed without either a NESCAC title or a run to at least NCAA quarters. Expectations could not be higher for...
Tufts: The Jumbos have cemented themselves as perennial NESCAC, and to some extent national, powerhouses. Shapiro is an excellent coach, playing a well-defined style that makes it easy for players to step up year after year. He's obviously a great recruiter as well, and has brought in a lot of talent. Along with Kevin Halliday, look out for sophomore Gavin Tasker, who looked dangerous for most of last year but didn't put up that many points. There's concern over the loss of celebrated goalkeeper Greenwood who yours truly believes was good but overrated. That said, I didn't have the chance to watch many of their NCAA games where he apparently was at his best. But Tufts fans shouldn't be too worried - they add Freshman GK Will Harned out of a successful Beachside academy program. A quick glance at his old highlight tape shows a keeper with good size, positioning, and confidence, and solid technique for his age. I would be unsurprised to see him win the starting job at some point. Biggest question for me is cb pairing - the rest should figure itself out. A quick shoutout to junior Sterling Weatherbie for being my favorite D3 soccer name.

Group 2: The Contenders - I wouldn't be surprised to see either of these teams host the NESCAC regular season crown. But they couldn't care less about that - they've got just as good as a chance as Tufts at the real silverware, the NESCAC championship. Both these teams will look to pick up their 3rd conference championship in 5 years, but there are some questions about both.
Amherst: The big bad wolves of the NESCAC lose cb Bean, cm/tree Orozco, speed threat Martin, quality from Sood+ Aoyama+ Lenhard, and goalscoring midfielder Ciambella. That's a lot of talent gone from the returning NESCAC champions. There is absolutely no way they fall out the top 4 - Serpone is too good at running his system, and I'd expect at least 2 freshman to step up into main roles along with 2-3 more returners. I'd say they could fall out of top 3, but it seems highly unlikely unless one of Williams/Midd/Hamilton massively outperforms my expectation. The key players going forward will be returners Hlinomaz, Nyugen, and likely a freshman. I don't see the first two carrying the weight of the players they've lost. But I wouldn't worry too much about that - they'll bring in some trees maybe 6'5 fitzgerald and get the goals they need on set pieces. The big worry for me at Amherst is losing key defenders and Orozco in the midfield. I would expect Serpone to have a plan to replace them, but it's a big ask. Compounded with the fact that the goalie situation looked not-too-solid at times last year, and it's a real worry. Can they win NESCAC - yes. Are they the second-most likely to? - almost certainly. Will they dominate most of the league like they have in previous years - no.

Bowdoin: Popular pick to have a good year. Return all-around cm star and leading goalscorer Niang, who was the league's best offensive header of the ball last year. Van Siclen's return gives them the best keeper in the league, and Ward has been class throughout his career. The team loses 4-year starter and workhorse Dias Costa in the midfield, big body Charlier up top, and utility player Downing. Look for senior Ellsworth, tricky and creative on the ball, to step into a bigger attacking role. Junior Morant has quality and size, and should see an increased attacking role as well. The Bubb-Ward cb pairing was solid last year, but will need to be a bit better for the Polar Bears to become a top 4 team. But this team was a rather unfortunate OG from the NESCAC finals last year, and haven't lost all that much. Wiercisnki is a very good defensive coach, and though his team doesn't play pretty, they've had a fair bit of success. How many teams could boast a 3W 1D 0L record against Tufts over the past two years? This team will be athletic, defensively excellent, and probably the biggest set-piece threat in the league. If they can learn to find goals from open play, don't have their usual slow start, and see good years from 3/4 of Morant/Ellsworth, Bubb, Ward, and Stenquist, they should take the step and finally be a top 3 team no problem.

Group 4: The Question Marks - Stranger things have happened than one of these teams lifting the NESCAC finals trophy. 2014 and 2015 Bowdoin would have found itself in this group. But the teams here are unproven, young, and have major question marks going into the season. 2 have lost enough senior talent that the teams themselves are largely unknown. One was a surprising young upstart from last season that will look to continue to impress. One of these teams will host a first-round NESCAC game, and two wouldn't be overly surprising. If any of these teams can get a couple star freshman and see a couple veterans step up, they could easily take the step up to become contenders.
Hamilton: The darling underdogs of NESCAC 2016 return for the new season - older, wiser, and hopefully with a better goalkeeper. The lack of a quality netminder to organize and control their defensive area was a major flaw for Hamilton last year. Current soph Cadwell, a tall young man at 6'4, won the job late in the season and appears to have kept it (he gave up all three goals in tonight's draw to SUNY Oswego). I never had the chance to see him play, and I can't get last year's statistics to load so I can see how he did and against what competition. They also bring in 6'3 freshman Watkins. This team will be good regardless - the bring back young stars Morris, Wood, and another attacker whose name I forget. More importantly, they bring back a very impressive hustle, will to win, and athleticism that will help them compete and see them likely finish in the 4-6 range. But at tourney time, they will believe in themselves and be very dangerous. If they can add a little more talent, guile, and identity to last year's team, they could step up to the contenders tier.

Williams: This team lost a ton of seniors, and whether they can replace them is not a question I can answer at this time. My guess is - kind of. Another recruiting class for Sullivan will help him mold the team to his liking, but they'll take time to mesh, and Sullivan hasn't really proven himself as a coach yet. This young Williams team I expect to be more physical in the midfield and creative but more direct offensively. The questions surround the lack of pace in the back line, the replacement in goal creation left by the numerous departing seniors, and the heir to Alcorn's surprisingly great year in goal. Also what style they'll play - last year Williams didn't have the defensive solidness of Bowdoin, the overbearing pressing and physicality of Amherst, the size and speed of Middlebury, or the pretty passing and solid defending of Tufts. This team has more questions than answers, but they are a historically successful program with a young, historically successful coach, and some quality returners. I see them as likely 5-6 finishers.

Middlebury: This team is in a very similar situation to Williams, having lost 4 of the best players in the league. It remains to be seen what is left behind and what freshman are brought in, but I think they'll be better off than Williams. I'm a big fan of O'Grady and Goulart, and I see they've brought in some large freshman. There's a big talent gap to be filled, but I think the two vets can carry the offensive load. Combined with their normal solid defending, the carpet at home, and set piece goals, I think they're in for a 3-5 place finish, likely fighting with Hamilton and Bowdoin for those spots. Depending on what kind of talent they bring in from the bench and freshmen, particularly up top, in goal, and at cb, they could be a real threat come tournament time.

Group 5: One of These Teams Won't Make Playoffs-These teams have some good pieces, but it would be a major surprise if they could pull a 2016 Hamilton and come out of nowhere as real competitors.
Trinity: Loses Gimand, the main man in midfield. Also big striker Milbury up top. This team is consistently inconsistent, but I don't see them putting it together this year. I'd expect a good year from Savonen, and they might push top 5, but they've never shown the cohesiveness and defense necessary to do better. Don't see any reason for that to change but you never know.

Welseyan: Highest ceiling of the teams here. Honestly they could finish anywhere from 3-10, and anywhere 4-10 wouldn't surprise me. Cowie-Haskell and Komar are fantastic offensive talents, and Wheeler's sides are usually well-organized defensively and competent passers going forward. They've lack a good netminder and a defensive presence outside of Gruner. Losing him could see them really struggle on the backend unless they get major contributions from freshman or veterans step up out of nowhere. Regardless, Wheeler's team has come up with quite a few surprises recently, and they could be a nice big banana peel in the first round of NESCACs.

Conn: Losing Pat Devlin is a big blow to this team, as well as to the league overall. He was an offensive force and all-around player like few other in recent memory (NPL I'd say is the other main one, Rashid pre-ACLs). Replacing his offensive threat will be hard, but they have a couple other quality players like the underrated Manoogian, the big man Lockwood, and ... not really sure who the last pieces are. Maybe Dieng, maybe yao. Maybe Butera. This team needs another mid/attacking piece and a big dose of defensive discipline to be competitive, but I can't see them turning it around too much. Like Trinity, they have a good striker and a couple other class players, but will struggle elsewhere and defensively. Looks to be a rebuilding year at Conn, but who knows -- Murphy has had decent success finding impact freshman in the past, and they could potentially add enough pieces to move up to the 4-6 range. More likely, they'll find themselves in the 6-9 spots.

Group 6: Relegation Candidates-We keep waiting for these teams to improve, but so far it just hasn't been there. Neither looks ready to turn the corner this year, though Colby seems slightly better poised after bringing in a big freshman class last year. The CBB championship will be fun as always, but only one Maine team should be in the top 8 at the end of the year.
Bates: Losing Knoth, their best attacker and goalscorer, and Martell, a leader and decent defender, is tough. Maybe Opoku can find some spark, and Merchant looks to be their best bet to bag goals. But I don't have much to say here. They've been rebuilding for years and don't show much signs of improvement.

Colby: The Camels, on the other hand, have cause for hope. They return a whole bunch of freshmen, and with Aoyama providing the spark next to the Tower, they've got a little more of a threat going forward than 1-dimensional bates. They also showed an ability to defend at times, giving up only 1 goal against Tufts and Amherst while shutting out Mid. They best bet is to get more consistent defensively and milk their home field up in Waterville for every point it's worth. I can see this team squeaking into NESCACs over lackluster Trinity/Conn teams, but it's less than likely. They're still very young and lacking talent, but some promise is there. I think they'll play some very entertaining games this year, mainly against Bowdoin, Bates, and maybe Trinity. But Seabrook is still a year or two away from pushing into the next category.



I agree with some of this and disagree with some. I agree Colby has shown an ability to defend and Chandler Smith has shown his ability in taking out some of his opponents best players out of games. That is not the issue. The issue is they are stuck in a defensive shell for the whole game against most teams and have shown little to anything in a counter attack to scare their opponents. Aoyama is a good player as is Smith and a couple others but I cannot possibly agree that this Colby team will "entertain " anyone until Seabrook takes more chances offensively. They have had some great draws and 1-2 great wins in his 3 years in Waterville but draws only get them 1 point while other teams are going for 3.

Williams has its problems but 1 of them is not speed in the backline. Muellers, Macdonald and Andreou are all blazing fast. The frosh Ranieri is a legit defender also. Their issue is toughness. Hopefully, they have all gotten stronger in the off season. I agree a big question mark for Williams is in net and who will score goals? If they stay in a 4-3-3 I see Sean Dory holding but have no clue who will be attacking. I can see Sisco up top with Tommy Young and Singleton wide. That would give them tons of speed and skill but lacking in height and bigger defenders knocking them off the ball easily.

I totally agree with your assessment of Hamilton. I was impressed last year with the frosh up top and some other pieces Nizzi brought in. They were a very hard working team last year and need to continue that to compete with the big boys. Looks like the big Alaskan tree Cerveny got 2 goals v Oswego St midweek so if he comes around his senior year they will be a tough out. Cerveny showed a ton of promise to other Nescac's but they all passed and Hamilton snagged him. He has not done much 3 years prior but at 6'5 he has a ton of potential up top.

I have already said my piece on Trinity and agree they are consistently inconsistent. I just wish Pilger would not keep such a huge bench and not substitute so freely. It gets kids confused and out of any rhythm. With Savonen and Bednarek back they will get some wins and while Gimand is a tough loss in midfield but he was way to passive for my liking. His skill will be missed but not his lack of toughness.

Middlebury lost a ton in Glazer and Conrad but frankly they didn't have 1 NCAA appearance in 4 years. They will struggle a bit but they looked decent last night and maybe need a change in team leadership to get them going. They will be playing for Saward in his last year.

Bowdoin is my pick to win it all. Charlier is easily replaceable as is Downing. Dias-Costa not so much as his skill will be missed on the flank. They return everyone else. Niang is a beast. Van Siclien the best GK in Nescac and a system and style of play that could put an insomniac to sleep. However, it is very successful especially against better teams.

Tufts and Amherst both lose a ton but I see Rojas for Tufts took the #10 and led the team in shots last night v Babson. That is a good sign. I am eager to see them live to see what they got. I think Greenwood is replaceable and have to agree with your assessment that Shapiro's style of play and system allows for easier transitions for younger players.

Amherst has lost a ton the past 2 years. They will not fall out of the Top 4 but they will not be so dominant as they have been the past 7 years.

with that I will go

1. Bowdoin
2. Tufts
3. Amherst
4. Williams
5. Wesleyan
6. Hamilton
7. Midd
8. Trinity
9. Conn
10. Colby
11. Bates

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on September 07, 2017, 02:41:56 PM
Tufts soccer has an Instagram, apparently. Here is the game winner - nice build up! Judging by the stats it was well deserved. https://www.instagram.com/p/BYv8f7hgHvI/?taken-by=tuftsmenssoccer
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on September 07, 2017, 03:28:44 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on September 07, 2017, 02:41:56 PM
Tufts soccer has an Instagram, apparently. Here is the game winner - nice build up! Judging by the stats it was well deserved. https://www.instagram.com/p/BYv8f7hgHvI/?taken-by=tuftsmenssoccer

A little sloppy, but great decision making and nice composure. Well deserved.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 07, 2017, 06:51:12 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on September 07, 2017, 02:41:56 PM
Tufts soccer has an Instagram, apparently. Here is the game winner - nice build up! Judging by the stats it was well deserved. https://www.instagram.com/p/BYv8f7hgHvI/?taken-by=tuftsmenssoccer

Good work in keeping the pressure on, which eventually resulted in the finish. Apparently Tufts had a goal ruled out for offside with 23 seconds left in regulation, so they were clearly knocking at the door. In watching the video, Babson showed good resolve in the early part, but the Beavers couldn't clear the ball, and Tasker was able to lose his man at the back post. A tap-in, but that's great positioning and composure on his part, and a fitting way to cap a deserved win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 07, 2017, 08:16:59 PM
Macdonald on Williams is fast? You've got to be kidding me.

Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2017, 11:55:08 AM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 06, 2017, 08:54:22 PM
Did we do predictions? Predictions anyone? Don't tell me I missed them!


Group 1: The Favourite - Not much needs to be said here. This team should finish no lower than 2nd in the league and will feel disappointed without either a NESCAC title or a run to at least NCAA quarters. Expectations could not be higher for...
Tufts: The Jumbos have cemented themselves as perennial NESCAC, and to some extent national, powerhouses. Shapiro is an excellent coach, playing a well-defined style that makes it easy for players to step up year after year. He's obviously a great recruiter as well, and has brought in a lot of talent. Along with Kevin Halliday, look out for sophomore Gavin Tasker, who looked dangerous for most of last year but didn't put up that many points. There's concern over the loss of celebrated goalkeeper Greenwood who yours truly believes was good but overrated. That said, I didn't have the chance to watch many of their NCAA games where he apparently was at his best. But Tufts fans shouldn't be too worried - they add Freshman GK Will Harned out of a successful Beachside academy program. A quick glance at his old highlight tape shows a keeper with good size, positioning, and confidence, and solid technique for his age. I would be unsurprised to see him win the starting job at some point. Biggest question for me is cb pairing - the rest should figure itself out. A quick shoutout to junior Sterling Weatherbie for being my favorite D3 soccer name.

Group 2: The Contenders - I wouldn't be surprised to see either of these teams host the NESCAC regular season crown. But they couldn't care less about that - they've got just as good as a chance as Tufts at the real silverware, the NESCAC championship. Both these teams will look to pick up their 3rd conference championship in 5 years, but there are some questions about both.
Amherst: The big bad wolves of the NESCAC lose cb Bean, cm/tree Orozco, speed threat Martin, quality from Sood+ Aoyama+ Lenhard, and goalscoring midfielder Ciambella. That's a lot of talent gone from the returning NESCAC champions. There is absolutely no way they fall out the top 4 - Serpone is too good at running his system, and I'd expect at least 2 freshman to step up into main roles along with 2-3 more returners. I'd say they could fall out of top 3, but it seems highly unlikely unless one of Williams/Midd/Hamilton massively outperforms my expectation. The key players going forward will be returners Hlinomaz, Nyugen, and likely a freshman. I don't see the first two carrying the weight of the players they've lost. But I wouldn't worry too much about that - they'll bring in some trees maybe 6'5 fitzgerald and get the goals they need on set pieces. The big worry for me at Amherst is losing key defenders and Orozco in the midfield. I would expect Serpone to have a plan to replace them, but it's a big ask. Compounded with the fact that the goalie situation looked not-too-solid at times last year, and it's a real worry. Can they win NESCAC - yes. Are they the second-most likely to? - almost certainly. Will they dominate most of the league like they have in previous years - no.

Bowdoin: Popular pick to have a good year. Return all-around cm star and leading goalscorer Niang, who was the league's best offensive header of the ball last year. Van Siclen's return gives them the best keeper in the league, and Ward has been class throughout his career. The team loses 4-year starter and workhorse Dias Costa in the midfield, big body Charlier up top, and utility player Downing. Look for senior Ellsworth, tricky and creative on the ball, to step into a bigger attacking role. Junior Morant has quality and size, and should see an increased attacking role as well. The Bubb-Ward cb pairing was solid last year, but will need to be a bit better for the Polar Bears to become a top 4 team. But this team was a rather unfortunate OG from the NESCAC finals last year, and haven't lost all that much. Wiercisnki is a very good defensive coach, and though his team doesn't play pretty, they've had a fair bit of success. How many teams could boast a 3W 1D 0L record against Tufts over the past two years? This team will be athletic, defensively excellent, and probably the biggest set-piece threat in the league. If they can learn to find goals from open play, don't have their usual slow start, and see good years from 3/4 of Morant/Ellsworth, Bubb, Ward, and Stenquist, they should take the step and finally be a top 3 team no problem.

Group 4: The Question Marks - Stranger things have happened than one of these teams lifting the NESCAC finals trophy. 2014 and 2015 Bowdoin would have found itself in this group. But the teams here are unproven, young, and have major question marks going into the season. 2 have lost enough senior talent that the teams themselves are largely unknown. One was a surprising young upstart from last season that will look to continue to impress. One of these teams will host a first-round NESCAC game, and two wouldn't be overly surprising. If any of these teams can get a couple star freshman and see a couple veterans step up, they could easily take the step up to become contenders.
Hamilton: The darling underdogs of NESCAC 2016 return for the new season - older, wiser, and hopefully with a better goalkeeper. The lack of a quality netminder to organize and control their defensive area was a major flaw for Hamilton last year. Current soph Cadwell, a tall young man at 6'4, won the job late in the season and appears to have kept it (he gave up all three goals in tonight's draw to SUNY Oswego). I never had the chance to see him play, and I can't get last year's statistics to load so I can see how he did and against what competition. They also bring in 6'3 freshman Watkins. This team will be good regardless - the bring back young stars Morris, Wood, and another attacker whose name I forget. More importantly, they bring back a very impressive hustle, will to win, and athleticism that will help them compete and see them likely finish in the 4-6 range. But at tourney time, they will believe in themselves and be very dangerous. If they can add a little more talent, guile, and identity to last year's team, they could step up to the contenders tier.

Williams: This team lost a ton of seniors, and whether they can replace them is not a question I can answer at this time. My guess is - kind of. Another recruiting class for Sullivan will help him mold the team to his liking, but they'll take time to mesh, and Sullivan hasn't really proven himself as a coach yet. This young Williams team I expect to be more physical in the midfield and creative but more direct offensively. The questions surround the lack of pace in the back line, the replacement in goal creation left by the numerous departing seniors, and the heir to Alcorn's surprisingly great year in goal. Also what style they'll play - last year Williams didn't have the defensive solidness of Bowdoin, the overbearing pressing and physicality of Amherst, the size and speed of Middlebury, or the pretty passing and solid defending of Tufts. This team has more questions than answers, but they are a historically successful program with a young, historically successful coach, and some quality returners. I see them as likely 5-6 finishers.

Middlebury: This team is in a very similar situation to Williams, having lost 4 of the best players in the league. It remains to be seen what is left behind and what freshman are brought in, but I think they'll be better off than Williams. I'm a big fan of O'Grady and Goulart, and I see they've brought in some large freshman. There's a big talent gap to be filled, but I think the two vets can carry the offensive load. Combined with their normal solid defending, the carpet at home, and set piece goals, I think they're in for a 3-5 place finish, likely fighting with Hamilton and Bowdoin for those spots. Depending on what kind of talent they bring in from the bench and freshmen, particularly up top, in goal, and at cb, they could be a real threat come tournament time.

Group 5: One of These Teams Won't Make Playoffs-These teams have some good pieces, but it would be a major surprise if they could pull a 2016 Hamilton and come out of nowhere as real competitors.
Trinity: Loses Gimand, the main man in midfield. Also big striker Milbury up top. This team is consistently inconsistent, but I don't see them putting it together this year. I'd expect a good year from Savonen, and they might push top 5, but they've never shown the cohesiveness and defense necessary to do better. Don't see any reason for that to change but you never know.

Welseyan: Highest ceiling of the teams here. Honestly they could finish anywhere from 3-10, and anywhere 4-10 wouldn't surprise me. Cowie-Haskell and Komar are fantastic offensive talents, and Wheeler's sides are usually well-organized defensively and competent passers going forward. They've lack a good netminder and a defensive presence outside of Gruner. Losing him could see them really struggle on the backend unless they get major contributions from freshman or veterans step up out of nowhere. Regardless, Wheeler's team has come up with quite a few surprises recently, and they could be a nice big banana peel in the first round of NESCACs.

Conn: Losing Pat Devlin is a big blow to this team, as well as to the league overall. He was an offensive force and all-around player like few other in recent memory (NPL I'd say is the other main one, Rashid pre-ACLs). Replacing his offensive threat will be hard, but they have a couple other quality players like the underrated Manoogian, the big man Lockwood, and ... not really sure who the last pieces are. Maybe Dieng, maybe yao. Maybe Butera. This team needs another mid/attacking piece and a big dose of defensive discipline to be competitive, but I can't see them turning it around too much. Like Trinity, they have a good striker and a couple other class players, but will struggle elsewhere and defensively. Looks to be a rebuilding year at Conn, but who knows -- Murphy has had decent success finding impact freshman in the past, and they could potentially add enough pieces to move up to the 4-6 range. More likely, they'll find themselves in the 6-9 spots.

Group 6: Relegation Candidates-We keep waiting for these teams to improve, but so far it just hasn't been there. Neither looks ready to turn the corner this year, though Colby seems slightly better poised after bringing in a big freshman class last year. The CBB championship will be fun as always, but only one Maine team should be in the top 8 at the end of the year.
Bates: Losing Knoth, their best attacker and goalscorer, and Martell, a leader and decent defender, is tough. Maybe Opoku can find some spark, and Merchant looks to be their best bet to bag goals. But I don't have much to say here. They've been rebuilding for years and don't show much signs of improvement.

Colby: The Camels, on the other hand, have cause for hope. They return a whole bunch of freshmen, and with Aoyama providing the spark next to the Tower, they've got a little more of a threat going forward than 1-dimensional bates. They also showed an ability to defend at times, giving up only 1 goal against Tufts and Amherst while shutting out Mid. They best bet is to get more consistent defensively and milk their home field up in Waterville for every point it's worth. I can see this team squeaking into NESCACs over lackluster Trinity/Conn teams, but it's less than likely. They're still very young and lacking talent, but some promise is there. I think they'll play some very entertaining games this year, mainly against Bowdoin, Bates, and maybe Trinity. But Seabrook is still a year or two away from pushing into the next category.



I agree with some of this and disagree with some. I agree Colby has shown an ability to defend and Chandler Smith has shown his ability in taking out some of his opponents best players out of games. That is not the issue. The issue is they are stuck in a defensive shell for the whole game against most teams and have shown little to anything in a counter attack to scare their opponents. Aoyama is a good player as is Smith and a couple others but I cannot possibly agree that this Colby team will "entertain " anyone until Seabrook takes more chances offensively. They have had some great draws and 1-2 great wins in his 3 years in Waterville but draws only get them 1 point while other teams are going for 3.

Williams has its problems but 1 of them is not speed in the backline. Muellers, Macdonald and Andreou are all blazing fast. The frosh Ranieri is a legit defender also. Their issue is toughness. Hopefully, they have all gotten stronger in the off season. I agree a big question mark for Williams is in net and who will score goals? If they stay in a 4-3-3 I see Sean Dory holding but have no clue who will be attacking. I can see Sisco up top with Tommy Young and Singleton wide. That would give them tons of speed and skill but lacking in height and bigger defenders knocking them off the ball easily.

I totally agree with your assessment of Hamilton. I was impressed last year with the frosh up top and some other pieces Nizzi brought in. They were a very hard working team last year and need to continue that to compete with the big boys. Looks like the big Alaskan tree Cerveny got 2 goals v Oswego St midweek so if he comes around his senior year they will be a tough out. Cerveny showed a ton of promise to other Nescac's but they all passed and Hamilton snagged him. He has not done much 3 years prior but at 6'5 he has a ton of potential up top.

I have already said my piece on Trinity and agree they are consistently inconsistent. I just wish Pilger would not keep such a huge bench and not substitute so freely. It gets kids confused and out of any rhythm. With Savonen and Bednarek back they will get some wins and while Gimand is a tough loss in midfield but he was way to passive for my liking. His skill will be missed but not his lack of toughness.

Middlebury lost a ton in Glazer and Conrad but frankly they didn't have 1 NCAA appearance in 4 years. They will struggle a bit but they looked decent last night and maybe need a change in team leadership to get them going. They will be playing for Saward in his last year.

Bowdoin is my pick to win it all. Charlier is easily replaceable as is Downing. Dias-Costa not so much as his skill will be missed on the flank. They return everyone else. Niang is a beast. Van Siclien the best GK in Nescac and a system and style of play that could put an insomniac to sleep. However, it is very successful especially against better teams.

Tufts and Amherst both lose a ton but I see Rojas for Tufts took the #10 and led the team in shots last night v Babson. That is a good sign. I am eager to see them live to see what they got. I think Greenwood is replaceable and have to agree with your assessment that Shapiro's style of play and system allows for easier transitions for younger players.

Amherst has lost a ton the past 2 years. They will not fall out of the Top 4 but they will not be so dominant as they have been the past 7 years.

with that I will go

1. Bowdoin
2. Tufts
3. Amherst
4. Williams
5. Wesleyan
6. Hamilton
7. Midd
8. Trinity
9. Conn
10. Colby
11. Bates
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 07, 2017, 08:47:19 PM
Quote from: quicksilver on September 02, 2017, 07:26:27 PM
Just saw on twitter that Tufts and Bowdoin played a "preseason" game today. Anyone have any more info about this game and how the 2 teams looked?? It might have been at Tufts but am not sure about the location . .

It was at Bowdoin.   They tied 1-1.  It was one of those "everybody plays" games where they were trying things out and seeing where the first year students fit in and all, so... hard to get a real idea of how they will play this year. Have to wait a while. Tufts beat Babson last night in OT. Bowdoin dominated in their game tonight, but it was not a NESCAC game, so...   we will have to wait a while to see how they play under pressure.  They play Amherst (at Amherst) on Saturday, so that should be a good chance to see where things stand.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2017, 09:27:57 PM
Yes Macdonald  is fast enough to be a starting wingback in Nescac and more importantly he is an intelligent and tough defender. He went down with an early season injury last year which hurt Williams a bit defensively. I like him as a player as he plays with no fear and is not afraid to actually tackle which is something alot of players these days do not do. I do understand with your Conn blinders on it is hard to spot decent speed when watching games on one of the more narrow and sh*tty fields in Nescac so i will give you a pass.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2017, 09:39:52 PM
A great opening day win for Wesleyan over WPI which will help them in November. Now they need to beat Swat at home Saturday and take care of business against  their other non-conference games which they have struggled with the past couple of years. A good choice to make Nick Jackson captain as I think he is a real leader on the field. Looks like they started 1 frosh but had basically the same starting line-up as last season. Looks like no injuries and all the guys have 1 more year of experience playing with each other. If they can get solid GK'ing they will be getting some W's this year against the top teams in Nescac.

Bowdoin dismantles U of New England 2-0 today but I did not see Niang in the starting line-up which is concerning. They travel to Amherst on Saturday and really need him v Amherst. Not sure what the injury status is but hopefully he is not out long. Looks like Morant scored an early goal as I am guessing it was a header.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 07, 2017, 09:50:25 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 07, 2017, 08:47:19 PM
It was at Bowdoin.   They tied 1-1.  It was one of those "everybody plays" games where they were trying things out and seeing where the first year students fit in and all, so... hard to get a real idea of how they will play this year. Have to wait a while. Tufts beat Babson last night in OT. Bowdoin dominated in their game tonight, but it was not a NESCAC game, so...   we will have to wait a while to see how they play under pressure.  They play Amherst (at Amherst) on Saturday, so that should be a good chance to see where things stand.

SoccerMom, sounds like you know a fair amount about the Bowdoin program (my mom and a lot of family are Bowdoin alums, so I do have a soft spot for the Polar Bears). I was pleased to see that Van Siclen was back playing...I thought he tore his ACL last year (something he had trouble with in high school) so figured he was done, but glad to see that is not the case. He may well be the best goalkeeper in the NESCAC this year, and played a huge role in Bowdoin's NESCAC wins in '14 and '15.

Intrigued to see how they do this weekend, as Amherst aren't the dominant side they used to be, although I do think Serpone's system will ensure that they stay competitive. Should be a good game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 08, 2017, 01:21:08 AM
Mr. Right:

Agree about Colby not entertaining going forward, but I really enjoyed a couple of their matches last year - particularly how they played in a 2-0 loss to Bowdoin and a 2-1 loss to Williams where I first started to taking a liking to little Aoyama. But yeah they manage to attack even less than recent Bowdoin sides.

I didn't look particularly closely at the back 4 williams will start this year, just remember it as a consistent problem from previous years. Williams was a particularly slow rb and when Dory plays cb he takes a while to get from place you place. I did forget about Andreou, who is a decent player with solid pace. And I actually wanted to dispute you on Muellers, but then noticed that he runs track. They call you Mr. Right for a reason I guess. Do you think they'd play Young out wide? Iirc he's a solid attacking midfielder but maybe not as strong as he needs to be at times.

Agree on Hamilton, having the ability to play a tree up top like Cerveny is a big advantage, even if it isn't necessarily your plan A. Though it looks like it might be their main tactic now. A good sign for them is that (according to the recap on their website) he scored both goals with his feet, one of which  was from outside the box.

Rojas on Tufts somehow slipped my mind. He will be one of the best creative players in the league this year. I especially like the toughness and strength he shows along with technique and awareness to get the game winning hockey assist against Babson.

One more thing about Wesleyan - current sophomore Alec Haas was really impressive late in the season last year. An absolute workhorse and all-around threat. I think a front three of Haas, ACH, and Komar will be extremely dangerous. I don't really remember new captain Jackson, but if he can step up and lead a stingy defense I don't think they'll lack in scoring and will end up a very good team.

My End-Of-Regular-Season Ranking Prediction:
1. Tufts
2. Bowdoin
3. Amherst
4. Hamilton
5. Williams
6. Midd
7. Wesleyan
8. Conn
9. Trinity
10. Colby
11. Bates

I think it'll be verrrry close from 4-7. I want to put Wesleyan higher, but I'm not sold that they can defend as well as the teams above them. In a week I could have a very different opinion.

Far-too early awards predictions:
Shortlist for NESCAC POY: Niang, O'Grady, Rojas, Tasker - Niang wins
COY: Wiercinski
FOY: Lol I can't name a freshman on any team. Mr. Right probably has some ideas about this though.
Best GK: Van Siclen

Really looking forward to the Amherst-Bowdoin game on Saturday. Will probably be the only one I watch. If I had to pick another I'd probably go Tufts-Colby and then Williams-Trin
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 08, 2017, 08:36:14 AM
SoccerMom and Blooter, I'm a Polar Bear fan as well--given that my son played for Bowdoin a few years back and we now live in Brunswick.  I watched a bit of the second half of their game vs. UNE online and also noticed that Niang didn't play.  I hope it's not a serious injury.

As you both indicated, one can't draw any conclusions from a non-league game against a weaker side.  In the brief time I watched, two first year players were fairly prominent...Houlgate who is listed as a 6'4" back and Byrd who was on the left wing and seemed pretty quick.  I concur that it was great to see Van Siclen back in goal.  He is a top goalkeeper and very much a leader from the back of the pitch.

Things will begin to sort out when they travel to face off against Amherst in Amherst after less than 48 hours.  It won't be an easy task.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 08, 2017, 01:23:54 PM
You usually have a lot of good things to say, but if you think he's fast you're delusional. Objectively, Macdonald is the farthest thing from fast. Yes he plays with a bite , but he is slow.

Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2017, 09:27:57 PM
Yes Macdonald  is fast enough to be a starting wingback in Nescac and more importantly he is an intelligent and tough defender. He went down with an early season injury last year which hurt Williams a bit defensively. I like him as a player as he plays with no fear and is not afraid to actually tackle which is something alot of players these days do not do. I do understand with your Conn blinders on it is hard to spot decent speed when watching games on one of the more narrow and sh*tty fields in Nescac so i will give you a pass.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 08, 2017, 03:15:37 PM
Having watched many many many Williams games Andreou might not be "slow" but lightning?  Good player, like his size+skill but a quick wing can beat him with pace.  However the big monster in the middle might close off most those.  When he gets going not sure anyone covers ground like TM

But this is a pointless exercise.  Williams has a pretty good incoming class and enough pieces to compete for league 1-2-3.  Should be fun heading down 91 to see them Sat.  I could put a stop watch on the back line if that would help anyone....

Nice to get the season going.

For the record, Williams 2 Trinity 1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2017, 07:11:27 AM
Fine maybe using the term "lightning" was misleading BUT Macdonald is not the farthest thing from fast and neither is Andreou.  Any coach worth his salt would NEVER put "slow" players at wingback. Usually, they are some of your fastest players because of the fact that you have to keep up with your opponents speedier players on the flank. I am not going to get dragged into a back and forth on such a subject. As far as Easy Goer27 comments on Williams frosh class I just cannot agree. Ranieri is legit and should compete for a spot on the backline and 1 other Frosh has promise but none of them will be a game changer right away. In fact they only have 6 Frosh on the roster and 1 of them is a GK that will be behind Schneiderman and Schein.  Anyhow....

My Predictions:

Swat at Wesleyan---I have not seen Swat play since they got trounced in the Sweet 16 at Amherst in 2012. Wesleyan should be able to prevail at home and frankly needs to take care of business out of conference this year. 1-0 Wesleyan

Conn at Midd---Conn has not had alot of success at Midd since Murphy took over in 2009. Conn was not as sharp last year in net and on defense and I do not see that changing to begin the year. Who will be Midd's leading scorer this year? I'm guessing it will be by committee. Both teams will get some chances but this game will be stuck in the air and in midfield and who has the better set piece opportunities. 0-0

Colby at Tufts---Why do I have  feeling Tufts will be over confident in this one? I think Tufts might struggle breaking down Colby and will find itself in another frustrating match, like the Babson game, where they will dominate shots but might need a late winner. Doesn't happen today 0-0

Bowdoin at Amherst---Since the 1st week of games are so hard to predict because of injuries / Frosh / fitness etc I will say Bowdoin exacts revenge on Amherst from last year when Amherst ended Bowdoin's season late in the game in the Nescac Semi's. If I remember correctly Bowdoin scored in the 80th minute to take a 1-0 lead but coughed it up very late. What is the injury status on Niang? Even without Niang, I do not see this Amherst side scaring Bowdoin as in years past as they do not have a Martin or NPL or Orozco etc that Bowdoin needs to be careful of. Hlinomaz is a good player but he tends to drift in and out of games and Bowdoin's backline should be able to handle him. Bowdoin can match Amherst's size and speed and have the better GK. 2-1 Bowdoin

Bates at Hamilton---Hamilton MUST get 3 pts out of this game especially at home. They have the better players, work ethic and skill. I am concerned with Hamilton's GK situation as that could be a liability for them this year. Also, their backline is not quite the same as last year. Still they can score goals in this game and should handle Bates today. 3-1 Hamilton

Williams at Trinity---Ton's of question marks for both teams all over the field. Trinity should be pumped to play their 1st game on their new field. However, Williams lack of size up top should not be a problem today as Trinity is not the biggest team in Nescac. Can Trinity stay focused for 90 minutes? Can either GK for both sides keep the mistakes to a minimum? I think Muellers can handle Savonen and shut him down today. I think the duo of Sisco and Tommy Young cause Trinity's backline with problems today. Coin flip 3-2 Williams
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 09, 2017, 09:42:43 AM
Predictions:

Swat at Wes: I know nothing about Swat. Will say 2-1 Wes but this is a shot in the dark.

Conn at Midd: 1-0 Midd on a late goal after wearing down the Conn back line all game. Likely a set piece.

Colby at Tufts: Colby got off to a decent start last season in NESCAC play, winning 1, drawing 2, and losing 1. Tufts got out to a slow start last year, and is an easy pick to do so because their style takes more time and coaching to develop. They may be a bit overconfident after the winner at Babson. That said, they should have far more class than Colby, especially on their home field, and I'd guess Shapiro will have them fired up to avenge the disappointing result from last year. They score a nice goal at the end of the first half, and grab a second late as Colby pushes to equalize. 2-0 Tufts.

Bowdoin at Amherst: Match of the week. Amherst has generally beaten Bowdoin in recent years, but is losing a ton this year, and face off against a Bowdoin team where many of the players have lots of experience against the Amherst style. I'd expect a messy game. Later in the season, I might call it 0-0, but in the first NESCAC match both teams will make mistakes. Only one of the teams has Van Siclen to clean up in goal. Ellsworth scores for Bowdoin, but Amherst gets one of a set piece. Neither team willing to lose. 1-1 draw.

Bates at Hamilton: Not sure if Hamilton will like having an "easier" game to start the season. But I think Bates will be anemic offensively this year, and I think Hamilton back line does well enough to protect whoever is in goal. Bates sits deep, but Hamilton has enough hustle and talent to produce a moment of class, and take the game. 1-0 Hamilton.

Williams at Trinity: Will probably be the most even game other than Bowdoin-Amherst. Game could shape up just about any way. I'm not sold on Sisco and the other attacking options for Williams, but I'm less sold on a solid Trinity defense. This will be a good barometer for Williams - how do they deal with the size, speed, and skill of Savonen? Can they produce against one of the poorer defensive teams in the conference? How do they play against them? I think it's very even, but Williams puts in a solid defensive effort and shut out Trinity. May come down to if the Wiliams keeper can make the couple big saves he's asked of. 1-0 Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 09, 2017, 12:58:55 PM
Let's go Camels! I believe this is Murphy's first time beating Middlebury ever?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2017, 02:47:30 PM
Wow....Conn gets a nice W at Midd 2-1.I wasn't able to catch the game but sounds like Conn deserved the W..The loss of Glaser, Conrad and especially Sydor might mean Midd struggles early until they can get a set line-up and some confidence.

Bates up 2-1 on Hamilton to start 2nd half...Have just caught a bit but again Hamilton is playing on turf and not the grass...That game surely has some more goals in it and Hamilton looks to be on the attack to start the 2nd Half.

Amherst v Bowdoin just underway and Van Siclien has already made a nice save or 2. Niang back in the line-up but so far Bowdoin looks a bit flat. Will be following this game until Williams at Trinity get underway at 3pm.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2017, 02:54:11 PM
Amherst goes up 1-0 on a PK..Stupid foul in the box from Bowdoin against Hlinomaz who I will say fell pretty easily but a stupid foul in the box. Bowdoin needs to pick it up as they look very sluggish and if they continue to play like this they will be going home with a Loss.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 09, 2017, 03:28:46 PM
The 2-1 halftime score holds and Bates gets the road upset against Hamilton. 

Tufts and Colby 0-0 at the half, with Colby holding a 3-2 advantage in shots and Tufts up 5-2 in corners. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 09, 2017, 03:30:35 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 09, 2017, 03:28:46 PM
The 2-1 halftime score holds and Bates gets the road upset against Hamilton. 

Tufts and Colby 0-0 at the half, with Colby holding a 3-2 advantage in shots and Tufts up 5-2 in corners. 

Can't remember whether it was last year or the year before that they beat Hamilton on the road, but I remember thinking they had turned a corner after that result. Didn't happen that season, but maybe it will this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 09, 2017, 03:47:31 PM
Tufts struggled against Colby last year, too. Sometimes match-ups are weird like that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2017, 04:00:20 PM
Williams up 1-0 on a long ball that bounced around and a nice finish by Sean Dory in the panel. The game was delayed about 20 minutes with a serious injury to Tommy Young of Williams as he was carted off the field most likely to the local hospital. He would be a big loss if he is gone for the season. Trinity was asleep for Dory's goal and again a lack of focus on the defensive end hurts Trinity. Still a ton of time left in the game but Savonen is looking frustrated up top with a lack of service and Bednarek has played VERY Well for Trinity. He is such a composed player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2017, 04:11:33 PM
2-0 Williams on a nice finish by Frosh Eli Petrik out of Texas right before the half. He is a highly regarded Frosh out of Texas who should be contributing for the Ephs right away this year. It is 2-0 Williams but again Trinity looked lost on defense on the play and were ole'ing runners right by them. They just have never been able to focus for 90 minutes under Pilger. They lack concentration and frankly besides Bednarek there defense looks weak. Still a half left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 09, 2017, 04:37:12 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on September 09, 2017, 03:47:31 PM
Tufts struggled against Colby last year, too. Sometimes match-ups are weird like that.

Jumbos with a tough win on the road.... OT victory 1-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 09, 2017, 04:44:31 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 09, 2017, 04:37:12 PM
Jumbos with a tough win on the road.... OT victory 1-0

You sure it was on the road, BF? Tufts schedule and box score indicated home to me...

Two 1-0 OT wins for the Jumbos. Is this indicative of a team struggling for goals, or the hallmark of champions? Given the Jumbos NCAA title last year and their slow start en route to that triumph (in fact they began 0-2-1 vs. 2-0 now) I will give them the benefit of the doubt this early in the season, and a win is a win, but I saw today that they started again without a recognized CF (Braun off the bench was the closest player to a striker I saw — Tasker started, of course, but I think of him as more of a winger.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on September 09, 2017, 04:59:25 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 09, 2017, 04:44:31 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 09, 2017, 04:37:12 PM
Jumbos with a tough win on the road.... OT victory 1-0

You sure it was on the road, BF? Tufts schedule and box score indicated home to me...

Two 1-0 OT wins for the Jumbos. Is this indicative of a team struggling for goals, or the hallmark of champions? Given the Jumbos NCAA title last year and their slow start en route to that triumph (in fact they began 0-2-1 vs. 2-0 now) I will give them the benefit of the doubt this early in the season, and a win is a win, but I saw today that they started again without a recognized CF (Braun off the bench was the closest player to a striker I saw — Tasker started, of course, but I think of him as more of a winger.)

It was at Tufts.  I was at the game, and it was Exhibit 456,923 for why we need better soccer referees.  The guy was calling incredibly soft fouls all game long, but up until the last one that gave Tufts the game-winning penalty, none of them significantly affected the game.  It would have been nice to have seen how the game would have gone if the ref hadn't gotten in the way.

Overall, I'd say the game was fairly even.  I'd say Tufts had better scoring opportunities, including a ball that bounced off the post with about five seconds remaining in regulation and another in the 70th minute that was cleared away by a header just before going into the goal, but Colby had its opportunities as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 09, 2017, 05:11:13 PM
Trinity gets 1 back...2-1 Williams with about 4 minutes left. Trinity has put in a much better effort 2nd Half. If only they would have done that for 90 minutes.


RE:Colby----I did not see the game but i am betting they had a great defensive game plan / probably sat in a defensive shell for 90 minutes / worked very hard and come away with 0 points...I mean at some point you have to take chances and try to score goals otherwise players will start to get really frustrated
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 09, 2017, 05:16:04 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 09, 2017, 04:44:31 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 09, 2017, 04:37:12 PM
Jumbos with a tough win on the road.... OT victory 1-0

You sure it was on the road, BF? Tufts schedule and box score indicated home to me...

Two 1-0 OT wins for the Jumbos. Is this indicative of a team struggling for goals, or the hallmark of champions? Given the Jumbos NCAA title last year and their slow start en route to that triumph (in fact they began 0-2-1 vs. 2-0 now) I will give them the benefit of the doubt this early in the season, and a win is a win, but I saw today that they started again without a recognized CF (Braun off the bench was the closest player to a striker I saw — Tasker started, of course, but I think of him as more of a winger.)

My bad.. typo brain cramp.... Mr . Right is correct about sitting back. Colby seems to have started better but Tufts came on and owned the OT...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 11, 2017, 10:37:13 AM
A quick shout out to the Bobcats for a quality road win at Hamilton on Saturday. I was not able to make the game, but its good to see the offense scoring early.  I did make it over to the Tufts/Colby game due to proximity. Colby was solid. They played with Tufts the first 45 minutes and generated some chances.  Second half (especially last 20 minutes) was a different story. Tufts controlled possession, had quality chances, and actually went to three in the back in the 72nd minute for the rest of the game. It's a very confident group out there and Shapiro plays 18-19 guys with no drop off coming in from the bench.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2017, 04:07:05 PM
Ok a quick really quick shout out to the Bobcats....done.....now looks like coach has put UNE on the schedule for Wednesday and Newbury for Saturday. Didn't they beat Newbury 9-1 last year? whatever .....Do not be to over confident against UNE....They will play some pretty futbol especially on the turf so do not go into that game over confident...We will know if Bates is for real in 2 weeks when they travel to Wesleyan / Williams on a back to back. If they can get 4 pts on that weekend I will be impressed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2017, 04:41:05 PM
Since I only caught the 1st Half of Amherst v Bowdoin I can only comment on what I saw. Amherst was whacking everything in sight(no shock there) but without an NPL or even a Martin there seems to be even more whacking and even less skill. They absolutely bullied Bowdoin's backline as they were out muscled and looked very under sized. When Bowdoin plays Amherst again or even when they play Midd they will need to switch some players around as they need more height and muscle at back or the same thing will happen again. If I was a coach playing Amherst and I fully trusted the refs and AR's( hard to do) I would be trapping them all game. If Amherst is going to completely bypass midfield and whack it to their speed up top then offside trap them all game and maybe play a 4-2-4 as why do you need anyone in midfield? I will say that Amherst was impressive physically against Bowdoin and looking at other Nescac's they will be able to do the same against Trinity, Williams, Bates, Colby, Hamilton and Wesleyan. They just have to much size and strength for those teams. It will be interesting to see what  Midd can come up with against them on Saturday as they can match Amherst physically but they do not have the same depth and talent that Amherst has.

Side Note: Just noticed longtime Williams assistant Jeff Huffman is now an assistant for Serpone at Amherst. That must be playing real well in Williamstown.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2017, 04:48:18 PM
Just noticed the Tufts v Brandeis match in 2 weeks will be on Friday night in Medfa not Saturday. Should be a great game and a great crowd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 12, 2017, 07:50:06 PM
Bowdoin v Husson and Conn College v Salem State are both scoreless ties at the half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 12, 2017, 08:24:08 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 11, 2017, 04:41:05 PM
Since I only caught the 1st Half of Amherst v Bowdoin I can only comment on what I saw. Amherst was whacking everything in sight(no shock there) but without an NPL or even a Martin there seems to be even more whacking and even less skill. They absolutely bullied Bowdoin's backline as they were out muscled and looked very under sized. When Bowdoin plays Amherst again or even when they play Midd they will need to switch some players around as they need more height and muscle at back or the same thing will happen again. If I was a coach playing Amherst and I fully trusted the refs and AR's( hard to do) I would be trapping them all game. If Amherst is going to completely bypass midfield and whack it to their speed up top then offside trap them all game and maybe play a 4-2-4 as why do you need anyone in midfield? I will say that Amherst was impressive physically against Bowdoin and looking at other Nescac's they will be able to do the same against Trinity, Williams, Bates, Colby, Hamilton and Wesleyan. They just have to much size and strength for those teams. It will be interesting to see what  Midd can come up with against them on Saturday as they can match Amherst physically but they do not have the same depth and talent that Amherst has.

Side Note: Just noticed longtime Williams assistant Jeff Huffman is now an assistant for Serpone at Amherst. That must be playing real well in Williamstown.

I saw that match also - that kid they had up top was at least 6'4" and 200lbs -- minimum.  The Bowdoin player who was matched up with him is 6' ... and he was jist dwarfed.   
And the Amherst kid really did just run like a frieght train through  everything..  And yet... Amherst's only goal was on a PK. Which is probably a consequemce of the skill issue you commented on. 

Bowdoin did look mucb better in the second half.  Midfield improved their organization and then they finally got some offense going.    Bowdoin needs to start each game with the same motivation and organization in the midfield as they show in the second half.   That was true in many games last year as well.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2017, 09:50:56 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 12, 2017, 08:24:08 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 11, 2017, 04:41:05 PM
Since I only caught the 1st Half of Amherst v Bowdoin I can only comment on what I saw. Amherst was whacking everything in sight(no shock there) but without an NPL or even a Martin there seems to be even more whacking and even less skill. They absolutely bullied Bowdoin's backline as they were out muscled and looked very under sized. When Bowdoin plays Amherst again or even when they play Midd they will need to switch some players around as they need more height and muscle at back or the same thing will happen again. If I was a coach playing Amherst and I fully trusted the refs and AR's( hard to do) I would be trapping them all game. If Amherst is going to completely bypass midfield and whack it to their speed up top then offside trap them all game and maybe play a 4-2-4 as why do you need anyone in midfield? I will say that Amherst was impressive physically against Bowdoin and looking at other Nescac's they will be able to do the same against Trinity, Williams, Bates, Colby, Hamilton and Wesleyan. They just have to much size and strength for those teams. It will be interesting to see what  Midd can come up with against them on Saturday as they can match Amherst physically but they do not have the same depth and talent that Amherst has.

Side Note: Just noticed longtime Williams assistant Jeff Huffman is now an assistant for Serpone at Amherst. That must be playing real well in Williamstown.

I saw that match also - that kid they had up top was at least 6'4" and 200lbs -- minimum.  The Bowdoin player who was matched up with him is 6' ... and he was jist dwarfed.   
And the Amherst kid really did just run like a frieght train through  everything..  And yet... Amherst's only goal was on a PK. Which is probably a consequemce of the skill issue you commented on. 

Bowdoin did look mucb better in the second half.  Midfield improved their organization and then they finally got some offense going.    Bowdoin needs to start each game with the same motivation and organization in the midfield as they show in the second half.   That was true in many games last year as well.


That is correct....However, we went through this last year and the year before that and the year before that....Bowdoin always starts the year sluggish...EVERY year since Wiercinski took over they start the year with 2 to 3 losses and then win 7 of 8 games or 8 of 9 in October to get themselves into the NCAA Bubble talk and regionally ranked BUT it is always just not enough to get a Pool C. Of course, they could just win Nescac as they did in 2014 and 2015 to get the Pool A. Brandeis over matched them in the 2014 NCAA 2nd Round but they under performed v MIT in the 2015 NCAA 2nd Round and really should have won that game. Anyway, his out of conference scheduling is weak sauce and has been since he took over. Bowdoin cannot afford to come out "flat" against a pumped up Amherst side on the 1st conference game of the year especially at Amherst. It should not take them until the 2nd Half to get going.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 13, 2017, 11:38:45 AM
Any word on how serious Tom Young was injured for the Ephs?  Despite the strong showing from young players up front vs. Trinity in his absence, Williams can ill afford to lose one of its few established playmakers ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 13, 2017, 12:01:37 PM
Another Williams family told me he was done.  Surgery scheduled sometime soon.  Can only wish him the best, classy player and classy young man.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Striker22 on September 13, 2017, 12:06:57 PM
I was at the game and the ref shared with someone in the stands that it looked like a high broken ankle (tib/fib).  Such a shame and a reminder of how fragile the playing careers can be of these young men at this level.  Need to enjoy and get the most out of every game and every minute because you never know.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 13, 2017, 12:08:58 PM
Wow, such a shame, that sounds brutal. Tough blow for the team but of course moreso for Tom Young.  Just so tough when you work hard heading into your senior year ready to be a team leader and it's all over in the first game.  He made great contributions to the program, and I'm sure will be a leader from the sidelines going forward. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2017, 12:30:06 PM
Yes. Confirmed that Tommy Young is done for the season for Williams. That is a key injury that Williams can ill afford. That is one of those key injuries I was talking about for my season predictions that Williams needed to avoid. The one thing it does is give younger players some playing time and others to prove themselves and show what they can do. One of those players that I was impressed with last night v RPI was #13 Demian Gass a Soph out of Texas.. He showed his value out on the flank with some impressive speed and skill. He has some potential. Williams defeated RPI 1-0 in a sloppily played game from both teams. Something not out of the ordinary for 2 teams starting the season. Unfortunately, for RPI they have been playing for at least a month now with pre-season and a team trip to Costa Rica. I can give Williams a small pass as they have only been out for 2 weeks. Not only did Williams not have Tommy Young but i did not see local Troy, NY kid Sean Dory in Williams starting line-up. Dory had been playing very well and had a nice game at Trinity on Saturday. They cannot afford to lose him for an extended period of time. With Gass and Singleton they will be fine speed wise but when Sullivan put Sophmore Bobby Fabricant out wide I was shocked. Fabricant had a poor game and is not a wide player as he might be the slowest player on the field. If anything, he should be a target striker but Sisco keeps getting the nod up top. Sisco has 15 career goals for Williams which is no small feat especially because Williams does not play many cupcakes. I find it hard to fault the kid because he is a worker bee up top but his touch has not improved in 4 years. I would have a hard time distinguishing him between his senior year and his frosh / soph years. That is not the type of a progression a player should have and the only reason I am being critical is because of the hype surrounding him when he enrolled at Williams. He can score goals which is something Williams is going to need this year. If he can get 5-10 goals this season that would be all you can ask for. With a back to back Maine trip this weekend, Williams will find a stern test at Colby and at Bowdoin and if they can go 1-0-1 that would have to be considered successful.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2017, 12:50:39 PM
I caught the last 5 minutes of Bates v Univ Of New England last night just in time to catch a nice game winning goal by Nate Merchant with about 2 minutes left. Bates defeats UNE 2-1. I knew UNE would give Bates a tough game but a nice win for Bates to go 2-0-0. I did notice that Merchant did not start the game which is very odd as he is 1 of there better players.

Side Note:  We all know what kind of rivalry game and the history of the Babson v Brandeis game in D3. Another one of those type of games has always been Conn College v Coast Guard. Both a stone's throw away from each other and always a really tight match. That is why I was shocked to see that they are NOT playing each other this year. It could be just a scheduling quirk for both or 1 of the teams but normally you would have them penciled in way back in December. Maybe some bad blood brewing between the coaches? I have no idea but maybe on of you Conn College guys can weigh in on it. I am curious.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 14, 2017, 08:24:01 PM
Mr. Right, curious to see what your predictions for this weekend are. Of course, I'm most curious about how you think my Camels will do against the Jumbos. They have had some great games over the last few years. Although Tufts is the defending champions, never count Murphy's teams out. This young Conn  team is not close to as physical as those from previous years (13/14 and 14/15 teams especially), so it will be interesting to see how they match up with the Jumbos who, although known for their soccer ability, can definitely play with a bite.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 15, 2017, 01:07:03 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on September 14, 2017, 08:24:01 PM
Mr. Right, curious to see what your predictions for this weekend are. Of course, I'm most curious about how you think my Camels will do against the Jumbos. They have had some great games over the last few years. Although Tufts is the defending champions, never count Murphy's teams out. This young Conn  team is not close to as physical as those from previous years (13/14 and 14/15 teams especially), so it will be interesting to see how they match up with the Jumbos who, although known for their soccer ability, can definitely play with a bite.

I'm not Mr.Right, but I like Conn. in this one. Tufts has to be favored due to home field advantage and its incredibly deep roster, and the Jumbos hammered Plymouth State last weekend, but, before that, it took them OT to get by Babson and Colby at home. And while both of those teams are solid sides, and the Jumbos bossed the shot count against Babson (who was kept in the game by Takami, a very good goalie), I think those two games illustrated that Tufts may struggle for goals against good opposition this year. Plus, Murphy has gotten good results against Tufts in the not-so-distant past (2013 regular season and 2014 NESCAC tournament) so I think he knows his tactics, and the win at Middlebury will no doubt have boosted the Camels' confidence. Just a hunch, but my hunch has been right before. ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 15, 2017, 08:56:30 PM
Good to hear this coming from a Jumbos fan. Yes, I agree that we can never count Murphy's team out. Seems like Conn always turns up a gear against the Jumbos.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 15, 2017, 09:04:13 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on September 15, 2017, 08:56:30 PM
Good to hear this coming from a Jumbos fan. Yes, I agree that we can never count Murphy's team out. Seems like Conn always turns up a gear against the Jumbos.

Not a Jumbos supporter, but I do like watching them and (I like to think) am pretty fair in assessing their strengths and weaknesses. ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2017, 11:52:40 PM
Sine the season is young I will not spend a great deal of time predicting yet until I have had a chance to see each Nescac team at least once.


Conn at Tufts----I have not seen either team at all but my first question tonight was going to be about Conn's Frosh GK AJ Marcucci. Then I noticed he won the first Nescac Player of the Week award. This will certainly garner plenty of attention from his opponents. Conn has had recent success against Tufts but that was with those very physical and big Conn sides a couple of years ago that were tremendously organized defensively. I can only go off of last year but again I was less than impressed with Conn last year defensively. They do not have any size advantage over Tufts and everything else favors Tufts including the turf. Count me as one who is glad Tufts moved off of that horrible Kraft Field which was a really bad grass field BUT not a fan of the turf. Tufts couldn't tear it up and get a brand new grass field? Tufts has a home football game tomorrow and they used to draw VERY well because of that and being on campus, etc. I am guessing they do not draw nearly as well now since moving down the road to the turf. To many Nescac's are moving to the turf starting with Midd in 2007. Oh right the game...2-0 Tufts

Bates st Newbury College---Haha I had to...This is beyond a joke...I plan on doing Amherst / Pine Manor also in a few weeks .....I am betting Coach tells his AD this would be a big win for the program....Handicapper's line............Bates -7 1/2   O/U  7....

Wesleyan at Bowdoin-----Both teams could really use this game. Wesleyan to gauge their nice early start to the season and Bowdoin to prove they are legit. This could be a tight game with the winner coming late. Bowdoin has the advantage in goal and their defense will not be bullied by Wesleyan like it was v Amherst. Still I really think Wesleyan can get points. 1-1

Midd at Amherst------Fathers do not bring your sons to this game. Youth Coaches and teams please stay away. Anyone looking for some technical play watch the women's game...THIS game is always UGLY and should get even uglier tomorrow..I am not watching this game at all so I hope other posters can recap it for us. 0-0

Hamilton at Trinity-----Both teams need a bounce back game. I have not seen Hamilton yet this year but Trinity always finds a way to get 3 pts out of these types of games, I think Trinity gets 2 goals from Savonen and wins but would not be surprised if they fail to show up until the 70th minute and lose. Trinity 2-1

Williams at Colby------Williams has its problems but is 2-0-0. Injuries and goal scoring are their biggest problems to date and Colby is not the greatest team to face when you are having issues breaking down teams. Williams figures Colby will not attack so they play with 11 field players, Colby counters with an amazing 2 strikers. 0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 16, 2017, 01:10:02 AM
My turn to give the predictions a shot - can't do any worse than last week.

Midd v. Amherst: Home field advantage for Amherst will be key here, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Midd hold their own. I don't see Midd scoring - question is, can they shut down Amherst? Based on their giving up 4 goals in their first 3 games at Norwich, home to Conn, home to Colby-Sawyer, I'm going to say hell no. 2-0 Amherst.

Welseyan v. Bowdoin: Second game in a row that Bowdoin plays in the biggest Saturday NESCAC matchup. It didn't go so well for them last time, as they continued their streak of poor results at the beginning of the season and more generally against Amherst. Wesleyan is a bit of an unknown, but look good to start the season. ACH seems to have been busy, and Livingstone has put up some strong numbers. Both teams have enough going forward to be dangerous, and I haven't seen a lot of lock down D. Van Siclen was excellent for the Polar Bears despite the loss at Amherst, and could easily be the edge. But watch out for ACH and Komar going the other way. we'll know a lot more about both teams from this result. I'll guess 2-1 Bowdoin in OT.

Williams v. Colby: I expect a real physical one up in Waterville - lots of determination and size on both teams. Colby will look to rebound from a tough OT loss at Tufts, Williams coming off a good win but lost one of their better attacking players. I'm willing to bet they can replace him, and continue their strong start to the season. 1-0 Williams.

Hamilton v. trinity - another interesting one, and I expect better from them this time around. Giving up two goals to bates? really? I think they rebound to win here, getting at least one from a set piece. 2-1 Trinity

Conn v. Tufts: I want to try to watch to game to see what the hype is about with this new Conn keeper. He made an absurd 11 (ELEVEN) saves at Midd. Not only is that great goalkeeping, that's fantastic mental confidence and toughness from a freshman playing his first NESCAC game at one of the hardest places to play in the 'CAC. Watch out everyone, looks like this guy came to play. You would think this is a close one. And it seems like only a matter of time before Tufts drops points. Conn keeper holds them in it, while Conn hits on the break and scores on a 1 v. keeper. Final score: 1-1

Bates v. Newbury: who?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 16, 2017, 01:12:05 AM
Also, check out the Bowdoin soccer facebook page - they seem to be updating it pretty regularly. Their goal against Tufts in the scrimmage was a good bit of passing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 01:20:06 AM
+k cac.aholic1...I saw that goal and I agree with you. Nice predictions this week as i think you might best me this week however I was confused as it seems you were ready to pick Hamilton but went with Trinity?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 16, 2017, 01:51:38 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 01:20:06 AM
+k cac.aholic1...I saw that goal and I agree with you. Nice predictions this week as i think you might best me this week however I was confused as it seems you were ready to pick Hamilton but went with Trinity?

Thanks Mr. Right, I appreciate the complement. Been lurking for a while - always admired your knowledge and passion.

Good catch on the Trin v. Hamilton game. Let the record show that that was a typo - I meant to pick Hamilton. Hopefully they don't let me down this week, or I'm gonna have to give them a stern talking to.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 12:09:51 PM
Bowdoin off to a quick start with a goal 3 minutes into the game. Wesleyan with a bad giveaway at midfield and a nice crisp pass by Bowdoin's Stenquist out to the flank that was whipped in and Ethan Ellsworth had an absolute cracker from about 20 yards out. Wesleyan GK had no chance but Wesleyan's defense was non-existent on the play. No pressure on Ellsworth and he buried it. Good start for Bowdoin as they are controlling play early. Let's see if Wesleyan can claw back into it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 12:52:45 PM
1-0 Bowdoin at the Half. Not many dangerous chances for either team. Very even game with both teams having its share of possession. I was impressed with Wesleyan's starters who were playing two touch very nicely. Wesleyan's Devanny is a big fast flank player and Livingstone had a nice 1st half. ACH did nothing and frankly Wesleyan while a nice technical team just are not very physical especially in the back. I like their back 4 but the GK is still a question mark. Also, while Wesleyan is playing very well from box to box they do not look very dangerous at all in the final 3rd. Bowdoin looks a bit sluggish but are doing enough to see this game out. However, they look a shell of what they looked like at the end of last year and if they continue to look like this they will not be winning Nescac. Not saying they look bad but they look a tad above average which will not be good enough to win Nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 01:35:15 PM
Middlebury up 1-0 with 30 mins to go. Didn't see the goal, but we can expect that Midd will have to withstand the gauntlet that comes with Amherst being down late in the game...an amount of pressure that is too much for the vast majority of teams to handle.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 01:53:15 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 01:35:15 PM
Middlebury up 1-0 with 30 mins to go. Didn't see the goal, but we can expect that Midd will have to withstand the gauntlet that comes with Amherst being down late in the game...an amount of pressure that is too much for the vast majority of teams to handle.


i'll bet $100 Midd scored on some kind of set piece
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 01:56:02 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 01:53:15 PM
i'll bet $100 Midd scored on some kind of set piece

Just saw it...direct free kick. Nice shot by Sass over the wall.

Under 7 to play, still 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 02:05:44 PM
WOW...it looked like Amherst had equalized in the 89th but the throw-in from Johnson hadn't touched anyone on its way in. No goal!

Final from Amherst, 1-0. First regular-season loss at home for Amherst since 2011.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 02:07:55 PM
Williams goes up 1-0 over Colby on a cross and free header by Sisco. Pretty even game so far. Not to many dangerous chances by either team. Seabrook has put together a big Colby team that is more physical than they have been in years. Still who will score goals for Colby?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 02:16:45 PM
Colby a brand new TURF field where the old grass field was. Looks just like Trinity's new turf field. Colby had promised a huge financial investment in its athletic facilities a couple years back.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 02:18:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 02:16:45 PM
Colby a brand new TURF field where the old grass field was. Looks just like Trinity's new turf field. Colby had promised a huge financial investment in its athletic facilities a couple years back.

Interesting. I'm not that familiar with Colby's facilities, but they have had turf for lacrosse for a while (does any NESCAC school play lax on grass?).

Good grass is better than turf, no doubt, but it seems like many schools that make the switch just don't want to make the investment to maintain a field that will only get used, say, 10 (or so) times a year (as you have to practice elsewhere). Williams, Bowdoin, and Amherst are the only three grass fields in the NESCAC that I've been overly impressed with.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 03:23:58 PM
Just noticed that MacMillian isn't playing for Tufts, as the starting back four is Zinner, Coleman, Jameson, and Weatherbie. I consulted the stats and then the roster, and he is on neither, although I'm almost certain I saw him on the roster earlier this year. Did he get cut?

In other news, it would appear that the Jumbos are playing a 4-3-3 with Tasker as a false nine (with Braun coming off the bench). Methinks they miss Majumder, although with a 3-0 start they won't be complaining.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 03:25:01 PM
I thought he was a senior last year. Could be wrong. Either way he was the weak link last year on the backline IMO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 03:32:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 03:25:01 PM
I thought he was a senior last year. Could be wrong. Either way he was the weak link last year on the backline IMO.

Nope, junior (http://www.gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/msoc/2016-17/bios/mcmillian_stephen_12p2) last year. I do agree with your last sentence, and have expressed that belief as well, although he did score a nice (wind-aided?) goal against St. Thomas (albeit one the 'keeper should have saved).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 03:37:51 PM
Williams defeats Colby 1-0 in another uneventful match-up. I might be able to count on 1 hand the SOG for both teams. Colby has improved its overall team but they have absolutely NO striker. They were the better team but again Williams finished its chance and Colby did not. As much as I am critical of Sisco he does finish and is a threat to score. Colby has some skill and can match-up with the top teams in physical play. They have a long thrower and a ton of trees to get on the end of set pieces. They will get some points this year but just have nothing up top. That is the difference. As I predicted last December the Nescac is down this year. I do not see any Elite 8 teams in this league yet. Williams did not look dangerous at all today and really have not been tested this year by Colby, RPI or Trinity. The match tomorrow at Bowdoin should be a good indicator of where they are.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 03:53:00 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 03:37:51 PM
As much as I am critical of Sisco he does finish and is a threat to score.

Interestingly enough, Sisco played for the same high school program that my dad did (he was a 'keeper back in the 70s when it first became a varsity team). I have watched him a few times and I think he is good, although some say he hasn't fulfilled his potential. I do think he would look better if playing in the Williams of 2012 or 2013 with guys like Ebobisse and guys of that ilk setting him up, even if he did play with Rashid for a bit, albeit post-injury Rashid. Again, I haven't seen him a ton, but that's what I drew based on my observations -- that perhaps he hasn't gotten the service or help that guys in previous years got.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 03:56:25 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 03:53:00 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 03:37:51 PM
As much as I am critical of Sisco he does finish and is a threat to score.

Interestingly enough, Sisco played for the same high school program that my dad did (he was a 'keeper back in the 70s when it first became a varsity team). I have watched him a few times and I think he is good, although some say he hasn't fulfilled his potential. I do think he would look better if playing in the Williams of 2012 or 2013 with guys like Ebobisse and guys of that ilk setting him up, even if he did play with Rashid for a bit. Again, I haven't seen him a ton, but that's what I drew based on my observations.


Agreed. he would have more around him.+k....just been watching the Tufts match and there is a clear difference between Tufts and the other Nescac's from what I have seen. The turf makes Tufts look faster but have they are the best team in the league. Have they been dominating Conn all game? From what I have seen Tufts is all over them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 04:06:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 03:56:25 PM
Agreed. he would have more around him.+k....just been watching the Tufts match and there is a clear difference between Tufts and the other Nescac's from what I have seen. The turf makes Tufts look faster but have they are the best team in the league. Have they been dominating Conn all game? From what I have seen Tufts is all over them.

First half was pretty even, but second half they have really started to turn it up. Based on the first two weeks, even without a No. 9 and even with having to grind out two wins in OT, I do think Tufts is the best side in the league. That said, they haven't been tested away from home yet -- they blew out Plymouth State -- and I will be more curious to see how they do when going to Amherst, Williams, etc.

I wonder what the impetus was behind Tufts moving from Kraft to the turf -- someone (I think BF, not sure) said last year that it was because the field hockey team moved off Bello to elsewhere, but that explained the opportunity, not the reasoning. I would be curious to know the reasoning.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 04:08:52 PM
Just to make my point of the lack of good strikers in Nescac and just an overall lack of goal scoring in 10 Nescac league games this year 7 of them have only had 1 goal..7 out of 10 with 1 goal is ridiculous. All 5 league games today will finish at 1-0 or 0-0. The other 3 games were 2-1 scorelines. Not good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 04:25:50 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 04:08:52 PM
Just to make my point of the lack of good strikers in Nescac and just an overall lack of goal scoring in 10 Nescac league games this year 7 of them have only had 1 goal..7 out of 10 with 1 goal is ridiculous. All 5 league games today will finish at 1-0 or 0-0. The other 3 games were 2-1 scorelines. Not good.

That is pretty underwhelming.

Even though I said Tufts is the best side in the league two posts back, I don't think they are as dominant as last year. Then again, I said that last year's team wasn't as talented as the 2014 side, and they, too, ended up winning the national title, so what do I know? It's like getting bounced in the NESCAC quarters has become the new prerequisite for winning it all.

That said, I don't know that any NESCAC team (or any New England team, for that matter) is as dominant as in years past (cue yet another NESCAC NCAA championship win).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 04:27:33 PM
I need a change of regions for a game tonight.

I am wondering if Shapiro realized his team plays better on the turf. I am also curious and will try to get an answer
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 04:28:48 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 04:27:33 PM
I am wondering if Shapiro realized his team plays better on the turf. I am also curious and will try to get an answer

That is my suspicion, although I trust your detective work more than my intuition.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 04:43:37 PM
Tufts now in 2OT and dominating the shot count, but still can't find a way through. Could this be first points dropped this year for the Jumbos?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 04:46:43 PM
I will say Conn's Frosh GK Marcucci looks legit. A HUGE upgrade on what Conn has had since Murphy arrived in 2009. Conn will be in every game they play if he gives them this effort every match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 04:51:35 PM
Final from Bello, Tufts 0-0 Connecticut College. Jumbos had most of the ball and shots but couldn't break down Conn. Before the game I thought Conn. could get a draw, but I must admit I thought Tufts would find a way once it got to OT. Both teams at 3-0-1, although the Camels will definitely be happier with the point.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 16, 2017, 06:11:56 PM
I have a little bit different take on Tufts...you  sometimes know how good a team is by how much you don't like 'em.

Remember Tufts was 0-2-1 to start last season (and because they opened up with Messiah or Haverford or Brandeis).  Remember that in '14 and '16 Tufts was "on the bubble" for a bid.  Some said in '14 they got the last Pool C.  Last year none of us thought they were more than a Sweet 16 team at best.

I think it's Shapiro, his willingness to adjust, and the super-confident vibe he instills in his team.  Tufts is more like Amherst now than the '14 team with Santos and company and also since the Kayne group left.  They are physical, big, and play with a bit of a bully mentality. Their own announcer was talking about Braun's antics in the 2nd half and OT.  They have a smugness and never think they are going to lose.  They could have a game next weekend with Messiah or Calvin or W&L or Chicago on the road and they would be absolutely confident they would win.  They won those huge games on the road against Montclair in '15 and Rowan last year. Doesn't mean they won't ever get nicked in a game, but they are not a team you want to play in the NCAA tournament.   The Calvin coach has a totally different stlye and kills you with sappy kindness and praise but he instills that same kind of confidence in his team. 

Also, it may be true that the NESCAC is down a little but that also may be true nationally.  Would Calvin be a clear fave versus Tufts today?  Maybe Chicago?  Anybody think Tufts couldn't play with Messiah or Rowan after watching those two teams last night?  We'll see what Chicago does but don't be surprised if we're still talking about Tufts and hearing about Tufts from their favorite fan in mid-November.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 06:43:31 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 16, 2017, 06:11:56 PM
I have a little bit different take on Tufts...you  sometimes know how good a team is by how much you don't like 'em.

Remember Tufts was 0-2-1 to start last season (and because they opened up with Messiah or Haverford or Brandeis).  Remember that in '14 and '16 Tufts was "on the bubble" for a bid.  Some said in '14 they got the last Pool C.  Last year none of us thought they were more than a Sweet 16 team at best.

I think it's Shapiro, his willingness to adjust, and the super-confident vibe he instills in his team.  Tufts is more like Amherst now than the '14 team with Santos and company and also since the Kayne group left.  They are physical, big, and play with a bit of a bully mentality. Their own announcer was talking about Braun's antics in the 2nd half and OT.  They have a smugness and never think they are going to lose.  They could have a game next weekend with Messiah or Calvin or W&L or Chicago on the road and they would be absolutely confident they would win.  They won those huge games on the road against Montclair in '15 and Rowan last year. Doesn't mean they won't ever get nicked in a game, but they are not a team you want to play in the NCAA tournament.   The Calvin coach has a totally different stlye and kills you with sappy kindness and praise but he instills that same kind of confidence in his team. 

Also, it may be true that the NESCAC is down a little but that also may be true nationally.  Would Calvin be a clear fave versus Tufts today?  Maybe Chicago?  Anybody think Tufts couldn't play with Messiah or Rowan after watching those two teams last night?  We'll see what Chicago does but don't be surprised if we're still talking about Tufts and hearing about Tufts from their favorite fan in mid-November.

PN, certainly a respectable opinion, and I agree with much of it.

I don't disagree that they are a confident outfit, or that we may be discussing them in November, but I do think that while heart and grinding out results can get you far, talent can play a bigger part than you might think. I made a point about Tufts having potential defensive troubles without Greenwood (which hasn't happened thus far) but while 0 goals conceded in 4 games is certainly good, it's not as they've been tested against a Chicago/Messiah/etc. yet. While they are physical, I don't know that I'd agree they are "smug" — I think that implies arrogance — but I think they adhere to "respect all, fear none," at least from what Shapiro said.

Don't get me wrong, I think Tufts is a good side that has emerged faster than anyone would've imagined. Moreover they have made runs to NCAA titles after so-so regular seasons (although things did go off the rails to a point after a good start in 2015.) My point is simply that they are not unassailable and that they have their weaknesses that teams can exploit.

As an aside, I do really like both Souders and Shapiro — both classy coaches albeit with different demeanors (the former effusive with praise, the latter pragmatic and fair).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 16, 2017, 07:10:06 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 06:43:31 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 16, 2017, 06:11:56 PM
I have a little bit different take on Tufts...you  sometimes know how good a team is by how much you don't like 'em.

Remember Tufts was 0-2-1 to start last season (and because they opened up with Messiah or Haverford or Brandeis).  Remember that in '14 and '16 Tufts was "on the bubble" for a bid.  Some said in '14 they got the last Pool C.  Last year none of us thought they were more than a Sweet 16 team at best.

I think it's Shapiro, his willingness to adjust, and the super-confident vibe he instills in his team.  Tufts is more like Amherst now than the '14 team with Santos and company and also since the Kayne group left.  They are physical, big, and play with a bit of a bully mentality. Their own announcer was talking about Braun's antics in the 2nd half and OT.  They have a smugness and never think they are going to lose.  They could have a game next weekend with Messiah or Calvin or W&L or Chicago on the road and they would be absolutely confident they would win.  They won those huge games on the road against Montclair in '15 and Rowan last year. Doesn't mean they won't ever get nicked in a game, but they are not a team you want to play in the NCAA tournament.   The Calvin coach has a totally different stlye and kills you with sappy kindness and praise but he instills that same kind of confidence in his team. 

Also, it may be true that the NESCAC is down a little but that also may be true nationally.  Would Calvin be a clear fave versus Tufts today?  Maybe Chicago?  Anybody think Tufts couldn't play with Messiah or Rowan after watching those two teams last night?  We'll see what Chicago does but don't be surprised if we're still talking about Tufts and hearing about Tufts from their favorite fan in mid-November.

PN, certainly a respectable opinion, and I agree with much of it.

I don't disagree that they are a confident outfit, or that we may be discussing them in November, but I do think that while heart and grinding out results can get you far, talent can play a bigger part than you might think. I made a point about Tufts having potential defensive troubles without Greenwood (which hasn't happened thus far) but while 0 goals conceded in 4 games is certainly good, it's not as they've been tested against a Chicago/Messiah/etc. yet. While they are physical, I don't know that I'd agree they are "smug" — I think that implies arrogance — but I think they adhere to "respect all, fear none," at least from what Shapiro said.

Don't get me wrong, I think Tufts is a good side that has emerged faster than anyone would've imagined. Moreover they have made runs to NCAA titles after so-so regular seasons (although things did go off the rails to a point after a good start in 2015.) My point is simply that they are not unassailable and that they have their weaknesses that teams can exploit.

As an aside, I do really like both Souders and Shapiro — both classy coaches albeit with different demeanors (the former effusive with praise, the latter pragmatic and fair).

Tufts got a brand new Turf Field. The women play on the grass.  Don't know why the decision was made..... Shapiro is a class act and far from smug... each Tufts team is different.  You have to play the style of your personnel.  As it stands today, which can change soon, Tufts doesn't seem to have the scorer,  or creativity in the midfield, as the 2014 and 2015 teams.  Those teams would have been fun to watch on the turf.  Last year's team, 2016, was not as creative as those 2 prior teams, but they had great resolve and the defense and goalie were real glue. Right now, this year's team seems more physical. That can change if Rojas grows into a mature attacking player.  The teams that won the ncaas were not smug. They came out of nowhere. The 2014 won every NCAA game on the road, and except for the Messiah game, won all games pretty easily.  Take every year on its own and every game one by one...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 16, 2017, 08:15:31 PM
I may not use the same words others would use.  I wasn't saying Shapiro is smug, but there is something about his attitude that translates to his teams, and yes, perhaps it is "respect all but fear no one" with perhaps emphasis on the latter.  Here's the important point, and the important thing for folks like BF to hear.  I'm praising the heck out of the program, from an opponent's perspective, and IMHO Tufts currently has the top program in the country.  A dip in '15?  They took out heavyweight Montclair in what at the time was considered a pretty big upset (except to Tufts) and they were within an eyelash of an Elite 8 with another crack at a Final Four. And then when they did get knocked out some acted like it was a fluke and they were the better team, blah, blah, blah...and Amolo was worst striker they faced, etc, etc, etc.   When they win, it's never considered an upset on their end.  No tip of the cap to good fortune or a good break.  That's the hint of smugness for me.  Anyway, on paper, they already are way ahead of last year.  Coach your team's strengths?  Sure, but Shapiro recruited all these players.  Is it an accident they have Rojas, Braun, Najjar, Eichhorst and Kulscar....all really big kids?  Maybe over time there was an adjustment to account for Amherst, but there's been an adjustment nontheless.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 16, 2017, 09:02:24 PM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 16, 2017, 01:10:02 AM
My turn to give the predictions a shot - can't do any worse than last week.

Midd v. Amherst: Home field advantage for Amherst will be key here, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Midd hold their own. I don't see Midd scoring - question is, can they shut down Amherst? Based on their giving up 4 goals in their first 3 games at Norwich, home to Conn, home to Colby-Sawyer, I'm going to say hell no. 2-0 Amherst.

Welseyan v. Bowdoin: Second game in a row that Bowdoin plays in the biggest Saturday NESCAC matchup. It didn't go so well for them last time, as they continued their streak of poor results at the beginning of the season and more generally against Amherst. Wesleyan is a bit of an unknown, but look good to start the season. ACH seems to have been busy, and Livingstone has put up some strong numbers. Both teams have enough going forward to be dangerous, and I haven't seen a lot of lock down D. Van Siclen was excellent for the Polar Bears despite the loss at Amherst, and could easily be the edge. But watch out for ACH and Komar going the other way. we'll know a lot more about both teams from this result. I'll guess 2-1 Bowdoin in OT.

Williams v. Colby: I expect a real physical one up in Waterville - lots of determination and size on both teams. Colby will look to rebound from a tough OT loss at Tufts, Williams coming off a good win but lost one of their better attacking players. I'm willing to bet they can replace him, and continue their strong start to the season. 1-0 Williams.

Hamilton v. trinity - another interesting one, and I expect better from them this time around. Giving up two goals to bates? really? I think they rebound to win here, getting at least one from a set piece. 2-1 Trinity

Conn v. Tufts: I want to try to watch to game to see what the hype is about with this new Conn keeper. He made an absurd 11 (ELEVEN) saves at Midd. Not only is that great goalkeeping, that's fantastic mental confidence and toughness from a freshman playing his first NESCAC game at one of the hardest places to play in the 'CAC. Watch out everyone, looks like this guy came to play. You would think this is a close one. And it seems like only a matter of time before Tufts drops points. Conn keeper holds them in it, while Conn hits on the break and scores on a 1 v. keeper. Final score: 1-1

Bates v. Newbury: who?

While I missed the scores, I got every result right except Amherst-Midd, which was pretty surprising. I thought Amherst looked significantly worse than previous years against Bowdoin, but still thought they would take care of business at home. But in any case, I'll definitely take that in terms of predictions. I'm sure I'll get all the ones for tomorrow wrong. Speaking of which:

Williams at Bowdoin: Battle of teams that got good but unconvincing Saturday results. This has been a close, even matchup over the past couple years. Despite a bad loss to Amherst, if Bowdoin gets a win here they're in a pretty great position. I think William's biggest question will be breaking down the Polar Bears, but I'd expect them to be solid in the back. No more than 2 goals in this game, and wouldn't be surprised to see 0. Biggest question for me is Williams keeper. Prediction: 0-0 draw.

Conn v. Colby: Conn the surprise team of the year so far, with 2 very good results. Colby with a couple tough 1-0 losses. This could definitely go either way, but since Conn was able to score twice on the size of Midd, I'll take them. 1-0 Conn.

Trinity v. Tufts: Tufts has the quality and toughness to get the result here. They might not be as dangerous as previous tough teams, but I still think they're the class of the league. 1-0 Tufts.

Hamilton v. Midd: Should be a close but messy game. Could go either way. 1-1 draw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 16, 2017, 09:09:57 PM
With respect to Tufts, they have certainly improved their toughness, athleticism and grit from 3-4 years ago. However, they are a far cry from Amherst's IMHO disrespectful, frequently dirty, and rather unsportsmanly behavior. Majumder made some dirty plays and there was that elbow from a couple years ago, but on the whole the team has been confident but not dirty or disrespectful. I agree with Newman that they take a "we're the better team and we're gonna win this game" attitude into most of their games, and it usually serves them very well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 16, 2017, 09:36:55 PM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 16, 2017, 09:09:57 PM
With respect to Tufts, they have certainly improved their toughness, athleticism and grit from 3-4 years ago. However, they are a far cry from Amherst's IMHO disrespectful, frequently dirty, and rather unsportsmanly behavior. Majumder made some dirty plays and there was that elbow from a couple years ago, but on the whole the team has been confident but not dirty or disrespectful. I agree with Newman that they take a "we're the better team and we're gonna win this game" attitude into most of their games, and it usually serves them very well.

LOL...they're not dirty, except when they're dirty.  Just kidding, really.  I get what you're saying, although that elbow you referenced was probably about the worst thing I've observed in several years.  I don't want my main point to be lost... Tufts is now a super-elite program.  I can admit the Patriots have been great too, but that doesn't mean I have to like them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 16, 2017, 09:52:09 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 16, 2017, 09:36:55 PM
I can admit the Patriots have been great too, but that doesn't mean I have to like them.

That is a fair point (and by that I mean being objective about things you don't necessarily like — I am ambivalent about the NFL in general, so no real opinion on the Pats). +k
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2017, 11:15:28 PM
Sunday's predictions:

Trinity at Tufts-----I thought Tufts looked like the team to beat in Nescac today. Perfect opponent to play in Trinity tomorrow. Tufts smell a team that is lost right now. Does Trinity get pumped to play the NCAA Champion or do they wilt. Savonen might play well in front of a favorable crowd in his backyard but not enough. Tufts 3-0

Conn at Colby----This is the perfect game for Colby to get a result. They looked better than i thought they would today against Williams and Conn will be worn down after a long battle with Tufts today where they did a ton of chasing. Conn's GK did look good today but Colby sneaks a goal by him. Colby will be in the hunt for a Top 8 finish this year for sure. They are not pushovers by any means. Colby 1-0

Hamilton at Midd----Midd is a team right now that is really pumped after a big win at Amherst. Playing Hamilton will feel like all they have to do is show up. They will be dead wrong. They will be way over confident and Midd still have tons of question marks all over the field. Hamilton will be tired but they still will work very hard as they know they need to fight for every win. Hamilton 2-1

Williams at Bowdoin---These 2 are very even and you could really flip a coin. SOG totals tomorrow will be low. Bowdoin looked much better v Wesleyan in the 2nd half and will continue that against Williams. I do not know what to make of Levi Morant as sometimes he looks like he is laboring around the field and sometimes he is a danger man on the other end of crosses. I liked Bowdoin frosh #5 Drake Byrd out on the flank today. Can he a create a chance tomorrow for himself ? No clue but Bowdoin 2-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 02:26:32 AM
Predictions for tomorrow today :o :

Tufts 2-0 Trinity - After going to overtime in each of its first three matches at Bello this year, Tufts finally gets a win in regulation on its home turf. Savonen is great on his day, but I cannot see him inspiring his team to victory -- Tufts just has too much depth.

Conn. College 1-1 Colby This is the one I struggled with the most, as I think Conn. will be buoyed by yesterday's draw with Tufts. Still, Colby at home -- particularly on their new surface -- will be tough to break down.

Middlebury 2-1 Hamilton I will take the contrarian position to Mr.Right here, as I think even with riding the high of beating Amherst on the road, Midd. doesn't make the same mistake as last weekend and shows up for this one.

Bowdoin 1-0 Williams The Ephs have won on two of their last three visits to Brunswick, but I am predicting Wiercinski parks the bus, Van Siclen makes some saves, and Bowdoin gets a goal off a set piece at the other end. That said, this could easily go the other way -- I think if Williams scores, the Ephs will win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on September 17, 2017, 07:34:46 AM
Whoever thinks Tufts is the premier program in the country hasn't seen Messiah play in person, as I have this year, even in an "off year". Clearly plays at a different level every year, although in a weaker league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 17, 2017, 09:10:28 AM
Quote from: jumpshot on September 17, 2017, 07:34:46 AM
Whoever thinks Tufts is the premier program in the country hasn't seen Messiah play in person, as I have this year, even in an "off year". Clearly plays at a different level every year, although in a weaker league.

Whoever thinks Tufts isn't one of the current top 2 or 3 programs in the country doesn't know Tufts.  Two out of last three national titles.  Not outrageous to think could have been three in a row.  Now, the arrogance, is thinking it should have been three in a row, without acknowledging that just as easily could have been none.  At any rate, I can guarantee you that Messiah will not be happy if they see the Tufts name in the draw anywhere before the Final Four.  And if they played today they would look even with the slightest of edges to whichever team was at home (although Tufts would relish playing in Grantham). 

I'll use a different analogy.  I'm a huge UK bball fan going back 50 years to listening to Cawood Ledford in my Dad's car in NC.  When the NCAA brackets come out there is one team I don't want to see in UK's path....the dreaded arrogant, elite, crybaby Duke Blue Devils (and sometimes the dreaded, elite, crybaby UNC Tarheels).  In my eyes, Tufts is like the new Duke in D3 soccer.

Here's another thing I thought about (and no disrespect to Messiah at all as watching an NCAA game in person was one of the coolest experiences I've had as a parent/soccer fanatic).  In the last three years, Tufts has beaten the following:  Messiah, OWU, Wheaton (Ill), Montclair, Rowan, Kenyon, Calvin, Amherst, etc...and all on the road or neutral except for Kenyon and Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on September 17, 2017, 10:54:14 AM
PaulNewman:
Anyone can have a good game, a season, get hot in a tournament, or string together a few excellent years. To be the best program requires a much longer duration. No question Tufts is successful ---- not the best D3 program in my opinion having watch D3 across America and soccer around the world for decades.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 17, 2017, 11:09:53 AM
Quote from: jumpshot on September 17, 2017, 10:54:14 AM
PaulNewman:
Anyone can have a good game, a season, get hot in a tournament, or string together a few excellent years. To be the best program requires a much longer duration. No question Tufts is successful ---- not the best D3 program in my opinion having watch D3 across America and soccer around the world for decades.

Best...one of the best...that's parsing.  For at least RIGHT NOW, Tufts cannot be ignored and is an obstacle.  I was not making any claims about historical significance (yet), but I assume you'd agree OWU, historically, is one of the top 2-3 programs, in D3 men's soccer history...and OWU and Tufts currently have the exact same number of NCAA titles.

Now, if you want to talk about best atmospheres for seeing a D3 game....

1) Messiah (by significant margin)
2) OWU (by significant margin)

Some others than come to mind....Christopher Newport, Wheaton (Ill), SLU, Lynchburg and/or Roanoke? Trinity (TX)? One of the NJACs?

Addendum...forgot Loras...the Rock Bowl probably #3 or #4...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 12:50:45 PM
Williams and Bowdoin 0-0 at the half. A fairly predictable uneventful half..12 fouls and 1 SOG. One of these teams wins it 1-0 even though I did say Bowdoin 2-0 last night.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 01:13:56 PM
Bowdoin's "shot...SCORE!!!" announcer is on duty today. For that reason -- despite my prediction, which still stands -- I am kind of hoping for a 0-0. ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 01:24:44 PM
Wow that was super annoying...that was really loud....1-0 Bowdoin on the frosh Bryd's follow up...Hmm someone thought Bryd would be a factor today in last night's predictions....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 01:25:39 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 01:24:44 PM
Wow that was super annoying...that was really loud....1-0 Bowdoin on the frosh Bryd's follow up...Hmm someone thought Bryd would be a factor today in last night's predictions....

Thankfully I was away from the computer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 01:29:03 PM
This is where Wiercinski will start milking a 1-0 lead...xtra subs, longer than usual throw-ins, etc....I understnad with about 5-10 minutes left but he is known for doing this with almost a half left. very unsporting
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 01:32:14 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 01:29:03 PM
This is where Wiercinski will start milking a 1-0 lead...xtra subs, longer than usual throw-ins, etc....I understnad with about 5-10 minutes left but he is known for doing this with almost a half left. very unsporting

The Mourinho effect...except with Mourinho, it's the first half. ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 01:41:54 PM
I actually like this commentator for the most part...he is pretty clear and interesting...just the explosion of volume on goals is a bit much for me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 01:53:09 PM
Bowdoin 1-0 win over Williams...Solid win for Bowdoin and a fantastic sweep of Wesleyan / Williams at home this weekend. That win could be a big win come November as you have to figure both those sides will be bubble teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 02:12:38 PM
I am not even sure Williams will be on the bubble. They have 4 Shots with 1 SOG all game. I realize Bowdoin is difficult to generate a ton of solid chances against but this is starting to get down right ugly with today's game and yesterday's win at Colby. Williams always has had a penetrating attacking central midfielder who could thread the needle and "run the show" so to speak. They just do not have that at all and couple that with no real goal scoring threats and like i said in December and kind of like the SLU situation the recruiting needs to be stepped up. I see some talent and definite organization but for the most part a ton of role players and Williams is starting to look like just another average D3 / Nescac side.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 02:45:24 PM
At Tufts vs. Trinity. Braun is up top and Tasker is out wide. Maybe — even with the former's cameo start against Kenyon last year — this is the start of a new trend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 02:59:44 PM
I do not understand what Eichhorst's role in that team is. Sure, he's big, although not like Braun/Najjar/Rojas/etc. He's not particularly quick or skilled or a good tackler. Maybe he is a utility player? He did score against UMASS-Boston last year and I guess is good for the odd goal, so I guess it makes sense.

Update: He was just denied a goal by a great tackle from the Trinity defender. I guess that's why I don't make the decisions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 03:07:51 PM
Tufts is big, but not as big as Amherst in recent years. That said, I don't deny that Shapiro has recruited for size with somewhat of an arms race going on in the NESCAC.

That said, Braun is a beast, and pretty quick for a guy his size. I think he is the target man Tufts has been calling out for.

The Jumbos do appear to be keeping the ball on the ground for the most part, although they have played direct at times. The ball over the top has been their method of choice a few times.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 03:10:01 PM
nah ur right Eichhorst is just a big body IMO...he is veerrryyy SLOW and not very skilled..What i do not understand is why he came on for Rojas as the first sub.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 03:17:26 PM
Trinity GK makes a great save off Eichhorst but appears to take it in the face. Ball then went off the Tufts player out for a goal kick.

Tufts has had most of the ball — probably around 80% in the half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 03:18:05 PM
Colby up 2-1 over Conn with a late goal in the 1st Half that looked to be offside. Very close. I think Colby has some decent players Aoyama( who scored the 2nd goal for Colby but who surprisingly did not start today and yesterday v Williams), Berolzheimer(who got the 1st goal and has some skill), Chandler Smith(who must be injured as he has not played), Clouse(long thrower)


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 03:21:00 PM
i do not see Bednarek in Trinity's 11 and I have not heard Savonen's name called at all...Tufts dominating possession but have they had any real dangerous chances? Not really. Trinity needs to come away with points anyway they can.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 03:38:36 PM
Mieth replaces Johnson in goal for Tufts, and then Tasker misses wide left twice in the first minute of the half. Jumbos picking up where they left off — decent chances, but neither particularly close.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 03:41:40 PM
Braun is back out there. He is a beast, and is pretty quick for a guy his size.

Freshman Jacobs just had two great chances in a minute. Tufts turning the screw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 03:43:42 PM
Tufts is creating a ton, but cannot seem to score. They need a finisher. I think it could be Braun if he plays more, but man do they miss Majumder and Becherano.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 03:51:40 PM
Trinity has started to get on the ball and create chances. Tufts is playing a very high line, which could be dangerous if the Bantams can get Savonen on the end of a good through ball.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 03:58:30 PM
Tufts gets its first non-OT goal at Bello his year with 24 left. Good play down the right finished off by #17. 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 04:02:03 PM
Rojas just got chewed out by the ref for using an expletive which was very loud and clear. Otherwise, the player has not had much of an impact on the game.

Jumbos get a free kick in close, but Halliday puts a weak effort on goal that's easily saved by the 'keeper.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4samuy on September 17, 2017, 04:03:44 PM
Created by an absolute unconscionable turnover by Trinity in their own zone.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 04:05:10 PM
Tasker has been Tufts' best player today. Getting on the ball and using his speed and skill down both flanks. He is a real talent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 04:11:29 PM
Wow. Miscommunication between back and Mieth leaves Trinity with a good opportunity. Keeper comes out, makes contact with player, ball gets loose and Trinity player puts over an open net from 20 yards.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 04:18:28 PM
Who else but Eichhorst gets the second with 7:59 left — 2-0. To be fair, I did say he was good for the odd goal!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 04:20:27 PM
Ref stops to have a chat with the Trinity subs. Pilger has not been able to control his bench.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 04:23:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 03:18:05 PM
Colby up 2-1 over Conn with a late goal in the 1st Half that looked to be offside. Very close. I think Colby has some decent players Aoyama( who scored the 2nd goal for Colby but who surprisingly did not start today and yesterday v Williams), Berolzheimer(who got the 1st goal and has some skill), Chandler Smith(who must be injured as he has not played), Clouse(long thrower)

I did not see the first half, but I am watching the second half -- Colby has really been dominating the game, as far as I have watched.  Two minutes left to play, and Conn couldn't seem to get much going.  Colby really has been winning the ball on the ground in the middle and dominating the game.   BUT -- Conn just equalized with about 90seconds left. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 04:25:36 PM
Oh. Crap.  Turns out Conn may have had 11 men on the field.  But...  they removed one and the refs just play on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 04:29:36 PM
Tufts closes out a 2-0 win in a game where they could have had more. I still maintain that Tufts will be hoping for a target man to emerge.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 05:19:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 01:29:03 PM
This is where Wiercinski will start milking a 1-0 lead...xtra subs, longer than usual throw-ins, etc....I understnad with about 5-10 minutes left but he is known for doing this with almost a half left. very unsporting

Yeah.  I hate that.   Not today, though...   :) 

This is actually the first somewhat decent soccer I think that I have seen Bowdoin play this year.   The midfield was still pretty spotty, especially early in the game.  But -- at least they were a little more active trying to get up the field. Also, Ward and Bubbs seemed more involved in the middle > Did you notice that they were alternately overlapping Niang and Stenquist in the midfield?  That seemed to help Bowdoin play a more possession-oriented game.  I thought Bowdoin played a better-balanced game than I saw in their other games I have watched this year.       
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 05:23:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 01:24:44 PM
Wow that was super annoying...that was really loud....1-0 Bowdoin on the frosh Bryd's follow up...Hmm someone thought Bryd would be a factor today in last night's predictions....

He reminds me a little bit of Andrew Jones.  Lots of energy and just relentless. He makes things happen. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 05:25:21 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 04:05:10 PM
Tasker has been Tufts' best player today. Getting on the ball and using his speed and skill down both flanks. He is a real talent.

I thought Tasker was their MVP in their playoff games last year as well.   Was he a first-year last year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 05:49:25 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 05:25:21 PM
I thought Tasker was their MVP in their playoff games last year as well.   Was he a first-year last year?

I myself would pick Greenwood, but if you are talking field players then I would agree with that. Yes, he was a first-year last year, and I think was the pick of the bunch in that class, even considering how highly-touted Rojas was coming in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 05:52:00 PM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 16, 2017, 01:12:05 AM
Also, check out the Bowdoin soccer facebook page - they seem to be updating it pretty regularly. Their goal against Tufts in the scrimmage was a good bit of passing.

Thanks.   I appreciate you pointing that out.  I always look at the NESCAC schedule and the school's team page and forget that all of the teams have their own social media pages. lol
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 06:25:29 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 05:49:25 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 05:25:21 PM
I thought Tasker was their MVP in their playoff games last year as well.   Was he a first-year last year?

I myself would pick Greenwood, but if you are talking field players then I would agree with that. Yes, he was a first-year last year, and I think was the pick of the bunch in that class, even considering how highly-touted Rojas was coming in.

Yes - field players. I thought Tasker distinguished himself.  Pretty good for anyone, but remarkable for a first-year.  :) 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 17, 2017, 06:42:06 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 05:23:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 01:24:44 PM
Wow that was super annoying...that was really loud....1-0 Bowdoin on the frosh Bryd's follow up...Hmm someone thought Bryd would be a factor today in last night's predictions....

He reminds me a little bit of Andrew Jones.  Lots of energy and just relentless. He makes things happen.

I had fun watching the Bowdoin vs. Williams game in Brunswick today.   In my view, it was a deserved W for Bowdoin.  Bowdoin looks strong up the spine...from Van Siclen in goal to Ward and Bubb as center backs and Miang in the center of the pitch.  First year Byrd adds some speed and skill on the flanks.  They are lacking a true attacking threat, which has often been the case in recent years.  But they have talent and experience, are very organized defensively, seem to believe in each other, and will be a tough out this season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 06:46:08 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 02:12:38 PM
I am not even sure Williams will be on the bubble. They have 4 Shots with 1 SOG all game. I realize Bowdoin is difficult to generate a ton of solid chances against but this is starting to get down right ugly with today's game and yesterday's win at Colby. Williams always has had a penetrating attacking central midfielder who could thread the needle and "run the show" so to speak. They just do not have that at all and couple that with no real goal scoring threats and like i said in December and kind of like the SLU situation the recruiting needs to be stepped up. I see some talent and definite organization but for the most part a ton of role players and Williams is starting to look like just another average D3 / Nescac side.

But -- to be fair:

Teams that rely on "penetrating players" to thread the needle never do that great against Bowdoin's back-line.  Look at what Bowdoin has done to Tufts and Amherst (speaking of teams to rely on one pentrating player)   

And -- interestingly-- I saw my first Colby game of the year today, and it was not what I had been lead to believe.  Really, I thought that they were playing pretty decent soccer.    They were moving the ball around on the ground and moving up and down the field as a team.  AND... today, Colby was doing a really good job of breaking up play as it came through the middle and limiting the opportunities for breakaways.  If they played that way yesterday... then that would have been tough for Williams if they count on those breakaways ... ?  I did not see that game of course, so I am sure you know better than I if that was a factor.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 17, 2017, 06:46:24 PM
Oh...and I was chatting with friend who is a former Bowdoin assistant coach.  Justin Serpone was at the game scouting Williams for next week's Amherst vs. Williams match-up.  These guys have known each other for years, and Serpone indicated that Amherst was lucky to grab 3 points vs. Bowdoin on a PK.  He actually felt Bowdoin slightly outplayed Amherst in that game in Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 07:04:11 PM
Quote from: truenorth on September 17, 2017, 06:42:06 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 05:23:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 17, 2017, 01:24:44 PM
Wow that was super annoying...that was really loud....1-0 Bowdoin on the frosh Bryd's follow up...Hmm someone thought Bryd would be a factor today in last night's predictions....

He reminds me a little bit of Andrew Jones.  Lots of energy and just relentless. He makes things happen.

I had fun watching the Bowdoin vs. Williams game in Brunswick today.   In my view, it was a deserved W for Bowdoin.  Bowdoin looks strong up the spine...from Van Siclen in goal to Ward and Bubb as center backs and Miang in the center of the pitch.  First year Byrd adds some speed and skill on the flanks.  They are lacking a true attacking threat, which has often been the case in recent years.  But they have talent and experience, are very organized defensively, seem to believe in each other, and will be a tough out this season.

I watched part of that game online, and a game last week, too.  I thought that without a big athlete to play "the top," they would benefit from playing more of a cooperative game.  It seemed to me that they need more support from the middle up in the box.  Crosses were coming in and no one would be there.   Seemed like the midfield was always sitting just a little too deep and could not get forward to support the attack on time. In the last game I watched the outside backs really contributed as much or more to the offense as the midfield did. Based on stats alone, it looks like McColl  and MacMillan who have been playing as backs are contributing more to the offense than Niang and Stenquist who both seem to sitting very deep this year.  I remember them from the Tufts game last year -- especially Niang really holding down the middle and mobing the ball forward, so I was surprised by how deep they seem to be sitting this year.   Maybe that is a team strategy... what do I know?  But... I thought that the game actually seemed to get better when the center backs started overlapping the defensive mids.  I noticed Ward and Bubbs both crossed the center line multiple times before passing and that it usually turned into some sort of opportunity up front.  But...  Looks like they would want a big athletic guy like Niang win those 50-50s in the middle so he can be part of creating the offense.  But, again, what do I know - I wasn't even there ?     Anyway -- that is what it seemed like from the video.  Did  it look the same in real life?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 17, 2017, 08:20:06 PM
Based on what I saw in person, your observations seem to be accurate SoccerMom.  I think Scott Wiercinski is by nature conservative in his approach to the game...defend first and be opportunistic on the counterattack.  Even when the back line is moving forward (center backs and/or outside backs), they are always very attentive and reactive to balls coming back, and the goalkeeper Van Siclen is very vocal and directive (in a good way). 

So my take is that Wiercinski is more motivated to prevent goals than to take big risks scoring them.  I think the overall talent on the team is somewhat constrained by that style, but it works for solidity and results. Having had one of my sons play D1 in the Ivy League and the other D3 in the NESCAC, I can say that one of the differences is that D3 generally lacks attacking players who are both quick AND skilled. 

You might find a D3 attacking player who has blazing speed but doesn't have skill in controlling the ball and finishing...or you might find a D3 attacking player who is skilled on the ball and a good instinctive finisher but doesn't have true breakaway speed.  In D1 there are some attacking players who are more of the complete package.

I actually think there are a lot of good players on these D3 teams...but generally not 1 through 11...more like 1 through 6 or 7.  Given the limited, seasonal nature of soccer at D3 schools, there are very limited opportunities for developing skill and overall team cohesion.  Hence the relative lack of "beautiful, possession style football" that so many parents on this thread seem to yearn for. 

And in my personal opinion, that's perfectly OK.  These are great student athletes who (with all apologies to the NCAA ad campaign) truly are going to go pro in something other than sports.  And many of them are going to be pretty darn good in the careers/jobs they pursue!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 17, 2017, 08:40:45 PM
Quote from: truenorth on September 17, 2017, 08:20:06 PM
Based on what I saw in person, your observations seem to be accurate SoccerMom.  I think Scott Wiercinski is by nature conservative in his approach to the game...defend first and be opportunistic on the counterattack.  Even when the back line is moving forward (center backs and/or outside backs), they are always very attentive and reactive to balls coming back, and the goalkeeper Van Siclen is very vocal and directive (in a good way). 

So my take is that Wiercinski is more motivated to prevent goals than to take big risks scoring them.  I think the overall talent on the team is somewhat constrained by that style, but it works for solidity and results. Having had one of my sons play D1 in the Ivy League and the other D3 in the NESCAC, I can say that one of the differences is that D3 generally lacks attacking players who are both quick AND skilled. 

You might find a D3 attacking player who has blazing speed but doesn't have skill in controlling the ball and finishing...or you might find a D3 attacking player who is skilled on the ball and a good instinctive finisher but doesn't have true breakaway speed.  In D1 there are some attacking players who are more of the complete package.

I actually think there are a lot of good players on these D3 teams...but generally not 1 through 11...more like 1 through 6 or 7.  Given the limited, seasonal nature of soccer at D3 schools, there are very limited opportunities for developing skill and overall team cohesion.  Hence the relative lack of "beautiful, possession style football" that so many parents on this thread seem to yearn for. 

And in my personal opinion, that's perfectly OK.  These are great student athletes who (with all apologies to the NCAA ad campaign) truly are going to go pro in something other than sports.  And many of them are going to be pretty darn good in the careers/jobs they pursue!

Sure.  That's why they decided on the schools they chose, right. It ain't always pretty to watch, though, is it?

And also agreed on the importance of defense. Of course. Defense wins championships.  But you do still have to score to win games.

I noticed last year that Bowdoin usually gave up goals when they were trying to "pack it in."   The more they played forward, the less likely that was to happen.  They seem to be a very solid defense-oriemted team.  Still they  often seem to give up goals on set pieces or PKs (like vs. Amherst) because they don't move out, but just defend & clear, defend & clear and until there is some sort of error in the chaos.
From the limited games I have seen, it looks like they when they move the ball forward, they seem to stay more orgnaized across the field.

Colby did that really well today and it really helped them.   So, that was interesting.    It looked like Bowdoin had some moments of that today too. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 18, 2017, 09:25:49 AM
As a fan, I personally don't always need college soccer to be pretty.  I enjoy the physicality and the competitiveness.  For my "prettiness quotient", I'm a Liverpool fan and thoroughly enjoy watching Premier League games.

I'm pleased to hear that Colby sounds like they're playing some good soccer.  They deserve to be on an upswing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 18, 2017, 01:32:04 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 03:07:51 PM
Tufts is big, but not as big as Amherst in recent years. That said, I don't deny that Shapiro has recruited for size with somewhat of an arms race going on in the NESCAC.

I got curious about how Tufts has dealt with the arms (legs?) race in NESCAC based on your comments and those of Mr. Newman, and decided to run a crude analysis of the Jumbos rosters available on their website.  For Coach Shapiro's first few years, the percentage of players 6'0" and over held steady at about 35%. Over the past couple of years, however, the percentage of tall players has grown decidedly.  The percentage of players at or above 6'0" reached approximately 50% in 2015 and is now a complete reversal of the early years, with approximately 65% at 6'0" or over.  All that said, I don't think that the squad is full of "goons," and the team appears to be quite capable of playing the ball on the ground. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 18, 2017, 02:01:27 PM
Quote from: truenorth on September 17, 2017, 08:20:06 PM
Based on what I saw in person, your observations seem to be accurate SoccerMom.  I think Scott Wiercinski is by nature conservative in his approach to the game...defend first and be opportunistic on the counterattack.  Even when the back line is moving forward (center backs and/or outside backs), they are always very attentive and reactive to balls coming back, and the goalkeeper Van Siclen is very vocal and directive (in a good way). 

So my take is that Wiercinski is more motivated to prevent goals than to take big risks scoring them.  I think the overall talent on the team is somewhat constrained by that style, but it works for solidity and results. Having had one of my sons play D1 in the Ivy League and the other D3 in the NESCAC, I can say that one of the differences is that D3 generally lacks attacking players who are both quick AND skilled. 

You might find a D3 attacking player who has blazing speed but doesn't have skill in controlling the ball and finishing...or you might find a D3 attacking player who is skilled on the ball and a good instinctive finisher but doesn't have true breakaway speed.  In D1 there are some attacking players who are more of the complete package.

I actually think there are a lot of good players on these D3 teams...but generally not 1 through 11...more like 1 through 6 or 7.  Given the limited, seasonal nature of soccer at D3 schools, there are very limited opportunities for developing skill and overall team cohesion.  Hence the relative lack of "beautiful, possession style football" that so many parents on this thread seem to yearn for. 

And in my personal opinion, that's perfectly OK.  These are great student athletes who (with all apologies to the NCAA ad campaign) truly are going to go pro in something other than sports.  And many of them are going to be pretty darn good in the careers/jobs they pursue!


Honestly, the best D3 Programs should be able to hang with most D1 programs except the ACC / Pac 12 and a couple others. You will get a couple D3 players that have slipped thru the cracks of the D1's or are missed but that is becoming more and more rare...The Ivies are NOT that much better. They are better for sure and you are correct about the depth slipping after players #6-18 and that is what would hurt the most. However, the style in the Ivies is hardly pure futbol. They have more skill which makes them more entertaining to watch and have players that can "take over games" which Nescac does not this year BUT they are not playing great futbol. I am betting 2012 Amherst, 1999-2002 Williams and maybe 2007 Midd would be in the Top 3 of the ivies on those given years. However, the Ivies are getting better especially the bottom half which makes their league more difficult. This is where the best academic schools in D3 have an advantage on the average D3 academic schools in getting special players as the player might choose an Amherst / Williams over an above average D1 because of academics. They would never choose an average academic D3 over a D1. Same with Messiah and the Christian connection..etc...We have discussed this for years so I am not going to dig back into it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 18, 2017, 02:13:51 PM
Quote from: truenorth on September 17, 2017, 06:46:24 PM
Oh...and I was chatting with friend who is a former Bowdoin assistant coach.  Justin Serpone was at the game scouting Williams for next week's Amherst vs. Williams match-up.  These guys have known each other for years, and Serpone indicated that Amherst was lucky to grab 3 points vs. Bowdoin on a PK.  He actually felt Bowdoin slightly outplayed Amherst in that game in Amherst.


Monday morning guess----Your friend is Mike Healy who assisted Ainscough and O'leary.

Bowdoin is showing what we believed to be the case in the begining of the season. Their spine is solid, they have some nice pieces out wide, GK is excellent, they are extremely conservative and organized BUT they have no goal scorers. They can hang with any team in the country because of their system and style but it would be a big ask to get more than 1 goal against the best teams and the top of Nescac. Compare that to the 2010 Bowdoin NCAA Final 4 team which had all that plus long throwers and huge big bodied get at the end of set piece guys that would score for them.  They were ugly to watch but had skill with Eddie Jones on the flank and a couple others. 2017 Bowdoin is not even close to 2010 Bowdoin and that is why they are a good team and probably an NCAA team but they will not be going very far because they have no finishers.

A trip down memory lane....2010 Bowdoin beating Midd in the NCAA Elite 8 at the buzzer to get to San Antonio...As you can see the big bodies are all over the field.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VehlY0URGKc

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 18, 2017, 03:00:17 PM
Good memory.  My son played on that Bowdoin team, and their starting 11 were very good.  The issue was that the talent and size dropped off beyond 12 or 13 players.  Their starting 11 would have been competitive with some of the weaker Ivies...  But the reality is that at least a couple of starters are dinged up or not able to play at any given point in time on most of these D3 teams, and they would have their hands full trying to compete for a full 90 with a competitive D1 team.

That's frankly what spelled Bowdoin's demise in the national semis vs. Lynchburg in 2010.  One of their starting midfielders left the game in the first 10 minutes with a torn hamstring and they just didn't have the depth to last 90 minutes in 85 degree weather in early December.  Lynchburg scored the tying goal in the 89th minute and won in the second overtime.

The core theme here being that depth is a big consideration over the course of a season and in highly competitive post-season games.

And yes, Bowdoin's winning goal in the final second of the national quarterfinals against Middlebury was one of the most exciting moments I've witnessed as a sports fan live or on TV.  Thanks for the memories!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 18, 2017, 07:33:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 18, 2017, 02:13:51 PM
Quote from: truenorth on September 17, 2017, 06:46:24 PM
Oh...and I was chatting with friend who is a former Bowdoin assistant coach.  Justin Serpone was at the game scouting Williams for next week's Amherst vs. Williams match-up.  These guys have known each other for years, and Serpone indicated that Amherst was lucky to grab 3 points vs. Bowdoin on a PK.  He actually felt Bowdoin slightly outplayed Amherst in that game in Amherst.


Monday morning guess----Your friend is Mike Healy who assisted Ainscough and O'leary.

Bowdoin is showing what we believed to be the case in the begining of the season. Their spine is solid, they have some nice pieces out wide, GK is excellent, they are extremely conservative and organized BUT they have no goal scorers. They can hang with any team in the country because of their system and style but it would be a big ask to get more than 1 goal against the best teams and the top of Nescac. Compare that to the 2010 Bowdoin NCAA Final 4 team which had all that plus long throwers and huge big bodied get at the end of set piece guys that would score for them.  They were ugly to watch but had skill with Eddie Jones on the flank and a couple others. 2017 Bowdoin is not even close to 2010 Bowdoin and that is why they are a good team and probably an NCAA team but they will not be going very far because they have no finishers.

A trip down memory lane....2010 Bowdoin beating Midd in the NCAA Elite 8 at the buzzer to get to San Antonio...As you can see the big bodies are all over the field.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VehlY0URGKc

I am picking up on the "long-throwers" comment, because I remember thinking about that as I watched the game this weekend.
This Bowdoin team had at least two "long-throwers" last year, also.  They  just don't seem to call on them very often. I just was thinking about that as I watched one of the games this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 19, 2017, 09:54:18 AM
Heading to Williamstown for Williams - Amherst this weekend. Should be a big game to determine what direction both teams go this season. Both hungry coming off losses. Should be interesting to see if Williams' back 4 which is terrific can hold up against the size and aggressiveness of Amherst's attack.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 19, 2017, 01:29:14 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 18, 2017, 01:32:04 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 03:07:51 PM
Tufts is big, but not as big as Amherst in recent years. That said, I don't deny that Shapiro has recruited for size with somewhat of an arms race going on in the NESCAC.

I got curious about how Tufts has dealt with the arms (legs?) race in NESCAC based on your comments and those of Mr. Newman, and decided to run a crude analysis of the Jumbos rosters available on their website.  For Coach Shapiro's first few years, the percentage of players 6'0" and over held steady at about 35%. Over the past couple of years, however, the percentage of tall players has grown decidedly.  The percentage of players at or above 6'0" reached approximately 50% in 2015 and is now a complete reversal of the early years, with approximately 65% at 6'0" or over.  All that said, I don't think that the squad is full of "goons," and the team appears to be quite capable of playing the ball on the ground.

This might be shocking to hear, but some coaches fudge the numbers on the height/weight of their players. That said, it may be totally the case that he's made a concerted effort to add bigger players. But, it's also plausible that they just add 2 inches and 5-10 pounds to every player on the roster.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 19, 2017, 02:21:41 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 19, 2017, 01:29:14 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 18, 2017, 01:32:04 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 17, 2017, 03:07:51 PM
Tufts is big, but not as big as Amherst in recent years. That said, I don't deny that Shapiro has recruited for size with somewhat of an arms race going on in the NESCAC.

I got curious about how Tufts has dealt with the arms (legs?) race in NESCAC based on your comments and those of Mr. Newman, and decided to run a crude analysis of the Jumbos rosters available on their website.  For Coach Shapiro's first few years, the percentage of players 6'0" and over held steady at about 35%. Over the past couple of years, however, the percentage of tall players has grown decidedly.  The percentage of players at or above 6'0" reached approximately 50% in 2015 and is now a complete reversal of the early years, with approximately 65% at 6'0" or over.  All that said, I don't think that the squad is full of "goons," and the team appears to be quite capable of playing the ball on the ground.

This might be shocking to hear, but some coaches fudge the numbers on the height/weight of their players. That said, it may be totally the case that he's made a concerted effort to add bigger players. But, it's also plausible that they just add 2 inches and 5-10 pounds to every player on the roster.

Agreed.  But presumably the "fudge-factor" has always been in play to one degree or another, so any change in listed team composition likely reflects some actual change in team composition. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 19, 2017, 03:39:22 PM
Or, you could simply look at the players on the field and see how big they are. Kenyon had a fairly good-sized team and they were dwarfed by Tufts....Rojas, Braun, Najjar, Coleman, Kulscar, Eichorst, Majumder...and Sullivan isn't that tall but was huge in overall size. I assume Shapiro is aware of who he recruits.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 19, 2017, 03:58:53 PM
The Ephs, not the deepest team to begin with, seem to be really hurting right now -- not only Young out for the year, but Andreu and Dory, two key players, both missed games last weekend.  Amherst brings in waves of guys and the Ephs may need to go deeper into their bench to keep up.  It would certainly help if Andrew and Dory are available ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 19, 2017, 05:33:14 PM
Dory back this weekend for Amherst and Bates games. Team needs to figure out the mid-field and getting Dory back will help. Losing Andrieu is a big loss.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 20, 2017, 11:28:51 AM
Bowdoin lost a tough one last night to St. Joseph's. Wesleyan beat Vassar 2-0. Tonight is Swarthmore at Conn College and Endicott at Trinity, both interesting matchups. I expect Conn College has too much firepower for Swartmore.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 20, 2017, 05:45:08 PM
Watching Conn vs. Swarthmore game.  4-0 Camels with 5 minutes left.    Conn scored early on a direct kick and was 1-0 at half.  Then Conn continued to pressure in second half and the game broke open.  Playing on their Harkness grass field so game a bit slower than on turf.  Ex-Camel so I know that field very well (it was the only one we had)! 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on September 21, 2017, 12:19:06 PM
Another full weekend:

Middlebury 1 Bowdoin 0 ---- Midd nick one on a set piece or cross in a game with very few chances.  Middlebury has just looked quicker to me.

Trinity 1 Colby 2 ---Colby gives one up but manages at home

Bates 2 Wes 1---  Bates has some runners up top --get 2 on the counter pull the upset vs. Wes who has 65% of the ball

Hamilton 2 Conn 3  Hamilton really needs the game missing CB Eckles (red card) hurts.  Conn wins barn burner stays undefeated.

The big one.....

Williams 1 Amherst 0  If Williams is ever going to beat  Amherst it's home this week.  Not a pretty game Amherst starts 1-2 in the conference.  First time since Napoleon I think.  The Goer will be in attendance for the anticipated chaos.

Should be great fall weekend enjoy the games all.


PS I reserve a pick on Williams/Bates, lets see what happens Sat first.  Poor Pine Manor on Sunday





Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2017, 12:52:05 PM
Amherst at Williams--Amherst is just not as solid as they have been in the past BUT they still have speed up top with size all over the field. Williams is 3-1-0 but have not beaten anyone of note and frankly they looked really offensively challenged this past weekend v Colby and Bowdoin. Williams is undersized at the back compared to Amherst just like Bowdoin was. Getting Dory back is huge as a holding midfielder but that will not be enough. All week practice in Williamstown should have been pumping long ball after long ball into the box for Williams starters to clear. Williams does not attack with his wingbacks like Russo used to so their counterattack has been non-existent which was always their strength. Sullivan seems to be way more conservative which is fine if they were dangerous going forward which they have not been. Williams GK has not been tested at all this season and neither has Amherst GK. Amherst will dictate play in this game and Williams will try to hold on. Sisco and Singleton are to small up top for them to be a serious threat to score against Amherst. I cannot picture how Williams can score in this game. Amherst 2-0

Midd at Bowdoin---Midd coming off a nice road win at an improved Keene St side and Bowdoin coming off a disappointing road loss at the most improved program in New England the past couple of years in St.Joseph's. That loss will hurt come November as St. Joe's most likely will be regionally ranked. That win is a huge boost for St.Joe's. These 2 teams IMO are very even with a slight edge to Bowdoin in talent, home field, and GK'ing. Midd has an edge in size and their midfield has been playing well so far this season. Honestly, both teams could use a huge win like this game but Bowdoin needs it more. Midd has already defeated Amherst. Bowdoin's offense looked anemic this past weekend in wins v Wesleyan and Williams but they are extremely organized and got the 1 goal they needed to win those big games. My gut tells me Midd will dictate play but Bowdoin will score against the run of play. 1-0 Bowdoin

Bates at Wesleyan----Wesleyan is 4-0-0 against non-conference opponents this year coming off a huge win v Vassar. Now they need some conference wins and this is a must win for them at home. Bates has not played a conference game in 2 weeks and I have yet to see them play. If they can get 3-4 points this weekend that would be a huge success as they go to Williams the next day. Wesleyan tries to play futbol a bit as they looked very good 1st half at Bowdoin last weekend. The problem was 2nd half they looked awful. They have solid players all over the field but their bench is thin and I am still unsure of their GK and small but fast backline. They need to play a little quicker to feet but as long as they do not get overconfident they can and will win this game. 2-1 Wesleyan

Trinity at Colby----Absolute MUST win for both teams. Trinity has really disappointed this year so far and are digging themselves a hole they cannot get out of. They must get 3 points in this game. Colby looked good this past weekend but they came away with 1 point out of 6. That will not cut it at home. These 2 teams are pretty even so you really could flip a coin but I say Colby keeps their season alive and Trinity's season is unofficially over before October. 2-1 Colby

Hamilton at Conn---Conn has had a nice and surprising start to the season. Their GK looks solid for the 1st time in years. They looked horrible at Tufts last Saturday as they created nothing offensively( notice a common theme in Nescac this year) but battled Tufts to a solid draw. Hamilton got a bit unlucky at Midd as I thought they tried to play some futbol at Midd but Midd got the only goal of the game. 1-1

Brandeis at Tufts---Friday night game for these two is exciting. The game should draw well but I got a feeling Brandeis fans will travel in bunches to this one. Home field for Tufts is nullified as Brandeis plays on the carpet and will have plenty of fan support. I have not seen Brandeis this year so it is hard for me to comment. Tufts at 4-0-1 has question marks but has started very well this year. Tufts has not played any challenging sides yet so their record is a bit misleading. They will be tested in this game unlike the 5 previous matches. This game should be the best game to watch all weekend as the ball will be on the ground for the most part and there should be some goals. Tufts will be more physical but Brandeis should be able to deal with that like they have in the past. 2-2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 22, 2017, 11:08:22 PM
Weekend predictions coming up here. Didn't get mine done in time for tonights game, but I totally had it as 1-0 Tufts  ;)

Midd @ Bowdoin: Both team s coming off 6 pt NESCAC weeks, but Midd got it done with a nice 2-0 win at Keene State while Bowdoin took a tough L 1-0 at St. Joes, keeping questions about their team alive despite plenty of talent. Midd has somewhat dominated this matchup in recent years - I don't think they've lost in the last 4 years (excluding the PK win for Bowdoin in 2014). But I think Bowdoin will fair much better at home than on the Midd carpet, and you've got to think they'll come out hungry and looking to bounce back. For the Panthers, it seems Goulart has been the man going forward with Sass putting up some points as well. I like Goulart's combination of pace, power, and skill, with a good finishing touch. Bowdoin has yet to really figure it out going forward, and seem to have a number of decent options (Ellsworth, Morant, Byrd, Niang on set pieces) rather than a key guy or two. Honestly, sometimes it just looks like nobody has any idea what the strategy is on offense. This should be another good test for them - can they deal with Midd's physicality and pressure to settle the pass down and pass and get things going forward, or do they put in another poor performance like Amherst? With both teams at 2-1 and top 4 ambitions, this should be a good one. I've got a good feeling about Bowdoin, and I think they take it 1-0 on an Ellsworth strike.

Trinity @ Colby: Trinity, led by Savonen, might have the edge talent wise, but in a league like this I'm always going to favor the hungrier team (look at where I predicted Hamilton to finish lol). Colby, despite tough results against Tufts and Williams, has actually looked pretty good, though they've only scored in 1 out of their 3 games so far. I think Aoyama is headed towards a solid season in terms of goals, and I think this team will grow into the year and start to really get results in a couple weeks as they gel more. That said, this game is one of their best chances to get 3 points. I think they get a goal on a set piece, feeling pretty confident on that. But Savonen is a lot to handle for the back line, and if they make a mistake, I think he'll take it. But Trinity only has 2 goals in 4 games against Williams, Hamilton, Tufts, and Endicott. I give Colby the edge at home, where they get it done 1-0.

Bates @ Wes: Wes looked good out of conference before falling to a good Bowdoin team away from home last Saturday. But on their own field with 80 degree weather predicted in Middletown, it'll be an uphill battle for the (Holy ****, 3-0) bobcats. But somehow the Bobcats have scored 8 goals in 3 games (yes, two of those games were against newbury and UNE, but they did net two on Hamilton). Wesleyan has looked great out of conference, scoring multiple times in 3/4 games, but only 2 shutouts out of 5 games played so far isn't a great sign. I think Bates has a real chance here if they pack it in and defend well, and hit on the counter. If they can score two at Hamilton, they can certainly score one at Wes, who are probably weaker at the back but maybe a bit better organized and coached all around. Again, I think Wes has a ton of talent going forward, but can they breach the Bates defense? Bates always seems to have solid keeper, and it's not that easy to score on them packed in. Not to mention I think the Wesleyan defense is weak, and watching the video of the goal they gave up to Bowdoin, the keeper looks very questionable - way out of position on both the cross and the shot. I think Bates snatches an early one on the counter but the Maine boys can't hang in the heat, and fall 2-1 to a Wesleyan comeback.

Hamilton @ Conn: Conn the surprise team of the season are coming off a big 4-0 W over Swat Mid week, but their last NESCAC game was a big warning sign as they gave up 2 goals to Colby and only barely salvaged a draw. Picking up a reportedly solid keeper was huge for them, and Lockwood and Manoogian seem to be able to supply plenty of goals. I need to catch one of their games at some point, cause honestly I'm not really sure what to expect. Hamilton, on the other hand, took a tough 1-0  loss at Midd last week, always a tough place to play. Honestly, this is probably is one of my easier calls. By the nothing-makes sense rule, since:
1. Conn won at Midd
2. Hamilton lost at Midd
Therefore, Hamilton will win at Conn. I call it 2-1 Hamilton in a very open game, lots of chances going both ways. Just what Hamilton needed to get their season back on track.

Amherst at Williams: Get ready for a slugfest. Amherst has looked surprisingly vulnerable so far this year, squeaking out a lucky win v. a flat Bowdoin before falling to Midd at home. This will be Amherst's 3rd game (both in the NESCAC and total) and their first away from home. On the other hand, Williams will be playing their 5th game, 4th in the NESCAC, but FIRST home game. They've played in a lot of close games and managed to get the results until a disappointing 1-0 loss to Bowdoin on a somewhat fluke-y goal. Questionable goalkeeping again with the Williams GK too far to his near post, but not as bad as the Wesleyan keep. It's tough to get a result against Amherst without a confident goalie that can command his box, and even better if he can play a bit of sweeper. Haven't had a chance to watch Wiliams much, so no idea if they've got that. But I think they've got a decently organized team, and I'll disagree a little that the backline is too small to deal with Amherst. The former Lord Jeffs don't have the same massive size advantage they used to. Other than 6'5 fitzgerald, they don't list any people that get PT over 6'2, and I don't think Fitz is nearly as good in the air as Orozco. I'd also guess he's closer to 6'4 than 6'5 after seeing him in person, but it's hard to tell these things. I think Muellers at 6'3 (assuming he's actually 6'3) is more than capable of dealing with him. However, I do have to agree with Mr. Right that I have no idea how Williams would score here, even though I think Amherst are decently vulnerable at the back and Owen is only average, and prone to mistakes, in goal. I think if Williams play well and find a way to threaten in behind or wide, they could actually pass around Amherst pretty well. But Amherst always seems to get these types of games, and I'm not sold on Williams though I'm rooting for them here. 1-0 Amherst.
Title: NESCAC
Post by: Biggerthantexas on September 23, 2017, 08:28:09 AM
Dinosaurs are not extinct. Justin Serpone is living proof. Over the past two years his sides have actually tried to play football but the way he has set up his side this year is a reversion to the bad old days of the Bubba van Wie long throw. They appear to have recruited Bryce Johnson purely for his ability to complete the ridiculous flip throw. These create a completely static approach to the game. Last week against Middlebury he completed over 20 throws. Opposition teams just stack the box and wait for the ball to approach from its impossible trajectory and then clear it.

The flip throw is the football equivalent of the broomstick putter in golf and is impossible to carry out in most major football stadiums in the world. There is a reason that teams don't rely on such an outmoded strategy it's just bad football. It sucks the dynamism out of a team and any degree of creativity. Last year one of the most creative Amherst players was Dane Lind. He created goals and scored them too. Last week he would have been lucky to have 20 minutes of game time. The other reasonable period Amherst had was when senior Kieran Bellew was on the field he actually passed the ball on the ground and ran at players and, like Lind has in the past, created opportunities.

The other dinosaurian feature of the Amherst game plan this year is the hit and hope long ball that completely bypasses the midfield. It's reminiscent of the ugly days of Vinnie Jones and Wimbledon in the EPL. Any free kicks have become set piece long balls and the corners are devoid of any variety.

You can't win football games when you set up like this. If Amherst continues to approach games in this one dimensional fashion there is no way they will fashion the type of record they have over the past three seasons.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 23, 2017, 12:25:06 PM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 22, 2017, 11:08:22 PM
Weekend predictions coming up here. Didn't get mine done in time for tonights game, but I totally had it as 1-0 Tufts  ;)

Midd @ Bowdoin: Both team s coming off 6 pt NESCAC weeks, but Midd got it done with a nice 2-0 win at Keene State while Bowdoin took a tough L 1-0 at St. Joes, keeping questions about their team alive despite plenty of talent. Midd has somewhat dominated this matchup in recent years - I don't think they've lost in the last 4 years (excluding the PK win for Bowdoin in 2014). But I think Bowdoin will fair much better at home than on the Midd carpet, and you've got to think they'll come out hungry and looking to bounce back. For the Panthers, it seems Goulart has been the man going forward with Sass putting up some points as well. I like Goulart's combination of pace, power, and skill, with a good finishing touch. Bowdoin has yet to really figure it out going forward, and seem to have a number of decent options (Ellsworth, Morant, Byrd, Niang on set pieces) rather than a key guy or two. Honestly, sometimes it just looks like nobody has any idea what the strategy is on offense. This should be another good test for them - can they deal with Midd's physicality and pressure to settle the pass down and pass and get things going forward, or do they put in another poor performance like Amherst? With both teams at 2-1 and top 4 ambitions, this should be a good one. I've got a good feeling about Bowdoin, and I think they take it 1-0 on an Ellsworth strike.


I'm watching this game.  Ellsworth just scored on a direct kick.  SO.... you could be right. :)   OOPs.  As I type, Midd equalizes on a corner-like play from a throw-in. 1-1 less than 20min into the first half. 

If the game you all are watching today is boring, you may want to switch; this one has NOT been. 
Pretty free flowing game and both teams really moving at pace.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 23, 2017, 12:46:03 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 23, 2017, 12:25:06 PM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 22, 2017, 11:08:22 PM
Weekend predictions coming up here. Didn't get mine done in time for tonights game, but I totally had it as 1-0 Tufts  ;)

Midd @ Bowdoin: Both team s coming off 6 pt NESCAC weeks, but Midd got it done with a nice 2-0 win at Keene State while Bowdoin took a tough L 1-0 at St. Joes, keeping questions about their team alive despite plenty of talent. Midd has somewhat dominated this matchup in recent years - I don't think they've lost in the last 4 years (excluding the PK win for Bowdoin in 2014). But I think Bowdoin will fair much better at home than on the Midd carpet, and you've got to think they'll come out hungry and looking to bounce back. For the Panthers, it seems Goulart has been the man going forward with Sass putting up some points as well. I like Goulart's combination of pace, power, and skill, with a good finishing touch. Bowdoin has yet to really figure it out going forward, and seem to have a number of decent options (Ellsworth, Morant, Byrd, Niang on set pieces) rather than a key guy or two. Honestly, sometimes it just looks like nobody has any idea what the strategy is on offense. This should be another good test for them - can they deal with Midd's physicality and pressure to settle the pass down and pass and get things going forward, or do they put in another poor performance like Amherst? With both teams at 2-1 and top 4 ambitions, this should be a good one. I've got a good feeling about Bowdoin, and I think they take it 1-0 on an Ellsworth strike.


I'm watching this game.  Ellsworth just scored on a direct kick.  SO.... you could be right. :)   OOPs.  As I type, Midd equalizes on a corner-like play from a throw-in. 1-1 less than 20min into the first half. 

If the game you all are watching today is boring, you may want to switch; this one has NOT been. 
Pretty free flowing game and both teams really moving at pace.

2-1 Bowdoin on a header by Niang from a great ball from McCall.  6min left in first half.  And -- this has been a pretty good game.  If this is how both teams continue to play, I would think that the finals will come down to them, based on the games I have seen around the league so far.   Of course... will they continue to play like this is a pretty big question, eh?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 01:13:02 PM
How did Bowdoin get the 3rd goal?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 01:19:53 PM
This cameraman up in Brunswick is makin me dizzy...Zoom In-Zoom out-Zoom In-Zoom out...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 23, 2017, 01:37:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 01:13:02 PM
How did Bowdoin get the 3rd goal?

Sorry.  I am watching and doing some paperwork -- I missed seeing it.   There was a corner kick and then Niang scored.  I think it happened in the "scrum."  They credited Max McPheron with the assist. ( I think he might be a first year, because I don't remember ever seeing him last year?  I am too lazy to go to their website and check. lol.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 01:54:48 PM
Bowdoin looking like they will finish off Midd 3-1. That is an impressive win for them as they continue to play very well at home. I only caught the 2nd Half but looks like Niang got 2 goals. If he starts getting on the end of set pieces they will be a tough out the rest of the year. Also, they have gotten past the tough part of their schedule with Amherst, Midd, Wesleyan and Williams done and the last game of the regular season being Tufts they should be able to pick up wins in between. If they finish strong it is possible they could host the Nescac tournament but still a long way to go.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 02:20:11 PM
Well I was proven wrong as Williams goes up 1-0 by Malcolm Singleton off a long throw/rebound/ball bouncing around about 15 minutes in...Big goal...This is a long throwers fiesta as both teams have them..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 23, 2017, 02:27:02 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 02:20:11 PM
Well I was proven wrong as Williams goes up 1-0 by Malcolm Singleton off a long throw/rebound/ball bouncing around about 15 minutes in...Big goal...This is a long throwers fiesta as both teams have them..

I predicted 2-1 Williams, but Amherst had the ball in the Ephs' end for the first 15 minutes or so in my observations. Big goal indeed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 02:41:31 PM
Williams has actually looked pretty good from 18 to 18. Besides the goal they have not had any other chances but they buried the one they got. Williams working very hard and both teams playing a ton of Frosh and Soph. Amherst has looked very sloppy with the ball as they keep giving the ball away in Williams half. They have had the ball more than Williams but frankly have not had any dangerous chances so far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 03:06:39 PM
Wow Serpone benches GK Lee Owen to start the 2nd Half. He was shaky coming out of his net but an interesting move for sure
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 03:13:46 PM
Amherst ties it up 1-1 off a corner. Game on
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 03:19:33 PM
Hlinomaz almost makes it 2-1 on a nicely taken free kick just outside the box. Amherst has Williams pinned in a bit 2nd Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 23, 2017, 03:20:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 01:54:48 PM
Bowdoin looking like they will finish off Midd 3-1. That is an impressive win for them as they continue to play very well at home. I only caught the 2nd Half but looks like Niang got 2 goals. If he starts getting on the end of set pieces they will be a tough out the rest of the year. Also, they have gotten past the tough part of their schedule with Amherst, Midd, Wesleyan and Williams done and the last game of the regular season being Tufts they should be able to pick up wins in between. If they finish strong it is possible they could host the Nescac tournament but still a long way to go.

Niang played a much more offensive game, overall than he sometimes plays.  McPherron did a really good job as a CAM; he created a lot of offensive opportunities. If Bowdoin can keep this up in the midfield, I think that they could do very well both in the league and in the NCAA playoffs.  If the midfield continues to play like they played today, they will have the offense to complement their defense...which is generally just rock solid.  I will definitely watch whatever their next game is to see what will happen.  Maybe McPherron will be the missing piece that they needed. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 23, 2017, 03:22:04 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 03:19:33 PM
Hlinomaz almost makes it 2-1 on a nicely taken free kick just outside the box. Amherst has Williams pinned in a bit 2nd Half.

Thanks for the updates.  I was watching but then it froze. My screen is frozen with 44:02 to play in the 2nd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 23, 2017, 03:32:36 PM
Amherst trying to apply pressure with long throw ins, but Williams with a couple good chances, looking very dangerous on the counter. Really impressive hustle and commitment to get bodies forward. Certainly should have scored around the 65' minute mark but the Williams player didn't see his comrade wide open in the center, could have rolled it to him for a tap in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 03:35:41 PM
Yea I think that was Sisco who had that chance but he was just to slow with the ball at his feet. Williams does look good on the counter today as this is not what it liked like the past 4 games. I do not even have a problem with these long throws but for the fact they take about 20-30 seconds before each one.  Still IMO Amherst can sniff that 2nd goal as Williams is giving them plenty of set pieces and long throws.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 03:42:23 PM
Williams almost gets one off a nicely taken set piece but an even better save by the Amherst GK..Not sure Owen would have gotten that one. Amherst comes back down the field an hits one of the bar..Game is starting to get stretched
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 23, 2017, 03:43:25 PM
Speaking of which, poor defensive series and communication leads to a good chance for mcmillan who hits the upright. ON the ensuing corner, a wide open volley for Amherst.... and a total whiff.

Who is the redheaded midfielder for Williams? Very lively and dangerous.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 03:52:20 PM
Yes he has played very well...Frosh from Texas
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 04:18:40 PM
If Amherst Mcmillan had any skill this game would be long over. Thats twice he was right on the doorstep and whiffed. He is athletic and has speed but no composure
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on September 23, 2017, 04:31:50 PM
Here's video of the 3 Bowdoin goals in its 3-1 win over Middlebury  (https://youtu.be/c-hDfhqAuhk)-- all pretty nice . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 04:34:43 PM
1-1 Amherst and Williams ends in a draw. Both teams looked gassed by OT but I would say a pretty fair result
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 06:16:15 PM
Quote from: quicksilver on September 23, 2017, 04:31:50 PM
Here's video of the 3 Bowdoin goals in its 3-1 win over Middlebury  (https://youtu.be/c-hDfhqAuhk)-- all pretty nice . .


Yea those are 3 solid goals. 1st goal a beautiful free kick by Ellsworth but I think the Midd GK was a step slow as he might have gotten to that. Still great strike. 2nd goal was just a beast of a goal by Niang. How do you mark that? Pure athleticism..3rd goal another header by Niang but Midd left him WIDE open on that free header.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2017, 06:24:31 PM
For Tomorrow:

Bates at Williams----It is supposed to be hot and humid tomorrow. Williams played 110 minutes today in a game that wore both teams down and they will feel that tomorrow. They looked MUCH better today on their home field and played their best game of the year today. Still have not seen Bates play but spotting 4 to Wesleyan is not a good sign. I would imagine after that showing they will sit a bit deeper tomorrow and play conservative. Getting a point tomorrow should be their goal. Williams 1-0

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2017, 01:10:22 PM
Bates goes up 1-0 after 5 minutes against Williams. Bates has come out all over them and look dangerous so far. Williams looks sluggish and flat.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2017, 01:23:49 PM
Williams tie it up 1-1 on a corner and half volley near post. Bates is cagey and quick but lack size and look to be weak at the back and their GK is suspect for sure. He should not be beaten near post on a shot like that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 24, 2017, 02:19:41 PM
Williams goes down to 10 men on a red card for a studs up tackle at midfield.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 24, 2017, 04:07:29 PM
Watched the very end of Bowdoin's game today.  Going into overtime. Against Southern Maine.

Look at the stats (attached) after regulation play:   



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 24, 2017, 07:04:52 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 24, 2017, 04:07:29 PM
Look at the stats (attached) after regulation play:

Wowzah. You can park the bus and put on the handbrake, but -- in most cases -- eventually it will get moved.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 24, 2017, 07:24:21 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 24, 2017, 07:04:52 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 24, 2017, 04:07:29 PM
Look at the stats (attached) after regulation play:

Wowzah. You can park the bus and put on the handbrake, but -- in most cases -- eventually it will get moved.

This is what I am saying.  They are pretty solid on defense.  But... they have to learn how to put it on frame.   

No disrespect to Southern Maine, but they are not quite the same caliber team as NESCAC squads, so this should be troubling to the Bowdoin coacb.  To be fair, the keeper for So.Me. was OUTSTANDING... (and just a first year student!)   But still, Bowdoin better find a finisher.   Or a new strategy for corners.  Or... something.   

I should have watched the Bates game instead. Their results are so interesting...I have to confess that my curiosity is piqued.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 24, 2017, 08:41:11 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 24, 2017, 07:24:21 PM
I should have watched the Bates game instead. Their results are so interesting...I have to confess that my curiosity is piqued.

I watched the Bates-Williams game today (until I lost the feed with 6 minutes left in the second OT!).  The squad sure has spunk, but does not seem quite up to the level of the upper echelon of the conference.  Williams with 10 players versus Bates with 11 players appeared to be an even match-up (and even with the man advantage, Bates was fortunate to earn the draw after facing numerous corners, free kicks, and long throws down the stretch). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 24, 2017, 09:00:53 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 24, 2017, 07:24:21 PM
I should have watched the Bates game instead. Their results are so interesting...I have to confess that my curiosity is piqued.

I concur. A couple of years ago, they started the season pretty well, I think they were 5-1-1 including a 2OT win at Williams and some of us thought they might be worth a shot for NCAAs. The rest of their season wasn't so great, though, and they didn't even make the NESCAC tournament. In fact, IIRC, they followed up the Williams win with a home loss to Trinity the next week, so they have developed a propensity for getting a big win followed immediately by dropping a clanger. I think they have some nice players and decent team potential, but I have been waiting for a while for a breakthrough that hasn't come yet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Goldenrj on September 24, 2017, 09:41:29 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 24, 2017, 04:07:29 PM
Watched the very end of Bowdoin's game today.  Going into overtime. Against Southern Maine.

Look at the stats (attached) after regulation play:

That is parking TWO buses! 31-1 on shots, with no score.  I don't think that I have seen that, at any level.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 24, 2017, 10:05:01 PM
Quote from: Goldenrj on September 24, 2017, 09:41:29 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 24, 2017, 04:07:29 PM
Watched the very end of Bowdoin's game today.  Going into overtime. Against Southern Maine.

Look at the stats (attached) after regulation play:

That is parking TWO buses! 31-1 on shots, with no score.  I don't think that I have seen that, at any level.

Not to mentuon 15-0 on corners.  And, nearly all the fouls happened on So.Me.'s end of the field.  Bowdoin took quite a few free kicks that could have been converted amd weren't, and those are not even showing up on the stat sheet... so those numbers arent even reflecting the full extemt of their offensive problems. 
I was kind of aghast, actually.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 24, 2017, 10:09:56 PM
Quote from: Goldenrj on September 24, 2017, 09:41:29 PM
That is parking TWO buses! 31-1 on shots, with no score.  I don't think that I have seen that, at any level.

Tufts outshot Bates 29-8 a couple of years ago en route to a 0-0 draw (at Bates) -- although that was more due to Tufts being unable to finish rather than a resolute defensive effort from the Bobcats. I remember watching that game and being floored that it wasn't 4-0 at half.

Back to the bit about Bates being "in contention" for an NCAA bid in 2015: part of the reason that some (including myself) were optimistic about the Bobcats having a good year was that -- in addition to their good start -- they had arguably its three most difficult NESCAC opponents all at home: Tufts, Middlebury, and Amherst. However, that draw with Tufts was the lone point that Bates picked up in those three home matches (ironically, Bowdoin ended up winning the NESCAC that year).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on September 25, 2017, 09:19:38 AM
Tufts' two goals vs. Trinity. Great finish on the second and good build up on the first. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEh2Ibf0qL4
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 25, 2017, 01:26:29 PM
Williams will have to play Wednesday against Skidmore without their best player and top defender Scat Macdonald. This may expose defense and GK as Macdonald makes more than a few goal saving plays each match. Interestingly, I believe that Skidmore may be playing without their top striker who received a red card last game as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Part_Bart on September 25, 2017, 01:58:48 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on September 25, 2017, 01:26:29 PM
Williams will have to play Wednesday against Skidmore without their best player and top defender Scat Macdonald. This may expose defense and GK as Macdonald makes more than a few goal saving plays each match. Interestingly, I believe that Skidmore may be playing without their top striker who received a red card last game as well.

Skidmore will be without Santos, red-carded in Saturday's game v. Hobart. The game ended up a 1-1 tie after Skidmore equalized in final 90 seconds and down a player for 60+ minutes.   The box score will show 23 fouls by Skidmore, 14 by Hobart, 7 yellow cards (four to Skidmore) and the straight red card  .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 25, 2017, 02:33:32 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 24, 2017, 09:00:53 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 24, 2017, 07:24:21 PM
I should have watched the Bates game instead. Their results are so interesting...I have to confess that my curiosity is piqued.

I concur. A couple of years ago, they started the season pretty well, I think they were 5-1-1 including a 2OT win at Williams and some of us thought they might be worth a shot for NCAAs. The rest of their season wasn't so great, though, and they didn't even make the NESCAC tournament. In fact, IIRC, they followed up the Williams win with a home loss to Trinity the next week, so they have developed a propensity for getting a big win followed immediately by dropping a clanger. I think they have some nice players and decent team potential, but I have been waiting for a while for a breakthrough that hasn't come yet.

Great job on the Nor'Easter report Blooter. Bates has certainly shown an ability to put the ball in the back of the net. I think Merchant already has 5 goals this season. I thought they played well for stretches this weekend, but as the games wore on both Wesleyan and Williams carried the play and generated far more chances. Bates has to shore up its team D late in these games. Having said that, it's not easy to win on the road in NESCAC. I don't think a visiting team won at all this past weekend in the conference games. Bates is 1-1-1 in three conference roads games so far. If they can find a way to total 6 or 7 conference road points, I like their chances to finish in the top 8 and make the NESCAC tournament.

One other match Blooter touched on in his report from earlier in the week was St. Joe's win over Bowdoin. This was no fluke. St. Joe's out shot Bowdoin 11-1 in the first half and 16-9 overall. I realize Soccer Mom already has Bowdoin in the NESCAC finals with Middlebury (which very well may happen), but Bowdoin is going to have to find a way to win some quality games on the road or their only way in the NCAA Tournament will be to win the NESCAC tournament. They now have road losses at Amherst and St. Joe's.  I know they play Tufts at the end of the season and lately they have had the better of the Jumbos, but do not overlook the importance of their road game at Conn College prior to the Tufts game.  That will likely be a huge game for both teams in terms of NESCAC tournament seeding and record versus ranked opponents.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 25, 2017, 05:28:13 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on September 25, 2017, 02:33:32 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 24, 2017, 09:00:53 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 24, 2017, 07:24:21 PM
I should have watched the Bates game instead. Their results are so interesting...I have to confess that my curiosity is piqued.

I concur. A couple of years ago, they started the season pretty well, I think they were 5-1-1 including a 2OT win at Williams and some of us thought they might be worth a shot for NCAAs. The rest of their season wasn't so great, though, and they didn't even make the NESCAC tournament. In fact, IIRC, they followed up the Williams win with a home loss to Trinity the next week, so they have developed a propensity for getting a big win followed immediately by dropping a clanger. I think they have some nice players and decent team potential, but I have been waiting for a while for a breakthrough that hasn't come yet.

1. 
I realize Soccer Mom already has Bowdoin in the NESCAC finals with Middlebury (which very well may happen),

2.
I know they play Tufts at the end of the season and lately they have had the better of the Jumbos.
But do not overlook the importance of their road game at Conn College prior to the Tufts game.  That will likely be a huge game for both teams in terms of NESCAC tournament seeding and record versus ranked opponents.

LOL.  Not me.   I am saying that they struggle in the midfield and they can't score.    I have repeatedly said that their defense looks pretty solid but that they struggle in the midfield.  As of yesterday, I am also adding that they need a finisher.       
My observation has been that their keeper is very good and their back line is pretty hard to beat by playing the "NESCAC" style of get-the-ball-up-to-a-fast-guy-parked-up-front. And, based on this, I said that I thought that IF they could get their midfield  organized, that I would like them all the way through the finals... but that is a pretty big IF, in my opinion.   Other than in the Midd game, Bowdoin has been struggling to score at home,  so we will see if it gets worse when they are away.   

I watched them at Amherst.   Amherst's only goal was a PK.   But... as I feel like I have said on this thread several times about Bowdoin:  you can't win if you don't score. 

2.   
re: Tufts.  I guess we will see.  I have only watched part of one game this season.  I liked Tasker, and that Weatherby did a nice job in the back, but I thought they looked like they were still figuring out how to play without Majumber and Becherano.

re: Conn.   I watched most of the Conn/Colby game last week, and thought that Colby very much had the better of them for most of the game that I saw.  Maybe that will prove to be a fluke and I certainly would need to watch more, to be sure, but...on the other hand....    Conn still has to play Amherst, Williams, and Wesleyan, in addition to Bowdoin.   And... it seems that they would have to win two of those tougher NESCAC matches on the road, too.  So, who knows where Conn will be by the time they meet Bowdoin.   And - as you pointed out -  who knows where Bowdoin will be when they meet Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 25, 2017, 05:58:29 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on September 25, 2017, 02:33:32 PM
Great job on the Nor'Easter report Blooter. Bates has certainly shown an ability to put the ball in the back of the net. I think Merchant already has 5 goals this season. I thought they played well for stretches this weekend, but as the games wore on both Wesleyan and Williams carried the play and generated far more chances. Bates has to shore up its team D late in these games. Having said that, it's not easy to win on the road in NESCAC. I don't think a visiting team won at all this past weekend in the conference games. Bates is 1-1-1 in three conference roads games so far. If they can find a way to total 6 or 7 conference road points, I like their chances to finish in the top 8 and make the NESCAC tournament.

One other match Blooter touched on in his report from earlier in the week was St. Joe's win over Bowdoin. This was no fluke. St. Joe's out shot Bowdoin 11-1 in the first half and 16-9 overall. I realize Soccer Mom already has Bowdoin in the NESCAC finals with Middlebury (which very well may happen), but Bowdoin is going to have to find a way to win some quality games on the road or their only way in the NCAA Tournament will be to win the NESCAC tournament. They now have road losses at Amherst and St. Joe's.  I know they play Tufts at the end of the season and lately they have had the better of the Jumbos, but do not overlook the importance of their road game at Conn College prior to the Tufts game.  That will likely be a huge game for both teams in terms of NESCAC tournament seeding and record versus ranked opponents.

Appreciate it! I agree that Bates could be in with a shout for the conference tournament if it can continue its away form. The Bobcats have 4 road points thus far (W over Hamilton and T at Williams), so -- to get to that 6-7 point mark -- they'd need to either draw at both Conn. and Colby or win one of those two games. That said, much like 2015, they have Tufts, Amherst, and Middlebury at home, which is preferable from their standpoint as far as where you want to play against the heavy hitters. If they can get 3+ total points from those three games (a big ask, but possible) I think that, coupled with good away form, could put them not only into the tournament, but could also give them a decent seed (as to avoid the heavy hitters in the quarterfinals). They'd probably still be on the road, but I think there is much more parity in the 4/5 and 3/6 battles as opposed to 2/7 and 1/8 (although, as we've seen in recent years, sometimes the No. 1 seed gets bounced from the NESCAC quarters and then wins the NCAA title.)

As far as St. Joe's go, they are a good, solid side. The Monks did deserve to beat Bowdoin and have looked good on their new turf (installed this year). I have watched them a bit over the last couple of years, including the 3-0 loss to Brandeis in last year's NCAA 2nd Round. They actually played reasonably well that game, but simply ran into a team with too much offensive firepower that was hitting its stride at that point in the season. I think if they had kept it 0-0 to half they would have had a decent chance, but Brandeis was opportunistic in its finishing (scoring on two rebounds in the first half) and just had too much for them to handle. Their defense is definitely their calling card, and -- while Babson can be anemic offensively at times -- it is no small feat to shut Babson out at home, much less in a high-pressure atmosphere such as the 1st Round of NCAAs like they did last year. I don't know if they are a Sweet 16 team by any means, but I think if they get into the tournament and get a favorable draw that they could surprise some people.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 25, 2017, 06:13:59 PM
Bates has like most teams some positives and some negatives. Let's start with the positives. With Opoku, Merchant, Dibenedetto, and Bakken they have some skill and speed going forward. When they had the ball especially the first 15 minutes of the Williams game they were knocking the ball around very well with some nice two touch passing. They had Williams on its heels for a bit and Merchant snagged a nice goal from it. The negatives. They have to have the worst defense in Nescac. They are not physically imposing, not super fast, not very big and not very skilled. They are very average at best in all those areas. After thinking about it I was way to harsh on their GK Montanaro as he really had no chance at saving Williams goal to tie it up and made a very legit save near the end of the game to keep the score level. He is not a big GK but is quick and for Bates he is a pretty decent option. Bates problem is they still have to play Midd, Amherst, Bowdoin, Conn and Tufts. Those teams except maybe Conn will be able to score against them and even this weekend with Trinity, Savonen will enjoy going against this Bates defense. They must beat Trinity and Colby and somehow get as many point as possible against the 5 teams I just named. Still a ton of work left to do before booking their Top 8 finish.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 25, 2017, 07:17:58 PM
For Tomorrow:

Trinity at Conn-----Honestly, I am still not enamored with Conn. Lockwood is a beast for sure and will get his chances and shots in this game but he is surrounded by a ton of role players like Manoogian, Highton and a ton of Frosh / Soph. GK Marcucci impressed me in the Tufts match but Conn looked overmatched in that game as I do not remember them having any dangerous chances or for that matter any SOG against Tufts. Now Tufts is the best team in Nescac this year but Conn looked offensively challenged in that game. They worked very hard but were chasing for a lot of that match. That was the only game I have seen them so I am only going off of that. Trinity is 1-5-0 and 0-4-0 in Nescac. Just a complete mess. A win here and a win Saturday at Bates would turn their season around very quickly. If I remember correctly these 2 teams had a game either last year or the year before that was VERY chippy. So maybe some bad blood will wake Trinity up. Trinity will not go 0-10-0 as they are not that much worse than the other bottom feeders. The question is where will they get their points? Conn's luck runs out. 2-1 Trinity

Tufts at Wesleyan-----Tufts is rolling along and have not let up a goal all season. They are going to have a serious size advantage on Wesleyan. Not sure why Wheeler agreed to play this game on the turf as that might play right into Tufts hands. I would of rather slogged it out on that junk grass field with a 4pm start to get Tufts out of its comfort zone. I must say I am a big fan of most of Wesleyan's starting 11. They have skill and speed and try to play some futbol. ACH will get his chances and Martinez-Paiz is one of the more dangerous players in Nescac, Devanney on the flank played well at Bowdoin and am a big fan of Nick Jackson. Having said all that Wesleyan's GK makes me nervous and while their wingbacks like Chin have speed and skill they are not tough kids and Tufts will be able to bully them all they want. If Wesleyan can stick to its game plan and move the ball quickly on the turf they might just cause Tufts some problems. Stay focused for 90 minutes, no mental mistakes and certainly no GK'ing errors. While Tufts is the top team in Nescac this year they are a far cry from 2014-2016. They can and will be beaten. This is a HUGE game for Wesleyan as a win or even a draw here will start to get them into Pool C consideration as they have some good non-conference wins. 1-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 25, 2017, 07:49:35 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 25, 2017, 07:17:58 PMACH will get his chances

I think he's hurt, as he hasn't played since the September 13 game against Manhattanville.  Does that affect your prediction?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 25, 2017, 08:00:30 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on September 25, 2017, 01:26:29 PM
Williams will have to play Wednesday against Skidmore without their best player and top defender Scat Macdonald. This may expose defense and GK as Macdonald makes more than a few goal saving plays each match. Interestingly, I believe that Skidmore may be playing without their top striker who received a red card last game as well.

Just learned that his name is actually "Scatt." For the longest time (from when I first saw his name on the boards to now) I thought it was a typo and his name was Scott. Well, to this point, he is the only Scatt I know of.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 25, 2017, 09:33:12 PM
This is a little tangential to NESCAC proper, but a couple of points of trivia.  ACH, Hurlburt at Wheaton (4 year starter), and Nemes and Beatty for WPI all played club together, coached by a guy who holds a bunch of Keene St records, John McCully, who coached both Savonen boys in high school and club, and whose son led their high school to an undefeated, unblemished season and state title last year AS A JUNIOR, with a chance to repeat and who no doubt is considered one of the top few recruits this year in Massachusetts.  He is on pace to break his father's high school records.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 25, 2017, 10:14:33 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 25, 2017, 07:49:35 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 25, 2017, 07:17:58 PMACH will get his chances

I think he's hurt, as he hasn't played since the September 13 game against Manhattanville.  Does that affect your prediction?


Nah...he gets his goals but the only player that would affect my prediction would be Martinez-Paiz
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 25, 2017, 10:19:28 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on September 25, 2017, 01:26:29 PM
Williams will have to play Wednesday against Skidmore without their best player and top defender Scat Macdonald. This may expose defense and GK as Macdonald makes more than a few goal saving plays each match. Interestingly, I believe that Skidmore may be playing without their top striker who received a red card last game as well.

I never thought I would see the day when a Williams College defender would be highlighted as their "best" player. Don't get me wrong I like the kid's toughness and tackling and his tenacity but for it to get to this is beyond troubling. Personally, I think he can be replaced in this game v Skidmore and the much bugger loss is that of Skidmore's Santos as he would have caused some headaches in midfield for Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 25, 2017, 10:41:28 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 25, 2017, 09:33:12 PM
This is a little tangential to NESCAC proper, but a couple of points of trivia.  ACH, Hurlburt at Wheaton (4 year starter), and Nemes and Beatty for WPI all played club together

Weren't Bruce Johnson of Tufts and Steve Kilday of Providence on that club team at one time, too?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 25, 2017, 10:52:43 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 25, 2017, 10:41:28 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 25, 2017, 09:33:12 PM
This is a little tangential to NESCAC proper, but a couple of points of trivia.  ACH, Hurlburt at Wheaton (4 year starter), and Nemes and Beatty for WPI all played club together

Weren't Bruce Johnson of Tufts and Steve Kilday of Providence on that club team at one time, too?

Sounds right.  Definitely Kilday.

My kid played for McCully with the older Savonen, Robbie Lynch, also a Brandeis 4 year starter and star, and Andrew Sheridan, who was a 4 year starter at right back at Rochester.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 26, 2017, 01:05:24 AM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on September 25, 2017, 01:26:29 PM
Williams will have to play Wednesday against Skidmore without their best player and top defender Scat Macdonald. This may expose defense and GK as Macdonald makes more than a few goal saving plays each match. Interestingly, I believe that Skidmore may be playing without their top striker who received a red card last game as well.

Lmfao ok Ms/Mrs Macdonald, he is far from the best player on that team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 26, 2017, 10:03:33 AM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on September 26, 2017, 01:05:24 AM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on September 25, 2017, 01:26:29 PM
Williams will have to play Wednesday against Skidmore without their best player and top defender Scat Macdonald. This may expose defense and GK as Macdonald makes more than a few goal saving plays each match. Interestingly, I believe that Skidmore may be playing without their top striker who received a red card last game as well.

Lmfao ok Ms/Mrs Macdonald, he is far from the best player on that team.

LOL. I assure you I'm not related but do see most of the Williams games. I'm not a soccer expert but I don't see who is better than Scat or more valuable to the team. He has broken up numerous chances that would have resulted in great scoring opportunities and he covers for other defenders and the mid-field routinely. His passes which are often long are right on the money. He takes all the direct kicks and hasn't come out of any game yet this season. He also tackles fiercely and has surprising speed. I actually think that one solution to the Williams scoring problem is to give him the green light to take the ball to the goal. When he starts doing that they'll score more. I'm open to suggestion as to who you think is a better or more valuable player this season for the Ephs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 11:57:39 AM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on September 26, 2017, 10:03:33 AM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on September 26, 2017, 01:05:24 AM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on September 25, 2017, 01:26:29 PM
Williams will have to play Wednesday against Skidmore without their best player and top defender Scat Macdonald. This may expose defense and GK as Macdonald makes more than a few goal saving plays each match. Interestingly, I believe that Skidmore may be playing without their top striker who received a red card last game as well.

Lmfao ok Ms/Mrs Macdonald, he is far from the best player on that team.

LOL. I assure you I'm not related but do see most of the Williams games. I'm not a soccer expert but I don't see who is better than Scat or more valuable to the team. He has broken up numerous chances that would have resulted in great scoring opportunities and he covers for other defenders and the mid-field routinely. His passes which are often long are right on the money. He takes all the direct kicks and hasn't come out of any game yet this season. He also tackles fiercely and has surprising speed. I actually think that one solution to the Williams scoring problem is to give him the green light to take the ball to the goal. When he starts doing that they'll score more. I'm open to suggestion as to who you think is a better or more valuable player this season for the Ephs.



The really sad part is he is not far from being the best player on that team. An above average defender who works very hard and gives us fans some old school "crunching tackles". On a normal Williams squad he would be just another productive defender but on this squad it is actually noticed when he is not on the field. He and Muellers are the 2 best defenders on the team but i give the edge to Muellers because he is faster. As far as the BEST player it all depends on what you consider the most valuable. Personally, I consider speed, skill and finishing the most valuable. Williams has no finishers so I have to look for speed and skill. With that I probably would have picked the injured Tom Young who has both but interestingly when healthy last year he barely would get on the field. I think he even picked up a few DNPCD's. That tells me that either the kid had a bad attitude or Sullivan didn't like his lack of toughness which can be bothersome for me but the speed and skill on the flank is more important. I do not NEED him to defend. Anyhow, I really do not have an answer for you. That is how average Williams is right now. I might have to go with a Sean Dory or even Muellers. Possibly the GK Schneiderman. None are choices I would usually make. I really like the Frosh Petrik as he showed very well against Amherst. He has basically unseated the senior Madding as I do not even think he played v Amherst. Petrik has the skill and was taking players on, giving nice thru balls and I believe had a serious crack on a set piece. Now for some reason he does not get many minutes because he should be playing 70 minutes a game at least. Either he has a bad attitude or doesn't defend like Sullivan would want or is not fit because I would be starting that kid.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 26, 2017, 12:08:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 11:57:39 AM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on September 26, 2017, 10:03:33 AM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on September 26, 2017, 01:05:24 AM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on September 25, 2017, 01:26:29 PM
Williams will have to play Wednesday against Skidmore without their best player and top defender Scat Macdonald. This may expose defense and GK as Macdonald makes more than a few goal saving plays each match. Interestingly, I believe that Skidmore may be playing without their top striker who received a red card last game as well.

Lmfao ok Ms/Mrs Macdonald, he is far from the best player on that team.

LOL. I assure you I'm not related but do see most of the Williams games. I'm not a soccer expert but I don't see who is better than Scat or more valuable to the team. He has broken up numerous chances that would have resulted in great scoring opportunities and he covers for other defenders and the mid-field routinely. His passes which are often long are right on the money. He takes all the direct kicks and hasn't come out of any game yet this season. He also tackles fiercely and has surprising speed. I actually think that one solution to the Williams scoring problem is to give him the green light to take the ball to the goal. When he starts doing that they'll score more. I'm open to suggestion as to who you think is a better or more valuable player this season for the Ephs.



The really sad part is he is not far from being the best player on that team. An above average defender who works very hard and gives us fans some old school "crunching tackles". On a normal Williams squad he would be just another productive defender but on this squad it is actually noticed when he is not on the field. He and Muellers are the 2 best defenders on the team but i give the edge to Muellers because he is faster. As far as the BEST player it all depends on what you consider the most valuable. Personally, I consider speed, skill and finishing the most valuable. Williams has no finishers so I have to look for speed and skill. With that I probably would have picked the injured Tom Young who has both but interestingly when healthy last year he barely would get on the field. I think he even picked up a few DNPCD's. That tells me that either the kid had a bad attitude or Sullivan didn't like his lack of toughness which can be bothersome for me but the speed and skill on the flank is more important. I do not NEED him to defend. Anyhow, I really do not have an answer for you. That is how average Williams is right now. I might have to go with a Sean Dory or even Muellers. Possibly the GK Schneiderman. None are choices I would usually make. I really like the Frosh Petrik as he showed very well against Amherst. He has basically unseated the senior Madding as I do not even think he played v Amherst. Petrik has the skill and was taking players on, giving nice thru balls and I believe had a serious crack on a set piece. Now for some reason he does not get many minutes because he should be playing 70 minutes a game at least. Either he has a bad attitude or doesn't defend like Sullivan would want or is not fit because I would be starting that kid.

Thanks for the analysis. I agree with you across the board. I think I favored Scat because of his toughness and ability to put the ball on a Williams' players chest from 50 yards away. I agree Tom young wasn't getting any playing time last season. Petrik will get more time even up front for Singleton some. I'm not sure Schneiderman has shown that much as the defense is extremely strong. He makes an occasional save but hasn't made the huge save that would make the Williams' lone goal stand up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 26, 2017, 02:16:28 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 11:57:39 AMI really like the Frosh Petrik as he showed very well against Amherst. He has basically unseated the senior Madding as I do not even think he played v Amherst. Petrik has the skill and was taking players on, giving nice thru balls and I believe had a serious crack on a set piece. Now for some reason he does not get many minutes because he should be playing 70 minutes a game at least. Either he has a bad attitude or doesn't defend like Sullivan would want or is not fit because I would be starting that kid.

I was really surprised to see him on the bench for the end of the second half and both overtimes in the Bates game.  Williams is so much more dynamic when he's on the field.  Along with Opoku of Bates and Martinez-Paiz of Wesleyan, he shows that "little guys" can have a big impact amidst the giants that roam the pitches of NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 26, 2017, 02:24:40 PM
Nice article on future Eph:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/winnetka/sports/ct-wtk-new-trier-boys-soccer-will-felitto-tl-0919-20170921-story.html
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 02:35:25 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 26, 2017, 02:16:28 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 11:57:39 AMI really like the Frosh Petrik as he showed very well against Amherst. He has basically unseated the senior Madding as I do not even think he played v Amherst. Petrik has the skill and was taking players on, giving nice thru balls and I believe had a serious crack on a set piece. Now for some reason he does not get many minutes because he should be playing 70 minutes a game at least. Either he has a bad attitude or doesn't defend like Sullivan would want or is not fit because I would be starting that kid.

I was really surprised to see him on the bench for the end of the second half and both overtimes in the Bates game.  Williams is so much more dynamic when he's on the field.  Along with Opoku of Bates and Martinez-Paiz of Wesleyan, he shows that "little guys" can have a big impact amidst the giants that roam the pitches of NESCAC.


Agreed. However, I was surprised that Opoku has not scored yet for Bates even in non-conference action.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 02:44:43 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 26, 2017, 02:24:40 PM
Nice article on future Eph:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/winnetka/sports/ct-wtk-new-trier-boys-soccer-will-felitto-tl-0919-20170921-story.html


Now THAT is a kid that Williams could use...A 6'2 physical striker..however my cynical side say's if he was that good why would D1's pass on a kid of his size?  Anyhow with him and Oberg coming next fall that will be something to look for.

As much as I would like to see Trinity/Conn at 4pm I cannot possibly pass up Dortmund/Real Madrid...Will catch the 2nd Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 26, 2017, 03:16:25 PM
Here are my thoughts on recent Camel games as have seen all their games in-person or video.  Trying to be objective, but have to celebrate a bit as they are on a good unbeaten run.  We'll see what happens today with Trinity today at 4pm.  I'm bummed, as will miss the first half.
•   Middlebury (away) a 1-0 Camel win.  Conn freshman goalie had a great game and was probably the difference.
•   Tufts (away) a 0-0 OT tie.  Camels, as Mr. Right pointed out, holding on for their lives.  Tufts clearly dominated with Conn on defense throughout.  But Tufts didn't get too many really good scoring opportunities and Conn didn't make any big mistakes.
•   Colby (away) 2-2 OT tie.  Close game with Colby playing well scoring first, Conn matching later, then Colby scoring again ... and Conn matching in last 90 seconds.  No score in OT.  Both had  tough games the day before and hard to tell if that had an impact.
•   Swarthmore (home) – 4-0 Camels.  Conn dominated in second-half with 3 goals.
•   Hamilton (home):  1-0 Camels.  Good game with both teams playing hard and excellent speed and control on display.  Conn scored mid-way through first half on follow-up up to a corner.   Then it was pretty much back and forth all day with a few scoring chances for each.  Conn having an overall edge in  control.  The last 12 minutes however was all Hamilton as they played like demons to attempt to tie it up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 04:37:49 PM
Just put on Conn v Trinity and witnessed what looks to be Conn's 2nd goal. Not sure who scored but Trinity looked lackadaisical defensively on the play and the Conn striker turned and buried the shot. Did not see the 1st goal but looks like Conn got a PK. 2-0 Conn and Trinity has really quit on Pilger this year. I cannot believe they are this bad defensively.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 04:54:25 PM
Just like me to criticize the two players on Conn as role players and then have them both score. Manoogian gets the PK and Highton got the strikers goal. 2-0 Conn at the half and from what I can see they are playing very well. Some nice crisp passing. Trinity looks lost and dysfunctional as they are hitting one aimless ball after another. Let's see if the Half changes anything.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 05:22:28 PM
Trinity really misses Murphy who was a fantastic holding midfielder and as much as I criticized him for being soft Gimand was very skilled and they need that right now. Even Milbury gave them some bite. It really is like their whole spine was ripped out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 05:29:25 PM
Very impressed with Conn's workrate today especially in this heat.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 26, 2017, 05:52:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 02:44:43 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 26, 2017, 02:24:40 PM
Nice article on future Eph:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/winnetka/sports/ct-wtk-new-trier-boys-soccer-will-felitto-tl-0919-20170921-story.html


Now THAT is a kid that Williams could use...A 6'2 physical striker..however my cynical side say's if he was that good why would D1's pass on a kid of his size?  Anyhow with him and Oberg coming next fall that will be something to look for.

As much as I would like to see Trinity/Conn at 4pm I cannot possibly pass up Dortmund/Real Madrid...Will catch the 2nd Half

Sometimes the D1s don't pass on the kid...the kid passes on the D1s.  That isnt everyone's aspiration.

I wish I could have watched the Conn game; I am curioius now, to see if the game I had watched was uncharacteristic.  Although...I am not sure that Trinity is going to tell me that much new information.  But,  I haven't seen Trinity play yet.  I guess I will have to settle.through the vicarious reading of commentary.  ;) 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 05:55:41 PM
I do not know what my takeaway is from this Conn v Trinity match. How impressed I was with Conn or how disappointed I was with Trinity. I might have to re-think what I said about Trinity not going 0-10-0. They looked horrific today. They were barely in Conn's half the entire 2nd half and when they were they were giving the ball away each time. They have no skill going forward and very little workrate. Conn's GK sweated more in pre-game than the actual game. In fact if Marcucci was not in the net it still wouldn't of mattered. It's a good thing Trinity could care 2 sh*ts about soccer and only care about football because Pilger would be in some trouble with this bunch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 05:59:02 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 26, 2017, 05:52:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 02:44:43 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 26, 2017, 02:24:40 PM
Nice article on future Eph:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/winnetka/sports/ct-wtk-new-trier-boys-soccer-will-felitto-tl-0919-20170921-story.html


Now THAT is a kid that Williams could use...A 6'2 physical striker..however my cynical side say's if he was that good why would D1's pass on a kid of his size?  Anyhow with him and Oberg coming next fall that will be something to look for.

As much as I would like to see Trinity/Conn at 4pm I cannot possibly pass up Dortmund/Real Madrid...Will catch the 2nd Half

Sometimes the D1s don't pass on the kid...the kid passes on the D1s.  That isnt everyone's aspiration.

I wish I could have watched the Conn game; I am curioius now, to see if the game I had watched was uncharacteristic.  Although...I am not sure that Trinity is going to tell me that much new information.  But,  I haven't seen Trinity play yet.  I guess I will have to settle.through the vicarious reading of commentary.  ;)


No need to worry hun I am a fantastic surrogate. Maybe 20 years ago kids did not care as much but in my experience these kids today do not get missed by D1's and if they are that good the D1's will put enough pressure on the kid especially with scholarships that the kid will give in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2017, 06:07:32 PM
Gordon gets a 1-0 win at Colby as a goal six minutes in stands up. Colby might not get a ton of love on this forum (particularly when compared to other NESCACs), but, make no mistake, they are a decent side particularly compared to many of Gordon's peers in the CCC (I'm not saying that Colby is better than the entire CCC, but I think we can all agree the NESCAC as a conference is more competitive). That is a good win for the Fighting Scots, who have had some hard-luck losses on the road, and might be a momentum-builder.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4231CenterBack on September 26, 2017, 06:27:44 PM
IMO Colby is a 3rd to 5th place side in the CCC.  Endicott and Gordon clearly better.  Maybe Wentworth and WNE too.  Obviously the bottom half of the CCC is awful. Only saw today's match but Colby looked big, slow, and lacking ideas.  Might have been the oppressive heat....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 26, 2017, 06:44:48 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 26, 2017, 06:07:32 PM
Gordon gets a 1-0 win at Colby as a goal six minutes in stands up. Colby might not get a ton of love on this forum (particularly when compared to other NESCACs), but, make no mistake, they are a decent side particularly compared to many of Gordon's peers in the CCC (I'm not saying that Colby is better than the entire CCC, but I think we can all agree the NESCAC as a conference is more competitive). That is a good win for the Fighting Scots, who have had some hard-luck losses on the road, and might be a momentum-builder.

That is what I said, too.  I was impressed with Colby against Conn.  I thought it was kind of a "blue collar" team, without the "flashy" offensive "stars" that people seem to be drawn to in NESCAC soccer, but that they moved the ball well, their off-ball movement was good, and that they play pretty decent soccer.  I am looking forward to watching a bunch of their games to see how their bavk line is.  The game I watched didn't see their back line overly tested... most of the game was played on the ground in the middle.  It.made me wonder if their losses happen when their backline cant match up with the front-line speed/power that some of the "winning" programs throw at them. 

I am fairly new to watching NESCAC soccer,  but from last year, I thought that it seemed as if teams often won or lost based on whether or not their  forwards could out pace or out muscle the opposing backline on a breakaway.  (...and then could finish, of course...)

Any thoughts on that, re: Colby?  That is what I was wondering.  I did enjoy watching them move up and down the field as a cohesive unit.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2017, 07:28:40 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 26, 2017, 06:44:48 PM
That is what I said, too.  I was impressed with Colby against Conn.  I thought it was kind of a "blue collar" team, without the "flashy" offensive "stars" that people seem to be drawn to in NESCAC soccer, but that they moved the ball well, their off-ball movement was good, and that they play pretty decent soccer.  I am looking forward to watching a bunch of their games to see how their bavk line is.  The game I watched didn't see their back line overly tested... most of the game was played on the ground in the middle.  It.made me wonder if their losses happen when their backline cant match up with the front-line speed/power that some of the "winning" programs throw at them. 

I am fairly new to watching NESCAC soccer,  but from last year, I thought that it seemed as if teams often won or lost based on whether or not their  forwards could out pace or out muscle the opposing backline on a breakaway.  (...and then could finish, of course...)

Any thoughts on that, re: Colby?  That is what I was wondering.  I did enjoy watching them move up and down the field as a cohesive unit.

I've watched them a few times, but don't know them super well. From what I can tell, I would agree with your observations -- a solid team, but not a lot of offensive firepower, and could be overwhelmed defensively by the top NESCAC sides. I think part of the reason they're described in less-than-glowing terms is that they were pretty abysmal a couple of years back, dropping some non-conference clangers, and maybe that sentiment has carried over a bit. I think they have certainly improved even if not a top NESCAC side.

On another note, Mieth is starting in goal for Tufts tonight over Johnson. Interesting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 26, 2017, 07:59:24 PM
Anyone else having trouble with the Wesleyan/Tufts stream?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2017, 08:00:23 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 26, 2017, 07:59:24 PM
Anyone else having trouble with the Wesleyan/Tufts stream?

Yuuuuuuuuup.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 26, 2017, 08:01:25 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 26, 2017, 08:00:23 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 26, 2017, 07:59:24 PM
Anyone else having trouble with the Wesleyan/Tufts stream?

Yuuuuuuuuup.

Ok, cool. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't crazy/it was something with my computer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on September 26, 2017, 08:03:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 05:29:25 PM
Very impressed with Conn's workrate today especially in this heat.
That is one attribute you can always count on Murphy's team to possess.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2017, 08:03:53 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 26, 2017, 08:01:25 PM
Ok, cool. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't crazy/it was something with my computer.

Ditto. I'll try a different browser (currently on Chrome) and see if it helps.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 26, 2017, 08:22:53 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 05:59:02 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 26, 2017, 05:52:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 02:44:43 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 26, 2017, 02:24:40 PM
Nice article on future Eph:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/winnetka/sports/ct-wtk-new-trier-boys-soccer-will-felitto-tl-0919-20170921-story.html


Now THAT is a kid that Williams could use...A 6'2 physical striker..however my cynical side say's if he was that good why would D1's pass on a kid of his size?  Anyhow with him and Oberg coming next fall that will be something to look for.

As much as I would like to see Trinity/Conn at 4pm I cannot possibly pass up Dortmund/Real Madrid...Will catch the 2nd Half

Sometimes the D1s don't pass on the kid...the kid passes on the D1s.  That isnt everyone's aspiration.

I wish I could have watched the Conn game; I am curioius now, to see if the game I had watched was uncharacteristic.  Although...I am not sure that Trinity is going to tell me that much new information.  But,  I haven't seen Trinity play yet.  I guess I will have to settle.through the vicarious reading of commentary.  ;)


No need to worry hun I am a fantastic surrogate. Maybe 20 years ago kids did not care as much but in my experience these kids today do not get missed by D1's and if they are that good the D1's will put enough pressure on the kid especially with scholarships that the kid will give in.

I'm in no position to question your experience, Mr Right, any more than I can question anyone else's experience. You heard what you heard, you saw what you saw, and I didn't.

However, my experience differs from yours on the matter of very talented athletes always "giving in" to D1 scholarship offers. This must also happen at many other D3 schools in various sports, but I can't speak to that from my own experience. I can, however, point out that D1 Dartmouth College (where you probably have some friends, given your very wide knowledge of New England athletic programs) gives no scholarships for athletics and very successfully recruits at the highest national level for men's and women's cross country and other distance running events. I understand that even D3 Messiah can boast of three men who qualified for the Olympic trials in track & field, one in the decathlon (former soccer goalie Chris Boyles), one in the marathon (Brian Sell, who transferred to D1 Saint Francis and later finished 22nd at Beijing), and one in the 800 (Patrick Roach, a transfer from D3 Gettysburg).

If we limit things just to soccer at Messiah, I understand that Kai Kasiguran (a national HS AA) actually turned down a scholarship from Akron, who were at that time ranked #1 or 2 in D1. I know Kai personally; he's now a very successful accountant in the Philly area. He thought about playing in D1, and even though he later played professionally and narrowly missed (owing to an ill-timed injury) playing for the Chicago Fire, he really wanted to play at D3 Messiah or Wheaton, b/c he bought the religious mission of both schools (and he still does) and wanted to play in such an environment. Given that Kai was obviously a highly sought D1 level recruit, he stands as a clear counter-example to your claim.

It would be fair to point out that Kai went to college about a dozen years ago, and you were comparing players today with those of 20 years ago. OK. But, Jack Thompson was also a high D1 level prospect, and he played on the 2011 and 2012 champions (as well as the 2013 team that lost 1-0 to Tufts on a small, muddy field). I'm told that several current players were approached by various D1 teams, but I have personal knowledge of just two specific situations: senior Colby Thomas visited at least one ACC program, and (as you know) Danny Brandt spent just a few days at a very high level ACC program before deciding that the overall atmosphere was not what he wanted.

You are probably right that most highly sought players do accept a D1 scholarship at some level (many such are not full scholarships, since men's soccer can award only 9.9 for the whole team), but some decline those offers in favor of D3 schools for various reasons. As with athletes in other so-called "minor sports," they choose the school rather than the scholarship.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 26, 2017, 08:34:03 PM
Halftime....Tufts 13 fouls, Wesleyan 4
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on September 26, 2017, 08:50:26 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 26, 2017, 07:28:40 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 26, 2017, 06:44:48 PM
That is what I said, too.  I was impressed with Colby against Conn.  I thought it was kind of a "blue collar" team, without the "flashy" offensive "stars" that people seem to be drawn to in NESCAC soccer, but that they moved the ball well, their off-ball movement was good, and that they play pretty decent soccer.  I am looking forward to watching a bunch of their games to see how their bavk line is.  The game I watched didn't see their back line overly tested... most of the game was played on the ground in the middle.  It.made me wonder if their losses happen when their backline cant match up with the front-line speed/power that some of the "winning" programs throw at them. 

I am fairly new to watching NESCAC soccer,  but from last year, I thought that it seemed as if teams often won or lost based on whether or not their  forwards could out pace or out muscle the opposing backline on a breakaway.  (...and then could finish, of course...)

Any thoughts on that, re: Colby?  That is what I was wondering.  I did enjoy watching them move up and down the field as a cohesive unit.

I've watched them a few times, but don't know them super well. From what I can tell, I would agree with your observations -- a solid team, but not a lot of offensive firepower, and could be overwhelmed defensively by the top NESCAC sides. I think part of the reason they're described in less-than-glowing terms is that they were pretty abysmal a couple of years back, dropping some non-conference clangers, and maybe that sentiment has carried over a bit. I think they have certainly improved even if not a top NESCAC side.

On another note, Mieth is starting in goal for Tufts tonight over Johnson. Interesting.

Based on the one Colby game I saw, I'd agree with most of what you said, Blooter.  But the game I saw was the Tufts game, and I certainly don't think Colby was overwhelmed defensively.  Tufts had more opportunities, especially in the last 10 minutes and OT, but not overwhelmingly so.  There were significant stretches where Colby was carrying the play.  And if Tufts isn't a top NESCAC side, I don't know who is.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2017, 09:02:49 PM
Quote from: Buck O. on September 26, 2017, 08:50:26 PM
Based on the one Colby game I saw, I'd agree with most of what you said, Blooter.  But the game I saw was the Tufts game, and I certainly don't think Colby was overwhelmed defensively.  Tufts had more opportunities, especially in the last 10 minutes and OT, but not overwhelmingly so.  There were significant stretches where Colby was carrying the play.  And if Tufts isn't a top NESCAC side, I don't know who is.

I didn't see that game in person, but that sounds pretty consistent with what others have said about that match.

As far as their defensive qualities, what I mean is that Colby is the kind of team that -- I think -- could hold firm against a Tufts or an Amherst or a Middlebury for a good amount of regulation and perhaps even overtime, but would end up conceding a goal at some point or another. I remember a couple of years back they held Amherst scoreless for 70 minutes but eventually broke in the last 20 minutes. Of course, that was the year that the latter won the national title, so that's perhaps understandable, but you get where I'm going.

Speaking of Tufts, 2-0 up on Wesleyan and bossing SOG. Even watching them against Brandeis, they looked pretty comfortable defensively -- Lynch sent one just wide but, other than that, the closest came when Johnson dropped a high service into the box and reclaimed it. With no goals conceded so far, Coleman has done a fantastic job leading that back line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2017, 09:13:28 PM
Weatherbie gets in on the act, 3-0. This was looking like a difficult test for Tufts but they have been rampant.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 26, 2017, 09:20:53 PM
Shapiro has a machine rolling there at Tufts....who, at the moment, are the top D3 soccer program in the country.  How good would an Elite 8 or national semi be with Tufts vs Messiah?  I'm serious, if Tufts played Calvin tomorrow, I'd bet on Tufts.  Maybe Chicago can beat them.  Tufts looks like a D1 team playing D3 schools.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 10:23:05 PM
Quote from: Falconer on September 26, 2017, 08:22:53 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 05:59:02 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 26, 2017, 05:52:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 02:44:43 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 26, 2017, 02:24:40 PM
Nice article on future Eph:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/winnetka/sports/ct-wtk-new-trier-boys-soccer-will-felitto-tl-0919-20170921-story.html


Now THAT is a kid that Williams could use...A 6'2 physical striker..however my cynical side say's if he was that good why would D1's pass on a kid of his size?  Anyhow with him and Oberg coming next fall that will be something to look for.

As much as I would like to see Trinity/Conn at 4pm I cannot possibly pass up Dortmund/Real Madrid...Will catch the 2nd Half

Sometimes the D1s don't pass on the kid...the kid passes on the D1s.  That isnt everyone's aspiration.

I wish I could have watched the Conn game; I am curioius now, to see if the game I had watched was uncharacteristic.  Although...I am not sure that Trinity is going to tell me that much new information.  But,  I haven't seen Trinity play yet.  I guess I will have to settle.through the vicarious reading of commentary.  ;)


No need to worry hun I am a fantastic surrogate. Maybe 20 years ago kids did not care as much but in my experience these kids today do not get missed by D1's and if they are that good the D1's will put enough pressure on the kid especially with scholarships that the kid will give in.

I'm in no position to question your experience, Mr Right, any more than I can question anyone else's experience. You heard what you heard, you saw what you saw, and I didn't.

However, my experience differs from yours on the matter of very talented athletes always "giving in" to D1 scholarship offers. This must also happen at many other D3 schools in various sports, but I can't speak to that from my own experience. I can, however, point out that D1 Dartmouth College (where you probably have some friends, given your very wide knowledge of New England athletic programs) gives no scholarships for athletics and very successfully recruits at the highest national level for men's and women's cross country and other distance running events. I understand that even D3 Messiah can boast of three men who qualified for the Olympic trials in track & field, one in the decathlon (former soccer goalie Chris Boyles), one in the marathon (Brian Sell, who transferred to D1 Saint Francis and later finished 22nd at Beijing), and one in the 800 (Patrick Roach, a transfer from D3 Gettysburg).

If we limit things just to soccer at Messiah, I understand that Kai Kasiguran (a national HS AA) actually turned down a scholarship from Akron, who were at that time ranked #1 or 2 in D1. I know Kai personally; he's now a very successful accountant in the Philly area. He thought about playing in D1, and even though he later played professionally and narrowly missed (owing to an ill-timed injury) playing for the Chicago Fire, he really wanted to play at D3 Messiah or Wheaton, b/c he bought the religious mission of both schools (and he still does) and wanted to play in such an environment. Given that Kai was obviously a highly sought D1 level recruit, he stands as a clear counter-example to your claim.

It would be fair to point out that Kai went to college about a dozen years ago, and you were comparing players today with those of 20 years ago. OK. But, Jack Thompson was also a high D1 level prospect, and he played on the 2011 and 2012 champions (as well as the 2013 team that lost 1-0 to Tufts on a small, muddy field). I'm told that several current players were approached by various D1 teams, but I have personal knowledge of just two specific situations: senior Colby Thomas visited at least one ACC program, and (as you know) Danny Brandt spent just a few days at a very high level ACC program before deciding that the overall atmosphere was not what he wanted.

You are probably right that most highly sought players do accept a D1 scholarship at some level (many such are not full scholarships, since men's soccer can award only 9.9 for the whole team), but some decline those offers in favor of D3 schools for various reasons. As with athletes in other so-called "minor sports," they choose the school rather than the scholarship.


We have discussed this over and over and as I have said in the past that Messiah is a different animal. Obviously, they have had serious D1 level players on that team. It goes back to the argument that Messiah allowed these kids the opportunity to play a high level of soccer and also a place where they could integrate their Christian faith and since there are extremely limited options in D1 at the time and probably still Dave Brandt understood how to sell his school to these types of kids...Williams had legit D1 Jamaicans(2 that played and contributed in MLS, not sure Messiah got that from theirs) that fell thru the cracks of even the Ivies. That would not happen today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2017, 10:34:09 PM
I didn't catch the Wesleyan v Tufts match. Was it total domination or did Wesleyan have any chances? I still say he should have never played that game on the turf but I thought the turf might help Wesleyan play faster to feet and move the ball even though I knew Wesleyan would probably get manhandled physically which in itself can get you off your game. However, they have had so much recent success against Amherst the past couple years I thought they could somehow deal with that. Oh well off to Hamilton this weekend then a stretch of 6 games in 14 days with a Colby/Midd back to back at home, midweek at Trinity, v Williams, midweek at Wheaton and at Amherst. All games I would give them a chance to win as long as they put tonight behind them and do not let it ruin a solid start to 2017.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 26, 2017, 11:26:54 PM
To contribute to the D1 v. D3 discussion... I think there are cases where someone that could play D1 opts for D3, but I agree w/ Mr. Right that they are likely rare. I think we can list a decent number of reasons/cases where that might happen, but while acknowledging these cases are rather rather for the most part. Hell, I'll even put a number on it: a rough estimation of what percentage of NESCAC or powerhouse D3 (wheaton, messiah, calvin, Brandeis, etc.) players fall into this

1. Religion (1%)
2. Legacy (1%)
3. Wants to go to the best computer science school possible, not good enough to play at Stanford so looks for MIT, CMU, Cal Tech (1.5%)
4. All the mid or low level at soccer but high level at academics schools have filled their spots with "better" players, and isn't willing to go to a worse school (say UMASS) in order to play D1 (3%, and I'd guess most of the good NESCAC players)
5. Wants to join the coast guard (0.01% haha)
6. Wants to play multiple sports, and I'd wager the most common second sport is lax followed by hockey (2%)
7. Parents are affiliated with D3 school and get cheap tuition (0.2%)
8. Simply cares more about choosing the right school than what division the soccer team is in (1.5%)
9. Would actually prefer D3 to D1 (1%)

Lots of little factors here, but together they add up to a decent number of players that you might say "are D1 caliber" players, but end up choosing D3 schools. My numbers themselves are obviously worthless, but I think you get the idea. Also, lets remember that all of us probably speculating and wildly biased by our own experiences.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 26, 2017, 11:51:28 PM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 26, 2017, 11:26:54 PM
To contribute to the D1 v. D3 discussion... I think there are cases where someone that could play D1 opts for D3, but I agree w/ Mr. Right that they are likely rare. I think we can list a decent number of reasons/cases where that might happen, but while acknowledging these cases are rather rather for the most part. Hell, I'll even put a number on it: a rough estimation of what percentage of NESCAC or powerhouse D3 (wheaton, messiah, calvin, Brandeis, etc.) players fall into this

1. Religion (1%)
2. Legacy (1%)
3. Wants to go to the best computer science school possible, not good enough to play at Stanford so looks for MIT, CMU, Cal Tech (1.5%)
4. All the mid or low level at soccer but high level at academics schools have filled their spots with "better" players, and isn't willing to go to a worse school (say UMASS) in order to play D1 (3%, and I'd guess most of the good NESCAC players)
5. Wants to join the coast guard (0.01% haha)
6. Wants to play multiple sports, and I'd wager the most common second sport is lax followed by hockey (2%)
7. Parents are affiliated with D3 school and get cheap tuition (0.2%)
8. Simply cares more about choosing the right school than what division the soccer team is in (1.5%)
9. Would actually prefer D3 to D1 (1%)

Lots of little factors here, but together they add up to a decent number of players that you might say "are D1 caliber" players, but end up choosing D3 schools. My numbers themselves are obviously worthless, but I think you get the idea. Also, lets remember that all of us probably speculating and wildly biased by our own experiences.

One of my kids was recruited by multiple high-level D1s.  And another one was courted by multiple low-level D1s.  All of my kids have chosen based on school preference.  But... all of my kids, including the two with D1 offers, preferred D3 soccer.  They didn't want to be obligated to (one son actually said "owned"by) a soccer program.
Plus -- American and Marquette both said they didn't allow players to do study abroads. And there were going to be limitations on summer internships. 

I worked for a pretty highlevel club for a long time.  We sent multiple players to the national teams in that time...  and sent many players to D1s.  But encouraged players to look for their academic fit first, rather than just making soccer decisions.  We had a whole recruiting-prep program that u15+ Academy and pre-Academy team members were required to participate in. 

And this was a good academy level club with multiple players going on to wear USA jerseys ...  telling their players that college is more than soccer.

I think that there are definitely "D1 caliber" players who choose D3... more often than you think.  There certainly are great reasons to do so... 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 27, 2017, 07:25:52 AM
I agree with SoccerMom and Cac.aholic's observations.  It's simply inaccurate to state that--and I'm paraphrasing here--that all D1 caliber soccer players are ultimately lured into playing D1 by the siren song of scholarships and/or the level of competition.  One of my sons played for Brown (during a time they were perennially ranked in the top 20 and one year ended up #2 at the end of the regular season).  My other son played for Bowdoin.  Both received great educations, but my older son has some regret that he didn't have much opportunity to explore the broader Brown community beyond his soccer buddies during his four years there.  That's all to say that some high caliber players intentionally choose D3 because of quality academics and the more balanced lifestyle...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on September 27, 2017, 08:31:22 AM
I'll chime in with my experience, albeit 25 years ago.  I was an invited walk-on to a A-10 school (i.e. no money offered). After the first day, I realized that in order to be successful at this level, you needed to be 110% committed - eat, breathe, live the game. It was a job. Many players were getting paid (scholarship) to play.  It wasn't for me.  I left after day two, but enjoyed my freshman year at the school (and supporting the team as a fan).

Ultimately, I decided to transfer because I didn't want the big school experience and felt a small liberal arts school was more appropriate for me.  A friend was playing soccer in a competitive D3 program and suggested I consider transferring there.  I visited, really liked the school, got along great with the players and coach, and decided that was where I wanted to be.  I transferred in my sophomore year and played all 20 games as the first or second one off the bench. My Junior year I started, led the team in scoring and earned All-Conference.  In the spring I studied abroad in Australia.  My Senior year was equally successful and I graduated with a job starting the first week in June. Oh year, and I met my wife there too. I'm on record as saying it was absolutely the best decision I ever made to walk away from the D1 program.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 27, 2017, 09:33:14 AM
Ugh.....You both are giving me examples of looking back and wishing I had done something differently. That is the easy part. Remember I am talking about "special" players NOT the 20th guy on a D1 roster that would be in a D3 starting line-up and be productive. That is easier for the player and parent to go D3. SPECIAL players that come along every couple of years or in Messiah's case every year and at the start of this century for Williams every year. SPECIAL PLAYERS not solid players. There is a big difference and for a D3 program to get one of these SPECIAL players nowadays is VERY difficult. They just do not slip thru the cracks anymore. In Nescac maybe a Rashid before the ACL's but that is a stretch, maybe Bull as he could have possibly dominated in net for a D1. Maybe Santos if he were a couple inches taller. On and on we go
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 27, 2017, 09:54:31 AM
Skidmore at Williams---This is an interesting non-league matchup. Skidmore has not lost a game but their out of conference schedule has been weak. They did beat Union and battle back to score late to tie Hobart with 10 men for 55 minutes. In the physical battle with Hobart over the weekend the recap states that the teams combined for 37 fouls and 7 yellow cards plus Santos' red. Skidmore picked up 23 of the 37 fouls which is insane. There was basically a foul once every two minutes. When I saw those two teams last year it was also a physical battle so obviously Hobart / Skidmore has turned into quite a rivalry. I am interested to see how Skidmore approaches this game especially without Santos. Will they sit deep and counter? Will they play straight up and take chances? Will they rely on Okoye to work his magic and get a goal then sit back? I have not seen them play this year. Williams will have to replace Scatt McDonald as he also got a red against Bates. Who do they move in the middle with Meullers? More importantly, who comes off the bench to play right back? If Skidmore attacks Williams' wingbacks they can be beaten just ask McMillan of Amherst who was burning Williams left back all day but did not have the composure to either play a nice final ball or finish himself. The past 3-4 years this game has been a battle with each team winning once and comeback draw last year for Skidmore. Williams coming off a back to back plus it will be another scorching day. 1-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 27, 2017, 10:33:18 AM
Mostly agree with Mr.Right.  If you choose D3, even assuming there was a choice, you chose D3.  Never have understood the necessity of these qualifiers "went D3 but coulda played D1."  Very, very few superstar D1 talents choose D3.  The NESCAC types can choose Ivies or other stellar D1 academic choices like Duke, Michigan, UVA, UCLA, William&Mary, Bucknell, Colgate, etc, etc.  This is also very much a demographics issue.  You NEVER hear about a totally legit D1 basketball prospect "choosing" to go D3 because he can "study abroad."  And while is definitely less pressure and a different vibe for the most part, guess who D3 players for the most part hang out with socially?  Mainly the other soccer players and maybe some other athletes.  Of course there are exceptions, but focusing on exceptions distorts the overall picture.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 27, 2017, 12:40:41 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 26, 2017, 09:20:53 PM
Shapiro has a machine rolling there at Tufts....who, at the moment, are the top D3 soccer program in the country.  How good would an Elite 8 or national semi be with Tufts vs Messiah?  I'm serious, if Tufts played Calvin tomorrow, I'd bet on Tufts.  Maybe Chicago can beat them.  Tufts looks like a D1 team playing D3 schools.

You hear that, BF/Nutmeg? ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 27, 2017, 01:27:47 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 27, 2017, 10:33:18 AM
Mostly agree with Mr.Right.  If you choose D3, even assuming there was a choice, you chose D3.  Never have understood the necessity of these qualifiers "went D3 but coulda played D1."  Very, very few superstar D1 talents choose D3.  The NESCAC types can choose Ivies or other stellar D1 academic choices like Duke, Michigan, UVA, UCLA, William&Mary, Bucknell, Colgate, etc, etc.  This is also very much a demographics issue.  You NEVER hear about a totally legit D1 basketball prospect "choosing" to go D3 because he can "study abroad."  And while is definitely less pressure and a different vibe for the most part, guess who D3 players for the most part hang out with socially?  Mainly the other soccer players and maybe some other athletes.  Of course there are exceptions, but focusing on exceptions distorts the overall picture.

Seems like we're all doing some parsing here.  I was referring to D1 vs. D3 college choices in general terms.  If some of you are more specifically talking about "special" or "uber talented" D1 prospects, then yes they are far more likely to play D1 vs. D3...or if we take this to logical extremes...skip college altogether and go straight into professional soccer through their academy club...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 27, 2017, 02:25:19 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on September 27, 2017, 08:31:22 AM
I'll chime in with my experience, albeit 25 years ago.  I was an invited walk-on to a A-10 school (i.e. no money offered). After the first day, I realized that in order to be successful at this level, you needed to be 110% committed - eat, breathe, live the game. It was a job. Many players were getting paid (scholarship) to play.  It wasn't for me.  I left after day two, but enjoyed my freshman year at the school (and supporting the team as a fan).

Ultimately, I decided to transfer because I didn't want the big school experience and felt a small liberal arts school was more appropriate for me.  A friend was playing soccer in a competitive D3 program and suggested I consider transferring there.  I visited, really liked the school, got along great with the players and coach, and decided that was where I wanted to be.  I transferred in my sophomore year and played all 20 games as the first or second one off the bench. My Junior year I started, led the team in scoring and earned All-Conference.  In the spring I studied abroad in Australia.  My Senior year was equally successful and I graduated with a job starting the first week in June. Oh year, and I met my wife there too. I'm on record as saying it was absolutely the best decision I ever made to walk away from the D1 program.

That's a great story, thanks for sharing! My alma mater has a number of players who transferred from D1 programs in the last six or so years (I can remember at least five) and have come in and made a difference. From what I've understand, they've all been very happy with that decision.

Sometimes a player might choose to go D1 but for whatever reason D3 ends up working out better. Sometimes it's a question of "Do I stay in this D1 program, not play much, and get a decent education, or transfer to a D3, get to play a lot, and get an upgrade in terms of academics?" Not the case for all, of course, but I think that thought process often applies when transfers to high-level LACs/research universities are concerned.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 27, 2017, 09:46:07 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 27, 2017, 02:25:19 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on September 27, 2017, 08:31:22 AM
I'll chime in with my experience, albeit 25 years ago.  I was an invited walk-on to a A-10 school (i.e. no money offered). After the first day, I realized that in order to be successful at this level, you needed to be 110% committed - eat, breathe, live the game. It was a job. Many players were getting paid (scholarship) to play.  It wasn't for me.  I left after day two, but enjoyed my freshman year at the school (and supporting the team as a fan).

Ultimately, I decided to transfer because I didn't want the big school experience and felt a small liberal arts school was more appropriate for me.  A friend was playing soccer in a competitive D3 program and suggested I consider transferring there.  I visited, really liked the school, got along great with the players and coach, and decided that was where I wanted to be.  I transferred in my sophomore year and played all 20 games as the first or second one off the bench. My Junior year I started, led the team in scoring and earned All-Conference.  In the spring I studied abroad in Australia.  My Senior year was equally successful and I graduated with a job starting the first week in June. Oh year, and I met my wife there too. I'm on record as saying it was absolutely the best decision I ever made to walk away from the D1 program.

That's a great story, thanks for sharing! My alma mater has a number of players who transferred from D1 programs in the last six or so years (I can remember at least five) and have come in and made a difference. From what I've understand, they've all been very happy with that decision.

Sometimes a player might choose to go D1 but for whatever reason D3 ends up working out better. Sometimes it's a question of "Do I stay in this D1 program, not play much, and get a decent education, or transfer to a D3, get to play a lot, and get an upgrade in terms of academics?" Not the case for all, of course, but I think that thought process often applies when transfers to high-level LACs/research universities are concerned.

But... why are you assuming the kid was not playing much?  I know kids who were freaking STARS who decided on D3 schools.  I know two kids who had chances with the u17 National team who decided to play D3. 
I know another kid who is in a D1 program now, but...whe. he was 15, he was called up permanently and put in the residency program, in Bradenton, but who left the residency program in less than a year, because the tutors were so crappy. And... it was not an issue that he "not play much" ... he was a starting midfielder for the USMNT u17 team -- at age 15. (  And his dad, who had played professionally and coached at the academy,  supported that choice to leave... )

I also know a kid who was recruited D1 with a great package and told he was expected to "make an immediate impact" at a D1 school, who chose D3... (this is also a kid who was selected to play an exhibition match with the national team in Bradenton and played 90 minutes in that game... although he was not selected for residency, in the end ) 
And... get this... sat the bench his first year at the D3 school... along with a couple of the other kids he said were really good players... because you can't really judge what "caliber" of kid you have when you put them in that situatuon.

Also -- there are not really that many great D1 programs.  So after you fall out of the top 50 or so... you might as well play in the NESCAC... says a kid I know who did D1 soccer flyouts and then chose to play in the NESCAC.

Everyone doesnt make educational choices that will impact them for the rest of their lives by designation of the soccer team ... and that is equally true for "special" players.  At least for the smart ones.

Kudos to those kids who do play D1...if that is what makes them happy.   

But, how about we acknowledge that some kids who play D3 do so because that is what makes them happy and not because they lacked talent to begin with.

In fact... it has been my observation that it is pretty difficult to properly assess real soccer IQ in the NESCAC, ans maybe some other D3 teams. .  Our kids tell us that a lot of really good players who really understand the game come in and sit, because they keep trying to play the soccer they were expected to play in the academy and that is not what the coach is looking for.   So, they may sit til they figure out that the coach doesn't want that from them. 

Anyway, that is my "thing" for the week I guess...   I see no reason to assume that these kids "couldn't make it" in D1, so they "settled" for a good education instead.  It is kind of rude to the kids and is fairly  cycinal as social commentary.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on September 27, 2017, 09:58:08 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 27, 2017, 09:46:07 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 27, 2017, 02:25:19 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on September 27, 2017, 08:31:22 AM
I'll chime in with my experience, albeit 25 years ago.  I was an invited walk-on to a A-10 school (i.e. no money offered). After the first day, I realized that in order to be successful at this level, you needed to be 110% committed - eat, breathe, live the game. It was a job. Many players were getting paid (scholarship) to play.  It wasn't for me.  I left after day two, but enjoyed my freshman year at the school (and supporting the team as a fan).

Ultimately, I decided to transfer because I didn't want the big school experience and felt a small liberal arts school was more appropriate for me.  A friend was playing soccer in a competitive D3 program and suggested I consider transferring there.  I visited, really liked the school, got along great with the players and coach, and decided that was where I wanted to be.  I transferred in my sophomore year and played all 20 games as the first or second one off the bench. My Junior year I started, led the team in scoring and earned All-Conference.  In the spring I studied abroad in Australia.  My Senior year was equally successful and I graduated with a job starting the first week in June. Oh year, and I met my wife there too. I'm on record as saying it was absolutely the best decision I ever made to walk away from the D1 program.

That's a great story, thanks for sharing! My alma mater has a number of players who transferred from D1 programs in the last six or so years (I can remember at least five) and have come in and made a difference. From what I've understand, they've all been very happy with that decision.

Sometimes a player might choose to go D1 but for whatever reason D3 ends up working out better. Sometimes it's a question of "Do I stay in this D1 program, not play much, and get a decent education, or transfer to a D3, get to play a lot, and get an upgrade in terms of academics?" Not the case for all, of course, but I think that thought process often applies when transfers to high-level LACs/research universities are concerned.

But... why are you assuming the kid was not playing much?  I know kids who were freaking STARS who decided on D3 schools.  I know two kids who had chances with the u17 National team who decided to play D3. 
I know another kid who is in a D1 program now, but...whe. he was 15, he was called up permanently and put in the residency program, in Bradenton, but who left the residency program in less than a year, because the tutors were so crappy. And... it was not an issue that he "not play much" ... he was a starting midfielder for the USMNT u17 team -- at age 15. (  And his dad, who had played professionally and coached at the academy,  supported that choice to leave... )

I also know a kid who was recruited D1 with a great package and told he was expected to "make an immediate impact" at a D1 school, who chose D3... (this is also a kid who was selected to play an exhibition match with the national team in Bradenton and played 90 minutes in that game... although he was not selected for residency, in the end ) 
And... get this... sat the bench his first year at the D3 school... along with a couple of the other kids he said were really good players... because you can't really judge what "caliber" of kid you have when you put them in that situatuon.

Also -- there are not really that many great D1 programs.  So after you fall out of the top 50 or so... you might as well play in the NESCAC... says a kid I know who did D1 soccer flyouts and then chose to play in the NESCAC.

Everyone doesnt make educational choices that will impact them for the rest of their lives by designation of the soccer team ... and that is equally true for "special" players.  At least for the smart ones.

Kudos to those kids who do play D1...if that is what makes them happy.   

But, how about we acknowledge that some kids who play D3 do so because that is what makes them happy and not because they lacked talent to begin with.

In fact... it has been my observation that it is pretty difficult to properly assess real soccer IQ in the NESCAC, ans maybe some other D3 teams. .  Our kids tell us that a lot of really good players who really understand the game come in and sit, because they keep trying to play the soccer they were expected to play in the academy and that is not what the coach is looking for.   So, they may sit til they figure out that the coach doesn't want that from them. 

Anyway, that is my "thing" for the week I guess...   I see no reason to assume that these kids "couldn't make it" in D1, so they "settled" for a good education instead.  It is kind of rude to the kids and is fairly  cycinal as social commentary.

There definitely are players like this.. probably not as many as those that chose a d3 over a patriot league, A10, etc. I know of a recent Kenyon player that transfered from PC after freshman year..even getting solid minutes as a freshman..who was not able to spend the time necessary on academics at PC.. missing labs, etc. He was a Dallas academy player. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 27, 2017, 10:05:25 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 26, 2017, 09:20:53 PM
Shapiro has a machine rolling there at Tufts....who, at the moment, are the top D3 soccer program in the country.  How good would an Elite 8 or national semi be with Tufts vs Messiah?  I'm serious, if Tufts played Calvin tomorrow, I'd bet on Tufts.  Maybe Chicago can beat them.  Tufts looks like a D1 team playing D3 schools.

Looking forward to the Tufts-Amherst game this weekend.  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 27, 2017, 10:45:13 PM
Whoa we got a live one here....NURSE gonna need that whole bottle of valium NOW...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 27, 2017, 10:47:20 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 27, 2017, 09:46:07 PM
But... why are you assuming the kid was not playing much? 

Wow, ok!

I never made the assumption that the kid(s) did not play much. In fact, I said, "Sometimes it's a question of "Do I stay in this D1 program, not play much, and get a decent education, or transfer to a D3, get to play a lot, and get an upgrade in terms of academics?" Not the case for all, of course, but I think that thought process often applies when transfers to high-level LACs/research universities are concerned."

Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 27, 2017, 09:46:07 PM
I know kids who were freaking STARS who decided on D3 schools.  I know
two kids who had chances with the u17 National team who decided to play D3.

Great for them (not being facetious, I think that is awesome)! I also know guys on the team I support who picked that D3 program over D1 offers. That said, these are examples of anecdotal evidence, and -- I would imagine -- more the exception than the norm.

Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 27, 2017, 09:46:07 PM
I know another kid who is in a D1 program now, but...whe. he was 15, he was called up permanently and put in the residency program, in Bradenton, but who left the residency program in less than a year, because the tutors were so crappy. And... it was not an issue that he "not play much" ... he was a starting midfielder for the USMNT u17 team -- at age 15. (  And his dad, who had played professionally and coached at the academy,  supported that choice to leave... )

I also know a kid who was recruited D1 with a great package and told he was expected to "make an immediate impact" at a D1 school, who chose D3... (this is also a kid who was selected to play an exhibition match with the national team in Bradenton and played 90 minutes in that game... although he was not selected for residency, in the end ) 
And... get this... sat the bench his first year at the D3 school... along with a couple of the other kids he said were really good players... because you can't really judge what "caliber" of kid you have when you put them in that situatuon.

I have seen these situations, too. I know of one D1 transfer who came in to the D3 program I followed and hardly played.

It sounds like you know a lot of high-quality players. That said, I'd say -- much like my observation in an earlier paragraph -- these are examples of anecdotal evidence, which I'd understand you raising if I had indeed said that "any player who leaves a D1 program and transfers to a D3 does so because they weren't good enough." However, I never said that -- I simply outlined the thought process that some of them likely undertook. A generalization, of course, but most observations on these forums are generalized, as no two situations are identical.

I would agree with PaulNewman's observation about some good players choosing to go D3 over D1 but very, very few superstars choosing D3 over D1. Sure, it might happen occasionally, but I would imagine that it's the exception rather than the norm.

Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 27, 2017, 09:46:07 PM
Also -- there are not really that many great D1 programs.  So after you fall out of the top 50 or so... you might as well play in the NESCAC... says a kid I know who did D1 soccer flyouts and then chose to play in the NESCAC.

I would agree with this, although there are also great schools with excellent D3 soccer programs in places other than the NESCAC -- UAA, Centennial Conference, MIT, Kenyon, etc.

Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 27, 2017, 09:46:07 PM
Everyone doesnt make educational choices that will impact them for the rest of their lives by designation of the soccer team ... and that is equally true for "special" players.  At least for the smart ones.

Kudos to those kids who do play D1...if that is what makes them happy.   

But, how about we acknowledge that some kids who play D3 do so because that is what makes them happy and not because they lacked talent to begin with.

I also agree with this. Having gone to a university that emphasizes academics yet also has a high-caliber D3 soccer program, I can say that I know of multiple kids who turned down D1 programs to go to a (in their minds) superior school that happened to be D3. Even so, I would say that saying "some kids choose to play D3 over D1" is as much of a generalization as "some kids aren't good enough for D1 and choose to transfer to a D3 program." Both may be true in certain circumstances, but not in every circumstance.

Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 27, 2017, 09:46:07 PM
In fact... it has been my observation that it is pretty difficult to properly assess real soccer IQ in the NESCAC, ans maybe some other D3 teams. .  Our kids tell us that a lot of really good players who really understand the game come in and sit, because they keep trying to play the soccer they were expected to play in the academy and that is not what the coach is looking for.   So, they may sit til they figure out that the coach doesn't want that from them. 

I've also seen this happen -- kids come in as freshmen and play a lot, but not so much the next year or the year after. Sometimes you simply have better recruiting classes than others, or -- perhaps a better way to say this would be -- the kid (or kids) coming in during a given year fit better into the plan/system/etc. than others did.

Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 27, 2017, 09:46:07 PM
Anyway, that is my "thing" for the week I guess...   I see no reason to assume that these kids "couldn't make it" in D1, so they "settled" for a good education instead.  It is kind of rude to the kids and is fairly  cycinal as social commentary.

I made no assumption that these kids "couldn't make it." Sure, I made a generalization about the thought process of some kids choosing to leave a D1 program to go to a D3, but I thought I'd made it pretty clear that it was a generalization and not an assumption. In fact, the only assumption being made is you assuming that I assumed (that does read kind of funny, I must say) all kids who transferred to or chose D3 programs weren't good enough to play D1, which I absolutely did not.

Rather, what I said was that -- for those who weren't playing much or, for whatever reason, wasn't a good fit -- some may choose to go to a D3 that is superior academically. And unless you are in the less-than-one-percent of players going pro, then I'd be more concerned with where I went to school than the caliber of my soccer team. Thus, I think it would behoove them to get a good education, rather than be "settling" for such a thing.

If you interpreted it to be rude and cynical social commentary, then ultimately that is your interpretation. I am not going to tell you your interpretation was incorrect. That said, it certainly was not the way it was intended, and hopefully you understand where I'm coming from now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 27, 2017, 11:12:46 PM
Let's cut to the chase.  For those you defending the "D3s were really good to very good D1 talents" idea, please tell us this....what % of D3 players even in the top 3rd of D3 programs do you truly believe would have been legit starters or stars for D1 schools on a similar level (or higher) than their D3s?

I can tell you this....IF MY kid had been on the U17NT and would have been a 3-4 year starter at a very good D1 -- Duke, UVA, Harvard, Bucknell, etc, etc....he would of gone to one of those.  Period.  And I'd like to hear how you answer the D1 basketball comparison?  What accounts for the difference?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 28, 2017, 01:01:03 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 27, 2017, 11:12:46 PM
And I'd like to hear how you answer the D1 basketball comparison?  What accounts for the difference?

That's simple, IMO. It comes down to numbers, two numbers.

First, D1 men's basketball coaches can hand out 13 scholarships, and all of them must be full scholarships (by rule). Only five men can play at any one time. On most teams, no more than 10 men get much PT, with the lion's share probably going to just 7 or 8. With only rare exceptions, every single man who takes the floor has a full ride. The talent is deep among most tournament teams.

D1 soccer coaches must divide 9.9 scholarships among 20-25 men. If (say) five get full rides at any one time, that's not much $ to hand out to HS players with enough talent to play in D1, but not at the highest level.

Conclusion: Men who ride the bench in basketball still get full rides. Quite a few starters in soccer get very little in scholarship $ by comparison. This is a huge factor in understanding why we can't compare these two sports on anything close to an even basis. Virtually no D3 basketball team stands a chance against a bottom-rung D1 team. I am aware of just one D3 basketball player who had a truly successful NBA career: Jack Sikma of Illinois Wesleyan and the Supersonics. (Perhaps I'm missing some others; please chime in if so. Also, I am just assuming that IWU was a D3 school at the time; they are now.)

Second number: Soccer players in America basically don't get the big bucks that are available in the other major league sports. Shortstops who hit just .235 can make many millions annually, and the MLB minimum salary (I did say minimum) is now above half a million. (Incidentally, one Messiah alum is a ML player, Chris Heisey.) In basketball the money is through the roof.

Conclusion: When compared with basketball, the return on investment for professional American soccer players is almost dismal.

Overall conclusion: If you are a really good HS soccer player, all-state, but you aren't (say) Ned Grabevoy and you aren't offered a full ride to play for Jerry Yeagley and you're pretty sure you'll never play MLS, why not visit those four D3 schools that are trying to recruit you? They might actually offer you more $ for academics than the mid-or-low level D1 school (where you might start for a couple of years) offers you for soccer. And, chances are they are better academically than the D1 schools, or at least you're likely to get a lot more personal time with the faculty members in your field. This can be a no-brainer, depending on the D3 program and school. On the other hand, if you're a very good HS basketball player, maybe even all-state, you probably aren't going to get offered by Kentucky, but you stand an excellent chance of getting an entirely free education at a D1 school. Lots of D1s have good academics with coaches who care about that (I will hold my tongue about Kentucky), so what's to gain by playing in D3 where you'll never be on TV?

Q.E.D.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 28, 2017, 01:16:48 AM
Not many years ago, the best HS soccer player in PA (indisputably) decided not to go D1. He didn't go D3, either. Instead, he went straight to Germany and now is the star player for Borussia Dortmund. I mean Christian Pulisic, of course. The truly exceptional player does have options above D1. That would still be true in basketball, if the NBA did the right thing (IMO) and got rid of the rule about not drafting players right out of HS--or if the NCAA did the right thing (IMO) and didn't allow D1 students to play a sport until after they've completed 24 hours of college credit with a certain GPA. That would sure as heck fix this ridiculous situation, in which so-called "student-athletes" play a full season but stop attending classes after Christmas break (if not earlier). D3 needs no such rule, as everyone here knows, but D1 absolutely does.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 28, 2017, 07:47:10 AM
Falconer, when you go after UK I hope you'll be fair and after Duke just as hard on the one and done deal, and after UNC as well for other reasons.

Pulisic? How is he in this debate? I guess if he didn't go pro he was headed to Messiah, Dickinson or Camden.

And I suppose the actual D1 players are really the actual D3 level players. Great players don't play D1 just because of scholarship money. They play because they want the highest level of competition available to them. Let's not focus on just the exceptions.

Rudy, my memory is that the Kenyon kid didn't play much at all at PC. Also, definitely a nice player...could use him this year...but I don't believe even made all conference in D3.

Choosing Williams over a Patriot League school is one thing. Even with no scholarships you'll rarely find a truly legit D1 impact player who is going to choose Williams over Harvard or high end places like Duke, UVA, etc. And that's Williams, the cream of the crop in D3 land.

I will admit D3 is broader than I like to think. There are kids still playing at places like RIC and UMass Dartmouth who by age should have been done 4-5 years ago. What exactly are they doing? Transferring around multiple D3s just to play soccer makes no sense to me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 28, 2017, 08:34:49 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 28, 2017, 07:47:10 AM

Pulisic? How is he in this debate? I guess if he didn't go pro he was headed to Messiah, Dickinson or Camden.

And I suppose the actual D1 players are really the actual D3 level players. Great players don't play D1 just because of scholarship money. They play because they want the highest level of competition available to them. Let's not focus on just the exceptions.


A very fair question, PN. I wrote that pretty late at night and didn't connect the dots. Let me do that now.

I brought Pulisic into this b/c he is indeed a truly exceptional case. Others probably know more than I do about such things, but isn't he the first man, or else one of only a very tiny handful of men, to go straight from an American HS to Europe, and then to play almost right away at the highest level in the world? On the other hand, every single year we see at least half a dozen HS basketball players do the "one and done" and end up as first round picks in the NBA draft. Many of them stick around several years and play on championship teams. If the NBA did the right thing--I'm surprised there hasn't been a class action suit about this yet--they would turn the clock back and draft HS players straight out of HS, like MLB does. That was the case of course for some great players of an earlier generation, guys like Kobe Bryant and Moses Malone. That would dampen the charade of one-and-done, which could be mostly eliminated if the NCAA did what I recommend and required 24 hours of college credit before playing in D1. (I'm old enough to remember when UCLA had a freshman team that beat their own varsity, the defending national champions. But those games weren't on TV and the players had to be making academic progress or they wouldn't be around to be seen on TV the next year.)

So, Pulisic is the poster child for my argument. He's one of a kind. The basketball millionaires at 19 are--well not exactly a dime a dozen, given what they get when they sign contracts, but far more common than the Pulisics. It speaks to economics and to the mindset of HS athletes in the two sports we're comparing.

So, in this regard Pulisic is far more exceptional than any of the basketball players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 28, 2017, 08:57:17 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 28, 2017, 07:47:10 AM
Falconer, when you go after UK I hope you'll be fair and after Duke just as hard on the one and done deal, and after UNC as well for other reasons.


Again a totally fair point, PN. I picked Kentucky for obvious reasons, since I was talking about one-and-done and they have probably taken more advantage of that lousy possibility than any other program, though there are several others in that same boat. It's at the point, it seems to me, where Calipari can just walk into a kid's living room and the kid knows he'll be a multi-millionaire 18 months later so who cares about being a student at an actual university (which Kentucky certainly is, but you almost never hear about their faculty on TV).

IMO, UNC should get the death penalty in men's basketball. I said that recently in conversation with a couple of friends who are very close to the KU (not UK) program, one of whom knows Roy Williams very well. I think that the two top D1 sports (I need not identify them) are rife with corruption and have been since long before D1 existed. I doubt we'll ever know all the stuff that went down under Knute Rockne and others in his time, but I also doubt they were any worse than the sleazeballs who sit in some of the most highly paid coaching jobs in the nation. I see just this morning where Rick Pitino is finally on his way out at Louisville. How he survived this long there amidst scandals about prostitutes and $ and ... you fill in the blanks ... is totally beyond me. If you combine the maxim, follow the money, with Lord Acton's maxim about absolute power, you get the flagship D1 sports. Someone needs to show genuine leadership and fix that, as far as it can be fixed with fallible human beings running it.

I'm not much of a Duke fan, either, to tell the truth. I'm inclined to believe that their coach is a lot cleaner (in terms of not overlooking corruption) than some others, but he has to be one of the most foul-mouthed people in the business. His schtick is to cross himself and cuss out his players or the officials or anyone else in the vicinity, basically in a single action, which isn't the greatest way to be a role model for his players (IMO). His original mentor Bob Knight was awfully good at that, too, but Knight doesn't believe in God so his actions were simpler. For sure, however, Knight's players always went to class or they caught a lot of pine. I know literally dozens of people who taught at IU in those years, and there were NEVER rumors about academic abuse in his program. But, if I'd had a son good enough to play D1 basketball at that level, I would not have wanted him to play for Pitino, Calipari, Coach K, or Knight. Give me John Wooden instead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 28, 2017, 09:36:32 AM
Falconer, John Wooden?  LOL.  I'll take John Wooden too.  You can bet, though, that he wouldn't be turning away the top 10 recruits in the country every year just because they were slated to be one and done. Look, I know there will be no love here for Calipari, but he done a few good things.  I think he does pretty much take care of his kids and they've done a ton of charity work raising millions and millions for good causes.

There are other kids who went straight to Europe and skipped college here, but yes, it's rare.  Still missing the point of that.

My point on D3 was this.  If a kid can seriously play at a D1 school just as good academically (or better) (or comparable or better on whatever criteria are considered most important), 9 times out of 10 the kid is going to pick the D1. 

BTW, I also recall when Alcindor was at UCLA and couldn't play "varsity" until soph year.  Same for Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Bill Russell, Elgin Baylor, Dan Issel (to sneak a UK name in there), etc, etc.  I can't disagree with you about the farcical nature of doing a semester and basically leaving, although I do think it's a little more complicated than that.  Almost all D1 bball players except for a handful are not ready to jump straight from HS to the NBA. There are more tragic stories about that than there are Kobes, and Malones and Garnetts.  And if you look at how much even the one and dones love their schools and are so loyal to them one could argue that they do in fact get something about of being on a college campus for a couple of semesters.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 28, 2017, 10:24:10 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 28, 2017, 09:36:32 AM

There are other kids who went straight to Europe and skipped college here, but yes, it's rare.  Still missing the point of that.

My point on D3 was this.  If a kid can seriously play at a D1 school just as good academically (or better) (or comparable or better on whatever criteria are considered most important), 9 times out of 10 the kid is going to pick the D1. 


We entirely agree on the 9 times out of 10, and it might be even higher than that. Entirely agree.

I'll try once more to explain the point related to Pulisic, then I'll give it a rest. If you understood me and disagreed, I wouldn't restate the substance of our disagreement and try the patience of everyone else.

Let me put it this way. At one point I taught HS science in a major city, famous for basketball talent and for the universities in or near that city that boasted of high level teams. Even though it wasn't a public HS, quite a few boys dreamed about the NBA even though they really had no real chance of getting there. I don't mean that they dreamed about the NBA in the same way that I liked to pretend I was a MLB player when I was young. I also liked to pretend that I would be the conductor of a great orchestra, even though I quit piano after two years and never really learned to play any instrument well. I always knew that baseball and music weren't going to happen, and I focused on academics all along even though I lettered in two sports in HS and college (at a place now in D1, but D1 didn't exist when I entered college). Some of my students in that city had pretty good smarts, but they didn't do anything about that b/c they had illusive dreams about the NBA. Ironically, that school was just as good at soccer as at basketball, and one of the boys got an excellent scholarship to play soccer in college, whereas I don't recall anyone getting a basketball scholarship in my years there. But, he completed a real degree and has done good things with it ever since. He never had illusions about making lots of money in soccer.

IMO, the relative scarcity of Pulisics compared with basketball phenoms in America today is not simply symbolic. The Final Four apparently brings in a billion dollars--just heard that number on the news this week. A billion dollars. Even in our day that's not chump change. Even though more Americans now participate in soccer than ever before, soccer still plays fifth or sixth fiddle, way behind football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. My goodness, FBS schools can give 85 full rides and most of the kids play only a few minutes (if that) in any given game. Soccer also has 11 men on the field at one time, but a D1 school can give at most 9.9 scholarships. And as I already said, basketball has 13 full scholarships (which must not be divided among more than 13 players) for a 5-man starting team. So, it stands to reason that a kid disciplined enough to learn how to play soccer at a high level is more likely to weigh options other than D1. If he's a Pulisic or even a Grabevoy, then of course it's a lock either to go to school for free at a major D1 or get paid real money to play in Europe. We agree on that. But, I think it's easy to understand why it's vastly easier for some D3 soccer programs to hold their own with all but the elite programs in D1, than for the same thing to happen in basketball. It's apples and oranges.

I hope this is clearer, whether or not you agree with my point. If I'm still not clear enough, my bad and I'll move on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 28, 2017, 10:55:41 AM
When I say that some D3 teams can hold their own against non-elite D1 teams, there is evidence for this. There must be numerous examples from around the country of preseason games where this happens, though it's probably not common during the regular season since D1 teams have only disincentives to play D3s in a real game.

The examples I know of first hand involve only Falcon teams, but that speaks only to my lack of knowledge of other D3 programs not the actual facts of the matter. PaulNewman offered Bucknell as an example of a D1 school that would draw HS players who otherwise might choose D3. Here's highlights of Messiah vs Bucknell a few years ago: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/45449/5721a40f4df6124b70cf1366 (the date is when the video was posted, not when the game was played). The eye test should tell you that Messiah teams could play successfully at some level in D1.

Messiah typically plays scrimmages vs Ivy League teams (Princeton, Columbia, Penn), local D2 teams, and sometimes even Penn State (main campus, not PSU-HBG) and usually do pretty well. Here is Messiah vs D2 Shippensburg: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/45449/5721a67d0428ae20e4858ea5. A typical result is a scoreless tie or a one-goal difference either way.

No doubt some other top D3 teams do likewise with similar results. Others can probably add pertinent examples from elsewhere. I (for one) would enjoy hearing about those. I think Lycoming has also played Bucknell--they are geographically close and perhaps not too far apart in talent, either.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on September 28, 2017, 12:26:37 PM
The Pulisic example isn't really a great one.  He spent time from a young age in Europe training in youth academies.  He trained on Barca's if I recall correctly.  He never played high school soccer at Hershey and only spent a short amount of time in the US playing for PA classics (4 years).  He followed a very similar path to  other European wunderkinds in terms of being absorbed into an academy system at a young age.  It's not like he played club soccer/high school soccer in PA and then just decided to head over to Europe.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on September 28, 2017, 12:36:28 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 27, 2017, 09:33:14 AM
Ugh.....You both are giving me examples of looking back and wishing I had done something differently. That is the easy part. Remember I am talking about "special" players NOT the 20th guy on a D1 roster that would be in a D3 starting line-up and be productive. That is easier for the player and parent to go D3. SPECIAL players that come along every couple of years or in Messiah's case every year and at the start of this century for Williams every year. SPECIAL PLAYERS not solid players. There is a big difference and for a D3 program to get one of these SPECIAL players nowadays is VERY difficult. They just do not slip thru the cracks anymore. In Nescac maybe a Rashid before the ACL's but that is a stretch, maybe Bull as he could have possibly dominated in net for a D1. Maybe Santos if he were a couple inches taller. On and on we go

Long time listener, first time caller.

THIS is the important distinction. I was an all-state goalie, but not on one of the elite clubs (I moved right before high school from another state, so I wasn't all that knowledgeable about the MD club scene and kind of landed on a random, but decent squad.)

I had some interest/offers from D1 schools, one of which provided a partial, but none of them very academically sound. The decision was pretty easy for me. But I agree with the overall premise... If a solid D1 offer had been on the table (money/quality school), I would've snapped it up.

I'm not dismissing the point that solid players will choose D3 over D1. But elite players? That just seems like a complete outlier to me.

=-=-=-=-=-=

As for on the field D1 v.. D3... I mean, Hopkins used to give Towson a decent game while I was playing. But we never won those games. And even today, I watch a good deal of D1 and D3 soccer.. The soccer IQ and the technical aspects of the game are often a wash. I know I'm not going to blow anyone away with this point, but what it comes down to is pure athleticism. A D3 squad might have half of its guys able to physically match up... Maybe. After that...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2017, 01:05:11 PM
Saturday's Predictions:

Colby at Midd----Colby lost mid-week to Gordon which is not a great result. I did notice some different players in the line-up so maybe he was trying some things out. Looks like Chandler Smith is back from injury which is good news.  Midd has not played in a week so they should be well rested. Neither team has a legit finisher, both teams have size so they should match-up pretty even. Colby has the Clouse long throw. I really have no clue in this match. It all depends on who can finish their set pieces. I'll give the slight edge to Midd because of the home field, Colby's long travel and they should be well rested and motivated to win. 1-0 Midd

Wes at Hamilton----Another game with two teams that should match-up really well. Both teams have skill and speed and are not overly physical. Hamilton has had a week off and Wes is coming off a stinging 3-0 defeat to Tufts mid-week. No clue if this game will be on the turf or the grass? Both teams need 3 points neither get it. 1-1

Trinity at Bates-----Trinity has been one big massive train wreck since the season started. I like Bates going forward at this Trinity defense. These two sides have the worst defenses in the league so I will predict some scoring. Trinity needs something from this game or they will be in jeopardy of going 0-10-0. Bates has a ton to play for as they MUST win this game as they have a challenging schedule ahead. Merchant seems to be getting all the key goals this year so I say he bags the game winner. 3-2 Bates

Conn at Williams----Very impressed with Conn mid-week v Trinity and also extremely impressed with Williams performance v Skidmore yesterday. Williams dominated Skidmore until the last 10-20 minutes of the game when Williams looked to be a bit gassed. This will be Conn's 3rd game in 8 days and Williams' 4th game in 8 days. Something has to give. Whichever team can focus for 90 minutes will get the victory. Williams has looked much better on its home field. Neither team can score goals against solid competition so flip a coin. Williams 1-0

Tufts at Amherst----Match of the weekend. If anyone has been to Amherst this year you can see Serpone has narrowed his field to I would guess the bare minimum of 65 yards. It is like playing in a cramped sandbox compared to Williams 120 x 80. This allows for his team to take full advantage of his two players' dangerous long throws. Cannot fault him there but it just immediately ruins the game before anyone steps onto the field. Oh well. He will get his boys pumped up for this game because they are playing the defending champs, home game and they full well know Tufts has not let up a goal. Hlinomaz looked particularly dangerous v Williams and if he can play like that without being taken out of the game by Tufts he might just get the goal they need. Tufts can match Amherst size but can they match Amherst speed up top? Coleman will need help IMO especially if they play a high line..It will be an ugly game but an interestin one to watch because of all the different match-ups and who can take advantage of who. I think they get it done at home. 1-0 Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 28, 2017, 03:07:00 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 28, 2017, 01:05:11 PM
Saturday's Predictions:

Colby at Midd----Colby lost mid-week to Gordon which is not a great result. I did notice some different players in the line-up so maybe he was trying some things out. Looks like Chandler Smith is back from injury which is good news.  Midd has not played in a week so they should be well rested. Neither team has a legit finisher, both teams have size so they should match-up pretty even. Colby has the Clouse long throw. I really have no clue in this match. It all depends on who can finish their set pieces. I'll give the slight edge to Midd because of the home field, Colby's long travel and they should be well rested and motivated to win. 1-0 Midd

Wes at Hamilton----Another game with two teams that should match-up really well. Both teams have skill and speed and are not overly physical. Hamilton has had a week off and Wes is coming off a stinging 3-0 defeat to Tufts mid-week. No clue if this game will be on the turf or the grass? Both teams need 3 points neither get it. 1-1

Trinity at Bates-----Trinity has been one big massive train wreck since the season started. I like Bates going forward at this Trinity defense. These two sides have the worst defenses in the league so I will predict some scoring. Trinity needs something from this game or they will be in jeopardy of going 0-10-0. Bates has a ton to play for as they MUST win this game as they have a challenging schedule ahead. Merchant seems to be getting all the key goals this year so I say he bags the game winner. 3-2 Bates

Conn at Williams----Very impressed with Conn mid-week v Trinity and also extremely impressed with Williams performance v Skidmore yesterday. Williams dominated Skidmore until the last 10-20 minutes of the game when Williams looked to be a bit gassed. This will be Conn's 3rd game in 8 days and Williams' 4th game in 8 days. Something has to give. Whichever team can focus for 90 minutes will get the victory. Williams has looked much better on its home field. Neither team can score goals against solid competition so flip a coin. Williams 1-0

Tufts at Amherst----Match of the weekend. If anyone has been to Amherst this year you can see Serpone has narrowed his field to I would guess the bare minimum of 65 yards. It is like playing in a cramped sandbox compared to Williams 120 x 80. This allows for his team to take full advantage of his two players' dangerous long throws. Cannot fault him there but it just immediately ruins the game before anyone steps onto the field. Oh well. He will get his boys pumped up for this game because they are playing the defending champs, home game and they full well know Tufts has not let up a goal. Hlinomaz looked particularly dangerous v Williams and if he can play like that without being taken out of the game by Tufts he might just get the goal they need. Tufts can match Amherst size but can they match Amherst speed up top? Coleman will need help IMO especially if they play a high line..It will be an ugly game but an interestin one to watch because of all the different match-ups and who can take advantage of who. I think they get it done at home. 1-0 Amherst

I agree 100%, Bates needs this game to give themselves at decent shot at the NESCAC Tournament.  In regards to the match of the weekend, if Serpone has narrowed the field to the minimum width, will Tufts go with just 3 in the back as I was told they did against Wesleyan? This one will be a chess match for sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 28, 2017, 03:14:12 PM
Quote from: paclassic89 on September 28, 2017, 12:26:37 PM
The Pulisic example isn't really a great one.  He spent time from a young age in Europe training in youth academies.  He trained on Barca's if I recall correctly.  He never played high school soccer at Hershey and only spent a short amount of time in the US playing for PA classics (4 years).  He followed a very similar path to  other European wunderkinds in terms of being absorbed into an academy system at a young age.  It's not like he played club soccer/high school soccer in PA and then just decided to head over to Europe.

That's all true, and speaks (again) to the differences between basketball and soccer that bear on the reasons why (IMO) D3 soccer teams as a group compare somewhat better vs D1 teams than their counterparts in basketball. An elite American BB player wouldn't think to go abroad to advance in soccer: he'd play at his own HS and wait for full scholarships from D1 coaches. BB is just so much bigger than soccer here, despite the growing popularity of soccer. Consequently there's a visible group of HS soccer players with D1 talent (though almost never elite talent) that will turn down some level of $ from D1 to play at a D3 school. Their perception of the situation is different, b/c the money is different all the way up and they seem more willing to prioritize academics over sport in the long term.

I myself turned down some athletic $ from a state university to attend a private university that did not offer me athletic $ (though a little came my way legally later on, after that university dropped football and spread some of the savings around), b/c it was a much better school for my major and I could still compete there. The sport wasn't soccer, and there was no D1/D3 distinction when I finished HS, so it's not directly relevant to this context.

As some might guess from what I've said on this topic, in my ideal world (which I do not expect ever to see), everything in collegiate sports would be free of athletic scholarships. It's illegal for Canadian universities to offer that type of financial aid, and to the best of my knowledge it doesn't happen in the UK either. Yet, neither nation has a shortage of world class athletes who develop perfectly well without athletic scholarships. At quite a few American universities, however, the athletics program (really football and/or BB) is the public face of the institution, as far as residents of that state are concerned. Never mind if a kid is recruited to throw his body around or to make baskets rather than to discover new facts about the world or to create great works of art. Never mind if a kid isn't held accountable for raping women or being out of control drunk or caring less about getting a degree. Never mind if a coach knows in his heart that certain kids don't intend to do academic work,, or that others are doing the work for them and passing it off as that of those kids. As long as the team is winning at the expected level, the money will keep coming in and the coach will be paid far more than the university president--who, in some cases, effectively finds it impossible to fire a coach b/c of coach's popularity with wealthy donors and the prospect of a big drop in ticket sales and TV revenue. As I say, I don't expect this to change in my lifetime, but it should.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on September 28, 2017, 03:34:57 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on September 28, 2017, 03:07:00 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 28, 2017, 01:05:11 PM
Saturday's Predictions:

Colby at Midd----Colby lost mid-week to Gordon which is not a great result. I did notice some different players in the line-up so maybe he was trying some things out. Looks like Chandler Smith is back from injury which is good news.  Midd has not played in a week so they should be well rested. Neither team has a legit finisher, both teams have size so they should match-up pretty even. Colby has the Clouse long throw. I really have no clue in this match. It all depends on who can finish their set pieces. I'll give the slight edge to Midd because of the home field, Colby's long travel and they should be well rested and motivated to win. 1-0 Midd

Wes at Hamilton----Another game with two teams that should match-up really well. Both teams have skill and speed and are not overly physical. Hamilton has had a week off and Wes is coming off a stinging 3-0 defeat to Tufts mid-week. No clue if this game will be on the turf or the grass? Both teams need 3 points neither get it. 1-1

Trinity at Bates-----Trinity has been one big massive train wreck since the season started. I like Bates going forward at this Trinity defense. These two sides have the worst defenses in the league so I will predict some scoring. Trinity needs something from this game or they will be in jeopardy of going 0-10-0. Bates has a ton to play for as they MUST win this game as they have a challenging schedule ahead. Merchant seems to be getting all the key goals this year so I say he bags the game winner. 3-2 Bates

Conn at Williams----Very impressed with Conn mid-week v Trinity and also extremely impressed with Williams performance v Skidmore yesterday. Williams dominated Skidmore until the last 10-20 minutes of the game when Williams looked to be a bit gassed. This will be Conn's 3rd game in 8 days and Williams' 4th game in 8 days. Something has to give. Whichever team can focus for 90 minutes will get the victory. Williams has looked much better on its home field. Neither team can score goals against solid competition so flip a coin. Williams 1-0

Tufts at Amherst----Match of the weekend. If anyone has been to Amherst this year you can see Serpone has narrowed his field to I would guess the bare minimum of 65 yards. It is like playing in a cramped sandbox compared to Williams 120 x 80. This allows for his team to take full advantage of his two players' dangerous long throws. Cannot fault him there but it just immediately ruins the game before anyone steps onto the field. Oh well. He will get his boys pumped up for this game because they are playing the defending champs, home game and they full well know Tufts has not let up a goal. Hlinomaz looked particularly dangerous v Williams and if he can play like that without being taken out of the game by Tufts he might just get the goal they need. Tufts can match Amherst size but can they match Amherst speed up top? Coleman will need help IMO especially if they play a high line..It will be an ugly game but an interestin one to watch because of all the different match-ups and who can take advantage of who. I think they get it done at home. 1-0 Amherst

I agree 100%, Bates needs this game to give themselves at decent shot at the NESCAC Tournament.  In regards to the match of the weekend, if Serpone has narrowed the field to the minimum width, will Tufts go with just 3 in the back as I was told they did against Wesleyan? This one will be a chess match for sure.

Bobcat - Tufts played with 3 in the back? Do you think that had a direct impact on why their offense seemed to be rolling? I'm trying to think how Amherst would counter that formation...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 28, 2017, 03:44:24 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 27, 2017, 10:33:18 AM
Mostly agree with Mr.Right.  If you choose D3, even assuming there was a choice, you chose D3.  Never have understood the necessity of these qualifiers "went D3 but coulda played D1."  Very, very few superstar D1 talents choose D3.  The NESCAC types can choose Ivies or other stellar D1 academic choices like Duke, Michigan, UVA, UCLA, William&Mary, Bucknell, Colgate, etc, etc.  This is also very much a demographics issue.  You NEVER hear about a totally legit D1 basketball prospect "choosing" to go D3 because he can "study abroad."  And while is definitely less pressure and a different vibe for the most part, guess who D3 players for the most part hang out with socially?  Mainly the other soccer players and maybe some other athletes.  Of course there are exceptions, but focusing on exceptions distorts the overall picture.

Agree with this post as far as the D3 social scene is still the soccer team/brotherhood. The commitment while not at the D1 level is still arduous. 3 hours of practice, eat together, film sessions, lifting several nights or mornings a week and a decent amount of travel. Practice 6 days a week in the offseason. It's a huge commitment. Just want to point out that basketball players of any division don't study abroad because their season spans both semesters and it's not possible.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 28, 2017, 03:45:46 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on September 28, 2017, 03:34:57 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on September 28, 2017, 03:07:00 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 28, 2017, 01:05:11 PM
Saturday's Predictions:

Colby at Midd----Colby lost mid-week to Gordon which is not a great result. I did notice some different players in the line-up so maybe he was trying some things out. Looks like Chandler Smith is back from injury which is good news.  Midd has not played in a week so they should be well rested. Neither team has a legit finisher, both teams have size so they should match-up pretty even. Colby has the Clouse long throw. I really have no clue in this match. It all depends on who can finish their set pieces. I'll give the slight edge to Midd because of the home field, Colby's long travel and they should be well rested and motivated to win. 1-0 Midd

Wes at Hamilton----Another game with two teams that should match-up really well. Both teams have skill and speed and are not overly physical. Hamilton has had a week off and Wes is coming off a stinging 3-0 defeat to Tufts mid-week. No clue if this game will be on the turf or the grass? Both teams need 3 points neither get it. 1-1

Trinity at Bates-----Trinity has been one big massive train wreck since the season started. I like Bates going forward at this Trinity defense. These two sides have the worst defenses in the league so I will predict some scoring. Trinity needs something from this game or they will be in jeopardy of going 0-10-0. Bates has a ton to play for as they MUST win this game as they have a challenging schedule ahead. Merchant seems to be getting all the key goals this year so I say he bags the game winner. 3-2 Bates

Conn at Williams----Very impressed with Conn mid-week v Trinity and also extremely impressed with Williams performance v Skidmore yesterday. Williams dominated Skidmore until the last 10-20 minutes of the game when Williams looked to be a bit gassed. This will be Conn's 3rd game in 8 days and Williams' 4th game in 8 days. Something has to give. Whichever team can focus for 90 minutes will get the victory. Williams has looked much better on its home field. Neither team can score goals against solid competition so flip a coin. Williams 1-0

Tufts at Amherst----Match of the weekend. If anyone has been to Amherst this year you can see Serpone has narrowed his field to I would guess the bare minimum of 65 yards. It is like playing in a cramped sandbox compared to Williams 120 x 80. This allows for his team to take full advantage of his two players' dangerous long throws. Cannot fault him there but it just immediately ruins the game before anyone steps onto the field. Oh well. He will get his boys pumped up for this game because they are playing the defending champs, home game and they full well know Tufts has not let up a goal. Hlinomaz looked particularly dangerous v Williams and if he can play like that without being taken out of the game by Tufts he might just get the goal they need. Tufts can match Amherst size but can they match Amherst speed up top? Coleman will need help IMO especially if they play a high line..It will be an ugly game but an interestin one to watch because of all the different match-ups and who can take advantage of who. I think they get it done at home. 1-0 Amherst

I agree 100%, Bates needs this game to give themselves at decent shot at the NESCAC Tournament.  In regards to the match of the weekend, if Serpone has narrowed the field to the minimum width, will Tufts go with just 3 in the back as I was told they did against Wesleyan? This one will be a chess match for sure.

Bobcat - Tufts played with 3 in the back? Do you think that had a direct impact on why their offense seemed to be rolling? I'm trying to think how Amherst would counter that formation...

That's what a Wesleyan parent told me. After we gave up 4 against Wesleyan, I was a somewhat surprised they did not get one against Tufts at home on the turf. I was even more surprised they did not score when I heard Tufts went with three in the back, but I guess the Tufts pressure up top led to some real quality scoring chances and three goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 28, 2017, 03:56:45 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 28, 2017, 01:05:11 PM
Saturday's Predictions:

Colby at Midd----Colby lost mid-week to Gordon which is not a great result. I did notice some different players in the line-up so maybe he was trying some things out. Looks like Chandler Smith is back from injury which is good news.  Midd has not played in a week so they should be well rested. Neither team has a legit finisher, both teams have size so they should match-up pretty even. Colby has the Clouse long throw. I really have no clue in this match. It all depends on who can finish their set pieces. I'll give the slight edge to Midd because of the home field, Colby's long travel and they should be well rested and motivated to win. 1-0 Midd

Wes at Hamilton----Another game with two teams that should match-up really well. Both teams have skill and speed and are not overly physical. Hamilton has had a week off and Wes is coming off a stinging 3-0 defeat to Tufts mid-week. No clue if this game will be on the turf or the grass? Both teams need 3 points neither get it. 1-1

Trinity at Bates-----Trinity has been one big massive train wreck since the season started. I like Bates going forward at this Trinity defense. These two sides have the worst defenses in the league so I will predict some scoring. Trinity needs something from this game or they will be in jeopardy of going 0-10-0. Bates has a ton to play for as they MUST win this game as they have a challenging schedule ahead. Merchant seems to be getting all the key goals this year so I say he bags the game winner. 3-2 Bates

Conn at Williams----Very impressed with Conn mid-week v Trinity and also extremely impressed with Williams performance v Skidmore yesterday. Williams dominated Skidmore until the last 10-20 minutes of the game when Williams looked to be a bit gassed. This will be Conn's 3rd game in 8 days and Williams' 4th game in 8 days. Something has to give. Whichever team can focus for 90 minutes will get the victory. Williams has looked much better on its home field. Neither team can score goals against solid competition so flip a coin. Williams 1-0

Tufts at Amherst----Match of the weekend. If anyone has been to Amherst this year you can see Serpone has narrowed his field to I would guess the bare minimum of 65 yards. It is like playing in a cramped sandbox compared to Williams 120 x 80. This allows for his team to take full advantage of his two players' dangerous long throws. Cannot fault him there but it just immediately ruins the game before anyone steps onto the field. Oh well. He will get his boys pumped up for this game because they are playing the defending champs, home game and they full well know Tufts has not let up a goal. Hlinomaz looked particularly dangerous v Williams and if he can play like that without being taken out of the game by Tufts he might just get the goal they need. Tufts can match Amherst size but can they match Amherst speed up top? Coleman will need help IMO especially if they play a high line..It will be an ugly game but an interestin one to watch because of all the different match-ups and who can take advantage of who. I think they get it done at home. 1-0 Amherst

I like these predictions Mr. Right, except I don't think Williams has the firepower to beat Conn. In addition to playing without Andrieu at left back, they will most likely be without Matthew at right back. He has played really well and is their long thrower. I think Conn might expose some issues for them. It will help to get Mcdonald back. I'm not sure Williams can score the 2 goals or 3 goals necessary to beat these guys. I don't know the details but can't remember the last time Williams beat Conn. I think it has been 3 or 4 in a row without a win. Murphy was at Williams last sunday watching the game. Should be a good game but not sure of the result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 30, 2017, 12:10:59 AM
Predictions for the weekend. Will try to keep it short.

Colby at Midd: Interesting match between interesting teams. Midd beat Amherst, but lost to Conn and was schooled by Bowdoin. Both of Colby's conference losses have been 1-0, they were unlucky not to beat Conn. If Colby can score, they've certainly got a shot. But I think Midd takes it - they've struggled mostly when teams combine well against them, which I think will not be such a problem against Colby. 1-0 Midd.

Wesleyan at Hamilton: Hamilton needs to starting picking up points and winning games or they're gonna be in serious trouble, mostly because they're not living up to my prediction for them. They are only 1-3 in conference, with the only W being v. a bad Trinity team. Not to mention they've yet to play Tufts, Amherst, and Bowdoin. I think that opening Bates loss may really come back to bite them if they're on the playoff bubble. But it's early to talk about that, and they host the game Saturday, meaning the visiting Cardinals will have to make the long drive up to Clinton. The Cardinals have struggled mightily on defense this year, giving up 2 goals per game in 3 NESCAC matches so far, which won't do it for them. On offense, they lit up Bates with 4 goals, but were shut out by Bowdoin and Tufts. Wesleyan can be slightly less worried about their 1-2 conference start as they've already played Bowdoin and Tufts, and got a nice W at Bates. This should be a tough, high-energy match. Both teams must realize this is a big match, and will want to win it. Wesleyan has some quality going forward, and while Hamilton has a decent defense, it is not on the level of Bowdoin and Tufts. Hamilton's question seems to be if they can score after losing two tough 1-0 results in a row. I think it goes to overtime, where anything can happen, but the home field and longer rest help Hamilton out. Not to mention, if they lose tomorrow, then they will need to beat Williams and Colby and take a point off Bowdoin, Amherst, or Tufts to make playoffs (previous 3 years, #8 seed has qualified with 10 points). Doable, but tough. Continentals get it done 2-1 (or 1-0?)

Trinity at Bates: A loss for Trinity and they may as well stop showing up for games and get a couple rounds of golf in while it's still nice out. 0-5 in the NESCAC, with an out of conference loss to Endicott and a out of conference win against Rivier (who?). They've scored only once in conference, and have given up 2 goals in every game but Hamilton. I see no reason for this to change in Lewiston, as the Bobcats have scored 2 twice and 1 once. Bate's Opoku is quick, skilled, and dangerous, and Merchant works hard and is a decent finisher. Trinity lacks the discipline or work to defend those two. 2-0 Bates, who threaten to play cinderella once again.

Conn at Williams: The undefeated Camels head to Williamstown, where the none-too-shabby Ephs have not lost in their last 3 (and in fact have only lost once this year, at Bowdoin). Williams plays its 4th consecutive home game, which seems absurd. They must be getting comfortable there, but it has got to tear up that field. A team has scored more than 1 goal in a Williams game only once this year, in the season opener where they put 2 up on Trinity.  This should be a pretty even game - I think the Williams defense is up to the task of handling Lockwood, though I wouldn't be surprised if Manoogian or maybe Miranda caused a bit of trouble. I think Williams will struggle more with creative attackers and good interplay than big target men this season. On the other end, the Conn defense has had its ups and downs, surrendering 2 to Colby despite shutting out Tufts. My instinct says Williams, though I may be a little biased. 1-0 ephs.

MOTW - Tufts at Amherst: Good spot by Mr. Right on the Amherst field size. I didn't notice it, but wouldn't be surprised by it. I'll try to look closer at the stream for this to see if I can tell, though I haven't noticed in previous games. This one should be quite the match - reminds me of the first Cavs-Warriors game of last season after the Cavs won the title. Amherst will come for revenge at the defending national champions, who whooped them last time around. I think they come out a little too strong for Tufts, who concede in the first half but rally to put two past Serpone's squad. 2-1 Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2017, 11:54:18 AM
Just tuning in at the Half Colby up on Midd 1-0. Let's see what the 2nd Half brings
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2017, 12:21:43 PM
Stupid foul outside the box gives Colby a 2-0 lead. #10 Clouse drilled it into the net.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2017, 01:01:21 PM
2-0 Colby over Midd. Very impressive win for Colby at Midd. Midd was not much of a threat 2nd Half as they just had no creativity in trying to break Colby down. They had no answers against Colby's midfield and could not get the ball to their strikers in the run of play. They had one very dangerous set piece right outside Colby's box that was well taken by Midd's Goulart but a fantastic save by Colby's GK Gibson. As predicted before the season started Midd lost a ton to graduation and are in a bit of a rebuild. Colby finds itself right in the middle of the Nescac table with those 3 points
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 30, 2017, 03:00:19 PM
Solid first half for Williams and conn. Both teams had a few chances. Wet field could make the difference on a goal. Conn counters very well. They're a dangerous side the way they change fields and fly. Macdonald is all over the field making plays.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 30, 2017, 03:09:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 30, 2017, 01:01:21 PM
2-0 Colby over Midd. Very impressive win for Colby at Midd. Midd was not much of a threat 2nd Half as they just had no creativity in trying to break Colby down. They had no answers against Colby's midfield and could not get the ball to their strikers in the run of play. They had one very dangerous set piece right outside Colby's box that was well taken by Midd's Goulart but a fantastic save by Colby's GK Gibson. As predicted before the season started Midd lost a ton to graduation and are in a bit of a rebuild. Colby finds itself right in the middle of the Nescac table with those 3 points

Huge win for Colby, showing they can both score and win away from home, which I was skeptical of. They've scored two in each of their last 3 NESCAC games, and don't seem to be reliant on any one or two players for goals. Already with 7 points, they should have no trouble making playoffs, and once there it seems like they can compete with anyone. Midd, despite the big win at Amherst, falls to 2-3, which seems about right though they've gotten there in a weird way. Serious cause for concern is them giving up 5 goals in their last 2 NESCAC games and the 2 NESCAC losses on their own carpet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 30, 2017, 03:12:37 PM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 30, 2017, 03:09:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 30, 2017, 01:01:21 PM
2-0 Colby over Midd. Very impressive win for Colby at Midd. Midd was not much of a threat 2nd Half as they just had no creativity in trying to break Colby down. They had no answers against Colby's midfield and could not get the ball to their strikers in the run of play. They had one very dangerous set piece right outside Colby's box that was well taken by Midd's Goulart but a fantastic save by Colby's GK Gibson. As predicted before the season started Midd lost a ton to graduation and are in a bit of a rebuild. Colby finds itself right in the middle of the Nescac table with those 3 points

Huge win for Colby, showing they can both score and win away from home, which I was skeptical of. They've scored two in each of their last 3 NESCAC games, and don't seem to be reliant on any one or two players for goals. Already with 7 points, they should have no trouble making playoffs, and once there it seems like they can compete with anyone. Midd, despite the big win at Amherst, falls to 2-3, which seems about right though they've gotten there in a weird way. Serious cause for concern is them giving up 5 goals in their last 2 NESCAC games and the 2 NESCAC losses on their own carpet.

Colby's 19-member freshman class from two years ago are now juniors, so if they're ever going to get results, it should start this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 30, 2017, 03:16:05 PM
Tuned in just in time to see Wood equalize for Hamilton with 10 minutes left. Free kick from half played down the line to a wide open player, Wes caught sleeping. good ball in, bounce around, knocked down well to Wood who smashes home from inside the 6. Massive goal for Hamilton. Will probably watch this to the finish.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 30, 2017, 03:25:36 PM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 30, 2017, 03:16:05 PM
Tuned in just in time to see Wood equalize for Hamilton with 10 minutes left. Free kick from half played down the line to a wide open player, Wes caught sleeping. good ball in, bounce around, knocked down well to Wood who smashes home from inside the 6. Massive goal for Hamilton. Will probably watch this to the finish.

Headed to OT. Freshman Plump for the Continentals looks dangerous, Wesleyan struggle to defend their box every decent serve Hamilton had. Teams will have lots of second chance opportunities against them. However, they are passing well and do a good job of pressing high up the field, pinning Hamilton in their own half pretty well. Even game overall.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2017, 03:28:38 PM
Amherst-Tufts 0-0 at half, but Tufts outshooting its hosts 9-4 (6-1 SOG). I didn't see the first 45, but sounds like Tufts was in control.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 30, 2017, 03:32:58 PM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 30, 2017, 03:25:36 PM
Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 30, 2017, 03:16:05 PM
Tuned in just in time to see Wood equalize for Hamilton with 10 minutes left. Free kick from half played down the line to a wide open player, Wes caught sleeping. good ball in, bounce around, knocked down well to Wood who smashes home from inside the 6. Massive goal for Hamilton. Will probably watch this to the finish.

Headed to OT. Freshman Plump for the Continentals looks dangerous, Wesleyan struggle to defend their box every decent serve Hamilton had. Teams will have lots of second chance opportunities against them. However, they are passing well and do a good job of pressing high up the field, pinning Hamilton in their own half pretty well. Even game overall.

Deguines scores the winner less than a minute into OT. Cross into the box, bounces around, and a Hamilton player manages to lay it off nicely to Deguines right in the middle, just outside the box. Sweet first time strike, smooth, technical to the bottom corner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 30, 2017, 03:42:29 PM
Conn GK has made 2 superb saves in the 2nd half to keep this game scoreless.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2017, 03:53:11 PM
Is anyone watching Amherst-Tufts? It doesn't appear the stream is working but the Jumbos appear to be absolutely laying into Amherst -- Tufts just hit the bar and is outshooting Amherst 15-5. In recent games, Amherst has -- win, lose, or draw -- generally outshot its opponents, so this is really something.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 30, 2017, 03:54:27 PM
Williams and conn headed to OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2017, 03:55:12 PM
Just as I write that, Amherst scores! Own goal. The first goal allowed by Tufts this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on September 30, 2017, 03:56:57 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 30, 2017, 03:53:11 PM
Is anyone watching Amherst-Tufts? It doesn't appear the stream is working but the Jumbos appear to be absolutely laying into Amherst -- Tufts just hit the bar and is outshooting Amherst 15-5. In recent games, Amherst has -- win, lose, or draw -- generally outshot its opponents, so this is really something.

Yeah, I can't get the stream to work, either.  I tried two different browsers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 30, 2017, 04:00:01 PM
Ive got it open.  On NSN
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on September 30, 2017, 04:01:34 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 30, 2017, 04:00:01 PM
Ive got it open.  On NSN

I went throigh the NSN, selected Amherst, and opened it that way:
https://www.nsnsports.net/colleges/amherst/?event=24734%2F/

That isthe link i have open
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on September 30, 2017, 04:03:43 PM
Schneiderman makes a good save on a breakaway for Conn, I think it was Highton in clean due to a Williams miscommunication. Really poor shot, hit it right at Schneiderman who just had to put his hands ups. Should have scored.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2017, 04:05:12 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 30, 2017, 04:01:34 PM
That isthe link i have open

Thanks -- it worked! No idea why mine wasn't working before. Appreciate it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on September 30, 2017, 04:05:24 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 30, 2017, 04:01:34 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on September 30, 2017, 04:00:01 PM
Ive got it open.  On NSN

I went throigh the NSN, selected Amherst, and opened it that way:
https://www.nsnsports.net/colleges/amherst/?event=24734%2F/

That isthe link i have open

That worked!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2017, 04:20:14 PM
Just watched the goal (around 1:27:30 mark).

Really nice throw-in from the left, very high and arcing, but it did not appear to touch any player (Tufts or Amherst) on its way in. Even after watching it a few times, I don't even think that GK Mieth touched it, although he did try to get a hand to it. You can't score direct from a throw-in, and the only Tufts outfield player close to the ball who would have been able to have touched it was the man standing on the line, and I don't think he did. Either way, Tufts' players didn't protest, and the goal stands.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2017, 04:30:17 PM
Tufts goes down to its first defeat of the year at Amherst, 1-0.

Appeared to be a smash-and-grab after getting a goal off a throw-in (that, in my view, didn't touch any player). Even so, I did think that Tufts has been missing a finisher, and today seemed to be a good example of that -- the Jumbos created tons of opportunities, outshooting the Mammoths 22-8 (10-5 SOG) and hiting the bar but could not solve Hope-Gund, who notched an impressive 10 saves.

Even with Tufts' impressive start to this season, I did have Amherst as a slight favorite going into this one. Serpone gets big results when the chips are down, which is admittedly not that often, but he loves when his side is the underdog and today was another example of that. It will be interesting to see where the two teams go from here -- particularly Amherst and its battle with Rutgers-Newark tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 30, 2017, 04:35:30 PM
The win should help Amherst and I'd surprised if they don't win tomorrow.

Tufts will be disappointed but not that much.  Losing on an own goal or equivalent AWAY to top NESCAC rival and powerhouse Amherst.  Almost a good loss if you can call anything that.  Remember this is the program that isn't bothered by losing 3 straight times in the NESCAC quarters.  Not even a NESCAC semi and yet two national titles.  No one would believe it if it wasn't true.  Forgot to check the foul totals.

Ah, 10-8 for Amherst on fouls.  Low for both teams.  4 yellows, two each team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 30, 2017, 04:40:06 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 30, 2017, 04:30:17 PM
Tufts goes down to its first defeat of the year at Amherst, 1-0.

Appeared to be a smash-and-grab after getting a goal off a throw-in (that, in my view, didn't touch any player).

I didn't see it, so I can't offer a second opinion. It stands officially as an own goal, which means that Tufts has yet to yield a real goal to an opponent this year. On the other hand, they've been shut out themselves twice already, consistent with your comment about needing a finisher.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 01, 2017, 08:57:10 AM
Falconer,
I'm not sure I understand what you're saying by noting, "Tufts has yet to yield a real goal to an opponent this year." It sounds as if conceding only own goals is a strength. As a player, I always felt that giving up an own goal was worse than getting scored on directly.
Meanwhile, I bet Shapiro and Tufts remain unfazed by the loss and that Amherst responds to the win. Blooter is right to recall that Serpone gets his players up when he convinces them that they're underdogs (even when they're not).   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 01:07:29 PM
I caught the Hamilton v Wesleyan game yesterday and thought it was a well played game. Not a ton of unnecessary hoofing and had a nice flow to it. This is rare in Nescac these days. Cac was right that Wesleyan was pressing well in their front 3rd but when they did get the ball back they would give it away a pass or 2 later. They need to play quicker to feet and instinctively know where their teammate will be for the next pass. I think they have a couple of players that rush and give the ball away way to much. Hamilton was impressive yesterday. I thought Wood and Schmidt had particularly good games up top for Hamilton, especially Wood. Those 2 up top along with Morris and the skilled Chapman attacking looked good. I am not sold on Hamilton's defense as I think Tufts could exploit them if they do not sit in a bit. Also, I have no clue how Hamilton's GK is as Wesleyan did not test him to much. I think Hamilton can get points from this game especially at home.
2-2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 01:10:25 PM
I hate watching 2 games at once but i was a big fan of RUN last year especially on their turf. They disappointed at Amherst last year when Brandeis whipped them into oblivion to end their season on Amherst's grass. I have not seen them this year but if they have the same bunch as last year Amherst might overwhelm them physically. That said, Amherst is not nearly as good as they have been and if there was ever a game to catch Amherst it might be today. They will be on a high after yesterday's win and surely that game took a toll on them. Cannot predict since I have not seen RUN but will try to flip between games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 01:41:09 PM
Hamilton has come out of the gate pumped up and look at least until this point 15 minutes in just as good as Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 01:47:26 PM
Tufts putting some pressure on now as a horrible giveaway by Hamilton's #11 CB Eli Lichtman made a horrible giveaway in Hamilton's third of the field that Tufts snagged and fed Rojas who was in on goal but over hit it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 02:03:44 PM
Tufts starting to pin Hamilton in its own half with constant pressure and consecutive corners. Hamilton looks vulnerable on corners and are having a hard time getting the ball now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 02:44:11 PM
Still 0-0 about the 60th minute Hamilton v Tufts...Tufts has had nothing dangerous to start the 2nd Half but Hamilton has given the ball away twice in their defensive 3rd but Tufts has not capitalized. They must stop doing that as Tufts eventually will. Tasker and Rojas have done nothing of note in this game and Braun has looked somewhat agile for a 6'4 200lb guy and nearly scored off of one of Hamilton's giveaway's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 02:48:55 PM
And Braun gets a strikers goal on a failed clearance by Hamilton. Shame because Hamilton has put in a very good effort so far but one lapse in concentration and Tufts took advantage
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 01, 2017, 03:01:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 02:03:44 PM
Tufts starting to pin Hamilton in its own half with constant pressure and consecutive corners. Hamilton looks vulnerable on corners and are having a hard time getting the ball now.
I didnt have time today to even look at a game. But...

That is how Amherst looked all game yesterday.  Tufts was really dominating them on posession, and ball control, and Amherst just kept falling deeper and deeper under pressure.   
But...  if you cant score, you can't win.   So, there is the question for Tufts: can they finish?

I understand that they are 3-1-1 but... who have they played.  And... the big games they have played, left me unconvinced.  Based on what matches I have seen, I think they have dependent on their "front men" for the last several years, and now that they don't have quite the same front-man, they have a scoring problem.

And, going back to yesterday's game again: I didn't see anything impressive from Amherst either, that warrants the "credit" they are getting.  Someone on here said Serpone thought Bowdoin outplayed them (I only saw part of that match.)  Tufts certainly outplayed them yesterday. So they "won" but... I am not sure what that means, other than three points.
I mean:  Amherst beat Tufts on a (questionable) throw, and they beat Bowdoin on a (questionable) PK.   So... maybe Amherst is just lucky?  Or ... maybe they bide their time and can capitalize on those quirky situations., and in the NESCAC, that is enoigh.
But... noticed last year that the teams who count on a big "target man" upfront win when their target man has some skill and is more athletic than the defense of their opponent.  And, Tufts and Amherst both had that guy, who was technically acceptable and very strong and fast. 

And I thought that was why they both didn't get by Bowdoin, in the end, because Bowdoin seems to use the opposite strategy, and puts their more technical "fast" guys in the back.  Which, of course, this year seems to have left Bowdoin with a scoring problem.

Based on the games I have seen, there isn't really any team this year who I think is playing great "NESCAC offense"  and if something doesnt change, it is going to come down to beating teams with flawed backlines and on set pieces and/or lucky breaks in teams with solid back lines. 

Unfortunately, that leaves the teams who are playing decent soccer, but don't have a super-star forward or technically strong athletes in the back, but have a solid midfield, and play good team-soccer at the bottom of the pile.  I like the way Colby plays.  I cant imagine that they will beat Bowdoin, or Tufts, or Amherst.  But... I like the way they play soccer.   Is that the kind of team Hamilton is?  Or, is it hard to tell against Tufts?  Did Tufts wear them down, or did they find a weak spot, and then throw everything at it.  (I like Tasker for reading those things.) 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 03:05:51 PM
Hamilton's big Alaskan tree Cerveny had a good chance in the 75th minute but was to slow with the ball at his feet and his shot was half whiffed and deflected to Tufts GK Johnson
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 03:12:20 PM
Tufts has been better 18 to 18 than Hamilton. Hamilton just lost focus for a split second and Tufts took advantage. That being said Hamilton did not have many dangerous chances at all today. Wood is quick but looks to be very right footed as Tufts has sat on his right foot and taken him out of this game. Tufts finished their chance but they are beatable for sure and I would be surprised to see them past a NCAA Sweet 16 this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 01, 2017, 03:17:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 03:12:20 PM
Tufts has been better 18 to 18 than Hamilton. Hamilton just lost focus for a split second and Tufts took advantage. That being said Hamilton did not have many dangerous chances at all today. Wood is quick but looks to be very right footed as Tufts has sat on his right foot and taken him out of this game. Tufts finished their chance but they are beatable for sure and I would be surprised to see them past a NCAA Sweet 16 this year.

Who do they have on Wood?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2017, 03:24:31 PM
Let's remember that many of us said Tufts wouldn't be more than a sweet 16 last year.  NESCAC tends to have a lot of 1-0 and 0-0 games.  They did  put 4 on the board away at Wesleyan. And they are ahead of schedule record-wise compared to last year. They will be a massively tough out for anybody.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2017, 03:35:34 PM
Amherst went 1-0 up on Rutgers-Newark in the first half, but RUN has equalized. 1-1 with 25:10 left. I am curious to see how Amherst deals with losing the momentum of being a goal up -- whether they start to throw things forward to try to win in regulation or pack it in and get a draw against a very good nationally-ranked team. Obviously every team wants to win, but I do know that Serpone said the foundation of Amherst soccer is comprised of working hard and not giving up a lot of goals, so I feel like they could go either way (FWIW RUN has outshot Amherst 14-9).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 01, 2017, 03:35:59 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2017, 03:24:31 PM
Let's remember that many of us said Tufts wouldn't be more than a sweet 16 last year.  NESCAC tends to have a lot of 1-0 and 0-0 games.  They did  put 4 on the board away at Wesleyan. And they are ahead of schedule record-wise compared to last year. They will be a massively tough out for anybody.
They are ahead record-wise?   I thought they were undefeated last year in the 'CAC til the very end?  And lost twice in a row.... which is back to my point about the problem posed to those offense-oriented teams when the other team is defense-oriented... it comes down to that athletic match-up. (Or set pieces)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2017, 03:37:35 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 01, 2017, 03:35:59 PM
They are ahead record-wise?   I thought they were undefeated last year in the 'CAC til the very end?  And lost twice in a row.... which is back to my point about the problem posed to those offense-oriented teams when the other team is defense-oriented... it comes down to that athletic match-up. (Or set pieces)

They are 7-1-1 (4-1-1 NESCAC) -- at this point last year, they were 4-3-1 (having defeated Amherst 3-0 exactly a year ago). That includes 1-1-1 in the NESCAC, as the Jumbos lost to Wesleyan on 9/27 last year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2017, 03:42:15 PM
Just 3 versus Wes...my bad.

Yes, last year Tufts started the season 0-2-1 (and those weren't against top 20 teams either).
They have a narrow fluke loss AT Amherst...otherwise they haven't scored  ton but have looked physically dominant.  Braun Rojas, Tasker, etc etc will get stronger as year goes on...and they have at least 5-6 other guys who could snare an important goal in any game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2017, 03:51:42 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 01, 2017, 08:57:10 AM
Falconer,
I'm not sure I understand what you're saying by noting, "Tufts has yet to yield a real goal to an opponent this year." It sounds as if conceding only own goals is a strength. As a player, I always felt that giving up an own goal was worse than getting scored on directly.
Meanwhile, I bet Shapiro and Tufts remain unfazed by the loss and that Amherst responds to the win. Blooter is right to recall that Serpone gets his players up when he convinces them that they're underdogs (even when they're not).

J4J, I agree with your opinion of an OG being worse (and would say it's very "real" as the majority of the time it comes as a result of the other team's incessant pressure). As far as Serpone goes, I had to laugh when -- the year they won the national title -- he called his team the "true underdog (http://amherststudent.amherst.edu/?q=article/2015/11/18/mens-soccer-shuts-out-morrisville-state-advances-sweet-16)" going into the game against Lycoming. Of course, Lycoming was very good that year, but an Amherst side with Bull/NPL/et al was clearly stronger. Hey, evidently it worked! ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2017, 03:56:04 PM
Well, I guess we have our answer -- Amherst is throwing the kitchen sink. Outshot RUN 6-0 in the last 15 minutes. On to OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2017, 04:30:06 PM
Seems to have been a lengthy stoppage in Amherst-RUN -- both benches got yellows and Ajayi got a red for Amherst. Two feisty teams can sure generate fireworks (to be clear, I said feisty, not dirty).

Update: Amherst wins it with 2:05 left in the first OT. Big weekend for Serpone and his charges.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 01, 2017, 04:58:45 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 01, 2017, 03:37:35 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 01, 2017, 03:35:59 PM
They are ahead record-wise?   I thought they were undefeated last year in the 'CAC til the very end?  And lost twice in a row.... which is back to my point about the problem posed to those offense-oriented teams when the other team is defense-oriented... it comes down to that athletic match-up. (Or set pieces)

They are 7-1-1 (4-1-1 NESCAC) -- at this point last year, they were 4-3-1 (having defeated Amherst 3-0 exactly a year ago). That includes 1-1-1 in the NESCAC, as the Jumbos lost to Wesleyan on 9/27 last year.

I only really started watching last year, and didn't really know which games to watch ... I didn't realize that they had lost to Wesleyan - that is interesting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 01, 2017, 05:59:27 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 01, 2017, 03:01:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 02:03:44 PM
Tufts starting to pin Hamilton in its own half with constant pressure and consecutive corners. Hamilton looks vulnerable on corners and are having a hard time getting the ball now.
I didnt have time today to even look at a game. But...

That is how Amherst looked all game yesterday.  Tufts was really dominating them on posession, and ball control, and Amherst just kept falling deeper and deeper under pressure.   
But...  if you cant score, you can't win.   So, there is the question for Tufts: can they finish?

I understand that they are 3-1-1 but... who have they played.  And... the big games they have played, left me unconvinced.  Based on what matches I have seen, I think they have dependent on their "front men" for the last several years, and now that they don't have quite the same front-man, they have a scoring problem.

And, going back to yesterday's game again: I didn't see anything impressive from Amherst either, that warrants the "credit" they are getting.  Someone on here said Serpone thought Bowdoin outplayed them (I only saw part of that match.)  Tufts certainly outplayed them yesterday. So they "won" but... I am not sure what that means, other than three points.
I mean:  Amherst beat Tufts on a (questionable) throw, and they beat Bowdoin on a (questionable) PK.   So... maybe Amherst is just lucky?  Or ... maybe they bide their time and can capitalize on those quirky situations., and in the NESCAC, that is enoigh.
But... noticed last year that the teams who count on a big "target man" upfront win when their target man has some skill and is more athletic than the defense of their opponent.  And, Tufts and Amherst both had that guy, who was technically acceptable and very strong and fast. 

And I thought that was why they both didn't get by Bowdoin, in the end, because Bowdoin seems to use the opposite strategy, and puts their more technical "fast" guys in the back.  Which, of course, this year seems to have left Bowdoin with a scoring problem.

Based on the games I have seen, there isn't really any team this year who I think is playing great "NESCAC offense"  and if something doesnt change, it is going to come down to beating teams with flawed backlines and on set pieces and/or lucky breaks in teams with solid back lines. 

Unfortunately, that leaves the teams who are playing decent soccer, but don't have a super-star forward or technically strong athletes in the back, but have a solid midfield, and play good team-soccer at the bottom of the pile.  I like the way Colby plays.  I cant imagine that they will beat Bowdoin, or Tufts, or Amherst.  But... I like the way they play soccer.   Is that the kind of team Hamilton is?  Or, is it hard to tell against Tufts?  Did Tufts wear them down, or did they find a weak spot, and then throw everything at it.  (I like Tasker for reading those things.)

I realize we all tend to make early evaluations of individual teams and leagues and then make projections for NCAA playoff prospects.  My experience is that it's generally not fruitful to try and make comparisons from prior seasons to the current season.  The last 10 years tell us that NESCAC teams generally compete well in the NCAA tournament despite what may have happened during the regular season.  Tufts was 10-1-4 in the regular season before losing to Conn College in the NESCAC quarters in 2014 and then marching to the NCAA championship.  Alternatively Amherst was a staggering 14-0-1 in 2015 before losing to Wesleyan in the NESCAC quarters and then marching to the NCAA championship.  Last year, in 2016, Tufts was a pedestrian 9-4-2 before losing to Bowdoin in the NESCAC quarters and then marching to the NCAA championship.

There's a ton of love for U Chicago and their attack right now...but it all comes down to how a team performs in tournament time...and that is determined by a combination of health, momentum and--yes--luck during tournament time.  I would never bet against the current NESCAC halfway through the regular season, no matter how ugly or pretty the style of play of any of the top 5 teams...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CovensCorner on October 01, 2017, 06:18:43 PM
Just an observation, as I looked at the Amherst roster after someone mentioned the name Fikayo Ajayi, and noticed his hometown is listed as London, UK.  Does anyone know if there is any relation to Jay Ajayi, the NFL running back for the Dolphins, whom is originally from London as well?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2017, 06:23:37 PM
^^^^Exactly....we forget that both years that Tufts won the national title they were on the bubble to even get a bid. A snub either or both of those years wouldn't have been much different than the very real snubs Midd got two of those years. The '15 Tufts team that lost in the sweet 16 had the best resume on paper.  I mean 9-4-2...Lose AGAIN in NESCAC quarters...and win another national title...does take some luck, like UMass going thug and Haverford not beating a 9 man team on home field...and then having home field gifted to you for totally irrelevant reasons.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2017, 06:39:22 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2017, 06:23:37 PM
^^^^Exactly....we forget that both years that Tufts won the national title they were on the bubble to even get a bid. A snub either or both of those years wouldn't have been much different than the very real snubs Midd got two of those years. The '15 Tufts team that lost in the sweet 16 had the best resume on paper.  I mean 9-4-2...Lose AGAIN in NESCAC quarters...and win another national title...does take some luck, like UMass going thug and Haverford not beating a 9 man team on home field...and then having home field gifted to you for totally irrelevant reasons.

The 2014 side was 10-1-4 in the regular season, while the 2015 side was 9-4-3 (and the 2016 side was 9-4-2). Not sure what you mean by saying the 2015 side had the best resume? Either way, I do agree there was some luck involved in the way things shook out in terms of home field advantage, but Tufts did go on the road and win the whole thing two years prior, so I don't think that was as big of a factor (although it may well have been, as no two teams are the same, and the '16 side may have benefited more from being at home more than the '14 side would have).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2017, 06:43:31 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 01, 2017, 06:39:22 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2017, 06:23:37 PM
^^^^Exactly....we forget that both years that Tufts won the national title they were on the bubble to even get a bid. A snub either or both of those years wouldn't have been much different than the very real snubs Midd got two of those years. The '15 Tufts team that lost in the sweet 16 had the best resume on paper.  I mean 9-4-2...Lose AGAIN in NESCAC quarters...and win another national title...does take some luck, like UMass going thug and Haverford not beating a 9 man team on home field...and then having home field gifted to you for totally irrelevant reasons.

The 2014 side was 10-1-4 in the regular season, while the 2015 side was 9-4-3 (and the 2016 side was 9-4-2). Not sure what you mean by saying the 2015 side had the best resume? Either way, I do agree there was some luck involved in the way things shook out in terms of home field advantage, but Tufts did go on the road and win the whole thing two years prior, so I don't think that was as big of a factor (although it may well have been, as no two teams are the same, and the '16 side may have benefited more from being at home more than the '14 side would have).

Good catch. I thought I remembered the '14 team sweating out whether they would get a bid after the loss to Conn...And yes, a great road team, but who would think a 9-4-2 team would win a national title, and at a  minimum the '14 was not highly seeded as they didn't host either weekend. If memory serves, they played the first weekend at Wheaton.

P.S. I think even Shapiro and many of the players would admit that those two home games were huge for them, which of course is not to say they couldn't have won again on the road. They actually talked about the crowd really helping them and being bigger than anything they had ever seen at home.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4samuy on October 01, 2017, 07:25:23 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 01, 2017, 05:59:27 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 01, 2017, 03:01:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 01, 2017, 02:03:44 PM
Tufts starting to pin Hamilton in its own half with constant pressure and consecutive corners. Hamilton looks vulnerable on corners and are having a hard time getting the ball now.
I didnt have time today to even look at a game. But...

That is how Amherst looked all game yesterday.  Tufts was really dominating them on posession, and ball control, and Amherst just kept falling deeper and deeper under pressure.   
But...  if you cant score, you can't win.   So, there is the question for Tufts: can they finish?

I understand that they are 3-1-1 but... who have they played.  And... the big games they have played, left me unconvinced.  Based on what matches I have seen, I think they have dependent on their "front men" for the last several years, and now that they don't have quite the same front-man, they have a scoring problem.

And, going back to yesterday's game again: I didn't see anything impressive from Amherst either, that warrants the "credit" they are getting.  Someone on here said Serpone thought Bowdoin outplayed them (I only saw part of that match.)  Tufts certainly outplayed them yesterday. So they "won" but... I am not sure what that means, other than three points.
I mean:  Amherst beat Tufts on a (questionable) throw, and they beat Bowdoin on a (questionable) PK.   So... maybe Amherst is just lucky?  Or ... maybe they bide their time and can capitalize on those quirky situations., and in the NESCAC, that is enoigh.
But... noticed last year that the teams who count on a big "target man" upfront win when their target man has some skill and is more athletic than the defense of their opponent.  And, Tufts and Amherst both had that guy, who was technically acceptable and very strong and fast. 

And I thought that was why they both didn't get by Bowdoin, in the end, because Bowdoin seems to use the opposite strategy, and puts their more technical "fast" guys in the back.  Which, of course, this year seems to have left Bowdoin with a scoring problem.

Based on the games I have seen, there isn't really any team this year who I think is playing great "NESCAC offense"  and if something doesnt change, it is going to come down to beating teams with flawed backlines and on set pieces and/or lucky breaks in teams with solid back lines. 

Unfortunately, that leaves the teams who are playing decent soccer, but don't have a super-star forward or technically strong athletes in the back, but have a solid midfield, and play good team-soccer at the bottom of the pile.  I like the way Colby plays.  I cant imagine that they will beat Bowdoin, or Tufts, or Amherst.  But... I like the way they play soccer.   Is that the kind of team Hamilton is?  Or, is it hard to tell against Tufts?  Did Tufts wear them down, or did they find a weak spot, and then throw everything at it.  (I like Tasker for reading those things.)

I realize we all tend to make early evaluations of individual teams and leagues and then make projections for NCAA playoff prospects.  My experience is that it's generally not fruitful to try and make comparisons from prior seasons to the current season.  The last 10 years tell us that NESCAC teams generally compete well in the NCAA tournament despite what may have happened during the regular season.  Tufts was 10-1-4 in the regular season before losing to Conn College in the NESCAC quarters in 2014 and then marching to the NCAA championship.  Alternatively Amherst was a staggering 14-0-1 in 2015 before losing to Wesleyan in the NESCAC quarters and then marching to the NCAA championship.  Last year, in 2016, Tufts was a pedestrian 9-4-2 before losing to Bowdoin in the NESCAC quarters and then marching to the NCAA championship.

There's a ton of love for U Chicago and their attack right now...but it all comes down to how a team performs in tournament time...and that is determined by a combination of health, momentum and--yes--luck during tournament time.  I would never bet against the current NESCAC halfway through the regular season, no matter how ugly or pretty the style of play of any of the top 5 teams...

TrueNorth,

I agree with you that its not fruitful to make comparisons from prior seasons to current seasons, because yes, each season stands on its own.  But... you then go on to say "there's a ton of love for U Chicago and their attack right now...but it all comes down to how a team performs in tournament time".  IMHO, it almost sounds as if you ARE comparing Chicagos early exit last year with this years team and how they may perform come tournament time.  You are right on saying a combination of health, momentum and luck determine how a team performs come tournament time when all else is equal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2017, 10:20:11 PM
This cracked me up.  I am not an Amherst critic by any means.  One of the top 5 D3 programs over the past decade.  But, just like with Calvin, I find these post-games comments so, so interesting.

"I couldn't be more proud of our guys. It's funny, two weeks ago the narrative was that "Amherst was down this year", etc.  We've got a long way to go but two top-10 wins in 48 hours should calm people down," said head coach Justin Serpone. "We started five first-years each day this weekend and we lost 7 starters from a year ago – it was always going to take some time. The goal is to be better in October than we were in September and I firmly believe this team has its best soccer ahead of them."

The "narrative"?  What narrative? On Facebook?  On D3soccer.com?   Response to blooter?  Mr.Right? Falconer? ECSU alum? 

As silly as this sounds, and maybe it's just me, but this goes to show that coaches and players follow this website pretty earnestly.  Consistent with what blooter reported from the Tufts field a week or so ago.  Very serious stuff, D3 soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2017, 11:34:50 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2017, 10:20:11 PM
This cracked me up.  I am not an Amherst critic by any means.  One of the top 5 D3 programs over the past decade.  But, just like with Calvin, I find these post-games comments so, so interesting.

"I couldn't be more proud of our guys. It's funny, two weeks ago the narrative was that "Amherst was down this year", etc.  We've got a long way to go but two top-10 wins in 48 hours should calm people down," said head coach Justin Serpone. "We started five first-years each day this weekend and we lost 7 starters from a year ago – it was always going to take some time. The goal is to be better in October than we were in September and I firmly believe this team has its best soccer ahead of them."

The "narrative"?  What narrative? On Facebook?  On D3soccer.com?   Response to blooter?  Mr.Right? Falconer? ECSU alum? 

As silly as this sounds, and maybe it's just me, but this goes to show that coaches and players follow this website pretty earnestly.  Consistent with what blooter reported from the Tufts field a week or so ago.  Very serious stuff, D3 soccer.

Haha well the only thing blooter (yes, I enjoy talking about myself in the third person) has said about the quality of Amherst as a side in the last month was "Amherst aren't the dominant side they used to be, although I do think Serpone's system will ensure that they stay competitive." So even if it was a criticism, it was balanced with a compliment. Definitely don't think I said that they were "down," just that they weren't going to romp through everyone as in years past. I know that your question, PN, wasn't aimed particularly at me, but I just had to laugh at the thought of such a "narrative" existing.

Either way, pretty interesting to have drawn that assertion. Serpone is usually very magnanimous in his post-game quotes win, lose, or draw, but perhaps he hasn't been in this position during his tenure at Amherst, as the last time Amherst lost a game in September was 2009. I do think he would have been justified in having a chip on his shoulder, although perhaps not as much as it appears this time -- I got a chuckle out of the use of "calm people down."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: HooksLeft on October 02, 2017, 01:00:19 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 01, 2017, 04:30:06 PM
Seems to have been a lengthy stoppage in Amherst-RUN -- both benches got yellows and Ajayi got a red for Amherst. Two feisty teams can sure generate fireworks (to be clear, I said feisty, not dirty).

Update: Amherst wins it with 2:05 left in the first OT. Big weekend for Serpone and his charges.

Hey all, been a long time since I've posted so I'd like to begin by saying thank you to everyone who keeps the chain going while the rest of us watch from the sidelines. Even though I'm now a handful of years out of school I still find this board to be a fantastic extension of the on-the-field excitement.

That being said, I have chosen to break my silence for an absolutely heart-breaking reason. As some of you may or may not know, today's game between Amherst and Rutgers-Newark was packed with drama but marred by racism that has become all too prevalent in today's society. Before I attempt to recap the specific events, I want to mention that I wasn't there and I was unable to stream the game. What I have to say is based on what I've heard from those in attendance. Therefore I apologize if I describe anything incorrectly. I welcome anyone with more information to let their voice be heard because I think this topic goes far beyond sports rivalries.

Fikayo Ajayi, a great player and even better person, was called a ni**** by one of the RUN players in the first few minutes of OT. His response, and justifiably so in my opinion, was to confront the RUN player with pointed language of his own (F bombs, etc.), which led to a scuffle and a yellow card for Fikayo and the deplorable RUN player. The referee did not hear the original insult from the RUN player but had heard the response from Fikayo, which led the RUN coach to suggest that Fikayo was the only one deserving of a yellow card. After everyone had been calmed down the game was allowed to continue and moments later Fikayo received a second yellow and was sent off. I'm not sure what the second offense was for but I imagine emotions were still running extremely high. Thankfully karma prevailed and soon Amherst was able to net the game winner, sending RUN home with nothing but a huge loss.

Now... I HOPE we can all agree that what the RUN player did was terrible... that should be a given. However, what I want to address are two things that bubbled to the surface following the game.
1) is that the referee later claimed to the Amherst coaching staff that he believed Fikayo had made up the insult. That it had never occurred. To this I have to say ARE YOU F***ING KIDDING ME. Why would someone make that up? Short answer - they wouldn't. And even if the referee is ignorant enough to believe that the insult was fabricated, WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT TO HIS COACH!!!! If you didn't hear it then I can understand that you would be hesitant to dish out punishment purely based on the opposing players reaction, but for me a ref suggesting that the player made it up is NEVER appropriate.
2) The RUN coach not only complained about his player receiving a yellow, but he was bold enough to suggest that the player would not have said such a thing because he was hispanic and went to church on a weekly basis. THIS. IS. ABSURD. Suggesting someone can't be racist because they are also a minority? That they are immune to accusations of racism because they worship a higher power on a weekly basis? This is ignorance at its finest. I understand that a coach is inclined to protect and defend his players but for me racism is where respectable coach's need to draw the line. If you are a collegiate soccer coach then your job should revolve around two things: winning as many soccer games as possible and grooming your student athletes to become the best person they can be. If todays events was any indication I would say that RUN is failing miserably at the latter.

I don't post this to start a debate and I don't plan to reply to any thread that stems from this post. All I would like to do is make sure that things like this do not go unnoticed. Everyone should be held accountable for their actions and I hope that the Rutgers-Newark players and staff are held accountable for theirs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 02, 2017, 08:11:50 AM

[/quote]

TrueNorth,

I agree with you that its not fruitful to make comparisons from prior seasons to current seasons, because yes, each season stands on its own.  But... you then go on to say "there's a ton of love for U Chicago and their attack right now...but it all comes down to how a team performs in tournament time".  IMHO, it almost sounds as if you ARE comparing Chicagos early exit last year with this years team and how they may perform come tournament time.  You are right on saying a combination of health, momentum and luck determine how a team performs come tournament time when all else is equal.
[/quote]

Actually I wasn't comparing Chicago's performance this season to their performance of last season, as I hadn't done any research to see how they fared last season (they must have done pretty well).  I was alluding to some of the posts I saw on the UAA and National Perspective threads that sound highly impressed with Chicago, and have apparently already anointed them as the prohibitive favorites to win the tournament this year...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stillwatching on October 02, 2017, 08:48:00 AM
Quote from: HooksLeft on October 02, 2017, 01:00:19 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 01, 2017, 04:30:06 PM
Seems to have been a lengthy stoppage in Amherst-RUN -- both benches got yellows and Ajayi got a red for Amherst. Two feisty teams can sure generate fireworks (to be clear, I said feisty, not dirty).

Update: Amherst wins it with 2:05 left in the first OT. Big weekend for Serpone and his charges.



Fikayo Ajayi, a great player and even better person, was called a ni**** by one of the RUN players in the first few minutes of OT. His response, and justifiably so in my opinion, was to confront the RUN player with pointed language of his own (F bombs, etc.), which led to a scuffle and a yellow card for Fikayo and the deplorable RUN player. The referee did not hear the original insult from the RUN player but had heard the response from Fikayo, which led the RUN coach to suggest that Fikayo was the only one deserving of a yellow card. After everyone had been calmed down the game was allowed to continue and moments later Fikayo received a second yellow and was sent off. I'm not sure what the second offense was for but I imagine emotions were still running extremely high. Thankfully karma prevailed and soon Amherst was able to net the game winner, sending RUN home with nothing but a huge loss.

Now... I HOPE we can all agree that what the RUN player did was terrible... that should be a given. However, what I want to address are two things that bubbled to the surface following the game.
1) is that the referee later claimed to the Amherst coaching staff that he believed Fikayo had made up the insult. That it had never occurred. To this I have to say ARE YOU F***ING KIDDING ME. Why would someone make that up? Short answer - they wouldn't. And even if the referee is ignorant enough to believe that the insult was fabricated, WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT TO HIS COACH!!!! If you didn't hear it then I can understand that you would be hesitant to dish out punishment purely based on the opposing players reaction, but for me a ref suggesting that the player made it up is NEVER appropriate.
2) The RUN coach not only complained about his player receiving a yellow, but he was bold enough to suggest that the player would not have said such a thing because he was hispanic and went to church on a weekly basis. THIS. IS. ABSURD. Suggesting someone can't be racist because they are also a minority? That they are immune to accusations of racism because they worship a higher power on a weekly basis? This is ignorance at its finest. I understand that a coach is inclined to protect and defend his players but for me racism is where respectable coach's need to draw the line. If you are a collegiate soccer coach then your job should revolve around two things: winning as many soccer games as possible and grooming your student athletes to become the best person they can be. If todays events was any indication I would say that RUN is failing miserably at the latter.

I don't post this to start a debate and I don't plan to reply to any thread that stems from this post. All I would like to do is make sure that things like this do not go unnoticed. Everyone should be held accountable for their actions and I hope that the Rutgers-Newark players and staff are held accountable for theirs.

Completely deplorable. 

My son is a bench player for one of the D3 Massachusetts State Universities.  They played a much weaker opponent last week, and my son got the start!  As they were walking off at the half, all 5'8" of my son is beefing with the largest kid on the opposing team (easily 6'3").  After the game I asked him what it was all about.  Apparently, this young man called the Center Ref the n-word, and my son told him it was not OK, and invited him his bench to meet the rest of his team (full of kids from the Caribbean, Central & South America, African American kids, and African kids).   ;D

For the record, we are white, and he grew up in pretty vanilla small town.  In his graduating class of 140, there were exactly 10 kids of color (one of whom happens to be one of his best friends). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 09:41:17 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 01, 2017, 11:34:50 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2017, 10:20:11 PM
This cracked me up.  I am not an Amherst critic by any means.  One of the top 5 D3 programs over the past decade.  But, just like with Calvin, I find these post-games comments so, so interesting.

"I couldn't be more proud of our guys. It's funny, two weeks ago the narrative was that "Amherst was down this year", etc.  We've got a long way to go but two top-10 wins in 48 hours should calm people down," said head coach Justin Serpone. "We started five first-years each day this weekend and we lost 7 starters from a year ago – it was always going to take some time. The goal is to be better in October than we were in September and I firmly believe this team has its best soccer ahead of them."

The "narrative"?  What narrative? On Facebook?  On D3soccer.com?   Response to blooter?  Mr.Right? Falconer? ECSU alum? 

As silly as this sounds, and maybe it's just me, but this goes to show that coaches and players follow this website pretty earnestly.  Consistent with what blooter reported from the Tufts field a week or so ago.  Very serious stuff, D3 soccer.

Haha well the only thing blooter (yes, I enjoy talking about myself in the third person) has said about the quality of Amherst as a side in the last month was "Amherst aren't the dominant side they used to be, although I do think Serpone's system will ensure that they stay competitive." So even if it was a criticism, it was balanced with a compliment. Definitely don't think I said that they were "down," just that they weren't going to romp through everyone as in years past. I know that your question, PN, wasn't aimed particularly at me, but I just had to laugh at the thought of such a "narrative" existing.

Either way, pretty interesting to have drawn that assertion. Serpone is usually very magnanimous in his post-game quotes win, lose, or draw, but perhaps he hasn't been in this position during his tenure at Amherst, as the last time Amherst lost a game in September was 2009. I do think he would have been justified in having a chip on his shoulder, although perhaps not as much as it appears this time -- I got a chuckle out of the use of "calm people down."

blooter, have you calm downed yet?  Feeling relieved?  I actually had no idea what you in particular wrote, or anyone else.  I thought maybe he was talking about Bob Ryan's new column on D3soccer in the Globe.  The latest feature article in SI.  Or maybe that blistering early season assessment in NESCAC Monthly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 11:57:40 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 02, 2017, 08:11:50 AM
Actually I wasn't comparing Chicago's performance this season to their performance of last season, as I hadn't done any research to see how they fared last season (they must have done pretty well).  I was alluding to some of the posts I saw on the UAA and National Perspective threads that sound highly impressed with Chicago, and have apparently already anointed them as the prohibitive favorites to win the tournament this year...

I think they first need to get to the Final 4 before we can talk of them winning it all, as evidenced by them failing to get out of their quadrant of the bracket. That said, I do think they will repeat in the UAA.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 09:41:17 AM
blooter, have you calm downed yet?  Feeling relieved?  I actually had no idea what you in particular wrote, or anyone else.  I thought maybe he was talking about Bob Ryan's new column on D3soccer in the Globe.  The latest feature article in SI.  Or maybe that blistering early season assessment in NESCAC Monthly.

https://youtu.be/4v1ICQK7WpY?t=30s

(From one of the few decent Adam Sandler movies, IMHO.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 12:03:59 PM
blooter, you're the best. 

As we speak, there are Fire Blooter protests taking over the bucolic Amherst campus.  The higher ups with D3soccer.com have taken the matter under advisement.  I interpret all of that as just a confirmation of your longstanding commitment to fair and balanced journalism.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 12:10:02 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 12:03:59 PM
blooter, you're the best. 

As we speak, there are Fire Blooter protests taking over the bucolic Amherst campus.  The higher ups with D3soccer.com have taken the matter under advisement.  I interpret all of that as just a confirmation of your longstanding commitment to fair and balanced journalism.

Where is the laughing emoji?! I guess this will do. :D To be fired means that I'd have to be hired, which means I'd be getting paid...I'd like to know where my withheld paychecks went! ;)

As far as being "fair and balanced," I do appreciate that but another news outlet has stolen that tagline...rhymes with "Fox News"...and it doesn't seem that it holds much weight there (sorry, sorry, no place for politics, I know, couldn't resist).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 12:36:17 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 12:10:02 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 12:03:59 PM
blooter, you're the best. 

As we speak, there are Fire Blooter protests taking over the bucolic Amherst campus.  The higher ups with D3soccer.com have taken the matter under advisement.  I interpret all of that as just a confirmation of your longstanding commitment to fair and balanced journalism.

Where is the laughing emoji?! I guess this will do. :D To be fired means that I'd have to be hired, which means I'd be getting paid...I'd like to know where my withheld paychecks went! ;)

As far as being "fair and balanced," I do appreciate that but another news outlet has stolen that tagline...rhymes with "Fox News"...and it doesn't seem that it holds much weight there (sorry, sorry, no place for politics, I know, couldn't resist).

Careful now....or someone will be tweeting about you...THAT you can believe  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 12:50:14 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 12:36:17 PM
Careful now....or someone will be tweeting about you...THAT you can believe  ;)

http://gph.is/1WWG6G7

Uh oh...looks like you were right: http://bit.ly/2g53GPQ

Alright, I'm done. ;)

On another note, curious to see where Middlebury ends up. They are now 6-3, with a late OG getting them by Plymouth State yesterday, and already have losses to Bowdoin, Conn., and Colby. They do have an impressive 1-0 victory at Amherst -- the Mammoths' only loss so far -- but face a difficult weekend trip to Tufts. Curious to know what their SoS will end up being like...I definitely don't have enough time to do the OWP+OOWP math but it does look similar to years past in terms of difficulty.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 01:42:47 PM
Couple things....

As far as the Serpone quote it is very well possible he is talking about a narrative from his peers and the overall gossip from players and coaches around New England and not D3soccer.com. These coaches can be like catty housewives always chit chatting about other teams, players and coaches. Also, coaches are always talking sometimes on a daily basis getting scouting reports and other information. Like any industry word gets around however it only matters with whom do you trust for your information.

As far as Tufts goes I will say ONCE AGAIN that they are NOT an ELITE 8 side. No disrespect but they are not even close to being on par with their their 2014 side let alone 2015 and 2016. I still say their 2015 side was more talented than 2016. Anyway, those sides had more pure talent than 2017 Tufts no matter what the records were at any part of the season. I have no doubt they are the best team in Nescac right now and will host at least for the 1st/2nd round but like every other Nescac side they have no pure goal scorer. No one they can rely on for a goal that they will need in an NCAA tournament game. Braun is decent but he is no Majumder. In fact this Tufts side reminds me of a poor man's 2007 Middlebury that won the NCAA tournament except Middlebury had Ftorek up top to get them the goals when they needed it or to get other defenders attention to free up his teammates and get them space. That Middlebury side was as tight as a Snare drum defensively. While Tufts has only let in 1 goal I see some holes and weaknesses that good teams can exploit especially in the NCAA's. Also, they are platooning GK's but Mieth seems to be getting the nod when they are playing more difficult sides(i.e. Nescac sides). To me this is strange. Why does Shapiro feel the need to play the senior Johnson in net? Is it because he is a senior? If Mieth is the better GK then why play Johnson at all? On the surface the GK's look like they are getting along and this position Shapiro has put them in is making both play better and rising to the challenge. In reality, it can cause massive confusion, over thinking, forcing the issue and being scared of making that one big mistake that will get their ass on the bench for good. Also, when the NCAA's come around or even the Nescac tournament Shapiro will be forced to make a decision on 1 GK. I highly doubt they will be platooning in NCAA games. That would be unheard of unless someone could give me an example of that happening. Why not make the decision now? Are they really that even? ..Look at Serpone, he has gone with the Frosh over the Senior in net and for good reason as Owen can be a hot mess in net but Serpone was willing to give him that chance. He must have seen something on video in the 1st Half of the Williams game because we have not seen Owen since. Will we see him against New England College on Wednesday? Maybe but if we do all that will be is a token start, almost a slap in the face to the senior that is why I would bet money we see the Frosh the rest of the season...I know I got off topic but if Tufts is going to go anywhere in the NCAA's they are going to need someone to score a goal to win a game and I do not see anyone on any Nescac side this year that can do that. Do we really think they can go 2-3 games in the NCAA's without conceding? No and have we seen either of their GK's on PK's? Nope..If Tufts advances they are going to have to win in PK"s maybe even starting in the 2nd round.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 02, 2017, 02:44:18 PM
Well, if the coaches and players are following the message boards, its certainly clear Mr. Right has given Tufts (and several of the NESCAC teams for that matter) plenty of Bulletin Board material the past couple years... He seems to know how their defense can be exploited, yet they have conceded what... two goals since the start of the 2016 NCAA Tournament and they have probably played at least eight top 25 teams in those 15 games.  They go on the road this past week for 3 conference games in less than 120 hours and finish the trip 2-1-0. Just for kicks, I checked to see how the 2015 team did on the same trip...0-2-1.

Anyway, I give Serpone and his players a lot of credit for developing and executing on a game plan to win at home against Tufts. So what if the field was only 65 yards wide and they let Tufts knock it around and rack up 20 plus shots. It sounds like Amherst played to their strengths: defense, the long ball, and set plays. They got the fortunate bounce off the throw in and capitalized. In the end, its about the the result and Amherst needed this game. Kudos to the Mammoths.

Regarding Trinity at Bates, I will say it was a entertaining game despite no goals. Also, it was a very even game. Opoku for Bates and Savonen for Trinity were the best players on the field for their respective teams - not a huge surprise. They both had a number of shots and quality chances. Montanaro made a great stop on Savonen late in regulation and Trinity played one off the line early in the first OT.  Merchant wasn't really able to generate a ton, and I think he only had 1 shot. Its a tough result for Bates, but they were fortunate with the other ties that occurred around the league. IMO they still have a decent shot to make the NESCAC tournament. They should get the offense going against MMA tomorrow night.

Finally a shout out to Colby for a quality road win at Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 02:46:32 PM
You do not seem to understand that Tufts is racking up shutouts against Nescac teams THAT CANNOT SCORE FRIGGIN GOALS...Give me a legit striker this year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 03:15:57 PM
It becomes much more realistic when you actually envision a team against possible opponents in Rd of 32 and Sweet 16 games.  Who is going to put them out?  The NEWMAC champ?  Endicott?  Gettysburg?  Once you get past 3-4 and at most 5-6 teams, who would Tufts not be favored against?  And I personally would not bet against versus Chicago, Calvin, Messiah, Rowan, Lycoming, Trinity, etc.  Again, they were predicted to be out by the Sweet 16 LAST YEAR.  Maybe no striker but a lot of guys who can score and certainly a lot of guys who can get them one goal off a set piece or scrum given their physical advantages. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 02, 2017, 03:20:16 PM
I have only seen a handful of games in person, but it certainly appears Conn has a couple guys who can put the ball in the net. And although neither Savonen nor Merchant scored on Saturday, they are a threat to score every game. Bates has only played 4 conference games (one at Hamilton) so its a small sample size. I will also point out that in the biggest non-conference games of the season for NESCAC, Amherst beat RUN 2-1 (less than 24 hours after beating Tufts) and De Sousa is probably one of the best forwards in the country. Also, Tufts beat Brandeis 1-0 therefore shutting down Flahive and Ocel. You are making the assumption that these other top ranked teams around the country will be able to exploit and score against the top teams in NESCAC and so far the top teams in NESCAC have had the better of the bib non-conference matchups. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 03:32:17 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 03:15:57 PM
It becomes much more realistic when you actually envision a team against possible opponents in Rd of 32 and Sweet 16 games.  Who is going to put them out?  The NEWMAC champ?  Endicott?  Gettysburg?  Once you get past 3-4 and at most 5-6 teams, who would Tufts not be favored against?  And I personally would not bet against versus Chicago, Calvin, Messiah, Rowan, Lycoming, Trinity, etc.  Again, they were predicted to be out by the Sweet 16 LAST YEAR.  Maybe no striker but a lot of guys who can score and certainly a lot of guys who can get them one goal off a set piece or scrum given their physical advantages.

I'll concede a bit and agree on this point BUT they are also more vulnerable in the back and in goal IMO we just have not seen it yet but we will..Promise to quote me when we do see it collapse and I will admit if it doesn't.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 03:36:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 03:32:17 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 03:15:57 PM
It becomes much more realistic when you actually envision a team against possible opponents in Rd of 32 and Sweet 16 games.  Who is going to put them out?  The NEWMAC champ?  Endicott?  Gettysburg?  Once you get past 3-4 and at most 5-6 teams, who would Tufts not be favored against?  And I personally would not bet against versus Chicago, Calvin, Messiah, Rowan, Lycoming, Trinity, etc.  Again, they were predicted to be out by the Sweet 16 LAST YEAR.  Maybe no striker but a lot of guys who can score and certainly a lot of guys who can get them one goal off a set piece or scrum given their physical advantages.

I'll concede a bit and agree on this point BUT they are also more vulnerable in the back and in goal IMO we just have not seen it yet but we will..Promise to quote me when we do see it collapse and I will admit if it doesn't.

LOL.  Believe it or not I respect your opinions and take them seriously.  I've been resisting quoting you from last year.  You said the exact same thing you're saying now about Tufts and the NESCAC in general last year.  I think the compromise is that you are correct about Tufts' weaknesses but not totally factoring in that the competition in D3 is not overwhelming.  Are you saying you wouldn't give them a decent chance to beat Messiah or Chicago or Calvin tomorrow?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 03:38:11 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 02, 2017, 03:20:16 PM
I have only seen a handful of games in person, but it certainly appears Conn has a couple guys who can put the ball in the net. And although neither Savonen nor Merchant scored on Saturday, they are a threat to score every game. Bates has only played 4 conference games (one at Hamilton) so its a small sample size. I will also point out that in the biggest non-conference games of the season for NESCAC, Amherst beat RUN 2-1 (less than 24 hours after beating Tufts) and De Sousa is probably one of the best forwards in the country. Also, Tufts beat Brandeis 1-0 therefore shutting down Flahive and Ocel. You are making the assumption that these other top ranked teams around the country will be able to exploit and score against the top teams in NESCAC and so far the top teams in NESCAC have had the better of the bib non-conference matchups.


I might give you Brandeis however this Brandeis side is not last year's side and far from 2014/2015 Brandeis..Again it is all how you evaluate the situation. Conn??? Are u kidding...They cannot score goals against a solid defense neither can Midd,Williams,Trinity,Bates,Colby,Bowdoin etc....Have you noticed the amount of goaless draws this year? How about the 1-0 scoreline? Popping up every weekend. I watch these games and there is not 1 team that can breakdown these solid defenses. Except Bates and Trinity which are 2 defenses that can be broken down except apparently when they play each other to a 0-0 draw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 03:45:07 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 03:36:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 03:32:17 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 03:15:57 PM
It becomes much more realistic when you actually envision a team against possible opponents in Rd of 32 and Sweet 16 games.  Who is going to put them out?  The NEWMAC champ?  Endicott?  Gettysburg?  Once you get past 3-4 and at most 5-6 teams, who would Tufts not be favored against?  And I personally would not bet against versus Chicago, Calvin, Messiah, Rowan, Lycoming, Trinity, etc.  Again, they were predicted to be out by the Sweet 16 LAST YEAR.  Maybe no striker but a lot of guys who can score and certainly a lot of guys who can get them one goal off a set piece or scrum given their physical advantages.

I'll concede a bit and agree on this point BUT they are also more vulnerable in the back and in goal IMO we just have not seen it yet but we will..Promise to quote me when we do see it collapse and I will admit if it doesn't.

LOL.  Believe it or not I respect your opinions and take them seriously.  I've been resisting quoting you from last year.  You said the exact same thing you're saying now about Tufts and the NESCAC in general last year.  I think the compromise is that you are correct about Tufts' weaknesses but not totally factoring in that the competition in D3 is not overwhelming.  Are you saying you wouldn't give them a decent chance to beat Messiah or Chicago or Calvin tomorrow?

I have not seen Chicago yet. I have seen Messiah 3 times and Calvin only once and I think they would beat Tufts. Are you telling me that they would fear Weatherbie, Coleman, Jameson, Zinner and Mieth? Even Tufts Nescac opponents do not fear them. Last year I do not remember exactly what I said but I really liked Sullivan and thought he covered up some of Coleman's weaknesses.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 02, 2017, 04:10:12 PM
Last year there were 2.42 goals per NESCAC game. This year so far its 1.86 goals per NESCAC game. So the goal scoring is down about 1/2 a goal per game this season to date.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 04:19:23 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 02, 2017, 04:10:12 PM
Last year there were 2.42 goals per NESCAC game. This year so far its 1.86 goals per NESCAC game. So the goal scoring is down about 1/2 a goal per game this season to date.

Thank you..You made my point for me..In soccer that is a HUGE number...Now lets take 4 games out of that stat and them tell me the goals per Nescac game....Wesleyan 4-2 Bates, Conn 2-2 Colby, Tufts 3-0 Wesleyan and Conn 3-0 Trinity
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 02, 2017, 04:22:28 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 02:46:32 PM
You do not seem to understand that Tufts is racking up shutouts against Nescac teams THAT CANNOT SCORE FRIGGIN GOALS...Give me a legit striker this year?

lol ...     WORD!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 02, 2017, 04:30:06 PM
Why would you remove the top scoring games without removing the lowest scoring games? Let's see where it all shakes out at the end of the conference season. As you said, NESCAC has a lot of solid defensive teams. As a result, I would expect the scoring to be down.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 02, 2017, 05:27:28 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 02, 2017, 04:22:28 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 02:46:32 PM
You do not seem to understand that Tufts is racking up shutouts against Nescac teams THAT CANNOT SCORE FRIGGIN GOALS...Give me a legit striker this year?

lol ...     WORD!!!!

Of course... it is mostly an issue because it seems like the teams that win in the NESCAC seem to rely on a big fast/strong front-man to score on break-away plays.  And, the teams who have counted on that guy in the past seem not to have yet identified one this year.   
How will they deal with that? If they get creative, it will be interesting!  Should be way more interesting than wondering how each team might match up with a Majumber, or Becherano, or Ciambella, or Pat Devlin... or whomever...

Looks like Tufts could possibly looking at a way to make adjustments by trying a realignment in the back to move another guy forward, . 
Bowdoin seems to be also experimenting with their backline, as their backs have been doing some overlapping and combining.   
And, I only caught Amherst's first game, plus the Tufts game this weekend, but apparently, with anything else they may or may not be doing to adjust, at least after this weekend, it appears that Amherst plans on using their defensive "long-thrower" on offense... And, at least this weekend that yielded good results for them.

And it looks like Colby is at least 500 and right in the middle of the pack by playing a team-game... with some of the competitive games, including road games, under their belt.

Anyway... if the 2017 iteration of each NESCAC team finds a creative way to compensate for the lack of that front-man, it might make it a pretty interesting season. 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 02, 2017, 06:33:44 PM
Good points, SoccerMom.  The dynamics of athletic teams and their performance levels are ever changing rather than static.  Any time we make a sweeping generalization about an entire conference, it is both an overgeneralization and also a static "photo frame" from one moment in a multi-frame two-month-long film.  If Chicago, Messiah or Calvin romp to the NCAA title and the NESCAC can't get beyond the round of 16, then we'll know these early season observations were accurate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 02, 2017, 06:42:34 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 03:32:17 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2017, 03:15:57 PM
It becomes much more realistic when you actually envision a team against possible opponents in Rd of 32 and Sweet 16 games.  Who is going to put them out?  The NEWMAC champ?  Endicott?  Gettysburg?  Once you get past 3-4 and at most 5-6 teams, who would Tufts not be favored against?  And I personally would not bet against versus Chicago, Calvin, Messiah, Rowan, Lycoming, Trinity, etc.  Again, they were predicted to be out by the Sweet 16 LAST YEAR.  Maybe no striker but a lot of guys who can score and certainly a lot of guys who can get them one goal off a set piece or scrum given their physical advantages.

I'll concede a bit and agree on this point BUT they are also more vulnerable in the back and in goal IMO we just have not seen it yet but we will..Promise to quote me when we do see it collapse and I will admit if it doesn't.

Which teams are more vulnerable in the back?  I thought a lot of the really strong defenders were younger last year.  Did someone graduate their back line? (besides Amherst who graduated just about everybody.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 07:15:57 PM
Bowdoin all over Thomas in the opening 10 minutes. Terriers have hardly gotten the ball out of their own half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 07:17:03 PM
Off the line! Twice!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 07:18:47 PM
?Wonder if Seabrook is scouting Bowdoin at Thomas in Waterville tonight? Bowdoin has already had two chances cleared off the line. Thomas not quite as strong as years past
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 07:19:02 PM
Thomas has given NESCAC sides good games in the past few years -- the Terriers also ran Brandeis close in the 2015 NCAA 1st Round before losing 2-1 on a last-minute goal -- but Bowdoin appears to be superior today. LaBrie and Nicholas have hardly had a kick.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 07:20:39 PM
I remember that game well for other reasons.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 07:22:24 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 07:20:39 PM
I remember that game well for other reasons.....

Me too! Perhaps not in the same league as the Williamson headbutt in terms of brute force, but the Thomas player hitting the ref was similarly despicable. I'm surprised neither the program nor the player didn't get a public reprimand the way UMASS-Boston did. Absolute lunacy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 07:25:28 PM
Would that be considered a smash and grab Bloots?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 07:26:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 07:25:28 PM
Would that be considered a smash and grab Bloots?

So slick it didn't even set off the alarm.

Thomas' first shot of the game to Bowdoin's 9. Very much a hoof ball forward but nice ball nonetheless, great flick, and good finish. I did say they show up for the big ones!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 07:29:19 PM
Thomas is starting to have some possession down Bowdoin's right. Still would say Bowdoin has had the better of the play, but Thomas is the team on the board.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 07:35:12 PM
Great save by Thomas GK but it was shot right at him. Stenquist having a nightmare game so far...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 07:37:23 PM
I most enjoy the streams without commentary like this one. You get to hear the raw noise from the field (and, as someone who never played more than college intramurals, it's certainly an interesting insight into the bench chatter/etc., although I have seen some games fro the perspective of the bench).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 07:39:53 PM
Yes...Like Brandeis games...Wiercinski pissed that wasn't a yellow..he is right that it will allow game to get out of control
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 07:42:05 PM
Niang misses a free header..Thomas not the most disciplined defensively...But can the GK have a wonder game?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 07:42:26 PM
Hahahahahaha wow. Case in point. Thomas coach goes "ref, what's your rationale (for not giving a card)?" Ref goes "it was his first foul." Thomas coach replies "People commit murder for the first time too!" Chuckles from spectators all around.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 07:42:57 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 07:42:05 PM
Niang misses a free header..Thomas not the most disciplined defensively...But can the GK have a wonder game?

Don't think so, he doesn't look as good as Sternas was a couple years back. But, if you're Bowdoin, you have to take one of those chances eventually.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 07:47:36 PM
Oooh...close. Bowdoin kid puts a cross/shot juuuuuust over the top left with the 'keeper scrambling.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 07:52:14 PM
At half, Bowdoin with 19 shots to Thomas' 2, but Thomas ahead where it matters.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 07:56:15 PM
Not sure what to make of Bowdoin's back 4 tonight....Stevie is a beast in net but we have


McColl                Bubb              Ward         MacMillan                 


Ward has not been involved much but Bubb and Stenquist holding keep giving the ball away. They need to settle down take a second and find a teammates feet. Nescac teams should be goin at Macmillan as he looks the weakest of the bunch defensively. Niang and Morant should be using their significant height advantage to get a goal off a set piece. Let's see if Wiercinski changes at Halftime.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 08:00:16 PM
Excellent Baseball commentary up at halftime in Waterville....These guys making solid points I need to get a hold of my bookie
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 08:02:16 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 08:00:16 PM
Excellent Baseball commentary up at halftime in Waterville....These guys making solid points I need to get a hold of my bookie

If the Maine accent becomes too thick for you to understand, I am happy to translate. 25 cents a sentence.

As an aside, the Maine accent and Boston accent are pretty much the same -- except the Maine one sounds like you have a mouth full of peanut butter because your jaw doesn't really shut (I'm a Maine native, so I'm allowed to say those things.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 08:13:21 PM
Bowdoin playing some nice two touch futbol now but can they finish?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 08:15:43 PM
4 corners in a row for Bowdoin and nothing...Not the fault of the server McColl...I like that service
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 08:17:34 PM
Great tackle by Stenquist...Crunching..that is what he does best.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 08:20:20 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 08:13:21 PM
Bowdoin playing some nice two touch futbol now but can they finish?

You have to wonder if the pressure will start to tell on Thomas, because Bowdoin has pinned them back once again. Of course, it's always better to be 1-0 up than 1-0 down late in a game, but when you know that a goal is coming it can affect the team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 08:22:36 PM
A nice step by MacMillan but then he makes a horrific give away in the middle of the field but Thomas could not take advantage
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 08:26:04 PM
Wiercinski sweating this one out BIG TIME as the hat actually came off...he knows a loss here and to St.Joe's will not look good on a resume in November...He has to start pushing more numbers forward and take more chances
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 08:28:22 PM
Another free header off a corner goes wide! How many will Bowdoin miss?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 08:30:01 PM
I think that was Ward...Actually was Stenquist
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 02, 2017, 08:31:27 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 07:56:15 PM
Not sure what to make of Bowdoin's back 4 tonight....Stevie is a beast in net but we have


McColl                Bubb              Ward         MacMillan                 


Ward has not been involved much but Bubb and Stenquist holding keep giving the ball away. They need to settle down take a second and find a teammates feet. Nescac teams should be goin at Macmillan as he looks the weakest of the bunch defensively. Niang and Morant should be using their significant height advantage to get a goal off a set piece. Let's see if Wiercinski changes at Halftime.

Just signed in at half, so I missed the first half. I have not seen many turnovers from the back.   Looks to me like the surface is slick, and Bowdoin is playing like they don't want to get hurt -- a little hesitant on loose balls and 50s.   Which is probably compounded by the nasty play on the field.   Someone just wrapped their legs one of the Bowdoin kids to pull him down... Really,  just unnecessary fouling seems to be going totally uncalled and even unnoticed.   What is that numbers 5,15, and 11...  on the Thomas team?  Seem like they might be out there just to hurt somebody?  What was that cleats-up slide that just came at McColl?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 08:35:44 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 02, 2017, 08:31:27 PM
Just signed in at half, so I missed the first half. I have not seen many turnovers from the back.   Looks to me like the surface is slick, and Bowdoin is playing like they don't want to get hurt -- a little hesitant on loose balls and 50s.   Which is probably compounded by the nasty play on the field.   Someone just wrapped their legs one of the Bowdoin kids to pull him down... Really,  just unnecessary fouling seems to be going totally uncalled and even unnoticed.   What is that numbers 5,15, and 11...  on the Thomas team?  Seem like they might be out there just to hurt somebody?  What was that cleats-up slide that just came at McColl?

Well the stream dropped for me, so I can't comment on the last five minutes or so, but Thomas is definitely a chippy side. That said I think Bowdoin's team size is significantly bigger so they should be using it as much as they can.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 08:38:31 PM
Stream goes out and Masterson nets 2 goals..Only in Maine...Interestingly, Masterson was the only sub of the match for Bowdoin..Is their bench that thin? I did not see the Frosh #5 Byrd that I liked against Williams and Wesleyan but did notice a guy on crutches..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 08:39:20 PM
Of course, the stream drops and Bowdoin scores twice in 24 seconds! Smells like an inside job involving the cameraman. ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 08:42:37 PM
Between Amherst's stream having "technical difficulties" yesterday and this one dropping out a minute before Bowdoin's two goals, this is my current mood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Iiu_QQ9gKo
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 08:50:47 PM
New stream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNRlNGvR6G4
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 08:53:09 PM
Really nice through-ball from McColl, through the eye of a needle, but the chance was snuffed out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 08:57:46 PM
2-1 final. Bowdoin deserved winners, but Thomas gave them a game, although it was perhaps exacerbated by Bowdoin's lack of prowess in front of goal during the first half. You did get the feeling that Bowdoin was going to score, and that it was only a matter of time, but Thomas held firm for longer than expected.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 02, 2017, 09:00:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 02, 2017, 08:38:31 PM
Stream goes out and Masterson nets 2 goals..Only in Maine...Interestingly, Masterson was the only sub of the match for Bowdoin..Is their bench that thin? I did not see the Frosh #5 Byrd that I liked against Williams and Wesleyan but did notice a guy on crutches..

I was wondering about him, also.  I thought that Bowdoin #5, Byrd, created things up front.  I did not notice the crutches on the side line, but I signed in late. 

Regarding size... I think that Thomas is bigger.  That 13 is a Mack Truck.  And 5, also. ... and 11, with the cleats up slides ... if he came sliding at me cleats up, I would think twice about loose balls. (Which may be the intention there. ) And that 15 attacking is short, but super-solid, and really reckless.   I think Thomas has the size advantage.  They CERTAINLY have a weight advantage...   And they are so reckless, if not downright egregious with some of those plays.  And the ref seems to be missing them.  If I were the Bowdoin coach, I would be torn between wanting my kids to play like they mean it, and wanting them not to get hurt in a non-conference game.     


On another note, I also have lost the stream, but I was wondering...  but... it is so hard to see on a video with the angle and limited view and all, but:  Did you think that there were a few plays where the dude might have started in an offside position?  I thought that there were a couple where he looked a good meter off, but there was at least one, where I noticed the whole Bowdoin back line look over at the line judge like they were expecting the call, but there wasn't one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 09:09:27 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 02, 2017, 09:00:55 PM
Regarding size... I think that Thomas is bigger.  That 13 is a Mack Truck.  And 5, also. ... and 11, with the cleats up slides ... if he came sliding at me cleats up, I would think twice about loose balls. (Which may be the intention there. ) And that 15 attacking is short, but super-solid, and really reckless.   I think Thomas has the size advantage.  They CERTAINLY have a weight advantage...   And they are so reckless, if not downright egregious with some of those plays.  And the ref seems to be missing them.  If I were the Bowdoin coach, I would be torn between wanting my kids to play like they mean it, and wanting them not to get hurt in a non-conference game.   

Looking at both rosters, Bowdoin has 12 guys over 6' while Thomas has 10 (and no outfield player over 6'3", while Bowdoin has 3). That said I don't disagree that Thomas perhaps has better team size than I thought -- I watched them closely a couple of years ago but new players have come in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 02, 2017, 09:28:37 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 08:50:47 PM
New stream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNRlNGvR6G4

Thanks.  I didn't see this on time, but I am watching the rest of the match now, just to see what happened, and to watch for what you were saying about the defense.  I was a defender, so I am sensitive to these things.  LOL.  Plus, Bowdoin's defense usually impresses me.  What I am seeing in this game, as in many others I watch, is that the holding mids often play high-risk negative balls.  I have seen a couple just in these few minutes of tape you linked... they  touch a ball back to their CBs, even as they pull their man in to that line; they fail to move to open up a new passing lane, even though there was no second ball; and they leave the backs with no outlet, requiring them to make a bad choice to carry into traffic, or to play a terribly risky ball into the keeper, or to try to split opponents, or to just "throw it away" on a hasty clear.  There were a couple of those negative balls just in those last minutes of tape you linked for us, which is frustrating when you can see that there was a square pass available and/or an option to switch the field.   

Even on those Thomas long balls, the Bowdoin backs were running it down, and the midfield failed to move to offer an outlet.   (You may be able to tell I was a defender, because these things still trigger me a little bit.  lol. ) 

IN addition to being able to finish, Bowdoin definitely has to work on their organization if they want to get anywhere.  ALso the communication side of it...are they talking to each other on the field? Because why don't the mids seem to realize when there are those square passes available?  And are the backs not calling for someone to show?

ON another note, which game will be the best to watch tomorrow?  I was thinking of maybe watching Colby?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 02, 2017, 09:32:27 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 02, 2017, 09:09:27 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 02, 2017, 09:00:55 PM
Regarding size... I think that Thomas is bigger.  That 13 is a Mack Truck.  And 5, also. ... and 11, with the cleats up slides ... if he came sliding at me cleats up, I would think twice about loose balls. (Which may be the intention there. ) And that 15 attacking is short, but super-solid, and really reckless.   I think Thomas has the size advantage.  They CERTAINLY have a weight advantage...   And they are so reckless, if not downright egregious with some of those plays.  And the ref seems to be missing them.  If I were the Bowdoin coach, I would be torn between wanting my kids to play like they mean it, and wanting them not to get hurt in a non-conference game.   

Looking at both rosters, Bowdoin has 12 guys over 6' while Thomas has 10 (and no outfield player over 6'3", while Bowdoin has 3). That said I don't disagree that Thomas perhaps has better team size than I thought -- I watched them closely a couple of years ago but new players have come in.

Well, is Bowdoin playing all of their big guys?  If they have all of those big guys, it does not seem like they are playing them tonight.  I thought Bowdoin looked mostly "out-sized" on the field.  (and certainly outweighed...)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 03, 2017, 05:38:36 PM
ECSU down 2-0 vs Conn College in another painful match to watch!  If DeVito doesn't get his team to possess the ball better than 10% it will be a dreadful season for Eastern!  BTW Conn College could do a better job with their stream, ie no sound, LD, and the camera pointed into the sun making the playing field impossible to see at midfield, ???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2017, 05:56:18 PM
Agreed about the stream ECSU
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 03, 2017, 06:23:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2017, 05:56:18 PM
Agreed about the stream ECSU

I watched Colby play Husson.  5(!)-1, Final.   
I really like Colby. Granted, I have not seen them play under pressure, but.. in the games I have seen, they really move the ball well, play on the ground, and combine to score.  Their off-ball movement is good,  and they seem to consistently anticipate the second ball. 
The games I have seen were very slow deliberate games, so I have no idea what would happen they were required to play at speed.  BUt -- looking at the Tufts & WIlliams results, I am going to guess that may have an effect.  DId anyone watch those games? 
I am looking forward to watching them play either Amherst or Bowdoin, and I guess I will see, then.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 03, 2017, 07:22:56 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 03, 2017, 06:23:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2017, 05:56:18 PM
Agreed about the stream ECSU

I watched Colby play Husson.  5(!)-1, Final.   
I really like Colby. Granted, I have not seen them play under pressure, but.. in the games I have seen, they really move the ball well, play on the ground, and combine to score.  Their off-ball movement is good,  and they seem to consistently anticipate the second ball. 
The games I have seen were very slow deliberate games, so I have no idea what would happen they were required to play at speed.  BUt -- looking at the Tufts & WIlliams results, I am going to guess that may have an effect.  DId anyone watch those games? 
I am looking forward to watching them play either Amherst or Bowdoin, and I guess I will see, then.

I was at the Colby-Tufts game (Colby's first game of season in Medford), which Tufts won 1-0 on a questionable PK in OT.  The game was very even with a few chances on each side, until the last few minutes of regulation, when Tufts took control.  Colby played without Aoyama and Gibson (starting GK) in that game, and had several other regulars recovering from preseason injuries.  A tie would have been a fair result, but full credit to Tufts for getting the win.

Colby's game at Wesleyan this Saturday will tell us a lot about how far they might be able to go.  Then they have Amherst at home, away to Bowdoin, away to Hamilton, and then home to Bates (on a Wednesday) to finish the season.  As you probably know SoccerMom, no matter how good or bad the season, you throw out the records for the CBB games . . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 03, 2017, 07:42:24 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 03, 2017, 06:23:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2017, 05:56:18 PM
Agreed about the stream ECSU

I watched Colby play Husson.  5(!)-1, Final.   
I really like Colby. Granted, I have not seen them play under pressure, but.. in the games I have seen, they really move the ball well, play on the ground, and combine to score.  Their off-ball movement is good,  and they seem to consistently anticipate the second ball. 
The games I have seen were very slow deliberate games, so I have no idea what would happen they were required to play at speed.  BUt -- looking at the Tufts & WIlliams results, I am going to guess that may have an effect.  DId anyone watch those games? 
I am looking forward to watching them play either Amherst or Bowdoin, and I guess I will see, then.

I watched Colby at home against Williams. Colby made a few runs down the right wing and threatened early but after about 15 minutes Williams took control and possessed the ball pretty well. Colby never really threatened. Williams, having no offense to speak of, hardly threatened as well. One quick goal in the first half was all the offense we saw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 03, 2017, 07:45:56 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on October 03, 2017, 07:42:24 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 03, 2017, 06:23:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2017, 05:56:18 PM
Agreed about the stream ECSU

I watched Colby play Husson.  5(!)-1, Final.   
I really like Colby. Granted, I have not seen them play under pressure, but.. in the games I have seen, they really move the ball well, play on the ground, and combine to score.  Their off-ball movement is good,  and they seem to consistently anticipate the second ball. 
The games I have seen were very slow deliberate games, so I have no idea what would happen they were required to play at speed.  BUt -- looking at the Tufts & WIlliams results, I am going to guess that may have an effect.  DId anyone watch those games? 
I am looking forward to watching them play either Amherst or Bowdoin, and I guess I will see, then.

I watched Colby at home against Williams. Colby made a few runs down the right wing and threatened early but after about 15 minutes Williams took control and possessed the ball pretty well. Colby never really threatened. Williams, having no offense to speak of, hardly threatened as well. One quick goal in the first half was all the offense we saw.

Was it a fast paced or physical game?  It seems like that may not be Colby's preferred style, based on what they look like when they are controlling the pace.  Did that have an effect on the game? Or... what was their issue in the Williams game?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2017, 09:14:57 PM
And Bates laying an egg v Maine Maritime...0-0 30 minutes left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2017, 09:24:42 PM
Opoku cannot buy a goal this year..Misses a PK to the goalie's left...Still 0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2017, 09:29:42 PM
Of course Opoku gets a rebound goal off a Merchant rip to get his 1st goal of the year. 1-0 Bates 20 min left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 03, 2017, 09:41:38 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2017, 09:24:42 PM
Opoku cannot buy a goal this year..Misses a PK to the goalie's left...Still 0-0

And, just like that, he's got a brace!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2017, 09:46:57 PM
LOL...I have had some night...I need to rest my head and start over tomorrow...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 04, 2017, 07:03:13 AM
More from the Amherst student paper on the bizarre Rutgers-Newark incident.  Crazy. 

http://amherststudent.amherst.edu/?q=article/2017/10/03/men's-soccer-notches-pair-top-10-victories-face-racial-abuse
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 04, 2017, 08:12:09 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 04, 2017, 07:03:13 AM
More from the Amherst student paper on the bizarre Rutgers-Newark incident.  Crazy. 

http://amherststudent.amherst.edu/?q=article/2017/10/03/men's-soccer-notches-pair-top-10-victories-face-racial-abuse

Oh wow. Disgraceful that these type of incidents still happen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 04, 2017, 11:15:54 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 04, 2017, 08:12:09 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 04, 2017, 07:03:13 AM
More from the Amherst student paper on the bizarre Rutgers-Newark incident.  Crazy. 

http://amherststudent.amherst.edu/?q=article/2017/10/03/men's-soccer-notches-pair-top-10-victories-face-racial-abuse

Oh wow. Disgraceful that these type of incidents still happen.

Absolutely disgraceful.

Back to last night's action, Opoku was overdue. This game was starting to feel a bit like the Bowdoin/Thomas game the night before with Bates controlling the play and racking up shots, but nothing to show for it on the board. I was somewhat surprised Merchant did not take the PK, but perhaps Stew was trying to get Opoku a goal to get him going. Regardless, he now has two goals and Bates will need more from him and Merchant as they have a big weekend ahead.  Both Bates and Bowdoin travel to CT on Saturday before returning to Bates for the head to head match-up late Sunday afternoon. Given the game time of 4:30pm I expect this one will be on the turf and draw a decent crowd. 

Regarding Colby, I'm not surprised at all with their results to date. I saw them play Tufts back at the beginning of the season. It was an even game for about 70-75 minutes. When Tufts went to three in the back, the field tilted. With two up top and what appeared to be a 3-1-4-2 , Tufts was all over Colby and had the the last 7 or 8 shots of the game until the Pk decided it. Since their 1-0 losses to Tufts and Williams, Colby has gone 2-0-1 in the conference and IMO has a decent chance to pick up points at Wesleyan on Saturday. They defend well as a team, so getting the first goal in this game would be huge for them (as it was against Midd last Saturday).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 04, 2017, 11:44:49 AM
I am not overly knowledgeable for this region but it seems that Springfield is being overlooked. 9-0-0, 29GF, 4GA, and nice wins over Gordon, @Stevens, Babson, and @Clark. I know they aren't the powerhouse teams they have beaten but it seems they are taking care of business against a decent schedule. Any insight on how good they actually are? Last season they were 18-2-1 and lost to Tufts in NCAA's 2-0. Clearly that was a difficult draw for the Pride.  ;)   

And I know this is the NESCAC thread but figured since it's the busiest thread and they are a New England team I would get a quality response in comparison's to how they might stack up verse a NESCAC side. Thanks in advance!  :D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 04, 2017, 12:11:31 PM
Quote from: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 04, 2017, 11:44:49 AM
I am not overly knowledgeable for this region but it seems that Springfield is being overlooked. 9-0-0, 29GF, 4GA, and nice wins over Gordon, @Stevens, Babson, and @Clark. I know they aren't the powerhouse teams they have beaten but it seems they are taking care of business against a decent schedule. Any insight on how good they actually are? Last season they were 18-2-1 and lost to Tufts in NCAA's 2-0. Clearly that was a difficult draw for the Pride.  ;)   

And I know this is the NESCAC thread but figured since it's the busiest thread and they are a New England team I would get a quality response in comparison's to how they might stack up verse a NESCAC side. Thanks in advance!  :D

Here's what Mr. Right said yesterday on the New England Soccer Discussion thread:

"Springfield is to be quite frank just like another Nescac school. They are athletic, pacey, defensively organized, have no striker, hoof everything in sight and have what looks to be a decent GK. They are a poor man's Amherst. However, they are good enough on the day to beat any Nescac team this year if the chips fall in place so yes they will pose a danger in the NCAA's and most likely in the 2nd Round."

I've seen them play a couple of times, too, and agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Right's assessment.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 04, 2017, 02:06:56 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 04, 2017, 12:11:31 PM
Quote from: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 04, 2017, 11:44:49 AM
I am not overly knowledgeable for this region but it seems that Springfield is being overlooked. 9-0-0, 29GF, 4GA, and nice wins over Gordon, @Stevens, Babson, and @Clark. I know they aren't the powerhouse teams they have beaten but it seems they are taking care of business against a decent schedule. Any insight on how good they actually are? Last season they were 18-2-1 and lost to Tufts in NCAA's 2-0. Clearly that was a difficult draw for the Pride.  ;)   

And I know this is the NESCAC thread but figured since it's the busiest thread and they are a New England team I would get a quality response in comparison's to how they might stack up verse a NESCAC side. Thanks in advance!  :D

Here's what Mr. Right said yesterday on the New England Soccer Discussion thread:

"Springfield is to be quite frank just like another Nescac school. They are athletic, pacey, defensively organized, have no striker, hoof everything in sight and have what looks to be a decent GK. They are a poor man's Amherst. However, they are good enough on the day to beat any Nescac team this year if the chips fall in place so yes they will pose a danger in the NCAA's and most likely in the 2nd Round."

I've seen them play a couple of times, too, and agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Right's assessment.

Ah thank you! Good to know. I guess I should have checked that thread before posting!!!  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 04, 2017, 08:46:58 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 04, 2017, 11:15:54 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 04, 2017, 08:12:09 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 04, 2017, 07:03:13 AM
More from the Amherst student paper on the bizarre Rutgers-Newark incident.  Crazy. 

http://amherststudent.amherst.edu/?q=article/2017/10/03/men's-soccer-notches-pair-top-10-victories-face-racial-abuse

Oh wow. Disgraceful that these type of incidents still happen.

Absolutely disgraceful.

Back to last night's action, Opoku was overdue. This game was starting to feel a bit like the Bowdoin/Thomas game the night before with Bates controlling the play and racking up shots, but nothing to show for it on the board. I was somewhat surprised Merchant did not take the PK, but perhaps Stew was trying to get Opoku a goal to get him going. Regardless, he now has two goals and Bates will need more from him and Merchant as they have a big weekend ahead.  Both Bates and Bowdoin travel to CT on Saturday before returning to Bates for the head to head match-up late Sunday afternoon. Given the game time of 4:30pm I expect this one will be on the turf and draw a decent crowd. 

Regarding Colby, I'm not surprised at all with their results to date. I saw them play Tufts back at the beginning of the season. It was an even game for about 70-75 minutes. When Tufts went to three in the back, the field tilted. With two up top and what appeared to be a 3-1-4-2 , Tufts was all over Colby and had the the last 7 or 8 shots of the game until the Pk decided it. Since their 1-0 losses to Tufts and Williams, Colby has gone 2-0-1 in the conference and IMO has a decent chance to pick up points at Wesleyan on Saturday. They defend well as a team, so getting the first goal in this game would be huge for them (as it was against Midd last Saturday).

Re: Colby.  How do you think they will do vs. Amherst & Bowdoin?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on October 04, 2017, 10:49:07 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 04, 2017, 11:15:54 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 04, 2017, 08:12:09 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 04, 2017, 07:03:13 AM
More from the Amherst student paper on the bizarre Rutgers-Newark incident.  Crazy. 

http://amherststudent.amherst.edu/?q=article/2017/10/03/men's-soccer-notches-pair-top-10-victories-face-racial-abuse

Oh wow. Disgraceful that these type of incidents still happen.

Absolutely disgraceful.

Back to last night's action, Opoku was overdue. This game was starting to feel a bit like the Bowdoin/Thomas game the night before with Bates controlling the play and racking up shots, but nothing to show for it on the board. I was somewhat surprised Merchant did not take the PK, but perhaps Stew was trying to get Opoku a goal to get him going. Regardless, he now has two goals and Bates will need more from him and Merchant as they have a big weekend ahead.  Both Bates and Bowdoin travel to CT on Saturday before returning to Bates for the head to head match-up late Sunday afternoon. Given the game time of 4:30pm I expect this one will be on the turf and draw a decent crowd. 

Regarding Colby, I'm not surprised at all with their results to date. I saw them play Tufts back at the beginning of the season. It was an even game for about 70-75 minutes. When Tufts went to three in the back, the field tilted. With two up top and what appeared to be a 3-1-4-2 , Tufts was all over Colby and had the the last 7 or 8 shots of the game until the Pk decided it. Since their 1-0 losses to Tufts and Williams, Colby has gone 2-0-1 in the conference and IMO has a decent chance to pick up points at Wesleyan on Saturday. They defend well as a team, so getting the first goal in this game would be huge for them (as it was against Midd last Saturday).

I was at the game as well, and your description is generally consistent with what I've posted here previously.  But I think that Tufts' move to three in the back opened up things for both Colby and Tufts.   Before that, the only good scoring opportunity for either team was early in the first half, when Tufts' keeper was caught out of the net, but the Colby player failed to find his open teammate as his pass sailed across the goal mouth.  From the 70th minute on, both teams had chances.  Tufts had more opportunities, but Colby very nearly had a game-winning header around the 88th minute or so. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 05, 2017, 09:44:24 AM
For Saturday:

Bowdoin at Trinity----Bowdoin is 3-1-0 in Nescac with 9 pts and 2 games in hand on almost everyone at the top. If they go clean they would win the league. It is doubtful but not impossible. With Van Siclien and Niang they have two of the leagues best players but they need more from the rest of their line-up. They are not a truly great team because they lack creativity and a player that can beat 2 to 3 guys and feed a striker who can finish. I will say though that Ellsworth has improved but is no Dias-Costa on the flank. I liked the Frosh Byrd on the flank but he must be injured because I have not seen him in a few games. The Frosh McPherron looked decent in midfield. Sam Ward is steady in the back and I liked McColl's service. But eh if they go down a goal to a good team can they tie the game up and even win? Against Thomas they did but the stream went out and I have no idea how CJ Masterson scored both his goals. In the 1st Half he came off the bench and did nothing. Also, Thomas is ok but not a good team. The answer to my question right now is NO they cannot. Morant is a big body but if he is not scoring goals with his head or holding the ball up top then what good is he? He has 2 SOG in 4 league games as a striker. Not gonna cut it. In 4 league games Bowdoin has 16 SOG. An average of 4 SOG a game for a Top 4 side in Nescac is ridicoulous. I do think they are an NCAA team but they just are to thin on the bench and have no firepower to go very far. Oh right this game. Trinity is 1-7-1 after a 4-3 loss to Wheaton mid-week. The one thing they I do forget to mention when I criticize what a train wreck of a season this is for them is that they are very young. Besides Savonen, Bednarek, Brazina and the GK everyone else playing are Frosh and Soph and their backline besides Bednarek is particularly young. Not an excuse as this side should be able to recruit more talented players but I felt the need to put that out there and I have mentioned in the past they did have their whole spine ripped out to graduation last year with the losses of Gimand, Murphy and Milbury. Still they are bad. I am guessing in one of these last Nescac games of Savonen's career he will get 2 goals with a game winner but I cannot predict when or if that will happen. STAT OF THE WEEK---Trinity has 22 SOG in 6 Nescac games. That is like 3.7 SOG a game and they have played some of the weaker teams. Not to beat a dead horse here but out of those 22 SOG in 6 games, Savonen has 12 and a Frosh Matule has 3 with 7 other players having 1 and THAT IS IT. So only 2 players in 6 league games have more than 1 SOG...I cannot begin to tell you how BAD that is. Bowdoin is on a mission and after a wake up call at Thomas they will not take Trinity lightly because Trinity beat Bowdoin last year up in Brunswick in OT 3-2. That loss might have kept Bowdoin from an NCAA bid and if I am correct that might have been Bowdoin's last loss of the year in 2016...Bowdoin playing for Home field and a Pool C...Bowdoin 2-0

Amherst at Hamilton---I like the way Hamilton tries to play futbol and the way they go forward. I like their strikers Wood and Schmidt. Wood is particularly dangerous and pacey but is very right footed. That limits the damage he can do against solid competition. I like Morris and Harrington in midfield and Luke Eckels is a solid player. Is it me or does Hamilton play on the turf when Football is on the road? I am not sure if this game is on grass or the turf but their Football team is away this weekend. I just do not like this match-up for Hamilton. Hamilton is not an overly physical team and they might be the shortest team in Nescac all around. Their backs have pace but they are not physical enough to deal with the bombardment of long throws from Nescac POW Amherst Frosh Bryce Johnson. I actually like their other long thrower better as he throws more of a bullet into the box where Johnson throws these high arcing throws that can be dealt with. Amherst starting to roll now with wins over Tufts and RUN plus New England College in 5 days. This will be their 4th game in 8 days so maybe they will be a bit leg heavy but I think they dictate play and win the game. 1-0 Amherst

Bates at Conn----Conn has a TON to keep playing for. They are 7-0-3 overall and 3-0-3 in Nescac. They most definitely will be regionally ranked in 2 weeks and most likely their highest ranking in school history. This very well could be their best team in school history but Lessig did get them into the NCAA's in the mid 90's and won the ECAC's in 1992 with a solid team. Murphy has never gotten them into the NCAA's and they are very close and can sniff it but not there quite yet. First off they are fighting for league positioning as I do not believe with 3 draws they will win the league but they can get into the Top 3 if they finish strong and get a Pool C. That gets me to my next point. Conn travels to Amherst on Tuesday for a HUGE match. Is it possible they completely under estimate this Bates side? Are they thinking about Amherst already forgetting they have an important game v Bates on Saturday? It is only natural to be thinking about playing the best teams in Nescac. However, from what I have seen of Conn in the 4 games I have watched them is that Murphy has this team focused and working very hard. In fact I will go out on a limb and say they LOOK like the most focused and hard working team in Nescac. They are NOT the most talented team in Nescac and frankly have over achieved by miles this year. They have outperformed everyone's expectations even I am guessing their coach. But he is to good a coach to waste this opportunity. I have been disappointed in Conn's crowd size as their student body has not really supported this team the way they used to 10-20 years ago. It used to be going to Conn was like hell. Without Football they used to draw maybe 400-500 screaming college students and because their field was the college's quad you would  have banners and flags hanging out of the dorm rooms and on and on. While they were not the most talented team the crowd would get them pumped and really motivate them and also get under the skin of their opponent and especially Frosh and Soph and take them out of their game. I really believe if Conn could ever host in the NCAA's that would come back to life even if they switched fields. Conn pushes on. Conn 1-0

Colby at Wesleyan---Colby is a solid side this year. They have some big wins for the program and most importantly to me their starting 11 is all Jr and Sr except the GK Gibson. As 1970's Nescac player pointed out that 19 Frosh class a couple years ago that really struggled is now showing the experience they have gained. They were the better team at Midd as I caught the 2nd Half last weekend. They allowed Midd nothing going forward and capitalized on their own set pieces. They are a hot team right now in Nescac. They have size to match anyone as we saw against Midd and we will see next weekend against Amherst which I will be interested to see that match-up. They have Clouse the long thrower and they have work horses like Smith. Aoyama is skilled and comes off the bench and causes havoc on the opponents tired starters or weaker bench players. Berolzheimer has really improved and shown some skill. However, this is a different match-up than playing Midd. Wesleyan is more technical and has more skill than Midd IMO. They just have not put it all together yet. They have only played 4 Nescac games and frankly have disappointed going 1-3-0 but they are 5-3-0 overall and are a better side than that Nescac record suggests. Reality tells me Colby is on a roll but my gut say's Wesleyan snags a 1st Half goal and then sits tight and deep defending in a block of 6 in a 4-2-3-1.  1-0 Wesleyan

Midd at Tufts----Midd has a couple pieces to build around especially the Soph Goulart. I like his skill and he is a cagey player. IMO this team needs a total rebuild. Not the retirement party Saward envisioned. However, we all knew this would be a struggle with the graduation of a solid senior class. I am hoping with the new coach Elias in 2018 we see a change in philosophy and he starts recruiting more skill and speed and less size. I would love to see them playing crisp 2 touch futbol on that carpet at home. Elias was hand picked I guess by Saward and the influence he has on the Midd administration becasuse he has no Head Coaching experience and I would of thought they would have opened that job up to outside candidates. I am guessing the young gun will be out on the recruiting trail WAY more than Saward ever was. This will be a good thing as it will most definitely cause more friction within Nescac as Midd will be stealing players from Williams and Amherst that they cannot get in and also from Bowdoin and Tufts because they are a bit of a better school and have the facilities to back it up. Tensions will rise in the recruiting wars and that is always good for competition. Anyhow this game..I have said my piece on Tufts and do believe they are the best team in Nescac today BUT are beatable. Saward has always been good in the under dog roll against better sides. His team will be PUMPED but do they have the talent to hang with Tufts? They have the athleticism but can really only score on set pieces. This limits them as if they cannot break down Colby they certainly will not break down Tufts going forward. They must capitalize on the set pieces Tufts gives them. Sass does have 2 game winners I believe on set pieces this year against Amherst and Hamilton. This game will be won or lost on a GK error, defensive breakdown and a lapse in concentration. I see a goalless draw written all over this game. 0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 05, 2017, 10:26:12 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 04, 2017, 08:46:58 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 04, 2017, 11:15:54 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 04, 2017, 08:12:09 AM


Re: Colby.  How do you think they will do vs. Amherst & Bowdoin?

We are still over a week out from those matchups, but I agree with Mr. Right's assessment of Colby. The other factor is travel/fatigue... Amherst is coming a long way and will have played Conn earlier in the week.  I don't think it will surprise many people if Colby takes a point(s) from this game. The Bowdoin game is a bit of a wild card as they are playing at 2:30 on a Tuesday afternoon. I think these early afternoon midweek games are tough. Are either teams players going to class that day? How much time do the coaches have with the players before wmups? IMO game-day preparation can get rushed which often leads to lapses in concentration and mistakes.  If I had to pick a side, I would go with Bowdoin. They have a significant advantage in goal with Van Siclien (best in the league) and they are at home on the grass where they are 5-0-0 so far this season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 05, 2017, 10:56:20 AM
Mr. Right:  Great post, and the effort and thought you put in are definitely appreciated!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 05, 2017, 11:32:51 AM
Curious to see how Bates-Bowdoin shakes out. Bowdoin is probably a slightly more complete side but Bates will be at home and I'm guessing will have a decent crowd for an early-evening kickoff at Garcelon. I think Merchant and co have some good skill and speed and could give Bowdoin some problems, but I am not sure how Bates will hold up defensively, although I have admittedly not watched them that much in recent past. I'll be up visiting the folks for the long weekend, so will probably try to get over and watch. Gut feeling is a score draw, which Mr.Right will probably laugh at, but I think both teams get on the board. 1-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: redsoccer06 on October 05, 2017, 02:41:33 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 05, 2017, 11:32:51 AM
Curious to see how Bates-Bowdoin shakes out. Bowdoin is probably a slightly more complete side but Bates will be at home and I'm guessing will have a decent crowd for an early-evening kickoff at Garcelon. I think Merchant and co have some good skill and speed and could give Bowdoin some problems, but I am not sure how Bates will hold up defensively, although I have admittedly not watched them that much in recent past. I'll be up visiting the folks for the long weekend, so will probably try to get over and watch. Gut feeling is a score draw, which Mr.Right will probably laugh at, but I think both teams get on the board. 1-1.

Also curious to see how Bates-Bowdoin pans out. Both teams playing their second game of the weekend. Bates has to travel to Conn while Bowdoin has to travel to Trinity. Have to wonder if fatigue will be more of a factor for one than the other.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 05, 2017, 02:48:07 PM
On paper, Bates will have been through a tougher battle than Bowdoin in Saturday's games, but that's only on paper...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: redsoccer06 on October 05, 2017, 03:12:51 PM
Too true. It is the NESCAC, after all. Any team can win on any given day. Even with the way Trinity has performed so far this season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 05, 2017, 03:37:29 PM
Tactically, I would expect Opoku and Merchant to work MacMillan's side of the field and see what they can generate. For Bowdoin, Niang and Morant will cause match-up issues for Bates, especially on set pieces. It's a good move by Bates to play this on the turf (again).  Two years ago they played to a scoreless tie on the turf. However, I tend to agree with Blooter and believe there will be goals scored in the game this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 05, 2017, 06:25:41 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 05, 2017, 09:44:24 AM
For Saturday:

Bowdoin at Trinity----Bowdoin is 3-1-0 in Nescac with 9 pts and 2 games in hand on almost everyone at the top. If they go clean they would win the league. It is doubtful but not impossible. With Van Siclien and Niang they have two of the leagues best players but they need more from the rest of their line-up. They are not a truly great team because they lack creativity and a player that can beat 2 to 3 guys and feed a striker who can finish. I will say though that Ellsworth has improved but is no Dias-Costa on the flank. I liked the Frosh Byrd on the flank but he must be injured because I have not seen him in a few games. The Frosh McPherron looked decent in midfield. Sam Ward is steady in the back and I liked McColl's service. But eh if they go down a goal to a good team can they tie the game up and even win? Against Thomas they did but the stream went out and I have no idea how CJ Masterson scored both his goals. In the 1st Half he came off the bench and did nothing. Also, Thomas is ok but not a good team. The answer to my question right now is NO they cannot. Morant is a big body but if he is not scoring goals with his head or holding the ball up top then what good is he? He has 2 SOG in 4 league games as a striker. Not gonna cut it. In 4 league games Bowdoin has 16 SOG. An average of 4 SOG a game for a Top 4 side in Nescac is ridicoulous. I do think they are an NCAA team but they just are to thin on the bench and have no firepower to go very far.

I liked Niang last year, but... he had a lot of support that made his job easier. He had Charlier drawing defenders for him, and Dias Costa made decisions for him.  Niang is struggling this year without them.  Look at his numbers.  Watch him in the games.  He is never where he needs to be and he doesn't accomplish much unless he has someone feeding him.  I thought the new freshman CAM (McPherson?) would help with that, but... Niang had one good game with McPherson and then seems to have gone back quiet. 

On the other hand...  I find Bowdoin has the most complete defense that I have seen in the NESCAC, and their two center backs and keeper are the best players on the team. And the best of any defenders I have observed in the league.  That has to be worth something, right?

By far.  The back is not their weak point.  I can not think of any instances in which the Bowdoin  back line was just "beaten" for a goal.   The Bowdoin defense gives up goals - almost exclusively-  when they are compromised by their own midfield....  almost exclusively.   And usually then on set pieces. 

It looks to me like Bowdoin is looking to solve their problems regarding their poor organization/bad-decision-making in the midfield and their lack of finishing skills up front by using their backs more.  I think that could burn them if they throw them too far forward, as they did in the Thomas game. The back is hard to organize when your backs are also running the middle.  But... it is undeniable that Bowdoin generates a ton of shots when the backs run the middle.  If they work on finishing and find a happy medium with using their backline... I still think that they are the team to beat. 
Just because of that backline -- even if they continue to struggle with offense -- if they keep protecting the back and pushing the ball foward, someone is going to get one in at some point, righf?  Lol.

I only saw the second half of the Thomas game, but.... Bowdoin played with only two men back.  Two defenders were up at all times in that game organizing the midfield and supporting the offense.   So ...  they scrambled on the recovery at times, but as I had said last weekend... a lot of the teams are experimenting to try to create some offense.  And, it seems to at least be helping generate shots.

Honestly...   look at the Bowdoin stats.   Lol.  How many shots have they allowed in their last few games?    And that is with only two guys actually "staying home"  If they get the wrinkles ironed out of their offense, they will be hard to beat.  I know, I know... it is a pretty big if. But ... then again...
Bowdoin's defenders are the best players on the team... which I assume is why the CBs never get subbed out... ever. And also why the coach has been experimenting with sending them forward.  Either Bubb or Ward were above midfield alternately at nearly all times in the second half of  that Thomas game. And either McColl or the other OB (coach called him "Willie"  but I cant remember his last name right now)   was also attacking at all times.  And in that Thomas game, we repeatedly heard the coach telling them to "go" "get up" "stay high" and all of that. Or to "recover" because there was only one man alone in back.

So ... if the Bowdoin backs are playing full field ...  for 90 minutes... and playing with only two men fully back....  and still only allowing however few shots (very few) then....  they are not just "good..."
They might be superhuman. 

I am sticking  with Bowdoin as the team to beat for this year, despite their offensive troubles.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on October 05, 2017, 07:21:07 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 05, 2017, 06:25:41 PM

By far.  The back is not their weak point.  I can not think of any instances in which the Bowdoin  back line was just "beaten" for a goal.   The Bowdoin defense gives up goals - almost exclusively-  when they are compromised by their own midfield....  almost exclusively.   And usually then on set pieces. 


SoccerMom_5,
you may not have been watching the Bowdoin/St. Joe's game, but the one goal that St. Joe's scored fits the description of the defense being beaten.  The play developed on the left side on the St. Joe's side of the field where the St. Joe's midfielder sent a pass up the left side to a streaking Noah Robinson, who beat the Bowdoin right back around the corner and he advanced on net and was able get off an odd angle shot that the Bowdoin keeper couldn't get to.  To be fair to Bowdoin's defense, Robinson is probably the most athletic player on St. Joe's and that's the only time he's been able to do that this year, so this might fit into the category of lightning striking once. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 05, 2017, 07:47:32 PM
Quote from: OldNed on October 05, 2017, 07:21:07 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 05, 2017, 06:25:41 PM

By far.  The back is not their weak point.  I can not think of any instances in which the Bowdoin  back line was just "beaten" for a goal.   The Bowdoin defense gives up goals - almost exclusively-  when they are compromised by their own midfield....  almost exclusively.   And usually then on set pieces. 


SoccerMom_5,
you may not have been watching the Bowdoin/St. Joe's game, but the one goal that St. Joe's scored fits the description of the defense being beaten.  The play developed on the left side on the St. Joe's side of the field where the St. Joe's midfielder sent a pass up the left side to a streaking Noah Robinson, who beat the Bowdoin right back around the corner and he advanced on net and was able get off an odd angle shot that the Bowdoin keeper couldn't get to.  To be fair to Bowdoin's defense, Robinson is probably the most athletic player on St. Joe's and that's the only time he's been able to do that this year, so this might fit into the category of lightning striking once.

I dont think I saw that one - a part of it, I think.  The end, and Bowdoin was a little hit-and-miss.  Got better when the backs started overlapping .but was pretty bad notwithstanding. 
But it was because the midfield and offense could not hold the ball.  And the DM was constantly making terrible negative passes and one-touching right back to a defender under pressure.  That was bad, but how do you count that? Do you count those as defensive failures?  It is possible that the defense got beat, but they were holding up ok in the part I saw, even though their midfield was just straight savotaging them.   Actually, come to think of it, was that the game where Stenquist repeatedly stole the ball from his own backline? He took one off of Ward's toe, swooped in and took one from Bubb as he was about to pass, and stole one from the outside back over by the sideline.   

But... saw all that and didnt catch the goal you are mentioning.

if all you can find is one goal where the defense got beaten, then... I am going to still say that is a remarkable defense.
I don't think I personally have witnessed that defense get beaten yet.  I am sure everyone gets beaten at some point.  But... I would say we all have to agree that it happens pretty darn seldom with that particular backline.
Although... if they keep experimenting with the backline and taking the risks with overlapping, they may be opening up some opportunities for teams to penetrate.  Two men in back can stop a breakaway (Bubb seems to have that assigment?)   but they simply cant defend against numbers if they will only keep two men back and the other team presses together on transition, as Colby seems to....

But those transitions..... that still comes down to an offensive flaw, not a defensive one, doesnt it?  It won't matter whose fault it was, of course. And... if the defenders have to run the midfield, support the offense, and hold their line... something is going to have to give.

As for the Robinson goal, was that a long ball up the left or combo play?

Part of the problem I have observed with Bowdoin in the games I watched is  that the offense can not win loose balls, and the midfield can be kind of a sieve. So... forward balls are often just coming right back on the transition. 

That is one reason I am wondering how they hold up against Colby who plays a nice tight deliberate game through the middle.  I would think it woukd potentially be a problem for Bowdoin who just leaks in the middle unless they pull their backs up to organize.   And also maybe Amherst who seems to like to throw everything  forward.  And maybe Tufts if they continue to play with the 3man backline. 

I really like Colby, but how do they hold up?  For me the questions are related to: how does Colby do at speed?  When they
are controlling the pace of the game, they seem to like to play slowly and deliberately.  Can they keep their combination style play and stay organized if they play a team who prefers a frenetically paced game, like Amherst, Bowdoin, and Tufts seem to prefer?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on October 07, 2017, 01:39:29 PM
Quicks hit predictions:

Amherst 1-0 Hamilton

Conn 2-1 Bates

Colby 1-2 Wesleyan

Bowdoin 1-0 Trinity

Midd 0-1 tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 07, 2017, 02:02:32 PM
ACH back for Wesleyan today and Livingstone back to the bench...See if he can snag one for Wesleyan today.

Amherst pressuring Hamilton first 15 minutes but cannot capitalize yet. Hamilton's Chapman and Wood looking dangerous on the counter
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 07, 2017, 02:19:08 PM
ACH hits the crossbar for Wesleyan early in the game v Colby off a set piece and ball bouncing around. Would have been a poachers goal
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 07, 2017, 02:37:50 PM
Hamilton v Amherst 0-0 at the half. Very even game so far as Hamilton holding its own against Amherst physicality. Not to many dangerous chances for either side but from 18 to 18 the game is up and down as the game was getting stretched. Hamilton dealing pretty well so far with Amherst's corners, long throws and their backs pumping balls into the box.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 07, 2017, 02:59:13 PM
Wow..I have not seen any of the game but I guess Conn was not looking past Bates and focusing on Amherst. Halftime 3-0 Conn shredding Bates defense.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 07, 2017, 03:12:21 PM
Watching Conn/Bates game in New London.  Camels have been dominating Bates from the start with good movement and pressing... and now with 3 goals at the half.   We'll see what happens in the second.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 07, 2017, 03:12:57 PM
Hamilton v Amherst still scoreless 60th minute but again like in the Williams game McMillian for Amherst shows off his speed and athleticism but fluffs a breakaway as Hamilton's GK stays big and wide. It was a somewhat difficult angle but if he had the composure he would of aimed far post and buried it. Both teams getting some chances. Hamilton played very well last week v Tufts but ended up losing after a split 2nd defensive lapse of concentration. Will that happen again and can Amherst capitalize?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 07, 2017, 03:13:38 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 07, 2017, 03:12:21 PM
Watching Conn/Bates game in New London.  Camels have been dominating Bates from the start with good movement and pressing... and now with 3 goals at the half.   We'll see what happens in the second.

Go for the jugular and get the 4th goal and then sit all starters to rest for the match Tuesday at Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 07, 2017, 03:19:16 PM
Jumbos putting the hurt on Middlebury.  3-0 at half....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 07, 2017, 03:29:18 PM
Camels let up a bit and Bates comes out strong and gets one back.  Camels 3- Bates 1 with 30 left.  A wake-up to Camels and will be interesting to see how the rest of the half goes.  As Mr. Right said, if Camels get one more that should give a chance to rest a few players, but right now still a game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 07, 2017, 03:44:49 PM
Amherst and Hamilton heading to OT...Game has bogged down a bit and not sure there is a game winner in this one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 07, 2017, 03:48:40 PM
So far, Tufts best performance to date. 4-0 and could be more... Middlebury doesn't seem to have the power it had the last few years
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 07, 2017, 04:16:26 PM
Amherst at Hamilton ends 0-0..1st half was entertaining, 2nd Half not so much..By OT some of Amherst players looked gassed and Hamilton had a golden opportunity with a couple minutes left but I think it was Schmidt could not pull the trigger..Very good effort by Hamilton today and they are going to be a tough out especially at home. Wood was streaking down the field with that awesome pace but Amherst did a very nice job keeping him outside and on his left. He is a fun player to watch though.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 07, 2017, 04:27:37 PM
Wesleyan and Colby finish 0-0. I only caught the 2nd OT but looked like Wesleyan was all over Colby and had some opportunities but never really got any dangerous shots off. I will say as talented as Martinez-Paiz is and he is very skilled I think its time he starts getting a little more selfish as he is always trying to find teammates BUT his teammates are not getting the job done and Wesleyan is really struggling to score goals this year except the 4 they posted on Bates. He's got the talent to be a goal scorer in this league and its time to show it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 07, 2017, 07:46:19 PM
Sunday:

Midd at Wesleyan----Both teams are coming off disappointing games but more so Midd. Both teams really struggling to score goals. I caught very little of the Wesleyan v Colby match today and none of the Tufts v Midd match. I hate trying to read into a game by just looking at a boxscore but I will take a shot. Midd had 1 SOG all game against Tufts they also only had 5 fouls. That game sounds like Tufts absolutely dominated. I would guess possession was 75/25. Just one of those games and credit to Tufts they are really playing well. They are playing the best in Nescac by a long shot. Not even Amherst is close. To me Hamilton and Amherst today was an even game. Hamilton is starting to play very well also, especially at home. Midd is just not good right now. I would guess Saward maybe makes some changes for tomorrow's match. Different line-up? Gk? I do not know but they are generating NOTHING offensively. They have been shutout by Colby and Tufts and had 1 goal v Bowdoin in last 3 Nescac games. While that is bleak more concerning to me is I have never seen a Midd team giving up so many goals. They are giving up goals against the run of play, on set pieces and defensive breakdowns. I only saw the 2nd OT of Wes and Colby but from what I saw Wesleyan was knocking on the door for quite a bit all over and around the 18 without havin 1 dangerous sniff. That is also concerning. They just cannot finish or more importantly get quality SOG. I said my piece about Martinez-Paiz, HE MUST get selfish. Take guys on and shoot and if you mujst pass give it ACH who was really unlucky by hitting the crossbar 1st Half v Colby. Wesleyan has this game and Trinity next they must start getting W's or they will not qualify for the Nescac tournament for the 2nd year in a row. Wesleyan 1-0

Bowdoin at Bates----Bowdoin got a nice OT win at Trinity today and the recap made it sound like they had to work for it. 2 PK's in thhis game? As anemic as Bowdoin is offensively I think they will find some goals tomorrow v Bates defense. They will have some serious size advantage and they moved the ball nicely on the turf at Thomas and I really believe they might get some goals on the turf tomorrow. That does not mean Bates will roll over. They have plenty to play for which is unusual for them this late in the season. They can move the ball nicely in spurts so I will agree with all of you that this game should have some goals. Like I said earlier this week, if Bowdoin goes clean they will win this league. Doubtful but not impossible. They still play Tufts an have 2 games in hand on them and Conn. Throw the records out in these types of rivalry games..3-1 Bowdoin
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2017, 04:30:28 PM
Bates-Bowdoin about to kick off and, seeing things from field level, Bowdoin seems to have a size advantage bigger than I thought. Not as many fans as I would have guessed but I imagine more will trickle in. Nice weather after a crummy day thus far. Should be a good one. Let's go.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2017, 04:39:23 PM
1-0 Bowdoin 6 minutes in. Nice left-footed curled finish to the far corner by McColl, who had way too much time it has to be said.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2017, 04:49:16 PM
Gotta say Bates has responded well to being down. They do have good spirit.

Just after I wrote that, Morant hits the bar.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2017, 04:58:14 PM
I don't get Opoku playing through the middle as has been the case in this game so far. He is a nice player with some great speed and dribbling, but he gets barged off the ball a lot. It's difficult to be 5'5" and a CF, particularly playing in a 4-3-3 with two imposing opposing CBs to double-mark. Why don't they play him out wide and let him cut in a la Messi? I am no Guardiola but this confounds me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2017, 05:43:28 PM
1-1 in the 50th minute. Looked like an own goal off a long throw. Bates is fired up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2017, 05:56:29 PM
Bates has really turned up a gear since the goal. This is end-to-end stuff.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2017, 06:02:19 PM
Bowdoin retakes the lead with about 22 left on a PK. Great hit from Stenquist into the corner. Looked a definite PK from my angle.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2017, 06:28:39 PM
Bowdoin 2-1 Bates is the final. Looked like Bowdoin might romp after the first few minutes but Bates grew into the game and deserved its equalizer. Probably a fair result as I think Bowdoin shaded general play. I was quite surprised at how well-behaved this rivalry is compared to other in-league clashes. A good, entertaining game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 09, 2017, 11:07:26 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 08, 2017, 06:28:39 PM
Bowdoin 2-1 Bates is the final. Looked like Bowdoin might romp after the first few minutes but Bates grew into the game and deserved its equalizer. Probably a fair result as I think Bowdoin shaded general play. I was quite surprised at how well-behaved this rivalry is compared to other in-league clashes. A good, entertaining game.

Colby still has both squads to play.  I'm not sure those games will be so well-behaved, as there will be playoff spots on the line for Colby and Bates.  It could come down to their annual season-ending clash on 10/25, although Colby will certainly have the opportunity to clinch a spot before then. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 09, 2017, 12:06:15 PM
Regarding Bates, I didn't see the Conn game, but I thought they played well yesterday against Bowdoin. I agree with Blooter, pretty even game in terms of possession and Bates out-shot them 17-11, but just could not finish in the second half when they turned up the pressure and had chances.  No picnic ahead with Tufts and Amherst coming to town this weekend...

On a separate note NECSAC teams showing well in the latest Massey and Hero Rankings:

Massey: Tufts 2, Conn 6, Amherst 15, Williams 21, Bowdoin 24, Midd 30, Colby 48
Hero: Tufts 2, Conn 12, Amherst 23, Williams 32, Colby 52, Bowdoin 55, Midd 66
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 09, 2017, 12:50:56 PM
Hi Bobcat 1 -
I watched the Conn/Bates game ... here's my take. Conn pretty much dominated throughout, especially in the first half with 3 goals.   They also had a few good chances in second.  Bates scored with 30 left in the second half.  It was a hard shot that deflected off a defender, so the goalie was going the wrong way. But looked like it would have been a good shot regardless.   

Overall shots on goal - Conn 29/Bates 7.  Corners - Conn 7/ Bates 2. 
Once Bates scored they got fired up, and played very hard and the game got much more even. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 09, 2017, 02:44:16 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 09, 2017, 12:50:56 PM
Hi Bobcat 1 -
I watched the Conn/Bates game ... here's my take. Conn pretty much dominated throughout, especially in the first half with 3 goals.   They also had a few good chances in second.  Bates scored with 30 left in the second half.  It was a hard shot that deflected off a defender, so the goalie was going the wrong way. But looked like it would have been a good shot regardless.   

Overall shots on goal - Conn 29/Bates 7.  Corners - Conn 7/ Bates 2. 
Once Bates scored they got fired up, and played very hard and the game got much more even. 

Certainly sounds like Conn was in control, especially in the first half putting three goals on the board.  Conn is having a great season and its reflected in their rankings.  Big test for them on Tuesday at Amherst.  A road win here and they pretty much lock down a top 3 spot in NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: redsoccer06 on October 10, 2017, 11:04:41 AM
I would imagine that Conn @ Amherst is going to be a VERY ugly game. You have a Conn team that is very hardworking, but not extraordinarily talented against an extremely talented Amherst team that has no desire to actually play any real soccer. Can Conn defend their box for 90 minutes (or maybe 110 minutes with the way Conn results have gone on the road) against the barrage of flip throws and set pieces that Amherst will be lumping into the mix? I don't know. The goal they let up against Bates was due to a failure to clear the ball out of their own end.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 10, 2017, 04:12:25 PM
Watching Amherst /Conn ... 10 minutes in  ...not much to report.  Maybe I'm old school, but not a big fan of the flip throw-in in that Amherst uses.  It does work pretty well, but just kind of odd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2017, 04:42:01 PM
Coast Guard v Williams 0-0 at the Half...Coast Guard dominating the whole 1st Half. Yea I'll repeat Coast Guard dominating the whole 1st Half. Coast Guard better than I thought and look decent. Williams looks just awful even for a mid week non league game which I questioned why you would schedule this game back in June. Travel 2 1/2 hrs to New London mid-week..why?  then turn around and go to Wesleyan on Saturday and Babson Sunday. Williams has 0 SOG in the 1st Half and have looked to counter a bit but really a massive disappointment. Let's see if the 2nd Half changes anything. Williams will be lucky to get a W in this game...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2017, 04:44:07 PM
I'm sorry its not the long throws that drive me nuts its what Serpone has done to that field...It's a joke...that is not soccer...barely 65 yards wide is a joke...NCAA should require at least 70 yards after seeing that field in person.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 10, 2017, 04:50:50 PM
Mr Right... yes.. I didn't realize it  but maybe it is the narrow field that is making the game so choppy.   The ball constantly is out of bounds and play doesn't go more than 20 seconds before another throw in.  Too crowded so can't have more than one pass.  0-0 at half ... and as  redsoccer said it would be... kind of an ugly game to watch.   No flow.  We'll see how second half goes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2017, 05:11:51 PM
Williams goes up 1-0 off a corner..30 seconds later another goal 2-0 Williams and this looks more like it...Must have been a good halftime ripping by Sullivan to get these guys moving....Williams looks a ton better going forward now.  A 2-0 lead over Coast Guard with about 35 minutes left should be plenty as I will switch over to Amherst and Conn now. That is really hard luck for Coast Guard as they played so well 1st Half but could not finish. 1 minute of defensive breakdowns and loss of concentration and that is the game...You gotta focus every minute on the field..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2017, 05:13:32 PM
Why did Serpone switch GK's at Half of a 0-0 game?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2017, 05:30:17 PM
Wow..Coast Guard get 1 back ...2-1 Williams 20 minutes left...In the Amherst v Conn game Amherst striker McMillan is in on goal all alone albeit on a tough angle and Marcucci stuffs him....A true striker would have buried that...McMillan has plenty of athleticism and speed but ZERO composure...if he ever worked on his game and focused purely on his skill he could be a D1 talent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2017, 05:44:27 PM
7 minutes left drama in New London as Coast Guard looked to have amazingly tied the game up 2-2 with about 6 minutes left off of a set piece but ref called a foul and waved off the goal..I really am surprised at the decency of this Coast Guard side. They actually have some skill in the middle of the park and look to have good athleticism. Like most teams in D3 they look to be lacking any type of finisher but hey join the club. This is the only game I have seen them play this year but based on this game this team looks every bit of solid as the highly overrated side in 2014 that made the NCAA's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2017, 05:52:43 PM
Amherst and Conn heading to OT...Amherst as expected have had the better chances at least 2nd Half but Conn playing as expected backed up by solid GK'ing and hanging around 0-0...Amherst needs a win to get into the top 4 and Conn will be fine with a draw and be that much closer to a Pool C
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2017, 06:12:52 PM
WOW...Amherst wins the game 1-0 in OT on an own goal...Massive long ball gets flicked onto McMillan who uses his great speed to absolutely burn #24 Nate Summers and crosses it into the middle but no one can finish it. Bellow gets to it first and crosses it back into the middle and #24 Summers deflects it into his own net. Just a disaster for Summers and that is Conn's 1st loss of the year to give them an 8-1-3 record. That loss is really going to sting as they deserved a draw but that is why you are always crossing balls into the mixer and shooting because you never know what will happen. Conn at 8-1-3 still has some work to do IMO to get a Pool C and Amherst with a huge win couple with wins over Tufts, RUN and Bowdoin should be all set with a Pool C and a Nescac Top 4 unless they completely collapse...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2017, 07:14:01 PM
Again Serpone benches his GK at halftime opting for Frosh GK Michael Stone who did make a fantastic save heading into OT for Amherst. I did not watch the 1st Half so I cannot comment on what Hope-Gund might have done wrong in a 0-0 game at the Half. Or maybe this is the new norm at Amherst and the job is seriously up for grabs may the best GK win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 10, 2017, 08:15:13 PM
Man, when you beat the two toughest opponents on your schedule via own-goals, it may just be your year ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2017, 09:41:35 PM
Maybe but frankly they are not THAT impressive and I have watched them maybe 5 times this year. They are a good team for sure with dangerous weapons but not great. Good but not great. I have serious concerns with them away from home. At Hamilton, the game was dead even. At Williams, dead even. Those have been their only 2 Nescac road games so far. They have BIG wins at home that will get them a Pool C but this cramped 65 yard wide sandbox is a big home field advantage. Let's see how they do this weekend especially at Colby. I think they will easily dispatch Bates but Colby will match up well with them and will be ready and prepared and more rested. Should be interesting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: redsoccer06 on October 11, 2017, 10:02:58 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 10, 2017, 06:12:52 PM
WOW...Amherst wins the game 1-0 in OT on an own goal...Massive long ball gets flicked onto McMillan who uses his great speed to absolutely burn #24 Nate Summers and crosses it into the middle but no one can finish it. Bellow gets to it first and crosses it back into the middle and #24 Summers deflects it into his own net. Just a disaster for Summers and that is Conn's 1st loss of the year to give them an 8-1-3 record. That loss is really going to sting as they deserved a draw but that is why you are always crossing balls into the mixer and shooting because you never know what will happen. Conn at 8-1-3 still has some work to do IMO to get a Pool C and Amherst with a huge win couple with wins over Tufts, RUN and Bowdoin should be all set with a Pool C and a Nescac Top 4 unless they completely collapse...

Before the game, was voted #1 in the region, and Conn #4. Conn will definitely drop after suffering their first loss and have three tough games remaining. Endicott away, Bowdoin at home, and Wesleyan at home. Endicott hasn't lost this year in games that their primary forward #5 Couchot has played in. Bowdoin is going to be a massive tilt in a game where both teams are very organized, but tend to have difficulty scoring. And Wesleyan, while they still have a difficult road ahead, could be fighting for their lives to get that 8th playoff spot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 11, 2017, 10:18:24 AM
Quote from: redsoccer06 on October 11, 2017, 10:02:58 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 10, 2017, 06:12:52 PM
WOW...Amherst wins the game 1-0 in OT on an own goal...Massive long ball gets flicked onto McMillan who uses his great speed to absolutely burn #24 Nate Summers and crosses it into the middle but no one can finish it. Bellow gets to it first and crosses it back into the middle and #24 Summers deflects it into his own net. Just a disaster for Summers and that is Conn's 1st loss of the year to give them an 8-1-3 record. That loss is really going to sting as they deserved a draw but that is why you are always crossing balls into the mixer and shooting because you never know what will happen. Conn at 8-1-3 still has some work to do IMO to get a Pool C and Amherst with a huge win couple with wins over Tufts, RUN and Bowdoin should be all set with a Pool C and a Nescac Top 4 unless they completely collapse...

Before the game, was voted #1 in the region, and Conn #4. Conn will definitely drop after suffering their first loss and have three tough games remaining. Endicott away, Bowdoin at home, and Wesleyan at home. Endicott hasn't lost this year in games that their primary forward #5 Couchot has played in. Bowdoin is going to be a massive tilt in a game where both teams are very organized, but tend to have difficulty scoring. And Wesleyan, while they still have a difficult road ahead, could be fighting for their lives to get that 8th playoff spot.

http://unitedsoccercoaches.org/web/Rankings/College_Rankings/NCAA_DIII_MEN/web/rankings/ncaa/diii_men.aspx

Looks like Amherst was voted #2 and Conn #5.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: redsoccer06 on October 11, 2017, 10:50:29 AM
What are the chances that Bowdoin wins their next three games?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2017, 12:40:25 PM
Quote from: redsoccer06 on October 11, 2017, 10:50:29 AM
What are the chances that Bowdoin wins their next three games?

Bowdoin has 4 games left:


v Hamilton
v Colby
at Conn
at Tufts

They are 9-2-0. That loss to St.Joesph's(ME) really hurts IMO..Bowdoin still has plenty of work to do to get a Pool C. They have wins over Williams and Midd but that is it. If they win those last 4 games they will easily get a Pool C and obviously win Nescac outright. Like I said 2 weeks ago it is not impossible but highy improbable. They have played very well at home but with their lack of scoring I do not see them winning those last 4 games. In fact, Bowdoin and Williams have the 2 most difficult schedule left. I would give Bowdoin a 3% chance of winning those last 4 games. The problem is I would also give them a possibility of losing all 4 as well. That is how unpredictable Bowdoin and Nescac is this year. Honestly I could see them finishing 1-2-1 and at least hosting a Nescac quarterfinal game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 11, 2017, 02:20:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 11, 2017, 12:40:25 PM
Quote from: redsoccer06 on October 11, 2017, 10:50:29 AM
What are the chances that Bowdoin wins their next three games?

Bowdoin has 4 games left:


v Hamilton
v Colby
at Conn
at Tufts

They are 9-2-0. That loss to St.Joesph's(ME) really hurts IMO..Bowdoin still has plenty of work to do to get a Pool C. They have wins over Williams and Midd but that is it. If they win those last 4 games they will easily get a Pool C and obviously win Nescac outright. Like I said 2 weeks ago it is not impossible but highy improbable. They have played very well at home but with their lack of scoring I do not see them winning those last 4 games. In fact, Bowdoin and Williams have the 2 most difficult schedule left. I would give Bowdoin a 3% chance of winning those last 4 games. The problem is I would also give them a possibility of losing all 4 as well. That is how unpredictable Bowdoin and Nescac is this year. Honestly I could see them finishing 1-2-1 and at least hosting a Nescac quarterfinal game.


I think more likely Bowdoin goes 2-1-1 out of those last 4. Williams has some work to do with:

at Wesleyan
Hamilton
Tufts
at Middlebury

Williams is presently sitting in 6th but with a disparity in games played and other teams with a  tough schedule they could conceivably wind up in 4th. They have trouble scoring so winning isn't easy for them, but with some luck they could win 2 or 3 of them. Not sure when they last won at Midd. Finishing those games at 2-1-1 would get them a shot to host a NESCAC tournament game.

I saw them at Coast Guard yesterday and they were outplayed for much of the game. The defense is still strong and they got 1 minute of offense. I think their offense has turned a corner and is a little more explosive. Against Curry the sophomore Damian Gass had 2 goals on aggressive runs and almost had 2 others. He sat out yesterday at CC but he will be back on Saturday. Also getting Greg Andrieu back in the near future will help the defense and playmaking. I'm predicting that Williams finishes strong.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Biggerthantexas on October 11, 2017, 05:06:44 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 10, 2017, 08:15:13 PM
Man, when you beat the two toughest opponents on your schedule via own-goals, it may just be your year ...

Actually it wasn't an own goal. Looks like a pretty good finish to me, from a tight angle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOuoeEKgbEE&feature=push-u&attr_tag=pu7wn4wM7yFzjQ7P-6 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOuoeEKgbEE&feature=push-u&attr_tag=pu7wn4wM7yFzjQ7P-6)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 11, 2017, 05:35:14 PM
Quote from: Biggerthantexas on October 11, 2017, 05:06:44 PM
Actually it wasn't an own goal. Looks like a pretty good finish to me, from a tight angle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOuoeEKgbEE&feature=push-u&attr_tag=pu7wn4wM7yFzjQ7P-6 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOuoeEKgbEE&feature=push-u&attr_tag=pu7wn4wM7yFzjQ7P-6)

It looks like the ball gets crossed in, Conn.'s #24 tries to clear, but fires it into the roof of his own net. The only way that's not an own goal is if the cross happened to be on target.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 11, 2017, 06:57:46 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 11, 2017, 05:35:14 PM
Quote from: Biggerthantexas on October 11, 2017, 05:06:44 PM
Actually it wasn't an own goal. Looks like a pretty good finish to me, from a tight angle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOuoeEKgbEE&feature=push-u&attr_tag=pu7wn4wM7yFzjQ7P-6 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOuoeEKgbEE&feature=push-u&attr_tag=pu7wn4wM7yFzjQ7P-6)

It looks like the ball gets crossed in, Conn.'s #24 tries to clear, but fires it into the roof of his own net. The only way that's not an own goal is if the cross happened to be on target.

I was watching a couple of other games, but had the audio to this game on when the goal was scored.  The announcers clearly specified that it was an own goal.  Amherst's website describes it as an own goal:
"Breaking through with 2:10 remaining in the first overtime, Bellew directed the Mammoths to the 1-0 victory as he sent a shot from the top right corner of the goal box off a Camel defender and into the nylon."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2017, 07:54:15 PM
Just tuning into Trinity v Wesleyan. This is usually a tough rivalry game and will get chippy. Trinity is ahead 2-1 at the Half and if that score holds would put a serious 1st nail in Wesleyan's coffin. I knew Trinity would get a spoiler win or 2 with Savonen playing spoiler but let's see if Wheeler can get his troops rallied in the 2nd Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2017, 08:12:01 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on October 11, 2017, 02:20:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 11, 2017, 12:40:25 PM
Quote from: redsoccer06 on October 11, 2017, 10:50:29 AM
What are the chances that Bowdoin wins their next three games?

Bowdoin has 4 games left:


v Hamilton
v Colby
at Conn
at Tufts

They are 9-2-0. That loss to St.Joesph's(ME) really hurts IMO..Bowdoin still has plenty of work to do to get a Pool C. They have wins over Williams and Midd but that is it. If they win those last 4 games they will easily get a Pool C and obviously win Nescac outright. Like I said 2 weeks ago it is not impossible but highy improbable. They have played very well at home but with their lack of scoring I do not see them winning those last 4 games. In fact, Bowdoin and Williams have the 2 most difficult schedule left. I would give Bowdoin a 3% chance of winning those last 4 games. The problem is I would also give them a possibility of losing all 4 as well. That is how unpredictable Bowdoin and Nescac is this year. Honestly I could see them finishing 1-2-1 and at least hosting a Nescac quarterfinal game.


I think more likely Bowdoin goes 2-1-1 out of those last 4. Williams has some work to do with:

at Wesleyan
Hamilton
Tufts
at Middlebury

Williams is presently sitting in 6th but with a disparity in games played and other teams with a  tough schedule they could conceivably wind up in 4th. They have trouble scoring so winning isn't easy for them, but with some luck they could win 2 or 3 of them. Not sure when they last won at Midd. Finishing those games at 2-1-1 would get them a shot to host a NESCAC tournament game.

I saw them at Coast Guard yesterday and they were outplayed for much of the game. The defense is still strong and they got 1 minute of offense. I think their offense has turned a corner and is a little more explosive. Against Curry the sophomore Damian Gass had 2 goals on aggressive runs and almost had 2 others. He sat out yesterday at CC but he will be back on Saturday. Also getting Greg Andrieu back in the near future will help the defense and playmaking. I'm predicting that Williams finishes strong.


Hmmm...I would be happy to wager with you that Williams DOES NOT finish 4th or better. No offense to Coast Guard and they are improved BUT if Coast Guard is dominating you for most of the game that is problematic. They have hardly solved their scoring woes as both goals were a bit lucky and fluky and Williams will have trouble scoring goals in their last 5 games against stingy defenses like Babson and Tufts. Hamilton, Wesleyan and Midd will be interesting match-ups as anything could happen in all 5 of those games. It is possible that Williams finishes 1-1-3 in those final 4 games.

As far as Bowdoin if you think they finish 2-1-1 against Colby, Hamilton, Conn and Tufts I could not disagree more. Who and how will they score against any 4 of those teams. They are all very stingy on a good day and Bowdoin on a great day will score maybe 1 goal..Like I said Bowdoin and Williams and all of Nescac is so unpredictable this year that we will just have to watch the games to see what happens.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2017, 08:48:27 PM
Wesleyan with a nice chance after a quick set piece by Martinez-Paiz to Nick Jackson for an absolute cracker and a fantastic save by Trinity's GK Zabelo. Other than that Wesleyan has not really threatened. Very disappointing for Wesleyan and with 10 minutes left still 2-1 Trinity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2017, 08:54:17 PM
God...Wesleyan with a golden opportunity with 8 minutes left by Martinez-Paiz and he half-volleys a chance from the 6 yard line over the net. No defender near him. 30 seconds later Trinity clears one off the line. Wesleesyan starting to really push numbers now and look much more dangerous now. Where was this the whole game? Why not come out of the gates like this? Wheeler can be to conservative. Pilger continues to baffle with 5 subs coming into the game with 6 minutes left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2017, 09:07:51 PM
Trinity defeats Wesleyan 2-1. Wesleyan is now alone in the Nescac basement YET AGAIN as they finished in last place in 2016. Very good effort tonight by Trinity as  they showed they will not go away quietly. They still would have to win their last 2 games at Midd and v Amherst to have any chance but well done. For Wesleyan that was a disappointing effort and again they should have been attacking all game with numbers not just in the final 10 minutes down a goal. They have Williams, Conn and Amherst left on their schedule and it is looking pretty bleak right now for them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2017, 09:11:50 PM
On to Lewiston now. Bates and Thomas 0-0 5 minutes into the 2nd Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2017, 09:25:57 PM
Bates all over Thomas but as usual cannot finish. Thomas GK having some game from what I have seen...3 great saves in 10 minutes. Live Stats show this GK has come off the bench 2nd Half. Also, Bates has subbed GK's as well but I am guessing Flaherty is givng the backup a run.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 11, 2017, 10:20:50 PM
Bakken with the game winner for Bates with 21 seconds left in 2OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 11, 2017, 10:42:06 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 11, 2017, 10:20:50 PM
Bakken with the game winner for Bates with 21 seconds left in 2OT.

Just saw the video (NSN still has it up). Really nice run by Merchant down the left to set it up -- tough to have those kind of wheels that late in the game, but he did it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 11, 2017, 10:45:42 PM
Thomas had a few players who looked pretty frisky in a second overtime, too, but Bakken's nice finish provided a just result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2017, 11:35:42 PM
Nice win for Bates. Deserved win but man that Thomas GK plgayed out of his mind 2nd Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on October 12, 2017, 12:40:17 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 11, 2017, 08:12:01 PM
As far as Bowdoin if you think they finish 2-1-1 against Colby, Hamilton, Conn and Tufts I could not disagree more. Who and how will they score against any 4 of those teams. They are all very stingy on a good day and Bowdoin on a great day will score maybe 1 goal..Like I said Bowdoin and Williams and all of Nescac is so unpredictable this year that we will just have to watch the games to see what happens.

I agree Bowdoin has had trouble creating and scoring since Wercinski took over. But this year I think they're slightly better than in previous years.

Moreover, I think one of the best predictors of NESCAC results is past games between the two teams. IMHO certain matchups due to style of coaching and recruiting tendencies and in some cases psychological factors/rivalries, games from year to year can tend to be very similar in terms of result, or even if the result isn't the same the performances mostly are.

So lets go to the past 3 years' stats to see how Bowdoin did offensively against these teams:

Colby: Struggles, 2-0 win, 0-0 draw, 0-1 loss
Hamilton: Lots of success, 2-1 win, 2-0 win, 3-1 win
Conn: Success, 1-1 draw, 2-1 win, 2-0 win, 2-0 win
Tufts: Mostly successful, 2-1 win, 2-1 win, 0-0 draw, 1-0 win, 2-2 draw

So against these teams in particular (except Colby), the Polar Bears have actually had a pretty great scoring record. In 10 games against Hamilton, Conn, and Tufts, they've been shut out once and scored 21 goals. I know its dumb to blindly base your future predictions on the past, but I do think there's something here.

I actually base my game predictions mostly on this when I see one team dominated the matchup. That's why I'll pick Bowdoin to win or at least draw against Tufts, to win against Conn, but probably to draw or maybe lose to Colby. It almost doesn't even matter what position teams are in the table because they tend to be pretty competitive regardless.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2017, 07:33:45 AM
Saturday

Trinity at Midd----Trinity looked like a Top 8 side last night against Wesleyan. They worked hard and easily were the better team. Midd is really struggling to score goals against solid competition and even weak competition. Their most dangerous and skilled player Goulart is scoring their goals and he is playing very well for them. Midd is also allowing a ton of goals this year which is concerning. Midd has Trinity, Bates and Williams left on their schedule. If they can win all 3 games they will get into the top 4. Trinity is still not very organized defensively but their GK Zabala played his best game last night. I think both teams can score in this game but Midd will score more. Midd 2-1

Hamilton at Bowdoin----Hamilton is starting to play well right now. Bowdoin has been dominant at Home. I am curious to see if Hamilton can play on the road like they have been playing at home. I do not agree with others that Bowdoin's CB's are the best in the league. Bubb and Ward can be beaten and dealt with by good strikers. Wood is playing like one of the best strikers in the league right now. Because of Bowdoin's style and system they are incredibly difficult to break down. Difficult but not impossible. Which team wants this more? This will be a very even game but I think Hamilton is playing a tad better. Hamilton 1-0

Amherst at Colby----This game will be a game of matchups. If Colby can beat Amherst they will get even with Amherst in points and own the tiebreaker. I cannot remember the last time Colby beat Amherst or frankly if they have beaten Amherst. Colby will be very pumped for this game especially at home.  Amherst has more weapons and more athleticism and I do not like the matchup of Colby's backs v Amherst strikers. However, Colby has had the whole week off and will be very prepared for this game. Amherst has not looked as good on the road as they do at home. 2 different teams. Colby can match Amherst all over the field except Amherst has more speed. I like speed. While Colby will be jacked for this game and will be confident they can win I think Amherst rolls into Waterville and rolls out with a W. Amherst 2-0

Tufts at Bates-----Bates with an exciting 109th minute win last night v Thomas. Tufts with an exciting 10-0 thrashing of Mt.St Vincent yesterday. Why did Shapiro play this game? Embarrassment. Those type of games can changes teams psyche sometimes. Look at the US smashing Panama and then "showing" up at T&T. I imagine Bates will sit in and try to counter. Tufts is the better and more talented side. Bates can be a tricky team to play as they lull you to sleep a but and then can attack with skill and speed with 4 solid attacking players. Tufts dominates possession and shots but struggle to finish. Tufts still find a way to get a Win. 1-0 Tufts

Williams at Wesleyan----I did not like the way Wesleyan approached that Trinity game last night. They needed a win and Wheeler sat in their normal formation and conservative style until the last 10 minutes of the game. Disappointing. They should have come out of the gates and attacked but that is not Wheeler's style. Williams defeated Coast Guard on Tuesday but were out played for most of the game. I will give Williams a pass as a 2 1/2 hr road mid-week game can be difficult to get up for. Both of these teams struggle to score goals. Sisco has 2 goals this year and is the starting striker but maybe his goal at Coast Guard gets him going. I think their most dangerous striker is the Soph Demian Gass who leads the team with 3 goals. That kid can take players on and beat them, has good speed and is composed enough to finish. He should be starting but he did not play at Coast Guard so maybe he is injured? Wesleyan is hanging by a thread and will have to go 2-0-1 against Williams, Amherst and Conn to get into the Nescac Play-offs to finish the season. Not gonna happen. Wesleyan has been a massive disappointment this year and they did not look particularly interested in playing last night until the last 10 minutes. Williams has to much to play for and are a much harder working team right now. Williams 2-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2017, 07:58:21 AM
Quote from: Biggerthantexas on October 11, 2017, 05:06:44 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 10, 2017, 08:15:13 PM
Man, when you beat the two toughest opponents on your schedule via own-goals, it may just be your year ...

Actually it wasn't an own goal. Looks like a pretty good finish to me, from a tight angle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOuoeEKgbEE&feature=push-u&attr_tag=pu7wn4wM7yFzjQ7P-6 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOuoeEKgbEE&feature=push-u&attr_tag=pu7wn4wM7yFzjQ7P-6)


ACTUALLY That was an own goal. You can see Sommers tapped the cross into his own net. Like I said live it was a nice touch by Lind and great little ball to McMillian who did well to beat Sommers on the fly and feed the ball into the box intended for Lind to finish who made a nice run to get there but was a step slow and missed his chance to win the game himself. Complete loss of concentration by Conn defensively on that play. I have really been impressed by Conn's GK Marcucci this year but he was forced to charge out of his net to cut off the angle but IMO he came 2 steps to far and Bellow made him pay. Not Marcucci's fault but if you are being picky he could have stayed home a step or 2 but the fault lies with Conn defenders who were caught slow afoot and ball watching
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2017, 09:47:31 AM
Random Thoughts:

While I criticize Williams' Sisco for lack of production as a striker he DOES have 17 career goals in a Williams uniform. That is pretty decent as an average of 4 goals a year is decent but he was highly touted coming out of Don Bosco Prep.

2 BIGGEST BUSTS in Nescac:

1. Tom Young, Williams--I feel bad because he did get injured in the 1st game of the year against Trinity BUT he was also a highly touted recruit who was going to cause havoc for Williams' opponents. His career stats are BAD as he NEVER scored a goal in a Williams uniform. 47 Games Played only 10 Games started and 0 goals with 5 assists. He is not a striker so he was not supposed to score a ton of goals but create them. In 47 Games he totaled 10 SOG. Yikes. I will say that the coaching change did not help Tom Young as Sullivan seemed to favor other players the last 2 years who could defend better than Young. I think he would have been way more productive if he stayed healthy and played for Williams before 2014.

2. Aidan Murray, Amherst---ANOTHER highly touted recruit who has basically disappeared from Amherst lineup since his Sophmore year. I think he has also had injury problems but he was supposed to be WAY more productive as tons of teams were interested in him. I think maybe in a different system and school he would have been more productive. Career Stats---49 Games 6 Games Started 1 GOAL 3 Assists and 8 SOG....YIKES again...I mean he is not even playing in meaningful Nescac games anymore as he is getting some runs against the like of Pine Manor and New England College.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Go2Goal on October 12, 2017, 10:12:27 AM
I Don't follow the conference closely. I look on this thread do to the importance of the teams that come out of the conference nationally every year. However, I think that picking kids out who are "busts" is really not a good topic. It is unfair, as that is all based of of other people's opinions. These kids go out and play a game they love. Some kids hit their ceiling earlier than others. But calling kids out by name for not tearing it up is disheartening.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 12, 2017, 10:51:05 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 11, 2017, 10:42:06 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 11, 2017, 10:20:50 PM
Bakken with the game winner for Bates with 21 seconds left in 2OT.

Just saw the video (NSN still has it up). Really nice run by Merchant down the left to set it up -- tough to have those kind of wheels that late in the game, but he did it.

Agreed, great run, solid cross in to the box and then the nice finish by Bakken. Certainly a deserved result.  Huge weekend ahead with Tufts and Amherst coming to Lewiston.  Smart move to play Tufts on the grass inside the track. As Mr. Right said, sit and counter may be the best approach against Tufts. Bates is in the middle of 5 games in 9 days stretch... finding a way to take a point or points from this weekend will be critical to having a shot at the top 8.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 12, 2017, 12:07:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2017, 09:47:31 AM
Random Thoughts:

While I criticize Williams' Sisco for lack of production as a striker he DOES have 17 career goals in a Williams uniform. That is pretty decent as an average of 4 goals a year is decent but he was highly touted coming out of Don Bosco Prep.

2 BIGGEST BUSTS in Nescac:

1. Tom Young, Williams--I feel bad because he did get injured in the 1st game of the year against Trinity BUT he was also a highly touted recruit who was going to cause havoc for Williams' opponents. His career stats are BAD as he NEVER scored a goal in a Williams uniform. 47 Games Played only 10 Games started and 0 goals with 5 assists. He is not a striker so he was not supposed to score a ton of goals but create them. In 47 Games he totaled 10 SOG. Yikes. I will say that the coaching change did not help Tom Young as Sullivan seemed to favor other players the last 2 years who could defend better than Young. I think he would have been way more productive if he stayed healthy and played for Williams before 2014.

2. Aidan Murray, Amherst---ANOTHER highly touted recruit who has basically disappeared from Amherst lineup since his Sophmore year. I think he has also had injury problems but he was supposed to be WAY more productive as tons of teams were interested in him. I think maybe in a different system and school he would have been more productive. Career Stats---49 Games 6 Games Started 1 GOAL 3 Assists and 8 SOG....YIKES again...I mean he is not even playing in meaningful Nescac games anymore as he is getting some runs against the like of Pine Manor and New England College.

I think a lot can happen in a kid's life between being a great 16 or 17 year old soccer player and their senior year of college. Aside from physical issues, their perspectives on what's important in life might change. Maybe they burn out or decide that they've devoted 20 hours a week to soccer for 10 years and are ready to move on and focus on academics and getting a job. There are many more players on the bench in the NESCAC who had a great HS and Club/Academy career but never were able to reach the same level in college. We don't know all their stories but you don't get recruited and get a spot at one of these schools without having been a better than solid player. In Tom's case, he had a coaching change after his freshman year. He broke his wrist during his junior season and had a gruesome and devastating injury in the first game of his senior year. After being elected captain and showing up in phenomenal shape. He has continued to be a leader to the Williams team and scouts opponents and is constantly talking to the boys. He is a terrific young man who will use this experience as a learning and teaching tool as he goes forward (if he doesn't take next semester off and come back for a 5th year??). I think it's  easy for us to lose perspective on what these games are all about at the D3 level. I really appreciate everyone's interest and analysis and enthusiasm but I'm not sure these games mean as much to the boys as they do to us.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2017, 01:16:09 PM
Quote from: Go2Goal on October 12, 2017, 10:12:27 AM
I Don't follow the conference closely. I look on this thread do to the importance of the teams that come out of the conference nationally every year. However, I think that picking kids out who are "busts" is really not a good topic. It is unfair, as that is all based of of other people's opinions. These kids go out and play a game they love. Some kids hit their ceiling earlier than others. But calling kids out by name for not tearing it up is disheartening.

Eh....just calling it like I see it. Nothing against either kid as they are great kids I am sure BUT I am talking about a game.....a sport..not their character as human beings....get over it...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2017, 01:22:50 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on October 12, 2017, 12:07:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2017, 09:47:31 AM
Random Thoughts:

While I criticize Williams' Sisco for lack of production as a striker he DOES have 17 career goals in a Williams uniform. That is pretty decent as an average of 4 goals a year is decent but he was highly touted coming out of Don Bosco Prep.

2 BIGGEST BUSTS in Nescac:

1. Tom Young, Williams--I feel bad because he did get injured in the 1st game of the year against Trinity BUT he was also a highly touted recruit who was going to cause havoc for Williams' opponents. His career stats are BAD as he NEVER scored a goal in a Williams uniform. 47 Games Played only 10 Games started and 0 goals with 5 assists. He is not a striker so he was not supposed to score a ton of goals but create them. In 47 Games he totaled 10 SOG. Yikes. I will say that the coaching change did not help Tom Young as Sullivan seemed to favor other players the last 2 years who could defend better than Young. I think he would have been way more productive if he stayed healthy and played for Williams before 2014.

2. Aidan Murray, Amherst---ANOTHER highly touted recruit who has basically disappeared from Amherst lineup since his Sophmore year. I think he has also had injury problems but he was supposed to be WAY more productive as tons of teams were interested in him. I think maybe in a different system and school he would have been more productive. Career Stats---49 Games 6 Games Started 1 GOAL 3 Assists and 8 SOG....YIKES again...I mean he is not even playing in meaningful Nescac games anymore as he is getting some runs against the like of Pine Manor and New England College.

I think a lot can happen in a kid's life between being a great 16 or 17 year old soccer player and their senior year of college. Aside from physical issues, their perspectives on what's important in life might change. Maybe they burn out or decide that they've devoted 20 hours a week to soccer for 10 years and are ready to move on and focus on academics and getting a job. There are many more players on the bench in the NESCAC who had a great HS and Club/Academy career but never were able to reach the same level in college. We don't know all their stories but you don't get recruited and get a spot at one of these schools without having been a better than solid player. In Tom's case, he had a coaching change after his freshman year. He broke his wrist during his junior season and had a gruesome and devastating injury in the first game of his senior year. After being elected captain and showing up in phenomenal shape. He has continued to be a leader to the Williams team and scouts opponents and is constantly talking to the boys. He is a terrific young man who will use this experience as a learning and teaching tool as he goes forward (if he doesn't take next semester off and come back for a 5th year??). I think it's  easy for us to lose perspective on what these games are all about at the D3 level. I really appreciate everyone's interest and analysis and enthusiasm but I'm not sure these games mean as much to the boys as they do to us.



I totally understand ALL of that...AGAIN I am not questioning their character as human beings....Their desire to play soccer.....What they have or have not accomplished in life...What the future holds..I am pointing out my observations solely on FUTBOL and the compliment i gave them by telling you how talented these kids were before college.  Frankly if they do not care as much as us about it THEN they will not care about my opinion...Jesus so I have to massage everyone's ego on here? How boring of a site it would be if we could not give opinions and have to stay within the lines and only speak positively about are precious kids. Get over it..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 13, 2017, 09:07:38 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2017, 07:33:45 AM
Saturday

Trinity at Midd----Trinity looked like a Top 8 side last night against Wesleyan. They worked hard and easily were the better team. Midd is really struggling to score goals against solid competition and even weak competition. Their most dangerous and skilled player Goulart is scoring their goals and he is playing very well for them. Midd is also allowing a ton of goals this year which is concerning. Midd has Trinity, Bates and Williams left on their schedule. If they can win all 3 games they will get into the top 4. Trinity is still not very organized defensively but their GK Zabala played his best game last night. I think both teams can score in this game but Midd will score more. Midd 2-1

Hamilton at Bowdoin----Hamilton is starting to play well right now. Bowdoin has been dominant at Home. I am curious to see if Hamilton can play on the road like they have been playing at home. I do not agree with others that Bowdoin's CB's are the best in the league. Bubb and Ward can be beaten and dealt with by good strikers. Wood is playing like one of the best strikers in the league right now. Because of Bowdoin's style and system they are incredibly difficult to break down. Difficult but not impossible. Which team wants this more? This will be a very even game but I think Hamilton is playing a tad better. Hamilton 1-0

Amherst at Colby----This game will be a game of matchups. If Colby can beat Amherst they will get even with Amherst in points and own the tiebreaker. I cannot remember the last time Colby beat Amherst or frankly if they have beaten Amherst. Colby will be very pumped for this game especially at home.  Amherst has more weapons and more athleticism and I do not like the matchup of Colby's backs v Amherst strikers. However, Colby has had the whole week off and will be very prepared for this game. Amherst has not looked as good on the road as they do at home. 2 different teams. Colby can match Amherst all over the field except Amherst has more speed. I like speed. While Colby will be jacked for this game and will be confident they can win I think Amherst rolls into Waterville and rolls out with a W. Amherst 2-0

Tufts at Bates-----Bates with an exciting 109th minute win last night v Thomas. Tufts with an exciting 10-0 thrashing of Mt.St Vincent yesterday. Why did Shapiro play this game? Embarrassment. Those type of games can changes teams psyche sometimes. Look at the US smashing Panama and then "showing" up at T&T. I imagine Bates will sit in and try to counter. Tufts is the better and more talented side. Bates can be a tricky team to play as they lull you to sleep a but and then can attack with skill and speed with 4 solid attacking players. Tufts dominates possession and shots but struggle to finish. Tufts still find a way to get a Win. 1-0 Tufts

Williams at Wesleyan----I did not like the way Wesleyan approached that Trinity game last night. They needed a win and Wheeler sat in their normal formation and conservative style until the last 10 minutes of the game. Disappointing. They should have come out of the gates and attacked but that is not Wheeler's style. Williams defeated Coast Guard on Tuesday but were out played for most of the game. I will give Williams a pass as a 2 1/2 hr road mid-week game can be difficult to get up for. Both of these teams struggle to score goals. Sisco has 2 goals this year and is the starting striker but maybe his goal at Coast Guard gets him going. I think their most dangerous striker is the Soph Demian Gass who leads the team with 3 goals. That kid can take players on and beat them, has good speed and is composed enough to finish. He should be starting but he did not play at Coast Guard so maybe he is injured? Wesleyan is hanging by a thread and will have to go 2-0-1 against Williams, Amherst and Conn to get into the Nescac Play-offs to finish the season. Not gonna happen. Wesleyan has been a massive disappointment this year and they did not look particularly interested in playing last night until the last 10 minutes. Williams has to much to play for and are a much harder working team right now. Williams 2-1

Mr.Right, I'm scratching my head a little at your assessment of Hamilton and Bowdoin and your prediction of a 1-0 Hamilton victory at Bowdoin.  Although I agree that Bowdoin doesn't have a reliable and dangerous attack in the final third, they generally find a way to generate a goal when needed (off set pieces or rebounds in and around the box).  They are playing at home and have everything to play for.  Plus they will have had 6 days of recovery from their last game, while Hamilton is making the long trip and will have had only 2 days of recovery from their last game.  I predict a 2-0 win for Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2017, 05:33:30 PM
Yea that is totally understandable....Hamilton will have a long trip and short rest but I really like the way they have been playing the past 2 weeks. Now I asked if they can play like that on the road? That is what I will be watching for...I do not think Ward and Bubb are bad players I just do not agree they are the best CB's in the league. Bowdoin is not good enough to dominate good teams IMO and I think Wood is playing like one of the best strikers in the league right now. I think he will cause Bowdoin some problems..Hamilton will have a hard time marking Niang as I would have Harrington start and mark him...I still say it will be an extremely even game..Remember this is not the Hamilton of 3-4 years ago when they were doormats they are just starting to settle into Nescac and are getting comfortable playing in the league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 13, 2017, 07:33:45 PM
I absolutely agree that Hamilton are not doormats, which in my view makes their addition to the NESCAC increasingly welcome as these recent years have unfolded.  I'm not sure who suggested the Bowdoin center backs are the best in the league...My son played during the Fran O'Leary era and Fran had his strengths and weaknesses, but was on balance a good and successful coach.  Likewise Scott Wiercinski has his strengths and weaknesses, but is on balance a good and successful coach.

My observation (which doesn't mean it's certifiable fact) is that Wiercinski seems to put some of his better, more proven, and more reliable players on the back line...which is a fairly rational strategy in my experience.  Sam Ward is a strong and reliable player and he has stepped up to support the overall performance of the team by moving from central midfield to central defense.  Riley Bubb has been a more "in and out" player in the first three years of his college career, but he has performed calmly and effectively as a center back this year.  I don't know whether they are "the best center backs in the NESCAC", but they have performed effectively during most of the first 11 games.

Unless you have "kliller" attacking players who are going to score goals in bunches in most of the games during the course of a regular season and post-season, I totally support this approach.  I still think Bowdoin is the favorite going into tomorrow's game, but we will indeed see...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2017, 09:01:19 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 13, 2017, 07:33:45 PM
I absolutely agree that Hamilton are not doormats, which in my view makes their addition to the NESCAC increasingly welcome as these recent years have unfolded.  I'm not sure who suggested the Bowdoin center backs are the best in the league...My son played during the Fran O'Leary era and Fran had his strengths and weaknesses, but was on balance a good and successful coach.  Likewise Scott Wiercinski has his strengths and weaknesses, but is on balance a good and successful coach.

My observation (which doesn't mean it's certifiable fact) is that Wiercinski seems to put some of his better, more proven, and more reliable players on the back line...which is a fairly rational strategy in my experience.  Sam Ward is a strong and reliable player and he has stepped up to support the overall performance of the team by moving from central midfield to central defense.  Riley Bubb has been a more "in and out" player in the first three years of his college career, but he has performed calmly and effectively as a center back this year.  I don't know whether they are "the best center backs in the NESCAC", but they have performed effectively during most of the first 11 games.

Unless you have "kliller" attacking players who are going to score goals in bunches in most of the games during the course of a regular season and post-season, I totally support this approach.  I still think Bowdoin is the favorite going into tomorrow's game, but we will indeed see...


I agree Ward has been a "team" player because he accepted his role and move to CB. Like I said he is very steady and reliable. Bubb is good also but nothing that jumps out at me. Let us remember that against Amherst in the begining of the year they BOTH were overwhelmed by Amherst physicality and speed. I mean Amherst really took it to them. Maybe that changes in November? They might just see each other again in the Semi's or Final. As far as coaching, O'Leary is a proven coach at all levels and has tons of experience as his sides are ALWAYS very organized especially defensively. Wiercinski also has his sides organized BUT he is not getting the same type of athletes and talent that O'leary and Ainscough did at Bowdoin. His system and formation never change which can be good and bad but his success in the Nescac Tournament is more successful than O'leary's ever was BUT Van Siclien in net has been the difference IMO especially in all the PK shootouts they have won. Also, O'Leary got his squad within 1 minute of the 2010 NCAA Championship game and won the Nescac regular season in 2010 which you know very well which in my mind is more difficult than winning the tournament and deserves more praise. Look what he is doing at UMASS,,he is slowly and surely turning that program around from the 1 win season they had 3 years ago under current WNEC coach Devin O'Neal. Let us remember Wiercinski did NOT have that much success at Chicago in the 6-7 years he was there. He played the same style and system there and did not get it done. I just finished watching Chicago tonight and their coach Babst has recruited skill, speed and athleticism and is attacking and playing some good futbol. They are fun to watch which is the last thing you would say to describe Wiercinski's tedious style.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 14, 2017, 08:28:11 AM
I agree with your observations about O'Leary's professional and generally effective approach to building and organizing a team.  He has only 2.5 scholarships to work with at UMass, and he's up against a number of schools that provide as many as 9.5 scholarships.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 14, 2017, 11:15:59 AM
Camels beat Endicott 2-0 last night on turf field. Two nice solo finishes  after Endicott defense stumbled a bit in first half.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 14, 2017, 11:35:22 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2017, 09:47:31 AM
Random Thoughts:

...

2 BIGGEST BUSTS in Nescac:

...

Why share this random thought?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on October 14, 2017, 12:59:58 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 13, 2017, 09:07:38 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2017, 07:33:45 AM
Saturday

Trinity at Midd----Trinity looked like a Top 8 side last night against Wesleyan. They worked hard and easily were the better team. Midd is really struggling to score goals against solid competition and even weak competition. Their most dangerous and skilled player Goulart is scoring their goals and he is playing very well for them. Midd is also allowing a ton of goals this year which is concerning. Midd has Trinity, Bates and Williams left on their schedule. If they can win all 3 games they will get into the top 4. Trinity is still not very organized defensively but their GK Zabala played his best game last night. I think both teams can score in this game but Midd will score more. Midd 2-1

Hamilton at Bowdoin----Hamilton is starting to play well right now. Bowdoin has been dominant at Home. I am curious to see if Hamilton can play on the road like they have been playing at home. I do not agree with others that Bowdoin's CB's are the best in the league. Bubb and Ward can be beaten and dealt with by good strikers. Wood is playing like one of the best strikers in the league right now. Because of Bowdoin's style and system they are incredibly difficult to break down. Difficult but not impossible. Which team wants this more? This will be a very even game but I think Hamilton is playing a tad better. Hamilton 1-0

Amherst at Colby----This game will be a game of matchups. If Colby can beat Amherst they will get even with Amherst in points and own the tiebreaker. I cannot remember the last time Colby beat Amherst or frankly if they have beaten Amherst. Colby will be very pumped for this game especially at home.  Amherst has more weapons and more athleticism and I do not like the matchup of Colby's backs v Amherst strikers. However, Colby has had the whole week off and will be very prepared for this game. Amherst has not looked as good on the road as they do at home. 2 different teams. Colby can match Amherst all over the field except Amherst has more speed. I like speed. While Colby will be jacked for this game and will be confident they can win I think Amherst rolls into Waterville and rolls out with a W. Amherst 2-0

Tufts at Bates-----Bates with an exciting 109th minute win last night v Thomas. Tufts with an exciting 10-0 thrashing of Mt.St Vincent yesterday. Why did Shapiro play this game? Embarrassment. Those type of games can changes teams psyche sometimes. Look at the US smashing Panama and then "showing" up at T&T. I imagine Bates will sit in and try to counter. Tufts is the better and more talented side. Bates can be a tricky team to play as they lull you to sleep a but and then can attack with skill and speed with 4 solid attacking players. Tufts dominates possession and shots but struggle to finish. Tufts still find a way to get a Win. 1-0 Tufts

Williams at Wesleyan----I did not like the way Wesleyan approached that Trinity game last night. They needed a win and Wheeler sat in their normal formation and conservative style until the last 10 minutes of the game. Disappointing. They should have come out of the gates and attacked but that is not Wheeler's style. Williams defeated Coast Guard on Tuesday but were out played for most of the game. I will give Williams a pass as a 2 1/2 hr road mid-week game can be difficult to get up for. Both of these teams struggle to score goals. Sisco has 2 goals this year and is the starting striker but maybe his goal at Coast Guard gets him going. I think their most dangerous striker is the Soph Demian Gass who leads the team with 3 goals. That kid can take players on and beat them, has good speed and is composed enough to finish. He should be starting but he did not play at Coast Guard so maybe he is injured? Wesleyan is hanging by a thread and will have to go 2-0-1 against Williams, Amherst and Conn to get into the Nescac Play-offs to finish the season. Not gonna happen. Wesleyan has been a massive disappointment this year and they did not look particularly interested in playing last night until the last 10 minutes. Williams has to much to play for and are a much harder working team right now. Williams 2-1

Mr.Right, I'm scratching my head a little at your assessment of Hamilton and Bowdoin and your prediction of a 1-0 Hamilton victory at Bowdoin.  Although I agree that Bowdoin doesn't have a reliable and dangerous attack in the final third, they generally find a way to generate a goal when needed (off set pieces or rebounds in and around the box).  They are playing at home and have everything to play for.  Plus they will have had 6 days of recovery from their last game, while Hamilton is making the long trip and will have had only 2 days of recovery from their last game.  I predict a 2-0 win for Bowdoin.

2-0 Hamilton right now. Bowdoin has some work to do.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:05:51 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 14, 2017, 11:35:22 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2017, 09:47:31 AM
Random Thoughts:

...

2 BIGGEST BUSTS in Nescac:

...

Why share this random thought?


I am a big believer in sharing....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:07:49 PM
Just tuned in...Hamilton up 2-0 on Bowdoin at the Half...Looks like Chapman snagged both goals....I want to say I told you so but there is still another Half left.....Anyone see the 1st Half?  I will tune in now but would like to catch Amherst at Colby
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:10:49 PM
Midd defeats Trinity 1-0 in a game that saw 7 SOG and about 40 fouls...Sounds about right...The game must have had no flow and glad I missed that one...Trinity with only 2 SOG and at 3-9-1(1-7-1) they are the 1st team to be officially eliminated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:14:59 PM
Looks like Byrd is back for Bowdoin..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:24:23 PM
Hamilton has come out in the 2nd Half very flat footed and they need to be careful as they look to passive right now. Bowdoin taking it to them to start 2nd Half  and have hit the crossbar already but can they finish their chances? Nizzi brings on Chapman to wake the boys up
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:35:15 PM
Serpone starting Frosh Stone in goal today and with the back to back has moved a couple other guys into the starting lineup to give them a run. Colby basically with the same lineup except Aoyama is starting today
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 14, 2017, 01:42:14 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:10:49 PM
Midd defeats Trinity 1-0 in a game that saw 7 SOG and about 40 fouls...Sounds about right...The game must have had no flow and glad I missed that one...Trinity with only 2 SOG and at 3-9-1(1-7-1) they are the 1st team to be officially eliminated.

Plus 3 yellow cards and an on-field skirmish in the game's final minute.

Game could have easily been 3-0, as Bantam goalie made a couple of spectacular saves on Goulart and Potter lasers coming off set pieces.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:42:52 PM
Bowdoin gets one back...2-1 Hamilton about 20 minutes left...MacMillan scores on a PK to the keepers right...It was hard to tell what the call was on the stream..Either a hand ball or foul gave Bowdoin the PK off a corner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:44:19 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 14, 2017, 01:42:14 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:10:49 PM
Midd defeats Trinity 1-0 in a game that saw 7 SOG and about 40 fouls...Sounds about right...The game must have had no flow and glad I missed that one...Trinity with only 2 SOG and at 3-9-1(1-7-1) they are the 1st team to be officially eliminated.

Plus 3 yellow cards and an on-field skirmish in the game's final minute.

Game could have easily been 3-0, as Bantam goalie made a couple of spectacular saves on Goulart and Potter lasers coming off set pieces.


Thanks for the recap Bucket....Sounds like it got real chippy at the end
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:49:24 PM
Amherst at Colby game is end to end action in the first 15 minutes. The game right now is extremely stretched
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:55:19 PM
Colby up 1-0 on a great individual effort by #11 Rosenberg...Took a touch and absolutely BURNED Amherst #21 Von Ziegesar. Great individual effort and nice skill by Rosenberg BUT HORRIFIC defending by Amherst and Von Ziegesar as he should be nowhere near a field with his lack of pace..Colby 1-0 about 20 minutes in
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 02:03:27 PM
Hamilton holding on for dear life to a 2-1 lead over Bowdoin..Bowdoin is all over them but just cannot finish..Off a corner with 3 minutes left there was a scrum with the ball ending up on Niang's foot at about the 6 yard line and a really good chance got blocked and sent out as the GK was beat..Not a ton of time but a split second decision and hit should have been the tying goal by Niang....FINAL  2-1 Hamilton...Very good win for Hamilton as they try to get into the Top 4 and are playing at Williams midweek.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 02:05:42 PM
Still 1-0 Colby with about 15 minutes left in the 1st Half and finally Serpone gets some of his regulars on the field as Bellow, Hlinomaz and Lind come on...Not sure about this Amherst GK Stone as he could of maybe dived and saved the shot by Rosenberg and then races out of his net to punch a ball and misses...I still do not understand what happened to Hope-Gund as I thought he was solid for them..Stone did make a tremendous save against Conn so maybe he has been better in practice or maybe Hope-Gund is injured? However, he came out at Halftime of the Conn game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 02:13:45 PM
This ref in the Colby v Amherst match has been AWFUL...His whistle is stuck on his hand s will not blow it..Way to many non-calls and he will end up losing control of this game if he does not start calling fouls..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 02:23:31 PM
Amherst is starting to get in a rhythm near the end of the 1st half..It could be me but Amherst against Conn and now today are actually trying to play a little futbol as they are knocking it around a bit in midfield and finding some feet up front...Colby's #18 Tower and #21 Dickey are just massive as both have to be at least 6'5. Pretty good game so far as Colby goes into Halftime with a 1-0 lead. I wonder if we will have another GK change at halftime as it is becoming the norm for Amherst now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 02:43:03 PM
2nd Half starts and Colby on the offensive with 2 dangerous chances already...Colby's #11 Rosenberg causing Amherst backs problems with his speed as he beats Amherst #16 Sebastian Derby a Frosh down the left flank and gives perfect service to Aoyama in the box but a nice play by Amherst CB to break it up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 03:04:19 PM
Some great chances for both Amherst and Colby as Amherst almost scores off a long throw that was one-timed off the bounce(I could not see who hit it) and it was an absolute bullet that hit the post. Colby with a great chance on the other end that was just missed...Still Colby 1-0 over Amherst with about 20 minutes left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 03:18:10 PM
10 minutes left Colby holding onto a 1-0 lead over Amherst..Amherst starting to run out of time here as they are going to have to throw numbers forward. Colby starting to take its sweet time on throws and goal kicks
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 03:30:39 PM
Amherst ties up the game on a fantastic goal with 5 minutes left by Weller Hlinomaz...A nice cagey run by Hlinomaz off a corner and he gets his right boot to a fantastic serve..That is hard luck for Colby as they have played well but you have to focus for 90 minutes..Hlinomaz should not have been open on that corner. I did not notice if Colby was zoning on the corner but if they were that would be a good reason to go to man or if they were not playing zone than someone either got picked or lost their man...Good game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 03:35:05 PM
In other action...Wesleyan takes an early 1-0 lead over Williams on a nice goal by #15 Alec Haas...Wesleyan MUST win this game to have any chance at getting into the Nescac Tournament..Will Wheeler sit back now on this lead? God I hope not..Or does Wesleyan keep its foot on the gas? They need to...


Colby v Amherst 1-1 heading to OT..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 03:43:29 PM
You can see why Wesleyan is 1-5-1 in Nescac as Williams ties it up 1-1 at Wesleyan. Wesleyan defender blatantly gives the ball away to Williams in their defensive 3rd and not sure who it was but Williams player marches right into the box and rips a shot into the back of the net..Wesleyan GK has got to make that save even if it was a bullet...This has been Wesleyan's problem IMO..Defense not nearly as good as Wheeler teams usually are, bad giveaway's and bad GK'ing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 04:12:43 PM
WOW....Colby defeats Amherst 2-1 in 2OT...What a great win for that program...Again Colby's #11 Rosenberg causing Amherst backs problems all day..He gets by his defender and the opportunity was finished by Aoyama...Nice calm composed finish by Aoyama..Right before that Aoyama sent a beautiful thru ball to #5 Berolzheimer who played an equally nice ball to Rosenberg but it was blocked BUT while Amherst Frosh Long Thrower #5 Johnson is caught ball watching for a split second and Rosenberg beat him to the ball and then beat him to feed Aoyama. GAME BALL to #11 Rosenberg as he worked his butt off. Honorable mention to Aoyama as he played very well today and showed why he is one of the more skilled players in the league..Great game to watch as both teams played well today..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 04:23:55 PM
Amherst is now 0-1-2 in 3 Road games this year with Trinity and Bates still to be played. Only 6 road games this season. They still have a good enough resume and 3 quality wins to snag a Pool C but the margin is closing. At 6-2-2 they have 2 cupcakes in their non conference left which will only hurt their SOS and OWP and a road tilt at Trinity plus a home game against Wesleyan.



In other games:

Bates and Tufts are 0-0 and Williams at Wesleyan is 1-1 both about 10 minutes into the 2nd Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 14, 2017, 04:24:21 PM
Can't remember when, if ever, Colby last beat Amherst.  Congrats to the team and Coach Seabrook.  Program looks like it's slowly climbing out of the depths.  More work ahead this week with Bowdoin and Hamilton away.

+k to Mr. Right for his excellent reporting on this game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 14, 2017, 04:27:10 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 14, 2017, 04:24:21 PM
Can't remember when, if ever, Colby last beat Amherst.  Congrats to the team and Coach Seabrook.  Program looks like it's slowly climbing out of the depths.  More work ahead this week with Bowdoin and Hamilton away.

+k to Mr. Right for his excellent reporting on this game.

Congrats on the result! Me neither, but that is an excellent win and I agree Colby is climbing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 14, 2017, 04:42:07 PM
Williams' inability to finish may come back to haunt them today. They dominated first half but were lost in the final third. Second half has Wesleyan carrying the play and getting a few corners.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 04:49:19 PM
Yes that is a monster win for Colby and they are playing like one of the better teams in Nescac right now. The program 1970s Nescac Player is more than climbing out of the depths, they are a team that NO ONE will want to face in the Nescac Quarters and if they continue to play like they did today they will find themselves in the Top 4 and hosting. You are correct 2 HUGE games this week at Bowdoin and at Hamilton. Hamilton is another team that no one will want to face as they are a hot team right now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 14, 2017, 04:57:12 PM
Williams and Wesleyan headed to OT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 04:57:17 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on October 14, 2017, 04:42:07 PM
Williams' inability to finish may come back to haunt them today. They dominated first half but were lost in the final third. Second half has Wesleyan carrying the play and getting a few corners.

Martinez-Paiz is causing Williams problems defensively. Wesleyan scored what looked to be a goal but the linesman called offside on a close play. Wesleyan just does not have much talent surrounding Martinez-Paiz. Frankly, it is a waste of his talent. Wesleyan besides the offside goal has had nothing very dangerous until the end of the half. Williams just cannot finish. They have had i would guess 10 corners with fantastic service but nothing to show for it...As I type the game is getting stretched and you can feel a goal coming in OT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 05:14:29 PM
Tufts sneaks by Bates in the 84th minute. I did not catch the game. Maybe the Nescac Tournament is looking to be in Medfa for the 1st time?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 14, 2017, 05:14:37 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 04:49:19 PM
Yes that is a monster win for Colby and they are playing like one of the better teams in Nescac right now. The program 1970s Nescac Player is more than climbing out of the depths, they are a team that NO ONE will want to face in the Nescac Quarters and if they continue to play like they did today they will find themselves in the Top 4 and hosting. You are correct 2 HUGE games this week at Bowdoin and at Hamilton. Hamilton is another team that no one will want to face as they are a hot team right now.

Since both my son and I played for Colby, and as I am intimately familiar with the program's struggles the last 20 years or so, I am guarding against over-optimism!  ;)  However, I do recognize that the program has turned a corner this fall.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 05:27:57 PM
Williams at Wesleyan finishes 1-1...Williams looked better today but just cannot finish. Wesleyan has a hard time besides Martinez-Paiz to create dangerous chances. Neither team could afford a draw today but especially Wesleyan as they need to win games now if they want to make the Nescac Playoffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 14, 2017, 05:29:57 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 04:57:17 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on October 14, 2017, 04:42:07 PM
Williams' inability to finish may come back to haunt them today. They dominated first half but were lost in the final third. Second half has Wesleyan carrying the play and getting a few corners.

Martinez-Paiz is causing Williams problems defensively. Wesleyan scored what looked to be a goal but the linesman called offside on a close play. Wesleyan just does not have much talent surrounding Martinez-Paiz. Frankly, it is a waste of his talent. Wesleyan besides the offside goal has had nothing very dangerous until the end of the half. Williams just cannot finish. They have had i would guess 10 corners with fantastic service but nothing to show for it...As I type the game is getting stretched and you can feel a goal coming in OT

Williams gets 1 point from the tie and falls to 9th place in nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 14, 2017, 05:34:03 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on October 14, 2017, 05:29:57 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 04:57:17 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on October 14, 2017, 04:42:07 PM
Williams' inability to finish may come back to haunt them today. They dominated first half but were lost in the final third. Second half has Wesleyan carrying the play and getting a few corners.

Martinez-Paiz is causing Williams problems defensively. Wesleyan scored what looked to be a goal but the linesman called offside on a close play. Wesleyan just does not have much talent surrounding Martinez-Paiz. Frankly, it is a waste of his talent. Wesleyan besides the offside goal has had nothing very dangerous until the end of the half. Williams just cannot finish. They have had i would guess 10 corners with fantastic service but nothing to show for it...As I type the game is getting stretched and you can feel a goal coming in OT

Williams gets 1 point from the tie and falls to 9th place in nescac.

Actually, with the tie, Williams is on 10 points and tied for 7th with Hamilton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 14, 2017, 05:37:44 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 14, 2017, 04:24:21 PM
Can't remember when, if ever, Colby last beat Amherst.  Congrats to the team and Coach Seabrook.  Program looks like it's slowly climbing out of the depths.  More work ahead this week with Bowdoin and Hamilton away.

+k to Mr. Right for his excellent reporting on this game.

Ditto...great reporting...and great win!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 05:56:55 PM
Interesting at the bottom of Nescac..Trinity is eliminated today, Bates can be eliminated tomorrow if they do not beat Amherst and Wesleyan would need to win their final 2 games and get a TON of help...No chance as it looks like Trinity, Wesleyan and Bates are done in a week and a half. Looks like the sixth straight year that Stu Flaherty at Bates has not even made the tournament. He is 0 for 6 since taking over in 2012. His Nescac record updated is 9-37-11..OUCH...That is not good....Yes I realize the challenges of recruiting to Bates BUT some of their other sports do quite well like lax...9-37-11....Well maybe he can take solace in what Seabrook is doing at Colby and try to replicate what he did by getting 1 huge class in and working with them. I actually have praised Bates this year as they are better than they have been in the past but they still are not getting results plus they lose some key seniors like Merchant next year. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 14, 2017, 06:15:06 PM

Here is where things stand as head into last games.  Sorry if formatting is screwy! 
Will be interesting to see what happens .

Team    Played   PTS   Win-Loss-Ties        Remaining Games      
Tufts       8          19   6-1-1                  Williams   Bowdoin
Bowdoin      7          15   5-2-0         Colby      Conn C.           Tufts
Conn C.      8          15   4-1-3                  Bowdoin   Wesleyan
Middlebury   8         12   4-4-0                  Bates          Williams
Amherst     7         11   3-2-2        Bates     Wesleyan   Trinity
Colby     7         11   3-2-2       Bowdoin  Hamilton            Bates
Hamilton     8         10   3-4-1                 Williams      Colby
Williams     7         10   2-1-4        Hamilton   Tufts        Middlebury
Bates     7          5   1-4-2       Amherst     Middlebury   Colby
Wesleyan   8         5   1-5-2                 Amherst          Conn C.
Trinity   9        4        1-7-1                     Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 07:37:05 PM
Oh so bates has 3 games left? Then they are not eliminated BUT they must win all 3
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 15, 2017, 08:15:02 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 14, 2017, 01:42:52 PM
Bowdoin gets one back...2-1 Hamilton about 20 minutes left...MacMillan scores on a PK to the keepers right...It was hard to tell what the call was on the stream..Either a hand ball or foul gave Bowdoin the PK off a corner.

I start by acknowledging that my prediction of a 2-0 Bowdoin win was clearly wrong.  I was at this game on a beautiful warm sunny day in Brunswick.  Hamilton deserves credit for putting the ball in the net a couple of times when they had opportunities late in the first half.  The first goal was a little fluky as it got stuffed over the line after an initial stop by Van Siclen.  The second goal came as a result of Bowdoin's back line being caught too far up the pitch and Hamilton countering with a 4 on 2 break.  Bowdoin was much the better team in the second half and looked very likely to even the scoreline, but Hamilton managed to hang on.  Credit to them for getting the result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 15, 2017, 03:38:27 PM
Bates scores and within 2 minutes Amherst ties it up.  Wide open game on a grass field at Bates.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 15, 2017, 03:52:36 PM
Bates and Amherst 1-1 at half... but does seem pretty wide open so expect a goal or two more in the second half.  Pretty even as of now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 15, 2017, 04:21:55 PM
Williams 3-0 up at Babson and in total control.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 15, 2017, 04:28:24 PM
Amherst controlling most of the play in the second half... but again, wide open.   Amherst scores with a nice shot 20 minutes in.  2 - 1 Amherst. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 15, 2017, 04:44:04 PM
Bates has the ball in the net but it's called back for offside. Wow. Either way, Bates is giving this a real go -- I do like their never-quit attitude.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 15, 2017, 05:14:22 PM
Fun game to watch.... Bates scored first, Amherst got 2, then Bates played very hard the last 15 minutes and almost got an equalizer.... one called back for off-sides (good call) and a couple of other chances.  They are not mathematically eliminated yet from tournament, but would have to win next two and hope with Williams or Hamilton loses their remaining games. 

The win moves Amherst up to 4th place.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 15, 2017, 05:19:46 PM
The next game up is Colby versus Bowdoin at Bowdoin - Tuesday afternoon.  Important game for Bowdoin to solidify 2nd place standing and also for Colby to have a shot at the top slots.
Colby (3-2-2 in Nescac) coming off nice win against Amherst and Bowdoin (5-2-0 in Nescac) a loss to Hamilton.
  Who is going to win?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 16, 2017, 11:05:20 AM
Bates is not eliminated yet, but their backs are against the wall. They would need to beat Midd at home and Colby on the road to get to 11 points and have a chance.  They do hold the tie break with Hamilton as they beat them head to head.  It was a tough weekend to come away with 0 points, especially against Amherst in what played out to be a entertaining end to end game with the shot totals (18-17) and SOGs (7-7) just about even.  Bakken appeared to tie the game at 2 with just over 11 minutes left after banging home a rebound, but was called off-sides.  I'm not sure I agree with BendIt that it was a good call, but you have to accept it and move on.  Regarding the Tufts game, I thought the defense played well, especially Waston. Tufts has skill at every position and press you all over the field. I think they had 23 or 24 shots.  Merchant was not able to get much going against the right side of the Tufts D until drawing a foul with a minute left. A great ball found Watson's head for a laser that just went high of the far corner.  Would have been a helluva goal. Tufts just does not give up much in the run of play. Set pieces are where you need to capitalize against them.

On a side note, and as an alumn, the field conditions were rough.  Both days guys were slipping with regularity and in some cases it led to great scoring opportunities.  It's been a very dry fall here in Maine so there really is no excuse for not having a better grass field, especially as Bates has played a bunch of their home games on the turf. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 16, 2017, 11:40:27 AM
First regional rankings come out this Wednesday. It will be interesting to see how many NESCAC teams are ranked in the NE Region.

Current National Computer Rankings of NESCAC teams that could be regionally ranked by the committee:
Massey - Tufts 1, Conn 7, Amherst 17, Williams 21, Midd 33, Bowdoin 35, Colby 39, Hamilton 43
Bennett - Tufts 3, Conn 12, Amherst 23, Williams 30, Colby 39. Bowdoin 54, Midd 65, Hamilton 77

Also expected to be regionally ranked:
Locks: Springfield (MR 4, BR 17), Brandeis (MR 12, BR 18), St. Joes (MR 38, BR 45)
At least three of these teams?: UMBos (MR 64, BR 53), Endicott (MR 71, BR 64), WPI (MR 67, BR 72), Gordon (MR 62, BR 85)
Others?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 16, 2017, 01:03:40 PM
Bobcat ... on the Bates off-sides call.  I shouldn't have said it was a good call, just kind of thought the linesman would have the best angle.   I was actually hoping it was stood as Bates were working so hard.   From the camera angle it actually is very difficult to tell and especially without replay.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 02:17:31 PM
Colby at Bowdoin about to kick off in half an hour. This is a big game for BOTH teams. Colby with a win could get into the Nescac Top 4 and at 7-3-2 would be regionally ranked next week if they were to also defeat Hamilton on the weekend. Bowdoin with a win would come very close to clinching a Nescac Top 4 berth and also keep their sagging Pool C hopes alive. With a very challenging remaining schedule with games at Conn and v Tufts I would think if Bowdoin were to lose this game they might lose their Top 4 spot eventually. Last year, Bowdoin dominated Colby up in Waterville and won the game 2-0. These midweek early start times can be tricky for the road team. This will only be Colby's 2nd game all year on grass and in the 1st game they got shutout by Wesleyan. Colby is playing very well right now as is Bowdoin even with the loss to Hamilton. Where will Bowdoin's advantage be besides in net? No size or athleticism advantage, no speed advantage, no creativity advantage, no goal scoring advantage...I will go Colby 1-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 02:44:52 PM
10 minutes into Bowdoin v Colby and Bowdoin has come out all over Colby and look very good 18 to 18..The problem is they have had no real dangerous chances let alone shots from all of this solid play. This has been the problem all year and is continuing so far in this match
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 02:56:48 PM
So it looks like Wiercinski has changed his lineup after the Hamilton loss. He has moved Ward into midfield where he used to play and started a Frosh #25 Donlan at 6'5 at CB..Not sure if changing your successful backline in mid October is the answer BUT he obviously feels that Ward might be more helpful in midfield to help get his offense going. So basically Bowdoin looks to be in a 4-2-3-1 with Stenquist and Ward holding and freeing up Niang to attack. While that is a stout midfield defensively I just do not see Niang as a attacking midfielder. Why not try this Frosh Byrd who is one of their more skilled and fast players plus a dangerous 1v1 player as your attacking midfielder?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2017, 03:09:25 PM
I've got Liverpool-Maribor on the stream and I don't have enough confidence in my bandwidth to take on two streams...gotta love Comcast. Then again, it's already 3-0 Liverpool so I might switch to the more evenly-played clash in Colby-Bowdoin at some point.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 03:14:57 PM
1-0 Bowdoin on a goal that was finished but the story behind the goal was talented Frosh Byrd...He is their best 1v1 player by far and gives Bowdoin some needed creativity..He beats and I mean BEATS 2 Colby defenders and plays a nice cross to a Frosh Shultz the that barely crossed the line..It was close...Could not tell on the stream and have no idea how the linesman made that call..Anyway that goal was all Byrd..Nice play and Bowdoin takes a 1-0 lead and has had the better of play for most of the Half..A nice response to Saturday's loss.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 03:17:02 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 17, 2017, 03:09:25 PM
I've got Liverpool-Maribor on the stream and I don't have enough confidence in my bandwidth to take on two streams...gotta love Comcast. Then again, it's already 3-0 Liverpool so I might switch to the more evenly-played clash in Colby-Bowdoin at some point.


How's Man City doing? I was going to watch them today because they have been playing SO WELL of late...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2017, 03:20:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 03:17:02 PM
How's Man City doing? I was going to watch them today because they have been playing SO WELL of late...

According to the ticker on the broadcast, 2-0 up over Napoli, Sterling and Jesus. Tell you what, I like De Bruyne, Silva, Sane, and Aguero, but Jesus is the missing link for them methinks -- he came in January and hasn't stopped scoring since.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: bestfancle on October 17, 2017, 03:24:59 PM
Jesus has been insane. I got to meet him in Nashville when city played Spurs this summer. I'm headed over for the darby in April, he really has been the spark they needed to compete.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2017, 03:34:48 PM
Quote from: bestfancle on October 17, 2017, 03:24:59 PM
Jesus has been insane. I got to meet him in Nashville when city played Spurs this summer. I'm headed over for the darby in April, he really has been the spark they needed to compete.

Nice, enjoy it! Seeing a match in England is an incredible experience. I've been to Anfield twice (my relatives over there are LFC supporters), White Hart Lane, Vicarage Road, and Selhurst Park, and have enjoyed each one. Ironically, Liverpool have fallen in both preseason games that I've seen them here in the U.S., but have won both Premier League games that I've seen them in England, which is fine -- I know which ones I'd rather have them win. ;)

Back on the Bowdoin game, seems like Bowdoin is at least keeping up the pressure. I thought they might sit back completely as this would be a big win for them, and it's very difficult to break them down once they've got a goal, but it looks like they're still trying to get forward and make things happen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 03:37:45 PM
Yes...Bowdoin coming at Colby and Niang hits the post...Colby looks to be a little flat today
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 04:01:17 PM
Colby still hanging around but Bowdoin leading 1-0 still with about 20 minutes left...Colby is starting to PICK it up as they have had 2 very dangerous chances to score but Van Siclien has come up with 2 bug saves...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 04:03:14 PM
The good thing about Bowdoin having a lead it gives me a chance to multi-task and watch another game in between the 20-30 seconds Bowdoin wastes on every set piece and throw...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 04:12:32 PM
Colby knocking on the door...Still cannot finish...Can they get the game tying goal?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 04:23:30 PM
Final: Bowdoin 1-0 over Colby. Big big win for Bowdoin and they keep their Pool C hopes alive. Colby will have to win the Nescac tournament BUT they have the ability to do so. They still can get a Nescac Top 4 if they win their final 2 games I believe. Could be wrong on that but just taking a quick glance at the standings unless Williams win their final 3 games which is unlikely...Probably a fair result but again why do teams wait until they are down a goal or when there is 20 minutes left to start playing their best futbol....Had Colby come out of the gates like that they might have gotten a result..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 17, 2017, 05:32:09 PM
Watched some highlights posted on the Bowdoin website, and the Polar Bears escaped some late near misses.  Van Siclien with 9 saves!  I'm sure Colby had their eyes more on securing the playoff berth (which they would have done with a tie) than securing home field advantage, and were not desperate enough from the start.  That probably cost them and they will need to be ready from the start against Hamilton on Saturday, or they could conceivably need a result in the last game against Bates.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 17, 2017, 05:44:03 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 17, 2017, 05:32:09 PM
Watched some highlights posted on the Bowdoin website, and the Polar Bears escaped some late near misses.  Van Siclien with 9 saves!  I'm sure Colby had their eyes more on securing the playoff berth (which they would have done with a tie) than securing home filed advantage, and were not desperate enough from the start.  That probably cost them and they will need to be ready from the start against Hamilton on Saturday, or they could conceivably need a result in the last game against Bates.

The Colby offensive opportunities really started when Bowdoin decided it was time to sit in and stopped trying to play themselves into some offense, or possess, or... anything but packing in and kicking the ball away.  All ten sitting in the box, just kicking the ball away.  They deserved to give up a goal playing like that.   And... they usually give up a goal that way.   Colby just didn't convert the opportunity.
When Bowdoin was actually playing soccer, Colby didn't get many chances.  I do like Colby (in general ) this year, though.  I hope they do make playoffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 17, 2017, 05:46:20 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 04:23:30 PM
Final: Bowdoin 1-0 over Colby. Big big win for Bowdoin and they keep their Pool C hopes alive. Colby will have to win the Nescac tournament BUT they have the ability to do so. They still can get a Nescac Top 4 if they win their final 2 games I believe. Could be wrong on that but just taking a quick glance at the standings unless Williams win their final 3 games which is unlikely...Probably a fair result but again why do teams wait until they are down a goal or when there is 20 minutes left to start playing their best futbol....Had Colby come out of the gates like that they might have gotten a result..

Today's conversation is speaking my language, because I am both a Bowdoin and Liverpool fan!  I arrived at the Bowdoin v. Colby game just as the one goal was scored.  I was struck by the rapidly declining angle of the sun at this time of year, which cast growing shadows on the field as a 2:30 p.m. game progressed.  Van Siclen was huge today.  Colby impressed me in the last 25 minutes...but to be fair I think that was partly due to Bowdoin protecting a one goal lead somewhat nervously.  It's always easy for a spectator to say, but protecting a one goal lead nervously and defensively is not always the best solution...some calm and composed possession can really help...

I'd personally like to see all three Maine NESCAC schools make the league tournament this year!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 17, 2017, 06:01:16 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 17, 2017, 05:46:20 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 04:23:30 PM

I was struck by the rapidly declining angle of the sun at this time of year, which cast growing shadows on the field as a 2:30 p.m. game progressed.  Van Siclen was huge today.  Colby impressed me in the last 25 minutes...but to be fair I think that was partly due to Bowdoin protecting a one goal lead somewhat nervously.  It's always easy for a spectator to say, but protecting a one goal lead nervously and defensively is not always the best solution...some calm and composed possession can really help...



Yep ... that's exactly what I thought about it also.  I did note that Van Siclen was shading his eyes.  And really thought Bowdoin was dominating play (until they decided to pack it in...)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 17, 2017, 06:38:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 03:37:45 PM
Colby looks to be a little flat today

I have been watching a lot of Colby.  I like them.  But... they are at their best when they are playing a slower and more deliberate posession game.   I think that against a full-bore, break-neck pace, they forfeit some of that deliberation.  Bowdoin likes a much faster game, and they transition and attack at an almost frenetic pace.
I thought that Colby might have trouble with that, unless they found a way to slow the pace of the game.  Colby's strength is through the middle...and, had they controlled the pace, I would be a little worried for Bowdoin.  But... the Bowdoin coach adjusted brilliantly with moving Ward.  Bowdoin was managed exactly right in the middle today, I thought.  Ward manages so well.  His organization really prevented the Bowdoin midfield -- which has a tendency towards the tempestuous -- from devolving into the uncontrolled maelstrom it can become.    There was more intentional play, without relinquishing that Bowdoin preferred pace. And Colby didn't really show well against that pace.

Til the end.  About halfway through the second half, Bowdoin seemed to decide to just "pack it in"  -- then Colby took control. 

They slowed the game back down to their pace and... I thought Bowdoin got lucky just to hang on.     

Watching at the end, it is little wonder that Bowdoin's defense gets so nervous late in the game.  "Packing it in" is a defensive nightmare!   And...  I will never understand Bowdoin's logic of packing ten men in the box.  It has happened in every game i have seen them play, so it must be part of their game plan...  but it never goes well for them, so it just baffles me...     

Anyway, I like Colby and hope they get a berth.  I like Bowdoin, too... but they sure get in their own way, unnecessarily, don't they?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 17, 2017, 06:52:57 PM
Good observations SoccerMom.  I'm harkening back to Mr. Right's opinion that Tufts is the class of the league so far.  Having allowed only one goal, it's hard to argue with that.  I think Bowdoin and Amherst are in the next tier, and Colby is one of the teams who are right behind them.  However, as recent history has shown, anything can and probably will happen during the NESCAC tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 18, 2017, 01:55:40 PM
1 hour until game time in the very crucial match between Williams and Hamilton. If Williams wins they jump into 5th place in NESCAC with 2 games left. Both teams are reluctant to play until Mr. Right makes a prediction.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 02:19:38 PM
LOL...Yes a HUGE game indeed. Williams still has a shot(albeit a long shot) to get into the Top 4 in Nescac if they win out or finish 2-0-1. With a win Hamilton will clinch a playoff berth but they easily will qualify IMO. The only thing that would make me nervous is Bates owning the tiebreaker. Williams looks like a different team when playing at home than on the road. They have looked much crisper at home and more dangerous. This will be Williams 3rd game in 5 days and Hamilton is coming off two seven hour bus rides going to Brunswick and back plus today's 3 hour drive to Williamstown so something has to give. Hamilton is coming off a very big win at Bowdoin and Williams a disappointing draw at Wesleyan but a total domination of Babson on Sunday. Hamilton is playing very well of late as they are 3-1-1 in their last 5 games against solid competition(Amherst, Tufts, Bowdoin and Wesleyan). I only caught the 2nd half of their game at Bowdoin but they did not look as good as they had looked at home v Amherst and Wesleyan and frankly even the loss to Tufts the game was dead even. I think this game will be very even with both teams generating dangerous chances. It will come down to who makes the fewest mistakes and who can keep mentally focused for 90 minutes. I think Williams wins this game 2-1 with Sean Dory snagging the winner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 18, 2017, 03:11:45 PM
Hamilton defensive back just cleared a header off the goal line that was headed into the net. One thing to watch is that Hamilton chose to defend in front of their bench in the second half. No team in recent memory has chosen that side for the second half because the sun will be absolutely brutal by 4pm. This could be a big factor.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 03:16:54 PM
Hamilton needs to WAKE up as they have come out flat and they are on their heels with Williams already having some chances. Both teams are giving the ball away at will as so far a sloppy game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 18, 2017, 03:38:14 PM
1-0 Williams...nice run and shot by Sisco-Tolomeo. Hamilton caught napping and Sisco kept with it. Gritty finish.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 18, 2017, 03:38:48 PM
2-0! Hirsch. 2 in 2:08.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 18, 2017, 03:42:12 PM
Another defensive mistake by Hamilton. Certainly good pressure from Williams, but the Continentals have to do better.

In the context of Sisco's dad coming to most games, the announcer says, "Yeah, you know the Eph parents aren't afraid to share their minds with the official. Ever." Mr.Right, how long of a drive is that from Northern NJ? My dad's friend from childhood -- who still lives in his hometown -- has a son who plays football at Springfield and he says it's about 2 1/2 hours to there, which isn't bad at all, but I imagine Williams being up in the Berkshires is quite a bit longer. Sisco is from two towns over so it's probably about the same drive to wherever in MA.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 18, 2017, 03:42:21 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 03:16:54 PM
Hamilton needs to WAKE up as they have come out flat and they are on their heels with Williams already having some chances. Both teams are giving the ball away at will as so far a sloppy game

They're not awake yet. 2 quick goals by Williams. a quick shot by Sisco-Tolomeo breaking through 2 defenders and an opportunistic interception of a back pass to the GK by Eric Hirsch has Williams in good shape.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 18, 2017, 03:44:18 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 18, 2017, 03:38:48 PM
2-0! Hirsch. 2 in 2:08.

Both of Hirsch's parents are professors at Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 03:47:35 PM
Williams goes up 1-0 on a harmless long ball with 2 Hamilton CB's v 1 Williams striker. Sisco was the Williams striker and he takes advantage of a careless mistake by #11 Eli Lichtman who went for the ball off the hop and WHIFFED. Sisco used his speed to snag the ball beat the 2 CB's and slide it past Hamilton's GK. 1-0 Williams. Those are the careless mistakes i was referring to in my prediction. Just a ball that any defender let alone a CB should be able to clear. If I am correct #11 Lichtman cost Hamilton with a mistake v Tufts. I could be wrong but I know he did cost his team in another game this year. I did not like the way Hamilton came out of the gates today...Very flat footed...

2-0 Williams on another SLOPPY play by a Hamilton defender...#17 Kastilahn VERY LAZY playing a back pass to his GK that he barely touched and Williams midfielder Hirsch running very hard and gets to the ball and slides it past Hamilton GK....

The color commentator I am not a fan of but he is correct in saying Williams is the fittest team in Nescac. They are running very hard and just plain outworking Hamilton today. Hamilton looks plain AWFUL today..Bates better take notice because 2 wins could get them in if hamilton continues to play like this..2 mistakes that 14 year olds do not make...Disappointing if I am a Continentals fan
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 04:01:51 PM
Easily Williams most complete Half of the year. They dominated. They look very good so far in this game. Hamilton's Perry Nizzi I am sure LIT into his troops at Halftime. He can be a screamer.  Now can Williams come out 2nd Half and keep their foot on the pedal or does Hamilton decide to show up 2nd Half?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 04:06:11 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 18, 2017, 03:42:12 PM
Another defensive mistake by Hamilton. Certainly good pressure from Williams, but the Continentals have to do better.

In the context of Sisco's dad coming to most games, the announcer says, "Yeah, you know the Eph parents aren't afraid to share their minds with the official. Ever." Mr.Right, how long of a drive is that from Northern NJ? My dad's friend from childhood -- who still lives in his hometown -- has a son who plays football at Springfield and he says it's about 2 1/2 hours to there, which isn't bad at all, but I imagine Williams being up in the Berkshires is quite a bit longer. Sisco is from two towns over so it's probably about the same drive to wherever in MA.


Easily a 4 hour drive...Color commentator drives me mad...It would be like me commentating on a hockey game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 04:09:26 PM
With a win here Williams is in good shape for a Pool C all of a sudden. If they could somehow beat Tufts on Saturday they could very well punch their ticket. I know I know I am jumping ahead of myself here.

Sisco is such a hard worker...Very workmanlike all game. He busts his butt as do a ton of Ephs
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 18, 2017, 04:09:40 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 04:06:11 PM
Easily a 4 hour drive...Color commentator drives me mad...It would be like me commentating on a hockey game.

I'd pay to hear that!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 04:20:56 PM
Hamilton gets one back..2-1 Williams 30 minutes left..#5 Chapman gets another Nescac goal as he had 2 v Bowdoin on Saturday. The goal was all #12 Wood and his speed..he burst past Williams back down the right side and played a beautiful cross across the face of goal which Chapman finished...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 04:24:45 PM
Hamilton has been awakened....Now Williams looks flat footed...Why MUST teams wait until they are down a goal or 2 to play their best??
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 04:28:34 PM
Wood with a golden opportunity in on Williams GK on a tough angle but he blasts it right at the GK...Still Wood is a very dangerous player and his speed makes him one of the best in Nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 18, 2017, 04:32:05 PM
Did not realize that Williams only has one loss on the season...I knew they were putting together a good campaign and have been impressed when I've watched them but apparently wasn't paying enough attention. With the sole defeat being 1-0 at Bowdoin I think Mr.Right is correct that they're in with a shout for Pool C, and would be even moreso if they can beat Tufts this weekend (admittedly a big if).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 18, 2017, 04:45:46 PM
Williams hasn't shown up for the second half at all. Holding on to a 1 goal lead and lucky to be ahead. Williams also has about 12 fouls called against them this half.

Announcers are not top notch. One fellow is a lacrosse player and uses lacrosse terminology.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 04:49:57 PM
Williams is nursing a 1 goal lead 2-1 with about 5 minutes. Honestly besides a 10-15 minute burst and some chances to get game tying goal they have not threatened since. They are pushing numbers but keep giving the ball away due to Williams' pressure. Looking like Williams will hang on but I have seen crazier things happen in games
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 18, 2017, 04:56:34 PM
Williams holds on to win 2-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 05:22:44 PM
More importantly Williams gets the #5 ranking. A win today will help and because Colby is ranked they have 1 win v Ranked but if Colby drops out they will have none...They need a win v Tufts or Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 06:57:58 PM
Tufts at keene St...During the announcement of lineups Tufts is dead face serious and Keene St are loosey goosey and laughin and joking around...That could be a bad sign for Keen st
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 07:11:46 PM
10 minutes in all Tufts in a half field scrimmage. Tasker missed a sitter..I will say Keene St is athletic enough to hang around and maybe spring a counter. They do look better than the past few disappointing seasons. 0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 07:30:22 PM
Keene St hanging around...Still 0-0 about 30 minutes in...They must be training a producer type as they have 4 different camera angles and he is switching from angle to angle..At first it was annoying but as Bloots say's "It has grown on me".
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 07:45:02 PM
Tufts gets an impressive goal off a one timed half volley from a well served corner with about 3 minutes left in the Half. Halliday just buried it...Great goal...As I am typing Tufts adds another to go up 2-0...If I were Tufts i would start playing some Frosh if they go up 3-0 because this game as the look of getting very chbippy in the 2nd Half..2-0 Tufts at the Half


Thought it was Halliday it was actually Eichhorst...Nice Strike..If he could ever start to finish like that consistently than Tufts would be that much better
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 07:51:12 PM
It is a shame because before ts scored I was going to say that Keene St was in a 4-2-3-1 not pressing and sitting in a solid block of 6. Was going to say how organized and well coached they looked in their formation. Very disciplined but loss of concentration defensively on a corner and Halliday is wide open for his volley. It really was a nice hit especially one-timed. You can see how Keene St beat UMB as they are well coached and much more disciplined than UMB. UMB better talent I am sure but if Keene St can stay disciplined like that throughout their conference tournament I give them a fighters chance at winning it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 18, 2017, 11:54:41 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 17, 2017, 02:56:48 PM
Why not try this Frosh Byrd who is one of their more skilled and fast players plus a dangerous 1v1 player as your attacking midfielder?

Hard to say for sure, but... I wonder what happens to him when you put him in a crowded lane.  His pace gives him an advantage in space.   And... he sends dangerous crosses.

The first year, MacPherron is a great CAM. And, he is very creative. His movement off of the ball is great, he does a great job drawing out a defenders to create space for others... He generates a lot. 

I still like Bowdoin.  I keep waiting for them to get it together.  They have all the talent they need, but they never all seem to be hitting on all cylinders.  And they make pretty disastrous decisions at inopportune times.  But...   I still like them.   I think they are the worst best team in the league. Lol

I am pretty fond of Colby at this point also -- that team play through the middle.  👌 And they are so young.  They should be really fun next year

And I think Bates is incredibly mentally tough, which is admirable.

Go, the Maine teams!! :) 🤞
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 19, 2017, 12:09:35 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 17, 2017, 06:52:57 PM
Good observations SoccerMom.  I'm harkening back to Mr. Right's opinion that Tufts is the class of the league so far.  Having allowed only one goal, it's hard to argue with that.  I think Bowdoin and Amherst are in the next tier, and Colby is one of the teams who are right behind them.  However, as recent history has shown, anything can and probably will happen during the NESCAC tournament.

I hear what you are saying, and - obviously not allowing any goals is a whole different thing--  but I really dont get the way people keep talking about the teams.

Tufts 19points  6-1-1
Bowdoin 18points 6-2
Tufts has scored 12 goals in league play,  and Bowdoin has scored 11.
To me, those teams appear comparable. ( Now... there is clearly a big difference in goals allowed.  That is undeniable)

But... lets look at:
Amherst:  14points 4-2-2
And throw in Conn 15 points 4-1-3

And then maybe Williams (13pnts 3-1-4)

Then maybe Midd & Colby (💗) with their "500" seasons.

Seems like Bowdoin and Tufts are comparable, and that Conn, Amherst, and maybe Williams are the next tier.

And the others after.

People keep talking *Bowdoin* and Williams with pool C hopes but that Bowdoin's  chances are poor.  But... why?  I really don't get that.
I don't actually care that much, at this point, I guess, but I guess I am not sure how it is done.

Granted, I have not gotten to watch as much this week.  Also, I havent seen them play live, so could be missing something, but... I don't understand at all how people are reading these things, if it comes down to numbers... which it seems like it has to. 

Trying to figure out how these judgements get made.  Help me out?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 19, 2017, 08:14:22 AM
I don't pretend to know all the arcane details that determine the regional rankings.  I've pasted in below the most recent regional rankings as posted by "Off Pitch" on the New England soccer discussion thread.  Clearly strength of schedule (SOS) is a big determining factor.  Note that Bowdoin beat both Middlebury and Williams, yet is ranked below them.  Also note that 7 NESCAC teams appear in the top 12, which speaks to the overall strength of the NESCAC.

These rankings certainly don't necessarily match up with the eye test...i.e. what you are actually seeing as you watch the games in person or online.  Again, in my personal view, Tufts stands out because of their overall record and minimal goals allowed, and I still think Bowdoin and Amherst, and possibly Conn College, are in the next tier.  After that, I really wouldn't put Colby or even Hamilton much behind Williams and Middlebury based on what I've seen.  But the NESCAC tournament is generally when the unpredictable can and does happen.

Actual rankings with winning % and SOS

1.     Tufts             0.875        .605
2.     Amherst        0.727        .679
3.     Conn             0.808        .605
4.     Brandeis        0.769        .618
5.     Williams        0.750        .601
6.     Springfield     1.000        .556
7.     Middlebury     0.692        .614
8.     Mass-Boston  0.692        .578
9.     Bowdoin        0.750        .554
10.   J&Wales         0.893        .530
11.   Gordon          0.679        .555
12.   Colby            0.636         .584

Not ranked (winning % over .600 and SOS over .500)
        St Josephs     0.964        .474
        Coast Guard   0.654        .549
        Endicott         0.679        .546
        WPI              0.692         .535
        Clark             0.654         .507
        Colby-Sawyer 0.615         .534
        Keene St        0.615         .556
        WConnSt       0.625          .515
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 19, 2017, 10:20:51 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 19, 2017, 12:09:35 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 17, 2017, 06:52:57 PM
Good observations SoccerMom.  I'm harkening back to Mr. Right's opinion that Tufts is the class of the league so far.  Having allowed only one goal, it's hard to argue with that.  I think Bowdoin and Amherst are in the next tier, and Colby is one of the teams who are right behind them.  However, as recent history has shown, anything can and probably will happen during the NESCAC tournament.

People keep talking Bates and Williams with pool C hopes and that Bowdoins chances are poor.  But... why?  I really don't get that.
I don't actually care that much, at this point, I guess, but I guess I am not sure how it is done.

Granted, I have not gotten to watch as much this week.  Also, I havent seen them play live, so could be missing something, but... I don't understand at all how people are reading these things, if it comes down to numbers... which it seems like it has to. 

Trying to figure out how these judgements get made.  Help me out?



I don't think anyone on these Boards has been talking about Bates and Pool C hopes.  That must be a typo.  Did you mean Colby or perhaps Middlebury? The only way Bates has a chance to make the NCAA Tournament is through the AQ and to do that they would need to beat Midd on Saturday, Colby next Wednesday and get help from Colby beating or playing to a draw at Hamilton.  And if all that were to occur, Bates would then need to win the NESCAC tournament.  I have a pretty good idea what percentage chance Mr. Right would put on all that happening...

Regarding the Bowdoin/Tufts comparison, the NESCAC standings reflect the in-conference comparison - not much difference between the two teams (other than goals against).  However, the NCAA Committee looks all at the games played and overall SOS is one of the primary criteria in their ranking process.  SOS and a better overall winning percentage account for the gap between the two teams in the regional rankings.  A few of the regulars on these Boards have noted many times that Bowdoin needs to leave Maine and beef up its non-conference schedule if it wants to improve its Pool C chances year-in and year-out. The same would apply to Colby and Bates. They all play a predominately "Maine" based out of conference schedules.

Having said all that, if Bowdoin beats both Conn and Tufts on the road to finish the regular season, I think they would be a lock for a Pool C berth with at least 4 ranked wins.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 19, 2017, 11:04:01 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 07:45:02 PM
.If I were Tufts i would start playing some Frosh if they go up 3-0 because this game as the look of getting very chbippy in the 2nd Half

It appears that Coach Shapiro was listening to your sage advice, as he put 5 freshmen on the field to finish the game (by my unofficial count). Last week, a Liberty League coach made a GK switch consistent with one of your recommendations. Perhaps you could offer a halftime hotline for coaches in distress  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2017, 11:18:38 AM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 19, 2017, 11:04:01 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 18, 2017, 07:45:02 PM
.If I were Tufts i would start playing some Frosh if they go up 3-0 because this game as the look of getting very chbippy in the 2nd Half

It appears that Coach Shapiro was listening to your sage advice, as he put 5 freshmen on the field to finish the game (by my unofficial count). Last week, a Liberty League coach made a GK switch consistent with one of your recommendations. Perhaps you could offer a halftime hotline for coaches in distress  ;)


LMAO....You do not know how much I would LOVE that...But it would have to be a 2-way line because I would like to get in their ear as well...+k
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2017, 11:27:07 AM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 19, 2017, 10:20:51 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 19, 2017, 12:09:35 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 17, 2017, 06:52:57 PM
Good observations SoccerMom.  I'm harkening back to Mr. Right's opinion that Tufts is the class of the league so far.  Having allowed only one goal, it's hard to argue with that.  I think Bowdoin and Amherst are in the next tier, and Colby is one of the teams who are right behind them.  However, as recent history has shown, anything can and probably will happen during the NESCAC tournament.

People keep talking Bates and Williams with pool C hopes and that Bowdoins chances are poor.  But... why?  I really don't get that.
I don't actually care that much, at this point, I guess, but I guess I am not sure how it is done.

Granted, I have not gotten to watch as much this week.  Also, I havent seen them play live, so could be missing something, but... I don't understand at all how people are reading these things, if it comes down to numbers... which it seems like it has to. 

Trying to figure out how these judgements get made.  Help me out?



I don't think anyone on these Boards has been talking about Bates and Pool C hopes.  That must be a typo.  Did you mean Colby or perhaps Middlebury? The only way Bates has a chance to make the NCAA Tournament is through the AQ and to do that they would need to beat Midd on Saturday, Colby next Wednesday and get help from Colby beating or playing to a draw at Hamilton.  And if all that were to occur, Bates would then need to win the NESCAC tournament.  I have a pretty good idea what percentage chance Mr. Right would put on all that happening...

Regarding the Bowdoin/Tufts comparison, the NESCAC standings reflect the in-conference comparison - not much difference between the two teams (other than goals against).  However, the NCAA Committee looks all at the games played and overall SOS is one of the primary criteria in their ranking process.  SOS and a better overall winning percentage account for the gap between the two teams in the regional rankings.  A few of the regulars on these Boards have noted many times that Bowdoin needs to leave Maine and beef up its non-conference schedule if it wants to improve its Pool C chances year-in and year-out. The same would apply to Colby and Bates. They all play a predominately "Maine" based out of conference schedules.

Having said all that, if Bowdoin beats both Conn and Tufts on the road to finish the regular season, I think they would be a lock for a Pool C berth with at least 4 ranked wins.



Good Post Bobcat..let me give you your first official karma point...You always remember your first. The out of conference SOS that has been added this year is very helpful BUT i must say I find it hard to believe that Bowdoin's Out-of Conference SOS is almost 100 points worse than Williams and Midd's. Bowdoin's out of conference scheduling is bad but Midd's and frankly Williams is not that much better. I expect to see some turnover next week when RvR is added and if Bowdoin can beat Conn I believe they will jump both Midd and Williams.

Bates I would give maybe a 15% chance of qualifying for the Nescac tournament. Why you ask is that # so high because I actually could see them beating Midd and Colby and Hamilton not beating Colby on Saturday. I would of rather seen Bates only 4 points back rather than 5 because it would allow them to go 1-0-1 and hope Hamilton draws. So another draw for Bates in the regular season would have made a big difference. Not beating Trinity about 4 weeks ago killed them and I remember you and myself saying that game was a MUST win for them because of their remaining schedule. +k
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2017, 02:06:11 PM
Saturday:

Colby at Hamilton----I cannot say enough how disappointed I was to see Hamilton play so bad in the 1st Half at Williams. 2nd Half was better but boy did they come out flat, uninterested and not willing to work hard for 90. That might have been the worst Half any Nescac team has played all year. For this game though I do not think that will happen again. They have looked much better at Home than on the Road this year and have the results to prove it. I think Nizzi needs to change his backline as they were awful yesterday. #17 Kastilahn and #11 Lichtman had games to forget. Both players had massive mistakes on both of Williams goals. Mistakes that 14 year olds would not make. The surprising thing is that both are seniors and should know better. The Hamilton recap is generous to say the least on its write-up stating bad bounces were the reason for the goal and in Lichtman's case not stating anything at all. That is Lichtman's 2nd game costing error this year as I believe he made a mistake to allow Tufts gamewinner as well.  I like the kid Harrington that Nizzi brings off the bench in midfield and he has the size to give the backline a shot IMO. Doubtful that Nizzi will change though as his starting lineup has been pretty consistent all year. On a more positive note #5 Chapman and #12 Wood had a nice combination to get a goal to bring them within 1 and Wood had a really good look at another chance as he was in 1v1 against Williams GK but hit it right at him. Hamilton is going to need someone besides Chapman and Wood to create and score goals. In 9 Nescac games those 2 are the only players with multiple goals and/or assists. Schmidt is a hard worker up top but for the amount of minutes he plays he needs to be more productive as he has 1G/0A in 9 Nescac games and has played I am guessing over 550 minutes up top. He has to produce up there to take some of the load off of Wood and Chapman. Colby who had played so well at Home v Amherst did not play nearly as well on the road at Bowdoin on Tuesday. They came out in the 1st Half flat and conceded late in the 1st Half on a nice individual effort by Bowdoin's Drake Byrd to set up a goal. He absolutely burned 2 Colby defenders in the box and played a nice ball to Schultz. Colby MUST tackle better and stay low and focused. Hamilton must win this game to clinch a Playoff spot as this is their last league game. They can do no better than 6th place but depending on this result look to be finishing #8 or #7. While they would love another chance at Tufts as I am sure they felt they played very well in that game I am not so sure they would fare well on Tufts turf so best to go get the #7 seed but a win will not guarantee avoiding the #8 seed as Colby has a game in hand and are a point better. This is one league matchup that I feel travel does affect the team that is travelling. Waterville to Clinton is a legit 8 hours and it should not be on the schedule this late in the year IMO. This trip with 16 hours of bus time could really affect Colby's next match v Bates as well.   
2-1 Hamilton

Bowdoin at Conn-----Big big game for both teams. You have Nescac seeding and Pool C aspirations on the line. Winner should get the #2 seed in the Nescac Playoffs. Since all the Nescac games this weekend are being played at the same time it will be impossible to watch all of them. I will skip this one as I am not a fan of Conn's stream and I am quite confident there will be no more than 1 goal in this game. It will be interesting to see if Wiercinski keeps the changes he made v Colby with Ward moving into a defensive midfielder role and the big Frosh Donlan at CB who played all 90 in the Colby game. I think he does as it was reasonably successful. I do not like breaking up my CB's late in October but with one of my best leaders in net I feel more comfortable doing it. Still a Frosh is a Frosh and one mental mistake could cost them especially in this game. He has not played much all year. #5 Byrd made a very successful return to the lineup as he created the winning goal v Colby. Conn will have had a full week off and that has given them time to work out some kinks and practice. Usually this time of year coaches do not go as hard in practice because you are trying not to tire your guys out and most teams are as fit as they ever will be almost 2 months into the season. Conn is 6-0-0 at Home and have only given up 2 goals an both of those goals were in garbage time in wins over Mitchell and Bates. Manoogian leads the team with 3 Nescac goals with Miranda getting 2 I am guessing on set pieces. Not sure what Lockwood's injury is but he has not played in nearly a month and they could really use him. I just see a definite stalemate here with neither team creating to many dangerous chances...0-0

Tufts at Williams---In my mind this is the pick of the weekend. Williams played its best Half of the year v Hamilton in the 1st Half and Tufts looked dominant in their 3-0 win at Keene St last night. Williams has played very well at Home all year almost looking like a different team than what you see on the road. Not one team that I have seen has tested Tufts backs and especially their GK's this year. In 8 Nescac games Tufts has 61 SOG with their opponents a measly 23 SOG. So teams are getting on average 3 SOG a game v Tufts. That is an incredible statistic especially in Nescac. IMO the wide field gives Williams a much needed advantage in this game but can they take it? Spread Tufts out and go at them. They will need to possess the ball better than they have against the better teams in the league if they want to generate some dangerous chances v Tufts. Sisco is starting to come on just at the right time as he knows this is it for his career and he wants to get his team into the NCAA's. Williams and Conn are 2 of the hardest working teams in Nescac. They will have to battle Tufts for all 90 and not make any silly mistakes. Senior Milan Jones makes me nervous at wingback for Williams as skilled fast strikers can get what they want against him. Amherst McMillian took him to school earlier in the year. I still think Tufts is beatable and their backline can be had on a good day. Tufts has been the most consistent and best team all year in Nescac  but I am still not convinced. With a win here Williams will punch a ticket to the NCAA's IMO plus they will be JACKED to play the reigning NCAA Champs and maybe just maybe they can slowly start to take back their role as the top dog in the league. 2-1 Williams OT

Middlebury at Bates----Midd has won 4 of its last 5 games all by the score of 1-0. Besides the trashing Tufts put on them they seem to have turned a corner defensively. A win here and a win at Home v Williams midweek should punch their NCAA ticket but they have been burned by the committee the last 2 years so they must advance in the Nescac quarters to feel safe. I still say this team besides Goulart and a couple others needs a total rebuild. Frankly they have not impressed me at all this year and are very beatable. Bates has been dangerous going forward and susceptible in the back all year. They MUST win their final 2 games to have a chance so this game could get stretched and be a wide open affair because Bates just cannot sit in here. They must limit the set pieces Middlebury gets because that is the only way I have seen Midd score all year. I think they take this game and rather easily. Just a hunch I suppose.
2-0 Bates

Wesleyan at Amherst-----No team has had more success against Amherst the past 4-5 years than Wesleyan. Last year they had a comfortable 2-0 lead on Amherst at Home with 5 minutes left and proceeded to lose 3-2 in OT. In 2015, Amherst pummeled them 5-0 at Amherst but they turned around and beat Amherst in one of the biggest upsets in Nescac Playoff history in the Quarters a week later 1-0. Amherst went on to win the NCAA Championship that year but Wesleyan gave them their only loss. In 2012, Amherst had their best team in its history. They dominated everyone that year. They finished 17-0-3 and even dominated Williams all 3 games but ultimately Williams advanced to the NCAA Final 4 in PK's over them. Williams did get 2 draws against them and Wesleyan got the other draw against them that year 1-1. So my point is throw the records out in this rivalry. This year a loss to Wesleyan could really damage Amherst Pool C chances especially if they lost in the Nescac Quarters. At 8-2-2 Amherst is not a complete lock just yet. Wesleyan has put themselves in a tough spot just to get into the Nescac Playoffs. Again a loss to Trinity really hurt. They must win 2 games over Amherst and Conn and hope Hamilton loses to Colby. I give all that happening maybe a 2% chance. They do own the tiebreaker with Bates but i do not think any of this matters. I honestly believe Wesleyan is better than their Nescac record(1-5-2) suggests and Amherst(4-2-2) is not quite as good as theirs. I do believe this will be a tightly played match. I just do not see how Wesleyan scores in this game though. Both teams need to shoot and test these GK's. 0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 19, 2017, 02:17:48 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 19, 2017, 11:27:07 AM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 19, 2017, 10:20:51 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 19, 2017, 12:09:35 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 17, 2017, 06:52:57 PM
Good observations SoccerMom.  I'm harkening back to Mr. Right's opinion that Tufts is the class of the league so far.  Having allowed only one goal, it's hard to argue with that.  I think Bowdoin and Amherst are in the next tier, and Colby is one of the teams who are right behind them.  However, as recent history has shown, anything can and probably will happen during the NESCAC tournament.

People keep talking Bates and Williams with pool C hopes and that Bowdoins chances are poor.  But... why?  I really don't get that.
I don't actually care that much, at this point, I guess, but I guess I am not sure how it is done.

Granted, I have not gotten to watch as much this week.  Also, I havent seen them play live, so could be missing something, but... I don't understand at all how people are reading these things, if it comes down to numbers... which it seems like it has to. 

Trying to figure out how these judgements get made.  Help me out?



I don't think anyone on these Boards has been talking about Bates and Pool C hopes.  That must be a typo.  Did you mean Colby or perhaps Middlebury? The only way Bates has a chance to make the NCAA Tournament is through the AQ and to do that they would need to beat Midd on Saturday, Colby next Wednesday and get help from Colby beating or playing to a draw at Hamilton.  And if all that were to occur, Bates would then need to win the NESCAC tournament.  I have a pretty good idea what percentage chance Mr. Right would put on all that happening...

Regarding the Bowdoin/Tufts comparison, the NESCAC standings reflect the in-conference comparison - not much difference between the two teams (other than goals against).  However, the NCAA Committee looks all at the games played and overall SOS is one of the primary criteria in their ranking process.  SOS and a better overall winning percentage account for the gap between the two teams in the regional rankings.  A few of the regulars on these Boards have noted many times that Bowdoin needs to leave Maine and beef up its non-conference schedule if it wants to improve its Pool C chances year-in and year-out. The same would apply to Colby and Bates. They all play a predominately "Maine" based out of conference schedules.

Having said all that, if Bowdoin beats both Conn and Tufts on the road to finish the regular season, I think they would be a lock for a Pool C berth with at least 4 ranked wins.



Good Post Bobcat..let me give you your first official karma point...You always remember your first. The out of conference SOS that has been added this year is very helpful BUT i must say I find it hard to believe that Bowdoin's Out-of Conference SOS is almost 100 points worse than Williams and Midd's. Bowdoin's out of conference scheduling is bad but Midd's and frankly Williams is not that much better. I expect to see some turnover next week when RvR is added and if Bowdoin can beat Conn I believe they will jump both Midd and Williams.

Bates I would give maybe a 15% chance of qualifying for the Nescac tournament. Why you ask is that # so high because I actually could see them beating Midd and Colby and Hamilton not beating Colby on Saturday. I would of rather seen Bates only 4 points back rather than 5 because it would allow them to go 1-0-1 and hope Hamilton draws. So another draw for Bates in the regular season would have made a big difference. Not beating Trinity about 4 weeks ago killed them and I remember you and myself saying that game was a MUST win for them because of their remaining schedule. +k

Thank you Mr. Right. Much appreciated. However, I did make a slight error in my post.  Bates actually controls its own NESCAC playoff fate.  A win on Saturday against Midd would give them 8 points and leave them just 3 points behind either Hamilton or Colby regardless of the outcome of that game.  After Saturday's matches, either Hamilton or Colby will have 11 points.  If Bates were to then beat Colby they would have the tie breaker against both teams... Bottom line, Colby just needs a point in either of their last 2 games and they are in. Hamilton needs the W against Colby to guarantee their spot.

And I agree 100% on the Bates vs Trinity result.  We both talked about it leading up to that game.  The task ahead for Bates would be a little less daunting had they secured the 3 points against Trinity.  Anyway, there are some other huge games this weekend.  Bowdoin/Conn and Tufts/Williams have both NESCAC seeding implications, but more importantly could shake up the regional rankings. I look forward to your breakdown and predictions on those games...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2017, 02:20:29 PM
Yes but do not forget Wesleyan as they could conceivably get to 11 pts as well and beat Bates....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 19, 2017, 02:43:48 PM
I would LOVE for you to be Mr. RIGHT on the Williams-Tufts score, but it would be pretty amazing for Williams, who has struggled to score against the stronger defenses it has faced, to score twice as many goals as Tufts has surrended the entire SEASON so far.  Fingers crossed it happens, though.  But man, Tufts' D sure has been impressive ... what is the record for fewest goals surrendered by a NESCAC team in the regular season?  It HAS to be north of one, I would think ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 19, 2017, 02:44:26 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 19, 2017, 02:06:11 PM
Saturday:



Tufts at Williams---In my mind this is the pick of the weekend. Williams played its best Half of the year v Hamilton in the 1st Half and Tufts looked dominant in their 3-0 win at Keene St last night. Williams has played very well at Home all year almost looking like a different team than what you see on the road. Not one team that I have seen has tested Tufts backs and especially their GK's this year. In 8 Nescac games Tufts has 61 SOG with their opponents a measly 23 SOG. So teams are getting on average 3 SOG a game v Tufts. That is an incredible statistic especially in Nescac. IMO the wide field gives Williams a much needed advantage in this game but can they take it? Spread Tufts out and go at them. They will need to possess the ball better than they have against the better teams in the league if they want to generate some dangerous chances v Tufts. Sisco is starting to come on just at the right time as he knows this is it for his career and he wants to get his team into the NCAA's. Williams and Conn are 2 of the hardest working teams in Nescac. They will have to battle Tufts for all 90 and not make any silly mistakes. Senior Milan Jones makes me nervous at wingback for Williams as skilled fast strikers can get what they want against him. Amherst McMillian took him to school earlier in the year. I still think Tufts is beatable and their backline can be had on a good day. Tufts has been the most consistent and best team all year in Nescac  but I am still not convinced. With a win here Williams will punch a ticket to the NCAA's IMO plus they will be JACKED to play the reigning NCAA Champs and maybe just maybe they can slowly start to take back their role as the top dog in the league. 2-1 Williams OT



Mr. Right, given the current slate of coaches in the NESCAC and the performance trendlines for the teams over last 3-4 years, what would have to happen for Williams to regain their league dominance?  I think it would be more of a challenge today than it would have been 10 years ago for them to leapfrog Tufts and Amherst, and maybe even Bowdoin and Middlebury for that matter...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 19, 2017, 03:01:39 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 19, 2017, 02:43:48 PM
I would LOVE for you to be Mr. RIGHT on the Williams-Tufts score, but it would be pretty amazing for Williams, who has struggled to score against the stronger defenses it has faced, to score twice as many goals as Tufts has surrended the entire SEASON so far.  Fingers crossed it happens, though.  But man, Tufts' D sure has been impressive ... what is the record for fewest goals surrendered by a NESCAC team in the regular season?  It HAS to be north of one, I would think ...

I like Williams in this one to get at least a draw. Not sure that they will win, though. Either way, I'll admit that I was completely wrong about Tufts' defense -- at the beginning of the year I thought they might struggle missing Greenwood, as he was huge in their run to the national title (Sullivan I thought was good as well but Greenwood was the star for me). Anyway, Coleman has done a fantastic job leading that back line, and has to be in with a shout for individual AA honors. Obviously Johnson and Mieth have performed well, but I don't think they've been tested that much (Johnson, for his part, has only faced 16 SOG all year, whereas Greenwood had made 38 saves by this point last year), and I think a big part of that has to do with the Tufts back line not allowing many goalscoring chances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 19, 2017, 05:09:39 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 19, 2017, 10:20:51 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 19, 2017, 12:09:35 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 17, 2017, 06:52:57 PM
Good observations SoccerMom.  I'm harkening back to Mr. Right's opinion that Tufts is the class of the league so far.  Having allowed only one goal, it's hard to argue with that.  I think Bowdoin and Amherst are in the next tier, and Colby is one of the teams who are right behind them.  However, as recent history has shown, anything can and probably will happen during the NESCAC tournament.

People keep talking Bates and Williams with pool C hopes and that Bowdoins chances are poor.  But... why?  I really don't get that.
I don't actually care that much, at this point, I guess, but I guess I am not sure how it is done.

Granted, I have not gotten to watch as much this week.  Also, I havent seen them play live, so could be missing something, but... I don't understand at all how people are reading these things, if it comes down to numbers... which it seems like it has to. 

Trying to figure out how these judgements get made.  Help me out?



I don't think anyone on these Boards has been talking about Bates and Pool C hopes.  That must be a typo.  Did you mean Colby or perhaps Middlebury? The only way Bates has a chance to make the NCAA Tournament is through the AQ and to do that they would need to beat Midd on Saturday, Colby next Wednesday and get help from Colby beating or playing to a draw at Hamilton.  And if all that were to occur, Bates would then need to win the NESCAC tournament.  I have a pretty good idea what percentage chance Mr. Right would put on all that happening...

Regarding the Bowdoin/Tufts comparison, the NESCAC standings reflect the in-conference comparison - not much difference between the two teams (other than goals against).  However, the NCAA Committee looks all at the games played and overall SOS is one of the primary criteria in their ranking process.  SOS and a better overall winning percentage account for the gap between the two teams in the regional rankings.  A few of the regulars on these Boards have noted many times that Bowdoin needs to leave Maine and beef up its non-conference schedule if it wants to improve its Pool C chances year-in and year-out. The same would apply to Colby and Bates. They all play a predominately "Maine" based out of conference schedules.

Having said all that, if Bowdoin beats both Conn and Tufts on the road to finish the regular season, I think they would be a lock for a Pool C berth with at least 4 ranked wins.

Sorry.  I meant *Bowdoin* & Pool C hopes. Not Bates.  ( I was multi-tasking and just typed a Maine school with a B. My bad.  I meant Bowdoin. )

So... does the team who wins the NESCAC, automatically participate in  playoffs, or does it come down to qualifying for "Pool C" or whatever, if they arent ranked. 


It is really weird that teams get ranked ao much lower on the national rankings than multiple teams that they have beaten, isnt it?  To me that is just so bizarre. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 19, 2017, 06:03:36 PM
Winner of the NESCAC playoff tournament is an AQ for the NCAA tournament.  Any other NESCAC participant in the NCAA tournament is as a Pool C selection by the Committee.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 19, 2017, 07:10:01 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 19, 2017, 05:09:39 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 19, 2017, 10:20:51 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 19, 2017, 12:09:35 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 17, 2017, 06:52:57 PM
Good observations SoccerMom.  I'm harkening back to Mr. Right's opinion that Tufts is the class of the league so far.  Having allowed only one goal, it's hard to argue with that.  I think Bowdoin and Amherst are in the next tier, and Colby is one of the teams who are right behind them.  However, as recent history has shown, anything can and probably will happen during the NESCAC tournament.

People keep talking Bates and Williams with pool C hopes and that Bowdoins chances are poor.  But... why?  I really don't get that.
I don't actually care that much, at this point, I guess, but I guess I am not sure how it is done.

Granted, I have not gotten to watch as much this week.  Also, I havent seen them play live, so could be missing something, but... I don't understand at all how people are reading these things, if it comes down to numbers... which it seems like it has to. 

Trying to figure out how these judgements get made.  Help me out?



I don't think anyone on these Boards has been talking about Bates and Pool C hopes.  That must be a typo.  Did you mean Colby or perhaps Middlebury? The only way Bates has a chance to make the NCAA Tournament is through the AQ and to do that they would need to beat Midd on Saturday, Colby next Wednesday and get help from Colby beating or playing to a draw at Hamilton.  And if all that were to occur, Bates would then need to win the NESCAC tournament.  I have a pretty good idea what percentage chance Mr. Right would put on all that happening...

Regarding the Bowdoin/Tufts comparison, the NESCAC standings reflect the in-conference comparison - not much difference between the two teams (other than goals against).  However, the NCAA Committee looks all at the games played and overall SOS is one of the primary criteria in their ranking process.  SOS and a better overall winning percentage account for the gap between the two teams in the regional rankings.  A few of the regulars on these Boards have noted many times that Bowdoin needs to leave Maine and beef up its non-conference schedule if it wants to improve its Pool C chances year-in and year-out. The same would apply to Colby and Bates. They all play a predominately "Maine" based out of conference schedules.

Having said all that, if Bowdoin beats both Conn and Tufts on the road to finish the regular season, I think they would be a lock for a Pool C berth with at least 4 ranked wins.

Sorry.  I meant Bowdoin & Pool C hopes  Maine schooll with a B.

So... does the team who wins the NESCAC, automatically participate in  playoffs, or does it come down to qualifying for "Pool C" or whatever, if they arent ranked. 


It is really weird that teams get ranked so much lower on the national rankings than multiple teams that they have beaten, isnt it?  To me that is just so bizarre.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 19, 2017, 08:21:53 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 19, 2017, 03:01:39 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 19, 2017, 02:43:48 PM
I would LOVE for you to be Mr. RIGHT on the Williams-Tufts score, but it would be pretty amazing for Williams, who has struggled to score against the stronger defenses it has faced, to score twice as many goals as Tufts has surrended the entire SEASON so far.  Fingers crossed it happens, though.  But man, Tufts' D sure has been impressive ... what is the record for fewest goals surrendered by a NESCAC team in the regular season?  It HAS to be north of one, I would think ...

I like Williams in this one to get at least a draw. Not sure that they will win, though. Either way, I'll admit that I was completely wrong about Tufts' defense -- at the beginning of the year I thought they might struggle missing Greenwood, as he was huge in their run to the national title (Sullivan I thought was good as well but Greenwood was the star for me). Anyway, Coleman has done a fantastic job leading that back line, and has to be in with a shout for individual AA honors. Obviously Johnson and Mieth have performed well, but I don't think they've been tested that much (Johnson, for his part, has only faced 16 SOG all year, whereas Greenwood had made 38 saves by this point last year), and I think a big part of that has to do with the Tufts back line not allowing many goalscoring chances.

Sure, the back line has played most excellent, and deserves credit, but a lot of success is also attributable to the pressing midfielders. Tufts midfielders have pressed and played great defense under Shapiro...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 19, 2017, 10:17:31 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 19, 2017, 08:21:53 PM
Sure, the back line has played most excellent, and deserves credit, but a lot of success is also attributable to the pressing midfielders. Tufts midfielders have pressed and played great defense under Shapiro...

Very true. They used to have this guy named Kayne, he was pretty good...you ever heard of him? ;)

Jokes aside, I do think that the Tufts midfield has done well this year. Their cohesion as a unit under Shapiro has always been very good, as I remarked in another forum. Kulcsar has stood out for me, and Rojas is starting to realize his potential I think. On the other end of things, I think -- even as a winger -- Tasker links the midfield very well with the front line and creates space for his teammates.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 21, 2017, 12:05:40 PM
Heading to Conn for Camels vs. Bowdoin game.  A big one for both teams.  I will report in... as Mr. Right said, the video cast is usually not too hot.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 21, 2017, 02:07:35 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 21, 2017, 12:05:40 PM
Heading to Conn for Camels vs. Bowdoin game.  A big one for both teams.  I will report in... as Mr. Right said, the video cast is usually not too hot.

I was going to watch this game on NSN, but there seems to be no sound, and it is a bad angle.    I have not watched a home game at Conn yet.  Do they not have sound? Or is it my device?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 21, 2017, 02:28:10 PM
Conn Bowdoin .. great game so far.  Conn with more control and shots but close .. both goalies look good.  25 minutes in. 0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 02:30:52 PM
About 20 minutes in Tufts gets on the board 1st with a nice goal by Zach Lane. He whipped Williams Frosh Nick Ranieri 1v1 as he fell on his ass after getting his legs tied in a knot by Lane who is not known as a great 1v1 player but he does Ranieri and beats Williams GK. 1-0 Tufts.


Note:...Bruce Johnson gets the start in net for Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 02:32:45 PM
Just as I say Bruce Johnson gets the start for the Jumbos in net he absolutely muffs a corner kick but Williams could not take advantage as Tufts cleared it out....Williams has GOT TO SHOOT and test Tufts GK..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 02:46:00 PM
In other Nescac games it looks like Hamilton was pissed at their performance at Williams as they are all over Colby at Halftime 2-0. Also, as someone predicted Bates has come out and seems to be dominating Midd at the Half 2-0. The other games are 0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 02:53:22 PM
1-0 Tufts over Williams at Halftime. Tufts is controlling play but certainly not dominating. Williams has had a couple good looks but did not finish. Tufts look good so far as Williams need to possess the ball better and keep shooting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 21, 2017, 02:55:29 PM
Can't remember the last time the Camels best the Polar Bears. If conn escapes there next two games with at least a win and the tie are they pretty much guaranteed a pool C regardless of Nescac tournament results?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 03:01:32 PM
Amherst up 2-0 over Wesleyan about 30 minutes in. Their 1st goal was scored off of #5 Johnson's long throw that was headed into the net but should have been cleared by Wesleyan's defense and should have been saved by Wesleyan's GK..He has been suspect all year and both he and his defense make a fatal mistake. I should have seen this coming as Amherst just bullying Wesleyan's defense around. The 2nd goal was a long ball that was played out wide and than slotted into the middle that Amherst Frosh Derby finishes. Again, HORRIBLE defending by Wesleyan as they are ball watching and whiffing and look slow and weak today. Amherst about to put the final nail in another miserable season for Wesleyan which will miss the Nescac Playoffs for the 2nd straight year. Wheeler needs to get out and start recruiting early anyway.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 03:02:21 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on October 21, 2017, 02:55:29 PM
Can't remember the last time the Camels best the Polar Bears. If conn escapes there next two games with at least a win and the tie are they pretty much guaranteed a pool C regardless of Nescac tournament results?

Ahh I would not lose that Nescac 1st Round game...Just ask Midd and Williams about that
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 21, 2017, 03:03:01 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 02:32:45 PM
Just as I say Bruce Johnson gets the start for the Jumbos in net he absolutely muffs a corner kick but Williams could not take advantage as Tufts cleared it out....Williams has GOT TO SHOOT and test Tufts GK..

He did that earlier this year against Brandeis but recovered it and got away with it. That said, if it keeps happening, he might not be so lucky one of these times.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 21, 2017, 03:03:41 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 21, 2017, 02:07:35 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 21, 2017, 12:05:40 PM
Heading to Conn for Camels vs. Bowdoin game.  A big one for both teams.  I will report in... as Mr. Right said, the video cast is usually not too hot.

I was going to watch this game on NSN, but there seems to be no sound, and it is a bad angle.    I have not watched a home game at Conn yet.  Do they not have sound? Or is it my device?

I just got home and pulled up this game.  I can confirm that there is no audio and the camera angle from behind the goal is poor...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 21, 2017, 03:06:52 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 03:02:21 PM
Ahh I would not lose that Nescac 1st Round game...Just ask Midd and Williams about that

I'd think Conn. would be safe but you can never be too sure. Speaking of, how many ranked wins do they have? Obviously the only "ranks" that really matter are the third and fourth weeks, but I know they have a few ties.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 03:23:38 PM
Wesleyan shows some life scoring off their own long throw as Amherst GK Hope-Gund went for the ball and got his hands to it but dumped it right into Wesleyan;s Nick Jackson who ripped it into the net. 2-1 Amherst

5 minutes later Amherst #6 Ajayi with a beautiful strike to go back up by 2 ...3-1 Amherst at the Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 21, 2017, 03:31:23 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 21, 2017, 03:03:41 PM


I just got home and pulled up this game.  I can confirm that there is no audio and the camera angle from behind the goal is poor...

Thanks. I could not stand the bad angle and couldn't tell what the calls even were between the angle and the sound, so... I switched to the Bates game. :)  I was interested in the Bowdoin/Conn game, but not that interested. lol 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 03:43:06 PM
Tufts content and should be to sit in a 4-2-3-1 and absorb some of Williams attack. Honestly it has been a pretty even game but Williams has not had any dangerous chances 2nd Half..1-0 Tufts with about 10 minutes left...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 21, 2017, 03:45:20 PM
5 left in new London.. both teams playing very hard. Bowdoin threatening past 10minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 03:48:06 PM
Tufts Brett Rojas has not played today..not sure if he is injured or what
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 03:59:53 PM
Tufts gets it done again....1-0 Tufts over Williams...Williams never really threatened 2nd Half..In a 4-2-3-1 Tufts is very hard to break down when they are sitting in a block of 6 and absorbing pressure. Another game another Win and Shutout for Tufts...Tufts with a solid workmanlike effort today, Williams performed well 1st Half but again they did not really have a any dangerous looks 2nd Half. Looks like Tufts will be hosting the Nescac Championship in Medfa and Williams at 8-2-4 will be regionally ranked but I do not see any ranked wins on their resume..They have a ton of work left to do..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 04:01:19 PM
Predictably Bowdoin and Conn are scoreless in the 1st OT...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 21, 2017, 04:03:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 04:01:19 PM
Predictably Bowdoin and Conn are scoreless in the 1st OT...

My John Madden thought of the day: I could see either team win it, but could also see a scoreless draw. Both teams would love to win this but can ill-afford to lose it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 04:07:29 PM
Hamilton just dominates Colby today with a 2-0 win and out shoots them 20-3...Did not see the game but that is a fine performance by Hamilton today.

Bates with a 3-0 victory over Midd and shows they should be in the Nescac Playoffs..Midd has 1 SOG against Bates which is just awful...They are not a good team right now and should be nowhere near a regional ranking. Fantastic performance by Bates today and it sets up a HUGE showdown against Colby on Wednesday in Waterville with Colby needing just a draw and Bates needing to win. I suppose Colby will want to win also to avoid being #8 and playing Tufts in the 1st Round.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 04:08:08 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 21, 2017, 04:03:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 04:01:19 PM
Predictably Bowdoin and Conn are scoreless in the 1st OT...

My John Madden thought of the day: I could see either team win it, but could also see a scoreless draw. Both teams would love to win this but can ill-afford to lose it.


LOL...Way to go out on a limb
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 21, 2017, 04:14:47 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 04:08:08 PM
LOL...Way to go out on a limb

"i support every team in the league. Gutted to get relegated 3 times but buzzing to win the league and all the cups" - some guy on twitter
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 21, 2017, 04:17:38 PM
The defending champs are in the midst of yet another remarkable season.  1 goal allowed in 14 games versus a pretty solid schedule.  And the 1 goal was an own goal.  Momentum, season to season, and within season, is a huge factor.

P.S. There is not a team in the country that will want to see Tufts in their quadrant, including Messiah.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 21, 2017, 04:25:57 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 21, 2017, 04:17:38 PM
The defending champs are in the midst of yet another remarkable season.  1 goal allowed in 14 games versus a pretty solid schedule.  And the 1 goal was an own goal.  Momentum, season to season, and within season, is a huge factor.

P.S. There is not a team in the country that will want to see Tufts in their quadrant, including Messiah.

And you could argue that one goal perhaps shouldn't have stood, as — coming off a throw-in — it didn't appear to touch any player on its way in. (That said, the Tufts players did not protest, so maybe I was wrong in my observation.) Still, impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 21, 2017, 04:32:32 PM
And the all-important psychological difference?  Tufts will be super-excited to see Messiah, Rowan, RUN, Hopkins, etc in their draw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 04:37:14 PM
Bowdoin at Conn ends 0-0. Bowdoin has 2 SOG all game and Conn not much better with 5 SOG all game...How many minutes could these two have gone without scoring? Conn better hope that Midd stay ranked as that looks to be their only win v a ranked team..Draws against Williams and Bowdoin will help. Bowdoin has wins v Midd and Williams. Bowdoin can still win the league with a win at Tufts on Tuesday as that would be a clinching Pool C if they can beat Tufts IMO.Big game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 21, 2017, 05:13:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 04:37:14 PM
Bowdoin at Conn ends 0-0. Bowdoin has 2 SOG all game and Conn not much better with 5 SOG all game...How many minutes could these two have gone without scoring? Conn better hope that Midd stay ranked as that looks to be their only win v a ranked team..Draws against Williams and Bowdoin will help. Bowdoin has wins v Midd and Williams. Bowdoin can still win the league with a win at Tufts on Tuesday as that would be a clinching Pool C if they can beat Tufts IMO.Big game

What is the first tiebreaker for the regular season championship if teams are level on points? Goal difference? Looking at the standings it looks like Tufts has 22 points and a GD of 12 while Bowdoin has a GD of 5, meaning Bowdoin would have to beat Tufts by quite a bit in order to win the league. Looks like the NESCAC tourney will be in Medfid if I'm correct.

On the subject of the game, it should be a good one and arguably Tufts' biggest test of the year. Tufts has not beat Bowdoin since 2013, but Bowdoin will be at Tufts' field where the Jumbos have not given up a goal this year. Something will have to give. I'm flying to Copenhagen that night (scored a $350 round trip, non-stop ticket), but with a 2:30 kickoff I might be able to make the game -- would like to see it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 05:25:09 PM
First tiebreaker is Head to Head..So with a win Bowdoin would get it.

2nd Tiebreaker is the # of wins..

I believe the 3rd tiebreaker which I like is your teams record v Top 4 teams in the league
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 21, 2017, 05:34:31 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 05:25:09 PM
First tiebreaker is Head to Head..So with a win Bowdoin would get it.

2nd Tiebreaker is the # of wins..

I believe the 3rd tiebreaker which I like is your teams record v Top 4 teams in the league

Ah, interesting. Clearly I've been watching too much EPL in thinking it was goal difference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 05:36:09 PM
That's ok...We will call this futbol watching a very safe and solid addiction. Im in the club as well
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 21, 2017, 07:54:16 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 03:48:06 PM
Tufts Brett Rojas has not played today..not sure if he is injured or what

No Braun either (I'll resist the temptation to state that the Jumbos were "all brains and no Braun today"--oops, I guess it slipped out anyway  ;) ).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 21, 2017, 08:07:21 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 03:59:53 PMTufts gets it done again....
Tufts with a solid workmanlike effort today

This is an apt description of the entire season for the Jumbos.  They lack the technical proficiency of Messiah, the attacking potency of Chicago, and the lockdown defense of Calvin (despite the single goal against), but they seem to have the strategic plan and personnel needed to keep their opponents in check and do just enough on the offensive end to win games.  As suggested, Tuesday's match will provide a nice assessment of where Tufts is in relation their nemesis from the North.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 21, 2017, 08:10:22 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 21, 2017, 05:13:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 04:37:14 PM
Bowdoin at Conn ends 0-0. Bowdoin has 2 SOG all game and Conn not much better with 5 SOG all game...How many minutes could these two have gone without scoring? Conn better hope that Midd stay ranked as that looks to be their only win v a ranked team..Draws against Williams and Bowdoin will help. Bowdoin has wins v Midd and Williams. Bowdoin can still win the league with a win at Tufts on Tuesday as that would be a clinching Pool C if they can beat Tufts IMO.Big game

What is the first tiebreaker for the regular season championship if teams are level on points? Goal difference? Looking at the standings it looks like Tufts has 22 points and a GD of 12 while Bowdoin has a GD of 5, meaning Bowdoin would have to beat Tufts by quite a bit in order to win the league. Looks like the NESCAC tourney will be in Medfid if I'm correct.

On the subject of the game, it should be a good one and arguably Tufts' biggest test of the year. Tufts has not beat Bowdoin since 2013, but Bowdoin will be at Tufts' field where the Jumbos have not given up a goal this year. Something will have to give. I'm flying to Copenhagen that night (scored a $350 round trip, non-stop ticket), but with a 2:30 kickoff I might be able to make the game -- would like to see it.

Hope you make it to the game Bloots!  The problematic Bowdoin has been a thorn for the Jumbos. The Jumbos should be up for the game, to the extent there is any revenge factor.  Though, maybe they don't want to win, as losses to Bowdoin propelled them far into and sometimes on top in the NCAA tourney.. lol.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 08:17:42 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 21, 2017, 08:07:21 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 03:59:53 PMTufts gets it done again....
Tufts with a solid workmanlike effort today

This is an apt description of the entire season for the Jumbos.  They lack the technical proficiency of Messiah, the attacking potency of Chicago, and the lockdown defense of Calvin (despite the single goal against), but they seem to have the strategic plan and personnel needed to keep their opponents in check and do just enough on the offensive end to win games.  As suggested, Tuesday's match will provide a nice assessment of where Tufts is in relation their nemesis from the North.

I could e not described this Tufts team better myself...They created about as many dangerous chances all game as Williams did(which was not many) but found a way to get the goal they needed. I honestly have a hard time believing this current Bowdoin side will be able to break Tufts down at all...Set piece or bust
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 21, 2017, 09:47:10 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 21, 2017, 08:10:22 PM
Though, maybe they don't want to win, as losses to Bowdoin propelled them far into and sometimes on top in the NCAA tourney.. lol.

That was my tongue-in-cheek thought as well. ;) It's kind of funny how getting bounced in the NESCAC quarters (at home, no less) has become the precursor to winning a national championship the last three years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2017, 10:42:21 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 21, 2017, 09:47:10 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 21, 2017, 08:10:22 PM
Though, maybe they don't want to win, as losses to Bowdoin propelled them far into and sometimes on top in the NCAA tourney.. lol.

That was my tongue-in-cheek thought as well. ;) It's kind of funny how getting bounced in the NESCAC quarters (at home, no less) has become the precursor to winning a national championship the last three years.

Bloots (otherwise known as D3soccer's International Man of Mystery....who always takes an exotic trip down the stretch of the D3 season),

Just want to underscore the lotteryesque nature of the above happening....RE: last 3 national champs losing in NESCAC quarters.  Another 100 years could go by and that would not happen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 22, 2017, 02:29:09 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 22, 2017, 10:42:21 AM
Bloots (otherwise known as D3soccer's International Man of Mystery....who always takes an exotic trip down the stretch of the D3 season),

Just want to underscore the lotteryesque nature of the above happening....RE: last 3 national champs losing in NESCAC quarters.  Another 100 years could go by and that would not happen.

I really wish I was exciting enough to be an international man of mystery, but I promise that I'm not -- I'm just really good at finding cheap flights, and the Norwegian 787-9 seems an awesome plane. :) Also, I've always wanted to see Denmark and maybe Sweden, as my only prior foray into Scandinavia was to Norway (rhyme was unintentional). Regardless, I agree that it's nothing more than coincidence, and I'd be surprised if it happened again this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on October 23, 2017, 10:11:14 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 21, 2017, 05:34:31 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 21, 2017, 05:25:09 PM
First tiebreaker is Head to Head..So with a win Bowdoin would get it.

2nd Tiebreaker is the # of wins..

I believe the 3rd tiebreaker which I like is your teams record v Top 4 teams in the league

Ah, interesting. Clearly I've been watching too much EPL in thinking it was goal difference.

Tie Breaking Procedures

Ties will be broken as follows:

Head-to-head result (if teams play each other more than once during the regular season, the game that appears on the league schedule will be the game that is counted).

If teams tied during the regular season, or there is a 3-way or more tie, the following tie breaking procedure will be used:

Best record among tying teams, against one another (head-to-head).
Best conference winning percentage.
Most conference wins (in games that are part of the conference schedule and count toward league standings).
Comparison of results of conference games played against top 4 teams (including all teams at the 4th spot).
Comparison of results of conference games played against top 8 teams (including all teams at the 8th spot).
Comparison of results of conference games played against conference teams in rank order.
Comparisons shall be made one team at a time starting with the highest ranked team.
If the tie remains after comparing results against the highest ranked team, the results against the next team in rank order shall be used. This process is continued until a winner is determined.
Goal differential up to but not exceeding three goals for each conference game that is part of the conference schedule (e.g., if a team wins 1-0, the team's goal differential would be +1. If a team wins 2-1, goal differential would be +1. If a team wins 4-0, the goal differential would be +3).
Coin flip (or similar random action involving all tied teams).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 23, 2017, 10:16:04 AM
Good call by Mr. Right on the Bates/Midd game. It was an impressive response by Bates with their backs against the wall.  The seniors came through with big goals, but it was a complete team effort in what ultimately turned out to be a lopsided game. On a side note, we had great weather again which is rare in Maine for October.  However, it appears the string of good fortune is about over as the weather forecast looks ugly for Wednesday in Waterville (rain/wind). Bates comes in to the game with all the momentum, but Colby is back at home where they are 2-1-1 in conference play. I expect a tight defensive battle where a single goal could likely decide this one. There is no hiding the fact this is a play-in-game for the NESCAC tournament.

To follow up on the lack of offense in NESCAC topic from earlier this season, there have now been a total of 99 goals scored in 51 conference games to date. Eleven more goals would be needed in the final four conference games this week to reach the 2 goals per game mark for the season.  Although an improvement from the first half of the season, its still well down from last year.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2017, 12:18:13 PM
For Tuesday / Wednesday

Weather is going to play a huge factor in all of these games in New England on Tuesday and Wednesday..30 mph winds and heavy rain.

Bowdoin at Tufts---If Bowdoin wins they will be Nescac Regular Season Champions. I do not think the Nescac Regular Season Champion has ever missed out on the NCAA's even back between 2000-2003 when there were only 3 At-Large Bids for the NCAA's. Tufts needs only a draw to win it all. Everyone knows that Bowdoin has been a thorn in Tufts side the past couple years and have used those wins to propel them in the Nescac Tournament. My guess is that Shapiro will play straight up like Tufts has been playing all year but with an extra bit of caution defensively. IMO there is no need to worry against this Bowdoin side. Bowdoin will be unable to break down Tufts midfielders offensively and even if they do Tufts defenders will be up to the task. The only danger man going forward for Bowdoin is the Frosh Byrd as he can beat guys 1v1 and create scoring chances. As long as Tufts does not give away silly set pieces in their defensive 3rd they will keep Bowdoin off the scoreboard. Bowdoin has no reason to sit in defensively because they have atleast clinched 3rd Place but a win would get them the title. Yes a draw will help their Pool C chances but a win would clinch it..Bowdoin will never change under Wiercinski but they should go for it and not worry about opening themselves up to Tufts on the counter. They will not do that however and we will be stuck with a tedious game with both teams total SOG under 10. 0-0

Williams at Midd---I thought Williams played Tufts pretty well especially in the 1st Half. The 2nd Half not so much but unfortunately moral victories do not matter and they are stuck with what looks to be a season without any ranked wins and a couple of losses and draws. I am not sure that will be enough for a Pool C and if they beat Midd in this game I do not see how Midd will stay regionally ranked after that. As I have said all season Midd needs a major rebuild. They just do not have enough talent to compete like they have in the past. They do however play much better at Home and the weather will be bad so I think this game will be very tight. Williams has looked awful on the road this year but they still have a ton to play for especially Nescac seeding because if they ever lost this game they could be playing Amherst in a must win 1st round Nescac game. Williams is the better team but Midd is at home and with senior day and the weather I think they will hang in there. 1-1

Bates at Colby---Big game for Bates. This might be Flaherty's biggest game in his woeful 5 years at Bates. If they win they will get the #8 seed. A loss or draw and they will find themselves in a familiar position of missing the Nescac Playoffs for the 7th straight year. I did not catch the game but they demolished Middlebury at Home on Saturday which I saw coming. They have more going forward than Midd and enough in the back to deal with any Midd attack of which there looks to have been none. Colby only needs a draw and most likely Seabrook will be sitting compact and deep and taking no chances. IMO that is not the way to play this game. They should play Bates straight up and get a goal or 2 and than sit deep. Bury them from the outset as a win here could possibly vault Colby up to #6 seed and avoid Tufts and most likely Amherst. Colby has played well at home this year and have a significant height advantage over Bates. They should dominate them physically and in the air. You combine that with Clouse's long throws and Bates might have a tough time keeping Colby off the scoreboard. Both team are going to be jacked for this game but what team can stay calm, focused and composed to finish it out. Colby has not looked good their past 2 games but I do not think Seabrook bungles this chance. Colby 2-1

Wesleyan at Conn---Amherst just dominated Wesleyan physically on Saturday. Wesleyan did not put up much of a fight from what I saw. Their season is finished and Wheeler is going to have to recruit some more size and more physical players especially in the back to compete with the big boys. He also has always had a legit GK as the past few years Wesleyan's GK'ing situation has been awful. To many mistakes from their GK for a team that cannot afford to make mistakes back there. He needs a GK. Conn has played efficient workmanlike soccer all year. It is not the prettiest of soccer but very successful. They most likely will finish 4th in Nescac but a loss here and they could drop to #5 so they must get atleast a draw to assure themselves of a 1st round Home game. Wesleyan is mentally already done. Conn is just getting started...Conn 2-0

Amherst at Trinity---Trinity's season has been over for a while now. They have nothing to play for and have had not played in a week. Amherst with a win would get the #2 seed which could be valuable for them. Amherst under Serpone has basically owned Trinity under Pilger in this matchup. This game will be played under the lights in Hartford and is the last game for some of Trinity's decorated seniors. With a new AD being hired at Trinity, Pilger might find himself under some pressure if he does not start turning this program around. There is no reason for Trinity to have such limited talent. I think this game will get VERY chippy and there is no love lost between these two sides. Ref better have his cards ready as it could get pretty physical. I do not think Trinity is going to let Amherst just come into Hartford without a fight. Amherst will win the game but at what cost. Amherst 3-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2017, 01:26:23 PM
^^^^^I don't know how the actual games will turn out, especially with weather such a factor, but per usual that is really superb analysis.  Enjoyed reading it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 23, 2017, 02:24:07 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 23, 2017, 10:16:04 AM

To follow up on the lack of offense in NESCAC topic from earlier this season, there have now been a total of 99 goals scored in 50 conference games to date. Eleven more goals would be needed in the final five conference games this week to reach the 2 goals per game mark for the season.  Although an improvement from the first half of the season, its still well down from last year.


Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2017, 01:26:23 PM
^^^^^I don't know how the actual games will turn out, especially with weather such a factor, but per usual that is really superb analysis.  Enjoyed reading it.

Agreed. And it it will suck for those of us relying on the streams of these games if the weather ends up preventing the video crews from setting up.

Also, had to make a slight correction on the game count to date above.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 24, 2017, 10:24:29 AM
Updated Computer Rankings through Sunday games for top 8 NESCAC teams:

Massey: Tufts 1, Conn 15, Amherst 19, Williams 25, Bowdoin 29, Hamilton 41, Midd 43, Colby 53
Bennett: Tufts 3, Conn 17, Amherst 21, Williams 30, Bowdoin 42, Hamilton 52, Colby 57, Midd 76

There should be a shake-up in the regional rankings this week as record vs. ranked opponents becomes part of the equation.  With 2 losses last week, Colby will no longer be ranked.  Also, not sure how far Midd will fall with the loss to Bates. NESCAC could be down to 5 ranked teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 11:09:54 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2017, 01:26:23 PM
^^^^^I don't know how the actual games will turn out, especially with weather such a factor, but per usual that is really superb analysis.  Enjoyed reading it.

Thank you..+k for compliment and enjoyment
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 11:11:10 AM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 24, 2017, 10:24:29 AM
Updated Computer Rankings through Sunday games for top 8 NESCAC teams:

Massey: Tufts 1, Conn 15, Amherst 19, Williams 25, Bowdoin 29, Hamilton 41, Midd 43, Colby 53
Bennett: Tufts 3, Conn 17, Amherst 21, Williams 30, Bowdoin 42, Hamilton 52, Colby 57, Midd 76

There should be a shake-up in the regional rankings this week as record vs. ranked opponents becomes part of the equation.  With 2 losses last week, Colby will no longer be ranked.  Also, not sure how far Midd will fall with the loss to Bates. NESCAC could be down to 5 ranked teams.


That is still far to many..The whole region is down as a whole and I do not expect any team lower than #6 or #7 getting a Pool C..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 11:12:53 AM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 23, 2017, 02:24:07 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 23, 2017, 10:16:04 AM

To follow up on the lack of offense in NESCAC topic from earlier this season, there have now been a total of 99 goals scored in 50 conference games to date. Eleven more goals would be needed in the final five conference games this week to reach the 2 goals per game mark for the season.  Although an improvement from the first half of the season, its still well down from last year.


Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2017, 01:26:23 PM
^^^^^I don't know how the actual games will turn out, especially with weather such a factor, but per usual that is really superb analysis.  Enjoyed reading it.

Agreed. And it it will suck for those of us relying on the streams of these games if the weather ends up preventing the video crews from setting up.

Also, had to make a slight correction on the game count to date above.



My guess is we will be seeing a ton of "technical difficulties" today..Although in the Boston area it is not bad at all so I imagine the Tufts v Bowdoin match will be fine. Williams at Midd not so sure what the weather is supposed to be up in Middlebury as far as wind and thunder
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 02:29:23 PM
Interesting Starting lineup for Bowdoin today..Possibly some injuries? #20 Long and Cj Masterson plus Levi Morant get the starts today..

Not sure where the starting CB Frosh #25 Donlan is today
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: wizard on October 24, 2017, 02:43:30 PM
Is the Bowdoin/Tufts feed working for anyone?

I've got audio, but a frozen video.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 02:43:51 PM
Same here, wizard.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 02:45:15 PM
Quote from: wizard on October 24, 2017, 02:43:30 PM
Is the Bowdoin/Tufts feed working for anyone?

I've got audio, but a frozen video.

Same here...good audio though as the announcer is doing a fine job...I guess we are lucky we have that on such a windy day
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 02:48:31 PM
Tufts-Bowdoin 15 minutes in and, predictably, still 0–0. Tufts with a bit more possession but Bowdoin defending well. John Madden thinks one goal could be enough to win it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 02:52:05 PM
Halliday makes a nice run down the right and shoots but easy enough for van Siclen in the end.  First real chance that I've seen, although I did miss the first 10 minutes or so.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 02:56:30 PM
Najjar with a bad giveaway on the left flank and has to foul Byrd I think to give Bowdoin its first real set piece of the day. Cleared away though. The sun is starting to come out here in Medford, a nice surprise, although I think the wind could play a role.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 02:59:59 PM
Kulcsar is the unsung hero for Tufts. He is all over the place, and though more defensive is a pretty good box-to-box midfielder.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 03:04:16 PM
Midd v Williams---Midd smartly takes the huge wind advantage 1st Half. O'Grady back in the lineup for Midd..Always take the wind advantage 1st Half because the wind can always change
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 03:07:59 PM
This Midd Frosh #32 Brandon Reid out of Taft is a big boy...Looks like a possible danger man as he has the physical tools but does he have the skill? Not sure where oft-injured Midd senior Enzo Weiner is
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:10:09 PM
Zinner with a fantastic ball for Aroh who misjudged it and it goes over his head. To be fair to Aroh, I think the wind — which is really picking up — caught it.

Just after, Johnson makes a diving save at the second attempt, couldn't tell who it was that shot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 03:10:29 PM
Not overly impressed with Bowdoin. Not sure if they are worthy of a Pool C bid especially if they lose today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 03:11:04 PM
Wind seems to be playing a factor a bit in Medford, some long balls have been misjudged a bit - Tufts forward missed a nice ball into the box by Zinner.

Nice chance by Bowdoin a couple of minutes ago - Bowdoin player (possible Niang?) cut inside on his left hit and fired a near post shot hard and low, but Johnson made a nice save. First real chance for the Polar bears.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:11:46 PM
Bowdoin CB Bubb is very good. Frustrating Tufts' Glover and not giving him any space.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 03:12:45 PM
Midd does not have any shots to show for their effort but have come out looking much stronger than they have on the road lately. This will be as predicted a tight one goal game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 03:14:42 PM
Tufts looks solid despite the wind. Lots of subs as well I think I have counted 7 or 8 so far. That kind of depth would help any team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 03:16:18 PM
Shooter- I think Bowdoin has held their own...they've created as many chances as Tufts has. maybe losing possession more than they should but I think they look fine against the #4 team in the country.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:16:32 PM
That might have been the first diving save I've seen Johnson make all year. I've only see Tufts in person three times and maybe twice more on the stream, but I think that boils down to how good Tufts has been limiting opponents to long range efforts.  I think he's a good goalkeeper, but I don't think he has been tested nearly as often as Greenwood was last year — would be curious to see how many shots he (and Mieth have) faced.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 03:19:57 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 03:16:18 PM
Shooter- I think Bowdoin has held their own...they've created as many chances as Tufts has. maybe losing possession more than they should but I think they look fine against the #4 team in the country.

They have certainly held their own I will give them that. I expected them to push a little more out of the gate to try and swing momentum but they seem to be easing into the game gradually. First time for me watching Bowdoin so I guess when they play Tufts it is hard to gauge if they are any good. Tufts can make anyone look average any day of the week!  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:22:31 PM
Shooter, I could've sworn I saw you on Comedy Central the other night. You sound much more likeable than you do on TV.  :D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 03:25:53 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:22:31 PM
Shooter, I could've sworn I saw you on Comedy Central the other night. You sound much more likeable than you do on TV.  :D

That's just a part time gig blooter! In all honesty though what do people think of Bowdoin? I haven't seen them and wasn't sure what to expect. They have a nice resume but does a loss today put them on the bubble? Are they already a lock? 9th in the region last week has me feeling like they are a bubble team on the wrong side of the bubble unless they get a result today at Tufts. But they are 2nd in the league which is an accomplishment in itself. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:30:21 PM
There are a solid team and do not give up many goals but I'm not sure they have the firepower to really be considered in the same class as Tufts, although ironically Tufts hadn't been known for its goal scoring this year either (but I think the latter is still objectively the better team given their record and 1 goal against). If they win today, I think they're in, but if they lose today I would think they're very much on the bubble.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 03:33:06 PM
Midd goes up 1-0 about 25min in on what looked to be a harmless long range shot from Midd's Potter that was initially saved by Williams GK Schneiderman and should have been caught...He bobbled it and Midd's best player IMO #7 Goulart was right there and snatched the juicy rebound and slotted it home...Bad GK'ing for Schneiderman as that goal was all his own doing. Midd gets that much needed goal with the wind. Williams cannot afford a loss today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 03:34:42 PM
I do not like this match up of Midd's Goulart going at Williams weakest defender Milan Jones..Goulart should be able to take Jones all day 1v1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 03:37:39 PM
Tasker misses a 1 v 1 vs the keeper. Great little run behind the defense but hit it right at Van Siclen!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:39:17 PM
Tasker played in 1v1 but van Siclen with a fantastic save. Biggest chance of the game thus far. I was standing right behind the goal, and though straight at the GK I still think it was excellent as he had no time to react but spread himself big.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:42:15 PM
It should be noted that Tufts has the wind second half. Curious as to whether they keep the ball on the ground or try to play in the air.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 03:44:39 PM
Tufts looking to press more now and are starting to get in behind. Bowdoin needs to be careful.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:48:19 PM
Free kick to Bowdoin in a good area...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 03:48:45 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:48:19 PM
Free kick to Bowdoin in a good area...

Big chance here. About 22 out?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 03:49:40 PM
 :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 03:49:56 PM
That was close!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 03:50:42 PM
Game is wide open now...Bowdoin has to be careful about pressing too high - Tufts has the quality to kill you in a counter...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:51:09 PM
...curling hit by Byrd which goes just wide. Good effort. Not sure Johnson was getting there from my angle (although I was down the other end).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 03:51:42 PM
1-0 Midd over Williams at the Half. Midd has looked the better side 1st half. The wind has something to do with that but Midd has come out wanting this game more than Williams. If they play like this I would not want to be hosting them in a Nescac Quater-Final game. O'Grady has been working his buns off all Half and has frankly been the difference in midfield for Midd. Williams with 0 SOG the whole Half and even with the wind that is unacceptable. Let's see if the tide turns in the 2nd Half with Williams getting the wind advantage.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 03:52:43 PM
Don't think he had a chance if that was on frame. Nice effort. Bowdoin looking for that goal they need. Starting to see the desperation in the style of play creep out. Might be too early for that though. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:54:22 PM
Just to underscore how close that was — if that was a half-yard further out I think that's in. A little too close, if anything — it can be tough to get it up and back down, or outside the post and back in (as intended on this one) from that range.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 03:55:39 PM
Opportunity here for Tufts wasted.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:56:14 PM
Tufts gets a free kick of its own, Zinner puts it a yard over.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 03:57:13 PM
Tufts starting to buzz. They are fun to watch. I'd imagine they will get one here within the next 10.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:59:51 PM
Bloots gets his first touch of the ball with a throw back to the ballboy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 04:00:20 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 03:59:51 PM
Bloots gets his first touch of the ball with a throw back to the ballboy.

+K!  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 04:02:03 PM
Really starting to open up here...I think a goal is coming.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 04:02:42 PM
Wind looks like it is picking up as well. Has the wind gotten stronger bloots?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 04:05:59 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 04:02:42 PM
Wind looks like it is picking up as well. Has the wind gotten stronger bloots?

Definitely over the course of the second half, although it hasn't been too bad for the last five or so.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 04:08:12 PM
2nd Half up at Middlebury and the wind playing a major factor as Midd is on its heels to start the Half. Williams with 2 legit chances but failed to capitalize and Midd will have to play on the ground more because the wind is preventing them from just whacking the ball as it is purely ineffective.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 04:08:52 PM
Halliday just misses making contact on a corner. Would've been a free header.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 04:09:21 PM
I recant my earlier statement. Bowdoin is solid. Agree that they struggle offensively. Tufts clearly is a lock down defense and top 5 in the country but Bowdoin is also very stubborn defensively. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 04:10:11 PM
Bowdoin has impressed me this game. They have ALWAYS been a thorn in Tufts side the past several years for whatever reason.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 24, 2017, 04:11:00 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 04:10:11 PM
Bowdoin has impressed me this game. They have ALWAYS been a thorn in Tufts side the past several years for whatever reason.

Most certainly. They have settled into the game nicely and have created a couple quality chances for themselves.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 04:12:04 PM
Tufts just misses twice in a row! This has been an entertaining game so far...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 04:18:41 PM
And we're on to overtime...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 04:21:50 PM
As far as 0-0s go this has been entertaining. Competitive at both ends with a few chances.

On a funny note, this was the first time I've ever heard Shapiro from the sidelines — and it was instructing his players on a free kick. He is pretty calm from what I've seen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 04:26:24 PM
Midd' Frosh striker Reid misses a sitter with his head as it could have been 2-0...And now in the 66th minute with a thunderstorm rolling in the game has been delayed..If the game is called they will have to replay the whole game as I believe the game has to go atleast 70 minutes for it to count. 50/50 this game will have to be replayed as it does not look good and Midd had 4 minutes until the 70th minute and a W...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 04:29:48 PM
Bowdoin hits the crossbar and an excellent reaction save to keep out the rebound by Johnson. Wow!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 04:30:18 PM
Golden opportunity for Bowdoin to win it...McColl's service is just fantastic...Is it me or is Levi morant playing in midfield for Bowdoin? Im sorry but he is not a midfielder
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 04:30:43 PM
WOW...Rojas with a blatant shove on a Bowdoin player. Great free kick in from the side, hits the bar and goes down on the line and somehow Tufts gets it clear. Holy cow.

Props to Johnson — that was a fantastic save.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: wizard on October 24, 2017, 04:35:42 PM
Did Tufts change keepers?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 04:37:04 PM
Bloots which way is the wind blowing? Or is it just constantly changing?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 04:39:15 PM
Yea Bloots not only do we want up to the minute play by play but a constant weather forecast and crowd size and what the play by play guy had for lunch as this guy is doing a fine job
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 04:41:05 PM
Also if you could tell me if Rojas is wearing Nike or Adidas boots that would be helpful, too...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 04:43:16 PM
lol...+k for the oldonionbag
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 04:46:40 PM
Lol...Rojas got "booted" after that foul so couldn't tell you but I can say with almost 100% certainty it isn't Mizuno or Asics.

(Wind is still out of the north. 4 left 2OT.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 04:47:25 PM
Quote from: wizard on October 24, 2017, 04:35:42 PM
Did Tufts change keepers?

Announcer is saying Connor Mieth in net so apparently they did before OT? Unless the announcer is wrong but that has to be the strangest move all year by Shapiro
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 24, 2017, 04:47:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 03:04:16 PM
Always take the wind advantage 1st Half because the wind can always change

+k.  Can never understand why anyone would ever do it any other way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 24, 2017, 04:50:19 PM
@ Mr Right I think that Johnson was shaken up after Bowdoin hit the cross bar and he made the reaction save...could be an injury
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 05:00:35 PM
And it ends 0-0. Fair result on the day, although I think Tufts had more chances, although Bowdoin had the best one in OT. Bring on Saturday!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 24, 2017, 05:00:53 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2017, 12:18:13 PM
For Tuesday / Wednesday

Weather is going to play a huge factor in all of these games in New England on Tuesday and Wednesday..30 mph winds and heavy rain.

Bowdoin at Tufts---If Bowdoin wins they will be Nescac Regular Season Champions. I do not think the Nescac Regular Season Champion has ever missed out on the NCAA's even back between 2000-2003 when there were only 3 At-Large Bids for the NCAA's. Tufts needs only a draw to win it all. Everyone knows that Bowdoin has been a thorn in Tufts side the past couple years and have used those wins to propel them in the Nescac Tournament. My guess is that Shapiro will play straight up like Tufts has been playing all year but with an extra bit of caution defensively. IMO there is no need to worry against this Bowdoin side. Bowdoin will be unable to break down Tufts midfielders offensively and even if they do Tufts defenders will be up to the task. The only danger man going forward for Bowdoin is the Frosh Byrd as he can beat guys 1v1 and create scoring chances. As long as Tufts does not give away silly set pieces in their defensive 3rd they will keep Bowdoin off the scoreboard. Bowdoin has no reason to sit in defensively because they have atleast clinched 3rd Place but a win would get them the title. Yes a draw will help their Pool C chances but a win would clinch it..Bowdoin will never change under Wiercinski but they should go for it and not worry about opening themselves up to Tufts on the counter. They will not do that however and we will be stuck with a tedious game with both teams total SOG under 10. 0-0

Yeah, that's pretty much what happened.  Of course, that's why he's called Mr. Right!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 05:12:19 PM
Midd and Williams has resumed and it is Midd still up 1-0 with about 20 minutes left..Williams NEEDS to start pressing and sending guys forward.

They absolutely cannot afford a loss here
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 24, 2017, 05:15:19 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 04:30:43 PM
WOW...Rojas with a blatant shove on a Bowdoin player.

You can take the kid out of the NJAC, but you can't take the NJAC out of the kid.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 05:15:52 PM
It is worth noting that the Jumbos had a breakaway in the last minute of the second overtime, but Bowdoin defender Bubb did well to push Hallliday wide and win the ball.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 05:23:10 PM
God...Midd holding on for dear life here as because of the wind and the game situation the ball is in Midd's defensive end the past 15 minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 05:27:05 PM
I must say Midd's GK Yeager might have the worst distribution for a GK I have seen all year..Yes I know it is windy but the announcer has said it has died down and maybe 4 of his Goal Kicks have not crossed midfield and ended up out of bounds..Midd playing with fire as Williams has about 10 corners with most in the 2nd half..Cannot keep giving them corners..Midd starting to waste time on throw ins and goal kicks with is their right...They know this would be a huge win for them
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 05:28:34 PM
Midd's Goulart clanks one off the post after a bad defensive error for Williams almost put the game away but Williams is still breathing
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 05:54:32 PM
Final 1-0 Midd over Williams..Gutsy performance today by Midd especially after a horrendous smackdown they took from Bates over the weekend. I must say again that the workmanlike effort of Midd's #10 O'Grady today was fantastic. He gets my game ball as he just busted his butt all day. I honestly did not see that coming as Midd had not looked good the past few games but they looked MUCH better at home today and it does help to have a heated rival come to town. Midd was pumped for that game not that Williams was not but Midd looked to have an extra gear. They got the goal they needed with the terrific wind advantage they had in the 1st Half and made it hold up for the victory. Williams with 2 very tough losses to end the regular season and this is becoming the norm the past few years as they start the year out great and fad at the finish. Midd clinches the #5 side in the Nescac Tournament with their likely opponent being Conn. To bad as they look so much better at home that they did not get home field but an 0-3-0 sweep by the Maine schools of Midd hurt their cause. Still if they show up in New London the way they showed today they will have a very good chance of getting by Conn. They will want that rematch from an early season loss to Conn BUT I have no idea if Midd will show up like they did today. As for Williams their Regional Ranking will most certainly drop after going 1-2-0 on the week. At 8-3-4 they will have to WIN 2 games in the Nescac tournament NOT DRAW and advance but WIN 2 games to get to 10-3-4 to feel at all comfortable IMO for a Pool C. However, with Midd's victory they will stay regionally ranked so that is another loss to a regionally ranked opponent. With Colby certain to drop out that gives Williams ZERO victiories against Regionally Ranked teams UNLESS Coast Guard sneaks in there but that is highly doubtful. With Sullivan continuing to weaken his out of conference schedule it is not helping their SOS. Curry, Coast Guard, RPI, Skidmore and Babson is an average Non-Conference schedule but it could be a bit better. So their RvR will be 0-3-2. That will not cut it. More importantly with the loss Williams will likely grab the #6 seed UNLESS Colby defeats Bates tomorrow and then they would drop to #7. That will make a huge difference for them because Amherst will likely be #2 unless Trinity squeaks a draw from them tomorrow which I highly doubt. A 1st Round game at Bowdoin or at Amherst awaits and I can promise you Williams would much rather be heading back up to Brunswick for a rematch with Bowdoin than heading to Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 06:01:38 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 05:15:52 PM
It is worth noting that the Jumbos had a breakaway in the last minute of the second overtime, but Bowdoin defender Bubb did well to push Hallliday wide and win the ball.


Well let us remember that Bubb and Ward have been described as super-human so.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 06:04:46 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 24, 2017, 05:00:53 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2017, 12:18:13 PM
For Tuesday / Wednesday

Weather is going to play a huge factor in all of these games in New England on Tuesday and Wednesday..30 mph winds and heavy rain.

Bowdoin at Tufts---If Bowdoin wins they will be Nescac Regular Season Champions. I do not think the Nescac Regular Season Champion has ever missed out on the NCAA's even back between 2000-2003 when there were only 3 At-Large Bids for the NCAA's. Tufts needs only a draw to win it all. Everyone knows that Bowdoin has been a thorn in Tufts side the past couple years and have used those wins to propel them in the Nescac Tournament. My guess is that Shapiro will play straight up like Tufts has been playing all year but with an extra bit of caution defensively. IMO there is no need to worry against this Bowdoin side. Bowdoin will be unable to break down Tufts midfielders offensively and even if they do Tufts defenders will be up to the task. The only danger man going forward for Bowdoin is the Frosh Byrd as he can beat guys 1v1 and create scoring chances. As long as Tufts does not give away silly set pieces in their defensive 3rd they will keep Bowdoin off the scoreboard. Bowdoin has no reason to sit in defensively because they have atleast clinched 3rd Place but a win would get them the title. Yes a draw will help their Pool C chances but a win would clinch it..Bowdoin will never change under Wiercinski but they should go for it and not worry about opening themselves up to Tufts on the counter. They will not do that however and we will be stuck with a tedious game with both teams total SOG under 10. 0-0

Yeah, that's pretty much what happened.  Of course, that's why he's called Mr. Right!



Haha maybe I got the tedious part wrong as people seemed to be describing a well played game with some excitement..See I can be humble in spots. Also, if the stats are to be believed than Bowdoin had 1 SOG and Tufts 3 SOG...YIKES..I said under 10 but should have said under 5 SOG. Also, only a total of 12 Shots all game..Shots can be liberally counted as well as they do not have to be anywhere near the target. 12 Shots Total is SO BAD..oh well
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 07:25:42 PM
Amazing Nescac Stat of the Day. With the Nescac Tournament Approaching I thought I would throw this one out there.

2 time NCAA Champion and 2 time NCAA Quarter-Finalist Tufts has had much more success in the NCAA Tournament than the Nescac Tournament. In 17 years of Nescac Tournament play Tufts has qualified 15 times and have never hosted, never won it, never finished runner up and only been in the Semi-Finals once in 2011.

Overall Record: 1-12-4  .176%

They beat Bowdoin in 2012 to make their only Semi-Finals appearance. Honestly that just floored me as when Former Coach Ralph Ferrigno started bringing the program into a Florida drain gutter by 2004 until he got sacked in 2010 they obviously struggled but Shapiro has been their for 7 years. 1 win in 7 years under Shapiro is very surprising. Anyway I guess the only thing that matters is his record in the NCAA's but just thought this stat was to juicy to pass up

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 24, 2017, 09:41:51 PM
Great reporting guys! But I think Rojas wears converse all stars or PF Flyers!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 24, 2017, 11:27:57 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 06:01:38 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 05:15:52 PM
It is worth noting that the Jumbos had a breakaway in the last minute of the second overtime, but Bowdoin defender Bubb did well to push Hallliday wide and win the ball.


Well let us remember that Bubb and Ward have been described as super-human so.....

And McColl.  Don't forget McColl.

On another note:
Blooter -- I didnt get to watch today.   How did both teams line up defense?

Bowdoin: Did they keep their back line home, or were they pushing up high and overlapping at midfield? 
The last games I saw, they were pushing their whole back line high and Bubb or Ward overlapping alternately with their wing, OR. Ward and McColl participating in offense above midfield with Bubb playing a sort of libero role in the back.

Tufts: Did they play a 4-4-2?  They started the season with a flat back four, but the other competitive games of theirs that I saw, they switched mid-game to a 3-5-2, with Zinner holding things down. 
Did Braun play today?  (I was thinking someone said he missed an earlier game this week?)

Thanks for being there and all of the good-natured reporting! ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on October 25, 2017, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 07:25:42 PM
Amazing Nescac Stat of the Day. With the Nescac Tournament Approaching I thought I would throw this one out there.

2 time NCAA Champion and 2 time NCAA Quarter-Finalist Tufts has had much more success in the NCAA Tournament than the Nescac Tournament. In 17 years of Nescac Tournament play Tufts has qualified 15 times and have never hosted, never won it, never finished runner up and only been in the Semi-Finals once in 2011.

Overall Record: 1-12-4  .176%

They beat Bowdoin in 2012 to make their only Semi-Finals appearance. Honestly that just floored me as when Former Coach Ralph Ferrigno started bringing the program into a Florida drain gutter by 2004 until he got sacked in 2010 they obviously struggled but Shapiro has been their for 7 years. 1 win in 7 years under Shapiro is very surprising. Anyway I guess the only thing that matters is his record in the NCAA's but just thought this stat was to juicy to pass up

That is a crazy stat. I just looked up another one I was curious about. Prior to 2014 there is only one NESCAC team that has won the national championship since it began in 1974. What team and year was that? I expected more since NESCAC is always considered a top conference every year. Babson actually had won a couple in the early years
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 25, 2017, 09:04:21 AM
Only one?  Hmmm, I thought both Middlebury and Williams had won.  I'll go with Williams sometime in mid-late 90s. They had a few successful teams around that time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 25, 2017, 09:13:35 AM
@ Rudy - I think that actually shows exactly why the NESCAC is considered the best conference in the country...on any given day a national champion can get knocked out of the conference tournament in the first round...can't say the same for any other conferences - maybe UAA?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 25, 2017, 10:02:03 AM
I am almost certain, without checking, that Babson, Midd, Williams, Tufts, and Amherst have all won titles. Midd was in 2007 that much I know because it split up Messiah's 3 peats. Williams somewhere in the mid-90s as EB stated. Babson in the early years as well as you already mentioned although I couldn't tell you which years those were!  :D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2017, 10:17:19 AM
Quote from: rudy on October 25, 2017, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 07:25:42 PM
Amazing Nescac Stat of the Day. With the Nescac Tournament Approaching I thought I would throw this one out there.

2 time NCAA Champion and 2 time NCAA Quarter-Finalist Tufts has had much more success in the NCAA Tournament than the Nescac Tournament. In 17 years of Nescac Tournament play Tufts has qualified 15 times and have never hosted, never won it, never finished runner up and only been in the Semi-Finals once in 2011.

Overall Record: 1-12-4  .176%

They beat Bowdoin in 2012 to make their only Semi-Finals appearance. Honestly that just floored me as when Former Coach Ralph Ferrigno started bringing the program into a Florida drain gutter by 2004 until he got sacked in 2010 they obviously struggled but Shapiro has been their for 7 years. 1 win in 7 years under Shapiro is very surprising. Anyway I guess the only thing that matters is his record in the NCAA's but just thought this stat was to juicy to pass up

That is a crazy stat. I just looked up another one I was curious about. Prior to 2014 there is only one NESCAC team that has won the national championship since it began in 1974. What team and year was that? I expected more since NESCAC is always considered a top conference every year. Babson actually had won a couple in the early years

Yes, prior to 2014, both Williams (1998(?)) and Middlebury (2007) won national championships.  One fact to keep in mind is that until approximately 1995 (or maybe even slightly later), NESCAC teams were not allowed to participate in any D-3 team sport NCAA tournaments.  So in approximately 20 years, the conference has won 5 championships (more than any other except MAC - Messiah), including the last three and 4 out of last 9.  In addition, NESCAC has a very impressive rate of participation in the Final Four in the last decade, missing out, I believe, only once.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 25, 2017, 10:43:01 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 24, 2017, 11:27:57 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 06:01:38 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 05:15:52 PM
It is worth noting that the Jumbos had a breakaway in the last minute of the second overtime, but Bowdoin defender Bubb did well to push Hallliday wide and win the ball.


Well let us remember that Bubb and Ward have been described as super-human so.....

And McColl.  Don't forget McColl.

On another note:
Blooter -- I didnt get to watch today.   How did both teams line up defense?

Bowdoin: Did they keep their back line home, or were they pushing up high and overlapping at midfield? 
The last games I saw, they were pushing their whole back line high and Bubb or Ward overlapping alternately with their wing, OR. Ward and McColl participating in offense above midfield with Bubb playing a sort of libero role in the back.

Tufts: Did they play a 4-4-2?  They started the season with a flat back four, but the other competitive games of theirs that I saw, they switched mid-game to a 3-5-2, with Zinner holding things down. 
Did Braun play today?  (I was thinking someone said he missed an earlier game this week?)

Thanks for being there and all of the good-natured reporting! ;)


With Bloots likely at a bar in Copenhagen I will take a shot and let others fill in based on the video feed and commentator:

Both teams had a different look to their starting lineups. Braun did not play for Tufts. Rojas only played the first OT. Also, Jameson and Weatherbie did not play which meant a new look back 4 for Tufts. They appeared to play a 4-1-4-1 with Kulcsar as the holding mid and Halliday up top. Bowdoin played 4 in the back as well with Ward and Bubb in their usual spots. McColl did participate in the offense several times making overlapping runs and put a few dangerous crosses in the box. The last of which was the one Rojas headed off the cross bar in the first OT (would have been Tufts second own goal of the season).  Ward was much more selective in his runs and was not nearly as active as McColl on the offense.  Bowdoin did move Niang up top in the OT to push for the game winner. They did have the better of the play in the first OT, but Tufts had a enormous possession advantage in the second OT.

Bottom line: each team had one grade A chance that was saved by the opposing goalie. Mr. Right had this game pegged.  Tufts may have out shot Bowdoin 9-3, but was a pretty even game and a fair result. I would expect Tufts to be fine with the tie as it locked up the NESCAC regular season title, #1 seed in the conference tournament, and likely home games for at least the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 25, 2017, 10:58:55 AM
Raining hard here in Maine now, but updated forecast calls for 50-60% showers from 3pm to 5pm during the game.  It does not appear the wind will be a significant factor (less than 10mph). A Colby win and I believe they finish 6th.  A Bates win and they will be 8th and head to Tufts on Saturday. A draw and Colby heads to Tufts.  I'm wondering if they will move the game from the grass to the turf? Probably not as it would be the last home game of the year for Colby.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on October 25, 2017, 11:11:28 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2017, 10:17:19 AM
Quote from: rudy on October 25, 2017, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 07:25:42 PM
Amazing Nescac Stat of the Day. With the Nescac Tournament Approaching I thought I would throw this one out there.

2 time NCAA Champion and 2 time NCAA Quarter-Finalist Tufts has had much more success in the NCAA Tournament than the Nescac Tournament. In 17 years of Nescac Tournament play Tufts has qualified 15 times and have never hosted, never won it, never finished runner up and only been in the Semi-Finals once in 2011.

Overall Record: 1-12-4  .176%

They beat Bowdoin in 2012 to make their only Semi-Finals appearance. Honestly that just floored me as when Former Coach Ralph Ferrigno started bringing the program into a Florida drain gutter by 2004 until he got sacked in 2010 they obviously struggled but Shapiro has been their for 7 years. 1 win in 7 years under Shapiro is very surprising. Anyway I guess the only thing that matters is his record in the NCAA's but just thought this stat was to juicy to pass up

That is a crazy stat. I just looked up another one I was curious about. Prior to 2014 there is only one NESCAC team that has won the national championship since it began in 1974. What team and year was that? I expected more since NESCAC is always considered a top conference every year. Babson actually had won a couple in the early years

Yes, prior to 2014, both Williams (1998(?)) and Middlebury (2007) won national championships.  One fact to keep in mind is that until approximately 1995 (or maybe even slightly later), NESCAC teams were not allowed to participate in any D-3 team sport NCAA tournaments.  So in approximately 20 years, the conference has won 5 championships (more than any other except MAC - Messiah), including the last three and 4 out of last 9.  In addition, NESCAC has a very impressive rate of participation in the Final Four in the last decade, missing out, I believe, only once.

I didn't see Middlebury. Williams in 1995. Given that NESCAC gets 3-5 bids every year I'm not surprised they have high final 4 appearances. Probability is higher than conferences that have one team in tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2017, 11:15:24 AM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 25, 2017, 10:58:55 AM
Raining hard here in Maine now, but updated forecast calls for 50-60% showers from 3pm to 5pm during the game.  It does not appear the wind will be a significant factor (less than 10mph). A Colby win and I believe they finish 6th.  A Bates win and they will be 8th and head to Tufts on Saturday. A draw and Colby heads to Tufts.  I'm wondering if they will move the game from the grass to the turf? Probably not as it would be the last home game of the year for Colby.

Bobcat, I agree with your conclusions as to the effects of the outcome of the Colby-Bates game.  As to whether the game will be moved to turf, that likely will depend on the condition of the grass soccer field and the availability of the turf field at 3:00 p.m.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 25, 2017, 11:19:29 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 24, 2017, 04:47:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 03:04:16 PM
Always take the wind advantage 1st Half because the wind can always change

+k.  Can never understand why anyone would ever do it any other way.

That happened in yesterday's Williams match. Middlebury had the wind in the first half and Williams had it for 20 minutes in the second half and then there was a 45 minute lightening delay and when they re-started there was no wind!!! Not that any of that would have helped Williams score.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2017, 11:31:54 AM
Quote from: rudy on October 25, 2017, 11:11:28 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2017, 10:17:19 AM
Quote from: rudy on October 25, 2017, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 07:25:42 PM
Amazing Nescac Stat of the Day. With the Nescac Tournament Approaching I thought I would throw this one out there.

2 time NCAA Champion and 2 time NCAA Quarter-Finalist Tufts has had much more success in the NCAA Tournament than the Nescac Tournament. In 17 years of Nescac Tournament play Tufts has qualified 15 times and have never hosted, never won it, never finished runner up and only been in the Semi-Finals once in 2011.

Overall Record: 1-12-4  .176%

They beat Bowdoin in 2012 to make their only Semi-Finals appearance. Honestly that just floored me as when Former Coach Ralph Ferrigno started bringing the program into a Florida drain gutter by 2004 until he got sacked in 2010 they obviously struggled but Shapiro has been their for 7 years. 1 win in 7 years under Shapiro is very surprising. Anyway I guess the only thing that matters is his record in the NCAA's but just thought this stat was to juicy to pass up

That is a crazy stat. I just looked up another one I was curious about. Prior to 2014 there is only one NESCAC team that has won the national championship since it began in 1974. What team and year was that? I expected more since NESCAC is always considered a top conference every year. Babson actually had won a couple in the early years

Yes, prior to 2014, both Williams (1998(?)) and Middlebury (2007) won national championships.  One fact to keep in mind is that until approximately 1995 (or maybe even slightly later), NESCAC teams were not allowed to participate in any D-3 team sport NCAA tournaments.  So in approximately 20 years, the conference has won 5 championships (more than any other except MAC - Messiah), including the last three and 4 out of last 9.  In addition, NESCAC has a very impressive rate of participation in the Final Four in the last decade, missing out, I believe, only once.

I didn't see Middlebury. Williams in 1995. Given that NESCAC gets 3-5 bids every year I'm not surprised they have high final 4 appearances. Probability is higher than conferences that have one team in tournament.

Only up to a point, as usually all  but one NESCAC team would end up in the same quadrant, so they normally would knock each other out prior to the Final Four.  You're still right in the sense of more total chances or a greater likelihood that at least one team will emerge.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 25, 2017, 11:35:27 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2017, 11:15:24 AM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 25, 2017, 10:58:55 AM
Raining hard here in Maine now, but updated forecast calls for 50-60% showers from 3pm to 5pm during the game.  It does not appear the wind will be a significant factor (less than 10mph). A Colby win and I believe they finish 6th.  A Bates win and they will be 8th and head to Tufts on Saturday. A draw and Colby heads to Tufts.  I'm wondering if they will move the game from the grass to the turf? Probably not as it would be the last home game of the year for Colby.

Bobcat, I agree with your conclusions as to the effects of the outcome of the Colby-Bates game.  As to whether the game will be moved to turf, that likely will depend on the condition of the grass soccer field and the availability of the turf field at 3:00 p.m.

Looks like the field hockey game is tonight and the women's soccer game was played yesterday, so there should not be an issue with field availability. I expect they will stick with the grass field unless there is standing water.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2017, 11:39:12 AM
I haven't been to campus this fall, so I may be wrong, but the new turf field may not be a soccer field (just appropriate for field hockey and lacrosse?).  If so, that would mean the football field would need to be available.  But I agree, as this would be the last game of the year, they will stick to the new grass field unless it is waterlogged.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 25, 2017, 12:06:19 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 25, 2017, 11:31:54 AM
Quote from: rudy on October 25, 2017, 11:11:28 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2017, 10:17:19 AM
Quote from: rudy on October 25, 2017, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 07:25:42 PM
Amazing Nescac Stat of the Day. With the Nescac Tournament Approaching I thought I would throw this one out there.

2 time NCAA Champion and 2 time NCAA Quarter-Finalist Tufts has had much more success in the NCAA Tournament than the Nescac Tournament. In 17 years of Nescac Tournament play Tufts has qualified 15 times and have never hosted, never won it, never finished runner up and only been in the Semi-Finals once in 2011.

Overall Record: 1-12-4  .176%

They beat Bowdoin in 2012 to make their only Semi-Finals appearance. Honestly that just floored me as when Former Coach Ralph Ferrigno started bringing the program into a Florida drain gutter by 2004 until he got sacked in 2010 they obviously struggled but Shapiro has been their for 7 years. 1 win in 7 years under Shapiro is very surprising. Anyway I guess the only thing that matters is his record in the NCAA's but just thought this stat was to juicy to pass up

That is a crazy stat. I just looked up another one I was curious about. Prior to 2014 there is only one NESCAC team that has won the national championship since it began in 1974. What team and year was that? I expected more since NESCAC is always considered a top conference every year. Babson actually had won a couple in the early years

Yes, prior to 2014, both Williams (1998(?)) and Middlebury (2007) won national championships.  One fact to keep in mind is that until approximately 1995 (or maybe even slightly later), NESCAC teams were not allowed to participate in any D-3 team sport NCAA tournaments.  So in approximately 20 years, the conference has won 5 championships (more than any other except MAC - Messiah), including the last three and 4 out of last 9.  In addition, NESCAC has a very impressive rate of participation in the Final Four in the last decade, missing out, I believe, only once.

I didn't see Middlebury. Williams in 1995. Given that NESCAC gets 3-5 bids every year I'm not surprised they have high final 4 appearances. Probability is higher than conferences that have one team in tournament.

Only up to a point, as usually all  but one NESCAC team would end up in the same quadrant, so they normally would knock each other out prior to the Final Four.  You're still right in the sense of more total chances or a greater likelihood that at least one team will emerge.

1993 was the first year the the NESCAC schools were permitted by the conference to participate in the NCAA tournament and Williams immediately advanced to the title game that year, losing to UC San Diego.  They would make it back two years later and win it all that time.  Amherst made the 1997 Final Four, losing in to the eventual champ in the semifinals, and Williams meet the same fate in the 1998 Final Four. And then it would be a 9-year wait for the NESCAC to be represented in the Final Four again when Middlebury claimed the national title without scoring or allowing a goal at the Final Four.  During that 8-year drought, Williams had some highly talented sides that made the tournament every year, but they didn't live up to expectations in the tournament.  They were upset in 2001, 2003, and 2004 and some might consider some of their other exits as upsets as well. Middlebury's 2007 title run started a four-year stretch with a different NESCAC team reaching the Final Four as Amherst (2008), Williams (2009) and Bowdoin (2010) demonstrated how strong and deep the NESCAC was.  Also starting with Middlebury in 2007, the NESCAC has been represented in every Final Four except in 2011--9 of the last 10!

There's different reasons for the NESCAC's overwhelming success over the past 5 to 10 years versus minimal/limited success in the 15 years prior to that. I wouldn't claim to know all the reasons or the more influential reasons. I do think the NESCAC has remained more immune to the effects of the increase in parity over the past 10 years as the talent pool has grown and could no longer be concentrated in just a dozen or two powerhouses (not to mention more quality coaches to be spread around). And as has already been pointed out, in the 90's into the early 2000's, due mostly to the smaller tournament field size (32 teams thru 1996, 40 in 1997 and 1998, and 44 from 1999 to 2004), teams had to play the other teams from their region and their conference right form the start of the tournament and the NESCAC was only getting two or three teams into the tournament each year (initially due to the small field size, then due to the automatic berth system when the tournament field started to grow). So the bracket only allowed for one team from a conference to advance past the first two rounds.  That all changed in 2005 went the tournament size jumped to 57 teams and has slowing increased to the present 61. Now, conference rivals can be kept apart much longer, sometimes up until the Final Four.  So now, instead of one NESCAC representative against the rest of the Sweet 16 or Elite 8, it can be three NESCAC teams against the rest of the Sweet 16. Better odds of reaching the Final Four. These things are contributing factors.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 25, 2017, 01:04:51 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 25, 2017, 10:43:01 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 24, 2017, 11:27:57 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 06:01:38 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 24, 2017, 05:15:52 PM
It is worth noting that the Jumbos had a breakaway in the last minute of the second overtime, but Bowdoin defender Bubb did well to push Hallliday wide and win the ball.


Well let us remember that Bubb and Ward have been described as super-human so.....

And McColl.  Don't forget McColl.

On another note:
Blooter -- I didnt get to watch today.   How did both teams line up defense?

Bowdoin: Did they keep their back line home, or were they pushing up high and overlapping at midfield? 
The last games I saw, they were pushing their whole back line high and Bubb or Ward overlapping alternately with their wing, OR. Ward and McColl participating in offense above midfield with Bubb playing a sort of libero role in the back.

Tufts: Did they play a 4-4-2?  They started the season with a flat back four, but the other competitive games of theirs that I saw, they switched mid-game to a 3-5-2, with Zinner holding things down. 
Did Braun play today?  (I was thinking someone said he missed an earlier game this week?)

Thanks for being there and all of the good-natured reporting! ;)


With Bloots likely at a bar in Copenhagen I will take a shot and let others fill in based on the video feed and commentator:

Both teams had a different look to their starting lineups. Braun did not play for Tufts. Rojas only played the first OT. Also, Jameson and Weatherbie did not play which meant a new look back 4 for Tufts. They appeared to play a 4-1-4-1 with Kulcsar as the holding mid and Halliday up top. Bowdoin played 4 in the back as well with Ward and Bubb in their usual spots. McColl did participate in the offense several times making overlapping runs and put a few dangerous crosses in the box. The last of which was the one Rojas headed off the cross bar in the first OT (would have been Tufts second own goal of the season).  Ward was much more selective in his runs and was not nearly as active as McColl on the offense.  Bowdoin did move Niang up top in the OT to push for the game winner. They did have the better of the play in the first OT, but Tufts had a enormous possession advantage in the second OT.

Bottom line: each team had one grade A chance that was saved by the opposing goalie. Mr. Right had this game pegged.  Tufts may have out shot Bowdoin 9-3, but was a pretty even game and a fair result. I would expect Tufts to be fine with the tie as it locked up the NESCAC regular season title, #1 seed in the conference tournament, and likely home games for at least the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

Bobcat, that made me laugh out loud. +k Just across the water in Malmo, Sweden right now, but I'm heading back to Copenhagen where I'm going to try to find a bar to watch the Chelsea-Everton match. Plenty of Carlsberg to go around — and, as a Liverpool fan, and with numerous LFC shirts with that logo on the front, I have an obligation to like said beer even though it tastes about as good as Narragansett.

Soccermom, glad you enjoyed my commentary. I am usually pretty restless during games and am up walking around — I got in 10,000 steps during the match yesterday — even ones where I have no dog in the fight, so it's a nice outlet. I would agree with your characterization of Bubb having a libero role, and I would say both center backs and their wingbacks stayed home for most of the match, although as Bobcat said McColl did get forward a few times and put a really nice service in which resulted in Bowdoin's biggest chance. Personally, I think that was the right approach, especially given Tufts' strength down the wings, particularly with Tasker.

All told, I think both teams would be happy with the draw. Curious to see who both teams will end up facing in this weekend's quarters.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 01:41:16 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on October 25, 2017, 12:06:19 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 25, 2017, 11:31:54 AM
Quote from: rudy on October 25, 2017, 11:11:28 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2017, 10:17:19 AM
Quote from: rudy on October 25, 2017, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 24, 2017, 07:25:42 PM
Amazing Nescac Stat of the Day. With the Nescac Tournament Approaching I thought I would throw this one out there.

2 time NCAA Champion and 2 time NCAA Quarter-Finalist Tufts has had much more success in the NCAA Tournament than the Nescac Tournament. In 17 years of Nescac Tournament play Tufts has qualified 15 times and have never hosted, never won it, never finished runner up and only been in the Semi-Finals once in 2011.

Overall Record: 1-12-4  .176%

They beat Bowdoin in 2012 to make their only Semi-Finals appearance. Honestly that just floored me as when Former Coach Ralph Ferrigno started bringing the program into a Florida drain gutter by 2004 until he got sacked in 2010 they obviously struggled but Shapiro has been their for 7 years. 1 win in 7 years under Shapiro is very surprising. Anyway I guess the only thing that matters is his record in the NCAA's but just thought this stat was to juicy to pass up

That is a crazy stat. I just looked up another one I was curious about. Prior to 2014 there is only one NESCAC team that has won the national championship since it began in 1974. What team and year was that? I expected more since NESCAC is always considered a top conference every year. Babson actually had won a couple in the early years

Yes, prior to 2014, both Williams (1998(?)) and Middlebury (2007) won national championships.  One fact to keep in mind is that until approximately 1995 (or maybe even slightly later), NESCAC teams were not allowed to participate in any D-3 team sport NCAA tournaments.  So in approximately 20 years, the conference has won 5 championships (more than any other except MAC - Messiah), including the last three and 4 out of last 9.  In addition, NESCAC has a very impressive rate of participation in the Final Four in the last decade, missing out, I believe, only once.

I didn't see Middlebury. Williams in 1995. Given that NESCAC gets 3-5 bids every year I'm not surprised they have high final 4 appearances. Probability is higher than conferences that have one team in tournament.

Only up to a point, as usually all  but one NESCAC team would end up in the same quadrant, so they normally would knock each other out prior to the Final Four.  You're still right in the sense of more total chances or a greater likelihood that at least one team will emerge.

1993 was the first year the the NESCAC schools were permitted by the conference to participate in the NCAA tournament and Williams immediately advanced to the title game that year, losing to UC San Diego.  They would make it back two years later and win it all that time.  Amherst made the 1997 Final Four, losing in to the eventual champ in the semifinals, and Williams meet the same fate in the 1998 Final Four. And then it would be a 9-year wait for the NESCAC to be represented in the Final Four again when Middlebury claimed the national title without scoring or allowing a goal at the Final Four.  During that 8-year drought, Williams had some highly talented sides that made the tournament every year, but they didn't live up to expectations in the tournament.  They were upset in 2001, 2003, and 2004 and some might consider some of their other exits as upsets as well. Middlebury's 2007 title run started a four-year stretch with a different NESCAC team reaching the Final Four as Amherst (2008), Williams (2009) and Bowdoin (2010) demonstrated how strong and deep the NESCAC was.  Also starting with Middlebury in 2007, the NESCAC has been represented in every Final Four except in 2011--9 of the last 10!

There's different reasons for the NESCAC's overwhelming success over the past 5 to 10 years versus minimal/limited success in the 15 years prior to that. I wouldn't claim to know all the reasons or the more influential reasons. I do think the NESCAC has remained more immune to the effects of the increase in parity over the past 10 years as the talent pool has grown and could no longer be concentrated in just a dozen or two powerhouses (not to mention more quality coaches to be spread around). And as has already been pointed out, in the 90's into the early 2000's, due mostly to the smaller tournament field size (32 teams thru 1996, 40 in 1997 and 1998, and 44 from 1999 to 2004), teams had to play the other teams from their region and their conference right form the start of the tournament and the NESCAC was only getting two or three teams into the tournament each year (initially due to the small field size, then due to the automatic berth system when the tournament field started to grow). So the bracket only allowed for one team from a conference to advance past the first two rounds.  That all changed in 2005 went the tournament size jumped to 57 teams and has slowing increased to the present 61. Now, conference rivals can be kept apart much longer, sometimes up until the Final Four.  So now, instead of one NESCAC representative against the rest of the Sweet 16 or Elite 8, it can be three NESCAC teams against the rest of the Sweet 16. Better odds of reaching the Final Four. These things are contributing factors.


Thank you...This is an accurate summary of the past 20-25 years in Nescac. I will say this that Williams had its most talented and dominant sides between 1998-2006 and really as you said failed to live up to expectations in the NCAA tournament. Very unlucky against 2 decent NJAC teams in 1999 and 2000 Elite 8 match-ups, 1998 final 4 at Ohio Wesleyan they dominated the game but their GK made a horrific mistake and Ohio Wesleyan held on for dear life to win it, 2001 the biggest upset in NCAA D3 History in my mind when Worcester St defeated Williams in the 1st Round in PK's, 2002 Williams absolutely dominated Arcadia at Southern CT but lost in Pk's, 2003 well I could go on and on....Williams just flat out under performed in the NCAA's between 1998-2005. By 2006 Williams was not quite as good but still a dominant side lost to a very talented Messiah side at Home in what was one of the best played D3 games I have seen in a while. After 2006, Williams played much better in the NCAA's and found some luck of their own in 2012 and 2013.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 01:56:25 PM
Some things to watch for today...

1. Regional Rankings in New England...It will be interesting to see who jumps who and where everyone is ranked.

2. Bates--Do they come out of the gates ready to go? Will they play Colby straight up and try to attack and sneak an early goal? Will they sit in and try to counter? Hope not but very possible.

3. Colby--How do they set up today? Read above...

4. Hamilton at Oneonta St---Hamilton is out of the Pool C race but how do they play today against a Regional Power? Do they rest guys or are they playing their usual starters? I am guessing they play this game like any other but you know they are thinking about what looks to be a Nescac Quarter-Final match-up at Tufts or at Amherst..Same can be said for Oneonta..How do they play this game? They cannot afford a loss on this game as that would take them out of the running to host in the NCAA's IMO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 02:58:20 PM
Colby's Starting 11 looks a bit different today. I do not see #5 Berolzheimer or #3 Aoyama..Aoyama sometimes comes off the bench but Berolzheimer usually starts..Hope there are no injury issues...


NOTE: So Live Stats was a tad wrong as #5 Berolzheimer is in the starting 11 so both teams have very familiar line-ups today and look to be for the most part injury free
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 03:03:49 PM
Colby's size over Bates is very noticeable on the stream. I agree with Bloots on Opoku as he might be more productive out wide
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 03:10:17 PM
Bates has come out in a 4-2-3-1 and look to be defending with a block of 6 and allowing 4 to attack and not worry about defending today. I like the idea by Flaherty and see if they can snag a goal in the 1st Half..Good game so far
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 03:12:08 PM
Not sure what kind of line up Oneonta is playing with but Hamilton gets an early goal 10 minutes in on a cross from the flank and a nice finish..Pretty weak and passive defending by Oneonta to give up that goal..Hamilton up 1-0 10 minutes in
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 03:13:19 PM
Oneonta ties it up 2 minutes later on a beautiful finish by their striker...1-1 score and we might have a barn burner in this game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 25, 2017, 03:14:05 PM
Watching Conn vs. Wesleyan.  On the Camels turf field probably to protect grass.   No sound, but camera angle actually not bad.  See how Camels play on the artificial stuff.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 03:22:54 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 25, 2017, 03:14:05 PM
Watching Conn vs. Wesleyan.  On the Camels turf field probably to protect grass.   No sound, but camera angle actually not bad.  See how Camels play on the artificial stuff.

Interesting..You are probably correct that they are protecting the field..Good idead and it can only help Conn get used to playing on turf because they will see a ton of that in the NCAA's..

That carpet that Conn is playing on is an old school turf field and like playing on cement..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 03:25:26 PM
Colby defending with numbers so far as they are taking no chances in this game. Bates looks quite dangerous on the attack except the final pass or shot needs to be more clinical. merchant looks particularly dangerous in this game as he is looking dangerous beating guys 1v1 and laying some nice passes off to his teammates but his teammates need to start taking some shots..This could be Merchant's last game and he is playing like he knows it..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 25, 2017, 03:32:18 PM
Yes... I think most, if not all of Camel 15 games were on grass. (Tufts may have been turf and maybe one other)   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 25, 2017, 03:34:40 PM
Yes... the field looks like it is pretty hard... so the ball bouncing more than it should.  Maybe good for lacrosse, but not so hot for soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 03:37:20 PM
Bates and Colby still knotted at 0-0 about 10 minutes left in the 1st Half. Good game as the weather is not pretty up in Waterville. Rain is dumping down and is making for slick conditions and will certainly factor into the final result.

Bates will lose only 4 seniors after this season but they are 4 very key players in Merchant, Yacovino, DiBenidetto and Max Watson..

Colby almost gets a goal off a header but a nice save by Bates GK Montanaro..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 03:47:35 PM
Bates at Colby 0-0 at the Half..Both teams playing well BUT Bates needs a goal, Colby does not. Bates playing very well 18 to 18 but Colby defense and midfielders are not allowing Bates to get any clear cut SOG..They are blocking shots and closing very fast when Bates gets the ball near their box. Job well done so far. How ill Bates play this? They can stay in a 4-2-3-1 IMO BUT MUST send their wingbacks forward in the 2nd half and take chances..That will open them up to a dangerous Colby counter but they must go for it. Colby's #30 Heilbron and #8 Smith doing a great job defending and working very hard.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 03:48:33 PM
Meanwhile at the Half Hamilton and Oneonta are tied 1-1. I replayed the goals but cannot watch much of this game as Bates at Colby has a ton of drama left to play out
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 04:08:56 PM
Bates bench get a yellow for interfering with a live ball on the field...Odd set of events as I have never seen that..Colby in its own 4-2-3-1 but really defending with 9 and pretty compact and deep..Bates having problems breaking that down and Bates backs need to start playing to feet not hitting long balls into the wind and balls that Colby can easily deal with.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 04:15:17 PM
Oneonta goes up 2-1 over Hamilton 10 minutes into the 2nd Half on a beautifully played corner and an even better finish off the Oneonta players head..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 04:25:14 PM
About 20 minutes left and Bates at Colby still at 0-0...Bates REALLY needs to dig deep here as they are not looking as threatening as they did 1st Half and they are going into the wind. Colby has controlled possession I would guess 60/40 in the 2nd Half and have had the better chances. Flaherty MUST start sending players FORWARD...Time is running out on Bates season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 04:27:03 PM
Oneonta up 3-1 on Hamilton now as a nice cross and finish by Oneonta with about 25 minutes left..Weak defending by Hamilton on the goal and they are showing their usual selves as they just do not look the same team on the road than they do at home. They better fix that before Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 25, 2017, 04:28:02 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 03:25:26 PM
Colby defending with numbers so far as they are taking no chances in this game. Bates looks quite dangerous on the attack except the final pass or shot needs to be more clinical. merchant looks particularly dangerous in this game as he is looking dangerous beating guys 1v1 and laying some nice passes off to his teammates but his teammates need to start taking some shots..This could be Merchant's last game and he is playing like he knows it..

Merchant playing very well. Bakken needs to get that shot on net. Good chance wasted there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 25, 2017, 04:29:53 PM
Wesleyan scores .. but feed went out about 5 minutes before ... so no details.  Wesleyan 1 - Camels -0 with 18 to go.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 04:31:48 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 25, 2017, 04:29:53 PM
Wesleyan scores .. but feed went out about 5 minutes before ... so no details.  Wesleyan 1 - Camels -0 with 18 to go.

That is NOT GOOD for Conn as they cannot afford a loss here as Springfield and Bowdoin have jumped them in the Regional Rankings. At #6 they are in a precarious position now. A loss to Wesleyan will only exasperate the situation. They need to pick it up
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 04:33:10 PM
Under 15 minutes to go Bates and Colby still 0-0 but Colby is taking its time on throws and set pieces..Time is running out as Montanaro makes a nice season saving stop
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 04:35:23 PM
Bates sending guys forward now as Colby's Tower breaks in on Bates GK but fluffs the shot wide..bates still breathing but barely
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 25, 2017, 04:42:22 PM
Camels score with 7 minutes left. .. .1 -1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 04:46:40 PM
Bates and Colby 0-0 heading to OT...Bates MUST dig deep...The last 5 minutes the game is starting to get stretched as both teams have had 1-2 solid looks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 04:47:16 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 25, 2017, 04:42:22 PM
Camels score with 7 minutes left. .. .1 -1.

Big goal that might save Conn's season..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 25, 2017, 04:48:28 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 04:46:40 PM
Bates and Colby 0-0 heading to OT...Bates MUST dig deep...The last 5 minutes the game is starting to get stretched as both teams have had 1-2 solid looks.

Agreed. Bates needs to win the toss and take the wind.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 25, 2017, 04:49:37 PM
May not save season... Wesleyan scores a second with 4 minutes left... 2 -1 now.

Crazy .. and no feed so have no idea what happened on either goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 04:58:45 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 25, 2017, 04:49:37 PM
May not save season... Wesleyan scores a second with 4 minutes left... 2 -1 now.

Crazy .. and no feed so have no idea what happened on either goals.

Wesleyan with a huge Win over Conn 2-1...They play serious spoiler as ACH gets the game winner in the 85th minute..Conn now MUST beat Midd on Saturday and most likely win a Semi-Final match in the Nescac Tournament which will be a tall task for a Conn team that can struggle scoring goals..Stay tuned
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 05:00:07 PM
Bates has the wind at their back 1st OT but have not taken advantage as they just cannot get any legit chances...They have about 12 minutes left in their season..

As i type Colby's #2 Douglas has a wide open look at net but shanks it high..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 25, 2017, 05:16:02 PM
MASSIVE WIN FOR THE BOBCATS!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 05:17:42 PM
FANTASTIC DRAMA...Bates wins it 1-0 in 2OT in the 109th minute....Really disappointing loss for Colby..#18 Tower for Colby HAS GOT TO CLEAR THAT BALL....Massive error by Tower and Bates capitalizes. What a game..Bates moves on..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 05:22:02 PM
you can watch that replay over and over...Just an excellent effort by Bates today...Seabrook throws his clipboard in disgust..Tough loss for Colby and its seniors...Just a complete lack of focus for #18 Tower as he whiffed on a clearance in almost lackadaisical form. Colby losses a talented senior class but just a tough way to end their season...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 25, 2017, 05:32:48 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 05:22:02 PM
you can watch that replay over and over...Just an excellent effort by Bates today...Seabrook throws his clipboard in disgust..Tough loss for Colby and its seniors...Just a complete lack of focus for #18 Tower as he whiffed on a clearance in almost lackadaisical form. Colby losses a talented senior class but just a tough way to end their season...

I have watched it about 10 times. Its a tough situation with such little time on the clock. I fully understand the ball could have been cleared, but credit Kimpolo-Pene for having the composure to put back the rebound on the ground in a good spot.  I can't underscore how big a win this is for Bates!  With their backs against the wall and down to the final seconds of their season (career's for some of them) they found a way to get it done.  I fully expect they will ride this wave and show up ready to go on Saturday at Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 05:36:04 PM
Jeez Conn gives up 2 goals to Wesleyan and Wesleyan had their backup GK in 2nd Half plus the boxscore shows tons of bench players getting minutes...Conn with a RvR of 1-1-4 are squarely on the bubble..The Midd at Conn game on Saturday could be a Play-In game as the loser's season will most likely be finished. The winner will grab another win v ranked.

Colby scorekeeper very generous with the Shot tallies today as I do not remember seeing Bates get 20 shots and 13 SOG but what do I know..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 05:43:24 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 25, 2017, 05:32:48 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 05:22:02 PM
you can watch that replay over and over...Just an excellent effort by Bates today...Seabrook throws his clipboard in disgust..Tough loss for Colby and its seniors...Just a complete lack of focus for #18 Tower as he whiffed on a clearance in almost lackadaisical form. Colby losses a talented senior class but just a tough way to end their season...

I have watched it about 10 times. Its a tough situation with such little time on the clock. I fully understand the ball could have been cleared, but credit Kimpolo-Pene for having the composure to put back the rebound on the ground in a good spot.  I can't underscore how big a win this is for Bates!  With their backs against the wall and down to the final seconds of their season (career's for some of them) they found a way to get it done.  I fully expect they will ride this wave and show up ready to go on Saturday at Tufts.


You are correct a VERY composed finish...I thought Watson should have finished his that gave Bates the game winning corner..Kimpolo-Pene had composure and Watson might of rushed a bit..it is interesting to see how players perform in tight, critical pressure situations...No matter for Watson as Bates gets it done and advances to its 1st Nescac Tournament since 2010..Congrats
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 06:35:05 PM
Not that it will make Colby feel any better but they only lose 5 seniors. Out of those 5 only 2 really will be big losses IMO. Chandler Smith and Avery Heilbron are 2 seniors that they will miss as they are both absolute leaders and work horses. They will not be easily replaceable but also not impossible either as that big Junior class will have a couple guys to step up and be their new leaders..Just a tough tough way to end your season as when you lose in OT and your whole season ends in a split second it is very hard to grasp. especially with only 30 seconds left...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 07:21:15 PM
Hope-Gund gets the start in net for Amherst at Trinity tonight..Big game for Amherst as they need a win to get the #2 seed and play Hamilton on Saturday..A draw and they will be the #3 seed and play #6 Williams in the Quarters.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 07:32:11 PM
20 minutes into Amherst at Trinity and it is scoreless..Amherst dominating play here but trinity's senior GK Zabala has made some nice saves. Trinity is not taking this game lightly as they are playing very hard and have good work rate tonight BUT they have just created nothing offensively as Amherst midfield is giving Trinity nothing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 07:56:35 PM
Amherst at Trinity is 0-0 at the Half..Ref is letting a lot go without any calls and if that continues things will get mighty chippy 2nd half. Amherst dominated the first part of the Half but it has been pretty even the second half of the 1st Half..Tough conditions to play in as it is down pouring in Hartford. Trinity is just lacking on their final pass as they are not giving their strikers any real good chances for solid shots. Other than that Trinity has been up to the task tonight. Guys like Savonen, Baker, Brazina and Bednarek are all working very hard tonight just to keep Trinity in the game. Very good workrate and that is all you can ask of a team that is officially finished after tonight. Amherst as usual also working very hard but when they went to their bench midway thru the 1st Half their play dropped off a bit. That might hurt them in November but I doubt Serpone will be subbing so freely in the NCAA's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 08:25:35 PM
Good God....Amherst gets on the  board 1st on a nice quick set piece that get crossed into the box and Trinity's GK Zabala miss judged and the ball went right by him and was finished nicely by Amherst McMillian...Trinity scores about a minute later on a nice long shot by Savonen that was initially saved by Hope-Gund but he dumped the ball right in front of him that Trinity's senior Brazina gobbled up and scored off the rebound...Very rainy wet night so GK's were always going to be in for a tough night but 2 Massive GK'ing errors lead to 2 goals..Amherst and Trinity knotted at 1-1 with about 30 minutes left..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 08:31:17 PM
Fantastic....chaos predictably breaks out in Hartford as Serpone jawing back and forth with a Trinity assistant I think over a nasty foul by a Trinity player. Trinity bench got a red card as the assistant got ejected..Serpone not carded so whatever the Trinity assistant said got him the red...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 08:43:35 PM
WOW Trinity's Senior Scott Brazina gets to a loose ball in the box as he was busting his butt and beat his man to the ball and cracks one off the crossbar...Brazina really playing well in his final game...Soph Henry Farr for Trinity showing he has some skill and 1v1 skills tonight. Where was he all year?


Still 1-1 about 15 minutes left....Trinity is all over Amherst the past 5 minutes...Trinity's crowd giving Amherst players and coaches a hard time and pumping their own players up..You love to see that as that is one thing that can give you a solid Home Field advantage..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 08:54:27 PM
Stupid and unnecessary foul by Trinity just outside the box with about 10 minutes left and Amherst capitalizes. Amherst a fantastic free kick and the goal by Sebastian Derby on a flicked header off a dangerous ball. Nice goal and Amherst leads 2-1 10 min left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 09:06:59 PM
2 minutes left in Hartford and chaos ERUPTS as Trinity GK Zabala gets a straight RED after a nasty foul by a Trinity player..Zabala went after 1 of Amherst players and Savonen gets a straight RED as well(did not see what he did)...Not really a classy way to end your career but hey what the hell...

So with 9 players on the field trinity got a set piece and a nice hit by Trinity gets blocked but a Trinity player gets the ball in the box off the rebound and cracks a nice hit that was heading for the back of the net but it was deflected by an Amherst defender to preserve the win. Trinity got a corner out of it but nothing dangerous off the corner and that was the ballgame.

Final in Hartford...2-1 Amherst...Really entertaining game especially with the weather and intensity by both teams...Trinity deserved at least a draw but there is a reason you are 4-10-1(1-8-1)...Great effort tonight by both teams especially Trinity with nothing but pride to play for. Still Pilger needs to hit the recruiting trail as there are some pieces possibly but you are losing Brazina, Bednarek and Savonen....

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 25, 2017, 09:09:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 09:06:59 PM

2 minutes left in Hartford and chaos ERUPTS as Trinity GK Zabala gets a straight RED after a nasty foul by a Trinity player..Zabala went after 1 of Amherst players and Savonen gets a straight RED as well(did not see what he did)...Not really a classy way to end your career but hey what the hell...

Final in Hartford...2-1 Amherst...Really entertaining game especially with the weather and intensity by both teams...Trinity deserved at least a draw but there is a reason you are 4-10-1(1-8-1)...Great effort tonight by both teams especially Trinity with nothing but pride to play for. Still Pilger needs to hit the recruiting trail as there are some pieces possibly but you are losing Brazina, Bednarek and Savonen....

I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 25, 2017, 09:35:11 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 25, 2017, 09:09:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 09:06:59 PM

2 minutes left in Hartford and chaos ERUPTS as Trinity GK Zabala gets a straight RED after a nasty foul by a Trinity player..Zabala went after 1 of Amherst players and Savonen gets a straight RED as well(did not see what he did)...Not really a classy way to end your career but hey what the hell...

Final in Hartford...2-1 Amherst...Really entertaining game especially with the weather and intensity by both teams...Trinity deserved at least a draw but there is a reason you are 4-10-1(1-8-1)...Great effort tonight by both teams especially Trinity with nothing but pride to play for. Still Pilger needs to hit the recruiting trail as there are some pieces possibly but you are losing Brazina, Bednarek and Savonen....

I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out...

Without even reading the previous posts I was 100% certain that Amherst was involved.  I don't doubt Serpone's passion and coaching abilities, but they are usually a common denominator in incidents like these..

Either way, I'm not sure what to think about the NESCAC tourney this year.  I really like this year's Bowdoin squad.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 25, 2017, 10:17:26 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 25, 2017, 01:04:51 PM
Soccermom, glad you enjoyed my commentary. I am usually pretty restless during games and am up walking around — I got in 10,000 steps during the match yesterday — even ones where I have no dog in the fight, so it's a nice outlet. I would agree with your characterization of Bubb having a libero role, and I would say both center backs and their wingbacks stayed home for most of the match, although as Bobcat said McColl did get forward a few times and put a really nice service in which resulted in Bowdoin's biggest chance. Personally, I think that was the right approach, especially given Tufts' strength down the wings, particularly with Tasker.

All told, I think both teams would be happy with the draw. Curious to see who both teams will end up facing in this weekend's quarters.

I only saw the second half and over time periods, but I was surprised that Bowdoin didn't take more chances.  A win would have had a big upside and a loss wouldn't have hurt them.  Perhaps, given Van Siclen's proficiency in goal, their playoff mode will be to try to win without exposing themselves too much and prevail in PKs if necessary.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 10:33:00 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 25, 2017, 10:17:26 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 25, 2017, 01:04:51 PM
Soccermom, glad you enjoyed my commentary. I am usually pretty restless during games and am up walking around — I got in 10,000 steps during the match yesterday — even ones where I have no dog in the fight, so it's a nice outlet. I would agree with your characterization of Bubb having a libero role, and I would say both center backs and their wingbacks stayed home for most of the match, although as Bobcat said McColl did get forward a few times and put a really nice service in which resulted in Bowdoin's biggest chance. Personally, I think that was the right approach, especially given Tufts' strength down the wings, particularly with Tasker.

All told, I think both teams would be happy with the draw. Curious to see who both teams will end up facing in this weekend's quarters.

I only saw the second half and over time periods, but I was surprised that Bowdoin didn't take more chances.  A win would have had a big upside and a loss wouldn't have hurt them.  Perhaps, given Van Siclen's proficiency in goal, their playoff mode will be to try to win without exposing themselves too much and prevail in PKs if necessary.


LOL...They have been playing like that since Wiercinski took over....Ultra-conservative to the point of sometimes tedious play....It killed them the last time they were in the NCAA's with a better team in 2015 at MIT. They snuck by Plattsburgh playing like that but easily could have matched up with MIT had they gone at them but Bingham stuck it to them in OT as they took no chances in that game..IDK maybe it is just me but they drive me crazy because they do have the talent to take some risks but just refuse...I will say that style has been very successful in the Nescac Tournament for them but not the NCAA's as of yet
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 25, 2017, 10:44:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2017, 10:33:00 PM
LOL...They have been playing like that since Wiercinski took over....Ultra-conservative to the point of sometimes tedious play....It killed them the last time they were in the NCAA's with a better team in 2015 at MIT. They snuck by Plattsburgh playing like that but easily could have matched up with MIT had they gone at them but Bingham stuck it to them in OT as they took no chances in that game..IDK maybe it is just me but they drive me crazy because they do have the talent to take some risks but just refuse...I will say that style has been very successful in the Nescac Tournament for them but not the NCAA's as of yet

It just seemed to me that the Tufts game was a freebie, in which they could have thrown caution to the wind with no repercussions if it didn't go well and a huge reward if it did.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 26, 2017, 07:51:13 AM


[/quote]


LOL...They have been playing like that since Wiercinski took over....Ultra-conservative to the point of sometimes tedious play....It killed them the last time they were in the NCAA's with a better team in 2015 at MIT. They snuck by Plattsburgh playing like that but easily could have matched up with MIT had they gone at them but Bingham stuck it to them in OT as they took no chances in that game..IDK maybe it is just me but they drive me crazy because they do have the talent to take some risks but just refuse...I will say that style has been very successful in the Nescac Tournament for them but not the NCAA's as of yet
[/quote]

I generally agree with your assessment Mr. Right.  Wiercinski seems to take a conservative approach that protects against the downside but does little to generate much in the way of an attacking and goal scoring threat.  Other than freshman winger Byrd, Bowdoin doesn't appear to have any real threatening attacking players in the final third, but they do have the overall skill and athleticism to be a more effective attacking team if they chose to do so.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 26, 2017, 12:47:17 PM
Interestingly for the NESCAC Tournament matches, I think Bowdoin might be the only team Williams can beat since they hardly score any goals. This game will be a 1-0 or even a 0-0 game in my estimation. Williams could get  lucky in this one. I don't think they deserve it and their midfield gives the ball away far too often, but Bowdoin doesn't really look to capitalize.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 26, 2017, 02:22:50 PM
That said and acknowledged, it doesn't appear that Williams's defending has been all that reliable so far this season...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2017, 07:44:32 AM
Nescac Playoff Predictions:

With all 4 games at varying times it will be possible to catch all 4 except if the Conn stream is behind the goal again forget it. Just a horrible stream at Conn.

Williams at Bowdoin----Nescac 11 feels this is the only team Williams can beat because Bowdoin does not score goals. I would tend to agree except for the fact that Williams does not score any goals either. Williams has been shutout in 2 straight games v Tufts and at Midd. 180 minutes and nothing to show for it. With those 2 losses Williams will have to make a deep run and get Wins not Draws and advance. Bowdoin has also been held scoreless at Conn and at Tufts. Both teams have been extra cautious in their play and it makes for somewhat boring viewing. Williams in the past would never play so cautious so it can be frustrating to watch. Bowdoin you know what you are getting before you tune in. Bowdoin has 3 ranked wins and are ranked pretty high in New England so they look to be in good shape UNLESS they lose this game. If they were to lose they would be smack dab on the bubble so they control their own destiny here. These two teams actually match up pretty well and since they both keep their wingbacks home and really only attack with 4 and maybe 5 it will be another low scoring game. Bowdoin has showed very well at Home this year but I see this one heading to PK's where Bowdoin can rely on Van Siclien. Williams GK Schneiderman made a terrible error in the Midd game and it could be said he should of had the Tufts goal as well. Not a good time to be making critical mistakes.
0-0 Bowdoin on PK's

Hamilton at Amherst----These two teams played an entertaining scoreless draw in Clinton,NY 3 weeks ago. I thought Hamilton showed well in that game and despite Amherst advantage in height and physicality Hamilton stayed strong throughout the game. They failed to show up defensively at Oneonta midweek and frankly have been awful on the road this year besides a win at Bowdoin where they held on 2nd half. I like Hamilton and they have some good pieces and are talented and athletic enough to hang with Amherst BUT Amherst narrow field will be a HUGE advantage for Amherst in the air. If Hamilton can deal with Amherst set pieces and long throws they will stay in the game. I just do not trust their backs as previously stated their CB Lichtman and wingback Kastilahn have both made horrific errors to cost them games. It is advance or go home so Hamilton will come out ready but Amherst has been playing very well the past 2 weeks and have not lost since the Colby game. I am tempted to go for the upset as if Hamilton can play Amherst the same way they did 3 weeks ago and can play with the same guts that Trinity showed on Wednesday against Amherst they will be right in this game. However, I just cannot ignore matchups and Hamilton's tendency to not be focused for 90 especially in the back. Amherst rolls..Amherst 3-1

Midd at Conn-----All of a sudden Conn looks to be on the Pool C Bubble especially with its inexcusable Home loss to Wesleyan. They must win this game or find a way to advance. In fact the same goes for Midd. The loser of this game will be in trouble especially Middlebury as they also must advance to snag a Pool C. I was impressed with Midd's win v Williams and if they come out and play with the same intensity and workmanlike attitude in this game they will be in good shape..O'Grady was the engine that could in the game as he busted all game. All that being said they still lack scoring prowess but Goulart is talented enough to get a goal and the Frosh Reid impressed me as he has the physical tools to be a good striker. I am not sure how skilled he is but he got into dangerous areas in the Williams game but did not finish. Not sure what to make of Conn as they could be coming back down to earth at just the wrong time. This is Saward's swan song and he usually gets his teams ready in games like this. It is hard to beat the same team twice in a season and even without the Home Field advantage I think Midd gets this game and moves on. Midd 1-0 OT

Bates at Tufts----Bates coming off an exciting season saving goal in the 109th minutes to end Colby's season. Bates played Tufts well just a few weeks ago up in Lewiston as an 85th minute goal gave Tufts the victory. They should be used to the turf as they have played some Home games on the Turf. Tufts keeps rolling along but have only 2 goals in their last 3 Nescac games. They play very well at Home and allow their opponent absolutely nothing going forward. I do not see Bates getting many dangerous chances in this game so the chances they get the must capitalize on at least 1 of them. That will be a tall task especially against Tufts. Tufts also struggles to score so if Bates sits very compact in a 4-2-3-1 like they did v Colby in a block of 6 and then let their attacking 4 the freedom to attack without defending that should be a good plan. The problem is Tufts is better than Bates in the same system. Somehow someway Tufts always finds the goal that they need to win a game. I would like just for once to see a team TEST TUFTS GK's. As the season moves into November Tufts will find itself needing a goal late in a game and they do not have the player to get them that goal IMO. But that thought will come back to me in a few weeks when the NCAA's start and it really will not be a problem in this game. Tufts will be to much in this game and will want to Host the Nescac Championship on their turf field for the 1st time ever. Tufts 2-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 27, 2017, 11:30:45 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 26, 2017, 02:22:50 PM
That said and acknowledged, it doesn't appear that Williams's defending has been all that reliable so far this season...

Not perfect but no 2 goal games and giving up .5 goals a game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 27, 2017, 12:18:39 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 27, 2017, 07:44:32 AM
Nescac Playoff Predictions:

Hamilton at Amherst----These two teams played an entertaining scoreless draw in Clinton,NY 3 weeks ago. I thought Hamilton showed well in that game and despite Amherst advantage in height and physicality Hamilton stayed strong throughout the game. They failed to show up defensively at Oneonta midweek and frankly have been awful on the road this year besides a win at Bowdoin where they held on 2nd half. I like Hamilton and they have some good pieces and are talented and athletic enough to hang with Amherst BUT Amherst narrow field will be a HUGE advantage for Amherst in the air. If Hamilton can deal with Amherst set pieces and long throws they will stay in the game. I just do not trust their backs as previously stated their CB Lichtman and wingback Kastilahn have both made horrific errors to cost them games. It is advance or go home so Hamilton will come out ready but Amherst has been playing very well the past 2 weeks and have not lost since the Colby game. I am tempted to go for the upset as if Hamilton can play Amherst the same way they did 3 weeks ago and can play with the same guts that Trinity showed on Wednesday against Amherst they will be right in this game. However, I just cannot ignore matchups and Hamilton's tendency to not be focused for 90 especially in the back. Amherst rolls..Amherst 3-1


Assuming Amherst holds serve vs. Hamilton and Tufts holds serve vs. Bates, and thus Tufts goes on to host the NESCAC semis and finals, I'm guessing Tufts's field is full size?  If so, that would presumably negate some of Amherst's uniquely narrow home field advantage if/when they get to Medford...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 27, 2017, 12:57:32 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 27, 2017, 12:18:39 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 27, 2017, 07:44:32 AM
Nescac Playoff Predictions:

Hamilton at Amherst----These two teams played an entertaining scoreless draw in Clinton,NY 3 weeks ago. I thought Hamilton showed well in that game and despite Amherst advantage in height and physicality Hamilton stayed strong throughout the game. They failed to show up defensively at Oneonta midweek and frankly have been awful on the road this year besides a win at Bowdoin where they held on 2nd half. I like Hamilton and they have some good pieces and are talented and athletic enough to hang with Amherst BUT Amherst narrow field will be a HUGE advantage for Amherst in the air. If Hamilton can deal with Amherst set pieces and long throws they will stay in the game. I just do not trust their backs as previously stated their CB Lichtman and wingback Kastilahn have both made horrific errors to cost them games. It is advance or go home so Hamilton will come out ready but Amherst has been playing very well the past 2 weeks and have not lost since the Colby game. I am tempted to go for the upset as if Hamilton can play Amherst the same way they did 3 weeks ago and can play with the same guts that Trinity showed on Wednesday against Amherst they will be right in this game. However, I just cannot ignore matchups and Hamilton's tendency to not be focused for 90 especially in the back. Amherst rolls..Amherst 3-1


Assuming Amherst holds serve vs. Hamilton and Tufts holds serve vs. Bates, and thus Tufts goes on to host the NESCAC semis and finals, I'm guessing Tufts's field is full size?  If so, that would presumably negate some of Amherst's uniquely narrow home field advantage if/when they get to Medford...

Nothing will stop/slow Amherst's long-throwing tactic.  That is how they play this year.  And the long-thrower's flip throw can go 50 yards, so no field will prevent it.

I should amend the above to state that perhaps a fenced-in field that prevents the run up and flip will be a deterrent.  That may be the case at Bello (Tufts).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 27, 2017, 03:07:34 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 27, 2017, 12:57:32 PM
Nothing will stop/slow Amherst's long-throwing tactic.  That is how they play this year.  And the long-thrower's flip throw can go 50 yards, so no field will prevent it.

I should amend the above to state that perhaps a fenced-in field that prevents the run up and flip will be a deterrent.  That may be the case at Bello (Tufts).

Also, you can't really change the lines on a turf field. Then again, it would be really funny if Tufts decided to go back to Kraft for old times' sake and redo the lines, say, 90 x 120...haha...there must be a rule against that (my recollection is that 80 x 120 is max). Do we have lawyers on here (we must)?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: just4kix on October 27, 2017, 04:20:00 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 27, 2017, 03:07:34 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 27, 2017, 12:57:32 PM
Nothing will stop/slow Amherst's long-throwing tactic.  That is how they play this year.  And the long-thrower's flip throw can go 50 yards, so no field will prevent it.

I should amend the above to state that perhaps a fenced-in field that prevents the run up and flip will be a deterrent.  That may be the case at Bello (Tufts).

Also, you can't really change the lines on a turf field. Then again, it would be really funny if Tufts decided to go back to Kraft for old times' sake and redo the lines, say, 90 x 120...haha...there must be a rule against that (my recollection is that 80 x 120 is max). Do we have lawyers on here (we must)?

I wouldn't get the lawyers involved just yet.  Have we not learned that #1 vs #2 is the least likely matchup?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 27, 2017, 04:35:21 PM
Quote from: just4kix on October 27, 2017, 04:20:00 PM
I wouldn't get the lawyers involved just yet.  Have we not learned that #1 vs #2 is the least likely matchup?

Of course it is unlikely, but it's still more likely than me knowing more about field dimensions than a lawyer (or anyone who has read the rule book). ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 27, 2017, 04:51:05 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 27, 2017, 03:07:34 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 27, 2017, 12:57:32 PM
Nothing will stop/slow Amherst's long-throwing tactic.  That is how they play this year.  And the long-thrower's flip throw can go 50 yards, so no field will prevent it.

I should amend the above to state that perhaps a fenced-in field that prevents the run up and flip will be a deterrent.  That may be the case at Bello (Tufts).

Also, you can't really change the lines on a turf field. Then again, it would be really funny if Tufts decided to go back to Kraft for old times' sake and redo the lines, say, 90 x 120...haha...there must be a rule against that (my recollection is that 80 x 120 is max). Do we have lawyers on here (we must)?

I would admit to being a lawyer, but that would probably get me a bunch of negative karma!   :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 27, 2017, 04:53:55 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 27, 2017, 04:51:05 PM
I would admit to being a lawyer, but that would probably get me a bunch of negative karma!   :o

+K for honesty (and humor).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: just4kix on October 27, 2017, 05:06:15 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 27, 2017, 04:35:21 PM
Quote from: just4kix on October 27, 2017, 04:20:00 PM
I wouldn't get the lawyers involved just yet.  Have we not learned that #1 vs #2 is the least likely matchup?

Of course it is unlikely, but it's still more likely than me knowing more about field dimensions than a lawyer (or anyone who has read the rule book). ;)

I haven't read the rule book, but I will be first in line to testify under oath that there is no maximum field width.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 27, 2017, 08:51:39 PM
I'm not a lawyer, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.


From the 2016 and 2017 NCAA Soccer Rules (http://www.d3soccer.com/ncaa-publications/2017/2016-2017-NCAA-Soccer-Rules.pdf), page 8:

QuoteRULE 1

The Field of Play
__________________________________________________________

1.1 Dimensions
1.1.1 The field of play shall be rectangular, with a length of 115-120 yards and
a width of 70-75 yards.
     Facilities used as a college soccer field before 1995 need only to be
     rectangular, the width of which shall not exceed the length. Resurfacing the
     playing field does not change this exemption.
Note 1: The optimum size is 75 by 120 yards.
Note 2: It is the responsibility of the home team to notify the visiting team, before the
date of the game, of any changes in the field dimensions (for example, greater or less
than minimal requirements), playing surface (for example, from grass to artificial or
vice versa) or location of the playing site.
Note 3: A team is not required to play on a field that is not in compliance with the
rules. However, the teams can agree to play the game by mutual consent. A team that
agrees to play on a field that is not in compliance waives the right to protest that issue.
It is recommended that teams agree on any changes in facility issues before confirming
contests or signing game contracts.
PENALTY—The game shall not begin and the referee shall file a report with
the governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)


From the 2017 NCAA Division III Soccer Pre-Championships Manual (http://www.d3soccer.com/ncaa-publications/2017/2017-NCAA-Division-III-Soccer_Pre-Championships-Manual.pdf), page 23:
QuoteSection 2•6  Site Selection
____________________________________________________________

CRITERIA
The Division III Championships Committee has prioritized the following site-selection criteria for all championships:
1. Quality and availability of the facility and other necessary accommodations;
2. Geographical location (which may include such factors as rotation of sites, weather, accessibility and transportation
costs);
3. Seeding; and
4. Attendance history and revenue potential, which shall be considered necessary to assure fiscal responsibility.
In addition, the soccer committees include the following site-selection deliberations:
● Hosts for all rounds of the championship must have the ability to charge admission;
● Preference is given to grass/grass-like surfaces;
● Preference is given to playing surfaces 70 yards x 115 yards or larger. The minimum field size is 65 yards x 110 yards;*
● Hosts must be able to establish a barrier to separate the spectators from the field of play; and
● The potential host must have played the majority of its home games on the field it is submitting for consideration.

*Effective September 1, 2018, the preliminary-round hosting language will be adjusted to mirror the language from the NCAA
Soccer Rules Book. Currently, hosts are permitted to use fields with a minimum dimension of 65 yards x 110 yards. NCAA
Soccer Rule 1.1.1 says, "The field of play shall be rectangular, with a length of 115-120 yards and a width of 70-75 yards."
The preference is for fields with the dimensions in the rule book. There is an exception in the rules for facilities in use for
soccer before 1995, that they "need only to be rectangular, the width of which shall not exceed the length."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on October 28, 2017, 11:11:50 AM
Picks for today:

Williams at Bowdoin: Tough one to call. Both teams have struggled a bit towards the end of the season. Bowdoin is 5-1 at home including the 1-0 win over williams, with the only loss coming to Hamilton. Williams is actually pretty good on the road though, at 5-2-1, but none of those results came against teams as good as the Polar Bears. In this rematch of the only quarterfinal game Bowdoin has played in the last 5 years against a team whose name doesn't rhyme with "Lufts Dumbos", I'd expect a physical, defensive oriented game to start things off. Once Bowdoin settles in though, I think they're good enough to nick one. 1-0 Bowdoin

Hamilton at Amherst: I think before every Amherst game this season, I've thought "Amherst isn't really a better team than their opponent". And after the game, I've thought "wow, Amherst really stole that one". And yet they keep winning games, especially against good teams. Hamilton got a good result in Clinton, but Amherst at home is really tough to beat. They're 8-1 with wins over Bowdoin and Tufts, with the only loss coming to Midd. Hamilton should have revenge for last years finals on their mind, as they'll need everything they have to win this one. But Amherst rolls and wins it 1-0.

Midd @ Conn: Probably the most entertaining matchup of the week. These are fairly unpredictable teams, especially Midd, who seem to only get blown out or win 1-0. Though I haven't seen them play much, I'm starting to get the impression you don't want to concede the first goal to this team, but if you get the first one, they'll fall apart. O'Grady struggled at the start but has reportedly been playing well, and IMHO should be considered one of the best in the conference. Goulart has everything you could want in an attacker - size, pace, dribbling, finishing. The question is about what's around them. Conn, on the other hand, was great at home, winning all 6 of their matches there until this week, when they drew Bowdoin and lost to Wesleyan. I've been impressed with their hustle and physicality across much of their lineup, which they definitely lacked in previous years. Their keeper is also a massive upgrade - 2nd best in the conference behind Van Siclen, who might only edge him out due to experience. However, their center back's are major question marks and were consistently exposed by balls in behind and poor decisions passing out of the back this week. I don't know if Midd is the team that will take advantage of that weakness, but it'll be tough for them to get past the semis. But going back to Midd's pattern of play, I really only need to bet on who scores first. I'll take the 3rd option and say Conn takes it in PKs, with the freshman GK coming up huge.

Bates at Tufts: Is this the year Tufts finally squashes it's NESCAC tournament demons? They avoid drawing their Kryptonite Bowdoin, and I think Shapiro is probably thankful to be playing the Bobcats rather than the Mules. Colby's size, athleticism and ability to sit deep and absorb pressure are the style of play that tend to trouble the Jumbos. Bates definitely has a bit bit more going forward with Opoku and Merchant, but can they keep Tufts off the score sheet? It seems unlikely, especially with no previous tournament experience for Bates. In this NESCAC quarter-final matchup of Tufts with a Maine school whose name begins with a B, Tufts finally gets the win 2-0.



Well, looks like I predicted every favorite to win. Seems unlikely, but this is the NESCAC - anything can happen.  ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on October 28, 2017, 11:42:36 AM
Time for some hot takes to be called out! Back at the beginning of the season, some serious predictions were made with lots on the line for everyone involved... and now we finally get to see how everyone did!


Quote from: cac.aholic1 on September 06, 2017, 08:54:22 PM
Group 1: The Favourite
Tufts

Group 2: The Contenders
Amherst
Bowdoin

Group 3: The Question Marks
Hamilton
Williams
Middlebury

Group 4: One of These Teams Won't Make Playoffs
Trinity
Welseyan
Conn

Group 5: Relegation Candidates
Bates
Colby

I did pretty well, if I do say so myself. Though I also took the easy way out and predicted by group instead of by number. Breaking it down:



Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2017, 11:55:08 AM
Mr. Right:

1. Bowdoin
2. Tufts
3. Amherst
4. Williams
5. Wesleyan
6. Hamilton
7. Midd
8. Trinity
9. Conn
10. Colby
11. Bates

Mr. Right missed on Bowdoin (though only by about 3 inches when they hit the bar in OT on Tuesday), nailed Tufts and Amherst, and like me overestimated Wesleyan and Trinity while underestimating Conn and Colby. We actually had very similar predictions lol. Call it a tie - I think we both did pretty well.

If anyone else made predictions let me know and I'll find them and post with commentary. Did anyone beat top pundits Mr. R and I?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 12:45:18 PM
Bowdoin and Williams 0-0 about 10 minutes in..Bowdoin has pushed Ward back into CB and is keeping with Morant at holding with Stenquist. Morant at Holding Mid is just baffling to me as he is not a holding midfielder. Williams starts with Andreou back in the starting lineup for the 1st time in a long time. Should be a bonus if he is fit...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 12:47:47 PM
McColl with stellar service and Niang with a nice header that goes inches wide. Schneiderman's feet were stuck in the ground on that one
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 12:58:59 PM
McColl another fantastic serve off a corner that Morant missed just wide..That is a strength for bowdoin having Morant out there but he is way to slooww to be in midfield IMO
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 01:04:21 PM
Williams with a great chance off a nicely played corner by Ranieri and Muellers with a fantastic header that also goes just wide..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 01:12:33 PM
Amherst gets another break as Amherst homer Ed Shea is in the middle today...That guy should NEVER ref an Amherst game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 01:20:00 PM
Williams hits the crossbar off a header off a corner..Halftime Williams and Bowdoin 0-0..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 01:21:29 PM
Nice goal by Amherst Derby off a feed from Hlinomaz..This kid Derby is scoring goals like mad the past 2 weeks..1-0 Amherst about 10 minutes in...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 28, 2017, 01:23:16 PM
Cac.aholic1, as an ardent Conn supporter, I have to disagree with the "I've been impressed with their hustle and physicality across much of their lineup, which they definitely lacked in previous years." That is absolutely false. This is one of the youngest Conn team's in ages. I think this year's team has the least hustle and physicality in awhile,  especially compared to those Conn teams from 2014 and 2015. Yes, Conn has exceeded my expectations from them but I think we can all agree that this isn't the same league it once was. Murphy's teams have always been known for hustle and physicality, that's one thing that will never change.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 01:26:30 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 01:12:33 PM
Amherst gets another break as Amherst homer Ed Shea is in the middle today...That guy should NEVER ref an Amherst game

LOL...Hamilton scores off a corner as the ball looked to have crossed the line and Amherst homer Eddie Shea makes no call for a goal..Unreal...This guy should NEVER be on the field for an Amherst game let alone a Men's game anymore..Guy is 30 yards behind the play and has a bum knee..Useless..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 01:28:22 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on October 28, 2017, 01:23:16 PM
Cac.aholic1, as an ardent Conn supporter, I have to disagree with the "I've been impressed with their hustle and physicality across much of their lineup, which they definitely lacked in previous years." That is absolutely false. This is one of the youngest Conn team's in ages. I think this year's team has the least hustle and physicality in awhile,  especially compared to those Conn teams from 2014 and 2015. Yes, Conn has exceeded my expectations from them but I think we can all agree that this isn't the same league it once was. Murphy's teams have always been known for hustle and physicality, that's one thing that will never change.

I do not agree as this years Conn team has plenty of hustle or they would not have the record they have as it is..They are young and lack the physicality of 2014 Conn but you cannot say they lack hustle...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 28, 2017, 01:32:33 PM
I think the record they have is due to how down the league is in general. I do believe previous  year's teams had more hustle and physicality it's just that wasn't enough to stop the Amherst, Tufts, Middlebury, etc from getting a goal and stealing games. Don't get me wrong, this Conn team probably has the most hustle in the league, I can't really think of another team that works harder, but I genuinely think that if you through this team into a previous year's league that they would struggle to finish top 8 and no one would be describing there hustle as a strength... I think people are just trying to find reasons why Conn has exceeded everyone's expectations and finished top 4 with few losses. The answer IMO is that this league is so fricken down this year. Look at how few goals have been scored.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 01:35:21 PM
Yes the league is down I agree but Conn is still winning games they never won in the past...It has to be something...Hustle? Mentality? Getting a goal when they need it? Conn NEVER had great mentality...look at all the kids that would quit every year...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 01:37:27 PM
My Bad...THEY HAVE A FRIGGIN GK for the 1st time in like EVER...I forgot about the Frosh...Conn has had VERY WEAK GKing since Murphy took over...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 01:46:15 PM
Wow..Bowdoin came out of the gates 2nd Half flying and score off a corner on a beautiful header by Levi Morant..That is his strength and I have no idea who was marking himn on Williams but he flew thru the box basically unmarked. 1-0 Bowdoin 35 min left 2nd Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 28, 2017, 02:03:29 PM
 Lol Mr. Right, I believe I've said this before, but the kids who have "quit" were going to be cut anyways due to their weak mentality, not being completely committed to the team, etc. I won't get into any more details, but trust me that those you are referring too were on their way out already. It's like quitting a job when you know you are going to be fired anyways.  Oh well, onto more important things.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 02:11:34 PM
Sisco gets a goal for Williams off a header to tie the game up at 1-1 with about 13 minutes left..Nice goal and he saves Williams season for now..Petrik did a nice job creating that goal by whizzing by Morant and keeping the ball in play. Williams playing much better now
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 02:22:05 PM
Amherst goes up 2-0 on McMillian on a break but beats Hamilton GK near post which is inexcusable. 2-0 Amherst. Then Hamilton scores off a 20 yard shot by Kastilian that Hope-Gund HAS TO SAVE...2 goals on GK mistakes...2-1 Amherst 35 mins left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 02:25:24 PM
Bowdoin with a minute left had an absolute SITTER but MacMillan hits it wide...gotta score there...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 02:33:10 PM
Hamilton ties the game 2-2 off a MASSIVE GK Error on Hope-Gund who came charging out of his net but was to slow to the ball and Wood had the speed to get to the ball and tackles Hope-Gund 35 yards out and scores after the tackle...Hamilton all over Amherst now as they almost got a 3rd...


I will give Wood credit he slotted that goal with his left...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 02:35:59 PM
I must say a great crowd at Bowdoin today...Looks like the Ainscough days when they would easily draw 700
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 02:40:31 PM
Bowdoin and Williams heading to a 2nd OT...1-1...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 02:44:39 PM
I cannot stop watching Hamilton at Amherst and am being rewarded with 5 goals...3-2 Hamilton on a crafty move by Schmidt and a nice run and goal by Wood...Hamilton leads 3-2 with about 15 minutes left..Hamilton with some serious GUTS to go down 2-0 at Amherst and get the next 3..Let's see if they can hold on..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 02:47:00 PM
The answer is Hamilton cannot hold on....Amherst scores off a nice hit on a set piece by Amherst Coleman...3-3 12 min left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 02:56:49 PM
I JUST CANNOT BELIEVE this....Hamilton 4-3 as Wood gets a Hat Trick off another GK'ing error by Hope-Gund...This Hope-Gund is a COMPLETE HOT MESS...Please Sub this kid OUT...Owen would be much better at this point..A harmless cross that he goes for and I guess trips but he bobbles the ball and Wood pounces...5 min left...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 02:59:09 PM
Williams and Bowdoin heading to PK's...

I still am shocked at Amherst GK'ing...A 14 year old would have gotten that cross that led to Wood's goal...I really feel bad for this Hope-Gund..He is going to need a hug as he has obviously NO CONFIDENCE right now
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 28, 2017, 03:03:34 PM
What a win by Hamilton!!!

Every other team must be licking their lips because their chances of getting the AQ just got significantly better.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 03:06:52 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on October 28, 2017, 03:03:34 PM
What a win by Hamilton!!!

Every other team must be licking their lips because their chances of getting the AQ just got significantly better.

Why? Hamilton has played very well all year and Amherst showed why they have been overrated all year...That is a ridiculous statement after watching what Amherst GK just did today...-K
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 03:12:16 PM
Bowdoin ends Williams season as they advance in PK's....Williams has just fallen apart to end the year s losses to Tufts and Midd plus a draw here and they finish at 8-3-5. Sullivan really needs to turn this ship around as he has failed to make the Nescac Semi's in all 3 of his years not to mention not even making an NCAA appearance. Just frustrating and Williams needs to go back to an all out attack taking chances and sending guys forward on the counter. This outfit is frankly just boring to watch. I had to watch the Hamilton and Amherst game instead..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 28, 2017, 03:21:10 PM
Halftime entertainment in Meffid: Tufts vs. Middlebury quidditch match
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 03:49:08 PM
Tufts leads Bates 1-0 and us watching the stream HAVE to put up with this announcer that constantly tells us about playing lax at Bates and just does not take a breath....seriously I do not think he takes a breath...constant talking.....until his double duty of being the PA guy announcing subs an goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 03:50:47 PM
Midd an Conn heading to OT..0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 28, 2017, 03:52:15 PM
/quote/
They have been playing like that since Wiercinski took over....Ultra-conservative to the point of sometimes tedious play....It killed them the last time they were in the NCAA's with a better team in 2015 at MIT. They snuck by Plattsburgh playing like that but easily could have matched up with MIT had they gone at them but Bingham stuck it to them in OT as they took no chances in that game..IDK maybe it is just me but they drive me crazy because they do have the talent to take some risks but just refuse...I will say that style has been very successful in the Nescac Tournament for them but not the NCAA's as of yet
[/quote]

I generally agree with your assessment Mr. Right.  Wiercinski seems to take a conservative approach that protects against the downside but does little to generate much in the way of an attacking and goal scoring threat.  Other than freshman winger Byrd, Bowdoin doesn't appear to have any real threatening attacking players in the final third, but they do have the overall skill and athleticism to be a more effective attacking team if they chose to do so.
[/quote]

I have not seen all of their games, but I have watched quite a few.  I thought they started taking some real risks involving their backline, starting in about midseason.  THey started playing the whole back line very high, (as opposed to sitting very deep, which they had been doing) and having a wing, or both wings, constantly overlapping and also having their CBs overlap.  It made a big difference in terms of generating offense.   But, it also burned them a couple of times on transitions if they lagged in recovering.  There were a lot of times that they only had two defenders at home, and there were occasions when it was just one alone.   It definitely helped them create opportunities, but... it also created a couple of goals against, too.    WHen they are playing a team that they are "afraid" of, they tend not to take the risks.   I suppose that a tie with Tufts is better than losing to Tufts, if it comes down to a Pool C bid?   But, again, what do I know; I can't pretend I understand the rankings system at all.  lol   

On related note:    I figured that they moved Morant back so that they would have another offensively-minded presence in back and to support the offense without exposing the back so much.   I thought it was smart.   ( I realize that Mr. Right does not care for Morant as a DM, but... it makes sense to me to move NIang up front and move Morant back.  Morant is more technical, sees the field well, and he tackles with his body. And... he was not really finishing up front.  Niang is big, fast, and can get his head on the ball; he had a lot of goals last year when he had someone to play him the ball.  Also, he is a little slow sometimes in getting up and down the field, where as Morant has that work ethic to go full field.  So... why not move Niang up top and pull Morant back to play DM, especially when they seem to  be planning to include their defense to participate in the attack anyway.)      Anyway -- I liked Morant as a DM today.  I thought he was very effective.
Although certainly the backline continued to overlap (which did expose them a couple of times on quick transitions, esp late in the second half...)  So, maybe I was wrong in my suppositions about the Bowdoin intent, and it was more about getting NIang forward than about having Morant back...     Either way, I liked him there. 

   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 04:03:26 PM
Morant is to slow to play in midfield....Pitrik the little #9 for Williams burned him and should have scored on a breakaway and also burned him and turned it eventually into a Sisco goal...HE IS NOT A midfielder...He is a striker and needs to be on the field because of his ability on set pieces...I agree move Niang up but he is not an attacking midfielder...he was giving the ball away all day..he does not have the skill to be an attacking midfielder..but Wiercinski looks to feel comfortable with both their size in midfield...


Tufts all over Bates now 3-0 after Bates gave Tufts a PK and missed the 3rd...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 04:12:42 PM
Midd beats Conn 1-0 in OT as I predicted..lol..After watching the replay it was a nice play by Goulart to send in Reid who showed his athletic prowess as he easily beat his man and was 1v1 on the GK and hit it over him..Nice goal...Reid is a natural athlete and shows he can also finish...Saward's career moves forward and likely will get a Pool C after that win but might want 1 more win just in case. Conn has like Williams just self destructed the past 2 games losing to Wesleyan and Midd...They are squarely on the bubble and most likely the wrong side of it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: wizard on October 28, 2017, 06:13:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 04:12:42 PM
Midd beats Conn 1-0 in OT as I predicted..lol..After watching the replay it was a nice play by Goulart to send in Reid who showed his athletic prowess as he easily beat his man and was 1v1 on the GK and hit it over him..Nice goal...Reid is a natural athlete and shows he can also finish...Saward's career moves forward and likely will get a Pool C after that win but might want 1 more win just in case. Conn has like Williams just self destructed the past 2 games losing to Wesleyan and Midd...They are squarely on the bubble and most likely the wrong side of it.

Mr. Right,

Why do you expect them to get a pool c bid?

Bowdoin beat Tufts 2 weeks in a row last year, including the NESCAC quarters and they didn't get a pool c.

I know you know a lot more than me about this, but the comment confuses me based on the history I've seen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 06:25:47 PM
Quote from: wizard on October 28, 2017, 06:13:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 04:12:42 PM
Midd beats Conn 1-0 in OT as I predicted..lol..After watching the replay it was a nice play by Goulart to send in Reid who showed his athletic prowess as he easily beat his man and was 1v1 on the GK and hit it over him..Nice goal...Reid is a natural athlete and shows he can also finish...Saward's career moves forward and likely will get a Pool C after that win but might want 1 more win just in case. Conn has like Williams just self destructed the past 2 games losing to Wesleyan and Midd...They are squarely on the bubble and most likely the wrong side of it.

Mr. Right,

Why do you expect them to get a pool c bid?

Bowdoin beat Tufts 2 weeks in a row last year, including the NESCAC quarters and they didn't get a pool c.

I know you know a lot more than me about this, but the comment confuses me based on the history I've seen.

Because their SOS is higher than normal because all 5 of their weak opponents all have pretty good records..Also, Conn and Williams will stay ranked even though their seasons are over. So Midd will have ranked wins v Williams, Conn and Amherst. 3 ranked wins should do be pretty good in such a down year but you are correct Bowdoin got screwed last year and midd the past 2 years so they should take nothing for granted and they will know that best. That is why if they beat Bowdoin next weekend and btw that would be another ranked win they will be in. Lets put it this way right now they are on the bubble but the right side of it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 28, 2017, 08:47:03 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 28, 2017, 03:52:15 PM

I have not seen all of their games, but I have watched quite a few.  I thought they started taking some real risks involving their backline, starting in about midseason.  THey started playing the whole back line very high, (as opposed to sitting very deep, which they had been doing) and having a wing, or both wings, constantly overlapping and also having their CBs overlap.  It made a big difference in terms of generating offense.   But, it also burned them a couple of times on transitions if they lagged in recovering.  There were a lot of times that they only had two defenders at home, and there were occasions when it was just one alone.   It definitely helped them create opportunities, but... it also created a couple of goals against, too.    WHen they are playing a team that they are "afraid" of, they tend not to take the risks.   I suppose that tying Tufts is better than losing to Tufts, if it comes down to a Pool C bid?   BUt, again, what do I know; I can't pretend I understand the rankings system at all.  lol   

On related note:    I figured that they moved Morant back so that they would have another offensively-minded presence in back and to support the offense without exposing the back so much.   I think thought it was smart.   ( I realize that Mr. Right does not care for Morant as a DM, but... it makes sense to me to move NIang up front and move Morant back.  Morant is more technical, sees the field well, and he tackles with his body. And... he was not really finishing up front.  Niang is big, fast, and can get his head on the ball; he had a lot of goals last year when he had someone to play him the ball.  Also, he is a little slow sometimes in getting up and down the field, where as Morant has that work ethic to go full field.  So... why not move Niang up top and pull Morant back to play DM, especially when they seem to  be planning to include their defense to participate in the attack anyway.)      Anyway -- I liked Morant as a DM today.  I thought he was very effective.
Although certainly the backline continued to overlap (which did expose them a couple of times on quick transitions, esp late in the second half...)  So, maybe I was wrong in my suppositions about the Bowdoin intent, and it was more about getting NIang forward than about having Morant back...     Either way, I liked him there. 

   

My addendum to Soccermom's comments and Mr. Right's comments that followed but aren't quoted here:  My wife and I are parents of a former Bowdoin player from the O'Leary era and we remain Bowdoin soccer fans.  We were at today's game.  It was a beautiful day for soccer in Brunswick, although the field was a bit slick after 4+" of rain in recent days.

I certainly haven't spectated every Bowdoin game over the last six years, but I will say this was the largest crowd I've seen since the 2010 NCAA quarterfinals, when Bowdoin beat Middlebury in the last second of the first overtime to advance to the final four.  Today's crowd was larger than Mr. Right's estimates of the Ainscough era crowds.

That said, Bowdoin was on balance the better team today and deserved to advance to the NESCAC semis.  I will also confirm that there is "proactive attacking" Bowdoin and there is "bunkered in" Bowdoin.  Both were on display today.  The moment Bowdoin got the 1-0 lead, they bunkered in and invited Williams to own two thirds of the field and continually create chances.  Big mistake...the predictable happened.  A well organized Premier League team can protect a lead.  A D3 college team with D3 skills and mentality has much more difficulty doing so.  I'd like to think this could be a lesson learned, but the past five years suggest otherwise...

Regarding some of the other observations, again I haven't watched every game and don't pretend to grasp all the details, but Levi Morant had the game of his career today.  He is not a quick player, but he consistently won 50/50s in the middle of the pitch and was a difference maker.  He played at a higher level than I've seen before.  And Niang was more potent in an advanced position.

As Mr. Right predicted, Van Siclen was the difference in PKs, getting to two.  But Schneiderman performed well and stopped one.  Impressively, all ten PKs were on frame, which is rare in a D3 game.

Now that I've watched a variety of NESCAC games this season online and in person, I agree the league is down a little bit but the better teams can probably still compete with anyone in the NCAA tournament.  There is certainly less goal scoring, but there is a defensive tenacity among the better teams that tends to wear well in the NCAAs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 28, 2017, 09:25:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 28, 2017, 04:03:26 PM
Morant is to slow to play in midfield....Pitrik the little #9 for Williams burned him and should have scored on a breakaway and also burned him and turned it eventually into a Sisco goal...HE IS NOT A midfielder...He is a striker and needs to be on the field because of his ability on set pieces...I agree move Niang up but he is not an attacking midfielder...he was giving the ball away all day..he does not have the skill to be an attacking midfielder..but Wiercinski looks to feel comfortable with both their size in midfield...


Tufts all over Bates now 3-0 after Bates gave Tufts a PK and missed the 3rd...

Yeah.  I agree about Niang.   I dont think Niang is an CAM, either.  I think he should play forward.   I actually thought he was playing as a withdrawn in the second half?  It is hard to tell because I was watching online and the angles don't show the whole field.. plus he sometimes plays out of position... but I thought he was playing as a withdrawn forward  after MacPherron came in.         

Actually... the whole Bowdoin midfield has struggled in most of the games I have seen.   
That is why I liked Morant in the middle today.  He is technical, and I thought he played smart, and stayed composed.   Having him there seems stabilizing for them.  He understands the role ... plus he doesn't make hasty "throw-away" passes, as the Bowdoin DMs sometimes do, especially when "protecting" a one-goal lead.

But, okay -- he definitely got lit up a couple of times. But I thought at least once was due to an off-ball error from someone else.  I don't believe they had someone else to put in that position who would have done better.  Bowdoin has struggled in the middle this year, at least in the games that I have seen -- a lot of the goals that Bowdoin gave up were off of  midfield errors... So...  I thought Morant really stabilized the middle for them.

I am not saying that he is a natural DM, nor that he is "ideal" for that position (maybe yes, maybe no...) but...  I for sure think that he is Bowdoin's best option for that position at this time, and I thought that he played very well today and that his presence there made a difference for them.   Certainly he did a good job of holding down the middle and linking the ball out of the back on the transition. 

And they have seemed willing to risk getting burnt lately, as they get the back involved up front to try to get their offense going.   

On another note:
I liked Sisco-Tolomeo for WIlliams a lot.  I thought he was dangerous all game.  I like Pitrick too.  He was #9, right?  He was gritty. Even grabby.   But... if the ref is letting you play, you might as well play.  It looked like he was driving Ethan Ellsworth a little nuts for a while, though.  I don't think I have watched Williams play much this season.  I probably should have watched more.  I usually end up liking those gritty teams.

IN other news... what is going to happen in Pool C, Mr. Right?  Anyone going to come through besides the NESCAC champs ?


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 28, 2017, 09:27:07 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 28, 2017, 03:21:10 PM
Halftime entertainment in Meffid: Tufts vs. Middlebury quidditch match

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D   I should have watched THAT game.  That sounds fun. lol
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 30, 2017, 10:06:40 AM
A thank you to Blooter for a tip of the cap to Bates in the Nor'Easter summary. It was a wild week, but we just ran in to a buzz-saw. At 8-6-2 and a berth in the NESCAC tournament, it was a very respectable year for the Bobcats.  It won't be easy replacing the senior leadership, but hopefully a foundation has been set to build upon.

As for the game at Tufts, not much more to say. They just make it very difficult to generate good chances as a result of both their possession and pressure all over the field.  Plus, they are starting to get healthy. Will be interesting to see how Hamilton comes at Tufts on Saturday as they always play them tough.

As far as Pool C goes and to answer Soccer Mom's question, yes NESCAC will get Pool C bids.  IMO Tufts is an absolute lock and will be ranked #1 again this week in the regional rankings.  I expect they will host at least the first weekend of the NCAA tournament.  I also think Amherst is a Pool C lock. With an 11-3-2 record and ranked wins over Tufts, Bowdoin, CC, and RUN they are in. As for Bowdoin, Midd, CC, and Williams, I agree with Mr. Right that Bowdoin is likely in. The Colby ranked win will drop off this week, but they will still be 2-1-3 against ranked teams. Midd had a huge week and now has 3 ranked wins so I think they would be next in line for NESCAC teams.  CC and Williams may very well be on the wrong side of the bubble and are likely hoping for Springfield to win the NEWMAC, and either Tufts or Bowdoin to win the NESCAC tournament.  The other factor is Brandeis, who lost to Chicago yesterday, but had a big win against Wash U on Friday.  They will most likely get a Pool C bid as well in the NE region.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 30, 2017, 12:46:26 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 28, 2017, 08:47:03 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 28, 2017, 03:52:15 PM

I have not seen all of their games, but I have watched quite a few.  I thought they started taking some real risks involving their backline, starting in about midseason.  THey started playing the whole back line very high, (as opposed to sitting very deep, which they had been doing) and having a wing, or both wings, constantly overlapping and also having their CBs overlap.  It made a big difference in terms of generating offense.   But, it also burned them a couple of times on transitions if they lagged in recovering.  There were a lot of times that they only had two defenders at home, and there were occasions when it was just one alone.   It definitely helped them create opportunities, but... it also created a couple of goals against, too.    WHen they are playing a team that they are "afraid" of, they tend not to take the risks.   I suppose that tying Tufts is better than losing to Tufts, if it comes down to a Pool C bid?   BUt, again, what do I know; I can't pretend I understand the rankings system at all.  lol   

On related note:    I figured that they moved Morant back so that they would have another offensively-minded presence in back and to support the offense without exposing the back so much.   I think thought it was smart.   ( I realize that Mr. Right does not care for Morant as a DM, but... it makes sense to me to move NIang up front and move Morant back.  Morant is more technical, sees the field well, and he tackles with his body. And... he was not really finishing up front.  Niang is big, fast, and can get his head on the ball; he had a lot of goals last year when he had someone to play him the ball.  Also, he is a little slow sometimes in getting up and down the field, where as Morant has that work ethic to go full field.  So... why not move Niang up top and pull Morant back to play DM, especially when they seem to  be planning to include their defense to participate in the attack anyway.)      Anyway -- I liked Morant as a DM today.  I thought he was very effective.
Although certainly the backline continued to overlap (which did expose them a couple of times on quick transitions, esp late in the second half...)  So, maybe I was wrong in my suppositions about the Bowdoin intent, and it was more about getting NIang forward than about having Morant back...     Either way, I liked him there. 

   

My addendum to Soccermom's comments and Mr. Right's comments that followed but aren't quoted here:  My wife and I are parents of a former Bowdoin player from the O'Leary era and we remain Bowdoin soccer fans.  We were at today's game.  It was a beautiful day for soccer in Brunswick, although the field was a bit slick after 4+" of rain in recent days.

I certainly haven't spectated every Bowdoin game over the last six years, but I will say this was the largest crowd I've seen since the 2010 NCAA quarterfinals, when Bowdoin beat Middlebury in the last second of the first overtime to advance to the final four.  Today's crowd was larger than Mr. Right's estimates of the Ainscough era crowds.

That said, Bowdoin was on balance the better team today and deserved to advance to the NESCAC semis.  I will also confirm that there is "proactive attacking" Bowdoin and there is "bunkered in" Bowdoin.  Both were on display today.  The moment Bowdoin got the 1-0 lead, they bunkered in and invited Williams to own two thirds of the field and continually create chances.  Big mistake...the predictable happened.  A well organized Premier League team can protect a lead.  A D3 college team with D3 skills and mentality has much more difficulty doing so.  I'd like to think this could be a lesson learned, but the past five years suggest otherwise...

Regarding some of the other observations, again I haven't watched every game and don't pretend to grasp all the details, but Levi Morant had the game of his career today.  He is not a quick player, but he consistently won 50/50s in the middle of the pitch and was a difference maker.  He played at a higher level than I've seen before.  And Niang was more potent in an advanced position.

As Mr. Right predicted, Van Siclen was the difference in PKs, getting to two.  But Schneiderman performed well and stopped one.  Impressively, all ten PKs were on frame, which is rare in a D3 game.

Now that I've watched a variety of NESCAC games this season online and in person, I agree the league is down a little bit but the better teams can probably still compete with anyone in the NCAA tournament.  There is certainly less goal scoring, but there is a defensive tenacity among the better teams that tends to wear well in the NCAAs.



You did a fantastic job of describing a "bunkered in" Bowdoin of which I have been describing for way to long BUT you failed to describe this "proactive attack" that you witnessed on Saturday? Please explain Bowdoin's Proactive Attack for me as I am curious and I am not trying to be a DB..I really am curious? All I saw was a team that can score on set pieces and are very good at creating chances on set pieces. They have terrific finishers and maybe the best service on set pieces in the league. Nothing wrong with that as the league has been trending this way, to my dismay, for the past 8-10 years or basically since Serpone took over Amherst and started winning doing it. Bowdoin can only score on set pieces against solid teams and that is just fact..They are just to inept in midfield and lack a creative player that can break guys down. Niang while quite possibly one of the more dangerous finishers on set pieces cant break anyone down 2v1 let alone 1v1...I saw a ton of giveaway's by him against Williams in which if you had a player that could thread the needle would have given Bowdoin's strikers a serious look in that game. That is why i wondered why not try this Frosh Byrd in that role? Yes he is maybe to slight and would get knocked off the ball but you could say the same thing about Williams #9 Petrik and he caused a bit of havoc against Bowdoin in that game. While Byrd is better on the flank for now and is a good 1v1 player I do not think at least right now he is quite as good as Petrik. Also, I agree that Morant had a nice goal and played well but as you start moving forward and seeing teams with way more skill in midfield his warts will show defensively. Stenquist cannot possibly be expected to do his work and Morant's against quicker skilled players? That is why I liked when Wiercinski moved Ward back into midfield 2 weeks ago but he is to steady in the back this late in the season to move him now. I am not bashing Bowdoin as I picked them to win the league but they do not have a proactive attack.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 30, 2017, 01:23:16 PM
As for Amherst you are correct they are a Pool C lock and now have 2 weeks off which could be helpful. They just have a major question mark in net at this point. They have 4 GK's that have all started this year. This is pure speculation but I am sure Serpone will get an earful from his captains and seniors about who they want in net going forward to give them the best chance to win. Serpone does not need to hear that from them as he has most likely been thinking about this the past 48 hours as well with his staff. There is just no way you can stick Hope-Gund back in net after that performance. His confidence is shot and more importantly his teammates confidence with him in net right now is also shot. After the final goal that Hamilton scored you could just see on the stream his teammates were in disbelief with what happened 2nd Half and rightly so. My guess and IT IS ONLY A GUESS but the seniors will want Owen back in net. He would not be my answer and has his own weaknesses and I am assuming he has already had a chat with Serpone over a month ago on how they are going to go in a different direction BUT where do you turn? Dunne was a HIGHLY touted GK out of Chicago and was supposed to be Bull's replacement. I have no idea what has happened there. The other Frosh I have not seen as much so I really do not know. It will be interesting to see if Amherst gets to host in the 1st / 2nd round..I think they would still have a shot but against some decent competition not one of these 1st round cakewalks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on October 30, 2017, 02:39:20 PM

[/quote]
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 30, 2017, 01:23:16 PM
As for Amherst you are correct they are a Pool C lock and now have 2 weeks off which could be helpful. They just have a major question mark in net at this point. They have 4 GK's that have all started this year. This is pure speculation but I am sure Serpone will get an earful from his captains and seniors about who they want in net going forward to give them the best chance to win. Serpone does not need to hear that from them as he has most likely been thinking about this the past 48 hours as well with his staff. There is just no way you can stick Hope-Gund back in net after that performance. His confidence is shot and more importantly his teammates confidence with him in net right now is also shot. After the final goal that Hamilton scored you could just see on the stream his teammates were in disbelief with what happened 2nd Half and rightly so. My guess and IT IS ONLY A GUESS but the seniors will want Owen back in net. He would not be my answer and has his own weaknesses and I am assuming he has already had a chat with Serpone over a month ago on how they are going to go in a different direction BUT where do you turn? Dunne was a HIGHLY touted GK out of Chicago and was supposed to be Bull's replacement. I have no idea what has happened there. The other Frosh I have not seen as much so I really do not know. It will be interesting to see if Amherst gets to host in the 1st / 2nd round..I think they would still have a shot but against some decent competition not one of these 1st round cakewalks.

Slightly different take.  Amherst were almost lucky to be in that game.  Hope-Gund made a few reads to cut off deep balls and two saves that can only be called spectacular.  The read on the 2nd goal was silly -- he had two defenders who were capable of cleaning that up no need to wander that far.  The 4th goal was a total scramble and the Hamilton player just overpowered through.  I think Amherst was pretty much a mess across the entire back 5.  Truly without the ref and Hope-Gund it could have been worse.  I don't expect we will see 4 goals vs Amherst again.

On your Ref comment from Sat, I couldn't agree more.

To be fair I am a Williams supporter so I am a bit biased but I'm not sure I've ever seen a game with the ref so completely on one side.  I probably have but at 65 the memory fades.  The Hamilton side were going nuts and Serpone said nothing.  When is the last time Serpone and company didn't get on the ref?  Tells you all you need to know.   That guy should never ever ref another Amherst game. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 30, 2017, 04:09:24 PM
Wow it is amazing to me how two people watching the same game can come to such a different conclusion. So in your opinion Hope-Gund SAVED them...Well you were there and I was watching on the stream but I must say I am shocked at this assessment. Yes their defense did not have their best game of the year but I just cannot tell you how much I disagree..1st goal by Hamilton's Kastilahn I suppose a defender should have closed him faster BUT it was a 25 yard shot from an almost impossible angle to score on at the college level. A GK MUST SAVE THAT. 2nd goal was a complete hot mess.Hope-Gund charged out of his net 30-35 yards to clear a ball that his defender could have cleared. He must not have gotten the scouting report on Wood's speed because once he saw Hope-Gund come he got on his horse and flat out got there in plenty of time, tackled Hope-Gund, got to the ball and slotted with his left. 3rd goal was not his fault as it was a nice turn by Schmidt and a great off the ball run by Wood and feed by Schmidt and a perfect finish by Wood. 4th goal was a scrum like u said BUT remember the GK can use his hands not the other players and he needs to BE DIVING ON THAT BALL not stumbling on the field, being indecisive on the play meaning he did not know whether to come or stay home and he decided to come only way to late and he just flat out missed the ball..I mean he could make 3 or 4 game saving changes which I must say I did not see but I was kinda flicking back and forth to the Williams game but a coach who was not a GK will always focus on a GK's mistakes not his great saves. Serpone was a GK so maybe I could be wrong but if he benched Owen after the 1st Half of Williams for a hesitant decision then surely he is benching this kid..I will be the 1st to admit to you if I am wrong because it is quite possible he has no other options but I find that really hard to believe.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 30, 2017, 07:54:52 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 30, 2017, 12:46:26 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 28, 2017, 08:47:03 PM


My addendum to Soccermom's comments and Mr. Right's comments that followed but aren't quoted here:  My wife and I are parents of a former Bowdoin player from the O'Leary era and we remain Bowdoin soccer fans.  We were at today's game.  It was a beautiful day for soccer in Brunswick, although the field was a bit slick after 4+" of rain in recent days.

I certainly haven't spectated every Bowdoin game over the last six years, but I will say this was the largest crowd I've seen since the 2010 NCAA quarterfinals, when Bowdoin beat Middlebury in the last second of the first overtime to advance to the final four.  Today's crowd was larger than Mr. Right's estimates of the Ainscough era crowds.

That said, Bowdoin was on balance the better team today and deserved to advance to the NESCAC semis.  I will also confirm that there is "proactive attacking" Bowdoin and there is "bunkered in" Bowdoin.  Both were on display today.  The moment Bowdoin got the 1-0 lead, they bunkered in and invited Williams to own two thirds of the field and continually create chances.  Big mistake...the predictable happened.  A well organized Premier League team can protect a lead.  A D3 college team with D3 skills and mentality has much more difficulty doing so.  I'd like to think this could be a lesson learned, but the past five years suggest otherwise...

Regarding some of the other observations, again I haven't watched every game and don't pretend to grasp all the details, but Levi Morant had the game of his career today.  He is not a quick player, but he consistently won 50/50s in the middle of the pitch and was a difference maker.  He played at a higher level than I've seen before.  And Niang was more potent in an advanced position.

As Mr. Right predicted, Van Siclen was the difference in PKs, getting to two.  But Schneiderman performed well and stopped one.  Impressively, all ten PKs were on frame, which is rare in a D3 game.

Now that I've watched a variety of NESCAC games this season online and in person, I agree the league is down a little bit but the better teams can probably still compete with anyone in the NCAA tournament.  There is certainly less goal scoring, but there is a defensive tenacity among the better teams that tends to wear well in the NCAAs.



You did a fantastic job of describing a "bunkered in" Bowdoin of which I have been describing for way to long BUT you failed to describe this "proactive attack" that you witnessed on Saturday? Please explain Bowdoin's Proactive Attack for me as I am curious and I am not trying to be a DB..I really am curious? All I saw was a team that can score on set pieces and are very good at creating chances on set pieces. They have terrific finishers and maybe the best service on set pieces in the league. Nothing wrong with that as the league has been trending this way, to my dismay, for the past 8-10 years or basically since Serpone took over Amherst and started winning doing it. Bowdoin can only score on set pieces against solid teams and that is just fact..They are just to inept in midfield and lack a creative player that can break guys down. Niang while quite possibly one of the more dangerous finishers on set pieces cant break anyone down 2v1 let alone 1v1...I saw a ton of giveaway's by him against Williams in which if you had a player that could thread the needle would have given Bowdoin's strikers a serious look in that game. That is why i wondered why not try this Frosh Byrd in that role? Yes he is maybe to slight and would get knocked off the ball but you could say the same thing about Williams #9 Petrik and he caused a bit of havoc against Bowdoin in that game. While Byrd is better on the flank for now and is a good 1v1 player I do not think at least right now he is quite as good as Petrik. Also, I agree that Morant had a nice goal and played well but as you start moving forward and seeing teams with way more skill in midfield his warts will show defensively. Stenquist cannot possibly be expected to do his work and Morant's against quicker skilled players? That is why I liked when Wiercinski moved Ward back into midfield 2 weeks ago but he is to steady in the back this late in the season to move him now. I am not bashing Bowdoin as I picked them to win the league but they do not have a proactive attack.


Please explain Bowdoin's Proactive Attack for me as I am curious and I am not trying to be a DB..I really am curious?

That is what I have been talking about -- there IS an attacking Bowdoin.  Their whole back line sits at midfield and they send at least two and occasionally three of them up into the attacking third.  That started a few games in and was hit-or-miss for a while, but... you can see when they started it, because they went from very few shots to taking LOTS of shots.    Once they started doing that, they have had a much more solid offense.  They still can't SCORE because they still have no finishers.   But... They certainly DO attack...  I mean... look at their stats... they possess the ball, they move it through the other team well, and they take TONS of shots.   Goodness gracious... I watched a game where they had about 30+ shots.  Only one goal.   THat has to do with finishing problems.   

They DID have an attacking problem, where the midfield struggled and the offense could not shoot the ball, but they fixed it by using their back four to move the ball through the midfield and pushed the midfield and their OBs up to help the forwards. And when the backs keep everyone pushed up and overlap, they have tons of offense... the forwards still can't finish... but they have tons of offense.  So... this is why I think they keep changing their line-up.  I think that they figure they have their offense problem pretty much solved, but they still have not found their finisher.


They are just to inept in midfield and lack a creative player that can break guys down.

Again, at the risk of beating a dead horse... this is why I love the Bowdoin back line so much.  Ward and Bubb are incredibly creative;  they are great at reading the field, and they have taken players on frequently, ever since Bowdoin started with the overlapping strategy...    In this last game, Bubb carried from just above the 18 all the way into the attacking third for Williams. He tore everyone up through the entire middle of the field.   And that was not a one-time thing; in fact...  I really did not think he had a terrific game, overall.  He has certainly played better than he did this past weekend (In fact, when he is "on," I think he is fantastic... but he also can have some "down" games, now and then, too. And the Williams game was one. But even in a down game like Saturday, he seems to be able to cut them up through the middle, when he chooses to go.  Ward overlaps more often than Bubb does. Ward is not flashy, but is definitely more consistent and whenever he goes forward, he definitely creates opportunities up front.  He sees the field and reads the play and he is great with his distribution.  And you dont worry about his speed because he is so darn smart and reads the play so well, that he always seems tp be where he needs to be.   But that is not all... besides those two, they still they have McColl who will pretty much ALWAYS go.  McColl has the pace to go full field and can carry through traffic.  And... he is dangerous with the wall-passes, all the way up the left flank.  Then there are those times when one or both OBs and one of the CBs will all go at once...  And then there is usually some pretty fun offense...  It does expose them in the back though.  But it is usually pretty fun soccer up front when the back decides to get involved.  They don't always do it, though; sometimes they seem to be risk-averse and choose to stay home and bunker down and just "clear."   And that is when Bowdoin usually starts having trouble.  Then the midfield drops in and they all end up sitting in the box and just getting pounded. So, a better midfield solution would be good.  But... It is not like one can say that Bowdoin has no creativity or that they don't have anyone who can break down players in 1v1 situations. 



But  this last game, with the adjustments Wiercinski made in the midfield, I really thought there was a lot of great play in the middle.  I understand that you are worried about Morant's speed.  But... Ward is not a speed demon either.  But his skill set is such, that he does not have to be.  Ward can get away without being super-fast because he is very technical and he can read the play and anticipate the second and the third ball.  He is not fast, but he rarely gets exposed.  I think Morant had to adjust a little, but he is also technical, and seems to see the field pretty well, and I thought he was very effective even though he had to make a sudden adjustment.   I think that once he adjusts, you will not notice his speed, just as no one ever comments on Wards.  In any case,  they have Bubb who has the pace and who reads the game so well that actually can play as a libero...    within a 4-4-2 system with a flat-back-four.  (I mean... you don't see a whole lot of liberos at any level of college soccer, and I don't think I have ever seen one who was part of a standard back four line-up. LOL.  And... it is working well enough that they regularly send two --and occasionally even three-- defenders on overlapping runs.   Who says Bowdoin is not creative.... lol  They needed to create on offense, but maybe didn't have all of the depth they needed...  so they are using a freaking libero... in D3 soccer!  That's crazy.  Like a fox. But, as you know... I do really like this Bowdoin team.   And as time goes by and they have started getting their pieces in the right places, I am liking them more and more.  lol )   No that things are pretty much over, I think that they are just getting ready to start hitting on all cylinders.  It is too bad it took so long, because I have been waiting all season for them to get all of the pieces put together.   

I have maintained since midseason that the Bowdoin players were very talented and smart, but that they could not get all of the pieces put together, so the "machine" was not running right.  For me, the talent has always been clear, but position problems have limited their possibilities.  For example, I have always really liked Ellsworth's creative runs, but they weren't producing much, becausethe cetnral midfielders were missing some really great runs as they were developing (and played hasty and often very risky negative balls, rather than anticipating the run on the flank)   With distribution problems in the middle, it limits creativity, in that it does not actually create opportunities. BUT... Bowdoin clearly has some very creative players.   And Ellsworth is the poster child... When Wiercinski has moved him inside here and there...he has been great.  He was juking all kinds of players in both of the last games I watched.  And... having a blast with it.  At one point in the Williams game, he broke through a double teaam by megging the defender to his left, who had tried to challenge with his right foot.  (I believe it was #18 who got megged by Ellsworth, but I'm really not familiar with Williams back line)   Even more fun... in the Colby game, Ellsworth did a rainbow over Lauderback to break through into space.

I also really like MacPherron - the first year who plays CAM from the bench   I think he is brilliant in his off-ball movement.  He is very creative, also.  He is fantastic at drawing out defenders and at creating space for through-balls. You have to have midfielders who can see it, so Bowdoin dpesn't always capitalize on it... But when the CBs are in an attacking mood and. especially when McColl is in on the left, watch how many through-balls slice in through through the space MacPherron is creating... and how often Bowdoin will split defenders because MacPherron and McColl are drawing them out.  I mean... the Williams back line was getting split left and right for a while there...   Tufts got split, too.  And Colby -- although that surprised me less, I guess

Problem is...  They don't always play that proactive, creative game.  Sometimes they "pack it in" and try to sit 10 men in the box to defend. Then they deserve to give up a goal... and they usually do.   And, as TrueNorth observed: they seem not to be able to take a lesson from that.   In the games I have watched, when they go up one goal, "bunkered in" Bowdoin shows up and then it is a matter of time.  This year, they lost to Amherst that way, and St. Joe, and they gave up the Bates goal that way (they had all 10 men in their box, and kept clearing to the Bates forward who kept serving it right back into the box.)  They also slipped into that several times against Tufts    And for about 15 minutes vs Williams (enough time to give up a goal).   


Niang while quite possibly one of the more dangerous finishers on set pieces cant break anyone down 2v1 let alone 1v1...I saw a ton of giveaway's by him against Williams in which if you had a player that could thread the needle would have given Bowdoin's strikers a serious look in that game.


I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU ON THIS ONE, MR RIGHT.   I think Niang belongs all the way on the top where he can score off of crosses.   But... I guess Wiercinski knows his players better than I do... so he must have his reasons for the way he is lining them up. 

They have overcome a lot of their problems already, and I think that Wiercinski has made some really brilliant adjustments here at the end of the season.  I wish there were more games left --it took all season for them to get all of their pieces put together right, I think that they are really getting there just now and I really would have loved to see them play some real games once they adjusted and hit their stride.   

Ah well...   

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2017, 08:25:30 PM
SoccerMom_5, are you a coach or a former coach?  And do you have a kid on the Bowdoin squad?

In any case, props to you for some serious posting.  You are into this Bowdoin team about as deep and sophisticated as any poster who follows any school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 31, 2017, 10:21:15 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 30, 2017, 12:46:26 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 28, 2017, 08:47:03 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 28, 2017, 03:52:15 PM


You did a fantastic job of describing a "bunkered in" Bowdoin of which I have been describing for way to long BUT you failed to describe this "proactive attack" that you witnessed on Saturday? Please explain Bowdoin's Proactive Attack for me as I am curious and I am not trying to be a DB..I really am curious? All I saw was a team that can score on set pieces and are very good at creating chances on set pieces. They have terrific finishers and maybe the best service on set pieces in the league. Nothing wrong with that as the league has been trending this way, to my dismay, for the past 8-10 years or basically since Serpone took over Amherst and started winning doing it. Bowdoin can only score on set pieces against solid teams and that is just fact..They are just to inept in midfield and lack a creative player that can break guys down. Niang while quite possibly one of the more dangerous finishers on set pieces cant break anyone down 2v1 let alone 1v1...I saw a ton of giveaway's by him against Williams in which if you had a player that could thread the needle would have given Bowdoin's strikers a serious look in that game. That is why i wondered why not try this Frosh Byrd in that role? Yes he is maybe to slight and would get knocked off the ball but you could say the same thing about Williams #9 Petrik and he caused a bit of havoc against Bowdoin in that game. While Byrd is better on the flank for now and is a good 1v1 player I do not think at least right now he is quite as good as Petrik. Also, I agree that Morant had a nice goal and played well but as you start moving forward and seeing teams with way more skill in midfield his warts will show defensively. Stenquist cannot possibly be expected to do his work and Morant's against quicker skilled players? That is why I liked when Wiercinski moved Ward back into midfield 2 weeks ago but he is to steady in the back this late in the season to move him now. I am not bashing Bowdoin as I picked them to win the league but they do not have a proactive attack.

Apologies for being slow to respond.  We've been without power here in Maine for a couple of days.  When I mentioned "proactive attacking" Bowdoin, I suspected that turn of phrase would provoke a response.  I was really referring to a mindset rather than a skill set. Bowdoin clearly does not have an abundance of true attacking talent.  However, they are more potent offensively when they turn on an attacking mindset.  In the game vs. Williiams they "bunkered in" after scoring a goal and then predictably conceded a goal.  Late in regulation and throughout the two overtimes, they adopted an attacking mindset and generated some sustained pressure, which in turn leads to the set pieces you describe as their bread and butter.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 31, 2017, 10:35:52 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 30, 2017, 08:25:30 PM
SoccerMom_5, are you a coach or a former coach?  And do you have a kid on the Bowdoin squad?

In any case, props to you for some serious posting.  You are into this Bowdoin team about as deep and sophisticated as any poster who follows any school.

And yes, I concur that SoccerMom has made some detailed and insightful observations about Bowdoin's tactics and the strengths and weaknesses of their individual players.  I certainly agree with her observations about Bubb, who is very composed defending as well as moving the ball through pressure up the middle of the field.

Bubb is a great example of how players can evolve during their four years of playing NESCAC soccer.  He was an occasional starter during his first three years and he has absolutely blossomed in his role this year.  This kind of four-year evolution has happened with other players on other NESCAC teams over the years, and it is fun to watch!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 31, 2017, 11:35:26 AM
Discouraging end to the year for Williams, indeed.  The last few years, the team just hasn't generated nearly enough offense to beat the top of the league. The defense and GKs have kept them in games but that isn't quite enough.  The Ephs need to bring in several BIG TIME goal-scorers and creators, and fast, and then start to play more aggressively, or they will continue to be a mid-level NESCAC team falling just short of league and NCAA contention ... the former league powers Midd and Williams have been supplanted by Tufts and Amherst, but there is no reason that Williams can't get back into the mix. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2017, 11:47:34 AM
My last point on Bowdoin. The only time their CB's push forward is if one happens to overlap which is very rare or on set pieces. The only back that goes is McColl and for good reason as he does have the speed to do it. With McColl and Ellsworth in midfield they have a pretty solid left side but they play a flat back 4. They do not play with a libero and with good reason as the libero went out of the game 20 years ago. Ward might look like he drifts a little behind the other backs but that is him being careful but they are in a flat back 4.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 31, 2017, 03:58:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 31, 2017, 11:47:34 AM
My last point on Bowdoin. The only time their CB's push forward is if one happens to overlap which is very rare or on set pieces. The only back that goes is McColl and for good reason as he does have the speed to do it. With McColl and Ellsworth in midfield they have a pretty solid left side but they play a flat back 4. They do not play with a libero and with good reason as the libero went out of the game 20 years ago. Ward might look like he drifts a little behind the other backs but that is him being careful but they are in a flat back 4.

Lol.

1)  I mean a true libero, not a sweeper "libero."  And Bowdoin has been using one.  And the fact that "no one does it" is exactly the reason I think it is such a creative approach to addressing their problems.   

2)  i know they play a flat back four; I actually emphasized  that they play a flat back four because that is what makes the libero situation all the more remarkable....    Most of the time, a team would be gift-wrapping  goals if they tried having a CB within a flat back four line up take on a libero role.   

I mean... there is a reason you don't see it often.  It requires a lot of speed and stamina, and a very high-level ability to read the game and fantastic concentration .  And if you play a flat back four, then your other CB has to have an equally high level of focus and soccer intelligence.  And with OBs who are consistently involved up in the attacking third?     I mean...  come on....   .
So... I  think the Bowdoin back line is  very (very!) good.

3)  In most of the games I have watched, all of the Bowdoin backs frequently overlap. The only one who kind of doesnt is that new kid they have had on the right since they moved MacMillan up.

But.... they dont always do it, so...  ??
  I have not watched every game so  maybe you and I aren't watching the same games? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Clotpoll on October 31, 2017, 07:08:46 PM
No NESCAC team is worth all these words. Frankly, it's become an agricultural league of grinders and grapplers. I'll never get back the 120' of my life I tossed away attending Tufts-Bowdoin last week.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 31, 2017, 07:27:04 PM
Quote from: Clotpoll on October 31, 2017, 07:08:46 PM
No NESCAC team is worth all these words. Frankly, it's become an agricultural league of grinders and grapplers. I'll never get back the 120' of my life I tossed away attending Tufts-Bowdoin last week.

Lol. But I like kid-soccer and Im retired. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: crappaport1978 on October 31, 2017, 07:40:04 PM
Any end of season award predictions from the experts in the room? Looking at you Mr. Right
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 31, 2017, 08:44:53 PM
Quote from: Clotpoll on October 31, 2017, 07:08:46 PM
No NESCAC team is worth all these words. Frankly, it's become an agricultural league of grinders and grapplers. I'll never get back the 120' of my life I tossed away attending Tufts-Bowdoin last week.

It would seem the obvious solution is not to bother watching any NESCAC soccer again...there are clearly other things you could be doing with your time...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on October 31, 2017, 09:16:59 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 30, 2017, 08:25:30 PM
SoccerMom_5, are you a coach or a former coach?  And do you have a kid on the Bowdoin squad?

In any case, props to you for some serious posting.  You are into this Bowdoin team about as deep and sophisticated as any poster who follows any school.

Haha.  Thanks. I am retired from soccer now, but I used to play and I used to coach.  When my kids played for the local academy, I worked at their club. Then they went off to play in college and  I was ready for a break.  But...now that I have been "soccer-retired" for a couple years, I started to kind of miss it.

I actually like a good developmental youth soccer game as well as I like the Premier League. (I know that is strange... but I find the developmental aspects of the game very interesting.)  Anyway, I watched some NESCAC games last year and decided to actually "follow" Bowdoin this year.
It is my vicarious developmental soccer "fix;"  I don't have to drive four hours or spend the weekend for the games... I just turn on the internet when the game comes on.   ;)


.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on November 01, 2017, 09:49:28 AM
Quote from: Clotpoll on October 31, 2017, 07:08:46 PM
No NESCAC team is worth all these words. Frankly, it's become an agricultural league of grinders and grapplers. I'll never get back the 120' of my life I tossed away attending Tufts-Bowdoin last week.

If that's the case, there's a decent chance you'll save some time not watching the NCAA D-3 Championship Game, so you have that going for you. ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 01, 2017, 10:39:09 AM
Quote from: Clotpoll on October 31, 2017, 07:08:46 PM
No NESCAC team is worth all these words. Frankly, it's become an agricultural league of grinders and grapplers. I'll never get back the 120' of my life I tossed away attending Tufts-Bowdoin last week.

Yes, because normally when I attend a game in which neither team playing actually needs to win to make the playoffs I expect to see gambles and all out attacks! Good analysis!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 01, 2017, 11:10:27 AM
Quote from: Clotpoll on October 31, 2017, 07:08:46 PM
No NESCAC team is worth all these words. Frankly, it's become an agricultural league of grinders and grapplers. I'll never get back the 120' of my life I tossed away attending Tufts-Bowdoin last week.

Personally, I thought that game had 0-0 written all over it, but still went and thought it was an entertaining, competitive match. Entertainment is not necessarily correlated with goals. For what it's worth, Brandeis' 1-0 win over Vassar in the NCAA 2nd Round (http://www.thejustice.org/article/2012/11/judges-advance-after-big-wins) five years back was, in my opinion, the best college soccer game I've ever witnessed in person (shameless college news article plug). Scoreless for 89:30, but there were 34 combined shots, two disallowed goals, two shots that hit the woodwork, and two shots cleared off the line...and a winning goal with 29.4 seconds left in regulation. To each their own.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2017, 02:03:57 PM
Quote from: crappaport1978 on October 31, 2017, 07:40:04 PM
Any end of season award predictions from the experts in the room? Looking at you Mr. Right

Sorry just saw this..Yea I am not big on the awards thing like others on here but since you asked I will give it a go. Mind you these are my awards not who will likely win as that is to boring. I must say this has to be the toughest year to do this.

POY---I like strikers. I like speed. I like skill. This league is slowly losing legit strikers to ones that can get on the end of set pieces. My pick would have to be Aidan Wood. I believe he leads the league with 5 Nescac goals and basically put his team on his back against Amherst. I think he went cold in the middle of the season but honestly I am not picking a freakin GK for POY nor a defender unless they truly deserve it and I am not seeing it. I dont care if Tufts let up 1 goal. Honestly I have no idea who else to pick here. Goulart? Zach Lane? Please...Merchant? I mean good luck to the coaches that actually have to vote.

COY---Shapiro---I would have to say this might be his best coaching job of any of the years as this team to me is full of very good not great but good players. He just has an abundance of them. To my friend Paul Newman who seems to be Tufts biggest cheerleader these days PLEASE give me 3 starters or even 2 starters on 2017 Tufts that would have started in 2014 or even 2015...I see maybe 2 maybe but I'll keep that to myself. To me this team is a bunch of role players for a really LEGIT D3 team of which we do not have this year. So there is that. I just think Tufts is really going to struggle scoring in the NCAA's and better be practicing PK's already because if that is a Final 4 team than they might need 2-3 shootout wins to get there. The reality is they are not a Final 4 team and can and will be beaten maybe even this weekend. But we will see as I said if I am wrong I will admit it and you can quote me all day I am just not seeing it..

I got off track and gotta run but remind me what the other awards are? I will finish later

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2017, 10:49:25 PM
Mr.Right, I think we're just looking at different sides of the same thing.  You are correct.  No one player for Tufts stands out.  No Santos, for example, although remember that apparently part of the genius of Shapiro is that he wasn't even starting Santos at the beginning of 2014.  But there really are no Payne for Messiah or Cavers for Loras or Ryan for Camden or even Pacual-Leone for Amherst anywhere in the country this year.  So I look at the the Tufts system and a ton of very good players, a huge team in size, supreme confidence, superb coaching, and only an own goal allowed, and I see a team I wouldn't want to draw and that will an extremely tough out.

Also, I'm not even in 2014 a single Tufts player would have started for 2014 Messiah.  Maybe 1 or 2, but tell who for Messiah is going to the bench.  Sometimes it's the aggregate more than the individual talents.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2017, 09:07:55 AM
Vaild points and fair enough for now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2017, 09:10:45 AM
ROY---Sebastian Derby for Amherst...He has come on VERY strong at the end of the year with 4 goals in his last 3 Nescac games to finish the year with 5 goals. Not sure what I make of him as a player as of yet BUT he is finishing at an impressive clip the last 2 weeks which says a ton in this league.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 03, 2017, 09:37:50 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 02, 2017, 10:49:25 PM
Also, I'm not even in 2014 a single Tufts player would have started for 2014 Messiah.  Maybe 1 or 2, but tell who for Messiah is going to the bench.  Sometimes it's the aggregate more than the individual talents.

I agree with most of this, but I also think it's easier to put two teams next to one another when you're picking a combined XI rather than saying "whom would you bench from that team?" Easier to justify picking X player over Y when you're putting two teams next to each other and picking a lineup rather than saying you'd bench a player who hasn't done much wrong. Aside from Payne, I can't say I am super familiar with that 2014 Messiah team, but I'd say that Sam Williams -- whom I think is one of the best center backs the NESCAC has seen in the last 5-10 years -- and Santos would be in with a shout in a combined XI (theoretically speaking).

I was a huge fan of Williams -- he had a very high soccer IQ but also the physicality to hold his own. Lee-Kramer was good, too, and very imposing, but Williams was the leader of that defense, and a deserved All-American.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2017, 09:40:32 AM
For Saturday:

Hamilton at Tufts---Hamilton has been playing very well the past month except for an absolute stinker at Williams and a loss at Ononta St. Both were midweek road games. Their win at Amherst last weekend was impressive as the whole team really battled and dug deep especially when trailing 2-0. They will not have that luxury this time around and CANNOT step onto the field sleepwalking for the first 20 or until they concede. They must be ready to go. These 2 teams the past 3 years have played some really great games. This year in an even game in Clinton,NY Tufts came away with a 1-0 victory on if I remember correctly a defensive miscue by Lichtman. There were not to many SOG from either side. Last year, Hamilton battled back on Bello Field to grab a 2-2 draw and in 2015 Hamilton upset the defending national champs in Clinton,NY.  Hamilton's GK Cadwell must be on his game as the defense in front of him still makes me nervy. To many mistakes back there have cost Hamilton games this year. If they can stay compact and organized they will give themselves a chance to win this game. Hamilton should generate more chances than Bates last Saturday v Tufts but not many more so Wood, Schmidt, Morris, Chapman etc must bust all game and when they are given a sniff make sure to put it home. Hamilton's depth drops off significantly after about the 2nd-3rd substitution they make as Myers, Casadei and Harrington and possibly in this game the big Alaskan tree Cerveny could get a 10-15 minute run. Tufts depth does not drop off like Hamilton's as previously noted which can make it difficult on opponents late in the 2nd Half. See if Hamilton can take advantage of a 11am start time as Tufts usually do not get going until 3pm at Home. I just do not think Hamilton's defense can keep them in this particular matchup. 2-0 Tufts

Bowdoin v Midd---This will be a somewhat thuggish affair especially on that turf with the ball spending a ton of time in the air. Both teams will be particularly cautious and SOG will be very low as this is a definite play-in game for the NCAA's IMO. Bowdoin has not won a game in almost 3 weeks as they have had 3 straight draws against solid competition. Still 1 goal in 3 games is not good against anyone. Midd is playing much better lately and remarkably better than the beatdown Bowdoin put on them earlier in the year. I honestly do not think one team is that much better than the other except maybe in net. Midd's GK has his good games and not so good games but he is no Sydor. He certainly is capable of shutting out Bowdoin though. Honestly flip a coin. I will say both teams will want their revenge on Tufts as Bowdoin must of felt a bit robbed and Midd got its head handed to them on a platter a month ago. I'll go with my gut and say Saward gets his troops motivated to keep his career alive. He is always good in these back against the wall situations. 1-1 Midd PK's
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2017, 09:48:32 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 03, 2017, 09:37:50 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 02, 2017, 10:49:25 PM
Also, I'm not even in 2014 a single Tufts player would have started for 2014 Messiah.  Maybe 1 or 2, but tell who for Messiah is going to the bench.  Sometimes it's the aggregate more than the individual talents.

I agree with most of this, but I also think it's easier to put two teams next to one another when you're picking a combined XI rather than saying "whom would you bench from that team?" Easier to justify picking X player over Y when you're putting two teams next to each other and picking a lineup rather than saying you'd bench a player who hasn't done much wrong. Aside from Payne, I can't say I am super familiar with that 2014 Messiah team, but I'd say that Sam Williams -- whom I think is one of the best center backs the NESCAC has seen in the last 5-10 years -- and Santos would be in with a shout in a combined XI (theoretically speaking).

Correction:  Ah, I'm mixing up 2013 Messiah with 2014.  Josh Wood graduated in 2013.  So think of Jack Thompson versus a Hoppenot haha.

I was a huge fan of Williams -- he had a very high soccer IQ but also the physicality to hold his own. Lee-Kramer was good, too, and very imposing, but Williams was the leader of that defense, and a deserved All-American.

Yeah, there might be one or two, but Messiah had an absolute stud at every single position.  Williams was great but Robbins for Messiah was probably considered the best CB in the country, although Justice wasn't bad.  Would Kayne have started over Payne or Ramirez?  Hoppenot over Josh Wood?  Patel versus Kremers at left back might be a close call.  Maybe Greenwood (then a soph) over the Messiah GK?  Anyway, interesting to think about.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dave B on November 03, 2017, 10:09:58 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2017, 09:48:32 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 03, 2017, 09:37:50 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 02, 2017, 10:49:25 PM
Also, I'm not even in 2014 a single Tufts player would have started for 2014 Messiah.  Maybe 1 or 2, but tell who for Messiah is going to the bench.  Sometimes it's the aggregate more than the individual talents.

I agree with most of this, but I also think it's easier to put two teams next to one another when you're picking a combined XI rather than saying "whom would you bench from that team?" Easier to justify picking X player over Y when you're putting two teams next to each other and picking a lineup rather than saying you'd bench a player who hasn't done much wrong. Aside from Payne, I can't say I am super familiar with that 2014 Messiah team, but I'd say that Sam Williams -- whom I think is one of the best center backs the NESCAC has seen in the last 5-10 years -- and Santos would be in with a shout in a combined XI (theoretically speaking).

I was a huge fan of Williams -- he had a very high soccer IQ but also the physicality to hold his own. Lee-Kramer was good, too, and very imposing, but Williams was the leader of that defense, and a deserved All-American.

Yeah, there might be one or two, but Messiah had an absolute stud at every single position.  Williams was great but Robbins for Messiah was probably considered the best CB in the country, although Justice wasn't bad.  Would Kayne have started over Payne or Ramirez?  Hoppenot over Josh Wood?  Patel versus Kremers at left back might be a close call.  Maybe Greenwood (then a soph) over the Messiah GK?  Anyway, interesting to think about.

Actually, Josh Wood ('13 POY) graduated in '13 and is the main reason I'd take the '13 team over the '14 team, but I think the class of '14 is probably the best overall class that Messiah has had.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2017, 10:11:36 AM
Quote from: Dave B on November 03, 2017, 10:09:58 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2017, 09:48:32 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 03, 2017, 09:37:50 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 02, 2017, 10:49:25 PM
Also, I'm not even in 2014 a single Tufts player would have started for 2014 Messiah.  Maybe 1 or 2, but tell who for Messiah is going to the bench.  Sometimes it's the aggregate more than the individual talents.

I agree with most of this, but I also think it's easier to put two teams next to one another when you're picking a combined XI rather than saying "whom would you bench from that team?" Easier to justify picking X player over Y when you're putting two teams next to each other and picking a lineup rather than saying you'd bench a player who hasn't done much wrong. Aside from Payne, I can't say I am super familiar with that 2014 Messiah team, but I'd say that Sam Williams -- whom I think is one of the best center backs the NESCAC has seen in the last 5-10 years -- and Santos would be in with a shout in a combined XI (theoretically speaking).

I was a huge fan of Williams -- he had a very high soccer IQ but also the physicality to hold his own. Lee-Kramer was good, too, and very imposing, but Williams was the leader of that defense, and a deserved All-American.

Yeah, there might be one or two, but Messiah had an absolute stud at every single position.  Williams was great but Robbins for Messiah was probably considered the best CB in the country, although Justice wasn't bad.  Would Kayne have started over Payne or Ramirez?  Hoppenot over Josh Wood?  Patel versus Kremers at left back might be a close call.  Maybe Greenwood (then a soph) over the Messiah GK?  Anyway, interesting to think about.

Actually, Josh Wood ('13 POY) graduated in '13 and is the main reason I'd take the '13 team over the '14 team, but I think the class of '14 is probably the best overall class that Messiah has had.

I was just posting my correction when you posted and it disappeared.  Yeah, Wood was gone, so let's substitute Jack Thompson haha.

P.S.  I was mixing '13 and '14.  Kremers was gone too, so I'll give Patel for Tufts that left back slot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 03, 2017, 10:29:59 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2017, 09:48:32 AM
Yeah, there might be one or two, but Messiah had an absolute stud at every single position.  Williams was great but Robbins for Messiah was probably considered the best CB in the country, although Justice wasn't bad.  Would Kayne have started over Payne or Ramirez?  Hoppenot over Josh Wood?  Patel versus Kremers at left back might be a close call.  Maybe Greenwood (then a soph) over the Messiah GK?  Anyway, interesting to think about.

Indeed, certainly would be an interesting exercise. Speaking of Payne, I just found out that he is leading the charge at Eastern, who is in the MAC Freedom final tomorrow against DeSales. Great for him.

Prediction time!

Tufts 1-0 Hamilton: Unlike both teams' quarterfinal games, I don't expect this to be a game with many goals. I do think Hamilton showed great spirit coming back from 2-0 down at Amherst, and this has been a program that has really gone from the basement of the NESCAC to truly contending for the conference title the last few years. However, the Continentals have been plauged by inconsistency -- they got an impressive string of results against Amherst, Utica, and Bowdoin, but then were thumped at SUNY Oneonta. The Red Dragons are a very good side, mind you, but that scoreline shows they were outclassed after taking an early 1-0 lead. Tufts, on the other hand, has been incredibly consistent this year, even if not producing salivating, swashbuckling attacking play, although they and Williams, I think, are still the two best examples of possession sides in the NESCAC. Aidan Wood has really come on strong this year and could definitely cause the Tufts back line problems if left unchecked, but I suspect they'll have one of their midfielders man-marking him. At the other end, Tufts gets one and it ends up being enough.

Bowdoin 0-0 Middlebury (Bowdoin in PKs): I really hope to be wrong, but I think this will be a doozy of a game. And that's not because of the anticipated scoreline (as I said earlier, goals don't necessarily correlate with excitement) -- neither team will take many risks, and the ball will probably be in the air quite often. For Bowdoin, I anticipate McColl will be a big threat down the side on the overlap, as well as on set pieces, and I think Byrd will cause some problems, but I think Middlebury will keep them in check for the most part. Conversely, I do not see many goals in Midd.'s team -- they have 7 total conference goals. Goulart has had a nice sophomore season and got the winner against Williams a couple of weeks back, and Reid, Sass, and O'Grady have produced as well, but I am not sure they will breach a Bowdoin defense that has only given up 9 goals all year and has 8 shutouts to its credit. The one thing that could help Midd. is that the Panthers play on turf, while Bowdoin does not, although Bowdoin is 3-1-1 on turf this year so that might not be a big factor. Should it go to PKs, which I think it could, Yeager has had a good year in net, but I would find it hard to pick against van Siclen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 03, 2017, 10:44:10 AM
I find myself largely agreeing with Blooter's predictions.  Tufts should prevail over Hamilton, especially given they're playing at home. 

Bowdoin will play conservatively as usual and look for an opportunistic goal.  If it goes to PKs, Bowdoin is more likely than Middlebury to prevail, both because Van Siclen is a very good keeper but also because they just had a PK experience last weekend vs. Williams.  Yes, you could make the argument that an opposing team gets to study another team's PK shot taking tendencies, but I think that is outweighed by the benefits of just having been through the experience and also having confidence in a superior keeper.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: RelegationZone on November 03, 2017, 01:33:12 PM
Tufts 1
Hamilton 2 (1OT)

Bowdoin 2
Middlebury 0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: cac.aholic1 on November 03, 2017, 10:34:37 PM
Tufts 2-1 Hamilton in 2OT: Wood gets one for Hamilton, but Tufts gets one back quickly. Hamilton tires in OT and Tufts wins it.

Bowdoin 1-0 Midd: This is a total coin flip. I go Bowdoin because I think they've been able to create a good number of chances this year (including on the Tufts turf a week and a half ago), they just struggle to finish them. After how many chances they blew last week, someone finally steps up a buries one this week. They proceed to shell out for the rest of the game and barely survive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 03, 2017, 11:08:36 PM
It has recently come to my attention that Tufts has made a video series (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9mJF4V5xSU&index=4&list=PLwNLoOR6fMWwf2ML1jxA8YGlKUAOuxP6e) showing a glimpse inside their program. Pretty funny, I must say, and the cinematography is well done.

Mr.Right, curious to hear your take on this. I feel like you'd get a kick out of it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 03, 2017, 11:15:05 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2017, 09:48:32 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 03, 2017, 09:37:50 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 02, 2017, 10:49:25 PM
Also, I'm not even in 2014 a single Tufts player would have started for 2014 Messiah.  Maybe 1 or 2, but tell who for Messiah is going to the bench.  Sometimes it's the aggregate more than the individual talents.

I agree with most of this, but I also think it's easier to put two teams next to one another when you're picking a combined XI rather than saying "whom would you bench from that team?" Easier to justify picking X player over Y when you're putting two teams next to each other and picking a lineup rather than saying you'd bench a player who hasn't done much wrong. Aside from Payne, I can't say I am super familiar with that 2014 Messiah team, but I'd say that Sam Williams -- whom I think is one of the best center backs the NESCAC has seen in the last 5-10 years -- and Santos would be in with a shout in a combined XI (theoretically speaking).

Correction:  Ah, I'm mixing up 2013 Messiah with 2014.  Josh Wood graduated in 2013.  So think of Jack Thompson versus a Hoppenot haha.

I was a huge fan of Williams -- he had a very high soccer IQ but also the physicality to hold his own. Lee-Kramer was good, too, and very imposing, but Williams was the leader of that defense, and a deserved All-American.

Yeah, there might be one or two, but Messiah had an absolute stud at every single position.  Williams was great but Robbins for Messiah was probably considered the best CB in the country, although Justice wasn't bad.  Would Kayne have started over Payne or Ramirez?  Hoppenot over Josh Wood?  Patel versus Kremers at left back might be a close call.  Maybe Greenwood (then a soph) over the Messiah GK?  Anyway, interesting to think about.

That was a great Messiah team. Great ball movement. Probably could have beaten 40% of D1 teams. I disagree, however, that they had a stud at every position. I thought their greatest strength was their midfield. Tufts was the best ball control and moving team in the NESCAC IN 14 and 15. Definitely a different style from  this years team and last years team.  The Tufts Messiah game was one of the most entertaining games. The Tufts midfield was chasing the first half. But Tufts stretched the field well. There were several positions that Tufts matched or exceeded Messiah....But that was a great Messiah team...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 10:58:30 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 03, 2017, 11:08:36 PM
It has recently come to my attention that Tufts has made a video series (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9mJF4V5xSU&index=4&list=PLwNLoOR6fMWwf2ML1jxA8YGlKUAOuxP6e) showing a glimpse inside their program. Pretty funny, I must say, and the cinematography is well done.

Mr.Right, curious to hear your take on this. I feel like you'd get a kick out of it.

I caught a few minutes and that is well done. Nothing like Gameday and team bonding in the first week as it is a great way to bring Frosh into the mix right away. It looks like every player has each others back which is good to see..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 04, 2017, 11:16:01 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 10:58:30 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 03, 2017, 11:08:36 PM
It has recently come to my attention that Tufts has made a video series (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9mJF4V5xSU&index=4&list=PLwNLoOR6fMWwf2ML1jxA8YGlKUAOuxP6e) showing a glimpse inside their program. Pretty funny, I must say, and the cinematography is well done.

Mr.Right, curious to hear your take on this. I feel like you'd get a kick out of it.

I caught a few minutes and that is well done. Nothing like Gameday and team bonding in the first week as it is a great way to bring Frosh into the mix right away. It looks like every player has each others back which is good to see..

I'm having trouble finding it.  Would you mind providing a link?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 11:29:43 AM
Fantastic strike by Halliday gives Tufts a 1-0 lead midway thru the 1st Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 04, 2017, 11:32:07 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 11:29:43 AM
Fantastic strike by Halliday gives Tufts a 1-0 lead midway thru the 1st Half.

Not watching that game (Judges KO in 30 mins),  but I get the sense that it would be very tough for Hamilton to come back. Of course, they did against Amherst last week, but the Jumbos have only given up one goal all season, and are on their home pitch, no less.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 11:44:08 AM
Hamilton continues to try to break down Tufts thru the middle of the field and are getting nowhere. They must attack Tufts down the flanks and pump balls into the mixer as you are not going to break down Tufts thru the middle of the field
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 12:14:25 PM
1-0 Tufts at the Half but Hamilton has come out 2nd Half looking feisty
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 12:21:45 PM
Halliday another rocket off from about 25-30 yards out off a set piece...Kid is playing like a man today. 2 huge goals and 2 absolute rips...Very impressive..2-0 Tufts 35 minutes in and Hamilton just has not been given a sniff all day.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 12:30:38 PM
Hamilton's jeff Plump with a nice 1-2 with Wood and get the ball back on his left foot about 6 yards out but could not pull the trigger before a goal saving tackle by Tufts Trevorrow. 2 minutes late Luke Eckels almost scores off a corner but his header went just over the net...Hamilton needs to push now
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 12:34:04 PM
Hamilton's Plump misses a good chance over the net on a nice ball by Chapman..Hamilton is pushing #'s now and are very susceptible at the back
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 12:41:02 PM
Rojas with a nice 1v1 move on the flank off a long ball and hits a nice easy ball on the carpet right across the box and finished by Braun. A tap in. Tufts with a nice statement here today as Hamilton has just looked overwhelmed today. Tufts really has controlled the whole game in every aspect. Possession, talent, workrate and guts. Fire up the bus as Hamilton is done. 3-0 Hamilton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 12:43:03 PM
4-0 Tufts..Can Hamilton wave the white flag or do they have to finish this?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 04, 2017, 12:47:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 12:43:03 PM
4-0 Tufts..Can Hamilton wave the white flag or do they have to finish this?

Damn, someone had their wheaties before kickoff... BOS....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 02:18:44 PM
Bowdoin and Midd 0-0 about 15 min left 1st Half and the game has predictably no flow. Both teams playing ping pong with plenty of giveaway's by both sides. Bowdoin possessing but not progressing from the back and Midd whacking everything in sight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 04, 2017, 02:21:25 PM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 04, 2017, 11:16:01 AM
I caught a few minutes and that is well done. Nothing like Gameday and team bonding in the first week as it is a great way to bring Frosh into the mix right away. It looks like every player has each others back which is good to see..

I'm having trouble finding it.  Would you mind providing a link?
[/quote]

Buck, if you click on the words video series you should be able to get it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 04, 2017, 02:36:13 PM
Lol.  Are we watching the same game?  (Actually, I am pretty sure my feed is lagging behind.)

My read:
Bowdoin is playing primarily a possession game and has had a good 80% possession until the first sub came in about 5 minutes ago as I type.  Middlebury has been kicking a lot of Hail Marys, but Bowdoin is playing a pretty focused possession  game working the ball through the field abd playing primarly to feet on the ground. 

There have been a lot of physical plays both ways, but the ref is letting them play, so not so much stoppage.  The ref seems pretty good so far and calls (or no-calls) have been very consistent.   

Since they subbed (maybe about 10 minutes ago now)  Middlebury has had some more chances and it has been broken up the flow a of the game a little more.  Midd has been doing better breaking up Bowdoin's ground game.  And...since Midd wants to play an air game and they have had the ball more, it is looking a little choppier, with more stop and go.

We will see which direction the rest of the game it goes, i guess... but... I thought the flow of the game started out pretty smooth and was possession-oriented  to start with. I suppose it will depend whoch team has the ball, as that seems like it will determine the style of play...

On another note:
Bowdoin defense is being conservative today (as I suppose we all could have expected from them --for better or for worse--  in a playoff game)    Even so, are you noticing that even in a game when their defensive strategy definitely has a more conservative bent... are you noticing how frequently the Bowdoin backs overlap their DMs and carry the ball across the midfield themselves?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 02:36:27 PM
Jesus...Midd and Bowdoin 0-0 at Halftime and I am guessing we have maybe 2 SOG all game total. Bowdoin did have 2 legit chances in the 1st 10 minutes 1 off a Ellsworth set piece but Bowdoin could not finish. Goulart causing Bowdoin some problems on the left flank where he loves to take guys on 1v1 and come inside..tedious and cautious affair so far. I expect emotions to heat up 2nd Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 02:39:22 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 04, 2017, 02:36:13 PM
Lol.  Are we watching the same game?  (Actually, I am pretty sure my feed is lagging behind.)

My read:
Bowdoin is playing primarily a posession game and has had a good 80% posession until the first sub came in about 5 minutes ago as I type.  Middlebury has been kicking a lot of Hail Marys, but Bowdoin is playing a pretty focused posession game working the ball through the field amd playing primarly to feet on the ground. 

There have been a lot of physical plays both ways, but the ref is letting them play, so not so much stoppage.  The ref seems pretty good so far and calls (or no-calls) have been very consistent.   

Since they subbed (maybe about 10 minutes ago now)  Middlebury has had some more chances and it has been broken up the flow a little more, since they have doing better breaking up Bowdoin's ground game.  And...since Midd wants to play an air game and they have had the ball more, it is looking a little choppier, with more stop and go.

We will see which direction the rest of the game it goes, i guess... but... I thought the flow of the game was pretty smooth and possession-oriented  to start with.

On another note,  Bowdoin defense is being conservative (as I expected in a playoff game) but are you noticing that even in a game when their defensive strategy definitely has a more conservative bent... are you noticing how frequently the Bowdoin backs overlap their DMs and carry the ball across the midfield themselves?


Ugh...Midd is letting Bowdoin possess in the back in their own end. they are not pressing them until they cross midfield. The second Bowdoin plays a ball to their striker it is given away...That is called Possession without progression....Also THERE IS NO FLOW..I swear Bowdoin could put an insomniac to sleep.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 04, 2017, 02:51:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 02:39:22 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 04, 2017, 02:36:13 PM
Lol.  Are we watching the same game?  (Actually, I am pretty sure my feed is lagging behind.)

My read:
Bowdoin is playing primarily a posession game and has had a good 80% posession until the first sub came in about 5 minutes ago as I type.  Middlebury has been kicking a lot of Hail Marys, but Bowdoin is playing a pretty focused posession game working the ball through the field amd playing primarly to feet on the ground. 

There have been a lot of physical plays both ways, but the ref is letting them play, so not so much stoppage.  The ref seems pretty good so far and calls (or no-calls) have been very consistent.   

Since they subbed (maybe about 10 minutes ago now)  Middlebury has had some more chances and it has been broken up the flow a little more, since they have doing better breaking up Bowdoin's ground game.  And...since Midd wants to play an air game and they have had the ball more, it is looking a little choppier, with more stop and go.

We will see which direction the rest of the game it goes, i guess... but... I thought the flow of the game was pretty smooth and possession-oriented  to start with.

On another note,  Bowdoin defense is being conservative (as I expected in a playoff game) but are you noticing that even in a game when their defensive strategy definitely has a more conservative bent... are you noticing how frequently the Bowdoin backs overlap their DMs and carry the ball across the midfield themselves?


Ugh...Midd is letting Bowdoin possess in the back in their own end. they are not pressing them until they cross midfield. The second Bowdoin plays a ball to their striker it is given away...That is called Possession without progression....Also THERE IS NO FLOW..I swear Bowdoin could put an insomniac to sleep.

Lol...Mr. Right..right on track...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 04, 2017, 03:01:37 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 02:39:22 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 04, 2017, 02:36:13 PM
Lol.  Are we watching the same game?  (Actually, I am pretty sure my feed is lagging behind.)

My read:
Bowdoin is playing primarily a posession game and has had a good 80% posession until the first sub came in about 5 minutes ago as I type.  Middlebury has been kicking a lot of Hail Marys, but Bowdoin is playing a pretty focused posession game working the ball through the field amd playing primarly to feet on the ground. 

There have been a lot of physical plays both ways, but the ref is letting them play, so not so much stoppage.  The ref seems pretty good so far and calls (or no-calls) have been very consistent.   

Since they subbed (maybe about 10 minutes ago now)  Middlebury has had some more chances and it has been broken up the flow a little more, since they have doing better breaking up Bowdoin's ground game.  And...since Midd wants to play an air game and they have had the ball more, it is looking a little choppier, with more stop and go.

We will see which direction the rest of the game it goes, i guess... but... I thought the flow of the game was pretty smooth and possession-oriented  to start with.

On another note,  Bowdoin defense is being conservative (as I expected in a playoff game) but are you noticing that even in a game when their defensive strategy definitely has a more conservative bent... are you noticing how frequently the Bowdoin backs overlap their DMs and carry the ball across the midfield themselves?


Ugh...Midd is letting Bowdoin possess in the back in their own end. they are not pressing them until they cross midfield. The second Bowdoin plays a ball to their striker it is given away...That is called Possession without progression....Also THERE IS NO FLOW..I swear Bowdoin could put an insomniac to sleep.

Haha.  I think we are watching the same game, but that we are watching for different things.   
I am interested in the mental aspect of the play... the strategies and adjustments, I am watching a lot of off-ball movement (as much as one can on a livefeed), so I have found this game interesting as long as they were playing feet.   I have noticed you like the high-scoring games, but I find those less interesting; I  get bored in the NESCAC high scoring games, because they always seem to happen with long-balls and break-aways.  This game, I mostly have found interesting
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 03:41:59 PM
0-0 Midd and Bowdoin heading to OT..2 SOG all game...I seriously nodded off with about 15 minutes left...I am not kidding... A draw is not helpful to either side but we are heading in that direction...Ok now I am awake..Bowdoin has scored 1 goal in its last 360 minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 03:57:29 PM
Midd and Bowdoin heading to 2OT...Atleast Midd's Goulart and Potter are showing some skill as both are having solid games and causing some problems.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 04:03:59 PM
That was worth waking up for...Just a brilliant goal by Goulart to win it for Midd 1-0...What a strike..Between Goulart and Halliday today I think we might have a POY right there. Bowdoin now on a serious bubble..Midd should be ok.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 04:07:26 PM
BTW the whole play started on a workmanlike effort by Midd's Oudet to break up a play and send a long ball down to Reid who sent a ball across the top of the box to Davis then Goulart with the strike..Goulart the Player of the match but a tip of the cap to the effort by Oudet on the play
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 04, 2017, 04:12:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 04:07:26 PM
BTW the whole play started on a workmanlike effort by Midd's Oudet to break up a play and send a long ball down to Reid who sent a ball across the top of the box to Davis then Goulart with the strike..Goulart the Player of the match but a tip of the cap to the effort by Oudet on the play

My 11yo made the exact same observation about Oudet, crediting him with setting everything up. Of course, my boy plays defense for his club team, so he appreciates such play.

And what a world-class strike by Goulart.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 04, 2017, 04:25:23 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 02:39:22 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 04, 2017, 02:36:13 PM
Lol.  Are we watching the same game?  (Actually, I am pretty sure my feed is lagging behind.)

My read:
Bowdoin is playing primarily a posession game and has had a good 80% posession until the first sub came in about 5 minutes ago as I type.  Middlebury has been kicking a lot of Hail Marys, but Bowdoin is playing a pretty focused posession game working the ball through the field amd playing primarly to feet on the ground. 

There have been a lot of physical plays both ways, but the ref is letting them play, so not so much stoppage.  The ref seems pretty good so far and calls (or no-calls) have been very consistent.   

Since they subbed (maybe about 10 minutes ago now)  Middlebury has had some more chances and it has been broken up the flow a little more, since they have doing better breaking up Bowdoin's ground game.  And...since Midd wants to play an air game and they have had the ball more, it is looking a little choppier, with more stop and go.

We will see which direction the rest of the game it goes, i guess... but... I thought the flow of the game was pretty smooth and possession-oriented  to start with.

On another note,  Bowdoin defense is being conservative (as I expected in a playoff game) but are you noticing that even in a game when their defensive strategy definitely has a more conservative bent... are you noticing how frequently the Bowdoin backs overlap their DMs and carry the ball across the midfield themselves?


Ugh...Midd is letting Bowdoin possess in the back in their own end. they are not pressing them until they cross midfield. The second Bowdoin plays a ball to their striker it is given away...That is called Possession without progression....Also THERE IS NO FLOW..I swear Bowdoin could put an insomniac to sleep.


Yeah -- Bowdoin's backline is being conservative.  Wherever the backline is, is where Bowdoin will possess.  They are being the "bunkered in" Bowdoin now... probably counting on Van Siclen if it comes to PKs.   For sure... if the CBs don't push up, Bowdoin won't score.   

On another note:    The word "possess" inherently implies "flow" to me.  How are you using the word "flow?" 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 04, 2017, 04:31:58 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 02:39:22 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 04, 2017, 02:36:13 PM
Lol.  Are we watching the same game?  (Actually, I am pretty sure my feed is lagging behind.)

My read:
Bowdoin is playing primarily a posession game and has had a good 80% posession until the first sub came in about 5 minutes ago as I type.  Middlebury has been kicking a lot of Hail Marys, but Bowdoin is playing a pretty focused posession game working the ball through the field amd playing primarly to feet on the ground. 

There have been a lot of physical plays both ways, but the ref is letting them play, so not so much stoppage.  The ref seems pretty good so far and calls (or no-calls) have been very consistent.   

Since they subbed (maybe about 10 minutes ago now)  Middlebury has had some more chances and it has been broken up the flow a little more, since they have doing better breaking up Bowdoin's ground game.  And...since Midd wants to play an air game and they have had the ball more, it is looking a little choppier, with more stop and go.

We will see which direction the rest of the game it goes, i guess... but... I thought the flow of the game was pretty smooth and possession-oriented  to start with.

On another note,  Bowdoin defense is being conservative (as I expected in a playoff game) but are you noticing that even in a game when their defensive strategy definitely has a more conservative bent... are you noticing how frequently the Bowdoin backs overlap their DMs and carry the ball across the midfield themselves?


Ugh...Midd is letting Bowdoin possess in the back in their own end. they are not pressing them until they cross midfield. The second Bowdoin plays a ball to their striker it is given away...That is called Possession without progression....Also THERE IS NO FLOW..I swear Bowdoin could put an insomniac to sleep.

That last OT was a good game by Midd.  They deserved to win that OT.  They were playing like they wanted to win in OT, while Bowdoin was playing like they think they should play when they don't want to lose... which nearly ALWAYS causes them to give up a goal.
Every time they do that, they give up a goal.  And, if they can't learn from that...  then I guess they deserve to lose.

Watching on the feed, I could not get a very good feel for what was going on in the back line, but... as soon as I saw that they were intending to play as low as they were playing in the front, I suspected it would end badly for Bowdoin.  When the camera was on the box and I saw that Byrd was sitting in it, I knew it would.  Not because Byrd is a problem... but because his presence there was a sign of the 2017=2018 Bowdoin team's fatal flaw rearing its head.   I had hoped they would overcome it, but... not to be.   

I suppose that ends their bid for NCAAs also.  Too bad.  I was rooting for them... but... if you don't play like you want to win, then you deserve to lose.   

I suppose Wiercinski will have a lot fo rebuilding to do after this year.   

Think I am going to probably watch for Colby next season in the NESCAC. I liked them this year a lot, also. I thought Colby had some interesting kids, and they were very young this year, so I am hoping that is promising for the next couple of years being interesting play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 04, 2017, 04:33:14 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 04, 2017, 02:21:25 PM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 04, 2017, 11:16:01 AM
I caught a few minutes and that is well done. Nothing like Gameday and team bonding in the first week as it is a great way to bring Frosh into the mix right away. It looks like every player has each others back which is good to see..

I'm having trouble finding it.  Would you mind providing a link?

Buck, if you click on the words video series you should be able to get it.
[/quote]

Oops.  Sorry.  I was reading the email on my phone and couldn't see that the hyperlink was a hyperlink.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Clotpoll on November 05, 2017, 09:21:50 AM
Scholastic soccer...the perfect place for managers to:

1. Take chances to try and score goals.
2. Keep the ball and manipulate it to move defenses.
3. Entertain the crowd.

What does virtually every NCAA manager (all levels) do? Set up to avoid mistakes. At least 6 behind the ball in possession, bunker after scoring, booming clearances, very little buildup thru the 1/3s.

Hugo Perez was our most influential (and best) youth NT manager in the '98-'00 age groups: the same ages of current NCAA sophs, freshmen and HS seniors. Hugo was an enormous (and successful) advocate of always playing on the front foot, having plenty of the ball, taking chances and most of all, allowing players to relax, have fun and go at the goal. Quite obvious now why he was let go by US Soccer. The way our managers want to play is dull, reactive and frankly, cynical.

We now have a form of the game that rewards farmers at every level, from town team, to NCAA, MLS and USMNT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2017, 11:53:39 AM
WOW. Didn't get to see the Tufts game yesterday, but two fantastic goals from Halliday -- the first one especially. https://www.instagram.com/p/BbFvjI3FAEE/?taken-by=tuftsmenssoccer
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2017, 12:04:10 PM
Midd. gets a good shot less than 40 seconds in...goes off Weatherbie and out for a corner.

Panthers have another shot wide left soon after. Fast start from the visitors.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2017, 12:07:59 PM
Mieth forced into a good save by the header from Goulart...I thought it was creeping in far post. I think Middlebury stole Tufts' Wheaties this morning.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2017, 12:12:16 PM
Zinner goes on a nice run before being dispossessed at the edge of the box. Tufts with some nice on-the-ground possession.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2017, 12:21:47 PM
Rojas plays a nice outside-of-the-boot ball, which gets cut out, and then 30 seconds later makes a really nice tackle which takes the man but gets the ball.

OH NO THE TUFTS MOTHER WHO DOES THE BIRD CALL IS HERE. I thought her son graduated?! No idea who it is, but I recall a Tufts poster saying her son was a senior in 2014.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2017, 12:25:48 PM
Rojas plays Halliday in but Yeager just gets there before Halliday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2017, 12:29:47 PM
"Halliday trying to say that was shoulder-to-shoulder, but he might have to take an anatomy class because that was the back of Audet." I like this announcer, he has been good so far. He then talks about how he got sunburnt yesterday. I did as well. #IrishProblems

As well as he has done, I might have to turn the sound off -- that bird call is too annoying.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2017, 12:41:29 PM
In another forum, there was talk about the discrepancy between clocks used on online broadcasts and the time clock situated next to the field. In this game, it's exactly a minute. (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BypZHNl-L5WSeEc3ZVFGemdaTlk/view?usp=sharing)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2017, 01:44:14 PM
Tufts cranking up the pressure, but still 0-0 with around 5 left in the second half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 05, 2017, 01:47:56 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 05, 2017, 01:44:14 PM
Tufts cranking up the pressure, but still 0-0 with around 5 left in the second half.

Nice gol by Rojas...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2017, 01:53:47 PM
Breakthrough with 2:45 left as Rojas with a flicked header from Lane's cross. 1-0 Jumbos, and the jersey comes off for Rojas. Rather humorously, it looked for a minute like Rojas forgot about his shirt and was prepared to walk back to the halfway line, but he got both it and a yellow from the ref -- but he won't care.

Middlebury lining up the hail mary kitchen sink from the kickoff. Middlebury almost replied in the last minute after a long throw got flicked on by a Tufts player, but O'Grady headed wide.

And Tufts wins the NESCAC title -- first in its history. Congrats to the Jumbos, who have undoubtedly been the best team in the NESCAC this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 05, 2017, 01:57:37 PM
Tufts may lose next week (doubt it) but can't resist pointing out I was just about the only poster here who was on to Tufts before the season even started. They so far are actually in the midst of their best season out of the past 5-6 seasons. Shapiro has turned an attractive D3 school into like a D1 soccer program, and even from the video series we see now and last year's final 4 video the players obviously love their program.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 05, 2017, 02:47:37 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 05, 2017, 01:57:37 PM
Tufts may lose next week (doubt it) but can't resist pointing out I was just about the only poster here who was on to Tufts before the season even started. They so far are actually in the midst of their best season out of the past 5-6 seasons. Shapiro has turned an attractive D3 school into like a D1 soccer program, and even from the video series we see now and last year's final 4 video the players obviously love their program.

This is definitely true.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 05, 2017, 09:13:32 PM
Ahh, can't be too optimistic about my Camels getting their first bid in history :(. Seems like bowdoin, midd, Amherst, and others from other conferences are ahead of them for that pool c. Would be a tall task even getting a fourth bid , let alone a fifth.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 05, 2017, 09:44:09 PM
Quote from: Clotpoll on November 05, 2017, 09:21:50 AM
Scholastic soccer...the perfect place for managers to:

1. Take chances to try and score goals.
2. Keep the ball and manipulate it to move defenses.
3. Entertain the crowd.

What does virtually every NCAA manager (all levels) do? Set up to avoid mistakes. At least 6 behind the ball in possession, bunker after scoring, booming clearances, very little buildup thru the 1/3s.

Hugo Perez was our most influential (and best) youth NT manager in the '98-'00 age groups: the same ages of current NCAA sophs, freshmen and HS seniors. Hugo was an enormous (and successful) advocate of always playing on the front foot, having plenty of the ball, taking chances and most of all, allowing players to relax, have fun and go at the goal. Quite obvious now why he was let go by US Soccer. The way our managers want to play is dull, reactive and frankly, cynical.

We now have a form of the game that rewards farmers at every level, from town team, to NCAA, MLS and USMNT.

Speaking of National Teams and wishing for high-powered offense...    A former player who used to club-pass up with one of my teams during my last year doing club soccer scored in Germany this weekend.  You and Mr. Right both probably would have liked that game; US Girls 15s rolled Germany 6-1 in an international friendly.   On average, that is a goal like every eleven(ish) minutes or so...    LOL.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2017, 09:54:42 PM
I had to give Tufts the benefit of the doubt and actually see them live for the first time this year. I have only seen them on the stream and since I have been somewhat critical i wanted to get a better sniff. I came away very impressed today with most of what I saw except for a few things.

1. The heart and guts of this team is in midfield. They do all the little things that just do not show up in the boxscore.  I was most impressed with Kulcsar. He reminds me of some of the great midfielders that Williams used to have. The unsung heroes that do all the dirty work like Patrick Huffer, Tommy Day and Pete Christman. He can run all day and is the main reason you just cannot break Tufts down thru the middle of the field. Tufts does a great job of collapsing into a 4-5-1 immediately after they lose the ball and just suffocate the opponent. Halliday played well again today and almost had another incredible goal if not for a fantastic save by Midd's GK. That was highway robbery as it looked live like it was headed for the panel. Rojas got the game winner after a nice run and perfect service from the flank. So that was all very very impressive.

2. Just quickly I want to skip to Middlebury as they have nothing to feel bad about as they really left everything they had on the field today. Goulart was off but O'Grady was their best player on the day. Again he busted all game and looks like a walking band-aid as he really looks banged up but is still very effective and had a very good look today. He absolutely picked the pocket of Tufts CB Najjar and hit a bullet that I thought was in the net but I think it just went wide or over. That was a legit chance. Moffat and Robinson played very well dealing with that Braun who is an absolute animal up top and can really wear a defense down. The problem I think with Braun is he does not look as fit as his teammates and also wears down to the point of being just another body after 15-20 minutes but he did have a good look before the half but was closed very nicely by Midd and his left hoof was not quite fast enough on the release. Still for a big guy he has decent hoofs.

3. Middlebury has nothing to worry about tonight as they will get a Pool C. They have 6 losses BUT have beaten all the right teams in the past 2 weeks to get 3 ranked wins and it will be enough. In 2013, Williams had 6 losses and got a Pool C after losing in the Nescac Final to Amherst.

4. Recruiting--If someone in Nescac does not break up this Jersey pipeline going into Tufts year after year then this will continue. There is no reason for Middlebury, Williams, Amherst and Bowdoin to let this continue. The heart and soul and frankly the talent on these Tufts teams since 2011 has mostly come from Jersey except for a few. I mean the only seniors on this years team that even played in 2014 from what I can remember was Zinner and maybe Halliday but I do not remember Kulcsar at all in 2014 or even really 2015. So again like I said last year these kids get to Tufts and like Majumder and others tend to improve as they progress year to year which you do not see in every program. You see it some obviously but not quite at the same level

5. They still have a couple problems. That giveaway today by Najjar was bad and Tufts was lucky that O'Grady just missed. I do not like Mieth in net as much as Johnson. He did not do anything that cost Tufts today but just a bettors hunch that Tufts season will end on his mistake. I would feel a ton more comfortable with Greenwood back there but that is not happening. Also, again they rely on a late goal to win it which is fine but at some point that late goal will not be there. Then what? PK's...I would be curious to know Tufts 5 kickers and the order. Some players do not have the guts to take a PK in a pressure situation and would just be curious to know who on Tufts that is. The funny thing about PK's is everyone says it is the worst way to decide a game and it is but it is also a true read of an individual's confidence in himself. Some players will flat out tell a coach he does not feel comfortable taking PK's or will tell coach that he"isn't very good at them"..Is that really the issue or does he not want to be the guy standing out there alone on a stage and fail? Just an interesting read into a team I think.

Anyway...A very good Final today and congrats to Tufts...

Yes Bloots that Bird woman was there...I must say I am just so impressed that a grown woman arrives to a game and makes about 200 very loud and annoying bird noises...I mean either she is pure looney tunes or she is on some incredibly HEAVY MEDS..Either way that takes GUTS to consistently do this all game in front of virtual strangers. Almost like taking a PK but not quite
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2017, 09:57:01 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 05, 2017, 09:13:32 PM
Ahh, can't be too optimistic about my Camels getting their first bid in history :(. Seems like bowdoin, midd, Amherst, and others from other conferences are ahead of them for that pool c. Would be a tall task even getting a fourth bid , let alone a fifth.


That would not be their first bid. Lessig took them in the mid 90's when they had some decent teams. But yea there have just been to many upsets for them to get a bid. Frankly Bowdoin has some serious problems tonight because that Springfield loss coupled with that ridiculously weak Maine schedule will hurt IMO
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on November 06, 2017, 09:49:08 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 05, 2017, 09:57:01 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 05, 2017, 09:13:32 PM
Ahh, can't be too optimistic about my Camels getting their first bid in history :(. Seems like bowdoin, midd, Amherst, and others from other conferences are ahead of them for that pool c. Would be a tall task even getting a fourth bid , let alone a fifth.


That would not be their first bid. Lessig took them in the mid 90's when they had some decent teams. But yea there have just been to many upsets for them to get a bid. Frankly Bowdoin has some serious problems tonight because that Springfield loss coupled with that ridiculously weak Maine schedule will hurt IMO

CT College will get a bid.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 06, 2017, 10:06:39 AM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on November 06, 2017, 09:49:08 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 05, 2017, 09:57:01 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 05, 2017, 09:13:32 PM
Ahh, can't be too optimistic about my Camels getting their first bid in history :(. Seems like bowdoin, midd, Amherst, and others from other conferences are ahead of them for that pool c. Would be a tall task even getting a fourth bid , let alone a fifth.


That would not be their first bid. Lessig took them in the mid 90's when they had some decent teams. But yea there have just been to many upsets for them to get a bid. Frankly Bowdoin has some serious problems tonight because that Springfield loss coupled with that ridiculously weak Maine schedule will hurt IMO

CT College will get a bid.

I don't see how they can, to be honest. With only 19 Pool Cs, how deep into New England will the committee go? There should be 4 or 5 teams ahead of them (teams not getting Pool As) in the final regional rankings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 06, 2017, 10:12:39 AM
What time is the selection show and is in streamed on NCAA Championships?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on November 06, 2017, 10:15:49 AM
Quote from: maineman on November 06, 2017, 10:12:39 AM
What time is the selection show and is in streamed on NCAA Championships?

1pm for the woman

1:30pm for the men

Yes it is live streamed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 06, 2017, 10:28:52 AM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 05, 2017, 09:13:32 PM
Ahh, can't be too optimistic about my Camels getting their first bid in history :(. Seems like bowdoin, midd, Amherst, and others from other conferences are ahead of them for that pool c. Would be a tall task even getting a fourth bid , let alone a fifth.

As Mr.Right said, it does appear that CC has been in the NCAA Tournament before, albeit a long time ago. Per the CC record books, it says that in 1995 they went to the "NCAA Metro Region Final 4." My guess is that means the Sweet 16, or the Sectional Semifinals, but the NCAA's website only has comprehensive bracket information going back to around 2000 I think. I would be curious to know who Conn. played.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 06, 2017, 10:31:05 AM
I think NESCAC is getting three Pool C bids - Amherst, Midd, and Bowdoin.  The Bears may very well have to go on the road to PA or Jersey as Tufts did the past 2 years, but I'm sure they will be happy just to get in.  Two teams get a bye in the first round. With Messiah losing on Saturday and Tufts winning both the NESCAC regular season and Tournament, the Jumbos could very well be watching on Saturday waiting to see who they play in the second round.  Here is a hunch: Springfield vs. St.Joe's in the first round with the winner playing Tufts on Sunday...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 06, 2017, 10:44:39 AM
Final Computer Rankings for NESCAC Teams Ranked in the last Regional Rankings By the Selection Committee

Massey: Tufts 1, Amherst 22, Conn 25, Midd 26, Williams 27, Bowdoin 30
Bennett: Tufts 5, Conn 25, Amherst 26, Williams 36, Bowdoin 49, Midd 52

Amherst is in for sure.  However, looking at the computer rankings you would think Conn is getting in, but in reviewing the NCAA Tournament selection criteria it would seem Midd and Bowdoin would get Pool C bids ahead of Conn. Maybe they all get in! We will know in 3 hours.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 06, 2017, 11:09:31 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 05, 2017, 09:54:42 PM
1. The heart and guts of this team is in midfield. They do all the little things that just do not show up in the boxscore.  I was most impressed with Kulcsar. He reminds me of some of the great midfielders that Williams used to have. The unsung heroes that do all the dirty work like Patrick Huffer, Tommy Day and Pete Christman. He can run all day and is the main reason you just cannot break Tufts down thru the middle of the field. Tufts does a great job of collapsing into a 4-5-1 immediately after they lose the ball and just suffocate the opponent. Halliday played well again today and almost had another incredible goal if not for a fantastic save by Midd's GK. That was highway robbery as it looked live like it was headed for the panel. Rojas got the game winner after a nice run and perfect service from the flank. So that was all very very impressive.

Yes Kulcsar is the unsung hero of that team, and, in my view, is this year's team MVP. Not the flashiest of players but you rarely see him put a foot wrong, and he is arguably the biggest reason that they have been so good defensively, although Coleman will probably get the plaudits for leading a backline that has conceded 1 goal (and I think he would deserve them). I also think it's accurate to say they collapse into a 4-5-1 when dispossessed, and I think this speaks to Shapiro's "team defense" concept. What is also evident with Tufts is that they understand how to balance pressing with not getting caught too high -- often times, when dispossessed, teams will press without the back line changing position. This can be dangerous as if the counter gets by the initial high press and then the midfield/defense they have a pretty open run at goal, but when you clog the middle like Tufts does with the outside backs pinching in it's much tougher to break down. Perhaps this explains why Tufts has been so resolute defensively without a cast of characters with names like Greenwood and Williams.

Quote from: Mr.Right on November 05, 2017, 09:54:42 PM
Yes Bloots that Bird woman was there...I must say I am just so impressed that a grown woman arrives to a game and makes about 200 very loud and annoying bird noises...I mean either she is pure looney tunes or she is on some incredibly HEAVY MEDS..Either way that takes GUTS to consistently do this all game in front of virtual strangers. Almost like taking a PK but not quite

I apologize for sounding like a grumpy old man at the age of 25, I promise I don't get annoyed that easily, but the woman's bird call is beyond obnoxious. If it wasn't so incessant, it might be tolerable, but it seems like it happens every throw-in/free-kick/stoppage. Not even joking, I muted the broadcast after the first 30 minutes or so because I couldn't stand it. Of course, I probably have done things that annoy fellow spectators as well, but certainly not like my college days (things used to get rowdy down in Coven's Corner, particularly during NCAA games ;)). Maybe I would be more sympathetic if I was a Tufts fan. Regardless, I would be very happy if it stopped.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 06, 2017, 12:27:38 PM
Quote from: Mid-Atlantic Fan on November 06, 2017, 10:15:49 AM
Quote from: maineman on November 06, 2017, 10:12:39 AM
What time is the selection show and is in streamed on NCAA Championships?

1pm for the woman

1:30pm for the men

Yes it is live streamed
Does anybody have a link for it?  I don't see one at NCAA Championship Live Videos.  Thanks!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 06, 2017, 12:52:16 PM
Quote from: maineman on November 06, 2017, 12:27:38 PM
Does anybody have a link for it?  I don't see one at NCAA Championship Live Videos.  Thanks!

1:00 ET Women's Selection Show (http://d3soccer.com/links/tk334i)
1:30 ET Men's Selection Show (http://d3soccer.com/links/xekpx1)

Will post in "Now Streaming," too.

Update: As a poster in the Now Streaming thread noted, these shows are not "live" but instead videos that can be scrolled through. Makes for a much quicker viewing, but does ruin some of the suspense IMHO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 06, 2017, 01:33:19 PM
Spoiler alert below:

Tufts with a first-round bye, will face the winner of St. Joseph's and Mitchell

Brandeis vs. WConn
RUN vs. Bowdoin @ Brandeis

Oneonta vs. WPI
Conn. vs. Rochester @ Oneonta

Amherst vs. Salem State
Springfield vs. Endicott @ Amherst

Middlebury vs. Stevens @ Cortland
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 06, 2017, 01:35:24 PM

That is a nightmare quadrant...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 06, 2017, 01:36:13 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on November 06, 2017, 01:35:24 PM

That is a nightmare quadrant...

Not sure that they're all the same quadrant (I think that's the half)...was just listing NESCAC teams and their opening pods.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 06, 2017, 01:37:04 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 05, 2017, 09:13:32 PM
Ahh, can't be too optimistic about my Camels getting their first bid in history :(. Seems like bowdoin, midd, Amherst, and others from other conferences are ahead of them for that pool c. Would be a tall task even getting a fourth bid , let alone a fifth.

There are always one or two surprises, and the surprise factor worked in the Camels' favor! Congrats to Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 06, 2017, 01:39:46 PM

Rowan getting another crack at Tufts...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 06, 2017, 01:47:28 PM
Wow! What a great surprise. Don't underestimate my Camels boys :) no Nescac team will want to play us !!!

Nes ac is definitely worthy of 4 bids though, especially considering last 3 champs were from our conference. Congrats to all!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 06, 2017, 02:00:01 PM
First time in a while that NESCAC gets 4 Pool Cs, although I think it's deserved given the parity this year.

A potential Brandeis vs. Bowdoin rematch in the NCAA 2nd Round from the 2014 Round of 32 matchup is exciting. Bowdoin gave Brandeis a very good test that year, parking the bus for most of the game, although they did have an early goal ruled out for offside. Over the course of the game, Brandeis and its superior speed and skill wore Bowdoin down, capped off when Miskin planted a wonderful header past van Siclen with 15 minutes left for the 1-0 win. Bowdoin will be hungry for revenge, but this is all assuming that Bowdoin gets by RUN, which, in and of itself, should be a great match, and Brandeis gets by WConn, who will no doubt battle hard.

I like Conn. vs. Rochester. I think that will be a really good game; two teams with some skill but can get scrappy as well. I like Conn. in this one, but Rochester will give them a game, and I remarked that Rochester and Brandeis are the closest UAA teams that play the way the NESCACs do in terms of physicality and athleticism. Regardless, UR are always a tough out, but you can bet that Conn. will be fired up for this one.

St. Josephs vs. Mitchell @ Tufts, with the winner facing the Jumbos in the 2nd Round. Bobcat, are you sure you weren't part of the Selection Committee this year? Jokes aside, and assuming St. Joseph's can get past Mitchell, I am looking forward to that one, and while I think Tufts would be highly favored I don't think they take SJC lightly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: All NESCAC on November 06, 2017, 02:06:49 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 06, 2017, 01:47:28 PM
Wow! What a great surprise. Don't underestimate my Camels boys :) no Nescac team will want to play us !!!

Nes ac is definitely worthy of 4 bids though, especially considering last 3 champs were from our conference. Congrats to all!

Wow 5 from Nescac in the tournament.  Congratulations Conn Camels!!!!  Go NESCAC!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 06, 2017, 02:10:56 PM
Love the fact NESCAC got 5 bids, especially after getting just 2 last year. Well earned by the conference. I think its record in key non-conference matchups this year helped bump the number up.  No surprise St. Joe's is going to Tufts.  Potentially we have zero goals allowed vs 1 goal allowed.  I figured the NCAA would jump at that potential matchup, plus its less than 2 hours travel for St. Joe's.  The Brandies pod is brutal...Bowdoin/RUN in round 1, WOW! :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 06, 2017, 02:13:12 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on November 06, 2017, 02:10:56 PM
Love the fact NESCAC got 5 bids, especially after getting just 2 last year. Well earned by the conference. I think its record in key non-conference matchups this year helped bump the number up.  No surprise St. Joe's is going to Tufts.  Potentially we have zero goals allowed vs 1 goal allowed.  I figured the NCAA would jump at that potential matchup, plus its less than 2 hours travel for St. Joe's.  The Brandies pod is brutal...Bowdoin/RUN in round 1, WOW! :o

And I love that Dave Saward's career will conclude in the NCAA tournament...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on November 06, 2017, 03:05:51 PM
Wow... Camels made it in!  I'm amazed as I definitely thought their season was over. As a soccer alum great to see them make it.  Congrats to all 5 teams!!!   And let's see if all can win the first round games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2017, 06:45:30 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 06, 2017, 11:09:31 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 05, 2017, 09:54:42 PM
1. The heart and guts of this team is in midfield. They do all the little things that just do not show up in the boxscore.  I was most impressed with Kulcsar. He reminds me of some of the great midfielders that Williams used to have. The unsung heroes that do all the dirty work like Patrick Huffer, Tommy Day and Pete Christman. He can run all day and is the main reason you just cannot break Tufts down thru the middle of the field. Tufts does a great job of collapsing into a 4-5-1 immediately after they lose the ball and just suffocate the opponent. Halliday played well again today and almost had another incredible goal if not for a fantastic save by Midd's GK. That was highway robbery as it looked live like it was headed for the panel. Rojas got the game winner after a nice run and perfect service from the flank. So that was all very very impressive.

Yes Kulcsar is the unsung hero of that team, and, in my view, is this year's team MVP. Not the flashiest of players but you rarely see him put a foot wrong, and he is arguably the biggest reason that they have been so good defensively, although Coleman will probably get the plaudits for leading a backline that has conceded 1 goal (and I think he would deserve them). I also think it's accurate to say they collapse into a 4-5-1 when dispossessed, and I think this speaks to Shapiro's "team defense" concept. What is also evident with Tufts is that they understand how to balance pressing with not getting caught too high -- often times, when dispossessed, teams will press without the back line changing position. This can be dangerous as if the counter gets by the initial high press and then the midfield/defense they have a pretty open run at goal, but when you clog the middle like Tufts does with the outside backs pinching in it's much tougher to break down. Perhaps this explains why Tufts has been so resolute defensively without a cast of characters with names like Greenwood and Williams.

Quote from: Mr.Right on November 05, 2017, 09:54:42 PM
Yes Bloots that Bird woman was there...I must say I am just so impressed that a grown woman arrives to a game and makes about 200 very loud and annoying bird noises...I mean either she is pure looney tunes or she is on some incredibly HEAVY MEDS..Either way that takes GUTS to consistently do this all game in front of virtual strangers. Almost like taking a PK but not quite

I apologize for sounding like a grumpy old man at the age of 25, I promise I don't get annoyed that easily, but the woman's bird call is beyond obnoxious. If it wasn't so incessant, it might be tolerable, but it seems like it happens every throw-in/free-kick/stoppage. Not even joking, I muted the broadcast after the first 30 minutes or so because I couldn't stand it. Of course, I probably have done things that annoy fellow spectators as well, but certainly not like my college days (things used to get rowdy down in Coven's Corner, particularly during NCAA games ;)). Maybe I would be more sympathetic if I was a Tufts fan. Regardless, I would be very happy if it stopped.



Exactly....You have it spot on so the next question is how to attack that. My initial thought before Williams played them on their field was that a 120x80 field would force Tufts to spread out but Williams was to conservative and not fast enough. Meaning once Tufts gives the ball away YOU MUST GO and FAST. Get the ball and play it immediately to feet before Tufts has a chance to get set. Get it out wide and whip a ball in or whatever. Take chances and send your wingbacks immediately and keep your 2 CB's and Holding Mid back so at least you have 3 solid defenders back. Think Man City with Fernandinho and Stones and the other guy back and everyone else flying forward. IMO this is one reason why Tufts has been so successful in Nescac this year. Teams are to slow in transition, not willing to chance anything and just way to conservative. The only other way for teams to break it down is breaking them down from the flank but you need good 1v1 players and perfect service with more than 3 guys crashing the box. Hamilton just played right into Tufts hands by continually trying to force balls thru the middle of the field and kept giving it away. Actually, Midd the first 20 minutes came out and pressed Tufts like mad and it worked as it generated some looks but they died off after a while. Interesting look because Midd let Bowdoin possess all they wanted in their half until they crossed midfield.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 06, 2017, 07:28:44 PM
That strikes me as an accurate assessment Mr. Right.  Any of Bowdoin, Middlebury or Conn College will have to abandon conservatism and adopt an attacking approach if they're going to advance beyond the first round...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 06, 2017, 07:36:15 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 04, 2017, 04:31:58 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2017, 02:39:22 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 04, 2017, 02:36:13 PM
Lol.  Are we watching the same game?  (Actually, I am pretty sure my feed is lagging behind.)


Ugh...Midd is letting Bowdoin possess in the back in their own end. they are not pressing them until they cross midfield. The second Bowdoin plays a ball to their striker it is given away...That is called Possession without progression....Also THERE IS NO FLOW..I swear Bowdoin could put an insomniac to sleep.

they were playing in the front, I suspected it would end badly for Bowdoin.  When the camera was on the box and I saw that Byrd was sitting in it, I knew it would.  Not because Byrd is a problem... but because his presence there was a sign of the 2017=2018 Bowdoin team's fatal flaw rearing its head.   I had hoped they would overcome it, but... not to be.   

I suppose that ends their bid for NCAAs also.  Too bad.  I was rooting for them... but... if you don't play like you want to win, then you deserve to lose.   

I suppose Wiercinski will have a lot fo rebuilding to do after this year.   

Think I am going to probably watch for Colby next season in the NESCAC. I liked them this year a lot, also. I thought Colby had some interesting kids, and they were very young this year, so I am hoping that is promising for the next couple of years being interesting play.

SoccerMom, I've enjoyed your following of Bowdoin this season and will miss your commentary if you shift your focus to Colby next year.  That said, I'm pleased Bowdoin was one of four NESCACs to receive a Pool C bid today.

My view is that any of Bowdoin, Middlebury and Conn College will need to commit to an attacking approach if they want to advance to the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament.  There is little to be gained via a conservative approach at this stage of the season...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2017, 08:11:04 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 06, 2017, 07:28:44 PM
That strikes me as an accurate assessment Mr. Right.  Any of Bowdoin, Middlebury or Conn College will have to abandon conservatism and adopt an attacking approach if they're going to advance beyond the first round...

Yeah right these coaches just do not change. It is very frustrating to watch. Actually if you look at the Nescac matchups I think Midd has the best chance to get to the Sweet 16 of either of those 3 IF THEY PLAY like they did yesterday. The Midd v Stevens match will be played on turf. I have not seen Stevens this year so it is hard to say and they have a new coach so i do not know how they play but their results have been mediocre at best. I have seen Cortland and I felt that Hobart kept them in check physically just a bad GK'ing error cost them. Cortland will have their home field but Midd could spring an upset there IMO.

The Bowdoin v RUN matchup will be VERY interesting. I think Bowdoin players will get over confident about an hour or two before the match when they see the size advantage they have especially when they see RUN 5'6 GK. That will be their 1st mistake because RUN has plenty of skill and play fast two touch futbol and will be able to do that on Brandeis turf. The 2nd mistake will be Wiercinski starting Morant and Niang in midfield. He should push both up top in this game for their size and bring Masterson off the bench as Niang and especially Morant will be liabilities in midfield defensively in this matchup. RUN #7 on the flank will be causing havoc all game for McColl but better to have McColl on him than the other wingback who is a bit of a liability. When McColl overlaps than Ellsworth will have to drop and deal with him and he is not a good enough 1v1 defender so that will draw over Bubb or Ward and leave their best player #11 all 5'6 of him DeSouza against possibly 1 CB. Just 2 totally different approaches and each side will have an advantage over the other in different areas. I do believe that RUN will have to go out and win this game as PK's they will lose the GK matchup. I thought the RUN GK made some decent saves in the Rowan game and he is quick as a cat but I could never start a GK that is 5'6. I would go NUTS..


The Conn v UR matchup is interesting just because it is a Nescac v UAA matchup. I have not seen UR at all this year but Conn will be rusty after having 2 weeks off IMO. Conn is not a team that needed 2 weeks off. They needed to keep playing and UR should be able to take advantage of that but who knows. Turf field. I honestly have no idea. IMO Conn did not deserve to get in the way they finished their season 0-2-1 at Home in all 3 against Midd, Bowdoin and Wesleyan. They scored all of 1 goal in those 3 games. It was a weak year nationally if Conn got a bid but I believe their wins against Endicott and Salem State helped as the committee likes to see that you beat other NCAA teams. Obviously, their draws v Tufts and Bowdoin helped and the win against Midd to start the year BUT in a normal year that would not have been good enough. Either way I think whoever wins this match will be losing the next one against at Oneonta so it really does not matter. Oneonta looks like a well oiled machine on their home turf and do not quite look the same when forced on grass on the road.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 06, 2017, 08:57:08 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 06, 2017, 08:11:04 PM
The Bowdoin v RUN matchup will be VERY interesting. I think Bowdoin players will get over confident about an hour or two before the match when they see the size advantage they have especially when they see RUN 5'6 GK. That will be their 1st mistake because RUN has plenty of skill and play fast two touch futbol and will be able to do that on Brandeis turf. The 2nd mistake will be Wiercinski starting Morant and Niang in midfield. He should push both up top in this game for their size and bring Masterson off the bench as Niang and especially Morant will be liabilities in midfield defensively in this matchup. RUN #7 on the flank will be causing havoc all game for McColl but better to have McColl on him than the other wingback who is a bit of a liability. When McColl overlaps than Ellsworth will have to drop and deal with him and he is not a good enough 1v1 defender so that will draw over Bubb or Ward and leave their best player #11 all 5'6 of him DeSouza against possibly 1 CB. Just 2 totally different approaches and each side will have an advantage over the other in different areas. I do believe that RUN will have to go out and win this game as PK's they will lose the GK matchup. I thought the RUN GK made some decent saves in the Rowan game and he is quick as a cat but I could never start a GK that is 5'6. I would go NUTS..

This is a very interesting matchup indeed, probably the first round pick of the quadrant, and I agree that both teams will have advantages in certain areas. I also agree that RUN needs to win in regulation or OT, as -- in addition to having a 5'6" goaltender -- Bowdoin 'keeper van Siclen has an excellent record with PKs (I wouldn't be surprised if he's saved 50%+ of pens faced). It will be a battle of contrasting styles. One reason I could see Bowdoin winning is that NCAA games tend to favor teams capable of scrapping out results, as they're often tight and tenuous. Over the years, Bowdoin has showed an ability to get those results, as has their fellow quadrant member Brandeis, but I am not sure that RUN is similarly capable in those types of games (worth noting their Sweet 16 win over SUNY Oneonta last year was largely in part thanks to an early, three-goal blitz rather than a late winner).

This Bowdoin team features largely different personnel than the 2014 team that won the NESCAC, but this matchup (on paper) reminds me a lot of the aforementioned Brandeis vs. Bowdoin matchup that year, as stylistically Bowdoin is still quite similar. When I saw Brandeis was going to play Bowdoin that year, I'll admit I was quite nervous for the Judges, as I thought quite likely that Bowdoin would sit in (they did) and nick a goal from a set piece at the other end (they didn't). Even though Brandeis had beaten a NESCAC side earlier that season in Tufts, a 2-0 win at home, demonstrating physicality that I hadn't seen from them before, and while Tufts went on to win the national title, I did get the sense that Tufts "let [them] play," as it was a pretty open game, consistent with Tufts' attacking philosophy that year with players like Santos/Hoppenot/Brown. Bowdoin, however, had won the NESCAC by bunkering down, not conceding (or scoring) in the semis or final, yet they still managed to put three (some might say fortuitous) goals by Brockport in the 1st Round (deflected shot, header from a corner, breakaway goal). In the 2nd Round game, Brandeis got at Bowdoin in the first half, but didn't really create much, and Bowdoin looked pretty comfortable defensively for most of the game. As the second half wore down, Brandeis started to turn the screw, and the Polar Bears got a bit more stretched. I think the speed of the turf wore them down, as they were on the back foot with the ball moving extremely quickly for long spells. Eventually, a failed clear led to a turnover, which led to a cross, which led to the goal.

Certainly Bowdoin had the height and physical advantage over Brandeis, but Brandeis had more skill and speed, and the Polar Bears ended up defending so much of the game that it wore them down. That is one way to combat a physical disadvantage -- they were pinned back pretty much the whole second half prior to the goal, which was scored in the 75th minute, and while they didn't look particularly vulnerable, I did get the sense that a goal was coming well before it arrived. They had a late header from White which was easily snared by Graffy, and -- aside from the early disallowed goal by Dias Costa -- they really didn't threaten much offensively. With Bowdoin possessing a similar physical advantage over RUN, and RUN knowing this, I suspect that's what RUN will try to do -- keep them on the back foot chasing the ball and wear them down.

As SoccerMom has observed, Bowdoin looks most vulnerable this year when they bunker down, and truenorth mentioned that Bowdoin's best chance of advancing is to get after it and be less conservative -- I agree with them both. That being said, I don't see Wiercinski changing his tactics, particularly not at high-stakes times like this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2017, 09:07:25 PM
I would be remiss if I didn't offer congrats to Middlebury who suffer here for attention given the Tufts focus and Bowdoin love.  4 years of Conrad and Glaser produced zero NCAA appearances.  A couple of those years there was little difference in profiles between Tufts and Midd.  Tufts got bids and went on to D3 soccer immortality, while Midd stayed home and enjoyed Ben and Jerry's, Cabot cheese and the Snow Bowl.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2017, 09:17:45 PM
Yes I agree BUT 2014 Brandeis was by far more physical than RUN will be and were more talented than RUN this year. Bowdoin with a few exceptions looks to be the same outfit just interchanging different pieces and names here and there. I am also unsure of how RUN will deal with Bowdoin's physicality. That is why I wanted to see that RUN at Amherst match a month or so ago but we had technical difficulties. That would have given us a sense of how RUN would deal with Bowdoin. I do think the turf will help RUN push the ball as quick as they did against Rowan on Saturday which should keep Bowdoin on its heels a bit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on November 06, 2017, 10:23:28 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 06, 2017, 08:11:04 PM
Yeah right these coaches just do not change. It is very frustrating to watch. Actually if you look at the Nescac matchups I think Midd has the best chance to get to the Sweet 16 of either of those 3 IF THEY PLAY like they did yesterday. The Midd v Stevens match will be played on turf. I have not seen Stevens this year so it is hard to say and they have a new coach so i do not know how they play but their results have been mediocre at best.

Oddly enough, I have seen both of these teams in action, both online and in person.  My impression is that Middlebury is better in every respect than Stevens and should win 2-0 or 3-0 if they play straight up.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 07, 2017, 01:38:57 PM
NEW ENGLAND REGION - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - November 06, 2017

Rank

School
. Div. III .
Record
. Div. III .
SOS

 . R-v-R .
. Overall .
Record
. Prev. .
Rank
1.
Tufts
15-1-2
0.613
4-1-2
15-1-2
1
2.
Amherst
11-3-2
0.621
4-1-1
11-3-2
2
3.
Brandeis
13-4-0
0.622
4-4-0
13-4-0
3
4.
Springfield
14-1-2
0.566
5-0-0
14-1-2
4
5.
Middlebury
12-6-0
0.627
4-4-0
12-6-0
6
6.
Connecticut College
9-3-4
0.605
2-2-3
9-3-4
7
7.
Bowdoin
10-4-3
0.593
2-3-3
10-4-3
5
8.
Johnson and Wales
15-2-2
0.524
1-1-0
15-2-2
--
9.
Williams
8-3-5
0.600
0-3-3
8-3-5
8
10.
Endicott
13-4-3
0.533
1-2-1
13-4-3
10
11.
St. Joseph's (Maine)
18-0-1
0.499
2-0-0
18-0-1
--
12.
Gordon
13-6-1
0.544
0-3-1
13-6-1
12
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 07, 2017, 11:29:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 06, 2017, 06:45:30 PM

...Interesting look because Midd let Bowdoin possess all they wanted in their half until they crossed midfield.


Again... it always does seem like we have not watched the same games, even though I know that we both saw this one.

Midd did not keep Bowdoin below midfield. At all.  "Bowdoin-love" aside, that is objectively not the case, as evidenced by stats alone, even if I had not seen the game and realized that Midd did not "contain" Bowdoin in that game in anyway at all.

Bowdoin took 7 shots and had 3 corners in regulation.That is a very reasonable amount of offense. And that does not include some of the really screwy "shots" that didn't get close enough to the goal to even be tallied as a shot.   

So... as I have said all along:  Bowdoin's backline controls the look of Bowdoin's posession game.  Where the backline decides to play is where Bowdoin will possess. And when they decide to go, I have not seen anyone contain them. They "bunkered in" increasingly as the game went on... but  Midd did not contain them to below the midfield.   Bowdoin took seven shots and three corners in regulation time.  Especially considering how long it can take Bowdoin to pull the trigger, those stats indicate Bowdoin spent a reasonable amount of time in the attacking third. 
I dont deny that the Bowdoin backline sets their pace and controls possession.  And, they "bunker in" far too often for their own good. 
But the implcations of Midd "letting" Bowdoin possess "until they crossed midfield" are contradicted by the stats.  Plus... I saw the game.  And Midd - while they had some good moments, and a great second OT and definitely played like theu wanted to win, while Bowdoin looked like they just did not want to lose.

So... congrats to Midd on the win, of course.  They played like they wanted to win, and they deserved to win.
But... Midd did NOT contain the Bowdoin attack to below midfield. The midfield struggled in that game, and .. I am sure  and the backline chose to hold the ball at that time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on November 08, 2017, 12:03:22 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 07, 2017, 11:29:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 06, 2017, 06:45:30 PM

...Interesting look because Midd let Bowdoin possess all they wanted in their half until they crossed midfield.


And when they decide to go, I have not seen anyone contain them.

Just a general observation - Bowdoin has scored exactly 1 goal in their last 4 games.  Contrary to your assertion, it would seem that everyone is containing them. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 08, 2017, 07:44:54 AM
Yes, it all comes down to whether the ball gets put into the net.  Bowdoin has not put the ball into the net in recent games, despite having at least their share of quality chances vs. the competition in those games.

The slate is clean for each of the teams who are now in the NCAA tourney.  Teams like Bowdoin could very well end their scoring droughts and gain some momentum (or not).  Teams like Tufts and St. Joe's could very well give up their first goals of the season (or not).

But I don't think that recent history is always a reliable predictor of what will happen in the tournament games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 08, 2017, 08:31:59 AM
Quote from: truenorth on November 08, 2017, 07:44:54 AM
The slate is clean for each of the teams who are now in the NCAA tourney.  Teams like Bowdoin could very well end their scoring droughts and gain some momentum (or not).  Teams like Tufts and St. Joe's could very well give up their first goals of the season (or not).

But I don't think that recent history is always a reliable predictor of what will happen in the tournament games.

I agree 100%, truenorth, and this is why I try to never be overconfident in one-and-done scenarios like NCAAs, regardless of how much of an advantage I think a given team has over another. As the adage goes, "it's a new season," and any number of things can happen that do or do not resemble past occurrences.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2017, 11:13:53 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 07, 2017, 11:29:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 06, 2017, 06:45:30 PM

...Interesting look because Midd let Bowdoin possess all they wanted in their half until they crossed midfield.


Again... it always does seem like we have not watched the same games, even though I know that we both saw this one.

Midd did not keep Bowdoin below midfield. At all.  "Bowdoin-love" aside, that is objectively not the case, as evidenced by stats alone, even if I had not seen the game and realized that Midd did not "contain" Bowdoin in that game in anyway at all.

Bowdoin took 7 shots and had 3 corners in regulation.That is a very reasonable amount of offense. And that does not include some of the really screwy "shots" that didn't get close enough to the goal to even be tallied as a shot.   

So... as I have said all along:  Bowdoin's backline controls the look of Bowdoin's posession game.  Where the backline decides to play is where Bowdoin will possess. And when they decide to go, I have not seen anyone contain them. They "bunkered in" increasingly as the game went on... but  Midd did not contain them to below the midfield.   Bowdoin took seven shots and three corners in regulation time.  Especially considering how long it can take Bowdoin to pull the trigger, those stats indicate Bowdoin spent a reasonable amount of time in the attacking third. 
I dont deny that the Bowdoin backline sets their pace and controls possession.  And, they "bunker in" far too often for their own good. 
But the implcations of Midd "letting" Bowdoin possess "until they crossed midfield" are contradicted by the stats.  Plus... I saw the game.  And Midd - while they had some good moments, and a great second OT and definitely played like theu wanted to win, while Bowdoin looked like they just did not want to lose.

So... congrats to Midd on the win, course. 
But... Midd did NOT contain the Bowdoin attack to below midfield. The midfield struggled in that game, and .. I am sure  and the backline chose to hold the ball at that time.


I have no idea what my initial point has to do with all this rambling. All I said was that in the Bowdoin v Midd match Midd was not pressing them or in clearer terms Midd was letting them do whatever they wanted until they hit midfield. To me this was interesting because the next day Midd came out and pressed Tufts to some success. Thats all...Nothing to do with corners and shots or who had more of the play or whatever. Honestly, I fell asleep in the middle of the 2nd Half so maybe the game changed BUT I remember maybe 1 scoring chance for each side before I nodded. It was just a tedious, cautious affair that I thought I had forgotten until now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 08, 2017, 08:11:49 PM
Quote from: Off Pitch on November 08, 2017, 12:03:22 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 07, 2017, 11:29:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 06, 2017, 06:45:30 PM

...Interesting look because Midd let Bowdoin possess all they wanted in their half until they crossed midfield.


And when they decide to go, I have not seen anyone contain them.

Just a general observation - Bowdoin has scored exactly 1 goal in their last 4 games.  Contrary to your assertion, it would seem that everyone is containing them.

They also scored only one goal in the game in which they took 30 shots.  They have a finishing problem. They can miss an open goal. 
Their dearth of goals is a finishing problem, not a possession one.
They attack. They shoot.  They just can't finish.

Mr. Right likes lots of goals, so... he does not care for Bowdoin so much. Obviously, I disagree.   I don't go to soccer games hoping for manic shoot-outs. I think you can have a very interesting game, with no goals at all.  So, I find Bowdoin's team to be pretty interesting. 

Bowdoins back line usually is the determining factor where (and how) they are going to play.  And i have not seen anyone able to contain them in any game I have watched.  They have cut everyone up.  The Bowdoin scoring issues are that their offense can't finish, and they frequently employ an overly-defensive strategy in high-stakes games.
But none of those teams have "contained" them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 08, 2017, 08:21:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 08, 2017, 11:13:53 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 07, 2017, 11:29:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 06, 2017, 06:45:30 PM

...Interesting look because Midd let Bowdoin possess all they wanted in their half until they crossed midfield.


Again... it always does seem like we have not watched the same games, even though I know that we both saw this one.

Midd did not keep Bowdoin below midfield. At all.  "Bowdoin-love" aside, that is objectively not the case, as evidenced by stats alone, even if I had not seen the game and realized that Midd did not "contain" Bowdoin in that game in anyway at all.

Bowdoin took 7 shots and had 3 corners in regulation.That is a very reasonable amount of offense. And that does not include some of the really screwy "shots" that didn't get close enough to the goal to even be tallied as a shot.   

So... as I have said all along:  Bowdoin's backline controls the look of Bowdoin's posession game.  Where the backline decides to play is where Bowdoin will possess. And when they decide to go, I have not seen anyone contain them. They "bunkered in" increasingly as the game went on... but  Midd did not contain them to below the midfield.   Bowdoin took seven shots and three corners in regulation time.  Especially considering how long it can take Bowdoin to pull the trigger, those stats indicate Bowdoin spent a reasonable amount of time in the attacking third. 
I dont deny that the Bowdoin backline sets their pace and controls possession.  And, they "bunker in" far too often for their own good. 
But the implcations of Midd "letting" Bowdoin possess "until they crossed midfield" are contradicted by the stats.  Plus... I saw the game.  And Midd - while they had some good moments, and a great second OT and definitely played like theu wanted to win, while Bowdoin looked like they just did not want to lose.

So... congrats to Midd on the win, course. 
But... Midd did NOT contain the Bowdoin attack to below midfield. The midfield struggled in that game, and .. I am sure  and the backline chose to hold the ball at that time.


I have no idea what my initial point has to do with all this rambling. All I said was that in the Bowdoin v Midd match Midd was not pressing them or in clearer terms Midd was letting them do whatever they wanted until they hit midfield. To me this was interesting because the next day Midd came out and pressed Tufts to some success. Thats all...Nothing to do with corners and shots or who had more of the play or whatever. Honestly, I fell asleep in the middle of the 2nd Half so maybe the game changed BUT I remember maybe 1 scoring chance for each side before I nodded. It was just a tedious, cautious affair that I thought I had forgotten until now.

What you said was that Midd" let Bowdoin possess all they wanted until they crossed midfield."   
My inference: you thought Midd was containing and/or dispossessing them above midfield. But ... Bowdoin possessed all over the field.  So...

But I guess I am the one "rambling..."  Ok.  Lol.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 08, 2017, 08:54:24 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 08, 2017, 07:44:54 AM
Yes, it all comes down to whether the ball gets put into the net.
...
But I don't think that recent history is always a reliable predictor of what will happen in the tournament games.

Well, I think Bowdoin has a lot of talented and smart players.  And I have quite liked Bowdoin's creative approach to compensating for some of their undeniable weak points. And I kept hoping that they would get all the pieces put together before their season was over.
But... at this point.... if they start scoring, it will be a triumph of hope over experience.
I'll keep my fingers crossed with you, TrueNorth.  I hope that they give us a chance to see them play a really great game.  I haven't looked for the times yet, but if there is a link, I will be watching.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 08, 2017, 11:06:45 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 06, 2017, 08:11:04 PM

RUN #7 on the flank will be causing havoc all game for McColl but better to have McColl on him than the other wingback who is a bit of a liability. When McColl overlaps than Ellsworth will have to drop and deal with him and he is not a good enough 1v1 defender



If he is that good, then McColl will not go as high or as often.  Also Ellsworth hasnt been playing LOM.  It has been Oliver starting and Byrd relieving.  Oliver holds his own on D. Byrd less so.  Which pulls Morant out of the middle.  So... that definitely is a problem, if he is that good and McColl plays high all game. :(



The Bowdoin v RUN matchup will be VERY interesting. I think Bowdoin players will get over confident about an hour or two before the match when they see the size advantage they have especially when they see RUN 5'6 GK. That will be their 1st mistake because RUN has plenty of skill and play fast two touch futbol and will be able to do that on Brandeis turf.

Is RUN technically proficient? I can't seem to find video that tells much in that regard.
Bowdoin likes two-touch also, and they have a number of players who are reasonably technically proficient.     
Technical proficiency matters a lot on turf.
As does wind.  Does anyone know the forecast for that area?

Also -- I am going to guess that college soccer players are not judging the other team by the size of the players. Messi is 5'7"  How big you are is not related to how good you are at soccer.


The 2nd mistake will be Wiercinski starting Morant and Niang in midfield. He should push both up top


At least we agree on Niang.   I'd leave Morant in the middle as long as he doesn't start chasing like he did against Midd. If he can hold the midfield and distribute like he did against Colby...that is what Bowdoin has lacked all season.
I'd leave Masterson sit and bring on MacPherron.   


so that will draw over Bubb or Ward and leave their best player #11 all 5'6 of him DeSouza against possibly 1 CB. 


If #11 is all that, then Bubb will have been assigned to him.  When Bowdoin plays a team with a very strong forward, they have Bubb man-mark.    That strategy can help or hurt.  He smothers his man, which can be effective. (For example, watch the NESCAC finals game at Tufts last year.  Tufts has full tape on youtube.)   but...  that also eliminates the libero role they ask him to play.  Bowdoin often needs his involvement to help jumpstart offense and keep the midfield organized. 
Nonetheless:.: If #11 is really all that,  Bubb will be assigned to man-
him. Which keeps Ward tied down, too, as he is required to stay closer to man the middle.

This will cause the whole team to sit back. And sitting back often doesn't  work out for Bowdoin, as we know.


The "hold on for PKs" approach is a disaster for Bowdoin. (Worked out great for Midd, though. )   

If Bowdoin doesn't play-like-they-want-o-win in regulation, then they probably will lose... and if they do that, they will deserve to lose.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 09, 2017, 08:45:22 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 08, 2017, 11:06:45 PM


The Bowdoin v RUN matchup will be VERY interesting. I think Bowdoin players will get over confident about an hour or two before the match when they see the size advantage they have especially when they see RUN 5'6 GK. That will be their 1st mistake because RUN has plenty of skill and play fast two touch futbol and will be able to do that on Brandeis turf.

Is RUN technically proficient? I can't seem to find video that tells much in that regard.
Bowdoin likes two-touch also, and they have a number of players who are reasonably technically proficient.     
Technical proficiency matters a lot on turf.
As does wind.  Does anyone know the forecast for that area?

Also -- I am going to guess that college soccer players are not judging the other team by the size of the players. Messi is 5'7"  How big you are is not related to how good you are at soccer.


The weather forecast for New England over the weekend is for colder than normal temps.  Highs will struggle to get to 40.  Winds are going to be strong from Thursday into Friday, but they will have subsided by Saturday.  So I don't see weather being a big factor in these games.

Although Bowdoin would prefer to play on grass, they are reasonably accustomed to playing on turf.  Bowdoin has a brand new turf field for football and lacrosse, which presumably the soccer teams can gain occasional access to for training if needed.

From the comments, I'm surmising RUN plays on a turf field at home?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2017, 09:12:50 AM
Quote from: truenorth on November 09, 2017, 08:45:22 AM
Although Bowdoin would prefer to play on grass, they are reasonably accustomed to playing on turf.  Bowdoin has a brand new turf field for football and lacrosse, which presumably the soccer teams can gain occasional access to for training if needed.

I know you said it's "brand new" -- when did that happen? I grew up in neighboring Freeport and was on the track team at FHS. Since we didn't have a track in town at the time (one is under construction now!), we had track practices at the Magee-Samuelson Track at Whittier Field, and the field was very much grass -- this is back in 2008-10. I've been around the area numerous times since, and have even watched a few Bowdoin soccer games at Pickard Field, but I admittedly haven't seen Whittier Field. I also remember lacrosse being played on the field hockey carpet (not really a turf) adjacent to the field house, so I'm guessing lacrosse moved?

Edit: WOW! Checked the Bowdoin Athletics website -- that looks a world of difference. The old grandstand looks kind of anachronistic next to that field, although I do think it's a nice touch. I only saw football and lacrosse lines, but maybe Bowdoin puts down soccer lines in order to have occasional turf games (a la Bates)? Then again, there are no lights IIRC, so night games would be off the table until that were to change.

Quote from: truenorth on November 09, 2017, 08:45:22 AM
From the comments, I'm surmising RUN plays on a turf field at home?

Indeed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2017, 10:18:12 AM
Can someone just go ahead and create a Bowdoin message board?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 09, 2017, 10:42:05 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 09, 2017, 09:12:50 AM
WOW! Checked the Bowdoin Athletics website -- that looks a world of difference. The old grandstand looks kind of anachronistic next to that field, although I do think it's a nice touch.

The NESCAC Futility Bowl will be waged on that field on Saturday as 0-8 Colby football visits 0-8 Bowdoin football.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on November 09, 2017, 10:44:03 AM
Is it me or is no one talking about Amherst??? They have a nice chance at making the Final 4 at least on paper.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 09, 2017, 10:57:21 AM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on November 09, 2017, 10:44:03 AM
Is it me or is no one talking about Amherst??? They have a nice chance at making the Final 4 at least on paper.

If they make the round of 16, they could very well have to go through Onenota and Messiah on the road. They have played 10 games at home and just 6 on the road with a 3-1-2 record. The biggest question seems to be who they will play in goal.  They started four different goalies this year, and the last outing against Hamilton was rough. Maybe they go back to the senior Lee Owen? The good news is it's a clean slate for Amherst and they have had 2 weeks to get ready for the NCAA's, so they should be ready to go.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2017, 11:42:57 AM
Quick Hitters for Saturday:

Amherst v Salem State--I am eagerly anticipating who Amherst starting 11 is. 2 weeks off IMO will be very beneficial for Amherst to refocus. I have not seen Salem State so I have no idea how they play or lineup. I am not sure it will matter as Amherst should be able to dictate play. I talk alot about McMillian up top but the unsung hero IMO of this Amherst squad is #4 Luke Nguyen. I really enjoy watching him play especially because he can pull the strings in midfield when given the ball on the ground. The only player that did not need the 2 weeks off was Amherst Frosh #16 Derby as he has been red hot scoring goals at an impressive clip against Nescac defenses the past 3 weeks. Amherst 2-0

Conn v Rochester---2nd game of the Oneonta pod. UR used to turf the Camels not so much. I honestly have not seen UR all year and have really not seen Conn in almost 3 weeks for a full game. Conn ended the season poorly but were still rewarded with a berth. Sometimes I forget how young Conn is as the only player that will graduate will be Nate Summers. He has been a stalwart on that backline for years. This will be a battle that will be fun to tune into and I would guess whoever scores 1st will win. Not sure there is a goal in this one though. 0-0 Conn PK's

Midd v Stevens---Again I know nothing about Stevens. If Middlebury plays like they did against Tufts then they can win this game and the next game. If they look like they did a month or so ago then they will exit pretty quietly. A nice easy ride down I-87 and a right turn onto I-90 for Midd. Is it possible during the drive they realize how close they are to half of the LL and pick 1 or 2 of them up next year? 1-0 Midd

RUN v Bowdoin---Bowdoin puts half of Waltham asleep before 9pm. Curtains for SuperMom, Super Heroes and Polar Bears. 2-1 RUN
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2017, 01:46:23 PM
Anyone else surprised to see Drew Goulart on the second-team all-conference and not the first? A case of reputation/being-a-senior to have Cody Savonen and not Goulart as a first-teamer, perhaps?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on November 09, 2017, 01:51:52 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2017, 01:46:23 PM
Anyone else surprised to see Drew Goulart on the second-team all-conference and not the first? A case of reputation/being-a-senior to have Cody Savonen and not Goulart as a first-teamer, perhaps?

Even more shocking was seeing Amherst get shut out of all awards.

http://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2017-18/honors/allconference

PoY: Coleman (Tufts)

RoY: Marcucci (Conn)

CoY:  Shapiro (Tufts)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2017, 01:55:14 PM
Interesting, didn't know Sisco-Tolomeo transferred to Tufts...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2017, 02:09:38 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2017, 01:46:23 PM
Anyone else surprised to see Drew Goulart on the second-team all-conference and not the first? A case of reputation/being-a-senior to have Cody Savonen and not Goulart as a first-teamer, perhaps?

Not sure how you got that. Savonen had 8 goals and 2 assists; Goulart had 5 goals and 4 assists. 18 points vs. 14. Moreover, while impressive for his late-season contributions, Goulart was playing in what is clearly a good Middlebury side, while Savonen was pretty much lifting a struggling Trinity by himself.

I suppose you could say Goulart had more conference goals than Savonen (3 vs. 2). Certainly a valid point. That said, I still stand by Savonen being deserving for that spot for producing an impressive output without a ton of support.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 09, 2017, 02:31:40 PM
Happy to see Merchant get some recognition. He was the heart and soul of that team, and he will be missed -- but what a great way for him to end his career. Watson was a good CB and is a worthy 2nd team pick who flew under the radar as well. Also glad to see that Kulcsar got recognized, he would have been my choice for NESCAC POY, but no complaints about Coleman getting it -- leading a defense to 1 GAA in the NESCAC regular season (and playoffs) is extremely impressive, regardless of how few goals were scored throughout the conference this year.

Quote from: Ommadawn on November 09, 2017, 01:51:52 PM
Even more shocking was seeing Amherst get shut out of all awards.

Certainly surprising given the Mammoths' strength in the last 10 years, but objectively who would you say shone for them this year? The only two I could say stood out to me were Derby and maaaaybe Hlinomaz (albeit half of his goal total of 4 came against New England College). Defensively they have been much more porous than in the past, although 0.89 GAA really isn't that bad, particularly considering they graduated the entire back four (and have had well-documented goalkeeping issues). It should be noted that they just lost a monster class that was an integral part of a National Championship, so there were always going to be some bumps in the road. Then again, they still managed to make the NCAA Tournament and host a pod, so -- as a certain column on D3soccer.com inferred -- they may not be as highly-touted as in the past, but are still very dangerous.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 09, 2017, 02:53:03 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 09, 2017, 09:12:50 AM
Quote from: truenorth on November 09, 2017, 08:45:22 AM
Although Bowdoin would prefer to play on grass, they are reasonably accustomed to playing on turf.  Bowdoin has a brand new turf field for football and lacrosse, which presumably the soccer teams can gain occasional access to for training if needed.

I know you said it's "brand new" -- when did that happen? I grew up in neighboring Freeport and was on the track team at FHS. Since we didn't have a track in town at the time (one is under construction now!), we had track practices at the Magee-Samuelson Track at Whittier Field, and the field was very much grass -- this is back in 2008-10. I've been around the area numerous times since, and have even watched a few Bowdoin soccer games at Pickard Field, but I admittedly haven't seen Whittier Field. I also remember lacrosse being played on the field hockey carpet (not really a turf) adjacent to the field house, so I'm guessing lacrosse moved?

Edit: WOW! Checked the Bowdoin Athletics website -- that looks a world of difference. The old grandstand looks kind of anachronistic next to that field, although I do think it's a nice touch. I only saw football and lacrosse lines, but maybe Bowdoin puts down soccer lines in order to have occasional turf games (a la Bates)? Then again, there are no lights IIRC, so night games would be off the table until that were to change.

Quote from: truenorth on November 09, 2017, 08:45:22 AM
From the comments, I'm surmising RUN plays on a turf field at home?

Indeed.

I now live in Brunswick after living in Cumberland, ME for 25 years.  Thanks to a trifling $8+MM alumni donation, Bowdoin put the finishing touches on a brand new turf field and a brand new 8-lane track in August.  They will be erecting an additional building next year that will provide locker rooms for both the home and away football teams.

Thus far only the football team has used the turf field and I don't believe there are any plans for the soccer teams to play games on that field, as they each have their own grass fields.  That said, I would imagine the soccer teams have the option of holding occasional practices on the turf field...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 09, 2017, 05:41:20 PM

SoccerMom, I've enjoyed your following of Bowdoin this season and will miss your commentary if you shift your focus to Colby next year.  That said, I'm pleased Bowdoin was one of four NESCACs to receive a Pool C bid today.

My view is that any of Bowdoin, Middlebury and Conn College will need to commit to an attacking approach if they want to advance to the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament.  There is little to be gained via a conservative approach at this stage of the season...
[/quote]

Thanks.  I have appreciated your input since you were at some games and could share insights that were not accessible via live-feed. 

Good luck to all 5 NESCAC teams in the NCAA tournament, hopefully they all play good soccer and approach each game like they want to win. 
Also, congrats to all of the kids whose play was acknowledged with NESCAC All-Conference honors, as well as to all of those players who worked hard and made great contributions to their teams and who maybe should also have been acknowledged but could not be.     
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 09, 2017, 07:16:09 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 09, 2017, 02:09:38 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2017, 01:46:23 PM
Anyone else surprised to see Drew Goulart on the second-team all-conference and not the first? A case of reputation/being-a-senior to have Cody Savonen and not Goulart as a first-teamer, perhaps?

Not sure how you got that. Savonen had 8 goals and 2 assists; Goulart had 5 goals and 4 assists. 18 points vs. 14. Moreover, while impressive for his late-season contributions, Goulart was playing in what is clearly a good Middlebury side, while Savonen was pretty much lifting a struggling Trinity by himself.

I suppose you could say Goulart had more conference goals than Savonen (3 vs. 2). Certainly a valid point. That said, I still stand by Savonen being deserving for that spot for producing an impressive output without a ton of support.

I only saw two Trinity matches this season, but I though Savonen was great in both of them.    By himself, he took eight shots against Bates...four on goal(!!)  Including at least one that that Montanero just seemed to come from nowhere to grab. (Credit to Montanero on that.)    I also thought Savonen was impressive in the Bowdoin game. Bowdoin had Bubb mark him, which they only rarely choose to do.   They gave Savonen the same attention that they gave the forwards for Tufts last year, so he only had two shots all game, but... he had Bubb working hard. Maybe harder than he worked against Tufts last year.   And Savonen still cracked a beautiful left-footer that hit the bar.   I thought that Savonen was an incredibly threatening forward and that he really put his team on his back.  He did not have a lot of attacking support but he worked hard through the whole game, and it did not affect his attitude at all.  Savonen is technical, quick, and very physical, with a great work-ethic, and a lot of grit.... just all-in-all a dangerous forward. I remember he surprised me in the Bates game, because I did not remember him at all from seeing Trinity last year.  And... granted I only saw him in two games this year,   but he looked like a quality player.  I am glad to see him acknowledged.  Good for him.   

I actually liked Midd this year, and thought from the beginning that they had a chance at the NESCAC finals, but... Goulart did not make the same impression on me that Savonen did.   


I don't think they decide All-Conference by stats do they?  Don't the coaches vote?  I don't know so much about NESCAC policies, but All-Conference is usually decided by the coaches.   I would have picked Savonen.  For sure.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 09, 2017, 07:23:32 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 09, 2017, 01:55:14 PM
Interesting, didn't know Sisco-Tolomeo transferred to Tufts...

And Van Siclen to Hamilton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 09, 2017, 08:53:29 PM
 I hope players who did not garner any accolades do not take things too personally *cough* politics *couch*. I look at conference awards from previous years and I don't see how people can think the caliber of players in this league (and probably d3 soccer in general) has not regressed. Oh well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Congrats to all  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 09, 2017, 09:03:59 PM
If D3 quality has regressed...and I don't think there's much evidence that D1 quality has dramatically increased...does this mean that most of the better high school age soccer players are committing to professional careers?  Or is the overall quality of U.S. youth soccer in a general decline?  Just trying to follow the logic here...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 09, 2017, 09:17:08 PM
Must there be a cause? Merely stating my observation. Think of the projected final four teams this year compared to those from previous years. I do not think the quality of the teams or players in the former compare to those of the latter. We can agree to disagree. Maybe my standards, set by the great Messiah teams, or even the Tufts team from 2014, are too high?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 09, 2017, 09:40:07 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 09, 2017, 09:03:59 PM
If D3 quality has regressed...and I don't think there's much evidence that D1 quality has dramatically increased...does this mean that most of the better high school age soccer players are committing to professional careers?  Or is the overall quality of U.S. youth soccer in a general decline?  Just trying to follow the logic here...

Some of that is happening, though.  Of the very top boys players from my club: one is with UE Cornella in Spain, one is in the MLS residency program, and two have been at Bradenton 'til recently. Those are kids we would have seen playing in college and now we may not see them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2017, 05:07:14 PM
Jesus anyone bother to do any editing over in Nescac offices? Some of these selections are released with the wrong schools.

Tough year to be voting but on first glance I would take the 2nd Team All-Nescac ALL DAY against 1st Team All Nescac in a match.

No one from Amherst capable of making either team? The beat goes on for Nescac coaches taking their dislike of Serpone and Amherst out on its players. I must say this is a bit ridiculous. Bowdoin gets 5 PLAYERS on both teams and Amherst 0 when Amherst absolutely wiped their boots of Bowdoin in the first game of the season. Oh well I am sure that was on the Lord Jeff bulletin board this week.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 10, 2017, 05:36:22 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 10, 2017, 05:07:14 PM
Jesus anyone bother to do any editing over in Nescac offices? Some of these selections are released with the wrong schools.

Tough year to be voting but on first glance I would take the 2nd Team All-Nescac ALL DAY against 1st Team All Nescac in a match.

No one from Amherst capable of making either team? The beat goes on for Nescac coaches taking their dislike of Serpone and Amherst out on its players. I must say this is a bit ridiculous. Bowdoin gets 5 PLAYERS on both teams and Amherst 0 when Amherst absolutely wiped their boots of Bowdoin in the first game of the season. Oh well I am sure that was on the Lord Jeff bulletin board this week.

I only saw a little piece of the game, but, I do recall that
Amherst won 1-0, which was scored on a PK. 

And somone talked to a former coach at the game who said that Serpone said that he thougjt they were lucky to get that, and that he thought Bowdoin was the better team that day.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 10, 2017, 06:34:36 PM
I will confirm that I was the poster who talked with Mike Healy (former Bowdoin assistant coach, a retired attorney, a varsity soccer and lacrosse player for Brown in the 60s,  and a huge supporter of college soccer) who had previously talked with Justin Serpone about the Amherst vs. Bowdoin game. 

I will say this about Serpone.  In his very first year at Amherst he recruited my son (and many others), was aggressive, and adopted the positioning that he was recruiting D1 caliber players for the rapidly rising D3 program at Amherst.  He was a bit of a rooster, but also somewhat amusing.

That said, he has built a sustained high-level program at Amherst.  Although he's controversial to the refs and non-Amherst spectators with his histrionics at games, the word is that he is generally well liked by his alumni players and current players.  My son ended up opting for Bowdoin, but Serpone would say positive things about my son and other players he knew on opposing teams if they did something notable during the course of a game vs. Amherst.

Amherst is certainly high enough quality to have warranted having several players named to the all-NESCAC teams.  That does not mean that the players named from schools other than Amherst were not deserving.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 11:06:07 AM
Amherst lineup changes a bit v Salem State.. Hope Gund is out and it looks to be the other Frosh Stone getting the nod. NO Nguyen or McMillian?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 11:31:40 AM
20 minutes in and Amherst and Salem State knotted at 0-0. I have not seen any dangerous chances for either team yet and the flow of the game is predictably not good. Salem State has a couple weapons but their backs keep playing square balls on the ground that eventually will become problematic. As typing Hlinomaz gets tripped in the box which looked to be a legit call but a real clumsy play by the Salem State defender. Hlinomaz' speed was the difference in that play. 1-0 Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 11:55:54 AM
1-0 Amherst Halftime. Amherst does not look like a National Title Contender in this game but have enough to dispatch Salem State. Salem State has had one decent look on goal but that is it. Still a 1 goal game so anything can happen but I am not sure how Salem State can get a goal in this one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 12:16:28 PM
The hill gets bigger..Salem State gets a Red Card for something off camera..Down to 10 men..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 12:28:11 PM
Salem State against all odds has drawn even with Amherst 1-1...10 men and maybe 3 SOG all game...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 12:30:58 PM
Salem State player hits another gear down the sidelines and burns Ajayi and just a horrible effort by Amherst Cohen to tackle and the kid buries it in the back of the net...Tough Angle and possibly Stone should have gotten that but it was 1v1 on the GK.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 12:33:43 PM
Salem State player gets in again on goal 1v1 same angle but Stone with a big save...Amherst really needs to WAKE UP...They are not running hard and not tackling
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 12:44:53 PM
Amherst putting a mass amount of pressure on Salem State now..Where was this all game? Why did Serpone change his line-up so much? #4 Nguyen and McMillian on now and making things happen BUT where were they earlier.#5 Johnson does not start and when does play he is not flipping his throws until Salem State draws even? questionable stuff
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 12:48:33 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 12:44:53 PM
Amherst putting a mass amount of pressure on Salem State now..Where was this all game? Why did Serpone change his line-up so much? #4 Nguyen and McMillian on now and making things happen BUT where were they earlier.#5 Johnson does not start and when does play he is not flipping his throws until Salem State draws even? questionable stuff

Aside from flip-throws, how is Johnson as a player? I must admit not having a great read on him despite watching a lot of Derby/his compatriots up top.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 11, 2017, 12:52:26 PM
Pressure finally pops it. Now need to manage the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 12:53:28 PM
Amherst scores on a corner kick as no one touched it..Salem State GK really mucks that up big time. Horrific mistake...Amherst lucks out but man they did not look ready today. 2-1 Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 12:56:56 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 12:48:33 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 12:44:53 PM
Amherst putting a mass amount of pressure on Salem State now..Where was this all game? Why did Serpone change his line-up so much? #4 Nguyen and McMillian on now and making things happen BUT where were they earlier.#5 Johnson does not start and when does play he is not flipping his throws until Salem State draws even? questionable stuff

Aside from flip-throws, how is Johnson as a player? I must admit not having a great read on him despite watching a lot of Derby/his compatriots up top.

I do not rate him as much of a player besides the throws but he does work hard and has the physical tools to improve. I just found it odd that he was not flipping until Salem State drew even. Almost like lets not waste his arms on Salem State and save the arms for Sunday. I mean I would imagine those arms get pretty sore but still that is not the right approach
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 11, 2017, 01:19:30 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 10, 2017, 06:34:36 PM
I will confirm that I was the poster who talked with Mike Healy (former Bowdoin assistant coach, a retired attorney, a varsity soccer and lacrosse player for Brown in the 60s,  and a huge supporter of college soccer) who had previously talked with Justin Serpone about the Amherst vs. Bowdoin game. 

I will say this about Serpone.  In his very first year at Amherst he recruited my son (and many others), was aggressive, and adopted the positioning that he was recruiting D1 caliber players for the rapidly rising D3 program at Amherst.  He was a bit of a rooster, but also somewhat amusing.

That said, he has built a sustained high-level program at Amherst.  Although he's controversial to the refs and non-Amherst spectators with his histrionics at games, the word is that he is generally well liked by his alumni players and current players.  My son ended up opting for Bowdoin, but Serpone would say positive things about my son and other players he knew on opposing teams if they did something notable during the course of a game vs. Amherst.

Amherst is certainly high enough quality to have warranted having several players named to the all-NESCAC teams.  That does not mean that the players named from schools other than Amherst were not deserving.

Is there anyone who watched a lot of the Amherst games? I got the feeling that there were some changes in the lineup over the seaso  and that maybe Serpone rotated some players around. Can anyone confirm if that is the case?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 11, 2017, 01:25:34 PM
I have not watched any Amherst games.  But it's a very young roster, and a number of sophomores and freshmen have gotten substantial playing time.  I would imagine that Serpone has done a lot of experimenting and evaluating throughout the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 01:52:07 PM
Midd has started well about 15 minutes in and 0-0 with Stevens...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 02:28:04 PM
Midd and Stevens 0-0 at the Half. Midd with a real good chance about 20 minutes in but could not finish..This one has PK's written all over it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 02:48:18 PM
UR and Conn predictably pretty even game. Conn's #13 Milhollen busting all over the field and has skill but giving the ball away to much for my liking in the middle of the park
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 02:56:50 PM
Midd and Stevens still 0-0 30 min left..Looked like Midd should have gotten a PK on that nice counter. ref lets it go..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 02:59:51 PM
Cannot see #'s but Midd just clanged one off the bar on a nice strike
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 03:34:20 PM
Stevens gets a late PK off a hand ball...Tough call...1-0 Stevens 89th minute...Should be ballgame..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 03:37:29 PM
Conn's Lockwood with a nice header off a corner..1-0 Conn up on UR 55th minute
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 11, 2017, 03:42:35 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 03:34:20 PM
Stevens gets a late PK off a hand ball...Tough call...1-0 Stevens 89th minute...Should be ballgame..

Tough way to lose. Midd thoroughly outplayed Stevens, but sometimes the ball bounces the wrong way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 03:46:48 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 03:37:29 PM
Conn's Lockwood with a nice header off a corner..1-0 Conn up on UR 55th minute

Some might say as a Brandeis fan I should support fellow UAA Rochester over Conn., but as the resident Rochester curmudgeon I enjoy watching UR lose. Go Camels!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 03:59:10 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 11, 2017, 03:42:35 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 03:34:20 PM
Stevens gets a late PK off a hand ball...Tough call...1-0 Stevens 89th minute...Should be ballgame..

Tough way to lose. Midd thoroughly outplayed Stevens, but sometimes the ball bounces the wrong way.

Agreed. However, Midd should have finished their chances and they did not today. Congrats to Saward on a fine career..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 03:59:55 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 03:46:48 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 03:37:29 PM
Conn's Lockwood with a nice header off a corner..1-0 Conn up on UR 55th minute

Some might say as a Brandeis fan I should support fellow UAA Rochester over Conn., but as the resident Rochester curmudgeon I enjoy watching UR lose. Go Camels!

UR putting the heat on Conn now...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 04:01:30 PM
Conn Frosh GK Marcucci a fatal error on a long throw as the ball goes thru his hands and UR finishes..1-1 81st minute..I cannot see either of these sides getting by Oneonta tomorrow on a quick turnaround TBH
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 04:06:39 PM
Conn looking gassed...UR taking it to them and a kid rips one off the post
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 04:08:44 PM
Tough for Marcucci, who has been very very good this year as a FY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 11, 2017, 04:09:57 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 11, 2017, 01:25:34 PM
I have not watched any Amherst games.  But it's a very young roster, and a number of sophomores and freshmen have gotten substantial playing time.  I would imagine that Serpone has done a lot of experimenting and evaluating throughout the season.
It seems like someone had mentioned that  and it is salient because f that is the case that would directly affect the voting for the all-conference awards; you have to have consistently played in a position enough to garner enough votes to qualify. That is to say, a coach cannot vote for you as a midfielder if he did not see you play there.  (I'm surmising that is how Ward got left off the team; otherwise his absence is inexplicable.)

Also --and not for nothing-- it is probably worth considering that the reason for a coach to juggle rosters in that way is because the kid isn't working out where you had him. You rarely take a kid who is doing an excellent job in a position and move them to a different position or bench him. (The only exception to that is if you have an exceptional player and you really need to reprioritize  and move him somewhere else how to plug a hole.  ,,, and you probably can guess the exception I have in mind. Lol.)

My final comment is this: I don't think that the NESCAC coaches personally dislike Serpone.  I used to see them at quite a few showcases all over the place.  Serpone was frequently with another NESCAC coach. They looked pretty friendly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 04:12:24 PM
lol...Murphy is such a taskmaster..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Upstatesoc on November 11, 2017, 04:20:31 PM
UR wins. Lazy D on CC  right side.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 04:21:43 PM
Quote from: Upstatesoc on November 11, 2017, 04:20:31 PM
UR wins. Lazy D on CC  right side.

>:(
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 04:24:21 PM
Quote from: Upstatesoc on November 11, 2017, 04:20:31 PM
UR wins. Lazy D on CC  right side.


Yea that was a cagey run by UR#11 to finish that...Conn #18 Manoogian lost him for a second. The problem was that Conn's #13 Milhollen didnt tackle the kid that brought it down the flank and crossed it..He ran with him but failed to tackle which gave him a free look. Conn started to really look gassed late in the 2nd Half possibly from having 2 weeks off.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 11, 2017, 04:25:02 PM
Conn loses 2-1 in first OT. Rochester left winger beats his man and whips a peach of a cross into the box that is put away far post. Conn gave up two soft goals, but Rochester just seeemd to have more hustle and seemed to be in better shape. Terrible to watch as a Camel fan, but I'm optimistic for the future. Conn has some very good young players and are only losing a few seniors. The future bodes well. Would have been great to get past this first round to show that the NESCAC deserved all these bids. At this stage in the season it comes down to whoever messes up first..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 04:26:27 PM
They only lose Sommers...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 04:26:49 PM
Even as a UR critic, the one thing I will give them is that they are always in very good shape and have excellent hustle and fight. You can't switch off against a team like that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Upstatesoc on November 11, 2017, 04:29:25 PM
UR gets the pasta at Stella Luna  tonight.
Used to be a big soccer hang out for Hartwick College in the glory DI days years ago.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 11, 2017, 04:33:41 PM
They lose Summers, Koval, and Clark. Koval is a good player he's just been injured on and off since he was a freshman. Clark was an on and off starter at right back through his four years as well. Summers has been a starter since the tail end of his freshman year when another starting center back (Zachary Punt) got a season-ending injury, so yes, he will be the hardest to replace. The whole center midfield returns along with 3/4 defenders (starting right back Stokes didn't place this season due to an injury). Noonan is also a heck of a player. Camels will be hungry for another taste of this next season. It isn't hurts that we were so close to advancing to the second round).

Also, who knows what happened to Dieng. Maybe he'll return next year? One thing we can always count on is murphy making his teams extremely hard to play against :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 04:47:02 PM
Midd loses the GK, Sass(Who frankly disappeared 2nd Half of the season), and oft-injured Enzo Weiner...So if the young gun can get a decent recruiting class they will be pretty solid.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 04:49:16 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 11, 2017, 04:33:41 PM
They lose Summers, Koval, and Clark. Koval is a good player he's just been injured on and off since he was a freshman. Clark was an on and off starter at right back through his four years as well. Summers has been a starter since the tail end of his freshman year when another starting center back (Zachary Punt) got a season-ending injury, so yes, he will be the hardest to replace. The whole center midfield returns along with 3/4 defenders (starting right back Stokes didn't place this season due to an injury). Noonan is also a heck of a player. Camels will be hungry for another taste of this next season. It isn't hurts that we were so close to advancing to the second round).

Also, who knows what happened to Dieng. Maybe he'll return next year? One thing we can always count on is murphy making his teams extremely hard to play against :)


Well I certainly have never seen a coach make it so hard to play against or for his team. Conn scores off a header and the guys are running and celebrating with the bench and all you hear is Murphy yelling at them to get off the f'ng field...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 11, 2017, 05:11:17 PM
He didn't want any of his bench players getting yellow cards  :-[. Mr. Right, we can agree to disagree :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 11, 2017, 05:29:23 PM
Murph is a harda**.  When my older son played for Brown, Mike Noonan was the autocratic but tactically very adept head coach, and Murph was his hatchet man assistant.  There's little that's gentle or subtle about his "managerial" style...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 05:41:59 PM
Noons is a very good coach...Taking Clemson a long way back from Trevor Adair another former Brown Coach..Noons was also a fantastic player at Midd for former Midd, UVM and Skidmore Coach Ronny McEachean...I just think Murphy must loosen up a touch but that is me..Obviously this year it worked but it really can wear a team down especially late in the year
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 11, 2017, 06:27:58 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 03:59:10 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 11, 2017, 03:42:35 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 03:34:20 PM
Stevens gets a late PK off a hand ball...Tough call...1-0 Stevens 89th minute...Should be ballgame..

Tough way to lose. Midd thoroughly outplayed Stevens, but sometimes the ball bounces the wrong way.

Agreed. However, Midd should have finished their chances and they did not today. Congrats to Saward on a fine career..
I️
I second the congrats on his fine career!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 08:04:36 PM
Bowdoin's physicality and quick closing is really bothering RUN to start this game..Newark cannot string 3 passes together. That being said neither team has generated much of anything dangerous on net
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 08:09:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 08:04:36 PM
Bowdoin's physicality and quick closing is really bothering RUN to start this game..Newark cannot string 3 passes together. That being said neither team has generated much of anything dangerous on net

Pleasantly surprised that Bowdoin isn't camped out in its own half, and is making some effort to get forward. That said, I agree that they haven't produced anything of note.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 08:14:51 PM
RUN starting to settle a bit, and they have a good effort go just wide.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 08:19:32 PM
Very nice turn and strike by RUN just goes wide...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 08:23:52 PM
Newark with a nice 1-2 and cross and the kid has a wide open look at bangs it off the crossbar from 6 yards out...HAVE TO FINISH THAT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 08:24:33 PM
Funny to see that Stevens' goalkeeper's name is Aaron Henry...the inverse of my first and middle name.

Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 08:23:52 PM
Newark with a nice 1-2 and cross and the kid has a wide open look at bangs it off the crossbar from 6 yards out...HAVE TO FINISH THAT

That was an awful miss. No idea how he missed that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 08:25:24 PM
Bowdoin goes down the other end and heads one just over...'keeper had it covered but it looked close.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 08:26:31 PM
That RUN chance was an absolute sitter...it wasn't like he had a defender pressuring him and no way van Siclen was getting there. Oh man.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 08:28:13 PM
OH HOW DID BOWDOIN MISS? Put it over the bar from a yard out off the corner...really nice service by McColl.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 08:31:27 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 08:28:13 PM
OH HOW DID BOWDOIN MISS? Put it over the bar from a yard out off the corner...really nice service by McColl.

That is where RUN 5'6 GK absolutely kills them IMO...Still gotta finish though
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 08:32:22 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 08:31:27 PM
That is where RUN 5'6 GK absolutely kills them IMO...Still gotta finish though

Well it's pretty clear that's become Bowdoin's tactic -- put it into the box and make him come for it (and then get caught in no-mans land and finish).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 08:32:58 PM
Correct
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 08:35:08 PM
Bowdoin with a corner right before half, but it's scoreless at the break. The longer it stays scoreless, the more you have to like Bowdoin to get one at the other end -- I don't see RUN getting one off a set piece/broken play/etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 11, 2017, 08:39:36 PM
I'm sorry but I just cannot stand watching these Nescac teams play (not including Tufts).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 08:47:41 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 11, 2017, 08:39:36 PM
I'm sorry but I just cannot stand watching these Nescac teams play (not including Tufts).

Tufts is definitely an exception, and I'd say I enjoy Williams as well. As a school, I like Bowdoin, as I have family ties there, but watching them is an exercise in patience. As for Tufts, even with its directness at times last year, they did (and still do) keep it on the ground most of the time, although I think perhaps the reason for their success is their ability to adapt rather than go gung-ho in one direction.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 08:55:03 PM
Ok back to this game....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 09:00:30 PM
Bowdoin hits the post and then 5 seconds later puts a glorious chance wide. Second one might have hit the post, too. Wow. The Polar Bears have had their chances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 11, 2017, 09:01:16 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 08:32:22 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 08:31:27 PM
That is where RUN 5'6 GK absolutely kills them IMO...Still gotta finish though

Well it's pretty clear that's become Bowdoin's tactic -- put it into the box and make him come for it (and then get caught in no-mans land and finish).

Lol.  We wi see if they can finish, though.  Not their strong suit this year.

Glad to see Niang up top, though.  Hopefully someone will connect with his head. 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 09:02:52 PM
I have to give Bowdoin credit, they have put together some nice combinations on the ground. Not to say they've become Barcelona, but the ball has been on the turf much more than I'd have thought.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 09:07:46 PM
Bowdoin outshooting RUN 9-2 (5-0 SOG). Well, this is certainly different than my own prediction for the game -- that Bowdoin would sit in, be outshot, and get a goal off its only SOG from a set piece.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 09:16:00 PM
RUN hit 1 off the crossbar..Not sure how that is not a SOG..I think you would see a revert back to the Bowdoin you were looking for tomorrow if they face Brandeis..It is almost impossible to sit back against this RUN side because they give u a ton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 09:18:26 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 09:16:00 PM
RUN hit 1 off the crossbar..Not sure how that is not a SOG..I think you would see a revert back to the Bowdoin you were looking for tomorrow if they face Brandeis..It is almost impossible to sit back against this RUN side because they give u a ton

Crossbar doesn't count as SOG, surprisingly. Don't disagree with that -- I could very well see them sit in. They did that three years ago, and looked pretty comfortable for 60 or so minutes, but eventually Brandeis got the goal after Bowdoin got stretched in the last half-hour or so.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 09:23:19 PM
Really? Well I learn something every day...A crossbar is part of the goal so it should count as SOG..hmm..God niang has been giving the ball away at will tonight and than has a clean look on goal and hits it perfectly at the GK..go figure
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 09:26:25 PM
RUN starting to come on a bit now with 2 decent looks..Where has DeSouza been all night?...Bowdoin has taken him totally out of the game...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 09:31:17 PM
Yeah I was surprised to learn that hitting the crossbar and posts don't count as SOG. That said, I can kind of understand the logic.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 11, 2017, 09:36:22 PM
I just tried to tune into the game after being out early in the evening.  I can't seem to get a continuous video feed from Boxcast.  Are you folks getting an uninterrupted video stream?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 09:37:08 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 11, 2017, 09:36:22 PM
I just tried to tune into the game after being out early in the evening.  I can't seem to get a continuous video feed from Boxcast.  Are you folks getting an uninterrupted video stream?

Nope -- apparently Brandeis has been having video streaming issues all night. I was at the first game, so didn't see it firsthand, but I definitely see it now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 09:37:39 PM
0-0...lol...heading to OT...I still say RUN needs to win this game as Stevie in PK's is pretty dependable...So Bowdoin,Midd and Conn have 1 goal between them in 270 minutes...#Nescaclove
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 09:38:13 PM
I am not having any problems this game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 09:45:01 PM
Stenquist lookin itchy on that bench...He wants back in on this game and Wiercinski does not seem interested...Kid should be in the game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 09:48:28 PM
WOW...Stevie dumps one in the box BUT Newark cannot get a toe on it....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 09:49:46 PM
Clear handball on a Bowdoin break but no call...the hat comes off for Wiercinski.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 09:51:02 PM
Wiercinski NOT happy with that no-call...still remonstrating with the ref.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 09:54:10 PM
"If he had a catcher's mitt, he would have caught it!"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 09:55:41 PM
lol...remember that hat came off up at Thomas also
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 09:57:20 PM
Blown calls (or no-calls) frustrate me, too, but there is something entertaining about watching coaches lose it over them. (I am sure I wouldn't find it as funny if I was a coach.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 11, 2017, 09:58:40 PM
A SOG is a shot that would have gone IN the goal if not for a save or block.  A shot off the woodwork isn't going IN the goal.  I understand the logic, but it means the SOG stat doesn't really capture dangerous shots.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 10:04:05 PM
Did anyone else's broadcast just end (because we hit 10:00 p.m.)?! We were late kicking off and now this...ugh.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 11, 2017, 10:04:44 PM
Sheesh! Get the video back!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: tjcummingsfan on November 11, 2017, 10:04:56 PM
Yeah, that's happened to me a number of times watching games on Boxcast.  It's the worst!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on November 11, 2017, 10:05:12 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 10:04:05 PM
Did anyone else's broadcast just end (because we hit 10:00 p.m.)?! We were late kicking off and now this...ugh.

Yes - how disappointing!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Wisco21 on November 11, 2017, 10:05:18 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 10:04:05 PM
Did anyone else's broadcast just end (because we hit 10:00 p.m.)?! We were late kicking off and now this...ugh.

Yeah super confusing, heading to penalties I think?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Laserpen123 on November 11, 2017, 10:05:29 PM
Same, annoying
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on November 11, 2017, 10:07:03 PM
LIVE STATS shows 1;16 left
Now..over..PK's
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 10:07:54 PM
Now PKs...

Have to say I'm not the biggest fan of Boxcast. Nice when they let you watch full replays but that hasn't been my experience often. For Brandeis, at least, you have to go back through the Twitter feed to get the links for goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2017, 10:08:10 PM
Boxcast has been horrific at every site....like, horrific.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 10:09:47 PM
JCu and Calvin Boxcast was perfect ....

If Bowdoin loses in PK's with Van Siclien in net I would be shocked..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 10:12:52 PM
Typical Bowdoin match...They will do it to anyone...3 SOG for Bowdoin and RUN each in 110 minutes
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 10:15:46 PM
Wiercinski sends LEVI MORANT to take a PK???? You have to be kidding me...MISSED
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 10:17:05 PM
Ward misses..that is a surprise usually he is very steady
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on November 11, 2017, 10:17:56 PM
2 misses each
Bowdoin is done.  3 NESCAC teams out in first round.  makes one wonder of they really deserved 4 at large bids?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 10:21:14 PM
Wow...didn't see that one coming. Would have bet my house (albeit the one that I don't own) on Bowdoin winning the shootout!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 10:21:45 PM
Morant, Ward and Herman all miss and Bowdoin is cooked...Honestly, I do not remember Herman or Morant taking PK's against Williams in the Nescac Quarters...Strange stuff
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 10:22:54 PM
Quote from: rudy on November 11, 2017, 10:17:56 PM
2 misses each
Bowdoin is done.  3 NESCAC teams out in first round.  makes one wonder of they really deserved 4 at large bids?

Don't know if they deserved four, but they certainly deserved at least more than the one they got last year. (Also important to note that Midd. and Conn.'s losses were somewhat unfortunate, as well as Bowdoin losing in the SO, but I don't disagree with the sentiment.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 10:24:22 PM
Quote from: rudy on November 11, 2017, 10:17:56 PM
2 misses each
Bowdoin is done.  3 NESCAC teams out in first round.  makes one wonder of they really deserved 4 at large bids?

Not this year..the whole league was down..Amherst could go out tomorrow v Springfield and Tufts would be the only team left if they get by St,Joe's..

Actually that would set up a rematch of the 1994 NCAA QuarterFinals at Tufts in a game that saw 2000 people with Tufts losing to Hopkins 2-0...Great game...Anyhow
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on November 11, 2017, 10:30:23 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 10:22:54 PM
Quote from: rudy on November 11, 2017, 10:17:56 PM
2 misses each
Bowdoin is done.  3 NESCAC teams out in first round.  makes one wonder of they really deserved 4 at large bids?

Don't know if they deserved four, but they certainly deserved at least more than the one they got last year. (Also important to note that Midd. and Conn.'s losses were somewhat unfortunate, as well as Bowdoin losing in the SO, but I don't disagree with the sentiment.)

yea I would say 2 at large would have been fair this year
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 10:35:00 PM
What is most frustrating about BoxCast is -- despite the Brandeis twitter account posting a link to the PK livestream in real time -- there is no way to watch a replay of it (which I would have liked, as I didn't get to see it). Not pleased.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 11, 2017, 10:50:00 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 10:35:00 PM
What is most frustrating about BoxCast is -- despite the Brandeis twitter account posting a link to the PK livestream in real time -- there is no way to watch a replay of it (which I would have liked, as I didn't get to see it). Not pleased.
If you can't run a credible live stream, you should be able to host.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2017, 10:53:00 PM
Quote from: maineman on November 11, 2017, 10:50:00 PM
If you can't run a credible live stream, you should be able to host.

Think you meant "shouldn't." ;) I am an admittedly biased Brandeis alum, and will say that they have done a fine job in the past (prior to using this streaming service), but I don't disagree with the sentiment -- it was not good enough for games of this magnitude.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 10:54:02 PM
So against Williams in the Nescac Quarters in which Bowdoin WON in PK's...Wiercinski sent up Ward, McColl, MacMillian, Niang and Oliver in that order..All made except Macmillian...Tonight he sends up Morant 1st? , Ward, McColl, Niang and Hermann?? That is so odd..I mean why switch 2 kickers out and the order? Makes absolutely no sense...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 11:00:10 PM
Bowdoin will lose Van Siclien, Ward, Bubb and Ellsworth..That is a big bite out of their back 4 and in net. I assume McColl will move to CB but he will need to find a GK and frankly a couple more creative players to complement their size
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 11, 2017, 11:50:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 11:00:10 PM
Bowdoin will lose Van Siclien, Ward, Bubb and Ellsworth..That is a big bite out of their back 4 and in net. I assume McColl will move to CB but he will need to find a GK and frankly a couple more creative players to complement their size
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 10:21:45 PM
Morant, Ward and Herman all miss and Bowdoin is cooked...Honestly, I do not remember Herman or Morant taking PK's against Williams in the Nescac Quarters...Strange stuff

They werent on the field at the end of the game vs Williams.  I could be wrong, but it seems like it was Oliver, Niang, and Stenquist, MacMillan, and Byrd in the midfield  v. Williams at the end of OT. 
Then you had Bubb, Ward, Long, and McColl in back.  I think Masterson was up top.

You have to shoot with whomever was on the field at the end of time. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 01:13:43 AM
The above is false. You do not have to be on the field at the end of the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 01:19:08 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 10:12:52 PM
Typical Bowdoin match...They will do it to anyone...3 SOG for Bowdoin and RUN each in 110 minutes

My goodness...
.   
Three shots on goal is a perfectly respectable number of shots on goal!!! 

D1 teams only average four shots on goal per game!   
Notre Dame takes a little over five on average.  Same for Villanova.  And that is NOTRE DAME and VILLANOVA! 

Three SOG is perfectly respectable.   

In fact.... since every shot on goal is the result of an error ( or a string of errors.)  And since every goal definitely is the result of a string of errors.... 
That means:
the more shots on goal, the worse the play actually is. ... because that means somebody is making a lot of errors


.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on November 12, 2017, 01:20:58 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 01:13:43 AM
The above is false. You do not have to be on the field at the end of the game.

And you can bring in a new GK, too, right?

By the way, I couldn't get the Kenyon v Transylvania stream OR the Live Stats to work.  The box score suggests a dominating performance by the Lords (0 SOG for Transylvania!).  Did you see the game?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 01:27:30 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 01:13:43 AM
The above is false. You do not have to be on the field at the end of the game.

Well, then that is a weird NESCAC quirk, because... normally you have to have been on the pitch at the final whistle to be eligible to kick in the PK shootout.  Unless you stepped off for injury or equipment issues and were not replaced with a sub.  (Or if your keeper is on the field but then subsequently injured.  Then, you can bring on a new keeper regardless.)   

Otherwise.. only whomever was in at the end of the game can shoot.   

If the NESCAC doesnt follow that rule, then I stand corrected. 
But that is a strange rule not to follow.

  I am pretty sure the NCAA would be following it.   Because that is just a pretty much basic rule.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 01:36:52 AM
Nope, a NCAA rule.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 03:14:22 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 01:36:52 AM
Nope, a NCAA rule.

Really!!!  That is so bizarre I have never heard of anyone not following that rule ever before.

And pretty clearly Bowdoin hadn't either because they went with who was on the field  in fact they have used whomever was on the field in every shootout I have seen them do.  I doubt that would have been their first choice for PKS.

Although to be fair ro the Bowdoin kids who took PKs... that keeper from RUN was a monster!  He was really phenomenal and those were great saves -- especially I think the second and fourth shots

Also I could not tell who took the first kick for RUN but that was an incredible PK.There really was no way of stopping that, at all.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 12, 2017, 09:48:51 AM
Quote from: rudy on November 11, 2017, 10:17:56 PM
2 misses each
Bowdoin is done.  3 NESCAC teams out in first round.  makes one wonder of they really deserved 4 at large bids?

I wondered this too, as soon as I saw the whole pool this year. Some of the NE fans here have noted that NESCAC teams in general weren't as good this year. I watched a few of them early via streaming and basically agreed with that. I even thought Tufts looked rather so-so in a couple of early games, though clearly that was a misleading early impression in their case. But, I do think that NSCAC didn't deserve five bids this year. Perhaps three, but not five. LVC in the MAC Commonwealth is IMO at least as good as a couple of the teams that got bids.

Now, Amherst is still alive, and they could be a wild card. If they end up playing Messiah, they might actually be a dangerous opponent b/c of their size and their ability to finish set plays--which is Messiah's Achilles heel this year. It's simply too early to count those chickens, however, either way. Perhaps neither the Falcons nor Amherst will survive to that point, given how much balance there is nationally right now. Soon we'll know.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 12, 2017, 09:53:09 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 03:14:22 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 01:36:52 AM
Nope, a NCAA rule.

Really!!!  That is so bizarre I have never heard of anyone not following that rule ever before.

And pretty clearly Bowdoin hadn't either because they went with who was on the field  in fact they have used whomever was on the field in every shootout I have seen them do.  I doubt that would have been their first choice for PKS.

Although to be fair ro the Bowdoin kids who took PKs... that keeper from RUN was a monster!  He was really phenomenal and those were great saves -- especially the second and fourth shots

Also I could not tell who took the first kick for RUN but that was an incredible PK.There really was no way of stopping that, at all.

In last year's D-1 championship game between Stanford and Wake Forest, which went to PKs, one of Wake's penalty takers (Bruno Lara) hadn't played a single minute in the game.  (He made the kick.)

So I'd be quite surprised if Bowdoin's staff didn't know about it. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:08:11 AM
In defense of the NESCAC, I'm not sure we can say they didn't deserve 5 bids, although 'deserve' probably isn't the right word.  It might just be a weak year overall.  When I was putting together my own Pool C list at the very end I was struggling to come up with 19 and I had at least a couple of teams in that I never would have imagined there was room for.

And, taking each one, which teams really disappointed?  I would say only Middlebury.  Conn and UR was a toss-up, Conn hadn't played in two weeks, and the game was an even game that went to OT.  Despite the preoccupation with Bowdoin, Newark won the NJAC and was considered a top 10 team all season.  Bowdoin certainly wasn't favored on paper, and the game was even and a draw, ending in PKs.  I guess we could say Amherst was disappointing but let's wait and see on them.  Now, if St Joe's knocks out Tufts today then we'll have a story.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 10:09:20 AM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 12, 2017, 09:53:09 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 03:14:22 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 01:36:52 AM
Nope, a NCAA rule.

Really!!!  That is so bizarre I have never heard of anyone not following that rule ever before.

And pretty clearly Bowdoin hadn't either because they went with who was on the field  in fact they have used whomever was on the field in every shootout I have seen them do.  I doubt that would have been their first choice for PKS.

Although to be fair ro the Bowdoin kids who took PKs... that keeper from RUN was a monster!  He was really phenomenal and those were great saves.

Also I could not tell who took the first kick for RUN but that was an incredible PK.There really was no way of stopping that, at all.

In last year's D-1 championship game between Stanford and Wake Forest, which went to PKs, one of Wake's penalty takers (Bruno Lara) hadn't played a single minute in the game.  (He made the kick.)

So I'd be quite surprised if Bowdoin's staff didn't know about it.

I actually woke up still thinking about this.  It is so strange to change that rule.  Does it always apply in all NCAA games, or only in playoffs?  I am trying to think if I have ever seen someone kick who was not on the pitch at the end of play, and I really don't think I have. 
Do you know why they changed it?  It it is such a basic rule. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on November 12, 2017, 10:13:44 AM
This has always been a rule in almost any conference and every NCAA playoff game. There wouldn't be a PK shootout in a regular season game so that rationale wouldn't apply.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:15:00 AM
Playoffs are the only games when there are PKs.  You keep saying it's a rule and that the rule changed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 10:24:03 AM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on November 12, 2017, 10:13:44 AM
This has always been a rule in almost any conference and every NCAA playoff game. There wouldn't be a PK shootout in a regular season game so that rationale wouldn't apply.

Must have been NESCAC playoff games... I have never seen so many shootouts in my career as in the last few years of watching NESCAC teams.  Lol.   

In club games and international games, you shoot with the kids on the field at the end of regulation. ( In fact... using the basic FIFA rules, you can only switch your keeper if he is injured if you havent used all your subs.  )   
Where I am from, it applies to highschool games, as well...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 10:26:05 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:15:00 AM
Playoffs are the only games when there are PKs.  You keep saying it's a rule and that the rule changed.

I am talking about the "Laws of the Game."   It is a soccer "law."     
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:36:33 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 10:26:05 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:15:00 AM
Playoffs are the only games when there are PKs.  You keep saying it's a rule and that the rule changed.

I am talking about the "Laws of the Game."   It is a soccer "law."   

Wow.  You're just wrong.  Do you remember when a team in the World Cup just a few years ago (Holland maybe?) used a different keeper just for PKs???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 10:39:04 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:15:00 AM
Playoffs are the only games when there are PKs.  You keep saying it's a rule and that the rule changed.

https://www.ussoccer.com/referees/laws-of-the-game

http://www.theifab.com/laws

http://lawsofthegame.org
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:42:47 AM
SoccerMom, so what is your point re: Bowdoin?  Do you really think the Bowdoin coach doesn't know how it works in the NCAA?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 10:46:17 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:36:33 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 10:26:05 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:15:00 AM
Playoffs are the only games when there are PKs.  You keep saying it's a rule and that the rule changed.

I am talking about the "Laws of the Game."   It is a soccer "law."   

Wow.  You're just wrong.  Do you remember when a team in the World Cup just a few years ago (Holland maybe?) used a different keeper just for PKs???

Yes.  Keepers can sometimes be subbed. Which I covered previously.   

It is fine if you think I am wrong... but you might want to check the rules.   I copied some links for you.  Or you can find your own if you dont trust mine.   But...that is absolutely a rule.

In fact... I expected it to be immutable.  It seems open to a lot of abuse if you let just anyone take the kicks.  Or even keep for them.  Teams could carry PK "specialists" who aren't even really soccer players. 
I mean... you mostly don't come to PKs... but, if you did and you could use whomever you wanted, it seems to me teams would start carrying PK specialists to tournaments.  And that doesn't align with sportsmanship expections or respect for the game. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:52:22 AM
Assuming you are right, which I don't recall, why would it make sense to be able to use a sub for just the GK for PKs but not use a sub for a kicker of a PK???

Sportsmanship???  Have teams been carrying just "PK specialists"?  Is a PK specialist less likely to miss under the unusual pressure of a NCAA game?  Why do the best players (and shooters) so often miss under those circumstances?  And do you think the Bowdoin coach knew he had options but was just adhering to good sportsmanship?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 10:54:06 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:42:47 AM
SoccerMom, so what is your point re: Bowdoin?  Do you really think the Bowdoin coach doesn't know how it works in the NCAA?

I didn't say he didnt know.  It does occur to me that he wasnt thinking of it or it seems he didnt know as he has only used kids on the field at end of regulation.  Or maybe he feels (as I do) that it would be unsporting to do otherwise.

But that is all speculation.  Never have I ever said what someone does or does not know or think in the NESCAC.  Just like the rest of you and your coaching suppositions... it is all speculation.   

However ...  the rules of the game are the rules of the game.  Those are not speculation.  And I appreciate the update on the NCAA and NESCAC rules.

Never would I have expected that they did not use the basic rules of the game. (Except the subbing rules, which I knew about and understood.)    Now I know. So, thanks.

I will have to download the NCAA rules and see what other rules they have changed.  Maybe some of the other stuff will make more sense. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 11:00:28 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:52:22 AM
Assuming you are right, which I don't recall, why would it make sense to be able to use a sub for just the GK for PKs but not use a sub for a kicker of a PK???

Sportsmanship???  Have teams been carrying just "PK specialists"?  Is a PK specialist less likely to miss under the unusual pressure of a NCAA game?  Why do the best players (and shooters) so often miss under those circumstances?  And do you think the Bowdoin coach knew he had options but was just adhering to good sportsmanship?

You don't think teams would start carrying PK specialists if it would potentially keep them alive in tournament playoffs?  Or Cup games? Or... 

That is laudable of you to have faith like that in Humankind.  It probably reflects poorly on me that I do not have such faith in the human spirit.  But...  yeah...  I think they would carry specialists. 

(We have to carry birth certificates to youth tournaments 'cause teams were putting 17 year old ringers on u14 teams.  Lol. )

Obviously they don't currently  carry specialists... because it is actually a longstanding rule that you can't.  (Except, apparently, the NCAA.  Which I did not realize and is probably relying on college honor codes --and budgets-- to restrict that sort of problems. **.)

**again... speculation.  I have no idea what the NCAA arbiters were thinking with that modification of the rules.   

Although... if I were an NCAA coach, I would love to have a bunch of kids like that first shooter from RUN take all of the shots.  That was a phenomenal PK shot.  Holy Cow!   
Edit:  **But... again, I would rather have a rule to "dance with the one you came with."  Shooters should be kids in at the end of the game.  In my opinion.  And in the Laws of the Game.** 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 11:07:08 AM
Last try here.  No, I don't think I have more faith in "humankind."  I think it wouldn't work.  A "PK specialist" would be just as at risk of missing in those situations as the best players on teams who often are the team's best PK taker and who often miss in these types of games.  Ever seen Messi sky a PK over the bar???  And you didn't answer why you could use a sub for a GK to do PKs only but not use a sub for a PK taker.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 11:23:19 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 11:07:08 AM
Last try here.  No, I don't think I have more faith in "humankind."  I think it wouldn't work.  A "PK specialist" would be just as at risk of missing in those situations as the best players on teams who often are the team's best PK taker and who often miss in these types of games.  Ever seen Messi sky a PK over the bar???  And you didn't answer why you could use a sub for a GK to do PKs only but not use a sub for a PK taker.


Lol.  I did not write the rules.  So, again... it is supposition.
But..  you dont see a difference between a keeper and a field player?   
First, let's be clear that the keeper is only supposed to sub if injured.  And under FIFA laws, (which applies to Holland) only if you have not used up all of your subs.

I cut and pasted the below from a USYSA-produced coaching license training manual.

3. Only players who were on the pitch at the end of play will be allowed to participate in the shoot-out.
4.A team may replace a goalkeeper who becomes injured during the shoot-out with a substitute, provided the team has not already used the maximum number of substitutes allowed by the competition.
5.If a goalkeeper is sent off during the shoot-out, another player who finished the game must act as goalkeeper.
6.If a player, other than the goalkeeper, becomes injured or is sent off during the shoot-out, then the shoot-out will continue with no substitution allowed.
7.Any player remaining on the pitch may act as goalkeeper, and it will not required that the same player act as goalkeeper throughout the shoot-out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 11:28:27 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 10:52:22 AM

  And do you think the Bowdoin coach knew he had options but was just adhering to good sportsmanship?

Yeah... sure!  Totally possible.  Before I saw this, I had also said that.  In fact.  I think that it is only sporting to go with the kids you had on the field.  Then no kicker is "fresher" than the others or whatever... but, then it seems to me even more strange that it isn't included in the NCAA rules.  Sporting play should be a requirement. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 12, 2017, 11:29:05 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 01:27:30 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 01:13:43 AM
The above is false. You do not have to be on the field at the end of the game.

Well, then that is a weird NESCAC quirk, because... normally you have to have been on the pitch at the final whistle to be eligible to kick in the PK shootout.  Unless you stepped off for injury or equipment issues and were not replaced with a sub.  (Or if your keeper is on the field but then subsequently injured.  Then, you can bring on a new keeper regardless.)   

Otherwise.. only whomever was in at the end of the game can shoot.   

If the NESCAC doesnt follow that rule, then I stand corrected. 
But that is a strange rule not to follow.

  I am pretty sure the NCAA would be following it.   Because that is just a pretty much basic rule.

Nope. Not a NESCAC quirk. NCAA allows players who were not on pitch to participate in penalty shootout.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 11:36:29 AM
Quote from: Bucket on November 12, 2017, 11:29:05 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 01:27:30 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 01:13:43 AM
The above is false. You do not have to be on the field at the end of the game.

Well, then that is a weird NESCAC quirk, because... normally you have to have been on the pitch at the final whistle to be eligible to kick in the PK shootout.  Unless you stepped off for injury or equipment issues and were not replaced with a sub.  (Or if your keeper is on the field but then subsequently injured.  Then, you can bring on a new keeper regardless.)   

Otherwise.. only whomever was in at the end of the game can shoot.   

If the NESCAC doesnt follow that rule, then I stand corrected. 
But that is a strange rule not to follow.

  I am pretty sure the NCAA would be following it.   Because that is just a pretty much basic rule.

Nope. Not a NESCAC quirk. NCAA allows players who were not on pitch to participate in penalty shootout.

Lol.  They told me. 
Thanks.  I think that is so crazy.  Never would I have guessed that and can't even speculate as to why the NCAA would have modified that rule.   But...  I have some friends who coach under both college and FIFA/IFAB rules, so I will get a rules comparison from them at some point before next NCAA season.  Then, I will know things like this.

Thanks to all who helped enlighten me on that divergence in the rules.  Never would I have supposed it on my own. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 11:55:53 AM
Sorry. Can't resist.  I don't think the Holland GK was injured, and in fact the GK that came in for the shootout ONLY was considered a "PK specialist."

And I just totally disagree with you about your "fresher" argument and sportsmanship.  I'm willing to bet the Bowdoin coach didn't do it out of sportsmanship.  He no doubt thought his best shooters were already on the field. Fresher?  Many would consider a kid coming on completely cold to take a huge do or die PK to be far more risky than someone who had played.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 12:03:38 PM
In this midst of all of this, I think the RUN goalkeeper deserves some credit. He did save 3 PKs, after all, compared to van Siclen's two. van Siclen was an impressive goalkeeper and his record with penalties -- including last night's shootout -- was very good, but it was the undersized goalkeeper who wasn't given much chance ended up being the hero for his team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 12:05:27 PM
Do we have a replay of these kicks? I cannot find anywhere...I want to see if it was the GK or the kickers or some of both
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 12:23:08 PM
Game Day:

St.Joe's after yesterday's win


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c16ymxSpDPQ
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 12:26:40 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 12:23:08 PM
Game Day:

St.Joe's after yesterday's win


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c16ymxSpDPQ

I like Dubois' interviews -- he is casual and approachable but not brash (unlike other unnamed coaches I've ranted about). The Tufts SID always sounds like he has a cold, but he asks good questions.

Mullen's answer was just what I suspected -- that he was [somewhat] glad the streak is finally over.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 12:30:53 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 12:26:40 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 12:23:08 PM
Game Day:

St.Joe's after yesterday's win


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c16ymxSpDPQ

I like Dubois' interviews -- he is casual and approachable but not brash (unlike other unnamed coaches I've ranted about). The Tufts SID always sounds like he has a cold, but he asks good questions.

Mullen's answer was just what I suspected -- that he was [somewhat] glad the streak is finally over.

Agreed....Now watch the Mitchell Presser..That was also very interesting..Seem like good kids
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 12:33:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 12:05:27 PM
Do we have a replay of these kicks? I cannot find anywhere...I want to see if it was the GK or the kickers or some of both

I haven't seen one, but -- according to people who were there -- he made three saves. One of the kicks was especially bad (think I was told the first one), but the other two were solid.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 12:37:20 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 12:30:53 PM
Agreed....Now watch the Mitchell Presser..That was also very interesting..Seem like good kids

They do seem like good kids. The goalie, in particular, played out of his mind. And having seen a replay of the goal (while missing it at the game), it was a pretty nice shot, even if a misplay by the SJC back line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 12:51:42 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 01:19:08 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 10:12:52 PM
Typical Bowdoin match...They will do it to anyone...3 SOG for Bowdoin and RUN each in 110 minutes

My goodness...
.   
Three shots on goal is a perfectly respectable number of shots on goal!!! 

D1 teams only average four shots on goal per game!   
Notre Dame takes a little over five on average.  Same for Villanova.  And that is NOTRE DAME and VILLANOVA! 

Three SOG is perfectly respectable.   

In fact.... since every shot on goal is the result of an error ( or a string of errors.)  And since every goal definitely is the result of a string of errors.... 
That means:
the more shots on goal, the worse the play actually is. ... because that means somebody is making a lot of errors


.


Not to beat a dead horse here BUT one final comment..3 SOG is NOT acceptable..I do not know Notre Dame stats off the top of my head but they are coached by Bobby Clarke who has been coaching for years and since the days he was at Dartmouth has played a defensive oriented system. His wings are spread all over this country for good and bad. Wheeler plays his system at Wesleyan as he played for him at Dartmouth. Shapiro assisted the guy at Georgetown who played for Clarke and Shapiro's Tufts sides look a TON like Dartmouth used to look..On and On I could go but I will not..It is Gameday and we move forward...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 01:00:31 PM
Tufts line-up no changes from the Midd game..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 01:01:31 PM
4th Official reffed Brandeis game last night
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 01:17:49 PM
St.Joe's staying very compact defensively and frustrating Tufts in the Final 3rd. Tufts final pass lacking in the first 15 minutes. St.Joe's needs to play a bit quicker and more accurately to have a chance at breaking Tufts down. I do like this #22 as he is playing hard
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 01:29:39 PM
1st chance of the game comes about 25 minutes in with Lane a nice move to his left makes his man miss but his left foot was not as good as he hits it right at the 6'7 Mullins
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 01:31:22 PM
Tufts getting a bit of their own medicine here with St.Joe's defensively. The question is can they do this without any mistakes for 110 minutes because I am not sure how many chances St.joe's will get in this match
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 01:34:15 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 01:31:22 PM
Tufts getting a bit of their own medicine here with St.Joe's defensively. The question is can they do this without any mistakes for 110 minutes because I am not sure how many chances St.joe's will get in this match

That is very true, but I will also say that the Monks will feel more and more confident the longer the game is scoreless. That said, Tufts has been here before, so they will keep plugging. Still, very interesting doubled-edged sword.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 01:43:44 PM
When Shapiro subs CB Najjar out it looks like they are playing with 3 backs and Kulcsar in front of them with 10 minutes left in the Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 01:46:16 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 01:43:44 PM
When Shapiro subs CB Najjar out it looks like they are playing with 3 backs and Kulcsar in front of them with 10 minutes left in the Half

They did go 3-5-2 against Wesleyan, so it wouldn't surprise me if the did so today to try and break SJC down.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 01:52:56 PM
Interesting...I did not know they went 3-5-2 against Wesleyan..Anyhow...0-0 at the Half...St.Joe's staying VERY compact and disciplined defensively. Tufts looks like they have no answers in breaking this down right now. They are clearly frustrated..St.Joe's showing no interest in trying to attack TBH. They are more focused on their defensive shape which is understandable I still though am not sure they can hold this for 110. Should be interesting
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 02:22:49 PM
Eichhorst gets a good look but rips it right at St.Joe's GK...Tufts has to force him low..get him down when they have chances
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 02:31:18 PM
Best chance there for Tufts on a nice half-volley but again hit right at GK's eyes...Get him down
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 02:33:23 PM
Hmm never seen Kulcar get subbed...Also, no Braun today as he must be injured..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on November 12, 2017, 02:44:15 PM
Springfield ties it up 1-1 with Amherst. 330 left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 02:45:43 PM
Wow...Did u see the goal?

Tufts just TO SLOW in transition when they get the ball.They need to get it and play fast before St.Joe's gets set. It is like playing a clone of yourself. They are just knocking the ball around the back wasting precious minutes here
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 02:46:01 PM
Quote from: rudy on November 12, 2017, 02:44:15 PM
Springfield ties it up 1-1 with Amherst. 330 left

WOw!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 02:55:31 PM
0-0 Tufts and St.Joe's Heading to OT...St.Joe's has done a fantastic job of just flat out frustrating Tufts today. It is a bit cynical but the only way St.Joe's can play this. They have worked extremely hard all day. This game has to be headed to PK's. I just do not see Tufts getting a goal in OT and if Shapiro loses this game I promise you this will be his most frustrating loss in his 8 years at Tufts. This is not a fun way to lose I can promise you that
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on November 12, 2017, 02:59:58 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 02:45:43 PM
Wow...Did u see the goal?

Tufts just TO SLOW in transition when they get the ball.They need to get it and play fast before St.Joe's gets set. It is like playing a clone of yourself. They are just knocking the ball around the back wasting precious minutes here

I missed the goal. Had the game on while also watching Tufts and saw score change. Tufts  better get one in OT.. PKS will be tough. St Joe's fans a lot more vocal than Tufts.

Amherst going to OT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:02:26 PM
Mieth a fantastic stop to save Tufts season in 1st OT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:07:24 PM
Halliday with a clean look and time but it was blocked..Gotta get that on target
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:20:31 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:02:26 PM
Mieth a fantastic stop to save Tufts season in 1st OT

Wow, nice save indeed. Wonder if he could be the difference if they go to PKs?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:23:17 PM
Anyone want to guess Tufts 5 kickers...I could see Halliday, Weatherbie, Rojas, Kulcsar(although have not seen him since he went out) and Zinner
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:23:41 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:23:17 PM
Anyone want to guess Tufts 5 kickers...I could see Halliday, Weatherbie, Rojas, Kulcsar(although have not seen him since he went out) and Zinner

Braun?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:24:08 PM
he has not played..no idea if he is injured
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 03:24:33 PM
No matter what happens, St Joe's was unreal to do that for 110 minutes against one of the top 5 teams in the nation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:26:09 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 03:24:33 PM
No matter what happens, St Joe's was unreal to do that for 110 minutes against one of the top 5 teams in the nation.

Agreed. PKs are a lottery, and Tufts still has an excellent chance to advance, but credit to SJC. I can tell you that the Tufts folks that I talked to yesterday weren't taking the Monks lightly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 12, 2017, 03:27:05 PM
Maybe Tasker.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:27:17 PM
Indeed..Also us viewers should be given credit for 110 minutes listening to this guy on Play by Play..I have a massive headache


Yes..Tasker
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:27:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:27:17 PM
Indeed..Also us viewers should be given credit for 110 minutes listening to this guy on Play by Play..I have a massive headache


Yes..Tasker

I went to the MIT-Middlebury women's game and just got home. I had a feeling this might happen! ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on November 12, 2017, 03:28:44 PM
24-4 shot advantage for Tufts. They deserve the win. We'll see
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:30:25 PM
Well, 2-0 down in the shootout after 2 rounds. Looks like curtains for SJC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:31:41 PM
2-1 after 3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:32:47 PM
3-2 after 4. Tufts to win it...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 03:34:03 PM
Wow...they're obnoxious.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on November 12, 2017, 03:34:17 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:31:41 PM
2-1 after 3.
[/quote

Better team wins good effort from Monks
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 03:35:11 PM
...and of course, clutch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:36:09 PM
Elsewhere, here comes Owen for Amherst's PKs...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:39:06 PM
Springfield are bottling it! Two misses -- not saves, misses. Gotta hit the target at least.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:39:39 PM
As prepared as St.Joe's was defensively they looked very unprepared in PK's..Mieth comes up big...Shocked by Eichhorst and Coleman taking PK's but they both buried them...Tufts deserves to move on..Congrats


Jesus...I see why WPI beat Springfield in PK's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 03:40:07 PM
Where are those scholarship professional PK takers when you need 'em???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:40:18 PM
Well they finally get one on target but Owen saves. Did they even practice them? I'm genuinely wondering because they don't look prepared for this at all.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:41:38 PM
I'm sorry, but that was shambolic -- Springfield did not score one. Owen made one save, and Springfield missed the other three. That's it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:42:57 PM
Even with the ones that were saved, SJC at least hit the target every time. Springfield did not. I understand PKs are a lottery and are tough, but that was the worst shootout performance I've seen in a long time from the Pride.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:48:12 PM
Looking to the next round, Rochester vs. Amherst should be a fun one. THAT will get chippy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:50:38 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 03:40:07 PM
Where are those scholarship professional PK takers when you need 'em???

lol...+k....what about the rule changes?  2 pages on possible rule changes that might have never existed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 12, 2017, 03:51:00 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:39:39 PM
Shocked by Eichhorst and Coleman taking PK's but they both buried them...

I believe Coleman is their regular penalty taker.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:52:24 PM
A rematch of Hopkins and Tufts at Tufts...1994 style..Bit of a different game then but anyhow..There were like 2000 people at Kraft on a frigid Sunday in late November of 94...Bloots u remember that one right?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:53:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:52:24 PM
A rematch of Hopkins and Tufts at Tufts...1994 style..Bit of a different game then but anyhow..There were like 2000 people at Kraft on a frigid Sunday in late November of 94...Bloots u remember that one right?

O ya, I was playing in the dirt in the long jump pit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 12, 2017, 05:01:21 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 12, 2017, 03:48:12 PM
Looking to the next round, Rochester vs. Amherst should be a fun one. THAT will get chippy.

This one will be a hoot!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC43 on November 12, 2017, 05:50:09 PM
Rochester vs. Amherst..... Great matchup of two teams from, in my opinion, the two best conferences in the country (UAA and NESCAC).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on November 13, 2017, 07:58:19 AM
Quote from: rudy on November 12, 2017, 03:28:44 PM
24-4 shot advantage for Tufts. They deserve the win. We'll see

As many of you know, my son plays for St. Joe's so of course I was at the Tufts/St. Joe's game on Sunday.  I agree 100% with what Rudy said - Tufts did deserve to win based on how they controlled the game.  Sometimes it doesn't work out that way, but it did yesterday. I will say that losing in PKs is absolutely the worst way to lose, in my opinion.

I was really, really impressed with Tufts and I hope they win another championship this year.  Big, strong, fast, relentless, and their one touch passes were really things of beauty.  I thought for sure they were going to break through at some point in the 2nd half against St. Joe's, but the Monks were incredible in how they were able to hold off the offensive onslaught.  Keeper Blake Mullen had a fantastic game and really kept St. Joe's in it until PKs, and then it's pretty much a crap shoot.  Credit to Tufts keeper Mieth as he had a wonderful save against the only real St. Joe's chance, and he came up big in the PK round.

I'm really proud of how St. Joe's played yesterday and I hope they get another chance next year to play some of the other NESCAC teams, in regular season and also in the tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 13, 2017, 09:01:17 AM
Quote from: OldNed on November 13, 2017, 07:58:19 AM
As many of you know, my son plays for St. Joe's so of course I was at the Tufts/St. Joe's game on Sunday.  I agree 100% with what Rudy said - Tufts did deserve to win based on how they controlled the game.  Sometimes it doesn't work out that way, but it did yesterday. I will say that losing in PKs is absolutely the worst way to win, in my opinion.

I was really, really impressed with Tufts and I hope they win another championship this year.  Big, strong, fast, relentless, and their one touch passes were really things of beauty.  I thought for sure they were going to break through at some point in the 2nd half against St. Joe's, but the Monks were incredible in how they were able to hold off the offensive onslaught.  Keeper Blake Mullen had a fantastic game and really kept St. Joe's in it until PKs, and then it's pretty much a crap shoot.  Credit to Tufts keeper Mieth as he had a wonderful save against the only real St. Joe's chance, and he came up big in the PK round.

I'm really proud of how St. Joe's played yesterday and I hope they get another chance next year to play some of the other NESCAC teams, in regular season and also in the tournament.

If this doesn't warrant a +K, I don't know what does. (Not that karma really matters, but you get me.) Very classy, OldNed, and your boys should have their heads held high -- they represented their school and their conference very well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC43 on November 13, 2017, 09:37:33 AM
Quote from: OldNed on November 13, 2017, 07:58:19 AM
Quote from: rudy on November 12, 2017, 03:28:44 PM
24-4 shot advantage for Tufts. They deserve the win. We'll see

As many of you know, my son plays for St. Joe's so of course I was at the Tufts/St. Joe's game on Sunday.  I agree 100% with what Rudy said - Tufts did deserve to win based on how they controlled the game.  Sometimes it doesn't work out that way, but it did yesterday. I will say that losing in PKs is absolutely the worst way to win, in my opinion.

I was really, really impressed with Tufts and I hope they win another championship this year.  Big, strong, fast, relentless, and their one touch passes were really things of beauty.  I thought for sure they were going to break through at some point in the 2nd half against St. Joe's, but the Monks were incredible in how they were able to hold off the offensive onslaught.  Keeper Blake Mullen had a fantastic game and really kept St. Joe's in it until PKs, and then it's pretty much a crap shoot.  Credit to Tufts keeper Mieth as he had a wonderful save against the only real St. Joe's chance, and he came up big in the PK round.

I'm really proud of how St. Joe's played yesterday and I hope they get another chance next year to play some of the other NESCAC teams, in regular season and also in the tournament.

Great post! Got to catch the last 30 min or so and can say St. Joe's showed great heart. They have a bright future ahead and best of luck to your son if he has any remaining eligibility.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 13, 2017, 09:52:14 AM
Agreed.  As a Maine resident and a NESCAC fan, I certainly offer a tip of the cap to St. Joe's.  They had a fantastic season and have clearly established themselves as a legitimate contender among the better New England college teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 13, 2017, 10:01:04 AM
And as a NESCAC fan I wish the best to both Tufts and Amherst as they seek to advance through the tournament.

There has been a lot of discussion on this and other threads that the NESCAC is down this year.  That may or may not be the case.  But I do find it amusing when someone is excited about a dominant team from another conference (e.g. Messiah, Chicago, Calvin, Rowan, etc.) and somehow knows in their heart of hearts that that particular team is better than all the other teams in the country.

I always find this to be an "apples vs. oranges" view, because it's really impossible to draw any kind of conclusion when those teams and leagues don't play each other during the regular season.

Now if Tufts and Amherst both bow out in the next round, we can begin to do the post mortem to debate whether or not the NESCAC is down this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 13, 2017, 10:58:34 AM
Quote from: OldNed on November 13, 2017, 07:58:19 AM

As many of you know, my son plays for St. Joe's so of course I was at the Tufts/St. Joe's game on Sunday.  I agree 100% with what Rudy said - Tufts did deserve to win based on how they controlled the game.  Sometimes it doesn't work out that way, but it did yesterday. I will say that losing in PKs is absolutely the worst way to win, in my opinion.

I was really, really impressed with Tufts and I hope they win another championship this year.  Big, strong, fast, relentless, and their one touch passes were really things of beauty.  I thought for sure they were going to break through at some point in the 2nd half against St. Joe's, but the Monks were incredible in how they were able to hold off the offensive onslaught.  Keeper Blake Mullen had a fantastic game and really kept St. Joe's in it until PKs, and then it's pretty much a crap shoot.  Credit to Tufts keeper Mieth as he had a wonderful save against the only real St. Joe's chance, and he came up big in the PK round.

I'm really proud of how St. Joe's played yesterday and I hope they get another chance next year to play some of the other NESCAC teams, in regular season and also in the tournament.

Absolute class here by OldNed. If I were eligible to give a karma point I would.  Like Truenorth, as a Maine resident and NESCAC fan, you have to tip your cap to the Monks. Yes, they absolutely showed tremendous heart and determination, but their commitment to execute their game plan of defending as a unit in their own end for massive amounts of time was most impressive. And when Tufts did break through and get good looks, Mullen came up big.  Going forward it looks like they return all but two starters.  Hopefully a couple more NESCAC schools and maybe a Brandeis, Babson, Endicott, or Gordon will be willing to schedule them next season. They certainly have earned the opportunity to play a high quality non-conference schedule.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on November 13, 2017, 11:47:42 AM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on November 13, 2017, 10:58:34 AM
Quote from: OldNed on November 13, 2017, 07:58:19 AM

As many of you know, my son plays for St. Joe's so of course I was at the Tufts/St. Joe's game on Sunday.  I agree 100% with what Rudy said - Tufts did deserve to win based on how they controlled the game.  Sometimes it doesn't work out that way, but it did yesterday. I will say that losing in PKs is absolutely the worst way to win, in my opinion.

I was really, really impressed with Tufts and I hope they win another championship this year.  Big, strong, fast, relentless, and their one touch passes were really things of beauty.  I thought for sure they were going to break through at some point in the 2nd half against St. Joe's, but the Monks were incredible in how they were able to hold off the offensive onslaught.  Keeper Blake Mullen had a fantastic game and really kept St. Joe's in it until PKs, and then it's pretty much a crap shoot.  Credit to Tufts keeper Mieth as he had a wonderful save against the only real St. Joe's chance, and he came up big in the PK round.

I'm really proud of how St. Joe's played yesterday and I hope they get another chance next year to play some of the other NESCAC teams, in regular season and also in the tournament.

Absolute class here by OldNed. If I were eligible to give a karma point I would.  Like Truenorth, as a Maine resident and NESCAC fan, you have to tip your cap to the Monks. Yes, they absolutely showed tremendous heart and determination, but their commitment to execute their game plan of defending as a unit in their own end for massive amounts of time was most impressive. And when Tufts did break through and get good looks, Mullen came up big.  Going forward it looks like they return all but two starters.  Hopefully a couple more NESCAC schools and maybe a Brandeis, Babson, Endicott, or Gordon will be willing to schedule them next season. They certainly have earned the opportunity to play a high quality non-conference schedule.

Bobcat,
what you're hoping for re: St. Joe's is exactly what I'm hoping for - that St. Joe's does start to regularly schedule more NESCAC teams, along with some of the other traditional NE powers like Babson, Brandeis, Endicott, etc.

My son has one more year of eligibility, so I'm hoping that if they do beef up their schedule, then observers can legitimately see St. Joe's on the same level (at least as far as soccer goes - education is for the most part better in a NESCAC school) as other traditional regional powers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: firstplaceloser on November 13, 2017, 01:45:15 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 13, 2017, 10:01:04 AM
And as a NESCAC fan I wish the best to both Tufts and Amherst as they seek to advance through the tournament.

There has been a lot of discussion on this and other threads that the NESCAC is down this year.  That may or may not be the case.  But I do find it amusing when someone is excited about a dominant team from another conference (e.g. Messiah, Chicago, Calvin, Rowan, etc.) and somehow knows in their heart of hearts that that particular team is better than all the other teams in the country.

I always find this to be an "apples vs. oranges" view, because it's really impossible to draw any kind of conclusion when those teams and leagues don't play each other during the regular season.

Now if Tufts and Amherst both bow out in the next round, we can begin to do the post mortem to debate whether or not the NESCAC is down this year.

please do not put Rowan in the same category as Messiah Chicago and Calvin lol they might be the least dominate NJAC team within the conference

And I mean least dominate with winning NJAC titles and showing success in the NCAAs. I think RUN is has more wins in the NCAAs the last 5 years.

Montclair St and RUC have shown complete dominance each having a good 4-5 years in a row of winning. with about the same record in the tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 13, 2017, 03:07:21 PM
Quote from: firstplaceloser on November 13, 2017, 01:45:15 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 13, 2017, 10:01:04 AM
And as a NESCAC fan I wish the best to both Tufts and Amherst as they seek to advance through the tournament.

There has been a lot of discussion on this and other threads that the NESCAC is down this year.  That may or may not be the case.  But I do find it amusing when someone is excited about a dominant team from another conference (e.g. Messiah, Chicago, Calvin, Rowan, etc.) and somehow knows in their heart of hearts that that particular team is better than all the other teams in the country.

I always find this to be an "apples vs. oranges" view, because it's really impossible to draw any kind of conclusion when those teams and leagues don't play each other during the regular season.

Now if Tufts and Amherst both bow out in the next round, we can begin to do the post mortem to debate whether or not the NESCAC is down this year.

please do not put Rowan in the same category as Messiah Chicago and Calvin lol they might be the least dominate NJAC team within the conference

And I mean least dominate with winning NJAC titles and showing success in the NCAAs. I think RUN is has more wins in the NCAAs the last 5 years.

Montclair St and RUC have shown complete dominance each having a good 4-5 years in a row of winning. with about the same record in the tournament.

I don't think Truenorth is too far off.

Rowan went 17-4-1, including 8-0-1 in conference play (best in the conference), and lost in the conference championship.

They have the 3rd most tournament appearances in the country (only behind Messiah and OWU) and the 4th most tournament wins in the country (only behind Messiah, OWU, and Trinity).

It's tough to deny that this is a dominant program, irrespective of their recent big game woes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 13, 2017, 03:34:27 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 13, 2017, 03:07:21 PM
Quote from: firstplaceloser on November 13, 2017, 01:45:15 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 13, 2017, 10:01:04 AM
And as a NESCAC fan I wish the best to both Tufts and Amherst as they seek to advance through the tournament.

There has been a lot of discussion on this and other threads that the NESCAC is down this year.  That may or may not be the case.  But I do find it amusing when someone is excited about a dominant team from another conference (e.g. Messiah, Chicago, Calvin, Rowan, etc.) and somehow knows in their heart of hearts that that particular team is better than all the other teams in the country.

I always find this to be an "apples vs. oranges" view, because it's really impossible to draw any kind of conclusion when those teams and leagues don't play each other during the regular season.

Now if Tufts and Amherst both bow out in the next round, we can begin to do the post mortem to debate whether or not the NESCAC is down this year.

please do not put Rowan in the same category as Messiah Chicago and Calvin lol they might be the least dominate NJAC team within the conference

And I mean least dominate with winning NJAC titles and showing success in the NCAAs. I think RUN is has more wins in the NCAAs the last 5 years.

Montclair St and RUC have shown complete dominance each having a good 4-5 years in a row of winning. with about the same record in the tournament.

I don't think Truenorth is too far off.

Rowan went 17-4-1, including 8-0-1 in conference play (best in the conference), and lost in the conference championship.

They have the 3rd most tournament appearances in the country (only behind Messiah and OWU) and the 4th most tournament wins in the country (only behind Messiah, OWU, and Trinity).

It's tough to deny that this is a dominant program, irrespective of their recent big game woes.
Rowan was one the D-III powerhouses in the 80's, 90's and early 2000's, but in the last 10 years of Coach Gilmore's tenure, the Profs slipped significantly and were no longer challenging for the NJAC titles and out of the national conversation.  For 10 years--not just an off season or two.  The "new" coach (former player from the glory years) has clearly injected new life into the program and has quickly gotten Rowan back in the national discussion by ending an 11-year NCAA drought in just his second season (2014) and now making it three straight years, but he's still not claimed an NJAC title (14-year drought now) and hasn't gotten past the first weekend of the tournament.  For me it's too early to say that Rowan is back to being a dominant program--they're going to need to sustain this a bit longer and start winning the big games (NJAC finals, advance to second weekend of NCAA tournament).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on November 13, 2017, 03:53:31 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on November 13, 2017, 03:34:27 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 13, 2017, 03:07:21 PM
Quote from: firstplaceloser on November 13, 2017, 01:45:15 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 13, 2017, 10:01:04 AM
And as a NESCAC fan I wish the best to both Tufts and Amherst as they seek to advance through the tournament.

There has been a lot of discussion on this and other threads that the NESCAC is down this year.  That may or may not be the case.  But I do find it amusing when someone is excited about a dominant team from another conference (e.g. Messiah, Chicago, Calvin, Rowan, etc.) and somehow knows in their heart of hearts that that particular team is better than all the other teams in the country.

I always find this to be an "apples vs. oranges" view, because it's really impossible to draw any kind of conclusion when those teams and leagues don't play each other during the regular season.

Now if Tufts and Amherst both bow out in the next round, we can begin to do the post mortem to debate whether or not the NESCAC is down this year.

please do not put Rowan in the same category as Messiah Chicago and Calvin lol they might be the least dominate NJAC team within the conference

And I mean least dominate with winning NJAC titles and showing success in the NCAAs. I think RUN is has more wins in the NCAAs the last 5 years.

Montclair St and RUC have shown complete dominance each having a good 4-5 years in a row of winning. with about the same record in the tournament.

I don't think Truenorth is too far off.

Rowan went 17-4-1, including 8-0-1 in conference play (best in the conference), and lost in the conference championship.

They have the 3rd most tournament appearances in the country (only behind Messiah and OWU) and the 4th most tournament wins in the country (only behind Messiah, OWU, and Trinity).

It's tough to deny that this is a dominant program, irrespective of their recent big game woes.
Rowan was one the D-III powerhouses in the 80's, 90's and early 2000's, but in the last 10 years of Coach Gilmore's tenure, the Profs slipped significantly and were no longer challenging for the NJAC titles and out of the national conversation.  For 10 years--not just an off season or two.  The "new" coach (former player from the glory years) has clearly injected new life into the program and has quickly gotten Rowan back in the national discussion by ending an 11-year NCAA drought in just his second season (2014) and now making it three straight years, but he's still not claimed an NJAC title (14-year drought now) and hasn't gotten past the first weekend of the tournament.  For me it's too early to say that Rowan is back to being a dominant program--they're going to need to sustain this a bit longer and start winning the big games (NJAC finals, advance to second weekend of NCAA tournament).

FW hit it spot on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: firstplaceloser on November 13, 2017, 04:30:25 PM
okay well we're also not living in the 80s-90s anymore. my point was recently, and i'm not saying they weren't good back then bc they were very good. Rowan has just recently gotten back into the national mix, they haven't won an NJAC since 2002. they have had plenty of chances to get theirs as well but never prevailed. if we're talking 80-90s then throw stockton in there too
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2017, 08:07:48 PM
Congrats to Former Bowdoin Head Coach Fran O'Leary on an incredible turnaround in 2 years at UMASS. They won the A-10 and back in the NCAA's

http://umassathletics.com/news/2017/11/12/mens-soccer-minutemen-win-third-a-10-tournament-championship-defeat-vcu-3-1.aspx


On a more cynical note this is in regards to the Drew Head Coach getting a Red Card. When O'Leary was at Bowdoin he made one of the more questionable / shady moves a Head Coach can make. In 2007 Bowdoin and Conn College played to a 1-1 draw. O'Leary received a Red Card during the game for arguing a call. He left the field. The next day Bowdoin played Wheaton(MA) in an out of conference game. O'Leary inexplicably coached in that game. Remember this was 2007 not 2017 so information was not nearly as available as it is today. Bowdoin beat Wheaton 2-1 in that game. The next day on a hunch Former Conn College Head Coach Bill Lessig calls former Wheaton Head Coach Matt Cushing and asks him if O'Leary was on the bench. Cushing say's yea he was and then Lessig let him know that O'Leary had gotten a Red the day prior. O'Leary was busted and his excuse was he did not know the rule. Which is total BS. He knows the damn rule. The NCAA and Nescac got involved. He was slapped on the wrist BUT Bowdoin had to forfeit the game as the official score was 1-0 Wheaton.

http://athletics.wheatoncollege.edu/sports/msoc/archives/2007/bow.htm

One stupid move in he screwed up Bowdoin's whole season as before the match I believe they were regionally ranked. Other coaches in the region were pissed and after a ton of conversation the NCAA did not count any of Bowdoin's opponents losses to them count when looking at the regional rankings. One team that benefited was Keene State.

After that some of his peers atleast in D3 were wary of him at least to themselves. I mean to claim not to know the rule was just total BS and shady. He had been coaching for at least 25 years prior to this at Kenyon, Dartmouth, George Mason,etc so he KNEW the rule. A 14 year old knows the rule. Frankly he was extremely lucky he did not get fired at Bowdoin after that incident. A school like Bowdoin should have pulled the trigger but I believe he was tight with the AD who had hired him.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2017, 08:59:58 PM
Great post OldNed and I agree with everyone else that St.Joe's was extremely prepared and worked their butts off all game. It is not easy to chase for the majority of the game but they did and almost WON the game outright in the 1st OT if not for a fantastic save by Mieth. They are most certainly on my radar for next season and lets hope they play all 3 Maine Nescac's and other regional powers next season. With a couple more challenging games on their schedule they would get themselves in contention for a Pool C. As I noted during the match they were extremely disciplined defensively all game and well prepared as a unit. A total team effort. +k
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 14, 2017, 11:05:22 AM
What a coup it was for Bowdoin to have Stevie van Siclen in net. As this (http://bowdoinorient.com/bonus/article/9730) Bowdoin Orient article states, a number of soccer programs were pursuing him prior to tearing his ACL in high school, but Wiercinski brought him in "on a limb" since Bowdoin assistant Mills had seen him in club action. Then, when he came to Bowdoin, he didn't start until halfway through his freshman year – it was only when then-starter Safian was injured for a couple of weeks that he got a chance. Obviously, Wiercinski realized that he had a very talented goalkeeper on his hands – even as a freshman, he was among the top 'keepers in the NESCAC, particularly after his performance in the conference tournament. Sophomore year, much the same. Junior year he played well for the first half of the year before getting injured at the midway point of the season, and I wasn't sure he would be back this year. Senior year, All-NESCAC First Team, and capping his career with stats of 0.56 GAA, a save pct. of .860., and a PK save pct. (shootouts included) of .428. That is pretty impressive for a guy who Wiercinski took a chance on, and – in my opinion – no way they get to NCAAs once in the last 4 years, let alone 3 times, without him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 14, 2017, 01:04:56 PM
I believe Van Siclien played for BC Head Coach Ed Kelly at club level. Kelly raved about him but his injuries overshadowed it all. He proved everyone wrong that is for sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 14, 2017, 10:00:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 14, 2017, 01:04:56 PM
I believe Van Siclien played for BC Head Coach Ed Kelly at club level. Kelly raved about him but his injuries overshadowed it all. He proved everyone wrong that is for sure.

Yep.  http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2012-Region-I-Championships/Game/11430/NEFCEagles/EmpireUnitedSARochester/ (http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2012-Region-I-Championships/Game/11430/NEFCEagles/EmpireUnitedSARochester/)

But why did other schools lost interest after he tore his ACL?  It's a serious injury, of course, but it's not as though the surgery followed by rehab is some of experimental shot in the dark.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 14, 2017, 10:29:45 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 12:51:42 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on November 12, 2017, 01:19:08 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 11, 2017, 10:12:52 PM
Typical Bowdoin match...They will do it to anyone...3 SOG for Bowdoin and RUN each in 110 minutes

My goodness...
.   
Three shots on goal is a perfectly respectable number of shots on goal!!! 

D1 teams only average four shots on goal per game!   
Notre Dame takes a little over five on average.  Same for Villanova.  And that is NOTRE DAME and VILLANOVA! 

Three SOG is perfectly respectable.   

In fact.... since every shot on goal is the result of an error ( or a string of errors.)  And since every goal definitely is the result of a string of errors.... 
That means:
the more shots on goal, the worse the play actually is. ... because that means somebody is making a lot of errors


.


Not to beat a dead horse here BUT one final comment..3 SOG is NOT acceptable..I do not know Notre Dame stats off the top of my head but they are coached by Bobby Clarke who has been coaching for years and since the days he was at Dartmouth has played a defensive oriented system. His wings are spread all over this country for good and bad. Wheeler plays his system at Wesleyan as he played for him at Dartmouth. Shapiro assisted the guy at Georgetown who played for Clarke and Shapiro's Tufts sides look a TON like Dartmouth used to look..On and On I could go but I will not..It is Gameday and we move forward...

Lol.  Yeah.  I know Bobby Clark.  He recruited my oldest son. 
And I also know the ND stats:  19 games this season and 107 total SOG. 

And if averaging around five SOG is working out for ND,  three should be just fine for Bowdoin. 

In other fun trivia:
The very highest SOG per game average for a D1 team this year was 8.  And only two teams had that many...Seattle and IU.   

IU played 20 games had 162 SOG, of which 42 resulted in a goal.

In the English Premier League, there are 13 teams averaging under four SOG per game this season.  In the French Championnat, there are 9 teams averaging under 4 SOG per game.  In Serie A, there are seven teams, while the Bundesliga and La Liga each have six teams with less than 4 Shots on Goal per game.

To sum up:
Once upon a time, soccer may have been an "attacking" sport, but... that was a long time ago. Over time, coaches realized that winning games is fundamentally about avoiding mistakes while you find ways to cause the other team to make one.  As teams have gotten better and better at preventing mistakes... the number of goals has gone down.  The less mistakes there have been, the less SOG you will see. 

So... modern soccer is about eliminating errors and compensating for weaknesses.    And trying to create errors and capitalize on the weaknesses of the other team.  So, you have a slow back, use the offside trap. Your midfield can't hold the ball? Overlap.  Your forwards can't finish? Draw a foul. Create a corner.
But... as the other team is also trying to eliminate mistakes... you should expect to end up with less and less chances.

If you stop waiting on goals, and just enjoy the tactical side of the game, you might be less bored.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 14, 2017, 10:43:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2017, 03:50:38 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2017, 03:40:07 PM
Where are those scholarship professional PK takers when you need 'em???

lol...+k....what about the rule changes?  2 pages on possible rule changes that might have never existed

The referenced rule change is from real soccer rules, to the apparent NCAA college version of those rules.  That is the "change" I was discussing.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 15, 2017, 07:53:58 AM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 14, 2017, 10:00:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 14, 2017, 01:04:56 PM
I believe Van Siclien played for BC Head Coach Ed Kelly at club level. Kelly raved about him but his injuries overshadowed it all. He proved everyone wrong that is for sure.

Yep.  http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2012-Region-I-Championships/Game/11430/NEFCEagles/EmpireUnitedSARochester/ (http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2012-Region-I-Championships/Game/11430/NEFCEagles/EmpireUnitedSARochester/)

But why did other schools lost interest after he tore his ACL?  It's a serious injury, of course, but it's not as though the surgery followed by rehab is some of experimental shot in the dark.

The story as I understand it is that Van Siclen wanted to play both soccer and ice hockey in college.  Williams and Bowdoin were among his top choices.  Russo or Sullivan (depending on the timing) wanted him to play only soccer if he came to Williams.  Wiercinski was willing to have him play both, so Bowdoin was the fortunate recipient of Van Siclen's talents.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dog Face on November 15, 2017, 09:36:02 AM
Interesting side note on that roster for Van Siclen's club team- at least 3 of those players ended up playing for Brandeis (including Ocel).  Coach Margolis' connection with Ed Kelly (presumably from his year at BC) has resulted in a steady stream of players from that club to Brandeis.  Off the top of my head, that roster also had players who went to Babson, Middlebury, Conn College, UMass, UVM and Bryant.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2017, 01:38:14 PM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 14, 2017, 10:00:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 14, 2017, 01:04:56 PM
I believe Van Siclien played for BC Head Coach Ed Kelly at club level. Kelly raved about him but his injuries overshadowed it all. He proved everyone wrong that is for sure.

Yep.  http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2012-Region-I-Championships/Game/11430/NEFCEagles/EmpireUnitedSARochester/ (http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2012-Region-I-Championships/Game/11430/NEFCEagles/EmpireUnitedSARochester/)

But why did other schools lost interest after he tore his ACL?  It's a serious injury, of course, but it's not as though the surgery followed by rehab is some of experimental shot in the dark.

Because it was his 2nd ACL I believe. Probability after 2 ACL's is you lose some range and mobility. He proved all his doubters wrong though
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2017, 01:45:12 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 15, 2017, 07:53:58 AM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 14, 2017, 10:00:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 14, 2017, 01:04:56 PM
I believe Van Siclien played for BC Head Coach Ed Kelly at club level. Kelly raved about him but his injuries overshadowed it all. He proved everyone wrong that is for sure.

Yep.  http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2012-Region-I-Championships/Game/11430/NEFCEagles/EmpireUnitedSARochester/ (http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2012-Region-I-Championships/Game/11430/NEFCEagles/EmpireUnitedSARochester/)

But why did other schools lost interest after he tore his ACL?  It's a serious injury, of course, but it's not as though the surgery followed by rehab is some of experimental shot in the dark.

The story as I understand it is that Van Siclen wanted to play both soccer and ice hockey in college.  Williams and Bowdoin were among his top choices.  Russo or Sullivan (depending on the timing) wanted him to play only soccer if he came to Williams.  Wiercinski was willing to have him play both, so Bowdoin was the fortunate recipient of Van Siclen's talents.



This is not accurate. As a coach in D3 one of the ways to get D1 talented players into your program is by being able to offer the athlete the opportunity to play 2 sports if they are talented enough. Some athletes will jump at the chance to play the other sport they love and others would rather focus on 1 in D3. Williams Men's Soccer has had a ton of 2 sport athletes in years past so I find it really hard to believe that either Sullivan or Russo would "demand" he only play 1 sport or forget it. There were most likely other factors at play.

One example of this happening was Robbie Ftorek at Union in 2005. He was a D1 Hockey player at Union but also loved Soccer and he played both at Union I believe. Finally, the D1 Hockey Coach told him he HAD to quit Men's Soccer. Ftorek told him NO and he transferred to Middlebury where he played Mens Soccer and Mens Hockey. You could make the case he accomplished a ton more in Mens Soccer than Mens Hockey at Midd as he was an integral cog in Middlebury's 2007 NCAA Championship. However,  my example is understandable as a D1 Coach has the right to tell the kid to only focus on 1 sport. A D3 coach would be crazy to do that because that is one of the advantages of getting the D1 caliber player into your program.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2017, 02:33:35 PM
Today's Fun Fact.....

Along with starting 4 different GK's this year Amherst has used a different starting lineup in all 18 games played this season. That stat does not include GK's so just field players. IMO this is pretty rare. Usually teams find a Back Four or Three and stick with it unless there are injuries.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 15, 2017, 02:38:24 PM
Mr. Right, I don't know how you can state that "that is not accurate" unless you're in possession of all the facts.  That is the story as I've heard it from at least a couple of people.  That doesn't make it true, but it's a story that has had some legs. 

I'll give you another anecdotal story, in this case fact-based.  I have friends who have twins--one girl and one boy (now adults).  They were both talented high school runners and Nordic skiers, although the girl was the more notably talented of the two.  Both went to Middlebury.  The boy was told by the ski coach that if he wanted a shot at a slot on their national caliber Nordic ski team, that he should consider dedicating himself fully to year around ski training and not run on the cross country and track teams.  He chose to run anyway and did not ski.

The girl was encouraged to do both sports and ended up being an all American runner and skier.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dog Face on November 15, 2017, 03:01:11 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 15, 2017, 01:45:12 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 15, 2017, 07:53:58 AM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 14, 2017, 10:00:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 14, 2017, 01:04:56 PM
I believe Van Siclien played for BC Head Coach Ed Kelly at club level. Kelly raved about him but his injuries overshadowed it all. He proved everyone wrong that is for sure.

Yep.  http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2012-Region-I-Championships/Game/11430/NEFCEagles/EmpireUnitedSARochester/ (http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2012-Region-I-Championships/Game/11430/NEFCEagles/EmpireUnitedSARochester/)

But why did other schools lost interest after he tore his ACL?  It's a serious injury, of course, but it's not as though the surgery followed by rehab is some of experimental shot in the dark.

The story as I understand it is that Van Siclen wanted to play both soccer and ice hockey in college.  Williams and Bowdoin were among his top choices.  Russo or Sullivan (depending on the timing) wanted him to play only soccer if he came to Williams.  Wiercinski was willing to have him play both, so Bowdoin was the fortunate recipient of Van Siclen's talents.



This is not accurate. As a coach in D3 one of the ways to get D1 talented players into your program is by being able to offer the athlete the opportunity to play 2 sports if they are talented enough. Some athletes will jump at the chance to play the other sport they love and others would rather focus on 1 in D3. Williams Men's Soccer has had a ton of 2 sport athletes in years past so I find it really hard to believe that either Sullivan or Russo would "demand" he only play 1 sport or forget it. There were most likely other factors at play.

One example of this happening was Robbie Ftorek at Union in 2005. He was a D1 Hockey player at Union but also loved Soccer and he played both at Union I believe. Finally, the D1 Hockey Coach told him he HAD to quit Men's Soccer. Ftorek told him NO and he transferred to Middlebury where he played Mens Soccer and Mens Hockey. You could make the case he accomplished a ton more in Mens Soccer than Mens Hockey at Midd as he was an integral cog in Middlebury's 2007 NCAA Championship. However,  my example is understandable as a D1 Coach has the right to tell the kid to only focus on 1 sport. A D3 coach would be crazy to do that because that is one of the advantages of getting the D1 caliber player into your program.

This is an easier concession for a NESCAC soccer coach to make (since the 2nd sport is after your season is done and everything at that point is captain's practices and lifting with no coach involvement)- it's a much different decision for the hockey coach.    I  heard a NESCAC coach say he was OK with the second sport but warned the player that others had found it difficult to pull off without forfeiting too much of the other aspects of a full college experience.    I've always thought of Middlebury as being very receptive to the 2-sport athlete- Conrad being another who also played hockey for them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2017, 03:05:13 PM
Dogface gives a more accurate picture...You might get a Coach saying it "is difficult to pull off" BUT not one that demands 1 or the other because then the kid who you want to recruit might go play for your rival who will give him the opportunity to play both. You would be shooting yourself in the foot. You can try to manipulate his thinking that 2 Sports are difficult but never push it or demand it because you would risk losing the kid to another school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 15, 2017, 03:27:01 PM
Yeah, at Williams in particular, Muellers runs track and Luke Pierce (class of 2015) played baseball. He was a three-sport athlete at Yarmouth High School (ME), the town over from where I grew up, and was recruited to play baseball at Williams but ended up going out for soccer, as well. I don't think he ever played club soccer, so the fact that he went as far as he did in soccer (while being a two-sport athlete) was very impressive.

As far as the coach recruiting, it would've been Russo. That said, given that he had the two aforementioned multi-sport athletes on his team during his tenure, I would be quite surprised if that story was indeed the case.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2017, 04:17:36 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 15, 2017, 03:27:01 PM
Yeah, at Williams in particular, Muellers runs track and Luke Pierce (class of 2015) played baseball. He was a three-sport athlete at Yarmouth High School (ME), the town over from where I grew up, and was recruited to play baseball at Williams but ended up going out for soccer, as well. I don't think he ever played club soccer, so the fact that he went as far as he did in soccer (while being a two-sport athlete) was very impressive.

As far as the coach recruiting, it would've been Russo. That said, given that he had the two aforementioned multi-sport athletes on his team during his tenure, I would be quite surprised if that story was indeed the case.


Exactly...You also bring up another interesting point. Sometimes these 2 Sport athletes are so busy playing both sports they can fall thru the cracks because there is no club soccer on their resume. D1 coaches might miss them and sometimes you have a tremendous athlete fall right into your program because no one has seen them play. It is rare for this to happen these days BUT 10-20 years ago it was way more frequent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 15, 2017, 04:30:06 PM
I tried playing 2 sports at Hopkins. The baseball coach was not all that enthused and I'm pretty sure it hurt my chances to see the field. (There was a guy on my Legion team that I started over who was a one-sport guy and he definitely was higher on the coaches roster slot than I.)

As I think is generally being said, just in different ways, it really depends on the coach and the situation.

(Fun history note: Hopkins used to have either the head or assistant LAX coach double up and coach soccer in the fall. NONE of them (to my knowledge) had any soccer background. I know mine didn't. One of the stories of lore is that one of our guys lost his head and two-footed a guy... Red card. Coach Haus, turns to the guys on the bench, and through gritted teeth... "What. Is. A. Red. Card.??!!"

IOW, there was no pressure coming from that sport. :-))
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2017, 04:48:31 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 15, 2017, 04:30:06 PM
I tried playing 2 sports at Hopkins. The baseball coach was not all that enthused and I'm pretty sure it hurt my chances to see the field. (There was a guy on my Legion team that I started over who was a one-sport guy and he definitely was higher on the coaches roster slot than I.)

As I think is generally being said, just in different ways, it really depends on the coach and the situation.

(Fun history note: Hopkins used to have either the head or assistant LAX coach double up and coach soccer in the fall. NONE of them (to my knowledge) had any soccer background. I know mine didn't. One of the stories of lore is that one of our guys lost his head and two-footed a guy... Red card. Coach Haus, turns to the guys on the bench, and through gritted teeth... "What. Is. A. Red. Card.??!!"

IOW, there was no pressure coming from that sport. :-))


Yes...This was very common up until the mid 90's...Coaches usually had 2 assignments with your weaker assignment being a sport you were not all familiar with. Sometimes though you had Bowdoin's Head Basketball Coach was the Men's Soccer Coach as well up until the lat 90's. This is a whole other topic though..


So Hopkins,

What can you give us on your namesake? You got a good scout on Hopkins for us?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 15, 2017, 07:29:13 PM
To buttress the veracity of the Van Siclen story I heard, one of the folks I heard this from was his mom.  I don't think it gets any more real than that.  Again you can't paint all situations with a broad brush without knowing the facts.  Not all NESCAC coaches are equally open to their prized recruits playing two sports that may overlap with each other.  I've had one son who has played at the D1 level and one at the D3 level.  Not all D3 coaches or schools are as enlightened or open minded about their student athletes' interests as perhaps some posters would like to believe...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: luckylefty on November 15, 2017, 08:10:58 PM
It is very common for Division 3 coaches not to want players to play a second sport.  I know the NESCAC has no formal offseason, but if you think they aren't consistently doing captains practice and have players "heavily encouraged" to attend you are crazy.

I would say its likely half and half in regards to coaches wanting players to play more sports.  Half are willing, the other half are vehemently against it.  With that said, if a kid is immensely talented sometimes a coach is willing to look the other way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 15, 2017, 08:29:15 PM
Well summarized LuckyLefty.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 15, 2017, 08:42:42 PM
Middlebury currently has a 3 sport athlete, Frank Cosolito, who plays football, hockey and lacrosse and is a major contributor in all three.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on November 15, 2017, 09:15:00 PM
Quote from: maineman on November 15, 2017, 08:42:42 PM
Middlebury currently has a 3 sport athlete, Frank Cosolito, who plays football, hockey and lacrosse and is a major contributor in all three.

Cosolito is a real throwback -- he was a major contributor in all 3 sports as a freshman . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2017, 09:24:31 PM
Quote from: truenorth on November 15, 2017, 07:29:13 PM
To buttress the veracity of the Van Siclen story I heard, one of the folks I heard this from was his mom.  I don't think it gets any more real than that.  Again you can't paint all situations with a broad brush without knowing the facts.  Not all NESCAC coaches are equally open to their prized recruits playing two sports that may overlap with each other.  I've had one son who has played at the D1 level and one at the D3 level.  Not all D3 coaches or schools are as enlightened or open minded about their student athletes' interests as perhaps some posters would like to believe...

I really do not feel like getting into a back and forth over a subject that has nothing to do with the upcoming NCAA Tournament and the 2 Nescac sides still playing.

Van Siclien was not a prized a recruit at the time. He was very very much an unknown quantity because as I have said a Million times his injuries. The talent was there, the club coach recommendations were there, his GK'ing was phenomenal BUT coaches were not ready to take such a risk because if I remember correctly he was injured for most of the year beforehand. That was the ISSUE. I cannot imagine it had anything to do with playing 2 sports because as Blooter mentioned Williams had 3 two sport athletes on that specific roster.......Muellers(Track), Pearce(Baseball) and Kastner(Baseball).   But if thats what the mother stated then we can go with that for now. I will cede but I still say a 2 Sport athlete is not a problem at any Nescac school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on November 15, 2017, 09:48:39 PM
It's possible that both Truenorth's and Mr. Right's versions of the Van Siclen story are true.

Here is link to a 2014 article from the Bowdoin student newspaper that quotes Van Siclen discussing how schools stopped recruiting him when he tore his ACL as a high school junior (http://bowdoinorient.com/bonus/article/9730). He mentions Amherst as being one of the schools that stopped recruiting him, making the 2014 NESCAC championship win in PKs especially sweet  . . He recovered relatively quickly from that ACL injury (which was in the late spring of 2013 as best as I can determine) and played a full season of hockey the following season (2013-14).

The Williams' story also makes sense to me as the two-sport thing did not work out for Van Siclen at Bowdoin. He played hockey as a freshman but joined the team very late due to the soccer team going to the NCAAs and did not see much action. In his sophomore year, he once again joined the hockey team very late and was rather quickly badly injured in a way that ended his hockey season. Then he was injured in the fall of his junior year while playing soccer (ankle or foot but it ended his soccer season midway through the season). He did not join the hockey team during his junior season, likely due to the soccer injury and maybe the hockey injury incurred during the 2015-16 season. I was actually pleasantly surprised that he was back on the pitch this fall due to his history of injuries.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 15, 2017, 10:17:53 PM
Regardless of what the recruiting situation was -- and I think Mr.Right and truenorth both make valid points, because I can imagine coaches are willing to make accommodations but that it has to be the right situation and that van Siclen wasn't a top recruit because of his injuries -- I think it's a pretty unique story. Particularly, the fact that he rather fortuitously ended up starting his freshman year due to the starting GK's injury rather than being the anointed starter (and then leading the team to an unforeseen NESCAC title) and that he came in and did as well as he did is really cool. Not to say that it was good that the starter was hurt, but that it provided a unique opportunity, and it's obvious that SvS came in and showed everyone what a good goalkeeper he was -- even with Johnson and Mieth conceding just one goal between them this seaosn, van Siclen was the best GK in the conference this year in my opinion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2017, 11:27:20 AM
Bloots the diplomat...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 16, 2017, 11:38:01 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 16, 2017, 11:27:20 AM
Bloots the diplomat...

I'll be your spokesman for when you run for USSF president. ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 16, 2017, 06:17:00 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 15, 2017, 04:48:31 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 15, 2017, 04:30:06 PM
I tried playing 2 sports at Hopkins. The baseball coach was not all that enthused and I'm pretty sure it hurt my chances to see the field. (There was a guy on my Legion team that I started over who was a one-sport guy and he definitely was higher on the coaches roster slot than I.)

As I think is generally being said, just in different ways, it really depends on the coach and the situation.

(Fun history note: Hopkins used to have either the head or assistant LAX coach double up and coach soccer in the fall. NONE of them (to my knowledge) had any soccer background. I know mine didn't. One of the stories of lore is that one of our guys lost his head and two-footed a guy... Red card. Coach Haus, turns to the guys on the bench, and through gritted teeth... "What. Is. A. Red. Card.??!!"

IOW, there was no pressure coming from that sport. :-))


Yes...This was very common up until the mid 90's...Coaches usually had 2 assignments with your weaker assignment being a sport you were not all familiar with. Sometimes though you had Bowdoin's Head Basketball Coach was the Men's Soccer Coach as well up until the lat 90's. This is a whole other topic though..


So Hopkins,

What can you give us on your namesake? You got a good scout on Hopkins for us?

Honestly, I missed the alumni game this year, and have only caught snippets of games streaming. My beef with this coach and his style is that he does this thing with a 352 and when we work out of the back he pushes the center-back really high and then has his outside backs play possession 30 yards from each other. If the other team doesn't chase, it bogs down. And if the other team presses with two, bad things can happen. That said, they arguably should've beaten Messiah in Grantham. Flip side is that they had a weird stretch in October where they couldn't score and had some bad results. Looks like they've course corrected, as they are putting the ball away.

This is a very skilled squad. They are not going to try and bang bodies. As I said, they play a pretty patient possession style that relies heavily on beating the opposition with quick passing and combination play. The defense is very solid with a senior goalie that messing with the record book (shakes fist) with # of shutouts and number of shutout minutes. Also, I have suspicion that the coach altered that possession out of the back. Don't be surprised if it's a more traditional set up coming out of the back.

Their danger guy is #7 Achim Younker (so) who moves around from fwd/mid. 17 goals on the season... Fast, good first touch, savvy. The set-up guy is RJ Moore (fr) who is fun to watch. He can beat guys off the dribble, and his passing is higher level.

Last thing to mention. They have a senior GK and a couple of other upper-classmen in the back. Elsewhere, they have at least 7 freshmen and sophomores that either start or have played a ton of minutes off the bench. Not sure how those guys are going to react playing the defending natl champs. They got out of Glasboro, so youth didn't seem like an issue last weekend. We shall see.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: luckylefty on November 16, 2017, 07:52:49 PM
They are so good in possession. It will be interesting to see how they react to being aggressively pressured from Tufts. They are so tough to get the ball from and their possession allows them to keep the game under their thumb, they just always feel in control. With that said if Tufts press can cause problems they could very easily make a mistake in their end and have it cost them the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2017, 08:11:25 PM
Hopkins, +k

That is really well done. Thanks for taking the time as it is much appreciated. You have me even more curious now as I cannot wait to see this Tufts v Hopkins matchup on Saturday. Personally, I do not like a 3-5-2 going against Tufts BUT if they play as quickly as you say and play to feet they will be able to break Tufts down enough to get some dangerous looks on net. St.Joe's did not really test Tufts GK Mieth except the 1 rip in OT but we have yet to see a game where the opponent gets multiple good looks on net and really tests Mieth. The key though is the faster Hopkins play to feet and move the ball on the counter IMMEDIATELY as soon as Tufts gives the ball away the better chances they will get before Tufts get set defensively. Maybe some solid 1v1 play on the flanks and good service into the box. I guess I am just curious how Hopkins will come out in the first 20 minutes of the game. That should give us a great indicator of the flow. I have no idea how big Hopkins is or if Hopkins is very fit and press like mad but that is how I would start the game. Middlebury in  the Nescac Final came out of the gates and absolutely pressed the crap out of Tufts for the first 15-20 minutes and looked very good doing it. They just could not get themselves a ton of chances. I am guessing Hopkins will have much more skill than Midd so quick counters on giveaway's will be key. One thing about Tufts is they WILL give the ball away a ton during the game its just other Nescac's were to conservative, slow, uninterested in attacking to get anything out of the giveaway's.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2017, 08:19:50 PM
[quote author=luckylefty link=topic=7480.msg1835096#msg1835096 date=1510879969
They are so good in possession. It will be interesting to see how they react to being aggressively pressured from Tufts. They are so tough to get the ball from and their possession allows them to keep the game under their thumb, they just always feel in control. With that said if Tufts press can cause problems they could very easily make a mistake in their end and have it cost them the game.
[/quote]



I have said this before but I saw Hopkins play Dickinson in the Centennial Semi's and Dickinson pressed them and were forcing giveaway's in the back which led to 1 Dickinson goal. That is why i said Hopkins MUST adapt and not play short square balls in the back just to play short square balls and switch the field. They are going to have change and hoof a few more long balls then they are probably used to BUT it will be necessary to negate Tufts press and force Tufts to change and keep them honest.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: luckylefty on November 16, 2017, 08:50:11 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 16, 2017, 08:19:50 PM
[quote author=luckylefty link=topic=7480.msg1835096#msg1835096 date=1510879969
They are so good in possession. It will be interesting to see how they react to being aggressively pressured from Tufts. They are so tough to get the ball from and their possession allows them to keep the game under their thumb, they just always feel in control. With that said if Tufts press can cause problems they could very easily make a mistake in their end and have it cost them the game.



I have said this before but I saw Hopkins play Dickinson in the Centennial Semi's and Dickinson pressed them and were forcing giveaway's in the back which led to 1 Dickinson goal. That is why i said Hopkins MUST adapt and not play short square balls in the back just to play short square balls and switch the field. They are going to have change and hoof a few more long balls then they are probably used to BUT it will be necessary to negate Tufts press and force Tufts to change and keep them honest.
[/quote]

I don't think they will do that. It's not who they are. Obviously getting pressed in your own end is a huge threat, but they've played this way all year. They would be fools to try to change that now. The benefit to playing this way is that they control the tempo of the game all the time.

I respect the hell out of Hopkins for playing this way. And their 3-5-2 is tactically very sharp. Tufts will have to commit a lot of numbers forward to press them off it, and if Hopkins can find a few combinations they will break Tufts open.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2017, 08:57:47 PM
Quote from: luckylefty on November 16, 2017, 08:50:11 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 16, 2017, 08:19:50 PM
[quote author=luckylefty link=topic=7480.msg1835096#msg1835096 date=1510879969
They are so good in possession. It will be interesting to see how they react to being aggressively pressured from Tufts. They are so tough to get the ball from and their possession allows them to keep the game under their thumb, they just always feel in control. With that said if Tufts press can cause problems they could very easily make a mistake in their end and have it cost them the game.



I have said this before but I saw Hopkins play Dickinson in the Centennial Semi's and Dickinson pressed them and were forcing giveaway's in the back which led to 1 Dickinson goal. That is why i said Hopkins MUST adapt and not play short square balls in the back just to play short square balls and switch the field. They are going to have change and hoof a few more long balls then they are probably used to BUT it will be necessary to negate Tufts press and force Tufts to change and keep them honest.

I don't think they will do that. It's not who they are. Obviously getting pressed in your own end is a huge threat, but they've played this way all year. They would be fools to try to change that now. The benefit to playing this way is that they control the tempo of the game all the time.

I respect the hell out of Hopkins for playing this way. And their 3-5-2 is tactically very sharp. Tufts will have to commit a lot of numbers forward to press them off it, and if Hopkins can find a few combinations they will break Tufts open.
[/quote]


I will give Hopkins all the credit in the world if they are able to break Tufts down and control the tempo of the game BUT I am not sure how familiar Hopkins will be with Tufts physicality and quickness. Should be a great chess match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 18, 2017, 09:41:39 AM
Quote from: truenorth on November 15, 2017, 07:53:58 AM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 14, 2017, 10:00:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 14, 2017, 01:04:56 PM
I believe Van Siclien played for BC Head Coach Ed Kelly at club level. Kelly raved about him but his injuries overshadowed it all. He proved everyone wrong that is for sure.

Yep.  http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2012-Region-I-Championships/Game/11430/NEFCEagles/EmpireUnitedSARochester/ (http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2012-Region-I-Championships/Game/11430/NEFCEagles/EmpireUnitedSARochester/)

But why did other schools lost interest after he tore his ACL?  It's a serious injury, of course, but it's not as though the surgery followed by rehab is some of experimental shot in the dark.

The story as I understand it is that Van Siclen wanted to play both soccer and ice hockey in college.  Williams and Bowdoin were among his top choices.  Russo or Sullivan (depending on the timing) wanted him to play only soccer if he came to Williams.  Wiercinski was willing to have him play both, so Bowdoin was the fortunate recipient of Van Siclen's talents.

I believe Sam Ward also plays two sports at Bowdoin.

Good luck to Tufts and Amherst.  (They play today, right? Where are those games?)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 11:16:45 AM
Interesting....Tasker not playing due to illness? Kid better have mono because you should not be missing a game like this because you have the sniffles
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 11:25:26 AM
Jumbocast KILLING ME....Let's figure this out boys
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 11:54:39 AM
0-0 Tufts v Hopkins at the Half...Jumbocast was in and out so I did not catch much of the 1st Half but based on what I did see and the Stats this game is stuck in midfield as there have been few chances for either side. Both teams feeling each other out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:15:23 PM
Hopkins just to SLOW building up their attack IMO..They are allowing Tufts to set defensively. On the flip Tufts is giving the ball away way to often as they need to keep possession better. Tufts press starting to get at Hopkins
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:21:33 PM
Halliday is absolutely busting his butt today..His motor is running high as he is all over the field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:23:30 PM
Tanner Jameson makes an appearance as he has been injured since September. Interesting time to make an appearance
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:27:09 PM
No idea where Kulcsar is as it looks like the Frosh Aroh is holding
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:37:56 PM
About 20 minutes left in the 2nd Half an still 0-0 between Tufts and Hopkins...Things starting to get chippy as both teams are getting frustrated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 18, 2017, 12:38:37 PM
Thoroughly impressed by JHU.Ilove their one touch buildup, in-back-throughs, etc. etc. They seem like the better team today and are dominating possession. It is very difficult to break down tufts in the final third, though.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:42:21 PM
Both teams really struggling with the final pass in their attacking 3rd. It really is going to take an individual piece of skill or brilliance to win this game...0-0 12 minutes remaining
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:44:00 PM
Zinner with the best chance of the Half with a real nice run but hit it just wide.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:47:58 PM
Hopkins #7 Youncer with a nice chance on the other end but it was luckily blocked by Zinner as that was heading for the back of the net
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:54:06 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 18, 2017, 12:38:37 PM
Thoroughly impressed by JHU.Ilove their one touch buildup, in-back-throughs, etc. etc. They seem like the better team today and are dominating possession. It is very difficult to break down tufts in the final third, though.

They are dominating possession but they are going nowhere fast as they are not generating many chances from all that possession. Tufts has had the better chances even though they are getting out possessed.

Halliday with an excellent opportunity on a set piece. he is very dangerous on set pieces but he hits it at the GK
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: luckylefty on November 18, 2017, 12:56:26 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:54:06 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 18, 2017, 12:38:37 PM
Thoroughly impressed by JHU.Ilove their one touch buildup, in-back-throughs, etc. etc. They seem like the better team today and are dominating possession. It is very difficult to break down tufts in the final third, though.

They are dominating possession but they are going nowhere fast as they are not generating many chances from all that possession. Tufts has had the better chances even though they are getting out possessed.

Halliday with an excellent opportunity on a set piece. he is very dangerous on set pieces but he hits it at the GK

That's Hopkins deal. Every moment they have the ball is a moment Tufts can't be dangerous with it. Possession is as much about controlling the game as it is creating chances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:57:16 PM
0-0 Tufts and Hopkins heading to OT....

i like Tufts Frosh #13 Van Brewer's skill as he is a technical player BUT he is soft...Go hard into tackle please....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:58:45 PM
Quote from: luckylefty on November 18, 2017, 12:56:26 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:54:06 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 18, 2017, 12:38:37 PM
Thoroughly impressed by JHU.Ilove their one touch buildup, in-back-throughs, etc. etc. They seem like the better team today and are dominating possession. It is very difficult to break down tufts in the final third, though.

They are dominating possession but they are going nowhere fast as they are not generating many chances from all that possession. Tufts has had the better chances even though they are getting out possessed.

Halliday with an excellent opportunity on a set piece. he is very dangerous on set pieces but he hits it at the GK

That's Hopkins deal. Every moment they have the ball is a moment Tufts can't be dangerous with it. Possession is as much about controlling the game as it is creating chances.

I suppose but still with all that possession I would like to see more dangerous chances. They might have Tufts chasing a bit and wearing them down BUT Tufts has the physicality to win this on a set piece
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:01:53 PM
Start if OT and Shapiro leaves Rojas in midfield and pushes Halliday up top. I like that move
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:04:10 PM
Zinner with a golden chance in OT with his left peg but nit enough on it and a nice save by Hopkins GK
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: luckylefty on November 18, 2017, 01:08:39 PM
Stream just went down for me. Can't believe Tufts didn't score that chance. That chance could come back to haunt them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:11:47 PM
0-0 2OT ready to start
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on November 18, 2017, 01:19:59 PM
Stream is down for me now. >:(
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:26:55 PM
Headng to PK's...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:28:05 PM
Will Shapiro go with the same kickers and order?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:32:22 PM
No he will not....That takes some sack to change kickers and order...Tufts really has confidence..I am super impressed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 18, 2017, 01:33:38 PM
Is Tufts the reincarnate of 2007 Middlebury?

4-1 PK win.  Second PK win in two scoreless NCAA games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:34:31 PM
Haha...Tufts into the Elite 8 w/o scoring a goal...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: tjcummingsfan on November 18, 2017, 01:35:53 PM
1 Goal in their last 310 minutes of play, that's gotta catch up with Tufts soon, no?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:36:37 PM
I did not catch Hopkins 2 misses..Did Mieth save or did Hopkins miss?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:37:06 PM
Quote from: tjcummingsfan on November 18, 2017, 01:35:53 PM
1 Goal in their last 310 minutes of play, that's gotta catch up with Tufts soon, no?


We have been saying that all year and they keep on plugging along...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on November 18, 2017, 01:39:54 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:36:37 PM
I did not catch Hopkins 2 misses..Did Mieth save or did Hopkins miss?

I don't know - this feed really sucks. Maybe Blooter will weigh in?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2017, 01:41:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:37:06 PM
Quote from: tjcummingsfan on November 18, 2017, 01:35:53 PM
1 Goal in their last 310 minutes of play, that's gotta catch up with Tufts soon, no?


We have been saying that all year and they keep on plugging along...

Good game to watch. Hopkins was better with the ball and on the ground but like Right said, didn't do it in the final third.  Tufts is gritty but could do better in the center final third... On go the Jumbos...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:44:13 PM
Amherst and UR ready to kickoff....This game will surely get ugly
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 02:00:42 PM
UR with a great chance off a corner and #32 had a free header that just went wide..Looked like UR set a nifty pick to free #32 up but the kid has to finish that..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 18, 2017, 02:01:45 PM
Quote from: OldNed on November 18, 2017, 01:39:54 PM
I don't know - this feed really sucks. Maybe Blooter will weigh in?

No idea, OldNed — I've been out of town and just checking in now. Didn't see any of the game and will probably have to rely on live stats for the next one as well. Tufts just continues to chug along despite a lack of firepower up top and key absences in Tasker et al.

I would love to know what Coleman's penalty record is...he has scored all the ones I've seen him take and obviously that continued today. He doesn't hit them top corner or seem to get any real power behind them but he always scores them. Maybe it's his run up, as he starts central and shuffles to the side? Either way, I think he knows he's going to score (as do his teammates) every time he steps up, and it's particularly telling he's their regular PK taker.

I guess the adage "offense wins games, defense wins championships" rings true. And in a situation where you can get all the offense you need from PKs, the second part seems particularly prudent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 02:07:14 PM
Amherst Hlinomaz a nice give and go but UR defender made a nice tackle to save the GK...Real wet field and UR looks up to the task physically against Amherst. You were correct Bloots UR can match Amherst physically.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 02:14:22 PM
Amherst Kelly scores on a header off a corner to give Amherst the lead 20 minutes in. Strange goal as kelly got to the ball but did not look like he got all of it but still beat UR GK...Honestly it is wet and all but UR's GK MUST GET TO THAT....Bad goal to concede
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 02:15:37 PM
I must say that an Amherst / Messiah matchup would be interesting. 2 COMPLETELY different styles


Still a long way to go here as UR will have plenty more chances in this game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 02:21:02 PM
GOD...UR another fantastic chance to get a goal in front of the net and just cannot FINISH.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 18, 2017, 03:01:22 PM
Amherst might be looking for a good place to park the bus. They seem content to sit on the lead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 18, 2017, 03:08:01 PM
ENORMOUS unforced error by Rochester keeper, who picked up the ball after giving up his dribble. Amherst getting a direct kick from maybe 15 yards out. They fail to convert and we're back to the other end again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 18, 2017, 03:12:28 PM
Another unforced error by Rochester defense. Outside back tries to let the ball roll over the end line, but it hits his foot and Amherst gets a free corner--which they do nothing with.

Rochester possessing again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 18, 2017, 03:16:18 PM
A little scuffle breaks about behind the Amherst goal after a scramble near the post. Amherst keeper is good at punching balls out of harm's way, or he'd be in trouble.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 03:19:22 PM
Ref starting to lose control of the Amherst v UR match...Amherst will be content to just high press UR and hold onto the lead. UR is going to have to get creative to get a goal here. Keep shooting on Amherst GK as they are not generating many dangerous chances here
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 18, 2017, 03:22:34 PM
Agreed--Rochester player just took a cheap shot, shoving his opponent to the turf--and (fortunately) is carded. Officiating in the first game was better, but not excellent. The official called every foul he saw (missing only a few), but he blew at least two calls badly, one of which led to a set play for Stevens--I think it was a goal scoring play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 18, 2017, 03:24:30 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 03:19:22 PM
Ref starting to lose control of the Amherst v UR match...Amherst will be content to just high press UR and hold onto the lead. UR is going to have to get creative to get a goal here. Keep shooting on Amherst GK as they are not generating many dangerous chances here

Thank goodness for these updates. Much as I love jetBlue, a bit disappointed they don't have d3 soccer streaming options on their channels.  ;) I am grateful, however, for free WiFi!

That said, not at all surprised this game has unfolded the way it has. Amherst gets a goal off a set piece and UR doesn't quite have the creativity to break them down.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 03:29:48 PM
WOW.....UR ties it up 1-1 on a HORRIFIC GK'ing error on Stone...Low shot is coughed up by Stone and UR pounces on the rebound....Another GK error has cost Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 18, 2017, 03:31:38 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 03:29:48 PM
WOW.....UR ties it up 1-1 on a HORRIFIC GK'ing error on Stone...Low shot is coughed up by Stone and UR pounces on the rebound....Another GK error has cost Amherst

(I also saw something like this happening.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 03:33:04 PM
2-1 UR...What a comeback....nice header off a cross and Amherst in BIG trouble here
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 18, 2017, 03:36:26 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 03:33:04 PM
2-1 UR...What a comeback....nice header off a cross and Amherst in BIG trouble here

As I said on the other thread, Amherst is giving away the store. And getting very chippy as they watch the goods disappear.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 03:37:04 PM
Quote from: Falconer on November 18, 2017, 03:36:26 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 03:33:04 PM
2-1 UR...What a comeback....nice header off a cross and Amherst in BIG trouble here

As I said on the other thread, Amherst is giving away the store. And getting very chippy as they watch the goods disappear.


Sounds about right....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 18, 2017, 03:42:34 PM
Quote from: Falconer on November 18, 2017, 03:36:26 PM
As I said on the other thread, Amherst is giving away the store. And getting very chippy as they watch the goods disappear.

I worked in a store, and we were taught to not chase or be physical with those who take goods. ;) (That's the job of the 5-0.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 03:43:56 PM
UR does deserve this as they have played VERY WELL in the 2nd Half. Dominating possession and dictating the play which you do not often see v Amherst..I wasn't sure UR would be able to get a goal but man they have taken control of this game...I would still imagine that Messiah would rather face UR than Amherst just because of the way Amherst plays but they will have their hands full with UR tomorrow
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2017, 03:44:16 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 18, 2017, 03:42:34 PM
Quote from: Falconer on November 18, 2017, 03:36:26 PM
As I said on the other thread, Amherst is giving away the store. And getting very chippy as they watch the goods disappear.

I worked in a store, and we were taught to not chase or be physical with those who take goods. ;) (That's the job of the 5-0.)

BLOOTS!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 18, 2017, 03:44:58 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 03:43:56 PM
UR does deserve this as they have played VERY WELL in the 2nd Half. Dominating possession and dictating the play which you do not often see v Amherst..I wasn't sure UR would be able to get a goal but man they have taken control of this game...I would still imagine that Messiah would rather face UR than Amherst just because of the way Amherst plays but they will have their hands full with UR tomorrow

Serpone going nuts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 18, 2017, 03:50:46 PM
Good riddance. That style of soccer doesn't belong in the elite 8. Cya next year, Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 18, 2017, 03:53:46 PM
Couldn't have said it better myself Nesoccerfan. I've been very impressed by UR. Seems like they can deal with any type of opponent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 03:59:13 PM
Yea I feel like this is a different type of UR squad..They have players that can finish and that is making a big difference
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: firstplaceloser on November 18, 2017, 06:14:06 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 18, 2017, 03:50:46 PM
Good riddance. That style of soccer doesn't belong in the elite 8. Cya next year, Amherst.


I have a feeling someone is going to get very offended by this
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 18, 2017, 06:33:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 11:16:45 AM
Interesting....Tasker not playing due to illness? Kid better have mono because you should not be missing a game like this because you have the sniffles

Mono it is, as I was informed by one of the Tufts parents.  Third player this season for Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 18, 2017, 06:37:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:27:09 PM
No idea where Kulcsar is as it looks like the Frosh Aroh is holding

Kulcsar injured a hammy against St. Joe's.  Tried for a while today, but then came out and Aroh went the rest of the way.  Another freshman, Van Brewer, was arguably Tufts' best player.  That midfield is gonna be dynamite for the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 18, 2017, 06:44:37 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 01:36:37 PM
I did not catch Hopkins 2 misses..Did Mieth save or did Hopkins miss?

Mieth saved kicker #2 for JHU, then the left back (#22) for JHU hit the left post with the third.

Deserved win for Tufts.  JHU was very lucky to get to penalties, as only Tufts' wastefulness allowed JHU to stay in the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 07:40:52 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 18, 2017, 06:33:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 11:16:45 AM
Interesting....Tasker not playing due to illness? Kid better have mono because you should not be missing a game like this because you have the sniffles

Mono it is, as I was informed by one of the Tufts parents.  Third player this season for Tufts.


lol...should have put 100 down on that...So he is done for the year
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 07:50:22 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 18, 2017, 06:37:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:27:09 PM
No idea where Kulcsar is as it looks like the Frosh Aroh is holding

Kulcsar injured a hammy against St. Joe's.  Tried for a while today, but then came out and Aroh went the rest of the way.  Another freshman, Van Brewer, was arguably Tufts' best player.  That midfield is gonna be dynamite for the foreseeable future.


Yea I saw him go off against St.Joe's and had never seen him get subbed before..He is a big loss this time of year...Brandeis might be the first team to take advantage of it tomorrow. Aroh was holding today and is a big boy but a totally different player and only a Frosh so i expect more mistakes there.

Van Brewer is a technical player as I like his skill but as I said earlier he is Soft...IF YOU STICK that kid HARD once and I mean HARD you would totally take him out of his game as he would be looking up the rest of the game waiting for the next tackle...Brandeis would be wise to stick that kid right away
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Clotpoll on November 18, 2017, 07:59:30 PM
Aroh is lost in space, positionally. Runs way too far forward in possession.

Van Brewer is excellent. You can't hit what you can't catch.

Brandeis is a great matchup for Tufts, though. Brandeis is ponderous and predictable on the ball.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 19, 2017, 12:58:49 PM
Both teams with the same lineups as yesterday...I am looking at the first 20 minutes for both teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 19, 2017, 01:07:23 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:58:45 PM
Quote from: luckylefty on November 18, 2017, 12:56:26 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2017, 12:54:06 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 18, 2017, 12:38:37 PM
Thoroughly impressed by JHU.Ilove their one touch buildup, in-back-throughs, etc. etc. They seem like the better team today and are dominating possession. It is very difficult to break down tufts in the final third, though.

They are dominating possession but they are going nowhere fast as they are not generating many chances from all that possession. Tufts has had the better chances even though they are getting out possessed.

Halliday with an excellent opportunity on a set piece. he is very dangerous on set pieces but he hits it at the GK

That's Hopkins deal. Every moment they have the ball is a moment Tufts can't be dangerous with it. Possession is as much about controlling the game as it is creating chances.

I suppose but still with all that possession I would like to see more dangerous chances. They might have Tufts chasing a bit and wearing them down BUT Tufts has the physicality to win this on a set piece

This sums up Hopkins under this coach. I will say, they played the ball to the corners a lot more yesterday than they have in the past, and I think it helped them stretch Tufts a bit and they avoided coughing it up in the back (for the most part.)

They needed someone other than Younker to step up and take on a defender. They needed a moment of brilliance to beat a very organized D and it just never really game. I said in the other thread, I was waiting for Tufts to put their mark on the game and it just didn't happen. They had the better chances, but they (obviously) need to start putting the ball in the back of the net.

(Also, Hopkins needs to figure out PKs. Geezus. Btwn yesterday and Dickinson semis, they're like 2 for 10  or something.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 19, 2017, 01:43:05 PM
Not sure what to make of this 1st Half..both teams playing not to lose instead of playing to win. Brandeis playing to slow in transition to break Tufts down and have failed to capitalize on a couple corners and set pieces. Tufts have had fewer chances than Brandeis this Half and all signs are pointing to another scoreless draw...Neither team has had any real dangerous chances..i wish both teams would utilize their skill more by taking guys on and playing fast 2 touch futbol as this stuff is starting to get real tedious...I have seen way to many Nescac games this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 19, 2017, 01:56:30 PM
I agree, mr. right. Unfortunately, tufts just imposes this boring pace on its opponents. I've seen nearly all of the Brandeis games this year, against many great opponents, and this is the least entertaining. Quite different from the great RUN game last week.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 19, 2017, 01:56:40 PM
Playoff soccer. Both teams are playing very tight, as you say. No one wants to make that crucial mistake...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: firstplaceloser on November 19, 2017, 02:05:42 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 19, 2017, 01:56:40 PM
Playoff soccer. Both teams are playing very tight, as you say. No one wants to make that crucial mistake...

you gotta risk it for the biscuit !
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Clotpoll on November 19, 2017, 05:08:05 PM
Messiah should take Brandeis easily. Today's Tufts-Brandeis grapplethon just a poor representation of the game. Fitting for it to end on a GK's clearance error.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 19, 2017, 05:31:45 PM
Quote from: Clotpoll on November 19, 2017, 05:08:05 PM
Messiah should take Brandeis easily. Today's Tufts-Brandeis grapplethon just a poor representation of the game. Fitting for it to end on a GK's clearance error.

My allegiance nonwithstanding — and I would agree that the Falcons would be favored — I have to say your commentary makes you sound like a grump. Maybe that's not your intention, but it seems that every post is about how this team plays hoofball and that team is boring. A certain amount of stylistic observations (complaints) is understandable, and I make them as well, but I've not seen such frequency of pessimism.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 19, 2017, 06:36:36 PM
Quote from: Clotpoll on November 19, 2017, 05:08:05 PM
Messiah should take Brandeis easily. Today's Tufts-Brandeis grapplethon just a poor representation of the game. Fitting for it to end on a GK's clearance error.

Congrats to Brandeis on the victory and to Tufts for a fine season.  Tufts did well this year. I agree the game was not too exciting.  The last 2 years, Tufts style has changed a bit.  Probably has to do with different personnel.  More long balls and goals from set pieces.... they were missing Tasker but not an excuse.

Regarding Brandeis vs. Messiah, they said that Messiah would easily beat Tufts in 2014 but The Giant Slayer goal by Tufts set them back 2 years.  Tufts was the underdog in all playoff games and easily beat every opponent except Messiah on its way to a championship in 2014. So, I don't count out the Judges and will be rooting for a win.

BLOOTS!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 19, 2017, 06:42:51 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 19, 2017, 06:36:36 PM
BLOOTS!

Appreciate the shoutout! Congrats to your Jumbos on a fine season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 19, 2017, 06:47:04 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 19, 2017, 06:42:51 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 19, 2017, 06:36:36 PM
BLOOTS!

Appreciate the shoutout! Congrats to your Jumbos on a fine season.

Can't win every year!  Every other year would be good 🙄
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: firstplaceloser on November 19, 2017, 09:31:22 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 19, 2017, 06:36:36 PM
Quote from: Clotpoll on November 19, 2017, 05:08:05 PM
Messiah should take Brandeis easily. Today's Tufts-Brandeis grapplethon just a poor representation of the game. Fitting for it to end on a GK's clearance error.

Congrats to Brandeis on the victory and to Tufts for a fine season.  Tufts did well this year. I agree the game was not too exciting.  The last 2 years, Tufts style has changed a bit.  Probably has to do with different personnel.  More long balls and goals from set pieces.... they were missing Tasker but not an excuse.

Regarding Brandeis vs. Messiah, they said that Messiah would easily beat Tufts in 2014 but The Giant Slayer goal by Tufts set them back 2 years.  Tufts was the underdog in all playoff games and easily beat every opponent except Messiah on its way to a championship in 2014. So, I don't count out the Judges and will be rooting for a win.

BLOOTS!


Messiah is definitely beatable. their defense isn't as strong as it used to be. since 2013-2014 Messiah has yet to play like they used to. Messiah is still elite but they have their flaws, just as any team does
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 20, 2017, 01:00:23 PM
A friend of friend was at the Tufts/Brandeis game, and said that it was a poor clearance from Meith, but that Flahive finished it with great composure. Apparently it was nearly headed off the line by one of the Jumbos (it sounded like mere inches), which explains why the Brandeis players on the video feed hesitated before celebrating. Must've justtttt squeaked in! Tufts had so many chances to put the game away but just couldn't do it. Kudos to the Judges.

Over the past four years I think we've seen the birth of a good New England/Boston metro (dare I say it) derby!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 20, 2017, 02:53:00 PM
Quote from: firstplaceloser on November 19, 2017, 09:31:22 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 19, 2017, 06:36:36 PM
Quote from: Clotpoll on November 19, 2017, 05:08:05 PM
Messiah should take Brandeis easily. Today's Tufts-Brandeis grapplethon just a poor representation of the game. Fitting for it to end on a GK's clearance error.

Congrats to Brandeis on the victory and to Tufts for a fine season.  Tufts did well this year. I agree the game was not too exciting.  The last 2 years, Tufts style has changed a bit.  Probably has to do with different personnel.  More long balls and goals from set pieces.... they were missing Tasker but not an excuse.

Regarding Brandeis vs. Messiah, they said that Messiah would easily beat Tufts in 2014 but The Giant Slayer goal by Tufts set them back 2 years.  Tufts was the underdog in all playoff games and easily beat every opponent except Messiah on its way to a championship in 2014. So, I don't count out the Judges and will be rooting for a win.

BLOOTS!


Messiah is definitely beatable. their defense isn't as strong as it used to be. since 2013-2014 Messiah has yet to play like they used to. Messiah is still elite but they have their flaws, just as any team does

Of course Messiah is beatable, and so are Brandeis, NPU, and Chicago. None of them is undefeated, last I checked. I also agree that Messiah hasn't come back to the level of the great teams from 2012-2014. Nor have I (speaking only for myself) crowned them champions this year. Indeed, I said not long ago that Calvin was my pick to win it all (lots of people thought so), and we know what happened to that idea.

IMO, this year's Falcons have two major weaknesses, relative to the last champions. First, they don't defend as well against set plays. However, apart from that (non-negligible) factor, I think they are every bit as strong defensively as those teams. Second, they lack a real target, whereas the greatest of those recent champions had two D1 level targets in Josh Wood and Jeremy Payne. That's what Chicago basically has this year, but Chicago can't match the Falcons' blazing speed and D1 level skills on the wings and probably can't match the Falcons at possession--at least if the Falcons play the way they did this weekend, but that's certainly an "if," and opponents will try to prevent them from dominating possession as far as they can. As you say, every team has its flaws. The matchups of imperfect teams are what make the Big Dance so much fun to watch!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: firstplaceloser on November 20, 2017, 03:40:56 PM
Quote from: Falconer on November 20, 2017, 02:53:00 PM
Quote from: firstplaceloser on November 19, 2017, 09:31:22 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 19, 2017, 06:36:36 PM
Quote from: Clotpoll on November 19, 2017, 05:08:05 PM
Messiah should take Brandeis easily. Today's Tufts-Brandeis grapplethon just a poor representation of the game. Fitting for it to end on a GK's clearance error.

Congrats to Brandeis on the victory and to Tufts for a fine season.  Tufts did well this year. I agree the game was not too exciting.  The last 2 years, Tufts style has changed a bit.  Probably has to do with different personnel.  More long balls and goals from set pieces.... they were missing Tasker but not an excuse.

Regarding Brandeis vs. Messiah, they said that Messiah would easily beat Tufts in 2014 but The Giant Slayer goal by Tufts set them back 2 years.  Tufts was the underdog in all playoff games and easily beat every opponent except Messiah on its way to a championship in 2014. So, I don't count out the Judges and will be rooting for a win.

BLOOTS!


Messiah is definitely beatable. their defense isn't as strong as it used to be. since 2013-2014 Messiah has yet to play like they used to. Messiah is still elite but they have their flaws, just as any team does

Of course Messiah is beatable, and so are Brandeis, NPU, and Chicago. None of them is undefeated, last I checked. I also agree that Messiah hasn't come back to the level of the great teams from 2012-2014. Nor have I (speaking only for myself) crowned them champions this year. Indeed, I said not long ago that Calvin was my pick to win it all (lots of people thought so), and we know what happened to that idea.

IMO, this year's Falcons have two major weaknesses, relative to the last champions. First, they don't defend as well against set plays. However, apart from that (non-negligible) factor, I think they are every bit as strong defensively as those teams. Second, they lack a real target, whereas the greatest of those recent champions had two D1 level targets in Josh Wood and Jeremy Payne. That's what Chicago basically has this year, but Chicago can't match the Falcons' blazing speed and D1 level skills on the wings and probably can't match the Falcons at possession--at least if the Falcons play the way they did this weekend, but that's certainly an "if," and opponents will try to prevent them from dominating possession as far as they can. As you say, every team has its flaws. The matchups of imperfect teams are what make the Big Dance so much fun to watch!

it seems like we both have the same ideas about this years team. they are the most experienced by far. and 10/10 is no joke. that was the ONLY stat we were nervous about
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 22, 2017, 02:18:29 PM
Just taking a quick glance at what Tufts loses to graduation and half their spine will basically be ripped out along with a couple key players. Because they have truly no stars they will all be replaceable but some more than others.

Johnson---I thought he was the better GK of the 2 but it is awfully close. He would be a big loss but with Mieth having another year that gives Shapiro some time either next year or the year after to find a solid GK. Amherst could only wish they had this problem.

Zazzali--Saw some key minutes off the bench lately at Wingback and played decently but easily replaceable. Had a key goal last year in the NCAA's.

Kulcsar---This one is the biggest loss IMO if Tufts plans on playing the same style next year. Here's hoping they do not and go back to the way they played in 2014 when they had more individual talent but I doubt it. His leadership, running and all out tackling will be sorely missed. That is not to say he is not replaceable but it might take some time to get the same type of player into that role.

Halliday--He is another one that will sorely be missed for his leadership, toughness and lately his ability to find a goal when Tufts needed it most. I thought the brother was a better player but this kid turned it on the past couple of years. He was their hardest worker this past weekend especially against Hopkins. That being said HE HAD TO FINISH that chance he had against Brandeis in the 2nd Half. He received a ball in the box and made a cagey quick turn but rushed it and leaned back before he hit it. Had a good look on net had he taken 1 more second but he skied it way over the bar. That should of been game over.

Coleman--While I was not his biggest fan he started to grow on me a bit. He was steady eddy in the back but still to slow for my liking. He will be missed for his size and leadership but I think Shapiro will be able to replace him with Jameson or maybe Aroh. To me Aroh looks to be more of a back than a holder but we shall see. A solid career but certainly not the level of Kramer or Williams was in 2014.

Eichhorst--Really improved since his Frosh year. Some Nescac's passed on him when they saw him at their clinics his junior year in HS but he proved them wrong with a solid year this year. Not my type of player as he is not the fastest, does not have a ton of skill and really relies on his size up top. Still he snagged 5 goals this year which is a bonus and his strike v Keene St in October was super impressive. That being said he is replaceable.

Zinner--Another leadership guy that was one of the only seniors that I remember seeing significant minutes in 2014 as a Frosh. Out of all the seniors he improved the least from 2014 but was a very good player wherever Shapiro decided to use him. A Hybrid type that could be used as a wingback or midfielder. Replaceable though.

I think they will miss Kulcsar and Halliday the most but they are returning a ton of talent and I am sure bringing in some more Jersey kids that will keep the program on cruise control. I realize Santos was a steal when Shapiro got him from NMH and would not have gotten into a Williams or Amherst BUT if he could get another type of skilled talent like that maybe Tufts would change their style a bit. Let's hope so.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 22, 2017, 02:38:54 PM
Great summary, and I agree with pretty much all of it. Kulcsar is the biggest loss IMHO and I don't think we'll understand how big it is until next year. Zinner was, as Shapiro said, the only guy in that class who saw a number of minutes as a freshman, and I was happy that he was able to overcome his injuries and get a run of games this year. He is a good kid and will be sorely missed. Coleman did look quite shaky (as did his two-year partner Sullivan) when they first started playing together at CB in 2015, but both improved quite a bit, particularly Coleman IMHO. Watching him was not easy on the eye, but he was effective as the leader back there, and I think he was a deserved NESCAC POY. I am curious to see whether Najjar can take over and lead that back line next year -- he is a big kid who did look solid alongside Coleman, but I did not hear him talk much this year, and he made a couple of bad giveaways that resulted in fouls the times I saw him. Maybe I'm being too critical. He definitely has potential to emerge in the same way Coleman did.

You did forget Eichhorst. I was initially perplexed as to his role in the team, and he wasn't the quickest, but I have to say that he emerged as a solid leader for Tufts this year and led them in scoring. Credit where it is due. I was never really sure where Halliday was playing, I personally think he should have gotten a run of games up top given Tufts' scoring woes this year, but he did provide immense leadership and scored some really big goals during his time.

Zazzali's goal that you are thinking about was actually against Brandeis in the final minute of 2OT (109:08) in the regular season, a key 1-0 win on the road for Tufts at the time. He did also have a consolation goal against Bowdoin when they were down 2-0. Definitely a utility player who could put in a shift at outside back or defensive midfield, and even more impressively, he wasn't recruited for soccer -- he was recruited for baseball but tried out for the team after his frosh year (while continuing to play baseball). That said, I did find it somewhat ironic that the Brandeis 2OT winner this year on the road at Tufts in the Elite 8 was at around the same time (108:53) as Zazzali's goal, and that Zazzali had just been brought on the pitch a minute prior to the goal.

Random question: what ever happened to MacMillian? He started at LB last year and appeared in Tufts' (hilarious) video series in early-season training, but he was not on the roster and the few times I saw him at games, he was in the stands.

A shame that Johnson's career ended with an injury. I did say that I think his 0 goals against was more a product of Tufts' watertight defense, but he was dependable when called upon. His save of the season was in the OT against Bowdoin -- I thought for sure when the ball came down off the bar it would get scrambled in, but he kept it out. Seemed like the most difficult situation he faced all year, but he handled it well. Fair play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 22, 2017, 03:55:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2017, 02:18:29 PM
Coleman--While I was not his biggest fan he started to grow on me a bit. He was steady eddy in the back but still to slow for my liking. He will be missed for his size and leadership but I think Shapiro will be able to replace him with Jameson or maybe Aroh. To me Aroh looks to be more of a back than a holder but we shall see. A solid career but certainly not the level of Kramer or Williams was in 2014.

Mr. Right, I assume you've seen this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbz12DgnvlE (fast forward to 9:45)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 22, 2017, 04:15:55 PM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 22, 2017, 03:55:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2017, 02:18:29 PM
Coleman--While I was not his biggest fan he started to grow on me a bit. He was steady eddy in the back but still to slow for my liking. He will be missed for his size and leadership but I think Shapiro will be able to replace him with Jameson or maybe Aroh. To me Aroh looks to be more of a back than a holder but we shall see. A solid career but certainly not the level of Kramer or Williams was in 2014.

Mr. Right, I assume you've seen this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbz12DgnvlE (fast forward to 9:45)

hhahahha!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: wchandy22 on November 22, 2017, 04:39:47 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 19, 2017, 06:36:36 PM
Regarding Brandeis vs. Messiah, they said that Messiah would easily beat Tufts in 2014 but The Giant Slayer goal by Tufts set them back 2 years.  Tufts was the underdog in all playoff games and easily beat every opponent except Messiah on its way to a championship in 2014. So, I don't count out the Judges and will be rooting for a win.

I'm not sure who the "THEY' are to which you make reference. The field at Muhlenberg was quire small and the surface was frozen both days. Even the Tufts coach was complaining about this after the first game (see link). A small, frozen field certain neutralized Messiah's advantage with incredible speed on the wings. My feelings at the time, and I believe most Messiah fans agreed, was the first goal might win it . . . and it certainly did. I knew it would be a very close, hard fought affair. I don't recall anyone thinking Messiah would win with ease.

Quote from: wchandy22 on November 23, 2014, 09:02:26 AM
Field conditions at Muhlenberg were a factor after the pitch froze overnight and had only slightly melted before play started today.

http://www.gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/msoc/2014-15/releases/20141122gjae9v

I don't think we will see many goals today. A very small field with two of the better defensive teams in the country. 1-0?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on November 22, 2017, 06:38:13 PM
I appreciate the thoughtful analysis provided by Mr. Right and Blooter on the Jumbos and hope that they will apply their skills to other sides in New England, the UAA, and beyond in the lean months ahead in this forum.    It's my impression that Tufts will be better equipped than most squads to withstand losses to graduation.  The stats software used by Tufts (and I think most, if not all, of the NESCAC schools) doesn't publish player minutes, but I think that the raw number of minutes lost due to graduation of all but Coleman (and perhaps Zinner) is not as much as it might appear.  Extrapolating from the games I saw, my guess would be that Eichhorst probably averaged about 45 minutes a game and Kulscar about 60-65 minutes a game, with Halliday somewhere in between those two extremes.  Rojas seemed to split time with Eichhorst, and Aroh would spell Kulscar for a bit each half.  Of course, the leadership offered by seniors in general and these seniors in particular is an intangible that cannot easily be quantified. 

Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2017, 02:18:29 PM
Kulcsar---This one is the biggest loss IMO if Tufts plans on playing the same style next year. Here's hoping they do not and go back to the way they played in 2014 when they had more individual talent but I doubt it....

...I realize Santos was a steal when Shapiro got him from NMH and would not have gotten into a Williams or Amherst BUT if he could get another type of skilled talent like that maybe Tufts would change their style a bit. Let's hope so.

Stylistically, each Tufts team over the past few years has differed somewhat from each other, with the 2014 and 2016 teams most strikingly different from each other.  Strong defense has been a constant (a hallmark of Shapiro-coached teams), though, with the attacking approach contingent more on personnel than any predetermined master plan imposed on the players. 

Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2017, 02:18:29 PM
I think Shapiro will be able to replace him with Jameson or maybe Aroh. To me Aroh looks to be more of a back than a holder but we shall see.

Aroh does have experience at CB.  He played that position on the USYNT a while back and with the Revolution Academy for a short spell in front of none other than first-year Brandeis player Evan Glass, who gets a good bit of time in the holding CM role.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 22, 2017, 07:51:19 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on November 22, 2017, 06:38:13 PM
I appreciate the thoughtful analysis provided by Mr. Right and Blooter on the Jumbos and hope that they will apply their skills to other sides in New England, the UAA, and beyond in the lean months ahead in this forum.

Appreciate it, Ommadawn. I will probably end up randomly putting out a few of them as I reflect back on the season, particularly after it's over (there ain't much daylight this time of the year where I live). As an aside that has really absolutely nothing to do with anything, whenever I read your username, the voice in my head always reads it as if Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin was singing "Ramble On." ("Oh-ma-dawwwwn.")

While I like to think I was accurate in saying at the start of the season that Tufts did somewhat struggle for goals, as -- taking out the 10-0 Mt. St. Vincent win, they scored 30 goals in 20 games this season, or 1.5 per game -- I actually thought before the season the Jumbos might have a rougher time defensively, given the losses right up the spine they had (Greenwood, Sullivan, Zach Halliday, Majumder, Becherano, etc.). Clearly I was very wrong. I never would have guessed they'd give up only two goals all year, with only one of them being to an opposing player. To give up just two goals all season (21 games) playing an SoS of .607 is absurd. I would like to know if any NESCAC team has done better in terms of goals against over the course of a season (including postseason). I certainly can't think of one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 22, 2017, 07:53:20 PM
First off I want to thank all the posters of this board for keeping this community running.  Much to the amusement of my former teammates, I spent way too much of my free time browsing the pages of this site.  After taking some time to think it over I have decided that I am ready to take the plunge and join in myself. 

I appreciate the difficulties of following d3 soccer and attempting to provide tactical analyses when stream qualities are inconsistent at best.  However, it has been interesting to see how certain ideas regarding my past teams gained traction on this site despite differing radical from how we perceived ourselves.  As a member of the Tufts Soccer program, I still consider myself a member because Coach Shapiro has built an incredible family that one does simply graduate from, I find the perception of the 2014 team a little odd.  As a member of that team and a passionate follower of the subsequent editions, I can promise you that the alumni feel that Tufts Soccer has only gotten better each year.  While certain players on that team certainly were unique talents, I think the comparisons are unfair to the teams since.  A comparison of the statistics from that team and this years is interesting.

The 2014 National Championship team scored 49 goals and conceded 12 in 22 matches.  This years team scored 40 and conceded 2 in 21 matches.  However, the 2014 team scored 16 goals in the first 3 matches of the season and this years team scored 10 against Mt. St. Vincent.  So without those matches 2014 was 33 GF/12 GA in 19 matches and this years team was 30 GF/2 GA in 20 matches.  So the notion that the 2014 was a prolific free scoring outfit while this year was a rigid defensive powerhouse is derived more from this years' defensive record than any offensive shortcomings. 

Also this year's team was probably the most able in terms of pure possession, although I do believe my 2014 group would have rivaled that if we played on the turf at Bello instead of Kraft. 

I also think some of the opinions given on the senior class are a little unfair.  I completely agree that the players are replaceable.  But I do not mean that in any way as a characterization of their talent.  I think the current situation at Tufts is akin to how Messiah's graduating senior classes (with the exception of 2014) were replaceable given that each subsequent class followed up on their success.  When my class hung up the boots at Tufts, we joked that now that the deadweight was cleared out Tufts could really take off.  And I think the current senior class would feel similarly because Coach Shapiro continues to take this program to new levels each year, and Sunday's result does not change that—every year 10-20 programs are capable of winning it all and it takes a combination of luck, health, and togetherness to make it happen.  Coach Shapiro has ensured that Tufts will be in that conversation for the foreseeable future. 

I welcome talking to all of you about my experience and am excited to join this community.  And Mr. Right I hate to let you down, but Coleman isn't nearly as slow as you think. Some of the people I've seen him beat in sprints during training would surprise you.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 22, 2017, 07:55:06 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 22, 2017, 07:51:19 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on November 22, 2017, 06:38:13 PM
I appreciate the thoughtful analysis provided by Mr. Right and Blooter on the Jumbos and hope that they will apply their skills to other sides in New England, the UAA, and beyond in the lean months ahead in this forum.

Appreciate it, Ommadawn. I will probably end up randomly putting out a few of them as I reflect back on the season, particularly after it's over (there ain't much daylight this time of the year where I live). As an aside that has really absolutely nothing to do with anything, whenever I read your username, the voice in my head always reads it as if Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin was singing "Ramble On." ("Oh-ma-dawwwwn.")

While I like to think I was accurate in saying at the start of the season that Tufts did somewhat struggle for goals, as -- taking out the 10-0 Mt. St. Vincent win, they scored 30 goals in 20 games this season, or 1.5 per game -- I actually thought before the season the Jumbos might have a rougher time defensively, given the losses right up the spine they had (Greenwood, Sullivan, Zach Halliday, Majumder, Becherano, etc.). Clearly I was very wrong. I never would have guessed they'd give up only two goals all year, with only one of them being to an opposing player. To give up just two goals all season (21 games) playing an SoS of .607 is absurd. I would like to know if any NESCAC team has done better in terms of goals against over the course of a season (including postseason). I certainly can't think of one.

BLOOTS, it has to be a modern national record...forget NESCAC.... that's a stat those players will never forget...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 22, 2017, 08:03:52 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 22, 2017, 07:53:20 PM
First off I want to thank all the posters of this board for keeping this community running.  Much to the amusement of my former teammates, I spent way too much of my free time browsing the pages of this site.  After taking some time to think it over I have decided that I am ready to take the plunge and join in myself. 

I appreciate the difficulties of following d3 soccer and attempting to provide tactical analyses when stream qualities are inconsistent at best.  However, it has been interesting to see how certain ideas regarding my past teams gained traction on this site despite differing radical from how we perceived ourselves.  As a member of the Tufts Soccer program, I still consider myself a member because Coach Shapiro has built an incredible family that one does simply graduate from, I find the perception of the 2014 team a little odd.  As a member of that team and a passionate follower of the subsequent editions, I can promise you that the alumni feel that Tufts Soccer has only gotten better each year.  While certain players on that team certainly were unique talents, I think the comparisons are unfair to the teams since.  A comparison of the statistics from that team and this years is interesting.

The 2014 National Championship team scored 49 goals and conceded 12 in 22 matches.  This years team scored 40 and conceded 2 in 21 matches.  However, the 2014 team scored 16 goals in the first 3 matches of the season and this years team scored 10 against Mt. St. Vincent.  So without those matches 2014 was 33 GF/12 GA in 19 matches and this years team was 30 GF/2 GA in 20 matches.  So the notion that the 2014 was a prolific free scoring outfit while this year was a rigid defensive powerhouse is derived more from this years' defensive record than any offensive shortcomings. 

Also this year's team was probably the most able in terms of pure possession, although I do believe my 2014 group would have rivaled that if we played on the turf at Bello instead of Kraft. 

I also think some of the opinions given on the senior class are a little unfair.  I completely agree that the players are replaceable.  But I do not mean that in any way as a characterization of their talent.  I think the current situation at Tufts is akin to how Messiah's graduating senior classes (with the exception of 2014) were replaceable given that each subsequent class followed up on their success.  When my class hung up the boots at Tufts, we joked that now that the deadweight was cleared out Tufts could really take off.  And I think the current senior class would feel similarly because Coach Shapiro continues to take this program to new levels each year, and Sunday's result does not change that—every year 10-20 programs are capable of winning it all and it takes a combination of luck, health, and togetherness to make it happen.  Coach Shapiro has ensured that Tufts will be in that conversation for the foreseeable future. 

I welcome talking to all of you about my experience and am excited to join this community.  And Mr. Right I hate to let you down, but Coleman isn't nearly as slow as you think. Some of the people I've seen him beat in sprints during training would surprise you.   

D4, welcome! Good input! Congrats on your career at Tufts.  Must have been a great ride!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 22, 2017, 08:09:28 PM
Welcome D4, and grats on your national championship.

I admire many of the "unsung" heroes from your national championship teams. Without players like Halliday, Pinheiro, Brown, or Hoppenot, your accomplishments wouldn't have been possible.

As an ardent Camel fan I can't help but ask you two questions:
The best team you've played against that's not Messiah?
What did you think about going against my Cames during the years you played?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 22, 2017, 08:11:21 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 22, 2017, 08:09:28 PM
Welcome D4, and grats on your national championship.

I admire many of the "unsung" heroes from your national championship teams. Without players like Halliday, Pinheiro, Brown, or Hoppenot, your accomplishments wouldn't have been possible.

As an ardent Camel fan I can't help but ask you two questions:
The best team you've played against that's not Messiah?
What did you think about going against my Cames during the years you played?

How true....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 22, 2017, 08:27:16 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 22, 2017, 08:09:28 PM
Welcome D4, and grats on your national championship.

I admire many of the "unsung" heroes from your national championship teams. Without players like Halliday, Pinheiro, Brown, or Hoppenot, your accomplishments wouldn't have been possible.

As an ardent Camel fan I can't help but ask you two questions:
The best team you've played against that's not Messiah?
What did you think about going against my Cames during the years you played?

The coolest part about making the deep runs was all the great teams we got to play.  I think Calvin was probably the next best side with Rowan.  Then the two games against Kenyon's could have gone either way. 

Conn was definitely one of our biggest rivals.  When we lost in the 2014 NESCAC quarters, we thought they had ended our season.  Develin was also probably the best player along with Nico that played in the league during my time so he was always the focal point. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 22, 2017, 09:42:26 PM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 22, 2017, 03:55:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2017, 02:18:29 PM
Coleman--While I was not his biggest fan he started to grow on me a bit. He was steady eddy in the back but still to slow for my liking. He will be missed for his size and leadership but I think Shapiro will be able to replace him with Jameson or maybe Aroh. To me Aroh looks to be more of a back than a holder but we shall see. A solid career but certainly not the level of Kramer or Williams was in 2014.

Mr. Right, I assume you've seen this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbz12DgnvlE (fast forward to 9:45)


No I had not but Mr.Right has no problems laughing at himself...In Mr.R's book Bad pub is good pub....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 22, 2017, 09:53:40 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 22, 2017, 07:53:20 PM
First off I want to thank all the posters of this board for keeping this community running.  Much to the amusement of my former teammates, I spent way too much of my free time browsing the pages of this site.  After taking some time to think it over I have decided that I am ready to take the plunge and join in myself. 

I appreciate the difficulties of following d3 soccer and attempting to provide tactical analyses when stream qualities are inconsistent at best.  However, it has been interesting to see how certain ideas regarding my past teams gained traction on this site despite differing radical from how we perceived ourselves.  As a member of the Tufts Soccer program, I still consider myself a member because Coach Shapiro has built an incredible family that one does simply graduate from, I find the perception of the 2014 team a little odd.  As a member of that team and a passionate follower of the subsequent editions, I can promise you that the alumni feel that Tufts Soccer has only gotten better each year.  While certain players on that team certainly were unique talents, I think the comparisons are unfair to the teams since.  A comparison of the statistics from that team and this years is interesting.

The 2014 National Championship team scored 49 goals and conceded 12 in 22 matches.  This years team scored 40 and conceded 2 in 21 matches.  However, the 2014 team scored 16 goals in the first 3 matches of the season and this years team scored 10 against Mt. St. Vincent.  So without those matches 2014 was 33 GF/12 GA in 19 matches and this years team was 30 GF/2 GA in 20 matches.  So the notion that the 2014 was a prolific free scoring outfit while this year was a rigid defensive powerhouse is derived more from this years' defensive record than any offensive shortcomings. 

Also this year's team was probably the most able in terms of pure possession, although I do believe my 2014 group would have rivaled that if we played on the turf at Bello instead of Kraft. 

I also think some of the opinions given on the senior class are a little unfair.  I completely agree that the players are replaceable.  But I do not mean that in any way as a characterization of their talent.  I think the current situation at Tufts is akin to how Messiah's graduating senior classes (with the exception of 2014) were replaceable given that each subsequent class followed up on their success.  When my class hung up the boots at Tufts, we joked that now that the deadweight was cleared out Tufts could really take off.  And I think the current senior class would feel similarly because Coach Shapiro continues to take this program to new levels each year, and Sunday's result does not change that—every year 10-20 programs are capable of winning it all and it takes a combination of luck, health, and togetherness to make it happen.  Coach Shapiro has ensured that Tufts will be in that conversation for the foreseeable future. 

I welcome talking to all of you about my experience and am excited to join this community.  And Mr. Right I hate to let you down, but Coleman isn't nearly as slow as you think. Some of the people I've seen him beat in sprints during training would surprise you.   


That is fair..I mean you would know way better than I if you were on that team. I am certainly not at practice every day. I am not around off the field. I just do not get "inside" any team. I can only really base my opinions on what I see on the stream or sometimes live. Some think I am to critical but I feel I am fair and maybe to honest sometimes but you guys are big boys you can handle a little criticism. Well I thought some could until I got a NASTY email from a parent of one of the players I had criticized earlier in the year. I laughed and did not single him out because of that email but still was critical when I saw something I did not like. So you think my criticism's of the Tufts senior class were unfair...Ok...well just for a minute put those jumbo sized blinders to the side and give me an honest assessment of each senior. Strength's and Weaknesses..It takes sack to be truly honest about your former teammates..Surely all the players listed have some weaknesses. I really did not think I was even that harsh. When Noon and Wirz used to post they would not talk a bad word about their former teammates which is understandable to a point but also frustrating to the neutral. I have no problem with you guys giving props to all your former teammates as long as you are truly honest about each individual and give both strength's and weaknesses. Of course you can post what you want and have every right to just would make it a ton more interesting if we got an honest assessment.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 23, 2017, 11:24:36 AM
Mr. Right you're criticism has never bothered us, in fact it has inspired some the funniest jokes on our team.  And I actually believe your assessment of the senior class was fair.  The only point I was making is that I believe the idea that this years team was much more defensive than 2014, which is not solely your opinion, isn't necessarily true.  Last year 100% but this year was pretty good going both ways. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 23, 2017, 12:33:50 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 23, 2017, 11:24:36 AM
Mr. Right you're criticism has never bothered us, in fact it has inspired some the funniest jokes on our team.  And I actually believe your assessment of the senior class was fair.  The only point I was making is that I believe the idea that this years team was much more defensive than 2014, which is not solely your opinion, isn't necessarily true.  Last year 100% but this year was pretty good going both ways.

Upon reflection, perhaps the 2014 team was lauded going forward after the fact because of perception more than anything else. That year with Santos and Brown on the wings I always felt that they could make something happen with their trickery and pace every time they went down the field. Santos in particular was a virtuoso and it was great to see him finish his career with a bang after a slow start to the season when he wasn't even starting (although I've been told that was due to injury.) Additionally, I think the fact that the final and semifinal were 4-2 and 3-0 probably changed perception further. I still feel the 2014 outfit was more attacking than this year's, but maybe not to the extent that I previously thought.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on November 23, 2017, 01:50:34 PM
More attacking, more defending, it doesn't matter and changes game to game. The 2014 team was better I don't see how anyone can even begin to think that is not true. Top to bottom, player for player, the 2014 team was superior to this year's team. Grats to tufts on a great season but I feel like d3 a soccer and especially the nescac has been down the last 1-2 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 23, 2017, 02:20:45 PM
The hindsight factor is huge.  As the Tufts player poster noted, they thought Conn had knocked them out of the NCAA tourney that year.  If they don't get the bid we are never talking about 2014 Tufts and Kayne's monumentally historic moment.  We also aren't saying 2014 was the best.  If Kenyon scores in the 108th minute like they almost did then no one is talking much about 2016.  And if Halliday scores when Mr.Right says he should have scored Tufts is going to this year's Final Four with as good a chance of winning again as anyone.  Random events out of anyone's control (like home field falling in their lap out of the blue last year) and near-misses and near-makes are a big part of the deal.  But when you get those breaks then momentum and confidence swing your way, as do things like a weekly Tufts video series.  When you don't get them you see just a even bigger hurdle to climb, which is why I am happy for Chicago and for Brandeis getting another crack.

I also don't buy the NESCAC is down right now, either.  Amherst perhaps was a little down from their lofty standards, but Conn, Bowdoin, Williams and maybe Midd were better this year.  If one wants to argue that NESCAC was down I think you have to argue that D3 soccer nationwide was down.....and some big names have been down....Wheaton (Ill), Wheaton (MA) for that matter, OWU, Redlands, Whitworth, Camden, etc.  NESCAC got FIVE bids.  Bowdoin could have given any team in the country a competitive game, as could Conn.

And, yes, I think Shapiro leaving Tufts would be huge.  Maybe he sees the opportunity to do what Martin did at OWU, Russo at Williams, the SLU legend, the Trinity (TX) guy, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 23, 2017, 02:24:39 PM
I would add that Hamilton, Colby and Bates also were better than they have been in recent years (although Hamilton was decent last year as well).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 23, 2017, 03:15:21 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on November 23, 2017, 01:50:34 PM
More attacking, more defending, it doesn't matter and changes game to game. The 2014 team was better I don't see how anyone can even begin to think that is not true. Top to bottom, player for player, the 2014 team was superior to this year's team. Grats to tufts on a great season but I feel like d3 a soccer and especially the nescac has been down the last 1-2 years.

Didn't a NESCAC the Natty Championship last year?  Down?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 24, 2017, 01:24:51 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 23, 2017, 12:33:50 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 23, 2017, 11:24:36 AM
Mr. Right you're criticism has never bothered us, in fact it has inspired some the funniest jokes on our team.  And I actually believe your assessment of the senior class was fair.  The only point I was making is that I believe the idea that this years team was much more defensive than 2014, which is not solely your opinion, isn't necessarily true.  Last year 100% but this year was pretty good going both ways.

Upon reflection, perhaps the 2014 team was lauded going forward after the fact because of perception more than anything else. That year with Santos and Brown on the wings I always felt that they could make something happen with their trickery and pace every time they went down the field. Santos in particular was a virtuoso and it was great to see him finish his career with a bang after a slow start to the season when he wasn't even starting (although I've been told that was due to injury.) Additionally, I think the fact that the final and semifinal were 4-2 and 3-0 probably changed perception further. I still feel the 2014 outfit was more attacking than this year's, but maybe not to the extent that I previously thought.



Yes I agree..Also, the 2014 side did not commit to defending like 2016 or 2017 IMO..It seems 2016 and 2017 squads pretty much every player bought into defending as a team. IIRC and I could be wrong but Brown would track back most of the time but certainly not known as a defender and Santos as magic as he was on the ball flat out did not defend at all. Hoppenot was an extremely hard worker and pressed and tracked. Correct me if I am wrong D4 because it has been 3 years but that is what I remember. To me that is fine as I want my more creative players focusing on attacking the other team as long as I have a solid block of 6 defending. Bloots is right though because Brown, Santos and Hoppenot could create their own shots and work their magic 1v1 it maybe blinded us neutrals into thinking of that side as a more attacking technical outfit. I mean 2017 Tufts how many guys could create their own shots out of nothing? Maybe Tasker? If I am being generous maybe Halliday? Maybe Rojas? You are right 2017 could possess and did possess very nicely but the final pass was really lacking especially this final weekend. I said it way before the NCAA's that if Tufts was going to advance to the Final 4 they would have to win a couple shootouts..They did that impressively with different shooters which is very rare but 328 minutes of NCAA Soccer this year produced 0 goals and that stat some of us saw coming. 2017 Tufts just did not have that individual talent to create his own goal when they needed it most. Halliday did that in the Nescac Tournament and almost had a goal v Brandeis that would have changed this whole conversation around. Just was not meant to be.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 24, 2017, 02:49:10 PM
Since I did Tufts seniors I might as well do other Nescac's. I really hate to do Bowdoin because I do not want to start a 2 page rant and rave but here goes.

Bowdoin will lose 3/4 of their backline and their GK. They will return everyone else. I still would like to see Wiercinski get 2 or 3 creative midfield type of players so they can break teams down. Kind of like a Dias-Costa type but he has some other worries in the meantime. Unlike Tufts, he has 3 players that just are not replaceable right away.

GK--Stevie Van Siclen----This will be the programs biggest loss since maybe Ben Brewster or even Nick Figueiredo or Andrew Russo. The last 2 being absolute beasts of talent that Bowdoin had under Ainscough in the mid 2000's. My point is this will be a loss that will hit the program hard. A 4 year starter in net with fantastic results and trophies to show for it. IMO Bowdoin would not have seen the NCAA's 3 of the last 4 years without Van Siclen in net. Also they will miss his leadership big time, I watched enough Bowdoin games this year to see that this WAS HIS TEAM. He was their undisputed leader. They have a backup GK that will be a JR next year named Sam McDowell. He is 6'3 and in 2 years he has seen ZERO minutes. Maybe our Bowdoin friends know more about him but he is a total mystery to me. He is the only other GK on their roster so I am assuming Wiercinski will be bringing in 2 GK's next season. This will be a wait and see for sure.

B-Sam Ward----I was mystified that this kid did not make an All-Nescac team this year especially that 5 other Bowdoin kids got picked over him. Van Siclen and Bubb I can see. McColl while I like the kid as a wingback and love his service on set pieces this would have to be a tossup. Ellsworth while a good player is not an All-Nescac Player I am sorry. He is a good player but not a great player. Niang is also a toss up to me..Anyway back to Ward. This kid was so steady in the back for Bowdoin all year and also showed very well in midfield for the few games Wiercinski put him there. He and Bubb were very reliable all year at CB and they both did a fantastic job defensively using their quickness to make up for the size advantage opponents had on them up top. These 2 might have been the smallest CB duo in the league besides maybe Bates and Trinity but made up for it in soccer intelligence and quickness. This kid will be missed but not as much as Van Siclen as it might take a while but Wiercinski will be able to replace him and Bubb.

B-Riley Bubb---See Sam Ward but I will add his All-Nescac selection was warranted. An underrated player that usually marked the other teams best and took them out of the game rather well. A quick player that did a ton of dirty work and was rewarded for it with his 1st team selection. He along with Ward will be missed and it will really take some time to replace two key CB's and a GK for Wiercinski. I expect Bowdoin to struggle early on next season until he can get 2 reliable CB's and a GK all on the same page.

B/M- Ben Ginzberg---Never saw much action in his 4 years whether that was due to injury or talent. Enough said.

M-Ethan Ellsworth---I liked this kid as a player and thought Bowdoin was very dangerous on the left side of the field along with McColl. As I said before this kid was a good player not a great player. An All-Nescac selection was eye opening IMO. He saw minutes all 4 years but really improved since his Frosh year. He really scored some BIG goals for Bowdoin this year and even last year and always assisted on a ton as well. Had 2 GW goals this year which is impressive. Had a great work ethic and would run up and down the flank like mad. In Wiercinski's system the flank players MUST defend as well as attack so you must be incredibly fit. A key cog this year but can be replaced. This is where I would like to see Wiercinski get some more 1v1 attacking guys where their focus would just be on attacking. That will never happen as I do not see Bowdoin changing their system or style.

B-Wilson MacMillan--Started ll 18 games this year and was a decent RB for Bowdoin. I will say I thought he was the weakest of a very strong back 4 for Bowdoin. This is the side of the field that opponents should have been attacking. Still he was a solid player with decent speed and skill. Nothing that jumped off the screen for me but nothing that screamed "get him off the field" either. A solid steady player but will and can be replaced IMO.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 24, 2017, 08:55:15 PM
How about Williams now. I saw enough games to give a good read on them. I said it all year but they played to conservative for my liking. They do play hard for Sullivan as he is a great motivator but they struggled big time scoring goals against the Top teams in Nescac. Like many other Nescac's they lack creativity in midfield. Besides the Frosh Petrik, who I think could be a big time player in this league if Sullivan lets him loose, they had no one pulling the strings. Granted Tommy Young's injury killed them but they also lacked like other Nescac's a striker that could finish. They also have to many players that are "soft" IMO..They look to lack a mental toughness needed to win games. I would take 10 Scatt MacDonald's and Sean Dory's anyday over some of the softer players on this roster. So let's take a look at what they lose.

GK--Bobby Schneiderman---This will be a big loss. He played very well all year except for the goal he gave up against Middlebury. He started some games his Frosh year but this job did not become his until GK Alcorn graduated. So considering this was his first year as a consistent starter he did an amazing job. Looking at the roster Williams has 2 other GK's with 6'3 Aaron Schein being the Senior I would imagine he would get first crack at winning this job. He played a couple games in his career and it has been all mop up duty in blowout games. I know he was shaky in some of the clinics he went to but that was 4 years ago so maybe he has improved. Since Sullivan was a GK I would imagine he has improved a ton under his tutelage. I think they will miss Schneiderman but if Schein can step in like Schneiderman did his Senior year than they will be fine in net.


B--Milan Jones---Saw his first significant minutes his senior year at wingback. Got 12 starts there and IMO was a weakness back there. He was quick and skilled but not a great defender and certainly could and was beaten 1v1. He also would lose his mark on set pieces sometimes. Certainly replaceable.

B-Tobias Muellers---Had a pretty good career at Williams. He saw significant minutes starting his Frosh year at wingback and then moved in the middle. Fast as lightning and a pretty good defender. If there was a weakness here I would say he was not the toughest kid especially with his size. He was the lone captain on the field with Tommy Young being injured. If he had Luke Pierce's leadership and toughness than this kid would have been a stud. Just a hunch but I am not sure how much of a vocal leader he was especially when the team needed it most. Could be wrong. This will be a big loss but I think Sullivan could find a CB maybe not as fast but more physical to deal with how the league has become.

M--Tommy Young---So much promise for this kid. Had the skill and speed on the flank to beat anyone. Just was injured way to much and when he was not injured Sullivan did not seem to use him as much. Certainly not a defender at all and not a tough kid so maybe Sullivan did not like that. IDK..He would of really helped out this year though as he could pull the strings as an attacking midfielder as he showed in the first game of the year against Trinity. Unfortunately, that was the last time we saw it as his season ended in that game. He would have eligibility but I doubt he would do a 5th year.

M/F--Malcolm Singleton---Another kid that saw significant minutes the past two years. Had great speed and a decent 1v1 player on the flank but at 5'5 he could be knocked off the ball very easily. He would disappear in games for long periods of time but he was a hard worker and would track back. Replaceable though.

F---Mark Sisco-Tolomeo----I was tough and critical of this kid for a long time. That was only because he had so much talent and came to Williams with a ton of promise. Looking at his career stats though he did PRODUCE..He finished with 19 goals in his career which is damn good especially because Williams does not play any true cupcakes. However, he had 60 Games Played with only 58 SOG..For a striker that got the type of minutes that he got that is not a great stat. I will say this kid worked his butt off every game I saw him play. I mean he pressed and busted every minute he was out there and was incredibly fit. My problem with him was for a striker in Nescac he just did not have the size to win balls in the air against most Nescac squads. That is not all his fault as Williams should have been playing more to his feet. That brings the other problem I had was when he checked back to the ball and was played to feet the ball would bounce off of him like it hit a wall..Meaning his touch was way off all 4 years...I guess I just assumed he would have more skill. Losing a top striker is never good but a school like Williams should be able to find a big, fast and skilled striker that can finish. Someone like UChicago's Lopez would look really good in Purple and Gold. A guy can wish.

M--David Madding---David had some injury problems but all I can say is he was a massive disappointment. His brother was such a good player for Williams when he was not injured that I just assumed David would be as good if not better because he was quicker. If you told me before his Frosh year this kid would score ZERO goals in his career at Williams I would have laughed. Well he finished with zero goals. IMO he was like Tommy Young not really a Sullivan type player. Not a tough kid and not a defensive player. Still I was amazed that he was not on the field more especially this year and last year. Kid was a good player before he got to Williams and I am guessing lost a ton of confidence in his 4 years. He had plenty of skill and was fast enough to beat guys and I thought he deserved more minutes but by the end of his career he was not really playing at all..To make matters worse Sullivan called on him to hit the 5th KICK in the Nescac Quarters in PK'S at Bowdoin. He had not played all game and he hit the worst PK of the 5 and Van Siclen easily saved it and Williams lost on his kick..I give him credit for having the guts to take it but not a good coaching decision to bring a guy off the bench cold to take your 5th PK. I really believe this kid could have been a pretty good player if given the chance to re-build his confidence. Never happened and his career ended on his missed PK..I felt bad for the kid I really did at the time. It was a tough position to be put in.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 25, 2017, 01:51:50 PM
While waiting for Liverpool and Chelsea to begin the 2nd Half I might as well tackle some other Nescac's. Let's take a look at Wesleyan.

Wesleyan had never missed the Nescac Tournament in Wheeler's 18 years until 2016. You can now make that 2 years in a row after a really disappointing season in Middletown this past year. They had enough talent to make the 2017 Nescac Tournament in my estimation and did go 5-0-0 out of conference with some wins over WPI, Vassar and Swat. They did beat Conn and drew Williams but still finished 7-6-2 and 2-6-2 in Nescac. Besides lopsided losses to Tufts and Amherst they had four 1 goal losses which in years past would have been draws or maybe even wins. The past couple of years they just have not been as solid defensively and in net as they used to be. Surprising because this is usually Wheeler's bread and butter. They have enough young talent on this roster to turn this around as long as they can get another solid recruiting class and beef up defensively and in net. They might need some more size in the back to deal with some of these Nescac squads.

GK---Brian Harnett---I was not a big fan at all as when I tuned in I usually saw some GK errors that cost Wesleyan games and goals against. Might have been the smallest GK in Nescac this year. He was quick and could make some nice reactive saves but when I tuned in he was always bobbling distance shots that should have been easily caught. Also, he was weak on crosses that should have been dealt with or atleast punched out. Wheeler had confidence in him though as he started all but 2 games. He did get benched at Halftime at Bowdoin early in the year after giving up a soft goal. Their is only one other GK on the roster a 6'1 Frosh Chris Franklin from Maine. He won his 2 starts against some decent teams in Vassar and Wheaton(MA) that could score goals but he Shutout both teams. Still you have to wonder why he did not receive more playing time or given the chance to start some Nescac games. Maybe it was a Senior / Frosh thing but Wheeler has never had problems benching Seniors in the past. Either way I have not seen him play so i cannot really comment but with he being the only GK on the roster I am sure Wheeler will be bringing in another GK or two next season. A wait and see here but Harnett is definitely replaceable.

B---Nick Jackson---I was a big fan of this kid as he was quick and tough at CB for Wesleyan. He was a true competitor and worked his butt off every game. His Grandfather was legendary Wesleyan Men's Soccer and Lax Coach Terry Jackson who in the early 90's had some really great sides with a ton of talent. He also coached Bill Belichick at Wesleyan for Lax. He has started almost every game for Wesleyan since he was a Frosh. He was their undisputed leader and was pretty dangerous attacking set pieces. His biggest goal of his career had to be the header he scored at Tufts last season to beat the eventual NCAA Champs. That all being said I started to wonder if he organized Wesleyan's defense as well as he could because they did give up some soft goals to lose games the past 2 years. I really do not know for sure. I would like Wheeler to find some more size in the Back and hopefully not give up to much quickness. Jackson will be hard to replace right away especially his leadership and competitiveness but there are enough options on the roster and recruits coming in to do this. Still it might take a while for a new CB and GK to get on the same page.

M/F---Charlie Livingstone---This kid had some skill and was a technical player but just not quick enough with the ball at his feet. He was a lauded recruit that other Nescac's were looking at. Still he had 1 Goal in 4 years. With his talent I would have guessed he would rack up about 7-8 goals in his career so that 1 Career Goal is a massive disappointment. Worked hard but I am not sure if he was the fittest kid. A good player and a nice player off the bench for a good Nescac team but not a consistent starter. He can be replaced.

F----Adam Cowie Haskell---He came onto the scene right away and produced some serious goals for a side that is usually struggling to find a finisher. I think he might have had 5 goals his Frosh year and some GW Goals. He finished his career at Wesleyan with something like 20 goals and 6 GW Goals. That is fantastic production for a guy that was not the quickest or most skilled on the field but had a nose for the goal. He played at a good soccer power at Thayer Academy and not sure his club but he was not a heavily recruited kid IIRC. Also, those 20 Career goals were impressive because later in his time at Wesleyan he was oft-injured a ton. Only played 12 games his JR year and 7 his SR year. Wesleyan will miss this kids production but he finished his career on a real high note by grabbing the GW Goal in his last game at Conn. Since he was injured the past 2 seasons a ton he will be a little easier to replace but it will be tough to find a striker with his production. This could take some time.

M-----Garrett Hardesty---Hybrid type player that could play midfield and up top or even wingback if asked. Contributed 5 goals last season with a big one in a tough loss to Amherst last year. Got 1 goal this year. He is a typical Wheeler type player coming off the bench or starting getting 45-50 minutes a game and working hard. Still these type guys are a dime a dozen and will be replaced with no problems.

M/F---Martino Barzaghi---A bench player that saw limited minutes. He had size but was not a big factor in his 4 years. I really do not remember him all that much so i have no opinion on this kid.

B---Taylor Chin----I was actually a big fan of this kid coming out of Andover. He was quick and very technical. Had a ton of skill but was certainly lacking in one important factor and that was toughness. Just was not a physically tough kid at all. That was his M-O coming out of Andover and that is why some Nescac's passed on him even with his skill. I felt he was more of a flank player or even an attacking midfielder but Wheeler used him at wingback for pretty much his entire career. He was not a good defender in my view and could be knocked off the ball rather easily and beaten 1v1 by good flank players. Shame because with his skill I thought he could have been more of a factor attacking goal for Wesleyan. He did overlap a ton at wingback and had the speed to track back but to me not a true defender. He can be replaced.

M---Aaron Stone---Another bench player that saw limited time. Like Barzaghi I have no real opinion on this kid as I did not see much of him.

The 2 biggest losses will be ACH and Jackson and they will miss both players. Still this side is still young and has talent so I am expecting much more next season. With only a couple JR's on the roster it will be interesting to see who will be their captain(s) next season. Komar Martinez-Paiz is by far their most gifted talent and will need to come up with some big goals next year. They will need him big time. The question will be is he a leader? Not so sure but he will likely be named Captain but I could see Wesleyan naming ever dependable Teddy Lyons as their lone Captain next season. Something to watch for.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 25, 2017, 04:33:37 PM
MR, regardless whether followers of this thread agree with your assessments of individual players, based on the sheer volume of work you put into these summaries, I have to give you a +k for each post.  Thanks for the effort!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 25, 2017, 04:37:45 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 25, 2017, 04:33:37 PM
MR, regardless whether followers of this thread agree with your assessments of individual players, based on the sheer volume of work you put into these summaries, I have to give you a +k for each post.  Thanks for the effort!

Seconded. Very impressive summaries that signifies an unparalleled breadth of knowledge.

(As an aside, 1970s NESCAC Player, I passed by Mayflower Hill today. Pretty impressive new field!)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 25, 2017, 04:44:05 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 25, 2017, 04:37:45 PM
(As an aside, 1970s NESCAC Player, I passed by Mayflower Hill today. Pretty impressive new field!)

I haven't been on the field since it was finished.  My son graduated a couple of years ago, so I rarely make it back during the season.  When I spoke to Seabrook after the Tufts game in September, he stated his belief that it is the best facility in the league.  Glad to hear some corroboration.

Colby slid into oblivion in their last three games, which was very disappointing after beating Amherst.  Hoping next year will be the year with all those returning seniors.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: firstplaceloser on November 25, 2017, 06:12:00 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 25, 2017, 04:37:45 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 25, 2017, 04:33:37 PM
MR, regardless whether followers of this thread agree with your assessments of individual players, based on the sheer volume of work you put into these summaries, I have to give you a +k for each post.  Thanks for the effort!

Seconded. Very impressive summaries that signifies an unparalleled breadth of knowledge.

(As an aside, 1970s NESCAC Player, I passed by Mayflower Hill today. Pretty impressive new field!)

I thirded! excellent summaries. maybe have one person try to follow a conference every year and do this. i'm pretty sure I could do a few NJAC teams
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 25, 2017, 07:07:12 PM
Quote from: firstplaceloser on November 25, 2017, 06:12:00 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 25, 2017, 04:37:45 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 25, 2017, 04:33:37 PM
MR, regardless whether followers of this thread agree with your assessments of individual players, based on the sheer volume of work you put into these summaries, I have to give you a +k for each post.  Thanks for the effort!

Seconded. Very impressive summaries that signifies an unparalleled breadth of knowledge.

(As an aside, 1970s NESCAC Player, I passed by Mayflower Hill today. Pretty impressive new field!)

I thirded! excellent summaries. maybe have one person try to follow a conference every year and do this. i'm pretty sure I could do a few NJAC teams

Fourth!, Mr. Right doing work!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 26, 2017, 01:42:41 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 25, 2017, 04:33:37 PM
MR, regardless whether followers of this thread agree with your assessments of individual players, based on the sheer volume of work you put into these summaries, I have to give you a +k for each post.  Thanks for the effort!

NP...I might as well do them while some of these teams are fresh in my head and a lot of dead time between now and Final 4. Usually a week or 2 after the Final 4 I am not on here as much so this is a good way to wrap up the seasons of Nescac teams. I will try to get to as many as I can.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 26, 2017, 03:00:17 PM
Middlebury had a nice bounce back season this year. After getting snubbed by the NCAA Committee the past 2 seasons they got one of the 19 Pool C Berths this year after a very solid run to the Nescac Final and a last minute loss to Tufts in that Final. I thought in late September / early October Middlebury looked about as bad as I have ever seen them look. They had lost 3 of 4 games with an unconvincing 1-0 win over Plymouth State sandwiched between shutout losses to Colby and Tufts and a loss to Bowdoin. In those 3 games they got smacked around giving up 3 to Bowdoin, 2 to Colby and 4 to Tufts. 9 goals let in over 3 Nescac games might be the worst Saward has ever done defensively in 3 Nescac games in his career. Not only that they looked AWFUL in all 3 games showing defensive mistakes and a lack of creativity on offense. Basically they sucked. However, after the Tufts smackdown they strung together 6 Wins in 7 games and all were 1-0 shutouts. That is impressive. They also started to look like a team again and were showing the talent they have on this roster. Goulart, Potter and O'Grady stuck out to me but certainly Moffat and Robinson were huge factors on that backline.  Also, the emergence of this Frosh Reid up top and they really started to look like one of the better teams in Nescac. The great news is ALL those guys will be back next year..ALL..I was a bit disappointed in their quick exit to Stevens at Cortland St in the NCAA's as I imagine they were also disappointed. They lost on a very questionable PK call by the ref in the 89th minute as IIRC it was a handball but it was a shame. Midd dominated Stevens IMO and I believe they hit the crossbar and post in the 2nd Half but just could not finish. They should of advanced and I would have given them a solid chance of beating Cortland to advance to play at Messiah the following weekend. That would have been an interesting match with two different styles. Either way a nice way for Saward to finish his career in the NCAA's. Midd will lose very little from this team.

GK---Jeremy Yeager--This kid rode the pine for 3 years backing up former GK Sydor until called upon his Senior year. He started every game and played every minute in 2017. That is impressive. He was a good GK IMO. Nothing great but good. Made some nice reactionary saves whenever I tuned in and came up with some big saves late in the year against Williams and Conn. You cannot really complain about him in net as he had a 0.93 GAA in 19 games PLUS 10 SHUTOUTS. Saward was a GK (We have a ton of coaches in Nescac who were former GK's which is strange) and he has ALWAYS had legit GK'ing except maybe in 2012-2013 before Sydor arrived. The new coach Elias was not a GK but a Captain of that fantastic team and NCAA Championship run in 2007. Midd has three other GK's on the roster besides Yeager so I would imagine they will all be given a chance to win the job. They are all mysteries to me so this is a wait and see.

M---Jed Sass----This kid was a solid player. Nothing flashy but I do remember 2 superbly hit free-kicks that hit the back of the net in Wins v Amherst and Hamilton this year. So he alone won two HUGE games for Midd this season. That is nothing to sneeze at. Still he kind of disappeared later in the year and really never contributed more than those 2 Goals for the rest of the year. He will be replaceable.

B/M--Enzo Weiner----He is a big boy and very capable in the air. He just had the injury bug his whole career. I could be wrong but I think he was injured all 4 years at Midd at one time or another. A big body and leadership guy but can be replaced.

B/M--Brad Willis---Another big body that was good in the air. He saw some significant minutes off the bench his last 2 years but again he is replaceable.

M---Trevor Schmitt---Saw 11 games in his 4 year career and I do not remember him at all. Enough said.


So that is it. If O'Grady can come back fully healthy and be injury free his senior year he will be the team's leader and I am assuming its Captain. With all the other guys returning like skill guys Goulart and Potter plus the whole backline Midd should be a very tough out in 2018. It will be interesting to see what kind of recruits Elias brings in and if he puts his own stamp on the program right away. Will he play the same system and style? He has enough talent to switch it up and will be something to watch for early next year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 26, 2017, 05:28:53 PM
Lets take a look at Trinity now. They lost a ton to graduation last season but I still thought they would do a bit better this year. They finished a horrific 4-10-1 with an even worse 1-8-1 in Nescac. They did beat Wesleyan,WCONN and ECONN but still should of done better. With a new AD in place Pilger needs to be careful here as he really needs to hit the recruiting trail and turn this ship around IMO. There is no reason Trinity could not be competing for Top 4's every year with their admissions advantages and beautiful campus and facilities. Brand new field this year should help. Still the talent on this roster is very thin and will become even thinner with some key guys graduating.

GK---Mateo Zabala---This kid split time in net his first 3 years with graduated GK Domenic Quade but was named Captain and played every minute of every game in 2017. I gotta be honest I was not a fan. Another reactive type GK on the smaller size but not that small. He was consistent in the fact that if you watched him for 90 minutes you would probably see a couple things. 1. About 4-5 absolutely amazing reactive saves to keep his team in the game. 2. About 2-3 absolutely disastrous decisions and indecisiveness whether it was charging off his line or not coming fast enough off his line. 3. 1-2 GK errors that led to goals. His career finished with a Red Card against Amherst in what was an almost brawl near the end of their game v Amherst. In 33 Career games he had only 4 Shutouts and Trinity does not play the hardest of Out of Conference schedules. Trinity has 3 other GK's on the roster but who knows what kind of talents they are. The only one with any playing time is Soph Patrick Simpson who played against Amherst in 2016 and let up 3 goals on 4 shots in 14 minutes of relief. That sounds ominous but who knows. Zabala should be replaceable.

B---Alex Bednarek---Was impressed that he came back to play his Senior year after deciding to not play his Junior year. A very talented player with good athleticism and skill. Started basically every game since arriving in Hartford and was part of a fantastic side with Beachside SC in CT. A true competitor and leader there was only so much he could do with the lack of talent around him on Trinity's backline. I believe the rest of Trinity's backline were all Frosh and Soph so that was some rough sledding all year. This kid is just not replaceable next year IMO. He is that good a defender. For my money he is one of the top 3 defenders in Nescac.

M--Scott Brazina---This kid did a ton of dirty work for Trinity. He worked his butt off every game I saw him play in. Not a 90 minute player but a consistent starter for Pilger since his Soph year. A hard worker and had some skill but his biggest attribute was his work ethic. He left his best game of the year until his final game of his career with a Goal v Amherst off a Hope-Gund bobble of a long range shot. I remember the game as Brazina hustled to follow up Savonen's shot and was in the right place at the right time to finish off Hope-Gund's GK error on a rainy night in Hartford about 3 weeks ago. He kept the pressure up on Amherst as I believe he hit the post and crossbar in the 2nd Half but could not get the equalizer. Still a solid showing to end his career. Pilger should be able to replace him but they will miss his leadership.

F---Cody Savonen----This kid was a beast. In his 4(5) year career he finished with some really impressive numbers against some solid defenses. 61 Games, 29 Goals, 11 Assists and 103 SOG...More impressive was he got all those numbers without having sometimes the best of talent around him. A quick tough kid that had no problems creating his own shot. His All-Nescac Selection was warranted. I will say I think his brother was a better player but his brother was a stud. Along with Bednarek this kid is just not replaceable next year at all..Trinity struggles to score goals and his 8 goals will be impossible to replace..I will say 6 of his goals were against out of conference foes so that is a bit of a negative but that really is nitpicking. he had plenty of Nescac goals in his career. A competitive kid he was not going to finish his career quietly as he picked up a Red his final game v Amherst. Still he was a fun player to watch.

M--Tim Peng-----Was surprised to see him as one of the Captains of this bunch but maybe he was an off-field leader. Either way he had some skill and decent work ethic but nothing that jumped out at you. A good role player who probably got 45-55 minutes a game and did his job. Certainly replaceable.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 28, 2017, 03:14:16 PM
Hamilton now....They finished 8-7-2 and 4-5-1 in Nescac. I hate to say it because they lost some VERY key seniors last year but I thought they would do a bit better especially in Nescac because the league was down. They had such a great year in 2016 with a ton of promise making it to the Nescac Final that I just assumed that would continue no matter the players that graduated because they had plenty of talent returning. Instead what we got was a truly inconsistent side in 2017. You really never knew what you were going to get when you tuned in. Would it be the absolute lackluster and unacceptable performances at Williams (1-2), at Oneonta (1-4) and at Tufts (0-4) or some of the better performances like 1st Half at Bowdoin, a fantastic 4-3 gut check win at Amherst, the 0-0 draw at Home v Amherst where they were the better team and an unlucky 0-1 loss at home to Tufts where they played VERY well. Those 3 losses to Williams, Oneonta and to end their season at Tufts were BAD..Came out of the gates uninterested, not focused and not giving 100%. I will say 2nd Half at Williams they played much better after I am sure a tongue lashing by Nizzi at Halftime and 1st Half at Tufts they played with energy and purpose but were just over matched. I was disappointed in their approach at Tufts in the Nescac Semi-Final. They tried to play it the same way they did at Home v Tufts and were pretty compact defensively to begin the match but gave up an early goal and had to change their approach. They then tried to attack Tufts thru the middle of the field which was a disaster as they were giving the ball away at will. They had a couple decent chances in the first few minutes of the 2nd Half but could not finish. Once they gave up the 2nd goal they threw in the towel. They never had a decent look again and gave up two soft goals that led to the Tufts rout and ended Hamilton's season on a real bad note. Must have left a real bad taste to end your season like that and maybe that will stick in their mind all off-season.

Pete Calleri--Backup GK his entire 4 year career at Hamilton. Got into 8 games and started 3. I never saw him play so I have no real opinion. Backup GK's are a dime a dozen and I would like to see Nizzi bring in a solid GK to compete with Soph Cadwell as he had some inconsistent performances in 2017.

Jack Temko---Interesting story here as he played a ton of games as a Frosh and Soph up top and out wide with decent production. Had some speed and skill but never saw the field again as a JR and SR because of injuries. He could of helped this side off the bench in 2017 but an unfortunate situation due to injury problems.

Eli Lichtman--An integral part of Hamilton's backline the past 2 years. A solid defender but when I tuned in sometimes was making careless errors that could have been avoided. Was not the biggest of guys but had decent speed and skill. Kind of a poor man's Sam Ward. From a distance it looked like he would lose focus for a split second sometimes on set pieces or losing track of his man that would cost Hamilton a goal or 2. I think he is replaceable especially if Nizzi can find a bit more size and not lose any quickness. I would like to see more like a Jacob Frost type player in this position who played for Hamilton a couple years ago and was an exceptionally hard worker and a real tough kid.

Eli Morris---This kid from a distance looked to be one of Hamilton's on and off field leaders. He played significant minutes in midfield his whole 4 year career. Not the most skilled but an extremely hard worker and you could see would get the boys pumped before and during games. A field general type. I was a bit surprised he was rewarded with an All-Nescac selection as I thought he was a good player but not a great player. A physical type player that was not afraid to mix it up with opponents and was a good tackler. Also, could thread the needle on occasion to spring Wood or Schmidt. He will be missed but certainly can be replaced with the talent returning for Hamilton. Will be interesting to see who Nizzi puts in this position though.

Matt Kastilahn---Played wingback for Hamilton this year and was a solid player. I do not really remember him his JR year but maybe that was due to injury. Had speed and skill and also got an absolutely key goal at Amherst in the Nescac Quarters to cut Amherst lead to 2-1 at the time. That was his lone goal of his career but he got it when it counted most and started what was to be an amazing comeback for Hamilton in that game. To be honest the goal was a bit lucky as Hope-Gund should of been able to get at it but you cannot score if you do not shoot and Kastilahn did just that. Again though whenever I tuned in he did not look to be the best 1v1 defender but had enough speed to track and stay with guys. Made a horrific mistake in the Williams game when he made a lackadaisical back pass to his GK that was picked off by Williams and finished. That mistake and another defensive mistake cost them the game. I just do not know how focused he was for 90 minutes as a defender. Still a solid player that will be missed but can be replaced right away.

Killian Clancy---A decent bench player for Hamilton that would give them some energy when he came onto the field. Made a couple starts in his career and did get 3 goals in 2016 so he was productive off the bench. From a distance seemed like a good team guy that knew his role and accepted it.

Joe Harrington---Another bench player that would give Hamilton some energy when he came onto the field. Was a physical player that had the size to deal with Nescac teams. He really only started to play this year but I thought he deserved more minutes when i tuned in. Nizzi apparently did not agree with me as he only started 1 game but I thought he dealt with the more physical big Nescac players much better than some of his teammates.

Quinn O'Malley--A consistent starter for Hamilton the past 2 years. His competitiveness and leadership will be sorely missed. Had plenty of size to deal with opposing teams long throws and monsters up top. I think Hamilton will miss this kid more than some of the others just for his size and consistency. He never jumped off the screen to me but more importantly he did not make many mistakes when I tuned in. I would have liked to seen him get on the end of more set pieces though as with his size he could have given Hamilton a couple more goals. Will be missed but replaceable.

Matt Cerveny---The big Alaskan tree...Just about every Nescac was interested at first because of his size and possible potential up top. Eventually landed at Hamilton and played in 32 games mostly off the bench and finished with 3 goals. Obviously not the quickest or most skilled but an interesting and dangerous weapon just for his size up top. Nizzi kind of used him sparingly as he could be a liability if you were not generating any set pieces and frankly had issues as a striker holding the ball on his feet and giving solid layoffs to his teammates. Good kid but can be replaced.

Hamilton returns a ton of talent and if Nizzi can get another solid recruiting class in here they will all have one more year of experience. I do give Hamilton credit as they were one of the few teams in Nescac that tried to play some futbol. They would keep the ball on the ground as much as they could and props have to be given to Nizzi for that. Will be expecting much more next season though as I think they could contend as they have certainly gotten used to Nescac now after 7 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nescacpro on November 29, 2017, 02:09:50 AM
Hello all,
I'm new to this forum, but have had much enjoyment reading it. Although i have been able to follow the nescac closely, i never found a place where people discuss this until now. I enjoyed reading what people have to say and how in depth these articles are on players and teams. Did anyone happen to catch the NEISL all star game . I was there and thought the nescac players had the strongest showing by far compared to the other guys. Thoughts ?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 29, 2017, 10:23:01 AM
Quote from: Nescacpro on November 29, 2017, 02:09:50 AM
Hello all,
I'm new to this forum, but have had much enjoyment reading it. Although i have been able to follow the nescac closely, i never found a place where people discuss this until now. I enjoyed reading what people have to say and how in depth these articles are on players and teams. Did anyone happen to catch the NEISL all star game . I was there and thought the nescac players had the strongest showing by far compared to the other guys. Thoughts ?

Didn't see the game, although looking at the rosters there were not that many NESCAC players there. How is the selection for the game done? I would imagine many players have conflicts re: Thanksgiving and not getting back to school until late Sunday/Monday...do they choose people and then bring in alternates based on who can/cannot come?

(In no way am I suggesting that the non-NESCAC players weren't worthy...I am glad that guys like Remillard, Cunha, and Sesay -- very good players in their own right -- achieved recognition.  I am just curious as to what the process is, as I'm sure there are other players who would be deserving but were unable to attend for whatever reason.)

On another note, I was happy to see van Siclen get All-Region 1st Team honors (and I think that van Siclen, Mullen, and Woodhouse were all deserving goalkeeper choices). Based on my calculations from his stats each season, he set Bowdoin career records for minutes played, goals against average, and shutouts. I think, even with how good Dan Hicks was when I saw him, van Siclen was better...perhaps someone who has followed Bowdoin longer than I have can chime in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Nescacpro on November 29, 2017, 01:00:45 PM
Awesome to see Van Slicklen receive the recognition! Is there a link you can post to these awards, I'd love to see the other rosters. I'm not sure how these teams are selected as for the all star game but I'm assuming most 1st team all conference guys are offered spots as well as other stand out players in the region. I  was able to catch the game and thought it was exciting to see some talented players on the same field. I hadn't caught a lot of trinity/Bates this year but the guys who represented were phenomenal IMO. Mate merchant played very well , and Scott Brazina of trinity assisted savonen on both their teams goals. Wish some tufts or Amherst guys had been present
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 29, 2017, 01:09:27 PM
NE Men's All-Region teams: https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/web/Awards/Recipients/2017_United_Soccer_Coaches_NCAA_Division_III_Men_s_All-New_England_Region_Teams.aspx
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 29, 2017, 05:48:55 PM
Colby.....What a roller coaster ride this team had..Problem was it crashed at the end..Before the season began I thought of Colby as a well coached outfit and very organized defensively. I still was not ready to believe they could be somewhat dynamic in attack. I knew I was wrong the first game I watched them play this year against Williams. They lost the game but they showed pretty well in attack and had enough weapons to be dangerous. They finally had the speed(Rosenberg), long throw(Clouse), worker bees(Smith and Heilbron), size and decent GK to put a solid season together. They might have been the unluckiest team in Nescac this year but also showed what can happen to an inexperienced and young team. They finished the year 6-6-2 and 3-5-2 in Nescac. They lost a heart breaker to Tufts in OT on a very questionable PK call from a ref that was at the center circle when he called it. They lost to Williams 1-0 in a game that at worst should have been a draw as Williams had 1 decent chance all game and scored on it. Had a 2-1 lead on Conn in the 88th minute and let up a great goal by Lockwood to even the game up at 2-2 but should have been able to hold on and finish that game out. Finally the complete meltdown to end their season v Bates with 24 seconds left in 2 OT. Add up all those results and had the ball bounced their way or had they not lost focus for split seconds here and there you are talking about a possible Top 4 in Nescac and a solid regional ranking. Instead they completely crashed and burned at the end of the year losing their last 3 games at Bowdoin(0-1), at Hamilton(0-2) and v Bates(0-1) all while being shutout in all 3 for a combined 290 minutes of scoreless soccer to end the season. Who would have thought after such an electric performance in a Win v Amherst(2-1) in 2OT that Aoyama's goal in the 105th minute would be the final goal they would score all season. After that win v Amherst and even after all their unlucky results they sat at 6-3-2. Had they played like they did v Amherst they could have won their final 3 games or at least finished 2-0-1. It was not meant to be as they absolutely sucked at Bowdoin as they came out flat and had only two dangerous chances all game. Against Hamilton, they got outshot 20-3 and let up 2 SOFT goals. 1st goal was a GK error as Gibson got screened and Hamilton finished off a relatively weak shot. Defender could have closed him faster or at least blocked the shot. Still a ball Gibson had to have. 2nd goal was off a corner and a free header. Complete loss of concentration on defense as someone got picked or lost their man. The Bates game was a much better effort but it was to little to late. On October 15th they sat at 6-3-2 and were regionally ranked in New England and NINE days later their season was over. It is a shame because they would have given Tufts a serious match in the Nescac Q-Final. They matched up very well against Tufts and that would have been a very tight game. They did accomplish quite a bit this season with wins over Midd and Amherst and will be returning a ton of talent next season with another year of experience under their belt. Believe me they will remember the way this season ended all off-season and will be that more prepared next year. Seabrook's first year at Colby was 2014 and IIRC he did not get hired until early 2014 which means this years senior class was basically Serdjenian's. With only 4 seniors(minus the Heilbron transfer) on this years roster you can tell the recruiting might have gone missing a bit in between the coaching change.

Chandler Smith----Was a big fan of this kid from the get go. He played in about 55 games and started all but one. Seabrook used him right away as a Frosh as a holding midfielder and he effectively took the opponents best player out of the game as he was in his mug all game. Later would play defense and hold but he was a tenacious player. His athleticism and mentality were apparent right away. After watching him for 90 minutes you could tell he was almost indefatigable. Very fit and also a solid tackler. What he lacked in skill he plenty made up for in these areas. This will be a big loss but can be replaced with new leaders and players that are willing to work just as hard.

Aidan Black---Solid bench player with good work rate and athleticism. Nothing that cannot be replaced. He did have one of Colby's two dangerous chances against Bowdoin. Off a long throw and flick the ball was on his right foot about 6 feet from the net with Van Siclen on the floor and defenders lunging at him but he was not quick enough and his shot was blocked. A legit chance that could have tied that game up.

Andrew D'Anieri--Saw very limited minutes in his career and I do not remember seeing him play so I have no real opinion here.

Evan Dwyer----Solid player on defense for Colby in his career. For whatever reason he did not play nearly as much as he did earlier in his career whether due to injury or better players brought into the system.

Avery Heilbron----See Chandler Smith and add a couple inches and more skill. This will be their biggest loss this off-season. He can be replaced but again they really need a couple of these rising Seniors to take on the leadership roles that he and Smith had. Very solid player.

I am expecting Colby to be a very hungry bunch next year. Expectations will and should be very high. If Seabrook brings in a solid recruiting class then this teams goals should be a Top 4 in Nescac and competing for an NCAA berth. They have plenty of talent returning to accomplish this. It is on Seabrook IMO to beef up the non-conference schedule and get this teams SOS's above .600.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 29, 2017, 05:59:40 PM
Excellent review of Colby and very fair.  I know many of the players personally, and it is apparent from your review that you had actually watched and accurately characterized the roster.  I think you nailed next year's prospects for success (or failure), and it will be interesting to see if the void from the losses of Smith and Heilbron can be filled.  +k
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: firstplaceloser on November 29, 2017, 06:02:44 PM
Me Right you will get endless +k for every single one of these you done. simply amazing job.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 29, 2017, 06:07:06 PM
Thanks fellas...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on November 29, 2017, 07:32:47 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 24, 2017, 02:49:10 PM
Since I did Tufts seniors I might as well do other Nescac's. I really hate to do Bowdoin because I do not want to start a 2 page rant and rave but here goes.



Lol.  Nah. They are done playing, so I am not watching anymore.  I just signed in to see if National Championship was over or how everyone did.   
You won't hear much from me til next year, if I get really interested in a team.  (I think Colby looks to be very interesting next year.) 

I saw  All Region was released last night.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 03, 2017, 01:42:15 PM
At some point I am going to have to go back and see which teams I have failed to recap and put a bow on. I know I have not done Conn College yet. Conn finished 9-4-4 and 4-2-4 Nescac. Conn surpassed all expectations with the year they had this past year. With the loss of a key graduating class last year I was not expecting much at all. I will say I probably saw Conn the least out of every Nescac squad just because of the ridiculous Stream angle, no commentators and sun blockage on the stream. I did catch them in enough games to see that they were a very hard working side. Everyone bought in this year on both ends of the field. Nescac ROY and 2nd Team All-Nescac GK AJ Marcucci was the best GK the Camels have had in years. He played especially well early in the year but maybe saved his worst game for the final game in the 1st Round of the NCAA's v UR when he came off a long throw and missed the ball completely. UR scored to tie the match off that horrific mistake in the 81st minute and won the game on a defensive breakdown and missed tackles. I did not think Conn deserved to get its NCAA bid with the  way they finished the season 0-2-1 against Bowdoin, Wesleyan and Midd. They lost in the Nescac Quarters and had 2 weeks off before their surprise NCAA bid. A 5th nescac bid especially this year was not warranted and they were the 5th Nescac team to get a bid. As usual Conn worked very hard under Murphy as his troops battled all year for him. Besides Lockwood up top who was injured for a while and Manoogian who snagged 8 goals half of which were against Nescac teams they were VERY limited on attack. They would possess some as Milhollen and Manoogian have skill but Milhollen is not a tough kid at all and if pressed hard will give the ball away a ton. They got some contribution this year from Highton and the Frosh Liam Noonan..A solid back 4 that did all the little things and really limited mistakes all year except for a couple games. Nothing that jumps off the screen though. This team needs IMO a big physical back to replace Sommers, a couple creative midfielders that could unseat Milhollen and a finisher that can score against solid competition like Lockwood. This team is VERY young as they only lose 3 seniors and 1 starter and only have 7 JR's on the roster.

Nate Sommers--There are a ton of former Berkshire School products playing in Nescac and this kid is one of the better ones. Very steady and looks a cool customer on the field. Whenever I tuned in he was their undisputed leader. He had a quick mind and decent feet but certainly was not the fastest kid but made up for it in other ways. His worst game if I remember was at Amherst as he scored an own goal for Amherst in a loss and right before that Amherst striker McMillian absolutely burned him..Lack of speed certainly hurt in that situation but other than that he was very reliable. He can be replaced though.

Brooks Clark---A tough back that was just constantly injured. Like Midd's Enzo Weiner he was probably injured every year he was at Conn..

Graham Koval---Worcester Academy product that usually do a PG year there and are well coached and prepared when they get to College. Bench player that gave Conn solid minutes and the occasional goal but nothing that cannot be replaced.

The good news is that Conn will return basically everyone. Anything Murphy gets in his next class will be a bonus that is why I would take some chances on some skilled guys. Not all of them will work out but you might get a surprise. This team was tough on the eyes as they could be just as tedious as Half the league with their style but I was impressed with their work ethic all year. I just remember the match at Tufts where they got a 0-0 draw BUT did not have ONE solid chance all game..It was a half field scrimmage and they were chasing all game. They need to possess even better next year and play quicker to feet and get a guy or 2 that can beat guys 1v1 on the flanks and maybe a finisher along with Lockwood to bang home some crosses..One thing to watch for is who on the 2017 roster does not appear on the 2018 roster..usually a couple guys quit or Murphy boots them off..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 06, 2017, 12:58:31 PM
Amherst...I was not expecting that much from Amherst in 2017. I mean I knew they would not fall out of the Top 4 but they had graduated a ton the past 2 years. Just last year they graduated Martin, Aoyama, Bean, Orozco, Ciambella and Rohan Sood. While I was not  the biggest fan of a couple of those guys as players that is still 6 legit starters gone. I knew they had enough talent still returning and was confident a solid recruiting class coming in BUT with all the players lost the past 2 years plus the GK'ing question marks they had before the season I was not expecting a Championship run. They lost a ton defensively plus Orozco and it showed as they had more breakdowns defensively in 2017 than I have seen them have in a while. They had a young backline and it showed in some games. All that being said, their tremendous work ethic this year was impressive. They pressed and busted every game I saw and actually kept the ball on the floor more than years past. I am a big fan of Luke Nguyen as he has to be their most technical player. They got some excellent production from young guys like Bryce Johnson(long throw), Cutler Coleman(kid can hit a nasty free kick), McMillian( best natural athlete in Nescac),Derby,Kelly,Wu and Gitler. Amherst obvious issue this year was in net. They used all 4 GK's and none of them could stick. I can think off the top of my head of maybe EIGHT GK'ing errors that led to goals for the opposition this year. This position MUST be figured out in the off-season or Amherst will not be getting very far. To be fair though the defense had numerous breakdowns as well which led to goals. Just thinking of the NCAA Sweet 16 match v UR they had a couple breakdowns defensively in the 1st Half that UR could not finish. 2nd Half UR took advantage of a GK'ing error and then had a nice 2nd goal to finish off Amherst season. In years past Amherst would have seen that game off with a 1-0 lead with about 35 minutes left in the game. Instead of going for the 2nd goal they kind of sat back in a defensive shell to hold on. It did not work and UR took advantage. I will say even with all the issues they had this season in net and defensively I can promise you that Messiah was relieved to not see Amherst in the Elite 8. Amherst style and work rate would have totally disrupted Messiah's style IMO and I was hoping to see that match-up just to see which style of play would have won out. A pretty decent year and with a ton of returning talent and 1 more year of experience especially on the defensive end I expect Amherst to contend for the 2018 Nescac Title IF they can figure out their issues in net.



Lee Owen--I was very critical of him the past 2 years and for good reason as his judgement in net was not great. He made some very questionable decisions or was a step slow to react to a play that should have been read quicker. He was a decent GK and was kind of surprised he was benched at Halftime of the Williams game. He was a step slow on Williams goal but it was a quick hook. He never played again after that which also surprised me. I thought he should of been given the benefit of the doubt after Hope-Gund's meltdown against Hamilton in the Nescac Quarters. As a senior I thought he should of been in net starting the NCAA Tournament but Serpone went with the Frosh GK Stone. I will say this kid was a magician in PK's as he won Amherst a couple of games in PK's over his career. I was glad to see he was in net when Amherst defeated Springfield in the NCAA Round of 32 in PK's. A positive individual note to finish your career on.

Aziz Khan---He could be intimidating to opponents for his sheer size and athleticism. For a big guy he had decent feet and some skill. He had some good career numbers for Amherst appearing in 69 games with 7 goals and 33 SOG. Was primarily used off the bench in his career but not a bad player to bring off the bench. A solid player but can be replaced.

Kieran Bellow--This kid was a little dynamo off the bench for Amherst. I think he had some injury problems or might have seen more time. Worked his butt off and had skill. I would think he would have been WAY more productive at say a Trinity who would of allowed him freedom to play a more creative role. Still had some big goals for Amherst during his career but another player that can be replaced.

Weller Hlinomaz---When I saw him as a Frosh at Conn I was impressed by his speed and skill. After a dirty play in a game at Williams in 2013 I do not think he played for Conn again after concussion issues. He ended up at Amherst and was a key cog for them up top in his 2 years. Had 12 goals for them in 37 games which is fantastic production especially in 2016 when he had 6 goals against Nescac opponents. His goal production slowed this year but he really worked his butt off pressing this year as in years past he would kind of drift in and out of games you really noticed him when he was on the field in 2017. From a distance he looked to have matured a ton since 2013. Still he was not the toughest of kids and could be knocked off the ball by stronger defenders that could catch him. I think Amherst has enough talent up top to replace him especially if McMillian improves technically. McMillian has the athleticism to be the best player in Nescac he just needs to improve his skill and composure. He is even faster than Weller so all the tools are there it is really up to him to work on his skill.

Sam Malnik---Was either injured a ton or lacked the talent to get significant minutes during his career. Still was named a Captain for 2017 which means he must have been a tremendous off field leader because Captains are rarely guys who play so infrequently.

Cameron Hardington---A pretty good player for Serpone. Not my type of player as he certainly did not have much skill but you could see he was a leader for Amherst on the field. A tough kid that was not afraid to get stuck in and worked very hard. Still made some questionable decisions sometimes on the field that were perplexing. Was a consistent starter this year for Amherst until I think after the Colby match when i noticed he was missing from the lineup. Certainly replaceable with the talent Amherst has coming back.

Alden Von Ziegesar---A big physical player that saw some minutes off the bench for Amherst. Intimidating type that quite possibly was the slowest player in Nescac.


So that is it. Like I said Amherst will have 1 year more experience next year and will only lose Nguyen after next season. This is a VERY young team with a ton of athleticism and talent. I imagine Nguyen will be named Captain for 2018 but not sure how much of a vocal leader he is. I am sure Serpone will be bringing in another talented Frosh class to fight for minutes and keep returning players on their toes and make practice that much more competitive. IF they can find a legitimate GK and get more organized in the back then this team can contend for a National Championship and win Nescac in 2018. If I was predicting the finishes of Nescac teams for 2018 today I would pick Amherst to win the league EVEN with their GK'ing issues because of what Tufts is graduating and the confidence I have in the talent that is on this Amherst side. Will be interesting to follow...



BTW do we have any updates on Krit McClean...If I need to jog your memories here he is at his finest....


http://heavy.com/news/2016/06/krit-mclean-naked-nude-man-model-times-square-video-trump-name-instagram-facebook-youtube-new-york/


And we do have an update as he admitted to some mental illness which I can sympathize with...here is a piece he wrote after the incident and being shackled at Bellevue

https://nypost.com/2016/08/06/a-manic-episode-led-me-to-strip-naked-in-times-square/




Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on December 06, 2017, 04:06:25 PM
With all the minutes given to young players this season, Amherst should be back competing for a NESCAC championship next year.  Tuft's while losing a lot also gave a ton of minutes to young players with 5 Sophomores and 3 freshman starting in big games at various points in the season.  Middlebury also returns a lot with the biggest question mark the coaching shift. 

The nine month wait can't go fast enough, but I am glad I don't have to be running a fitness packet in between anymore. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on December 07, 2017, 02:22:17 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 29, 2017, 10:23:01 AM
Quote from: Nescacpro on November 29, 2017, 02:09:50 AM
Hello all,
I'm new to this forum, but have had much enjoyment reading it. Although i have been able to follow the nescac closely, i never found a place where people discuss this until now. I enjoyed reading what people have to say and how in depth these articles are on players and teams. Did anyone happen to catch the NEISL all star game . I was there and thought the nescac players had the strongest showing by far compared to the other guys. Thoughts ?

Didn't see the game, although looking at the rosters there were not that many NESCAC players there. How is the selection for the game done? I would imagine many players have conflicts re: Thanksgiving and not getting back to school until late Sunday/Monday...do they choose people and then bring in alternates based on who can/cannot come?

(In no way am I suggesting that the non-NESCAC players weren't worthy...I am glad that guys like Remillard, Cunha, and Sesay -- very good players in their own right -- achieved recognition.  I am just curious as to what the process is, as I'm sure there are other players who would be deserving but were unable to attend for whatever reason.)

On another note, I was happy to see van Siclen get All-Region 1st Team honors (and I think that van Siclen, Mullen, and Woodhouse were all deserving goalkeeper choices). Based on my calculations from his stats each season, he set Bowdoin career records for minutes played, goals against average, and shutouts. I think, even with how good Dan Hicks was when I saw him, van Siclen was better...perhaps someone who has followed Bowdoin longer than I have can chime in.

Blooter, sorry for the delayed response to your question, but I haven't checked in on this thread for a couple of weeks.  My son was an outside back for Bowdoin during the Dan Hicks era.  Dan came to Bowdoin from a NYC prep school primarily as a baseball player and secondarily as a soccer player.  He was a year ahead of my son, but I'm thinking he may have been a walk-on for Fran O'Leary in his freshman year.  He was big enough and a good enough athlete such that he improved as a goal keeper throughout his four years.  He was outstanding his senior year when Bowdoin advanced to the final four.

That said, Van Siclen was a more polished goal keeper throughout his four year career and is without a doubt the best Bowdoin keeper I witnessed during my 15 years or so of following Bowdoin.  He deserves any accolades that come his way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 07, 2017, 04:50:27 PM
Man, with Williams winning two of the last three women's national titles, it would be nice to see the men amp things up to rejoin the ranks of NESCAC contenders.  Seems like Williams, which has sort of been treading water being competitive but not quite being able to get over the hump, has a long way to go to get there, in terms of the talent returning on the roster, especially up front.  I believe that last year's top recruit Oberg (who took a gap year) will be coming on board to help out the defense, which should be pretty solid once again, but hopefully Sullivan brings in some big time playmakers and goal-scorers to jump start the attack ... this recruiting year is critical for the Ephs. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 08, 2017, 01:09:53 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on December 07, 2017, 04:50:27 PM
Man, with Williams winning two of the last three women's national titles, it would be nice to see the men amp things up to rejoin the ranks of NESCAC contenders.  Seems like Williams, which has sort of been treading water being competitive but not quite being able to get over the hump, has a long way to go to get there, in terms of the talent returning on the roster, especially up front.  I believe that last year's top recruit Oberg (who took a gap year) will be coming on board to help out the defense, which should be pretty solid once again, but hopefully Sullivan brings in some big time playmakers and goal-scorers to jump start the attack ... this recruiting year is critical for the Ephs. 


I believe it was you or maybe someone else that posted a link back in October to a striker from the Chicago area that Williams was bringing in. He looks to be a big tough kid which is what they need up top. He is however a Frosh and you really cannot rely or put your hopes into incoming Frosh as sometimes they just do not pan out. I really liked the kid Harrison Fyke but for whatever reason he never returned to Williams. I guess you just never know. I really feel though they need to go back to getting skill / speed guys and not play so conservative. To many of these Nescac sides played so conservatively this year that the games would just bog down into a 18 to 18 slog. Very few dangerous chances and teams more concerned with their defensive shape which in turn led to some of the more tedious games that I can remember. If you watched the UAA almost every side came out and kept the ball on the floor and were not afraid to lose. They relied on their skill guys to create chances and get goals. The way Brandeis approached that Semi-Final with Messiah was fantastic to see. We would have never seen a Nescac side in 2017 approach that game the same way. Obviously, they failed to win the match but the 2nd Half I watched like 3 times because it was so entertaining. That should be the objective. That being said they should have seen that game out with a 2-1 lead and 10 minutes left but that was not due to their style it was due to their loss of concentration especially defensively from their midfielders. Yes Tufts would have slammed the door shut with a 2-1 lead with 10 minutes left but I really do not think Tufts would of had a 2-1 lead with 10 minutes left. They would have approached the game a little more conservatively EVEN with the space Messiah would have given them to attack.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 08, 2017, 08:09:27 PM
The last team that I need to review is Bates. They finished the year at 8-6-2 and 3-5-2 in Nescac. They had a successful year in the fact that they made their 1st Nescac Tournament appearance and Top 8 since 2010. They defeated a very solid Middlebury side 3-0 in the regular season and picked up big wins at Hamilton and at Colby along the way. Still one Top 8 every 7 years just will not cut it and they were 20 seconds away from missing out as it is. They need to build on this season's momentum for next year. 5 of their 8 wins were against some very WEAK competition including Newbury and Fisher. Flaherty has enough talent to challenge themselves with a couple more difficult games out of conference. When I tuned in to watch Bates this year I felt they had spurts in every game of a ton of possession and would look dangerous going forward. The problem was it was only in spurts not the full 90. The other problem was I think they had one of the weaker defenses in Nescac this year. They were not physically imposing and did not have the greatest speed and skill. They also let up quite a few goals off of set pieces with players either losing their mark or losing concentration. There defense needs to be addressed in the off-season along with finding a replacement for Merchant which will be extremely difficult. Opoku is a very good player but I would rather see him on the flank as he could be way more dangerous in Nescac out wide. They need a big target up top. They do return some talent especially going forward and in net. I like Montanaro in net as he is quick and makes some fantastic saves. He is a plus back there for sure. Bates will lose only 4 seniors but they are 4 losses that a program like Bates will certainly feel especially Merchant.

PJ DiBenedetto---When I tuned in he looked to be one of their holding midfielders but also would not be afraid to attack when Bates was going forward. Just looking at his stats he was a very dependable player as he looked to have played and started every game Bates played since he was a Frosh. That either speaks to his level as a player or Bates lack of talent when he arrived. Still 60 Games Played and 60 Games Started is impressive. He had 3 Career goals with 2 coming in Bates biggest victory of their season a 3-0 win over Midd. 1 was a PK but a goal is a goal. From a distance he looked to be real fit kid that could run and track. Not afraid to mix it up as he would get stuck in and also could thread the needle to Merchant or Opoku but he did lack size especially as a holding mid and I think other Nescac teams took advantage of this especially on set pieces. Also, not the fastest of guys but will leave a leadership hole that Flaherty must fill right away.

Max Watson---A stalwart in the back for Bates the past 2 years. From a distance looked like their on-field leader..Would come up and attack set pieces and was a pretty decent weapon on them. Not the biggest or fastest of guys but was a good 1v1 defender. My issue with him is he would lose his mark defensively and my last memory of him was against Tufts in the Nescac Quarters on Tufts 3rd goal when he got caught ball watching a ball on the flank that was served in and finished as Watson lost his man and gave him a free header. A good 1v1 defender but would lose focus on occasion that would cost his teams goals. It was not just him on defense that would lose focus BUT he was the leader back there and it was his responsibility to keep himself and his teammates focused for 90. When I tuned in on occasion that would not happen. In the Wesleyan game I remember a couple defensive breakdowns that led to goals. Wesleyan was certainly not known as an offensive powerhouse and Bates spotted them 4 goals which was unacceptable. To their credit they bounced back and earned a well fought draw at Williams the next day. Watson was a solid defender but should be replaceable. I think Bates must focus on getting a SOLID Back 4 next year in front of Montanaro and they need more size and speed back there.

Justin Yacovino---He was a decent flank player. Had more weaknesses than strengths IMO..Had good speed and was an average 1v1 player. He certainly did not scare any outside backs with his 1v1 ability. My issue was he was a huge liability defensively as he would come in late sometimes and also would not track back defensively. He did not look like he bought in defensively and was not good enough offensively to have that kind of M-O..I could be wrong and/ or Flaherty did not want him tracking but I would be surprised at that. Like I said earlier I would like to see Opoku moved out wide and use his fantastic 1v1 skills on the flank.

Nate Merchant---This kid was a little dynamo..Had a great career at Bates with 18 goals in 53 career games. Of course Bates plays a very weak out of conference schedule so some of his goals came against weak opponents but whenever I tuned into a Nescac match involving Bates he was either scoring, dishing, or creating a ton of havoc that would free up his teammates. For a kid that lacked the size to go up against some of these Nescac monsters on defense he would get to air balls on set pieces better than you would think..he had good hops..The most important thing was he would cause defenses havoc with his skill and speed. Like I said before defenses would have to focus on him a ton and he still managed to be very productive which is a sign of a real good player. He would create chances for his teammates as much as he finished them and most importantly he could create his own shot which very if any other Bates players could consistently. For a program like Bates IMO he is not replaceable right away. He was just to productive for this program in attack that Bates will struggle matching


Bates finished at 8-6-2 and had 3 Nescac wins which if I am correct is their most Nescac wins since 2008 when Purgavie led them to their only Nescac Semi-Final appearance and had 4 Nescac Wins. I suppose you could call this year a successful one for Bates but they need to build on that. It will be difficult as the losses of  those 4 seniors will really hurt a program that has struggled like Bates the past 10 years. It is by far the hardest Nescac school to recruit to for numerous reasons. Their grass field has to be the worst in Nescac with a close second being Wesleyan's grass field. Just a very poor surface. Also, unlike Seabrook at Colby, I do not know how organized Flaherty is defensively. Colby you can tell from a distance is very organized and well coached. Bates does not seem nearly as organized in the back. For a program that looked to sit with 6 they were broken down to often IMO. They must get more organized back there and especially be focused on set pieces defensively. They still have some talent coming back in attack and have a solid GK but I am not sure that will be enough to get back into the Top 8 in 2018.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 08, 2017, 08:45:09 PM
^^^^^^^^Wow.  That is good stuff.  There might not be many outside of the NESCAC that care much, but congrats on the stamina to see that through and the level of detail.  You very obviously tried hard to be honest AND fair.  Impressed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 08, 2017, 08:56:11 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on December 08, 2017, 08:45:09 PM
^^^^^^^^Wow.  That is good stuff.  There might not be many outside of the NESCAC that care much, but congrats on the stamina to see that through and the level of detail.  You very obviously tried hard to be honest AND fair.  Impressed.



Thanks...Some teams I saw more than others but I felt like I saw all 11 teams enough to do it. I feel like in 2017 I saw more Nescac games than I have ever seen. For that matter more D3 games than I have ever seen but like I said before it is a good solid safe addiction. I thought I could do some good with all that "streaming"...Obviously some players or fans will not fully agree with everything but for someone that is not in any huddle I thought I did a decent job working with what I could.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 09, 2017, 12:53:43 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on December 08, 2017, 08:45:09 PM
^^^^^^^^Wow.  That is good stuff.  There might not be many outside of the NESCAC that care much, but congrats on the stamina to see that through and the level of detail.  You very obviously tried hard to be honest AND fair.  Impressed.

Very impressive indeed. +K
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 09, 2017, 10:17:43 AM
Yes, Mr.R's wrap-ups are thorough. But can't give him +K until he resists his primal urges to ruin la paz ( ;)) by posting spiteful links!

Watch out for Amherst next year: If they made it to Sweet 16 with a shaky, young squad, they'll be a handful come the next chapter.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 10, 2017, 04:30:25 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on December 09, 2017, 10:17:43 AM
Watch out for Amherst next year: If they made it to Sweet 16 with a shaky, young squad, they'll be a handful come the next chapter.

J4J, I think it is a testament to Serpone's coaching abilities that he got that team as far as they went. In my opinion, this year's team wasn't anywhere near as cohesive as any Amherst team I've seen (in the last 6 years, at least) but they managed to make the Tournament and get to the Sweet 16. They certainly rode their luck at times, but I think you (mostly) make your own luck, and they did much better than I thought they would this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 15, 2017, 07:53:02 AM
Good thoughts on Williams Mr. Right.  Here is another article on that incoming striker, seems like a good get.  And hopefully Petrik plays a much bigger table-setting role next year, and Gass and Fabricant step up a bit as finishers.  But I agree that the Ephs need more skill and speed in the midfield and upfront, so they can open things up a bit.   Hopefully a few more guys coming in who can fill those roles ....

http://jwcdaily.com/2017/12/14/nts-skillful-felitto-has-heart-of-a-lion/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 15, 2017, 01:23:18 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on December 15, 2017, 07:53:02 AM
Good thoughts on Williams Mr. Right.  Here is another article on that incoming striker, seems like a good get.  And hopefully Petrik plays a much bigger table-setting role next year, and Gass and Fabricant step up a bit as finishers.  But I agree that the Ephs need more skill and speed in the midfield and upfront, so they can open things up a bit.   Hopefully a few more guys coming in who can fill those roles ....

http://jwcdaily.com/2017/12/14/nts-skillful-felitto-has-heart-of-a-lion/


Good article thanks for sharing..YES that is exactly what Williams NEEDS...They had to many guys that were "soft" IMO and they need a guy like this especially up top. That being said I would like to see a highlight or 2 before making any judgments. Also, 6'2 180 is a good size but in Nescac these days that is your average striker build. The most important thing that I read was about his competitiveness and heart as that are the types of mentalities that Williams needs to start getting back into its program to return to the top of Nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 15, 2017, 02:18:08 PM
Here is a video highlight film of this kid...Based on this 4 minute highlight you can see some definite positives. He is definitely a tough kid that is not afraid to mix it up and put his body on the line. A solid target striker with good skill that uses both feet. Has good hops and looks to have a nose for the goal. He is hard to knock off the ball. He looks to have decent speed but is not blazing fast. A good start for Sullivan getting this type of kid into the program. Personally, I am not a big fan of Fabricant as a striker because he is really slow. I am a fan of Gass as he has plenty of skill and speed but is not the toughest kid. So it will be interesting to see it all play out.



https://www.hudl.com/profile/6126136/will-felitto

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on January 30, 2018, 10:02:32 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 05, 2017, 07:47:32 PM
Quote from: OldNed on October 05, 2017, 07:21:07 PM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on October 05, 2017, 06:25:41 PM

By far.  The back is not their weak point.  I can not think of any instances in which the Bowdoin  back line was just "beaten" for a goal.   The Bowdoin defense gives up goals - almost exclusively-  when they are compromised by their own midfield....  almost exclusively.   And usually then on set pieces. 


SoccerMom_5,
you may not have been watching the Bowdoin/St. Joe's game, but the one goal that St. Joe's scored fits the description of the defense being beaten.  The play developed on the left side on the St. Joe's side of the field where the St. Joe's midfielder sent a pass up the left side to a streaking Noah Robinson, who beat the Bowdoin right back around the corner and he advanced on net and was able get off an odd angle shot that the Bowdoin keeper couldn't get to.  To be fair to Bowdoin's defense, Robinson is probably the most athletic player on St. Joe's and that's the only time he's been able to do that this year, so this might fit into the category of lightning striking once.

I dont think I saw that one - a part of it, I think.  The end, and Bowdoin was a little hit-and-miss.  Got better when the backs started overlapping .but was pretty bad notwithstanding. 
But it was because the midfield and offense could not hold the ball.  And the DM was constantly making terrible negative passes and one-touching right back to a defender under pressure.  That was bad, but how do you count that? Do you count those as defensive failures?  It is possible that the defense got beat, but they were holding up ok in the part I saw, even though their midfield was just straight savotaging them.   Actually, come to think of it, was that the game where Stenquist repeatedly stole the ball from his own backline? He took one off of Ward's toe, swooped in and took one from Bubb as he was about to pass, and stole one from the outside back over by the sideline.   

But... saw all that and didnt catch the goal you are mentioning.

if all you can find is one goal where the defense got beaten, then... I am going to still say that is a remarkable defense.
I don't think I personally have witnessed that defense get beaten yet.  I am sure everyone gets beaten at some point.  But... I would say we all have to agree that it happens pretty darn seldom with that particular backline.
Although... if they keep experimenting with the backline and taking the risks with overlapping, they may be opening up some opportunities for teams to penetrate.  Two men in back can stop a breakaway (Bubb seems to have that assigment?)   but they simply cant defend against numbers if they will only keep two men back and the other team presses together on transition, as Colby seems to....

But those transitions..... that still comes down to an offensive flaw, not a defensive one, doesnt it?  It won't matter whose fault it was, of course. And... if the defenders have to run the midfield, support the offense, and hold their line... something is going to have to give.

As for the Robinson goal, was that a long ball up the left or combo play?

Part of the problem I have observed with Bowdoin in the games I watched is  that the offense can not win loose balls, and the midfield can be kind of a sieve. So... forward balls are often just coming right back on the transition. 

That is one reason I am wondering how they hold up against Colby who plays a nice tight deliberate game through the middle.  I would think it woukd potentially be a problem for Bowdoin who just leaks in the middle unless they pull their backs up to organize.   And also maybe Amherst who seems to like to throw everything  forward.  And maybe Tufts if they continue to play with the 3man backline. 

I really like Colby, but how do they hold up?  For me the questions are related to: how does Colby do at speed?  When they
are controlling the pace of the game, they seem to like to play slowly and deliberately.  Can they keep their combination style play and stay organized if they play a team who prefers a frenetically paced game, like Amherst, Bowdoin, and Tufts seem to prefer?

I was finally able to find the Noah Robinson goal against Bowdoin.  Remarkable individual effort and I'm not sure there's anything the Bowdoin defense could have done. It also looked like the Bowdoin keeper could have made a better effort.

https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/947583186577616897
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 30, 2018, 11:58:01 AM
Yea see that goal was scored on MacMillian's side of the field which IMO was the weaker link on that very solid back 4. MacMillian got caught to high up the field and Ellsworth who usually is on the left flank was on the right flank but he did not track the man very well at all to cover for Macmillian. Looks like Ward came over but was a step to late and actually I am surprised Ward did not catch that kid and tackle him as he is pretty quick. I thought he had a chance to absolutely stick the kid right before he shot the ball but maybe thought he would trip him and give up a PK. That certainly was not Van Siclen's best effort but honestly it looked like a lack of communication between him and Ward and not reading what e/o was going to do before it turned into a goal. I mean after Ward failed to tackle him it was basically 1v1 against the GK and the kid absolutely blasted it into the net. Tough angle as well. However, the whole play started because Macmillian was caught to high up the field and Ellsworth did not track the kid to cover for MacMillian.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on January 30, 2018, 12:54:54 PM
Mr. Right,
I'm not that familiar with the Bowdoin players, but I agree the goal happened primarily because the defender got caught too far upfield.  I didn't post it to point out any issues with Bowdoin's backline - I actually agree they were generally pretty damned good this season.  Even good defenses get caught out sometimes, I guess.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on January 30, 2018, 03:01:24 PM
Hmmm.  I've watched this a few times I would only give MacMillian partial blame, and it's not for playing to high up the pitch.  I fault him for a poor touch that simply gave the ball away to #27 for the header.  I would also lay a large portion of the blame on Ellsworth who allowed #3 to win the 2nd ball and play a nice pass down the line.  Ellsworth should have been tighter on #3, forgot about tracking the runner which should have been Ward who was in no-mans land, especially once #3 checked back to the ball.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 30, 2018, 04:20:56 PM
So in your opinion Ellsworth should have just ole'd the kid to Ward..Yes MacMillian gave the ball away but if you watched Bowdoin enough this year you rarely would see MacMillian get caught on what looked to be an overlap. Tough to tell because we do not see what happened before the giveaway. Either way Ward should have stuck the kid right before the shot and I think Van Siclen thought he was going to tackle him because he was not really set and Ward looked like he thought he had cut the kids angle enough so Van Siclen could get big and make the save because of the limited angle.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on January 30, 2018, 05:30:02 PM
Without seeing the entirety of the play lead-up, and what exactly all players were doing, my opinion is both Ellsworth and Ward were slow to recognize what was happening and adjust accordingly.  But yes, once the play progressed down the field, I would have expected a tackle and I agree that Van Siclen probably expected one too. Credit to the forward for putting a strong touch to get into the box before firing high.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sir.MixALotz on February 11, 2018, 02:22:54 PM
All,

I'm new to the site and very excited it exists. Mr. Right your prior analysis has been a godsend for us fans thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Looking forward to the next season this coming fall.

Cheers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM
I'm new to this board. Was reading LaPAz's assessments of various NESCAC coaches. but it's from three years ago. Is anyone qualified to provide an updated scoop on current coaches? My son is being recruited and he's cares a lot about the coaching style, attitude, etc. of whoever he's going to commit to for the the four years and the vibe on the team. I'll write some general facts on my player, and if anyone has an opinion on what schools fit him, let me know:
- High-level, talented club player (team is unbeatable in top state league, top in their regional league - NOT eastern seaboard, BTW, and they're very strong in National League)
- son told he should play D1 but he doesn't want to. Wants NESCAC academics/small school and also would rather be a bigger fish in small pond and actually play and be coache's fave
- played Academy before but the coach was inept, so he moved to Div 1 with better coach who works them hard and runs a good structured practice (son loves that) but is upbeat, fair, really knows the game, smart with strategy, and doesn't get negative - all that matters to son
- played in Europe all 10th grade on soccer exchange program - got very good at his tactical game
- He's a super positive, passionate, highly coachable kid; very dependable in his position; very technically adept, clean off ball 
- Grades excellent, but he doesn't even take SATs till May and they probably won't match up to grades
- needs LOTS of financial aid, partly why we're looking at schools where he is highly recruitable from a skill point of view

So without giving away too much info on him:
- Which teams have decent team vibe and coaches (and players, too I guess) with good attitudes, quality coaching, really know the game, and all the stuff kids want to know before investing the time?
- Why is Bates so lame? If Flaherty just is bad recruiter, is he also an unknowledgeable coach? We need someone who actually knows what they are doing...
- which teams rely on playing dirty, using brawn, or playing trashy soccer? (which coaches only want huge physical guys?)
- What's the deal with Nizzi? Is he "in the hot seat" on the way out? Can anyone describe him? His current roster looks huge and doesn't seem he plays the younger guys. What do I need to know about how he runs his team??
- Murphy at Conn College - guy seems very personable talking to my son, but a few years ago someone on this board said he could be negative -  this still true? Are players still leaving to get away from him?
- Which schools are going to be the most generous with the financial aid and lenient with SATs? Which coaches are most likely to pull more strings to get a high quality player in who doesn't have wealthy parents?
- Should he step "down" to Centennial as a strategy to secure better financial aid? Those coaches are dying to bring him on but maybe that's stepping down in level too much and he'll be bored? Along with that: any how much lower is the level of play/ quality of players on F&M and Dickinson compares to NESCAC? Should we write those off?
- Should we look at Wesleyan? I thought it was too artsy before but maybe that's dumb; obviously there are athletes there so it can't be all like that.
- Trinity? I thought that was too snobby for my middle class kid but could be wrong...

- I'm writing off Bowdoin, Middlebury, Williams, and Amherst. My assumption is that even a 3.8 GPA can't do the trick if SATs are possibly not going to top 1200 or 1300 - or am I completely wrong about that? For example, Bowdoin says it's test-optional, so despite being harder to get into for the general population, maybe if the coach wants him he tells him to not submit tests, at which point he just needs a stellar writing sample? I have no clue.

Anyway, any thoughts are appreciated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on March 03, 2018, 03:39:54 AM
Welcome, Mom!  I think you will find this to be a board full of friendly and knowledgeable folks who are capable of providing answers to many of your questions (but not as rapidly as they might during the season).  I will take a stab at a few of your questions, but there are many other regular posters who know far more than I do about the subject at hand (especially the venerable LaPaz in his current incarnation).

Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM
- Which teams have decent team vibe and coaches (and players, too I guess) with good attitudes, quality coaching, really know the game, and all the stuff kids want to know before investing the time?

My general sense is that the caliber of coaching is pretty high across the conference and that most teams have a "decent team vibe."  You can check out the vibe of the Tufts team on the video series discussed earlier in the thread.

Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM- Why is Bates so lame? If Flaherty just is bad recruiter, is he also an unknowledgeable coach? We need someone who actually knows what they are doing...

Coach Flaherty is an active recruiter, but it's harder to recruit players to Bates (and Lewiston) than to some of the other schools in the conference.

Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM- which teams rely on playing dirty, using brawn, or playing trashy soccer? (which coaches only want huge physical guys?)

Most of the teams in the conference have their fair share of big guys, but most teams have a good number of technical players as well.  Style of play varies widely and beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, of course. A quick read of this thread will tell you that Amherst plays with a "direct" style and often imposes physical play on their opponents, but they also have some of the most skilled players in the league.

Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM- What's the deal with Nizzi? Is he "in the hot seat" on the way out? Can anyone describe him? His current roster looks huge and doesn't seem he plays the younger guys. What do I need to know about how he runs his team??

I have no insight on Coach Nizzi's status or how the team is run, but Hamilton has been trending upward in the conference the past couple of years.

Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM- Murphy at Conn College - guy seems very personable talking to my son, but a few years ago someone on this board said he could be negative -  this still true? Are players still leaving to get away from him?

My general impression is that Coach Murphy is an intense guy who gets a lot out of his players when they buy in to his message.  Conn College has had the conference Rookie of the Year two of the past three years.  The ROY from 2015 is no longer with the program, however.

Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM- Which schools are going to be the most generous with the financial aid and lenient with SATs? Which coaches are most likely to pull more strings to get a high quality player in who doesn't have wealthy parents?

In general, the NESCAC schools are very well-endowed and give generous financial aid packages to students with demonstrated financial need.  I can't speak to the issue of leniency regarding SAT scores.

Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM
- Should he step "down" to Centennial as a strategy to secure better financial aid? Those coaches are dying to bring him on but maybe that's stepping down in level too much and he'll be bored? Along with that: any how much lower is the level of play/ quality of players on F&M and Dickinson compares to NESCAC? Should we write those off?

In my opinion, the Centennial Conference compares favorably with the NESCAC.  The NESCAC seems to have greater depth, but the top 5-6 schools in the Centennial would have a good shot at making the NESCAC playoffs and the best couple of teams of the Centennial in any given year would compete for the NESCAC title.

Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM- Should we look at Wesleyan? I thought it was too artsy before but maybe that's dumb; obviously there are athletes there so it can't be all like that.

Wesleyan is bigger than most of the NESCAC schools and has a diverse student body, including artists and athletes  ;)  Coach Wheeler is a good guy and his teams play an attractive brand of soccer even though they have been a bit undersized the past few years.

Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM- Trinity? I thought that was too snobby for my middle class kid but could be wrong...

I don't know much about the campus climate at Trinity, but snobbery sometimes comes with the territory in this conference  ;) (and I say that as a big fan of the conference and the schools).  There are, however, plenty of middle class kids at each school. You can look at the rosters of each school to check out the high school backgrounds of the players on the team to get a general sense of where the players come from (socioeconomically).  Soccer players are often pretty down-to-earth (the humbling nature of the game helps in that regard!), so even at a "snobby" school the people your son would spend the most time with might not be so snobby.  Campus visits will be a good way for your son to find out how well he might fit in at the various schools.

Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM- I'm writing off Bowdoin, Middlebury, Williams, and Amherst. My assumption is that even a 3.8 GPA can't do the trick if SATs are possibly not going to top 1200 or 1300 - or am I completely wrong about that? For example, Bowdoin says it's test-optional, so despite being harder to get into for the general population, maybe if the coach wants him he tells him to not submit tests, at which point he just needs a stellar writing sample? I have no clue.

I'll leave it to other posters to discuss the admissions process ("tips" and whatnot) at NESCAC schools.  I can tell you, though, that one NESCAC coach told me that players on his team ranged from 1550 to 2300+ on the old three-test SAT scoring system. 

Good luck to you and your son! 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on March 03, 2018, 09:31:29 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM
I'm new to this board. Was reading LaPAz's assessments of various NESCAC coaches. but it's from three years ago. Is anyone qualified to provide an updated scoop on current coaches?

That would be LaPaz, now known as Mr Right. When it comes to D3 soccer in New England, he's almost always Right. His bias to Williams (which I certainly can't criticize, given my own bias to Messiah) doesn't affect his objectivity. Perhaps you can persuade him to weigh in here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on March 03, 2018, 10:04:49 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM
- Should he step "down" to Centennial as a strategy to secure better financial aid? Those coaches are dying to bring him on but maybe that's stepping down in level too much and he'll be bored? Along with that: any how much lower is the level of play/ quality of players on F&M and Dickinson compares to NESCAC? Should we write those off?

Yes, your son should listen to Centennial coaches. The F&M coach in particular (Dan Wagner) is a class act, and the school has a  large endowment that is used to give significant need-based aid. A college friend of mine sent his daughter there, b/c they covered almost the entire cost of attendance. He's a regular middle-class working guy without any inherited wealth, and his daughter isn't an elite level student. It was mainly need-based aid. But, your son's interest should start with the coaching staff.

Ditto Dickinson on financial aid, but I don't know their coach and am unable to compare him with F&M's coach.

As for other factors, Dickinson is located in downtown Carlisle, one of the nicest college towns in PA--which, like New England, has dozens of college towns. PA towns are generally quite different from NESCAC towns--more ethnically and racially diverse, more religious, not as old (in terms of their history), and much less expensive. Not necessarily more isolated geographically, however, and Carlisle is only about 25 minutes from the Amtrak station in Harrisburg, which means 25 minutes from the entire Northeast corridor. Trains from there to NYC are very reasonable, since the state contracts for regular service with Amtrak.

As for Lancaster (F&M), it's a trending city these days, with a pretty little downtown area within a safe walk from the college. There's a terrific theater, many small eateries, even an orchestra.
And a big Amtrak station that is just an hour from downtown Philly, a city that has gone through an unpublicized Renaissance, making it one of the great places to visit in the nation. You can match the food and culture of NYC on a much smaller scale, at a fraction of the price. If I'm your son, I'm doing F&M.

In terms of soccer, F&M is overall better than Dickinson (IMO), but both teams are well coached. Dickinson plays Messiah most years in the regular season, but so far without even a single result--but they clearly deserved to beat the Falcons in Grantham a few years ago and were just unlucky. F&M doesn't usually play Messiah any more, outside of the tournament, but they do have some top level non-conference opponents on their schedule every year, so either way your son would get to play against the best teams in D3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on March 03, 2018, 02:18:29 PM
Adding, my kid really liked the Dickinson program, and thought Brian Redding was a straight-up guy. Haverford would be another one to consider, though they are in the midst of hiring new head coach, so it would mean seeing where that shakes out.

My kid also loved the St Lawrence program (Liberty league) and would have gone there in a heartbeat if he'd been offered a spot. Many guys were technical, quick players, and the team was more diverse than many, which my kid appreciated. Vassar also seems to continue to rise, and the coach had indicated there was more flexibility on test scores as long as the gpa and rigor were there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: luckylefty on March 04, 2018, 08:30:13 AM
Calling Lancaster one of the great places to visit in the Country is a gigantic stretch, but I do agree that the Centennial has some great schools. Playing style may or may not matter for your kid. Hopkins for instance played some incredible possession this year, F&M is typically a bit direct. 

If I was a kid looking at Centennail level schools, Hopkins would be the first place I started.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 10:39:02 AM
Wow, super input and a lot to think about. Definitely positives on F&M, but from a style point of view, on our visit what bothered me was that the coaches talk about "building from the front" not the back. They boot the ball to the opponent's half then possess/pressure there. To me that sounds like a strategy you use to win when you don't have technically sound midfielders who can keep possession or weak defense, but I'm definitely no soccer expert. My kid's a holding mid, so to me that sounds like he wouldn't have much of a job with that style. Based on some comments the coaches have made, it sounds like they'd be putting him at attacking mid to capitalize on his skills. Hmm...

Ommadawn, what is the "message" from Murphy that kids do or don't buy into?
Also, if I understand you right, a minimum of 1550 on the old SAT would be like a 550 math/ 550 verbal on the new one. Which coach told you he took players like that? Maybe I am underestimating what the higher ranking NESCAC schools are willing to take for a good athlete. I haven't had my son reach out to Tufts, Williams, Hopkins, Amherst, and the other schools with super intimidating admittance rates and rankings because I figured that wouldn't be realistic. Given the info I provided, anyone think maybe that is the wrong strategy? Should he just throw his resume at everyone in NESCAC and see what happens? Lots of work and money to visit all these schools when you have to fly halfway across the country, so I'm trying to narrow it at least somewhat. The GPA is there, the rigor for the most part too, but I doubt my son will do much better than a 1250.

Also, as far as fitting in somewhere, I worry if he'll get overwhelmed in super competitive school. He works hard in school, but I wouldn't call him a "brain." I don't want him to feel like literally everyone around him is smarter than him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on March 04, 2018, 11:07:31 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 10:39:02 AM
Wow, super input and a lot to think about. Definitely positives on F&M, but from a style point of view, on our visit what bothered me was that the coaches talk about "building from the front" not the back. They boot the ball to the opponent's half then possess/pressure there. To me that sounds like a strategy you use to win when you don't have technically sound midfielders who can keep possession or weak defense, but I'm definitely no soccer expert. My kid's a holding mid, so to me that sounds like he wouldn't have much of a job with that style. Based on some comments the coaches have made, it sounds like they'd be putting him at attacking mid to capitalize on his skills. Hmm...

Ommadawn, what is the "message" from Murphy that kids do or don't buy into?
Also, if I understand you right, a minimum of 1550 on the old SAT would be like a 550 math/ 550 verbal on the new one. Which coach told you he took players like that? Maybe I am underestimating what the higher ranking NESCAC schools are willing to take for a good athlete. I haven't had my son reach out to Tufts, Williams, Hopkins, Amherst, and the other schools with super intimidating admittance rates and rankings because I figured that wouldn't be realistic. Given the info I provided, anyone think maybe that is the wrong strategy? Should he just throw his resume at everyone in NESCAC and see what happens? Lots of work and money to visit all these schools when you have to fly halfway across the country, so I'm trying to narrow it at least somewhat. The GPA is there, the rigor for the most part too, but I doubt my son will do much better than a 1250.

Also, as far as fitting in somewhere, I worry if he'll get overwhelmed in super competitive school. He works hard in school, but I wouldn't call him a "brain." I don't want him to feel like literally everyone around him is smarter than him.

1550 will not get into most nescac. Maybe a couple on the bottom...trinity or Hamilton maybe? My daughter got tip from tufts with 2070. Top half of nescac anything less than 2000 or around 1350 for current format then coach won't commit a tip to you cause not a good admissions candidate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 12:09:50 PM
So is this the "bottom half" from an academic standpoint?: Conn College, Trinity, Bates, Hamilton, Colby or Wesleyan?
All these schools talk nowadays about their career services and alumni networking opportunities. Anyone think one of the above (or one of the Centennial ones I mentioned) stands out in that respect putting that talk into action?
Back to coaching styles/personalities, would love to hear from Mr. Right or anyone else. Also would like to know if any particular coach has undesirable practices such as favoring older players vs. better players, keeping too big of a roster, screaming during games, or anything else I haven't thought of.
Thanks, ya'll!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on March 04, 2018, 12:38:32 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 12:09:50 PM
So is this the "bottom half" from an academic standpoint?: Conn College, Trinity, Bates, Hamilton, Colby or Wesleyan?
All these schools talk nowadays about their career services and alumni networking opportunities. Anyone think one of the above (or one of the Centennial ones I mentioned) stands out in that respect putting that talk into action?
Back to coaching styles/personalities, would love to hear from Mr. Right or anyone else. Also would like to know if any particular coach has undesirable practices such as favoring older players vs. better players, keeping too big of a roster, screaming during games, or anything else I haven't thought of.
Thanks, ya'll!

Yes academic. I think 1250 for 2 score format  is minimum for even bottom 2-3 . No way enough for Williams or Amherst. Another daughter of mine was not accepted to Bates with 1850 and very good GPA from a top 20 private high school. Surprised at that but shows how tough admissions is at even the average nescac schools.  If he really wants to play soccer then he needs to get on the schools radar by attending an ID camp that the school runs or a camp the school attends. The future 500 camp in PA has lots of coaches from the northeast. If he's entering senior year next fall the I suggest attending that camp in the summer. Franklin and Marshall should be there since his brother runs the camp. Dozens of coaches.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on March 04, 2018, 12:39:40 PM
I would not put Colby, Bates or Wesleyan at the "bottom" of NESCAC for admissions purposes. Conn Coll and Trinity are slightly less demanding for admissions than the rest of the conference.

Maybe things have changed, but we thought Flaherty was a screamer. Murphy is very intense, kind of "in your face," which was not a good match for my kid. Ultimately, we needed merit aid (Conn had not started awarding it when my kid was applying), so NESCACs came off the list

St Lawrence had a surprisingly bumpy season this year, but has some wonderfully talented guys. Coach is measured, not a screamer, returns to St L to take the head coaching job after being an assistant in the MLS. The program is a real "class act" and the athletic facilities are gorgeous. Kenyon would be another one to consider beyond Centennial and NESCAC, coaching staff is dead set on bringing home a championship.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 01:12:42 PM
Rudy, was your daughter an athlete? That's where I'm interested to see if the athletes get a bit more leniency like I've heard.  As far as doing our work, he's talking to coaches, has visited a few already, we've already done one camp and have firm invites for upcoming on-campus spring and summer ones... just don't want to give away too much in case these coaches have spies on the message boards.. :)
St. Lawrence - thanks sounds tempting from a soccer standpoint, but dang, that's practically in Canada. I suppose Maine isn't much better, though!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on March 04, 2018, 01:18:14 PM
St L is not easy for kids flying in -- either Montreal or Syracuse, then drive. There are shuttles at break times to Boston and New York, including airports, I believe.

Vassar would be worth exploring as well, easier travel, and coach had said he had some room on test scores if everything else was in line. Vassar keeps improving every year, though I am not familiar with their style of play. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on March 04, 2018, 03:30:48 PM
Quote from: Falconer on March 03, 2018, 10:04:49 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 02, 2018, 07:02:12 PM
- Should he step "down" to Centennial as a strategy to secure better financial aid? Those coaches are dying to bring him on but maybe that's stepping down in level too much and he'll be bored? Along with that: any how much lower is the level of play/ quality of players on F&M and Dickinson compares to NESCAC? Should we write those off?

Yes, your son should listen to Centennial coaches. The F&M coach in particular (Dan Wagner) is a class act, and the school has a  large endowment that is used to give significant need-based aid. A college friend of mine sent his daughter there, b/c they covered almost the entire cost of attendance. He's a regular middle-class working guy without any inherited wealth, and his daughter isn't an elite level student. It was mainly need-based aid. But, your son's interest should start with the coaching staff.

Ditto Dickinson on financial aid, but I don't know their coach and am unable to compare him with F&M's coach.

As for other factors, Dickinson is located in downtown Carlisle, one of the nicest college towns in PA--which, like New England, has dozens of college towns. PA towns are generally quite different from NESCAC towns--more ethnically and racially diverse, more religious, not as old (in terms of their history), and much less expensive. Not necessarily more isolated geographically, however, and Carlisle is only about 25 minutes from the Amtrak station in Harrisburg, which means 25 minutes from the entire Northeast corridor. Trains from there to NYC are very reasonable, since the state contracts for regular service with Amtrak.

As for Lancaster (F&M), it's a trending city these days, with a pretty little downtown area within a safe walk from the college. There's a terrific theater, many small eateries, even an orchestra.
And a big Amtrak station that is just an hour from downtown Philly, a city that has gone through an unpublicized Renaissance, making it one of the great places to visit in the nation. You can match the food and culture of NYC on a much smaller scale, at a fraction of the price. If I'm your son, I'm doing F&M.

In terms of soccer, F&M is overall better than Dickinson (IMO), but both teams are well coached. Dickinson plays Messiah most years in the regular season, but so far without even a single result--but they clearly deserved to beat the Falcons in Grantham a few years ago and were just unlucky. F&M doesn't usually play Messiah any more, outside of the tournament, but they do have some top level non-conference opponents on their schedule every year, so either way your son would get to play against the best teams in D3.

I'll add one more thing about F&M:  I'm on their mailing list, and F&M really sets itself apart with the quality of their emails.  Of course they want you to come to their camps, but instead of simply advertising themselves, they provide solid info.  For example, they recently concluded a multi-part series on what characteristics they look for when recruiting players at different positions, which I found very useful. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 04:19:35 PM
Yes, we get the F&M emails, and I totally agree that their email campaign is excellent, which made me think, these guys probably have their act together. On the other hand, unlike most of the schools we've talked about in Centennial and NESCAC, they don't travel to a single big tournaments outside the northeast to recruit (Disney, NL), so they might be missing out on opportunities to get good players outside their region.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TyWebb on March 04, 2018, 07:23:42 PM
Hello Mom1234,

I'm new to the board also, my son just completed his college search process and I'm happy to relay a few things to you about some schools that have come up in the discussion.

Vassar - Coach Jennings seems like a nice guy and a straight shooter. He was a terrific communicator and was always very prompt
             to return emails and calls to my son. I'm no great judge of style of play, but watching their games via streaming last season I wouldn't call them direct.
             My son is a defender so I have to admit, we didn't discuss attacking styles. Vassar always seems to be in the mix for the Liberty League title
             which was appealing. As far as your son's SAT score (1250-1300 your guessing), I would think he would have a very decent chance of acceptance, especially with a tip from the coach.
             Vassar still attracts many more women than men. The most recent College Data indicates that Vassar accepted 55% of all men who applied.  Pretty good odds, especially for such
             a good school.

Wesleyan - Son did a one day ID camp. One take away from it, Coach Wheeler (who seemed personable) mentioned in a parent only meeting that if your SAT score was below 1300, if I recall correctly, that you would be better off looking somewhere else. The fact that Wesleyan hasnt' been as competitive in the NESCAC recently did factor into my son's decision not to pursue, academically it wasn't an issue.

Best of luck, and if I think of anything else that may be helpful, I'll be sure to relay.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on March 04, 2018, 10:25:15 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 01:12:42 PM
Rudy, was your daughter an athlete? That's where I'm interested to see if the athletes get a bit more leniency like I've heard.  As far as doing our work, he's talking to coaches, has visited a few already, we've already done one camp and have firm invites for upcoming on-campus spring and summer ones... just don't want to give away too much in case these coaches have spies on the message boards.. :)
St. Lawrence - thanks sounds tempting from a soccer standpoint, but dang, that's practically in Canada. I suppose Maine isn't much better, though!

yes both were athletes. Younger graduates this year.  Coaches can give a tip to  some players but not all in a given year. My daughter got 1 of 3 tips her coach had to give which the coach told us pretty much guaranteed she would be admitted if she committed to accept the spot the summer before her senior year. She told us she never had a tipped athlete not get in...but they make sure the athlete grades and test scores are within range of typical incoming class. They do a pre read with admissions usually just to be sure. No matter how good the athlete is they cannot get them admitted if they are not within range. Ivy League actually have more flexibility than the nescac schools. With a 15% acceptance rate at Tufts  this really helps. my son was also recruited by lots of strong d3 and some mid major d1.  He ended up picking a d3 that fit his style of play and team fit. He has no regrets. Good luck finding a school. If coach is interested and offers overnight visit that is the best way to find out if it will be a good fit as far as teammates and team chemistry. All if my kids found this to be the most important step in deciding yes or no to a school
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on March 05, 2018, 09:05:58 AM
Quote from: luckylefty on March 04, 2018, 08:30:13 AM
Calling Lancaster one of the great places to visit in the Country is a gigantic stretch, but I do agree that the Centennial has some great schools. Playing style may or may not matter for your kid. Hopkins for instance played some incredible possession this year, F&M is typically a bit direct. 

If I was a kid looking at Centennail level schools, Hopkins would be the first place I started.

I agree that would be a "gigantic stretch," but my comment was about Philly, not Lancaster. My point was that Philly is just an hour away by rail from Lancaster, such that students at F&M can basically go to Philly whenever it fits into their schedules--and that Philly is now so much nicer to visit than it was a few decades ago. There are now many nice restaurants and shops within a short walk of the Amtrak station, let alone the Renaissance that's taken place in and around Society Hill (which is somewhat further away, but still just a free connecting train ride from 30th Street Station). The Museums and theaters in Philly are also fairly close to Amtrak. So, all of that is available to F&M students on a day trip, even if you don't have a car. Etown students have the same benefit, since there's a large, newly renovated station about a mile from campus. Dickinson is further from Philly and some distance from the nearest Amtrak in Harrisburg, which doesn't have free parking. Still, it's probably closer to a major city than some of the Ivies and several NESCACs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on March 05, 2018, 11:24:01 AM
I think the posters have all provided some useful insights on NESCAC admissions for student athletes.  My recollection is that several of the more selective NESCAC schools have a "banding" approach to considering and admitting student athletes.  "A" band students will typically be admitted purely based on their stellar academic merits and don't need a coach's tip.  "B" band students will probably need at least an active nudge from the coach and most likely an actual tip.  "C" band students will need a coach's tip and some other notable advocacy (e.g. letters of recommendation from high profile people, etc.).

My older son, who had a solid GPA and 1,200 board scores, would have been a "C band" recruit at Bowdoin.  He ended up being recruited by and playing for Brown.  As someone mentioned, it can actually be a little easier to get admitted to an Ivy as a recruited student athlete than a NESCAC.  The key elements in all of this are:  a) does your child like the school and the team culture; and b) there needs to be crystal clear communication from the coach that your child would receive a tip.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on March 05, 2018, 11:47:56 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 10:39:02 AM
Should he just throw his resume at everyone in NESCAC and see what happens? Lots of work and money to visit all these schools when you have to fly halfway across the country, so I'm trying to narrow it at least somewhat. The GPA is there, the rigor for the most part too, but I doubt my son will do much better than a 1250.

Also, as far as fitting in somewhere, I worry if he'll get overwhelmed in super competitive school. He works hard in school, but I wouldn't call him a "brain." I don't want him to feel like literally everyone around him is smarter than him.

Obviously your son has much to think about, but if you live halfway across the country, why be so focused on NESCAC schools? Nothing against them--great academics and great D3 soccer (depending on the school), but one can also find schools closer to home that aren't "super competitive" while still having excellent traditions in soccer. That way, it's much easier for you to see him play, and maybe the overall fit for him will be better. Someone already mentioned Kenyon, but that could also be a stretch for your son if you think 1250 is his ceiling. The good news is that OWU is right on his academic level, and in soccer they are far above most NESCAC schools. That conference (Kenyon, OWU, etc) is full of good schools and good soccer. And, apparently much closer to home for you. Plenty of places further west are also very good, though pickings do get much slimmer once you get very far past the Mississippi. Most of the colleges and universities in that part of the country are D1 or D2 publics, since those states were settled too late in our history to be speckled with private colleges. Mostly you have to get to the West Coast before you get a sizeable number of D3s again.

Perhaps even F&M or Dickinson would be a stretch for your son. Those campuses are very into liberal arts, just like many of the NESCACs, and perhaps your son isn't. Messiah wouldn't be an academic stretch (and they are actually considered a "comprehensive" college, not a liberal arts college, so they have a much wider ranges of majors), and he sounds good enough to play there--but perhaps it wouldn't be a match for him religiously. It's a totally different atmosphere than any of the other schools that have been mentioned. Whether that's good or bad depends on the individual student. If the match is good, then IMO you'd have to be crazy not to schedule a visit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on March 05, 2018, 12:07:00 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 10:39:02 AM
Should he just throw his resume at everyone in NESCAC and see what happens? Lots of work and money to visit all these schools when you have to fly halfway across the country, so I'm trying to narrow it at least somewhat. The GPA is there, the rigor for the most part too, but I doubt my son will do much better than a 1250.

Also, as far as fitting in somewhere, I worry if he'll get overwhelmed in super competitive school. He works hard in school, but I wouldn't call him a "brain." I don't want him to feel like literally everyone around him is smarter than him.

Here's some info on Colby.  Application numbers are way up in the last three years, so the acceptance rate is now down to about 14-15%.  If you contact Coach Seabrook and express interest, he can run your son's info (usually transcript, standardized test score, and high school profile (which you can get from Guidance Department as HS)) by admissions and give you a realistic read on your son's admissions prospects.  He will want to see your son play too (either in person or via video).

Colby's program has been on the rise, although not yet where it wants to be.  In the fall of 2017, they were 5th (of 11) in the conference with 3 games to play and challenging for a home field Q-final, but lost their last 3 games (including 1-0 to Bates with 20 seconds to play in 2d OT), and finished tied for 8th, missing the playoffs on tie-breaker.  They will have a very large senior class in 2018, so it is likely that the next recruiting class will be fairly large.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on March 05, 2018, 12:15:12 PM
A couple of thoughts about test scores and money -- @mom1234 mentioned needing lots of financial aid.  Please run the Net Price Calculator to see what the Expected Family Contribution is likely to be, and whether that is affordable for your family.  If the EFC is not do-able, then that affects the process. 

Some of the NESCACs and others are test optional -- including Conn, Bates, St Lawrence and Dickinson.  For a kid whose scores are a mismatch with grades, that can relieve the pressure on testing. Though some schools which are test optional may require it for merit aid (St Lawrence) or for the higher merit awards (Dickinson).

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on March 05, 2018, 01:05:05 PM
With regard to financial aid, several (if not all) NESCACs have a generous financial aid policy to meet 100% of an admitted student's financial need, meaning that 100% of the difference between EFC and total cost of attendance will be met by grants (without loans).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on March 05, 2018, 01:22:58 PM
For what it's worth, Brandeis is test optional as well. It has a more generous acceptance rate than some of the NESCACs (34% vs. 10-20%) which is likely due in part to the larger student body (entering classes average around 800 vs. 400 at small LACs) but the rigor is similar in terms of "middle 50%" test scores (29-33 ACT, 1300-1440 SAT). That being said, I would imagine excellent grades would outweigh any test score shortcoming were you to submit them.

To echo 1970s NESCAC Player, I know Williams, Amherst, and Bowdoin meet 100% of demonstrated need, but I can't say beyond those three. Tufts aside, all of the NESCACs are relatively small, which -- all things equal -- means smaller alumni networks, and this is perhaps reflected in schools like Bates with (comparatively) small endowments. That being said, I would imagine that the NESCACs with endowments in excess of $1 billion (Williams, Amherst, Middlebury, Bowdoin, etc.) may be likely to meet 100% demonstrated need, though I can't say for sure. Obviously endowments are not directly corollary to financial aid generosity (ahem, NYU), but schools with large endowments usually have more aid to give out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on March 05, 2018, 03:49:34 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on March 05, 2018, 01:22:58 PM
For what it's worth, Brandeis is test optional as well. It has a more generous acceptance rate than some of the NESCACs (34% vs. 10-20%) which is likely due in part to the larger student body (entering classes average around 800 vs. 400 at small LACs) but the rigor is similar in terms of "middle 50%" test scores (29-33 ACT, 1300-1440 SAT). That being said, I would imagine excellent grades would outweigh any test score shortcoming were you to submit them.

To echo 1970s NESCAC Player, I know Williams, Amherst, and Bowdoin meet 100% of demonstrated need, but I can't say beyond those three. Tufts aside, all of the NESCACs are relatively small, which -- all things equal -- means smaller alumni networks, and this is perhaps reflected in schools like Bates with (comparatively) small endowments. That being said, I would imagine that the NESCACs with endowments in excess of $1 billion (Williams, Amherst, Middlebury, Bowdoin, etc.) may be likely to meet 100% demonstrated need, though I can't say for sure. Obviously endowments are not directly corollary to financial aid generosity (ahem, NYU), but schools with large endowments usually have more aid to give out.

Colby, too, meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.

And yes, anyone considering NESCACs should consider taking a look at Brandeis, both for excellent academics, and because it has been a recent regular participant in the D-3 Final Four.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on March 05, 2018, 04:19:03 PM
For families going through financial aid for the first time -- "meets full need" is fabulous, but schools define the "need," not the family. Some families who don't feel "wealthy" discover they are full pay or nearly full pay after running the Net Price Calculator.  So things like "average family pays X amount" or " meets full need" sound great in the abstract, but a family still has to sit down with bank/asset and tax info and run the NPC to see where they in particular stand.

(Lessons learned -- fortunately early enough in the process -- from a "full pay" family without "full pay" resources).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on March 05, 2018, 05:21:14 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on March 05, 2018, 01:22:58 PM
Obviously endowments are not directly corollary to financial aid generosity (ahem, NYU), but schools with large endowments usually have more aid to give out.

According to a friend who teaches at NYU, the institution is heavily driven by net tuition (the difference between list price and what is actually charged to a student). Well over 80% driven by net tuition. This means that the endowment is not all that high, in effect, per student. It's an enormous university in terms of enrollment, and I assume big parts of the endowment are spoken for in various ways, so the bottom line is that students can't expect the kind of generosity the wealthier NESCACs display.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on March 05, 2018, 05:42:42 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on March 05, 2018, 03:49:34 PM
Colby, too, meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.

Not surprised that Colby does, as well. I have many friends (middle-class, but certainly not upper middle-class) who went there and told me they received great aid packages.


Quote from: Falconer on March 05, 2018, 05:21:14 PM
According to a friend who teaches at NYU, the institution is heavily driven by net tuition (the difference between list price and what is actually charged to a student). Well over 80% driven by net tuition. This means that the endowment is not all that high, in effect, per student. It's an enormous university in terms of enrollment, and I assume big parts of the endowment are spoken for in various ways, so the bottom line is that students can't expect the kind of generosity the wealthier NESCACs display.

Interesting, did not know that. You would think that a school with an almost-$4 billion endowment would be generous with aid; then again, it does have a student body (both undergraduate and graduate) that is virtually an order of magnitude larger than its fellow UAA schools. That being said, that information from your friend explains a lot.

From what I understood Brandeis had the opposite problem: it was taking way too much out of its endowment to fund certain expenses to the point that the endowment was not outgrowing inflation. This being before Liebowitz, who was formerly president of Middlebury, became president in 2016, and -- in addition to showing active interest in fixing these long-term issues -- I am optimistic that he is a better fundraiser than Lawrence was.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on March 05, 2018, 07:18:52 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 10:39:02 AM
Wow, super input and a lot to think about. Definitely positives on F&M, but from a style point of view, on our visit what bothered me was that the coaches talk about "building from the front" not the back. They boot the ball to the opponent's half then possess/pressure there. To me that sounds like a strategy you use to win when you don't have technically sound midfielders who can keep possession or weak defense, but I'm definitely no soccer expert. My kid's a holding mid, so to me that sounds like he wouldn't have much of a job with that style.

I know a player who balked at F&M for that very reason. As you may have noticed last Fall, though, F&M has one of the best streams in D3, so your son can see for himself how he would fit into their style of play. 

Quote from: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 10:39:02 AM
Ommadawn, what is the "message" from Murphy that kids do or don't buy into?

I didn't mean to imply that there was any singular "message." I meant it more in terms of whatever message Coach Murphy is voicing at the time.  Midwest's description of Coach Murphy's style of interaction is more to the heart of the matter.

Quote from: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 10:39:02 AM
Also, if I understand you right, a minimum of 1550 on the old SAT would be like a 550 math/ 550 verbal on the new one. Which coach told you he took players like that? Maybe I am underestimating what the higher ranking NESCAC schools are willing to take for a good athlete. I haven't had my son reach out to Tufts, Williams, Hopkins, Amherst, and the other schools with super intimidating admittance rates and rankings because I figured that wouldn't be realistic. Given the info I provided, anyone think maybe that is the wrong strategy? Should he just throw his resume at everyone in NESCAC and see what happens? Lots of work and money to visit all these schools when you have to fly halfway across the country, so I'm trying to narrow it at least somewhat. The GPA is there, the rigor for the most part too, but I doubt my son will do much better than a 1250.

Coach Wheeler of Wesleyan gave the approximate RANGE of SAT scores on the team, but not the mean and the median.  TyWebb's post provides a context in which to view that range.  Maybe it's only one player with a low SAT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TyWebb on March 06, 2018, 09:34:31 AM
Quote from: Ommadawn on March 05, 2018, 07:18:52 PM

Coach Wheeler of Wesleyan gave the approximate RANGE of SAT scores on the team, but not the mean and the median.  TyWebb's post provides a context in which to view that range.  Maybe it's only one player with a low SAT.

Ommadawn, it sounds like you recall that meeting better than I did or a similar one you attended at Wesleyan. I appreciate the clarification.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on March 06, 2018, 11:00:32 AM
Been reading the posts here which discusses, admissions, financial aid, Endownments, etc., etc....all to help a mom poster with a talented student athlete.  Well done all!
Will caution all that the Admission game to the Nescac and similar conferences is not easy, especially wrt student athletes...period.  I have been involved to various degrees with Amherst's admissions for decades in the 80's up to late 90's and have kept in touch with Amherst's financials, etc up to about 2015.  Having stated that, can state that if you can get into Amherst...tip or otherwise, your financial needs without loans will be met, accordingly.  Believe the other heavily endowed Nescac schools have silliatiar financial arrangements...to various degrees regarding loans. 
Bottom line for mom123 and her son is to do  their homework like checking the websites, etc.etc.
Most Nescac schools recruit everywhere...Amherst around the World even.  Check the rosters of years' past.  Bottom line....if school coaches have not made an initial contact yet, chances are slim.  However proactive advice posted here may be good if there is still time.  Guess doing a post grad year in a prep school is not a choice?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on March 06, 2018, 08:26:27 PM
Quote from: amh63 on March 06, 2018, 11:00:32 AM
Bottom line....if school coaches have not made an initial contact yet, chances are slim. 

While that would be correct for D1, I do not think it is correct for D3.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on March 06, 2018, 10:04:28 PM
Quote from: Falconer on March 05, 2018, 11:47:56 AMObviously your son has much to think about, but if you live halfway across the country, why be so focused on NESCAC schools? Nothing against them--great academics and great D3 soccer (depending on the school), but one can also find schools closer to home that aren't "super competitive" while still having excellent traditions in soccer. That way, it's much easier for you to see him play, and maybe the overall fit for him will be better. Someone already mentioned Kenyon, but that could also be a stretch for your son if you think 1250 is his ceiling. The good news is that OWU is right on his academic level, and in soccer they are far above most NESCAC schools. That conference (Kenyon, OWU, etc) is full of good schools and good soccer. And, apparently much closer to home for you.

Because we do have extended family in the Northeast he can lean on... I am from there originally and went to a NESCAC school. Because he's a humanities type and interested in law, I figured we couldn't go wrong. But interesting that the Ohio schools are better for soccer. I didn't know that.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on March 06, 2018, 10:17:19 PM
Quote from: amh63 on March 06, 2018, 11:00:32 AMBottom line....if school coaches have not made an initial contact yet, chances are slim.  However proactive advice posted here may be good if there is still time.  Guess doing a post grad year in a prep school is not a choice?

Well, it's encouraging that just about all the NESCACs he actually contacted have responded with interest. But I did make the mistake of ruling out a few that we should not have; i.e. Trinity, Wesleyan, ... playing a little catch-up now. Interesting you mention this option of a post-grad year at a prep school. We have one in our area in which the directors are NESCAC alum and therefore it's a big feeder school. Someone who knows my son through extra-curric said he could very well receive a scholarship to attend if he plays for their soccer team. It never occurred to me that a prep high school would act like a college in that sense - scholarship for athletic talent. The friend knows the director and was going to try pulling strings to get him in for senior year. I wonder if him taking a whole extra year and doing two years there would be the ticket. Is that what you meant by a post-grad prep school year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on March 06, 2018, 10:25:00 PM
Quote from: midwest on March 03, 2018, 02:18:29 PMVassar also seems to continue to rise, and the coach had indicated there was more flexibility on test scores as long as the gpa and rigor were there.

Good to know! Vassar is pretty accessible for us with flights and proximity to extended family. Anyone have opinions on Liberty League as a whole compared to NESCAC and Centennial?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on March 06, 2018, 10:56:59 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on March 05, 2018, 01:22:58 PMFor what it's worth, Brandeis is test optional as well.

Did anyone know kid in UAA to complain about the travel? The distances they travel are pretty significant, and I wonder how that impacts the overall college experience. F&M definitely touts the fact travel in Centennial is minimal... In their recruiting shpiel, they even talked down NESCAC for involving an exhausting amount of travel. Then again, if UAA flies everywhere, that's probably easier than schlepping around the northeast in a van...?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on March 06, 2018, 11:15:10 PM
On the Liberty League -- St Lawrence is a long time powerhouse, Vassar has been improving every year and competing now for Conference championship, and Skidmore is not far behind. Bard is about the only truly weak team in the conference. 

While we all have our "favorite" conference, having accompanied my kid on recruiting trips to NESCAC, Centennial, Liberty and North Coast Athletic Conference (Kenyon, Ohio Wesleyan, Depauw, Wabash etc) schools, my sense was that each of those 4 conferences are deep, with a number of schools competing for championship. Those are conferences which tend to see additional "at large" bids for a spot in the national tournament. There is a complicated algorithm involved in the selection of at large bids, which I don't pretend to understand, but the number of at large bids to the tournament can be an informal proxy for how strong a conference (and the individual team) is. Some other conferences may have a single dominant team, such as Calvin in its conference, so that other teams face an uphill climb to unseat them. My kid never looked at UAA, but of course, it has sent a number of teams deep into the national tournament, so obviously a power house as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on March 07, 2018, 12:09:51 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 06, 2018, 10:56:59 PM
Did anyone know kid in UAA to complain about the travel? The distances they travel are pretty significant, and I wonder how that impacts the overall college experience. F&M definitely touts the fact travel in Centennial is minimal... In their recruiting shpiel, they even talked down NESCAC for involving an exhausting amount of travel. Then again, if UAA flies everywhere, that's probably easier than schlepping around the northeast in a van...?

If anything (from what I understand) it enhances the experience that the players have on the team. The coaches certainly seem to think of it as a boon when recruiting. Coven touted the benefit of UAA matches a number of times, including I believe in his Final Four interview from 2016.

Usually each UAA team ends up having two "UAA travel weekends" per season (in October or the first weekend of November), and the other two weekends of UAA matches are at home, so it's not as if you're jetting around the country and having to miss class every week. Moreover, the men's and women's teams travel together, so it seems to be a fun large group experience. I can't speak for the other UAA schools, but -- with the exception of the season-opening doubleheader weekend -- most of Brandeis' non-conference games are in Massachusetts and involve maximum an hour's road trip, although trips for those out-of-conference matches might be a bit further for UAA schools in the Midwest.

NESCAC travel is interesting. While the schools are not as geographically spread out as the UAA, they are certainly not concentrated in a small area. Middlebury is pretty far north in Vermont, probably 2 hours from the next-closest one, Williams. Williams and Hamilton are similarly "out there," although I suppose Williams is closer to Amherst than Hamilton is. Tufts is close to Boston, but wouldn't be considered "close" to any other NESCAC (Amherst at 1 1/2 hours away is probably the closest). Probably the closest pairs of schools are Bates-Bowdoin and Wesleyan-Trinity.

While I believe the NESCAC season runs longer than the UAA season -- NESCAC matches start in early September and run through the conference tournament in November, while UAA matches are concentrated within a five-week stretch -- I don't think the NESCAC travel schedule is as debilitating as maybe F&M wants you to think. Would be curious to hear what NESCAC players have to say about that. However, in the vast majority of cases you've got at least an hour-and-a-half (if not more) of driving for road matches (and can be significantly more in the case of, say, Bates to Hamilton).

With 11 NESCAC schools, you're probably going to end up traveling for 5 of the 10 matches, so it really comes down to the luck of the draw as far as scheduling (e.g. Tufts, for example, taking a weekend expedition to Maine to play Bowdoin and Colby where they stay overnight in a hotel may be less "inconvenient" than schlepping down to play Wesleyan on a Wednesday afternoon). Of course, this is completely hypothetical, but just trying to express how the length of the drive is only one of the factors as far as the toll travel takes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on March 07, 2018, 09:29:54 AM
I'm finding this thread fascinating. I recognize mom originally asked the question specific to NESCAC schools, but I'm honestly surprised at the lack consideration given to other northeast/mid-atlantic schools that could also provide good soccer, a fantastic education and an excellent alumni network and/or job prospects post graduation.  Some schools that come to mind include:

Gettysburg and Union who are always on the list of best alumni networks in the country
Drew University which has a phenomenal Wall Street program not to mention all the pharmaceutical/bio-tech opportunities in NJ
Haverford, Swarthmore, Hopkins (casually mentioned) which are as strong an academic school as anyone else in the country
Babson (ranked #1 in Entrepreneurship, and #30 in Business)
Stevens Tech and MIT

Just an observation, so take it for what it's worth.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on March 07, 2018, 11:06:05 AM
Mom1234...got it right!  Sorry about my error.
Anyway, in response to your question wrt to post grad enrollment.  My experience on the topic is primarily in football where there is a roster limit of 75 in the Nescac with " tips' of 15 allotted wrt SATs, etc.  Less tips to other sports.  Talented athletes with grade-sat scores conflict are suggested to attend a prep school for a year to improve grades, etc. and apply later.  Yes, many of the prep schools are feeder schools to the Nescac and have fine academic reps.  It is not uncommon for talented students from inner-city schools to be sent to select  private schools elsewhere to complete their education and improve their chances to succeed in the academic environment of Nescac schools.  In a sense, it is similiar, imho, to student athletes attaching themselves to AAU type teams/ clubs to improve their skill level, etc.  These clubs often are feeder org. many Nescac type schools.  Check out the rosters of Nescac schools in most sports and see the "prep or private" schools listed.  In women sports like soccer it was common to also see particular clubs attached vice high schools.  In basketball, there maybe the D1 transfer schools on occasion.  Recall the transfer of a woman student athlete from Harvard to Amherst.  Primary reason was she wanted to play more than one sport in college.  She played Three at Amherst to 1st team all conference.  There are two players on the No. 1 ranked WBB team that are solid contributors in other sports.  There is a football player from the SF Bay Area that turned down a D1 offer to come to Amherst so that he could also play baseball...heck of a pitcher!  The Amherst soccer team several years back went to Europe and played in Monaco and elsewhere.  Supported by alums...including the Prince of Monaco.  Same case when the baseball team traveled to Japan...alum connection, etc.  Sorry about the digressing. I do that a lot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on March 07, 2018, 01:13:57 PM
 I can speak to the NESCAC travel and I guess really any other questions you may have.  For Tufts specifically the travel wasn't that bad, I was accustomed to similar and worse playing academy soccer outside of the northeast corridor.  The only trip that sucks is to hamilton which we always do in conjuction with playing at amherst.  So play amherst saturday, drive five hours to hamilton after the game, play hamilton sunday early afternoon and then six hours home on the bus.  Beyond that middlebury is 4 hours by bus and everything else is less than 3.  I know a lot of guys on our team said they wouldn't want to fly all over the place like the UAA but my friends on Brandeis didn't seem to mind it too much. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on March 07, 2018, 02:28:40 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on March 07, 2018, 09:29:54 AM
I'm finding this thread fascinating. I recognize mom originally asked the question specific to NESCAC schools, but I'm honestly surprised at the lack consideration given to other northeast/mid-atlantic schools that could also provide good soccer, a fantastic education and an excellent alumni network and/or job prospects post graduation.  Some schools that come to mind include:

Gettysburg and Union who are always on the list of best alumni networks in the country
Drew University which has a phenomenal Wall Street program not to mention all the pharmaceutical/bio-tech opportunities in NJ
Haverford, Swarthmore, Hopkins (casually mentioned) which are as strong an academic school as anyone else in the country
Babson (ranked #1 in Entrepreneurship, and #30 in Business)
Stevens Tech and MIT

Just an observation, so take it for what it's worth.

I think these are all good schools and good suggestions. To be fair, though, it is the NESCAC thread we're in, although we certainly aren't limiting it to that, myself included with my plug for 'Deis. Regardless, that along with the nature of the initial inquiry perhaps explains why the answers have been relatively NESCAC-centric.

I certainly don't mean to nitpick, but she did say that her son probably wouldn't get into any of Williams, Amherst, Middlebury, or Bowdoin, so I am not sure that Haverford, Swat, Hopkins, or MIT would be realistic. MIT is arguably harder to get into than all the Ivies bar HYP.

The kids I have known who have gone to Stevens have done well post-graduation and Gettsyburg, Union, and Drew each have their strong points, with the latter being a pipeline to Wall St like you said. I have an aunt who used to work in NJ for J&J and from what I understand they recruit a fair amount of Drew grads as well. And with their run to the Sweet 16 this past year (which is certainly further than many thought they'd go with the well-noted questions about SoS/etc.) and impact players like Aidan Cserhat returning (only a sophomore this past year) they should be set up for success for a while to come on the pitch as well.

That being said -- despite being the archrivals of 'Deis -- I would also give a nod to Babson as a great B-school with a strong MSOC program and more generous acceptance rate than many of the NESCACs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on March 07, 2018, 07:15:00 PM
Quote from: amh63 on March 07, 2018, 11:06:05 AMAnyway, in response to your question wrt to post grad enrollment.  My experience on the topic is primarily in football where there is a roster limit of 75 in the Nescac with " tips' of 15 allotted wrt SATs, etc.  Less tips to other sports.  Talented athletes with grade-sat scores conflict are suggested to attend a prep school for a year to improve grades, etc. and apply later.  Yes, many of the prep schools are feeder schools to the Nescac and have fine academic reps.  It is not uncommon for talented students from inner-city schools to be sent to select  private schools elsewhere to complete their education and improve their chances to succeed in the academic environment of Nescac schools.  In a sense, it is similiar, imho, to student athletes attaching themselves to AAU type teams/ clubs to improve their skill level, etc.  These clubs often are feeder org. many Nescac type schools. 

Here is an interesting statistic as an example: Hamilton's website lists that in the 2021 class, 11 students were admitted with SATs below 1200 and 33 admitted between 1201 and 1299. I really would love to know how many in each category fit my kid's description: not a minority non-white race/group, "not inner city", not a football player. Only advantage: soccer skills, and from a region with very few applicants.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on March 08, 2018, 09:05:20 AM
FYI - In a very rare instance of using my moderator "powers", I have modified some of mom1234's recent posts, pulling her replies out of the quote boxes for clarity.  mom1234, not knowing what you are doing, I unfortunately am at a loss to know what tip I could provide to help you get your replies showing as replies.  Anyway, carry on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on March 08, 2018, 09:43:42 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on March 07, 2018, 02:28:40 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on March 07, 2018, 09:29:54 AM
I'm finding this thread fascinating. I recognize mom originally asked the question specific to NESCAC schools, but I'm honestly surprised at the lack consideration given to other northeast/mid-atlantic schools that could also provide good soccer, a fantastic education and an excellent alumni network and/or job prospects post graduation.  Some schools that come to mind include:

Gettysburg and Union who are always on the list of best alumni networks in the country
Drew University which has a phenomenal Wall Street program not to mention all the pharmaceutical/bio-tech opportunities in NJ
Haverford, Swarthmore, Hopkins (casually mentioned) which are as strong an academic school as anyone else in the country
Babson (ranked #1 in Entrepreneurship, and #30 in Business)
Stevens Tech and MIT

Just an observation, so take it for what it's worth.

I think these are all good schools and good suggestions. To be fair, though, it is the NESCAC thread we're in, although we certainly aren't limiting it to that, myself included with my plug for 'Deis. Regardless, that along with the nature of the initial inquiry perhaps explains why the answers have been relatively NESCAC-centric.

I certainly don't mean to nitpick, but she did say that her son probably wouldn't get into any of Williams, Amherst, Middlebury, or Bowdoin, so I am not sure that Haverford, Swat, Hopkins, or MIT would be realistic. MIT is arguably harder to get into than all the Ivies bar HYP.

The kids I have known who have gone to Stevens have done well post-graduation and Gettsyburg, Union, and Drew each have their strong points, with the latter being a pipeline to Wall St like you said. I have an aunt who used to work in NJ for J&J and from what I understand they recruit a fair amount of Drew grads as well. And with their run to the Sweet 16 this past year (which is certainly further than many thought they'd go with the well-noted questions about SoS/etc.) and impact players like Aidan Cserhat returning (only a sophomore this past year) they should be set up for success for a while to come on the pitch as well.

That being said -- despite being the archrivals of 'Deis -- I would also give a nod to Babson as a great B-school with a strong MSOC program and more generous acceptance rate than many of the NESCACs.

Yeah, I hesitated posting because I knew this was a NESCAC thread.  I guess my point was simply that the OP seemed to be solely focused on NESCAC schools (where her son may struggle without a tip) whereas there are a bunch of great schools where he could get in without the tip, and still play highly competitive soccer.  The example of Drew and Babson is exactly my point of somewhere that sounds like a great match even though it doesn't have the prestige of the NESCAC schools. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on March 08, 2018, 11:48:48 AM
Quote from: Christan Shirk on March 08, 2018, 09:05:20 AM
FYI - In a very rare instance of using my moderator "powers", I have modified some of mom1234's recent posts, pulling her replies out of the quote boxes for clarity.  mom1234, not knowing what you are doing, I unfortunately am at a loss to know what tip I could provide to help you get your replies showing as replies.  Anyway, carry on.

Bloots' (unsolicited) armchair diagnosis: it appears she is putting her reply within the endtag of "[/quote]" rather than outside of it. When you are quoting a post, only the quoted post should be within the brackets; yours comes after.

Quote from: EB2319 on March 08, 2018, 09:43:42 AM
The example of Drew and Babson is exactly my point of somewhere that sounds like a great match even though it doesn't have the prestige of the NESCAC schools. 

Certainly don't disagree with that!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on March 08, 2018, 03:39:23 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 06, 2018, 10:04:28 PM
Quote from: Falconer on March 05, 2018, 11:47:56 AMObviously your son has much to think about, but if you live halfway across the country, why be so focused on NESCAC schools? Nothing against them--great academics and great D3 soccer (depending on the school), but one can also find schools closer to home that aren't "super competitive" while still having excellent traditions in soccer. That way, it's much easier for you to see him play, and maybe the overall fit for him will be better. Someone already mentioned Kenyon, but that could also be a stretch for your son if you think 1250 is his ceiling. The good news is that OWU is right on his academic level, and in soccer they are far above most NESCAC schools. That conference (Kenyon, OWU, etc) is full of good schools and good soccer. And, apparently much closer to home for you.

Because we do have extended family in the Northeast he can lean on... I am from there originally and went to a NESCAC school. Because he's a humanities type and interested in law, I figured we couldn't go wrong. But interesting that the Ohio schools are better for soccer. I didn't know that.

I didn't mean to imply that the Ohio schools in general were better at soccer than NESCAC schools. That's not true, IMO. I was singling out one of them, Ohio Wesleyan (OWU), as far better than most of the NESCACs. I think perhaps everyone here would agree with that much. In recent years, obviously, Tufts, Amherst, and Brandeis have been right at the top of D3 soccer, while OWU has slipped a little. Historically, however, OWU is one of the very top traditions you'll find, and even playing at their recent standard they are much better than most of the NESCACs. If they revert to type any time soon, however, they'll be Final Four contenders again. The biggest question is, who will succeed Jay Martin when he retires--which can't be too far down the road. His career record is just astonishingly good, even though he's won just(!) two national championships.
https://www.battlingbishops.com/coaches.aspx?rc=559&path=msoc

Academically your son might be a great fit at OWU. Certainly he'd get to play a lot of top teams, including Kenyon (a conference rival) and perhaps teams like Calvin and Messiah (both of whom they have scheduled in the past decade).
 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3soccerwatcher on March 08, 2018, 10:03:42 PM
Quote from: Falconer on March 08, 2018, 03:39:23 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 06, 2018, 10:04:28 PM
Quote from: Falconer on March 05, 2018, 11:47:56 AMObviously your son has much to think about, but if you live halfway across the country, why be so focused on NESCAC schools? Nothing against them--great academics and great D3 soccer (depending on the school), but one can also find schools closer to home that aren't "super competitive" while still having excellent traditions in soccer. That way, it's much easier for you to see him play, and maybe the overall fit for him will be better. Someone already mentioned Kenyon, but that could also be a stretch for your son if you think 1250 is his ceiling. The good news is that OWU is right on his academic level, and in soccer they are far above most NESCAC schools. That conference (Kenyon, OWU, etc) is full of good schools and good soccer. And, apparently much closer to home for you.

Because we do have extended family in the Northeast he can lean on... I am from there originally and went to a NESCAC school. Because he's a humanities type and interested in law, I figured we couldn't go wrong. But interesting that the Ohio schools are better for soccer. I didn't know that.

I didn't mean to imply that the Ohio schools in general were better at soccer than NESCAC schools. That's not true, IMO. I was singling out one of them, Ohio Wesleyan (OWU), as far better than most of the NESCACs. I think perhaps everyone here would agree with that much. In recent years, obviously, Tufts, Amherst, and Brandeis have been right at the top of D3 soccer, while OWU has slipped a little. Historically, however, OWU is one of the very top traditions you'll find, and even playing at their recent standard they are much better than most of the NESCACs. If they revert to type any time soon, however, they'll be Final Four contenders again. The biggest question is, who will succeed Jay Martin when he retires--which can't be too far down the road. His career record is just astonishingly good, even though he's won just(!) two national championships.
https://www.battlingbishops.com/coaches.aspx?rc=559&path=msoc

Academically your son might be a great fit at OWU. Certainly he'd get to play a lot of top teams, including Kenyon (a conference rival) and perhaps teams like Calvin and Messiah (both of whom they have scheduled in the past decade).

Just to be clear...Brandeis is not in any way associated with NESCAC.  Brandeis has been a member of the UAA since the 1980's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on March 09, 2018, 09:46:52 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 06, 2018, 10:17:19 PM
Quote from: amh63 on March 06, 2018, 11:00:32 AMBottom line....if school coaches have not made an initial contact yet, chances are slim.  However proactive advice posted here may be good if there is still time.  Guess doing a post grad year in a prep school is not a choice?

Well, it's encouraging that just about all the NESCACs he actually contacted have responded with interest. But I did make the mistake of ruling out a few that we should not have; i.e. Trinity, Wesleyan, ... playing a little catch-up now. Interesting you mention this option of a post-grad year at a prep school. We have one in our area in which the directors are NESCAC alum and therefore it's a big feeder school. Someone who knows my son through extra-curric said he could very well receive a scholarship to attend if he plays for their soccer team. It never occurred to me that a prep high school would act like a college in that sense - scholarship for athletic talent. The friend knows the director and was going to try pulling strings to get him in for senior year. I wonder if him taking a whole extra year and doing two years there would be the ticket. Is that what you meant by a post-grad prep school year?

If I may offer a few thoughts ... as a way of background I've had three sons play college sports ... two of which were at NESCAC schools... one of which was a soccer player.

Love that you're gathering as much information as possible so that your son can make the best decision possible. 

If I could only give one piece of advice to any kid looking to play a D-3 sport, it would be this: choose your school as though you are going to blow your knee out the first week of practice and never play that sport again.  That might sound fatalistic, and I don't mean it that way at all.  But soccer (in this case) is only PART of what your son will experience on the campus of these fine schools that are being mentioned in this thread.  Coaches leave, injuries happen, teammates suck, interests can shift from the sport, academics might take priority.  It happens.  But if your son has chosen the right SCHOOL rather than the right soccer PROGRAM, he chances of success over 4 years and his lifetime are far greater.

Wishing you nothing but success ... it's an exciting time in his life and in yours ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on March 09, 2018, 01:21:44 PM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on March 09, 2018, 09:46:52 AM
If I may offer a few thoughts ... as a way of background I've had three sons play college sports ... two of which were at NESCAC schools... one of which was a soccer player.

Love that you're gathering as much information as possible so that your son can make the best decision possible. 

If I could only give one piece of advice to any kid looking to play a D-3 sport, it would be this: choose your school as though you are going to blow your knee out the first week of practice and never play that sport again.  That might sound fatalistic, and I don't mean it that way at all.  But soccer (in this case) is only PART of what your son will experience on the campus of these fine schools that are being mentioned in this thread.  Coaches leave, injuries happen, teammates suck, interests can shift from the sport, academics might take priority.  It happens.  But if your son has chosen the right SCHOOL rather than the right soccer PROGRAM, he chances of success over 4 years and his lifetime are far greater.

Wishing you nothing but success ... it's an exciting time in his life and in yours ...

+K
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on March 09, 2018, 02:41:23 PM
Yes, that was the advice my son was given -- assume a career ending injury the first day of freshman pre-season, is that the college where you want to be?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on March 10, 2018, 10:31:27 AM
Thank you all! Sorry I have no technical skills. Yes, the possibility of blowing his knee out is exactly what has led us to this place. If it were just about soccer level, he'd be looking at D1s and D2s. But he's a small school-- and a liberal arts-- kind of guy. He's passionate about soccer, but doesn't want some jerky coach dictating his college experience and finding out he hates the school anyway. He also wants something drivable to family near Boston. Hope my strategy is correct: help him choose schools that fit him in other ways besides soccer but where a. I know he'd be a "catch" soccer wise so he's more likely to get squeezed in, and b. there is flexibility on testing. c. coach is a good guy

After hearing you all, I think we're adding Brandeis and Trinity to the list of schools to at least look at. OWU... not drivable to Boston. Maybe Vassar, but that might be tough.

BTW just heard Flaherty got threatened to get booted if he doesn't shape things up.




Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on March 11, 2018, 03:45:53 PM
The recent posts on the topic of student athletes at leading liberal arts colleges are spot on.  Being a varsity athlete at a NESCAC or other top notch liberal arts school can be a terrific experience...physical exertion, bonding with teammates, commitment to individual and team goals, competing at a high level, being forced to balance your school life.  But it's the overall college experience, and frankly the alumni network, that will have the lasting impact for decades after college is over.

I had one son who played soccer for an Ivy and another who played for a NESCAC.  During his four years, the Ivy son got to know relatively few people outside of the soccer team and other athletic teams.  There simply wasn't time to explore all of the dimensions and subcultures the school had to offer.  My NESCAC son had a far more balanced college experience.

Both of my sons were very fortunate to attend their respective schools, but everything being equal, I think it's hard to beat the overall experience at a small liberal arts school.

In fact, I was skiing with a friend of mine whose son played on the back line with my son for a NESCAC school that went to the D3 final four several years ago.  He made the point that his son was greatly influenced by the intellectual caliber and the dedication to academics that a lot of the other players on the team had.  I couldn't agree more.  Many teenage boys tend to "float" to the level of their peer group.  Better to float where the bar is higher than lower...

mom1234, without knowing him, my wish for your son would be that he is able to leverage his soccer talent to get into a school that might be a little bit of an academic stretch if admission were based only on GPA and test scores.  He's likely to have a great experience.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on March 11, 2018, 07:51:54 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 10, 2018, 10:31:27 AM
BTW just heard Flaherty got threatened to get booted if he doesn't shape things up.

Pretty interesting that — if it happens at all — it would be after their first postseason appearance in a long time. Of course, the decision would probably have more to do with long term results, but still an intriguing prospect nonetheless.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on March 12, 2018, 04:38:17 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on March 11, 2018, 07:51:54 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 10, 2018, 10:31:27 AM
BTW just heard Flaherty got threatened to get booted if he doesn't shape things up.

Pretty interesting that — if it happens at all — it would be after their first postseason appearance in a long time. Of course, the decision would probably have more to do with long term results, but still an intriguing prospect nonetheless.

Where did this nugget come from? If true it is completely understandable from my position but I doubt it is just "results". Usually you will have multiple players giving poor reviews at the end of the year coupled with maybe other stuff like parents complaining, off field issues, etc. I will say results are a major factor but I would guess it is coupled with some other form of complaints. That is where I draw the line though. While I am no fan of Flaherty as a Coach I do not believe players and/or especially parents should have a say in the matter. These end of year player reviews started about 10-15 years ago at most schools and since then we have seen MUCH more turnover in the coaching ranks in Nescac and all of D3. While I believe the players input is important I do not believe it should have the weight that it can have at some schools. Obviously, if there is a reoccurring pattern that keeps popping up from different players from different years than YES that should be addressed and for that I agree with the feedback that these provide BUT to often in some programs these reviews play a bigger role than they should. Players with grudges is usually the biggest problem with these things but most AD's understand this and usually only address something if it is reoccurring. Best example of this was Ferrigno at Tufts getting fired. He lasted probably 5 years to long but finally I am sure he was getting horrific reviews by multiple players thru multiple years. In this case the firing was warranted and the players played a key and important role to get the administration moving. I did hear that Ferrigno also had issues with peers in the Athletic Department and often refused or complained about having other duties besides Soccer. I got off track but while the players should have "some" input IMO the parents should have NONE. These coaches have enough headaches to deal with on a daily basis then overbearing parents getting involved. I will say if Player A and Player B are equal in ability, academics and talent but Player B has a parent that looks like could be a total pain in the ass for the next 4 years the coach will go with Player A. It is even possible that if Player A is slightly and only slightly less talented than Player B ability wise the coach will still go with Player A because of the overbearing parent for Player B. Exceptions are made for extremely talented players that can help turn a program around or take it to the next level because then the headache of the parent will be "worth" it. I will say all coaches are different and some have more tolerance than others.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on May 13, 2018, 03:11:36 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 12:09:50 PM
So is this the "bottom half" from an academic standpoint?: Conn College, Trinity, Bates, Hamilton, Colby or Wesleyan?
All these schools talk nowadays about their career services and alumni networking opportunities. Anyone think one of the above (or one of the Centennial ones I mentioned) stands out in that respect putting that talk into action?
Back to coaching styles/personalities, would love to hear from Mr. Right or anyone else. Also would like to know if any particular coach has undesirable practices such as favoring older players vs. better players, keeping too big of a roster, screaming during games, or anything else I haven't thought of.
Thanks, ya'll!

jfc so disrespectful, Trinity is a safety school if you don't have what it takes to Wesleyan. Never name them in the same academic tier again
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FourMoreYears on May 14, 2018, 03:00:04 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on May 13, 2018, 03:11:36 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 12:09:50 PM
So is this the "bottom half" from an academic standpoint?: Conn College, Trinity, Bates, Hamilton, Colby or Wesleyan?
All these schools talk nowadays about their career services and alumni networking opportunities. Anyone think one of the above (or one of the Centennial ones I mentioned) stands out in that respect putting that talk into action?
Back to coaching styles/personalities, would love to hear from Mr. Right or anyone else. Also would like to know if any particular coach has undesirable practices such as favoring older players vs. better players, keeping too big of a roster, screaming during games, or anything else I haven't thought of.
Thanks, ya'll!

jfc so disrespectful, Trinity is a safety school if you don't have what it takes to gain acceptance to Wesleyan. Never name them in the same academic tier again.

Fixed that for you "Once a Metro Always a Red".  My guess is that most students at Trinity could construct a proper sentence when throwing out a childish insult.  Just sayin'...  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on May 28, 2018, 09:08:36 PM
Quote from: FourMoreYears on May 14, 2018, 03:00:04 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on May 13, 2018, 03:11:36 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on March 04, 2018, 12:09:50 PM
So is this the "bottom half" from an academic standpoint?: Conn College, Trinity, Bates, Hamilton, Colby or Wesleyan?
All these schools talk nowadays about their career services and alumni networking opportunities. Anyone think one of the above (or one of the Centennial ones I mentioned) stands out in that respect putting that talk into action?
Back to coaching styles/personalities, would love to hear from Mr. Right or anyone else. Also would like to know if any particular coach has undesirable practices such as favoring older players vs. better players, keeping too big of a roster, screaming during games, or anything else I haven't thought of.
Thanks, ya'll!

jfc so disrespectful, Trinity is a safety school if you don't have what it takes to gain acceptance to Wesleyan. Never name them in the same academic tier again.

Fixed that for you "Once a Metro Always a Red".  My guess is that most students at Trinity could construct a proper sentence when throwing out a childish insult.  Just sayin'...  ;)

Not going to lie, definitely embarrassed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on June 06, 2018, 09:15:00 AM
Certainly an embarrassing comment - for multiple reasons
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EasyGoer27 on June 11, 2018, 11:07:44 AM
Williams schedule is out.  Coast G, Skid, Bab, RPI, Curry.....pretty decent SOS
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 11, 2018, 12:48:44 PM
So we have only 3 Nescac schedules posted as of now. Not many changes at all.

Williams- Same 5 Non-Conference teams from 2017. Skidmore, RPI, Babson, Curry and Coast Guard. Certainly not the non conference schedule strength of their dynasty days but it is solid. If Williams brings its "A" game and focuses for 90 minutes they should go 5-0-0 or 4-0-1 at the very least. Skidmore always gives them a solid game but unless they are bringing in a solid recruiting class they could drop a bit. RPI used to give Williams headaches but the past few years Williams has dominated them even when having trouble scoring against them. Unless RPI finds some attacking mojo against solid competition in 2018 I do not see that changing. Coast Guard is at Home so that will be a total unknown for Coast Guard especially on Williams 120x80 but one thing Coast Guard does do is run its ass off they are just usually playing on turf and lack a dynamic attack. Curry should be a W. Babson is bringing in a very good class and should be tops in NEWMAC in 2018 so they will be a challenge and could easily get a result v Williams.

Hamilton--Same 5 Non-Conference teams from 2017. Oneonta, Ithaca, Utica, 2 SUNY schools. I expect good things from Hamilton in 2018 and I expect them to go 4-1-0 or 3-0-2 against those 5. They MUST beat Utica and the 2 weak SUNY schools. I was impressed with the 2 games I saw of Ithaca last year and they have a solid coach in former Midd player and Norwich Coach Kyle Dezotell. I still give Hamilton the edge in talent but if Hamilton is still inconsistent like they were in 2017 and come out in a midweek game sloppy and uninterested they will lose. The game against Oneonta has been moved from late October in 2017 to mid September in 2018. I think that favors Oneonta because they will have been out for a month already BUT I expect Hamilton to remember the trashing Oneonta gave them in 2017. This year it will be on Love Field so that will give Hamilton an edge on the grass. I fully expect Hamilton to be up for that game and will want to tune in.

Trinity---1 change from 2017 and 4 of the same Non-Conference teams. ECONN, WCONN, Endicott, Wheaton(MA) and WNEC. They dropped Rivier for WNEC. I gave up predicting Trinity under Pilger back in 2012. You just never know when they will show up. Their final game in 2017 against Amherst last year was a fantastic performance even though they lost the game they gave max effort and had plenty of chances to Win that game. If they gave that same effort in every game they would be a much better outfit. As it is, they lost a ton of talent in 2017 and will lose even more talent in 2018. Unless Trinity and Bates brings in a real solid Frosh class for 2018 every Nescac team MUST expect to get 6pts from Trinity and Bates in 2018. Will that happen? No of course not but teams getting draws against Trinity and Bates or even losses in 2018 are not only missing out on 3pts for themselves they are basically giving the other Nescac schools an extra 2-3pts in the standings. It is an absolute must to clear 6pts against them. Trinity and Bates will not be blown off the field but the talent both schools lost in 2017 will show. I will give Trinity a "B" for their schedule. They dropped their only true cupcake and now have 5 very solid teams Non-Conference. Endicott will be the best of the bunch and that is their 1st game of the season. I expect good things from Endicott in 2018 as I hear they are bringing in a decent class plus 2 solid transfers especially the GK from BC. He is a good GK and could start for most Nescac's. The other 4 games are complete toss-ups. I will only predict they will lose to Endicott so they could go 4-1-0 but I highly doubt it. I could see a 1-2-2 or 2-2-1. Trinity needs 2-3 really solid recruiting classes before they can sniff a Top 4 in Nescac or their first NCAA appearance since 2011. They had a solid outfit in 2011 with Mayernick , Buckley and El-Hachem and company.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on June 11, 2018, 02:40:41 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 11, 2018, 12:48:44 PM
Babson is bringing in a very good class and should be tops in NEWMAC in 2018 so they will be a challenge and could easily get a result v Williams.

Right, what do we know about Babson's incoming class? I have seen the bits and bobs from the hot stove forum but there are so many names on there I haven't done much research.

If a few players in this class are ready to come in and make a difference, perhaps they could be in for a big year. I was pretty harsh on Babson last year. Truthfully they lacked any real speed or creativity, and weren't great defensively. To be fair, they did lose all but 1 games by a goal (Williams' 3-0 win the exception) so they weren't "bad" per se — although I do not think they were "good" as evidenced by their 9-9 finish.

One potential reason for their underwhelming season, particularly in their own half of the field: I believe they were playing 3 at the back most of last season, which they had tried the year before for the first few games before switching to 4 at the back against Brandeis in a game which they deservedly won on the day. Having won that game, it seemed that they kept the 4-man backline the rest of the season. This year against Brandeis, they played 3 at the back and lost thanks to two defensive blunders. I think they are pretty calamitous when they play 3 at the back — it's a tough system to pull off unless you have really good yet defensively-disciplined guys on the outside, and I didn't feel that they had any guys who were elite-level wingbacks — so I am curious to see if they revert to 4 at the back this year. Either way, I felt that Babson had papered over the cracks with a well-timed NEWMAC title run in 2015 and winning some cliffhangers in 2016 before getting knocked out by St. Joseph's, and this past year those cracks came to the surface. Either way, after last season, you can bet Babson will have a chip on its shoulder after last year and I am sure the mood in the camp will get the young guns fired up and wanting to make a difference.

Fun fact: In addition to its struggles with Brandeis the last few years — Babson is 1-4 in its last five Brandeis-Babson games — Babson has not fared much better against Williams, going 3-7 in the last 10 Williams-Babson games. The Beavers have not beaten Williams since a smash-and-grab back in 2014 in Williamstown. The rivalry was much more competitive around the turn of the decade, as it was a fixture between two of the top teams in New England — Babson's 2-1 2OT NCAA win at Cole Field in 2010 being the most notable example — and Babson managed a win back in 2011 as well, but Williams has won the fixture all but one of the years since: 2012, '13, '15, '16, and '17.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 11, 2018, 03:39:23 PM
Babson is bringing in a real solid class. Honestly, like u I was so unimpressed with Babson last year that some of these Frosh should contribute right away. That being said we are not talking about a real game changer like Anderson up top but an overall solid class that will add depth and competition in practice that should get Babo going again. That coupled with a predicted drop off at Springfield I expect Babson to win the NEWMAC. Wheaton with its new staff will have plenty to say about that but I think they might be a recruiting class or 2 away. They got the kid from NEFC Talleri who is a solid good player, Cawood is a 6'3 defender out of Marin FC, Collins played with Talleri at St.Johns Prep and is a pacey left footed midfielder. I will say Collins needs to add some muscle to his frame and has no right foot but has some skill and speed but he might be a year r 2 away. Hanlon I think could contribute as he is a competitive kid played for Bolts and likes to mix it up. I think I am missing a couple others but again Babson should have enough talent to compete for the NEWMAC title.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on June 11, 2018, 03:59:02 PM
Great insight, thanks Right. Insofar that a NEWMAC team hasn't made it to the Sweet 16 since Babo in 2011, perhaps it's fair to say that the NEWMAC has been a bit "down" the past few years, or at least to the extent that it was "up" when Wheaton had those great teams in the late 90s/early 2000s and Babson was one of the top teams in NE between 2009 and 2011, so even without a game changer like Anderson you are probably correct that they have enough to win the NEWMAC. You can be sure they'll be fired up after missing the NEWMAC tournament for the first time in history.

Edit: Realized I was mistaken about the Sweet 16 comment, as MIT made the Sweet 16 back in 2015. Regardless, I didn't feel that MIT team was fantastic - they had some decent talent and did get a draw on the road at 'Deis, but played a pretty weak schedule that year and were well-beaten by Oneonta in the tournament. They were the best team in the conference over the course of the year, even though they did lose to Babson in the NEWMAC final, so it wasn't like the conference was strong overall IMHO. All told, realizing my mistake hasn't changed my view on the NEWMAC as a conference during the time referenced.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 15, 2018, 11:45:08 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 11, 2018, 12:48:44 PM
So we have only 3 Nescac schedules posted as of now. Not many changes at all.

Williams- Same 5 Non-Conference teams from 2017. Skidmore, RPI, Babson, Curry and Coast Guard. Certainly not the non conference schedule strength of their dynasty days but it is solid. If Williams brings its "A" game and focuses for 90 minutes they should go 5-0-0 or 4-0-1 at the very least. Skidmore always gives them a solid game but unless they are bringing in a solid recruiting class they could drop a bit. RPI used to give Williams headaches but the past few years Williams has dominated them even when having trouble scoring against them. Unless RPI finds some attacking mojo against solid competition in 2018 I do not see that changing. Coast Guard is at Home so that will be a total unknown for Coast Guard especially on Williams 120x80 but one thing Coast Guard does do is run its ass off they are just usually playing on turf and lack a dynamic attack. Curry should be a W. Babson is bringing in a very good class and should be tops in NEWMAC in 2018 so they will be a challenge and could easily get a result v Williams.



Bates---Schedule is still incomplete on Nescac but I am not expecting any meaningful changes.
Hamilton--Same 5 Non-Conference teams from 2017. Oneonta, Ithaca, Utica, 2 SUNY schools. I expect good things from Hamilton in 2018 and I expect them to go 4-1-0 or 3-0-2 against those 5. They MUST beat Utica and the 2 weak SUNY schools. I was impressed with the 2 games I saw of Ithaca last year and they have a solid coach in former Midd player and Norwich Coach Kyle Dezotell. I still give Hamilton the edge in talent but if Hamilton is still inconsistent like they were in 2017 and come out in a midweek game sloppy and uninterested they will lose. The game against Oneonta has been moved from late October in 2017 to mid September in 2018. I think that favors Oneonta because they will have been out for a month already BUT I expect Hamilton to remember the trashing Oneonta gave them in 2017. This year it will be on Love Field so that will give Hamilton an edge on the grass. I fully expect Hamilton to be up for that game and will want to tune in.

Trinity---1 change from 2017 and 4 of the same Non-Conference teams. ECONN, WCONN, Endicott, Wheaton(MA) and WNEC. They dropped Rivier for WNEC. I gave up predicting Trinity under Pilger back in 2012. You just never know when they will show up. Their final game in 2017 against Amherst last year was a fantastic performance even though they lost the game they gave max effort and had plenty of chances to Win that game. If they gave that same effort in every game they would be a much better outfit. As it is, they lost a ton of talent in 2017 and will lose even more talent in 2018. Unless Trinity and Bates brings in a real solid Frosh class for 2018 every Nescac team MUST expect to get 6pts from Trinity and Bates in 2018. Will that happen? No of course not but teams getting draws against Trinity and Bates or even losses in 2018 are not only missing out on 3pts for themselves they are basically giving the other Nescac schools an extra 2-3pts in the standings. It is an absolute must to clear 6pts against them. Trinity and Bates will not be blown off the field but the talent both schools lost in 2017 will show. I will give Trinity a "B" for their schedule. They dropped their only true cupcake and now have 5 very solid teams Non-Conference. Endicott will be the best of the bunch and that is their 1st game of the season. I expect good things from Endicott in 2018 as I hear they are bringing in a decent class plus 2 solid transfers especially the GK from BC. He is a good GK and could start for most Nescac's. The other 4 games are complete toss-ups. I will only predict they will lose to Endicott so they could go 4-1-0 but I highly doubt it. I could see a 1-2-2 or 2-2-1. Trinity needs 2-3 really solid recruiting classes before they can sniff a Top 4 in Nescac or their first NCAA appearance since 2011. They had a solid outfit in 2011 with Mayernick , Buckley and El-Hachem and company.


Just to add to this as Nescac has posted every other teams schedule. With Trinity, Hamilton and Williams already recapped lets take a look at the rest of Nescac.



Middlebury----I did not think it was possible but First year Coach Alex Elias has dropped 3 teams from 2017 and added 3 new teams to amazingly make Midd's schedule even EASIER. This is an absolute disgrace for a program like Midd especially with the talent returning and is clearly a way to pad the Win column for Elias coaching resume. They kept longtime games with Castleton and Norwich from 2017 which is understandable because of the proximity of the schools. They dumped Plymouth State, Keene St and Colby-Sawyer. They added Utica, Mt. St. Mary(NY) and Maine Farmington. Just a complete joke but hey at least they will go 5-0-0 out of conference while making certain their overall SOS will probably sit at .535-.540 which will not get them a Pool C in 2018 unless they get results against the Top 4 of Nescac. As I have said for years this puts A TON of pressure on Midd to get results v Amherst / Tufts / Williams / Bowdoin to get quality Wins on their resume. So if they go say 1-2-1 against the Top 4 they will need to either win the Nescac League or Tournament to get to the NCAA's. I just do not understand this type of thinking as the more quality teams on your schedule gives you more opportunity to get quality Wins. The Maine Farmington game is on the Sunday after the Colby match in Maine so that is somewhat understandable. The 3 1/2 - 4 Hour Mid-Week Away matches that they added with Mt.St Mary and Utica makes absolutely no sense. If you are going to drive 4 hours mid-week why not play a Liberty League team(which in most cases would be closer) or Boston area team? This likely shows the inexperience of Elias. You never schedule 4 hour mid-week road games in Nescac unless you are in a pinch. Most teams love to get the opportunity to play Nescac schools so I find it hard to believe he could not find better games.



Tufts-----This is a solid schedule and is the toughest non-conference schedule in the league. They keep Brandeis, Babson and Keene St from 2017 and dump Mt.St. Vincent and Plymouth St. They add UMASS-Boston and Wheaton. I love the Friday night derby between Brandeis and Tufts that these two schools have started. They have played for the last 5 years and each year the game is one of the best in D3. If you told me in 2006 that Tufts and Brandeis were playing I would have yawned but that is how far BOTH programs have come. Credit to both coaches. Tufts finally dropped Plymouth State who they have played for years going back to Ferrigno's days of playing a weak non-conference schedule. The past few years though Tufts has absolutely dominated them and it was time to move on. Wondering if Plymouth St dropped Tufts or the other way around? Plymouth St might have said enough is enough and dropped Tufts before they had to return to Medford for 2018.  The addition of Wheaton and UMASS-Boston is fantastic and should provide solid competition. Tufts will be quite young next year but have plenty of returning talent to keep the program rolling. Not sure yet how far they will roll though. Predictions will come in August but based on what they have coming back and this schedule I will guess a 3-1-1 with Brandeis knocking them off and possibly Babson sitting deep in Wellesley with that high grass not being mowed for 2 weeks before Tufts comes in and grab a draw.




Wesleyan----This is another solid schedule and the 2nd toughest non-conference schedule in the league. I give props to Wheeler as he is never afraid to play tough games that are all winnable but also very easily could lose. Wesleyan has missed out on the Top 8 in Nescac for two straight years which is a first for Wheeler. They keep 3 solid games from 2017 in WPI, Vassar and Wheaton. They drop Swarthmore and Manhattanville. They add Haverford and ECONN. Interestingly, they played both Haverford and ECONN in 2015 with both games on the road, did not play them in 2017 and pick both teams back up in 2018 and will travel to both. I have never really seen something like that. I really like this Vassar / Wesleyan match which pits two similar styles and teams and is a great non-conference game. Hopefully, this match is more than a 2 year home and home.  Vassar will remember the 2-0 loss at Wesleyan in 2017 when they were missing their top goal scorer and that loss coupled with the Manhattanville and Stevens losses kept Vassar out of the 2017 NCAA's. Haverford is a nice game to add for 2018 and Wedsleyan did defeat a SOLID Haverford side in 2015 2-1 in 2OT. Problem is 2018 Haverford is not 2015/2016 Haverford. Still a good team but not quite as strong. They will travel 4 hours to Haverford and then play ECONN the next day in Willimantic. That is a difficult ask with all that travel and then seeing ECONN sit deep for 90 which will be tough to break them down. WPI will also be a tough game at Home on turf. Wheeler played Tufts in 2017 on the turf at Home which in my mind gave Tufts an unnecessary advantage and they will do the same for WPI in 2018. Looks like Wheeler is weaning the team off of that horrific grass field and playing Conn and Amherst on the turf as well. Solid grass fields are becoming non existent in College Soccer these days so Wesleyan might as well make the move BUT that sh*tty grass field can slow better teams down and frustrate other teams not used to the surface. I still am confused as to  why Wheeler played Tufts on turf in 2017 as before that game they were like 4-1-0 and after the 3-0 drubbing that Tufts handed them Wesleyan collapsed. Wesleyan will be an improved side in 2018 so I will say they go  2-2-1 out of conference.



Amherst----Not a bad schedule for Serpone compared to years past. Slowly but surely Amherst has been improving their non-conference schedule every year. Not sure if that is because the Committee is tracking Non-Conference SOS or if the players asked for more challenging games or whatever. They keep New England College and drop Farmingdale St, Mt.St. Mary, Rutgers Newark and Pine Manor. They add Wentworth, Gordon, Brandeis and Staten Island. Wentworth is a decent pick up and Gordon a solid addition that should help their SOS out of conference. Obviously, the Brandeis game is fantastic and will be played on a Monday night in late October 48 hours before Amherst final regular season game at Home v Trinity. Kind of a slight to Trinity as Amherst is basically saying we are good enough to battle for 90 or 110 against Brandeis on Monday and will be able to handle Trinity less than 48 hours later at Home that could determine seeding in the Nescac Tournament. They have a stretch in late September with 4 games in 8 days against Williams, Tufts, Bates and Gordon. They also have a difficult ask with 3 games in 5 days to end their regular season with games at Wesleyan, at Brandeis and Trinity. The Wesleyan game will be played on Wesleyan's turf which should help Amherst get used to the turf before the Brandeis match. A loss to Brandeis in late October would not surprise anyone but I think Amherst will sneak out of Waltham with a draw. Should be an interesting game with different styles and pure entertainment for the neutral with Brandeis stream behind both benches.



Bowdoin---No changes from 2017. Thomas, Husson, St.Joe's(ME), Univ of New England and Southern Maine. As I said in 2017 this schedule is SOFT. Bowdoin will open the season with 3 games in 6 days with UNE, Amherst and St.Joe's on a back to back.  That is a good break for St.Joe's to catch Bowdoin on the back end of a back to back after Bowdoin battles Amherst on Saturday. Both games are Home for Bowdoin. You can bet Bowdoin will remember the loss to St.Joe's in 2017 that I thought should have kept them from getting a Pool C last year. Luckily, the 2017 season nationally was down a bit from years past and for the first year in a while it felt like we were having a hard time finding 3 teams that deserved to get the final 3 Pool C bids last year. The draw at Tufts to end the regular season probably got Bowdoin in.  St.Joe's has toughened their schedule a bit for 2018 but they NEED quality wins if they were to ever lose in their conference tournament and need a Pool C and Bowdoin would be a quality win. I predict St. Joe's will come out flying and pumped and Bowdoin will be sluggish from a battle with Amherst. If there was ever a day not to schedule St.Joe's it would be after playing Amherst. Not sure why you would not play them mid-week at Home. I think they go 4-1-0 out of conference and drop their SOS to around .550 and Non-conference SOS to about .515.


Conn College----Solid non-conference schedule. I would say middle of the pack. They keep Mitchell, Endicott and ECONN from 2017 and drop Swat and Salem St while picking up UMASS Boston and Rhode Island College. Mitchell is usually a local walk over but they impressed me in the NCAA opening round in 2017 last year especially their GK. Watch out if Conn takes them lightly. ECONN another short drive and a tough game for Conn. They will get Endicott and UMASS Boston at Home but both schools could pose problems for Conn and RIC is no push over mid-week. I like the schedule and Conn is bringing back basically everyone except Sommers on defense so they should be an improved bunch and will look to make it back to the NCAA's in 2018 after a disappointing loss to Rochester in 2017 late in the match. I expect them to go 3-1-1 with a loss and draw to Endicott and either ECONN or UMASS Boston getting a result v Conn in 2018. Still wondering why Coast Guard is not on this schedule. It is a 5 minute walk down the road, a rival, and they have played every year since both teams began playing Men's Soccer. They did not play in 2017 and I am sure there was a falling out between the 2 coaches as it makes no sense why they would not play.


Colby----Colby has UMASS Boston and Maine Maritime on its schedule on the same day. Other than that they will play the same teams as in 2017. Husson, Thomas, UNE and Gordon. Hopefully, they are playing UMASS Boston and not Maine Maritime. Credit UMASS Boston for playing half of Nescac if that game is happening. Colby as described in my recap of their 2017 had a roller coaster year with a massive crash at the end. They lose 2 key players from 2017 in Heilbron and Chandler Smith. They return everyone else with 1 more year of experience and if they can find leaders to step in for those 2 lost players I am expecting Colby to have their best season since the early 90's. They have enough talent now to compete and with wins in 2017 over Midd and Amherst they now believe they deserve and belong to be one of the better teams in Nescac. A top 4 is a reasonable goal. This schedule is weak but because of Colby's location it is understandable up to a point. Certainly they are more isolated than Bowdoin but I wanted to see Seabrook pick up 1 more decent non-conference game and drop one of the Maine schools. Also, looks like the St.Joe's game never got back on the schedule which is a shame as they are a solid Maine school that would be a good game. Maybe there was a falling out between the 2 coaches. Colby MUST go 5-0-0 and I believe they will but Colby needs to be focused on winning as many games in Nescac as possible.  Colby's Nescac schedule is in their favor this year. They leave the state of Maine ONCE(at Amherst) after September 23rd. That is very favorable. They have Hamilton at Home and besides a back to back in Connecticut and games at Williams and Amherst they will have minimal travel.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BigEast on June 23, 2018, 12:09:31 AM
Seems like Stewart Flaherty is out at Bates. Bates head coach job posted on NCAA job site, news is he has another opportunity.

https://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobs/11171183/head-men-s-soccer-coach

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 23, 2018, 08:54:05 AM
Quote from: BigEast on June 23, 2018, 12:09:31 AM
Seems like Stewart Flaherty is out at Bates. Bates head coach job posted on NCAA job site, news is he has another opportunity.

https://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobs/11171183/head-men-s-soccer-coach


Yea I just heard about this the other day. Apparently, this had been in the works since the Spring. No idea why Bates waited so long to post the opening or announce the parting of ways with Flaherty. Make no mistake this was not because Flaherty got another opportunity. I am not quite sure the exact reasoning but there must have been some off field issues. I have heard he was getting some brutal reviews by some players. Not sure that would be enough to get him fired so there must have been some sort of "incident". It is also possible like I predicted years ago he was just not a good fit at Bates. With him probably knowing of his departure by the Spring when Bates did not renew his contract this will disrupt Bates recruiting for the following year as they will be well behind other schools for rising seniors. I am sure he had this years class pretty much committed by March so I do not think it will hurt for 2018 but who knows. Either way Bates was going to struggle in 2018 no matter.

This is a solid job and I think would be a great fit for a young guy willing to work hard and sell the school and the program to kids. Bates is the toughest school in Nescac to recruit to but not impossible. They have had success in other sports so if you can find the right fit this is a good gig. Pay is probably the weakest in Nescac but as long as you get support from Admissions and you know how to coach and recruit this is a good opportunity. Just off the top of my head Dubois would be the obvious choice. Not sure if he would be interested but I am sure Bates administration is aware of the turn around he has achieved at St.Joes..

Besides the late announcement, I think Bates made the right move.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on June 23, 2018, 09:30:33 AM
Not surprised about Flaherty. Flaherty was one of the few coaches my kid said he would not want to play for, no matter how much he liked the school. Flaherty was snarky and mocking, plus the training facilities were aging and playing both turf and grass because the soccer field didn't have lights was a turn off. My kid thought the assistants were great, but most have moved on already.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 23, 2018, 09:37:33 AM
Quote from: midwest on June 23, 2018, 09:30:33 AM
Not surprised about Flaherty. Flaherty was one of the few coaches my kid said he would not want to play for, no matter how much he liked the school. Flaherty was snarky and mocking, plus the training facilities were aging and playing both turf and grass because the soccer field didn't have lights was a turn off. My kid thought the assistants were great, but most have moved on already.

Out of curiosity could you explain why he thought he was snarky and mocking?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACsoccerguy on June 23, 2018, 10:51:06 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 23, 2018, 08:54:05 AM
Quote from: BigEast on June 23, 2018, 12:09:31 AM
Seems like Stewart Flaherty is out at Bates. Bates head coach job posted on NCAA job site, news is he has another opportunity.

https://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobs/11171183/head-men-s-soccer-coach


Yea I just heard about this the other day. Apparently, this had been in the works since the Spring. No idea why Bates waited so long to post the opening or announce the parting of ways with Flaherty. Make no mistake this was not because Flaherty got another opportunity. I am not quite sure the exact reasoning but there must have been some off field issues. I have heard he was getting some brutal reviews by some players. Not sure that would be enough to get him fired so there must have been some sort of "incident". It is also possible like I predicted years ago he was just not a good fit at Bates. With him probably knowing of his departure by the Spring when Bates did not renew his contract this will disrupt Bates recruiting for the following year as they will be well behind other schools for rising seniors. I am sure he had this years class pretty much committed by March so I do not think it will hurt for 2018 but who knows. Either way Bates was going to struggle in 2018 no matter.

This is a solid job and I think would be a great fit for a young guy willing to work hard and sell the school and the program to kids. Bates is the toughest school in Nescac to recruit to but not impossible. They have had success in other sports so if you can find the right fit this is a good gig. Pay is probably the weakest in Nescac but as long as you get support from Admissions and you know how to coach and recruit this is a good opportunity. Just off the top of my head Dubois would be the obvious choice. Not sure if he would be interested but I am sure Bates administration is aware of the turn around he has achieved at St.Joes..

Besides the late announcement, I think Bates made the right move.

Heard he was recently offered and accepted a job at Dartmouth, so resigned. Also heard the Bates AD was not at all happy with his move. Not sure Dartmouth hire people who were fired from Bates as you say. If he did get fired, not sure how he managed to get a job instantly after, and accept that job before Bates could even post his.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 23, 2018, 12:37:38 PM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on June 23, 2018, 10:51:06 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 23, 2018, 08:54:05 AM
Quote from: BigEast on June 23, 2018, 12:09:31 AM
Seems like Stewart Flaherty is out at Bates. Bates head coach job posted on NCAA job site, news is he has another opportunity.

https://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobs/11171183/head-men-s-soccer-coach


Yea I just heard about this the other day. Apparently, this had been in the works since the Spring. No idea why Bates waited so long to post the opening or announce the parting of ways with Flaherty. Make no mistake this was not because Flaherty got another opportunity. I am not quite sure the exact reasoning but there must have been some off field issues. I have heard he was getting some brutal reviews by some players. Not sure that would be enough to get him fired so there must have been some sort of "incident". It is also possible like I predicted years ago he was just not a good fit at Bates. With him probably knowing of his departure by the Spring when Bates did not renew his contract this will disrupt Bates recruiting for the following year as they will be well behind other schools for rising seniors. I am sure he had this years class pretty much committed by March so I do not think it will hurt for 2018 but who knows. Either way Bates was going to struggle in 2018 no matter.

This is a solid job and I think would be a great fit for a young guy willing to work hard and sell the school and the program to kids. Bates is the toughest school in Nescac to recruit to but not impossible. They have had success in other sports so if you can find the right fit this is a good gig. Pay is probably the weakest in Nescac but as long as you get support from Admissions and you know how to coach and recruit this is a good opportunity. Just off the top of my head Dubois would be the obvious choice. Not sure if he would be interested but I am sure Bates administration is aware of the turn around he has achieved at St.Joes..

Besides the late announcement, I think Bates made the right move.

Heard he was recently offered and accepted a job at Dartmouth, so resigned. Also heard the Bates AD was not at all happy with his move. Not sure Dartmouth hire people who were fired from Bates as you say. If he did get fired, not sure how he managed to get a job instantly after, and accept that job before Bates could even post his.


Lol...You are correct he was offered a job at Dartmouth as a 2ND ASSISTANT... You know the jobs usually reserved for recently graduated players or in extreme cases total retreads....The latter fits in this case and do not even start telling me this is a "career move"...He was finished either way it just was not a good fit in Lewiston
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACsoccerguy on June 23, 2018, 02:00:46 PM
Completely agree it is not a career move whatsoever if you want to stay in Division 3. However, if you want to go to Division 1 it seems to be a good move. A quick bit of research on the most recent former Dartmouth 2nd Assistants shows:

Ryan Fahey - Top Assistant at Notre Dame
Chase Wileman - Top Assistant at Kentucky
Emmett Rutkowski (was a volunteer or third assistant at Dartmouth) - Top Assistant at Stetson (was previously top assistant at Mercer)
Trevor Gorman - Head Coach at Albany

I'm not seeing a record for 2nd assistants prior to Gorman so there may be more. The list of where top assistants have gone on to is even more impressive.

Not sure if Flaherty wants to Coach Division 1 or not, and if this is why he made the move. Not sure if you think it is a good idea/good move or not, but all this might be worth considering.

I also agree that 5-10 years ago and beyond, 2nd assistant was for recent graduates with little/no experience. However, now with much more funding going into athletics, I believe there are many more qualified 2nd assistants at a lot of colleges. At times, experienced coaches are even going into volunteer roles at some colleges.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on June 23, 2018, 03:32:43 PM
For context, Ryan Fahey went with Chad Riley from Dartmouth to ND, so that was not a job he competed for "cold."

Mr. Right -- Flaherty was pretty jerky in his prospect meeting with my kid. By that point in time, my kid had done plenty of those meetings and could handle himself pretty well, but Flaherty seemed to look for ways to mock him. My kid was competitive academically and soccer-wise for Bates, so there was no apparent reason for Flaherty to be disrespectful. I understand guys are competing for a spot and for playing time, so I'm not expecting sweetness and roses from a coach. But he didn't strike us as someone who created a program with a culture of respect. Maybe he was just having a particularly bad day.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on June 23, 2018, 04:30:01 PM
Oh, now I'm intrigued.  A coach was mocking a recruit? I would be shocked if a coach mocked a recruit with ill intent. Can you cite an example of what he was saying/doing?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sir.MixALotz on June 23, 2018, 04:52:41 PM
"They add Haverford and ECONN."

Mr. Right love you input on this board, its incredibly substantive and thought.

One item to correct. Wesleyan will play Eastern University the day after Haverford not ECONN. As per the Eastern University website.http://www.goeasterneagles.com/schedule.aspx?path=msoc

Cheers
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on June 23, 2018, 05:08:58 PM
Quote from: Sir.MixALotz on June 23, 2018, 04:52:41 PM
"They add Haverford and ECONN."

Mr. Right love you input on this board, its incredibly substantive and thought.

One item to correct. Wesleyan will play Eastern University the day after Haverford not ECONN. As per the Eastern University website.http://www.goeasterneagles.com/schedule.aspx?path=msoc

Cheers

Interesting - it appears the game is on both school's schedules: http://www.gowarriorathletics.com/sports/msoc/2018-19/schedule
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on June 23, 2018, 05:15:28 PM
EB23193 -- he made fun of kid's answers to questions, in a mocking, snarky way. Whether it was with "ill intent" or being a jerk or a bad day that bled into that meeting, it turned kid off a school he was otherwise excited about.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on June 25, 2018, 12:07:07 PM
Quote from: OldNed on June 23, 2018, 05:08:58 PM
Quote from: Sir.MixALotz on June 23, 2018, 04:52:41 PM
"They add Haverford and ECONN."

Mr. Right love you input on this board, its incredibly substantive and thought.

One item to correct. Wesleyan will play Eastern University the day after Haverford not ECONN. As per the Eastern University website.http://www.goeasterneagles.com/schedule.aspx?path=msoc

Cheers

Interesting - it appears the game is on both school's schedules: http://www.gowarriorathletics.com/sports/msoc/2018-19/schedule

I believe someone got the game input incorrectly in the PrestoSports system that powers Wesleyan's and Eastern Connecticut's websites.  Eastern's website is on the Sidearm system.

Haverford and Eastern have been co-hosting the Jimmy Hill in recent years and the best I can gather, the schedule for this year has Wesleyan and William Paterson coming in for a pair of games as follows:

Saturday, September 8
William Paterson at Eastern 12:00 pm
Wesleyan at Haverford 12:00 pm

Sunday, September 9
William Paterson at Haverford 12:30 pm
Wesleyan vs. Eastern (at Haverford) 3:00 pm

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sir.MixALotz on June 27, 2018, 03:41:44 PM
Thanks for clearing up that scheduling confusion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 06, 2018, 12:44:18 PM
I seriously doubt the AD was "very mad" at the fact that Flaherty was leaving. He is a first year AD up there and Flaherty had a 6 year record in Nescac Conference play of 11-38-11. I'm not even sure how you put that on a resume. If the AD was upset at all it was because Flaherty probably did not let anyone know that he was sniffing around for other gigs which is understandable and completely normal. I am guessing he accepted the job up at Dartmouth and waited to tell the AD he had accepted the job. That would be the only legitimate reason for the AD to be upset because the guy probably left town and told them last minute which left the AD and the program in a pinch. Other than that scenario I have no idea why the AD would be upset. The way you presented it sounded like the AD was pissed he was leaving. I don't buy that at all.

As far as the Dartmouth 2nd Assistants that got jobs elsewhere:

Fahey followed Riley to Notre Dame

Wileman followed the 1st assistant under Cook that got the job at UK..So same as Fahey.

Gorman got the job at Albany VERY YOUNG and has done a real solid job. Actually, I have been impressed with the turnaround he has produced at Albany but he got a nice bump from his father and a couple of his father's friends to get that job. Frankly, Albany might have been the worst program in D1 about 5 years ago and I thought Men's Soccer was going to get dropped because it was so BAD but they were willing to give it to a young assistant with fantastic references that would take low $$$. They could only go up.

So I will give you that Assistants and 2nd Assistants have gotten solid jobs because Dartmouth has been very successful in the Ivies and NCAA's(for an Ivy) and all have the Bobby Clarke connection and Jeff Cook also helped his assistants. I think Dartmouth's new Coach is still a question mark and not sure if their success will continue. So TBD, but even if his NEW 1st Assistant gets a decent gig is he going to bring Flaherty with him to be 1st Assistant? I am not so sure about that but who knows. However, I am guessing Flaherty left Bates to get into D1 Coaching but maybe he just wanted to live in Hanover,NH or whatnot who knows why he left. If he left just to leave than this whole conversation is irrelevant but if he left Bates to get into D1 Coaching by being a 2nd Assistant at Dartmouth I think is hopeful at best.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACsoccerguy on July 06, 2018, 09:28:02 PM
1) Not sure where you're getting the "very mad" quote? Made up?
2) Fahey's move doesn't count then? Right. If he wasn't at Dartmouth, would he have gotten the ND job?
3) Wileman followed him? Kentucky head coach has been there for 6 season (2018 will be 7). Wileman has been there for 3 seasons (2018 will be 4).
4) What does Gorman's age have anything to do with the FACT that he was a 2nd assistant at Dartmouth and was later the head coach of Albany?
5) Bobby Clark (you misspelled his name Mr "Right") connections is a main reason these guys all got jobs? Gorman, Wileman and Fahey never worked for or with Bobby Clark, and never played for him. Neither did Rutkowski.
6) What does the Dartmouth top assistant maybe or maybe not leaving and maybe or maybe not taking Flaherty having anything to do with the above list? It has nothing to do with how previous Dartmouth assistants have done. Might not have anything to do with why Flaherty wanted to take the job.
7) You were claiming earlier that Flaherty was fired. Now you're arguing he took it to get into Division 1 and it's a hopeful move at best?
8) 2nd assistant jobs were previously for "retreads" according to you. Now that you see the list of who was there and how they've done, you've backed off that?

Not sure what your issue is with Flaherty. If you could elaborate and give any good reason why there is one, let us know
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 07, 2018, 09:20:37 AM
Quote from: NESCACsoccerguy on July 06, 2018, 09:28:02 PM
1) Not sure where you're getting the "very mad" quote? Made up?
2) Fahey's move doesn't count then? Right. If he wasn't at Dartmouth, would he have gotten the ND job?
3) Wileman followed him? Kentucky head coach has been there for 6 season (2018 will be 7). Wileman has been there for 3 seasons (2018 will be 4).
4) What does Gorman's age have anything to do with the FACT that he was a 2nd assistant at Dartmouth and was later the head coach of Albany?
5) Bobby Clark (you misspelled his name Mr "Right") connections is a main reason these guys all got jobs? Gorman, Wileman and Fahey never worked for or with Bobby Clark, and never played for him. Neither did Rutkowski.
6) What does the Dartmouth top assistant maybe or maybe not leaving and maybe or maybe not taking Flaherty having anything to do with the above list? It has nothing to do with how previous Dartmouth assistants have done. Might not have anything to do with why Flaherty wanted to take the job.
7) You were claiming earlier that Flaherty was fired. Now you're arguing he took it to get into Division 1 and it's a hopeful move at best?
8) 2nd assistant jobs were previously for "retreads" according to you. Now that you see the list of who was there and how they've done, you've backed off that?

Not sure what your issue is with Flaherty. If you could elaborate and give any good reason why there is one, let us know


YOU said the AD was upset at Flaherty leaving as if the program would be unable to continue without him. The fact is the guy in 6 years went 11-38-11 and was 20 seconds away from never qualifying for the Nescac Tournament / never getting into the Top 8 in an 11 team league. He never surpassed 2 wins in 6 seasons. Enough said. His resume speaks for itself.

I have nothing against the guy but the way you approached the whole subject was that this was a massive loss to the program and the school. I just wanted to get the actual numbers out there.

As far as Assistants, my spelling issues, making things up, backing off retreads and anything else going on in your head I have nothing for you but I think it is you who is splitting hairs because you have nothing else to go with.  I will end this by just saying that if you do not think Clark(e) has anything to do with Dartmouth Mens Soccer and all the coaches that have followed him and gotten jobs because of him than it is you who is naive on the whole coaching tree and how his tentacles are all over College Soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on July 10, 2018, 08:20:44 AM
It's interesting to reflect on the Dartmouth coaching lineage.  Bobby Clark was there from '85 to '93 and really raised the bar.  He was a legendary Scottish player himself who was revered during his time at Dartmouth before moving on to Notre Dame.  Then Fran O'Leary (an Irishman) came in for 7 years before departing for George Mason, and later Bowdoin.  Jeff Cook came over from Bates to succeed O'Leary and brought in Chad Riley (a Notre Dame alum) as his assistant.  Riley later succeeded Cook.  All of these guys were successful at Dartmouth to varying degrees, but especially Riley who coached them to four straight Ivy titles over the last four years and second round NCAA appearances.  Now Riley has moved back to his alma mater Notre Dame to take over from Bobby Clark.

I'm a Dartmouth alum, but was a Nordic skier and not a soccer player.  I'm a fan of Dartmouth men's soccer, but ironically I'm a bigger fan of Brown men's soccer because that's where one of my sons played.  It'll be interesting to see how the new Dartmouth coach fares...especially given that he's got no connection (at least that I'm aware of) to the Bobby Clark "mafia"...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on July 10, 2018, 09:29:45 AM
I don't want to shift the conversation too far afield from NESCAC but for those who are curious about details, Bobby Clark's network is all over D1 soccer. His former assistants include Brian Wiese who played for him at Dartmouth, coached with him at ND, and is head coach at Georgetown. Mike Avery was his former assistant at ND and is head coach at Valpo. Nate Norman played for him at ND, was head women's coach at Western Michigan and is now head women's coach at ND. Greg Dalby played for him at ND, coached for him at ND, then was an Asst at Davidson and now an Asst. at Penn State. Chad Riley played for him at ND, was Asst under him at ND, then left to take Dartmouth Asst. job and was hired into Head Dartmouth job and is now the ND coach following Bobby's retirement. Bobby's son, Jamie, played for him at Stanford, was an Asst for him at ND, and is now  head coach at Univ Washington after stints at New Mexico and Harvard. I'm sure there are more.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACsoccerguy on July 10, 2018, 06:10:05 PM
100% Clark has a huge tree and influence. The point on my end was that Dartmouth 2nd assistants have done well. With / without Clark, they've been successful. Some I'm sure had a lot to do with Clark. That said, I'm not sure Clark told Riley to hire Fahey (someone who had never played or coached for Clark) and I'm not sure Clark told Riley to take Fahey to Notre Dame. I'm not sure Clark told Cook to hire Cedergren and I'm not sure Clark got Cedergren (someone who had never played or coached for Clark)  the Kentucky head coaching job. I'm not sure Clark told Cook to hire Wileman (someone who had never played or coached for Clark) at Dartmouth and I'm not sure Clark told Cedergren to hire Wileman at Kentucky. I'm not sure Clark told cook to hire Gorman (someone who had never played or coached for Clark) and I'm not sure Clark got Gorman the Albany job.

Regardless, the whole point at the beginning was that this is a good move for Flaherty if he wants to get into Division 1 coaching. I never said the AD was very mad. I never said he did an amazing job and was irreplaceable at Bates. I just said that if he wants to go Division 1 it is a good move, and that I heard the AD was not happy about him leaving. Mr. Right, please don't misquote me and make up things I did not say to help your argument/your attempts to make Flaherty look bad.

Dartmouth is playing Indiana, Notre Dame and UCONN in their first three games next year. I am not seeing Bates schedule but they played Hamilton, UNE and Newbury in their first three games last year. Bates (to my knowledge) has never had a player drafted into the MLS. Dartmouth had a first and a fourth round draft pick in the most recent MLS Draft. Bates I don't believe has ever won a NESCAC title and Mr. Right + others usually say it is one of the toughest NESCAC schools to recruit to. Dartmouth has won four straight Ivy League titles. If you want to coach college soccer at the highest level possible, it does seem like a good move in my opinion.

I'll leave it at this. If he was fired, why would Bates not have a story about his resignation/contract not renewed/whatever the case is when Dartmouth already has a story announcing him joining the staff on their website? If he was fired/not renewed/whatever the case is, why would Bates do this in late June when they had the entire offseason? Plenty of schools push their coaches out the door, but they do it far earlier rather than wait so long.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lumbercat on July 12, 2018, 02:50:11 PM
I'm no soccer guy but they are cleaning house at Bates. The Head football coach recently "left" at a very bad time and they had to scramble to replace him- like Flaherty I think he was pushed out.

My personal speculation is both coaching situations may have been similar. The AD wanted to make these coaching changes but the administration was unwilling to buy out the remainder of coaching contracts. I believe the Football coach intended to play out the final year of his contract but evidently found a lame duck situation for his final year untenable and chose to leave.

Or, possibly there was some unsuccessful financial negotiation and the coach walked.....speculation only.
Looks to me like the Soccer situation was similar.

Hoping the college will make the right financial commitment to both programs but that remains to be seen.

As I said, I'm not a soccer guy but you folks in the Soccer community will know the level of the commitment Bates has made by the resume and reputation of the new guy despite the less than ideal time frame.

For what it's worth I don't know Flaherty at all but have heard rumblings about him and certain eccentricities on more than one different occasions in the past few years. All told they wanted him gone.

I'll get off the Soccer board and leave it to those who know but I will leave with one final comment for the record. I believe Bates at some point in the past 10 or 15 years did have a guy drafted and/or who played in the prevailing pro Soccer league at that time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
Quote from: lumbercat on July 12, 2018, 02:50:11 PM
I'm no soccer guy but they are cleaning house at Bates. The Head football coach recently "left" at a very bad time and they had to scramble to replace him- like Flaherty I think he was pushed out.

My personal speculation is both coaching situations may have been similar. The AD wanted to make these coaching changes but the administration was unwilling to buy out the remainder of coaching contracts. I believe the Football coach intended to play out the final year of his contract but evidently found a lame duck situation for his final year untenable and chose to leave.

Or, possibly there was some unsuccessful financial negotiation and the coach walked.....speculation only.
Looks to me like the Soccer situation was similar.

Hoping the college will make the right financial commitment to both programs but that remains to be seen.

As I said, I'm not a soccer guy but you folks in the Soccer community will know the level of the commitment Bates has made by the resume and reputation of the new guy despite the less than ideal time frame.

For what it's worth I don't know Flaherty at all but have heard rumblings about him and certain eccentricities on more than one different occasions in the past few years. All told they wanted him gone.

I'll get off the Soccer board and leave it to those who know but I will leave with one final comment for the record. I believe Bates at some point in the past 10 or 15 years did have a guy drafted and/or who played in the prevailing pro Soccer league at that time.

I thought I would add the perspective of someone currently in the middle of the pre-senior year recruiting season and who was in-process with Flaherty. My son can attest that the assistant coach, who were we told might be taking over the head coach spot, hasn't shown any improvement on Flaherty's lackadaisical recruiting abilities. And it's not because my kid stinks; he's been to enough nescac recruiting clinics by now to have learned that he is just about as a high level a player as any nescac coach can hope to have in any given year. Not saying that boastfully, but merely to point out how pathetic Bates' recruiting has been: Flaherty screwed up the day appointment when we showed up after traveling halfway across the country, dropped the ball on communication thereafter while busy leaving or getting fired, then this assistant coach did no direct follow-up with my son by way of introduction as the torch was passed, just impersonal camp solicitation emails with outdated information. My son has basically lost all confidence and scratched Bates off the list.

On the positive side, once son's grades and scores ended up pretty high and he got feedback from coaches that he's the kind of player they would use a "tip" for, it opened up a lot more of nescac than I had thought. Son isn't splitting hairs on the schools' academics which to him are all outstanding; the search is on for a good coach who actually tries to get his players to play a quality game. From the clinics he has been to so far, here is what he has discovered so far this summer. Anything to add, anyone?

- Murphy: His intensity really showed. Every second of that clinic was scheduled down to the second. Then, although he was a joke-around kind of guy, he was overly critical and an extreme micromanager. If you scored a goal, somehow he still managed to say you should have shot with the other foot or done xyz differently. My son feels like that guy constantly in his ear is going to shut down his intuitive decision-making process and creativity.

- Elias: Hard to read, very serious, maybe to the point of no fun. Son didn't get a chance to get to know him as he only went for one day. Still don't know much. Anyone have more to add?

- Shapiro: He was definitely the full-of-himself guy playing crap soccer that everyone said he would be. Son figured out for himself that Amherst is no place for a quality midfielder. He doesn't care how good a school it is, or whether he'd make the guy's list, he won't have any part of it.

- Nizzi: very disarming, easy-going guy. Not sure about what it's like to play for him after a one-day clinic. Very forthright; didn't hide anything to parents about the ins and outs of athlete admissions. My personal opinion is that this would be a good bet.

- Weircinski: has been as good on the recruiting side as Murphy. Son has been impressed with his communication. He is at his camp now, and all son has said so far is that the recruits there are no good, but then again by his telling, there have only been a handful of good players in all these clinics combined. In a previous post, someone said Bowdoin "doesn't play pretty." Can someone elaborate on that?

- Tufts: Clinic isn't until the end of July, so we'll see. I have high hopes, though. From previous posts, it sounds like they play as good a game as can be found in nescac... any comments? Son added this school to his list in the 11th hour, though, so he hasn't gotten a sense of the coach.

So far, son hasn't walked away from a clinic thinking, that's the one. He experienced first-hand that the F&M coaches are the "class act" one poster said they were, and if picking a school were only about coaches, he would go with them. I just worry about him playing in that league and getting bored. It's not a good sign that he's a dramatically better player than all this year's incoming freshmen (coach's words). It was his decision forgo D1, but I do think he should try to get a better fit in D3. Where that is, I don't know. Your opinion is appreciated!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on July 19, 2018, 02:50:30 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
- Shapiro: He was definitely the full-of-himself guy playing crap soccer that everyone said he would be. Son figured out for himself that Amherst is no place for a quality midfielder. He doesn't care how good a school it is, or whether he'd make the guy's list, he won't have any part of it.

Assuming you meant Serpone? Shapiro is the coach at Tufts, not Amherst, and, in my experience, is not full of himself, or at least not publicly. (Confidence in oneself is one thing; being arrogant is another.) Never met Serpone so I cannot say directly what kind of person he is, but I have been less-than-impressed with some of his histrionics. Personally, I believe some of the distaste towards Amherst/its coaches/style of play (on these boards and elsewhere) is rooted in envy of its success, but given the ubiquity of those claims (and the diverse origins of them) it's hard to say that at least some of the criticism isn't merited.

Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
- Weircinski: has been as good on the recruiting side as Murphy. Son has been impressed with his communication. He is at his camp now, and all son has said so far is that the recruits there are no good, but then again by his telling, there have only been a handful of good players in all these clinics combined. In a previous post, someone said Bowdoin "doesn't play pretty." Can someone elaborate on that?
They have been known to sit pretty deep and play direct, although I think it's as much of a function of the players they've had as Wiercinski's philosophy. Then again, maybe that has to do with the "profile" of a typical Bowdoin recruit; Bowdoin has had pretty decent team size but not a ton of trickery or team speed. Then again, with 3 NCAA appearances in 4 years, you can't say it hasn't worked, although they failed to advance past the first weekend of the tournament in that time.

Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
- Tufts: Clinic isn't until the end of July, so we'll see. I have high hopes, though. From previous posts, it sounds like they play as good a game as can be found in nescac... any comments? Son added this school to his list in the 11th hour, though, so he hasn't gotten a sense of the coach.
I've watched Tufts for about five years now. They do play a possession style overall, but can play direct when they need to. They kept it on the ground en route to the 2014 title, but were a lot more direct when they won two years later. Last year seemed to be somewhere in the middle. I think their success in recent years has largely been down to adaptability and balance — they have a very deep team that can win games in a number of different ways. As for Shapiro, I have always seen him conduct himself well, and he seems very well-respected by both his players and opponents. Don't think you could go wrong with Tufts.

Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
So far, son hasn't walked away from a clinic thinking, that's the one. He experienced first-hand that the F&M coaches are the "class act" one poster said they were, and if picking a school were only about coaches, he would go with them. I just worry about him playing in that league and getting bored. It's not a good sign that he's a dramatically better player than all this year's incoming freshmen (coach's words). It was his decision forgo D1, but I do think he should try to get a better fit in D3. Where that is, I don't know. Your opinion is appreciated!
I certainly don't think he would "get bored" in the Centennial Conference. F&M has been the best team in the conference the past five or so years, and seems to do well year-in, year-out (even last year in an uninspired season they still managed to make NCAAs), but that's not to say the conference is not competitive — you've got Dickinson, Haverford, and Johns Hopkins all fully capable of dislodging the Diplomats atop the conference. Moreover, just because he would be the best recruit in his class doesn't mean he's going to score 200 goals and carry the team on his back. Of course, I'm using hyperbole, but I guess my point is that I don't think he would find it "easy" or "boring" playing in F&M's conference.

As a previous poster said, find the best fit school-wise (and community-wise) and don't solely let soccer drive the decision. Whether that means F&M or not is another matter, but — while fully acknowledging that the NESCAC would be more competitive — I don't think you should be quite as concerned about a lack of challenge in the Centennial Conference. And if F&M is a good enough fit and he feels home at there, I think he'd be making a great decision.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 06:02:43 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on July 19, 2018, 02:50:30 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
- Shapiro: He was definitely the full-of-himself guy playing crap soccer that everyone said he would be. Son figured out for himself that Amherst is no place for a quality midfielder. He doesn't care how good a school it is, or whether he'd make the guy's list, he won't have any part of it.

Assuming you meant Serpone? Shapiro is the coach at Tufts, not Amherst, and, in my experience, is not full of himself, or at least not publicly. (Confidence in oneself is one thing; being arrogant is another.) Never met Serpone so I cannot say directly what kind of person he is, but I have been less-than-impressed with some of his histrionics. Personally, I believe some of the distaste towards Amherst/its coaches/style of play (on these boards and elsewhere) is rooted in envy of its success, but given the ubiquity of those claims (and the diverse origins of them) it's hard to say that at least some of the criticism isn't merited.

Yes, I meant Serpone! Just got the names mixed up. He coached the recruits exactly as we had heard he coaches his team.

Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
- Weircinski: has been as good on the recruiting side as Murphy. Son has been impressed with his communication. He is at his camp now, and all son has said so far is that the recruits there are no good, but then again by his telling, there have only been a handful of good players in all these clinics combined. In a previous post, someone said Bowdoin "doesn't play pretty." Can someone elaborate on that?
They have been known to sit pretty deep and play direct, although I think it's as much of a function of the players they've had as Wiercinski's philosophy. Then again, maybe that has to do with the "profile" of a typical Bowdoin recruit; Bowdoin has had pretty decent team size but not a ton of trickery or team speed. Then again, with 3 NCAA appearances in 4 years, you can't say it hasn't worked, although they failed to advance past the first weekend of the tournament in that time.

By "team size" I expect you mean big dudes, not size of the roster.

Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
- Tufts: Clinic isn't until the end of July, so we'll see. I have high hopes, though. From previous posts, it sounds like they play as good a game as can be found in nescac... any comments? Son added this school to his list in the 11th hour, though, so he hasn't gotten a sense of the coach.
I've watched Tufts for about five years now. They do play a possession style overall, but can play direct when they need to. They kept it on the ground en route to the 2014 title, but were a lot more direct when they won two years later. Last year seemed to be somewhere in the middle. I think their success in recent years has largely been down to adaptability and balance — they have a very deep team that can win games in a number of different ways. As for Shapiro, I have always seen him conduct himself well, and he seems very well-respected by both his players and opponents. Don't think you could go wrong with Tufts.

Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
So far, son hasn't walked away from a clinic thinking, that's the one. He experienced first-hand that the F&M coaches are the "class act" one poster said they were, and if picking a school were only about coaches, he would go with them. I just worry about him playing in that league and getting bored. It's not a good sign that he's a dramatically better player than all this year's incoming freshmen (coach's words). It was his decision forgo D1, but I do think he should try to get a better fit in D3. Where that is, I don't know. Your opinion is appreciated!
I certainly don't think he would "get bored" in the Centennial Conference. F&M has been the best team in the conference the past five or so years, and seems to do well year-in, year-out (even last year in an uninspired season they still managed to make NCAAs), but that's not to say the conference is not competitive — you've got Dickinson, Haverford, and Johns Hopkins all fully capable of dislodging the Diplomats atop the conference. Moreover, just because he would be the best recruit in his class doesn't mean he's going to score 200 goals and carry the team on his back. Of course, I'm using hyperbole, but I guess my point is that I don't think he would find it "easy" or "boring" playing in F&M's conference.

As a previous poster said, find the best fit school-wise (and community-wise) and don't solely let soccer drive the decision. Whether that means F&M or not is another matter, but — while fully acknowledging that the NESCAC would be more competitive — I don't think you should be quite as concerned about a lack of challenge in the Centennial Conference. And if F&M is a good enough fit and he feels home at there, I think he'd be making a great decision.

Point taken. It does seem like for the moment son is letting soccer drive the decision since most of his campus time is limited to the field. Soccer aside, to him these schools are so similar, and he thinks he'd be pretty happy at just about any of them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on July 19, 2018, 09:34:24 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 06:02:43 PM
Yes, I meant Serpone! Just got the names mixed up. He coached the recruits exactly as we had heard he coaches his team.

Got it. That's a shame.

Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 06:02:43 PM
By "team size" I expect you mean big dudes, not size of the roster.

Indeed.

Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 06:02:43 PM
Point taken. It does seem like for the moment son is letting soccer drive the decision since most of his campus time is limited to the field. Soccer aside, to him these schools are so similar, and he thinks he'd be pretty happy at just about any of them.

That's understandable, and from what it sounds like he has options! If in fact he feels he'd be happy at any of them, then I can understand soccer playing more of a role in his decision. I just opined that it shouldn't be his only deciding factor, but it sounds like it is not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 20, 2018, 04:13:45 PM
Decided to browse after a long absence.  Amazing how quickly social media and the internet can get you worked up.

We will know within the first couple of weeks of season where this kid being recruited goes (in 2019?).  He will dominate the league from the start and I've penciled him in as a D3soccer First Team AA selection.  Bored at F&M?  A school that has made about 5 out of the last 6 Sweet 16s?  Hopkins, Haverford, Dickinson, Gettysburg, et al plus a Camden or Messiah and/or Montclair not good enough.  The Ivies mut be hanging all over this kid.  Kudos to him and the family for holding them off.

BTW, I'm not an Amherst apologist by any means.....but the shot at Serpone from the family of a high school rising senior is just ridiculous.  So, if Amherst is the only NESCAC that gives the kid a tip or admission, he's not going?  Because the national champs from 2 years ago don't play pretty enough soccer.  I can't believe all of these 16 and 17 year olds out there with their fine-grained assessments of how truly sharp D3 midfielders should be playing and where.  It's D3 soccer for heaven's sakes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 20, 2018, 04:16:45 PM
And, lol, was Nico Pascuale-Leone a midfielder?  And maybe qualify as a quality midfielder at the D3 level?  Wonder what would his view would be?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerMom_5 on July 20, 2018, 11:47:52 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on July 19, 2018, 09:34:24 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 06:02:43 PM
Yes, I meant Serpone! Just got the names mixed up. He coached the recruits exactly as we had heard he coaches his team.

One of my kids thought the same thing.  He had really been leaning towards Amherst academically, but also wanted to play soccer while he was in college.  Ended up not choosing Amherst, and that was one reason. (Also, he didn't think the students at Amherst were as friendly as at the other schools he was considering.)


Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
- Weircinski: has been as good on the recruiting side as Murphy. Son has been impressed with his communication. He is at his camp now, and all son has said so far is that the recruits there are no good, but then again by his telling, there have only been a handful of good players in all these clinics combined. In a previous post, someone said Bowdoin "doesn't play pretty." Can someone elaborate on that?
They have been known to sit pretty deep and play direct, although I think it's as much of a function of the players they've had as Wiercinski's philosophy. Then again, maybe that has to do with the "profile" of a typical Bowdoin recruit; Bowdoin has had pretty decent team size but not a ton of trickery or team speed. Then again, with 3 NCAA appearances in 4 years, you can't say it hasn't worked, although they failed to advance past the first weekend of the tournament in that time.

My opinion vis-a-vis Bowdoin isn't always appreciated here, but I understand your position as a Mom, and have watched Bowdoin closely,  so I will mention: Wiercinski seems to stack his talent in the back and so the team tends to sit deep. And their midfield was disastrous this past year, so they often had to play more directly than they had played the year before.
Sounds like your son is a decent  midfielder. Bowdoin needed someone in midfield who  could connect this year.
Bowdoin had 5 All-Conference Players this year which was more than any other NESCAC team had (as well as a couple (2? 3?) All-Region, and one All-American) They were just missing the connecting piece in the middle; their backline mostly had to circumvent the midfield to get the ball forward. So...  Your son might be able to step right in as a First Year.  (Except... Bowdoin lost almost their entire starting defense...)

Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
So far, son hasn't walked away from a clinic thinking, that's the one. He experienced first-hand that the F&M coaches are the "class act" one poster said they were, and if picking a school were only about coaches, he would go with them. I just worry about him playing in that league and getting bored. It's not a good sign that he's a dramatically better player than all this year's incoming freshmen (coach's words). It was his decision forgo D1, but I do think he should try to get a better fit in D3. Where that is, I don't know. Your opinion is appreciated!

As a previous poster said, find the best fit school-wise (and community-wise) and don't solely let soccer drive the decision.
[/quote]

This!!!

If your kids play Academy or a high-level club soccer, you are not going to find the soccer you are looking for in D3.  The NESCAC is as close as it gets, but a quality u16 or 17 Academy team could beat any of these teams without working very hard at all.  There will be quality kids on each team, but they get spread to thin because there aren't enough of them.   And the coaches don't always seem to recognize what they've got, for various reasons, I suppose. 

Assuming he can get in to all of them, I would suggest that your son should pick the school he likes best.  With the exception of my oldest son eliminating Amherst, and the others not even applying there, as a result...  We discussed the schools from the point of view of: if you blew out your knee in the first week of first preseason, and could never play soccer again, which school would you want to spend the next four years at.  They each chose that way; they each played soccer at their chosen school; they each had frustrations at times, with style and level of play, with coaching issues, and other things... But in the end, they have loved the schools they have chosen and they have really enjoyed being part of their teams. 

I know it is hard to convince a kid of this at the end of junior year, but it has been my experience that ... As they get closer to the end and it comes down to the wire on final choices, they begin to show more wisdom, and are more amenable to considering making a pragmatic choice.

Good luck.  I know the stress you are going through.  I have been through it,  also! :(
In my experience, it all works out okay, and better than you can even imagine when looking at it the summer after 11th grade.  But also in my experience, nothing anyone says makes it feel any better at that point in time.

Best of luck to your student in his college search.  And I hope that you can enjoy watching his u18 year!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 21, 2018, 11:24:59 AM
D4 Pace, I'm curious as to your opinion (as a former Academy player and experience with a top-tier D3 program) about the idea that U16 and U17 Academy teams would crush the top 15-20 D3 teams in the country.  Maybe it's just me but I find some of the romanticizing of the Academy experience (and level) a little over the top.

I'm also curious as to whether some of these posters just have incredible integrity in terms of "keeping it real" (a la the Chappelle segment) or are oblivious to what they blurt out.  If you hint that you are from some obscure area in the Midwest and are one of the top recruits in the nation drowning in attractive D1 offers with board scores in a certain range with a specific GPA, one might figure that even these shoddy NESCAC coaches might figure out who you are.  And I imagine the entire midfield of a NESCAC squad includes actual people with names, who might even be good friends with the wonderful defenders on said team.

Also curious as to all the lamenting and angst about the horrible level of play in D3, and all the opportunities to go D1 instead, and yet the decisions to focus on D3 anyway.  I know the usual responses about blowing out a knee and going abroad and go where you's still be happy if not playing soccer, but still....some of these alleged super-skilled intuitive studs might not find D1 so appealing and so friendly to "beautiful soccer"....they might not get to play... and there are plenty of places where I'm sure many kids who "choose" D3 would still be plenty happy if they blew out a knee or never got off the bench in D1.....like, for instance, my alma mater, Davidson (a D1 in D3 clothing), Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, the Ivies, etc, etc.  And if you could be a starter at Duke or UCLA or Cal or Stanford or UVA or UNC or Wake Forest, why wouldn't you go there?

Finally, re: the topic of a super-stud picking a NESCAC, I'm going to give a big vote to Colby....no school has had such a dramatic rise up the USNWR charts, and it is a beautiful campus, and a place where one could bask in the process of taking a program from the bottom all the way to the top.  Improvements already have been noted, and what a thrill to be a leader of a program who could knock off the usual NESCAC heavyweights and make some NCAA noise.  If not seduced by Williams or Amherst, not really needed at Tufts, and not the kind of kid who has a passion for the slightly more unique vibe of a Wesleyan, then I personally would be all over Colby.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on July 21, 2018, 01:40:45 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 21, 2018, 11:24:59 AM
D4 Pace, I'm curious as to your opinion (as a former Academy player and experience with a top-tier D3 program) about the idea that U16 and U17 Academy teams would crush the top 15-20 D3 teams in the country.  Maybe it's just me but I find some of the romanticizing of the Academy experience (and level) a little over the top.

I'm also curious as to whether some of these posters just have incredible integrity in terms of "keeping it real" (a la the Chappelle segment) or are oblivious to what they blurt out.  If you hint that you are from some obscure area in the Midwest and are one of the top recruits in the nation drowning in attractive D1 offers with board scores in a certain range with a specific GPA, one might figure that even these shoddy NESCAC coaches might figure out who you are.  And I imagine the entire midfield of a NESCAC squad includes actual people with names, who might even be good friends with the wonderful defenders on said team.

Also curious as to all the lamenting and angst about the horrible level of play in D3, and all the opportunities to go D1 instead, and yet the decisions to focus on D3 anyway.  I know the usual responses about blowing out a knee and going abroad and go where you's still be happy if not playing soccer, but still....some of these alleged super-skilled intuitive studs might not find D1 so appealing and so friendly to "beautiful soccer"....they might not get to play... and there are plenty of places where I'm sure many kids who "choose" D3 would still be plenty happy if they blew out a knee or never got off the bench in D1.....like, for instance, my alma mater, Davidson (a D1 in D3 clothing), Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, the Ivies, etc, etc.  And if you could be a starter at Duke or UCLA or Cal or Stanford or UVA or UNC or Wake Forest, why wouldn't you go there?

Finally, re: the topic of a super-stud picking a NESCAC, I'm going to give a big vote to Colby....no school has had such a dramatic rise up the USNWR charts, and it is a beautiful campus, and a place where one could bask in the process of taking a program from the bottom all the way to the top.  Improvements already have been noted, and what a thrill to be a leader of a program who could knock off the usual NESCAC heavyweights and make some NCAA noise.  If not seduced by Williams or Amherst, not really needed at Tufts, and not the kind of kid who has a passion for the slightly more unique vibe of a Wesleyan, then I personally would be all over Colby.

I also question that 16/17 academy teams would crush say the D3  sweet 16 teams. This may be a shock but a lot of those rosters are full of academy players...and some don't start.  It's not like all academy players can play for the top 10 d1 schools.  Let's face it...in D3, D2 and D1 there's plenty of ugly soccer being played. But there are programs at every level that try to play good soccer and some are successful with regards to results.   There are many D1 transfers playing in D3 and it's not like the come in and dominate or are bored with how unchallenged they are. But style of play and team chemistry are important in the decision where to attend.

I would suggest this young man look at Brandeis if he is looking at Nescac. Last 2 final 4s..good academics.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on July 21, 2018, 03:52:56 PM
Hey Paul thanks for the shoutout.  I think the first thing to consider is the wide range of skill level at the academy level.  The MLS and a couple other clubs have really pulled away.  When I played academy we scrimmaged the defending JUCO national champions and beat them pretty easily at 18 years old.  So I think if we are talking a u18/19 MLS/top ten academy side they are certainly competing with and probably beating most d3 teams.  But if we are talking about u16 academies... Your run of the mill academy is getting destroyed by a top level d3 team.  Like it wouldn't even be close.  A u16 MLS academy, and when I say MLS I mean NY Red Bull/LA Galaxy/Atlanta United not the Columbus crew academy, would certainly have better technique and guys that will ultimate be better players.  But at 15 years old a lot of those guys would struggle to play against the 21 year olds playing for d3 sides.  So I guess to answer your question succinctly most u16/17 academies are not beating the elite d3 schools and certainly are not doing so easily.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on July 23, 2018, 08:39:48 AM
mom1234 et. al., I think there have been some helpful comments posted in the wake of your initial inquiry.  Understandably your son is currently looking at his college search through his "soccer lens".  Not that teenage kids are seeking parents' advice, but it is important to try and gently emphasize that soccer--although important and hopefully fun--is only a part of an overall college experience that will include academics, school community, and a social life.  Not to mention the valuable network of friends and career connections that prevail upon graduating.

My older son played for Brown and had a good overall soccer and college experience, but his horizon during his four years of college didn't extend much beyond the soccer team and his roommates (all of whom were teammates).  For a D1 player, the program is year round and fairly all consuming.  He wouldn't trade the overall experience but realizes he missed out on some things at college.

My younger son, who received some D1 recruiting attention, ended up playing for Bowdoin and had a great soccer and overall college experience.  He had a number of friends outside of the team and studied abroad for a semester, something that would be more difficult to do in D1.

Per some earlier comments, beyond the soccer programs themselves, not all the NESCACs are identical with respect to culture and academics.  For example, I chauffeured my son on an interesting recruiting weekend to Wesleyan and Amherst.  We each had a blast on that trip, but those two schools couldn't be much different culturally.  He liked both of them but chose Bowdoin, which felt like a sweet spot for him more in the middle of the progressive/traditional cultural spectrum.

If I had a soccer player looking at NESCACs today, I would encourage him/her to think about the culture of the team and the coach's personality and style...even above the current performance level of the program.  The team culture and the coach's personality are going to have a greater bearing on whether the student athlete has a positive and rewarding athletic experience than simply the Ws and Ls. 

Best of luck to your son during this exciting time of college exploration.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 09:00:20 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on July 21, 2018, 03:52:56 PM
Hey Paul thanks for the shoutout.  I think the first thing to consider is the wide range of skill level at the academy level.  The MLS and a couple other clubs have really pulled away.  When I played academy we scrimmaged the defending JUCO national champions and beat them pretty easily at 18 years old.  So I think if we are talking a u18/19 MLS/top ten academy side they are certainly competing with and probably beating most d3 teams.  But if we are talking about u16 academies... Your run of the mill academy is getting destroyed by a top level d3 team.  Like it wouldn't even be close.  A u16 MLS academy, and when I say MLS I mean NY Red Bull/LA Galaxy/Atlanta United not the Columbus crew academy, would certainly have better technique and guys that will ultimate be better players.  But at 15 years old a lot of those guys would struggle to play against the 21 year olds playing for d3 sides.  So I guess to answer your question succinctly most u16/17 academies are not beating the elite d3 schools and certainly are not doing so easily.
Son and I know first hand that all academies are definitely not created equal; there is a pretty big difference between our local MLS academy (where son would not make the cut or if he did, be at the bottom of the roster) and the club academies (where he did play before; they had a good butt-whooping every time they played against the MLS side, usually 1-5 or even more; I think they managed 2-3 once). In our particular city, MLS academy is full of real MLS-bound talent, the non-academy has a smattering of skilled players. He turned down the non-MLS academy this past year for the non-academy team from the same club, which ended up steamrolling its way to the finals of our USYS Regionals and missed Nationals by a goal, and can and does beat said academy team any day. So the top USYS club teams rival the middle- and low-range academies.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 09:29:37 AM
Quote from: truenorth on July 23, 2018, 08:39:48 AM
mom1234 et. al., I think there have been some helpful comments posted in the wake of your initial inquiry.  Understandably your son is currently looking at his college search through his "soccer lens".  Not that teenage kids are seeking parents' advice, but it is important to try and gently emphasize that soccer--although important and hopefully fun--is only a part of an overall college experience that will include academics, school community, and a social life.  Not to mention the valuable network of friends and career connections that prevail upon graduating.

My older son played for Brown and had a good overall soccer and college experience, but his horizon during his four years of college didn't extend much beyond the soccer team and his roommates (all of whom were teammates).  For a D1 player, the program is year round and fairly all consuming.  He wouldn't trade the overall experience but realizes he missed out on some things at college.

My younger son, who received some D1 recruiting attention, ended up playing for Bowdoin and had a great soccer and overall college experience.  He had a number of friends outside of the team and studied abroad for a semester, something that would be more difficult to do in D1.

Per some earlier comments, beyond the soccer programs themselves, not all the NESCACs are identical with respect to culture and academics.  For example, I chauffeured my son on an interesting recruiting weekend to Wesleyan and Amherst.  We each had a blast on that trip, but those two schools couldn't be much different culturally.  He liked both of them but chose Bowdoin, which felt like a sweet spot for him more in the middle of the progressive/traditional cultural spectrum.

If I had a soccer player looking at NESCACs today, I would encourage him/her to think about the culture of the team and the coach's personality and style...even above the current performance level of the program.  The team culture and the coach's personality are going to have a greater bearing on whether the student athlete has a positive and rewarding athletic experience than simply the Ws and Ls. 

Best of luck to your son during this exciting time of college exploration.

As Mom who invested a lot in his training growing up, I probably get a little caught up in the performance level; it is son who from the start son has been most interested in coach personality, team culture, and a well-rounded college experience, hence the original impetus for seeking insight on this board. He's been able to get a sense of personality, but team culture is harder to read when its not season and there are maybe three actual players hanging around these clinics. On the recruiting timeline, when do these kids get a chance to get on campus and experience the team culture? If the coach wants you on the team, does he invite you to spend a weekend in the fall of senior year or something?

Your comments on the D1 experience are just the reminder I needed to hear. How much of a time commitment was Brown for your son as compared to the one who went to Bowdoin?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 09:35:05 AM
Quote from: rudy on July 21, 2018, 01:40:45 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 21, 2018, 11:24:59 AM
D4 Pace, I'm curious as to your opinion (as a former Academy player and experience with a top-tier D3 program) about the idea that U16 and U17 Academy teams would crush the top 15-20 D3 teams in the country.  Maybe it's just me but I find some of the romanticizing of the Academy experience (and level) a little over the top.

I'm also curious as to whether some of these posters just have incredible integrity in terms of "keeping it real" (a la the Chappelle segment) or are oblivious to what they blurt out.  If you hint that you are from some obscure area in the Midwest and are one of the top recruits in the nation drowning in attractive D1 offers with board scores in a certain range with a specific GPA, one might figure that even these shoddy NESCAC coaches might figure out who you are.  And I imagine the entire midfield of a NESCAC squad includes actual people with names, who might even be good friends with the wonderful defenders on said team.

Also curious as to all the lamenting and angst about the horrible level of play in D3, and all the opportunities to go D1 instead, and yet the decisions to focus on D3 anyway.  I know the usual responses about blowing out a knee and going abroad and go where you's still be happy if not playing soccer, but still....some of these alleged super-skilled intuitive studs might not find D1 so appealing and so friendly to "beautiful soccer"....they might not get to play... and there are plenty of places where I'm sure many kids who "choose" D3 would still be plenty happy if they blew out a knee or never got off the bench in D1.....like, for instance, my alma mater, Davidson (a D1 in D3 clothing), Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, the Ivies, etc, etc.  And if you could be a starter at Duke or UCLA or Cal or Stanford or UVA or UNC or Wake Forest, why wouldn't you go there?

Finally, re: the topic of a super-stud picking a NESCAC, I'm going to give a big vote to Colby....no school has had such a dramatic rise up the USNWR charts, and it is a beautiful campus, and a place where one could bask in the process of taking a program from the bottom all the way to the top.  Improvements already have been noted, and what a thrill to be a leader of a program who could knock off the usual NESCAC heavyweights and make some NCAA noise.  If not seduced by Williams or Amherst, not really needed at Tufts, and not the kind of kid who has a passion for the slightly more unique vibe of a Wesleyan, then I personally would be all over Colby.

I also question that 16/17 academy teams would crush say the D3  sweet 16 teams. This may be a shock but a lot of those rosters are full of academy players...and some don't start.  It's not like all academy players can play for the top 10 d1 schools.  Let's face it...in D3, D2 and D1 there's plenty of ugly soccer being played. But there are programs at every level that try to play good soccer and some are successful with regards to results.   There are many D1 transfers playing in D3 and it's not like the come in and dominate or are bored with how unchallenged they are. But style of play and team chemistry are important in the decision where to attend.

I would suggest this young man look at Brandeis if he is looking at Nescac. Last 2 final 4s..good academics.

Yes, he has interest from Brandeis. Anyone know about their style and team culture? Honestly I've had a hang-up wondering if the overall culture of the school would be foreign for son; we're not Jewish, non-religious...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on July 23, 2018, 09:53:50 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 09:35:05 AM
Yes, he has interest from Brandeis. Anyone know about their style and team culture?
They play an attacking, possession-based brand of soccer. Usually a 4-3-3 formation with equal emphasis of playing through the middle and utilizing the outside backs. They mostly keep the ball on the ground, but can go direct when necessary. Not as large as Bowdoin/Amherst/Tufts in terms of physical size but they do have some decent size and are aggressive and physical. They are a good team to watch if you're a "purist" but can win ugly when they have to.

The team has always seemed to be a good group of guys who know how to have fun but also know how to get down to work. I do not get the sense that there are any real egos in the team. They have had a kid from Team IMPACT (an organization which pairs children with disabilities with college sports teams) and that has seemingly been a fantastic experience for the team as a whole. Margolis is a class act and is an excellent tactician.


Quote from: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 09:35:05 AM
Honestly I've had a hang-up wondering if the overall culture of the school would be foreign for son; we're not Jewish, non-religious...
As a Brandeis alum who is not Jewish or religious (and didn't play soccer), I can wholeheartedly say that those shouldn't be things you should worry about. The Jewish influence is present in terms of building names/etc., but you could go four years at Brandeis without really engaging with it if you wanted to. I personally found it interesting to learn about some of the traditions and culture, but it's not undesirably pervasive. Moreover, I don't believe the team has many (if any) members who are actively religious, so — while I certainly think you should look at the school's background as a large factor in your son's college choice — the "hang-up" you expressed is certainly not anything you'd notice within the program or the school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 09:56:32 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 20, 2018, 04:13:45 PM
Decided to browse after a long absence.  Amazing how quickly social media and the internet can get you worked up.

We will know within the first couple of weeks of season where this kid being recruited goes (in 2019?).  He will dominate the league from the start and I've penciled him in as a D3soccer First Team AA selection.  Bored at F&M?  A school that has made about 5 out of the last 6 Sweet 16s?  Hopkins, Haverford, Dickinson, Gettysburg, et al plus a Camden or Messiah and/or Montclair not good enough.  The Ivies mut be hanging all over this kid.  Kudos to him and the family for holding them off.

BTW, I'm not an Amherst apologist by any means.....but the shot at Serpone from the family of a high school rising senior is just ridiculous.  So, if Amherst is the only NESCAC that gives the kid a tip or admission, he's not going?  Because the national champs from 2 years ago don't play pretty enough soccer.  I can't believe all of these 16 and 17 year olds out there with their fine-grained assessments of how truly sharp D3 midfielders should be playing and where.  It's D3 soccer for heaven's sakes.
This is very entertaining! We haven't been beating off any ivies, perhaps because he never reached out to any of them, but for those who may have watched his team at some tournament or other, they didn't exactly come beating down his door or anything. He got some clinic invitation emails, but no calls. The coach feedback he has gotten is real, but since I am not there at these clinics, I have to assume there is also a bit of cocky male bluster also mixed in... but don't erase him from the First Team selection just yet. :)

About Amherst: It's not that he wants "pretty" soccer. He wants the dang ball. He wants to control and distribute. If Serpone is bypassing the midfield, then son is not playing the key role he wants to play. I actually wouldn't be surprised of Serpone wasn't even interested in him because he doesn't really fit his agenda, so I doubt he will even get a tip from him.

In fact, this whole school search could be summarized this way: on which team am I going to get the ball?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 10:14:48 AM
Quote from: SoccerMom_5 on July 20, 2018, 11:47:52 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on July 19, 2018, 09:34:24 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 06:02:43 PM
Yes, I meant Serpone! Just got the names mixed up. He coached the recruits exactly as we had heard he coaches his team.

One of my kids thought the same thing.  He had really been leaning towards Amherst academically, but also wanted to play soccer while he was in college.  Ended up not choosing Amherst, and that was one reason. (Also, he didn't think the students at Amherst were as friendly as at the other schools he was considering.)


Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
- Weircinski: has been as good on the recruiting side as Murphy. Son has been impressed with his communication. He is at his camp now, and all son has said so far is that the recruits there are no good, but then again by his telling, there have only been a handful of good players in all these clinics combined. In a previous post, someone said Bowdoin "doesn't play pretty." Can someone elaborate on that?
They have been known to sit pretty deep and play direct, although I think it's as much of a function of the players they've had as Wiercinski's philosophy. Then again, maybe that has to do with the "profile" of a typical Bowdoin recruit; Bowdoin has had pretty decent team size but not a ton of trickery or team speed. Then again, with 3 NCAA appearances in 4 years, you can't say it hasn't worked, although they failed to advance past the first weekend of the tournament in that time.

My opinion vis-a-vis Bowdoin isn't always appreciated here, but I understand your position as a Mom, and have watched Bowdoin closely,  so I will mention: Wiercinski seems to stack his talent in the back and so the team tends to sit deep. And their midfield was disastrous this past year, so they often had to play more directly than they had played the year before.
Sounds like your son is a decent  midfielder. Bowdoin needed someone in midfield who  could connect this year.
Bowdoin had 5 All-Conference Players this year which was more than any other NESCAC team had (as well as a couple (2? 3?) All-Region, and one All-American) They were just missing the connecting piece in the middle; their backline mostly had to circumvent the midfield to get the ball forward. So...  Your son might be able to step right in as a First Year.  (Except... Bowdoin lost almost their entire starting defense...)

Hm, interesting. The wrap-up from Bowdoin was this: Although son is a holding mid, Weircinski wants him more for attacking mid or some of both, I think, but not exclusively holding mid. Son said coach cited a reason of putting "taller" guys at defensive mid, which is odd since son is 5'11". There are only two midfielders over that height currently on the team, and they are both graduating. But son is definitely lean and a more technical than physical player. So I don't know that it's exactly "talent" coach is putting at the back, but brawn. We're not sure if this guy values a more brawny style of play, or like you said, maybe he just has had to work with what he's got, and didn't have good midfielders.

Quote from: mom1234 on July 19, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
So far, son hasn't walked away from a clinic thinking, that's the one. He experienced first-hand that the F&M coaches are the "class act" one poster said they were, and if picking a school were only about coaches, he would go with them. I just worry about him playing in that league and getting bored. It's not a good sign that he's a dramatically better player than all this year's incoming freshmen (coach's words). It was his decision forgo D1, but I do think he should try to get a better fit in D3. Where that is, I don't know. Your opinion is appreciated!

As a previous poster said, find the best fit school-wise (and community-wise) and don't solely let soccer drive the decision.

This!!!

If your kids play Academy or a high-level club soccer, you are not going to find the soccer you are looking for in D3.  The NESCAC is as close as it gets, but a quality u16 or 17 Academy team could beat any of these teams without working very hard at all.  There will be quality kids on each team, but they get spread to thin because there aren't enough of them.   And the coaches don't always seem to recognize what they've got, for various reasons, I suppose. 

Assuming he can get in to all of them, I would suggest that your son should pick the school he likes best.  With the exception of my oldest son eliminating Amherst, and the others not even applying there, as a result...  We discussed the schools from the point of view of: if you blew out your knee in the first week of first preseason, and could never play soccer again, which school would you want to spend the next four years at.  They each chose that way; they each played soccer at their chosen school; they each had frustrations at times, with style and level of play, with coaching issues, and other things... But in the end, they have loved the schools they have chosen and they have really enjoyed being part of their teams. 

I know it is hard to convince a kid of this at the end of junior year, but it has been my experience that ... As they get closer to the end and it comes down to the wire on final choices, they begin to show more wisdom, and are more amenable to considering making a pragmatic choice.

Good luck.  I know the stress you are going through.  I have been through it,  also! :(
In my experience, it all works out okay, and better than you can even imagine when looking at it the summer after 11th grade.  But also in my experience, nothing anyone says makes it feel any better at that point in time.

Best of luck to your student in his college search.  And I hope that you can enjoy watching his u18 year!
[/quote]
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 10:40:35 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 21, 2018, 11:24:59 AM
D4 Pace, I'm curious as to your opinion (as a former Academy player and experience with a top-tier D3 program) about the idea that U16 and U17 Academy teams would crush the top 15-20 D3 teams in the country.  Maybe it's just me but I find some of the romanticizing of the Academy experience (and level) a little over the top.

I'm also curious as to whether some of these posters just have incredible integrity in terms of "keeping it real" (a la the Chappelle segment) or are oblivious to what they blurt out.  If you hint that you are from some obscure area in the Midwest and are one of the top recruits in the nation drowning in attractive D1 offers with board scores in a certain range with a specific GPA, one might figure that even these shoddy NESCAC coaches might figure out who you are.  And I imagine the entire midfield of a NESCAC squad includes actual people with names, who might even be good friends with the wonderful defenders on said team.

Also curious as to all the lamenting and angst about the horrible level of play in D3, and all the opportunities to go D1 instead, and yet the decisions to focus on D3 anyway.  I know the usual responses about blowing out a knee and going abroad and go where you's still be happy if not playing soccer, but still....some of these alleged super-skilled intuitive studs might not find D1 so appealing and so friendly to "beautiful soccer"....they might not get to play... and there are plenty of places where I'm sure many kids who "choose" D3 would still be plenty happy if they blew out a knee or never got off the bench in D1.....like, for instance, my alma mater, Davidson (a D1 in D3 clothing), Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, the Ivies, etc, etc.  And if you could be a starter at Duke or UCLA or Cal or Stanford or UVA or UNC or Wake Forest, why wouldn't you go there?

So he can play for the love of it and be a bigger fish in a little pond. He'd probably sit on the bench at Wake Forest. He knows he's not "super stud." I offered to send him to Holy Cross or similar to at least find out where he stood with that lot, but he said no.

Finally, re: the topic of a super-stud picking a NESCAC, I'm going to give a big vote to Colby....no school has had such a dramatic rise up the USNWR charts, and it is a beautiful campus, and a place where one could bask in the process of taking a program from the bottom all the way to the top.  Improvements already have been noted, and what a thrill to be a leader of a program who could knock off the usual NESCAC heavyweights and make some NCAA noise.  If not seduced by Williams or Amherst, not really needed at Tufts, and not the kind of kid who has a passion for the slightly more unique vibe of a Wesleyan, then I personally would be all over Colby.
Colby has been the big mystery this year, and the one nescac that has dissed him completely. Timeline: Son reached out in the fall, they watched him play a tournament, they expressed a lot of interest, kept up communication here and there. Then son told Stanton he wasn't sure if his ACTs would be good enough, at which point response was, don't give up quite yet. Then when he got the decent score, he reached out. Radio silence. Reached out again: hey, are you still there? More silence. So he gave up. So we don't know if they saw him play again and changed their minds, or Stanton is a flake, or what. But I think it is very odd that they do not have an ID clinic series posted on their website? They have never sent out clinic-related correspondence of any kind, ever. What is up with that??
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on July 23, 2018, 11:42:42 AM
So based on your comment regarding your son's team it sounds like the NESCAC is the perfect level.  I know throughout the conference their are kid that played all across the spectrum of academy, with some starting on legit top ten academies, but more at the mid tier and lower academies, as well as plenty of kids from top club teams like your sons. In terms of meeting players, I know Tufts always has like 7 or 8 current guys at the clinic so he will definitely have the opportunity to talk with them.  I took official visits to the final schools I was deciding between my senior fall and that is what pushed me to Tufts. I would definitely encourage you to reach out to coaches once you make your final list of schools about taking a visit.  That is the best way to really see what it would be like to play at that school and also what the school itself is like.  You usually follow guys around to a couple classes, eat in the dining hall, sleep in the dorms...etc. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on July 23, 2018, 12:50:56 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 09:35:05 AM
Quote from: rudy on July 21, 2018, 01:40:45 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 21, 2018, 11:24:59 AM
D4 Pace, I'm curious as to your opinion (as a former Academy player and experience with a top-tier D3 program) about the idea that U16 and U17 Academy teams would crush the top 15-20 D3 teams in the country.  Maybe it's just me but I find some of the romanticizing of the Academy experience (and level) a little over the top.

I'm also curious as to whether some of these posters just have incredible integrity in terms of "keeping it real" (a la the Chappelle segment) or are oblivious to what they blurt out.  If you hint that you are from some obscure area in the Midwest and are one of the top recruits in the nation drowning in attractive D1 offers with board scores in a certain range with a specific GPA, one might figure that even these shoddy NESCAC coaches might figure out who you are.  And I imagine the entire midfield of a NESCAC squad includes actual people with names, who might even be good friends with the wonderful defenders on said team.

Also curious as to all the lamenting and angst about the horrible level of play in D3, and all the opportunities to go D1 instead, and yet the decisions to focus on D3 anyway.  I know the usual responses about blowing out a knee and going abroad and go where you's still be happy if not playing soccer, but still....some of these alleged super-skilled intuitive studs might not find D1 so appealing and so friendly to "beautiful soccer"....they might not get to play... and there are plenty of places where I'm sure many kids who "choose" D3 would still be plenty happy if they blew out a knee or never got off the bench in D1.....like, for instance, my alma mater, Davidson (a D1 in D3 clothing), Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, the Ivies, etc, etc.  And if you could be a starter at Duke or UCLA or Cal or Stanford or UVA or UNC or Wake Forest, why wouldn't you go there?

Finally, re: the topic of a super-stud picking a NESCAC, I'm going to give a big vote to Colby....no school has had such a dramatic rise up the USNWR charts, and it is a beautiful campus, and a place where one could bask in the process of taking a program from the bottom all the way to the top.  Improvements already have been noted, and what a thrill to be a leader of a program who could knock off the usual NESCAC heavyweights and make some NCAA noise.  If not seduced by Williams or Amherst, not really needed at Tufts, and not the kind of kid who has a passion for the slightly more unique vibe of a Wesleyan, then I personally would be all over Colby.

I also question that 16/17 academy teams would crush say the D3  sweet 16 teams. This may be a shock but a lot of those rosters are full of academy players...and some don't start.  It's not like all academy players can play for the top 10 d1 schools.  Let's face it...in D3, D2 and D1 there's plenty of ugly soccer being played. But there are programs at every level that try to play good soccer and some are successful with regards to results.   There are many D1 transfers playing in D3 and it's not like the come in and dominate or are bored with how unchallenged they are. But style of play and team chemistry are important in the decision where to attend.

I would suggest this young man look at Brandeis if he is looking at Nescac. Last 2 final 4s..good academics.

Yes, he has interest from Brandeis. Anyone know about their style and team culture? Honestly I've had a hang-up wondering if the overall culture of the school would be foreign for son; we're not Jewish, non-religious...

You can watch their NCAA semi final game against Messiah this past year online to get a sense of their playing style against another top D3 program . Just search for Messiah versus Brandeis and link should be top few results
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on July 23, 2018, 01:48:35 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 09:29:37 AM
Quote from: truenorth on July 23, 2018, 08:39:48 AM
mom1234 et. al., I think there have been some helpful comments posted in the wake of your initial inquiry.  Understandably your son is currently looking at his college search through his "soccer lens".  Not that teenage kids are seeking parents' advice, but it is important to try and gently emphasize that soccer--although important and hopefully fun--is only a part of an overall college experience that will include academics, school community, and a social life.  Not to mention the valuable network of friends and career connections that prevail upon graduating.

My older son played for Brown and had a good overall soccer and college experience, but his horizon during his four years of college didn't extend much beyond the soccer team and his roommates (all of whom were teammates).  For a D1 player, the program is year round and fairly all consuming.  He wouldn't trade the overall experience but realizes he missed out on some things at college.

My younger son, who received some D1 recruiting attention, ended up playing for Bowdoin and had a great soccer and overall college experience.  He had a number of friends outside of the team and studied abroad for a semester, something that would be more difficult to do in D1.

Per some earlier comments, beyond the soccer programs themselves, not all the NESCACs are identical with respect to culture and academics.  For example, I chauffeured my son on an interesting recruiting weekend to Wesleyan and Amherst.  We each had a blast on that trip, but those two schools couldn't be much different culturally.  He liked both of them but chose Bowdoin, which felt like a sweet spot for him more in the middle of the progressive/traditional cultural spectrum.

If I had a soccer player looking at NESCACs today, I would encourage him/her to think about the culture of the team and the coach's personality and style...even above the current performance level of the program.  The team culture and the coach's personality are going to have a greater bearing on whether the student athlete has a positive and rewarding athletic experience than simply the Ws and Ls. 

Best of luck to your son during this exciting time of college exploration.

As Mom who invested a lot in his training growing up, I probably get a little caught up in the performance level; it is son who from the start son has been most interested in coach personality, team culture, and a well-rounded college experience, hence the original impetus for seeking insight on this board. He's been able to get a sense of personality, but team culture is harder to read when its not season and there are maybe three actual players hanging around these clinics. On the recruiting timeline, when do these kids get a chance to get on campus and experience the team culture? If the coach wants you on the team, does he invite you to spend a weekend in the fall of senior year or something?

Your comments on the D1 experience are just the reminder I needed to hear. How much of a time commitment was Brown for your son as compared to the one who went to Bowdoin?

I think it's important to break out of the "strictly soccer" mindset if you're looking at D3 and especially NESCAC schools. I love soccer, loved my son's soccer career in the NESCAC and really appreciate this Board's devotion to it, but soccer season in D3 is over in the blink of an eye. Your son played 10x more soccer (matches, tournaments etc) last season than he will in a D3 school year. He will live among and spend lots of time with his teammates, but the soccer is a relatively small part of the experience. And at a NESCAC school (and many other D3 schools) he will be pounded with schoolwork that does not let up for soccer season and requires a full commitment. The weather gets cold quickly and he will realize in no time that there is much more to his college experience than soccer. He should focus on all aspects of the school. He should do it soon since most of these D3 schools are filling their shopping lists with verbal commitments by early in August.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 02:33:16 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on July 23, 2018, 01:48:35 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 09:29:37 AM
Quote from: truenorth on July 23, 2018, 08:39:48 AM
mom1234 et. al., I think there have been some helpful comments posted in the wake of your initial inquiry.  Understandably your son is currently looking at his college search through his "soccer lens".  Not that teenage kids are seeking parents' advice, but it is important to try and gently emphasize that soccer--although important and hopefully fun--is only a part of an overall college experience that will include academics, school community, and a social life.  Not to mention the valuable network of friends and career connections that prevail upon graduating.

My older son played for Brown and had a good overall soccer and college experience, but his horizon during his four years of college didn't extend much beyond the soccer team and his roommates (all of whom were teammates).  For a D1 player, the program is year round and fairly all consuming.  He wouldn't trade the overall experience but realizes he missed out on some things at college.

My younger son, who received some D1 recruiting attention, ended up playing for Bowdoin and had a great soccer and overall college experience.  He had a number of friends outside of the team and studied abroad for a semester, something that would be more difficult to do in D1.

Per some earlier comments, beyond the soccer programs themselves, not all the NESCACs are identical with respect to culture and academics.  For example, I chauffeured my son on an interesting recruiting weekend to Wesleyan and Amherst.  We each had a blast on that trip, but those two schools couldn't be much different culturally.  He liked both of them but chose Bowdoin, which felt like a sweet spot for him more in the middle of the progressive/traditional cultural spectrum.

If I had a soccer player looking at NESCACs today, I would encourage him/her to think about the culture of the team and the coach's personality and style...even above the current performance level of the program.  The team culture and the coach's personality are going to have a greater bearing on whether the student athlete has a positive and rewarding athletic experience than simply the Ws and Ls. 

Best of luck to your son during this exciting time of college exploration.

As Mom who invested a lot in his training growing up, I probably get a little caught up in the performance level; it is son who from the start son has been most interested in coach personality, team culture, and a well-rounded college experience, hence the original impetus for seeking insight on this board. He's been able to get a sense of personality, but team culture is harder to read when its not season and there are maybe three actual players hanging around these clinics. On the recruiting timeline, when do these kids get a chance to get on campus and experience the team culture? If the coach wants you on the team, does he invite you to spend a weekend in the fall of senior year or something?

Your comments on the D1 experience are just the reminder I needed to hear. How much of a time commitment was Brown for your son as compared to the one who went to Bowdoin?

I think it's important to break out of the "strictly soccer" mindset if you're looking at D3 and especially NESCAC schools. I love soccer, loved my son's soccer career in the NESCAC and really appreciate this Board's devotion to it, but soccer season in D3 is over in the blink of an eye. Your son played 10x more soccer (matches, tournaments etc) last season than he will in a D3 school year. He will live among and spend lots of time with his teammates, but the soccer is a relatively small part of the experience. And at a NESCAC school (and many other D3 schools) he will be pounded with schoolwork that does not let up for soccer season and requires a full commitment. The weather gets cold quickly and he will realize in no time that there is much more to his college experience than soccer. He should focus on all aspects of the school. He should do it soon since most of these D3 schools are filling their shopping lists with verbal commitments by early in August.
[/quote
Yes! Good thoughts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on July 23, 2018, 04:28:11 PM
Per your earlier question regarding the soccer time commitment at Brown vs. Bowdoin...  At Brown and the other Ivies the team trains year around to varying degrees.  They are on the field during pre-season in August, during the fall season and in the spring.  They kick the ball around indoors during the winter and are strength training throughout the year.  My son was "encouraged" by the coach to spend a couple of summers in Providence, find a part-time job, and train with several of his teammates who were also there for the summer.

At Bowdoin and the other NESCACs, they have only one week of pre-season training and then they are into the competitive season for the fall.  Any training during the winter and spring is voluntary and "captain led", meaning no official coaching.  My recollection is that NESCAC soccer players are generally fairly self motivated, so many of them kick the ball around with teammates during the off season and keep themselves fairly fit year around.  My son "studied" in Rome during the spring semester of his junior year at Bowdoin (I put "studied" in quotes because I think most of the learning occurred outside of the classroom).  He became friends with a soccer player from Williams and they trained unofficially with a low level Italian club in Rome.

At the end of the day, I think very few NESCAC soccer players look back on their college years and think "I wish I had played D1 instead".  The same is true I am sure of Brandeis (Blooter's alma mater) and the other UAA schools.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 23, 2018, 05:03:32 PM
All of us want the dang ball, I think.  That's the shared and competitive space we all reside in, and I mean well beyond the D3 soccer fields of dreams.

Preferring a Nescac is also fine and very understandable.  But let's not sell that the kid as now described is far better than any recruit ever at F&M...... or Lynchburg or Centre or Wartburg.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on July 24, 2018, 09:32:52 AM
Am I right in thinking that NESCAC does not have a spring season? D3 spring training (and the length of fall pre-season) varies by conference, and I thought I heard somewhere that NESCAC does not permit any "official" spring season whereas other conferences, such as NCAC or Centennial, allow a specific number of spring coach-led practices and a specific amount of spring competition. Maybe I'm misremembering, but I thought I also heard that NESCAC does not do the international pre-season training trips which would be allowed by NCAA D3 rules but again, varies by conference.

And to the soccer mom who asked about getting a feel for team culture -- yes, the fall visit generally involves coach meeting, going to class with soccer player, hanging out with members of the team, watching a game or practice. There is plenty of opportunity to get a feel for the guys and the team culture. Several coaches told my kid that the "report" from his guys about the prospect was a key factor in the recruiting decision, so "fit" with team culture works both ways.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on July 24, 2018, 09:44:27 AM
Quote from: midwest on July 24, 2018, 09:32:52 AM
Am I right in thinking that NESCAC does not have a spring season? D3 spring training (and the length of fall pre-season) varies by conference, and I thought I heard somewhere that NESCAC does not permit any "official" spring season whereas other conferences, such as NCAC or Centennial, allow a specific number of spring coach-led practices and a specific amount of spring competition. Maybe I'm misremembering, but I thought I also heard that NESCAC does not do the international pre-season training trips which would be allowed by NCAA D3 rules but again, varies by conference.

NESCACs do not have an official spring seasson; however, they (or at least some) have been known to go on international trips during the summer (although I believe each team can only do so once every four years, or at least officially).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on July 24, 2018, 10:04:27 AM
Just a few comments wrt Nescac soccer in general and Amherst in particular.  There is no spring time practice sessions in the Nescac.   As to international trips, Amherst had one not to long ago to Europe...Paris workouts and some games in Monaco.  The Prince of Monaco...Grace Kelly's son...played soccer at Amherst and still takes interest in Amherst activities.  A neighbor's son who played at Amherst with the Prince...kept in touch when his parents were stationed in London. 
There has been other early practice sessions off campus with Alum contacts...all up front...like in New Jersey where the pro Soccer Club...Red Bulls?..has a facility/field next to the NFL stadium.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on July 24, 2018, 04:02:34 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 23, 2018, 10:40:35 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 21, 2018, 11:24:59 AM
D4 Pace, I'm curious as to your opinion (as a former Academy player and experience with a top-tier D3 program) about the idea that U16 and U17 Academy teams would crush the top 15-20 D3 teams in the country.  Maybe it's just me but I find some of the romanticizing of the Academy experience (and level) a little over the top.

I'm also curious as to whether some of these posters just have incredible integrity in terms of "keeping it real" (a la the Chappelle segment) or are oblivious to what they blurt out.  If you hint that you are from some obscure area in the Midwest and are one of the top recruits in the nation drowning in attractive D1 offers with board scores in a certain range with a specific GPA, one might figure that even these shoddy NESCAC coaches might figure out who you are.  And I imagine the entire midfield of a NESCAC squad includes actual people with names, who might even be good friends with the wonderful defenders on said team.

Also curious as to all the lamenting and angst about the horrible level of play in D3, and all the opportunities to go D1 instead, and yet the decisions to focus on D3 anyway.  I know the usual responses about blowing out a knee and going abroad and go where you's still be happy if not playing soccer, but still....some of these alleged super-skilled intuitive studs might not find D1 so appealing and so friendly to "beautiful soccer"....they might not get to play... and there are plenty of places where I'm sure many kids who "choose" D3 would still be plenty happy if they blew out a knee or never got off the bench in D1.....like, for instance, my alma mater, Davidson (a D1 in D3 clothing), Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, the Ivies, etc, etc.  And if you could be a starter at Duke or UCLA or Cal or Stanford or UVA or UNC or Wake Forest, why wouldn't you go there?

So he can play for the love of it and be a bigger fish in a little pond. He'd probably sit on the bench at Wake Forest. He knows he's not "super stud." I offered to send him to Holy Cross or similar to at least find out where he stood with that lot, but he said no.

Finally, re: the topic of a super-stud picking a NESCAC, I'm going to give a big vote to Colby....no school has had such a dramatic rise up the USNWR charts, and it is a beautiful campus, and a place where one could bask in the process of taking a program from the bottom all the way to the top.  Improvements already have been noted, and what a thrill to be a leader of a program who could knock off the usual NESCAC heavyweights and make some NCAA noise.  If not seduced by Williams or Amherst, not really needed at Tufts, and not the kind of kid who has a passion for the slightly more unique vibe of a Wesleyan, then I personally would be all over Colby.
Colby has been the big mystery this year, and the one nescac that has dissed him completely. Timeline: Son reached out in the fall, they watched him play a tournament, they expressed a lot of interest, kept up communication here and there. Then son told Stanton he wasn't sure if his ACTs would be good enough, at which point response was, don't give up quite yet. Then when he got the decent score, he reached out. Radio silence. Reached out again: hey, are you still there? More silence. So he gave up. So we don't know if they saw him play again and changed their minds, or Stanton is a flake, or what. But I think it is very odd that they do not have an ID clinic series posted on their website? They have never sent out clinic-related correspondence of any kind, ever. What is up with that??

Geez, I know many USSDA players who went on to top D3 schools (academic and/or soccer).  Many USSDA players to to D1 schools and never play.  I know USSDA players who chose D3 who had better talent than other USSDA players who went to D1 schools....  How can u complain by going to schools like U of C, Wash U, Amherst, Bowdoin, Oberlin, Tufts, Emory, Kenyon, etc....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on July 24, 2018, 06:07:54 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on July 23, 2018, 11:42:42 AM
So based on your comment regarding your son's team it sounds like the NESCAC is the perfect level.  I know throughout the conference their are kid that played all across the spectrum of academy, with some starting on legit top ten academies, but more at the mid tier and lower academies, as well as plenty of kids from top club teams like your sons. In terms of meeting players, I know Tufts always has like 7 or 8 current guys at the clinic so he will definitely have the opportunity to talk with them.  I took official visits to the final schools I was deciding between my senior fall and that is what pushed me to Tufts. I would definitely encourage you to reach out to coaches once you make your final list of schools about taking a visit.  That is the best way to really see what it would be like to play at that school and also what the school itself is like.  You usually follow guys around to a couple classes, eat in the dining hall, sleep in the dorms...etc.
Thanks! Looking back on previous posts, I gather that it is uncertain whether Tufts has a need for midfielders for their '19 class. His chances aside, Tufts would be a different experience from other NESCACs due to its size, and I wonder if you can speak to that from your experience. I can only assume that against Hamilton et al., Tufts doesn't compare when it comes to the small school offerings, which are important to son: small discussion-based classes, professor interaction, academic support, etc. On the other hand, aside from liking skiing, son is a city boy used to city options, not to mention had a year of living in Europe nearly independently his entire 10th grade... and thus the locale of Tufts may suit him better than somewhere remote like Middlebury. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on July 24, 2018, 06:11:49 PM
Where's the eating popcorn emoticon when you need it?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on July 24, 2018, 07:09:03 PM
Yes I think for most of the guys on the team Tufts' size and location are two of the biggest selling points. One of the schools I was strongly considering was Davidson, shoutout to Paul Newman with the perfect description of a d1 in d3 clothing, but the school was half the size of my high school.  The same thing applied to some of the other nescacs and Haverford where I was looking. Second being close to Boston really is a huge advantage.  The school has joint internship programs with some of the top companies in the city that a lot of the econ/finance guys on the team take advantage of.  Also unlike the other Nescacs Tufts has engineering which makes up probably a quarter of the guys on the team.  I think ultimately having the city there is what you make of it.  In the season you don't have a ton of time to go explore, but in the spring we will pop in to hangout and once you turn 21 some people have been known to venture into the city.  In terms of the small school advantages you mentioned I think Tufts despite its larger size still offers many of those, apart from your big intro courses you will have plenty of classes where you have 10 people and can't escape from the professor no matter how much you'd like to.  The professors also are very accommodating of our travel schedule for soccer and I remember walking into a class after one of the national championships to see the professor showing the highlights of the game on the projector.  So overall it depends on what you are looking for but I think Tufts does a great job of taking advantage of its larger size while still maintaining some of the traditional aspects associated with the Nescacs.  Hope your son has a good time at camp this weekend!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on July 24, 2018, 07:10:33 PM
Also, with any of the schools, if your son is good enough the coaches will take him regardless of what positions that have penciled in as their "needs"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 24, 2018, 07:45:47 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on July 24, 2018, 06:11:49 PM
Where's the eating popcorn emoticon when you need it?

I can't decide whether to go with some traditional Orville R, moderate-liberal Smartfood Cheddar, or some more Wesleyan-esque Trader Joe's Herbs and Spices.

This is great stuff and hopefully will spiral into a regular blog as the saga unfolds, with the side benefit of some of us (including me) reminding everyone another time or two about the cool, elite places WE and our kids went to college.  I'm in.  The college search was a great, exhilarating time, when, before actual realities and decisions roll in, everything and every place is possible.  Great stuff for those of us who loved making and re-making lists and would love to go through the whole thing again.

So many nuances.  Too Jewish.  Midfield plays the way we like but doesn't need us.  Too rural.  City is great except if its Hartford.  Classes too big but at least mimics Europe.  Better than any strong Academy players that have played at F&M but not even playing Academy and might not even make a good Academy squad.  Could get bored.  Needs the ball but might not get off the bench.  Well, at least will be able to pull the strings for the scout team and use that intuitive decision-making in practices.  One national title coach is a jerk (proven fact apparently) who plays crap soccer.  Colby might have a flake.  The Wesleyan coach is cool but he keeps it real about realistic academic chances, and who wants all that deconstructive chalking in Middletown anyway?  So many schools that aren't good enough even though there's no signal about any suggesting admission.  Live in the Midwest but can only consider what works with Logan Airport.  Rochester has an airport.  In fact, all the UAA schools do.  No consideration of the excellent schools that sound like actual fits....Gettysburg, Dickinson, Denison, DePauw, Centre, Rhodes.

Several people have suggested what to do.  Pursue what you think you like broadly.  Pick some places to visit that want you to visit, and be sure to include at least a couple where you're very confident that admission is not an issue.  Go on said visits, and then decide on small vs big, rural vs city, campus cultures, team cultures, coaches, playing styles, likely playing time at places where you think playing style fits, etc, etc. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on July 24, 2018, 08:01:02 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on July 24, 2018, 06:11:49 PM
Where's the eating popcorn emoticon when you need it?
I have raised the issue of there not being a laughing emoji. I will add popcorn to the list of desired emojis I am preparing to send to The Emoji Committee.

Quote from: PaulNewman on July 24, 2018, 07:45:47 PM
Several people have suggested what to do.  Pursue what you think you like broadly.  Pick some places to visit that want you to visit, and be sure to include at least a couple where you're very confident that admission is not an issue.  Go on said visits, and then decide on small vs big, rural vs city, campus cultures, team cultures, coaches, playing styles, likely playing time at places where you think playing style fits, etc, etc.
[Applause emoji]
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on July 25, 2018, 01:32:32 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 24, 2018, 07:45:47 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on July 24, 2018, 06:11:49 PM
Where's the eating popcorn emoticon when you need it?

I can't decide whether to go with some traditional Orville R, moderate-liberal Smartfood Cheddar, or some more Wesleyan-esque Trader Joe's Herbs and Spices.

This is great stuff and hopefully will spiral into a regular blog as the saga unfolds, with the side benefit of some of us (including me) reminding everyone another time or two about the cool, elite places WE and our kids went to college.  I'm in.  The college search was a great, exhilarating time, when, before actual realities and decisions roll in, everything and every place is possible.  Great stuff for those of us who loved making and re-making lists and would love to go through the whole thing again.

So many nuances.  Too Jewish.  Midfield plays the way we like but doesn't need us.  Too rural.  City is great except if its Hartford.  Classes too big but at least mimics Europe.  Better than any strong Academy players that have played at F&M but not even playing Academy and might not even make a good Academy squad.  Could get bored.  Needs the ball but might not get off the bench.  Well, at least will be able to pull the strings for the scout team and use that intuitive decision-making in practices.  One national title coach is a jerk (proven fact apparently) who plays crap soccer.  Colby might have a flake.  The Wesleyan coach is cool but he keeps it real about realistic academic chances, and who wants all that deconstructive chalking in Middletown anyway?  So many schools that aren't good enough even though there's no signal about any suggesting admission.  Live in the Midwest but can only consider what works with Logan Airport.  Rochester has an airport.  In fact, all the UAA schools do.  No consideration of the excellent schools that sound like actual fits....Gettysburg, Dickinson, Denison, DePauw, Centre, Rhodes.

Several people have suggested what to do.  Pursue what you think you like broadly.  Pick some places to visit that want you to visit, and be sure to include at least a couple where you're very confident that admission is not an issue.  Go on said visits, and then decide on small vs big, rural vs city, campus cultures, team cultures, coaches, playing styles, likely playing time at places where you think playing style fits, etc, etc.
That's quite the stand-up routine... whatever the popcorn flavor, I'm throwing it at the screen watching this reel of "facts" which are quite "nuanced" themselves! A few corrections are in order before this commentary is permanently stamped on the collective mind of this board regarding our poor non-superstud:
- "Better than any strong academy players that have ever played at F and M." You mean all one of them? [burn emoji] What I actually said: Better than the incoming freshman. Small nuance...
- "Not even playing academy and might not even make a good squad."  Truth: Played middling academy before, then made squad this year again but turned it down. (You can pick on that decision all you want, but consider driving 25 miles in rush hour straight through a huge city four or five night a week and get home at 11pm... If you survive to apply to college, see if any nescac school thinks you are "well-rounded.")
- "Lives in midwest...."  Fact: Never said that. Guess another region...
"..But can only consider what works with Logan Airport." That's right. Or Philadelphia. Unless you are offering to give him your frequent flyer miles on American Eagle, he's going Southwest, heck, maybe even Spirit.
- "Could get bored." Fine. Son (and you all) have put to rest that silly Mom Concern. As an alum of a nescac school, I have duly warned him, however, that if he is bored, it won't be because of the soccer, it will be due to the lack thereof during a long, miserable winter stuck on a hill outside of New Hartford or Pittsfield or some other exciting place...
- "So many schools aren't good enough..."  Huh? I assure you, they are all more than good enough."... but no signal about any suggesting admission." Sure they are, but I'm not going to tell you which...
- "No consideration of the excellent schools that sound like actual fits....Gettysburg, Dickinson..." These two were and are, but I hadn't brought them into the discussion.

On that note, it's probably time for Mom to spare this board any more of the recruiting "saga." We'll suffer through the madness on the sidelines.

For the record I get that my kid is not superstud. Just don't be mean to poor Mom on some future date if he ends up sitting on a bench!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on July 25, 2018, 07:59:17 AM
I would make the general observation that most kids--athletes and non-athletes alike--who attend NESCAC schools seem to have a very positive college experience, receive a great education, and end up with a great network of friends and alumni connections.  I don't think you can go wrong at any of these schools.

That said, I can only offer anecdotal observations about a few of the coaches, as my spectating days as a parent date back six or more years.  At this point, most of the coaches are at the younger end of the age spectrum.  Russo (Williams) and Sayward (Middlebury) each retired within the past few years after decades of coaching.

I would thus make the overgeneralization that most of the current NESCAC coaches are reasonably tuned into academy soccer and "modern" tactics and style of play.  Serpone (Amherst) is certainly tactically aware...he just chooses to recruit big athletes and bludgeon other teams into submission...which has worked more often than not.  Wiercinski (Bowdoin) is certainly tactically savvy and usually finds a way to get the most out of his starting 11.  Wheeler (Wesleyan) is a really good guy and coach, and has generally dealt well with the fluctuations in overall talent level in his teams over the years.  Murphy (Conn College) was an assistant at Brown when my older son played there.  He is definitely a demanding personality.  I don't personally know most of the other coaches, but clearly Shapiro (Tufts) has done a great job.  Many of the others seem relatively new to the job within the past few years and the jury may still be out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 27, 2018, 12:39:42 PM
Speaking of Nescac and Academy Commits.....Was told that an Academy player from Kendall SC out of Miami has committed to Amherst. While that is usually just ho hum news, ok another academy commit, this particular player is one of the leading goal scorers in the country for Kendall. Forgot his name but apparently committed to Amherst last year when he was a decent player but not scoring goals and then this past year just took off and started blitzing the net.  Something to watch for but I am more impressed he kept his commitment to Amherst because if he started scoring goals I am sure he attracted attention from D1's and the like but he kept his word.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on July 27, 2018, 02:45:36 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on July 27, 2018, 12:39:42 PM
Speaking of Nescac and Academy Commits.....Was told that an Academy player from Kendall SC out of Miami has committed to Amherst. While that is usually just ho hum news, ok another academy commit, this particular player is one of the leading goal scorers in the country for Kendall. Forgot his name but apparently committed to Amherst last year when he was a decent player but not scoring goals and then this past year just took off and started blitzing the net.  Something to watch for but I am more impressed he kept his commitment to Amherst because if he started scoring goals I am sure he attracted attention from D1's and the like but he kept his word.

You are correct. He ended with 31. And 5 yellow cards.

Stats: http://kend.ussoccerda.com/sam/teams/index.php?team=3940200 (http://kend.ussoccerda.com/sam/teams/index.php?team=3940200)

Commit info: https://www.ussdakendallsc.com/2018/02/07/congratulations-on-signing-day-to-our-committed-players/ (https://www.ussdakendallsc.com/2018/02/07/congratulations-on-signing-day-to-our-committed-players/)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BigEast on July 30, 2018, 04:16:26 PM
Looks like Bates just got a new coach. Not sure who he is but goes to a struggling program with a strikingly good record.

https://www.gobatesbobcats.com/sports/msoc/2018-19/releases/20180730lon8ji
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on July 31, 2018, 01:06:40 AM
Quote from: BigEast on July 30, 2018, 04:16:26 PM
Looks like Bates just got a new coach. Not sure who he is but goes to a struggling program with a strikingly good record.

https://www.gobatesbobcats.com/sports/msoc/2018-19/releases/20180730lon8ji

If I'm not mistaken, the foundation for Coach Sheikh's successful run at Knox was laid by former Amherst and Springfield assistant Matt Edwards, who is currently the head coach at Claremont-Mudd in SoCal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on July 31, 2018, 03:55:10 PM
Hello!  This is my first post on this board.  I've been reading a lot of the threads in an attempt to educate myself as my son is just beginning this process (college recruiting).  I have to thank Mom1234 for asking all her questions, they've been very helpful to me.  One post several pages back, I think it was by TrueNorth, said their experience was that it was easier to get into an Ivy than a Nescac with a tip.  This seems counterintuitive, but I'd love to learn more.  Any opinions on this?

Thanks, and I look forward to reading a lot more!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on July 31, 2018, 10:28:03 PM
Sheikh is a terrific hire for Bates, he is a dynamic guy who inspires tremendous loyalty in his players. He had a bunch of international players at Knox who brought great technical skills. I can imagine that in a couple years, Bates could really be a lot of fun to watch. Happy for him, he's a great guy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on August 01, 2018, 07:57:00 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on July 31, 2018, 03:55:10 PM
Hello!  This is my first post on this board.  I've been reading a lot of the threads in an attempt to educate myself as my son is just beginning this process (college recruiting).  I have to thank Mom1234 for asking all her questions, they've been very helpful to me.  One post several pages back, I think it was by TrueNorth, said their experience was that it was easier to get into an Ivy than a Nescac with a tip.  This seems counterintuitive, but I'd love to learn more.  Any opinions on this?

Thanks, and I look forward to reading a lot more!

Another Mom, that was our anecdotal experience as one family, but I think there is some broader truth at work here.  Put simply, the Ivies (all with enrollments of 4,000+) are much larger than the NESCAC schools (typically <2,000 with a few exceptions).  The Ivies have more room for "diversity" criteria in their admissions processes, and "recruited athletes" who meet certain academic criteria are one component in their overall diversity goals.

In this article about Harvard's admissions practices, you'll see athletes are listed as one of their target populations:https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/29/us/harvard-admissions-asian-americans.html

Among NESCAC and other selective liberal arts colleges, there is not as overt an effort to include athletes as a defined subpopulation in their admissions practices.  Due to the desirability and culture of these schools, a significant number of athletic and academically qualified high school students apply, but relatively few receive tips.

Related to all of the above, my observations have been that Ivy coaches have more direct pull with the admissions office than their NESCAC counterparts.  Hope this explains at least part of this, but other posters may have some thoughts to add.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on August 01, 2018, 10:41:59 AM
Quote from: truenorth on August 01, 2018, 07:57:00 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on July 31, 2018, 03:55:10 PM
Hello!  This is my first post on this board.  I've been reading a lot of the threads in an attempt to educate myself as my son is just beginning this process (college recruiting).  I have to thank Mom1234 for asking all her questions, they've been very helpful to me.  One post several pages back, I think it was by TrueNorth, said their experience was that it was easier to get into an Ivy than a Nescac with a tip.  This seems counterintuitive, but I'd love to learn more.  Any opinions on this?

Thanks, and I look forward to reading a lot more!

Another Mom, that was our anecdotal experience as one family, but I think there is some broader truth at work here.  Put simply, the Ivies (all with enrollments of 4,000+) are much larger than the NESCAC schools (typically <2,000 with a few exceptions).  The Ivies have more room for "diversity" criteria in their admissions processes, and "recruited athletes" who meet certain academic criteria are one component in their overall diversity goals.

In this article about Harvard's admissions practices, you'll see athletes are listed as one of their target populations:https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/29/us/harvard-admissions-asian-americans.html

Among NESCAC and other selective liberal arts colleges, there is not as overt an effort to include athletes as a defined subpopulation in their admissions practices.  Due to the desirability and culture of these schools, a significant number of athletic and academically qualified high school students apply, but relatively few receive tips.

Related to all of the above, my observations have been that Ivy coaches have more direct pull with the admissions office than their NESCAC counterparts.  Hope this explains at least part of this, but other posters may have some thoughts to add.

Just went through this process with my son (a rising HS senior committed to NESCAC who decided to pass on the Ivys--I'll post more about his process at the appropriate time), and I agree with the info provided by truenorth. The only additional info I'd add is that the schools are, as of now, drawing from different player populations, and the timelines are different. The Ivys are focused primarily on Academy players (and that focus narrows each year) and are looking to lock up those players as early as possible. Many (I dare say even most) Ivy spots are now filled in a player's junior year of high school, often after the Academy winter showcase. The NESCAC schools hope to pick up Academy players that fall through the cracks, or change their minds, or can't get their 1st or 2nd Ivy choice, along with the top non-Academy players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on August 01, 2018, 01:21:26 PM
Thanks TrueNorth and RangerFan.  Perhaps one difference in the time line is that the Ivies are D1 and Nescacs D3.  The only thing about getting kids locked up before/early in their Junior year is that even with tips I suspect ivy admission is extremely difficult and there is no way at that point in time to know if a kid will definitely get admitted . . . I know there are likely letters but didn't think they were issued that early.

My son is a strong student with good scores but would be a long shot with Ivy admissions (and Nescac!).  He plays Academy-level soccer and goes to a strong prep school, so thinking about Ivies etc is not out of the question, but is a reach.

We've had two older kids go through the college process so I'm very familiar with that; the others though did not go through the soccer recruiting piece, although one serendipitously did in fact get recruited to play soccer at a well known D3.   Thank you so much for your responses! Any and all insight into recruiting are very much appreciated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on August 01, 2018, 02:08:32 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on August 01, 2018, 01:21:26 PM
Thanks TrueNorth and RangerFan.  Perhaps one difference in the time line is that the Ivies are D1 and Nescacs D3.  The only thing about getting kids locked up before/early in their Junior year is that even with tips I suspect ivy admission is extremely difficult and there is no way at that point in time to know if a kid will definitely get admitted . . . I know there are likely letters but didn't think they were issued that early.

My son is a strong student with good scores but would be a long shot with Ivy admissions (and Nescac!).  He plays Academy-level soccer and goes to a strong prep school, so thinking about Ivies etc is not out of the question, but is a reach.

We've had two older kids go through the college process so I'm very familiar with that; the others though did not go through the soccer recruiting piece, although one serendipitously did in fact get recruited to play soccer at a well known D3.   Thank you so much for your responses! Any and all insight into recruiting are very much appreciated.

Good luck to your son! It's a frustrating and exciting and exhausting process.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on August 01, 2018, 04:09:53 PM
As a practical matter, if your student athlete catches the attention of an Ivy coach in his junior year and receives strong verbal support (and/or a likely letter), he would simply need to maintain his academic performance level during his senior year of high school and would have to apply ED.  If he doesn't receive that level of support, then it's probably a nonstarter (no pun intended)...

The good news is that there are a number of fabulous D3 and D1 schools out there beyond the Ivies and the NESCAC...and given your son's athletic and academic achievements he's likely to have some very desirable choices...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 08, 2018, 12:45:12 PM
Be careful getting advice from parents of former players in the recruiting process. You can see what they say and compare it to your visits but the difference is obviously the player. Some of these parents with kids that had their ass stuck to the bench for 4 years would have had a totally different recruiting experience than a player of high quality and vice versa. Personally, go in blind and decide for yourselves what you like best. If you find yourself chasing the coach with phones and email than they are not interested in the player. That should be a warning sign right away. If you are doing the chasing then you could be in for a rude awakening at that school in terms of your soccer experience. However, if the kid likes the school I would enroll and forget the soccer and try to improve as much as you can b4 the fall. If you are being chased by the coach then you can dig ur heels in and really find the best fit. My point if you are being chased than go with the best total atmosphere in regards to soccer and school. If you have to chase than go with best academic fit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on August 08, 2018, 01:43:00 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on August 08, 2018, 12:45:12 PM
Be careful getting advice from parents of former players in the recruiting process. You can see what they say and compare it to your visits but the difference is obviously the player. Some of these parents with kids that had their ass stuck to the bench for 4 years would have had a totally different recruiting experience than a player of high quality and vice versa. Personally, go in blind and decide for yourselves what you like best. If you find yourself chasing the coach with phones and email than they are not interested in the player. That should be a warning sign right away. If you are doing the chasing then you could be in for a rude awakening at that school in terms of your soccer experience. However, if the kid likes the school I would enroll and forget the soccer and try to improve as much as you can b4 the fall. If you are being chased by the coach then you can dig ur heels in and really find the best fit. My point if you are being chased than go with the best total atmosphere in regards to soccer and school. If you have to chase than go with best academic fit.

As the parent of a 2019 NESCAC commit, based upon our experience, I think this is good advice and pretty much spot on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 22, 2018, 01:54:48 PM
2018 Nescac Predictions:


1.  Amherst------Amherst finished 2017 with a disappointing NCAA Sweet 16 exit at Messiah v Rochester. Considering the wild ride of their season it could have been much worse. They had GK'ing issues all season and used all 4 GK's throughout the season to find someone that could stick. Hope-Gund had an unforgettable meltdown against Hamilton in the Nescac Quaters that basically summed up Amherst troubles in net all year. 9 months removed from that game and I still cannot get that performance out of my head anytime I randomly think of Nescac Mens Soccer. The question is can Hope-Gund? We sometimes take for granted that athletes just get up the next day and wipe that effort out of one's mind and move on. It is not a given and frankly you have to be mentally tough to bounce back from something like that. Sure it's just a game and he has played many games since but at moments notice, like a former drug addict trying to stay sober or a golfer fighting the yips, bad thoughts can creep up out of nowhere. He will be competing with the other Frosh Stone who Amherst turned to after the Hamilton game and the highly touted 6'5 GK Will Dunne. Dunne has been a massive disappointment in his first 2 years. He has made a handful of appearances against the New England College and Pine Manor's of D3 Soccer. I do not think he has ever started a game against a Nescac school. I am assuming Serpone will be bringing in another GK for 2018 to compete with the other 3.  I will say that if Amherst can get that position shored up WATCH OUT. The second concern I am having for Amherst in 2018 is tidying up some of the defensive miscues that came about in 2017. There was a lack of focus for parts of games with a ton of ball watching and missed tackles BUT they were very young back there. With a year of experience and confidence playing with one another I am expecting a much improved backline especially if they can get a GK to stick for more than 2-3 games to help with communication and positioning. Other than those issues everything else is looking really good. If this incoming Frosh German Giammattei is the real deal than Nescac teams especially the bottom feeders are going to have some serious issues defensively v Amherst. His academy numbers with Kendall SC are that of a highly touted D1 recruit. He scored 31 goals in 32 games against top competition. On paper, this is the type of recruit you get once every 10 years if your lucky. A recruit that can turn a program around and in turn attract other top recruits that want to play with him. A recruit that can make a good team great. From 1998-2004 Williams was getting a kid like this every year which in turn made them a dominant program in which they would routinely beat up Nescac's by 4,5 even 6 goals. Look at the archives if you want proof.  I have never seen him play but have heard he is a banger with a nose for the goal. Every defender in Nescac will be gunning for him as they will know exactly who he is and will want to get his attention in every game. That is a TON of pressure for an incoming Frosh and we will see right away if he has the guts to deal with it. Luckily, he is joining an already loaded Amherst squad so he can afford to blend in a little more than say if he was attending Bates or something where he would stand out like a sore thumb. With him, McMillian and Nguyen Amherst will have a potent attack. Hands down the best athlete in Nescac I will be interested to see if McMillian has improved his overall skill and composure in front of net. With plenty of pace and athleticism if this kid improved his technique he would be a complete stud. Nguyen is Amherst most technical player and should have a blast feeding those two poachers this year. I know Amherst will never change their style but I noticed they did play a little bit last year. If there was ever a year to change styles and attack all game it would be this year. With this bunch, Amherst could win games 6-3 or 4-2. It will never happen but a man can wish. It is almost impossible to string more than 3 passes together ever since Serpone narrowed the width of the field to what amounts to be a large sandbox. He loves his advantage on long throws and his big bodies on that narrow field but it just congests and suffocates the whole game. It's a disgrace to the game but it works. Opponents must immediately feel uncomfortable on such a narrow field and I would imagine some of his own skilled players as well. Notice how it took me this long to get to who they lost to graduation because it will not matter. Even before this highly touted recruit Amherst was bringing back a TON of talent with some solid depth. They graduated like 9 players but really only Weller Hlinomaz, Kieran Bellew and maybe Cam Hardington will be missed. Honestly, they were so young last year that a ton of the rising Sophomores saw significant minutes that it will not matter. They can replace those 3 easily. Assuming, they bring in maybe another 3-4 solid recruits they are going to have a ton of depth to use if injuries start creeping or on back to backs. Even with the monster question mark in net, on paper this is the best team in Nescac. This is a team that if they can get a decent effort in net especially in November they can win the 2018 NCAA Championship. Barring injuries to their top players anything less than the Nescac Championship and deep run in November would be a disappointment.


2. Tufts-------Tufts graduates 7 Seniors from their 2017 NCAA Elite 8 side. Kulcsar, Coleman, Zinner and Halliday are the starters that have graduated along with GK Bruce Johnson and 2 key bench players Zazzali and Eichhorst. All 7 made solid contributions to that team. On paper it doesn't look different than any other year and any other team in Nescac. Usually you graduate about 4 starters on average every year and some key reserves. However, not only were all 7 of these guys key contributors they were all leaders. You could tell the 7 of them were all in together and the underclassman respected them and busted their ass for them. The seniors on this team dictated to the underclassman how to act on and off the field. They showed them a complete 100% work effort all season and probably all off-season in which they learned from the players before them. This is the type of environment that has been built the past 5 years at Tufts and continues year to year. That is a sign of a program that has got to the top and is motivated to stay there. My question is will it continue in 2018? The answer looks to be most likely but you never know and you cannot just assume these things are on auto pilot. Tufts will be a very young team as they have 4 Seniors on the roster in 2018. 3 starters in Najjar, Weatherbie, Mieth and Glover who came off the bench. If I had to guess those 3 starters will be Tufts Captains with Weatherbie pumping the guys up, Najjar the quiet leader that does his job and Mieth dictating from his net. All 3 are key players on this team. I see a ton of talent in the rising Junior class with Tasker, Rojas, Trevorrow, Lane, Jameson and Braun. All 6 were serious contributors in 2017 as that is one hell of a recruiting class that Shapiro brought it 2 years ago. Those rising Juniors will determine how well Tufts does in 2018 IMO. They all saw significant minutes in 2017 and were key contributors as Soph and that experience and confidence they gained last year is vital. If even half of them have improved their own games like other players in Shaprio's program in past years than this team will be in good shape. However, they will all need to step up and be leaders on and off the field as well. I have no question that most of them will be great leaders but if Tufts wants to win a National Championship in 2018 Tufts will need Rojas and Tasker to man up and mature and be on field generals and give 100% in practice. The on field leadership of Halliday, Kulcsar, Zinner and Coleman which was basically their whole spine will not be there in 2018 so those 2 in my mind need to step up the most. If Shapiro decides to stay in the same system of play who are his CB's? Najjar and Jameson or does Aroh move back there? I see Rojas and Van Brewer in the middle of the park with Lane and Tasker wide but who is taking Kulcsar's role holding? Can Braun be a legitimate striker in this league? He has the size and strength but only has 2 Career goals as a striker in 2 years. Can he learn to finish consistently in 2018? These are all good questions to have. Tufts will have the depth to contend for a National Championship with talent all over the field and a very solid GK in Mieth. My only concern will be scoring goals. Tasker, Lane, Van Brewer and Rojas all contributed 3 or more goals last season. Will that continue and will Tufts be relying on its midfield for their goals. They basically did in 2017 minus Eichhorst's 5 goals so that is not really a problem but can a Braun or someone else step up and be a legit finisher? Tufts opens up under the lights at Bello Field in 2 weeks v UMASS Boston so we will have our answer soon enough.


3.  Middlebury-------This will be the inaugural season for Alex Elias who takes over from David Saward after 33 years at the helm. Saward was the final coach of a past generation of coaches in Nescac to retire. Saward was a very successful coach at Midd and it took about 5 years but by 1990 Saward turned Middlebury into one of the toughest teams to defeat in Nescac throughout the rest of his tenure. Those are big shoes to fill and Middlebury has decided to hand the keys over to Alex Elias. Elias was a key cog in Midd's 2007 NCAA Championship run. He was their captain and was a steady player who played with extreme composure.  He must be no older than 30 or 31 years old. That is VERY young to get a job opportunity like this in Nescac these days. I am not here to trample on his party or anything but he has never been a Head Coach at any level. It is very different than being a lead assistant. Lead Assistants sometimes play good cop to the Head Coach's bad cop.  Lead assistants are sometimes way more approachable than Head Coach's for players and even parents. It is just a whole different experience and he will need to learn on the fly. He has brought in a familiar face in Greg Conrad to assist him.  I am curious if he will turn into a players coach or a hard disciplinarian or something in between. It is always interesting to see it all play out and develop. Sometimes you do not have enough time to see it play out because the coach has been let go. Look at the massive mistake Harvard made when hiring an extremely young and immature Carl Junot. It was a disaster all around as he barely lasted 3 years before leading the program into the gutter and turning it back about 5-7 years. I am not saying that will happen here as Elias knows this program very well but I am saying it is always a possibility and Coaches need to be on their toes and prepared for anything and everything that comes at them on and off the field. As far as the team goes in 2018 it is looking very good. They return absolutely everyone except the GK Yeager. Yeager was a very good GK and once they moved Moffat and Robinson together as CB's in front of Yeager they had something like 6 shutouts in 7 games. It was an amazing run in early October that turned the whole 2017 season around and led them to another NCAA appearance. I think they can build on that because even though Midd had a disappointing 1st round exit in the NCAA's they finished the season with a ton of confidence and looked to be gelling as a team. I think they can carry that into 2018. I suppose it also depends on if Elias makes major changes to system and style to put his own stamp on the program. I have a hunch they are not going to change much if anything at all. Midd has decent depth and unlike Bowdoin Saward went deep into his bench to give the younger guys a run. If Moffat and Robinson lead the backline like they did in 2017 and O'Grady comes back fully healthy in midfield they will be tough to break down. With Potter and Goulart you have skill on the flanks and if Reid has improved any up top he could turn into a legit scoring threat in the league. Add in a couple new recruits an you have a very solid team. The GK'ing is the only serious question mark for me as Midd's 3 backup's on the roster in 2017 have really no playing experience. If they get GK'ing production like Yeager gave them than this is a Top 4 side.


4.  Williams-----In Sullivan's 3 years at Williams he has failed to get them into the Nescac Semi-Finals. Williams has had their season end in late October the past 3 years. Something needs to change and fast. Sullivan is a good coach and great motivator and from a distance it seems like his players love playing for him and work hard for him BUT the results are not there. They are not playing futbol like they used to and playing far to conservative and defensive for my liking. We might have a solution in Messiah's Nick Thompson, who Sullivan just hired in August to assist him for 2018. Nick will remember playing against Williams in the 2009 NCAA Semi-Final and will notice a decline in talent and style in the 9 years since. The question is will Sullivan allow Thompson to actually coach the players in practice and in games or will he be used as just a recruiter. I am guessing something in between but if Thompson can focus in practice every day with the midfielders and strikers we might start to see a change in style and creativeness. I am not saying Thompson is some sort of coaching genius but more I am hoping he will take what he has learned from Brandt and rub it off on Sullivan a bit. I think this would be the most ideal solution to get the program jump started and more entertaining to watch and play in like it used to be. Use their 120 x 80 field to their advantage. Teams used to fear playing at Williams because unless they were incredibly lucky or played the best of their lives they would be sent home with a complete smackdown. Teams do not fear Williams at all anymore. Also, it is known fact that kids are starting to choose schools like Tufts and Bowdoin over Williams in recruiting. That was UNHEARD of 10 years ago. If a kid got into Williams and Bowdoin the kid would choose Williams 99% of the time. This is starting to change and Sullivan needs to stop this from continuing before it starts to spiral further. The good news is I think Sullivan has brought in his best recruiting class since arriving with the striker from Chicago who looks VERY promising, Oberg who was the Berkshire School defender who took a year off and a couple other solid recruits. You can never really rely on Frosh unless you have an Alex Blake but this looks to be one of the better classes in Nescac this year. Williams has a big question mark in net with Schneiderman graduating, a total lack of creativity in midfield unless Petrik can step up and run the show, massive holes at striker with the loss of Sisco and his 19 career goals and a lack of mental toughness needed to win games against top teams. I would like to see the skilled and pacey Demian Gass fit and injury free as he could be a factor. I am a big fan of seniors Sean Dory in midfield, Scatt Macdonald on the backline and Greg Andreou as either a midfielder or defender. Personally, I like Andreou in midfield. As usual Williams schedule has some very winnable games to start the year and extremely difficult games by mid October to finish it. This does give Williams some time to work out the kinks and find some confidence heading into the latter part of October. In Williams first 10 games I see only 2 difficult games at Amherst and at Conn the others are all winnable games if they play well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 22, 2018, 01:55:26 PM
5. Colby--------This was one of the unluckiest teams in all of D3 last year. They were better than 6-6-2 (3-5-2) and a T-8 finish in Nescac. They beat Middlebury and Amherst and had five 1 goal losses(all 0-1 defeats). Scoring goals was an issue in some games but creating chances was not as they had some really good looks on net whenever I tuned in, they just could not finish. Colby only graduated 4 contributing seniors and 2 starters from last season as Chandler Smith and Avery Heilbron are two key players that have graduated. The good news is that everyone else is back with one more year of experience. They might be one of the most experienced sides heading into 2018 as they have 12 seniors.  Jansen Aoyama is one of the more technical players in the league and he will be needed to score goals and create chances. Either he had some injury problems in 2017 or is a bit of a pain in the ass as he only started 3 games last season. They need him to produce on the field and act as a leader off of it. Long thrower Cam Clouse is back and will be needed to get his head on the end of set pieces for some goals. The speedy striker Rosenberg returns after scoring 2 goals last season and creating dangerous chances for his teammates. He is going to need to get 5-6 goals and dish out 4-5 assists this year if Colby wants to contend. Avery Gibson showed he was a solid GK in this league last year and he will need to continue his steadiness in net. Lucas Pereira and Asa Berolzheimer who both contributed solid numbers last season will need to continue where they left off. My point of all this is besides Berolzheimer and Gibson all the other guys I mentioned along with Garrett Dickey and Kyle Douglas were part of that monster class that Seabrook brought in his 1st recruiting cycle. These guys have gotten a ton of experience playing with one another the past 3 years and this is the year they need to get the results on the field. This has to be Colby's year to fight for a Top 4 in Nescac and a Pool C NCAA bid. Colby has not been in a position like this in decades but they have the talent to make it happen this fall. Seabrook is a good coach and organizes the troops well but that is not enough anymore. The players have to take control and find a way to score more goals. Colby scored 8 goals in 10 Nescac games last year. Thats's not going to cut it if they want to move the program to the next level. Chandler Smith and Avery Heilbron are massive losses to a program like this but they can replace those 2 if guys step up and give 100% every game.


6. Hamilton-------Hamilton was one of the more inconsistent teams last year in Nescac. They did advance to the Nescac Semi-Finals for the 2nd straight year. They showed serious courage and fight by coming back to defeat Amherst 4-3 after a 2-0 Halftime hole in the Nescac Quarters. However, they also showed a lack of courage and guts by getting bounced by Tufts in the Nescac Semi's 4-0 to end their season. It was like that all year. One game they looked like a Top 4 side and the next they looked uninterested. They had some big results in 2017 including wins at Bowdoin, at Amherst and a draw v Amherst plus a tough 1-0 loss to Tufts at home where they played them straight up and were unlucky not to get a result. They also had bad losses at Tufts 4-0, at Oneonta 4-1 and v Bates 2-1.  I gave Nizzi credit all year as Hamilton was one of the few teams in Nescac that tried to play futbol. For the most part they played the ball to feet and on the ground when they could. That takes guts in this league nowadays. For 2018, Hamilton has some holes that need to be filled. 3/4 of their backline has graduated. Lichtman, O'Malley and Kastilahn are all gone and while Hamilton's backline was a bit of a weakness IMO in 2017 it is still very tough to lose 3 starters on your backline. Lins Cadwell returns in net and should be pushed by that Frosh that is coming in. Hamilton returns 3 very solid attacking players in strikers Aidan Wood and Jefri Schmidt and attacking midfielder Bobby Chapman. I am a huge fan of Wood who is as quick as a cat and finished the season with 8 goals. Chapman is a decent 1v1 player and Schmidt a solid striker that works well with Wood. The graduation of Eli Morris in midfield leaves a big hole to fill. His leadership on and off the field, work ethic and tackling will be hard to replace right away. I think if Nizzi brings in a solid recruiting class, can get a consistent effort on defense and in net and get 100% focus in every game they play they will have a good chance to contend for a Top 4 in Nescac.


7.   Wesleyan------Wesleyan has now finished outside the Top 8 in Nescac 2 years in a row which has never happened. They had four 1 goal losses and finished 2-6-2 in conference. They had the talent in 2017 to qualify for the Nescac Tournament but they finished 1-4-0 on the road in Nescac and losses at Trinity and at Hamilton in OT absolutely killed them. They graduated 8 Seniors from 2017 but the biggest loss will be Nick Jackson who will be difficult to replace. His leadership, passion and competitiveness will be sorely missed. They also lose Cowie-Haskell who actually has 1 year of eligibility left because of so many injuries this kid had. ACH had a serious nose for the goal but finished with only 35 Games Played in a 4 year career. However, when healthy he could find the net and scored 15 Goals in those 35 Games. With only 4 rising Seniors on the 2018 roster this is another Nescac team that will be very young. Komar Martinez-Paiz is one of the more talented players in the league and Wesleyan is going to need him to step up his game this season. He has only scored 4 goals in his career and he really needs to sneak maybe 6-7 Goals next season for Wesleyan. Teddy Lyons the other rising Senior will be needed to step up with the loss of Jackson and really lead this team with KMP. Lyons is a worker and I think he could be a leader on this team. A couple serious problems from 2017 need to be addressed. 1. Scoring Goals...No player on the team last year scored more than 2 goals and yes 5 players did score 2 goals but you cannot win in this league with that lack of production. 2. GK....Wheeler must get a solid GK because that was always a given when you played Wesleyan in the past during their successful runs is that they had legit GK'ing. Their starter Brian Harnett has moved on but he was not the answer either. 3....The backline needs to get bigger and more physical. Wesleyan had plenty of speed last year on its backline but they need to add muscle and grit back there especially with the loss of Jackson.  This team does still have some good players and will need guys like Alec Haas, Trevor Devanny, Mauricio Bailleres and Jack Wolf to step up. I like all 4 players especially Haas as I think he can score goals in this league and Devanny on the flank has speed and toughness. If Wheeler can get a focused bunch next year, max effort all season, consistent steady GK'ing and more goals this team will finish in the Top 8 and might surprise and compete for a Top 4. 


8.  Bowdoin------Bowdoin finished a solid season in 2017 with another NCAA Tournament appearance but had a quick exit. This was a team that relied on a tight organized defense and superior GK'ing. They struggled scoring goals all year and more importantly they struggled creating goal scoring chances. They relied solely on set pieces and pouncing on scrums after the set piece landed.  They had no schemer in midfield, no one that could pull the strings. They tried some players there like McPherron and a couple others but nothing looked right to me. Somewhere along the line Wiercinski said screw it and had combinations of Niang, Morant and Stenquist all roaming around in the middle of the field but none a steady playmaker. He went with sheer size and power and decided if he could not create scoring chances thru midfield during the run of play then they will create them off set pieces. Frankly. he had no choice but it is his own doing. If you really study Bowdoin's roster a ton of players are very identical. Tons of size, athleticism and heart but not much skill. It's almost like he over recruited size one year just to match up with Amherst or Middlebury or whatever. Also, they had no depth last year because of all this duplication. I would say they had maybe 4 guys come off the bench in meaningful games that I can remember. Drake Byrd the pacey frosh who is one of the few players on this roster that can take guys 1v1, Will Herman an athletic kid with some size and toughness, CJ Masterson a quick little front player who scored a couple goals and Jason Oliver a steady midfielder with a good work ethic. That was it and I expect those 4 to be starters in 2018. Bowdoin had 27 players on their roster in 2017 and I would guess maybe 10 of them never saw the field or maybe got in 1 or 2 games all year. Van Siclen's backup last year Sam McDowell will be a rising JR and has never played in a game. He is the only other GK on the roster. My point is if you are afraid to give guys a run here and there throughout the season how will any of them get any experience? How do you rely on these players for 2018 or are we relying on bringing in another 8-10 Frosh and weeding some of these kids out? Anyhow.....Bowdoin does still have one of the best athletes in the league in Niang. He will need to get more than the 2 goals he scored in 2017. I think Bowdoin is going to need him to match his Soph year performance when he tallied 6 goals and 3 game winners. The left-footed McColl is a really solid player as he is 6'2 tough and fast. Excellent server of the ball on crosses and set pieces as he has 10 assists in his career as a defender. I assume he will be a Captain in 2018 and move to CB. I am a big fan of Stenquist as a holding midfielder as he is tough as nails and gets stuck in. One of the better tacklers of the ball in Nescac. He is on the shorter side for holding middies in this league nowadays but there is plenty of size around him to make up for it. The only other player besides these 3 and the 4 bench players from 2017 that I named would be Levi Morant. He is not my type of player if I was building a team from scratch but he does work hard and is very dangerous finishing set pieces. When I watched Columbia University last year in the NCAA 1st Round his brother Zach Morant scored a fantastic goal to equalize William & Mary off a corner kick and eventually Columbia secured a 2-1 OT Win and its first NCAA Win in probably decades. I remember him saying in the interview he was saying something along the lines of "I just crashed the box its something we work on every day in practice and if guys have the desire to lay your body out you will get the ball in the net". Levi has this exact same mentality and scored 3 goals in 2018. He will need to up that tally to 4-5 goals in 2018 especially if he moves back up top. Unless Bowdoin brings in a stellar class with 2-3 guys that can contribute right away I am predicting that they will drop down the standings. A brand new backline and GK will need time to gel. They will still play the same old defensive, tedious, conservative style that Wiercinski relies on and be a very organized unit but I see way more problems than I did in 2017. They still will struggle to score and create but now they will not be as strong in the back and in net and those 1-0 victories in 2017 will turn into draws and losses in 2018.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 22, 2018, 01:55:52 PM
9. Conn---------I am going to get some grief for predicting Conn finishes outside the Top 8 but I just have a hunch even though they have a ton  of positives heading into the season. The first being their schedule. Out of 15 games on the schedule they will play ONLY 3 games (at Bates, at Bowdoin and at Hamitlon) outside the state of Connecticut. That is one the more favorable schedules I have seen in a long time. Their Nescac schedule worked in their favor this year and they have some pretty good non-conference games at Home including Endicott, UMASS Boston and Rhode Island College plus Away at ECONN. The second positive is they return more than 20 players from last season. They only lose one key starter in Nate Summers and one bench player Graham Koval. So you have basically 10 starters coming back from an team that qualified for the NCAA's for the first time in 22 years. You also can add a brand new recruiting class to all the returning players. The third positive is Murphy. One of the better coaches in Nescac he absolutely got everything out of these players that he could in 2017. They were one of the hardest working sides in Nescac last year and props have to go to the players but also Murphy. So on paper this looks like a side that could finish maybe 4th / 5th in Nescac and I would not be shocked if they do. Rising Senior Ben Manoogian was recognized with all kinds of wards last season for scoring 8 goals with 3 GW's. Rising Soph GK AJ Marcucci was solid in net all season for Conn and might be Conn's best GK in decades. All of this, the schedule, the returning players, Manoogian, the GK and the Coach make it look like a Top 4 side. However, there is always one team in Nescac every year that surprises everyone(That would be Conn in 2017) and always one team in Nescac that falls way short of expectations(IMO that will be Conn in 2018). Just a hunch thats all. I like Lockwood as a striker and I think he will continue to score some goals and they will need him to. I am not completely sold on Manoogian as his 8 goals were not scored against any top teams. The top teams shut him down. Marcucci's performance in net for Conn in the NCAA 1st Round game v Rochester cost his team the game as the goal he let up in the final minutes was a horrific mistake. Murphy can wear on players very easily and his negativity and yelling can tune players out. I do not like their midfield at all as they can not create decent chances for their strikers. There is no real stud that can take guys on 1v1. This is just my hunch for some reason that all that went right last season will go wrong this season. I could totally be wrong and would not be surprised to see Conn finish 4th or whatever but right now they are my pick to blow up.


10. /  11. ------Trinity / Bates-----I am putting these 2 teams together because IMO both of these sides are lacking talent to compete with the other 9 teams. I have never seen Trinity's roster look so thin. They graduate key players from a team that under achieved all year last year. Bednarek, Savonen and Brazina are big losses for this program. It is going to take 1-2 recruiting classes for Trinity to get back on track. They have holes all over the field. Who is going to score goals? Who is going to lead the backline? Who will create in midfield? Who is in net? They do have a brand new field that recruits should love plus a fantastic campus and decent financial aid packages. There is nor reason for Trinity not to be competing for Top 4's in Men's Soccer every year. They should at the very least be able to get real solid athletes into that program. The kid Henry Belt from South Kent is a good player as is Alex Steel from Loomis. The 2 boys from PA / Shipley Henry Farr and Mike Burns are also good players. Other than that I am not seeing much unless kids have been busting all offseason and a real solid class is coming in.  It could be a long year in Hartford.  Bates is coming off their first Top 8 in eight years even if it was eighth place and 20 seconds away from being eliminated. Their Head Coach Stu Flaherty is gone and that could be a positive IMO. The new Coach came from Knox College and is a total mystery to me. His name is Tyler Sheikh and might be one of the youngest coaches in D3. I think he might be one or 2 years younger than Elias. However, unlike Elias he has Head Coaching experience which is KEY. This is a very good change for Bates and I have a hunch he might start turning this program around. It will be a massive challenge especially this year. The loss of Nate Merchant for a program like Bates is devastating. DiBenedetto will also be a loss. I will say besides Max Watson they do bring their defense back plus I am a big fan of their GK Robbie Montanaro. Whenever I tuned in, Montanaro was making some key saves and keeping Bates in the game. Hopefully, he will be the only player to stay put because I am curious if this new coach blows up the whole lineup and starts from scratch maybe changing systems and style of play plus trying guys in different positions. The great thing for him taking over Bates right now is there are no expectations at all for 2018. Flaherty left him a solid GK and a couple decent players and that is it. Unlike Elias at Midd, this new coach can play around with this whole program in 2018 and try any number of different things to see what he has and what he needs for 2019. Teams MUST get 6 points v Trinity and Bates in 2018. It is an absolute MUST to get get 6 points against both these sides if you want to finish in the top half of the league. Bates and Trinity will not just roll over but if the other 9 squads play their best and give 100% they should be able to beat them. Will Trinity and Bates go 0-10-0? ...NO....They each will get a couple draws and maybe a couple wins but I predict these 2 will be at the bottom of the table by late October.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on August 22, 2018, 03:18:06 PM
Well done Right as always...+K
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on August 22, 2018, 06:06:01 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on August 22, 2018, 03:18:06 PM
Well done Right as always...+K

I, too, gave you +K, MR.  The effort you put into the NESCAC preview is quite impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on August 26, 2018, 10:22:29 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on August 22, 2018, 01:55:26 PM
I gave Nizzi credit all year as Hamilton was one of the few teams in Nescac that tried to play futbol. For the most part they played the ball to feet and on the ground when they could. That takes guts in this league nowadays.

Mr. Right, which are the other teams in the NESCAC that you would say try to play futbol?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BillWill on August 28, 2018, 08:08:41 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 25, 2018, 01:32:32 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 24, 2018, 07:45:47 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on July 24, 2018, 06:11:49 PM
Where's the eating popcorn emoticon when you need it?

I can't decide whether to go with some traditional Orville R, moderate-liberal Smartfood Cheddar, or some more Wesleyan-esque Trader Joe's Herbs and Spices.

This is great stuff and hopefully will spiral into a regular blog as the saga unfolds, with the side benefit of some of us (including me) reminding everyone another time or two about the cool, elite places WE and our kids went to college.  I'm in.  The college search was a great, exhilarating time, when, before actual realities and decisions roll in, everything and every place is possible.  Great stuff for those of us who loved making and re-making lists and would love to go through the whole thing again.

So many nuances.  Too Jewish.  Midfield plays the way we like but doesn't need us.  Too rural.  City is great except if its Hartford.  Classes too big but at least mimics Europe.  Better than any strong Academy players that have played at F&M but not even playing Academy and might not even make a good Academy squad.  Could get bored.  Needs the ball but might not get off the bench.  Well, at least will be able to pull the strings for the scout team and use that intuitive decision-making in practices.  One national title coach is a jerk (proven fact apparently) who plays crap soccer.  Colby might have a flake.  The Wesleyan coach is cool but he keeps it real about realistic academic chances, and who wants all that deconstructive chalking in Middletown anyway?  So many schools that aren't good enough even though there's no signal about any suggesting admission.  Live in the Midwest but can only consider what works with Logan Airport.  Rochester has an airport.  In fact, all the UAA schools do.  No consideration of the excellent schools that sound like actual fits....Gettysburg, Dickinson, Denison, DePauw, Centre, Rhodes.

Several people have suggested what to do.  Pursue what you think you like broadly.  Pick some places to visit that want you to visit, and be sure to include at least a couple where you're very confident that admission is not an issue.  Go on said visits, and then decide on small vs big, rural vs city, campus cultures, team cultures, coaches, playing styles, likely playing time at places where you think playing style fits, etc, etc.
That's quite the stand-up routine... whatever the popcorn flavor, I'm throwing it at the screen watching this reel of "facts" which are quite "nuanced" themselves! A few corrections are in order before this commentary is permanently stamped on the collective mind of this board regarding our poor non-superstud:
- "Better than any strong academy players that have ever played at F and M." You mean all one of them? [burn emoji] What I actually said: Better than the incoming freshman. Small nuance...
- "Not even playing academy and might not even make a good squad."  Truth: Played middling academy before, then made squad this year again but turned it down. (You can pick on that decision all you want, but consider driving 25 miles in rush hour straight through a huge city four or five night a week and get home at 11pm... If you survive to apply to college, see if any nescac school thinks you are "well-rounded.")
- "Lives in midwest...."  Fact: Never said that. Guess another region...
"..But can only consider what works with Logan Airport." That's right. Or Philadelphia. Unless you are offering to give him your frequent flyer miles on American Eagle, he's going Southwest, heck, maybe even Spirit.
- "Could get bored." Fine. Son (and you all) have put to rest that silly Mom Concern. As an alum of a nescac school, I have duly warned him, however, that if he is bored, it won't be because of the soccer, it will be due to the lack thereof during a long, miserable winter stuck on a hill outside of New Hartford or Pittsfield or some other exciting place...
- "So many schools aren't good enough..."  Huh? I assure you, they are all more than good enough."... but no signal about any suggesting admission." Sure they are, but I'm not going to tell you which...
- "No consideration of the excellent schools that sound like actual fits....Gettysburg, Dickinson..." These two were and are, but I hadn't brought them into the discussion.

On that note, it's probably time for Mom to spare this board any more of the recruiting "saga." We'll suffer through the madness on the sidelines.

For the record I get that my kid is not superstud. Just don't be mean to poor Mom on some future date if he ends up sitting on a bench!

Let me guess:

You're from Texas, not the Midwest.
You're considering Gettysburg, F&M, Hamilton (alum), and other NESCAC schools
Did the "D3 East Coast Summer ID Camp Tour - 2018"
You prefer bigger city - would be good fit in Boston area D3 or Rhodes or Johns Hopkins for their location - rules out some of NESCAC and Gettysbury and F&M since not near airports or metro areas.

Your son (R) is very talented - would fit in at any of these schools but wouldn't stand out on day 1. Sone schools are a bit of a stretch academically but he can handle the workload.
Best of luck - let everyone know where he ends up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 28, 2018, 01:36:46 PM
Quote from: Buck O. on August 26, 2018, 10:22:29 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on August 22, 2018, 01:55:26 PM
I gave Nizzi credit all year as Hamilton was one of the few teams in Nescac that tried to play futbol. For the most part they played the ball to feet and on the ground when they could. That takes guts in this league nowadays.

Mr. Right, which are the other teams in the NESCAC that you would say try to play futbol?


Check out the Williams Women's Soccer team....In the few times I have seen them play they put on a clinic.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 28, 2018, 03:31:08 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on August 22, 2018, 03:18:06 PM
Well done Right as always...+K

DITTO LaPAZ! ;)  Good stuff!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on August 28, 2018, 05:54:09 PM
Even casual NESCAC fans know that Williams women's soccer is possibly the most consistently skilled, cohesive, fit, and determined team among all men's and women's sports in NESCAC.

Go see a game in person at Cole Field in Williamstown and enjoy the beautiful fall setting as well ....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 01, 2018, 09:26:01 PM
Heard Tufts throttled Bowdoin today 6-0. Apparently their new CB Paoletta stood out with a very impressive goal early on right after Tasker put them up 1-0. Perhaps there will be a shake-up in the order of the Maine teams in the 'CAC this year...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 03, 2018, 02:43:42 PM
That is an absolute pounding especially in scrimmage with 2 teams that know each other. Looks like Shapiro did not call off the dogs. As predicted it is almost inevitable that Bowdoin drops down the standings from its 2017 showing but 6-0...damn...

Paoletta I believe is a Soph. He was a highly regarded recruit who saw some action last year..Not much because of all the depth Tufts had but if it is the kid I am thinking of he is a Soph. Sounds like he came back hungry to get in on the action and contribute but this makes for more headaches on who will get sacked if this kid is Tufts new stud on the backline
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 11:05:43 AM
Will be interested in seeing Tufts lineup as they open their season under the lights at Bello tonight v UMASS Boston. I think UMB is not as strong as they have been but still a good chance to see Tufts start their Nescac title defense. Midd opens their season today v Norwich. Should be an easy W for Midd to start the Elias era. I will be curious to see who is in net for Midd as I think that will be a big question mark in 2018. Whoever the GK is he will not get tested today as I do not see Norwich getting more than 2-3 SOG. Conn opens up with a walk over to Mitchell this afternoon. I am hoping Mitchell is starting to tire of Conn opening their season up every year by crushing Mitchell.  I am expecting a tighter battle this afternoon especially if the Mitchell that played St.Joe's in the NCAA's at Tufts in 2017 shows up. Still Conn should win this game 3-0. Finally, we have Hamilton going to Oswego State today. Oswego St finished dead last in the SUNYAC in 2017 going 1-8-0 but managed to draw Hamilton 3-3 last season. Those type of results must change if Hamilton is going to contend this year. Will be interested to see Hamilton's lineup especially on D.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 04:24:10 PM
End of the 1st Half up at Middlebury with Norwich and Midd knotted at 0-0. Midd has had a couple dangerous chances in the run of play and on a couple set pieces. The last 10 minutes of the 1st Half have been all Midd.  Norwich has not had a SOG that I could see. Still Norwich has a player or two attacking and are holding there own defensively. Both teams a little sloppy with the ball which is normal at the beginning of the year. It feels like it is about 110 degrees outside where I am so I can't imagine it is much different anywhere in New England. It is even hotter on turf with the sun beating down so players are feeling the heat this afternoon. Some changes that I have noticed. Midd has switched its Home bench to the left side of the field if looking at the field from the West (Camera angle). Midd has been sloppy with the ball BUT they are not just blasting the ball downfield. They are knocking the ball around the carpet. Now they sometimes used to do this against non-conference opponents but when facing more difficult Nescac sides they would revert back to their old ways. We should know on Saturday when they travel to Conn. The starting lineup has changed a bit as well..O'Grady has been named a Captain but has been nowhere to be found. Announcer said he has a broken nose but usually you could play with a face mask so who knows maybe he makes an appearance 2nd Half. Midd looks to be in a 4-4-2 with the GK being a kid named Matthew Hyer..I have never heard of him but he has not seen a shot all half. Defense looks to be big, strong and decently quick. Moffat is at RB with Peter Davis and Robinson at CB and Midd's only starting Frosh Michael McFarlane at LB. They had #4 Jeremy Barovick holding and he worked his tail off with Raffi Barsamian attacking who also busted his ass and looked pretty decent with the ball at his feet. He is skilled and fast. Potter was wide left and Oudet was wide right. Goulart and Reid were up top. Oudet was busting up and down the flank but not sure how skilled he is. I still would rather have Goulart on the flank. However, Midd did a great job of interchanging all over the field as Goulart, Potter etc were constantly in motion. In years past Midd could look flat footed at times. Reid at times looked good and used his size and speed to his advantage. At other times his skill was lacking and his first touch awful. Also, he was coming back WAY to far to get the ball..He needs to be a target and stay up top and trust his teammates to feed him. He looked a bit sluggish in the heat =and running past midfield a couple times to come get the ball only burns more energy. Anyway, a solid half by Midd as now all they need to do is finish some of these chances and they should get out of here with a 1-0 or 2-0 victory.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 04:53:51 PM
15 minutes into 2nd Half and still 0-0 Midd and Norwich. Midd starting to carry play with its better depth. O'Grady starts the 2nd Half up top and is very active. He is busting as usual and causing havoc with Barsamian. Another solid player off the bench who i do not remember from last year is Jacob LaBranche who is a big boy and can run. He has had a couple good looks. Midd knocking at the door but have not snuck one in yet. They need and deserve a W here as a 0-0 draw would be a massive disappointment. Norwich still without a Shot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 05:02:55 PM
Norwich hangin around still 0-0 about 15min left. Norwich has been very organized defensively and while basically non existent attacking they do have some athletes up top. If they play like this all year they could give St.Joe's a game in the weak GNAC. Interestingly, announcer says Norwich assistant coach is Brad Agoos of UVA fame. Younger guys might not remember him and his brother but his brother Jeff Agoos was a consistent starter for the US National team in the late 90's and early 2000's IIRC. Apparently, Agoos was Head Coach at U Seattle but resigned because his wife got a gig in VT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 05:26:58 PM
0-0 Midd and Norwich heading to OT. O'Grady had a sick chance with about 5 minutes to go off a cross and used the outside of the foot on the fly but it hit the post. The goalie was beat though. Another chance was cleared off the line. Interestingly, Elias has not been afraid to sack his starters that were somewhat sluggish 1st Half as O'Grady was up top but also guys that did not play much last year got tons of minutes 2nd Half and they created some dangerous looks. #13 Hellickson who is 5'6 is like a little fly buzzing around with energy and #8 Shaikh was causing some havoc on the flank along with #14 Shams. Potter, Oudet and Goulart were  sat for long stretches.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 05:46:16 PM
"Despite what people in the chat rooms think, nobody from the Liberty League wants to make the trip here to play Middlebury."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 05:47:53 PM
Oof, not a bad try by Robinson. I thought that was top bins.

Hoping to get to Tufts' opener tonight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 06:01:56 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 05:46:16 PM
"Despite what people in the chat rooms think, nobody from the Liberty League wants to make the trip here to play Middlebury."

LOL please....the guy is full of interesting info, does his homework and is a pretty good announcer but sometimes can be a bit much.

0-0 Midd and Norwich end in a draw. Good result for Norwich and a disappointing one for Midd...Midd had numerous chances to win this game but could not finish. I will say they looked pretty good and have some depth this year. GK never tested but you better believe Conn will test him Saturday.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 06:06:24 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 06:01:56 PM
LOL please....the guy is full of interesting info, does his homework and is a pretty good announcer but sometimes can be a bit much.

0-0 Midd and Norwich end in a draw. Good result for Norwich and a disappointing one for Midd...Midd had numerous chances to win this game but could not finish. I will say they looked pretty good and have some depth this year. GK never tested but you better believe Conn will test him Saturday.

He does a good job; I just got a chuckle out of it. Interesting that he didn't speak about Midd's (perceived) reluctance to travel to the LL schools.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 06:14:42 PM
I must say I kind of got distracted in the middle of Midd's OT game because Hamilton has really looked solid against Oswego State and lead 2-0 2nd Half.  Aidan Wood has picked up right where he left off as I think he got a goal but since I tuned in has had about 3-4 LEGIT looks on net using his speed to just blow by Oswego defenders but could not finish. Each chance was using his left foot and that is a good sign. If he gets that left peg going he will be scoring double digit goals this season.  Hamilton has gone with GK Lins Cadwell in net as it looks like it will be his job to lose. The Back 4 which I was most interested in considering they lost 3/4 of their backline has looked a mix of size an speed. RB is #2 Sebastien Degiunes who is 5'7 small but quick as hell and has some skill. CB has 2 monsters in #16 Luke Eckels and #21 Milo Donovan. They are big but at least on the turf they have looked quick for their size. LB is #18 Jack Sheehan who is also big and has some speed but not much skill as he bombs everything downfield. Has been beaten a couple times as well but does have a monster long throw. Final note: off the bench is local Williamstown kid Sam Dils who is a very skilled player with pace. I look for him to contribute right away.

UPDATE: Jefri Schmidt misses a PK in what might the worst effort I have seen in a while. Give the ball to Wood..That would have been 3-0 and goodnight now Oswego gets the momentum and is puttin some pressure on Cadwell. They got 3 in in 2017 v Hamilton so this game is not over
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 06:47:11 PM
Random Thought:

Why do I feel like my weekly edition of Nor'easter News was half assed this week....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 06:57:39 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 06:47:11 PM
Random Thought:

Why do I feel like my weekly edition of Nor'easter News was half assed this week....

Because being south of the Mason-Dixon (as the author was this weekend) isn't the right weather for a Nor'easter.

In all seriousness, you'll get the real thing starting next week.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 07:03:18 PM
Tufts with a different starting lineup than I expected..No Rojas, Van Brewer, Braun and Jameson....One Frosh starts Ian Daly out of CA...Jack Delaney and Max Jacobs also starting
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 07:07:04 PM
Looks like a 4-3-3 with Jacobs and up top with Tasker and Lane behind.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 07:08:15 PM
Tufts on the board. Great cross by Lane and header by Tasker.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 07:09:32 PM
Lane had WAY too much space. Either way you've gotta put the right ball in and he did that — pacy and curling. Was right in front of me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 07:15:27 PM
IDK...Keep us updated as usual the Jumbocast is USELESS....2018 folks
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 07:19:15 PM
So do we have Paoletta and Najjar at CB with Weatherbie and the Frosh out wide? Aroh holding with Trevorrow in front of him with Delaney and then Tasker and Lane wide with Jacobs up top
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 07:20:39 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 07:19:15 PM
So do we have Paoletta and Najjar at CB with Weatherbie and the Frosh out wide? Aroh holding with Trevorrow in front of him with Delaney and then Tasker and Lane wide with Jacobs up top

Affirmative.

Delaney is the standout in midfield thus far. Great workrate to win back the ball after he passed it away taking a quick free kick.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 07:21:07 PM
UMB with a chance off the free kick but the header is over the bar.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 07:21:21 PM
Back on live here and I have just seen a silly foul by Aroh and a Najjar giveaway
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 07:24:57 PM
IDK Bloots this looks like a 4-5-1 with Tasker and Lane wide..Kinda like last year...Announcer gives us his tactical analysis of Northeastern Mens Soccer using 5 at the back but pushing the wingbacks high so its like a Juve 3 back system..Not sure about that
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 07:32:01 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 07:24:57 PM
IDK Bloots this looks like a 4-5-1 with Tasker and Lane wide..Kinda like last year...Announcer gives us his tactical analysis of Northeastern Mens Soccer using 5 at the back but pushing the wingbacks high so its like a Juve 3 back system..Not sure about that

Could be. Both pretty similar, but obviously wingers in 4-5-1 are wider and lower, while these two wingers have been high and looking to cut in so that's why I went 4-3-3.

Could also be 4-1-4-1 like the 2014 system, but that year they had a real target at CF in Hoppenot. Jacobs strikes me more as a false 9. Either way I do not see 3 at the back; Aroh is the shield rather than a third CB.

Braun and Van Brewer in. Wonder if the shape will change.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 07:33:55 PM
Ooooooof...that was close. UMB guy not closed down, rounded the keep but fired over.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 07:36:48 PM
Ahh the stream is nice now...Went back to see the goal and that was a fantastic run by Tasker to lose his man and get the free header...Perfect service by Lane and actually a really nice deft touch and chip by Najjar to Lane...

UPDATE: REAL NICE ball by UMB defender to split Tufts defenders and UMB striker BURNS Najjar with speed and runs onto it and proceeds to sky it over the net...Very dangerous chance...Game should be 1-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2018, 07:43:02 PM
I cannot deal with this stream but I did catch Tufts 2nd goal..No clue who it was but the guy turned on the jets down the left flank burned a defender and looked to have roofed it in the net...Impressive...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 07:43:49 PM
Dangle of a run by Cano and great blast to make it 2-0. Apparently a sophomore. Don't even remember him playing last year but what an impact.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 08:14:33 PM
Bad foul by Tufts defender and a yellow as a UMB guy broke downfield. Just outside the box.

Decent left footed effort from the free kick, just over.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 04, 2018, 08:58:26 PM
Van Brewer rounds things off with a nice left footed finish.

Tufts with a comfortable win, and they never really looked like getting out of second gear. That said, the visitors gave them a few nervy moments and could well have had one or two of their own.  Will be a tough road trip up to Colby on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on September 05, 2018, 07:56:37 AM
I was looking at the box score for the Conn College vs. Mitchell game and I didn't see any mention of Lockwood for Conn College.  It doesn't look like he's on the roster this year either - I was expecting him to have a big senior year, but it looks like he isn't playing.

On a side note, freshman Augie Djerdjaj scored 2 goals against Mitchell and he's from Mahopac, NY.  I guess they grow goal scorers there because St. Joe's F Brett Mattos is also from Mahopac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 05, 2018, 09:52:08 AM
One note about the Tufts midfield: last night, Aroh started behind Delaney and Trevorrow — van Brewer came in for a bit to end each half and was, my opinion, the best player on the pitch. Apparently he has just started training, as he was nursing an injury, so perhaps is being eased back into the team. Rojas was serving the one-game suspension he incurred for last year's red card (double yellow) against Brandeis in the Elite 8. I thought that only straight reds merited a ban, but clearly I was mistaken. Either way, I'd perhaps expect to see the Jumbos play Aroh/van Brewer/Rojas in the future.

On Aroh: He looked really good, and was everywhere. He played in every game as a freshman (starting one) but looks even more at home this year. I think he could be as good as Kulcsar in that holding role.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on September 05, 2018, 11:21:06 AM
Quote from: OldNed on September 05, 2018, 07:56:37 AM
I was looking at the box score for the Conn College vs. Mitchell game and I didn't see any mention of Lockwood for Conn College.  It doesn't look like he's on the roster this year either - I was expecting him to have a big senior year, but it looks like he isn't playing.

On a side note, freshman Augie Djerdjaj scored 2 goals against Mitchell and he's from Mahopac, NY.  I guess they grow goal scorers there because St. Joe's F Brett Mattos is also from Mahopac.

Augie isn't a true goal scorer, but he can score goals some very nice goals. He's a skilled midfielder who plays a good, smart game. Not a bad college debut!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 05, 2018, 12:34:26 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 05, 2018, 09:52:08 AM
One note about the Tufts midfield: last night, Aroh started behind Delaney and Trevorrow — van Brewer came in for a bit to end each half and was, my opinion, the best player on the pitch. Apparently he has just started training, as he was nursing an injury, so perhaps is being eased back into the team. Rojas was serving the one-game suspension he incurred for last year's red card (double yellow) against Brandeis in the Elite 8. I thought that only straight reds merited a ban, but clearly I was mistaken. Either way, I'd perhaps expect to see the Jumbos play Aroh/van Brewer/Rojas in the future.

On Aroh: He looked really good, and was everywhere. He played in every game as a freshman (starting one) but looks even more at home this year. I think he could be as good as Kulcsar in that holding role.

Since the stream was useless I could not get a good read on Tufts last night so I will have to wait to this weekend. Maybe it was the horrible stream but to me I agree Aroh and Najjar were solid but they looked to be lacking speed. I could be wrong but if both of them are slow afoot that could be problems down the road. So if Delaney is a player like you said does that mean Van Brewer will be coming off the bench? Where does Rojas fit in because I think Shapiro likes Trevorrow on the field. So if he plays Aroh and Trevorrow then you have 1 spot for Rojas / Van Brewer / Delaney to attack. Obviously, Shapiro is great at moving guys around and changing formations and tactics mid game so I assume all these guys will get enough minutes but maybe in different roles. I will say this Colby might have more questions about Tufts than before the game started except on player strengths and weaknesses.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 05, 2018, 01:13:32 PM
Quote from: OldNed on September 05, 2018, 07:56:37 AM
I was looking at the box score for the Conn College vs. Mitchell game and I didn't see any mention of Lockwood for Conn College.  It doesn't look like he's on the roster this year either - I was expecting him to have a big senior year, but it looks like he isn't playing.

On a side note, freshman Augie Djerdjaj scored 2 goals against Mitchell and he's from Mahopac, NY.  I guess they grow goal scorers there because St. Joe's F Brett Mattos is also from Mahopac.


WOW...I did not see this. You are correct Lockwood is not on the Conn roster. Some things just do not change as I said at the end of last season we always have to study Conn's roster to see who has either quit or been booted off. Lockwood is a massive loss as he could score goals and battled up top. Honestly, though because of Murphy's style this is a yearly event.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 05, 2018, 02:19:14 PM
Tonight another bunch of Nescac Men's Soccer teams get going. All night games tonight.

Amherst will be travelling to Wentworth and have brought in 7 Frosh. Only 1 GK has arrived so will be curious to see who is in net for them. Obviously, the frosh everyone will be interested in seeing is German Giammattei who has grabbed the #9 jersey. That's a good sign. On paper this kid looks to be the real deal so I want to see what he has tonight and how he fits into Serpone's lineup tonight. Serpone brings back a couple starters on the backline in Bryce Johnson, Kyle Kelly, Felix Wu and Cutler Coleman. Will Cohen might also fit into the mix. However, besides the 6'5 Sean Fitzgerald who saw limited minutes last season Amherst looks to have gotten a bit smaller and hopefully more skilled. Wu and Kelly are 6'2 and Johnson 6'1 but they have more guys under 6' than in years past.

Trinity opens up under the lights at Endicott.  Endicott should be one angry and motivated bunch tonight after going 0-2-0 on the weekend. Trinity will battle them tonight but Endicott must win this game to get back on track. Trinity has brought in 7 Frosh and their starting lineup might have a couple of them in it. Either way their lineup will look a lot different than it did in 2017. This would be a good result if Trinity shows up and great preparation for their opening Nescac match this weekend up at Williams.

Colby will open with a walk over to rival Thomas who has opened 2-0-0 after wins v Coast Guard and Westfield State. Thomas will be looking to go 3-0-0 tonight by trying to get their first win over Colby since an OT W in 2015. Colby has brought in 12 Frosh and have a roster size near 30. It's just ridiculous IMO to have such a big roster but anyhow. One of the Frosh is Ethan Fabricant who is Williams striker Bobby Fabricant's brother. If he is anything like his brother he will be a very hard worker but slower than pond water. Usually brothers though can be very different so we will see. Colby brings back many starters but I would not be surprised to see a couple Frosh tonight.
ea
Wesleyan will host a solid side in WPI tonight on the turf. This is a very challenging opening game for Wheeler. Wesleyan has brought in 11 Frosh including a 6'5 GK. Wheeler has also brought in a ton more size which was needed. There are a ton of questions that need to be answered. Who will be in net? Who replaces Nick Jackson and ACH? If Wesleyan can get a win here that would be a fantastic result. They did beat WPI last year in their opening game and I am betting WPI remembers that. Even a draw here would be ok for Wesleyan but I will be interested to see their lineup tonight.

Bates hosts Maine Farmington on the turf at 8pm tonight. Main Farmington usually is a very weak team so even with a new coach and a ton of question marks for Bates this game should be controlled by the Bobcats. Looks like Bates has 7 Frosh on the roster but only 4 with #'s. So they will be relying on returning players a ton. Captains look to be a couple of average defenders in Drew Munoz and Sam Huebschmann, Peder Bakken who should be one of Bates key players this season and Aleks Marceau who I have to admit I do not remember at all.  Bates also returns dangerous players in Eric Opoku and Beaufils Kimpolo-Pene who  will be needed to score goals for Bates this season.  Robbie Montanaro returns in net and he will be needed bigtime this season. He is IMO one of the better GK's in the league.  Bates also has a new Head Coach in Tyler Sheikh who comes from Knox College. I have no idea what his philosophy is or how he will play with this bunch. If I were in charge I would all out attack with this bunch. There is still enough skill on this team to be dangerous going forward. Defensively, they need a ton of work but with such a solid GK if you attack with your wingbacks and happen to leave your GK high and dry on the counter coming back the other way at least Montanaro would hold up. Try to outscore your opponents. There is no doubt in my mind that unless this Coach is defensive minded and sits deep than Bates is going to leak goals this season. Even if they do sit deep they will still let up a decent amount goals so why not go balls out and attack and press your opponents like crazy. Some Nescac defenses would be very uncomfortable under that type of pressure and Bates has the guys to do this. Point is this Coach can tinker as much as he wants and try a ton of stuff with this group. Because this Head Coach is new I am guessing players came back extra fit to impress a new coach so that should be another positive. Will be interested in catching Bates 2nd Half tonight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 05, 2018, 02:36:40 PM
All the Nescac teams that opened their seasons last night won.....only Midd was held to a 0-0 2ot draw.  See scores on Nescac scoreboard website.
Amherst had a scrimmage recently and the new #9 FY got in the scoring column.  On the Amherst athletic website, there is a preview and a roster of the 2018 squad....with #9 specifically cited.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 05, 2018, 04:31:15 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 05, 2018, 12:34:26 PM
Since the stream was useless I could not get a good read on Tufts last night so I will have to wait to this weekend. Maybe it was the horrible stream but to me I agree Aroh and Najjar were solid but they looked to be lacking speed. I could be wrong but if both of them are slow afoot that could be problems down the road. So if Delaney is a player like you said does that mean Van Brewer will be coming off the bench? Where does Rojas fit in because I think Shapiro likes Trevorrow on the field. So if he plays Aroh and Trevorrow then you have 1 spot for Rojas / Van Brewer / Delaney to attack. Obviously, Shapiro is great at moving guys around and changing formations and tactics mid game so I assume all these guys will get enough minutes but maybe in different roles. I will say this Colby might have more questions about Tufts than before the game started except on player strengths and weaknesses.

If Aroh is holding, you have two No. 8s, and I think those would be Rojas and van Brewer. Rojas brings the size and athleticism while van Brewer is smaller but has great vision and trickery. I actually thought Aroh got around fairly well last night, but wouldn't disagree with your assessment of his speed overall.

Delaney is athletic, works hard, and had a solid game, but I am not sure he gets ahead of either Rojas or van Brewer. I do not think Trevorrow starts; I think he mostly comes off the bench. Regardless, he put in a good shift last night.

Najjar did have a couple of giveaways but was solid otherwise. That being said, I agree he doesn't have the wheels that some other CBs have.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 05, 2018, 10:33:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 05, 2018, 02:19:14 PM
Tonight another bunch of Nescac Men's Soccer teams get going. All night games tonight.

Great preview, Mr. Right!  Unfortunately, I was not able to watch any of the games.  The box scores were quite revealing, though.

I watched Wentworth a few times last year and they seemed to be a decent, middle-of-the-road outfit, not the kind of team that goes down to any team 5-0 at the half.  With a brace and an assist, Giammattei seems to be the real deal.  I'm not a betting person, but what is the over/under on goals for him? 20? NESCAC back lines will no doubt be stouter than that of Wentworth, but still....  Hats off to Lind as well for a goal and 3 assists.

Trinity seems to have gotten off to a good start, with a gritty comeback and 2-1 OT victory against 0-3 Endicott (whose "strength through adversity" quotient is rising with each narrow defeat).

Mr. Right's comments proved prescient with Colby's game winning goal by Fabricant.  The "pond water" flowed just quickly enough to score!  ;)

Wesleyan was "close, but no cigar" against WPI (1-0 loss), and kudos to Coach Sheikh, whose Bates squad was a 2-0 winner over Maine-Farmington in his Bobcat coaching debut.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 06, 2018, 02:25:37 PM
I am curious about why Liam Sloan is not listed on the Middlebury roster.  There was a big build-up for him last Spring (https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/liam-sloan-argentina-middlesex-gps/) and he seems to have found his way to campus (http://athletics.middlebury.edu/sports/msoc/2018-19/bios/sloan_liam_5r3s), but he is not listed on the roster.  Did he sustain a season-ending injury in preseason?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2018, 03:54:09 PM
Nescac predictions:


Tufts at Colby-----I predicted Colby to finish 5th in Nescac but I may have to rethink my prediction. For some reason 4 players(3 of them key starters) from 2017's roster are not playing in 2018. GK Avery Gibson, Jansen Aoyama, Ryan Lauderback and Alberto Butts-Lee have either quit, been booted off or did not return to the school. 1970's Nescac Player any info on this? Either way without Aoyama and Gibson plus the graduation of Smith and Heilbron this team might have more holes than expected. All of a sudden they have question marks in net and losses up the spine that may hurt. #9 Wyett MacDonald played in 13 career games in 3 years and played 90 minutes on Wednesday at Thomas. Same goes for #7 David Howarth. Meanwhile, speedy Jeff Rosenberg played only 35 minutes. GK Dan Carlson started in net and has played a total of 9 games in 3 years. #31 Lucas Pereira who played a key role in 2017 and had some goals played a grand total of 10 minutes against Thomas. Frosh #14 Graham Pugh played 90 minutes. So I really do not know what to expect as I did not see them play on Wednesday. Certainly, there are more question marks for me now than before the season started. Tufts stream was so bad I caught about 10 minutes 1st half v UMB and I know their players and was a little surprised at their starting lineup, Still they have a ton of talent and depth that should be able to outlast Colby. Colby will be very organized as usual in the back and they will sit with 6 and make it difficult on Tufts to score. I am not sure yet if Tufts will continue to struggle to score goals like the way they ended their season in 2017. Colby is not a side that you want to see when you are struggling to finish. I still think Tufts gets it done but it will not be easy.   1-0 Tufts


Hamilton at Bates-----I caught some of the 2nd Half of Bates 2-0 win over Maine-Farmington. When I tuned in it was 0-0 about 10 minutes into the 2nd Half but Bates was all over Farmington. Farmington is not a very good team but their GK was keeping them in the game. As expected Bates brand new Head Coach tinkered with his lineup. He started 3 Frosh and 3 Soph and benched Opoku, Kimpolo-Pene and Dewdney who were 3 key players in 2017. However, I did not see the 1st Half so I have no idea how the starters performed. I will say when I tuned in I was pleased to see Opoku wide left causing a TON of havoc against Farmington. He helped create the 1st goal out on the flank by beating a guy and then feeding Peder Bakken(who also played well) who beat a couple guys and crossed it to a Frosh who finished it nicely. Dewdney played a bunch 2nd half and scored on a nice header from a corner. Bates looked dynamic in attack and were all over Farmington but again Farmington is not very good. I think question marks are going to be in the back for Bates this season and I could not get a good read on their backs in the Farmington game. Hamilton looked very solid against Oswego as I like what Nizzi has done with his back 4 as I thought Luke Eackles and Milo Donovan played very well at CB and 5'7 RB Sebastien Deguines is a little on the short side but his speed, skill and grit are a breath of fresh air. The LB Jack Sheehan looked the most suspect to me as he got burned a couple times. GK Lins Cadwell did not really get tested much and striker Aidan Wood looked as quick and dangerous as ever with attacking CM Bobby Chapman causing problems and snagging a goal. Hamilton's other striker Jefri Schmidt was quiet all game and might have hit the worst PK I have seen in a while. I think Hamilton has more talent and depth than Bates plus they will remember the Home loss to Bates last year. I think this game will be an even game still and the 9 hour bus ride does not help Hamilton but they find a way and Wood knocks in 2.   2-1 Hamilton


Amherst at Bowdoin-----Did not see Amherst 7-0 drubbing of Wentworth and their 32-3(18-1 SOG) shot advantage but based on the box score there were no real surprises in their line-up. The heralded Frosh #9 Giammattei got 2 goals and I heard that #7 Dane Lind looked the best and his stats showed it with a goal and 3 assists. Still Wentworth is not a top D3 opponent but Ommadawn is right they usually are an average side so 7-0 is an impressive start for Amherst. Looks like Amherst is going with Michael Stone as their GK as he finished last year as their starter. I also did not see Bowdoin's 4-0 trashing of U New England and their 36-2(14-1 SOG) shot advantage. Bowdoin started 4 Frosh in #25 Dylan Reid who is 6'2 225, #30 Charlie Ward who is 6'4 190 with 3 SOG, GK #24 Chris Kingston who is 6'4 and #32 Harry Cooper. Will be tuning into this game to see what Bowdoin's lineup looks like and where these three Frosh are playing. Bowdoin also started a Soph #4 Alex Chaban who did not play at all last year but at 5'5 I am guessing he is pretty quick. They also had some regulars from 2017 in the starting lineup with Stenquist, McColl, McPherron, Niang, Drake Byrd and Justin Miller. All 6 of those guys were key contributors in 2017. In net, the 6'4 Frosh is supposedly a highly touted recruit from what i hear but I have never seen him play. Interestingly, CJ Masterson and Levi Morant came off the bench. It is possible both got a ton of minutes as Masterson had 3 SOG. So Bowdoin looks to have brought in even more size with their Frosh to go with a pretty good mix of veterans. Bowdoin has not defeated Amherst since 2008 and is 0-10-3 against them since that last win. Interestingly, 8 of those 13 games have been 1-0 losses. I might have undervalued Bowdoin a bit by picking them 8th as they could have a decent season this year but I do not see them defeating Amherst.    2-0 Amherst



Midd at Conn---Midd had a disappointing result mid-week v Norwich which ended 0-0 but it is not the end of the world. In fact I liked the way Midd was playing on the ground and to feet. They worked hard for Elias in his first game as Head Coach.  The backline of Moffat, Robinson, Davis and the Frosh McFarlane is big, strong and decently quick. That is a pretty legit backline and with #4 Jeremy Barovick holding and busting his butt Midd will be very tough to break down this season. Of Course their GK is as green as grass and was not tested at all in the Norwich game. He is their biggest question mark this year and Conn would be wise to test him early and often from all over the field. I thought attacking CM Barsamian also looked dangerous. Potter wide left did not do much in that game but is plenty capable and Oudet wide right worked his ass off but is not very skilled. Up top Reid and Goulart were in and out of the game but both have plenty of talent. O'Grady came off the bench to start the 2nd Half up top. I have a feeling Elias was not planning on using him hoping his starters would put Norwich away early but that did not happen. O'Grady busted up top but missed a couple chances. Midd could not finish all game but still looked good 18 to 18. I did not see Conn blast Mitchell 5-0 but they had basically the same lineup as 2017 minus Lockwood and Sommers. 2 Frosh started #20 Luke Stoneback and #25 Steve Yeonas. Will be curious to see the lineup against Midd. I think as usual this game will be a battle and a very even game. All depends on Midd GK if you ask me. If he gives up a soft goal or 2 then forget it but if he keeps Midd in the game than I see Midd winning this match. I will bet on the latter.        1-1



Trinity at Williams-----Williams is the only Nescac and probably only team in D3 to have not played a game yet. As I said in their preview I hope they come out attacking this season. I expect the Frosh Oberg to contribute right away on the backline along with MacDonald, Ranieri and Andrew Mathew. Dory and Andreou will be in midfield along with maybe Petrik or Chris Fleischer. Scatt MacDonald and Andreou are Captains but I am surprised Dory is not a Captain. Up front Demian Gass has plenty of wheels and skill, Sullivan likes Fabricant but I think he is to slow plus in 2 years he has 3 goals and 14 SOG with a ton of minutes up top. Those numbers need to increase this season. Williams had trouble scoring goals all season in 2017 and I am not sure that changes this year unless Sullivan starts attacking with his wingbacks and taking way more chances. So you go down a goal or 2 there are enough horses on this roster to get you right back in the game. The conservative afraid to lose stout defenses the past 3 season are not getting good enough results so it needs to be switched up. Also, I assume the Senior Schein will be in net for Williams and he has not played much the past 3 years so that is a BIG question mark. Trinity had a surprising and fantastic come from behind victory at Endicott the other night. I was in the car but caught bits and pieces of the match and Endicott looked in control with a 1-0 lead well into the 2nd Half. Trinity started to get back in the game and scored a late equalizer in the 78th minute that seemed to deflate Endicott. I missed Henry Farr's goal in the 94th to finish Endicott off. I liked #34 Nigel Gustave who played well in what looked to be a holding position. The two frosh #23 Eduardo Velez-Perez and #24 Nick Mastroianni played well on the backline. Mixed in with veterans William Baker, Alex Steel, Henry Farr, Max Cottrell and Henry Belt Trinity looked better than I thought they would. Again I did not see the whole game and I did not see Soph Gk Andrew Clark but this team might get a few surprise results in 2018. I give the advantage to Williams on their Home field but if Trinity takes the emotion and effort from the Endicott game into Williamstown they could atleast get out of town with a draw. A draw would be a solid result for Trinity in this Nescac opening match. Unlike most Nescac's, Trinity will not sit in as they will play Williams straight up.    Williams 2-1


Wesleyan at Haverford----I did not catch Wesleyan's 1-0 loss at Home to WPI and have not seen Haverford play so this is a toss-up. I will say this is a big weekend for Wesleyan with 2 games back to back at Haverford and at Eastern on Sunday. If they go home 0-3-0 on Sunday night that will not be good for Wheeler and Co.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 07, 2018, 04:34:26 PM
The only one of these matches I can comment on with any knowledge is Bowdoin v Amherst, as I am literally and figuratively a Bowdoin "homer".  My son played for the Polar Bears and I now live in Brunswick...

That said, I wandered over to watch Tuesday afternoon's match vs. a not-very-strong UNE team.  I learned that in the 0-6 drubbing Bowdoin took in their previous scrimmage with Tufts that Wiercinski played two new center backs who didn't work out.  In response he has moved Niang and freshman Reid into the center back spots.  Niang can be effective anywhere, and Reid is a defender by trade who is built like a linebacker.  You need to see him to believe him.

McColl is a very good and very savvy left back.  That leaves the bigger question marks at right back and keeper.   Miller played right back in the UNE game.  He is composed but is wearing a knee brace and I'm sure his quickness is hampered.  Kingston was not tested in goal and it's always an adjustment as a freshmen keeper in the NESCAC.  The back line will have to protect him consistently if they are going to stay in the game with Amherst.

As Mr. Right pointed out on numerous occasions last season, Bowdoin was offensively challenged.  I do like what I saw of freshman Harry Ward in a striker role vs. UNE.  I think he could add a dimension to Bowdoin's attack that has been lacking for several years.  Byrd is a live wire on the wing who looks more seasoned and confident.  This doesn't mean they'll be a goal scoring juggernaut by any means, but I think they will be more potent than last year.

My hunch says 1-1 or 2-1 in either direction.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 07, 2018, 04:48:23 PM
Interesting so Wiercinski now has Niang at CB with the Reid kid. Yea I read Reid is 6'2 225 which is a MOOSE..That is a linebacker size for sure. I wonder how skilled he is but damn Niang could be a decent CB as long as he doesn't play around with the ball to much back there and doesn't lose focus in marking. With McColl still wide left than maybe that is a solid backline. It's not like RB last year MacMillian was an all-star. He was steady but I think you can replace him. The GK will be tested on Saturday for sure. Out of curiosity did Wiercinski try at CB against Tufts? I think of Miller as more of a midfielder kind of like Ellsworth but hey who knows
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 07, 2018, 05:11:31 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2018, 03:54:09 PM
Nescac predictions:


Tufts at Colby-----I predicted Colby to finish 5th in Nescac but I may have to rethink my prediction. For some reason 4 players(3 of them key starters) from 2017's roster are not playing in 2018. GK Avery Gibson, Jansen Aoyama, Ryan Lauderback and Alberto Butts-Lee have either quit, been booted off or did not return to the school. 1970's Nescac Player any info on this? Either way without Aoyama and Gibson plus the graduation of Smith and Heilbron this team might have more holes than expected. All of a sudden they have question marks in net and losses up the spine that may hurt. #9 Wyett MacDonald played in 13 career games in 3 years and played 90 minutes on Wednesday at Thomas. Same goes for #7 David Howarth. Meanwhile, speedy Jeff Rosenberg played only 35 minutes. GK Dan Carlson started in net and has played a total of 9 games in 3 years. #31 Lucas Pereira who played a key role in 2017 and had some goals played a grand total of 10 minutes against Thomas. Frosh #14 Graham Pugh played 90 minutes. So I really do not know what to expect as I did not see them play on Wednesday. Certainly, there are more question marks for me now than before the season started. Tufts stream was so bad I caught about 10 minutes 1st half v UMB and I know their players and was a little surprised at their starting lineup, Still they have a ton of talent and depth that should be able to outlast Colby. Colby will be very organized as usual in the back and they will sit with 6 and make it difficult on Tufts to score. I am not sure yet if Tufts will continue to struggle to score goals like the way they ended their season in 2017. Colby is not a side that you want to see when you are struggling to finish. I still think Tufts gets it done but it will not be easy.   1-0 Tufts

Mr. Right, I was as surprised as you when I discovered that those players were not on this year's roster.  And unfortunately, I do not have inside information at this time, as my son's last season was four years ago and I have not spoken to the coach since last season.  I do not even know if all the missing individuals are still enrolled.  I suspect that it may be some combination of normal attrition, burnout, and academic priorities.  As for key players like Rosenberg and Pereira, or how much time a freshman played, it has been typical for Coach Seabrook to give other players plenty of run in non-conference games, so I wouldn't read anything into it yet, unless Rosenberg and Pereira again play sparingly tomorrow.  Wyett MacDonald was, I believe, a former NH HS player of the year, and NEPSAC All-Star at Kimball Union (after moving from a mid-Atlantic state), so he was highly touted coming in.  Howarth started almost every game his freshman and sophomore seasons, and then fell off last year, so he may have regained favor.  There is no doubt, however, that this is not the lineup I expected either.  I will be curious to see what happens tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 08, 2018, 10:45:06 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2018, 04:48:23 PM
Out of curiosity did Wiercinski try at CB against Tufts? I think of Miller as more of a midfielder kind of like Ellsworth but hey who knows

I don't know who Wiercinski tried at CB in the scrimmage with Tufts, but I suspect it was two returning nonstarters from last year...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 12:20:46 PM
Amherst at Bowdoin is 0-0 about 20 minutes in. The game has been even since the start. Some good physical play by both teams 18 to 18 but neither team with any real legit chances so far. Bowdoin has done very well matching Amherst physicality. Both teams a little sloppy with the ball. Just as I am typing Bowdoin has a great chance on a set piece outside the 18 served in nicely by McColl then flicked nicely by Morant I believe which gave the Frosh CB Reid a beautiful look as he slid for it but hit it over the net. 1st legit chance of the game


Jeez a dangerously careless foul by the Frosh Reid gives Amherst a good looking set piece about 30 yards out but the header off the service skied in the air...Should have been a card on Reid
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 12:36:07 PM
Amherst goes up 1-0 on Bowdoin with about 15 minutes left in the 1st Half on a fantastic goal. Bowdoin with a stupid foul about 25 yards away near the top of the box. Amherst puts the ball down quickly and takes a free kick while Bowdoin was trying to get organized. Did not see who took the set piece but a beautiful ball on the ground to let Nguyen run onto it unmarked and ripped a shot past Bowdoin GK. Roofed it. That is just careless stuff by Bowdoin not paying attention to the re-start. Maybe due to inexperience on the backline but Niang and McColl should know better. Bowdoin cannot make mental mistakes like that because before that set piece Amherst had not had any legit looks up to that point. 1-0 Amherst 10 minutes left in 1st Half. Plenty of time for Bowdoin to get back in but they cannot give up a 2nd.

Looking at the replay of the goal it was Niang with a stupid foul on an Amherst player who was dribbling away from net. No need to foul there. Amherst #7 Lind with the heads up intelligent play to catch Bowdoin napping on the set piece.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 12:59:24 PM
1-0 Amherst at the Half. 1 dangerous chance for Bowdoin by Reid and the Goal by Nguyen for Amherst and that has been really it. The game is a physical affair and being played between the 18's so far. No sign of Amherst poacher #3 Jimmy McMillian who maybe is injured? That would be a big loss. Also, heralded frosh for Amherst #9 German Giammattei has not done much of anything 1st Half as Bowdoin has kept him quiet. #7 Lind has been active as usual. Careless mistake for Bowdoin on that set piece otherwise it would be 0-0. Let's see if Bowdoin can tie this game up 2nd Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 01:34:42 PM
1-0 Amherst about 20 minutes left. Bowdoin just scored a goal but it was called back. The long high arching corner by McColl finds Niang's head who heads it back into the box and a nice strike off the bounce by a Bowdoin player(could not see who) was punch saved by Amherst GK Stone right back into the middle of the scrum in the box and right to a Bowdoin player who headed the ball in the net. I thought it was a goal but the linesman called it off. I think the linesman was saying that Amherst GK Stone was interfered with by Bowdoin's Drake Bryd or possibly one of the players was offside? I couldn't tell on the stream it was tough to see but it was a nice goal and just what Bowdoin was looking for. That is hard luck for Bowdoin but still Amherst 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 01:57:21 PM
Final: Amherst 1-0 Bowdoin.....Very even game IMO with both teams having a couple good looks but not many. Amherst scored on the set piece catching Bowdoin sleeping and Bowdoin had a goal called back 2nd Half. A couple other decent looks by both teams but again it was mostly played between the 18's. I thought Bowdoin played better than I expected and should compete for a Top 4 this year if they play like they did today. Still I am wondering who is going to score goals for them and like 2017 they might be relying on set pieces again. Amherst did not dominate the game as I expected and looked dangerous at times but also looked sloppy on occasion as well. GK Stone was not tested really all game and the one time that he was tested was on the goal that was called back. He made a mistake by punching the ball right back into a scrum that was headed into the net. He needed to punch that ball with more power to get it out of danger. I think he is still a question mark back there. Amherst backline also dis not look as stout as I thought. LB #20 Jack O'Brien is 5'8 but quick and feisty. He works hard and reminds me a little of former LB Chris Lerner. Serpone had #6 Fikayo Ajayi and #12 Felix Wu at CB. IMO Ajayi is not a CB but he and Wu did a decent enough job in the air and clearing balls out. Still I think the key is #4 Luke Nguyen who played right in front of them. If you can pull him out from in front the back 4 then you can attack them. The key is dragging Nguyen out of the middle of the field. He was their key today and even scored a banger of a goal. The RB is #5 Bryce Johnson who is big and physical and has that monster long throw but if you get someone real quick on the flank he can be beaten. Bowdoin did use #4 Alex Chaban out there and his quickness was causing them some problems. So something to watch for going forward. The Frosh #9 Giammattei was quiet all day but #7 Lind was very active and dangerous. Amherst will be scoring goals this season for sure but do have some question marks still defensively and in net. Still they got it done today with a nice road win up in Brunswick 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 02:18:10 PM
Williams goes up 1-0 on Trinity about 13 minutes in. A careless giveaway by Trinity's holding midfielder #34 Nigel Gustave at halfield leads to a harmless ball wide finding #22 Bobby Fabricant who takes a nice touch and cuts inside to beat Trinity Frosh LB #23 Eduardo Velez-Perez and was not closed fast enough by Trinity Frosh CB #24 Nick Mastroianni and hits a BEAUTY over Trinity GK Andrew Clark's head who might have been to far off his line. A fantastic hit by Fabricant who matches his brother up at Colby who scored a couple days ago. Still a bit careless defending by the 2 Frosh and bad giveaway to start the play. Williams 1-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 02:21:36 PM
4 minutes later Williams goes ahead 2-0 over Trinity. Fabricant gets his 2nd goal in 4 minutes. Trinity's D is getting burned left and right by Williams speed up front. Trinity's defense needs to WAKE UP and FOCUS. #34 Gustave also careless and getting burned by Williams speed. Very careless goal to give up. Williams up about 15 minutes in 2-0. This is what I feared could happen to Trinity this year if they were not fully ready to go. Plenty of time to go in the game though
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 02:26:07 PM
3-0 Williams...Damn...#21 Chris Fleischer with a pop-up header off a beautiful cross finds the net. Trinity GK Andrew Clark to far off his line and the ball goes over his head into the goal. Trinity's D is running at half speed and seem uninterested. Trinity's GK needs to get focused but a 3-0 hole will be to much for Trinity to get back into this. 20 minutes in and Trinity has thrown in the towel. Williams just dominating and this front 3 of Gass, Petrik and Fabricant plus attacking CM Fleischer look VERY GOOD
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 02:31:01 PM
4-0 Williams in the 20th minute. THIS IS A COMPLETE EMBARRASSMENT FOR TRINITY. They have stopped running, not challenging Williams, showing no interest and no guts and their GK Andrew Clark is a NIGHTMARE...He charges out of the net to cut off Williams #13 Gass and Gass just chips it over him. This is just a horrific effort by Trinity and they need a serious tongue lashing at Halftime. Unfortunately, Pilger is not really a screamer. I mean Trinity is better than this and they have just waved the white flag. 4-0 Williams and I am going to have to switch games as this one is over. UGLY...Credit to Williams as they look really sharp going forward. This is what I have been looking for the past few years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 08, 2018, 03:10:39 PM
Colby starting well, pinning Tufts back in the first 5 or so. The Colby announcer has a Maine accent and so I will be keeping the audio on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 08, 2018, 03:17:26 PM
A bit more even now but Colby is hanging with the Jumbos.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 03:23:15 PM
I think you are correct...Tufts looks to be in a 4-1-4-1....GK Mieth with LB Weatherbie, CB's Paoletta and Najjar, RB Frosh Daly...Aroh Holding then Tasker and Lane wide with Trevarrow behind Delaney with Jacobs up top....Interesting
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 03:27:48 PM
Love Rosenberg's speed for Colby..he is a danger man and Weatherbie is playing off him a little cause of the speed. Colby looking solid so far as they are hanging with Tufts..Tufts has not had a real dangerous chance yet
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 08, 2018, 03:30:10 PM
Colby with a couple of good looks, still 0-0.

This guy sounds like my grandfather, it's fantastic. For those who want to hear the Maine accent, click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYHvjIq8oT8) (NSFW).

Quote from: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 03:27:48 PM
Love Rosenberg's speed for Colby..he is a danger man and Weatherbie is playing off him a little cause of the speed. Colby looking solid so far as they are hanging with Tufts..Tufts has not had a real dangerous chance yet

Yeah he's quick. Pretty sure it was he who threatened to break down the left but thwarted by a good tackle from Paoletta.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 08, 2018, 03:30:54 PM
Interesting, Delaney and Trevorrow still starting despite my prediction that they'd both be replaced. Shows how much I know!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 03:32:19 PM
Weatherbie misses a golden chance off a juicy rebound from a well hit free kick...Could have been Tufts best chance right there
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 03:39:18 PM
I must say I do not remember 2017 Tufts giving their opponents much time on the ball before closing them. Colby is getting a ton of time on the ball in Tufts defensive end before Tufts closes them...Maybe just a one off I suppose
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 03:41:11 PM
Hamilton nursing a 1-0 lead over Bates with about 10 minutes left. Looks like Wood got the goal but I have been flicking back and forth to this game and frankly have been unimpressed by Hamilton in the 2nd Half. They are just trying to hold onto their lead
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 03:46:45 PM
GOOD GOD....Colby defender #21 Garrett Dickey absolutely whiffs on a ball and gives a Tufts striker a free look on net 1v1 with the keeper and he hits it wide...No idea who that was and not sure what was worse...the "whiff" or the missed chance...Should be 1-0 Tufts...0-0 instead
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 03:57:58 PM
Hamilton holds on 1-0 over Bates up in Lewiston. Solid win for Hamilton, unfortunately they will have to as Bloots say's "schlep" back up to Maine to end their regular season at Colby. 2 trips to Maine for Hamilton in a 2 month season is cruel for sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 04:01:09 PM
Conn scores with 30 seconds left to beat Midd 1-0. Not a difficult free kick is hit right at Midd's GK who "coughs it up" and bobbles it right to a Conn players foot and Conn scores...Unreal...As I predicted, Midd has a major question mark in net and their GK just cost them the game today..That really hurts for Midd...Must have good GK'ing to win in this league...Just a massive mistake
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on September 08, 2018, 05:01:16 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 08, 2018, 03:10:39 PM
Colby starting well, pinning Tufts back in the first 5 or so. The Colby announcer has a Maine accent and so I will be keeping the audio on.

if I have to hear the word nice one more time I'm.going to turn him off. every header is nice, every pass is nice, etc. I wonder if any header or pass is ever bad or not nice! Ha ha
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 05:02:25 PM
Colby playing very well today...Very even game between Tufts and Colby..0-0 heading to OT..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2018, 05:07:58 PM
1-0 Tufts beats Colby 2 minutes into OT...Tough loss for Colby but they should keep their heads high...They played very well today...Nice play by Max Jacobs after receiving a ball on his right foot a nice touch brings it to his left to turn his defender just enough to get off a left footed rocket into the corner of the net...Nice goal by Jacobs and a good start for Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FelixCloudy on September 09, 2018, 08:24:32 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 07, 2018, 03:54:09 PM
Nescac predictions:
....

Wesleyan at Haverford----I did not catch Wesleyan's 1-0 loss at Home to WPI and have not seen Haverford play so this is a toss-up. I will say this is a big weekend for Wesleyan with 2 games back to back at Haverford and at Eastern on Sunday. If they go home 0-3-0 on Sunday night that will not be good for Wheeler and Co.

Haverford beat Wesleyan 2-1 in OT.  Today's game against Eastern moved to Bryn Mawr's turf field due to weather.  Video stream might not happen due to the location change.  The Cardinals have only 2 away this weekend (not 3).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 11, 2018, 03:13:54 PM
The 'Cats head to UNE tonight which should be a decent opportunity to get the offense cranked up.  Tough result on Saturday with the 1-0 loss to Hamilton despite a decided advantage in possession, shots, and corners. Unfortunately only 1 shot was on frame... Coach Sheikh has the boys playing hard, just need to start finding the back on the net (especially veterans like Opoku and Kimpolo-Pene).  It won't get easier any after tonight as Bates heads to Medfa on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 03:19:11 PM
The good news is I like the way Bates played v Farmington and you are correct he had those boys working very hard. I can guarantee Tufts will be OVER CONFIDENT against Bates this weekend. Does that mean Tufts will lose? Nah...I have a hunch some of these Bates players remember how their season ended last year...Speaking of last year and Bates it looks like former Head Coach Stewart Flaharty has brought his winning tradition to the Dartmouth Men's Soccer program as they are off to a flying start 0-3-0...In all fairness they have lost to Indiana, Notre Dame and UCONN but still it will be interesting to watch play out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 03:56:37 PM
Some Big games today/tonight:

Endicott at Conn----This game which starts in a 1/2 hour should be tight. I really have not seen Conn yet at all but Endicott still has that dangerous poacher who can score against anyone. Not sure what is going on in midfield but I am confident Coach Joe will fix it. Conn was lucky to beat Midd on a horrible GK'ing mistake by Midd. I still say Conn is struggling to score goals this season. Mid-week 2 1/2 hour road game for Endicott is a bit odd and I am sure Conn has had ample opportunity to scout Endicott. Not sure if Endicott has scouted Conn yet.  I think this ends 1-1.

Husson at Bowdoin----Bowdoin has started the year 1-2-0 and they should be pissed off for this game after dropping two games in a row on their Home field. 3rd game in 4 days IS A LOT TO ASK. Wiercinski will be hoping to go to his bench ASAP v Husson. If this game is 0-0 at the break it only helps one team...Wesleyan...who Bowdoin will travel to on Saturday. Husson is coming off one of the more crazy games in 2018 as they had a 1-0 lead over a very solid Roger Williams side in the 88th minute...They give up a PK with 2 minutes to go and the Husson GK mad a fantastic save, the problem was his teammates were sleeping and Roger Williams scored off the rebound to tie the game up 1-1 with about a minute left. Then 30 seconds later Roger Williams adds insult to injury with a game winner off a rebound from a save by that same Husson GK...Sometime the game is not fair...For some reason I think Husoon can keep it close for at least a Half and Wiercinski will not be able to give his guys the rest they need. 2nd Half all Bowdoin and they cruise to victory.

Ithaca at Hamilton---This is a big game for Hamilton. They have not lost to Ithaca in 5 years. I have not seen Ithaca yet this season and will be curious to see if they have improved from last season because last season when I saw them play I was impressed especially that victory at Skidmore. I guess I am curious if Coach Dezotell can make this program into a consistent winner and one of the top dogs in the Liberty League. Hamilton might just want to win this game because knowing the East Region there is a good chance Ithaca could sneak into the East's Regional Rankings by the end of the year. Those 7th, 8th and 9th spots are usually up for grabs which means a Hamilton W v ranked....This will be a tight game and not sure what Ithaca has in net and on D which will determine the outcome of this game IMO.

Trinity at ECONN----This young and inexperienced Trinity side show will show their true colors tonight. Do they come out flat / uninterested / down on themselves and get beaten 2-0 by ECONN or do they come out heads high / new game attitude / energy etc? Basically, do they have any guts?  I think they do but ECONN has reloaded with a real solid Frosh class that might get them a victory tonight even if Trinity plays its ass off..

Keene St at Tufts---What has happened to this Keen St program. 10 years ago this was a program that was winning the Little East every year and advancing in the NCAA's. Not far but still they were a real tough outfit. The past 5-6 years the program has really gone down hill but I thought I saw the tide turning in 2017 a little but they have come out in 2018 and the results are not good so far. On Tufts field I am betting Shapiro gets every member of his bench in the game tonight..I think this game could go 4-0 Tufts

Colby at Gordon---I must ad,it I am not a fan of Seabrook just automatically resting starters in Non-conference games. Almost like conceding that Colby never has a chance at a Pool C. Well you never know and I just feel like you want to win games and get starters in a rhythm and get guys scoring goals that need confidence. I do see the point though in giving your bench guys big minutes to rest starters and to keep team morale high so all the guys feel like they are part of the program and everyone is impacting it.  I am just rambling and I guess I am more curious what happened to Aoyama and Avery Gibson?  Colby gets out of town with a 2-1 victory.

Bates at UNE----I have talked about Bates and truly believe and hope they are headed in the right direction. UNE is usually a walkover when you are hosting them BUT they can win games at Home. I just truly respect Coach Oostegaard at UNE for the way he play the game. He truly is a class act and even though he doesn't have the talent he is NOT SCARED to play futbol unlike some of these other spineless Coaches
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 03:59:04 PM
Conn playing Endicott on the turf this afternoon. Could be an advantage to Endicott but I am guessing because of the rain they do not want to tear up their grass field. Much better camera angle though on the turf.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 04:15:17 PM
Conn College goes up 1-0 on a nice cross on the carpet by #17 Christian Murphy to find an open #10 Ben Highton right in front of the net unmarked who taps it in. Very sloppy defending by Endicott and they look sloppy and out matched so far in New London.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 05:04:06 PM
Conn 1-0 Endicott at the Half.....Conn outplayed Endicott the first 15 minutes and were all over them but slowly Endicott has started to even things up as they have started to grow into the game. Conn might be upset they did not grab another goal in that first 15 minutes because they had 1 or 2 decent chances to do so. After the first 15 minutes Endicott woke up and it has been a fairly even game since. Not getting that 2nd goal might sting because Endicott is more than capable of tying this game up. I am a little surprised at how Endicott has been playing as they have been hitting long balls over the top more than building thru midfield which they were more prone to do in years past. Whoever wants it more and gets a bit of luck will walk out of here with the W. Conn looked to be in a 4-2-3-1 to start the match. #1 Marcucci GK, backline was LB #15 Tyler Hoadley CB's #11 Liam Donelan and #20 Luke Stoneback(Frosh at CB impressive) and RB #2 Freddy Stokes with holders # 13 Michael Milhollen and #18 Ben Manoogian with #3 Matt Butera(who scored v Midd Saturday) attacking. Conn's 3 of Milhollen, Butera and Manoogian all interchange nicely with all 3 looking quite fit and with decent skill. Not sure if any of the 3 are real holding middies but they all have skill and grit. Out wide you have #17 Christian Murphy wide left and # 7 Uzii Dieng wide right. Up top #10 Ben Highton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 05:26:18 PM
Well about 13 minutes into the 2nd Half Conn goes up 2-0 off a corner with perfect service from #17 Christian Murphy(2nd assist today) and nice header by CB #11 Liam Donelan...Free header into the net...WAY TO EASY...Endicott in a zone defending corners..HATE IT...Hate a zone for that reason as Conn was allowed to attack the ball before Endicott even reacted. If there is the least bit of confusion in a zone it all breaks down rather fast...2-0 Conn 30 min 60th minute
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 05:30:19 PM
Conn's #7 Dieng I remember in 2015 but must have been injured all year last year? I know for sure he did not play last year because Conn could have really used him in 2017 on the flank. He could have been a difference maker and possibly Conn could have made a little run in the NCAA"S in 2017. Either way he is back and looks really dangerous on that flank. Conn looks very good this game and I am ready to admit predicting them to finish 9th in Nescac was a massive mistake...This team looks like a Top 4 side.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 05:35:51 PM
Just as a post Endicott gets right back into this game as they score on a PK to make it 2-1 with about 20 minutes left. Endicott's stud striker Evan Couchot created the PK chance with some fancy foot work about 35 yards away from net and jukes his defender to the carpet and feeds #33 Jamie Becker who get fouled when he cuts to the right in the box by #11 Liam Donelan. Lazy foul there as you hold the kid up as there were a couple defenders behind Donelan to block the shot. Instead Donlan trips him up and Couchet comes up to the spot and burries it.....2-1 Conn 20 left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 05:40:44 PM
Dagger....3-1 Conn as another corner almost got scored on a header but deflected wide and sent back into the middle of the box by Conn's #7 Dieng and #10 highton finishes it easily...I must say Endicott is very WEAK defensively. Lazy defending and frankly weak defending. Endicott's GK Jack Bacon is being left high and dry by his teammates. On top of this they are zoning on corners...Coaching 101 IMO...Calabrese MUST try some new players in different positions as Endicott is going nowhere fast with this crew on defense.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 11, 2018, 05:44:38 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 05:30:19 PM
Conn looks very good this game ... This team looks like a Top 4 side.

I agree.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 05:44:58 PM
JESUS...almost 4-1 as a free kick by Murphy finds a WIDE OPEN Conn player streaking towards net and he fluffs it...Horrible Horrible defending...how do u let a kid run free like that on a set piece? There is a definite lack of communication, talent and hunger by Endicott's backline. Calabrese needs to clean this up before conference play or they gave no chance to win the CCC. Could be RWU and WNEC if this continues...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan20 on September 11, 2018, 05:46:18 PM
Conn the much better team, bizarre how poor Endicott has been defensively given the past 3 years or so how stingy they have been.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan20 on September 11, 2018, 05:47:41 PM
Past 3 years the Gulls have had CCC DPOY's in Ocko, Weinstein and Couchot.... Couchot is back but seems like they are lacking leadership back there... Trinity loss was bad for the Gulls but this is much worse.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 05:48:08 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan20 on September 11, 2018, 05:46:18 PM
Conn the much better team, bizarre how poor Endicott has been defensively given the past 3 years or so how stingy they have been.

True that....maybe due to graduation? I did not see Endicott much last season
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 05:54:08 PM
4-1 Conn....about a minute left....Endicott LB dives in to tackle and whiffs...I really cannot say anything else about this Endicott defense...Feel bad for GK Jack Bacon. You transfer into a program to get them to the next level and all of a sudden the defense is so weak the program looks like they are self destructing. Now I understand why Endicott is 1-4-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan20 on September 11, 2018, 05:59:18 PM
They definitely lost some big leaders from the last two seasons, Weinstein, Cohane, a few others. I think this could be a culture shock and they better right the ship quickly for CCC play like you said Mr Right.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 06:02:53 PM
In other Nescac action Hamilton is up on Ithaca 1-0 at the Half. Williamstown native Sam Dils shows his wheels as he blows by a Ithaca defender on a nice feed by another Frosh Roth Wetzel(Who has already scored this season v Oswego). Hamilton Head Coach Nizzi playing a ton of Frosh today and giving everyone a run but based on the stats it looks to be a relatively even game. Interesting Note: Aidan Wood not in the starting line-up but does play off the bench. Nizzi's line-up basically looks unchanged so not sure if Wood is nursing a minor injury or if he got the sack for other stuff. Either way 1-0 Hamilton at the Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 06:30:14 PM
Ithaca knots the game up at 1-1 with about 25 minutes left. Ithaca scores on a set piece when Hamilton GK Lins Cadwell came charging out of his net to punch the free kick out with the only problem being he didn't get all of it as players were in his way and he punches the ball straight up into the air and backwards a bit and an Ithaca player beats a Hamilton defender to the loose air ball and heads it into the net. Questionable decision by GK Cadwell as he probably should have left a dangerous ball like that for his defenders to clear out. Also, very very close to being offsides. Hamilton wanted the call but the AR didn't raise the flag and I did not have a good look because of the stream. I am guessing the goalscorer started the set piece even with the last defender but when the ball got punched up and back  he was closer to the goal than the GK for sure and even with 1 defender but not sure even with 2. Either way 1-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 06:37:43 PM
Ithaca up 2-1 now 5 minutes later. Just a sloppy goal to concede for Hamilton. Long ball gets whacked by an Ithaca defender to no one in particular as he was just "bombing" the ball forward. All Hamilton defender  #21 Milo Donovan had to do was trap the ball and pass it. He had no one pressing him at all but for some reason makes a completely bone-headed play by trying to one-time the bombed ball and proceeds to half whiff and half get the ball which then shanks to the middle of the field and a pro active Hamilton striker pounces on it and buries the strike..2-1 Ithaca and Hamilton has looked real sloppy on these 2 goals conceded.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 07:04:31 PM
Hamilton ties it up 2-2 with 5 minutes left. Cross sent into the box and Hamilton's Jeff Plump goes for the header and collides with Ithaca's GK who grabbed the ball and then drops it after the collision with Plump. Heads up play by Hamilton veteran Matt Casadei to get to the loose ball and then slots it into the net...2-2 heading to OT...Been a game of mistakes TBH and whoever makes the next one will lose
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 07:12:05 PM
Ithaca wins the game in OT off a corner. Ball past the back post gets headed into the net. Actually it was not that simple. The corner went to a player who was left open because the Hamilton defender did not jump for the header. The player "pops up" the header which should have been an easy save for Hamilton GK Lins Cadwell who would not of even had to jump if he was positioned correctly. Alas, Cadwell was WAY out of position off his line and closer to the near post because he was watching the ball and not the play develop. Ball pops up and drops into the open net. More GK'ing errors in Nescac for 2018 costing teams important games. IMO 2 GK errors today by Lins Cadwell and Coach Nizzi might want to look at his bench for Saturday. These are not isolated incidents as Cadwell and frankly Hamilton's defene cost them a few games in 2017. Well Hamilton's defense(besides Eckells who played well today) and GK cost them today...Final: 3-2 Ithaca
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on September 11, 2018, 07:18:06 PM
I was reading your updates and finally had a chance to tune in and it was game over.  OT must've been quick.  BTW, Hamilton's back up keeper is likely Eckles old HS teammate - Benson. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 11, 2018, 07:18:18 PM
Cadwell didn't cover himself in glory but to be fair that was a pretty nice looping header. Man on the post was too far off the post, as well -- I think even if it beat Cadwell he should have gotten it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2018, 09:06:41 PM
Gordon just sinks Colby 1-0 in OT as well. Colby had a ton of chances to win this game but could not finish.

Trinity goes down to ECONN 2-0 at Half and you figure they would cave but score 3 goals in 20 minutes 2nd Half to go up 3-2 but ECONN ties it 3-3 and that one heading to OT. ECONN has a serious Frosh in #27 Patrick Agyemang from East Hartford. Kid is a stud

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 11, 2018, 09:20:39 PM
Now into 2OT ECSU-Trinity 3-3

6'4" Freshman Patrick Agyemang scores his second goal of the match and the game winner in 2OT, after an uncharacteristically poor 2nd half defensive performance by Eastern Connecticut!  Wasn't pretty but we will take it!   The Warriors start LEC play next Sat. @ Keene St, who were defeated by Tufts tonight 3-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC Weekend #2
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 14, 2018, 01:49:42 PM
I'm trying to plan my weekend in New England and without Mr. Right's match preview post I am starting my drive without any clear game plan. Which matches are worth watching and which ones in person? I'm concerned that I might just be driving around the countryside aimlessly without his guidance. I saw that D3soccer.com picked the Williams-Babson game as their game of the week in the New England area because it might show if either of these storied programs are truly on the rebound. However, it seems to me that the Williams-Colby game the day before might be a better indicator for those two teams. Williams has crushed Babson in recent years and it hasn't shown us anything about either Williams or Babson. Maybe just spend time in Wtown this weekend? Although the Amherst game looks like a good one as well?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2018, 02:57:07 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on September 14, 2018, 01:49:42 PM
I'm trying to plan my weekend in New England and without Mr. Right's match preview post I am starting my drive without any clear game plan. Which matches are worth watching and which ones in person? I'm concerned that I might just be driving around the countryside aimlessly without his guidance. I saw that D3soccer.com picked the Williams-Babson game as their game of the week in the New England area because it might show if either of these storied programs are truly on the rebound. However, it seems to me that the Williams-Colby game the day before might be a better indicator for those two teams. Williams has crushed Babson in recent years and it hasn't shown us anything about either Williams or Babson. Maybe just spend time in Wtown this weekend? Although the Amherst game looks like a good one as well?

Glad someone reads it! I think that's a fair opinion, but Colby has one win against Williams in the last 27 years, so you could make the argument that Williams has dominated Colby for a number of years and that fixture hasn't really taught us much about either of those two sides during that period. I chose Babson over the Williams-Colby game because they got a solid first-year class, have started the season well, and only lost 1-0 on their last trip to Williamstown and did win two trips ago in Williamstown in 2014 (all of the Ephs' blowout wins against the Beavers have, ironically, come on the road). I think there will be some goals on Sunday.

That being said, I'd put those two Williams games above the others, if I had a free weekend and wanted to fit in good NESCAC games to watch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 14, 2018, 03:46:55 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 14, 2018, 02:57:07 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on September 14, 2018, 01:49:42 PM
I'm trying to plan my weekend in New England and without Mr. Right's match preview post I am starting my drive without any clear game plan. Which matches are worth watching and which ones in person? I'm concerned that I might just be driving around the countryside aimlessly without his guidance. I saw that D3soccer.com picked the Williams-Babson game as their game of the week in the New England area because it might show if either of these storied programs are truly on the rebound. However, it seems to me that the Williams-Colby game the day before might be a better indicator for those two teams. Williams has crushed Babson in recent years and it hasn't shown us anything about either Williams or Babson. Maybe just spend time in Wtown this weekend? Although the Amherst game looks like a good one as well?

Glad someone reads it! I think that's a fair opinion, but Colby has one win against Williams in the last 27 years, so you could make the argument that Williams has dominated Colby for a number of years and that fixture hasn't really taught us much about either of those two sides during that period. I chose Babson over the Williams-Colby game because they got a solid first-year class, have started the season well, and only lost 1-0 on their last trip to Williamstown and did win two trips ago in Williamstown in 2014 (all of the Ephs' blowout wins against the Beavers have, ironically, come on the road). I think there will be some goals on Sunday.

That being said, I'd put those two Williams games above the others, if I had a free weekend and wanted to fit in good NESCAC games to watch.

Thanks for the feedback!! As a big Williams fan I think I will take your advice. I think the Williams defense should hold up well. They have been very strong the last few years and looked good last weekend with the new GK making a few very nice saves including a PK. Also, if they get their All American freshman back from injury this weekend it will help solidify the back line. Looking to see if Midd can score a goal or two this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2018, 09:59:48 PM
Nescac Predictions:


Colby at Williams------I was impressed with Williams 5-0 victory over Trinity last weekend BUT I am going to be cautious because I am not totally sold yet. Williams front 3 of Fabricant, Petrik and Gass plus attacking midfielder Fleischer were the stars of the game and just picked Trinity apart BUT Trinity is without question the worst team in Nescac. Trinity had 2 Frosh starting on the backline plus a GK with no experience AND IT SHOWED. They were making mistake after mistake and actually i was shocked when I saw the same GK start for Trinity against ECONN 3 days later. I expect Trinity to clean that up but that game was IMO more about how bad Trinity's defense and GK were than how good Williams was. I did notice that Williams was finally using the space on their 120x80 to their advantage and were spread out to the touches. That is what I was hoping to see and said as much in my season preview. For a moment it looked like the Williams of old. IMO there are still question marks on defense and in net. Williams has lost some speed on the backline with the graduation of Muellers and I know Macdonald and Bardong are good backs I will not be convinced until Williams shuts down more competitive teams that are not offensively challenged. Colby and Babson should provide more of a bite than Trinity but I do not think by much. Frankly, after seeing Messiah shred Dickinson's defense to pieces on Tuesday I am amazed that same Dickinson team shutout Babson. Colby had some chances v Tufts and plenty against Gordon but were shutout 1-0 in both games. To me that raises alarm bells for both teams being able to score goals against solid defenses let alone weaker ones(Dickinson \ Gordon). One thing Colby and Babson can and will do against Williams is defend. Both teams are very organized defensively and have enough of a mix of size, speed and athleticism to keep Williams off the scoreboard but do they have enough in attack? Colby's GK in 2017 Avery Gibson is not on the roster this year, but his replacement Dan Carlson came up with some impressive saves against Gordon. The 6'1 Carlson looks pretty solid. I have not seen Babson yet but obviously their 2-0 win over rival Brandeis was impressive last weekend. IDK I am not convinced either of these games are MUST SEE TV at all and it is VERY possible we might only see 1 goal all weekend....Williams 1-0 Colby.......Williams 0-0 Babson


Amherst at Midd----This game could come down to which teams GK doesn't F*ck up first. Amherst GK Stone I am basing my opinion from 2017 as Bowdoin did not test him at all. Midd's GK Hyer(If he is starting tomorrow) absolutely cost Midd the game against Conn.  There was 30 seconds left in the game and Conn had a dangerous set piece but the rip was weak and RIGHT AT Hyer. Should have been an easy catch BUT Hyer coughed up the ball and Conn's Butera finished off the juicy rebound. Was that Hyer not being able to deal with the situation? It was a tense moment of the game....dying seconds, obnoxious Conn students behind his net, everyone in motion, coaches yelling and it was almost like he froze. A GK cannot melt under pressure or he should not be on the field. My guess is they might go with someone else against Amherst but maybe they do not have anyone better. Other than the GK Midd has played very well. They have tons of talent, athleticism and depth. I like their midfield and backs but it would be a shame if they waste this season and all the experience on their roster with shoddy GK'ing. On paper Amherst has some serious talent but they did not look very dominant against Bowdoin. It was a fairly even game as they did not control the game like I thought they might and had few chances to score. Besides a cheeky play by Nescac POW Dane Lind and Luke Nguyen this game most likely would have finished scoreless. The Frosh Giammattei had a very quiet game and Amherst's other stud Jimmy McMillian must be injured because he has not played yet this season. If McMillian is out for a long period of time than Amherst will not be as dominant as I thought but if he is back tomorrow or for the Williams match next Saturday I think they will be extremely hard to defend. Another tight game as both teams will be cautious and again it will come down to whichever team does not make a bonehead play. Both teams will be pumped but Midd should have an advantage at Home and if they can protect Hyer from seeing to many SOG they can win this game. Midd 2-1


Bowdoin at Wesleyan-----Another game that should be very tight. I have not seen Wesleyan play yet but they have started 1-2-0 which is a bit of a disappointment. WPI, Haverford and Eastern are 3 solid games to start the year off with but I would have liked to see a 2-1-0 start or 1-1-1. Wesleyan has scored 2 goals in 3 games and are starting to consistently show year to year the struggle they have scoring goals. Things will not get any easier against a pretty stingy defense that Bowdoin has. With McColl, Niang and the Frosh Reid Bowdoin looked pretty solid defensively against Amherst besides the confusion on Amherst set piece goal. See if you had a veteran GK back there he would have immediately barked at his team and got them organized before Amherst kicked the ball as there was a definite lack of communication on that goal. Wesleyan is starting two Frosh and have a ton of JR and SR leadership plus they have one of the more talented attacking players in the league so I am still projecting them in the Top 8 but Martinez-Paiz has not scored a goal yet and HE MUST get goals this year for Wesleyan to be successful. Alec Haas is also quite capable of scoring and does already have a goal but these guys plus a couple others must score goals for Wesleyan to be successful this year.  Wheeler started a ton of Frosh against Eastern but that might have been because of the back to back or maybe he was frustrated at his 0-2-0 start he wanted to send a message. Bowdoin is not exactly lighting the scoreboard up either as they have been shutout in the 2 games against competitive teams(Amherst and St.Joe's). With the spunky 5'5 Alex Chaban and Drake Byrd they have plenty of speed on the flanks but Wesleyan usually have very quick wingbacks so that might neutralize their speed.  Wesleyan has recruited a little more size this year but Bowdoin still should have a significant advantage in the air. Bowdoin has the edge with their size to take advantage on a set piece. They have excelled at scoring goals off of set pieces the past couple years and its a good thing because that has really been the only way they can score goals against top competition. Wesleyan has the Home field advantage but Bowdoin could neutralize that by playing in the air. I just have a hunch that even with these advantages Bowdoin will muck this up and Wesleyan scores a 70th minute goal and hangs on. BTW, it might be time for Wesleyan to make that a turf field and just lose the grass. That is one of the worst grass fields and I am usually against all these games on turf but Wesleyan is one field that needs a major upgrade. Also, if they did that they could have a nice little Soccer park right on campus there which in turn could open some potential recruits eyes. Basically, do what Trinity did. That new field that Trinity has should be able to attract a couple players that might have otherwise overlooked the school / Men's Soccer program....Wesleyan 1-0


Trinity at Hamilton----Hamilton should be extremely disappointed with their effort in a 3-2 loss to Ithaca on Tuesday. All 3 goals conceded could and should have been avoided. IMO 2 goals were GK Lins Cadwell mistakes and one goal was the LB's fault. Just careless stuff as they could be sitting 3-0-0 right now instead they are 2-1-0. Luckily, Trinity is rolling into town and they are leaking goals like crazy. 9 GA in the past 2 games should have Hamilton's attacking players licking their chops. However, Trinity is not going to just roll over and Hamilton is not good enough to just show up and think they can win. If Hamilton is overlooking Trinity because Oneonta is on Sunday then forget it. They will get beat. Hamilton should only think about getting a couple early goals against Trinity and then playing smart futbol and limiting Trinity to minimum looks at net. Hamilton has more talent up top unless Aidan Wood is injured which is a possibility because he did not start Tuesday. They have a decent backline that has size(except RB), athleticism and toughness. I like Luke Eckels at CB this season. It might be time to give the Frosh GK a chance or maybe Nizzi wants to give Lins Cadwell more time as he definitely has his moments(Good and Bad). If Hamilton comes out with 100% focus and work ethic they will get a Win. I am hoping we see some player changes on Trinity's backline and in net. I think Pilger had Burns and Steel on the backline v Williams and those 2 are solid veterans that should probably stay there but the two Frosh Mastroianni and Velez-Perez were a nightmare in that game and need more time to develop before you throw them to the wolves. Williams strikers welcomed those 2 Frosh to the college game with a NFL style blitz wave after wave 1st Half. Before they knew what had happened they were down 4-0 after 25 minutes. With Baker, Belt and Farr Trinity should be able to score some goals this year but they must clean this defense up before anything....... 2-1 Hamilton

Bates at Tufts-------Tufts is 3-0-0 but they needed OT to beat Colby 1-0 last weekend. Colby continues to play these games tight and aggressive but still lose in OT. Tufts did not look as sharp as I expected against Colby. IMO they were not closing fast enough or as fast as I am used to because at some points in the game Colby had plenty of time on the ball in Tufts Half. I like the CB Paoletta as he is a player and Najjar is a good defender but he gives the ball away WAY to much and good teams will exploit that. I need to watch a few more games with Aroh holding before forming an opinion but based on the stream he and Najjar look to be a half step slower than I would like. Tasker and Lane are always steady out wide and this kid Max Jacobs is a player.  Jacobs looks to be another one of these Jersey kids that Shapiro gets that also improve year to year. He looks like a kid with a ton of confidence and also looks stronger on the ball. He has the pace and athleticism and already has 2 Goals in 3 Games. Hell if he was playing like this last year he should have been starting over Eichhorst.  Bates has been playing well for their new Head Coach and he has them looking more focused and organized. Unfortunately they do not have enough talent to hang with Tufts just yet. I like what he is doing with his attacking players as I am expecting Bates to be scoring goals this year. The defense still needs some work but I like the GK. Bates just does not have the depth to match Tufts tomorrow. They might have a chip on their shoulder from Tufts blowing them out of the Nescac Quarters rather easily and they just might fight and claw and keep this game close for 65-70 minutes BUT that is when Tufts will most likely take over and win tomorrow........Tufts 2-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 15, 2018, 07:50:38 AM
As usual, amazing review of today's NESCAC games Mr Right!! +k
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 15, 2018, 10:31:27 AM
Any predictions on Conn vs. UMass-Boston today?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 15, 2018, 11:24:20 AM
Thanks....I have seen UMB play in bits and pieces(not a full 90). They are struggling at 2-5-0 but have played a tough schedule. They beat a decent Plattsburgh St but got smoked by Tufts and Oneonta St...They are certainly not as dangerous as they were in 2016 but they still have a couple skilled players with speed. The kid DaSilva has netted 4 goals in 7 games. They are still undisciplined as hell with 14 YC and 2 Reds in 7 games. No clue how they are defensively or in net but I am guessing it could be a weakness as in years past. They are capable of beating Conn if they show up focused and want to work hard. The question is if they give up an early goal r 2 will they throw in the towel? If UMB scores first they will be more interested in the game and psyched. Conn should win this game. Just a shout out to the Little East as I think it is an improved league in 2018. WCONN I watched play Vassar and Coast Guard and they are a legitimate outfit. They might be the best team in the LEC along with an improved ECONN. #27 ECONN Frosh Agyemang is a legit player. Devito has really found a dangerous finisher that has been missing the past 2-3 years. Also, Castleton State is a team to watch for in the future. They are very young and are maybe a year or 2 away but Coach John O'Connor has recruited about 7 players from Burlington, VT that were all refugees from either Somalia or Sudan. They have serious skill but need time to get adjusted to the College game. I am betting Castleton will be a fun team to watch in the next few years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 15, 2018, 11:43:58 AM
Thanks for the predictions and insights Mr. Right.  I am a Camel soccer alum (from way back) and planning to head up to UMass-Boston game in New London so will report in.  If Camels do well, will go into details. If not, report may be very, very brief!  Thanks again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 15, 2018, 02:59:13 PM
Camels up 1-0 at half against UMass Boston with a few other  very close chances.  UMB had a few direct kicks but handled.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 15, 2018, 03:38:10 PM
Middlebury with the upset over Amherst. :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 15, 2018, 03:58:09 PM
2-0 Wesleyan. Think Wheeler and co. will feel good about the result. His team got the shutout and was pretty organized in that flat 4-4-2. Though I imagine Bowdoin will feel like they should've taken more from this game. They gave up effectively an own goal and a goal off a long throw, but Wesleyan didn't create too many big chances otherwise. I think Bowdoin controlled most of the game through possession, though that possession was often non-threatening. It wasn't until later in the game when the game-state changed and Bowdoin started forcing the issue that Bowdoin figured out how to use their possession to unlock the defense a little. Specifically, playing between the lines of Wesleyan's defense and midfield into the feet of their strikers in Zone 14 and then combining from there.

I thought Bowdoin was a bit better on the day, but it's the wins and losses that matter
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 15, 2018, 03:59:05 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 15, 2018, 03:38:10 PM
Middlebury with the upset over Amherst. :o

Middlebury-Amherst contests are always physical—and this was one of the more intense games in recent memory.

6 cards. Two or three post-whistle scuffles that seemed to teeter on the verge of brawls. Bodies all over the pitch due to aggressive play and cramping in very hot conditions.

And a Henry Wilhelm goal w/ about 18:00 to play being the difference maker.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 15, 2018, 04:18:13 PM
Been watching the 2nd half of Bates at Tufts. Tough to watch most of it. Tufts is the superior side, for sure, and they have the vast majority of possession, yet seem chronically unable to finish. Bates is well-organized defensively, but with one exception (in the time I've been viewing) they aren't taking shots and they seem unacquainted with the concept of possessing the ball. Perhaps if Tufts eventually scores, Bates will find inspiration on the offensive end. Maybe the first half was different. Certainly 2 OTs would qualify as mild torture for spectators, unless something big happens.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 15, 2018, 04:27:07 PM
Bates somehow possesses long enough to get a corner, with which they promptly did nothing. Tufts unable to do anything with the final 30 seconds, so sudden death OT is coming (this is what a voice in the background just said). Wake me up if anyone scores. Perhaps there will be a winner in the technical sense (someone will eventually score), but so far neither team seems worthy of winning this one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 15, 2018, 04:32:52 PM
Tufts now playing with more focus in the first OT. Note to Bates: dump and run is not a good idea when most of the guys who can run play for Tufts.  :P
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 15, 2018, 04:38:15 PM
Tuft's intensity (in OT) is rewarded, as they finally connect on a corner. Bates was obviously playing for a tie, but there's only so much possession time you can hand the other guys if you want to have a chance. Perhaps if they had really tried to possess, they'd just have worn themselves out. (Perhaps they did that in the first half, which I didn't see.) But, I never actually saw Bates even try to possess for more than 10-15 seconds. Not sure what I was seeing, but it didn't resemble soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 15, 2018, 06:54:21 PM
Williams ties Colby 0-0. First 30 minutes was Colby in the Williams end of the field. No great opportunities but a lot of pressure. When Williams does counter this year they are explosive unlike recent memory. Williams played better last 15 minutes of first half. Fleischer inbthe midfield brought some energy. Second half was mostly Williams with a few real opportunities that forwards and midfielders put over cross bar. OT was mostly Williams as well with a couple of really scoring opportunities in the box. Colby was clearly tiring. Williams defense was strong and forwards explosive but midfield did not control the ball at all. The back line with Ranieri, Macdonald, Bardong and Matthew were very strong. The GK wasn't overly busy but made about 2 or 3 huge saves in 2nd half and OT. The freshman left back looked terrific when he got into the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 15, 2018, 07:17:22 PM
Falconer, I respect your views on this game, but there is more than one way to play the game. I thought Coach Sheikh had an excellent game plan against the #3 team in the country. He obviously watched the St. Joe's/Tufts NCAA game tape and employed a similar strategy of putting 11 behind the ball with primary objective of closing off the final third and relying on the counter and set pieces to get scoring chances. For the first time in several years we finally had a decent game plan against Tufts. Not many teams have the skill and speed to go toe to toe with Tufts, especially in Medford on the turf. We nearly got out of there with a draw instead of going down 3-0 in the first half trying to play them straight up. I thought the boys did a great job defending today and frustrated Tufts in the final third limiting their quality chances. And we had a few corners and a couple shots sail just high. I like the direction Bates soccer is going. They are going to continue to get better and hopefully will get some conference results sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on September 15, 2018, 07:26:57 PM
Quote from: BillWill on August 28, 2018, 08:08:41 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 25, 2018, 01:32:32 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 24, 2018, 07:45:47 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on July 24, 2018, 06:11:49 PM
Where's the eating popcorn emoticon when you need it?

I can't decide whether to go with some traditional Orville R, moderate-liberal Smartfood Cheddar, or some more Wesleyan-esque Trader Joe's Herbs and Spices.

This is great stuff and hopefully will spiral into a regular blog as the saga unfolds, with the side benefit of some of us (including me) reminding everyone another time or two about the cool, elite places WE and our kids went to college.  I'm in.  The college search was a great, exhilarating time, when, before actual realities and decisions roll in, everything and every place is possible.  Great stuff for those of us who loved making and re-making lists and would love to go through the whole thing again.

So many nuances.  Too Jewish.  Midfield plays the way we like but doesn't need us.  Too rural.  City is great except if its Hartford.  Classes too big but at least mimics Europe.  Better than any strong Academy players that have played at F&M but not even playing Academy and might not even make a good Academy squad.  Could get bored.  Needs the ball but might not get off the bench.  Well, at least will be able to pull the strings for the scout team and use that intuitive decision-making in practices.  One national title coach is a jerk (proven fact apparently) who plays crap soccer.  Colby might have a flake.  The Wesleyan coach is cool but he keeps it real about realistic academic chances, and who wants all that deconstructive chalking in Middletown anyway?  So many schools that aren't good enough even though there's no signal about any suggesting admission.  Live in the Midwest but can only consider what works with Logan Airport.  Rochester has an airport.  In fact, all the UAA schools do.  No consideration of the excellent schools that sound like actual fits....Gettysburg, Dickinson, Denison, DePauw, Centre, Rhodes.

Several people have suggested what to do.  Pursue what you think you like broadly.  Pick some places to visit that want you to visit, and be sure to include at least a couple where you're very confident that admission is not an issue.  Go on said visits, and then decide on small vs big, rural vs city, campus cultures, team cultures, coaches, playing styles, likely playing time at places where you think playing style fits, etc, etc.
That's quite the stand-up routine... whatever the popcorn flavor, I'm throwing it at the screen watching this reel of "facts" which are quite "nuanced" themselves! A few corrections are in order before this commentary is permanently stamped on the collective mind of this board regarding our poor non-superstud:
- "Better than any strong academy players that have ever played at F and M." You mean all one of them? [burn emoji] What I actually said: Better than the incoming freshman. Small nuance...
- "Not even playing academy and might not even make a good squad."  Truth: Played middling academy before, then made squad this year again but turned it down. (You can pick on that decision all you want, but consider driving 25 miles in rush hour straight through a huge city four or five night a week and get home at 11pm... If you survive to apply to college, see if any nescac school thinks you are "well-rounded.")
- "Lives in midwest...."  Fact: Never said that. Guess another region...
"..But can only consider what works with Logan Airport." That's right. Or Philadelphia. Unless you are offering to give him your frequent flyer miles on American Eagle, he's going Southwest, heck, maybe even Spirit.
- "Could get bored." Fine. Son (and you all) have put to rest that silly Mom Concern. As an alum of a nescac school, I have duly warned him, however, that if he is bored, it won't be because of the soccer, it will be due to the lack thereof during a long, miserable winter stuck on a hill outside of New Hartford or Pittsfield or some other exciting place...
- "So many schools aren't good enough..."  Huh? I assure you, they are all more than good enough."... but no signal about any suggesting admission." Sure they are, but I'm not going to tell you which...
- "No consideration of the excellent schools that sound like actual fits....Gettysburg, Dickinson..." These two were and are, but I hadn't brought them into the discussion.

On that note, it's probably time for Mom to spare this board any more of the recruiting "saga." We'll suffer through the madness on the sidelines.

For the record I get that my kid is not superstud. Just don't be mean to poor Mom on some future date if he ends up sitting on a bench!

Let me guess:

You're from Texas, not the Midwest.
You're considering Gettysburg, F&M, Hamilton (alum), and other NESCAC schools
Did the "D3 East Coast Summer ID Camp Tour - 2018"
You prefer bigger city - would be good fit in Boston area D3 or Rhodes or Johns Hopkins for their location - rules out some of NESCAC and Gettysbury and F&M since not near airports or metro areas.

Your son (R) is very talented - would fit in at any of these schools but wouldn't stand out on day 1. Sone schools are a bit of a stretch academically but he can handle the workload.
Best of luck - let everyone know where he ends up.
Wow BillWill, eerily correct on a few points, specifically Texas and Hamilton. If you aren't psychic, where do we know you from?

Anyway, even though you all more interested in the fall season currently, I'll share what happened with recruiting (and the mistakes we made) while it's fresh in my mind in hopes of helping anothermom or any other parents. (This isn't over until it's over, so I have plenty of time to make more mistakes and let you know later:)

S ended up committing to F&M and is perfectly happy with his choice for the time being, but we'll see. In a nutshell, being strategic about which schools to visit and when was no easy task and this played a big role in determining his options in the end. To be honest, the other big calcualtion was financial. With F&M, you basically hand the coaches a printout of the net price calculator, and they submit it with the preread and tell you, as long as you put the numbers in right, this is pretty much what you'll get. No NESCAC school will do that. You are in the dark with no recourse or bargaining power to later say to the school, "Hey, you said it would be xyz." The real purpose of having ED1 rounds is to bring in not only top athletes but top dollars. No secret there.

As far as NESCAC, S had "support" from Conn College, Bowdoin, and Hamilton, but he ended up a "C" band student for both Bowdoin and Hamilton. Sounded like he was A band for Conn, but he turned the offer down because he didn't feel the love with Murphy, F&M is a stronger school, and anyways, muddiness about cost for all three scared the heck out of me.

So here's what I learned. Maybe these personal stories offer some insight for anyone looking for it.

1. Don't let your kid decide he's going to ditch a school just because he doesn't like the coach, because that guy might not be there tomorrow. If your kid likes a school that is not too far off academically, make him keep communicating and do the clinics. In hindsight, IF S hadn't flaked in the midst of Bates' coaching turnover, he'd probably have it as an option. But it was too little too late: Within a week of Sheikh getting hired on, S tried to jump back in the game, got B band on the preread, but ultimately a new coach who's trying to do things right is not about to hand out a tip at the 11th hour to a kid he hasn't seen play in person when he has other decent players who the assistant coach had seen and are committing. S doesn't share my regret because he prefers to go to a team where he knows where he stands rather than jumping into something in flux where it might hard to have a sense of how you are going to fit in.

2. Think twice about going to a clinic for a school that you haven't visited prior. We tried the best we could, but we couldn't get to enough schools simply because of geography and the constraints of school, soccer, etc. So we wasted S's time by going to the late July clinic at Tufts when he could have been at Bates; well, he got there, did the tour, etc. and instantly hated the school. We also wasted his physical and mental energy at Middlebury; the drive there sucked, he decided it felt too remote for him, he got negative, and showed poorly. And perhaps our worst mistake was to wear him out at Amherst. We didn't even have to visit to know it wasn't an option on any level, but S's Grandpa seemed to think it was a grand idea and dragged him there. Grandparents must not have a say!

3.  Especially if you live in an area where NESCAC coaches have fewer chances to see your kid in tournament play, carefully measure out your kid's physical and mental resources by spreading your clinics more evenly out over winter, spring, and summer or even prior year. If you pile up too many over the summer before senior year, your kid will get worn out at an unpredetermined moment and suddenly show poorly. And he's had just the one chance. Good thing S hated Tufts, because it was at the very end of July after a loonnggg summer that started with the Region 3 championship back in mid-June... so he blew that one. Just no legs left at all. If you have to travel like us, it's hard to not get compressed in summer because it's near impossible to fly out more than twice for random one-day clinics sprinkled all over February, March, April, and May when your kid is in the middle of a spring season and school. I remember wanting to send him to Bates' clinic last January, but thinking, Seriously? Texas to Lewiston in January? And predictably, a noreaster wiped out travel then. I thought that coach should be a little more strategic in his planning if he wants to widen his scope, but anyway. Now by comparison, we got to F and M and Hamilton in the spring when he was fresh, so S knew early where he stood with the coaches, they submitted prereads on July 1, got answers quickly, and it all was smooth. That saved stress.

4.  Not sure if I can offer advice but more of a head's up: Even if you look carefully at each school's GPA/SAT stats to see how close your kid is to the MEAN scores for a particular school, it's really hard to know what Admissions is going to say. But it helps to at least understand the banding system (A, B, or C) and make an educated guess. Logic told me that with a 4.0 and 29 ACT, S could not possibly be B band for Bowdoin, but coach acted optimistic, so we put our eggs in his basket. I understand these coaches have a hard time guessing, but mainly it's in it for them to always err on the positive side. Admissions' said nothing about S's marks being sub-par; only that they didn't like that S had been to more than one high school. Well geez. Parents sometimes move, and plus he went on a foreign exchange program. So apparently predictability is better for a kid than diverse experiences? What happened to liberal arts. Never know what these schools are going to come out with.

5.  Don't put much stake in legacy. According to "sources," about five years ago Admissions started weighing legacy far less than they used to. Huge donors might be another story, but I really don't know. Geography definitely helped us a bit, but for a C band, it's not going to be a deal-maker. For this reason and because Hamilton is test-score crazy, I should have gone strictly with the ACT averages, guessed C band, and scrapped Hamilton.

6. Closely monitor your kid's communications with coaches to be sure he's understanding a coach's intentions, and keep your radar up for anything funky. You are wiser. In my experience coaches were forthright and pretty clear, but we did have one situation that I'm sure is very rare in NESCAC: a coach who, without seeing your kid play, tells him—yes this actually happened and I heard it with my own ears because it was a phone message—"I'll use a tip on you" when he does not necessarily intend to do so and later retracts. I hate to throw this guy under the bus because he's truly a good guy just finding his way. Even when coaches are being open, the untrained ear of a 17-year-old can easily gloss over the difference between "You're definitely on my list of top recruits" and "you're my top recruit." So just find out exactly what is being said.

So that's the run-down. I guess it's time to jump over to the Centennial board if such a thing exists...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on September 15, 2018, 08:02:59 PM
Good stuff Mom. Congrats to your son on the F&M commit.  It's a great school and he'll get a great education. Best of luck!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 15, 2018, 09:35:50 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on September 15, 2018, 07:17:22 PM
Falconer, I respect your views on this game, but there is more than one way to play the game. I thought Coach Sheikh had an excellent game plan against the #3 team in the country. He obviously watched the St. Joe's/Tufts NCAA game tape and employed a similar strategy of putting 11 behind the ball with primary objective of closing off the final third and relying on the counter and set pieces to get scoring chances. For the first time in several years we finally had a decent game plan against Tufts. Not many teams have the skill and speed to go toe to toe with Tufts, especially in Medford on the turf. We nearly got out of there with a draw instead of going down 3-0 in the first half trying to play them straight up. I thought the boys did a great job defending today and frustrated Tufts in the final third limiting their quality chances. And we had a few corners and a couple shots sail just high. I like the direction Bates soccer is going. They are going to continue to get better and hopefully will get some conference results sooner rather than later.

And I respect your insight, Bobcat1--and thank you for sharing it. I know you're close to Bates soccer, and your account here makes perfect sense. I've never seen Bates play before, ever, but I've seen Tufts several times and I know how tough they are--as good as anyone in D3 the past few years. And, I do credit Bates on the defensive end: they absolutely frustrated Tufts, though Tufts also just blew some shots. Maybe a third of Messiah's opponents use the same strategy Bates used, for the same reason that Bates played this way against Tufts, except that some of them will try to possess more than Bates in this game, if only to cut into Messiah's opportunities. In rare cases, they will have a dangerous striker (I gather Bates doesn't), in which case packing it in and doing some dump and run can produce a "W." (Many here will recall when Neumann knocked Messiah out of the tournament when their dangerous striker scored the only goal on a dump and run in OT. Other instances stick in my mind, but that's got to be the best example.)

Still, watching the game was like shoveling snow: no fun followed by no fun followed by no fun. I get my jollies from watching the pretty game, and this one surely didn't qualify.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 16, 2018, 09:45:32 AM
Mom1234 thank you so much for your insights! I read this board almost every day to have a better understanding of the  d3 soccer landscape, and any recruiting info is hugely helpful!

We are off to watch the Prep School Jamboree next weekend!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on September 16, 2018, 10:37:31 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on September 16, 2018, 09:45:32 AM
Mom1234 thank you so much for your insights! I read this board almost every day to have a better understanding of the  d3 soccer landscape, and any recruiting info is hugely helpful!

We are off to watch the Prep School Jamboree next weekend!

Is he playing in it?  My son's school is in it every year, but unfortunately they've always been scheduled for the last game of the day and there just haven't been that many people around.  This year they've gotten a much better time slot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 16, 2018, 01:17:44 PM
He is! His team is playing at 1:30.

Last year, my older son, who did not play club or pursue college recruiting,  was discovered there by a few colleges, including one that was (independently of soccer) one of his top choices, and now he is playing there. It was ridiculously serendipitous,  and not something anyone could ever count on duplicating.

I just mention it because it is possibly an interesting story; I know that is not the path for my younger son.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 16, 2018, 04:34:13 PM
Great weekend of soccer in Williamstown. Sat next to coach Serpone to watch Williams beat Babson 2-1. Williams started off slow again and allowed a few easy opportunities one of which resulted in a hockey like deflection over the GK Schein's shoulder for a goal. Williams rallied and Dory tied it 10 mins later. Williams played better in second half and Jules Oberg played entire half at left back. He led some nice runs up the left side. Williams GK and defense played well and eventually after missing some sitters, Williams scored with 6 seconds left as Gass broke down the left side and curled a shot past the gk.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on September 16, 2018, 10:40:38 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on September 16, 2018, 01:17:44 PM
He is! His team is playing at 1:30.

Last year, my older son, who did not play club or pursue college recruiting,  was discovered there by a few colleges, including one that was (independently of soccer) one of his top choices, and now he is playing there. It was ridiculously serendipitous,  and not something anyone could ever count on duplicating.

I just mention it because it is possibly an interesting story; I know that is not the path for my younger son.

We're on at 10:00.  It will be interesting to see what it's like earlier in the day.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 17, 2018, 03:11:27 AM
Williams v Babson notes:

Williams:

-I was not able to catch Williams 0-0 Colby draw but based on what I saw today, Sullivan has his best team since he arrived in 2015. Williams looked very good today as they were working hard(considering it was the 2nd game of a back to back) and creating a ton of chances. The Player of the Match was Williams Frosh #8 Jules Oberg. The Berkshire School standout is a stud. I am shocked the kid is not playing D1 in the Ivies as based on today I do not see many weaknesses at all. He is quick, skilled and a tough kid. Most importantly though he has a Soccer brain as he was reading the game before it played out. Stepping up, picking off passes, giving spot on service and making perfect runs up the field. He hits a ball with a crispness that is unique for D3. You can tell he is a competitive kid and played with a poise that is rare for a Frosh. If you did not look at a roster you would of thought he was a Senior as he played like a veteran. I am hoping that was not a one off as if he plays like that every game he will be a star in Nescac the next 4 years. Sullivan had him playing LB but to me that kid needs to be in your spine. He could be a CB, holding or attacking midfielder or even a striker. Based on what I have seen out of Amherst Frosh Giammattei (He did not impress me against Midd and Bowdoin), I think this Oberg kid is a better player. Williams back 4 is pretty solid. RB #15 Andrew Mathew and the two CB's #3 Scatt Macdonald and #5 Liam Bardong plus Sullivan had Oberg at LB but you do not need him there as LB #4 Nick Ranieri is a very good back. Scatt is a real tough and competitive kid plus he gets stuck in and Bardong is a good defender. Frankly, I would put Ranieri back at LB and and that is a solid back 4 that does not need any changes. They played well today. #2 Sean Dory and #6 Greg Andreou are your holding midfielders. I think Oberg's best position would be a holding midfielder and he could do it by himself so you would be able to attack with 2 instead of holding with 2. The issue is Andreou and Dory are both solid players so there is really no reason to disrupt that. Dory hit a rocket in the 25th minute to even the score 1-1. Andreou is a Captain so he is not going anywhere and Dory needs to be on the field as both players have spurts of brilliance but they occasionally have issues with giving the ball away carelessly. IDK, maybe switch systems as I am telling you Sullivan could attack with 5 instead of sitting with 6. I suppose it is a good problem to have. Or you could keep Andreou and Dory in place and put this Oberg kid as your attacking midfielder. #21 Chris Fleischer is Williams attacking midfielder and he was off today but I have seen him play well in spurts. I just think its a waste to play Oberg as a LB when you already have a perfectly competent LB in Ranieri. Williams front 3 was #9 Eli Petrik and #22 Bobby Fabricant wide with #13 Demian Gass in the middle. I have always had an issue with Fabricant's lack of speed but he looks stronger this year and was cutting inside nicely today until he left the game after getting elbowed in the face. Gass and Petrik are speedsters and Petrik is Williams best 1v1 player but he was quiet today. Gass is blazing fast and played well today but I wonder if he should be wide and Fabricant in the middle. I will say those 3 MUST finish better as Williams could have scored 4-5 goals today. So the field players all played pretty well today BUT unfortunately the GK #1 Aaron Schein is a major question mark in net IMO. He was at fault on Babson's goal in the 6th minute as a Babson player hit a shot from the top of the box that was heading for Schein's hands but before he could catch it #26 Ben Cawood got his toe to the ball to re-direct it in the net. Heads up play by Cawood but Schein kind of froze and should have attacked the ball before anyone could have gotten to it. In that situation, he has got to bomb out of his net and either catch it or dive on it or whatever but he was slow to react and that is what my issue is with Schein. He looks to be very slow and will have tons of trouble getting down to stop low shots. If Serpone or any other Coaches were there they certainly noticed this. If I am an opposing Coach I am telling my guys to shoot low all day as Schein will have trouble getting down. He also looked indecisive at times. Babson almost got a 2nd goal about 4 minutes later when Schein was late going after a ball and kind of half punched it when it should have been caught. Well he punched it right to Babson which turned into a deflection /  shot that luckily a Williams defender headed off the goaline. So I am not sure if it is lack of speed or indecisiveness but Sullivan needs to work with him to clean it up if it is not a speed issue. Still a real solid performance today by Williams and if they play like that next Saturday at Amherst they will win that game.


Babson:

I was also impressed from what I saw from Babson today. Anderson brought in a really solid Frosh class. Whether due to injuries or because of the back to back Anderson started 5 Frosh today and they showed well. This is Babson's most talented side since 2011 when his son was playing. This is a team that should win the NEWMAC and they are an NCAA side this year. It looks like he turned over his roster completely as it is predominately Frosh and Soph. 1st Half Babson played very well but they did fade 2nd Half. Still they should have scored 2-3 goals in the first 20 minutes and put Williams away but they also had problems finishing. They still do not have an out and out striker like his son but they have weapons. #10 Noah Parker was there best attacking player as he has tons of speed and skill. He works his ass off and is not afraid to take guys on. He was creating chances for his teammates and also got a few good looks on net himself. #9 Ian Fromhein is a tidy player that works well with Parker. Nothing flashy but he is a solid player that should be able to get some goals this year. Out wide was Frosh #2 Mitchell Collins who in the 1st Half was causing Williams defender Andrew Mathew problems. He is quick, skilled and a very good 1v1 player. He created some good looks for his teammates. He is going to be a real good player. Without question Babson's best player is its Senior CB #5 Jackson Greenspan. That kid is an All-American defender as he was EVERYWHERE today. He was playing with 2 Frosh on his backline and still had them organized and focused all game. He, like Oberg, has a Soccer brain and is a terrific leader. He has a deft touch for a CB and plays with a poise that is refreshing to watch. He is a cool customer and does not panic and plays very simply without rushing anything. He was always making good decisions and I cannot recall a time he gave the ball away. Babson GK is on the shorter side but he is athletic and has very good hops. He has not trouble with air balls and is plays with no fear as he does not mind putting his body on the line. Good solid GK. I think Babson could make a decent run in the NCAA's if they can finish the chances that they create. The improvement that Babson has made since last year is amazing. This team has a shot against Tufts especially if the match is at Babson. Props have to go to Anderson for turning this around as Babson was not a very good team at all the past 2 years and he knew it. He recruited a great class and must have cut a ton of upperclassman and went young mixing his veterans like Parker, Greenspan and Fromheim with the young guys.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 17, 2018, 06:58:52 AM
Quote from: Buck O. on September 16, 2018, 10:40:38 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on September 16, 2018, 01:17:44 PM
He is! His team is playing at 1:30.

Last year, my older son, who did not play club or pursue college recruiting,  was discovered there by a few colleges, including one that was (independently of soccer) one of his top choices, and now he is playing there. It was ridiculously serendipitous,  and not something anyone could ever count on duplicating.

I just mention it because it is possibly an interesting story; I know that is not the path for my younger son.

We're on at 10:00.  It will be interesting to see what it's like earlier in the day.

Best of luck to your son and his school, and have fun watching!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on September 17, 2018, 11:43:27 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on September 15, 2018, 07:26:57 PM

6. Closely monitor your kid's communications with coaches to be sure he's understanding a coach's intentions, and keep your radar up for anything funky. You are wiser. In my experience coaches were forthright and pretty clear, but we did have one situation that I'm sure is very rare in NESCAC: a coach who, without seeing your kid play, tells him—yes this actually happened and I heard it with my own ears because it was a phone message—"I'll use a tip on you" when he does not necessarily intend to do so and later retracts. I hate to throw this guy under the bus because he's truly a good guy just finding his way. Even when coaches are being open, the untrained ear of a 17-year-old can easily gloss over the difference between "You're definitely on my list of top recruits" and "you're my top recruit." So just find out exactly what is being said.

So that's the run-down. I guess it's time to jump over to the Centennial board if such a thing exists...

Mom1234,

Congrats & good luck to you and your son. I know one of the F&M freshman well, he's a good player and an even better kid.

I want to offer a bit more from my son's experience, as he is a 2019 NESCAC commit. We got that "you're on my list of top recruits" from one coach. In fact, I think your quote above was identical to what my son (and wife) was told in person by a coach last spring. I'll bet it's the same coach. That was translated for me by someone that know this coach well. This coach is later than most to make offers to players because he continues to hold out hope that some National Team pool players will decide to forego D1 and instead choose to become an impact player at a top D3 school, and the coach wants to save the spots for a difference maker. To the best of my knowledge, this coach is still waiting :) Had he offered my son a spot in the spring, my son would likely have accepted. Glad he is slow, as my son made a better choice for him.

On the other hand, we never had a coach use the word TIP with us. They preferred the word 'support' and seemed to use that the most.

We did get the "you're my top recruit", "you're my 1st offer for the 2019 class" and "if you decide you want to come here, I will support your application with the admissions office." And he did once my son called to tell him he wanted in. It seemed like the language was overly specific for a reason, so your point above is well taken--kids need to listen VERY carefully to what is being said!

Finally, in our experience, the NESCAC coaches were honest. What I mean by that is, there was no equivocating, and there was no worry about an offer being retracted. Perhaps that had to do with my son, but more likely it was the coaches we were dealing with, and the club my son plays for. You've only got one reputation, and as a coach, once you screw a kid, you screw yourself. My son's club produces a lot of men and women NESCAC players. We had a long talk with my son's future coach on this exact subject. It was quite enlightening to get the coaches perspective on the process. I'll add that I know of a former D3 coach that screwed a kid a few years ago and he couldn't recruit any good kids from our area after that incident, and the coach is now a D1 assistant and that player is now in NESCAC. A step up on the coach's resume perhaps, but he had no choice because he must have seen the writing on the wall. Once he went to D1, my son took that school off of his list--he just didn't want to be around that guy.

But until we get the acceptance letter in December, none of this means a thing.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 17, 2018, 11:54:17 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 17, 2018, 03:11:27 AM
Williams v Babson notes:

Williams:

-I was not able to catch Williams 0-0 Colby draw but based on what I saw today, Sullivan has his best team since he arrived in 2015. Williams looked very good today as they were working hard(considering it was the 2nd game of a back to back) and creating a ton of chances. The Player of the Match was Williams Frosh #8 Jules Oberg. The Berkshire School standout is a stud. I am shocked the kid is not playing D1 in the Ivies as based on today I do not see many weaknesses at all. He is quick, skilled and a tough kid. Most importantly though he has a Soccer brain as he was reading the game before it played out. Stepping up, picking off passes, giving spot on service and making perfect runs up the field. He hits a ball with a crispness that is unique for D3. You can tell he is a competitive kid and played with a poise that is rare for a Frosh. If you did not look at a roster you would of thought he was a Senior as he played like a veteran. I am hoping that was not a one off as if he plays like that every game he will be a star in Nescac the next 4 years. Sullivan had him playing LB but to me that kid needs to be in your spine. He could be a CB, holding or attacking midfielder or even a striker. Based on what I have seen out of Amherst Frosh Giammattei (He did not impress me against Midd and Bowdoin), I think this Oberg kid is a better player. Williams back 4 is pretty solid. RB #15 Andrew Mathew and the two CB's #3 Scatt Macdonald and #5 Liam Bardong plus Sullivan had Oberg at LB but you do not need him there as LB #4 Nick Ranieri is a very good back. Scatt is a real tough and competitive kid plus he gets stuck in and Bardong is a good defender. Frankly, I would put Ranieri back at LB and and that is a solid back 4 that does not need any changes. They played well today. #2 Sean Dory and #6 Greg Andreou are your holding midfielders. I think Oberg's best position would be a holding midfielder and he could do it by himself so you would be able to attack with 2 instead of holding with 2. The issue is Andreou and Dory are both solid players so there is really no reason to disrupt that. Dory hit a rocket in the 25th minute to even the score 1-1. Andreou is a Captain so he is not going anywhere and Dory needs to be on the field as both players have spurts of brilliance but they occasionally have issues with giving the ball away carelessly. IDK, maybe switch systems as I am telling you Sullivan could attack with 5 instead of sitting with 6. I suppose it is a good problem to have. Or you could keep Andreou and Dory in place and put this Oberg kid as your attacking midfielder. #21 Chris Fleischer is Williams attacking midfielder and he was off today but I have seen him play well in spurts. I just think its a waste to play Oberg as a LB when you already have a perfectly competent LB in Ranieri. Williams front 3 was #9 Eli Petrik and #22 Bobby Fabricant wide with #13 Demian Gass in the middle. I have always had an issue with Fabricant's lack of speed but he looks stronger this year and was cutting inside nicely today until he left the game after getting elbowed in the face. Gass and Petrik are speedsters and Petrik is Williams best 1v1 player but he was quiet today. Gass is blazing fast and played well today but I wonder if he should be wide and Fabricant in the middle. I will say those 3 MUST finish better as Williams could have scored 4-5 goals today. So the field players all played pretty well today BUT unfortunately the GK #1 Aaron Schein is a major question mark in net IMO. He was at fault on Babson's goal in the 6th minute as a Babson player hit a shot from the top of the box that was heading for Schein's hands but before he could catch it #26 Ben Cawood got his toe to the ball to re-direct it in the net. Heads up play by Cawood but Schein kind of froze and should have attacked the ball before anyone could have gotten to it. In that situation, he has got to bomb out of his net and either catch it or dive on it or whatever but he was slow to react and that is what my issue is with Schein. He looks to be very slow and will have tons of trouble getting down to stop low shots. If Serpone or any other Coaches were there they certainly noticed this. If I am an opposing Coach I am telling my guys to shoot low all day as Schein will have trouble getting down. He also looked indecisive at times. Babson almost got a 2nd goal about 4 minutes later when Schein was late going after a ball and kind of half punched it when it should have been caught. Well he punched it right to Babson which turned into a deflection /  shot that luckily a Williams defender headed off the goaline. So I am not sure if it is lack of speed or indecisiveness but Sullivan needs to work with him to clean it up if it is not a speed issue. Still a real solid performance today by Williams and if they play like that next Saturday at Amherst they will win that game.


Babson:

I was also impressed from what I saw from Babson today. Anderson brought in a really solid Frosh class. Whether due to injuries or because of the back to back Anderson started 5 Frosh today and they showed well. This is Babson's most talented side since 2011 when his son was playing. This is a team that should win the NEWMAC and they are an NCAA side this year. It looks like he turned over his roster completely as it is predominately Frosh and Soph. 1st Half Babson played very well but they did fade 2nd Half. Still they should have scored 2-3 goals in the first 20 minutes and put Williams away but they also had problems finishing. They still do not have an out and out striker like his son but they have weapons. #10 Noah Parker was there best attacking player as he has tons of speed and skill. He works his ass off and is not afraid to take guys on. He was creating chances for his teammates and also got a few good looks on net himself. #9 Ian Fromhein is a tidy player that works well with Parker. Nothing flashy but he is a solid player that should be able to get some goals this year. Out wide was Frosh #2 Mitchell Collins who in the 1st Half was causing Williams defender Andrew Mathew problems. He is quick, skilled and a very good 1v1 player. He created some good looks for his teammates. He is going to be a real good player. Without question Babson's best player is its Senior CB #5 Jackson Greenspan. That kid is an All-American defender as he was EVERYWHERE today. He was playing with 2 Frosh on his backline and still had them organized and focused all game. He, like Oberg, has a Soccer brain and is a terrific leader. He has a deft touch for a CB and plays with a poise that is refreshing to watch. He is a cool customer and does not panic and plays very simply without rushing anything. He was always making good decisions and I cannot recall a time he gave the ball away. Babson GK is on the shorter side but he is athletic and has very good hops. He has not trouble with air balls and is plays with no fear as he does not mind putting his body on the line. Good solid GK. I think Babson could make a decent run in the NCAA's if they can finish the chances that they create. The improvement that Babson has made since last year is amazing. This team has a shot against Tufts especially if the match is at Babson. Props have to go to Anderson for turning this around as Babson was not a very good team at all the past 2 years and he knew it. He recruited a great class and must have cut a ton of upperclassman and went young mixing his veterans like Parker, Greenspan and Fromheim with the young guys.

Per usual, really appreciate Mr. Right's analysis of the Williams-Babson game. Totally agree with the opinion that both teams looked good and that Williams is MUCH improved. The Oberg kid was terrific in his limited minutes against Colby as well and created several opportunities in OT that could have resulted in Williams goals. Many people on the sidelines were murmuring that he should be in the midfield. The defense is solid as it has been for the past 5 years or so. I would leave it alone and move Oberg into the midfield and let him create opportunities. I appreciate Petrik's creativity but worry that he gets bodied off the ball too much in the physical NESCAC. Agree with Mr. Right's assessment that Schein could have been more aggressive on the Babson goal but thought he made some big saves late against Colby and Trinity including the PK against Trinity which was lower left corner. He did seem slow yesterday but I see him as a shot stopper who might stack up well in the box against Amherst. Colby threw some big boys into the box on re-starts including the 6'8" fellow. Big weekend for Williams playing at Amherst and at Bates. Tufts - Brandeis Friday night in a huge matchup for the Judges. Conn College at Hamilton will also be a meaningful tilt.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on September 18, 2018, 11:45:09 AM
Quote from: rangerfan on September 17, 2018, 11:43:27 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on September 15, 2018, 07:26:57 PM

6. Closely monitor your kid's communications with coaches to be sure he's understanding a coach's intentions, and keep your radar up for anything funky. You are wiser. In my experience coaches were forthright and pretty clear, but we did have one situation that I'm sure is very rare in NESCAC: a coach who, without seeing your kid play, tells him—yes this actually happened and I heard it with my own ears because it was a phone message—"I'll use a tip on you" when he does not necessarily intend to do so and later retracts. I hate to throw this guy under the bus because he's truly a good guy just finding his way. Even when coaches are being open, the untrained ear of a 17-year-old can easily gloss over the difference between "You're definitely on my list of top recruits" and "you're my top recruit." So just find out exactly what is being said.

So that's the run-down. I guess it's time to jump over to the Centennial board if such a thing exists...

Mom1234,

Congrats & good luck to you and your son. I know one of the F&M freshman well, he's a good player and an even better kid.

I want to offer a bit more from my son's experience, as he is a 2019 NESCAC commit. We got that "you're on my list of top recruits" from one coach. In fact, I think your quote above was identical to what my son (and wife) was told in person by a coach last spring. I'll bet it's the same coach. That was translated for me by someone that know this coach well. This coach is later than most to make offers to players because he continues to hold out hope that some National Team pool players will decide to forego D1 and instead choose to become an impact player at a top D3 school, and the coach wants to save the spots for a difference maker. To the best of my knowledge, this coach is still waiting :) Had he offered my son a spot in the spring, my son would likely have accepted. Glad he is slow, as my son made a better choice for him.

On the other hand, we never had a coach use the word TIP with us. They preferred the word 'support' and seemed to use that the most.

We did get the "you're my top recruit", "you're my 1st offer for the 2019 class" and "if you decide you want to come here, I will support your application with the admissions office." And he did once my son called to tell him he wanted in. It seemed like the language was overly specific for a reason, so your point above is well taken--kids need to listen VERY carefully to what is being said!

Finally, in our experience, the NESCAC coaches were honest. What I mean by that is, there was no equivocating, and there was no worry about an offer being retracted. Perhaps that had to do with my son, but more likely it was the coaches we were dealing with, and the club my son plays for. You've only got one reputation, and as a coach, once you screw a kid, you screw yourself. My son's club produces a lot of men and women NESCAC players. We had a long talk with my son's future coach on this exact subject. It was quite enlightening to get the coaches perspective on the process. I'll add that I know of a former D3 coach that screwed a kid a few years ago and he couldn't recruit any good kids from our area after that incident, and the coach is now a D1 assistant and that player is now in NESCAC. A step up on the coach's resume perhaps, but he had no choice because he must have seen the writing on the wall. Once he went to D1, my son took that school off of his list--he just didn't want to be around that guy.

But until we get the acceptance letter in December, none of this means a thing.
Congrats rangerfan to your son as well! Thanks so much for sharing this insight. I'll tell you what, our offender is not the guy who is now a D1 assistant, nor would it be the coach who you said gives offers late. Your comments on what happens to coaches who screw a kid even once are enlightening. Lucky for this particular coach we aren't in a top feeder club for that school, but we are certainly in a club he specifically said he knows, respects, and wants to recruit from.  I hope he learned his lesson on this one so he doesn't screw himself as you said. BTW it wasn't just one fib. The first three or four phone messages, calls, and emails included specific language like "I'll use a tip on you" and "my number #1 guy," etc., (not to mention we thought his overly dramatic jump-for-joy type emails in all caps and exclamation points were a bit "unusual"), but then, subsequent communications evolved into muddier "you're on my list of top recruits" and the like. At that point I called the guy up and politely asked for an explanation. I was amazed at how much dodging and dancing and double-talking around my questions he did before his conscience took over and he finally broke down and told me where S actually stood AND admitted to fibbing just to pull S in. Among other things, he did also mention holding out for DA D1 converts. He was apologetic and I thought his regret seemed sincere, but he gets another huge demerit from me for saying he was going to call S later that day to explain, and he never did. He also lost points during preread phase for very poor follow-up. Yep, that guy has A LOT of work to do...

Anyway, I owe thanks to Falconer who said last spring "If I'm your kid, I'm doing' F&M" and to others who had good things to say about that program. Good call!!! My kid definitely agrees. Straight-up coaches with a sold team culture. He'll take that any over the other.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 18, 2018, 02:05:43 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on September 18, 2018, 11:45:09 AM
Anyway, I owe thanks to Falconer who said last spring "If I'm your kid, I'm doing' F&M" and to others who had good things to say about that program. Good call!!! My kid definitely agrees. Straight-up coaches with a sold team culture. He'll take that any over the other.

:)

Full disclosure: I have no personal connection whatsoever to F&M, though I've been there many times, and I know numerous alums and a few people who work(ed) there in one capacity or another. I know a lot about the school itself, including the fact that they use their substantial endowment to discount their sticker price according to demonstrated financial need. That's the right thing to do, and it's why their coach could accurately run the numbers for you on the spot. IMO, academically F&M is a NESCAC school with the real advantage of being a reliable, one-hour train ride from the wonderful cultural center called Philadelphia. And, from the Amtrak station in Philly you can board trains for the airport every half hour. So, going home isn't going to be that hard. :D  Lancaster also has some genuine positives, including an honest-to-goodness live theater of the old style and a symphony orchestra.

Nor do I know the soccer coach, but he played for Messiah--and I have yet to hear any questions about the honesty or professional competence of any of the several Falcons who are now coaching at other D3 schools. So, no red flags for me there; quite the opposite.

For all these reasons, I didn't hesitate to recommend F&M.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on September 18, 2018, 02:55:46 PM
Falconer - where are other Messiah alumni now coaching?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on September 18, 2018, 03:05:51 PM
Quote from: mom1234 on September 15, 2018, 07:26:57 PM
Quote from: BillWill on August 28, 2018, 08:08:41 AM
Quote from: mom1234 on July 25, 2018, 01:32:32 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on July 24, 2018, 07:45:47 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on July 24, 2018, 06:11:49 PM
Where's the eating popcorn emoticon when you need it?

I can't decide whether to go with some traditional Orville R, moderate-liberal Smartfood Cheddar, or some more Wesleyan-esque Trader Joe's Herbs and Spices.

This is great stuff and hopefully will spiral into a regular blog as the saga unfolds, with the side benefit of some of us (including me) reminding everyone another time or two about the cool, elite places WE and our kids went to college.  I'm in.  The college search was a great, exhilarating time, when, before actual realities and decisions roll in, everything and every place is possible.  Great stuff for those of us who loved making and re-making lists and would love to go through the whole thing again.

So many nuances.  Too Jewish.  Midfield plays the way we like but doesn't need us.  Too rural.  City is great except if its Hartford.  Classes too big but at least mimics Europe.  Better than any strong Academy players that have played at F&M but not even playing Academy and might not even make a good Academy squad.  Could get bored.  Needs the ball but might not get off the bench.  Well, at least will be able to pull the strings for the scout team and use that intuitive decision-making in practices.  One national title coach is a jerk (proven fact apparently) who plays crap soccer.  Colby might have a flake.  The Wesleyan coach is cool but he keeps it real about realistic academic chances, and who wants all that deconstructive chalking in Middletown anyway?  So many schools that aren't good enough even though there's no signal about any suggesting admission.  Live in the Midwest but can only consider what works with Logan Airport.  Rochester has an airport.  In fact, all the UAA schools do.  No consideration of the excellent schools that sound like actual fits....Gettysburg, Dickinson, Denison, DePauw, Centre, Rhodes.

Several people have suggested what to do.  Pursue what you think you like broadly.  Pick some places to visit that want you to visit, and be sure to include at least a couple where you're very confident that admission is not an issue.  Go on said visits, and then decide on small vs big, rural vs city, campus cultures, team cultures, coaches, playing styles, likely playing time at places where you think playing style fits, etc, etc.
That's quite the stand-up routine... whatever the popcorn flavor, I'm throwing it at the screen watching this reel of "facts" which are quite "nuanced" themselves! A few corrections are in order before this commentary is permanently stamped on the collective mind of this board regarding our poor non-superstud:
- "Better than any strong academy players that have ever played at F and M." You mean all one of them? [burn emoji] What I actually said: Better than the incoming freshman. Small nuance...
- "Not even playing academy and might not even make a good squad."  Truth: Played middling academy before, then made squad this year again but turned it down. (You can pick on that decision all you want, but consider driving 25 miles in rush hour straight through a huge city four or five night a week and get home at 11pm... If you survive to apply to college, see if any nescac school thinks you are "well-rounded.")
- "Lives in midwest...."  Fact: Never said that. Guess another region...
"..But can only consider what works with Logan Airport." That's right. Or Philadelphia. Unless you are offering to give him your frequent flyer miles on American Eagle, he's going Southwest, heck, maybe even Spirit.
- "Could get bored." Fine. Son (and you all) have put to rest that silly Mom Concern. As an alum of a nescac school, I have duly warned him, however, that if he is bored, it won't be because of the soccer, it will be due to the lack thereof during a long, miserable winter stuck on a hill outside of New Hartford or Pittsfield or some other exciting place...
- "So many schools aren't good enough..."  Huh? I assure you, they are all more than good enough."... but no signal about any suggesting admission." Sure they are, but I'm not going to tell you which...
- "No consideration of the excellent schools that sound like actual fits....Gettysburg, Dickinson..." These two were and are, but I hadn't brought them into the discussion.

On that note, it's probably time for Mom to spare this board any more of the recruiting "saga." We'll suffer through the madness on the sidelines.

For the record I get that my kid is not superstud. Just don't be mean to poor Mom on some future date if he ends up sitting on a bench!

Let me guess:

You're from Texas, not the Midwest.
You're considering Gettysburg, F&M, Hamilton (alum), and other NESCAC schools
Did the "D3 East Coast Summer ID Camp Tour - 2018"
You prefer bigger city - would be good fit in Boston area D3 or Rhodes or Johns Hopkins for their location - rules out some of NESCAC and Gettysbury and F&M since not near airports or metro areas.

Your son (R) is very talented - would fit in at any of these schools but wouldn't stand out on day 1. Sone schools are a bit of a stretch academically but he can handle the workload.
Best of luck - let everyone know where he ends up.
Wow BillWill, eerily correct on a few points, specifically Texas and Hamilton. If you aren't psychic, where do we know you from?

Anyway, even though you all more interested in the fall season currently, I'll share what happened with recruiting (and the mistakes we made) while it's fresh in my mind in hopes of helping anothermom or any other parents. (This isn't over until it's over, so I have plenty of time to make more mistakes and let you know later:)

S ended up committing to F&M and is perfectly happy with his choice for the time being, but we'll see. In a nutshell, being strategic about which schools to visit and when was no easy task and this played a big role in determining his options in the end. To be honest, the other big calcualtion was financial. With F&M, you basically hand the coaches a printout of the net price calculator, and they submit it with the preread and tell you, as long as you put the numbers in right, this is pretty much what you'll get. No NESCAC school will do that. You are in the dark with no recourse or bargaining power to later say to the school, "Hey, you said it would be xyz." The real purpose of having ED1 rounds is to bring in not only top athletes but top dollars. No secret there.

As far as NESCAC, S had "support" from Conn College, Bowdoin, and Hamilton, but he ended up a "C" band student for both Bowdoin and Hamilton. Sounded like he was A band for Conn, but he turned the offer down because he didn't feel the love with Murphy, F&M is a stronger school, and anyways, muddiness about cost for all three scared the heck out of me.

So here's what I learned. Maybe these personal stories offer some insight for anyone looking for it.

1. Don't let your kid decide he's going to ditch a school just because he doesn't like the coach, because that guy might not be there tomorrow. If your kid likes a school that is not too far off academically, make him keep communicating and do the clinics. In hindsight, IF S hadn't flaked in the midst of Bates' coaching turnover, he'd probably have it as an option. But it was too little too late: Within a week of Sheikh getting hired on, S tried to jump back in the game, got B band on the preread, but ultimately a new coach who's trying to do things right is not about to hand out a tip at the 11th hour to a kid he hasn't seen play in person when he has other decent players who the assistant coach had seen and are committing. S doesn't share my regret because he prefers to go to a team where he knows where he stands rather than jumping into something in flux where it might hard to have a sense of how you are going to fit in.

2. Think twice about going to a clinic for a school that you haven't visited prior. We tried the best we could, but we couldn't get to enough schools simply because of geography and the constraints of school, soccer, etc. So we wasted S's time by going to the late July clinic at Tufts when he could have been at Bates; well, he got there, did the tour, etc. and instantly hated the school. We also wasted his physical and mental energy at Middlebury; the drive there sucked, he decided it felt too remote for him, he got negative, and showed poorly. And perhaps our worst mistake was to wear him out at Amherst. We didn't even have to visit to know it wasn't an option on any level, but S's Grandpa seemed to think it was a grand idea and dragged him there. Grandparents must not have a say!

3.  Especially if you live in an area where NESCAC coaches have fewer chances to see your kid in tournament play, carefully measure out your kid's physical and mental resources by spreading your clinics more evenly out over winter, spring, and summer or even prior year. If you pile up too many over the summer before senior year, your kid will get worn out at an unpredetermined moment and suddenly show poorly. And he's had just the one chance. Good thing S hated Tufts, because it was at the very end of July after a loonnggg summer that started with the Region 3 championship back in mid-June... so he blew that one. Just no legs left at all. If you have to travel like us, it's hard to not get compressed in summer because it's near impossible to fly out more than twice for random one-day clinics sprinkled all over February, March, April, and May when your kid is in the middle of a spring season and school. I remember wanting to send him to Bates' clinic last January, but thinking, Seriously? Texas to Lewiston in January? And predictably, a noreaster wiped out travel then. I thought that coach should be a little more strategic in his planning if he wants to widen his scope, but anyway. Now by comparison, we got to F and M and Hamilton in the spring when he was fresh, so S knew early where he stood with the coaches, they submitted prereads on July 1, got answers quickly, and it all was smooth. That saved stress.

4.  Not sure if I can offer advice but more of a head's up: Even if you look carefully at each school's GPA/SAT stats to see how close your kid is to the MEAN scores for a particular school, it's really hard to know what Admissions is going to say. But it helps to at least understand the banding system (A, B, or C) and make an educated guess. Logic told me that with a 4.0 and 29 ACT, S could not possibly be B band for Bowdoin, but coach acted optimistic, so we put our eggs in his basket. I understand these coaches have a hard time guessing, but mainly it's in it for them to always err on the positive side. Admissions' said nothing about S's marks being sub-par; only that they didn't like that S had been to more than one high school. Well geez. Parents sometimes move, and plus he went on a foreign exchange program. So apparently predictability is better for a kid than diverse experiences? What happened to liberal arts. Never know what these schools are going to come out with.

5.  Don't put much stake in legacy. According to "sources," about five years ago Admissions started weighing legacy far less than they used to. Huge donors might be another story, but I really don't know. Geography definitely helped us a bit, but for a C band, it's not going to be a deal-maker. For this reason and because Hamilton is test-score crazy, I should have gone strictly with the ACT averages, guessed C band, and scrapped Hamilton.

6. Closely monitor your kid's communications with coaches to be sure he's understanding a coach's intentions, and keep your radar up for anything funky. You are wiser. In my experience coaches were forthright and pretty clear, but we did have one situation that I'm sure is very rare in NESCAC: a coach who, without seeing your kid play, tells him—yes this actually happened and I heard it with my own ears because it was a phone message—"I'll use a tip on you" when he does not necessarily intend to do so and later retracts. I hate to throw this guy under the bus because he's truly a good guy just finding his way. Even when coaches are being open, the untrained ear of a 17-year-old can easily gloss over the difference between "You're definitely on my list of top recruits" and "you're my top recruit." So just find out exactly what is being said.

So that's the run-down. I guess it's time to jump over to the Centennial board if such a thing exists...

mom1234,

First, thanks for being so open about your experience during the process.  Our son recently finished committing after looking at NESCAC, Liberty League and Centennial League schools, and your comments and the replies were very helpful to us.

Second, i wanted to add a couple of things we learned in the process that haven't been touched on, in case useful for others.

A.  Encourage your kid to be open-minded.  Different schools and different coaches look for different things, and the way your kid is perceived may change based on his/her interests, junior year GPA, additional standardized tests and additional ID clinics.  Over the course of several months, the schools our son was considering changed significantly.  Some schools that seemed like reaches came back quickly with positive results from the pre-read, while some other schools that seemed like targets took a long time to respond or didn't respond as positively.

B.  Start early.  Go on college visits during 10th grade, and maybe do a couple of ID clinics the summer before 11th grade.  Our son found it very helpful--it allowed him to feel less stressed and also allowed coaches to see his progression from 10th to 11th grade.

C.  Don't overdo it.  Some kids thrive at the clinics and enjoy themselves, and some kids feel the stress much more.  Know your kid and adjust accordingly.  For almost all kids, the ID clinics and mentally and physically exhausting.  Don't let your kid do a clinic every weekend over the summer, unless you think your kid is really up for that.

D.  Not everyone follows the same timeline.  My son went to one clinic early in the summer where the coach said his incoming class was filled except for maybe one slot.  Another coach gave feedback and did pre-reads over the summer, but was not ready to make any decisions until the very end of August.  I'm not sure there is much you can do about this, but this is why you should start early and cast a wide net.

E.  Words matter, a lot.  In my experience, the coaches all chose their words carefully, if you are listening.  This isn't surprising--they have been recruiting a long time and they don't want to be misleading, for ethical and reputational reasons.  You said this, and I would just emphasize that subtle difference in words are lost on a 17 year old.  I asked to speak to coaches if the coach demonstrated strong interest, and I found they were all open to it.  Several coaches even told my son that they wanted to speak to a parent to be sure there was no misunderstanding. 

Congrats on your son going to F&M.  Our son visited and went to the spring 2018 clinic.  We were impressed by the school and the soccer program.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 18, 2018, 04:26:09 PM
Wesleyan at Vassar has been cancelled which usually means there will not be a makeup date.

Conn at Trinity has been moved to Wednesday night at 8pm on Trinity's turf field. Conn is 4-0-0 and have started well this season but with this game being moved they will now have Trinity at 8pm on a Wednesday,  at Hamilton on Saturday at 1:30pm and v Colby 2pm on Sunday. Those are all winnable games but it will be very tough to play 3 games in basically 4 days. Colby could be the biggest benefactor of this because Conn should be real leg heavy by the 2nd Half of their game.

Nescac POW is Midd's Henry Wilhelm.....hmmm who?? Yes he scored the game winner v Amherst but that was his first game played this year and he is not a starter on Midd's team.  I did not realize all it took to win POW was to score a GW goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 18, 2018, 04:58:26 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 18, 2018, 04:26:09 PM
Wesleyan at Vassar has been cancelled which usually means there will not be a makeup date.

Conn at Trinity has been moved to Wednesday night at 8pm on Trinity's turf field. Conn is 4-0-0 and have started well this season but with this game being moved they will now have Trinity at 8pm on a Wednesday,  at Hamilton on Saturday at 1:30pm and v Colby 2pm on Sunday. Those are all winnable games but it will be very tough to play 3 games in basically 4 days. Colby could be the biggest benefactor of this because Conn should be real leg heavy by the 2nd Half of their game.

Nescac POW is Midd's Henry Wilhelm.....hmmm who?? Yes he scored the game winner v Amherst but that was his first game played this year and he is not a starter on Midd's team.  I did not realize all it took to win POW was to score a GW goal.

A goal in the NESCAC is so rare that everyone stops and looks at it like it's a unicorn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 19, 2018, 11:48:50 AM
Quote from: EB2319 on September 18, 2018, 02:55:46 PM
Falconer - where are other Messiah alumni now coaching?

There are probably more, and I apologize to anyone I should have named here.

3 at F&M (including the former head coach at Eastern)

3 at Eastern men's team, with at least two more coaching the women (Nick West's brother Brandon West & his wife both played at Messiah)

2 at Hope (David Brandt and his son Danny)

4 at Messiah

1 at Virginia Wesleyan (assistant coach Dustin Shambach, who was IMO the all-time best GK at Messiah)

Many others coach at the HS level in PA and OH. One very successful local coach, Matt Billman at Cumberland Valley, did not actually play at Messiah (as far as I know), but he graduated from Messiah. He has sent the odd player to Messiah, but has also coached other collegiate players.

NOTE: At first I said that Billman coached Josh Gros of DC United, but he might have just missed that opportunity. Unsure exactly when he started coaching at Cumberland Valley and exactly when Gros finished. If someone has the precise information please chime in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on September 19, 2018, 11:59:58 AM
Quote from: Falconer on September 19, 2018, 11:48:50 AM
Quote from: EB2319 on September 18, 2018, 02:55:46 PM
Falconer - where are other Messiah alumni now coaching?

There are probably more, and I apologize to anyone I should have named here.

3 at F&M (including the former head coach at Eastern)

3 at Eastern men's team, with at least two more coaching the women (Nick West's brother Brandon West & his wife both played at Messiah)

2 at Hope (David Brandt and his son Danny)

4 at Messiah

1 at Virginia Wesleyan (assistant coach Dustin Shambach, who was IMO the all-time best GK at Messiah)

Many others coach at the HS level in PA and OH. One very successful local coach, Matt Billman at Cumberland Valley, did not actually play at Messiah (as far as I know), but he graduated from Messiah. He has sent the odd player to Messiah, but has also coached D1 players, among them Josh Gross who played a few years for DC United.

Nick Thompson assistant at Williams.  Michael Kovak was assisting at Conn college..now at Gettysburg. Keaton kasiguran was at Eastern Nazarene as assistant but moved on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on September 19, 2018, 02:30:45 PM
Another very successful Falcon alum coaching in HS is Fred Winey at Lancaster Mennonite, who played under Layton Shoemaker. His teams have won or nearly won PA state titles multiple times. His former players include Keegan Rosenberry (Georgetown and Philadelphia Union), many Falcons (including current players David Alejos and Nate Flanders), and Caleb Cole (a 3-time AA for Gordon).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 20, 2018, 07:44:09 PM
Nescac Predictions:


Bowdoin at Midd-----Bowdoin as predicted as struggled a bit to start the season in Nescac play. They are 0-2-0 in the league with 0 Goals scored. This is not really the game that Bowdoin would want to try to get the offense going. Middlebury has looked pretty solid to start the year under first year Head Coach Alex Elias. They are 1-1-0 in Nescac with 1 Goal scored and 1 Goal allowed. You might say they are also struggling to score but they have played Amherst and Conn which are two of the toughest teams in Nescac this year. They lost 1-0 at Conn on a disastrous GK'ing error. They beat Amherst 1-0 last weekend at Home but I did not see the goal or how it was scored. The Midd recap said something to the effect of the ball was bouncing around in the restrictive area and Midd pounced on it and scored. I have no idea what that is supposed to mean so I am guessing there was an Amherst defensive breakdown or a GK error. Either way Midd beat Amherst and more importantly look to be injury free to start the year. The back 4 of Moffat, Davis, Robinson and Frosh McFarlane have been consistent and tough to break down. Holding midfielder Barovick has held his own and I really like the attacking midfielder Barsamian who has skill and plays a nice final ball. Potter got a brace mid-week and Goulart are playing wide and both have skill and 1v1 ability especially Goulart. O'Grady looks to be healthy and Reid are up top. A real solid lineup. I will say though that their 2 strikers O'Grady and Reid have not scored a goal this year nor has Goulart. If Midd is going to make a run in late October / November those 3 guys MUST start getting goals. As predicted before the season started Bowdoin would struggle early because they had to replace Van Siclen and CB's Ward and Bubb. Wiercinski started the year with Frosh GK Chris Kingston in net but he must have given up a soft goal to St.Joe's or got injured in that game because ever since Wiercinski has gone with another Frosh GK Owen Wolfson. I thought Kingston looked decent v Amherst but he wasn't tested much so who knows. Either way they have a Frosh in net. Wesleyan beat Bowdoin 2-0 and we got a nice recap of the game from "Metro" as I did not see the match. It sounds like Wesleyan scored 2 fluky goals on a long throw and own goal which means there was most likely some mix of defensive breakdown / GK indecisiveness / lack of communication. This happens when you have a young team and inexperienced backline. I will say I do like what Wiercinski did to start the year by keeping McColl at LB and making Niang a CB along with the Frosh Reid and Miller as RB. However, I am guessing Reid is injured as he did not play against Wesleyan so that could of added to the confusion back there. I would guess he moved McColl to CB but not sure. Anyway, this game is always a tight game and I think Midd has more talent and more depth. Bowdoin does have some dangerous attacking players like Drake Byrd and Alex Chaban who are quick 1v1 players who can cause problems for Midd's wingbacks. I think if Midd starts Moffat at RB like Elias has been doing if I were Wiercinski I would put Byrd wide left as he can burn Moffat with his wheels and cause problems. Other than that I am not sure how Bowdoin scores in this game as usually they have the advantage on set pieces but Midd can match up well with Bowdoin with Moffat, Robinson and Davis in the back. As much as I like Stenquist in front of Bowdoin's back 4 I think Midd can take advantage of all the changes Bowdoin has made in net and in the back. Midd has more weapons going at goal plus they are playing at Home..........Midd 1-0



Conn at Hamilton----Both Conn and Hamilton are off to real solid starts in 2018. Both teams are 2-0-0 in Nescac and Conn is 5-0-0 and Hamilton 4-1-0 overall. Both teams each have a signature victory under their belts which means they have both beaten a team that most likely will be regionally ranked in November. Conn beat Midd and Hamilton beat Oneonta. Impressively, Conn has given up only 1 Goal in 5 games and that goal was a PK. Hamilton has 4 Shutouts in 5 games. Conn is coming off a 3-0 thrashing of lowly Trinity midweek and Hamilton has had the whole week off after winning a back to back at Home last weekend v Trinity and Oneonta. Looking at the boxscore for Conn's win last night I see 2 key players, Matt Butera and Liam Donelan, did not play. Hopefully, they are not injured as those are 2 solid players and Conn has some depth but not the kind of depth that the top Nescac sides have. Conn has one of the best GK's in the league with AJ Marcucci. When I saw Conn they were in a 4-2-3-1. Their back 4 is solid with LB Hoadley and CB's Frosh Stoneback and I thought Donelan but I think Murphy has put in the Jersey kid Berkanish who is a big kid and RB Stokes. I personally like Donelan at CB and he is real effective at scoring goals with his head on set pieces so I hope he is not out for long.  In the middle of the park you have Conn's 3 of Milhollen, Butera and Manoogian all interchange nicely with all 3 looking quite fit and with decent skill. Not sure if any of the 3 are real holding middies but they all have skill and grit. Out wide you have #17 Christian Murphy wide left and # 7 Uzii Dieng wide right. Up top #10 Ben Highton. Not sure Conn has a true goalscorer but like last year everyone chips in. This year Murphy, Dieng and Highton have been scoring goals but last years leading goalscorer Manoogian has yet to find the net. This Conn team works very well together and from a distance look to have a real solid team chemistry. They also are extremely fit and work very hard. A team that is easy to root for as they do all the dirty work and everyone pitches in. The difference from last year to this year is Dieng out wide gives them a serious threat 1v1 on the flank as he is skilled and has speed. They will miss Lockwood banging home crosses though. Hamilton does have 4 shutouts and are led in the back by Luke Eckels. They look to be more organized in the back this season as the other CB is Milo Donovan who is also a big guy. Eckels and Donovan have decent speed for their size. LB Jack Sheehan is also 6'1 and pacey but has no skill. He bombs everything downfield. Nizzi had been playing the quick 5'7 Deguines at RB but he did not play against Oneonta so not sure what is going on with that. He likes to attack though and with his speed and skill he can just not sure how much of a defender he is. GK Lins Cadwell has looked solid in every game except the Ithaca match where he made 2 costly mistakes but looking at the boxscore he either got injured v Oneonta or was sacked 21 minutes into the game and the Frosh from Jersey Thomas Benson relieved him and performed well making 4 saves in his debut. Not sure what Cadwell's injury is but Benson looks to be a solid GK who is not afraid to put his body on the line. He is not the tallest GK but is a reactive type that makes big saves and will have to rely on his big defenders to clear crosses and corners. Hamilton has done what I said WAS A MUST before the season which was BEAT Trinity and Bates. I knew those 2 teams are a year or 2 away and they just do not have the talent to keep up with the rest of Nescac. Trinity looks even worse than predicted and Bates actually looks to be going in a solid direction under their new Head Coach. Still, Hamilton only managed to beat both Trinity and Bates 1-0, they beat Oswego St 2-0 and nicely took down Oneonta 1-0. My point is I thought Hamilton would be creating more goal scoring opportunities and maybe finishing their chances more than they have. They had no answer at Bates 2nd Half and were lucky to have gotten out of Lewiston with a 1-0 win. They beat Trinity 1-0 on a sick free kick by Noah Giovannelli but did not score in the run of play. I guess I want to see more from strikers Wood and Schmidt plus Chapman, Milnarik and Casadei. Anyway, this game all depends on both of these teams respective injuries. Neither side has the depth of the Top teams in Nescac but both sides have about 14-15 real solid players that can beat anyone. This is a real big game for BOTH schools as they both play on Sunday and a win in this game would be huge. The match Hamilton played v Ithaca is still sticking in my brain and the careless play of Hamilton's LB and GK on that day cannot just be forgotten. I think Conn has more horses and they have an advantage in net. Dieng will be the difference maker as he should be playing out wide v Hamilton's LB Sheehan who is quick but not as quick as Dieng and Dieng should get Sheehan's feet tangled 1v1 and cause problems..............Conn 1-0


Wesleyan at Bates---------I have not seen a full 90 of either of these teams play. I know both teams are starting some Frosh mixed in with some veterans. As "Metro" noted Wesleyan is playing in their usual flat 4-4-2 as Wheeler NEVER changes. From what I can gather Bates is in a 4-2-3-1 but not 100% sure. Wesleyan has got to try to get a Win in Lewiston as it is vital they get points in September because their last 4 Nescac games are at Williams, at Midd, v Amherst and v Conn. Not an easy way to finish your year so they MUST get 3 pts here. They have Soph Chris Franklin in net and he is coming off of 2 straight shutouts of Bowdoin and Eastern. I am not sure who has replaced Nick Jackson but it looks like Wesleyan starts 2 Frosh on the backline in #7 Tucker Kelsch and #6 Nicholas Wallick. I am guessing Teddy Lyons is either holding or defending. Martinez-Paiz is one of the more skilled players in Nescac but for Wesleyan to be successful this year he must contribute with goals and he has none in 4 games. Devanny was out wide in 2017 but maybe Wheeler moved him to wingback not sure.  Gallo could be anywhere on the field. My point is I do not quite know their lineup yet until I see them in person but I know their personnel well enough. Bates is starting 2 Frosh #4 James Peter and 6'5 #20 Frederick Hohmann. I know most of their personnel as #5 Williamson has the long throw, GK Montanaro is solid in net, Bakken is a workhorse in midfield and Captain as a JR and Huebschmann a solid defender...I will say there are a ton of changes. Looks like new Head Coach Tyler Sheikh has benched a few regular starters from 2017. Kimpolo-Pene and Opoku I have seen get a ton of minutes this season BUT they are not in the starting lineup and they are 2 dangerous players. He dropped defender Munoz who had been starting in defense the past 3 years.  He is using both Marceau brothers but not sure where. I am not questioning his decisions as I think he is the right man for this job unlike the former Head Coach and frankly is doing wonders with what Flaherty left him which was not much. Bates looks MUCH more organized this season than under Flaherty and are keeping their wingers wide which I like. Bates is 0-2-0 in Nescac and have 0 Goals in 2 Nescac games BUT have only allowed 2 Goals in 4 Games total. A 1-0 OT loss at Tufts is impressive even though it sounds like it was a half field scrimmage. Still Bates only allowed Tufts 6 SOG which is not many and compared to the pounding Tufts put on them last year 3-0 and how unorganized they looked in that game this is a big improvement. Both Wesleyan and Bates are obviously offensively challenged so I am not expecting many goals if any unless 1 of these teams takes a chance and comes out and attacks which will open things up for both teams. I do not see Wesleyan doing that but maybe Sheikh will give it a go as Bates has nothing to lose.  If both teams come out in their normal shapes and are defensive then I give the edge to Wesleyan as they have more talent that can score goals and should be able to find a winner......Wesleyan 1-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 20, 2018, 07:44:41 PM
Colby at Trinity----Colby MUST get a Win in this game as they need 3 pts here. Colby is 0-1-1 in Nescac with a tough 1-0 loss to Tufts in which they had some looks and a great 0-0 draw at Williams. Colby is also in a 4-2-3-1. Colby has 11 very solid starters but once they go 2 guys deep off their bench they drop off considerably. This is not helpful in back to backs as they have NO DEPTH but like I said they have a very solid starting 11. GK Dan Carlson is one of the better GK's in the league. He is a pretty good shot stopper and makes some great saves. The backline has 2 solid CB's in 6'8 Garrett Dickey and Frosh Graham Pugh. Pugh is a tremendous athlete and reads the game really well plus is skilled and poised for a Frosh. I think the weakness is LB #6 Grady Jendzejec as he works hard and is quick but is not a good 1v1 defender and can be beaten. RB is #17 Jack Fletcher who is decent. #5 Berolzheimer is an absolute workhorse in midfield and has skill along with #10 Clouse who is a big body long thrower. However, Clouse is NOT FIT and gets gassed really quickly so he can be a weakness in the run of play. #9 Wyett MacDonald who I did not remember from 2017 but has really impressed me this season. He is a fantastic attacking midfielder with skill and is also a tough kid that works hard. Out wide are 2 dangerous players in #11 Jeff Rosenberg and #2 Kyle Douglas(Or as his teammates call him Dougie). Both Rosenberg and Douglas are lightning quick and good 1v1 players and really can spring a quick counterattack with their speed and skill. Up top is #31 Pereira who works hard BUT MUST start netting goals for Colby. He has none. Trinity is in complete shambles right now. They are 0-3-0 in Nescac and 1-4-0 overall. They have scored ZERO Goals in Nescac while allowing 9 and have allowed 14 goals in 5 games overall. NOT GOOD. They are extremely weak in net and in the back. Three of their better players did not play last night v Conn as defender Alex Steel did not play last night because of a Red Card at Hamilton. I have no idea where their best attacking player Henry Farr was or their other veteran on defense Mike Burns. Trinity is not a good side right now and even though I predicted them to finish last in 2018 i had no idea they would be this bad. They have a real chance at going 0-10-0 which surely will put Mike Pilger on the hot seat. In the past 10 years we have seen 2 teams go 0-10-0 which would be Bates in 2011 and Colby in 2013 and both Head Coaches were "re-assigned in the athletic department for a couple years" before retiring immediately following those 0-10-0 seasons. Kind of a nice way of saying your fired. This Trinity side is dangerously close to going 0-10-0 as they really need to change things up and maybe play ultra defensive just to make sure they get a few draws. I have no idea who in Nescac they will score against. They have not scored yet. They certainly are not going to be able to break down Colby and beat them in Hartford are they? Doubtful.......Colby 2-0


Williams at Amherst--------Huge game for both teams. Williams coming off an impressive showing in a 1-0 win over Babson and Amherst a disappointing loss at Midd. Amherst will be pumped to the max as they are playing their rival and 1st game at Home. Serpone has basically stuck with the same lineup in all 3 games except Will Cohen did not play at Midd. He has moved Fikayo Ajayi to CB along with Felix Wu. Long throwing Bryce Johnson is at RB and LB is the feisty 5'8 Jack O'Brien with GK Michael Stone. IMO this is Amherst weakness this year. I do not think Ajayi is a CB and Wu is decent but not the quality that Amherst used to have at CB. Both Wu and Ajayi are tough kids and good in the air but not sure about their positioning as defenders. Johnson and O'Brien are good solid backs but Williams strikers should be able to use their speed and 1v1 skill to beat these defenders off the dribble. However, Williams strikers Petrik and Gass are not physically tough kids so it is also conceivable that Amherst size and toughness in the back gets those 2 attackers out of their game completely. Fabricant is a tough striker for Williams and is playing real well to start the year and he will be needed to get a goal in this game for Williams to win. He will battle Bryce Johnson down the left flank and should be able to take him. Both teams MUST SHOOT on these GK's as both are very suspect and the game could come down to which GK does not make a mistake. Hopefully, Sullivan saw what the rest of the Williams fans saw in Oberg and moves him into the middle of the field. He has the poise to dictate this game as long as he does not get to wide eyed to Amherst field and style of play. As much as I love Bardong and Scatt at CB for Williams I think Amherst should be able to take advantage in the air on all their corners and long throws throughout the game. Sure they waste a minute off the clock every time Johnson trots to the opposite side of the field to bomb a throw in the box but that is how they want to play it. Amherst striker McMillian did play at Midd so expect him to start but if Ranieri is at LB he should be able to hold him in check. Dane Lind has been Amherst most dangerous player so far this year and with him and McMillian they will cause Williams defense problems. Williams RB Andrew Mathew is a good back but the weakest of the 4 so look for Amherst to attack him. I would expect McMillian going against him. The heralded Frosh Giammattei has yet to prove all the accolades but with the focus on Lind, Derby and McMillian maybe he gets his chances Saturday. Should be a wild game and Amherst 65 yard wide field only favors Amherst in this one as I hope Williams defenders plus Dory / Andreou / Oberg have been practicing defensive heading all week. Both teams have only played 3 games this year and both teams had all week off. Both teams NEED a Win if they want to win the league but neither get it..........2-2


Tufts at Brandeis--------Tufts is 5-0-0 and rolling along and Brandeis is struggling at 3-3-0. Both teams graduated a ton of talent but it seems Tufts has had an easier time replacing their graduated seniors than Brandeis has. The losses of Ocel, Flahive, Lynch, Berg, Vinson and especially Hernandez have been felt to start the year. Looking at those players I thought Brandeis would still be solid defensively but might struggle scoring goals with the losses of Ocel, Flahive and Lynch. Well besides a nightmare 3 goals allowed to Gordon on some GK errors they do have 3 Shutouts. Babson defeated Brandeis 2-0 but Babson is MUCH improved this year and WPI beat Brandeis 1-0 on a 35 yard set piece bomb. IMO I think Brandeis has had a mix of poor decisions(scheduling 5 games in 10 days to open season), bad luck and some issues scoring goals(being shutout against WPI and Babson). Brandeis still has plenty of talent and with their SOS this year they have plenty of opportunities to get wins v ranked teams. 5 teams in the UAA will be ranked in November, Tufts, Amherst and Clark. So they still have 8 chances to get Wins v ranked opponents. They beat Springfield earlier in the year and it is possible they will be ranked. Unfortunately, WPI and Babson probably will be ranked so that is 2 losses already. Actually Brandeis cannot not even think about this stuff right now they just pounded Mass Maritime 8-0 so hopefully that gets them going on offense. Tufts is 5-0-0 but not exactly lighting up the scoreboard either with tight 1-0 wins against Colby and Bates. They have a solid GK in Mieth, Paoletta has been a stud at CB, Lane and Tasker always dangerous out wide and Max Jacobs has been putting Tufts on his back with 3 goals in his last 4 games. These teams know each other so well there are no secrets. They know each other strengths and weaknesses. Should be a fun game to watch because both teams will be busting ass. Tufts will want revenge from Brandeis ending their season in 2017 as teams do not forget that stuff especially an outfit like Tufts and Brandeis just needs a Win to keep their season alive as if they lose this game they are going to be put into the position of most likely having to Win the UAA which will be VERY TOUGH. Brandeis might come out a little tight because they know what is on the line but if they take advantage of Tufts weaknesses they can win this game. Najjar WILL give the ball away so force him to cough it up in dangerous areas of the field. Aroh is not as quick as Kulcsar so take advantage of that. The Frosh Daly is a good player but he is still a Frosh and the Brandeis fans should be trying to rattle him and Brandeis should be attacking his side. I will say I love Weatherbie's workrate and toughness but he can be beat 1v1 if you have a solid flank player. This game is going to be a battle and I think Brandeis will have chances BUT CAN THEY FINISH? They have looked to have issues finishing every time I have tuned in this year. Brandeis MUST stay in Jacobs mug the second he touches the ball and be wary of Van Brewer / Trevorrow / Rojas in midfield. I still say those 3 NEED to be sticked HARD and you will take them out of the game early. Especially VanBrewer......Complete Toss Up but edge must go to Brandeis at Home. A win against Tufts would give Brandeis such a big boost of confidence..2-1 Brandeis
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 20, 2018, 08:09:13 PM
Just an update on Stewart Flaherty's Dartmouth Big Green -----They are 0-4-2 with a recent loss to Hofstra..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 21, 2018, 08:45:16 AM
I'm not sure I'd blame Dartmouth's slow start on Flaherty, but I knew that this was going to be a tough transition to a new coaching staff after Chad Riley's departure for the golden dome in South Bend...despite the fact that there is some good talent remaining on the roster...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 21, 2018, 09:31:50 AM
Great stuff Right.

Despite being in Amherst this year I think this is Williams' best chance in years to get a result in this regular-season fixture. If I am not mistaken they haven't won this game in the regular season since 2009 (ties last year and in 2012), although there have been the two well-documented triumphs in the Elite 8 in 2012 and 2013. I think Giammattei is quite the player — he got two goals in a minute in his first collegiate game, the rout of Wentworth — but I think there's a lot of pressure on him and he is still adapting. Also I might not have taken the #9 shirt as a FY (actually, I probably would have, as 9 is my favorite number, but you get my drift). Regardless I think it's pretty clear that he is being expected to deliver the goods right off the bat, which — while it's great they're putting that faith in him — can be tough for a freshman to deal with, regardless of how talented he is. Of course I am prepared to eat my words at the end of the season if he has a fantastic first year. I agree that Williams has looked its best since Sullivan has been there and it seems like there is a good synergy throughout the team — it doesn't seem like one person is shouldering the majority of the responsibility in the way that Rashid or Sisco had to in recent years. I think they have certainly improved defensively — just 1 goal against in the first 3 games — but even with Babson's improvement I still don't think they've faced a real high-octane offense just yet. It will be interesting to see how they hold up against the Jeffs' patented combination of gegenpressing and hoofball. I think a draw is most likely and Amherst will always fight to win but I could see Williams sneaking it as well.

As I've said before I think Brandeis was unlucky in the Gordon game but were outplayed by Babson, although I think in hindsight they were perhaps just gassed. WPI they were in the game and working hard but they didn't stand out for me and I think WPI perhaps just shaded it. 5 games in 11 days does seem a bit much but then again I remember in 2012-13 they started with 5 games in 8 days. Then again those games were against Ithaca, Keene State, Colby-Sawyer, Clark, and MIT — IIRC MIT was the only team out of those five who was a regional power — whereas this year's 5 in 11 were against Endicott, Gordon, Springfield, Babson, and WPI, all of whom will be contending this year (I say that even with the Gulls' tough start). Clearly the latter slate of games is a lot more difficult, so I agree that they will want to rethink their scheduling in the future.

I won't be able to make the game — $200 round trip to Iceland was too good to resist — but I would personally pick Tufts (back in 2015 I picked defending champion Tufts to win 1-0 at home but then Brandeis pulled the upset on the road. Reverse psychology!). I think it is much more of a must-win for Brandeis although I think they would accept a draw. They cannot get caught on the break the way they did two years ago in the last minute of 2OT — I like to say "if you can't win, don't lose" and they lost by throwing too many guys forward in that game. That being said I expect Tufts to come out going for the win, as they will want revenge for losing to Brandeis in 2OT last year in the Elite 8. This will be a big test for the Judges — can they prove they're still a legit contender, or will the perception of the Judges having a "down year" that has persisted thus far continue? Should be a good one.

Outside of those two marquee fixtures, I am most intrigued by Conn-Hamilton. Two teams that have made steady progress over the last few years and Conn. was unlucky to lose to Rochester in last year's 1st Round so it will be interesting to see how they stack up. Hamilton was undone by some shoddy defending against Ithaca but has run the table otherwise and despite having home field advantage I, too, would pick Conn. on the road.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 21, 2018, 10:27:57 AM
Great analysis and predictions this morning. I am going to try to get to Brandeis's tonight. I have not seen either team play this season. I have seen Williams 3 times this season and Amherst on video. The factor that I think distinguishes Williams for the first time in years is that offensively they are explosive. They create opportunities that they haven't in years. Even in the Colby and Babson games they had quite a few opportunities. I think they will get a couple of goals at Amherst. I agree with Mr. Right that the defense might be small and GK unproven to deal with the Amherst onslaught in the box. They may give up goals as well. I do think the Williams GK is more of a shot stopper than a sweeper and this may hurt them at some points but might be a benefit in this physical battle. I have huge faith in Scatt and the other backs. I think Jules Oberg will just add to the opportunities created and that this will be a big opportunity to make a statement.

The Hamilton-Conn game will also be a statement game and although I don't think Conn is the same team as it was last year, Coach Murphy has them working extremely hard and that often will get the job done.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sir.MixALotz on September 21, 2018, 12:33:03 PM
Mr. Right:

As always thank you for your very extensive write ups that are gold and much appreciated...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC43 on September 21, 2018, 08:59:01 PM
Got to catch the second half of Tufts/Brandeis. Looked like a good game and scoreline seemed to reflect the run of play. Brandeis not as good as previous years but still looked threatening at times. Tufts played their normal style, Shapiro should be happy with the result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 22, 2018, 09:28:16 AM
Tufts is just rolling along at 6-0-0. They show each game the kind of depth they have as I would say they are a solid 16-17 players deep. Still Brandeis showed you can break Tufts down in certain areas that you would not have been able to the past few years. I thought Brandeis dictated the pace of play last night more than Tufts. Compare that to the 2017 NCAA Elite 8 game and Tufts completely dictated play in that match. My point is there are more question marks than in past years defensively in midfield. Don't get me wrong they are still a top D3 side but I have noticed teams like Colby had more time on the ball and had a few good looks before losing 1-0. It is just my opinion but it is something to watch for this upcoming week as Tufts will have 3 Home games. Wednesday v Wesleyan, Saturday v Amherst and Sunday v Hamilton. 3 games in 5 days will test their depth and fitness. Just looking at Tufts schedule for the rest of the regular season it is a bear. The only weak team left on the schedule is Trinity. They still have Amherst, Midd, Williams, Wesleyan, Hamilton, Babson, Bowdoin and Conn. There is no way they run the table IMO not this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 22, 2018, 11:17:50 AM
Great breakdown of action/predictions today by Mr. Right!  Some good games ... I'll be watching Camels vs. Hamilton.  Then tomorrow may head to New London to see Camels vs. Colby... both with games today.   Williams vs. Amherst should be interesting and one I'd like to see.  Does anyone know if there is a way to see re-plays, or does that vary by school? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 22, 2018, 12:17:45 PM
10 min in and Bowdoin takes a 1-0 lead over Midd on a sick hit by Drake Byrd off a set piece right outside the box. Nice left footed rip as Midd GK Hyer had no chance.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 22, 2018, 02:00:01 PM
Camels jump out 1-0 at 25:29 nice header.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 22, 2018, 02:06:45 PM
sorry goal at 19:29 entertaining game ... action at both ends ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 22, 2018, 02:10:09 PM
Bowdoin defeats Midd 1-0 as Drake Byrd's free kick stands up as the GW'ing Goal. Wiercinski turned back to his cynical tactics of wasting time on throw-ins/subbing/set pieces. Bowdoin took their sweet old time the whole 2nd Half. Midd had a few good looks to even the score but could not finish. Bowdoin's starting Frosh GK Kingston left the game with an injury but their other Frosh GK Wolfson made a couple decent saves to finish the game out. Midd should be disappointed with that result as usually these are tight games but they had the better of the chances. Bowdoin wins it on a set piece and gets a huge 3pts while Midd falls to 1-2-0 in Nescac. Hate to say it but that is why you do not schedule a 4-5 hour midweek Away match. They won midweek but it gets your team out of a rhythm IMO. First year Head Coach Alex Elias learns the hard way. I am not saying that was the reason Midd lost but it is all about resting guys and keeping players in a structered rhythm.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on September 22, 2018, 03:21:15 PM
Amherst stronger over Williams in the first 10 and final 10 of the half. Stone makes a great save on the game's best chance when Ephs struck on frame during a 10-minute stretch of strength.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 22, 2018, 03:39:34 PM
Conn hangs on to beat Hamilton 1-0.  Hamilton pushed hard last 20 minutes, but couldn't convert.  Wide open game first half, got tighter and more physical in second.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 22, 2018, 04:16:13 PM
Nice serve by Fleischer but you'd think the GK has to do better. 2-0 Williams with 15 minutes left. #wowzah
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 22, 2018, 04:35:35 PM
Wow ... crazy finish... with Amherst goal with 5 minutes left to go to make it 1-2.  Then gets chance at a penalty kick that is saved at 2 minutes.  Williams holds on to win 2-1.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 22, 2018, 04:39:02 PM
WOW...seemed like the same old story of Amherst saving their skins with the last kick of the game is going to be told again BUT Schein makes a nice save off the PK.

About 30 seconds after the controversial penalty decision -- it looked like the player fouled was right on the line which I do believe means "in the box" -- a big no-call in the Williams box, ref thought he got ball but it looked like a foul to me. I thought the second incident was more of a penalty than the first, but what do I know?

Two big let-offs for Williams. Even with those calls in mind I think Williams earned the win. Biggest result for the Ephs since...well, the last time they won on Hitchcock Field (in the 2013 Elite 8)!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 22, 2018, 06:16:28 PM
Blooter, are you reporting from Reykjavik, or just went there to grab some dinner and came back?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on September 22, 2018, 09:23:28 PM
Watched in person an excellent win by Williams at the lord jeffs today ---look for lord jeff coach to switch goalies for their next game. Naturally took him quite a while to cool down after a bitter loss with lots of "direct"/chippy play (several elbows to the head drew warnings without cards) by lord jeffs who took 25 shots, missing several that could have been goals, including a breakaway down the center and the penalty kick at the end (which was extensively discussed by referee and linesman who reversed the initial call after the chalk mark had been made outside the box). Ephs held firm with good size and toughness .... Not convinced flip throw-ins for past several years are productive (certainly have distance) by lord jeffs ....

Several warnings by the head referee to the lord jeffs' coaching staff, players, and bench ....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 22, 2018, 09:59:22 PM
Amherst v Williams Notes:

Quick Summary:

This was an ugly game to watch. Nothing pretty about this game except for the last 10 minutes which was entertaining. Amherst dictated the play in this game as both teams were hitting long balls all day. The field is so narrow it is an absolute disgrace to the game and is the reason why neither team could play anything that resembled futbol. The ref was AWFUL all game. In fairness that was a tough game to ref but man he had a bad day.  The ref screwed Amherst on Williams 1st Goal as a Williams player pushed an Amherst defender right into Amherst GK Stone which caused him to lose his balance otherwise I think he would have gotten to that ball before it bounced into the goal. The ref almost screwed Williams with the Amherst PK which was a blatant foul by Williams LB Ranieri but looked to be JUST outside the box. The ref was not sure at all and did not have the guts to make the call himself so he relied on his linesman to decide. Cutler Coleman, who I thought had a great game in midfield for Amherst, did not make great contact and I think telegraphed where he was going but a nice save by Williams GK Schein. I have no clue what scorekeeper counted 25 Shots for Amherst but unless he was including 30 yard blasts nowhere near the goal there is no way Amherst had 25 Shots. Luckily, the SOG stat is a more reliable stat to go off of and as expected it was very even at 8-7 Williams. I think Williams deserved the win and must be absolutely jacked that they got it. Bloots is correct that it is Williams most important victory in 5 years since the 2013 NCAA Elite 8 match when Chris Conder bended a left footed ball into the back of the net to send Williams to the NCAA Final 4 in San Antonio.  That is Sullivan's first victory over Serpone since he took the reins at Williams in 2015. I am guessing this is the first time Serpone has ever been under .500 in Nescac play at 1-2-0 since arriving at Amherst in 2007 and with Tufts up next for Amherst in Medford next weekend it does not get any easier for a team that has really underperformed to start 2018.

Williams:

---The back 4 of LB Ranieri, CB's Scatt Macdonald, CB Liam Bardong and RB Andrew Mathew were the stars for me today for Williams. All 4 of them played a fantastic game and battled all day with grit and toughness. Ranieri is a serious player and a fantastic defender. Scatt and Bardong are just workhorses and yes they were whacking the ball long more than I would like to see but they just showed incredible grit all day. All 4 defenders just shut Amherst strikers down all day. With the help of Dory, Oberg and Andreou they all dealt with Amherst long throws into the box very efficiently. Amherst #5 Byrce Johnson must have hucked about 30 bombs into the box and they were dealt with very well.

---Williams front 3 of Fabricant, Gass and Petrik had their moments as well. Gass had a pretty good game until he left with a mysterious injury but his speed was causing Amherst defenders problems and Fabricant showed he is a tough kid as he was not going to back down to Amherst physicality. I never liked Fabricant's lack of speed but he has gotten much stronger during the off-season and has plenty of skill that causes defenders problems. I do not like how sometimes he loses the ball dribbling up the field and than stands and watches the play unfold after. That is lazy as he needs to track back and help his teammates out. He is not good enough to just stand and watch. Unless you are an All-Star in this league as a striker you should never not track back especially if it was you who lost the ball.  Petrik was quiet on the day as I think he can get lost sometimes in these physical games and especially on such a narrow field he has less room to open up. I have no idea why Sullivan left Petrik in the game when Williams had a 2-0 lead in the last 10 minutes. He should have come out for a defender that could help out in the air.

----Credit where credit is due. Williams GK Aaron Schein had a fantastic game today. He has always been strong in the air but he proved me wrong by making a fine save on the PK which was hit low and to his left. he also made a fantastic save about 2 minutes before that on a header off a scrum when Amherst was turning up the pressure in the last 10 minutes. He also did a great job on Amherst long throws all day. I still am not totally sold but I feel a ton better about his play in net after today.

---Sullivan stuck with the same starting lineup today as he has all year and it worked out well. Oberg came off the bench for Andreou as a holding midfielder and did ok but nothing special today. Sullivan only used 4 subs which does not bode well for a match tomorrow up at Bates. The Frosh Felitto from Chicago who was being discussed on these boards this Spring is not quite ready but I think he will be a force in the next couple years. He is not fast but is big and physical and not afraid to throw his body around. He does lack speed and skill but hopefully the skill will improve. Actually, besides Oberg the other Frosh who has really showed well is a kid Nick Boardman. For a kid that hails from Greenwich he throws all labels out the window as he busts his ass all over the field. He is a gritty player that is not afraid to get stuck in and has speed and skill. He is going to be a good one. The only other sub Sullivan used was reliable veteran Eric Hirsch from Williamstown who is a solid role player that works hard.

---Andreou had an off game today as he was giving the ball away to much today under pressure. He also was the prime reason Amherst got back into the game with a Sebastian Derby goal with 5 minutes left. IIRC he lost the ball in midfield and than stood and watched while Derby, who picked Andreou's pocket went in basically 1v1 and scored. Unacceptable as watching the play develop after giving the ball away almost as if hey we are up 2-0 with 5 minutes left whatever. Not good and he should have been sacked for that. Still the kid is a good player but I just hate that type of stuff. You lose the ball you better track back.

---Very solid win for Williams and at 3-0-1 I am feeling like this is the season Sullivan finally gets Williams back to the NCAA's if they keep playing like this. However, if they step onto the field in Lewiston tomorrow still smirking from this win today and are all loose and relaxed at Bates and over confident because they just beat Amherst they will lose. Bates beat Wesleyan today and only allowed Wesleyan 2 SOG and based on how I saw them play Tufts last weekend their Head Coach has them sitting very deep and compact and willing to do that for 90 until they get a chance to counter. If Williams thinks they can just show up tomorrow and Win it will be bad news and frankly if they fail to Win tomorrow they will throw this good result today right out the window. Even a Draw will be a disappointment and with RPI midweek going to be playing the same way they better start figuring out how to break down these teams that sit deep and are compact like Colby was against them last weekend.


Amherst:


----As much as their narrow field helps them on Byrce Johnson's long throws it does them no favors IMO for their skilled players and guys with speed. Amherst strikers were quiet most of the game. Not sure if Jimmy Mcmillian is coming off an injury or what but he was held in check by Ranieri all day. There is no space on the field for him to use his speed to his advantage. Amherst was trying to hit balls over the top of Williams CB's in the 1st Half but they were being snuffed out pretty well. I thought Serpone should have moved McMillian over to the left wing to go at Andrew Mathew but he did not until real late in the game. Serpone also did no favors to this Frosh Giammattei by saying before the season started that this kid would be the best Frosh in D3. I am sure once the kid gets acclimated to the College game he will be fine but he did nothing for the 3rd straight game against Nescac teams and was benched for basically the whole 2nd Half. In fact Amherst has gotten zero contribution from any Frosh so far this year which is odd because usually they have 1 or 2 players that contribute right away. The loss of Weller might have stung more than I thought it would as his workrate up top last season was insane. Dane Lind who has been their most productive player this year had the best game of the 3 and really works hard and is a physical presence on the wing but he was a bit off today as he was not getting enough touches to be effective and his 1v1 game was not as sharp as it has been. He is a solid player though.

----Their player of the match had to be Cutler Coleman in midfield. He was making some dangerous runs with the ball at Williams defenders and is a very skilled player. In fact I think it is because of him that Amherst has started to try to play on the floor a little more than they have in years past. Not sure if it was him or Derby who did miss a golden chance early in the 2nd Half when he got in 1v1 on Schein and had him committed but just missed wide right. He probably should have buried that chance. The kid hits a nasty free kick but his PK was telegraphed and not hit well at all. Unfortunately, had he made that PK Amherst might have won the game because of the momentum Amherst had at the end of the game would have deflated Williams and they would have had a good shot to win it in OT. It was not to be. Derby had a decent game and finished his chance on goal and was causing some problems.

------Luke Nguyen who is one of the more technical players in the league was quiet all day, I would rather see him attacking goal but Amherst does have some issues in the middle of their defense. I really like their wingbacks. RB Bryce Johnson obviously has the long throw but he is much faster than I realized as he was staying right with Gass all game who is one of Williams fastest players. He is also a solid defender. LB O'Brien lacks some height but he is a workhorse just like Scatt for Williams and he is not afraid to get stuck in. He is also very quick and has skill. My issue is with Amherst CB's. Ajayi looks lost postionally sometimes and while he is solid in the air and whacks everything in sight his feet can get tangled up by skilled strikers. I just do not think he is a legitimate CB and frankly I would use his size up top or maybe in midfield. Amherst was not getting on the end of many headers until late in the game so those long throws were going for naught but Ajayi I think could finish like Morant or Niang of Bowdoin. I think changes will be coming before the Gordon/Tufts match on Amherst backline and in midfield and I would not be surprised to see atleast 1 new CB. They still have Fitzgerald who played some today when Serpone pushed Ajayi up the field when Williams went ahead so while I am not a fan of Fitzgerald I think I would give him a shot on that backline. The other CB is Wu and he is a decent defender but these 2 CB's are not near the quality they had back there between 2012-2016.

----GK Stone actually played ok today and in my mind is the best GK they have. He mad a couple nice saves and is good in the air. The first goal he got shoved into so it was not his fault. I suppose the 2nd goal he might have been a little far off his line but Williams Fleischer hit a rocket. My main beef was when he came charging out of his net and fouled Gass and picked up a yellow. I hate when GK's come flying out and he is lucky he got a piece of Gass as if he had gotten by him it would have been an easy goal. He is a speedy GK but not the biggest of GK's. He is listed as 6'1 and I think that is generous. Hope-Gund came flying out of his net last year and lost a foot race with Hamilton's Aidan Wood. Once I saw Stone charge out I thought of Hope-Gund's blunder but Stone did get a piece and a yellow.

---On paper this team should have been the best in Nescac but as I have watched them now the past 3 weekends they are far from it. They work hard and are physical but they are not nearly as big as Amherst teams of past years so are not as good in the air. I think they would do much better if they were to widen the field back out and use their skill and speed to their advantage. Serpone needs to make some changes before the Tufts match next weekend
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 22, 2018, 10:03:51 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 22, 2018, 06:16:28 PM
Blooter, are you reporting from Reykjavik, or just went there to grab some dinner and came back?

The former -- was out and about during the day but got back to my hotel around dinner time and didn't find the Icelandic public television compelling so I got out my laptop and split-screened MOTD and the match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 23, 2018, 02:56:19 PM
Conn scores 35 seconds into game against Colby.  Conn then follows with strong possession for most of the half, and opportunities.  But in last 5 minutes errant deep pass gets intercepted, and Colby has chance, but Conn recovers before shot can get off.  Then in last minute, Colby presses and gets their first solid shot off that Conn GK makes good diving save on.  Half - Conn 1 Colby 0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 23, 2018, 03:44:21 PM
Even second half for Conn and Colby with a good save by both goalies.  Conn breaks through with 8 minutes left with nice pass and finish.  Conn 2 - Colby 0 with 8 to go. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: redsoccer06 on September 23, 2018, 04:19:00 PM
Conn is 7-0 with a week to prepare before they host Williams. Very strong start for the Camels.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 23, 2018, 04:23:15 PM
Bates up 2-0 on Williams with 32' to play.  Opoku with two rebound goals in a 3 minute span.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2018, 10:10:08 PM
Bates defeated Williams 2-0 today up in Lewiston, Maine. As I warned in my review of the Williams/Amherst match, Williams could not afford to come out not ready to compete. I thought it was another ugly game as Williams and Bates could not string 3 consecutive passes together before giving it away. Williams just does not play the same kind of futbol away from Williamstown. On their Home field they have looked pretty good attacking on the ground and making nice off the ball runs but in these past 2 games they have reverted back to their defenders hitting one long ball after another. Bates had some weekend getting 2 wins and 2 shutouts over Williams and Wesleyan to go to 2-2-0 in Nescac play. With a game at Trinity next weekend they have positioned themselves nicely to start 2018 and are right in the thick of the hunt for a Top 8 and playoff berth. I will say Bates is another team that plays much better at Home than on the Road at least that has been their MO for a long time. They have the absolute worst field in Nescac but they are used to it so it becomes an advantage. Bates showed today they have one of the best GK's in Nescac. I always have been a fan of Bates GK Montanaro but he along with Conn's Marcucci and Tufts Mieth and maybe Colby's Carlson are the best GK's in the league right now. He was a beast all game and made a couple unreal saves today that kept his team in the game. He doesn't make mistakes and is not indecisive in his decision making. He stays home and his just solid all around. Opoku took advantage of finally cracking the starting 11 and got his first 2 goals of the year off of rebounds from set pieces. No clue how he got so open on both but a ton of Williams defenders were caught ball watching on both plays. Props to Bates and Williams just threw away what was such a nice win on Saturday by playing what was their worst game of 2018 today. On top of 2 demanding games in 2 days plus probably 12 hours on the bus this weekend they will play RPI on Wednesday at Home for their 3rd game in 5 days. They will likely have heavy legs and Gass was on crutches today so he is probably out and Ranieri left the game today with what looked to be a concussion. RPI will be very organized and compact sitting deep. Tough sledding ahead with RPI and then a game at red hot Conn who is 7-0-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 26, 2018, 10:17:46 AM
Mr. Right, any thoughts on this line of thinking: Not sure if Williams plays this game today. I think they need it as a bounce back off of a flat performance on Sunday at Bates. Not sure what the status is of Gass but if he is out for an extended period the big question is does Sullivan stick with the slogging offense they have shown the last 4 years where they are lucky to get a goal and they depend on a solid defense? Or does he say that the defense is very strong and he can afford to move more players up front and push to get a few goals even though they accept that they will surrender a few more goals? Maybe allow Jules Oberg to play a more offensive role? Not sure they have enough speed in the back but the 4 defenders are solid. I think Sullivan knows how the season plays out when you can't score a goal so maybe he changes it up. If he does, we will see it today or Saturday. If Gass is healthy then I think he provides the firepower needed to create goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 26, 2018, 10:45:05 AM
Williams - RPI start time today moved up to 3:30pm.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 06:48:49 PM
What has a better chance of happening?

1. Wesleyan comes out ready to fight and win every ball against Tufts and come out of Medford with some sort of a result?

2. Jumbocast freezes every 30 seconds?

I have a hunch we are going to see an old school Wheeler side 4-4-2 come out and give Tufts everything they have tonight. IIRC Wesleyan defeated Tufts in Meford in 2016
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2018, 06:55:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 06:48:49 PM
What has a better chance of happening?

1. Wesleyan comes out ready to fight and win every ball against Tufts and come out of Medford with some sort of a result?

2. Jumbocast freezes every 30 seconds?

I have a hunch we are going to see an old school Wheeler side 4-4-2 come out and give Tufts everything they have tonight. IIRC Wesleyan defeated Tufts in Meford in 2016

The only thing I care about is that the Quidditch team is out tonight. The Tufts PA announcer who always sounds like he has a stuffed nose is out. He's a character.

Braun up top for the second game in a row.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 06:59:18 PM
Yea Shapiro benching red hot Max Jacobs who has been the only stud scoring goals for the monster Braun...I do not get that move
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 07:00:48 PM
Tufts moves stream to the bench side...big fan
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2018, 07:05:38 PM
Wesleyan out stronger in these first five, getting down the sides well. Being let down by the final ball though and a kid shanks one way over.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 07:08:06 PM
Nice stick by Wesleyan's Teddy Lyons...Looks like Gallo and Haas up top with KMP behind them
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2018, 07:09:56 PM
Van Brewer just put in a dead ball from in front of me. Great ball, serious pace and curl but headed away.

Rojas misses an absolute sitter from about 4 yards with the keeper on the ground.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 07:11:39 PM
Tufts Braun absolutely looked like a stiff on that chance...Wide open net and he shanks it...Jacobs would have finished it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2018, 07:19:02 PM
Paoletta heads a corner into the ground and over.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 07:19:44 PM
Did anyone else see that...Rojas was played a ball a bit ahead of him and he would NOT go in and get stuck in with a Wesleyan player. Rojas is soft and along with Van Brewer in midfield physical teams should be able to take advantage of that. Rojas and Van Brewer obviously have great skill but are soft
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 07:21:06 PM
Tasker with a pretty ball into Braun who heads it right at GK...Where is Jacobs?..Tasker playing real well this year
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2018, 07:22:31 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 07:19:44 PM
Did anyone else see that...Rojas was played a ball a bit ahead of him and he would NOT go in and get stuck in with a Wesleyan player. Rojas is soft and along with Van Brewer in midfield physical teams should be able to take advantage of that. Rojas and Van Brewer obviously have great skill but are soft

Surprising at least as far as Rojas, he's well over 6 foot and not slight. Van Brewer is the creative link in central midfield but since Aroh is sitting in front of the back 4 he needs someone alongside him in central midfield getting stuck in.

Braun heads a fantastic diagonal from Tasker right at the GK. Either side of him that's a goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 07:24:54 PM
Gallo for Wesleyan up top looks dangerous..He has some speed and skill going at Weatherbie. Mieth coughs up a ball of a cross but no one for Wesleyan there
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2018, 07:26:07 PM
Wesleyan creating some chances. Tufts in charge at the moment but the visitors are looking dangerous on the counter.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 07:26:37 PM
Actually Wheeler does not have KMP behind the 2 strikers.He is playing deep in midfield. That is a mistake IMO he should be right behind the strikers
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2018, 07:29:26 PM
Nice long chuck by Wesleyan and the kid gets a head on that but straight at Mieth. They could well take one of these chances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 07:38:19 PM
Agreed...Once Wesleyan goes to its bench they have dropped off a bit..Meanwhile, Jacobs is busting his butt up top...kid should be starting...Bloots yea this announcer sounds like he has a closepin on his nose...Not sure about Wesleyan's GK Franklin...He has seemed ok but has not had to make a great save yet
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2018, 07:42:52 PM
Tufts content to hit long balls down the sides for Jacobs to drop wide and get while they have runners coming from midfield. Tufts strikers have long been big on hold up play (Majumder, Hoppenot, etc.) but I would think that would be Braun's role rather than Jacobs who has some wheels and would be good to try to spring in behind. Wesleyan isn't sitting back too much so the space is there to be had.

Game is slowing down. 0-0 as we get to half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 07:57:54 PM
0-0 at the Half...Tufts backline is interesting...I really like the left side with Paoletta and the Frosh Daly. Daly is a natural athlete and good player. Paoletta is a smart CB with skill. If I were opposing teams I would be going at Tufts right side as I love Weatherbie's toughness but he does not have much skill and Gallo turned him a couple times in the 1st Half. Najjar is still a question mark for me as he is a big boy but I am not completely sold. Aroh in front of them looks to lack pace.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 08:01:38 PM
Weatherbie has given the ball away 3 times since the 2nd Half began...Im telling you I would press him hard and turn him over
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 08:09:56 PM
Braun cant finish another solid chance...Tufts in comtrol as Wesleyan needs to wake up as the 2nd half is all Tufts but they have not finished yet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2018, 08:12:40 PM
Two great chances for Tufts second half but no dice so far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2018, 08:15:42 PM
Tufts finally breaks through with 27:19 left, Braun off a corner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 08:17:00 PM
Braun bangs in a sweet header off a corner..I guess 3's a charm...Wesleyan did not defend well on that corner. i just do not think they have anyone that can defend Braun in the air which I guess is why he was in there...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 08:21:33 PM
Why is Shapiro taking out his CB Paoletta? I mean Wesleyan has not had a sniff at goal all 2nd half and I suppose you do have Amherst on Saturday but it still is only 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 08:37:52 PM
Trevorrow with an unnecessary Yellow card as i think he stepped on a Wesleyan player. That is dirty stuff...Wesleyan showing why they have struggled so much the past 2-3 years. They just have not had a decent look in the 2nd half. They are anemic in attack. 1st half I thought they looked solid against Tufts but the 2nd Half they have faded big time..They are not as fit as Tufts and frankly just do not have the depth or the talent that Tufts has.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 08:43:09 PM
Wesleyan's best chance with 3 minutes left with a long ball into box that drops and bounces around and Mieth out of his net but Wesleyan could not get a foot to it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 26, 2018, 08:46:41 PM
Final 1-0. Tufts in control mostly but Wesleyan had a few chances. Jumbos have a big double header this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 08:50:43 PM
Final....1-0 Tufts over Wesleyan...3rd straight 1-0 Nescac victory for Tufts iver Bates, Colby and Wesleyan. 3 teams that are offensively challenged to say the least. I think when Tufts starts hitting the meat of their schedule it is going to be much more difficult to be winning these games like this against Amherst, Midd, Williams, Bowdoin, and Conn. I also expect Hamilton and Babson to give them a run. Tufts has nothing easy left in their final 8 Regular season games except for Trinity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC43 on September 26, 2018, 09:50:43 PM
Looked at the matchups this weekend and will most likely be headed to watch the Tufts vs Amherst game. Has to be the best local game in the next few days.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2018, 11:03:04 PM
Amherst is in trouble right now. They have only 2 teams left on their schedule who will definitely be regionally ranked in November. Conn and Tufts will be ranked and if they do not defeat those 2 teams I do not see any ranked Wins on their schedule. They beat Bowdoin but Bowdoin would have to Win like 8-9 straight games to get ranked and that is not happening. I suppose Brandeis would have an outside shot at being ranked with their SOS but again they are going to need to pull off 6-7 Wins in a row and they have a BEAR of a schedule themselves. Amherst defeated Gordon but Gordon already has 4 losses and they will not be ranked. Amherst will get its Wins the rest of the season but if they get Wins against Bates, Colby, Trinity, Staten Island, Hamilton it will not help them. So they MUST beat Tufts and Conn which I do not see happening. Amherst looks from a distance out of sorts and to me are not playing together very well to start the year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 27, 2018, 08:01:49 AM
Yesterday's Williams - RPI game was interesting. Sullivan started Fellito (for injured Gass) up front, Paul Griffith (for injured Reneiri) at LB and Oberg for Dory in the midfield. The game was not a nescac game so the teams played a spread out passing version of soccer. RPI did not have a real attack all game. The defense neutralized them and they did have a few through balls or headers off of crosses but nothing sustained. Williams spent the first 60 minutes building an attack only to lose patience and send an ill-advised through ball or go long too early resulting in a give-away. Sullivan used about 5 freshman off the bench yesterday in the first half. They all handled themselves well and added a great deal of energy. The second half featured more energy from Eric Hirsch and Henry Osborn off the bench. Finally, Chris Fleischer dribbled through the defense to the touch line and passed the ball back to Oberg who back heeled it to Fellito in the box. Felitto put the ball into the corner. A few minutes later Henry Osborn connected from inside the box and Williams secured the win. They will have to play better to beat Conn on Saturday but they do have the makings of a much improved team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 27, 2018, 10:54:19 AM
Need a W at Trinity on Saturday to back up the huge weekend at home last Saturday/Sunday.  I wasn't quite sure what to expect coming in to the season, but after taking Tufts to OT on the road and getting home wins over Wesleyan and Williams, the Cats are starting to look like a playoff team.  It all starts with Montanaro in net then a high work rate in front of him. He's been fantastic through the first 6 games. Hopefully Bates can continue flying under the radar a bit...  I mean after seeing Mr. Right skewer a 7-0 team last night playing in windy conditions (my takeaways from his comments were half their team is either slow, soft, or lacks much skill) I'd just as soon grind out results without much fanfare.  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 27, 2018, 12:53:44 PM
I was just being honest in my opinion of Tufts players. They are a fantastic team and have started strong at 7-0-0 but they have yet to play the meat of their schedule and IMO they need to show me more if they are going to repeat as Nescac Champions. Let us not forget to end their season last year they went scoreless for 328 minutes in the NCAA's before bowing out to Brandeis in the NCAA Elite 8. This year they again look to lack some scoring punch beating Colby, Bates and Wesleyan 1-0 and those 3 teams while organized defensively are lacking in attack. Whether it was windy made no difference in a players speed, toughness and giving the ball away under no pressure. Rojas and Van Brewer are skilled but just refuse to get stuck in(i.e soft). Weatherbie gave the ball away under no pressure last night 3 times in the first 5 minutes of the 2nd Half. If Amherst presses like they did last year they will force him to either give it away or whack it long right back to Amherst. Weaherbie is a tough kid and athletic but his skill is a bit lacking for me. Aroh is a big boy and will be needed against Amherst defending about 25-30 long throws and corners this weekend but at least on the stream he looks to lack pace or the pace that Kulcsar had in that role last year which helped Tufts as a team defend so well. He also roams aimlessly at times and gets dragged out of the middle of the field which opens up holes that good teams should take advantage of. Braun proved me wrong last night by heading in the only goal of the game and Wesleyan just could not defend him but I preferably would rather see Max Jacobs up top who is more skilled and active with speed than Braun. Just my preference. Braun is a beast no doubt but I just prefer strikers that are skilled and quick. Zach Lane did not play last night and his replacement out wide Mati Cano has serious wheels and scored a beauty against UMB but does not have the skill that Lane does. Tasker is playing very well this year and looked dangerous all night. I think Paoletta and the Frosh Daly are really solid backs. Both athletic and skilled and have good 'soccer brains'. Najjar did fine last night and he will be needed this weekend but I am still not sold just yet. Tufts has depth but maybe not the depth they have had. Jameson was a starter and still could be on the backline. He is a nice piece to have if someone gets injured or sacked. Delaney showed well but Tufts other Frosh besides Daly did not do much for me atleast last night. Raphael, Siegelstein and Welsh all need more time and are not quite ready. I thought other bench players like veteran Glover, Enge and Ratzan are ok for a 10-15 minute run but are by no means going to change a game. I do like Trevorrow but he did not play much last night and when he did he made a real unnecessary dirty play in the 2nd Half and was benched right after. I guess like any other team lets see how it all plays out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 27, 2018, 03:34:14 PM
Nescac Predictions:


4 out of 5 Nescac games last Saturday were 1-0 games. In 40 Nescac games we have a total of 32 Goals. It is pathetic. To many Head Coaches in this league are afraid to lose games instead of going out and trying to Win games. No guts no glory....

Middlebury at Colby-------In 2017 Colby absolutely dominated Midd on Midd's Home field shutting them out and only allowing 3 SOG in winning 2-0. Besides Colby's win over Amherst last season the win at Midd was their other monster achievement of 2017. Colby matches up well with Midd and this will be a tight match. Colby should have an edge on their Home field and the 5 1/2 hour road trip that Midd will take. Colby has had serious trouble scoring goals in Nescac this year that is really troubling. They have 1 Goal in 4 Nescac games and that is just not going to cut it. Both teams need a Win in this game to get an important 3 pts and move up the standings. Colby has a stout defense especially the 2 CB's and GK. They are a bit susceptible at wingback on both sides of the field and the question is can Midd take advantage? Colby has a distinct advantage in net and if Colby can get some solid SOG they should be able to sneak one past Midd's GK Hyer. I hesitate to predict a winner as I can totally see a draw in this match but I think Colby sneaks a win here......Colby 1-0


Hamilton at Wesleyan------------Hamilton is coming off a real disappointing weekend losing 2 tough matches at Home to Conn and Midd. Both games could have gone the other way but Hamilton could not get it done as they scored 1 goal in those 2 games. It's funny because the past few years just when you are about to count Hamilton out they surprise or bounce back with a victory or two. Hamilton has a mighty big weekend coming up with 2 games at Wesleyan and at Tufts. I can honestly say they could go 2-0 or 0-2 or even 0-0-2 I have no idea. Wesleyan is coming off two straight 1-0 losses at Bates and at Tufts. They showed 1st Half last night at Tufts they have some pieces. They look to be decent in net, Teddy Lyons is a Nick Jackson prototype and KMP and Gallo along with Haas up top can create some dangerous chances. Wesleyan's backline looks like Wheeler has moved Devanney to CB and he is quick and skilled but not the most physical presence as is Wesleyan's other backs. The Frosh in midfield Kelsch adds size but did nothing for me with his skill. Maybe it was an off night. Getting to the point it seems Wesleyan has some pieces but is not quite back to a level they were once at 5-10 years ago. Based on other teams in Nescac, Wheeler and Wesleyan are going to have a difficult time avoiding their 3rd straight missed Top 8 / Nescac Playoffs. For a school like Wesleyan it is just unacceptable but Wesleyan might need 1 or 2 more solid recruiting classes before they are contending again. Hamilton has more size especially in the back than Wesleyan. Hamilton's backline is quick enough to deal with Wesleyan's forwards. KMP still has zero goals for a Wesleyan side that cannot score goals much less create many chances. Hamilton takes this game.........Hamilton 1-0


Bates at Trinity--------Trinity had a nice little bounce back win over a decent WNEC side last night 2-0. That being said I still do not see their best attacking player Henry Farr in the lineup and if he is out for an extended period of time that does not bode well for them. I do not think Trinity is playing for a Play-off spot anymore with what they have left on their schedule. I believe they are playing to avoid going 0-10-0. To avoid that they must get results in this game v Bates and against Wesleyan. Bates is coming off two legitimate Shutout victories over Williams and Wesleyan at Home. They have never been as good on the road but I really like what their new Head Coach is doing in Lewiston. Bates is led by its Senior leader and one of the best GK's in Nescac in Robbie Montanaro. The defense in front of him have a mix of size and speed. Bates had some good chances against Williams besides the 2 Goals and at times looked the better side. While this is a big game for Trinity it is even more important for Bates. They have Trinity on Saturday and go up to Amherst on Sunday against an Amherst side that will be doing serious battle with Tufts the previous day. Kind of like the situation Williams found themselves in last weekend after battling with Amherst they looked tired at Bates the next day. Point is Bates has some real opportunity here. They are a better team than Trinity but they cannot be looking ahead to Amherst on Sunday. Bates has not defeated Amherst since I think 2005 on a neutral field. This might be on of their best chances to do that this year. Opoku keeps the hot streak going as he should be running wild against Trinity's weak defense......Bates 2-1


Williams at Conn---------Conn is 7-0-0 and looks to be on a serious mission in 2018. They have looked really solid all year and are not only playing so hard for Murphy again this year they are playing like a team and have more skill with Dieng than they did last year. They have one of the best GK's and I really think as long as they can find goals they have such a tidy defense and GK they can win games 1-0 or 2-1. They have Amherst and Tufts at Home this year and you better believe they will be gunning for both those teams and I give them a really good chance winning those games. Besides the letdown at Bates, Williams has looked pretty solid this year. They have enough athletes and talent to match Conn but do they have the same mentality? I am not sure yet. If Williams can get a Win in this game they will almost be a lock for a Top 4 and could be a Win that propels them into the NCAA's. After this game Williams has 2 weeks off from Nescac competition with some weak opponents in Coast Guard and Curry plus a decent Skidmore side. A Win here and they could be 8-1-1 before taking on the brutal part of their schedule which would be a real confidence booster.  The loss of defender Ranieri and striker Gass are big losses for Williams and I think Conn scores 1st Half and holds off a fierce Williams push to Win.......1-0 Conn


Amherst at Tufts----I have gone into detail on Tufts in an earlier post this morning. Amherst is in a pinch here as they are 1-2-0 in Nescac and really need to Win this game to get a Regionally Ranked Win. Amherst has lost 2 straight games to Tufts and has not defeated them in 3 years. Amherst plays a 4-3-3 but drop into a 4-5-1 when they lose the ball. They pinch their wingers so tight into the middle of the field it is suffocating to its opponent. In turn it gives as much space out wide that the opponents want and also gives a ton of space in between the strikers and midfielders. I think if Amherst stays in this system, which I assume they will, Tufts will be able to exploit it. Amherst is a team that has disappointed to say the least to start 2018 and seem off the rails a bit as a team. I see two teams going in different directions but Amherst has the talent to Win this game if they can get a few breaks and limit mistakes. Should be a tight battle but Tufts has the Home field and a little luck on their side in this game.......Tufts 2-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 27, 2018, 04:11:20 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 27, 2018, 03:34:14 PM
Amherst has lost 2 straight games to Tufts and has not defeated them in 3 years.

I hate to be the person who only comments when something is wrong (like most of the people who fill my D3 soccer email inbox) but Amherst actually sprung the upset over Tufts last year off the OG (one of only two goals that Tufts conceded that season). Tufts did hammer them 3-0 at home two years ago. I was asked last night who looked like the best team in the NESCAC was and I said Tufts...I don't know that they are superb in terms of attacking or anything but they are functional and are getting things done and they can play some nice stuff at times with Tasker and van Brewer particularly. I like them to get a result on Saturday. Conn. seems to be in the hunt as well and the Tufts-Conn. game in a few weeks' time will be telling, particularly since it's in New London — the Camels held the Jumbos to a 0-0 draw last year on Tufts' home pitch so curious to see what Conn. can do at their place.

That being said, excellent predictions this week, and the obligatory +K is in store
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 27, 2018, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 27, 2018, 04:11:20 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 27, 2018, 03:34:14 PM
Amherst has lost 2 straight games to Tufts and has not defeated them in 3 years.

I hate to be the person who only comments when something is wrong (like most of the people who fill my D3 soccer email inbox) but Amherst actually sprung the upset over Tufts last year off the OG (one of only two goals that Tufts conceded that season). Tufts did hammer them 3-0 at home two years ago. I was asked last night who looked like the best team in the NESCAC was and I said Tufts...I don't know that they are superb in terms of attacking or anything but they are functional and are getting things done and they can play some nice stuff at times with Tasker and van Brewer particularly. I like them to get a result on Saturday. Conn. seems to be in the hunt as well and the Tufts-Conn. game in a few weeks' time will be telling, particularly since it's in New London — the Camels held the Jumbos to a 0-0 draw last year on Tufts' home pitch so curious to see what Conn. can do at their place.

That being said, excellent predictions this week, and the obligatory +K is in store

BLOOTS, I have to say I agree with your analysis.  I think it will be a 1-0 win as Amherst looks a bit down this year.  The Jumbos do need to finish more but they seem like they are doing that more this year than last year......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 27, 2018, 04:20:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 27, 2018, 03:34:14 PM
Nescac Predictions:


4 out of 5 Nescac games last Saturday were 1-0 games. In 40 Nescac games we have a total of 32 Goals. It is pathetic. To many Head Coaches in this league are afraid to lose games instead of going out and trying to Win games. No guts no glory....

Middlebury at Colby-------In 2017 Colby absolutely dominated Midd on Midd's Home field shutting them out and only allowing 3 SOG in winning 2-0. Besides Colby's win over Amherst last season the win at Midd was their other monster achievement of 2017. Colby matches up well with Midd and this will be a tight match. Colby should have an edge on their Home field and the 5 1/2 hour road trip that Midd will take. Colby has had serious trouble scoring goals in Nescac this year that is really troubling. They have 1 Goal in 4 Nescac games and that is just not going to cut it. Both teams need a Win in this game to get an important 3 pts and move up the standings. Colby has a stout defense especially the 2 CB's and GK. They are a bit susceptible at wingback on both sides of the field and the question is can Midd take advantage? Colby has a distinct advantage in net and if Colby can get some solid SOG they should be able to sneak one past Midd's GK Hyer. I hesitate to predict a winner as I can totally see a draw in this match but I think Colby sneaks a win here......Colby 1-0


Hamilton at Wesleyan------------Hamilton is coming off a real disappointing weekend losing 2 tough matches at Home to Conn and Midd. Both games could have gone the other way but Hamilton could not get it done as they scored 1 goal in those 2 games. It's funny because the past few years just when you are about to count Hamilton out they surprise or bounce back with a victory or two. Hamilton has a mighty big weekend coming up with 2 games at Wesleyan and at Tufts. I can honestly say they could go 2-0 or 0-2 or even 0-0-2 I have no idea. Wesleyan is coming off two straight 1-0 losses at Bates and at Tufts. They showed 1st Half last night at Tufts they have some pieces. They look to be decent in net, Teddy Lyons is a Nick Jackson prototype and KMP and Gallo along with Haas up top can create some dangerous chances. Wesleyan's backline looks like Wheeler has moved Devanney to CB and he is quick and skilled but not the most physical presence as is Wesleyan's other backs. The Frosh in midfield Kelsch adds size but did nothing for me with his skill. Maybe it was an off night. Getting to the point it seems Wesleyan has some pieces but is not quite back to a level they were once at 5-10 years ago. Based on other teams in Nescac, Wheeler and Wesleyan are going to have a difficult time avoiding their 3rd straight missed Top 8 / Nescac Playoffs. For a school like Wesleyan it is just unacceptable but Wesleyan might need 1 or 2 more solid recruiting classes before they are contending again. Hamilton has more size especially in the back than Wesleyan. Hamilton's backline is quick enough to deal with Wesleyan's forwards. KMP still has zero goals for a Wesleyan side that cannot score goals much less create many chances. Hamilton takes this game.........Hamilton 1-0


Bates at Trinity--------Trinity had a nice little bounce back win over a decent WNEC side last night 2-0. That being said I still do not see their best attacking player Henry Farr in the lineup and if he is out for an extended period of time that does not bode well for them. I do not think Trinity is playing for a Play-off spot anymore with what they have left on their schedule. I believe they are playing to avoid going 0-10-0. To avoid that they must get results in this game v Bates and against Wesleyan. Bates is coming off two legitimate Shutout victories over Williams and Wesleyan at Home. They have never been as good on the road but I really like what their new Head Coach is doing in Lewiston. Bates is led by its Senior leader and one of the best GK's in Nescac in Robbie Montanaro. The defense in front of him have a mix of size and speed. Bates had some good chances against Williams besides the 2 Goals and at times looked the better side. While this is a big game for Trinity it is even more important for Bates. They have Trinity on Saturday and go up to Amherst on Sunday against an Amherst side that will be doing serious battle with Tufts the previous day. Kind of like the situation Williams found themselves in last weekend after battling with Amherst they looked tired at Bates the next day. Point is Bates has some real opportunity here. They are a better team than Trinity but they cannot be looking ahead to Amherst on Sunday. Bates has not defeated Amherst since I think 2005 on a neutral field. This might be on of their best chances to do that this year. Opoku keeps the hot streak going as he should be running wild against Trinity's weak defense......Bates 2-1


Williams at Conn---------Conn is 7-0-0 and looks to be on a serious mission in 2018. They have looked really solid all year and are not only playing so hard for Murphy again this year they are playing like a team and have more skill with Dieng than they did last year. They have one of the best GK's and I really think as long as they can find goals they have such a tidy defense and GK they can win games 1-0 or 2-1. They have Amherst and Tufts at Home this year and you better believe they will be gunning for both those teams and I give them a really good chance winning those games. Besides the letdown at Bates, Williams has looked pretty solid this year. They have enough athletes and talent to match Conn but do they have the same mentality? I am not sure yet. If Williams can get a Win in this game they will almost be a lock for a Top 4 and could be a Win that propels them into the NCAA's. After this game Williams has 2 weeks off from Nescac competition with some weak opponents in Coast Guard and Curry plus a decent Skidmore side. A Win here and they could be 8-1-1 before taking on the brutal part of their schedule which would be a real confidence booster.  The loss of defender Ranieri and striker Gass are big losses for Williams and I think Conn scores 1st Half and holds off a fierce Williams push to Win.......1-0 Conn


Amherst at Tufts----I have gone into detail on Tufts in an earlier post this morning. Amherst is in a pinch here as they are 1-2-0 in Nescac and really need to Win this game to get a Regionally Ranked Win. Amherst has lost 2 straight games to Tufts and has not defeated them in 3 years. Amherst plays a 4-3-3 but drop into a 4-5-1 when they lose the ball. They pinch their wingers so tight into the middle of the field it is suffocating to its opponent. In turn it gives as much space out wide that the opponents want and also gives a ton of space in between the strikers and midfielders. I think if Amherst stays in this system, which I assume they will, Tufts will be able to exploit it. Amherst is a team that has disappointed to say the least to start 2018 and seem off the rails a bit as a team. I see two teams going in different directions but Amherst has the talent to Win this game if they can get a few breaks and limit mistakes. Should be a tight battle but Tufts has the Home field and a little luck on their side in this game.......Tufts 2-1

Mr. Right, you've really gone beyond the normal with your analysis this year.  Good work!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 28, 2018, 10:22:22 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 27, 2018, 04:20:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 27, 2018, 03:34:14 PM
Nescac Predictions:


4 out of 5 Nescac games last Saturday were 1-0 games. In 40 Nescac games we have a total of 32 Goals. It is pathetic. To many Head Coaches in this league are afraid to lose games instead of going out and trying to Win games. No guts no glory....

Middlebury at Colby-------In 2017 Colby absolutely dominated Midd on Midd's Home field shutting them out and only allowing 3 SOG in winning 2-0. Besides Colby's win over Amherst last season the win at Midd was their other monster achievement of 2017. Colby matches up well with Midd and this will be a tight match. Colby should have an edge on their Home field and the 5 1/2 hour road trip that Midd will take. Colby has had serious trouble scoring goals in Nescac this year that is really troubling. They have 1 Goal in 4 Nescac games and that is just not going to cut it. Both teams need a Win in this game to get an important 3 pts and move up the standings. Colby has a stout defense especially the 2 CB's and GK. They are a bit susceptible at wingback on both sides of the field and the question is can Midd take advantage? Colby has a distinct advantage in net and if Colby can get some solid SOG they should be able to sneak one past Midd's GK Hyer. I hesitate to predict a winner as I can totally see a draw in this match but I think Colby sneaks a win here......Colby 1-0


Hamilton at Wesleyan------------Hamilton is coming off a real disappointing weekend losing 2 tough matches at Home to Conn and Midd. Both games could have gone the other way but Hamilton could not get it done as they scored 1 goal in those 2 games. It's funny because the past few years just when you are about to count Hamilton out they surprise or bounce back with a victory or two. Hamilton has a mighty big weekend coming up with 2 games at Wesleyan and at Tufts. I can honestly say they could go 2-0 or 0-2 or even 0-0-2 I have no idea. Wesleyan is coming off two straight 1-0 losses at Bates and at Tufts. They showed 1st Half last night at Tufts they have some pieces. They look to be decent in net, Teddy Lyons is a Nick Jackson prototype and KMP and Gallo along with Haas up top can create some dangerous chances. Wesleyan's backline looks like Wheeler has moved Devanney to CB and he is quick and skilled but not the most physical presence as is Wesleyan's other backs. The Frosh in midfield Kelsch adds size but did nothing for me with his skill. Maybe it was an off night. Getting to the point it seems Wesleyan has some pieces but is not quite back to a level they were once at 5-10 years ago. Based on other teams in Nescac, Wheeler and Wesleyan are going to have a difficult time avoiding their 3rd straight missed Top 8 / Nescac Playoffs. For a school like Wesleyan it is just unacceptable but Wesleyan might need 1 or 2 more solid recruiting classes before they are contending again. Hamilton has more size especially in the back than Wesleyan. Hamilton's backline is quick enough to deal with Wesleyan's forwards. KMP still has zero goals for a Wesleyan side that cannot score goals much less create many chances. Hamilton takes this game.........Hamilton 1-0


Bates at Trinity--------Trinity had a nice little bounce back win over a decent WNEC side last night 2-0. That being said I still do not see their best attacking player Henry Farr in the lineup and if he is out for an extended period of time that does not bode well for them. I do not think Trinity is playing for a Play-off spot anymore with what they have left on their schedule. I believe they are playing to avoid going 0-10-0. To avoid that they must get results in this game v Bates and against Wesleyan. Bates is coming off two legitimate Shutout victories over Williams and Wesleyan at Home. They have never been as good on the road but I really like what their new Head Coach is doing in Lewiston. Bates is led by its Senior leader and one of the best GK's in Nescac in Robbie Montanaro. The defense in front of him have a mix of size and speed. Bates had some good chances against Williams besides the 2 Goals and at times looked the better side. While this is a big game for Trinity it is even more important for Bates. They have Trinity on Saturday and go up to Amherst on Sunday against an Amherst side that will be doing serious battle with Tufts the previous day. Kind of like the situation Williams found themselves in last weekend after battling with Amherst they looked tired at Bates the next day. Point is Bates has some real opportunity here. They are a better team than Trinity but they cannot be looking ahead to Amherst on Sunday. Bates has not defeated Amherst since I think 2005 on a neutral field. This might be on of their best chances to do that this year. Opoku keeps the hot streak going as he should be running wild against Trinity's weak defense......Bates 2-1


Williams at Conn---------Conn is 7-0-0 and looks to be on a serious mission in 2018. They have looked really solid all year and are not only playing so hard for Murphy again this year they are playing like a team and have more skill with Dieng than they did last year. They have one of the best GK's and I really think as long as they can find goals they have such a tidy defense and GK they can win games 1-0 or 2-1. They have Amherst and Tufts at Home this year and you better believe they will be gunning for both those teams and I give them a really good chance winning those games. Besides the letdown at Bates, Williams has looked pretty solid this year. They have enough athletes and talent to match Conn but do they have the same mentality? I am not sure yet. If Williams can get a Win in this game they will almost be a lock for a Top 4 and could be a Win that propels them into the NCAA's. After this game Williams has 2 weeks off from Nescac competition with some weak opponents in Coast Guard and Curry plus a decent Skidmore side. A Win here and they could be 8-1-1 before taking on the brutal part of their schedule which would be a real confidence booster.  The loss of defender Ranieri and striker Gass are big losses for Williams and I think Conn scores 1st Half and holds off a fierce Williams push to Win.......1-0 Conn


Amherst at Tufts----I have gone into detail on Tufts in an earlier post this morning. Amherst is in a pinch here as they are 1-2-0 in Nescac and really need to Win this game to get a Regionally Ranked Win. Amherst has lost 2 straight games to Tufts and has not defeated them in 3 years. Amherst plays a 4-3-3 but drop into a 4-5-1 when they lose the ball. They pinch their wingers so tight into the middle of the field it is suffocating to its opponent. In turn it gives as much space out wide that the opponents want and also gives a ton of space in between the strikers and midfielders. I think if Amherst stays in this system, which I assume they will, Tufts will be able to exploit it. Amherst is a team that has disappointed to say the least to start 2018 and seem off the rails a bit as a team. I see two teams going in different directions but Amherst has the talent to Win this game if they can get a few breaks and limit mistakes. Should be a tight battle but Tufts has the Home field and a little luck on their side in this game.......Tufts 2-1

Mr. Right, you've really gone beyond the normal with your analysis this year.  Good work!

I agree. Outstanding work and analysis by Mr. Right! Would love to see the 'Cats get a road W on Saturday. Opoku has elevated his game recently and he's dangerous when he gets going.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 29, 2018, 10:50:31 AM
Great game previews by Mr.Right.  Going to see Camels play Williams. It's homecoming so should be big crowd for the game.  Hopefully on the grass . Not sure if they got a ton of rain there last yesterday/last night and need to move games (women's and men's) to turf field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2018, 01:40:34 PM
Midd and Colby about ready to get underway in Waterville, ME.

I like how Elias keeps the same starting lineup pretty much every game. It breeds consistency. Same lineup with Moffat, Robinson, Davis and McFarlane in the back holding is Barovick with Barsamian attacking and Goulart and Potter wide. O'Grady and Reid up top.

Looks like Colby is also sticking with pretty much their starting lineup as well. I do see striker Ethan Fabricant in the starting lineup and Colby is missing KEY wide player #2 Kyle Douglas. That could become an issue for Colby in attack and they cannot afford any issues in attack.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2018, 02:07:20 PM
Midd all over Colby first 20 minutes of the game. They are looking for 3pts in a big way. Midd monster up top Brandon Reid gets in 1v1 with Colby stud GK Dan Carlson who steps up and stuffs him. O'Grady ended up with the ball and hit the post.

Something new and VERY ANNOYING...NSN has for the first time interrupted the 1st Half broadcast with 1 minute of school advertisements right in the middle of the game. Just missed a minute of action for school ads..I really hope this is not a continual thing for NSN.

As predicted Colby's LB is a weakness as #6 Grady Jendzejec gets his legs in a tangle by Midd's Daniel O'Grady inside the box and just trips him for a Midd PK. Colby's Dan Carlson made a fine attempt to save the PK but Midd's O'Grady gets a PK Goal to give Midd a 1-0 lead. If Colby had a better LB he would have been able to deal with O'Grady and stand him up instead of getting tangled up and tripping him.

O'Grady gets another free look off a half field set piece as he roams free in the box settles the ball and rips it off the post.

Colby is MIA so far in this game as Midd is in full control and very well could blow Colby off its field if this keeps up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2018, 02:27:26 PM
Midd still in complete control over Colby 1-0 Halftime. Midd out shooting Colby 9-1 and 6-0 SOG.


Conn and Williams about to get underway. For Williams it looks like key striker Demian Gass is still out as Sullivan starts the Frosh Felito. Also, looks like Williams LB Ranieri is also out with Sullivan giving the start to Senior Paul Griffith at LB. That means Conn's most dangerous 1v1 player #7 Uzii Dieng will be going at the seldom used Griffith. That could be the matchup to watch in the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC43 on September 29, 2018, 02:33:23 PM
At the Tufts Amherst game. About to kick off.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC43 on September 29, 2018, 02:42:58 PM
Amherst should have scored on a corner. Could be 1-0 easily right now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2018, 02:54:34 PM
Colby gets a 2nd Half equalizer by Cam Clouse on a nice left footed finish from a cross from the flank. Looks like he beat a Midd defender to the ball to finish it. 1-1 with about 35 minutes left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 02:57:22 PM
Tufts goes up 1-0, Cano finished off a nice spell for the Jumbos halfway through the first half. Great finish back post.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2018, 03:09:27 PM
Conn goes up 1-0 on Williams in a pretty good game down in New London. Hats off to Conn's Liam Noonan who was dribbling the ball in Williams Half and lost it but then busted his ass to get the ball back and passed it out to the flank and again busted his ass to get in the box and lost his Williams defender who was ball watching and beautifully roofed the finish...1-0 Liam Noonan over Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 29, 2018, 03:09:53 PM
Williams down 1-0 after a major defensive lapse with 10 mins left in half. 2 CC players moved right into the box with the ball and no defenders. Prior to this Williams had outplayed CC with more possession and better opportunities.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2018, 03:25:50 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 02:57:22 PM
Tufts goes up 1-0, Cano finished off a nice spell for the Jumbos halfway through the first half. Great finish back post.

God game in Sommerville/Medford!!! Tufts up 1-0 at half!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2018, 03:26:14 PM
Trinity even up the match 1-1 with Bates on a horrific GK'ing error by Bates GK Robbie Montanaro...I really cannot believe such a quality GK would make a mistake like that. Montanaro 'comes charging out of his net way outside the box to get the ball from a Trinity attacker and misses the ball and player and Trinity knots the game 1-1. Montanaro had no business flyin out of his net like that as if he stayed home I do not think Trinity finishes that play as a Bates defender was closing hard. Right before that play Bates almost put the game away with their 2nd Goal but a nice save by Trinity Frosh GK. 1-1 about 25 minutes left. Still when I have been tuning in Bates has been all over Trinity. This would be a tough game not to Win for Bates.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 03:28:06 PM
Tufts with a deserved 1-0 halftime lead against Amherst. The Jumbos have been much the better side and Amherst's only real offense has been off long throws and a corner. They are big and powerful but do not seem cohesive in either half of the field. Giammattei has been quiet and I wonder if given his foot skills — he did have a couple of nice dribbles — it would make sense to put him out wide. He has not had much joy centrally. Either way, he's been heckled by the Tufts alums in attendance for wearing a face mask. He probably looks their biggest individual threat. Tufts is big and powerful and can play some nice stuff. Will be curious to see them play Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2018, 03:29:27 PM
Midd and Colby still 1-1 with about 4 minutes left in regulation. Midd with another golden opportunity by Brandon Reid again 1v1 on Colby GK Carlson and again Carlson stuffs him. GK Carlson for Colby has really kept his team in games this year. He is their MVP so far this year IMO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2018, 03:36:26 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 03:28:06 PM
Tufts with a deserved 1-0 halftime lead against Amherst. The Jumbos have been much the better side and Amherst's only real offense has been off long throws and a corner. They are big and powerful but do not seem cohesive in either half of the field. Giammattei has been quiet and I wonder if given his foot skills — he did have a couple of nice dribbles — it would make sense to put him out wide. He has not had much joy centrally. Either way, he's been heckled by the Tufts alums in attendance for wearing a face mask. He probably looks their biggest individual threat. Tufts is big and powerful and can play some nice stuff. Will be curious to see them play Conn.

Bloots, how's Serpone?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2018, 03:39:25 PM
Looks like with Williams down to Conn 1-0 Sullivan has sacked Seniors Dory and Captain Andreou in midfield for Oberg and Boardman both Frosh....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2018, 03:46:10 PM
Rojas with a nice chance...shoots over the net.  Tufts continuing with the better play, but its only 1-0..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 03:51:09 PM
Great hit by van Brewer for 2-0. 3 left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2018, 03:51:36 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 03:51:09 PM
Great hit by van Brewer for 2-0. 3 left.

Yep, excellent goal.. Ratzen made the play...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 03:59:52 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2018, 03:36:26 PM
Bloots, how's Serpone?

About as happy as I was during the first 88 minutes of the Liverpool game today.  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2018, 04:03:05 PM
Nice save by Amherst goalie White on Ratzen!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 04:04:04 PM
Amherst pulls one back off a set piece, 2-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2018, 04:04:38 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 04:04:04 PM
Amherst pulls one back off a set piece, 2-1.

That was a wonderful cross and header!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 04:11:48 PM
Amherst wasn't in the game at all until that goal. Now they look threatening until Tufts gets it and Delaney hits one wide.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2018, 04:23:11 PM
Conn holds on to defeat Williams 1-0 in New London...Conn now 8-0-0 and 5-0-0 in Nescac and while they did not really impress today they got a goal and held on. Williams definitely missed Gass up top and I could see he was on crutches which is not good. That probably means he is out for a while. Williams just did not have many dangerous looks at all the whole game(neither did Conn) but Conn finished their chance and Williams did not. That is what separates good teams in Nescac. The play by Liam Noonan was the difference. Conn has the best GK in the league. Marcucci is a cool customer and while their defense at times looked shaky he was in control the whole game. Williams drops to 4-2-1 and are now in a serious dogfight in the middle of the pack in Nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 04:27:37 PM
Amherst with one last throw of the dice but Mieth catches it under his bar as time expires. 2-1 Tufts the final.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 29, 2018, 04:28:41 PM
Nice win by the Jumbos. Little chippy at the end.  Amherst got a little fight in them at the end but Jumbos hold them off....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2018, 04:37:40 PM
Couple great overtime Wins for Hamilton over Wesleyan off a long set piece and cross and Bates over Trinity but I did not see that winner....

Stat of the day:

Bates outshoots Trinity 28-5 and 15-1 SOG....Looks like Peder Bakken scores the GW'ing Goal with about a minute left. Montanaro owes him a beer as he could of cost Bates a Win that by looking at the stats they clearly deserved to Win. I do not think I have seen Bates outshoot a Nescac opponent like that since maybe 2005 when they had a pretty solid team defeating Amherst that year and I think they beat Conn 7-1 that year. They had some players but that was MOONS ago...Well done as Bates is all of a sudden 5-2-0 and Trinity drops to 0-5-0 and clearly are struggling this year bigtime. They did get their 1st Nescac Goal today so maybe they can try to get their first Nescac Win next game at Wesleyan. That game MIGHT be Trinity's last chance to get a Win in Nescac this year and I believe that game is midweek this Tuesday or Wednesday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 29, 2018, 04:42:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 27, 2018, 03:34:14 PM
Nescac Predictions:

Hamilton at Wesleyan------------Hamilton is coming off a real disappointing weekend losing 2 tough matches at Home to Conn and Midd. Both games could have gone the other way but Hamilton could not get it done as they scored 1 goal in those 2 games. It's funny because the past few years just when you are about to count Hamilton out they surprise or bounce back with a victory or two. Hamilton has a mighty big weekend coming up with 2 games at Wesleyan and at Tufts. I can honestly say they could go 2-0 or 0-2 or even 0-0-2 I have no idea. Wesleyan is coming off two straight 1-0 losses at Bates and at Tufts. They showed 1st Half last night at Tufts they have some pieces. They look to be decent in net, Teddy Lyons is a Nick Jackson prototype and KMP and Gallo along with Haas up top can create some dangerous chances. Wesleyan's backline looks like Wheeler has moved Devanney to CB and he is quick and skilled but not the most physical presence as is Wesleyan's other backs. The Frosh in midfield Kelsch adds size but did nothing for me with his skill. Maybe it was an off night. Getting to the point it seems Wesleyan has some pieces but is not quite back to a level they were once at 5-10 years ago. Based on other teams in Nescac, Wheeler and Wesleyan are going to have a difficult time avoiding their 3rd straight missed Top 8 / Nescac Playoffs. For a school like Wesleyan it is just unacceptable but Wesleyan might need 1 or 2 more solid recruiting classes before they are contending again. Hamilton has more size especially in the back than Wesleyan. Hamilton's backline is quick enough to deal with Wesleyan's forwards. KMP still has zero goals for a Wesleyan side that cannot score goals much less create many chances. Hamilton takes this game.........Hamilton 1-0



Has Wheeler's program been the same since he missed his window to try to jump to an Ivy League job earlier this decade? Wild speculation aside, it's got to be frustrating that Wesleyan Men's Soccer has flatlined while the university boosted its athletic program in recent years, with a bunch of other teams at the university achieving newfound success.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 29, 2018, 05:10:44 PM
Trying to remember the last time Bates was 3-2 in the conference midway through the season. They are playing with more and more confidence with each passing game. Can't wait to see how they respond tomorrow against a desperate Amherst team...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2018, 05:56:15 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 29, 2018, 04:42:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 27, 2018, 03:34:14 PM
Nescac Predictions:

Hamilton at Wesleyan------------Hamilton is coming off a real disappointing weekend losing 2 tough matches at Home to Conn and Midd. Both games could have gone the other way but Hamilton could not get it done as they scored 1 goal in those 2 games. It's funny because the past few years just when you are about to count Hamilton out they surprise or bounce back with a victory or two. Hamilton has a mighty big weekend coming up with 2 games at Wesleyan and at Tufts. I can honestly say they could go 2-0 or 0-2 or even 0-0-2 I have no idea. Wesleyan is coming off two straight 1-0 losses at Bates and at Tufts. They showed 1st Half last night at Tufts they have some pieces. They look to be decent in net, Teddy Lyons is a Nick Jackson prototype and KMP and Gallo along with Haas up top can create some dangerous chances. Wesleyan's backline looks like Wheeler has moved Devanney to CB and he is quick and skilled but not the most physical presence as is Wesleyan's other backs. The Frosh in midfield Kelsch adds size but did nothing for me with his skill. Maybe it was an off night. Getting to the point it seems Wesleyan has some pieces but is not quite back to a level they were once at 5-10 years ago. Based on other teams in Nescac, Wheeler and Wesleyan are going to have a difficult time avoiding their 3rd straight missed Top 8 / Nescac Playoffs. For a school like Wesleyan it is just unacceptable but Wesleyan might need 1 or 2 more solid recruiting classes before they are contending again. Hamilton has more size especially in the back than Wesleyan. Hamilton's backline is quick enough to deal with Wesleyan's forwards. KMP still has zero goals for a Wesleyan side that cannot score goals much less create many chances. Hamilton takes this game.........Hamilton 1-0



Has Wheeler's program been the same since he missed his window to try to jump to an Ivy League job earlier this decade? Wild speculation aside, it's got to be frustrating that Wesleyan Men's Soccer has flatlined while the university boosted its athletic program in recent years, with a bunch of other teams at the university achieving newfound success.


Exactly....Wesleyan hired the former Williams Football Coach to be its AD and Football Coach I believe. I believe he went to Wesleyan but made some stipulations to Wesleyan Administration which he apparently got.  The biggest being Wesleyan admissions basically "opening the door" to some kids for Football and Lax that had really no business getting into the school otherwise. I believe Wesleyan followed Bowdoin and got rid of the Admissions reading SAT's and just focused on GPA. This allowed another bunch of kids to get in that would otherwise not have in the past. Basically, like Trinity Football took priority over anything else. Just looking at Wesleyan's field and knowing that is the same field they have played on since 1950 shows how much Wesleyan / Wheeler is getting for support. Still Wheeler should be able to sneak kids in without that SAT barrier you would think. Compare Wesleyan in say 2009 to this outfit and it is not even close. So you can blame recruiting but you can also blame quite possibly this same tired tedious system of play. It works when you have the GK, back 4 and midfielders that run all day. His system to me has gotten stale. If you were a recruit and you watched them today on that field would you want to go there? IDK...Wheeler has been their 19 years and while I do not think he is going anywhere I believe the Football Coach / AD fired his wife who was Head Coach of Women's Lax and hired Belichick's kid. So he does need to be careful but yea his window of leaving is pretty much gone and it was no secret he wanted out of town by 2010. After that NCAA Sweet 16 run in 2009 he almost rode the coattails to an Ivy League job but he has come up just short in that as well. I think this can all be turned around by getting a few more pieces to surround KMP with. He never did and now KMP will be graduating..Still they are only 4 games in at 1-3-0 in Nescac with games v Trinity and at Colby coming up this week. He very well could be 3-3-0 if the ball bounces Wesleyan's way..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 05:59:52 PM
Have to say I don't get why Amherst had Bryce Johnson doing flip throws on seemingly every throw in (defensively and offensively). Attacking, I get it, it's like a corner, but making it a whole production to chuck it up the sideline when in the defensive half of the field seems a bit futile to me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 29, 2018, 06:30:55 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 29, 2018, 05:56:15 PM
Quote from: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on September 29, 2018, 04:42:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 27, 2018, 03:34:14 PM
Nescac Predictions:

Hamilton at Wesleyan------------Hamilton is coming off a real disappointing weekend losing 2 tough matches at Home to Conn and Midd. Both games could have gone the other way but Hamilton could not get it done as they scored 1 goal in those 2 games. It's funny because the past few years just when you are about to count Hamilton out they surprise or bounce back with a victory or two. Hamilton has a mighty big weekend coming up with 2 games at Wesleyan and at Tufts. I can honestly say they could go 2-0 or 0-2 or even 0-0-2 I have no idea. Wesleyan is coming off two straight 1-0 losses at Bates and at Tufts. They showed 1st Half last night at Tufts they have some pieces. They look to be decent in net, Teddy Lyons is a Nick Jackson prototype and KMP and Gallo along with Haas up top can create some dangerous chances. Wesleyan's backline looks like Wheeler has moved Devanney to CB and he is quick and skilled but not the most physical presence as is Wesleyan's other backs. The Frosh in midfield Kelsch adds size but did nothing for me with his skill. Maybe it was an off night. Getting to the point it seems Wesleyan has some pieces but is not quite back to a level they were once at 5-10 years ago. Based on other teams in Nescac, Wheeler and Wesleyan are going to have a difficult time avoiding their 3rd straight missed Top 8 / Nescac Playoffs. For a school like Wesleyan it is just unacceptable but Wesleyan might need 1 or 2 more solid recruiting classes before they are contending again. Hamilton has more size especially in the back than Wesleyan. Hamilton's backline is quick enough to deal with Wesleyan's forwards. KMP still has zero goals for a Wesleyan side that cannot score goals much less create many chances. Hamilton takes this game.........Hamilton 1-0



Has Wheeler's program been the same since he missed his window to try to jump to an Ivy League job earlier this decade? Wild speculation aside, it's got to be frustrating that Wesleyan Men's Soccer has flatlined while the university boosted its athletic program in recent years, with a bunch of other teams at the university achieving newfound success.


Exactly....Wesleyan hired the former Williams Football Coach to be its AD and Football Coach I believe. I believe he went to Wesleyan but made some stipulations to Wesleyan Administration which he apparently got.  The biggest being Wesleyan admissions basically "opening the door" to some kids for Football and Lax that had really no business getting into the school otherwise. I believe Wesleyan followed Bowdoin and got rid of the Admissions reading SAT's and just focused on GPA. This allowed another bunch of kids to get in that would otherwise not have in the past. Basically, like Trinity Football took priority over anything else. Just looking at Wesleyan's field and knowing that is the same field they have played on since 1950 shows how much Wesleyan / Wheeler is getting for support. Still Wheeler should be able to sneak kids in without that SAT barrier you would think. Compare Wesleyan in say 2009 to this outfit and it is not even close. So you can blame recruiting but you can also blame quite possibly this same tired tedious system of play. It works when you have the GK, back 4 and midfielders that run all day. His system to me has gotten stale. If you were a recruit and you watched them today on that field would you want to go there? IDK...Wheeler has been their 19 years and while I do not think he is going anywhere I believe the Football Coach / AD fired his wife who was Head Coach of Women's Lax and hired Belichick's kid. So he does need to be careful but yea his window of leaving is pretty much gone and it was no secret he wanted out of town by 2010. After that NCAA Sweet 16 run in 2009 he almost rode the coattails to an Ivy League job but he has come up just short in that as well. I think this can all be turned around by getting a few more pieces to surround KMP with. He never did and now KMP will be graduating..Still they are only 4 games in at 1-3-0 in Nescac with games v Trinity and at Colby coming up this week. He very well could be 3-3-0 if the ball bounces Wesleyan's way..

Yeah this is a pretty solid run-down of things there. I think it's worth pointing out that things also dipped when longtime assistant Rob Stone moved on. He wasn't necessarily the world's greatest soccer mind, but he was a good man-manager and had Wheeler's trust, which is pretty hard to come by as Wheeler keeps a pretty tight circle in terms of people he'll actually take input from. The thing is, that I'm not sure that Wheeler is a bad coach -- at least, he's fairly knowledgeable about the game and coaching techniques, is on top of good ways to train + stay fit, etc -- and I still think he's quite good at drilling good defensive habits into his team.

These are the problems there as I see it:

For starters, there's a lack of any real attacking identity/strategy/gameplan, and certainly not one that's effective. Defense has always been Wheeler's strong suit, and Wesleyan really hasn't had an systematic way to score goals in years. They may get goals at times, but every so often you'll score some in a game as random as soccer. He also, as I mentioned, is very much a defense-first kind of guy and the team plays a bunch of their games on Jackson - a field basically immune to beautiful soccer - so you'd think he'd be looking for the big trees that the Amhersts and Bowdoins and the like try to recruit. But, often Wesleyan is stocked with guys like KMP and other slightly-undersized, but technical players who then have to be shoe-horned into Wheeler's pretty rigid system. And the few times this decade when he's tried to adjust his tactics to his players a bit (going to a high-pressing 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2) he's tended to abandon those plans halfway through the season after a couple poor results. At the end of the day, he'll always come back to the 4-4-2 that he's comfortable in. And frankly, there's no reason his teams can't have success in that system but then he's got to recruit guys that will be successful there.

For all the talk that KMP needs to step up and get goals for this team: the team often is doing so much defending and has so little sustained possession in the attacking half that he's rarely ever in the types of possessions where he can have the ball at his feet and create dangerous scoring opportunities. Sure, he probably should still be doing more, but if you make him a box-to-box midfielder (whether centrally or out wide) in Wheeler's 4-4-2, he's often going to be pretty far away from those half spaces right around the top of the box where he'd be most threatening to defenses.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d3soccer on September 29, 2018, 07:40:44 PM
Idk whats going on with Colby. Putting (used to be) mohawk guy on the wing is suspect, especially when he's a cdm. What happened to all the potential from 2015, half the team is gone looking at the roster. #6 should not be in there, first Conn and now Middlebury, he is dropping points for them. Ewan seems to be at wits end, doesn't seem like he will be back after this season. The whole attack seems to struggle and they are lucky to get points out of any game, except trinity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 30, 2018, 12:08:07 PM
Quote from: d3soccer on September 29, 2018, 07:40:44 PM
Idk whats going on with Colby. Putting (used to be) mohawk guy on the wing is suspect, especially when he's a cdm. What happened to all the potential from 2015, half the team is gone looking at the roster. #6 should not be in there, first Conn and now Middlebury, he is dropping points for them. Ewan seems to be at wits end, doesn't seem like he will be back after this season. The whole attack seems to struggle and they are lucky to get points out of any game, except trinity.

Why do you think Ewan won't be back?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2018, 05:56:50 PM
Just saw Tufts' winner from today on video. Nice through ball by Najjar into space -- Hamilton LB was caught too far up the pitch -- and great finish by Braun as the 'keeper came out but I do wonder what the Hamilton CB was thinking. He was running outside the right post and probably could have stopped it from entering the goal if he had booted the ball out for a corner behind the goal (Braun was quite wide right and the ball traveled quite a ways to get to the goalmouth before crossing the line). Instead he tried to chase it as it dribbled towards the goal to slide tackle it off the line but couldn't do it. I could understand maybe he was afraid of scoring an own goal but I do think he could have stopped it from entering the goalmouth if he had been more incisive. (Much easier said than done, of course.)

Jumbos are perfect (9-0) at the end of September. That has to be a first (last year's Amherst defeat came on Sept. 30).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 30, 2018, 06:59:00 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 05:59:52 PM
Have to say I don't get why Amherst had Bryce Johnson doing flip throws on seemingly every throw in (defensively and offensively). Attacking, I get it, it's like a corner, but making it a whole production to chuck it up the sideline when in the defensive half of the field seems a bit futile to me.

I thought the same thing a few times....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 30, 2018, 07:02:03 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 30, 2018, 05:56:50 PM
Just saw Tufts' winner from today on video. Nice through ball by Najjar into space -- Hamilton LB was caught too far up the pitch -- and great finish by Braun as the 'keeper came out but I do wonder what the Hamilton CB was thinking. He was running outside the right post and probably could have stopped it from entering the goal if he had booted the ball out for a corner behind the goal (Braun was quite wide right and the ball traveled quite a ways to get to the goalmouth before crossing the line). Instead he tried to chase it as it dribbled towards the goal to slide tackle it off the line but couldn't do it. I could understand maybe he was afraid of scoring an own goal but I do think he could have stopped it from entering the goalmouth if he had been more incisive. (Much easier said than done, of course.)

Jumbos are perfect (9-0) at the end of September. That has to be a first (last year's Amherst defeat came on Sept. 30).

I thought the Jumbos may be a little flat off the Amherst win. The controlled the game today but had a hard time finding the net.... I can't recall the undefeated/no tie record this late in the season, at least in the Shapiro era. Still a few hard games left.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BetaBob on September 30, 2018, 07:05:56 PM
They had one goal disallowed on a pretty weak call from the ref.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on September 30, 2018, 10:10:48 PM
Mr Right's Sat NESCAC predictions just about perfect with winners and scores!  Only miss was Mid-Colby 1-1 tie vs prediction of Colby 1-0 victory!  NICE JOB!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 01, 2018, 02:19:48 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 30, 2018, 10:10:48 PM
Mr Right's Sat NESCAC predictions just about perfect with winners and scores!  Only miss was Mid-Colby 1-1 tie vs prediction of Colby 1-0 victory!  NICE JOB!!

Yes, very impressive prediction Saturday by Mr. Right! As was said earlier, he had taken his analysis and predictions up another notch so far this year. I thought Bates acquitted themselves well at Amherst yesterday. I have to admit when Bakken put them up 1-0 early I was thinking about how sweet it would be to take a point or three from this game.  It was not meant to be. Colman's shot in the 81st minute requited a quality save by Montanaro, but Giammattei was in the right place at the right time to capitalize on the rebound. Credit to Amherst, they needed the game and they got the three points. There was lots of chatter about the physicality of the game the day before with Tufts. Apparently Lind delivered a big elbow to one of the Tufts players early in the game. I looked at the box score and noticed neither Rojas nor Paoletta played yesterday for Tufts against Hamilton.  Could be something to keep an eye on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2018, 02:50:46 PM
Bowdoin facing Thomas at home this afternoon...the Terriers are 9-1 with the lone loss coming to Colby.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 01, 2018, 02:59:48 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 01, 2018, 02:50:46 PM
Bowdoin facing Thomas at home this afternoon...the Terriers are 9-1 with the lone loss coming to Colby.

Been raining up here most of the day.  Will be a slick pitch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2018, 10:10:07 AM
Quote from: ECSUalum on September 30, 2018, 10:10:48 PM
Mr Right's Sat NESCAC predictions just about perfect with winners and scores!  Only miss was Mid-Colby 1-1 tie vs prediction of Colby 1-0 victory!  NICE JOB!!

Haha thanks ECSU...Nescac Men's Soccer has become very predictable if you are paying attention. When you have 11 Coaches that are more afraid of losing than going out and winning it gets easier to predict. There are some games that are tougher to predict than others. For instance, today.........



Trinity at Wesleyan--------This is a difficult game to predict because both teams are DESPERATE for a Win. Trinity / Pilger does not sit in even though I would give him free reign to do so because of how awful they are at defending and how close they are to going 0-10-0. IMO this is Trinity's last chance to get a Win in Nescac this season. Whether Trinity wins this game or not their season will be finished Wednesday October 24th.  It looks like a 54 day season and then the boots get hung up in Hartford. This game becomes difficult to predict because of both teams circumstance, bad weather and because I do not know if Wesleyan will decide to show up today and bust their tail to get back in the Nescac Top 8 hunt. They are by no means out of it yet BUT if they lose / draw today than I just do not see how Wesleyan gets into the Nescac Playoffs. Right about now I am betting Wesleyan's Jackson Field is a mud pit and I am betting if possible they move this game to the turf. No way Football will let them play on the turf because they will be practicing and the Women have it booked for tonight. They could play on Wesleyan's Field Hockey field or this game could get moved to tomorrow. If they played on Jackson Field today not only would it be an extremely ugly game they will rip that field to shreds and make it much worse than it already is. Metro's analysis of Wesleyan's situation and what has led them to present day is spot on. I think Wheeler should push KMP out to the flank today and have him go at Trinity's Frosh RB who is a weak defender. That is assuming he is still starting at RB as I have not seen Trinity play in a week and a half. So get KMP out of the middle of the field and hopefully he can create some dangerous chances from out wide that Gallo, Haas or LaCorte can finish. Wesleyan will get more SOG on this game than they have all season they just need to finish them. In 7 games Wesleyan has 33 SOG which is basically a friendly 5 SOG a game. That is one reason why Wesleyan has scored only 4 Goals all year. They have been shutout in 3 consecutive games 1-0. They have not scored a Goal in almost 3 weeks since defeating Bowdoin at Home. That changes today.............Wesleyan 3-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2018, 11:02:25 AM
2 big Non-Conference games as well today......

The biggest.....Conn College at ECONN-----4pm start to this one and a massive game for ECONN. Conn College is at ECONN and at Bates this week and then have two HUGE games at Home next week v Amherst midweek and v Tufts next Saturday. ECONN Frosh striker Patrick Agyemang is the real deal and a serious threat to any defense in D3. The other Frosh that Devito has is Will Toomey who is also playing very well. He comes from Soccer rich EO SMITH High School and has great skill. 2 other guys who have been scoring goals the past few years are Griffin Luczek and Justin Jensen. Interestingly, DeVito only gives Agyemang about 45-50 minutes a game. I am guessing he might not be the fittest kid but it doesn't matter because he knows how to finish. DeVito does go deep into his bench and a ton of guys got minutes on Saturday in a 2-1 Win at Plymouth St. ECONN is 8-1-0 with a loss to Keene St so far in 2018. They will determine whether the Little East is a 2 bid league this season as if they go something close to clean the rest of the way and can get a Win / Draw in this match and the match at Babson later in the season they will be a Pool C team if they fail to win the LEC Tournament. Conn College did not look totally sharp in a 1-0 Win v Williams on Saturday but as I predicted they found a Goal 1st Half and saw the game out with hard work and the best GK in Nescac. Conn's Back 4 looked VERY shaky on Saturday as they did not have their best game on the day and made GK Marcucci work harder then he should have. Williams was getting behind them for good chunks of the game as RB Freddy Stokes and LB Tyler Hoadley looked very susceptible and did not have solid games. That being said CB's Luke Stoneback and Liam Donelan along with Manoogian kept Williams at bay in the middle of the field but Williams was giving Conn fits out wide. Conn was wasting time as soon as the 2nd Half began as Murphy took a play out of Wiercinski's playbook. Look for them to do that today if they grab the early lead which could possibly frustrate ECONN if they go down early. Should be a good game.


Runner-Up-----Williams at Skidmore-----Skidmore is quietly 5-1-3 to start the year. They have really over achieved as I just assumed they would collapse after some key losses due to graduation. I have not really seen them play yet but under Head Coach Jeremiah Kneeland they are extremely organized defensively, tough to break down and are a scrappy outfit. If you watch them play usually you are not blown away at how good they are but they do all the little things very well and most importantly find ways to GET RESULTS. Kneeland has a solid pipeline with the preps like NMH, Suffield, Kimball Union etc. He usually has about 2 difference makers on the field surrounded by role players that bust ass. He has had some pretty good success considering what he has to work with. Skidmore is not the easiest school to recruit to especially compared to the other schools in the LL. There are better academic schools than Skidmore in the LL but there are schools that are on par with Skidmore academically in the LL but just have much better facilities / endowment etc. It is not easy to Win at Skidmore especially in Men's Soccer. Williams at 4-2-1 has a week and a half off from Nescac competition and MUST go clean in their next 3 games at Skidmore, at Curry and v Coast Guard. They will beat Curry and Coast Guard but the matchup against Skidmore has been a problematic one in the past. Williams is 1-2-1 against Skidmore the past 4 seasons and have not Won at Skidmore since rekindling this matchup in 2013. They used to play in the 90's and always had issues beating Skidmore on the Road. Skidmore is coming off of a 2-1 Away Win at RPI in what looks like was an absolute tedious affair as Skidmore had 2 SOG all game but did score on both. RPI was not much better with 3 SOG. I am guessing Skidmore took the early lead and then got an insurance Goal early in the 2nd Half and then committed 100% to defending the whole 2nd Half. Looks like they had a wide open match in a 1-1 draw at Hobart up in Geneva, NY. I know what to expect in how Skidmore will play this game but I do not know how effective they will be tonight. Should be another tight match.


Oh right I almost forgot Colby will be travelling to Bangor, ME tonight to face off against Husson........Colby Reserves v Husson could be a tight game but I think Colby gets a Win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Biggerthantexas on October 02, 2018, 02:21:04 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 29, 2018, 05:59:52 PM
Have to say I don't get why Amherst had Bryce Johnson doing flip throws on seemingly every throw in (defensively and offensively). Attacking, I get it, it's like a corner, but making it a whole production to chuck it up the sideline when in the defensive half of the field seems a bit futile to me.

I said that last season. It's a pointless tactic period. Bereft of any creativity and just encourages kickball.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 02, 2018, 03:00:05 PM
Mr Right , nice write-up on ECSU -Conn Colllege match today at 4pm!  You should be a writer for D3Soccer.com!! 
I am afraid Easterns D will not be able to handle the pressure of an excellent team like Conn College!  Eastern seems to be intimidated by the NESCAC teams and has a poor record home and away against them!  Specifically, CC defeated ECSU 2-0 in New London last year, 2-1 in 2016 at Mansfield and 1-0 @ NL in 2015.  In 2014 came the last victory, a 1-0 decision @ home.  Pat Agyemang and Griffin Luczek are tied for the scoring, (goals/points) lead with 6/15 goals a piece, and as you stated can give backfields fits. However this match will be a comparison of team defense today and Eastern will come in second best! The only goal CC has given up this year was to Endicott College, they have shut out all other teams this year.  You had mentioned in an earlier ECSU evaluation that DeVito may come up with a defensive arrangement that will provide better results, but I have watched just about all the games to date and I am not optimistic, next year maybe.  As you know soccer is a funny game and if the Warriors can score first it might put a different light on the match, however, if they fall behind especially in the 2 half I think it's over.  Prediction Conn College by 3-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 02, 2018, 03:58:51 PM
Williams - Skidmore moved to Wednesday evening from tonight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2018, 04:42:54 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on October 02, 2018, 03:00:05 PM
Mr Right , nice write-up on ECSU -Conn Colllege match today at 4pm!  You should be a writer for D3Soccer.com!! 
I am afraid Easterns D will not be able to handle the pressure of an excellent team like Conn College!  Eastern seems to be intimidated by the NESCAC teams and has a poor record home and away against them!  Specifically, CC defeated ECSU 2-0 in New London last year, 2-1 in 2016 at Mansfield and 1-0 @ NL in 2015.  In 2014 came the last victory, a 1-0 decision @ home.  Pat Agyemang and Griffin Luczek are tied for the scoring, (goals/points) lead with 6/15 goals a piece, and as you stated can give backfields fits. However this match will be a comparison of team defense today and Eastern will come in second best! The only goal CC has given up this year was to Endicott College, they have shut out all other teams this year.  You had mentioned in an earlier ECSU evaluation that DeVito may come up with a defensive arrangement that will provide better results, but I have watched just about all the games to date and I am not optimistic, next year maybe.  As you know soccer is a funny game and if the Warriors can score first it might put a different light on the match, however, if they fall behind especially in the 2 half I think it's over.  Prediction Conn College by 3-1


Haha nah...I'm way to controversial...plus deadlines and responsibilities are usually 2 words I do not hear much. I work better on my own terms but thanks for the shout out.


Looks like Wesleyan v Trinity has been moved to the turf at 8pm. Women's game at 7pm so 1 of those games will be on the nice Football turf and 1 game on the Dr appt Field Hockey turf.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 02, 2018, 04:58:17 PM
Conn College up 1-0 at half on a Ben Manoogian header off a beautiful corner feed by Christian Murphy @ 9:32. Manoogian just not picked up by an Eastern defender and slashed forward to pick up the Murphy corner right in front of the goal mouth. Eastern GK Murphy had no chance!  CC passes crisp and on target vs Econn passes to CC players.  One sided soo far!  Overall Eastern D not bad except for the one corner miscue.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 02, 2018, 05:30:22 PM
Now weather big factor with rain coming down.  Field wet and slippery.  Conn seems in control, and still 1-0 with 20 left but with field anything could happen.  Lightning also a potential game ender.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on October 02, 2018, 05:46:58 PM
Conn College up 2-0, but should be up 5-0 as the Eastern defense giving up passes in their own end and looking porous!  Very frustrating to watch!  Conn College defense and goal keeping solid as a rock with ECSU's only chances blocked by CC GKer or messed up by poor passing.  I do not know what foot ware Eastern has on today but they are slipping everywhere like they are playing on ICE, while CC has had no trouble at all   ???  just crazy!!  Anyway, I have given up watching the remainder of the game... to exasperating!!  Great game by CC they look like a top 10 team!!

Update Game suspended @ 80' due to electrical storm!!  Conn College 2-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 03, 2018, 08:36:18 PM
Trinity leads Wesleyan 1-0 with a goal in about 33 minute mark.  After shaking open minutes, Trinity has played relatively solid, with Wesleyan not  connecting up front.  But lots of game to go.  Trinity seems a bit more energetic.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 03, 2018, 08:37:14 PM
Oh...and watching Yankees at same time... so might miss a play or two.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 03, 2018, 08:40:43 PM
Alas, Trinity, the lead didn't hold long... as long Wesleyan throw practically goes straight into the goal at 40 minute mark. 1-1.  More goals are due in this one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 03, 2018, 09:22:55 PM
Second half of Trinity/Wesleyan unexciting the first 18 minutes  with neither team able to make more than two passes in a row.  Good play by Wesleyan though, at around 21 minute and nice save by keeper. Both teams playing hard.  Very few chances as ball bouncing back and forth in midfield. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2018, 09:29:40 PM
Skidmore rips Williams heart out and then stomps on it and proceeds to give it back...Skidmore defeats Williams 1-0 with 1 second left in 2OT,,,,Crazy stuff....Actual buzzer beater...Williams LB with a stupid foul to give Skidmore a long free kick and it gets cleared out of the box but Skidmore player hits a prayer back into the box and it finds a very wide open winger who rips it into the net...Could have been LB's man as well that was open...Heartbreaking loss and like I said Williams always struggles over at Skidmore on its turf...Pretty even 1st Half and then Williams was all over Skidmore in the 2nd Half but could not finish....I will say Skidmore worked very hard all night. They have some quick wingbacks and tough CB's...GK was ok...They have some skill and try to counter on the carpet but not a legit striker...Skidmore moves to 6-1-3 while Williams gets gutted and drops to 4-3-1 and I realize they are missing Ranieri and Gass but this team after beating Amherst looked like it was ready to take off and then they drop 3 games to Conn, Skidmore and Bates...Just a massive disappointment...I cannot blame Sullivan though as he was attacking with numbers looking for the winning goal and Skidmore had a few dangerous counters and the game was getting stretched...Players are at fault in that game as Williams could not score.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2018, 09:32:05 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 03, 2018, 09:22:55 PM
Second half of Trinity/Wesleyan unexciting the first 18 minutes  with neither team able to make more than two passes in a row.  Good play by Wesleyan though, at around 21 minute and nice save by keeper. Both teams playing hard.  Very few chances as ball bouncing back and forth in midfield.


Sounds about right....Unexciting is a great adjective to describe these 2 outfits...Wesleyan needs a Win here
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 03, 2018, 10:06:43 PM
Wesleyan scores in early overtime on long shot.  Overall, I love watching soccer, but this was not an exciting/fun game to watch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 04, 2018, 11:15:59 AM
Whoever took this picture (found in the Amherst Student this week) deserves a raise (or to be paid).

(https://res.cloudinary.com/amherststudent/image/upload/v1538533615/cqqp98puztnimzoivkmv.jpg)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 04, 2018, 04:44:21 PM
Really great photo!  But I have to admit, not a fan at all of flip throws.  Watching a few of the Amherst games with so many of them drives me a little crazy.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 04, 2018, 06:43:33 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 04, 2018, 04:44:21 PM
Really great photo!  But I have to admit, not a fan at all of flip throws.  Watching a few of the Amherst games with so many of them drives me a little crazy.

100% agree. I said elsewhere that I get if it's an attacking throw but the fact that he takes seemingly every throw for them as a flip throw seems silly to me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on October 04, 2018, 06:58:57 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 04, 2018, 06:43:33 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 04, 2018, 04:44:21 PM
Really great photo!  But I have to admit, not a fan at all of flip throws.  Watching a few of the Amherst games with so many of them drives me a little crazy.

100% agree. I said elsewhere that I get if it's an attacking throw but the fact that he takes seemingly every throw for them as a flip throw seems silly to me.

I'm with you, Blooter.  Seems to me that a flip throw is just making it a 50/50 ball somewhere on the field, while most throw-ins have a higher likelihood of the throwing team actually controlling the ball, and in my book that's much more important that sheer distance.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on October 04, 2018, 10:02:49 PM
I've seen his throws in person and on the streams and I think it often looks illegal. His feet rarely appear to be down when he releases the ball. Curious to hear if other armchair refs agree.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on October 05, 2018, 01:34:55 PM
Quote from: OldNed on October 04, 2018, 06:58:57 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 04, 2018, 06:43:33 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 04, 2018, 04:44:21 PM
Really great photo!  But I have to admit, not a fan at all of flip throws.  Watching a few of the Amherst games with so many of them drives me a little crazy.

100% agree. I said elsewhere that I get if it's an attacking throw but the fact that he takes seemingly every throw for them as a flip throw seems silly to me.

I'm with you, Blooter.  Seems to me that a flip throw is just making it a 50/50 ball somewhere on the field, while most throw-ins have a higher likelihood of the throwing team actually controlling the ball, and in my book that's much more important that sheer distance.

Isn't that Amherst brand... direct style of play with a preference for 50/50 balls?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 05, 2018, 02:09:43 PM
Nescac Predictions:


Trinity at Bowdoin--------Trinity sits at 0-6-0 in Nescac and are well on their way to finishing 0-10-0. After this match in Brunswick, ME they have Midd, Tufts and Amherst left. I suppose they have a chance in this game to get some kind of a result against a Bowdoin side who has only played 3 Nescac games to date. That is amazing considering we are five days into October. They are 5-3-0 overall and 1-2-0 in Nescac. They are in the drivers seat as they can determine their fate the rest of the way. They finish the season with 7 GAMES IN 18 DAYS which is ridiculous. I believe Coaches have a say in if they want to play their "wildcard" game either midweek or on a back to back on the weekend. I believe Bowdoin's wildcard game is either Bates or Colby and Bowdoin is playing both of those games during the week instead of a back to back.  Nescac scheduling has done no favors to Bowdoin with this finishing schedule. I will say if history tells us anything since Wiercinski has taken over the program in 2013 Bowdoin has started slowly every year and put the gas pedal to the floor to end the season going on winning streaks almost every year in October. 4 of their last 7 games(all Nescac games) are at Home including their toughest games v Tufts and Conn. That is a good sign and I think while Bowdoin lost a ton to graduation and I predicted before the season began they would struggle early they have had a month to get their team in order. Bowdoin has so many games in hand that their season is in their hands and they do not have to rely on results from others and conceivably still has a shot at a Top 4 finish. I have not seen Bowdoin play in about two weeks so IDK if Wiercinski still has Niang and the Frosh Reid at CB with Miller and McColl wide and the 2 Frosh splitting time in net. Is McPherron attacking and Stenquist holding? Byrd and Oliver wide? They had Morant coming off the bench up top with Masterson(He has not played the past 3 games so he might be injured). Frosh Uek, Ward and Cooper have all seen significant time along with the small but cagey midfielder Alex Chaban. Still, Wiercinski has only used 15 Field players all year...That shows a real lack of depth which is what they will need in the next 18 days with 7 games to play. That would be worrisome to me. Still they get things rolling against a Trinity side that worked hard at Wesleyan but still came up short. The lack of recruiting as finally caught up to Pilger as they are just lacking in talent to compete in Nescac. They need to start focusing on 2019 and beyond and really hit the road and get talent into the program again. Bowdoin 2-0



Tufts at Midd------This IMO is the game of the weekend. Midd should be focused 100% in this match to knock off a Tufts team that blew them off the field in the 2017 Regular Season and then lost to them in the Nescac Championship on a Brett Rojas Goal with 2 minutes left. Middlebury has not defeated Tufts since 2010 before Shapiro took over at Tufts and is 0-6-2 in their last 8 games v Tufts since Shaprio took the reins at Tufts as he has had great success against his former Head Coach Dave Saward. Saward is gone now and I have been quite impressed from what I have seen since Alex Elias took over this season. From what I have heard they are stepping up the recruiting and more importantly getting scouts on each opponent and spending a good time watching video. These are all things that happened sparingly during Saward's tenure and had to be implemented for Midd to get back on track. More importantly, Midd has looked very solid on the pitch using a consistent starting lineup with some decent pieces coming off the bench.  They came out and dominated Colby last weekend and should of been very disappointed to give up the tying Goal and leave Waterville, ME with a Draw. As most teams in Nescac they play much better on their own field and will need to stay organized and compact defensively against Tufts which I expect them to do. Tufts is 5-0-0 in Nescac and 9-0-0 overall but all 5 Nescac Wins have been tight games being decided by 1 Goal and 4 Games have been 1-0 Wins. Tufts has relied on Braun up top recently to get some key Goals but he should be handled by Midd's size in the back. Midd starting 11 is just as good as Tufts starting 11 but they do fall off considerably when Tufts goes to its deep bench. I think Max Jacobs could be more effective than Braun in this game with his skill going against Midd's CB's than Braun but Braun is red hot right not scorin some key Goals. Tufts CB Paoletta did not play last Sunday v Hamilton and I am not sure if he was just banged up and getting rest or if he is out longer. Tufts does Tanner Jameson to fill in on the backline if need be. I really like the Frosh Daly at LB who will be a serious player the next 3 years. This game will be played 18 to 18 with not many SOG but Tufts does have a significant advantage in net. Midd must protect GK Hyer from seeing to many dangerous looks by Tufts midfielders and forwards and counter when possible. Midd has looked dangerous on the counter this year as they can move quick and with skill with Potter, Goulart, O'Grady and Barsamian. My upset special has Midd getting its first victory over Tufts in 8 years and gives them a key Win v Ranked teams in November....Midd 1-0



Wesleyan at Colby-----The winner of this match(if there is one) will be in good position for a Top 8 finish and have a key tie-breaker against the other at the end of the season. I have been disappointed with Colby this year as I was expecting more bite in attack and more skill in central midfield. I have been very impressed with Senior GK Dan Carlson who has stepped up and filled in nicely for the mystery disappearance of 2017 GK Avery Gibson. Junior Asa Berolzheimer has been busting his ass in midfield running 18 to 18 but has had to focus more on the defensive end as he has not scored and only has 9 SOG counter that to last year where he got a couple key Goals and had 31 SOG. He did have Heilbron and Smith which is obviously a big loss for this program. In the beginning of the year I thought Colby could handle losing those 2 key players but they have struggled so far without them. They have speed and skill on the flanks with Rosenberg and Douglas and Pereira up top. The issue is that Rosenberg and Douglas have NOT SCORED a Goal this season and Pereira has 1 Goal. Rosenberg and Douglas are dangerous on the counter and have created some chances for their teammates but they MUST start scoring if Colby is to be successful. Pereira is a decent striker with some size and skill but is not the quickest or an assassin up top. These 3 must start contributing on offense or this season will be over very quickly for Colby. I like the Frosh Pugh at CB as he is a smart and athletic kid. Dickey is a tree who works hard and runs ok for his size. As I have said the past few weeks Colby has a serious problem at wingback. LB Grady Jendzejec has cost Colby in 2 Games by my count and possibly 3 and I am shocked he is still starting at LB. Wyett MacDonald has been a pleasant surprise at attacking CM and is a dangerous player on the counter. Colby brings the tree Tower off the bench up top and a couple other role players but they are really lacking in depth. Wesleyan got an important result at Home on the turf against Trinity this week and they really need a Win in this game to get to 3-3-0 in Nescac. A loss at Colby and Wesleyan will be in big trouble with a finishing schedule that includes Midd, Williams, Amherst and Conn. I do not see them beating any of those sides but they might get a couple Draws out of those games but they need 3 points in this match at Colby IMO to finish in the Top 8. This will be another tight match between the 18's without many SOG and whoever scores first will Win. Wesleyan somehow scratches and claws to an upset Win.....1-0 Wesleyan



Conn at Bates-----Conn is rolling along at 9-0-0 overall and 5-0-0 in Nescac. I have seen them a couple times and am impressed with their work ethic and GK. I think they have a very solid spine with GK Marcucci, CB's Donelan and Frosh Stoneback, midfielders Manoogian, Butera and Milhollen. Up top they were using Ben Highton but he has missed the past 3 games and has been replaced by MT Tshuma who I believe is better than Highton. He is more skilled and quicker and more dangerous on the counter. Highton is a solid player and has a couple Goals but Tshuma should stay in the starting lineup IMO. Dieng and Murphy have been VERY EFFECTIVE out wide and IMO the key to Conn's success so far this year. The weakness to me is at wingback with LB Tyler Hoadley and RB Freddy Stokes as the weak links of this team. Not sure why Murphy does not give Miranda a run in the back instead of using him in midfield but Conn has some serious weapons in attack and in net that they have not had in years. This Conn side is a better side than 2017 and are well on their way to a 2nd straight NCAA appearance which for Conn and Murphy quite an achievement. It is not easy to Win at Conn while they do have some advantages like in admissions and having no Football they do not have the facilities to compete with the Nescac top dogs and recruits love facilities. Bates has been the surprise team in Nescac in 2018. Bates is 6-3-0 overall and 3-3-0 in Nescac. Bates is 3-1-0 at Home this year under first year Head Coach Tyler Sheikh who has done an amazing job with this bunch even with the loss of Nate Merchant. Does anyone really think Bates would be 6-3-0 under former stiff Stuart Flaherty? Doubtful....Peder Bakken might be the hottest player in the league right now as he has 4 Goals this season(all against Nescac opponents) and Goals in 3 straight Games. Opoku is always dangerous on the flank and Sheikh has gotten some solid production from Frosh Bardong and veterans Ben Lyons and Sam Huebschmann. Bates is not an easy opponent to defeat this year especially in Lewiston, ME. Conn is really playing well this year but I have a hunch their players are looking ahead to their next 2 games after Bates as they will play Amherst midweek and Tufts next Saturday both at Home. If Conn thinks this Bates side is like the sides they have seen the past 3 years they are sorely mistaken and I will continue my bets of dogs this weekend. Conn gets caught looking ahead and then has a long 5 hour road trip Home to New London.....Bates 2-1



Hamilton at Amherst-------Amherst has obviously disappointed to start 2018 as they are 5-3-0 overall and 2-3-0 in Nescac. None of those 5 Wins will be ranked Wins come November IMO and based on their remaining schedule the only match left that will be against a ranked opponent will be on Tuesday at Conn unless Brandeis and Bowdoin go on massive Winning streaks which I am not seeing. So Amherst could finish the year at say 10-4-1 and if they lose to Conn will have ZERO ranked Wins. I do not see how they get a Pool C as their SOS will hover around .565. Obviously, a ton to be decided but that Conn game is HUGE. Hamilton has like 2017 been a bit inconsistent this year. They are 6-4-0 overall and 3-3-0 in Nescac with a Win over Oneonta, at Bates and at Wesleyan. Still they have had real trouble scoring Goals this season more trouble than I expected. Key strikers Aidan Wood and Jefri Schmidt have a combined 2 Goals and 16 SOG in 10 Games. That is not going to cut it especially against the Top of Nescac. The Frosh GK Benson has filled in very well for Linds Cadwell and Hamilton does have size in the back with Luke Eckels being the stud on that backline. Chapman has been playing well like he did in 2017 in midfield and Nizzi has gotten some solid production from Senior veterans Matt Casadei and Greg Milnarik. Also,  A Frosh that has stood out with key GW'ing Goals is Sam Dils and Soph Noah Giovannelli. Hamilton played Amherst VERY WELL last year with a Draw in Clinton,NY during the Regular season and their famous Win at Amherst in the Nescac Quarters. Amherst is a program that remembers these things and while they have seemed "off" or disjointed in 2018 so far they still on paper have more talent than Hamilton. However, I am on a run of dog predictions and will stay in line with my other dogs and go with Hamliton in a major upset......Hamilton 3-2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 05, 2018, 02:13:49 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on October 05, 2018, 01:34:55 PM
Quote from: OldNed on October 04, 2018, 06:58:57 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 04, 2018, 06:43:33 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 04, 2018, 04:44:21 PM
Really great photo!  But I have to admit, not a fan at all of flip throws.  Watching a few of the Amherst games with so many of them drives me a little crazy.

100% agree. I said elsewhere that I get if it's an attacking throw but the fact that he takes seemingly every throw for them as a flip throw seems silly to me.

I'm with you, Blooter.  Seems to me that a flip throw is just making it a 50/50 ball somewhere on the field, while most throw-ins have a higher likelihood of the throwing team actually controlling the ball, and in my book that's much more important that sheer distance.

Isn't that Amherst brand... direct style of play with a preference for 50/50 balls?


It totally is and I am shocked that we have posters that are surprised by all of this.......The problem Amherst has is they do not quite have the size to take advantage of these throws without benching some key players that have skill and speed. They have trees on the bench but besides winning airballs they are for the most part stiffs...I would rather see Amherst stay with what they are doing as their schedule is in their favor to finish the year and I think they could go on a bit of a run to finish the year. The Frosh looks to be a solid GK and Dane Lind has been a stud this year so Amherst has been close BUT I think their backline is surprisingly a weakness this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 05, 2018, 03:25:27 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 05, 2018, 02:09:43 PM
Nescac Predictions:


Trinity at Bowdoin--------Trinity sits at 0-6-0 in Nescac and are well on their way to finishing 0-10-0. After this match in Brunswick, ME they have Midd, Tufts and Amherst left. I suppose they have a chance in this game to get some kind of a result against a Bowdoin side who has only played 3 Nescac games to date. That is amazing considering we are five days into October. They are 5-3-0 overall and 1-2-0 in Nescac. They are in the drivers seat as they can determine their fate the rest of the way. They finish the season with 7 GAMES IN 18 DAYS which is ridiculous. I believe Coaches have a say in if they want to play their "wildcard" game either midweek or on a back to back on the weekend. I believe Bowdoin's wildcard game is either Bates or Colby and Bowdoin is playing both of those games during the week instead of a back to back.  Nescac scheduling has done no favors to Bowdoin with this finishing schedule. I will say if history tells us anything since Wiercinski has taken over the program in 2013 Bowdoin has started slowly every year and put the gas pedal to the floor to end the season going on winning streaks almost every year in October. 4 of their last 7 games(all Nescac games) are at Home including their toughest games v Tufts and Conn. That is a good sign and I think while Bowdoin lost a ton to graduation and I predicted before the season began they would struggle early they have had a month to get their team in order. Bowdoin has so many games in hand that their season is in their hands and they do not have to rely on results from others and conceivably still has a shot at a Top 4 finish. I have not seen Bowdoin play in about two weeks so IDK if Wiercinski still has Niang and the Frosh Reid at CB with Miller and McColl wide and the 2 Frosh splitting time in net. Is McPherron attacking and Stenquist holding? Byrd and Oliver wide? They had Morant coming off the bench up top with Masterson(He has not played the past 3 games so he might be injured). Frosh Uek, Ward and Cooper have all seen significant time along with the small but cagey midfielder Alex Chaban. Still, Wiercinski has only used 15 Field players all year...That shows a real lack of depth which is what they will need in the next 18 days with 7 games to play. That would be worrisome to me. Still they get things rolling against a Trinity side that worked hard at Wesleyan but still came up short. The lack of recruiting as finally caught up to Pilger as they are just lacking in talent to compete in Nescac. They need to start focusing on 2019 and beyond and really hit the road and get talent into the program again. Bowdoin 2-0



Tufts at Midd------This IMO is the game of the weekend. Midd should be focused 100% in this match to knock off a Tufts team that blew them off the field in the 2017 Regular Season and then lost to them in the Nescac Championship on a Brett Rojas Goal with 2 minutes left. Middlebury has not defeated Tufts since 2010 before Shapiro took over at Tufts and is 0-6-2 in their last 8 games v Tufts since Shaprio took the reins at Tufts as he has had great success against his former Head Coach Dave Saward. Saward is gone now and I have been quite impressed from what I have seen since Alex Elias took over this season. From what I have heard they are stepping up the recruiting and more importantly getting scouts on each opponent and spending a good time watching video. These are all things that happened sparingly during Saward's tenure and had to be implemented for Midd to get back on track. More importantly, Midd has looked very solid on the pitch using a consistent starting lineup with some decent pieces coming off the bench.  They came out and dominated Colby last weekend and should of been very disappointed to give up the tying Goal and leave Waterville, ME with a Draw. As most teams in Nescac they play much better on their own field and will need to stay organized and compact defensively against Tufts which I expect them to do. Tufts is 5-0-0 in Nescac and 9-0-0 overall but all 5 Nescac Wins have been tight games being decided by 1 Goal and 4 Games have been 1-0 Wins. Tufts has relied on Braun up top recently to get some key Goals but he should be handled by Midd's size in the back. Midd starting 11 is just as good as Tufts starting 11 but they do fall off considerably when Tufts goes to its deep bench. I think Max Jacobs could be more effective than Braun in this game with his skill going against Midd's CB's than Braun but Braun is red hot right not scorin some key Goals. Tufts CB Paoletta did not play last Sunday v Hamilton and I am not sure if he was just banged up and getting rest or if he is out longer. Tufts does Tanner Jameson to fill in on the backline if need be. I really like the Frosh Daly at LB who will be a serious player the next 3 years. This game will be played 18 to 18 with not many SOG but Tufts does have a significant advantage in net. Midd must protect GK Hyer from seeing to many dangerous looks by Tufts midfielders and forwards and counter when possible. Midd has looked dangerous on the counter this year as they can move quick and with skill with Potter, Goulart, O'Grady and Barsamian. My upset special has Midd getting its first victory over Tufts in 8 years and gives them a key Win v Ranked teams in November....Midd 1-0



Wesleyan at Colby-----The winner of this match(if there is one) will be in good position for a Top 8 finish and have a key tie-breaker against the other at the end of the season. I have been disappointed with Colby this year as I was expecting more bite in attack and more skill in central midfield. I have been very impressed with Senior GK Dan Carlson who has stepped up and filled in nicely for the mystery disappearance of 2017 GK Avery Gibson. Junior Asa Berolzheimer has been busting his ass in midfield running 18 to 18 but has had to focus more on the defensive end as he has not scored and only has 9 SOG counter that to last year where he got a couple key Goals and had 31 SOG. He did have Heilbron and Smith which is obviously a big loss for this program. In the beginning of the year I thought Colby could handle losing those 2 key players but they have struggled so far without them. They have speed and skill on the flanks with Rosenberg and Douglas and Pereira up top. The issue is that Rosenberg and Douglas have NOT SCORED a Goal this season and Pereira has 1 Goal. Rosenberg and Douglas are dangerous on the counter and have created some chances for their teammates but they MUST start scoring if Colby is to be successful. Pereira is a decent striker with some size and skill but is not the quickest or an assassin up top. These 3 must start contributing on offense or this season will be over very quickly for Colby. I like the Frosh Pugh at CB as he is a smart and athletic kid. Dickey is a tree who works hard and runs ok for his size. As I have said the past few weeks Colby has a serious problem at wingback. LB Grady Jendzejec has cost Colby in 2 Games by my count and possibly 3 and I am shocked he is still starting at LB. Wyett MacDonald has been a pleasant surprise at attacking CM and is a dangerous player on the counter. Colby brings the tree Tower off the bench up top and a couple other role players but they are really lacking in depth. Wesleyan got an important result at Home on the turf against Trinity this week and they really need a Win in this game to get to 3-3-0 in Nescac. A loss at Colby and Wesleyan will be in big trouble with a finishing schedule that includes Midd, Williams, Amherst and Conn. I do not see them beating any of those sides but they might get a couple Draws out of those games but they need 3 points in this match at Colby IMO to finish in the Top 8. This will be another tight match between the 18's without many SOG and whoever scores first will Win. Wesleyan somehow scratches and claws to an upset Win.....1-0 Wesleyan



Conn at Bates-----Conn is rolling along at 9-0-0 overall and 5-0-0 in Nescac. I have seen them a couple times and am impressed with their work ethic and GK. I think they have a very solid spine with GK Marcucci, CB's Donelan and Frosh Stoneback, midfielders Manoogian, Butera and Milhollen. Up top they were using Ben Highton but he has missed the past 3 games and has been replaced by MT Tshuma who I believe is better than Highton. He is more skilled and quicker and more dangerous on the counter. Highton is a solid player and has a couple Goals but Tshuma should stay in the starting lineup IMO. Dieng and Murphy have been VERY EFFECTIVE out wide and IMO the key to Conn's success so far this year. The weakness to me is at wingback with LB Tyler Hoadley and RB Freddy Stokes as the weak links of this team. Not sure why Murphy does not give Miranda a run in the back instead of using him in midfield but Conn has some serious weapons in attack and in net that they have not had in years. This Conn side is a better side than 2017 and are well on their way to a 2nd straight NCAA appearance which for Conn and Murphy quite an achievement. It is not easy to Win at Conn while they do have some advantages like in admissions and having no Football they do not have the facilities to compete with the Nescac top dogs and recruits love facilities. Bates has been the surprise team in Nescac in 2018. Bates is 6-3-0 overall and 3-3-0 in Nescac. Bates is 3-1-0 at Home this year under first year Head Coach Tyler Sheikh who has done an amazing job with this bunch even with the loss of Nate Merchant. Does anyone really think Bates would be 6-3-0 under former stiff Stuart Flaherty? Doubtful....Peder Bakken might be the hottest player in the league right now as he has 4 Goals this season(all against Nescac opponents) and Goals in 3 straight Games. Opoku is always dangerous on the flank and Sheikh has gotten some solid production from Frosh Bardong and veterans Ben Lyons and Sam Huebschmann. Bates is not an easy opponent to defeat this year especially in Lewiston, ME. Conn is really playing well this year but I have a hunch their players are looking ahead to their next 2 games after Bates as they will play Amherst midweek and Tufts next Saturday both at Home. If Conn thinks this Bates side is like the sides they have seen the past 3 years they are sorely mistaken and I will continue my bets of dogs this weekend. Conn gets caught looking ahead and then has a long 5 hour road trip Home to New London.....Bates 2-1



Hamilton at Amherst-------Amherst has obviously disappointed to start 2018 as they are 5-3-0 overall and 2-3-0 in Nescac. None of those 5 Wins will be ranked Wins come November IMO and based on their remaining schedule the only match left that will be against a ranked opponent will be on Tuesday at Conn unless Brandeis and Bowdoin go on massive Winning streaks which I am not seeing. So Amherst could finish the year at say 10-4-1 and if they lose to Conn will have ZERO ranked Wins. I do not see how they get a Pool C as their SOS will hover around .565. Obviously, a ton to be decided but that Conn game is HUGE. Hamilton has like 2017 been a bit inconsistent this year. They are 6-4-0 overall and 3-3-0 in Nescac with a Win over Oneonta, at Bates and at Wesleyan. Still they have had real trouble scoring Goals this season more trouble than I expected. Key strikers Aidan Wood and Jefri Schmidt have a combined 2 Goals and 16 SOG in 10 Games. That is not going to cut it especially against the Top of Nescac. The Frosh GK Benson has filled in very well for Linds Cadwell and Hamilton does have size in the back with Luke Eckels being the stud on that backline. Chapman has been playing well like he did in 2017 in midfield and Nizzi has gotten some solid production from Senior veterans Matt Casadei and Greg Milnarik. Also,  A Frosh that has stood out with key GW'ing Goals is Sam Dils and Soph Noah Giovannelli. Hamilton played Amherst VERY WELL last year with a Draw in Clinton,NY during the Regular season and their famous Win at Amherst in the Nescac Quarters. Amherst is a program that remembers these things and while they have seemed "off" or disjointed in 2018 so far they still on paper have more talent than Hamilton. However, I am on a run of dog predictions and will stay in line with my other dogs and go with Hamliton in a major upset......Hamilton 3-2

Well done again! I will take Bowdoin 2-0, Tufts/Midd 1-1, Wes/Colby 1-1, Bates 1-0, Amherst 2-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 05, 2018, 04:17:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 05, 2018, 02:09:43 PM
Nescac Predictions:


Trinity at Bowdoin--------Trinity sits at 0-6-0 in Nescac and are well on their way to finishing 0-10-0. After this match in Brunswick, ME they have Midd, Tufts and Amherst left. I suppose they have a chance in this game to get some kind of a result against a Bowdoin side who has only played 3 Nescac games to date. That is amazing considering we are five days into October. They are 5-3-0 overall and 1-2-0 in Nescac. They are in the drivers seat as they can determine their fate the rest of the way. They finish the season with 7 GAMES IN 18 DAYS which is ridiculous. I believe Coaches have a say in if they want to play their "wildcard" game either midweek or on a back to back on the weekend. I believe Bowdoin's wildcard game is either Bates or Colby and Bowdoin is playing both of those games during the week instead of a back to back.  Nescac scheduling has done no favors to Bowdoin with this finishing schedule. I will say if history tells us anything since Wiercinski has taken over the program in 2013 Bowdoin has started slowly every year and put the gas pedal to the floor to end the season going on winning streaks almost every year in October. 4 of their last 7 games(all Nescac games) are at Home including their toughest games v Tufts and Conn. That is a good sign and I think while Bowdoin lost a ton to graduation and I predicted before the season began they would struggle early they have had a month to get their team in order. Bowdoin has so many games in hand that their season is in their hands and they do not have to rely on results from others and conceivably still has a shot at a Top 4 finish. I have not seen Bowdoin play in about two weeks so IDK if Wiercinski still has Niang and the Frosh Reid at CB with Miller and McColl wide and the 2 Frosh splitting time in net. Is McPherron attacking and Stenquist holding? Byrd and Oliver wide? They had Morant coming off the bench up top with Masterson(He has not played the past 3 games so he might be injured). Frosh Uek, Ward and Cooper have all seen significant time along with the small but cagey midfielder Alex Chaban. Still, Wiercinski has only used 15 Field players all year...That shows a real lack of depth which is what they will need in the next 18 days with 7 games to play. That would be worrisome to me. Still they get things rolling against a Trinity side that worked hard at Wesleyan but still came up short. The lack of recruiting as finally caught up to Pilger as they are just lacking in talent to compete in Nescac. They need to start focusing on 2019 and beyond and really hit the road and get talent into the program again. Bowdoin 2-0


I haven't seen Bowdoin play in a couple of weeks, but I think your overall assessment of the lineup and team depth is fairly accurate.  Bowdoin's big weakness this year (as in most years during Wiercinski's era) is the lack of an attacking threat in the final third.  They have to manufacture goals against stronger teams off of set pieces and scrambles in the box.  But I think Wiercinski does the right thing with the cards he's dealt.  He builds the team from the back, typically with the strongest and most athletic players in the center back positions anchoring the back line.  Per your prediction, I could see them going on a bit of a run if healthy.  I think they'll be in every game remaining, including Tufts and Conn.  Back to back next weekend at Hamilton and Williams will be tough...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 05, 2018, 10:32:12 PM
Thanks Mr. Right for Predictions.  I'd like to take a shot:
Trinity 1 - Bowdoin 1: Trinity plays hard in back and forth game, Bowdoin tries to finish them off but Trinity hangs in the game and through overtime for a tie. 
Tufts 1 - Middlebury 0: Tufts defense stays tough and in normal fashion, get a goal at some point, and that's the game. 
Wesleyan 1 - Colby 1 ... Colby will play tough at home and this ends in a tie. We really haven't seen many ties this year (which is nice), so think there will be at least one this weekend.
Conn 2 - Bates  0 : Bates looks solid and plays hard, but I think Conn does take this very seriously and comes in all out, and plus, since an ex-camel, not too objective and have to go for them to score a few.
Hamilton 2 - Amherst 1 :  Flip throw in be damned, I'm going with Hamilton staying in this one and getting lucky. Although on video the actual Amherst grass field looks a little slow, and Amherst plays  hard and at times rough, so this is a tough one to call.  Amherst should win, but going with Hamilton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 06, 2018, 12:06:38 PM
Trinity goalie plays too aggressively coming out too far, and easy Bowdoin goal in the first 2 minutes.  Horrible start for Trinity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 12:18:38 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 06, 2018, 12:06:38 PM
Trinity goalie plays too aggressively coming out too far, and easy Bowdoin goal in the first 2 minutes.  Horrible start for Trinity.


Sounds about right....Trinity is an absolute MESS....Just took a quick look at Bowdoin's Goal and that was a horrific mistake by Trinity GK. He comes barreling out of his net an then fails to communicate with his defender who looks to have tapped the ball by the GK and Bowdoin's Niang finishes...Well now Trinity gets the tying Goal on a thru ball by either Henry Belt or Baker as I could not tell on a counter and what looks to be a defensive lapse as Trinity's Alistair Matule finishes 1v1 on Bowdoin's GK...Good effort by Trinity to get right back into the game. I still think Bowdoin has enough to get a GW'ing Goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 06, 2018, 12:37:22 PM
Trinity ties it at 1-1 at 21 minute mark on breakaway score, putting them back in the game. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 01:35:50 PM
Bowdoin takes a 2-1 lead with about 20 minutes left. It should be the winning Goal. Long ball by Bowdoin CB hits the head of Bowdoin's Matt Uek who flicks it perfectly into space to Bowdoin's #11 Drake Byrd who burns Trinity's CB and rips it into the left panel...2-1 Bowdoin and Byrd has played very well today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 06, 2018, 01:38:13 PM
Middlebury  scores with a penalty kick 1:10 into the game against Tufts!  1-0 Middlebury.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 01:39:25 PM
Midd scores early to go up 1-0 over Tufts about 2 minutes in. Tufts CB Biagio Paoletta who is back in the lineup today fouls a Midd player in the box with his back turned toward Midd's Goal. Midd player was not going anywhere and it was a bit of a soft call but still a stupid foul by Paoletta and O'Grady makes up for the missed PK last week at Colby and hits it at the same corner but sneaks it under Mieth...Big Goal...1-0 Midd very early
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 01:45:44 PM
Williams stud Frosh Jules Oberg scores off a corner to give Williams an early 1-0 lead over Curry. I am expecting a pissed off Williams team after a tough loss at Skidmore a couple days ago. This could be a blowout. Noteworthy changes by Sullivan in the starting lineup as he looks to be resting guys. GK Schein is given the day off for the backup George Taylor and CB Bardong and LB Andrew Mathew are also out. Veteran Eric Hirsch replaces the Frosh up top.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 01:59:10 PM
Tufts ties it up 1-1 off a set piece about 40 yards from net. Looks like a well hit ball by Rojas that slid thru the box and Weatherbie makes a cagey run and is in the right place at the right time and knocks it into the net. GK Hyer was on his heels and looked frozen. He should have reacted faster and gone after the ball but it was not all his fault as that ball HAS to be cleared out. The ball just skipped its way right thru the box and whoever was marking Weatherbie was ball watching as was most of Midd's players. Midd cannot make careless mistakes like that against Tufts and expect to Win this match...1-1 about 20 left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 02:26:18 PM
1-1 Midd v Tufts at Halftime...Pretty competitive game with both teams getting somewhat soft goals. Midd gets a questionable PK Goal by O'Grady and Tufts gets a Goal off a set piece which was weak defending and GK'ing that allowed it in. Midd is right in this game and match up well with Tufts starting 11(except in net) but Tufts shows the depth they have with key players off the bench that are causing Midd some problems on the defensive end. Midd has used 3 subs and Shaikh being the only real threat.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 02:27:53 PM
Colby scores on a PK with about a minute left in the 1st Half to take a 1-0 lead over Wesleyan at the Half. Have not watched the game but as predicted the stats tell a story of a game played between the 18's with both teams combining for 2 SOG all Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 02:42:44 PM
Great opportunity by Midd's Ben Potter as he picks off a horrible giveaway by Tufts CB Najjar but rips it just high over the net...Najjar MUST clean up those giveaways as he did that same pass in last years Nescac Championship and was lucky Midd did not convert.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 03:08:44 PM
Midd and Tufts still 1-1 with about 18 minutes left...2nd Half has been a very tedious affair with few chances by either team. The most entertainment has been by Tufts GK Mieth and Midd striker Reid who have had about 2 scuffles and then they both went up for a long ball and Reid absolutely slammed into Mieth...Nice show of guts by Mieth as he knew he was going to get hit on the play. I am guessing Reid new full well that he would be challenging Mieth and went in extra hard....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 03:12:26 PM
Amherst gets a goal late in the 1st Half to take a 1-0 lead over Hamilton. The Goal was a beauty off a Johnson flip throw and a sick flick/redirect header by #4 Nguyen to beat Hamilton's Frosh GK Benson. Hamilton has had some chances from what I have seen but it looks like Amherst has found a GK as Frosh Bernie White has made a couple key saves to keep Hamilton off the board.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 06, 2018, 03:35:44 PM
Camels break dead-lock in 76th minute with a great ground crossing ball that gets driven in.  1-0 Camels.  Bates has been playing hard, and definitely won't be giving up. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 03:41:26 PM
Conn goes up 1-0 with about 10 minutes left at Bates...Conn's RB Stokes looked to foul Bates Opoku but no call was made and he passed it down the wing to Conn's Christian Murphy who serves a beauty across the box that Bates defenders could not clear and finds the feet of a charging Conn midfielder Ben Manoogian who slots it home. Nice goal and again Conn's wide players are making the difference this year as Murphy and Dieng are playing some fantastic futbol. Manoogian finally gets his 1st Goal of the year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 03:44:32 PM
Conn finishes off Bates with a Goal by Conn's Liam Noonan...2-0 Conn about 5 minutes left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 03:47:03 PM
Midd and Tufts heading to 2OT tied up 1-1...Amazing 41 FOULS in this game...Nescac at its finest....I do not see a winner in this one but a solid Draw for Midd against a ranked opponent will help in November
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 04:03:22 PM
Midd and Tufts end the game tied 1-1......

Last game of the day Amherst nursing a 1-0 lead over Hamilton but Hamilton is really putting some heat on Amherst defense...Aidan Wood all over the field as Hamilton has been trying to spring him all day but Wood shows his skill and great speed by absolutely burning Amherst defender Fitzgerald as he left him in the dust and turned the corner coming in alone on Amherst GK White with White saving his shot but maybe Wood should have passed it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2018, 04:25:54 PM
Amherst defeats Hamilton 1-0...I did not see much of the 1st Half except for Nguyen's Goal but the final 20 minutes was all Hamilton as Amherst was content to sit deep and compact and protect their 1-0 lead. Hamilton had numerous looks but either the final pass was a bit off or the final hit was off...Hamilton has been having issues scoring all year and I thought they might get a couple today against Amherst but they just could not finish. Still a fantastic effort by Hamilton and they will make some noise the rest of the way if they can get some goals...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 08, 2018, 03:16:19 PM
Interesting past weekend in Nescac as my picks of dogs in 4/5 Games fell flat. It was close than it looked though. Bates had Conn 0-0 into the 70th minute or so until giving up a Goal off a giveaway and then Conn added an insurance Goal. Bates had some chances to score but were snuffed out by Conn's GK Marcucci. Teams are starting to get behind Conn's defense but Marcucci is bailing them out. Something to watch for though as it is a concern going forward for Conn. Midd got a 2nd minute Goal v Tufts that I thought could of and should of stood up but Midd gave up a weak equalizer later in the 1st Half. Besides that goal allowed Tufts did not have many dangerous chances at all and Midd should be a bit disappointed with that Goal allowed. Amherst squeaked by Hamilton 1-0 but Hamilton had plenty of looks on net especially in the final 20 minutes when Amherst was sitting compact and not coming out of a defensive shell. Hamilton just could not finish and Amherst Frosh GK White came up with a couple good saves. Colby beat Wesleyan on a PK but I did not catch that game so it is possible Colby outplayed Wesleyan but based on the stats and recap Wesleyan had some chances to get the equalizer. This week and weekend is possibly the BIGGEST in Nescac to date with multiple teams playing 2 conference games either on a weekend back to back or 1 midweek and 1 Saturday(Bowdoin will play 3 Away matches in 6 days with Williams the most likely to benefit by playing Bowdoin on Sunday).

Tuesday Nescac Predictions:

Amherst at Conn--------Amherst sits at 6-3-0 overall 3-3-0 in Nescac and are still looking for a Win v Ranked. Conn at 10-0-0 overall and 6-0-0 in Nescac with 1 GA all year(a late PK v Endicott). Conn has been playing very confident futbol all year and while I have had some issues with Conn's wingbacks the past few games, that 1 GA in 10 Games is mighty impressive. Amherst has 6 GA in 6 Nescac Games and shows some of the issues they are having in the back. The Frosh GK is looking like a shining light in net for Amherst and it is his job to lose the rest of the way. This game will be a battle and while Conn was a thorn in Amherst side when Serpone first arrived I cannot remember the last time Conn beat Amherst. It could be almost 6-7 years I am guessing without actually looking. If Amherst were to drop this game and go to 6-4-0 I do not see how they would be in line to get a Pool C especially with a game at Brandeis and at Wesleyan(who always plays them tough no matter Wesleyan's record) remaining. So it is a must Win and I think they have a good opportunity to get it. With Lind, Giamattei and Derby Amherst has plenty of firepower on the attack. McMillian has been a huge loss(he has not played since scoring v Gordon and has only played in 3 Games all year) as if they could ever get him back on the field and fit he would free up the other forwards for better looks on net. I still think they have enough firepower to atleast score v Conn tomorrow but not sure they have enough in the back to keep Conn off the board at Home. Tough game to predict but I think whoever scores first will then sit back in a prevent defense as both teams have shown they will do this with leads this year. Not sure there is a winner in this game......1-1


Bowdoin at Colby-----As previously mentioned Bowdoin has a BIG WEEK ahead with games at Colby, at Hamilton and at Williams. All are winnable games but there is no way they are going 3-0-0 in the 3 games. Colby has played well at Home of late and with Home Games v Bowdoin and Hamilton plus Road Games at Amherst and at Bates they have a realistic chance to live up to predictions and sneak into the Top 4 or at least the Top 6. A Home Playoff game would be ideal but they have a ton of work to do. This game last year was an absolute tedious match with Bowdoin winning it with a 1st Half Goal and then absorbing pressure from Colby in the 2nd Half. Colby had about 4 point blank chances to even the game and deserved some sort of result in that match. Neither team has much depth and IMO both teams have a pretty even starting 11. I give the edge to Colby as Dan Carlson has been fantastic in net and Dickey and Pugh in front of him have been impressive. Colby can easily match Bowdoin's size and I think Colby has better wing play. It is going to come down to 1 Goal and who can finish and who makes more mistakes. I would bet a 0-0 Halftime score with the winner coming at about the 70th minute. I'll give the edge to Colby.....1-0 Colby


Interesting Out of Conference matchups as well:

Coast Guard at Williams----Coast Guard has started to play better of late but I do not see them getting a Goal in Williamstown nor do I see them holding Williams scoreless for 110 minutes.....2-0 Williams

Suny Polytechnic at Hamilton-----No idea where in Upstate NY this school is even located but Hamilton easily Wins with some backups 3-1.

WCONN at Trinity----WCONN is quietly 9-2-2 but still only 4th in the LEC. They are a decent outfit and have plenty of Seniors and skill. They can be completely undisciplined at times but not UMASS Boston undisciplined and have more talent than Trinity. What exactly is Trinity playing for right now? Pride? At 2-8-0 and 0-7-0 I am not seeing much pride...WCONN 2-1.

Wheaton at Wesleyan-----Mid table Nescac / Newmac showdown with both teams in the middle of rebuilding. Wesleyan's season should be finished after this weekend with games at Williams and at Midd. With that in mind I could see Wheeler playing a ton of reserves as this Weekend is way to important to waste energy in this meaningless non-conference game. Wesleyan has looked much better on turf and this game will be played under the lights.....1-1

Babson at Tufts-----2nd installment of this fixture as last year Tufts opened their season with a 1-0 OT Win over Babson at Home on a Gavin Tasker Goal. My question is why is this game at Tufts AGAIN. Did Shapiro agree to play Babson ONLY if they would host both years? That would seem a bit petty but it is a legit question as to why Tufts is hosting this match? Babson Women have a Home match against Springfield and maybe this was the only date that would work for both teams but I find that difficult to believe as there were a couple Sunday's where Tufts did not play this year. Either way this is a MASSIVE game for Babson as at 6-1-4 they are right in the mix for a Pool C even without this game. However, like Amherst they look to be lacking a Win v Ranked so if they could ever get a Win here they would be a lock IMO. Babson is much improved from last year and I think they have the best central defender in this game in Greenspan and the best midfielder in Parker. The kid Collins out wide is a serious threat to cause trouble with his quickness and skill but he is not the toughest kid. Still he is usually wide left and should be going right at Weatherbie and he has the skill to beat Weathebie 1v1 but if Weatherbie sticks the Frosh hard in the opening minutes I think he would throw the kid right off his game. Parker could cause some problems for the awkward running Aroh but I do not think Babson will be attacking thru the middle of the field and we might see Parker drift out towards the flanks where he can be more effective...This game is a must watch(it will be on jumbocast so it is a must watch but not necessarily a "can be watched") as Tufts should be able to pin Babson in here and there but compared to last season Babson is much more dangerous on the counter. Anderson has a history of getting his teams up for "big" games like this and with what is on the line I expect Babson to show up from the get go. Tufts has not lost a Regular Season match at Bello in about 2 years as Wesleyan's Nick Jackson beat them on a header IIRC. It will be tough for Babson to do but somebody has to do it eventually so why not Babson plus I want to pick another dog.....Babson 1-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 08, 2018, 04:08:44 PM
Bates is at Thomas at Wednesday. Thomas 2 losses are to Bowdoin 2-1 and Colby 1-0. Will be a difficult road test for the Bobcats, but I see them finding a way to get it done. The Conn game was much closer than the final score. Each team dominated for stretches and I really thought Bates would punch one in midway through the second half. They had several chances. Marceau (wide open) blew one wide off a corner maybe 10 mins in to the second half, Bakken had a couple chances, but Cronin's blast off the cross bar was cruel for Bates fans.  Like all good teams, Conn capitalized on on a beautiful cross by Murphy to the back post with 14 mins left. Heart-break city for Bates.  I will say, its encouraging to see the compete level up several notches this year. Gotta find at least one more conference win to secure a 'CAC playoff berth.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 08, 2018, 04:10:33 PM
Conn 2 - Amherst 0.  Statement win for the camels.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 08, 2018, 05:01:55 PM
TBH, I will be very surprised if Amherst doesn't win this game.  And I expect Tufts to be sky-high for the game next weekend.  If Conn gets 2 wins I would be inclined to vote them #1 overall.  I wish Conn luck as a program needs wins in these spots to truly break through.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 08, 2018, 08:30:35 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on October 08, 2018, 04:10:33 PM
Conn 2 - Amherst 0.  Statement win for the camels.

I am in this camp... and should be an interesting one with both teams really going at it, and hopefully a minimum of those flip throw-ins (ugh,not a fan) flying across Freeman field.  Camels 2-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on October 08, 2018, 09:20:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 08, 2018, 03:16:19 PM
This game is a must watch(it will be on jumbocast so it is a must watch but not necessarily a "can be watched")

This is one of the advantages of living in Medford.  I can be at Bello in eight minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 09, 2018, 10:49:21 AM
I think Conn plays quality soccer all over the field and will be able to handle Amherst. I think it will be difficult to flip throw at Conn as the field they are using these days has big slopes on the sidelines. The Amherst defense wont be able to keep Conn from literally taking the ball to the goal. Even a takedown in the box is a distinct possibility. Conn should win this game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 09, 2018, 11:28:27 AM
Quote from: Buck O. on October 08, 2018, 09:20:49 PM
This is one of the advantages of living in Medford.  I can be at Bello in eight minutes.

I'm also in Medfa, but closer to the West Medford train stop and without a car. Still, it's not too difficult. If I can just get the MBTA to make a stop at the Tufts interlocking then getting to these games will be even easier.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 02:55:46 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on October 09, 2018, 10:49:21 AM
I think Conn plays quality soccer all over the field and will be able to handle Amherst. I think it will be difficult to flip throw at Conn as the field they are using these days has big slopes on the sidelines. The Amherst defense wont be able to keep Conn from literally taking the ball to the goal. Even a takedown in the box is a distinct possibility. Conn should win this game.

Yes I realize I predicted a Draw but it also would not surprise me if Conn Won this match. Conn's Manoogian is one of if not the biggest competitor's in the league and hates to lose. His fight rubs off on his teammates and this is a game that it will be needed. Taft product MT Tshuma will be a threat against Amherst's suspect CB's as long as he does not get intimidated by their physicality and a couple hard fouls. Murphy and Dieng wide are really playing well and if Manoogian, who got his first Goal of the year up at Bates on Sunday starts to score like last year as a holding midfielder than watch out. I also agree the way Conn's field is set up could affect Amherst Bryce Johnson's long throws but he will still get them off and Conn's CB's Donelan and Stoneback MUST be on their toes. I am guessing Murphy will want Manoogian to stay tight with the CB's to help when Amherst has the ball but I hope it does not hinder him from going forward as he is the type of player that will score in this game. I am a little shocked that Serpone has not give Avon Old Farms stud Sean Dube a chance to strat in the back as he is one hell of an athlete. Maybe he is a year off. I am hesitant to still keep my prediction a Draw but the more I think about it the more I agree with some of you that Conn Wins this game. Still I am never one to be indecisive so I will stick with my 1-1 Final.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 03:01:44 PM
Colby v Bowdoin about to get underway in a game where both teams need 3 pts. Lineups look relatively untouched except Colby has the TREE Jacob Tower starting for Lucas Pereira up top. Bowdoin gives last weekend goal scorer Junior Jake Shultz his first start of the year. Two veteran Seniors Morant and Masterson have a combined 4 starts between them this season which is surprising because Wiercinski has in the past liked both of them up top.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 03:10:45 PM
Colby with a legit first chance from a beautiful 40 yard low driven ball by Berolzheimer into space for the lightning quick Douglas running onto it but Bowdoin GK gets big and shuts it down..Nice opportunity especially after Bowdoin has come out playing some decent futbol. At the start it looks like both teams know they need a Win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 03:25:24 PM
Quick peek into Williams starting lineup v Coast Guard looks a bit worrisome..Williams missing 3/4 Regular Starting defenders in CB Liam Bardong, RB Andrew Mathew and LB Nick Ranieri. I know Ranieri has been out with a concussion but not sure whether the other 2 defenders are being rested for this upcoming monster weekend with Home games v Wesleyan and Bowdoin or if they are also injured. Also possible is they got sacked from the lineup which we will knoe right away if they come off the bench. Demian Gass is still out as he has not played since the Amherst match and it is looking more and more that he will be out for a while. I remember him limping off the field at Amherst so maybe it is an ankle/knee/hamstring issue? Who knows but these are all key losses and Williams does not have the depth to replace all these players. It should not matter v Coast Guard today but this weekend could be another story.

UPDATE: Starting CB Liam Bardong comes off the bench 10 minutes in..Very interesting as I thought Bardong and Scatt McDonald were a solid CB pairing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 03:49:18 PM
Colby v Bowdoin 0-0 about 5 minutes to go in 1st half and a more entertaining game than I expected. Colby has looked very dangerous on the counter but has not been able to finish yet. Both teams have had some decent looks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 09, 2018, 04:02:49 PM
"Bernie White" somehow makes me think of "Whitey Bulger."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 09, 2018, 04:13:29 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 09, 2018, 04:02:49 PM
"Bernie White" somehow makes me think of "Whitey Bulger."

Or Walter White....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 04:16:11 PM
Interesting lineup by Serpone....He has moved former CB Fikayo Ajayi out to RB which makes no sense to me...The kid is not a legit defender but Serpone almost is forcing the issue..He has already gotten burned by Conn's wide player Murphy...Amherst other starting CB Felix Wu is not on the field and Serpone has the ultra slow but big monster Sean Fitzgerald at CB alongside Will Cohen...Not sure where Jack O'Brien is but I actually like him as a player...Bryce Johnson stays at LB as he is a solid defender and obviously has the long throw....Conn made only 1 change with their striker as they have turned to Frosh Augie Djerdjaj. I am guessing Highton is still injured but I really like Taft School Frosh MT Tshuma the past few games up top. I am guessing he will be looked for to be a spark plug off the bench.


NOTE:  Serpone brings O'Brien off the bench and puts him in the back and pushes Ajayi up the field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 04:50:52 PM
Bowdoin 1-0 over Colby with about 10 minutes left.....All the love I have been giving Colby's GK Dan Carlson all year and for good reason as he has made some big saves to save the Mules in 2018 BUT it all goes out the window as Bowdoin gets a Goal on a MASSIVE GK'ing error by Carlson...Bowdoin striker Luke Lockwood is out on the left flank and hits a harmless cross into the box without ANY Bowdoin players near the 6 yard line...Carlson goes to pick the line drive up and catch it but instead he gets over it a bit and the ball deflects off of him and sneaks into the net....Ridiculous GK'ing error just cost his team and the way Bowdoin defends 1 Goal leads I expect them to see this game out and grab a KEY 3 pts....That is really to bad..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 04:56:05 PM
Meanwhile...Predictably Conn and Amherst are 0-0 at the Half with each team having some looks but both look very wary of giving up that first goal...

Williams continues to under perform as they look uninterested in a 0-0 match at Home v Coast Guard who has next to nothing goin forward but have a GK and some decent defenders..Still Williams needs to find a Goal....0-0 about 20 minutes left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 05:06:29 PM
Conn's Dieng almost made it 1-0 about 5 minutes into the 2nd Half but it hits the post and stays out of the net....Still 0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 09, 2018, 05:11:43 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 05:06:29 PM
Conn's Dieng almost made it 1-0 about 5 minutes into the 2nd Half but it hits the post and stays out of the net....Still 0-0

He just wanted to provide a teaser. 1-0 Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 09, 2018, 05:23:52 PM
Stoke City ties it, 1-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 05:24:29 PM
Yup...Dieng finishes to give Conn an important 1-0 lead...I will say that is just porous defending by Amherst especially the big stiff Fitzgerald...He failed to tackle a Conn player and then was to slow to track the man and Dieng takes advantage...Fitzgerald gives you size but is so damn slow and showed right there he missed a key tackle....However, Amherst gets even on the first Goal scored against Conn in the run of play...Amherst scores off a corner on a failed clearance by Conn on defense and then the ball slipped thru Marcucci who was screened....Both Goals not the prettiest but effective...1-1 about 25 minutes left...

Meanwhile...Coast Guard has taken Williams to OT as it is 0-0 and with back to back games this weekend this is the last thing Williams needs....Williams finally breaks thru in the 1st OT in what looks to be a Goal off a corner if I am reading the live stats correctly...Still that is a piss poor performance by Williams and will need to really pick it up with Wesleyan and a red hot Bowdoin coming to town this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 05:27:07 PM
Conn is really missing their top 2 strikers with Highton and MT Tshuma not playing...They cannot afford to have those two out long term...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 09, 2018, 05:41:11 PM
God they play some ugly stuff...yyyyyyyyuck. It may be effective at times but is tough to watch. (I know, I can just not watch, but that requires more effort than complaining.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 09, 2018, 05:44:03 PM
The one thing I have to give them credit for is coming back from being 1-0 down. I figured that Amherst getting anything from this game would come as a result of parking the bus, but they have had to go for it after going behind. Fair 'nuff.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 06:08:41 PM
Conn RB Stokes with a careless giveaway near his own box as he got stripped by an Amherst double team but Amherst Ajayi(who Serpone has moved up front) was basically useless with the ball and Amherst could not take advantage....0-0 2nd OT about to start...Amherst needs a victory here but Bowdoin all of a sudden at 7-3-0 could be ranked and give Amherst a ranked Win
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 09, 2018, 06:10:12 PM
Johnson gets burned down the left side and Conn. gets a cross off but White gets out there just before the Camels attacker is able to get a foot on it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 06:17:34 PM
Manoogian gets his 2nd Yellow(soft Yellow if u ask me) and now Conn down to 10 men ...More importantly Tufts GETS A HUGE break as they will now face a Conn team without its leader...That is a major loss for Conn this weekend....I think Amherst GK situation looks to be solved for now as White is a monster in net and very solid in the air not sure how good he is getting down but Amherst has finally found a decent GK...Why was this kid not starting from the beginning of the season is another question
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on October 09, 2018, 06:22:33 PM
So this is the first time I've watched Conn College and I caught most of both overtimes.  Am I missing something here?  They didn't look all that impressive to me.  Were the 2 OT periods an anomaly as far as how they usually play?  I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 09, 2018, 06:26:01 PM
Watched almost that entire game and oddly feel like I didn't learn much, other than Amherst's talent level being down quite a bit.  Conn looked more dangerous with better playmakers and Amherst seemed like almost a caricature of their reputation re: playing style.  Amherst GK did not make any mistakes.....but I didn't fully trust him either....seemed maybe like a poor man's Blake Mullen.

Losing your leader for next game versus Tufts is NOT good as Mr.Right noted, especially on a play like that on the offensive end.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2018, 06:26:40 PM
1-1 Final.....After the final whistle blows Murphy did not look interested in shaking hands with Serpone/Shea....Stream dropped off so maybe they shook afterwards but after a 90 minute game of Serpone's histrionics it can annoy some opposing coaches...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 09, 2018, 06:27:55 PM
Quote from: OldNed on October 09, 2018, 06:22:33 PM
So this is the first time I've watched Conn College and I caught most of both overtimes.  Am I missing something here?  They didn't look all that impressive to me.  Were the 2 OT periods an anomaly as far as how they usually play?  I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks.

Agreed based on that game.  Will have to tune in to Tufts game, but now I really will be surprised if they get a result with Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 10, 2018, 08:34:27 AM
Conn game disappointing and not their best, especially with Camels losing a key player for the Tufts game. 

Related ---  I can't imagine what it would be like with BOTH teams doing the Flip-Throw ins. Taking an extra 20 seconds for the player to jog across the field and set up for each throw in on both sides would drive me crazy and completely disrupt any flow of the game. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2018, 09:41:14 AM
I do not see how anyone can make a judgement of a team based on 1 game or even 2 10 minute overtimes. I think you need to give a team 2-3 games before you can make any serious analysis on them. Conn is not the most technical team and no they are not playing the beautiful game but am not sure what you  were expecting to see. Amherst can make ANY team(yes even Messiah) look bad. Amherst dictates its style onto every opponent and it just mucks the game up completely. Add a narrow grass field and a poor stream angle and that is what you get. Had Conn been playing Anna Maria on turf you would probably be saying the complete opposite. Conn is a very solid Nescac outfit for a couple reasons. They are extremely organized, they bust their ass(every player) for a full 90, they have one of the best GK's in D3 and they have been injury free for the most part with a very workmanlike starting 11. Conn is not as deep as Tufts and are not quite as talented but with a solid spine and superb GK'ing they will be in any game they play against anyone in the country. They were missing 2 key strikers yesterday MT Tshuma a talented Frosh from Taft and Ben Highton. The loss of Manoogian is MASSIVE as that was a WEAK 2nd Yellow in OT and that will hurt v Tufts BUT they can bring in Miranda and he is a solid player. He is not as good as Manoogian and it will kill Conn's depth against Tufts but Conn was going to have to only go 2-3 players deep against Tufts anyway. It will not be the prettiest game on Saturday but it will be a battle. It will only be Tufts 2nd game on grass all year and Tufts looks nothing like they do on turf when playing on grass. Conn like all Nescac teams struggle to score goals but the past 2 years they have shown they are a very hard team to beat. Last year at Tufts it was a Half field scrimmage as Conn had maybe 2 SOG but I expect a different game in New London on Saturday with a ton on the line. The winner will win the Nescac Regular Season title and host the Nescac Championship. Manoogian is a competitve kid and he will be the most disappointed of anyone that he can not play in one of the biggest games of his career.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on October 10, 2018, 09:45:30 AM
According to an excellent source, Serpone advanced in interviewing for at least one new job for which an offer reportedly was not forthcoming.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2018, 10:02:06 AM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 10, 2018, 09:45:30 AM
According to an excellent source, Serpone advanced in interviewing for at least one new job for which an offer reportedly was not forthcoming.

I have heard rumors in the past about him wanting to get out of Coaching. I think he applied to be Deerfield Academy AD if I am not mistaken a couple years ago so you are probably correct. I think he has kids now and his wife is UMASS Womens Lax Coach so not sure if they can move...Who knows...You would think by watching him he would love to Coach but apparently he would rather be an administrator.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on October 10, 2018, 10:06:39 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 10, 2018, 09:41:14 AM
Amherst can make ANY team(yes even Messiah) look bad. Amherst dictates its style onto every opponent and it just mucks the game up completely. Add a narrow grass field and a poor stream angle and that is what you get.

I have to agree with this. I watched about a half of Amherst vs Williams on small field and it looked like a bad high school game. Just ugly. Flip throw on every throw in as many have commented on already.  Very little possession. Just really bad. I've watched Tufts a number of times and to me they are far superior to Amherst.   The camera angle point also does make it look even worse. 

Edit:  I don't think on a better field that Amherst can impose ugly style onto other top teams for a full 90 minutes. But at home it would be really difficult to play pretty soccer for any team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on October 10, 2018, 10:39:41 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 10, 2018, 09:41:14 AM
I do not see how anyone can make a judgement of a team based on 1 game or even 2 10 minute overtimes. I think you need to give a team 2-3 games before you can make any serious analysis on them. Conn is not the most technical team and no they are not playing the beautiful game but am not sure what you  were expecting to see. Amherst can make ANY team(yes even Messiah) look bad. Amherst dictates its style onto every opponent and it just mucks the game up completely. Add a narrow grass field and a poor stream angle and that is what you get. Had Conn been playing Anna Maria on turf you would probably be saying the complete opposite. Conn is a very solid Nescac outfit for a couple reasons. They are extremely organized, they bust their ass(every player) for a full 90, they have one of the best GK's in D3 and they have been injury free for the most part with a very workmanlike starting 11. Conn is not as deep as Tufts and are not quite as talented but with a solid spine and superb GK'ing they will be in any game they play against anyone in the country. They were missing 2 key strikers yesterday MT Tshuma a talented Frosh from Taft and Ben Highton. The loss of Manoogian is MASSIVE as that was a WEAK 2nd Yellow in OT and that will hurt v Tufts BUT they can bring in Miranda and he is a solid player. He is not as good as Manoogian and it will kill Conn's depth against Tufts but Conn was going to have to only go 2-3 players deep against Tufts anyway. It will not be the prettiest game on Saturday but it will be a battle. It will only be Tufts 2nd game on grass all year and Tufts looks nothing like they do on turf when playing on grass. Conn like all Nescac teams struggle to score goals but the past 2 years they have shown they are a very hard team to beat. Last year at Tufts it was a Half field scrimmage as Conn had maybe 2 SOG but I expect a different game in New London on Saturday with a ton on the line. The winner will win the Nescac Regular Season title and host the Nescac Championship. Manoogian is a competitve kid and he will be the most disappointed of anyone that he can not play in one of the biggest games of his career.

Fair points, Mr. Right.  What was I expecting? I know how Tufts plays, so I guess I was expecting a little bit more of that kind of play, but as you say playing Amherst doesn't allow a team to play their own game very much.  I really did want to hear what everyone had to say about this and my point wasn't to bash Conn College, so I think I will try to watch a couple of their other games if I can. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 10, 2018, 12:27:02 PM
Totally agree that stream quality, angle and turf vs grass make big difference.  That said, I find games played on football fields pretty unwatchable. 

I keep getting in trouble with my words.  Maybe head and shoulders was too strong but I will maintain that Tufts as a program has gained separation from the rest of the league.  I do love the Conn GK....and I'm sure they have some other talent but I also expect them to look small out there compared to Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: letsGOswans! on October 10, 2018, 07:54:47 PM
Have been taking a backseat this season in fear of saying something that could taint the Camel's run. Props to Murphy for having Conn at the top of the table with a realistic shot at winning the league for the first time ever. It seems that the Camel's are building on their success from last year (making the NCAA tournament). It does seem that the rest of the league is down this year. Surely no one would fancy this Tufts team to beat the Tufts teams from the last few years? I watched the Conn vs. Amherst game and no one can say Amherst is close to the same Amherst as previous years. They miss leaders like Wirz, Noon, Pascual-Leone, and threats like Orozco and Martin. They just seemed to lack the same aggression, attitude, meanstreak... Williams is a skeleton of their former self, although the standards set by those Williams teams in the earlier part of this decade were pretty high. Midd  is obviously missing the contributions of Glaser and Conrad. Bowdoin seems to play the same as always. Murphy sure does make his system work though. Funny how "more talented" Conn teams boasting POYs like Hawkey and Devlin couldn't match the current success of this far younger team.


Let's go Camels! This Saturday's game is massive. What a shame that Manoogian is going to miss this one due to such a soft call. This weekends game is a toss up and will go to whoever makes less mistakes
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2018, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: letsGOswans! on October 10, 2018, 07:54:47 PM
Have been taking a backseat this season in fear of saying something that could taint the Camel's run. Props to Murphy for having Conn at the top of the table with a realistic shot at winning the league for the first time ever. It seems that the Camel's are building on their success from last year (making the NCAA tournament). It does seem that the rest of the league is down this year. Surely no one would fancy this Tufts team to beat the Tufts teams from the last few years? I watched the Conn vs. Amherst game and no one can say Amherst is close to the same Amherst as previous years. They miss leaders like Wirz, Noon, Pascual-Leone, and threats like Orozco and Martin. They just seemed to lack the same aggression, attitude, meanstreak... Williams is a skeleton of their former self, although the standards set by those Williams teams in the earlier part of this decade were pretty high. Midd  is obviously missing the contributions of Glaser and Conrad. Bowdoin seems to play the same as always. Murphy sure does make his system work though. Funny how "more talented" Conn teams boasting POYs like Hawkey and Devlin couldn't match the current success of this far younger team.


Let's go Camels! This Saturday's game is massive. What a shame that Manoogian is going to miss this one due to such a soft call. This weekends game is a toss up and will go to whoever makes less mistakes



I do not agree with much of this post as it is almost like you came swooping in after watching 1 game and farted out a bunch of gobbledygook.  Nescac is not down this year. I do agree with your assessment of Amherst as they are definitely down and do seem to lack their usual mental toughness and killer instinct. Williams has been down since 2013 so nothing different there as they have been brought back to the pack. So we have a couple of former powers that are off but we have maybe 4 teams that have improved every year. No longer are games v Colby, Bates, Hamilton considered easy games.

While Tufts does not have the individual talent they did in 2014 they are still very good and the best team in the league. They are more disciplined now than they were in Shapiro's early years and are loaded with depth that they did not have back then. They just do not have a stud that stands out like they once did mainly because IMO their style and tactics. Gone are the days of scoring 7 Goals in the NCAA Semi's and Final and now we have a disciplined, compact, Bobby Clark/ Georgetown/ Dartmouth tedious but effective style of play. They are incredibly fit, have a great work ethic, defend as a team, can go 16 players deep and not drop off, incredibly athletic and just breathe confidence. I obviously cannot argue the results BUT I feel sometimes I am watching a team that is on a tight leash. If Shapiro would let this outfit just come out and play and go at teams and use their skill and all out attack sending numbers forward all game I think we would all have a much different opinion of this bunch. They would be capable of beating some Nescac teams handily while scoring tons of Goals, playing true futbol and be entertaining to watch. They have enough talent that I would guess they would probably have the same record they do now. Would they have loss or two? Maybe...but after going 328 minutes of scoreless NCAA Soccer in 2017(had they advanced over Brandeis in PK's that # could of gone up to 400) why not go out swinging. I feel like this whole "more afraid to lose than going out to win" is not only frustrating for a fan but if I was a player I would be pissed knowing we have such a talented team and we are not opening it up. Yes I realize that the point is to win championships not to entertain BUT you can do both...Instead we get 1-0 half field scrimmages...OPEN THE GAME UP....you have the talent to do it...It is actually much easier to coach what Tufts is doing now compared to say what Pep does at Man City....So we are stuck with the most talented team in the league playing with the motto that Tufts wants to Win but puts way to much emphasis on not wanting to lose.

Back to the Swan---Middlebury does not miss Conrad and Glaser...they shouldn't miss Conrad to much as he is sitting on the bench as an assistant. Conrad and Glaser WON NOTHING...Never got into the NCAA's and they had NCAA talent especially with Sydor in net. I will not go into detail on why I think they failed to Win but the year after they graduated Midd got right back into the NCAA's. This Midd team this year is very dangerous and I actually think they have one of their better teams in years. They play well at Home and their starting 11 can match any other Nescac 11. BTW I have also noticed the GK Hyer has looked more confident in net the past few weeks and maybe he is beyond getting his feet wet and feels comfortable back there. Maybe he has been putting in the work at practice with the GK Coach but he does look improved compared to their first game at Conn. They will need him back there if they want to make a run...I must say had Soph striker Brandon Reid worked on his game this offseason they would be that much better. For a Jamaican his touch needs work and it just looks like he really did not work on his technique at all. He only has 1 Goal in 10 Starts with 7 SOG..That is awful stuff for a starting striker who probably plays about 60-65 minutes a game.

As for your Conn argument I do not agree. This is the best team they have had in years. You are correct that past Conn teams have had studs like Hawkey and Devlin but they did not have much support and more importantly did not play like a team. 2012/2013/2014 Conn had some MONSTER back lines and some big boys in the spine like Colin Patch and Zach Punt but had awful GK'ing...My point is this is Conn's best team because they are solid at basically every position in the starting lineup with about 3-4 guys off the bench that are legit. THEY ARE A TEAM..They play like a team and for whatever reason have bought into what Murphy is preaching. Marcucci is the key as Conn has never had anything close to the GK'ing that he brings. Dieng coming back also was huge and I could go on and on which I have posted in the past.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 11, 2018, 09:04:54 PM
The observations about Tufts are probably accurate to an extent.  They have without question been the most successful NESCAC team in the NCAA tournament over the past half dozen years or so, and they probably currently have the deepest top 18 among the NESCAC teams.  That said, in my opinion they are not light years ahead of the rest of the NESCACs as your comments might imply...  One of the beauties of the NESCAC is that it is so competitive teams 1-11, and has been for the 15 years or so that I've been spectating.  It's not always beautiful "futbol" as some of our posters like to lament, but the primary objective is to win, and the academic and athletic caliber of the student athletes makes for a fun spectacle...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 11, 2018, 09:21:05 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 11, 2018, 09:04:54 PM
The observations about Tufts are probably accurate to an extent.  They have without question been the most successful NESCAC team in the NCAA tournament over the past half dozen years or so, and they probably currently have the deepest top 18 among the NESCAC teams.  That said, in my opinion they are not light years ahead of the rest of the NESCACs as your comments might imply...  One of the beauties of the NESCAC is that it is so competitive teams 1-11, and has been for the 15 years or so that I've been spectating.  It's not always beautiful "futbol" as some of our posters like to lament, but the primary objective is to win, and the academic and athletic caliber of the student athletes makes for a fun spectacle...

Interesting because Mr.Right got on me for saying Tufts is "head and shoulders" above the rest of the league.  Would you agree that Tufts has created some separation? 

At any rate, I too would like to see what Tufts would look like if they opened up a bit.  As I noted before, and despite them being fortunate in some big spots over the past few years, a team that plays so close to the vest takes a real chance of losing on a fluke goal or not advancing on PKs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 11, 2018, 09:24:58 PM
No...I wouldn't say "head and shoulders", not even in a shampoo ad.  All kidding aside, Tufts is good and has a great recent pedigree, but they are not a huge cut above the rest of the NESCACs in my view...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 11, 2018, 09:57:22 PM
I do not recall saying anything about Tufts being "light years ahead of the rest".....Never said it and if that was what you took from reading my post I am frustrated to say the least....PN got it....I think you chose to ignore it and put your own spin on a totally different argument instead of arguing the other side of the position I took and given me a list of reasons why Tufts should not change a damn thing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 11, 2018, 10:19:21 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 11, 2018, 08:09:48 PM
While Tufts does not have the individual talent they did in 2014 they are still very good and the best team in the league. They are more disciplined now than they were in Shapiro's early years and are loaded with depth that they did not have back then. They just do not have a stud that stands out like they once did mainly because IMO their style and tactics. Gone are the days of scoring 7 Goals in the NCAA Semi's and Final and now we have a disciplined, compact, Bobby Clark/ Georgetown/ Dartmouth tedious but effective style of play. They are incredibly fit, have a great work ethic, defend as a team, can go 16 players deep and not drop off, incredibly athletic and just breathe confidence. I obviously cannot argue the results BUT I feel sometimes I am watching a team that is on a tight leash. If Shapiro would let this outfit just come out and play and go at teams and use their skill and all out attack sending numbers forward all game I think we would all have a much different opinion of this bunch. They would be capable of beating some Nescac teams handily while scoring tons of Goals, playing true futbol and be entertaining to watch. They have enough talent that I would guess they would probably have the same record they do now. Would they have loss or two? Maybe...but after going 328 minutes of scoreless NCAA Soccer in 2017(had they advanced over Brandeis in PK's that # could of gone up to 400) why not go out swinging. I feel like this whole "more afraid to lose than going out to win" is not only frustrating for a fan but if I was a player I would be pissed knowing we have such a talented team and we are not opening it up. Yes I realize that the point is to win championships not to entertain BUT you can do both...Instead we get 1-0 half field scrimmages...OPEN THE GAME UP....you have the talent to do it...It is actually much easier to coach what Tufts is doing now compared to say what Pep does at Man City....So we are stuck with the most talented team in the league playing with the motto that Tufts wants to Win but puts way to much emphasis on not wanting to lose.

I actually think Tufts is the most "open" of the NESCAC teams I've watched this year. Williams is up there in terms of aiming to possess and I have seen Bates, Colby, and Conn. play some nice stuff as well, but I can't say that any of them are more attack-minded than Tufts. Maybe I am wrong, but in the 4 times I've watched Tufts this year I've been impressed with their intention to play combinations in the middle and play down the side with overlaps. That being said, I'd agree that they are less "open" in the last few years than they were in, say, in 2014 and 2015, although I'm not sure how much of that is just my perception. I do feel like they are more content to drop into their 4-5-1 and look to regain possession and counter than they are likely to high press as they have done in the past, and maybe that's symptomatic of an increased defensive focus.

As for their position in the league, I think Tufts is the best team in the conference, but not by a large margin at all, as I'd put Conn. right behind. What the Jumbos are, though, is consistent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 01:20:43 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 11, 2018, 10:19:21 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 11, 2018, 08:09:48 PM
While Tufts does not have the individual talent they did in 2014 they are still very good and the best team in the league. They are more disciplined now than they were in Shapiro's early years and are loaded with depth that they did not have back then. They just do not have a stud that stands out like they once did mainly because IMO their style and tactics. Gone are the days of scoring 7 Goals in the NCAA Semi's and Final and now we have a disciplined, compact, Bobby Clark/ Georgetown/ Dartmouth tedious but effective style of play. They are incredibly fit, have a great work ethic, defend as a team, can go 16 players deep and not drop off, incredibly athletic and just breathe confidence. I obviously cannot argue the results BUT I feel sometimes I am watching a team that is on a tight leash. If Shapiro would let this outfit just come out and play and go at teams and use their skill and all out attack sending numbers forward all game I think we would all have a much different opinion of this bunch. They would be capable of beating some Nescac teams handily while scoring tons of Goals, playing true futbol and be entertaining to watch. They have enough talent that I would guess they would probably have the same record they do now. Would they have loss or two? Maybe...but after going 328 minutes of scoreless NCAA Soccer in 2017(had they advanced over Brandeis in PK's that # could of gone up to 400) why not go out swinging. I feel like this whole "more afraid to lose than going out to win" is not only frustrating for a fan but if I was a player I would be pissed knowing we have such a talented team and we are not opening it up. Yes I realize that the point is to win championships not to entertain BUT you can do both...Instead we get 1-0 half field scrimmages...OPEN THE GAME UP....you have the talent to do it...It is actually much easier to coach what Tufts is doing now compared to say what Pep does at Man City....So we are stuck with the most talented team in the league playing with the motto that Tufts wants to Win but puts way to much emphasis on not wanting to lose.

I actually think Tufts is the most "open" of the NESCAC teams I've watched this year. Williams is up there in terms of aiming to possess and I have seen Bates, Colby, and Conn. play some nice stuff as well, but I can't say that any of them are more attack-minded than Tufts. Maybe I am wrong, but in the 4 times I've watched Tufts this year I've been impressed with their intention to play combinations in the middle and play down the side with overlaps. That being said, I'd agree that they are less "open" in the last few years than they were in, say, in 2014 and 2015, although I'm not sure how much of that is just my perception. I do feel like they are more content to drop into their 4-5-1 and look to regain possession and counter than they are likely to high press as they have done in the past, and maybe that's symptomatic of an increased defensive focus.

As for their position in the league, I think Tufts is the best team in the conference, but not by a large margin at all, as I'd put Conn. right behind. What the Jumbos are, though, is consistent.


That is the current situation in Nescac these days. It is odd for a side like Tufts to be thought of as the most attack minded team in the conference yet still collapse immediately into a 4-5-1 and continually cram the middle of the field full of hard working midfielders. Shuffling in one after another off the bench with the immediate concern being formation, positioning and shape. The idea being Tufts never playing a game where they did not dominate and control midfield. Hence you get 3 central midfielders.  Simply put a 4-5-1 is usually used by teams that are weaker than its opponent, NOT the best team in the league. The purpose being to build a team with a solid back 4 then have Aroh as your holding midfielder with his only responsibility to break up play and nothing else. Then you insert two extremely quick wingers(Tasker/Lane) and an extremely hard working striker who is left for dead up top(Braun). The whole point of a 4-5-1 is not attacking futbol or possession oriented play it is set up to have counters throughout the game. However in Nescac it only amounts to about 3-4 real dangerous counters a game because basically every team is sitting back and absorbing pressure. This is where I am trying to make my point that Tufts being the best team in the league should be bustin out of its shell and going at these other teams. They have the talent to do this in fact every team has the talent to play this way but Tufts us top dog. I mean I would play a 4-5-1 if I am Castleton St taking on Messiah as I am not expecting any possession and I want to keep things tight not when I am the best team in the league hosting Bates.. No matter what Tufts is doing either in 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1 or 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 it does not matter as every Nescac team is just sitting back and soaking up pressure which in turn makes Tufts attack more stifled and slow.  This is not a Tufts problem IT IS A LEAGUE PROBLEM.  Basically, every team is playing week in and week out with the main goal of soaking up pressure hence we get treated to 0-0 and 1-0 games, if lucky maybe 2-1. See Amherst is in a 4-3-3 BUT Serpone tucks his wingers in so damn tight when Amherst does not have the ball it looks like a 4-5-1 anyway but when they do get the ball they have(well used to have) some really solid chances off the counter. Williams is always in a 4-2-3-1 these days. Same with Colby..on and on...It is almost like both teams in a Nescac game are just willing to sit back and wait for a couple counters. Make sure all 11 starters are in their defensive side of the field and you will always have a man on the ball. This is why I was so curious when you posted last year about Tufts playing in a 3-5-2. Now that system is total risk/reward as I am wondering how many games he stayed in a 3-5-2 if any AND when they were in it did he allow his wingbacks to bomb forward. I am guessing because of the leadership of Coleman organizing a back 3 with the help of Kulcsar right in front to keep everything in check it allowed Shapiro the opportunity to take a small risk and play a system fraught with some danger. I would have liked to see Tufts in that system but I do not remember it at all. With Shapiro able to trust a player like Kulcsar I imagine it gave Shapiro the freedom last year to use the 4-1-4-1.....IDK.....I am rambling but I just want to see more teams in Nescac get sack and embrace the risk/reward of playing futbol. These coaches must stop being so afraid of giving up the 1st Goal in a game.














Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 12, 2018, 08:02:18 AM
I agree with the observation that defensive alignments and the soaking up of pressure are a league-wide "problem" in the NESCAC.  My guess is this is due to the fact that the league is so competitive from top to bottom, and also because the league is contained within such a compact geographic region.  These coaches and programs know each other well and see each other 10 times a season during an intense 6-7 week time period.  It's different from the UAA, where the schools are spread around the country and fly to away games.  In the NESCAC every point counts, thus the value of draws over losses.  So yes, most of the NESCAC coaches seem to take a conservative approach to ensure their chances of getting to the post-season tournament(s).  If the league were top heavy with one or two ultra dominant teams and a bunch of real weaklings, it would probably be much easier for the dominant teams to open up and play wide open attacking football.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 09:00:37 AM
The mini-disagreement here RE:  whether there is any separation between Tufts and the rest of the NESCAC and if so how much --which I think I at least informally started here -- seems to mirror the little spat I got into in the other thread (whether there is separation between solid to very good D1 players and very good to standout D3 players, muddled somewhat by the same kind of question between D3 and D1 programs....and also muddled by most of us never quite knowing how to describe Messiah and its attraction perhaps totally irrespective of NCAA Division).

I'm not trying to be wedded to certain words ("head and shoulders," etc) and am more interested in whether or not there is some degree of consensus perception.  If I'm reading this right, it seems those chiming in are basically agreeing that Tufts currently is the top program and then the rest is a matter of proportion in terms of degree of separation.

So, without getting caught up in the exact words, here is what goes into what I think....All or most of the NESCACs have long histories and are capable of drawing some good players, and most have good to very good coaches.  As we've seen from parents involved in the recruitment game, many kids/families would be pretty happy with any NESCAC.  So what, at least at the present time, IMO, makes Tufts a little different?  First, two national titles in 4 years, wrapped around a Sweet 16 loss on a last minute goal and an Elite 8 loss on a golden goal.  The coach developed and led a program that as Mr.Right has said was left with "a cup of stale coffee and bag of old balls with a couple of cones."  He's turned the program into one where apparently Tufts now gets kids who might otherwise have gone to Williams or Amherst or Midd or Bowdoin.  It at least feels like they have created more of a "program" or machine-like deal, and currently there is a vibe and tradition going on that sells itself, with the new guys coming in every year buying in.  Is is just a coincidence that Tufts is the program that had kids put together a pretty impressive video series which in addition to being fun for the players participating probably doesn't hurt for recruiting either?  And then there is the depth, being able to go 16/17/18 deep with little to no drop-out and an ability to put sustained pressure on other teams throughout the midfield so that they have little time to breathe.  I'd love to know if and how Shapiro changed the messaging after he took over...maximizing the distinction of the NESCAC so close to Boston, the difference in size of the school and offerings, personal appeal as a person/coach, etc.  I presume Tufts doesn't get more "tips" than other NESCACs simply because of its larger size.  I think one could fairly ask how much Tufts might drop if Shapiro moved on too.  I'm not sure it's like Messiah or OWU where the tradition of the programs would keep things going even when the coach moves on.

Of course none of that means other NESCACs can't beat Tufts on any given day as they say.  Conn beat them twice in the first national title season, and almost prevented them from even having a shot at a title.  Other teams have beaten them.  They've had draws or tight 1-goal wins against Colby/Bates, etc.....The competition is tough and that likely will not change, but we can still ask about style and whether Tufts might do as well or better if they "opened up" more and played more offensively.  I agree with Mr.Right that the Jumbos should be able to consistently get more than 4-5 clean chances a game to score with the current talent level and depth. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 12, 2018, 10:43:28 AM
I concur with some of the points you raised PaulNewman.  From all appearances, Shapiro has built a sustained program at Tufts.  For high school seniors who are relatively agnostic about which NESCAC school they want to attend, or for those who are drawn to the bright lights of the big city, it would be an attractive place to go.

A partial counterpoint would be that if I were a high caliber high school soccer player with strong academic credentials and an interest in the NESCAC, do I want to go to Tufts with its recent winning heritage and its deep roster, or do I want to perhaps be more of an impact player at highly desirable places like Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin and Middlebury (all of which rank ahead of Tufts in most academic college rankings)?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 11:28:22 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 12, 2018, 10:43:28 AM
I concur with some of the points you raised PaulNewman.  From all appearances, Shapiro has built a sustained program at Tufts.  For high school seniors who are relatively agnostic about which NESCAC school they want to attend, or for those who are drawn to the bright lights of the big city, it would be an attractive place to go.

A partial counterpoint would be that if I were a high caliber high school soccer player with strong academic credentials and an interest in the NESCAC, do I want to go to Tufts with its recent winning heritage and its deep roster, or do I want to perhaps be more of an impact player at highly desirable places like Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin and Middlebury (all of which rank ahead of Tufts in most academic college rankings)?


I actually believed PN's analysis of Tufts was spot on before your post put a exclamation point on it. I am not going to dig deep into this because we have discussed this numerous times but the Tufts turnaround is nothing short of brilliant. As much as I have questioned Shapiro's tactics recently I will never question what he has done at Tufts. The "building" of an atmosphere which almost seems is on autopilot at this point is fantastic. He is the best recruiter in Nescac and at this point the school sells itself. However, as truenorth stated once Shapiro/Tufts started to steal players from Williams and Amherst you knew that Tufts was going to become a power. I have seen a couple players that have turned down Williams/Midd and gone to Tufts and 10 years ago it would be hard to find any player doing that. He has my utmost respect for building this program into a NCAA Championship contender every year and even harder building it into a consistent winner year to year. I was just criticizing his tactics because of all the talent he has now. I would hope that if Tufts has another NCAA exit with trouble scoring goals this year that Shapiro would maybe change things up a bit in 2019.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 12, 2018, 12:04:52 PM
Truenorth - just to counter your point:

"if I were a high caliber high school soccer player with strong academic credentials and an interest in the NESCAC, do I want to go to Tufts with its recent winning heritage and its deep roster"...YES! Tufts is never ranked as a liberal arts school due to its graduate schools/med school/vet school, etc (only NESCAC not to be considered "liberal arts"); rather its considered a national university in college rankings so has to compete against the Harvards, Yales, Ivies, U Chicagos, etc.

If we're talking purely undergraduate liberal arts then I don't think there is much difference between the top tier NESCACS (Amhert, Williams, Midd, Bowdoin, Tufts). I know we've had this on the boards before, but in terms of 2019 acceptance rates, 1. Amherst & Bowdoin are 14%...Tufts and Williams are 15%...Colby and Wesleyan are 16%...Middlebury is 17%...then a slight drop off with Bates at 22%.

Again, my point is that I don't think that a "high caliber player" thinks he'll lose anything "academically" by choosing any one of the top NESCAC schools over the other. To echo Mr. Right's comments, that's why Tufts has been able to get the kids Amherst and Williams used to get all the time over the other schools. Academic excellence is guaranteed at any one of these schools, but consistent and recent winning tradition is currently only guaranteed at one...

My two cents on the recent and sustained success of the program.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 12:42:21 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 12, 2018, 10:43:28 AM
I concur with some of the points you raised PaulNewman.  From all appearances, Shapiro has built a sustained program at Tufts.  For high school seniors who are relatively agnostic about which NESCAC school they want to attend, or for those who are drawn to the bright lights of the big city, it would be an attractive place to go.

A partial counterpoint would be that if I were a high caliber high school soccer player with strong academic credentials and an interest in the NESCAC, do I want to go to Tufts with its recent winning heritage and its deep roster, or do I want to perhaps be more of an impact player at highly desirable places like Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin and Middlebury (all of which rank ahead of Tufts in most academic college rankings)?

As someone fascinated with the psychology of the college search and selection process, this is the kind of discussion I love.  A few minor responses....

I have lived 40-45 miles from the Tufts campus.  Never had a thought about Tufts for either of my kids, aside from whether or not they would have been admitted (and both would have been competitive without athletics).  Knew it was a very good school but not a place I was ever excited about.  Now let me be clear.....Tufts would have had NO interest in my kid in terms of soccer.  He didn't pursue recruitment much at all anywhere for a couple of reasons that I won't go into here.  His dream NESCAC was Colby, where he was admitted regular decision, but since he wasn't an early decision recruit, the coach wouldn't even commit to a likely roster spot.  In the end he picked Kenyon over Colby because he had a spot (with what ended up to be 19 other frosh) and got some merit money, and all worked out very well.  At any rate, to partially endorse oldonionbag, I think Tufts' reputation academically has risen (risen from an already fairly lofty place), and perhaps its reputation greater on more of a national than local level.  We've noted many times the ways Tufts is different than the other NESCACs (and more like UAAs).  Anyway, I don't think most folks blink or think there is a significant prestige difference between Tufts and the four other NESCACs you cited.  So, perhaps not as highly desirable to me or you, but there are many others out there who seem to think Tufts as a school is out of this world.  Just my sense.

Second point.  If coming through now as a "smart" recruit, I actually might look more seriously at one of the others BECAUSE of concerns regarding Tufts' depth and quality of the soccer program.  In other words, I could see kid thinking their chances of actually playing and starting might be better at the others you cited.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2018, 12:54:52 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 12, 2018, 12:04:52 PM
My two cents on the recent and sustained success of the program.

All valid points, but I don't think that was what truenorth was getting at — I think he was more or less speaking to the fact that a given player, all other things equal, may have a more difficult time getting playing time at Tufts versus Williams/Amherst/Midd/Bowdoin and that perhaps it may behoove a player to go somewhere where they can be the big fish in the small pond (and go to a given school that is arguably more prestigious).

As for those four schools (Williams/Amherst/Middlebury/Bowdoin), I would also view as being in their own echelon within the NESCAC in terms of prestige. I do agree that academic excellence is prevalent at all schools within the conference, but I've always thought about those four as being in their own segment. Maybe I need to re-examine my opinion. Again, all NESCACs are great schools, and I don't think a kid could go wrong academically by going with a perceived "less prestigious" school within the conference.

Additionally — at the risk of parsing words — I don't think there's any "guarantee" of those results continuing; no team (including Tufts) has a divine right to success. The framework is certainly there for it to continue, and it's certainly a good situation, but just want to be sure that nothing is pre-ordained in D3 soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on October 12, 2018, 12:56:51 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 09:00:37 AM
I think one could fairly ask how much Tufts might drop if Shapiro moved on too.  I'm not sure it's like Messiah or OWU where the tradition of the programs would keep things going even when the coach moves on.

Personally, I think that Tufts would do well even if Shapiro were to move on (which I don't expect him to do).  PN, you alluded to this in a later post, where you correctly noted that given its size, location, and majors offered, Tufts is much more like a UAA school than the other NESCAC schools.  As a result, it offers something that the other NESCACs don't, if you don't want to be in Brunswick, ME or Middletown, CT or Clinton, NY, and a hypothetical successor to Shapiro should be able to capitalize on that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 01:05:17 PM
Interesting...I can understand how could Serdjenian could not commit a roster spot to a kid he has never seen play. I think you can understand that but more interesting to me is did he follow up and come watch him play or atleast call around to other Coaches in the area to inquire? Was there any effort by him or actually you guys to get him playing in some sort of game in front of Serdjenian? Or was it more of a "your welcome to come tryout in the Fall but i cannot commit to anything" type thing which for a program like Colby is a bit lazy because I am assuming by your post that you were implying your kid did not play club soccer and kind of slipped thru the cracks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 01:16:38 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 12, 2018, 12:54:52 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 12, 2018, 12:04:52 PM
My two cents on the recent and sustained success of the program.

All valid points, but I don't think that was what truenorth was getting at — I think he was more or less speaking to the fact that a given player, all other things equal, may have a more difficult time getting playing time at Tufts versus Williams/Amherst/Midd/Bowdoin and that perhaps it may behoove a player to go somewhere where they can be the big fish in the small pond (and go to a given school that is arguably more prestigious).

As for those four schools (Williams/Amherst/Middlebury/Bowdoin), I would also view as being in their own echelon within the NESCAC in terms of prestige. I do agree that academic excellence is prevalent at all schools within the conference, but I've always thought about those four as being in their own segment. Maybe I need to re-examine my opinion. Again, all NESCACs are great schools, and I don't think a kid could go wrong academically by going with a perceived "less prestigious" school within the conference.

Additionally — at the risk of parsing words — I don't think there's any "guarantee" of those results continuing; no team (including Tufts) has a divine right to success. The framework is certainly there for it to continue, and it's certainly a good situation, but just want to be sure that nothing is pre-ordained in D3 soccer.

Bloots, that was actually my point about perhaps better chances to play at the others.  truenorth was raising the prestige issue.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2018, 01:24:04 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 01:16:38 PM
Bloots, that was actually my point about perhaps better chances to play at the others.  truenorth was raising the prestige issue.

You did, but this is what I was referencing:

Quote from: truenorth on October 12, 2018, 10:43:28 AM
A partial counterpoint would be that if I were a high caliber high school soccer player with strong academic credentials and an interest in the NESCAC, do I want to go to Tufts with its recent winning heritage and its deep roster, or do I want to perhaps be more of an impact player at highly desirable places like Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin and Middlebury (all of which rank ahead of Tufts in most academic college rankings)?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 01:43:31 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 01:05:17 PM
Interesting...I can understand how could Serdjenian could not commit a roster spot to a kid he has never seen play. I think you can understand that but more interesting to me is did he follow up and come watch him play or atleast call around to other Coaches in the area to inquire? Was there any effort by him or actually you guys to get him playing in some sort of game in front of Serdjenian? Or was it more of a "your welcome to come tryout in the Fall but i cannot commit to anything" type thing which for a program like Colby is a bit lazy because I am assuming by your post that you were implying your kid did not play club soccer and kind of slipped thru the cracks.

No he did play club...with the older Savonen kid, Robbie Lynch, Altneu (UVM and Wheaton), Sheridan (Rochester), etc.

Was more a case of blossoming and maturing physically senior year of high school during the period when most of recruiting already done or far along, so partly the decision of thinking he was a decent to good candidate to play came very late.  Also wasn't clear if he might be precluded from playing (medical) so that created some hesitancy for us and at least some coaches.

I'm guessing Serdjenian inquired around a bit...not sure.  We sent tapes around and stuff like that but it was in the January/Feb time frame....was too late for high school season and club season wasn't underway.  The timing of everything was tough.   Would not have been a star at Colby by any means, but certainly could have helped them.  Everything worked out....the academics worked out great and from a soccer perspective Kenyon had a nice run.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 01:47:13 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 12, 2018, 01:24:04 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 01:16:38 PM
Bloots, that was actually my point about perhaps better chances to play at the others.  truenorth was raising the prestige issue.

You did, but this is what I was referencing:

Quote from: truenorth on October 12, 2018, 10:43:28 AM
A partial counterpoint would be that if I were a high caliber high school soccer player with strong academic credentials and an interest in the NESCAC, do I want to go to Tufts with its recent winning heritage and its deep roster, or do I want to perhaps be more of an impact player at highly desirable places like Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin and Middlebury (all of which rank ahead of Tufts in most academic college rankings)?

OK, yes, got it now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 01:57:26 PM
I still do not think you can lump Midd and Bowdoin with Amherst and Williams. Williams and Amherst have always been and continue to be top dogs. Midd and Bowdoin right behind them with Wesleyan. Usually a ton of kids have Midd and Bowdoin as comparable but Wesleyan is its own beast and it is fairly more common to see a Wesleyan / Brown dynamic. Then you have Colby and Bates with Hamilton right behind them. Trinity and Conn are at the bottom but still obviously very good schools and I would probably put Trinity closer to Hamilton than Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on October 12, 2018, 03:36:47 PM
I don't want to comment on the 'ranking' of the schools within the conference because there is no right answer. Much of it is a matter of perception and is highly subjective. If you talk to college counselors today, you'll likely get a different current ranking based upon the recent results of kids accepted from their high schools. Needless to say, you can't go wrong at any of these schools, and you need to find the right fit in the classroom, on the team, on campus, etc. My son, a 2019 commit, made his NESCAC school choice and based it upon a variety of factors, many of which have been mentioned in the thoughtful discussion of the past 24 hours.

That said, I want to offer a brief word on Tufts and the process that Shapiro has going there, and to offer my $.02 on why he might be so successful recruiting. I'm not talking about Tufts as a school, I'll let others judge the school. But I can say that the sales pitch from Shapiro, if you are on his short list, is much more compelling than most other schools. He laid out to my son exactly where he saw him fitting on the squad, who he was going to play behind, when he'd likely get consistent minutes, and how he should look at the learning process while he worked out and trained. It was all very specific, quite thought out, and for a high school player looking at a top notch school and program, very compelling. Only one other NESCAC coach approached my son in such a fashion, but it wasn't nearly as specific in terms of the plan. It was, however, far beyond what he got from many other NESCAC coaches, most of whom spent too much time selling their schools and relying on assistant coaches to keep the lines of communication opened. I get that coming from Wesleyan, because it has a reputation as a more liberal place (as someone mentioned, in the mold of Brown) and it might require more selling to certain players. From most of the others, not so much.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 03:45:38 PM
Sounds about right...Shapiro is very attentive to every detail in every process. I find it a bit much to be spelling out to your son where he will play and who he will play behind and how many minutes and starts he will get as a Frosh. NO ONE can control that. You get injuries, maybe your son doesn't pan out as expected and now Shapiro has to change things up or change his position. These are all things out of his control unless he has super natural powers to be able to discern EVERY recruit and tip he brings in and know before the kid enrolls how good he will be. Most Coaches make mistakes EVERY year on at least 1 player and I am betting Shapiro falls into that category as well. It is only realistic to make a mistake once in a while so promising minutes, position and # of goals he will tally is WAY to much information. There is no way he could make all those promises happen......I am just using your son as an example as I am not saying he will fail or whatever just making a point...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 12, 2018, 03:59:06 PM
Rangerfan, I am sure your boy will be a success, but Mr. Right is absolutely correct.
There are soooo many variables in the college game, it is really impossible to predict which freshman will succeed (right away).
The position he plays has a whole lot to do with it, a does the coaches view of him.

Coaches make mistakes and players lose confidence.
I think the players who have early success in college are those that are more consistent as opposed to the best players.
Sometimes these things go together, sometimes they do not.
Some good high school players have to learn consistency at the college level while above average players who consistently bring that level will  play a lot more early on.

By Junior year things usually even out and talent rises to the top (if the player sticks with the program or is allowed to).
Injuries is another BIG BIG factor.
Picking up an injury early on can destroy a players' career.

Also, there may be one or two sleepers on the team who will break out and surprise the coach and force him to change whatever he told recruits beforehand. This does not mean the coach is not honest, just that a few players he may have overlooked decided to bring it!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 12, 2018, 04:41:10 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 01:57:26 PM
I still do not think you can lump Midd and Bowdoin with Amherst and Williams. Williams and Amherst have always been and continue to be top dogs. Midd and Bowdoin right behind them with Wesleyan. Usually a ton of kids have Midd and Bowdoin as comparable but Wesleyan is its own beast and it is fairly more common to see a Wesleyan / Brown dynamic. Then you have Colby and Bates with Hamilton right behind them. Trinity and Conn are at the bottom but still obviously very good schools and I would probably put Trinity closer to Hamilton than Conn.

Actually the modern day college rankings are a bit more diverse than simply the traditional US News rankings.  Forbes has a list that combines universities and colleges and accounts for the ROI on the college investment.  And Niche has a ranking largely driven by student feedback.  The criteria for each of these rankings differ, and one can certainly make the case that these criteria are silly and irrelevant vs. what's important in the real world...but high school students, their parents and their guidance counselors do pay some attention to this stuff...

https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-liberal-arts-colleges
US News ranks Williams #1, Amherst #2, and Bowdoin and Midd tied for #5 (along with Pomona and Carleton) among "national liberal arts colleges".

https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
US News ranks Tufts #27 among "national universities".

https://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/list/#tab:rank
Forbes ranks Williams #11, Amherst #16, Bowdoin #17, Tufts #33 and Midd #36 among all universities and colleges combined.

https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-liberal-arts-colleges/
Niche ranks Bowdoin #2, Amherst #3, Midd #6 and Williams #13 among liberal arts colleges.

At the end of the day, all the NESCAC schools are top notch academic institutions...but to my earlier point, if a student athlete wants to start right away and/or have more playing time, he ironically might have a better shot at doing so at Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin and Midd vs. Tufts with its deep roster in the current moment.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 05:16:45 PM
Quote from: Saint of Old on October 12, 2018, 03:59:06 PM
Rangerfan, I am sure your boy will be a success, but Mr. Right is absolutely correct.
There are soooo many variables in the college game, it is really impossible to predict which freshman will succeed (right away).
The position he plays has a whole lot to do with it, a does the coaches view of him.

Coaches make mistakes and players lose confidence.
I think the players who have early success in college are those that are more consistent as opposed to the best players.
Sometimes these things go together, sometimes they do not.
Some good high school players have to learn consistency at the college level while above average players who consistently bring that level will  play a lot more early on.

By Junior year things usually even out and talent rises to the top (if the player sticks with the program or is allowed to).
Injuries is another BIG BIG factor.
Picking up an injury early on can destroy a players' career.

Also, there may be one or two sleepers on the team who will break out and surprise the coach and force him to change whatever he told recruits beforehand. This does not mean the coach is not honest, just that a few players he may have overlooked decided to bring it!!!


+k Saint...Well said and we learned this summer through your write-ups what you had to do in your early SLU career to succeed and all the setbacks you had to overcome. It can all be very eyeopening for any Frosh. Those are a MUST read for any incoming College Frosh IMO...Well done
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 12, 2018, 05:29:51 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 12, 2018, 12:04:52 PM
Truenorth - just to counter your point:

"if I were a high caliber high school soccer player with strong academic credentials and an interest in the NESCAC, do I want to go to Tufts with its recent winning heritage and its deep roster"...YES! Tufts is never ranked as a liberal arts school due to its graduate schools/med school/vet school, etc (only NESCAC not to be considered "liberal arts"); rather its considered a national university in college rankings so has to compete against the Harvards, Yales, Ivies, U Chicagos, etc.

If we're talking purely undergraduate liberal arts then I don't think there is much difference between the top tier NESCACS (Amhert, Williams, Midd, Bowdoin, Tufts). I know we've had this on the boards before, but in terms of 2019 acceptance rates, 1. Amherst & Bowdoin are 14%...Tufts and Williams are 15%...Colby and Wesleyan are 16%...Middlebury is 17%...then a slight drop off with Bates at 22%.

Again, my point is that I don't think that a "high caliber player" thinks he'll lose anything "academically" by choosing any one of the top NESCAC schools over the other. To echo Mr. Right's comments, that's why Tufts has been able to get the kids Amherst and Williams used to get all the time over the other schools. Academic excellence is guaranteed at any one of these schools, but consistent and recent winning tradition is currently only guaranteed at one...

My two cents on the recent and sustained success of the program.

Colby has become so popular, it actually hit 13% acceptance rate for the Class of 2022:  12300 applications and 1600 acceptances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 06:09:19 PM
I have marveled at Colby's rise since my days of having such a serious parental interest.  1970s, what accounts for the rise?  New President?  Non-apologetic commitment to raising the ranking?  Some other new strategic plan? 

I can remember having a sense of Colby from before I had a personal interest up to when I did.  Colby certainly was very well thought of, but did seem to be pretty locked in with Bates, with Bowdoin as the slightly superior big brother.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Colby has done better with their endowment growth over the years while Bates struggled in that area, so I don't know how much that has impacted things.  I've also always thought of Bates as slightly crunchier, perhaps shading in vibe towards Wesleyan (or Oberlin/Kenyon).  At any rate, Colby seems intent on joining Midd and Bowdoin as a full-fledged equal.  I have a real fondness for Colby...beautiful school and obviously doing really well.  I suppose it is too remote for some but that didn't bother me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 06:36:35 PM
Nescac Predictions:

------This is a key weekend in Nescac with 6 out 11 teams playing back to back's. Sunday night we should have a solid idea of where teams stand as most teams will have the same number of games played. We have 8 teams within 4 pts of each other which is something I have never seen before this late in the season.

Midd at Trinity-----Midd will dominate Trinity in this game. When a team like Bates rolls into town and outshoots you 28-5 or whatever then you know things are going downhill.  Bates has improved but not that much. Only thing in Trinity's favor is this is an 11am kickoff which might throw Midd for a loop but I doubt it will matter. As I have said since Trinity dropped its first 3 Nescac games in astonishing fashion they are well on their way to going 0-10-0 in the league. History tells us that Trinity Admin could care less about Soccer but they did build both Soccer programs that brand spanking new field which is really solid so maybe they are starting to come around. For any other school I would say Pilger is on the hot seat but I still do not believe Trinity really cares enough to make a move. Pilger has been there for about 14 years so he has built up plenty of relationships with admin and I am sure he is well liked. Still if enough people are complaining I am sure Trinity would at the very least look into the situation as they do have a new AD who might actually care about sports other than Football and Squash which the President cares most about. Trinity has been leaking goals like crazy all year.........3-1 Midd


Bowdoin at Hamilton----------It's October and Bowdoin is going on its usual winning streak after starting the season slowly. They have won 5 games in a row with 3 shutouts. This does not bode well for Hamilton as they are in a massive goal scoring slump. They have 4 goals in 7 Nescac games. They are 1-4-0 in their last 5 Nescac games scoring 2 goals in those 5 games. I mean they are still creating chances but cannot finish anything. Other than not scoring goals they have looked pretty solid as I like the Frosh in net and they have been steady in the back but Wood's production is way off. Hamilton's two strikers Wood and Schmidt have only scored 1 goal apiece as it might be time for Perry Nizzi to change the lineup a bit. Frosh Dils has two goals plus veterans Casadei and Chapman have 2 apiece but Hamilton's other veterans Plump, Casadei and Milnarik have zero. We have two teams going in opposite directions here which would lead any sane person to pick Bowdoin but I never claimed to be sane. Hamilton plays well at Home and finds the goal they need in the 2nd Half as their backline strength, height and physicality deals with Niang, Reid, Morant and whoever else Bowdoin sends forward on set pieces.....1-0 Hamilton


Wesleyan at Williams---------Wesleyan is hanging in the Nescac Playoff race by a thread. They are 2-4-0 with 6pts and finish with Williams, Midd, Amherst and Conn. I am guessing they need to get to 12 pts to get into the Top 8. Maybe 10 or 11 pts will do it but I would not count on it. That means that Wesleyan must Win two games from those 4 teams I just mentioned. Wesleyan is having more trouble scoring goals than Hamilton right now. They have scored 7 Goals all season so I am not seeing how they can get 2 Wins in their final 4 games but it is possible. I suppose they could go 1-1-2 and grab 5 pts to get to 11 total and possibly just qualify. Wesleyan traditionally does not play well at Williams and without looking I am guessing they have not won in Williamstown since a monster upset in the 2010 Nescac Quarters. I could definitely see them grinding out a Draw in this game if the bounces go their way. Williams looked completely uninterested in their 1-0 OT Win v Coast Guard midweek. Sullivan has decided to move Bardong out of the CB position and insert the frosh Oberg into his natural position. Seems a bit of odd timing in the middle of the season especially because I thought Bardong had been playing well with Scatt MacDonald at CB. Oberg is a natural CB so I get it but now you have way to many holding midfielders as Bardong will play there along with Dory and Andreou you need to find time for all  3 as none of them are attacking midfielders. Change is fine BUT after the issues finishing at Skidmore you would think we would see maybe a change in attack or even getting out of this 4-2-3-1. Williams plays well at Home plus they have a ton to play for right now as they do have games in hand on everyone but are currently in 9th place so they need points in both these games this weekend.....Williams 2-0


Colby at Amherst---------Colby has had another up and down season kind of like last year. They are 5-4-2 but a respectable 2-3-2 in Nescac. Their finishing schedule could be favorable with this match, Home v Hamilton and at Bates to finish the year. Yet another team having real trouble scoring goals as they have a measly 3 goals in 7 Nescac games. Of course they have only given up 5 goals. Amherst is 6-3-1 and 3-3-1 in Nescac and have scored 7 goals and conceded 7. Amherst has struggled defensively IMO this season and starting CB did not play at Conn. Their other CB Ajayi started at RB and Serpone started Cohen and Fitzgerald at CB. Fitzgerald is slow as molasses and Colby could take advantage as they have 2 very quick wingers and Pereira is quick enough up top to exploit this. I have a feeling though Seabrook will start Tower up top to counter Amherst size and he has no skill but is effective on set pieces. Amherst has been down all year but they did show some fight in equalizing at Conn after they went down 1-0. Colby has shown the ability to absorb tons of pressure and get results on the road. They did beat Amherst last year at Home and Amherst will remember that. Amherst obviously has more horses and will be putting tons of pressure on Colby's net but if Colby's GK can play like he has all season(minus the disastrous GK'ing error against Bowdoin) and Colby stays disciplined defensively(which they usually do) plus get a couple good looks on the counter(which has happened but far to infrequent and they have not been finished) then they will have a chance at getting a result here. I do not think Amherst loses at Home and for all I know they come out and score a couple quick goals but I see a Draw in this match.......0-0


Tufts at Conn---------Game of the weekend as this game will decide who wins the league and hosts the Nescac Tournament. They both do still have to travel to Bowdoin and Tufts still has a match v Williams so it is possible that those teams factor into who wins the league as well. I have gone into detail the past few days on Tufts and Conn as there are no secrets in this match. The loss of Manoogian for Conn really does hurt as he is their leader but Miranda should fill in for him and do fine. Another factor is if Conn's striker MT Tshuma is playing as he did not play against Amherst. He is dangerous as he could get behind Tufts CB's with his speed. So against Tufts 4-5-1 Conn needs to immediately play fast when they get the ball to catch Tufts before they get set defensively. Easier said than done especially on that narrow field. Conn must play direct and I think hit ball after ball over the top to bypass Tufts midfield. Conn should just cede the midfield battle and hit balls over the top to wingers Murphy and Dieng as use their speed to their advantage. If they can play direct and fast and hit some accurate balls over the top they can not only bypass Tufts midfield but burn Najjar as those three Conn players are faster than he is. Tufts other three backs Weatherbie, Daly and Paoletta do have speed so everything has to be done to precision. Try to get the first goal(if there is a goal) and then sit on the lead.....Conn 2-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 06:38:34 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 06:09:19 PM
I have marveled at Colby's rise since my days of having such a serious parental interest.  1970s, what accounts for the rise?  New President?  Non-apologetic commitment to raising the ranking?  Some other new strategic plan? 

I can remember having a sense of Colby from before I had a personal interest up to when I did.  Colby certainly was very well thought of, but did seem to be pretty locked in with Bates, with Bowdoin as the slightly superior big brother.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Colby has done better with their endowment growth over the years while Bates struggled in that area, so I don't know how much that has impacted things.  I've also always thought of Bates as slightly crunchier, perhaps shading in vibe towards Wesleyan (or Oberlin/Kenyon).  At any rate, Colby seems intent on joining Midd and Bowdoin as a full-fledged equal.  I have a real fondness for Colby...beautiful school and obviously doing really well.  I suppose it is too remote for some but that didn't bother me.


It could be just as simple as Waterville v Lewiston....I have no idea why you would want to spend 4 years in Lewiston....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2018, 06:54:19 PM
Quote from: Mr.RightI have no idea why you would want to spend 4 years in Lewiston....

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

You sound like somebody from Maine!

To be fair it has improved a lot, but for a while it was definitely not somewhere you wanted to be alone at night out on the streets.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 07:05:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 06:38:34 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 06:09:19 PM
I have marveled at Colby's rise since my days of having such a serious parental interest.  1970s, what accounts for the rise?  New President?  Non-apologetic commitment to raising the ranking?  Some other new strategic plan? 

I can remember having a sense of Colby from before I had a personal interest up to when I did.  Colby certainly was very well thought of, but did seem to be pretty locked in with Bates, with Bowdoin as the slightly superior big brother.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Colby has done better with their endowment growth over the years while Bates struggled in that area, so I don't know how much that has impacted things.  I've also always thought of Bates as slightly crunchier, perhaps shading in vibe towards Wesleyan (or Oberlin/Kenyon).  At any rate, Colby seems intent on joining Midd and Bowdoin as a full-fledged equal.  I have a real fondness for Colby...beautiful school and obviously doing really well.  I suppose it is too remote for some but that didn't bother me.


It could be just as simple as Waterville v Lewiston....I have no idea why you would want to spend 4 years in Lewiston....

Right, but doesn't explain why they used to be considered so interchangeable or so even.....and Waterville isn't exactly Amherst or even Brunswick.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 13, 2018, 12:50:15 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 07:05:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 06:38:34 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 06:09:19 PM
I have marveled at Colby's rise since my days of having such a serious parental interest.  1970s, what accounts for the rise?  New President?  Non-apologetic commitment to raising the ranking?  Some other new strategic plan? 

I can remember having a sense of Colby from before I had a personal interest up to when I did.  Colby certainly was very well thought of, but did seem to be pretty locked in with Bates, with Bowdoin as the slightly superior big brother.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Colby has done better with their endowment growth over the years while Bates struggled in that area, so I don't know how much that has impacted things.  I've also always thought of Bates as slightly crunchier, perhaps shading in vibe towards Wesleyan (or Oberlin/Kenyon).  At any rate, Colby seems intent on joining Midd and Bowdoin as a full-fledged equal.  I have a real fondness for Colby...beautiful school and obviously doing really well.  I suppose it is too remote for some but that didn't bother me.


It could be just as simple as Waterville v Lewiston....I have no idea why you would want to spend 4 years in Lewiston....

Right, but doesn't explain why they used to be considered so interchangeable or so even.....and Waterville isn't exactly Amherst or even Brunswick.

Arrival of new President has coincided with a somewhat meteoric rise in popularity and rankings.  He has made it a priority to increase diversity and market the school nationally, resulting in record numbers of applications and a class profile that seems to become more impressive each year. Colby's endowment is now in the $800 million plus range, whereas Bates is more like $300 million.  Bowdoin's endowment is approximately $1.4 billion.

Colby has somewhat of an advantage over both of the Maine schools in that its campus has vast available land.  Although the school is over 200 years old, the current campus, which moved from downtown Waterville, dates from the 1950s and was built on vacant land, which allowed for organized planning and complementary architecture, and which probably makes it the most aesthetically appealing of the three schools.  The athletic facilities are currently in the process of a significant upgrade, boasting the most impressive baseball, softball, and soccer facilities in the conference.  The school is also in the midst of constructing a $200 million plus, 300,000 SF athletic center (to open in 2020), which may be unmatched anywhere in D3 (including Kenyon's, which I have visited).  The school is fortunate, like other NESCACs, to have wealthy alumni donors, and Colby is currently conducting a $750 million capital raising campaign.  The school is also unique in that it has the largest (and finest) art museum in the state, which has one of the best collections of American art in the country.

Not only is Waterville more appealing than Lewiston, Colby's president has made it a priority to engage with the community.  Colby has invested tens of millions of dollars in revitalizing the downtown, and recently completed a downtown dormitory that houses 200 students, contains retail space and a public space that the Waterville city council uses for meetings.

All of these factors, plus the diverse academic offerings and off campus facilities, probably mean that the school will continue to be a popular destination for the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 13, 2018, 09:01:25 AM
Yes, David Green, the current Colby president is a high roller who comes from a family of college administrators.  He is aggressive, has sterling contacts, and has done a lot in a relatively short period of time to raise Colby's profile .  But I've heard some alums and faculty members say some of this change has been too much, too fast and has caused Colby to lose a little bit of its soul in the process...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 13, 2018, 09:13:36 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 03:45:38 PM
Sounds about right...Shapiro is very attentive to every detail in every process. I find it a bit much to be spelling out to your son where he will play and who he will play behind and how many minutes and starts he will get as a Frosh. NO ONE can control that. You get injuries, maybe your son doesn't pan out as expected and now Shapiro has to change things up or change his position. These are all things out of his control unless he has super natural powers to be able to discern EVERY recruit and tip he brings in and know before the kid enrolls how good he will be. Most Coaches make mistakes EVERY year on at least 1 player and I am betting Shapiro falls into that category as well. It is only realistic to make a mistake once in a while so promising minutes, position and # of goals he will tally is WAY to much information. There is no way he could make all those promises happen......I am just using your son as an example as I am not saying he will fail or whatever just making a point...
Adding to your point Mr. R, I once knew a skinny SLU freshman  kid who was third in line for the #7 shirt but by game number 2  both players ahead of him broke their leg and he inherited the classic number not based on anything but weird freak destiny or chance....  :)

That is how random things can be in the college game.

I would advise any HS senior to do their best to diversify their game in order to give the coach more to think about in terms of where you can slot in if need be.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 11:27:32 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 13, 2018, 09:01:25 AM
Yes, David Green, the current Colby president is a high roller who comes from a family of college administrators.  He is aggressive, has sterling contacts, and has done a lot in a relatively short period of time to raise Colby's profile .  But I've heard some alums and faculty members say some of this change has been too much, too fast and has caused Colby to lose a little bit of its soul in the process...

Interesting point about soul.  Of course we're all going to mostly defend/promote our own schools and those our kids attend.  I tried to pump Kenyon as hard as I could for a couple of years here.  Anyway, 35-40 years ago Davidson was beautiful and very quaint with a little village almost like Kenyon is to this day.  Nowadays, Davidson still has a very attractive and impressive campus but also the school and area have grown and developed  so much that it is like a cross between an upscale planned community a la Reston, VA and a fancy amusement/water park.  I personally now prefer Kenyon despite the disparity in USNWR type rankings and greater resources, and that -- aside from the lingering Southern religiosity that I don't love -- is mostly a gut feeling about soul and some Platonic idea about what college should look and feel like (and of course "soul" is something that such schools also market so one can certainly question what is real and what is mirage in terms of soul).

The thing about athletic complexes is also a huge point.  Kenyon has gotten a ton of mileage out of their fancy, state of the art complex, but now it's 10 or more years old.  Wooster has since built a beautiful place.  I think Denison has or is in the process of doing so.  I know there are a number of schools like Colby that have or are doing so.  It's sort of like brand-new NFL stadiums and NBA arenas....what's state of the art today will seem old and outdated in 15-25 years. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 11:59:57 AM
Quote from: Saint of Old on October 13, 2018, 09:13:36 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 03:45:38 PM
Sounds about right...Shapiro is very attentive to every detail in every process. I find it a bit much to be spelling out to your son where he will play and who he will play behind and how many minutes and starts he will get as a Frosh. NO ONE can control that. You get injuries, maybe your son doesn't pan out as expected and now Shapiro has to change things up or change his position. These are all things out of his control unless he has super natural powers to be able to discern EVERY recruit and tip he brings in and know before the kid enrolls how good he will be. Most Coaches make mistakes EVERY year on at least 1 player and I am betting Shapiro falls into that category as well. It is only realistic to make a mistake once in a while so promising minutes, position and # of goals he will tally is WAY to much information. There is no way he could make all those promises happen......I am just using your son as an example as I am not saying he will fail or whatever just making a point...
Adding to your point Mr. R, I once knew a skinny SLU freshman  kid who was third in line for the #7 shirt but by game number 2  both players ahead of him broke their leg and he inherited the classic number not based on anything but weird freak destiny or chance....  :)

That is how random things can be in the college game.

I would advise any HS senior to do their best to diversify their game in order to give the coach more to think about in terms of where you can slot in if need be.

Great points, SoO....a team's top recruits certainly come in with a substantial advantage (in addition to usually being really good) and most often do well, but not always.  There is hope for those who come in far more unheralded if they work really hard, are determined, and are mostly all about the team and being a great teammate.

I knew a kid who didn't even get a jersey or dress for his first 3 games, got a chance after the coach benched a couple of guys for various reasons, then started for the rest of frosh year and most of soph year, was first sub off the bench his last 2 years, scored on Shoemaker Field in a NCAA game, and was a highly valued part of a squad that rose to #2 in the country.  Pretty cool for a kid who didn't think he could (or would be cleared to) play college soccer at all.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2018, 12:28:40 PM
Halftime on a dreary rainy day in Hartford.....Midd leads Trinity 3-2 in what was easily the most entertaining Half I have seen all year in Nescac. Credit to Trinity for coming out and busting their butt with nothing on the line. They took it to Midd the first 20 minutes as they were the better team. Once Midd went down 2-0 they suddenly awoke and ripped off 3 straight goals to take a 3-2 lead into Halftime. Midd's usual holding midfielder #4 Jeremy Barovick is not in the lineup today so I am assuming he suffered an injury against Tufts last weekend as he did not play against Utica midweek. Trinity got a nice 1st Goal after picking Goulart's pocket(as Goulart stood and watched instead of busting back and tracking) and sent a nice thru ball to Trinity's #7 Alistar Matule who slotted it near post right under Hyer's arms. Trinity took a 2-0 lead off a nice give and go by Henry Belt and Logan Peterson and then a pass to Allistar Matule who scored his 2nd Goal of the game as he slotted it in the corner of the net. At this point in the game Midd was not playing with any energy and looked disinterested as a team. Trinity's 2-0 lead I think woke Midd up as they got 1 Goal back by Drew Goulart on a terrible giveaway by Trinity in their own half and then some porous defending and weak tackling. Some really bad stuff by Trinity and they showed on that goal why they are leaking so many goals this season. Even before getting a goal back Midd was dominating possession as they would soon grab the equalizer 4 minutes later off a long ball by Midd's Raffi Barsamian and led Drew Goulart into a breakaway in on Trinity's GK and slotted it near post and easily tied the game up 2-2. Trinity stopped playing hard like they were earlier in the Half and were running out of gas as they are certainly not the fittest team even this deep into the season. Usually Pilger liberally makes tons of substitutions but he has only made 1 today which I have never seen before. I think it speaks to how little talent is on this squad as they have no depth at all. Right before Halftime Midd took the lead 3-2 off a set piece. Midd's O'Grady got tripped right outside the box. The Frosh Brendan Barry who has started to get more and more playing time off the bench hit a beauty of a ball into the mixer and Aidan Robinson banged it home with a sweet header. Trinity does not have the size to deal with Midd on set pieces...3-2 Halftime in a wild and fun game. Trinity came out hot but since going down 2-0 Midd has dominated the game and I look for Midd to settle in the 2nd Half and calm the game down and get a little more conservative as they must get 3pts here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2018, 01:07:31 PM
Uneventful 2nd Half in Hartford as Midd defeats Trinity 3-2. Trinity had one really solid look with about 5 minutes left. Off a cross from the endline the ball landed at Trinity's John Mullin's feet and he took a nice touch to deke one defender and give himself a clear look at net near the 6 yard box. At this point Midd GK Hyer had made a very questionable decision to come charging out of his net and mucked it up as a Midd defender was in his way and Mullin shot the ball but it was hit pretty weak and right to Midd's Aiden Robinson who was standing right in the middle of the goal on the goaline and he cleared it out. Robinson saved Hyer's bacon as that decision almost cost Midd an important 3pts.  I have to give Trinity credit as the first 30 minutes they were battling and working but then they just dropped off and completely lost focus the last 15 minutes of the 1st Half. Trinity drops to 2-10-0 and 0-8-0 in Nescac with their final Home game and Senior day tomorrow when they take on Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 01:38:57 PM
On the bright side for Trinity...their game announcer was one of the best I've heard.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2018, 02:51:55 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 01:38:57 PM
On the bright side for Trinity...their game announcer was one of the best I've heard.

Yes...He was excellent.....

Hamilton takes a 1-0 lead on Bowdoin into Halftime in what would be their 4th Win and that should clinch a Nescac Playoff spot if they can hold on..I do not think there has been any team with 4 Wins or 12 points never to not qualify.

Williams goes ahead of Wesleyan late in the 1st Half off a complete hot mess by Wesleyan's GK. It is raining hard but a long shot by Williams gets under the Wesleyan GK as he goes to ground and Williams Nathan Song capitalizes on the easy tap in. Wesleyan is absolutely AWFUL as they have had nothing in attack maybe a couple counters but there is nothing in attack for them. Defensively as usual they are organized but they have nowhere near the talent they used to have in net and on defense. Wesleyan is almost in as bad a spot as Trinity IMO. They need another recruiting class or two before they can compete. I do not see how this Wesleyan team can even this game up unless they get a few bounces go there way. Williams should hold onto the victory,

Tufts at Conn about to kickoff now...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2018, 02:53:40 PM
Hamilton's lead did not last long as Niang bangs home a header off a corner...1-1 about 7 minutes into 2nd Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2018, 03:05:31 PM
Conn looks ok to start to this game and as predicted they are bypassing midfield and hitting balls over the top which I think is very smart...0-0 about 20 minutes in
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on October 13, 2018, 03:42:21 PM
My two cents of Conn/Tufts, having admittedly not watched a ton of NESCAC games this year, is that it has been extremely not entertaining from a neutral perspective. I blame a lot of this on the quality of the fields at most schools in the conference, but the soccer in the NESCAC is pretty brutal to watch if you're not invested in a particular outcome. That's not making a judgment on the quality of the teams, but most of these games look like one big muddle, and it is tough to tell exactly what teams are trying to do.

Granted, you can tell Conn likes to put their wingers out on the touchlines, play long and diagonal to their wingers and let them go 1v1, and some attacking patterns from Tufts comes through, but I wished teams in this conference spent more time actually developing an on-field identity. Like, sure we all hate it, but give Amherst some credit for having a unique style and going all-in on it.

Anyways, hope for more from the second 45
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2018, 03:48:16 PM
AMEN but blame must go to the Head Coaches as well...Most if not all of them are way to cautious as I have been saying for years now..I mean go at teams and attack and if you give up an early goal...so what...go get the equalizer...these coaches are scared to give up the 1st goal...I just think the tactics are very conservative
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2018, 03:56:03 PM
Tufts with a golden chance as Braun stripped Conn's CB and gets in on a tough angle with Marcucci but Braun shows he has NO LEFT FOOT as did not attempt to rip it and instead cut it back and turned to pass it to I think Rojas who hit a beauty just wide of the net...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on October 13, 2018, 04:05:33 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 13, 2018, 03:48:16 PM
AMEN but blame must go to the Head Coaches as well...Most if not all of them are way to cautious as I have been saying for years now..I mean go at teams and attack and if you give up an early goal...so what...go get the equalizer...these coaches are scared to give up the 1st goal...I just think the tactics are very conservative

There's something to be said for the art of bunkering and counter-attacking, but most coaches figure out how to do the former but ignore trying to do the latter.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on October 13, 2018, 04:56:56 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 12, 2018, 06:09:19 PM
Arrival of new President has coincided with a somewhat meteoric rise in popularity and rankings.  He has made it a priority to increase diversity and market the school nationally, resulting in record numbers of applications and a class profile that seems to become more impressive each year. Colby's endowment is now in the $800 million plus range, whereas Bates is more like $300 million.  Bowdoin's endowment is approximately $1.4 billion. . . .

FWIW, It was recently announced that Bowdoin's endowment has passed $1.6 billion. Bowdoin has a superb team that manages its finances. It's not in the Williams and Amherst category yet but has made a lot of progress on the wealth front in recent years . .

That being said, the new Colby president has done amazing things on many fronts, whether it is a long-term project like the downtown redevelopment or the amazing new art museum and collection or the multi-sport athletic complex under construction . .  . . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 13, 2018, 05:08:11 PM
Well given the score line, a bit silly for D3soccer to call that game the game of the week, huh?

In all seriousness, looks like the visitors dominated play but the hosts held their own.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 05:10:49 PM
IMO that is a good result for Conn...and will leave them feeling like they can compete with anyone.  Result also did nothing to hurt Tufts and I'm sure leave New London frustrated that they did not get the win.

I do think Conn has a special player in Marcucci....can't imagine there is a better GK in D3.  And Mieth is extremely solid as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 13, 2018, 05:33:06 PM
I only caught the last bit of the 2nd half and then the OTs  Honestly, I found it hard to watch.  I don't think I saw more than two passes before the balls were launched deep.  Agreed on Conn keeper - kid seems legit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 05:37:40 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on October 13, 2018, 05:33:06 PM
I only caught the last bit of the 2nd half and then the OTs  Honestly, I found it hard to watch.  I don't think I saw more than two passes before the balls were launched deep.  Agreed on Conn keeper - kid seems legit.

Yup....although I do think the video and closeness to field with low angle exacerbates the impression.  At one point though the Conn announcer (very solid) noted that neither Tufts or Conn for the most part had another player within 25-30 yards of a lone striker up top.

P.S.  I actually can't think of one NESCAC field that has a real press box higher above the field for decent video angles (maybe Hamilton is the best?).  Also not sure many have real stands for fans either, although I did enjoy watching Midd and Trin today so maybe that is a new facility??
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 13, 2018, 05:48:38 PM
Hard to watch because of the field not the skill of the teams. Rained all morning and then the women played on the same field for 100 minutes before the men. That field is a narrow quagmire, just about as bad as ours at Bates after the rain. Shots 18-4 for Tufts, Marcucci makes 6 saves (the last one looked spectacular), and the Jumbos must feel like they missed a golden opportunity to put a stranglehold on the regular season title.

More games tomorrow. Bowdoin at Williams should be good one as Home field in the first round of the conference tournament could be on the line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on October 13, 2018, 05:52:32 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 05:37:40 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on October 13, 2018, 05:33:06 PM
I only caught the last bit of the 2nd half and then the OTs  Honestly, I found it hard to watch.  I don't think I saw more than two passes before the balls were launched deep.  Agreed on Conn keeper - kid seems legit.

Yup....although I do think the video and closeness to field with low angle exacerbates the impression.  At one point though the Conn announcer (very solid) noted that neither Tufts or Conn for the most part had another player within 25-30 yards of a lone striker up top.

P.S.  I actually can't think of one NESCAC field that has a real press box higher above the field for decent video angles (maybe Hamilton is the best?).  Also not sure many have real stands for fans either, although I did enjoy watching Midd and Trin today so maybe that is a new facility??

The tufts grass field has pretty good camera angle. But only the women play on it! Men opt for the turf. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 05:57:21 PM
Quote from: rudy on October 13, 2018, 05:52:32 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 05:37:40 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on October 13, 2018, 05:33:06 PM
I only caught the last bit of the 2nd half and then the OTs  Honestly, I found it hard to watch.  I don't think I saw more than two passes before the balls were launched deep.  Agreed on Conn keeper - kid seems legit.

Yup....although I do think the video and closeness to field with low angle exacerbates the impression.  At one point though the Conn announcer (very solid) noted that neither Tufts or Conn for the most part had another player within 25-30 yards of a lone striker up top.

P.S.  I actually can't think of one NESCAC field that has a real press box higher above the field for decent video angles (maybe Hamilton is the best?).  Also not sure many have real stands for fans either, although I did enjoy watching Midd and Trin today so maybe that is a new facility??

The tufts grass field has pretty good camera angle. But only the women play on it! Men opt for the turf.

Forgot about Tufts....Bello does have real stands and when video actually working one of the better NESCAC cinematic experiences...Kraft has real stands too if I recall and maybe a press both up higher...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Once_A_Metro_Always_A_Red on October 13, 2018, 06:24:46 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 05:57:21 PM
Quote from: rudy on October 13, 2018, 05:52:32 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 05:37:40 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on October 13, 2018, 05:33:06 PM
I only caught the last bit of the 2nd half and then the OTs  Honestly, I found it hard to watch.  I don't think I saw more than two passes before the balls were launched deep.  Agreed on Conn keeper - kid seems legit.

Yup....although I do think the video and closeness to field with low angle exacerbates the impression.  At one point though the Conn announcer (very solid) noted that neither Tufts or Conn for the most part had another player within 25-30 yards of a lone striker up top.

P.S.  I actually can't think of one NESCAC field that has a real press box higher above the field for decent video angles (maybe Hamilton is the best?).  Also not sure many have real stands for fans either, although I did enjoy watching Midd and Trin today so maybe that is a new facility??

The tufts grass field has pretty good camera angle. But only the women play on it! Men opt for the turf.

Forgot about Tufts....Bello does have real stands and when video actually working one of the better NESCAC cinematic experiences...Kraft has real stands too if I recall and maybe a press both up higher...

Wesleyan has an actual tower for filming. Obviously the grass Jackson Field sucks, but the height of the broadcast is decent. Also, now that they've re-done the turf on the field hockey field, games at Smith Field both have a good camera angles and stands.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 14, 2018, 11:48:14 AM
Huge game for Williams and Bowdoin today. Winner is in the driver's seat to host a nescac tournament game. I did not see bowdoin yesterday but Williams played very well. Boarding in the midfield and Oberg in the back looks like a good combination. They had 2 freshman score yesterday which brings the total to 6 for the season. As Mr. Right described, Wesleyan did not have the players to really challenge Williams but Williams played short passes and connected well all over the field. They seem to be playing well and creating opportunities. The defense has looked sharp and will improve when Matthew gets back. The GK Schein made 2 very nice saves on low balls to keep the clean sheet. If Williams can get a first half goal and go into the half with a lead I believe they will loosen up and play even better. Macdonald and Andreou are definitely stepping up in the last few weeks of their senior year. Seems as though adding Hirsch to the lineup has energized the team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 15, 2018, 08:06:41 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 11:27:32 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 13, 2018, 09:01:25 AM
Yes, David Green, the current Colby president is a high roller who comes from a family of college administrators.  He is aggressive, has sterling contacts, and has done a lot in a relatively short period of time to raise Colby's profile .  But I've heard some alums and faculty members say some of this change has been too much, too fast and has caused Colby to lose a little bit of its soul in the process...

Interesting point about soul.  Of course we're all going to mostly defend/promote our own schools and those our kids attend.  I tried to pump Kenyon as hard as I could for a couple of years here.  Anyway, 35-40 years ago Davidson was beautiful and very quaint with a little village almost like Kenyon is to this day.  Nowadays, Davidson still has a very attractive and impressive campus but also the school and area have grown and developed  so much that it is like a cross between an upscale planned community a la Reston, VA and a fancy amusement/water park.  I personally now prefer Kenyon despite the disparity in USNWR type rankings and greater resources, and that -- aside from the lingering Southern religiosity that I don't love -- is mostly a gut feeling about soul and some Platonic idea about what college should look and feel like (and of course "soul" is something that such schools also market so one can certainly question what is real and what is mirage in terms of soul).

The thing about athletic complexes is also a huge point.  Kenyon has gotten a ton of mileage out of their fancy, state of the art complex, but now it's 10 or more years old.  Wooster has since built a beautiful place.  I think Denison has or is in the process of doing so.  I know there are a number of schools like Colby that have or are doing so.  It's sort of like brand-new NFL stadiums and NBA arenas....what's state of the art today will seem old and outdated in 15-25 years.

PaulNewman, Kenyon is absolutely a great school.  A girlfriend of mine went to Kenyon and I really enjoyed seeing the place when I went to visit.  I'm guessing the prestigious midwestern and western D3 schools don't get enough love on this discussion thread because the majority of the posters (like me) are from New England...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 15, 2018, 09:56:26 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 15, 2018, 08:06:41 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 11:27:32 AM
Quote from: truenorth on October 13, 2018, 09:01:25 AM
Yes, David Green, the current Colby president is a high roller who comes from a family of college administrators.  He is aggressive, has sterling contacts, and has done a lot in a relatively short period of time to raise Colby's profile .  But I've heard some alums and faculty members say some of this change has been too much, too fast and has caused Colby to lose a little bit of its soul in the process...

Interesting point about soul.  Of course we're all going to mostly defend/promote our own schools and those our kids attend.  I tried to pump Kenyon as hard as I could for a couple of years here.  Anyway, 35-40 years ago Davidson was beautiful and very quaint with a little village almost like Kenyon is to this day.  Nowadays, Davidson still has a very attractive and impressive campus but also the school and area have grown and developed  so much that it is like a cross between an upscale planned community a la Reston, VA and a fancy amusement/water park.  I personally now prefer Kenyon despite the disparity in USNWR type rankings and greater resources, and that -- aside from the lingering Southern religiosity that I don't love -- is mostly a gut feeling about soul and some Platonic idea about what college should look and feel like (and of course "soul" is something that such schools also market so one can certainly question what is real and what is mirage in terms of soul).

The thing about athletic complexes is also a huge point.  Kenyon has gotten a ton of mileage out of their fancy, state of the art complex, but now it's 10 or more years old.  Wooster has since built a beautiful place.  I think Denison has or is in the process of doing so.  I know there are a number of schools like Colby that have or are doing so.  It's sort of like brand-new NFL stadiums and NBA arenas....what's state of the art today will seem old and outdated in 15-25 years.

PaulNewman, Kenyon is absolutely a great school.  A girlfriend of mine went to Kenyon and I really enjoyed seeing the place when I went to visit.  I'm guessing the prestigious midwestern and western D3 schools don't get enough love on this discussion thread because the majority of the posters (like me) are from New England...

Was she a romantic poet, lol?

This is the NESCAC thread so don't want to encroach too much, and you're right....for whatever reason New England posters (which I am as well) dominate this site (along with a strong Messiah contingent) as evidenced by this particular thread (initiated by our own Mr.Right) absolutely crushing all other threads in terms of volume/interest.

Kenyon is a very special place, and most who have ever walked around that campus generally would agree.  Kenyon from a marketing perspective also does a great job of making virtues out of its flaws/quirks.  It is gorgeous this time of year, as of course many college campuses are.  I truly believe that America's college campuses from shore to shore are definitely a piece of what "makes America great." 

Endowments do make a difference.  Kenyon's is relatively meager by NESCAC standards, much closer to Bates than Colby.  I was very surprised to see that Denison has an endowment much closer to Colby's in the 800 mill range.

One big difference between the Midwest LACs (Oberlin, Macalester, Kenyon, and I assume Carleton, Grinnell, etc) and the NESCACs is that the former offer merit money.  I know NESCACs are very generous with financial aid but for families who don't qualify getting a year's worth or more of college paid for is no small thing.  I wonder if and when NESCAC schools might start offering merit awards.

The stratification of the reputation of the NESCACs interests me.  I have to agree with Mr.Right that my gut instinct is Williams and Amherst are in their own untouchable category.  I mean, when was the last time those two weren't ranked as the #1 and #2 LACs?  That said, it is very difficult to believe there could be much separation from Bowdoin and Midd, both of whom never seem to fall below the #4 to #6/7 area.  Bowdoin was one of the first schools we visited and I immediately fell in love.  I have family very close to Midd and my kid went to hockey camp there....equally impressive and benefits from its international fame as a language institute (and boasts its own skiing facility).  I agree that Wesleyan (another fave for me) and Tufts are kind of in their own categories.

On the weekend, Tufts and Conn IMO came out the other side in very enviable spots just about where everyone had them.  And Bowdoin, Midd and Williams, perhaps followed by Hamilton are in a very solid next tier.  That Bowdoin coach must be very solid as the Polar Bears almost every year seem to get stronger as the season progresses towards November.  Colby seems to have faltered a bit, and we'll see what happens with Bates over the next week or two.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 15, 2018, 11:06:25 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 15, 2018, 09:56:26 AM

On the weekend, Tufts and Conn IMO came out the other side in very enviable spots just about where everyone had them.  And Bowdoin, Midd and Williams, perhaps followed by Hamilton are in a very solid next tier.  That Bowdoin coach must be very solid as the Polar Bears almost every year seem to get stronger as the season progresses towards November.  Colby seems to have faltered a bit, and we'll see what happens with Bates over the next week or two.

Bates has a massive game at Bowdoin on Wednesday. Bates will have been off a week come game time, rested and ready to go.  If they can hold Bowdoin scoreless in the first half, I like their chances. Bowdoin is coming off a very long weekend at Hamilton and Williams that saw them go the full 110 minutes in both games. This is a golden opportunity for the Bobcats to get a result against one of their rivals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on October 15, 2018, 11:22:39 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 13, 2018, 11:59:57 AM
Quote from: Saint of Old on October 13, 2018, 09:13:36 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2018, 03:45:38 PM
Sounds about right...Shapiro is very attentive to every detail in every process. I find it a bit much to be spelling out to your son where he will play and who he will play behind and how many minutes and starts he will get as a Frosh. NO ONE can control that. You get injuries, maybe your son doesn't pan out as expected and now Shapiro has to change things up or change his position. These are all things out of his control unless he has super natural powers to be able to discern EVERY recruit and tip he brings in and know before the kid enrolls how good he will be. Most Coaches make mistakes EVERY year on at least 1 player and I am betting Shapiro falls into that category as well. It is only realistic to make a mistake once in a while so promising minutes, position and # of goals he will tally is WAY to much information. There is no way he could make all those promises happen......I am just using your son as an example as I am not saying he will fail or whatever just making a point...
Adding to your point Mr. R, I once knew a skinny SLU freshman  kid who was third in line for the #7 shirt but by game number 2  both players ahead of him broke their leg and he inherited the classic number not based on anything but weird freak destiny or chance....  :)

That is how random things can be in the college game.

I would advise any HS senior to do their best to diversify their game in order to give the coach more to think about in terms of where you can slot in if need be.

Great points, SoO....a team's top recruits certainly come in with a substantial advantage (in addition to usually being really good) and most often do well, but not always.  There is hope for those who come in far more unheralded if they work really hard, are determined, and are mostly all about the team and being a great teammate.

I knew a kid who didn't even get a jersey or dress for his first 3 games, got a chance after the coach benched a couple of guys for various reasons, then started for the rest of frosh year and most of soph year, was first sub off the bench his last 2 years, scored on Shoemaker Field in a NCAA game, and was a highly valued part of a squad that rose to #2 in the country.  Pretty cool for a kid who didn't think he could (or would be cleared to) play college soccer at all.

Just to clarify, I brought up the Shapiro recruiting story with my son only to give a perspective on how/why Shapiro has kept that program successful. IMHO, he is a better recruiter than the most/all of the others NESCAC coaches with whom my son interacted. Obviously kids walk on, develop later, get hurt, lose interest, have a few too many beers, etc.... All kids have to earn their time on the field once they earn their jersey, my son included. I was just pointing out one of the very compelling ways that Shapiro is able to get kids to buy into what he is selling.

I have a question on the online streams. The Bowdoin-Williams game yesterday was virtually unwatchable. Tufts-Trinity, on the other hand, was pretty much perfect. Why was the game at Williams so bad, and is this a common occurrence? Are the games usually watchable? The Tufts game was over early, and the Williams game worth watching!

And to echo earlier comments, Williams has a good group of freshman. Nick Boardman is a very good athlete--fast, tough and has a surprisingly big vertical (he's got ups!). Not the most technical player, but I'd definitely want him on my team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on October 15, 2018, 12:14:19 PM
Does anyone know the tiebreak rules in the event Conn and Tufts end the season with the same record and a head-to-head draw?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 15, 2018, 12:26:14 PM
Quote from: dacac on October 15, 2018, 12:14:19 PM
Does anyone know the tiebreak rules in the event Conn and Tufts end the season with the same record and a head-to-head draw?

The next tiebreaker is record vs top-four finishers, so the two other than themselves. After that, I'm not sure!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldCardinal on October 15, 2018, 12:42:59 PM
Quote from: dacac on October 15, 2018, 12:14:19 PM
Does anyone know the tiebreak rules in the event Conn and Tufts end the season with the same record and a head-to-head draw?

From the NESCAC website:

Tie Breaking Procedures

Ties will be broken as follows:

Head-to-head result (if teams play each other more than once during the regular season, the game that appears on the league schedule will be the game that is counted).

If teams tied during the regular season, or there is a 3-way or more tie, the following tie breaking procedure will be used:

    Best record among tying teams, against one another (head-to-head).
    Best conference winning percentage.
    Most conference wins (in games that are part of the conference schedule and count toward league standings).
    Comparison of results of conference games played against top 4 teams (including all teams at the 4th spot).
    Comparison of results of conference games played against top 8 teams (including all teams at the 8th spot).
    Comparison of results of conference games played against conference teams in rank order.
    Comparisons shall be made one team at a time starting with the highest ranked team.
    If the tie remains after comparing results against the highest ranked team, the results against the next team in rank order shall be used. This process is continued until a winner is determined.
    Goal differential up to but not exceeding three goals for each conference game that is part of the conference schedule (e.g., if a team wins 1-0, the team's goal differential would be +1. If a team wins 2-1, goal differential would be +1. If a team wins 4-0, the goal differential would be +3).
    Coin flip (or similar random action involving all tied teams).

Note: In case of ties among three or more schools, the criteria above will be applied in order until a team is (or teams are) separated. At that point, the process begins anew (returning to the first criteria) with the remaining teams. The process is continued until the tie is eventually broken. In cases where only a random action will break the tie of three or more teams, the random action will be applied to all teams involved in the tie. For example, if three teams are tied and only a random action (pulling names out of a hat) will break the tie, each name will be pulled and seeded in order of being pulled. Also, in the event that there are two (or more) groups of teams tied at different spots in the standings and the only criteria left that can be used to break those ties is a coin flip/random action, the coin flip/random action used to break the tie of one group (to put teams in rank order) will not affect the tie breaking procedures of the other group(s) of tied teams.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 15, 2018, 02:32:43 PM

[/quote]
Kenyon is a very special place, and most who have ever walked around that campus generally would agree.  Kenyon from a marketing perspective also does a great job of making virtues out of its flaws/quirks.  It is gorgeous this time of year, as of course many college campuses are.  I truly believe that America's college campuses from shore to shore are definitely a piece of what "makes America great." 

Endowments do make a difference.  Kenyon's is relatively meager by NESCAC standards, much closer to Bates than Colby.  I was very surprised to see that Denison has an endowment much closer to Colby's in the 800 mill range.

One big difference between the Midwest LACs (Oberlin, Macalester, Kenyon, and I assume Carleton, Grinnell, etc) and the NESCACs is that the former offer merit money.  I know NESCACs are very generous with financial aid but for families who don't qualify getting a year's worth or more of college paid for is no small thing.  I wonder if and when NESCAC schools might start offering merit awards.
[/quote]

On the Kenyon front, I have two cycling buddies right here in the Brunswick, Maine area with Kenyon connections.  One is a retired attorney who worked in Columbus for a bunch of years.  The other worked in Kenyon's admissions department.  His partner is now the director of admissions at Bates...

College endowments are always an interesting topic.  In the midwest, Grinnell is an outlier with an endowment currently valued at $1.8B, which was fueled by a huge donation from a single donor years ago.

I don't see the NESCACs or Ivys offering merit scholarships anytime soon.  The wealthier Ivys get around that by raising the family income level that qualifies a family for financial aid.  At Harvard for example, I believe families with household income of <$170K qualify for some outright (non-loan) grant money.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: midwest on October 15, 2018, 02:59:03 PM
For what it's worth, Conn Coll recently started giving merit awards -- from its Common Data Set, the average non-need based award is about $13k and over 100 members of entering class got one. Trinity also gives a small number of merit awards.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 15, 2018, 05:36:11 PM
Don't post much here.  Strange to see the mostly financial type of posts here.  Several comments on the matter.  "Merit" money is a term hard to define in the Nescac....especially wrt to Conn College and Trinity.....both schools with small Endownments in comparison to other Nescac schools.  Costs at conference schools are over 55k/yr plus room and board tacked on.  Amherst has a no loan policy; costs to educate each student is well over 100k plus/student.   It's endownment provide's the difference....thus each student gets merit money imo.....even those families that pay the listed costs.  International students that do not get US backed loans are included in Amherst's no loan policy....a now exclusive policy since Williams has recently taken a different position.  It is to be noted that Amherst has recently completed a new Science building...costing around 250 Million dollars.  It has Just started a 650 million dollar Capital Campaign for its third century.  Believe half of the goal has been reached after a recent 50 million donation...on top of a 100 million donation.  Expecting Amherst's Endownment to reach around 2.5 Billion in FY2018.  College financials are not always "clear".
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 15, 2018, 06:56:01 PM
Quote from: amh63 on October 15, 2018, 05:36:11 PM
Don't post much here.  Strange to see the mostly financial type of posts here.  Several comments on the matter.  "Merit" money is a term hard to define in the Nescac....especially wrt to Conn College and Trinity.....both schools with small Endownments in comparison to other Nescac schools.  Costs at conference schools are over 55k/yr plus room and board tacked on.  Amherst has a no loan policy; costs to educate each student is well over 100k plus/student.   It's endownment provide's the difference....thus each student gets merit money imo.....even those families that pay the listed costs.  International students that do not get US backed loans are included in Amherst's no loan policy....a now exclusive policy since Williams has recently taken a different position.  It is to be noted that Amherst has recently completed a new Science building...costing around 250 Million dollars.  It has Just started a 650 million dollar Capital Campaign for its third century.  Believe half of the goal has been reached after a recent 50 million donation...on top of a 100 million donation.  Expecting Amherst's Endownment to reach around 2.5 Billion in FY2018.  College financials are not always "clear".

Not exactly sure what you're saying beyond Amherst being extremely wealthy and having an overall generous position wrt its students/families.

And am I reading this correctly....you're saying that if the retail price of a year at these colleges is now 65-70k but the actual cost to the schools is 105k, then in effect every student is at a minimum a "merit" award of 35-40k?  So by that framework are you saying/acknowledging that a school that also awards 15-20k per year IN ADDITION is essentially giving a double merit award???

As a consumer, if I am paying the full sticker price then IMO a 15-20k merit award does make a considerable difference.

Maybe I'm missing something but your post doesn't help me understand why a wealthier school wouldn't give official merit money when having the means to do so.  Other than wondering how "poorer" schools can afford it the incentive seems clear....like Conn and Trinity pulling students that otherwise they might lose to Colby or Bates or to other schools in the same range that DO offer merit money like Union, Denison, I'm guessing F&M does, Dickinson, Muhlenberg etc, etc.  Conn and Trinity IMO are in a very tough spot with competitors above and on the same plane or just tad below that offer merit...and so it would make sense that they would be the first NESCACs to offer it (even if on a comparative basis they are less able to afford it). 

I am definitely interested, though, in what I might be missing here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 15, 2018, 07:39:15 PM
BTW, Amherst is far from the only "no loan" LAC.  Davidson actually was the first LAC to do so. 

Here's a list of others....which includes some NESCACs like Bowdoin and Colby.

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2018-09-18/18-schools-that-meet-full-financial-need-with-no-loans

And Amherst isn't the only school to offer a "no loan" policy to international students.  Other LACs in this category include Davidson, Bowdoin, Colby, Pomona, Swat, W&L....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on October 15, 2018, 08:59:48 PM
Quote from: amh63 on October 15, 2018, 05:36:11 PM
Don't post much here.  Strange to see the mostly financial type of posts here.  Several comments on the matter.  "Merit" money is a term hard to define in the Nescac....especially wrt to Conn College and Trinity.....both schools with small Endownments in comparison to other Nescac schools.  Costs at conference schools are over 55k/yr plus room and board tacked on.  Amherst has a no loan policy; costs to educate each student is well over 100k plus/student.   It's endownment provide's the difference....thus each student gets merit money imo.....even those families that pay the listed costs.  International students that do not get US backed loans are included in Amherst's no loan policy....a now exclusive policy since Williams has recently taken a different position.  It is to be noted that Amherst has recently completed a new Science building...costing around 250 Million dollars.  It has Just started a 650 million dollar Capital Campaign for its third century.  Believe half of the goal has been reached after a recent 50 million donation...on top of a 100 million donation.  Expecting Amherst's Endownment to reach around 2.5 Billion in FY2018.  College financials are not always "clear".

If you're receiving aid that's not based on your ability to pay, then it's merit aid, right?  I don't see what's unclear.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 15, 2018, 09:04:44 PM
paulNewman......it is clear that you are a novice in college finance, imho.  At most of the top LAC, it cost more to educate the student than the listed price...period.  The difference is provide by the school's endowment.  I stated that the term "merit" is often misunderstood.
Your USNW article does NOT indicate International Students.  Foreign Students do not normally qualify for US backed financial backed aid/loans.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 15, 2018, 09:49:57 PM
Quote from: amh63 on October 15, 2018, 09:04:44 PM
paulNewman......it is clear that you are a novice in college finance, imho.  At most of the top LAC, it cost more to educate the student than the listed price...period.  The difference is provide by the school's endowment.  I stated that the term "merit" is often misunderstood.
Your USNW article does NOT indicate International Students.  Foreign Students do not normally qualify for US backed financial backed aid/loans.


I guess so.

If Trinity and Amherst both have REAL costs of 105K, with both having a sticker price of let's say 70K, and then Trinity gives me 15K in merit money and Amherst gives me zero, then I'm coming out 15K ahead and because of the school having merit money.

I can post the article with the international cases....just google 'colleges with no loan for international...."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 16, 2018, 08:26:12 AM
Based on what I know...which is admittedly not exhaustive...Conn College and Trinity's offer of "merit based" aid is a first among the NESCACs.  Traditionally the NESCACs have only provided aid based on documented financial need.  In recent years most of the NESCACs (like the Ivys and other well endowed private colleges) have transitioned from loans to outright grants.

I believe that amh63 is fundamentally correct that the cost of one year of education (tuition, room, board, books) is greater than the actual price tag charged.  In my view, these "elite" schools spin this story to some extent in order to appear sympathetic and to justify the exorbitant cost of undergraduate education.  Let's face it, two major industries here in the U.S. have experienced annual cost increases that have far outstripped increases in income and cost of living.  Namely health care and "higher education"...

But in PaulNewman's theoretical example, yes you would come out ahead if Trinity offer $15K in merit based aid and Amherst offered nothing...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 16, 2018, 08:36:57 AM
Yes....I suppose I can force myself to appreciate that Amherst spots me 35k on the costs to the college when determining the so-called bargain full sticker price (same as I would appreciate Haverford, Midd, Carleton, Kenyon, etc on that score), but I appreciate even more an additional 15-20k in merit so that I am getting a truly outrageous bargain of writing checks each year for only 50-55k.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 16, 2018, 11:05:44 AM
Unfortunately, the NESCAC schools' attempts to justify costs and to expand financial aid (of all sorts) is mostly a "lose-lose" proposition.  For example, Colby offers a "free education" to every admitted student whose household income is $60,000 or less, and like other NESCACs, has a no loan policy (i.e., all aid is in the form of grants).  A typical cynical response is that the annual bill (for tuition, room, board, etc.) should be far lower anyway.  Most, if not all, NESCACs (and many other private colleges) have also significantly expanded efforts to recruit a diverse student population, and they have established relationships with non-profits, such as the Posse Foundation, that make attending a NESCAC possible for students who would otherwise not be able to attend.  Skeptics often overlook these laudable initiatives or even view them as reverse discrimination.

Some of my classmates would never send their children to a NESCAC (even if they could afford to do so) when their children "could get just as good an education" at a local public school for far less.  This sort of attitude may eventually wipe out a large component of private colleges that do not have a large, sustainable endowment.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on October 16, 2018, 11:15:15 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 16, 2018, 11:05:44 AM
Unfortunately, the NESCAC schools' attempts to justify costs and to expand financial aid (of all sorts) is mostly a "lose-lose" proposition.  For example, Colby offers a "free education" to every admitted student whose household income is $60,000 or less, and like other NESCACs, has a no loan policy (i.e., all aid is in the form of grants).  A typical cynical response is that the annual bill (for tuition, room, board, etc.) should be far lower anyway.  Most, if not all, NESCACs (and many other private colleges) have also significantly expanded efforts to recruit a diverse student population and have long-standing relationships with non-profits, such as the Posse Foundation, that make attending a NESCAC possible for students who would otherwise not be able to attend.  Skeptics often overlook these laudable initiatives or even view them as reverse discrimination.

Some of my classmates would never send their children to a NESCAC when their children "could get just as good an education" at a local public school for far less.  This sort of attitude may eventually wipe out a large component of private colleges that do not have a large, sustainable endowment.

Like Mount Ida, or Wheelock.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 16, 2018, 02:01:51 PM
The topic of private college investment in the economic and ethnic diversity of their student populations is more relevant than ever right now with the anti-bias suit vs. Harvard underway this week...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 16, 2018, 02:21:19 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 16, 2018, 02:01:51 PM
The topic of private college investment in the economic and ethnic diversity of their student populations is more relevant than ever right now with the anti-bias suit vs. Harvard underway this week...

Agreed.  And the lawsuit points to the "lose-lose" nature behind diversification efforts.  Without commenting on the lawsuit, I'm guessing that Harvard saw little risk in expanding diversification efforts, only to have a minority group sue them for discrimination.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 16, 2018, 02:52:24 PM
I think we can also rightly wonder if this last decade or so will in hindsight in another decade or two from now be viewed as a market top of sorts....as we've had a decade of increased demand, competition and plunging admit rates among the more/most elite colleges.  These LACs would appear to be thriving more than ever, but there are real threats....the astronomical prices, the rise of online/distance learning, the refrain mentioned of public schools with "just as good an education," questions about the value of residential, college campus-based learning, questions about the value of LACs in general with the rise of specialized programs, engineering, making colleges more like "pragmatic" trade schools and LACs increasingly having to defend their value in instilling core competencies (e.g. critical thinking) that will serve and enhance adult careers, etc, etc.....Sustainability really is the question/core theme across so many human dimensions (environmental/climate change, energy, education, health care, human rights progress, etc, etc)......

And if these colleges do not increase their diversity and accessibility (through conscious choice and/or being legally allowed to do so), then in concert with some of the stuff mentioned above they will be at high risk of being cornered into the caricatures of finishing-school elitism for the super-privileged class that their critics would love to promote.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 16, 2018, 02:54:05 PM
Meanwhile Colby is on the board late in the first half hosting UMB... 1-0 Mules.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 16, 2018, 03:37:44 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 16, 2018, 02:54:05 PM
Meanwhile Colby is on the board late in the first half hosting UMB... 1-0 Mules.

Great transition Bobcat and sorely needed. Interesting how Colby is able to provide such great financial assistance and is also able to score first today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 16, 2018, 04:07:45 PM
The Mules hold on (per the announcer) for the 2-1 win over the Beacons.  Looked to me like the Mules were in control of this one most of the way. Looked windy as well. Seabrook played a ton of guys, including subbing out Carlson for Morin at halftime.  Huge game for Colby on Saturday as they host Hamilton before heading down the Turnpike to Bates next Wednesday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 16, 2018, 04:15:36 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 16, 2018, 04:07:45 PM
The Mules hold on (per the announcer) for the 2-1 win over the Beacons.  Looked to me like the Mules were in control of this one most of the way. Looked windy as well. Seabrook played a ton of guys, including subbing out Carlson for Morin at halftime.  Huge game for Colby on Saturday as they host Hamilton before heading down the Turnpike to Bates next Wednesday.

Seabrook did not deviate from his usual practice of playing reserves in non-conference games.  Good team win, but as Bobcat1 correctly observed, the season will come down to the Hamilton and Bates games on Saturday and next Wednesday.  When in a similar position last year, Colby folded.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 16, 2018, 04:20:39 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 16, 2018, 04:15:36 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 16, 2018, 04:07:45 PM
The Mules hold on (per the announcer) for the 2-1 win over the Beacons.  Looked to me like the Mules were in control of this one most of the way. Looked windy as well. Seabrook played a ton of guys, including subbing out Carlson for Morin at halftime.  Huge game for Colby on Saturday as they host Hamilton before heading down the Turnpike to Bates next Wednesday.

Seabrook did not deviate from his usual practice of playing reserves in non-conference games.  Good team win, but as Bobcat1 correctly observed, the season will come down to the Hamilton and Bates games on Saturday and next Wednesday.  When in a similar position last year, Colby folded.

A Hamilton draw or loss to Williams tomorrow would mean the Mules could clinch a conference berth on Saturday with a win...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 16, 2018, 08:37:37 PM
Williams, by not winning on Sunday against Bowdoin, put themselves in a must win situation as well. They need to find a way to score 2 goals. Their defense is tough and Hamilton doesn't score much but Williams can go through long periods of controlling play and even getting opportunities but not finishing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 17, 2018, 07:53:03 AM
Bobcat1, Bates has had a solid season this year.  It appears the new coach has had a positive impact on the team.  I hope to get over to watch some of the Bowdoin vs. Bates game this afternoon before heading off to a 5:00 p.m. meeting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mightymoedog on October 17, 2018, 09:07:58 AM
I see Bowdoin getting a 2-1 win today at Bates.  I think the team did a great job with their long trip this weekend.  I think Kingston is really coming into form, and will then have a great game against Conn College to help his team get the tie they will need to secure a home field play-off game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 10:10:27 AM
The game is at Bowdoin.  Truenorth, I wish I was going to be there in person. Unfortunately, work gets in the way during the week for a 3pm kickoff despite the fact my office is only 20-25 minutes away.  I plan to watch as much as possible via the stream.  Wind could be a factor today...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 01:58:59 PM
2 Big Nescac Matches today will be kicking off in about an hour. All 4 teams desperately need 3pts and all 4 teams have a realistic chance of getting the 3 pts. The problem is NONE of these 4 teams(Hamilton, Bates, Bowdoin and Williams) can score Goals. Hamilton has 5 Goals in 8 Games, Bates has 6 Goals in 7 Games, Bowdoin has 7 Goals in 7 Games and Williams has 11 Goals in 7 Games(but take out a 5-0 Trinity Win and Williams has 6 Goals in 6 Games). So 3/4 teams are scoring under a Goal/Game and Bowdoin is right at 1 Goal/Game....None of this good....

Williams at Hamilton------Hamilton has ONLY 2 games left in Nescac and are sitting at 10 pts. They have this match and a difficult 9 hour trip to Colby this weekend where a Win will be hard to get. Unfortunately because Colby and Bates still have to play each other Hamilton could be the team that gets left out unless they can get a victory today or a draw and get another draw at Colby. They are struggling BIGTIME scoring goals as Wood and Schmidt have been ICE COLD all year. They are solid defensively but still are capable of making careless mistakes. They have moved the Senior Milnarik to RB along with the leader Eckels and the other 2 big boys in the back. Somehow Hamilton needs to find 2 Goals in this game as I do not see them shutting out Williams today. Williams is having its own problems scoring goals but they are starting to get their backline in order. Oberg has been moved to CB while Bardong has been sacked since the Skidmore game. Ranieri started this past weekend and looked rusty but that is to be expected. Bowdoin scored a goal on a rip low that beat Schein from about 20-25 yards out. Bowdoin player should have been closed as he had plenty of time to hit it BUT Schein should of made that save. He is just to slow getting down and if teams rip shots low against him they will be successful IMO. Still after the Bowdoin Goal Williams dominated the game but Williams plays much better at Home. They beat Amherst on the Road but that has been it for the most part as they are 2-3-0 on the Road with the other Win being Curry. Williams MUST Win here because they finish at Tufts and v Midd so they have the most difficult schedule left in the conference. Both teams need a Win and neither get it......1-1


Bates at Bowdoin----Big game for both teams and both need 3 pts. Bates has not played a game in 1 week and have only played 1 game in the last 10 days. So Bates will be incredibly rested but will they be rusty? It is always nice to get a week off this time of year to help minor injuries heal and let players refresh. I expect them to take about 15-20 minutes to get "into" the game because a week/10 days is a long time off but can Bowdoin take advantage. Unlike Bates, Bowdoin has played a TON of games lately. This will be their 5th game in 11 days and 3rd game in 5 days and all have been Nescac games which means they have all been battles. Not only that they have been all over Upstate NY and Mass this past weekend. Travel + 3Games/5days= heavy legs by the 70th minute. Bowdoin MUST get an early Goal and try to hold on in the last 20 minutes. This is a BIG game for Bowdoin as they still have Tufts and Conn at Home after this game. I do not expect Bowdoin to finish in the Top 4 and frankly if they drop this game they might be teetering on not even qualifying for the Nescac Playoffs. I do agree that Kingston has been impressive in net as he made some terrific saves at Williams. I think Bates takes advantage of tired legs and sneaks an upset in Brunswick.....1-0 Bates

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mightymoedog on October 17, 2018, 02:14:38 PM
I see it playing out differently, Bowdoin gets a goal early, then Bates ties it before half.  Bowdoin then scores in middle of second half, plays some tough defense to secure the much needed win. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 02:59:06 PM
Hamilton is playing Williams on the turf today...So that could change things...Also about 45 degrees and raining in Upstate, NY
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 03:11:11 PM
PERFECT...Both NSN games at Hamilton and at Bowdoin are having technical difficulties...NSN can be relatively USELESS in bad weather
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 03:13:58 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 03:11:11 PM
PERFECT...Both NSN games at Hamilton and at Bowdoin are having technical difficulties...NSN can be relatively USELESS in bad weather

100% agree.  If they can't fix it I may need to drive up to Bowdoin for the second half. Wind is blowing hard here in Yarmouth, Maine.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 03:14:20 PM
Its fixed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 03:17:52 PM
I was curious how Williams got an early 1-0 lead over Hamilton and it was off a set piece 5 minutes in....Andreou has scored some BIG Goals with his head of late...Real solid header in between 2 defenders...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2018, 03:20:54 PM
Bates 1-0. Ball across the face of goal not cleared and the Bobcats finish at the back post.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 03:23:20 PM
Bates on the board. Beautiful cross and finish.  Hohmann from Bardong. Two freshman connect for Bobcats!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2018, 03:23:45 PM
Dewdney smacks one off the bar! Huge let-off for Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 03:24:10 PM
And Bates hits the cross-bar! Damn! Almost 2-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2018, 03:25:00 PM
Those two attempts have been Bates' only real attacks of the match, but they are almost two goals to the good. I doubt this one finishes 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 03:26:26 PM
As predicted Bowdoin looks a bit tired or not ready to play today because Bates has had some great looks. The goal was a beauty as a cross went right across the 6 and finished easily and Dewdney hit the crossbar with his left foot....1-0 Bates about 20 minutes in
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 03:41:16 PM
Williams got the early lead on Hamilton but since the Goal Hamilton has been putting some pressure on Williams net. Hamilton is working extremely HARD but can they find a goal in this game?? IDK...1-0 Williams about 10 minutes until the Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 03:41:50 PM
Huge save by Montanaro on Bae. Still 1-0 Bates late first half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 03:44:31 PM
Been all Bowdoin since Dewdney hit the c-bar. Bates has about a dozen fouls.  Bowdoin getting a number of quality chances on set plays from the 35 in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 03:48:01 PM
1-0 at Bates at the half. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 03:48:26 PM
Bowdoin will have a tough time breaking Bates down 2nd Half because they will sit compact and deep me thinks....Bowdoin MUST get a result today with Tufts and Conn left they could be in massive trouble...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 04:14:08 PM
Bae ties it for Bowdoin. Beats Montanaro to the ball sends a cross/shot off Bates defender and in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2018, 04:15:16 PM
Two goals in two minutes for Bowdoin who now leads 2-1...see, Bowdoin can actually score goals when they have to attack! #AreYouWatchingWiercinski ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 04:15:33 PM
Uek with a strong header and Bowdoin has 2 goals in 90 seconds.  Polar Bears up 2-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 04:18:49 PM
Wow...I do not have time to look at the goals but am surprised Bates caved so quickly...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 04:22:16 PM
Williams still leading Hamilton 1-0 with about 30 minutes left. I would guess Hamilton has a little more of the possession stats but are absolutely useless in the final 3rd...They are in Williams half but cannot create many dangerous looks and if they cannot find a goal in this game their season will be teetering bigtime.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 04:25:49 PM
Bowdoin continuing to press forward. Montanaro with a big save off a Cooper direct kick from 27 yards out. Bates having issues staying organized its it own end.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 17, 2018, 04:26:33 PM
3-1 Bowdoin, that's brutal for Bates, who has been in this match for all but the last 10 minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 04:27:49 PM
Houseman from Byrd. It's all Bowdoin the last 11 minutes. 3-1 Polar Bears.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 04:38:24 PM
Just took a look at Bowdoin's 3 Goals....1st Goal was Montanaro's fault as he needed to dive and pounce on that ball...He didn't want to get his nose in there and that is surprising...The other 2 Bowdoin Goals were complete defensive breakdowns and losing focus...2nd Half looks like the Bates of the past few years...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 04:48:01 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 04:38:24 PM
Just took a look at Bowdoin's 3 Goals....1st Goal was Montanaro's fault as he needed to dive and pounce on that ball...He didn't want to get his nose in there and that is surprising...The other 2 Bowdoin Goals were complete defensive breakdowns and losing focus...2nd Half looks like the Bates of the past few years...

True. Been a tough second half for Bates. Byrd has caused them problems all game.  Gotta give him credit.  Bates has not beaten Bowdoin this century...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 04:51:57 PM
Williams with a pretty convincing Win at Hamilton to move to 8-3-2 as they visit Tufts on Saturday in what could be their biggest game of the year. Hamilton was just awful in the final 3rd as they were having trouble all game connecting once they crossed midfield. Oberg at CB for Williams with Scatt MacDonald are a real solid duo at CB as they are both smart and tough. Hamilton had nothing dangerous 2nd Half except for one chance that hit the post but because Williams cannot really score goals either they were able to hang around but did not do much...Way to many giveaway's all day by Hamilton..I will say their Frosh GK is fun to watch as he could be a good one for Perry Nizzi. I am thinking Hamilton could be finished if they do not get points at Colby this weekend although the way Bates looked today who knows...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 04:54:29 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 04:48:01 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 04:38:24 PM
Just took a look at Bowdoin's 3 Goals....1st Goal was Montanaro's fault as he needed to dive and pounce on that ball...He didn't want to get his nose in there and that is surprising...The other 2 Bowdoin Goals were complete defensive breakdowns and losing focus...2nd Half looks like the Bates of the past few years...

True. Been a tough second half for Bates. Byrd has caused them problems all game.  Gotta give him credit.  Bates has not beaten Bowdoin this century...

I thought Peabo Knoth beat them 1 year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 04:56:57 PM
Bowdoin and Williams move past Amherst in the table. Sets up a logjam at 3-6 in the standings with 2 games to go.  It's now clear either Bates, Hamilton, or Colby will be the odd team out. Colby controls their own destiny as they play both teams in the next 7 days...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 05:02:43 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 04:54:29 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on October 17, 2018, 04:48:01 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 04:38:24 PM
Just took a look at Bowdoin's 3 Goals....1st Goal was Montanaro's fault as he needed to dive and pounce on that ball...He didn't want to get his nose in there and that is surprising...The other 2 Bowdoin Goals were complete defensive breakdowns and losing focus...2nd Half looks like the Bates of the past few years...

True. Been a tough second half for Bates. Byrd has caused them problems all game.  Gotta give him credit.  Bates has not beaten Bowdoin this century...

I thought Peabo Knoth beat them 1 year?

I think there are 4 or 5 draws in there ('15 and '16 with Peabo), but no wins.  The announcer mentioned this several times today. I believe Bates last win over Bowdoin was 1999.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 17, 2018, 08:17:14 PM
Just read on the Bowdoin site that Bowdoin is 15-0-5 vs. Bates over the last 19 years.  Bates's last win was in 1999.  Hard to believe.  I vividly remember 2010 in my son's junior year at Bowdoin when Bowdoin went to Bates early in the season, outshot them by a ridiculous margin, but still failed to score in a scoreless draw.  They started that season 1-1-2 with another draw vs. Amherst in the first game of the season, and then rattled off 10 straight wins to go 11-1-2 and win the NESCAC regular season and proceed all the way to the final four.

I did get over to Pickard Field to see the first 75 minutes of the game.  First 25 minutes it appeared that Bowdoin was under instruction to possess in their own half but not bother to attack.  Bates then scored their one goal against the run of play with a nice cross across the goal mouth and finish on the far post.  Bowdoin's D failed in several ways...failing to block the cross and then failing to mark the attacker coming in on the far post.  Bates then hit the post and should frankly have scored on another defensive breakdown by Bowdoin.  Bates could have been up 2-0...

Early in the second half, the game flipped.  Bowdoin scored the equalizer on a persistent play by freshman Bae, and I wouldn't call it a grievous keeper error...it was just one of those scrappy moments.  After that the floodgates opened.  Bates seemed to lose their focus and organization, and Drake Byrd ran rampant down the left side and delivered both assists.

Credit to Bates for being competitive all season under a new coach with somewhat limited talent.  Credit also to Bowdoin who have gone 6-0-2 over their past 8 games, started three freshmen today and had two other (nonstarting) freshmen score...

This is usually the time of year when the NESCAC tightens up...despite what may have transpired during the first half of the season...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2018, 09:04:58 PM
The first Bowdoin goal was a scrappy moment and Montanaro was to blame because he flat out refused to get in the scrap and get his nose in there. Would he have gotten kicked? YES..... Would he have gotten injured? Doubt it but anything is possible..... Would I consider him to be soft after watching that replay 3 times? YES....I was disappointed to see that as I can promise you this Frosh GK at Hamilton who is smaller than Montanaro would have gotten to that ball and dove right into the mixer....kid from Hamilton is impressive...That goal let Bowdoin back in the game and the rest is history
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on October 18, 2018, 11:21:39 AM
Here is a link to video of the 3 Bowdoin goals in yesterday's 3-1 win over Bates (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=Szrlk4JT2tM). It's from the Bowdoin website so there is no video of the Bates' goal. .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2018, 11:37:26 AM
Do you not agree on the 1st Goal that Montanaro refused to dive on that ball? I really feel that ball should of been his and he did not have the sack to get his nose in there...The other 2 Goals were complete defensive breakdowns and frankly the first time this year that Bates has collapsed in a game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 18, 2018, 01:52:09 PM
I'm not as down on Montanaro as you Mr. Right. I agree he could have dove on it but it looked like he thought he could get a foot on it initially and just missed it. It was misplayed but I wouldn't reconsider your whole outlook on him. Likewise, on the third goal I thought he was far back into the goal and could have possibly cut off the cross. I think some of this is the nescac mindset that we play back and conservative and don't get beat too far forward. The GK catches that contagion as well. Instead of saying "hey we are aggressively attacking and everyone needs to be ready and aggressive and the GK better be ready to come forward and break up a cross" all of them are sitting back afraid to make a mistake. Just my opinion. Interested in your thoughts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2018, 03:06:11 PM
Nescac Predictions:


Amherst at Wesleyan--------Interesting Friday night Nescac rivalry match on the Football turf at Wesleyan. Wesleyan is mathematically alive for the Nescac Playoffs but realistically have no shot IMO. Unfortunately, after watching Wesleyan get ripped to shreds by Williams last weekend I am not sure this will be an even game. Wesleyan looked AWFUL in that game defensively, GK was not good and especially in attack. They had NOTHING going forward and created absolutely nothing in that game. It seems like they cleaned it all up defensively in their next game at Midd losing 1-0 in OT but again they not only cannot score goals they are creating very little throughout the game to even get opportunities to score. I will say most years they play Amherst tough even when they have nothing to play for and this game will be on turf which might help Wesleyan but I am not seeing it this year. This will be the 3rd straight year Wesleyan finishes outside the Top 8 and that is unacceptable for a school like Wesleyan and a solid tradition that Wheeler has built over the years. This team might be one of the worst Wesleyan sides Wheeler has ever had but some of his tactical decisions should be questioned because a player like KMP is playing so deep that he does not have a Goal or Assist all year and only has totaled 5 Shots in 2018. He MUST be pushed out wide or atleast moved up to get him some chances against a weaker Amherst backline than in years past. Amherst is 8-3-1 and will finish the regular season playing 3 games in 6 days but two of the games are against Wesleyan and Trinity and the other at Brandeis. Even with some of the issues Amherst has had defensively this game is a complete mismatch and while Wesleyan MIGHT keep this game close I think Amherst cruises to victory as they MUST get 3 pts to basically clinch a Home Field Quarter-Final match in the Nescac Playoffs. A Draw or worse will really cause Amherst some heartache as they would be stuck in 4th/5th/6th place until other games are played.Amherst rolls right over Wesleyan in this one and Wheeler really needs to get some talent back into the program.....Amherst 3-0



Bates at Midd-------Bates traditionally always plays Middlebury tough no matter each teams record. Last year Bates interrupted a 6 game streak of 1-0 Wins for Middlebury by defeating them up in Lewiston 3-0 and only allowing Midd 1 SOG. It was a major upset that allowed Bates to qualify for the Nescac Tournament for the first time since 2010. I expect this game to be close as well as I think Bates will bounce back from their midweek shellacking at Bowdoin. Both teams are desperate for 3 pts. Midd needs to keep Winning games for their NCAA hopes and to clinch Home Field in the Nescac Quarters. Bates needs 3 pts to make sure they qualify for their second straight Nescac Tournament. Even if Bates loses this game they will not be eliminated as they will need to defeat Colby at Home on the last game of the year. After Bates defensive lapses in the 2nd Half at Bowdoin I expect Sheikh to re-organize them and will need the leadership of Senior CB Sam Huebschmann to get the back 4 organized. He was pissed after each Bowdoin Goal because they were all avoidable. The wingbacks must drop off because it sounds like the speedy Drake Byrd were running them ragged. If your wingbacks are slower than the opponents attacking players than you MUST take 2-3 steps back and give them space BUT it will also give you a couple steps advantage so they can not just burn you with pace. Middlebury has more talent in their starting 11 and while they struggled a bit finding the net last night at Castleton and Nescac POW Dan O'Grady did not play so hopefully for Midd's sake he was getting a chance to rest his legs as they were coming off a doubleheader this past weekend. I said my piece on Montanaro but he is still a great shot stopper and Bakken continues to play VERY WELL. Both teams have wingers that can cause the other teams wingbacks problems BUT which team will capitalize? Honestly I think Midd will struggle to put Bates away but somehow find a way to get it done........Midd 2-1



Conn College at Bowdoin------IMO this game is a total coin flip. Bowdoin is red hot right now as they are 6-0-2 in their last 8 games and have not lost a game in over a month which was a shocking 2-0 loss at Wesleyan. That loss to Wesleyan really hurts right now because they would be in NCAA Pool C contention without it and also would be that much closer to a Home Field game in the Nescac tournament. Bowdoin's Frosh GK Kingston has been really playing well and should give Bowdoin a solid GK the next 4 years. Interestingly, Kingston is 6-2-2 this season but only has 2 Shutouts so teams are getting opportunities to score goals against Bowdoin unlike last year when they were shutting down teams. Byrd and Chaban have skill and speed and Wiercinski is using 3-4 Frosh every game and getting rewarded with some solid production. Bowdoin's backline of Reid, Niang, McColl and Miller can deal with Conn's speedy wingers and Butera and Manoogian in midfield. Along with Stenquist they should be able to keep Conn's potent attack to a minimum of chances. On the flip Conn's CB's Donelan and Stoneback have played well all year in front of the best GK in the league AJ Marcucci. Both teams have shown this year with a lead they will sit on it pretty well and see the game out. Both teams will waste time in the 2nd Half if they have the lead which will lead to an even 18 to 18 battle. Bowdoin has a chance to grab 2 HUGE Wins in this game and v Tufts next week to secure 2 key Wins v Ranked and most likely a Pool C bid or at the very least a bubble team. Their weak SOS should be raised quite a bit after these next two games but at some point all these games Bowdoin has played lately 7 games in 18 days will catch up to them somewhere. How badly does Conn want to host the Nescac Tournament as a Win here would make it much more likely as Tufts still has Williams and Bowdoin on their schedule. I am going with a scoreless draw..........0-0



Hamilton at Colby----This is a massive game for BOTH teams. Hamilton will clinch a Nescac Playoff berth with a Win in this game. This is their final regular season game and could be their final game of the season if they lose. Colby still travels to Bates next week so a loss will not eliminate them unless Bates defeats Midd. BOTH teams along with Wesleyan have proven all year they are anemic in attack. Colby has 3 Goals in 8 Games and Hamilton has 5 Goals in 9 Games so combined they are averaging under a half a goal a game. THAT IS JUST PISS POOR.  Amazingly, Hamilton has been involved in TEN 1-0 games. They are surprisingly 4-2-0 on the Road but this is a 9 hour bus ride one way. Hamilton looked useless in the final 3rd yesterday against Williams and striker Schmidt did not even play. Wood was kept in check all game and frankly has been all season as he has just 1 goal. I like both teams GK'ers and CB's. Colby's wingbacks have been a problem all year and Hamilton's have been decent but make careless mistakes at times. I think Colby has the better midfield but Hamilton's Matt Jordan has come out of nowhere and showed he has some skill and a great work ethic. This is another toss up and I think Perry Nizzi needs to get his team pumped and ready to attack as they have nothing to lose. Hamilton's size on their backline could be a weapon on their own set pieces to try to find a goal but Colby should be able to match them defensively. Honestly, I have no idea but I am going to say both teams find a goal but neither find a Win.........1-1



Williams at Tufts-------Williams has gone 4-0-1 in their last 5 games and are starting to really gel especially in the back with Oberg and Scatt MacDonald. Ranieri did not play again yesterday but veteran Paul Griffith has done a nice job filling in at wingback the past few weeks. Williams has been getting some key goals by Andreou off of set pieces but are still struggling to score goals in the run of play. Besides a 5-0 and 3-0 trashing of Trinity and Wesleyan they have really struggled getting goals against the other Nescac sides. This game should help Williams weak SOS which IIRC was at .547 which is not good. They will play Midd after this game so I would imagine they finish the regular season somewhere around .570 SOS. Even with a respectable 8-3-2 record that .570 SOS will not be good enough alone to get them a Pool C considering if you look around not only the region but the country there are a considerable amount of teams with SOS of .590 or better. So that means Williams will HAVE to make up for that with Ranked Wins and right now they have 2. I would say they have 3 but Hamilton will most definitely drop out. So they have Wins at Amherst and v Babson. They lost to Conn and I expect Bowdoin to be ranked and they got a Draw against them. If by chance Skidmore gets ranked that would be another loss. So as of now they would be 2-1-1 v Ranked and this game plus the Midd game will give them 2 chances to get results v Ranked. Tufts has not a regular season Home game in 2 years and Williams has not defeated Tufts in Sullivan's tenure and not since 2013. This is a tough matchup for them on the turf at Tufts and the loss of Gass up top who was their best striker really hurts for this game. They are giving a ton of inexperienced guys up front a bunch of minutes and against Tufts experienced and solid back 4 and GK I am not sure Williams will be able to score in this game. They are capable of scoring but they must try to spread Tufts out and cannot sit in deep and hold their wingbacks from attacking if they want to get a goal. I think they need to take a chance and send numbers forward to allow them a chance to give them numbers on the attack. Williams will lose the midfield battle with Tufts but I have a ton of confidence in saying Williams has the better CB's in this game. Oberg and Scatt are smarter and tougher than Najjar and Paoletta. That might be the only advantage Williams has in this game. My heart says Williams but my head says Tufts will Win this game in typical fashion and limit Williams opportunities........1-0 Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2018, 03:11:23 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on October 18, 2018, 01:52:09 PM
I'm not as down on Montanaro as you Mr. Right. I agree he could have dove on it but it looked like he thought he could get a foot on it initially and just missed it. It was misplayed but I wouldn't reconsider your whole outlook on him. Likewise, on the third goal I thought he was far back into the goal and could have possibly cut off the cross. I think some of this is the nescac mindset that we play back and conservative and don't get beat too far forward. The GK catches that contagion as well. Instead of saying "hey we are aggressively attacking and everyone needs to be ready and aggressive and the GK better be ready to come forward and break up a cross" all of them are sitting back afraid to make a mistake. Just my opinion. Interested in your thoughts.

I'm not down on him and I still think he is a solid GK I just am disappointed he didn't put his body/face on the line to get that ball. If he thought he could kick it he would not have hesitated right before the Bowdoin player got to it. I fully believe he did not have the sack to get his nose in there and take one for the team and THAT IS the difference between average teams and good teams. Had he got that ball who knows maybe Bates would have kept focus and held on for the win..We will never know but it is plays like that where players show what kind of guts they have and he came up short of any kind of courage and quite possibly cost his team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mightymoedog on October 19, 2018, 09:57:29 AM
I think Bowdoin is red hot right now.  IMO Wiercinski has made the adjustments the team needed to finally get some scoring.  They have played a lot of games lately, and that doesn't seem to let up soon.  This keeps them sharp, and puts them in excellent position to pull off the upset against Conn College.  With it being Senior day, I think the freshman will lift them to a 2-1 win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mightymoedog on October 19, 2018, 10:03:53 AM
Looking at Middlebury, why has Brandan Barry not played more this year?  He has some great stats in limited time, and coming out of high school, he was highly touted to be a great player at this level.  If they want to have a chance at beating Bates they need to get Barry in the game and let him work his magic.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 19, 2018, 11:04:35 AM
Quote from: mightymoedog on October 19, 2018, 10:03:53 AM
Looking at Middlebury, why has Brandan Barry not played more this year?  He has some great stats in limited time, and coming out of high school, he was highly touted to be a great player at this level.  If they want to have a chance at beating Bates they need to get Barry in the game and let him work his magic.

Actually, Barry has played quite a bit as of late and in pivotal moments. He's often the first player off the bench for Elias, and as others have noted, Midd's starting 11 is as good as any other's in the conference. So I think he is slotted exactly where he should be, and as the season has progressed he's been given more and more time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mightymoedog on October 19, 2018, 11:18:08 AM
s, Barry has been playing more, but he should be in tye starting lineup.  With a talent like his, they would be competing with Tufts and Conn College, instead of hoping to host a playoff game. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 19, 2018, 09:39:57 PM
As predicted, Amherst wins in Middletown, 3-0.  The temperature dropped on a windy evening.  It was senior night for the Cardinals and they played aggressively for a time.  2-0 at the half and 3-0 in the "4th quarter" so to speak.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 11:50:29 AM
As I predicted Amherst absolutely took it to Wesleyan. With three straight years of missing the Nescac Playoffs Wheeler really needs to bring in a solid class. I think if he does not get this thing turned around he could be in a bit of trouble as Head Coach at Wesleyan. He has been at Wesleyan for 18 years so I really hope he gets the benefit of doubt and is allowed a chance to rebuild his program but there has to be some heat on him in Middletown,CT. I mean he has holes everywhere although the GK last night did make a few tremendous saves so he might be one to hang on to. He was using Franklin in net but sacked him after his debacle at Williams last weekend and went to the 6'5 Frosh Lowen. Devanny is only a Junior so he will be back, Wolf is a Junior and has some skill, Haas and JJ Lacorte will be back up top but that is it and he loses Teddy Lyons and KMP. He might have to pull a Seabrook and bring in 17 Frosh and just see what he gets and weed out the waste. They finish with Conn and their Vassar game got cancelled so they will finish with 14 Games. They have 7 Goals ALL SEASON and have been shutout 8 out 14 Games this season. Bleak bleak stuff.........
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 12:05:52 PM
Bates at Midd....Conn at Bowdoin just getting underway....Couple of lineup notes..Midd has holding midfielder Barovick back in the lineup but still are missing key leader O'Grady as I am not sure his injury...Bates coming off a disappointing performance at Bowdoin finally stick Opoku in the starting lineup....Conn has key striker MT Tshuma back in the starting lineup but key winger Dieng is not in the starting lineup but will come off the bench to add a spark against winded starters. I like the idea if that is the reasoning behind it but it also could be disciplinary so who knows.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 20, 2018, 12:12:11 PM
Going Conn 2 - 1... field looks like in good shape.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 12:22:44 PM
Bowdoin in a 4-2-3-1 with their usual back 4 LB McColl, CB's Reid and Niang and RB Miller then holding is Stenquist and Houseman and attacking is Frosh Cooper with Byrd wide left and Shultz wide right and the Frosh Uek up top....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 12:28:04 PM
Quote from: BendIt007 on October 20, 2018, 12:12:11 PM
Going Conn 2 - 1... field looks like in good shape.

Yes.....I would say Williams has the best field in Nescac with Bowdoin right behind them. Both schools have great fields. I would say Bates, Conn and Wesleyan are in a 3 way tie for the absolute worst fields in Nescac.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 12:51:53 PM
Midd v Bates is 0-0 at the Half...Midd has been all over Bates in the 1st Half especially the last 15-20 minutes. Midd has had about 2-3 really solid looks but have not been able to finish. Bates is sitting compact and deep and just absorbing pressure. They have been pretty effective so far and look to be playing for a point in this game and maybe trying to sneak a goal on the counter. Let's see if Midd can break thru in the 2nd Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 01:03:14 PM
Conn at Bowdoin also 0-0 at the Half. Nether team with to many dangerous chances as both teams playing it a bit cautious which was predictable. I will say Byrd has been the most dynamic attacking player on the field as he is making some nice slashing runs and using his speed to get into dangerous areas of the field. Both strikers for Bowdoin are 6'4 Frosh Uek and his replacement Charlie Ward are obviously big but both look to be slow especially Ward and are not the most skilled strikers but Wiercinski looking for them to finish on a set piece or cross with their heads.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 01:40:57 PM
Bowdoin goes up on Conn 1-0 with about 20 minutes left off a corner. Honestly, Bowdoin has outplayed Conn today and have looked the better side with a few more dangerous chances. Only the 3rd goal let up by Conn and Marcucci all season. It was a beauty of a goal and a HUGE goal for Bowdoin's season. A beautiful serve by McColl found a charging Levi Morant's head who flicked it beautifully across the box to a wide open Niang who finished it...Very nice goal...I expect Bowdoin to now sit and get into a compact shell and waste time to see this goal out....1-0 Bowdoin 20 minutes left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 01:47:37 PM
Midd takes a 1-0 lead over Bates with 13 minutes left off a PK. Game ball goes to Midd's Frosh defender McFarlane who worked his butt off and tracked back to steal the ball from a Bates player in Bates defensive half. He then took the ball and dribbled it into the box and was fouled on the play. Could not see who fouled him for Bates but it was an unnecessary foul as it would have been a tough angle for McFarlane to shoot. Mental mistakes for Bates have hurt them for the 2nd straight game. Midd usually has O'Grady take its PK's but he has not played so Ben Potter stepped up and ripped it into the net...1-0 Midd about 10 minutes left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 02:10:22 PM
Quote from: mightymoedog on October 19, 2018, 09:57:29 AM
I think Bowdoin is red hot right now.  IMO Wiercinski has made the adjustments the team needed to finally get some scoring.  They have played a lot of games lately, and that doesn't seem to let up soon.  This keeps them sharp, and puts them in excellent position to pull off the upset against Conn College.  With it being Senior day, I think the freshman will lift them to a 2-1 win.


You were correct Bowdoin defeats Conn 1-0 today for Conn's first loss of the season. Bowdoin is now 9-3-2 overall and 5-2-2 in Nescac. They are also 7-0-2 in their last 9 games. Bowdoin was impressive today as they absolutely clamped down defensively and found a goal off a corner and held off Conn in the waning minutes. Bowdoin had their usual gameplan today and the players made it work to perfection. Bowdoin is going on their usual October run and after that win an the win over Bates midweek they should be ranked in New England this coming week after getting the snub last week. Big Win as they outplayed Conn today for most of the game as I cannot remember any real dangerous chances for Conn. Conn is still positioned very well to host in the NCAA's but they will need to find a way to create more chances throughout a game vs solid defensive teams are they will not be going very far in November. They looked a bit off today but have a solid chance to bounce back midweek in their final regular season game at Wesleyan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 20, 2018, 02:11:39 PM
Watched Conn-Bowdoin since DePauw had no stream....Bowdoin IMO definitely carried the play.  Impressive run by the Polar Bears and will test Tufts.  This Bowdoin coach (previously at Chicago, right?) must be pretty good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 02:14:57 PM
Midd defeats Bates 1-0 on that PK as they have been fortunate this year as by my count that has to be their 3rd or 4th PK during Nescac play. Still they dominated Bates today as they were in Bates end for the majority of the match as Bates looked to be playing for the draw on the road or a possible counter to sneak a win. None of it worked as Midd gets a key 3 pts BUT I think they will need to defeat Williams midweek to clinch a Home Field game depending on what other teams do. Either way Midd improves to 9-2-3 overall and 5-2-2 in Nescac and with this win and the win midweek against Castleton they along with Bowdoin today have put themselves in very solid position for this week's New England Regional Rankings. They do however lose the tiebreaker with Bowdoin so that is why I would think they might need to defeat Williams midweek to get a Home Field game which is crucial for them as they play much better at Home.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 02:18:34 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 20, 2018, 02:11:39 PM
Watched Conn-Bowdoin since DePauw had no stream....Bowdoin IMO definitely carried the play.  Impressive run by the Polar Bears and will test Tufts.  This Bowdoin coach (previously at Chicago, right?) must be pretty good.

Yea he is a good coach but his tactics are not my cup of tea as like when he was at Chicago they play very conservative. Also, the time wasting when they get a lead pisses me off and I am sure pisses off other Coaches but yea he has a plan and the team makes it work. Still you are correct Bowdoin impressed today as they definitely carried play and deserved the Win and got a real solid goal off the corner. If they play like they did today against Tufts they can win that game also which would clinch them 2nd Place I believe depending on other results. Big win though for Bowdoin especially for Pool C consideration.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 02:47:33 PM
Tufts goes up 1-0 on a Joe Braun header off a corner...Looked like Andreou who was defending him or Scatt but Braun outworked and used his height to get the goal...1-0 Tufts 10 minutes in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 03:18:39 PM
1-0 Tufts at the Half. I thought it was a pretty even half besides the goal. Tufts had one other serious chance with Cano in on Williams GK Schein but hit it wide. Williams starters played well and they were playing fast on the carpet. Nice quick passing which is what you have to do to beat Tufts. Williams final pass was lacking but I was impressed with the way Williams was playing on the carpet. On the flip, I was a bit surprised at Tufts as they were hitting long balls for the most part all Half. They almost looked like Amherst with their backs whacking everything forward but the Ephs defense held up nicely. Williams starters were playing physical and working very hard as was Tufts. The last 15 minutes of the 1st Half Williams dropped off as their bench is just way to young and inexperienced. Tufts started to take control and dictate play but it was not the prettiest futbol at all. Not that it matters as they have the lead going into the Half 1-0. Will Williams come out as aggressive in the 2nd Half or will Tufts clamp down and control the play. Decent games in Nescac today though....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 03:45:52 PM
Tufts goes up 2-0 on a beauty of a counter...Rojas to Tasker to Braun bing bang boom and a nice finish..I thought Williams came out and still was playing very well and putting pressure on Tufts but that quick counter probably will finish Williams off. I think Williams was coming out looking for an early equalizer as they were pushing numbers but Tufts showed why it is total risk/reward to do that against them as they hit a perfect counter...2-0 Tufts still a good chunk of time left though
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 20, 2018, 04:12:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 02:10:22 PM
Quote from: mightymoedog on October 19, 2018, 09:57:29 AM
I think Bowdoin is red hot right now.  IMO Wiercinski has made the adjustments the team needed to finally get some scoring.  They have played a lot of games lately, and that doesn't seem to let up soon.  This keeps them sharp, and puts them in excellent position to pull off the upset against Conn College.  With it being Senior day, I think the freshman will lift them to a 2-1 win.


You were correct Bowdoin defeats Conn 1-0 today for Conn's first loss of the season. Bowdoin is now 9-3-2 overall and 5-2-2 in Nescac. They are also 7-0-2 in their last 9 games. Bowdoin was impressive today as they absolutely clamped down defensively and found a goal off a corner and held off Conn in the waning minutes. Bowdoin had their usual gameplan today and the players made it work to perfection. Bowdoin is going on their usual October run and after that win an the win over Bates midweek they should be ranked in New England this coming week after getting the snub last week. Big Win as they outplayed Conn today for most of the game as I cannot remember any real dangerous chances for Conn. Conn is still positioned very well to host in the NCAA's but they will need to find a way to create more chances throughout a game vs solid defensive teams are they will not be going very far in November. They looked a bit off today but have a solid chance to bounce back midweek in their final regular season game at Wesleyan.

I went to the Bowdoin vs. Conn game on a gorgeous warm and sunny afternoon in Brunswick (if a bit breezy).  I haven't watched all of Bowdoin's games this season, but this was the best I've seen them play.  It was a good first half, with higher quality passing by both teams than some posters typically credit NESCAC teams for...  Bowdoin deserved the W in my view when it was all said and done.  It's shaping up to be an exciting matchup between Bowdoin and Tufts on Tuesday in the final regular season game, especially on the slippery natural grass of Pickard Field...

On a related note, Niang truly is a man among boys, and he was at his imperious best today.  He took Tshuma out of the game, was his usual dominant self in the air, and made some impressive runs with the ball down the length of the field.  I was chatting with Mike Healy, former Bowdoin assistant coach and a friend of mine, and...with all admitted bias...he and I agreed that Niang by all rights should be NESCAC POY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 04:24:10 PM
Williams showed well today in spurts here and there. They certainly played better futbol than Tufts or atleast tried to but they just do not have a finisher. Tufts burned them on the counter and Williams lost some urgency and again Tufts has a much better and experienced bench as that was one of the differences in the game. I am still not convinced about Aroh holding in front of Najjar as quick teams with speed in midfield and up front should be able to take advantage. We will see.....Final: Tufts 3-1 Williams........


Niang had a great game today and he was a man among boys on the field but I think the Coaches will give POY to Braun...my hunch
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 20, 2018, 05:43:27 PM
Just checked the NESCAC stats...Braun has 17 points from the forward position and Niang has 13 points from the center back position.  I know which overall performance I'd be more impressed by personally, but you're probably right that the coaches will be more compelled by offensive stats than by a combination of defending and scoring...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 20, 2018, 06:32:27 PM
I haven't seen all these teams frequently enough to have a strong opinion, but I have watched Tufts quite a bit.  IMO the only thing Tufts is missing is a true POY player.  I know Braun is having a good season and I may have missed some of his goals and plays but my impression is that he's mostly scored from 3-4 yards out and mostly from feeds from others rather than forays where he beats a couple of players and scores.  I prefer Weatherbie and maybe Rojas as candidates even though I am not a fan of the latter's antics.  BTW, who made that through pass to Tasker who crossed to Braun? Trevorrow?  Anyway, a beauty.  Niang was dominant today.  My wild card for POY might be Marcucci.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 20, 2018, 06:42:42 PM
All three are good candidates!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 21, 2018, 12:36:06 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 20, 2018, 02:11:39 PM
Watched Conn-Bowdoin since DePauw had no stream....Bowdoin IMO definitely carried the play.  Impressive run by the Polar Bears and will test Tufts.  This Bowdoin coach (previously at Chicago, right?) must be pretty good.

He is a Brunswick native.  Played GK at Midd.  Brother was an All-American at Colby in the early 90s.  Was an assistant at Brown, with Murphy under Noonan.  Also coached at Bruno United.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 21, 2018, 04:18:43 PM
Quote from: truenorth on October 20, 2018, 04:12:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 20, 2018, 02:10:22 PM
Quote from: mightymoedog on October 19, 2018, 09:57:29 AM
I think Bowdoin is red hot right now.  IMO Wiercinski has made the adjustments the team needed to finally get some scoring.  They have played a lot of games lately, and that doesn't seem to let up soon.  This keeps them sharp, and puts them in excellent position to pull off the upset against Conn College.  With it being Senior day, I think the freshman will lift them to a 2-1 win.


You were correct Bowdoin defeats Conn 1-0 today for Conn's first loss of the season. Bowdoin is now 9-3-2 overall and 5-2-2 in Nescac. They are also 7-0-2 in their last 9 games. Bowdoin was impressive today as they absolutely clamped down defensively and found a goal off a corner and held off Conn in the waning minutes. Bowdoin had their usual gameplan today and the players made it work to perfection. Bowdoin is going on their usual October run and after that win an the win over Bates midweek they should be ranked in New England this coming week after getting the snub last week. Big Win as they outplayed Conn today for most of the game as I cannot remember any real dangerous chances for Conn. Conn is still positioned very well to host in the NCAA's but they will need to find a way to create more chances throughout a game vs solid defensive teams are they will not be going very far in November. They looked a bit off today but have a solid chance to bounce back midweek in their final regular season game at Wesleyan.

I went to the Bowdoin vs. Conn game on a gorgeous warm and sunny afternoon in Brunswick (if a bit breezy).  I haven't watched all of Bowdoin's games this season, but this was the best I've seen them play.  It was a good first half, with higher quality passing by both teams than some posters typically credit NESCAC teams for...  Bowdoin deserved the W in my view when it was all said and done.  It's shaping up to be an exciting matchup between Bowdoin and Tufts on Tuesday in the final regular season game, especially on the slippery natural grass of Pickard Field...

On a related note, Niang truly is a man among boys, and he was at his imperious best today.  He took Tshuma out of the game, was his usual dominant self in the air, and made some impressive runs with the ball down the length of the field.  I was chatting with Mike Healy, former Bowdoin assistant coach and a friend of mine, and...with all admitted bias...he and I agreed that Niang by all rights should be NESCAC POY.

As a Camels fan, it has taken me a day to be able to respond to their first loss in what had been a pretty magical unbeaten run for them.  This was my first time really watching Bowdoin start to finish, and they looked good and played hard in front of homecoming audience.  Teams looked pretty even, but Niang as several pointed out, physically took over the defensive middle, and Conn wasn't as effective as usual going down the wings.  The Camels only had a few times that created any real possibilities, and kind of wasted many of their corner and direct kicks hitting deep and right into the hands of the Bowdoin goalie.   Now we'll see if Conn can re-group against Wesleyan on Tuesday.  In my mind, a huge game for them to assure 2nd place seeding and get some scoring mojo back.  If Bowdoin can play the same caliber game against Tufts, that should be a VERY good one to watch, and nice that it will be played on Bowdoin's grass field, that as Mr. Right has pointed out, is one of the better grass fields in NESCAC.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 21, 2018, 07:27:07 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 21, 2018, 12:36:06 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 20, 2018, 02:11:39 PM
Watched Conn-Bowdoin since DePauw had no stream....Bowdoin IMO definitely carried the play.  Impressive run by the Polar Bears and will test Tufts.  This Bowdoin coach (previously at Chicago, right?) must be pretty good.

He is a Brunswick native.  Played GK at Midd.  Brother was an All-American at Colby in the early 90s.  Was an assistant at Brown, with Murphy under Noonan.  Also coached at Bruno United.

So Middlebury counts him AND Shapiro as alums....too lazy to look, but did they overlap?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 21, 2018, 07:38:41 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 21, 2018, 07:27:07 PM
So Middlebury counts him AND Shapiro as alums....too lazy to look, but did they overlap?

Yes, they overlapped for at least 2-13 years.  Also part of the Saward coaching tree is WNEU's Devin O'Neill.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2018, 03:20:42 PM
Nescac Prediction Tonight


Amherst at Brandeis------As I have stated this is a HUGE match for both teams. I would say Brandeis is teetering on the brink so this game is more important for them but Amherst also cannot afford to drop their 4th game of the year as well. I do credit Serpone for scheduling this match as his non-conference schedule has been improving the past few years. Brandeis has the Home field advantage and advantage on turf but Amherst has played enough games on turf this season so it should not be that much of a dis-advantage for them. Brandeis has looked "soft" in midfield this whole year and if that continues tonight they will lose this game. I will be watching to see what changes Margolis will make from last weeks disaster giving up 2 late goals to Clark to blow the game and end of with a Draw. It came down to a lack of mental toughness, careless mental mistakes in the back and a horrific GK'ing error by Cohen. So who will be in net tonight? Should be Irwin IMO but who knows. Will the defense stay in tact? Will the system stay intact? Are there changes in midfield? Tons of questions that will be answered tonight. Amherst has had some issues of its own on defense this season so I expect Brandeis to get some decent looks tonight and I am hoping they can get in behind Amherst defense and really test Amherst Frosh GK Bernie White. White has done well since taking over after the Williams loss but frankly Amherst schedule has softened besiedes the Tufts match since then. Brandies should shoot as much as they can tonight and follow all shots as there could be some juicy rebounds for them to finish. On the flip Amherst Cutler Coleman has played very well all year IMO and Bryce Johnson's long throws could be very dangerous tonight as even with Amherst lack of height compared to previous years they are still an aggressive and physical team. Jimmy McMillan started against Wesleyan so it looks like he is back and Frosh German Germatti was sacked but was first off the bench. Sean Fitzgerald has been starting lately at CB and Brandeis MUST take advantage of his lack of speed and NOT be scared of his physicality. Brandeis still has plenty of speed and skill BUT they must body up tonight and play tough to get a Win. I think they have a chance in this game at Home and I think it will come down to 1 Goal. Alex Walter will have his hands full and I expect Handler to be dealing with McMillian but I do not know who will be matching up with Amherst dangerous Dane Lind. He is load and will need to be defended well. Derby did not play at Wesleyan so he might be injured? Also, Cutler Coleman MUST be sticked and not allowed to go right at Brandeis midfield. So there are a lot of questions here for Brandeis in this game but if they can come out and find a goal and then sit compact and deal with all of Amherst set pieces they will have a chance. I just do not think Brandeis can clean all this up in a matter of five days and Amherst takes advantage and finishes Brandeis off tonight........Amherst 2-0


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 12:15:04 PM
Nescac Predictions------------


Tufts at Bowdoin--------As Bloots mentioned in his Nor'easter News Tufts has not defeated Bowdoin since 2013 and in the last 4 Games played since 2015 Tufts is 0-2-2 scoring only 2 Goals in 4 Games. I am shocked a bit that they have had this much trouble with Bowdoin the past 5 years.  Bowdoin will be intheir usual 4-2-3-1 with a solid back 4 of LB McColl, CB's Reid and Niang and RB Miller then holding is Stenquist and Houseman and attacking is Frosh Cooper with Byrd wide left and Shultz wide right and the Frosh Uek up top....I would say Miller is the weaker link of that back 4 but unless Shapiro switches Tasker and Lane he will be going against Lane which is the easier player to defend over Tasker. I could see Shapiro switching Tasker to the left side to go at Miller as I think McColl can handle Tasker and shut him down. Niang and Reid have to be the biggest and most physical CB's in the league. I will put money that Braun does not get a Goal today as if Shapiro leaves him for dead up top he will get eaten up by Niang and Reid. Tufts midfield of Van Brewer, Rojas, Delaney and Trevarrow will cause Bowdoin some problems BUT Bowdoin's holding midfielders Stenquist and Houseman will be instructed to stick to Tufts midfielders like glue. That means Bowdoin will only really be attacking with 4 Players the striker Uek plus wide guys Shultz and Byrd and then attacking midfielder Cooper. Byrd has been playing very well all year and Shultz is decent but am not quite sure about Cooper just yet. I have no idea where McPherron went because he was a better attacking midfielder IMO. Either way JUST LIKE LAST YEAR if Bowdoin is going to score IT WILL HAVE TO BE OFF A SET PIECE or rebound / ball bouncing around after a set piece. Not sure why Morant is not getting as much time because his flick last weekend to Niang who beat Conn was helpful. Morant could be helpful in this game off set pieces. I honestly think the GK's are basically even as Mieth looked a bit shaky against Williams with some crosses but is still obviously solid and the Frosh Kingston has looked real solid this year. Not sure the tiebreaker if Tufts were to lose and Conn win today but it might be a goal differential after head to head so all Tufts needs is a Draw to repeat as Nescac Regular Season Champions and Hosting the Nescac Tournament not to mention getting to play the winner of Colby/Bates on Saturday. Bowdoin is 7-0-2 in its last nine games and I would guess Tufts is as well so this game will IMO come down to who converts a set piece..........Bowdoin 1-0



Midd at Williams-----------Williams has struggled under Sullivan against Midd since he took over going 1-3-0. This game is a MUST WIN for both teams to get a Home Seed in the Nescac Tournament but TBH either way I think these two teams could be facing each other again on Saturday. That would be real intense to have 2 matchups in 5 days. Williams is 8-4-2 and I am betting they are on the wrong side of the Pool C bubble right now but they will have 3 Ranked Wins but a lower SOS than most Nescac's plus there is NO WAY the committee takes 6 Nescac teams. I think after last season only 4 Nescac teams get in and I see Conn/Amherst/Tufts/Bowdoin in position right now with Midd just behind Bowdoin and Williams just behind Midd. However, if Williams can defeat Midd today that I think would give them 4 ranked Wins next week and bump them past Midd BUT will have to Win a Nescac Quarterfinal match which Sullivan has failed to do in his 3 years. POINT IS---Winner in good shape loser might need to win Nescac tournament. Midd is getting lucky lately with these PK's they have gotten against Bates/Colby/Tufts but they were legit PK's. Still in the run of play they are struggling to score goals. Williams is as well but they did get behind Tufts defense enough last Saturday to make me smile as if they could ever finish they could of scored a couple goals in that game. Williams tried to play the right way against Tufts keeping the ball on the carpet and moving quickly and passing forward not backwards. Still Tufts burned them on the counter BUT I like that Williams is playing like that and in the long run it will get them WINS in Nescac. This conservative style that Sullivan has favored in his tenure I have not liked and frankly has not gotten them anywhere the past 3 years SO I was so pleased to see them come out of their shell and go at Tufts as best they could. If they play like that today against Midd at Home I think they will Win especially if O'Grady is still injured. One thing to watch is if Williams key wingback Ranieri is still out and Griffith the backup is in I think Goulart can burn Griffith and cause problems on the flank but I do not believe for a second that Midd striker Reid will be successful against Williams CB's Scatt and Oberg. If O'Grady is playing than that is a different story. First Goal Wins today but I am predicting Williams goes back to its conservative ways against Midd as they will be scared to give up the first goal. If they do then we will have a tedious draw.........1-1



Conn at Wesleyan--------Conn should be one pissed off motivated bunch today. Wesleyan's horrific season will be put to bed finally today. This was the case last year and Wesleyan ACH scored the GW'ing Goal and defeated Conn. Also, you always have to beware the team with nothing to play for. However, this Wesleyan team is not even as good as last years team. Wesleyan has had nothing to play for the past week and they have not scored a goal in like 4 consecutive games or whatever. Basically, Wesleyan has SUCKED all across the board. The only way I see Wesleyan getting some kind of a result today is if Frosh 6'5 GK Lowen stands on his head but I just do not see Wesleyan even keeping this game close.....Conn 3-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 23, 2018, 12:34:07 PM
Should be good games today. Moran is not playing much because he is injured. He hurt his knee in the weight room and was told he could get season ending surgery or play 20 minutes a game. Interesting story that I have heard more and kore frequently in nescac. Coaches really pushing the boys to lift. Several teams lift twice a week in season on top of practices. Coaches are all about getting bigger and more physical. The boys come from real soccer programs where their clubs or academies don't want them too big. The boys are often reluctant as Morant was but coaches pushed him to lift more. I have heard this at a few nescac schools this season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 01:48:21 PM
That is ridiculous to lift twice a week during the season on top of practice and games on average every 3 days...Getting bigger does not give a kid toughness...either a kid is a warrior or he isnt....muscle does not change heart...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 01:55:11 PM
Maybe a light lift combined with short calisthenics for training once a week is OK, but two lifts on top of practices is too much. Agreed with the heart/toughness point Mr. Right, but strength is important, especially in a league as physical as the NESCAC...which is why it wouldn't surprise me that some coaches want more lifting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 23, 2018, 02:01:50 PM
Raining at a decent clip right now in Maine. Temps in mid to upper 40s. Should clear out in plenty of time for tomorrow nights "play in game" on the turf at Bates. Will be cold though. Seems like in many ways today/tomorrow is a repeat of last year in terms of regular season final game impact on the standings for playoff seeding.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 23, 2018, 02:34:40 PM
No Andreou today for Williams. No Ranieri. No Gass.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 23, 2018, 02:35:44 PM
I'm told Ranieri may get a few minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 02:37:03 PM
No idea who is playing RB for Tufts today because the Frosh Daly was sacked a couple games back and IDK why as I liked the kid as a player. Veteran Tanner Jameson started at RB v Williams on Saturday but looks like he got sacked as well because he is not in the starting lineup. Williams was getting behind him throughout the game and he got benched early in the 2nd Half. Shapiro does have Aroh, Rojas, Van Brewer and Delaney in the lineup so I am guessing either Delaney is playing RB OR he is going with 3 backs which I highly doubt
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 02:39:36 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on October 23, 2018, 02:34:40 PM
No Andreou today for Williams. No Ranieri. No Gass.

Well Gass has been out for weeks and I think is done for season. Ranieri got a concussion over a month ago and had played a game or 2 then all of a sudden did not play again. So those two are not a surprise but Andreou I do not remember getting injured at Tufts. However, because of the glut of holding midfielders I would imagine Dory who has been in Sullivan's doghouse because he has played sparingly lately would fill in for Andreou
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 02:41:31 PM
Mr. Right are you getting the Bowdoin stream? Says it's been "delayed."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 02:42:32 PM
Tufts v Bowdoin stream is delayed as NSN cannot figure its sh*t out when it rains..

LOL Live Stats go like this:

Foul on Bowdoin
Foul on Tufts
Foul on Bowdoin
Foul on Tufts
Offside
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 02:45:07 PM
It'd be great if they either told us it's not happening because of the rain or when we can expect it to work. This is like when airline pilots have you sitting on the tarmac for a half-hour without telling you why you aren't moving.

Have to say I've been having the same experience with the Brandeis stream lately..."you've had since 7am to figure this out!"...although last night it was good, if for no other reason that it let us hear how obnoxious the Amherst bench was all game.

Apologies for the grumpiness; it's Tuesday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 02:46:40 PM
It is on now...NSN apoligized for technical problems from the rain...They failed to mention it is drizzling....NSN---No Stream Network...I wonder what these schools dish out to NSN for all sports to be broadcast. The only school that does not use them is Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 02:48:42 PM
OK I can admit when I am wrong....Braun scores on a set piece....The set piece thing I called but Braun burned Niang on the set piece...GK Kingston looked waaay to slow coming for that....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 02:49:08 PM
Alright Bowdoin, time to move the bus!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 02:50:05 PM
To be fair, Tufts had a 2-0 second half lead at Bowdoin in 2014 before having to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on October 23, 2018, 02:53:56 PM
This Tufts-Bowdoin broadcast (I think it's a stretch to call it a broadcast!) has probably the worst camera operator I have ever seen. I'll be lucky to make it to halftime.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 02:54:09 PM
Tufts is in a 3-5-2 with Rojas as a striker...Interesting change....No idea why you would go to 3 backs this late in the year randomly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 02:56:44 PM
Quote from: rangerfan on October 23, 2018, 02:53:56 PM
This Tufts-Bowdoin broadcast (I think it's a stretch to call it a broadcast!) has probably the worst camera operator I have ever seen. I'll be lucky to make it to halftime.

Broadcaster said the camera operator banged out sick so they are using a 12 year old kid who raised his hand in the stands when they asked for a volunteer
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 02:59:29 PM
Midd's O'Grady still out of lineup.....


Bucket----What is O'Grady's injury?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 03:02:36 PM
Watching both Tufts-Bowdoin and Cristiano's homecoming...

...the only time I ever root for Ronaldo is when he plays United...so this is the first time I've rooted for him since March 5, 2013.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 03:07:26 PM
Isn't Juve struggling a bit?


Ummm I guess Sullivan was not happy after Tufts beat them on Saturday as he IS STARTING 5 FROSH....AND Sean Dory as a RB????  Good God
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 03:10:01 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 03:07:26 PM
Isn't Juve struggling a bit?

They drew on Saturday but that was the first game this season they didn't win IIRC...and now there's pitch invaders. I should be less juvenile than this but I love pitch invaders, always get a kick out of them.

Bowdoin seeming to put some guys forward but not throwing everything at it. Curious if there will be more urgency to attack after the break.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 03:16:21 PM
WOW, that was loud. I forgot that this guy is the "shot...SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!" guy.

Well well well...1-1...Niang. Surprised it came; not surprised at how.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2018, 03:16:26 PM
JP Delacamera....."Game on..."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 03:16:42 PM
Damn.....WHAT A GOAL by Midd's Ben Potter....SICK HALF VOLLEY...That has to be Goal of the Year in Nescac....Gets my vote....1-0 Midd 15 minutes in....I have no idea why Sullivan is starting 5 Frosh in a MUST WIN game....Damn this game could have some goals though so plenty of time for Williams to get it back....



NOTE: There is a kid on Midd's bench on crutches...I am guessing that is O'Grady and if so that is a shame as he is a Senior and was having a solid season
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 03:21:34 PM
Bowdoin and Tufts both have 4 SOG and one goal.

Juventus on top at OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 03:29:16 PM
Juve still play 3 in the back with Allegri or did that go out when Conte left?  I do not follow Italian Futbol as much but maybe I should because ESPN is carrying games on weekend mornings now and I heard the league is starting to attract managers that are willing to attack
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 03:32:04 PM
Midd scores another off a corner but the ref calls it back because Williams GK Schein was interfered with....Tough call as it looked like Midd player got pushed into Schein but I'll take the call
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 03:35:38 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 03:29:16 PM
Juve still play 3 in the back with Allegri or did that go out when Conte left?  I do not follow Italian Futbol as much but maybe I should because ESPN is carrying games on weekend mornings now and I heard the league is starting to attract managers that are willing to attack

4-3-3 with Bonucci and Chiellini at CB.

Chris Smalling and Ashley Young are absolutely stealing livings playing for Man Utd. How they have managed to stay there for 7+ years is amazing to me.

Would imagine Bowdoin will go back into a shell having gotten back in the game just before half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 03:53:37 PM
Niang sets a great pick for Tufts as he nails Stenquist and Tufts gets a goal in the run of play...2-1Tufts...


HOLY CRAP.....Byrd hits a 30 yard left footed inside of the foot prayer over Mieth's head to tie the game...... 2-2.....Ridiculous for Mieth as he just watched the ball sail over his head...I think he thought it was going over the net or wide but it curled back in....I cannot believe these 2 teams have 4 Goals
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2018, 03:54:40 PM
2 goals 18 secs apart....Bowdoin with bad break and two players taking each other out and Tasker with a clinical finish, and then Byrd from 30-35 yards beats Mieth from the left side into right side netting.  Mieth didn't even move and maybe assumed was a cross (which probably was).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 03:58:00 PM
Wow, that was something. The Bowdoin announcer has almost broken my earbuds.

Think Byrd shanked the cross and it dropped over Mieth. Ended up in the side panel but looked to be a mis-hit cross — he hit it with his left foot to be an outswinger but then it got some reverse spin instead. Maybe the wind caught it?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 03:59:12 PM
Definitely meant to be a cross. Looked like it did swerve back a bit which probably confused Meith. Also...I love the enthusiasm of the announcer but wow, I might need hearing aids after.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:00:10 PM
Byrd is the word.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 04:01:23 PM
Tufts at some point came out of that 3-5-2 and are back in a 4-5-1....Najjar limps off field for Tufts....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:01:34 PM
Oh my days, McColl sends in a corner from the right, Mieth's punch goes up in the air, and Morant heads just wide. Thought that would be in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2018, 04:03:55 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 03:59:12 PM
Definitely meant to be a cross. Looked like it did swerve back a bit which probably confused Meith. Also...I love the enthusiasm of the announcer but wow, I might need hearing aids after.

Mi**** perhaps, but well hit.  Maybe fair luck after bad luck on other end gave Tufts the very brief lead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 23, 2018, 04:07:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 02:59:29 PM
Midd's O'Grady still out of lineup.....


Bucket----What is O'Grady's injury?

Right leg has been heavily wrapped, though I don't know the specifics.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 04:10:05 PM
I have been impressed with Bowdoin's fight...They do seem to be building out of the back a bit more. Tufts did have several golden chances early on but could not finish (over the bar, and a great double save by the GK).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:15:29 PM
WOW...Mieth is beaten again by a cross, this time McColl...3-2 Bowdoin with less than 10 left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:17:29 PM
Despite appeals by Tufts to the contrary, I'm not sure that Mieth got pushed. I watched it again, and it looked like he misjudged it. Maybe I'm wrong. I'll have another look.

Edit: Looks like he was crouched down lower than eye level but if anyone pushed him it was his own man Rojas.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 04:18:26 PM
Bowdoin goes up 3-2 on what can only be described as poor goalkeeping and defending. Tufts clears a corner right back to the kick taker, who lofts a soft ball into the 6 yard box - seemed like it hung for ages - but doesn't seem like anyone touched it and it simply curled into the net. Unsure what Meith was doing there - doesn't seem like he even tried to punch it, just flailed at it. Seemed to look like it was head/shoulder level, not too high.  Meith got up looking for a foul, which maybe occurred but tough to see given the camera angle?

This has been Tufts' bogeyman team and I don't understand it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 04:18:52 PM
I really hope Mieth got pushed there because if he did not than that is his 2nd HORRIFIC GK"ing MISTAKE today.....McColl hits some good service and that one I think was also meant to be a cross
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2018, 04:18:55 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 04:10:05 PM
I have been impressed with Bowdoin's fight...They do seem to be building out of the back a bit more. Tufts did have several golden chances early on but could not finish (over the bar, and a great double save by the GK).

Me too....I like Bowdoin a lot....and really impressive after early losses to Amherst in Brunswick and then Wesleyan (or vice versa)....and also the loss the St. Joe's in Brunswick.

Can't recall a Tufts GK getting beaten like this in past handful of years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 04:21:02 PM
When was the last time Tufts got torched for 3 Goals??   If Mieth continues this play Tufts will not be going far
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2018, 04:22:24 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:17:29 PM
Despite appeals by Tufts to the contrary, I'm not sure that Mieth got pushed. I watched it again, and it looked like he misjudged it. Maybe I'm wrong. I'll have another look.

Edit: Looks like he was crouched down lower than eye level but if anyone pushed him it was his own man Rojas.

Couldn't have been that bad because the Tufts players were not flipping out or carrying on for more than a few seconds.  I think just another cross that froze Mieth.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:22:39 PM
Just watched a third time. Again, if anyone pushed him it was his own man Rojas — there was no Bowdoin player adjacent to Mieth. I think he was crouching down to get a read on the second ball but didn't anticipate it coming right back into the six.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 04:23:13 PM
Shapiro goes back to 3 backs and they get equalizer on an own goal......tough luck for Bowdoin and fantastic luck for Tufts..crazy game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:24:00 PM
Looked like an own goal to me off the cross from Lane. Wiercinski will be fuming with that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 23, 2018, 04:24:59 PM
Wow... 3-3!  I want to watch Camel game, but am glued to Tufts -Bowdoin.... 6 goals!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:25:37 PM
Goal given to Rojas, but even looking at the replay again it doesn't appear it touched him (although he was the closest Tufts player to it). Looked like a shanked defensive header by Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 04:27:32 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 23, 2018, 04:07:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 02:59:29 PM
Midd's O'Grady still out of lineup.....


Bucket----What is O'Grady's injury?

Right leg has been heavily wrapped, though I don't know the specifics.


Announcer said he just went it the game so he could not have been the one on crutches
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 04:28:03 PM
I don't know if "torched" is the right word  ;) but it's true - I don't remember the last time...but it looks like it was IN 2009!

Wow. That is astounding - that is when Ralph Ferrigno coached Tufts and had basically mailed it in. I guess a Shapiro-coached Tufts has never allowed more than two goals to an opponent...until today.

From the Tufts athletics archives:
Sat.   24, 2009   at Williams*   1-3 L
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2018, 04:28:08 PM
Bowdoin actually really needs a result here, and obviously 3 points would be preferable.  With a draw or loss they will probably have to win at least 1 game and maybe 2 in the tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:30:59 PM
Mr.Right did you put down $$ on 6+ goals for this game. Must have been good odds...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 23, 2018, 04:32:08 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 04:27:32 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 23, 2018, 04:07:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 02:59:29 PM
Midd's O'Grady still out of lineup.....


Bucket----What is O'Grady's injury?

Right leg has been heavily wrapped, though I don't know the specifics.


Announcer said he just went it the game so he could not have been the one on crutches

Yeah, your response beat me to it. Saw OG walking on campus this a.m., so I was going to see that unless something drastic happened between then and now(!), he's not on crutches.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:36:54 PM
HANDBALL in the Bowdoin box...PK! Let's see if the Jumbos can break their Bowdoin duck...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:38:54 PM
Just kidding...it goes AGAINST Tufts after a long discussion with both coaches...I would have expected Shapiro to be angry but he seemed relatively like "it is what it is."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:39:53 PM
Didn't have to wait long, Weatherbie buries it off the corner and Tufts has its first win over Bowdoin since 2013.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2018, 04:40:43 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:38:54 PM
Just kidding...it goes AGAINST Tufts after a long discussion with both coaches...I would have expected Shapiro to be angry but he seemed relatively like "it is what it is."

Lol....he wasn't mad because he knew Weatherbie would score off a corner 20 secs later!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 04:40:59 PM
NESCAC game of the year for me so far!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:42:00 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 04:40:59 PM
NESCAC game of the year for me so far!

To be fair there haven't been many great ones, but yes, absolutely.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2018, 04:42:34 PM
Credit to Tufts.  Tough, tough team to beat, even with some mistakes.  Heartbreaking for Bowdoin who was less than 2 minutes away from an almost certain NCAA bid.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 04:44:12 PM
All I gotta say is THERE IS NOTHING LIKE MAINE OFFICIATING.....Maine schools usually use Maine refs(even Bowdoin) and in years past Maine refs sometimes have given Maine teams some HOMER calls....THAT WAS A HANDBALL even if he did get pushed which I think it happened after the handball...bang bang play though....and Tufts gets winner anyway....Yea Bowdoin still has work to do
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 04:48:31 PM
Midd goes up 2-0 Williams in Williamstown as Williams was pushing #'s all 2nd Half to get equalizer and finally got burned...I still do not get starting 5 Frosh in a must win game...I will say Williams had no effort today and did not deserve a result...Williams will drop to 8-5-2 and LIKELY WILL TRAVEL TO Amherst Saturday for a BATTLE....Can Sullivan defeat Amherst 2 times in 1 season to advance to his first Nescac Semi?  Tough ask for sure but I love Williams/Amherst matches..


SCRATCH all that bluster....Midd will be 3rd and Williams 6th so Williams will travel right back up to Midd on Saturday which I think is a good thing as it is hard to beat the same team twice in 5 days....Should be interesting
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:51:01 PM
Interestingly enough that was the third less-than-stellar Tufts goalkeeper performance in its last three trips to Bowdoin...Greenwood got beat near post a free kick by Goitia in 2014 and then by a long one by then-freshman Ely Spencer (what happened to him?) beat him in 2016 (Spencer scored both goals in a 2-1 Bowdoin win)...both years Tufts went on to win the whole thing...perhaps Mieth's performance today is an omen? (Mostly kidding.) Must be something about that field (or team?).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 04:54:55 PM
That loss REALLY hurt Bowdoin as now they will have to travel to Amherst Saturday for a 4/5 matchup.....Their season could be finished Saturday after all that??
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 23, 2018, 04:56:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 04:54:55 PM
That loss REALLY hurt Bowdoin as now they will have to travel to Amherst Saturday for a 4/5 matchup.....Their season could be finished Saturday after all that??

Futbal can be a cruel sport...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2018, 05:01:52 PM
I'm sure that Bowdoin is very bit as good as Emory, Carnegie Mellon, etc but they won't have the SoS, and they really could have used that ranked win today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 05:04:04 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:51:01 PM
Interestingly enough that was the third less-than-stellar Tufts goalkeeper performance in its last three trips to Bowdoin...Greenwood got beat near post a free kick by Goitia in 2014 and then by a long one by then-freshman Ely Spencer (what happened to him?) beat him in 2016 (Spencer scored both goals in a 2-1 Bowdoin win)...both years Tufts went on to win the whole thing...perhaps Mieth's performance today is an omen? (Mostly kidding.) Must be something about that field (or team?).


I can honestly say I do not even remember an Ely Spencer...I remember Goitia as he was their Captain in 2014. No clue who Ely Spencer even is and you say he scored both goals??
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 05:08:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 05:04:04 PM
I can honestly say I do not even remember an Ely Spencer...I remember Goitia as he was their Captain in 2014. No clue who Ely Spencer even is and you say he scored both goals??

2016 game recap: http://athletics.bowdoin.edu/sports/msoc/2016-17/releases/20161025qzquvh

Yeah Goitia was a solid presence back there, definitely the Bowdoin leader on defense with Odulate. That 2014 side wasn't the most highly-regarded but could play a bit, with guys like Henshall, Dias-Costa, and Sam White. And that was van Siclen's first year as well when he came out of nowhere to win two PK shootouts for Bowdoin.

Deserved win for Tufts. Bowdoin had its chances and took them but Tufts controlled the play, and has controlled most of the play when I've seen the two sides meet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 23, 2018, 06:25:45 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 05:04:04 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 04:51:01 PM
Interestingly enough that was the third less-than-stellar Tufts goalkeeper performance in its last three trips to Bowdoin...Greenwood got beat near post a free kick by Goitia in 2014 and then by a long one by then-freshman Ely Spencer (what happened to him?) beat him in 2016 (Spencer scored both goals in a 2-1 Bowdoin win)...both years Tufts went on to win the whole thing...perhaps Mieth's performance today is an omen? (Mostly kidding.) Must be something about that field (or team?).


I can honestly say I do not even remember an Ely Spencer...I remember Goitia as he was their Captain in 2014. No clue who Ely Spencer even is and you say he scored both goals??

I remember Ely having a couple of big goals that year, though I remember him (and was keeping an eye on his stats) because I grew up with both of his parents in a small town in southwestern Va.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 24, 2018, 07:55:31 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2018, 04:42:34 PM
Credit to Tufts.  Tough, tough team to beat, even with some mistakes.  Heartbreaking for Bowdoin who was less than 2 minutes away from an almost certain NCAA bid.

I attended the Bowdoin vs. Tuft game with my wife.  It was her first Bowdoin game of the season and she picked a beauty.  It was truly an exciting game, and obviously could have gone either way.  I have to say that Tufts was the best NESCAC team I've seen this season, and Bowdoin was close to being their equal in this game.

Kudos to Tufts for hanging tough and pulling this one out of the fire.  Kudos to Bowdoin for being so resilient.  They are worthy of the NCAA tournament, but it will probably take a NESCAC final to get them there...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 24, 2018, 10:07:00 AM
Looking like it will be balmy 35 degrees with 10-12 mph winds in Lewiston tonight for the 8pm kickoff on the turf at Bates. A draw or win for Bates and they secure the 8th seed. A win by Colby and they get the 8 seed and date with Tufts on Saturday. Should be another crazy one tonight. Would love to see Mr. Right's break down on this game. I hate to say it, but it feels like a keeper mistake could decide this game...

Also, I agree with truenorth, that was the most exciting NESCAC game of the season yesterday.  7 goals in a Bowdoin/Tufts game...wow! When was the last time either of those teams gave up that many goals in a NESCAC game. Just crazy. Hopefully the scoring continues tonight in Lewiston.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: wizard on October 24, 2018, 10:24:06 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 23, 2018, 05:08:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2018, 05:04:04 PM
I can honestly say I do not even remember an Ely Spencer...I remember Goitia as he was their Captain in 2014. No clue who Ely Spencer even is and you say he scored both goals??

2016 game recap: http://athletics.bowdoin.edu/sports/msoc/2016-17/releases/20161025qzquvh

Yeah Goitia was a solid presence back there, definitely the Bowdoin leader on defense with Odulate. That 2014 side wasn't the most highly-regarded but could play a bit, with guys like Henshall, Dias-Costa, and Sam White. And that was van Siclen's first year as well when he came out of nowhere to win two PK shootouts for Bowdoin.

Deserved win for Tufts. Bowdoin had its chances and took them but Tufts controlled the play, and has controlled most of the play when I've seen the two sides meet.

Bloots,

That was actually Van Siclen's junior year and he was hurt. Safian was in goal for that game, facing 11 shots and giving up only the 1. Then they came back and beat Tufts the next week 2-1 in the first round of NESCAC's.

Van Sinclen's crazy PK game was 2014.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 24, 2018, 10:31:09 AM
Quote from: wizard on October 24, 2018, 10:24:06 AM
Bloots,

That was actually Van Siclen's junior year and he was hurt. Safian was in goal for that game, facing 11 shots and giving up only the 1. Then they came back and beat Tufts the next week 2-1 in the first round of NESCAC's.

Van Sinclen's crazy PK game was 2014.

I remember that. IIRC van Siclen was out for half of his junior year and Safian deputized well when called upon, particularly in that game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Past Jumbo on October 24, 2018, 08:11:05 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 04:28:03 PM
I don't know if "torched" is the right word  ;) but it's true - I don't remember the last time...but it looks like it was IN 2009!

Wow. That is astounding - that is when Ralph Ferrigno coached Tufts and had basically mailed it in. I guess a Shapiro-coached Tufts has never allowed more than two goals to an opponent...until today.

From the Tufts athletics archives:
Sat.   24, 2009   at Williams*   1-3 L

I've been a reader of this page since the first Tufts title but only now have decided to post.

I can assure you that Coach Shapiro has suffered a defeat while allowing 3 goals - mostly because I was on the pitch when we lost 3/0 to Middlebury in the Nescac QFs in 2010, Shapiro's first year with the program.

Absolutely anectodal and adds no content to the current discussion, but I couldn't bear this page having false information on it  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 24, 2018, 10:10:12 PM
Quote from: Past Jumbo on October 24, 2018, 08:11:05 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 04:28:03 PM
I don't know if "torched" is the right word  ;) but it's true - I don't remember the last time...but it looks like it was IN 2009!

Wow. That is astounding - that is when Ralph Ferrigno coached Tufts and had basically mailed it in. I guess a Shapiro-coached Tufts has never allowed more than two goals to an opponent...until today.

From the Tufts athletics archives:
Sat.   24, 2009   at Williams*   1-3 L

I've been a reader of this page since the first Tufts title but only now have decided to post.

I can assure you that Coach Shapiro has suffered a defeat while allowing 3 goals - mostly because I was on the pitch when we lost 3/0 to Middlebury in the Nescac QFs in 2010, Shapiro's first year with the program.

Absolutely anectodal and adds no content to the current discussion, but I couldn't bear this page having false information on it  ;)

Welcome, Past Jumbo! I'm surprised that PaulNewman hasn't chimed in on this one, but Kenyon defeated Tufts 3-2 in the 2015 Sweet 16.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 24, 2018, 10:20:02 PM
Congratulations to Colby. Well earned. The Fabricant goal was a beauty. Bates just could not break the seal despite 22 shots and a c-bar midway through the second half. Tough way to end the season for the Bobcats.  A week ago with a 1-0 lead at Bowdoin midway through the game things were looking bright.  In the end, some defensive organization issues and marking lapses along with some missed quality chances on offensive end their season earlier than we hoped.  That said, I think Coach Sheikh will continue to improve the team and have them back in the playoff mix next year.

Should be a good set of quarterfinal games this weekend with lots of eyes on the Bowdoin/Amherst match-up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 25, 2018, 10:22:57 AM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 24, 2018, 10:10:12 PM
Quote from: Past Jumbo on October 24, 2018, 08:11:05 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 04:28:03 PM
I don't know if "torched" is the right word  ;) but it's true - I don't remember the last time...but it looks like it was IN 2009!

Wow. That is astounding - that is when Ralph Ferrigno coached Tufts and had basically mailed it in. I guess a Shapiro-coached Tufts has never allowed more than two goals to an opponent...until today.

From the Tufts athletics archives:
Sat.   24, 2009   at Williams*   1-3 L

I've been a reader of this page since the first Tufts title but only now have decided to post.

I can assure you that Coach Shapiro has suffered a defeat while allowing 3 goals - mostly because I was on the pitch when we lost 3/0 to Middlebury in the Nescac QFs in 2010, Shapiro's first year with the program.

Absolutely anectodal and adds no content to the current discussion, but I couldn't bear this page having false information on it  ;)

Welcome, Past Jumbo! I'm surprised that PaulNewman hasn't chimed in on this one, but Kenyon defeated Tufts 3-2 in the 2015 Sweet 16.

I should have clarified...REGULAR SEASON.  ::) ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2018, 10:32:29 AM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 24, 2018, 10:10:12 PM
Quote from: Past Jumbo on October 24, 2018, 08:11:05 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 04:28:03 PM
I don't know if "torched" is the right word  ;) but it's true - I don't remember the last time...but it looks like it was IN 2009!

Wow. That is astounding - that is when Ralph Ferrigno coached Tufts and had basically mailed it in. I guess a Shapiro-coached Tufts has never allowed more than two goals to an opponent...until today.

From the Tufts athletics archives:
Sat.   24, 2009   at Williams*   1-3 L

I’ve been a reader of this page since the first Tufts title but only now have decided to post.

I can assure you that Coach Shapiro has suffered a defeat while allowing 3 goals - mostly because I was on the pitch when we lost 3/0 to Middlebury in the Nescac QFs in 2010, Shapiro’s first year with the program.

Absolutely anectodal and adds no content to the current discussion, but I couldn’t bear this page having false information on it  ;)

Welcome, Past Jumbo! I'm surprised that PaulNewman hasn't chimed in on this one, but Kenyon defeated Tufts 3-2 in the 2015 Sweet 16.

Yeah, I have no interest in flaming up my pal Brother Flounder into a mini-discussion that I can't win (i.e. Tufts with 2 national titles and Lords with zero) AND thinking about that game only reminds me of the misery that happened the next day in Gambier.

Your post did get me to thinking that I am pretty sure Kenyon is #1 on any list of D3 men's soccer programs over the past 5 years that should have made a final four but didn't.  Probably not wording that exactly right.....what team over the past five years based on overall success during that five years would be considered next in line to have made a final four.

P.S.  The only other schools that come to mind (and I could be missing one or two) are Franklin & Marshall and Trinity (TX).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2018, 12:14:03 PM
Any chance that NESCAC will push the Q-final games to Sunday, given the storm that is scheduled to hit Saturday?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 25, 2018, 12:42:55 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2018, 12:14:03 PM
Any chance that NESCAC will push the Q-final games to Sunday, given the storm that is scheduled to hit Saturday?

I think that the odds are good that that will happen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 12:55:48 PM
I was not able to catch the Bates v Colby match but Colby exacted some revenge on Bates for knocking them out of the 2017 Nescac Top 8 with 20 seconds left in OT. Colby now gets the matchup that they should of had last season at Tufts in the Nescac Quarters. I must say congrats to Bates for finishing over .500 at 8-7-0 and a 3-7-0 Nescac record which was better than I had predicted before the season started. Bates Head Coach Tyler Sheikh has proved that he is the right man for this program going forward and I expect Bates to be hard on the recruiting trail this off-season. Sheikh did the best he could this year with what he had and the players really performed well in spots throughout the season. They will lose their GK Montanaro who started the year VERY well but did have a few lapses to end the season and he does lose star CB Huebschmann who proved to be a true warrior and solid Captain this season. It sounds like the defense let them down last night with a couple lapses and that was the case at Bowdoin last week. Still 2018 Bates looked to actually have a PLAN and carried it out all year compared to the last 6 years where they were a mess organizationally. I really liked Sheikh's comments in last nights recap as he thanked his Senior class and EXPECTS to be contending ASAP. Gotta love that passion for his program and I expect him to be stealing a few kids that would not have gone to Bates in the past. I already know of a one who has committed for 2019 that shunned a couple other Nescac's and I can promise you that Flaherty would not have gotten the kid. Bates finished 9th and just outside the Nescac Playoffs BUT they are WAY ahead of the two teams below him Trinity and Wesleyan as those programs are in a world of hurt right now for Men's Soccer.



Trinity ends up finishing 2-13-0 overall and 0-10-0 in Nescac. They were shut out six times this year and were AWFUL all season. Most Nescac Men's Soccer Head Coaches are on 3 year contracts with some exceptions as long tenured Coaches of which there are not many left are on 5 year contracts and some schools just do rolling 1 year contracts for new Head Coaches. I am guessing Trinity Head Coach Pilger is on a 3 year contract. Usually players like playing for Pilger so I am guessing there have been few complaints so unless something has drastically changed he probably is going nowhere. In the past Trinity has not cared about Soccer and that has hindered Pilger because of the lack of support and combined with the lack of financial aid that Trinity gives compared to other Nescac's does hurt but in this situation it could help him as they should give him a chance to fix this program as it needs a major rebuild. Trinity does have a new AD so maybe things have changed but I doubt it. Unless there have been major player/parents complaints which can happen with seasons like this I think Pilger is safe but as I have said in the past the last 2 teams that have gone 0-10-0 in Nescac those Men's Soccer Head Coaches have been re-assigned within the athletic department instead of getting fired but those Coaches had been at their respective schools for over 30 years. After 3 years those reassignments came and passed and those Coaches "retired" in a nice sendoff. Pilger has been at Trinity 15 years and I am sure has a ton of goodwill within the athletic department and will be given another shot at this considering it has only been two years that he has missed out on the Top 8 but these past 2 years have been AWFUL. In 2017 they were 4-10-1 and 1-8-1 in Nescac so they are 1-18-1 in Nescac the past 2 seasons. Things need to change and Trinity did build a beautiful new field for Men's/Women's Soccer and that should help in recruiting along with some lax admissions compared to other Nescac's BUT the lack of financial aid really can hurt when you are fighting for players with other Nescac's that can offer more aid. Either way I expect Pilger to return BUT they cannot go thru another season like the past 2 years and MUST get some talent into this program and bring in a ton of kids to push returning players and weed out some of the waste. To be continued.......



Wesleyan finishes the year 3-11-0 overall and 2-8-0 in Nescac. They scored ONLY 7 GOALS all season.They were SHUTOUT 9 GAMES OUT OF 14. That is just AWFUL and while the program like Trinity seriously lacks talent, Wheeler's system/tactics certainly does not help the situation. Wesleyan has now MISSED the Nescac Playoffs/Top 8 the past 3 seasons after qualifying for Wheeler's first 15 years including some fantastic runs between 2005-2014 finishing with 1 outright Nescac Regular Season Title in 2009 and a shared title with Amherst in 2011 but losing it on a tie-breaker. Wesleyan was a usual Top 4 finisher during this 2005-2014 run and a usual NCAA participant including a 2009 Sweet 16 run. That 2009 side was Wheeler's most talented as they won the 2009 Nescac Regular Season title and hosting rights. They ended up losing to Rochester in the 2009 Sweet 16 at Messiah but they had a 1-0 lead well into the 2nd Half but gave up a soft goal late in the match as UR forced OT and won the match in the 2OT. Even in 2015 Wesleyan snuck into the Nescac Top 8 finishing 8th but got all the way to the Nescac Final before losing to Bowdoin in OT. My point is Wheeler had built Wesleyan into a top program in New England but by 2016 the program began to drop off with a noticeable lack of talent compared to past years. In the past three seasons Wesleyan is 15-26-3 overall BUT are 6-22-2 in those 3 years. Wheeler is a good coach as I expect he will be allowed to turn his program around and try to get Wesleyan back into the mixer. Again it could depend on the culture in the program these day as Wheeler is not the most accessible or approachable Head Coach for his players from what I have heard but he might need to change his ways a bit to get them back on track. More importantly like Trinity this program needs an influx of talent as there is no reason a school like Wesleyan cannot get some solid players into the program as this past season was one of the WORST Wesleyan sides I have witnessed in maybe 25 years. To be continued..........
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 01:19:00 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2018, 12:14:03 PM
Any chance that NESCAC will push the Q-final games to Sunday, given the storm that is scheduled to hit Saturday?


Why???  What is the weather forecast supposed to be? Kids cannot play in a little rain and wind these days? I mean all the teams hosting have turf fields to play on and while Amherst turf is not the greatest it is still able to host a match on it...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 25, 2018, 01:30:35 PM
Mr. Right and others, I am wondering people's thoughts on whether some of these teams should play for PKs on Saturday rather than extending themselves and giving up cheap or fluke goals? I have seen a few games at tufts and Conn this season and while solid sides, they don't score that easily. Same for Midd. Bowdoin, Williams, even Colby have solid defenses that would be stronger by not over extending themselves. Look at Williams. They have a very solid back line and a gk who has done well against PKs this season stopping several. It is clear that Sullivan can't create a scheme to score goals. Each time they do push forward they end up not scoring but frequently expose themselves to attack. I'll hang up now and see what everyone's thoughts are on this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on October 25, 2018, 01:51:10 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 01:19:00 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2018, 12:14:03 PM
Any chance that NESCAC will push the Q-final games to Sunday, given the storm that is scheduled to hit Saturday?


Why???  What is the weather forecast supposed to be? Kids cannot play in a little rain and wind these days? I mean all the teams hosting have turf fields to play on and while Amherst turf is not the greatest it is still able to host a match on it...

If you have the chance to play in good weather vs. a nor'easter, why would you choose the nor'easter?  I would agree if it's just a simple rainstorm, but there is added uncertainty with a nor'easter (I've heard possible snow in some areas of Maine, and since there are still leaves on trees that could mean power outages, etc), as well as possible travel impacts to the away team and spectators.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 25, 2018, 01:57:08 PM
Looks like 3 of the games have already been moved to Sunday... per the NESCAC Championships website:

2018 NESCAC Men's Soccer Championship
Date    Away    Home    Location    Status    Links

October
Sat. 27    Williams %    Middlebury    NESCAC Quarterfinals - Middlebury, Vt.    12:00 PM    

Sun. 28    Hamilton %    Connecticut College    NESCAC Quarterfinal - New London, Conn.    12:00 PM    

     Bowdoin %    Amherst    NESCAC Quarterfinal - Amherst, Mass.    2:30 PM    

        Colby %    Tufts    NESCAC Quarterfinal - Medford, Mass.    2:30 PM    
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 01:57:57 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on October 25, 2018, 01:30:35 PM
Mr. Right and others, I am wondering people's thoughts on whether some of these teams should play for PKs on Saturday rather than extending themselves and giving up cheap or fluke goals? I have seen a few games at tufts and Conn this season and while solid sides, they don't score that easily. Same for Midd. Bowdoin, Williams, even Colby have solid defenses that would be stronger by not over extending themselves. Look at Williams. They have a very solid back line and a gk who has done well against PKs this season stopping several. It is clear that Sullivan can't create a scheme to score goals. Each time they do push forward they end up not scoring but frequently expose themselves to attack. I'll hang up now and see what everyone's thoughts are on this.

Please.....These Nescac Coaches do not extend themselves AS IT IS....They are all VERY conservative and you can expect that to continue this weekend. Teams do not "play" for PK's but some will play compact defensively with an opportunity to counter and sneak a goal 2-3 times a game and in the meantime just absorb pressure for the Draw. That does not mean they are "playing" for PK's but rather playing very conservative with the idea of somehow countering throughout the game and trying to get a goal. That will most certainly be Colby's strategy against Tufts. I will try to preview each game when I get a chance.

Williams actually played very well in their 3-1 loss at Tufts. Sullivan new they had to try to possess and play quickly and forward to beat Tufts before they could get set. They just got burned on the counter and frankly LB fill in defender Griffith was the issue on Tufts 2nd and 3rd Goals as he committed to early on Tufts counter on the 2nd Goal and the 3rd Goal he was beat. Then Williams for some reason starts 5 Frosh against Midd and comes up with 1 SOG all game while looking listless and uninterested. It was not a good performance but I do expect them to play much better this weekend at Midd while I also expect Midd to be a tad over confident because of their easy victory at Williams on Tuesday. Like I said I will try to predict the 4 games today or tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 02:01:16 PM
Quote from: OldNed on October 25, 2018, 01:51:10 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 01:19:00 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2018, 12:14:03 PM
Any chance that NESCAC will push the Q-final games to Sunday, given the storm that is scheduled to hit Saturday?


Why???  What is the weather forecast supposed to be? Kids cannot play in a little rain and wind these days? I mean all the teams hosting have turf fields to play on and while Amherst turf is not the greatest it is still able to host a match on it...

If you have the chance to play in good weather vs. a nor'easter, why would you choose the nor'easter?  I would agree if it's just a simple rainstorm, but there is added uncertainty with a nor'easter (I've heard possible snow in some areas of Maine, and since there are still leaves on trees that could mean power outages, etc), as well as possible travel impacts to the away team and spectators.


Because if I am an underdog I would be wishing for rain and win and snow. That evens the game out very quickly. I love Soccer in snow and wind.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2018, 03:10:11 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 01:19:00 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2018, 12:14:03 PM
Any chance that NESCAC will push the Q-final games to Sunday, given the storm that is scheduled to hit Saturday?


Why???  What is the weather forecast supposed to be? Kids cannot play in a little rain and wind these days? I mean all the teams hosting have turf fields to play on and while Amherst turf is not the greatest it is still able to host a match on it...

I think the weathermen (who, like baseball players, only need to be right occasionally to be good) are predicting up to two inches of rain and 30-55 mph winds.  I don't care if the kids theoretically could play in that weather, there's no reason to play Saturday if Sunday is forecast to be nice and the winners have five days off anyway.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 03:36:28 PM
Well Football is playing all games on Saturday and they could play on Sunday as well...I guess Football players and spectators are just naturally tougher than Soccer players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2018, 03:42:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 03:36:28 PM
Well Football is playing all games on Saturday and they could play on Sunday as well...I guess Football players and spectators are just naturally tougher than Soccer players.

Ask any Football player, and they will tell you that statement is correct . . .  And besides, if Football players had their heads screwed on correctly, they would be playing futbol.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 04:07:33 PM
I mean the weather is supposed to be 40 degress/rain and 30mph winds Saturday in Boston..Hardly think that is a Nor'easter but maybe Bloots would know. Amherst will have rain and 16 mph winds which to me is PLAYABLE....I think Field Hockey teams are playing and the Williams/Midd game is still Saturday..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 25, 2018, 04:15:05 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 04:07:33 PM
I mean the weather is supposed to be 40 degress/rain and 30mph winds Saturday in Boston..Hardly think that is a Nor'easter but maybe Bloots would know. Amherst will have rain and 16 mph winds which to me is PLAYABLE....I think Field Hockey teams are playing and the Williams/Midd game is still Saturday..

Well, I'm supposed to be flying back in on Saturday evening from Barcelona (this is my last travel venture for a while — $263 round trip) so I hope it's not as bad as forecasted in terms of gusting 50+ mph because I'd rather my flight not be cancelled or diverted (most TATL aircraft can land up to around 45 mph). ;) Those forecasts do have a tendency to change, however, so I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up being closer to 20/30 mph and maybe a gust over 40. Regardless, it's gonna be nasty. Unplayable? Probably not, but I would guess most schools will postpone if given the option.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 25, 2018, 04:43:27 PM
On the topic of playing surfaces and conditions, how many schools have turf fields that are lined for soccer?

Obviously Middlebury and Tufts (since 2016) play their home games on turf, but I have to say I don't know for sure with many of the others.

I know that Amherst, Bates, and Wesleyan have all played night games on turf, but this is done occasionally (e.g. not every game in a single season) rather than regularly. I also seem to remember Hamilton playing Ithaca on turf earlier this year but I thought they played on grass for the most part, the same with Conn. and their game with Endicott earlier this year.

I know Colby has turf fields but don't know if they're lined for soccer, although I seem to remember them playing a night game there a few years ago against Thomas (although that may well have been across town at Thomas' place).

Bowdoin just re-did its football field to turf and added lights and lacrosse lines but didn't put soccer lines down as I recall, which is a pity because I think a turf night game or two at that field would be fantastic (I ran track there for three years in high school and it's got a nice old grandstand, too). Trinity is another one I feel like plays on grass but might have had a game or two on turf. And I do not recall Williams having a turf field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 25, 2018, 05:13:55 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 25, 2018, 04:43:27 PM
On the topic of playing surfaces and conditions, how many schools have turf fields that are lined for soccer?

Obviously Middlebury and Tufts (since 2016) play their home games on turf, but I have to say I don't know for sure with many of the others.

I know that Amherst, Bates, and Wesleyan have all played night games on turf, but this is done occasionally (e.g. not every game in a single season) rather than regularly. I also seem to remember Hamilton playing Ithaca on turf earlier this year but I thought they played on grass for the most part, the same with Conn. and their game with Endicott earlier this year.

I know Colby has turf fields but don't know if they're lined for soccer, although I seem to remember them playing a night game there a few years ago against Thomas (although that may well have been across town at Thomas' place).

Bowdoin just re-did its football field to turf and added lights and lacrosse lines but didn't put soccer lines down as I recall, which is a pity because I think a turf night game or two at that field would be fantastic (I ran track there for three years in high school and it's got a nice old grandstand, too). Trinity is another one I feel like plays on grass but might have had a game or two on turf. And I do not recall Williams having a turf field.

Yes, Colby's new athletic field complex (opened Fall 2017) has both a grass soccer field and an adjacent lighted, multi-purpose field turf playing surface that has soccer lines.  They did play there last year, but not this year (all day games).  In previous years, they played on the field turf surface in the football stadium (which has/had soccer lines) for night games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on October 25, 2018, 07:13:05 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 04:07:33 PM
I mean the weather is supposed to be 40 degress/rain and 30mph winds Saturday in Boston..Hardly think that is a Nor'easter but maybe Bloots would know. Amherst will have rain and 16 mph winds which to me is PLAYABLE....I think Field Hockey teams are playing and the Williams/Midd game is still Saturday..

It's a Nor'easter.

https://www.wcvb.com/article/video-cool-temperatures-ahead-of-nor-easter/24231883
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2018, 10:29:45 AM
Quote from: Buck O. on October 25, 2018, 07:13:05 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2018, 04:07:33 PM
I mean the weather is supposed to be 40 degress/rain and 30mph winds Saturday in Boston..Hardly think that is a Nor'easter but maybe Bloots would know. Amherst will have rain and 16 mph winds which to me is PLAYABLE....I think Field Hockey teams are playing and the Williams/Midd game is still Saturday..

It's a Nor'easter.

https://www.wcvb.com/article/video-cool-temperatures-ahead-of-nor-easter/24231883


Please.....I could grab my clubs and play a round right now if I had to....WPI v Clark playing right now and it looks fine to me...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 27, 2018, 11:36:12 AM
Driving to the middlebury game. It is starting to rain and it's the rain that clinks off your windshield.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2018, 01:47:23 PM
I did not get a chance to preview the Nescac Quarters so let me do a couple quickhitters without predictions.



Williams at Midd-----Winner of this game gets an extra day rest and a rare opportunity to scout their possible next opponent in the Nescac Semi's but there is usually an upset so you might end up scouting the wrong opponent. Midd won this game in a tedious match a couple days ago. Couple injury question marks....Is Midd's Captain O'Grady healthy enough to go? I am guessing he is never 100% but he is a warrior and I am sure will give it a run. Midd will need him in this game. Williams has a couple question marks. LB Ranieri has been in and out of the lineup since getting a concussion, Andreou did not play against Midd at all last weekend, RB Andrew Mathew has been out of the lineup for a couple weeks now and their best striker Gass has not played since September. Those are all key players that Williams will need but not sure if anyone of them will play. Sullivan started 5 Frosh against Midd last Saturday and if he does it again they will be in trouble. I think both of these teams are very even and in a rainstorm anything can happen so I would not be surprised to see a 0-0 PK's match or defensive mishaps and GK errors that lead to a 3-2 match. Midd is 4-1-0 in their last 5 against Williams but it is very hard to beat the same team twice in the matter of a week especially when these two teams are so even.


Colby at Tufts-----Colby has played Tufts very hard the past few seasons without anything to show for it as Tufts has always found a way to get a goal for the win. Tufts came out in a 3-5-2 against Bowdoin on Tuesday and got burned defensively and Colby could only be wishing they come out in that system again. Shapiro switched it up in the middle of the game and Tufts got the victory so I do not expect him to go back to a 3-5-2 but he did play that a bit last year as well.  The problem is with 3 backs he uses Najjar, Paoletta and Weatherbie as his 3 backs with Aroh in front of them. I think it would work fine if it was Kulcsar holding but with Aroh getting lost positionally on occasion you can get at Tufts defense when they set up like that. I do not know who Shapiro will start at RB as it seems he has lost confidence in Frosh Ian Daly who I thought was playing well and Tanner Jameson who played at RB v Williams who got burned a couple times in that game. Jameson might be injured because he did not play at Bowdoin. Colby has had problems scoring goals now for years an this season is no different. Clouse has 4 Goals to lead them and I am betting they have been off his head and recently Ethan Fabricant has been getting a ton of minutes up front and has a couple goals. Meanwhile their two quickest and trickiest players wingers Kyle Douglas and Jeff Rosenberg have not scored yet this season and not really assisted on much either. Those two will create though and can be very dangerous with their speed on the counter. Colby will play a 4-2-3-1 and pinch as CB Dickey should be on Braun like glue as they match up well and Braun should be taken out of this game by Dickey. The other CB Frosh Pugh is quick,skilled and smart so he will need to deal with Jacobs, Rojas, Van Brewer or whoever else gets thru Colby's holding midfielders Asa Berolzheimer and Clouse. Colby can match Tufts size BUT they must play a near perfect game and defend with precision. I will say again that Colby's wingbacks make me real nervy and Tufts wide guys Lane and Tasker can beat them which will draw over Pugh and Dickey and then free up other Tufts attacking players so it is important for Berolzheimer and Clouse to stay compact with the defense. GK Carlson I expect to play well and actually I give Colby a fighting chance if everything goes their way.



Bowdoin at Amherst-----Bowdoin has not defeated Amherst since 2008. That is a hell of a long time for such a quality side like Bowdoin. At some point they will defeat Amherst and they have one of their better chances to do this tomorrow. Besides the crazy defeat to Tufts where they were 2 minutes from the Win they have been along with Tufts the best side in Nescac in October. Bowdoin is #6 in New England right now which does not include the loss to Tufts but also does not include the SOS bump they will get from Tufts and Amherst. Still I do not think Bowdoin can lose this game as they need some kind of a result to get a Pool C. If not they will be on the bubble for sure and a loss will put them on the wrong side of it. I will say I am not sure a loss definitely eliminates them so I would bet they will still practice all next week. They can put all this to bed by advancing tomorrow and they have the horses to do it. Amherst has been playing much better lately starting with GK White although I still say he has not been tested as Brandeis did not get to him as much as I thought they would. Serpone has gon with Fitzgerald at CB who adds plenty of size but lacks foot speed. Bowdoin will be able to deal with Amherst long throws and set pieces rather easily as they have the two biggest CB's in Niang and Reid. Where Niang can struggle is defensively in the run of play as he is not a natural defender and can be caught 1v1 and on the counter. I expect a physical win at all costs match that should be tight with both teams getting some good looks. Amherst stud Luke Nguyen limped off the field at Brandeis on Monday so if he is not playing that will hurt BUT they do look to have a healthy Jimmy McMillian back up front.



Hamilton at Conn------Conn has not been as sharp as they were in the beginning of the season but still look dangerous enough. They are an NCAA team no matter what so they should be able to play nice free flowing futbol without any stress. However, a deep run in the Nescac tournament including a Win over Tufts and they could be hosting all the way to the NCAA Final 4 and even snag one of the two byes along with Messiah. They play very well at Home so it would behoove them to make a run. I would guess they will be hosting no matter what a 1st/2nd rod pod and that is a testament to how well they are playing and what Murphy has done for this program. It is not easy to Win at a school like Conn in Nescac and Murphy has proven he knows what he is doing and getting results. Hamilton has not played a game in 8 days so should be well rested. They were having all kinds of problems scoring goals until a surprise 2-0 Win at Colby got them the 7th seed. They are going to need Wood to step up and find a goal anyway he can. The Frosh Benson has proven he is a capable GK and will be seeing plenty of shots in this one. I expect Conn to outshoot Hamilton 2:1 but that does not mean Conn will score as they have had their own problems finding goals recently. I expect Conn to control play but Hamilton is plenty capable of pulling an upset as they have proven the past 2 years in the Nescac Tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2018, 01:58:24 PM
Halftime:  Williams at Midd 0-0.....Pretty even game but Williams has had a couple good looks but nothing real dangerous. Midd has had nothing dangerous all half. Williams does have some guys back from injury as Ranieri started at LB, Mathew at RB and most importantly key striker Gass started up top. Gass looked a bit rusty but still so pacey and very dangerous if you give him space. Midd's defense of Moffat, Robinson, Davis and McFarlane with Barovick holding have don a nice job in front of Hyer in net. Midd striker Reid has looked a but dangerous but Goulart and Potter have been MIA in this match and Barsamain has been held in check. #8 Shaikh has taken O'Grady's minutes as O'Grady has not seen the field and Midd really could have used him today. Midd's bench drops off considerably as the Frosh Barry has not done anything but is a decent player and Oudet is an average midfielder that can give you a solid 15 minute run. Wilhelm has been getting some goals but I do not see much in his game and #14 Mohajerani has been useless. He might be the softest player on the field as he refuses to get stuck in or even look like he wants to get his nose in there. I have never seen a Midd player look so soft. Williams surprisingly sacked Oberg at CB and went with Scatt and Dory as CB's and Bardong holding with Boardman and Fleischer on attack. Sullivan is in a 4-3-3 as he had Gass and Hirsch wide with Felito up top. Petrik and Fabricant were sacked as they came off the bench. No real surprise there as Fabricant and Petrik have done nothing of late especially Fabricant who I do not think has scored a goal in over a month. Conditions are rainy with wind so 1 goal should do it just not sure yet who will score it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2018, 02:29:36 PM
Midd and Williams must be in a delay as this has been over 1/2 hour Halftime...Guessing thunder but a shame if they have to replay this game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 27, 2018, 02:40:48 PM
Yep...currently in lightening protocol at Midd. Anyone's guess as to when the all-clear will sound.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2018, 02:56:27 PM
Well that makes this a whole new game then because its been almost an hour since a ball has been kicked..Which team will be focused and ready to go 2nd Half will determine the winner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2018, 04:01:13 PM
Midd and Williams look to be ready to go after a more than 2 hour lightning delay but man they are taking there sweet old time warming up. Doesn't it get dark at like 5:30pm? If these two go to OT and even PK's you are really cutting it close.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2018, 04:23:16 PM
Williams takes a 1-0 lead about 10 minutes into the 2nd Half off a horrific GK'ing error by Midd's GK Hyer......A relatively simple free kick is hit RIGHT at Hyer and he goes to catch it and it goes right thru his hands and Williams follows it up with a rebound that was blocked off the line but then finally finished by Williams...It is wet and raining but that ball MUST be caught....That massive GK'ing error could possibly end Midd's season...I have seen way to many GK fluffs this year including now the 2nd one by Hyer. In fact that was almost exactly the mistake he made at Conn to begin the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 27, 2018, 04:28:21 PM
After Heyer lost it, Williams player played it with his hand directly to the foot of the goalscorer. Ref screened by the scrum.

As you said, Heyer should have had it, but I'm a little more forgiving in these conditions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2018, 04:38:21 PM
Yup....life and futbol can be unfair BUT with these conditions Midd MUST start shooting from wherever and crash for rebounds....Midd has not done much in attack at all this game and have 0 SOG with 15 minutes left. Not that Williams has been much better.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2018, 04:55:08 PM
Williams defeats Midd 1-0 to advance to the Nescac Semi-Finals for the first time in 5 years and first under Sullivan. Another somewhat tedious affair between these two teams but it came down to a GK error and finish. Most likely unless Hamilton or Colby can get an upset Williams will get a rematch at Tufts next Saturday. I still think if they want to get to the NCAA's they are going to need to defeat Tufts. As for Midd they now are 10-3-3 with a 3-2-1 RvR and probably a .575 SOS. That should be enough but alot can happen in a week and Midd better hope there are not to many upsets in Conference Tournaments especially in New England. I think Midd would start with wanting Bowdoin to get knocked out but they will practice this week and wait 9 days until they find out..Tough way to lose on such a GK'ing error.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 28, 2018, 02:59:01 PM
Hamilton beats conn 1-0. Williams will not have to play tufts in the semis. Amherst up 1-0 on bowdoin and tufts ties at 0-0 with Colby.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 28, 2018, 05:07:17 PM
Wooooooooow...Tufts falls on PKs. Wonder whether Colby studied the film of the Jumbos' two shootouts last year? (Obviously every year is different, but if I recall correctly most of the takers were the same.) Either way, congrats to Colby, awesome for the Mules.

FWIW, Tufts is still unbeaten.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d3soccer on October 28, 2018, 05:22:19 PM
Jesus Colby with that PK win at Tufts. I was expecting a larger crowd but it was not that good of a day outside. The last two games, the mules have been extremely lucky in that no one seems to want to score. Bates had a couple open goals that they shanked and today, tufts should have easily won 4-5 to 0, colby had basically nothing on goal and tufts shanked a lot of open goals. Well done to them for getting to PKs and only missing one. Huge job by the goalkeeper, who has not played in another game, to win it for the mules. Although, he was starting very early and should have been retaken, but tufts pk shots were abysmal. A big weekend of upsets.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 28, 2018, 06:50:24 PM
NESCAC semis featuring Amherst, Colby, Hamilton, Williams—seeded 4, 8, 7, 6, respectively.

Appears to be Amherst's to lose—especially playing at home—but after this weekend you can't discount anyone.

Also tough for on-the-bubble Pool Cs, with Conn and Tufts now claiming two spots.  And if anyone but Amherst wins next weekend then that's another Pool C gone. I think Williams could play itself off the bubble with a win against Hamilton. Continentals and Colby obviously need to win 2 to advance too NCAAs
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 28, 2018, 06:59:19 PM
Also will be interesting to see if voters in regional-ranking poll give more weight to a playoff game than a regular season contest.

Coming into this week, Midd was ranked two spots ahead of Williams—and then the two teams split a pair, with each winning on the other's home field (with Midd holding a 2-1 goal differential).

Williams will pass Bowdoin (which was sandwiched between the two and lost twice since the last poll), but then I'd expect the Ephs to still be behind the Panthers after the two contests. If that's the case, I'd expect them to leapfrog Midd with a win against Hamilton on Saturday; if they fall, then an idle Midd would remain ahead of them in the all important regional rankings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 28, 2018, 07:15:29 PM
Wow...those were not great pens by Tufts, particularly Delaney's. He did make one in the second game in last year's NCAA tourney. Either way, I guess it's good that he didn't have to take that one in OT during the week?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 28, 2018, 07:37:39 PM
Quote from: d3soccer on October 28, 2018, 05:22:19 PM
Jesus Colby with that PK win at Tufts. I was expecting a larger crowd but it was not that good of a day outside. The last two games, the mules have been extremely lucky in that no one seems to want to score. Bates had a couple open goals that they shanked and today, tufts should have easily won 4-5 to 0, colby had basically nothing on goal and tufts shanked a lot of open goals. Well done to them for getting to PKs and only missing one. Huge job by the goalkeeper, who has not played in another game, to win it for the mules. Although, he was starting very early and should have been retaken, but tufts pk shots were abysmal. A big weekend of upsets.

d3soccer, were you expecting a larger crowd of Tufts supporters?  I was at the game with several of my former Colby teammates and thought that the Colby group was larger and more vocal than the Tufts group.

Tufts had a wide edge in possession and plenty of shots (although most were blocked), but appear to suffer from the same inability to finish that plagued them in last year's NCAAs.  They certainly better spend a lot of time practicing PKs before their next game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 28, 2018, 07:58:39 PM
So I guess this means a third national title for the Jumbos a la 2014 Tufts, 2015 Amherst, and 2016 Tufts who were all eliminated in the NESCAC quarterfinals on the way national titles.

I guess I have to root for Messiah to lose to Lycoming in the Commonwealth Final as the only hope for stopping Tufts!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 28, 2018, 10:08:05 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on October 28, 2018, 07:58:39 PM
So I guess this means a third national title for the Jumbos a la 2014 Tufts, 2015 Amherst, and 2016 Tufts who were all eliminated in the NESCAC quarterfinals on the way national titles.

I guess I have to root for Messiah to lose to Lycoming in the Commonwealth Final as the only hope for stopping Tufts!

And the rest of us are wondering if it's too much to ask to have more than a binary choice/result.  I believe the last time we had a non-Messiah, non-NESCAC winner was from that upstart OWU way back in 2011.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 29, 2018, 06:44:49 AM
After the weekend "upsets" ....a most interesting thread on this board.  Credit should be given to the winners, IMO. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on October 29, 2018, 07:26:00 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 28, 2018, 10:08:05 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on October 28, 2018, 07:58:39 PM
So I guess this means a third national title for the Jumbos a la 2014 Tufts, 2015 Amherst, and 2016 Tufts who were all eliminated in the NESCAC quarterfinals on the way national titles.

I guess I have to root for Messiah to lose to Lycoming in the Commonwealth Final as the only hope for stopping Tufts!

And the rest of us are wondering if it's too much to ask to have more than a binary choice/result.  I believe the last time we had a non-Messiah, non-NESCAC winner was from that upstart OWU way back in 2011.
A wonderful team that was, led by the great Travis Wall. Somehow they lost to DePauw in the NCAC tournament, 4-2, after going 9-0 in the conference regular season. Their only other blemish was a 2-1 home loss on opening day to the Falcons, when Danny Thompson picked up a loose ball in the first minute and scored, and his brother Jack got another before Wall got one back.  For their part, the Falcons somehow lost at home to Neumann 1-0 in their opening tournament game (after a first-round bye). That season, the Bishops and the Falcons combined to go 41-3-1. They haven't met since that opening day game. Love to see them play again, in the Final Four this time.  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2018, 10:07:01 AM
Congratulations go out to Colby for advancing to the Men's Soccer Nescac Semi-Finals for the first time in their history. They had been the only school to not have an appearance in the Nescac Semi's since the tournament's inception in 2000. It took them 19 years but they have finally done it. In my predictions I had given Colby a serious chance to advance if they did 3 things well. 1. Disciplined defensively 2. 100% focus and hard work all game 3. A little luck. All three happened and they moved on to Amherst next weekend. There is nothing better for a program like Colby that is used to their season ending in late October every year to get an extra week of practice and a sniff of their first possible NCAA berth. They have a ton of work to do before that can happen but at least they now have the confidence to do it and can see it off in the distance rather than it being a pipe dream.

I have been touting Colby GK Dan Carlson all year as he has proven to be one of the better shot stoppers in the league. He cost Colby one game in the middle of the season on a horrible mistake late in the match v Bowdoin that cost his team BUT other than that mistake he has played VERY well all year. He has kept Colby in games and won them games from the get go and he played almost a flawless game yesterday at Tufts. He commands his area very well and shows courage coming for the ball he also from a distance comes across very even keeled. Not to up and not to down and does not get down on himself if he makes a mistake. That type of attitude can be infectious to his teammates and you can see they totally trust him back there. I also like that he rarely comes "charging" out of his net carelessly and takes a more conservative approach as a GK. The one position where I like guys to be a little more conservative is GK and he has a knack for reading the play and waiting for the right time to make his move.

I have been very critical of Colby's wingbacks this season especially #6 Grady Jendzejec who has cost Colby a couple games all by himself this season. Well both wingbacks played well yesterday and did not make many mistakes and if they did Colby CB's and holders had their backs. I also was a little surprised to see Colby take a few risks on occasion yesterday as both wingbacks but especially Jendzejec who is pacey make overlapping runs to give Colby numbers in attack. Again it was not happening all game but a couple times he went and you have to take risks in a game against Tufts to try to score.

I thought holding midfielder Asa Berolzheimer worked his ass off all game along with Wyett McDonald who is usually attacking but he was playing deep yesterday. CB's Pugh and Dickey played well also as Pugh was everywhere and Dickey did reasonably well on Braun even though Braun did get free a number of times but just could not finish. Braun missed about 3 point blank opportunities as he has been scoring on those all year but yesterday Colby had lady luck with them as the net must have looked as big as a hockey goal to Braun. Braun actually busted his butt all game and looked like a stud except for the finishing part which is what he is in there for.

As predicted Rosenberg and Douglas out wide were excellent using their speed on the rare counter opportunities but also giving Colby defenders a breather by causing some problems for Tufts with the ball at their feet. Douglas had a real solid game. Actually, the lone striker Pereira I thought had one of the better games of the season as he was using his speed and skill to go at Tufts as well. Pereira at times looked very dangerous but most importantly he was tracking back all game and helping his teammates defend.

The one is issue I have been saying all year is the absolute lack of depth Colby has. They are in fairness only about 13 deep as their bench is so much weaker than Tufts bench which is a testament to Colby's fitness and focus by its starters. They use Fabricant off the bench and he has gotten a couple goals for them, Tower is a huge striker but has no skill so he is only helpful on set pieces. Actually, Tower played very little yesterday. Howarth, Walker and Sullivan are all good for a 10 minute run but offer nothing really special off the bench. My point is if Colby were to have another game today I am betting by the 70th minute they would be much more gassed than their opponent. So next weekend will be difficult for them with a back to back. Difficult but not impossible.

I thought Colby as usual was very organized defensively and played as a team all game. That is all Seabrook as he is a great defensive Head Coach and knows what he is doing. EXCEPT----How many times do these Head Coaches do this in PK's....Seabrook almost cost his team the game when he used a Frosh Ryan Seaman as his 4th kicker. The KID HAD NOT PLAYED ALL GAME so he is ICE COLD and not into the feel of the game like all the other field players plus he is a FROSH. So he fluffed it wide but luckily Carlson saved his ass with a big save. I will say this until I go blue in the face STOP using kids that have not played in the game to take PK's. Just because a kid goes 10/10 on PK's in practice against your own GK does not mean in a game that he will be that reliable. There is a ton of pressure in that situation and the kid was obviously nervous as he looked to have rushed a bit and whacked it to Mieth's left. Speaking of Mieth he tried to get his boys pumped up before the PK's started but chest thumping and getting in Colby's first kicker Clouse's face to throw him off and Clouse calmly ripped it into the panel...There is nothing that will shut a GK up faster that is using those shenanigans than scoring on him in PK's and by the end Mieth was not only not getting in Colby kickers faces he was bitching to the ref that Carlson was jumping early. So that is how you know you are on the right track although I will give Mieth a nod because it did look at least on one of the PK's that Carlson jumped early but who knows and frankly Mieth knows that there are not many linesman with the sack to raise his flag on that. There are some that will and because more and more GK'ers are jumping early they are starting to call that but it still is less than 50/50 IMO that they call it.


So with only 19 Pool C's in all D3 and maybe 1 Pool B that will be used you are down to 18 Pool C(At-large berths) in all of D3. Tufts and now Conn College will get 2 of those to bring the total down to 16 nationwide. If Amherst does not win this weekend they will take another one and all of a sudden Williams is in the hunt again by knocking off Middlebury. Bowdoin is still on the bubble IMO because yes they did lose 2 games this week but they lost to ranked teams and their SOS should shoot up. Bowdoin is right now on the wrong side of the bubble because Conn, Tufts, Midd and Williams are all in front of them this Wedensday if I had to guess. Not to mention Babson who was ranked third and would anyone be shocked if they get knocked out of the Newmac Tournament by WPI or Springfield. I think what happened in Nescac yesterday shows the parity in all of D3 and I expect this trend to continue with a ton of top teams going down in upsets all across D3 which will start to knock bubble teams out one by one. Williams gets to play Hamilton Saturday in one Semi and they have had real solid success against Hamilton in Sullivan's tenure BUT I would of rather seen them play an Amherst or Tufts because if they could have knocked off one of those teams they would be an easy Pool C pick IMO. Now Hamilton might get ranked Wednesday so a Win over Hamilton could still be considered legit. Because Williams and Midd split two games this week I do not see Williams jumping Midd in the rankings. I would guess it would stay:

1. Tufts
2. Conn
3. Babson
4. Amherst
5. Midd

then you will see some change.......

6. Williams


Then you have some real question marks. Brandeis goes 0-3-0 on the week against all ranked opponents and will finish with what I am guessing is the highest SOS in maybe D3 History. Bowdoin went 0-2-0 against ranked teams. I think those two will stay ranked but who know where they will be placed. There were no upsets in the CCC so you have Roger Williams, Gordon, Endicott and Salve Regina all advancing. I think Roger Williams and Endicott move up but not much and finally Salve Regina SHOULD crack the rankings. St.Joe's could move up a spot. Springfield lost to Endicott but beat Wheaton so they are still alive and WPI I am almost positive will crack the rankings after having a flawless week and I bet could get to #10.

My point is after Williams at #6 there are a ton of question marks and I am not sure anyone in New England past #6 gets a Pool C and Williams still has work to do to get a Pool C IMO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 29, 2018, 10:21:16 AM
Great piece Mr. Right.  Perhaps you did not notice from the stream, but Colby actually used GK Matt Johnson off the bench in the shootout . . .  That said, Carlson was immense through the OTs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2018, 10:34:34 AM
Really??  Wow I did not notice that well congrats to Johnson for coming up HUGE....I do not think he played a minute all year or maybe he did against some of the weaker non conference opponents. Also, a pat on the back to Seabrook for having the guts and knowledge to use him. It takes sack to go to your backup on PK's because he might look good in practice but as I said there is a ton of pressure in a real live situation. He made 2 great saves and Tufts Delaney absolutely SHANKED his kick which was about as bad as Springfield kickers looked at Amherst last year in the 2017 NCAA's. I thought Van Brewer telegraphed his kick as well. I still think both Tufts and Conn will be hosting 1st/2nd Rnd Pods but both lost a key opportunity as they will not get 1 of the 2 1st Round byes and will also get tougher pods. I could easily see St.Joe's going to either pod if they can win the GNAC along with Babson and a team from the Mid-Atlantic. Conn's pod could have 2 teams from a different region because of their geography which would be nice to see.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2018, 11:12:58 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 25, 2018, 10:32:29 AM
Quote from: Ommadawn on October 24, 2018, 10:10:12 PM
Quote from: Past Jumbo on October 24, 2018, 08:11:05 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on October 23, 2018, 04:28:03 PM
I don't know if "torched" is the right word  ;) but it's true - I don't remember the last time...but it looks like it was IN 2009!

Wow. That is astounding - that is when Ralph Ferrigno coached Tufts and had basically mailed it in. I guess a Shapiro-coached Tufts has never allowed more than two goals to an opponent...until today.

From the Tufts athletics archives:
Sat.   24, 2009   at Williams*   1-3 L

I've been a reader of this page since the first Tufts title but only now have decided to post.

I can assure you that Coach Shapiro has suffered a defeat while allowing 3 goals - mostly because I was on the pitch when we lost 3/0 to Middlebury in the Nescac QFs in 2010, Shapiro's first year with the program.

Absolutely anectodal and adds no content to the current discussion, but I couldn't bear this page having false information on it  ;)

Welcome, Past Jumbo! I'm surprised that PaulNewman hasn't chimed in on this one, but Kenyon defeated Tufts 3-2 in the 2015 Sweet 16.

Yeah, I have no interest in flaming up my pal Brother Flounder into a mini-discussion that I can't win (i.e. Tufts with 2 national titles and Lords with zero) AND thinking about that game only reminds me of the misery that happened the next day in Gambier.

Your post did get me to thinking that I am pretty sure Kenyon is #1 on any list of D3 men's soccer programs over the past 5 years that should have made a final four but didn't.  Probably not wording that exactly right.....what team over the past five years based on overall success during that five years would be considered next in line to have made a final four.

P.S.  The only other schools that come to mind (and I could be missing one or two) are Franklin & Marshall and Trinity (TX).

Go Kenyon!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2018, 11:15:34 AM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on October 28, 2018, 07:58:39 PM
So I guess this means a third national title for the Jumbos a la 2014 Tufts, 2015 Amherst, and 2016 Tufts who were all eliminated in the NESCAC quarterfinals on the way national titles.

I guess I have to root for Messiah to lose to Lycoming in the Commonwealth Final as the only hope for stopping Tufts!

I was thinking the same thing.... lol
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2018, 11:25:04 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 29, 2018, 11:15:34 AM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on October 28, 2018, 07:58:39 PM
So I guess this means a third national title for the Jumbos a la 2014 Tufts, 2015 Amherst, and 2016 Tufts who were all eliminated in the NESCAC quarterfinals on the way national titles.

I guess I have to root for Messiah to lose to Lycoming in the Commonwealth Final as the only hope for stopping Tufts!

I was thinking the same thing.... lol

Welcome home, my friend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Off Pitch on October 29, 2018, 12:12:04 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2018, 10:34:34 AM
Also, a pat on the back to Seabrook for having the guts and knowledge to use him. It takes sack to go to your backup on PK's because he might look good in practice but as I said there is a ton of pressure in a real live situation.

Against Trinity in the second round of the 2011 NCAA tournament, Babson Coach Anderson used a field player (midfielder Salomon Guindi) in goal for PK's in place of healthy All-Region GK Crowley.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvpmsBCFOsM

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on October 29, 2018, 01:13:05 PM
I was at the Bowdoin-Amherst game yesterday and have a question for the experts here. WTF is up with NESCAC refs? As a Grade 8 ref myself, I've got years of experience on this subject with the younger crowd. I thought that game yesterday was completely out of hand from the get go. IMHO, Mike the ref didn't call much that deserved a whistle (including two handed grabs, vicious elbows, obvious jersey pulling etc...), blew it a few times unexpectedly on soft, mysterious fould, and worst of all, he let the Amherst bench and players continually show him up, scream in his face (Amherst #10 should have had multiple yellows!), and endlessly waste time. The game was the most physical soccer game I have seen, and I saw Cornell play in person last year, so that says a lot!

Also saw at least 2 flip throws in directly in front of us that were questionable--no feet on the ground when the ball was released. Granted, that's tough to call and I can let that go. But the over the backs with forearm shivers on headers, grabbing of hips, and overall needless banging and trash talking had me leave that field quite down on NESCAC soccer in general. Can someone talk me off the edge here? Is NESCAC soccer always like this, or was it because it was a playoff game?!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rudy on October 29, 2018, 01:58:50 PM
Quote from: rangerfan on October 29, 2018, 01:13:05 PM
I was at the Bowdoin-Amherst game yesterday and have a question for the experts here. WTF is up with NESCAC refs? As a Grade 8 ref myself, I've got years of experience on this subject with the younger crowd. I thought that game yesterday was completely out of hand from the get go. IMHO, Mike the ref didn't call much that deserved a whistle (including two handed grabs, vicious elbows, obvious jersey pulling etc...), blew it a few times unexpectedly on soft, mysterious fould, and worst of all, he let the Amherst bench and players continually show him up, scream in his face (Amherst #10 should have had multiple yellows!), and endlessly waste time. The game was the most physical soccer game I have seen, and I saw Cornell play in person last year, so that says a lot!

Also saw at least 2 flip throws in directly in front of us that were questionable--no feet on the ground when the ball was released. Granted, that's tough to call and I can let that go. But the over the backs with forearm shivers on headers, grabbing of hips, and overall needless banging and trash talking had me leave that field quite down on NESCAC soccer in general. Can someone talk me off the edge here? Is NESCAC soccer always like this, or was it because it was a playoff game?!

One word. Amherst. I went to Tufts Colby game and only a few non calls on what looked to be fouls against Tufts. There are a handful of teams across the country that play this way. Falconer can tell you about Lycoming. I don't think shoves in the back, tripping often, and pulling on players arms and shirts is uncommon with these teams. Depending on the ref it will either continue all game or put to a stop via yellow cards and warnings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 29, 2018, 02:02:46 PM
Quote from: rudy on October 29, 2018, 01:58:50 PM
Quote from: rangerfan on October 29, 2018, 01:13:05 PM
I was at the Bowdoin-Amherst game yesterday and have a question for the experts here. WTF is up with NESCAC refs? As a Grade 8 ref myself, I've got years of experience on this subject with the younger crowd. I thought that game yesterday was completely out of hand from the get go. IMHO, Mike the ref didn't call much that deserved a whistle (including two handed grabs, vicious elbows, obvious jersey pulling etc...), blew it a few times unexpectedly on soft, mysterious fould, and worst of all, he let the Amherst bench and players continually show him up, scream in his face (Amherst #10 should have had multiple yellows!), and endlessly waste time. The game was the most physical soccer game I have seen, and I saw Cornell play in person last year, so that says a lot!

Also saw at least 2 flip throws in directly in front of us that were questionable--no feet on the ground when the ball was released. Granted, that's tough to call and I can let that go. But the over the backs with forearm shivers on headers, grabbing of hips, and overall needless banging and trash talking had me leave that field quite down on NESCAC soccer in general. Can someone talk me off the edge here? Is NESCAC soccer always like this, or was it because it was a playoff game?!

One word. Amherst. I went to Tufts Colby game and only a few non calls on what looked to be fouls against Tufts. There are a handful of teams across the country that play this way. Falconer can tell you about Lycoming. I don't think shoves in the back, tripping often, and pulling on players arms and shirts is uncommon with these teams. Depending on the ref it will either continue all game or put to a stop via yellow cards and warnings.

I am with you Rangerfan. My explanation is that the games at Amherst are like that most of the time. That's the way they play and the Amherst team takes its cues from serpone who gets out of hand. The visiting teams expect it and come to the field with an overly aggressive style. The refs are in a tough spot from the opening minutes. Interestingly, the visiting team then shows up at its next game still in this crazy mindset and starts the games overly aggressive again until they are either carded a lot or regain their bearings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: wizard on October 29, 2018, 02:11:35 PM
Quote from: rangerfan on October 29, 2018, 01:13:05 PM
I was at the Bowdoin-Amherst game yesterday and have a question for the experts here. WTF is up with NESCAC refs? As a Grade 8 ref myself, I've got years of experience on this subject with the younger crowd. I thought that game yesterday was completely out of hand from the get go. IMHO, Mike the ref didn't call much that deserved a whistle (including two handed grabs, vicious elbows, obvious jersey pulling etc...), blew it a few times unexpectedly on soft, mysterious fould, and worst of all, he let the Amherst bench and players continually show him up, scream in his face (Amherst #10 should have had multiple yellows!), and endlessly waste time. The game was the most physical soccer game I have seen, and I saw Cornell play in person last year, so that says a lot!

Also saw at least 2 flip throws in directly in front of us that were questionable--no feet on the ground when the ball was released. Granted, that's tough to call and I can let that go. But the over the backs with forearm shivers on headers, grabbing of hips, and overall needless banging and trash talking had me leave that field quite down on NESCAC soccer in general. Can someone talk me off the edge here? Is NESCAC soccer always like this, or was it because it was a playoff game?!

Bowdoin fan, so understand I'm biased:

Yearly Yellow Card totals:
Amherst - 22
Middlebury - 20
Trinity - 19

Then it drops off.

All you need to know. As said before, it's Amherst and it's Serpone.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on October 29, 2018, 02:25:19 PM
Interesting (and disappointing) responses, but I'm talking strictly about the referees here. I understand Amherst plays that style and I'm not here to criticize it. That's fine if one likes that brand of ... soccer. But WTF is up with the referees? Are the responders here suggesting that calls are not made at Amherst that are made at other places? Or that Serpone and Amherst somehow change the way games are called on their home pitch?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2018, 05:34:13 PM
Quote from: Falconer on October 29, 2018, 07:26:00 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 28, 2018, 10:08:05 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on October 28, 2018, 07:58:39 PM
So I guess this means a third national title for the Jumbos a la 2014 Tufts, 2015 Amherst, and 2016 Tufts who were all eliminated in the NESCAC quarterfinals on the way national titles.

I guess I have to root for Messiah to lose to Lycoming in the Commonwealth Final as the only hope for stopping Tufts!

And the rest of us are wondering if it's too much to ask to have more than a binary choice/result.  I believe the last time we had a non-Messiah, non-NESCAC winner was from that upstart OWU way back in 2011.
A wonderful team that was, led by the great Travis Wall. Somehow they lost to DePauw in the NCAC tournament, 4-2, after going 9-0 in the conference regular season. Their only other blemish was a 2-1 home loss on opening day to the Falcons, when Danny Thompson picked up a loose ball in the first minute and scored, and his brother Jack got another before Wall got one back.  For their part, the Falcons somehow lost at home to Neumann 1-0 in their opening tournament game (after a first-round bye). That season, the Bishops and the Falcons combined to go 41-3-1. They haven't met since that opening day game. Love to see them play again, in the Final Four this time.  ;D

LOL, Falconer.  I do appreciate you because you are such an honest fan.  There are a few teams now that you've said you'd like to see in the Final Four, as long as the Falcons are one of them  ;).  And you managed to work in a Messiah reference -- and winning one, of course -- into OWU's 2011 title.  Kenyon actually was ahead of OWU that year 1-0 off an assist from a frosh until the 68th minute when Travis Wall broke through.  The time Messiah would have played OWU again was 2013 when OWU would have hosted the game but the Battling Bishops got upset by Rose-Hulman.  Messiah would have gotten Kenyon and OWU back to back on Roy Rike for the Sweet 16 and Elite 8.  I dare say the atmosphere for that sectional would have compared well to the one that happened in Grantham.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MEsoccer on October 29, 2018, 11:11:15 PM
I was also at the game.  The fact that Serpone and his assistant both got yellow cards but their players didn't was comical.  The ref had no control of the game from the start.  Amherst still was called with for more than twice the number of fouls.  It easily could have been four times.  The only time the ref showed some common sense was not calling a hand ball when a shot hit a Bowdoin defender's hand that was in a natural position by his side.  That off course sent Serpone into a tirade.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2018, 10:16:16 AM
Aside from the reading the tea leaves value, another point occurred to me regarding the NESCAC quarterfinal upsets in recent years.

The number of times top seeds have lost in the NESCAC quarterfinals seems like additional evidence of the toughness of the conference and relative overall parity.  Over the last handful of years it almost has been more surprising when the top seed did not lose in the quarters.  And this year, BOTH top seeds lost, on their home pitches.  Indeed, every higher seed lost except for the 4v5 game.  Now, I don't think anyone is going to confuse Colby with Tufts or (Conn Coll with Tufts in 2014), but on the other hand the result was not totally shocking either.  Colby deserves a ton of credit for competing so hard and believing they had a chance against one of the very best teams in the country on the latter's home field (while acknowledging that a thank you card to Braun for missing on at least 4-5 very clean chances with Rojas having an almost impossible to miss chance from 3 yards out in OT).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on October 30, 2018, 02:23:39 PM
Quote from: MEsoccer on October 29, 2018, 11:11:15 PM
I was also at the game.  The fact that Serpone and his assistant both got yellow cards but their players didn't was comical.  The ref had no control of the game from the start.  Amherst still was called with for more than twice the number of fouls.  It easily could have been four times.  The only time the ref showed some common sense was not calling a hand ball when a shot hit a Bowdoin defender's hand that was in a natural position by his side.  That off course sent Serpone into a tirade.

Glad I'm not the only one who feels this way. The way that Amherst jersey #10 got in the face of the ref on more than one occasion and didn't get a card--the was one of the worst displays of being a complete A-hole on the field that I have ever seen, and he just got away with it. The Amherst coaches create the culture, and their players behaved like they played for their coach. If you are a player and want that, that's up the individual player--I can't fault a kid for wanting an Amherst degree. But again, why didn't the referee take control of that game?? It was such an embarrassing display.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 30, 2018, 03:31:29 PM
Serpone, due to his petulant histrionics, has long been the most unpopular coach in the league among opposing coaches and fans.  Amherst fans might claim it's because he wins, but I've never heard any complaints about Tufts or Shapiro despite Tufts' own run of dominance.  In the end, Amherst is hosting this weekend, so to beat the Mammoths one of the other three semfinalists will need to match Amherst physically and can't expect the refs to bail them out. 

I'm hoping one more win gets Williams its first tourney appearance under Coach Sullivan, otherwise it may be another off-season of what-iffs.  It seems like just a tiny handful of untimely, hearbreaking goals have been the difference between zero and 1-2 NCAA appearaces over the past few years.  In all events, both Williams and Hamilton need to win to keep their seasons alive and it should be a very even match-up. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 30, 2018, 03:36:26 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 30, 2018, 10:16:16 AM
Aside from the reading the tea leaves value, another point occurred to me regarding the NESCAC quarterfinal upsets in recent years.

The number of times top seeds have lost in the NESCAC quarterfinals seems like additional evidence of the toughness of the conference and relative overall parity.  Over the last handful of years it almost has been more surprising when the top seed did not lose in the quarters.  And this year, BOTH top seeds lost, on their home pitches.  Indeed, every higher seed lost except for the 4v5 game.  Now, I don't think anyone is going to confuse Colby with Tufts or (Conn Coll with Tufts in 2014), but on the other hand the result was not totally shocking either.  Colby deserves a ton of credit for competing so hard and believing they had a chance against one of the very best teams in the country on the latter's home field (while acknowledging that a thank you card to Braun for missing on at least 4-5 very clean chances with Rojas having an almost impossible to miss chance from 3 yards out in OT).

Interesting the draw with Colby did not hurt Tufts in either the D3Soccer poll nor the Coaches poll. Their NCAA regional ranking probably does not change as well. I concur with Mr. Right in that its doubtful they get an NCAA first round bye, but they most likely will host.  If Amherst wins the NESCAC Tournament it will be interesting to see if they get to host the first two rounds instead of Conn. I can't imagine the committee would have 3 NESCAC teams hosting the first two rounds. Then again I have been wrong before...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2018, 03:55:13 PM
Have other coaches and/or ADs confronted Serpone and/or complained to the Amherst administration?  I don't get how it is just allowed to continue or even escalate.  As I said earlier, I thought the antics on the field before the game started at Brandeis were just ridiculous.

That said, anti-Amherst fans may be suffering over the next couple of weeks.  Amherst looks like they have gained some momentum and I would guess they are going to be a very difficult team to knock out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on October 30, 2018, 04:36:47 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 30, 2018, 03:55:13 PM
Have other coaches and/or ADs confronted Serpone and/or complained to the Amherst administration?  I don't get how it is just allowed to continue or even escalate.  As I said earlier, I thought the antics on the field before the game started at Brandeis were just ridiculous.

That said, anti-Amherst fans may be suffering over the next couple of weeks.  Amherst looks like they have gained some momentum and I would guess they are going to be a very difficult team to knock out.

Ironically PN, my limited conversations with coaches in the region seem to indicate that Serpone is somewhat liked by his colleagues.  My sample size may be too small to be of value . . .  In any event, I expect that every NESCAC coach and probably referees are prepared for any Serpone antics that occur, and in that sense, I doubt anyone is surprised by them.

I've also spoken to ex-Amherst players and their parents who all say that his players loved playing for the guy.

He certainly seems to have something of a Jekyll and Hyde image.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 30, 2018, 04:58:02 PM
Armchair 2 cents (albeit not a coach): I don't think he's a "bad" guy, and from what I've read he's always been magnanimous in defeat, whether a regular-season loss or being bounced from the NCAA tournament. I also find that some coaches I've spoken with don't mind him. During games, however, his histrionics are definitely there, and I myself would find them tiring if I had to watch them every season. Perhaps it's one of those things where during the game is one matter but after is another, which might explain why some coaches don't mind him if they've spent time together off the field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2018, 09:49:13 PM
Yeah, I've been confused by all the various comments on Serpone and Amherst over the years.  His comments in recaps are almost Calvin-coach gracious.  I've defended Amherst in the past but some of the stuff is tough to ignore.  I suppose I don't care as long as they don't get some unfair advantage by virtue of their behavior.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 31, 2018, 08:19:51 AM
My anecdotal story:  My son was recruited by Serpone during his first season at Amherst, but ended up choosing Bowdoin.  I sat in during the parent portion of the recruiting meeting and I was somewhat put off by Serpone's arrogance.  He claimed his mission was to bring D1 talent to Amherst, blah, blah, blah...  One of my son's best friends from club soccer ended up at Amherst and enjoyed playing for Serpone, as apparently most of his players do. 

And I recall my son saying that during the annual Bowdoin/Amherst battle his senior year, Serpone was complimenting him from the sideline whenever he made a good play, which was actually kind of classy.

So it seems at the end of the day we're talking about a complicated guy...one who can be a complete flamer on the sideline during the game, but one who is also charismatic and generally well liked by the athletes themselves.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 31, 2018, 10:19:11 AM
I've spoken with serpone when he has been at other NESCAC games scouting and he is extremely soft spoken, friendly, willing to discuss recent games etc. 100% different from the when he is on his Amherst sideline. I've also seen times where the Amherst video feed had to have the audio shut off because it was catching a non-stop stream of expletives from him during the game. so complicated is probably a great description.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 31, 2018, 10:36:52 AM
I hate to see the alma mater of my man David Foster Wallace sullied in any way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2018, 12:57:15 PM
It is what it is in regards to Serpone but to insinuate that he has a multiple personality disorder might be a little much even for these pages....Or to say one of the Amherst assistants looks like a meth head is crossing a line IMO and this is coming from someone that has crossed many lines....


As far as refs it all depends on the refs in that particular game. I have never heard of Mike Wallace but he must be a Roger Taylor guy....So usually the schools with the bigger Men's Soccer budgets like Nescac, Newmac, Brandeis,Endicott etc etc use the more expensive refs under Roger Taylor. Usually these refs are doing D1,D2,D3 games throughout the season in New England. That however does not mean they are any better than the ECAC/ NISOA refs that the rest of New England use but they usually are a tad better. Some are much better and some have been reffing WAY longer than they should(Ed Shea, Mike Mason, Lou Labbadia) to name a few. Shea and Mason both have bum knees and cannot keep up with the play but in their day they were considered solid refs and former players. I know that under Nescac rules the Head Coaches back in like 2010 decided to ONLY use Taylor's guys for the Nescac Championship as this was mainly done to force the Maine schools primarily Bowdoin who usually hosted a Nescac Quarterfinal game to not use Maine refs who have some biases with Maine schools. Some did as obviously not all but in the past Maine refs had cause some problems before 2005 in games in Maine.

My question is if the Amherst bench got two yellows does that mean Serpone misses the Nescac Semi-Final? I am actually not sure the rule but I always thought if the bench got a Yellow that was considered the Head Coach. Amherst bench got 2 Yellows but no Red in the Bowdoin match so I am confused about that situation. Anyone???





Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 31, 2018, 01:20:36 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 31, 2018, 12:57:15 PM
It is what it is in regards to Serpone but to insinuate that he has a multiple personality disorder might be a little much even for these pages....Or to say one of the Amherst assistants looks like a meth head is crossing a line IMO and this is coming from someone that has crossed many lines....


You're right.  My bad, and I apologize.  I obviously did not intend any literal interpretation or inference, if any clarification is needed in that regard. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2018, 02:22:15 PM
No worries....all good
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on October 31, 2018, 04:08:16 PM
Regional Rankings are out:

New England   
1. Tufts 13-0-3 13-0-3
2. Connecticut College 12-2-2 12-2-2
3. Amherst 12-3-1 12-3-1
4. Babson 11-2-4 11-2-4
5. Middlebury 10-3-3 10-3-3
6. Williams 9-5-2 9-5-2
7. Endicott 10-5-2 10-5-2
8. Bowdoin 9-5-2 9-5-2
9. Hamilton 9-6-1 9-6-1
10. St. Joseph's (Maine) 18-0-0 18-0-0
11. Gordon 10-6-1 10-6-1
12. WPI
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC43 on November 02, 2018, 08:42:59 AM
Tomorrow's Predictions:

Amherst over Colby 2-0
Hamilton over Williams 3-2 in 2OT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on November 02, 2018, 09:52:44 AM
NESCAC 43, I think there are 2 goals scored in tomorrow's games total. Williams and Hamilton don't really score. Colby packs it in quite a bit. In addition, it will be a rainy day. I wouldn't mind seeing a shootout but not sure it can happen with those teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 02, 2018, 01:06:03 PM
Are you guys related, 11 and 43? ;) Looks like the same username stacked one on top of the other.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on November 02, 2018, 01:51:05 PM
Everyone on this thread is related by NESCAC blood. However, 43 and I are locked in disagreement over tomorrow's predictions. I think Williams and Amherst win in 1-0 games and he is predicting an explosion of goals. Either way it should be fun.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 02, 2018, 02:00:57 PM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on November 02, 2018, 01:51:05 PM
Everyone on this thread is related by NESCAC blood. However, 43 and I are locked in disagreement over tomorrow's predictions. I think Williams and Amherst win in 1-0 games and he is predicting an explosion of goals. Either way it should be fun.

No NESCAC blood here ;) (although I guess that's debatable with my mother being a Bowdoin alumna and with me being a keen observer of NESCAC soccer).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2018, 03:15:05 PM
Nescac Semi's Notes........

-Bubble teams across the country should be rooting for Amherst(I know that is tough to swallow) to win the Nescac Championship as they have wrapped up a bid no matter what. Bubble teams also should be rooting for Williams to lose because right now they are ranked #6 right behind Midd at #5. If Williams were to beat Hamilton I think they would pass #5 Midd and maybe even #4 Babson. They would be 5-3-1 RvR if they beat Hamilton and frankly that would be enough I think and they would most likely steal Midd's bid. Hamilton randomly got ranked this week but they would need to beat Williams and draw Amherst lose in PK's and still I think would come up short of a Pool C. So Hamilton and Colby need to Win the whole damn thing. Bubble teams should be rooting for Hamilton and Amherst in the Semi's. Honestly, I think we are going to see some real upsets starting tonight to tighten the bubble.


Colby at Amherst------Interesting Serpone chose to play the early game because he used to like the late game but it does give you a little more rest then then the winner of the next game. Colby is going to play Amherst exactly how they played Tufts but I would expect to see more of striker Tower who along with Clouse and Dickey are all like 6'7. Tower did not play much against Tufts and is a bit of a stiff but is dangerous with his head and will be needed in this game. The narrow field actually helps Colby just as much as it is an advantage for Amherst. Both teams have some monster's all over the field mixed in with guys who have skill and speed. Both teams have long throwers that will get a nice advantage with the narrow field and both teams have guys that can finish set pieces. Colby's compact defense will smother Amherst on that field and vice versa. So basically this game is going to be won off a set piece or a scrum after a set piece. Amherst just flat out has more talent in their starting 11 than Colby but so did Tufts so as long as Colby executes the same gameplan and gets some luck they will be right in this game. Colby must MAKE SURE they go into halftime even IMO and whatever they do they cannot give up an early goal to Amherst or the whole gameplan goes out the window and they will be forced to come out of their shell. Colby still has talent in their starting 11 so I do expect them to get some chances on the counter and throughout the run of play maybe even more chances than they did against Tufts. Should be very interesting to see if Colby can keep this going as like I said if they can get to Halftime level they could find an early 2nd Half goal and hold on. Of course I could also see Amherst coming out and putting an unbearable amount of pressure on Colby in the first 15-20 minutes and get a goal or two. Honestly, not sure which way it will go. In the regular season Amherst beat Colby 3-0 at Home but it was close than the score suggests as Amherst scored on a nice half volley and a PK IIRC but Colby had some sniffs. I expect Colby GK Dan Carlson to be on top of his game as he is a legit shot stopper and a great reactive GK which will be needed against Amherst as those long throws have tons of scrums after the play and quick shots on net.



Williams v Hamilton------I bet no one saw this Semi-Final matchup coming as I do not think I have ever seen a 6v7 seed match in a Nescac Semi-Final. Williams played very well at Midd but still could not finish and are really struggling scoring goals and luckily Midd's GK gifted them a goal in the 2nd Half as that game was certainly headed for PK's IMO. That mistake by Hyer was absolutely dreadful and it is looking like it could really cost Midd a bid. Midd will be rooting for Hamilton as a Hamilton win should prevent Williams from passing Midd in the rankings. The good news for Williams is the return of their best striker Gass as he was a bit rusty at Midd but still showed his skill and speed on the turf and at times looked good. Also, the return of wingbacks Ranieri and Mathew is a big help. Not sure why Sullivan sacked Oberg as I thought he was playing well at CB but he was replaced by Sean Dory who is not a CB and that would concern me if he is starting at CB v Hamilton. Dory is a holding midfielder but Williams right now has to many holders with Bardong, Oberg and Dory. Fabricant and Petrik also got the sack at Midd which was interesting but not surprising as Fabricant has not scored a goal in over a month. So I am not quite sure what their lineup will be. Sullivan has nver lost to Hamilton since arriving at Williams and is 4-0-0 against Hamilton in his 4 years at Williams. The regular season game was Won by Williams 1-0 at Hamilton. Williams was the better team in that game as Hamilton had trouble getting good looks on net. Hamilton has had trouble scoring goals all year and frankly have had some trouble creating chances as well. I missed their big win at Conn in the Quarters but it sounds like they snuck a goal 2nd Half but Conn had a good run of the play. I expect the same in this match BUT Hamilton is quite capable of winning this whole Championship if they can get Aidan Wood going who did assist on the goal at Conn. Hamilton;s other striker Schmidt has not played in a few games and he would be a big loss for them. Chapman played better last season IMO and they just need more bite in attack. Also, Hamilton;s defense is big and physical but also have made some bad mistakes that have cost them games so they must have all that cleaned up. If they shutout Conn at Conn then I am guessing the back 4 plus the Frosh in net played well all game. This is a toss-up but should be a little easier on the eye than the first Semi as both teams will have spurts of playing some futbol....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 02, 2018, 04:00:53 PM
A couple of thoughts on Colby-Amherst.  First, I've heard that Amherst returned the field to normal dimensions, and that it is not as narrow this year.  The reasoning is that the narrow field was only helping the opposition:  Amherst's long thrower can reach the goal mouth regardless of width, but a narrow field also enables the opposition to make dangerous throws.  Plus, Amherst only penalizes their wide players by narrowing the field (who don't have as much room to operate).  I haven't seen the field myself this year, so I can't verify.

Second, I think that Mr. Right hit the nail on the head:  the key for Colby will likely be surviving the first half.  I expect Amherst to come out with a barrage and try to swarm Colby to get the early goal.  This is what happened in the 2014 Q-final, when Amherst scored in the 3rd minute and won 1-0.  If Colby can grow into the match, they may be able to pull off another upset.  The program could really use the boost . . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2018, 04:03:58 PM
I have been to Amherst field in late September and it was still the same dimensions. It was a narrow mess and just mucks up the game. Now maybe the past month they moved the dimensions back but pretty sure the buildings and grounds crew would be snarling venom if Serpone changed his mind halfway thru the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 03, 2018, 09:24:15 AM
Today's games have been moved to the turf field at Amherst...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 10:03:04 AM
Understandable as Amherst grass field must be flooded especially in the corners by the fence...That field cannot drain rain very well being at the bottom of that hill. The turf field is still narrow but nearly as narrow as the grass field. This weather is forecast all day so it will definitely be a factor for both games. Hopefully, the stream is not affected. When Amherst hosted the Nescac Championship in 2007 on this field the stream was from the corner of the field and was not a very good view. Hopefully, eleven years later we will get a better stream.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 10:52:27 AM
Amherst v Colby about to kickoff and I see no changes to Colby's lineup. Amherst is missing 4 key players from their starting lineup...Luke Nguyen, Jimmy McMillian, Dane Lind and Derby. Those are 4 very solid players but a couple of them have come off the bench in the past except Lind. Lind has always started the game. Something to watch for....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 10:57:28 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 10:03:04 AM
Understandable as Amherst grass field must be flooded especially in the corners by the fence...That field cannot drain rain very well being at the bottom of that hill. The turf field is still narrow but nearly as narrow as the grass field. This weather is forecast all day so it will definitely be a factor for both games. Hopefully, the stream is not affected. When Amherst hosted the Nescac Championship in 2007 on this field the stream was from the corner of the field and was not a very good view. Hopefully, eleven years later we will get a better stream.


11 years later and nothing has changed...Nescac stream from Gooding field is in the far corner...Horrible angle
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 11:08:07 AM
Amherst has a lineup of LB O'Brien, CB's Wu and Fitzgerald and RB Johnson holding is Cohen who is staying on Clouse like glue moving with him all over the field. They are in their usual 4-3-3 with pinched wingers as Coleman and Shahmirzadi are pinched and Ajayi up top with Giammattei and Barkidjija....


Stunner....Colby takes an early 1-0 lead as Berolzheimer gets behind Fitzgerald and crosses to Rosenberg who calmly finished it...BIG GOAL....Colby with a great counter and fantastic work by Berolzheimer who busts his ass....Fitzgerald's lack of speed was the reason for the quick counter...HE IS SO SLOW.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 11:19:29 AM
Amherst looks a bit stagnant and shocked and with the missing 4 players from the field right now, I think Colby MUST try to get a 2nd Goal and keep the foot on the gas before Amherst can regroup.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 11:25:40 AM
Amherst finally gets Dane Lind onto the field..No idea why you would not start the kid as he is such a danger man. Colby must keep Coleman and Lind in check as they are two of Amherst most dynamic players in attack. Berolzheimer looks to be on Coleman..However, Lind is wide and will be going at Colby's LB which could cause some problems.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 11:45:45 AM
Derby makes an appearance for Amherst...Still no Nguyen and McMillian so I am guessing both are out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 11:53:52 AM
Colby striker Jacob Tower makes a appearance with 1 minute left in the Half.....1-0 Colby leads at the Half. Amherst has been in Colby's end for most of the half but have not had any real solid looks. Colby doing very well in the middle of their defensive 3rd but Amherst is getting behind Colby's LB Grady Jendzejec as I have been all over him all season and he is just to shaky IMO. Amherst knows this and are attacking his side quite well with Lind and Derby. Colby has to deal with that better in the 2nd Half but other than that Colby has done a nice job keeping Amherst off the board 1st Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 12:04:51 PM
Getting a 2nd look at Colby's goal shows a lackadaisical giveaway by Amherst Bryce Johnson after a long throw and a quick counter by Colby as Amherst CB's Wu and Fitzgerald had been in the box for the long throw. Colby's Lucas Pereira got the pass from a Colby defender after the giveaway and turned nicely away from an Amherst player and squeezed a nice thru ball into Berolzheimer who with pace burned Fitzgerald down the field. Berolzheimer dashed down the right side of the field and JUST squeezed a cross thru the box to Rosenberg who finished it. A picture perfect counterattack by Colby. The ball thru the box to Rosenberg by Berolzheimer was just missed by I think Amherst Cutler Coleman as it just breezed by his toe but a nice calm finish by Rosenberg who finds the best time of the season to get his first goal of the year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 12:06:21 PM
2nd Half about to start and let's see what lineup Serpone starts with and how Amherst comes out to start the Half.


And Luke Nguyen makes an appearance. I am guessing he is banged up but giving it a go because he would have been on the field earlier if he was 100%.



UPDATE: WOW....Colby gets another GOAL just 2 minutes into the 2nd Half off a long throw that got flicked thru the box and I think Rosenberg finished it. Sloppy defending by Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 12:13:07 PM
That is the 2nd Goal Colby needed IMO and now they can play their game as Amherst will be pushing #'s bigtime now. Will Amherst find a couple quick goals in the pouring rain? Against Colby's defense it will be very tough but definitely doable. COlby will now have more opportunities on the counter to bury Amherst with a 3rd Goal....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 12:17:16 PM
LOL....Skies have opened up at Amherst as you can barely see the game on the stream....Looks like a minor hurricane...Guys have to focus on both teams in these conditions...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Medicated Pete on November 03, 2018, 12:21:40 PM
Skies opened up like the Amherst Wall... 3-0 ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 12:25:56 PM
WOW....Colby takes a 3-0 lead off a set piece just outside the box....Pereira gets taken down just outside the box as he was streaking toward goal and a cagey set piece by Colby as a Colby player instead of hitting it directly rolled the ball back to Berolzheimer who ripped it low and right at the wall. Amherst wall jumped and the ball got deflected off I think Luke Nguyen and into the net as Amherst Gk White was on the right post expecting his wall to block that area of the goal. The wall jumped and  Colby smartly rips it low and a deflection into the net......3-0 Colby....


UPDATE: Stream is unwatchable but Amherst gets one goal back but I could not see it. Sounds like a long throw and then scrum and failed clearance but I have no idea....3-1 Colby with about 30 minutes left...Still plenty of time and Colby needs to settle down again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 12:26:15 PM
Quote from: Medicated Pete on November 03, 2018, 12:21:40 PM
Skies opened up like the Amherst Wall... 3-0 ;D


LOL yes....+k
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 12:45:40 PM
Interesting, I did not realize Seabrook moved #9 Wyett MacDonald to RB and has #17 Jack Fletcher in midfield.

Jeez Colby Kyle Douglas just cannot score this year as he has a WIDE OPEN look and fluffed it...That would have been game over...

Amherst really putting pressure on Colby's defense now...APL hits the post and the Clouse clears one off the line with Carlson out of his net...If Amherst could get one back with at least 5 minutes to play they will have a chance....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 01:08:26 PM
Colby with a fantastic upset over Amherst in what is looking like a historic run to defeat Amherst 3-1 and will play the winner of Williams/Hamilton....That is now 3 Pool C's for Nescac with Tufts, Conn and Amherst...Midd should be very worried right now as they have to root for Hamilton to advance over Williams.


This run by Colby is reminiscent of Wesleyan's run in the 2005 Nescac Tournament. They were the #7 seed(back then only 7 teams qualified and 1st Place got a bye) and defeated Bowdoin in the Nescac Quarters then went up to Williamstown and defeated the #1 seed Williams who was like 13-1-0 at the time on their field. They then proceeded to defeat Amherst in the Nescac Final to qualify for the NCAA Tournament as the #7 seed. It was an amazing run by Wheeler's troops that year and then they actually defeated Muhlenberg in the 1st Round and then took powerhouse Messiah to OT but lost to the eventual National Champions 2-1 in OT. That was when Wesleyan used to always have amazing GK'ing and a real solid defense with enough in attack to counter nicely. Anyhow....


Congrats to Colby as they MUST rest up and go back to the hotel and stretch out, ice and rest before trying to WIN the Nescac Championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 01:42:16 PM
Williams and Hamilton about ready to kickoff and Williams again sits the Frosh Oberg and has the same lineup they did against Middlebury.  I am guessing LB Ranieri, CB's Dory and Macdonald and RB Mathew in midfield Bardong holds with Boardman and Fleischer who attacks up top Gass, Felito and Hirsch...Fabricant, Petrik and Oberg get the sack and I am guessing Andreou is still injured.

Hamilton does have some changes as I am not sure who the RB will be because I do not see Milnarek in the lineup. Sheehan, Eckels and Donovan are the other backs. Schmidt is still out up top so they must have Wood and maybe the Frosh Wetzel up there or maybe Plump?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 03, 2018, 01:42:31 PM
It's starting to feel like the Mules post-season run back in March with their Men's hockey team.  You have to give them a tremendous amount of credit. Very well executed game plan today. They will be ready to go tomorrow.

Also, my gut tells me someone from NESCAC is going to SLU next weekend, especially if Babson wins today.  Could be Amherst, Midd, or possibly even Williams if they win the conference title. A Colby win tomorrow and I would expect they stay in New England.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 02:14:52 PM
Tough windy conditions at Amherst as Williams and Hamilton are scoreless with about 15 minutes left into the 1st Half...Pretty uneventful game but Hamilton is trying to keep the ball on the carpet but have probably given the ball away about 20 times this Half. They need to settle down and relax as these giveaway's will eventually come back to bite you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 02:32:28 PM
Williams and Hamilton 0-0 Halftime and neither team with any real dangerous chances. I will say Hamilton has surprisingly dominated possession but their final pass has been lacking and they have been giving the ball away at will. Williams is basically sleepwalking and do not look very good at all. They really need a shot of adrenaline 2nd Half because they look uninterested but all that being said Hamilton has had about 8 corners and done nothing. At some point you have to finish these chances because Williams is very capable of scoring out of nowhere...Winner get Colby...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 03:10:53 PM
Wind is just a major factor in this Williams v Hamilton match as 2nd Half has been all Williams and with Hamilton all the possession 1st Half I am guessing the wind is coming from north to south and at Williams back this Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 03:19:34 PM
Williams takes a 1-0 lead over Hamilton with about 14 minutes left off a nice serve into the box and a fantastic finish by striker Demian Gass. Nice header but he got free from Eckels I believe. Let's see if Hamilton can find a game tying goal but they have had problems scoring all year so I am not sure they can.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2018, 03:32:04 PM
Williams Senior Eric Hirsch clinches the game with his second goal in as many games and gives Williams a 2-0 lead and that will punch Williams ticket back to the Nescac Championship for the first time since 2013. They have not won a Nescac Championship since 2009. Williams is now 10-5-2 with a 5-3-1 RvR and a .590 SOS....That is the perfect example of a bubble team in 2018. If the committee favors RvR Williams should get a bid but if they are looking at 7 blemishes they might be in trouble. Right now Williams is squarely on the bubble so it would be nice to see them win the Nescac Championship but Colby really has the winds at their back and it should be an interesting Nescac Final tomorrow. I am guessing it will be on the turf because I think if you play the Semi's on the turf you need to play the Final on the turf. Also, I doubt Amherst would be to keen on seeing Williams and Colby rip up their wet grass field tomorrow. I will say Midd is in trouble now IMO and Amherst or Babson with their losses today I think one of them will be heading on the road in the NCAA 1st/2nd Round.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2018, 04:25:20 PM
Congrats to Colby....great to see something super-positive happen for that program.  Advancing past Tufts and then Amherst on both of their home fields is impressive.  Congrats also to Williams, who is probably safe now, but can't take anything for granted so tomorrow should have the feel of a NCAA play-in game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on November 04, 2018, 11:11:32 AM
Finals moved back to the grass today at Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 11:57:31 AM
Keys to the game:

1. How does Colby do in the back to back's? Their depth is limited but Seabrook got some key minutes from his bench yesterday so they should be well rested but as I have said in the past big guys like Dickey/Clouse take alot longer to regenerate than the normal guys. Those are 2 key players for Colby.

2. Williams striker Demian Gass has only been back for 2 games but he is playing like a stud striker right now. 2 Goals in his 2 games back he will need to be marked tightly by probably Berolzheimer and Pugh.

3. Which team gets the bounces today?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 12:00:54 PM
Williams is 10-5-2 BUT have a 5-3-1 RvR because of the generous ranking that Hamilton got this past week in New England. That could be the difference for them to get into the NCAA's. If Williams loses they would be 10-6-2 and that might be to many blemishes BUT you cannot ignore 5 ranked Wins. Bubble mania
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 12:01:47 PM
Exact same starters as yesterday for both teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 12:05:25 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 12:01:47 PM
Exact same starters as yesterday for both teams.

I'm sorry actually two changes for Colby as Seabrook sacks Pereira who played very well yesterday for Ethan Fabricant up top. Not really a sacking because Pereira will be a charge for Colby off the bench. Also, a strange move but Berolzheimer who also played very well yesterday is not starting as Sullivan gets the nod. I do not like that move at all as Berolzheimer is a KEY player for Colby. Maybe he is injured?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 12:21:46 PM
I gotta say Amherst has ruined its picturesque campus with some of these new buildings. This dorm on the hill might be one of the ugliest buildings and it replaced the old tennis courts but it was a nice view on the hill. Right now we have a man sitting solo on the hill just chillin with his coffee on a desk chair...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 12:51:53 PM
0-0 Colby v Williams at the Half. Both teams kind of feeling it out and I would say kind of an uneventful but even 1st Half. Colby GK Dan Carlson just made a fantastic save before the Half off a long throw and header. Williams GK Schein made a nice save as well off a Colby David Howarth shot. These two teams played to a 110 minute 0-0 draw in the regular season and my gut say's we could be heading towards that again today unless one team can find an opening. Does not look like there is any wind today and perfect weather to play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 01:53:32 PM
Colby and Williams still scoreless heading to OT now....Colby looks a bit gassed as they are holding on a bit right now but still a pretty even match....0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 02:23:02 PM
Williams has been heavily pressuring Colby's net in the 2nd OT but cannot find a game winner and the game is officially a Draw after 110 minutes of scoreless soccer...PK's we go...

Colby has already beat Tufts in PK's last weekend so do we get the same kickers and same GK change? Certainly Williams has scouted that....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 04, 2018, 02:23:34 PM
PK's. Let's see if Seabrook brings Johnson in for Pks again. I think he will.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 02:24:50 PM
Against Tufts:

Colby went with:

1. Clouse
2. Howarth
3. Pereira
4. Seaman (Frosh who had not played in the game and he nervously hit it wide)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 02:26:01 PM
Whoever Wins the shootout gets the AQ plus Nescac will have Amherst, Conn and Tufts...I do not see how Nescac gets a 5th team so Midd is probably finished....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 04, 2018, 02:37:47 PM
 Unbelievable! Congratulations to Colby!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 02:39:55 PM
Congrats to Colby....2018 Nescac Champions....Pre-season I picked them to finish 5th but by late September they were really struggling BUT they have turned it around big time and who would have thought that they would be Nescac Champions and get their FIRST EVER MENS SOCCER NCAA BID....WOW.....Their guys played their ass off the past 2 weekends and it will now be interesting to see how they fare in the NCAA's and frankly who they will play and where they will get sent....The committee will not match up 2 Nescac schools in the 1st Round so they will see someone completely different and probably for the first time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 04, 2018, 02:41:22 PM
Going to be a nervous 23 hours for Midd and Williams. I really hope NESCAC gets 5 teams, some tough decisions ahead for the committee.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2018, 02:42:07 PM
Maybe St Joe's.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 02:52:06 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on November 04, 2018, 02:41:22 PM
Going to be a nervous 23 hours for Midd and Williams. I really hope NESCAC gets 5 teams, some tough decisions ahead for the committee.

After getting 5 teams last year I am not sure they will again. I will say there have not been to many upsets around the country BUT the big question is did Williams do enough this weekend to pass Midd in the New England Region standings? I am not sure just yet because they went 1-0-1 against teams that are barely above .500 and the whole body of work is looked at. I will say Williams with 5 ranked Wins will be very hard to ignore.....Honestly IDK.....With Hamilton's arrival in the rankings that really bumped up teams like Amherst/Williams and Midd giving them extra ranked Wins. I am not sure how many teams around the country have 5 ranked Wins that are hovering around the bubble? Not many.....Still Williams with 8 blemishes might be to much and an SOS under .600....It all depends on if the committee is looking at RvR more than Winning % or what they are considering. I think Babson deserves a bid even though Williams defeated them but I do not see them dropping. Who knows.....

The one kid I thought had the composure to nail a PK was Williams Frosh Jules Oberg and he telegraphed it...The GK saw it before he hit it...I was disappointed in Senior Scatt Macdonald's PK also...that was weak sauce....Colby had 2 Frosh bang them home and Clouse hit one right at Schein...IDK about Clouse as a PK taker....where is Rosenberg? he is a coll customer and he should be taking one...At least Seabrook did not make the same mistake and go back to the Frosh Seaman...

That is going to be one fun bus ride back to Waterville and actually Colbhy had a TON of fans today...I guess a bus left Waterville at 7am this morning but I am not sure how many got up to go.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 03:39:57 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 04, 2018, 02:42:07 PM
Maybe St Joe's.....

Doubt it because of Colby's record they might find themselves in one of those play-in games with the winner taking on the BYE team although I do not see a New England team getting a bye.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 03:42:21 PM
Nescac got 5 teams in last year and to say they under performed is an under statement...I am a big Nescac fan but you cannot get past 5 Nescac teams in 2017 going 1-4-4. So based on that I am thinking Nescac will only get 4 teams even though last year has nothing to do with this year. I will say historically the team that loses in the Nescac Final has gotten to the NCAA's in most years...It is a complete toss-up...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on November 04, 2018, 04:32:09 PM
Congrats to Colby on their Cinderella success in the NESCAC tourney!  Nice to see some other teams have some success in what is one of the best, (if not the
best historically), conferences in the country IMHO!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 04, 2018, 06:20:40 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 03:39:57 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 04, 2018, 02:42:07 PM
Maybe St Joe's.....

Doubt it because of Colby's record they might find themselves in one of those play-in games with the winner taking on the BYE team although I do not see a New England team getting a bye.

MR, were you at the game today?  If you were, sorry I missed you. Colby ran out of gas somewhat in the second half, and Seabrook played four of five subs the entire OT to get some fresher legs in.

Colby now with two signature runs in different sports in the past year (Hockey Frozen Four and NESCAC soccer champs) after decades of nothing.  Athletics has become somewhat of a point of emphasis under the new president, so we will have to see if other sports can build off this momentum.

Yes, a bus left the Colby campus at 7:00 a.m., and there was definitely a strong Colby contingent.  If Colby stays in New England next weekend, I expect another large turnout, including many soccer alums.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 04, 2018, 06:25:08 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2018, 03:42:21 PM
Nescac got 5 teams in last year and to say they under performed is an under statement...I am a big Nescac fan but you cannot get past 5 Nescac teams in 2017 going 1-4-4. So based on that I am thinking Nescac will only get 4 teams even though last year has nothing to do with this year. I will say historically the team that loses in the Nescac Final has gotten to the NCAA's in most years...It is a complete toss-up...

FWIW, Williams was definitely better than Amherst this weekend.

I was also surprised that the game today was played on the grass.  The field was horrible, and if Amherst gets in, it should not be a host site.  I spoke to a couple of penalty takers, who said that the penalty spot was a mess, which may have contributed to some of the less than stellar efforts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deutschfan on November 04, 2018, 06:52:17 PM
Not to commit sacrilege, but do any of you on the NESCAC board really believe the league deserves 5 bids or that Williams that lost to the 6th place LL team should get in over Ithaca?  I only watched a few NESCAC games this year and that flip throw that Amherst used to win its quarter final match says a lot about overall league quality this year.  Joe Clarke has also drank the UAA Kool-Aid indicating his .500 team will be awaiting Monday's selection show.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 04, 2018, 07:50:03 PM
Quote from: deutschfan on November 04, 2018, 06:52:17 PM
Not to commit sacrilege, but do any of you on the NESCAC board really believe the league deserves 5 bids or that Williams that lost to the 6th place LL team should get in over Ithaca?  I only watched a few NESCAC games this year and that flip throw that Amherst used to win its quarter final match says a lot about overall league quality this year.  Joe Clarke has also drank the UAA Kool-Aid indicating his .500 team will be awaiting Monday's selection show.

Not sure about how many bids the NESCAC deserves, but someone needs to work on his grammar: "has drank"?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 04, 2018, 07:56:04 PM
Quote from: deutschfan on November 04, 2018, 06:52:17 PM
Not to commit sacrilege, but do any of you on the NESCAC board really believe the league deserves 5 bids or that Williams that lost to the 6th place LL team should get in over Ithaca?  I only watched a few NESCAC games this year and that flip throw that Amherst used to win its quarter final match says a lot about overall league quality this year.  Joe Clarke has also drank the UAA Kool-Aid indicating his .500 team will be awaiting Monday's selection show.   

You are selecting a mid-week road game that went to double OT as your barometer for the level of strength of the league? Please. Williams also finished 6th in the league, then made a strong run through the tournament. They are on the bubble, but to answer your questions, yes I think the league deserves 5 bids.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 04, 2018, 07:58:45 PM
Also, I'm pretty sure Williams beat RPI 2-0 who finished second in the LL regular season...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2018, 08:10:21 PM
So, Tufts and Conn Coll seem like memories from a season ago.  Seriously, what are the advantages of losing in the NESCAC quarters?

Well, first of all, it's obviously only an advantage if you're going to make the tournament.

Secondly, it helps if you still are going to be a high seed and host the first weekend.

Third, assuming the first weekend is manageable and especially at home then the first weekend can be used to get any rust off before the big 2nd weekend.

The real advantages would seem to be a full extra week of rest so a full two weeks for any nagging injuries, more practice time, and an eagerness to get back out there and compete after such a long layoff.

One question is whether Tufts will be better prepared having been in this situation before compared to Conn College.  That said, Conn was faltering a bit there at the end, so a re-set for the Camels and some attention where they're going to get some offense from may be beneficial.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on November 04, 2018, 08:53:07 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 04, 2018, 08:10:21 PM
So, Tufts and Conn Coll seem like memories from a season ago.  Seriously, what are the advantages of losing in the NESCAC quarters?

Well, first of all, it's obviously only an advantage if you're going to make the tournament.

Secondly, it helps if you still are going to be a high seed and host the first weekend.

Third, assuming the first weekend is manageable and especially at home then the first weekend can be used to get any rust off before the big 2nd weekend.

The real advantages would seem to be a full extra week of rest so a full two weeks for any nagging injuries, more practice time, and an eagerness to get back out there and compete after such a long layoff.

One important potential benefit of a weekend off for student-athletes is to get caught up (and maybe even get a little bit ahead) on school work.  Many weekends in a row of back-to-backs can put a wrench in the ol' GPA (and/or in the amount of time allotted for sleep).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 05, 2018, 09:50:10 AM
I very much hope Williams gets a shot at the NCAA tourney.  Making the NESCAC final, and the big wins over Babson, Amherst, and Middlebury, plus Hamilton x2, SHOULD be enough one would think.  I don't think it's possible to have worse luck as a soccer coach than Coach Sullivan had in his first four years as an Eph -- not only a ton of really key injuries over the years, but his squads have exited the NESCAC playoffs four times, three times (!) after PKs and the fourth on a goal with 2 seconds left in double OT.  Just bad beat after bad beat.  Hopefully he is saving up all his good fortune and the Ephs will get some karmic payback in the future ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2018, 09:59:15 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on November 05, 2018, 09:50:10 AM
I very much hope Williams gets a shot at the NCAA tourney.  Making the NESCAC final, and the big wins over Babson, Amherst, and Middlebury, plus Hamilton x2, SHOULD be enough one would think.  I don't think it's possible to have worse luck as a soccer coach than Coach Sullivan had in his first four years as an Eph -- not only a ton of really key injuries over the years, but his squads have exited the NESCAC playoffs four times, three times (!) after PKs and the fourth on a goal with 2 seconds left in double OT.  Just bad beat after bad beat.  Hopefully he is saving up all his good fortune and the Ephs will get some karmic payback in the future ...

Not only did they make the NESCAC final, but their "defeat" there was a penalty shootout loss after a draw. I could be wrong, but I seem to recall it being preferable for a team to lose on PKs than outright lose in terms of bid likelihood. (That may well just be armchair punditry versus actual selection criteria.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 05, 2018, 10:11:56 AM
Good point, Blooter442.  I hope both Midd and Williams get in, but if it comes down to the two of them for one bid, the tie to Colby as opposed to picking up a L may make all the difference.  Williams was one spot behind Midd in the regional rankings, and a 1-0-1 week in the NESCAC semis and finals would, I think, push Williams just barely past an idle Middlebury team.  The Ephs have stronger wins now with Midd, Hamilton x2, Amherst, and Babson vs. Midd with its only quality wins against Amherst, Williams and Hamilton. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 05, 2018, 11:19:38 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 04, 2018, 07:50:03 PM
Quote from: deutschfan on November 04, 2018, 06:52:17 PM
Not to commit sacrilege, but do any of you on the NESCAC board really believe the league deserves 5 bids or that Williams that lost to the 6th place LL team should get in over Ithaca?  I only watched a few NESCAC games this year and that flip throw that Amherst used to win its quarter final match says a lot about overall league quality this year.  Joe Clarke has also drank the UAA Kool-Aid indicating his .500 team will be awaiting Monday's selection show.

Not sure about how many bids the NESCAC deserves, but someone needs to work on his grammar: "has drank"?

Unsolicited grammar lessons on a D3 soccer board. Come on now...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2018, 01:18:54 PM
Spoiler Alert Below:

Tufts (bye)
Stevens vs. Gordon @ Tufts

Amherst vs. Bridgewater State
Middlebury vs. St. Joseph's (ME) @ Amherst

Conn. College vs. Thomas (ME)
Ramapo vs. Springfield @ Conn.

Montclair State vs. Colby @ Montclair
Haverford vs. NYU @ Montclair

SUNY Cortland vs. Newbury
Williams vs. Etown @ SUNY Cortland

So NESCAC gets six bids (5 at-large, 1 AQ) but none for Bowdoin. That will make the Bowdoin loss to Tufts sting all the more for Polar Bear fans.

Other observations:

- That is a tough "play-in pod" for Tufts. I think they'll get out of it, of course, but Stevens and Gordon are no pushovers.

- St. Joe's vs. Middlebury should be a good one and (if SJC wins) SJC vs. Amherst would be good as well. As much pressure as Amherst put opponents under, I would like SJC in that one. Then again, I wouldn't be surprise to see Amherst win, either.

- Good for Williams making it back to the tournament.

- I think Conn. will find Thomas challenging. Still think the Camels will win, but the Terriers are a plucky side.

- Babson (not NESCAC but NE) gets the shaft after being 4th in the NE RRs the last week. To be fair while their winning % was good their SoS and RvR were not (SoS not "bad" per se, but certainly not as strong as Babson has been anecdotally).

- Colby @ Montclair...whew! That should be fun. If Colby can get by MSU I think they will have some serious momentum and potential to get to the Sweet 16.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2018, 01:18:57 PM
Six??!! Holy smokes.

FYI, blooter, Amherst is hosting that pod, not Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2018, 01:24:22 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2018, 01:18:57 PM
Six??!! Holy smokes.

Aside from SJC, I would guess that the NESCAC occupies most of the top positions in the fourth (secret) NE RRs. You've got the two top teams in the NE region who got knocked out of the NESCAC tournament. Colby is the AQ. Williams registered a (for purpose of record) draw in the final. And Middlebury was having a very good season up to the loss in the NESCAC quarters. As for other traditional NE powers, Babson no doubt dropped after losing to Springfield and having unstellar SoS and RvR metrics, and Brandeis just never really got going and went 0-4 down the stretch, finishing below .500 for the first time since 2009. A far cry from 2016, where NE only got three bids and they went to Babson, Brandeis, and Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2018, 01:36:45 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2018, 01:18:57 PM
Six??!! Holy smokes.

FYI, blooter, Amherst is hosting that pod, not Midd.

Good catch; my bad. Fixed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 05, 2018, 02:54:17 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 05, 2018, 01:24:22 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2018, 01:18:57 PM
Six??!! Holy smokes.

Aside from SJC, I would guess that the NESCAC occupies most of the top positions in the fourth (secret) NE RRs. You've got the two top teams in the NE region who got knocked out of the NESCAC tournament. Colby is the AQ. Williams registered a (for purpose of record) draw in the final. And Middlebury was having a very good season up to the loss in the NESCAC quarters. As for other traditional NE powers, Babson no doubt dropped after losing to Springfield and having unstellar SoS and RvR metrics, and Brandeis just never really got going and went 0-4 down the stretch, finishing below .500 for the first time since 2009. A far cry from 2016, where NE only got three bids and they went to Babson, Brandeis, and Tufts.

Blooter, are you at all surprised Tufts got the bye?  I thought for sure Messiah would get it: no losses, conference champ, and defending national champ... Also, interesting to have the NESCAC teams grouped so tightly in the brackets. Travel clearly plays a significant role.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2018, 02:57:38 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on November 05, 2018, 02:54:17 PM
Blooter, are you at all surprised Tufts got the bye?  I thought for sure Messiah would get it: no losses, conference champ, and defending national champ... Also, interesting to have the NESCAC teams grouped so tightly in the brackets. Travel clearly plays a significant role.

I'm not surprised that Tufts got a bye, but I kind of assumed Messiah would have a bye themselves (in a different quadrant). Then again, I guess Chicago was always going to get one as the top seed on the other side of the bracket, as I feel like — in my own observations — there's usually one bye on either side of the bracket rather than two on the same.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 05, 2018, 03:05:27 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 05, 2018, 02:57:38 PM
Quote from: Bobcat1 on November 05, 2018, 02:54:17 PM
Blooter, are you at all surprised Tufts got the bye?  I thought for sure Messiah would get it: no losses, conference champ, and defending national champ... Also, interesting to have the NESCAC teams grouped so tightly in the brackets. Travel clearly plays a significant role.

I'm not surprised that Tufts got a bye, but I kind of assumed Messiah would have a bye themselves (in a different quadrant). Then again, I guess Chicago was always going to get one as the top seed on the other side of the bracket, as I feel like — in my own observations — there's usually one bye on either side of the bracket rather than two on the same.

Messiah could have had a bye in its quadrant. They could have easily put Western Conn in the New England quadrant and had Tufts play someone like Thomas College in the first round and send Western Conn to the Conn College pod.  Perhaps it was the difference in SOS between Tufts and Messiah that gave Tufts the bye. Doesn't really matter at this point.  I'm just curious as to the rationale.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 05, 2018, 03:05:41 PM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 05, 2018, 11:19:38 AM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 04, 2018, 07:50:03 PM
Quote from: deutschfan on November 04, 2018, 06:52:17 PM
Not to commit sacrilege, but do any of you on the NESCAC board really believe the league deserves 5 bids or that Williams that lost to the 6th place LL team should get in over Ithaca?  I only watched a few NESCAC games this year and that flip throw that Amherst used to win its quarter final match says a lot about overall league quality this year.  Joe Clarke has also drank the UAA Kool-Aid indicating his .500 team will be awaiting Monday's selection show.

Not sure about how many bids the NESCAC deserves, but someone needs to work on his grammar: "has drank"?


Unsolicited grammar lessons on a D3 soccer board. Come on now...

Good call.  My bad!  I apologize to deutschfan, who is an excellent poster!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 05, 2018, 03:37:40 PM
Wow, go NESCAC!  With five NESCAC teams, including two top seeds and two recent national champs, in that top right bracket it would at this point be a pretty big upset for NESCAC NOT to have a team in the Final Four.  Hopefully the Ephs can win a game or two on the road (with Messiah looming I don't hold out any hope of more than that) and earn Coach Sullivan his first NCAA win as an Eph coach. 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2018, 08:28:36 PM
I should preview these games in more detail later this week but a few notes......

St.Joe's got NO favors from the committee as that is a very difficult draw. They will be playing Midd and probably Amherst so if they get out of that pod they will have earned it. Both Amherst and Midd have flaws that St.Joe's can take advantage of but first they need to focus on Midd. Most people will pick St.Joe's to advance and I might be in that camp as well BUT they will be playing Midd on Amherst very narrow field. Midd has a significant size advantage over St,Joe's and will most certainly be bombing long throws and set pieces into the box where St.Joe's monster GK Blake Mullen is going to have to sacrifice his body and really play aggressive in his box and go get the ball. He is very capable of doing that but I am unsure of how quick he actually is. He is a monster but is he quick? He will be called upon to be making instant decisions on whether to come or stay home and it will only get much worse against Amherst. I opined to Tufts last season to shoot as much as they could against Mullen and keep the ball LOW. Make Mullen move and get him down on the ground. They must do that to get one by him. On the flip, St.Joe's has a great advantage going at Midd's shaky GK Hyer. He almost coughed up their season to Williams with a horrific mistake on a harmless long ball. St.Joe's and Mattos must shoot as much as they can and force Hyer to make decisions. Mattos will be going at Midd's Frosh McFarlane on defense who is a quick and confident player BUT Mattos is a veteran Senior with 50 Career Goals so he could be the difference maker in this game. This game will be an interesting contrast as if St.Joe's sits deep like they did against Tufts last season than I could see Midd trying to play a little futbol as they tend to do at times if teams give them the space. I think St.Joe's is just as good as Midd so there is no need to sit deep and compact against Midd and wait for a counter. Play them straight up and put Midd on the defensive. St.Joe's is plenty capable BUT if they play extremely conservative I think it would be a mistake as you would be giving Midd to much respect and they tend to grow into games and will get confidence as the game goes. I do not think St.Joe's can get thru both Midd and Amherst this weekend if they sit and absorb pressure. They must take advantage of each teams weaknesses and put them on the back pedal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on November 06, 2018, 10:29:48 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 05, 2018, 08:28:36 PM
I should preview these games in more detail later this week but a few notes......

St.Joe's got NO favors from the committee as that is a very difficult draw. They will be playing Midd and probably Amherst so if they get out of that pod they will have earned it. Both Amherst and Midd have flaws that St.Joe's can take advantage of but first they need to focus on Midd. Most people will pick St.Joe's to advance and I might be in that camp as well BUT they will be playing Midd on Amherst very narrow field. Midd has a significant size advantage over St,Joe's and will most certainly be bombing long throws and set pieces into the box where St.Joe's monster GK Blake Mullen is going to have to sacrifice his body and really play aggressive in his box and go get the ball. He is very capable of doing that but I am unsure of how quick he actually is. He is a monster but is he quick? He will be called upon to be making instant decisions on whether to come or stay home and it will only get much worse against Amherst. I opined to Tufts last season to shoot as much as they could against Mullen and keep the ball LOW. Make Mullen move and get him down on the ground. They must do that to get one by him. On the flip, St.Joe's has a great advantage going at Midd's shaky GK Hyer. He almost coughed up their season to Williams with a horrific mistake on a harmless long ball. St.Joe's and Mattos must shoot as much as they can and force Hyer to make decisions. Mattos will be going at Midd's Frosh McFarlane on defense who is a quick and confident player BUT Mattos is a veteran Senior with 50 Career Goals so he could be the difference maker in this game. This game will be an interesting contrast as if St.Joe's sits deep like they did against Tufts last season than I could see Midd trying to play a little futbol as they tend to do at times if teams give them the space. I think St.Joe's is just as good as Midd so there is no need to sit deep and compact against Midd and wait for a counter. Play them straight up and put Midd on the defensive. St.Joe's is plenty capable BUT if they play extremely conservative I think it would be a mistake as you would be giving Midd to much respect and they tend to grow into games and will get confidence as the game goes. I do not think St.Joe's can get thru both Midd and Amherst this weekend if they sit and absorb pressure. They must take advantage of each teams weaknesses and put them on the back pedal.

I'm good with the committee's decision to match St. Joe's with Middlebury, although I acknowledge that Middlebury is going to give St. Joe's trouble with their size. If I want St. Joe's to make any noise, they're going to have to beat some of the better teams from great conferences like the NESCAC, so now's their chance to show what they can do. 

I'm with you, Mr Right - I don't want to see St. Joe's play conservatively, and I think they will be able to generate some offense.  Players to look out for having big games offensively are Brett Mattos, Noah Robinson (if he can turn the corner on Middlebury's outside back, look out) and Cody Elliott.  Give the size advantage that Middlebury enjoys, I think St. Joe's should avoid playing direct and try to use their passing game to keep the ball on the ground.  I'm thinking one goal could win the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on November 06, 2018, 10:51:20 AM
There's no question St. Joe's deserves all the love they get in these discussions.  Their run over these past two seasons has been truly amazing. 

That said, I saw them play Bowdoin early in the season, which is obviously a small sample size.  I was impressed with their organization, their consistent effort and their teamwork.  I did not think they were overly impressive from a talent or a technical skill standpoint.  My sense is that they have been able to play at close to their optimal level throughout much of the season, but I'm not sure there's a lot of upside.  Whereas the NESCAC teams have an absurdly short preseason and a very compact and demanding regular season...and those NESCAC teams that make the NCAA tourney are usually on the improvement curve.

In short I would be surprised (but pleasantly so) if St. Joe's advances beyond one or two rounds of the tournament...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 08, 2018, 04:07:57 PM
All-NESCAC Selections

PoY: Marcucci
RoY: Giamattei
CoY: Murphy

https://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2018-19/honors/allconference

It does say a lot about the current state of the League as far as the perceived lack of goals that a goalkeeper won PoY. FWIW, Braun leads the NESCAC with 8 goals total. Someone I spoke with last week predicted it would be between Niang and Braun — as well as Braun has played this year he did not scream NESCAC Player of the Year to me, and a Niang selection after the whole Odulate over NPL hubbub three years ago would have been interesting — but I certainly didn't see a goalkeeper winning. That being said, Marcucci is a legit talent, and has been a big part of Conn.'s rise.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 08, 2018, 04:56:13 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 08, 2018, 04:07:57 PM
All-NESCAC Selections

PoY: Marcucci
RoY: Giamattei
CoY: Murphy

https://www.nescac.com/sports/msoc/2018-19/honors/allconference

It does say a lot about the current state of the League as far as the perceived lack of goals that a goalkeeper won PoY. FWIW, Braun leads the NESCAC with 8 goals total. Someone I spoke with last week predicted it would be between Niang and Braun — as well as Braun has played this year he did not scream NESCAC Player of the Year to me, and a Niang selection after the whole Odulate over NPL hubbub three years ago would have been interesting — but I certainly didn't see a goalkeeper winning. That being said, Marcucci is a legit talent, and has been a big part of Conn.'s rise.

IMO, Niang should have been POY. He stabilized the Bowdoin D by moving to CB , and still put up the second most goals with 7.  He did that on just 19 shots! He's an absolute force on the field, unselfish, and exudes class. He would have been a great choice. Marcucci did have a dominant year in net and should certainly be in the conversation, I just would have gone with Niang.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 10:58:17 AM
Amherst with an interesting lineup to start the match v Bridgewater....Luke Nguyen is still out and Jimmy McMillian is not starting either. Serpone keeps fitzgerald at CB who absolutely killed them against Colby with his lack of pace...Let's see what Bridgewater State has today. If history is a guide the MASCAC Champions usually bow out rather quietly but I have not seen them play this year.

Conn College has no changes as they have been relatively injury free this season. MT I am guessing will be coming off the bench. Thomas usually plays somewhat dirty but finds ways to stay in games. I do not expect Conn to blow them out but they should have plenty of looks to score. Like last season they will have had 2 weeks of rest before the NCAA's so let's see if they can come out guns a blazin or do they come out looking a bit sloppy?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 10:59:11 AM
Amherst is again playing on Gooding Field / turf as their grass field probably got soaked last night.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 11:18:00 AM
Nescac ROY German Giammattei had a GOLDEN opportunity to give Amherst an early lead but hit a nice ball from Lind just wide...Gotta finish that one Rook
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 11:21:58 AM
Conn College takes an early 1-0 lead off a long throw---header flick----poor defending by Thomas that allowed a Conn player to slip the ball to his left foot and rip it to the far post and it clanged right in off the post...Nice hit but poor defending by Thomas....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 11:41:09 AM
Amherst gets a goal late in the Half with about 10 minutes left off a cross by Giammattei and a failed clearance by Bridgewater as the kid knocked the ball into his own net for an own goal...Bad defending there but Bridgewater has been better than I expected. 1-0 Amherst almost Halftime...



Interesting Note:  Nescac COY Kenny Murphy is not on the sideline today as his 2 Assistant Coaches are leading the way so no idea what happened to Murphy today. Maybe a personal issue but who knows...I do not remember a Red Card or anything like that against Hamilton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on November 10, 2018, 11:46:00 AM
I think I heard announcer at Conn game say Ken Murphy not there as his daughter is getting married today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 10, 2018, 11:47:52 AM
Oof Conn almost gets another one at the end of the half but Thomas hangs on...Conn absolutely bossing this game...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 11:50:02 AM
Quote from: BendIt007 on November 10, 2018, 11:46:00 AM
I think I heard announcer at Conn game say Ken Murphy not there as his daughter is getting married today.


Nice...makes sense...thanks
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 10, 2018, 12:09:02 PM
Thomas #13 gets a nice powerful shot off from the 18 but straight at the keeper. Conn has to get another one soon because the longer Thomas hangs around they have the individual talent -- Labrie, Nicholas, etc. -- to make something happen.

Noonan plays a nice one-two and the ball goes out for a corner. He is quite a player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 12:15:56 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 10, 2018, 12:09:02 PM
Thomas #13 gets a nice powerful shot off from the 18 but straight at the keeper. Conn has to get another one soon because the longer Thomas hangs around they have the individual talent -- Labrie, Nicholas, etc. -- to make something happen.

Noonan plays a nice one-two and the ball goes out for a corner. He is quite a player.



Agreed...Why does than name Labrie sound familiar? Owen Labrie?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 10, 2018, 12:23:00 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 12:15:56 PM
Agreed...Why does than name Labrie sound familiar? Owen Labrie?

Adam Labrie. Came from the same Yarmouth HS program that produced Murphy/Pierce/Chandler Smith/Max Watson/Groothoff bros. I believe he still has their single-season goalscoring record. Good enough to have gone and started at most NESCACs IMHO but has done well up at Thomas.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 12:25:42 PM
Yes that's right I thought that sounded familiar....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on November 10, 2018, 12:29:47 PM
Conn College goes up 2-0 on an absolute rocket of a shot!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 10, 2018, 12:30:15 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on November 10, 2018, 12:29:47 PM
Conn College goes up 2-0 on an absolute rocket of a shot!

Seemed pretty central so one might ask questions of the goalkeeper but great pace on it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 12:52:19 PM
Conn 2nd Goal was a rocket but Thomas GK has to make that save...After that Thomas collapsed and Conn now up 4-0 and will finish Thomas off.

Amherst nursing a 1-0 lead with a minute left and will move on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 01:23:01 PM
Midd and St.Joe's should be getting underway in about 10 minutes in what could be one of the tighter matches today. I will be interested to see how St.Joe's and for that matter Midd play this game. Midd's lineup is unchanged from 2 weeks ago when they last played. I would have thought 2 weeks would be enough time for Midd's Captain O'Grady to get healthy but he is not starting. I thought he played against Williams off the bench 2 weeks ago but maybe I am wrong. Still that is a big loss for Midd to not have him starting and healthy. Maybe he will come of the bench?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 02:10:30 PM
Midd has had the better of play so far in the 1st Half but that has not really led to that many dangerous chances. I will say the shots that Midd has had are being taken low on St.Joe's GK which is what you have to do to beat him. Midd looks well rested so far and must try to keep shooting and attack any rebounds as one Midd chance was low and St.Joe's GK Mullen coughed up a juicy rebound after he got down on the carpet but no Midd players were there following it up. Midd's on field general #4 Barovick who holds is pumping his guys up....

It does look like Midd has the wind at their backs though so that is helping them this Half as well.


Midd gets its second best chance of the game off another set piece. Long ball sent into the box was flicked on into space and Midd's defender Peter Davis just gets his toe to it but cannot get all of it and he should have finished it because......

St.Joe's gets the first Goal of the game off a long throw then a Midd defender flicked it back into his own box to a wide open St.Joe's player and Midd's GK had no chance...Midd defenders caught flat footed as St.Joe's capitalizes. 1-0 St.Joe's about 10 minutes to the Half. Now will St.Joe's pull a Wiercinski and start wasting time a bit or do they keep going at them? They have a solid chance to advance now BUT they must stop giving Midd set pieces.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 02:34:56 PM
St.Joe's with a 1-0 lead over Midd at the Half....St.Joe's was opportunistic as they scored on their only SOG...The good news for them is it looks like the wind will be at their backs 2nd Half. Midd is going to have to find a goal anyway they can as I see they have subbed in their leader and Captain O'Grady up top and he is a gamer so maybe he can fin them one or it will be the end of his fine career.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 03:46:47 PM
Midd a tough loss to St,JOe's with 5 minutes left...It is almost like Midd let their guard down after tying the match 1-1 with 12 minutes left as they were really dominating play for much of the 2nd Half but could not finish. Finally they finished and then gave up a set piece goal to end their season. Actually, the Red Card stopped the match and made the ref blow his whistle so not sure if that was intended but the GK would have run out the game if the whistle was not blown. Midd will lose 4 key seniors defenders Davis and Moffat who should be replacable but their leader and holding midfielder Barovick graduates also should be able to replace him BUT they do lose their Captain O'Grady and he will be a big loss. Still I would expect Elias to have some solid recruits coming in for 2019.

Props to St.Joe's for getting it done but surely Midd wore them down a bit and Amherst will most likely benefit as that game will be interesting as well. Amherst will be pounding balls forward into the box, more set pieces and long throws than even Midd. If St.Joe's survives tomorrow they will have certainly earned it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 04:59:22 PM
Colby at MSU about to get underway....Colby have the same lineup as they have had for most of the season...They will certainly be in their 4-2-3-1...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 05:25:34 PM
Colby's Jeff Rosenberg continues his hot play with a nice run down the flank and rips a shot into the corner of the net to give Colby a 1-0 lead at MSU. Colby had been outplaying MSU from the get go but MSU has picked it uo since the Colby Goal. The game is getting very stretched and there should be more goals in this game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2018, 05:37:49 PM
Sounds like a Colby home game....dream start... fortunate MSU hasn't scored but MSU also looks a little flat like they were expecting Baruch...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 05:52:16 PM
Colby looks gassed as MSU has been all over them the past 10 minutes...Once Seabrook went to his bench Colby dropped off bigtime...I think he wants to keep his key starters fresh....This game easily has more goals in it because MSU is capable of scoring 2-3 goals but also because they send so many numbers forward capable of conceding a couple as well......1-0 Colby at the Half.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on November 10, 2018, 08:15:13 PM
Williams scores off a nice series of headers that ended with the third header going into the net by Damian Gass. Williams has controlled play and played real futbal on this wide field. They did give up a dangerous counter 15 minutes in thatbreaulted in a blest from the top of the 18 yard box which schein came out and blocked with his body.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 08:20:00 PM
Based on this game Etown is not a great team. Their GK's effort on Gass's Goal was piss poor. They cannot get anything going in attack....Williams in total control as I have never been so confident that I can watch other games because Williams is going to win this game.

Snow on ground at Cortland...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on November 10, 2018, 08:36:57 PM
Elizabethtown ties it at 1-1. Williams not playing with the same energy as they did for the first 30 minutes. Still getting opportunities but not moving the ball and midfield is not controlling the ball. The goal came on a cross or a corner where Williams had at least 4 opportunities to clear it out of the box and didn't get it out. Finally Etown got a foot on it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 09:53:14 PM
Etown finishes Williams off 2-1 in a disappointing game for Williams...TO many careless errors for Williams as they played so well the first 30 minutes and then stopped playing with any urgency or intensity. For a program with such history this is a very disappointing loss. Williams loses a very talented Senior class and now will have to wait for 2019 to get their first NCAA Win in what would be 6 years. Just not acceptable if I am being honest with myself. It feels like this program is just drifting into mediocrity...I thought Williams was not playing futbol today as they were not trying to connect on the carpet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 11, 2018, 09:13:44 AM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on November 10, 2018, 08:36:57 PM
Elizabethtown ties it at 1-1. Williams not playing with the same energy as they did for the first 30 minutes. Still getting opportunities but not moving the ball and midfield is not controlling the ball. The goal came on a cross or a corner where Williams had at least 4 opportunities to clear it out of the box and didn't get it out. Finally Etown got a foot on it.
That first goal was scored by SR Gilbert Waso, who was a 1st team AA as a freshman and sophomore. At that point I considered him among the most dangerous strikers in the nation--and clearly I wasn't alone in that opinion. His final two seasons have drawn less attention, but except for injuries I think he is still as dangerous. (Here's the bigger picture: https://etownbluejays.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7470).  Waso can score in several ways, especially by bulling his short, powerful body through bigger bodies in the box or by rising over them to head the ball on frame. I can't say with confidence that he would have been the best player on the field yesterday, since I didn't see the game, but I'd be very surprised if Williams this season has anyone in his league as a scoring threat.

His FR year, Waso beat Messiah 1-0 on Herr Field. He started the scoring play at midfield, beat his main defender (I think it was AA Jacob Bender) and took a couple others with him before shooting from just outside the box. The next year at Messiah, he was marked by Samuel Ruiz Plaza, who mainly held him in check: Waso took just one single shot, which was on goal but saved. That was an interesting strategic move, since Waso is much faster than Ruiz Plaza, but Samuel is as good with the ball at his feet as anyone in D3, and he mostly kept Waso from receiving it in dangerous places. I don't recall who marked him last year at Etown, but Waso got 3 shots, none on goal. This year's game was rained out.

Bottom line: If you haven't seen Waso play before, you really don't know exactly what to expect. He's creative and very intelligent. I understand that he scored yesterday in a scrum of some sort, but I'm not surprised that it was he who got that crucial goal. He took 7 shots vs Williams, but luckily for Williams 6 were not on frame. If Cortland isn't very well prepared for him today, watch out. I'm rooting for the Blue Jays. I like Waso, a lot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on November 11, 2018, 10:19:44 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 09:53:14 PM
I thought Williams was not playing futbol today as they were not trying to connect on the carpet.

In other words, they played the NESCAC way?   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2018, 10:35:48 AM
Quote from: EB2319 on November 11, 2018, 10:19:44 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 10, 2018, 09:53:14 PM
I thought Williams was not playing futbol today as they were not trying to connect on the carpet.

In other words, they played the NESCAC way?

I saw you had posted in the NESCAC thread, and especially given the back and forth with game predictions, I thought you probably dropped in to tip your cap to Colby and with a huge sign of relief about MSU living for another day.  I guess not lol.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 11, 2018, 12:03:13 PM
I thought Colby played a great game. The 8th place team in the league from the regular season was 5 minutes from punching out MSU at MSU! Colby also had two tremendous chances to win it the OTs as well. MSU survived and advanced in what ultimately was draw over 110mins. People should not question the quality of depth in the NESCAC.

3 very good matchups for NESCAC teams today, but the St. Joe's/Amherst game really catches my eye. Will they move to the grass field? If so, this could be very physical contest. Amherst's sweet 16 run is on the line and I think Serpone will have his guys fired up for this game. St. Joe's has not lost in 2 years. Something has to give.

Tufts has not played in 2 weeks. How quickly can they shake off the rust and will they bury their chances today. Should be interesting as Stevens has good skill, plays decent futbol, and looks solid in net.

Also, I think Conn/Ramapo will be a tight one as well. It was good to see Conn put up 4 goals yesterday. They looked sharp coming off their 13 day layoff.

Big day for the heavyweights in the NESCAC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on November 11, 2018, 12:51:10 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 11, 2018, 10:35:48 AM
I saw you had posted in the NESCAC thread, and especially given the back and forth with game predictions, I thought you probably dropped in to tip your cap to Colby and with a huge sign of relief about MSU living for another day.  I guess not lol.

Yeah, my bad. I had every intention of going to the game but it just didn't work out. Honestly though, with no dog in this fight all I care about at this stage of the season is competitive games. Sounds like Colby gave it a go, which is great. They should be thrilled with their season and hopefully can build on that for next year.  It would be nice to see someone other than the usual NESCAC suspects make a run.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2018, 12:54:59 PM
Colby actually played the best futbol out of all the Nescac teams yesterday. They really played well and you are correct they should have won the game in OT. MSU was giving them so much space because the game was stretched that I think Colby got out of their usual gameplan of sitting with 6 because of all the space. Clouse really hurt them on the defensive end because of his lack of mobility MSU was finding 2v1's in the middle of the field and getting some nice chances from it. Rosenberg and Douglas played excellent and Pereira had one of his best games of the season. It just happened that their luck ran out but I was a little surprised at their fitness as they did look gassed in the last 20 minutes of regulation but then got some pep back in OT. The goal they conceded in the 85th minute was unfortunate as the Frosh Pugh took a risk by going for the ball off the long serve instead of letting his man retrieve the ball and then sticking him. The failed clearance which hit off the back of an MSU player right to the kid who scored was also some bad luck but it was an excellent finish with the kids left foot. Still Pereira missed a sitter and Fletcher missed basically an open goal without the GK in it so they can only blame themselves for not finding the winner. PK's were a not as good as in the Nescac Tournament as the first 3 banged them home but Fabricant who is from Jersey and probably had tons of family and friends there bombed his 30 yards over the goal which is unacceptable and actually Berolzheimer's I was surprised because it was telegraphed and a pretty weak effort. Still it was a fantastic effort for a team that was not just "happy" to be in the NCAA's but wanted to keep their season going and had the confidence to do so.

It sucks all the games are on at the same time today. Gotta pick one. All 3 games should be tight unless Amherst can get a quick goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 11, 2018, 12:58:11 PM
Tufts going back to its usual starters with Weatherbie, Paoletta, Najjar and Daly in the back. Aroh holding with Rojas and Van Brewer and then Tasker and Lane wide with Braun up top.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 11, 2018, 07:52:30 PM
Tufts-Stevens notes:

- Tufts deserved the result, as the Jumbos bossed proceedings throughout, hitting the woodwork twice.
- Stevens did cause Tufts some problems, particularly a passage of play which resulted in a rash challenge by Najjar for which he saw a yellow. Right on the edge of the box. Second half, was 0-0. Obviously know it's outside of the box rather than in, but if opponents can get him out of position and he makes the same challenge a yard away it's a penalty.
- Tasker is really, really good. He overlapped well with Jameson on the left flank, and took his goal very well.
- Tufts yet again finishes off a broken play. Can't let the ball bounce in the Jumbos' box.
- Aroh does the dirty work. He looks at home in the defensive midfield position.
- I arrived at the game at around the 30th minute, and Stevens did look like they were having some joy down the Tufts flanks. That being said they didn't create much and I am not sure Mieth had to make a save of note.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on November 12, 2018, 06:34:00 AM
Amherst beats St. Joe's 4-2.  Writeup on Amherst's  website. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on November 12, 2018, 07:44:12 AM
Quote from: amh63 on November 12, 2018, 06:34:00 AM
Amherst beats St. Joe's 4-2.  Writeup on Amherst's  website.

I was there and Amherst deserved to win - they were simply better.  They certainly don't play pretty soccer, but damn they're effective at what they do.  St. Joe's couldn't compete with their size and the long throw ins as 3 of the 4 goals game on balls into the box that weren't immediately cleared by St. Joe's.  This is the NESCAC thread so I'm not going to go on and on about St. Joe's as part of me wants to do, but credit goes to Amherst for their play yesterday. German Giammattei gave St. Joe's fits early and he was easily the most dangerous guy on the field for Amherst.  I was also particularly impressed with Cutler Coleman - he's not big, but he's in there fighting for every ball and pound for pound he was the toughest Amherst player on the field on Sunday.

I will say that the field was atrocious and the game should not have been played on the grass field.  Both teams were slipping and sliding all afternoon on the pitch.  It's not sour grapes as I don't know if the outcome would have been any different on turf, but when you have players go to kick a free kick and their cleats slide out from underneath them, that's a sign that the field is rubbish.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 12, 2018, 11:12:26 AM
Quote from: OldNed on November 12, 2018, 07:44:12 AM
Quote from: amh63 on November 12, 2018, 06:34:00 AM
Amherst beats St. Joe's 4-2.  Writeup on Amherst's  website.

I was there and Amherst deserved to win - they were simply better.  They certainly don't play pretty soccer, but damn they're effective at what they do.  St. Joe's couldn't compete with their size and the long throw ins as 3 of the 4 goals game on balls into the box that weren't immediately cleared by St. Joe's.  This is the NESCAC thread so I'm not going to go on and on about St. Joe's as part of me wants to do, but credit goes to Amherst for their play yesterday. German Giammattei gave St. Joe's fits early and he was easily the most dangerous guy on the field for Amherst.  I was also particularly impressed with Cutler Coleman - he's not big, but he's in there fighting for every ball and pound for pound he was the toughest Amherst player on the field on Sunday.

I will say that the field was atrocious and the game should not have been played on the grass field.  Both teams were slipping and sliding all afternoon on the pitch.  It's not sour grapes as I don't know if the outcome would have been any different on turf, but when you have players go to kick a free kick and their cleats slide out from underneath them, that's a sign that the field is rubbish.

Our teams have all been there Old Ned. It's a very tough place to play given the field dimensions and the strengths of the Amherst roster.  St. Joe's had a brutal draw. Beating Midd and Amherst on the road in less than 24 hours would be extremely difficult for any team in the country. Congratulations to the Monks on a helluva run the last 2 years!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2018, 08:15:29 PM
Old Ned...... I feel u deserve to let loose on whatever you want to say on St.Joe's and I would like to read whatever u want to get off ur chest...The more honesty the better...Its not really Nescac related but post it in D3 National Perspective 2018...

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 12, 2018, 08:42:15 PM
Quote from: amh63 on November 12, 2018, 06:34:00 AM
Amherst beats St. Joe's 4-2.  Writeup on Amherst's  website.

And they start coming out of the woodwork... ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2018, 09:58:58 PM
Nescac Notes from NCAA Tournament-------I saw pretty much every game that a Nescac team was involved in...Some more than others because of the multiple games at the same time but my thoughts are......


Biggest Disappointment-----I will rank them in order with #1 being the worst of the bunch......


3. Middlebury-----2 weeks off did no favors for this team as their finishing was piss poor. Had they finished their legit chances against St.Joe's at even a 50% clip they could have gotten 3 Goals in that game. Instead they had to chase for most of the game and did finally get the tying goal with 12 minutes left. The goal they conceded in the 1st Half was abysmal as it was against the run of play. It looked like Midd had the wind at their backs in the 1st Half and only could produce a couple real dangerous chances. I will give them props as they were shooting low to get St.Joe's GK on the carpet and force him to make decisions with long balls in the box but the best chance in the 1st Half was not finished as Senior back Peter Davis should of gotten his toe on the ball to get the games first goal. He was inches away and did not finish it. Instead about 5 minutes later a relatively harmless long throw by St.Joe's went right to a Midd defender who could have easily cleared the ball. Instead of clearing it he flicked it with the back of his head right into the mixer across the 6 and a St.Joe's player was WIDE open and easily finished it. Midd defenders were caught flat-footed and ball watching as the kid was wide open. Those are the types of things that can play out after not playing a game for 2 weeks and not being 100% sharp for 90 minutes. Still it is possible that Midd players were expecting the ball to be cleared instead of perfectly flicked across the box but its no excuse as you must read the play before it happens. Midd was chasing the game from there and had a couple real dangerous chances before finally relying on their banged up Captain Dan O'Grady who I do not remember playing all 1st Half. He started the 2nd Half and the difference was noticeable as Midd IMO was controlling play for the most part against the wind and O'Grady was a big part of that. He is one of those players that is a gamer and he took advantage of an opportunistic chance and banged it in with the outside of his right foot while his body was falling to his left. It was a superb effort and those are the type of goals kids like O'Grady score. He wanted to do anything he could to help Midd win the game and he did but it just was not enough. Midd seemed like they were content with the tying goal and almost lost concentration as they gave up the game winning goal to St.Joe's 7 minutes later and in the 85th minute off a long ball into the box that was finished beautifully. Midd Senior defender Moffat was to blame as he was marking that kid and mistimed his jump and took himself out of the play and the St.Joe's kid finished it and it was ballgame. Midd will graduate 2 backs in Peter Davis and Moffat plus hard working Jeremy Barovick who was holding all year and really did a fine job. The biggest loss will be O'Grady as unlike the other three guys he cannot be replaced right away and others will have to pick their games up to replace him. 2nd straight year where Midd got into the NCAA's on a Pool C but the 2nd straight year they were finished off in the last 5 minutes of the game. In 2017 they conceded to Cortland St with 2 minutes left on a soft PK add that to this year and those are two disappointing performances in their opening round games. They have showed they are consistently getting into the NCAA's but now they have to man up and try to make a run.


2. Conn College--------Another team with 2 weeks off before the NCAA's. 2nd straight year they have qualified with a Pool C bid but the 2nd straight year they had 2 weeks off before playing an NCAA game. Last year they gave up a late goal to UR on a rare GK'ing error by Marcucci and UR knocked them out and went on to a NCAA Elite 8 run. That was a tough draw last season and they were not quite as good a team as they were this season. This season they had a very favorable draw AT HOME(has to be the first time EVER Conn has hosted an NCAA game) and were primed for a run IMO. They blasted Thomas off the field in the 2nd Half and I wonder if that got them a little over confident for Sunday's match. Sunday's match was gut wrenching as IMO they were the better team and had NUMEROUS chances to grab a tying goal and failed miserably. Ramapo was a typical NJAC team as they had a mix of some skill, physicality, danger man up top, solid GK'ing and an edgy style. Let me just say for BOTH games just like the good ol days of playing games at Conn they drew a serious crowd. I would guess a few hundred loud and crazies that helped them out as the 12th man. That was how it used to be at EVERY home game for Conn and no matter how good they were each year that crowd would help take their opponents out of a game. Some of the Conn students were just nuts and liquored up by gametime and it was fun to watch games there. Anyhow, this game was a major disappointment as they allowed a real soft goal in the 9th minute to Ramapo's star striker. A long ball that should have been cleared easily was allowed to take a bounce by Conn defenders and as it bounced GK Marcucci was charging out of his net as that all happened the Ramapo player flicked it over Marcucci's head. Had Conn defenders not allowed that ball to bounce it would have been fine OR had Marcucci stayed home he would have easily saved it. For some reason he saw something he did not like and came out of his net and the rest was history. Conn had not let up such a soft goal all year and from there they were chasing the game for 80 minutes. Conn played hard and with energy and created a ton of chances BUT COULD NOT FINISH ANYTHING. Manoogian missed a PK about 10 minutes after Ramapo's goal that was SO BAD. Such a weak effort and an easy save by the Ramapo GK who played well all game.  I blame Murphy though for not changing his system until WAY TO LATE IN THE GAME. He waited until 10 minutes left and he was about 15-20 minutes to late. Interestingly, when Conn did push #'s forward they looked dangerous as hell and one could wonder had this team been attacking all year like that they could have scored some serious goals and still won a ton of games with 2 solid CB's and Manoogian or Butera switching off sitting in front of them with the other blasting forward and with the Nescac POY and easily best GK Marcucci in net they would have been able to defend their opponents dangerous counters. They would have drawn way more fans all year had they played like that but alas this is Nescac and we have 11 conservative Head Coaches. Ramapo was decent and had their own chances throughout the game to increase the lead but nothing like Conn's chances as Conn hit the post twice and missed one sitter and another with no one in goal that was shockingly cleared off the goalline. Just a tough tough loss as Conn was a Sweet 16 team IMO and blew their chance to make a run. Now they graduate A TON of good players that WILL hit them hard in 2019.



1. Williams----------This to me was the biggest disaster of a performance that I have seen in a while. Credit to Williams and Sullivan for getting them back into the NCAA's for the first time in 5 years but jesus this was shockingly bad. I'm sorry but this draw was as good as Williams could have hoped for when their name was called on the selection show. Etown is decent but CMON they were not a great team. They had a couple players and did try to connect on passes BUT Williams basically handed them the game. Also, NO Etown's striker at least in that game did not impress me at all and frankly he was not the best player on the field at all. I would take Williams striker Demian Gass over him anyday. Since his comeback from injury he has scored 4 Goals in 4 Games and the kid is a stud and luckily he will be back but he is always injured and MUST get some meat on his bones because he has everything else. As Nescac11 posted Williams was dominating the game for the first 30 minutes and finally got a well deserved goal to take a 1-0 lead and looked like they were going to take that lead into Halftime. I have no idea what happened after they scored but the team fell off considerably. Were they overconfident? I mean Etown did not look good basically the whole Half so it is possible. The 2 goals Williams conceded were a joke. Williams was AWFUL defending in this game which surprised me because some of their best players are defenders. Senior Captain Scatt Macdonald was off all game and I have no idea why the stud Frosh Oberg is not starting but Etown scored off a corner and failed clearance. Williams had 4 CHANCES to clear the ball out of its box but failed to do so and the Etown striker Waso was opportunistic by getting his toe to the ball and sticking it in the net but CMON that ball MUST be cleared. Williams GK had no chance. Etown's 2nd goal was really disappointing as Williams conceded it in the first 10 minutes of the 2nd Half after the kid Sanchiz was allowed to dribble through 4 Williams defenders and then he hit a weak shot that HAS TO BE SAVED but Williams GK Schein dove over the ball as he was a step slow getting down(which I was worried about since the beginning of the year) and the ball was in the net. What Williams did next was beyond frustrating for me. Instead of playing some futbol on Cortland's carpet like they were doing the first 30 minutes they decided to play long ball after long ball to spring one of their quick strikers. It was ugly as hell and it was a mess and was not effective. Williams had a real opportunity to get to the Sweet 16 this season as Etown never really had a sniff after their 2nd goal but neither did Williams frankly. They reminded me of a 2017 RPI side with better strikers. They were not good defensively at all and had Williams spread them out like they did at the beginning of the game they would have generated many more chances but they panicked and they went the easy route by trying to spring a striker off 40 yard long balls. All Etown did was back off to take away the speed of Williams strikers. The GK looked shaky at best and frankly if a team like Cortland St springs 5 GOALS on you then there are problems back there. Cortland St did not impress me either but they were better than Etown but man they play ugly especially on their home field. They are athletic for sure but not very skilled and I expect them to get beat handily in the Sweet 16. I am not big on excuses but it was Williams first night game of the year so maybe they were taken out of their routine but that is a pretty weak excuse. Williams lose a real gamer in Scatt Macdonald. Andreou is gone as is Dory and the GK. I do not understand the lineups either that Sullivan was rolling out there at the end of the year up front. Guys like Frosh Adams and Fellito got A TON of minutes and produced NOTHING. I think they each got one goal each all year. I love Fellito's toughness and fight but man he and Adams MUST improve their skill or they will not be able to score goals in Nescac. Another issue is Sullivan NEVER changes his tactics as I mean you are down a goal in the 55th minute in a do or die game and they are still playing a 4-2-3-1. Attacking with 4 guys is not going to get it done against an Etown team sitting with 6 and sometimes 8 guys. 4 v 8...I mean you do the math....I mean you are in a do or die to score a goal...You keep Scatt and move Ranieri to CB with Bardong sitting in front of them and everyone else MUST be flying forward including the 2 wingbacks. How else do you expect to score a goal? You stick Oberg up front with Felitto and Gass. Have Fleischer and maybe Dory attacking and then have the quick Petrik on the flank along with maybe Fabricant..I mean get creative...IDK I just get frustrated with this conservative nonsense with Williams and frankly the whole league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2018, 09:59:28 PM
I really only got bits and pieces of Tufts v Stevens and only watched the first 15 minutes of Amherst v St.Joe's......I was really impressed with Amherst in those 15 minutes as before I knew it or St.Joe's knew what was going on it was Amherst with a 3-0 lead. It was very impressive and they were not fluky goals. Old Ned was right as German Giammattei was a beast in that 1st Half and was causing all kinds of problems for St.Joe's. I had a feeling Amherst would come out pumped up on their Home field and do what they do to teams not ready to play. They bury them with wave after wave of pressure. St.Joe's looked lost the first 15 minutes but to St.Joe's credit they got a goal back before the Half and then a sweet hit on a set piece to get them within 1. CB Felix Wu made up FOR HIS STUPID DIRTY OFF BALL FOUL that led to St.Joe's free kick goal by getting his own goal off a header to end St.Joe's season. St.Joe's is a solid outfit but just unprepared for how Amherst comes out of the gates and as most of us new they were a good team BUT not a legit undefeated side. As if they were in Nescac they would get used to the league but certainly would not be undefeated and would be conceding more goals. Still I thought had they drawn anyone other than Amherst in the 1st/2nd Round pod including Tufts but I knew Amherst would not be a good matchup for them especially after a battle with Midd the day before. I will say Amherst made some stupid plays to concede those goals. Besides Wu's bonehead play, St.Joe's 1st Goal was an embarrassment as basically they scored off a goalkick that was hit 50 yards and run onto and finished. Unacceptable as Amherst was playing to high a line and got burned with speed. I think it was Shahmirzadi who got burned or maybe it was O'Brien but they both have speed so the St.Joe's kid Onyejose has some wheels to beat those two guys but man you NEVER let up a goal like that. That is something to watch for this weekend. Defensively they are still shaky and GK Bernie White did not look as dominant as he has been looking especially with shots that made him get down or make him move. Fikayo Ajayi had the game of his career as he netted 2 goals and was all over the field. If he finishes like that against Tufts watch out. Also if Giammattei plays like he did in the 1st Half against Tufts I think they can win that game.  Cutler Coleman is very consistent and always plays well IMO as he is fun to watch because he gets his nose in everything and not afraid and you have to respect that for a kid his size. I like that Ajayi did not care that he was being sacked as a CB because frankly he was an awful CB but instead of getting all pissed off he decided to be a team player and help the team wherever he was needed. I have no idea why Serpone kept him at CB as even against Bowdoin when I saw them play the 2nd game of the year I could tell Ajayi was NOT a CB and did not have a clue about the position except to use his size to head everything out of the box. It is very hard to beat a team like Amherst twice in the same year and if Amherst plays like they did on Sunday and Tufts is still having problems finishing off chances the Amherst will win that game. No doubt in my mind.


Colby-------Besides Amherst I thought Colby was my Nescac team of the weekend. I wrote extensively on them in an earlier thread so I will re=post my comments here.....Colby actually played the best futbol out of all the Nescac teams yesterday. They really played well and you are correct they should have won the game in OT. MSU was giving them so much space because the game was stretched that I think Colby got out of their usual gameplan of sitting with 6 because of all the space. Clouse really hurt them on the defensive end because of his lack of mobility MSU was finding 2v1's in the middle of the field and getting some nice chances from it. Rosenberg and Douglas played excellent and Pereira had one of his best games of the season. It just happened that their luck ran out but I was a little surprised at their fitness as they did look gassed in the last 20 minutes of regulation but then got some pep back in OT. The goal they conceded in the 85th minute was unfortunate as the Frosh Pugh took a risk by going for the ball off the long serve instead of letting his man retrieve the ball and then sticking him. The failed clearance which hit off the back of an MSU player right to the kid who scored was also some bad luck but it was an excellent finish with the kids left foot. Still Pereira missed a sitter and Fletcher missed basically an open goal without the GK in it so they can only blame themselves for not finding the winner. PK's were a not as good as in the Nescac Tournament as the first 3 banged them home but Fabricant who is from Jersey and probably had tons of family and friends there bombed his 30 yards over the goal which is unacceptable and actually Berolzheimer's I was surprised because it was telegraphed and a pretty weak effort. Still it was a fantastic effort for a team that was not just "happy" to be in the NCAA's but wanted to keep their season going and had the confidence to do so.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 03, 2018, 10:35:32 PM
With Tufts winning its 3rd NCAA Title in 5 years it got me thinking about the program's history a bit more. Up until 1990, the Tufts Men's Soccer Head Coach was still a part-time Coaching gig and the program was struggling mightily by the late 80's. The Athletic Director at the time was a man by the name of Rocky Carzo. He was the former Head Football Coach at Tufts and was a legend on campus. I had met him a couple of times when I was younger and he was pure class. Nicest guy but also very direct and to the point. I clearly remember in the Spring of 1990 he and a few others had made the decision to make the Men's Soccer job Full-time like most of the rest of Nescac at the time. He was as honest as they come because he would always say he only knew one thing about Soccer and that was he did not know anything about it. So he went about the process very professionally. He obviously talked to other AD's in the league about what they thought but what impressed me the most was he went and listened to input from some other Men's Soccer Head Coaches in Nescac at the time. In 1990, most of the Head Coaches in Nescac had been at their respective schools at least 10 years so I am sure he got some pretty good input. But to think how times have changed as you would never see an AD these days go directly to rival schools Coaches for advice.


Over the years I have criticized former Tufts Men's Soccer Coach Ralph Ferrigno mercilessly on here. Rightly so though as he basically threw the white flag by 2005 and hung on for 4 more years before getting sacked. To this day I still do not really know why he gave up on it but it was kind of sad to see play out. Anyway, I kind of wanted to be fair to him and give credit where credit is due. He was hired in the Spring/Summer of 1990 out of some impressive candidates including a couple Nescac and D1 Assistants. He was hired away from Dartmouth at the time he was assisting Dartmouth Men's Soccer Head Coach Bobby Clark. The other assistant on that staff was John O'Connor who eventually got hired at UChicago I think in 1995 and then left to go to URI in 2006 until getting sacked and is now on the sidelines at Castleton. Like Shapiro he came from the Bobby Clark mold of play providing a solid structure and plenty of defensive depth. Other than that he and Shapiro's tactics were pretty different. Ferrigno ALWAYS played a flat 4-4-2 which was a common formation in the 80's/90's. He would constantly yell at his two strikers to stay together. Also, like Shapiro he was not dealt a great hand but still managed to get results his first few years without the support from Admissions/Athletics that Shapiro now enjoys.  As Shapiro did he kind of cleaned house and immediately had Tufts a much more formidable and organized unit. By Ferrigno's 5th year(just like Shapiro) in 1994 Tufts were rolling and went up to Williams in the NCAA 2nd Round and soundly defeated the Ephs on Cole Field 2-0. Williams the year prior had made it all the way to the NCAA Championship game and were the premier team in the region at the time so it was a massive victory for Tufts and Ferrigno and was a serious statement for the program(IMO the most important victory in program history until Messiah in 2014). In the early days, Ferrigno was one of the best recruiters in the league. He was EVERYWHERE. He took the D1 mold of recruiting to D3 and was an animal on the trail. He brought in some sick players and always had a nasty striker or two. I remember a great striker Matt Adler and the skill of guys like Peter Maglicic and the grit of Evan Dabby. He had another striker but I just cannot remember his name but he was a goal scoring machine. He had a couple very good Hispanic players. Point is he brought in some serious players and did not have much support which looking back on it was impressive. I think they had another NCAA run in either 1996 or 1997 and up until 2001 Tufts was one of the better programs in Nescac. He also brought an awesome atmosphere to Kraft Field. Hands down the toughest place to play in New England in those days(along with Conn College but Tufts was a much better team than Conn at the time). If you asked any Williams player where the best place to play a game was they would tell you Tufts. It was not because of the actual field as the field was garbage but it was the crowd. Tufts would draw better than any team around and you would play in front of hundreds of screaming fans. It was a serious pressure cooker for an opponent to go in there because you were boxed in with people from endline to endline 3 and 4 deep plus the stands were jammed. I really wish the current group of players could feel that kind of environment. I really think the guys that enjoy pressure and competing in front of a crowd like that would thrive. Of course it could also eat you up if you were not up to snuff. It was a great place to watch a match. After 2001 the program started to regress into mediocrity and like I had said by 2005 it was curtains. IMO and this is pure speculation the program nose-dived because of Ferrigno's club team/camps he would run and the money that came with it. That sounds crazy now but you have to remember 25-30 years ago there were no Academy teams and not nearly the amount of club teams as today. It was all focused around ODP as that was the top of the line and there were only so many spots for ODP teams so the rest went to club teams. He rightly picked up on a supply/demand issue with Club teams in the Boston area and the absolute need for more clubs/teams. He had to be making a ton of money at the time and my hunch is he started to focus on the club(err the money) more than Tufts. Immediately after Tufts made that run in 1994 he was running weekly full page ads in Soccer NewEngland for his club team. I think it was Lightning FC but I could have the name wrong. Anyway, he managed to walk and chew gum at the same time by running that club and all those camps while also succeeding at Tufts but my guess is that was maybe part of the reason for the downfall. I mean Tufts remained somewhat competitive but not nearly anything like the 90's and by the mid 2000's you would have Williams/Midd/Amherst beating them pretty soundly. Even Bates one year beat them like 7-2 it was not good. His final year in 2009 was shambolic(thanks Bloots) as they finished the year 2-11-2 or something like that with a Captain named Bear Duker. Nice kid from Belmont Hill and his brother was a real good player for Amherst a couple years earlier but I would be willing to bet Bear Duker sans 2009 would have a hard time even making Tufts 2018 squad now. That is how bad it got and I think he knew he was gone before the season began but who knows.....

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on December 03, 2018, 10:41:48 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 03, 2018, 10:35:32 PM
With Tufts winning its 3rd NCAA Title in 5 years it got me thinking about the program's history a bit more. Up until 1990, the Tufts Men's Soccer Head Coach was still a part-time Coaching gig and the program was struggling mightily by the late 80's. The Athletic Director at the time was a man by the name of Rocky Carzo. He was the former Head Football Coach at Tufts and was a legend on campus. I had met him a couple of times when I was younger and he was pure class. Nicest guy but also very direct and to the point. I clearly remember in the Spring of 1990 he and a few others had made the decision to make the Men's Soccer job Full-time like most of the rest of Nescac at the time. He was as honest as they come because he would always say he only knew one thing about Soccer and that was he did not know anything about it. So he went about the process very professionally. He obviously talked to other AD's in the league about what they thought but what impressed me the most was he went and listened to input from some other Men's Soccer Head Coaches in Nescac at the time. In 1990, most of the Head Coaches in Nescac had been at their respective schools at least 10 years so I am sure he got some pretty good input. But to think how times have changed as you would never see an AD these days go directly to rival schools Coaches for advice.


Over the years I have criticized former Tufts Men's Soccer Coach Ralph Ferrigno mercilessly on here. Rightly so though as he basically threw the white flag by 2005 and hung on for 4 more years before getting sacked. To this day I still do not really know why he gave up on it but it was kind of sad to see play out. Anyway, I kind of wanted to be fair to him and give credit where credit is due. He was hired in the Spring/Summer of 1990 out of some impressive candidates including a couple Nescac and D1 Assistants. He was hired away from Dartmouth at the time he was assisting Dartmouth Men's Soccer Head Coach Bobby Clark. The other assistant on that staff was John O'Connor who eventually got hired at UChicago I think in 1995 and then left to go to URI in 2006 until getting sacked and is now on the sidelines at Castleton. Like Shapiro he came from the Bobby Clark mold of play providing a solid structure and plenty of defensive depth. Other than that he and Shapiro's tactics were pretty different. Ferrigno ALWAYS played a flat 4-4-2 which was a common formation in the 80's/90's. He would constantly yell at his two strikers to stay together. Also, like Shapiro he was not dealt a great hand but still managed to get results his first few years without the support from Admissions/Athletics that Shapiro now enjoys.  As Shapiro did he kind of cleaned house and immediately had Tufts a much more formidable and organized unit. By Ferrigno's 5th year(just like Shapiro) in 1994 Tufts were rolling and went up to Williams in the NCAA 2nd Round and soundly defeated the Ephs on Cole Field 2-0. Williams the year prior had made it all the way to the NCAA Championship game and were the premier team in the region at the time so it was a massive victory for Tufts and Ferrigno and was a serious statement for the program(IMO the most important victory in program history until Messiah in 2014). In the early days, Ferrigno was one of the best recruiters in the league. He was EVERYWHERE. He took the D1 mold of recruiting to D3 and was an animal on the trail. He brought in some sick players and always had a nasty striker or two. I remember a great striker Matt Adler and the skill of guys like Peter Maglicic and the grit of Evan Dabby. He had another striker but I just cannot remember his name but he was a goal scoring machine. He had a couple very good Hispanic players. Point is he brought in some serious players and did not have much support which looking back on it was impressive. I think they had another NCAA run in either 1996 or 1997 and up until 2001 Tufts was one of the better programs in Nescac. He also brought an awesome atmosphere to Kraft Field. Hands down the toughest place to play in New England in those days(along with Conn College but Tufts was a much better team than Conn at the time). If you asked any Williams player where the best place to play a game was they would tell you Tufts. It was not because of the actual field as the field was garbage but it was the crowd. Tufts would draw better than any team around and you would play in front of hundreds of screaming fans. It was a serious pressure cooker for an opponent to go in there because you were boxed in with people from endline to endline 3 and 4 deep plus the stands were jammed. I really wish the current group of players could feel that kind of environment. I really think the guys that enjoy pressure and competing in front of a crowd like that would thrive. Of course it could also eat you up if you were not up to snuff. It was a great place to watch a match. After 2001 the program started to regress into mediocrity and like I had said by 2005 it was curtains. IMO and this is pure speculation the program nose-dived because of Ferrigno's club team/camps he would run and the money that came with it. That sounds crazy now but you have to remember 25-30 years ago there were no Academy teams and not nearly the amount of club teams as today. It was all focused around ODP as that was the top of the line and there were only so many spots for ODP teams so the rest went to club teams. He rightly picked up on a supply/demand issue with Club teams in the Boston area and the absolute need for more clubs/teams. He had to be making a ton of money at the time and my hunch is he started to focus on the club(err the money) more than Tufts. Immediately after Tufts made that run in 1994 he was running weekly full page ads in Soccer NewEngland for his club team. I think it was Lightning FC but I could have the name wrong. Anyway, he managed to walk and chew gum at the same time by running that club and all those camps while also succeeding at Tufts but my guess is that was maybe part of the reason for the downfall. I mean Tufts remained somewhat competitive but not nearly anything like the 90's and by the mid 2000's you would have Williams/Midd/Amherst beating them pretty soundly. Even Bates one year beat them like 7-2 it was not good. His final year in 2009 was shambolic(thanks Bloots) as they finished the year 2-11-2 or something like that with a Captain named Bear Duker. Nice kid from Belmont Hill and his brother was a real good player for Amherst a couple years earlier but I would be willing to bet Bear Duker sans 2009 would have a hard time even making Tufts 2018 squad now. That is how bad it got and I think he knew he was gone before the season began but who knows.....

Thanks for the great history!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on December 03, 2018, 11:50:36 PM
Mr. Right thats why I really appreciate you. As someone that is as tapped into Tufts and d3 soccer as can be I knew very little of that. Thank you for the insight and when I get enough post you have a couple +k coming your way from me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on December 04, 2018, 12:46:36 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 03, 2018, 10:35:32 PM

Immediately after Tufts made that run in 1994 he was running weekly full page ads in Soccer NewEngland for his club team. I think it was Lightning FC but I could have the name wrong.

His camps at Tufts were called Lightning Camps or something very close to that.  My son went to one of them sometime around 2007.  Don't know about the club name, though.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on December 04, 2018, 12:52:06 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 03, 2018, 10:35:32 PM
Ferrigno ALWAYS played a flat 4-4-2 which was a common formation in the 80's/90's. He would constantly yell at his two strikers to stay together.

Yup. As a striker in the earl 90's, I was constantly told to be "10 yards at all times" from my striker partner. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on December 05, 2018, 03:52:47 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on December 03, 2018, 11:50:36 PM
Mr. Right thats why I really appreciate you. As someone that is as tapped into Tufts and d3 soccer as can be I knew very little of that. Thank you for the insight and when I get enough post you have a couple +k coming your way from me.

I agree and will spot you the positive karmas.  He's about the crest the 200 mark. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerfan111 on February 21, 2019, 01:43:45 PM
Surprised no one has commented here yet with the Conn job opening up. Anyone know happened with murphy?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Striker22 on February 22, 2019, 12:03:49 PM
Posting from the Conn College careers website, as of today's date (if anyone is interested in reading)...

Athletics/Physical Education

Adjunct Associate Professor/Head Coach of Men's Soccer

Connecticut College, a highly selective private liberal arts college in New London, CT, and a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), is accepting applications for the position of Head Coach of Men's Soccer.  This is a full-time appointment with adjunct faculty status beginning July 1, 2019.  Primary responsibilities involve coaching and coordinating all aspects of a Division III men's soccer program competing in the most competitive conference in the nation.  Requirements include Bachelor's degree (with Master's degree preferred), coaching experience in soccer at the collegiate or comparable level and the proven ability to recruit student-athletes capable of succeeding at a highly selective liberal arts institution competing at the highest level of Division III.  The successful candidate will also have the highest ethical standards with regard to NCAA and NESCAC rules.

This will be an exciting opportunity to lead a storied program, including NCAA tournament appearances in the past two seasons. The successful candidate will join a committed department dedicated to providing for our students an environment that allows them to strive for excellence in the classroom and in intercollegiate competition.  Our coaches are faculty members who have coaching, teaching, and administrative responsibilities in the Department of Physical Education & Athletics.  Their commitment to the mission of the College is demonstrated by their full integration into the life of the campus community.

Connecticut College educates students to put the liberal arts into action as citizens in a global society.  A private, highly selective institution in New London, Connecticut, mid-way between New York and Boston, the College is notable for its strong academic programs, friendly campus, and emphasis on broad interdisciplinary teaching and research.  With a student/faculty ratio of 10/1, students learn from their professors in classrooms, studios, labs, and across the residential campus and the entire globe.  The intimate size of our community (approximately 1800 students from 45 states and 70 countries) fosters collaboration among faculty, staff and students.

The College's Board of Trustees, President, administration, faculty and staff share a commitment to diversity.  We foster the values of equity, inclusion, and respect for all human differences, for these are essential to the fulfillment of our mission.  Structural evidence of this commitment can be seen in our Center for Critical Study of Race and Ethnicity, the Dean of Institutional Equity and Inclusion, our Unity House Multicultural Center, and the diversity programming sponsored by many departments across the campus. The College is also an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  Please visit our website, http://www.conncoll.edu, for more information about the College and our faculty searches.

Applicants should submit: (1) a resume with the names and contact information of three references and a cover letter of not more than two pages, to Fran Shields Director of Athletics, at: http://apply.interfolio.com/60225.  Review to begin on March 25, 2019 and continue until the position is filled.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on February 22, 2019, 08:48:45 PM
Sounds like a pretty good job to me.  By the way, my son's wife is a D3 head coach at one of the country's top rated liberal arts colleges (not a NESCAC school).  It is a pretty sweet job...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on February 23, 2019, 11:03:01 AM
As a soccer alum at Conn College, Ken Murphy sent out an email letting us know he was leaving the program yesterday but wasn't too clear why, but it seemed like personal reasons.  I'm sure we'll find out more in the coming weeks.  I checked here to see if anyone knew any more.   

What is very odd, I am also a Camels lacrosse alum, and just got an email this morning from the longtime lacrosse coach, Dave Cornell, letting us know he is stepping down as the season starts next week.  In this case, he explained, his wife isn't doing well and needs to be with her and his family, so very understandable and sad tough situation.

Again, both longtime coaches that really helped bring programs at Conn College to the next levels... announcing their leaving days apart.  Very sad to see them both go, and I know the whole Conn College community wishes them the very best.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on April 11, 2019, 09:58:25 AM
Murphy was a big shock when it was announced. However, it is now April and he is still listed as their Head Coach online and I have not seen an official opening. Is it definitive that he is OUT? I am assuming he is done but for Conn College to also get rid of a Head Lax and Head B-Ball Coach and now with Murphy resigning something is not quite right in that athletic department and the Conn College "top dogs" might want to start looking at the AD and administration as the problem. To say the AD at Conn is aloof would be an understatement. Either way to bring it back to Men's Soccer Conn College MUST make a smart hire here. Conn is not like other Nescac's IMO for recruiting and that was why Murphy had so much success. He was a damn good recruiter and you must get creative because Conn is NOT an easy school to recruit to. I DONT think this is a job for a young D1 assistant unless he played in Nescac or has a good working knowledge of Coaching in D3. Just my hunch that for a school like Conn you need a grizzled veteran that knows the ropes and knows how to get the best out of his players....Oh wait that sounds pretty similar to Murphy. I guess in the end none of this matters because Conn will do the exact opposite of my idea and probably hire a young and more importantly CHEAP Head Coach. To me this would be a mistake and if Conn makes a really terrible hire the worst thing that could happen would be in 5 years Conn Men's Soccer could go 0-10-0. If Williams/Amherst/Midd etc make a Coaching hire mistake it hurts but it can be turned around quickly. If Conn makes a mistake it takes much longer to turn the ship around.  Murphy turned the ship around at Conn but it took him about 4-5 years to start making serious progress. Murphy arrived in 2009 and immediately made a difference with Lessig's players as they were much more organized. So right away Conn became a tougher game to win and by 2012 you started to notice Conn getting better players on their roster with more depth and physicality. 2013 and 2014 Conn looked similar to Amherst were just as physical if not more more. They had some success but Murphy progressed even further by staying true to his conservative/defensive tendencies BUT adding more players with skill and speed and mixing that with the physicality. Jump to today and we have a program that for the past 3-4 years have been besides Tufts and Amherst the best team in Nescac. Now Murphy was losing A TON of players after 2018 and maybe that helped him make his decision as maybe he did not want to rebuild it again. This is not like Amherst/Tufts that once they start winning it goes to cruise control mode every year. To win consistently at Conn you have to work harder than anyone else so you better have a real solid work ethic or you will be losing at Conn.

Should be interesting to follow.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on April 11, 2019, 11:22:30 AM
The program under a microscope this season will be Wesleyan. Wheeler has had 2 of his worst years ever the past 2 seasons and this being his 20th season behind the sidelines at Wesleyan he MUST turn this thing around soon. A goal for Wesleyan must be a Top 8 but more importantly will Wheeler change tactically? Doubtful and that is fine because he has had success in his system but has not had the talent to succeed. Based on their recruiting class it looks like he is bringing in a huge class and that is needed as this program must start attracting better talent. I see the kid that has been mentioned on these boards before and Soccer New England Tyler Swanbeck. We know the kid is a stud but it looks like in the end he ended up at Wesleyan. That is good news for Wheeler as that is the type of competitor he needs on the filed. My question is i thought the kid was going to Colgate..either he backed out or Colgate passed and then it looked like Brandeis was in the picture but who knows in the end if it was his injuries that scared Head Coaches away. Nothing like an ACL tear in the kids senior year but that is where programs like Wesleyan need to take risks and take a flier on the kid. I think this is all good news for Wheeler and I truly expect Wesleyan to be back in the conversation in a couple years. Of course if they tank this season and have even more injury problems than Wheeler will be in trouble especially if he misses the Nescac Tournament for a 3rd straight year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on April 11, 2019, 11:29:16 AM
Wesleyan is the only Nescac with its 2019 schedule posted. Wheeler has dropped some of his tougher non conference opponents and that is completely understandable. The guy needs as many Wins as he can get....He did not pick up cupcakes but games that are winnable as he is playing 4 Newmac teams(Clark, Springfield, Emerson and Coast Guard) plus Fitchburg State.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on April 11, 2019, 11:35:42 AM
Continuing with the tradition of Head Coaches getting sacked after going 0-10-0 it looks like Bates Women's Soccer who finished with that exact record in 2018 have parted ways with its Head Women's Soccer Coach...Amazingly, the only Head Coach to survive a 0-10-0 in Nescac Soccer is Trinity's Mike Pilger who went winless in Nescac last season. How much patience does Trinity have? Trinity will be improved in 2019 but a Top 8 could be a stretch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on April 11, 2019, 11:56:40 AM
Re: Tyler Swanbeck, he isn't going to Wesleyan.  He is already enrolled at Sienna.

Re: Connecticut College-- I can tell you the Asst. Coach seems to be all over recruiting.  He is being proactive with my son, as are some other NESCAC schools; while other NESCACS are not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on April 11, 2019, 01:24:21 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on April 11, 2019, 11:56:40 AM
Re: Connecticut College-- I can tell you the Asst. Coach seems to be all over recruiting.  He is being proactive with my son, as are some other NESCAC schools; while other NESCACS are not.

FWIW, the assistant coaches are generally all over the recruiting. That's the main part of their job. The CC Asst Coach was among the most proactive in my son's search. Pushed a campus visit hard, and was sometimes too forthcoming with his questions--"I wanted to see where you are in your search. We've got our list down to the top 25 and wanted to see if you were still interested/if we should keep you on the list....." I'm getting the quote wrong because 18 year old boys don't communicate well if it isn't via text ::), but that was the gist of the conversation with my son. Other coaches were radio silent for months and then came out of the woodwork hot and heavy. It was really odd to see the difference among the programs/coaches.

Mr. Right, I think you're correct about this being an important season for Wesleyan but I wanted to add a little color to your post. Wesleyan is a great school, but it has a reputation (at least in my circles) as more of a liberal campus than most (all?) others in the conference, and whether that's true or not, there is no question this plays out in the recruiting process. I know of a bunch of current NESCAC players and current conference commits that never considered the school simply because of the reputation or took it off the list after taking a tour of campus. My son was never interested even though I wanted him to look. He did have some great talks with Wheeler, including one over an hour that started with "I know you don't want to come here, but I'd like to talk and get to know you a bit...." Very nice man who really does give a hoot about the players (he offered to talk to my son and help with his choice if needed), and my son said he would like very much to play for a coach like that. It just wasn't a school he wanted. I wanted him to give it a closer look, but he was fortunate enough to have other choices that he liked, so there was no point. When kids get something in their head, it's especially hard for a parent to get it out.

Finally, you mentioned that the Wesleyan incoming class is huge. I see 7 on this list (and I recognize a few of those players). Other NESCACs only have a few listed, but that doesn't mean much. I know the 7 names of the 'recruits' at my son's school, for instance, but the current list for his school on this board is much smaller. I doubt the Wesleyan class is much larger than others in the conference. And of course, that doesn't include potential walk ons. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on April 11, 2019, 01:59:11 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on April 11, 2019, 11:56:40 AM
Re: Tyler Swanbeck, he isn't going to Wesleyan.  He is already enrolled at Sienna.

Re: Connecticut College-- I can tell you the Asst. Coach seems to be all over recruiting.  He is being proactive with my son, as are some other NESCAC schools; while other NESCACS are not.


That is a bummer for Wesleyan...Someone needs to update the sites list...That is good the Assistant at CC is being proactive because in any Coaching transition there are going to be things that fall thru the cracks especially with all the "unknowns" in the next couple months.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on April 11, 2019, 02:12:28 PM
Quote from: nescacfan94 on April 11, 2019, 01:24:21 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on April 11, 2019, 11:56:40 AM
Re: Connecticut College-- I can tell you the Asst. Coach seems to be all over recruiting.  He is being proactive with my son, as are some other NESCAC schools; while other NESCACS are not.

FWIW, the assistant coaches are generally all over the recruiting. That's the main part of their job. The CC Asst Coach was among the most proactive in my son's search. Pushed a campus visit hard, and was sometimes too forthcoming with his questions--"I wanted to see where you are in your search. We've got our list down to the top 25 and wanted to see if you were still interested/if we should keep you on the list....." I'm getting the quote wrong because 18 year old boys don't communicate well if it isn't via text ::), but that was the gist of the conversation with my son. Other coaches were radio silent for months and then came out of the woodwork hot and heavy. It was really odd to see the difference among the programs/coaches.

Mr. Right, I think you're correct about this being an important season for Wesleyan but I wanted to add a little color to your post. Wesleyan is a great school, but it has a reputation (at least in my circles) as more of a liberal campus than most (all?) others in the conference, and whether that's true or not, there is no question this plays out in the recruiting process. I know of a bunch of current NESCAC players and current conference commits that never considered the school simply because of the reputation or took it off the list after taking a tour of campus. My son was never interested even though I wanted him to look. He did have some great talks with Wheeler, including one over an hour that started with "I know you don't want to come here, but I'd like to talk and get to know you a bit...." Very nice man who really does give a hoot about the players (he offered to talk to my son and help with his choice if needed), and my son said he would like very much to play for a coach like that. It just wasn't a school he wanted. I wanted him to give it a closer look, but he was fortunate enough to have other choices that he liked, so there was no point. When kids get something in their head, it's especially hard for a parent to get it out.

Finally, you mentioned that the Wesleyan incoming class is huge. I see 7 on this list (and I recognize a few of those players). Other NESCACs only have a few listed, but that doesn't mean much. I know the 7 names of the 'recruits' at my son's school, for instance, but the current list for his school on this board is much smaller. I doubt the Wesleyan class is much larger than others in the conference. And of course, that doesn't include potential walk ons.



Yes yes we have thru the years consistently talked about the disadvantage sometimes in recruiting that Wesleyan can face because of their reputation, fair or not, of being an off-beat campus like Brown. However, IMO it is now become a bit of an excuse because as we have seen with the successes of other sports at Wesleyan especially Football and Lax it can be done with support. That is actually the key of this whole argument to me...It is not all about getting the talent but how much support you have in the administration / admissions etc to get that talent...I doubt Men's Soccer has much if any support these days at Wesleyan because of the AD change and overall direction that Wesleyan wanted to go in which is really Wheeler's main problem but at some point the problem becomes Wheeler not the school if he doesn't get this going. FWIW I think Wesleyan is a fantastic school and have some of the more thoughtful, insightful and creative kids in the conference. The liberal reputation is fair up to a point but IMO it is "blown up" a bit and is nowhere near like it used to be decades ago. Here's wishing for more revolutionary anarchism.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on April 11, 2019, 03:45:33 PM
It's fun to read the recent exchange on the culture and personality of Wesleyan vs. other schools.  Wesleyan is...by any objective measure...a fantastic school with high caliber academics and a rich history.  I truly believe a coach can sell Wesleyan on its own considerable merits, and not have to compare it to other NESCACs.  i.e. "This is who we are" vs. "we're different from Amherst and Williams but you should still look at us"...

I have a fond recollection from a September weekend in 2007...  My son was a high school senior and being recruited by several NESCACs.  I was his chauffeur to back-to-back official visits to Wesleyan and then Amherst on the same weekend.  You could not choose a bigger contrast among NESCACs in terms of culture and feel.  Geoff Wheeler was great.  Justin Serpone was just starting at Amherst and was recruiting in all of his young, arrogant glory.  I actually came to understand and appreciate him as the years passed.

My son ended up choosing Bowdoin...somewhere between Wesleyan and Amherst on the culture continuum...and had a great experience.

I also remember picking my son up the morning after his overnight at Wesleyan.  He was (not surprisingly) already exhausted.  But the first thing he said to me as we drove away was "Dad, did you see the new dorm?".  I said I had indeed seen the "new dorm" while I was out for a run on campus.  Then he corrected me and said "no Dad, I meant the nude dorm".   :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on April 12, 2019, 08:47:33 PM
^^^^^^^^In other words, Wesleyan is EXACTLY what at least a few of us think college should be lol...

The psychology of all this truly is fascinating.  When is seeming homogeneous with other schools (in the same or roughly same tier) prove to be advantageous?  And when exactly the opposite?  I'm sure many of the kids who go Wesleyan do so because it is "Wesleyan."  But you can't take all of the New England snob factor (and New England elite prep school influence) out of Wesleyan.  While "different,"  Wesleyan still fits very much within the lines of the classic, elite New England LAC (aka NESCAC).  That combo works for a decent number of folks....kind of activist but still with at least one foot solidly planted in the mainstream.  IMHO, Wesleyan minus the New England thing but still with superb academics, a very long and proud history of being an activist or perhaps more accurately "liberal" institution of higher learning = Oberlin.  I really like the Midwest elite LACs, although some would argue (and I would tend to concede) that those schools have an aspect of snob factor (maybe read:  exclusivity) as well.  A deeper dive might look at whether differences in snobbery are just matters of degree or whether their truly are qualitative differences in what that means at different places.  I tend to think it is mostly degree, which jives with my preference for the Midwest schools versus the New England being only a mild preference.  Sometimes you just fit a little better at different places and those reasons can be subtle.

As at least a mainstream education snob (if not worse), I have looked at the NESCAC this way.... Wesleyan and Tufts, for different reasons, are the most different than the rest of the conference schools.  They are the relative outliers while still being viewed academically and prestige-wise right there with Middlebury and Bowdoin.  The other two that are a little different are Trinity and Conn College, as the well-accepted lower end of the NESCAC.  That leaves Williams, Amherst, Midd, Bowdoin, Colby, Hamilton and Bates (with Bates perhaps being towards the vibe of Wesleyan a touch more than the others (and/or maybe that's about some relative commonalities between Lewiston and Middletown).  There are minor differences in prestige, with most thinking of Williams and Amherst together, Midd and Bowdoin together, and Colby, Hamilton and Bates together...but the vibes are the most similar.  Some comments here seem to suggest that Amherst has a mild conservative tilt (or is that just the always lingering "Serpone" effect?).  My association with Amherst is the great David Foster Wallace,
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on April 12, 2019, 09:28:15 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on April 12, 2019, 08:47:33 PM
As at least a mainstream education snob (if not worse), I have looked at the NESCAC this way.... Wesleyan and Tufts, for different reasons, are the most different than the rest of the conference schools.  They are the relative outliers while still being viewed academically and prestige-wise right there with Middlebury and Bowdoin.  The other two that are a little different are Trinity and Conn College, as the well-accepted lower end of the NESCAC.  That leaves Williams, Amherst, Midd, Bowdoin, Colby, Hamilton and Bates (with Bates perhaps being towards the vibe of Wesleyan a touch more than the others (and/or maybe that's about some relative commonalities between Lewiston and Middletown).  There are minor differences in prestige, with most thinking of Williams and Amherst together, Midd and Bowdoin together, and Colby, Hamilton and Bates together...but the vibes are the most similar.  Some comments here seem to suggest that Amherst has a mild conservative tilt (or is that just the always lingering "Serpone" effect?).  My association with Amherst is the great David Foster Wallace,

I would tend to agree that there are relative "prestige" levels: kind of like the Ivies in that (while all are great schools) there seem to be small delineations throughout the larger group. Again, these are often minimal, but at least somewhat recognized nonetheless.

In addition to Amherst, which I would say seems more conservative than most of the other NESCACs, the other school I have thought of as having a more "conservative" bend within the student body is Colby. Of course, I would say that (relative to the average school) both schools are quite "liberal" on the whole, but that at least from my viewpoint there would seem to be a higher percentage of conservative students at Colby than most other NESCACs. Certainly more than Bates (a Bates friend from high school said that College Republicans at Bates was basically non-existent, while Colby's College Republicans were in the news last week). This being said, most (though not all) of the Colby students I know might call themselves "left of center." Again, not judging them one way or the other for their student body characteristics, but I have always thought of Bates as the most liberal of the Maine NESCACs, Colby the most conservative, and Bowdoin somewhere in the middle.

Fun fact: The last time I was properly at Colby (e.g. more than just driving through and seeing the new field) was six years ago tonight (it was also a Friday night) for a Macklemore concert.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on April 13, 2019, 08:51:07 AM
I generally agree with PaulNewman's and Blooter's observations.  One quick anecdote about the aforementioned recruiting trip...  After leaving the nude dorm at Wesleyan, my son and I drove to Amherst...where we met with Serpone, and I then left him with a team member for his overnight.  I then made a quick round trip to Providence to watch my older son play for Brown in an afternoon game. 

I got back to Amherst about halfway through a night game between Amherst and Curry on the new turf field.  I found my son sitting alone in the stands and joined him for a bit.  A bunch of Amherst "frat boys" had come down to the game and were hooting and hollering on the sidelines while wearing Bermuda shorts and blazers.  I thought that was an odd look, and I don't think you'd find that at any NESCAC other than Amherst...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on April 13, 2019, 11:23:12 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on April 11, 2019, 11:56:40 AM
Re: Tyler Swanbeck, he isn't going to Wesleyan.  He is already enrolled at Sienna.

Re: Connecticut College-- I can tell you the Asst. Coach seems to be all over recruiting.  He is being proactive with my son, as are some other NESCAC schools; while other NESCACS are not.


Does anyone know the backstory of this Swanbeck kid? Since reading the article in SNE I had wanted to follow his college playing career but now I cannot access the article and do not feel like paying to read it. I had wanted to re-read it because IIRC the kid had injuries his JR/SR year and than committed to a school like Colgate and then either player or Head Coach backed off. Then it said there was interest from Brandeis add to that a month later on this site it was posted that he was heading to Wesleyan..Now Siena...Maybe I am not reading the situation correctly as I do not know the full story but from afar it looks like a ton of indecision on the kid and/or the Head Coaches. Of course it also kind of looks like any other normal applicant with a range of different schools but some backstory on this situation would be interesting because there is alot more to this story.

Actually his father was the Head Coach of Clark in the early 90's and lasted about 5 years without much success. I think he bounced around a bit but I do know he was the Head Coach at Army from 02-09 and drove a below average outfit about 6 feet deeper. I am to lazy to check the stats but i would be willing to bet his career Winning % at Army is under .370 and his Patriot League record was even worse. Currently he looks like he has found some success at Hebron Academy and can enjoy watching his boy play for 4 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: mom1234 on April 13, 2019, 03:45:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on April 11, 2019, 09:58:25 AM
Murphy was a big shock when it was announced. However, it is now April and he is still listed as their Head Coach online and I have not seen an official opening. Is it definitive that he is OUT? I am assuming he is done but for Conn College to also get rid of a Head Lax and Head B-Ball Coach and now with Murphy resigning something is not quite right in that athletic department and the Conn College "top dogs" might want to start looking at the AD and administration as the problem. To say the AD at Conn is aloof would be an understatement. Either way to bring it back to Men's Soccer Conn College MUST make a smart hire here. Conn is not like other Nescac's IMO for recruiting and that was why Murphy had so much success. He was a damn good recruiter and you must get creative because Conn is NOT an easy school to recruit to.

This is interesting to learn, as my son came close to going there this coming year. An "aloof AD" as you said sure isn't a good fit for a go-getter like him. Another of his frustrations --not that this had any bearing on his departure, but I know because we were caught up in it -- was lack of transparency for ED recruits regarding cost, which he expressed as an ongoing barrier to his recruiting; he lost my kid because of it. He said had been gunning for years for CC to do a financial aid pre-read process for recruits to no avail, and it sure seemed to irritate him that this was a NESCAC-wide issue. So since reading about his departure, my son and I have been joking that it was him who put Murphy over the edge. Obviously that's a joke, but I will note: boy was he pissed off and not good at hiding it. (A reaction that proved my son's misgivings about him in the first place.) My point is that based observing on his personality type, someone who is super ambitious, intense, and puts in 150% -- yet is maybe a little short fused -- I wouldn't be surprised if he suddenly reached a boiling point about something, or a combination of things, and said screw it, I'm done. Maybe he's a better fit for a D1 school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on April 14, 2019, 06:43:25 AM


From the New England Soccer Journal



Phillips Exeter midfielder Tyler Swanbeck commits to Wesleyan
By Jonathan SigalDecember 6, 2018

Tyler Swanbeck dribbles forward vs. Lawrence Academy. (Mike Gridley/New England Soccer Journal)
After winning back-to-back Class C titles at Hebron Academy, Tyler Swanbeck set out for a postgraduate year at Phillips Exeter.

His goal? Find a college soccer home, preferably one where the 2017-18 United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America Player of the Year would continue to be challenged on and off the field.

Mission accomplished for the 19-year-old midfielder. Earlier this week, Swanbeck committed to Wesleyan, a Division 3 program that plays in the national-renowned NESCAC.

"I'm really excited for this," Swanbeck said. "I had those (Division 1) aspirations, but going to this league and conference, the quality of play isn't going to drop off at all. If anything, I'll be challenged every week."



As Swanbeck said, he hoped to play D1 soccer and made no secret of it. He had possibilities, too.

Before heading to Exeter, Swanbeck planned to join Colgate in 2019. He even reclassified, but head coach Erik Ronning went in another direction. Earlier this fall, Vermont also had serious interest only for the financial package not to work out.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on April 15, 2019, 12:28:45 PM
Here is a link to the Siena Men's Soccer post from January 2019 announcing that Tyler Swanbeck (and two others) had enrolled at Siena for the 2019 Spring semester:  https://sienasaints.com/news/2019/1/18/mens-soccer-adds-three-mid-year-enrollees-to-roster.aspx.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on April 15, 2019, 07:05:10 PM
Interesting.  Looks like he got a good financial package and was looking to D1 all along.  Academically those schools aren't on par.  Good luck to him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on April 15, 2019, 08:18:05 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on April 15, 2019, 07:05:10 PM
Academically those schools aren't on par.

No doubt.  In terms of SAT scores, the 75th percentile at Siena is 50 points below the 25th percentile at Wesleyan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on July 02, 2019, 09:01:40 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on June 11, 2018, 12:48:44 PM
So we have only 3 Nescac schedules posted as of now. Not many changes at all.

Williams- Same 5 Non-Conference teams from 2017. Skidmore, RPI, Babson, Curry and Coast Guard. Certainly not the non conference schedule strength of their dynasty days but it is solid. If Williams brings its "A" game and focuses for 90 minutes they should go 5-0-0 or 4-0-1 at the very least. Skidmore always gives them a solid game but unless they are bringing in a solid recruiting class they could drop a bit. RPI used to give Williams headaches but the past few years Williams has dominated them even when having trouble scoring against them. Unless RPI finds some attacking mojo against solid competition in 2018 I do not see that changing. Coast Guard is at Home so that will be a total unknown for Coast Guard especially on Williams 120x80 but one thing Coast Guard does do is run its ass off they are just usually playing on turf and lack a dynamic attack. Curry should be a W. Babson is bringing in a very good class and should be tops in NEWMAC in 2018 so they will be a challenge and could easily get a result v Williams.

Hamilton--Same 5 Non-Conference teams from 2017. Oneonta, Ithaca, Utica, 2 SUNY schools. I expect good things from Hamilton in 2018 and I expect them to go 4-1-0 or 3-0-2 against those 5. They MUST beat Utica and the 2 weak SUNY schools. I was impressed with the 2 games I saw of Ithaca last year and they have a solid coach in former Midd player and Norwich Coach Kyle Dezotell. I still give Hamilton the edge in talent but if Hamilton is still inconsistent like they were in 2017 and come out in a midweek game sloppy and uninterested they will lose. The game against Oneonta has been moved from late October in 2017 to mid September in 2018. I think that favors Oneonta because they will have been out for a month already BUT I expect Hamilton to remember the trashing Oneonta gave them in 2017. This year it will be on Love Field so that will give Hamilton an edge on the grass. I fully expect Hamilton to be up for that game and will want to tune in.

Trinity---1 change from 2017 and 4 of the same Non-Conference teams. ECONN, WCONN, Endicott, Wheaton(MA) and WNEC. They dropped Rivier for WNEC. I gave up predicting Trinity under Pilger back in 2012. You just never know when they will show up. Their final game in 2017 against Amherst last year was a fantastic performance even though they lost the game they gave max effort and had plenty of chances to Win that game. If they gave that same effort in every game they would be a much better outfit. As it is, they lost a ton of talent in 2017 and will lose even more talent in 2018. Unless Trinity and Bates brings in a real solid Frosh class for 2018 every Nescac team MUST expect to get 6pts from Trinity and Bates in 2018. Will that happen? No of course not but teams getting draws against Trinity and Bates or even losses in 2018 are not only missing out on 3pts for themselves they are basically giving the other Nescac schools an extra 2-3pts in the standings. It is an absolute must to clear 6pts against them. Trinity and Bates will not be blown off the field but the talent both schools lost in 2017 will show. I will give Trinity a "B" for their schedule. They dropped their only true cupcake and now have 5 very solid teams Non-Conference. Endicott will be the best of the bunch and that is their 1st game of the season. I expect good things from Endicott in 2018 as I hear they are bringing in a decent class plus 2 solid transfers especially the GK from BC. He is a good GK and could start for most Nescac's. The other 4 games are complete toss-ups. I will only predict they will lose to Endicott so they could go 4-1-0 but I highly doubt it. I could see a 1-2-2 or 2-2-1. Trinity needs 2-3 really solid recruiting classes before they can sniff a Top 4 in Nescac or their first NCAA appearance since 2011. They had a solid outfit in 2011 with Mayernick , Buckley and El-Hachem and company.

Hi all.  I peered back at the traffic here from last year and see that the previews had started by this time last year.  Just a little prompt to start the dialog. I am feeling my way around this conference and was introduced to it around this time last year.  I am sure many changes through the recruiting process and we won't know what the new crop will look like until play begins, but it's always interesting to speculate. For instance, from what I've seen posted it looks like Amherst got another strong class and I've heard rumors that a Red Bulls academy player was recently added, but haven't seen a public announcement.  Looking forward to the banter. Hope you're enjoying your summers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on July 02, 2019, 12:22:17 PM
I too am curious to read some of the previews, but it's hard to get a true feel because there will be impact freshmen, and there is very little info about them and who might be the impact players.

I've got a question about NESCAC preseason, or rather, the lack of one. Is there a conference rule about when players can reports and/or when practice can officially start? Do teams have unofficial captain-led practices prior to the official report date? I know it's D3, but it seems like a really short preseason window.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: emeyerow on July 02, 2019, 01:28:28 PM
My son is an incoming freshman at Hamilton. He was told by the coaches that the NESCAC does not permit practices to start until classes start. I'm not sure about informal captain's practices.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on July 02, 2019, 02:35:00 PM
Well thats not true cause often the first game of the year is the first day of class. But yes there is a mandated first date when teams can start preseason. Then there is all sort of fine print regarding the number of sessions and scrimmages etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on July 02, 2019, 02:44:58 PM
Its also a complete joke how short the preseason is. In my opinion this is the area where the NESCAC falls short and does more harm than good for its athletes. They love to trumpet the student first athlete second but condensing the preseason in to such a short period is frankly dangerous. Every year guys on every team end up injured because so many sessions have to be squeezed into a week of preseason. The other explanation is schools don't want to pay to open dorms early, which for schools with endowments in the billions is also a pretty weak excuse.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on July 02, 2019, 03:44:33 PM
I'm pretty sure the NESCACs open their doors early for athletes, but it's like a few days early.  For instance, dorms open on a Wednesday but for athletes on a Monday. Then there's a scrimmage over the following weekend and regular season begins during the following week.  That's an awfully short time between the first official game and the first official practice.  Doesn't make much sense but I guess that's how it's been for a while. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on July 02, 2019, 03:50:13 PM
Sorry my initial response wasn't super clear. You are right that they open two to three days early. Although at least at Tufts I know thats actually the same time they open for the pre-orientation groups for incoming freshmen. I meant that they are hesitant to open them even earlier in order to have a legitimate preseason. Your timeline is correct.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: emeyerow on July 02, 2019, 09:16:39 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on July 02, 2019, 02:35:00 PM
Well thats not true cause often the first game of the year is the first day of class. But yes there is a mandated first date when teams can start preseason. Then there is all sort of fine print regarding the number of sessions and scrimmages etc.

Maybe the schools start classes on different dates. Hamilton starts classes 8/29 and the first game is 9/7 which is out of conference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on July 03, 2019, 07:51:26 AM
My recollection is that the NESCAC fall sports programs have one week of official practice/training before the first game of the season.  When my older son headed to Brown, the team had a tradition of their own week of captain-led preseason training on Cape Cod before official preseason training began.

I thought that was a great idea and planted the seed with my younger son when he headed to Bowdoin.  He and several of the Maine athletes on the team hosted the team at their houses (including ours) for a week of unofficial preseason training.  It worked quite well, gave the athletes a chance to bond with each other, and put a huge dent in our family food supplies.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on July 04, 2019, 08:59:58 PM
I'm hearing AJ Marcucci was looking to transfer from Conn College. Anyone know anything about that? That would be a huge loss.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on July 05, 2019, 02:13:21 AM
Quote from: EB2319 on July 04, 2019, 08:59:58 PM
I'm hearing AJ Marcucci was looking to transfer from Conn College. Anyone know anything about that? That would be a huge loss.

From what I understand, the operative word here is "was."  I heard that after the fall season, he was considering some D1s, but ended up deciding to stay.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on July 13, 2019, 06:37:14 PM
Went to watch the Portland Phoenix tonight (USL League 2) just because they are close by and it's a good level. Last home game playing the Bolts. I thought I recognized one of the Bolts players as Tufts' van Brewer playing left side forward in a 4-3-3. He has looked good so far playing LF and has been doing a good job tracking back as well. Think he will be one of the NESCAC PoY contenders. Currently 1-1 just before half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on July 13, 2019, 06:51:50 PM
And the Bolts keeper is Tufts' Will Harned. Made one really good save to tip a shot onto the post at 1-1. I am sure there are more than just those two who are D3 players but those are the ones I've caught.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on July 13, 2019, 07:34:32 PM
Wow. 1-1 at half, Bolts score with about 30 left on a curler from way out. Long bomb but a bad effort by the Phoenix keeper. Then Portland gets 2 in 2 to go 3-2 up before van Brewer ties it up at 3-3 (a header!) with about 15 left. Broken play off a restart but he definitely saw the humor in that. Crazy game and still 10 left.

Can't fault Harned for any of the goals. He looks ready to step in at No. 1 for the Jumbos this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on July 13, 2019, 07:50:31 PM
Phoenix win it 4-3 in the last few minutes on a breakaway. Bolts have an equalizer cleared off the line straight after before Phoenix hit the post at the other end. Bolts were upset with alleged offside on the first goal which may have been a legitimate gripe based on what I saw and the winner was disputed because of a hand in the buildup. Didn't see that. Good game by both sides. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on July 17, 2019, 09:34:41 AM
New England Soccer Journal (subscription required) has a nice article about Ben Manoogian going overseas to Sweden on a 3 month deal to pursue a professional career.  Good luck to him on that.

https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/ben-manoogian-heads-to-sweden-after-boston-city-fc-stint/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on July 22, 2019, 10:57:59 AM
Amherst's season is fast approaching.  There is movement in the assistant coaches recently.  One assist coach has joined the Yale staff.  A former Amherst assistant returns after a stint at Coe College in the HC position.  Particulars are on the Amherst's athletic page.  To date no 2019 rosters posted...in any Fall sports.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on July 23, 2019, 05:51:13 PM
Quote from: amh63 on July 22, 2019, 10:57:59 AMA former Amherst assistant returns after a stint at Coe College in the HC position.

That whole Coe College situation always seemed a bit bizarre, with Sonny Travis leaving Emory to become Coe's AD and Matt Travis becoming Coe's HC.  Apparently, the elder Travis has succeeded his son as HC at Coe after last year's challenging 0-14-1 season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan20 on July 29, 2019, 04:14:10 PM
https://www.soccerviza.com/single-post/2019/07/18/SV-Pro-CONFIRMED-Ben-Manoogian-Joins-Grythyttan-IF-Until-End-of-Season

Article on Manoogian from the combine he attended with SoccerViza
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on August 06, 2019, 11:11:52 AM
Tufts has posted its schedule:  https://gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/msoc/2019-20/schedule

Brandeis (which has become something of an out of conference rivalry), Wheaton, and Babson = a pretty solid non-conference schedule on paper. A bit surprised to see Endicott off the list as I feel like they've played them every year for the past 6-7 seasons (I could be misremembering though).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on August 06, 2019, 01:52:41 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on August 06, 2019, 11:11:52 AM
A bit surprised to see Endicott off the list as I feel like they've played them every year for the past 6-7 seasons (I could be misremembering though).

In the past decade, it looks like Tufts played Endicott in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016.  Perhaps they'll get together again in 2020.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Timmy Two Wheels on August 18, 2019, 07:14:42 PM
How's everybody doing! Timmy Two Wheels checking in just in time for the fresh season. Always loved D3 soccer and living about close to Boston makes it easy to pop over to watch the various teams around here so I figured I'd hop on to give my two cents on everything NESCAC.

I've always loved the dynamic nature of the league. It's unlike a lot of others in that pretty much anybody except Trinity can win it which, in my opinion, makes it more interesting to follow than most other leagues out there.

Can't wait to get involved in the banter!

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on August 18, 2019, 07:48:10 PM
TIMMMMYYYY
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on August 18, 2019, 07:57:42 PM
Mr. Right its got to be about time for your preseason predictions... I've got mine ready to go. And just a warning, Tufts isn't taking the top spot
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 30, 2019, 01:02:46 PM
1970s, is the Colby roster correct???  Only FIVE upperclassmen to go with a slew of frosh?  I was wondering how Colby would fare coming off their amazing postseason run.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on August 30, 2019, 04:42:42 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on August 30, 2019, 01:02:46 PM
1970s, is the Colby roster correct???  Only FIVE upperclassmen to go with a slew of frosh?  I was wondering how Colby would fare coming off their amazing postseason run.

The roster posted as of today (8/30/19) consists of the remaining/non-graduating players from the 2018-19 roster (all from the Classes of 2020-2022).  This year's team just reported three days ago (NESCAC rules), and the full 2019-20 roster (including new freshmen members of the Class of 2023) won't be posted until next week at the earliest.  I believe that there will be 8-10 frosh in addition to the current list.  I believe twelve seniors, including 8 or 9 starters, graduated from last year's team.  Hopefully, Colby is entering a new phase of reload rather than rebuild, but we will see.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on August 30, 2019, 04:52:59 PM
Middlebury's pre-season preview is up, though they purposefully does not touch on any newcomers (first years or transfers) since they don't arrive on campus until next week.

https://spark.adobe.com/page/FfsvJSvflQZ8A/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on August 31, 2019, 10:42:33 PM
Middlebury newcomers have in fact arrived and participated in preseason this week.  They scrimmaged Williams today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 03, 2019, 11:09:48 AM
Its NESCAC christmas morning...the best day of the year.  Heres the link to the Tufts preview...https://gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/msoc/2019-20/releases/20190831kdm8kp

They open with framingham state tonight. Framingham is the type of opponent Tufts usually thrives against, skilled going forward with some great individual talents, but not as organized as a team.  I think Tufts superior size, depth, and experience will shine through in a relatively comfortable opening day win.  But like any other game, they've got to make sure they show up against an opponent that has had this game circled for 9 months. My homer pick... Tufts 3-0

Hamilton vs Oswego... Best game of the day involving Nescac teams.  Hamilton has traditionally played pretty well against the SUNYAC sides and should be hoping for a big year. Hamilton 2-1

Then we have the two games that should be a little more than a formality.

Middlebury 4-0 vs norwich

Conn College A lot-Mitchell a little



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 03, 2019, 04:31:08 PM
And here's the Bowdoin preview, which doesn't really have a lot to say...

https://spark.adobe.com/page/LTP9IpiCU8Yau/

There's no question that Moctar Niang and Matty McColl leave gaping holes, as well as the leadership provided by Jake Stenquist.  It's more likely than not that Bowdoin will get out of the blocks slowly this season in the NESCAC, especially with their first NESCAC being away at Amherst...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 03, 2019, 05:07:43 PM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on August 31, 2019, 10:42:33 PM
Middlebury newcomers have in fact arrived and participated in preseason this week.  They scrimmaged Williams today.

Yeah, I meant that coaches generally won't talk about—and the the Sports Info department will not write about—first years as a rule until the entire class arrives on campus and the teams have started to play games.  That's why you never see first-years mentioned in preview stories.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 03, 2019, 07:25:49 PM
Tufts up 2-0 on Framingham State, Lane and Tasker. Second goal was a great finish.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 03, 2019, 08:58:48 PM
Tufts 4-0 victory and able to give a lot of time to a lot of different guys. The game against Williams this Saturday will be a good test.  Good to see 4 different goal scorers. That has been the staple of the last 5 years and this team is as deep as they come.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on September 03, 2019, 10:45:45 PM
Middlebury 2-0 victory at Norwich.  Midd line up with back 4 of 2 seniors, a soph, and a jr. Midfield was soph, jr, sr.  Two seniors and a soph up front.  Freshman in goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 04, 2019, 01:12:21 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 03, 2019, 07:25:49 PM
Tufts up 2-0 on Framingham State, Lane and Tasker. Second goal was a great finish.

Bloots!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 04, 2019, 10:12:36 PM
after a slow start, a 2-0 win for amherst. This should be the most talented attacking amherst side since they won it all in 2015. German got the first goal and should have a big year. Dane Lind got the second off a quickly taken free quick the ref shouldn't have allowed.  Amherst scored against Tufts off a similar situation last year so that's definitely something they look for.

Overall a good start for the NESCAC with only williams dropping points.  Seems like they had the majority of the play against springfield but failed to score a second goal. Offense was an issue for them last year and could be the limiting factor again this year for the ephs.

Excited for the opening of NESCAC play this weekend and hopefully we can get this thread up and running again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC11 on September 05, 2019, 09:25:23 AM
The Williams game was more of the same as far as dominating without scoring. Last year they averaged 1.3 GPG and allowed .70. This game was crazy in that they allowed Springfield to tie with under 10 mins remaining on a direct kick into the box. In OT Williams again dominated and with 17 seconds remaining Springfeild was called for a foul 35 yards from the goal. The refs allowed Springfield to kick the ball and stand in front of it until the clock was finally stopped and springfield warned with 1.5 seconds left. Sure enough Williams left back Nick Renieri puts the free kick into the upper left corner as the clock expires and the refs confer and wave off the goal. The replay shows the ball to be just under the crossbar with 0.1 on the clock. IMO way to close to wave off, especially after allowing Springfield to stall 15 seconds off the clock initially. Really tough start to the season for Williams with Tufts next on the schedule Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 05, 2019, 09:52:46 AM
Quote from: NESCAC11 on September 05, 2019, 09:25:23 AM
The Williams game was more of the same as far as dominating without scoring. Last year they averaged 1.3 GPG and allowed .70. This game was crazy in that they allowed Springfield to tie with under 10 mins remaining on a direct kick into the box. In OT Williams again dominated and with 17 seconds remaining Springfeild was called for a foul 35 yards from the goal. The refs allowed Springfield to kick the ball and stand in front of it until the clock was finally stopped and springfield warned with 1.5 seconds left. Sure enough Williams left back Nick Renieri puts the free kick into the upper left corner as the clock expires and the refs confer and wave off the goal. The replay shows the ball to be just under the crossbar with 0.1 on the clock. IMO way to close to wave off, especially after allowing Springfield to stall 15 seconds off the clock initially. Really tough start to the season for Williams with Tufts next on the schedule Saturday.

This is my biggest qualm with the way timewasting is handled...even in the pros, a team will waste 3 minutes of the 5 added on and the ref will blow at 5:40. I get that it's tough, and that the clock should generally be running, but refs have to do a better job of managing the clock IMHO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheAnonymousCommentator on September 05, 2019, 09:59:19 AM
Hello all! Wanted to make a quick introduction before getting on with the post. I'm a recent ('19) grad from NESCAC soccer and after reading the thread for 4 years and graduating I thought it would finally be appropriate for me to make an account. I've enjoyed reading everyone's opinions and although I haven't always agreed with the analysis, I have appreciated the amount of time everyone spends watching and discussing NESCAC soccer. As for me... in order to avoid accusations of being biased I have decided to remain anonymous but I promise that I will look at things from a holistic standpoint and be fair (kudos to whoever can guess what school I'm from). Lastly, if there is anything that you need to know about me, it is that I absolutely loved playing for a NESCAC team and am excited to be talking with people who care about the league I love so much.

Now to soccer! Saw the Tufts, Middlebury, Williams and Amherst games. 9 goals and 1 conceded for those four teams combined is not a bad start for NESCAC. Thought Tufts looked the strongest and am always impressed with how many people they manage to get on the scoresheet. Van Brewer is one of those players that always seems to have a solid game, although I don't think anyone has been able to really stick it to him in the past 2 years. I wonder how he would have done against the giants of Amherst in 2015. Anyone remember the 6'7" Orozco? I would pay to see the two of them play against each other. Amherst looked strong and I think they have the potential to challenge for the top 3 spots. That was a given for a number of years but for the past 3 years or so they have looked vulnerable. If Lind can produce like he did last year with assists and Giammattei can up the goals a little they will score a lot. Middlebury had a solid game against a solid team in Norwich who always puts up a fight (it's a military academy after all). Don't think I saw their big guy Brandon Reid up top at all- maybe he picked something up in preseason? Tough ending for Williams as the ref should have called Springfield for timewasting about 10 seconds before he did. Beautiful freekick, Renieri will hope that wasn't a once-in-a-lifetime shot.

That's all for me right now. The clear game of the weekend is Tufts v Williams and I would be shocked if Tufts conceded against a weak Williams attack and even more shocked if Williams managed to keep Tufts' front 4 out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on September 05, 2019, 11:47:26 AM
There are lots of free kick issues in NESCAC games. Last season Amherst beat Bowdoin 1-0 on a goal scored after a free kick was taken too quickly but was allowed to stand. I've seen similar issues in other games. The refs have a tough job and often find themselves part of the post game conversation.

I was not impressed with Middlebury against Norwich, and I thought Bowdoin was ok against an outclassed UNE team. First game for both teams, and they were both better as the game moved along. Bowdoin was significantly better in the 2nd half and looks to have a good young team. Started 8 sophs and 3 jrs, and the freshman didn't play. Curious to see what they do with the lineup against Amherst on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 05, 2019, 09:09:01 PM
Anonymous welcome to the boards. I'm sure you and I had a couple battles over the years.  I think your point on Van Brewers consistency is a good one and he's an underrated part of the tufts team.  He's definitely taken his fair share of shots the last two seasons.  I think the hypothetical matchup against orozco would have been hilarious, but he'd figure out a way to hold his own.

I hope your prediction is about the williams game is true. A garbage time goal last year was the only time Williams has scored against Tufts in the last five years, so breaking down the Tufts backline will certainly be priority one for the ephs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 07, 2019, 12:06:42 PM
Williams massive field is going to be a disadvantage today as it leaves more room for Tufts attacking players to operate.  If Tufts is able to prevent Gass from getting in behind and manage set pieces, they should be able to keep williams off the board. AA Joe Braun gets off the mark today with a goal and an apple to Zach Lane who makes it four games in a row with a goal dating back to last years final four. 
Tufts 2-0 Williams
After a disappointing season last year Wood gets back on the score sheet for the continental off an assist from playmaker schmidt. The bus ride is too long for bates to find any offense and the first half goal holds up for the low scoring victory.
Hamilton 1-0 Bates
Colby finally got their new field, which compared to the old one is a huge upgrade...but its still a super slow playing surface and combined with all the firepower these two teams lost is going to mean a dreary affair in Maine.
Conn 0-0 Colby
Middlebury has simply too much attacking firepower for a Wesleyan program that has fallen off a cliff in the last 5 years. I didn't look but if the game is on the grass at wesleyan that could help. That field rivals Conn for the worst field in the league.  But either way Middlebury walks out of connecticut with 3 points in hand.
Midd 2-0 Wesleyan
Amherst has always had a difficult time with Bowdoin. But I think the departure of Moktar is going to be really felt this whole season, but particularly in this matchup. Sophomore Dylan Reid will really need to step up in his absence to slow down the best Amherst attack in years. Amherst concedes a soft goal early, ties it up before halftime, and wins it on a scrum in the box with less than 10 to play.
Amherst 2-1 Bowdoin
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 07, 2019, 12:17:02 PM
OK, I'll play.

Tufts 3, Williams 1

Bates 2, Hamilton 1

Colby 2, Conn 0

Wesleyan 1, Midd 0

Amherst 3, Bowdoin 0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 07, 2019, 02:49:37 PM
Williams 2-1 up on Tufts, who would have thought that?! That said, calling #FakeNews on Tasker being in goal and Harned playing up top per the livestats.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 07, 2019, 03:28:59 PM
2-2 now, corner headed on and Aroh heads it in on the line. Clearly no one is rolling over for Tufts this year, but they are back in the game and with the momentum.

That being said, Williams has played some nice combinations going forward. They might not be getting the love that Tufts has (justifiably) gotten but they do look like the real deal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 07, 2019, 03:43:34 PM
Screamer from van Brewer, 25 yards out into the top right, 3-2 with about 15 left. Part of what makes Tufts so good is that the Jumbos can hurt you in any number of ways — in this game alone the goals have come from two set pieces and a long-distance banger.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 07, 2019, 03:57:07 PM
Jumbos get out of Williamstown with a 3-2 victory. Williams ran well with Tufts but the latter had just too much to handle. Ephs have not beaten the Jumbos since 2013 (also at home).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 07, 2019, 07:57:59 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 07, 2019, 03:57:07 PM
Jumbos get out of Williamstown with a 3-2 victory. Williams ran well with Tufts but the latter had just too much to handle. Ephs have not beaten the Jumbos since 2013 (also at home).

Bloots, missed it. Sounds like an excellent fought game...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on September 09, 2019, 09:00:39 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 07, 2019, 12:17:02 PM
OK, I'll play.

Tufts 3, Williams 1

Bates 2, Hamilton 1

Colby 2, Conn 0

Wesleyan 1, Midd 0

Amherst 3, Bowdoin 0

Not bad.  Colby/Conn was the only poor prediction.  The Wesleyan/Midd prediction was bold but it did end in a tie.  Should be another fun NESCAC season.  Tuft and Amherst cream of the crop. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2019, 08:48:35 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 07, 2019, 07:57:59 PM
Bloots, missed it. Sounds like an excellent fought game...

It was a good test for both teams. I think Williams knows that they can run with the top of the NESCAC pile if they put together a complete game...and Tufts has had to come through adversity already (last year they only trailed once all year, for about 15 minutes during a 1-1 draw at Middlebury in October). You can't really legislate for a 25-yard screamer although we all know Tufts has them in its locker; aside from that, a relatively even, well-fought game (shots were 11-8 Williams; SOG 4-3 Tufts).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on September 10, 2019, 09:35:45 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 10, 2019, 08:48:35 AM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 07, 2019, 07:57:59 PM
Bloots, missed it. Sounds like an excellent fought game...

It was a good test for both teams. I think Williams knows that they can run with the top of the NESCAC pile if they put together a complete game...and Tufts has had to come through adversity already (last year they only trailed once all year, for about 15 minutes during a 1-1 draw at Middlebury in October). You can't really legislate for a 25-yard screamer although we all know Tufts has them in its locker; aside from that, a relatively even, well-fought game (shots were 11-8 Williams; SOG 4-3 Tufts).

Not quite. Bowdoin was up on Tufts 3-2 with under 10 to play last season. Tufts tied it with about 3 minutes to go, and won in OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 10, 2019, 09:38:46 AM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 09, 2019, 09:00:39 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 07, 2019, 12:17:02 PM
OK, I'll play.

Tufts 3, Williams 1

Bates 2, Hamilton 1

Colby 2, Conn 0

Wesleyan 1, Midd 0

Amherst 3, Bowdoin 0

Not bad.  Colby/Conn was the only poor prediction.  The Wesleyan/Midd prediction was bold but it did end in a tie.  Should be another fun NESCAC season.  Tuft and Amherst cream of the crop.

Thanks.  For me, the Colby result and especially the margin at home was the biggest surprise of the NESCAC weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2019, 09:50:51 AM
Quote from: nescacfan94 on September 10, 2019, 09:35:45 AM
Not quite. Bowdoin was up on Tufts 3-2 with under 10 to play last season. Tufts tied it with about 3 minutes to go, and won in OT.

Ah, yes — forgot about that one: the equalizer which definitely looked like an own goal but was credited to Rojas (I was told it "grazed his foot", but certainly didn't seem like it from the video angle; then again, I wasn't on the field). Mieth had a poor game that day; I have to imagine the wind was bad because he got beat straight up on two crosses.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2019, 03:42:16 PM
Amherst-Babson is the first time the programs will meet since 2003...should be a good one. I think we all have a tough time seeing past Amherst, and I predict the Mammoths will win, but I think Babson will give them a game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2019, 05:12:46 PM
Well then...Babson 1-0 up!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2019, 05:45:04 PM
Amherst ties it about 5 mins into the second half...FY Okorogheye pulled a series of moves and dusted about half of the visitors back line before slotting home. That was impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2019, 05:50:04 PM
I did not see the opening goal live, so I just watched it back. An equally impressive solo effort from Ziad who broke on a counter from an Amherst corner and beat his defender for pace before sliding into the exact same corner as the equalizer was scored. Well taken goal. That being said, when Amherst gets an equalizer they often go on to win, so that may have been Babson's opportunity gone.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2019, 06:13:44 PM
Amherst takes the lead with about 12 minutes left. A loose touch by a Babson player turns a clearance over in Babson's own half, and the resulting long ball was played forward to Giammattei who laid it off for Lind, who bent a nice one from about 15 out on the left of the box and into the far corner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2019, 06:16:59 PM
Babson ties it with less than seven minutes left! Free kick, header flicked on and goes off the bar, but then Collins – who I believe took the original kick – stormed in and placed a header past everyone and into the far corner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2019, 06:36:58 PM
Okorogheye wins it for Amherst in the first overtime. Two goals today and one on Saturday – he appears to be a talent: good pace, physicality, and composure. Probably a fair result, but I do feel for Babson as they fought well and showed grit to come back and tie it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Domino1195 on September 10, 2019, 06:43:07 PM
Haven't seen the flip-throw in a while . . . Just caught the last 10 minutes plus OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 10, 2019, 06:43:11 PM
Okorogheye is not your run-of-the-mill freshman striker.  Babson was game, but there was just too much size and athleticism for the Beavers to overcome (they are the Mammoths, after all!).  Amherst has a potent attack, with Giammattei, Derby, Lind, Okorogheye, McMillian, Cubbedu, etc. coming at their opponents all game long.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 11, 2019, 01:57:15 PM
Quote from: Domino1195 on September 10, 2019, 06:43:07 PM
Haven't seen the flip-throw in a while . . . Just caught the last 10 minutes plus OT.

You're not watching enough Amherst games! ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2019, 02:13:02 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 11, 2019, 01:57:15 PM
Quote from: Domino1195 on September 10, 2019, 06:43:07 PM
Haven’t seen the flip-throw in a while . . . Just caught the last 10 minutes plus OT.

You're not watching enough Amherst games! ;)

And just a few years ago Babson had a flip thrower...Patrick Ellis...who is a cousin of former Akron national champ and NE Revs midfielder Scott Caldwell...whose father played with the NY Cosmos and still referees...and whose brother Keith was All Ivy at Brown with pal Larentowitz (sp?) and sister Amy was in youth WNT program and played at BC.

https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2015/06/10/family-affair-passion-soccer-runs-deep-scott-caldwell%E2%80%99s-household

Oh well, I guess the father played against the Cosmos.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2019, 02:33:26 PM
Amy Caldwell was a big deal in Mass until eclipsed by her younger buddies, the Mewis sisters, as they all played for same club.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2019, 02:23:29 PM
Ahhh...better late than never....have some catching up to do but I caught the Williams v Tufts match live this past weekend and being the first league game for both teams I thought the rust showed in parts of the game and in other parts defensive breakdowns cost both teams but both teams cause some problems for the other throughout. Obviously, teams start to look just a little more gassed than Tufts around the 75th minute and Williams was no exception although Williams is usually one of the fitter teams in the league under Sullivan. I was not expecting much from Williams after glancing at their roster for the first time that morning and looking at some of the talent that has moved on and not seeing much in the form of replacements in the Frosh corps. Williams came out strong and I thought were the better team 1st Half as Tufts looked more sloppy than normal and while Tufts controlled possession in the 1st Half they were not creating anything very dangerous out of it. This gave Williams confidence especially Gass who was causing some problems for Tufts. They took a 2-1 lead into Halftime and had to feel good even after giving up such a soft goal to Tufts by failing to clear a ball for over 10 seconds before Tufts took full advantage. I had seen this movie play out the past few years watching Williams Mens Soccer to know that there would be more goals 2nd Half and most likely by the opponent. I was mildly optimistic but Tufts roared backed 2nd Half as Van Brewer was the best player on the field and Williams had no answer. I thought both GK's looked questionable. Williams 2nd Goal off the corner was inexplicably bad defending as a 5'8 striker was allowed to get a wide open header 8 feet from goal. Gass and Van Brewer goals were highlight reel and they are both highlight reel players. Williams CB's had a nightmare game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2019, 02:26:44 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 10, 2019, 03:42:16 PM
Amherst-Babson is the first time the programs will meet since 2003...should be a good one. I think we all have a tough time seeing past Amherst, and I predict the Mammoths will win, but I think Babson will give them a game.


I was SHOCKED when I saw this on the schedule....Amherst dropped Babson in 2003 not the other way around but glad to see Serpone getting more gutsy with these games..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2019, 03:06:43 PM

News and Notes:

-I was not able to predict the start of the year but my biggest two question marks for Tufts was going to be in net and leadership. Who are their leaders? Big Senior class with a ton of talent but certainly questions have to be asked about leadership(compared to the past two years). Tasker and Jameson are Captains....First of all its never a good sign when 1 Captain is not a regular starter. I know Jameson is a solid piece but he was more of a factor on the field when he first came to the program in his earlier years. Not sure if he had injury issues or if he just lost playing time. Tasker is one of their best players so he has the credibility BUT these guys all need to prove they are leaders when things sh*t the bed. So far so good with the 3-2 come from behind win at Williams but between you and me I think if things go south for Tufts there are a couple, let's say more "selfish" players, that could cause some issues down the line. Not predicting it will happen just maybe something to watch for.

-Wesleyan has found its best start in a couple years with an impressive 0-0 draw at Home to Midd. I caught the OT's when both teams were scratching and clawing but Wesleyan held on and got an important point against one of the better teams. Wesleyan was very young last year and I would still consider them a young side but they have a mix of veterans and frosh that looks a little more formidable than the past 2 years. Wheeler has found a reliable starting lineup mixing 4 Frosh with 4 Seniors.  Wesleyan really do not have any stars but they are gaining depth and look to have some more bite in attack. There is enough talent here to compete with the likes of Bowdoin/Williams/Bates. They will face an absolute desperate Williams(0-2-1) side on Saturday on Jackson

-Bates Head Coach Sheikh roster shows 17 FROSH brought in mixed with some talented returning players. Sheikh has showed his hand that he will take all comers including almost every WNEPPSA school is represented on the roster. All jokes aside and just reading between the lines I am guessing Sheikh has very good relationships in DA and the Preps. I have heard he is good at building relationships. Ironic because of what he succeeded.  I am expecting even more improvement with this program this year and beyond. I have not seen a Bates roster loaded up with so many "good Preps" in well ever. However, I am not up to speed on all the Frosh so not sure if the bright lights of the program are blinding the reality of the talent. I will have to watch and find out.


-Had a very good conversation with someone tied into Trinity. He believes this is it for Pilger at Trinity as they are in the middle of rolling 3 year contracts. Still I think to myself can Trinity at least pretend to care about Men's Soccer. You give the program a new field but still strangle it of resources compared to other Nescac's. You go 0-10-0 and do not make a move with a new AD but would rather wait a year? Does not make sense but maybe I am reading to much into it. Pilger cannot compete with aid packages of other Nescac schools and these days with a ton of people struggling that the financial aid package provided by each school is becoming most important.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2019, 03:19:18 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 10, 2019, 06:43:11 PM
Okorogheye is not your run-of-the-mill freshman striker.  Babson was game, but there was just too much size and athleticism for the Beavers to overcome (they are the Mammoths, after all!).  Amherst has a potent attack, with Giammattei, Derby, Lind, Okorogheye, McMillian, Cubbedu, etc. coming at their opponents all game long.



You are correct..Amherst was starting to overwhelm opponents by the end of last year in attack( think the 3 goal outburst v ST.Joe's in NCAA 2nd rd). Now add this man and it is potent. These are the type of recruits that the bigdogs in Nescac get. Williams used to be a big dog but if they want to compete for titles again Sullivan MUST re-assess and analyze his recruiting vision IMO..I just have to be honest but Shapiro/Serpone are doing laps around him recruiting wise. Even Bates and Wesleyan brought in some decent classes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on September 12, 2019, 03:44:11 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2019, 03:06:43 PM

News and Notes:

-I was not able to predict the start of the year but my biggest two question marks for Tufts was going to be in net and leadership. Who are their leaders? Big Senior class with a ton of talent but certainly questions have to be asked about leadership(compared to the past two years). Tasker and Jameson are Captains....First of all its never a good sign when 1 Captain is not a regular starter. I know Jameson is a solid piece but he was more of a factor on the field when he first came to the program in his earlier years. Not sure if he had injury issues or if he just lost playing time. Tasker is one of their best players so he has the credibility BUT these guys all need to prove they are leaders when things sh*t the bed. So far so good with the 3-2 come from behind win at Williams but between you and me I think if things go south for Tufts there are a couple, let's say more "selfish" players, that could cause some issues down the line. Not predicting it will happen just maybe something to watch for.

-Wesleyan has found its best start in a couple years with an impressive 0-0 draw at Home to Midd. I caught the OT's when both teams were scratching and clawing but Wesleyan held on and got an important point against one of the better teams. Wesleyan was very young last year and I would still consider them a young side but they have a mix of veterans and frosh that looks a little more formidable than the past 2 years. Wheeler has found a reliable starting lineup mixing 4 Frosh with 4 Seniors.  Wesleyan really do not have any stars but they are gaining depth and look to have some more bite in attack. There is enough talent here to compete with the likes of Bowdoin/Williams/Bates. They will face an absolute desperate Williams(0-2-1) side on Saturday on Jackson

-Bates Head Coach Sheikh roster shows 17 FROSH brought in mixed with some talented returning players. Sheikh has showed his hand that he will take all comers including almost every WNEPPSA school is represented on the roster. All jokes aside and just reading between the lines I am guessing Sheikh has very good relationships in DA and the Preps. I have heard he is good at building relationships. Ironic because of what he succeeded.  I am expecting even more improvement with this program this year and beyond. I have not seen a Bates roster loaded up with so many "good Preps" in well ever. However, I am not up to speed on all the Frosh so not sure if the bright lights of the program are blinding the reality of the talent. I will have to watch and find out.


-Had a very good conversation with someone tied into Trinity. He believes this is it for Pilger at Trinity as they are in the middle of rolling 3 year contracts. Still I think to myself can Trinity at least pretend to care about Men's Soccer. You give the program a new field but still strangle it of resources compared to other Nescac's. You go 0-10-0 and do not make a move with a new AD but would rather wait a year? Does not make sense but maybe I am reading to much into it. Pilger cannot compete with aid packages of other Nescac schools and these days with a ton of people struggling that the financial aid package provided by each school is becoming most important.

Great to have your analysis again! Watched the Wes/Midd game. Too bad you missed regular time. I saw one stud on Wes and it's their frosh GK Devanny. Terrific athlete. He will be a difference maker. Stopped one no-doubter from Potter and then another that would go in on most others. Wes didn't threaten much in the game. Will be interested in your thoughts when you see him play. The game against Williams will be a tough one for both sides with Williams playing to win big I am guessing. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 12, 2019, 03:54:52 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 12, 2019, 03:44:11 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2019, 03:06:43 PM

News and Notes:

-I was not able to predict the start of the year but my biggest two question marks for Tufts was going to be in net and leadership. Who are their leaders? Big Senior class with a ton of talent but certainly questions have to be asked about leadership(compared to the past two years). Tasker and Jameson are Captains....First of all its never a good sign when 1 Captain is not a regular starter. I know Jameson is a solid piece but he was more of a factor on the field when he first came to the program in his earlier years. Not sure if he had injury issues or if he just lost playing time. Tasker is one of their best players so he has the credibility BUT these guys all need to prove they are leaders when things sh*t the bed. So far so good with the 3-2 come from behind win at Williams but between you and me I think if things go south for Tufts there are a couple, let's say more "selfish" players, that could cause some issues down the line. Not predicting it will happen just maybe something to watch for.

-Wesleyan has found its best start in a couple years with an impressive 0-0 draw at Home to Midd. I caught the OT's when both teams were scratching and clawing but Wesleyan held on and got an important point against one of the better teams. Wesleyan was very young last year and I would still consider them a young side but they have a mix of veterans and frosh that looks a little more formidable than the past 2 years. Wheeler has found a reliable starting lineup mixing 4 Frosh with 4 Seniors.  Wesleyan really do not have any stars but they are gaining depth and look to have some more bite in attack. There is enough talent here to compete with the likes of Bowdoin/Williams/Bates. They will face an absolute desperate Williams(0-2-1) side on Saturday on Jackson

-Bates Head Coach Sheikh roster shows 17 FROSH brought in mixed with some talented returning players. Sheikh has showed his hand that he will take all comers including almost every WNEPPSA school is represented on the roster. All jokes aside and just reading between the lines I am guessing Sheikh has very good relationships in DA and the Preps. I have heard he is good at building relationships. Ironic because of what he succeeded.  I am expecting even more improvement with this program this year and beyond. I have not seen a Bates roster loaded up with so many "good Preps" in well ever. However, I am not up to speed on all the Frosh so not sure if the bright lights of the program are blinding the reality of the talent. I will have to watch and find out.


-Had a very good conversation with someone tied into Trinity. He believes this is it for Pilger at Trinity as they are in the middle of rolling 3 year contracts. Still I think to myself can Trinity at least pretend to care about Men's Soccer. You give the program a new field but still strangle it of resources compared to other Nescac's. You go 0-10-0 and do not make a move with a new AD but would rather wait a year? Does not make sense but maybe I am reading to much into it. Pilger cannot compete with aid packages of other Nescac schools and these days with a ton of people struggling that the financial aid package provided by each school is becoming most important.

Great to have your analysis again! Watched the Wes/Midd game. Too bad you missed regular time. I saw one stud on Wes and it's their frosh GK Devanny. Terrific athlete. He will be a difference maker. Stopped one no-doubter from Potter and then another that would go in on most others. Wes didn't threaten much in the game. Will be interested in your thoughts when you see him play. The game against Williams will be a tough one for both sides with Williams playing to win big I am guessing.


Good to hear for Wheeler. Wheeler's system and program is predicated on solid GK'ing which he has not had since 2013..BTW is the Captain his brother? Kid has serious wheels..I agree as Williams is absolutely desperate. This is their worst start since 1982. Can Wesleyan take advantage?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on September 12, 2019, 04:42:15 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2019, 03:54:52 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 12, 2019, 03:44:11 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2019, 03:06:43 PM

News and Notes:

-I was not able to predict the start of the year but my biggest two question marks for Tufts was going to be in net and leadership. Who are their leaders? Big Senior class with a ton of talent but certainly questions have to be asked about leadership(compared to the past two years). Tasker and Jameson are Captains....First of all its never a good sign when 1 Captain is not a regular starter. I know Jameson is a solid piece but he was more of a factor on the field when he first came to the program in his earlier years. Not sure if he had injury issues or if he just lost playing time. Tasker is one of their best players so he has the credibility BUT these guys all need to prove they are leaders when things sh*t the bed. So far so good with the 3-2 come from behind win at Williams but between you and me I think if things go south for Tufts there are a couple, let's say more "selfish" players, that could cause some issues down the line. Not predicting it will happen just maybe something to watch for.

-Wesleyan has found its best start in a couple years with an impressive 0-0 draw at Home to Midd. I caught the OT's when both teams were scratching and clawing but Wesleyan held on and got an important point against one of the better teams. Wesleyan was very young last year and I would still consider them a young side but they have a mix of veterans and frosh that looks a little more formidable than the past 2 years. Wheeler has found a reliable starting lineup mixing 4 Frosh with 4 Seniors.  Wesleyan really do not have any stars but they are gaining depth and look to have some more bite in attack. There is enough talent here to compete with the likes of Bowdoin/Williams/Bates. They will face an absolute desperate Williams(0-2-1) side on Saturday on Jackson

-Bates Head Coach Sheikh roster shows 17 FROSH brought in mixed with some talented returning players. Sheikh has showed his hand that he will take all comers including almost every WNEPPSA school is represented on the roster. All jokes aside and just reading between the lines I am guessing Sheikh has very good relationships in DA and the Preps. I have heard he is good at building relationships. Ironic because of what he succeeded.  I am expecting even more improvement with this program this year and beyond. I have not seen a Bates roster loaded up with so many "good Preps" in well ever. However, I am not up to speed on all the Frosh so not sure if the bright lights of the program are blinding the reality of the talent. I will have to watch and find out.


-Had a very good conversation with someone tied into Trinity. He believes this is it for Pilger at Trinity as they are in the middle of rolling 3 year contracts. Still I think to myself can Trinity at least pretend to care about Men's Soccer. You give the program a new field but still strangle it of resources compared to other Nescac's. You go 0-10-0 and do not make a move with a new AD but would rather wait a year? Does not make sense but maybe I am reading to much into it. Pilger cannot compete with aid packages of other Nescac schools and these days with a ton of people struggling that the financial aid package provided by each school is becoming most important.

Great to have your analysis again! Watched the Wes/Midd game. Too bad you missed regular time. I saw one stud on Wes and it's their frosh GK Devanny. Terrific athlete. He will be a difference maker. Stopped one no-doubter from Potter and then another that would go in on most others. Wes didn't threaten much in the game. Will be interested in your thoughts when you see him play. The game against Williams will be a tough one for both sides with Williams playing to win big I am guessing.


Good to hear for Wheeler. Wheeler's system and program is predicated on solid GK'ing which he has not had since 2013..BTW is the Captain his brother? Kid has serious wheels..I agree as Williams is absolutely desperate. This is their worst start since 1982. Can Wesleyan take advantage?

His brother is on the team. Not sure if he's captain. This GK got many honors last year based on a quick online search. Looks to be the real deal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 13, 2019, 11:44:39 AM
Quick guesswork of Nescac Men's Soccer 2nd working weekend:


Bowdoin v Midd--History tells us when these two teams meet it will be a battle. Middlebury lost a couple key Seniors from last years squad including their leader O'Grady. Looking at what Midd Head Coach Alex Elias has done is move a few players around but the core of the team has remained. The goals should come from Goulart/Potter and then also on set pieces when their trees come forward like McFarlane / Wilhelm / Spiridellis and MOST importantly Aidan Robinson. I see Midd is again big and physical on the backline. Not sure if anyone besides Midd fans have noticed but Elias is using the 6'3 Frosh Ryan Grady as his starting GK. The issue is that last year's GK Matthew Hyer is only a JR and still on the roster. Is Hyer injured? Or did this Frosh just come in and bully him out of his job? I thought Hyer did a fine job last season other than the odd mistake here or there so this move is surprising. Bowdoin's roster looks depleted. They still have the dangerous Drake Byrd who is now a JR and already has 3 Goals. I see a bunch of steady players that will sustain them throughout the season BUT I see nothing on this roster that is going to make a difference in trying to get Bowdoin vaulted back into the Top 4. They will hang around and get some results here and there including a Nescac Playoff berth near the bottom of the league but THAT IS IT. This is a rebuilding year in Brunswick. Midd needs this game and finds a way. 1-0 Midd


Hamilton v Amherst-----The starting lineup Serpone has settled on to start the year is impressive. Every single one of them is a returning veteran who played a massive role in last year's run. You cannot just attain your goals by sheer will as you also need to rely on past experiences or failures as a team to get through the next step of challenges. This Amherst lineup has that experience and the talent and depth on this roster is plentiful. I mean this team ACTUALLY has Dane Lind and Jimmy McMillian coming off the bench. No team in Nescac, not even Tufts, can match the talent. Now the issue last season seemed to be more based on attitude and motivation. For the first time in Serpone's Coaching tenure it looked like from a distance he and his staff were struggling with morale last season especially with all the mistakes in net and defensively game after game. Players looked dejected by the end of the year walking off the field but the talent still showed because they lit up St.Joe's but just could not hold on against UR. Will Amherst come together as a team following Tufts lead? They will have to if they want to attain their lofty goals. Hamilton has been a mess defensively since 2017. They stand at 1-2-0 right now and are staring down their schedule as their next 3 games v Amherst, at Midd, at Oneonta could blow up any hopes of having a successful season. Nizzi should be playing Oneonta in October not this early as you are just adding pressure to your team to find Wins and prevent Losses. Hamilton still have a potent attack with Wood, Dils and Schmidt. Eckels leads the backline but they have to tighten up in front of GK Thomas Benson. Nizzi has gone with Benson in goal but maybe coincidentally maybe not it seemed Hamilton was getting results with Linds Caldwell in net the past few years. He is a SR now and it might be time to make a change especially against an Amherst side that will physically dominate Hamilton in this game. Benson has nutsack coming out of his net and commanding his area but Caldwell just has more size and presence IMO. Amherst finds a pesky Hamilton side that will battle for a Half and then allow Amherst to run away with the game.....Amherst 3-1.


Colby v Trinity-----I was surprised that Colby took such a beating at Home from Conn last Saturday. I was not expecting Colby to Win but I thought it would be very tight. It was not as Conn rolled 3-0 and Colby to 3 Shots 2 SOG. AT HOME...That is sluggish..They have a solid Frosh Nicholas Assadourian who is a good recruit for Seabrook. They bring back JR Jack Fletcher and SO Grant Pugh who are both natural leaders and excellent athletes as Captains. Colby has a very good base still and will be very tough to break down once the season gets going. Get your goals now because I predict if they get good GK'ing Colby will be very efficient in October when they get fully organized. However, The GK is a major question mark and how their GK'ing goes is how their season will go. I still see nothing that resembles a striker on this roster so it will be goals by committee again. Trinity is due for a Nescac win just I do not see it happening here. Pilger brought in 6 Frosh to compete. Was that enough? Trinity has about 3 Seniors and are VERY YOUNG. Can veterans Henry Farr, Burns, Cottrell and company get this outfit a win? Nah...Colby moves to 3-1-0 on the year heading into next weekend's match at Tufts. Memories anyone...............Colby 2-0



Bates at Conn-----Conn lost their leader in Head Coach Kenny Murphy but they have basically returned everything else. They are a solid experienced battle tested 14-15 players deep with a superb GK. Speaking of Marcucci in net we are starting to see a trend. Just dominant performance during the regular seasons of 2017 and 2018 but absolute head scratching mistakes cost his side up at Oneonta against UR in 2017 and against Ramapo in 2018. Both mistakes cost his team and came at the most inopportune time in a season. Marcucci MUST turn this trend in the other direction. Conn will be right there at the end in the Top 3 with a slim chance of winning Nescac. I have discussed Bates improvement this season and while they still are a year or two away they are much more organized and structured and are not an easy "W" anymore. I think Bates youth shows in this game against a side not just more experienced like this Conn team but especially not on their field and in front of their fans. Not to say Bates will be intimidated because they have 4-5 solid veterans who will cause Conn havoc but I think their younger players will make more mistakes than Conn's veterans. Mistakes usually = goals allowed.....Conn 2-0



Williams at Wesleyan---------I have yesterday talked extensively about both teams. A win for Wesleyan would do wonders for their confidence and could possibly catapult them up the standings as they have a favorable schedule with only 3 Road games from now until October 16th. A win for Williams here and at Babson Sunday would get them re-focused as well..I am expecting a very even game but am hoping Williams midfielder Oberg breaks out as he has been MIA the 3 games. I want him pushing into attack. I also want Gass out wide with his speed and skill NOT in the middle of the field. Changes will be made I am sure  but who and where will be most interesting for Williams.  1-1


Brandeis at Tufts----I am curious what others think of this one..Battle of the weekend for sure. I have not seen Brandeis play yet but just looking at their roster I am still seeing a lack of physicality unless players have grown and improved. I think this is a big test for Brandeis as I thought Tufts played well 2nd Half at Williams. However, they looked dis-interested to start the game and Williams found 2 Goals. They just did not have the talent to hold Tufts off. I think like Williams, Brandeis can score against this Tufts side and pounce on mistakes when the are made. Tufts has lost leadership on that backline and in net so teams must take advantage. Saying all that both teams have a tendency to clamp down on each other when they play and give no one any space. I love games like that JUST NOT EVERY GAME which Nescac has been evolving into. MUST WATCH game however although I liked the Friday night spotlight better.....0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2019, 12:55:09 PM
Midd and Bowdoin 0-0 at the Half. Pretty sluggish start with some rust still being worked out. Both teams passing in final 3rd, when they actually where there, was lacking. Midd started the 6'3 Frosh Grady in net again and he is a presence but he has not had to do much so I cannot rate him yet. Neither team has had any dangerous looks so neither GK has been tested.

I give Midd tons of credit as they came out and tried to play some futbol. They were knocking the ball around even in their own half which was a rare sight in years past. I liked it. They controlled possession 1st Half over Bowdoin I would guess maybe 58/42. Still Midd's passing was not good and there were way to many giveaways.  Midd did not look good 1st Half in attack. Midd came out in a 4-2-3-1. They had Aidan Robinson and Mike McFarlane at CB. A very solid CB duo that played well together and along with the big Henry Wilhelm holding and the 6'3 Grady in net Midd has plenty of size and physicality in its spine. Elias has another tree at RB with JR Jack Spiridellis and the feisty SR Oudet at LB. As I said, Wilhelm was holding with the skilled Goulart attacking and Barsamain as the hybrid. 2 Soph Brendan Barry and Liam Sloan showed nothing in the Half but they both have some skill and I remember Barry snagging some goals last season. Potter was up top. The good news was the big striker Brandon Reid did play but did not start and really did not do much when he did play. This Midd team when they get fully organized and comfortable with each other is going to be VERY hard to break down. This should be one of the better defensive teams in the league with one of the better CB duo's. The wingbacks are still suspect but Oudet is solid enough. If Midd is going to try to play more on the ground then they must play faster. When the game started the first 10 minutes they were passing and moving and looked good but as the game bogged down Midd attackers looked very stationary...

Bowdoin had a sniff or two and as predicted this game could go either way. I will stick my neck out there and predict we do not finish 0-0 as someone will find a goal. I think it was last season that the first Nescac Weekend there was like 3 Goals in 5 Nescac Games with like two 0-0 Finals. It was awful..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2019, 01:55:39 PM
0-0 Midd at Bowdoin heading to OT...Weather playing a factor as it is raining hard and windy. Both teams have had a few good looks. Pretty even game. Bowdoin LB #16 Selig is havin a nightmare game and Midd should be going at him. He has been giving the ball away at will and should be pressed hard. Can one of these two find 3pts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2019, 02:08:49 PM
Amherst takes a 1-0 lead over Hamilton going into a hard wind. More defensive breakdowns for Hamilton as Amherst Cutler Coleman burns 2 Hamilton players who lazily went into tackle #13 Matt Jordan and #3 Jack Sheehan. On top of it Sheehan trots back when he should have been tracking hard...anyhow Coleman delivered a nice thru ball to Lind who found Giammattei who was WIDE OPEN and also was not tracked and he finished it nicely. Hamilton's defensive miscues continue.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 14, 2019, 02:14:53 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 14, 2019, 01:55:39 PM
0-0 Midd at Bowdoin heading to OT...Weather playing a factor as it is raining hard and windy. Both teams have had a few good looks. Pretty even game. Bowdoin LB #16 Selig is havin a nightmare game and Midd should be going at him. He has been giving the ball away at will and should be pressed hard. Can one of these two find 3pts?

I thought about going over...glad I didn't!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2019, 02:15:27 PM
Amherst 2-0 as McMillian finds Giammattei's head on more misery from Hamilton defense. Sheehan was shielding McMillian and looked to get fouled but the ref called nothing and McMillian picked Sheehan's pocket and fed Giammatttei. Still Sheehan stopped playing after getting stripped and more problematic was Giammattei getting free AGAIN.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2019, 02:22:15 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 14, 2019, 02:14:53 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 14, 2019, 01:55:39 PM
0-0 Midd at Bowdoin heading to OT...Weather playing a factor as it is raining hard and windy. Both teams have had a few good looks. Pretty even game. Bowdoin LB #16 Selig is havin a nightmare game and Midd should be going at him. He has been giving the ball away at will and should be pressed hard. Can one of these two find 3pts?

I thought about going over...glad I didn't!


Yea looks dark an dreary in Brunswick like a November day. Can't wait..Good news Bowdoin looks to have added a brand new scoreboard to an already fantastic facility..field looked great on stream not sure how it played..Bowdoin and Midd finish 0-0 which is a fair result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2019, 02:54:51 PM
Conn College scores a late 1st Half goal to go up 1-0 on Bates at Halftime at Home. Nice crowd for Conn as both teams are battling. Conn scores off a long throw that was flicked by Bates #5 perfectly across his own box that a Conn player finished off. Failed clearance by #5 but also Conn player was WIDE open to score because 2 Bates defenders were ball watching the entire sequence until it was to late.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2019, 03:45:30 PM
Williams and Wesleyan are knotted at 1-1 1st Half. Gass is a special player...Williams took a 1-0 lead over Wesleyan with a sick bike by Gass after a one hop off a free kick. Wesleyan should have dealt with it but Gass finished it poised and confident. Very even game as Wesleyan does have an upgrade in net this year and the Frosh Rubenstein is a skilled player. Wesleyan evened it up after Williams had given up a set piece and then was slow to react to Wesleyan's fast take. Alec Haas ended up with the ball at his feet turned his defender and hit it weakly but finished it off the hand of the Williams GK. Williams GK is a Frosh in his first game and it was not his best effort.

Colby gets 2 late Goals to pull away from Trinity 4-1. Colby's 2nd Goal in real time was the epitome of Trinity's woes...If there are lowlights anywhere check it out...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on September 14, 2019, 05:16:17 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 14, 2019, 03:45:30 PM
Williams and Wesleyan are knotted at 1-1 1st Half. Gass is a special player...Williams took a 1-0 lead over Wesleyan with a sick bike by Gass after a one hop off a free kick. Wesleyan should have dealt with it but Gass finished it poised and confident. Very even game as Wesleyan does have an upgrade in net this year and the Frosh Rubenstein is a skilled player. Wesleyan evened it up after Williams had given up a set piece and then was slow to react to Wesleyan's fast take. Alec Haas ended up with the ball at his feet turned his defender and hit it weakly but finished it off the hand of the Williams GK. Williams GK is a Frosh in his first game and it was not his best effort.

Colby gets 2 late Goals to pull away from Trinity 4-1. Colby's 2nd Goal in real time was the epitome of Trinity's woes...If there are lowlights anywhere check it out...

Might do a bit fuller write-up on this mostly evenly-matched Little Three match between Williams and Wesleyan later, but here are Williams' two relatively highlight-worthy goals to start:

(https://i.imgur.com/2Xns7l1.mp4)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 14, 2019, 05:58:52 PM
I know Conn won 1-0 but I like this Bates team -- good size, the way they're playing, and (could be wrong) what seems to be greater diversity than usual for NESCAC squads.  Assuming I'm on the right track, they are probably a year away but by the end of this season they may be a really tough out.  Colby made noise last year and it would be great to see Bates enjoy some success.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 15, 2019, 03:52:09 PM
Williams showed no ill-effects of yesterday's battle with Wesleyan this afternoon in dispatching Babson 3-0 in Babson Park.  It appears that the Ephs have righted the ship after a slow start to the season and found a new goalkeeper in the process.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2019, 10:21:35 AM
Nice bounce back weekend for Williams as they go 2-0-0 defeating Wesleyan in a gutsy fight in OT and dispatching Babson with a nice display of finishing. 5 Goals in 2 games is good news especially against 2 teams that are usually well organized defensively. Demian Gass is tearing it up in 5 games as he has 3 Goals and an Assist with 27 Shots and 13 SOG. He has started the year on a tear. My concern with him is he is usually injury prone but for now keep feeding the kid. With 5 Goals this weekend and 2 against Tufts last Saturday it seems to me that Williams is starting to find confidence at finding the back of the net.  More good news was they shutout Babson, while hardly an offensive juggernaut, a shutout is a shutout. Williams will leak goals this year a little more because not only did they lose CB Scatt Macdonald but it seems they look a little more willing to come out and go at opponents which in turn will leave them more exposed at times..This is the high risk high reward futbol I personally enjoy. Wesleyan deserved a Draw as they matched Williams well throughout the game and while Williams had more legit scoring opportunities, Wesleyan had a decent amount as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on September 16, 2019, 03:19:34 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 14, 2019, 05:16:17 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 14, 2019, 03:45:30 PM
Williams and Wesleyan are knotted at 1-1 1st Half. Gass is a special player...Williams took a 1-0 lead over Wesleyan with a sick bike by Gass after a one hop off a free kick. Wesleyan should have dealt with it but Gass finished it poised and confident. Very even game as Wesleyan does have an upgrade in net this year and the Frosh Rubenstein is a skilled player. Wesleyan evened it up after Williams had given up a set piece and then was slow to react to Wesleyan's fast take. Alec Haas ended up with the ball at his feet turned his defender and hit it weakly but finished it off the hand of the Williams GK. Williams GK is a Frosh in his first game and it was not his best effort.

Colby gets 2 late Goals to pull away from Trinity 4-1. Colby's 2nd Goal in real time was the epitome of Trinity's woes...If there are lowlights anywhere check it out...

Might do a bit fuller write-up on this mostly evenly-matched Little Three match between Williams and Wesleyan later, but here are Williams' two relatively highlight-worthy goals to start:

(https://i.imgur.com/2Xns7l1.mp4)

Agree with the Williams/Wesleyan analysis.  Gass scored on a bicycle! I was mightily impressed. That was a professional looking goal. The game was not very pretty to watch and very aerial.  But Wesleyan didn't deserve that L.  The OT goal was flukey and unfortunate for Wesleyan. Though that first goal was really something.  Williams is a very athletic and as usual big team that uses it's height to its advantage.  Wesleyan frosh players looked much better than what I've seen in several years. Their RB Perchuck is a solid player. Didn't see him come off for a second.  LB Ranieri for Williams was very solid. Also didn't see him come off.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2019, 03:49:10 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 16, 2019, 03:19:34 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 14, 2019, 05:16:17 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 14, 2019, 03:45:30 PM
Williams and Wesleyan are knotted at 1-1 1st Half. Gass is a special player...Williams took a 1-0 lead over Wesleyan with a sick bike by Gass after a one hop off a free kick. Wesleyan should have dealt with it but Gass finished it poised and confident. Very even game as Wesleyan does have an upgrade in net this year and the Frosh Rubenstein is a skilled player. Wesleyan evened it up after Williams had given up a set piece and then was slow to react to Wesleyan's fast take. Alec Haas ended up with the ball at his feet turned his defender and hit it weakly but finished it off the hand of the Williams GK. Williams GK is a Frosh in his first game and it was not his best effort.

Colby gets 2 late Goals to pull away from Trinity 4-1. Colby's 2nd Goal in real time was the epitome of Trinity's woes...If there are lowlights anywhere check it out...

Might do a bit fuller write-up on this mostly evenly-matched Little Three match between Williams and Wesleyan later, but here are Williams' two relatively highlight-worthy goals to start:

(https://i.imgur.com/2Xns7l1.mp4)

Agree with the Williams/Wesleyan analysis.  Gass scored on a bicycle! I was mightily impressed. That was a professional looking goal. The game was not very pretty to watch and very aerial.  But Wesleyan didn't deserve that L.  The OT goal was flukey and unfortunate for Wesleyan. Though that first goal was really something.  Williams is a very athletic and as usual big team that uses it's height to its advantage.  Wesleyan frosh players looked much better than what I've seen in several years. Their RB Perchuck is a solid player. Didn't see him come off for a second.  LB Ranieri for Williams was very solid. Also didn't see him come off.



Yup Ranieri is Williams best 1v1 defender but because he is left footed he plays LB. Probably should be starting at CB but I have a feeling he doesn't because I am not sure who would replace him at LB.  I suppose the game was ugly but Barcelona circa 2010 would get frustrated trying to play tiki taka on Jackson field. I thought for it still being the 2nd/3rd game of the year where teams are still working through personnel, injuries, tactics etc I thought both teams battled hard and showed some skill and flair but yes the ball was in the air a ton and the game had no flow
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2019, 04:13:29 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2019, 05:58:52 PM
I know Conn won 1-0 but I like this Bates team -- good size, the way they're playing, and (could be wrong) what seems to be greater diversity than usual for NESCAC squads.  Assuming I'm on the right track, they are probably a year away but by the end of this season they may be a really tough out.  Colby made noise last year and it would be great to see Bates enjoy some success.


Conn won 1-0 but from the 20-30 minutes I watched Bates was right there the whole game. They have some pieces now with much more depth than they have had in a long time. They look to not only be more organized but they look physically bigger than they have in the past. The #5 Frederick Hohmann who made a terrible mistake to gift Conn a goal is a monster and presence and the Frosh from Berkshire is listed at 6'6 although that might be a stretch. The transfer from the Knox College (Prairie Fire), Owen Keleher is 6'4 and already has two goals. Guerrier from Worcester Academy is 6'3 and has a couple Goals. Besides Hohmann, all those others are additions in the off-season. Add all that to their 6'3 Captain Peder Bakken, 6'2 Captain GK David Goodstein, 6'3 bench player Kimpolo-Pene and you start to look around and realize you finally have some building blocks..We have not even discussed their most skilled player 5'6 Ike Opoku who interestingly in this 3-1-0 start to Bates season has been held pointless and only has 2 Shots in 4 games.


Monster game for Bates Wednesday night at Home v Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 16, 2019, 04:33:24 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2019, 04:13:29 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2019, 05:58:52 PM
I know Conn won 1-0 but I like this Bates team -- good size, the way they're playing, and (could be wrong) what seems to be greater diversity than usual for NESCAC squads.  Assuming I'm on the right track, they are probably a year away but by the end of this season they may be a really tough out.  Colby made noise last year and it would be great to see Bates enjoy some success.


Conn won 1-0 but from the 20-30 minutes I watched Bates was right there the whole game. They have some pieces now with much more depth than they have had in a long time. They look to not only be more organized but they look physically bigger than they have in the past. The #5 Frederick Hohmann who made a terrible mistake to gift Conn a goal is a monster and presence and the Frosh from Berkshire is listed at 6'6 although that might be a stretch. The transfer from the Knox College (Prairie Fire), Owen Keleher is 6'4 and already has two goals. Guerrier from Worcester Academy is 6'3 and has a couple Goals. Besides Hohmann, all those others are additions in the off-season. Add all that to their 6'3 Captain Peder Bakken, 6'2 Captain GK David Goodstein, 6'3 bench player Kimpolo-Pene and you start to look around and realize you finally have some building blocks..We have not even discussed their most skilled player 5'6 Ike Opoku who interestingly in this 3-1-0 start to Bates season has been held pointless and only has 2 Shots in 4 games.


Monster game for Bates Wednesday night at Home v Bowdoin.

Agreed, huge game on the turf Wednesday night.  Then a couple non-conference road games in State before Tufts comes to town at the end of the month to play on the new grass field.  I'm planning to see how the month plays out before getting too high on this team, but I really like the direction Sheikh is taking with the program and his roster.  They are a tough team to play against (Mr. Right has noted the size), but they need to learn how to win the big games... Wednesday night would be a start. Been a while since the 'Cats posted 3 points against Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on September 16, 2019, 04:56:07 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 16, 2019, 04:13:29 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2019, 05:58:52 PM
I know Conn won 1-0 but I like this Bates team -- good size, the way they're playing, and (could be wrong) what seems to be greater diversity than usual for NESCAC squads.  Assuming I'm on the right track, they are probably a year away but by the end of this season they may be a really tough out.  Colby made noise last year and it would be great to see Bates enjoy some success.


Conn won 1-0 but from the 20-30 minutes I watched Bates was right there the whole game. They have some pieces now with much more depth than they have had in a long time. They look to not only be more organized but they look physically bigger than they have in the past. The #5 Frederick Hohmann who made a terrible mistake to gift Conn a goal is a monster and presence and the Frosh from Berkshire is listed at 6'6 although that might be a stretch. The transfer from the Knox College (Prairie Fire), Owen Keleher is 6'4 and already has two goals. Guerrier from Worcester Academy is 6'3 and has a couple Goals. Besides Hohmann, all those others are additions in the off-season. Add all that to their 6'3 Captain Peder Bakken, 6'2 Captain GK David Goodstein, 6'3 bench player Kimpolo-Pene and you start to look around and realize you finally have some building blocks..We have not even discussed their most skilled player 5'6 Ike Opoku who interestingly in this 3-1-0 start to Bates season has been held pointless and only has 2 Shots in 4 games.


Monster game for Bates Wednesday night at Home v Bowdoin.

That Bates team is full of freshmen starters. Looks like a lot of quality young talent coming into the league. Always like to see that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2019, 04:58:44 PM
You are correct. For a team to push forward and keep improving they most importantly must gain and retain confidence.

Mr.R's 101 Guide to "How do I know if my kids team has confidence"

1. I notice my kids team behind with 10-15 minutes left in some games but they still find a way to win some of those games.
2. I notice my kids team has a lead after the 75th minute and very rarely if ever lose that lead.
3. I notice my kids team does not walk off the field staring at bugs on the ground when the game ends.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerfanatic on September 17, 2019, 12:12:37 PM


Yup Ranieri is Williams best 1v1 defender but because he is left footed he plays LB. Probably should be starting at CB but I have a feeling he doesn't because I am not sure who would replace him at LB.  I suppose the game was ugly but Barcelona circa 2010 would get frustrated trying to play tiki taka on Jackson field. I thought for it still being the 2nd/3rd game of the year where teams are still working through personnel, injuries, tactics etc I thought both teams battled hard and showed some skill and flair but yes the ball was in the air a ton and the game had no flow
[/quote]
As an FYI about Wesleyan,  JJ Lacorte from Wesleyan who was expected to be one of their best players this year went down with a knee injury in pre-season....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on September 17, 2019, 06:49:19 PM
Middlebury defeats Mt. St. Mary's 1-0 to win home opener. Game was not that close as Midd hit 2 posts and missed 2 other wide open looks. Midd defense is solid, blocking shots and winning meatballs. Keeper had one tough save to make early and he did. 4 consecutive shutouts for Panthers. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 17, 2019, 07:53:15 PM
Tufts with their best half of the year so far. Up 3-0 on wheaton and it could realistically have been 5 or 6.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on September 18, 2019, 12:00:23 PM
So Conn College puts up 8 against Trinity in an 8-2 win yesterday. Is CC that good, or is Trinity that bad?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4231CenterBack on September 18, 2019, 01:09:30 PM
I had the pleasure of watching Conn College dismantle a pretty good Endicott side last week in Beverly.  Conn College was the best college soccer team I have seen since I watched Messiah throttle Montclair State in Grantham 2 years ago.  It was a 4-1 final that could have been 6-1 if not for some heroics from the Gull's keeper. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on September 18, 2019, 01:40:23 PM
Quote from: 4231CenterBack on September 18, 2019, 01:09:30 PM
I had the pleasure of watching Conn College dismantle a pretty good Endicott side last week in Beverly.  Conn College was the best college soccer team I have seen since I watched Messiah throttle Montclair State in Grantham 2 years ago.  It was a 4-1 final that could have been 6-1 if not for some heroics from the Gull's keeper.

I'll be curious to see how Conn College does against Amherst on Saturday. I'll see them in person next month and can provide more thoughts at that point. Until then, I'm looking forward to Bowdoin at Bates tonight. Hope it's a good one!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on September 18, 2019, 01:46:26 PM
Quote from: 4231CenterBack on September 18, 2019, 01:09:30 PM
I had the pleasure of watching Conn College dismantle a pretty good Endicott side last week in Beverly.  Conn College was the best college soccer team I have seen since I watched Messiah throttle Montclair State in Grantham 2 years ago.  It was a 4-1 final that could have been 6-1 if not for some heroics from the Gull's keeper. 

Did you watch them play Bates on their home pitch this past weekend? They managed just 5 shots in 90 minutes and had 1 corner. In fact, they were outplayed for significant stretches of the game, especially in the second half.   Let's keep some perspective here, and see how they fair at Amherst on Saturday before crowning them the "best soccer team" since Messiah 2017.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2019, 03:48:49 PM
Re: Conn. — I think the Trinity result was a combination of both the factors that nescacfan94 outlined. I also will give benefit of the doubt to 4231 and assume he means that the Camels are the best soccer team he has seen in person. Regardless, after making NCAAs two years in a row, I think the Camels need to advance past the first weekend of play before they can assert themselves as a national power. They were unlucky with both losses, against Rochester and Montclair, but most people don't think into it that much — results are results.

On tonight's action, I was actually at the game the last time Bates visited Bowdoin (2 years ago), and Bates had a lot of the play before falling to a late PK. Considering heading up there but the KO time of 8:00 is almost my bedtime (half kidding) and the 45-minute schlep home feels even longer at that hour. Either way, will be a good watch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2019, 04:17:24 PM
Echos of Denny Green....

I actually had a slightly different take.  If Conn is really that good then this is very good news for Bates who as far as I could tell played the Camels even up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2019, 08:59:52 PM
Bowdoin leads at half, 1-0, on a scrappy goal off a free kick Bates failed to clear. (streaming) Otherwise pretty even in terms of play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2019, 10:21:31 PM
1-1 final after 2OT. Bates equalized with less than two left in regulation, then Bowdoin almost won it with the last kick of the second overtime but Juantorena's 25 yarder is a yard wide of the top corner. What a goal that would have been.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 18, 2019, 10:27:54 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 18, 2019, 10:21:31 PM
Bowdoin almost won it with the last kick of the second overtime but Juantorena's 25 yarder is a yard wide of the top corner.

Every time I read his name, I can't help but think of this guy:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Juantorena
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on September 18, 2019, 10:34:02 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 18, 2019, 10:27:54 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 18, 2019, 10:21:31 PM
Bowdoin almost won it with the last kick of the second overtime but Juantorena's 25 yarder is a yard wide of the top corner.

Every time I read his name, I can't help but think of this guy:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Juantorena

The announcer said they were related.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 18, 2019, 10:37:39 PM
Quote from: nescacfan94 on September 18, 2019, 10:34:02 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 18, 2019, 10:27:54 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 18, 2019, 10:21:31 PM
Bowdoin almost won it with the last kick of the second overtime but Juantorena's 25 yarder is a yard wide of the top corner.

Every time I read his name, I can't help but think of this guy:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Juantorena

The announcer said they were related.

That's very cool!  The roster says he's 6'3' 207 lbs, so there's definitely a "family resemblance" (although I suspect his relative was a wee bit lighter when dashing around the track).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2019, 10:39:48 PM
The Bates announcer was off the hook.  Really enjoyed listening.

And I never thought I'd hear these words with a very dramatic tone....."....and the stands are shaking at Garcelon!"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2019, 09:13:00 AM
Quote from: nescacfan94 on September 18, 2019, 12:00:23 PM
So Conn College puts up 8 against Trinity in an 8-2 win yesterday. Is CC that good, or is Trinity that bad?


Trinity is THAT BAD. I rip into Pilger on here about his lack of recruiting for years and it has started to really show the past 3-4 years as other programs are just getting more talented players. However, an 8-2 thrashing midweek at Conn is not on Pilger ITS ON THE PLAYERS. They have obviously given up mid-September and thrown the white flag. It is really a sad sight to see when kids quit playing for their Head Coach. Conn is a better team than Trinity but not 8-2 better as if you read the recap and look at the box score it looks like the game when like this:

Trinity comes out of the gates sleepwalking and not ready to play and go down 4-0 at the Half. Pilger and staff I WOULD HOPE "rip" into them at Halftime to get someone/anyone fired up. It worked for a short time as Trinity pulled 2 back and the young Conn Head Coach showed his nerves as he had given Marcucci's backup a sniff to start the 2nd Half but after Trinity pulled within two the green Head Coach went back to Marcucci. Then Conn scores another goal or two to put the game out of reach. However, everyone forgets they still have 15-20 minutes to play so Conn kept playing/working/combining and Trinity stopped playing and watched the scoreboard tick down.

This Trinity situation is actually getting really sad. They legitimately could go 0-10-0 AGAIN in Nescac play....It's mid-September so they should 1. NEVER giveup but also 2. Do not panic and play free without anything to lose. Idk I am trying to be somewhat optimistic but Pilger's LONG solid Head Coaching career with many successful stops could end in SHAMBLES.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 19, 2019, 10:22:59 AM
There seems to be a pretty strong correlation between strong programs and good recruiting.  I'm not sure why these losing coaches haven't figured this out!

(If the above is true, watch for Bates to improve dramatically!)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on September 19, 2019, 10:41:46 AM
Goals from Tufts 6-0 THRASHING of Wheaton. Is Wheaton that bad? I know Wheaton isn't as good as they were 4-5 years ago but 6-0 seems a bit outrageous. Anyone with intel on their program? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lou9NOLo1Bg

Third goal is a beauty - well worked, outside of the foot cross and a perfect header.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on September 19, 2019, 02:53:59 PM
watching those 6 goals on video and I think Wheaton's problem is their freshman keeper. Not a great day in net as 4 of those were easily saveable IMHO. But he's young and I'm sure he will have better days ahead. Maybe just a tad intimidated playing against Tufts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2019, 04:17:55 PM
Quick Hitters:

Wesleyan at Bowdoin---Both teams are kind of hanging around this season with some decent results. However, both teams need to find a way to turn these close back and forth Draws into Wins to move up the table. Unfortunately, neither team has the real scoring punch to rely on goals when they need it. I would give Bowdoin the Home advantage with more size and athleticism than Wesleyan but this will be a back and forth one-goal game.  I think Wesleyan's Frosh Rubenstein steals the game with a garbage goal. 1-0 Wesleyan

Hamilton at Midd----Both teams desperately need a conference Win. With Hamilton struggling defensively I would think Midd should see about 5-6 really good looks in this game. Will they finish? Midd looks to be well organized defensively this year as their back 4 is solid although Oudet did not play mid-week. I just am not seeing Potter as a lone striker so maybe Reid gets back into the lineup in this match. Goulart has been very quiet and Midd has REALLY struggled scoring this year. Hamilton's defense rolls into town just at the right moment nut just before I give Midd an easy victory I remember this game either last season or 2 years ago where Hamilton was knocking the ball around well and taking it right to Midd. I just do not see any confidence in this Hamilton side right now and would be really surprised if they got a result in this match. Midd 2-0

Colby at Tufts----With all the attention Bates has been getting Colby has quietly gone under the radar and started 4-1-0 but just 1-1-0 in Nescac with a 3-0 loss at Home to Conn. This team has some of the key players that elevated it last year but it also LOST a few as well. I assumed it might take some time to get everyone to gel. Still for the most part the same type of team that will play Tufts exactly how they have played them the past 3 seasons. Tufts knows what is coming but will still be a long slog and struggle to break Colby down in this game. I think in the end Tufts will outlast Colby but it will be forced to work for it. Tufts 2-1

Conn at Amherst-----Nescac game of the weekend. Both teams will be UP for this game. This fixture was a 1-1 Draw last year at Conn and two years ago at Amherst it was an OT Win for Amherst as they scored off a Nate Sommers deflection IIRC. Should be a physical bloodbath on that narrow field. There will be no flow to the game but you can bet we could be treated to a couple of injuries, a fight, tons of yelling and screaming at refs/parents/players/coaches, plenty of entertainment on the end of long set pieces, probably some goals in this particular game I have a hunch...Both teams will try to clamp down but I think both will each get a couple Goals......2-2


Williams at Trinity-----Basically any team that does not pick up 3 pts against Trinity will be in reality 5 pts in the whole to their competition or 6 pts if they  happened to lose. Demian Gass Hat trick will be all the Ephs need.  Williams 3-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 19, 2019, 04:29:25 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on September 19, 2019, 10:41:46 AM
Goals from Tufts 6-0 THRASHING of Wheaton. Is Wheaton that bad? I know Wheaton isn't as good as they were 4-5 years ago but 6-0 seems a bit outrageous. Anyone with intel on their program? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lou9NOLo1Bg

Third goal is a beauty - well worked, outside of the foot cross and a perfect header.

For any of us hoping for Tufts to get knocked down a couple of pegs (or 10) this video is very deflating.

From an opponent's view I think I'm most afraid of Tasker (with Van Brewer a close second)....and I swear Tasker has been at Tufts for 7 or 8 seasons.

Go Mules!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on September 19, 2019, 04:38:59 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 19, 2019, 04:29:25 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on September 19, 2019, 10:41:46 AM
Goals from Tufts 6-0 THRASHING of Wheaton. Is Wheaton that bad? I know Wheaton isn't as good as they were 4-5 years ago but 6-0 seems a bit outrageous. Anyone with intel on their program? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lou9NOLo1Bg

Third goal is a beauty - well worked, outside of the foot cross and a perfect header.

For any of us hoping for Tufts to get knocked down a couple of pegs (or 10) this video is very deflating.

From an opponent's view I think I'm most afraid of Tasker (with Van Brewer a close second)....and I swear Tasker has been at Tufts for 7 or 8 seasons.

Go Mules!

Funny, I was thinking the exact opposite:  I can't believe he's a senior already.   Of course, I've always paid a little more attention to him because he attended my son's middle school, so that may skew my perception of time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 19, 2019, 04:46:27 PM
Quote from: Buck O. on September 19, 2019, 04:38:59 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 19, 2019, 04:29:25 PM
Quote from: oldonionbag on September 19, 2019, 10:41:46 AM
Goals from Tufts 6-0 THRASHING of Wheaton. Is Wheaton that bad? I know Wheaton isn't as good as they were 4-5 years ago but 6-0 seems a bit outrageous. Anyone with intel on their program? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lou9NOLo1Bg

Third goal is a beauty - well worked, outside of the foot cross and a perfect header.

For any of us hoping for Tufts to get knocked down a couple of pegs (or 10) this video is very deflating.

From an opponent's view I think I'm most afraid of Tasker (with Van Brewer a close second)....and I swear Tasker has been at Tufts for 7 or 8 seasons.

Go Mules!

Funny, I was thinking the exact opposite:  I can't believe he's a senior already.   Of course, I've always paid a little more attention to him because he attended my son's middle school, so that may skew my perception of time.

LOL.  He's already got two rings and is going for a third.  The other kid that seemed like he was there forever was Weatherbie....and Lane seems like he's been there for more than a minute too.

Bowdoin 2, Wes 1

Hamilton 2, Midd 1

Tufts 4, Colby 1

Amherst 2, Conn 0 (if Conn gets a result here then I'm a believer)

Williams 5, Trinity 1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 20, 2019, 04:38:05 PM
I enjoyed reading the NESCAC predictions of Mr. Right and PaulNewman.  Both of their predictions for the Colby-Tufts game go against the recent scoring norm for matches between the two teams.  You have to go back as far as 2011 to find a Colby-Tufts game that featured as many as 3 goals (combined between the two teams).  The Conn Coll-Amherst game is a classic battle between an "irreversible force" (NESCAC scoring leader German Giammattei) and an "immovable object" (2018 D3soccer.com Goalkeeper of the Year  AJ Marcucci), who together snagged the past two NESCAC Rookie of the Year awards.  Of course, both Giammattei and Marcucci have a ton of help in advancing their respective causes, which should make for an exciting match tomorrow!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 20, 2019, 04:42:48 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on September 19, 2019, 10:22:59 AM
There seems to be a pretty strong correlation between strong programs and good recruiting.  I'm not sure why these losing coaches haven't figured this out!

(If the above is true, watch for Bates to improve dramatically!)

It's certainly true that a coach who seems to take recruiting seriously will likely have more success than one who doesn't, but I have to say I'm not so sure that it's as easy as correlating the success of a program with the coach's recruiting ability/desire.

Look at Tufts. Even without the prestige the program has developed or Shapiro's man-management, Tufts had to be a pretty popular destination for players as it was: close to Boston, a top 30 school in the USNWR National University rankings, the prestige of the NESCAC while offering something a bit different, etc. And while I do still think of Williams and Amherst as the most "prestigious" NESCAC schools, Tufts' research opportunities, size, and unique offerings (such as Engineering, something not ubiquitous throughout the NESCAC) make it seem (to me) like a pretty easy sell for a lot of kids — even some of those who would be on the radar of Amherst/Williams/etc. Throw in 3 national titles in 5 years — two more than any NESCAC side — and people will practically be filing in.

That being said, as far as Bates goes, it certainly seems like Sheikh is making a more "active" effort to build positive relationships in recruiting than perhaps his predecessor did, as demonstrated by the huge freshman class. While success is not necessarily correlated with squad size, it would seem that he has figured something out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 20, 2019, 05:01:15 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 20, 2019, 04:42:48 PM
I have to say I'm not so sure that it's as easy as correlating the success of a program with the coach's recruiting ability/desire.

I agree 100%.  If recruiting persistence/desire/effort were the primary factor in determining a program's success, Wesleyan would be at or near the top of the NESCAC every year.  Coach Wheeler does an outstanding job in that regard and hasn't been rewarded with a proportional level of competitive success in recent years.

Quote from: blooter442 on September 20, 2019, 04:42:48 PM
Throw in 3 national titles in 5 years — two more than any NESCAC side — and people will practically be filing in.

Recruits never seem to "file in" as much as coaches would prefer, even that coach in Medford  ;)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 21, 2019, 07:15:29 AM
I wasn't meaning that recruiting desire made a difference between Amherst/Williams/Tufts. Those are all highly selective schools with good/great programs. I'm talking about how a program like Bard (for example) needs to up their game. Schools that don't have quite the academic pull, and recently have had a badly losing program. One thing the coaches in these situations can (I think need to) offer is huge enthusiasm about the recruit. That gets the kid paying more attention. The Bates coach is particularly good at this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 21, 2019, 09:51:12 AM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 20, 2019, 05:01:15 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 20, 2019, 04:42:48 PM
I have to say I'm not so sure that it's as easy as correlating the success of a program with the coach's recruiting ability/desire.

I agree 100%.  If recruiting persistence/desire/effort were the primary factor in determining a program's success, Wesleyan would be at or near the top of the NESCAC every year.  Coach Wheeler does an outstanding job in that regard and hasn't been rewarded with a proportional level of competitive success in recent years.

Quote from: blooter442 on September 20, 2019, 04:42:48 PM
Throw in 3 national titles in 5 years — two more than any NESCAC side — and people will practically be filing in.

Recruits never seem to "file in" as much as coaches would prefer, even that coach in Medford  ;)

My guess is that the coach in Medford is pretty happy.  I don't know if recruits are "filing in" for him, but I do think he is in the enviable position of getting a strong class every single year while turning away kids who could be and will be very good players at other highly rated programs.  I know for a fact that over the past five to eight years Shapiro has turned away some very good players (who also were strong students) who went on to be key players for other very good programs and who in some cases became All Americans and/or Academic All Americans.  I don't know in each of those cases whether the "rejection" technically came from the coach or admissions.  Of course, Tufts isn't the only school that has recruits where there was some mutual interest and kids end up somewhere else due to any number of reasons (preference, assessment of coach interest and projections for playing time, admissions, etc).  But, as Mr.Right has noted, Tufts is getting some kids that in the past would have never chosen Tufts over Williams or Amherst.  Mr. Blooter is correct that Tufts is attractive compared to its NESCAC brethren in ways beyond soccer (size, offerings, Boston, etc), and while always considered  very good school my impression is that its attractiveness has exploded over the past decade and past half-decade.  For a recruit, there's no question that 3 titles in 5 years (and team videos to go along) creates a recruiting environment where momentum and success breeds more momentum and success.  And then, seemingly just coincidentally, the profile of Tufts in general has risen.  Back in the mid- to late 2000s, as had been the case for many years, Tufts was often advertised in guidebooks and such as certainly a very good school but one that had a bridesmaid complex sitting so close to Harvard and MIT (and with other Ivies available in New England and the Northeast).  I don't hear that narrative much any more.  I don't know whether Tufts the institution has benefited from a big marketing shift or not, but oddly its place in the USNWR world hasn't really budged.  The NESCAC that has skyrocketed in the USNWR world is Colby, which, for money, is one of the more attractive top LACs in the country.  I'll note that Williams and Amherst, ranked #1 and #2 for like forever, and for Midd and Bowdoin who are rarely out of the top 4-6 or so, there hasn't been any room for a big jump since they already are top of the heap.

Getting back to Tufts, I am curious that when Tufts does miss out on a recruit that Shapiro really wants, is that more likely to happen because of a kid picking another attractive D3 or picking a D1 (like a Bucknell, Colgate, Davidson, etc).  The level of player Tufts is getting I would think often is faced with the dilemma of high academic D1s that are mid to lower level D1s in terms of soccer program versus D3.

As for schools like Bard (and I'd throw in Oberlin, Emerson, and to some extent Vassar and maybe Skidmore), those are challenging places to build a consistently competitive program given the vibes of the schools (more liberal than regular liberal schools, more artsy, more fluid in terms of the gender spectrum, etc, etc).  I think those schools in terms of athletics face challenges that other programs struggling to be competitive in recent years do not (like Colby and Bates and then the trilogy of Conn, Trinity and Union...while noting that Conn has risen into a competitive program in the past several years).  In other words, I would expect the chances of Bates rising with soccer to be significantly better than a Bard.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 11:09:11 AM
Big important weekend for Wesleyan. 2 games against Maine schools(Bowdoin/Colby)but one at Home and one on the Road. You never really see that...Wesleyan gets its first crack at Bowdoin rn...Gotta say love this new Bowdoin scoreboard.  Doesn't jump out at you but it looks like a classic b/w scoreboard.


first 5 minutes Wesleyan is knocking the ball around Bowdoin's pitch with ease but have not found a decent sniff yet. Bowdoin has not AWOKE yet. Bowdoin regular starting GK Chris Kingston has not played since the Midd game last Saturday so not sure if he is injured? Either way he is replaced by a Frosh Michael Webber.


About 20 minutes left in 1st Half and I would say a rather even game with Wesleyan having the better of play and about 2 really good looks one that was struck hard but just wide/over and another a nice save by Bowdoin Frosh GK.  Bowdoin not working its hardest and its showing. Besides #4 Chaban who works his ass off I am seeing an almost passive Bowdoin side right now. Almost like c'est la vie hey if we score and win great but if we do not oh well...gotta go grab the bull baby...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 11:45:32 AM
2 bench players have turned the energy level of Bowdoin in this 1st Half as Bowdoin is starting to take control of the game .Bowdoin really unfortunate as they just had two great chances to score. The two bench players #4 Chaban and #5 Brian Bae are all of 5'6 and 5'5 respectively but they are buzzing around like bees and circling Wesleyan midfielders like sharks. The energy matters and has changed the game as it has woken their teammates up. The goal that was called back for offsides looked to be on the stream at least OFF by an inch but it was close and not a great angle...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 12:18:52 PM
Wesleyan has some decent options in attack. Gallo and Haas(if he is 100% healthy) are two dangerous players if you give them enough space and do not body them up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 12:25:51 PM
About 60 minutes in still a very even game 0-0. Neither team looks particularly dangerous but one chance in this game / one goal should do it...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 01:01:30 PM
Bowdoin v Wesleyan 0-0 after 90. Bit of a tedious match with both teams going on 5-10 minute spurts of play with control of the ball but nothing consistent and nothing to dangerous coming of any of it. A back and forth affair here with OT coming up and neither team can afford to lose this match. Will either team actually try to win it? I have my doubts but my gut tells me we will see a goal in OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on September 21, 2019, 01:37:12 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 01:01:30 PM
Bowdoin v Wesleyan 0-0 after 90. Bit of a tedious match with both teams going on 5-10 minute spurts of play with control of the ball but nothing consistent and nothing to dangerous coming of any of it. A back and forth affair here with OT coming up and neither team can afford to lose this match. Will either team actually try to win it? I have my doubts but my gut tells me we will see a goal in OT.

hell yeah I hope both of these teams tie every game 0-0 from here on out
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 01:39:50 PM
Wesleyan and Bowdoin finish 0-0. Bowdoin nearly won it in the 106th with a 30 yard rifle by Julian Juantorena. Bagged the crossbar instead of the net though and the game finished at zeroes with both teams adding a point to the standings and another shutout to their defensive stats but WHERE ARE THE GOALS? These two teams each have players that can step up but someone needs to get going or both teams will fade.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 02:33:58 PM
NSN providing on the job training for football/basketball announcers who wanted to make some extra $$ and call a Mens Soccer game....A big Thank you to NSN
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 02:42:57 PM
Conn has come out first 10 minutes and look a cool calm collected outfit so far dealing with Amherst attacking weapons. Amherst is certainly threatening but Conn does not look bothered by it as if they were expecting it and are focused on what they need to do to steal this game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 02:52:47 PM
Amherst is goin right at Conn but Conn has weathered the storm so far..0-0 about 20 minutes in as Amherst is piling up the set pieces and long throws with some good looks and Conn has had two downright beauty counters ONE was a fantastic thru ball by Liam Noonan to a streaking Augie Djerdjaj who proceeded to completely muff it. He was not sure what to do either shoot or pass an he took to long to figure it out. A serious striker would have buried that ball...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 21, 2019, 02:57:52 PM
Goal Conn!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 03:00:56 PM
AND we now see the weakness that is the Amherst GK position. After last years GK'in debacle with mistake after mistake it looked like Amherst had an improved White to start the year. Yea well he just let a lofted free kick go right thru his hands to a WIDE open Djerdjaj who FINISHED it and made up for his earlier mishap. That was a nice finish and I like how the kid bounced right back and had the confidence to bury that ball...Still Conn takes a 1-0 lead on an Amherst GK'ing flubb...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 03:18:20 PM
Conn 1-0 lead at Amherst at the Half. I am not sure even with all of Conn's composure and defensive organization that they will be able to keep this dangerous Amherst side off the scoreboard. Should be interesting to see as if this game stays 1-0 at what point the new Conn Head Coach starts wasting time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 04:10:53 PM
Conn still hanging on 1-0 lead over Amherst about 15 min left....Pretty entertaining game with a ton of athleticism on both sides mixed in with physicality and skill and the usual skulduggery here and there. One Amherst mother has a mouth like a truck driver which was fun and a nice balance to the dour announcer. I am still trying to picture if this one Amherst mother is the type that would maybe bake a pie for a new neighbor in the neighborhood.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 21, 2019, 04:12:24 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 04:10:53 PM
Conn still hanging on 1-0 lead over Amherst about 15 min left....Pretty entertaining game with a ton of athleticism on both sides mixed in with physicality and skill and the usual skulduggery here and there. One Amherst mother has a mouth like a truck driver which was fun and a nice balance to the dour announcer. I am still trying to picture if this one Amherst mother is the type that would maybe bake a pie for a new neighbor in the neighborhood.

LOL
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 04:23:45 PM
actually a Conn supporter...and she literally almost choked up her lunch....AJ Marcucci is just a stud in net..Big big saves back there. Butera is such a pest on the field but the type of player you would rather have on your side than against.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 21, 2019, 04:25:59 PM
The Tufts team clearly had circled the colby game after last years Nescac exit choosing to come out in the alternate uniforms that had previously only been worn against Amherst, Conn, and in the national championship game.  They certainly had their desired effect as the Jumbos coasted to a 4-0 victory that also included two shots smashed off the crossbar. The team has managed to tighten it up in the back with three straight shutouts, while maintaining the blistering offensive pace.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 21, 2019, 04:27:59 PM
A great goal from German to tie it up with a minute left for Amherst. Mr. Right you had complained about the lack of elite strikers in the NESCAC the past couple years, but this kid is up there with the best I've seen in the last 6-7 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on September 21, 2019, 04:30:38 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 21, 2019, 04:27:59 PM
A great goal from German to tie it up with a minute left for Amherst. Mr. Right you had complained about the lack of elite strikers in the NESCAC the past couple years, but this kid is up there with the best I've seen in the last 6-7 years.

Yeah this was a an extremely well-worked goal. Good individual effort to free up space and good combination play through Zone 14. Imagine what Amherst could do if they tried playing soccer instead of acting like total pricks for 90 minutes instead
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 04:30:43 PM
That is Heartbreaker type stuff....Conn fell asleep with a minute left....a nice thru ball by found #27 Kenary who had a beautiful soft quick touch to GG who had basically played a nice 1-2. Giammattei finished it and Marcucci had no chance..1-1 heading to OT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 21, 2019, 04:31:20 PM
I don't know what zone 14 is... but i liked everything else you said
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 21, 2019, 04:32:03 PM
also lind whiffed on essentially an empty net from 3 yards out with 35 seconds left. Should have won it right there
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 21, 2019, 04:33:28 PM
Wow...after tying it up Amherst almost wins it in the last minute with a shot cleared off the line. Have to admit, that was a great combination play for the equalizer.

Also, haven't found the trucker mom, but I swear I heard the bird call at this same game. Admittedly, I didn't watch the Tufts game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 21, 2019, 04:35:25 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 02:33:58 PM
NSN providing on the job training for football/basketball announcers who wanted to make some extra $$ and call a Mens Soccer game....A big Thank you to NSN

See, now it makes sense. Yeah, not great.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 04:36:35 PM
Yes I agree GG is a fantastic striker especially if he keeps improving. I am not sold on elite just yet. Sometimes he dribbles to much for my liking and I hate how he tends to dribble with his head down even though when he does usually a burst of speed follows but I want my playerrs seeing the whole field when the ball is at their feet..but I like my strikers selfish and he enjoys scoring and winning..can't teach that.....I actually really like the #23 Ada Okorogheye...he is a real talent and has unlimited potential...No clue how he is not sitting on an Ivy bench right now
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 21, 2019, 04:38:52 PM
Good points Mr. Right. Id be shocked if anyone else takes home rookie of the year.  Player of the year will be interesting battle. While I think Tufts probably has the most talented players they are so balanced no one is going to put up eye popping stats. 3 of the 4 goals today came from guys off the bench.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on September 21, 2019, 04:39:42 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 21, 2019, 04:31:20 PM
I don't know what zone 14 is... but i liked everything else you said

https://footballbh.net/2019/02/04/the-use-of-zone-14-the-key-to-winning-football-matches/ (https://footballbh.net/2019/02/04/the-use-of-zone-14-the-key-to-winning-football-matches/)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 04:43:02 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 21, 2019, 04:33:28 PM
Wow...after tying it up Amherst almost wins it in the last minute with a shot cleared off the line. Have to admit, that was a great combination play for the equalizer.

Also, haven't found the trucker mom, but I swear I heard the bird call at this same game. Admittedly, I didn't watch the Tufts game.


Bloots you do not hear a possibly psychotic woman screaming at the top of her lungs
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 21, 2019, 04:45:54 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 04:43:02 PM
Bloots you do not hear a possibly psychotic woman screaming at the top of her lungs

The commentary was so bad I muted it after about 3 or 4 mins.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 21, 2019, 05:35:50 PM
OK, that was good enough for Conn to win me over.  I'm sure they are disappointed but they could have lost in that last 30-40 secs of regulation as it seemed like Amherst had 3-4 point blank chances.  I liked how Conn wasn't bullied and still for the most part kept their own rhythm, and I was impressed that they stayed composed enough to walk away with at least a draw.  And the Camels have a huge plus on their side with Marcucci.  Now if only they can do something with that woman who sounded like a Mom who gets tossed 1st period at a U10 hockey game.

Amherst is tough to love and McMillian seemed especially obnoxious....but they are gonna be a handful to deal with come November barring serious injuries.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 21, 2019, 06:15:30 PM
I didn't realize Amherst outshot Conn 37-15.  I know Amherst was chasing an equalizer but 37 shots is still a ton.  And Conn out-fouled Amherst by 10.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on September 21, 2019, 07:01:27 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 21, 2019, 06:15:30 PM
I didn't realize Amherst outshot Conn 37-15.  I know Amherst was chasing an equalizer but 37 shots is still a ton.  And Conn out-fouled Amherst by 10.

I don't think they had 37 genuine shots. They only way you get to 37 is if every long ball played in that went to the goalie is considered a shot
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on September 21, 2019, 08:42:35 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 01:39:50 PM
Wesleyan and Bowdoin finish 0-0. Bowdoin nearly won it in the 106th with a 30 yard rifle by Julian Juantorena. Bagged the crossbar instead of the net though and the game finished at zeroes with both teams adding a point to the standings and another shutout to their defensive stats but WHERE ARE THE GOALS? These two teams each have players that can step up but someone needs to get going or both teams will fade.

Was going to try and clip some video from this game, specifically to highlight some of the struggles Wesleyan are having to create chances, but it downloaded kind of funky.

Anyways, here's my breakdown for Wesleyan: given the struggles this program has had over the past few years, there were a bunch of things they needed to correct beyond just finding goals, though that had been a persistent problem. In the past, Wesleyan would drop into a deep block defensively and would struggle to find a way to go out of that, generally choosing to simply boot it long hoping that their forwards could hold the ball up 1 v 4/2 v 6 and slowly win field position, instead of trying to pass out of the back or have patterns of play they could counterattack out of. That was always going to fail. 

This year, to Wheeler's credit, his team has been much more courageous about trying to pass out of the back, being willing to stick to that (for the most part) even as teams press high up the field. By building out of the back, they make it easier to have their front four (Wesleyan is generally playing out of a flat 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, depending on personnel) to occupy spaces higher up the field. Quite a few times today, they were able to break Bowdoin's pressure in their own defensive third, affording Wesleyan the space to play line-splitting passes into the half-spaces (https://spielverlagerung.com/2014/09/16/the-half-spaces/ (https://spielverlagerung.com/2014/09/16/the-half-spaces/)). The problem is that things break down for Wesleyan from there. Instead of using the half-space to then play into the central channel and keep a shifting defense under pressure, too often Wesleyan takes the easy way out by simply bouncing the ball into the wide channel, moving Wesleyan away from goal and allowing opponents' defenses to re-establish a compact shape. Similarly things get quite static once the ball goes out wide; generally, the wide midfielder is asked to drive 25-40 yards to the goal line, beat his defender, and deliver good service across. It's a big ask. I tried to diagram a version of this scenario below, where from left sideline to right sideline there are 5 channels [Left wide channel, Left half-space, Central channel, Right half-space, Right wide channel]:
(https://i.imgur.com/nUv05vQ.mp4)

Otherwise, a forward or attacking midfielder will offer an option by making an inside-out run from the half-space to the wide channels, further moving attacking numbers away from goal.

To be fair, there *were* times when they attempted to play centrally and created some danger for Bowdoin, or simply missed out connecting on the final pass. Connecting on those passes will come with more cohesion, especially as this young team gets more experienced. And the fact that they've clearly worked on how they want to build out from the back is promising. But this program has long suffered from not drilling attacking patterns of play the same way they do on the defensive side on the ball. Soccer is a free flowing game, but you drill defensive tactics and organization to reduce the collective action problems that come from trying to get 11 players on the same page. Giving your team replicable attacking patterns means that you have to do less guessing and reading of your teammates movement and body language, and you can play quicker because you know what spaces your teammate will run into before you get the ball.

This is true beyond Wesleyan; too many teams still look like their attacking strategy is "roll the ball out and make something happen" when the game has moved far beyond that. That's at least, I think, in part, why so many of these games feel like they are 0-0 or 1-1 slogs --- the defenses are cohesive and organized, while the attacks... are not. Now, coaches don't need to be Pep Guardiola, but Pep's teams regularly demonstrate how simple rehearsed attacking patterns through the half-spaces can slice up opponents: 

(https://i.imgur.com/fAU2caX.mp4)



Finally, we can see a successful use of the half-space in the NESCAC using Amherst's well-worked equalizer against Conn today:

(https://i.imgur.com/uWuuxNb.mp4)



(Sorry, I can't figure out how to make these clips smaller, I would resize them a bit if I could)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on September 22, 2019, 09:17:58 PM
Middlebury finally gave up a goal. It was on an iffy penalty kick call with the subs in in a 7-1 rout of Castleton. 650 minutes played before conceding. 1st yr GK Ryan Grady still has not conceded this season, starting all 6 games.. very challengi.g conference weekend coming up--home vs Conn College and at Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on September 23, 2019, 09:57:53 AM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 21, 2019, 08:42:35 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 21, 2019, 01:39:50 PM
Wesleyan and Bowdoin finish 0-0. Bowdoin nearly won it in the 106th with a 30 yard rifle by Julian Juantorena. Bagged the crossbar instead of the net though and the game finished at zeroes with both teams adding a point to the standings and another shutout to their defensive stats but WHERE ARE THE GOALS? These two teams each have players that can step up but someone needs to get going or both teams will fade.

Was going to try and clip some video from this game, specifically to highlight some of the struggles Wesleyan are having to create chances, but it downloaded kind of funky.

Anyways, here's my breakdown for Wesleyan: given the struggles this program has had over the past few years, there were a bunch of things they needed to correct beyond just finding goals, though that had been a persistent problem. In the past, Wesleyan would drop into a deep block defensively and would struggle to find a way to go out of that, generally choosing to simply boot it long hoping that their forwards could hold the ball up 1 v 4/2 v 6 and slowly win field position, instead of trying to pass out of the back or have patterns of play they could counterattack out of. That was always going to fail. 

This year, to Wheeler's credit, his team has been much more courageous about trying to pass out of the back, being willing to stick to that (for the most part) even as teams press high up the field. By building out of the back, they make it easier to have their front four (Wesleyan is generally playing out of a flat 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, depending on personnel) to occupy spaces higher up the field. Quite a few times today, they were able to break Bowdoin's pressure in their own defensive third, affording Wesleyan the space to play line-splitting passes into the half-spaces (https://spielverlagerung.com/2014/09/16/the-half-spaces/ (https://spielverlagerung.com/2014/09/16/the-half-spaces/)). The problem is that things break down for Wesleyan from there. Instead of using the half-space to then play into the central channel and keep a shifting defense under pressure, too often Wesleyan takes the easy way out by simply bouncing the ball into the wide channel, moving Wesleyan away from goal and allowing opponents' defenses to re-establish a compact shape. Similarly things get quite static once the ball goes out wide; generally, the wide midfielder is asked to drive 25-40 yards to the goal line, beat his defender, and deliver good service across. It's a big ask. I tried to diagram a version of this scenario below, where from left sideline to right sideline there are 5 channels [Left wide channel, Left half-space, Central channel, Right half-space, Right wide channel]:
(https://i.imgur.com/nUv05vQ.mp4)

Otherwise, a forward or attacking midfielder will offer an option by making an inside-out run from the half-space to the wide channels, further moving attacking numbers away from goal.

To be fair, there *were* times when they attempted to play centrally and created some danger for Bowdoin, or simply missed out connecting on the final pass. Connecting on those passes will come with more cohesion, especially as this young team gets more experienced. And the fact that they've clearly worked on how they want to build out from the back is promising. But this program has long suffered from not drilling attacking patterns of play the same way they do on the defensive side on the ball. Soccer is a free flowing game, but you drill defensive tactics and organization to reduce the collective action problems that come from trying to get 11 players on the same page. Giving your team replicable attacking patterns means that you have to do less guessing and reading of your teammates movement and body language, and you can play quicker because you know what spaces your teammate will run into before you get the ball.

This is true beyond Wesleyan; too many teams still look like their attacking strategy is "roll the ball out and make something happen" when the game has moved far beyond that. That's at least, I think, in part, why so many of these games feel like they are 0-0 or 1-1 slogs --- the defenses are cohesive and organized, while the attacks... are not. Now, coaches don't need to be Pep Guardiola, but Pep's teams regularly demonstrate how simple rehearsed attacking patterns through the half-spaces can slice up opponents: 

(https://i.imgur.com/fAU2caX.mp4)



Finally, we can see a successful use of the half-space in the NESCAC using Amherst's well-worked equalizer against Conn today:

(https://i.imgur.com/uWuuxNb.mp4)



(Sorry, I can't figure out how to make these clips smaller, I would resize them a bit if I could)

Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 23, 2019, 10:35:31 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 21, 2019, 06:15:30 PM
I didn't realize Amherst outshot Conn 37-15.  I know Amherst was chasing an equalizer but 37 shots is still a ton.  And Conn out-fouled Amherst by 10.

I was curious so checked the official scoring summary.  They break shots down to ....A. shots .... and then of those B. shots on goal.  Amherst 37 shots - 15 on goal;  Conn 15 shots - 10 on goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2019, 12:21:27 PM
Not sure what u were looking for when watching #23 but the kid is a stud athlete. If he has the willingness to listen and learn he has unlimited potential. It's really up to the kid and frankly the coaching staff to get it right.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2019, 12:33:41 PM
As I had previously stated this was a big weekend for Wesleyan. They fought hard and got 4 out of 6 pts against a decent Bowdoin squad and a faltering Colby side. I agree with most if your assessment of Wesleyan but again it comes down to talent. Find a system for ur players not find players for ur system. The latter is for consistent winning programs NOT programs trying to regain some prominence. Wheeler had seemed in the past to be more stuck in his system but recently he has been willing to change. Every team in practice should be working separately with attackers and mid/defenders. I would imagine teams that are not at the top of  the league would need to work more on defensive positioning and really focus and double check that ur GK and defenders are on the same page. I am sure he spends a ton of time on defending set pieces and on and on but you can see where the attackers might get lost in the priority shuffle at some practices
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on September 23, 2019, 03:55:07 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 23, 2019, 09:57:53 AM
Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

Agreed that talent is obviously a large driver in the success of these programs, as Mr. Right pointed out, but I don't think it is enough to excuse the tactical side of the game. And in some ways, the inability to maximize more talented squads is how that program ended up in the rut it has found itself in. So, there's a bit of a feedback loop there.

Outside of the top, like, 3 (or 4) teams in the conference, everyone else is close enough in talent that it's everything else that your team does at the margins that separates you. Playing for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws might do you enough to make the conference tournament in most years, but it's always going to put a cap on how good you can be. There is a solid foundation of young talent on which to build, as well as a spine of seniors to keep them afloat this year. But they also aren't going to win anything this year. And while you obviously want to build your defensive foundation first, they are going to stay mired in the back half of the conference if they can't find a way to make themselves dangerous going forward. And without the kinds of players who can create magic by themselves, you do it by getting numbers forward to occupy and overload defenses, by having clear attacking patterns that allow you to play quickly and fluidly against organized defenses, and by designing your attack to create efficient scoring opportunities.

I think a willingness to pass out of the back offers a glimmer of hope in that regard, but it's still too often where they are attacking 2v6 or 4v8, where they attack almost exclusively by having wingers go 1v1 (or 1v2) and hitting hopeful crosses from the flank or taking shots from 20-25 yards out (all things equal, crossing (https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/15/5107438/shot-matrix-ii-pass-type-and-shot-type-or-heading-is-super-hard) and long shots (https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/13/5098186/shot-matrix-i-shot-location-and-expected-goals) are extremely inefficient methods of scoring), instead of looking for combinations that could allow them to penetrate into the penalty area (https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/2427824/barcelona-arsenal-attacks-excel-due-to-danger-zone-passing).

They seem stronger defensively than I think most were predicting given how many underclassmen they have starting, so I'll be interested to see if they can start to implement some more attacking concepts going forward -- if I'm willing to suffer through another 0-0 draw with other more interesting games to watch going on around the conference
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 23, 2019, 04:15:27 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 23, 2019, 03:55:07 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 23, 2019, 09:57:53 AM
Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

Agreed that talent is obviously a large driver in the success of these programs, as Mr. Right pointed out, but I don't think it is enough to excuse the tactical side of the game. And in some ways, the inability to maximize more talented squads is how that program ended up in the rut it has found itself in. So, there's a bit of a feedback loop there.

Outside of the top, like, 3 (or 4) teams in the conference, everyone else is close enough in talent that it's everything else that your team does at the margins that separates you. Playing for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws might do you enough to make the conference tournament in most years, but it's always going to put a cap on how good you can be. There is a solid foundation of young talent on which to build, as well as a spine of seniors to keep them afloat this year. But they also aren't going to win anything this year. And while you obviously want to build your defensive foundation first, they are going to stay mired in the back half of the conference if they can't find a way to make themselves dangerous going forward. And without the kinds of players who can create magic by themselves, you do it by getting numbers forward to occupy and overload defenses, by having clear attacking patterns that allow you to play quickly and fluidly against organized defenses, and by designing your attack to create efficient scoring opportunities.

I think a willingness to pass out of the back offers a glimmer of hope in that regard, but it's still too often where they are attacking 2v6 or 4v8, where they attack almost exclusively by having wingers go 1v1 (or 1v2) and hitting hopeful crosses from the flank or taking shots from 20-25 yards out (all things equal, crossing (https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/15/5107438/shot-matrix-ii-pass-type-and-shot-type-or-heading-is-super-hard) and long shots (https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/13/5098186/shot-matrix-i-shot-location-and-expected-goals) are extremely inefficient methods of scoring), instead of looking for combinations that could allow them to penetrate into the penalty area (https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/2427824/barcelona-arsenal-attacks-excel-due-to-danger-zone-passing).

They seem stronger defensively than I think most were predicting given how many underclassmen they have starting, so I'll be interested to see if they can start to implement some more attacking concepts going forward -- if I'm willing to suffer through another 0-0 draw with other more interesting games to watch going on around the conference

Is this about Amherst or Wesleyan?  Confusing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on September 23, 2019, 04:55:58 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 23, 2019, 03:55:07 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 23, 2019, 09:57:53 AM
Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

Agreed that talent is obviously a large driver in the success of these programs, as Mr. Right pointed out, but I don't think it is enough to excuse the tactical side of the game. And in some ways, the inability to maximize more talented squads is how that program ended up in the rut it has found itself in. So, there's a bit of a feedback loop there.

Outside of the top, like, 3 (or 4) teams in the conference, everyone else is close enough in talent that it's everything else that your team does at the margins that separates you. Playing for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws might do you enough to make the conference tournament in most years, but it's always going to put a cap on how good you can be. There is a solid foundation of young talent on which to build, as well as a spine of seniors to keep them afloat this year. But they also aren't going to win anything this year. And while you obviously want to build your defensive foundation first, they are going to stay mired in the back half of the conference if they can't find a way to make themselves dangerous going forward. And without the kinds of players who can create magic by themselves, you do it by getting numbers forward to occupy and overload defenses, by having clear attacking patterns that allow you to play quickly and fluidly against organized defenses, and by designing your attack to create efficient scoring opportunities.

I think a willingness to pass out of the back offers a glimmer of hope in that regard, but it's still too often where they are attacking 2v6 or 4v8, where they attack almost exclusively by having wingers go 1v1 (or 1v2) and hitting hopeful crosses from the flank or taking shots from 20-25 yards out (all things equal, crossing (https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/15/5107438/shot-matrix-ii-pass-type-and-shot-type-or-heading-is-super-hard) and long shots (https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/13/5098186/shot-matrix-i-shot-location-and-expected-goals) are extremely inefficient methods of scoring), instead of looking for combinations that could allow them to penetrate into the penalty area (https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/2427824/barcelona-arsenal-attacks-excel-due-to-danger-zone-passing).

They seem stronger defensively than I think most were predicting given how many underclassmen they have starting, so I'll be interested to see if they can start to implement some more attacking concepts going forward -- if I'm willing to suffer through another 0-0 draw with other more interesting games to watch going on around the conference

I find myself agreeing with you and Mr. Right an awful lot. This is spot on regarding the Wes style of play and competition in the league.  Plus these 0-0, 1-0 games are just not fun or interesting to watch and oftentimes frustrating. Though frankly that can be said about most conference games.  Players have the right idea, can take on the defenders and seem like they will do something interesting on the play, but too often that ends with a run down the sideline and a hail mary. Haven't seen a single one connect.  Would like to see the attack concepts you speak of implemented (or at least worked on) in games. It is hard to see anyone but the top 3 (maybe 4) winning anything this year (though we all remember what Coby did last year), so why not make it more fun for the students, parents and fans watching?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on September 23, 2019, 05:45:10 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 23, 2019, 04:55:58 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 23, 2019, 03:55:07 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 23, 2019, 09:57:53 AM
Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

Agreed that talent is obviously a large driver in the success of these programs, as Mr. Right pointed out, but I don't think it is enough to excuse the tactical side of the game. And in some ways, the inability to maximize more talented squads is how that program ended up in the rut it has found itself in. So, there's a bit of a feedback loop there.

Outside of the top, like, 3 (or 4) teams in the conference, everyone else is close enough in talent that it's everything else that your team does at the margins that separates you. Playing for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws might do you enough to make the conference tournament in most years, but it's always going to put a cap on how good you can be. There is a solid foundation of young talent on which to build, as well as a spine of seniors to keep them afloat this year. But they also aren't going to win anything this year. And while you obviously want to build your defensive foundation first, they are going to stay mired in the back half of the conference if they can't find a way to make themselves dangerous going forward. And without the kinds of players who can create magic by themselves, you do it by getting numbers forward to occupy and overload defenses, by having clear attacking patterns that allow you to play quickly and fluidly against organized defenses, and by designing your attack to create efficient scoring opportunities.

I think a willingness to pass out of the back offers a glimmer of hope in that regard, but it's still too often where they are attacking 2v6 or 4v8, where they attack almost exclusively by having wingers go 1v1 (or 1v2) and hitting hopeful crosses from the flank or taking shots from 20-25 yards out (all things equal, crossing (https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/15/5107438/shot-matrix-ii-pass-type-and-shot-type-or-heading-is-super-hard) and long shots (https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/13/5098186/shot-matrix-i-shot-location-and-expected-goals) are extremely inefficient methods of scoring), instead of looking for combinations that could allow them to penetrate into the penalty area (https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/2427824/barcelona-arsenal-attacks-excel-due-to-danger-zone-passing).

They seem stronger defensively than I think most were predicting given how many underclassmen they have starting, so I'll be interested to see if they can start to implement some more attacking concepts going forward -- if I'm willing to suffer through another 0-0 draw with other more interesting games to watch going on around the conference

I find myself agreeing with you and Mr. Right an awful lot. This is spot on regarding the Wes style of play and competition in the league.  Plus these 0-0, 1-0 games are just not fun or interesting to watch and oftentimes frustrating. Though frankly that can be said about most conference games.  Players have the right idea, can take on the defenders and seem like they will do something interesting on the play, but too often that ends with a run down the sideline and a hail mary. Haven't seen a single one connect.  Would like to see the attack concepts you speak of implemented (or at least worked on) in games. It is hard to see anyone but the top 3 (maybe 4) winning anything this year (though we all remember what Coby did last year), so why not make it more fun for the students, parents and fans watching?

I get the incentive to be in win-now mode every season, particularly for coaches and senior athletes. But on some level, when you get a good group of underclassmen, you kind of have to shift your mindset into thinking of it as multi-year process: how do you build things up so that by the time your FRs/SOs are JRs/SRs, you can start truly competing for titles again. In some ways, this mirrors the conversation around the US Men's National Team under Berhalter. And like, I don't want to have a true discussion here about whether he is the right coach, etc. etc., but the basic idea is that he's trying to implement a definitive style of play for the national teams, across all levels, that is predicated on having the ball and using positional play (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kpwviUgoro) to create opportunities -- instead of sitting back and countering, as the US used to do. The USMNT was always quite good at being a counter-attacking team but it was always going to limit the USMNT's ceiling. Obviously, this USMNT doesn't quite have the talent at the moment to execute this new system as we've all seen, but guys like Pulisic, Adams, McKennie, Dest, Weah, Sargent, etc. are all 21 and under, so the hope is that in 3 years when we are in a WC cycle and these guys are hitting their primes, the groundwork laid now allows the group to hit a new level.

Anyways, it's not like Wesleyan has to do anything super intricate, but making sure they get numbers forward and making a more concerted effort to attack towards the center, would be enough of a start.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on September 23, 2019, 06:55:14 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 23, 2019, 05:45:10 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 23, 2019, 04:55:58 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 23, 2019, 03:55:07 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 23, 2019, 09:57:53 AM
Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

Agreed that talent is obviously a large driver in the success of these programs, as Mr. Right pointed out, but I don't think it is enough to excuse the tactical side of the game. And in some ways, the inability to maximize more talented squads is how that program ended up in the rut it has found itself in. So, there's a bit of a feedback loop there.

Outside of the top, like, 3 (or 4) teams in the conference, everyone else is close enough in talent that it's everything else that your team does at the margins that separates you. Playing for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws might do you enough to make the conference tournament in most years, but it's always going to put a cap on how good you can be. There is a solid foundation of young talent on which to build, as well as a spine of seniors to keep them afloat this year. But they also aren't going to win anything this year. And while you obviously want to build your defensive foundation first, they are going to stay mired in the back half of the conference if they can't find a way to make themselves dangerous going forward. And without the kinds of players who can create magic by themselves, you do it by getting numbers forward to occupy and overload defenses, by having clear attacking patterns that allow you to play quickly and fluidly against organized defenses, and by designing your attack to create efficient scoring opportunities.

I think a willingness to pass out of the back offers a glimmer of hope in that regard, but it's still too often where they are attacking 2v6 or 4v8, where they attack almost exclusively by having wingers go 1v1 (or 1v2) and hitting hopeful crosses from the flank or taking shots from 20-25 yards out (all things equal, crossing (https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/15/5107438/shot-matrix-ii-pass-type-and-shot-type-or-heading-is-super-hard) and long shots (https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/13/5098186/shot-matrix-i-shot-location-and-expected-goals) are extremely inefficient methods of scoring), instead of looking for combinations that could allow them to penetrate into the penalty area (https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/2427824/barcelona-arsenal-attacks-excel-due-to-danger-zone-passing).

They seem stronger defensively than I think most were predicting given how many underclassmen they have starting, so I'll be interested to see if they can start to implement some more attacking concepts going forward -- if I'm willing to suffer through another 0-0 draw with other more interesting games to watch going on around the conference

I find myself agreeing with you and Mr. Right an awful lot. This is spot on regarding the Wes style of play and competition in the league.  Plus these 0-0, 1-0 games are just not fun or interesting to watch and oftentimes frustrating. Though frankly that can be said about most conference games.  Players have the right idea, can take on the defenders and seem like they will do something interesting on the play, but too often that ends with a run down the sideline and a hail mary. Haven't seen a single one connect.  Would like to see the attack concepts you speak of implemented (or at least worked on) in games. It is hard to see anyone but the top 3 (maybe 4) winning anything this year (though we all remember what Coby did last year), so why not make it more fun for the students, parents and fans watching?

I get the incentive to be in win-now mode every season, particularly for coaches and senior athletes. But on some level, when you get a good group of underclassmen, you kind of have to shift your mindset into thinking of it as multi-year process: how do you build things up so that by the time your FRs/SOs are JRs/SRs, you can start truly competing for titles again. In some ways, this mirrors the conversation around the US Men's National Team under Berhalter. And like, I don't want to have a true discussion here about whether he is the right coach, etc. etc., but the basic idea is that he's trying to implement a definitive style of play for the national teams, across all levels, that is predicated on having the ball and using positional play (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kpwviUgoro) to create opportunities -- instead of sitting back and countering, as the US used to do. The USMNT was always quite good at being a counter-attacking team but it was always going to limit the USMNT's ceiling. Obviously, this USMNT doesn't quite have the talent at the moment to execute this new system as we've all seen, but guys like Pulisic, Adams, McKennie, Dest, Weah, Sargent, etc. are all 21 and under, so the hope is that in 3 years when we are in a WC cycle and these guys are hitting their primes, the groundwork laid now allows the group to hit a new level.

Anyways, it's not like Wesleyan has to do anything super intricate, but making sure they get numbers forward and making a more concerted effort to attack towards the center, would be enough of a start.

And once again . . . . I agree on all fronts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2019, 08:37:02 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 23, 2019, 05:45:10 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 23, 2019, 04:55:58 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 23, 2019, 03:55:07 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on September 23, 2019, 09:57:53 AM
Great analysis! I think it's right on. There's a tendency at Wes to dribble down the sideline and smack the ball towards the middle of the box hoping (key word, hoping) for some connection in the middle, which is a lot to ask. I've seen some runs from attacking players but they generally don't get the ball back. It goes randomly towards the middle from the side, usually after a pretty good run from a winger. Their defense is tough to penetrate. The offense needs work. They look more solid this year and could pose some danger if the offense begins to connect. Future looks brighter than expected.

That combo from Amherst to GG was pretty to watch.  Put that kind of talent on any NESCAC team and it can compete for the crown.  GG was good last year but this year he is playing with more confidence and more respect from his teammates. He will be scary in a couple of years. Frankly, #23 isn't as smooth. He's big with skills, but looked a bit klunky. Granted this was the first time watching him so I will reserve judgment.  He'll obviously score many goals and would be welcome on most NESCAC teams.  I was expecting to see something different though.  Amherst will go far this year. Not as far as Tufts.

Agreed that talent is obviously a large driver in the success of these programs, as Mr. Right pointed out, but I don't think it is enough to excuse the tactical side of the game. And in some ways, the inability to maximize more talented squads is how that program ended up in the rut it has found itself in. So, there's a bit of a feedback loop there.

Outside of the top, like, 3 (or 4) teams in the conference, everyone else is close enough in talent that it's everything else that your team does at the margins that separates you. Playing for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws might do you enough to make the conference tournament in most years, but it's always going to put a cap on how good you can be. There is a solid foundation of young talent on which to build, as well as a spine of seniors to keep them afloat this year. But they also aren't going to win anything this year. And while you obviously want to build your defensive foundation first, they are going to stay mired in the back half of the conference if they can't find a way to make themselves dangerous going forward. And without the kinds of players who can create magic by themselves, you do it by getting numbers forward to occupy and overload defenses, by having clear attacking patterns that allow you to play quickly and fluidly against organized defenses, and by designing your attack to create efficient scoring opportunities.

I think a willingness to pass out of the back offers a glimmer of hope in that regard, but it's still too often where they are attacking 2v6 or 4v8, where they attack almost exclusively by having wingers go 1v1 (or 1v2) and hitting hopeful crosses from the flank or taking shots from 20-25 yards out (all things equal, crossing (https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/15/5107438/shot-matrix-ii-pass-type-and-shot-type-or-heading-is-super-hard) and long shots (https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/13/5098186/shot-matrix-i-shot-location-and-expected-goals) are extremely inefficient methods of scoring), instead of looking for combinations that could allow them to penetrate into the penalty area (https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/2427824/barcelona-arsenal-attacks-excel-due-to-danger-zone-passing).

They seem stronger defensively than I think most were predicting given how many underclassmen they have starting, so I'll be interested to see if they can start to implement some more attacking concepts going forward -- if I'm willing to suffer through another 0-0 draw with other more interesting games to watch going on around the conference

I find myself agreeing with you and Mr. Right an awful lot. This is spot on regarding the Wes style of play and competition in the league.  Plus these 0-0, 1-0 games are just not fun or interesting to watch and oftentimes frustrating. Though frankly that can be said about most conference games.  Players have the right idea, can take on the defenders and seem like they will do something interesting on the play, but too often that ends with a run down the sideline and a hail mary. Haven't seen a single one connect.  Would like to see the attack concepts you speak of implemented (or at least worked on) in games. It is hard to see anyone but the top 3 (maybe 4) winning anything this year (though we all remember what Coby did last year), so why not make it more fun for the students, parents and fans watching?

I get the incentive to be in win-now mode every season, particularly for coaches and senior athletes. But on some level, when you get a good group of underclassmen, you kind of have to shift your mindset into thinking of it as multi-year process: how do you build things up so that by the time your FRs/SOs are JRs/SRs, you can start truly competing for titles again. In some ways, this mirrors the conversation around the US Men's National Team under Berhalter. And like, I don't want to have a true discussion here about whether he is the right coach, etc. etc., but the basic idea is that he's trying to implement a definitive style of play for the national teams, across all levels, that is predicated on having the ball and using positional play (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kpwviUgoro) to create opportunities -- instead of sitting back and countering, as the US used to do. The USMNT was always quite good at being a counter-attacking team but it was always going to limit the USMNT's ceiling. Obviously, this USMNT doesn't quite have the talent at the moment to execute this new system as we've all seen, but guys like Pulisic, Adams, McKennie, Dest, Weah, Sargent, etc. are all 21 and under, so the hope is that in 3 years when we are in a WC cycle and these guys are hitting their primes, the groundwork laid now allows the group to hit a new level.

Anyways, it's not like Wesleyan has to do anything super intricate, but making sure they get numbers forward and making a more concerted effort to attack towards the center, would be enough of a start.


Hey I agree with all of this..ur preaching to the choir though...If you just take a look
at ur last paragraph that sums it up for Nescac. All Wheeler has to do or any other Nescac coach has to do is send #'s u say. BUT THEY REFUSE to play like this because either they are unsure or unable to implement such a playing style or they are to cautious and just not comfortable leaving themselves open to the counter all game...its all about nutsack.  Trust me the players would prefer this as well as the fans...

Something along the lines of above I had a chuckle this wknd when watching Amherst v Conn. Amherst had a deep throw-in from their defensive zone as the ball was kicked way out of bounds. An Amherst Frosh jogs over grabs the ball and was about to take a quick throw to his teammate to swing the ball around the back like he did at the club level..He was quickly grabbed and b4 he knew it #5 Johnson was heaving a long bomb just to clear the ball out of the zone..the kid had an expression of like what in sweet hell..Welcome to Hitchcock
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 23, 2019, 08:50:34 PM
To be fair Tufts has scored ten goals the last two games playing a back 3 with true wingers as the wingbacks. That's about as attacking and sending #s forward as you can get.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2019, 06:56:41 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 23, 2019, 08:50:34 PM
To be fair Tufts has scored ten goals the last two games playing a back 3 with true wingers as the wingbacks. That's about as attacking and sending #s forward as you can get.


When Tufts plays like that consistently against the Amherst/Conn/etc teams then I would agree. Tufts does play some nice futbol against weaker competition, like most teams do, but the tougher the competition the more cautious Shapiro gets. 
Obviously it has worked for him.  However, when Tufts went up to Bowdoin last year in the last regular season game and I think had something still to play for they came out in a 3-5-2 and were playing some serious futbol. Knocking the ball around and playing freely it was the best game of the year in Nescac last year. It also FORCED Bowdoin to attack and counter themselves because the players saw more opportunities in attack than they had all year...My point then and now is YES Tufts can play some great futbol but then they fall back into a 4-2-3-1 or defending with a 4-5-1. Usually this happens against better teams and then the game turns into a massive slog.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 27, 2019, 04:15:31 PM
Trying out predictions for Saturday games:

Bowdoin at Trinity  - Bowdoin has 1 goal in 4 games, Trinity has let in a ton, but looked better against Williams.  I think Bowdoin gets a couple, but Trinity plays hard at home and gets one as well.
Bowdoin 2 - Trinity - 1

Colby at Hamilton - Only saw the Colby/Conn game and none of the Hamilton games ... so just looking at stats with Hamilton without a goal in 3 games.  Hopefully they could get one... but mathematically I'll go with...
Colby 1 - Hamilton 0

Conn at Middlebury - Conn is willing to push up and go for offense and goals (13 on the season) where in Middlebury's first three games there has only been 1 goal in total. Middlebury has yet to let in NESCAC goal.  Hope the game opens up, and give the scoring edge to Camels.  (Plus, Camel alum so have to go with them..)
Conn 2 - Middlebury 0

Amherst at Williams - Should be an interesting match.  Still impressed by William's close game with Tufts.  Amherst, as folks here point out, aggressive & physical and tough to keep off the scoreboard.  Hoping for an entertaining one.
Amherst 2 - Williams 1

Tufts at Bates.  Tufts is so strong, but I am impressed with how hard Bates play.  Interesting to see how they can try handle #1 team in D3 at home.  Have to give big advantage to Tufts.
Tufts 2 - Bates 0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 10:34:46 AM
Busy week....so today will be my first day this week to sit down and take a look at some of these teams sine last weekend.

Amherst at Williams is the game of the weekend. No matter if these teams were both 0-7-0 this would still be the game of the weekend. That fact right there pisses off some outside the Amherst/Williams bubble yet still inside Nescac world in EVERY sport not just Men's Soccer. Watching this play out in real time with real antagonists and instigators can be fun entertainment.  To the game it will go one of two ways. 1. Amherst comes storming into town with last year's game on their mind and they start the game on an all out assault on Williams net. Amherst has more talent and the ability to put Williams on their heels. So Amherst would do to Williams what they did to St.Joe's in last years NCAA's. Blitz early score a couple goals and milk it.  2. Amherst still comes out pumped up and blitzing in attack BUT they do not finish and let Williams hang around long enough to start to gain some confidence of their own and go right at Amherst themselves. Keep in mind an all of a sudden "suspect" GK in net again and doubt starts to creep in. Doubt comes quick, swiftly and rips you right in the gut when you are least expecting it.   1-1

Colby at Hamilton----These teams are both struggling and desperately need 3pts..Colby cannot score and Hamilton cannot defend....

Conn at Midd------Conn is playing very well right now and showed well at Amherst. Midd's spine is legit and defensively and in net they are solid. I do not see either team generating a ton of opportunities and I actually think Midd will win this game at Home. For years Midd had dominated this matchup until maybe two years ago when Conn won up here and then won again last year. I'll say Midd gets one off a set piece like the good old days and see it out. 1-0 Midd

Bowdoin at Trinity---Absolute MUST 3 pts for the PB's. We are starting to get into dangerous territory for the Bantams...Could we have 2 consecutive 0-10-0 seasons here?

Tufts at Bates----Statement time for the Bates Men's Soccer program...I know they are for real and are turning the corner but a Win or even a Draw would be a huge statement to the rest of the league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 28, 2019, 10:57:12 AM
Hi - Home with an injured knee from playing old socks soccer, so had time to create a NESCAC games played spreadsheet.  Not sure it will come out well here, but will give it a try.  Sorted teams based on % of Pts.  And notes whether future games home or away.   I apologize if it comes out wacky.. or not at all.  A bit tech challenged. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 12:15:03 PM
Brandon Reid gives Midd a 1-0 lead with a BURST of speed with the ball at his feet to blow by Conn defender gives himself enough space to bury one. Midd had buried one earlier off a set piece header but he was offside(good call). Very nice goal and pure class to finish it. Striker's goal.

Conn comes back to tie it up with 2 quick one touch passes and a nice finish by Conn's #14 Augie Djerdaj who is having a break out season here...He showed well last week at Amherst as well. PISS POOR defensive effort by Midd's 25 Barsamian as he basically waived at Djerdaj on his way by and then jogged to track him...

Both teams giving each other tons of space and goals look to be coming today if the flow continues like this...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 12:49:10 PM
1-1 at the Half Conn/Midd....Well all that fun in the Conn/Midd game only lasted 7 minutes because after all that space, passing, creativity and risk taking it was just all to much for everyone. The rest of the half degenerated into a first class slog err snore...Both teams just go back to feeling each other out the rest of the Half with neither team having many chances let alone possession in the opponents defensive 3rd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 01:29:36 PM
Midd/Conn still 1-1 about halfway thru 2nd Half...This Half has been better as the ball is staying on the ground and Conn is trying to possess a bit. I love how Conn's striker checks to the ball hard and then switch it up. Butera has hit some perfect set pieces that could have been finished. You look at Butera and the word skill doesn't jjump at you but the kid is skilled and deft with the ball and he does have a presence in midfield for someone his size.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 01:39:21 PM
Midd with a golden chance to take a lead but the Soph Drazen whiffs on a chance with about 15 left...I really did not realize how little depth Midd has this year. Their bench is very young and inexperienced and most are not quite ready for prime time yet...Both teams will get some chances to win this thing
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 01:54:48 PM
Conn/Midd 1-1 Heading to OT not before some fireworks before the end of the game.....Conn 2 CB's Stoneback and Bocchetti are pretty solid especially Stoneback. The RB Stokes is a veteran and a tough kid however he might be a little high on his own skill as if i were the opposing coach I would be pressing him the minute the ball touches his feet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 02:00:07 PM
Serpone giving Frosh Ignacio Cubeddu his first career start in a pretty big game..he is a skilled player from what I have seen but nesds some mass.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 02:16:07 PM
So Williams in  a 4-2-3-1 and have moved Gass and Fabricant wide with Felitto up top. I like that as Gass should be wide with his speed however Sullivan is asking his two wide guys to track back so he has Fabricant and Gass tracking instead of staying in attack which again against Amherst I understand but to score he has to take some risks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 02:18:37 PM
Looks like Midd pulled out a 2-1 Win over Conn in OT but I missed it as I switched to the Williams/Amherst game..That is a huge 3 pts for Midd and a very important game for Conn tomorrow to avoid having a disaster weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 02:32:34 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 02:00:07 PM
Serpone giving Frosh Ignacio Cubeddu his first career start in a pretty big game..he is a skilled player from what I have seen but nesds some mass.


Well this start that Serpone gave Cubeddu had an impact as the Frosh makes his Coach look like a stable genius as he scores a nice goal off an individual piece of skill and finish. 1-0 Amherst middle of 1st Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on September 28, 2019, 02:35:00 PM
Midd wins on pk. Drazen took his man off the dribble and got wiped out. Sloan sends Marcucci wrong way to win it for Panthers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 02:38:59 PM
Williams best chance with 10 minutes left after a pick by Nathan Song he sneaks a beautiful ball splitting Amherst CB's into Gass's path but it went into Gass's left foot and he has no left foot. His shot was weak but still made White dive for it. If that was on Gass's right he would have buried it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 02:48:11 PM
Amherst goes up 2-0 off a long throw by Johnson and then finished. GK frozen on line. Defenders just failed to get to ball and clear. When you have fresh legs like McMillian coming off the bench running at tired defenders eventually you need to focus more and more...Count me as really unsure about this Williams Frosh GK...

2-0 Amherst Halftime
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on September 28, 2019, 02:52:54 PM
Must be a frustrating half for Williams where they mostly played fine. In fact, they were able to slice up Amherst a couple times and had their chances. But then, they end up down 2-0 because Amherst is Amherst. I'm not sure I change a whole lot in the second half if I'm Williams; the chances will be there, they will just have to grind their way back.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 02:57:46 PM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on September 28, 2019, 02:35:00 PM
Midd wins on pk. Drazen took his man off the dribble and got wiped out. Sloan sends Marcucci wrong way to win it for Panthers.

Well good Drazen gets some love back because he had a real good look with about 15 left but did not get onto it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 03:01:02 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 28, 2019, 02:52:54 PM
Must be a frustrating half for Williams where they mostly played fine. In fact, they were able to slice up Amherst a couple times and had their chances. But then, they end up down 2-0 because Amherst is Amherst. I'm not sure I change a whole lot in the second half if I'm Williams; the chances will be there, they will just have to grind their way back.


True...In years past Amherst would have shut this game down 100% but the past few years we have seen examples of Amherst defense making some very questionable decisions and obviously bad GK'ing to let teams right back into games. However, while Williams might get a goal or 2 back I do not think Amherst is done scoring either...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 03:02:47 PM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on September 28, 2019, 02:35:00 PM
Midd wins on pk. Drazen took his man off the dribble and got wiped out. Sloan sends Marcucci wrong way to win it for Panthers.

Anyone know who took Drazen down?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 28, 2019, 03:51:54 PM
Tufts-Bates 0-0 at half. Missed the first 15 mins or so, but while Tufts has had the better of the possession and chances, they know they're in a game — Bates has held its own. Good crowd out on a nice day in Lewiston.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 03:55:31 PM
Amherst 2-0 Williams Final...Ugly 2nd Half...Amherst was just nursing its lead while Williams did not do nearly enough to get back into the game. The effort 2nd Half was not great but he was resting some players for tmrw. Either Conn or Williams could go 0-2-0 this wknd with a loss tmrw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 28, 2019, 04:25:00 PM
Bates hits the bar! They have been causing Tufts all kinds of problems from set pieces so far this second half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on September 28, 2019, 04:28:52 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 28, 2019, 03:02:47 PM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on September 28, 2019, 02:35:00 PM
Midd wins on pk. Drazen took his man off the dribble and got wiped out. Sloan sends Marcucci wrong way to win it for Panthers.

Anyone know who took Drazen down?
#11 Donelan.  Clear foul two yards inside the penalty area.  Middlebury came out on fire and scored early and had two others pulled out of the net (correctly) for offside.  Conn then controlled large stretches of possession and had numerous corner and free kicks, but very little to show for it.  Middlebury defended well and was dangerous on the counterattack.  Big win for the Panthers to continue their unbeaten start (5-0-2, 2-0-2).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 28, 2019, 05:01:34 PM
Going to OT. The Tufts fans seems a little uneasy despite their team dominating the shots and SOG stats — Bates has about 3 big chances. I guess that's what happens when you haven't lost a game (excluding the NESCAC quarters last year) for 22+ months and the other team is creating some stuff and you haven't scored yet. Still, given the Jumbos' know-how in these situations, long way for Bates to go to even hang on for a draw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 28, 2019, 05:34:40 PM
Tufts wins it in the second overtime off a scramble in front of the net which Jacobs finished. Hard to argue that the Jumbos didn't deserve it given their statistical supremacy, but Bates gave them a hell of a game and would've merited a draw had they held on.

I think this is the toughest test that Tufts has had to date. Iwowo is a hell of a player and gave the Tufts defense a really hard time all day, his size and close control really got his teammates involved and he won loads of second balls. I remember the last game I saw at Bates a couple years ago I remarked that Opoku had some good skill and pace but kept getting bodied off the ball when playing center forward. With him playing in the hole behind Iwowo they were able to get a decent amount of possession in the Tufts half. I hope Sheikh gives them more opportunity to play together because they complement each other really well.  We all know about the Jumbos,  and they ground out the result like a champion, but based on what I saw today I would not be surprised if we saw Bates continue to improve even further. They seem to have a group of hard-working players who are committed to the cause.

I realize that I am waxing lyrical here about the losing team, but I think it's important to remember that historically they have been very much basement dwellers in the NESCAC – a lot like Tufts was prior to the arrival of Shapiro – and if this coach can sustain their improvement I think they could be a top 4 team in the league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 01:00:12 PM
The attention today should be on the Amherst v Midd and Williams v Conn games because of the impact to the top of the table but what should not go unnoticed is 2 solid non league games for 2 teams(Wesleyan and Bowdoin) who are kind of toeing the line on how successful a season each team will have. Bowdoin picked up Keene St as a non-league game this year to "buff" up their SOS. Credit to Wiercinski for getting at least one non Maine team on his non-conference schedule but MORE could and should be done to play better teams. The cautious Wiercinski stuck them on a Sunday of a back to back with Trinity on the Saturday. Still Keene will be a good test for Bowdoin. Another game will be Wesleyan hosting Clark in an important game for Wesleyan to keep building its confidence and winning non league Home games like this one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 01:02:10 PM
Everyone knew it was coming but how long would it take......Keene State's field is now "Dr. Ron Butcher field"......In all seriousness I think he is still involved in the game up there locally but I am sure he is happy at how his longtime assistant Rick Scott busting his butt to try to get the program back to where it was 10-15 yeasr ago..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 01:22:18 PM
Clark at Wesleyan is 0-1 at Halftime...Interesting matchup between two teams that are kind of undersized compared to their foes in their respective leagues. Scratch all that as Clark just showed how vulnerable they are on the counter and why they are giving up some goals this year. The goal was scored by Wesleyan Frosh Rubenstein BUT the man that should get all the credit is Wesleyan GK Teddy Lowen. People sometimes forget part of evaluating a GK and a big part of how GK's can differentiate themselves is DISTRIBUTION. Lowen got hold of the ball after a Clark corner and quickly realized(1-2 seconds) that Wesleyan had a real good counter ready and he fired a missile right to the toe of Wesleyan's Cameron Park. Park found a sprinting Jack Wolf as he got it to Rubenstein ,who was barreling forward beat a man easily and buried it. A+ counter for Wesleyan and Lowen just really impressed me with quick thinking, pivot,missile,dead on accuracy......2-0 Wesleyan 5 min into 2nd half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 01:59:23 PM
Tale of two different teams....Conn makes maybe 1 change to lineup today from yesterday and Williams makes about 4. Maybe fresh legs but actually more of a kick in the ass me thinks....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 02:11:17 PM
Williams at least has come out with energy and are pressing Conn deep in their Half. The problem is Conn does not seem all that rattled even after a few giveaways. This IMO is a good idea against Conn especially to start the game when you have max energy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 02:33:27 PM
Forgot to give props to Cutler Coleman yesterday in the Amherst/Williams match. The Amherst midfielder was the player of the match and worked his ass off. He was frustrating player after player of Williams players would could not shake him or stop him...


Also I am beginning to respect the game of Williams midfielder Nick Boardman. I probably glanced at his hometown when he came in as a frosh and saw Greenwich,CT and assumed the usual skill but probably didn't work 100% or was not a tough kid or whatever. This kid is all that and more he busts his butt and is fast with different gears plus I notice his skill has improved this year. He impressed this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 02:54:13 PM
Williams v Conn 0-0 at the Half. Both teams have come out and played hard especially on the 2nd end of a back to back for both teams. Both teams also came out and tried to play simple and make the ball do the work but it degenerated soon after with both teams getting sloppy and not connecting in their opponents half. Williams had 4 shots yesterday and look to be on pace for another 4-5 today. Umm not gonna get it done..Game has no real flow yet and I am not expecting it to turn into a masterpiece. Which team WANTS it more......thats it rn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 02:58:18 PM
Meanwhile these linesman MUST start watching Amherst #5 Bryce Johnson long throws....I just witnessed on the stream his finish on one and he was in the field of play when he landed. Linesman should have eyes on the play about to happen and his form.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 03:14:25 PM
5 minutes into 2nd half Williams Justin Adams makes a bonehead challenge with a booking already on his sheet gets sent off and Williams is down to 10 for 40 minutes. That just handcuffs his Head Coach for the rest of the game. I would be surprised if he sees action next game.That should be doghouse type stuff as to me its selfish. You know you have a Yellow you need to focus and stay disciplined. A benching is sometimes the only way kids learn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on September 29, 2019, 03:18:02 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 03:14:25 PM
5 minutes into 2nd half Williams Justin Adams makes a bonehead challenge with a booking already on his sheet gets sent off and Williams is down to 10 for 40 minutes. That just handcuffs his Head Coach for the rest of the game. I would be surprised if he sees action next game.That should be doghouse type stuff as to me its selfish. You know you have a Yellow you need to focus and stay disciplined. A benching is sometimes the only way kids learn.

true, though by definition, he misses the next game, right? Or is there some weird rule about double yellows at the college level that I'm unaware of?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on September 29, 2019, 03:24:36 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 02:58:18 PM
Meanwhile these linesman MUST start watching Amherst #5 Bryce Johnson long throws....I just witnessed on the stream his finish on one and he was in the field of play when he landed. Linesman should have eyes on the play about to happen and his form.....

Half of his throws were illegal in the games I saw in person last year. I think his throws later games might be less legal than at the start. Tired legs, perhaps? Either way, i doubt they will ever call a foul on his throws. But ya, keep an eye on those feet!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 03:40:59 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 29, 2019, 03:18:02 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 03:14:25 PM
5 minutes into 2nd half Williams Justin Adams makes a bonehead challenge with a booking already on his sheet gets sent off and Williams is down to 10 for 40 minutes. That just handcuffs his Head Coach for the rest of the game. I would be surprised if he sees action next game.That should be doghouse type stuff as to me its selfish. You know you have a Yellow you need to focus and stay disciplined. A benching is sometimes the only way kids learn.

true, though by definition, he misses the next game, right? Or is there some weird rule about double yellows at the college level that I'm unaware of?

haha yes in my frustration in real time my brain froze but u get my point....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 03:58:55 PM
Conn starting to turn up the heat here near the end of regulation as we are heading to OT in Williamstown. Conn's Yeonas showing some speed and skill that I had seen here and there from him in the past but if he can get consistent for Conn up top with #23 and #14 Conn could get even more production. With Donelan, Stoneback and Miranda Conn is dangerous on corners and set pieces. Noonan has impressed today as well on the flank for Conn. Still if Conn is going to take the next step in the NCAA's this is the type of game they have to SHOW they can win in OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on September 29, 2019, 08:09:11 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 03:40:59 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 29, 2019, 03:18:02 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 29, 2019, 03:14:25 PM
5 minutes into 2nd half Williams Justin Adams makes a bonehead challenge with a booking already on his sheet gets sent off and Williams is down to 10 for 40 minutes. That just handcuffs his Head Coach for the rest of the game. I would be surprised if he sees action next game.That should be doghouse type stuff as to me its selfish. You know you have a Yellow you need to focus and stay disciplined. A benching is sometimes the only way kids learn.

true, though by definition, he misses the next game, right? Or is there some weird rule about double yellows at the college level that I'm unaware of?

haha yes in my frustration in real time my brain froze but u get my point....
Middlebury ties Amherst 1-1. Nice worked goal by Panthers in 1st half. Constant Amherst pressure resulted in equalizer by #9 Giamattei with 9 minutes left. Freshman GK Ryan Grady man of the match with 10 saves, including kick save with left foot on a Giamattei breakaway. On a side note, the behavior of Amherst coach and bench was embarrassingly bad. Constant complaining and repeated f bombs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 29, 2019, 08:55:38 PM
Couple of funny moments at Bates yesterday. At half time, a few of the Tufts subs went out to warm up on the pitch, playing mostly long passes. A solid 10-20 of the Bates students present started heckling them (it was surprisingly good-natured) and then one of the players whiffed trying to play a tough ball. They were predictably all over him, but he laughed it off and said "I appreciate y'all." There were a number of heckle-able moments but it was generally good-natured (the one exception being when Lane went down legitimately and they said get up). I remember being at the Bowdoin-Middlebury Elite 8 game back in 2010 and the Bowdoin students telling Middlebury 'keeper Tim Cahill that his hair looked like that of someone who drinks cough syrup. Even if not tasteful, it was a pretty cerebral insult, and I suppose one likely to be heard at a NESCAC sporting event.

More thoughts on the game. I thought Tufts controlled play (probably 60% possession) but as I said before what stuck out was how many second balls and 50/50s Bates won. As a team Tufts' work rate is exceptional and part of why they are so good is that — in addition to being defensively sound and offensively talented — they win the majority of second balls and 50/50s. The team press (I would call it a "compact press" maybe in that it's usually the offensive players pressing while the defense keeps its shape) has been the one constant of all of Shapiro's teams. Regardless, Bates made the game a lot more interesting by winning their fair share of those opportunities. In particular Goldfarb was everywhere, and his positioning and intelligence allowed him to clean up several would-be dangerous situations. van Brewer was the engine room, he is everywhere, but Aroh had his hands full up against Iwowo who won a ton of second balls and got his teammates involved. Rojas and Braun both played the ball out of bounds a few times, but I did think they put themselves about, had good work rate, just wasn't happening for them. Likewise, while putting themselves about, Lane and Tasker were both pretty quiet by their high standards. I was interested to see that Tufts changed shape between 3-5-2 (attacking) and 4-3-3 (defending) at least a few times. It takes really good team chemistry to change shape on the fly like that, particularly with the changing # of backs, and I thought that was impressive. That said, I think it disrupted their flow — they created a large number of chances but I only remember maybe three forcing good saves or blocks. The final ball was off and there were a few times where Tufts played the ball out of bounds under no pressure. Very unlike the Jumbos. Harned did not have a save to make, but that is somewhat of a misnomer: he had to clear his box a number of times and Bates also hit the bar off a set piece. As a unit, Tufts had to clear its lines a number of times, situations where you'd maybe expect them to have the time to play it out from the back, although I think that maybe had to do with Bates' pressure and willingness to battle for loose balls.

Early in overtime, Tasker went down in the box but no penalty was given. It looked to me like there might have been contact but he did appear to make the most of it. Ref was never interested, and Tasker didn't protest that much, so I don't think it was a stonewall penalty. By the second overtime, Bates seemed content to see it out for a point, and they invited Tufts in, sitting back a bit. At the point that Tufts struck, it appeared that there would only be one winner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 29, 2019, 10:05:04 PM
I watched the Middlebury-Amherst game today. I felt it was choppy with very little flow and the ball in the air way too much. Is that kind of play typical of NESCAC teams?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 29, 2019, 11:00:33 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on September 29, 2019, 10:05:04 PM
I watched the Middlebury-Amherst game today. I felt it was choppy with very little flow and the ball in the air way too much. Is that kind of play typical of NESCAC teams?

I think it's more typical of NESCAC games than it is of NESCAC teams per se.  Amherst's narrow field (and preferred style of play in recent years) no doubt contributed to the apparent lack of flow.  On the whole, NESCAC teams have players that can play a skilled game with the ball on the ground, but when NESCAC conference games are played, the ball winds up in the air a whole lot more than many fans might prefer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 30, 2019, 07:24:31 AM
Got it. I did feel all the players on the field were very talented,  and both teams scored when they put the ball on the ground and played to feet. Are there teams/games that have better soccer, though?

If the NESCAC is the (or one of) best d3 soccer conference, and Amherst is the #2 ranked team in the country, I am wondering if *all* d3 soccer looks like this?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TyWebb on September 30, 2019, 08:42:55 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on September 30, 2019, 07:24:31 AM
Got it. I did feel all the players on the field were very talented,  and both teams scored when they put the ball on the ground and played to feet. Are there teams/games that have better soccer, though?

If the NESCAC is the (or one of) best d3 soccer conference, and Amherst is the #2 ranked team in the country, I am wondering if *all* d3 soccer looks like this?
I haven't gotten to watch Messiah play this season and I know they've had some injuries so I can't speak to their play in 2019. But last year I watched them play games against Dickinson and York and I was really impressed by how they played the ball on the ground. It seemed to me that unless they were forced to clear, everything was rolling. As a side note but speaking to your point. A few weeks back my 80-year-old mother-in-law came to watch my son's D3 team play a game. When we asked her what her impressions were of the game she said: "both teams kicked the ball in the air too much". I sometimes wonder if the coaches notice....they sure don't seem to say anything.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 30, 2019, 10:26:12 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on September 30, 2019, 07:24:31 AM
Got it. I did feel all the players on the field were very talented,  and both teams scored when they put the ball on the ground and played to feet. Are there teams/games that have better soccer, though?

If the NESCAC is the (or one of) best d3 soccer conference, and Amherst is the #2 ranked team in the country, I am wondering if *all* d3 soccer looks like this?

I would be reluctant to paint with so broad a brush.  The same criticism has been leveled against all college soccer (not just D3), but in D3 alone there are dozens (if not hundreds) that "put the ball on the ground and play to feet."  The aforementioned Messiah, UAA teams, Calvin, Tufts, and many others do a good job in playing the style you find appealing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2019, 03:20:03 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on September 30, 2019, 10:26:12 AM
I would be reluctant to paint with so broad a brush.  The same criticism has been leveled against all college soccer (not just D3), but in D3 alone there are dozens (if not hundreds) that "put the ball on the ground and play to feet."  The aforementioned Messiah, UAA teams, Calvin, Tufts, and many others do a good job in playing the style you find appealing.

I don't mean this in the literal sense, but as I've said previously the NESCAC is kind of like the Premier League. What I mean is that, at least compared to other D3 conferences, I think there is a recognition that all the teams in the league are relatively close in skill and ability and therefore there is not a lot of urgency to try to play super progressive stuff if they don't have the personnel to do so (for fear of getting blown out). This might explain why you feel that NESCAC teams are more skilled than NESCAC conference games let on.

I think where the frustration for non-NESCAC observers lies is in seeing teams who seemingly have the personnel to keep it on the ground and play some nice stuff but, for whatever reason, don't do so. This can be for a number of reasons, but usually seems to boil down to coaching philosophy. Kind of like Mourinho's teams — nobody really begrudges Stoke or West Brom for going out and playing 4-4-2 with two banks of four and long balls to the hilt given the size of their wage bills, even if I myself have called Amherst "Stoke City" a few times, but when Mourinho had all that talent at Chelsea and Man Utd and he still persisted with a direct, defensive style it drove a lot of people nuts. On a side note, as an LFC supporter it made it even more fun when he got sacked after losing 3-1 at Liverpool trying to park the bus last December, although his Anfield record was surprisingly good including that infamous Gerrard slip game. Still, I enjoyed a good bit of schadenfreude in the former result. (I still think Mourinho coining the phrase "park the bus" is one of the greatest examples of psychological projection I've ever seen — kind of like another well-known individual coining the term "fake news," but we'll leave it at that.)

Anyway, I think there's a difference between being a lower-level team and having to rely on direct tactics to stay in games against better teams and being a good team that persists with a direct style when it appears they could be more progressive. Amherst seems to be the example everyone cites (perhaps along with Bowdoin), and it's hard to disagree — they have had some seriously solid technical players (Pascual-Leone, Spencer Noon, etc.) but have persisted with very direct tactics throughout Serpone's tenure and I think that (in addition to the bench decibel level and on-field antics which seem to almost intentionally be played up an extra 20% above normal) has given them a bad rap. I myself have been guilty of ragging on them, but I have to hand it to them that they get results — that 2017 Amherst team was not exactly a vintage outfit (2012 and 2015 come to mind as the best) but they still made it to the Sweet 16 (and have done so every year since Serpone started). Say what you want about them, and most of us have, but to be able to make it to the Sweet 16 that consistently is remarkable, regardless of what style you play.

All this being said, while some teams play direct stuff, there are a few that like to keep the ball on the ground and have the players to play an exciting style and generally do so. I think of Tufts, Williams, and Conn. Then you have teams who are trying to play positively but they don't quite have the personnel to play combinations or tiki-taka people to death so they play somewhat direct and with pace. I think of Colby, Bates, and maybe Hamilton. They might like to keep the ball on the ground, but know that playing, say, Tufts straight up isn't going to end well, so they sit back and the ball gets into the air. Even teams like Amherst aren't immune to putting together some combinations (e.g. Giammattei's equalizer against Conn.) but they are not exactly possession-oriented as one might say. Then, in addition to Amherst and Bowdoin, you have other teams that prefer to go direct. I think of Middlebury, Trinity, and Wesleyan, although admittedly I haven't seen as much of the latter two in recent years, so that may well be unfair.

Now, I would imagine that NESCAC fans, by and large, will tell you that the ends justify the means. And in the sense of winning national titles, they are correct, though half of all the national titles won by NESCACs (6) have been won by Tufts, which generally keeps the ball on the ground (the 2016 team was an exception, and they themselves would admit that they were not as technically adept as the 2014 and 2018 teams) and from what I understand Williams in 1995 was of a progressive ilk, as well (wasn't there, to be fair). Even so, Messiah has won 11 national titles (five more than all of the NESCAC) generally playing on the front foot, so there is not one right or wrong way to win. But with a number of teams in close competitive proximity, and with mistakes able to be punished in an instant, there is not a lot of incentive to try to tiki-taka your way out of the back. Thus, the long ball is played, a second ball gets contested, and then it just turns into some head tennis. I don't think that's what teams set out to do when they walk out on to the pitch, but it's more often than not the way it unfolds.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on September 30, 2019, 04:06:47 PM
I generally agree with Blooter's analogy regarding the NESCAC bearing similarities to the English Premier League...albeit at the D3 college level.  Even though Tufts and Amherst have performed at a consistently higher level than most other NESCACs over the past 8 years or so, the league is highly competitive.  On any given day, any team has a chance vs. any other team and plays accordingly.  The prettiness of the beautiful game is often sacrificed in an all out 90 minute (or 120 minute) effort to get a result.

Again, as I've said before, I'll take a highly competitive contest (even if direct and not aesthetically appealing) over a mismatch where the dominant team plays on the ground because they're relatively unchallenged.  Although...as I suspect is the case for all of us...the ideal world would be a highly competitive game that is also aesthetically appealing...but that's a relative rarity in D3...or even D1 as Blooter points out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on September 30, 2019, 04:28:34 PM
Quote from: truenorth on September 30, 2019, 04:06:47 PM
I generally agree with Blooter's analogy regarding the NESCAC bearing similarities to the English Premier League...albeit at the D3 college level.

If the NESCAC is D3's version of the EPL, then is the UAA D3's version of La Liga?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 30, 2019, 06:05:52 PM
I think that "direct" soccer is the overwhelming trend in all levels of college soccer and it mainly comes down to the rules. College soccer has different rules than at any other level so the game is played differently. My allowing essentially unlimited subs, teams are able to cycle through fresh players at will. This allows teams to hyper press for almost the full 90 minutes. Something not possible in a traditional match. With such effective presses it becomes a safer choice to bypass the midfield and start your own press then to try to play out. This is doubly true if you don't have players quite talented enough to play out of pressure.

When it comes to the NESCAC, Amherst was the clear driver of this trend. They see soccer as a numbers game where each time the ball is in the box there is an X% chance of it leading to a goal. The more times it's in the box the better chance of scoring. If your team is bigger and more athletic than your percentage is greater at each turn. This approach forced other teams to adapt and is now being replicated my other teams, as the conference's rosters add more size.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on September 30, 2019, 06:17:14 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 30, 2019, 06:05:52 PM
I think that "direct" soccer is the overwhelming trend in all levels of college soccer and it mainly comes down to the rules. College soccer has different rules than at any other level so the game is played differently. My allowing essentially unlimited subs, teams are able to cycle through fresh players at will. This allows teams to hyper press for almost the full 90 minutes. Something not possible in a traditional match. With such effective presses it becomes a safer choice to bypass the midfield and start your own press then to try to play out. This is doubly true if you don't have players quite talented enough to play out of pressure.

When it comes to the NESCAC, Amherst was the clear driver of this trend. They see soccer as a numbers game where each time the ball is in the box there is an X% chance of it leading to a goal. The more times it's in the box the better chance of scoring. If your team is bigger and more athletic than your percentage is greater at each turn. This approach forced other teams to adapt and is now being replicated my other teams, as the conference's rosters add more size.

Echoing the other points made on here, this is definitely something where it's more true of NESCAC games than NESCAC teams, and it's especially true in a game where Amherst is involved. Now, in fairness, a lot of top-level soccer has trended in the direction of "pressing and counter-pressing high up the field, winning second balls, attacking quickly and directly in transition, and creating advantages off of set pieces." Look no further than what Klopp has done at Dortmund and Liverpool and to how the philosophy of the Red Bull-owned clubs (https://www.coachtechsoccer.com/jesse-marsch/) has led to clear success across the globe. I don't think playing "direct" and/or a game in transition is necessarily bad soccer. There's an art in gaming those moments to the benefit of your team. It's when teams literally just "kick and run" without a clear goal or set of tactics behind it where playing direct gets a bad rap. And obviously college soccer rules contribute to games where are both teams are just running at each other all game and playing bumper cars.

For Amherst, everything they do from who they recruit to acting like barely potty-trained toddlers on the sidelines, feeds into the kind of style they want to play. And it's hard to knock it too much, given their success. More programs could take a lesson from making sure their entire culture is aligned to maximize their success on the field. Amherst's particular culture is obviously toxic, but it's effective because they are all-in on it.  But, I think they are, like, 20% less dangerous than they could be if they were better able to recognize moments to actually play, and I think teams who are willing to be a bit more patient on the ball can find gaps in between their press. Lofting the ball into the penalty area as many times as possible actually isn't super efficient, but Amherst makes up for that by who they recruit. Crosses and headers and shots with lots of defenders in the way aren't great, all things equal, which is why they could be served to actually use their talent advantages to break teams down more often than they do.

Better and more confident referees would go a long way towards keeping Amherst in line from game-to-game, but I'm not holding my breath on that front. Really, the conference and athletic directors should've reined in Serpone's anger issues and general gross behavior a long time ago because it bleeds into his coaching staff, and his players, and Amherst fans, and scoreboard operators who feel they have license to curse out opponents on the sidelines (true story). It's sports, it's competitive competition, it shouldn't be all puppies and rainbows, but their behavior is embarrassing for the conference -- and we shouldn't all have to feel icky after witnessing an Amherst soccer game on a Saturday afternoon.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 30, 2019, 06:23:56 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 30, 2019, 06:05:52 PM
I think that "direct" soccer is the overwhelming trend in all levels of college soccer and it mainly comes down to the rules. College soccer has different rules than at any other level so the game is played differently. My allowing essentially unlimited subs, teams are able to cycle through fresh players at will. This allows teams to hyper press for almost the full 90 minutes. Something not possible in a traditional match. With such effective presses it becomes a safer choice to bypass the midfield and start your own press then to try to play out. This is doubly true if you don't have players quite talented enough to play out of pressure.

This is an excellent point.  Although the substitution rules allow for participation by a larger number of players (a good thing), it fundamentally alters the nature of the game (a not-so-good thing, in my opinion).   I know a successful coach (multiple NCAA tournament appearances) who would start his athletic, but unskilled players, have them run up and down the field to soften the opponent up, and then bring in his skilled players to take advantage of the worn out opponent.  The rules clearly allow and encourage that kind of approach, so it is what it is. Ultimately, though, it is heartening to see that the championship squads are able to overcome such tactics and let their skills shine through.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 30, 2019, 07:59:29 PM
Really appreciate everyone's perspective.  I am trying to educate myself on what is out there so it is tremendously helpful.

Whoever said it was frustrating to watch because you can tell these players have the talent to be doing something other than head ping pong  is right, at least for me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on September 30, 2019, 09:00:37 PM
I doubt there's a player (or parent) who wouldn't say their u19 club team would feast on many of these college teams. Anyway, I don't begrudge teams that play direct.  It can be effective and you can win lots of games, and after all, the goal of the game is to put the round thing in the rectangle more often than your opponent. But that doesn't mean I need to like it, or enjoy watching it.

Of note is that I've yet to meet a former college player who said "I have such fond memories of playing the right way in college" and I've never heard the 35yr old weekend warrior brag about how they strung together 12 one-touch passes in college. Rather, they remember winning conferences and fighting for a national championship.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on September 30, 2019, 10:24:54 PM
Quote from: EB2319 on September 30, 2019, 09:00:37 PM
I doubt there's a player (or parent) who wouldn't say their u19 club team would feast on many of these college teams. Anyway, I don't begrudge teams that play direct.  It can be effective and you can win lots of games, and after all, the goal of the game is to put the round thing in the rectangle more often than your opponent. But that doesn't mean I need to like it, or enjoy watching it.

Of note is that I've yet to meet a former college player who said "I have such fond memories of playing the right way in college" and I've never heard the 35yr old weekend warrior brag about how they strung together 12 one-touch passes in college. Rather, they remember winning conferences and fighting for a national championship.

There's a difference between effective and most effective, though. "Direct" vs. "tiki-taka" is a false choice; soccer isn't that simple or that binary. Anyways, I think the problems most people have with Amherst are less about what style of play they use and more about how they handle themselves as people -- when it comes down to it. Tufts has had lots of recent success, and I don't think the reason they get less vitriol has much to do with the fact that they can play "prettier" soccer at times.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on September 30, 2019, 10:44:55 PM
Totally agree with the comments re Amherst.  I have been a college official for over 30 years, and I would never tolerate the antics that I saw on the sideline and the field.  The behavior I witnessed Sunday vs Middlebury was unbelievable.  Now I understand why all of my son's teammates cannot stand Amherst.  It is not their style of play per se--it is the way that they conduct themselves, starting with the head coach.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on October 01, 2019, 07:43:36 AM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on September 30, 2019, 10:44:55 PM
Totally agree with the comments re Amherst.  I have been a college official for over 30 years, and I would never tolerate the antics that I saw on the sideline and the field.  The behavior I witnessed Sunday vs Middlebury was unbelievable.  Now I understand why all of my son's teammates cannot stand Amherst.  It is not their style of play per se--it is the way that they conduct themselves, starting with the head coach.

Can you elaborate on the behavior that you're referencing above?  I did not see the game, so I'm just curious what others see when they watch Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2019, 07:57:13 AM
When Serpone first came into the league in 2007 and showed his recruiting style, playing style most teams changed to keep up with them. Williams did not and just ignored Amherst and stuck to their game. It did wonders reaching 3 Final 4's in Russo's final years. Teams can get to caught up in copying others instead of just adding a little size to deal with Amherst but not going overboard to the point of 1 Nescac team starting a 6'8 striker with NO skill/speed/talent but hoping he can get his head to something.

As far as his behavior and the bench that is different. The old guard of Head Coaches complained to their ADs all the time. However, they had no power to change anything. Pressure was tried to be put on Amherst to do something but all they got was a backhand. Amherst assigned a school monitor to sit at Halfeld but that's all he did was sit there. It was a joke. I believe the only reason Amherst acted on providing a "monitor" was


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on October 01, 2019, 08:02:27 AM
Quote from: OldNed on October 01, 2019, 07:43:36 AM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on September 30, 2019, 10:44:55 PM
Totally agree with the comments re Amherst.  I have been a college official for over 30 years, and I would never tolerate the antics that I saw on the sideline and the field.  The behavior I witnessed Sunday vs Middlebury was unbelievable.  Now I understand why all of my son's teammates cannot stand Amherst.  It is not their style of play per se--it is the way that they conduct themselves, starting with the head coach.

Can you elaborate on the behavior that you're referencing above?  I did not see the game, so I'm just curious what others see when they watch Amherst.

Frequent f bombs audible from across the field.  Screaming "you're a f...ing disgrace" at other coach.  Coach complaining about every call.  Players arguing every decision by the referee.  Players triggering a mass confrontation after a hard foul, to the point where the referee had to literally shove players back to prevent a fight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 01, 2019, 08:44:57 AM
Well, Amherst's style puts some recruits off.

I also was at the game; I couldn't hear either coach but agree there was a confrontation after a foul. And there were *so* many fouls!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on October 01, 2019, 09:01:41 AM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on September 30, 2019, 10:44:55 PM
Totally agree with the comments re Amherst.  I have been a college official for over 30 years, and I would never tolerate the antics that I saw on the sideline and the field.  The behavior I witnessed Sunday vs Middlebury was unbelievable.  Now I understand why all of my son's teammates cannot stand Amherst.  It is not their style of play per se--it is the way that they conduct themselves, starting with the head coach.

I met Serpone when he was recruiting my kid. Totally opposite of what you see on the field. He genuinely seems like a good and thoughtful guy who is all in on his players. He also has an outstanding business/leadership program for his players that sets the program apart from the recruiting perspective. I had never watched one of their games before I met him but had read about the program, so was pleasantly surprised with their presentation. Their players also seemed like a good bunch of guys and many were active in other activities on campus. Having said that, I can now say that what you see on the field and what you see off of it could not be any different. Those competitive juices overwhelm him and the team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 01, 2019, 09:12:01 AM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 30, 2019, 10:24:54 PM
There's a difference between effective and most effective, though. "Direct" vs. "tiki-taka" is a false choice; soccer isn't that simple or that binary. Anyways, I think the problems most people have with Amherst are less about what style of play they use and more about how they handle themselves as people -- when it comes down to it. Tufts has had lots of recent success, and I don't think the reason they get less vitriol has much to do with the fact that they can play "prettier" soccer at times.

I agree that there are a number of other tactics and approaches in between (for example, how aggressive is the press? Who does the pressing? Do your wingbacks provide width, or is it the wide forwards? etc.) Unfortunately those are the terms that tend to be used to describe polar opposites.

This, too, may be simplistic, but I think what also needs to be analyzed in the context of tactics is whether or not a team prefers to play on the front foot (attacking) or soak up pressure and counter (defensive). In that sense, you could actually consider Amherst to be relatively progressive, as they are often on the attack and tend to press all around the pitch rather than soak up pressure. Where I get irked, though, is that upon winning possession they seem to thump the ball forward at first instance, and usually it's a long ball that goes right into the box.

I do get the statistical idea about there being X% of a chance of a goal when it goes into the box — Klopp says an effective counterpress can be "the most effective No. 10" and what I think he means is that the probability of success is usually higher when the ball is won further up the field, as the team is less likely to have set its shape — but there's a difference between winning the ball and playing it to feet (whether a striker making a run through the middle, an outside back making a run down the flank, etc.) rather than just lumping it high and into the box and having your 6'6" guy bludgeon the center back out of the way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on October 01, 2019, 09:23:55 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 30, 2019, 06:05:52 PM
I think that "direct" soccer is the overwhelming trend in all levels of college soccer and it mainly comes down to the rules. College soccer has different rules than at any other level so the game is played differently. My allowing essentially unlimited subs, teams are able to cycle through fresh players at will. This allows teams to hyper press for almost the full 90 minutes. Something not possible in a traditional match. With such effective presses it becomes a safer choice to bypass the midfield and start your own press then to try to play out. This is doubly true if you don't have players quite talented enough to play out of pressure.


This couldn't be more true. First time I watched a college game live I couldn't believe what I was seeing, as I was not familiar with the substitution rules. In this particular game 3 subs came on in the 20th minute and I couldn't understand the strategy.  10 minutes later all three were back on the pitch. It's a completely different game under those rules.  Frankly not as interesting to watch from my perspective.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2019, 09:35:18 AM
If we're discussing and disagreeing about what playing style is most effective for WINNING and SCORING then that makes sense, and allowing for an argument about a coach using whatever style best fits the strengths and weaknesses of his or her players that he or she has at the time.

Otherwise, I tend to agree with EB2319.  I've never heard alumni talking about how nicely they knocked the ball around the pitch.  They are far more likely to remember a last second goal, that key win against a fierce conference rival, a missed offsides call on a goal, the thrill of a group making their first NCAA tourney, etc, etc.  And I tend to think that many alums or current players (and parents) who do by chance complain about playing style were or are sitting the bench.  This isn't soccer in the cultural, world-wide, Brazilian/European sense.  D3 soccer is just one sport among many at D3 colleges in a college athletic department, and all of those sports are far more interested in an improved season or a conference title or a run in an NCAA tourney than anything else. 

As a side note, much like when I saw my first college (or pro) hockey game live versus television, I did not realize how fast and athletic at least top third of the division D3 soccer is.  In part because of some of the reasons already cited, the pace often is intense with very little time on the ball due to constant pressure.  And I would think this is even more the case in D1.

Lastly, when folks like us do wax poetic about the sublime playing style of a Messiah or OWU it is always in the context of their historical success with winning.  We'd likely not comment about them at all if they consistently finished 10-8 or 9-9.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2019, 09:44:06 AM
Quote from: SlideTackle on October 01, 2019, 09:23:55 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 30, 2019, 06:05:52 PM
I think that "direct" soccer is the overwhelming trend in all levels of college soccer and it mainly comes down to the rules. College soccer has different rules than at any other level so the game is played differently. My allowing essentially unlimited subs, teams are able to cycle through fresh players at will. This allows teams to hyper press for almost the full 90 minutes. Something not possible in a traditional match. With such effective presses it becomes a safer choice to bypass the midfield and start your own press then to try to play out. This is doubly true if you don't have players quite talented enough to play out of pressure.


This couldn't be more true. First time I watched a college game live I couldn't believe what I was seeing, as I was not familiar with the substitution rules. In this particular game 3 subs came on in the 20th minute and I couldn't understand the strategy.  10 minutes later all three were back on the pitch. It's a completely different game under those rules.  Frankly not as interesting to watch from my perspective.

Like many things...it depends.  Especially from a parent perspective (and mot kids), participating without playing (especially at D3) kind of sucks.  Imagine i only the starting 10 field players played with just 2-3 subs and your kid is in the next tier of 3-5 kids.  Not only is participating a huge time commitment, but D3 college soccer is a lot about your teammates and your shared story with them over four years. It is hard to have a great culture and one that is a net positive for a majority of kids on the roster if a big chunk of that roster never plays.  Anyway, the sub rules also are consistent with what I said about soccer just being another sport in the college's sports line-up.  It's about all that being on a college team means as opposed to fidelity to some concept of the game as art.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 01, 2019, 10:03:31 AM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on October 01, 2019, 08:02:27 AM
Quote from: OldNed on October 01, 2019, 07:43:36 AM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on September 30, 2019, 10:44:55 PM
Totally agree with the comments re Amherst.  I have been a college official for over 30 years, and I would never tolerate the antics that I saw on the sideline and the field.  The behavior I witnessed Sunday vs Middlebury was unbelievable.  Now I understand why all of my son's teammates cannot stand Amherst.  It is not their style of play per se--it is the way that they conduct themselves, starting with the head coach.

Can you elaborate on the behavior that you're referencing above?  I did not see the game, so I'm just curious what others see when they watch Amherst.

Frequent f bombs audible from across the field.  Screaming "you're a f...ing disgrace" at other coach.  Coach complaining about every call.  Players arguing every decision by the referee.  Players triggering a mass confrontation after a hard foul, to the point where the referee had to literally shove players back to prevent a fight.

Going after the opposing coaches/bench is a new low. There was some of that at Midd last year, but apparently it was far worse on Sunday, as Middlebury Dad relates. Screaming at the Midd coaching staff during the game, then having to be restrained by his players post-game from instigating a confrontation with the opposing staff.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2019, 10:14:45 AM
Alumni care about their respective programs and DO remember style of play when it matters to those players and programs...to each his own but I can guarantee u if McCarty decided to radically go conservative for a trump like thrill his fanbase and alums would be go absolutely nuts.....its like that at SLU , Williams and some others..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2019, 10:25:09 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 01, 2019, 10:14:45 AM
Alumni care about their respective programs and DO remember style of play when it matters to those players and programs...to each his own but I can guarantee u if McCarty decided to radically go conservative for a trump like thrill his fanbase and alums would be go absolutely nuts.....its like that at SLU , Williams and some others..

Again, though, look who you mentioned.  Williams, SLU....storied programs with proud histories of winning.  Sure, maybe it's nice to look back and think "we played the right way" especially as compared to our dreaded rivals who played the wrong way, but ask Saint of Old if he'd like SLU to play a little less beautiful soccer in the back third versus scoring a few more goals and winning.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2019, 10:51:49 AM
One last thought on this.  When I'm watching "my team" as a fan/supporter, I'm a little more concrete than assessing how the style looks.  Like I'm most likely to react in disgust when my team plays a soft ball back to the GK that gets intercepted for a walk-in goal or a kid losing the ball at midfield trying to get through 2-3 players on the other team when he has two teammates obviously wide open.  The anxiety that I experience as a supporter is almost always about are we going to win or not, and what specific plays in retrospect seemed to make the difference in terms of the final result.

I think a lot of good programs play a hybrid style.  I remember Shapiro commenting after the 2016 Elite 8 game with Kenyon that the Lords reminded him (and Tufts players) of Amherst.  I was surprised.  I assumed he didn't mean in terms of being obnoxious, although most teams have a trash talker or two.  And I was taken aback because I actually thought Kenyon played a lot like Tufts.  While watching the game live I didn't think one team played prettier soccer than the other.  They looked similar, both having players who could be nifty with the ball and make clever passes or whatever.  What I mostly remember is fierce competition, with every ball challenged and fought for and frequent shifts in which team was carrying the play for 5 minute stretches.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 01, 2019, 10:54:19 AM
I don't think the sub rules are the reason for this type of soccer.  High school and club allow unlimited substitutions as well, and I don't see this at those games. My son goes to a prep school, so the level of soccer isn't bad, and he plays for Black Rock, where the level of soccer is quite high. Both teams manage to get all their players on the field, but without frequent subs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2019, 11:11:18 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on October 01, 2019, 10:54:19 AM
I don't think the sub rules are the reason for this type of soccer.  High school and club allow unlimited substitutions as well, and I don't see this at those games. My son goes to a prep school, so the level of soccer isn't bad, and he plays for Black Rock, where the level of soccer is quite high. Both teams manage to get all their players on the field, but without frequent subs.

Black Rock? Well, why didn't you say that before?  Send him to Kenyon!  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2019, 11:23:50 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2019, 10:25:09 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 01, 2019, 10:14:45 AM
Alumni care about their respective programs and DO remember style of play when it matters to those players and programs...to each his own but I can guarantee u if McCarty decided to radically go conservative for a trump like thrill his fanbase and alums would be go absolutely nuts.....its like that at SLU , Williams and some others..

Again, though, look who you mentioned.  Williams, SLU....storied programs with proud histories of winning.  Sure, maybe it's nice to look back and think "we played the right way" especially as compared to our dreaded rivals who played the wrong way, but ask Saint of Old if he'd like SLU to play a little less beautiful soccer in the back third versus scoring a few more goals and winning.


I never remember arguing playing 5ft square balls in the back is beautiful futbol. It is stupid futbol.

Actually this whole situation is playing out in real time in Canton,NY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 01, 2019, 01:44:07 PM
I happen to watch the Midd vs Amherst game online.  Have watched it live at Homecoming...once with the Wesleyan AD along with his friend the former HC of Yale.  The spectators sit on the same side or on the hillside...but not behind the players or the cameras/commentator.  Point here is that two posters differ wrt to the "foul language".  It is hard to hear the coaches on the spectators' side.
Second, listened to the announcer.  He mentioned that the refs were often letting things go between players....yet, there were a lot of fouls on both teams....Midd had more.  Amherst was more aggressive in the second half....being down 1 at the half.  Stats show that.  Once there was a crash between players....but, both players shook hands afterwards.  Amherst's player was a tall FY player...a star in the making.  Midd, after taking a lead, seemed to want to just play defense.  Midd started a FY goalie that played great.  Amherst played it's backup goalie.
Finally, the announcer pointed out the jawing going on between players after the fouls.
Seems to me that the game played on the field vary greatly.  Depends on the watcher..eye of the beholder.  Finally, the players shook hands after the game..coaches too?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on October 01, 2019, 08:16:33 PM
I will attempt to offer some long-term perspective on Amherst and the NESCAC.  As I've mentioned before...and I apologize because some posters have heard this before and yet there appear to be some new posters/parents...my older son played for a nationally ranked D1 (#2 nationally his sophomore year) Brown team and my younger son played for a nationally ranked D3 (#5 nationally his junior year) Bowdoin team.  The key differences at those collegiate levels were overall athleticism and speed of play.  Bowdoin's starting 11 in their best year ever could have hung in for one half in a game with Brown's staring 11, and then Bowdoin would have been overwhelmed...

My younger son was recruited by Serpone during Serpone's first year at Amherst but chose to go to Bowdoin (Note:  Bowdoin had a slightly superior record vs. Amherst during my son's four years).  Serpone presented as a bit of a rooster, was arrogant, and suggested that he was recruiting D1 level athletes.  That was clearly hyperbole, but his recruiting record and the team's performance record have been consistently high at the D3 level over the past 11 years.

That said, the observations about Serpone in person vs. Serpone on the sideline during a game are absolutely accurate.  He can be a charming guy, and his athletes generally like and respect him.  My son had a club teammate who played at Amherst for Serpone and genuinely liked him.  Serpone would compliment my son's play from the sideline (while my son was playing for opponent Bowdoin), which I thought was classy.  But literally at the same time, he could be screaming f*bombs at refs and inciting his players to be borderline rough and ridiculously vocal.  It was...and still is...a remarkable dichotomy in behavior.

I hate to say it Amherst63 and others, but Amherst's teams and their coaches "output" stinks just as much as...if not more in some cases...than any other NESCAC coaches and teams...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on October 01, 2019, 09:39:57 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 01, 2019, 09:12:01 AM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on September 30, 2019, 10:24:54 PM
There's a difference between effective and most effective, though. "Direct" vs. "tiki-taka" is a false choice; soccer isn't that simple or that binary. Anyways, I think the problems most people have with Amherst are less about what style of play they use and more about how they handle themselves as people -- when it comes down to it. Tufts has had lots of recent success, and I don't think the reason they get less vitriol has much to do with the fact that they can play "prettier" soccer at times.

I agree that there are a number of other tactics and approaches in between (for example, how aggressive is the press? Who does the pressing? Do your wingbacks provide width, or is it the wide forwards? etc.) Unfortunately those are the terms that tend to be used to describe polar opposites.

This, too, may be simplistic, but I think what also needs to be analyzed in the context of tactics is whether or not a team prefers to play on the front foot (attacking) or soak up pressure and counter (defensive). In that sense, you could actually consider Amherst to be relatively progressive, as they are often on the attack and tend to press all around the pitch rather than soak up pressure. Where I get irked, though, is that upon winning possession they seem to thump the ball forward at first instance, and usually it's a long ball that goes right into the box.

I do get the statistical idea about there being X% of a chance of a goal when it goes into the box — Klopp says an effective counterpress can be "the most effective No. 10" and what I think he means is that the probability of success is usually higher when the ball is won further up the field, as the team is less likely to have set its shape — but there's a difference between winning the ball and playing it to feet (whether a striker making a run through the middle, an outside back making a run down the flank, etc.) rather than just lumping it high and into the box and having your 6'6" guy bludgeon the center back out of the way.

All of this. Co-sign.

And while we are on this general topic, I've been thinking about long throw-ins a bunch. Unlike corners, where there can be a fair amount of variation in routines to get players open -- you can use subtle picks and screens, there are obviously all sorts of short corner routines to get a more efficient chance off a corner -- every long throw-in is the same thing: there's a huge scrum around the 6-yard box and then the two biggest guys on each team stand there and body each other for position and then jump and someone gets lucky. Obviously for some of the bigger teams in the conference this is fine, because their big trees happen to be bigger and stronger than opposing keepers, but every team approaches long throws the exact same way -- and there just has to be a better way. I don't think long throws are necessarily a problem, but idk I want to see some team try something interesting out of one of these
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buddham on October 02, 2019, 01:53:48 PM
Midd gave as well as they got. I don't think any of the players would disagree. At the same time, I suspect most would agree the referees were not so great - many missed calls perhaps in the interests of "letting them play" but guys got absolutely mugged. It just seemed like the calls evened out, so ok? FWIW, this game didn't stand out from the typical 90mph bumper cars games at any collegiate level. I'd also note that European and SA styles tend to be even more "robust". It's a contact sport...

Tufts seems to have found a winning formula that combines athleticism, technical ability and a robust work rate. That would be seem the template to mimic rather than any notion of playing a beautiful game for its own sake. I noted that several Champions League teams gave up bad turnovers leading to "cheap" goals. Luca Modric was guilty! If that dude is going to make a bonehead pass every now and then, I can see why a college coach forbids it (b/c of the short season).

I find interesting that a week or go folks presumed it was an Amherst supporter dropping f-bombs when it turned out to be a Conn College fan.

Liverpool hired a long-throw coach and everyone mocked them. Not so much now (but yeah, need to do more than chuck it in the "mixah").

I hate the sub rules but can concede it would allow more players to get minutes except not all the coaches make the most use of the sub allowances. Williams seems to but not all of them. What I hate more is the clock countdown...even high schools rules stop the scoreboard clock and let the refs manage the last 2 minutes (or 5). You know, like real big soccer people do.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 02, 2019, 07:28:58 PM
https://gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/msoc/2019-20/releases/20190930kmm5cu After this interview mark me down for a tasker goal and a Tufts 3-1 win tonight at wesleyan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 02, 2019, 08:28:14 PM
Tufts up 1-0 at the half on a goal from another guy forced to take on a depth role despite his talent Derek Enge.

I have been really impressed with Wesleyan. They have kept the ball on the ground and consistently played sharp combinations in their own half. In fact, their ability to break the press forced Shapiro to switch from the 3-5-2 about 15 minutes in.  I really respect them not sitting in but playing their game with no fear against Tufts. Let's see if they can pull off the hardest thing to do in d3 soccer. Get a result from behind against Tufts. Something that hasn't happened in over 3 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on October 02, 2019, 09:23:40 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 02, 2019, 08:28:14 PM
Tufts up 1-0 at the half on a goal from another guy forced to take on a depth role despite his talent Derek Enge.

I have been really impressed with Wesleyan. They have kept the ball on the ground and consistently played sharp combinations in their own half. In fact, their ability to break the press forced Shapiro to switch from the 3-5-2 about 15 minutes in.  I really respect them not sitting in but playing their game with no fear against Tufts. Let's see if they can pull off the hardest thing to do in d3 soccer. Get a result from behind against Tufts. Something that hasn't happened in over 3 years.

Fun game. Wesleyan has two turf fields now and should take every opportunity to not play on Jackson Field
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 02, 2019, 09:24:08 PM
And of course I've jinxed it as the game is heading to OT. Wesleyan defender made an incredible play to clear the ball off the line to prevent going down 2-0, and 30 seconds later it was 1-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 03, 2019, 08:48:46 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 02, 2019, 09:24:08 PM
And of course I've jinxed it as the game is heading to OT. Wesleyan defender made an incredible play to clear the ball off the line to prevent going down 2-0, and 30 seconds later it was 1-1.

Bates gave Tufts a test on Saturday, but Wesleyan did two things that Bates couldn't — score on Tufts and hold out through overtime for a draw. I personally think the Jumbos will be fine and maintain their pole position, although perhaps this quelled any (outside) suggestions that they are going to roll through the league; I say "outside" because for all their confidence in getting results the Tufts players will know that they get everyone's best game in one of the most competitive conferences in D3 and that they can't win every game...has a team ever gone 10-0 in NESCAC play? (I know Amherst almost did in 2015 but drew at Trinity in the last regular season match.) For Wesleyan, a good boost for their confidence — they have looked reasonably convincing since the OT win over Emerson — just prior to a huge test at Amherst...then again, it was Wesleyan who — after missing a penalty earlier in the game — gave the 2015 Amherst team its only loss during that NCAA championship season (on the road, in the NESCAC quarters, the week after getting smacked 5-0 at the same field). I would not bet on the ghosts of 2015 resurfacing but hey anything is possible.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on October 03, 2019, 08:50:38 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 02, 2019, 09:24:08 PM
And of course I've jinxed it as the game is heading to OT. Wesleyan defender made an incredible play to clear the ball off the line to prevent going down 2-0, and 30 seconds later it was 1-1.

Game finished 1-1. Wesleyan actually almost won it in overtime when a Tufts header went backwards and off the crossbar. A more than a respectable showing for a program that looks to be turning itself around. Tufts was the better side but Wesleyan showed well in this one. And as a reward they now play the #2 team in the country away on 2 days rest. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 03, 2019, 10:04:01 AM
Yeah Tufts went for the win in OT leaving only Paoletta back at half field 1v1 against the wesleyan striker. They produced a couple great chances and couldn't convert and as you said were almost caught with an own goal on the counter.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2019, 01:24:04 PM
Reading the recap of the Wes v Tufts match it sounds like Wes scored on a quick counter from their defensive 3rd. This is the 2nd game in a row where Wesleyan has done this. They hammered Clark the other day and scored on a 10 second blitzkrieg up the field that was all started by GK Lowen who did not start last night. This is no coincidence as I am sure after a few years of unimaginative attacking futbol, Wheeler had to get his guys more options and chances. Quick counters especially against Tufts is a great way to get more opportunities before Tufts can set up defensively. Combine more chances with more talent than last season and the same sound defensive structure should bode well this season.

Wesleyan has a long history of springing upsets on Amherst in the Serpone era but also have been susceptible to a complete smackdown. Wesleyan will not have the luxury of playing to feet on Amherst field at least not like they have been the past few games..Amherst will press the crap out them and force tons of giveaways because they would overwhelm Wesleyan IMO. Wesleyan MUST switch it up play extremely conservative 1st Half and whack the ball out of the back, stay home for the most part and get into the Half at 0-0. Then you come out the first 10 minutes and play the exact same way and make Amherst comfortable in the style they are playing against. Hopefully, it is still 0-0 and then by the 60th minute after Amherst starters have a little heavier legs get ur starters in the game and switch it up. Attack with ur wingbacks on occasion, get the ball back on the ground, switch to a more attacking system, etc etc something to get Amherst out of sorts. This is when u have to find a goal before Amherst gets back in rhythm. Probably have 5-10 min. Then hold them off for a furious 20 minutes.

I am just not seeing it on Amherst home field and a clinching of Little 3 title. This game is over early
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on October 03, 2019, 03:03:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2019, 01:24:04 PM
Reading the recap of the Wes v Tufts match it sounds like Wes scored on a quick counter from their defensive 3rd. This is the 2nd game in a row where Wesleyan has done this. They hammered Clark the other day and scored on a 10 second blitzkrieg up the field that was all started by GK Lowen who did not start last night. This is no coincidence as I am sure after a few years of unimaginative attacking futbol, Wheeler had to get his guys more options and chances. Quick counters especially against Tufts is a great way to get more opportunities before Tufts can set up defensively. Combine more chances with more talent than last season and the same sound defensive structure should bode well this season.

Wesleyan has a long history of springing upsets on Amherst in the Serpone era but also have been susceptible to a complete smackdown. Wesleyan will not have the luxury of playing to feet on Amherst field at least not like they have been the past few games..Amherst will press the crap out them and force tons of giveaways because they would overwhelm Wesleyan IMO. Wesleyan MUST switch it up play extremely conservative 1st Half and whack the ball out of the back, stay home for the most part and get into the Half at 0-0. Then you come out the first 10 minutes and play the exact same way and make Amherst comfortable in the style they are playing against. Hopefully, it is still 0-0 and then by the 60th minute after Amherst starters have a little heavier legs get ur starters in the game and switch it up. Attack with ur wingbacks on occasion, get the ball back on the ground, switch to a more attacking system, etc etc something to get Amherst out of sorts. This is when u have to find a goal before Amherst gets back in rhythm. Probably have 5-10 min. Then hold them off for a furious 20 minutes.

I am just not seeing it on Amherst home field and a clinching of Little 3 title. This game is over early


I actually disagree. if you can play out of Amherst's initial pressure, there's a ton of space available to exploit, particularly on the switch. I tend not to be an advocate of possession for possession's sake, but against Amherst you have to be willing to play backwards more often and shift the ball side to side, as though it's just a possession game. And then attack the spaces that open up as their press becomes more disjointed. I think if you try to play Amherst's game, you're going to lose even if you keep it close for awhile.

Also, here is the sequence that lead to the goal (~55 seconds) and then below that is the actual Wesleyan goal (~10 seconds). The long clip is a nice distillation of how both teams want to play, I think.

(https://i.imgur.com/tBQaIOH.mp4)








(https://i.imgur.com/Mr4kw3A.mp4)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 03, 2019, 03:16:59 PM
Quote from: The_View_From_732 on October 03, 2019, 03:03:59 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 03, 2019, 01:24:04 PM
Reading the recap of the Wes v Tufts match it sounds like Wes scored on a quick counter from their defensive 3rd. This is the 2nd game in a row where Wesleyan has done this. They hammered Clark the other day and scored on a 10 second blitzkrieg up the field that was all started by GK Lowen who did not start last night. This is no coincidence as I am sure after a few years of unimaginative attacking futbol, Wheeler had to get his guys more options and chances. Quick counters especially against Tufts is a great way to get more opportunities before Tufts can set up defensively. Combine more chances with more talent than last season and the same sound defensive structure should bode well this season.

Wesleyan has a long history of springing upsets on Amherst in the Serpone era but also have been susceptible to a complete smackdown. Wesleyan will not have the luxury of playing to feet on Amherst field at least not like they have been the past few games..Amherst will press the crap out them and force tons of giveaways because they would overwhelm Wesleyan IMO. Wesleyan MUST switch it up play extremely conservative 1st Half and whack the ball out of the back, stay home for the most part and get into the Half at 0-0. Then you come out the first 10 minutes and play the exact same way and make Amherst comfortable in the style they are playing against. Hopefully, it is still 0-0 and then by the 60th minute after Amherst starters have a little heavier legs get ur starters in the game and switch it up. Attack with ur wingbacks on occasion, get the ball back on the ground, switch to a more attacking system, etc etc something to get Amherst out of sorts. This is when u have to find a goal before Amherst gets back in rhythm. Probably have 5-10 min. Then hold them off for a furious 20 minutes.

I am just not seeing it on Amherst home field and a clinching of Little 3 title. This game is over early


I actually disagree. if you can play out of Amherst's initial pressure, there's a ton of space available to exploit, particularly on the switch. I tend not to be an advocate of possession for possession's sake, but against Amherst you have to be willing to play backwards more often and shift the ball side to side, as though it's just a possession game. And then attack the spaces that open up as their press becomes more disjointed. I think if you try to play Amherst's game, you're going to lose even if you keep it close for awhile.

Also, here is the sequence that lead to the goal (~55 seconds) and then below that is the actual Wesleyan goal (~10 seconds). The long clip is a nice distillation of how both teams want to play, I think.

(https://i.imgur.com/tBQaIOH.mp4)








(https://i.imgur.com/Mr4kw3A.mp4)



Nope...play it like u want them to and Wesleyan loses 3-0...u want Wesleyan wingbacks swinging the ball around the back? When does the Amherst press get disjointed? Wesleyan does not have the skill in the back to do this in these circumstances.  Good luck with that...Wesleyan will not have ANY space on that field that gives them any kind of comfort. Sit back and stay within ur game maybe catch them on the counter like thet did Tufts.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on October 03, 2019, 03:27:59 PM
I think it depends on how the refs call the game. If the ref 'let's them play' they won't be able to possess. If the ref calls it straight and blows the whistle a lot in the first 10 minutes and sets the proper tone by not letting obvious fouls go, it might be a different story. But refs rarely if ever do that on the Mammoth campus.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buddham on October 04, 2019, 10:26:00 AM
Are any of the NESCAC fields and "crowds" all that intimidating? We can't be talking Beyond Thunderdome...I can't even see a ref crew getting intimidated at a D1 stadium (with sparsely filled seats making it maybe even less impressive what with all the echoes). Someone who's worked their way up to the collegiate ranks has been battle-tested if not scarred by the youth soccer scene plenty.

I'll be amongst the first to bemoan a bad call, but I haven't seen refs exhibit bias. They might be incompetent and blind, but they're wretched to both sides equally.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 05, 2019, 03:36:51 PM
Watching the second half of the Williams-Colby game -- I'm enjoying this soccer much more than the Amherst-Middlebury game. *Much* more passing to feet and little of the pointless ping ponging headers of that game. I get it, Amherst is very successful with its style of play, but that doesn't mean I can't prefer Williams' style.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 05, 2019, 03:47:42 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on October 05, 2019, 03:36:51 PM
Watching the second half of the Williams-Colby game -- I'm enjoying this soccer much more than the Amherst-Middlebury game. *Much* more passing to feet and little of the pointless ping ponging headers of that game. I get it, Amherst is very successful with its style of play, but that doesn't mean I can't prefer Williams' style.

To be fair to Amherst, Midd. has historically played a similar style, so they are partially culpable as well for that game. That said, Colby likes to play direct on the break but they seem to do a better job playing balls to feet than some other direct sides.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 05, 2019, 03:55:31 PM
Agreed, I thought Middlebury played the same way Amherst did.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 07, 2019, 10:20:49 AM
Bates with another huge showing this weekend wrapping up 6/6 pts in Lewiston with a 1-0 win over Midd and a 2-0 win over lowly Trinity. 2 games 2 more shutouts which is now 5 shutouts already this year which has to be a record this early in the year for Bates
At 7-2-1, this side has been compared to the 2018 Colby side but I think this Bates side is better with more depth and are just as organized. I was not shocked at all with the Bates victory not just because of how well they are playing but also historically Midd has really struggled in this matchup. Bates has been Midd's bugaboo for years even during Bates most desperate years. At 7-2-1 and sitting in 4th place in Nescac and owning a couple tie-breakers already they are sitting pretty. Their remaining schedule is in their favor with only a match at Amherst posing a problem...If they keep this level of concentration and focus up this team will find itself nearing Pool C consideration. However, before Colby's amazing Nescac Championship run they had a resume just like this Bates side and managed to collapse to end the regular season. Point is Bates has a long way to go.










Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 07, 2019, 10:27:02 AM
A big 6 points for the Bobcats this weekend. They are rugged and absolutely bought in, especially at home on the new sod inside the track. Can't remember the last time Bates sat 4th in the table this late in the season, but they will be a tough out down the stretch.  At Wes this coming weekend, really important game for both teams. Bates only has one conference home game left - Amherst on the 26th... 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2019, 03:56:46 PM
Babson 1-0 up on Tufts about halfway through the first half...surely they can't hold out.

...can they?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2019, 03:58:51 PM
2-0!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 08, 2019, 03:59:45 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 08, 2019, 03:58:51 PM
2-0!
BLOOTS... You're ruining my work day!   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2019, 04:03:30 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 08, 2019, 03:59:45 PM
BLOOTS... You're ruining my work day!   

Crazy enough, this is the first time Tufts has trailed 2-0 since losing by that scoreline at Brandeis in September 2014.

(I swear, I didn't know that would be the case when I looked back!)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 08, 2019, 04:04:27 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 08, 2019, 04:03:30 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 08, 2019, 03:59:45 PM
BLOOTS... You're ruining my work day!   

Crazy enough, this is the first time Tufts has trailed 2-0 since losing by that scoreline at Brandeis in September 2014.

(I swear, I didn't know that would be the case when I looked back!)

I remember that game!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2019, 04:37:16 PM
Babson up 2-0 on Tufts and while Tufts has looked slightly sharper in possession the Beavers are definitely up for this. If Tufts gets one in the first 5 or 10 of the second half then I think the Jumbos will at least get out of the 90 with a draw (and maybe win in OT). If Babson can hold them out that initial stretch I think they'll have a great chance.

Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 08, 2019, 04:04:27 PM
I remember that game!

Me too. It was the game that got me on the boards. ;)

Quote from: Mr.Right on October 07, 2019, 10:20:49 AM
Bates with another huge showing this weekend wrapping up 6/6 pts in Lewiston with a 1-0 win over Midd and a 2-0 win over lowly Trinity. 2 games 2 more shutouts which is now 5 shutouts already this year which has to be a record this early in the year for Bates
At 7-2-1, this side has been compared to the 2018 Colby side but I think this Bates side is better with more depth and are just as organized. I was not shocked at all with the Bates victory not just because of how well they are playing but also historically Midd has really struggled in this matchup. Bates has been Midd's bugaboo for years even during Bates most desperate years. At 7-2-1 and sitting in 4th place in Nescac and owning a couple tie-breakers already they are sitting pretty. Their remaining schedule is in their favor with only a match at Amherst posing a problem...If they keep this level of concentration and focus up this team will find itself nearing Pool C consideration. However, before Colby's amazing Nescac Championship run they had a resume just like this Bates side and managed to collapse to end the regular season. Point is Bates has a long way to go.

I would agree with this generally, I was really impressed with them when I saw them play Tufts. Funny enough I went to my local high school turf to kick around on Sunday and there was a guy walking around the track — we got talking after he mentioned he watched the Bates-Middlebury game the day before (he started the conversation). Turns out it was Sheikh's father who was up to watch a couple of games. Nice guy. I think it is a bit much to ask them to get a result with Amherst but they competed really well with Tufts and were about 5 minutes from a draw...could have even snuck a win with one shot off the bar although would have been a bit of a smash-and-grab. Still, they can play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2019, 04:41:07 PM
Just saw the first goal. The left-sided CB in that back 3 — Raphael, I think it was — misjudged the cross, missed his header, and Crompton snuck in behind and headed it home. Second goal was a broken play finished off with a powerful shot inside the box.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2019, 04:46:17 PM
Hard to believe this is the same Babson side that lost 3-0 at home to Williams a couple of weeks back.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2019, 04:50:45 PM
Babson almost goes 3-0 up...Tufts threw people forward on a corner, the Beavers got out and played a really nice break through Collins, who played the ball across to a runner on the left. Unfortunately for Babson, there was a foul whistled in the sequence, and while someone put the ball into the net, the whistle was long up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2019, 05:06:45 PM
The story of today seems to be that Babson has just taken its chances (2 goals from 3 SOG at this point) and Tufts has not. That said, based on watching about 30 minutes total of the game, Tufts has not played "poorly" IMHO...but they haven't threatened in their usual fashion (5 SOG at this point seems low to me) and I haven't seen Heintzelmann make any wonder saves or his defenders have to hack one off the line. Still 15 left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 08, 2019, 05:09:00 PM
Wow ...interesting at Babson ....with Tufts down 0 -2 with 12 left. 
Tufts did not look too sharp against Trinity on Saturday.  They were scoreless for a long time in first half, then it stayed 1-0 until almost the end of the game when they got their second.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 08, 2019, 05:23:30 PM
And it's over...Tufts falls to a first defeat in 22 months, 2-0 at Babson (and, as mentioned before, a first 2-0 defeat since the pre-national championship days). Didn't see that result coming.

The first goal 10 minutes in set the tone, and while it seemed that Tufts would respond, Babson instead went 2-0 up. I fancied Tufts to get one right after half (they seem to start and finish halves particularly strong) but it never came and Babson looked relatively comfortable and could have even got a third.

Huge confidence boost for the Beavers, who have looked solid but — aside from beating Brandeis in the 2016 and 2018 rivalry games — haven't put up a marquee result like this against a New England power since beating Williams back in 2014. With the NEWMAC looking like a dogfight this year this could be huge for their Pool C chances, although I would still have them favorites for their conference title.

As for Tufts, I have no doubt that the Jumbos will mount the proper response. They have had tough stretches in the last five years — 2015 and 2016, in particular — and have come out better each time. If there was any complacency within their camp about their ability to get results even when not being on the top of their game, it is gone now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on October 08, 2019, 08:49:43 PM
I'm going to drive past the Babson campus in the morning, so I'll let you know if it's been reduced to a smoking pile of rubble by the celebration.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 08, 2019, 08:56:14 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 12, 2019, 03:06:43 PM

News and Notes:

-I was not able to predict the start of the year but my biggest two question marks for Tufts was going to be in net and leadership. Who are their leaders? Big Senior class with a ton of talent but certainly questions have to be asked about leadership(compared to the past two years). Tasker and Jameson are Captains....First of all its never a good sign when 1 Captain is not a regular starter. I know Jameson is a solid piece but he was more of a factor on the field when he first came to the program in his earlier years. Not sure if he had injury issues or if he just lost playing time. Tasker is one of their best players so he has the credibility BUT these guys all need to prove they are leaders when things sh*t the bed. So far so good with the 3-2 come from behind win at Williams but between you and me I think if things go south for Tufts there are a couple, let's say more "selfish" players, that could cause some issues down the line. Not predicting it will happen just maybe something to watch for.







This would be a good time to quote myself from a few weeks back on my thoughts for Tufts this season. Tufts is 1-1-1 in its last 3 games and while hardly a time to panic this is an inopportune time to be heading to Amherst this weekend. This is when your leaders step up and pull everyone together for maximum focus and concentration. Team......The Coleman's/Halliday's/Kulcsar/Kramer/Williams all those leaders the past 6-7 years were the glue to Tufts success. Of course they had plenty of talent but they also had command of the situation for the most part. I must admit I have not seen much of Tufts this year but I damn well know the talent is all there. Are there injuries? No clue but it should not matter with all the depth...This has now come down to everything I want to see play out for Saturday's game. It will come down to pure guts..Does Tufts have the Senior leadership to pull this around in 3 days and get a result against the best team in New England right now? Add to it the revenge for last season's NCAA romp will surely play into it. I promise I am not being overly dramatic because if Tufts loses this game and drop to 8-2-1 we could start to see players/coaches begin to question even the most minor decisions they make because of a lack of confidence.  I cannot be sure how Tufts Seniors are handling all this but on paper I see some possible issues that could spring up.....Will be most interesting to see how the Tufts players react but also how Shapiro reacts..In his early years when Tufts was just getting going he would pull the trigger on guys quickly and even rubbed some of his early players the wrong way if I remember correctly..All that changed rather fast and by 2014 you could see more and more confidence he had in his players/starters. Allowing them more freedom on the field while also allowing them to almost take charge of their own program. I get the feeling the Tufts players ARE WAY more invested in their team than other Nescac teams but by giving his players an almost transparent process day to day of what they are trying to accomplish this allows the players to feel as invested as their Head Coach(minus the estimated $70,000 Shapiro probably pulls). Off track.....

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 08, 2019, 09:16:44 PM
I generally agree with the above but would add a couple of thoughts.

I think it was during or right after the Bates game I posted that Tufts looked bored.  Boredom?  Championship title fatigue?  Whatever.  This was also a classic trap game for a team that is bored in a 3:30 midweek game while maybe looking ahead to Amherst. 

I would just note that some of those other years when Tufts had all of those studs and great leaders that they barely made the tournament a couple of times., including for their first two title runs.  Last year was the real aberration in terms of wins and losses.  I mean in 2016 Tufts went into the tournament at 9-5-2. 

If Tufts loses the next two, then I would be concerned, but even then, I would favor them to emerge as a team to beat come NCAA tourney time.

IMO Tasker is the guy who has to be the leader.  I know nothing about him but hopefully he isn't deferring to Rojas, Braun, Lane, etc.  He was the one who nearly equalized in the first half shortly after Babson scored.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 09, 2019, 10:00:30 AM
Quote from: Buck O. on October 08, 2019, 08:49:43 PM
I'm going to drive past the Babson campus in the morning, so I'll let you know if it's been reduced to a smoking pile of rubble by the celebration.

Still standing, Buck?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 09, 2019, 11:21:48 AM
Echo Paul Newman's thoughts...especially the trap game part. It's homecoming for Tufts on Saturday against their biggest rival of the past decade (and another top 5 team in the country) and I'm sure they were all thinking about that game. I think they didn't get up for a noncoference midweek Babson game and it showed. Credit to Babson. Tufts should know that each time they take the field they'll have a target on their back. Will be interesting to see who becomes a leader on the team after this performance. 

Still, I don't think you hit the panic button (despite Tufts lackluster past 3 games). I sometimes think it's good to take a bad loss mid-season - oftentimes its a big wake up call. I think Tufts responds this weekend at home. 2-1 over Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 09, 2019, 11:27:21 AM
The only problem with that theory is that Tufts is playing AT Amherst...and immediately heading to Hamilton (another trap game).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on October 09, 2019, 12:09:30 PM
Haha apparently I didn't have my reading glasses on...nonetheless, I still have Tufts 2-1! ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 09, 2019, 01:07:11 PM
Tufts does have a target on its back as EVERY team will give them their best game. By now Tufts knows this song and dance pretty well and have usually matched and / or exceeded their opponents effort. This little slump looks more or less like a team that cannot finish right now and a team not used to being put on their heels in the slightest against the likes of Bates, Babson and Wesleyan. That is why I would be curious what lineup and formation Shapiro throws out to start the game at Amherst. Amherst is playing as well as anyone and with a ton of confidence especially at Home and with revenge on their minds for last years romp. Individual match-ups will matter in this game as Amherst has more skill in midfield than years past as I would like to see both Cutler Coleman and the frosh Ignacio Cubeddu on the field together going at Tufts spine. Kyle Kelly has been pretty solid in the back for Amherst in the games I have seen this year as the defense has improved in front of White. Serpone has been bringing Dane Lind and Jimmy McMillian off the bench and that should worry any opposing coach. Giammattei has 8 Nescac Goals in 6 Games but can disappear against the best teams/team defending with solid man marking or just having one of your better defenders tracking his every step which seems unnecessary as of yet. I still think Amherst rolls over Tufts 2-0.


Disappointing loss for Wesleyan yesterday against Coast Guard in what would be considered a trap game for Wesleyan with Bates coming to town this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 09, 2019, 05:02:23 PM
Hard to imagine any games on grass in Massachusetts on Saturday, even as far west as Amherst where lower rain totals predicted.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on October 10, 2019, 12:25:46 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 09, 2019, 05:02:23 PM
Hard to imagine any games on grass in Massachusetts on Saturday, even as far west as Amherst where lower rain totals predicted.
The NWS indicated a short time ago that they're scaling back the forecasted rainfall, so we'll see, but I think Amherst may be OK. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on October 10, 2019, 08:41:44 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 09, 2019, 10:00:30 AM
Quote from: Buck O. on October 08, 2019, 08:49:43 PM
I'm going to drive past the Babson campus in the morning, so I'll let you know if it's been reduced to a smoking pile of rubble by the celebration.

Still standing, Buck?

Actually, I didn't drive by yesterday, because I pass Babson while taking my daughter to school, but she was off yesterday due to Yom Kippur.  But I drove by about an hour ago, and I didn't see any obvious signs of destruction from the roadway.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mid-Atlantic Fan on October 10, 2019, 09:12:46 AM
I am going with Tufts in a 3-2 2OT game cuz we all want to see some free soccer with the overtimes  :D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 10, 2019, 09:36:52 AM
Don't usually hop on the prediction train, but I'm going for a dour 1-1 in 2OT. Would love to be wrong.

Quote from: Buck O. on October 10, 2019, 08:41:44 AM
Actually, I didn't drive by yesterday, because I pass Babson while taking my daughter to school, but she was off yesterday due to Yom Kippur.  But I drove by about an hour ago, and I didn't see any obvious signs of destruction from the roadway.

Quick rebuilding job! ;)

On the note of the game, I was intrigued to see that they were playing on grass on Tuesday after playing a number of games on their turf last year. Maybe they did that to throw the Jumbos (who themselves switched to turf back in 2016) off? Either way, have to say Babson had a lot more pace going forward than I have come to expect from the Beavers. Collins looks like the real deal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 10, 2019, 10:29:28 AM
I'm gonna take Amherst 3-1, with the caveat that I don't know who would benefit the most if there is a field change.  Amherst should be highly motivated as already noted, and I just don't think (in the regular season at least) that Tufts  can turn it on from off on a dime.  The Jumbos may need another loss or two to achieve a full wake-up call. The post-season, especially the NCAA tourney is different, where teams can go back to starting out 0-0 and where the one and done aspect of the tournament changes the urgency dynamic significantly.  Now, if Tufts musters up an early goal and can hold a lead into the second half then I could see Amherst's frustration escalating into an implosion.  Fascinating coaching duel in this one as well, especially with regard to how each coach handles the current psychology of his respective squads.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 09:26:26 AM
This is a great day to play futbol. Perfect temps to run all day with nice grey skies and no sun disadvantage for either side. Nice wet fields to slide tackle yet not so wet that it feels like you have no control of your own technique. To add to the fun there are random gusts of strong wind that will play a factor.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 10:15:11 AM
Wesleyan has already moved their game v Bates to the turf,,,,NO of course not the nice Football Field turf but the Field Hockey field...garbage even if expected with a Football guy being AD. Still Wesleyan Football is playing a night game tonight and it would have been nice to squeeze a Men's Soccer game on that turf in the early afternoon.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 11:55:51 AM
Looks like Seabrook has changed things up a bit the past few games with his lineup. Colby started 3 Frosh against Hamilton and looked like Seabrook was changing things up and also giving his young promising players valuable experience.(i.e 2015 Colby but with more talent than that side). However, he has gone back to his veterans for today at Midd. Midd has basically the same starting lineup as usual except I do not see Barsamian with Brendan Barry in the lineup instead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 12:25:57 PM
Umm wow...Midd scores 5 minutes in to take an early 1-0 lead off a nice cross from Reid and easy finish by Goulart. Midd got the ball off a Colby giveaway and quickly started a counter. Midd's speed is bothering Colby today. Colby's #10 Nick Lemire attempts to stop? slowdown? the counter and sticks his leg in to the way of a Midd player who was bombing forward.  All Lemire had to do was stick the kid or FOUL him....He did neither and actually pulled out last second and refused to tackle...Never have I seen such cowardice and that is not easy for me to say. What really frustrated me was he compounded his error by not reading the actual Midd counter after the fact. He tried to hustle back but once he got back there he lost all concentration and focus as Midd's Goulart cheekily snuck in front of him at the top of the box to bury Reid's cross. Must be sacked for that effort. I mean he is 6'4 and in there for a reason which is to get on the end of set pieces but tackling and effort HAS to be there
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 12:31:03 PM
Midd always gets the best NSN announcers...Midd's usual play by play guy who is pretty good and knows the game is not there today but his replacement is also very competent and solid...I know nothing about announcing but this guy has some potential
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 12:36:18 PM
Colby evens it up on a set piece by #5 Asa Berolzheimer that should have been dealt with by Midd but was not and evens it up 1-1...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 12:55:10 PM
Midd and Colby 1-1 at the Half. Midd looked better to begin the game as Colby has had spurts here and there. Everytime i watch Midd I am reminded how much they rely on their starters. Midd might be able to go only 2-3 deep off their bench as long as they have no injuries but even their bench guys are a big dropoff compared to other sides in the league. I thought Colby looked the better side the last 15 minutes of the Half. Midd cannot afford to get a Draw here. They need 3 pts and if they want to show they can progress in the NCAA's this year THIS type of game must be won on their Home field 2nd Half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 01:24:24 PM
Midd looks real good to start the 2nd Half...ball staying on the carpet and guys are very active. Goulart is all over the field right now . Reid has given a healthy work rate today..That is a good sign...Let's see if they can find one or if Colby can turn the tables on them
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on October 12, 2019, 01:35:45 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 10:15:11 AM
Wesleyan has already moved their game v Bates to the turf,,,,NO of course not the nice Football Field turf but the Field Hockey field...garbage even if expected with a Football guy being AD. Still Wesleyan Football is playing a night game tonight and it would have been nice to squeeze a Men's Soccer game on that turf in the early afternoon.


Think they upgraded the turf there a few years ago
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 01:37:57 PM
hopefully...the turf on that field used to be awful..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 01:40:24 PM
Announcer correctly credits Colby's Paul Hawkins with breaking up a Midd  2v2 counter. Hawkins busted his ass to break that up and save his GK from a dangerous rip
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 02:32:21 PM
Both Tufts and Amherst staying with basically the same lineups
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 02:54:04 PM
I wish Shapiro would put in Jacobs for Braun as I think Jacobs and Tasker would work well with each other and Braun's skill sometimes is lacking...as I am typing Tufts goes up 1-0 on a goal by Tasker...Amherst loves Johnson's long throws but his 1v1 defending on Tasker in the box was horrible. Tasker got Johnson's legs tangled up with the ball at his feet and used his own core and leg muscle to just SHIELD Johnson away from the ball masterfully. He then turnd and ripped it by White....1-0 Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 03:05:58 PM
Great work by Amherst Dane Lind to win the ball back from Tufts and squeeze a nice thru ball into Giammattei's path who finished it. Nice run by GG but I would give Lind three fifths of that goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 03:21:18 PM
1-1 Amherst v Tufts at the Half...Good competitive game so far
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The_View_From_732 on October 12, 2019, 03:23:52 PM
Tufts v. Amherst is a fun game between two good teams with very different styles of play. And, as importantly, it's been referee'd quite well, so the game has been mostly focused on the soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 12, 2019, 03:29:25 PM
Mr. Right is right about Lind's effort to create the goal scoring opportunity.
More long balls bypassing the midfield than I thought there'd be for Tufts. Especially when #5 was in. Both teams getting stuck when trying to clear their lines. Lots of heart on the field for both squads.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on October 12, 2019, 03:30:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 03:21:18 PM
101 Amherst v Tufts at the Half...Good competitive game so far
This is the third time I've watched Tufts this year, and the first time they've looked like a top team. They do look awfully good at building from the back, getting good looks, and generally being dangerous. Amherst is more athletic than I had expected, but the last time I saw them was two years ago in the Sweet Sixteen vs Rochester (in Grantham), so I haven't really seen several of their players before--especially FR German Giammattei (who is very quick and skilled) and the big FR Nico Kenary, who plays like a veteran. Amherst is playing up to their reputation as a big team that likes to kick and run, but they are still dangerous, especially when they are getting those very long flip throws--that's quite a weapon. I would call this about even, with an edge to Tufts for being quicker to the ball and taking slightly better care of it. The game is living up to its billing, IMO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2019, 03:43:19 PM
When I first saw the Amherst goal I thought that the three CBs got caught by that through ball. When I watched it back, I tried to see how it might have been defended better, but that through ball from Lind was extremely well played. I guess if we're being super critical you could say that Tufts got caught a little high, but that was a great heads-up play by Lind and run and finish by Giammattei. A great ball played to feet (see, that's what can happen when you keep it on the ground ;))!

Tufts has lost possession in its own half a few times and gotten away with it — that time, the Jumbos did not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2019, 03:57:21 PM
Honestly I've been impressed at how open this game has been — from both sides. Amherst has generally kept the ball on the ground and Tufts has played some nice combinations going forward.

That said, don't love the idea of Johnson doing flip-throws in his own half. Level to the opposing box, sure, but I can't think the threat of losing the ball in your own half from a throw-in is so high that you need to clear the zone immediately (Tufts' aforementioned losses of possession occurred in central, crowded areas, much more highly contested than throw-ins). I know that's probably a directive issued from above his (metaphorical) pay grade, but it certainly doesn't help improve existing perceptions of Amherst's long ball game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 03:57:53 PM
Amherst #8 Shahmirzadi has been a worker bee today. Gives the ball away to much but he more than makes up for it with his hustle and soccer brain.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2019, 04:02:22 PM
Home field advantage for the NESCAC tournament stays in Tufts' hands with the draw. That said, the Jumbos have lost at home in the first round in 4 out of the last 5 years (the one exception being 2017, when they won the conference tournament) — make of that what you will.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 04:17:42 PM
Amherst backline has been much improved this season led by Kyle Kelly who has been solid again today shutting down Tufts attackers . Wu still makes me nervy as he makes stupid decisions sometimes...I feel like the Amherst backline is the Country Club backline of Nescac....Kyle Kelly, Gabe Gittler, Bryce Johnson, Felix Wu oh and lets throw in Cutler Coleman...These guys sound like members names at Pine Valley Golf Club(Women allowed on Sundays)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 12, 2019, 04:28:07 PM
Names might sound clubby, but working like the lunch pail gang.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2019, 04:29:41 PM
MASSIVE chance for Tufts at the end of regulation...Amherst defender hacks the ball up into the air to clear the zone with about 0:15 left, his man heads it on but it goes straight to a Tufts player (Daly?) who plays it and finds Braun in behind the Amherst CBs, but Braun's touch was too heavy and took him way wide of the goal...may have been difficult to finish after settling anyway given the 'keeper charged out although looked like he could have scored if he took it first time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on October 12, 2019, 04:31:16 PM
Boom! Lights out!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 12, 2019, 04:47:32 PM
Tufts totally fell asleep from the kickoff, which is very unlike the Jumbos given how strong they usually are in the first and last few minutes of periods. Amherst (Giammattei) stormed right through the middle of the field and while a couple of the bounces of the ball in that sequence seemed fortunate it was great work by him to stay with it and finish. Tufts has gone from perfect record and NESCAC/National favorite to 2nd favorites in both of those senses in 10 days. Even before today Giammattei seemed to be clear favorite for NESCAC PoY, something that seems even more nailed-on now, although we've seen Amherst players equally well-positioned snubbed before (e.g. Pascual-Leone). Crazy how less than two weeks can massively alter perceptions, and I don't think any of us saw Tufts losing two games in the regular season let alone in 3 days. Massive goal for Amherst, both in terms of playoff implications and psychology. Might 2019 be another 2015? Hell of a battle at the top going on, but it's advantage Amherst and it's tough to see the Mammoths relinquish it. Still probably a few more twists to come, but, wow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2019, 04:49:13 PM
Quote from: Jump4Joy on October 12, 2019, 04:28:07 PM
Names might sound clubby, but working like the lunch pail gang.


Agreed....I am still stunned how that ended....Now what for Tufts??? I actually think they played pretty well and came up with nothing...They are having trouble finishing right now. Harned made a couple nice saves he also made a couple very questionable decisions one of which almost ended up in the back of his net in the 1st Half off a long ball into mixer. If Tufts plays like that tomorrow at Hamilton they should be fine. Now, I will say if it happens that they they play like that tomorrow and still get held to another Draw then I might start to worry,
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on October 12, 2019, 04:53:36 PM
Gee...Amherst wins over the Jumbos.  Must be due to the GRASS field...heh! :)
Amherst has more talented players that played aggressive and with their feet and speed. 
Tufts did a lot of "hands"...refs let them play though.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on October 12, 2019, 04:54:35 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 12, 2019, 04:47:32 PM
Tufts totally fell asleep from the kickoff, which is very unlike the Jumbos given how strong they usually are in the first and last few minutes of periods. Amherst (Giammattei) stormed right through the middle of the field and while a couple of the bounces of the ball in that sequence seemed fortunate it was great work by him to stay with it and finish. Tufts has gone from perfect record and NESCAC/National favorite to 2nd favorites in both of those senses in 10 days. Even before today Giammattei seemed to be clear favorite for NESCAC PoY, something that seems even more nailed-on now, although we've seen Amherst players equally well-positioned snubbed before (e.g. Pascual-Leone). Crazy how less than two weeks can massively alter perceptions, and I don't think any of us saw Tufts losing two games in the regular season let alone in 3 days. Massive goal for Amherst, both in terms of playoff implications and psychology. Might 2019 be another 2015? Hell of a battle at the top going on, but it's advantage Amherst and it's tough to see the Mammoths relinquish it. Still probably a few more twists to come, but, wow.
Excellent summary of the sudden death, Blooter. +K. I felt overall afterwards that Amherst deserved this one--they seriously hustled, especially on defense, and seemed to gain more control as the game went on. As you pointed out, Tufts could have won it near the end of regulation, but the Mammoth keeper made a splendid save--and Amherst could have won it earlier, when the Tufts keeper did likewise. But, Amherst probably had more dangerous shots than Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2019, 02:23:16 PM
Hamilton v Tufts about to get underway...Will Tufts make any changes? I am sure they will because they will want fresh legs on a back to back so it will be hard to tell the actual reasoning for any of the potential lineup switches.

Under Nizzi Hamilton usually finds a way to stay tight with top teams. The great thing is when Hamilton does not stay with their opponents they usually get blown off the field so we should know very quickly. I have a hunch Hamilton GK Benson is going to be busy and might have something to prove in this  game. Benson and Eckels should be on the same page and must be to stay organized back there.

For Tufts...I have an idea what to expect the first 10 minutes but still unsure what will transpire afterward.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2019, 02:31:37 PM
Well ok we know a GK switch is a benching.....Harned had to be sacked.....So Shapiro sticks to his guns for the most part...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2019, 02:43:40 PM
Tufts starting to control play at about the 10th minute. They are playing nice futbol keeping the ball on the grass except for their final ball as it has been off so far. Still no dangerous chances yet for Tufts while Hamilton had one close call in the opening minutes that wasn't a big deal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2019, 02:54:04 PM
Tufts CB Will Raphael having a nightmare 1st Half giving the ball away and also some bad fouls in dangerous areas....Rojas just gave one away at midfield lazily and Wood took advantage with a nice thru ball to Ross Wetzel who should have finished it 1v1 with Tufts GK Kinderman and a defender breathing down his neck....good up and down game though..0-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2019, 03:02:14 PM
good chance there for Tufts started by Aroh who drove a 20 yard bullet on the grass into the path of a sprinting Tasker who gave a cheeky backheel that found Lane who just clipped it high....Then Tasker gets in on Benson but a tough angle prevents a dangerous hit..could not tell if he should have put it on his left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2019, 03:10:42 PM
Tufts goes up 1-0 on a set piece hit by Van Brewer that found a WIDE OPEN Paoletta who broke free from the pack and Hamilton completely lost him...lack of concentration on defense for Hamilton right there. Still it is only 1-0 and Hamilton has had a couple opportunities. I would not give up just yet if I were the Continentals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2019, 03:46:27 PM
Hamilton knots it up at 1 on an Aidan Wood PK...car horns blaring.....pretty weak PK but Hamilton will take whatever it can get right now...Tufts hit the bar and was all over Hamilton in the first 5 minutes but now its 1-1...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2019, 04:01:49 PM
Tufts starting to really apply some pressure on Hamilton's backline and Benson who has made a couple nice saves.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on October 15, 2019, 06:05:08 PM
One of the poorest efforts by Williams men's soccer in recent memory today, a 1-1 draw versus Westfield State.
Ephs have 32 shots, Westfield 6; only 11 of Ephs shots on goal. Ephs have 16 corners versus 0 for Westfield. Williams hampered by casual play, lots of turnovers, soft shots right at the goalie. Lack of running back on defense. Team appears soft, uncaring. Need some men who love to play the game, not simply feel entitled to wear a proud uniform. An unselfish, cohesive, aggressive offense would help as well.

Quite an obvious contrast to current direct mammoth squad, and intensity and skill of Tufts, Midd, Conn.

Pull up your socks, boys ....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2019, 12:14:43 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 15, 2019, 06:05:08 PM
One of the poorest efforts by Williams men's soccer in recent memory today, a 1-1 draw versus Westfield State.
Ephs have 32 shots, Westfield 6; only 11 of Ephs shots on goal. Ephs have 16 corners versus 0 for Westfield. Williams hampered by casual play, lots of turnovers, soft shots right at the goalie. Lack of running back on defense. Team appears soft, uncaring. Need some men who love to play the game, not simply feel entitled to wear a proud uniform. An unselfish, cohesive, aggressive offense would help as well.

Quite an obvious contrast to current direct mammoth squad, and intensity and skill of Tufts, Midd, Conn.

Pull up your socks, boys ....


I really can not refute any of that since I did not see the game but your last 4 sentences are depressing to this fan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2019, 12:29:36 PM
Not a good start to the mid-week start some of these Nescac teams..

Williams---Draw at 3-8-1 Westfield....long gone are the days of a 10-0 Win at Westfield St in 2003 that prompted an immediate dropping by the Westfield AD. 

Bates---All these great Nescac results, all this effort and then THIS....Bates could have realistically been in serious consideration for a Pool C and then they go out and lose AT HOME to Maine Maritime??? I have nothing on this game but luckily they will face an even more damaged animal in Williams this weekend but jeez not a good look at all...

Conn---A 2-1 loss at Babson is not at all surprising to any of us. I did think with the way Conn plays they would be able to keep Babo off the board but can we just say Anderson had full confidence in his team this year. The schedule he put together this past year is really incredible and honestly one of the better ones he has ever had. Not only that he is actually getting rewarded for it with some HUGE wins.

Midd---Interesting match at WPI...0-0 is probably a fair result as I am sure each team had some looks
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 16, 2019, 04:23:31 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 16, 2019, 12:29:36 PM
Bates---All these great Nescac results, all this effort and then THIS....Bates could have realistically been in serious consideration for a Pool C and then they go out and lose AT HOME to Maine Maritime??? I have nothing on this game but luckily they will face an even more damaged animal in Williams this weekend but jeez not a good look at all...

Definitely not a great look but the good news for them is that MMA will (all but certainly) not be ranked. 2012 was the year that the league got each of Amherst (AQ), Williams, Tufts, and Wesleyan in because Wes. ran Amherst close in their NESCAC semi before losing 1-0 I think and Tufts took Williams to PKs in the same round. If Bates goes 1-1-1 in their last three I think they are in a decent spot, even better if they can (get and) win a home NESCAC quarterfinal. I remember people talking of them as a potential Pool C back in 2015 — they went 5-1-1 in their first 7 — but then the wheels kinda fell off in October (they played Tufts, Amherst, and Middlebury at home and got 1 point out of 9, and that was more because Tufts couldn't hit a barn door that day). This year seems different.

As for game-by-game, Amherst has to be favorites for that 10/26 matchup — bummed because I will be out of town that weekend — but based on what I saw of Iwowo against Tufts, I think he (and his teammates) will give Amherst a hard time, particularly considering they will be at home. Williams historically would be confident of a win, particularly at home, but Bates is 2-1-1 against Williams since 2015 (fully noting that Bates' 2015 was a smash-and-grab where they equalized with less than 2 minutes left and won it fortunately in OT). Colby will be a grudge match and it's at their place but Bates won there two years ago and would be favorites based on current form. Bottom line is I think they're in a decent spot but still have some work to do. If they go 0-3 in the last three then they're probably toast barring winning the NESCAC but if they can get a couple positive results I think they'll be in with a shout.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 17, 2019, 11:56:34 AM
I had to take a day to recover before making notes on Conn's 1-2 loss to Babson.  As a Camel fan, very hard to watch them lose this one.

Conn definitely played better the first half, controlling the ball and got rewarded in 32 minute.  1-0.  And it looked like more could follow...and it seemed they had the game and flow under control.

Babson came out playing as hard as they did in the first half, and Conn played okay but didn't seem to have the intensity they had in the first half. In fact, I was thinking - where's the fire, come on.   That eventually was the difference in my book.  Beavers played well individually and as a team, worked and scored a nice goal.  Then they kept it up to score again late in the second half. 

Conn played back-up goal keeper, but can't say that had an impact on the result. Perhaps on Babson's second goal where he came out and they put it over his head.  But that may have happened to any goalie. 

So... congratulations to Babson who stuck in there, hustled and played the  game better! . 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2019, 08:51:09 AM
This is the best time of the season with the end nearing for most teams and do or die games to keep seasons alive right around the corner. We start to get Regional Rankings and teams start to understand their respective realities and what they need to do as a team to keep their seasons alive. This is the time of year when Seniors begin to realize that for 95% of them THIS IS IT. This will be the last time they step onto a field to play for their respective schools and tendency is they start to give their best effort and leaders emerge to keep their careers going even for one more weekend. It is a great feeling. Even the most chaotic teams can get a lift from Seniors desperate to keep their careers going.


Trinity at Midd---Trinity is 1-10-0(0-7-0) and have 3 games left to avoid a 2nd consecutive 0-10-0 Nescac season. I have been harsh on Pilger the past few seasons but I think it was pretty fair. Realization is setting in that this will be Pilger's swan song so I am actually rooting for them to get a victory and hope his players can get it done for him. It just will not happen in this game. Midd has not won a Nescac game since September but they still find themselves on a Pool C bubble and in 5th place in Nescac. Midd's loss to Bates might cost them a Nescac Quarterfinal Home game as they would lose the tiebreaker but more importantly Midd still has to go to Medford and host Williams so 3 pts against trinity is a must. Midd's lack of depth will not hurt them in this game as Elias should be able to use his bench and Midd should dominate Trinity in the air and I expect Midd to roll....3-0 Midd


Bates at Williams-------Big game for both teams. At 8-3-1 Bates controls their own destiny IMO as if they were to defeat Williams, Amherst and Colby they would get a Pool C. Easier said than done but at least Bates KNOWS what they need to do. For young and inexperienced teams this type of pressure usually hurts them but in Bates case they have plenty of veterans to pull the young guys together to get this done. Bates has a size advantage and they are playing with much more confidence than Williams right now. Bates have dangerous weapons in attack that will cause Williams defense some problems. Bates must get Iwowo away from Williams best defender Ranieri and attack down Williams right side. At 6'4 Owen Keleher has potential and Williams needs to be aware, Williams will have a Home field advantage and IMO the only other advantage they have is a little more team speed and athleticism than Bates. Gass will get looks in this game and Williams must keep the ball out of the air in the run of play and also swerve balls into the box low from the flanks. They must use their field to try to wear down Bates and keep possession of the ball to force Bates to chase more than they want to. Will Williams do this? There are no signs in recent play to say Williams will but all I am saying is the potential is there if they decide to show up.  1-1


Wesleyan at Hamilton-----Both teams are fighting for their Nescac playoff lives and are bunched up with 5 other teams for 4 available Playoff spots. This game will all depend on how Wesleyan decides they want to play it. I have no doubt Hamilton will come out and try to win this game and will not be sitting in. Hamilton is quietly one of the hottest teams in the league going 4-0-2 in their last 6 including their most recent draw with Tufts. If Wesleyan decides to match them straight up we could have a very entertaining game up and down with both teams getting stretched and 5 or 6 goals between them...Pipe dream...Wesleyan should do this but my gut says Wheeler will be very cautious knowing a loss to Hamilton puts them in a real hole. This game is a legit coin flip. Wesleyan 1-0

Amherst at Colby--------I remember this match from 2 years ago and I am sure both these teams do as well. I thought Colby played well at Midd last weekend and are starting to play better overall. They are 1-0-3 in their last 4 and if that record does not scream COLBY I have no idea what does. I would be willing to bet Colby has the most Draws in Nescac since Seabrook arrived(2014 if anyone wants to fact check me). Colby will have to be clicking to have any chance in this game. They need to find a goal anyway they can and hopefully Grant Pugh is fully back and 100%. Pugh's speed will be needed to deal with Giamattei who could finish with 25 Goals by the end of the season. He would need to score 9 more goals but with Colby,Bates and Trinity left and also probably an NCAA 1st round opponent that will not be able to defend him...I would give him a fighters chance to reach 25.  Amherst 2-0

Conn at Tufts--------This game should determine who will be 2nd in Nescac. Tufts finishes with 3 Home games and will be looking to find their first win in 2 weeks. I am expecting a battle. I am hoping both teams will play hard and be fighting for every ball. Both teams are two of the hardest working teams in Nescac. Tufts probably did not practice much this week as I would have given them Monday off,  had off field video/scouting Tuesday, Wednesday would be a full practice session, Thursday a very light session using mostly the bench guys and Friday a walk through. So basically at the end of the year your guys are plenty fit and the biggest issue is to keep them rested and refreshed. Guys that are banged up need to get back to as close to 100% as possible. I am really anticipating this match as I expect Tufts to shut down Butera in the middle of the park and in effect force Conn to hit long balls. Tufts will not allow Conn to possess the ball like they have been and Conn will adjust accordingly. These are two really good teams and hoping for a great game. 1-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2019, 01:08:50 PM
Sullivan has made 3 lineup changes coming off a 1-1 Draw midweek at Westfield. He is going with a local kid Foehl who does have skill and he has put in a couple trees into the lineup as well. Williams without Ranieri as well and frankly he is injured way too often which possibly can be attributed to the way he takes care of his body or just pure bad luck..no clue which..Bates looks to have made only 1 lineup change coming off a midweek loss at Home to Maine Maritime.  Williams is starting about as big of a lineup as they can to match Bates but I would have rather seen Williams force Bates to match them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2019, 01:15:57 PM
Opening minutes Bates at Williams and Bates #4 Soph James Peter shows he is Bates leader as a CB in Bates huddle before kickoff. Let's see if his play backs him up today. Bates #5 Frederick Hohmann is a monster at like 6'6 but man he is a liability in the middle of the field so far in this game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2019, 01:28:13 PM
Bates has a trio of Frosh with skill and confidence..I like it....McKersie(Berkshire), Dall(So.Kent) and Iwowo(Berkshire). They are all very young and have plenty to work on but damn the talent is there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2019, 01:41:52 PM
Bates at Williams 0-0 about 15 left in 1st half. Both teams trying to play on the pitch but both teams a bit sloppy in 1st Half. Opoku had the best chance at the top of the box off a cut but a fine save by Williams Frosh GK.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2019, 02:32:49 PM
Bates and Williams 0-0 still about 60 minutes in...

Colby and Amherst 1-1 and a GOW effort by Ethan Fabricant who had Amherst CB's ankles turned on a nice individual piece of skill and effort to give Colby an early lead. Amherst drew even about 5 minutes later.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 19, 2019, 06:35:09 PM
Big win for Tufts and the boys are back. Homecoming weekend and a the 5th reunion of the first team. The alumni helped give them a lift and they got back to what defines the program. Finding ways to win when not playing your best. If this team can get the grindiness they will be just fine
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheAnonymousCommentator on October 21, 2019, 05:13:42 PM
Giammattei with another POW. Don't think we'll see the NESCAC POY decided as early as this for a long time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 21, 2019, 05:56:49 PM
Quote from: TheAnonymousCommentator on October 21, 2019, 05:13:42 PM
Giammattei with another POW. Don't think we'll see the NESCAC POY decided as early as this for a long time.

At least not until next fall or the fall after that.   ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 01:12:05 PM
2 BIG games today in Nescac...

Hamilton at Williams-----Williams has dominated this matchup under Sullivan. Williams battled Bates hard and scrapped out a 1-0 OT PK to win it. I thought the PK was a homer call but if any team needed a bit of luck its Williams right now. I am betting Bates staff was none to pleased on that bus ride home..I would have been steaming....Hamilton is on fire right now as Nizzi's gang are 5-0-2 in their last 7 games. Both teams sit on 11pts and and are fighting to finish 6th but either team could finish as high as 4th but they both need help. I think the bottom of Nescac really must fight to finish 6th. That is where I would want to finish. No offense to Conn but if you finish 6th you would travel to Conn and avoid Amherst until the Final and Tufts till the Semi and pray for a couple upsets.

Colby at Bowdoin-----This is it for Colby...They HAVE TO WIN this game...They have no choice as they must get all 3pts or last years Nescac Tournament Champions will be eliminated..Not only that but they will get eliminated and still have to wait around a whole another week just to play a meaningless final game v Bates. So.....Will Seabrook put a more attacking lineup in? How does he play this game? Colby is playing better of late and are finding the back of the net with 7 goals in the last 5 games against some tough teams but they are also conceding much easier than last season. Bowdoin has only 1 Nescac Win(Trinity) and 4 Draws..6 Goals in 7 Nescac Games.....They need a victory if they want to hold onto 8th Place in Nescac and the right to face Amherst in the 1st Round a team they have not beaten since 2008. Otherwise Wesleyan could grab the 8th spot this weekend with a match against Trinity scheduled. Both teams will also play one more the following week. Random question of the day.....How does Waterville,ME  FIND THESE PEOPLE to be mayor...first LePage and now this current mayor who seems to be of the same ilk.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 02:51:41 PM
Hamilton at Williams about to get underway and I see no major lineup changes. Let's see if Williams Nick Boardman can beat Hamilton's midfield and feed his strikers. I would almost like to see him in Fleisher's role but Williams should be able to get some good looks today. Hamilton will also get some chances as Wetzel and Wood should cause Williams backs some issues.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 03:05:25 PM
Referee for today's Williams v Hamilton match is none other than Louie Labbadia who is a character. Not a great ref but he is ok and does or used to do D1 middle's. He thinks he is a much better referee than he is so there's that and he just flat out gets away with stuff that other refs would not. He lets the players know who is control right away. His ego is as big as his mouth but if you ever want to go to a game to watch a ref do his thing...Lou Labbadia would be the guy....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 03:13:00 PM
Hamilton takes full advantage of a clueless Williams high line as a beautifully placed long ball by Ross Wetzel that led Aidan Wood on his way into a 1v1 with Williams GK and he slid it home nicely with HIS LEFT..UMM So you NEVER play a high line against a super fast striker especially if he is faster than your backs...EVEN IF YOU have a massive wind advantage(like Williams does 1st Half)...respect the speed....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 03:20:00 PM
Williams gets one back...1-1...Demian Gass finished it and will take that garbage goal toe poke...Nice set piece ball by Oberg finds Bardong's head who gets a nicee one on target but it was saved by Hamilton's GK Benson. Gass cleaned up the mess...respect the striker who is in the right spot at right time...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 03:22:59 PM
Sullivan has Oberg holding with Fleisher and Boardman in midfield and then Bardong and Holland as CB's..not sure about Bardong and Holland as CB's..Wood's speed advantage on those two Williams CB's was the reason he scored that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 03:27:42 PM
I like this Hamilton midfielder #9 Hagop Kouchakdjian...not a tough kid but very technical and runs like a deer with the ball at his feet and his head high...Kid has good vision
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 03:35:14 PM
Both Williams(#9) and Hamilton(#11) end up regionally ranked this week proving the New England region is a mess. Williams is 5-3-4 and ranked #9??? That is pretty bad. Has there ever been a team ranked with only 5 wins? I am betting this is a first that a team gets ranked with only 5 Wins(besides the West)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 03:52:40 PM
Hamilton at Williams is 1-1 at the Half. Game started well and then slowly degenerated when the each team went to its bench. The game got real sloppy the last 20 minutes as both teams were giving the ball away carelessly with no real chances..neither team has any depth...Williams is giving Hamilton's midfielders like Wetzel/Giovannalli/Kouchakdjian/Jordan way to much respect and space...Hamilton is trying to play a bit and Williams is allowing them to..Press them hard and force them into careless giveaways in dangerous areas of their own half. Hamilton's Jeff Plump must have given the ball away 4 times on his own with no pressure on him. Just careless stuff. Plump is quick but whats the point if you are just giving the ball away. Williams had a little better of the play 1st Half but they had the wind at their backs so now Hamilton will get its chance with the wind. Williams skilled midfielder Eli Petrik has barely seen the field the past few games...dog house? or had Boardman over taken him? still Petrik could be very effective out wide...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 04:17:31 PM
Hamilton has come out 2nd Half and is all over Williams as Sullivan benched 4 starters for not working hard. Some nice combination play by Wood, Schmidt, Torres and Wetzel as Hamilton is playing some nice futbol to start the Half. The problem is their final ball is way off and when they do get their chance their strikers are not ripping.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 04:24:04 PM
Jesus...Williams was on their heels fr the first 10 minutes of the 2nd Half yet they get one set piece and GOAL...2-1 Williams about 35 left.. Another long ball by Ob erg gets caught up in the wind a bit and confused Hamilton GK Benson who was flat footed and ball watching as Liam Bardong goes ball hunting and jumps right in front of Benson and heads it home...Nice goal but man Benson MUST do better as you must anticipate the wind even to get a fist to the ball.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 04:40:39 PM
Hamilton gave up 2 set piece goals today that should have been dealt with...Benson/Eckels/Donovan MUST get everyone organized back there and Nizzi would be wise to work on this in the little practice time they have left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 04:41:46 PM
NSN Special....25 minutes left in game and LIGHTS OUT...stream dead....ok off to Brunswick and we have Colby at Bowodin 0-0 about 15 left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 23, 2019, 04:54:11 PM
Hamilton ties it up with 2:30 in regulation.  2-2... Although no feed, so no idea of details.  Simply the play-by-play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 04:54:15 PM
Aidan Wood draws blood again in the 88th minute to even the match with Williams at 2-2. The stream is dead so I have no idea what happened but Williams giving up late goals is nothing new the past few years..Williams has too see that one out...Let's see which team gets the winner because their is a winner on that field
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 04:57:25 PM
Anyone know what Bowdoin has built to the East of their field? I see a brand new path leading somewhere
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 05:03:33 PM
Good site to bookmark if u are a D3 nerd and following the business of D3 athletics...not a plug cause I have no idea who runs it. D3ticker.com



https://www.twipu.com/D3Ticker



reason I checked was the departure of the Colby AD to go to Hopkins to be Associate AD. Colby is in the middle of a HUGE athletics push with 2020 being the year when their brand new facility will open.


https://hopkinssports.com/news/2019/10/16/hopkins-names-jake-olkkola-senior-associate-director-of-athletics.aspx
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2019, 05:04:50 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 04:57:25 PM
Anyone know what Bowdoin has built to the East of their field? I see a brand new path leading somewhere

Not much east of the field aside from Route 123 and the old Brunswick Naval Air Station (now Brunswick Executive Airport which has an industrial park with Wayfair/etc. having offices there). To the south and west there are a bunch of X-C running trails. West is the WSOC field as well as the field hockey and lax carpet. North is the field house/ice arena and tennis courts. Haven't seen anything east although the track and turf (which I wish was lined for soccer!) is northeast. Maybe you're seeing trails heading towards the old base (where there are now a number of walking "trails"?)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 05:09:29 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 23, 2019, 05:04:50 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 04:57:25 PM
Anyone know what Bowdoin has built to the East of their field? I see a brand new path leading somewhere

Not much east of the field aside from Route 123 and the old Brunswick Naval Air Station (now Brunswick Executive Airport which has an industrial park with Wayfair/etc. having offices there). To the south and west there are a bunch of X-C running trails. West is the WSOC field as well as the field hockey and lax carpet. North is the field house/ice arena and tennis courts. Haven't seen anything east although the track and turf (which I wish was lined for soccer!) is northeast. Maybe you're seeing trails heading towards the old base (where there are now a number of walking "trails"?)

Isnt the Women's field to the South? Rink to the West and the Water to the East? or do I need my compass?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 05:12:47 PM
Colby A HUGE 3pts with an OT Win at Bowdoin...Colby keeps their season alive on a nice switch of fields by #3 Fabricant to #7 A Frosh Sam Wilson who hits a clever ball with a little spin to kill it but just enough rip to get it over the Bowdoin defenders heads and finds #14 Grant Pugh who collects the loose ball and finishes...Bowdoin GK caught way off his line
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 23, 2019, 05:16:43 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 23, 2019, 05:09:29 PM
Isnt the Women's field to the South? Rink to the West and the Water to the East? or do I need my compass?

You're close. Water is more south, actually — if you take 123 to the end then you're in Casco Bay. If you head far enough east you'll hit water, though, haha.

Here's a screenshot — Pickard is labeled on the map:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SEkAbNm4es9JccOpjaBZHvJT_N9yHg0z/view?usp=sharing
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 26, 2019, 11:04:04 AM
big day today. We basically have 4 teams(Bowdoin, Hamilton, Wesleyan, and Colby) fighting for 7th/8th place (Bowdoin has a mathematical chance at 6th). Bowdoin and Wesleyan have 2 games remaining to find points while Colby and Hamilton have 1. On paper, I would have to give Wesleyan the advantage as they will play Trinity and Conn but both of those teams are desperate to find wins for different reasons. IDK...

I will want to see today how Bates responds to its loss at Williams last weekend against Amherst today. Can they slowdown this Amherst side that is playing well right now. GG another POW in Nescac and now starting to set records at Amherst with single season goals and points records being shattered in October???? Bates attacks with 4 and they can be dynamic but Iwowo is as raw as Okorogheye and Bates will ned to rely on its veterans coming down the stretch. Is Bakken finished for the year? Can Opoku net needed goals? Hohmann looks to be a poor mans Cam Clouse(without the long throw). his size is valuable but at what cost? Skilled midfielders should be able to slice and dice him as he is slow. The difference with Colby and Clouse last year was he was attacking not sitting like Hohmann.


Bowdoin has 1 Win(Trinity) in Nescac this season. They have Williams at Home today and they really must come out pumped and READY to score early and put Williams on its heels. Bowdoin needs a Win today with a date at Tufts looming midweek, in a game where Tufts would love no more  to effectively END Bowdoin's season that same day eliminating them from the Nescac Tournament...anyhow so yea Bowdoin needs a Win and Williams has been playing well the past week with 2 Home victories over Hamilton and Bates. Williams played decent in both games showing they are just as dangerous as anyone going forward. Boardman and Fleisher attacking and Oberg sitting has been the difference IMO. Also, Fabricant is starting to find something and Gass has been scoring all year so will be interesting to see which team grabs the game and when...


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 26, 2019, 11:45:24 AM
We have our first answer on Wesleyan as they take a 2-0 lead over Trinity late in the 1st half with 2 goals in 4 minutes off 2 Sam Serxner long throws. He has a solid long throw that hits the middle of the box at a legit angle. The first long throw found a wide open Matt Rubenstein about 8 yards out who buried a one timer with his left. The second long throw was a disaster as Trinity's GK goes up for the ball and fumbles it right onto the ground for a Wesleyan player to bury...2-0 Wesleyan 15 left in 1st Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 26, 2019, 12:17:47 PM
Williams and Bowdoin are battling hard and Williams strikes first as Chris Fleischer hits a 35 yarder into the net. stream did not follow the shot so I have no idea where Bowdoin GK was or wasn't? Williams has come out the first 10 minutes and are playing strictly on the grass which I like. This game has a couple more goals in it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 26, 2019, 12:31:09 PM
gotta run but hope to get back in time to see Amherst at Bates. Last point on this Bowdoin/Williams game it looks like it has slowed down considerably from the start of the game. Williams CANNOT get complacent and try to nurse this lead until the end. Both of these teams get in trouble when they do this...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerfanatic on October 29, 2019, 11:56:44 AM
big day today for Bowdoin, Colby and Wesleyan.
Wesleyan could jump to 7 if they defeat Conn.
With a  Bowdoin or Colby loss or tie, Wesleyan is 8th even with a loss, or 7th with a win, and Hamilton falls to 8.
A Colby win knocks out Wesleyan unless they win.
A Colby loss and a Bowdoin win and a Wesleyan tie would leave Bowdoin and Wesleyan tied on points. The tied during the regular season, does anyone know the tiebreaker on that?
Lastly a Colby win and a Wesleyan tie would leave then tied on points and that tiebreaker would go to Wesleyan because they defeated Colby earlier in the year.
My head hurts  ??? ::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 29, 2019, 01:07:13 PM
A Midd win and a Bates loss or tie today could move Middlebury to 4th and a home game for the playoffs.  Otherwise they will hit road for the playoffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on October 29, 2019, 02:56:32 PM
While Midd can pass Bates in the standings, they cannot catch Williams, so the best Midd can hope for is 5th place.  They are on the road regardless.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2019, 07:12:57 PM
Bowdoin up 1-0 at Tufts, start of the second half. Goal came after Aroh gave away a foul in midfield — never even close to winning the ball, although the commentator said "arguably clean" — the free kick was launched, controlled, and scored. Had way too much time in the box.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2019, 07:25:59 PM
Now it's Bowdoin's turn to have complacency lead to a goal. Goalie kicked it to midfield, Bowdoin player couldn't control it, Tufts gets it, couple of great flicks/passes, before the Jumbos almost turned it over when Tasker lost control of it. However, the Bowdoin RB didn't get a decisive touch, Tasker took it back, and fed Lane in front. The latter has had kind of a quiet year (he scored in the opener against Framingham but didn't score again until the Conn. win) and I feel like he kind of drifts in and out of games sometimes, but that's a big goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2019, 07:37:25 PM
Handball in the box off a Tufts corner, guy's arm appeared to be up, looked a penalty to me. Welsh buries it sending the keeper the wrong way. 2-1 Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 29, 2019, 07:53:24 PM
Second straight game Tufts has come back from 1-0 down to win 2-1. Character. #OptaEnrique
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2019, 08:09:42 PM
Will be interesting to see if Amherst and Tufts get split up for the NCAA tourney.  I selfishly would love to see a Tufts-Messiah Elite 8 game....partly because of the drama with a Final Four trip on the line which IMO would be better theater than a national semi or national final....and partly for one of those two to get knocked out before the Final Four.  We need some new blood.  Of course getting new blood might mean seeing JHU, W&L or F&M dismissing one or both of the heavyweights.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on October 30, 2019, 02:09:58 PM
I think we need to see how the NESCAC Tournament plays out before we know if Tufts and Amherst get split up (meaning they would not see each other until the Final 4). If they win their respective quarterfinal and semifinal games (which is not very likely given recent history) and meet for the NESCAC title then I think they get split up and Tufts travels south.  Otherwise, I think they keep them in the same quadrant.  Also, I think Amherst will get a bye unless Tufts beats them (on the road at Amherst) in the NESCAC final.  Then an argument could be made for Tufts getting the bye. That would be an interesting debate, but lets not get ahead of ourselves.

A quick shout out to Bates for locking up the #5 spot with a 5-4-1 record in the conference. Its been a long time since Bates finished with a better than .500 conference record and in the top half of the NESCAC standings. Tough challenge ahead at Williams, but they will make the trip with the confidence they recently took them to OT in a very competitive game at Williams. FY Bobby Dall (a Maine-ah) seems to have a nose for big goals coming off the bench as he had the game winner against both Midd and Colby...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on October 30, 2019, 02:42:34 PM
NEW ENGLAND REGION - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - October 30, 2019

Rank

School
. Div. III .
Record
. Div. III .
SOS

 . R-v-R .
. Overall .
Record
. Prev. .
Rank
1.
Amherst
12-0-2
0.608
5-0-2
12-0-2
1
2.
Tufts
10-2-2
0.611
6-2-1
10-2-2
2
3.
Connecticut College
9-3-2
0.606
2-3-2
9-3-2
4
4.
Middlebury
7-2-5
0.609
2-2-2
7-2-5
3
5.
Brandeis
9-3-4
0.585
2-3-1
9-3-4
5
6.
Williams
7-3-4
0.577
4-3-1
7-3-4
9
7.
Babson
10-5-2
0.570
2-3-2
10-5-2
7
8.
WPI
10-2-4
0.577
0-0-4
10-2-4
6
9.
Bates
8-5-1
0.567
2-4-0
8-5-1
10
10.
Keene State
12-5-0
0.564
0-2-0
12-5-0
8
11.
Endicott
9-5-2
0.553
1-2-0
9-5-2
--
12.
Eastern Connecticut
14-2-0
0.494
3-1-0
14-2-0
--
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheAnonymousCommentator on November 01, 2019, 09:50:47 AM
Predictions:

Amherst vs. Wesleyan: Not going to be any surprises here. Wesleyan will try to ride off the trend of years past of low seeds going far in the tournament, and they themselves have experienced this (2015 finals run vs. Bowdoin), but I can't see them getting past the best Amherst team we've seen since, well, 2015 (when they had a shock loss in the NESCAC quarterfinals). Giammattei slowed down against Bates- as in he didn't get a goal, and then followed it up with 3 against Trinity. Dane Lind has also broken 10 assists for the second year running and I suspect they will combo again for a goal or two. 3-0 Amherst.

Tufts vs. Hamilton: Haven't followed Hamilton too much this season so I can't say anything about them really. However, my money is on Tufts to win this year's NESCAC as I think the mid-season slump brought them back down to Earth and made them realize they needed to get it together. They followed up 2 losses and a tie with 3 wins against Conn, Midd, and Bowdoin, which was without a doubt the hardest last 3 games of anyone's schedule and they willed out 9 points. Hamilton will put up a fight but will wilt against an all-out push by Tufts who knows they need to make a run in NESCACs to stay high in the regional rankings. 2-0 Tufts

Conn vs Midd: My first prediction for a lower seed to win! Conn and Midd faced off at Conn's field in 2017 and Midd escaped with an OT win. The field will most likely be trash as it tends to be towards the end of the year but Midd is used to playing on trash fields. I remember going up to Midd's turf once a year and the ball bouncing around like a pinball. So I don't think Midd will be affected by Conn's bad field as much as other teams would be. Midd has a size advantage over Conn and have shown to be able to get up for big games this season (tied Amherst, beat Conn, lost in OT to Tufts). Conn will look to avenge 2017 and their most recent defeat to Midd but Midd will come out on top of a scrappy, dirty game. 1-0 Midd

Williams vs Bates: We thought that Bates might show improvement this year, and boy did they do it. 9 overall wins to break their single season record in many years and a few youngsters that can keep the momentum going. Williams has done well this year in OT (3 wins) and that will serve them will in a tournament that often goes to OT but I'm just slightly uninspired by them. Gass with a few goals this season but with one of the worst shot to goals % in the league. Bates will have to get used to playing on a beautiful Williams field but I just think these guys can get it done. 2-1 Bates

Cheers to playoffs!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 01, 2019, 06:12:18 PM
So which team's season is over if the lose in the quarter finals?  How does this look?

Amherst-No
Tufts-No
Conn College-possibly
Middlebury-probably
Williams-probably
Bates-Yes
Hamilton-Yes
Wesleyan-Yes
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Timmy Two Wheels on November 02, 2019, 10:14:02 AM
Great analysis @maineman

And now the moment you've all been waiting for. Here are Timmy Two Wheel's hypothetical sports book NESCAC playoff betting lines.

1) Amherst vs Wesleyan. (AMH -1.5, O/U 2.5)

3 Quick prop bets:
- Amherst Yellow Cards (O/U 1.5)
- One Amherst Coach gets spoken to by the center official (-250)
- Wesleyan's Devanny saves (O/U 5.5)

2) Tufts vs Hamilton (TUF -1.5, O/U 3.5)

4 Quick Prop Bets:
- Tufts players seeing the field (O/U 19.5)
- Hamilton shots on goal (O/U 5.5)
- Rojas yellow cards (O/U 1.25)
- Tufts loses this game and then somehow wins the national championship (+450)

3) Conn vs Midd (Midd -0.5, O/U 1.25)

3 Quick Prop Bets:
- Total Shots on Goal (O/U 6.5)
- Goulart stepovers (O/U 32.5)
- Fans attending that aren't parents or significant others (O/U 4.5)

4) Williams vs Bates (Bates -0.5, O/U 0.5)

2 Quick Prop Bets:
- Someone with the last name Bardong scores or gets an assist (+450)
- Mr. Right attends the game and leaves uninspired by Williams' performance (-5000)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 02, 2019, 10:20:04 AM
Amherst (-1.5) parlayed with Amherst yellow cards over and Wesleyan saves over
Hamilton (+1.5) parlayed with Tufts national title (+450)
Conn (+0.5) parlayed with shots on goal under 6.5
Bates (-0.5)

Hammer Rojas yellow cards and Mr right disappointment
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2019, 10:53:48 AM
You got half of right as I am attending my first live game of year..I've been busier than usual but this is the best time of year. I am watching William's women and men today. Will give a full report later but I'm hopeful today I think Williams has been playing well but it is very hard to beat the same team within 2 weeks especially when there is not much difference in talent.

Absolutely love the props....

I am expecting only 1 of the top 4 seeds to go down today.. JUST ONE...not sure which one yet. Williams is the easiest pick to fall but I would not count any of the others...Conn's play of late hgv as not been sharp and they need to refocus..Amherst is really playing well but I will never count out Wesleyan when they play at Amherst

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on November 02, 2019, 03:18:47 PM
Conn goes down in PKs to Midd!  Midd GK Grady had a clean sheet going and came off injured in 2nd half.  Backup Marco Kaper had a great save in OT to send game to kicks.  Marcucci took at PK, but Kaper saved it.  Marcucci got a hand on two shots for Midd, but the power on both was enough to get them over the line.  Tied at 3-3 after 5 kicks.  Liam Sloan went low to Marcucci's right with a bullet that Marcucci read correctly but could not get a hand on.  Last Conn kicker hit his shot right at Kaper.  Midd now 8-2-6, with 2 wins over Conn and ties vs Amherst, Williams, & WPI, and an OT loss to Tufts.  Should be enough to get them a pool C barring chaos elsewhere.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 02, 2019, 03:41:46 PM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on November 02, 2019, 03:18:47 PM
  Midd now 8-2-6, with 2 wins over Conn and ties vs Amherst, Williams, & WPI, and an OT loss to Tufts.  Should be enough to get them a pool C barring chaos elsewhere.

I'm pretty sure that as far as the record is concerned, the game still counts as a tie, with Midd "advancing on penalty kicks." So for Pool C consideration, Midd's record will be 7-2-7.  Probably still good enough, but one more win would be a big help.

This also means that Conn does not get saddled with a loss, but rather adds a tie to its record, which should be good enough to keep the Camels above the Panthers in the regional rankings absent a Midd victory in the semis.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 02, 2019, 03:55:22 PM
Live check in....I am really impressed with Williams performance today. They play well on their field and really outclassed Bates. 3-0 Willuams 10 min left. Bates is a gritty team but they  are still a recruiting class or 2 away. They have no one pulling the strings and it hurts them in midfield. Sheikh started 2 Frosh at CB which takes sack. Gass had a brilliant effort for Williams 2nd Goal and Song had a nice one as well. If Williams plays like they did 2nd Half they could give Amherst a test next weekend. Once Gass scored Bates kinda threw in the towel as they got sloppy. Williams 1st goal Bates was caught high on a corner and Fleisher hit a beauty of a ball to Fabricant who buried it off a fluid quick counter. Williams stepped well all day as they were on the front foot from the start
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 02, 2019, 03:59:02 PM
Tufts pretty much in control up 1-0 most of the game. Then Rojas scores 2 in the last minute to win 3-0.

If I'm not mistaken the NESCAC reseeds in the playoffs. This may have been changed recently but if it's still in affect Amherst would play Midd and Tufts vs Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on November 02, 2019, 05:25:10 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 02, 2019, 03:41:46 PM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on November 02, 2019, 03:18:47 PM
  Midd now 8-2-6, with 2 wins over Conn and ties vs Amherst, Williams, & WPI, and an OT loss to Tufts.  Should be enough to get them a pool C barring chaos elsewhere.

I'm pretty sure that as far as the record is concerned, the game still counts as a tie, with Midd "advancing on penalty kicks." So for Pool C consideration, Midd's record will be 7-2-7.  Probably still good enough, but one more win would be a big help.

This also means that Conn does not get saddled with a loss, but rather adds a tie to its record, which should be good enough to keep the Camels above the Panthers in the regional rankings absent a Midd victory in the semis. 

True, but with the Camels facing Midd twice and coming out with a loss and a tie, plus a Midd tie vs Amherst, not sure why the assumption is the Camels are higher than Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 02, 2019, 06:08:24 PM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on November 02, 2019, 05:25:10 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 02, 2019, 03:41:46 PM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on November 02, 2019, 03:18:47 PM
  Midd now 8-2-6, with 2 wins over Conn and ties vs Amherst, Williams, & WPI, and an OT loss to Tufts.  Should be enough to get them a pool C barring chaos elsewhere.

I'm pretty sure that as far as the record is concerned, the game still counts as a tie, with Midd "advancing on penalty kicks." So for Pool C consideration, Midd's record will be 7-2-7.  Probably still good enough, but one more win would be a big help.

This also means that Conn does not get saddled with a loss, but rather adds a tie to its record, which should be good enough to keep the Camels above the Panthers in the regional rankings absent a Midd victory in the semis. 

True, but with the Camels facing Midd twice and coming out with a loss and a tie, plus a Midd tie vs Amherst, not sure why the assumption is the Camels are higher than Midd.

Well, Conn was ahead of Midd in the regional rankings coming into today's game, and I don't see a tie changing the regional rankings pecking order. And that's how Pool C picks are made, according to regional rankings. Once Pool A teams are off the board, the selection committee has a choice of the top team in each region; if you're ranked below a team in your region, you can't be picked ahead of them. That is, you're not at the table until all teams ahead of you are off the board, so to speak.

Anyway, it's academic if Midd beats Amherst in the semis next weekend, as that would certainly move Midd ahead of Conn. But when the rankings come out on Wednesday, I'd expect the Camels to still be a spot above my Panthers. I'm not sure a tie would result in a flip flop, though maybe one could argue a road tie could justify it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 03, 2019, 11:45:41 AM
Quote from: Timmy Two Wheels on November 02, 2019, 10:14:02 AM
Great analysis @maineman

And now the moment you've all been waiting for. Here are Timmy Two Wheel's hypothetical sports book NESCAC playoff betting lines.

1) Amherst vs Wesleyan. (AMH -1.5, O/U 2.5)

3 Quick prop bets:
- Amherst Yellow Cards (O/U 1.5)
- One Amherst Coach gets spoken to by the center official (-250)
- Wesleyan's Devanny saves (O/U 5.5)

2) Tufts vs Hamilton (TUF -1.5, O/U 3.5)

4 Quick Prop Bets:
- Tufts players seeing the field (O/U 19.5)
- Hamilton shots on goal (O/U 5.5)
- Rojas yellow cards (O/U 1.25)
- Tufts loses this game and then somehow wins the national championship (+450)

3) Conn vs Midd (Midd -0.5, O/U 1.25)

3 Quick Prop Bets:
- Total Shots on Goal (O/U 6.5)
- Goulart stepovers (O/U 32.5)
- Fans attending that aren't parents or significant others (O/U 4.5)

4) Williams vs Bates (Bates -0.5, O/U 0.5)

2 Quick Prop Bets:
- Someone with the last name Bardong scores or gets an assist (+450)
- Mr. Right attends the game and leaves uninspired by Williams' performance (-5000)

These props are excellent!  Please keep them coming!  Eventually, I will have posted enough to give karma points.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 03, 2019, 05:36:28 PM
If Tufts were to win the NESCAC title next weekend at Amherst would that be enough to propel them to the #1 rank in New England (and most likely nationally).

Scenario 1 is Amherst loses to Middlebury and finishes season 14-1-2 while Tufts beats Williams and Middlbury to finish 14-2-2 with a decently higher strength of schedule and more Wins vs ranked due to the extra game.

Scenario 2: Amherst and Tufts both win and Tufts gets revenge against the Mammoths. Amherst finishes 15-1-2 Tufts finishes 14-2-2 and Tufts has a marginally better SOS and a a few more win vs ranked.

Do you all think either, both, or neither of these scenarios see Tufts jumping ahead, or is making the finals enough for Amherst to hold on to their top spot and home field until the final four?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2019, 09:19:35 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 03, 2019, 05:36:28 PM
If Tufts were to win the NESCAC title next weekend at Amherst would that be enough to propel them to the #1 rank in New England (and most likely nationally).

Scenario 1 is Amherst loses to Middlebury and finishes season 14-1-2 while Tufts beats Williams and Middlbury to finish 14-2-2 with a decently higher strength of schedule and more Wins vs ranked due to the extra game.

Scenario 2: Amherst and Tufts both win and Tufts gets revenge against the Mammoths. Amherst finishes 15-1-2 Tufts finishes 14-2-2 and Tufts has a marginally better SOS and a a few more win vs ranked.

Do you all think either, both, or neither of these scenarios see Tufts jumping ahead, or is making the finals enough for Amherst to hold on to their top spot and home field until the final four?

I'd say close to a coin flip with all of those as in could go either way.  Your school has proven immune to "home court" by winning on the road at least 3 times in PA/NJ.  The wins over Montclair one year and Rowan another are two of the least talked about in Tufts' run and probably top five most impressive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerfanatic on November 04, 2019, 03:19:27 PM
A few observations about Amherst from seeing their game on Saturday vs Wesleyan
1. Giammattei is the best striker I have seen in the NESCAC  in recent memory-wonder why he isn't playing at Duke or Princeton?
2. Flip thrower is a HUGE weapon
3. Keeper is excellent
4. If they meet in the final, I think Tufts has a better all around 11 on the field, but Amherst is deadly on the counter and on set pieces (including any throw in the the offensive half)
5. In Saturday's game Wesleyan was impressive with possession (I would say that it was 50/50) but was crushed on the counter and on the long throw.
6. Giammattei would make Trinity a .500 team in the NESCAC this year and put Bates, Colby, Wesleyan, Hamilton, Bowdoin near the top...he's that good!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerfanatic on November 04, 2019, 03:52:10 PM
Here's the DA best XI from two years ago....one of these is not like the other.  ;D
U-18/19 Best XI Eastern Conference
GOALKEEPER: Justin Garces (Atlanta United FC) UCLA
DEFENDERS: James Sands (New York City FC) PRO NYCFC, Kwaku Owusu (New York City FC) PRO NYCFC, Prince Loney-Bailey (New England Revolution) JMU, Will Crain (Atlanta United FC) Brown University
MIDFIELDERS: JP Marin (New York Red Bulls)Seton Hall, Allen Seals (Orlando City SC) NC State, Simon Becher (Oakwood SC) St. Louis University
FORWARDS: German Giammattei (Kendall SC) Amherst College, Daniel Steedman (Charlotte Soccer Academy) UVA , Christian Sorto (Baltimore Armour) PRO Loudoun United
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on November 04, 2019, 06:39:04 PM
Quote from: soccerfanatic on November 04, 2019, 03:52:10 PM
Here's the DA best XI from two years ago....one of these is not like the other.  ;D
U-18/19 Best XI Eastern Conference
GOALKEEPER: Justin Garces (Atlanta United FC) UCLA
DEFENDERS: James Sands (New York City FC) PRO NYCFC, Kwaku Owusu (New York City FC) PRO NYCFC, Prince Loney-Bailey (New England Revolution) JMU, Will Crain (Atlanta United FC) Brown University
MIDFIELDERS: JP Marin (New York Red Bulls)Seton Hall, Allen Seals (Orlando City SC) NC State, Simon Becher (Oakwood SC) St. Louis University
FORWARDS: German Giammattei (Kendall SC) Amherst College, Daniel Steedman (Charlotte Soccer Academy) UVA , Christian Sorto (Baltimore Armour) PRO Loudoun United

Yep.  I recall that Giammattei was one of the leading DA scorers that year with over 30 goals.  Always wondered why he chose the Amherst route.  He "committed" to Amherst his junior year and I suspect had other choices where he would have been a true commit in his junior year.  He may have simply preferred the program and the academics are top notch.  Would love to know the answer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2019, 08:44:26 AM
Quote from: SlideTackle on November 04, 2019, 06:39:04 PM
Yep.  I recall that Giammattei was one of the leading DA scorers that year with over 30 goals.  Always wondered why he chose the Amherst route.  He "committed" to Amherst his junior year and I suspect had other choices where he would have been a true commit in his junior year.  He may have simply preferred the program and the academics are top notch.  Would love to know the answer.

I just remember Mr.Right talking very highly about him the summer before he arrived. I had no background knowledge but figured he had to be solid. Saw him play a couple of times last year — I thought he was solid but appeared to be still adapting to the physical demands and speed of the league; the Tufts CBs gave him no time and he looked a bit fish-out-of-water in both Jumbo games. This year, he has very much adapted in both senses, but I think what's improved most is his finishing: last year, 7 goals (3 conference) on 78 shots (.090 shot pct.); this year, 20 goals (14 conference!) on 80 shots (.250 shot pct.)...and the latter is just to this point! I suppose I can see why people think he might be the best player in the conference in the last decade.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on November 06, 2019, 02:19:29 PM
NEW ENGLAND REGION - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - November 06, 2019

Rank

School
. Div. III .
Record
. Div. III .
SOS

 . R-v-R .
. Overall .
Record
. Prev. .
Rank
1.
Amherst
14-0-2
0.582
4-0-2
14-0-2
1
2.
Tufts
12-2-2
0.595
6-2-0
12-2-2
2
3.
Connecticut College
10-3-3
0.603
3-3-3
10-3-3
3
4.
Williams
8-3-5
0.580
4-3-2
8-3-5
6
5.
WPI
11-2-4
0.576
1-1-3
11-2-4
8
6.
Middlebury
7-2-7
0.614
1-2-4
7-2-7
4
7.
Babson
12-5-2
0.557
2-5-1
12-5-2
7
8.
Brandeis
9-5-4
0.581
1-4-1
9-5-4
5
9.
Endicott
11-5-2
0.545
1-3-0
11-5-2
11
10.
Bates
9-6-1
0.565
1-5-0
9-6-1
9
11.
Eastern Connecticut
16-2-0
0.493
3-1-0
16-2-0
12
12.
Keene State
13-6-0
0.540
0-3-0
13-6-0
10
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 06, 2019, 03:51:31 PM
Quote from: Christan Shirk on November 06, 2019, 02:19:29 PM
NEW ENGLAND REGION - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - November 06, 2019

Rank

School
. Div. III .
Record
. Div. III .
SOS

 . R-v-R .
. Overall .
Record
. Prev. .
Rank
1.
Amherst
14-0-2
0.582
4-0-2
14-0-2
1
2.
Tufts
12-2-2
0.595
6-2-0
12-2-2
2
3.
Connecticut College
10-3-3
0.603
3-3-3
10-3-3
3
4.
Williams
8-3-5
0.580
4-3-2
8-3-5
6
5.
WPI
11-2-4
0.576
1-1-3
11-2-4
8
6.
Middlebury
7-2-7
0.614
1-2-4
7-2-7
4
7.
Babson
12-5-2
0.557
2-5-1
12-5-2
7
8.
Brandeis
9-5-4
0.581
1-4-1
9-5-4
5
9.
Endicott
11-5-2
0.545
1-3-0
11-5-2
11
10.
Bates
9-6-1
0.565
1-5-0
9-6-1
9
11.
Eastern Connecticut
16-2-0
0.493
3-1-0
16-2-0
12
12.
Keene State
13-6-0
0.540
0-3-0
13-6-0
10

Wow. As I wrote earlier, I didn't expect Midd to jump over Conn, but I'm surprised that the Panthers dropped two spots while the Camels held steady at 3. And not surprised to see Williams move up with their win, but do they deserve to be two places ahead of Midd? They have one more win, while Midd's SOS is stronger. I guess the tiebreaker is the R-v-R, with 4 Eph wins vs. 1 for Midd. I guess I answered my own question. Heh.

The way this is looking Midd needs an outright win on Saturday, and not a tie, to have a shot at a Pool C. And even then, that might not be enough. Panthers might be Pool A robust.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2019, 05:25:39 PM
Two key Nescac Semi's this weekend....

Tufts v Williams(at Amherst)----Both teams are playing well right now. Tufts has gone 4-0-0 and scored 9 Goals in their last 4 games. I have not seen Tufts since the Amherst game but it looks like Shapiro has settled on a backline of Daly, Stern, Raphael and Paoletta. Paoletta is a stud CB that any team would want to put out fires back there. Daly is a solid 1v1 back who played well as a Frosh last year. Raphael was a highly touted recruit out of Andover but is still only a Soph who makes some mistakes that can be pounced on. I gotta be honest I do not remember Stern at all but I guess he has been waiting and putting the time in for 3 years and now has earned his chance. Coaches love these types that are still battling away as Seniors even though they have been rotting on the bench and  have not played for 3 years.   Most kids quit by the time they are Seniors if they are not playing wanting to do other fun extracurricular s. Id be willing to bet someone more talented is sitting on the bench but Shapiro rewarded the hard work put in by Stern. If Shapiro noticed the hard work than surely Stern's teammates did as well.  If Shapiro had not rewarded him and instead started some Frosh I would guess his Seniors would view this negatively and the whole thing could of snowballed..Ok I went way farther into that then I wanted to but good on Stern...Midfield is Van Brewer, Rojas and Aroh sitting. Lane and Tasker wide with Braun up top. Solid lineup with not many holes for Williams to exploit. I am guessing Tufts is in its usual lineup but I have not seen them play so maybe the personnel has been moved around.

Williams just dominated Bates last Saturday. Tufts is a different animal than Bates though. Sullivan has also settled on a solid 11. Funny how Coaches stick to lineups when things are going well. Veteran Andrew Mathew is at RB with another SR Liam Bardong at CB. The other CB is Soph Jaime Holland and LB is local kid Brady Foehl. Mathew is a solid 1v1 defender with decent speed but can get caught ballwatching. Bardong is the unquestioned leader back thee and he needs to be. Williams biggest weakness to me right now is with the inexperienced Holland at CB. Bardong did a solid job last Saturday at hiding Holland's lack of pace and positioning in that game. Holland is a big boy and good in the air but he will need to play much more aggressive this weekend if Williams wants to advance. He and Bardong will have their hands full with Braun up top which should attract Oberg who will be sitting to help out and in turn could free up Tufts wide guys if they cut in and/or Rojas and Van Brewer. Foehl has played well and his pretty quick with skill and will not be intimidated by Lane. Williams midfield has been the difference in play the last few weeks. Oberg sitting is a dream as he is a fine defender but also can hit pin point balls with accuracy as if pulling the strings but from 30 yards away. He switches fields on a dime and with precision which in turn as given Williams some great counters. It is not just Oberg though as Nick Boardman and the veteran Fleischer, who hit just a nasty ball to Fabricant to give Williams a 1-0 lead last Saturday are both driving at opposing teams defenses unafraid. Will they continue to do that this weekend? Williams fortunes will rest in their midfield duel with Tufts and whether their strikers can continue to finish. Gass has been playing well all season and his speed will cause Tufts some problems but I have a feeling Paoletta will shut down Gass all game. That means Williams Senior striker Bobby Fabricant might get some looks. Fabricants goal was unreal as he took a 0 yard ball of his instep and ripped it home. It took some athletic maneuvering to get that goal. He must play more physical this weekend though and stick his nose where he usually does not. Same goes for Gass. Felito has no problem with that but he is just not a polished finisher yet.

My heart says Williams and my head says Tufts. I will go with heart whenever I have no money on a match 100% of the time....Williams 2-1 OT
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2019, 12:12:52 PM
Midd at Amherst------Midd has made a couple changes to its lineup in the past few games. Last Saturday, at Conn Brandon Reid came off the bench in favor of LaBranche(another 6'3 striker) and holder Raffi Barsamian looks to be working his way back into the lineup. Midd has 2 legit CB's in Aidan Robinson and Mike McFarlane as they are big and physical and will body up Amherst attackers and adding in wingback Jack Spirdellis who is 6'2 and Midd can handle anything Amherst throws at them in the air. Frosh GK  Ryan Grady is 6'3 and has played well all year. Last time I saw Midd, Davis Oudet was playing LB. He quick and works hard but not a good defender IMO. Spiridellis is also not the most skilled so look for Amherst to press him when the ball is at his feet. At Home, Midd will try to play a little but tomorrow I bet both teams will be trying to hit some balls over the top to let their strikers run onto. Wilhelm must be sitting and then some combination of Potter and Goulart maybe wide or Sloan has gone wide and one of them as moved into the middle? Not sure but Midd's two CB's have a combined 1 goal all year. They are due for a header off a set piece...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Timmy Two Wheels on November 09, 2019, 09:49:47 AM
Thanks for that great in depth analysis as always Mr. Right.

And now the moment you've all been waiting for. Here are Timmy Two Wheel's hypothetical sports book NESCAC playoff betting lines.

1) Amherst vs Middlebury. (AMH -0.5, O/U 1.5)

3 Quick prop bets:
- TOTAL game Yellow Cards (O/U 3.5)
- Amherst assistant coach Derek Shea wears XXXL black windpants and jacket, finally completing the full transformation to look exactly like Coach Serpone (+180)
- Goulart stepovers (O/U 26.5) [the over missed slightly last week... he had 28 by my count]

2) Tufts vs Williams (TUF -1.5, O/U 4.5)

4 Quick Prop Bets:
- d4Pace + Mr. Right posts throughout the game (O/U 6.5)
- Tufts PK misses (O/U 0.5)
- Williams' Oberg read's Mr. Right's analysis, tries to ping a 30 yard diagonal, Tasker intercepts and scores (-110).
- Davis saves (O/U 3.5)


Should be a great weekend of soccer.

Weather looking to be a cold 39 degrees all day.

Timmy's Picks:
AMH 2-1
TUF 4-2


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 09, 2019, 10:31:35 AM
Amherst (-0.5) and the over. Amherst 2-0.
Tufts (-1.5) and the under.  Tufts 3-1

Obviously biased but a tufts-Amherst final would the first time the two top teams make the final in recent memory and would be an absolute battle
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 09, 2019, 01:48:14 PM
Will the Midd win over Amherst, even if they lose or tie tomorrow, likely move them ahead of Conn College and WPI in the rankings?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2019, 02:24:20 PM
Quote from: maineman on November 09, 2019, 01:48:14 PM
Will the Midd win over Amherst, even if they lose or tie tomorrow, likely move them ahead of Conn College and WPI in the rankings?

I'm not sure Panthers jump from 6 to 3 in the region with a win and a loss. Midd might just need to win the whole thing. Or at least send tomorrow's final to PK, thus registering a tie in the rankings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 09, 2019, 04:15:12 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 09, 2019, 02:24:20 PM
Quote from: maineman on November 09, 2019, 01:48:14 PM
Will the Midd win over Amherst, even if they lose or tie tomorrow, likely move them ahead of Conn College and WPI in the rankings?

I'm not sure Panthers jump from 6 to 3 in the region with a win and a loss. Midd might just need to win the whole thing. Or at least send tomorrow's final to PK, thus registering a tie in the rankings.
With the Williams loss, maybe they can move ahead of them?  They would have the same amount of wins, 1 fewer losses and a stronger SOS.  Williams RvR record is still better.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on November 09, 2019, 04:47:54 PM
The real question is why was Conn three spots above Midd in the first place when they played Midd twice and came away with a loss and a tie.  Midd now has a win and a tie vs #1 team in the country and region, an OT loss at regional #2, a win and a tie vs #3, and ties vs #4 and #5.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2019, 04:53:56 PM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on November 09, 2019, 04:47:54 PM
The real question is why was Conn three spots above Midd in the first place when they played Midd twice and came away with a loss and a tie.  Midd now has a win and a tie vs #1 team in the country and region, an OT loss at regional #2, a win and a tie vs #3, and ties vs #4 and #5.

Because head to head is only one variable among three other major criteria variables and the national rankings are irrelevant.  As for  just the regional rankings, would you argue that Midd should be ahead of Amherst based on the 1-0-1 head to head advantage?

At any rate, I think Midd and Williams have done enough to secure bids on Monday regardless of Midd's result with Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 09, 2019, 04:54:59 PM
@middleburydad. It's because you have won less than half your games. An OT loss against a good team does nothing for you. Ties against good teams do very little for you. At the end of the day you have to win games. In soccer two ties is worse than a loss and win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2019, 05:21:26 PM
Quote from: Middlebury Dad on November 09, 2019, 04:47:54 PM
The real question is why was Conn three spots above Midd in the first place when they played Midd twice and came away with a loss and a tie.  Midd now has a win and a tie vs #1 team in the country and region, an OT loss at regional #2, a win and a tie vs #3, and ties vs #4 and #5.

I tried to explain this a few weeks back. Most of what you mention is not part of the ranking criteria. Regional and national committees have strict criteria by which to rank teams—mainly winning percentage, strength of schedule, record vs regional opponents.  How close a game is is irrelevant: An overtime loss to Tufts counts the same as a 10-0 drubbing. Also, whether you beat the number 1 ranked team in the region or the number 12 ranked team, there's no difference in the committee's eyes. It's a win against a ranked opponent; wins aren't weighted depending on the opponent's rank (if they are ranked). So, while we know how impressive it is that Midd beat and tied Amherst, it's no different than if they had beaten and tied Bates.

As I pointed out earlier this week, I was surprised that Conn was 3 spots ahead, yet they deserved to be ahead based on the criteria. Now, today's win strengthens Midd's record and adds a win to the weakest variable for the Panthers: record vs ranked opponents. This should move Midd up a bit in the rankings, though will the Panthers leapfrog all three of Conn, Williams and WPI? Maybe not, but hopefully the Panthers don't have to do so and that all get selected.

Or, Midd can just go ahead and win the whole thing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 10, 2019, 11:36:29 AM
Well here's Middlebury chance to make the regional rankings irrelevant. I think beating Amherst shows that this team really shot themselves in the foot this season. They are far too talented for all the ties they've got. But a win today and it's all moot.

A rematch from the conference finals two years ago. Big difference is that that game was played on the turf at bello instead of the u13 sized cow patch at Amherst. Despite that, I think the game will be similar to the 2017 affair. A tight low scoring game where a late break through determines the winner.
Tufts 1-0 Tasker 84'
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on November 10, 2019, 01:51:55 PM
Great turn and finish by Braun!  Tuft 2 -1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 10, 2019, 02:24:06 PM
Hard fought championship game. Congrats to Tufts.

Now feeling confident about seeing the Panthers play on next week after reading prognostications on other boards. One reliable poster believes Midd will not only jump all three of Williams-Conn-WPI, but will be the second overall Pool C pick after Amherst at 1. (With the other NE teams following Midd as selections in rapid selection.) Even if the poster is off by a couple of picks—that is, the NE rankings don't quite shake out the way he thinks—Midd still seems safely in the field of 23 picks with the NE teams providing criteria far ahead of the rest of the field.

Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 10, 2019, 06:20:43 PM
I do think Midd has a shot of sneaking in. But there is zero chance they are the number 2 pool C. That's gonna be F&M. Also still don't think they jump Conn but if they both get in we will never know.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 10, 2019, 06:33:35 PM
Does Tufts now leapfrog Amherst in the final regional rankings and secure home field the next two weekends (assuming they win their games)?

Amherst 14-1-2, Tufts 14-2-2. Tufts has stronger SOS and now has a massive 8 ranked wins - double that of Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2019, 06:39:59 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 10, 2019, 06:20:43 PM
I do think Midd has a shot of sneaking in. But there is zero chance they are the number 2 pool C. That's gonna be F&M. Also still don't think they jump Conn but if they both get in we will never know.

Bucket misread the format of my post....not #2 overall but possibly #2 for NE...I grouped with Tufts because of final today, but in all honesty I personally would put Midd above Conn and Williams at this point and I am confident all three get in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheAnonymousCommentator on November 11, 2019, 09:30:35 AM
Exciting championship game. Thought both teams did well and probably a fair result although heartbreaking for Middlebury to have an under 2-minute goal by Tufts take the championship again (same as 2017). I've been impressed with Midd the entire tournament as they seem to have developed a mentality of "We're going to win because you're not going to score." It worked against Conn to take it to PKs and then at Amherst to hold off a late charge. You won't beat Midd at set-pieces and humping balls into the box- their average height from defensive midfielder to goalie seems to be a very solid 6'2. The way to beat them is to break them down by playing through them quickly before they can face you up but I think Tufts is one of maybe 2 or 3 teams in the country who can do that to a team like Midd. Tufts put on a pretty classic performance by playing the ball around, getting crosses in, and keeping the ball on the ground. I kind of thought Midd was going to take it all but Braun and the jumbos proved once again that they just know how to win.

Last point: Grady deserves to win ROY. He's been terrific backing up the best defense in the NESCAC and his save % (imo the best goalkeeper metric) beats Marcucci by .01.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheAnonymousCommentator on November 11, 2019, 04:36:00 PM
Amherst, Tufts, Conn, Midd!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 11, 2019, 04:46:14 PM
Quote from: TheAnonymousCommentator on November 11, 2019, 04:36:00 PM
Amherst, Tufts, Conn, Midd!

With Williams left on the table. Wondering how many rounds there were with Williams at the top of the NE? Makes me think Midd was one of the last in, as there was very little separating Midd and Williams. I get ranking Midd just above Williams in the region, but then if you're the national committee and you select the Panthers, you'd probably also select the Ephs next . . . unless there were no more picks!

Good luck to all teams in the Second Season!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2019, 07:34:03 PM
I will be the first to admit I did not see any of the Nescac Final except the highlights. Liverpool v Man City was not going to get passed over. I will say the only thing I can comment about is Braun's goal to win it. In that split second I saw a possible pro career overseas in a lower league. It was a fantastic everything....reception,turn and absolute missile all in about 3 seconds with a guy on his back. He is 6'5 and with that cast looks like the local repo man in Somerville.  I mean he does not even look like a reputable repo man, this dude looks bad ass like one of those independent contractor types. Anyway, I can be harsh on these big guys sometimes but that was a goal I see on ACCNetwork Men's Soccer.  Good stuff and to win the game no less....

I thought the Tufts/Williams Semi-Final was a solid game. Tough way to lose but if you are a Williams fan lately this is just another punch to the gut and by now we fans are just begging please not the ribs. I thought Tufts was the better team on the day in stretches but Williams held their own(cannot believe I just typed that) and actually had some decent chances of their own. Oberg was Williams best player on the day BY FAR. He was everywhere doing whatever he could to help Williams get on the board and keep Tufts off.  Zach Lane played a game like I frankly have not seen this year. He was Tufts man of the match easily even without the goal. Tasker was shut down all game and did nothing. Braun did not do much either and is obviously lacking fitness...He cannot play longer than 20 minutes effectively but when he is rested damn he is a handful. Actually, Bardong and the Frosh CB Holland did well with him. Personally, I was most impressed with Daly. That kid is a beast and just ate up anything near him all day.. Daly is pretty smooth player and does not get bothered by much. Williams was trying to attack Stern's side but even he had a decent game. Tufts back 4 is the best in the league. It is better than Midd's IMO.  Now Tufts GK I am not so sure about. One of these GK's that makes some great saves and then a complete head scratching error...That does not breed confidence..Still the depth is where its all at. Williams was fine up until about the 75th minute when some of them looked more spent than Tufts players. Shapiro rested about 5 starters at about the 60/65th minute and gave them a solid 10-15 minute break(including Braun). To me that is the difference..Tufts was fresh for the end of the game and OT and Williams was not. I thought Williams defended well and did not give Tufts to many dangerous looks. Possession easily favored Tufts 60/40 but they use possession more to wear out opponents willing to chase and not for progressing consistently down field for scoring looks. It can be tedious at times but the athleticism makes up for it live and I fully enjoyed the game even if played in the sandbox.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middlebury Dad on November 12, 2019, 10:14:15 PM
Regarding the NESCAC final game:  First 30 minutes or so were cagey and fairly even.  Tufts turned up the heat for the rest of the half and only a couple of strong saves kept them off the board.  Tufts really dominated the first 10 minutes of second half and you could sense a goal was coming.  Well worked combination passing opened up the defense for a shot dead center from about 15 yards out.  Midd stabilized and was able to prevent further damage.  From about 20 minutes left until they got the equalizer on a shot from distance by Drazen, Midd had Tufts back on their heels.  Class finish from Braun for the game winner on a bullet that gave the keeper no chance with 2 minutes remaining. 

Some interesting tidbits on Midd season:

1. They have conceded 11 goals all year, 4 of them to Tufts in a pair of 2-1 losses.  In the other 16 games, including 2 vs Amherst, 2 vs Conn, and vs NCAA side WPI, they have given up a total of 7 goals.  Tufts is the only team to score more than one vs Midd, and they did it twice.

2. Midd opponents are only 1 of 4 on penalty kicks during games (the lone goal by Castleton vs Marco Kaper, while Ryan Grady has not conceded a goal on 3 pks -- 1 vs Norwich and 2 vs Tufts .  Kaper denied 3 of 6 pks in tiebreaker vs Conn in NESCAC quarters. 

3.  Midd has 9 clean sheets, but 4 of them came in 0-0 draws (vs. Wesleyan, Bowdoin, WPI, and Conn)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheAnonymousCommentator on November 13, 2019, 03:01:56 PM
Thought I might make a prediction for NESCAC 1st team as that list is probably coming out soon.

GK: Marcucci
DEF: Paoletta
DEF: Daly
DEF: Robinson
MID: Lind
MID: Butera
MID: Tasker
FOR: Giammattei
FOR: Wood
FOR: Djerdjaj
FOR: Braun

POY: Giammattei
ROY: Grady
COY: Shapiro

Pretty standard guesses, don't think we'll see too many surprises. Defense is the most up in the air. Giammattei is a lock for POY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 13, 2019, 03:45:41 PM
I think thats a pretty good list. I doubt Shapiro gets coach of the year given previous success. I could see it going to Elias, Sheikh, or maybe even Burk. 

Also don't think there will be that many Tufts and Amherst players. Amherst always gets left short a few because its ultimately a bit of popularity contest. They usually give spots to players from most of the teams, even if in reality they wouldn't start on the top teams but put up decent numbers as their teams top option.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on November 13, 2019, 05:58:00 PM
Gotta think Eckles from Hamilton will get his third 1st-team nod, no?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 13, 2019, 07:52:18 PM
Yes eckles is in. Once you make it all you've got to do is play in half the games are you're back on the team
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheAnonymousCommentator on November 13, 2019, 08:12:52 PM
My list is definitely Tufts/Amherst heavy. I bet someone from one of the bottom 5 teams is going to sneak on.

Eckles, I guess. He's a year younger than me and so I played against him for 3 years. Absolutely a good defender but I honestly thought he was going to be a bigger deal than he ended up being. His freshman year he was a beast and it seemed like he could match up against anyone in the league. I thought he didn't end up hitting his ceiling. Still, I'd probably take him over just about any other defender in the league so he hasn't done badly for himself.

Would be nice to see Conn/Midd coaches getting COY as they are new.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 13, 2019, 08:18:26 PM
Are these all-conference teams really a thing for people?  I don't really get it.  I mean, an obvious snub interests me for a second but unless a kid is a 1st team AA or winner of a NCAA Post-Grad award I don't see much of a big deal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 13, 2019, 09:04:07 PM
I know we used it as a little motivation for guys that were snubbed and for intrasquad chirps more than anything else. It is nice whenever you get recognized for something but anyone would trade 4 all Nescacs for some post season hardware
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 13, 2019, 09:08:02 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 13, 2019, 09:04:07 PM
I know we used it as a little motivation for guys that were snubbed and for intrasquad chirps more than anything else. It is nice whenever you get recognized for something but anyone would trade 4 all Nescacs for some post season hardware

Exactly.  And if they wouldn't trade that for hardware you don't want them on your team.
Title: Awards
Post by: Middlebury Dad on November 13, 2019, 09:44:15 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 13, 2019, 09:08:02 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 13, 2019, 09:04:07 PM
I know we used it as a little motivation for guys that were snubbed and for intrasquad chirps more than anything else. It is nice whenever you get recognized for something but anyone would trade 4 all Nescacs for some post season hardware

Exactly.  And if they wouldn't trade that for hardware you don't want them on your team.
A question:  How accurate are the stats generally.  There are NCAA definitions for shots, saves, and assists, but how closely are these followed in practice?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 14, 2019, 09:34:18 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2019, 07:34:03 PM
I will be the first to admit I did not see any of the Nescac Final except the highlights. Liverpool v Man City was not going to get passed over. I will say the only thing I can comment about is Braun's goal to win it. In that split second I saw a possible pro career overseas in a lower league. It was a fantastic everything....reception,turn and absolute missile all in about 3 seconds with a guy on his back. He is 6'5 and with that cast looks like the local repo man in Somerville.  I mean he does not even look like a reputable repo man, this dude looks bad ass like one of those independent contractor types. Anyway, I can be harsh on these big guys sometimes but that was a goal I see on ACCNetwork Men's Soccer.  Good stuff and to win the game no less....

Just want to make sure this doesn't get forgotten — I involuntarily guffawed. 🤣
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buddham on November 14, 2019, 10:07:23 AM
Concur - that's strong writing. I always pictured Emelio Estevez when thinking "repo man" but now that's been replaced. This begs the question of how much one must interact with repo men before starting to distinguish between corporate and independent types. For my future reference, hopefully not, but just in case.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheAnonymousCommentator on November 14, 2019, 11:43:42 AM
Men's Soccer All-NESCAC Teams

Player of the Year: German Giammattei, Amherst
Rookie of the Year: Ryan Grady, Middlebury
Coach of the Year: Josh Shapiro, Tufts

First Team All-NESCAC
Pos.   Name   Institution   Yr.   Hometown
GK   AJ Marcucci *P@&   Connecticut College   Jr.   West Chester, Pa.
D   Liam Bardong =   Williams   Sr.   Manhasset, N.Y.
D   Liam Donelan *   Connecticut College   Jr.   Milton, Mass.
D   Biagio Paoletta =   Tufts   Jr.   Fairfield, Conn.
M   Calvin Aroh   Tufts   Jr.   Glastonbury, Conn.
M   Cutler Coleman *   Amherst   Sr.   Winter Park, Fla.
M   Augie Djerdjaj   Connecticut College   So.   Mahopac, N.Y.
M   Gavin Tasker *   Tufts   Sr.   Concord, N.H.
F   Joe Braun *   Tufts   Sr.   Yardley, Pa.
F   Demian Gass   Williams   Sr.   Houston, Texas
F   German Giammattei R   Amherst   So.   Pinecrest, Fla.

Second Team All-NESCAC
Pos.   Name   Institution   Yr.   Hometown
GK   Ryan Grady   Middlebury   Fy.   Deerfield, Ill.
D   Luke Eckels *#%2   Hamilton   Sr.   Ridgewood, N.J.
D   Michael McFarlane   Middlebury   So.   Suffield, Conn.
D   Jules Oberg   Williams   So.   Stockholm, Sweden
D   Aidan Robinson =   Middlebury   Sr.   Gloucester, Mass.
M   Matt Butera   Connecticut College   Sr.   Westfield, Mass.
M   Travis Van Brewer   Tufts   Jr.   Wilbraham, Mass.
M   Henry Wilhelm   Middlebury   Sr.   Shaker Heights, Ohio
F   Ethan Fabricant   Colby   So.   Summit, N.J.
F   Dane Lind   Amherst   Sr.   San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
F   Aidan Wood =#   Hamilton   Sr.   Ipswich, Mass.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 14, 2019, 05:53:50 PM
Quote from: Buddham on November 14, 2019, 10:07:23 AM
Concur - that's strong writing. I always pictured Emelio Estevez when thinking "repo man" but now that's been replaced. This begs the question of how much one must interact with repo men before starting to distinguish between corporate and independent types. For my future reference, hopefully not, but just in case.


If you ever meet a repo man you should strike up a convo. They have an interesting take on life. They make a living off of other people's misery. In the words of my car mechanic when I questioned each charge on my itemized receipt. "Hey at the end of the day I gotta eat to"....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 14, 2019, 06:09:34 PM
I mentioned WPI as a team that will not be a pushover for Tufts but what about Amherst 1st round match v Thomas(at Keene). Thomas under Head Coach Chris Parsons teams usually lack discipline(which makes this matchup v Amherst particularly enticing) but will have some skill. Looking at their roster and highlights of goals against Maine Maritime in the NAC Final they should not be underestimated. Eric LaBrie has 11 Goals and another couple players from the Islands have about 20 Goals between them. Thomas has some size and they will need every inch of it and will need superb goalkeeping to hang in the game but I would not take them lightly. They are in the NCAA's every year basically and one of these days will find a W. At the very least, the Keene St/ Ithaca winner will be watching intently to see if Thomas can draw out some negative emotion from Amherst and draw multiple cards. Unlike St.Joe's last year, I just think Parsons will have his bunch ready to deal with the 15 minute Amherst burst to start the game. If he can see that first 15-20 minutes through at 0-0 or even take a 1-0 lead(like they did in 2015 at Brandeis) it would put Thomas in a much stronger position to get the game to PK's. That first 20 minutes and frankly last 15 minutes are critical
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 14, 2019, 08:45:29 PM
Mr. Right, WPI is the exact kind of team I fear as a Tufts opponent. Have only given up 0.4 GA this season and will be content to back it in and hope one of their talented attackers can steal one on a break or a set piece.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2019, 11:19:29 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 14, 2019, 08:45:29 PM
Mr. Right, WPI is the exact kind of team I fear as a Tufts opponent. Have only given up 0.4 GA this season and will be content to back it in and hope one of their talented attackers can steal one on a break or a set piece.

Yes but on the flip Tufts is reading WPI just like you and I. They know enough regionally to know that WPI can hang. Tufts will take WPI like every other opponent they play which means they will be prepared. The key is in the back of their heads Tufts still know they are the better team...When do those thoughts creep in? cause it could have a negative/positive impact
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2019, 12:58:08 PM
Serpone with some changes in the Amherst lineup today. No Bryce Johnson? Shahmirzadi? Cutler Coleman? Injuries maybe or just resting guys?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2019, 01:01:48 PM
Keene St production crew doing some heavy lifting...2 man booth with sideline reporter and a broadcast team that is young fresh and taking it seriously..you cannot ask for anything more than that
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2019, 01:08:23 PM
Little to quick to compliment Keene production as camera operator must be hungover...making me dizzy...should be a quick fix..also way to much crap on the screen..very busy




Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2019, 01:12:34 PM
Amherst / Thomas ref looks to be Noel Cottrell or Gus St.Silva I cannot tell. Either way he is not calling anything and this game is not a game you want to take that chance to start the game. I could be wrong
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2019, 01:24:24 PM
Dane Lind gives Amherst the 1-0 lead about 20 minutes in....Tufts inconceivably struggling with a really weak Maritime team. Tufts is going to eventually blow this team off the field but they did not come out ready to play today..1-1...25 min left 1st Half
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ChrisJS on November 16, 2019, 03:14:18 PM
I can't get the Calvin video up, anyone else having problems?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on November 20, 2019, 06:01:45 PM
For the people that watched more games this year... since Giammettei ran away with POY, who was the runner up?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 20, 2019, 06:07:12 PM
Realistic voting Marcucci could have been it. I'd argue the second most talented guy in the league could be a couple different tufts players, but the way they play they will never put up the stats to win unless they are a central defender.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheAnonymousCommentator on November 21, 2019, 09:26:58 AM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on November 20, 2019, 06:01:45 PM
For the people that watched more games this year... since Giammettei ran away with POY, who was the runner up?

Thought the only other person who could challenge was Dane Lind, who somehow didn't even make it to 1st team. Not exactly sure how that works considering he was 2nd in goals, 1st in assists, and 2nd in points in the league. There aren't too many people who break 10 assists in consecutive seasons. Would have put him above Gass just for consistency even though Gass is a handful.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 21, 2019, 10:11:00 AM
I mean last year, Lind came off the bench. Two he's not the most liked player around the league and coaches are human and vote with some emotion. Three I didn't look this year, but I know last year a lot of those points came out of conference which isn't weighed as heavily
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheAnonymousCommentator on November 21, 2019, 02:23:08 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 21, 2019, 10:11:00 AM
I mean last year, Lind came off the bench. Two he's not the most liked player around the league and coaches are human and vote with some emotion. Three I didn't look this year, but I know last year a lot of those points came out of conference which isn't weighed as heavily

But last year him coming off the bench and points against out of conference shouldn't matter, right? Because this is this year? I also haven't been aware that he is particularly disliked other than just because he goes to Amherst and everyone hates Amherst.

Looking back, he got assists against Bowdoin, Hamilton, Merchant Marine, Middlebury, Tufts, William Paterson, and Trinity. Mix of good and bad but still I think his stats should have put him on the 1st team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 21, 2019, 02:45:50 PM
I was just commenting on the consecutive seasons aspect and I mentioned I didn't look up this year. And the reality is every year Amherst doesn't get the awards the deserve. Nico Pascual Leone was hands down the best player in the league the year Odulate won player of the year. But the coaches dont want to reward the team.

I guess somehow saying that earned me negative karma but that's the reason like it or not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on November 21, 2019, 03:37:04 PM
I scored 14 goals one year and didn't make All-Conference. I scored 4 the next year and was named 1st team.  Go figure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on November 21, 2019, 07:28:13 PM
I think this is another "reading stats pages" and "when is the vote taken" question... Lind seems to have scored 4 goals in the postseason, 2 again Wes in the NESCAC quarters, 1 in each of the NCAA games. Likely those were all after voting was done. If you go to the NESCAC site and just look at the regular season stats, from a purely statistical perspective, Aidan Wood is probably the saltiest about being on the second team.

I did watch some of the Amherst highlights. Looks like Lind set up both of the goals against Tufts for GG. The weight on the ball for the first goal was fantastic, not to mention the finish. Made it look easy.

I haven't been watching much the last couple of years - has Amherst been passing the ball a little bit more recently? Highlights seemed to show a lot of goals from counters and the run of play, less from set pieces than I expected.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 09:40:00 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 21, 2019, 10:11:00 AM
I mean last year, Lind came off the bench. Two he's not the most liked player around the league and coaches are human and vote with some emotion. Three I didn't look this year, but I know last year a lot of those points came out of conference which isn't weighed as heavily



Lol....was waiting for you to get the elbows out...b4 some Amherst fan goes apesh*t u wanna clarify?? I got no skin in the game but I'm chuckling a bit as D4pace with the jab
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 22, 2019, 11:19:23 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 09:40:00 AM
Lol....was waiting for you to get the elbows out...b4 some Amherst fan goes apesh*t u wanna clarify?? I got no skin in the game but I'm chuckling a bit as D4pace with the jab

Pretty sure Lind was the one who clotheslined Weatherbie less than a minute into last year's regular season game...Shapiro was apoplectic, one of the few times I've seen him that mad.

That said, I agree with the previous poster that his through ball for the equalizer this year against Tufts was perfectly weighted. He has been one of their standout players over the last few years IMHO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerfan111 on November 22, 2019, 12:52:09 PM
With games a day away at Amherst, what can be expected for the field conditions? Field looked bouncy in some of the recent highlights. How is the surface?

Saturday weather looks great but Sunday looks like it could be a wet one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 01:45:32 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 22, 2019, 11:19:23 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 09:40:00 AM
Lol....was waiting for you to get the elbows out...b4 some Amherst fan goes apesh*t u wanna clarify?? I got no skin in the game but I'm chuckling a bit as D4pace with the jab

Pretty sure Lind was the one who clotheslined Weatherbie less than a minute into last year's regular season game...Shapiro was apoplectic, one of the few times I've seen him that mad.

That said, I agree with the previous poster that his through ball for the equalizer this year against Tufts was perfectly weighted. He has been one of their standout players over the last few years IMHO.



I do not remember that at all as fouls like that within the 1st minute of a game usually have some history and / or sending a message.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 22, 2019, 02:15:22 PM
How is Tufts #2, Amherst is #4, and then Conn College is #17?!  Is it just me or this a little to Tufts-friendly?  https://d3soccer.prestosports.com/top25/men/2019/week11
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on November 22, 2019, 02:26:01 PM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 22, 2019, 02:15:22 PM
How is Tufts #2, Amherst is #4, and then Conn College is #17?!  Is it just me or this a little to Tufts-friendly?  https://d3soccer.prestosports.com/top25/men/2019/week11

I would say it's more of a Conn College-unfriendly ranking than a too-friendly Tufts ranking.

Team placements vary, sometimes considerably, across the many rating and ranking systems out there.  On the most recent Massey Ratings I saw,  Amherst, Tufts, and Conn College were listed at 1, 2, and 3, respectively, which might prompt questions about the NESCAC-friendliness of the algorithm used to produce the ratings. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 22, 2019, 02:32:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 01:45:32 PM
I do not remember that at all as fouls like that within the 1st minute of a game usually have some history and / or sending a message.

For sure...I remember in the 2016 final against Calvin Tufts' Lawson flattened someone early in the game and then said something to the kid after as he was still on the ground. Personally I found that somewhat amusing as — while he did a job for a team that won the whole thing — he was no Roy Keane.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on November 22, 2019, 02:33:01 PM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 22, 2019, 02:15:22 PM
How is Tufts #2, Amherst is #4, and then Conn College is #17?!  Is it just me or this a little to Tufts-friendly?  https://d3soccer.prestosports.com/top25/men/2019/week11
I think it's impressive JHU held on to a 1 vote. They had a heck of a season, but you have to go a little deeper to be #1 in my book. You can be the best team in the country and lose in the Elite 8 or Final 4 on a pk. But it's pretty tough to go out the first weekend. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 02:41:21 PM
Umm isnt that poll like 2 weeks old?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on November 22, 2019, 02:43:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 02:41:21 PM
Umm isnt that poll like 2 weeks old?

ha. Could be. I didn't check the date. That would make way more sense...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 02:44:48 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 22, 2019, 02:32:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 01:45:32 PM
I do not remember that at all as fouls like that within the 1st minute of a game usually have some history and / or sending a message.

For sure...I remember in the 2016 final against Calvin Tufts' Lawson flattened someone early in the game and then said something to the kid after as he was still on the ground. Personally I found that somewhat amusing as — while he did a job for a team that won the whole thing — he was no Roy Keane.


Pretty fair to say Lawson was no Roy Keane however Lawson was another one of these guys(like Drew Stern) who sat on the bench I think until his SR year or maybe he started playing later in his JR year but he did not factor in 2014
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 22, 2019, 02:46:02 PM
jknez, agreed.  But at least JHU's now at #3.  Tufts at #2 after losing to Amherst and unranked Babson?!  It's just silly.  Their wins over Conn College and Middlebury (twice) are good Ws but... #2?!  While Conn College is #17?  It doesn't make sense.

I want to watch Dortmund (currently losing to Paderborn) so i'll have to pick this up later but... There's a bunch of "What?!"s on this list.

1   Calvin (12)
2   Tufts (4)
3   Johns Hopkins (1)
4   Amherst (3)
5   Kenyon (1)
6   Messiah
7   Oneonta State
8   Chicago
9   John Carroll
10   Franklin & Marshall
11   Washington & Lee
12   Chris. Newport
13   Mary Washington
14   RPI
15   Roanoke
16   Catholic
17   Connecticut Col.
18   Ohio Wesleyan
19   Penn St.-Behrend
20   Claremont-M-S
21   Centre
22   Oglethorpe
23   Texas-Dallas
24   Middlebury
25   North Park
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on November 22, 2019, 02:47:49 PM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 22, 2019, 02:46:02 PM
jknez, agreed.  But at least JHU's now at #3.  Tufts at #2 after losing to Amherst and unranked Babson?!  It's just silly.  Their wins over Conn College and Middlebury (twice) are good Ws but... #2?!  While Conn College is #17?  It doesn't make sense.

I want to watch Dortmund (currently losing to Paderborn) so i'll have to pick this up later but... There's a bunch of "What?!"s on this list.

1   Calvin (12)
2   Tufts (4)
3   Johns Hopkins (1)
4   Amherst (3)
5   Kenyon (1)
6   Messiah
7   Oneonta State
8   Chicago
9   John Carroll
10   Franklin & Marshall
11   Washington & Lee
12   Chris. Newport
13   Mary Washington
14   RPI
15   Roanoke
16   Catholic
17   Connecticut Col.
18   Ohio Wesleyan
19   Penn St.-Behrend
20   Claremont-M-S
21   Centre
22   Oglethorpe
23   Texas-Dallas
24   Middlebury
25   North Park

Well... as Mr. Right pointed out. That poll is from 11/10. So it's almost 2 weeks old and predates the first weekend games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 22, 2019, 02:49:18 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 02:41:21 PM
Umm isnt that poll like 2 weeks old?

Through games of Sunday, November 10, 2019.  12 days.  The D3 Tourney Draw was on Nov. 11.  And the D3 1st and 2nd Rounds didn't/don't shake up the Top Teams so much.  EXCEPT... Conn College beating JHU.  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 22, 2019, 02:52:46 PM
Still doesn't make sense.  I'll type something later.  Kenyon at #5 with a #1 vote? Calvin at #1?  Messiah #6?  Oneonta #7?  It just doesn't make sense...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 22, 2019, 02:58:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 02:44:48 PM
Pretty fair to say Lawson was no Roy Keane however Lawson was another one of these guys(like Drew Stern) who sat on the bench I think until his SR year or maybe he started playing later in his JR year but he did not factor in 2014

I think he mostly played in 2016. Either way, you raise a good point — Tufts has a lot of guys like that. Najjar started playing his junior year but hadn't featured much before and did a solid job. There are more, just can't think of them at the moment. That's a sign of a well-coached team — guys can come in and not play but they know their role when they step in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 22, 2019, 03:57:15 PM
As has been pointed out, the ranking being discussed is pre-NCAA tournament, so it does not reflect tournament advancement because the tournament hadn't started yet.  We each have our personal, subjective opinions, and my personal Top 25 would differ a bit, especially for some of the teams.  I personally would have kept Amherst #1 despite their loss in the NESCAC semifinals as all other teams had a loss or more this season, theirs just came earlier in the season than Amherst's.  But I think Amherst at #4 is a reaction to a team losing and feeling like you need to have them drop.  Tufts is the defending champions and winners of 3 of the last 5 national titles, so, fair or not, they are going to get the benefit of the doubt when they stumble in the regular season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 22, 2019, 04:28:48 PM
Mr right it happened just about exactly as described except it was opening 15 seconds. Back pass off kick off, big ball, elbow straight to the head.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 22, 2019, 04:31:16 PM
I also think Amherst should be #1.  But that's a judgment call.  Some of these rankings aren't a judgment call.  They simply do not make sense.  But, as you're saying, Rankings can be very subjective.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: YoungBuck on November 22, 2019, 04:48:17 PM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 22, 2019, 04:31:16 PM
I also think Amherst should be #1.  But that's a judgment call.  Some of these rankings aren't a judgment call.  They simply do not make sense.  But, as you're saying, Rankings can be very subjective.

By all means, please share your suggestions for how they should be different.  I find few things more annoying than a vocal complaint that something is wrong or someone has been left out of a selection without a stance on how it should be different. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on November 22, 2019, 06:07:02 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 22, 2019, 02:58:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 02:44:48 PM
Pretty fair to say Lawson was no Roy Keane however Lawson was another one of these guys(like Drew Stern) who sat on the bench I think until his SR year or maybe he started playing later in his JR year but he did not factor in 2014

I think he mostly played in 2016. Either way, you raise a good point — Tufts has a lot of guys like that. Najjar started playing his junior year but hadn't featured much before and did a solid job. There are more, just can't think of them at the moment. That's a sign of a well-coached team — guys can come in and not play but they know their role when they step in.

I mean almost every decent team has guys a couple guys in this mold. No team is really getting enough star freshmen in every year to totally reload except maybeeeee Amherst and you would think Tufts but that's obviously not totally how they roll.

I thought the really impressive thing about Tufts was the consistency with which they had great depth and were able to replace lost talent without losing a step or needing to seriously adjust their system - whether it be with youth or experience guys that had been working hard. Honestly made it hard for me to tell just how good the individual players were when one would just pop up the next year and perform essentially just as well - particularly the defensive midfielders. Not that my assessments mattered for much, but it was a fun game to play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 22, 2019, 06:17:26 PM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 22, 2019, 04:31:16 PM
I also think Amherst should be #1.  But that's a judgment call.  Some of these rankings aren't a judgment call.  They simply do not make sense.  But, as you're saying, Rankings can be very subjective.

You're not making a lot of sense unless all of us are missing something.  Amherst WAS #1.  They lost.  They dropped a couple of spots.  Tufts lost over five weeks ago away at Amherst in OT.  Calvin is like 21-1-1.  Messiah is like 18-0 since the opening weekend.  Kenyon is 19-1-2.  What is your top 10?  Yes, Conn beat JHU who was appropriately highly ranked, but Conn went into the tournament with six blemishes at 10-3-3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 22, 2019, 07:01:20 PM
The way we played the defensive midfielder was the most important position on the field and we've had three awesome players there the last 7 years which why they have been successful. I think each successive guy has gone about the role differently and continued to raise the standard. Aroh now is definitely the most talented guy in that spot and was justly rewarded with an all Nescac spot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 09:59:14 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 22, 2019, 04:28:48 PM
Mr right it happened just about exactly as described except it was opening 15 seconds. Back pass off kick off, big ball, elbow straight to the head.


Yes now I remember all the controversy but still cannot picture the play...anyhow..I kinda want u to finish the story..so what happened next;? Elbow to head by LInd, then........
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 10:04:54 AM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on November 22, 2019, 06:07:02 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 22, 2019, 02:58:44 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 22, 2019, 02:44:48 PM
Pretty fair to say Lawson was no Roy Keane however Lawson was another one of these guys(like Drew Stern) who sat on the bench I think until his SR year or maybe he started playing later in his JR year but he did not factor in 2014

I think he mostly played in 2016. Either way, you raise a good point — Tufts has a lot of guys like that. Najjar started playing his junior year but hadn't featured much before and did a solid job. There are more, just can't think of them at the moment. That's a sign of a well-coached team — guys can come in and not play but they know their role when they step in.

I mean almost every decent team has guys a couple guys in this mold. No team is really getting enough star freshmen in every year to totally reload except maybeeeee Amherst and you would think Tufts but that's obviously not totally how they roll.



I think it is a bit of a stretch to say ALL decent teams have 3-4 rising Seniors who have BARELY played for 3 years, hang in there with a positive attitude and then start 22 games as a Senior and be a solid contribution on an NCAA title team.


side bar---Bloots brought up Najjar but he really wouldn't fit into my example as was starting by the end of his Soph year..IIRC he came out of nowhere in 2016 and was holding for a time in front of CB's. The he was starting CB for 2 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 10:09:27 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 22, 2019, 07:01:20 PM
The way we played the defensive midfielder was the most important position on the field and we've had three awesome players there the last 7 years which why they have been successful. I think each successive guy has gone about the role differently and continued to raise the standard. Aroh now is definitely the most talented guy in that spot and was justly rewarded with an all Nescac spot.


Agreed....who was holding in 2014? I am drawing a blank
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 23, 2019, 10:24:38 AM
Zach Halliday was the holding there for 2014 and 2016 teams. Although 2016 had Kulscar next to him.
Najjar didn't start until his junior year. End of the season he'd come up off the bench in that holding role to close out halfs/games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 23, 2019, 10:51:30 AM
And speaking of Zach Halliday, we can't forget about his better looking more talented younger brother Kevin. You guys see those goals against Hamilton. What a player! That's the type of big game performance the jumbos are going to need today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 10:57:23 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 23, 2019, 10:51:30 AM
And speaking of Zach Halliday, we can't forget about his better looking more talented younger brother Kevin. You guys see those goals against Hamilton. What a player! That's the type of big game performance the jumbos are going to need today.


I think his performance in the 2017 Nescac Trnmt was a difference maker. However, I just cannot get that chance he had against Brandeis in the EElite 8 out of my head when I hear the name Halliday....I will try to manipulate my thinking on this as its a bit cynical.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 11:53:01 AM
Serpone has his hands full with #23. This kid has the athletic ability to be a star but he needs coaching like no player I have seen in a while in this league. The improvement / lack thereof of this kid might give some of us outsiders a real chance at seeing how good a Head Coach Serpone is. I will say it does matter the kids attitude..He has to be willing to learn and hopefully is open to it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 12:29:20 PM
Dane Lind with a nice finish to make it 2-0 Amherst about 30min left...Amherst needs to keep its focus though as if Rowan ever decided that they might want to give max effort they might be able to find a goal or 2.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on November 23, 2019, 01:43:53 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 10:04:54 AM
I think it is a bit of a stretch to say ALL decent teams have 3-4 rising Seniors who have BARELY played for 3 years, hang in there with a positive attitude and then start 22 games as a Senior and be a solid contribution on an NCAA title team.

Yeah we're on the same page here. Most/all teams have a couple of these guys that have to come in and contribute - the difference with Tufts is these guys are really good and come in and play without any drop off in quality, and they do it like every time they need it.

I think I actually saw it most during our pre-season scrimmages with Tufts. They would bring on subs as the scrimmage went on who would mostly just keep pinging the ball around in a nice possession style playing good futbol, a little less clean and less athletic, but still very nice, and could clearly go a player deep at basically every position. Very impressive given that due to NESCAC rules there was maybe a week of practice before these scrimmages. Maybe even less. The scrimmage would usually start out very evenly matched but Tufts would have more control the more subs were in the game.

Haven't seen Aroh play since I graduated before he started, but that's a high praise from someone who's seen tho whole set. Not the easiest position to get 1st team all conference from either unless you score goals on set pieces. Niang did it twice, but he scored a lot of set piece goals (i want to say 4-5 a year). My quick research says Gruner from Wesleyan in 2013-2014 was the last defensive midfielder to do it before (had 2g/1g and 3a as well).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 02:31:22 PM
Conn v Swat still 0-0 with about 25min left....both teams with some real good looks but neither team can finish...Butera way way off today....lazy giveaway's, not tracking after giveaway, not running hard and yet he usually will then have this light bulb go off and somehow find a winning play for Conn....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 02:49:56 PM
Miranda having a very good game today for the Camels..been threading the  needle since he entered 2nd Half..0-0 about 8 min left
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 23, 2019, 03:02:04 PM
Swat and Conn going to OT.  Plenty of action in the 30 minutes that I've watched, so I'd expect to see a goal for someone in OT.  As Mr. Right said, opportunities on both sides.  If I were Swat, I wouldn't want to try to win a third straight game in PKs, with Marcucci looming in goal for Conn. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 03:10:50 PM
sick finish AGAIN for Camels....well done
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 23, 2019, 03:10:57 PM
Oh, what a way to lose!  Conn scores the game winner on a shot that the Swat keeper let go, apparently thinking it would go wide.  It bounced off the post and went in.

[Edit:  I looked at the replay after seeing Mr. Right's post, and I don't think the keeper would have been able to get to it if he had thought it was going in.  So it didn't really matter.]
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 05:21:23 PM
Tufts first 15 minutes of 2nd Half look about as good as I have seen them...That was 15 minutes of wave after wave of pressure...This game could blow open if Tufts continues like this
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 05:34:27 PM
Ratzan just working this crew..ref missing some big calls here
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 05:36:11 PM
50/50 Tufts wins it when the starters come back in with 10 minutes left....just tell Zelinsky do the right thin
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buddham on November 23, 2019, 06:48:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 11:53:01 AM
Serpone has his hands full with #23. This kid has the athletic ability to be a star but he needs coaching like no player I have seen in a while in this league. The improvement / lack thereof of this kid might give some of us outsiders a real chance at seeing how good a Head Coach Serpone is. I will say it does matter the kids attitude..He has to be willing to learn and hopefully is open to it.

What do you mean by "attitude" and why does he need "coaching"? Please cite specifics.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buddham on November 24, 2019, 08:17:05 AM
Did #23 from Amherst turn back to his coach and yell, as one of the Rowan players did? I wonder what the stream captured of #23 that makes you think he has an attitude issue. Did he front up another player? Throw his shinguards down and refuse to track back and defend? Did he express dissent to the referee as the Amherst captain did in the last minute (for which he was cautioned)? #23 didn't get cautioned so I don't think the refs found his "attitude" lacking.

Oh, he did score the winning goal, so there's that. Whatever else could you have been referring to? Perhaps you've mixed him up with another player? Seems like you watched a bunch of games yesterday so perhaps you didn't watch the whole game between Rowan and Amherst which makes what you noticed all the more curious, because it wouldn't have likely been a long look and there wasn't a "flashpoint" incident with #23 (other than his goal).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 24, 2019, 11:40:05 AM
Quote from: Buddham on November 23, 2019, 06:48:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 11:53:01 AM
Serpone has his hands full with #23. This kid has the athletic ability to be a star but he needs coaching like no player I have seen in a while in this league. The improvement / lack thereof of this kid might give some of us outsiders a real chance at seeing how good a Head Coach Serpone is. I will say it does matter the kids attitude..He has to be willing to learn and hopefully is open to it.

What do you mean by "attitude" and why does he need "coaching"? Please cite specifics.

I rhought I was pretty clear in what I meant. He has to be willing to learn and that it matters if his attitude is "open" to it. Some players are open to suggestion and others not so much. I was not in any way implying the kid has a bad attitude and why would I? I have never met him. I actually stated he has the potential to be a star but he needs some polish. Most Frosh need to "learn" the college game and some take longer than others. I feel like the overall product could be much better if he works on game....thats it...u obviously disagree and that is fine as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on November 24, 2019, 01:32:45 PM
Lind with practically a goal per postseason match. Amherst in control, conceding twice would be very unlike them. Seems more likely they get one or two more.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on November 24, 2019, 04:49:14 PM
A strange day at Amherst, having to switch fields at halftime. If I'm Serpone, I definitely dig in and insist on playing on my home field as the home team. No faulting the decision, as Hitchcock Field--although tricky in spots--was deemed playable by officials before kick-off. Good job by all crews to get game going again on Gooding. Amherst deserved the win today. Congrats to RPI on a strong season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 24, 2019, 07:19:46 PM
A joke the refs let the game start on the grass then switch their minds 45 mins later.  Anyways... this has got to be the first time the Nescac has gotten two teams in the final four in recent memory.  Everyone here would be rooting for a tufts-amherst final. That game would be one for the ages. Tufts will absolutely have their hands full with Calvin on friday night though.  You've got to think Amherst is a big favorite over centre but you never know.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on November 24, 2019, 07:58:06 PM
Refs a joke lol... can't imagine Serpone complained too much about the halftime move with his team already up 3-0. That field's usually in bad shape come post-season time, but it was just brutal today. Centre will be very thankful final four is played on neutral ground...

After the Conn Tufts result, did a quick history check. Last victory for the Camels over Tufts was the famous 2014 upset that set up the first NCAA run. That said, in 2017 and 2018 Conn managed 0-0 ties, pretty decent results, before the 2-0 and 3-1 losses this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 24, 2019, 10:55:06 PM
Quote from: TheAnonymousCommentator on November 14, 2019, 11:43:42 AM
Men's Soccer All-NESCAC Teams

Player of the Year: German Giammattei, Amherst
Rookie of the Year: Ryan Grady, Middlebury
Coach of the Year: Josh Shapiro, Tufts

First Team All-NESCAC
Pos.   Name   Institution   Yr.   Hometown
GK   AJ Marcucci *P@&   Connecticut College   Jr.   West Chester, Pa.
D   Liam Bardong =   Williams   Sr.   Manhasset, N.Y.
D   Liam Donelan *   Connecticut College   Jr.   Milton, Mass.
D   Biagio Paoletta =   Tufts   Jr.   Fairfield, Conn.
M   Calvin Aroh   Tufts   Jr.   Glastonbury, Conn.
M   Cutler Coleman *   Amherst   Sr.   Winter Park, Fla.
M   Augie Djerdjaj   Connecticut College   So.   Mahopac, N.Y.
M   Gavin Tasker *   Tufts   Sr.   Concord, N.H.
F   Joe Braun *   Tufts   Sr.   Yardley, Pa.
F   Demian Gass   Williams   Sr.   Houston, Texas
F   German Giammattei R   Amherst   So.   Pinecrest, Fla.

Second Team All-NESCAC
Pos.   Name   Institution   Yr.   Hometown
GK   Ryan Grady   Middlebury   Fy.   Deerfield, Ill.
D   Luke Eckels *#%2   Hamilton   Sr.   Ridgewood, N.J.
D   Michael McFarlane   Middlebury   So.   Suffield, Conn.
D   Jules Oberg   Williams   So.   Stockholm, Sweden
D   Aidan Robinson =   Middlebury   Sr.   Gloucester, Mass.
M   Matt Butera   Connecticut College   Sr.   Westfield, Mass.
M   Travis Van Brewer   Tufts   Jr.   Wilbraham, Mass.
M   Henry Wilhelm   Middlebury   Sr.   Shaker Heights, Ohio
F   Ethan Fabricant   Colby   So.   Summit, N.J.
F   Dane Lind   Amherst   Sr.   San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
F   Aidan Wood =#   Hamilton   Sr.   Ipswich, Mass.

The NESCAC has some great goalkeepers.  I was impressed with Devanny from Wesleyan, but I think that Marcucci and Grady were the top two.  I think that the order was wrong, however.  Marcucci had an awesome year in 2018, and was very good this year, but Grady had better stats across the board.

Saves:  Grady 81 (1st), Marcucci 67 (3rd)
Save Pct:  Grady .890 (1st), Marcucci .859 (3rd)
Goals against avg:  Grady 0.49 (1st), Marcucci 0.58 (4th)
Shutouts:  Grady 9 solo, 2 shared (1st), Marcucci 5 solo , 1 shared (tie for 3rd)
Wins:  Grady 9 (4th), Marcucci 12 (2nd)

The voting was done before NCAA play, so that does not factor in.  While Marcucci's team advanced deeper into the tournament, both had two shutouts in NCAA play.  Middlebury was eliminated in the second round without giving up a goal in either of their first two games.  Again, this is not a shot at Marcucci, who is an outstanding goalkeeper, but simply an argument that Grady had the better year. 



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 24, 2019, 11:26:40 PM
Yeah but stats only show so much. If you watch the game Marcucci is just better. Easily the best goalie in the league since Tom Bull
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on November 25, 2019, 07:26:52 AM
Who looks better is irrelevant.  Grady had a better season and is more deserving.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buddham on November 25, 2019, 08:52:52 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 24, 2019, 11:40:05 AM
Quote from: Buddham on November 23, 2019, 06:48:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 11:53:01 AM
Serpone has his hands full with #23. This kid has the athletic ability to be a star but he needs coaching like no player I have seen in a while in this league. The improvement / lack thereof of this kid might give some of us outsiders a real chance at seeing how good a Head Coach Serpone is. I will say it does matter the kids attitude..He has to be willing to learn and hopefully is open to it.

What do you mean by "attitude" and why does he need "coaching"? Please cite specifics.

I rhought I was pretty clear in what I meant. He has to be willing to learn and that it matters if his attitude is "open" to it. Some players are open to suggestion and others not so much. I was not in any way implying the kid has a bad attitude and why would I? I have never met him. I actually stated he has the potential to be a star but he needs some polish. Most Frosh need to "learn" the college game and some take longer than others. I feel like the overall product could be much better if he works on game....thats it...u obviously disagree and that is fine as well.

Nearly every first year player would benefit from "polish". Giammattei - did he arrive a finished product or has Serpone already submitted evidence of his coaching props? Doesn't everyone need the appropriate attitude to learn? The appropriate teacher?

I'm calling your post out b/c it's highly...provocative to call #23 out on scant evidence, and the evidence there is contradicts your supposition - he's won a starting position on a final four team and happened to score the winning goal in the game that you commented about.

Or maybe you meant to say, "He's got tremendous upside potential". Please refrain from commenting on his "grit".
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 25, 2019, 10:39:25 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 24, 2019, 07:19:46 PM
A joke the refs let the game start on the grass then switch their minds 45 mins later.  Anyways... this has got to be the first time the Nescac has gotten two teams in the final four in recent memory.  Everyone here would be rooting for a tufts-amherst final. That game would be one for the ages. Tufts will absolutely have their hands full with Calvin on friday night though.  You've got to think Amherst is a big favorite over centre but you never know.


I think those are ECAC refs but either way not a good look in an NCAA game and his admin I'm sure will hear about it...especially if RPI felt there was at all any "pressure" to play that game on that field. Ref is supposed to factor weather into account when making the decision. Weather was only going to get worse. Field has new drainage but why risk it? Ref should of started game on turf and validated that by deciding at half to move it...I cannot believe his assignments next year in ncaas will not be revaluated
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 25, 2019, 10:49:29 AM
Centre's biggest W this season was their game over Montclair St.  Before that, Oglethorpe.  Anything could happen but... Amherst should be playing in the finals.  Tufts-Calvin is a better match-up but not so dis-similar.  Should be a NESCAC final. And, if it is, the Top Three teams in the nation would be NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 25, 2019, 10:53:48 AM
Who's better couldn't be more relevant. That's the whole point of the award. Those stats don't factor in the difficulty of saves, a goalies ability in the air, his kicking. If you polled Nescac coaches they would rather have Marcucci and that's why he's first team. Because if he's on your team, your team is now better.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 25, 2019, 10:55:43 AM
Tufts making the final does not make Conn the #3 team in the country. It makes tufts a top two team. Conn is not better than Calvin, Messiah, North park or a handful of other teams. You can't just say we lost to the best team so we're the next best team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 25, 2019, 11:01:59 AM
Quote from: Buddham on November 25, 2019, 08:52:52 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 24, 2019, 11:40:05 AM
Quote from: Buddham on November 23, 2019, 06:48:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 11:53:01 AM
Serpone has his hands full with #23. This kid has the athletic ability to be a star but he needs coaching like no player I have seen in a while in this league. The improvement / lack thereof of this kid might give some of us outsiders a real chance at seeing how good a Head Coach Serpone is. I will say it does matter the kids attitude..He has to be willing to learn and hopefully is open to it.

What do you mean by "attitude" and why does he need "coaching"? Please cite specifics.

I rhought I was pretty clear in what I meant. He has to be willing to learn and that it matters if his attitude is "open" to it. Some players are open to suggestion and others not so much. I was not in any way implying the kid has a bad attitude and why would I? I have never met him. I actually stated he has the potential to be a star but he needs some polish. Most Frosh need to "learn" the college game and some take longer than others. I feel like the overall product could be much better if he works on game....thats it...u obviously disagree and that is fine as well.

Nearly every first year player would benefit from "polish". Giammattei - did he arrive a finished product or has Serpone already submitted evidence of his coaching props? Doesn't everyone need the appropriate attitude to learn? The appropriate teacher?

I'm calling your post out b/c it's highly...provocative to call #23 out on scant evidence, and the evidence there is contradicts your supposition - he's won a starting position on a final four team and happened to score the winning goal in the game that you commented about.

Or maybe you meant to say, "He's got tremendous upside potential". Please refrain from commenting on his "grit".


Yes...well I dont think I ever commented on his grit..u have obviously bungled my point...u even start criticizing his own teammates actions on the field to make ur point..however I am willing to drop it if it helps...



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 25, 2019, 11:57:24 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 25, 2019, 10:53:48 AM
Who's better couldn't be more relevant. That's the whole point of the award. Those stats don't factor in the difficulty of saves, a goalies ability in the air, his kicking. If you polled Nescac coaches they would rather have Marcucci and that's why he's first team. Because if he's on your team, your team is now better.

So we are going with the eye test?  Here are Grady's stats.  If you rank first in 6 different categories, at some point the statistical body of evidence has to have some impact.  Or does Marcucci gets to be first team until he graduates just because he is Marcucci?  Marcucci had an unbelievable 2018, but his 2019 stats are nowhere near his 2018 ones, and not as good as Grady's. 


STATISTICS CATEGORY   OVERALL   CONF
Games played   20   1st   10   1st
Games started   19   1st   10   1st
Minutes   1828:40   1st   970:25   1st
Goals against   10   5th   7   4th
Goals-against average   0.49   1st   0.65   3rd
Saves   81   1st   50   1st
Save pct   .890   1st   .877   3rd
Wins   9   4th   3   6th
Losses   3   297th   2   275th
Ties   7   306th   4   283rd
Shutouts   9/2   1st   3/1   5th
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 25, 2019, 12:53:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 25, 2019, 10:39:25 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 24, 2019, 07:19:46 PM
A joke the refs let the game start on the grass then switch their minds 45 mins later.  Anyways... this has got to be the first time the Nescac has gotten two teams in the final four in recent memory.  Everyone here would be rooting for a tufts-amherst final. That game would be one for the ages. Tufts will absolutely have their hands full with Calvin on friday night though.  You've got to think Amherst is a big favorite over centre but you never know.


I think those are ECAC refs but either way not a good look in an NCAA game and his admin I'm sure will hear about it...especially if RPI felt there was at all any "pressure" to play that game on that field. Ref is supposed to factor weather into account when making the decision. Weather was only going to get worse. Field has new drainage but why risk it? Ref should of started game on turf and validated that by deciding at half to move it...I cannot believe his assignments next year in ncaas will not be revaluated

I can't imagine refs assigned to the Elite 8 not having D1 experience or many years of experience on D2/D3 level...  interesting situation, with a very simple solution.

I have not watched RPI this year... but I'm sure they'd have rather started/played on turf.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CU_GKnight on November 25, 2019, 01:01:43 PM
I normally keep myself confined to the Liberty League thread but saw this and had to comment.

All-conference selections for keeper are extremely difficult to assess, especially as there is typically only 1 spot on each team.  Position players have more latitude as there are multiple selections for each position.

I think it is preposterous to rely solely on stats - we don't give the 3 forward spots on the first team to the leading goal scorers or maybe the assists leaders should be granted the midfield spots?

How you play the game and your value to the team are far better indicators of whether you are the best keeper in the conference.  Stats are easy to go by but it is the subjective aspects that make a difference.  Having seen Marcucci play only twice and never having seen Grady I am not in a position to make comparisons, but I will say Marcucci is legit.

As a former keeper I can say that stats only tell some of the picture.  Is one teams defense better than the others.  Does the style of play affect things - such as a lock down defense that only allows less dangerous shots from long distance.

I think a similar situation played out this year in the Liberty League with Ithaca having an All-American keeper returning.  He had another very solid year, but I think (although I admit I may have some bias) that Clarkson's keeper had a better year.  Clarkson's keeper was voted Defense Player of the Week for 3 straight weeks and the ECAC defensive player of the month.  He also was the difference between a .500 season and being on the cusp of getting his team into the NCAA's.  His value to the team was unmistakable as I would say he was the difference in about 4-5 games that would have had different results if even an above average keeper were in goal. If I were a coach heading in the tournament I would take the Clarkson keeper every day of the week.  Not surprisingly the Ithaca keeper was league Defensive Player of the Year, but the league made the rare exception and actually put both keepers on the first team. 

I think selecting All-anything teams is highly subjective and I don't think it needs to be debated too seriously.  I don't think in the past 20 years I have ever said to anyone "I was an all-conference soccer player in college".  I do say I went to a Final Four though.  So my advice is keep the focus on the team accomplishments and don't take the individual honors as life changing events.  I've never seen all conference carved into anyone's grave stone.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on November 25, 2019, 01:15:50 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on November 25, 2019, 12:53:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 25, 2019, 10:39:25 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 24, 2019, 07:19:46 PM
A joke the refs let the game start on the grass then switch their minds 45 mins later.  Anyways... this has got to be the first time the Nescac has gotten two teams in the final four in recent memory.  Everyone here would be rooting for a tufts-amherst final. That game would be one for the ages. Tufts will absolutely have their hands full with Calvin on friday night though.  You've got to think Amherst is a big favorite over centre but you never know.


I think those are ECAC refs but either way not a good look in an NCAA game and his admin I'm sure will hear about it...especially if RPI felt there was at all any "pressure" to play that game on that field. Ref is supposed to factor weather into account when making the decision. Weather was only going to get worse. Field has new drainage but why risk it? Ref should of started game on turf and validated that by deciding at half to move it...I cannot believe his assignments next year in ncaas will not be revaluated

I can't imagine refs assigned to the Elite 8 not having D1 experience or many years of experience on D2/D3 level...  interesting situation, with a very simple solution.

I have not watched RPI this year... but I'm sure they'd have rather started/played on turf.

I think the bolded part of your quote is important, as Amherst did something similar last year with the St. Joe's game.  While the game day itself was sunny and cold on Sunday, the previous day's games at Amherst were played on Amherst's turf field due to driving rain.  I was stunned that the refs allowed Amherst to dictate that the field was playable on Sunday, as it was a quagmire and it clearly affected play.

It's an advantage for Amherst to play on a grass field against teams that normally play on turf, but that becomes an unfair advantage in my opinion when the conditions make that grass field virtually unplayable.

My son played at St. Joe's and there is definitely some residual bitterness on my part regarding the field conditions last year, but I don't want to take anything away from the Amherst players as they simply played better than St. Joe's last year and they deserved to win.  That's what rankles me, though - they're good enough that they don't need to resort to that kind of stuff.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 25, 2019, 01:23:40 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 25, 2019, 10:55:43 AM
Tufts making the final does not make Conn the #3 team in the country. It makes tufts a top two team. Conn is not better than Calvin, Messiah, North park or a handful of other teams. You can't just say we lost to the best team so we're the next best team.

Conn College's loss to Tufts doesn't make them #3.  Their Ws and Ls this season does.  Their loss to Babson is definitely a blemish but otherwise, there resume is #3 in the nation. Currently.  If Centre or Calvin win, obviously, this will change. But, otherwise, they'll hold this #3 spot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 25, 2019, 01:40:27 PM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 25, 2019, 01:23:40 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 25, 2019, 10:55:43 AM
Tufts making the final does not make Conn the #3 team in the country. It makes tufts a top two team. Conn is not better than Calvin, Messiah, North park or a handful of other teams. You can't just say we lost to the best team so we're the next best team.

Conn College's loss to Tufts doesn't make them #3.  Their Ws and Ls this season does.  Their loss to Babson is definitely a blemish but otherwise, there resume is #3 in the nation. Currently.  If Centre or Calvin win, obviously, this will change. But, otherwise, they'll hold this #3 spot.

Conn is going to hold the #3 spot in your head but no where else on the planet.  Enjoy the delusion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on November 25, 2019, 01:43:06 PM
Quote from: CU_GKnight on November 25, 2019, 01:01:43 PM
I think (although I admit I may have some bias) that Clarkson's keeper had a better year

And I would argue his stats could support that argument as he faced more shots per game, and had a better save percentage - though all stats are extremely close. 
Roeloffs - 18 GP, 16 GA, .88 GAA, 75 Saves, .824 Save %
Lichenstein - 21 GP, 17 GA, .79 GAA, 74 Saves, .813 Save %

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 25, 2019, 01:46:38 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 25, 2019, 01:40:27 PM
Conn is going to hold the #3 spot in your head but no where else on the planet.  Enjoy the delusion.

I came out of retirement to give a +K for this one!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 25, 2019, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 25, 2019, 01:46:38 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 25, 2019, 01:40:27 PM
Conn is going to hold the #3 spot in your head but no where else on the planet.  Enjoy the delusion.

I came out of retirement to give a +K for this one!

Yeah, I assume he's just trolling.  The line about Calvin could surpass Conn if they win the title is as crazy as it gets.  Maybe Michel doesn't realize Calvin is 22-1-1 or 23-1-1 and has been to the Final Four multiple times since 2015 and is there yet again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: YoungBuck on November 25, 2019, 02:45:58 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 25, 2019, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: 1970s NESCAC Player on November 25, 2019, 01:46:38 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 25, 2019, 01:40:27 PM
Conn is going to hold the #3 spot in your head but no where else on the planet.  Enjoy the delusion.

I came out of retirement to give a +K for this one!

Yeah, I assume he's just trolling.  The line about Calvin could surpass Conn if they win the title is as crazy as it gets.  Maybe Michel doesn't realize Calvin is 22-1-1 or 23-1-1 and has been to the Final Four multiple times since 2015 and is there yet again.

Spot on, and props to you for putting a troll in his rightful troll place.  I will say, maybe the crazier part of his statement is that Centre could be #3.  Not to take anything away from a tremendous Cinderella run to the Final Four, but at the end of the year, the rankings should reflect who we think would win on a neutral field any given day, and Centre just hasn't proven to be Top 3 caliber.  George Mason made the Final Four in '06 while Reddick's Duke were at home, but that didn't change the fact that Duke was still the better team.  One off tournament results might mean the best team is not there on the last day, but educated public is still well aware of who the best teams are. 

Honestly, pretty shocked that Michel is sitting at +0/-0 after coming in hot with 7 instigating, inflammatory posts.  If I had -k to give, I'd toss some his way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on November 25, 2019, 02:49:56 PM
Quote from: YoungBuck on November 25, 2019, 02:45:58 PM


Honestly, pretty shocked that Michel is sitting at +0/-0 after coming in hot with 7 instigating, inflammatory posts.  If I had -k to give, I'd toss some his way.

Giving -k to a troll just gives them a point of pride. It's hardly worth it except as a warning to others not to engage.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buddham on November 25, 2019, 05:48:43 PM
My observations about the players are factual and specific. You called out a player for "needing coaching" and being "a handful" while questioning his "attitude" (in that your imply his currently doesn't show a willingness to learn). 

My observation about your post: you have no facts. I asked you to clarify what you "meant". It was not clear b/c you didn't cite any specifics.

You've gone right up to the line of saying something akin to "he's got lots of athleticism but lacks brains and discipline". Which if you follow sports, you'll recognize as implicit racism many athletes of color have had to confront. I've tried to give you every opportunity to climb down, but feigning ignorance and saying you were "pretty clear what I meant" makes me conclude that your hood is showing.

Quote from: Mr.Right on November 25, 2019, 11:01:59 AM
Quote from: Buddham on November 25, 2019, 08:52:52 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 24, 2019, 11:40:05 AM
Quote from: Buddham on November 23, 2019, 06:48:49 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 23, 2019, 11:53:01 AM
Serpone has his hands full with #23. This kid has the athletic ability to be a star but he needs coaching like no player I have seen in a while in this league. The improvement / lack thereof of this kid might give some of us outsiders a real chance at seeing how good a Head Coach Serpone is. I will say it does matter the kids attitude..He has to be willing to learn and hopefully is open to it.

What do you mean by "attitude" and why does he need "coaching"? Please cite specifics.

I rhought I was pretty clear in what I meant. He has to be willing to learn and that it matters if his attitude is "open" to it. Some players are open to suggestion and others not so much. I was not in any way implying the kid has a bad attitude and why would I? I have never met him. I actually stated he has the potential to be a star but he needs some polish. Most Frosh need to "learn" the college game and some take longer than others. I feel like the overall product could be much better if he works on game....thats it...u obviously disagree and that is fine as well.

Nearly every first year player would benefit from "polish". Giammattei - did he arrive a finished product or has Serpone already submitted evidence of his coaching props? Doesn't everyone need the appropriate attitude to learn? The appropriate teacher?

I'm calling your post out b/c it's highly...provocative to call #23 out on scant evidence, and the evidence there is contradicts your supposition - he's won a starting position on a final four team and happened to score the winning goal in the game that you commented about.

Or maybe you meant to say, "He's got tremendous upside potential". Please refrain from commenting on his "grit".


Yes...well I dont think I ever commented on his grit..u have obviously bungled my point...u even start criticizing his own teammates actions on the field to make ur point..however I am willing to drop it if it helps...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on November 25, 2019, 05:55:53 PM
Quote from: Buddham on November 25, 2019, 05:48:43 PM
My observations about the players are factual and specific. You called out a player for "needing coaching" and being "a handful" while questioning his "attitude" (in that your imply his currently doesn't show a willingness to learn). 

My observation about your post: you have no facts. I asked you to clarify what you "meant". It was not clear b/c you didn't cite any specifics.

You've gone right up to the line of saying something akin to "he's got lots of athleticism but lacks brains and discipline". Which if you follow sports, you'll recognize as implicit racism many athletes of color have had to confront. I've tried to give you every opportunity to climb down, but feigning ignorance and saying you were "pretty clear what I meant" makes me conclude that your hood is showing.


9th post and accusing a long time poster of racism. That's impressive. Mr. Right and his previous name have been many things, not all of them well liked, but racist isn't a label I'd have thrown at him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 25, 2019, 06:42:52 PM
Quote from: jknezek on November 25, 2019, 05:55:53 PM
Quote from: Buddham on November 25, 2019, 05:48:43 PM
My observations about the players are factual and specific. You called out a player for "needing coaching" and being "a handful" while questioning his "attitude" (in that your imply his currently doesn't show a willingness to learn). 

My observation about your post: you have no facts. I asked you to clarify what you "meant". It was not clear b/c you didn't cite any specifics.

You've gone right up to the line of saying something akin to "he's got lots of athleticism but lacks brains and discipline". Which if you follow sports, you'll recognize as implicit racism many athletes of color have had to confront. I've tried to give you every opportunity to climb down, but feigning ignorance and saying you were "pretty clear what I meant" makes me conclude that your hood is showing.


9th post and accusing a long time poster of racism. That's impressive. Mr. Right and his previous name have been many things, not all of them well liked, but racist isn't a label I'd have thrown at him.

Wow, lots of stuff going on the board today.  I'll address this one first.

Buddham, your entire string of posts has been based on a poor reading of Mr Right's original post.  Read it again.  He said that the player could be very good but that it would depend on his attitude and openness to learning.  You chose to assume that Mr Right was asserting that the player had a bad attitude and wasn't open to learning, and you ignored his response which should have clarified things.  That says more about you than it does about Mr Right.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 25, 2019, 06:50:41 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 25, 2019, 01:40:27 PM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 25, 2019, 01:23:40 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 25, 2019, 10:55:43 AM
Tufts making the final does not make Conn the #3 team in the country. It makes tufts a top two team. Conn is not better than Calvin, Messiah, North park or a handful of other teams. You can't just say we lost to the best team so we're the next best team.

Conn College's loss to Tufts doesn't make them #3.  Their Ws and Ls this season does.  Their loss to Babson is definitely a blemish but otherwise, there resume is #3 in the nation. Currently.  If Centre or Calvin win, obviously, this will change. But, otherwise, they'll hold this #3 spot.

Conn is going to hold the #3 spot in your head but no where else on the planet.  Enjoy the delusion.

Actually, Conn is currently rated #4 by Massey, and might rise to #3 if Calvin loses to Tufts.  So there is a case to be made here, although the better way to make the case would have been to cite supporting evidence as I've done here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buddham on November 25, 2019, 07:02:43 PM
The original post: "Serpone has his hands full with #23. This kid has the athletic ability to be a star but he needs coaching like no player I have seen in a while in this league. The improvement / lack thereof of this kid might give some of us outsiders a real chance at seeing how good a Head Coach Serpone is. I will say it does matter the kids attitude..He has to be willing to learn and hopefully is open to it."

#23 started and scored the winner in the playoffs: he obviously has athletic ability, and has the apparent faith of his coach. What about his play that game, or this season, would make anyone say his coach has his hands full (which I may be misinterpreting, but that seems a negative comment). Why does this player need coaching so desperately according to the post?

What makes this kid a litmus test of the coach's ability more so than any other player?

Then to specify nothing other than his attitude with the elipsis to reference him being willing to learn, as if that doesn't apply to every player? Like I wrote, if the intent was to compliment, "he's got tremendous upside potential, hope his trajectory continues upward" wouldn't that have been much easier to communicate? Unless that wasn't the implication?

Yes, my tenth post, if we are counting. I sought further explanation because I'm too new to understand what Mr Right found so obvious (and if so, then pointing it out served what purpose?)


Quote from: Buck O. on November 25, 2019, 06:42:52 PM
Quote from: jknezek on November 25, 2019, 05:55:53 PM
Quote from: Buddham on November 25, 2019, 05:48:43 PM
My observations about the players are factual and specific. You called out a player for "needing coaching" and being "a handful" while questioning his "attitude" (in that your imply his currently doesn't show a willingness to learn). 

My observation about your post: you have no facts. I asked you to clarify what you "meant". It was not clear b/c you didn't cite any specifics.

You've gone right up to the line of saying something akin to "he's got lots of athleticism but lacks brains and discipline". Which if you follow sports, you'll recognize as implicit racism many athletes of color have had to confront. I've tried to give you every opportunity to climb down, but feigning ignorance and saying you were "pretty clear what I meant" makes me conclude that your hood is showing.


9th post and accusing a long time poster of racism. That's impressive. Mr. Right and his previous name have been many things, not all of them well liked, but racist isn't a label I'd have thrown at him.

Wow, lots of stuff going on the board today.  I'll address this one first.

Buddham, your entire string of posts has been based on a poor reading of Mr Right's original post.  Read it again.  He said that the player could be very good but that it would depend on his attitude and openness to learning.  You chose to assume that Mr Right was asserting that the player had a bad attitude and wasn't open to learning, and you ignored his response which should have clarified things.  That says more about you than it does about Mr Right.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 25, 2019, 07:03:48 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on November 25, 2019, 11:57:24 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 25, 2019, 10:53:48 AM
Who's better couldn't be more relevant. That's the whole point of the award. Those stats don't factor in the difficulty of saves, a goalies ability in the air, his kicking. If you polled Nescac coaches they would rather have Marcucci and that's why he's first team. Because if he's on your team, your team is now better.

So we are going with the eye test?  Here are Grady's stats.  If you rank first in 6 different categories, at some point the statistical body of evidence has to have some impact.  Or does Marcucci gets to be first team until he graduates just because he is Marcucci?  Marcucci had an unbelievable 2018, but his 2019 stats are nowhere near his 2018 ones, and not as good as Grady's. 


STATISTICS CATEGORY   OVERALL   CONF
Games played   20   1st   10   1st
Games started   19   1st   10   1st
Minutes   1828:40   1st   970:25   1st
Goals against   10   5th   7   4th
Goals-against average   0.49   1st   0.65   3rd
Saves   81   1st   50   1st
Save pct   .890   1st   .877   3rd
Wins   9   4th   3   6th
Losses   3   297th   2   275th
Ties   7   306th   4   283rd
Shutouts   9/2   1st   3/1   5th

And finally:  stats CAN be useful in evaluating players, but they don't have to be useful.  A keeper's win-loss record obviously sweeps in lots,of stuff that goes well beyond his individual performance.  Judging by the number of saves rewards keepers whose teams permit lots of SOGs.  Etc.

I have no doubt that EPL teams have access to lots of stats that would be very useful in assembling a comprehensive evaluation of who's the better keeper.  We don't have those stats, and I don't think that the stats we have available are much more useful than evaluating hitters using batting average and RBIs:  they tell you something, but they leave lots of stuff out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 25, 2019, 07:42:33 PM
Quote from: Buddham on November 25, 2019, 07:02:43 PM
The original post: "Serpone has his hands full with #23. This kid has the athletic ability to be a star but he needs coaching like no player I have seen in a while in this league. The improvement / lack thereof of this kid might give some of us outsiders a real chance at seeing how good a Head Coach Serpone is. I will say it does matter the kids attitude..He has to be willing to learn and hopefully is open to it."

#23 started and scored the winner in the playoffs: he obviously has athletic ability, and has the apparent faith of his coach. What about his play that game, or this season, would make anyone say his coach has his hands full (which I may be misinterpreting, but that seems a negative comment). Why does this player need coaching so desperately according to the post?

What makes this kid a litmus test of the coach's ability more so than any other player?

Then to specify nothing other than his attitude with the elipsis to reference him being willing to learn, as if that doesn't apply to every player? Like I wrote, if the intent was to compliment, "he's got tremendous upside potential, hope his trajectory continues upward" wouldn't that have been much easier to communicate? Unless that wasn't the implication?

Yes, my tenth post, if we are counting. I sought further explanation because I'm too new to understand what Mr Right found so obvious (and if so, then pointing it out served what purpose?)


Quote from: Buck O. on November 25, 2019, 06:42:52 PM
Quote from: jknezek on November 25, 2019, 05:55:53 PM
Quote from: Buddham on November 25, 2019, 05:48:43 PM
My observations about the players are factual and specific. You called out a player for "needing coaching" and being "a handful" while questioning his "attitude" (in that your imply his currently doesn't show a willingness to learn). 

My observation about your post: you have no facts. I asked you to clarify what you "meant". It was not clear b/c you didn't cite any specifics.

You've gone right up to the line of saying something akin to "he's got lots of athleticism but lacks brains and discipline". Which if you follow sports, you'll recognize as implicit racism many athletes of color have had to confront. I've tried to give you every opportunity to climb down, but feigning ignorance and saying you were "pretty clear what I meant" makes me conclude that your hood is showing.


9th post and accusing a long time poster of racism. That's impressive. Mr. Right and his previous name have been many things, not all of them well liked, but racist isn't a label I'd have thrown at him.

Wow, lots of stuff going on the board today.  I'll address this one first.

Buddham, your entire string of posts has been based on a poor reading of Mr Right's original post.  Read it again.  He said that the player could be very good but that it would depend on his attitude and openness to learning.  You chose to assume that Mr Right was asserting that the player had a bad attitude and wasn't open to learning, and you ignored his response which should have clarified things.  That says more about you than it does about Mr Right.

Buddham, you've made your point.  We all got what you were alleging from your very first post.  The insistence on extracting some type of confession, and then escalating to talking about a 'hood' are a little much.  Mr.Right has celebrated programs with diversity and players of color.  He has praised individual players of color many, many times.  He's taken the other side when some of us have criticized NJAC style/behavior.  He knows the player goes to Amherst (i.e. he knows the kid is smart).  You could have asked for him to elaborate on what he meant without already deciding what he meant with the intent to force him to admit what you concluded.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on November 26, 2019, 01:35:45 AM
So as a former NESCAC keeper who does data analysis professionally, you may be shocked to hear I have something to say. I apologize because it will not be brief - you hit a couple of my big trigger points in a big way, and I tried to resist a rant but failed. Ah well.

First things first, I'll make it clear I have no horse in the Marcucci v. Grady debate. No idea which is better. Honestly couldn't care less. Also agree with the other former GK posting that the individual awards are good as food for thought, but get farrrrr more attention on these boards than from the players.

Second thing, this is going to come off harsh towards the people that were using statistics to promote a point of view. On one hand I kind of feel bad about that, because it's a very common mistake to make these days, with sports being one of the more common places to make - if you want to see an example, just turn on ESPN for like 5 minutes. On the other hand, I don't really feel bad, because they came in very assertively with bad opinions.

The question I'm going to address is this: Do the statistics listed below and in previous posts provide a good basis for evaluating and comparing soccer goalkeeper performance? Statistics record outcomes, and in general, we want to know if those outcomes are good measures of the performances we're trying to evaluate. I will first try to address this question at the highest level, independent of any particular context, but may in parts go into more detail on the situation at hand.

Wins - Okay think about this one for like maybe 10 seconds. One goalie has 5 wins and 5 losses. Another goalie has 4 wins and 6 ties. Why the hell would you pick "Wins" as a statistic? Even amongst bad options, this is a bad choice. A better choice would be record, which I'll put forward a more reasonable argument against. My guess is the poster has a background playing or following hockey, where "Win" is a standard goalie statistic (though note that it's basically just as dumb a statistic for judging goalie performance in hockey).

Record - Okay think about this one for like 10 seconds. What determines a teams record? How good the team is. Is the goalie a part of that? Sure. A bigger part than any other individual player? Arguably. Still a small part of a collective team? Definitely. Saying one goalie had a better season than the other because they had a better record than the other is CRAZY because they contributed such a small part to that record - mostly, it's how well did their team play. Side note: If thinking about individual player contributions to record interests you, check out the WAR (Wins-above-replacement) stat in baseball, which addresses exactly this. It's not new but is still somehow not that mainstream.

GAA - Okay think about this one for like 10 seconds... yeah we're finally moving in the right direction here. This is at least a defensive-specific stat. How many goals does a team give up a game - this is a clearly influenced in good part by a goalkeeper's performance. Problem is, it's also influenced in just as good part by the team's defense, and you don't know how to attribute it. To use a cartoonish example, this past season David De Gea had played for Trinity, who lost all 10 of their NESCAC games scoring 4 goals while conceding 35. Now I bet you David De Gea would play just fanastic for trinity, but is he gonna turn 35 into 7 (the number of goals allowed in NESCAC play by both Conn and Midd)? Seems unlikely. Say he cuts that 35 down to 13. He's David freakin De Gea and clearly the best GK in the NESCAC, but he has a worse GAA because his defense is garbagio. So unfortunately, this stastic is also basically useless in a general sense. But a point on the situation at hand - when you use GAA, you assume all games are equal. However, one you leave the sample of "conference league play" both keepers/teams have played a different sample of games against a fairly different set of opponents, and the sample size is already small. Also note that Middlebury, Grady's team, used to be notorious for playing a weak out of conference regular season schedule, which would make this stat look good for him. If you simply look at GAA in NESCAC league play, Marcucci's 0.5 is superior to Grady's 0.7 (though again, both stat's are poor for evaluating goalkeepers). And probably better to look at would be minutes per goal which accounts for overtimes, where Marcucci comes in at 91:30 while Grady at 97:02 (side note: I was going to say this math seemed odd until i realized middlebury has 5 ties lol that's insane).

Shutouts - Okay think about this one for like 5 seconds... shouldn't need longer than that after the above rant. This is a dumb stat for evaluating performance. It's so bad I honestly can't come up with any argument for why you would use it to summarily refute. I will come back to this one if I need to lol.

Saves - Okay think about this one for 10 seconds lol... we finally got a goalie statistic! This is something an actual goalie does!  - saves are actually mostly a function of number of minutes played and average number of SOG allowed by the defense per minute. So we should errr probably do the reasonable thing and normalize these to be on a per game basis And at the division 3 college level, what the scorekeeper deem counts as a shot, and how good friends they are with the goalkeeper ;). In the example at hand, Grady has 81 saves on the season while playing 1830 minutes. Marcucci has 67 saves on the season while playing 1700 minutes. So we should probably normalize these to be on a per game basis.

Saves/game - Oookay we're getting close. What's the main determining factor in saves per game? Here's a hint: I already mentioned it. That's right: SOG allowed by the defense per game (or per minute - generally the same normalization factor). Most GK's are making like 2-6 saves a same, and save percent in varying like, not more than 20% bottom to top. So at most, whether a goalie actually saves a shot has is affecting this number by an absolute cartoonish maximum of 1 save per game, but very like much less than that. The rest of the number is determined by the SOG allowed by the defense per game. As it turns out, among GK's playing a decent number of games, Webber from Bowdoin is the easy leader in saves per game with 5.09, followed by Devanny from Wes at 4.73... not that it matters, because like I said, this is a trash statistic for evaluating goalkeeper performance.

Save % - okay, think about this one for like 20 seconds....................... holy moley we made it. If you forget about all the other things goalkeepers do... sweeper keeping, distribution, dealing with crosses (so important in the NESCAC), communication, etc. and just focus on what people consider the main part of goalkeeping, that would be "shotstopping". You can think about each shot as a sample and each keeper's ability/performance as their percentage at stopping those shots. This is actually a great measure in the super abstract sense, until you have to deal with reality, and realize your data may or may not be so informative depending on the case. For starters, to measure performance you need a sampling of data on shots on which keepers attempt to make saves on. Unfortunately your only option is the shots they face during game, which begs the following questions - is the set of shots a keeper faces over the course of a season a good sample over which to measure this statistic, meaning: Will the sample tend to have inherent biases in it that we need to account for? Is it large enough to give us a number with a reasonable degree of certainty? These are questions that need to be answered in a particular context before you can use save percentage confidently as a measure of goalkeeper performance. I'll through some ideas out - (1) consider that different teams play different styles, and different styles tend to allow to different types of chances generated by the opposition on a consistent basis - therefore giving you different, and biased samples across keepers. For example, many good defensive teams (examples include Leceister and Bowdoin or Colby usually) excel at playing "bend but don't break" defense, where they'll allow for generation of long-shot scoring chances and half chances, but few real scoring chances. (Note that when these teams get good goalies, they're always dangerous come tournament time). This allows goalkeepers to have a better-than-they-would-with-a-random sample save percentage. Going the other way, some teams may play with a high pressing or attacking style, and allow less to get through to their goalkeeper, but what does get through is more often a good chance. (2) In the context given, the sample of opponents faced is different outside of the confines of in-NESCAC play once again, and this is again a dangerous thing to smooth over... some offensive teams will take more low quality shots. Some time fewer high quality. Some are in between. (3) Also consider sample size problems when deciding how precise of a measure on shot stopping ability you're getting. Looking at a premier league keeper, David De Gea made 122 saves on 176 shots the entire premier league season last year, for a a SV% of 0.69. Think about how few outliers you need to make that number look off. 18 additional saves over the course of the season (1 every other game) would bump his SV % up to about 0.72%. Alternatively, he could have given up 5 less goals in the 38 game season, which is a pretty small difference. That's less than one fewer goal given up every 7 games... easily within the bounds of random happenstance, or goals scored on plays he could do absolutely nothing about... I can guarantee you more than 10 of the goals he gave up he couldn't have stopped if he were 3 inches taller. A lot of goals in soccer are scored on plays were the keeper just has to sigh and scratch his head. It's not hockey where the keeper takes up the entire net and could theoretically save everything.

Let's now take the case at hand, which has an even more hilariously small sample size. Marcucci made 67 saves on 78 shots this year for a SV% of 0.859 in all games. Grady 81 saves on 91 shots for a SV% of 0.890. Wait hold on a second - Marcucci and Conn just suffered a tough loss to Tufts in which Marcucci allowed 3 goals, 2 of which the aforementioned David De Gea could do nothing about. He also made 5 saves. Subtract that game from the statistics. Marcucci now has 62 saves on 70 shots, giving him a SV% of 0.886. His numbers got worse mostly because his Conn team got beat by a better Tufts team (though he didn't help himself by missing that cross). Anyways, this makes my point about both the non-comparable schedules (not totally relevant because IIRC Midd actually played Tufts in NESCAC finals, but you see what I'm getting at) and also how little precision you're getting from these numbers with so small of a sample size. The difference between the 2 keeper's SV% numbers over the entire season, 20 games, is essentially 3 goals, which could happen in a single game and be totally out of the keeper's control, or be a single goal every 7 games that happens totally out of a keepers control. Or it could have randomly happened that the teams one keeper played were hotter and playing better than the teams the other keeper played and the strikers placed the ball better. In a large enough sample, it would even out, but this isn't a large sample. You're well within your error +/-. Essentially, what I'm saying is that at the level of precision of these statistics (espeically factoring in the fact that the scorekeeping was done at a d3 level lol) these numbers are identical. It's like asking if 1.0000000000001 is the same number as 1 - technically no, but basically yeah they're the same. When trying to understanding data, is just as important to recognize when a number is telling you nothing as opposed to when it's telling you something.

For the other examples... I didn't actually look at what was being talked about, but don't just throw around SV%... look at see if it's actually looking at comparable samples, and if the difference between the keepers being compared seems like a significant one over the course of a season. I'm betting in general at this level it won't be, and in any case as you can tell I'm skeptical of the scorekeeping of shots and saves in the first place lol. And of course, there's no getting around the defensive styles thing or the fact that save percentages even in the pros are just a small sample.

Okay, this is the end of my ridiculously long and probably unnecessary rant about goalkeeper statistics. Once again, I'm sorry. Now that I've bashed statistics as a way of evaluating goalkeepers, I will put forward these ideas for evaluating them:
1) Use your eyes. Statistics measure outcomes only and as such are necessarily information-lossy simplifications of reality. They are a tool that can be helpful to understand the world and things in it, but don't through them around blindly. Your eyes work and can understand reality at the level it operates at, and understand why things happen, e.g. "he made a good dive and saved the ball" or "no keeper would have saved that one" or "he's keeping his team in the game".
2) Get a large enough sample size. Lots of games, goalies don't get much action. I've actually seen Marcucci play like 3 games but I still don't have a strong opinion on him because he had all that much to do in most of the games.
3) Actually, if you're not a goalkeeper yourself, don't use your own eyes. Borrow the eyes of a friend that's a trained goalkeeper. I've watched too many soccer games with field player friends, and I love them all, but they simply don't know enough to evaluate goalies well. Particularly positioning. A good goalkeeper won't have to make many great-looking saves because they'll be well positioned to make comfortable ones.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 26, 2019, 08:45:04 AM
@hiyasoccer - This is a FANTASTIC, informative post, that neither you nor any other reader/poster should consider a rant. I've played this great game for the last 26 years (including in college) and you raise many points I NEVER concretely considered. +1 and if I could give you more, I would.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 26, 2019, 09:02:38 AM
Co-signed NEsoccerfan — that is extremely logical and well-written. Personally, I recently changed from a more conventional marketing background to working in (marketing) analytics and one of my major learnings has been that — while the amount of statistical information we have available today is incredible and can be useful — not all seemingly-relevant statistics are as useful as we might think for a given situation. Certainly statistics can and do provide a quantitative perspective that conjecture does not, but context is equally important, and so the context provided here was extremely helpful in terms of evaluating which statistics (which are kept for all goalkeepers) are relevant and how much they should be weighted.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 26, 2019, 09:20:40 AM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on November 26, 2019, 01:35:45 AM
So as a former NESCAC keeper who does data analysis professionally, you may be shocked to hear I have something to say. I apologize because it will not be brief - you hit a couple of my big trigger points in a big way, and I tried to resist a rant but failed. Ah well.

First things first, I'll make it clear I have no horse in the Marcucci v. Grady debate. No idea which is better. Honestly couldn't care less. Also agree with the other former GK posting that the individual awards are good as food for thought, but get farrrrr more attention on these boards than from the players.

Second thing, this is going to come off harsh towards the people that were using statistics to promote a point of view. On one hand I kind of feel bad about that, because it's a very common mistake to make these days, with sports being one of the more common places to make - if you want to see an example, just turn on ESPN for like 5 minutes. On the other hand, I don't really feel bad, because they came in very assertively with bad opinions.

The question I'm going to address is this: Do the statistics listed below and in previous posts provide a good basis for evaluating and comparing soccer goalkeeper performance? Statistics record outcomes, and in general, we want to know if those outcomes are good measures of the performances we're trying to evaluate. I will first try to address this question at the highest level, independent of any particular context, but may in parts go into more detail on the situation at hand.

Wins - Okay think about this one for like maybe 10 seconds. One goalie has 5 wins and 5 losses. Another goalie has 4 wins and 6 ties. Why the hell would you pick "Wins" as a statistic? Even amongst bad options, this is a bad choice. A better choice would be record, which I'll put forward a more reasonable argument against. My guess is the poster has a background playing or following hockey, where "Win" is a standard goalie statistic (though note that it's basically just as dumb a statistic for judging goalie performance in hockey).

Record - Okay think about this one for like 10 seconds. What determines a teams record? How good the team is. Is the goalie a part of that? Sure. A bigger part than any other individual player? Arguably. Still a small part of a collective team? Definitely. Saying one goalie had a better season than the other because they had a better record than the other is CRAZY because they contributed such a small part to that record - mostly, it's how well did their team play. Side note: If thinking about individual player contributions to record interests you, check out the WAR (Wins-above-replacement) stat in baseball, which addresses exactly this. It's not new but is still somehow not that mainstream.

GAA - Okay think about this one for like 10 seconds... yeah we're finally moving in the right direction here. This is at least a defensive-specific stat. How many goals does a team give up a game - this is a clearly influenced in good part by a goalkeeper's performance. Problem is, it's also influenced in just as good part by the team's defense, and you don't know how to attribute it. To use a cartoonish example, this past season David De Gea had played for Trinity, who lost all 10 of their NESCAC games scoring 4 goals while conceding 35. Now I bet you David De Gea would play just fanastic for trinity, but is he gonna turn 35 into 7 (the number of goals allowed in NESCAC play by both Conn and Midd)? Seems unlikely. Say he cuts that 35 down to 13. He's David freakin De Gea and clearly the best GK in the NESCAC, but he has a worse GAA because his defense is garbagio. So unfortunately, this stastic is also basically useless in a general sense. But a point on the situation at hand - when you use GAA, you assume all games are equal. However, one you leave the sample of "conference league play" both keepers/teams have played a different sample of games against a fairly different set of opponents, and the sample size is already small. Also note that Middlebury, Grady's team, used to be notorious for playing a weak out of conference regular season schedule, which would make this stat look good for him. If you simply look at GAA in NESCAC league play, Marcucci's 0.5 is superior to Grady's 0.7 (though again, both stat's are poor for evaluating goalkeepers). And probably better to look at would be minutes per goal which accounts for overtimes, where Marcucci comes in at 91:30 while Grady at 97:02 (side note: I was going to say this math seemed odd until i realized middlebury has 5 ties lol that's insane).

Shutouts - Okay think about this one for like 5 seconds... shouldn't need longer than that after the above rant. This is a dumb stat for evaluating performance. It's so bad I honestly can't come up with any argument for why you would use it to summarily refute. I will come back to this one if I need to lol.

Saves - Okay think about this one for 10 seconds lol... we finally got a goalie statistic! This is something an actual goalie does!  - saves are actually mostly a function of number of minutes played and average number of SOG allowed by the defense per minute. So we should errr probably do the reasonable thing and normalize these to be on a per game basis And at the division 3 college level, what the scorekeeper deem counts as a shot, and how good friends they are with the goalkeeper ;). In the example at hand, Grady has 81 saves on the season while playing 1830 minutes. Marcucci has 67 saves on the season while playing 1700 minutes. So we should probably normalize these to be on a per game basis.

Saves/game - Oookay we're getting close. What's the main determining factor in saves per game? Here's a hint: I already mentioned it. That's right: SOG allowed by the defense per game (or per minute - generally the same normalization factor). Most GK's are making like 2-6 saves a same, and save percent in varying like, not more than 20% bottom to top. So at most, whether a goalie actually saves a shot has is affecting this number by an absolute cartoonish maximum of 1 save per game, but very like much less than that. The rest of the number is determined by the SOG allowed by the defense per game. As it turns out, among GK's playing a decent number of games, Webber from Bowdoin is the easy leader in saves per game with 5.09, followed by Devanny from Wes at 4.73... not that it matters, because like I said, this is a trash statistic for evaluating goalkeeper performance.

Save % - okay, think about this one for like 20 seconds....................... holy moley we made it. If you forget about all the other things goalkeepers do... sweeper keeping, distribution, dealing with crosses (so important in the NESCAC), communication, etc. and just focus on what people consider the main part of goalkeeping, that would be "shotstopping". You can think about each shot as a sample and each keeper's ability/performance as their percentage at stopping those shots. This is actually a great measure in the super abstract sense, until you have to deal with reality, and realize your data may or may not be so informative depending on the case. For starters, to measure performance you need a sampling of data on shots on which keepers attempt to make saves on. Unfortunately your only option is the shots they face during game, which begs the following questions - is the set of shots a keeper faces over the course of a season a good sample over which to measure this statistic, meaning: Will the sample tend to have inherent biases in it that we need to account for? Is it large enough to give us a number with a reasonable degree of certainty? These are questions that need to be answered in a particular context before you can use save percentage confidently as a measure of goalkeeper performance. I'll through some ideas out - (1) consider that different teams play different styles, and different styles tend to allow to different types of chances generated by the opposition on a consistent basis - therefore giving you different, and biased samples across keepers. For example, many good defensive teams (examples include Leceister and Bowdoin or Colby usually) excel at playing "bend but don't break" defense, where they'll allow for generation of long-shot scoring chances and half chances, but few real scoring chances. (Note that when these teams get good goalies, they're always dangerous come tournament time). This allows goalkeepers to have a better-than-they-would-with-a-random sample save percentage. Going the other way, some teams may play with a high pressing or attacking style, and allow less to get through to their goalkeeper, but what does get through is more often a good chance. (2) In the context given, the sample of opponents faced is different outside of the confines of in-NESCAC play once again, and this is again a dangerous thing to smooth over... some offensive teams will take more low quality shots. Some time fewer high quality. Some are in between. (3) Also consider sample size problems when deciding how precise of a measure on shot stopping ability you're getting. Looking at a premier league keeper, David De Gea made 122 saves on 176 shots the entire premier league season last year, for a a SV% of 0.69. Think about how few outliers you need to make that number look off. 18 additional saves over the course of the season (1 every other game) would bump his SV % up to about 0.72%. Alternatively, he could have given up 5 less goals in the 38 game season, which is a pretty small difference. That's less than one fewer goal given up every 7 games... easily within the bounds of random happenstance, or goals scored on plays he could do absolutely nothing about... I can guarantee you more than 10 of the goals he gave up he couldn't have stopped if he were 3 inches taller. A lot of goals in soccer are scored on plays were the keeper just has to sigh and scratch his head. It's not hockey where the keeper takes up the entire net and could theoretically save everything.

Let's now take the case at hand, which has an even more hilariously small sample size. Marcucci made 67 saves on 78 shots this year for a SV% of 0.859 in all games. Grady 81 saves on 91 shots for a SV% of 0.890. Wait hold on a second - Marcucci and Conn just suffered a tough loss to Tufts in which Marcucci allowed 3 goals, 2 of which the aforementioned David De Gea could do nothing about. He also made 5 saves. Subtract that game from the statistics. Marcucci now has 62 saves on 70 shots, giving him a SV% of 0.886. His numbers got worse mostly because his Conn team got beat by a better Tufts team (though he didn't help himself by missing that cross). Anyways, this makes my point about both the non-comparable schedules (not totally relevant because IIRC Midd actually played Tufts in NESCAC finals, but you see what I'm getting at) and also how little precision you're getting from these numbers with so small of a sample size. The difference between the 2 keeper's SV% numbers over the entire season, 20 games, is essentially 3 goals, which could happen in a single game and be totally out of the keeper's control, or be a single goal every 7 games that happens totally out of a keepers control. Or it could have randomly happened that the teams one keeper played were hotter and playing better than the teams the other keeper played and the strikers placed the ball better. In a large enough sample, it would even out, but this isn't a large sample. You're well within your error +/-. Essentially, what I'm saying is that at the level of precision of these statistics (espeically factoring in the fact that the scorekeeping was done at a d3 level lol) these numbers are identical. It's like asking if 1.0000000000001 is the same number as 1 - technically no, but basically yeah they're the same. When trying to understanding data, is just as important to recognize when a number is telling you nothing as opposed to when it's telling you something.

For the other examples... I didn't actually look at what was being talked about, but don't just throw around SV%... look at see if it's actually looking at comparable samples, and if the difference between the keepers being compared seems like a significant one over the course of a season. I'm betting in general at this level it won't be, and in any case as you can tell I'm skeptical of the scorekeeping of shots and saves in the first place lol. And of course, there's no getting around the defensive styles thing or the fact that save percentages even in the pros are just a small sample.

Okay, this is the end of my ridiculously long and probably unnecessary rant about goalkeeper statistics. Once again, I'm sorry. Now that I've bashed statistics as a way of evaluating goalkeepers, I will put forward these ideas for evaluating them:
1) Use your eyes. Statistics measure outcomes only and as such are necessarily information-lossy simplifications of reality. They are a tool that can be helpful to understand the world and things in it, but don't through them around blindly. Your eyes work and can understand reality at the level it operates at, and understand why things happen, e.g. "he made a good dive and saved the ball" or "no keeper would have saved that one" or "he's keeping his team in the game".
2) Get a large enough sample size. Lots of games, goalies don't get much action. I've actually seen Marcucci play like 3 games but I still don't have a strong opinion on him because he had all that much to do in most of the games.
3) Actually, if you're not a goalkeeper yourself, don't use your own eyes. Borrow the eyes of a friend that's a trained goalkeeper. I've watched too many soccer games with field player friends, and I love them all, but they simply don't know enough to evaluate goalies well. Particularly positioning. A good goalkeeper won't have to make many great-looking saves because they'll be well positioned to make comfortable ones.



Well done...What I highlighted is what I consider to be your most important opinion. I ALWAYS defer to former GK when I start to question my own judgement on GK's. I will cede I have tons to learn still about GK's. This is what I find most interesting about present day Nescac. Half of the league's Head Coaches are former GK's which IMO is pretty rare in any league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 26, 2019, 09:40:51 AM
Quote from: jknezek on November 25, 2019, 05:55:53 PM
Quote from: Buddham on November 25, 2019, 05:48:43 PM
My observations about the players are factual and specific. You called out a player for "needing coaching" and being "a handful" while questioning his "attitude" (in that your imply his currently doesn't show a willingness to learn). 

My observation about your post: you have no facts. I asked you to clarify what you "meant". It was not clear b/c you didn't cite any specifics.

You've gone right up to the line of saying something akin to "he's got lots of athleticism but lacks brains and discipline". Which if you follow sports, you'll recognize as implicit racism many athletes of color have had to confront. I've tried to give you every opportunity to climb down, but feigning ignorance and saying you were "pretty clear what I meant" makes me conclude that your hood is showing.


9th post and accusing a long time poster of racism. That's impressive. Mr. Right and his previous name have been many things, not all of them well liked, but racist isn't a label I'd have thrown at him.


Ha....Yes.....On my last Dead tour in 95' that damn hood always was a poor ice breaker in the lot. Thank you for the support on this specific issue from some of you. I am willing to learn how this white guy(me), can proclaim the great athleticism of some black athletes without stirring the lions den because in all seriousness I am not here to offend people. I can at the minimum promise to be more careful before I post and try to present more detailed analysis(which I try to avoid sometimes and for good reason as we can see here). At the below bare minimum I will refrain from from any bomb throwing in here.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 26, 2019, 09:43:13 AM
Rant - speak or shout at length in a wild, impassioned way.

=-=-=-=-=

Do I sense a bit of passion in your post? Sure, but it was well-stated and certainly not "wild" by any stretch. A few points:

1) I, too, am a goalie and garnered some measure of individual recognition. I whole-heartedly agree that almost all stats measuring the position in soccer are fairly useless. So many of them, as you correctly point out, have nothing to do with the actions of the goalie. I would quibble with completely discounting Shutouts, but only to say Goals Against/per game is a decent overall depiction of a defense. And if you are of the opinion that the GK position should be at least co-captain of the D (along with one of the CB's), then pitching a shutout is the ultimate goal. But I'm cool with using goals allowed per game, along with save percentage as reasonable markers.

2) Man, do I love what you say at the very end about evaluating goalies. So few people understand the importance and the nuances of positioning. You can make really difficult shots look like routine saves through proper positioning and anticipation. I'll expand the universe to include TV commentators.. Hoo boy do most of those guys not know what they're looking at. Almost 100 percent of non-GK announcers are ONLY looking at the GK's reaction at the moment the shot is taken. Very few understand that the GK was exactly where they needed to be and just got beat by an impossible-to-save shot. Conversely, they routinely fail to notice when a GK allowed a goal or failed to prevent a dangerous situation because they were too far back on their line or cheating to snuff out a cross, etc. etc.

3) Overall, kudos for that breakdown. To be fair to the folks involved in the debate, it is the nature of this board to rely on statistics, because it is darn near impossible to truly observe enough of the teams and players to perform the "eye test" you so correctly point to as the key measuring stick, not just for GKs but all players on the field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 26, 2019, 09:52:26 AM
As HiYa is speaking to, stats and soccer have never been a great fit.  (I personally believe that this is one of the reasons why America took so long to embrace soccer.  Football, basketball, and baseball are much more stat friendly and, for whatever reason, Americans like stat sports.  Soccer isn't so much a stat sport.)  As technology has progressed, soccer stats have improved.  e.g. How far a player ran in a game is interesting.  But, still, stats and soccer continue to be a mismatch in terms of evaluating players.  Stats to evaluate soccer teams is different.  But evaluating players, much more difficult.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 26, 2019, 09:54:47 AM
I won't quote it because it's so long, but I'll add mu kudos for hiyasoccer.  What you said is exactly what I had in mind.  There are lots of stats out there, but many aren't useful with respect to evaluating performance, and even the ones that are, are limited.  For example, I recall watching a game in which the announcer referred to Blake Mullen, the former St. Josephs's (ME) GK, as the top keeper in the country.  Well, he led the country in GAA that year because that's the year that St. Joe's didn't give up any goals, but their schedule was ... not exactly a NESCAC or UAA schedule. 

Now, it's possible to evaluate this sort of thing using stats.  While a simple save percentage considers all SOGs the same, for example, it is certainly possible to quantify the difficulty of stopping a particular shot.  It simply requires a lot better data than the traditional statistics can provide, but with technological advances over the last several years, this is now feasible.  I know more about this in the context of football and baseball, but just as it's possible to quantify the likelihood that an average outfielder would be able to catch a given ball or that an average QB would be able to complete a given pass, it's possible to quantity the likelihood that an average GK would be able to stop a given shot.  Then you have a relevant benchmark against which to evaluate the performance of the outfielder/QB/GK.

To the extent that we don't have those data, we have to acknowledge the deficiencies of the data that we do have, and that's where subjective analysis of play needs to fill in the holes.  Obviously that's not ideal, as subjective analysis has its own deficiencies, but that's not a reason to discount it entirely when we know that the available stats provide an incomplete picture.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 26, 2019, 09:56:09 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 25, 2019, 01:40:27 PM
Conn is going to hold the #3 spot in your head but no where else on the planet.  Enjoy the delusion.

Based on Ws and Ls, who goes ahead of them?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 26, 2019, 10:38:49 AM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 26, 2019, 09:56:09 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 25, 2019, 01:40:27 PM
Conn is going to hold the #3 spot in your head but no where else on the planet.  Enjoy the delusion.

Based on Ws and Ls, who goes ahead of them?

I think you're serious....based on Ws and Ls?  Amherst, Tufts, Calvin, Messiah, Centre, Kenyon, John Carroll, RPI, F&M, W&L, Hopkins, Chicago, Montclair....to name a few.

Conn is a very good team, but other than you and even including anyone quoting Massey, I seriously doubt there is another person who thinks Conn is the third best team in the country.  It is certainly arguable that they are somewhere in the #7 or #8 to #15 range, but that's based on giving them credit for factors other than Ws and Ls.  Please explain for example how you current have Conn ahead of Calvin who has a FAR SUPERIOR W-L record and has been in four out of the last five final fours?  And if Conn is #3 does that make Midd #4?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 26, 2019, 10:47:49 AM
re: the "delusional" comment above, as HiYa spoke to, one cannot lean to heavily on objective metrics and... Nor too heavily on subjective opinions.  But objectivity and subjectivity both have a place.  One can evaluate D3 teams in innumerable ways: win %, Goal differential, strength of schedule and win %, etc.  I happen to enjoy playing around with this stuff and did for 2 seasons with lacrosse (mostly D1 and d3 mens but then... Men's D1, D2, D3, Women's D1, D2, D3, NJCAA, NAIA, MCLA, WCLA, every Boys and Girls HS team, etc.) and... There are benefits and flaws to every metric but some are more flawed than others.  Anyway, you may not agree with Conn College at #3 but it's not based on my subjective opinion.  It's based on a rational system.  So, as much as we pause and say, What's the best stat for a goalie?, we can do the same for the teams.  And teams are much easier.  The heart of my rankings are (1) Each team's three Best Wins (2) Three Worst Losses as well as (3) one Best Tie and one Worst Tie.  So a team can be amazing, undefeated, best in the nation in everyone's eyes, but if they haven't beaten good teams to demonstrate this, then they won't be #1 in the rankings.  Best Wins, Worst Losses, Best Tie, Worst Tie.  (Oh, one more thing.  Come play-offs, when you beat a team, you automatically step in front of them in the Rankings.  i.e. RPI, Centre, or whoever may not "deserve" to be #8, #10, etc. but if they beat the #9, #11, etc. team in the playoffs, they get the spot.)  You may not love the system but it's fair and it most certainly isn't delusional.  :)

This is the D3 Men rankings: http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/ranking/54/2019 (http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/ranking/54/2019)
This is the system behind the rankings: http://endlesssoccer.com/2019/10/23/endless-soccer-computer-ranking-how-it-works/ (http://endlesssoccer.com/2019/10/23/endless-soccer-computer-ranking-how-it-works/)

And, because I find these fun, helps to keep me organized, etc.:
Best Games: http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/best/games/54/2019 (http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/best/games/54/2019)
Best Upsets: http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/best/upsets/54/2019 (http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/best/upsets/54/2019)
Best Upcoming Games: http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/upcoming/games/54/2019 (http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/upcoming/games/54/2019)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 26, 2019, 10:57:28 AM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 26, 2019, 10:47:49 AM
re: the "delusional" comment above, as HiYa spoke to, one cannot lean to heavily on objective metrics and... Nor too heavily on subjective opinions.  But objectivity and subjectivity both have a place.  One can evaluate D3 teams in innumerable ways: win %, Goal differential, strength of schedule and win %, etc.  I happen to enjoy playing around with this stuff and did for 2 seasons with lacrosse (mostly D1 and d3 mens but then... Men's D1, D2, D3, Women's D1, D2, D3, NJCAA, NAIA, MCLA, WCLA, every Boys and Girls HS team, etc.) and... There are benefits and flaws to every metric but some are more flawed than others.  Anyway, you may not agree with Conn College at #3 but it's not based on my subjective opinion.  It's based on a rational system.  So, as much as we pause and say, What's the best stat for a goalie?, we can do the same for the teams.  And teams are much easier.  The heart of my rankings are (1) Each team's three Best Wins (2) Three Worst Losses as well as (3) one Best Tie and one Worst Tie.  So a team can be amazing, undefeated, best in the nation in everyone's eyes, but if they haven't beaten good teams to demonstrate this, then they won't be #1 in the rankings.  Best Wins, Worst Losses, Best Tie, Worst Tie.  (Oh, one more thing.  Come play-offs, when you beat a team, you automatically step in front of them in the Rankings.  i.e. RPI, Centre, or whoever may not "deserve" to be #8, #10, etc. but if they beat the #9, #11, etc. team in the playoffs, they get the spot.)  You may not love the system but it's fair and it most certainly isn't delusional.  :)

This is the D3 Men rankings: http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/ranking/54/2019 (http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/ranking/54/2019)
This is the system behind the rankings: http://endlesssoccer.com/2019/10/23/endless-soccer-computer-ranking-how-it-works/ (http://endlesssoccer.com/2019/10/23/endless-soccer-computer-ranking-how-it-works/)

And, because I find these fun, helps to keep me organized, etc.:
Best Games: http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/best/games/54/2019 (http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/best/games/54/2019)
Best Upsets: http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/best/upsets/54/2019 (http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/best/upsets/54/2019)
Best Upcoming Games: http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/upcoming/games/54/2019 (http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/upcoming/games/54/2019)

So you're selling a business lol?

And you confirmed what I said.....it's YOUR ranking system and yours only.  Just above you replied it was based on Ws and Ls, but now.....there's more?  How about you throw in the steak knives and then we'll talk.  If you're gonna sell something at least give it some prima facie validity.

P.S.  And a tip if you're actually serious.  Instead of bursting in and proclaiming that Conn is the 3rd best team in the country as though that is objective fact, you'd do better to say "According to my own personal ranking system algorithm that I developed Conn lands at #3..."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 26, 2019, 11:08:59 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 26, 2019, 10:38:49 AM
Please explain for example how you current have Conn ahead of Calvin who has a FAR SUPERIOR W-L record and has been in four out of the last five final fours?  And if Conn is #3 does that make Midd #4?

My Rankings need a starting point.  If the starting point is the NCAA Rankings, then Conn College is ahead of Calvin.  If the starting point circles back to my own rankings, then Calvin is #2, then Tufts, then Conn College at #4.  (I prefer the latter so that's what the current rankings are based off of.)  But to answer your question, this is exactly my point.  W-L Record is a legit metric to decide which team is better.  But obviously, W-L while ignoring SOS (strength of schedule) creates very real issues.  Calvin's SOS is #82 in the nation.  Conn College's is #8.

Four out of the five last final fours... Another great example and, personally, I believe that this is the greatest problem for the mainstream rankings: teams' brands.  Teams' brands and group think.  College Football is a good example.  (I'm not a big CFB fan but the rankings are controversial so I couldn't resist.  Across the board, Clemson and Georgia are #3 and #4.  But, objectively, it makes no sense.  At least with Clemson, you can argue that they deserve to be there because of their game scores (though I do not agree.  Amherst beat Tufts 2-1, Babson beat them 2-0.  Grossly simplifying the metric but... this doesn't mean babson is better than Amherst.  I like Ws and Ls, not game scores) but... It makes no sense.  Some teams can have a terrible loss and then season is over.  A team like Georgia can lose to a south Carolina and it's treated very differently.  For obvious reasons, this isn't fair, isn't right, and, for me, isn't an accurate ranking.  In terms of Group Think, I don't think it's a coincidence that ESPN or whoever forgives Georgia for a loss and then the rest follow suit.  Bothers me...

No, Middlebury is #9.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 26, 2019, 11:11:27 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 26, 2019, 10:57:28 AM
So you're selling a business lol?

No.  I'm sharing a passion.  In this case, a passion for D3 Men's Soccer.  A business involves $.  My passion doesn't involve $.  Just interest and passion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 26, 2019, 11:21:05 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 26, 2019, 10:57:28 AM
it's YOUR ranking system and yours only.  Just above you replied it was based on Ws and Ls, but now.....there's more?  How about you throw in the steak knives and then we'll talk.  If you're gonna sell something at least give it some prima facie validity.

If it was based solely on Ws and Ls, it'd simply be Winning % and, as already spoken to, this is a very dull tool to assess teams.  I already put the link to how the system works.  It's based on Best Ws and Worst Ls.  Not solely Ws and Ls.  A tool based solely on Ws and Ls (that isn't a closed system where every team plays basically the same schedule thus countering any SOS issues) is silly. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 26, 2019, 11:38:56 AM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 26, 2019, 11:21:05 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 26, 2019, 10:57:28 AM
it's YOUR ranking system and yours only.  Just above you replied it was based on Ws and Ls, but now.....there's more?  How about you throw in the steak knives and then we'll talk.  If you're gonna sell something at least give it some prima facie validity.

If it was based solely on Ws and Ls, it'd simply be Winning % and, as already spoken to, this is a very dull tool to assess teams.  I already put the link to how the system works.  It's based on Best Ws and Worst Ls.  Not solely Ws and Ls.  A tool based solely on Ws and Ls (that isn't a closed system where every team plays basically the same schedule thus countering any SOS issues) is silly.

Look, I was just responding to your exact words.  When I challenged Conn being at #3, did you not post this?

"Based on Ws and Ls, who goes ahead of them?"

Now you're saying you factor in more than that.  Glad you've found a passion, though.  Not everyone can say that. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 26, 2019, 12:08:58 PM
Yes!  :)  Of course it's not just Ws and Ls.  It's Ws and Ls and who those Ws and Ls are against.  Ws and Ls is short-hand.  With this said, based on Ws and Ls (and Ties) and who those Ws and Ls (and ties) are against, Why would you put so many teams ahead of Conn College?  e.g. Messiah (and several more).  Based on their season, I don't see how they go ahead of Conn College.  Do you just not like the camels?  Keep in mind, in the play-offs, Conn College just beat JHU.

Separately... Champions League at 1!  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 26, 2019, 04:03:58 PM
I think it's a fair assessment to place Conn in the 10-16 range.  The Camels got by Catholic and had a solid day vs JHU.   Beating Swat on their home field was a good result but one of the more favorable match-ups in the sweet 16.   W&L would have advanced over Conn, IMO.

In terms of the Coaches Ranking, they will land in the 5th-6th spot... depending on who wins the title.

8 Luther
7 Montclair St
6 RPI - advanced over Middlebury and beat Messiah, lost to Amherst
5 Conn - beat Catholic, beat JHU, beat Swat, lost to Tufts

They are a young squad and will return a solid core...  expect them to reach Sweet 16 next year at the very least.

Massey has them high due to incredible SOS and consistent results, but the eye test doesn't match up to me... 

Lastguyoffthebench slots CONN at 10th
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 27, 2019, 10:46:39 AM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 26, 2019, 10:47:49 AM
re: the "delusional" comment above, as HiYa spoke to, one cannot lean to heavily on objective metrics and... Nor too heavily on subjective opinions.  But objectivity and subjectivity both have a place.  One can evaluate D3 teams in innumerable ways: win %, Goal differential, strength of schedule and win %, etc.  I happen to enjoy playing around with this stuff and did for 2 seasons with lacrosse (mostly D1 and d3 mens but then... Men's D1, D2, D3, Women's D1, D2, D3, NJCAA, NAIA, MCLA, WCLA, every Boys and Girls HS team, etc.) and... There are benefits and flaws to every metric but some are more flawed than others.  Anyway, you may not agree with Conn College at #3 but it's not based on my subjective opinion.  It's based on a rational system.  So, as much as we pause and say, What's the best stat for a goalie?, we can do the same for the teams.  And teams are much easier.  The heart of my rankings are (1) Each team's three Best Wins (2) Three Worst Losses as well as (3) one Best Tie and one Worst Tie.  So a team can be amazing, undefeated, best in the nation in everyone's eyes, but if they haven't beaten good teams to demonstrate this, then they won't be #1 in the rankings.  Best Wins, Worst Losses, Best Tie, Worst Tie.  (Oh, one more thing.  Come play-offs, when you beat a team, you automatically step in front of them in the Rankings.  i.e. RPI, Centre, or whoever may not "deserve" to be #8, #10, etc. but if they beat the #9, #11, etc. team in the playoffs, they get the spot.)  You may not love the system but it's fair and it most certainly isn't delusional.  :)

This is the D3 Men rankings: http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/ranking/54/2019 (http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/ranking/54/2019)
This is the system behind the rankings: http://endlesssoccer.com/2019/10/23/endless-soccer-computer-ranking-how-it-works/ (http://endlesssoccer.com/2019/10/23/endless-soccer-computer-ranking-how-it-works/)

And, because I find these fun, helps to keep me organized, etc.:
Best Games: http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/best/games/54/2019 (http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/best/games/54/2019)
Best Upsets: http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/best/upsets/54/2019 (http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/best/upsets/54/2019)
Best Upcoming Games: http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/upcoming/games/54/2019 (http://app.endlesssoccer.com/category/upcoming/games/54/2019)

Some thoughts:

1.  What's magical about the number three?  Why is it that the best three wins and the worst three losses are all that matters?
2.  Similarly, what's magical about playoff games?  Why should they receive greater consideration in determining who should be ranked where?  UMBC beat UVA in the 2018 NCAA basketball tournament, but that didn't make them better than UVA.
3.  Why not use scores?  There's lots of valuable information there that you're discarding.  This is particularly true with respect to teams that may otherwise be hard to rank because of limited info.  For example, if a team with an excellent record, but which has played a pretty weak schedule, has played only one really good team, I'm going to look at them rather differently if they lost that game 5-0 than if they lost 2-1.  Now, one can go too far here--you shouldn't lean too far on one game in making assessments--but nevertheless focusing solely on W/L/T will reduce the accuracy of your assessments.
4.  There seems to be a significant bias in favor of teams with tough schedules inherent in your method.  To use an extreme example, suppose my schedule is exclusively against top-20 teams and I go 3-13.  If I understand your method correctly, you're going to conclude that I'm awesome because my best three wins are against top-20 teams and my worst three losses are also against top-20 teams.  I might very well be in the top 20.  But, at the end of the day, I did only win three times in 16 attempts against that level of competition.  I don't belong in the top 20.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 27, 2019, 12:36:30 PM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 27, 2019, 10:46:39 AM
1.  What's magical about the number three?  Why is it that the best three wins and the worst three losses are all that matters?
2.  Similarly, what's magical about playoff games?  Why should they receive greater consideration in determining who should be ranked where?  UMBC beat UVA in the 2018 NCAA basketball tournament, but that didn't make them better than UVA.
3.  Why not use scores?  There's lots of valuable information there that you're discarding.  This is particularly true with respect to teams that may otherwise be hard to rank because of limited info.  For example, if a team with an excellent record, but which has played a pretty weak schedule, has played only one really good team, I'm going to look at them rather differently if they lost that game 5-0 than if they lost 2-1.  Now, one can go too far here--you shouldn't lean too far on one game in making assessments--but nevertheless focusing solely on W/L/T will reduce the accuracy of your assessments.
4.  There seems to be a significant bias in favor of teams with tough schedules inherent in your method.  To use an extreme example, suppose my schedule is exclusively against top-20 teams and I go 3-13.  If I understand your method correctly, you're going to conclude that I'm awesome because my best three wins are against top-20 teams and my worst three losses are also against top-20 teams.  I might very well be in the top 20.  But, at the end of the day, I did only win three times in 16 attempts against that level of competition.  I don't belong in the top 20.

1. Just a good number and we need to draw a line somewhere.  You can't do all Ws count because weaker schedules have a large disadvantage.  This is particularly true for HS teams in non-hotbed regions.  you can't do 1 win because 1 game is only 1 game.  So, the question is, How many games does a team need to win to prove that they're legit.  1, too few.  2, better.  And... 3 just seems to be a good number.  (Also, allows for wins to count 3x more than a tie.  i.e. One tie is counted.  Three wins and three losses are counted.  And the "3 Points for a Win, 1 Point for a Loss" formula is all but universal.)
2. UMBC is a unique example.  None the less, they earned the spot.  Bottomline, play-off games are not the same as regular season games.  they're later in the season and... They simply mean more.  The team that wins the National C'ship Tourney should be #1 (as long as they layed the top teams to win it all).
3. Just a philosophical difference.  Teams play to win, not to win by as many points as possible.  Especially teams who play 3 or so games per week.  Lots of teams pace themselves and they shouldn't be punished for doing so. 
4. I disagree.  If a team beats #18, #19, and #20 and loses to #1-#16, they should be the #17 team in the country.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 27, 2019, 01:06:18 PM
One more thing.  Something I like about this ranking system (that I don't like about a lot of others) is that (1) It's not someone's or someones' opinion, (2) it's 100% simple and understandable.  i.e. At the end of the season, when Clemson doesn't get to play in the CFB Semifinals or St. Lawrence is left out of the Tourney or whatever, the players, coaches, and otherwise can see exactly why.  And, as a consequence, Clemson will improve their Out-of-Course Strenth of schedule, etc., and (3) It's fair.  You move up or down based on your team's resume and your resume is based on your best and worst performances.  And that is fair.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: YoungBuck on November 27, 2019, 01:35:27 PM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 27, 2019, 01:06:18 PM
One more thing.  Something I like about this ranking system (that I don't like about a lot of others) is that (1) It's not someone's or someones' opinion, (2) it's 100% simple and understandable.  i.e. At the end of the season, when Clemson doesn't get to play in the CFB Semifinals or St. Lawrence is left out of the Tourney or whatever, the players, coaches, and otherwise can see exactly why.  And, as a consequence, Clemson will improve their Out-of-Course Strenth of schedule, etc., and (3) It's fair.  You move up or down based on your team's resume and your resume is based on your best and worst performances.  And that is fair.

I like stats, numbers, and analysis about as much as anyone, but you have to be willing to concede that they can't, don't, and won't capture the full picture of a team and where they belong with respect to other teams.  People's opinions matter, especially those opinions from people who are students of the game.  That's why this forum exists.  As hard as it is to justify when you're team gets left out on Selection Sunday/Monday, subjective opinion is an important part of soccer and sport in general, particularly the subjective opinion of the the people who know what they are talking about.  I doubt even the great Ken Massey would say his ranking system should be the only method upon which a teams value is placed.

By all means, keep refining your results and improving your model, but be aware that the subjectivity that it fails to capture could be the difference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KriBQVhsgZk
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 28, 2019, 07:50:25 AM
Quote from: Michel Bernstini on November 27, 2019, 12:36:30 PM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 27, 2019, 10:46:39 AM
1.  What's magical about the number three?  Why is it that the best three wins and the worst three losses are all that matters?
2.  Similarly, what's magical about playoff games?  Why should they receive greater consideration in determining who should be ranked where?  UMBC beat UVA in the 2018 NCAA basketball tournament, but that didn't make them better than UVA.
3.  Why not use scores?  There's lots of valuable information there that you're discarding.  This is particularly true with respect to teams that may otherwise be hard to rank because of limited info.  For example, if a team with an excellent record, but which has played a pretty weak schedule, has played only one really good team, I'm going to look at them rather differently if they lost that game 5-0 than if they lost 2-1.  Now, one can go too far here--you shouldn't lean too far on one game in making assessments--but nevertheless focusing solely on W/L/T will reduce the accuracy of your assessments.
4.  There seems to be a significant bias in favor of teams with tough schedules inherent in your method.  To use an extreme example, suppose my schedule is exclusively against top-20 teams and I go 3-13.  If I understand your method correctly, you're going to conclude that I'm awesome because my best three wins are against top-20 teams and my worst three losses are also against top-20 teams.  I might very well be in the top 20.  But, at the end of the day, I did only win three times in 16 attempts against that level of competition.  I don't belong in the top 20.

1. Just a good number and we need to draw a line somewhere.  You can't do all Ws count because weaker schedules have a large disadvantage.  This is particularly true for HS teams in non-hotbed regions.  you can't do 1 win because 1 game is only 1 game.  So, the question is, How many games does a team need to win to prove that they're legit.  1, too few.  2, better.  And... 3 just seems to be a good number.  (Also, allows for wins to count 3x more than a tie.  i.e. One tie is counted.  Three wins and three losses are counted.  And the "3 Points for a Win, 1 Point for a Loss" formula is all but universal.)
2. UMBC is a unique example.  None the less, they earned the spot.  Bottomline, play-off games are not the same as regular season games.  they're later in the season and... They simply mean more.  The team that wins the National C'ship Tourney should be #1 (as long as they layed the top teams to win it all).
3. Just a philosophical difference.  Teams play to win, not to win by as many points as possible.  Especially teams who play 3 or so games per week.  Lots of teams pace themselves and they shouldn't be punished for doing so. 
4. I disagree.  If a team beats #18, #19, and #20 and loses to #1-#16, they should be the #17 team in the country.

Obviously, it's your model, and you can make whatever choices you make with regard to it, but if you're going to use it to support your assertions, you have to provide people with a reason to take it seriously.  With that in mind:

1. Choosing to focus on a certain fixed number of wins or losses is an arbritary distinction that will lead the model to produce unreasonable results, no matter whether you fix that number at three or some other figure.  For example, suppose Team 1 has wins over the teams ranked #1, #2 and #3 in the country, but all of its other wins are against teams in the 300s, while Team B has wins over teams ranked #1, #2, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.  Your model says that Team A has the more impressive slate of wins.  This is obviously wrong.  Similarly, by limiting its assessment to the three worst losses, your team may incorrectly conclude that Team C, with only three bad losses, has a less impressive slate of losses than Team D, even if Team D has a dozen losses to bad teams, just as long as the three worst losses aren't quite as bad.

And as a result of this, it appears that your model could rank a 3-13 team above a 13-3 team, even if they played the exact same schedule.  For example, suppose that Teams A and B both play Teams 1 through 16, with 1 being the best opponent and 16 being the worst.  If Team A has wins over 1, 2 and 4, and losses to everyone else, and Team B has wins over everyone except teams 14, 15 and 16, you'd rank A above B, because their worst three losses are the same and A's three best wins are better than B's.

Next, let's consider how you handle ties.  Suppose I have wins against teams #1, #2, #3 and I'm playing team #4 today.  My best tie is against team #300.  Under your system, I'll improve my ranking much more with a tie against #4 than with a win, because a win won't affect my slate of top three wins, but a tie will significantly improve my best tie.  Again, that doesn't make sense.

2.  Obviously NCAA tournament games are more important that non-tournament games because they determine who wins the NCAA tournament, but that does not mean that they are necessarily significantly more important for the purposes of determining which team is the best team.  Just because Conn beat Hopkins does not mean that Conn is better then Hopkins.  Upsets happen but that does not mean that a repeat matchup should be expected to lead to the same outcome.  And if the intent of your ranking system is to determine a relative ranking of teams, then the point should be to assess which team is better.  If you're simply trying to replicate the results of the tournament, then what's the point of even having a ranking system?

3.  It seems to me that the only "philosophy" that should matter is trying to produce the best set of rankings, rather than making arbitrary decisions as to which info to include or exclude without regard to whether including it or not improves the ability of your system to evaluate teams.  Close games could generally go either way and luck may be a significant factor in determining the winner, and a system that ignores that and pretends that a 2-1 win is the same as a 5-0 blowout is ignoring relevant information.

4.  Things don't work like that.  The better team doesn't always win.  If the best team in the country plays a schedule consisting wholly of top-20 teams (at neutral sites), it will be favored in each individual game, but that doesn't mean it is expected to get through that schedule undefeated.  Similarly, if the #20 team in the country plays a schedule wholly composed of other top-20 teams (again at neutral sites), it will be an underdog in each game, but it's almost certain that it will pick up several wins in the process even though it will probably have a losing record. 

More generally, you're missing the point.  If you rate teams based on their best three wins, teams with tough schedules have many more opportunities to rack up quality wins than do teams with weaker schedules.  Similarly, if you rate teams based on their worst three losses, teams with weak schedules have many more opportunities to accrue bad losses than do teams with strong schedules.  This, again, is a problem with ranking based on a certain fixed number of wins or losses. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 30, 2019, 07:11:49 PM
Quote from: YoungBuck on November 27, 2019, 01:35:27 PMI doubt even the great Ken Massey would say his ranking system should be the only method upon which a teams value is placed.

By all means, keep refining your results and improving your model, but be aware that the subjectivity that it fails to capture could be the difference.

Of course.  And I'm one of those humans.  :)  Of course the Rankings aren't the be-all-end-all.  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Michel Bernstini on November 30, 2019, 07:45:38 PM
Quote from: Buck O. on November 28, 2019, 07:50:25 AM
Obviously, it's your model, and you can make whatever choices you make with regard to it, but if you're going to use it to support your assertions, you have to provide people with a reason to take it seriously.  With that in mind:

1. Choosing to focus on a certain fixed number of wins or losses is an arbritary distinction that will lead the model to produce unreasonable results, no matter whether you fix that number at three or some other figure.  For example, suppose Team 1 has wins over the teams ranked #1, #2 and #3 in the country, but all of its other wins are against teams in the 300s, while Team B has wins over teams ranked #1, #2, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.  Your model says that Team A has the more impressive slate of wins.  This is obviously wrong.  Similarly, by limiting its assessment to the three worst losses, your team may incorrectly conclude that Team C, with only three bad losses, has a less impressive slate of losses than Team D, even if Team D has a dozen losses to bad teams, just as long as the three worst losses aren't quite as bad.

And as a result of this, it appears that your model could rank a 3-13 team above a 13-3 team, even if they played the exact same schedule.  For example, suppose that Teams A and B both play Teams 1 through 16, with 1 being the best opponent and 16 being the worst.  If Team A has wins over 1, 2 and 4, and losses to everyone else, and Team B has wins over everyone except teams 14, 15 and 16, you'd rank A above B, because their worst three losses are the same and A's three best wins are better than B's.

Next, let's consider how you handle ties.  Suppose I have wins against teams #1, #2, #3 and I'm playing team #4 today.  My best tie is against team #300.  Under your system, I'll improve my ranking much more with a tie against #4 than with a win, because a win won't affect my slate of top three wins, but a tie will significantly improve my best tie.  Again, that doesn't make sense.

2.  Obviously NCAA tournament games are more important that non-tournament games because they determine who wins the NCAA tournament, but that does not mean that they are necessarily significantly more important for the purposes of determining which team is the best team.  Just because Conn beat Hopkins does not mean that Conn is better then Hopkins.  Upsets happen but that does not mean that a repeat matchup should be expected to lead to the same outcome.  And if the intent of your ranking system is to determine a relative ranking of teams, then the point should be to assess which team is better.  If you're simply trying to replicate the results of the tournament, then what's the point of even having a ranking system?

3.  It seems to me that the only "philosophy" that should matter is trying to produce the best set of rankings, rather than making arbitrary decisions as to which info to include or exclude without regard to whether including it or not improves the ability of your system to evaluate teams.  Close games could generally go either way and luck may be a significant factor in determining the winner, and a system that ignores that and pretends that a 2-1 win is the same as a 5-0 blowout is ignoring relevant information.

4.  Things don't work like that.  The better team doesn't always win.  If the best team in the country plays a schedule consisting wholly of top-20 teams (at neutral sites), it will be favored in each individual game, but that doesn't mean it is expected to get through that schedule undefeated.  Similarly, if the #20 team in the country plays a schedule wholly composed of other top-20 teams (again at neutral sites), it will be an underdog in each game, but it's almost certain that it will pick up several wins in the process even though it will probably have a losing record. 

More generally, you're missing the point.  If you rate teams based on their best three wins, teams with tough schedules have many more opportunities to rack up quality wins than do teams with weaker schedules.  Similarly, if you rate teams based on their worst three losses, teams with weak schedules have many more opportunities to accrue bad losses than do teams with strong schedules.  This, again, is a problem with ranking based on a certain fixed number of wins or losses.

1.
a. This is obviously wrong... I don't think it's so obviously wrong but, for the sake argument, let's say it's wrong.  Let's say that Team A has better wins but... Team B in Iowa traveled to the east coast play #1, #2, and #3 and, if they played #4, #5, and #6, they believe that they would've won those games, too, but... they can only travel so much.  Bottomline, based on what was put on their plate, Team B performed.  Which is (one of the reasons) why we need to draw a line somewhere.  We can't punish Team B just because they're based in, for example, Iowa.  D   
b. Similarly... 3 worst losses... Correct.  Team A could lose to teams #100, #99, and #98 and those are their only three losses while Team B loses to the same as well as #97, #96, etc. and, as long as they have the same Best Wins, though Team B should be ranked lower, they'll be ranked the same.  It's true.  I'm aware and, thus far, even with a gazillion HS games, this situation hasn't arisen.   
c. It appears that your model could rank a 3-13 team above a 13-3 team... It's true, but like b (above), it hasn't happened yet.  But you're right.  It's possible.

d. ties... I see "ties" and I smile.  With lacrosse, ties are basically a non-issue.  i needed to make a new system to include ties when I started using this system for soccer.  (Darn soccer!)  Ties aren't simple.  And what you're pointing out is one of the not-simples. :)  You're right.  And *that* does occur.

2.  "Just because Conn beat Hopkins does not mean that Conn is better then Hopkins... If you're simply trying to replicate the results of the tournament, then what's the point of even having a ranking system?"... First, It would be easy for me to adjust the system so play-off games are like any other game.  But... They're not.  (I want to come back to this.)  Second, I'm not trying to replicate the play-off system.  I'm trying to mirror a season.  But back to the first point.  Excuse for me reverting to lacrosse but it's a good example.  During the 2019 D2 Men's season, Merrimack had a good, not great season.  the, in the tourney, they beat the #6, #4, #2 ranked teams and then, in the finals, beat the #1 ranked undefeated Limestone.  So, the question is, Should Merrimack be ranked #2 or #1?  Based on their season, #2.  Based on their performance that season including when the stakes were higher, #1.  Personally, I think #1 is the correct answer.  but, make no mistake, then and now, i realize and realized that this is a very real question.  So let me ask a question. Let's say that Centre wins out.  They beat Amherst and then Tufts or Calvin.  And let's say, as a consequence, by the numbers, this makes them the #2 in the country.  Do you think they should be #2?  or #1?

3.  A 2-1 win is the same as a 5-0 blowout is ignoring relevant information... It's true.  And some systems look even beyond game scores into more details.  In theory, I should be doing that too.  But I don't.  I like ws and Ls.  But I hear you.  I just like Ws and Ls.

4.  Correct.  A tough (and an easy) schedule is a blessing and a curse.  And i believe that this system captures this duality.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheAnonymousCommentator on December 03, 2019, 09:20:54 AM
15 selections from the NESCAC for all-new england. Nice!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Jump4Joy on December 06, 2019, 07:35:44 PM
Natural hattie has Amherst up, 3-0, in the semi vs. Centre. Go Mammoths!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on December 09, 2019, 11:56:47 AM
Kudos to Tufts and Amherst. A pity that Conn had to play the Jumbos this year in the Elite 8- I think in another quadrant they may have had a better chance of advancing. Still, a great year for the Camels as well. From top to bottom (well...maybe excluding Trinity at the moment) the NESCAC is an incredible conference. 5 of the last 6 national championships is quite a feat!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 12, 2019, 01:20:11 AM
Tufts match against Calvin was a browbeating. First 15 minutes, Calvin got 3 legit looks(two by #9) but could not finish any of them. If this looked familiar to anyone it kind of looked like what Conn did in the Elite 8 against Tufts. All their opponents had some looks but none could capitalize as Calvin, Conn and W&L all ended up raising the 2nd half white flag after valiant efforts but not for a full 90. However, the game did not turn until about 20 minutes into the game after a decent but stale start for Tufts starters(based on their own standards). Lane, Cano and Ratzan goals all happened once the key bench players came onto the field 1st Half. It was a burst of energy lift that propelled Tufts to 3 amazing goals in 15 minutes and in a blink the game was over. In fact, the second Rojas stepped off the field 1st Half, Lane scored. Shapiro looked just as happy sacking him in the 2nd Half after about 12 minutes of listless effort. This is where the kid Seigelstein shined hitting 2-3 perfect balls(granted under limited pressure) into the path of Tasker and Jacobs. Then Shapiro kept his key leaders on the field in different shifts with all his younger players so the rest of us can see the future of Tufts Mens Soccer. Tasker got a run in with the sheep and Lane took a run at RB for Daly. He would of made a sick wingback on a foot to the gas full frontal attacking team allowing unlimited overlapping.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 15, 2019, 06:20:10 AM
With Tufts winning another national championship I suppose we should take a random look at what is going on here. I think the Calvin press conference after the game  showed everything. The two players were almost in need of being picked up off the floor. They were dejected and pissed. The Head Coach was somewhat jovial which was odd but looking thru that smile he was shocked / stunned at what just happened. He just witnessed a Tufts team dominate his team and he had not seen that dominance on any prior video he was watching. I think he even said something to the point about not getting what they expected. Calvin had a few good looks but otherwise were to slow in transition to beat Tufts. I think they just assumed they could break them down like every other team they have played this season and were not to worried about Tufts and more focused on Calvin. I could be wrong.

Anyone notice the similarities between Georgetown and Tufts? The same compact defensive structure that hunts the ball, tons of solid depth that does not drop the level, wide guys on their opposite foot that cut in and most importantly a dangerous counterattacking outfit.  The one noticeable difference was Georgetown players wearing matching black gloves and most Tufts players w/o gloves.  A bunch of guys that fight for each other and use this word "family" a ton. So the best thing about family is they are a bit easier to hit up in a pinch for extra quick liquid cash.  These "family" cattle calls are incredibly important to help the program pay for all the extras. If say Shapiro wants to add an extra two days last minute to a planned Italy trip next year you might need "family" to help out. That is why it is important to build a long lasting program. Tufts has done amazing things the past 10 years but beyond that they have limited history and probably not a ton of support from players from long ago(at least not like Amherst / Williams). Serpone or Sullivan could pick up the phone tomorrow in an emergency and get alums to help for anything they needed and then if necessary hit them again a month later. Point----Without a long history Shapiro hopes most of these guys will go on to become successful Investment Bankers / Doctors / Lawyers or whatever and run around NYC for 10 years and then calm down and then give back to the program that helped them become so successful. IDK.... I usually ignore all that crap(can get very heavy at these institutions) because what I like is usually you can also find future Soccer Coaches with teams like Tufts because you have players that love the game and do not want their experience to end.  There has to be a couple of these guys that might want to go into Coaching and the two Tufts Captains look like the obvious choice. Maybe one of them will sit next to Shapiro and learn next season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 15, 2019, 10:37:44 AM
My take on Calvin and the press conference....  First, Calvin played Tufts evenly in two finals that could have gone either way (although I suppose Tufts had a bit of an advantage in the second final).  In any event, meeting for a third time at the Final Four I'm guessing Calvin thought the percentages were in their favor.  In other words, Calvin was due, but Calvin, while still very good, was not quite as good as in the previous 2-3 years, and IMO Tufts has been better almost every year during their run, and including this year.  Calvin was very fortunate to get past North Park and also caught a favor avoiding OWU (who while not at the Calvin or Tufts level at the moment still has enough pedigree to challenge Calvin in an Elite 8 game).  Calvin also has caught some breaks in prior years to get to the Final Four.  I've suggested that Tufts is a little entitled and to be fair I think the same thing can be said about Calvin.  That's what I saw at the press conference...players and especially the coach thinking this just had to be the year, seeming to play evenly the first 20-25 minutes, and then, boom, the game was over.  If you watch Souders talk about the Tufts goals, he IMO comes just short of calling the goals 'lucky.'  He called them instead the most spectacular goals they had seen all season....in some ways the kind of goals Calvin is known for.  And they were spectacular.  Someone will correct me but I don't recall seeing Lane score like that kniving through 3 players in the box and then beating the GK, and then the next goal by Cano I don't think he'd replicate in another 200 games.  I'm blanking on the 3rd goal but I think that was a wonder goal as well.  The 4th by Tasker wasn't as special but just capped off a match that had been decided well before that.  Tufts has had their breaks and close calls during their run as well, but as much as I'd like to scream "Tufts is as lucky as Duke and the Patriots!" I just can't.  They've come through over and over and all I can do is tip my cap.  The Jumbos are just better than everyone else, plain and simple. 

Speaking of the Tufts style and defense, I don't know why other programs aren't copying Tufts.  Kenyon, along with Amherst, is known as a high pressing, suffocating team, but maybe the difference is that Tufts presses but not as high a press and mostly when they lose the ball.  Tufts also never seems to really lose its shape and rarely gives up large swaths of space on counters.  Kenyon gives up the latter early and often.  Of course the other difference is that Tufts (and seemingly more so each year) has a combination of size, speed, toughness and skill that at the moment no one else can match.  Instead of waiting for Tufts to falter at some point, other programs are just going to have to get better.  And Shapiro moving on wouldn't hurt.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 18, 2019, 09:56:11 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on December 15, 2019, 10:37:44 AM
My take on Calvin and the press conference....  First, Calvin played Tufts evenly in two finals that could have gone either way (although I suppose Tufts had a bit of an advantage in the second final).  In any event, meeting for a third time at the Final Four I'm guessing Calvin thought the percentages were in their favor.  In other words, Calvin was due, but Calvin, while still very good, was not quite as good as in the previous 2-3 years, and IMO Tufts has been better almost every year during their run, and including this year.  Calvin was very fortunate to get past North Park and also caught a favor avoiding OWU (who while not at the Calvin or Tufts level at the moment still has enough pedigree to challenge Calvin in an Elite 8 game).  Calvin also has caught some breaks in prior years to get to the Final Four.  I've suggested that Tufts is a little entitled and to be fair I think the same thing can be said about Calvin.  That's what I saw at the press conference...players and especially the coach thinking this just had to be the year, seeming to play evenly the first 20-25 minutes, and then, boom, the game was over.  If you watch Souders talk about the Tufts goals, he IMO comes just short of calling the goals 'lucky.'  He called them instead the most spectacular goals they had seen all season....in some ways the kind of goals Calvin is known for.  And they were spectacular.  Someone will correct me but I don't recall seeing Lane score like that kniving through 3 players in the box and then beating the GK, and then the next goal by Cano I don't think he'd replicate in another 200 games.  I'm blanking on the 3rd goal but I think that was a wonder goal as well.  The 4th by Tasker wasn't as special but just capped off a match that had been decided well before that.  Tufts has had their breaks and close calls during their run as well, but as much as I'd like to scream "Tufts is as lucky as Duke and the Patriots!" I just can't.  They've come through over and over and all I can do is tip my cap.  The Jumbos are just better than everyone else, plain and simple. 

Speaking of the Tufts style and defense, I don't know why other programs aren't copying Tufts.  Kenyon, along with Amherst, is known as a high pressing, suffocating team, but maybe the difference is that Tufts presses but not as high a press and mostly when they lose the ball.  Tufts also never seems to really lose its shape and rarely gives up large swaths of space on counters.  Kenyon gives up the latter early and often.  Of course the other difference is that Tufts (and seemingly more so each year) has a combination of size, speed, toughness and skill that at the moment no one else can match.  Instead of waiting for Tufts to falter at some point, other programs are just going to have to get better.  And Shapiro moving on wouldn't hurt.


Yea I agree. I was also thinking after watching North Park v Calvin in the Sweet 16 that North Park was just as dangerous if not more so than Calvin in that game and might have posed a few more challenges for Tufts but who knows. The 2nd goal was Ratzan's which was a rocket but Calvin failed to close him and ole'd Ratzan a clean look. Cano's was unreal as that was 2 steps a touch and pop. I have seen Lane knife plenty over the years but this year he seems to be finishing better. He will be a HUGE piece to replace because Lane has the talent to create his own shot as does Tasker and these are just two huge losses to replace
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 18, 2019, 09:56:28 AM
more random thoughts:

Looking ahead to the future for Tufts we saw an interesting lineup with about 10 minutes left against Calvin. Tufts had Cano and Traynor(Frosh) wide with Ratzan up top. Aroh was sitting with Enge and Seigelstein in the middle of the park. Enge is a workhorse and looks to be able to run all day. With Aroh and Enge, I see more troubles ahead next year for teams trying to break Tufts down thru the middle of the field.  I am not sure how Shapiro keeps Enge off the field which means Van Brewer and Seigelstein will battle it out for the other spot. Is Delaney injured? If he comes back into the mix healthy he will be another player battling for minutes. Cano wide left is an obvious choice but the move to try Ratzan up top was an interesting one. Jacobs is quick and skilled and while not the biggest kid he fights his weight but Ratzan has all that as well and maybe Shapiro sees Ratzan as another option to be a goal poacher up there? TBH I am not sure because Ratzan looks mighty comfortable out wide with space to run at guys. Some guys are just more comfortable and productive playing with tons of space in front of them while others have no problem playing in tight spaces. Ratzan looks the type of player to adapt to any new role asked of him. Now this is the great thing about Tufts because on most teams a veteran striker(like Jacobs) would assume over the Spring and Summer into next Fall that he will be the guy up top. This veteran striker might take that for granted and not be fully 100% invested in his offseason packet. This veteran might think as long as he can stay just fit enough in the offseason to put in a decent preseason 2 mile number and slide under the radar he will get fit throughout the first month of the year and his starting spot will be his no matter what.  Now I am not at all saying Jacobs is this type of player but sometimes these rising Seniors on other sides feel entitled to their "deserved"starting spot next Fall. Unfortunately,  the "rising Senior" in my example would come into camp not fit and still start because of his talent or the team's lack of depth to sack him. These type of situations can compound and ruin a sides morale especially a young team. With Tufts, the players know they cannot slack off because someone is waiting to grab their job if they do.  In Tufts system minutes can be hard to come by and then harder to keep. This competitiveness at every position is one of the secrets to Tufts success IMO. However, at some point especially at the D1 level(Georgetown) with so much talent it is impossible to keep everyone happy. If I am an opposing Head Coach in a recruiting war with Georgetown that is the FIRST thing I mention to the kid. Do you want to go to Georgetown and become a 55-60 minute player with all your talent...blah blah bah....If Wiese continues to win Championships using 19 guys with no drop off at that level I will be impressed. To keep all those players happy and 100% focused on a daily basis on the team's mission above your own is an incredibly hard task to ask of any Coaching staff. That game was incredible for D1 Soccer and the College game in general and credit to both teams but Georgetown deserved it and went and got it.

Tufts backline looks to be Daly, Paoletta, Raphael, and ?....Who replaces Drew Stern? Stern really showed well this year and played with a quiet aggressiveness that was fun to watch. He was the target of Calvin, Conn and most teams when attacking Tufts but he held his own and then some. Shapiro seemed to favor the Frosh Sinkowitz at LB but you can bet your life players know if there is one position up for grabs it will be LB. Have at it.....Not sure what Paoletta's injury is but one thing I noticed without him on the field Tufts looked to push the ball faster up the pitch. There was less of the swinging the ball from side to side in the back and more straightforward play with Jameson back there. Meaning it was way more entertaining for the neutral. The other kid used was Soph Aidan Welsh spelling Aroh from time to time. Aroh should be and basically is a 90 minute stud player who is the most important piece of Tufts spine. So where does that leave Welsh who would be starting on most Nescac squads? CB? IDK I suppose it is a good problem to have.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on December 18, 2019, 04:58:32 PM
Mr. Right for the most part I think you were pretty close with your predictions for how next season's squad will look. Inspired by timmy two wheel's and his excellent betting lines, I'm gonna wager that, while less known, the front three of Ratzen, Cano, and Jacobs outscore the more acclaimed Braun, Tasker, Lane trio. I think most people would be surprised to see how close it was this year. 18 goals for the starters versus 14 for the second group.   

All that being said, the Amherst group for next year is gonna to be incredible.  German was just named the second ever Sophomore to win National Player of the year. And while he will miss the service of Dane Lind there is little to suggest he won't put up big numbers again next year. I don't know what the career nescac goal record is, but I'm sure he will threaten it. Ada will continue to get better and is an incredibly talented player. Impossible to stop 1v1 and very clever at finding passing lanes. I imagine he will take over Lind's role as German's main provider. The loss of coleman will be important in terms of team identity, but Ignacio Cubbedau (thats definitely spelled wrong) is equally if not more talented and will make a big jump next year. 

So long story short, I think next year will probably play out pretty similar to this year with Tufts and Amherst a step above the rest of the NESCAC and the country. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on December 18, 2019, 05:00:28 PM
Also must be mentioned Joe "the repo man" Braun was named national scholar player of the year. Affectionally known since his sophomore year as "the brain" Braun must have set the record for lowest GPA of any winner, eclipsing the bar set by fellow Jumbo Conor Coleman.  In Braun's defense at least he was good at soccer. I don't know how Coleman scammed his way into it. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on December 19, 2019, 01:02:46 PM
One has to have a 3.30 GPA to be eligible. Considering that was well above my GPA in college ... not sure any comment about setting a low record are needed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 19, 2019, 02:32:05 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on December 19, 2019, 01:02:46 PM
One has to have a 3.30 GPA to be eligible. Considering that was well above my GPA in college ... not sure any comment about setting a low record are needed.

Not sure how your GPA correlates with whether a comment is needed or warranted.

Anyways, I think you stepped into a joke internal to the Tufts crew.  In other words, the poster Mr. Zinner was a teammate of both Braun and Coleman, and so very likely the comments are good-natured banter with minimal correlation to reality.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 19, 2019, 04:57:18 PM
Any chance Giammattei looks to move to D1? I would think that he could earn a full ride almost anywhere outside of maybe the very top echelon of D1 soccer after that year (and I know he could have gotten a scholarship out of high school, but now his options would be far broader).  For whatever reason, this seems to be happening routinely now in NESCAC basketball, but not in any other sports ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on December 19, 2019, 09:51:25 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on December 19, 2019, 02:32:05 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on December 19, 2019, 01:02:46 PM
One has to have a 3.30 GPA to be eligible. Considering that was well above my GPA in college ... not sure any comment about setting a low record are needed.

Not sure how your GPA correlates with whether a comment is needed or warranted.

Anyways, I think you stepped into a joke internal to the Tufts crew.  In other words, the poster Mr. Zinner was a teammate of both Braun and Coleman, and so very likely the comments are good-natured banter with minimal correlation to reality.

My GPA comment was to have a little fun at my own expense ... and to state that 3.30 is pretty solid. The comment seemed needed because it is hard sometimes to differentiate when people are joking and when they aren't unless indicated. So in case it wasn't a joke, it seemed like something that needed to be said. I am always impressed with student-athletes who excel on the field/court while also tearing it up in the classroom. I wasn't much of a book learner, so it was tough in college. Those who are that good in the classroom, especially those in the NESCAC that continue to impress me, are worth celebrating.

So not knowing if it was a joke ... it didn't seem like the thing that should go without checking.

Quote from: nescac1 on December 19, 2019, 04:57:18 PM
Any chance Giammattei looks to move to D1? I would think that he could earn a full ride almost anywhere outside of maybe the very top echelon of D1 soccer after that year (and I know he could have gotten a scholarship out of high school, but now his options would be far broader).  For whatever reason, this seems to be happening routinely now in NESCAC basketball, but not in any other sports ...

How routine is it? I can think of it happening a few times, twice maybe of late? Maybe I am missing things. Are there others who left for D1?

That said, Giammattei is similar to Duncan Robinson in the fact he is an incredible talent who certainly could play at a higher level. I think many were impressed Robinson was able to succeed at D1, but I think that came down to finding the right program. Hamilton MBB had one go to George Mason(?) and while he certainly ended up contributing, he didn't gain the notoriety Robinson gained.

I think Giammattei could end up at D1 school, but does he have the talent to stand out at a top-notch school? Is that worth sitting for a year (granted, Robinson made that year a good one by getting built up physically and working on his game)? Will it allow him to go further with his game?

It is a tough decision with challenging questions. Personally, I think it makes sense to stay, get an incredible education, and be a stand out. But I am selfishly DIII through and through. :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 20, 2019, 09:56:02 AM
Dave, there have been a surprisingly large number of NESCAC to D1 hoops transfers this decade ... most notably Robinson and Austin Hutcherson, who is currently redshirting at Illinois (also had offers at Notre Dame and Creighton), but also Hunter Sabety (Hofstra), Matt Hart (George Washington) and Varum Ram (Maryland).  All of those guys played meaningful roles at the D1 level, even Ram, who was a pure walk-on but worked his way into a back-up ACC point guard.  I have little sense for the D1-D3 talent disparity in soccer vs. basketball, but I'd say other than Duncan, Giammattei was clearly more dominant as a D3 player than any of those guys. 

Also, given that Robinson is now starting for a top-tier NBA team just two years out of Michigan, I think he would have ultimately succeeded in a wide range of D1 programs! 

I think usually staying D3 makes sense.  But if your goal is to be a professional athlete, then going D1 is a no-brainer.  So it depends on how serious Giammattei is about playing soccer vs. his education.  (There have been some NESCAC soccer players who have had solid pro careers, most notably Khari Stephenson and Dan Calichman, but it's certainly tougher to get noticed out of D3). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 20, 2019, 03:50:24 PM
I doubt Robinson went to Williams with an eye on an NBA career....or even a D1 career.  GG is certainly entitled to change his mind, but if he wanted to pursue professional soccer I don't think he would have picked Amherst.  Why wouldn't he have gone D1 up front?  He knew he was good.  Anyway, I am sure he could succeed in a decent to good D1 program, but are we so sure he wouldn't be sitting on the bench at the top tier like UNC, Wake, UVA, Gtown, etc?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on December 20, 2019, 04:27:28 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on December 20, 2019, 03:50:24 PM
I doubt Robinson went to Williams with an eye on an NBA career....or even a D1 career.  GG is certainly entitled to change his mind, but if he wanted to pursue professional soccer I don't think he would have picked Amherst.  Why wouldn't he have gone D1 up front?  He knew he was good.  Anyway, I am sure he could succeed in a decent to good D1 program, but are we so sure he wouldn't be sitting on the bench at the top tier like UNC, Wake, UVA, Gtown, etc?

Tend to agree here.  GG was one of the top 3 goal scorers in the DA during his senior year with over 30 goals.  He could have easily gone DI if he wanted. He "committed" to Amherst his junior year and didn't renege when he surely could have. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 27, 2019, 09:51:02 PM
Conn Ramblings:


One story to go under the radar this season was Conn College. Kenny Murphy retired and handed over the reins to Reuben Burk. Burk, 27,  had only been at Conn for 1 year as an assistant and had bounced around like most young assistants do from school to school learning different styles and methods from as many Head Coaches as they can. These Assistants are trying to soak it up or at least that was what used to happen. Burk, who should forever live by the motto "life is about being in the right place at the right time" must have proven to Murphy and Conn his worth and that he knew what he was doing. You rarely see a Head Coach leave such a promising outfit, like Conn, with the potential to contend like Murphy did but here we are today. I was skeptical of the whole situation at first until I saw Conn play to open the season. Burk and his staff decided to turn Conn into a more possession oriented attacking team BUT you could tell he did not want Conn to lose its lock down defensive mindset in the process. I would say he succeeded expeditiously because overnight Conn was a much more entertaining team to watch and were still getting the results the team was used to.  To make a deep NCAA run while in the process of overhauling your team's identity is no easy task. An entertaining style IMO is important in attracting and keeping students and local community at your Home games. More fans with more passion = players getting more pumped to produce for the crowd. A group of alums starting to show up at random Saturday afternoon Home games = only way for current players to thank alums for the support is to play hard and win. Conn attendance at Home this year improved steadily throughout the year and no question the winning was a big part of it but a small part of me hopes the style also had a hand in that as well.

Conn has now proven they can make a deep NCAA run. The next hurdle is the NCAA Final 4 / Tufts and frankly Conn has a ton of work to do to get there. Let me take an outsiders go at Conn. By the end of the year Conn looked to be in a 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 depending upon how you look at it but tactically there was no difference. Marcucci in net..LB Aquadro, CB Donelan, CB Stoneback, RB Stokes. Holding was Bocchetti with Butera and Djerdjaj in midfield. Noonan and Yeonas out wide with Tshuma up top. That is a pretty solid starting 11.  Djerdjaj and Yeonas are studs. Noonan is a quick winger with skill who can finish, same goes for Thsuma. Conn is loaded in attack and are a really good countering team. The bench was ok but a bit thin. Ludwick played out wide and is a solid player that is a threat to score. Balbontin graduates with 9 career goals and 62 games played with 4 starts. To have 62 GP and 4 GS tells me Balbontin understood his role and did his job for the team. He was a good target and could hold the ball up top. Miranda comes off the bench or starts for Bocchetti sitting in front of the back 4. He is a good athlete that does his job. Conn also used a couple Frosh (Pinyochon, Robles,) that I have not seen enough of to get a read yet.   Marvel is a Frosh I have seen at Tabor Academy and is a skilled player but Conn needs more help from its bench in 2020 if they are going to contend.  Another issue is this team has a few to many players from Marion(MA),Malibu(CA), Riverside(CT), McLean(VA), Winnetka(IL) to name a few. More kids from the athletic rich St.Mary's Prep, like Stoneback, would be nice but this has always been an issue with Conn admissions. They need as many kids as they can get that can pay full pop. Still, bench production and roster manipulation are minor concerns in the big picture that can be fixed over time.

I think the one position that needs to be shored up is holding midfielder. Bocchetti and Miranda are both good athletic players with skill that need to be on the field but just not in this position. WAY to many teams(Tufts, Swathmore come to mind) absolutely sliced and diced thru the middle of Conn's defensive 3rd at will and were getting some decent looks. Conn's CB's need more help then what the holding midfielders are giving them defensively. Opposing teams and especially opposing players HAVE TO THINK TWICE about attacking thru the middle of the field and wide guys(think Lane and Tasker) need to think twice about cutting inside on Conn. Conn needs like a 90 minute Zach Trevorrow with those crazed Hawaiian game day eyes at holding midfielder. POINT--This position requires a nutter with a genuine desire to be competitive when your team is being challenged. Someone needs to step up here, tackle hard and hunt the ball. Maybe Miranda or Bocchetti can change their game a bit?

Captains this season were JR CB Donelan and SR RB Stokes. Interestingly, Conn loses 4 key Seniors but 2 of them have eligibility(Stokes and Aquadro). Butera is a big loss in midfield and would have to be in my Top 5 Set Piece takers in Nescac if I am looking for a goal from about 25-30 yards. He scored 2 against Catholic and Midd that I witnessed  Actually, since I mentioned Trevorrow(Tufts) he would be in my Top 5 set piece takers as well in Nescac. So Donelan will be Captain as a SR but does Marcucci join him? Personally, this is most definitely Augie Djerdjaj's team now if anyone had any doubts anyways so I would make him a Captain as a JR along with Donelan and Marcucci. Djerdjaj is an old school player who has all the attributes of a top Soccer player and is an absolute danger man in attack. He hits some of the sweetest thru balls in Nescac and can finish as he had 9 Goals. He needs to take this team over and has the perfect Nescac villain futbol name and talent to put daggers in Amherst, Tufts and the rest. More importantly, Djerdjaj does not mind throwing his body around. In the match at Tufts in the regular season, Conn and Djerdjaj dominated long stretches of the ball and play but just were not clinical in the final 3rd. Still, the one player I saw give Aroh(Tufts) a game was Djerdjaj. At the very least he kept Aroh a little more busy than usual and freed up more space on the field for his teammates. Strangely, Aroh's body language is sometimes quite humorous as he almost looks annoyed to have to clean up his teammates mistakes, as if the big King cannot be bothered and he points to his little minions(Van Brewer, Enge) to do all the gritty grunt work.

More Notes:

-Conn MUST commit to absolute fitness in the offseason. I see a couple players that would benefit from being in top fitness and could be better overall players.

-Even with all the possession, Conn managed to have less SOG than they did in 2018 and in more games. Is it concerning? not really but something to be aware of and more importantly...why? 

-Tshuma, Noonan, Yeonas and Djerdjaj are a real solid and dangerous attacking 4 that combine well with each other especially Djerdjaj and Thsuma. 

-Stoneback and Donelan are two solid starting CB's but who will be playing wingback next season?

We do have to take a quick look at what happened in the Elite 8 because Head Coach Burk adjusted his whole lineup for the Tufts match. He sacked the LB Aquadro and put the speedy winger Yeonas at LB.  He then moved Djerdjaj up top with Thsuma and Noonan wide. Butera took Djerdjaj's spot and then both Bocchetti and Miranda were in midfield. That is a TON of moving parts and possibly made the game more uncomfortable than necessary for Conn.  Burk must not have liked the Aquadro v Lane(Tufts) matchup and while I agree I also do not see moving one of your best attacking players to wingback just for his speed. The better option would have been to just have Stokes and Aquadro take 2-3 steps back when defending quick wingers like Tasker and Lane and do the best they can.  Conn's starting lineup had been in a consistent stable place and to shake it up just for supposed matchup problems can/will have consequences sometimes. Kind of like Lane absolutely catching Yeonas napping two minutes into the game by scoring a beauty before Yeonas knew what had happened. That had to be a massive punch to the gut for the Head Coach but he's young and will learn and about 20 minutes in he got his original lineup on the field. IMO Conn outplayed Tufts 18 to 18 but Tufts was clinical finishing and defending and outplayed Conn where it matters. Conn's attacking third left a ton to be desired.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 27, 2019, 10:00:56 PM
Alex Blake(Williams 03') holds all these records for now.

Goals(Career)--81
Points(Career)--195
Points(Season)--63

I am going to have to call Giammattei something other than GG. I cant take it anymore..Gforce? how about just 'G" Does this kid have a nickname I can use? 

Anyway, he almost got Blake's Season Point Record with 57 and obviously tied his season scoring record at 26. Those career numbers are going to be tough especially with only two years left but if anyone can get it done its this kid. His most prized possession have to be those quick feet and when you watch him watch his feet when he is in the box.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 27, 2019, 10:34:03 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on December 18, 2019, 05:00:28 PM
Also must be mentioned Joe "the repo man" Braun was named national scholar player of the year. Affectionally known since his sophomore year as "the brain" Braun must have set the record for lowest GPA of any winner, eclipsing the bar set by fellow Jumbo Conor Coleman.  In Braun's defense at least he was good at soccer. I don't know how Coleman scammed his way into it.


Well done to Braun......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on December 27, 2019, 11:41:57 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 27, 2019, 09:51:02 PM
Conn Ramblings:


One story to go under the radar this season was Conn College. Kenny Murphy retired and handed over the reins to Reuben Burk. Burk, 27,  had only been at Conn for 1 year as an assistant and had bounced around like most young assistants do from school to school learning different styles and methods from as many Head Coaches as they can. These Assistants are trying to soak it up or at least that was what used to happen. Burk, who should forever live by the motto "life is about being in the right place at the right time" must have proven to Murphy and Conn his worth and that he knew what he was doing. You rarely see a Head Coach leave such a promising outfit, like Conn, with the potential to contend like Murphy did but here we are today. I was skeptical of the whole situation at first until I saw Conn play to open the season. Burk and his staff decided to turn Conn into a more possession oriented attacking team BUT you could tell he did not want Conn to lose its lock down defensive mindset in the process. I would say he succeeded expeditiously because overnight Conn was a much more entertaining team to watch and were still getting the results the team was used to.  To make a deep NCAA run while in the process of overhauling your team's identity is no easy task. An entertaining style IMO is important in attracting and keeping students and local community at your Home games. More fans with more passion = players getting more pumped to produce for the crowd. A group of alums starting to show up at random Saturday afternoon Home games = only way for current players to thank alums for the support is to play hard and win. Conn attendance at Home this year improved steadily throughout the year and no question the winning was a big part of it but a small part of me hopes the style also had a hand in that as well.

Conn has now proven they can make a deep NCAA run. The next hurdle is the NCAA Final 4 / Tufts and frankly Conn has a ton of work to do to get there. Let me take an outsiders go at Conn. By the end of the year Conn looked to be in a 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 depending upon how you look at it but tactically there was no difference. Marcucci in net..LB Aquadro, CB Donelan, CB Stoneback, RB Stokes. Holding was Bocchetti with Butera and Djerdjaj in midfield. Noonan and Yeonas out wide with Tshuma up top. That is a pretty solid starting 11.  Djerdjaj and Yeonas are studs. Noonan is a quick winger with skill who can finish, same goes for Thsuma. Conn is loaded in attack and are a really good countering team. The bench was ok but a bit thin. Ludwick played out wide and is a solid player that is a threat to score. Balbontin graduates with 9 career goals and 62 games played with 4 starts. To have 62 GP and 4 GS tells me Balbontin understood his role and did his job for the team. He was a good target and could hold the ball up top. Miranda comes off the bench or starts for Bocchetti sitting in front of the back 4. He is a good athlete that does his job. Conn also used a couple Frosh (Pinyochon, Robles,) that I have not seen enough of to get a read yet.   Marvel is a Frosh I have seen at Tabor Academy and is a skilled player but Conn needs more help from its bench in 2020 if they are going to contend.  Another issue is this team has a few to many players from Marion(MA),Malibu(CA), Riverside(CT), McLean(VA), Winnetka(IL) to name a few. More kids from the athletic rich St.Mary's Prep, like Stoneback, would be nice but this has always been an issue with Conn admissions. They need as many kids as they can get that can pay full pop. Still, bench production and roster manipulation are minor concerns in the big picture that can be fixed over time.

I think the one position that needs to be shored up is holding midfielder. Bocchetti and Miranda are both good athletic players with skill that need to be on the field but just not in this position. WAY to many teams(Tufts, Swathmore come to mind) absolutely sliced and diced thru the middle of Conn's defensive 3rd at will and were getting some decent looks. Conn's CB's need more help then what the holding midfielders are giving them defensively. Opposing teams and especially opposing players HAVE TO THINK TWICE about attacking thru the middle of the field and wide guys(think Lane and Tasker) need to think twice about cutting inside on Conn. Conn needs like a 90 minute Zach Trevorrow with those crazed Hawaiian game day eyes at holding midfielder. POINT--This position requires a nutter with a genuine desire to be competitive when your team is being challenged. Someone needs to step up here, tackle hard and hunt the ball. Maybe Miranda or Bocchetti can change their game a bit?

Captains this season were JR CB Donelan and SR RB Stokes. Interestingly, Conn loses 4 key Seniors but 2 of them have eligibility(Stokes and Aquadro). Butera is a big loss in midfield and would have to be in my Top 5 Set Piece takers in Nescac if I am looking for a goal from about 25-30 yards. He scored 2 against Catholic and Midd that I witnessed  Actually, since I mentioned Trevorrow(Tufts) he would be in my Top 5 set piece takers as well in Nescac. So Donelan will be Captain as a SR but does Marcucci join him? Personally, this is most definitely Augie Djerdjaj's team now if anyone had any doubts anyways so I would make him a Captain as a JR along with Donelan and Marcucci. Djerdjaj is an old school player who has all the attributes of a top Soccer player and is an absolute danger man in attack. He hits some of the sweetest thru balls in Nescac and can finish as he had 9 Goals. He needs to take this team over and has the perfect Nescac villain futbol name and talent to put daggers in Amherst, Tufts and the rest. More importantly, Djerdjaj does not mind throwing his body around. In the match at Tufts in the regular season, Conn and Djerdjaj dominated long stretches of the ball and play but just were not clinical in the final 3rd. Still, the one player I saw give Aroh(Tufts) a game was Djerdjaj. At the very least he kept Aroh a little more busy than usual and freed up more space on the field for his teammates. Strangely, Aroh's body language is sometimes quite humorous as he almost looks annoyed to have to clean up his teammates mistakes, as if the big King cannot be bothered and he points to his little minions(Van Brewer, Enge) to do all the gritty grunt work.

More Notes:

-Conn MUST commit to absolute fitness in the offseason. I see a couple players that would benefit from being in top fitness and could be better overall players.

-Even with all the possession, Conn managed to have less SOG than they did in 2018 and in more games. Is it concerning? not really but something to be aware of and more importantly...why? 

-Tshuma, Noonan, Yeonas and Djerdjaj are a real solid and dangerous attacking 4 that combine well with each other especially Djerdjaj and Thsuma. 

-Stoneback and Donelan are two solid starting CB's but who will be playing wingback next season?

We do have to take a quick look at what happened in the Elite 8 because Head Coach Burk adjusted his whole lineup for the Tufts match. He sacked the LB Aquadro and put the speedy winger Yeonas at LB.  He then moved Djerdjaj up top with Thsuma and Noonan wide. Butera took Djerdjaj's spot and then both Bocchetti and Miranda were in midfield. That is a TON of moving parts and possibly made the game more uncomfortable than necessary for Conn.  Burk must not have liked the Aquadro v Lane(Tufts) matchup and while I agree I also do not see moving one of your best attacking players to wingback just for his speed. The better option would have been to just have Stokes and Aquadro take 2-3 steps back when defending quick wingers like Tasker and Lane and do the best they can.  Conn's starting lineup had been in a consistent stable place and to shake it up just for supposed matchup problems can/will have consequences sometimes. Kind of like Lane absolutely catching Yeonas napping two minutes into the game by scoring a beauty before Yeonas knew what had happened. That had to be a massive punch to the gut for the Head Coach but he's young and will learn and about 20 minutes in he got his original lineup on the field. IMO Conn outplayed Tufts 18 to 18 but Tufts was clinical finishing and defending and outplayed Conn where it matters. Conn's attacking third left a ton to be desired.

Mr. Right:  When was the set piece goal you were referring to vs. Midd?  The teams played twice this year.  Djerdjaj scored from the run of play in a 2-1 loss at Midd, and the two teams played to a scoreless draw in NESCAC quarters at Conn, with Midd winning the penalty tie-breaker.  While Conn had an excellent year, I would also be on the lookout for Middlebury next year.  If they can figure out how to score a few goals, they will be even tougher to beat.  Against the other NCAA qualifying teams in the NESCAC, Midd went 2-2-2 (wins vs Amherst and Conn, ties vs Amherst and Conn, and two losses by 1 goal to Tufts, including 1 in OT.)  They struggled to finish off other teams, with 0-0 draws with Wesleyan and Bowdoin and 1-1 draws with Colby and Williams.  Midd loses 5 starters:  CB Aidan Robinson, along with D Davis Oudet, MF Henry Wilhelm, and Forwards Ben Potter and Drew Goulart.  The last 3 combined for 12 goals.  Their defense should be solid once again, as goalkeeper Ryan Grady, who wound up leading all NESCAC keepers in goals against average, save percentage, saves, minutes played, and shutouts, returns for his sophomore campaign.  2nd team All NESCAC center back Michael McFarlane returns along with Jack Spiridellis. Rising sophomores Ben Powers and Ben Taylor will be in the mix along with senior to be Kenan Ulku-Steiner.  In the midfield, Midd has Raffi Barsamian, who missed half the season due to injury, Liam Sloan, and Tanner Hellickson, along with a strong incoming recruiting class.  Up front, Brendan Barry, Brendan Reid, Max Drazen, Noah Hannam, and Jacob Charles all found the scoresheet this season.  If Midd can put the ball in the net consistently, look out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 28, 2019, 12:33:59 AM
I could be thinking of a different year or game...sometimes stuff blends.....I watched the Midd v Conn game in the regular season and now I do remember Djerdjaj goal and Midd winning in OT. I did not see the Nescac Quarter-Final game. I think the loss of Reid really hurt Midd at the end of the year.

I am not so bullish as yourself on Midd 2020...they lose 5 starters and all rather productive ones. Some have started for 3-4 years now. The replacements will have to find their stride but until they do the whole situation is a question mark...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on December 28, 2019, 01:13:24 AM
Well done to Mr. Right! I hope he finds himself awash in positive karma for finishing the year with a customarily strong effort.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on January 03, 2020, 04:53:20 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 28, 2019, 12:33:59 AM
I am not so bullish as yourself on Midd 2020...they lose 5 starters and all rather productive ones. Some have started for 3-4 years now. The replacements will have to find their stride but until they do the whole situation is a question mark...

Would tend to agree. They'll be solid, no doubt, but I think — going back even past the 2007 National Championship — the whole thing with Midd. is that they are tough to beat but putting the ball in the net is an issue. They did score 7 and 5 against Castleton and Maine Maritime this year, but those were the exceptions; the Panthers averaged 1.45 goals/game (and, excluding the two blowouts mentioned, that average was less than a goal a game!), while Tufts, for comparison, averaged 2.42. For comparison, Midd's 2007 team averaged 2.00, while the 2010 Elite 8 side averaged 2.11.

You could argue it's partly down to personnel, but their style doesn't make it easy; it's tough to go "hey we're gonna (intelligently) commit guys forward and try to score a lot of goals" when the whole system is seemingly predicated on being tough to break down. And hey, being tough to beat is important in the NESCAC, where teams have to scrap for points, but being able to win games by being good at both ends of the field is what makes the top teams different than those who pack it in and rely on set pieces and counters. You can be somewhat successful doing the latter, but your luck can just as easily run out.

I will say that Grady had a monster year and he is worth a few wins himself (in terms of making big saves which keep a shutout). Ultimately, if Midd. could better balance defensive solidity with a coherent attacking philosophy on a regular basis, I'd be a lot more sold, but — while I think they'll be an NCAA team again — I'm not sure that they're finishing above Tufts or Amherst (or even Conn.).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on January 03, 2020, 09:23:08 PM
The offensive starters they are losing did not put up monster numbers, and they have a very good recruiting class coming in.  This is Elias' 3rd year as head coach, so he has not had a chance to bring in a 4 year cycle of his recruits.  The graduating seniors were all part of Saward's last few years.  Midd knows they need to raise their offensive output.  My point was that if they do, their defense will make them a tough out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 06, 2020, 08:31:35 AM
Quote from: Ommadawn on December 28, 2019, 01:13:24 AM
Well done to Mr. Right! I hope he finds himself awash in positive karma for finishing the year with a customarily strong effort.


who is finished???  LOL.....When I have the time I feel like I am just getting started this off-season.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 06, 2020, 08:46:48 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on January 03, 2020, 09:23:08 PM
The offensive starters they are losing did not put up monster numbers, and they have a very good recruiting class coming in.  This is Elias' 3rd year as head coach, so he has not had a chance to bring in a 4 year cycle of his recruits.  The graduating seniors were all part of Saward's last few years.  Midd knows they need to raise their offensive output.  My point was that if they do, their defense will make them a tough out.


Agreed....Elias deserves time to bring in his "type" of recruits. Year 3 is usually when you feel comfortable with what you are trying to accomplish. Based on his video the kid from CA looks to be a player as does the kid from FL. I have not seen anyone else but those 2 recruits are a start. The kid from CA will help right away. Midd's spine is losing Robinson and Wilhelm. Who is replacing them? Potter and Goulart were two dangerous wide guys with skill and speed. Potter was even used in the middle of the field and up top. You are correct the scoring production could have been better but as Bloots said the tactics might have some to do with it. Still Goulart finished with 5 Goals and his career numbers are pretty solid. It is not easy replacing 5 starters so my point was until these replacements PROVE they can produce and win the whole situation is a massive question mark...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 06, 2020, 08:54:18 AM
I will say props to Elias/Conrad or whoever is producing these recruiting gems....ready to lace them up....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwERK-2DBAg



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 06, 2020, 08:58:34 AM
Props to Bates and its donors for stripping Russell Street Field and getting a solid surface down...Players appreciate this type of effort by admin to help the program...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooc54PQVUls


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on January 07, 2020, 02:35:39 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on December 15, 2019, 10:37:44 AMAnd Shapiro moving on wouldn't hurt.

It looks like your wish has come true!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on January 07, 2020, 11:30:23 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on January 06, 2020, 08:54:18 AM
I will say props to Elias/Conrad or whoever is producing these recruiting gems....ready to lace them up....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwERK-2DBAg

Very nice indeed.  Anyone know the music used?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 09, 2020, 07:24:11 AM
Shapiro to Harvard is a logical conclusion. Shapiro did about as much in 10 years at Tufts as he could do and frankly there was nothing left to accomplish.

- He takes over a Harvard program with absolutely no expectations. They can only get better which is kind of like the situation he took over at Tufts. Harvard is not really known for supporting Men's Soccer but after all the "incidents" and bad media associated with the program, right now all they need is STABILITY and LEADERSHIP. Shapiro offers that and much much more. Harvard wrapped this up pretty quickly and my guess is they went after him. Hopefully, he negotiated and got some promises for the program going forward. He needs support from Admissions and that would have to be his first concern. When Harvard went after Tommy Amaker in Basketball they gave him EVERYTHING he wanted....He got his wife a job at the University, facility upgrades and most importantly support from Admissions. Amaker has snuck in some players that have no business being at Harvard and Harvard Men's Basketball has benefited. I am in no way comparing the two sports or men but my point is if Harvard really did go after Shapiro I really hope he got some of what he wanted.

-Harvard, Yale and Princeton have a huge advantage in recruiting, just like Amherst and Williams should enjoy.  Basically, if a Head Coach in Men's Soccer cannot win the Ivies at either of those 3 schools there is something wrong. What kid turns down Harvard? Maybe a legit D1 athlete looking to go pro? ACC/Pac 12 kids but other than that MOST kids would have to really think hard about turning down the opportunity to attend Harvard. POINT--He can absolutely emulate what he did at Tufts. You find 3-4 absolute D1 studs(ACC type recruits) and surround them with 15 legitimate D1 role players. Kind of like an Ivy "Georgetown". Shapiro will have an abundance of options and players to choose from that other schools do not enjoy.

-I have watched enough Tufts matches to know that his playing style/tactics will transfer to the Ivies without any major hiccups. Harvard roster is not good right now and I believe Tufts beat them in a Spring scrimmage last year. IMO the best parting gift Shapiro could give to his Tufts family would be to schedule a Harvard v Tufts regular season match in 2020. Only ONE GAME for ONE YEAR. The two schools used to play every year until the late 80's. D1's have nothing to gain and everything to lose by scheduling a D3 opponent but Harvard in 2020 will not be competing for any NCAA At-large bids so their non-conference schedule should not matter as much. Harvard 2020 is going to look a lot like Tufts did in 2010. They will be very organized and hungry but lacking the talent to compete for Ivy titles or NCAA at-large bids.  Harvard could host and you know the D3 boys will have that game circled but knowing Shapiro he would motivate his bunch to get up for it.

Does he take any D3 players with him??? Doubtful but how many kids turn down Harvard even as a transfer?  Kid has to really think about it hard....One last farewell gift from Shapiro to Serpone would be to poach Giammattei from Amherst. That would be a massive punch to the ribs. However, it is unlikely as Giammattei has already proven how loyal he is to Amherst before he enrolled by not de-committing when he easily could have.  Giammattei could score goals in the Ivies...8-10 Goals would be my guess....

-Since we are talking Ivies...SHOUT OUT to Dartmouth Men's Soccer and Head Coach Bo Oshoniyi. The longtime MLS'er and former player for Ray Reid at D2 So.Conn St has transformed Dartmouth's playing style. For years we had seen the tedious style of Jeff Cook's sides and even Chad Riley but in 2019 Dartmouth Men's Soccer looked like an old school Ray Reid side with an abundance of possession. UCONN/ Reid used to over possess but this is really a great thing to see up at Hanover. They are keeping the ball on the ground and trying to play some futbol. Shapiro/Tufts sides usually always love to play possession teams(think Hopkins) because they were so good at forcing giveaways and hunting the ball...So Harvard v Dartmouth 2020 should be a MOTW in the Ivies....

-There is so much potential to WIN at Harvard. Just nine years ago Harvard was ranked #10 in the Nation and just had opened their new field...Even the legendary Carl Junot makes an appearance...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9DnKQ3Cnb4

No. 10 Harvard Men's Soccer Highlights vs. No. 13 Stanford
10th-ranked Harvard defeated 13th-ranked Stanford, 2-1, in its season opener, Sept. 4, 2010, in front of 3,221 fans in the first night game at Harvard's new Soccer Complex in Cambridge, Mass.
www.youtube.com


Without Junot we would not have Shapiro or Tufts winning anything.....Just a reminder how one decision in life by one individual can have either massive benefits or horrific ramifications for so many others...just roll the dice baby....


NEXT----What does this mean for Tufts Men's Soccer?   Do they keep this in-house? Shapiro's former assistant who went to Emerson will probably apply but in 3 years at Emerson he has done a ton of losing. AD's are not usually fighting hard or thrilled about announcing a brand new Head Coach for the program that is not a winner.   10 Nescac Coaches are much happier this morning because not only does Shapiro exit stage right he takes that recruiting pipeline of New Jersey players and Georgetown scraps with him......

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: truenorth on January 10, 2020, 04:30:11 PM
That's an interesting update on Shapiro to Harvard.  He's a great choice for all the obvious reasons and I think he'll be successful in rebuilding the program.

That said, I don't completely agree that HPY have a substantial advantage over the other Ivies.  To some extent Princeton does, because they have the largest endowment per undergrad and are currently very aggressive about their overall athletic program.  But most of the Ivies are now assuring a "debt free" future for their students, and some student athletes simply like the vibe more at Brown, Dartmouth, Penn, Columbia or Cornell.

It largely comes down to the personality and recruiting personality of the coach.  My older son played for Mike Noonan at Brown, and Noonan was a master recruiter.  He'd tell every athlete and their family whatever they wanted to hear.  The current coach Pat Laughlin is not an effective recruiter, and it shows in the decline in the program.  Based on what I've heard and read, Shapiro is likely to be a very effective Ivy recruiter.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on January 10, 2020, 04:47:18 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on January 03, 2020, 09:23:08 PM
The offensive starters they are losing did not put up monster numbers, and they have a very good recruiting class coming in.  This is Elias' 3rd year as head coach, so he has not had a chance to bring in a 4 year cycle of his recruits.  The graduating seniors were all part of Saward's last few years.  Midd knows they need to raise their offensive output.  My point was that if they do, their defense will make them a tough out.

True, but Alex was doing the lion share of the recruiting during Dave's last years. To say Goulart, Potter, Robinson, etc were Saward's recruits and not Elias's is a bit of a disingenuous statement.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 13, 2020, 11:00:43 PM
The only way Tufts can keep this in-house would be to promote the current Assistant Jordan Ciuffetelli and give him a veteran consigliere as a top assistant to help him navigate. I really do not know if that would be the greatest idea UNLESS Ciuffetelli is mature and ready and most importantly wants it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on January 15, 2020, 09:39:59 PM
NESCAC landed 8 players on D3Soccer.com All America teams.  First team included Giammattei, Aroh, Tasker, and Marcucci.  Third team included Braun, Paoletta, Coleman, and Grady.  Full list follows. https://www.d3soccer.com/awards/all-america/2019/2019-Mens-AA (https://www.d3soccer.com/awards/all-america/2019/2019-Mens-AA)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 22, 2020, 06:32:36 AM
This 2020 Colby facility project is something else... click on the 8 pics where it says  Indoor Competition Center...


https://www.colby.edu/cac/

One school goes full throttle on facilities and blinking lights while a rival gets very creative with what they are trying to accomplish given what they are working with.


https://www.bates.edu/campaign/



Colby project is just insane and will most definitely have an impact for ALL sports in recruiting. Bates project is strategic and wise.  They look to be trying to show direct student investment, especially the $75 million pumped into financial aid, which will also have an impact for ALL sports in recruiting. The last 5-10 years Colby, Trinity and Midd have just gone all out on these facilities spending millions of dollars but it has got to hit them down the road elsewhere in the budget.  Now Bates has just invested $75 million into aid and might be able to out bid u for a kid. More and more families are looking bottom line right now and Bates is showing they get it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 22, 2020, 06:48:32 AM
Bates investment in a new field is not cheap and I really applaud that. Since Bates looks to have the wallet out is there anything that can be done about the crowd/stands. There is nothing worse than going to a random match in Europe and seeing a pitch inside a track.  Bates has a track but I do not understand why the crowd has to watch from 30 yards away in the bleachers. I think it would be great for the players to get the support from their fans and great for the fans to get real tight to the field not 30 yards away from it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 22, 2020, 07:37:40 AM
While we are talking fields it looks like 9 out of 11 schools in Nescac are on grass fields with the turf option for mid-week night games. Only Midd and Tufts use turf. I know Tufts players love Bello but I would like to see the school invest in a little Men's Soccer park with a brand new pitch. Space is obviously tight but it would be great to see the best program in the country right now get its own field. In the meantime, without a press box at Bello the JumboCast cannot get a solid view of the game so I am hoping that there is a fix to this. Maybe the tower? I think in 2015 they used the tower.

With Conn trying to possess more it is imperative they get on a good field. I have not been to Conn's field for a few years so maybe it has changed. If not then they could always use the turf. Conn is much more crisp with their passing and look more dangerous on turf. Still I would hesitate to move off campus. They can still draw well for some games and the on campus location has always been fantastic. Homecoming against Bowdoin Tshuma scored in the 91st minute in front of I would guess 700-800 fans.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 27, 2020, 11:42:26 AM
NOTE: When googling Bates Men's Soccer what comes up? Why Bates Women's Soccer at gobatesbobcats.com

Is this a total office backstabbing in motion or just SID incompetence? Probably both.anyhow needs to be fixed....When is Bates going to re-introduce Men's Hockey? I think the program went caputo in 1986 but I think its time...off topic but if Brandeis wants to keep pushing forward they should add Men's Lax. If they could work out an agreement with UAA to play lax only local it would work for a while until the next step is ready.Side Note:Brandeis had Football in the 50's and I think Men's Hockey until the 70's until both were dumped for $$$.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on January 28, 2020, 11:40:38 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on January 27, 2020, 11:42:26 AM
NOTE: When googling Bates Men's Soccer what comes up? Why Bates Women's Soccer at gobatesbobcats.com

Is this a total office backstabbing in motion or just SID incompetence? Probably both.anyhow needs to be fixed....When is Bates going to re-introduce Men's Hockey? I think the program went caputo in 1986 but I think its time...
Seems like bad SEO. You'd expect the Bates Athletics department to be on its act more, but we are all human I guess. Still, not a great look, particularly for players' "first" impressions. I believe they still have club hockey for both men and women...but ice arenas are expensive so I have to imagine that they have people from outside leasing ice time. Then again, I believe Lewiston (a hockey hotbed) and St. Dom's (private school in Auburn, also a hockey hotbed) both play at the Colisee, also in Lewiston, which is bigger and was even the temporary home of the AHL Portland Pirates. Anyway, I imagine someone besides Bates Club Hockey has to be using the ice there, because lacking a D3 program I can't see how it's financially worthwhile to keep it open otherwise. Maybe Bobcat knows more? Looks like it was built in 1995.

Quote from: Mr.Right on January 27, 2020, 11:42:26 AMoff topic but if Brandeis wants to keep pushing forward they should add Men's Lax. If they could work out an agreement with UAA to play lax only local it would work for a while until the next step is ready.Side Note:Brandeis had Football in the 50's and I think Men's Hockey until the 70's until both were dumped for $$$.
Currently there is both men's and women's club lax but not sure how active they are. Surprising the UAA doesn't have it anywhere! Would love to see lax at Brandeis — I liked lax even before getting into soccer — but I think they are of the mindset of trying to do a few sports well before expanding. Both soccer programs have improved a lot in the last 10 years (even w/the last two seasons), both tennis teams were ranked top 10 last year, basketball has really surprised in the last year or so, and track always has some NCAA-caliber individuals. Maybe we will start to see an expansion soon? Not familiar with the (former) hockey program but you are correct that football was around in the 50s...they sell a shirt at the bookstore that says "Brandeis Football, undefeated since 1959."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on February 03, 2020, 09:19:27 PM
Conn college field is bad... probably about second worst in conference now along with Amherst. Wesleyan pitch is easily last place... just horrible surface, tiny, terrible field. Amherst field can actually be okay at the start of the season but by the time playoffs roll around, forget about it. Kraft was probably almost as bad as the Wesleyan field. Nice to see Trinity, Bates, and Colby all laying out new surfaces - it can really make a difference in how the game goes, and that overhanging tree on the old Trinity field was just ridiculous.

Compare this to 5 years, when I would say there were 2 good fields in the conference 2-3 fine ones, and the rest were bad. Now there are potentially 6 good fields, 1-2 fine ones, and Wes, Midd, and Conn (Amherst is the borderline case as that pitch really takes a beating and is fine early season, but pretty bad by the end).

Here's the thing on the top of my off-season wish list: the Mr. Right All-NESCAC Team-of-the-Decade. Players must have played at least 2 seasons from 2010-2019 seasons. Pretty contentious, tough to pick, sure to inspire lots of heated debate. I'll throw out a bunch of names I think should make it: GG, NPL, Devlin, Brewster. Probably Aoyama. Okay go...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on February 12, 2020, 06:28:28 AM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on February 03, 2020, 09:19:27 PM
Conn college field is bad... probably about second worst in conference now along with Amherst. Wesleyan pitch is easily last place... just horrible surface, tiny, terrible field. Amherst field can actually be okay at the start of the season but by the time playoffs roll around, forget about it. Kraft was probably almost as bad as the Wesleyan field. Nice to see Trinity, Bates, and Colby all laying out new surfaces - it can really make a difference in how the game goes, and that overhanging tree on the old Trinity field was just ridiculous.

Compare this to 5 years, when I would say there were 2 good fields in the conference 2-3 fine ones, and the rest were bad. Now there are potentially 6 good fields, 1-2 fine ones, and Wes, Midd, and Conn (Amherst is the borderline case as that pitch really takes a beating and is fine early season, but pretty bad by the end).

Here's the thing on the top of my off-season wish list: the Mr. Right All-NESCAC Team-of-the-Decade. Players must have played at least 2 seasons from 2010-2019 seasons. Pretty contentious, tough to pick, sure to inspire lots of heated debate. I'll throw out a bunch of names I think should make it: GG, NPL, Devlin, Brewster. Probably Aoyama. Okay go...


Yea I would need some time with this question...Why do the players have to had played 2 years? That is basically shutting out the Senior talent in the year 2010 and Bowdoin/Williams 2010 Seniors would get the shaft..lol...the rules are important for a question like this as am I picking a lineup to win a must game tomorrow or am I picking a lineup with stats galore? A mix? I will give an example with my GK selection....

GK Top 3---Marcucci, Van Siclen, Bull....sleeper picks: Purdy(Wesleyan), Greenwood(Tufts),Hicks(Bowdoin).. ..I would choose Marcucci as the most talented GK of the 3 BUT I would rather Bull or Van Siclen if I have a must win game tomorrow...

Yea I need some time with this one but I already know my front 3 is heavy Amherst......NPL, Giammattei and Noon...I think the best way is to go thru each of the 11 programs and pick about 25-30 players and then whittle it down from there. Some programs will have no representation.

Sleeper picks from the bottom:
Mayernick(Trinity), Meisel(Colby) maybe Murphy(Bates)...These guys will not make the team but are honorable mention.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on February 12, 2020, 06:47:00 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on January 28, 2020, 11:40:38 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on January 27, 2020, 11:42:26 AM
NOTE: When googling Bates Men's Soccer what comes up? Why Bates Women's Soccer at gobatesbobcats.com

Is this a total office backstabbing in motion or just SID incompetence? Probably both.anyhow needs to be fixed....When is Bates going to re-introduce Men's Hockey? I think the program went caputo in 1986 but I think its time...
Seems like bad SEO. You'd expect the Bates Athletics department to be on its act more, but we are all human I guess. Still, not a great look, particularly for players' "first" impressions. I believe they still have club hockey for both men and women...but ice arenas are expensive so I have to imagine that they have people from outside leasing ice time. Then again, I believe Lewiston (a hockey hotbed) and St. Dom's (private school in Auburn, also a hockey hotbed) both play at the Colisee, also in Lewiston, which is bigger and was even the temporary home of the AHL Portland Pirates. Anyway, I imagine someone besides Bates Club Hockey has to be using the ice there, because lacking a D3 program I can't see how it's financially worthwhile to keep it open otherwise. Maybe Bobcat knows more? Looks like it was built in 1995.

Quote from: Mr.Right on January 27, 2020, 11:42:26 AMoff topic but if Brandeis wants to keep pushing forward they should add Men's Lax. If they could work out an agreement with UAA to play lax only local it would work for a while until the next step is ready.Side Note:Brandeis had Football in the 50's and I think Men's Hockey until the 70's until both were dumped for $$$.
Currently there is both men's and women's club lax but not sure how active they are. Surprising the UAA doesn't have it anywhere! Would love to see lax at Brandeis — I liked lax even before getting into soccer — but I think they are of the mindset of trying to do a few sports well before expanding. Both soccer programs have improved a lot in the last 10 years (even w/the last two seasons), both tennis teams were ranked top 10 last year, basketball has really surprised in the last year or so, and track always has some NCAA-caliber individuals. Maybe we will start to see an expansion soon? Not familiar with the (former) hockey program but you are correct that football was around in the 50s...they sell a shirt at the bookstore that says "Brandeis Football, undefeated since 1959."


I get it Bloots slow and steady BUT Brandeis has 3 Men's Sports(Basketball, Baseball and Soccer)....I think Men's Lax would be perfect and someone should be pushing this from their club level...Schools respond to numerous complaints rather quickly these days...Especially from top donors...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ole Ollie on February 16, 2020, 01:36:26 PM
Brandeis had a varsity men's lacrosse team when I attended in the 70s; Coven was the coach.  It may have been a Title IX casualty.  Brandeis has never had varsity hockey, men or women (or a rink for that matter).  Brandeis has eight men sports ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on February 19, 2020, 01:11:07 PM
My son just got a (mass) email from Coach Shapiro announcing Coach Ciuffetelli (Tufts' Asst)  has moved over to Harvard to be Assistant Coach there. Thus leaving Tufts without its Head and Asst Coaches.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on February 19, 2020, 03:44:50 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on February 19, 2020, 01:11:07 PM
My son just got a (mass) email from Coach Shapiro announcing Coach Ciuffetelli (Tufts' Asst)  has moved over to Harvard to be Assistant Coach there. Thus leaving Tufts without its Head and Asst Coaches.

My old neighbor!

Not entirely surprising — you'd figure that the head coach will look to retain his or her staff even if moving. At least that's what's I've observed — obviously not the case in every situation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on February 19, 2020, 05:24:57 PM
D-III related side-note / rabbit trail on Coach Jordie Ciuffetelli.  The Pennsylvania product had spent his entire scholastic, collegiate, professional playing and collegiate coaching career in Pennsylvania before getting the job at Tufts. In 2014, during a 3-year spell as an assistant coach at D-III Muhlenberg, he interned at the Chris Campbell Memorial Field in Khayelitsha, South Africa.  Chris Campbell was the Franklin & Marshall soccer player who passed away suddenly on the eve of his senior year back in 2007.  F&M's soccer program, led by coach Dan Wagner, had started a South Africa Project earlier that year with plans to travel to Khayelitsha in 2008 to run some soccer clinics and play some competitive games in the Cape Town area.  After Chris' passing, the team joined forces with Chris' family, high school and community to form the CTC Ten Foundation (https://ctcten.org/) and raised money to build a turf soccer field in Khayelitsha.  The F&M soccer team traveled there over Spring Break in 2008 and later that year the Chris Campbell Memorial Field was constructed.  The CTC Ten Foundation partnered with the AMANDLA EduFootball to launch the German non-profit's Safe-Hub (https://www.safe-hub.org/en/welcome/) program in conjunction with the field.  From its opening until last year, the CTC Ten Foundation kept a pair of interns in Khayelitsha to be part of the Safe-Hub staff. Ciuffetelli was one of those interns for part of 2014. As was always the goal, CTC Ten interns are no longer necessary as staff is now made up of mostly locals.  The F&M soccer team returns to Khayelitsha, South Africa every three years on their allowed overseas trip.  After trips in 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2017, this year should mean another trip to South Africa by F&M.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on February 20, 2020, 10:48:45 AM
Thanks for sharing, FW. That's fascinating and heart-warming.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on March 12, 2020, 02:27:55 PM
Really excited with the hiring of Coach dezotell to take over the reigns at Tufts. Seems like a great guy and will be taking over a well stocked program. Tufts loses the most successful senior class in NESCAC history but still brings back a stacked team and rising senior class. Coach Shapiro left plenty of talent for coach dezotell to take over in the short term but the long term success will come down to his ability to recruit the kind of players that have taken the program to this level. On the bright side, alumni support for the program is high and Tufts just invested in a massive new indoor turf space that will be a game changer for the program.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on March 13, 2020, 07:36:27 PM
The fact that Dezotell was Middlebury's all-time leading goalscorer and a member of the national-caliber Nordic ski team is really impressive. As a former Nordie myself I am amazed at how much commitment college Nordic takes, so to balance two completely different sports as successfully as he did is barely comprehensible. Seems like a great appointment, and the quotes from the others (including his former coach) in the press release say a lot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on April 02, 2020, 11:26:31 AM
A pretty cool award https://www.army.mil/article/234096/cadet_of_the_week_aidan_welsh
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on May 19, 2020, 06:49:48 PM
With the transfer of Jules Oberg from Williams to Yale (just announced on Twitter), it appears that the Ephs have an opening on the back line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 18, 2020, 08:38:14 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on February 19, 2020, 01:11:07 PM
My son just got a (mass) email from Coach Shapiro announcing Coach Ciuffetelli (Tufts' Asst)  has moved over to Harvard to be Assistant Coach there. Thus leaving Tufts without its Head and Asst Coaches.


1. I see this and wonder if he even applied for the Tufts gig? Did Shapiro provide guidance on what he thought the committee would be looking for or was it always in the works that the kid would follow Shapiro to Harvard?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 18, 2020, 08:49:47 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on March 12, 2020, 02:27:55 PM
Really excited with the hiring of Coach dezotell to take over the reigns at Tufts. Seems like a great guy and will be taking over a well stocked program. Tufts loses the most successful senior class in NESCAC history but still brings back a stacked team and rising senior class. Coach Shapiro left plenty of talent for coach dezotell to take over in the short term but the long term success will come down to his ability to recruit the kind of players that have taken the program to this level. On the bright side, alumni support for the program is high and Tufts just invested in a massive new indoor turf space that will be a game changer for the program.


Yes...Tufts managed to kind of keep it in the family(well half Midd family)...I am going to miss watching Lane become a lethal finisher following random bursts of raw athleticism and also the lighting speed of Tasker. Even I will miss Braun bullying his way up top and Rojas patrolling midfield with a calmness but fierce competitiveness. Jameson leading and moving the troops forward and who could forget the tranquil and steady Drew Stern commanding his area on the backline. Trevarrow adding a finished microwave project off the bench with sparks and fury.  This will all be missed but Tufts is still loaded with talent just waiting for a chance to prove it and there will be a ton to prove with a new Head Coach and how he decides to manage the whole situation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 18, 2020, 08:57:20 AM
Quote from: blooter442 on March 13, 2020, 07:36:27 PM
The fact that Dezotell was Middlebury's all-time leading goalscorer and a member of the national-caliber Nordic ski team is really impressive. As a former Nordie myself I am amazed at how much commitment college Nordic takes, so to balance two completely different sports as successfully as he did is barely comprehensible. Seems like a great appointment, and the quotes from the others (including his former coach) in the press release say a lot.


It must be said that Dezotell did a fantastic job at Ithaca and deserves his chance at keeping the Tufts soccer program at the top of D3. He did a ton of winning at Norwich, granted in a weak league, but at a school that is very hard to build a program. Which is why I thought(and maybe he thought) he would be next in line for the Midd job. He is after all a legendary Middlebury player under Saward. However, Midd had other plans and
went with Elias and passed on Dezotell. It is as simple as that. There has to be a least some friction leftover(always is..in anything in life) hopefully that will keep the Midd / Tufts game the battle it has become every year now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on June 18, 2020, 09:07:18 AM
Quote from: Ommadawn on May 19, 2020, 06:49:48 PM
With the transfer of Jules Oberg from Williams to Yale (just announced on Twitter), it appears that the Ephs have an opening on the back line.


Yes this is a massive disappointment for any Williams fan. Oberg and Gass were Williams two best players and they are both gone. Williams is going to have to dig deep because they lose other key veterans and will need to turn IMO into a more grinding team(which IMO is what Sullivan wants) that will force their opponents to work for every piece of the field they are trying to gain. They will not have the most talent but still have enough to make it real difficult on any team especially on Cole.

Oberg will get his Yale diploma and you cannot fault the kid on the transfer. You could ask questions of why not just going to Yale from the get go. I am sure there are other factors playing into this decision but still a heart breaker for Sullivan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Striker22 on June 22, 2020, 10:51:06 AM
Just saw announcement from Bowdoin re: Fall Athletics.  Please see below.  You have to feel bad for the young men and women affected but I understand the safety concerns.  What do people think the likelihood will be of this rippling through all NESCAC teams?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Important Announcement Regarding Fall 2020 Semester
Posted: Jun 22, 2020 
BRUNSWICK, Maine - Bowdoin College has released plans for the 2020 fall semester in an announcement from President Clayton Rose that can be found below.

Fall 2020 Announcement
Due to limits on campus attendance, sports in fall semester have been canceled with "opportunity for the winter, spring, and possibly fall varsity athletes to participate and compete in some form after January 1."

The full section on Athletics is here:
Unfortunately, we will not be participating in fall and winter varsity sports during the fall semester. This is one of the very disappointing outcomes of our plan. Athletics is a central part of the Bowdoin experience for many of our students and for the College more generally. NESCAC has not yet determined what will happen with conference play or how coaches in this extraordinary semester may interact with athletes on fall, winter, and spring teams during the fall semester, but I am hopeful that there will be significant opportunities this fall for coaches to work with those athletes who are both on and off campus. Varsity athletes living on campus are likely to have in-person workout opportunities with coaches, but unfortunately, students living off campus will not be permitted to participate in on-campus workouts. Last week, NESCAC released the following statement regarding the fall semester:

NESCAC institutions continue to focus on plans for the 2020–2021 academic year with the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and their communities the primary concern. As institutions finalize their plans for the coming year, federal, state, and local health guidance, as well as institutional policies, will guide their independent decisions regarding reopening. 

Athletics engagement is an important part of the experience for many of our students, and member institutions remain committed to this experience. However, this will not be a traditional fall on campus in any respect, including for athletics. The conference continues to develop plans for the return to athletics, including possible modifications to NESCAC rules to allow institutions flexibility to provide for meaningful experiences for students within school policies and federal, state, and local health directives. We expect to have more details in the weeks ahead and will share information as it becomes available.

As I have already noted, I am hopeful that there will be an opportunity for the winter, spring, and possibly fall varsity athletes to participate and compete in some form after January 1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on June 22, 2020, 12:02:24 PM
Quote from: Striker22 on June 22, 2020, 10:51:06 AM
Just saw announcement from Bowdoin re: Fall Athletics.  Please see below.  You have to feel bad for the young men and women affected but I understand the safety concerns.  What do people think the likelihood will be of this rippling through all NESCAC teams?

Portland Press Herald article: https://www.pressherald.com/2020/06/22/bowdoin-cancels-fall-varsity-athletics-all-sports-on-hold-until-at-least-jan-1/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on June 22, 2020, 04:36:27 PM
FYI - from what I am told from many conversations today: the entire NESCAC group is not exactly on board with the Bowdoin decision at this time. There are some others who very well may follow Bowdoin down this road in the coming days (I was told two might announce today, but so far nothing). However, I am told there are others who are not of this mindset and do want to have fall sports and winter sports in action as close to normal as possible (this being a wide-open concept at this time).

I think you will find the NESCAC not speaking as one on this topic and what is best for their institutions unlike what we saw this spring and in the past.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on June 23, 2020, 01:55:31 PM
Tufts just put out a message that all students will be returning to campus Sept 8th as normal. Club and intramural sports have been cancelled for the fall but varsity sports are still pending further guidance from the NESCAC and the NCAA.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on June 29, 2020, 11:36:21 AM
Williams has announced that varsity sports will not compete in the fall.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4231CenterBack on June 29, 2020, 08:22:10 PM
Entire NESCAC cancels Fall sports.  Announcement coming soon.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on June 30, 2020, 10:45:42 AM
Announcement from Bates

Varsity Athletics
While a decision has not been made regarding the fall varsity season by our conference, the New England Small College Athletic Conference, public health restrictions may make it impossible to offer intercollegiate athletic competition in fall 2020.

Under the circumstances, our goal is to do all we can to support the team ideal and the positive, welcoming, and competitive culture of varsity sports at Bates.

What we know we can do as of today
Varsity teams can hold in-person gatherings, respecting campus guidelines.
Student-athletes may meet with coaches.
Student-athletes may engage in strength and conditioning workouts and other in-person activities to hone physical skills and abilities.
Teams may practice in groups if it remains possible to respect campus guidelines in place at the time.
To support and expand such opportunities, NESCAC recently revised its own regulations in order to give varsity teams more opportunities to be together outside their traditional season.

Varsity teams will be able to schedule athletic facilities for out-of-season activities, allowing us to control the number of people using a facility at one time and comply with state, local, and institutional facilities-use restrictions.
Varsity coaches will be allowed to supervise out-of-season activities in their sports.  Student-athlete activity will be limited to that which is overseen by coaches and certified athletic trainers.
Winter sports will be allowed to start practices Oct. 15, rather than Nov. 1.
In order to account for changing academic calendars, winter sports would be allowed to start competition on Friday, Nov. 13, rather than Nov. 20, as Bates and other conference schools will transition to remote learning after Thanksgiving (Nov. 26). The change will increase competition opportunities before Thanksgiving, should the winter varsity season go forward.
What we might be able to do
We may be able to sponsor limited competition in selected sports where safety protocols allow.  Individual return-to-play protocols around each varsity sport will need to be followed in order to move from team gatherings to practices and then to competitions.
We may be able to allow a fall sport to be played in the spring. In the event a NESCAC fall team is unable to compete this fall, the conference could allow those to compete in the spring, should Bates choose to do so. This would require an NCAA waiver as well.
The Department of Athletics will update student-athletes as more information becomes available.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 30, 2020, 10:52:44 AM
Unfortunate timing, but I wanted to congratulate Colby folks and fans on the grand opening of their new athletics center which no doubt has toppled Kenyon (and whoever else would be in the running) for #1 D3 athletics complex in the country.  My son came within a hair of going to Colby, and while Kenyon ended up being absolutely the right place for him athletically and academically, I have maintained an interest in and affection for Colby.  IMO Colby always has been an extremely attractive, well-respected school (and perhaps my favorite among NESCACs), but over the last decade Colby has invested heavily under strong and innovative leadership to rocket into the rarefied air of the top 12-15 LACs.  Scroll down the page of the link below and you can see pics of the new facility.

https://gocolbymules.com/landing/index

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on June 30, 2020, 12:14:17 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on June 30, 2020, 10:52:44 AM
Unfortunate timing, but I wanted to congratulate Colby folks and fans on the grand opening of their new athletics center which no doubt has toppled Kenyon (and whoever else would be in the running) for #1 D3 athletics complex in the country.  My son came within a hair of going to Colby, and while Kenyon ended up being absolutely the right place for him athletically and academically, I have maintained an interest in and affection for Colby.  IMO Colby always has been an extremely attractive, well-respected school (and perhaps my favorite among NESCACs), but over the last decade Colby has invested heavily under strong and innovative leadership to rocket into the rarefied air of the top 12-15 LACs.  Scroll down the page of the link below and you can see pics of the new facility.

https://gocolbymules.com/landing/index

Thanks for the kind words PN.  Colby's current leadership has absolutely been transformative, from dramatically more competitive admissions rates to continued remarkable improvements (like the new Athletics Center) in the physical plant.  For the Class of 2024, there were nearly 14,000 applicants and approximately 9% were admitted.  In the 2020 US News Liberal Arts College rankings, Colby sits at #11, just behind Bowdoin and Middlebury (with Williams and Amherst #1 and 2, respectively).  Today Colby posted its plan to return to campus for the Fall:  https://www.colby.edu/president/2020/06/30/official-notice-the-plan-for-returning-to-campus/.  Fall sports programs have not been finally defined, but clearly they will look much different.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 05, 2020, 11:11:13 AM
I would guess Conn College is ONE Nescac that could play this Fall..Without having to satisfy Football needs and concerns they could play Soccer and Field Hockey without any major issues. Then you would as a school have to ask yourself to we want to take on the risks and for what gains? Athletes want to play and personally if I cannot play I want to know now so I can at least have the option of taking a gap year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on July 06, 2020, 06:56:04 AM
IMO It is looking more and more that until there is a vaccine or complete confidence in "herd immunity" that Nescac athletics will be suspended until further notice. This will easily take us into 2021 with recruiting classes starting to pile up. So many unknowns except ONE. If you are a Nescac Coach in any Sport you basically have nothing to do. Put your feet up on the desk kitten...job well done..in reality you better get ready to learn about household chores you had no idea existed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on July 06, 2020, 10:05:39 AM
Not entirely true. While the NESCAC president's have agreed to prohibit all in-person recruiting, authorized communications include email, phone, electronic, written and social media. So if I'm a NESCAC coach, I'm begging recruits to send full game videos - sure as heck beats the household chores.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on July 06, 2020, 10:59:48 AM
The NESCAC coaches are definitely busy recruiting!!

Some are on their A game, with lots of Zoom seminars and panels etc. Others are fairly quiet. One coach did tell my son that he's submitted many fewer prereads than normal due to COVID.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on July 06, 2020, 08:10:27 PM
While many may feel the NESCAC will act as a group on this, I think the clues they are not this time around are clearly there. The NESCAC has already stated they expecting schools to make decisions that are in the best interest for their institutions. Schools like Bowdoin and others have made announcements, but not nearly at the same time. And other schools have already indicated they aren't taking the same approach.

I have also talked to individuals in the conference ... my sense is the schools are NOT on the same page. There are some, like Bowdoin, who can take a hit financially by shutting sports down. There are others who cannot do the same and will do everything they can to have fall sports even if the schedule is two-thirds of what it normally would be (a minimum of half of the max is allowed this year to keep sports eligible for participation and NCAA membership).

Could this all change? Absolutely. However, I am several weeks removed from when I started talking to people in the conference and around the country and so far what I have been told then and most recently is holding firm. This isn't going to be a NESCAC-wide, we are together as one, plan or decision.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 07, 2020, 11:02:02 AM
I find the NESCAC situation fascinating from a sociological point of view.  I actually would argue that a split scenario -- at least several NESCACs do play while some don't -- would be good for the conference and all the schools in it.  On the one hand, the NESCAC has tremendous brand identity that benefits all of the members, no doubt some more than others...and certainly one can argue that the relatively strict agreements that the schools share in terms of season start dates, number of games, recruiting and "tips," etc have contributed to the strength of the brand.

By way of comparison with the NESCAC's "big brother" or "big sister," the Ivy League, the brand benefits and shared agreements on how athletics function have been critical in shaping and building the traditions of both leagues.  Now, I suppose this could happen, but I personally can't imagine an Ivy breaking from the rest and doing something on their own, except maybe in sports where not all members participate.  I'm not sure NESCAC is as iconic as the Ivy, but certainly there are a lot of similarities, including what I assume is an intended prestige factor attendant to the leagues and their members, which, even if not intentional, serves to distinguish the leagues from other leagues.

So given some obvious and massive benefits of these tradition-rich leagues, how might one argue that they might benefit from making more individual, and perhaps more dynamic, decisions?  I personally for some time have had some ambivalence about the insularity/exclusivity of the NESCAC.  It's part of what some fans love about it, and what some fans of other schools grate against.  I think some of the schools, mostly those that many would characterize as in the lower half or lower third of the NESCAC reputation-wise, are known more for being a "NESCAC school" than their own individual identity.  I don't want to get too tangential, but one might argue that a few schools have ridden the coattails of Williams, Amherst, Midd, Bowdoin, Wesleyan.....Tufts often has been considered in its own category (as more of a UAA-like school).  I don't know enough about Hamilton (I think very similar to Colby) to comment, but then there is a school like Colby pushing hard to push into the top tier and its best chance to do just that might by trying to separate itself identity-wise while also aggressively pursuing rankings-type criteria (USNWR). 

To get back of topic, Colby might be just the kind of school that would benefit from doing something different relative to its peers.  I haven't checked recently, but while Bates certainly is a peer to Colby and Bowdoin, Bates hasn't had the kind of endowment of other NESCACs, and so perhaps Bates, Conn, and Trinity are under more financial pressure than others (and therefore perhaps more reluctant to opt out of Fall athletics).  That's all conjecture.  Again, I have no inside info on any of this.

At any rate, in terms of the potential upside to the whole group of the group not operating in lockstep (and aside from the financial arguments), I could see really savvy administrators looking towards the future and thinking about how to preserve much of the prestige while also promoting increased diversity and individuality....for the express purpose of impacting the insularity issue.  I may be falling prey to huge recency bias, but we are in a time of questioning a lot of iconic symbolism.  I think there definitely is a case that can be made for the insularity/exclusivity becoming a more tangible negative.  I wish I could remember the noted educational expert who a few months ago as the potential long-term of Covid was being considered spoke very strongly about Ivy, Ivy-like and NESCAC, NESCAC-type schools, post-Covid, becoming even more like "finishing schools" for the elite and super-elite classes in America more so than they already are.  The guy actually used the words "finishing schools," which being from the South, used to be a descriptor for women's colleges like Sweet Briar, Mary Baldwin, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College (now Randolph since going co-ed)...all in Virginia.

I rambled more than I wanted, but the bottom line is I could see some NESCAC schools breaking from the pack as a very good thing (and there may be a multitude of ways to do this beyond athletics as well).  And all that said, I'll still be surprised if some NESCACs do break off in the end, and I'd be shocked to see it in the Ivy League.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on July 10, 2020, 01:56:07 PM
Come on people. The NESCAC presidents have voted unanimously that there will be no NESCAC sports this fall . . The NESCAC has asked for a waiver from the NCAA to shift fall sports to the spring but other than that the NESCAC focus is likely to turn to whether there can be winter sports . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on July 11, 2020, 11:01:18 AM
Quote from: quicksilver on July 10, 2020, 01:56:07 PM
Come on people. The NESCAC presidents have voted unanimously that there will be no NESCAC sports this fall . . The NESCAC has asked for a waiver from the NCAA to shift fall sports to the spring but other than that the NESCAC focus is likely to turn to whether there can be winter sports . .

No NESCAC competition. They haven't told NESCAC schools they can't have competition if they find some on their own.

And I kind of doubt we see fall sports in the spring. First off, taking away from spring sports after they already had their seasons shutdown last academic year would be incredibly unfair. Secondly, the logistics and manpower required ... is staggering. I know it is being talked about and I am sure some will try and do it. I think those without football have the best chance, but I think the entire idea of both soccers, field hockey, volleyball, etc. joining both lacrosses, baseball, softball, possibly volleyball, and the tail end of winter sports like basketball, hockey, swimming, and diving ... is staggering to think about in terms of pulling it off. The Athletic Trainers and SID staffs alone can't handle all of that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on July 11, 2020, 03:55:54 PM
yeah -- I think that they are going through the motions on moving fall sports to the spring unless the plan is for a late spring season that bleeds into the early summer . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on July 24, 2020, 09:49:29 AM
Not sure if this was mentioned, but stumbled upon this NESCAC effort to raise money to combat family homelessness. Fair play, Rojas and Tufts!

https://familypromise.org/the-latest/national-news/stay-home-play-together/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on July 25, 2020, 01:44:02 AM
I'm not a NESJ subscriber (so I don't have access to the full article), but it appears that Conn College goalkeeper AJ Marcucci won't be lacing 'em up in D3 anymore:

https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/aj-marcucci-ends-connecticut-college-career-chases-pro-dream/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4231CenterBack on July 25, 2020, 09:25:24 AM
Yes, Marcucci is done. Here's an interesting quote from him: "I think Tufts, for example, could beat 60 to 70 percent of the D-I teams and we could about 50 percent on our day," Marcucci said. "I don't think it's as drastic a jump as people think."  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 31, 2020, 04:15:29 PM
  Pretty cool article on Calvin Aroh at tufts and provides some insight to how the team has been handling this fall period... https://spark.adobe.com/page/iahXCgq3Pmtf7/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on October 31, 2020, 10:36:08 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 31, 2020, 04:15:29 PM
  Pretty cool article on Calvin Aroh at tufts and provides some insight to how the team has been handling this fall period... https://spark.adobe.com/page/iahXCgq3Pmtf7/

Aroh is a great player.  A former assistant coach at a mid-major D1 school told me that his head coach would trade his two best players for Aroh.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 18, 2020, 02:48:51 PM
Amidst all that's happened in the last few months, Josh Shapiro of Harvard and formerly Tufts may not be the most famous Josh Shapiro in America anymore.

https://twitter.com/joshshapiropa/status/1324905101224529921
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on January 11, 2021, 10:27:20 AM
Marcucci from Conn Coll projected to be the 2nd keeper in the MLS draft. #25 overall.
https://sbisoccer.com/2021/01/the-sbi-2021-mls-draft-big-board-version-1-0
Camel Pride!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on January 21, 2021, 06:10:03 PM
Quote from: dacac on January 11, 2021, 10:27:20 AM
Marcucci from Conn Coll projected to be the 2nd keeper in the MLS draft. #25 overall.
https://sbisoccer.com/2021/01/the-sbi-2021-mls-draft-big-board-version-1-0
Camel Pride!

He ended up going in the 3rd round, 68th overall to NYRB. Looks like he's from the Philly area, so luckily for him not to far from home. Very cool and unusual thing to see happen - interested in seeing where he ends up playing this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on January 21, 2021, 07:23:50 PM
4th GK selected. Congrats to him. My guess is he'll be fighting for time at RB II.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on April 14, 2021, 08:07:00 PM
Seems like Giammatei is playing in Ireland?  Does that mean he can no longer play for Amherst?

https://www.football24.news/uefa-europa-league/189882/legionaries-german-giammatei-the-salvadoran-forward-who-signed-and-is-a-new-player-for-dundalk-fc-from-ireland-who-played-in-the-europa-league-this-year.html
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on April 14, 2021, 08:14:09 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on April 14, 2021, 08:07:00 PM
Seems like Giammatei is playing in Ireland?  Does that mean he can no longer play for Amherst?

https://www.football24.news/uefa-europa-league/189882/legionaries-german-giammatei-the-salvadoran-forward-who-signed-and-is-a-new-player-for-dundalk-fc-from-ireland-who-played-in-the-europa-league-this-year.html

Seems that way to me, but I have no idea how that all works.  Interestingly, Dundalk is playing him as a defender, which surprised me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on April 16, 2021, 02:12:40 PM
Giammattei is listed on the Dudalk website (scroll down in the below link), so I imagine it's safe to say that his college career is over.  Pretty cool to end up in the Irish Premier League, I imagine that is quite competitive ... tough luck for Amherst, of course, to (likely due to COVID) lose two years of (I imagine) the most talented player they have ever had.

https://www.dundalkfc.com/first-team/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on April 16, 2021, 06:38:03 PM
Quote from: OldNed on April 14, 2021, 08:14:09 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on April 14, 2021, 08:07:00 PM
Seems like Giammatei is playing in Ireland?  Does that mean he can no longer play for Amherst?

https://www.football24.news/uefa-europa-league/189882/legionaries-german-giammatei-the-salvadoran-forward-who-signed-and-is-a-new-player-for-dundalk-fc-from-ireland-who-played-in-the-europa-league-this-year.html

Seems that way to me, but I have no idea how that all works.  Interestingly, Dundalk is playing him as a defender, which surprised me.

I think it's possible that he can return to play for Amherst if he isn't accepting a salary.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on April 23, 2021, 09:40:32 PM
Amherst is constructing two new fields now...both will be ready for the fall.  The two fields are between the softball field and the football field.  Gooding field will become a multipurpose field with stands lights, etc.  Both men's and women's soccer teams will have an option to practice and play when the present grass fields are not available due to weather, etc.
The field hockey team will have a new field built....between Gooding field and the softball field.  Lights, stands, scoreboard, etc...top of line surface, etc.  Both fields will be ready by the fall.
Write-up on the Amherst athletic site.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on April 28, 2021, 05:19:32 PM
Cool story and really cool move by coach Dez

https://www.instagram.com/p/COMF45AJpSj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on April 28, 2021, 07:18:18 PM
Quote from: Ommadawn on April 16, 2021, 06:38:03 PM
Quote from: OldNed on April 14, 2021, 08:14:09 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on April 14, 2021, 08:07:00 PM
Seems like Giammatei is playing in Ireland?  Does that mean he can no longer play for Amherst?

https://www.football24.news/uefa-europa-league/189882/legionaries-german-giammatei-the-salvadoran-forward-who-signed-and-is-a-new-player-for-dundalk-fc-from-ireland-who-played-in-the-europa-league-this-year.html

Seems that way to me, but I have no idea how that all works.  Interestingly, Dundalk is playing him as a defender, which surprised me.

I think it's possible that he can return to play for Amherst if he isn't accepting a salary.

Apparently he maintained his eligibility.

https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/amhersts-german-giammattei-stays-sharp-with-dundalk-fc/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Insider%3A+Amherst+s+German+Giammattei+trains+overseas%3B+Tracking+D1+senior+returners%3B+Boston+College+adds+local+commit&utm_campaign=NE+Soccer+April+28%2C+2021
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on April 29, 2021, 07:11:56 AM
Wow, that's obviously huge new for Amherst ... in that case, he's in line for an absolutely massive end to his college career, with the added experience from playing professionally while other guys were mostly sitting out.  He's going to be very tough to stop, as will Amherst. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on April 30, 2021, 04:20:42 PM
You hate to see it
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on May 04, 2021, 07:27:40 PM
It's crazy to think at how good Giammattei is and realize that there are kids playing in the Premier League at his age (Trent A-A was 20 when the corner was taken quickly and Rashford was 18 when he scored braces on his EL and PL debuts). But, getting into the consciousness of the European coaches is always a good step if you want to go that route. It's amazing how many players with storied careers started out because X scout or Y coach was at a game to watch someone else but then someone else stole the show and made an impression. Training with the first team of a Europa League club is a great way to make an impression.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on June 09, 2021, 06:44:36 PM
Quote from: amh63 on April 23, 2021, 09:40:32 PM
Amherst is constructing two new fields now...both will be ready for the fall.  The two fields are between the softball field and the football field.  Gooding field will become a multipurpose field with stands lights, etc.  Both men's and women's soccer teams will have an option to practice and play when the present grass fields are not available due to weather, etc.
The field hockey team will have a new field built....between Gooding field and the softball field.  Lights, stands, scoreboard, etc...top of line surface, etc.  Both fields will be ready by the fall.
Write-up on the Amherst athletic site.

Jackson Field at Wesleyan is being replaced with a new grass field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on June 12, 2021, 10:45:36 PM
D3 update from Illinois State Cup. FC United from Chicago completed an undefeated run to the title.  The team featured a number of D3 players, including 4 from the NESCAC.  Quinn Ackman from Trinity, Ryan Grady, Aidan Pape, and Andrew Juarez from Middlebury all played key roles, as did Joey Mertens from Kenyon, Michael Groza from Wheaton (IL), Nolan Ehlers from Wisconsin-Whitewater, and Aidan Crowder & Jhovany Guadarrama from Carthage College (WI).  The team also inclued incoming Kenyon freshman Alem Duratovic.  The teams they defeated included players from Ohio State, DePaul, Loyola, Wisconsin, and Bradley. A great advertisement for the quality of D3 soccer and a great way to whet the appetite for the 2021 season!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on June 14, 2021, 11:16:16 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on June 12, 2021, 10:45:36 PM
D3 update from Illinois State Cup. FC United from Chicago completed an undefeated run to the title.  The team featured a number of D3 players, including 4 from the NESCAC.  Quinn Ackman from Trinity, Ryan Grady, Aidan Pape, and Andrew Juarez from Middlebury all played key roles, as did Joey Mertens from Kenyon, Michael Groza from Wheaton (IL), Nolan Ehlers from Wisconsin-Whitewater, and Aidan Crowder & Jhovany Guadarrama from Carthage College (WI).  The team also inclued incoming Kenyon freshman Alem Duratovic.  The teams they defeated included players from Ohio State, DePaul, Loyola, Wisconsin, and Bradley. A great advertisement for the quality of D3 soccer and a great way to whet the appetite for the 2021 season!
Forgot one:  Ben Sollinger from Johns Hopkins.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on June 23, 2021, 09:47:28 AM
Quote from: SlideTackle on June 09, 2021, 06:44:36 PM
Jackson Field at Wesleyan is being replaced with a new grass field.

I'm not familiar with the quality of the surface, but based on the video feeds and the commentary around the forums, this is a justified upgrade.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on June 25, 2021, 06:29:38 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on June 23, 2021, 09:47:28 AM
Quote from: SlideTackle on June 09, 2021, 06:44:36 PM
Jackson Field at Wesleyan is being replaced with a new grass field.

I'm not familiar with the quality of the surface, but based on the video feeds and the commentary around the forums, this is a justified upgrade.

That field sucked bad. Pretty easily worst remaining in NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on June 29, 2021, 01:05:32 PM
Yeah that field would be disappointing for a middle school glad to see they are finally fixing it.

Hiya what was your ranking of best fields in the NESCAC?

I'll give mine a shot for nostalgia sake...

1) Williams-nice, massive grass field. Downside I was always distracted looking at the mountains. For me easily the best setup.
2) Bowdoin-another nice grass field. Downside never winning there.
3) Trinity-New trinity very nice. Old trinity field had the whole tree trunk that was technically inbounds. So that lead to some interesting scenarios
4) Tufts-Solid average turf field. I think given the money being invested in the school and the success of the program the field should be upgraded to a more soccer specific turf without all the other lines. We'll see.
5) Middlbebury-similar turf to Tufts, with worse weather and a much better view.
6) Hamilton-Solid, pretty average. Not much stands out
7) Colby-never played on the new field so may be higher now.
8) Amherst-Intentionally grow the grass way too long and made the field as small as possible. Watching them run down the hill screaming was entertaining at least.
9) Conn Field is absolutely terrible but they always had awesome crowds for homecoming
10) Bates-This field is an embarrassment to the conference and I'm sure plenty of players have gotten hurt there as a result.
11) Wesleyan-somehow was even worse than Bates
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on July 05, 2021, 04:20:37 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on June 29, 2021, 01:05:32 PM
Yeah that field would be disappointing for a middle school glad to see they are finally fixing it.

Hiya what was your ranking of best fields in the NESCAC?

I'll give mine a shot for nostalgia sake...

1) Williams-nice, massive grass field. Downside I was always distracted looking at the mountains. For me easily the best setup.
2) Bowdoin-another nice grass field. Downside never winning there.
3) Trinity-New trinity very nice. Old trinity field had the whole tree trunk that was technically inbounds. So that lead to some interesting scenarios
4) Tufts-Solid average turf field. I think given the money being invested in the school and the success of the program the field should be upgraded to a more soccer specific turf without all the other lines. We'll see.
5) Middlbebury-similar turf to Tufts, with worse weather and a much better view.
6) Hamilton-Solid, pretty average. Not much stands out
7) Colby-never played on the new field so may be higher now.
8) Amherst-Intentionally grow the grass way too long and made the field as small as possible. Watching them run down the hill screaming was entertaining at least.
9) Conn Field is absolutely terrible but they always had awesome crowds for homecoming
10) Bates-This field is an embarrassment to the conference and I'm sure plenty of players have gotten hurt there as a result.
11) Wesleyan-somehow was even worse than Bates

Ha I think I've commented about this before, and definitely thought about it a bit too much for fun. I'll take some liberties with the format.

Borderline Pro Quality

Fields don't quite match my memory of some of the better grass facilities I played on, particularly in Florida and Dallas, but you can't really find anything better than these around here. Good size and very good surface.

1) Bowdoin - downside: didn't have covered benches until after I graduated, which was unfortunate. Upside: d4_pace not getting results here.
2) Williams - upside: best view, really awesome place to play. Usually a good game too, and at least a couple fans. Downside: Long-ish walk from locker room.

I never played on the new Trinity field, but I watched a game there and it might take the number 1 spot. Certainly in this group.

Can't Complain Much

Not amazing fields, but perfectly reasonable ones to play on. Not gonna really gonna change the game.

3) Tufts turf - the newest in the conference, and the nicest. The ridiculous number of lines is annoying, but it's not a killer, and a turf field isn't going to beat out Bowdoin or Williams anyways.
4) Bates turf field - played a night game there, it was a little narrow and again there were too many lines, but it's a fine playing surface. I might just be used to this kind of field from high school/club
4+5) Hamilton/Colby - Just decent grass fields from what I remember. Good size, surface wasn't great, but also wasn't terrible. My second game at Colby was extremely wet so less confident in that view.
6) Amherst at the beginning of the season - a little small, but the playing surface was usually reasonable at the start of the season. Not too chunky with grass at the start. Locker rooms annoyingly far away, and just kind of weirdly a lot of students around. Feel like i got lost in the hallways there at least once looking for the training room. Solid tailgate spot, and frequently good crowds. On the other hand, you had to play Amherst there... not fun. This should maybe be in the next tier.

Just bad

Bad to the point that they affected the game, but like reasonably mangeable. You'd certainly have to account for the field in your game plan, and probably curse it a number of times throughout the game.

7) Old trinity field - the tree sticking out over the field gets a lot of attention, but the ****ty surface and small size should probably get more. Having the fans right there was cool. Shagging balls behind the goal in the middle of people tailgating before the football game was annoying. As was having to go into the football stadium to use the bathroom during halftime.
8) Middlebury - on the bright side it was consistent. On the downside it was consistently ****ty carpet turf that was as much field hockey turf as soccer. Somewhat hard to get under the ball if you were wearing true spikes. Surprised d4_pace rated it so highly... maybe it's because he's got a good first touch. If I remember correctly one year we practiced on our field hockey field after they were done to prepare for the experience. Also their warmup tape was always a bit odd. I know it's not part of the field technically, but it was part of the "field atmosphere".
9) Conn - I think this varied year to year, probably similar to Amherst got much worse as the season went on? It was definitely bad, but I don't know if it even got completely unplayable... and at least it had reasonable dimensions? Location was awesome though, homecoming crowds were a lot of fun. More schools should ditch football teams. Locker rooms being a bus ride away was annoying.
10) Bates grass - our second game at Bates was on the turf, so I only vaguely remember this field. I remember there not being much grass though. And I think it was a little small? Also the parents said the commentators were hilariously bad and almost categorically refused to discuss the game.

Embarassing/Un-playable

These fields were so bad they were a main factor, if not the main factor for how the games went. I mean if you were technical like Tufts you could probably manage to knock the ball around on some of them, but we were... not.

11) Amherst in the post season - We played Amherst away during the regular season on our first road trip, which wasn't fun but the field was usually reasonable condition. By the time the post season rolled around though... I mean idk if it was the Amherst style of play, or them hosting NESCAC's basically every year, or poor drainage or what. But by the post season it was very patchy with long grass, and given the insanity that was trying to play against Amherst on a reasonable field, this made it almost impossible. (okay, I'll admit this ranking might be colored by how the games on that field went...)
12) Tufts old grass field - it's a really tough call on this vs. Wesleyan grass field. Both were tiny and just horrific playing surfaces. The really confusing part was that it was a clear hindrance to Tuft's desired style of play... I mean can't complain too much since we definitely benefited from it, but it was like the opposite of home field advantage. At least they got to practice on it? I guess that's why they could knock it around on the Amherst field too lol, it that field was bigger and in better condition. This field was just an atrocity, the Turf upgrade was very necessary.
13) Wesleyan old grass field - stupid tiny field, and somehow a worse surface that Tufts - even in the beginning of the season when we'd play there. The literal only redeeming factors were the nearby bathrooms in that art building or whatever, good netting behind one of the goals (although god help you if you managed to hit it around the netting), and decent warmup music. Every pass bounced, you were almost better off just trying to land the ball on your target's feet. And nothing like defending corners coming from 2/3 of the distance you normally do. The boxes were particularly horrible with the degree of patchiness to the grass, so much so that Weslayan literally scored a winning goal on me as a result of it. I've never seen anything like that shot before, guy struck a low volley from around the edge of the box towards the low corner, not a ton of juice in it, looks like a comfortable save diving to my right on the hop. Except when it bounces, it catches the edge of a tuft of grass, and bounces maybe 4-5 feet in the air over me and in, and we lose the game. Didn't help that the first goal we conceded was also dumb, although that one was our fault... Anyways, that field sucks, I'm glad it's gone and will curse no other goalies in the future.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on July 17, 2021, 12:23:56 PM
Williams just announced that Erin Sullivan will be stepping down as coach and moving into an administrative role.  Obviously, an enormously desirable job, one of the best soccer traditions in D3.  Unlike when Sullivan was hired, there is not (to me at least) an obvious choice from the Williams coaching tree, so I imagine the search should be wide ranging and attract a ton of great candidates.  With no knowledge whatsoever of who those might be, a few ideas who comes to mind, I'm sure there are a lot more that I'm not thinking of right away (and the pool of finalists will certainly look more diverse than this, given recent NESCAC trends) ...

Jordie Ciuffetelli, Harvard assistant - Shapiro's number two guy seems like the most obvious candidate, if he has an interest ...
Charles Rodriguez, Yale assistant -- enormously successful assistant at Stanford and Yale
Steve Danbusky, Executive Director, Beach FC - a less traditional background but long soccer history and an Eph
.... or, would Dan Calichman have any interest in leaving MLS to return to the collegiate ranks at his alma mater?  Seems like a long shot ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on July 19, 2021, 10:43:52 AM
Sullivan was not great with recruiting.  He seemed to rely heavily on the Williams name, and not much else. Unlike the other super elite NESCAC, Amherst, whose recruiting is a well oiled machine.

I know little about coaching but think any assistant coach at a strong program that's been there for 5+ years is probably itching for a Head coaching position.  Accordingly, I throw out Jon Freeman's name, assistant at Washington and Lee.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on July 19, 2021, 08:11:24 PM
Not to be rumor mongering... but this seems like weird timing with the season a month out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on July 19, 2021, 09:06:31 PM
d4_Pace, it's a fair question to ask, definitely strange timing, especially because now Williams is doing two coaching searches, one for an interim coach, and then a permanent search for the following season ... seems unlikely we will get any answers here.  The only poster who seemed to have some insider-y insight into the Williams soccer program seems not to come around anymore ... still, it's a really great situation because if the administration is willing to give the right coaching hire the right kind of support, there is no reason that Williams, with its tremendous soccer tradition, facilities, and alumni base, can't be roughly what Amherst has been in recent years (Tufts, that's another story, that was a pretty unique kind of coaching job to turn a good-but-not-remarkable program into one that dominates everyone nationally for a five-year stretch). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on July 20, 2021, 01:35:41 PM
https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/erin-sullivan-out-at-williams-interim-mens-coach-sought/

Well, the language NESJ is using certainly implies he was fired.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SpringSt7 on July 20, 2021, 01:47:17 PM
You mean at the tail end of not coaching a game for nearly 2 years he didn't voluntarily step down to be the director of intramurals at a school that has about 1400 non athletes?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on July 20, 2021, 02:55:18 PM
Its just an odd time to be fired. If thats the case it means it is due to something off the field that occurred recently. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on July 20, 2021, 04:19:36 PM
It is an odd time, but if he did something egregious he would have been fired outright,  not moved internally.

My son was recruited by him, and had an offer, but did not accept as he did not like how Sullivan treated him during the run up to the offer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on July 20, 2021, 07:10:41 PM
Based on the info offered the difference between fired and transitioned to intramurals seems negligible.  Maybe Williams is being kind and allowing him some time to find new employment.

Wrt to the NESCAC "super elite" schools being reduced to Williams and Amherst, that pov is a good example of why the NESCAC in general turns the stomachs of many affiliated with D3 schools from other parts of the country, not to mention no doubt annoying fans of Middlebury and Bowdoin, fans of surging Colby, and maybe Hamilton.  And of course mentioning that next group will draw the attention of the Wesleyan, Tufts, and Bates folks.

We're entering an interesting era where so-called elite education in America may become increasingly insular in terms of who is impressed by it, reflecting privilege more so than academic excellence.  A shift in how these schools are viewed in a broader cultural context already seems to have occurred...the very exclusivity of them creates a vulnerability to a "finishing school" vibe that could morph into an anachronistic feel.  Certainly most of these schools have the wealth, resources, and potential creativity to meet new cultural challenges but there are going to be challenges to be sure.  I'm very curious to see what the landscape of higher education looks like in 15-20 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on July 20, 2021, 08:23:59 PM
Other than one anonymous poster here who is not, it appears, affiliated with Williams or Amherst, I've never of either referred to as "super elite" within Nescac.  There is no material difference between either and say Bowdoin. 

Regarding the broader question, Nescac is of zero relevance to the "broader cultural" conversation.  Maybe like 1-2 percent of people have ever even heard of a single Nescac school, and that is likely very generous.  But the people who do care tend to be exactly the same people who cared 30 years ago.  And will prob be the same people who care ten years hence.  There is no evidence that institutions that view themselves as elite / exclusive have stopped caring about haughty "paper" credentials.  And I'd say Nescac schools have much LESS of a finishing school vibe now than then.  They are certainly much harder to get into, and attract far more diverse student bodies (along any metric you want to choose) than they did in the 80s and 90s when they were more heavily focused on prep school grads. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on July 22, 2021, 07:47:44 AM
Looking for some positive soccer news here....August is approaching quickly and the It appears to be a full season ahead.  Lack of info on new/old players to be playing.  Hoping to get up to catch a few games.  One of my son's father in law was a great soccer player...played at UVA.  Hope to get him up to catch a live game at Amherst....on a grass field close up.  Best way to access players' skills....playing against other fine players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on July 22, 2021, 06:00:23 PM
OK, I'm going to change the subject slightly.

I was on a college recruiting process Zoom call in January. It was one of those events that many youth clubs hold each year, and it was memorable for one thing. The now-former Williams coach was on the call, and a parent asked how the conference planned to deal with huge rosters. Would kids get cut? Will they limit the number of players at home or road games? The coach told those listening that it was likely there would be a JV-type of thing with some or all NESCAC teams this fall. Obviously this would be COVID-dependent, but he said this had been discussed and if he was going to bet, he would bet that it was going to happen. Because there were so many kids on the rosters of some of the schools (some at 40 or more), it was thought that there would be enough kids to make up 2nd teams that could play or scrimmage or do something informal to get some playing time for the 15-18 or so at the end of the roster. Maybe 4-6 games. That way, the younger and/or still developing kids can still improve and grow. Sounded like a great idea to me at the time, but sadly, it does not appear this is going to happen. Has anyone else heard anything about this? I can't imagine it would cost that much to do this.

I know of one program in the conference that is planning to make some cuts after preseason to get the roster to a more manageable 29-30. That means a good 6-8 guys, some (maybe all) who were recruited, won't be playing college soccer this fall. I am guessing this is going to be the case at most schools. All the more reason for the JV-thing to have happened. Oh well. On the flip side, that will force players to show up in great shape and ready to go on day 1 after hopefully playing some U23 this summer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on July 23, 2021, 08:16:25 AM
Gather nescacfan94 is a Williams grad...same time as my younger son....class of '95.  A little perspective wrt money/finance on the point raised by nescacfan94.  My class forum had a recent discussion between Amherst trustees on line dealing with Amherst's finance/investments, etc.  There is an annual report of about 700-800 American/Canadian universities Business Officers on the subject.  Williams and Amherst are in the top 50 with the Ivy schools leading the pack....along with MIT, JHU.  Anyway...both Amherst and Williams have multi-billions invested...though Williams had a negative return in FY2020.  The pandemic has clouded the issue on how Nescac schools respond to recruiting, etc. IMO. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on July 23, 2021, 10:56:35 AM
Quote from: amh63 on July 23, 2021, 08:16:25 AM
Gather nescacfan94 is a Williams grad...same time as my younger son....class of '95.  A little perspective wrt money/finance on the point raised by nescacfan94.  My class forum had a recent discussion between Amherst trustees on line dealing with Amherst's finance/investments, etc.  There is an annual report of about 700-800 American/Canadian universities Business Officers on the subject.  Williams and Amherst are in the top 50 with the Ivy schools leading the pack....along with MIT, JHU.  Anyway...both Amherst and Williams have multi-billions invested...though Williams had a negative return in FY2020.  The pandemic has clouded the issue on how Nescac schools respond to recruiting, etc. IMO.

Not that it matters, but I am not a Williams grad, nor am I sure how my post above might have led you to believe that was the case. Those #$%^#s at Williams didn't want me! ;) ;D That said, ya, this all comes down to money. Same reason kids have to return their uniforms after the season so they can be used again. The bean counters continue to be in charge at D3! But that has nothing to do with the fact that for a few thousand dollars to rent a few busses, these schools can do right by the kids on the wrong side of the roster logjams. I believe it's a good investment to keep students happy with the hope that down the line, the happy graduates (and perhaps their families) are willing to write that big check to help keep their school in the $ top 50.

At least the conference realized that the preseason needs to be a few days longer because some of/most of these players have not played together in over 18 months. Add in the captains pre-preseason that I am sure all teams have, and there should be more than enough time to get rid of the rust and hopefully lead to quality play at the start of the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on July 24, 2021, 03:33:00 PM
In actuall on the field news, Team NESCAC (aka Chicago FC United) has advanced to the U20 National Championship game 7/25 against Miami Strikers.  FC United's NESCAC 4 of Quinn Ackmann (Trinity) and Andrew Jaurez, Aiden Pape, and Ryan Grady of Middlebury played key roles.  Jaurez drew the game deciding penalty in stoppage time and Pape buried the spot kick.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on July 26, 2021, 12:16:44 AM
Chicago FC United won the McGuire Cup 2-1 over Miami Strikers. Juarez from Midd with game winning goal. Pape and Grady from Midd selected to best 11, and Grady won golden glove as best keeper.  Looking forward to seeing some actual NESCAC games again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 05, 2021, 07:01:56 PM
Un F ing believable who Williams has hired...complete disaster...hope the players enjoy and if he does not change his style the alums should not send a dime
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 05, 2021, 07:17:25 PM
Uggggh, Mr. Right, that does not sound good ... can you provide any more details?  But this is only a one-year hire, right?  There is still going to be a full coaching search after this season, I believe? 

NESCAC (across multiple sports) has certainly had some massively disastrous hires of late.  I hope Williams brings someone in for the permanent gig at least worthy of the amazing Eph soccer tradition. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 06, 2021, 06:57:48 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 05, 2021, 07:17:25 PM
Uggggh, Mr. Right, that does not sound good ... can you provide any more details?  But this is only a one-year hire, right?  There is still going to be a full coaching search after this season, I believe? 

NESCAC (across multiple sports) has certainly had some massively disastrous hires of late.  I hope Williams brings someone in for the permanent gig at least worthy of the amazing Eph soccer tradition.


I really hope ur right and it is only for an interim gig. I heard it is the former Springfield guy who is the complete opposite of playing futbol..i.e. the ball is never on the grass and always in air...I think he went to USSF and then an MLS scout/assistant  so his resume caught the eye of clueless committee members. It's just an UGLY style of soccer even when the team is winning.

Let's hope I got faulty info because I do not see it announced yet...godspeed
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 06, 2021, 08:07:36 AM
It was definitely advertised as an interim gig, Mr. Right, and I'm nearly certain they are going to do a full, national coaching search for the permanent job.  Williams would not have hired a permanent soccer coach so quickly after announcing the opening.  Now, perhaps he will be a contender for the permanent job, but I don't think he (or any interim coach) would be given a real leg up in the process.  Same deal with the Amherst and Tufts interim men's hoops coaches, neither of whom ultimately got the job. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on August 06, 2021, 09:43:23 AM
I do think he has a big leg up given that he controls his destiny. If he leads Williams to a third place regular season and makes a Nescac final or wins the conference tournament, he's probably going to get the job. The Tufts interim basketball coach was denied a season by covid so I don't think the comparison really holds here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on August 06, 2021, 09:44:06 AM
Mr. Right good to have you back. Who would have been your ideal candidates for the job?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 06, 2021, 11:08:12 AM
The Tufts interim was also the long term associate head coach, and it did not help him.  I really think this is purely an interim gig.   There is going to be a massive pool of stellar candidates for the full time gig.  Maybe in the unlikely event of a Nescac title or deep tourney run the new coach could make a case for the permanent job.   But I think no matter what Williams is going to start from ground zero with the new coaching search.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on August 06, 2021, 02:19:41 PM
Saw the interim soccer HC posting this morning....put the story in the basket of "strange" Nescac hires.  Nescac soccer joins the rest of Fall sports to ponder and follow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 07, 2021, 10:10:56 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on August 06, 2021, 09:44:06 AM
Mr. Right good to have you back. Who would have been your ideal candidates for the job?

So I am honestly coming at this and other Nescac happenings with limited info(]at best)...I am usually the last to find things out..At first I was uncomfortable flappin my mouth without actually knowing the many truths behind the story. However,  now I can just pontificate my hunch which gives me a different viewpoint sometimes and makes me look foolish other times but it is a freedom in a way and much more enjoyable because
I can just focus on the games on the field and comment on what I see.

I can only judge a man by past performance until he proves me wrong or right. Some people on here might remember how Springfield played under him ..Was he successful?
Very much so and proved to be a strong recruiter but the style for his whole tenure was ruthlessly ugly. 

That is why I lost it when I heard he was hired. However,  I should not prejudge until we see the product on the field. I will give him a chance.

I just want to watch some good futbol and win games and keep the history of the program in tact.

I mean again the timing was just awful and yes he will have a huge advantage over other candidates because he is mother hen right now.

I heard the Yale assistant was impressive and will get his own gig sooner rather than later.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 09, 2021, 05:34:16 AM
Moving on.....I was going to do predictions but frankly the rosters are an unknown right now. Non conference schedules are easier to analyze at least on paper without terra incognita. Alphabetical order

1. Amherst-   at Norwich, at Manhattanville, v St.Joe's, v Stevens, v WPI. This is a very cagey schedule as besides WPI these teams are top dogs in weak leagues which will give them a high OWP and SOS. WPI is a top dog in a strong conference which will also help. This is a much more challenging schedule compared to 2019. The St.Joe's game was scheduled away in 2020 before the season was canceled. Norwich snagged a Draw against Midd a couple years back so they will be no pushover. Toughest stretch is 4 games in 10 days in late September / early October. As a Williams fan, happy to see Amherst having a midweek game prior to the Williams game. Amherst has only 1 back to back. Total hours on bus / Away games including Nescac(round trip) - 30 hours on a bus for the regular season.

2. Bates-     v Maine Maritime, at UNE, v Eastern Nazerene, at Brandeis, v Univ Maine Farmington. Weak sauce as usual but the Brandeis game is a move in the right direction if it stays on the schedule past this season.  Toughest stretch is 6 consecutive Away games including Brandeis, Midd, Amherst, Bowdoin, Trinity and Tufts.  Within those 6 Away games they have 2 back to backs. That is basically a month of not having a Home game meaning they better start the season winning games and ready to play. Total round trip bus hours- 25.

3. Bowdoin-   vUNE, v Husson, at Maine Maritime, v Southern Maine, at Thomas. Weak sauce? Nah how bout no sauce. This is similar to 2019 except they dumped Keene St for Maine Maritime. League games will become even more important because it will be the only way to find ranked wins. 5 Maine schools help to keep travel down which I am a fan of but this schedule will kill them if they are a bubble team. Only 1 back to back with Total bus hours-37.

4.  Colby-    at Thomas, at Gordon, at St.Joe's, v UNE, at Maine Maritime. The schedule is similar to 2019 except a swap of Husson for St.Joe's. It is more challenging than Bowdoin's, plus 4 out of 5 are Away but still their Nescac games will decide their fate. Only 1 back to back all season. Colby's most important stretch is the beginning of the season with 5 straight Away games until the Home opener on Sept 25th against Tufts. Colby needs to start strong coming out of the gates as those 5 Road games will be challenging but they will all be winnable if the work is put in. Total Bus hours-47.

To be continued..........
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on August 09, 2021, 08:09:32 AM
On the Tufts athletic website is a National poll.....it has Tufts #1 and Amherst #2.  It's pre-season.....however Tuft's the reigning top dog.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 10, 2021, 05:34:32 AM
5. Conn-     v Mitchell, v Wheaton(MA), v Endicott, at ECONN, at RIC. Same schedule as 2019 except Wheaton has replaced Babson. Conn went 4-1-0 in 2019 out of conference with the loss coming at Babson. Coast Guard is a rival and a 5 minute walk from campus but they have not been on the schedule since 2016 for reasons unknown. Toughest stretch is 2 back to backs in a row which means 4 games in 9 days in late September / early October(v Amherst, at Hamilton, v Midd, v Williams). The good news is 3 out of the 4 are at Home. Total Bus Hours-28.

6. Hamilton-    at Oswego St, at Utica, v Ithaca, v Oneonta St, v SUNY Polytechnic. Exact same schedule as 2019 in which Hamilton went 3-2-0. Decent schedule with some challenging games, winnable games and 1 cupcake. Hamilton's Nescac schedule is a nightmare as they have 2 separate trips to Maine. They start the year with 4 straight Away games and do not have their Home opener until Sept 21st. Toughest stretch is similar to Conn College with 2 back to backs in  a row which means 4 games in 9 days in late September / early October(v Midd, v Conn, at Colby, at Tufts). Butts on Buses-46 hours.

7. Middlebury-   at Mount St.Mary, v Plattsburgh, at Framingham St, v Eastern Nazerene, at Keene St. This schedule has been turned upside down as the only team Midd played in 2019 was Mount St Mary. Midd went 4-0-1 in 2019 with the draw coming against WPI.  Longtime Vermont schools that are close by(Norwich and Castleton) have been dropped.  I am really happy to see Plattsburgh and Keene St added but still this schedule is weaker than it should be with very little chance of finding ranked wins. I also do not understand dropping weaker VT teams(less travel) only to pick up new cupcakes with farther travel. I suppose all these opponents(besides Eastern Nazerene) could possibly win their own leagues but its a coin toss. Toughest stretch will be 2 back to backs(at Conn, v Amherst, v Bates, v Tufts) in a row in October. Total Bus Hours-47.


To be continued...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 11, 2021, 05:20:47 AM
8. Trinity-     v St.Joe's(CT), at Clark, v Emerson, v WNEC, v WCONN.  The only change is dropping ECONN for St.Joe's(CT). Trinity went 1-3-1 out of conference in 2019. The truth of the matter is this team needs to find wins wherever they can get them. I have a hunch that pride and talent will allow Trinity to be an improved side in 2021. The product on the field cannot get any worse than the past 4 years. Trinity's last conference Win was in October of 2017 against Wesleyan at Home 2-1. Trinity's last conference Away Win was in October of 2016 against Bowdoin.  That is a long 5 years of not making the Nescac Tournament with an overall record of 7-36-2 with 2 consecutive years of 0-10-0 in Nescac play. Their schedule is very favorable in September with 3 consecutive non conference games to open the year and some winnable conference games after that. Trinity has got to be ready to start strong as their October schedule will be challenging. Total Bus Hours-21.


9. Tufts-      v MIT, at Brandeis, at Salem St, at Babson, Hmmmm so far only 4 games are listed instead of 5. That takes them to only 14 regular season games. I believe the NCAA rule is a minimum of either 13 or 14 games played to be eligible for the NCAA's. So if for some reason a game gets canceled and not made up Tufts could be scrambling all year to find an extra game. My best guess is there is a 5th non conference game but it just has not been posted yet. Tufts went 4-1-0 in 2019 with the loss coming at Babson 0-2. I like the addition of MIT as they were a regular on the schedule for decades until a couple years back. This is a pretty solid schedule for any other team but Tufts is the top team in the country and should be playing the best teams in New England. I would have liked to see a WPI or even a top team from outside New England. When you are top dog every team in the nation would want a chance to play and they would come to you. Toughest stretch is the last 4 games of the year(at Midd, v Amherst, at Conn, at Bowdoin). With a new Head Coach and possibly new tactics the beginning of the season will also be a challenge. Asses on Bus Seats-24 Hours.



10. Wesleyan-      v Emerson, at Clark, v Coast Guard, v Fitchburg St, at Springfield. This is the exact same schedule as 2019 and Wesleyan went 4-1-0 with the loss coming at Coast Guard 0-1. This non-conference schedule will not help them if they are a bubble team but frankly Wesleyan needs Wins. 3 Newmac coin tosses and 2 cupcakes. They have 2 back to backs with one in each month. Toughest stretch is the beginning of the year after the Emerson Home opener with 3 games in 8 days all on the road(at Midd, at Tufts, at Williams). That Tufts mid-week game proved helpful in 2019 with Wesleyan grabbing a Draw against the defending National Champs. On the flip, a mid-week Away match under the lights at Bello will prove much more challenging. Total Bus Hours-28.


11. Williams-        vRPI, at Skidmore, v Babson, at Springfield, v Westfield St. Exact same schedule as 2019 in which Williams went 2-1-2. The Draw at Westfield St was most disappointing but also gut wrenching was the Draw v Springfield on a buzzer beater. New Head Coach will get his fill early as Williams opens with RPI, then travels to Tufts for their Nescac Home opener, a mid-week match at Skidmore and then a back to back at Home v Wesleyan and Babson. Sullivan kept a solid schedule with 2 Liberty League and 2 Newmac teams. I moved back to Williamstown during the Covid and have no interest in leaving just yet which gives me a chance to see more games in-person not just at Williams but the surrounding area like Amherst, Dartmouth etc. I am truly looking forward to it but honestly still confused on what happened to Erin Sullivan. You hear rumors but I really was surprised at not just what happened but also the ridiculous timing of it. Total Bus Hours-31.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on August 12, 2021, 09:55:38 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on July 20, 2021, 02:55:18 PM
Its just an odd time to be fired. If thats the case it means it is due to something off the field that occurred recently.

I have no insight into the reasoning but will add my 2 cents based on what I heard this summer from a couple of top club DOCs.  Oberg move to Yale was messy and did not have to happen.  Some players not happy that he didn't have their backs.  Another DOC specifically told me in June that he was steering his players away from Williams due to Sullivan.

I did not know about the Sullivan change until coming on these boards today (happy to be back), but that conversation immediately lept to mind.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on August 12, 2021, 10:15:37 AM
Of all the coaches my son dealt with in his recruiting journey,  Sullivan was the worst, in terms of communication and transparency. My son felt Sullivan did not treat him with courtesy or respect. As a result, he did not accept Sullivan's offer of support and is attending another school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 21, 2021, 02:24:09 AM
Was just down on Williams practice field and the new coach has 5 lines down which is similar to Pep and  his training pitch zones. Obviously it means nothing until the games are played but at least it's something.

Random question of the day.....Where is or what happened to
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on August 21, 2021, 09:06:50 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on August 21, 2021, 02:24:09 AM
Was just down on Williams practice field and the new coach has 5 lines down which is similar to Pep and  his training pitch zones. Obviously it means nothing until the games are played but at least it's something.

Random question of the day.....Where is or what happened to

This is quite the dramatic pause
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 28, 2021, 07:42:45 AM
yea sorry but I honestly do not remember what I was going to ask.

Someone above mentioned "the Oberg transfer and being messy" but honestly the rumor I heard last year was it was out of Sullivan's hands to do anything as the father pushed the kid to Yale more than anything else. Just a rumor so who actually knows...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on August 30, 2021, 08:18:51 PM
Tufts lost 2-1 to defending Ivy League champions Yale yesterday. Game was tied 1-1 when both teams pulled their starters and then Yale got the winner with 3 minutes left when it was mostly freshmen on for both sides. Yale actually had a small crowd who broke out into a "safety school" chant. Got to hand it to them, its a pretty good chirp.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Gregory Sager on August 31, 2021, 10:49:48 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on August 30, 2021, 08:18:51 PM
Tufts lost 2-1 to defending Ivy League champions Yale yesterday. Game was tied 1-1 when both teams pulled their starters and then Yale got the winner with 3 minutes left when it was mostly freshmen on for both sides. Yale actually had a small crowd who broke out into a "safety school" chant. Got to hand it to them, its a pretty good chirp.

It's older than the hills, though -- four decades old, at minimum. You'd think that a bunch of students who are implicitly bragging about their own intellectual capacity by comparison via this insult could come up with some newer material.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 31, 2021, 11:03:59 AM
Yeah, "safety school" is the lamest heckle imaginable.  You just sound like an elitist a**hole when you chant that to the extent it bears any truth, and it's only remotely appropriate (though still highly unoriginal / lame) when the two schools are peers in very way (like Yale chanting at Princeton or something). 

That's a really impressive results for Tufts, of course.  Tufts and Amherst both seem likely to be absolutely loaded again and as usual two of the top 3-4 national contenders this year.  It will take awhile but here's hoping that when the dust settles at Williams the new coach will return to the Ephs to that conversation, where they resided throughout most of the Russo years. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 02, 2021, 04:30:26 PM
Since NESCAC schools still have to wait an extra week to join the fun here is Tufts season preview

https://spark.adobe.com/page/1BPQP4egf9a0O/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2021, 06:00:17 AM
I like the chant...clean, implicit and fair.

Hoosac School.... futbol really impressed and very smart for a Prep. Fitness has got to be better even at this level fitnes I think should be preached so they are prepared for the next level...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2021, 06:10:22 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 02, 2021, 04:30:26 PM
Since NESCAC schools still have to wait an extra week to join the fun here is Tufts season preview

https://spark.adobe.com/page/1BPQP4egf9a0O/


D4,

They have everything back plus now another pipeline? Gulliver and Heritage those guys from Florida...this looks stacked
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 04, 2021, 10:31:31 AM
Mr. Right on paper its shaping up to be Tufts vs Amherst for NESCAC and national dominance. Just like any years its gonna come down to injuries and a bit of fortune. The added variable this year though is how teams are going to deal with carrying all the extra guys as well as who stayed in shape over the past 18 months.

Do you have your predictions on how the NESCAC table will round out?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 05, 2021, 04:56:14 AM
No predictions yet..Williams v Midd a great battle considering it was scrimmage....0-0..Midd has size, athleticism, speed and fight. Williams has fitness, speed and really pressed and battled hard. Very even game both teams with a couple good looks but finishing and the final 3rd are question marks for BOTH teams right now. Good start and good effort on both sides. Ambulance 4 minutes in shook me awake that season has begun.

Good luck to all..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 05, 2021, 01:21:26 PM
Just checked the men's soccer schedule on the Amherst's website.  Almost all the games show video coverage.....except the one at Tufts late in the  season.  Pre-season no. 1 and no. 2 at Tufts in a game that has national impact....no local coverage??  Trying to get a crowd for the game?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 05, 2021, 03:06:55 PM
The game will be available to stream. Tufts has two different streaming platforms they use and it seems like they haven't added the video links yet for any of their games except for Tuesdays opener. But they have streamed every game for the last 6 years at least so no reason to think this one won't be.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 07, 2021, 02:30:04 PM
Amherst's first men's soccer game will be online today!  Yes, let the games begin....before Amherst's prez makes another strange decision.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 07, 2021, 04:00:29 PM
Bates scored 5 goals in the first 15' against Maine Maritime!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on September 07, 2021, 07:25:22 PM
Conn College seems to have had a bit of a COVID outbreak and have shifted to "Level 3 status". Based on what the website says, there will be no athletics while they are in this status. Who knows how long that will be, but through the grapevine it sounds like a minimum of a week or two.

Going to be a challenging start to the season for the Camels, although I suppose it's better than during playoffs? There's just so little room for time off during the season, and the pre season is already so short....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CC United on September 07, 2021, 09:05:20 PM
The MIT v. Tufts video quality is the worst ever. Come on Jumbos. You are the reigning National Champions. Put some money into your video production. The Beavers are making a strong showing. 0-0 in the first overtime period.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 07, 2021, 09:14:48 PM
Middlebury 6 Mt. St. Mary's 0
Middlebury started in 4-3-3.
Grady (Soph) in goal.  Back four of Ulku-Steiner (jr), Nelson (fr), McFarlane (sr), O'Brien (fr).  Midfield was Pape (fr), Farrell (fr), Sloan (jr).  Forwards Barry (jr), Reid (jr), Saint-Louis (so)

The score of the corresponding fixture in 2019 was 1-0 to Midd.

Middlebury applied pressure from the beginning, but took awhile to generate chances.  The game opened up after Midd subbed in freshmen Pilson and Roberts up top.  First goal was created by Pilson splitting two defenders off the dribble in 34th minute.  Second goal was a penalty kick converted by Saint-Louis and earned by freshman Juarez who beat his man and was pulled back by the jersey in 38th minute.  Roberts converted a cross from Chae (fr) in the 41st to make it 3-0 at half.  Midd made it 4-0 in 48th minute when high pressure by Sloan caused a turnover and Sloan crossed to a wide open Barry in front.  Saint-Louis got his brace in the 49th when he picked up a loose ball, beat his defender, and finished to the far post.  Sakouvogui (sr) added the 6th in the 89th.

Midd was very dangerous attacking down the flanks.  They routinely took on and beat their defenders to get into the penalty area.
If they get consistent offensive output, look out given the strength of their defense.  Wesleyan on Saturday will be a much stiffer test.

Ulku-Steiner left the game injured in the 34th minute after being on the receiving end of a nasty elbow to the face that was somehow only deemed worthy of a yellow card. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: amh63 on September 08, 2021, 06:34:37 AM
First ever mtg between Amherst and Norwich in Vt.  Norwich went up 1-0 early....tied at the break ...Amherst finished strong in a 2-1 win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deutschfan on September 08, 2021, 06:31:06 PM
Really good win for Williams and its new coach against at very quality side in RPI.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on September 08, 2021, 07:26:12 PM
This Williams coach will lead the program in a brilliant way.
95 Champions Williams are Back and Coach Russo would be proud of this performance

This new coach had a team that was down 1-2 after one half and wins 5-2.

Watch out for these guys.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 08, 2021, 07:41:43 PM
I think this may be a bit of an overreaction especially since the new coach isn't even guaranteed to have the job at the end of the year. That being said, Williams has the perfect opportunity to make a statement this weekend at Tufts who were pushed hard by MIT.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on September 08, 2021, 07:56:10 PM
Football/Footballers/Coaches reveal themselves not overtime, but in situations.
When Sir Bobby Robson and the rest of us  saw Ronoldo run through the Defense and score while playing for Barcelona, we knew.

When Jose outcoached seasoned veterans with Porto we knew.



Not an over reaction my friend.
It has nothing to do with whether the man has a job at the end of the year or not, this is a boss coach.
No one will want to play Williams this year. Save the post!


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 08, 2021, 08:13:32 PM
You may be right my friend. This weekend's match against my Jumbos will be revealing.  Last night Tufts had a crowd the same size as Elite 8 matches back in my day. If they can turn our similar size crowds throughout this season it could be a big advantage.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on September 08, 2021, 08:22:21 PM
True.
If memory serves right Adam Clinton, gr8 coach BTW, and RPI were elite 8 last go round.

Yes, that game will be an early season banger.

Tufts owns D3 now, but as you know the program is very connected to the coach, so we will see soon.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 09, 2021, 08:56:49 AM
Williams is no doubt at least several years away from (hopefully) rejoining the Tufts and Amherst tier of NESCAC, which in the 1990s and 2000s it owned along with Middlebury, but it's certainly nice to hear some excitement about the team - even if a BIT over the top based on one result :).   Tufts and Amherst have been SO dominant nationally lately but there is no reason that Williams and Midd can't steal some of their thunder back.

The interim coach obviously had tremendous success at Springfield, so if he leads a fairly green Eph team (seniors played a total of 95 minutes vs. RPI; most of the top guys from 2019 including Gass, Bardong, Fleischer, Matthew and Oberg are gone; Ephs returned only nine goals TOTAL from the 2019 roster) with modest expectations to surprising results this year, I'd think he would have a big advantage in a search for a permanent coach. 

Williams has generally been stingy in giving up goals in recent years, but has struggled mightily with generating offense for years now, so great to see it knock five goals in during the first game of the season.  The last time the Ephs managed even FOUR goals in a game was October 6, 2018.  And this was only the third time the Ephs have scored even four or more times in the last five years!  I don't think there is anything close to an elite individual finisher on the roster (unless a first-year emerges), so it's going to take effort from a lot of different guys, like it did against RPI. 

To Sullivan's credit, he did leave behind what looks like a solid first-year class.  Five first-years played in the first game including two starters, and Keel Brissett, who was a well-regarded prep player, had three shots including the last goal of the game.  The first-year who played the most yesterday, Felipe Gutierrez, had very strong credentials at a top program in NJ soccer, which is always a place you want to recruit from. 

The Ephs also had a few huge guys defending out there in Felitto, Holland and Grady, all of whom will be around for the next two years, those guys will be needed against some of the more physical NESCAC squads (Tufts and Amherst included).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 09, 2021, 09:44:40 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 08, 2021, 07:41:43 PM
I think this may be a bit of an overreaction especially since the new coach isn't even guaranteed to have the job at the end of the year. That being said, Williams has the perfect opportunity to make a statement this weekend at Tufts who were pushed hard by MIT.

Even knowing that Tufts and MIT don't play that often, was surprised to learn that this was Tufts' first victory over MIT in quite a while. They played every year between 2012 and 2014, and Tufts went 0-2-1 — even in the first national title year, Tufts battered MIT but the visitors scored with their only shot on target. This year, it could have been one of those games if that MIT shot that hit the post went in, but a quick look at the numbers suggests Tufts was the dominant side.

They've not been as competitive recently, but MIT had some solid sides with All-Americans like Ben Lewis and Sean Bingham in the first part of the 2010s, and got to the Sweet 16 in 2015. Given what I've heard about how tough it is to recruit — MIT admissions apparently gives some priority for athletes but not as much as other comparable academic institutions — I have to think they somewhat overachieved during that time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 09, 2021, 12:29:17 PM
Arguably the reason MIT did so well in 2012-14 is that Michael Singleton was their head coach. He left MIT and went to Washington and Lee, where he has a strong record.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 09, 2021, 03:36:43 PM
A young Tufts alumni had predicted a big Tufts win and the older guys had to explain the MIT curse to him. Those two losses to MIT featured legitimate 20-1 shot ratios. MIT is the out of conference Bowdoin
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 10, 2021, 03:59:00 PM
NESCAC office seems to still be on summer break.  No preseason coaches polls have been shared for either men's or women's soccer.  Conn College has shutdown athletics for an indefinite period, resulting in the cancellation of at least 2 games, including the conference opener between Conn and Colby scheduled for tomorrow.  Will this be made up?  Is it going to be a forfeit? How are they going to deal with conference standings if teams do not play an equal number of games? What is the plan for these types of situations? Crickets from NESCAC. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2021, 04:17:19 PM
Quote from: Saint of Old on September 08, 2021, 07:26:12 PM
This Williams coach will lead the program in a brilliant way.
95 Champions Williams are Back and Coach Russo would be proud of this performance

This new coach had a team that was down 1-2 after one half and wins 5-2.

Watch out for these guys.


My guess is the fitness....I was not able to catch the game but in the scrimmage v Midd I noticed Williams had the fitness...Now of course every team as the season goes on will get "the fitness" but Williams I am guessing used it yesterday. 4 goals in the 2nd Half is a solid effort.

I agree with most of what Nescac1 was saying as far as the team and roster.

Tufts will present a size problem when Williams is trying to attack tomorrow that I am guessing RPI did not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2021, 04:39:10 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on September 10, 2021, 03:59:00 PM
NESCAC office seems to still be on summer break.  No preseason coaches polls have been shared for either men's or women's soccer.  Conn College has shutdown athletics for an indefinite period, resulting in the cancellation of at least 2 games, including the conference opener between Conn and Colby scheduled for tomorrow.  Will this be made up?  Is it going to be a forfeit? How are they going to deal with conference standings if teams do not play an equal number of games? What is the plan for these types of situations? Crickets from NESCAC.


League games have to be made up. I would be more worried about non-league games which are under no obligations to be made up if an opponent felt like slow walking it. It would be pretty rare and stupid to do so but it has and could be done.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2021, 05:03:19 PM
Maybe D4 can help me with Tufts lineup......In looking at the box score v MIT I am trying to figure Tufts starting lineup for Williams.....we have a 6'3 Froshy poop(#0 Lauta) in net that likes to climb big rocks. 3 other GK's on the roster to challenge him but this position is a question mark for now. The defenders were Daly, Clivio, Campbell but then I see Aroh and Welsh starting with both Seigelstein and Van Brewer in midfield. Mati Cano and Traynor wide? or Woovin Shin wide or was he up top.

However, I do not see some of the other regulars that came back to play like Aroh, Daly, Van Brewer and Cano played but I do not see the others like Ratzan, Jacobs, Enge and Paoletta....Tufts has basically all JR's back except the 2 GK's Kindermann and Harned. Most teams lost more players than that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2021, 06:08:18 PM
Just getting a chance to study the rosters in Nescac....This year more than other years will be so important for veteran players to lead the younger players. All Frosh and Soph have not played and most Juniors probably have limited experience. It will be the 4th and 5th year guys that determine the way these teams go.

Conn College---Not one player came back from what would have been a loaded 2020 Conn Mens Soccer team. Gone are the 2 starting CB's Liam Donelan and more surprisingly Luke Stoneback(who was only a Soph in 2019). The GK Marcucci was gone from the get and the speedy winger Liam Noonan also decided against returning. Still Conn has talent returning with MT Tshuma up top, Augie Djerdjaj the big stud running the attack and Steve Yeonas out wide with the wheels. These 3 must put up big numbers for Conn to be as successful as they were in 2019. The players Pinyochon, Bocchetti, Scales, Robles and others have experience but the rest of the roster has no college playing experience and this will all take time to gel. The COVID thing is unfortunate but more so for Colby who will be the team making the trip later in the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 10, 2021, 06:29:28 PM
Mr. Right Tufts is experiencing an early season injury bug, particularly amongst the 5th years. The lineup was confusing because due to injuries they essentially started without a striker and played with a false 9. In the second half, Freshmen (Sophomore?? I don't know what to call last years freshmen class) Mikey Brady played the whole half and looked dangerous. Clivio seems like he can be a good player if he keeps working hard but the first year that stood out to me was Gibson Campbell. Outside backs never get enough love here but he looked solid defensively and was dangerous going forward, including the hockey assist on the OT winner.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2021, 06:32:18 PM
Colby- An even more interesting team because in 2019 they were extremely young with only 3 Seniors and 3 Juniors on that 2019 roster. Berolzheimer graduated but Paul Harkins and Jack Fletcher have come back for another run. These are veteran guys that along with a bunch of rising Seniors like Fabricant, Wood, Sullivan etc can give this team veterans who know how to win games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2021, 07:07:22 PM
Hamilton----This team got a victory to start the season against Oswego but at Bates will be a real test tomorrow. Hamilton is really young and inexperienced. Spencer Royal the Senior who netted 3 goals in the game has only played in 13 career games and he is one of the few veterans on the squad. Matt Jordan, Sam Dils, Roth Wetzel and a few others are back. 2 GK's have returned the veteran Thomas Benson and Liam Dorsey to go along with 4 others to make for 6 GK'S ON THE ROSTER. That would be a record but I am hoping and assuming this roster is before cuts were made. I mean what in hell are u to do with 6 GK's??  However, no JR decided to take a 5th year. I see a young and under sized team struggling here unless I am proven wrong they will need to find ways to score goals against the top sides in Nescac. A result at Bates would be strong statement.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2021, 07:12:27 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 10, 2021, 06:29:28 PM
Mr. Right Tufts is experiencing an early season injury bug, particularly amongst the 5th years. The lineup was confusing because due to injuries they essentially started without a striker and played with a false 9. In the second half, Freshmen (Sophomore?? I don't know what to call last years freshmen class) Mikey Brady played the whole half and looked dangerous. Clivio seems like he can be a good player if he keeps working hard but the first year that stood out to me was Gibson Campbell. Outside backs never get enough love here but he looked solid defensively and was dangerous going forward, including the hockey assist on the OT winner.

No worries...It will all work itself out.... No love for outside backs?? Daly and Stern in 2019 got tons of love on here not to mention Stern ending up on the cover of Soccer New England winning Tufts a 4th title after he had not played for 3 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 10, 2021, 07:24:50 PM
I think it is interesting to see which programs have had guys come back for fifth years. It is certainly a marker of how much of an impact the program has on them. It takes a significant commitment of time or money to make it work. I don't think its any coincidence that you are seeing teams like Tufts, Amherst, and Messiah having their 5th years come back. 

Now its the old chicken/egg question. Are these programs successful because of the culture or does being successful help build that culture?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2021, 07:49:20 PM
Bates---I am most interested in this team. Reading the team preview online the team expects to be an NCAA tournament team and make a run. Looking at the Maine Maritime box score and highlights the team remembered the loss MMA put on them last year. It looks like it was a half field scrimmage. This is all really good stuff. I love the crosses Bates was putting in all low crosses on the grass that were easily getting finished. The MMA defense was horrific and was so bad at times on the highlights(which u must CC) it almost looked like MMA was throwing the game and allowing for Bates to hit the Over. Max McKersie and Alex Kovacs must be the 2 CB's and both are talented and athletic with experience starting in 2019. James Peter also with experience at wingback. Maybe Niehenke was the other wingback a Seton Hall Prep kid..who got a beautiful assist on the 2nd Goal, I love the low cross as defenders have trouble turning and dealing with it and are not expecting it...The big and experienced Hohmann must have been holding with Keleher attacking or up front. Keleher hit a beauty from outside the box for the 6th goal. Rex Lane gets a Hat Trick in his first game on the field...Unreal to christen the field like that...This team is loaded...Bardong, Iwowo etc off the bench?  Still to be an NCAA team they must win games like Hamilton at Home tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 10, 2021, 08:03:10 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 10, 2021, 07:24:50 PM
I think it is interesting to see which programs have had guys come back for fifth years. It is certainly a marker of how much of an impact the program has on them. It takes a significant commitment of time or money to make it work. I don't think its any coincidence that you are seeing teams like Tufts, Amherst, and Messiah having their 5th years come back. 

Now its the old chicken/egg question. Are these programs successful because of the culture or does being successful help build that culture?


haha love the chicken /egg question---being successful helps build the culture IMO but also bring the talent. Without question that 2020 graduating class of 7 with Braun, Jameson, Tasker, Lane, Rojas, Stern and Trevorrow was easily the MOST TALENTED of all the classes Shapiro brought in there and they won the most Championships(3) and basically got him hired at Harvard...Anyhow the culture from 2011 and the first NCAA appearance in over a decade to 2014 with the backline to 2016 and then another most talented side in 2017 that happened to not win but 2018 was the make up for that and I never gave enough credit to Weatherbie and Mieth for 2018. Anyway it is the culture IMO that attracts the talent and keeps the ball rolling.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 10, 2021, 08:43:49 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 10, 2021, 07:24:50 PM
I think it is interesting to see which programs have had guys come back for fifth years. It is certainly a marker of how much of an impact the program has on them. It takes a significant commitment of time or money to make it work. I don't think its any coincidence that you are seeing teams like Tufts, Amherst, and Messiah having their 5th years come back. 

Now its the old chicken/egg question. Are these programs successful because of the culture or does being successful help build that culture?

A LOT of teams seem to have a large number of 5th years.  I assume for many at upper tier programs they may be motivated by a title or get to the Final Four run.  But surely many returned who know their team has minimal chance to even make the tournament.  Maybe some want to help their team make the conference tournament for the first time in a long time.  Maybe some hugely overvalue D3 collegiate soccer and/or just can benefit from another year of figuring out "what do I want to do with my life."  Maybe for some it's easy because they are at a school where they could slide into a graduate program.

The chicken/egg question IS interesting.  There is no question in my mind that success builds culture.  Once it's built then you can argue that culture feeds off of itself to give schools a chance at building a sustained tradition of winning.  Your Tufts program clearly was on the rise under Shapiro, but what if you don't win that game against Messiah followed by a Sweet 16 exit the following year?  Does Tufts still have 3 national titles?  Two?  None?  Would they have gotten all of those recruits without 2014?  IIRC, Tufts sweated out even getting a bid in 2014 after a quarterfinal NESCAC loss.

Another question is how and why hugely successful programs with very well rooted cultures can slip.  Again, the reasons in various scenarios may be different.  A coaching change.  A rival overtaking you.  A change in college/university philosophy, etc.  But right off the top of my head I think of Wheaton (Ill), Loras, and Williams.  Now any of those three could have a major resurgence but there is no question that they slipped from their very lofty perches. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2021, 11:00:46 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 10, 2021, 08:43:49 PM
Another question is how and why hugely successful programs with very well rooted cultures can slip.  Again, the reasons in various scenarios may be different.  A coaching change.  A rival overtaking you.  A change in college/university philosophy, etc.  But right off the top of my head I think of Wheaton (Ill), Loras, and Williams.  Now any of those three could have a major resurgence but there is no question that they slipped from their very lofty perches.

Paul, this is something I've thought about recently. Without even considering coaching/academics/location/etc., the fact that NCAA soccer programs (by design) have players for a maximum of four seasons does keep the talent pool (if not the talent level) consistently changing. Having a great culture/program/academics to lean on certainly gives some NESCAC programs recruiting advantages that we might correlate with success, and it certainly helps, but the fact that personnel consistently changes makes for a pretty fluid "top tier" of programs. Of course, there are schools that are there or thereabouts (mostly) every year, but those are the exceptions rather than the norm.

Williams' "travails" since 2013 have been well-documented, but (aside from Tufts and Amherst's consecutive NCAA berth streaks) most of the Ephs' NESCAC peers have not been "top tier" consistently: Middlebury, national champions in 2007, had a few years in the wilderness between an Elite 8 exit in 2010 and their next NCAA appearance in 2017 (IMHO they were harshly omitted in 2015), while Bowdoin went to the 2010 Final 4 and has made a few appearances in the first NCAA weekend since, but haven't been present beyond that. Both are academically top-tier schools with excellent D3 athletic programs, but neither has been a consistent powerhouse in the way the Mammoths (in terms of NESCAC titles and consecutive NCAA berths) and the Jumbos (in terms of national titles) have.

TL;DR: Getting to the top table is tough, and staying there is even more difficult, particularly when your personnel changes so much. But if anyone's looking for help with recruiting, I hear Michael Edwards will be out of contract next summer...perhaps he can do another PhD. and be a graduate assistant somewhere who only does recruitment and analysis (kidding).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on September 11, 2021, 08:18:16 AM
Let me slide across leagues and comment here.
I think programs like Williams and Wheaton Ill you have to consider the Coaches (Russo & Bean)
Those are two of the best to ever have done it.
Owned D3 for decades those men. Consistent NCAA, Consistent deep runs, Titles,  Lost Final, whatever you want to put.
For decades.
You have to know how to deal with people.
That is why they did it for decades with kids born in the 60s, 70s 80s and their parents all different generations, but same success.
Also, you have to know a thing or two about the game and love the game to an unhealthy level.
Taking loads and loads of time away from your family and give it to young men in order to create another family of Brothers from different mothers.
Shout out to the wives of these men for sacrificing them. As Players we had no idea what it took to make the family come to life.

It is all about the Coach. The head man, the guy recruiting the players (GM) picking the team and also the technical director behind the scene.
Now, contrast the dip in form at Wheaton (Ill) and Williams (though i love them this year) to Messiah.
After Brandt (who built the culture) left they did not try to re-invent the wheel, but rinsed and repeated what had worked so well in the past and saw continued success.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 11, 2021, 11:09:17 AM
Alright week one predictions

Wesleyan @ Midd: I'm not going to act like I know a lot about these current teams so this pretty much all off previous reputations.
Midd 2-0

Hamilton @ Bates: Mr. Right seems to think bates are going to be good this year. I think Bates are never going to be good. But given the home field maybe they win this one.
Bates 1-0

Trinity @ Clark: The good news for Trinity is all they have to do is win 1 Nescac game this year for it to be a success. Out of conference they usually do alright

Trinity 2-1

Amherst @ Bowdoin Amherst is on paper the best team in the country this year. Bowdoin has yet to replace Moctar. I think this could get get ugly.
Amherst 4-1

Match of the week: Williams @ Tufts
Williams coming in hot off of a massive win over elite 8 RPI. This is going to be an interesting battle of two new coaches. Tufts obviously has the talent edge on paper but unfortunately a lot of the attacking talent may be sidelined.  Williams for the last 3 or 4 years has been defined by their fitness and pressing. I think Tufts has the midfield technicality to play through the press. The question will be how the newcomers on the backline handle the pressure. I don't see Williams scoring outside of a Tufts mistake or a set piece. I think is going to be an exciting but low scoring affair.

Tufts 1-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 12:31:29 PM
Wesleyan at Midd is 1-1 about 20 mins in.

Wesleyan scored first off a Midd throw in deep in Midd's defensive Half that was picked off and then amazingly flicked on by #24 Lucas Kimball, #9 Dane Harmaty with a beauty of a ball to #21 Chris Texter who at first looked to have lost his balance was quickly able to regain it and finish the goal half on his side. Fantastic goal and Midd was not ready.

However,

Midd scores about 1 minute later off a corner kick. Just size advantage all the way around. Wesleyan GK Devanny a disaster miss flying off his line he misjudged it but it was finished by MIdd #16 Aidan Pape who had a massive size advantage on his defender #6 NIck Wallick. Wallick had him positionally but Pape finished it as Wallick fell into him with bad defensive form instead of getting feisty and well whatever. GK misjudged it but Wallick could have done better.

1-1  Midd v Wes ...20 mins in....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 11, 2021, 01:17:09 PM
Quote from: Saint of Old on September 11, 2021, 08:18:16 AM
Let me slide across leagues and comment here.
I think programs like Williams and Wheaton Ill you have to consider the Coaches (Russo & Bean)

You're off-target in attributing Wheaton's decline to the retirement of Joe Bean. He retired all the way back in 2006, and his successor, Mike Giuliano, went 121-42-18 in his eight years at the helm for Wheaton. That included a national runner-up finish in 2014, a Sweet Sixteen run in 2012, and five CCIW titles in his eight seasons as Wheaton's coach -- and he did this against far better CCIW competition than Bean ever saw, as the continued rise of North Park (and, to a somewhat lesser degree, Carthage) gave Wheaton the first serious challenges it had ever faced in the league. For most of the two decades of CCIW soccer during Bean's tenure he could've played only his second-teamers against CCIW opponents and still would've won the league every year.

The year after Giuliano left, his successor, Jake DeClute, reached the Sweet Sixteen in 2015 with Giuliano's players. From that point onward, however, Wheaton has gone through the worst stretch in this sport that it's had since LBJ was in the White House, the Beatles were still touring, and Americans regarded the sport of soccer as being as exotic as the Indonesian corpse flower.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 11, 2021, 01:23:31 PM
Just learned that Bowdoin-Amherst is in Brunswick today. Was planning on catching Brandeis alongside Chelsea, but I'm eager to watch a game in person after a couple of years, even if the ball will be in the air most of the time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 01:28:57 PM
Midd still has #9 Reid up top who is such a threat and looks in top form. #6 Chae is holding and serves a mean ball with his right peg but also had a ruthless whiff in his own box that Wesleyan should have pounced on. Both teams trying to play a bit with Wesleyan having a few good quick counters and Midd not just hoofing from the back as McFarlane and #32 O'Brien the CB's for Midd were hitting a couple balls thru midfield to a target running off etc...2-1 Midd Halftime off another CK Goal....If Reid can stay healthy Midd is going to be a problem for any team especially on their field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 01:34:29 PM
moving on to a look at Bates v Hamilton.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 01:36:02 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 11, 2021, 01:23:31 PM
Just learned that Bowdoin-Amherst is in Brunswick today. Was planning on catching Brandeis alongside Chelsea, but I'm eager to watch a game in person after a couple of years, even if the ball will be in the air most of the time.

Could be a good game Bloots especially on a nice sunny day...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 11, 2021, 01:39:38 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 01:36:02 PM
Could be a good game Bloots especially on a nice sunny day...

It will (perhaps) be competitive. Wouldn't be surprised to see Amherst have to grind, but also wouldn't be surprised if they're just too good. The last time I remember watching a game at Bowdoin in-person was the 2010 Elite 8*.

* EDIT: ...save for 15 minutes of Bowdoin-Conn. in 2014 when Sam White was playing as holding mid in a 4-2-3-1. ??? Hey, Bowdoin won the NESCAC that year so I can't argue it, but that baffled me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2021, 02:07:02 PM
There is no question in my mind that in most cases coaching is the most important variable and probably by a wide margin.  But it's not the only variable.  And how often does history turn on some random-like event where if that event doesn't happen the overall story perhaps unfolds quite differently.  Like if Ray Allen's 3 doesn't go in vs San Antonio and if he never gets that shot because Pop leaves Duncan in the game and Bosh doesn't get the rebound to get Allen the ball.  Or if Allen never plays for Miami because of a bit more loyalty to the Celtics.  How would Lebron's record and legacy be different?  Hard to know but a good bet that it would be different.  Same with Tampa Bay last year if Patriots don't let Brady go.

Also hard to predict which programs will survive huge coaching changes and which won't.  UK, Kansas, and UNC have survived big coaching changes in bball.  UCLA and Indiana didn't.  Is that because KY doesn't have pro sports and NC as a state for years did not have a major pro sports team?  Is there a certain "religiosity" ( and I mean that in a mostly secular sense) that accompanies great programs that survive...like the type of fandoms enjoyed by UK bball or historically Nebraska football?  As a UK fan I used to also be a huge Nebraska fan (remember Johnny Rogers and then Gill, Rozier, and Fryar?).  The fan bases have/had a lot in common.  But why is UK with arguably significant geographical and social-political disadvantages) still one of the very top destinations for top recruits, and now apparently Nebraska isn't (with similar disadvantages)?  Just the bourbon? Or the horses? Or totally because of just Calipari?  Was OWU destined to have a great program or was that almost totally a function of Martin somehow ending up there (from Massachusetts)?  OWU now enjoys the kind of alumni base where I would expect that program to thrive now beyond Martin, but who knows?  I would have guessed the same about Indiana bball (I mean one of the all-time great sports movies is literally Hoosiers).  Was a Tufts juggernaut predictable?  How much was Shapiro and how much was Shapiro turning up at the right place at just the right time?  Wasn't another coach hired before Shapiro, who never actually coached, because he also went to Harvard?  Or am I making that up?

Side note:  You know D3 soccer is back when you see Mr.Right, D4, Sager, Ommadawn, Bloots, and robertgoulet (yeah, I know he's not a soccer guy) on the horn all at the same time.  Only Flying Weasel and Falconer were missing!  Probably have to be 60+ and at least 55+ to get Robert Goulet references.  Who could ever forget watching the 1966 television version of Brigadoon as a 7-year-old?

Side note #2:  Seeing these enormous college football and pro football crowds makes me wonder where we're headed with Covid, and whether 6-10 weeks from now we'll still be in full steam ahead mode.  Who could have imagined we'd still be deep in the woods (despite massive fatigue denial) with Covid a year and half into it? 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 02:27:45 PM
I'm 40 and ive heard of bob goulet...mostly as like SNL jokes when i was a kid cause he was doing dead end Vegas acts....PN ur kinda Mr.Negative to start the year here...like almost with a devilish smile juggling tennis balls just waiting for the season to be cancelled and nodding yes U were warning all of us...but these highwire 5 alarm fire screaming shows usually have devastating effects.....just trying to help..yes things are uncertain but we plow thru and survive day by day...

Bates has played well but Hamilton has battled hard and we have a solid 0-0 game on our hands.

Bates has #99 Manning in net and he is a question mark so far. Has not really been tested.

backline is solid with LB #17 Dall who is quick and feisty but not as size advantaged as the others with #4 Peter and #18 Kovacs at CB and the athletic 6'4 McKersie at RB. #6 Hohmann holding with #7 Phillips in midfield with another monster athlete the 6'4 Keleher. #7 Phillips had some dangerous giveaways but he tracked them and dealt with them. Up top is solid with the Frosh # 20 Rex Lane from Orlando out wide right who is legit. Athletic and with wheels and skill he should be causing backlines problems all year.  Another Frosh #29 Tife Agunloye was wide left and another handful for defenses. #10 Alec Szwarcewicz was a solid target to start the game. Big body veteran not afraid to throw the body around which Bates needs in the box.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2021, 02:51:09 PM
LOL.  I literally said "D3 soccer is back" and with some enthusiasm.  I don't think I've made any other Covid references this year.  So no devilish smiles or juggling.  Just happened to be watching Ohio St vs Oregon and seeing that crowd is a bit jarring.  Hoping for a full, exciting season with Covid having minimal to no impact. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 02:53:02 PM
LOL good to hear PN.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2021, 02:58:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 02:53:02 PM
LOL good to hear PN.....

I was hoping you'd correct me or verify if Tufts hired a coach who accepted but never coached Tufts bc he went to Harvard.  Junot?  What was the actual chronology leading to Shapiro?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 02:59:21 PM
1-0 Bates 10 minutes into the 2nd Half by a great finish by the Frosh Lane with a left footed crack...#10 Szwarcewicz showed toughness to not back down from a 50/50 ball as he got the ball to Lane but had to battle a 50/50 beforehand. Also, LB #17 Dall battled and fought for the ball to start it off.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 03:00:45 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 11, 2021, 02:58:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 02:53:02 PM
LOL good to hear PN.....

I was hoping you'd correct me or verify if Tufts hired a coach who accepted but never coached Tufts bc he went to Harvard.  Junot?  What was the actual chronology leading to Shapiro?

Yes..Junot ..then he was hired by Harvard only 1-2 months later...Proceeded to drive Harvard into the ground in 3 years and was fired.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 03:05:00 PM
Tufts v Williams.....my finale today.....from the looks of the pregame video we got a real windy day...Also the Jumbocast has been moved back across the field to where it was 5 years ago. This view is much better and we get the benches ruthlessness not the crowd jargon
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2021, 03:06:50 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 03:00:45 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 11, 2021, 02:58:42 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 02:53:02 PM
LOL good to hear PN.....

I was hoping you'd correct me or verify if Tufts hired a coach who accepted but never coached Tufts bc he went to Harvard.  Junot?  What was the actual chronology leading to Shapiro?

Yes..Junot ..then he was hired by Harvard only 1-2 months later...Proceeded to drive Harvard into the ground in 3 years and was fired.

Thanks.  Interesting trivia for Tufts to lose two coaches to Harvard....one who never coached and one who at least won 4 national titles and left the cupboard full before heading out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CC United on September 11, 2021, 03:24:44 PM
Amherst v. Bowdoin. 0-0 at half. Amherst is incapable of stringing together more than three passes.  They are constantly turning the ball over on long balls directly to Bowdoin. Many times there isn't even an Amherst player there to make a play on the ball. Amherst does have a kid who can do a mean flip throw.  The Amherst goalie is strong and will keep them in a lot of games this season. Bowdoin is bringing a physical game to Amherst.  I haven't  looked at the statistics, but IMO Bowdoin is the better team today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 11, 2021, 03:31:05 PM
Just after parking, I was pretty sure I could hear Amhurst yelling from inside of my car with the door shut and the window up, which is about 200 yards away.

First Half: Bowdoin gave as good as it got physically, coming up with a couple of "reducer" challenges in the first 10 minutes. The Bowdoin CB pair of Reid and Donlan have been very tidy overall, although I thought the latter was extremely lucky not to be booked for grabbing the shirt of Giammattei when he was breaking through midfield.

Amherst hasn't been threatened per se and probably has just shaded it, with shots 5-4 and 3-1 on goal, but they've been a final ball away from making a difference. GG has tried to do too much on his own and has given the ball away a few times — the defenders don't usually commit to a challenge but two or three of them surround him and cut off his open lanes, so he eventually loses possession. Okorogheye has been lively down the left, but otherwise the ball has pinged around midfield mostly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 04:09:14 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 11, 2021, 03:31:05 PM
Just after parking, I was pretty sure I could hear Amhurst yelling from inside of my car with the door shut and the window up, which is about 200 yards away.

First Half: Bowdoin gave as good as it got physically, coming up with a couple of "reducer" challenges in the first 10 minutes. The Bowdoin CB pair of Reid and Donlan have been very tidy overall, although I thought the latter was extremely lucky not to be booked for grabbing the shirt of Giammattei when he was breaking through midfield.

Amherst hasn't been threatened per se and probably has just shaded it, with shots 5-4 and 3-1 on goal, but they've been a final ball away from making a difference. GG has tried to do too much on his own and has given the ball away a few times — the defenders don't usually commit to a challenge but two or three of them surround him and cut off his open lanes, so he eventually loses possession. Okorogheye has been lively down the left, but otherwise the ball has pinged around midfield mostly.


Sounds interesting so Bowdoin can hold there own with Amherst physically? skillfully? Are they getting any looks at all
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 04:14:09 PM
Tufts v Williams 0-0 Halftime....Good solid game with both teams getting a sniff or 2 but both teams working hard for ball and space. Some dangerous giveaways and free kicks given in problematic areas of the field but nothing yet to come from them from either side. Would love to see Williams get a tester on the Tufts Frosh GK. Tufts has had some great cut back crosses tight and on the carpet with speed on them just unable to be put home..There is a Goal or two to be had in this game still...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2021, 04:27:11 PM
1-0 Jumbos...controlling the ball all second half with wind so far... 1st half very choppy...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 11, 2021, 04:27:21 PM
Tufts come out flying to start the second half winning 3 corners in a row. Then a cross to the far post by Cano is chested down and then volleyed with the week foot by Ian Daly. A top quality goal for the jumbos.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 04:29:26 PM
Ian Daly with a fantastic finish to give Tufts a 1-0 lead. Williams #18 defender Jaime Holland looked to have lost Daly on the play. I might have gotten numbers wrong but looked like Holland.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2021, 04:34:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 04:29:26 PM
Ian Daly with a fantastic finish to give Tufts a 1-0 lead. Williams #18 defender Jaime Holland looked to have lost Daly on the play. I might have gotten numbers wrong but looked like Holland.

Mr. Right...I do feel the wind is making a difference...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 11, 2021, 04:35:26 PM
Tufts all over williams here looking for a second. Williams with an early quadruple substitution hoping to turn the tide.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 11, 2021, 04:41:36 PM
Bowdoin pulls the upset over Amherst, 1-0. I thought the Polar Bears might struggle a bit in the second half but to their credit they stayed aggressive and hit the post about 15 minutes in. Then with about 15 minutes left got a corner and Byrd - who came into his own at the end of the first into the second half - sent in the corner, Reid headed it back across goal where Ward was there to nod it in from a yard or so out. Amherst hit the bar a few minutes later and had a couple looks but Bowdoin saw it out otherwise. Shots were 13-11 Amherst which isn't surprising since Amherst usually outshoots everyone. Must be Bowdoin's first win (not counting the PK shootout victory in the 2014 NESCAC final) over Amherst since the 2010 season.

Quote from: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 04:09:14 PM
Sounds interesting so Bowdoin can hold there own with Amherst physically? skillfully? Are they getting any looks at all

They certainly matched them physically. In previous years you got the sense that Bowdoin was big and physical but perhaps didn't grind like Amherst has - they certainly ground it out today. Skillfully I would say Amherst edged it but that was mainly Giammattei, although as I said before I felt like he tried to do too much himself and lost the ball. All told, it could've gone either way, but it wasn't a smash and grab from Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2021, 04:47:25 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 11, 2021, 04:41:36 PM
Bowdoin pulls the upset over Amherst, 1-0. I thought the Polar Bears might struggle a bit in the second half but to their credit they stayed aggressive and hit the post about 15 minutes in. Then with about 15 minutes left got a corner and Byrd - who came into his own at the end of the first into the second half - sent in the corner, Reid headed it back across goal where Ward was there to nod it in from a yard or so out. Amherst hit the bar a few minutes later and had a couple looks but Bowdoin saw it out otherwise. Shots were 13-11 Amherst which isn't surprising since Amherst usually outshoots everyone. Must be Bowdoin's first win (not counting the PK shootout victory in the 2014 NESCAC final) over Amherst since the 2010 season.

Quote from: Mr.Right on September 11, 2021, 04:09:14 PM
Sounds interesting so Bowdoin can hold there own with Amherst physically? skillfully? Are they getting any looks at all

They certainly matched them physically. In previous years you got the sense that Bowdoin was big and physical but perhaps didn't grind like Amherst has - they certainly ground it out today. Skillfully I would say Amherst edged it but that was mainly Giammattei, although as I said before I felt like he tried to do too much himself and lost the ball. All told, it could've gone either way, but it wasn't a smash and grab from Bowdoin.

BLOOTS! How do the Judges look this year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 11, 2021, 05:00:11 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on September 11, 2021, 04:47:25 PM
BLOOTS! How do the Judges look this year?

Young! But that's OK — I think they'll hit their stride once they gel — they started 5 FYs and 2 sophs the other game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 11, 2021, 05:10:48 PM
Tufts with the 1-0 victory. Looked pretty dominant in the second half but couldn't find the second goal to kill the game off. A bunch better performance than tuesday night against MIT. Williams never really threatened and can't remember a significant scoring chance for the Ephs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 11, 2021, 06:12:31 PM
Did not realize until reading the recap that Bowdoin earned more corner kicks than Amherst, 8-4. That says a bit about Bowdoin being territorially competitive even if they were outshot. Keeping the corner count down is important against Amherst - if they are getting way more than you are, I feel like they're pretty likely to put at least one of them away.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on September 11, 2021, 06:22:49 PM
I was at the game in Brunswick today. IMHO, the score was reflective of the play today. Bowdoin was the better team. They simply wanted it more. And they took the best player at the D3 level out of the game. #9 in the dark shirt was mostly invisible. Credit the Bowdoin D and midfield for that.

This conference is up for grabs this season. Yes, someone has to knock off Tufts, but anything is possible. .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on September 11, 2021, 07:47:04 PM
Here is a write-up of the Bowdoin win over Amherst plus video of the Bowdoin goal (https://athletics.bowdoin.edu/news/2021/9/11/wards-goal-the-difference-as-mens-soccer-stuns-second-ranked-amherst.aspx). The first regular season win for the Bears over Amherst since 2008! Bowdoin is the beneficiary of 4 excellent players who were members of the class of 2021 but decided to delay graduation and return for the a final season of play: stellar F Drake Byrd, giant D Ryan Donlan, M Ryan Houseman and M Alex Chaban (the first 3 are starters and Chaban is usually the first substitute) . . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 11, 2021, 07:52:34 PM
Was German playing with a mask on?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 11, 2021, 08:05:32 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 11, 2021, 07:52:34 PM
Was German playing with a mask on?

It was "on" but it wasn't covering anything any of the times I saw him, so "kind of" or "not really" both seem suitable. There was another player (can't remember which team) who was similar.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 11, 2021, 10:57:59 PM
Middlebury 3 Wesleyan 1

Middlebury with two changes from their first game in the starting 11. In the back, Casey Lund started in place of the injured Kenan Ulku-Steiner, and Eujin Chae came in for Shane Farrell in the midfield.  As noted elsewhere, Wesleyan struck first on a nice individual effort by Chris Textor who got Lund off balance and slotted it home to the far post from 8 yards out.  Middlebury evened it less than a minute later when Aiden Pape took advantage of a height mismatch and headed home from 6 yards out.  Midd took the lead in the 35th minute when Chae whipped in a corner that Devanny came for but missed, and Ben Powers headed it in.  Second half was back and forth, with Midd having chances on the break and Wesleyan pressing for the equalizer.  They almost had it when Dane Harmaty tried his luck from the top of the 18, but Ryan Grady laid out and tipped it over the bar.  Midd got their third on a counter in the final 24 seconds.  Jordan Saint-Louis and Brandon Reid had a 2 v 2, with Saint-Louis beating his defender, drawing the other defender, and sliding a beautiful pass to Reid, who buried his effort from 15 yards.  Wesleyan tried a number of short free kicks and combination plays in and around the penalty area to neutralize Middlebury's dominance in the air.  Wesleyan looks improved from 2019, but so does Midd.  (Corresponding fixture in 2019 finished 0-0).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ommadawn on September 12, 2021, 04:17:21 PM
With the Bardong Brothers no longer a NESCAC duo, it appears that the Traynor Brothers are heirs apparent to the league's sibling throne. Michael netted the game-winner for Trinity in their 1-0 victory today over Emerson and older brother Sean did the same for Tufts in OT earlier this week against MIT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2021, 04:29:03 PM
Conn College at Wheaton(MA) 0-0 about 20 min in. Conn's opening game and looks to be in a 4-1-4-1 with GK Maidenberg , backline is young with #6 Diano, #24 Kelesoglu, #21 Dutkewych and RB #4 Mendo. That's 2 Frosh, 1 Soph and 1 JR with very little experience. Something to watch as the year goes on. Conn still playing on the ground though and have had the better looks so far with a crunching tackle by #16 Lorenzo Bocchetti that got him a Yellow and left a Wheaton player on the ground for about 5 minutes. Conn has #28 Pinyochon holding who did play some last year and has Bocchetti roaming like Butera did last year. #25 Yeonas is wide right with #10 Robles wide left. #14 Djerdjaj is attacking behind striker #9 Tshuma. So a mix of veterans and young guys.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2021, 04:40:48 PM
Conn goes up 1-0 off a set piece beautifully served in by Robles and found the head of #24 Kelesoglu. The set piece was made possible by a foul drawn by Tshuma who checked to the ball nicely and got whacked. 1-0 Conn about 15 min left in 1st half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2021, 05:10:16 PM
Conn 1-0 Wheaton...Halftime...Good game with both teams trying to play a bit. Conn fell off a bit when it went to its bench with about 15min to play in the Half but not to bad. Conn strikers making some great check back runs and are either holding the ball strong like Tshuma and either getting fouled or laying the ball off to runners. Pretty good stuff even though it can be sloppy at times. The bench looks to be a little stronger than 2019 but he is still feeling out some players as both wingbacks have been subbed and everyone else besides Djerdjaj and Tshuma.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2021, 05:13:07 PM
WOW....2nd Half Wheaton puts a PK into the net 20 seconds into the Half after a combination of folly's for Conn. 2 bad bounces, lunging in and ball watching led to a clumsy PK that ties the game 1-1...Not what u are looking for coming out of halftime.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2021, 05:25:56 PM
clumsy PK goal has knocked Conn awake as they are coming at Wheaton with chances. The best one was #14 Djerdjaj beating 3 Wheaton defenders regaining his balance and ripping one left footed just over the net. Same lineup to start the Half except #18 Marvel is in for #16 Bocchetti. Marvel a more offensive player but Bocchetti looked good 1st Half as he was active.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2021, 05:37:23 PM
Wheaton scores one going the other way 2-1 Wheaton with about 25min left. Conn subbed CB's for some reason and #5 Cerezo a Soph got turned and Wheaton striker Santoro got on the inside of Cerezo and slotted it into the net 1v1 with keeper. Just a young defensive positioning mistake that cannot happen. You get a back 4 especially 2 solid CB's and you keep them in the game for 90 minutes. The wingbacks #4 and #6 are skilled and go forward plenty which I like but not sure about the CB switch
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2021, 05:41:29 PM
Wheaton stream went dead so I got to switch games. Wheaton 2-1 Conn about 23min left. SMH how a striker gets on the inside of my CB like that. Just a positioning nightmare and a leg turner to boot
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 14, 2021, 05:56:52 PM
Middlebury 1 Plattsburgh State 0.  Midd started with Grady in net, Lund, O'Brien, McFarlane, Nelson in the back, Chae, Powers, Sloan in midfield, and Barry, Reid, Saint-Louis up top.  Middlebury had large territorial and possession edge in first half, but could not break down the Cardinals.  Most of the best chances came on set pieces.  Second half was more even, with neither team really threatening except on set pieces.  With just over 5 minutes left, Sloan whipped in a free kick from the left wing, and after the ball was initially headed straight up in the air, Ethan Coomber nodded it home from 3 yards out for the only goal of the match.    Midd now 3-0-0 and will host Bowdoin on Saturday.  Not an artistic success, and lots of balls bouncing and bobbling on Midd's turf field, but the Panthers are finding ways to win games they would have had as scoreless draws in 2019.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2021, 06:03:21 PM
Looks like Midd got a goal in the 85th minute to get a solid 1-0 Win against Plattsburgh who were coming off a 5-1 shellacking from RPI this past weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2021, 06:09:25 PM
Williams at Skidmore tonight will be interesting. Do we get the 1st Half pressing and working against Tufts from Williams tonight or do we get the 2nd Half effort against Tufts which was the ugliest Williams Half in a long time.

Meanwhile Tufts hosts Wesleyan in a midweek Nescac match. Wesleyan is undersized against Tufts tonight but maybe can create a couple chances on the counter tonight if they can move the ball on the carpet quickly up the pitch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 14, 2021, 08:01:15 PM
Tufts-Wesleyan 0-0 at the half in a classic midweek trap game. Tufts pretty much in control throughout the half with an 8-1 shot advantage. A few decent chances but all too close to the keeper. Tufts look very strong in the back and midfield this season. Hopefully the final third will develop as the season progresses and a few players return from injury.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 14, 2021, 08:04:02 PM
Williams at Skidmore 1-0 Halftime..#16 Frosh Keel Brissett got the lone goal of the Half off a long throw then a failed Skidmore clearance led to a ball played back in that bounced right to Brissett who ripped it in for a buzzer beater that looked offsides and certainly Skidmore wanted either offsides or the buzzer blown...scrappy game with some early season sloppiness but each team is fighting hard. Skidmore is difficult to break down and their 6'6 GK helps a ton especially if Williams continues to hit longballs right into the box. Forcing the 6'6 GK to the ground on all shots would be advantageous for Williams in the 2nd Half. Moving #13 Will Felitto to CB has proved a smart move so far. Williams can use his toughness on the backline but they do miss it up top. Problem was Felitto never finished as a striker so CB is a good move.  It looks like Sullivan brought in a strong Frosh class as #26 Felipe Gutierrez is a cagey player who is always in the correct position popping off his teammates to get open and create space for himself and others. Very intelligent player. I like #6 Boardman next to him in midfield but want to see him drive and attack more to goal which is his strength as the game and season go on. Id like to see #4 Ranieri starting at LB as he is Williams strongest tackler of the ball and btw decided to come back for an extra year...so good on him. #9 Petrik, who also came back for another year, and #7 Song have been Williams two most important attacking players this year have been quiet this Half. Williams also switched GK's for this game starting #30 Ben Diffley of Deerfield Academy....LOng line of Deerfield Academy alums at Williams but the first in a while on the field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 17, 2021, 02:55:23 PM


Nescac Predictions Week 2:

Colby at Trinity----I have not seen either team play yet. Colby will travel on down to Conn to replay the previous weekend's game on Sunday. Colby should have a size advantage as they have some big boys in the back and up top. Looking at their box score and trying to guess the lineup they had #9 Fabricant 6'3 up top with #22 Ethan Franco(Frosh/Soph) who has scored in both the Thomas and Gordon games with #7 Sam Wilson 6'3 probably off the bench. They also have veterans #20 Jared Wood 6'4 and #18 Max Farner 6'3 a Gordon transfer off the bench up top. Tons of size for set piece goals. I am guessing they are probably on the slow side but all this size on set pieces is dangerous.
#10 Nicholas Lemire is 6'4 and probably running midfield with other veterans #11 Paul Harkins, #17 Jack Fletcher and #8 Colin Sullivan.
In the back I am guessing #5 Aboubacar Traore 6'6, #3 Jayde Franklin, veteran #4 Ryan Seaman and in one game #23 Nicholas Assadourian and
in another #27 Jered Garrison. So there it is....Colby has size, athleticism and tons of veterans who have been around as Frosh when they won the Nescac Championship as a #8 seed and made their first NCAA tourney and should have advanced over Montclair St. That matters only if they are motivated to make another run. The GK has been #1 Noah Jackson who is a Soph so has only 2 career games. Trinity needs to test him. I have not seen Colby but I am guessing they are not the most pacey team so if Trinity can get some pace in the lineup it will be to their advantage.  Trinity looks to be improved in attack led by the one man that returned to play for a 5th year #7 Alistair Matule as he already has 3 goals. My concern without watching Trinity yet is defensively. They shutout Emerson but gave up 5 goals to St.Joe's(CT) all too one player in 90 minutes and another 3 goals to Clark. GK'ing and defense have been the reason Trinity has struggled the past few years.  2-0 Colby



Bowdoin at Midd-----I have not seen Bowdoin play yet but am impressed with the Amherst win and the quick start to the year at 3-0-0. Bowdoin had a hell of a crowd for that Amherst game. They have 4 players that came back for another run with #11 Drake Byrd being the most important as he already has 3 Goals and 2 Assists. #4 Alex Chaban is another that came back and comes off the bench with #5 Minseo Bae
and both cause problems for tired starters in midfield as they are both 5'6 and quick and very active. #12 Ryan Donlan the 6'5 defender along with #19 Ryan Houseman also came back for a 5th year and both have started all 3 games. So some serious production from just these 4 veterans that decided to come back. Bowdoin is using #1 Michael Webber in net to start the year and they also have Senior veteran #24 Chris Kingston who played a ton as a Frosh in 2018. Bowdoin has a healthy mix of players with speed, size and athleticism but most importantly have a ranked Win v Amherst that could give the team the mentality to push through games and find more Wins. Midd also has a healthy amount of players that returned for a 5th year. #9 Brandon Reid is the most important for them up top. Backup GK #1 Marco Kaper came back and that is a real team player knowing he might not play all year but still came back. Very impressive. Two other players to come back for a 5th year are
#5 Raffi Barsamian who was Midd's defensive midfielder in 2019 and #7 Andriy Proctor a big striker who came off the bench. Neither player has played a minute so both must be injured. Midd will use #9 Reid up top with #8 Brendan Barry wide left and #23 Jordan Saint-Louis wide right. #10 Liam Sloan has been the attacking midfielder. This is a very solid attacking 4 and should be able to give Bowdoin's backline fits. Midd used #16 Aiden Pape and had #6 Eujin Chae a Frosh and South Kent player holding to round out the midfield. The backline had Frosh #32 William O'Brien (replacing Aiden Robinson) at CB along with veteran Mike McFarlane and at LB Frosh Casey Lund and RB Frosh #25 Hank Nelson. That is 3/4 Frosh on backline and Bowdoin / Byrd need to take advantage of that.  Both teams will sit and feel each out for a while as I do not see either side trying to open this game up. Also, I just noticed former Midd midfielder Andrew Banadda is on Bowdoin's bench as an assistant
so he should be able to instruct Bowdoin defenders how and where exactly Midd will set picks on corners. He was a good player for Midd and used to cause Williams fits but good to see he is still involved in the game and trying his luck at the collegiate level.        1-1




Conn at Bates-----This could be a game with some goals in it. Conn was in a 4-1-4-1 against Wheaton as they have talent going forward.  #9 Thsuma up top with #14 Djerjaj attacking and #25 Yeonas wide right and #10 Robles wide left. #16 Bocchetti was linking and #28 Pinyochon holding. Backline is inexperienced with #21 Dutkewych and Frosh #24 Kelesoglu at CB and  Soph #6 Horvath-Diano and Frosh #4 Mendo as wingbacks. That might be the most inexperienced backline in Nescac along with a GK #00 Maidenberg who has barely played because of Marcucci. Conn will occasionally send their wingbacks so Bates will need to be cautious or take advantage of the situation when Conn does and counter quickly. Bates also looked to be in a 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 same diff..GK is #99 Manning and really was not tested against Hamilton. Back 4 was LB #17 Bobby Dall who will be marking Yeonas, CB #4 James Peter and #18 Alex Kovacs who are pretty solid especially Kovacs and RB #5 Max McKersie. In late 2019 he had McKersie and Kovacs at CB with Peter at LB. Holding is the big German #6 Hohmann and he will be responsible for the big Serbian Djerjaj who can use his speed to beat Hohmann and will not be afraid to bang with him either. #7 Phillips was in midfield along with attacking middie #8 Keheler who is a big athletic kid who can score and dish. Wide left was #29 Agunloye and wide right was the man with 4 Goals #20 Rex Lane. These two must give Conn's wingbacks fits for Bates to win this game. Up top is #10 Szwarcewicz. #19 Iwowo came off the bench in the game I saw along with #16 Guerrier. #15 Bardong has played limited minutes for some reason this year but all 3 have talent especially if they are coming off the bench. He also used Frosh #21 Costa-Farre off the bench in midfield. I honestly like both teams but Conn's backline is so inexperienced that he might need to hold with both Bocchetti and Pinyochon to help out as the season goes along and only attack with 4 plus varying attacking wingbacks.    3-2 Bates



Wesleyan at Williams-------I will be walking down to Cole Field for this one. Wesleyan is led by #6 Nick Wallick along with holder #24 Lucas Kimball and wide right #21 Christopher Texter. Everyone else really has no college playing experience. Wide left was Frosh #12 Zach Wheeler and up top Soph #9 Dane Harmaty With Frosh #10 Lucas Ruehlemann attacking. Frosh #11 Oliver Clarke is also in midfield. #17 Miles Lambke another Frosh is on the backline. #14 Mason Davisson also brings some energy. GK Liam Devanny has experience in net. This team has got to be one of the youngest Nescac teams along with Hamilton. Wesleyan like Williams are very good at transition defense, meaning they get 10 behind the ball when they lose it. Williams has been also getting 10 behind the ball the minute they lose it which is how he played at Springfield along with the massive substitutions which I am not a big fan of. It gets everyone involved and therefore theoretically more excited and motivated but it also does not allow for his starters to get into a rhythm and his starters are fit enough they do not need to substitute like that but whatever small pickins to get annoyed at that...Still when I saw 9 subs at one time at Skidmore including at CB my eyes opened wide...He definitely played like that at Springfield using all those subs but so far I have not seen the ruthless blasting the ball from the back like when he was at Springfield(except for 2nd Half at Tufts which was ugly). I marked this as Wesleyan's toughest stretch and it has proved to be as Wes
lost both to Tufts and Midd. Both teams are looking for their first Nescac Win. I think this will be an ugly tedious game with Petrik getting a set piece winner.      1-0 Williams



I ran out of time but I will go:



Tufts 2-0 Brandeis
Amherst 4-0 Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 18, 2021, 12:04:20 PM
Colby leads Trinity 1-0 at the Half. Colby goal was scored because of a defensive mistake by the RB #15 Charles Kaldor and GK #1 Bernardo Simoes distribution mistake by giving him the ball in a tight space with Colby bearing down with pressure. #15 had played it back to his GK and broke out wide for support but his GK gave it back to him in a dangerous area because Colby was pressing. #15 got control of the ball and hit a weak ball that deflected off his CB #2 that Colby picked up and dished to #22 Ethan Franco who keeps scoring goals in each of Colby's 3 games. He is scrappy and quick and hit kind of a weak shot but found the far corner just missing the GK's mitt. I could not tell on the stream if the GK should have gotten to it just because it was a bit of a weak shot and the GK might have left his feet to early. Not sure but he made up for it later with a fantastic diving save on a dangerous free kick just outside the box.

I thought Trinity looked improved in attack as they were in a 4-3-3 and #23 Peter Bronson looked dangerous but would rather see him as a attacking midfielder and once he starts to gel with #9 Logan Peterson up top they could be a dangerous Maryland duo. Trinity was trying to mix building up in attack and hitting long balls over the top to try to use their speed against Colby. I would not be surprised if Trinity gets a Goal 2nd Half but Colby has better depth and will more than likely wear Trinity down from the 70th minute.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on September 18, 2021, 12:32:31 PM
Can any of the distinguished (or not) Midd alumnus buy then a new camera? I'm pretty sure my Motorola Razor generated a higher quality image.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on September 18, 2021, 12:41:17 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on September 18, 2021, 12:32:31 PM
Can any of the distinguished (or not) Midd alumnus buy then a new camera? I'm pretty sure my Motorola Razor generated a higher quality image.

Seriously. What an embarrassment. And the announcer is sleep-inducing. zzzzz
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on September 18, 2021, 01:27:00 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on September 18, 2021, 12:32:31 PM
Can any of the distinguished (or not) Midd alumnus buy then a new camera? I'm pretty sure my Motorola Razor generated a higher quality image.
Stopped watching after 2 minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 18, 2021, 02:17:12 PM
Tufts up 2-0 at half against Brandeis. Don't want to draw too many conclusions from one game, but Brandeis' talent level has fallen off to the point that I don't see this program being at the same level for a long time. I think a lot of the success was due to the recruiting of the departed coach. Tufts were playing their second and even third string guys to end the half and still dominating. This is a far cry from the old deis teams
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 18, 2021, 02:22:34 PM
3-0 two minutes into the second half. This could get ugly...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2021, 02:29:24 PM
"Don't want to draw too many conclusions from one game, but Brandeis' talent level has fallen off to the point that I don't see this program being at the same level for a long time."

This sentence.  Wow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 18, 2021, 02:31:58 PM
My punctuation that bad?? Not doing too much writing these days
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 18, 2021, 03:02:12 PM
Tufts bringing in the backup goalie just about sums this one up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2021, 03:11:53 PM
4-0 the final, not a good day for the Judges. I think d4's assessment of the recruiting playing a role in the old teams is mostly fair. The Brandeis teams of old were built around guys like Ocel/Soboff/Savonen/Lynch who were either being recruited by D1 programs or had been playing D1. They don't have anyone like that in the squad at the moment. However (and recognizing that 1 of the 3 seasons since 2017 wasn't played), I don't think it's that Margolis isn't a good recruiter, but perhaps Coven was just superlative in that area, which is what you have to be in order to attract those kinds of talents (even if the program had a few dormant periods between NCAA appearances in 1985 and 2012).

Was watching on-and-off, but saw the goals back. All the goals seemed to be predicated on simple mistakes. The way Cano cut inside so easily for the first goal was concerning, but it was far from just that goal – Tufts was just dominant in each department.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d3commenter on September 18, 2021, 03:23:11 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 18, 2021, 02:17:12 PM
Tufts up 2-0 at half against Brandeis. Don't want to draw too many conclusions from one game, but Brandeis' talent level has fallen off to the point that I don't see this program being at the same level for a long time. I think a lot of the success was due to the recruiting of the departed coach. Tufts were playing their second and even third string guys to end the half and still dominating. This is a far cry from the old deis teams
I think this is the first time Brandeis has lost by more than 2 goals in over 10 years...safe to say they have fallen off dramtically.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2021, 04:14:45 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 18, 2021, 03:11:53 PM
4-0 the final, not a good day for the Judges. I think d4's assessment of the recruiting playing a role in the old teams is mostly fair. The Brandeis teams of old were built around guys like Ocel/Soboff/Savonen/Lynch who were either being recruited by D1 programs or had been playing D1. They don't have anyone like that in the squad at the moment. However (and recognizing that 1 of the 3 seasons since 2017 wasn't played), I don't think it's that Margolis isn't a good recruiter, but perhaps Coven was just superlative in that area, which is what you have to be in order to attract those kinds of talents (even if the program had a few dormant periods between NCAA appearances in 1985 and 2012).

Was watching on-and-off, but saw the goals back. All the goals seemed to be predicated on simple mistakes. The way Cano cut inside so easily for the first goal was concerning, but it was far from just that goal – Tufts was just dominant in each department.

Interesting.  I always had the impression that Margolis was typically the one more involved with recruiting.  I'm certainly not a Brandeis expert but I can recall in the 2000s when Wheaton (MA) was considered the superior program.  Brandeis certainly had a very strong last decade with two Final Four appearances, but I would think that why those years were so good involved a number of variables (including getting a run of players from the same club team/summer programs....Ocel, Savonen, Lynch).  I also wouldn't draw conclusions from a handful of games or even a full season.  Brandeis is also an interesting school/program...similar academic quality to NESCACs in the same New England region, but not necessarily a peer or overlap with NESCACs.  I'd be curious to know what the overlaps are for Brandeis recruiting-wise (and I would think places like NYU and Rochester, and not just because they are fellow UAA institutions).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2021, 04:27:40 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 18, 2021, 04:14:45 PM
Interesting.  I always had the impression that Margolis was typically the one more involved with recruiting. 

He definitely was, and I believe he was involved with the Bolts quite a bit – I don't mean to say that he wasn't. That being said, Coven had been around for a while, had a unique way of charming people, and an almost encyclopedic knowledge of former players and opponents. That is something that's pretty unique. (Even so, they had a number of years in the wilderness, so that's not to say it was perfect.)

Back to NESCAC matters: interesting to see that Middlebury downed Bowdoin today, sending the Polar Bears to their first loss.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 18, 2021, 06:13:23 PM
Middlebury 1 #11 Bowdoin 0
Midd started with Grady in goal, Nelson, O'Brien, McFarlane, and Pape in the back, Chae, Powers, and Sloan in the midfield, and Saint-Louis, Reid, and Barry up top. 

Agree with earlier thoughts on both the video quality, and the announcer.  This was a different announcer than normal for Midd games, and I have never seen the video this bad.  Noah Hannam and Raffi Barsamiam both made their first appearances of the year for Midd after battling injuries early on. 

Even game in the first half.  Midd continues to be dangerous on set pieces as they use their height to good effect, winning both first and second balls on free kicks and corners.  Saint-Louis continues to be a threat on the right flank as he has both skill and pace and uses them to take on defenders.

Midd goal by Saint-Louis after Bowdoin tried to play out of the back.  Jonah Roberts blocked a ball up the line, and the ball fell to Saint-Louis, who cut to the middle and ripped a shot from 25 yards out with his left foot than beat the keeper down low to the near post. 

Bowdoin really did have much doing forward in the second half. 

Same fixture in 2019 was 0-0.  Midd has turned two 0-0 draws from 2019 into conference wins in 2021.  Being able to find the net certainly helps!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on September 20, 2021, 11:00:04 AM
Quote from: nescacfan94 on September 18, 2021, 12:41:17 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on September 18, 2021, 12:32:31 PM
Can any of the distinguished (or not) Midd alumnus buy then a new camera? I'm pretty sure my Motorola Razor generated a higher quality image.

Seriously. What an embarrassment. And the announcer is sleep-inducing. zzzzz
The equipment is owned and provided by NSN.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 21, 2021, 07:52:53 PM
Tufts up 4-1 at half against a Salem State they really have no business playing. You can count on them hearing about it for conceding a goal in a game like this. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on September 21, 2021, 08:15:09 PM
63 degrees gametime for Colby at St. Joes, and there's a Colby player wearing gloves!?!? 

Colby is dominating the game in every aspect except for the score.  I didn't catch the St. Joe's goal, but it was totally against the run of play.  If St. Joe's wants to hold off Colby, they're going to need to make more passes out of the back and try to possess the ball a little bit.  Colby's high press is making that difficult and it seems like it's just a matter of time before Colby cashes in.  It's still 1-0 St. Joe's with 40 minutes left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on September 21, 2021, 08:55:24 PM
St. Joe's scores off a free kick just outside the box with 3 minutes left to go up 3-2 on Colby. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 22, 2021, 08:49:42 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on September 21, 2021, 07:52:53 PM
Tufts up 4-1 at half against a Salem State they really have no business playing. You can count on them hearing about it for conceding a goal in a game like this.

haha......does this mean sprints or hills today?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 22, 2021, 09:53:09 AM
Williams HAS to have played one of the toughest if not the toughest schedule in the country so far, number one Tufts, and then Wesleyan (better than its record with losses to Midd and Tufts), RPI (pre-season top ten team, 4-1-1), Skidmore (5-1) and Babson (5-2, in the top 25 before Williams beat them).  Hopefully the Ephs benefit later in the season.  As always the top of NESCAC, Tufts, Midd, Amherst, maybe Bowdoin and Conn, looks loaded, so Williams will have to keep improving to pick up a few wins vs. that group. 

Ironically, Sullivan's last recruiting class looks like one of his best.  Felipe Gutierrez looks VERY good, certainly a top ROY contender, and Keel Brissett is, along with Song, one of the two most dangerous finishers on the team (as usual not an area of huge strength for Williams, but hopefully those two continue to grow over into the role over time and some other guys start to help out).  Zhang, Keleman, Huleatt and Michelson have all played a lot of minutes as well and generally seem to be playing more as the season progresses.  Among that group I think a good chance of seeing 4-5 three-year starters.  Only three seniors are playing and none are among the top 10 guys in minutes on the team, so there is long-term upside on the roster. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 24, 2021, 12:55:22 PM

Nescac Predictions Week 3


Bowdoin at Wesleyan---- Wesleyan picked up its first Nescac Win v Trinity midweek with a goal by #8 Rubinstein in the 79th minute. This was the first quote from the Wesleyan recap "In a largely uneventful first half, neither side generated much offense as there was just six combined shots and just one was on-target in the opening 45 minutes". Both Wesleyan and Bowdoin usually take their time to feel out what the opponent is doing so the recap guy should be able to cut and paste. A hard low cross from #12 Zach Wheeler found Rubenstein who volleyed it with his left. Rubinstein is Wesleyan's most important attacking player but Frosh #10 Ruehlemann is starting to challenge him for that honor. The kid is quick and skilled and most importantly follows Rubinstein's lead and works hard. Wesleyan is still really young but they are hungry and come ready to play. They are not deep and the play falls off when the key starters are out of the game usually the last 15 minutes of the 1st Half. This is the time for Bowdoin to strike. Bowdoin has better depth, more size and attacking players that can finish. Most important is they are playing with confidence. Interesting to me is which team will be forced to adjust? Will Bowdoin use #4 Chaban and #5 Minseo Bae in starting roles to match Wesleyan's quickness in the middle of the field or will Wesleyan have to sacrifice their skill and speed players with more height like #7 Tucker Kelsch.        1-1



Middlebury at Hamilton-----I have not seen Hamilton play yet. They mix a balance of veterans and Frosh in the starting 11 and have proved scrappy enough that all of their games have been 1 goal games. Even with Amherst having a 30-8 Shots advanatge it sounds like Hamilton had a couple of golden opportunities at the end of the game that they could not capitalize on. The point is they find a way to hang around. Big fan of #8 Matt Jordan as he has played every minute of every game and is their leader. It looks like Hamilton does have #28 Greg Zimmerman back in the lineup as he adds size up top. Hamilton's wingbacks are going to get a workout as Midd brings #23 Jordan Saint-Louis wide right and #8 Brendan Barry wide left. Saint-Louis is on a tear with 4G and 3A in 5GP. He is athletic, fast, can finish and most impressively stays on the field. Along with the big striker #9 Brandon Reid and midfielder #10 Liam Sloan they are one of the more dangerous attacking teams in Nescac. Looks like #5 Barsamian is working his way back into the lineup as the Frosh #6 Chae has done well in his place. Midd GK #33 Ryan Grady already has 3 shutouts and would have been 4 had he not been subbed out of the opening game of the year. Midd is young on the backline as he likes the Frosh #32 O'Brien at CB and #25 Nelson at RB. Elias looks to be trying to figure out who would be the best fit for LB.  He was a CB so he understands how important it is to NOT substitute that triangle of communication with the GK and 2 CB's. At least that is my hunch. Midd has to much talent and confidence for Hamilton right now.       Midd 2-0



Amherst at Conn-----Big game here between two top teams in Nescac. I have not seen Amherst play yet. They have a ton of veterans back with the backline being led by #7 Kyle Kelly who really stepped up in 2019. You got #5 Bryce Johnson probably at RB and #8 Alex Shahmirzadi holding. Shahmirzadi brings a ton of energy to the midfield. Both #12 Felix Wu and #33 Gabe Gitler are back. It looks like #16 Sebastian Derby is still in midfield who also brings energy. Surprised #10 Ignacio Cubeddu has not cracked the lineup but this has got to be the most experienced team in Nescac. GK #1 Bernie White is back in net and has 3 shutouts in a row. #9 has been quiet so far this year but is probably getting marked tight and even doubled. His stats do show half of his rips have been on net so I would not be surprised to see some goals coming soon especially against an inexperienced but talented Conn backline and GK. Perfect field for Amherst as its nice and tight for their press and blast and run game.  Conn will not be able to possess as much in this game as Amherst will press those defenders to blast the ball away or risk giving it away in dangerous area of the field. Still Conn knows what's coming and is a team playing well themselves. Amherst played a game on Thursday so Conn has got to take advantage of heavy legs late in the game. This is when Conn needs #14 Djerdjaj to do some heavy lifting if they are going to beat Amherst for the first time in 10 years.      2-2




Trinity at Williams-----Both Trinity and Williams are coming off disappointing 0-1 losses midweek to Springfield for the former and Wesleyan for the latter. Both teams are looking for their first Nescac Wins. Williams plays in a 4-4-2. Trinity in a 4-3-3. Lately, Williams has been starting a Frosh #29 Zhang at LB who will stay high up the field when Williams has the ball. This means that Williams tries to use him in attack but to be able to do so the players need to 1. Look for him 2. Be able to switch the field quickly. This has not happened frequently enough for him to be effective. Boardman is the box to box midfielder, Gutierrez stays home more and #20 Usaki hangs high. Williams will press hard especially 1st Half so Trinity, who likes to build from the back, needs to be mindful and hit long balls when needed. Williams GK #1 Michael Davis left the Springfield game in the 37th minute after twisting his ankle walking backwards to his goalmouth. I have never seen that TBH so not sure who will be in net. Trinity is 1-4-0 but only 0-2-0 in Conf so there is still time to right the ship but they have a brutal October so it would behoove them to start sooner rather than later.      Williams 2-1



Tufts at Colby----Colby plays 7 of their next 8 games at Home. Tufts has been rolling right along. 2019 RB #3 Ian Daly has been moved up to the right flank and they had been using #22 Aidan Welsh at RB the last time I saw them. Colby has size all over the place and I fully expect them to park it this game and try their luck on the counter. Colby does not move it quick enough upfield for them to be effective breaking down Tufts BUT the size will give them some chances off of any set piece 60 yards from the goal or in. Aroh will be busy in the air. In the past this game has been real tight and I expect more of the same. I heard that Tufts has scooped up Milton Academy twins Luke and Gavin Randolph for next year.  Tufts 1-0




Bates at Brandeis----Brandeis I have not seen but 1 Goal in 6 Games gives one an idea on where the problem lies. Besides the Tufts 4-0 beatdown, Brandeis has had 1-0 or 0-0 scorelines. I still see a decent enough roster so maybe they are playing more defensively this year. Midweek game at Wheaton was cancelled due to a power outage. Does one need electricity to play soccer? Anyway, has Bates proven to be an enigma or maybe it was a one off against Conn College last weekend. If the Judges are truly struggling then Bates needs to score and score early because the longer you keep desperate teams in games the better chance you give them of getting out of their funk.    1-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 25, 2021, 03:54:05 PM
Well after Tufts misses literally 3 empty nets inside the 6, Colby rips a shot top corner near post. Time to see how they respond to first real adversity this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 25, 2021, 04:16:00 PM
Brandeis 2-0 Bates. Have to say I feared for Brandeis going into this game given that Bates was coming in 4-1 and Brandeis 1-4-1 (having scored 1 goal), but the Judges were good value for the win. Put together some nice sequences in general. Bates came out a bit slow but grew into the game and could have sent it to OT before the dagger with a few minutes left. Still think the Bobcats will have a decent year, they've looked good aside from the Conn. College drubbing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 25, 2021, 05:07:19 PM
Colby fails to take several chances to make it 2-0 – the Tufts GK made a really nice save on an effort with 10 minutes left – and now the Mules give up the equalizer with less than 4 minutes left. Too easy from the corner. 1-1 and momentum squarely with the Jumbos.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on September 25, 2021, 05:21:26 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 25, 2021, 05:07:19 PM
Colby fails to take several chances to make it 2-0 – the Tufts GK made a really nice save on an effort with 10 minutes left – and now the Mules give up the equalizer with less than 4 minutes left. Too easy from the corner. 1-1 and momentum squarely with the Jumbos.

He made two great ones! One coming to smother on the right and one getting big on the square ball slipped through on the near side.

Franco (sp?) on Colby has played up top and as a second striker and is a good player, generated a good amount on the counter though frequently isolated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 25, 2021, 10:27:36 PM
Middlebury 1 @ Hamilton 0

Midd started with Grady in net, Pape, O'Brien, McFarlane, Nelson across the back; Powers, Sloan, and Farrell in midfield; Barry, Roberts, and Saint-Louis up front.  Farrell got the goal in 21st minute on a cross from Nelson that he brought down and then spun his defender.  After scoring, Midd sat back and was content to counter.  Hamilton never really looked likely to break them down. Hamilton had a big advantage in shots, but most of them were from distance and off target, as Grady only had to make 3 saves.  Hamilton's best chance was a blast from 15 yards that was tipped over the top by Grady late in the first half.  Midd had several good chances in the second half, the best of which was a 3 v 1, but Reid could not get the ball out of his feet after the pass from Saint-Louis. 

Midd now 6-0, 3-0 in NESCAC play.  Next weekend will be a major test as they play Conn away and then host Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 28, 2021, 06:46:05 PM
Tufts with a gutsy 1-0 2 OT win on the road at Babson today avenging their loss their in 2019. Tufts were pretty dominant territorially but struggled to create a ton of clear cut chances. In 2 OT Aroh hit an absolute rocket off a layoff from about 25 yards that the goalie made an incredible save on, but the rebound fell to Ratzen who put it away. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 01, 2021, 04:24:07 AM

Nescac Predictions Week 4:


Trinity at Bowdoin----Trinity is coming off of a solid 2-0 Win over WNEC. Bowdoin a disappointing 1-0 loss to Bates. Trinity has to play Bates on Sunday while Bowdoin only has this game for the weekend. Bowdoin has really struggled to find goals against Nescac competition as they have 1 Goal in 4 Nescac games while being shutout in their last 3 games. They seem to be playing well box to box but cannot finish anything. Bowdoin has a strong starting 11 but with a thin bench and few subs being used for long stretches of the game. Bowdoin has one of the better transition defenses in the league but it does them little good if they cannot score goals. Both teams desperately need a Nescac Win. Trinity will be in its 4-3-3 and have been using #6 Donaldson and #2 Morin at CB. Donaldson is more of an all around athlete with decent skill and Morin a big physical presence on the backline that battles but does lack pace. Wingbacks are a Frosh #15 Kaldor and #4 Merlin as these guys will be responsible for Bowdoin's dangerous outside guys like #4 Byrd. I am most impressed with Trinity's GK #1 Simoes as against Williams he made some courageous saves as he was not afraid to throw his body around to make those stops. Trinity's captain #7 Matule has been used in the middle of the field and also wide left. I expect him in the middle of the park in this game as Trinity will need his aggressiveness and battle in midfield. #3 Velez-Perez and #23 Bronson will round out the midfield. Velez-Perez is a tireless player but lacks some size in midfield while Bronson is one of Trinity's more technical players. If #7 Matule is out wide in this game then #11 Ackman will be in midfield and is a steady player. #9 Peterson will be up top and is coming off a Nescac Goal of the week after using his chest after a difficult pass at the top of the 18, turning his body towards goal and with his right foot volleyed it into the net. Sometimes he can get isolated up top and finds himself 1v2, 1v3 etc. #17 Traynor is wide right and has speed and skill but needs to hit the weights in the off season. Trinity's last Nescac Away Win was at Bowdoin in 2016 in OT. Will Bowdoin's struggles finishing be even more exposed in this game? Or will they come out gangbusters and find a goal or 2 and then sit back on the lead.       1-1



Hamilton at Colby----Hamilton is struggling right now at 2-4-1(0-4-0). They are coming off a Home back to back weekend sweep at the hands of Midd and Conn. They have another back to back weekend as they will travel to Tufts on Sunday. Like Bowdoin, Hamilton is having serious problems scoring goals. They have 1 Goal in 4 Nescac games and are struggling with the final pass and finishing. They have #28 Zimmerman back in the lineup up top to give them more size. They have skilled players behind him in #9 Dils and #8 Jordan. The Frosh #26 Rouhana and the veteran #10 Wetzel have the talent but must dig deep to find the goals. #7 Spencer Royal had a hat trick in the opener but has been quiet since then. GK #1 Ziegler got sacked against Conn in the 71th minute so I am not sure if he will be in net or if it was an injury. Hamilton has 6 GK's(this has to be an NCAA record) on the roster so there is plenty to choose from. Colby does not have a back to back weekend so they need only to focus on this game. Colby is a bit of an enigma at 3-3-1(1-1-1). They are coming off a disappointing Draw v Tufts as they gave up a late goal to squander what would have been a HUGE win for the program. Colby will have a size advantage in this game but I expect them to come out and play a little bit while still being cautious on the defensive end. When I saw them play they looked to be in a 4-1-4-1 with #9 Fabricant up top and the scrappy #22 Franco behind him. #22 Franco is quick and skilled and must be marked tight as he is cagey running off the ball and very intelligent anticipating rebounds and cough ups from the opposing GK . He used #26 O'Brien wide left and #17 Hawkins wide right. Some combination of either #10 Lemire or #17 Fletcher in midfield with #8 Sullivan. The backline has been led by 6'6 #5 Aboubacar Traore. The GK #1 Jackson did not play v Tufts so maybe he is injured? The GK who did play #13 Morin had to leave the game against Tufts because of injury. Hamilton must test Colby's GK and try to pounce on any scraps in the box. Colby has all the advantages in this game unless they show up over confident and get burned.   Colby 2-0




Midd at Conn----Both teams are coming off victories at Hamilton last weekend and both have brutal back to backs this weekend. Middlebury is rolling along at 6-0-0(3-0-0) and have given up only 1 Goal in 6 Games. They have not been scored upon in 3 weeks and the question is can that continue this weekend with games at Conn and v Amherst? Midd has some dangerous attacking players with #8 Barry wide left and #23 Saint-Louis wide right. Up top is #9 Reid although he came off the bench against Hamilton and was replaced by a Frosh #11 Roberts. Midd uses pinched midfielders which give wingers plenty of space to run box to box. When they lose the ball they transition into a 4-5-1 and get numbers behind the ball. Midd will try to play a bit when looking for the first goal of the game. Once they find that Goal they will be perfectly content to sit deep and counter to try to find an insurance tally but will not push or risk anything to great for a 2nd Goal. They will eventually get burned doing this but so far so good. That insurance goal is so important because it absolutely deflates the opponent. Midd GK #33 Ryan Grady is one of the finest GK's in the league. He is tough to beat and a natural shot stopper. Elias has settled on a backline of LB #16 Pape, CB's #32 O'Brien and #15 McFarlane and RB Frosh #25 Hank Nelson. Holding has been either Frosh #6 Eujin Chae or Frosh #30 Farrell. Whoever is starting will have to mark Conn's #14 Djerdjaj tight. Conn is off to a strong start after an opening day hiccup at Wheaton(MA). They are 4-2-0 (3-1-0) and are trying to play some futbol while scoring goals at a clip of 9 Goals in 4 Nescac Games. They had some dangerous chances against Amherst put could not put them away. Captain #25 Yeonas is playing well on the flank and will cause Midd wingbacks fits with all his cuts and fakes but Conn needs him to also score goals and right now he is not. Both he and Djerdjaj are basically 90 minute attacking players which means they are in top fitness. Conn's wingbacks #4 Mendo and #6 Horvath-Diano are not afraid to overlap and quickly counter which makes Conn a fun team to watch. They are not afraid to take risks to try to get goals. Defensively is another story as they need to focus on defending set pieces. While I know it can be tedious in practice,  it is essential to win games in Nescac. Conn zones with 2 players and the rest is man to man but Amherst scored its first goal off of a corner when #5 Cerezo lost his mark and Felix Wu burried it. Amherst 2nd goal was scored when #24 Kelesoglu failed to clear the ball fast enough and was picked off by Giammattei. These are the type of defensive breakdowns that need to be cleaned up if Conn is to replicate 2019.      Conn 2-1




Williams at Amherst----Amherst is coming off of a midweek Win over Stevens where it looks like they rested some players and switched starting lineups. Williams is coming off of a 2-1 Win at Home v Trinity. Amherst sits at 6-1-0(2-1-0) with Williams at 4-2-1 (1-1-1). I still have not seen Amherst play yet but they obviously have tons of talent and more importantly veteran talent. Amherst has a physical advantage that should force Williams to make a few changes in the lineup. They cannot expect to play the same way they have been playing at Home because Amherst will not let them. Amherst will press them hard and force long balls out of Williams or risk getting swiped in the back. The interesting thing is Williams has been pressing very hard all year also so if both teams press on a field that is barely 70 yards wide the game could degenerate into a game of long balls and giveaways. The width of the field and pressing takes away the advantage technical players have as they have no time on the ball to think or play futbol because 2 guys are ball hunting within seconds of a player receiving the ball. Whichever team makes fewer mistakes will win the game. Deep breaths.......1-1




Bates at Tufts-----Tufts is 6-0-1(2-0-1) and coming off a 1-0 OT Win at Babson. Bates is 5-2-0(2-1-0) and coming off an important 1-0 Win at Bowdoin midweek. Bates, like Colby, is a bit of an enigma as you are just not sure which team is showing up. My guess is they will be absolutely pumped for this game but that doesn't always translate into results. I expect them to play much more cautiously as they should come out in a 4-2-3-1. Defend with 6 and attack with 4. #8 Keleher will need to do the heavy lifting in midfield if Bates is to score a goal or two. Tufts looks to have some serious injuries which Bates could take advantage of. #11 Mati Cano who has 5 Goals and 2 Assists did not play at Babson. #10 Seigelstein has not played in a couple weeks. #9 Max Jacobs has yet to play a game and #7 Alex Ratzan just came back in time to score the winning goal at Babson. Still it will take time for him to get match fit. Tufts might use both #6 Enge and #13 Van Brewer in midfield along with Aroh holding. This means that Bates does not necessarily need #6 Hohmann's size holding. They could decide to put more quickness in the lineup in midfield to counter Tufts and put the big guy up top as a target to confuse and force Tufts to mark him tight. Bates will need to be creative with their lineup to get out of Medford with a result.        Tufts 2-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2021, 02:06:25 PM
OK, I'll say it.  FC St.Pauli is gonna take a minute to get used to...

Regarding the NESCAC game previews above, FC St.Pauli has been doing these for years.  Excellent, interesting analysis always.

Most impressive, though, to me is the capacity to essentially name and number virtually every starter and often the key subs for every single team.  I could not do that even for teams I check in on regularly.  I could do 4-5 players for a team like Tufts, OWU, maybe Calvin and a few others...I also couldn't spout out the formations of all these teams either without a very intentional, concerted effort.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2021, 02:18:17 PM
Big weekend for the NESCAC in general, but I think especially for Middlebury.  Will the Panthers back up the hype with two huge wins or at least a win and a draw?  I suppose they could live with a split.  Two losses or a loss and a draw imo would drop them down a notch.

Williams also has a great opportunity to make a statement against the same teams Midd is facing but in reverse order.  And the Ephs have a very important almost certain to be ranked win over RPI in their pocket.  Not sure anyone else on their non-conference will be ranked (regionally) at tourney selection time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 02, 2021, 01:18:35 PM
Thanks appreciate it. I'll initial the handle to make it easier
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2021, 05:30:40 PM
No real surprises in the NESCAC today, unless one considers Conn at home edging Midd late with a PK a very mild surprise.  Conn Coll looking very much like a top 25 squad and Midd will drop a little.  GG gets one late for Amherst as the Mammoths prevail in typical fashion.  Tufts just keeps going.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 03, 2021, 04:56:16 PM
Tufts with another dominant victory 3-0 over Hamilton to seal the 6 point weekend. Two goals from Aroh and another from van Brewer. First goal from Aroh was a volley into the top far corner from 15 yards out that was as good of a goal as you'll see at this level. With 4 goals so far Aroh has to be the leading candidate for conference player of the year at the halfway point of the NESCAC season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 03, 2021, 05:08:29 PM
Amherst beats Midd 1-0 as the panthers completely fall back to earth with an 0-2 weekend. More so than I've seen in the past Amherst really just packed it in after getting the lead. And it wouldn't be an Amherst game without players on both teams having to be separated and held back after the full time whistle.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 03, 2021, 05:28:12 PM
Yup, Tufts and Amherst again it is.  Feeling good about ranking Amherst #4 but Midd will need adjustment although losses to Conn away and Amherst or Tufts anywhere aren't huge surprises. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 03, 2021, 05:30:17 PM
Yeah I only saw a bit of this game but Middlebury looks solid but just below the truly elite level. I could easily see them winning the Nescac tourney since anyone can win that and making a sweet sixteen or an elite 8 with the right draw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: JEFFFAN on October 03, 2021, 07:49:35 PM
Bear with me because I am new to the soccer site but not new to the NESCAC football and basketball sites.  At the risk of asking a "loaded" question, and largely in response to the comment about my LJeffs raising a bit of trouble in games, what are the reputations of the various teams this days?   Again - if too loaded a question don't bother to answer!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 03, 2021, 08:57:01 PM
I played at Tufts and have no love lost for Amherst so I'm as biased as they come. That being said I think in general the Amherst coach doesn't have the best reputation in terms of his antics. That is also reflected by the way the team carries itself on and off the field. I think every team in the Nescac would circle Amherst as their most hyped up game despite Tufts being the more successful program the last 7 years.

Funnily enough I've become friends with some Amherst guys and run into others in bars post graduation and they are all great guys but for four years I couldn't stand them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 03, 2021, 09:27:38 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 03, 2021, 08:57:01 PM
I played at Tufts and have no love lost for Amherst so I'm as biased as they come. That being said I think in general the Amherst coach doesn't have the best reputation in terms of his antics. That is also reflected by the way the team carries itself on and off the field. I think every team in the Nescac would circle Amherst as their most hyped up game despite Tufts being the more successful program the last 7 years.

Funnily enough I've become friends with some Amherst guys and run into others in bars post graduation and they are all great guys but for four years I couldn't stand them.

After hearing about this Amherst issue for years I wonder if the real deal is similar to "love him if he's on your team (and will go to the wall for him) and can't stand him if he's not."  Imo Tufts and Amherst have both built strong cultures with active and loyal alumni bases.  Tufts has impressed with its social media and semi-documentary videos, but they seem to share a lot of similarities.  And I don't get the sense that Amherst players are unduly intimidated and most or all seem to love or at least highly respect the guy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 03, 2021, 10:16:52 PM
My impression is from the outside,  as the parent of a potential recruit. I think he's the "hardest working coach in show business" [James Brown reference]. He is super intense and driven. He has the most professional and organized recruiting machine of the NESCACs, and probably in all of d3. I think he has good values. He goes above and beyond most coaches (setting up a soccer analytics program at Amherst, setting up a leadership program). He values intensity, and gets his team fired up. His players of course are very talented and st the top of d3. That said, the couple of games I watched, a couple of years ago, against Middlebury and Babson, there was a fair amount of thuggish football,  with the ball popping up in the air a lot. So not pretty. I think the Amherst players absolutely have the skill to put the ball on the ground and play nicer soccer (a la Tufts) and they probably do, in some games.

As I say, mine is an outsider's opinion,  and I defer to others with more inside knowledge. I was impressed by Serpone, and think he gives 110%.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 03, 2021, 10:39:25 PM
I wonder how many choose Amherst because he is the draw or because he can get a kid in Amherst, or maybe that's hard to separate.

I personally prefer a Singleton or like Brad Stevens versus Bobby Knight....but all that goes out the window if Knight is gonna play my kid and Brad isn't...actually playing isn't the only thing but it is a thing.

And, btw, nice misdirection all these months with probably a bunch of us thinking your son was at Amherst!  You are obviously pleased with your outcome.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 03, 2021, 10:54:01 PM
Agree with what you wrote, I too prefer Singleton,  who is also a psychology professor on the side, teaching sports psychology.  His approach seems to be working!

And no intentional misdirection! Amherst was just front and center for a lot of my son's recruiting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 03, 2021, 11:50:56 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on October 03, 2021, 10:54:01 PM
Agree with what you wrote, I too prefer Singleton,  who is also a psychology professor on the side, teaching sports psychology.  His approach seems to be working!

And no intentional misdirection! Amherst was just front and center for a lot of my son's recruiting.

Yes.  I should have written that a little differently.  Never thought it was intentional.  Actually thought must be another NESCAC so the W&L piece made things more interesting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 04, 2021, 07:37:19 AM
2 Nescac goals of the Weekend---


Amherst #16 Sebastian Derby GW goal at Midd.  Midd recap guy wrote that the goal occurred because of a failed clearance. This is partly true. However, right before the failed clearance, Midd #16 Aiden Pape attempted to clear it off of the Amherst throw-in and it was pure whiff with his right leg. Anyhow, IMO this is a fantastic rip off the hop and perfectly placed with the outside of Derby's left foot.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLVJA4M79oo



Tufts #5 Calvin Aroh GW goal v Hamilton. I could not find a highlight. Tufts Frosh #26 LB Gibson Campbell did all the work by pushing forward with the ball at his feet and glory in his head. He beat a couple of Hamilton defenders and sent a beautiful cross right to a wide open Aroh who volleyed it with his left foot into the net.


Weekend Observations:


Amherst---This team is hunting for that National Championship they failed to conquer in 2019. They absolutely dominated Williams on Saturday. The score could have been 4-1 maybe 5-1 if #9 did not miss 2 sitters. He must start finishing his chances if Amherst hopes to win the title because in 2019 he would of buried all these chances. They have a veteran backline led by #7 Kyle Kelly. #1 GK Bernie White did leave the game in the 31st minute because of an injury after a goal kick. Backup GK and veteran #20 Kofi Hope-Gund who also came back for a 5th year
did a fine job in relief and even got his first shutout since 2017 against Midd yesterday. Hope-Gund is an athlete and if Amherst was ever down a goal last minutes of a game I would play him up top to finish a set piece. The defender #24 Andrew Barkidjija who I liked in 2019 either has been injured and they are working him back in the lineup or for some reason has not played much. Amherst defenders were still hoofing everything in sight against Williams but once they cross midfield Amherst attackers will try to play a bit. #23 Ada Okorogheye works his ass off when on the field. While sometimes he still tries to do too much he is very effective on the flank and gives some of the best service in the league. They outshot Williams 23-7 (10-3) and dominated the play. When #9 starts clinically finishing, like in 2019, it will be really tough to beat them especially on their Home field.


Williams----Horrendous weekend of results and play on the field. From the Office of Propaganda  "Great performance today by all the guys," said Ephs head coach Steffen Siebert. "There are a lot of positive moments to build on today going into tomorrow's game."  I mean c'mon...midfielder #22 Jake Saudek had a fantastic goal from 25 yards out to tie the game.  #7 Song and #16 Brissett had a neat one-two that Song almost finished but those were Williams ONLY chances of the game. I understand that on Amherst and Conn's field you have to hit some long balls but c'mon in both games it was UGLY. Also, Williams defenders are hitting long balls into a Williams attacking 4 that are undersized against most Nescac opponents. #19 Osborne who works his ass off but is 5'6 and cannot possibly do anything with the ball in the air. He needs to be played to his feet. Same goes for #9 Petrik 5'9 and #20 Usami 5'8. Petrik barely registered 30 total minutes this weekend. A far cry from his  Frosh days playing in the middle of the field behind the striker and causing all kinds of havoc with his quickness and skill. Williams pressed and worked extremely hard in both games but were left with nothing to show for it. Williams press caused Conn all kinds of problems in the 1st Half but in the 2nd Half it was not nearly as effective. Teams cannot press for 90 minutes as you get worn out and in fact Conn scored a nifty goal after beating Williams press with a couple quick passes and then finding themselves with numbers in attack before finishing Williams off.  From the Office of Propaganda "Performance-wise one of our best games all year. Great effort by all the players putting a great Connecticut College team under pressure the entire game, creating double-digit scoring opportunities, and limiting Connecticut College to only a couple of shots." said head coach Steffen Siebert post-game. When Williams is down a goal late Siebert has got to move #13 Felitto up top.  Lastly, all the substitutions drive me crazy. The game has absolutely no rhythm when the whistle blows every 4-5 minutes for subs especially in the 2nd Half. Williams now has Colby and Bowdoin at Home next weekend.


Conn----Impressive weekend with two 1-0 shutout Wins v Midd and Williams. I only caught the Williams game but Conn was a little lucky playing the ball in the back. Williams was pressing hard and Conn insisted on building from the back and playing back to their GK #00 Maidenberg to his feet. Maidenberg is a solid GK but is very shaky with his feet and was lucky not to get picked off. This is all about communication and Conn defenders need to understand when the opposing team is pressing hard and hunting the ball then it is time to get rid of it long. Conn looked a little tired and sloppy on the 2nd game of a back to back but gutted it out and found a Win. That is what separates the top of the league from the rest. Conn did create some dangerous chances as RB #4 Mendo had a solid game playing quickly to feet and running off ball to get it back. #9 Tshuma had a couple good looks as did #14 Djerdjaj. This is still a young team that is learning how to Win games and now hit the road for 5 straight Away games.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 04, 2021, 09:51:18 AM
Excellent summary Mr. Right. That Amherst goal was a great finish. As you said that Tufts goal was about as good as you'll see at this level. The most impressive part about it is I believe Gibson Campbell is right footed. As a former Tufts outside back who through the rose tinted glasses of nostalgia remembers being pretty good, I think Campbell has all the tools to be one of the best to play the position there. Craziest part of it all is he is another walk on. Can't be many kids who go from walking on to starting as a freshmen at the top program in the country.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 05, 2021, 12:48:08 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 03, 2021, 08:57:01 PM
I played at Tufts and have no love lost for Amherst so I'm as biased as they come. That being said I think in general the Amherst coach doesn't have the best reputation in terms of his antics. That is also reflected by the way the team carries itself on and off the field. I think every team in the Nescac would circle Amherst as their most hyped up game despite Tufts being the more successful program the last 7 years.

Funnily enough I've become friends with some Amherst guys and run into others in bars post graduation and they are all great guys but for four years I couldn't stand them.

Yeah similar feelings on our team. Got along well with their players in life away from school or on summer teams. But they were absolutely the worst to play against (which I'm sure is a big point of pride for them), and other than playoffs there wasn't a game we wanted to win more, including our "historic rival". Although to be fair we played them in NESCAC's basically every year so the rivalry made some sense - although it kinda felt like everyone was that way about Amherst.

Don't know much about the coach other than his team's antics, but I thought what he said in the NYT article about Amherst recruiting sounded great, and his players liked him a lot. They were a great villain for us which in retrospect I very much appreciate the value of.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 05, 2021, 09:26:38 PM
Bowdoin up 1-0 at half on Colby, got an early goal from sophomore left midfielder Kai DiGrande. Junior walk-on LB Ben Brown, who has been phenomenal all season, swung in a deep cross to the back post that Byrd did well to keep in play. The second ball was headed poorly down across the PK spot by a Colby defender and DiGrande beat his man to the ball and slotted home.

Only been half watching, but it's been a pretty even match in general, edge probably to Colby since the goal. They have some solid players this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 05, 2021, 09:38:04 PM
First 15 minutes of the second half have been all Colby. It's a bit hard to tell, but Bowdoin looks to be in  a 5-3-2 and there are gaps everywhere. Outside backs are being left out to dry and midfield can't plug all the holes. Strikers are disconnected. Colby is moving the ball well between their midfielders and backs, drawing bowdoin centrally, then moving it wide where they have good attacking situations.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 05, 2021, 09:45:09 PM
Colby deservedly get one back with 25 minutes left, an odd play when a Bowdoin CB heads a ball the wrong way off a corner. Junior Josh Rubin does well though, holding off Bowdoin defenders to push the ball into the box, then cuts back nicely onto his left. The ball is tackled away before he can get a shot off, but it rolls across the goal mouth to senio Paul Hawkins who smashes home from a tough angle.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 05, 2021, 10:13:38 PM
Pugh with the Puyol-esque hair in back has been great for Colby. Strong and fast, reads long balls well, pretty well positioned and composed. Their other CB has been solid too although not as visible. Game was fairly even with an edge still to Colby in the 10 minutes since they scored, until suddenly Bowdoin's Bae gets in alone for one of the few big chances of the game but he can't get around McCarthy who came out quickly and bravely to smother.

Bowdoin with the run of play for the rest of regulation, but they can't get meaningful penetration of Colby's defensive block of 6.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 05, 2021, 10:33:24 PM
Bowdoin gets the win on the OT goal I believe from Bae. After a set piece he picks up the ball wide left, cuts in well on his left, and rips it to the back post. Bit of an odd shot, hard to tell with the camera but didn't look like he had much of an angle, but there were a lot of bodies in the area. Big win for the Polar Bears who have won their last 2 to get back to 3-3 in about as rocky of a way as you could picture and now sit in 6th (although they have played one more game than most of the competition). Going to be a battle as always for the middle of the NESCAC pack.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2021, 02:55:00 AM
I went back to my original handle because change can be hard. I even got an email about the confusion. Anyhow, that is a big win for Bowdoin because Colby has been playing well of late. Pugh was a starter and big contributor on the 2018 NCAA team and has been injured on and off since his breakout Frosh year. Good to see him back as he gives them athleticism and speed on the back line along with Traore. Colby has some depth this year as well. Bowdoin starting 11 is strong. The play drops once / if he starts using his bench. Both teams had backup GK's playing because of injuries. Bowdoin's GK Kingston was a starter in previous years. I will get to see both teams this weekend at Williams and looking forward to watching them in person.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 06, 2021, 03:43:41 AM
#5 Minseo Bae' GW'ing goal. He is so low to the ground and has quick feet which makes him hard to defend especially for big lumbering defenders. I gotta say based on the highlight my GK needs to make that save. He might have been screened by his own defenders but did not look "ready" for the shot as if expecting a defender to step up and tackle or block the shot.

https://athletics.bowdoin.edu/news/2021/10/5/bae-scores-in-overtime-to-hand-mens-soccer-win-over-colby.aspx

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 08, 2021, 05:43:10 AM

Nescac Predictions Week 5


Bates at Midd-----Bates 6-3-0(3-2-0) are coming off of a 2-1 Win at Trinity.  Midd 6-2-0(3-2-0) last time out Lost 0-1 v Amherst. Both teams are bunched up in the middle of the Nescac standings. The winner of this game might have 4th place to themselves and a key tiebreaker at the end of the season. Both teams have difficult tests on Sunday with Midd hosting Tufts and Bates heading to Amherst. Bates has either made a couple changes or are dealing with some injuries. Frosh GK #00 Bruce David has been playing since the Bowdoin match in place of GK #99 David Manning and starting CB #18 Alex Kovacs did not play in the back to back this past weekend.  Kovacs is a key player on their backline so hopefully they will get him back soon. Bates has been relying on attacking midfielder #8 Keleher and striker #10 Szwarcewicz for scoring and each has 5 Goals. First year #20 Rex Lane opened the year with 4 Goals in 2 Games and has not scored since. They have plenty of other options in attack with Frosh #29 Tife Agunloye , #11 Charlie Cronin, #27 Luke Protti, etc...#29 Jacob Iwowo and #15 Ciaran Bardong need to start scoring some goals for them.  #7 Justin Phillips and holder #6 Freddy Hohmann round out midfield. This team has a total of 36 players on the roster. That is definitely 10-12 players too many IMO but the recruiting acumen that Head Coach Tyler Sheikh has demonstrated has been a big improvement and a certain wake up call to the rest of the league. Middlebury was a bit unlucky this past weekend but still got shutout in two straight games. This team has the talent to come out of its shell and start the game on the front foot. #9 Reid did not play v Amherst and was replaced up top by #7 Proctor. #5 Barsamian is working his way back into the lineup holding as #12 Powers and #6 Chae are getting minutes in midfield. #10 Sloan started but did not play a ton v Amherst and #8 Barry who is usually starting wide left came off the bench. It looks like Elias is trying to find the right combinations in midfield especially midfielders that can link with his key strikers like #23 Saint-Louis and #9 Reid. This has been Middlebury's problem for years now as it desperately needs a consistent attacking midfielder that can link and score.  Midd needs to come out and go for goals,  which they won't, but at the very least test the Frosh GK with some low bullets.        Midd 2-0


Bowdoin at Hamilton-----Hamilton 3-6-1(0-6-0) are coming off an impressive 2-1 Win v #7 SUNY Oneonta  grabbing a tying goal in the 80th minute and the winner 15 minutes later. Bowdoin 6-3-0(3-3-0) defeated Colby midweek in extra time. Bowdoin heads to Williams on Sunday so this is a huge weekend for them. Hamilton does not have a Sunday game. It is fair to say that Hamilton's season is on the brink as they most likely will have to finish 3-0-1 in their final 4 Nescac games to even have a chance at a Nescac Playoff game. Hamilton put themselves in this difficult almost impossible position but proved with the Oneonta Win that they are capable. Bowdoin has scored 2 goals in each of its last 2 Nescac games after having some serious issues finishing. # 21 Charlie Ward had a nice goal v Trinity by sprinting past Trinity's CB from half field and finished 1v1 against the GK. Bowdoin has been relying on 3 players to score goals. The striker #21 Ward, wide right #7 Byrd and attacking CM #5 Bae. CB #3 Reid can and will score off of set pieces as should #8 Juantorena. If Hamilton can shut down these key Bowdoin players than they will have a good shot at a Win. However,  if they give up an early goal then they will see Bowdoin shut it down early as Trinity witnessed last weekend.  I have a hunch Hamilton pulls an upset.   Hamilton 1-0


Colby at Williams------Colby 4-4-1(2-2-1) are coming off of a disappointing Home loss to Bowdoin. Williams 4-4-1 (1-3-1) a 0-1 loss at Conn. This is Colby's only game this weekend while Williams hosts Bowdoin on Sunday. Colby's starting GK #1 Noah Jackson has missed a couple games with injury. Backup GK #13 Morin went out of a different game injured and so they have been using the 6'4 Frosh #0 Brendan McCarthy. Williams starting GK Michael Davis left the Springfield game after twisting his ankle, so backup GK 6'5 Ben Diffley has stepped in and done a decent job. For a 6'5 GK he gets down to the ground faster than most. Still both teams need to test these GK's with some low rips. Shots from 35 yards out and crosses into the air will only play into both of these Keepers "hands".  Williams has proved to be a much better Home team than when on the road. Their 120x80 field almost forces teams to keep the ball on the grass rather than just blasting everything in sight. I expect Colby to play some futbol as well which should make for an entertaining game.  Colby will have a size advantage but Williams has more speed so Colby needs to pick a more athletic, quick lineup especially in the back. Colby's #22 Franco who has been playing well will need to be watched carefully by Williams #13 Felitto as #18 Holland should be marking Colby's #9 Fabricant. These are two enigmatic teams trying to learn how to win consistently.  Should be an even game but I give the edge to Williams on its Home field.           Williams 2-1


Amherst at Wesleyan--------Amherst 8-1-0 (4-1-0) is coming off of a 1-0 Win at Midd. Wesleyan 5-2-1 (2-2-1) a solid non-conference Win v Coast Guard.  Winner of this game will Win the "Little 3" which is a century old tradition. Wesleyan's defense and GK #0 Liam Devanny has 4 shutouts in a row and have not conceded in over 3 weeks. Amherst veteran backline have only given up 3 goals in 9 games. Their GK #1 Bernie White did not play at Midd this past Sunday so not sure if it will be him or #20 Hope-Gund in net. Wesleyan's #8 Rubinstein will be marked by Amherst #8 Shahmirzadi which could free up Wesleyan's dangerous Frosh attacker #10 Ruehlemann. Wesleyan will not get many chances on net so they have got to find a way to finish whatever chances they get. #9 Harmaty is their 6'2 striker up top and will be key in trying to find a goal. Amherst will likely come out gangbusters the first 15 minutes and Wesleyan MUST keep them off the scoreboard early to win this game. Wesleyan's last victory over Amherst was in 2015 and it was Amherst only loss that season before winning the NCAA Championship. Wesleyan CB's #5 O'Brien and #6 Wallick will need to sit deeper than normal to fend off Amherst speed up top. Wesleyan holder #24 Lucas Kimball, who is good in the air will need to help his CB's fend off Amherst attack.  Amherst is playing with a ton of confidence right now and I do not see Wesleyan getting in the way of that.   Amherst 3-1


Tufts at Trinity--------Tufts 8-0-1 (4-0-1) is coming off a 3-0 victory over Hamilton. Trinity 2-7-0 (0-5-0) lost to Bates 1-2 last Sunday. Trinity is an improved side from 2019 and are better than their record indicates. This is Trinity's only game of the weekend while Tufts has to travel to Middlebury on Sunday. Tufts will have advantages all over the field but none more great than on the flanks. Trinity's wingbacks are young and will require help from their CB's #2 Moran and #6 Donaldson to deal with Tufts speed out wide. That will open up space in the middle of the field in which I expect Tufts to score some goals. Trinity have nothing to lose in this game so they should come out focused but loose and try to steal a goal on the counter.  I expect Tufts to come out over confident and if Trinity could get an early goal who knows what could happen. Actually, I am pretty sure we all know what is going to happen.    Tufts 3-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 08, 2021, 06:28:04 AM
Individual Nescac Stats(in conference only)

1. Goals-------Tufts------Calvin Aroh--3
2. Assists-----Bowdoin--Drake Byrd--3
3. SOG-------Conn-------MT Tshuma---12
4. Total Pts---Conn-------Rye Jaran(Frosh)---2G and 2A for 6pts and Aroh with 3G for 6pts.

Team Stats(in conference only)

-----Note----Some teams have played 5 games and the others have played 6.

Goals

1. Conn-------11
2. Tufts--------9
3. Colby-------6
3. Amherst----6
11. Trinity-----1

Goals Against

1.  Tufts--------2
1.  Amherst----2
3.  Midd--------3
11. Hamilton---11

Corners

1. Tufts---------45
2. Conn---------33
3. Bowdoin-----32
11. Midd--------13


Fouls

1. Bowdoin----------88
2. Amherst----------80
3. Hamilton---------76
11.Colby------------43

YC

1.  Midd--------12
2.  Amherst----11
3.  Hamilton----9
11. Tufts--------3
11. Williams----3

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 09, 2021, 10:31:20 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfxYWu_yj3s

The Aroh goal from last week discussed is about halfway through these highlights
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 10, 2021, 04:41:48 AM
That was a nice run and pinpoint cross by LB#26 Gibson Campbell especially if he is as you say a natural right footed player. U gotta love players that can use both feet. Aroh buried that one with the inside of his right. I gotta say Aroh's 2nd goal of the game(Tufts 3rd goal) was just as clean as Aroh made a run to the top of the box, lost his mark as the pass was made and calmly banged it home with the inside of his left.

Saturday's Goal of the day was by Wesleyan's #10 Lucas Ruehlemann. Wesleyan is slow posting highlights so maybe we will get a glimpse of it next week. Two consecutive one-two's by Ruehlemann off of a harmless throw-in and helped along by some serious Amherst ball watching allowed Wesleyan to tie the game in the 80th minute and get a deserved Draw. Wesleyan got rewarded for being creative in the attacking 3rd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 11, 2021, 10:34:25 PM
New Nominee for outstanding team goal

Middlebury's 3rd vs Bates on Saturday.  Quite a passing sequence finished with an outstanding pass into Reid, who lays it off first time for Saint-Louis to finish.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CU54--LpO4d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link (https://www.instagram.com/p/CU54--LpO4d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 12, 2021, 02:52:54 AM
A great goal..      Fast Forwarding an unnecessary add on but I get the point. Midd has been knockin' the ball around the park a bit more this year especially against common opponents and on their turf.  I am guessing against Tufts and Amherst it might have looked a little different but hey they should still be applauded. They have the skill to do it. Frosh#6 Eujin Chae is a technical player and when he is sitting he gives Midd a different look.  Both #6 Chae and #8 Brendan Barry had been sacked from the starting lineup last weekend at Conn and v Amherst. I caught the 1st Half v Bates and both players were back in the lineup and were productive. #8 Barry muscled a goal in after a scrum about 3 minutes into the game and got another off his noggin in the 2nd Half. After tomorrow's Home game they finish the season with 4 straight Away matches at Colby, at Keene St, at Trinity and at Williams. It will not be easy but those are all winnable games if Midd play like they did v Bates. Midd has been an NCAA team for the past 3 seasons but have not been able to advance past the 1st weekend. They have not hosted an NCAA game in over a decade(Nov 14th 2010 a 2-1 victory over William Paterson). That was also the last time Midd advanced past the 1st NCAA weekend. Hosting should be a target for them now. I am allowed to jump ahead a couple weeks but the players and coaches need to be focused from one game to the next. 

Bates had a few chances of their own in the 1st Half as the striker #31 Sam Assantha looked dangerous up top. He pushed #5 Max McKersie into midfield which gave Bates more skill in the middle of the park. #18 Alex Kovacs was back in the lineup along with Senior #4 James Peter at CB.  Bates has a lot of individually talented players but at times look disjointed as a unit. They have been shutout in 4 Nescac Away matches, the 5th was a 2-1 victory at Trinity. They finish the season with 4 straight Home matches v Wesleyan, v UMF, v Williams and v Colby. That is 9 pts staring them in the face. While it will not be enough to get them a Top 4 and Nescac QF at Home, they can at least clinch a Top 8 and try to avoid Tufts or Amherst in the 1st round.


Goals can be scarce in Nescac so we should keep posting the good ones.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 12, 2021, 09:58:11 AM
Great example of good, quick, sharp passing that also leads to a goal, and further proof of what seems like a pretty obvious truism that level of competition determines whether a team looks like they can play soccer or not. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on October 12, 2021, 06:09:03 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 10, 2021, 04:41:48 AM
That was a nice run and pinpoint cross by LB#26 Gibson Campbell especially if he is as you say a natural right footed player. U gotta love players that can use both feet. Aroh buried that one with the inside of his right. I gotta say Aroh's 2nd goal of the game(Tufts 3rd goal) was just as clean as Aroh made a run to the top of the box, lost his mark as the pass was made and calmly banged it home with the inside of his left.

Saturday's Goal of the day was by Wesleyan's #10 Lucas Ruehlemann. Wesleyan is slow posting highlights so maybe we will get a glimpse of it next week. Two consecutive one-two's by Ruehlemann off of a harmless throw-in and helped along by some serious Amherst ball watching allowed Wesleyan to tie the game in the 80th minute and get a deserved Draw. Wesleyan got rewarded for being creative in the attacking 3rd.
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 10, 2021, 04:41:48 AM
That was a nice run and pinpoint cross by LB#26 Gibson Campbell especially if he is as you say a natural right footed player. U gotta love players that can use both feet. Aroh buried that one with the inside of his right. I gotta say Aroh's 2nd goal of the game(Tufts 3rd goal) was just as clean as Aroh made a run to the top of the box, lost his mark as the pass was made and calmly banged it home with the inside of his left.

Saturday's Goal of the day was by Wesleyan's #10 Lucas Ruehlemann. Wesleyan is slow posting highlights so maybe we will get a glimpse of it next week. Two consecutive one-two's by Ruehlemann off of a harmless throw-in and helped along by some serious Amherst ball watching allowed Wesleyan to tie the game in the 80th minute and get a deserved Draw. Wesleyan got rewarded for being creative in the attacking 3rd.

Here is the Ruehlemann goal.  Around 1:09.

https://vimeo.com/630336366
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2021, 03:49:05 AM
I love the overall video but a disservice to Ruehlemann's goal. They edited out the whole lead up from the throw-in on out and shockingly cut the first give and go.  But appreciate you finding the video
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 15, 2021, 07:08:31 AM

Nescac Predictions Week 6

Conn at Bowdoin----Bowdoin 6-4-1(3-4-1) are coming off of a tough weekend on the road. A Loss at Hamilton and a Draw at Williams have left them in a tough spot. They have only 2 conference games left(everyone else have 3) v Conn and v Tufts. Sitting on 10pts and ahead of 9th place Colby by only 3 pts they are probably going to need to find 1 point in those final two games to qualify for the Nescac Championship. I suppose if they could Win both those matches they could grab the #5 spot. I caught Bowdoin at Williams on the back half of a back to back and they were gassed by the 75th-80th minute. Still they gutted out a Draw for 30 more minutes. Bowdoin came out of the gates roaring as they took it too Williams for the first 20-30 minutes knocking the ball comfortably on Williams Home field while sitting in a 4-2-3-1. The reason they were was the play of #10 Harry Cooper who was holding with #16 Luke Macaione. Cooper used his left peg to hit some penetrating passes both long and short but most importantly kept it on the grass. #11 Drake Byrd scored a beauty with his left foot and was getting whatever he wanted in the first half. Conn defenders will need to force both Cooper and Byrd on to their right foot. Bowdoin's back 4 was LB #7 Brown, CB's #3 Reid, #12 Donlan and RB #28 Drew Phillips. Both Reid and Donlan are big boys but Donlan struggled against the press when Bowdoin was knocking it around as Williams #9 Petrik stripped him and should have finished in the 1st Half. I liked Brown at LB as he has speed and can defend. The RB Phillips got his first start of the year so not sure who they usually use there. #4 Chaban got his first start as an attacking CM and #22 Xander Cardia his first start up top. Not sure why 6'4 striker Charlie Ward did not start but Cardia looks more like a midfielder than striker but what the hell do I know. My guess is that Bowdoin is as consistently inconsistent as their play was last Sunday. One Half pretty good the next not so much or maybe they were just really tired. Anyhow, they need to figure that out fast because they have 3 games in 5 days starting with Conn. Conn 8-2-0(6-1-0) are holding 1st Place with 3 games to go. They also finish with a brutal 5 games(4 Away) in 11 days with the biggest next weekend v Tufts. Conn have 4 straight shutouts going and have not conceded in 3 weeks which is amazing to me with a whole new backline and GK to start the year. #25 Steve Yeonas bagged 2 Goals at Trinity midweek and #13 Matt Scoffone got 2 assists and must be a winger. I have not seen Conn since the Williams game so not sure why he sacked both his starting wingbacks or why his starting CB #21 Dutkewych did not play at Trinity. I think Bowdoin will be able to neutralize #14 Djerdjaj in this game and if Bowdoin can again come out of the gates hot and score early they will sit on it.    2-1 Bowdoin



Trinity at Hamilton-----I keep saying Trinity 2-9-0(0-7-0) is an improved side but that rings hollow if they cannot find some Wins. This program is a great example of rebuilding from scratch, but it also proves it takes time and you need a couple of talented recruiting classes. I know they are improved but unfortunately your record is your only tell. Hamilton 5-6-1 (1-6-0) are showing the willingness to make changes to their lineup and tactics to find Wins. They have now Won 3 games in a row v SUNY Oneonta, Bowdoin and SUNY Poly. On the stream it looked like Hamilton was in a 4-1-4-1. They are starting 6 Frosh with 4 Seniors. The result looks like a whole lot of hustle on the field almost like a shot of adrenaline Soccer. Nizzi has his Senior leader and Captain #8 Matt Jordan manning the back line surrounded by 3 Frosh. LB #22 Kantrowitz, CB #24 Ghosh and #30 O'Dowd at RB. Holding is Frosh #17 Margaronis while another Frosh #27 Peplowski is linking. He has his veterans in attack with #9 Dils up top who is quick and skilled and #10 Wetzel playing behind him cleaning up any scraps. Wide right is the pacey #11 Webber and wide left Frosh #21 Ehrenfreund. Rumor has it the first PA guy quit on the spot when he saw what he had to pronounce. If Hamilton can Win this game they are right back in the hunt for a Top 8. Props to Hamilton student Admissions workers (i.e tour guides) for deciding to petition the National Labor Relations Board to unionize. The vote was 25 to 20 but it is the first win by undergrads to unionize since Devos made them ineligible for collective bargaining. This was in the face of Hamilton College using a friendly smile and Fortune 500 scare tactics in an FAQ sent out to demonize unions. According to "The Spectator", More than 40 faculty members signed a letter backing the students. That is gutsy even for tenured faculty because "at these Corporate Universities tenure has little meaning(especially large public univ), whistle blowers can be fired, donors can determine who is granted tenure or who is not (same for Coaches) and the faculty become at-will contract employees". These well-endowed schools are acting more and more like a conglomerate gone wild and while the students goal probably was not to stick it to the college, they stuck it....4-3 Hamilton



Wesleyan at Bates----Bates 6-5-0(3-4-0) had a brutal weekend getting shutout in both losses at Midd and at Amherst. The good news is they had some chances in both games. Bates is bunched up in the middle of the Nescac table as only 3 pts separate 5th from 9th. Bates back 4 have decent speed to match Wesleyan with. Their midfield is not pacey but that is ok as long as you have fast wingbacks and wingers you can hide your lack of speed in central midfield. I am a big fan of #10 Szwarcewicz who is a scrapper and a finisher. His two goals a couple weeks ago at Trinity are legit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUpyLgH5hog I have noted the individual talent Bates has now they need to work as a team for 90 minutes. Wesleyan 6-2-2 (2-2-2) are playing with confidence right now as they have not lost a game in over a month. They finish with a brutal schedule of 5 games in 11 days including at Bates on Saturday, at Colby on Sunday, at Springfield, v Hamilton and v Conn. If they can survive that gauntlet without a loss they will find themselves regionally ranked in a good position before the Nescac Championship. This game all depends on how Wesleyan decide to play it because Bates will try to come at them either way. I do not think they will sit in at Home as they are hungry for goals and Wins.  Bates 3-2



Midd at Colby----Midd 8-2-1(4-2-1) are coming off their second back to back weekend in a row. This time they gutted out a Win v Bates and a Draw with Tufts. They played with 10 men for 50 minutes because their Captain #5 Barsamian got sent off. A Captain sitting on a Yellow absolutely knows he has to be extra cautious. In the midst of a game, some players allow their frustration to transform into an emotional train wreck of aggression. "Mind control to Major Tom". I saw Colby last Saturday lose to Williams 0-2. They came out in a 4-1-4-1 with starting GK #1 Noah Jackson back from injury. He had to leave 5 minutes in as he looked uncomfortable walking off the field. In his stead came a 6'4 Frosh GK #00 Brendan McCarthy. He is a big kid and dominates the air. His weakness is his lack of quickness getting to the grass. Middlebury have got to force him down to the ground with some low rips. Colby was playing conservative almost for a Draw on the Road. Neither Williams nor Colby used the width of the field. Colby does have depth and the level does not drop off much from how they start. They use #9 Fabricant up top with the wiry Soph #22 Ethan Franco right behind him.  #21 Josh Rubin is a kind of dart in attack. It was #26 Aiden O'Brien wide left and wide right #28 Justin Lauer. Colby started #5 Aboubacar Traore and #14 Grant Pugh at CB. Traore is 6'6 and does not run too badly for a big guy. Where he must improve is playing faster with the ball at his feet as Williams stripped him once but could not convert. #14 Pugh looked like he is coming back from injury and had a nightmare 1st half. A Williams corner was cleared out of the box but behind the play Pugh recklessly took down Williams #18 Jaime Holland inside the box. The ref caught it and called a PK. In the 2nd Half down two goals, Seabrook pushed Pugh into midfield and used Traore and Garrison at CB. Wingbacks he used #27 Jered Garrison and #29 Max Jacobs. Garrison is a solid athlete and moves up and down the field well as does LB #3 Jayde Franklin. Franklin came off the bench but he is a good wingback. Quick, skilled, and aggressive he hustled and was not afraid to push forward. Does he play like that consistently? IDK because that is the first time I have seen him play but if he does and he was 6'4 he would be a solid D1 player. He was one of the few that were in top fitness. Colby looked tired late in the game as the final 15 minutes was all Williams. I will say Colby had some dangerous chances throughout the game but could not finish. I am guessing they play much better on their Home field.         1-1




Amherst at Tufts----Tufts 9-0-2 (5-0-2) is just starting to get into the most challenging part of their schedule. It started with a 0-0 Draw at Midd. This weekend it is v Amherst and then at Conn and at Bowdoin to finish the year. Their transition defense looks as good as it has been in the past. They are still organized defensively and nothing has been drastically changed since the Coaching switch. Tufts 6'3 Frosh GK #0 Erik Lauta is the real deal in net. He has made some acrobatic saves this year. He has 5 straight shutouts and has only conceded 3 Goals all season. Tufts have not had many issues scoring Goals even though their attacking players have been coming and going with injuries all year. The Seniors are scoring all the Goals and are led by #11 Cano with 5.  Amherst is 9-1-1 (5-1-1) and on paper are basically the same team that faced Tufts in 2019. Amherst does not have Lind and Coleman but everything else is the same. Lind and Coleman were stereotypical Amherst players meaning you would have seen them playing for the Gooding's as well. Will be interesting to see what approach Serpone takes. Maybe a good idea to re-watch that National Championship game. Amherst GK #1 Bernie White has not played since he left the Williams game but #00 Hope-Gund has 2 shutouts in his place. They do not look like they have any other major injuries although #33 Gittler did not play v Bates. Amherst has a history of winning regular season revenge games but can they advance past Tufts in the NCAA's?      Amherst 2-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 16, 2021, 04:50:05 PM
"There is an injured Mammoth on the field" says the Tufts PBP guy. Great line even though I don't think he intended it, and brought me back to The Way Things Work by David Macaulay.

Working on homework and watching in the background — good game, this. Amherst started stronger and probably deserved to be in at half 1-0 but Tufts equalized on the break and seems to have been the better side since halftime.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 16, 2021, 05:28:10 PM
Aroh in 2OT for a 2-1 Jumbos victory. Great ball by van Brewer from the set piece and Aroh — who was being manhandled as the ball came in — was taken down in the box but still managed to finish.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 18, 2021, 09:03:41 AM
Weekend Recap

Wesleyan--Wes goes up to Maine and grabs 6pts at Bates and at Colby. Most impressive was how unselfish they played as a team. They have much more team speed than in years past and that has made them a more dangerous attacking team. I think each Half they played this weekend they got stronger. 1st Half at Bates was not great . Bates scored on a nice individual effort by #12 Simon Clarke just 10 minutes into the game but Wesleyan did not panic and kept to the game plan. The 2nd Half was all Wes as they stunned Bates with 2 Goals in 2 minutes and then finished them off in the 82nd minute. #3 Hofstetter and #9 Harmaty had a nice one-two and Hofstetter buried it. Harmaty is Wesleyan's target man and has a good touch so as teams start to pick up on the give and go's he can also fake the one-two and go himself. The one-two is classic futbol and also gets you in the habit of running off the ball. I cannot remember if the 2nd Goal was off a corner or a set piece near the goaline but the CB #5 O'Brien got free from his man and had a clean finish. The pacey winger #21 Texter finsihed off a scrum in the 82nd minute. The Colby match had to be moved to the turf and I actually think that helped Wesleyan. They were playing some really nice futbol spraying it around the carpet. They got rewarded in the 2nd Half with a pair of goals. Harmaty again played a nice ball in space that #10 Ruehlemann ran on to but Colby's CB #23 Assadourian read it well and broke the play up. However, his brain was working faster than his feet as Ruehlemann stripped him, quickly pulled the ball back and ripped one off the crossbar that dropped right in front of the net. The cagey Captain LB #6 Wallick finished while Colby defenders were watching the play develop. Just two minutes later Ruehlemann sent a beautiful ball into the box that #8 Rubinstein headed off the post. Rubinstein is not just skilled but also strong on the ball. Ruehlemann is quick and was causing Colby defenders headaches. Interestingly, the one guy that ate him up was the biggest guy on the field #5 Traore. But Traore did not start playing until the 70th minute and by then too late. Wesleyan finished Colby off when Wallick sent a cross into the box that #4 Hartzfeld buried with his head. Hartzfeld played well this weekend. I was wrong about Wesleyan's depth as they have some good young players. #11 Oliver Clarke was sitting for #24 Kimball and is a mixture of skill and spice. I like the starting wingbacks Wallick and #14 Davisson as they are not afraid to push forward with pace. #16 Ethan Barrett is young but you can see he has wheels. #12 Wheeler is a good player so they do have guys that can help. This is a confident team right now and when clicking a fun team to watch. At 8-2-2 they will be regionally ranked and head off to Springfield midweek. Springfield plays well on their Home turf and cannot be taken lightly.

Conn-----Conn at Bowdoin was another great game. Conn lost the match but played extremely well box to box. You can tell their mentality has improved.  Conn is playing some serious futbol. They have dangerous attacking wingbacks #4 Mendo and #6 Horvath Diano. I mean they were building out of the back thru #4 Mendo(Frosh) the whole 1st Half. The big man #14 Djerdjaj was in street clothes and they lost their striker #9 Tshuma early in the game but other players stepped up. #25 Yeonas stepped in centrally and battled all game. #18 Marvel was hitting some great balls from midfield to either his striker or wingbacks pushing forward. Both Marvel and Yeonas have gotten stronger on the ball thanks to the weights. Their holder #16 Lorenzo Bocchetti(they call him Lobo) has beefed up. His skill is solid but he is not afraid to mix it up and tackles hard. Unfortunately, Bowdoin's key CB #3 Reid felt a late tackle/foul from Lobo and had to be helped off the field in the 1st Half. Reid had intercepted a pass in his half of the field and was pushing forward with the ball at his feet with a counter in the making. Lobo correctly had to either tackle or foul to prevent Reid from opening up. I know Bowdoin thought it was malicious but he was doing his job. Of course easy for me to say I did not feel or see where the foul landed. I like the CB #21 Dutkewych as I saw some old school tackles out of him. #12 Gehron is an active player and frankly they have obviously been training hard because just about everyone was solid on the ball. When they went down 2-1 they went to a 3-4-3 and that is when Bowdoin started to expose them and eventually got the 3rd goal to finish them off.


Bowdoin--They did what they had to do on their Home field and were rewarded with a Win. They finished their chances and Conn did not. The time wasting tactics have always burned me. It is antithetic to the spirit of the game but it is up to the ref to move them along. If Conn knows they are going to do this they have got to keep the ball in play and not foul. Even more unsporting, they stuck 2 goons ($100 they are lax defensmen) on the far side as ball boys. These two knuckleheads would slow walk the play and frankly just hold the ball and not give it to Conn. Conn players are standing there asking for the ball and not getting it. Refs not really doing anything. What to do? How about going over there and ripping it out of their hands. What would these guys do? Wrestle you to the ground while holding the ball during the match? Maybe...but who is going to look like the fool? The player who is playing the game and trying to get the ball or the thug wrestling a player to the ground while holding the ball. It was pure intimidation and sadly it worked. Soccer players have got to stick up for themselves


Midd----Tale of two Halves. 1st Half Midd was playing well and passing the ball crisp all over the field. Central Midfielder #30 Farrell used his left peg to play a great thru ball into space that #9 Reid ran onto. Reid got control of the ball and turned to shoot but a Colby defender blocked it. The ball then bounced perfectly into a running Farrell and he hit a low shot with his left foot to beat Colby's GK. Both Farrell and #21 Juarez coming off the bench have skill in midfield but do lack some pace. That is not to say Colby didn't play well 1st Half as they had a couple looks and also looked comfortable knocking it around. 2nd Half Colby came out ready to play and Midd came out to sit on their lead. Colby burned them. A great goal by the striker #25 Mario Simoes who had the courage to get on a great cross that #22 Franco dropped in between Midd CB's #15 McFarlane and #32 O'Brien. Simoes goal was legit. The controversy happened when Midd's GK Grady picked the ball up after using his feet when he had already had the ball in his hands. I did not see it on the stream but the rule is the rule and the ref called it. Midd was pissed but frankly more concerning to me was their wall. The GK does not set up a wall for sh*ts and giggles. Franco was standing just inside the top of the box and ready to rip the indirect kick.  It was indirect and technically should take a second or two longer but it is almost like the wall jumped and dove but turned sideways. The wall parted like the red sea and frankly someone has to have the courage to take it on the chin for their GK.  Either that or the wall was completely lined up wrong. Either way Franco blasted that baby into the net. Great goal as Grady had no chance at it.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on October 18, 2021, 10:41:37 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 18, 2021, 09:03:41 AM
Weekend Recap

Wesleyan--Wes goes up to Maine and grabs 6pts at Bates and at Colby. Most impressive was how unselfish they played as a team. They have much more team speed than in years past and that has made them a more dangerous attacking team. I think each Half they played this weekend they got stronger. 1st Half at Bates was not great . Bates scored on a nice individual effort by #12 Simon Clarke just 10 minutes into the game but Wesleyan did not panic and kept to the game plan. The 2nd Half was all Wes as they stunned Bates with 2 Goals in 2 minutes and then finished them off in the 82nd minute. #3 Hofstetter and #9 Harmaty had a nice one-two and Hofstetter buried it. Harmaty is Wesleyan's target man and has a good touch so as teams start to pick up on the give and go's he can also fake the one-two and go himself. The one-two is classic futbol and also gets you in the habit of running off the ball. I cannot remember if the 2nd Goal was off a corner or a set piece near the goaline but the CB #5 O'Brien got free from his man and had a clean finish. The pacey winger #21 Texter finsihed off a scrum in the 82nd minute. The Colby match had to be moved to the turf and I actually think that helped Wesleyan. They were playing some really nice futbol spraying it around the carpet. They got rewarded in the 2nd Half with a pair of goals. Harmaty again played a nice ball in space that #10 Ruehlemann ran on to but Colby's CB #23 Assadourian read it well and broke the play up. However, his brain was working faster than his feet as Ruehlemann stripped him, quickly pulled the ball back and ripped one off the crossbar that dropped right in front of the net. The cagey Captain LB #6 Wallick finished while Colby defenders were watching the play develop. Just two minutes later Ruehlemann sent a beautiful ball into the box that #8 Rubinstein headed off the post. Rubinstein is not just skilled but also strong on the ball. Ruehlemann is quick and was causing Colby defenders headaches. Interestingly, the one guy that ate him up was the biggest guy on the field #5 Traore. But Traore did not start playing until the 70th minute and by then too late. Wesleyan finished Colby off when Wallick sent a cross into the box that #4 Hartzfeld buried with his head. Hartzfeld played well this weekend. I was wrong about Wesleyan's depth as they have some good young players. #11 Oliver Clarke was sitting for #24 Kimball and is a mixture of skill and spice. I like the starting wingbacks Wallick and #14 Davisson as they are not afraid to push forward with pace. #16 Ethan Barrett is young but you can see he has wheels. #12 Wheeler is a good player so they do have guys that can help. This is a confident team right now and when clicking a fun team to watch. At 8-2-2 they will be regionally ranked and head off to Springfield midweek. Springfield plays well on their Home turf and cannot be taken lightly.

Conn-----Conn at Bowdoin was another great game. Conn lost the match but played extremely well box to box. You can tell their mentality has improved.  Conn is playing some serious futbol. They have dangerous attacking wingbacks #4 Mendo and #6 Horvath Diano. I mean they were building out of the back thru #4 Mendo(Frosh) the whole 1st Half. The big man #14 Djerdjaj was in street clothes and they lost their striker #9 Tshuma early in the game but other players stepped up. #25 Yeonas stepped in centrally and battled all game. #18 Marvel was hitting some great balls from midfield to either his striker or wingbacks pushing forward. Both Marvel and Yeonas have gotten stronger on the ball thanks to the weights. Their holder #16 Lorenzo Bocchetti(they call him Lobo) has beefed up. His skill is solid but he is not afraid to mix it up and tackles hard. Unfortunately, Bowdoin's key CB #3 Reid felt a late tackle/foul from Lobo and had to be helped off the field in the 1st Half. Reid had intercepted a pass in his half of the field and was pushing forward with the ball at his feet with a counter in the making. Lobo correctly had to either tackle or foul to prevent Reid from opening up. I know Bowdoin thought it was malicious but he was doing his job. Of course easy for me to say I did not feel or see where the foul landed. I like the CB #21 Dutkewych as I saw some old school tackles out of him. #12 Gehron is an active player and frankly they have obviously been training hard because just about everyone was solid on the ball. When they went down 2-1 they went to a 3-4-3 and that is when Bowdoin started to expose them and eventually got the 3rd goal to finish them off.


Bowdoin--They did what they had to do on their Home field and were rewarded with a Win. They finished their chances and Conn did not. The time wasting tactics have always burned me. It is antithetic to the spirit of the game but it is up to the ref to move them along. If Conn knows they are going to do this they have got to keep the ball in play and not foul. Even more unsporting, they stuck 2 goons ($100 they are lax defensmen) on the far side as ball boys. These two knuckleheads would slow walk the play and frankly just hold the ball and not give it to Conn. Conn players are standing there asking for the ball and not getting it. Refs not really doing anything. What to do? How about going over there and ripping it out of their hands. What would these guys do? Wrestle you to the ground while holding the ball during the match? Maybe...but who is going to look like the fool? The player who is playing the game and trying to get the ball or the thug wrestling a player to the ground while holding the ball. It was pure intimidation and sadly it worked. Soccer players have got to stick up for themselves


Midd----Tale of two Halves. 1st Half Midd was playing well and passing the ball crisp all over the field. Central Midfielder #30 Farrell used his left peg to play a great thru ball into space that #9 Reid ran onto. Reid got control of the ball and turned to shoot but a Colby defender blocked it. The ball then bounced perfectly into a running Farrell and he hit a low shot with his left foot to beat Colby's GK. Both Farrell and #21 Juarez coming off the bench have skill in midfield but do lack some pace. That is not to say Colby didn't play well 1st Half as they had a couple looks and also looked comfortable knocking it around. 2nd Half Colby came out ready to play and Midd came out to sit on their lead. Colby burned them. A great goal by the striker #25 Mario Simoes who had the courage to get on a great cross that #22 Franco dropped in between Midd CB's #15 McFarlane and #32 O'Brien. Simoes goal was legit. The controversy happened when Midd's GK Grady picked the ball up after using his feet when he had already had the ball in his hands. I did not see it on the stream but the rule is the rule and the ref called it. Midd was pissed but frankly more concerning to me was their wall. The GK does not set up a wall for sh*ts and giggles. Franco was standing just inside the top of the box and ready to rip the indirect kick.  It was indirect and technically should take a second or two longer but it is almost like the wall jumped and dove but turned sideways. The wall parted like the red sea and frankly someone has to have the courage to take it on the chin for their GK.  Either that or the wall was completely lined up wrong. Either way Franco blasted that baby into the net. Great goal as Grady had no chance at it.

Thanks, as always, for your insights.  Love them! Was very surprised by the Midd/Colby result.  Didn't watch the game but have seen both play and thought Midd was a much stronger side, but the score certainly said otherwise.  Colby hasn't been terribly consistent.

Also suprised a bit by the Bowdoin result.  Do you know why Djerdja was in street clothes?

On Wes, I saw they were ranked 8 last week in the Region I Coaches' poll.  They've improved.  I googled that kid Hofstetter who scored the pretty goal and at one time he played for the NE Revolution academy.  Stronger and stronger players are playing d3 nowadays.  Nice to see.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 18, 2021, 01:53:05 PM
On the Midd-Colby game, they had lots of chances to be up multiple goals in first half and did not finish.  The go ahead goal was from an indirect free kick given after a shocking piece of officiating.  Ball went back to keeper from Colby.  Keeper used his feet, and then picked the ball up with his hands.  Ref called timewasting after 8 seconds.  Is that technically a violation--sure, but when is it ever called that tightly.  Why would the keeper of the team that expects to win be wasting time in that scenario?  There are times that all goalkeepers waste time, but this was not one of them. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 18, 2021, 05:19:28 PM
Don't have time to give a full in depth analysis of the Tufts-Amherst game, but my overall take away was that it wasn't a great performance from Tufts but a great result. I think they allowed Amherst to dictate the terms of the game did not do a good enough job of getting the ball down and playing. Despite that they probably had 4 of the 5 big scoring chances in the game and took two of them and conceded on the one they gave up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 20, 2021, 11:38:43 AM
Here are highlights from Tufts-Amherst. I don't think the video really shows how good of a save it was by Lauta on the potential own goal in overtime. Goalkeeping was a question mark coming into the season but he has stepped up big time and has been one of the 3-4 most important players for the Jumbos this year. Also just a warning the commentary is a bit over the top

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwyA0TxbURI
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 20, 2021, 11:46:37 AM
* I actually appreciate the dude's enthusiasm.

* I don't understand what the Amherst keeper was doing on that first goal. Backed up a good 10 yards to pretty much give the 1v1 confrontation away. I can see backing up and then coming forward a few steps, bu not just backing up to your 6 like that.

Just watched it again... He's backing up as the shot was taken. Just... textbook what you're not supposed to do in that situation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 20, 2021, 12:27:11 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 20, 2021, 11:46:37 AM
* I actually appreciate the dude's enthusiasm.

* I don't understand what the Amherst keeper was doing on that first goal. Backed up a good 10 yards to pretty much give the 1v1 confrontation away. I can see backing up and then coming forward a few steps, bu not just backing up to your 6 like that.

Just watched it again... He's backing up as the shot was taken. Just... textbook what you're not supposed to do in that situation.

Don't know how this would impact your analysis, but the video doesn't show just how far up the GK was (maybe within 8-10 yards of midfield when he realized Cano was about to score an empty netter).  As soon as Tufts crossed midfield or even before you could tell Amherst and especially the GK were in trouble.  From the Amherst perspective that play just can't happen, but Cano created something similar a couple of more times.  I was gonna say the other day when D4 suggested Amherst scored on their only good chance that GG finally had a decent look and nearly scored forcing Lauta into very good save.  Provided a glimpse of how little time and space GG needs to be dangerous.  Imo they had a couple more good chances including the own goal save noted above.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 20, 2021, 01:08:46 PM
I can't remember the math, but when I train goalies I show them how just one yard ceded can open up a ton of space, especially to the far post. He was better off just holding his ground, in my very humble and lack of context/full-field view opinion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 20, 2021, 01:34:55 PM
I think Paul's point was he couldn't hold his ground initially because he was a solid 15-20 yards outside of his box. But once he retreated to his box he probably should have been more aggressive like you said. I'm not a goalie so I'll defer to you, but from a defender's perspective you can't allow one simple pass on the ground to beat both center backs. It seems like the goalie maybe could have done better here, but I think most of the blame lies with the defenders. 

After all that though it was a great finish from Cano who was easily man of the match. I'm glad to see Mati stepping up his senior year. He's struggled with injuries including a nasty fracture in preseason that made him miss his whole freshmen year. He's bided his time behind Tasker and Lane and now he is keeping the offense afloat in the continued absences of Ratzan and Jacobs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 20, 2021, 01:42:50 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 20, 2021, 01:34:55 PM
I think Paul's point was he couldn't hold his ground initially because he was a solid 15-20 yards outside of his box. But once he retreated to his box he probably should have been more aggressive like you said. I'm not a goalie so I'll defer to you, but from a defender's perspective you can't allow one simple pass on the ground to beat both center backs. It seems like the goalie maybe could have done better here, but I think most of the blame lies with the defenders. 

After all that though it was a great finish from Cano who was easily man of the match. I'm glad to see Mati stepping up his senior year. He's struggled with injuries including a nasty fracture in preseason that made him miss his whole freshmen year. He's bided his time behind Tasker and Lane and now he is keeping the offense afloat in the continued absences of Ratzan and Jacobs.

Yeah, it's a subtle thing, but you are drilled that you should never be flat-footed AND unless you are being chipped/lobbed, you should never be moving backwards when a shot is taken. I do understand why he was retreating initially; even though I'm ancient, I used to like to play way off my line and act like a sweeper when that was an option. So, I totally get it. I just think he should've set himself/stopped retreating and then taken a step forward when he could see a shot was coming.

But, ultimately, it's a little nit-picky, as that was just an excellent, decisive finish. Not sure he could've gotten to it regardless.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 20, 2021, 02:03:48 PM
Yeah, you have to see just how far out he was.  As soon as the pass left the Tufts teammates foot...a good 12-15 yards inside the Tufts half, you knew the GK was...well...screwed.  Maybe he should have tried to just close on Cano from 40-45 yards out where he was instead of retreating at all, and the CBs definitely got burned as well.  Perfect pass right between them and for Cano to run on to from I think Woovin Shin #8 who had come in as a sub and got a lot of minutes.  And (got this from Tufts website) whose older brother is a senior starter at Swat.  I don't want to think about how smart you have to be as a student at Swat and also an athlete (or at Chicago).

Anyway, I previously endorsed Cano as man of the match, but Shin might have been man of the match runner-up.  Gonna be a really good, dangerous player for Tufts.  And van Brewer is excellent, but he's never been 5'9 a day in his life.  I think they changed his height on the website from 5'7 to 5'9.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 20, 2021, 02:25:18 PM
LOL.  I got a lot of deficits, but memory is solid.  van Brewer 5'7 for entire Tufts career until his post-grad year now.

But by far the best hobbies on the team......"Extreme ironing, competitive dog grooming, soap carving, toast toasting."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2021, 06:48:20 PM
The announcer was well prepared. He knew all players and numbers for both teams or had a spotter but it came off as clean. I love the last chance Tufts had in the box..." Instead of yelling out the name and number of the player he just screams and begs FINISH...hilarious
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2021, 06:50:07 PM
Wes at Springfield

WPI at Amherst

Swirling Wind in WMASS rn
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 20, 2021, 07:00:27 PM
If anyone wants a different keeper's take on the Cano breakaway goal, I think (although it's hard to tell from the camera angle) that Cano was potentially being forced wide enough that the Amherst GK didn't need to come confront. Looks like he got caught in no man's land though, not retreating far enough to have time to react to a shot but not close enough to close the angle. John Harrison (@Jhdharrison1 on Twitter) puts out some great stuff about when and where goalies should come off their line on breakaways, and has the only sophisticated public goalkeeping analytical model I've seen.

It's much trickier than it looks to find your positioning well when you're retreating from sweeper-keeping. I definitely struggled with it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 20, 2021, 07:04:09 PM
I want to acknowledge a little more directly: I didn't see the full context when I first posted. You guys can probably tell as I continued posting. Much trickier than I first thought.

But, I'll stand by my overall point... He was back-pedaling when the shot came off. That's a dagger.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2021, 07:56:31 PM
Amherst #9 a GOW....free kick beauty...someone find a highlight
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2021, 07:58:49 PM
Wes 3rd game in 5 nights look a bit off 1st Half. Key starting CB Frosh #26 Chris Porte leaves 1st Half injured.. That would be a loss if he is out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 20, 2021, 09:04:30 PM
Rubinstein / Ruehlemann show...86th minute winner....Wes has enough depth that Wheeler rests his starters early 2nd Half and then brings them back on fresh with 10 min left...It was not as pretty as this weekend in Maine but they sneak out of Springfield with a 1-0 Win. Springfield really battled hard but Wes gutted out a victory. Newmac is an improved league this year. Now they need to hope CB  #26 Porte is not out for a long stretch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 21, 2021, 01:30:30 PM
Team Impact is a cool program that I think quite a few NESCAC teams and others around the country are involved in. https://www.gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/msoc/2021-22/releases/20211020hkxhgn

We drafted a kid my freshmen year who was involved with our program for almost my entire college career. He would come to a bunch of home games and hangout on the bench with the team. I remember him making a sign for us that we took on the road to every NCAA tourney game all over the country. Definitely was a cool experience and I'm glad we were involved.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2021, 09:47:18 AM

Nescac Predictions Week 8


Midd at Trinity----Midd 9-3-1(4-3-1) are coming off a midweek 3-1 Win at Keene St. Trinity 3-10-0(0-8-0) a 1-0 Home Win v WCONN. Colby had success against Midd when it was keeping the ball quickly moving down the field on the grass. Colby kept attacking Midd's left side, so LB #16 Pape and LCB #32 O'Brien. Midd's defense eats up any long balls and they have decent speed so over the top balls are not going to work for Trinity. Midd is skilled in central midfield and they battle but they have a tendency to hold the ball to long and then want to go backwards instead of forwards. This pulls the plug from your counter. Some good quick play down field is ready to break and then sometimes they will slow it down and knock it back which of course allows your opposition time to get settled and mark up. They have got to find a way to allow #23 Saint Louis to use his speed on the flank more. Over the top, a one-two with #9 Reid or quick passing upfield thru central midfield into space for him to run onto. Saint-Louis is so fast without the ball that I think he needs to be fed more into space than his feet. Then keep feeding him. Trinity has the best field in the league right now and Midd should be able to take advantage of it. 3-1 Midd


Colby at Amherst----Colby 6-6-1(3-4-1) are coming off of a split weekend with a 2-1 Win over Midd on Saturday and a 1-2 Loss to Wesleyan. They looked good on Saturday but ran out of gas on Sunday. They have got to find a way to get the striker #25 Simoes on the field more with #22 Franco sitting behind him. Both of them accounted for more than half of the SOG and Shots against Midd and did it in 52 and 30 minutes each. They seem to work well together and Colby will need them at Amherst. Colby is not a pressing team as they wait for you to cross midfield then they pounce on you. I mean they give token pressure from their striker but they choose to transition defensively then hound you. Will Colby use more size in this game or try to get their speedy players out on the field? I think both will be needed against Amherst. I could see Amherst 10-2-1 (5-2-1) suffocating Colby in attack starting with this Frosh Holder #3 Laurens ten Cate. He is a competitive kid and played well at Tufts last weekend. Amherst is very good at finding kids with the right mentality. Backline has been the usual suspects #5 Johnson at RB, #12 Wu and #7 Kelly at CB and either #33 Gittler or #22 Ben Clark-Eden at LB. If you see Wu moving upfield for a set piece or corner you can bet the server is aiming for him to flick it with his head or score. Colby wingbacks need to bring their wheels for this game. #3 Franklin is fast at RB but I have noticed is very right footed and #4 Seaman has speed at LB. The two CB's #5 Traore and #23 Assadourian might need to take a step or two back to account for Amherst speed. Amherst #23 Okorogheye will be on the right flank and is very right footed so its a must to shade him inside to his left foot. Amherst #9 is starting to heat up as he has 6 Goals in his last 8 games all against challenging competition. Still he has yet to get a brace this season while in 2019 he had 7 games scoring more than 1 Goal and 3 games with a hat trick. Putting myself in #9's shoes I would be feeling good nervous energy. In 2 months, he will be in Ireland playing Professionally. Do I have that right? Someone posted something on that a while back. That would be all I would be thinking about because if he does not have a direct connection with the club he will have to show well or they will move on down the conveyer belt. There is no reason to think he cannot handle the pressure but still you want to be prepared and maybe this whole Amherst season thing is kind of getting in the way. Maybe he should be running hills and training with a ball every day working on his touch instead of going to video sessions and getting scouts on SUNY POLY for the NCAA 1st Round. Maybe he already is doing that and playing the season as well. I have no way of knowing but going from D3 to Professional is not easy for field players(GK's are a bit different) and I have seen many players really give it a go. Some have succeeded by bouncing around from country to country or club to club and others stop after the 1st club and come back to the States to work for various reasons. Either way he is going to have a fantastic opportunity that most players dream of and one of the most memorable experiences of his young life. Back to D3 World, Colby's veterans need to watch the youngsters because Amherst is very good at frustrating the opponent and goading cards from them. Colby upset Amherst in 2017 but that was at Home. I do not think Colby has ever Won at Amherst so it would be a great Win for the program.             2-0 Amherst



Williams at Bates-----These two teams are heading in the wrong direction at the wrong time. Both teams need a Win. Bates 6-7-0 (3-5-0) have lost 4 straight games including to Maine Farmington midweek. Williams 6-5-2 (2-4-2) are coming off a midweek loss at Hamilton. Williams has never missed a Nescac Tournament and they have not had a below .500 record in 40 years. Both of those things could happen with 2 games left or they can lift their heads up and buckle down to go on a run. Williams CB #13 Felitto is back from injury so that should help. Bates is not a pacey team compared to other Nescac's so Williams needs speed and quickness in the lineup. Hopefully without the 20-25 balls over the top that usually end by giving the ball back to the other team. This game is a toss up because both teams are so inconsistent. Neither team can afford to sit in so maybe the game will open up?  3-2 Williams


Hamilton at Wesleyan----Something has to give in this match. Hamilton has Won 5 games in a row and Wes has Won 4 games in a row. Wesleyan sits in 4th at 9-2-2(4-2-2) while Hamilton has snuck back into the hunt with 3 straight Nescac Wins. They are on the losing end of a tiebreaker with Bates for the 8th and final Playoff spot. I have mentiond Hamilton's lineup changes and how all these Frosh have contributed to this run. The most important two have been the target man up top #16 Hawthorn as he has scored 3 Goals in his last 5 games. He is a fantastic header of the ball as he puts some juice on the end of crosses. Some of those crosses have been coming from #27 Luke Peplowski who has been maybe their best player in this run. He has changed how Hamilton look and play in central midfield and while not a speedster he has skill and a Soccer brain. Wesleyan has to remember that 3/4 of Hamilton's backline are Frosh and the holder is a Frosh. These players are unfamiliar with Wesleyan's field and environment. If there has been one program that Wesleyan athletics have ignored it has been Men's Soccer. They desperately need to strip Jackson field and get a solid grass surface down but with the AD being a Football guy don't hold your breath. I have written extensively this week on Wes and expect them to Win this game. The CB situation is something to watch for because when #26 Porte left the field Wheeler used two different players in his place #2 Sam Keenan and a Frosh #17 Miles Lambke. 1-0 Wesleyan

Tufts at Conn----I am out of time but I want to come back to this game tonight.  This game is for all the marbles. To get to the next level Conn started beating Midd, Bowdoin and Williams consistently. Now they must start beating or show they can beat Amherst and Tufts. I be back
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 22, 2021, 11:40:28 AM
Mr. Right:  I will take issue with your characterization that Conn has consistently beaten Midd.  Scores since 2015:
2015 1-0 Midd
2016 1-0 Midd
2017 2-1 Conn
2017 1-0 Midd (NESCAC TOURN)
2018 1-0 Conn
2019 2-1 Midd
2019 0-0 Midd wins on PKs (NESCAC Tourn)
2021 1-0 Conn
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on October 22, 2021, 01:27:15 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2021, 09:47:18 AM

Nescac Predictions Week 8


Midd at Trinity----Midd 9-3-1(4-3-1) are coming off a midweek 3-1 Win at Keene St. Trinity 3-10-0(0-8-0) a 1-0 Home Win v WCONN. Colby had success against Midd when it was keeping the ball quickly moving down the field on the grass. Colby kept attacking Midd's left side, so LB #16 Pape and LCB #32 O'Brien. Midd's defense eats up any long balls and they have decent speed so over the top balls are not going to work for Trinity. Midd is skilled in central midfield and they battle but they have a tendency to hold the ball to long and then want to go backwards instead of forwards. This pulls the plug from your counter. Some good quick play down field is ready to break and then sometimes they will slow it down and knock it back which of course allows your opposition time to get settled and mark up. They have got to find a way to allow #23 Saint Louis to use his speed on the flank more. Over the top, a one-two with #9 Reid or quick passing upfield thru central midfield into space for him to run onto. Saint-Louis is so fast without the ball that I think he needs to be fed more into space than his feet. Then keep feeding him. Trinity has the best field in the league right now and Midd should be able to take advantage of it. 3-1 Midd


Colby at Amherst----Colby 6-6-1(3-4-1) are coming off of a split weekend with a 2-1 Win over Midd on Saturday and a 1-2 Loss to Wesleyan. They looked good on Saturday but ran out of gas on Sunday. They have got to find a way to get the striker #25 Simoes on the field more with #22 Franco sitting behind him. Both of them accounted for more than half of the SOG and Shots against Midd and did it in 52 and 30 minutes each. They seem to work well together and Colby will need them at Amherst. Colby is not a pressing team as they wait for you to cross midfield then they pounce on you. I mean they give token pressure from their striker but they choose to transition defensively then hound you. Will Colby use more size in this game or try to get their speedy players out on the field? I think both will be needed against Amherst. I could see Amherst 10-2-1 (5-2-1) suffocating Colby in attack starting with this Frosh Holder #3 Laurens ten Cate. He is a competitive kid and played well at Tufts last weekend. Amherst is very good at finding kids with the right mentality. Backline has been the usual suspects #5 Johnson at RB, #12 Wu and #7 Kelly at CB and either #33 Gittler or #22 Ben Clark-Eden at LB. If you see Wu moving upfield for a set piece or corner you can bet the server is aiming for him to flick it with his head or score. Colby wingbacks need to bring their wheels for this game. #3 Franklin is fast at RB but I have noticed is very right footed and #4 Seaman has speed at LB. The two CB's #5 Traore and #23 Assadourian might need to take a step or two back to account for Amherst speed. Amherst #23 Okorogheye will be on the right flank and is very right footed so its a must to shade him inside to his left foot. Amherst #9 is starting to heat up as he has 6 Goals in his last 8 games all against challenging competition. Still he has yet to get a brace this season while in 2019 he had 7 games scoring more than 1 Goal and 3 games with a hat trick. Putting myself in #9's shoes I would be feeling good nervous energy. In 2 months, he will be in Ireland playing Professionally. Do I have that right? Someone posted something on that a while back. That would be all I would be thinking about because if he does not have a direct connection with the club he will have to show well or they will move on down the conveyer belt. There is no reason to think he cannot handle the pressure but still you want to be prepared and maybe this whole Amherst season thing is kind of getting in the way. Maybe he should be running hills and training with a ball every day working on his touch instead of going to video sessions and getting scouts on SUNY POLY for the NCAA 1st Round. Maybe he already is doing that and playing the season as well. I have no way of knowing but going from D3 to Professional is not easy for field players(GK's are a bit different) and I have seen many players really give it a go. Some have succeeded by bouncing around from country to country or club to club and others stop after the 1st club and come back to the States to work for various reasons. Either way he is going to have a fantastic opportunity that most players dream of and one of the most memorable experiences of his young life. Back to D3 World, Colby's veterans need to watch the youngsters because Amherst is very good at frustrating the opponent and goading cards from them. Colby upset Amherst in 2017 but that was at Home. I do not think Colby has ever Won at Amherst so it would be a great Win for the program.             2-0 Amherst



Williams at Bates-----These two teams are heading in the wrong direction at the wrong time. Both teams need a Win. Bates 6-7-0 (3-5-0) have lost 4 straight games including to Maine Farmington midweek. Williams 6-5-2 (2-4-2) are coming off a midweek loss at Hamilton. Williams has never missed a Nescac Tournament and they have not had a below .500 record in 40 years. Both of those things could happen with 2 games left or they can lift their heads up and buckle down to go on a run. Williams CB #13 Felitto is back from injury so that should help. Bates is not a pacey team compared to other Nescac's so Williams needs speed and quickness in the lineup. Hopefully without the 20-25 balls over the top that usually end by giving the ball back to the other team. This game is a toss up because both teams are so inconsistent. Neither team can afford to sit in so maybe the game will open up?  3-2 Williams


Hamilton at Wesleyan----Something has to give in this match. Hamilton has Won 5 games in a row and Wes has Won 4 games in a row. Wesleyan sits in 4th at 9-2-2(4-2-2) while Hamilton has snuck back into the hunt with 3 straight Nescac Wins. They are on the losing end of a tiebreaker with Bates for the 8th and final Playoff spot. I have mentiond Hamilton's lineup changes and how all these Frosh have contributed to this run. The most important two have been the target man up top #16 Hawthorn as he has scored 3 Goals in his last 5 games. He is a fantastic header of the ball as he puts some juice on the end of crosses. Some of those crosses have been coming from #27 Luke Peplowski who has been maybe their best player in this run. He has changed how Hamilton look and play in central midfield and while not a speedster he has skill and a Soccer brain. Wesleyan has to remember that 3/4 of Hamilton's backline are Frosh and the holder is a Frosh. These players are unfamiliar with Wesleyan's field and environment. If there has been one program that Wesleyan athletics have ignored it has been Men's Soccer. They desperately need to strip Jackson field and get a solid grass surface down but with the AD being a Football guy don't hold your breath. I have written extensively this week on Wes and expect them to Win this game. The CB situation is something to watch for because when #26 Porte left the field Wheeler used two different players in his place #2 Sam Keenan and a Frosh #17 Miles Lambke. 1-0 Wesleyan

Tufts at Conn----I am out of time but I want to come back to this game tonight.  This game is for all the marbles. To get to the next level Conn started beating Midd, Bowdoin and Williams consistently. Now they must start beating or show they can beat Amherst and Tufts. I be back

As it happens, Jackson Field was in fact stripped after the last playing season.  The surface looks much improved.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2021, 03:48:27 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 22, 2021, 11:40:28 AM
Mr. Right:  I will take issue with your characterization that Conn has consistently beaten Midd.  Scores since 2015:
2015 1-0 Midd
2016 1-0 Midd
2017 2-1 Conn
2017 1-0 Midd (NESCAC TOURN)
2018 1-0 Conn
2019 2-1 Midd
2019 0-0 Midd wins on PKs (NESCAC Tourn)
2021 1-0 Conn


I probably should have worded it differently. You have to remember where Conn is coming from because they struggled for a long time especially mid 90's-2012. The program has come a long way in just a decade but back in those days they would have never beaten Williams and Midd on the same weekend. NEVER...So I should say when they started to beat these teams, I said to myself "hmm self.. Conn seems to be turning a corner" but then that scoffer part of you goes "nah lets see them show us they can win games against teams like Midd consistently"...So I guess I meant to say they started to beat better teams consistently. However, my main point was they still have not beaten Amherst in over a decade and Tufts since 2014 so now they have to try to get past these two... #Team Goals....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2021, 03:52:30 PM
I am glad to hear Jackson Field has been done...Kentucky Bluegrass I assume? This Kentucky Bluegrass is killing Williams field and I have noticed Bowdoin's field start to get spotty as well. Like a weed starts growing and the grounds crew have no fix. Middlebury had this problem before they put that turf field down.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2021, 04:14:28 PM
Here is #9's Goal v WPI.......unreal

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVTMPR9pcre/

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2021, 04:26:53 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 22, 2021, 04:14:28 PM
Here is #9's Goal v WPI.......unreal

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVTMPR9pcre/

Wow...as nice a free kick as we'll see. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 22, 2021, 05:29:30 PM
Conn at Tufts------Tufts is 10-0-2 (6-0-2) and I just realized they only played 4 non league games this year. Is this a new trend? I mean if Tufts wanted a 5th game they easily could have gotten one. So makes no sense unless they purposely did not want such a congested calendar. Tufts has been using a back 4 of LB #26 Campbell, LCB #25 Clivio, RCB #16 Paoletta and RB #3 Daly. #6 Enge, #5 Aroh and #13 Van Brewer in central midfield and #19 Traynor wide right with #17 Rosas wide left and #11 Cano up top. I thought Tufts did what they had to do to beat Amherst. It was not pretty but effective. Too many giveaway's for my liking but its Tufts and they will go ball hunting and get it right back. Strength of this team is from back to front all the way up the spine. GK, back 4, central midfield and striker. The weakness to me is they are just not as dangerous on the flanks as in 2019 at least not with the ball at their feet. Team speed has dropped a bit and the bench has not been as strong as years past. However, they have an abundance of injuries. More concerning is besides #12 Mikey Brady(ughh.. say it aint so.. St.Albans) and #19 Traynor no other underclassman have scored a goal and frankly besides Brady, Clivio and Campbell I see no other Frosh or Soph contributing much. #8 Woovin Shin is listed as a Soph but he was on that 2019 team so I consider him more a veteran. I guess my point is what is going to happen when this monster Senior class(10 players) graduates? I have talked about Conn and its lineup on here quite a bit. After going back and watching more of their past games this year, they have got to find a way to get #5 Cerezo on the field holding. As a CB he has made a few mistakes (Wheaton goal and Amherst goal) but he is too good an athlete and player to be coming off the bench. With his skill mixed with the wingbacks they could have some fantastic combination play moving forward. I think this is Conn's Home field and this is their game tomorrow.  Conn  1-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2021, 02:04:42 PM
Is it just me, or does it seem like Midd always (often?) finds a way to disappoint.  The Panthers give Trinity the Bantams' first point in the NESCAC, and failed to score in a 0-0 draw.  They weren't short on fouls, though, winning that duel by a whopping 26 to 10 margin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2021, 10:36:54 AM
Conn v Tufts notes----

What a college soccer game that was. I think for me the best game of the season so far. I wish I had seen it in person.  For Tufts it is only one loss, but certainly they have to clean up some areas and stay positive. 1st Half Tufts was the better team as they had more chances but 2nd Half the tide turned and Conn roared back. That was a statement game for Conn and a big Win for the program. Burk is a likable taskmaster as you can see the improved mentality of the team and the improved play of the team. The players busted all game as everyone gave it 100% when on the field. Their practices must be intense because the bench is as good as the starters. 3 starters out? Oh no problem we will replace them and play better so you will not miss them.  Honestly, Conn wanted the game more than Tufts. Burk has also recruited well as they now have the talent to compete with anyone. He also was cagey with his strategy. At the start of the game Tufts was ready to press with 4 guys and played their backline high expecting Conn to start playing out of the back. Instead Conn hit 3 or 4 balls over the top that eventually kept Tufts honest. They could not sit high and press if Conn was going to be hitting some penetrating over the top's. Tufts backed up to the midfield line an it was only then that Conn started to play out of the back but they were not nearly as possession needy as in other games. Burk understood to beat Tufts you needed to be practical and switch it up a bit. Some long balls, some building. I like it.

He also had a trick play on a set piece about 35 yards from goal. Conn's #25 Yeonas and #17 Creus were standing over the ball ready to hit it. They were both bickering at each other and pretending to be planning or arguing on who was to take the kick. As Tufts was trying to figure out who exactly was taking the kick Creus sprinted hard right and was wide open with no defender on him. Yeonas played him and he hit one but it went wide. Still he got a nice free look out of it.



Both teams have guys out as it is that time of year. Tufts was without #7 Ratzan, #9 Jacobs, #10 Seigelstein and #22 Welsh. Conn was missing #9 Tshuma, #14 Djerdjaj, #21 Dutkewych. Conn's dangerous winger #13 Scoffone had to be carried off the field late in the 2nd Half.


Starting line-ups-

Conn had #00 Maidenberg in net with a back 4 of LB #6 Horvath Diano, LCB #24 Kelesoglu, RCB #5 Cerezo and RB #4 Mendo. Holding #16 Lobo with #18 Marvel and #8 Jaran rounding out central midfield. Wide left #Scoffone #13, wide right #25 Yeonas and #12 Gehron up top. Just so everyone understands what Conn accomplished today only 2 of those starters were starting in 2019. 1 SR, 2 JR, 6 SO and 2 Frosh. Bench was productive. #2 Viotto and #30 Doyle spell the wingbacks and both are capable players. Same goes for #10 Robles and #17 Creus who came on for the wingers. #7 Zane replaced Gehron up top. He and Scoffone had a give and go late in the 2nd Half that would have been a great goal but Zane had a heavy touch and Tufts #16 Paoletta cleared. Then when Conn took the lead in the 2nd Half Burk changed to a 4-2-3-1 and pushed Yeonas in the middle to give Marvel and Jaran each a breather. In the 1st Half about 15 min left he switched the wingers so Yeonas went left and Scoffone right maybe for a different look or matchup that was not working.

Tufts had #0 Lauta in goal with a back 4 of LB #26 Campbell, LCB #25 Clivio, RCB #16 Paoletta and RB #3 Daly. Usual suspects in midfield #5 Aroh, #6 Enge and #13 Van Brewer. They had #2 Gerken wide left and #19 Traynor wide right with #11 Cano up top. The bench for Tufts had #23 Feigin come on as a winger and showed wheels but his heavy back pass to Van Brewer in the 2nd Half started Conn down the field for their 2nd Goal. #8 Shin showed well in central midfield and pulled a string or 2. #12 Brady spelled Cano up top. After Conn's 2nd Goal Dezotell went 3-4-3 and brought on a Frosh #27 Denby for Campbell as one of his three defenders. #18 Huynh played out wide and I thought he played well v Amherst last week.

Before the Conn goals, Tufts was threatening in the first 10 minutes of the 2nd Half. You could say Tufts was knocking on the door when Van Brewer received a ball at the top of the 18. He faked a shot and played a beautiful ball on the ground splitting the CB's. That is the most dangerous ball in attack IMO. Split the CB's from midfield either on the ground or over their heads to a teammate running onto it. Anyhow, a great run by Cano to get onto Van Brewer's pass and just as he was ready to rip it up he went down. It looked on the stream like he got mugged by Conn's ruthless CB #24 Kelesoglu. That kid is a player. No call and no real complaining so I assume maybe he was not taken down? Hard to tell on stream.

1st Goal started from a harmless Conn throw-in around midfield. Daly defensively heads the ball a mile into the air off the throw. As the ball came down it was Daly v Yeonas to win it and Yeonas won the 50/50 and quickly fed the target man Gehron. Gehron receives the ball with Pauletta already on him. So Gehron has Pauletta posted up with the ball at his feet. For some reason Pauletta took the easy way out by guessing the young kid would turn outside before he actually moved. The buck went inside and now was moving towards the top of the 18. At this point he was surrounded by Daly and Enge but neither tackled him, instead they shaded him towards the middle of the field. Gehron could feel the heat though and knew he had to find a teammate. Luckily #8 Jaran arrived in Gehron's sight and he played him at the top of the 18. Enge was right there waiting but Jaran faked and started moving to his right. At this point Enge has got to tackle him but no instead he shoulders him to try and knock Jaran off the ball. Jaran felt the hit but was strong enough to keep his composure and stay on the ball. Jaran decides to take a couple last touches to his right and then rips one with his right foot off the inside of the far post and in to beat the GK. Great goal but someone has to tackle.


Right off the kickoff after the goal Tufts could have had the equalizer. Enge noticed a great run by Daly overlapping and fed him but Daly missed it wide. I could not tell if it was a cross or shot but Cano was near the area and maybe could have poked it in. Hard to tell on the stream.


2nd Goal happened about 10 minutes after the first. Tufts CB #25 Clivio had possession in their half and played a nice ball to a checking #23 Feigin. As soon as Feigin was immediately pressed by 2 Conn players as they forced him to play backwards. He hit a heavy ball backwards to Van Brewer and Conn's striker #7 Zane was on him like a fly to feces. Zane battled Van Brewer to the ground and won the ball in Conn's attacking 3rd. Pauletta again has a chance to tackle but instead stuck his foot out to flick it away. Conn's Zane stays composed and strong on the ball as he gets by Pauletta and feeds a streaking #8 Jaran who buries it. A great run and finish by Jaran.


Game balls----#8 Jaran --2 goals
                    #00 Maidenberg----A couple key saves to keep Tufts off the board in both halves.
                    #24 Kelesoglu---This kid is an animal on the backline. Loves the slide tackle and reads the game well for a Frosh. Tackles hard.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 24, 2021, 10:43:53 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 23, 2021, 02:04:42 PM
Is it just me, or does it seem like Midd always (often?) finds a way to disappoint.  The Panthers give Trinity the Bantams' first point in the NESCAC, and failed to score in a 0-0 draw.  They weren't short on fouls, though, winning that duel by a whopping 26 to 10 margin.


They were sleepwalking 1st Half. 2nd Half was better. They play much better on their field. With Reid up top looking as fit and fast as ever I expect Midd to still make some noise. They can look a little predictable in their attacking 3rd but also can beat anyone in the league on any given day because of GK'ing, defense and talent up top.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 24, 2021, 11:43:32 AM
@Mr. Right.  That's a fantastic summary.  I was impressed with Connecticut and thought they grew into the game.  I thought they had a very specific game plan to deal with Tufts, and frankly, I thought Tufts just thought they could do whatever they want and that Conn would roll over.  I think this is a huge win for Conn's confidence, and think it shows that Tufts is vulnerable.

Really enjoyed the game, and agree that Coach Burke is one of the good guys.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2021, 09:50:06 AM
Hey thanks..appreciate it..it was a good game..so high intensity matches tomorrow
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 25, 2021, 12:50:47 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2021, 09:50:06 AM
Hey thanks..appreciate it..it was a good game..so high intensity matches tomorrow

Along with heavy rain and high winds tomorrow, too..... how is that going to affect the streaming video?  Only the real die-hards will be attending games in New England tomorrow in person in the first noreaster of the season...  :)

National Weather Service has a Wind Advisory in Connecticut tomorrow through Wednesday for sustained winds 20 to 30 mph with wind gusts up to 50 mph.  The Boston/Providence corridor is under a High Wind Watch tomorrow through Wednesday for winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

All of Southern New England under a Flood Watch for 3 to 5 inches of rain expected from the noreaster.

Good luck to all the fans planning to attend NESCAC games tomorrow in person and keep safe.  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 25, 2021, 02:17:34 PM
If they are smart, they move all the games to Wednesday.  Silly to have important games impacted by those weather conditions when there is an alternative available.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2021, 02:33:16 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 25, 2021, 02:17:34 PM
If they are smart, they move all the games to Wednesday.  Silly to have important games impacted by those weather conditions when there is an alternative available.

Agreed.  Imo almost zero chance games get played unless they are outside of the worst of the storm.  Can't play in those conditions and with possibility of downed power lines, flooding, flying debris, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 25, 2021, 03:57:40 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 25, 2021, 02:33:16 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 25, 2021, 02:17:34 PM
If they are smart, they move all the games to Wednesday.  Silly to have important games impacted by those weather conditions when there is an alternative available.

Agreed.  Imo almost zero chance games get played unless they are outside of the worst of the storm.  Can't play in those conditions and with possibility of downed power lines, flooding, flying debris, etc.

I agree as well-- a postponement of NESCAC games to Wednesday or Thursday would not affect the start of the NESCAC tournament; although a postponement of games Tuesday would affect the start of the conference tournament in another New England DIII conference (The CCC's tournament is supposed to start Thursday with the #7/#8 game to see who would advance to play their #2 seed this weekend.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2021, 06:30:46 PM
Posted more detail in the national thread but suffice it to say the NESCAC (and other Northeastern/New England conferences) are gonna have to do some re-arranging and may have to get creative.  Can't imagine there will be games played tomorrow or Weds, and don't see how grass fields would be playable by Thursday.  And then more substantial rain and wind forecast for the weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 25, 2021, 08:42:58 PM
Midd at Williams shifted to 7:30 tomorrow on the turf field at Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 26, 2021, 05:48:53 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 25, 2021, 08:42:58 PM
Midd at Williams shifted to 7:30 tomorrow on the turf field at Williams.

According to information on the Northeast Sports Network website, which is providing live steaming video from all five NESCAC gamesites this round for both the NESCAC men's and women's soccer games--

As of this morning, the Middlebury at Williams women's game is scheduled for 3 PM Eastern today (Oct 26), while the men's game would be played on the same turf field at 7:30 PM Eastern tonight-- according to Northeast Sports Network.

Middlebury tried to schedule the men's soccer game at Williams so that it would have been played last night, but that was unsuccessful.
In Williamstown, MA today, some heavy rain.  The gamesite is far from the center of the bombing low pressure system, which is expected to bomb over the 40 north/70 west benchmark.  Unlike Amherst, Williamstown is not under a flood watch.  Gusts in northwest MA expected to remain no higher than 30 mph.

The hurricane force gusts (75 mph plus) are expected to be over the Plymouth, MA area; Cape Cod (MA); the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket;  the MA South Coast area of Fall River and New Bedford; as well as Newport, RI and the Narragansett Bay area. including Block Island.  A High Wind Warning for gusts up to 60 mph is in effect for the Boston area as well as the I-95 Boston/Providence corridor.  A Wind Advisory is in effect for Providence, RI.

As far as NESCAC gamesites where advisories, weather watches and warnings from the storm are in effect:

Middletown, CT-- Flash Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory is in effect.

Amherst, MA-- Flood Watch

Williamstown, MA-- no watches or warnings currently in effect.

Brunswick, ME-- Wind Advisory is in effect Tuesday evening (Game is scheduled for 3 PM Eastern this afternoon as of press time.)

Lewiston, ME-- No watches or warnings currently in effect.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 26, 2021, 11:22:31 AM
Are we sure that "flying debris" might not have helped a team or two today?


Do u know Midd wanted to play last night and it was shot down by league or team?

It is barely raining here in Williamstown and its like 10mph wind...why would you decide to take a turf team off grass and put them on your own turf field?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 26, 2021, 01:20:15 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 26, 2021, 11:22:31 AM
Are we sure that "flying debris" might not have helped a team or two today?


Do u know Midd wanted to play last night and it was shot down by league or team?

It is barely raining here in Williamstown and its like 10mph wind...why would you decide to take a turf team off grass and put them on your own turf field?

I looked at the Middlebury men's soccer website this morning before it got changed, and under Middlebury's schedule, I thought that I saw Monday Oct. 25 at 7:30 PM as the start time for the game before they changed it to Tuesday Oct. 26.

Also, I believe that there was significant rain yesterday in Williamstown, and colleges usually switch their soccer games if there is significant rain to move soccer games from the natural grass to the field turf for player safety.

As far as your last comment, (speaking of a rival league) you should have told that to the University of Chicago women's soccer team (who usually plays home games on the natural grass on the Stagg Field Complex-- but played a turf team (Brandeis) on the Stagg turf field a few weeks ago and suffered their first loss of the season to Brandeis (due to rain).... :D  (I can laugh at this comment because I know that Brandeis has never beaten Williams in women's soccer.... :D)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 26, 2021, 01:53:12 PM
Welp...hanging out here in Quincy, MA right on the coast and not even raining and mildly breezy.  I did offer caveats about my credentials and that games would be unlikely unless outside the worst of the storm.  So far there is no storm so maybe all of the NESCACs get played as the only one today on the coast in at Bowdoin and I suppose they'll get that in before the heavy rain and wind begins.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 26, 2021, 03:30:08 PM
There is a temporary stoppage of play in the 22nd minute of the first half in the Tufts at Bowdoin men's game due to an injury to one of the referees.....  Tufts 0, Bowdoin 0 is the score at the stoppage.

Both teams are at their benches until the injured official gets taped up....

The game has resumed play with the back-up official assigned to watch the benches at the start of the match switching places with the injured official....

It is really "raining buckets" down in Brunswick, Maine right now.  I can see the rain on my Roku TV...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 26, 2021, 03:40:46 PM
What the heck is that dog doing behind the Bowdoin net?  And why do parents bring dogs to soccer games?  At the Tufts-Amh game some guy brought his dog right up into the bleachers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 26, 2021, 03:52:37 PM
Bowdoin 1, Tufts 0 in the 39th minute.

Bowdoin goal scored by Alan Casey, assist by Ryan Houseman.

Game tied at 1-1 in the 43rd minute.

Tufts equalizer scored by Calvin Aroh.

Game tied 1-1 at the half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 26, 2021, 04:10:11 PM
Haven't been able to catch a Tufts game, so thought I'd check in on this:

* - Center ref had to come out with an injury. No real big deal, just doesn't happen very often.

* - It is absolutely pouring buckets. Almost the entire first half. Miserable conditions, but the field appears to be holding up well.

* - I'd like to hear the Tufts keeper talk about that first Bowdoin goal. Came from what looked to be the very top right corner of the box, not hit especially hard. But it came through some traffic. Wonder if he just lost, was flat-footed or both? Not a howler, by any stretch, but we goalies are a hyper- (and mostly self-) critical bunch.

*- Even in these conditions, Tufts just playing more of a style... with purpose. Really pushing it down their right flank. That's pretty much how they scored their goal. Nice, composed dribbling and then a pass across the top of the 18, one guy dummies and the other guy -- like on the training ground -- just laces the ball one time into the right corner. Text book.

Halftime 1-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 26, 2021, 04:21:50 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 26, 2021, 04:10:11 PM
Haven't been able to catch a Tufts game, so thought I'd check in on this:

* - Center ref had to come out with an injury. No real big deal, just doesn't happen very often.

* - It is absolutely pouring buckets. Almost the entire first half. Miserable conditions, but the field appears to be holding up well.

* - I'd like to hear the Tufts keeper talk about that first Bowdoin goal. Came from what looked to be the very top right corner of the box, not hit especially hard. But it came through some traffic. Wonder if he just lost, was flat-footed or both? Not a howler, by any stretch, but we goalies are a hyper- (and mostly self-) critical bunch.

*- Even in these conditions, Tufts just playing more of a style... with purpose. Really pushing it down their right flank. That's pretty much how they scored their goal. Nice, composed dribbling and then a pass across the top of the 18, one guy dummies and the other guy -- like on the training ground -- just laces the ball one time into the right corner. Text book.

Halftime 1-1

@Hopkins92, you had me at the first three bullets.  And with the Keeper, yeah not sure if he was flat footed, or couldn't see.  Looked like he just reacted super late, although not sure he would have made the save regardless.  Pretty remarkable that the ball came from the angle it did, made it all the way to the side net, far post.  Thats a shot you won't even score in training ...

As far as Tufts looked, I thought Bowdoin looked a little better and wasn't impressed with Tufts.  The goal was definitely a great play.  As you said, text book.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 26, 2021, 04:23:47 PM
I guess that the NSNSports.net commentator doing the Tufts v Bowdoin game did not get the update that the Middlebury v Williams men's match has been delayed to 7:30 PM Eastern tonight, as previously mentioned here....  :)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 26, 2021, 04:52:21 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2021, 09:50:06 AM
Hey thanks..appreciate it..it was a good game..so high intensity matches tomorrow

Wow, I saw Tufts and Bowdoin were 1-1 at half, but completely missed this result — was on the road this weekend and was fully focused on a certain other game (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_F.C.%E2%80%93Manchester_United_F.C._rivalry#Old_Trafford_2021) (predicted 2-2, that's why I'm not a pundit).

To be fair, Tufts was ~4 mins from losing at Colby back in September and probably would have if not for a couple of great saves from Lauta at 1-0. Ah well, they lost a couple in October back in 2019 and look what happened there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 26, 2021, 05:02:25 PM
Heading to extra time in Brunswick, Maine with Tufts and Bowdoin still tied at 1-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 26, 2021, 05:05:13 PM
Quote from: deiscanton on October 26, 2021, 05:02:25 PM
Heading to extra time in Brunswick, Maine with Tufts and Bowdoin still tied at 1-1.

And I didn't want to say anything, in case it was just the camera, but the announcer backed up my suspicion:

They need to get the show on the road up there or a second OT is gonna need old-school car lights around the field to finish the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 26, 2021, 05:06:27 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 26, 2021, 05:05:13 PM
They need to get the show on the road up there or a second OT is gonna need old-school car lights around the field to finish the game.

As someone whose office is around 20 miles south and just stepped outside for a second, it is dark and cold, so fair play to them for playing (no pun intended). That said, they should be fine if they get it in by around 5:40.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 26, 2021, 05:06:49 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 26, 2021, 04:52:21 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 25, 2021, 09:50:06 AM
Hey thanks..appreciate it..it was a good game..so high intensity matches tomorrow

Wow, I saw Tufts and Bowdoin were 1-1 at half, but completely missed this result — was on the road this weekend and was fully focused on a certain other game (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_F.C.%E2%80%93Manchester_United_F.C._rivalry#Old_Trafford_2021) (predicted 2-2, that's why I'm not a pundit).

To be fair, Tufts was ~4 mins from losing at Colby back in September and probably would have if not for a couple of great saves from Lauta at 1-0. Ah well, they lost a couple in October back in 2019 and look what happened there.

Losing in the NESCAC quarters is almost a gift (as long as you know you're getting a Pool C...which of course Tufts will if needed).  They've won at least 2 national titles via that route...and gives them essentially 2 weeks before the tournament starts to recover and recharge and 3 weeks before playing a game they could lose. 

It's funny how so many (including me several years ago) don't think Tufts is that good...and then they win another title.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 26, 2021, 05:11:10 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on October 26, 2021, 05:06:27 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 26, 2021, 05:05:13 PM
They need to get the show on the road up there or a second OT is gonna need old-school car lights around the field to finish the game.

As someone whose office is around 20 miles south and just stepped outside for a second, it is dark and cold, so fair play to them for playing (no pun intended). That said, they should be fine if they get it in by around 5:40.

On-the-scene reporting, folks!

(I was mostly being silly, but good to know firsthand.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 26, 2021, 05:11:34 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 26, 2021, 05:05:13 PM
Quote from: deiscanton on October 26, 2021, 05:02:25 PM
Heading to extra time in Brunswick, Maine with Tufts and Bowdoin still tied at 1-1.

And I didn't want to say anything, in case it was just the camera, but the announcer backed up my suspicion:

They need to get the show on the road up there or a second OT is gonna need old-school car lights around the field to finish the game.

It is an official game now if the game must be suspended due to darkness before the two extra time periods get played and no goal gets scored --  the result would be a draw and Tufts and Bowdoin would share the points.

Game still tied at 1-1 between Tufts and Bowdoin after 100 minutes.-- We are going to the second extra time period.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 26, 2021, 05:12:23 PM
Whooey, that was about a yard wide by Bowdoin. Great try.

30 seconds later, Tufts has a chance to win it inside the 18 but the guy put it right at the 'keeper.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 26, 2021, 05:19:44 PM
Colby has clinched their spot in the NESCAC tournament with a golden goal in the 97th minute to beat Bates, and the field for the NESCAC tournament is set.

Final:  Colby 2, Bates 1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 26, 2021, 05:24:47 PM
Tufts with the chance of the game, Bowdoin totally open at the back and the 'keeper sends the rebound right back to the Jumbo who blazes over the empty net.  :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 26, 2021, 05:30:22 PM
Tufts and Bowdoin ends in a draw, 1-1, after extra time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Centennial1 on October 26, 2021, 05:50:07 PM
Tough conditions for Tufts/Bowdoin. I have to hand it to both teams for playing as well as they did, and to the grounds crew for providing a pitch that wasn't a level-4 mudslide. I suppose Tufts feels hard-done by the weather, but from what I saw, Bowdoin controlled big stretches of the match as it wore on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 26, 2021, 08:40:35 PM
Didn't catch either first half in the night games, which are both 0-0 at half, but Amherst was credited with only 2 SOG against Trinity (8 total) in the first half, and only took 2 corners. Trinity has one shot which was on goal, and one corner. Not a great half from Amherst who need a W to leapfrog Tufts into second place.

Midd and Williams both registered 5 SOG in the first half, which sounds like it was more fun. Gonna try to catch the second.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 26, 2021, 08:56:10 PM
If I am doing the tiebreakers right, and no promises that I am, a Williams win would jump them all the way to 5th from 8th (!!!) in the standings, passing Colby on points and Midd+Bowdoin on head to head tiebreaker. Drawing or losing will leave them in 8th, so they have all the incentive to go for the win. Huge difference between a first round matchup with Conn and with Wesleyan.

Midd I would guess will be conservative - a win will give them home field advantage against Wes (who they beat 3-1 early on), but a loss would see them face Amherst (L 1-0) or Tufts (D 0-0) away from home.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 26, 2021, 10:01:56 PM
Midd grabs home field advantage on about as good of a goal as you'll see in the NESCAC, scored with only a couple minutes left in 2OT. Ball laid back across the top of the 18 moving left to right (from attacking teams perspective). Some freshman midfielder, forget the name, absolutely smashes it first time with his right foot to the top right corner, beats the keeper for power and placement. Think he hit it from 22ish yards, right side of the goal mouth. Looked like he hit it with his laces, but hard to tell for sure on the camera.

That locks in the matchups I personally was rooting for the first round, and I think are pretty good from a neutral's perspective too. Regular season result in parenthesis.

#8 Williams at #1 Conn (1-0 Conn in New London)
#7 Colby at #2 Amherst (2-0 Amherst in Amherst)
#6 Bowdoin at #3 Tufts (1-1 draw in Brunswick)
#5 Wesleyan at #4 Midd (3-1 Midd in VT)

Every top seed but Tufts won the regular season version of these matchups at home.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 26, 2021, 10:04:23 PM
Midd wins on a goal by Shane Farrell with just over a minute remaining in second OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 26, 2021, 10:14:09 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 26, 2021, 10:04:23 PM
Midd wins on a goal by Shane Farrell with just over a minute remaining in second OT.

Fantastic strike.  Caught it just right and GK had zero chance.

Good game.  I thought Williams played great but just lacks some firepower up front.  And I don't know how Midd doesn't score more with Reid and St Louis.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 26, 2021, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgbzXgQr5rc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgbzXgQr5rc)
Williams does a nice job posting highlights on youtube immediately after the match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 26, 2021, 11:20:08 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 26, 2021, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgbzXgQr5rc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgbzXgQr5rc)
Williams does a nice job posting highlights on youtube immediately after the match.

Watching that goal a few more times I'm struck that it was a pure laser strike but if this makes sense he didn't overhit it.  He used the pass, timing and technique while resisting the instinct from that distance to blast it with the usual result being hitting it a little or a lot over the bar.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 27, 2021, 10:16:29 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 26, 2021, 11:20:08 PM
Watching that goal a few more times I'm struck that it was a pure laser strike but if this makes sense he didn't overhit it.  He used the pass, timing and technique while resisting the instinct from that distance to blast it with the usual result being hitting it a little or a lot over the bar.

Fantastic strike. When the ball is moving like that, the biggest thing is to stay over it as well as not "over hit" it like you noted (pardon the pun). The pace on the ball can do most of the work. I never played any more competitively than IM leagues but those were my favorite shots — ball going across the body (left to right) and hit with the right foot laces results in that tiny bit of fade away from the 'keeper. That said, couldn't do it anywhere near as well as that, that was like prime Stevie G — top bins.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 27, 2021, 10:26:31 AM
Fantastic strike. Played it back on .25 a number of times, as it seems to take a little skip/deflection in there at the 6... Goalie wasn't getting to that regardless.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Centennial1 on October 27, 2021, 10:43:35 AM
Goal of the year for me so far. Filthy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 27, 2021, 10:48:10 AM
Man this whole tieing Bowdoin on a Tuesday then turning around to have to play them in the NESCAC quarters is bringing back some serious PTSD for some of the older Tufts alums.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on October 27, 2021, 10:57:19 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 27, 2021, 10:48:10 AM
Man this whole tieing Bowdoin on a Tuesday then turning around to have to play them in the NESCAC quarters is bringing back some serious PTSD for some of the older Tufts alums.

Luckily the ones playing the game won't have that same baggage. But I could see how that would be uncomfortable!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2021, 01:15:14 PM
Quick Recaps:

Conn at Wes----Conn clinches its 1st Nescac Championship in Mens Soccer ever. The Conn Goal came because of the wet conditions. Wes GK #0 Devanny lost control of a slick Soccer ball while on the ground and coughed it up right to a Conn attacker who buried it. Neither team deserved to Win the game as the chances on goal were few and far between. It seemed Conn's objective in the 1st Half was possessing without progressing. Two CB's #5 Cerezo and #24 Kelesoglu were at one point just knocking it back and forth about 10 yards apart for 30 seconds near the 18. Ball kept swinging around the back to either completely bore the viewer or to suck Wesleyan out of its Half and goad them to press. I suppose it sort of worked as Wes sent a few players to press just to move Conn along. What it did do IMO was unnecessarily wear down Wesleyan's key attacking players #9 Harmaty, #8 Rubinstein, #10 Ruehlemann and #21 Texter. Neither team had more than 2 dangerous chances and maybe that was the point but then don't complain when ur own student body doesn't show up to watch that crap. Marcelo Bielsa's risky aggressive vertical futbol it was not.


Midd at Williams---First off, game moved to the turf because it rained the day before. Women's Field was unaffected by rain. What did we do before turf fields? Why did we care if we ripped up the wet grass field if it was the last Home game? Did Grounds Crew get invovled? All questions I will never get answers to....The game was a sped up version of Conn at Wes with neither team able to create more than 5 dangerous chances each on net in 110 minutes. I will say both teams busted all game especially in tough conditions but when both teams first priority is transition defense then well your attack is secondary. Marcelo Bielsa's risky aggressive vertical futbol it was not. Still there were key players for Midd that stepped up. Midd CB #15 McFarlane runs a tidy ship and is a man amongst boys back there. He is a real solid Captain and leader especially for the 3 Frosh surrounding him on his backline. GK #33 Grady maybe had to make 1 or 2 key saves but Williams did not make him sweat once. I thought Midd midfielder #12 Ben Powers played a key role in the game by just suffocating anything Williams tried to do thru the middle of the field. I just think as we start looking ahead Midd will need to create more chances to score goals if they want to keep advancing in the NCAA's. To do that they will need to transition offensively much more vertically and quickly against teams that will be sitting deep. Still an unbelievable finish by #30 Farrell with his right foot in the 109th minute. I saw him do that on the stream last weekend up at Colby but with his left foot and from a few yards further back. He certainly can strike a ball with both feet and he worked his ass off all game while I would guess playing the most minutes of the 6 headed Midd Midfield monster. Can we get that one posted because it is also a good strike. Big Big Win for Midd and now they get another Home game while sticking it to Williams and Wesleyan in the process.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 28, 2021, 01:27:04 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 27, 2021, 10:48:10 AM
Man this whole tieing Bowdoin on a Tuesday then turning around to have to play them in the NESCAC quarters is bringing back some serious PTSD for some of the older Tufts alums.

https://c.tenor.com/w6KhC4AeeYIAAAAC/cackles-star-wars.gif
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2021, 01:56:22 AM
A point on the Regional Rankings. It seems to me that the splitting of these regions has benefitted only the power conferences. Newmac and Nescac are now their own regions while pumping up RvR to an unrealistic level. Where is the representation of smaller schools in weaker leagues? All this does is promote future Nescac v Newmac regular season battles while excluding Norwich, St.Joe's, RWU, WNEC etc...The weaker leagues should conceivably have more representation over a couple of power conferences. It is up to those representatives to fight not only for their league but other leagues similar. Unless I am totally reading this wrong it looks like the power conferences browbeat the weaker ones.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 28, 2021, 02:57:27 AM
The past two weekends I have had to stream instead of seeing a live game. It seems NSN has improved from years past as they have cut way down on the glitches of the stream. The PbP and Color have been good for some and nightmarish for others but I am sure they just do not have the bodies. IMO the best PbP and Color is having the camera situated at the 50 without Announcers on the players side of the field. As long as you can hear the sounds of the game you feel like you are there. Same goes for the opposite sideline as long as you are close enough to the field to hear the game. Perfect example was Tufts at Conn this past weekend where Conn did not use announcers but had probably one production guy and one camera guy. It was so well situated that you could not hear any of the benches instead  u got heads, tackles, yelling, sliding.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 28, 2021, 06:56:02 PM
I am not much of a prognosticator, but should Williams, currently NCAA ranked, lose its 1v8 matchup with Conn College, won't that work to the detriment to all teams seeking a Pool C that have beaten Williams?  That would include Midd, Tufts, Amh and Conn College?  Conversely, won't the same help Wesleyan, Colby and Bowdoin who lost or tied Williams and therefore would have an adverse RvR removed from their calculations.  I guess you could say those that tied could think of a win or a loss as a wash for NCAA ranking purposes.

Midd, Amh and Tufts should all be hoping for Williams to prevail in their quarterfinal matchup for more than just getting Conn College out from the NESCAC tournament, but also for the sake of their RvR winning percentage. 

I don't think that Williams' loss to Midd will alone remove them from next Wednesday's rankings but a follow up loss in the Q finals would surely do it.  The Ephs have to prevail to stick around in the tournament and remain ranked.  Their route to the NCAAs though would almost exclusively come by winning the conference tournament, which is a longshot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 28, 2021, 07:15:14 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 28, 2021, 06:56:02 PM
I am not much of a prognosticator, but should Williams, currently NCAA ranked, lose its 1v8 matchup with Conn College, won't that work to the detriment to all teams seeking a Pool C that have beaten Williams.  That would include Midd, Tufts, Amh and Conn College?  Conversely, won't the same help Wesleyan, Colby and Bowdoin who lost or tied Williams and therefore would have an adverse RvR removed from their calculations.  I guess you could say those that tied could think of a win or a loss as a wash for NCAA ranking purposes.

Midd, Amh and Tufts should all be hoping for Williams to prevail in their quarterfinal matchup for more than just getting Conn College out from the NESCAC tournament, but also for the sake of their RvR winning percentage. 

I don't think that Williams' loss to Midd will alone remove them from next Wednesday's rankings but a follow up loss in the Q finals would surely do it.  The Ephs have to prevail to stick around in the tournament and remain ranked.  Their route to the NCAAs though would almost exclusively come by winning the conference tournament, which is a longshot.

Tufts, Amherst and Conn are all in the tournament regardless.  Wes and Midd are probably on the bubble and might need at least one win, and of course they're playing each other.  I think Wesleyan might have a decent shot even if they lose to Midd and not sure the same is true for Midd if lose to Wes.

But it's strange that you just posted this because I was just thinking that Williams is gonna prevail over Conn, even if it's in PKs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 28, 2021, 07:25:50 PM
#1, the most dangerous seed in (Nescac) soccer
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 28, 2021, 07:51:45 PM
I realize there aren't many blowouts in the NESCAC but Williams has not lost a game all year by more than one goal, most 1-0.  Might be their turn to win a big close one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 28, 2021, 10:04:48 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 28, 2021, 07:51:45 PM
I realize there aren't many blowouts in the NESCAC but Williams has not lost a game all year by more than one goal, most 1-0.  Might be their turn to win a big close one.

So if we are talking about what team with home field is most likely to lose in the Q-final, then would you put  Conn College on the top of the list?  Or would it be Midd?  They prevailed over Wesleyan at home 3-1, although early in the season.  How about Tufts who recently tied Bowdoin on the road.  Amherst topped Colby 2-0 at home.  Who are the underdogs most likely to advance?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2021, 05:36:13 AM

Nescac Predictions Quarters

Wesleyan---10-3-2 (5-3-2) #5
Midd-------10-3-2 (5-3-2) #4

Wesleyan at Midd---This game was a minute away from being in Middletown however Midd's Frosh CM #30 Shane Farrell's golden goal at Williams in the 109th minute turned the tables. These two teams met about 2 months ago and Midd Won the game 3-1 with 2 goals coming off of corners. The team that does not advance from this game will definitely be sweating it out for an NCAA bid. I see both teams being pretty cautious in this game taking advantage of any chances they get. Wes CB #24 Porte did not play v Conn midweek and their other CB #5 Evan O'Brien left the game in the 2nd Half. O'Brien looks to be a walking band-aid right now but Wesleyan need him and his 6'2 frame playing on their backline. He competes hard and while certainly not the fastest he is positioned correctly and reads the game well to make up for the lack of pace. Midd's backline has been solid all year led by #15 RCB McFarlane. The Frosh LCB #32 Williams O'Brien(not related) has done well this year and is a real solid header of the ball. Elias has Frosh #25 Nelson at RB and used another Frosh #19 Lund at LB instead of #16 Pape at Williams. He has the wheels and skill to get up and down the field if Midd ever wanted to give him the green light too risk it for the biscuit. Conn's holding midd #16 Lobo did a very good job staying with and shutting down Wes #10 Ruehlemann midweek and Midd will need to do the same. Any time Ruehlemann got his feet on the ball he was marked tight. That should free up others if Midd man marks him all over the field. Midd's striker #9 Reid could be the difference maker as Wesleyan will be challenged to mark him well. Midd wide guys like #23 Saint-Louis and #8 Barry will be going up against Wes Senior LB #6 Wallick and RB #14 Mason Davisson. Wes has also been using at RB #3 Max Hofstetter. Wheeler used #7 Kelsch as a CB when O'Brien left the field and he did a fine job in relief but he is usually in midfield. Middlebury have only given up 2 Goals all year at Home and have an advantage with the turf but Wes has played on turf all week because the Conn game was played on their football field. This game will come down too who wants it more. Does Wes have the guts to go up to Middlebury and take it to them? Can Midd score a couple goals early and completely let the air out of Wesleyan's proverbial tire?  Or does this have PK's written all over it?    Midd 1-0

Williams---7-6-2 (3-5-2) #8
Conn------12-3-0 (8-2-0) #1

Williams at Conn----Conn are coming off winning their first Nescac Regular Season title as all their hardwork has been paying off. Still they must understand they are not completely respected by other Nescac's yet. I am sure Williams is much happier having to play Conn than say Amherst or Tufts. I am also sure Colby would have rather travelled to Conn than Amherst. Only winning can fix that mindset. You want your opponent to fear having to come play you in your own den as that gives you an advantage before the ball is even kicked. Conn won the regular season match 1-0 at Home. Rewatching the game showed that Conn was pretty good at breaking the Williams press. Their final pass in the attacking 3rd was lacking in the game but they succeeded on playing out of the back and got some chances off of it by breaking the press and eventually scoring the game winner. Conn also has really started to hunt the ball with #18 Marvel and #16 Lobo busting in central midfield. To me all this pressing wastes valuable energy from your key attacking players. Mixing it up would keep your opponent off balance and save energy for your key attacking players. Williams has a very hard time creating its own shot and their best 1v1 player #9 Petrik cannot get on the field. I would attack with 5 and use Petrik sitting behind #7 Song or #16 Brissett in a 4-1-4-1 and / or move #3 Foehl into an attacking midfielder role instead of wingback. If you attack with 5 then you will force Conn to not only defend more than it wants too but it will also keep them off the ball. If you instead decide to sit in Conn will dominate possession and eventually break you down. Williams played hard v Midd in the midweek regular season finale but created only 2-3 dangerous chances in 110 minutes. They looked anemic in attack and if that is replicated on Saturday they will lose the game. Conn does have some injury problems and Williams have nothing to lose but Conn's bench is more than capable of stepping up. Conn 2-1



Bowdoin----9-4-2 (4-4-2) #6
Tufts-----10-1-3 (6-1-3) #3


Bowdoin at Tufts-----This game ended in a 1-1 Draw just a couple days ago. I was not able to catch the game but it must have been fun to play in the rain and wind at your back. The boxscore for Tufts shows defender #4 Max Cook starting and LB #26 Campbell missing the match. Tufts did have their striker #9 Jacobs back in the lineup as that will help to alleviate the pressure on #11 Cano to score in every match. That looks to be the only real significant change after the loss to the Camels at least on paper. Bowdoin will be happy to let Tufts possess the ball and then pounce on them in their own half. Looks like key CB #3 Reid is still out so they must have #12 Donlan and #6 Selig at CB.  I think Tufts is going to start having a real difficult time breaking down defense's starting with this game. If you do not have top 1v1 players and are not quickly transitioning in attack when getting the ball it makes it real difficult to score especially against a well organized defense like Bowdoin. That said Tufts is well organized itself on defense and still hunt the ball well so their opponents will struggle as well. Tufts did have a 12-4 SOG advantage at Bowdoin so at least in that game it looks like they were getting more scoring opportunities. I would have my quickest defensive pest man marking #5 Aroh wherever he goes in my half of the field. He is now co-leader in Goals for Tufts along with #11 Cano with 6 Goals. Thing is Cano has only 1 Goal in his last 9 Games so Aroh becomes even more important. Bowdoin is regionally ranked #6 behind both Middlebury and Wesleyan and clearly on the wrong side of the bubble. They lost to both Midd and Wes which will hurt them but they also beat Amherst and Conn which neither Wes or Midd could do. Their 5 weak non-conference games certainly dragged down the SOS and OWP. I do not think Nescac will get 5 At-large bids for the NCAA's. I think 4 is pushing it as well but very possible so if Bowdoin could advance in this game I think they would knock off the loser of the Midd/Wes match.  0-0 Tufts in PK's



Colby--------7-7-1 (4-5-1) #7
Amherst-----12-2-1 (7-2-1) #2


Colby at Amherst----Amherst beat Colby 2-0 last weekend. Amherst felt Coby was a weak enough opponent to sit their star striker #9 and start all their Seniors while not worrying about losing. Colby should take serious offense to that and really bust all game. Having watched Colby I would not have taken them so lightly as they are a good team. I had watched the 1st Half and thought Colby looked organized defensively and were working a perfect game plan until Amherst scored with 1 minute left in the Half. A deflating goal for sure but Colby has a tendency to drop their heads and stop giving their all after their opponent scores a goal. One goal even a two goal deficit can be made up with max effort. #23 Okorogheye used his wheels to burn Colby's RB as he dribbled the ball to the goaline while moving toward goal. He then fed the ball across the goalmouth and was easily finished by #3 ten Cate. Looking at Colby's boxscore at Bates I am guessing that they must have had #20 Wood and #10 Lemire as wingbacks unless #26 O'Brien was at LB? Hard to tell but Lemire is usually a winger. Colby have the depth to compete with Amherst but do they have the guts to go to Amherst and deal with maybe a setback or two during the game and keep battling thru it and fighting to advance.  3-2 Amherst
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2021, 05:44:24 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 28, 2021, 07:51:45 PM
I realize there aren't many blowouts in the NESCAC but Williams has not lost a game all year by more than one goal, most 1-0.  Might be their turn to win a big close one.


They need to become more interested in attacking than defending. They have become predictable in the attacking 3rd but hey they might get a goal off their press?  We will see....#6 Boardman or "Boardo" as his buddies call him has been solid all year in midfield and maybe the Frosh #26 Gutierrez can use his skill to create or finish on a game winner. Williams will need both in central midfield to step it up to beat Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2021, 05:55:16 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 26, 2021, 03:40:46 PM
What the heck is that dog doing behind the Bowdoin net?  And why do parents bring dogs to soccer games?  At the Tufts-Amh game some guy brought his dog right up into the bleachers.


They bring the dog because some of these parents are travelling some serious miles to get to these games. Who is going to watch it? Plus the dog is a part of the "famiglia" and also a fantastic icebreaker. The problem arises when we have dog v dog matchups in the crowd which is usually accompanied by hysterical barking in different tones. I will never forget a dog getting loose on the field of a Williams game in the 90's and no one could get it. 2-3 minutes of chase and play for the dog but man the head ball coach was a flippin'. The owner had left it tied up while going to grab food and did not even realize his own dog was on the field. When he went to get it the thing almost took his hand off...it was hilarious
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 29, 2021, 06:23:51 AM
Statman Dave

Conference Games only(10 Games)


Individual Goals Leaders
1 German Giammattei(Amherst)          5
2 Calvin Aroh(Tufts)                            5
3 Ethan Franco(Colby)                        4
4  Rye Jaran(Conn. College)                4
5 Owen Keleher(Bates)                       3
6 Shane Farrell(Middlebury)                3
7 Dane Harmaty(Wesleyan)                3
8 Josh Rubin(Colby)                           3

Assists
1   Ada Okorogheye (Amherst)           5
2   Drake Byrd (Bowdoin)                   4
3   Ignacio Cubeddu (Amherst)            3
4   Wallick, Nick (Wesleyan)                3
5   Harmaty, Dane (Wesleyan)              3
6   Paul Hawkins (Colby)                      3
7   Rye Jaran (Conn. College)               3

SOG
1   German Giammattei (Amherst)    15
2   Jordan Saint-Louis (Middlebury)   14
3   MT Tshuma (Conn. College)         12
4   Sean Traynor (Tufts)                   11
5   Nick Boardman (Williams)            11
6   Ethan Franco (Colby)                   11
7   Drake Byrd (Bowdoin)                 9
8   Brandon Reid (Middlebury)             9
9   Nathan Song (Williams)                9
10   Augie Djerdjaj (Conn. College)     9
11   Steve Yeonas (Conn. College)      9

Points:
1   German Giammattei (Amherst)   10   5   2   12   1.20
2   Rye Jaran (Conn. College)            8   4   3   11   1.38
3   Calvin Aroh (Tufts)                      10   5   0   10   1.00
4   Dane Harmaty (Wesleyan)           10   3   3   9   .90
5   Ethan Franco (Colby)                   10   4   1   9   .90
6   Drake Byrd (Bowdoin)                 10   2   4   8   .80
7   Owen Keleher (Bates)                     9   3   1   7   .78
8   Ada Okorogheye (Amherst)           10   1   5   7   .70
9   Josh Rubin (Colby)                       10   3   1   7   .70
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2021, 09:33:03 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2021, 05:55:16 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 26, 2021, 03:40:46 PM
What the heck is that dog doing behind the Bowdoin net?  And why do parents bring dogs to soccer games?  At the Tufts-Amh game some guy brought his dog right up into the bleachers.


They bring the dog because some of these parents are travelling some serious miles to get to these games. Who is going to watch it? Plus the dog is a part of the "famiglia" and also a fantastic icebreaker. The problem arises when we have dog v dog matchups in the crowd which is usually accompanied by hysterical barking in different tones. I will never forget a dog getting loose on the field of a Williams game in the 90's and no one could get it. 2-3 minutes of chase and play for the dog but man the head ball coach was a flippin'. The owner had left it tied up while going to grab food and did not even realize his own dog was on the field. When he went to get it the thing almost took his hand off...it was hilarious

LOL.  Nothing says your kid is starting CDM or COM at Bowdoin or Midd more than a gorgeous Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, or my fave, a Samoyed next to a corner flag or behind a net.  Quintessentially NESCACian.

Of course in fairness dogs of all varieties are part of youth, club, and apparently college soccer.  You can tell a lot about who you're playing on a given day based on the vehicles in the parking lot and whether you see a Bishon Frise, anything in the Terrier-group, or one of those tiny, yippee, fits in a dress shirt pocket things versus a couple of Rottweilers.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on October 29, 2021, 09:55:01 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 29, 2021, 09:33:03 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 29, 2021, 05:55:16 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 26, 2021, 03:40:46 PM
What the heck is that dog doing behind the Bowdoin net?  And why do parents bring dogs to soccer games?  At the Tufts-Amh game some guy brought his dog right up into the bleachers.


They bring the dog because some of these parents are travelling some serious miles to get to these games. Who is going to watch it? Plus the dog is a part of the "famiglia" and also a fantastic icebreaker. The problem arises when we have dog v dog matchups in the crowd which is usually accompanied by hysterical barking in different tones. I will never forget a dog getting loose on the field of a Williams game in the 90's and no one could get it. 2-3 minutes of chase and play for the dog but man the head ball coach was a flippin'. The owner had left it tied up while going to grab food and did not even realize his own dog was on the field. When he went to get it the thing almost took his hand off...it was hilarious

LOL.  Nothing says your kid is starting CDM or COM at Bowdoin or Midd more than a gorgeous Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, or my fave, a Samoyed next to a corner flag or behind a net.  Quintessentially NESCACian.

Of course in fairness dogs of all varieties are part of youth, club, and apparently college soccer.  You can tell a lot about who you're playing on a given day based on the vehicles in the parking lot and whether you see a Bishon Frise, anything in the Terrier-group, or one of those tiny, yippee, fits in a dress shirt pocket things versus a couple of Rottweilers.

Quote of the week so far. +K and completely true.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 29, 2021, 10:31:23 AM
As someone that attended a "lax school" this also tracks for that sport. You see at least 2 or 3 Labs at Homewood on any given lax day. At least.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 30, 2021, 12:20:03 PM
Tufts gets a big and fortunate early goal on a Bowdoin GK mistake. Medium-Long flighted free kick from the Tufts left side, maybe 40-45 yards(?) floated over the keeper's head and in. Unfortunately didn't make it up to Boston so I'm on live stream, but seems like there is a decent bit of wind in that direction. Still, a tough start for the PBears who have been pretty good since.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 30, 2021, 12:26:27 PM
Checked on the Midd vs. Wesleyan game to see a classic bit of NESCAC play and refereeing. Reid gets in behind the defense on a long ball and is tripped up just inside the box by the only Wes defender in the same zip code. Ref calls a PK after consulting with his sideline ref, which I think was right but it was tough to tell from the camera's and center ref's angle. Now for the NESCAC bit - no card given to the defender on a clear last man foul.

Reid take the PK low and to hit right, hits it reasonably well. Wes keeper makes a phenomenal save getting off his line and down quickly, doing enough with the rebound.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 30, 2021, 12:45:18 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on October 30, 2021, 12:26:27 PM
Checked on the Midd vs. Wesleyan game to see a classic bit of NESCAC play and refereeing. Reid gets in behind the defense on a long ball and is tripped up just inside the box by the only Wes defender in the same zip code. Ref calls a PK after consulting with his sideline ref, which I think was right but it was tough to tell from the camera's and center ref's angle. Now for the NESCAC bit - no card given to the defender on a clear last man foul.

Reid take the PK low and to hit right, hits it reasonably well. Wes keeper makes a phenomenal save getting off his line and down quickly, doing enough with the rebound.
Does anybody know if you win a NESCAC playoff game that goes to PKs, does that count as a tie for both teams in NCAA stats or is it a win and a loss for the respective teams?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 30, 2021, 12:56:47 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 30, 2021, 12:45:18 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on October 30, 2021, 12:26:27 PM
Checked on the Midd vs. Wesleyan game to see a classic bit of NESCAC play and refereeing. Reid gets in behind the defense on a long ball and is tripped up just inside the box by the only Wes defender in the same zip code. Ref calls a PK after consulting with his sideline ref, which I think was right but it was tough to tell from the camera's and center ref's angle. Now for the NESCAC bit - no card given to the defender on a clear last man foul.

Reid take the PK low and to hit right, hits it reasonably well. Wes keeper makes a phenomenal save getting off his line and down quickly, doing enough with the rebound.
Does anybody knowi f you win a NESCAC playoff game that goes to PKs, does that count as a tie for both teams in NCAA stats or is it a win and a loss for the respective teams?

It is a tie for both teams in NCAA stats.   The only exception is if the game happens to be the NCAA DIII national championship title game, if I recall correctly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 30, 2021, 01:09:13 PM
I've glanced at the Wes vs. Midd game like 5 times and every time there is some crazy s##t happening. Now in first OT a great move by Midd down the left leads to a cut back cross to a wide open midfielder who is stuff at point blank by the Wes keeper, who has made 3+ great saves in the culmulative 10 minutes I've watched. The shooter and defender trailing him collide with the goal post and knock it back hockey style, so the ref blows the whistle, but the Wes keeper had gotten up again and bravely punched the ball away from the goal mouth where it was sittinng.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 30, 2021, 01:54:47 PM
Quote from: deiscanton on October 30, 2021, 12:56:47 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 30, 2021, 12:45:18 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on October 30, 2021, 12:26:27 PM
Checked on the Midd vs. Wesleyan game to see a classic bit of NESCAC play and refereeing. Reid gets in behind the defense on a long ball and is tripped up just inside the box by the only Wes defender in the same zip code. Ref calls a PK after consulting with his sideline ref, which I think was right but it was tough to tell from the camera's and center ref's angle. Now for the NESCAC bit - no card given to the defender on a clear last man foul.

Reid take the PK low and to hit right, hits it reasonably well. Wes keeper makes a phenomenal save getting off his line and down quickly, doing enough with the rebound.
Does anybody knowi f you win a NESCAC playoff game that goes to PKs, does that count as a tie for both teams in NCAA stats or is it a win and a loss for the respective teams?

It is a tie for both teams in NCAA stats.   The only exception is if the game happens to be the NCAA DIII national championship title game, if I recall correctly.

So, Midd and Wes have identical records right now for NCAA rankings, but Midd will have to play another game.  Should Midd lose next week to whomever advances, they will have one more loss than Wes while playing one additional game.  Could the tie today exposing them to an underdog game actually hurt them in the NCAA rankings since should Midd lose next week they will pick up an addition blemish while Wes will be idle.  Or will Midds superior head on head record with Wes of 1-0-1 keep the Panthers in front?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on October 30, 2021, 03:18:04 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 30, 2021, 01:54:47 PM
Quote from: deiscanton on October 30, 2021, 12:56:47 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 30, 2021, 12:45:18 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on October 30, 2021, 12:26:27 PM
Checked on the Midd vs. Wesleyan game to see a classic bit of NESCAC play and refereeing. Reid gets in behind the defense on a long ball and is tripped up just inside the box by the only Wes defender in the same zip code. Ref calls a PK after consulting with his sideline ref, which I think was right but it was tough to tell from the camera's and center ref's angle. Now for the NESCAC bit - no card given to the defender on a clear last man foul.

Reid take the PK low and to hit right, hits it reasonably well. Wes keeper makes a phenomenal save getting off his line and down quickly, doing enough with the rebound.
Does anybody knowi f you win a NESCAC playoff game that goes to PKs, does that count as a tie for both teams in NCAA stats or is it a win and a loss for the respective teams?

It is a tie for both teams in NCAA stats.   The only exception is if the game happens to be the NCAA DIII national championship title game, if I recall correctly.

So, Midd and Wes have identical records right now for NCAA rankings, but Midd will have to play another game.  Should Midd lose next week to whomever advances, they will have one more loss than Wes while playing one additional game.  Could the tie today exposing them to an underdog game actually hurt them in the NCAA rankings since should Midd lose next week they will pick up an addition blemish while Wes will be idle.  Or will Midds superior head on head record with Wes of 1-0-1 keep the Panthers in front?

Middlebury will play Tufts in one semifinal, while Colby will play Connecticut College.  Colby tied with Amherst, 0-0, and advanced 4-3 on kicks from the mark in 5 rounds.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 30, 2021, 03:18:23 PM
Amherst goes down to Colby in penalties as German misses the final penalty. Colby continues as the king of the first round upset. I believe the NESCAC reseeds so it will be Conn-Colby and Tufts-Midd. All games will be at Conn where the field is going to be an absolute disaster.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2021, 06:54:59 PM
Very disappointing exit for Amherst today.  Mr.Right had a hunch I think.  Dominated the stats but have to be able to get at least one at home over 110 minutes with arguably the best offensive threat in D3.  They were missing #10 Cubeddu and he's a big loss if he out for an extended period as he can make plays through the middle and potentially get GG more looks.  Okorogheye #23 can be dangerous but almost always plays wide, and many of his forays ultimately are fruitless.  But full credit to Colby.  They went on a long trip to a tough place to play against a notoriously difficult opponent and found a way to prevail.

Underrated big win for Conn.  Williams had to have the game and the Conn quality came through.

Wesleyan and Midd in another classic scoreless NESCAC affair.  Midd advances and now gets Tufts.  I think Wes still is in pretty good shape for Pool C.

I guess Tufts didn't like getting a little criticism.  3-0 over Bowdoin.  The Polar Bears were in trouble inside of 5 minutes when a van Brewer free kick that seemed like more cross than shot found the upper right corner off the GK's hand.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2021, 07:23:32 PM
Wes at Midd:

Goalkeepers were the stars of the show.  Devanny for Wes shut down an early Midd breakaway.  Grady for Midd an excellent diving save to deny Wes about 25 minutes in.  Devanny several more good stops in second half, including a PK from Reid and a breakaway.  Grady stopped his own 1 v 1 with about 20 minutes left. 

Wes tried to play a lot of quick cominations through the middle and used Harmaty as a target forward to lay balls off.  They were not really able to threaten from any long balls into the box or crosses from the outside.  Midd created more chances but did not finish well.  Grady dove to his left to stop the first pk, and the rest of the shooters for both teams converted.  Hannam for Midd was particularly cold-blooded with his, waiting several seconds after the whistle to freeze Devanny and then burying his shot high in the corner to Devanny's right.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 31, 2021, 04:57:31 AM
Weekend Recap: I will post one at a time.

Colby at Amherst----I had asked if Colby had the guts to go to Amherst and get a result. The answer was yes they did. The Mules and the Mammoths left it all on the rain soaked field. This was a fantastic College Soccer game not for its pureness but for its entertainment. The weather was a factor but in a fun way. It was two teams of Warriors battling to keep their seasons going.

Colby tinkered with their starting lineup and it helped big time. Colby made sure to put their best athletes on the field. Some might not have had the best skill but they busted their ass and did everything necessary to defeat Amherst. Colby put 6'4 Senior Captain #10 Nicholas Lemire at RB and 6'4 Senior #20 Jared Wood at LB. At CB Colby had 6'2 #27 Jered Garrison with Senior #14 Grant Pugh. These 4 players played all 110 minutes, mostly on their heels, but really did well dealing with Amherst most dangerous players in attack. They were not afraid to throw their bodies around and physically battle. Wood and Garrison are pure athletes more than pure Soccer players and that is fine. In D3 Soccer you can get away with that with a couple players. Pugh and Lemire bring skill and smarts to the game. Lemire dealt with Amherst #9 as well as he could and Pugh had a smart conservative game yesterday. The mixture of these players gave Colby a more active responsive backline. It worked well. Colby's central midfield of 6'2 Senior #17 Jack Fletcher, 6'1 Senior #8 Colin Sullivan and Junior #26 Aidan O'Brien really battled all day to disrupt Amherst play. Again not the best skill but not terrible either as all three contributed in different ways. Fletcher's quads resemble tree trunks so he looks a bit leg heavy but he moves ok for a big guy and has a real work ethic. O'Brien battled and battled helping his defense any way that he could. Sullivan is a mix of both as he has flashes of skill but can also tackle hard. Out wide was Soph sensation #22 Ethan Franco who has played well all year. Amherst dealt with him for the most part throughout the match. Senior #11 Paul Hawkins was wide right and 6'3 Senior #9 Ethan Fabricant was up top as the target. I think that was the best game I have ever seen Fabricant play. He was hustling all over the field. Checking to the ball and laying off and even had a couple of chances himself to score. He had a great chance off of an Ethan Franco corner kick as he headed it on goal beating Hope-Gund but Amherst #3 ten Cate smartly read the play and cleared the ball off the line.

Amherst did have the better of the play and chances. In the 1st half Amherst dominated as they had Colby pinned into their end for long stretches. Amherst #9 and #23 Okorogheye each had 3 solid chances to score some beautiful goals but they either just mi**** it or Colby GK #1 Jackson was up to the task. Amherst #9 got in twice 1v1 with GK and mi**** one as Colby CB #14 Pugh slid in to save the other chance. Amherst holder #3 ten Cate is an absolute player. The kid is a competitor and really showed well all game. I also liked #13 Niall Murphy up top and out wide. He is also a competitive kid that had a couple chances to score. A great turn in the 1st half got him space to rip a left footed shot but it was hit right at Colby GK Jackson. Okorogheye had a great one timed volley that Jackson had to dive for and save, which he did but then proceeded to cough up a juicy rebound that Amherst #9 could have finished. Okorogheye also had a nice header off a RB #5 Bryce Johnson long throw early in the 1st half but could not finish. LB #33 Gabe Gitler played well in the match and also had a serious hit as he lifted a left footed rocket on goal from just outside the 18 but again it was hit right at Jackson. I also was impressed with #18 Jonny Novak as he has some wheels and will be needed along with Murphy up top next year.

Both teams gave it everything they had and that is all you can ask for in College Soccer. They both deserve credit but Colby now gets another week of practice before heading down to Camp Conn next weekend. Amherst will get 2 weeks off before it plays its next game and I think they will benefit from it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 31, 2021, 07:48:07 PM
So how many teams can the NESCAC expect to get in the tournament?  The regional rankings on Wed may help with making a guess.  Is it fair to say that Conn Coll, Amh and Tufts have already punched their tickets to the NCAAs?  What will is take for 4 or 5 teams to make it, namely, Midd and Wes?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 01, 2021, 03:20:15 AM
Bowdoin at Tufts----A nasty weather game played on a crappy wet turf. The score was not indicative of Bowdoin's play even if Tufts deserved the Win. Box to box Bowdoin looked solid enough but GK'ing and finishing were lacking in this game. Bowdoin's backup GK #24 Chris Kingston has to be blamed for the first goal. Tufts #13 Van Brewer 4 minutes in hit a set piece from midfield on goal that the wind carried over Kingston's out stretched mitt and into the back of the net. 1-0 Tufts but Bowdoin did not drop their heads as they were looking for the tying goal the rest of the half. The Polar Bears had stretches of holding possession in both halves that were positive. Striker #21 Charlie Ward was fed a nice thru ball by #5 Minseo Bae that had him in on goal outside the box on his left foot. He should have ripped it with his left but instead brought the ball back to his favored right foot only to get it stripped. Another chance was late in the 2nd Half as #8 Juantorena had a fantastic header off a corner that Tufts GK #0 Erik Lauta made a tremendous save on. Bowdoin did possess with progression at times but either the final ball was lacking or Tufts defense broke up the play. In the future Bowdoin will have to create more chances from their possession as they might of had 3-4 dangerous chances all game. That might have been enough 5 years ago but the league has changed and if you are not scoring goals you are losing games.

Tufts got its 2nd goal off a corner. #8 Woovin Shin sent a perfect ball into the mixer and #3 Ian Daly went up and got the ball with his noggin. He was marked by Bowdoin's LB #7 Ben Brown who got out muscled by Daly on the play. 2-0 Tufts about 5 minutes before halftime. Tufts got a 3rd Goal late in the match by #12 Mikey Brady. Brady had a great rip and proved to me that he might be a better striker than I thought. A perfect striker's finish as he laced it right into the corner of the net in traffic outside the box. Tufts will need him as their target man in the future if he can finish like that. I also thought Tufts central midfield #13 Van Brewer, #6 Enge and #5 Aroh played a key role by disrupting Bowdoin in their attacking 3rd. Bowdoin had barely a split second to make decisions on the ball as Tufts pressed and pounced on Bowdoin players when they received the ball in Tufts half. That more than anything is what Tufts Men's Soccer is all about. They do not allow their opponent time on the ball. Striker #11 Mati Cano was in street clothes and LB #26 Gibson Campbell again did not play. #4 Max Cook stepped into LB for Campbell and showed well throughout the game. #19 Sean Traynor was much more active in this game as he needs to stay aggressive and keep working 1v1 so he can be a real threat on the flank. One last note the Captain and starting RCB #16 Biagio Paoletta left the game late in the 2nd Half in what looked to be a reaggravated injury. Tufts cannot afford anymore injuries if they are to make a run at the title.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 01, 2021, 03:38:08 AM
Quote from: maineman on October 31, 2021, 07:48:07 PM
So how many teams can the NESCAC expect to get in the tournament?  The regional rankings on Wed may help with making a guess.  Is it fair to say that Conn Coll, Amh and Tufts have already punched their tickets to the NCAAs?  What will is take for 4 or 5 teams to make it, namely, Midd and Wes?

I would say we have to wait and see. Colby's emergence this past weekend could prove fatal for bubble teams if they continue to advance. Amherst, Tufts and Conn are locks. Middlebury is on the right side of the bubble but still might need to advance past Tufts on Saturday. Wesleyan should still be practicing this week in preparation for an NCAA bid but they need help from other bubble teams as they are in a tough spot. Their 4-0 Win over a 1-13-1 Fitchburg State could be their death knell but I would not be surprised if they snuck in out of their Last 4 in / First 4 out current positioning. I am most curious to see if Bowdoin continues practicing this week with a 9-5-2 record. IMO they are finished but we have seen in the past that the committee does make a surprising pick here and there. This is where Bowdoin's non conference schedule absolutely kills them. You cannot expect sympathy when 5 of your Wins are against inferior competition.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 01, 2021, 10:04:01 AM
If it comes down to Midd or Wesleyan, I would think Midd has to get the nod.  Identical records and conference records, but Midd went 1-0-1 vs Wes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 01, 2021, 10:26:48 AM
I think this weeks regional rankings will be interesting and revealing. If Midd is behind Wesleyan in this week's rankings then they will need a result against Tufts. I'm also curious to see how Tufts, Amherst, and Conn are ranked. Conn went 2-0. Tufts went 1-0-1 both games against ranked Bowdoin so that will improve RVR and SOS. Amherst also 1-0-1 but versus Colby and Trinity which will drop SOS.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 01, 2021, 10:29:10 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on November 01, 2021, 10:04:01 AM
If it comes down to Midd or Wesleyan, I would think Midd has to get the nod.  Identical records and conference records, but Midd went 1-0-1 vs Wes.

You're probably right but also could come down to little things like whether Springfield stays ranked, whether Williams stays ranked.  Midd also at least last week had a mild edge on SoS.  Instead of choosing may be easier for cmte to just take both of them.

It's very possible we could see 5 NESCACs and 5 UAAs which obviously would eat up 8 Pool Cs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 01, 2021, 10:36:37 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 01, 2021, 10:26:48 AM
I think this weeks regional rankings will be interesting and revealing. If Midd is behind Wesleyan in this week's rankings then they will need a result against Tufts. I'm also curious to see how Tufts, Amherst, and Conn are ranked. Conn went 2-0. Tufts went 1-0-1 both games against ranked Bowdoin so that will improve RVR and SOS. Amherst also 1-0-1 but versus Colby and Trinity which will drop SOS.

Are you just curious because curious, or because looking ahead to hosting decisions?  Conn has 2 more ranked wins also, IF Williams stays ranked, but at least 1 with win over Wesleyan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 01, 2021, 10:59:08 AM
Yeah I think all three teams can be pretty confident they are in the tournament so at this point they are looking forward to first round pods. I think 2/3 will probably host but maybe all 3 get a pod opening weekend. Its really hard to tell how that is going to play out sometimes with all the other factors involved.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 01, 2021, 11:05:22 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 01, 2021, 10:59:08 AM
Yeah I think all three teams can be pretty confident they are in the tournament so at this point they are looking forward to first round pods. I think 2/3 will probably host but maybe all 3 get a pod opening weekend. Its really hard to tell how that is going to play out sometimes with all the other factors involved.

Right, and hosting chances increase because at least one of those will likely be in a different quadrant.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on November 01, 2021, 11:46:40 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 31, 2021, 04:57:31 AM
Weekend Recap: I will post one at a time.

Colby at Amherst----I had asked if Colby had the guts to go to Amherst and get a result. The answer was yes they did. The Mules and the Mammoths left it all on the rain soaked field. This was a fantastic College Soccer game not for its pureness but for its entertainment. The weather was a factor but in a fun way. It was two teams of Warriors battling to keep their seasons going.

Colby tinkered with their starting lineup and it helped big time. Colby made sure to put their best athletes on the field. Some might not have had the best skill but they busted their ass and did everything necessary to defeat Amherst. Colby put 6'4 Senior Captain #10 Nicholas Lemire at RB and 6'4 Senior #20 Jared Wood at LB. At CB Colby had 6'2 #27 Jered Garrison with Senior #14 Grant Pugh. These 4 players played all 110 minutes, mostly on their heels, but really did well dealing with Amherst most dangerous players in attack. They were not afraid to throw their bodies around and physically battle. Wood and Garrison are pure athletes more than pure Soccer players and that is fine. In D3 Soccer you can get away with that with a couple players. Pugh and Lemire bring skill and smarts to the game. Lemire dealt with Amherst #9 as well as he could and Pugh had a smart conservative game yesterday. The mixture of these players gave Colby a more active responsive backline. It worked well. Colby's central midfield of 6'2 Senior #17 Jack Fletcher, 6'1 Senior #8 Colin Sullivan and Junior #26 Aidan O'Brien really battled all day to disrupt Amherst play. Again not the best skill but not terrible either as all three contributed in different ways. Fletcher's quads resemble tree trunks so he looks a bit leg heavy but he moves ok for a big guy and has a real work ethic. O'Brien battled and battled helping his defense any way that he could. Sullivan is a mix of both as he has flashes of skill but can also tackle hard. Out wide was Soph sensation #22 Ethan Franco who has played well all year. Amherst dealt with him for the most part throughout the match. Senior #11 Paul Hawkins was wide right and 6'3 Senior #9 Ethan Fabricant was up top as the target. I think that was the best game I have ever seen Fabricant play. He was hustling all over the field. Checking to the ball and laying off and even had a couple of chances himself to score. He had a great chance off of an Ethan Franco corner kick as he headed it on goal beating Hope-Gund but Amherst #3 ten Cate smartly read the play and cleared the ball off the line.

Amherst did have the better of the play and chances. In the 1st half Amherst dominated as they had Colby pinned into their end for long stretches. Amherst #9 and #23 Okorogheye each had 3 solid chances to score some beautiful goals but they either just mi**** it or Colby GK #1 Jackson was up to the task. Amherst #9 got in twice 1v1 with GK and mi**** one as Colby CB #14 Pugh slid in to save the other chance. Amherst holder #3 ten Cate is an absolute player. The kid is a competitor and really showed well all game. I also liked #13 Niall Murphy up top and out wide. He is also a competitive kid that had a couple chances to score. A great turn in the 1st half got him space to rip a left footed shot but it was hit right at Colby GK Jackson. Okorogheye had a great one timed volley that Jackson had to dive for and save, which he did but then proceeded to cough up a juicy rebound that Amherst #9 could have finished. Okorogheye also had a nice header off a RB #5 Bryce Johnson long throw early in the 1st half but could not finish. LB #33 Gabe Gitler played well in the match and also had a serious hit as he lifted a left footed rocket on goal from just outside the 18 but again it was hit right at Jackson. I also was impressed with #18 Jonny Novak as he has some wheels and will be needed along with Murphy up top next year.

Both teams gave it everything they had and that is all you can ask for in College Soccer. They both deserve credit but Colby now gets another week of practice before heading down to Camp Conn next weekend. Amherst will get 2 weeks off before it plays its next game and I think they will benefit from it.



For he life of me I can not figure out why Amherst plays on a grass field.  I was able to watch the Amherst Trinity game which was on turf (Gooding Field)and Amherst looked incredibly dangerous in their build up and the potential in the final third.  Yet they play a conference game on their grass field in the rain which turns it into a mosh pit which favored Colby> does not Amherst leadership realize they have some of the best attacking players in the league?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 03, 2021, 02:58:28 AM
Weekend Recap: I will post one at a time.

Williams at Conn--Williams finished up their season 7-7-2(3-5-2) last Saturday with a 1-2 Loss at Conn. The good news was they created a decent amount of chances to score especially in the 1st Half. Williams Winger #23 Dan Rayhill had the best look about 10 minutes in on net that just went wide. Rayhill adds size to the attacking core but he is not fast enough to be a winger. He should be in the middle of the field. Williams Captain #13 Will Felitto added a 2nd chance right after Rayhill's with a header off a set piece that was saved by Conn GK #00 Maidenberg. Rayhill gave Williams a 3rd chance from the top of the box that went wide. Frosh striker #16 Keel Brissett had a sweet volley off a #27 Kellerman cross that was saved by Maidenberg. So this was an improvement over the Midd game for Williams creating chances especially in the 1st Half but obviously now they need to finish them.
   Conn created less dangerous chances than Williams but they buried two of them and that is all that matters. Conn LCB #24 Jack Kelesoglu took advantage of a straight up Williams zone off a Conn corner and trotted right into the 6 yard line and buried a header off the foot of a Conn #10 Alex Robles corner kick with 30 seconds left in the 1st Half. It was 1-0 Conn going into Halftime and an absolutely devastating goal. Williams was zoning on defensive corners and while zoning against some teams is necessary you can mix and match which Williams did not do. Conn's best header of the ball is #24 Kelesoglu so Williams should of played man to man with 2-3 of Conn's most dangerous players and then zoned the rest of the players in a box around the six yard line. Zoning IMO leads to some heavy ball watching and ole'ing by tired players thinking their teammates will deal with it and then realizing no one dealt with it.
   2nd Half was all Conn. They kept hounding Williams when they had the ball and are becoming a real dangerous ball hunting team on top of everything else. Conn had a great chance coming out of halftime as Captain #25 Steve Yeonas beat Williams RB #11 Gara Grady and got a nice cross right into the Soph Striker #12 Jake Gehron's head but Williams GK #30 Ben Diffley made an unbelievable diving save to keep the game close. Five minutes later Yeonas put it out of reach and gave Conn a 2-0 lead with a shot in traffic from a quick turn in the box that somehow got thru 2-3 players and past a diving Williams GK Diffley. Williams would get one back off a PK goal from Felitto. So with 25 minutes left Williams had cut the lead in half while giving themselves a chance to possibly get level. They had a great chance on a nice pass by Williams #7 Song over Conn CB's heads into the box and a charging #6 Nick Boardman. However, Boardman had a heavy touch and Conn RB #30 Bruce Doyle had a great sliding tackle along with GK Maidenberg coming out of his net to stifle the chance. Williams never really threatened after that and just like that their season came to an end before Halloween.
   Williams only graduates 4 Seniors. I was surprised that Felitto was only a Junior as they will have him back next year. Williams lose #4 Ranieri, #9 Petrik, #0 Rader and #15 Garcia Rios. Ranieri was the only one of the four getting consistent minutes. He has been with the program a long time as well as playing for former Eph super striker Steve Ginsberg '96 at Nobles. A great Coach and Teacher. https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2015/11/20/catching-with-steve-ginsberg-needham-high-williams-college-men-soccer/gdbRARxu22MMdALcKyopSM/story.html
   Conn moves on to face Colby at Home on Saturday afternoon. Interestingly they chose to play the 2nd game of the Nescac Semi-Final instead of the 11am 1st game. That will then give them less rest compared to the winner of the 1st game but some teams do not like playing so early in the day. Conn has Won 5 games in a row and are 10-1-0 in their last 11 games still if you look deeper at the roster they are starting to pile up injuries. Players that did not play v Williams include RB #4 Jorge Mendo, striker #9 MT Tshuma, winger #13 Matt Scoffone, Central midfielder #14 Augie Djerdjaj and RCB #21 Roman Dutkewych. They have started working back a key central midfielder #28 Oliver Pinyochon into the lineup so that will help but they will need some of these injured players back if they want to make a run in the NCAA's. The bench has done a fantastic job filling in and look just as good in flashes as the starters but Conn can only go so deep at some positions. #8 Rye Jaran shows flashes of brilliance at times and then can disappear from a game just as quickly. Wingback #30 Bruce Doyle was slide tackling all over the wet field last Saturday and proved you can have fun playing Soccer. Also that he can play either wingback position but just how deep can they go? Yeonas is a worker bee and battles all over the field. #5 Cerezo and #24 Kelesoglu are solid CB's in front of GK #00 Sam Maidenberg. Cerezo is from Malaga, Spain in what is one of my favorite spots in the world. If you need me in 20 years you can look for me in a Cave overlooking Nerja. I guess my question is can Conn keep winning without some of its key players coming down the stretch?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 04, 2021, 02:41:42 PM
It's been a tough few years for Williams soccer, lots of close losses this year, but hopefully the future is brighter with basically the entire squad back next season and a lot of frosh contributors who should improve.  The big question is of course the coaching situation -- does anyone have any insight into whether the interim coach might end up with the permanent gig, or if not, who the new coach might be?  The Ephs need a really great hire if they hope to return to the top echelon of NESCAC soccer ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 04, 2021, 02:52:15 PM
Obviously Williams is an amazing school and has the potential to return to being an elite DIII program, but I have heard a lot of coaches that are not interested due to location. If you are a young, single assistant coach Williamstown can be a tough sell. I think the job will appeal a lot more to a coach thats a bit older and already has a family. Just one of those non-soccer things that is often overlooked that has a real impact.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2021, 02:57:54 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on November 04, 2021, 02:41:42 PM
It's been a tough few years for Williams soccer, lots of close losses this year, but hopefully the future is brighter with basically the entire squad back next season and a lot of frosh contributors who should improve.  The big question is of course the coaching situation -- does anyone have any insight into whether the interim coach might end up with the permanent gig, or if not, who the new coach might be?  The Ephs need a really great hire if they hope to return to the top echelon of NESCAC soccer ...


TBD....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2021, 03:07:04 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 04, 2021, 02:52:15 PM
Obviously Williams is an amazing school and has the potential to return to being an elite DIII program, but I have heard a lot of coaches that are not interested due to location. If you are a young, single assistant coach Williamstown can be a tough sell. I think the job will appeal a lot more to a coach thats a bit older and already has a family. Just one of those non-soccer things that is often overlooked that has a real impact.


I am not sure about this one...When choosing a College to attend then yea I feel ya...the player might want to be closer to a city. I also agree with you about location because after I graduated from College I went to Boston and NYC myself to work so I do not disagree with you about its location BUT if I am a young assistant say age 30-33 and have been an assistant for 8-10 years anywhere I am begging for my own program. You want to prove yourself and also run the show plus Williams is not a jumper school. So it should be a long term decision because unless you Win right away and get a sniff in the Patriot League or Ivies you will stay.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 04, 2021, 03:20:24 PM
I think thats my whole point Mr. Right, you're gonna be there for the long haul and I know assistants have expressed concern about finding the one in such a small population. This is just something I heard during my brief coaching spell.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2021, 03:26:51 PM
Well when your penis is making decisions instead of your brain you are probably right.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 04, 2021, 03:48:16 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 04, 2021, 03:26:51 PM
Well when your penis is making decisions instead of your brain you are probably right.

::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2021, 04:39:11 PM
Coast Guard HC I think subbed out the kid that missed the PK. That will drive a Coach nuts in a playoff game. Middlebury's HC Elias sacked his best striker #9 Reid after missing a PK in regulation v Wesleyan this past weekend. I do not think he ever got back in the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 04, 2021, 04:45:32 PM
That's just bad coaching. It's not like the kid is trying to miss the penalty. All you are doing is hurting your team by taking out one of your best players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 04, 2021, 04:50:20 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 04, 2021, 04:45:32 PM
That's just bad coaching. It's not like the kid is trying to miss the penalty. All you are doing is hurting your team by taking out one of your best players.

well that's what I thought..it was a bit unfair IF that was the reason or maybe he was just changing up the lineup but yea Reid missed and he got sacked for sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2021, 04:27:49 AM
Nescac Predictions Saturday Semi-Final #2

Colby---7-7-2 (4-5-1) #7
Conn-------13-3-0 (8-2-0) #1


Colby at Conn-----These two teams played about a month and a half ago with Conn grabbing a 1-0 Win up in Waterville, ME. First off the official box score for that game was all mucked up by the Colby official scorer as they only had Conn with 9 starters missing #6 Horvath Diano and #24 Kelesoglu. Therefore the minutes for some players are way off and frankly the shots for both teams are wildly inaccurate. Ehhh if anyone cares but IMO accurate statistics are necessary when determining my lineup and some matchups. The regular season game was closer than the statistics read. Both teams had chances throughout the match with Conn having more possession of the ball. At the start of the match Conn was trying to build from the back like they had done the previous day in a 5-1 rout at Bates. Colby was successfully disrupting Conn's possession in their defensive 3rd for the first 20 minutes of the game. That forced Conn to change tactics a little as they started hitting more and more balls over the top. This led to a few more dangerous chances and eventually the winning goal. It will be interesting to see Colby HC Seabrook's lineup for the Conn match. Does he go back to his usual backline or does he keep his backline from the Amherst match intact.  LB #20 Wood, RB #10 Lemire, #27 Garrison with #14 Pugh at CB were the back 4 at Amherst and they did a phenomenal job keeping Amherst off the scoreboard. Conn is a different team than Amherst though and their wingers #25 Yeonas and #10 Robles are fast and skilled but not over imposing size wise so Seabrook might want his usual wingbacks #4 Seaman and #3 Franklin in the match for their speed and skill. That said Robles beat Seaman 1v1 a couple times in the regular season match. Garrison also does give them a long throw. Colby has its starting GK #1 Noah Jackson back in net. He is an athletic GK and made some big saves at Amherst that kept them in the game. As I have previously mentioned Conn is really banged up with some injuries. They have been using an attacking 4 of #10 Robles wide right, #25 Yeonas wide left, #12 Gehron up top and #8 Jaran behind. Yeonas will push into central midfield as the game wears on. I have seen enough Conn CK's to know that they are looking for #24 Kelesoglu's head on most of them. He usually starts at the top of the box and fakes one way to create a little space and goes the other way as the ball is kicked to around the 6 yard box. He needs to be marked tight because his forehead is a magnet for the ball. In that game Colby was man to man on corners with 2 guys zoning on the 6. Conn has been giving its opponents absolutely no time on the ball as they have been ball hunting with purpose and are relentless so Colby has got to play quickly with the ball at their feet especially in the back. Central Midfield battle gives Conn more skill but Colby more stick with #8 Jaran, #18 Marvel and #16 Lobo for Conn up against Colby's #17 Fletcher, #8 Sullivan and #26 O'Brien. #22 Franco sometimes will play behind the striker unless he is out wide or up top himself. I think he is a danger man wherever he plays as when he was up top Colby would use #11 Hawkins out wide. #21 Rubin also brings needed skill and quickness in attack. Colby's target striker #9 Fabricant had maybe his best game at Amherst. He was working hard but efficiently even as isolated as he sometimes got he was causing problems. They need Fabricant to continue to play like that as it keeps Conn's best central defenders busy while other Colby attackers might get some space for themselves. Conn will be sending its wingbacks no matter if #4 Mendo is at RB or #30 Doyle. Conn's CB #5 Cerezo I imagine will be watching Franco. Both teams are playing well right now so my prediction is this game stays tight throughout the match with the winning goal coming off of a giveaway. Neither team went more than 4 or 5 players deep off its bench in the Nescac Quarters and I expect that to continue. Conn should have a decent crowd and Home field advantage which will give them a slight edge.  Conn 2-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2021, 06:56:27 AM
Nescac Predictions Saturday Semi-Final #1

Midd----10-3-3 (5-3-2) #4
Tufts----11-1-3 (6-1-3) #3


Midd v Tufts(neutral match)-------From the official preview of the match; "The Tufts/Middlebury match is a re-match of the 2019 NESCAC Championship game, that the Jumbos won 2-1. However, the Panthers are 5-2-0 against Tufts in the NESCAC Championship series. Goals may be hard to come by in the second semifinal as Middlebury and Tufts rank 1-2 in goals allowed. The Panthers have surrendered a league-low six goals, while Tufts' opponents have scored seven times in 15 games. The regular-season match on October 10 ended in a scoreless draw despite Middlebury playing a man down for nearly all of the second half." Tufts have had injury problems all year that could now possibly include starting CB #16 Biagio Pauletta who left the Quarter-Final match late in the 2nd Half with an injury. #11 Mati Cano was in street clothes and also did not play v Bowdoin. I do not know if either will be playing in this match. Tufts defeated Bowdoin 3-0 in the Nescac Quarters last weekend with a total of 6 Shots and 3 SOG for 3 Goals. While that is a fantastic % Tufts will need to create more chances than that to defeat Middlebury. Middlebury is just as organized defensively as Bowdoin but with a more talented backline and GK so if Tufts is not transitioning fast enough in attack then Midd will be very tough to break down and score on. Tufts #19 Sean Traynor was much more active against Bowdoin and Tufts need him to stay aggressive on the flank and beat guys 1v1 to help create more chances. He is usually wide right so that will be him going up against the Frosh #19 Casey Lund. Lund is as quick as Traynor and skilled but I am not sure how much of a defender he is so Traynor needs to test him 1v1. Midd has been using a 7 headed central midfield monster all year. 5 of the 7 are Frosh not to mention the backline being 3/4 Frosh. The talented #30 Shane Farrell has been playing well of late as he will be attacking along with #10 Sloan. #26 Tyler Payne has started to get more minutes now as is the skilled #21 Andrew Juarez who both relieve Sloan and Farrell. Payne assisted on Farrell's goal at Williams last week. While not as strong on the offensive end I expect #12 Ben Powers to be sitting to start this game. Powers has been playing well holding in front of the two CB's #15 McFarlane and #32 O'Brien. He is not pacey but he is not afraid to battle and with Tufts #5 Calvin Aroh roaming around I expect the 6'3 Powers to be in the starting lineup in place of the quicker #6 Chae and #5 Barsamian. Barsamian or whomever out of those 7 come off the bench will give Midd fresh legs in midfield. They need to take advantage of that and quickly transition vertically into its attack going forward. That is one way Midd could break down Tufts. Midd has been very deliberate going forward all year and that only plays into Tufts hands. They could also test Tufts backline speed with some early balls over the top into the speedy wingers #23 Saint-Louis and #8 Barry. That will at the very least keep Tufts backline honest and on its heels a bit or at the most result in a goal. Midd striker #9 Reid and Tufts Frosh CB #25 Clivio I am sure will be a great matchup to watch but maybe the veteran can outwit the youngster.  Midd has not been as strong on set pieces as in years past but still a danger. Tufts does not use their bench much to spell Aroh. Van Brewer can be replaced competently by #8 Woovin Shin. Tufts striker off the bench #12 Mikey Brady might need to step up like he did against Bowdoin if #11 Cano is out for a long stretch. I think this match will be another nailbiter. Both teams have top GK's in net but Midd must remember that Tufts GK #0 Lauta is still only a Frosh. Aroh could be the difference maker in this game and quite frankly must be for the rest of the season for Tufts if they are to keep progressing in the NCAA's. I actually think Midd is playing with some confidence right now and if they can create enough dangerous chances they will bury one of them. 2-1 Midd
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 05, 2021, 07:03:35 AM
I forgot to mention how important the coin toss will be for the 2nd match between Colby and Conn. If the sun is out and bright which it can be this time of year then the GK on the team defending the far goal late in the 2nd Half could have a serious disadvantage looking into the sun. #TheHat
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 05, 2021, 09:01:47 AM
Great breakdowns Mr. Right. One other factor is that the field at Conn is probably tied with Bates for worst surfaces in the NESCAC. Going to be interesting to see how the two turf teams Tufts and Midd adjust. By Sunday the field is just going to be a giant mudpit, so the finals is not going to be a match suited to the neutral observer checking out the NESCAC for the first time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 06, 2021, 10:38:58 AM
Thanks..no problem

Colby really going all out with these Weekly Mule Recaps...pretty good stuff

https://spark.adobe.com/page/QurjFYKWSnyhc/

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 07, 2021, 06:42:22 AM
Quick Recap for Colby as they are the one team out of the four that is finished for the 2021 season. I would have re-watched the game but NSN / Conn would not allow it. #scared. Teams should want people to watch their games especially recruits.


Colby----Looked like a fantastic atmosphere yesterday at Conn. Usually their Homecoming game is the game where their alums and students provide the best crowd but yesterday shattered all that. The crowd did not witness anything resembling pure futbol but they were ok with that as long as their team Won. It was an entertaining game because both teams left it all on the field. Colby's organization and athleticism were a real struggle for Conn to break down. If you can not break down organized defenses your journey will not be going far in the D3 NCAA Championship opening rounds. #17 Jake Creus snuck in the winner with under a minute remaining on a beautiful strike to beat Colby's GK #1 Jackson. In the 1st Half and for most of the season he has been playing out wide. However, late in the 2nd Half he was tasked to provide some punch in central midfield as Colby had been thwarting everything Conn had to offer up to that point.

Colby HC Seabrook stayed with the exact same lineup he used at Amherst. He started his best pure athletes and decided to bunker down and counter when possible. Even though Colby lost the match and it was cruel being the last minute the strategy and lineup was a success for an Away Nescac Semi against a top opponent. If the game were at Colby they might have played straight up but on the Road there was a chance Conn would get a couple of goals that Colby would be unable to come back from. Colby left it all out on the field. Every player. They had excellent organization defensively, solid GK'ing, size and athleticism plus a couple players that could break on the counter. Seabrook wanted the game to look like it did. Bend but do not break. Unfortunately they just happened to break. Colby's backline was led by Senior #14 Graham Pugh who was causing the most heartache for Conn. Like at Amherst he played a smart conservative game and really stifled Conn's final pass and their striker. LB #20 Jared Wood had to have had his best game of the year. His size and athleticism proved too much for Conn's right wingers as he effectively shut down anything Conn did out wide. He won any 50/50 ball just on pure intimidation as Conn's right flank had no interest in challenging him. Tufts should take note of that. A ruthless challenge by Conn's #16 Lobo took out one of Colby's more dangerous attacking players #21 Josh Rubin only 10 minutes in. He should have been booked as he was looking for body more than ball. When he did that at Bowdoin taking out their best defender Dylan Reid Bowdoin came for him with some reckless challenges but it worked as his head was up the rest of the game and almost looked to unnerve him. I thought Colby's #26 Aidan O'Brien really battled and had a fantastic game. His late slide tackle broke up a dangerous Conn chance in the 1st Half as well as a header on the back post that he wanted more than #14 Djerdjaj. He is a good player and will be back for one more season and IMO should be a Captain for 2022. Colby used their bench much more than the Amherst match probably because of the possible back to back and for needed fresh legs. Everyone was used everywhere. The usual wingbacks #3 Franklin and #4 Seaman were used as a winger and CB respectively. #5 Traore at first was used as a target up front but then moved back to his usual CB. His brother #12 Arkan Traore was used in central midfield. #28 Lauer was used out wide which is where he normally plays. He has the speed to be a real threat on the flank next year he just needs to work on his 1v1 and touch. #11 Hawkins and #25 Simoes played in their usual positions of winger and striker. #7 Sam Wilson got a run at striker as did #31 Sam Lunder. Lunder had probably one of Colby's best chances to score. #22 Franco had a dangerous run beating a defender skillfully to get to the goaline and sent a beauty of a cross to the back post where Lunder looked to have a great chance at a free header on goal but it was not to be. That was amazingly only his 2nd game of the season so maybe had that been a more experienced #9 Fabricant or #25 Simoes they would have buried it. Tough to know and maybe the chance looked better on the stream than in person. Colby will lose a big Senior class but they have enough in the pipeline combined with a new class coming in to get even better. If they really focus in the offseason and make sure to keep working individually on the ball plus come back super fit and ready this team can contend for a Top 4 in 2022. Like most teams they play better on their Home field and might want to boost the schedule as it is becoming more clear that beating teams that will never be ranked and with poor records actually hurt your resume. If you schedule 5 tough non conference opponents you might get a Win or Draw in say 2 or 3 of the 5 and give yourself a better SOS, OWP and a ranked result. Of course travel would go up but gotta play the best to be the best. A congrats to Colby and their Seniors on a good year as I was impressed with the organization, discipline and battle that this team showed especially late in the year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 07, 2021, 01:20:35 PM
Just saw the Tufts goal — great finish and run but the Conn LB (?) totally missed his tackle. Camels completely caught on the break. Still 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 07, 2021, 01:26:23 PM
van Brewer puts a free kick from the edge of the D around the wall and into the far corner. Keeper got a hand to it but it was well-struck. 2-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 08, 2021, 09:44:33 AM
Who is getting in from the NESCAC?

Tufts-AQ

Conn Coll- Pool C

Amherst- Pool C

Midd- Maybe

Wes- Probably not
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 08, 2021, 10:23:48 AM
Nescac Final

Conn v Tufts notes----

Well I know I enjoyed the game. It was a typical Championship game that was at times what an average fan might call tedious. Fans need and want Chances and Goals. Once fans are given this med they will then make an amount of noise that transfers energy to the players which gives them that extra push to get them over the hump. Also the players fix of approval, need, want and even love cannot be discounted. Conn dominated the Soccer ball and Tufts was just fine with that as they watched Conn expend plenty of energy doing so. Even if Tufts crashed the party the supporters of Conn made that the most watched Nescac Final in maybe 20 years. It made for a fantastic atmosphere that athletes in any of these Nescac Sports would envy. There looked to be a lot of students and friends of the program there and they should all be thanked because Conn might need them again next weekend. 


Starting line-ups and Bench


Conn--- #00 Maidenberg in net with a back 4 of LB #6 Horvath Diano, LCB #24 Kelesoglu, RCB #5 Cerezo and RB #30 Doyle. Holding #16 Lobo with #18 Marvel and #8 Jaran rounding out central midfield. Wide right #10 Robles, wide left #25 Yeonas and #12 Gehron up top. #4 Mendo got a run at RB. The HC Burk used #17 Creus and #7 Zane on the right side. It was good to see #9 Tshuma up top and #14 Djerdjaj play in midfield again and both back on the field. Tshuma made a few great checks to the ball that remind you what is still there. He had the best ball of the weekend after checking back and getting a simple pass from his LB Horvath Diano. Tshuma took a quick touch and switched the field by dropping a perfect 20 yard ball over the head of the Tufts LB and into the stride and onto the toenail of his right wing Creus. Tufts LB Cook caught up to Creus and looked to have inadvertently tripped him in the box . Inadvertent or not it looked like a PK on the stream. These refs have been almost in fear of calling PK's because of all the diving. Refs in general do not like getting shown up so when they call a PK on what is later to be determined a deceptive dive they learn to call nothing. Anyway it was a great ball by Tshuma. Later on in the game he drove by a Tufts defender and made a great 30 yard run only to hit it 30 yards over. Djerdjaj did not look anywhere near 100% but at some point you just need to get back into a game and get a feel for what you are doing. Lastly, #28 Pinyochon replaced CB Cerezo with 10 minutes left in the 1st Half for a spell.

Tufts had #0 Lauta in goal with a back 4 of LB #4 Cook, CB's #16 Clivio and #16 Paoletta with #3 Daly at RB. Central midfield #5 Aroh, #6 Enge and #13 Van Brewer. They had #2 Gerken wide left and #19 Traynor wide right with #12 Mikey Brady up top. After the Van Brewer free kick goal, Brady went to celebrate with his teammates and then had the bright idea of trying to pet and celebrate with a strange 150lb dog sitting with its owner. The dog did not take kindly and the St.Albans striker slowly backed off. The bench for Tufts had #23 Feigin come on as a winger who scored the lone goal in the Midd game. In that Midd v Tufts game we had a great old school move when Midd's #6 Chae megged #8 Shin right in front of the benches. #8 Shin and #14 Ingersoll spelled Van Brewer and Enge in midfield. #21 Bhangdia played up top for Brady. After Tufts scored its 1st Goal Dezotell went 5-3-2 used #27 Denby on the backline and had his wingers defend as wingbacks as soon as Conn got the ball. Enge and Aroh were in front of the backs while attacking with only 3 maybe a 4th or 5th runner. Having to see the defending NCAA champs have to defend like that was a bit off-putting. Still Tufts seems almost more comfortable without the ball and perfectly happy shifting their defense behind the ball from left to right and back while Conn wasted all their energy possessing.

1st Goal started from a fatal backpass from Conn's best defender #24 Kelesoglu. Just kind of a Frosh mistake as he might not have seen the Tufts speedster #19 Traynor or misjudged Traynor's speed. Traynor picked off the pass meant for #5 Cerezo and sprinted to goal with the ball at his feet. Kelesoglu did catch up with some noted speed but Traynor heard the footsteps and cut back right in time. He found himself in on goal but the ball closer to his left so he somehow got his right leg behind it and buried it. Traynor read the play well. 

2nd Goal was a Van Brewer set piece from just outside the box. Both Van Brewer and Daly were standing over the ball and I really do not think Conn knew who was going to take it. In that situation always add a player to the wall instead of shifting it as Van Brewer laced it right by #16 Lobo at the end of the wall to beat Maiden berg low and to his right. Maidenberg got a hand on it and but could not keep it out. Still that ball needs to be dealt with either with the wall or the GK. Did I mention the Tufts striker Brady and the dog and yes I did I def did.

I love the Conn possession and they are trying to play the right way but they have got to produce more chances from it. I saw to many passes from midfield going backwards. To many "would be" counters with numbers being choked to death by a player slowing it down and then going backwards. That plays right into Tufts hands and allows for Aroh, Enge and the defense to get back from their forays up in attack and set up defensively. Then all they have to do is shift from left to right and back. Conn tried some balls over the top but Tufts cleaned those up no problem. Conn have to be faster going forwards and keep making runs. You will have more giveaways but you will also be in more advanced positions without 5-6 Tufts players swarming you. Anytime Conn did get into real advanced position in Tufts end they were bottled up. Too late as everyone was back. Tufts was also near perfect in hunting the ball giving Conn a couple seconds on the ball in their attacking 3rd. With those type of numbers in attack you will find a goal or two. Tufts did. When Tufts got the ball they moved themselves into attack very quickly and in turn got a couple chances off it. Until they scored that is. Some was direct and some were a quick pass but they transitioned well into attack.

Paoletta had the tackle of the weekend with a goal saving slide tackle on Kelesoglu late in the 2nd Half. Both Tufts Pauletta and Clivio played well all weekend and both made some good tackles. Conn worked hard and battled to the end but Tufts looked fresher. Was that because they played the 1st game on Saturday? Who knows but Conn needs a rest. They need a couple days off to regroup. Yeonas who played back to back 90 minute games and ran hard needs a break. Thing is Conn is fit so maybe they are training too hard for November? Doubt it as most teams are practicing very light trying to get injured players back in these shorter days.

Conn does look to have a talented Frosh in #7 Dylan Zane. The kid played up top in the first matchup and was causing Tufts some problems and in this game was used out wide. He had one check back to the ball, was given the ball and had a quick skilled touch to play himself and turn in one motion but ripped it wide. Still the quickness of feet and skill are nice to see in your Frosh.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 08, 2021, 10:35:07 AM
Mr.Right, not sure how long it takes you to put these together, but really, really good, with great nuance and extremely fair to both sides.  And thank you for the dog mention.  Dog references made the broadcast as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 08, 2021, 12:31:13 PM
Does anybody know what/where the link to the selection show is?

I see the schedule at NCAA fall championships, but no link.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 08, 2021, 12:41:49 PM
https://www.ncaa.com/live-updates/soccer-men/d3/2021-ncaa-diii-mens-soccer-championship-selection-show-date-time-how-watch
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 08, 2021, 12:44:10 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on November 08, 2021, 12:41:49 PM
https://www.ncaa.com/live-updates/soccer-men/d3/2021-ncaa-diii-mens-soccer-championship-selection-show-date-time-how-watch
Thank you!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2021, 06:07:53 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 08, 2021, 10:35:07 AM
Mr.Right, not sure how long it takes you to put these together, but really, really good, with great nuance and extremely fair to both sides.  And thank you for the dog mention.  Dog references made the broadcast as well.


Haha thanks. Yea when I first started doing them it took a long time because I hadn't memorized every starter/bench player for each team but once I got all that in my head I just start randomly rambling on and on about what I see from the game. Boring to some and interesting to others it has become a fun exercise in my weekly routine.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2021, 06:25:11 AM
I am a little biased but I really think Wesleyan deserved a bid. I became a passionate watcher of their games this season. I had seen them give Williams a real game 1-1 in Williamstown early on. I liked the passing, unselfishness, work rate, organization, use of width and improved team speed. I also think Coach Wheeler brought in some pretty good talent recruiting wise. Anyway from then on I tried to catch their games anytime Williams was not playing. Wesleyan could have slid into where Swat is and played Stevens at Tufts. It was not to be and their Seniors must be crushed.

I have to guess that the Last 4 teams off the board were Oneonta, Swat, Hopkins and Calvin. I also think St.Olaf was close to missing and sitting there for a long time before getting plucked. That said I caught their Conference Tournament game last week and was really impressed with the facilities. If they draw well it will be a fantastic venue and atmosphere. Also a shout out to Lynchburg who must have had about 2,000 fans at their Conference Tournament Final. Lastly, I have no idea why two Texas teams are traveling to Tacoma, Washington but other than Wesleyan missing out you cannot really complain about what the committee put together.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 09, 2021, 10:18:38 AM
Here are the Tufts highlights for the Nescac Championship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HGCt-elfr8

and the Midd Semi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxBJ_S-x-Xw



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 09, 2021, 10:25:50 AM
The save on the St. Louis free kick in the semi against Midd was pretty ridiculous.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 09, 2021, 10:31:27 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 09, 2021, 10:25:50 AM
The save on the St. Louis free kick in the semi against Midd was pretty ridiculous.

Ridiculous.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on November 09, 2021, 11:57:53 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2021, 06:25:11 AM
I am a little biased but I really think Wesleyan deserved a bid. I became a passionate watcher of their games this season. I had seen them give Williams a real game 1-1 in Williamstown early on. I liked the passing, unselfishness, work rate, organization, use of width and improved team speed. I also think Coach Wheeler brought in some pretty good talent recruiting wise. Anyway from then on I tried to catch their games anytime Williams was not playing. Wesleyan could have slid into where Swat is and played Stevens at Tufts. It was not to be and their Seniors must be crushed.

I have to guess that the Last 4 teams off the board were Oneonta, Swat, Hopkins and Calvin. I also think St.Olaf was close to missing and sitting there for a long time before getting plucked. That said I caught their Conference Tournament game last week and was really impressed with the facilities. If they draw well it will be a fantastic venue and atmosphere. Also a shout out to Lynchburg who must have had about 2,000 fans at their Conference Tournament Final. Lastly, I have no idea why two Texas teams are traveling to Tacoma, Washington but other than Wesleyan missing out you cannot really complain about what the committee put together.

Agree with you wholeheartedly about Wesleyan.  I will admit that I am not nearly as familiar with the other 4 teams you mention, but looking at the schedules and results of both Oneonta and Swath I just don't see what distinguished them. I get the strength of schedule, but the qualifty of their opponents up and down doesn't compare imho.  Besides Trinity, virtually every NESCAC team can beat the other on any given day.  Every game is very hard fought.  Wesleyan was 5-0 against NEWMAC teams and didn't give up a single goal outside of NESCAC play.  Wes had a big turnaround season compared to where they've been the past several years and were eliminated in the NESCAC tournament on PKs.  They did not get rewarded yet Oneonta, with the same record as Wesleyan and a loss to non-NESCAC tournament qualifier Hamilton (who Wesleyan beat easily 3-1 after the Oneonta loss to them) gets in yet another year.  I guess I'll eat my crow if Oneonta gets by Middlebury.  We shall see.  And yes, I am a biased and very disappointed Wesleyan supporter. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2021, 12:56:19 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on November 09, 2021, 11:57:53 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2021, 06:25:11 AM
I am a little biased but I really think Wesleyan deserved a bid. I became a passionate watcher of their games this season. I had seen them give Williams a real game 1-1 in Williamstown early on. I liked the passing, unselfishness, work rate, organization, use of width and improved team speed. I also think Coach Wheeler brought in some pretty good talent recruiting wise. Anyway from then on I tried to catch their games anytime Williams was not playing. Wesleyan could have slid into where Swat is and played Stevens at Tufts. It was not to be and their Seniors must be crushed.

I have to guess that the Last 4 teams off the board were Oneonta, Swat, Hopkins and Calvin. I also think St.Olaf was close to missing and sitting there for a long time before getting plucked. That said I caught their Conference Tournament game last week and was really impressed with the facilities. If they draw well it will be a fantastic venue and atmosphere. Also a shout out to Lynchburg who must have had about 2,000 fans at their Conference Tournament Final. Lastly, I have no idea why two Texas teams are traveling to Tacoma, Washington but other than Wesleyan missing out you cannot really complain about what the committee put together.

Agree with you wholeheartedly about Wesleyan.  I will admit that I am not nearly as familiar with the other 4 teams you mention, but looking at the schedules and results of both Oneonta and Swath I just don't see what distinguished them. I get the strength of schedule, but the qualifty of their opponents up and down doesn't compare imho.  Besides Trinity, virtually every NESCAC team can beat the other on any given day.  Every game is very hard fought.  Wesleyan was 5-0 against NEWMAC teams and didn't give up a single goal outside of NESCAC play.  Wes had a big turnaround season compared to where they've been the past several years and were eliminated in the NESCAC tournament on PKs.  They did not get rewarded yet Oneonta, with the same record as Wesleyan and a loss to non-NESCAC tournament qualifier Hamilton (who Wesleyan beat easily 3-1 after the Oneonta loss to them) gets in yet another year.  I guess I'll eat my crow if Oneonta gets by Middlebury.  We shall see.  And yes, I am a biased and very disappointed Wesleyan supporter.

I totally agree as well.  Hard not to conclude that the Region 5 chair cleaned everyone's clock and the Region 1 chair was asleep at the wheel.  Region 2 chair won't win any honors either with the entire NEWMAC getting shut out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on November 09, 2021, 01:10:35 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 09, 2021, 12:56:19 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on November 09, 2021, 11:57:53 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2021, 06:25:11 AM
I am a little biased but I really think Wesleyan deserved a bid. I became a passionate watcher of their games this season. I had seen them give Williams a real game 1-1 in Williamstown early on. I liked the passing, unselfishness, work rate, organization, use of width and improved team speed. I also think Coach Wheeler brought in some pretty good talent recruiting wise. Anyway from then on I tried to catch their games anytime Williams was not playing. Wesleyan could have slid into where Swat is and played Stevens at Tufts. It was not to be and their Seniors must be crushed.

I have to guess that the Last 4 teams off the board were Oneonta, Swat, Hopkins and Calvin. I also think St.Olaf was close to missing and sitting there for a long time before getting plucked. That said I caught their Conference Tournament game last week and was really impressed with the facilities. If they draw well it will be a fantastic venue and atmosphere. Also a shout out to Lynchburg who must have had about 2,000 fans at their Conference Tournament Final. Lastly, I have no idea why two Texas teams are traveling to Tacoma, Washington but other than Wesleyan missing out you cannot really complain about what the committee put together.

Agree with you wholeheartedly about Wesleyan.  I will admit that I am not nearly as familiar with the other 4 teams you mention, but looking at the schedules and results of both Oneonta and Swath I just don't see what distinguished them. I get the strength of schedule, but the qualifty of their opponents up and down doesn't compare imho.  Besides Trinity, virtually every NESCAC team can beat the other on any given day.  Every game is very hard fought.  Wesleyan was 5-0 against NEWMAC teams and didn't give up a single goal outside of NESCAC play.  Wes had a big turnaround season compared to where they've been the past several years and were eliminated in the NESCAC tournament on PKs.  They did not get rewarded yet Oneonta, with the same record as Wesleyan and a loss to non-NESCAC tournament qualifier Hamilton (who Wesleyan beat easily 3-1 after the Oneonta loss to them) gets in yet another year.  I guess I'll eat my crow if Oneonta gets by Middlebury.  We shall see.  And yes, I am a biased and very disappointed Wesleyan supporter.

I totally agree as well.  Hard not to conclude that the Region 5 chair cleaned everyone's clock and the Region 1 chair was asleep at the wheel.  Region 2 chair won't win any honors either with the entire NEWMAC getting shut out.

I just don't get it.  Digging a bit deeper, Wes' 3 losses are all to NCAA tournament NESCAC qualifiers as are 2 of their 3 ties with Williams being the other tie.  Oneonta lost to Hamilton (9th in NESCAC), Corland and New Paltz (I think only ranked team New Paltz beat) and tied Oswego, RPI and Buffalo State.  The Region 1 chair did a damn poor job not highlighting these issues and going behind the numbers.  Or maybe the Committee just didn't want 5 NESCACs.  Feels very unfair, especially in light of such a breakthrough season for Wes.  Not easy to get 10 wins in a year out of the NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2021, 01:35:16 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on November 09, 2021, 01:10:35 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 09, 2021, 12:56:19 PM
Quote from: SlideTackle on November 09, 2021, 11:57:53 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 09, 2021, 06:25:11 AM
I am a little biased but I really think Wesleyan deserved a bid. I became a passionate watcher of their games this season. I had seen them give Williams a real game 1-1 in Williamstown early on. I liked the passing, unselfishness, work rate, organization, use of width and improved team speed. I also think Coach Wheeler brought in some pretty good talent recruiting wise. Anyway from then on I tried to catch their games anytime Williams was not playing. Wesleyan could have slid into where Swat is and played Stevens at Tufts. It was not to be and their Seniors must be crushed.

I have to guess that the Last 4 teams off the board were Oneonta, Swat, Hopkins and Calvin. I also think St.Olaf was close to missing and sitting there for a long time before getting plucked. That said I caught their Conference Tournament game last week and was really impressed with the facilities. If they draw well it will be a fantastic venue and atmosphere. Also a shout out to Lynchburg who must have had about 2,000 fans at their Conference Tournament Final. Lastly, I have no idea why two Texas teams are traveling to Tacoma, Washington but other than Wesleyan missing out you cannot really complain about what the committee put together.

Agree with you wholeheartedly about Wesleyan.  I will admit that I am not nearly as familiar with the other 4 teams you mention, but looking at the schedules and results of both Oneonta and Swath I just don't see what distinguished them. I get the strength of schedule, but the qualifty of their opponents up and down doesn't compare imho.  Besides Trinity, virtually every NESCAC team can beat the other on any given day.  Every game is very hard fought.  Wesleyan was 5-0 against NEWMAC teams and didn't give up a single goal outside of NESCAC play.  Wes had a big turnaround season compared to where they've been the past several years and were eliminated in the NESCAC tournament on PKs.  They did not get rewarded yet Oneonta, with the same record as Wesleyan and a loss to non-NESCAC tournament qualifier Hamilton (who Wesleyan beat easily 3-1 after the Oneonta loss to them) gets in yet another year.  I guess I'll eat my crow if Oneonta gets by Middlebury.  We shall see.  And yes, I am a biased and very disappointed Wesleyan supporter.

I totally agree as well.  Hard not to conclude that the Region 5 chair cleaned everyone's clock and the Region 1 chair was asleep at the wheel.  Region 2 chair won't win any honors either with the entire NEWMAC getting shut out.

I just don't get it.  Digging a bit deeper, Wes' 3 losses are all to NCAA tournament NESCAC qualifiers as are 2 of their 3 ties with Williams being the other tie.  Oneonta lost to Hamilton (9th in NESCAC), Corland and New Paltz (I think only ranked team New Paltz beat) and tied Oswego, RPI and Buffalo State.  The Region 1 chair did a damn poor job not highlighting these issues and going behind the numbers.  Or maybe the Committee just didn't want 5 NESCACs.  Feels very unfair, especially in light of such a breakthrough season for Wes.  Not easy to get 10 wins in a year out of the NESCAC.

Yeah, the five teams thing doesn't hold water because both the Centennial and UAA got five.  I don't know if it came down to Oneonta or not...I'm more focused on Swat...but Oneonta certainly has the brand in terms of NCAA bids, maybe even more so than Rochester.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Futbol is Life on November 10, 2021, 02:26:23 PM
First time caller, longtime listener.   I'm a former college player (not in NESCAC, fwiw).

I agree that it's hard to figure out what some of these Regional chairs were doing, in particular the Region 2 chair.  In that region, all 6 ranked teams were from the NEWMAC.   The regular season NEWMAC outright winner, MIT, lost in the finals of the conference tournament.  Yet somehow WPI, the 5th place team in the league, who lost in the tourney play-in game to the 4th place team, ended up ranked as the highest at large seed in Region 2, ahead of MIT and also ahead of Coast Guard (the aforementioned 4th place team in the league that beat WPI twice).  Seriously, how in the world does that happen.

That's what has me motivated to post.  When it gets down to figuring out who to reward with at-large bids and you're getting down to the end, you're dealing with teams of lots of equal ability that likely would all play each other close if they played head to head.  For me, the at large picks should be rewards for having a standout season,  and I'd argue that you need to focus on these two measurements to determine a season worthy of that reward:
•   conference performance, and
•   performance against ranked teams, including conference tourney

In fact, the most beneficial aspect of the regional rankings being done at all was to compare each school's "Record vs Ranked" teams, as this lets you see performance vs the best teams, regardless of what conference the opponent belonged to.

As you would expect, every team (16 in total) with at least 5 ranked wins are in the tourney.   Here are the six teams with 4 wins vs ranked teams that did not get an at-large, and where they stood in their own league :

Wesleyan  (4-3-2 vs ranked teams) – Tied for 4th in NESCAC
Rutgers-Newark (4-2-1 vs ranked teams) – Tied for 2nd in NJAC
MIT (4-3-1 vs ranked teams) – Outright winner of NEWMAC
Vassar (4-2 vs ranked teams) – Fourth in Liberty League
Mary Washington (4-4-1 vs ranked teams) – went 1-1-1 in C2C
Wisconsin Whitewater (4-5-0 vs ranked teams) – went 0-0 in CTC

I feel it's clear that Wesleyan, Rutgers-Newark, and MIT all should have been rewarded for their season over each of the following:
Rowan (3-3-1 vs ranked teams) – Tied for 4th in NJAC
Gettysburg (3-4-2 vs ranked teams) – 5th place in Centennial
Oneonta (3-3-2 vs ranked teams) -   3rd in the SUNYAC
Rochester  (3-3-1 vs ranked teams) – 6th place in UAA

The NESCAC not only in recent history is a different story than the UAA and Centennial conferences, but this year is so strong at the top that Wesleyan and Middlebury both had standout seasons even while tying for 4th place. There was only one out-of-conference loss among the top 5 teams.  They deserve 5 bids, this year.  The same cannot be said for the UAA and Centennial conferences.  Those boys from Wesleyan, MIT, and Rutgers-Newark got wronged.

And that's all I have to say.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2021, 02:28:37 PM
Great post...even if there are legit counter-arguments.  And hopefully that will not be all you have to say.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2021, 02:39:24 PM
I thought Cubeddu for Amherst had been out injured but I checked and saw he only missed last Colby game and had a few yellow cards in the games before that.  Was he out on yellow card accumulation or injury?  He didn't start in the Tufts game that I saw live but based on just that game I thought he was one of Amherst's most effective offensive players and potentially a set-up man for GG.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Futbol is Life on November 11, 2021, 08:14:58 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 10, 2021, 02:28:37 PM
Great post...even if there are legit counter-arguments.  And hopefully that will not be all you have to say.


Since you insist  ;)

I'm not really big at looking at one result and making broad statements about conferences or even teams.  Especially since there is lots of parity and lots of close one-goal games.   There often are hidden issues that no one outside of the team knows are going on that would make it irresponsible to put too much weight on one game.

But since Brandeis sits in Region 2 and plays many games vs New England opponents, their results do offer some defense to the quality of NE in general and, in particular, the top half of the NEWMAC this year, as it relates to the UAA.  Brandeis lost 3 close games to 3 of the top teams in the NEWMAC (MIT, Babson, and WPI), and were outshot significantly in each of those games.   They also won a close game vs Clark (7th in the NEWMAC).    In a season of close games, they ended up 5th in the UAA ahead of sixth place Rochester, with whom they tied on Halloween despite enjoying a 27-12 shot advantage.   Against the top half of the UAA, Brandeis went 3-1 (being outshot in 3 of those games).

I'm not trying to convince anyone that Emory, Chicago, and NYU are not impressive teams deserving to be in the tournament since they lost to Brandeis.  And I'm not disparaging Brandeis whatsoever, as their resiliency to keep plugging away after losing tight match after tight match is admirable.  My point is that the top teams in the NEWMAC certainly could compete with anyone (as also shown in close head-to-head matches with Tufts and Amherst), and that the outright regular season winner of that league, MIT (who also advanced to the conf tourney final), deserved far better treatment than the tourney committee offered. 

Did someone on these boards mention that the Brandeis coach was, in fact, on the committee? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 10:34:22 AM
Quote from: Futbol is Life on November 11, 2021, 08:14:58 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 10, 2021, 02:28:37 PM
Great post...even if there are legit counter-arguments.  And hopefully that will not be all you have to say.


Since you insist  ;)

I'm not really big at looking at one result and making broad statements about conferences or even teams.  Especially since there is lots of parity and lots of close one-goal games.   There often are hidden issues that no one outside of the team knows are going on that would make it irresponsible to put too much weight on one game.

But since Brandeis sits in Region 2 and plays many games vs New England opponents, their results do offer some defense to the quality of NE in general and, in particular, the top half of the NEWMAC this year, as it relates to the UAA.  Brandeis lost 3 close games to 3 of the top teams in the NEWMAC (MIT, Babson, and WPI), and were outshot significantly in each of those games.   They also won a close game vs Clark (7th in the NEWMAC).    In a season of close games, they ended up 5th in the UAA ahead of sixth place Rochester, with whom they tied on Halloween despite enjoying a 27-12 shot advantage.   Against the top half of the UAA, Brandeis went 3-1 (being outshot in 3 of those games).

I'm not trying to convince anyone that Emory, Chicago, and NYU are not impressive teams deserving to be in the tournament since they lost to Brandeis.  And I'm not disparaging Brandeis whatsoever, as their resiliency to keep plugging away after losing tight match after tight match is admirable.  My point is that the top teams in the NEWMAC certainly could compete with anyone (as also shown in close head-to-head matches with Tufts and Amherst), and that the outright regular season winner of that league, MIT (who also advanced to the conf tourney final), deserved far better treatment than the tourney committee offered. 

Did someone on these boards mention that the Brandeis coach was, in fact, on the committee?

Brandeis is tough as a variable to standardize for comparative purposes in part because their own season was so variable...starting out 1-4-1 (when two of the NEWMAC you cited occurred).  There were comments at the time about Brandeis sliping considerably.  And as you noted, Brandeis, even towards the end of the season when they fared so well against top UAA competition was still dominated stats-wise with the exception being the draw with Rochester, and of course Rochester was one of the more debated (contested?) at large selections.

That said, there's no question that the NEWMAC getting shut out of Pool Cs was, in addition to Wesleyan missing out (who went 4-0 versus the bottom half of NEWMAC), one of the biggest surprises (snubs?) of the day.  I was certain that worst case scenario was getting only one at large bid, and I thought most likely they'd get two, and I thought there was a decent chance they'd even get three.  Which is not to day that the resumes of MIT, WPI, and CG didn't have flaws (because they did with CG losing 4 straight mid-season, WPI having too many blemishes despite the very high SoS and losing to CG a second time after getting the back to back wins over UMass-Boston and MIT which I thought would put them in, and then closing with a loss to WPI, draw with CG, and loss to Babson).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 12:04:44 PM
Not that they matter at all but All-NESCAC selections are out again and once again they are a joke.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 12:12:18 PM
How can the player of the year in the best conference in the country have 2 goals and an assist as an attacking mid/striker? He's 18th in the league in points!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 11, 2021, 12:34:40 PM
@d4_Pace How are they done.  Is this a coaches vote process? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on November 11, 2021, 12:36:01 PM
N'Golo Kante had 0 goals and 2 assists in 48 games last season, was often the best player on the field, and is arguably the engine that makes the Chelsea train run. He was voted Champions League midfield of the year and came in 3rd in UEFA POTY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 11, 2021, 01:10:04 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 12:04:44 PM
Not that they matter at all but All-NESCAC selections are out again and once again they are a joke.

https://nescac.com/news/2021/11/11/nescac-mens-soccer-all-conference-awards-released.aspx
There seems to be a pattern of giving it to the best player on the team that finishes first in the regular season.

For me, I thought Lauta from Tufts got screwed for both Rookie of the Year and a spot on the all-conference teams.  Devanny was 5th in goals against average, 4th in save percentage, and 4th in shutouts.  Lauta was 1st in GAA (.394 to .395 for Grady from Midd), 2nd in save percentage, and second in shutouts.  I thought Grady and Lauta were clearly the top two all year.

Is this a case of credit being given to his defenders, two of whom (Daly and Paoletta) both wound up on the 1st team, while McFarlane from Midd got 2nd team? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 01:10:29 PM
Yes the coaches vote but the impression I've gotten in the past is they try to get it out of the way as quick as possible and don't put the deserved time into it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 01:11:22 PM
I assure you that N'golo Kante is not playing in the NESCAC. Additionally N'golo kante is not an attacking midfielder or striker whose primary job is to score and create goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 01:14:24 PM
Yeah, obviously I'm a huge homer so I try not to go out of my way to defend all the Tufts guys. I think Lauta is the best goalie in the NESCAC but the other two are solid to the point it wasn't an egregious omission even if I think its incorrect. I also think the centerback Clivio should have been in the running for ROY. First centerback in a long time to come in and start at center back which is such a physically demanding position in the nescac.
Rest assured Lauta and Clivio will find their names on this list multiple times in the future.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 01:26:06 PM
Not my battle and I've never quite gotten why these things are important to folks....but...Tufts DID get 5 players on and next is 3 for Conn, Midd, and Bowdoin.  Poor Hamilton the only shutout.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 06:25:28 PM
Yeah at the end of the day these things don't matter and it's not what you play for. That being said, all these guys are so competitive that you are pissed off when you don't win. And in any aspect of life it's nice to be recognized for the work you put in. Plus the plaques make a cool thing to put on your office desk.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 06:52:42 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 06:25:28 PM
Yeah at the end of the day these things don't matter and it's not what you play for. That being said, all these guys are so competitive that you are pissed off when you don't win. And in any aspect of life it's nice to be recognized for the work you put in. Plus the plaques make a cool thing to put on your office desk.

D4, from my pov you are doing exactly what you should be doing.  You're an outstanding representative of Tufts in general and the soccer program specifically.  Why wouldn't you take great pride in what you and the program have accomplished, rejoice in the brotherhood you all created and are motivated to sustain, and be protective of your turf?  I don't know if this will translate the way I want it to, but you all have earned me being envious.  I respect that you usually don't shrink from what you're thinking or your reactions to things, own your allegiance (and whatever homerism that yields), and do all of that without exaggerated denigration and gratuitous shots at other programs. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on November 11, 2021, 07:44:46 PM
Guys - this is an absolute joke.  For Augis to be named player of the year over Calvin Aroh shows a complete lack of soccer knowledge and, frankly, a complete lack of any attention to detail. Calvin is a complete force on the field, totally sets the tone for any game he plays in. And, he actually scored more goals and points than Augie, who was banged up and missed some games.  Love Augie, but he was not even the best player on his team in the 4 games I watched.

This voting is an absolute joke.  Calvin Aroh should be national player of the year.  It makes the NESCAC look very petty. Shame on those coaches.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 08:09:59 PM
Quote from: Novacat on November 11, 2021, 07:44:46 PM
Guys - this is an absolute joke.  For Augis to be named player of the year over Calvin Aroh shows a complete lack of soccer knowledge and, frankly, a complete lack of any attention to detail. Calvin is a complete force on the field, totally sets the tone for any game he plays in. And, he actually scored more goals and points than Augie, who was banged up and missed some games.  Love Augie, but he was not even the best player on his team in the 4 games I watched.

This voting is an absolute joke.  Calvin Aroh should be national player of the year.  It makes the NESCAC look very petty. Shame on those coaches.

LOL...here come the burners...

OK, so Aroh, who didn't blow me away when I saw him live other than scoring on a ball TVB put right on his forehead....Give us your rank order of the NESCAC top 5.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 08:18:39 PM
Yeah I'm obviously pretty biased and have my one sided motivations but I try to be fair. The hardest part is knowing what to share and what things to air out in public and I generally sway pretty conservative on that cause its not worth the controversy.  The all-NESCAC are consistently bad and have been since I've been around which is annoying cause it shouldn't be that hard to get right
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 08:20:24 PM
Quote from: Novacat on November 11, 2021, 07:44:46 PM
Guys - this is an absolute joke.  For Augis to be named player of the year over Calvin Aroh shows a complete lack of soccer knowledge and, frankly, a complete lack of any attention to detail. Calvin is a complete force on the field, totally sets the tone for any game he plays in. And, he actually scored more goals and points than Augie, who was banged up and missed some games.  Love Augie, but he was not even the best player on his team in the 4 games I watched.

This voting is an absolute joke.  Calvin Aroh should be national player of the year.  It makes the NESCAC look very petty. Shame on those coaches.

Hahhaha I have no idea who you are but I like what you're saying. I agree that Augie is definitely a great player but this is probably the craziest player of the year selection, along with Conor Coleman of course, in the last 10 years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 08:31:09 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 08:18:39 PM
Yeah I'm obviously pretty biased and have my one sided motivations but I try to be fair. The hardest part is knowing what to share and what things to air out in public and I generally sway pretty conservative on that cause its not worth the controversy.  The all-NESCAC are consistently bad and have been since I've been around which is annoying cause it shouldn't be that hard to get right

You seem to think it is or almost is systemic.  Clearly you think the errors are blatant and repetitious.  So what's the theory?  A particular coach?  A pact between two coaches?  Or are they really clueless about soccer?  It's fair to ask when you publicly state how outrageous you think it is.  Same question to the "other guy" lol.

I seem to recall Amherst players/fans complaining that Amherst always got screwed on these things but the suggested rationale was crystal-clear...a conspiracy to not give Serpone anything.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on November 11, 2021, 08:49:40 PM
I have no idea what the theory or conspiracy is.  But how does a kid -  Augie- (who I love by the way, played for our local club) who plays 7 league games make player of the year as an attacking midfielder when a player like Calvin Aroh has better scoring statistics as a defensive midfielder and is on a team with a dominant defense.

Calvin literally does it all for Tufts - dominant trackler as the 6, very strong in the air both defensively and in the box on offense, great distributor, sets the tone. Scored 5 goals in conference, a couple game winners.Really?

Augie is not even the best player on his own team, I would vote for Yeonas who is more versatile. Aegis was very banged up this year.  Only played in 7 games and was hurting in some he played in.

Calvin may win 3 National championships and be the best player for 2 of those season and not win a POY in NESCAC. Something is wrong (although GG definitely deserved it last year)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 08:54:58 PM
Quote from: Novacat on November 11, 2021, 08:49:40 PM
I have no idea what the theory or conspiracy is.  But how does a kid -  Augie- (who I love by the way, played for our local club) who plays 7 league games make player of the year as an attacking midfielder when a player like Calvin Aroh has better scoring statistics as a defensive midfielder and is on a team with a dominant defense.

Calvin literally does it all for Tufts - dominant trackler as the 6, very strong in the air both defensively and in the box on offense, great distributor, sets the tone. Scored 5 goals in conference, a couple game winners.Really?

Augie is not even the best player on his own team, I would vote for Yeonas who is more versatile. Aegis was very banged up this year.  Only played in 7 games and was hurting in some he played in.

Calvin may win 3 National championships and be the best player for 2 of those season and not win a POY in NESCAC. Something is wrong (although GG definitely deserved it last year)

So your NESCAC top 5?

1. Aroh
2.
3.
4.
5.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 08:59:01 PM
I don't think its a systemic bias or anything like that. I think a lot of the coaches blow it off and don't even take the 5 minutes to look at the NESCAC stats leaderboard. I understand that it doesn't really matter to them that much, but I worked on one of these staffs you've got plenty of free time during the day to give this 30 minutes of effort.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 09:04:59 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 08:59:01 PM
I don't think its a systemic bias or anything like that. I think a lot of the coaches blow it off and don't even take the 5 minutes to look at the NESCAC stats leaderboard. I understand that it doesn't really matter to them that much, but I worked on one of these staffs you've got plenty of free time during the day to give this 30 minutes of effort.

Sorry, but that doesn't hold up.  You're suggesting it's random based on coaches blowing it off, but somehow randomly the result is wrong every time and very specifically.  And that's actually a little insulting....to think that a group of 11 coaches don't know that this is important for some and that it's published and will be talked about.  I  would think they take it seriously, including to who is best with attention also to distribution among more teams rather than less, trying to be fair, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 09:12:52 PM
I never said it was wrong specifically. I don't think there is some anti-Tufts bias. I think they get it wrong on most teams. Like for example Bryce Johnson on Amherst making it is wild. He's not a top 5 player on Amherst but he's memorable cause he has the flip throw in. The other guy argued Augie isn't Conn's best player, etc. I do think you're right that some of the issues may be with the criteria which is up for debate. Should this be a ranking of the best 11 players who would probably all be concentrated on the top 3 or 4 teams or should it be the guys that had the most impact on their team. Like every year bates or colby will get a guy on the team who wouldn't start for any of the top 4 teams.

Theres nothing wrong with that. That is one certainly valid way of defining the teams and must be the criteria they use. I personally would do it differently.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 09:50:30 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 11, 2021, 09:12:52 PM
I never said it was wrong specifically. I don't think there is some anti-Tufts bias. I think they get it wrong on most teams. Like for example Bryce Johnson on Amherst making it is wild. He's not a top 5 player on Amherst but he's memorable cause he has the flip throw in. The other guy argued Augie isn't Conn's best player, etc. I do think you're right that some of the issues may be with the criteria which is up for debate. Should this be a ranking of the best 11 players who would probably all be concentrated on the top 3 or 4 teams or should it be the guys that had the most impact on their team. Like every year bates or colby will get a guy on the team who wouldn't start for any of the top 4 teams.

Theres nothing wrong with that. That is one certainly valid way of defining the teams and must be the criteria they use. I personally would do it differently.

The explanations just aren't logical.  They were too careless?  But somehow they got 4 Tufts players on the 1st team?  Then why did they do that? Coaches weren't tuned in to Aroh when they played Tufts?  Didn't notice him enough to make him POY but just enough to make him 1st team?  They don't know soccer?  Or they just don't care to do a decent job?  And this happens every single year?

Just to be clear, I'm not saying you may not be right...that Aroh very clearly may be the best... but how that didn't happen is getting fuzzier and fuzzier.

And you can look at any conference awards in the country and I guarantee you that 90%+ (conservatively)  of them do hybrid models between best and some distribution.  It's weighted in the direction you want, as evidenced by Tufts having 5 and other better teams having 3, with a couple of teams getting 1 and and another 0.  Do you reckon if you were a Bates or Colby alum you'd like to see one of your players?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 11, 2021, 10:08:33 PM
Let me weigh in here and defend @d4_Pace.  I am a Midd supporter who has watched them play Tufts twice.  For me, Aroh was always the player on the field to worry about.  In the NESCAC semi, Midd actually pressed a great deal in the second half, and Aroh sat deep as a 6 because that was what his team needed.  He is a dangerous and versatile player. As far as process goes, as a high school coach in Illinois, I can tell you that systems for giving player awards are consistently screwed up.  My conference awards teams a number of slots based on where they finish.  6 players for first on down to 1 for 6th.  For state wide recognition, you could have the best team in history, but you cannot get more than 3 field players recognized because those are the rules set by the coaches association.  Coaches vote on which players get selected for all-state.  Some players are more effective than others at advocating for their kids.  It is emphatically not a process designed to pick the best and most deserving players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on November 11, 2021, 10:28:06 PM
I scored 14 goals my junior year and didn't make all-conference. I scored 4 my senior year and was voted to the 1st team. That was 25 years ago. Things are no different today.  And honestly, I don't know anyone who thought then, or thinks now, that all-conference teams are an accurate reflection of the Best XI. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 10:50:36 PM
OK, last one because starts feeling petty and like I'm asking for something too granular.  I don't think I am.

Most of us probably think that awards get messed up all the time...in all aspects of life.  There are some parents somewhere right now at a Toddlers in Tiaras pageant and out of their minds about the egregious results.  My son got screwed his junior year in HS too. 

This to me isn't about getting it wrong.  Let's assume they did.  The question is why and whether coaches at NESCAC institutions threaded the needle between assessing just enough to get most of the first team right but not the POY.  And how they get some of these clear-cut decisions wrong without fail year after year in the NESCAC.  And nobody has yet committed to telling us who they think the top 5 are in order. 

Most in this little sub-discussion participate in the mock weekly poll.  I assume we all tried to do a very good job, but we still had variability, I think more often than not, about who was #3 or #5 or #1 or whatever. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2021, 07:00:57 AM
#22 Ethan Franco is a legitimate ROY. He was Colby's best attacking player in 2021 and I would say Colby's most dangerous attacking threat since Andrew Meisel in 2013 as an attacking central midfielder. He is tied 2nd with 4 Nescac Goals in 10 games with another Soph rookie Conn's #8 Rye Jaran. Jaran also had 3 Assists. There are so many good rookies that I would almost be able to take all these rooks and form a team that could challenge for the title. (BTW Clivio is a legit player but far from being the only true Frosh to start at CB in the league this year). Let's look at just the True Freshman not rookies as listed on their roster.

My Top 5 True Frosh as listed-

1. Tufts      #22   Erik Lauta
2. Amherst #25   Laurens ten Cate
3. Conn      #3    Jack Kelesoglu
4. Wes       #10   Lucas Ruehlemann
5. Tufts      #25   Max Clivio


Frosh(True Freshman) Top Contributors on each team:

Amherst----#3 Laurens ten Cate---This is Amherst starting holding midfielder that will probably not have the stats but man this kid would be on my all Nescac "Compete" team. He does not stop working and has some moxie on the field. He will be one of the key players for Amherst if they can Win a 2nd NCAA title which is clearly the goal.

Amherst-----#13 Niall Murphy----Another all "compete" team player but he is a striker that would come off the bench and start occasionally. He busts all over the field pressing like mad and scoring some goals as well.

Amherst-----#22 Ben Clark-Eden----Amherst like this kid as they were starting him when #33 Gittler was out at LB. I am still unsure as I have not seen him enough.


Bates-----#00 Bruce David-----The 6'2 David and #99 Ryan Manning evenly split time in the nets for Bates this year.  He still needs to keep improving and I am sure he and Manning can push each other this off-season as Manning is a JR.

Bates-----#3 Amir Thomas-----The speedy Thomas was starting LB by the end of the season. He still needs to keep working and improving his skill but he has the wheels for sure to be a danger man in attack.

Bates-----#12 Simon Clarke----A good scrappy player he was starting for most of the season. He would also make my all Nescac "compete" team.

Bates-----#20 Rex Lane, #29 Tife Agunloye and #31 Sam Assantha------All 3 of these Frosh were in and out of the starting lineup. They each had flashes of brilliance but also would sometimes disappear from games. They all are attacking players and if they keep working and improving have the talent to give Bates some serious danger men in attack for the future.

Bowdoin---#16 Luke Macaione---He started getting minutes as the season wore on as a holding midfielder. Good player but has got to work with the ball individually to refine his touch.

Colby------#12 Arkam Traore---The 6'2 central midfielder showed enough flashes for me to notice in limited minutes. I still need to see more and Traore needs to keep working on the ball.

Colby------#25 Mario Simoes---The Ft. Lauderdale striker finished with 4 Goals and 10 SOG. His Goal v Middlebury was a smashing header that he had the courage to go get thru Midd's central defenders. I think this kid and Franco could form a dangerous duo in the years to come.


Conn-------#4 Jorge Mendo-----Conn's starting RB and he is a player. Skill and speed plus futbol inteligencia. Loves to go forward and is given the freedom to do so. This kid will be a player in Nescac for the next 3 years.

Conn------#24 Jack Kelesoglu---I think Conn's best defender and header of the ball.  You can tell this 6'2 kid loves to battle and compete. A real good player and now just waiting for him to go full animal and shave the head.

Conn------#11 Luke Cibelli-----It is not easy getting on the field for this top team but with all the injuries this kid has. I honestly have not seen enough yet to make a giudizio. 

Hamilton--By season's end Hamilton was starting 6 Frosh and had a 5 game Winning streak with some quality Wins to show for it.

Hamilton--#16--Charles Hawthorne---This kid has a nose for the goal. 3 Goals and 2 Assists all against good teams. 2 game Winners and I saw one of them as he banged a goal off his head. He can finish with his head and feet. I honestly have not seen much but he looks like a Nescac CB that lacks pace but instead the kid just gets it done up top and works hard doing it. He also got robbed of a goal by the Hamilton official scorer. They had #30 O'Dowd scoring it and really he had assisted on Hawthorne's goal against Ithaca.

Hamilton--#17--Pandelis Margaronis---Can he follow in the hopeful footsteps of fellow Liverpudlians Greek signing  Kostas Tsimikas "The Greek Scouser".

Hamilton--#22--Thomas Kantrowitz--He was their starting LB and really showed well late in the season. Finished with 3 Goals and 9 SOG but not sure if he was a winger earlier in the season? If he finished with those numbers from LB that is a good sign.

Hamilton--#25--Sebastian Ghosh---He was Hamilton's starting CB along with the Senior #8 Matt Jordan. A real solid player in the couple games I watched.

Hamilton--#27--Luke Peplowski---He finished with 1 Goal and 5 Assists and could have had better numbers if he had been starting from the get go. He had 1 Goal and 4 Assists in his final 7 Games when turned into a starting Central Midfielder. He was the difference maker IMO in the games I watched. He has a nose for the ball and a very high soccer inteligencja. His pass across the box in the one of the goals in the Win over Oneonta was an example of it. This kid I think is a player to build around. Now he needs to come back super fit and start playing 90 minutes.

Hamilton--#30 Luke O'Dowd----Hamilton's starting RB and the Irishman has robbed his fellow teammate Hawthorn of a goal in the Ithaca game. This kid works hard and has speed and of he keeps working individually on the ball it is only upside from here.

TBC........




Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 12, 2021, 07:04:18 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 10:50:36 PM
OK, last one because starts feeling petty and like I'm asking for something too granular.  I don't think I am.

Most of us probably think that awards get messed up all the time...in all aspects of life.  There are some parents somewhere right now at a Toddlers in Tiaras pageant and out of their minds about the egregious results.  My son got screwed his junior year in HS too. 

This to me isn't about getting it wrong.  Let's assume they did.  The question is why and whether coaches at NESCAC institutions threaded the needle between assessing just enough to get most of the first team right but not the POY.  And how they get some of these clear-cut decisions wrong without fail year after year in the NESCAC.  And nobody has yet committed to telling us who they think the top 5 are in order. 

Most in this little sub-discussion participate in the mock weekly poll.  I assume we all tried to do a very good job, but we still had variability, I think more often than not, about who was #3 or #5 or #1 or whatever.


Because HC's are ONLY focused on their team which is how it should be. Day and night their team. So they might only have the chance to see another Nescac during their game and scouting them beforehand. Then it is on to the next opponent and what is in front of them. If they are looking behind them they are wasting time. If they play them again in the Nescac Tournament then they would have a greater feel for the opponent and all their strengths and weaknesses IMO.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on November 12, 2021, 08:46:18 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 08:54:58 PM
Quote from: Novacat on November 11, 2021, 08:49:40 PM
I have no idea what the theory or conspiracy is.  But how does a kid -  Augie- (who I love by the way, played for our local club) who plays 7 league games make player of the year as an attacking midfielder when a player like Calvin Aroh has better scoring statistics as a defensive midfielder and is on a team with a dominant defense.

Calvin literally does it all for Tufts - dominant trackler as the 6, very strong in the air both defensively and in the box on offense, great distributor, sets the tone. Scored 5 goals in conference, a couple game winners.Really?

Augie is not even the best player on his own team, I would vote for Yeonas who is more versatile. Aegis was very banged up this year.  Only played in 7 games and was hurting in some he played in.

Calvin may win 3 National championships and be the best player for 2 of those season and not win a POY in NESCAC. Something is wrong (although GG definitely deserved it last year)

So your NESCAC top 5?

1. Aroh
2.
3.
4.
5.




My top 5 are

1. Aron
2. Giamatti
3. Yeonas
4. Grady
5. Lauta
6. Cubeddo

Hon Mention Augie (only played 7 games, was hobbled in many others)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on November 12, 2021, 08:46:58 AM
Quote from: Novacat on November 12, 2021, 08:46:18 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 08:54:58 PM
Quote from: Novacat on November 11, 2021, 08:49:40 PM
I have no idea what the theory or conspiracy is.  But how does a kid -  Augie- (who I love by the way, played for our local club) who plays 7 league games make player of the year as an attacking midfielder when a player like Calvin Aroh has better scoring statistics as a defensive midfielder and is on a team with a dominant defense.

Calvin literally does it all for Tufts - dominant trackler as the 6, very strong in the air both defensively and in the box on offense, great distributor, sets the tone. Scored 5 goals in conference, a couple game winners.Really?

Augie is not even the best player on his own team, I would vote for Yeonas who is more versatile. Aegis was very banged up this year.  Only played in 7 games and was hurting in some he played in.

Calvin may win 3 National championships and be the best player for 2 of those season and not win a POY in NESCAC. Something is wrong (although GG definitely deserved it last year)

So your NESCAC top 5?

1. Aroh
2.
3.
4.
5.




My top 5 are

1. Aroh
2. Giamatti
3. Yeonas
4. Grady
5. Lauta
6. Cubeddo

Hon Mention Augie (only played 7 games, was hobbled in many others)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2021, 09:19:33 AM
Thank you, Novacat.

I don't know enough about the whole league to make a list like that, beyond the very well known names of Aroh and GG.  I'm interested that you included Cubeddu, who I have suggested is a key to Amherst imo and still not sure why he was out last game or why only played in 12 and only started 2 for total of 657 minutes (which is pretty low for a top 5/top 6 player.

Pretty sure I would have TVB in that list, and I'm curious what the reaction would have been if TVB had been named POY.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 12, 2021, 09:27:01 AM
My top 5:
1. Aroh
2. Giammattei
3. Grady
4. Lauta
5. Yeonas

Very hard to pick out one guy from Conn.  Of their top 5 point getters, no one started more than 12 games.  They did not have the one standout guy, but their team was strong across the board.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2021, 09:48:53 AM
If Aroh (or TVB), GG, or Grady lead their team to the national title surely there is a 90% they would be named D3soccer.com NPOY or Offensive or Defensive POY or GK of the Year or however they do that.

There was a comment about if you picked the best players they would be concentrated on the top teams in the conference.  Well, that's exactly what happened.

Another example to chew on.  When teams have little tournaments early in the season, conference tourneys, and at the Final 4 they name an all-tournament team.  Almost without fail the winner gets the most, followed by the runnerup, and then the other two teams.

For the very recent NCAC tourney that Denison won Denison got 5 players including MVP, Kenyon got 3, and OWU and Wabash got 2 each.  Anybody really think Denison has 5 of the best players and OWU only 2?  Pretty much standard operating procedure, and akin to the winner of a conference regular season usually getting the nod for top awards and for number of all-conference selections.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on November 12, 2021, 10:41:56 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 12, 2021, 09:19:33 AM
Thank you, Novacat.

I don't know enough about the whole league to make a list like that, beyond the very well known names of Aroh and GG.  I'm interested that you included Cubeddu, who I have suggested is a key to Amherst imo and still not sure why he was out last game or why only played in 12 and only started 2 for total of 657 minutes (which is pretty low for a top 5/top 6 player.

Pretty sure I would have TVB in that list, and I'm curious what the reaction would have been if TVB had been named POY.

I think you are correct that I made a mistake including Cubeddu since he did not play enough games/minutes.  I wanted to show some love for midfielders.  I have watched either in person on on video about 25 NESCAC games and I think he is the best play maker in the conference and his production was pretty good.  TVB is also a great choice but I did not want to overload on Tufts guys.

I really stand by my original premise that a guy who only plays 7 out of 10 conference games can hardly be considered POY when there are guys like Aroh and GG to choose from.  GG has a down year for him but still scored 8 goals.  Aroh was just incredibly versatile and scored a lot for a team that needed some goal production.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on November 12, 2021, 11:21:11 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 12, 2021, 07:04:18 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 11, 2021, 10:50:36 PM
OK, last one because starts feeling petty and like I'm asking for something too granular.  I don't think I am.

Most of us probably think that awards get messed up all the time...in all aspects of life.  There are some parents somewhere right now at a Toddlers in Tiaras pageant and out of their minds about the egregious results.  My son got screwed his junior year in HS too. 

This to me isn't about getting it wrong.  Let's assume they did.  The question is why and whether coaches at NESCAC institutions threaded the needle between assessing just enough to get most of the first team right but not the POY.  And how they get some of these clear-cut decisions wrong without fail year after year in the NESCAC.  And nobody has yet committed to telling us who they think the top 5 are in order. 

Most in this little sub-discussion participate in the mock weekly poll.  I assume we all tried to do a very good job, but we still had variability, I think more often than not, about who was #3 or #5 or #1 or whatever.


Because HC's are ONLY focused on their team which is how it should be. Day and night their team. So they might only have the chance to see another Nescac during their game and scouting them beforehand. Then it is on to the next opponent and what is in front of them. If they are looking behind them they are wasting time. If they play them again in the Nescac Tournament then they would have a greater feel for the opponent and all their strengths and weaknesses IMO.

Great points.  I've watched enough games over the past few years to know that teams are well scouted ahead of games and each team has key players that the other focuses on, many times with shadow defense on particular players. Heck, you point those out on here in your weekly previews. Which makes me think that the coaches know full well exactly which players are the dangerous ones, which players to stay away from when attacking, and so forth.  I know that in team meetings ahead of games specific players are discussed and then keyed on.  Players inevitably have high school and club team friends as opponents in NESCAC and these things are dicussed.  Yet I didn't see several of those players come through in the selections. Some just leave you scratching your head.  Feels like more goes into the selections than just player quality.  That Augie was selected POY just blows me away. And someone mentioned earlier an attacking midfielder with 1 G and 2 As getting selected.  That's just strange.  Several others appear undeserving and at least a couple of omissions are noticeable.

Having said that, virtually every player on that list is a very solid player.  But it's clear several were undeserving. The selections mean much more to the players than those voting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2021, 07:56:27 AM
From earlier: I just noticed Tufts CB #25 Max Clivio is a listed Soph so I replaced him on my true Frosh list.

My Top 5 True Frosh as listed-

1. Tufts      #22   Erik Lauta
2. Amherst #25   Laurens ten Cate
3. Conn      #3    Jack Kelesoglu
4. Wes       #10   Lucas Ruehlemann
5. Williams #26   Felipe Gutierrez

Frosh(True Freshman) Top Contributors on each team:

Midd:  This could be one of HC Elias best recruiting classes to date. Elias and AC Conrad have really stepped up the recruiting.

#6 Eujin Chae                Did I mention that meg on Tufts #8 Shin right in front of the benches.  I just cannot let that go huh. The meg. So memorable when it happens but it depends on the finish as well. Chae megged Shin to play himself which makes it even better. Has been playing Centrally in the 6 Headed Midd Midfield Monster.  The South Kent player has proven his worth already and has had some flashes all year. Zero SOG is somewhat concerning but 2 Assists.

#11 Jonah Roberts            Not sure yet. He has shown some wheels but he sometimes can get isolated up top. Did bag 2 Goals.

#16 Aiden Pape                 Has been the starter at LB with #19 Casey Lund. Elias went back to Pape in the Tufts Nescac Semi after using Lund for a few games. Probably depends on matchups but Pape is physically bigger and more defensive while Lund, who is not small at 6'1 is more skilled and looking to get forward. Both players battle.

#19 Casey Lund                        See Aiden Pape.

#21 Andrew Juarez                    He has been losing minutes lately but when I have seen him he has impressed with his skill and in attack.

#25 Hank Nelson                       Has been starting at RB all year. Plays a real steady eddy game and battles. Does not get to high or low.

#26 Tyler Payne                         Finished with a Goal and 2 Assists. Has been getting minutes lately and has showed well. Big Assist in #30 Farrell's GW'ing Goal at Williams. The roster says he is from London, England. Has to be Kensington or Chelsea but either way a good teammate to befriend so you can visit and watch some PL games.

#30 Shane Farrell                       Maybe the best of the bunch. Jersey moxie. Finished with 3 Nescac Goals. Would have been in my Top 7 Frosh.

#32 William O'Brien                    Another Frosh CB that has started all year. Good in the air and a player to watch in the next 3 years.


Trinity:

#13 Nicholas Bellak                    This kid could be a real talented player if he wants to be. Needs to come to camp in top fitness next year. Was injured for long stretches but when on the field his skill can make a difference. Good Soccer brain but he needs a few more clones around him.

#15 Charles Kaldor                     Trinity like this kid and have been using him at LB. Hehas wheels and is not afraid to stick his nose in the play. Is fit enough to be a 90 minute player and easily logged over 1000 minutes. Still TBD if he is susceptible 1v1.

#16 Owen McDermott                 I gotta see more before making a judgement.

#20 Rasheed Sarieh                    5 Nescac Starts and plays either centrally or out wide. Skilled player with 2 Goals with 6 SOG. He has some quickness but needs to come back to camp in top fitness for him to become a real factor.

#29 Jacob Loor                            Excellent high energy bench player that can put defenses under pressure especially when they are tired.


Tufts:

#0  Erik Lauta                             I would have voted this kid my First team All Nescac GK this season. He has kept Tufts in games and has saved them games more than I think people realize. One example is v Amherst where he made two goal saving saves 2nd Half while giving his team the opportunity to find the winner. The Trinity match was 0-0 in the 70th minute because he had made some acrobatic saves in net to keep Trinity off the scoreboard. It was Trinity who were playing Tufts straight up and controlling possession and yes Trinity was denied some serious goal scoring chances to take the lead before Tufts unglued Trinity with 3 late Goals. As I have said this kid is the real deal and if Tufts is to Win a 5th NCAA title he will be a big reason why.

#21 Anthony Bhangdia               Tufts has been using him up top as he has started to see more minutes with #11 Cano out with injury. 11 Games with no goals and only 2 SOG for a striker is not good. I am guessing his minutes earlier in the season were sparse but cannot be sure because Tufts does not track minutes in their cumulative stats. Still need to see more though before a judgement.

#23 Ethan Feigin                         A bench player with pace that spells the wingers usually for #19 Traynor wide right. He was doing some defending against Conn in the title game when Dezotell went 5-3-2 and asked his wingers to defend as wingbacks. Also scored the GW'ing Goal in the Nescac Semi v Midd off of a GK save that found him wide open in the box. Buried it.

#27 Owen Denby                        He has shown well on the backline especially during a formation change mid game. Expect to be seeing him starting in the back after the graduation of #16 Paoletta and #3 Daly. Athletic kid who is not afraid to battle. We will be seeing him in this NCAA tournament.

Wes: Wes has a total of 14 Frosh on their roster.

#10 Lucas Ruehlemann                I would say one of Wesleyan's more dynamic attacking players in a while. He finished 1G 7A 18 SOG and was 4th in minutes with 1100. He caused defenses throughout the season all kinds of problems on the left flank. Quick, skilled, indefatigable and smart. Fun player to watch work his defender 1v1 out wide. Had he finished with 4-5 Goals he could have overtaken Franco for ROY. He will need to find ways to score more goals for his team but he can certainly create his own shot.

#11 Oliver Clarke                         The Milton Academy product played 1200 minutes for Wesleyan in Central Midfield. He has skill and also not afraid to mix it up. Another good player that is going to really help this team for the next 3 years. Wes might be feeling burned right now and it is up to these young players to remember that in the offseason.

#12 Zach Wheeler                        Another pacey scrappy winger that finished with 2 Goals and 4 Assists. I think he still needs to work on the ball to improve the 1v1 and he will be even more valuable out wide. Good player.

#17 Miles Lambke                        Central defender from Maine. Not the fastest but has enough skill and smarts to make up for it. Filled in admirably when Wes starting CB's #5 Evan O'Brien and #26 Chris Porte went down with injuries.  Another good young player for the backline.

#20 Kyle Burbage                         I have not seen enough to make a judgement but I do remember the Nescac QF at Midd. He would find himself in alone on goal 1v1 but Midd GK Grady got big and made the save. Burbage hit it right at him maybe cause of the bang bang play but I need my attacking players to finish that. Worm burner and to the GK's weak side would have been perfect. Still he is young and will learn.

#26 Chris Porte                            This kid is another good find by Wheeler. He is really composed on the ball for a Frosh and does his work effectively never getting to rattled. Smart CB but unfortunately he got injured on a play at Springfield and never got back on the field. Wes was without both starting CB's Porte and O'Brien for the Midd QF.

#27 Zach Burd                              I cannot tell u how important it is to have a "bird" on your team. Very simple nickname that rolls right off the tongue. Bird. Bird.  Even if you do not have the name "bird" on your team you can find someone that looks like a "bird" and start calling them "bird". Zach Burd here started getting minutes at the end of the year up top. He had a big role in what turned out to be Wesleyan's final victory over Hamilton at Home with a nicely timed goal. I think this kid has some goals in him if he gets on the field.


Williams:

#16 Keel Brissett                          The striker started his career with 3 G 1 A 8 SOG. By the end of the year he was getting earned minutes but the final 4 games he came up zeroes. Williams needed Brissett or someone to get hot and start scoring because Williams finished with 2 Goals in the Final 4 Games(1 of which was a PK). Brissett has the talent to maybe be a double digit scorer if playing in a more attacking system. He has good touch on the ball, speed and battles but he has got to be a more refined finisher. He has the talent to do this.

#26 Felipe Gutierrez                     Good Frosh in Central Midfield. This kid has the moxie. Not afraid to "get himself involved" in situations some steer clear from. Mouthy, Cocky and tries to back it up. Character on the field. It is fun to watch but I need this kid to score some goals for me. He hits a good weighted ball and can create his own shot with good off ball running so 4-5 Goals is something I need here.

#27 Dylan Keleman                       Came off the bench and would play up top. Pretty solid player. Got in every game and finished with 1 G ,2 A ,7 SOG. Has speed, battles but again I need 3-4 Goals out of my first striker off the bench.

#29 Daniel Zhang                          Played at LB all year and did a very good job. Fast, skilled and can run up and down the field no problem. Solid stats for a LB with 2 G, 1 A. I could probably go for more Assists but since I watched most games and know he was getting crosses in I am not too worried about it. Good player that can keep improving and get a little stronger, you do not want to lose any speed but enough to get stronger on the ball.


"what you do every day is what forms your mind and precious few of us can or would spend most days outdoors."  Bill McKibben




































Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 13, 2021, 11:20:42 AM
Watching the Con v Salem game, commentator seem to have so many things wrong, eg the winner here does not go on to the round of 16.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 13, 2021, 12:34:46 PM
Yeah this guy has never seen a soccer game before. If I hear the phrase goalie kick again I might go crazy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 13, 2021, 12:35:53 PM
That being said, of bigger concern for Conn is that this is still tied with 15 to go and they aren't carving out clear chances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on November 13, 2021, 12:56:35 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 13, 2021, 12:34:46 PM
Yeah this guy has never seen a soccer game before. If I hear the phrase goalie kick again I might go crazy.

See my notes.  Trying to be nice.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on November 13, 2021, 01:31:58 PM
The Conn College/Salem State match in New London, CT ends in a 0-0 draw after extra time.  We are heading to kicks from the mark to determine who advances tomorrow to play the winner of NYU vs St. Joe's Maine.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2021, 01:33:04 PM
Conn just enjoys slowing the game down and trying to break down a team of 11. Slow in transition to attack is an understatement. They have been close to their worst today. Choking off counters. midfield play backwards to swing it around the back and attack a different part of 11 behind the ball. All defense has to do was shift. Did they not learn anything from last weekend??? HINT: GO FASTER VERTICALLY. YOU WILL FIND URSELVES WITH GREATEAR #'s
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 13, 2021, 01:45:01 PM
Was it me, or did it seem like the Conn keeper moved early on every PK?

He was whistled for it on the first kick, necessitating a re-do, but then it appeared that he never stopped, as if daring the linesman to call it every time.

And a couple of notes for the PBP guy: The Camels advance to the Round of 32, not the Sweet 16. And the past participle of "shoot" is "shot," not "shooted."  ::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2021, 01:45:48 PM
Tufts have some guys back. #22Aidan Welsh and #10 Zach Seigelstein back Centrally. #11 Cano and #9 Jacobs back out wide? #26 Gibson Campbell back as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on November 13, 2021, 01:45:55 PM
1:41 PM Eastern update-- Conn College advances to the round of 32 on kicks from the mark, 3-2 after 5 rounds, to play the winner of NYU vs St. Joe's Maine tomorrow.

Note:  Placing this in bold for that NSN commentator who obviously has no clue about soccer. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2021, 02:08:47 PM
Shocking.....Start of 2nd Half NEC comes out and scores. 1-1 at Tufts 43 min left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2021, 02:16:40 PM
#3 Ian Daly his 2nd easy tap in Goal of the day. NEC defense looked weak sauce. 2-1 Tufts and that likely will do it with 40 minutes left. Announcer "two clinical finishes by Daly". Umm yea clinical....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 13, 2021, 02:27:30 PM
Well Mr Right, he Daly raises you with his third tap in for the first Tufts hat trick since I've been involved with the program. Not bad for a right back
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2021, 02:31:12 PM
lol 3 tap-ins although that was a bit different then the first two. The 3rd goal was all Cano out wide. Tufts looks much different with Cano wide. Jacobs gets a Goal and now they are clicking.


.Pretty sweet goal by St.Joe's #7 on a set piece to go up 1-0 in the 4th minute over NYU.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2021, 02:33:32 PM
Meanwhile the Conn SID has got greedy and given Conn a Win in PK's. No sir it is a Draw unless in NCAA Final. Now Draw does not mean coloring books and crayons.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 13, 2021, 03:02:44 PM
I understand that a draw is the convention but it does seem silly that its counted as a tie when one team is crying and the other is running shirtless to the crowd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2021, 03:29:29 PM
Midd v Oneonta at F&M coming up...Elias goes back to #19 Lund at LB instead of #16 Pape other than that no other big changes..Yea I see what you are saying and btw for Conn to celebrate all crazy by slipping past Salem St in PK's is almost comical. Conn missed 2 Pk's as well so had that been a more talented team they would be finished. If they continue to allow defense's time to sit deep they will get eliminated. They really have the talent to move quickly in attack and connect with each other but refuse to do so.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2021, 04:10:00 PM
Very tough windy conditions at F&M with Midd and Oneonta 0-0 about 15 min in. Midd trying to keep the ball on the turf which is smart in the wind. I think they can get a result here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2021, 04:40:57 PM
0-0 Midd v Oneonta Halftime...

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 13, 2021, 04:42:33 PM
Couple of golden opportunities for Midd's Saint-Louis in waning minutes of first half:

W/ about 4:00 left, Oneota keeper came out to defend a through ball to Saint-Louis. The Midd forward beat him to the ball, took a touch past him and had an open net, albeit w/ a tough angle to the left of the six. Shot clanged off the left post and skipped out of danger for the Red Dragons.

Then w/ under a minute to play, Saint-Louis had a free kick from about 25-yards out. He's so dangerous in these spots. His hard shot curved around a large red Oneota wall, but the keeper was well positioned to make the save.

0-0 at the half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 13, 2021, 05:44:54 PM
#30 Shane Farrell with the finish in the 87th minute off a #23 St.Louis cross after a speed burst from a fantastic ball by #21 Juarez. This came off a golden opportunity from Oneonta. 1-0 Midd as they will play F&M tomorrow who I have not seen play. Farrell a gamer figures he would finish it...Great play though
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 13, 2021, 05:46:33 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 13, 2021, 05:44:54 PM
#30 Shane Farrell with the finish in the 87th minute off a #23 St.Louis cross from a fantastic ball by #21 Juarez. This came off a golden opportunity from Oneonta. 1-0 Midd as they will play F&M tomorrow who I have not seen play. Farrell a gamer figures he would finish it...Great play though

All set up by a Grady one-v-one save before the counter. So much game packed into 30 seconds!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d3closefollower on November 13, 2021, 08:28:02 PM
Oneonta dominated the second half but didn't have many great chances.  A good game, and should be another one tomorrow against the hosts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 13, 2021, 10:08:58 PM
Midd had the better of the play in the first half, with St. Louis hitting the outside of the post and forcing a nice save from a free kick.  Oneonta totally owned the first 15 minutes of the second half, forcing some nice saves from Grady, including a kick save at the near post.  With less than 4 left, Midd turned the ball over and gave up a 2 v 1.  Oneonta got a wide open look from the top center of the penalty area, and Grady extended fully to his left and palmed the ball away.  Casey Lund picked up the rebound and passed up the left wing, where Noah Hannam dummied it for Andrew Juarez.  Juarez split the defense with a ball to Jordan St. Louis, who got behind his defender and slid a ball across for Shane Farrell to tap in at the back post.  Great team goal to win a back and forth game.  Game was somewhat tarnished by a late red card to Oneonta #19 for spitting at Grady as he picked up a ball from the ground.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 14, 2021, 04:26:43 AM
Yes I forgot to mention the dummy by #2 Hannam which was a key part of the play. #23 Saint Louis speed burst to get by the defender and cross it was the reason the goal was scored.

Did not see the spitting...Frustration already setting in for Oneonta and then Grady time wasting probably led to that shameful incident. Still I see much worse in random "adult" games. With Covid rules I think the player actually will miss 2 Games. Deiscanton can correct me if wrong...I remember naively believing as a little kid that all "adults" were responsible people that acted with class over self. After watching my first "adult" Soccer match as an 8 year old I recall being disappointed to find out some "adults" act much worse than 8 year old's. From then on I remember starting to ask myself "Is this random adult trustworthy?" "Is my best friend's father a ruthless alcoholic?" Only then did I realize that you must use the old Soviet proverb "trust but verify".

I think it was #15 McFarlane who turned it over with 4 left dribbling up the field and Oneonta stripped him but has got to bury that one. GK #33 Grady did come up big on that one although it did not look to be struck convincingly. One of the more competitive games on Saturday. Midd also looked comfortable on the turf field which should help them for Sunday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on November 14, 2021, 08:39:20 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 14, 2021, 04:26:43 AM
Yes I forgot to mention the dummy by #2 Hannam which was a key part of the play. #23 Saint Louis speed burst to get by the defender and cross it was the reason the goal was scored.

Did not see the spitting...Frustration already setting in for Oneonta and then Grady time wasting probably led to that shameful incident. Still I see much worse in random "adult" games. With Covid rules I think the player actually will miss 2 Games. Deiscanton can correct me if wrong...I remember naively believing as a little kid that all "adults" were responsible people that acted with class over self. After watching my first "adult" Soccer match as an 8 year old I recall being disappointed to find out some "adults" act much worse than 8 year old's. From then on I remember starting to ask myself "Is this random adult trustworthy?" "Is my best friend's father a ruthless alcoholic?" Only then did I realize that you must use the old Soviet proverb "trust but verify".

I think it was #15 McFarlane who turned it over with 4 left dribbling up the field and Oneonta stripped him but has got to bury that one. GK #33 Grady did come up big on that one although it did not look to be struck convincingly. One of the more competitive games on Saturday. Midd also looked comfortable on the turf field which should help them for Sunday.

A player spitting at another person on the field does get that player a Violent Behavior II red card and a 2 game suspension under the current rules due to COVID-19.  NCAA Soccer Rule 12.7.4.8.2.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on November 14, 2021, 03:34:24 PM
Looks like the Camels listened to Mr. Right's advice (HINT: GO FASTER VERTICALLY. YOU WILL FIND URSELVES WITH GREATEAR #'s) and they get 3-0 win.  Definitely went at NYU with a focus on getting shots, much more than yesterday's control game. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 14, 2021, 04:33:52 PM
Stevens outshooting Tufts 12-7 (SOG 4-3 Tufts) with 20 left, still 0-0. Then again, these two teams were tied with 10 left at this stage in 2018 when Tasker popped up with the winner; wouldn't be surprised to see the same again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 14, 2021, 05:46:34 PM
And all 4 NESCAC teams go through to the Sweet 16 after the Jumbos survive a [checks notes] 13-round penalty kick scenario.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 14, 2021, 05:51:07 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 14, 2021, 05:46:34 PM
And all 4 NESCAC teams go through to the Sweet 16 after the Jumbos survive a [checks notes] 13-round penalty kick scenario.

A game for the ages. Steven's played great defense and passed the ball around well. Better than Tufts... Tufts relied on the long ball. The Tufts goalie has to be one of the best around, and best in the NESCAC.  Hie should be proud.  So should Stevens...

Congrats to all of the NESCAC teams...

BLOOTS?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 14, 2021, 06:58:16 PM
Lauta is excellent, but let's hold off on the best in the NESCAC talk. It is at least up for debate. Grady from Middlebury has 12 shutouts and a .35 GAA. Saved a pk in the run of play today. He has 21 career shutouts and has not been scored on in four NCAA games over two seasons.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 14, 2021, 07:03:19 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on November 14, 2021, 06:58:16 PM
Lauta is excellent, but let's hold off on the best in the NESCAC talk. It is at least up for debate. Grady from Middlebury has 12 shutouts and a .35 GAA. Saved a pk in the run of play today. He has 21 career shutouts and has not been scored on in four NCAA games over two seasons.

Grady is excellent. No debate on that... just watching that 13 round shootout was something... I have to say, if Tufts doesn't win I'll be routing for Grady & Middlebury!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2021, 05:28:12 AM
Nescac showed Top Dogs this weekend as they have 4 of the 16 teams in NCAA Sweet 16. All teams advanced with a combined 6-0-2 record while ALLOWING ONLY 1 GOAL IN 8 GAMES. I mean to have 7 Shutouts from 8 Games is crazy. The NCAA Commitee's decision to leave Wesleyan out of the tournament looks like an even greater travesty. Colby and Bowdoin did not have the resumes to get in but they could have possibly made some noise as well. The teams have really represented their league and schools with class and the talent in the league was on full display.



RD 32 Recaps. I will do one at a time as it was hard because at one point all 4 games were on at the same time. First up Conn v NYU.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2021, 05:35:00 AM
The Flounder has found his way home....Based on the writing Flounder I am guessing a few drinks in ya? PK's can be nervy and some have found the drink to ease the viewer's nerve.



I will say I heard in mid October from a Springfield player that said "Stevens was the best team they had faced all year". At the time I thought nothing of it but now I know why. They really came to play and gave it absolutely everything they had.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 15, 2021, 08:40:12 AM


Conn v NYU- This was a dominating performance by the Camels and something I had been waiting for. The cream of Conn's talent crop rose to the edge of greatness with #9 Tshuma and #14 Djerdjaj both scoring "Talent Only" Goals and #25 Yeonas adding a PK for Conn as they efficiently wiped NYU right off their field. Conn made NYU look like the JV team that comes up to practice Varsity once a week. Some good players but not the talent or the correct mentality to beat Varsity. NYU could not for the life of them get the ball and seemed overly insistent on not giving 110% to press and go get it. The difference in mentality showed early on once the teams walked out to Central Midfield to be introduced. One team and one team only looked ready for business and focused on "the plan". I would guess Conn dominated possession 70/30 but in this game they decided to look up field more when they had the ball. Most everything was forward whether building or direct and they did their work quickly enough to avoid 11 behind the ball defending. Conn finally showed that a determined transitional Offense is just as important as quick transition defending.

Conn's Starters: GK #00 Maidenberg, LB #6 Horvath Diano, LCB #24 Kelesoglu, RCB #5 Cerezo, RB #30 Doyle. Central Midfield had #16 Lobo, #8 Jaran and #14 Djerdjaj. RW #13 Scoffone, LW #25 Yeonas and Striker #9 Tshuma.

Bench: #18 Marvel Central Midfield. #17 Creus played both Wings. #11 Cibelli LW 1st Half, #19 Diane LW 2nd Half, #21 Dutkewych at CB 1st Half, #4 Mendo RB and #7 Zane as striker.


For good portions of the game Yeonas found himself playing Centrally while Djerdjaj was pushed up top to Striker.

Goal #1:      Just a perfect Tshuma header.   55'    1-0 Conn

The thing about greatness is it appears randomly and can leave just as quickly. Before you realize what has happened it is long gone. Or sometimes it sticks around for a joyride of euphoria and positive vibes. The problem is that means that one can find it nearly impossible to predict. When will it show up, if ever? Best to have your talent on the field when it matters and to stick with them when necessary to give yourself the best chance for greatness to appear. Tshuma had up to this point been having a tough game. Balls were bouncing off him like a brick wall and his touch was off. He also hit his usual one ta two 30 yard bombs over the net. Still when it mattered most the man showed up. A free kick was earned by the LB Horvath Diano outside the box to the left of Goal. A fantastic weighted ball by Jaran found Tshuma's noggin just outside the 6 and Tshuma did the rest by inconspicuously redirecting it with real power to beat the NYU GK. Striker's Goal.

Goal #2:     Yeonas PK.      70'     2-0 Conn

2nd Goal started at the midfield line with a legit slide tackle by Jaran. He stripped the NYU kid and decided to take the ball himself. Great run because he looked to have turned his head left as if he was going to play the LW but you could tell in the corner of his eye he saw his RW Creus. He played his RW and Creus drove hard into the NYU box and was taken down.

Goal #3:     Djerdjaj magic in the NYU box.        85'   3-0 Conn

Throw-In to Djerdjaj right near the goaline. He gets doubled by NYU and gets out of it with a piece of skill as he megged the NYU defender. He gets by another defender before absolutely ripping the nets off the goal with a massive blast. That is why he is so respected throughout the league and then voted Nescac POY. That was pure talent to get out of that double on the goaline and to do it by megging the poor kid. Gasoline on the fire.

Overall Conn was much better today. If they play like this next weekend they will be a very tough out. They just dominated the ball but with purpose today. Mixing some good balls over the top by the CB's Cerezo and Kelesoglu and with some great weighted balls by Conn's midfield. Jaran had a hell of a game and when this kid plays well usually Conn is playing well. The first 5 minutes of the game he hit a perfect vertical ball to get Scoffone alone in on goal but Scoffone overhit it just wide. Still I knew when I saw that ball that Conn was looking to play much faster and with purpose. They gave themselves numerous opportunities to score in the game and in the process dominated the whole 90 minutes. They should be proud of the way they played and celebrate it tonight but they must still be able to refocus for practice this week and for whomever they will be playing in the NCAA Sweet 16.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on November 15, 2021, 09:59:43 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 15, 2021, 05:28:12 AM
Nescac showed Top Dogs this weekend as they have 4 of the 16 teams in NCAA Sweet 16. All teams advanced with a combined 6-0-2 record while ALLOWING ONLY 1 GOAL IN 8 GAMES. I mean to have 7 Shutouts from 8 Games is crazy. The NCAA Commitee's decision to leave Wesleyan out of the tournament looks like an even greater travesty. Colby and Bowdoin did not have the resumes to get in but they could have possibly made some noise as well. The teams have really represented their league and schools with class and the talent in the league was on full display.



RD 32 Recaps. I will do one at a time as it was hard because at one point all 4 games were on at the same time. First up Conn v NYU.

Agreed 100%  So maddening to see these results as a Wesleyan fan. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 15, 2021, 01:09:46 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 15, 2021, 05:35:00 AM
The Flounder has found his way home....Based on the writing Flounder I am guessing a few drinks in ya? PK's can be nervy and some have found the drink to ease the viewer's nerve.



I will say I heard in mid October from a Springfield player that said "Stevens was the best team they had faced all year". At the time I thought nothing of it but now I know why. They really came to play and gave it absolutely everything they had.

came up out of the water for awile... :o :o :o....  maybe a couple!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: DucksFan02 on November 15, 2021, 02:31:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 15, 2021, 05:35:00 AM
The Flounder has found his way home....Based on the writing Flounder I am guessing a few drinks in ya? PK's can be nervy and some have found the drink to ease the viewer's nerve.



I will say I heard in mid October from a Springfield player that said "Stevens was the best team they had faced all year". At the time I thought nothing of it but now I know why. They really came to play and gave it absolutely everything they had.

Appreciate it Mr. Right! Was lucky enough to be able to be at the Tufts v Stevens game in person and was one of the most exciting and nervy games I've been at in all my years of watching the Ducks! Will take any sh*t coming my way on the chin as this is a NESCAC feed, but was not impressed with Tufts in any way. Didn't look up for the game, played like they were already counting their Sweet 16 chickens, and would be confident in saying Stevens had the significantly better chances. Was also a bit disappointed at some of the clearly targeted fouls (Tufts sub goes studs up on Stevens center back with 24 seconds left) and language from the Jumbos leading into some straight up violent behavior. Tough to blame the kids playing, but was not a classy win for Tufts in my honest opinion. Both teams clearly put a lot of work into their penalty routines, and it showed as it took 13 rounds to find a winner. Typically will cheer for the team that beats Stevens in the tournament, but this year will be wearing a Washington College hat next weekend. Hoping for some more exciting games as we all enjoy the sport that we love at the D3 level!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 15, 2021, 02:56:22 PM
Was also a bit disappointed at some of the clearly targeted fouls (Tufts sub goes studs up on Stevens center back with 24 seconds left) and language from the Jumbos leading into some straight up violent behavior. Tough to blame the kids playing, but was not a classy win for Tufts in my honest opinion.

I don't think there was any malice there, Tufts is one of the cleaner teams in NESCAC, the Jersey
on Tufts guys ,new #10 and #2, In can remember.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 15, 2021, 03:06:04 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 15, 2021, 01:09:46 PM
maybe a couple!

Just a couple?  ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 15, 2021, 05:03:31 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 15, 2021, 03:06:04 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on November 15, 2021, 01:09:46 PM
maybe a couple!

Just a couple?  ;D

BLOOOOTS!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on November 16, 2021, 08:38:25 AM
Quote from: camosfan on November 15, 2021, 02:56:22 PM
Was also a bit disappointed at some of the clearly targeted fouls (Tufts sub goes studs up on Stevens center back with 24 seconds left) and language from the Jumbos leading into some straight up violent behavior. Tough to blame the kids playing, but was not a classy win for Tufts in my honest opinion.

I don't think there was any malice there, Tufts is one of the cleaner teams in NESCAC, the Jersey
on Tufts guys ,new #10 and #2, In can remember.

This foul you referenced was hardly intentional. The tufts striker tried to block a shot and the CB hit him on the follow through. A foul yes, but questionable card and definitely not studs up. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 16, 2021, 09:18:34 AM
With all this talk about NESCAC getting shortchanged with only 4 teams in, had Wesleyan won the shoot out against Midd and then lost to Tufts in the semis as Midd did, do you think it would have reversed the selection committee's decision and Wesleyan would have gone with Midd receiving a bid as well?  This would have been at the expense of Swarthmore or the last UAA team in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2021, 09:22:34 AM
Not sure how that would have worked
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2021, 09:26:14 AM
Quote from: DucksFan02 on November 15, 2021, 02:31:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 15, 2021, 05:35:00 AM
The Flounder has found his way home....Based on the writing Flounder I am guessing a few drinks in ya? PK's can be nervy and some have found the drink to ease the viewer's nerve.



I will say I heard in mid October from a Springfield player that said "Stevens was the best team they had faced all year". At the time I thought nothing of it but now I know why. They really came to play and gave it absolutely everything they had.

Appreciate it Mr. Right! Was lucky enough to be able to be at the Tufts v Stevens game in person and was one of the most exciting and nervy games I've been at in all my years of watching the Ducks! Will take any sh*t coming my way on the chin as this is a NESCAC feed, but was not impressed with Tufts in any way. Didn't look up for the game, played like they were already counting their Sweet 16 chickens, and would be confident in saying Stevens had the significantly better chances. Was also a bit disappointed at some of the clearly targeted fouls (Tufts sub goes studs up on Stevens center back with 24 seconds left) and language from the Jumbos leading into some straight up violent behavior. Tough to blame the kids playing, but was not a classy win for Tufts in my honest opinion. Both teams clearly put a lot of work into their penalty routines, and it showed as it took 13 rounds to find a winner. Typically will cheer for the team that beats Stevens in the tournament, but this year will be wearing a Washington College hat next weekend. Hoping for some more exciting games as we all enjoy the sport that we love at the D3 level!




I just got thru the Midd / F&M game but yea Tufts / Stevens will be next..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 16, 2021, 09:27:16 AM
Yeah its a tough hypothetical to answer. In theory winning a shootout and then losing the next round may hurt your resume since you are lowering your winning percentage. That being said the committee sometimes does place value on the total number of ranked games a teams plays. My gut instinct is it probably wouldn't have been enough to get them over the hump.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 16, 2021, 09:52:58 AM
Quote from: DucksFan02 on November 15, 2021, 02:31:13 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 15, 2021, 05:35:00 AM
The Flounder has found his way home....Based on the writing Flounder I am guessing a few drinks in ya? PK's can be nervy and some have found the drink to ease the viewer's nerve.



I will say I heard in mid October from a Springfield player that said "Stevens was the best team they had faced all year". At the time I thought nothing of it but now I know why. They really came to play and gave it absolutely everything they had.

Appreciate it Mr. Right! Was lucky enough to be able to be at the Tufts v Stevens game in person and was one of the most exciting and nervy games I've been at in all my years of watching the Ducks! Will take any sh*t coming my way on the chin as this is a NESCAC feed, but was not impressed with Tufts in any way. Didn't look up for the game, played like they were already counting their Sweet 16 chickens, and would be confident in saying Stevens had the significantly better chances. Was also a bit disappointed at some of the clearly targeted fouls (Tufts sub goes studs up on Stevens center back with 24 seconds left) and language from the Jumbos leading into some straight up violent behavior. Tough to blame the kids playing, but was not a classy win for Tufts in my honest opinion. Both teams clearly put a lot of work into their penalty routines, and it showed as it took 13 rounds to find a winner. Typically will cheer for the team that beats Stevens in the tournament, but this year will be wearing a Washington College hat next weekend. Hoping for some more exciting games as we all enjoy the sport that we love at the D3 level!

No sh*t coming your way. Tufts has absolutely had its struggles recently with second round games (St. Joe's in 2017, Stevens in 2018, WPI in 2019). It's been either a very late goal in regulation to eek out a win or gone to penalties. Stevens was very impressive from start to finish. The only part I will disagree with is Tufts being a dirty team (targeted fouls/violent behavior). Bates is one of the very few teams bigger than Tufts and we had a clean game with them this year. I'm sure the Conn supporters can comment as well as they have played Tufts twice.  I think the regular posters who follow NESCAC would agree as well. I could also make the case that Stevens fouled Van Brewer (some hard fouls) many times throughout the game and not much was called. In an elimination game like that the refs need to let them play a bit while making sure the game does not get out of control.  It was a tremendous test of wills and as we know it could have gone either way. Tufts has been very good lately in the third and fourth rounds so it will be interesting to see how they regroup and come out against a very hot Washington College team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 16, 2021, 12:22:05 PM

Midd at F&M--- Midd had the toughest road of the 4 Nescac Schools to get to the NCAA Sweet 16. A 7 hour bus ride was the first obstacle Friday morning and if they were to lose a harsh ride home would be waiting Sunday night. They battled to a 1-0 victory over Oneonta on neutral turf Saturday and then got a deserved 2-0 Win over F&M on Sunday night. Midd looked plenty comfortable right on F&M's field. They were the aggressor to start the game. They took it too F&M right off the hop as they were pressing and running hard. It immediately made F&M uncomfortable and rushed. They also gave F&M absolutely no time on the ball. Everything was purposely sped up to Midd's liking. Middlebury's depth really showed as F&M could match the fresh legs but not the quality of talent on the bench. Midd had scored two Goals while F&M were still looking for a couple quality chances. F&M was a good team but were sorely lacking a playmaker in the middle of the field. No one was pulling the strings. Then around the 80th minute F&M started showing signs of life and Midd became a bit bunkered in. F&M started pumping balls into the box for a couple of men to deal with. The men told the children to wait for scraps on the edges but to "Enter at your own risk". #20 and #12 were causing some problems with flicks, bad bounces, earning corners and even a PK. Midd GK #33 Ryan Grady saved the PK. He had not broken a sweat until the 80th but the PK, dealing with corners and #20 kept him plenty busy for the last 10 minutes. #20 wanted to end his career on a reckless challenge on an opposing GK. It is almost like he came to this bright idea on his own and last minute. Out of nowhere on the stream all you can see is #20 get a running head start from half? whole field? bench? across the street? and clumsily barrel right into Grady during a corner kick. The ball was not the intent on that play. Grady took the hit well though and his teammates had his back.


Midd Starters:     LB #19 Lund, LCB #32 O'Brien, RCB McFarlane and RB #25 Nelson. Centrally Midd had #10 Sloan, #12 Powers and #30 Farrell. LW #8 Barry, RW Saint-Louis and striker was #9 Reid.

The F&M official scorer mixed up Farrell and McFarlane. They have McFarlane playing 45 minutes(he played 90), Farrell playing 90(he played 50).


Midd Bench:                  #16 Pape took over for Nelson at RB with 20 minutes left in the 1st Half and stayed there the rest of the game. #2 Hannam basically split the wing with Barry 45/45 with Barry getting the bulk 1st Half and Hannam 2nd Half. Both players had some skillful moments. #6 Chae was sitting coming in for Sloan. #5 Barsamian and #26 Payne played centrally 2nd Half and gave Midd the needed fresh legs along with #21 Juarez who played late 1st Half and started the 2nd Half. Elias has this midfield playing as a unit and all understanding their role now and that there are only so many minutes to go around. He somehow got 7 players at least 30 minutes Centrally without losing any edge in the game. #7 Proctor got a good run at wing and at one point late in the game when Midd was killing minutes was holding the ball up in the corner staying big to battle 1v4 with F&M finally prying it loose. #11 Roberts got an end of the half run at striker.



1st Goal      "2nd Chances in a Game"         The first real good chance of the game came about 20 minutes in when Sloan was about to get swarmed by 3 F&M players and the ball at his feet just inside F&M's defensive half. He quickly switched the field of play by passing to  Farrell who had made an off ball run to get open. Farrell then took a quick glance left and drove a ball into the stride of LW Barry on the flank. As this was playing out on the other side of the field Powers makes a smart run into the box. Powers is basically free in the box as a would be defender stares at the play and decides to not get between the goal and Powers. Once Powers quick thinking brain made this assessment he stretched his long right arm with the wingspan of an eagle into the air. Barry back on the left flank with the ball at his feet caught a glimpse and served a beauty of a ball right into the path of Powers but Powers could not quite re-direct it and headed it right into the GK who would make the save. Rumors have it that the bench was hearing Powers yelling about "if only he could get one more chance at a free header in the box." He got that chance 10 minutes later. CK from Chae is hit a bit heavy as Pape lunges for and gets to it but heads it at the top of his head and across the box but past the 6 and heading out of bounds down the goaline towards the corner flag. Lund uses his speed to collect the ball and one time a serve into the mixer. Powers who had still been in the mixer from Chae's corner took a step maybe two and turned his body to face Lund. The ball was sent in and just over the out stretched head of Hannam and a defender and found Powers who buried it just over the finger tips of the diving GK.


2nd Goal         "Why Seeing the Game In-Person Matters"    The F&M stream conks out at Halftime and does not resume until the 55th minute. The 2nd Goal was scored in the 49th. All I know it was Jordan Saint-Louis from (Brendan Barry).


Favorite Sequence #1         With five minutes left in the 1st Half the Midd defense suffocated an F&M player into a giveaway at midfield. Proctor got the ball and played Juarez with speed. Juarez one timed it to an open Farrell. Farrell takes about 3 touches and sees Hannam making a great run sprinting down the left flank. He also sees a wide opening between the RB and RCB start to open up as he drives the ball. He plays a perfect ball into the stride of Hannam. Hannam then one-times a 15 yard ball across the box into the left foot of a moving Saint-Louis. Rocket foot meets ball but the ball is just lasered over the crossbar. Would have been a fantastic Goal.

Favorite Sequence #2         With 30 seconds left in the 1st Half Hannam strips an F&M player in Midd's defensive 3rd. He backheels a ball to Chae who plays Juarez who is driving towards goal with the ball at his feet. Hannam stays with the play and makes a nice sprint to overlap Juarez. Juarez sees Hannam and plays a quick one-two with Hannam and gets the ball back near the top of F&M's box only to have a defender right on him. Juarez takes a touch away from the defender and then with a piece of skill backheels it over to the left flank and Roberts. Bang bang play but unfortunately Roberts was called offside and the Half ended with some serious technical play and then the Frosh offsides.


Game Balls:
1. Powers--The Goal but he was also working hard 1st Half in a more advanced position on the field.
2. Saint-Louis--Besides the Goal I did not see he also had a couple other dangerous looks.
3. Grady--Shutout, PK save and the last 10.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 16, 2021, 01:29:29 PM
From someone who was there in person, props for an excellent summary.  For the second goal, Barry got the ball on the wing, beat his man and whipped in a cross that Saint-Louis connected perfectly with on a bullet header that gave the keeper no chance.  I was on the other side of midfield, so not sure how far out his was, but the cross and the header both had a lot of pace on them.  F and M had a similar chance in the first half, but the header was right at Grady.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oldonionbag on November 16, 2021, 01:41:54 PM
Highlights of Tufts v Stevens epic shooutout have been posted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKiNFb97YYo&t=2s
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 17, 2021, 11:53:45 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on November 16, 2021, 01:29:29 PM
From someone who was there in person, props for an excellent summary.  For the second goal, Barry got the ball on the wing, beat his man and whipped in a cross that Saint-Louis connected perfectly with on a bullet header that gave the keeper no chance.  I was on the other side of midfield, so not sure how far out his was, but the cross and the header both had a lot of pace on them.  F and M had a similar chance in the first half, but the header was right at Grady.

Good to know. I remember the chance you are talking about 1st Half it was off a CK and the kid connected with it hard but right at Grady.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 17, 2021, 12:02:19 PM
Stevens at Tufts:


Jumbocast 1st Half:
The stream was a clusterf*ck the entire 1st Half. The announcers kept saying "technical difficulties" but man I hope they can fix that before this weekend. The PbP kid has been doing it all year and does a fine job especially for a Frosh. He will be real good his Senior year. He is a Tufts homer but because he brings "the passion" it forces the viewer to not really care. He comes well prepared researching the opponent as well as Tufts. He should just call the game alone. The Color guy Felix seems like a real good kid a real nice positive kid but 1st Half he was lost in space. Color Guy quote of the 1st Half "The Sun is starting to come out now so it might warm down the weather". At one point when Shin got fouled he yelled "Shin is down". So while this is not a problem during the Regular Season it becomes a minor one during the NCAA's as it kind of gets in the way. Good kid excellent kid but was all over the map interjecting on everything from Volleyball to Cops walking the players off in victory. Frankly Tufts could have 3 Color Guys, I honestly would not care as long as the stream is flawless next weekend.

1st Half Comments:
From what I did see there were very few chances from either side in that Half. Tufts had a couple chances from the run of play early on but could not finish. Stevens also had a few from the run but Stevens showed they were for real with #10 Silva hitting the crossbar on one set piece and later playing another free kick to the back post that no one made a run for. Great ball by Silva as he was dangerous playing behind the striker. He was capable of creating his own shot and one of those players that can Win these type of challenging games all by himself. Other than that it was a pretty sloppy / choppy Half.

Ref / Fouls 1st Half:
The ref(Jordan Cavaco) did ok 1st Half but he got bullied by the Tufts bench one time into giving a YC to Stevens #21 on an inadvertent trip on Tufts #2 Gerken. It was completely accidental and just a foul which is what he originally called but the balking of the bench influenced him as his hand went for the pocket 30 seconds later. #ridiculous

Unnecessary Hard Foul 1st Half #1:
50/50 ball in Tufts end with Stevens pushing forward. The ball was challenged by Tufts #16 Paoletta and Stevens #12. Stevens player was looking for the ball and Paoletta was looking for the body. Paoletta absolutely bulldozed right into #12 with a Shoulder Check but correctly kept his elbow tucked in or risk a Penalty. Oh wait my bad wrong sport. The ref waved play on as Stevens pushed forward and #12 lay motionless on the turf. Stevens #11 then showed a nifty piece of skill to beat Tufts #22 Aidan Welsh by flicking it to himself over Welsh's head. He beat Welch and then drives a 25 yard left footed rocket off the post. Stevens #12 was dazed but recovered and Jordan Cavaco broke out his 4th YC of the 1st half. Felix "I do not know if that should have been a card at all it was really unintentional and wrong place wrong time." Uh-huh.

Unnecessary Hard Foul 1st Half #2:
Tufts defender #25 Clivio chasing Stevens #11 who was hunting a long ball by the touchline just past the Tufts bench. It was maybe 50/50 that #11 could get to it before going out of bounds. Even if he did get it there was no room to go anywhere as Clivio had him closed down. Instead of just buckling down and defending Clivio decides to shoulder check the kid off his feet and onto the turf and almost rammed him into the fence. Just a stupid foul in a dangerous area. This was the set piece I mentioned before with #10 hitting a great ball to the back post for a free header but the run was not made.

Lineups:
Starters:   It was difficult to tell what Tufts was doing because of the stream but I think they were defending in a 5-3-2 with 3 Central Defenders but when they got the ball and went forward RB #3 Daly and LB #2 Gerken were up and down the flank to make a 3-5-2. The 3 Central defenders were LCB #25 Clivio, CB #16 Paoletta and RCB #22 Welsh. Midfield was #6 Enge, #5 Aroh and #13 Van Brewer in a more attacking role. Looked like #11 Cano was joined by #10 Seigelstein up top. Seigelstein and especially Welsh were thrown right into the fire as it was the first weekend they have played in a very long time. This has become the story of how the grunts do the hard work to get you to where you are and "the talent" comes in to Win the title. I get it now.

Bench 1st Half:

#19 Traynor for Seigelstein   20'
#14 Ingersoll for Enge          25'
#9 Jacobs for Cano              30'
#8 Shin for TVB                   30'
#4 Cook for Gerken              35'

2nd Half:

2nd Half Lineup:
Tufts came out in a somewhat more attacking formation. Looked like a 4-2-3-1 with a back 4 of LB Daly, LCB Clivio, RCB Welsh, RB Gerken. Central midfield had #5 Aroh and Ingersoll hanging back while Van Brewer was attacking. Wide Left was Cano, Wide Right was Traynor and Jacobs was up top. So Tufts made some changes with Cano out wide and Jacobs up top. Enge and Paoletta not starting instead going with Welsh and Ingersoll.

2nd Half Subbing:
#26 Gibson Campbell for #2 Gerken at RB    55'
#6  Enge   for #14 Ingersoll                        58'
#12 Brady  for #9 Jacobs up top                  64'
#8  Shin   for #13 Van Brewer                     64'
#10 Seigelstein for #19 Traynor                   68'
-After about 5-10 minutes Daly went to RB and Campbell went LB.
#9 Jacobs   for #12 Brady                           76'
#13 TVB     for #8 Shin                               77'
#19 Traynor for #10 Seigelstein                  83'
#16 Paoletta for #22 Welsh                         84'
#22 Welsh   for #6  Enge                            86'
               
2nd Half Comments:
The Half was a defensive slugfest. Tufts had more of the ball and Stevens was hounding them pretty good. Neither team had any time on the ball in their attacking halves. Stevens busted all half. Neither team generated many dangerous chances. Stevens best chance was off a misplayed weak header by Welsh to GK #0 Lauta. It was picked off by Stevens #22 but Tufts GK Lauta saved the day with a big play to thwart the striker. Welsh had a pretty decent game but did show some rust with that header and a badly misplayed ball in midfield late in the game. Jacobs might be coming back from injury but has unfortunately lost all his speed and is not the same player up top at least not that I saw in that game. Seigelstein got a good run in but did not play enough minutes for me to get a read. Campbell was fine at wingback but did show some rust with a couple bad giveaways in dangerous areas.  With Cano out wide it gives Tufts a much better threat on the flank. He is one of few Jumbos that can create his own shot and havoc 1v1 and they need him out there. Now striker could be where Seigelstein lands along with Brady, Jacobs and even Traynor IMO should be getting runs up top. He has a nose for the goal if given opportunities. He has got to work on his 1v1 in offseason as with a stronger left foot he could be a real danger out wide. Centrally they are fine and the back 4 are good to go. I just think in the years to come they need to focus less defensively and start playing some quick one two touch futbol. They had 1 dangerous counter the whole 2nd Half and with Stevens hounding them with 11 behind the ball they should have been off to the races before Stevens could adjust defensively. Tufts were to slow in attack this game.

Announcers did keep saying "The fans are going crazy cheering on their Bos" Frankly the atmosphere was a bit depressing with not a good showing by Tufts supporters. I mean you compare that to what Conn fans did at a much smaller school and even other D3 schools across the country that we have seen this year draw real well. This team always drew well up on campus and they have got to get a Soccer specific field with the Women where Kraft is. They might be able to squeeze a really nice turf Soccer Specific field right in that space. I get it its cold out and kids watch the NFL but the players deserve better than this. Maybe the play on the field needs to be crisper as well. Have the kids show off their individual talent by getting the ball down and playing some true futbol and generating more chances and goals. Start countering with purpose. It will have to wait for 2022 as nothing is going to change now but when this monster Senior class graduates Tufts will need to make some changes to the style. Yes I know they have Won 4/6 NCAA Championships doing it their way but this team needs to be much crisper going forward or it could end on their Home field this weekend.

Bad Fouls 2nd Half:
Stevens owned this category 2nd Half as #22 had two ruthless fouls back to back late in the 2nd Half. He has got to be booked on the 2nd one but the ref gave only a warning.

OT:
Stevens felt a little more adventurous feeling like they had been giving too much respect to Tufts during the match. They came at Tufts the first 5 minutes and then Tufts came back with a nice opportunity off a TVB cross but no one finished it. Back and forth each way but nothing to dangerous.

OT2:
Gerken with a nice header on goal. He was running hard 2nd OT.

Question is the Stevens kid #8 Sean Masur related to St.John's Head Coach Dave Masur? There is also a young Masur on the Coaching staff. Masur started his Coaching career in D3 at MSU in the late 80's.

PK's:
Stevens #16 missed 2.
Tufts #8 Shin telegraphed his with his hips.
Just crazy Tufts GK Lauta is an absolute nutter. Making saves, blasting the ball in the stands, hyping up the refs and anyone else near him. What a GK though as if he continues to progress and keeps working hard and stays somewhat humble he could play at the next level.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: gfal5 on November 17, 2021, 12:54:46 PM
To answer your question, yes both player and coach are Dave Masur's nephews
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on November 17, 2021, 01:45:23 PM
Re lack of student supporters -- somewhat related, I remember being shocked after Tufts won the national championship in 2019, and checking Tufts' social media and seeing zero mention of this achievement.

(With the caveat that I could have missed a post; although I was looking for one at the time)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 17, 2021, 02:11:09 PM
Mr right. I think you're pretty spot on with most your assessments. Tufts won the NESCAC tourney with 6 players who may have started if healthy. 5 of those 6 returned this past weekend, some after significant periods off. I'm hoping the less than perfect performances can be partially attributed to rust and that those guys will be better for it this weekend.

I understand that the commentators weren't great but they were also 2 18 year old freshmen calling a DIII soccer game. I understand people being upset but some of the comments on the YouTube stream were over the top.

The small crowd was odd. We've traditionally had pretty big crowds especially for NCAA tournament games. On the streams this years it's seemed like the crowds have been bigger than normal during the regular season so I don't know what happened.  Maybe it was too cold or this was a big week for midterms, idk but the crowed was certainly disappointing and atypical last weekend.

Ultimately it's all about survived and advance at this time of year and that's what they did. It's gonna required a better performance this weekend cause Washington college is legit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d3commentr on November 17, 2021, 04:20:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 17, 2021, 12:02:19 PM
Stevens at Tufts:

Ref / Fouls 1st Half:
The ref(Jordan Cavaco) did ok 1st Half but he got bullied by the Tufts bench one time into giving a YC to Stevens #21 on an inadvertent trip on Tufts #2 Gerken. It was completely accidental and just a foul which is what he originally called but the balking of the bench influenced him as his hand went for the pocket 30 seconds later. #ridiculous


https://www.boston.com/news/crime/2021/11/17/state-police-trooper-arrested-domestic-violence/?p1=hp_featurestack

I don't think he will be reffing any of the games this weekend...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: DucksFan02 on November 17, 2021, 06:02:06 PM
Fantastic writeup Mr. Right!! Spot on about the flow of play, atmosphere, physicality, and chances in the game. From someone whom was there in person, well done and hoping the streaming situation is fixed by this weekend. Heard from others that the commentators were a joke and essentially spent their time getting called out in the comments of the stream.

d3commentr that is crazy about the referee!! no wonder he was letting so much go uncalled/carded!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on November 17, 2021, 08:53:32 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 17, 2021, 12:02:19 PM
Stevens at Tufts:


Jumbocast 1st Half:
The stream was a clusterf*ck the entire 1st Half. The announcers kept saying "technical difficulties" but man I hope they can fix that before this weekend. The PbP kid has been doing it all year and does a fine job especially for a Frosh. He will be real good his Senior year. He is a Tufts homer but because he brings "the passion" it forces the viewer to not really care. He comes well prepared researching the opponent as well as Tufts. He should just call the game alone. The Color guy Felix seems like a real good kid a real nice positive kid but 1st Half he was lost in space. Color Guy quote of the 1st Half "The Sun is starting to come out now so it might warm down the weather". At one point when Shin got fouled he yelled "Shin is down". So while this is not a problem during the Regular Season it becomes a minor one during the NCAA's as it kind of gets in the way. Good kid excellent kid but was all over the map interjecting on everything from Volleyball to Cops walking the players off in victory. Frankly Tufts could have 3 Color Guys, I honestly would not care as long as the stream is flawless next weekend.

1st Half Comments:
From what I did see there were very few chances from either side in that Half. Tufts had a couple chances from the run of play early on but could not finish. Stevens also had a few from the run but Stevens showed they were for real with #10 Silva hitting the crossbar on one set piece and later playing another free kick to the back post that no one made a run for. Great ball by Silva as he was dangerous playing behind the striker. He was capable of creating his own shot and one of those players that can Win these type of challenging games all by himself. Other than that it was a pretty sloppy / choppy Half.

Ref / Fouls 1st Half:
The ref(Jordan Cavaco) did ok 1st Half but he got bullied by the Tufts bench one time into giving a YC to Stevens #21 on an inadvertent trip on Tufts #2 Gerken. It was completely accidental and just a foul which is what he originally called but the balking of the bench influenced him as his hand went for the pocket 30 seconds later. #ridiculous

Unnecessary Hard Foul 1st Half #1:
50/50 ball in Tufts end with Stevens pushing forward. The ball was challenged by Tufts #16 Paoletta and Stevens #12. Stevens player was looking for the ball and Paoletta was looking for the body. Paoletta absolutely bulldozed right into #12 with a Shoulder Check but correctly kept his elbow tucked in or risk a Penalty. Oh wait my bad wrong sport. The ref waved play on as Stevens pushed forward and #12 lay motionless on the turf. Stevens #11 then showed a nifty piece of skill to beat Tufts #22 Aidan Welsh by flicking it to himself over Welsh's head. He beat Welch and then drives a 25 yard left footed rocket off the post. Stevens #12 was dazed but recovered and Jordan Cavaco broke out his 4th YC of the 1st half. Felix "I do not know if that should have been a card at all it was really unintentional and wrong place wrong time." Uh-huh.

Unnecessary Hard Foul 1st Half #2:
Tufts defender #25 Clivio chasing Stevens #11 who was hunting a long ball by the touchline just past the Tufts bench. It was maybe 50/50 that #11 could get to it before going out of bounds. Even if he did get it there was no room to go anywhere as Clivio had him closed down. Instead of just buckling down and defending Clivio decides to shoulder check the kid off his feet and onto the turf and almost rammed him into the fence. Just a stupid foul in a dangerous area. This was the set piece I mentioned before with #10 hitting a great ball to the back post for a free header but the run was not made.

Lineups:
Starters:   It was difficult to tell what Tufts was doing because of the stream but I think they were defending in a 5-3-2 with 3 Central Defenders but when they got the ball and went forward RB #3 Daly and LB #2 Gerken were up and down the flank to make a 3-5-2. The 3 Central defenders were LCB #25 Clivio, CB #16 Paoletta and RCB #22 Welsh. Midfield was #6 Enge, #5 Aroh and #13 Van Brewer in a more attacking role. Looked like #11 Cano was joined by #10 Seigelstein up top. Seigelstein and especially Welsh were thrown right into the fire as it was the first weekend they have played in a very long time. This has become the story of how the grunts do the hard work to get you to where you are and "the talent" comes in to Win the title. I get it now.

Bench 1st Half:

#19 Traynor for Seigelstein   20'
#14 Ingersoll for Enge          25'
#9 Jacobs for Cano              30'
#8 Shin for TVB                   30'
#4 Cook for Gerken              35'

2nd Half:

2nd Half Lineup:
Tufts came out in a somewhat more attacking formation. Looked like a 4-2-3-1 with a back 4 of LB Daly, LCB Clivio, RCB Welsh, RB Gerken. Central midfield had #5 Aroh and Ingersoll hanging back while Van Brewer was attacking. Wide Left was Cano, Wide Right was Traynor and Jacobs was up top. So Tufts made some changes with Cano out wide and Jacobs up top. Enge and Paoletta not starting instead going with Welsh and Ingersoll.

2nd Half Subbing:
#26 Gibson Campbell for #2 Gerken at RB    55'
#6  Enge   for #14 Ingersoll                        58'
#12 Brady  for #9 Jacobs up top                  64'
#8  Shin   for #13 Van Brewer                     64'
#10 Seigelstein for #19 Traynor                   68'
-After about 5-10 minutes Daly went to RB and Campbell went LB.
#9 Jacobs   for #12 Brady                           76'
#13 TVB     for #8 Shin                               77'
#19 Traynor for #10 Seigelstein                  83'
#16 Paoletta for #22 Welsh                         84'
#22 Welsh   for #6  Enge                            86'
               
2nd Half Comments:
The Half was a defensive slugfest. Tufts had more of the ball and Stevens was hounding them pretty good. Neither team had any time on the ball in their attacking halves. Stevens busted all half. Neither team generated many dangerous chances. Stevens best chance was off a misplayed weak header by Welsh to GK #0 Lauta. It was picked off by Stevens #22 but Tufts GK Lauta saved the day with a big play to thwart the striker. Welsh had a pretty decent game but did show some rust with that header and a badly misplayed ball in midfield late in the game. Jacobs might be coming back from injury but has unfortunately lost all his speed and is not the same player up top at least not that I saw in that game. Seigelstein got a good run in but did not play enough minutes for me to get a read. Campbell was fine at wingback but did show some rust with a couple bad giveaways in dangerous areas.  With Cano out wide it gives Tufts a much better threat on the flank. He is one of few Jumbos that can create his own shot and havoc 1v1 and they need him out there. Now striker could be where Seigelstein lands along with Brady, Jacobs and even Traynor IMO should be getting runs up top. He has a nose for the goal if given opportunities. He has got to work on his 1v1 in offseason as with a stronger left foot he could be a real danger out wide. Centrally they are fine and the back 4 are good to go. I just think in the years to come they need to focus less defensively and start playing some quick one two touch futbol. They had 1 dangerous counter the whole 2nd Half and with Stevens hounding them with 11 behind the ball they should have been off to the races before Stevens could adjust defensively. Tufts were to slow in attack this game.

Announcers did keep saying "The fans are going crazy cheering on their Bos" Frankly the atmosphere was a bit depressing with not a good showing by Tufts supporters. I mean you compare that to what Conn fans did at a much smaller school and even other D3 schools across the country that we have seen this year draw real well. This team always drew well up on campus and they have got to get a Soccer specific field with the Women where Kraft is. They might be able to squeeze a really nice turf Soccer Specific field right in that space. I get it its cold out and kids watch the NFL but the players deserve better than this. Maybe the play on the field needs to be crisper as well. Have the kids show off their individual talent by getting the ball down and playing some true futbol and generating more chances and goals. Start countering with purpose. It will have to wait for 2022 as nothing is going to change now but when this monster Senior class graduates Tufts will need to make some changes to the style. Yes I know they have Won 4/6 NCAA Championships doing it their way but this team needs to be much crisper going forward or it could end on their Home field this weekend.

Bad Fouls 2nd Half:
Stevens owned this category 2nd Half as #22 had two ruthless fouls back to back late in the 2nd Half. He has got to be booked on the 2nd one but the ref gave only a warning.

OT:
Stevens felt a little more adventurous feeling like they had been giving too much respect to Tufts during the match. They came at Tufts the first 5 minutes and then Tufts came back with a nice opportunity off a TVB cross but no one finished it. Back and forth each way but nothing to dangerous.

OT2:
Gerken with a nice header on goal. He was running hard 2nd OT.

Question is the Stevens kid #8 Sean Masur related to St.John's Head Coach Dave Masur? There is also a young Masur on the Coaching staff. Masur started his Coaching career in D3 at MSU in the late 80's.

PK's:
Stevens #16 missed 2.
Tufts #8 Shin telegraphed his with his hips.
Just crazy Tufts GK Lauta is an absolute nutter. Making saves, blasting the ball in the stands, hyping up the refs and anyone else near him. What a GK though as if he continues to progress and keeps working hard and stays somewhat humble he could play at the next level.

Good stuff Right!  Pretty Spot On!  I would also like to see the Jumbos connect on shorter passes... Stevens had some good players.  Great game!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2021, 02:45:10 AM
Quote from: d3commentr on November 17, 2021, 04:20:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 17, 2021, 12:02:19 PM
Stevens at Tufts:

Ref / Fouls 1st Half:
The ref(Jordan Cavaco) did ok 1st Half but he got bullied by the Tufts bench one time into giving a YC to Stevens #21 on an inadvertent trip on Tufts #2 Gerken. It was completely accidental and just a foul which is what he originally called but the balking of the bench influenced him as his hand went for the pocket 30 seconds later. #ridiculous


https://www.boston.com/news/crime/2021/11/17/state-police-trooper-arrested-domestic-violence/?p1=hp_featurestack

I don't think he will be reffing any of the games this weekend...


Just to correct the record. This is not the referee. There is no way that Center Ref was 27.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2021, 03:34:02 AM
I feel like this is what Lauta needs for his pregame.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1447312032836067335

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 18, 2021, 04:30:00 AM
Amherst at Babson next.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 18, 2021, 08:17:29 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2021, 02:45:10 AM
Quote from: d3commentr on November 17, 2021, 04:20:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 17, 2021, 12:02:19 PM
Stevens at Tufts:

Ref / Fouls 1st Half:
The ref(Jordan Cavaco) did ok 1st Half but he got bullied by the Tufts bench one time into giving a YC to Stevens #21 on an inadvertent trip on Tufts #2 Gerken. It was completely accidental and just a foul which is what he originally called but the balking of the bench influenced him as his hand went for the pocket 30 seconds later. #ridiculous

https://www.boston.com/news/crime/2021/11/17/state-police-trooper-arrested-domestic-violence/?p1=hp_featurestack

I don't think he will be reffing any of the games this weekend...


Just to correct the record. This is not the referee. There is no way that Center Ref was 27.

Unfortunately, it is the referee.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d3commentr on November 18, 2021, 08:44:34 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 18, 2021, 02:45:10 AM
Quote from: d3commentr on November 17, 2021, 04:20:09 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 17, 2021, 12:02:19 PM
Stevens at Tufts:

Ref / Fouls 1st Half:
The ref(Jordan Cavaco) did ok 1st Half but he got bullied by the Tufts bench one time into giving a YC to Stevens #21 on an inadvertent trip on Tufts #2 Gerken. It was completely accidental and just a foul which is what he originally called but the balking of the bench influenced him as his hand went for the pocket 30 seconds later. #ridiculous


https://www.boston.com/news/crime/2021/11/17/state-police-trooper-arrested-domestic-violence/?p1=hp_featurestack

I don't think he will be reffing any of the games this weekend...


Just to correct the record. This is not the referee. There is no way that Center Ref was 27.

Then where you saw that the Center Ref was Cavaco (assuming Box Score) is incorrect because I know he is a State Trooper and age 27/28 from playing against him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 18, 2021, 09:07:15 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on November 17, 2021, 01:45:23 PM
Re lack of student supporters -- somewhat related, I remember being shocked after Tufts won the national championship in 2019, and checking Tufts' social media and seeing zero mention of this achievement.

(With the caveat that I could have missed a post; although I was looking for one at the time)

To be fair, there was plenty of press when they won in 2014, and in 2016 I remember a post-championship video of the hardware returning to Medford with a pretty decent student body reception. Interesting to note that Tufts as a school had won 0 NCAA team championships before 2010, when their men's lacrosse program beat perennial powerhouse Salisbury. Since then, the floodgates have opened to a degree: MSOC has 4, MLAX has 3, and a smattering of others — I want to say softball and field hockey but I am too lazy to check.

Anyway, I wouldn't go so far as to assume that the student body or greater Tufts community has become complacent with the recent deluge of success, but for a Tufts alumna/us of the last few years who has seen athletic success in a number of sports (I know the Tufts track program won a number of NESCAC titles during that stretch as well), they might not have known any different. Even the way the much-maligned commentators spoke as Woovin Shin walked up to the penalty spot to take the fifth kick, which would have sent Tufts through — and maybe they were just excited in the moment — they seemed to assume he would score, and I found that a little off-putting.

It will be interesting to see how they fare once this stacked senior class goes. Lauta is a monster goalkeeper and might be even better than Greenwood in the conversation for the best the program has seen when all is said and done, and that's not even mentioning Brady/Traynor/Shin/Campbell/etc., so they'll probably be fine. That said, no program has a divine right to success, and I remember being utterly convinced Tufts was destined for another title in 2017 only to be knocked out on a fluke goal (wasn't disappointed; just surprised). As a Tufts parent once remarked to me, you need luck to make it through three weekends of knockout games unscathed. Of course, you need to be in a position of strength to benefit from that luck, as they are, but sometimes you go to the well and it's dry.

A penny for Erich Kindermann's (Lauta's predecessor's) thoughts: the guy won the 2019 title and doesn't appear to be on the roster this year. Hey, I guess if you're going to go out (or someone else takes your spot), go out on top.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 18, 2021, 09:45:15 AM
Oddly, U Rochester, a controversial pick for the NCAA tourney, that was eliminated in the first round by Calvin 4-0 played the teams both Amh and Midd will face next during the early part of the regular season. UR defeated Amh foe Cortland 1-0 and tied Midd foe John  Carroll 0-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 18, 2021, 10:53:20 AM
Quote from: maineman on November 18, 2021, 09:45:15 AM
Oddly, U Rochester, a controversial pick for the NCAA tourney, that was eliminated in the first round by Calvin 4-0 played the teams both Amh and Midd will face next during the early part of the regular season. UR defeated Amh foe Cortland 1-0 and tied Midd foe John  Carroll 0-0.

I realize your point here probably wasn't to re-raise the UR bid issue, but since I joked about UR on another thread that got taken down a road I didn't intend, let me jump in to clarify my view on something.  Just because a team might not meet criteria (imo) for a bid or at best is highly questionable for getting one doesn't extrapolate to that team not being good or even formidable or capable of winning a couple of rounds in the tournament.  The joke is that year after year UR finds itself in the tournament, and often with a resume that could land either way.  Obviously a big part of UR often having a 9-5-3 or 8-4-5 kind of record is a reflection of being in the UAA gauntlet and having a high SoS.  At any rate, I'm just underscoring that there is a difference between who best met the criteria versus who might be competitive.  We can disagree about the first, just like a handful of years ago John Carroll was something like 17-3-1 and didn't get a bid.  There was no question that JCU could have been competitive and I don't recall off the top of my head if the "snub" was mostly about SoS or something else.  I think the system as used is fair as constructed, and I don't think there are any secret, dirty shenanigans, but the process can yield outcomes where sometimes seemingly "deserving" teams get left out (based on the criteria as constructed) and sometimes perhaps questionably deserving teams get in (based on the criteria as constructed).  And sometimes it's a seemingly fluky (don't read deceptive or wrong) factor that makes a difference...like a Wabash sneaking into the regional rankings the last week and thereby giving a team like Kenyon 4 ranked wins instead of 2.  Was Kenyon any better or worse based on whether they did or did not get those two extra "ranked" wins?  Of course not, but those things can determine whether a team gets a bid or doesn't.  There are legit quibbles about the process, like West region teams not having the same opportunities regarding S0S but still being subject to that standard with no corrective mechanism, how a team finished the season, not making your own conference tourney, etc....but the process already has a number of factors to consider and one can fairly question whether adding more is feasible or even advisable. That said, for those new to this, and even for many of us not new, what goes down can seem counter-intuitive or "unfair."  A steep learning curve on this stuff is the norm, not the exception.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 18, 2021, 11:40:33 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 18, 2021, 10:53:20 AM
Quote from: maineman on November 18, 2021, 09:45:15 AM
Oddly, U Rochester, a controversial pick for the NCAA tourney, that was eliminated in the first round by Calvin 4-0 played the teams both Amh and Midd will face next during the early part of the regular season. UR defeated Amh foe Cortland 1-0 and tied Midd foe John  Carroll 0-0.

I realize your point here probably wasn't to re-raise the UR bid issue, but since I joked about UR on another thread that got taken down a road I didn't intend, let me jump in to clarify my view on something.  Just because a team might not meet criteria (imo) for a bid or at best is highly questionable for getting one doesn't extrapolate to that team not being good or even formidable or capable of winning a couple of rounds in the tournament.  The joke is that year after year UR finds itself in the tournament, and often with a resume that could land either way.  Obviously a big part of UR often having a 9-5-3 or 8-4-5 kind of record is a reflection of being in the UAA gauntlet and having a high SoS.  At any rate, I'm just underscoring that there is a difference between who best met the criteria versus who might be competitive.  We can disagree about the first, just like a handful of years ago John Carroll was something like 17-3-1 and didn't get a bid.  There was no question that JCU could have been competitive and I don't recall off the top of my head if the "snub" was mostly about SoS or something else.  I think the system as used is fair as constructed, and I don't think there are any secret, dirty shenanigans, but the process can yield outcomes where sometimes seemingly "deserving" teams get left out (based on the criteria as constructed) and sometimes perhaps questionably deserving teams get in (based on the criteria as constructed).  And sometimes it's a seemingly fluky (don't read deceptive or wrong) factor that makes a difference...like a Wabash sneaking into the regional rankings the last week and thereby giving a team like Kenyon 4 ranked wins instead of 2.  Was Kenyon any better or worse based on whether they did or did not get those two extra "ranked" wins?  Of course not, but those things can determine whether a team gets a bid or doesn't.  There are legit quibbles about the process, like West region teams not having the same opportunities regarding S0S but still being subject to that standard with no corrective mechanism, how a team finished the season, not making your own conference tourney, etc....but the process already has a number of factors to consider and one can fairly question whether adding more is feasible or even advisable. That said, for those new to this, and even for many of us not new, what goes down can seem counter-intuitive or "unfair."  A steep learning curve on this stuff is the norm, not the exception.
I was only mentioning them as comparative scores since neither Amh or Midd have common opponents with their upcoming foes.  I like both of their chances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on November 18, 2021, 08:50:41 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 18, 2021, 09:07:15 AM
I remember being utterly convinced Tufts was destined for another title in 2017 only to be knocked out on a fluke goal (wasn't disappointed; just surprised).
Yes, as I recall, you weren't too disappointed!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 19, 2021, 05:33:16 AM
Amherst at Babson:

Amherst Backup GK Poop Pregame:
Backup GK's punting to each other in Babson's end. They are backup's for a reason so go have the stones to tell them to get off your yard.

Amherst Protest Against Racial Injustice and Police Brutality:
Senior #6 Sean Dube.
I am all for it. Hey get everything in while you can before a Jan 6th type(HBO Documentary is unreal) Fascist takeover in 22' and 24'.

Amherst Starters:
GK #00 Hope-Gund, LB #33 Gittler, LCB #12 Wu, RCB #7 Kelly, RB #5 Johnson. Two holding were #3 ten Cate and #22 Clark-Eden. ten Cate became more adventurous going forward as the Half wore on. #8 Shahmirzadi and #16 Derby were Central with Derby sitting behind the two strikers #23 Okorogheye and #9 Giammattei.

Amherst Bench:
#13 Niall Murphy for Derby 20'.

Amherst Goal#1:                "I need me a GK with guts"
A minute into the game a Babson Goal Kick sails to midfield and offered up as a 50/50 Header between Shahmirzadi and Babson #19. Amherst's 5'10 little engine that could won the ball. The ball ends up on LB Gittler's hoof and he tries to play a nice ball to striker Okorogheye's feet but Babson RB #24 read it well and intercepted it. However, the Babson RB's touch was extremely heavy and Amherst Shahmirzadi arrives just in time to not tackle him and just stick his foot in. The non tackle does bother the ball though as it rolls to the the foot of Babson's skilled midfielder #10 at midfield. Babson's #10 has maybe 2 seconds on the ball before Amherst #3 ten Cate comes roaring in with a ferocious slide tackle. The ball now is on a third Babson players foot as #5 has maybe 3 seconds on the ball before Shahmirzadi is on him like glue. This time Shahmirzadi tackles well and drives the ball forward to #9 Giammattei. Giammattei makes a fantastic fake and lets the ball roll to him along with three Babson defenders. Now we are in Babson's defensive 3rd and Amherst #9 has the ball at his feet. The three Babson defenders give #9 way too much respect with full freedom of his right foot to work with. He gets by one of the defenders easily and finds room to rip a right footed blast on net just inside the 18. The shot is low and takes one hop but is within reach for the Babson GK to make a save on. The GK saved it but did not smother it and is now in a foot race with Amherst #16 Derby for the ball at the back post. Derby was closest to the ball and he gets there in plenty of time to blast a shot directly on goal but on a tight angle and right at the Babson GK. Instead of getting big and taking it on the chin the GK turns his back in fear and the ball is in the back of the net. GK disaster #1 as I would have sacked him right there 2 minutes in to make a point.


Amherst Goal #2:                  "I need me a GK that can kick"
Four minutes before Halftime the Babson GK takes a harmless Goalkick. He has his second disaster of the Half with a "slip and kick" right to Amherst striker #23 Okorogheye. The Amherst striker beats one defender and rips it into the net. A devastating goal that just cannot happen if your team wants to advance past such a strong Amherst side.

Amherst Goal #3:                      "GK Blues and a #9 Bike"
#5 Bryce Johnson a long throw in Babson's defensive 3rd deep to the back post. Babson GK punches it but not far enough as it drops right to Amherst #9 Giammattei who skillfully "bikes" it across the box to a wide open #16 Derby right on the six. Derby leaps high to get a free header but the GK is there to make the catch and the save. Oh wait no sorry the GK decides not to catch the ball but to "slap at it" like swatting a fly and slaps it right to Amherst #3 ten Cate. The gamer is in the right place and taps it home to finish this baby off.

1st Half Notes:
-This was actually a pretty entertaining Half with a wide open frenetic up and down type of game. Babson actually played pretty well box to box against Amherst. Their GK and lack of finishing absolutely killed them. Babson was not afraid to play some futbol especially in the back while Amherst pressed with 4. The problem was when they crossed midfield Amherst was just more physical on the ball and hounding the Beavers pretty hard. Every 50/50 ball Amherst owned. While Babson was an athletic team and were playing Amherst straight up on their field I thought Amherst played just a bit better and was the aggressor on the day. Amherst #3 ten Cate absolutely owned one of Babson's more skilled Central Midfielders #10 Collins. He was all over him and allowed him nothing in the run of play. This did free up Babson #11 Kalishman as he was causing Amherst some problems off the dribble but Collins was the true threat on set pieces as he had some real dangerous hits on any free kick he was given. Amherst gave him plenty of opportunities as they love conceding bad fouls in dangerous areas with about four stupid and unnecessary fouls in their own defensive 3rd. Amherst GK Hope-Gund made two unreal saves on Collins but also coughed up 2-3 of them and left some juicy rebounds that Babson could not convert. If I am Cortland State watching that I have got to test Hope-Gund this weekend and then have 3-4 players following up hard for cough ups. I thought #5 Bryce Johnson had a good game and has really improved as a player. His speed, competitiveness and long throw will be missed in 2022. The whole Amherst backline will be gone to graduation and they along with ten Cate have been a big reason as to why Hope-Gund has not allowed a Goal in over a month. Amherst had about seven legitimate scoring opportunities in the Half as Babson was giving Amherst to much time on the ball in their defensive half. ten Cate had about 3-4 real good looks off his noggin from set pieces as he is a real threat to score with his head and needs to be marked tight. His lack of pace can be taken advantage of in the run of play but I have not seen too many players willing to do so. Okorogheye and Giammattei had a Goal each and had more chances to score throughout the Half. I thought possession was pretty even between the teams but Amherst converted their chances and Babson did not.

2nd Half Notes:

Babson did not look like they were going to be able to break down Amherst and score 3 goals. This was my cue to find Cortland State video.

For Babson they can now look forward to their 2022 season as the recruiting has really improved and Babson could get even better depending on who they have coming back from their listed Seniors.

Also do not sleep on their successful Men's Hockey program who got robbed of a 2020 NCAA game v Wesleyan that was scratched only 2 days before the puck was supposed to drop due to Covid. Can you imagine working all year to get to the NCAA's in Men's Hockey which is one of the more challenging things to do because of the limited field and having your season just cut right from underneath you. Wesleyan won the 2020 Nescac Tournament and was looking real good heading into that game. It would be like the Men's Soccer season ending RIGHT NOW. It was a pretty harsh ending for those teams. Moving On.............
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 21, 2021, 05:42:40 AM
NCAA Elite 8:

Midd at Amherst 1pm ET
Conn at Tufts     3pm ET

Short Saturday Recaps:

I do not think an opponent has given Amherst a game since their Nescac QF ouster to Colby 3 weeks ago. Colby had a legit game plan and the players to carry it out which is more than I can say for Cortland. This was the first time I had seen Cortland and they have turned into a team that likes to possess. Credit to the Coaching staff for that. However, they are the ones to blame for that embarrassment. Not sure what they were watching when they scouted Amherst but the one thing not to do is play 10 foot square passes in your back half. Had they come out in a defensive 4-2-3-1 they had the athletes to bunker in and counter. That was the only way they could play that game and advance. They were too slow with the ball at their feet to possess against Amherst and the whole thing broke down from there. Amherst second goal came from Cortland's GK playing a 10 yard Goal Kick on the grass right to a player in the middle of the field that Derby is on in 3 seconds and tackles then a ball to #9 who does the rest. The Cortland players also could have given more of a fight as that was really not a good showing. I nodded off on my laptop in the 60th minute and I blame Cortland for that as it really takes a lot for me to nod. #9 with a Hat Trick to get his total goals in double digits which is where it should be. He had not scored in over a month and had missed a PK in that Nescac QF to Colby. The Cortland GK must have seen that miss because he guessed right but #9 went the other way. Pretty weak PK call as that has not been called all season. 4-1 Amherst and most starters got a real good rest including the backline as they had very little to battle against.

It was Midd 2-1 over JCU in a more competitive game. JCU was not afraid to throw their bodies around and got a late goal in the 1st Half off a free kick and fantastic finish by Midd's RB Hank Nelson. It was 1-0 JCU at Halftime. However, they just could not match Middlebury's depth as JCU got gassed by the 70th minute and Midd was all over them 2nd Half. Nelson got sacked for that own goal at Halftime and his replacement at RB Aiden Pape got the GW'ing Goal in the 70th minute. Quick counter down the wing to Saint Louis and Pape with a great back post run that JCU failed to mark and he had a free header on the back post. Nelson was needed and called on in the final 10 minutes defensively. He was running free in front of the back 4 so his confidence should be fine for today. 2-1 Midd Final. Funniest moment was when Midd had a 2v1 in the 2nd Half with their striker Reid with the ball at his feet. The Frosh Farrell is literally wide open at the 18 and Reid definitely sees him but keeps it for himself and rips it just wide. Farrell was in disbelief that he was not played. #SelfishStrikers. Love it.....

Tufts slid by Washington College on a ridiculous GW'ing Goal. That GK should be walking home. I cannot tell you how frustrating that is for field players. Field players do not bother with GK'ers figuring they do what they do and who am I to tell them how to play. Just do not let in SOFT GOALS but if you do expect to hear about it. A key part of Cano's Goal was the flick that Traynor had to get the ball deep into Tufts attacking 3rd. WC had a good game plan and were working hard all game with a great finish by their Senior Striker #9 Greg Adams to knot the game 1-1 five minutes after Tufts #3 Ian Daly's Goal. Tufts is playing with 3 Central defenders #22 Welsh, #16 Paoletta and #25 Clivio. Then they had #3 Daly at RB and #26 Campbell at LB. 1st Half Tufts was in a 5-3-2 which is just blatantly conservative but then it morphed into a much more attacking 3-5-2. Much better atmosphere from the Bos' fans but they will need them again today because Conn is travelling with some serious supporters which is fantastic to see.

Conn gets by Redlands 1-0 with a GW'er from LB #6 Horvath Diano in the 89th minute. Jaran gets a mean ball into the box and all Horvath Diano had to do was connect with it and the game was finito. Redlands was another good team that just did not have the depth and the legs to play a full 90. 1st Half they were not only in the game but causing some problems for Conn. But in a replica of the NYU game as the half wore on Conn just dominated the ball and just kept coming and coming at Redlands. Wave after wave. Eventually Redlands broke although not before having a golden opportunity on goal midway thru the 2nd Half that the Redlands striker rushed and hit over the net. Conn brought a serious contingent of loyal Camel supporters and friends of the program that have been there all year long. Can the Camel players give them one more victory?


Next let's look at the matchups for today.....

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 21, 2021, 08:19:08 AM
Midd at Amherst:

What exactly are we getting into here? Does Amherst start the game like most others? Will they come out pumped up, pressing and running hard? "Chaos" futbol that has worked for them in past years to get early goals against unsuspecting teams. Thereby burying them before anyone knows what is going on. Recent examples would be St.Joe's in 2018 and RPI 2019. But Midd knows exactly what the hell is going on. You get thru the first 10-15 minuto burst and Amherst backs off to save energy. Maybe I have this all wrong and Midd will be the team on the front foot working the ball vertically and pressing while running hard trying to find that key first goal. That is how they have been playing since this tournament has started. They showed yesterday absolutely no panic in going behind on a crazy 1st Half finish. That would have buried most teams mentally but Midd came out and dominated the 2nd half and were fully confident they would win that game. It is then most likely BOTH teams come out all jacked up, everyone is pressed hard, giveaway galore fest, early YC's, guys getting frustrated which then leads to a physical bloodbath? Ehh maybe five years ago but the league is quickly changing and we are not just getting athletes into this league anymore. More and more teams are finding skill from top to bottom with athleticism. Every team in this league has improved technically. Maybe that is saying more about today's player but I think the league is attracting more talent. Right the game. Also possible we see both teams being super cautious and conservative with two players holding and only attacking with 4. It will probably be a mishmash of all of the above.

Are both HC's going to tinker to their lineups? My gut says Yes. Both teams have been starting a consistent core but in these games matchups become critical. Who will Midd have as a starting RB? Pape has been proving his worth but is Nelson a better 1v1 defender? That becomes important especially with what Amherst is bringing in attack. I actually thought Nelson did well roaming in front of the back 4 to finish off yesterday's match. Does this mean he is used today as a holder? Not sure but I know both players will be needed to contribute. #19 Casey Lund has been playing well at LB especially coming forward but he will be busy with Amherst RB #5 Bryce Johnson. Johnson has been roaming forward more and more lately and if Amherst is in a 4-4-2 with their 4 midfielders Central then Johnson will have plenty of space out wide to maneuver with his feet which will lead to more lethal long throws. Of course do not sleep on left back #33 Gabe Gitler as he will get forward as well. Centrally I am almost sure we will see Amherst continue to use #22 Clark-Eden and #3 ten Cate sitting in front or RCB #7 Kelly and LCB #12 Wu. Middlebury has dangerous Central midfielders that have skill that need to be closely monitored and also Clark-Eden and ten Cate will be needed to help double Reid, Saint Louis and Barry. How Midd CB's #15 McFarlane and #32 O'Brien effectively deal with Amherst dangerous strikers and attacking midfielders will be key. They have been playing very well of late in front of GK #33 Ryan Grady. Who will HC Elias settle on in Central Midfield will be interesting. #30 Shane Farrell has been the most active and dangerous in attack. #26 Payne had a great fake off of the JCU defensive clear right before the ball ended up on #12 Ben Powers feet who found #23 Saint Louis for the rip. #21 Andrew Juarez has been hot and cold. Against F&M he showed real well but yesterday was slow to react and not ready to play which led to him quickly being replaced by Payne. That is what is so great because there is so much talent it is almost a competition within the midfield core to get on the field. Not ready to go on a certain day then you will be replaced with someone who is. They are obviously all good players but only so many minutes to go around. This is a total Coin flip game with some surprises throughout the game that even regular watchers of these teams will not be expecting. Amherst the Home Field comfort edge on grass. Amherst 2-1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 21, 2021, 10:43:26 AM
Conn at Tufts:

These two teams know each other real well. Conn winning 2-0 in the Regular Season at Home. Tufts winning the Nescac Championship on Conn's field 2-0. See Tufts Won the Nescac Tournament with younger guys. It was unnecessary to play "the talent" for this little Nescac rag because we have other things to be doing. Tufts Head Coach Kyle Dezotell "We believed we had enough quality and enough talent with the players that we had available. We had amazing performances from some freshmen and some sophomores, some of them who haven't played very much this year, and they played a ton of minutes in the NESCAC Tournament. So just really proud of the younger guys, but also of the culture within the team to be able to have the confidence in those guys to step in and perform in the tournament for what we think is the best conference in the country." Yea ok the reference to the very best conference yada yada but see they thought after getting soundly beat by Conn in the Regular Season they would not take the rematch very seriously and play the younger guys. Well I guess then today is when "the talent" shows up. One I really think Jumbo fans will not recognize a game where Conn will dominate the ball and possession. I am not sure they have seen that yet but I am fully expecting that if Tufts does not come out and play in that 3-5-2 and stay aggressive. Really show that yes Tufts wants the ball as well. Press hard and be hounding these Camels all over the field. Just like they were going to do at Conn in Game 1 but Conn started hitting balls over the top to keep Tufts honest. This tournament Tufts has been using these 3 Central Defenders and that is great when everyone is pushing forward in that 3-5-2. When they have wingbacks on the defensive it looks very 5-3-2 ish and enough with a little heat to put Grandma "lights out" in ten minutes if she happens to be watching. Of course it will come down to what Conn actually wants to do with that damn ball. I do not think they will have nearly the amount of time on the ball that Redlands allowed. Unless we get Tufts on the back foot willing to shift left , right, back, up, right, left, 5-3-2 and Conn insisting on breaking down 11 players. If Conn can bust upfield and break a possible Tufts press or if Tufts is not pressing then just on the counter then Conn is going to get the chances they will absolutely need to get a Goal. I think one goal is enough in this game. Tufts will allow no more in such a defensive shell.

Matchups....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 21, 2021, 11:14:15 AM
Of course this is also a rematch of the 2019 Elite 8 where the ultra talented Jumbos took advantage of lineup changes and sleeping at wheels and dusted Conn off the field 3-1. Maybe Tufts does not even remember this game as it got racked up with the rest of them. Conn should remember it because of the said dusting. Conn started to gamble yesterday by sneaking the skilled winger Frosh #7 Dylan Zane at LB when they were confident enough that their two CB's could deal with anything Redlands had attacking. Is that confidence still there today? Can Conn HC Burk quick hook a CB in the 83rd minute to get more attacking against Tufts? Sure a talented Soph #5 Cerezo went in but it is the 83rd minute and the kid had not played yet so was still cold. Maybe these subs are not a big deal and Conn has Won with these younger guys all year and everyone trusts everyone else. Certainly #25 Steve Yeonas with the guts to go full animal and shave the head is a good sign. That is commitment as it takes 6 months to re grow that and Soccer players would not be known to be first in line to be doing full team shave offs. Colorings / Streaks Yes, Shave Offs NO.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 21, 2021, 12:01:04 PM
 Strikers and Wingers will be held in check today. Yes I know #11 Cano will be out wide going at RB #30 Doyle. Which I think is the reason Doyle has supplanted #4 Mendo is because of 1v1 D. Mendo is plenty good off the bench for runs late in the Half when Tufts wingbacks are winded in attack but Doyle will need to prove his 1v1 D if Cano is wide which is where I expect him late in the game if it is level or Tufts needs a Goal. Which of these two Central midfields wins out? Central Midfield battle will be #5 Aroh, #6 Enge and #13 TVB against #14 Djerdjaj, #8 Jaran and #16 Lobo. This will decide the game.We know that when #9 Tshuma goes out Djerdjaj will push up and #18 Marvel comes in. Tufts will use #14 Ingersoll to replace Enge and #8 Shin to replace TVB. Can TVB and / or Shin not get bothered by Lobo and other stabs at the ball to help Tufts push some chances in the later minutes of the 2nd Half. Can Tufts get something from the injured guys coming back in attack? #9 Jacobs and #10 Seigelstein both have been playing up top or even out wide. Conn's backline has been playing very well on defense and the wingbacks in attack but still they do make me nervy sometimes playing to #00 Maidenberg in the back. Why risk this crap? But it is their style and they own that brand in Nescac. No other team uses their GK quite like Conn and they have absolutely no fear. Will Lauta need to make a save when it matters? Maybe. Maidenberg made one yesterday coming out of his net 2nd Half to smother a ball that the Redlands kid looked to be in on. Good confident Save. Tufts Home Turf field will give them the advantage. An early Goal will change tactics for both sides and maybe could open the game up which would be great for the neutral. Conn will sometimes change systems more than twice during a game if they go down. The Young HC likes pushing different buttons and I like that. But in the Salem State game none of these changes mattered unless they changed how aggressive they were in attack. That worked against NYU and last night. Can Conn knock the Champion of hits high horse? Yes. Conn 1-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on November 21, 2021, 12:24:50 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 21, 2021, 12:01:04 PM
Strikers and Wingers will be held in check today. Yes I know #11 Cano will be out wide going at RB #30 Doyle. Which I think is the reason Doyle has supplanted #4 Mendo is because of 1v1 D. Mendo is plenty good off the bench for runs late in the Half when Tufts wingbacks are winded in attack but Doyle will need to prove his 1v1 D if Cano is wide which is where I expect him late in the game if it is level or Tufts needs a Goal. Which of these two Central midfields wins out? Central Midfield battle will be #5 Aroh, #6 Enge and #13 TVB against #14 Djerdjaj, #8 Jaran and #16 Lobo. This will decide the game.We know that when #9 Tshuma goes out Djerdjaj will push up and #18 Marvel comes in. Tufts will use #14 Ingersoll to replace Enge and #8 Shin to replace TVB. Can TVB and / or Shin not get bothered by Lobo and other stabs at the ball to help Tufts push some chances in the later minutes of the 2nd Half. Can Tufts get something from the injured guys coming back in attack? #9 Jacobs and #10 Seigelstein both have been playing up top or even out wide. Conn's backline has been playing very well on defense and the wingbacks in attack but still they do make me nervy sometimes playing to #00 Maidenberg in the back. Why risk this crap? But it is their style and they own that brand in Nescac. No other team uses their GK quite like Conn and they have absolutely no fear. Will Lauta need to make a save when it matters? Maybe. Maidenberg made one yesterday coming out of his net 2nd Half to smother a ball that the Redlands kid looked to be in on. Good confident Save. Tufts Home Turf field will give them the advantage. An early Goal will change tactics for both sides and maybe could open the game up which would be great for the neutral. Conn will sometimes change systems more than twice during a game if they go down. The Young HC likes pushing different buttons and I like that. But in the Salem State game none of these changes mattered unless they changed how aggressive they were in attack. That worked against NYU and last night. Can Conn knock the Champion of hits high horse? Yes. Conn 1-0

I've long held that I thought to beat Tufts is to minimize their effectiveness 35 yards and in.  That means numbers, neutralizing wingers.  Getting caught in transition is where Tufts really thrives.  See the  game winner yesterday.  Don't think they are as solid defensively.  You still need to be real good with the ball obviously, which I think Conn is.

Think this will be a coaches game.  Which one better prepares for the tactical battle that this can come down to .... and ultimately, how lucky which side can be in front of goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 22, 2021, 09:42:54 AM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 21, 2021, 12:24:50 PM
Think this will be a coaches game.  Which one better prepares for the tactical battle that this can come down to .... and ultimately, how lucky which side can be in front of goal.

Interesting to think that the actual match turned into a basketball game. I figured it would be a slow burner, so didn't think anything of missing the first half. When I got home and it was 2-2 at halftime, I was quite surprised. Watching it all back, I think that the tying goal right before halftime was the momentum swinger; an argument could be made for 3-2, but ultimately I think if Conn. goes in down 2-1 Tufts probably sees it out. Conn's go-ahead goal was a banger that you can't really legislate for but then I think Tufts got a bit desperate and threw the kitchen sink and before they knew it was 4-2 (and then 5). To bring it back to 5-4 with 20 minutes remaining, and particularly given Tufts' superior pedigree, I think a lot of us thought 5-5 was on the cards. Either way, if they had perhaps regrouped at 3-2 and get back to 3-3 I still think they have the momentum. Perhaps they panicked a bit and went for the jugular too early (hindsight is 20/20).

Still, the Camels deserved a lot of credit for not buckling after going behind in the first half (twice) and conceding twice in two minutes to bring a three-goal lead back to one. It's often said that a two-goal lead is the most dangerous in soccer, but I think that's down to probability above all else — if you are three ahead and then concede twice, I have to think that's a momentum shifter, even if (statistically) less likely to result in the equalizer. Either way, I said in the other forum that I questioned if Conn. had the mentality to beat Tufts when it mattered after winning in the regular season and losing at home in the NESCAC final — which was only exacerbated when they lost a two-goal lead inside 120 seconds — but Maidenberg came up with a big save and the Camels kept their heads from there. Certainly the best attacking Elite 8 match I've ever seen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 22, 2021, 12:21:10 PM
I get a kick out of the NESCAC scoreboard.  I was scrolling ahead to see when and where the soccer semifinals were and low and behold on Dec 3 they have Bates vs Colby in football at 4 pm.  Also, just about any day you look at they have 0-5 Bowdoin playing Babson in Men's Lacrosse at 7 pm.  Ugh, can't they clean up this site?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 23, 2021, 03:46:09 AM
Tufts v Conn was a fantastic College Soccer game that I want to review first....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Striker22 on November 23, 2021, 06:40:42 PM
Just hearing through my son's contacts that Mike Pilger has officially retired from Trinity.  Can anyone confirm?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Striker22 on November 23, 2021, 06:45:59 PM
https://bantamsports.com/news/2021/11/23/trinity-mens-soccer-head-coach-mike-pilger-announces-retirement.aspx

Apologies folks.  I should have checked the website first.

End of an era at Trinity.  Onward and upward.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 23, 2021, 09:14:22 PM
Quote from: Striker22 on November 23, 2021, 06:45:59 PM
https://bantamsports.com/news/2021/11/23/trinity-mens-soccer-head-coach-mike-pilger-announces-retirement.aspx

Apologies folks.  I should have checked the website first.

End of an era at Trinity.  Onward and upward.

Was talking to someone at the Tufts  v  Conn  game on Sunday and they expressed a desire to see some change at Trinity! Nice facilities,whish them well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 24, 2021, 07:40:24 AM
Quote from: Striker22 on November 23, 2021, 06:45:59 PM
https://bantamsports.com/news/2021/11/23/trinity-mens-soccer-head-coach-mike-pilger-announces-retirement.aspx

Apologies folks.  I should have checked the website first.

End of an era at Trinity.  Onward and upward.

Yea that is to bad and they had improved this year but it takes a couple years to turn the ship. I remember hearing about Pilger as a player when I was a little kid. One of the best strikers in New England in I think the early 80's. Very good striker and I noticed this year in warmups up at Williams he was laying off to the Trinity players to shoot and still had good touch on the ball. That job is I bet is going to attract a lot of attention.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 24, 2021, 08:11:03 AM
Conn at Tufts (Elite 8) Rubber Match:
What a College Soccer game. That was purposeful triangle attacking play from both teams. If Conn plays like that in 2 weeks they are going to be a very tough out. I thought that was one of Conn's best games of the year in terms of purpose of play and clinical finishing. Tshuma was giving Tufts defenders fits all game and his touch on the ball was on this game. Creus seemed to be all over the field and had a great game. Jaran and Djerdjaj were key in midfield cleanly and quickly switching fields to men that were then attacking vertically with pace. Tufts showed that they could play this type game as well and entertained like no other Tufts team in years without the winning. If you clean up some of the defensive mistakes the game could have gone 2-2 or 3-2. Tufts came out aggressive and on the front foot to start the game in their 3-5-2. I just assumed they would bunker in after grabbing a 2-1 lead but Conn did not allow it. Tufts #6 Enge had a golden opportunity late in the 1st Half in Conn's box but passed instead of shooting. That would have gave Tufts a 3-1 lead going into the Half. They then would have buckled down and sat deep but it was not to be and Conn got the equalizer.
Conn Starters / Formation:
Conn started in a 4-3-3. Three Midfielders stay central with the Wingers expected to run up and down the flanks. Conn used the same Starting Lineup as the Redlands game. LB #6 Horvath Diano, LCB #24 Kelesoglu, RCB #21 Dutkewych and RB #30 Doyle. Centrally #16 Lobo was holding with #8 Jaran linking and #14 Djerdjaj attacking. #9 Tshuma up top with #25 Yeonas at LW and #13 Scoffone at RW.

Conn Bench:
#4  Mendo     at RB
#5  Cerezo    at RCB
#7  Zane      at LB
#17 Creus     at LW / RW
#18 Marvel in Central Midfield / Striker
#19 Diane     at LW
#28 Pinyochon at RCB / Aroh tracer final 10 minutes.

Conn got a good contribution from its bench in this game. Creus was all over the field when he played. He gave them a Goal and 3 Assists. Cerezo was called on early at RCB as Dutkewych got sacked following the failed clearance when Tufts took a 2-1 lead. Marvel started the play that led to Conn leveling before the break with a beautiful chip to Creus. Then Marvel was asked to play as a target the last 15 minutes of the game as he had fresher legs. Mendo got some dangerous crosses into the box for a RB getting up and down the flank. Pinyochon was shadowing Aroh all over the field in the final 10 minutes. Zane and Diane added fresh legs off of the back to back.

Tufts Starters / Formation:
Tufts started in a 3-5-2. In the back they had LCB #25 Clivio, CB #22 Welsh and RCB #3 Daly. Three Central Midfielders were #6 Enge holding with #5 Aroh roaming and #13 Van Brewer in attack. #2 Gerken and #26 Campbell were wide left and right and #11 Cano with #19 Traynor up top.

Tufts Bench:
#4 Max Cook    for Gerken
#8 Woovin Shin for TVB 1st Half
#9 Max Jacobs  for Traynor
#10 Zach Seigelstein up top for Cano 1st Half
#14 Eric Ingersoll for Enge
#23 Ethan Feigin for Cook late 2nd Half

Tufts got some help from its bench but not quite the production that Conn got. Jacobs basically played the whole 2nd Half and showed real battle while bagging a Goal in the final game of his Jumbo career. Still though whatever injury he sustained has slowed him down but he gutted it out and made sure he was on that field. Shin was active 1st half with a nice thru ball or two. Still his clearance with 45 seconds left in the 1st Half absolutely killed the Bos. He had the ball at his feet with some time to properly clear the ball down to the corner. He instead just randomly blasts the thing "to the next zip code"(color guy) but barely past midfield where Conn gets the throw down and 25 seconds later the ball is in the back of the net. Shin will be a very important piece for Tufts in 2022 replacing TVB. His game is technical and probably playing in the wrong system but now he needs to get stronger on the ball so he can control the pace of play in midfield. Seigelstein got a run 1st Half and Feigin late in the 2nd Half when Tufts was desperate to score. Ingersoll had a good game off the bench for Enge. He is just as active as Enge but with better technique as he will be another key piece for them in 2022.

"The Rhombus of Play":
Double Triangles were spotted all over the field and that is the foundation of good attacking play in futbol. Always give the player with the ball at his feet various options of which to go left and right and at various distances. At the same time when Tshuma was checking back to the ball he had options also left and right. In other words do not stand still. Conn did this well all game and it showed perfectly on Conn's 4th Goal. Tufts also does this extremely well and a great example was a minute into the 2nd Half TVB finds a wide open Aroh in a perfect triangle with Daly and Welsh at midfield Aroh plays a give and go with Daly. Because of the perfect triangle Aroh spots his winger exactly at the time of his one-two with Daly. After receiving the ball back from Daly, Aroh drives a 20 yard no look ball on the carpet down the wing to Gibson Campbell. I think Aroh saw the play in his head before his winger did because the ball beat Campbell to the spot but no matter as Campbell beat Horvath Diano 1v1 and got a cross to the near post for an early sniff but only a sniff. Still great deception from Aroh. A great attacking team must be unpredictable, adaptable and obviously effective.

Best Vertical Play:
Both teams came out and looked to play vertical all game. Tufts was no slouch today but Conn was just a bit better in execution on the day. 2nd Half Kelesoglu a driven ball on the carpet to Jaran in midfield. Jaran one times a phenomenal ball down the wing for Creus who misplayed it in the end but what a ball by Jaran.

Lessons Learned:
1st half Clivio teaches Mendo that yes if you are skilled you can beat a guy 1v1 out wide or play a one-two to get inside but keep your head up or beware the hungry angry wolf CB that comes over and shoulder checks you off the ball. Mendo learned because three minutes later he cuts inside again but this time with his head up and makes a great run at goal.

Jumbocast:
The stream was flawless all weekend with zero interruptions / blackouts. Tufts SID brought in the "pinch hitter", the cream of his student PbP announcing crop. A consummate play by play announcer that could really have a future in sports broadcasting. Alas I would bet $100 instead he is probably going into Investment Banking. The most impressive thing was he was not a Soccer guy. Probably a Football / Basketball / Baseball Announcer but it did not matter because he was too smooth for the viewer to care. Anytime he was unsure he went right to Color and that transition was made whole. Color Guy has been doing the Soccer games for a couple years now and also did a great job. He knows this Tufts team inside out and that helps the viewer understand what the Jumbos are trying to do. The Frosh that normally calls the games was sacked and I have no idea why as he had been doing a fine job all year. He will be real good at calling Jumbo Men's Soccer in the future as he knows the game. While these kids get a tremendous introduction and experience in the field of broadcasting it kinda sucks if they are not paid for the games they work.

Official Scorer Screw-Up:
This season has been an Official Scorer calamity with mistakes made in every game I have seen played. The Tufts Official Scorer screwed up Conn's Starters as he forgot LCB Kelesoglu. How do you forget a starter? You are given the lineups 30 minutes before the kick. Also, his total minutes were more like 80 not the 37 that is official. Yea I know small potatoes but I need me accuracy. Damn It.

1st Half Goals:

Tufts#1:        "Never Mess with a Drooling Striker"
This all started off a Kelesoglu clear. It was an unnecessary 30 yard blast straight up into the air in his defensive 3rd and out of bounds. He had time to settle and clear properly but instead Tufts long thrower Daly would be given a chance to get one in the box. Daly's throw just misses the head of its target which is Aroh in the box. Aroh had Djerdjaj on his back and was also fronted on the play. Not one player from either side connected with a header so the ball is allowed to drop and Conn's Yeonas sticks a random foot out to try to get the ball out. Instead he plays a great ball across his own 18 which the salivating Tufts striker Cano spots. Cano throws a fake to create space and Conn's RB Doyle bites. Doyle over commits to the ball just as Cano gets to it and turns Doyle with a skillful touch then rips a left footed blast right over GK Maidenberg. 1-0 Tufts.

Conn #1:        "Big Response Oh It's Go Time"
An unnecessary trip from Aroh on Doyle in a dangerous area gives Jaran a chance to serve one in from about 30 yards from net. Tufts defender Daly lines up marking Tshuma but takes one final look at the AR and his line. Daly is still between his man and the goal but in that split second Tshuma is given an edge as both he and Jaran catch Daly napping. Jaran serves a vicious ball into Tshuma's path and Conn is level in the blink of an eye. 1-1

Tufts #2:        "A How To Video on Failed Clearances"
Conn CB Dutkewych a failed one timed clearance off of a distant Tufts shot in which Dutkewych puts a great shot on his own net. That shot forces his GK Maidenberg to show off his reflex prowess early as Tufts gets a CK out of it. Maybe the GK should have called Dutkewych off and catch it himself but a bang bang play. TVB a ball into the mixer that again was not cleared and left to bounce around before a blocked shot from Aroh eventually led to a Clivio rip with his left into the net. Tufts 2-1

Conn #2:         "Halftime Deflation 101"
Conn really did well all game with looking forward and then playing with purpose. They had excellent off ball running and this Goal was no exception. Conn's LW Creus makes a run to the right side of the field and now Tufts Gerken found himself marking two men. Marvel drops a perfect chip over the head of Gerken down the right flank. Creus gets control of the ball out wide and serves it to Djerdjaj who lays it back for a running Scoffone who rips it left footed into the top netting just underneath the crossbar with 20 seconds left in the Half. 2-2

Halftime-----

2nd Half Goals:

Conn #3:        "Uh-Oh Who Throwing First Punch Now"
Djerdjaj a quick switch of fields to Doyle who backheels to Creus. The ball is then played to Jaran off a good run which earned Conn a CK two minutes into the 2nd Half. Defensively for Tufts on the CK Traynor is within distance to Conn's CB Cerezo at the 18 but Creus is about 10 yards behind him with a sh*t eating grin on knowing he is free to roam. CK gets comes in and it is headed out by Aroh but not far enough. Cerezo gets to it at the 18 and tries to volley it but it is blocked by Traynor. The ball pops up right into a running Creus who controls it and calmly flicks it to himslef for a clean strike with an inside of the right volley. Pretty technical to be placing 25 yard volleys into the net while freeze footing Lauta. Conn 3-2

Conn #4          "Slippery Ball Deceptive Run and A Striker's Finish"
Creus receives the ball in his half of the field and starts running free right at the Tufts defense. Djerdjaj is running off ball with Creus to which Creus picks up on. Creus understands that Djerdjaj is about to make a run into the box and he wants the ball. This type of understanding only comes with their experience being teammates and one reading what the other is doing. Clivio begins to step up, Enge is running with Djerdjaj and Gerken is tracking backwards with a winger. As the Tufts line reads what is about to happen Welsh steps them up and Enge backs off tracking Djerdjaj but there is a breakdown in communication because Djerdjaj is allowed to cut forward onside and is played thru the Tufts line with a sick no look ball by Creus. Lauta came out of net and tried to cut Djerdjaj's angle off but Djerdjaj finished it. Conn 4-2

Conn #5          "Striker's Dagger"

Camera lost it so I could not tell who at midfield flicked the ball to Creus but Creus ended up in a 2v1 with Tshuma. He unselfishly drew the defender to him and then played his striker. Tshuma buried it for his 2nd Goal of the game. Creus was absolutely all over the field 2nd Half. Conn 5-2

Tufts#3          "Champs Not Done Yet"
Traynor checks and receives the ball. He plays Daly out wide on the right flank. Daly flicks it 10 yards in the air to beat a defender running at him recklessly and then gets the ball down with his chest. He easily beats LB Zane who only dangles a foot out and now Daly finds himself getting near the goaline and Cerezo closing in on him. Luckily for Daly Cerezo fails to tackle and instead sticks a foot in and misses which allows Daly full freedom to cross it to an open Max Jacobs who goes on to score the final goal of his career. Conn 5-3

Tufts #4         "Why Strikers Should Never Be Defending"
A scant two minutes later Ingersoll plays a ball looking for Traynor across the 18. Striker Zane who is now playing LB for Conn overplays it and misses the ball. Zane should of allowed Traynor to recieve it and slow him down while he waits for help from his CB. Instead Traynor collects with no one between him and the goal and fires a bullet past Maidenberg.  Conn 5-4

Game Balls:
#5 Aroh-He never gave up and kept working. A 90 minute player that will be missed.
#9 Tshuma-2 Goals and his touch was on as a constant threat throughout the match.
#17 Creus-This kid shows up in big games. 1 G 3 A 41min.GW'er v Colby 2 weeks ago.


-Ill have to get to Midd and Amherst when I get back over the wknd. Both Amherst and Conn players will now have super hyped up Thanksgivings knowing they are still playing especially Seniors. It is a great feeling.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat1 on November 24, 2021, 08:49:44 AM
Tremendous recap. Really well done. Noticeably absent from the Tufts starting lineup was Paoletta. He has been an absolute force on the back line for Tufts since his sophomore year and clearly was missed in this rubber match against Conn. Congratulations to the Camels! They will be a very tough out in Greensboro.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 24, 2021, 09:54:13 AM
You are correct Bagio was the difference, guy has played all year with a number of different injuries but just could not make this game!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on November 24, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Mr, Right - I was surprised you made no comment about the intentional handball in the first half that was clearly a "goal scoring opportunity" per the rules.  Probably should have been a red but refs rarely have the guts to enforce the call.  Conn committed a second intentional foul in the second half when Cano was pulled down from behind by two hands around the waist.  It was actually kind of a dumb foul because a defender was coming to aid.  It also could have been a red because it was not a soccer play but rather a complete intentional foul.  Besides these two dumb plays it was an incredible game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 25, 2021, 09:09:08 AM
The handball was just weird, but not a red card. The pull down of Cano was not DoGSO, not a red.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 25, 2021, 09:40:28 AM
Quote from: Novacat on November 24, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Mr, Right - I was surprised you made no comment about the intentional handball in the first half that was clearly a "goal scoring opportunity" per the rules.  Probably should have been a red but refs rarely have the guts to enforce the call.  Conn committed a second intentional foul in the second half when Cano was pulled down from behind by two hands around the waist.  It was actually kind of a dumb foul because a defender was coming to aid.  It also could have been a red because it was not a soccer play but rather a complete intentional foul.  Besides these two dumb plays it was an incredible game.

A guy spends 1.5-2 hours putting together a detailed, very neutral, insightful recap and this is how you chime in?

I understand, because this is what most of us do who really care about our teams, but are you absolutely sure a Conn fan could watch the entire game again and not find any questionable calls in Tufts' favor or bad luck plays for Conn that easily could have gone the other way?  Off the top of my head I remember a play late in the 2nd half when just outside the 18 Aroh very aggressively took out the legs of a Conn player with no apparent attempt to get the ball at all.  I think he got a yellow for that.  Could that have been a red?  Or a second yellow if he had been shown yellow for fouls earlier in the game?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FBALLISLIFE on November 25, 2021, 10:31:12 AM
Quote from: Novacat on November 24, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Conn committed a second intentional foul in the second half when Cano was pulled down from behind by two hands around the waist.  It was actually kind of a dumb foul because a defender was coming to aid.  It also could have been a red because it was not a soccer play but rather a complete intentional foul.


Neither dumb, nor intentional equals red.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on November 25, 2021, 03:21:25 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 25, 2021, 09:40:28 AM
Quote from: Novacat on November 24, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Mr, Right - I was surprised you made no comment about the intentional handball in the first half that was clearly a "goal scoring opportunity" per the rules.  Probably should have been a red but refs rarely have the guts to enforce the call.  Conn committed a second intentional foul in the second half when Cano was pulled down from behind by two hands around the waist.  It was actually kind of a dumb foul because a defender was coming to aid.  It also could have been a red because it was not a soccer play but rather a complete intentional foul.  Besides these two dumb plays it was an incredible game.

A guy spends 1.5-2 hours putting together a detailed, very neutral, insightful recap and this is how you chime in?



I understand, because this is what most of us do who really care about our teams, but are you absolutely sure a Conn fan could watch the entire game again and not find any questionable calls in Tufts' favor or bad luck plays for Conn that easily could have gone the other way?  Off the top of my head I remember a play late in the 2nd half when just outside the 18 Aroh very aggressively took out the legs of a Conn player with no apparent attempt to get the ball at all.  I think he got a yellow for that.  Could that have been a red?  Or a second yellow if he had been shown yellow for fouls earlier in the game?

I agree that it was a great write up, just interested in his biased view on the handball.

I do think there is a big difference between an overly aggressive soccer play like the one you referenced from Aroh and a blatant 2 hand tackle from behind when you are doing nothing but intentionally stopping the play.

The point of my comments is that the referees rarely have the guts to make these type of calls.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on November 25, 2021, 03:23:51 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 25, 2021, 09:09:08 AM
The handball was just weird, but not a red card. The pull down of Cano was not DoGSO, not a red.


seriously, not trying to be combative at all, but why do you think this was not a red? (a) not intentional (b) not a goal scoring opportunity or (c) refs never make that call so (a) and (b) do not matter
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on November 25, 2021, 03:34:26 PM
Quote from: Novacat on November 25, 2021, 03:21:25 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 25, 2021, 09:40:28 AM
Quote from: Novacat on November 24, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Mr, Right - I was surprised you made no comment about the intentional handball in the first half that was clearly a "goal scoring opportunity" per the rules.  Probably should have been a red but refs rarely have the guts to enforce the call.  Conn committed a second intentional foul in the second half when Cano was pulled down from behind by two hands around the waist.  It was actually kind of a dumb foul because a defender was coming to aid.  It also could have been a red because it was not a soccer play but rather a complete intentional foul.  Besides these two dumb plays it was an incredible game.

A guy spends 1.5-2 hours putting together a detailed, very neutral, insightful recap and this is how you chime in?



I understand, because this is what most of us do who really care about our teams, but are you absolutely sure a Conn fan could watch the entire game again and not find any questionable calls in Tufts' favor or bad luck plays for Conn that easily could have gone the other way?  Off the top of my head I remember a play late in the 2nd half when just outside the 18 Aroh very aggressively took out the legs of a Conn player with no apparent attempt to get the ball at all.  I think he got a yellow for that.  Could that have been a red?  Or a second yellow if he had been shown yellow for fouls earlier in the game?

I agree that it was a great write up, just interested in his biased view on the handball.

I do think there is a big difference between an overly aggressive soccer play like the one you referenced from Aroh and a blatant 2 hand tackle from behind when you are doing nothing but intentionally stopping the play.

The point of my comments is that the referees rarely have the guts to make these type of calls.

I do think the write up captures the essence of the game - Conn's ability to make the right play and convert in the final third was the difference.  Their soccer IQ and technical ability shined and for that reason they deserve to go Greensboro.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on November 25, 2021, 04:41:59 PM
Quote from: Novacat on November 25, 2021, 03:23:51 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 25, 2021, 09:09:08 AM
The handball was just weird, but not a red card. The pull down of Cano was not DoGSO, not a red.


seriously, not trying to be combative at all, but why do you think this was not a red? (a) not intentional (b) not a goal scoring opportunity or (c) refs never make that call so (a) and (b) do not matter


He says not a DoGSO in his post...   DoGSO = Denial of Goal Scoring Opportunity. So I'm going with "B"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 25, 2021, 05:26:02 PM
Quote from: Novacat on November 25, 2021, 03:21:25 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 25, 2021, 09:40:28 AM
Quote from: Novacat on November 24, 2021, 05:27:52 PM
Mr, Right - I was surprised you made no comment about the intentional handball in the first half that was clearly a "goal scoring opportunity" per the rules.  Probably should have been a red but refs rarely have the guts to enforce the call.  Conn committed a second intentional foul in the second half when Cano was pulled down from behind by two hands around the waist.  It was actually kind of a dumb foul because a defender was coming to aid.  It also could have been a red because it was not a soccer play but rather a complete intentional foul.  Besides these two dumb plays it was an incredible game.

A guy spends 1.5-2 hours putting together a detailed, very neutral, insightful recap and this is how you chime in?



I understand, because this is what most of us do who really care about our teams, but are you absolutely sure a Conn fan could watch the entire game again and not find any questionable calls in Tufts' favor or bad luck plays for Conn that easily could have gone the other way?  Off the top of my head I remember a play late in the 2nd half when just outside the 18 Aroh very aggressively took out the legs of a Conn player with no apparent attempt to get the ball at all.  I think he got a yellow for that.  Could that have been a red?  Or a second yellow if he had been shown yellow for fouls earlier in the game?

I agree that it was a great write up, just interested in his biased view on the handball.

I do think there is a big difference between an overly aggressive soccer play like the one you referenced from Aroh and a blatant 2 hand tackle from behind when you are doing nothing but intentionally stopping the play.

The point of my comments is that the referees rarely have the guts to make these type of calls.


How was he biased?  You said he didn't mention it and I checked and didn't see him write anything biased about it...so you must mean he was biased because he didn't mention it. 

As for your distinction between different ways to get reds, two yellows works as well, and Aroh fouls frequently with no legit intent to get the ball.  I've got no gripe with that....he's making his presence felt, but wouldn't be a shock to see him pick up two yellows in a game.   The box score doesn't indicate that Aroh got any yellows even though I recall one of the announcers suggest he did on the play I noted.

BTW, if we're reviewing these things, Tufts led fouls 19 to 9.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on November 25, 2021, 07:55:30 PM
My mistake I meant to say "unbiased". Cannot figure out how to use edit function.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 26, 2021, 11:13:22 AM
Quote from: jknezek on November 25, 2021, 04:41:59 PM
Quote from: Novacat on November 25, 2021, 03:23:51 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 25, 2021, 09:09:08 AM
The handball was just weird, but not a red card. The pull down of Cano was not DoGSO, not a red.


seriously, not trying to be combative at all, but why do you think this was not a red? (a) not intentional (b) not a goal scoring opportunity or (c) refs never make that call so (a) and (b) do not matter


He says not a DoGSO in his post...   DoGSO = Denial of Goal Scoring Opportunity. So I'm going with "B"

Yep. :-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 26, 2021, 11:19:26 AM
The hand ball was intentional, you can argue as to whether it was a clear goal scoring opportunity or not but not about the players intention.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 26, 2021, 11:53:07 AM
Quote from: camosfan on November 26, 2021, 11:19:26 AM
The hand ball was intentional, you can argue as to whether it was a clear goal scoring opportunity or not but not about the players intention.

Intent doesn't matter, though. What matters is the denial of a goal scoring opportunity. You don't get a red card for intentionally handling the ball. You get a yellow for denying the opposition from gaining possession (which is what happened in the game we're discussing) and a red card if the hand ball prevents a goal scoring opportunity.

Even if a player handles the ball "accidentally," those two criteria can lead to yellow or red if the arm is in an unnatural position or is moving towards the ball. The latter instance is the one that is currently under the most scrutiny by FIFA, because it's really difficult to glean that action even with VAR.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 26, 2021, 12:07:12 PM
I only caught the second half of the Tufts/CONN game.  Is this archived anywhere to watch in its entirety?


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on November 26, 2021, 03:42:28 PM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on November 26, 2021, 12:07:12 PM
I only caught the second half of the Tufts/CONN game.  Is this archived anywhere to watch in its entirety?

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 21, 2021, 05:11:40 PM
Tufts v Connecticut
Quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament
Tufts Bello Field
Link – Third meeting between the two of them this season (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fk_pIidvwA)

-   Tufts owns much of the ball to start.  Controlling the middle.  Conn just doesn't have a rhythm with the ball yet.
-   Taken 10 minutes, but Conn is getting the ball under control and working it through their midfield.  Doing a very good job of having Tufts chase for a little.
-   Tufts really sitting deep just keeping Conn in front of them.
-   Conn is getting dangerous and getting closer to the Tufts goal. 
-   Tufts needs to get a hold of the ball for a little bit, but not sure they are built for that.
-   Or score a goal.  Like they just did.  Long throw for Tufts that finds its way back post where Tufts#11 turns his man and hits a ball that goes over the Connecticut Keeper.  Tufts 1, Connecticut 0.
-   By the by, the PBP is fantastic.  Give these guys lots of credit.  Some great color on the game and on the players.  Really impressed and can see they took the necessary preparations
-   Not sure what the Connecticut Keeper.  Looks like he was getting low and big and the ball went high and he wasn't ready?  Not sure, but that what it appears to be.
-   This just highlights the damage Tufts can do.  Goal came against the run of play.
-   And like that, Conn gets the equalizer.  Foul about 35 yards out. Conn#8 puts the ball into the box and Connecticut#9 steps in front of his defender and heads the ball in from 6 yards out.
-   Its not the first time I have said this but Tufts is not good defending on set plays. 
-   23 left in the half.
-   And Tufts gets another.  Corner kick from the Connecticut Keeper's right ball sent in and bounces out to Tufts#25, who gets a shot off, then on the rebound hits it into the back of the net.  Tufts 2, Connecticut 1.
-   Not the best of goals to allow.  The sort of goal you don't want to concede because its more of a case of not defending and clearing the ball out.
-   Think Conn is moving the ball too slow.  You don't even see the Tufts line moving at all.  All they do is pivot.
-   And every time I type something of profound importance, I get proved wrong.  Ball gets out to Conn#17 and he one times a ball across the box.  Ball is fought for between a Conn forward and a defender, but the ball drops to Conn#13 who rifles a ball to the right of Tufts Keeper, into the upper corner.  Tufts 2, Connecticut 2.  And this with 25 seconds left.
-   Great work by Conn to keep persisting for the equalizer.
-   And halftime.  Pretty even game, although from a soccer perspective, I think Connecticut is better with the ball.
-   2nd half
-   To start it looks like Tufts is trying to have a little more control of the jewel.
-   Conn looking to do what it is doing.  Hold the ball, be more methodical on attack.
-   And boom what a goal.  Conn corner gets cleared out, shot is blocked and comes out to Conn#17 about 22 out, who one times a ball that hits off the cross bar and goes in to the Tufts Keepers left.  What a shot.  Tufts 2, Connecticut 3.
-   43 minutes left in the half.
-   Tufts trying to get a hold of the ball, but, especially defensively, they send the  far where the Conn defenders start over.
-   And Conn is just feeling it!  Perfect through ball to Conn#14 who slides the ball past the rushing Tufts Keeper for their fourth.   Again, suspect defending by Tufts.  He started his run from midfield and ran between two Tufts defenders and no one thought to cover him.
-   There is 35 minutes left and Tufts knows it has to turn things around.  Huddle before the restart.
-   Impressive game by Connecticut.  Really exposing the weaknesses of a very good Tufts team.
-   Tufts has really picked it up given the pickle of a game they find themselves in.
-   The video is just awful.
-   Connecticut can't get too cute.  Ball is played out of the back, and a bad touch leads to a Tufts counter and the Conn defender tackled him like a linebacker.  Literally.  For a yellow card.
-   Tufts definitely has a goal or two in them.
-   With 29 left, Conn is now sitting deep and just cleared a ball off the line on a shot.  Not a fan of sitting but think this is a case of Tufts just getting it forward. 
-   And things are just going right for Connecticut now.  Against the run of play, the ball goes back to the Connecticut Keeper who just hits the stuffing out of the ball.  Tufts is stepping up except for the center back who is sitting deeper.  Ball clears all the lines and lands at the feet of Conn#17 who turns has the center back to his right and 10 yards further, is his partner Conn#9 who slots it past the onrushing Tufts Keeper.   Tufts 2, Connecticut 5.  I had to double check.  5 indeed. 
-   Wonder when the last time Tufts conceded 5 goals in a 90-minute game?
-    23 minutes left in the game.
-   Will say I think Conn may get a sixth.  Which I think would be something that Tufts would be reminded of every time they play Conn for years to come.
-   Tufts isn't quitting, that's for sure.  They have to take on some risks if they want to get some goals.  But they have no more options.
-   And now Tufts claws one back!  Tufts#3 does a fantastic job of bringing the ball down with his chest after flicking the ball over a Conn defender, getting into the box and driving a ball across where Tufts#9(?) hits the ball high.  Tufts 3, Connecticut 5.
-   20 minutes left.
-   The intensity of the game and the overall quality is why I just love this game.
-   Oh my stars.  This is insane.  Tufts with another goal!  Ball put across and the left back swings and misses to clear the ball that lands to Tufts#19(?) who gets into the box and hits a ball to high to the left of the Conn Keeper.  Tufts 4, Connecticut 5. 
-   This is seriously a crazy game.
-   19 minutes left.
-   This is exactly why I am not a fan of sitting back.  Ever.
-   Tufts is now all over Connecticut. The best thing Conn could do is get the ball and possess it.  Don't worry about getting forward with urgency, just kill the clock and recover some poise.
-   I think when Conn went up, they subbed some guys out and it made all the difference.  Especially defensively.
-   15 left.
-   This video is just killing me.  Having a seizure as a result.
-   Everything that gets to a Conn player is sent long.  Tufts just turns around and goes after the tying goal.
-   1:40 left.
-   And that's it!  What a great game.  Second best game I have watched all season.
-   Connecticut heading to the Final Four.  Tufts 4, Connecticut 5.

See the link in the game notes.  Just checked so you should have access to the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NEsoccerfan on November 26, 2021, 10:24:45 PM
At what minute was the play that some have claimed to be an intentional handball? I'd like to take a look at it for my own curiosity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: lastguyoffthebench on November 27, 2021, 01:59:25 AM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 26, 2021, 10:24:45 PM
At what minute was the play that some have claimed to be an intentional handball? I'd like to take a look at it for my own curiosity.


35th min... you're going to get a massive split in terms of a live time ruling.  Center ref could justify his decision either way.  Is it by the book? is it game management? Is it ego? combination?

We have the benefit of replay and terrible angles on live stream.   Definite potential for DOGSO-H, but this should only called when the ball is actually going in the goal.   NCAA does not differentiate for "last man", and even in this case, the GK is still in position to make a save.  This is such a grey area and VERY close to the 4Ds.  Is it in fact, OBVIOUS?   Refs are mic'd up and have 4 various angles on open communication with time to discuss to get it right before the restart, but it ultimately falls on the center official from the information collected.

When you get to Elite 8 at D3 level, most officials are D1/Pro/Semi-pro experience.   Have faith they will get it correct.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 27, 2021, 02:07:34 AM
It was a clear omission. I also forgot to mention the Paoletta DNP injury even though he was warming up. I suppose I avoided mentioning the Kelesoglu play because one it left me dumbfounded and two it would have ruined a great game for me. I am a neutral in respect to having nothing to do with either of these programs however I will always favor attacking teams that are not afraid to play aggressive and risky futbol. For me Conn has been that team this year and you could certainly see signs of it in 2019. Now they have some real depth and overall more talent in the program. They play some good futbol. So it is just a futbol thing for me not a school or program thing. We saw how good Tufts was in that game. Had they opened up and played like that all year I would be glued to every game as would probably more students. They have plenty of talent to play the same way but even in the Shapiro years I was critical of the cautiousness of play in regards to the talent in the program but see what do I know they absolutely blew everyone away with 4 titles in 6 years. Tufts style has been extremely successful. I watched most Tufts games in 2019 because they were stacked with talent and fun to watch. I want to be entertained. Talent along with style of play do that for me. Even a defensive battle like a Colby coming in and advancing over Amherst or something I can get in to those games as well but not for a full season. I will say 2017 Nescac Men's Soccer did an absolute number on me so gotta be a little patient. Just as Amherst changed the league in 2007 and Tufts in 2014 I think Conn could change it again.

Kelesoglu's stupidity was the only possible Red in that game. The foul later on in the game by Conn's #5 Cerezo was a YC which was given. Kelesoglu's looked to be a Red in my book but that call was not about guts. It was about it being an NCAA Elite 8 match and the ref not wanting to effect the outcome by penalyzing stupidity with a Red. If it was a gruesome challenge by Kelesoglu then you would have seen Red. I actually thought the ref did a fantastic job of letting the guys play the game. He wasn't stopping play every two minutes to try and take over the match. He wanted to be as neutral as everyone else and let the talent win out. As a Tufts supporter I would be really pissed but I do kind of see how the ref did not want to penalize stupidity. Had Tufts done the same thing we would see Conn supporters flipping out. I think the ref called all the hard fouls and gave cards when necessary like when Conn was targeting Cano 1st Half with successive whacks to his legs. #21 Dutkewych got the card but the ref was on top of it. Not the answer you were looking for but the best explanation of why I think the ref gave a YC instead of RC. I am sure other Refs would have given Red but a ref is not a robot. Humans react differently in different situations so maybe different human different card.


Kenny Murphy started to resurrect Conn in 2009 and he left current HC Burk a stocked cupboard. Burk has elevated it from Murphy and put his own style on it and he is under 30. It is becoming a young man's game for HC's. Recruiting is half the battle these days but training is the other half and I am guessing these Conn boys train with purpose. I am looking forward to see if they can continue this style and aggressiveness into Greensboro. Sometimes we see teams get thrown off with the extended time between games played. It will be almost 2 weeks between the NCAA Elite 8 and NCAA Semi's. They used to play Thanksgiving weekend which looking back was crazy but for the actual team you could catch a hot streak late in the season without any interruptions. Players would stay on campus and have Thanksgiving together with any and all family that wanted to come but usually it was a team thing and teams would draw pretty well from a mix of students and certainly the local community. Williams got 2,000 on Cole Field in 1993 and 1995 when they hosted.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 27, 2021, 02:09:53 AM
Quote from: lastguyoffthebench on November 27, 2021, 01:59:25 AM
Quote from: NEsoccerfan on November 26, 2021, 10:24:45 PM
At what minute was the play that some have claimed to be an intentional handball? I'd like to take a look at it for my own curiosity.


35th min... you're going to get a massive split in terms of a live time ruling.  Center ref could justify his decision either way.  Is it by the book? is it game management? Is it ego? combination?

We have the benefit of replay and terrible angles on live stream.   Definite potential for DOGSO-H, but this should only called when the ball is actually going in the goal.   NCAA does not differentiate for "last man", and even in this case, the GK is still in position to make a save.  This is such a grey area and VERY close to the 4Ds.  Is it in fact, OBVIOUS?   Refs are mic'd up and have 4 various angles on open communication with time to discuss to get it right before the restart, but it ultimately falls on the center official from the information collected.

When you get to Elite 8 at D3 level, most officials are D1/Pro/Semi-pro experience.   Have faith they will get it correct.

Completely Agree
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on November 27, 2021, 06:46:10 AM
After the play:"Erik Lauta is all the way out of his net and has to be restrained" (Fitzsimons-Tufts Color). F Bombs to refs probably not going to help.
One minute later: "Ya Lauta looks to have calmed down now I mean he was incensed at that call and ran all the way up the field with Clivio eventually bringing him all the way back to his goal"(Fitzsimmons-Tufts Color) Fitzsimmons with an excellent finish...."It is important for the GK'ers to stay calm".

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on November 27, 2021, 07:07:16 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 27, 2021, 06:46:10 AM
After the play:"Erik Lauta is all the way out of his net and has to be restrained" (Fitzsimons-Tufts Color). F Bombs to refs probably not going to help.
One minute later: "Ya Lauta looks to have calmed down now I mean he was incensed at that call and ran all the way up the field with Clivio eventually bringing him all the way back to his goal"(Fitzsimmons-Tufts Color) Fitzsimmons with an excellent finish...."It is important for the GK'ers to stay calm".

I guess they don't coach keepers to remain calm throughout the 90 minutes ... not get caught up in the emotional peaks and valleys of a game ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 27, 2021, 11:25:18 AM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 27, 2021, 07:07:16 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 27, 2021, 06:46:10 AM
After the play:"Erik Lauta is all the way out of his net and has to be restrained" (Fitzsimons-Tufts Color). F Bombs to refs probably not going to help.
One minute later: "Ya Lauta looks to have calmed down now I mean he was incensed at that call and ran all the way up the field with Clivio eventually bringing him all the way back to his goal"(Fitzsimmons-Tufts Color) Fitzsimmons with an excellent finish...."It is important for the GK'ers to stay calm".

I guess they don't coach keepers to remain calm throughout the 90 minutes ... not get caught up in the emotional peaks and valleys of a game ...

good goal keepers are crazy figures ,not the calm types, too young to remember Higuita, Zoff or Campos?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on November 27, 2021, 02:02:02 PM
Quote from: camosfan on November 27, 2021, 11:25:18 AM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 27, 2021, 07:07:16 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 27, 2021, 06:46:10 AM
After the play:"Erik Lauta is all the way out of his net and has to be restrained" (Fitzsimons-Tufts Color). F Bombs to refs probably not going to help.
One minute later: "Ya Lauta looks to have calmed down now I mean he was incensed at that call and ran all the way up the field with Clivio eventually bringing him all the way back to his goal"(Fitzsimmons-Tufts Color) Fitzsimmons with an excellent finish...."It is important for the GK'ers to stay calm".

I guess they don't coach keepers to remain calm throughout the 90 minutes ... not get caught up in the emotional peaks and valleys of a game ...

good goal keepers are crazy figures ,not the calm types, too young to remember Higuita, Zoff or Campos?

Zoff was far from crazy.  Neither was Pfaff, Jennigs, Shilton, or Arconada.  And I could go on.  My definition of "good goalkeeper" does not include Higuita or Campos.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 27, 2021, 05:11:58 PM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 27, 2021, 02:02:02 PM
Quote from: camosfan on November 27, 2021, 11:25:18 AM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 27, 2021, 07:07:16 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on November 27, 2021, 06:46:10 AM
After the play:"Erik Lauta is all the way out of his net and has to be restrained" (Fitzsimons-Tufts Color). F Bombs to refs probably not going to help.
One minute later: "Ya Lauta looks to have calmed down now I mean he was incensed at that call and ran all the way up the field with Clivio eventually bringing him all the way back to his goal"(Fitzsimmons-Tufts Color) Fitzsimmons with an excellent finish...."It is important for the GK'ers to stay calm".

I guess they don't coach keepers to remain calm throughout the 90 minutes ... not get caught up in the emotional peaks and valleys of a game ...

good goal keepers are crazy figures ,not the calm types, too young to remember Higuita, Zoff or Campos?

Zoff was far from crazy.  Neither was Pfaff, Jennigs, Shilton, or Arconada.  And I could go on.  My definition of "good goalkeeper" does not include Higuita or Campos.

Though Zoff was much more successful than Higuita, the latter had a bigger impact on the game,he is where they started to play out of the back because of his foot skills. Campos was a big draw in early MLS.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 02, 2021, 04:30:03 AM
Nescac Men's Soccer All-Sportsmanship Team:

Voted by Players and Coaches:
*Two-timer

Amherst: Sebastian Derby
Bates: James Peter *
Bowdoin: Ryan Houseman
Colby: Jack Fletcher
Conn: Jack Marvel
Hamilton: Sam Dils
Midd: Andriy Proctor
Trinity: Logan Peterson
Tufts: Derek Enge
Wesleyan: Lucas Kimball
Williams: Eli Petrik
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 02, 2021, 04:41:50 AM
I will review the NCAA Semi's / Final after the games are played. I want to review Middlebury's season when I get some time but would love to watch the Amherst / Midd Elite 8 game again if anyone has a link? Tufts / Conn game took much of my attention but Amherst / Midd was also a great game that I would like to see again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on December 02, 2021, 08:30:55 AM
https://www.nsnsports.net/colleges/amherst/?bfplayvid=327462
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: JEFFFAN on December 02, 2021, 09:52:41 AM
https://www.gazettenet.com/Amherst-men-s-soccer-NCAA-Division-III-Final-Four-preview-43779879
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 04, 2021, 07:03:51 AM
Amherst v Conn 7pm

Quick thoughts....First of all congrats to both teams as you can see all the hard work paying off. Amherst is one team that Conn has really struggled with in the past. Without looking it has been over a decade since Conn has defeated Amherst and are something like 0-9-4 in those games so this is the last challenge or hill they face in their quest to Win the school its first ever National Championship. Amherst beat Conn early on this year 2-0 with both goals coming from defensive breakdowns. One a failed mark on a corner led to Amherst #12 Wu scoring a free header and the other a failed clearance led to #9 Giammattei picking off a pass and burying one for the 2-0 Win at Conn.

Both teams yesterday showed an extreme amount of caution in those games so I am expecting nothing different today. Very very few quality chances from anyone in the Final 4 and quite honestly two boring Semi-Finals EXCEPT for the Goals. Conn's striker #9 Tshuma and Amherst midfielder #10 Cubeddo had pro type quality strike's. I suppose caution is to be expected in Championship environments but when you lose you sometimes wish you had gone for it.

W&L tried to bunker in after scoring and it completely backfired. At least that game was played on the grass with few stoppages. I will say Chicago tried to play a bit but that was an ugly game from hell. Amherst loves crashing parties and forcing its style on its opponent. Time wise the ball was out of play just as long as it was in play. A whistle was being blown on average every 51 seconds. The amount of 35 yard bombs, barking, fouls, set pieces and time wasting on long throws led to the most disjointed unconnected game I have seen in years. It is a complete tragedy in my book but my book does not matter. Winning matters and Amherst will do it any way they can today. Conn frankly was not sharp either and looked a different team then we saw at Tufts 2 weeks ago. They were rushing and forcing passes, a number of players touch on the ball was way off, giveaway feast and again like the Salem State game of 1 month ago to slow in attack. #2 Viotto showed wheels off the bench at wingback but  they could use more speed at winger today as he looks to be one of their faster players. Conn is going to need LCB #24 Kelesoglu, Holder #16 Bocchetti and RCB #21 Dutkewych today like no other day. These three are going to have to step up big if Conn is going to Win today. #25 Yeonas who had the winner is a gamer and read Jaran's ball perfectly. Jaran serves one of the meaner balls in Nescac as he assisted Yeonas Goal and the #14 Djerdjaj near miss before Thsuma's goal.

If those two Semi's are a predictor of what will happen in the Final we will have a 0-0 Final with Pk's.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: JEFFFAN on December 04, 2021, 10:14:52 PM
Mr Right sure got that prediction correct!   Awfully boring game but congrats to CC!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ECSUalum on December 06, 2021, 07:55:40 PM
Congratulations to Connecticut College for their men's soccer National Championship.  Got to see this excellent team play in Willimantic this year!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 07, 2021, 12:13:05 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on December 27, 2019, 09:51:02 PM
Conn Ramblings:


One story to go under the radar this season was Conn College. Kenny Murphy retired and handed over the reins to Reuben Burk. Burk, 27,  had only been at Conn for 1 year as an assistant and had bounced around like most young assistants do from school to school learning different styles and methods from as many Head Coaches as they can. These Assistants are trying to soak it up or at least that was what used to happen. Burk, who should forever live by the motto "life is about being in the right place at the right time" must have proven to Murphy and Conn his worth and that he knew what he was doing. You rarely see a Head Coach leave such a promising outfit, like Conn, with the potential to contend like Murphy did but here we are today. I was skeptical of the whole situation at first until I saw Conn play to open the season. Burk and his staff decided to turn Conn into a more possession oriented attacking team BUT you could tell he did not want Conn to lose its lock down defensive mindset in the process. I would say he succeeded expeditiously because overnight Conn was a much more entertaining team to watch and were still getting the results the team was used to.  To make a deep NCAA run while in the process of overhauling your team's identity is no easy task. An entertaining style IMO is important in attracting and keeping students and local community at your Home games. More fans with more passion = players getting more pumped to produce for the crowd. A group of alums starting to show up at random Saturday afternoon Home games = only way for current players to thank alums for the support is to play hard and win. Conn attendance at Home this year improved steadily throughout the year and no question the winning was a big part of it but a small part of me hopes the style also had a hand in that as well.

Conn has now proven they can make a deep NCAA run. The next hurdle is the NCAA Final 4 / Tufts and frankly Conn has a ton of work to do to get there. Let me take an outsiders go at Conn. By the end of the year Conn looked to be in a 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 depending upon how you look at it but tactically there was no difference. Marcucci in net..LB Aquadro, CB Donelan, CB Stoneback, RB Stokes. Holding was Bocchetti with Butera and Djerdjaj in midfield. Noonan and Yeonas out wide with Tshuma up top. That is a pretty solid starting 11.  Djerdjaj and Yeonas are studs. Noonan is a quick winger with skill who can finish, same goes for Thsuma. Conn is loaded in attack and are a really good countering team. The bench was ok but a bit thin. Ludwick played out wide and is a solid player that is a threat to score. Balbontin graduates with 9 career goals and 62 games played with 4 starts. To have 62 GP and 4 GS tells me Balbontin understood his role and did his job for the team. He was a good target and could hold the ball up top. Miranda comes off the bench or starts for Bocchetti sitting in front of the back 4. He is a good athlete that does his job. Conn also used a couple Frosh (Pinyochon, Robles,) that I have not seen enough of to get a read yet.   Marvel is a Frosh I have seen at Tabor Academy and is a skilled player but Conn needs more help from its bench in 2020 if they are going to contend.  Another issue is this team has a few to many players from Marion(MA),Malibu(CA), Riverside(CT), McLean(VA), Winnetka(IL) to name a few. More kids from the athletic rich St.Mary's Prep, like Stoneback, would be nice but this has always been an issue with Conn admissions. They need as many kids as they can get that can pay full pop. Still, bench production and roster manipulation are minor concerns in the big picture that can be fixed over time.

I think the one position that needs to be shored up is holding midfielder. Bocchetti and Miranda are both good athletic players with skill that need to be on the field but just not in this position. WAY to many teams(Tufts, Swathmore come to mind) absolutely sliced and diced thru the middle of Conn's defensive 3rd at will and were getting some decent looks. Conn's CB's need more help then what the holding midfielders are giving them defensively. Opposing teams and especially opposing players HAVE TO THINK TWICE about attacking thru the middle of the field and wide guys(think Lane and Tasker) need to think twice about cutting inside on Conn. Conn needs like a 90 minute Zach Trevorrow with those crazed Hawaiian game day eyes at holding midfielder. POINT--This position requires a nutter with a genuine desire to be competitive when your team is being challenged. Someone needs to step up here, tackle hard and hunt the ball. Maybe Miranda or Bocchetti can change their game a bit?

Captains this season were JR CB Donelan and SR RB Stokes. Interestingly, Conn loses 4 key Seniors but 2 of them have eligibility(Stokes and Aquadro). Butera is a big loss in midfield and would have to be in my Top 5 Set Piece takers in Nescac if I am looking for a goal from about 25-30 yards. He scored 2 against Catholic and Midd that I witnessed  Actually, since I mentioned Trevorrow(Tufts) he would be in my Top 5 set piece takers as well in Nescac. So Donelan will be Captain as a SR but does Marcucci join him? Personally, this is most definitely Augie Djerdjaj's team now if anyone had any doubts anyways so I would make him a Captain as a JR along with Donelan and Marcucci. Djerdjaj is an old school player who has all the attributes of a top Soccer player and is an absolute danger man in attack. He hits some of the sweetest thru balls in Nescac and can finish as he had 9 Goals. He needs to take this team over and has the perfect Nescac villain futbol name and talent to put daggers in Amherst, Tufts and the rest. More importantly, Djerdjaj does not mind throwing his body around. In the match at Tufts in the regular season, Conn and Djerdjaj dominated long stretches of the ball and play but just were not clinical in the final 3rd. Still, the one player I saw give Aroh(Tufts) a game was Djerdjaj. At the very least he kept Aroh a little more busy than usual and freed up more space on the field for his teammates. Strangely, Aroh's body language is sometimes quite humorous as he almost looks annoyed to have to clean up his teammates mistakes, as if the big King cannot be bothered and he points to his little minions(Van Brewer, Enge) to do all the gritty grunt work.

More Notes:

-Conn MUST commit to absolute fitness in the offseason. I see a couple players that would benefit from being in top fitness and could be better overall players.

-Even with all the possession, Conn managed to have less SOG than they did in 2018 and in more games. Is it concerning? not really but something to be aware of and more importantly...why? 

-Tshuma, Noonan, Yeonas and Djerdjaj are a real solid and dangerous attacking 4 that combine well with each other especially Djerdjaj and Thsuma. 

-Stoneback and Donelan are two solid starting CB's but who will be playing wingback next season?

We do have to take a quick look at what happened in the Elite 8 because Head Coach Burk adjusted his whole lineup for the Tufts match. He sacked the LB Aquadro and put the speedy winger Yeonas at LB.  He then moved Djerdjaj up top with Thsuma and Noonan wide. Butera took Djerdjaj's spot and then both Bocchetti and Miranda were in midfield. That is a TON of moving parts and possibly made the game more uncomfortable than necessary for Conn.  Burk must not have liked the Aquadro v Lane(Tufts) matchup and while I agree I also do not see moving one of your best attacking players to wingback just for his speed. The better option would have been to just have Stokes and Aquadro take 2-3 steps back when defending quick wingers like Tasker and Lane and do the best they can.  Conn's starting lineup had been in a consistent stable place and to shake it up just for supposed matchup problems can/will have consequences sometimes. Kind of like Lane absolutely catching Yeonas napping two minutes into the game by scoring a beauty before Yeonas knew what had happened. That had to be a massive punch to the gut for the Head Coach but he's young and will learn and about 20 minutes in he got his original lineup on the field. IMO Conn outplayed Tufts 18 to 18 but Tufts was clinical finishing and defending and outplayed Conn where it matters. Conn's attacking third left a ton to be desired.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 07, 2021, 12:15:26 AM
I don't know how I ran into the above from Mr.Right from 12/27/19 but given where we're at today especially it is absolutely fascinating, from the title to the Djerdjaj/Aroh POY talk, etc, etc.  Unreal.  Read the details. Gonna post in another thread too.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on December 07, 2021, 05:38:34 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on December 07, 2021, 12:15:26 AM
I don't know how I ran into the above from Mr.Right from 12/27/19 but given where we're at today especially it is absolutely fascinating, from the title to the Djerdjaj/Aroh POY talk, etc, etc.  Unreal.  Read the details. Gonna post in another thread too.


Congrats to Conn College for winning the 2021 NCAA Title.

That was an impressive run. I will review the Final in the next few days.

I read this 2019 post again and thanks for finding it. Actually most of the points were on target. Bocchetti(LoBo) proved me wrong as the 2019 player does not even come close to the 2021 player. He was an absolute leader all weekend and played like a man amongst boys. He really improved his game. He got stronger without losing speed which made him a force to deal with in the middle of the field but he also got more technical which allowed him to switch fields with much more accuracy. He was much better with the ball at his feet and in the air. Excellent fitness and I could go on but just a really good player that Conn will have to find a replacement for. My guess right now would be #5 Cerezo but a lot can change in 8 months.

New London has a local newspaper called The Day. https://www.theday.com/  They have been covering Conn's title run from the get go. Anyway, in the last article written by Gavin Keefe when Conn returned to school on Sunday with the NCAA hardware was the best and gives us a clue to what is rolling around in HC Burk's brain on the plane ride home "The National Championship, what it mainly does is allow me to push these guys even harder. Everyone is going to be gunning for us and everyone is going to want to beat the National Champion. We're going to have a target on our back. I'm going to need to find ways where guys aren't complacent, they want to Win another. That's a very, very difficult challenge on the horizon."

One day after winning everything and he is worrying about complacency but that is a true HC for you in any sport.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 08, 2021, 09:58:30 AM
Gonna make this note here for relevance even though in response to some discussion and especially what I posted past couple of days in another thread.

Very open to debating/discussing my own amateur theses...and to counter (I think counter although interpretations may vary) my own remarks about NESCAC schools possibly having or about to have a drop off in appeal from an attractiveness/cultural pov, I want to acknowledge that admit rates for NESCACs from, let's say, pre-Covid to Covid and post-Covid (although we're clearly not post-Covid yet) have trended lower and in some cases quite dramatically.  I didn't do rigorous comparative research here, but I think Colby as of the latest data for class of 2025 has the lowest admit rate in the entire NESCAC around 8% and Bowdoin is right there with Colby in the 8-9% range.  Just a few years ago Colby was still very exclusive in the 20-25% range iirc but 8% is pretty stunning.  Williams, Amherst, and Midd are all still very low as well but I think more in line with their historical figures.  I think I saw that Bates is at 14% which in some ways is more stunning because Bates isn't as endowment "wealthy" as Colby, Bowdoin, etc.  I'm sure some other very elite LACs nationally (like W&L) have seen drops, but clearly there is still extremely strong interest in the NESCACs.

I projected Colby as the school to lead changes in NESCAC policies in part because the President there (who I understand he did similar stuff at Chicago before that) has put Colby on a very aggressive course with new initiatives, new, leading edge facilities, and a ballooning endowment.  They now have one of the very top athletic facilities in all of D3 and an AI institute that you would expect from MIT more so than a Maine Coast LAC, and the partnership and growth with the town/city of Waterville apparently has become phenomenal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 08, 2021, 12:34:00 PM
I'm no expert on this stuff but wondering in what ways 2025 maybe is or is not an anomaly.  I know some of these admissions rates already had been trending lower, but I would have guessed that Covid depressed admissions (meaning would have expected rates to go higher rather lower).  Looking around a bit more I'm now thinking maybe 2025 was like a double year roughly correlating with teams essentially having two frosh classes.  Just astounded at some of the numbers.  Colby's applications doubled for 2025 class, and I see admit rates for Tulane at 9% which blows my mind and BU in the teens.  Yield obviously is key as well with places like Colby, Bates, Davidson, etc in mid to high 40s, Tufts above 50%, etc.  Kenyon had a comparatively higher admit rate than normal at 35% but still had a school record of applications and overenrolled by 80-90 (560 compared to usual 470ish) students creating a housing crisis.  The issue at Kenyon even with record enrollment is the yield markedly lower than many peers around 20%, which if you think about it makes sense because of the challenge of drawing to literally "middle or nowhere" in Ohio. 

Of course there are multiple Ivies under 4% which is just crazy and makes one wonder how acceptance can be much more than a lottery among a pool of applicants almost all within a tiny range of statistical credentials. 

Tentative conclusions which may change within a few hours...

Elite college admissions and elitism is general are quite alive and in fact booming...

The gap between "the elite class" and the rest of the country/world continues to grow...

Whether the above reflects a bubble that will burst at some point or not remains to be seen...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on December 08, 2021, 03:57:37 PM
I believe admission rates across the board were lower because 2021 HS graduates were casting a wider net when applying to colleges due to lack of standardized test scores + an inability to travel to visit campuses.

The question on my mind - you now have 3 years of students who have an extra year of eligibility.  How many kids will go to graduate school and play one more year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 08, 2021, 04:16:07 PM
Quote from: Ejay on December 08, 2021, 03:57:37 PM
I believe admission rates across the board were lower because 2021 HS graduates were casting a wider net when applying to colleges due to lack of standardized test scores + an inability to travel to visit campuses.

The question on my mind - you now have 3 years of students who have an extra year of eligibility.  How many kids will go to graduate school and play one more year?

Yup, that makes sense.  Also interesting because one of the last big discussions on the board (and elsewhere) before we got back up and running with this season was alarm about how many schools would literally shut down never to return again.  The greatest concern was about colleges already in very precarious financial situations (and some did but may have been headed that way regardless of Covid) but there also was a seemingly pretty legit study or projections making the rounds about colleges more broadly where even very well-known and fairly prestigious schools were considered at high to moderate risk while many of the usual suspects were projected to continue thriving.  I suppose we're still in early days as far as long-term impact.  Others may have info that counters my impression but seems like big picture colleges have survived perhaps better than many of us feared.

At any rate, if the admit rates really are kind of artificially inflated the more accurate metric to consider are yield rates.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 08, 2021, 05:57:49 PM
Quote from: Ejay on December 08, 2021, 03:57:37 PM
I believe admission rates across the board were lower because 2021 HS graduates were casting a wider net when applying to colleges due to lack of standardized test scores + an inability to travel to visit campuses.

The question on my mind - you now have 3 years of students who have an extra year of eligibility.  How many kids will go to graduate school and play one more year?

Ejay, I'm embarrassed that I can't answer this myself (and maybe others can chime in) but what do you mean by 3 years of students?  How does that work?  Does any student athlete who was a frosh to senior during the missed Covid season automatically four real years of eligibility and five years to do it, or are you saying they all get a full five years of eligibility and six years to use them?  Very confused.

Also thought we had a fair share of guys who did do a graduate year this year.  Could someone who did a graduate year this year do another one?  And I would guess players who have an extra year left and are at schools that don't have graduate programs could go to another another D3 for his or her final year (kind of like the transfer portal where there could be some great talent on the open market and only schools with graduate programs would benefit).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 08, 2021, 06:23:00 PM
ALERT:  All graduating All-Americans and 1st Team All Conference selections from NESCAC, UAA, Centennial, ODAC, Liberty CCIW, MIAA, et al

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Send a 20 minute highlights video, a writing sample of 50 words or less, and two teammate endorsements to paulnewman.49@kenyon.edu

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Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on December 08, 2021, 10:21:00 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on December 08, 2021, 05:57:49 PM
Quote from: Ejay on December 08, 2021, 03:57:37 PM
I believe admission rates across the board were lower because 2021 HS graduates were casting a wider net when applying to colleges due to lack of standardized test scores + an inability to travel to visit campuses.

The question on my mind - you now have 3 years of students who have an extra year of eligibility.  How many kids will go to graduate school and play one more year?

Ejay, I'm embarrassed that I can't answer this myself (and maybe others can chime in) but what do you mean by 3 years of students?  How does that work?  Does any student athlete who was a frosh to senior during the missed Covid season automatically four real years of eligibility and five years to do it, or are you saying they all get a full five years of eligibility and six years to use them?  Very confused.

Also thought we had a fair share of guys who did do a graduate year this year.  Could someone who did a graduate year this year do another one?  And I would guess players who have an extra year left and are at schools that don't have graduate programs could go to another another D3 for his or her final year (kind of like the transfer portal where there could be some great talent on the open market and only schools with graduate programs would benefit).

Yes, anyone who is a Soph-Sr this year has earned an additional year.  For example, a Soph. at Haverford could play two more years (Jr-Sr) and graduate with an undergraduate degree in Economics. He could then go to NYU for a Masters in Economics and play a "5th" year.

Real example - My son's team had a grad student on their roster this past season who had played 4 years at another school (graduated spring 2021) and was now playing a 5th year while pursuing an MBA. They also had a Sr. who will graduate this May, but may return for an MBA and play a 5th year. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 08, 2021, 10:43:59 PM
Thanks Ejay...so if I'm reading you correctly it's more of a replacement year than an additional year of eligibility.  Is that correct?  They don't get to play five real seasons.  The Haverford soph didn't get to play his frosh year, played soph year, then two more junior and senior and then if wishes can go somewhere for his real 4th year to actually play.  Or do I still have it wrong.  I think I'm partly confused because seems like a fair number of kids who did get in frosh and/or soph year before Covid, sat out at least one semester the Covid to preserve a year, so that in that case they don't get the Covid year because they weren't in school but still have 2 or 1 year left after playing again this season just concluded.

I should put this in a different thread, but based on these parameters Kenyon could be returning everyone except CB Sam Hosmer-Quint who just today was named a 1st team Academic All American and 3 year GK starter but backup this year, Ian McInturf.  Of course I expected Chayne Bruneau back this year who transferred to Springfield and I'm not sure what happened to Tomas Munoz Reyes from Chile/CT/Black Rock who would still have eligibility left but don't know if he left Kenyon, dropped soccer, or was just doing some kind of internship at Goldman Sachs this Fall.  Anyway, could bode well if only losing one starter no key subs and with a fresh class coming in.

A team also has to avoid major injuries.  Conn probably doesn't win this year if Djerdjaj, Yeonas, Bocchetti, or Tshuma has a serious injury. Some good fortune is necessary.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on December 09, 2021, 08:20:18 AM
Yes, it's a "replacement" season.  It's like the 2020 season never happened regardless of whether you played an 8 game modified schedule like the ODAC, or 0 games like the NESCAC. 

So W&Ls Zimmerman, who started 5/8 games in 2020 as a Fr., and all 21 this year as a So., has 3 more seasons of eligibility. If he graduates on time (May 2024), then his "replacement" season would be as a grad student somewhere in the Fall of 2024.  If he decides to gap a spring semester, then his "replacement" season would be as a 5th year senior and he would graduate in December 2024 instead of the previous May.

I don't think may kids will choose the latter as they wouldn't want skip a semester at school. But I can certainly see a bunch of kids who would jump at the opportunity to play one more year while earning a graduate degree.  In our Zimmerman example, he could play 2 more years at W&L, graduate on time and with his friends, and then play a "replacement" season at Montclair State who offers a 12-mo accelerated MBA program.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on December 09, 2021, 08:45:21 AM
I know in the past that kids have usually gone the second route, taking off their junior spring semester and getting an internship before coming back for a fifth year and December graduation. With everyone having that extra year now I'm sure we will also see more people go the grad school route but it only really makes sense if you were planning on going to grad school anyways.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 09, 2021, 10:05:15 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on December 09, 2021, 08:45:21 AM
I know in the past that kids have usually gone the second route, taking off their junior spring semester and getting an internship before coming back for a fifth year and December graduation. With everyone having that extra year now I'm sure we will also see more people go the grad school route but it only really makes sense if you were planning on going to grad school anyways.

Thanks again, Ejay.  I agree with D4 though that a good number did or will choose the second option, especially if they are with a program expected to be a legit contender like Tufts, W&L, Kenyon, etc.  For instance, I think Muther took off the Fall 2020 semester to not lose a season.  And I would think a Zimmerman would find a way to get his replacement year at W&L on a projected top 5 team rather than look for another one unless of course he already had planned to go to grad school at another D3 with a very good program.  Tufts of course does have some graduate programs and W&L has a law school and perhaps grad programs in journalism or a couple of other things, but if you weren't originally planning on grad school skipping a semester and using that for work, internship, going abroad apart from a school program, etc.  might seem ideal.

BTW, two Tufts players named Academic All American....Van Brewer to 1st team and Cano to 3rd team....and surprisingly, which should fuel another NESCAC gripe, they were the only two selections for the entire NESCAC which seems odd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on December 09, 2021, 10:41:57 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on December 09, 2021, 10:05:15 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on December 09, 2021, 08:45:21 AM
I know in the past that kids have usually gone the second route, taking off their junior spring semester and getting an internship before coming back for a fifth year and December graduation. With everyone having that extra year now I'm sure we will also see more people go the grad school route but it only really makes sense if you were planning on going to grad school anyways.

Thanks again, Ejay.  I agree with D4 though that a good number did or will choose the second option, especially if they are with a program expected to be a legit contender like Tufts, W&L, Kenyon, etc.  For instance, I think Muther took off the Fall 2020 semester to not lose a season.  And I would think a Zimmerman would find a way to get his replacement year at W&L on a projected top 5 team rather than look for another one unless of course he already had planned to go to grad school at another D3 with a very good program.  Tufts of course does have some graduate programs and W&L has a law school and perhaps grad programs in journalism or a couple of other things, but if you weren't originally planning on grad school skipping a semester and using that for work, internship, going abroad apart from a school program, etc.  might seem ideal.

BTW, two Tufts players named Academic All American....Van Brewer to 1st team and Cano to 3rd team....and surprisingly, which should fuel another NESCAC gripe, they were the only two selections for the entire NESCAC which seems odd.

The Generals only grad program is law.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 09, 2021, 11:00:08 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on December 08, 2021, 09:58:30 AM
I didn't do rigorous comparative research here, but I think Colby as of the latest data for class of 2025 has the lowest admit rate in the entire NESCAC around 8% and Bowdoin is right there with Colby in the 8-9% range.  Just a few years ago Colby was still very exclusive in the 20-25% range iirc but 8% is pretty stunning.  Williams, Amherst, and Midd are all still very low as well but I think more in line with their historical figures.  I think I saw that Bates is at 14% which in some ways is more stunning because Bates isn't as endowment "wealthy" as Colby, Bowdoin, etc.  I'm sure some other very elite LACs nationally (like W&L) have seen drops, but clearly there is still extremely strong interest in the NESCACs.

Colby's growth and progress over recent years has been well-documented, but I do wonder how much 8% is sustainable. Then again, they are smart enough to know that you can't just become "elite" just by lowering acceptance rate (tuition money starts to run out at some point), so obviously the volume of applications has put them in a position to do so. Did not realize the size (or lack thereof) of Bates' endowment vs. the other members of CBB until talking to a close friend/alumnus recently who informed me it is around 1/3 of the size ($341MM vs. $1B). I always thought of Bates' student body as less Wall Street-y (and more hippie/Earthy/etc.) so maybe that has something to do with it.

Quote from: PaulNewman on December 08, 2021, 09:58:30 AM
They now have one of the very top athletic facilities in all of D3 and an AI institute that you would expect from MIT more so than a Maine Coast LAC, and the partnership and growth with the town/city of Waterville apparently has become phenomenal.

I'm in the Northeastern (Roux Institute) graduate analytics program concentrating on ML/AI and the head of the CompSci department is the guy who started the data science arm at Colby. Really smart guy (obviously). I knew they did work with Roux but did not realize Colby had an AI Institute in and of itself...that is impressive. DS as a field is changing day by day and is projected to have a ~50% shortfall in terms of supply vs. demand over the coming years so they anticipated that wave at the perfect time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on December 11, 2021, 12:00:26 PM
OK, I waited a couple of days hoping someone else would post this, so please don't shoot the messenger....Middlebury has shut down again.  Don't know what the expectation is for how long and hopefully just to close out the current semester.  What strange, strange (and difficult) times we're living through.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on December 11, 2021, 07:58:59 PM
Blooter how are the efforts to replicate Klopp's brain going? Could totally transform the Northeastern soccer program.  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on December 14, 2021, 02:58:18 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on December 11, 2021, 07:58:59 PM
Blooter how are the efforts to replicate Klopp's brain going? Could totally transform the Northeastern soccer program.  ;)

Ha — his contract is up in 2024 so I'd best be quick! If they can build 1/10th of the analysis department that Michael Edwards has built I think they'll be OK.

As someone who was pre-law in college (and no coding background) I found a lot of success through the "find something you're interested in" approach to learning code. I actually taught myself the majority of what I know in Python by using FiveThirtyEight's Soccer Power Index (SPI) and FIFA (16-20) datasets — started off pretty basic but would try a new concept each time and it made it easier to retain what I was learning.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on December 20, 2021, 04:50:29 PM
New England Soccer Journal D3 Best XI https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/best-xi-who-were-new-englands-top-d3-mens-players-in-2021/
GK--Ryan Grady, Middlebury
D--Ian Daly, Tufts
D--Emelson Barbosa, U-Mass Boston
D--Biagio Paoletta, Tufts
M--Calvin Aroh, Tufts
M--Augie Djerdjaj, Conn
M--Peter Novoa, MIT
M--Steve Yeonas, Conn
F--German Giammattei, Amherst
F--Nilton de Andrade, U-Mass Boston
F--Drake Byrd, Bowdoin

Also considered:
GK:  Liam Devanny, Wesleyan and Itai Rubin, Babson
D:  Liam Hanlon, Babson; Casey Kelly, Salve Regina; Bryce Johnson, Amherst; Michael McFarlane, Middlebury
M:  Travis Van Brewer, Tufts; William Toomey, Eastern Connecticut; Alex Shahmirzahdi, Amherst; Ignaccio Cubeddu, Amherst; Javier Beltran, Roger Williams
F:  Chase Gwynn, Gordon; Joey Songthysavong, Norwich; Jordan Saint-Louis, Middlebury
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on December 27, 2021, 08:09:39 PM
New England Soccer Journal All-Freshman Team

https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/d3-men-who-were-new-englands-top-freshmen-in-2021/

GK--Erik Lauta, Tufts
D--Ben Clark-Eden, Amherst
D--Andres Gonzalez, Brandeis
D--Jack Kelesoglu, Conn
D--Will O'Brien, Middlebury
D--Jude Sargent, Coast Guard
M--Shane Farrell, Middlebury
M--Mamadi Jiana, Norwich
M--Lucas Ruehlemann, Wesleyan
M--Laurens ten Cate, Amherst
F--Kendy Prince, Salem State

Also considered:
GK--J.J. Devine, UMass Boston
D--Camden Rigney, Endicott
M--Walter Scudder, Eastern Connecticut State
M--Rion Dos Santos, Saint Joseph's
F--Filippo Marcantoni, WPI
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on January 19, 2022, 05:37:28 PM
Any update on Williams coaching search?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 25, 2022, 06:10:09 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on January 19, 2022, 05:37:28 PM
Any update on Williams coaching search?

No. All I have heard is they were doing phone interviews in early Jan....

Trinity I have heard a few names bounce around but no hires yet....



I posted in the Men's Hockey section if anyone is interested....Went into my background a bit which I guess I have never really done here at first because I did not want to and then later just because most of you guys already then knew who I was.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on January 26, 2022, 03:33:26 PM
https://ephsports.williams.edu/news/2022/1/26/mens-soccer-steffen-siebert-named-head-coach-of-williams-mens-soccer.aspx
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on January 26, 2022, 05:53:42 PM
Mr. Right will be the main one to weigh in here but from an outsider's perspective its shocking to see that the hiring committee was composed of other head coaches and not former players, especially at a program with a tradition like Williams. No offense to those coaches, but other than the Woman's soccer coach whose resume speaks for itself none of them really are qualified to identify a quality soccer coach. Like what does the men's crew coach know about soccer? Seems like a strange way to go about the process.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 27, 2022, 06:00:08 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on January 26, 2022, 05:53:42 PM
Mr. Right will be the main one to weigh in here but from an outsider's perspective its shocking to see that the hiring committee was composed of other head coaches and not former players, especially at a program with a tradition like Williams. No offense to those coaches, but other than the Woman's soccer coach whose resume speaks for itself none of them really are qualified to identify a quality soccer coach. Like what does the men's crew coach know about soccer? Seems like a strange way to go about the process.


Well as you said this summer he had the advantage of being on the scene and ingratiating himself into the environment before other candidates had a chance to get any juice in the interview process. I think most Nescac's and other schools have used committee's for hiring now for about 15 years. It used to be the AD and maybe a couple others would make the hire but now the committee's make their pick and only if something is completely off will the AD reject it. The AD is completely involved throughout the whole process yet still can absolve blame from a bad hire by blaming a committee. This committee system has proven that while sometimes you can luck into a good hire for the most part there have been just some terrible hires at Nescac schools using this system. The most recent being after the Amherst Lacrosse program scandal when they hired a new HC but he barely lasted a year before getting fired himself but there are numerous examples of bad hires at all these schools thru the committee process.

His strength was recruiting at Springfield so I will be interested to see how he adjusts to recruiting at Williams which is a completely different animal. Former HC Sullivan can attest to that coming from WNEC and he went to Williams. There are many different hurdles to deal with at these Nescac schools. The problem is the past 5 years ALL Nescac teams have gotten better and better. You have Conn College winning National Championships with Amherst, Midd, Tufts challenging every year now. Wes, Colby and Bowdoin are just a step off their tail so Williams right now is behind the 8 ball in recruiting. This class he brings in will be his first and it will be real interesting to see what type of players he is going after. Williams ended up 7-7-2 their worst finish since 1982 so there is a lot of work to be done. More importantly is how they play and if they play the right way I will be right behind them. However, If we come back next season and the dimensions of the field have narrowed and the ball is in the air it will be a long season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on January 27, 2022, 07:31:47 AM
Next year will be a real chance to prove himself as theoretically there should be a ton of upside for Williams.  The team brings its entire starting lineup (and lots of frosh who played big minutes) back to a team that suffered each of its seven losses by exactly one goal (including two losses to Conn, one to Tufts, one to Amherst, and one to Midd in double OT).  Given how much some NESCAC teams lose to graduation, maybe a very veteran Williams team can pull a few of those out next year and get back in the post-season mix, which is a good place to start as a goal.  I think Williams should be strong in the back next year but they could sure use a big-time striker and a creative attacking midfielder, so hopefully that recruiting acumen comes into play early (although not sure how easy it was to recruit in the fall as an interim coach). 

The only recruits I've seen so far are D David Armini from Northfield Mount Herman and Sam Gibson, a F from Chicago Latin, and Henry Kirkman, a MF from Moses Brown.  No idea what level those guys are supposed to be.  It's certainly been a long while since Williams brought in the types of classes that Amherst, Tufts, Conn and lately Middlebury have ... One recruit who Williams really missed out on last year was Jack Kelosoglu, who I BELIEVE is the son (or likely is) of a former Eph player ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on January 27, 2022, 08:57:26 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on January 25, 2022, 06:10:09 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on January 19, 2022, 05:37:28 PM
Any update on Williams coaching search?

No. All I have heard is they were doing phone interviews in early Jan....

Trinity I have heard a few names bounce around but no hires yet....



I posted in the Men's Hockey section if anyone is interested....Went into my background a bit which I guess I have never really done here at first because I did not want to and then later just because most of you guys already then knew who I was.

Mr.Right, instead of just walking over or around like it didn't happen, just want to say I appreciated your hockey post even if from your pov there is no cause for what you shared to be appreciated.  Maybe it's just important for me to acknowledge as someone who goes pretty far back with you and has at times been a sparring partner.  I also resonated with the whether to be known or not known aspect, and for me I think I reached a point of realizing I probably wanted to be known in some way (own primitive narcissistic needs) in combination with not really caring about any possible negative effects because nobody really cares that much anyway lol, I'm getting old, and life is too short.  That's already more than I intended to say (and yeah, I know I'm wordy) but genuinely hope you are well and thriving with more good things for you to come.  Also enjoyed the hockey analysis and look forward to your continued highly valued D3 soccer commentary.

Btw, if you care to share, what was the origination of "Lapaz"?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Camel_Supporter on January 27, 2022, 04:34:33 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on January 27, 2022, 07:31:47 AM
Next year will be a real chance to prove himself as theoretically there should be a ton of upside for Williams.  The team brings its entire starting lineup (and lots of frosh who played big minutes) back to a team that suffered each of its seven losses by exactly one goal (including two losses to Conn, one to Tufts, one to Amherst, and one to Midd in double OT).  Given how much some NESCAC teams lose to graduation, maybe a very veteran Williams team can pull a few of those out next year and get back in the post-season mix, which is a good place to start as a goal.  I think Williams should be strong in the back next year but they could sure use a big-time striker and a creative attacking midfielder, so hopefully that recruiting acumen comes into play early (although not sure how easy it was to recruit in the fall as an interim coach). 

The only recruits I've seen so far are D David Armini from Northfield Mount Herman and Sam Gibson, a F from Chicago Latin, and Henry Kirkman, a MF from Moses Brown.  No idea what level those guys are supposed to be.  It's certainly been a long while since Williams brought in the types of classes that Amherst, Tufts, Conn and lately Middlebury have ... One recruit who Williams really missed out on last year was Jack Kelosoglu, who I BELIEVE is the son (or likely is) of a former Eph player ...

Off a tangent, but just want to reiterate that Kelosoglu is unbelievable for a freshman. I really can't wait to watch the young man develop over the next few years. Surely he will be an AA by the time he graduates if Conn maintains its upwards trajectory. In fact, congratulations to the whole Camel backline. They were so young and performed so well! Granted, I think Conn as a team really focuses on team defense (eg pressuring the ball as a unit immediately after they've lost it).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on January 27, 2022, 05:29:34 PM
I like Scoffone, watched him since his club days at Penn Fusion,think he will come big!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 27, 2022, 07:39:52 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on January 27, 2022, 08:57:26 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on January 25, 2022, 06:10:09 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on January 19, 2022, 05:37:28 PM
Any update on Williams coaching search?

No. All I have heard is they were doing phone interviews in early Jan....

Trinity I have heard a few names bounce around but no hires yet....



I posted in the Men's Hockey section if anyone is interested....Went into my background a bit which I guess I have never really done here at first because I did not want to and then later just because most of you guys already then knew who I was.

Mr.Right, instead of just walking over or around like it didn't happen, just want to say I appreciated your hockey post even if from your pov there is no cause for what you shared to be appreciated.  Maybe it's just important for me to acknowledge as someone who goes pretty far back with you and has at times been a sparring partner.  I also resonated with the whether to be known or not known aspect, and for me I think I reached a point of realizing I probably wanted to be known in some way (own primitive narcissistic needs) in combination with not really caring about any possible negative effects because nobody really cares that much anyway lol, I'm getting old, and life is too short.  That's already more than I intended to say (and yeah, I know I'm wordy) but genuinely hope you are well and thriving with more good things for you to come.  Also enjoyed the hockey analysis and look forward to your continued highly valued D3 soccer commentary.

Btw, if you care to share, what was the origination of "Lapaz"?

Thank you...Yes U are correct we have been on here a long long time. I will share but curious to here a guess or 2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on January 27, 2022, 07:45:31 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on January 27, 2022, 07:31:47 AM
Next year will be a real chance to prove himself as theoretically there should be a ton of upside for Williams.  The team brings its entire starting lineup (and lots of frosh who played big minutes) back to a team that suffered each of its seven losses by exactly one goal (including two losses to Conn, one to Tufts, one to Amherst, and one to Midd in double OT).  Given how much some NESCAC teams lose to graduation, maybe a very veteran Williams team can pull a few of those out next year and get back in the post-season mix, which is a good place to start as a goal.  I think Williams should be strong in the back next year but they could sure use a big-time striker and a creative attacking midfielder, so hopefully that recruiting acumen comes into play early (although not sure how easy it was to recruit in the fall as an interim coach). 

The only recruits I've seen so far are D David Armini from Northfield Mount Herman and Sam Gibson, a F from Chicago Latin, and Henry Kirkman, a MF from Moses Brown.  No idea what level those guys are supposed to be.  It's certainly been a long while since Williams brought in the types of classes that Amherst, Tufts, Conn and lately Middlebury have ... One recruit who Williams really missed out on last year was Jack Kelosoglu, who I BELIEVE is the son (or likely is) of a former Eph player ...


I am not sure if they are related. Robin Kelesoglu was on Williams 95' Title team and was an absolute nutter so yea they would be two peas in a pod.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on January 27, 2022, 07:56:02 PM
Just confirmed he is Robin's son. Too bad he didn't end up as an Eph!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on January 27, 2022, 11:00:03 PM

[/quote]

Thank you...Yes U are correct we have been on here a long long time. I will share but curious to here a guess or 2
[/quote]


RE: LaPaz....Gotta admit I don't love this exercise but in the spirit of living up to my sterling reputation as a team player....

1) Family or partner connection
2) Semester or year "abroad" in college or high school exchange student
3) Best vacation ever
4) Progressive/lifestyle
5) Nickname you had on your U12 town soccer team
6) D3 boards password
7) All of the above
8) None of the above
9) 3 out of 6 from above


Btw, allowing for slight hyperbole, "Mr.Right" (without the space) has got to be among the best handles in sports message board/social media recent history, especially considering the context of the name's unveiling which fortunately or unfortunately I have been around long enough to recall.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Caz Bombers on January 28, 2022, 03:46:05 PM
new coach at Trinity:

https://bantamsports.com/news/2022/1/28/trinity-college-hires-methembe-ndlovu-as-head-mens-soccer-coach.aspx
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on January 28, 2022, 04:53:06 PM
Sounds like a great hire.  I wish him the best of luck.  I always felt Trinity had the potential to be a big time program. I know lots of players who wanted that NESCAC experience but weren't interested going into Northern New England.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on January 28, 2022, 06:08:51 PM
Quote from: Ejay on January 28, 2022, 04:53:06 PM
Sounds like a great hire.  I wish him the best of luck.  I always felt Trinity had the potential to be a big time program. I know lots of players who wanted that NESCAC experience but weren't interested going into Northern New England.




I think something like 11 of the top 12 players from Trinity in minutes played were first year players.  They competed fairly well in most NESCAC games so the future is pretty bright if they can learn to find the net.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on January 28, 2022, 08:21:22 PM
Greetings from Sydney, Australia.  I was quite excited to learn of the existence of D3Boards and moreso when I discovered the specific NESCAC board.  My son is a transfer and will start in the Fall at one of the NESCAC schools (not sure what's okay to disclose etc, in any event, it won't take Gil Grissom and his team much to eventually work it out when the season arrives) and I did have a few questions for the regulars here:

1.  We have been a bit spoilt being able to watch ESPN+ here to view D1 games, what is the set up like for NESCAC, will there be any live streams or will it be more of a case of relying on what individual colleges are able to put together?
2. I understand the much more academic emphasis that's part of the D3 landscape, but having spent some time with the Trinity, Texas, team a few years ago, also got that the soccer is of a good standard and definitely competitive (I know they regularly do well against UIW and St Marys in scrimmages).  My questions are, do many D3 players who have eligibility articulate to D1 schools for post-grad after graduating and also are there many examples of players who successfully join USL/USL 1 squads.  I  know longevity in a soccer career is another thing entirely, but interested to hear how open-minded those coaches are when initially recruiting.
3. In a similar vein to 2. Are USL 2 teams open-minded about the division that their potential players come from?

We have a plan to get to the US in September for the season, at this stage, Ms EnmoreCat doesn't realize that our itinerary may be quite game day dependent!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on January 31, 2022, 10:21:34 AM
Since your questions aren't really all that NESCAC specific, I'll chime in a bit.

First off, welcome to the board! This is certainly a very active thread, but I'd encourage you to wander out and check-in on the national discussion, as well. Lots of folks with a ton of knowledge about D3 soccer. Though, again, this is a very active thread with a lot of great posters to get you started. Also, to state the obvious, it's a pretty dead time right now. Things won't pick back up until spring, where some scrimmages will pop up, and then August, when things start to really ramp up.

I can only really speak to your first question: You will be able to watch the vast majority of NESCAC games through a live stream. Especially league games, which I believe are covered by a regional internet-based sports channel. I think it's the Northeast Sports Channel? At any rate, on your son's page there will be a schedule and on that schedule you'll see a "Watch" link... 9 times out of 10, that's going to send you to a FREE streaming page to watch the games.

This, by the way, is a relatively new development. Up until 3 or 4 (?) years ago, the streaming was a) not free and b) very spotty in terms of who offered the service. So... It's a great time to be a D3 soccer fan!

I'll let others chime in on the USL1 and 2 questions. It's not uncommon for a handful of players to transfer from D3 to D1 schools, BUT... Just in general, the majority of D3 soccer players aren't looking to make a career out of the sport. Many are good enough to have gone that route, but choose an academics-first approach that somewhat downplays the sport in their overall college experience. As you note, top D3 programs are quite a big commitment and D3 athletes certainly take things seriously. Just not at the level of a D1 school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on January 31, 2022, 01:30:19 PM
I know that Covid wasn't as bad then, but too bad this couldn't have happened for soccer.

https://nescac.com/news/2022/1/31/nescac-news-nescac-announces-modified-basketball-and-ice-hockey-championships.aspx
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on January 31, 2022, 02:56:00 PM
Nescac1 and maybe others brought up recruits earlier in the thread. Here's a quick compile of '22 NESCAC recruits I've seen in various places. Please add!

Amherst
Andrew Tremante F/M Delbarton NJ

Bates
Lane Foushee M/D Phillips Exeter ME/NH
Kobby Nimako D Cate CA
David Ortiz D Wake FC/Heritage NC

Bowdoin
Alex Ainsworth G FC United/Loyola IL
Paul Cluskey D SD Surf/Bishop's CA
Mateo Pacelli M Del Mar Carmel Valley Torrey Pines CA
Felipe Rueda F United PDX/Catlin Gabel OR
Paul Surkov M TB United/JW Mitchell FL

Colby
Cameron Ashley G Crossfire Premier/Redmond WA
Braden Jondro D Worcester Acad MA
Peter Papavasiliou D Worcester Acad MA
Noah Radecki M Beachside CT

Connecticut College
Sam Brockelman F Maconomet MA
Aidan Keith M/F Match Fit/Pennington NJ
TJ Krongard G Northfield Mount Hermon NJ/MA
Maurice Pigola D Northfield Mount Hermon Germany/MA
Matthew Quiros-Newton M Taft OK/CT
Matthew Sharretts D Seacoast/Pinkerton NH
Gavin Vanden Berg F Seattle United/Shorecrest WA

Hamilton
Ross Eagle M Chelsea Piers Shoreline/Byram Hills NY
Cole Wassiliew M Bethesda/Walt Whitman MD
Griffin Weidner D Charlotte SA/Providence Day NC

Middlebury
Alem Hadzic FC United IL
Daniel Kaye FC United IL
Gavin Randolph F Milton MA
Will Sawin M Stonington CT
Joseph Waterman G Seacoast/St. John's Prep MA

Trinity
Finn Hackett D/M Boston Bolts Milton MA
Josh Ruthfield D NEFC/Worcester Acad MA
Elias Zobran M Taft Malawi/CT

Tufts
Mateo Bargagna F Atlanta Utd/Atlanta Int'l GA
James Gunn M Crossfire Premier WA
Ben Pensky M FC Alliance TN
Henry Perkins F/M Northfield Mount Hermon OH/MA
Luke Randolph F Milton MA
Mason Shultz F Rivers MA
Daniel Yanez M PDA/Pingry NJ

Wesleyan
Joshua LaCorte D FC Florida/Pine FL
Will Martin F Arlington SA/DeMatha DC
Kofi McFadgion D Arlington SA/DeMatha HS DC
Josh Nadison G Cedar Stars/Montclair NJ

Williams
David Armini D Northfield Mount Hermon MA
Sam Gibson F FC United/Latin IL
Mohamed Keussom Two Bridges NY
Cole Moriello M Pingry NJ
Evan Vasquez F FC Copa/Hunterdon Central NJ
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on February 02, 2022, 07:09:15 PM
Seems like Siebert has acquitted himself well for being in an interim spot.  The two Central Jersey recruits are both from really strong programs, and Vasquez in particular looks like a guy who could give an immediate jolt to the Ephs up front. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on February 03, 2022, 05:45:40 AM
@enmorecat, welcome! I also have a son playing in college.  As to ypur USL questions,  I would say it's likely to very likely that a player getting good minutes at a good/top program could play on a USL2 team. I would also say that it's highly unlikely for a d3 player to make a usl1, or championship,  team. It's rare for d1 players to make a usl1 team.  As you probably already know, the usl2 teams are aimed at college players,  and have games over the summer.  Usl1 is professional and has a more regular season.

Hope that helps! Enjoy the upcoming experience and please do continue to post on these boards.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ephraim_Williams1 on February 04, 2022, 05:19:31 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on February 02, 2022, 07:09:15 PM
Seems like Siebert has acquitted himself well for being in an interim spot.  The two Central Jersey recruits are both from really strong programs, and Vasquez in particular looks like a guy who could give an immediate jolt to the Ephs up front.
it'll be interesting to see where the Williams program goes in the next couple of years. Many alums aren't all that happy with the Siebert hire and the current state of things in the program, in particular how a program that's been around for 100 years is carrying itself (just take a look at the social media as one example...)

Now that he's the permanent hire the hope is the program gets back to truly competing in the NESCAC, but with the new Trinity hire there will soon be no easy-out in the league. And Williams barely scratched into the playoffs this fall. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on February 04, 2022, 05:39:26 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on February 03, 2022, 05:45:40 AM
@enmorecat, welcome! I also have a son playing in college.  As to ypur USL questions,  I would say it's likely to very likely that a player getting good minutes at a good/top program could play on a USL2 team. I would also say that it's highly unlikely for a d3 player to make a usl1, or championship,  team. It's rare for d1 players to make a usl1 team.  As you probably already know, the usl2 teams are aimed at college players,  and have games over the summer.  Usl1 is professional and has a more regular season.

Hope that helps! Enjoy the upcoming experience and please do continue to post on these boards.

Thanks Another Mom and Hopkins92, appreciate the insights.  Can't wait for the season to start, but guess we're gonna have to...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: smoova on February 08, 2022, 11:02:40 PM
Quote from: TrueGrit on February 07, 2022, 01:09:13 PM... and Siebert cancelled some of Sullivan's recruits for 2022.

If this is true, it is bad, really bad.  A move like that will hurt recruiting for several years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on February 09, 2022, 03:05:52 PM
Before Sullivan left the recruiting was messed up. Not all of that was his fault (apparently the Admissions Office told all coaches to not make any offers until they sorted out already admitted kids to see how many were deferring etc). But he was a very poor communicator.

My son got an offer from Sullivan, and us parents urged him to seriously consider it, but my son absolutely refused.  It seems he may have dodged a bullet!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on February 10, 2022, 10:44:37 AM
I have no knowledge at all about what Siebert may or may not have done with regard to recruiting.  I just note that Sullivan was relieved of his duties way back in July, before guys had even submitted an application to Williams.  It's not like by then recruits are generally locked in, like they are in the middle of the fall ... who knows whether admissions had even weighed in by that point.  I think a new coach hired over the summer is within reason to instead start focusing on his own recruits who will be arriving more than a year away from the date of his hire; recruits who were planning on attending to Williams (but of course, had yet to be admitted) certainly have ample time to figure out another great destination if the coach who was doing the recruiting is no longer around.  Again, it would be a very different story if we were talking about October/November, after kids had already at least applied to Williams.

Oh, and I like Siebert's approach to social media.  At least it shows energy, enthusiasm and positivity.  Next year will be telling in terms of whether he is able to start to see some more positive results on the field.  Again, basically the entire roster is back, the team now has a year in his system, he's adding some promising reinforcements, and Williams lost a lot of very close games this year, perhaps reflecting some bad luck. Plus, a bunch of the teams ahead of Williams suffer massive losses to graduation (Tufts, Amherst, Colby, Bowdoin in particular).  I think anything short of an NCAA bid next year would be disappointing.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: smoova on February 10, 2022, 02:18:04 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on February 10, 2022, 10:44:37 AMI just note that Sullivan was relieved of his duties way back in July, before guys had even submitted an application to Williams.  It's not like by then recruits are generally locked in, like they are in the middle of the fall ... who knows whether admissions had even weighed in by that point.

NESCAC coaches obtain pre-reads from admissions in late June and begin offering admissions support to recruits beginning on July 1.  A positive pre-read and an offer of coach support is near guarantee of admission (unless grades fall dramatically, recruit runs afoul of the law, etc).  Recruits accept coach support in exchange for a commitment to apply ED1. Committed recruits then inform coaches at other schools of their commitment. Those coaches move on to other recruits.

If a new coach rolls in and pulls support just because he didn't personally recruit the player, it is a really sh!tty move and something that future recruits should understand about that coach. Fortunately, most new NESCAC coaches honor their predecessor's support commitments - e.g. both Amherst and Bowdoin hired lacrosse HCs after July 1, 2021 and both of those coaches did honor the support that was previously offered to recruits.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on February 10, 2022, 03:18:32 PM
With respect, most top recruits are spoken for (as locked in as any recruit can be) by July/August. Prereads are submitted July 1. Sullivan made the offer to my son in early August, and it was my son's last offer. His earliest offer was in May. So the current timing is earlier than you are thinking,  though I am sure the musical chairs continue into the Fall.

I certainly hope the new coach didn't pull any offers Sullivan made. I agree with smoova, that would be a really ****ty move with repercussions for the program going forward.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on February 10, 2022, 04:07:26 PM
My son was not locked in to Middlebury until late fall of 2018 (he graduated HS in May 2019).  Timelines are different for everyone, although I would say in this case it has worked out well for all concerned.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on February 11, 2022, 07:20:36 AM
Oh, definitely,  timelines/recruiting journeys are different for everyone. My point was that in August many spots are already taken so the options for a player suddenly cut loose are far fewer. Their 2nd or 3rd choice schools could well have already filled all the coach supported spots. But yes, there *are* definitely spots available after August.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on February 11, 2022, 10:30:12 AM
My experience is that most coaches want to be finish by March.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on February 12, 2022, 11:27:48 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on February 10, 2022, 10:44:37 AM
...a bunch of the teams ahead of Williams suffer massive losses to graduation (Tufts, Amherst, Colby, Bowdoin in particular).

I hadn't realized how few players Williams would be losing to graduation in 2022, nor how many of the returnees will be seniors. Never seen anything like it. The top 17 players by minutes played in 2021 are coming back, and if all the juniors return they'll have 10 seniors on the roster in fall 2022, 9 of whom played in almost every game in 2021. Trinity and Conn won't lose much to graduation either, but the scale of Williams' potential retention is bonkers.

The potential graduation losses at Tufts, Bowdoin, Amherst, and Colby are big, for sure. Hadn't really grasped the scale of that either.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TrueGrit on February 14, 2022, 02:54:25 PM
Because of Covid this was a unique and challenging year for all of the schools. Any coach  had to deal with players who took time off, returned and thus were not lost to graduation, as well as three groups of recruits: High school class of 2020 who had taken a year off before enrolling in college ( probably offered their spot in the fall of "19) : Class of 2021, normal entering freshman: and those recruits who by late summer 2021 may have already been pretty far down the road to committing,  or had even  been offered a spot ( pending admission to the school). Will be difficult to follow what happened to the last group as admissions had not been formally offered - but withdrawing an offer in the late summer / early fall could have led these kids with limited options.  Those recruits in high school classes of '20 and '21 had likely been offered their spots in the fall of their senior years, applied early decision and withdrew applications from all other schools. I'm sure any coach,  program or school with character would honor their commitment to any player recruited and admitted though this process.  This may be a situation some of the schools are still working though - although It seems most of the NESCAC and Ivy schools found a way to handle it appropriately, as evidenced by their expanded rosters ( examples Bates 36, Cornell 36 ).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on February 16, 2022, 06:56:35 PM
Hey NESCAC fans -

Just posted my interview with Coach Kyle Dozetell of Tufts University.  Fantastic conversation and learned a lot.  Hope you enjoy watching as much as I had making it.

Tufts University Head Men's Coach, Kyle Dozetell  (https://youtu.be/z6JtuAKKfxo)

SC
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on February 17, 2022, 12:46:28 PM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 16, 2022, 06:56:35 PM
Hey NESCAC fans -

Just posted my interview with Coach Kyle Dozetell of Tufts University.  Fantastic conversation and learned a lot.  Hope you enjoy watching as much as I had making it.

Tufts University Head Men's Coach, Kyle Dozetell  (https://youtu.be/z6JtuAKKfxo)

SC

Have known Kyle for close to 20 years. Great interview.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on February 18, 2022, 07:38:42 AM
Will add something that is really cool.  Anybody has followed me knows that I try not to take things too seriously.  And starting this YouTube channel is the same.  I still contend I am nobody just a guy who enjoys talking about soccer.  However I think I have reached a peak and may need to consider retirement as I have hit the top of my game.

On GoTuftsJumbos.com on their headliners, they put a news item linking to the interview.  Am done.  Not sure it gets any better.

Thanks for all the positive feedback and support.  Very very appreciative.

SC
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on February 21, 2022, 06:38:05 PM
Updating this with a dozen NESCAC MSOC recruits and other new info (in red) listed in various public places. Don't hesitate to add.

Amherst
Andrew Tremante F/M Delbarton NJ

Bates
Tomas Alberola M/F Real Colorado/Kent Denver CO
Lane Foushee M/D Phillips Exeter ME/NH
Nico Hessel G Northfield Mount Hermon VT/MA
Kobby Nimako D Cate CA
David Ortiz D Wake FC/Heritage NC

Bowdoin
Alex Ainsworth G FC United/Loyola IL
Paul Cluskey D SD Surf/Bishop's CA
Mateo Pacelli M Del Mar Carmel Valley Torrey Pines CA
Felipe Rueda F United PDX/Catlin Gabel OR
Paul Surkov M TB United/JW Mitchell FL

Colby
Cameron Ashley G Crossfire Premier/Redmond WA
Luis Estrella F South Kent Panama/CT
Braden Jondro D Worcester Acad MA
Peter Papavasiliou D Worcester Acad MA
Noah Radecki M Beachside CT
Ryan Stewart D Penn Fusion/Westtown PA

Connecticut College
Sam Brockelman F Maconomet MA
Aidan Keith M/F Match Fit/Pennington NJ
TJ Krongard G Northfield Mount Hermon NJ/MA
Maurice Pigola D Northfield Mount Hermon Germany/MA
Matthew Quiros-Newton M Taft OK/CT
Matthew Sharretts D Seacoast/Pinkerton NH
Gavin Vanden Berg F Seattle United/Shorecrest WA

Hamilton
Aedan Burke M/D Empire United/Baldwinsville NY
Ross Eagle M Chelsea Piers Shoreline/Byram Hills NY
Jun Reiss D SC Gjoa/Packer Collegiate NY
Cole Wassiliew M Bethesda/Walt Whitman MD
Griffin Weidner D Charlotte SA/Providence Day NC

Middlebury
Alem Hadzic F FC United IL
Daniel Kaye F FC United IL
Gavin Randolph F Milton MA
Will Sawin M Stonington CT
Andrew Stuart F Shreveport United/CE Byrd LA
Joseph Waterman G Seacoast/St. John's Prep MA

Trinity
Brendan Feldgoise D NYSC NY
Finn Hackett D/M Boston Bolts Milton MA
Kieran McCabe F Boston Bolts Roxbury Latin MA
Josh Ruthfield D NEFC/Worcester Acad MA
Elias Zobran M Taft Malawi/CT

Tufts
Mateo Bargagna F Atlanta Utd/Atlanta Int'l GA
James Gunn M Crossfire Premier WA
Ben Pensky M FC Alliance TN
Henry Perkins F/M Northfield Mount Hermon OH/MA
Luke Randolph F Milton MA
Mason Shultz F Rivers MA
Daniel Yanez M PDA/Pingry NJ

Wesleyan
Carrigan Cullinan D Trumbull/Loomis Chaffee CT
Will Geballe D Beachside SC/Guilford HS CT
Joshua LaCorte D FC Florida/Pine FL
Will Martin F Arlington SA/DeMatha DC
Kofi McFadgion D Arlington SA/DeMatha HS DC
Josh Nadison G Cedar Stars/Montclair NJ

Williams
David Armini D Northfield Mount Hermon MA
Sam Gibson F FC United/Latin IL
Mohamed Keussom D Two Bridges/Xavier NY
Henry Kirkman M Bayside FC/Moses Brown RI
Cole Moriello M Pingry NJ
Evan Vasquez F FC Copa/Hunterdon Central NJ
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: The Mole on February 24, 2022, 07:49:53 PM
Asking for a friend..

Potential SA inquiring about teams in league that employ a "wingback" formation. Disclosure: I have no clue what this means as soccer is not my sport. Any other place or resource that could be researched to find this out?

Thanks in advance, appreciate any guidance on the subject. Posting this to the league threads that have shown mutual interest.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on February 25, 2022, 10:20:12 AM
wing backs are the outside defenders with responsibility to be part of the offense, when their team is in possession of the ball, a great example of this was Marcelo at Real Madrid.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on February 25, 2022, 12:52:10 PM
I think people are confusing the terminology between an outside back and a wingback. While all outside backs are now asked to play an attacking role a wingback specifically refers to the outside player in a 3-5-2/3-4-3. So a wingback is the player in a back 3/back 5 system where as an outside back is the player in a formation with a back 4. In the back 3 a wingback is essentially a hybrid between an outside back/outside mid/winger hence the term wingback.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on February 25, 2022, 02:29:53 PM
yeah! wing back tend to refer to the outside guys in a back five.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on April 08, 2022, 04:11:01 PM
With Decision Day approaching, here's another Class of '26 update, culled from the usual public sources (and thus probably not to be taken as gospel truth). Noteworthy as usual to see how few Amherst recruits are acknowledged prior to ACMSOC's own announcements -- poor lads must be ordered not to say a peep in advance...LOL. New stuff in red.

Amherst
Andrew Tremante F/M Delbarton NJ

Bates
Tomas Alberola M/F Real Colorado/Kent Denver CO
Lane Foushee M/D Phillips Exeter ME/NH
Nico Hessel G Northfield Mount Hermon VT/MA
Kobby Nimako D Cate CA
David Ortiz D Wake FC/Heritage NC

Bowdoin
Alex Ainsworth G FC United/Loyola IL
Paul Cluskey D SD Surf/Bishop's CA
Mateo Pacelli M Del Mar Carmel Valley Torrey Pines CA
Felipe Rueda F United PDX/Catlin Gabel OR
Paul Surkov M TB United/JW Mitchell FL

Colby
Cameron Ashley G Crossfire Premier/Redmond WA
Luis Estrella F South Kent Panama/CT
Braden Jondro D Worcester Acad MA
Peter Papavasiliou D Worcester Acad MA
Noah Radecki M Beachside CT
Ryan Stewart D Penn Fusion/Westtown PA
Elijah Widdows M/F United PDX/Catlin Gabel OR

Connecticut College
Sam Brockelman F Maconomet MA
Nate Buckley M IMG FL
Aidan Keith M/F Match Fit/Pennington NJ
TJ Krongard G Northfield Mount Hermon NJ/MA
Maurice Pigola D Northfield Mount Hermon Germany/MA
Matthew Quiros-Newton M Taft OK/CT
Matthew Sharretts D Seacoast/Pinkerton NH
Gavin Vanden Berg F Seattle United/Shorecrest WA
Patryk Zezula BW Gottschee/Archbishop Molloy NY

Hamilton
Aedan Burke D/M Empire United/Baldwinsville NY
Ross Eagle M Chelsea Piers Shoreline/Byram Hills NY
John Reidy M Inter Connecticut/Fairfield Prep CT
Jun Reiss D SC Gjoa/Packer Collegiate NY
Cole Wassiliew M Bethesda/Walt Whitman MD
Griffin Weidner D Charlotte SA/Providence Day NC

Middlebury
Alem Hadzic F FC United IL
Daniel Kaye F FC United IL
Tyler Milne M Connecticut FC/Suffield Acad CT
Gavin Randolph F Milton Acad MA
Will Sawin M Stonington CT
Andrew Stuart F Shreveport United/CE Byrd LA
Joseph Waterman G Seacoast/St. John's Prep MA

Trinity
Ryan Carey D Boston Bolts/Newton South MA
Nathaniel Dyott G FC Westchester/Masters NY
Brendan Feldgoise D NYSC NY
Finn Hackett D/M Boston Bolts/Milton Acad MA
Kieran McCabe F Boston Bolts/Roxbury Latin MA
Josh Ruthfield D NEFC/Worcester Acad MA
Elias Zobran M Taft Malawi/CT

Tufts
Mateo Bargagna F Atlanta Utd/Atlanta Int'l GA
James Gunn M Crossfire Premier WA
Austin Jobson G Miramar United Elite/Mater Lakes FL
Sammy Kao G FC Delco/Lower Merion PA
Ben Pensky M FC Alliance TN
Henry Perkins F/M Northfield Mount Hermon OH/MA
Luke Randolph F Milton Acad MA
Mason Shultz F Rivers MA
Daniel Yanez M PDA/Pingry NJ

Wesleyan
Carrigan Cullinan D Trumbull/Loomis Chaffee CT
Will Geballe D Beachside SC/Guilford CT
Joshua LaCorte D FC Florida/Pine FL
Will Martin F Arlington SA/DeMatha DC
Kofi McFadgion D Arlington SA/DeMatha DC
Josh Nadison G Cedar Stars/Montclair NJ

Williams
David Armini D Northfield Mount Hermon MA
Sam Gibson F FC United/Latin IL
Mohamed Keussom D Two Bridges/Xavier NY
Henry Kirkman M Bayside FC/Moses Brown RI
Cole Moriello M Pingry NJ
Evan Vasquez F FC Copa/Hunterdon Central NJ
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on May 12, 2022, 11:27:25 AM
Very sad news out of Middlebury:

Panther alum Kye Moffat, Class of 2019, recently died after a tragic ski accident in Tahoe.

https://www.berkeleyside.org/2022/05/11/kye-moffat-berkeley-global-adventurer-dies-at-25



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on May 12, 2022, 06:00:24 PM
RIP!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on May 13, 2022, 01:08:13 PM
Quote from: Viking on February 21, 2022, 06:38:05 PM
Updating this with a dozen NESCAC MSOC recruits and other new info (in red) listed in various public places. Don't hesitate to add.

Amherst
Andrew Tremante F/M Delbarton NJ

Bates
Tomas Alberola M/F Real Colorado/Kent Denver CO
Lane Foushee M/D Phillips Exeter ME/NH
Nico Hessel G Northfield Mount Hermon VT/MA
Kobby Nimako D Cate CA
David Ortiz D Wake FC/Heritage NC

Bowdoin
Alex Ainsworth G FC United/Loyola IL
Paul Cluskey D SD Surf/Bishop's CA
Mateo Pacelli M Del Mar Carmel Valley Torrey Pines CA
Felipe Rueda F United PDX/Catlin Gabel OR
Paul Surkov M TB United/JW Mitchell FL

Colby
Cameron Ashley G Crossfire Premier/Redmond WA
Luis Estrella F South Kent Panama/CT
Braden Jondro D Worcester Acad MA
Peter Papavasiliou D Worcester Acad MA
Noah Radecki M Beachside CT
Ryan Stewart D Penn Fusion/Westtown PA

Connecticut College
Sam Brockelman F Maconomet MA
Aidan Keith M/F Match Fit/Pennington NJ
TJ Krongard G Northfield Mount Hermon NJ/MA
Maurice Pigola D Northfield Mount Hermon Germany/MA
Matthew Quiros-Newton M Taft OK/CT
Matthew Sharretts D Seacoast/Pinkerton NH
Gavin Vanden Berg F Seattle United/Shorecrest WA

Hamilton
Aedan Burke M/D Empire United/Baldwinsville NY
Ross Eagle M Chelsea Piers Shoreline/Byram Hills NY
Jun Reiss D SC Gjoa/Packer Collegiate NY
Cole Wassiliew M Bethesda/Walt Whitman MD
Griffin Weidner D Charlotte SA/Providence Day NC

Middlebury
Alem Hadzic F FC United IL
Daniel Kaye F FC United IL
Gavin Randolph F Milton MA
Will Sawin M Stonington CT
Andrew Stuart F Shreveport United/CE Byrd LA
Joseph Waterman G Seacoast/St. John's Prep MA

Trinity
Brendan Feldgoise D NYSC NY
Finn Hackett D/M Boston Bolts Milton MA
Kieran McCabe F Boston Bolts Roxbury Latin MA
Josh Ruthfield D NEFC/Worcester Acad MA
Elias Zobran M Taft Malawi/CT

Tufts
Mateo Bargagna F Atlanta Utd/Atlanta Int'l GA
James Gunn M Crossfire Premier WA
Ben Pensky M FC Alliance TN
Henry Perkins F/M Northfield Mount Hermon OH/MA
Luke Randolph F Milton MA
Mason Shultz F Rivers MA
Daniel Yanez M PDA/Pingry NJ

Wesleyan
Carrigan Cullinan D Trumbull/Loomis Chaffee CT
Will Geballe D Beachside SC/Guilford HS CT
Joshua LaCorte D FC Florida/Pine FL
Will Martin F Arlington SA/DeMatha DC
Kofi McFadgion D Arlington SA/DeMatha HS DC
Josh Nadison G Cedar Stars/Montclair NJ

Williams
David Armini D Northfield Mount Hermon MA
Sam Gibson F FC United/Latin IL
Mohamed Keussom D Two Bridges/Xavier NY
Henry Kirkman M Bayside FC/Moses Brown RI
Cole Moriello M Pingry NJ
Evan Vasquez F FC Copa/Hunterdon Central NJ

Wesleyan - Mateo Neighbors M/F -- St. Johns transfer/NYCFC/PDA  Montclair, NJ
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on May 13, 2022, 04:09:06 PM
Neighbors is a great player and will make an immediate contribution.  Helps too that Weslyan has that Montclair connection.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on May 19, 2022, 01:00:29 PM
Middlebury has a 6' 6" basketball recruit from Fairhope, AL.  His profile says he is a soccer goalie, too.  Does anybody know if he is planning on playing soccer, too?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on May 19, 2022, 03:35:58 PM
Quote from: maineman on May 19, 2022, 01:00:29 PM
Middlebury has a 6' 6" basketball recruit from Fairhope, AL.  His profile says he is a soccer goalie, too.  Does anybody know if he is planning on playing soccer, too?

College is all about broadening horizons. Going from Fairhope Al to Middlebury is going to be a massive culture and weather shock if he's not a Fairhope transplant or a NESCAC legacy! Good for him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: VAFury on May 20, 2022, 11:06:38 AM
Where do you get the list of recruits from?  Just curious.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on May 20, 2022, 11:23:57 AM
Quote from: jknezek on May 19, 2022, 03:35:58 PM
Quote from: maineman on May 19, 2022, 01:00:29 PM
Middlebury has a 6' 6" basketball recruit from Fairhope, AL.  His profile says he is a soccer goalie, too.  Does anybody know if he is planning on playing soccer, too?

College is all about broadening horizons. Going from Fairhope Al to Middlebury is going to be a massive culture and weather shock if he's not a Fairhope transplant or a NESCAC legacy! Good for him.


It's interesting to see on the list that some schools have virtually all New England or at least Northeastern/Mid Atlantic recruits, while others have lots out-of-area recruits (and not ones who have been at boarding schools in New England).  Bowdoin has exclusively players who fit in that latter category, which is somewhat unusual for an entire recruiting class.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on May 25, 2022, 10:08:22 AM
Quote from: VAFury on May 20, 2022, 11:06:38 AM
Where do you get the list of recruits from?  Just curious.

SlideTackle got it from a list I posted much earlier in this thread. It was a compilation of info from the usual public sources (and therefore, being before May 1, shouldn't be treated as anything more than semi-reliable). SlideTackle accidentally grabbed an older, outdated list, which reminds me that I need to get a new one up since some NESCAC programs have since publicly shared their 2022 recruits via their public social media accounts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on May 25, 2022, 10:30:23 AM
Here's a new list of reported NESCAC men's soccer recruits for 2022. When I say "reported," what I really mean is it's nothing more than a brute-force compilation of info from the usual public sources, so consider it as truthish as you usually consider web and social stuff LOL. This time, however, it includes info that's beginning to be released by the programs themselves, so maybe it's a shade more comprehensive and reliable (note: some NESCAC programs haven't yet announced or will not announce recruits). New stuff since the last list is in red.

Amherst
Ioannis Hadjiyiannis F Iraklis Gerolakkou Cyprus
Simon Kalinauskas D (transfer from U West Virginia)
Juan Perez G TSF Academy NJ
Ugnius Selvenis D FA Siauliai Lithuania
James Street D St. Paul's First XI England
Andrew Tremante F/M Delbarton NJ
Adrian Trott D South Kent Bermuda/CT

Bates
Tomas Alberola M/F Real Colorado/Kent Denver CO
Lane Foushee M/D Phillips Exeter ME/NH
Nico Hessel G Northfield Mount Hermon VT/MA
Cesar Hoover-Darmalingom F/M DMCV Sharks/Francis Parker CA
Sebastian Iacovitti M ASD Grassina/Int'l School of Florence Italy
Mauro Kalora M Besiktas Academy/Koc School Turkey
Kobby Nimako D Cate CA
David Ortiz D Wake FC/Heritage NC

Bowdoin
Alex Ainsworth G FC United/Loyola IL
Paul Cluskey D SD Surf/Bishop's CA
Mateo Pacelli M Del Mar Carmel Valley Torrey Pines CA
Felipe Rueda F United PDX/Catlin Gabel OR
Paul Surkov M TB United/JW Mitchell FL

Colby
Cameron Ashley G Crossfire Premier/Redmond WA
Luis Estrella F South Kent Panama/CT
Braden Jondro D Worcester Acad MA
Peter Papavasiliou D Worcester Acad MA
Noah Radecki M Beachside CT
Ryan Stewart D Penn Fusion/Westtown PA
Elijah Widdows M/F United PDX/Catlin Gabel OR

Connecticut College
Sam Brockelman F Maconomet MA
Nate Buckley M IMG FL
Aidan Keith M/F Match Fit/Pennington NJ
TJ Krongard G Northfield Mount Hermon NJ/MA
Maurice Pigola D Northfield Mount Hermon Germany/MA
Nate Pilson F/M (transfer from Middlebury C)
Matthew Quiros-Newton M Taft OK/CT
Matthew Sharretts D Seacoast/Pinkerton NH
Elliot Spatz F Eastside FC/O'Dea WA
Eugenio Valle M Fleetwood Town FC/Rossall School Ecuador-Italy/UK
Gavin Vanden Berg F Seattle United/Shorecrest WA
Patryk Zezula BW Gottschee/Archbishop Molloy NY

Hamilton
Aedan Burke D/M Empire United/Baldwinsville NY
Ross Eagle M Chelsea Piers Shoreline/Byram Hills NY
John Reidy M Inter Connecticut/Fairfield Prep CT
Jun Reiss D SC Gjoa/Packer Collegiate NY
Cole Wassiliew M Bethesda/Walt Whitman MD
Griffin Weidner D Charlotte SA/Providence Day NC

Middlebury
Alem Hadzic F FC United IL
Daniel Kaye F FC United IL
Tyler Milne M Connecticut FC/Suffield Acad CT
Gavin Randolph F Milton Acad MA
Will Sawin M Stonington CT
Andrew Stuart F Shreveport United/CE Byrd LA
Joseph Waterman G Seacoast/St. John's Prep MA

Trinity
Ryan Carey D Boston Bolts/Newton South MA
Hugh Clark M Seacoast United/Hanover NH
Diego Dallas M Juventus Miami/Western FL
Nathaniel Dyott G FC Westchester/Masters NY
Brendan Feldgoise D NYSC NY
Finn Hackett D/M Boston Bolts/Milton Acad MA
Kieran McCabe F Boston Bolts/Roxbury Latin MA
Jordan McCammon D Solar SC/Braswell TX
Josh Ruthfield D NEFC/Worcester Acad MA
Elias Zobran M Taft Malawi/CT

Tufts
Mateo Bargagna F Atlanta Utd/Atlanta Int'l GA
James Flagg D Manhattan SC NY
James Gunn M Crossfire Premier WA
Austin Jobson G Miramar United Elite/Mater Lakes FL (?)
Sammy Kao G FC Delco/Lower Merion PA
Ben Pensky M FC Alliance TN
Henry Perkins F/M Northfield Mount Hermon OH/MA
Luke Randolph F Milton Acad MA
Mason Shultz F Rivers MA
Daniel Yanez M PDA/Pingry NJ

Wesleyan
Mathis Blanc G De Anza Force/Los Altos CA
Carrigan Cullinan D Trumbull/Loomis Chaffee CT
Will Geballe D Beachside SC/Guilford CT
Joshua LaCorte D FC Florida/Pine FL
Will Martin F Arlington SA/DeMatha DC
Kofi McFadgion D Arlington SA/DeMatha DC
Josh Nadison G Cedar Stars/Montclair NJ
Mateo Neighbors D/M (transfer from St. John's U)

Williams
David Armini D Northfield Mount Hermon MA
Sam Gibson F FC United/Latin IL
Mohamed Keussom D Two Bridges/Xavier NY
Henry Kirkman M Bayside FC/Moses Brown RI
Cole Moriello M Pingry NJ
Evan Vasquez F FC Copa/Hunterdon Central NJ
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on May 25, 2022, 03:24:47 PM
If anyone is desperate to know more about Amherst's West Virginia transfer, I am happy to oblige... :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on May 25, 2022, 07:02:03 PM
I am always interested in players' back stories, even if my son doesn't play in the NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on May 26, 2022, 04:43:46 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on May 25, 2022, 07:02:03 PM
I am always interested in players' back stories, even if my son doesn't play in the NESCAC.

Happy to oblige, Another Mom!

Simon is my son, born in Sydney and until around a year or so ago, had played almost all his soccer in Australia.  The Australian system is similar to the US one in many ways it appears as families are largely responsible for paying for a player's "development" unless they happen to be in the academy of an A-League club, our version of MLS.  Simon played in what is known as the National Premier League, one of seven state-based competitions.  In New South Wales, there are 5 A League clubs and all of them have academy teams (essentially U/21s) competing in mainly the first or second tier.  These competitions don't tend to attract big crowds, but clubs do pay players and it's not uncommon for some NPL clubs to pay as much as AUD 2,000 a game to a player who might play in front of 200 people on a good day.  It's essentially the parents paying for their children to attend these NPL academies from around the age of 8/9 (anywhere from AUD 2500 and up for a season) to 18 who pretty much help pay the wage bills for these clubs.  It's not sustainable at all, but having said that, it has survived in one form or another for a long time.  He did have an opportunity with a premier league club in Scotland, but this called Covid happened and the world changed dramatically (for everyone).

Simon is a 6ft 5 central defender and when we first started looking at the US options, his academic performance was best described as, "patchy", signs of promise, but not much endeavour.  His football on the other hand was and has, largely gone very well.  He played in a 14s team that won the New South Wales premier league, arguably the best competition in Australia and progressed to playing first grade (open age)  in the NPL2 competition in 2021 before leaving for West Virginia.  Without a doubt, one of the best things that happened was visiting the US in 2018 and spending a fair bit of time with Trinity in Texas and also visiting other D1, 2 & 3 programmes.  At Trinity, he got told that being a player was one thing, but to get into an institution like that he needed good marks.  It was like something was ignited inside him and he started to really apply himself, eventually finishing valedictorian, which was a great outcome.

I don't need to tell anyone in here that college choice can be tough just on the education side, but when you add a sport, plus come from the other side of the world, it becomes trickier still.  For various reasons, the range of colleges considered initially was determined by a number of factors and in the end, West Virginia was the one that best ticked the boxes.  It's fair to say that college sport coupled with study is almost more than a full-time job and demanding to say the least.  WVU had a most successful season, making the elite 8, but with that came challenges on the game time side, so at the end of the year, it was about trying to find the right balance.

Ultimately, a lot was learnt from a year in the system, particularly understanding that there is a world outside of D1! When discussions started with Coach Serpone,  the opportunities outlined on both the soccer and academic side were compelling ones.  For those who have met him, they know his enthusiasm is infectious and I can truly say that Simon hasn't been as excited about a season in quite a while.  A programme with high expectations, plus a world class education is a super exciting prospect.  He is playing for Pittsburgh in the NPSL and enjoying himself and seeing a bit of the rust belt and can't wait to get started with the Mammoths.  I am visiting in September and will be fortunate to get to see four games in the nine days I am there, I can't wait!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on May 26, 2022, 08:38:01 AM
Wow, what a story! I expect your son will have seen an excellent overview of the United States by the time he's through college. West Virginia and Amherst MA are very different.  It sounds like Coach Serpone got lucky with your son's transfer.  I agree that he's super-motivating! I will look forward to watching him play this coming season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on May 26, 2022, 09:39:17 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on May 26, 2022, 08:38:01 AM
Wow, what a story! I expect your son will have seen an excellent overview of the United States by the time he's through college. West Virginia and Amherst MA are very different.  It sounds like Coach Serpone got lucky with your son's transfer.  I agree that he's super-motivating! I will look forward to watching him play this coming season.

Hope you are there Sep 17th game!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on May 26, 2022, 04:43:56 PM
Quote from: jknezek on May 19, 2022, 03:35:58 PM
Quote from: maineman on May 19, 2022, 01:00:29 PM
Middlebury has a 6' 6" basketball recruit from Fairhope, AL.  His profile says he is a soccer goalie, too.  Does anybody know if he is planning on playing soccer, too?

College is all about broadening horizons. Going from Fairhope Al to Middlebury is going to be a massive culture and weather shock if he's not a Fairhope transplant or a NESCAC legacy! Good for him.

He's an Alabama native and his father played hoop at W&L.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on May 26, 2022, 08:52:28 PM
Quote from: Bucket on May 26, 2022, 04:43:56 PM
Quote from: jknezek on May 19, 2022, 03:35:58 PM
Quote from: maineman on May 19, 2022, 01:00:29 PM
Middlebury has a 6' 6" basketball recruit from Fairhope, AL.  His profile says he is a soccer goalie, too.  Does anybody know if he is planning on playing soccer, too?

College is all about broadening horizons. Going from Fairhope Al to Middlebury is going to be a massive culture and weather shock if he's not a Fairhope transplant or a NESCAC legacy! Good for him.

He's an Alabama native and his father played hoop at W&L.
But will he play soccer or just basketball?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on May 27, 2022, 04:37:30 AM
Quote from: camosfan on May 26, 2022, 09:39:17 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on May 26, 2022, 08:38:01 AM
Wow, what a story! I expect your son will have seen an excellent overview of the United States by the time he's through college. West Virginia and Amherst MA are very different.  It sounds like Coach Serpone got lucky with your son's transfer.  I agree that he's super-motivating! I will look forward to watching him play this coming season.

Hope you are there Sep 17th game!

Indeed I will, it will be the last of the four games I am there for.  Nice to have an El Classico to finish with.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on May 29, 2022, 12:33:27 PM
Quote from: maineman on May 26, 2022, 08:52:28 PM
Quote from: Bucket on May 26, 2022, 04:43:56 PM
Quote from: jknezek on May 19, 2022, 03:35:58 PM
Quote from: maineman on May 19, 2022, 01:00:29 PM
Middlebury has a 6' 6" basketball recruit from Fairhope, AL.  His profile says he is a soccer goalie, too.  Does anybody know if he is planning on playing soccer, too?

College is all about broadening horizons. Going from Fairhope Al to Middlebury is going to be a massive culture and weather shock if he's not a Fairhope transplant or a NESCAC legacy! Good for him.

He's an Alabama native and his father played hoop at W&L.
But will he play soccer or just basketball?

He's not playing soccer
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on June 02, 2022, 09:49:18 PM
Interesting article on Amherst phenom German Giammattei, (https://amherststudent.com/article/german-giammattei-a-legend-on-and-off-the-pitch/) who just graduated from Amherst and will use his extra year of eligibility to play D1 soccer for UMaryland as a grad student.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on June 02, 2022, 10:54:15 PM
Great article, but someone needs a fact-checker for some of those statistical claims.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on June 03, 2022, 02:32:05 PM
Those are compelling numbers playing in probably the most defensive division in D3!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on June 24, 2022, 01:43:38 PM
Probably the last update now that most of the NESCAC programs that tend to make public announcements have done so. Not many changes. As always, because this is assembled from the usual dodgy public sources, you can't assume that it's 100 percent accurate (although it may be less likely to be wrong at this stage). New stuff in red.

Amherst
Ioannis Hadjiyiannis F Iraklis Gerolakkou Cyprus
Simon Kalinauskas D (transfer from West Virginia U)
Juan Perez G TSF Academy NJ
Ugnius Selvenis D FA Siauliai Lithuania
James Street D St. Paul's First XI England
Andrew Tremante F/M Delbarton NJ
Adrian Trott D South Kent Bermuda/CT

Bates
Tomas Alberola M/F Real Colorado/Kent Denver CO
Lane Foushee M/D Phillips Exeter ME/NH
Nico Hessel G Northfield Mount Hermon VT/MA
Cesar Hoover-Darmalingom F/M DMCV Sharks/Francis Parker CA
Sebastian Iacovitti M ASD Grassina/Int'l School of Florence Italy
Mauro Kalora M Besiktas Academy/Koc School Turkey
Kobby Nimako D Cate CA
David Ortiz D Wake FC/Heritage NC

Bowdoin
Alex Ainsworth G FC United/Loyola IL
Paul Cluskey D SD Surf/Bishop's CA
Mateo Pacelli M Del Mar Carmel Valley Torrey Pines CA
Felipe Rueda F United PDX/Catlin Gabel OR
Paul Surkov M TB United/JW Mitchell FL

Colby
Cameron Ashley G Crossfire Premier/Redmond WA
Luis Estrella F South Kent Panama/CT
Braden Jondro D Worcester Acad MA
Peter Papavasiliou D Worcester Acad MA
Noah Radecki M Beachside CT
Ryan Stewart D Penn Fusion/Westtown PA
Elijah Widdows M/F United PDX/Catlin Gabel OR

Connecticut College
Sam Brockelman F Maconomet MA
Nate Buckley M IMG FL
Aidan Keith M/F Match Fit/Pennington NJ
TJ Krongard G Northfield Mount Hermon NJ/MA
Maurice Pigola D Northfield Mount Hermon Germany/MA
Nate Pilson F/M (transfer from Middlebury C)
Matthew Quiros-Newton M Taft OK/CT
Matthew Sharretts D Seacoast/Pinkerton NH
Elliot Spatz F Eastside FC/O'Dea WA
Eugenio Valle M Fleetwood Town FC/Rossall School Ecuador-Italy/UK
Gavin Vanden Berg F Seattle United/Shorecrest WA
Patryk Zezula BW Gottschee/Archbishop Molloy NY

Hamilton
Bill Becker M PDA/George NJ/PA
Aedan Burke D/M Empire United/Baldwinsville NY
Ross Eagle M Chelsea Piers Shoreline/Byram Hills NY
John Reidy M Inter Connecticut/Fairfield Prep CT
Jun Reiss D SC Gjoa/Packer Collegiate NY
Cole Wassiliew M Bethesda/Walt Whitman MD
Griffin Weidner D Charlotte SA/Providence Day NC

Middlebury
Alem Hadzic F FC United IL
Daniel Kaye F FC United IL
Luke Madden D (transfer from U New Hampshire)
Tyler Milne M Connecticut FC/Suffield Acad CT
Gavin Randolph F Milton Acad MA
Will Sawin M Stonington CT
Andrew Stuart F Shreveport United/CE Byrd LA
Joseph Waterman G Seacoast/St. John's Prep MA

Trinity
Ryan Carey D Boston Bolts/Newton South MA
Hugh Clark M Seacoast United/Hanover NH
Diego Dallas M Juventus Miami/Western FL
Nathaniel Dyott G FC Westchester/Masters NY
Brendan Feldgoise D NYSC NY
Finn Hackett D/M Boston Bolts/Milton Acad MA
Kieran McCabe F Boston Bolts/Roxbury Latin MA
Jordan McCammon D Solar SC/Braswell TX
Josh Ruthfield D NEFC/Worcester Acad MA
Elias Zobran M Taft Malawi/CT

Tufts
Mateo Bargagna F Atlanta Utd/Atlanta Int'l GA
James Flagg D Manhattan SC NY
James Gunn M Crossfire Premier WA
Sammy Kao G FC Delco/Lower Merion PA
Ben Pensky M FC Alliance TN
Henry Perkins F/M Northfield Mount Hermon OH/MA
Luke Randolph F Milton Acad MA
Mason Shultz F Rivers MA
Daniel Yanez M PDA/Pingry NJ

Wesleyan
Mathis Blanc G De Anza Force/Los Altos CA
Carrigan Cullinan D Trumbull/Loomis Chaffee CT
Will Geballe D Beachside SC/Guilford CT
Joshua LaCorte D FC Florida/Pine FL
Will Martin F Arlington SA/DeMatha DC
Kofi McFadgion D Arlington SA/DeMatha DC
Josh Nadison G Cedar Stars/Montclair NJ
Mateo Neighbors D/M (transfer from St. John's U)

Williams
David Armini D Northfield Mount Hermon MA
Sam Gibson F FC United/Latin IL
Mohamed Keussom D Two Bridges/Xavier NY
Henry Kirkman M Bayside FC/Moses Brown RI
Cole Moriello M Pingry NJ
Evan Vasquez F FC Copa/Hunterdon Central NJ
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ephraim_Williams1 on August 05, 2022, 11:41:11 PM
Predictions for the NESCAC Season this Fall?
1. Amherst - obviously the loss of Giammattei, but I think Okorogheye has a huge year and they've brought in another stellar recruiting class, including a CB transfer from WVU.
2. Middlebury - Jordan St Louis is my pick for NESCAC player of the year and they surround him with a ton of size and experience, including a UNH transfer.
3. Tufts - Lauta is the best keeper in D3, and though they lose a huge class they have players like Daly, Clivio, Campbell and Traynor to lead the way. A very balanced group.
4. Conn - I think they take a slight step back in the NESCAC standings but still earn an at large come NCAA time. It's hard for a program that just got to the mountain top for time #1 to replicate that a year later - more mouths to feed!
5. Wesleyan - wouldn't surprise me if they got into the top 2-3 with the team that Wheeler is building there.
6. Williams - return a ton of contributors from a year ago, but it's an upperclassmen group that's been 15-11-7 in terms of overall record the last two seasons. Who's the game changer in their attack?
7. Colby - another team I like the make up of and Franco is a guy that can turn a NESCAC result.
8. Bowdoin - always a tough team to break down, but their non conf schedule leaves them needing a winning NESCAC campaign.
9. Trinity - I think they earn a few results in the NESCAC this year with the energy coming from the new coaching staff.
10. Bates - they will struggle with the loss of HC Sheikh so close to the season.
11. Hamilton - always a well organized team but I think they should do better with their recruiting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on August 06, 2022, 02:45:13 PM
Love that we are getting back to talking about the season!  Interesting predicitions, but Lauta is the best keeper in D3???  Clearly he had a great season, but I don't think he was even the best keeper in the NESCAC, never mind all of D3. Last year in the NESCAC Grady (Midd) and Devanny (Wesleyan) were 1st and 2nd team all-NESCAC respectively.  For United Soccer Coaches, Devanny was first team all region and Grady was 2nd.  Grady got 1st team All-American from D3soccer.com. Lauta was 3rd in GAA in the NESCAC behind Grady and Hope-Gund (Amherst), 2nd in shutouts behind Grady, and 6th in save percentage behind Grady, Hope-Gund, Devanny, Maidenberg (Conn) and Kingston (Bowdoin). Lauta is an outstanding goalkeeper, but the NESCAC has an abundance of those. Should be a great season ahead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on August 06, 2022, 08:18:51 PM
For a true freshman keeper Luta was outstanding, factor in that half of the defensive line in front of him was also technically freshmen!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ephraim_Williams1 on August 07, 2022, 10:43:52 PM
For the Lauta part I should have put IMO, just higher on Lauta after seeing him play than any of the other NESCAC keepers. If you just base everything off awards and statistics you'll miss some things. Midd plays a much more conservative, defensive minded style than probably any other NESCAC team for instance. Personally I think after this coming season is over Lauta will be at the top of the convo. 
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on August 06, 2022, 02:45:13 PM
Love that we are getting back to talking about the season!  Interesting predicitions, but Lauta is the best keeper in D3???  Clearly he had a great season, but I don't think he was even the best keeper in the NESCAC, never mind all of D3. Last year in the NESCAC Grady (Midd) and Devanny (Wesleyan) were 1st and 2nd team all-NESCAC respectively.  For United Soccer Coaches, Devanny was first team all region and Grady was 2nd.  Grady got 1st team All-American from D3soccer.com. Lauta was 3rd in GAA in the NESCAC behind Grady and Hope-Gund (Amherst), 2nd in shutouts behind Grady, and 6th in save percentage behind Grady, Hope-Gund, Devanny, Maidenberg (Conn) and Kingston (Bowdoin). Lauta is an outstanding goalkeeper, but the NESCAC has an abundance of those. Should be a great season ahead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 08, 2022, 02:36:24 PM
The top eight is no doubt brutal this year in NESCAC and very difficult to handicap.  Once again, NESCAC probably has 3-4 of the top top 10-12 teams in the country so it's VERY hard to crack that top group. 

That being said, putting Conn, coming off a national title, at four to start the season feels pretty disrespectful, especially considering that Tufts and Amherst both lost MASSIVE pieces to graduation.  Yes, Conn had some fortunate results deep in the tourney, but a national title is no joke.  Conn's recruiting is on the upswing so you would assume the talent pool will only continue to grow there after experiencing so much relatively newfound success over the past few years.  The coaching staff, obviously tremendous - Conn seems to keep improving each season.  And they bring most of their critical guys back -- Yeonas, Djerdjaj, Kelesoglu, Jaran, Maidenberg - it's not like they lose much from the title team at all.

I also have a good feeling about Williams this year as they will be more comfortable with the system they are now experienced in.  Agreed that doing a better job finishing is the key, as has seemed to be the case for years now for the Ephs, and while they may not have that one ace finisher up top you'd love to see, they have a few guys who collectively can get the job done in Song, Brissett (who I think will have a more productive sophomore year) and maybe FY Evan Vasquez who could make an early impact.  Other than that the rest of the roster is strong.  The back line and defensive midfield led by Felitto and Boardman is absolutely massive, deep, and very experienced, and Gutierrez looks like he will be a star in the midfield now that he has some experience.  The Ephs have basically everyone back from last year including, now, two experienced GKs who can battle it out.  Williams battled in a lot of games and fell just short, and if they just collectively all get slightly better, especially in terms of finishing, the team could turn a lot of those one goal conference losses into wins or ties.  Of course, it will still be very tough to crack the top four given how loaded those squads always are ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on August 08, 2022, 02:52:11 PM
Even though my son doesn't go to a NESCAC, he was focused on those schools during recruiting so I'm a bit familiar with some of the programs and coaches.

Agree with you about Conn (all your points!).

I am curious about Trinity and their new coach. Given all the super talented African players, I've long thought we are overdue for some African coaches. I wish him luck this Fall!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on August 08, 2022, 04:47:48 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 08, 2022, 02:36:24 PM

That being said, putting Conn, coming off a national title, at four to start the season feels pretty disrespectful, especially considering that Tufts and Amherst both lost MASSIVE pieces to graduation.  Yes, Conn had some fortunate results deep in the tourney, but a national title is no joke.  Conn's recruiting is on the upswing so you would assume the talent pool will only continue to grow there after experiencing so much relatively newfound success over the past few years.  The coaching staff, obviously tremendous - Conn seems to keep improving each season.  And they bring most of their critical guys back -- Yeonas, Djerdjaj, Kelesoglu, Jaran, Maidenberg - it's not like they lose much from the title team at all.

I tend to agree with you about Conn.  There's a little bit of elitism going on most likely.  Partly, that's in the soccer sense that the traditional "top" schools and their fans probably still view Conn's nat'l championship run as a bit flukey and won't believe in them without several more years of sustained success (in other words, they're still in the show me or prove it stage).  There's also probably some good old fashioned New England small college elitism too, since Conn may not have the historic prestige academically as some of the other schools in the conference.  It's the youngest school in the conference (only one founded in the 20th century) and it's the most recent to join (if you trace Hamilton back to 1971 as an original member of NESCAC, even if not for soccer).  It also has the smallest endowment (just below Bates, but those two are a significant margin below everyone else) and is the easiest to get into as a school (along with Trinity) based on admission percentages. If anything, there may be some people who grumble a little that Conn has an easier time recruiting because they can dig a bit deeper into the pool, which, of course, ignores that some of the schools in the conference also attract pretty widely because of their reputations, so they aren't exactly hurting.

Given all of that, this seems like a classic case where a coach has made a huge difference in the direction of a program.  I don't have any connection to the school, but I have seen from afar what kind of a recruiter Burk has been over the last few years and he's obviously done well in all aspects of the job.  The question may be whether Conn can hold onto him.  He does have some D1 experience if he wanted to go in that direction and you could see how he could be recruited away for a more well-resourced program if he continues to do well. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 08, 2022, 05:10:42 PM
Yeah, the Ivy League already swooped in and poached Shapiro from Tufts, so you'd have to think D1 schools will likewise pay attention to what is happening at Conn, especially with another deep tourney run.  And a coach obviously makes a huge difference.  Shapiro won national titles his last two years.  Tufts finished in the Elite 8 this past season, still tremendous of course, but a bit of a step down, and Tufts didn't display the utter dominance they did under Shapiro.  No knock on Dezotell, it's just that Shapiro was a generational sort of coach in D3 and is already crushing it at Harvard.

This season will be really interesting, because it's the first year they will have to rely upon a lot of non-Shapiro guys, and Aroh, Cano,  Paoletta, and Van Brewer are four all-league guys (three of them multiple time all-leaguers) all lost to graduation.  Aroh in particular is the kind of rare D3 talent who is just hard to replace. Giamattei, same deal at Amherst, but they do seem to have some real strong talent behind him ... still, he was such a special player that there is no guarantee Amherst can reach the same level without him.  I think Conn clearly starts the year as the NESCAC favorite. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on August 08, 2022, 05:33:44 PM
NESCAC is wide open, except for Hamilton and Bates any team can emerge.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on August 08, 2022, 06:36:16 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 08, 2022, 05:10:42 PM
No knock on Dezotell, it's just that Shapiro was a generational sort of coach in D3 and is already crushing it at Harvard.

I was curious why you said that Shapiro is already crushing it at Harvard.  I mean, as I said when he got the job, I think that he was a fine choice, but Harvard was just 3-2-2 in the Ivy last year.  Much better than in 2019 (although there was nowhere to go but up), but perhaps a bit early to conclude that he's crushing it?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on August 08, 2022, 07:27:31 PM
They went from 0-14-1 to 8-5-3 in one season.  He had more Ivy wins than Harvard's prior three seasons combined.  How much better could he do???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ephraim_Williams1 on August 09, 2022, 12:15:18 AM
I can assure you no 'elitism' going on here. Ranked Conn 4th in a preseason poll behind 3 teams who all made the Elite 8 a year ago. No knock on Conn as I mentioned I think they make it back to NCAAs. Just my feeling that being the hunter is a lot easier than being the hunted...
Quote from: Kuiper on August 08, 2022, 04:47:48 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 08, 2022, 02:36:24 PM

That being said, putting Conn, coming off a national title, at four to start the season feels pretty disrespectful, especially considering that Tufts and Amherst both lost MASSIVE pieces to graduation.  Yes, Conn had some fortunate results deep in the tourney, but a national title is no joke.  Conn's recruiting is on the upswing so you would assume the talent pool will only continue to grow there after experiencing so much relatively newfound success over the past few years.  The coaching staff, obviously tremendous - Conn seems to keep improving each season.  And they bring most of their critical guys back -- Yeonas, Djerdjaj, Kelesoglu, Jaran, Maidenberg - it's not like they lose much from the title team at all.

I tend to agree with you about Conn.  There's a little bit of elitism going on most likely.  Partly, that's in the soccer sense that the traditional "top" schools and their fans probably still view Conn's nat'l championship run as a bit flukey and won't believe in them without several more years of sustained success (in other words, they're still in the show me or prove it stage).  There's also probably some good old fashioned New England small college elitism too, since Conn may not have the historic prestige academically as some of the other schools in the conference.  It's the youngest school in the conference (only one founded in the 20th century) and it's the most recent to join (if you trace Hamilton back to 1971 as an original member of NESCAC, even if not for soccer).  It also has the smallest endowment (just below Bates, but those two are a significant margin below everyone else) and is the easiest to get into as a school (along with Trinity) based on admission percentages. If anything, there may be some people who grumble a little that Conn has an easier time recruiting because they can dig a bit deeper into the pool, which, of course, ignores that some of the schools in the conference also attract pretty widely because of their reputations, so they aren't exactly hurting.

Given all of that, this seems like a classic case where a coach has made a huge difference in the direction of a program.  I don't have any connection to the school, but I have seen from afar what kind of a recruiter Burk has been over the last few years and he's obviously done well in all aspects of the job.  The question may be whether Conn can hold onto him.  He does have some D1 experience if he wanted to go in that direction and you could see how he could be recruited away for a more well-resourced program if he continues to do well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on August 09, 2022, 01:08:49 PM
too much is made of polls, at best they are collective guess not scientific prediction.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Vasoccer757 on August 10, 2022, 12:28:58 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 08, 2022, 07:27:31 PM
They went from 0-14-1 to 8-5-3 in one season.  He had more Ivy wins than Harvard's prior three seasons combined.  How much better could he do???

Strength of schedule should be considered.

That 2019 group had UNC, Duke, Vermont, Providence, New Hampshire, and Boston College in 7 of 9 Non-confernce games

in 2021 of there 9 non-conference games only Vermont and New Hampshire were the holdovers.

With that being said, still a great turn around so far but crushing it is a stretch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on August 10, 2022, 02:05:06 PM
The guy is a great coach, with the Harvad label I am expecting great things from him, at Tufts he was getting players who could start at elite D1 schools, can only get better.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Buck O. on August 11, 2022, 03:03:51 PM
Again, I expect him to do well.  When he was appointed, a prominent poster here didn't think it was a good hire.  I was taking Shapiro's side.  But I would have expected some improvement simply based on regression to the mean and he only has one season of results, so I do think that it's a bit quick to be passing judgment.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on August 14, 2022, 04:15:00 PM
Quote from: Ephraim_Williams1 on August 05, 2022, 11:41:11 PM
Predictions for the NESCAC Season this Fall: 
4. Conn - I think they take a slight step back in the NESCAC standings but still earn an at large come NCAA time. It's hard for a program that just got to the mountain top for time #1 to replicate that a year later - more mouths to feed!

I am not a Conn person, but wow, this is a stunning prediction on so many levels, and the caveat that they'll still earn an at-large bid doesn't dilute the shock. Unless there are some unexpected retention issues that I'm not aware of, Conn's roster loses less going into 2022 than any other NESCAC team except Trinity (and certainly far less than Amherst and Tufts, each of which will lose 5-6 critical starters to graduation, transfer, and such). Also, recent history suggests that maintaining mountaintop status is discouragingly easy at the elite level of D3 men's soccer, which if anything seems to be a dynasty factory -- ugh, NESCAC has had so many repeat tourney champions, repeat regular season champs, and repeat near-misses since the conference was founded in its current form. The "too many mouths to feed" argument doesn't seem to have applied to any of the NESCAC dynasties of the recent past. Finally, man, the eye test! Conn is such a difficult team to play with so much quality and adaptability and depth all over the field and at so many different age levels (including the incoming recruits). And now, on top of all that, they're battle-tested, tournament-tested, and they've shed whatever irrational fear they may have had of the other elite NESCAC programs.

I'm not sure I've ever felt more comfortable picking a team to finish first than I feel about Conn in 2022 (again, unless there are some retention issues I don't know about).

Yo, and if all that wasn't enough, you gave Conn some good bulletin-board material too.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 14, 2022, 06:40:05 PM
I mostly agree with Viking's take.  It seems like Conn has virtually everyone of import from last year's edition coming back.  Great talent, tough, broke through, and defending champs.  That said, I could see the top 4 finishing in any order, and whoever finishes 4th, assuming they get a bid (and they should unless there's a major upset winner of the conference tourney), will have as good or nearly as good a chance as whoever finishes 1st.  Off the top of my head I can't even recall where Conn finished last year. 

The success and continued strength of NESCAC is daunting for the handful (maybe handful and a half) of non-NESCAC title contenders.  It is amazing that they've won six out of the last seven titles going back to 2014.  Tufts x4, Amherst x1, Conn x1...and of course the only non-NESCAC winner during that span was that upstart Messiah. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on August 15, 2022, 04:18:32 AM
Quote from: Viking on August 14, 2022, 04:15:00 PM
Quote from: Ephraim_Williams1 on August 05, 2022, 11:41:11 PM
Predictions for the NESCAC Season this Fall: 
4. Conn - I think they take a slight step back in the NESCAC standings but still earn an at large come NCAA time. It's hard for a program that just got to the mountain top for time #1 to replicate that a year later - more mouths to feed!

I am not a Conn person, but wow, this is a stunning prediction on so many levels, and the caveat that they'll still earn an at-large bid doesn't dilute the shock. Unless there are some unexpected retention issues that I'm not aware of, Conn's roster loses less going into 2022 than any other NESCAC team except Trinity (and certainly far less than Amherst and Tufts, each of which will lose 5-6 critical starters to graduation, transfer, and such). Also, recent history suggests that maintaining mountaintop status is discouragingly easy at the elite level of D3 men's soccer, which if anything seems to be a dynasty factory -- ugh, NESCAC has had so many repeat tourney champions, repeat regular season champs, and repeat near-misses since the conference was founded in its current form. The "too many mouths to feed" argument doesn't seem to have applied to any of the NESCAC dynasties of the recent past. Finally, man, the eye test! Conn is such a difficult team to play with so much quality and adaptability and depth all over the field and at so many different age levels (including the incoming recruits). And now, on top of all that, they're battle-tested, tournament-tested, and they've shed whatever irrational fear they may have had of the other elite NESCAC programs.

I'm not sure I've ever felt more comfortable picking a team to finish first than I feel about Conn in 2022 (again, unless there are some retention issues I don't know about).

Yo, and if all that wasn't enough, you gave Conn some good bulletin-board material too.

And Viking, you have given some to Amherst too, thanks!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on August 15, 2022, 11:18:28 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on August 15, 2022, 04:18:32 AM
Viking, you have given some to Amherst too, thanks!

LOL. What made you think I don't love Amherst this year? I've got the Lord Jeffs picked second in NESCAC and in the NCAA Final Four in my family pool, but whatever you say.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on August 15, 2022, 12:29:19 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on August 14, 2022, 06:40:05 PM
I mostly agree with Viking's take.  It seems like Conn has virtually everyone of import from last year's edition coming back.  Great talent, tough, broke through, and defending champs.  That said, I could see the top 4 finishing in any order, and whoever finishes 4th, assuming they get a bid (and they should unless there's a major upset winner of the conference tourney), will have as good or nearly as good a chance as whoever finishes 1st.  Off the top of my head I can't even recall where Conn finished last year. 

The success and continued strength of NESCAC is daunting for the handful (maybe handful and a half) of non-NESCAC title contenders.  It is amazing that they've won six out of the last seven titles going back to 2014.  Tufts x4, Amherst x1, Conn x1...and of course the only non-NESCAC winner during that span was that upstart Messiah.

Yes.. I have to agree with Paul Newman on this one...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on August 15, 2022, 04:17:48 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on August 15, 2022, 12:29:19 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on August 14, 2022, 06:40:05 PM
I mostly agree with Viking's take.  It seems like Conn has virtually everyone of import from last year's edition coming back.  Great talent, tough, broke through, and defending champs.  That said, I could see the top 4 finishing in any order, and whoever finishes 4th, assuming they get a bid (and they should unless there's a major upset winner of the conference tourney), will have as good or nearly as good a chance as whoever finishes 1st.  Off the top of my head I can't even recall where Conn finished last year. 




I also agree with Viking.  I think that Conn has the best returning talent.  I think the biggest question mark will be how they handle the rep of returning champs.  Will they stay as hungry and disciplined.  We saw with Tufts how hard it was.  Every game you are someone's Super Bowl.  Will the players stay team-focused or chase more individual accolades.  Tufts loses a lot but is also pretty deep and strong in key positions...goalie and D. They need to find some scorers.  Amherst loses GG but are still very deep and athletic.  Style of play is unique and tough to beat but can they find some scorers?  Wesleyan is an up and comer.  Middlebury also returns a lot and are very athletic.  Look out for Trinity who played most game tough last year with 10 or top 11 players as first year players.  Also they need to find some scorers.  Williams is super athletic and strong in the middle. Dare I say it...they need to find some scorers!
The success and continued strength of NESCAC is daunting for the handful (maybe handful and a half) of non-NESCAC title contenders.  It is amazing that they've won six out of the last seven titles going back to 2014.  Tufts x4, Amherst x1, Conn x1...and of course the only non-NESCAC winner during that span was that upstart Messiah.

Yes.. I have to agree with Paul Newman on this one...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on August 16, 2022, 01:31:08 PM
Quote from: Viking on August 14, 2022, 04:15:00 PM
Quote from: Ephraim_Williams1 on August 05, 2022, 11:41:11 PM
Predictions for the NESCAC Season this Fall: 
4. Conn - I think they take a slight step back in the NESCAC standings but still earn an at large come NCAA time. It's hard for a program that just got to the mountain top for time #1 to replicate that a year later - more mouths to feed!

I am not a Conn person, but wow, this is a stunning prediction on so many levels, and the caveat that they'll still earn an at-large bid doesn't dilute the shock. Unless there are some unexpected retention issues that I'm not aware of, Conn's roster loses less going into 2022 than any other NESCAC team except Trinity (and certainly far less than Amherst and Tufts, each of which will lose 5-6 critical starters to graduation, transfer, and such). Also, recent history suggests that maintaining mountaintop status is discouragingly easy at the elite level of D3 men's soccer, which if anything seems to be a dynasty factory -- ugh, NESCAC has had so many repeat tourney champions, repeat regular season champs, and repeat near-misses since the conference was founded in its current form. The "too many mouths to feed" argument doesn't seem to have applied to any of the NESCAC dynasties of the recent past. Finally, man, the eye test! Conn is such a difficult team to play with so much quality and adaptability and depth all over the field and at so many different age levels (including the incoming recruits). And now, on top of all that, they're battle-tested, tournament-tested, and they've shed whatever irrational fear they may have had of the other elite NESCAC programs.

I'm not sure I've ever felt more comfortable picking a team to finish first than I feel about Conn in 2022 (again, unless there are some retention issues I don't know about).

Yo, and if all that wasn't enough, you gave Conn some good bulletin-board material too.

Middlebury only loses one person out of starting XI—Brandon Reid—and only one (Raffi Barsamian) significant contributor off the bench.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on August 16, 2022, 01:35:25 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 08, 2022, 02:36:24 PM
Tufts and Amherst both lost MASSIVE pieces to graduation.

It's so hard to know what's really being lost until 2022 rosters are posted, but there's no question that Tufts' expected losses are epic, including four program-defining players (Aroh, Van Brewer, Daly, Paoletta) and several other critical pieces, including Cano, Enge, Seigelstein, Welsh, and Jacobs. Yikes. Bowdoin's graduation losses are also massive after bringing back a bunch of fifth-year seniors last year (seven starters expected to have graduated!). Amherst is the interesting one. Everyone is focused on the departure of the Giammonster, but to me the most interesting potential losses are on the back line, barring any unexpected returns. From left to right, Gitler, Wu, Kelly, Johnson -- the entire back line -- may be gone. Three of those guys were started back in 2019. There are elite prospects to replace them, as is always the case with that program, but that transition is going to be fascinating to watch.

Quote from: Viking on August 14, 2022, 04:15:00 PM
Unless there are some unexpected retention issues that I'm not aware of, Conn's roster loses less going into 2022 than any other NESCAC team except Trinity.

Correction: Conn's roster losses less going into 2022 than any other NESCAC teams except *WILLIAMS* and Trinity. As noted way earlier in this thread, Williams loses nothing. Like, literally nothing. Never seen anything like it before.

Quote from: Bucket on August 16, 2022, 01:31:08 PM
Middlebury only loses one person out of starting XI—Brandon Reid—and only one (Raffi Barsamian) significant contributor off the bench.

Wait, are you saying that defender/captain McFarlane is returning? That's huge for Midd. If so, a perfect example of how we know so little about actual returnees until rosters are posted.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on August 16, 2022, 02:02:54 PM
McFarlane is back.  Midd will be solid defensively again with Grady in net, along with zero losses on defense and a transfer center back from New Hampshire. Their midfield returns an experienced crew, including Sloan, Juarez, Farrell, Powers, and Chae, and they welcome some good freshmen along with Saint Louis up top.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on August 16, 2022, 04:50:29 PM
Seigelstein and Welsh are still at Tufts!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on August 16, 2022, 05:26:42 PM
From what I was told.... Ian Daly is back.

SC
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on August 16, 2022, 05:39:10 PM
Daly and Welsh are two of the captains.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on August 17, 2022, 05:22:53 AM
Quote from: Viking on August 16, 2022, 01:35:25 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 08, 2022, 02:36:24 PM
Tufts and Amherst both lost MASSIVE pieces to graduation.

It's so hard to know what's really being lost until 2022 rosters are posted, but there's no question that Tufts' expected losses are epic, including four program-defining players (Aroh, Van Brewer, Daly, Paoletta) and several other critical pieces, including Cano, Enge, Seigelstein, Welsh, and Jacobs. Yikes. Bowdoin's graduation losses are also massive after bringing back a bunch of fifth-year seniors last year (seven starters expected to have graduated!). Amherst is the interesting one. Everyone is focused on the departure of the Giammonster, but to me the most interesting potential losses are on the back line, barring any unexpected returns. From left to right, Gitler, Wu, Kelly, Johnson -- the entire back line -- may be gone. Three of those guys were started back in 2019. There are elite prospects to replace them, as is always the case with that program, but that transition is going to be fascinating to watch.

Quote from: Viking on August 14, 2022, 04:15:00 PM
Unless there are some unexpected retention issues that I'm not aware of, Conn's roster loses less going into 2022 than any other NESCAC team except Trinity.

Correction: Conn's roster losses less going into 2022 than any other NESCAC teams except *WILLIAMS* and Trinity. As noted way earlier in this thread, Williams loses nothing. Like, literally nothing. Never seen anything like it before.

Quote from: Bucket on August 16, 2022, 01:31:08 PM
Middlebury only loses one person out of starting XI—Brandon Reid—and only one (Raffi Barsamian) significant contributor off the bench.

Wait, are you saying that defender/captain McFarlane is returning? That's huge for Midd. If so, a perfect example of how we know so little about actual returnees until rosters are posted.

Happy to declare my Mammoths (and specific positional!) bias, but I think once the 2022 defensive line has had some time together, that they will step up, there are some capable players waiting for an opportunity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 17, 2022, 09:14:47 PM
I'm getting that whiff of Autumn that just about hooks me in. I really had not followed the offseason but a quick glance

-Bates HC resigning or being forced out after only 3 years not a great sign

-A quick glance at some Rosters and there seems a lot more transfers than years past. Transfers are a complete mixed bag and are toss ups but Nescac schools seem to be taking more athletic transfers in other Sports as well thru admissions than they ever used to.

-The Roster sizes are still too large. 30-35 Players is ridiculous. That is like 11v11v11 in practice. Yes teams get injuries but not that many and one team last year carried 6 GK's. The norm used to be 25 max and frankly I would love to see a 23 man roster where we get the numbers down, everyone is seriously involved, focused having fun and playing. Everyone would need excellent fitness but I think that is the way to go.

-I think from the rosters I have seen these Nescac teams "on paper" are looking good. For example Wesleyan seems to have a monopoly of Montclair, NJ players mixed with their returning core.

-If Daly is back for Tufts that is huge for their backline.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on August 18, 2022, 09:32:10 AM
Quote from: Viking on August 16, 2022, 01:35:25 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on August 08, 2022, 02:36:24 PM
Tufts and Amherst both lost MASSIVE pieces to graduation.

It's so hard to know what's really being lost until 2022 rosters are posted, but there's no question that Tufts' expected losses are epic, including four program-defining players (Aroh, Van Brewer, Daly, Paoletta) and several other critical pieces, including Cano, Enge, Seigelstein, Welsh, and Jacobs. Yikes. Bowdoin's graduation losses are also massive after bringing back a bunch of fifth-year seniors last year (seven starters expected to have graduated!).


Bowdoin lost two critical starters to graduation—Byrd and Chaban—but other than back-up goalie Kingston, Bowdoin's other 8 seniors from last year are expected to be back for a final season. I just heard Bowdoin HC Scott Wiercinski state on a radio show that those returnees include outstanding defender Dylan Reid
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on August 24, 2022, 12:54:06 PM
this is a good summary of the situation.

COLLEGE
D3 Men: Which New England teams start the season in our Top 10 rankings?
By Matt LangoneAugust 22, 2022


Connecticut College enters as the defending national champion, having defeated Amherst in dramatic fashion for the title last December. However, simply getting out of the mighty NESCAC again in 2022 will be no easy task, as four programs from the powerful league start the season in our top four.

Some teams across the region will kick-off the 2022 season as early as next week, while just about everyone else will play their first match within the first seven days of September. That will begin a three-month quest to crown a national champ.

Before the season begins in full force, here are our preseason Top 10 rankings

1. Connecticut College
Record in 2021: 19-4-1 | Head coach: Reuben Burk | Season opener: Sept. 6 vs. Mitchell

It's only right that the defending Division 3 national champions start the season off in the top spot, following their unforgettable 2021, which landed the program its first national title. The Camels return the majority of their starters and reserves. On the offensive end, All-America and NESCAC Player of the Year Augue Djerdjaj and fellow All-NESCAC teammate Steve Yeonas highlight a strong returning midfield. Jack Kelesoglu anchors an experienced back line, while goalkeeper Sam Maidenberg returns for a second consecutive year. Rye Jaran and Jake Creus also return as capable goal-scorers for a side that outscored opponents, 42-19, last year.

2. Amherst
Record in 2021: 17-3-2 | Head coach: Justin Serpone | Season opener: Sept. 6 vs. College of Mount St. Vincent

Amherst fell to NESCAC rival Connecticut College in a penalty kick shootout in the national championship match last December in Greensboro, N.C. It was one of the few blemishes in a campaign that saw the Mammoths allow just nine goals. Sophomore Laurens ten Cate (Staples, Conn.) returns to that solid back line, while midfielder Alex Shahmirzadi is also back. Junior forward Ada Okorogheye is the leading returning scorer with four goals and six assists in 2021, and senior midfielder Ignacio Cubeddu has proven to be a clutch playmaker in big matches.

3. Tufts
Record in 2021: 15-2-4 | Head coach: Kyle Dezotell | Season opener: Sept. 6 at MIT

After winning back-to-back national titles in 2018 and 2019, Tufts fell in the Elite 8 last year against NESCAC foe Connecticut College. Depth and a balanced attack have become the hallmarks of this perennial power, as five players had double-digit points last year. Sophomore Erik Lauta provides a stellar presence in net, while 6-foot-3 junior defender Max Clivio returns after leading all field players in minutes in 2021 with 1,949, and senior defender Ian Daly was a First Team All-NESCAC selection last year. Senior forward Sean Traynor could be poised to take a major step forward as a goal-producer this season.

4. Middlebury
Record in 2021: 13-5-3 | Head coach: Alex Elias | Season opener: Sept. 6 vs. Mount Saint Mary College

Yet another NESCAC program lands in our preseason top four. Middlebury surrendered only nine goals in 2021 and advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA tourney, falling to Amherst. Junior goalkeeper Ryan Grady is one of the best in the country and was First Team All-NESCAC last year. Junior forward Jordan Saint-Louis had eight goals and six assists last season. Sophomore defenders William O'Brien (Norton, Mass.), Hank Nelson and Aidan Pape all saw heavy minutes last year and should anchor the back line this fall.

5. MIT
Record in 2021: 13-4-2 | Head coach: Ken Bovell | Season opener: Sept. 1 at Gordon

MIT lost in the NEWMAC championship game last year to Babson. The Engineers boast a potent offense, capable of putting big numbers on the scoreboard. They scored at least four goals in a match on four different occasions last season. Junior midfielder Garrett Robinson had six goals and four assists in 2021, while senior forward Will Seiple had five goals and three assists. Senior goalkeeper Paarth Desai returns after making 13 starts and posting a 1.09 goals against average in 2021.

6. Babson
Record in 2021: 12-5-3 | Head coach: Jon Anderson | Season opener: Sept. 3 at Rutgers-Newark

After capturing the NEWMAC tournament championship, Babson advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, falling to Amherst. Senior midfielder Jack Dugan returns after being named Second Team All-NEWMAC last year. Senior back RJ Parilla (Pawcatuck, Conn.) anchors the defense, after starting 20 matches last season.

7. Wesleyan
Record in 2021: 10-3-3 | Head coach: Geoff Wheeler | Season opener: Sept. 7 at Eastern Connecticut State

Wesleyan was defeated by Middlebury in a penalty kick shootout in the NESCAC quarterfinals last year. Still, for the first time since the 2011 campaign, Wesleyan finished with double-digit wins. The team returns All-NESCAC selections in senior goalkeeper Liam Devanny (Concord, N.H.) and sophomore midfielder Lucas Ruehlemann.

8. Saint Joseph's (Maine)
Record in 2021: 16-2-2 | Head coach: Will Pike | Season opener: Sept. 1 vs. Southern Maine

Last year, the Monks claimed their sixth GNAC tournament title, then dropped a 3-2 heartbreaker to NYU in the NCAA Tournament's first round. Six players posted double-figure points last season and the side only allowed 15 goals. Sophomore forward Gus Ford (Falmouth, Maine) and sophomore midfielder Rion Dos Santos (Falmouth, Maine) give the team two reliable playmakers.

9. UMass Boston
Record in 2021: 13-4-1 | Head coach: Jake Beverlin | Season opener: Sept. 1 at Salve Regina

UMass Boston outscored opponents, 51-16, in 2021, but came up shy of qualifying for the NCAA tourney. Senior back Emelson Barbosa returns after a season that saw him earn Second Team All-American honors. Senior midfielder Vangjel Gjergo (North Quincy, Mass.) will be counted on to make up for some of the production that left with the graduation of Nilton de Andrade (20 goals, nine assists).

10. Gordon
Record in 2021: 12-6-2 | Head coach: Matt Horth | Season opener: Sept. 1 vs. MIT

Fresh off winning their first CCC tournament title since 2018, the Fighting Scots nearly knocked off perennial powerhouse Montclair State in the NCAA Tournament's first round, only to lose 1-0. Sophomore forward Benji Wright is back, as is junior defender Casey Torres, who led the team in minutes last year with 1,807.

Matt Langone is the managing editor for New England Soccer Journal. You can email him at matt.langone@nesoccerjournal.com or follow him on Twitter @MattLangone.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 25, 2022, 07:47:26 PM
Bates Men's Soccer players giving back some time:

https://nescac.com/news/2022/8/24/mens-soccer-life-skills-through-soccer-bates-bobcats-and-rosati-leadership-academy.aspx

Good start for the Interim HC and looking at Bates Roster they have a lot of returning players with game time experience. A complete unknown for me would be the incoming class but I am guessing there is a player or two in there that will be of help right away. I think this team needs to focus this year on playing more as a team with more combination passing and smart forward runs. It will be interesting to see how they start the year as their former HC did them no favors by jamming 5 Games into the first 10 Days of the season. Still 3 of the 5 are non league Maine schools with a HUGE rivalry Home Game against Bowdoin to start their Nescac slate.  Bowdoin should remember the loss Bates put on them last year in Brunswick.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 25, 2022, 07:48:35 PM
Quote from: Novacat on August 24, 2022, 12:54:06 PM
this is a good summary of the situation.

COLLEGE
D3 Men: Which New England teams start the season in our Top 10 rankings?
By Matt LangoneAugust 22, 2022


Connecticut College enters as the defending national champion, having defeated Amherst in dramatic fashion for the title last December. However, simply getting out of the mighty NESCAC again in 2022 will be no easy task, as four programs from the powerful league start the season in our top four.

Some teams across the region will kick-off the 2022 season as early as next week, while just about everyone else will play their first match within the first seven days of September. That will begin a three-month quest to crown a national champ.

Before the season begins in full force, here are our preseason Top 10 rankings

1. Connecticut College
Record in 2021: 19-4-1 | Head coach: Reuben Burk | Season opener: Sept. 6 vs. Mitchell

It's only right that the defending Division 3 national champions start the season off in the top spot, following their unforgettable 2021, which landed the program its first national title. The Camels return the majority of their starters and reserves. On the offensive end, All-America and NESCAC Player of the Year Augue Djerdjaj and fellow All-NESCAC teammate Steve Yeonas highlight a strong returning midfield. Jack Kelesoglu anchors an experienced back line, while goalkeeper Sam Maidenberg returns for a second consecutive year. Rye Jaran and Jake Creus also return as capable goal-scorers for a side that outscored opponents, 42-19, last year.

2. Amherst
Record in 2021: 17-3-2 | Head coach: Justin Serpone | Season opener: Sept. 6 vs. College of Mount St. Vincent

Amherst fell to NESCAC rival Connecticut College in a penalty kick shootout in the national championship match last December in Greensboro, N.C. It was one of the few blemishes in a campaign that saw the Mammoths allow just nine goals. Sophomore Laurens ten Cate (Staples, Conn.) returns to that solid back line, while midfielder Alex Shahmirzadi is also back. Junior forward Ada Okorogheye is the leading returning scorer with four goals and six assists in 2021, and senior midfielder Ignacio Cubeddu has proven to be a clutch playmaker in big matches.

3. Tufts
Record in 2021: 15-2-4 | Head coach: Kyle Dezotell | Season opener: Sept. 6 at MIT

After winning back-to-back national titles in 2018 and 2019, Tufts fell in the Elite 8 last year against NESCAC foe Connecticut College. Depth and a balanced attack have become the hallmarks of this perennial power, as five players had double-digit points last year. Sophomore Erik Lauta provides a stellar presence in net, while 6-foot-3 junior defender Max Clivio returns after leading all field players in minutes in 2021 with 1,949, and senior defender Ian Daly was a First Team All-NESCAC selection last year. Senior forward Sean Traynor could be poised to take a major step forward as a goal-producer this season.

4. Middlebury
Record in 2021: 13-5-3 | Head coach: Alex Elias | Season opener: Sept. 6 vs. Mount Saint Mary College

Yet another NESCAC program lands in our preseason top four. Middlebury surrendered only nine goals in 2021 and advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA tourney, falling to Amherst. Junior goalkeeper Ryan Grady is one of the best in the country and was First Team All-NESCAC last year. Junior forward Jordan Saint-Louis had eight goals and six assists last season. Sophomore defenders William O'Brien (Norton, Mass.), Hank Nelson and Aidan Pape all saw heavy minutes last year and should anchor the back line this fall.

5. MIT
Record in 2021: 13-4-2 | Head coach: Ken Bovell | Season opener: Sept. 1 at Gordon

MIT lost in the NEWMAC championship game last year to Babson. The Engineers boast a potent offense, capable of putting big numbers on the scoreboard. They scored at least four goals in a match on four different occasions last season. Junior midfielder Garrett Robinson had six goals and four assists in 2021, while senior forward Will Seiple had five goals and three assists. Senior goalkeeper Paarth Desai returns after making 13 starts and posting a 1.09 goals against average in 2021.

6. Babson
Record in 2021: 12-5-3 | Head coach: Jon Anderson | Season opener: Sept. 3 at Rutgers-Newark

After capturing the NEWMAC tournament championship, Babson advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, falling to Amherst. Senior midfielder Jack Dugan returns after being named Second Team All-NEWMAC last year. Senior back RJ Parilla (Pawcatuck, Conn.) anchors the defense, after starting 20 matches last season.

7. Wesleyan
Record in 2021: 10-3-3 | Head coach: Geoff Wheeler | Season opener: Sept. 7 at Eastern Connecticut State

Wesleyan was defeated by Middlebury in a penalty kick shootout in the NESCAC quarterfinals last year. Still, for the first time since the 2011 campaign, Wesleyan finished with double-digit wins. The team returns All-NESCAC selections in senior goalkeeper Liam Devanny (Concord, N.H.) and sophomore midfielder Lucas Ruehlemann.

8. Saint Joseph's (Maine)
Record in 2021: 16-2-2 | Head coach: Will Pike | Season opener: Sept. 1 vs. Southern Maine

Last year, the Monks claimed their sixth GNAC tournament title, then dropped a 3-2 heartbreaker to NYU in the NCAA Tournament's first round. Six players posted double-figure points last season and the side only allowed 15 goals. Sophomore forward Gus Ford (Falmouth, Maine) and sophomore midfielder Rion Dos Santos (Falmouth, Maine) give the team two reliable playmakers.

9. UMass Boston
Record in 2021: 13-4-1 | Head coach: Jake Beverlin | Season opener: Sept. 1 at Salve Regina

UMass Boston outscored opponents, 51-16, in 2021, but came up shy of qualifying for the NCAA tourney. Senior back Emelson Barbosa returns after a season that saw him earn Second Team All-American honors. Senior midfielder Vangjel Gjergo (North Quincy, Mass.) will be counted on to make up for some of the production that left with the graduation of Nilton de Andrade (20 goals, nine assists).

10. Gordon
Record in 2021: 12-6-2 | Head coach: Matt Horth | Season opener: Sept. 1 vs. MIT

Fresh off winning their first CCC tournament title since 2018, the Fighting Scots nearly knocked off perennial powerhouse Montclair State in the NCAA Tournament's first round, only to lose 1-0. Sophomore forward Benji Wright is back, as is junior defender Casey Torres, who led the team in minutes last year with 1,807.

Matt Langone is the managing editor for New England Soccer Journal. You can email him at matt.langone@nesoccerjournal.com or follow him on Twitter @MattLangone.



shameless plug
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on August 28, 2022, 04:08:33 PM
Amherst won a scrimmage at Endicott 3-2 today.  No further details known at this time other than first years and transfer  ::) were at orientation activities so couldn't participate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on August 28, 2022, 04:45:51 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on August 28, 2022, 04:08:33 PM
Amherst won a scrimmage at Endicott 3-2 today.  No further details known at this time other than first years and transfer  ::) were at orientation activities so couldn't participate.

That seems unfair to Amherst considering Endicott has something like 50+ players listed on its roster this year!  :o

https://www.ecgulls.com/sports/msoc/2022-23/roster (https://www.ecgulls.com/sports/msoc/2022-23/roster)

Seriously, though, did Endicott start a reserve team or are they planning on rotating in a fresh 11 every 20 minutes or so?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 28, 2022, 05:37:07 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on August 28, 2022, 04:45:51 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on August 28, 2022, 04:08:33 PM
Amherst won a scrimmage at Endicott 3-2 today.  No further details known at this time other than first years and transfer  ::) were at orientation activities so couldn't participate.

That seems unfair to Amherst considering Endicott has something like 50+ players listed on its roster this year!  :o

https://www.ecgulls.com/sports/msoc/2022-23/roster (https://www.ecgulls.com/sports/msoc/2022-23/roster)

Seriously, though, did Endicott start a reserve team or are they planning on rotating in a fresh 11 every 20 minutes or so?

Two weeks ago John Carroll listed 63 players on the roster.  Apparently after some deep cuts the Blue Streaks have a mere 49.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on August 29, 2022, 08:09:21 AM
Harvard beat Tufts 3-1 yesterday!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on August 29, 2022, 12:44:58 PM
Anyone interested in participating in the D3soccer Fan poll this season?

If you are interested in participating, I will run the poll again if we get enough pollsters. My only caveat is that if you agree to participate you try your best to do it every week so that things are consistent. Also, you try to be on time because it's no fun for anyone if I have to track you down every week and pester you to get your votes in.

Unless someone has a better idea, I'll run it the same as last year with the same deadlines, so the poll will include games that start before Sunday at midnight EST and will be due to me before Tuesday EST at midnight and I will try to post on Wednesday.

I will not do a preseason poll. I hate them. They set up a ton of positional bias and, especially with 400+ teams in D3, there simply is no way to do a good one. The first poll will be based on games played prior to 9/11 and will be due to me on 9/13. That gives us roughly 2 weeks of games to start making judgements.

If you are interested, and I realize we about 2 weeks out, please send me a PM. I hope we get our pollsters back from last year, as they did an excellent job, but if you want to join in, I'm always open to more!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC_Soccer_Fan on August 29, 2022, 03:25:32 PM
Hi all,

I'm a parent of an incoming freshman and was delighted to find this forum. Looking forward to following what will hopefully be a great season!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on August 30, 2022, 07:18:56 AM
Quote from: NESCAC_Soccer_Fan on August 29, 2022, 03:25:32 PM
Hi all,

I'm a parent of an incoming freshman and was delighted to find this forum. Looking forward to following what will hopefully be a great season!

Welcome! There are a few of us parents on the board.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Novacat on August 30, 2022, 01:55:01 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on August 25, 2022, 07:48:35 PM
Quote from: Novacat on August 24, 2022, 12:54:06 PM
this is a good summary of the situation.

COLLEGE
D3 Men: Which New England teams start the season in our Top 10 rankings?
By Matt LangoneAugust 22, 2022


Connecticut College enters as the defending national champion, having defeated Amherst in dramatic fashion for the title last December. However, simply getting out of the mighty NESCAC again in 2022 will be no easy task, as four programs from the powerful league start the season in our top four.

Some teams across the region will kick-off the 2022 season as early as next week, while just about everyone else will play their first match within the first seven days of September. That will begin a three-month quest to crown a national champ.

Before the season begins in full force, here are our preseason Top 10 rankings

1. Connecticut College
Record in 2021: 19-4-1 | Head coach: Reuben Burk | Season opener: Sept. 6 vs. Mitchell

It's only right that the defending Division 3 national champions start the season off in the top spot, following their unforgettable 2021, which landed the program its first national title. The Camels return the majority of their starters and reserves. On the offensive end, All-America and NESCAC Player of the Year Augue Djerdjaj and fellow All-NESCAC teammate Steve Yeonas highlight a strong returning midfield. Jack Kelesoglu anchors an experienced back line, while goalkeeper Sam Maidenberg returns for a second consecutive year. Rye Jaran and Jake Creus also return as capable goal-scorers for a side that outscored opponents, 42-19, last year.

2. Amherst
Record in 2021: 17-3-2 | Head coach: Justin Serpone | Season opener: Sept. 6 vs. College of Mount St. Vincent

Amherst fell to NESCAC rival Connecticut College in a penalty kick shootout in the national championship match last December in Greensboro, N.C. It was one of the few blemishes in a campaign that saw the Mammoths allow just nine goals. Sophomore Laurens ten Cate (Staples, Conn.) returns to that solid back line, while midfielder Alex Shahmirzadi is also back. Junior forward Ada Okorogheye is the leading returning scorer with four goals and six assists in 2021, and senior midfielder Ignacio Cubeddu has proven to be a clutch playmaker in big matches.

3. Tufts
Record in 2021: 15-2-4 | Head coach: Kyle Dezotell | Season opener: Sept. 6 at MIT

After winning back-to-back national titles in 2018 and 2019, Tufts fell in the Elite 8 last year against NESCAC foe Connecticut College. Depth and a balanced attack have become the hallmarks of this perennial power, as five players had double-digit points last year. Sophomore Erik Lauta provides a stellar presence in net, while 6-foot-3 junior defender Max Clivio returns after leading all field players in minutes in 2021 with 1,949, and senior defender Ian Daly was a First Team All-NESCAC selection last year. Senior forward Sean Traynor could be poised to take a major step forward as a goal-producer this season.

4. Middlebury
Record in 2021: 13-5-3 | Head coach: Alex Elias | Season opener: Sept. 6 vs. Mount Saint Mary College

Yet another NESCAC program lands in our preseason top four. Middlebury surrendered only nine goals in 2021 and advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA tourney, falling to Amherst. Junior goalkeeper Ryan Grady is one of the best in the country and was First Team All-NESCAC last year. Junior forward Jordan Saint-Louis had eight goals and six assists last season. Sophomore defenders William O'Brien (Norton, Mass.), Hank Nelson and Aidan Pape all saw heavy minutes last year and should anchor the back line this fall.

5. MIT
Record in 2021: 13-4-2 | Head coach: Ken Bovell | Season opener: Sept. 1 at Gordon

MIT lost in the NEWMAC championship game last year to Babson. The Engineers boast a potent offense, capable of putting big numbers on the scoreboard. They scored at least four goals in a match on four different occasions last season. Junior midfielder Garrett Robinson had six goals and four assists in 2021, while senior forward Will Seiple had five goals and three assists. Senior goalkeeper Paarth Desai returns after making 13 starts and posting a 1.09 goals against average in 2021.

6. Babson
Record in 2021: 12-5-3 | Head coach: Jon Anderson | Season opener: Sept. 3 at Rutgers-Newark

After capturing the NEWMAC tournament championship, Babson advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, falling to Amherst. Senior midfielder Jack Dugan returns after being named Second Team All-NEWMAC last year. Senior back RJ Parilla (Pawcatuck, Conn.) anchors the defense, after starting 20 matches last season.

7. Wesleyan
Record in 2021: 10-3-3 | Head coach: Geoff Wheeler | Season opener: Sept. 7 at Eastern Connecticut State

Wesleyan was defeated by Middlebury in a penalty kick shootout in the NESCAC quarterfinals last year. Still, for the first time since the 2011 campaign, Wesleyan finished with double-digit wins. The team returns All-NESCAC selections in senior goalkeeper Liam Devanny (Concord, N.H.) and sophomore midfielder Lucas Ruehlemann.

8. Saint Joseph's (Maine)
Record in 2021: 16-2-2 | Head coach: Will Pike | Season opener: Sept. 1 vs. Southern Maine

Last year, the Monks claimed their sixth GNAC tournament title, then dropped a 3-2 heartbreaker to NYU in the NCAA Tournament's first round. Six players posted double-figure points last season and the side only allowed 15 goals. Sophomore forward Gus Ford (Falmouth, Maine) and sophomore midfielder Rion Dos Santos (Falmouth, Maine) give the team two reliable playmakers.

9. UMass Boston
Record in 2021: 13-4-1 | Head coach: Jake Beverlin | Season opener: Sept. 1 at Salve Regina

UMass Boston outscored opponents, 51-16, in 2021, but came up shy of qualifying for the NCAA tourney. Senior back Emelson Barbosa returns after a season that saw him earn Second Team All-American honors. Senior midfielder Vangjel Gjergo (North Quincy, Mass.) will be counted on to make up for some of the production that left with the graduation of Nilton de Andrade (20 goals, nine assists).

10. Gordon
Record in 2021: 12-6-2 | Head coach: Matt Horth | Season opener: Sept. 1 vs. MIT

Fresh off winning their first CCC tournament title since 2018, the Fighting Scots nearly knocked off perennial powerhouse Montclair State in the NCAA Tournament's first round, only to lose 1-0. Sophomore forward Benji Wright is back, as is junior defender Casey Torres, who led the team in minutes last year with 1,807.

Matt Langone is the managing editor for New England Soccer Journal. You can email him at matt.langone@nesoccerjournal.com or follow him on Twitter @MattLangone.



shameless plug





Shameless plug of what?  I am just passing on a decent analysis.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 31, 2022, 09:10:06 PM
Looking at these schedules I would say Tufts and Brandeis not playing this year is my biggest eye opener so far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on August 31, 2022, 09:51:31 PM
I am hearing Williams and Midd ended in a 1-1 Draw up on the turf at Midd. Williamstown local and now Williams Senior #3 Brady Foehl had the Goal for Williams. I think the Mt.Greylock native can score Goals for Williams this season. Mount Greylock RHS begins its season against Easthampton on Labor Day.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 04, 2022, 02:56:27 PM
The Score with 10 minutes left (I had to leave early) was Williams 2 Williams Alums 1. 1st Half Williams looked to be in more of a 4-4-2 and then 2nd Half it was a definite 4-2-3-1. My first Game in person in over 8 months and it was a great feeling. A nice sunny day down at Cole Field cannot be beaten this time of year even if we are still in a drought. Alumni Games usually bring the most recent alums and then a mix of some old boys and this year was no different. The alums gave Williams a solid competitive Game that should only help them in their preparation for Tuesday's Home opener v Springfield. Alums do not have the fitness but they usually have "the want" to not only play hard but defeat the current team and show off doing it.

Good News / Unknown News / Bad News:

Good News: "Fitness and Organization"
Williams is again coming into this season a very fit team. The difference between 2022 and 2021 is they are starting the Season having had a full year with their new HC. This means they should be much more organized defensively than 2021 when they were still adjusting to the wants, needs, demands, asks and habits of their new Gaffer.

Unknown News: "Umm who is scoring Goals for me?"
Similarly to 2021 I am curious where the Goals are going to come from? #13 Will Felitto looks to be heading back up front after playing very well at CB in 2021. He will be very dangerous in the air and should score some Goals on set pieces this year.  #7 Nathan Song and his 7 Goals are back as are #16 Keel Brissett's 3 Goals. If Song can replicate that number and Brissett can match it then this team will be in good shape. Yesterday Song did not play many minutes and Brissett did not play at all so maybe some injuries to start or just giving them more time to recover.  We will find out Tuesday but in 2021 other than Song's 7 Goals and Brissett's 3 Goals, Williams had 4 players score 2 Goals and 5 players nab 1 Goal. That's it.

Good News: "Oh we got a player"
It was hard for me to see numbers(my eyes are bad) and other Frosh were not wearing a number but #24 Mohamed Keussom looked to be a Frosh that will help right away on the flank. Quick, skilled and most importantly a dangerous 1v1 player that can beat wingbacks with his talented "dogs".  This is something Williams lacked a bit last year and along with #19 Henry Osborn they both have excellent speed. I could not tell yet how his left foot is but the kid is going to help open up the box for his teammates. However the problem with the flanks is----

Bad News: "Where did me 120 x 80 go?"
I have not actually stepped the field yet but it looks to have been narrowed. My guess is 75 yards which I suppose is still acceptable but if it is down to 70 than completely unacceptable. This only forces Games to become more physical with less space to maneuver and players playing right on top of each other. I hate it. It is like hearing the Nursing Home you have selected for your Grandfather has just been bought by Private Equity. You know the Profits over People thing. Williams for the most part avoided the flanks for much of the Game yesterday and in the flow of play were trying to drive it down Main Street like most Nescac teams now. With a kid like Keussom or any fast and skilled winger you want to give them as much space to work as possible. You do not want to restrict it. One positive is it is easier to defend a more narrow field which is why it was probably "cut down" to begin with. Easier to defend and less running. The 120x80 had always given Williams an advantage at Home by outrunning their opponents and using the flanks with their skill to beat guys 1v1 and get solid crosses in.

Good News: "Returning Players working hard"
Williams has a solid core of returning players that looked fit and worked hard yesterday. You got #6 Nick Boardman "Boardo" and #8 Felipe Gutierrez back in midfield although it looked Boardo was playing some CB yesterday. #11 Eamon Gara Grady is an experienced defender that will move to CB from RB which is probably why they feel comfortable trying Felitto up top to start the year. #18 Jaime Holland is the other experienced CB and along with Gara Grady will give Williams some size and physicality. #3 Brooks Foehl will be at LB as he played there last year. He should be up and down that flank all day but I still think he could score Goals as an attacking CM. #29 Daniel Zhang, #9 Dylan Keleman and #23 Dan Rayhill will need to continue the good play from their Frosh seasons. Rayhill played both out wide and in the middle of the field yesterday. Both Keleman(who played up top) and Rayhill will need to chip in with some Goals this season. #22 Jake Saudek will be in a Central role and btw was a fantastic Color Guy for Men's Lax last Spring(I listened to a few) as his ability to identify tactical problems for Williams and then its opponents PLUS how each team should respond to those challenges was excellent.

Good News: "Locals tearing it Up" 
I mentioned Williamstown native and now Williams Senior #3 Brady Foehl but another Williamstown / Mt.Greylock RHS kid is Williams Junior #14 Luke Swann who came onto the center of the field in the last 25 minutes or so and put on a show. Had no idea he had all that skill as he was dipsy-doozing a couple of alums pretty good and if given space from his teammates could really help out as one of the first players off the bench Centrally. Good to see local talent on this roster or any roster for that matter.

Bad News / Unknown News / Good News wrapped into one: "The Most Dangerous Player on the Field was an Alum"
#13 Demian Gass looked as dangerous a striker as he looked 3 years ago in his Final season. Had his finishing been up to snuff he would have easily nabbed a Hatty(sorry been watching a lot of Hockey along with Soccer). Gass was all over the field in the O-Zone(I promise that's it) and was causing all kinds of problems for Williams Central defenders. Gass was an absolute beast yesterday and you can tell he is still playing somewhere but man this kid might of had a shot to play Pro instead of jumping right into Investment Banking(IHNI just a guess). Still even with his new career and maybe savage ruthless slaving 60-70 hour work weeks the kid has stayed in futbol shape and frankly could be starting striker on Tuesday for Williams in my book.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 04, 2022, 05:21:58 PM
I'm still curious about what's going on at Bates . . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2022, 06:44:55 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on September 04, 2022, 05:21:58 PM
I'm still curious about what's going on at Bates . . .

I have no information but as per usual will offer up a guess. An August resignation suggests he was forced out by some combination of Administration / Player Job reviews that show up at the end of the year in June. Maybe he had 3 years of consistently bad reviews and the school offered him a generous severance and he took it? Maybe he was told this was his last year and resigned before the season started? Maybe the school and HC were not a good fit? Either way these schools need to understand timing and waiting until a month before the season begins to do this is not good for anyone involved including the current players. These admin/player reviews should be evaluated a month or two after your season ends and then a decision should be hashed out in January, NOT JUNE. They should not wait until the end of the academic calendar but unfortunately they do this because that is how the contracts for Faculty / Staff are set up.

Bates wll be an improved side with a veteran backline but in such a loaded conference like Nescac it could be tough sledding in 2022.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2022, 06:49:35 AM
2022 Nescac Predictions:

1. Midd
2. Conn
3. Amherst
4. Tufts
5. Wesleyan
6. Colby
7. Williams
8. Hamilton
9. Bowdoin
10. Bates
11. Trinity


I fully expect 5 Nescac's in the NCAA's with most likely a 6th after all is said and done.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 06, 2022, 07:13:06 AM
After a serious drought all over Massachusetts here in the Berkshires we have had non stop rain for 24 hours and it is looking like it will continue all day today. This should have an impact on results later today.

Two Challenging Games:

-Both Newmac teams should be bringing a solid effort as they are still looking for their first Win of the Season.

Springfield at Williams   


Tufts at MIT


Five Cupcakes:

-Anything other than a W would be a disaster.


College of Mount Saint Vincent at Amherst(Yes I realize Mount Saint Vincent went 14-2-2 and beat NYU last year to get the AQ in the Skyline and that is precisely why they are on Amherst schedule. This will be considered a huge Win for Amherst at the end of the Year by the committee as long as Mount Saint Vincent continues to dominate the Skyline. However on the field and on paper this is a mismatch.)



Bates at Maine Maritime(although they might remember that 8-0 thrashing Bates rolled on them last year, still will it even matter that they do remember?)


Bowdoin at UNE


Mitchell at Conn


Mount Saint Mary(NY) at Midd








Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 06, 2022, 03:27:37 PM
Mr Right, do you think we can get this MA weather sorted out please?  I am flying in from Sydney and will be at the Mammoths' game against Middlebury on Saturday.  Sydney had one of its wettest winters on record this year, I am really keen to see some sun!.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 06, 2022, 04:40:23 PM
Speaking of Amherst, I just looked at their roster.  Another huge team...definitely on paper at least significantly bigger than last year's edition.  It's kind of funny since Serpone is maybe 5'8 and 155 lbs soaking wet but he loves really big back lines and oversized forwards.  Amherst doesn't have a lot of fans outside of Mammoth nation, and they don't much care.  But cannot argue with the success over the past 15+ years.  Phenomenal record of consecutive Sweet 16s or better, and have remained at or near the top of NESCAC despite some changing chief rivals.  For a handful of years, it was Williams, then Tufts, and now Tufts, Midd, and Conn.  Amherst has been the constant and they will be very difficult to take out again this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 06, 2022, 06:57:30 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 06, 2022, 07:13:06 AM
After a serious drought all over Massachusetts here in the Berkshires we have had non stop rain for 24 hours and it is looking like it will continue all day today. This should have an impact on results later today.

Two Challenging Games:

-Both Newmac teams should be bringing a solid effort as they are still looking for their first Win of the Season.

Springfield at Williams   


Tufts at MIT


Five Cupcakes:

-Anything other than a W would be a disaster.


College of Mount Saint Vincent at Amherst(Yes I realize Mount Saint Vincent went 14-2-2 and beat NYU last year to get the AQ in the Skyline and that is precisely why they are on Amherst schedule. This will be considered a huge Win for Amherst at the end of the Year by the committee as long as Mount Saint Vincent continues to dominate the Skyline. However on the field and on paper this is a mismatch.)



Bates at Maine Maritime(although they might remember that 8-0 thrashing Bates rolled on them last year, still will it even matter that they do remember?)


Bowdoin at UNE


Mitchell at Conn


Mount Saint Mary(NY) at Midd

Midd with a 1-0 win.  Not really threatened at all as Grady had only 3 saves to make, but Midd was wasteful in front of goal, with numerous offside calls and one goal disallowed for offside resulting in a one goal output despite 21 shots.  Too much 1 v 1, holding the ball too long in general.  Looked like a lot of first game rust that needs to be knocked off.  Performance will need to be much sharper to get a result at Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Very_Biased on September 06, 2022, 08:02:27 PM
Halftime in Cambridge: Tufts 3 - MIT 0. First goal from Ian Daly off a cross that found its way into the net. The second came just a few minutes later via a Mark Huynh corner that snuck inside the far post. Toward the end of the half, an easy PK call against MIT lead to Daly burying his second of the match. Tufts is looking very comfortable and in control.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on September 06, 2022, 09:54:16 PM
Tufts take care of business in the second half to open the season 5-0 against MIT. Hard to take away many conclusions from this given the level of MIT. The program seems to really have taken a step back over the last few years. Its not an easy place to recruit but MIT was disappointing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 07, 2022, 04:22:00 AM
I was only able to watch the first half of Amherst/MSV and not as well as I would have liked due to be being at work.  I am still getting used to the style, but the Mammoths pressed very hard early on and were rewarded with two early goals.  It seemed like the Dolphins were struggling with the aerial power that Amherst possesses.  I think the second half saw a bit of rotation, which probably makes sense given it was 4-0 to Amherst, but I don't really know more than that.  I know that Middlebury is massive on Saturday and look forward to attending and will try and give a more detailed rundown after that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3Coach on September 07, 2022, 11:07:51 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on September 06, 2022, 06:44:55 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on September 04, 2022, 05:21:58 PM
I'm still curious about what's going on at Bates . . .

I have no information but as per usual will offer up a guess. An August resignation suggests he was forced out by some combination of Administration / Player Job reviews that show up at the end of the year in June. Maybe he had 3 years of consistently bad reviews and the school offered him a generous severance and he took it? Maybe he was told this was his last year and resigned before the season started? Maybe the school and HC were not a good fit? Either way these schools need to understand timing and waiting until a month before the season begins to do this is not good for anyone involved including the current players. These admin/player reviews should be evaluated a month or two after your season ends and then a decision should be hashed out in January, NOT JUNE. They should not wait until the end of the academic calendar but unfortunately they do this because that is how the contracts for Faculty / Staff are set up.

Bates wll be an improved side with a veteran backline but in such a loaded conference like Nescac it could be tough sledding in 2022.

So, former Bates coach here.  First Fall I'm not a D3 head for a decade.  And what a fun decade it was.  From Mount Aloysius to Bates in 6 years, then building a forever home with my wife in Maine only to sell it two years later.  LIFE! 

I appreciate Mr. Right speculating in favor of backing the coaching profession.  It's not an easy one, but an incredibly rewarding one.  I never lost the team, because I always respected them.  I can't imagine I was batting 1.000 in terms of being a beloved coach to all my players, but all knew my passion and love for them/the game.  But to answer Another Mom's question directly.  No scandal, nothing untoward.  Certainly, if things were perfect I wouldn't have been looking to possibly depart, but after serving as head of 4 D3s at various levels, nowhere is perfect.  I left on my own accord after 4 positive reviews and 4 subsequent customary raises. 

I suppose some coaches and players don't pop on here to read the board, but as we were aiming to elevate the program at Bates my captains and I would take a look for any locker room material.  Certainly, if we play and coach the games someone can judge them.  I think it's great and I hope to add insight where I can. 

I wanted to set the record straight as I'm still coaching in New England and a man is as good as their reputation.  And a man's reputation should be based on what they protect.  I left Bates, because we had an offer on our house I couldn't refuse.  We walked away from that sale completing our daughter's college fund for a place like Bates should they be so deserving someday.  After a decade away from "home," 8 years away with my wife, the time was right to return to my 80-year old father and mom to help out and live in my childhood home (my wife from the same town).  Our daughters will have their first birthdays, weekends and holidays with family.  Can't put a price on that.

The timing stunk and my admins didn't love it (neither did I!) but our house closing took longer than expected and it allowed for my asst and now interim head at Bates to ascend as the perfect fit to lead the program at this time as Coach Riskind bleeds Bates garnet.  He helped hold the rope with an overall resilient ncaa generation through the COVID season and helped us in a campaign where we endured a lot of things thrown the team's way.  We still walked away with a respectable 3 NESCAC wins (and a first ever written apology from a ref and ref assigner regarding a 4th game that should've been ours).  Forgive me if I send like a whiner or a homer, but my intent is to be defender of a great group of Bates lads that if I was still at the helm would expect top half of nescac this season like in my second campaign pre-COVID.  They're young, (the current frosh as my last recruited class is terrific with great character) as talented as most, and playing soccer "hard and together" again.

Hope to see folks around the New England fall soccer scene.  Nothing better!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 07, 2022, 12:41:06 PM
Coach, thank you for coming on here. Your reputation precedes you, I can tell you among soccer families dealing with recruitment it really couldn't be better. I want to be clear that I wasn't speculating.  If I had to guess I was thinking something was going on with the school.

The soccer world is a small one, I'm sure you can figure out who I am too :-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3Coach on September 07, 2022, 01:01:50 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on September 07, 2022, 12:41:06 PM
Coach, thank you for coming on here. Your reputation precedes you, I can tell you among soccer families dealing with recruitment it really couldn't be better. I want to be clear that I wasn't speculating.  If I had to guess I was thinking something was going on with the school.

The soccer world is a small one, I'm sure you can figure out who I am too :-)

All good, I didn't receive it as such and the timing begs the question.  Bates kids are in great hands and my own kids are happier.  All that matters.

And thanks for the kind words.  One game over .500 at Bates in three years isn't worth writing home about.  I was initially flying by the seat of my pants with recruiting at that academic level.  I ultimately wanted no surprises come decision day after we had a surprise my first recruiting class in 2018.  My adjustment was to often be measured and ambiguous where I maybe wanted to grab a kid and his family and scream "we want you, but no guarantees you'll get in!".  We missed out on a bunch of kids I could have MAYBE gotten in, but it wasn't worth the risk of certainty to all in a recruited class.  A lot of coaches, as most could figure, are what admissions will and won't do for respective programs.  Schools certainly tier sports.  I've too much info on that!

My former asst at Knox who then took that program to two ncaa appearances is now at Randolph and playing against your son. Tall task, but he's loving the ODAC.  All the best
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2022, 06:44:30 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 06, 2022, 03:27:37 PM
Mr Right, do you think we can get this MA weather sorted out please?  I am flying in from Sydney and will be at the Mammoths' game against Middlebury on Saturday.  Sydney had one of its wettest winters on record this year, I am really keen to see some sun!.


Just looked and you should have 75 and Sun for the weekend back to back (Midd / Thomas). After that long flight and probably a lost bag or two I hope you enjoy a great weekend with your son.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2022, 06:55:34 AM
Quote from: D3Coach on September 07, 2022, 01:01:50 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on September 07, 2022, 12:41:06 PM
Coach, thank you for coming on here. Your reputation precedes you, I can tell you among soccer families dealing with recruitment it really couldn't be better. I want to be clear that I wasn't speculating.  If I had to guess I was thinking something was going on with the school.

The soccer world is a small one, I'm sure you can figure out who I am too :-)

All good, I didn't receive it as such and the timing begs the question.  Bates kids are in great hands and my own kids are happier.  All that matters.

And thanks for the kind words.  One game over .500 at Bates in three years isn't worth writing home about.  I was initially flying by the seat of my pants with recruiting at that academic level.  I ultimately wanted no surprises come decision day after we had a surprise my first recruiting class in 2018.  My adjustment was to often be measured and ambiguous where I maybe wanted to grab a kid and his family and scream "we want you, but no guarantees you'll get in!".  We missed out on a bunch of kids I could have MAYBE gotten in, but it wasn't worth the risk of certainty to all in a recruited class.  A lot of coaches, as most could figure, are what admissions will and won't do for respective programs.  Schools certainly tier sports.  I've too much info on that!

My former asst at Knox who then took that program to two ncaa appearances is now at Randolph and playing against your son. Tall task, but he's loving the ODAC.  All the best


I appreciate the courage and candor in your writing. You are are still a "young guy" with a great HC'ing resume. I am sure you will be right back in "the Game" when you are ready. I wish you nothing but the best.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 08, 2022, 09:33:30 AM
Amherst News / Notes / Housecleaning:

-Amherst lost 10 Seniors from its 2021 side including its whole starting backline. That is 1/3 of your roster leaving.

-Amherst is a young side with only 4 Seniors(GK #1 Bernie White, CM #8 Alex Shahmirzadi, Hybrid #24 Andrew Barkidjija and CB #27 Nico Kenary) in 2022. All four of these young men are 5th year's so they have personally sacrificed for their program and have been on campus since the Fall of 2018. Shahmirzadi has had a fantastic career and will look to end it on a high note. He was pulling the strings nicely in Tuesday's game with some brilliant thru balls. I am expecting big things for Barkidjija this year if he can stay healthy. He is fast enough to be a winger / wingback but also physical and athletic enough to play centrally. He was used as a winger against CMSTV, BUT before the year is out do not be surprised to see him on the backline. Amherst might need his speed on the backline and while he lacks size to be a CB he makes up for it in want and desire. The kid has a nose for the ball and showed it on his Goal against CMSTV the 3rd Goal of the Game. He has plenty of courage. White has plenty of experience in net and Kenary seems to be a really solid leader.

-Amherst played on the turf(Gooding Field) and have now successfully stationed a camera at midfield. Props for that.

-Seems all Amherst and Williams athletic contests will be now archived "On-Demand" for free. Props for that because last year if you did not catch the Game live you were not given an option for On-Demand. The Game would disappear into "thin air".

-Random Fact I learned on the broadcast: 30% of Amherst students are Varsity Athletes.

-Random Fact I read in the Edmonton Journal: A Hockey Goalie will have an extra 40lbs of equipment on for a Game.

-University of Maryland is 2-1-1 with a 6-1 thrashing of Virginia on Monday. #17 German Giammattei has played in all 4 Games, starting 3 and while going scoreless in his first 3 starts got sacked and came off the bench against Virginia. In 25 min he scored a Goal and had an Assist with 3 SOG so the benching lit a fire under his ass. He has been averaging about 45-50 min a Game. The other transfer Maryland brought in was an all-MAAC player from Marist who is also a striker. He has played in all 4 Games but has yet to score so German up to date has been more productive on the score sheet for the Terps. I will be following all season and rooting for him as all D3 players should.

-Serpone's wife left her job as HC of UMASS Women's Lax for Deerfield Academy after this past season. There were rumors of Serpone applying for that Deerfield AD job a few years back but not sure how true they were. Either way something to watch for as maybe BOTH of them want to get back to teaching / coaching / admin in the Preps instead of College. You can still Coach plus also Teach and there is much less focus on recruiting and more time for family. Good for her as she turned that UMASS Women's Lax program around.

https://umassathletics.com/news/2022/5/27/womens-lacrosse-angela-mcmahon-serpone-steps-down-as-head-coach-of-massachusetts-womens-lacrosse.aspx

The Game:

Starters:
Amherst had a huge size advantage and were in their customary 4-3-3. LB #15 Adrian Trott(Frosh), LCB #27 Nico Kenary, RCB #33 Simon Kalinauskas(U of West Virginia Transfer) and the RB #11 Johnny Novak. Holding was #3 Laurens ten Cate with #8 Alex Shahmirzadi linking and #9 Declan Sung attacking. Wide left #23 Ada Okorugheye, Wide Right #7 Niall Murphy and up Top #28 Fynn Hayton-Ruffner.

Did Not Play:
#10 Ignacio Cubeddu

Bench:
#21 Wyatt McCarthy took over for #3 ten Cate holding after ten Cate got sacked 10 minutes into the game after a dust-up in the middle of the field with a bunch of pushing and yelling and grabbing. HC Serpone could not afford losing him against Midd so he sat him for the rest of the Game.
#24 Andrew Barkidjija came on wide right for Niall Murphy. Barkidjija showed the bite he had as a Frosh last night and should be of big help to this team in 2022. I do not think he will be coming off the bench for long just not sure which position he will be needed at the most. It will depend on if he stays healthy. Murphy showed well with his tenacity and also was rewarded with a Goal on a follow up on a low rip from Declan Sung that the GK bobbled away on the wet turf. Murphy shows that you always follow shots up especially in wet weather and Sung shows keep those rips down and you will be rewarded.
#32 Aiden Curtis came on wide left for #23 Okorugheye. Okorugheye looked as dangerous as ever on the left flank Tuesday night and was playing unselfishly looking to release his teammates in on goal. Still he will be relied upon to be Amherst leading Goal Scorer this season and his finishing MUST be clean this year if Amherst is too make another deep NCAA run.
#17 Shawn Rapal for #28 Hayton-Ruffner up top. Rapal is a massive tree up top and could become a huge target for Amherst on set pieces. The 6'8 Rapal skies over everyone but the one free header he had he misdirected it. If I were Amherst HC for 2022 I would take Murphy, Rapal, Hayton-Ruffner, Okorugheye and maybe 2 more and work on finishing drills 30-45 min every day. 3-4 different finishing drills with and without wingers  to help these guys find consistency in Game situations.
#81 Ryan Gomez came on for #8 Shahmirzadi late in the 1st Half and that was the last we saw of #8 as he was being saved for Midd with a 4-0 Halftime lead in their pocket. I need to see more of Gomez but Shahmirzadi gave his usual 100% best effort with some beautiful thru balls 1st Half.
#19 Micah Valadez Bush came on late for #9 Declan Sung but I need to see more before commenting. Cannot make a judgement yet but I thought Declan Sung worked his ass off and for however long Cubeddu is out this kid will fill in nicely.
#2 Ben King came on at LB and #29 Eads Fouche came on as a RB.

The Game:

Amherst defeated CMSTV(College of Mount Saint Vincent) 4-1 on Tuesday night.  A rainy and "wet turf" type Game which always makes slide tackling all the more fun. It is also all the more risky for cards as some of the guys do not have full control of their bodies when they leave their feet and enter the air. An entertaining Game with both teams playing some excellent futbol on the turf. The Amherst backs were still blasting away but the attacking six players really played as unselfishly as I had seen in a long time for Amherst. They kept the ball on the turf and were making forward runs with some excellent thru balls especially in the 1st Half. CMSTV to their own detriment kept the ball on the carpet all night. I love the style but against an Amherst press you absolutely cannot play 5-10 yard square balls in your defensive 3rd. Cortland State made this same error in the 2021 Sweet 16 at Amherst last year. CMSTV flat out refused to blast the ball long in their defensive 3rd when they were under pressure and paid the price early spotting Amherst 2 Goals in the first 5 minutes.

CMSTV was picked 2nd in the Skyline Preseason poll behind Manhattanville(who Amherst will play in a week) but I thought they played some great futbol. They have skill and kept the ball on the carpet but like I said previous in their defensive 3rd against Amherst pressure you cannot fool around with the ball and make these ridiculous 5-10 yard backward passes or square balls. Possession teams MUST adjust against Amherst press or any high press for that matter and CMSTV did not. Still they made an impression on me because of their roster and their skill. #18 Dominic Algieri a Frosh was their most impressive player. He busted his butt all night up top and his speed and skill were causing Amherst CB's some problems on the night. A fun player to watch and he will only get better.

Amherst will score Goals this season but their question mark has to be the back 4. A brand new back 4 against Middlebury on Saturday and you know Midd will be testing them. Both Amherst CB's #33 Kalinauskas and #27 Kenary are 6'5 and 6'4 respectively but they both lack some pace which a team like Middlebury could take advantage of. The wingbacks are completely inexperienced so I fully expect Midd to go at Amherst with their fast wingers. Should be a real good game Saturday in a rematch of last years epic Elite 8 battle.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 10, 2022, 06:51:58 PM
Amherst 1 Middlebury 1

Firstly, a real pleasure to meet College Soccer Observer, how he picked out the Australian accent, I will never know.

Secondly, I can't tell you who the eventual NESCAC, let alone D3 winner, will be.  But I can tell you that today I saw the absolute minimum effort that will be required to do so.  Both teams should be congratulated for maximum effort in what were trying conditions. 

Today, was about contrasting styles and both teams had periods of domination.  Amherst caught Middlebury cold in the first half when a flick on header was skilfully taken on and put away.  If you blinked, you missed it. 1-0 at half-time, just about fair through biased purple eyes.  Second half, Middlebury got one back not long in, after Amherst failed to lock the ball in on a corner.  Middlebury pounced with a stunning breakaway with a tidy finish by their striker.  At that stage it felt like they were in control and it was only in the last 10-15 minutes that the Mammoths rallied and in the end could have easily taken all 3 points, with a couple of set pieces just lacking the finishing touch.

All up, I would say a fair result, played by two competitive teams.  I am looking forward to Thomas tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 11, 2022, 07:50:49 PM
Amherst 10 Thomas 0

Amherst put out a strong starting 11, but in under 30 minutes, it was 3-0 and there was a rotation in favour of those who hadn't seen much game time so far.  Credit to Thomas, they never gave up and kept trying to play, but it wasn't their day. Interestingly, they had enjoyed a 10-0 victory yesterday.  My task for the D3 MSOC historians, to identify a more material reversal
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 13, 2022, 10:44:57 AM
Got sidetracked for a few days and was unable to write but I did catch every game except two(Hamilton at Trinity and Bowdoin at Bates) this past weekend. A few thoughts:


-In easily the most entertaining Game of the Nescac Opening Weekend slate Wesleyan defeated Colby 4-3 at Home as BOTH teams showed well with some fantastic Goals. Cue up the first Goal of the Game from Colby's #25 Mario Simoes of which I cannot find a highlight??? A Wesleyan giveaway at midfield was picked up by the venerable workhorse Aidan O'Brien. He played the quick and skilled winger #11 Justin Lauer who then found Simoes with a nice thru ball to feet. It was still 3 Colby attacking players going at 4 Wes defenders as Colby did not have numbers on the play but Simoes took a couple giant confident strides across the field with the ball at his feet. As soon as Wes saw Simoes was going to have "a go" TWO defenders stepped into his shooting path but it still did not matter as Simoes absolutely ripped a 25 yard bomb to beat Wes GK #0 Liam Devanny far post.

-Both Colby and Wes(like all D3 teams) showed some early season rust especially on the defensive end but I thought Wesleyan started to take over the Game by the middle of the 2nd Half as Colby started to wear down a bit. Wesleyan used the width of the field and were playing some nice futbol with excellent combination play especially from #8 Rubinstein and #10 Ruehlemann. Wesleyan did have a calamity on Colby's 2nd Goal right before Halftime(The Goal gave Colby a 2-1 lead at the Half) with a series of defensive blunders leading to Colby's #21 Josh Rubin's Goal. Colby was more direct but have some serious danger men in attack(#22 Ethan Franco, #25 Mario Simeos, #9 Ethan Fabricant and #21 Josh Rubin) with a workhorse midfield including #26 Aiden O'Brien and #8 Colin Sullivan, a veteran backline led by #14 Grant Pugh, #10 Nicholas Lemire and #20 Jared Wood and fast wingers including #11 Lauer. I will take a closer look at Colby and Wes in the weeks to come but both these teams will be "in the hunt" before all is said and done as I am expecting them to be knocking on the door of the Top 4 in the Table throughout the season.

-Tonight a big statement Game as Tufts travels to Wes for a 7pm kickoff on the turf. Tufts and Conn played to a 0-0 Draw at Tufts this past weekend and I expect a battle on the turf tonight. Will be curious to see how both teams approach this Game. Conn like Wesleyan was using the width of the field and playing some nice futbol on the turf as they had the advantage in possession but when it came down to dangerous chances both teams were lacking. Conn lost Tshuma and LoBo from their 2021 National Champioship team so they have everyone back a year older, more mature and comfortable playing with each other. CB #24 Jack Kelesoglu did not play in the Game so no idea what his injury situation is but Conn used #5 Marco Cerezo and #21 Roman Dutkewych at CB. Both played well especially Dutkewych who tackles "old school". He had some crunching tackles in that Game as you could hear them on the video. I thought the winger #10 Robles looked improved out wide as he was active. Captain #28 Oliver Pinyochon was holding and looks to be the player that replaces LoBo at holding mid. Love how the Frosh Gavin Vanden Berg walks into the room of the National Champs and just grabs the #9 for himself and then starts up top for Tshuma. Not sure if that is exactly how it happened with the Jersey # but what the hell it sounds good.

-Babson and Williams played to a 1-1 Draw on Sunday. This Game had another Goal of the Weekend this time by Williams #19 Henry Osborn on a sick volley that Babson GK had no chance on. Highlight not found??? Babson impressed especially in the 2nd Half playing some nice futbol. Pingin' it around the field really well. They have veteran players all over the field including their backline and in midfield with #10 Collins and #11 Kalichman but the transfer up top from Bryant #18 Ben Williams is a BIG help. He is a legit striker that will score Goals for Babson this season and Babson is a team that could make a deep NCAA run if they play like they did on Sunday.

For today's version of "A Totally Unhealthy Relationship with Food" an average Offensive Lineman in Football needs to eat 8,000 calories a day. Typical Breakfast: A typical breakfast was four pieces of bacon, four sausages, six scrambled eggs, four over-easy eggs, three pancakes with peanut butter and syrup, and oatmeal with berries, flaxseed, peanut butter, and honey. THAT IS ONE MEAL and god knows how many dumps. I would be most interested in knowing what it is like for these guys when they finish playing and how challenging it is too transition back to normal eating habits and how hard it is to get the extra weight off.

Impressed that former Colby Hockey Player Justin Grillo is following his dream and having "a go" at Pro Hockey for a Swedish team Kiruna AIF that is located in Kiruna, Sweden which is way up in the "Iron-Ore" industrial Swedish Lapland. For those not geographically inclined it is basically the North Pole. In the Winter he will be lucky to have 3 hours of daylight as Hockey and Mining is what this area is known for and actually this is where the German's got most of their Iron-Ore in WW2. It takes someone willing and unafraid of stepping out of one's comfort zone to do this. It will not be easy under any circumstances but here is me hoping he is able to withstand such a new environment while still staying positive and mentally and physically healthy. Congrats to the kid for at least "giving it a go" and for not being afraid to fail. You can follow his journey here: https://unclejs.net/....







Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on September 13, 2022, 12:55:51 PM
Congrats, Mr. Right, on another excellent post and for finding Justin Grillo.  Seems like a very interesting and thoughtful guy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 14, 2022, 09:49:22 PM
Middlebury 3 Norwich 1 in a game that was insane.  Midd scored first on a long throw in that bounced and was knocked in by centerback Luke Madden (illegally according to Norwich).  Terrible turnover early in second half let in Norwich's dynamic duo of Joseph Thongsythavong and Mamadi Jiana.  Jiana's breakaway was saved by Ryan Grady, but the ball flew back, hit Jiana in the chest, and trickled in for a 1-1 tie.  Midd regained the lead on an own goal when a clearance was sliced into Norwich's net.  Should have been 3-1 when Alem Hadzic volleyed in a cross from RB William O'Brien, but it was incorrectly flagged offside.  Norwich then thought they had tied it when a header found Thongsythavong 15 yards behind the Midd defense, but the play was ultimately and correctly ruled offside.  Jordan Saint Louis made it 3-1 with a sweet breakaway where he dribbled around GK Wagenseller (listed at 6'4", 259lbs, and he is all of that--makes Bernie White from Amherst look tiny) and slotted the ball in the net.  Midd closed it out from there.  A solid attacking effort, but a couple of uncharacteristic defensive lapses gave up unnecessary chances.  Hank Nelson was out for Midd after suffering an injury vs Amherst on a play when he got hit with a cleats up challenge while trying to clear the ball.  Ben Powers also missed the game for Midd after getting facial lacerations vs Amherst.  Norwich is going to be a real threat in the GNAC, having lost 2-1 to St. Joe's in their opener, but Thongsythavong makes them a threat to any team they play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 14, 2022, 10:12:13 PM
Tonight @ Gooding Field:

Amherst 3 Manhattanville 0

A pretty even first half, where the Mammoths had the best chance to score in a 6 yard box incident.  Second half, Amherst started to take control and for this correspondent at least it was very exciting to see the Australian recruit pop up and score the second goal.  In the end, it probably didn't quite feel like a 3-0, but as I have quickly learnt in college soccer, you just take the result and move on.  Moving on in this case is another massive match against Tufts. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 15, 2022, 05:34:45 AM
Congrats @Enmorecat! That must have been so much fun, seeing your son score in person!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 15, 2022, 06:58:42 AM
Thanks Another Mom, it was pretty cool.  I got way too excited though, I will be checking next time where the nearest defibrillator is!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2022, 11:21:13 AM
Midd at Norwich---


Midd Starters: #33 Ryan Grady in net, backline of LB #19 Casey Lund, LCB #13 Luke Madden (UNH transfer), RCB #15 McFarlane and at RB #6 William O'Brien(who played CB in 2021). Midfield was #7 Eujin Chae holding with #30 Shane Farrell and #11 Tyler Payne. Wide Left #9 Noah Hannam, Wide Right was #20 Kyle Nillson and up top #23 Jordan Saint-Louis.

Midd Bench: #14 Alem Hadzic came in up top and Saint-Louis went out wide, #10 Liam Sloan played Centrally with #26 Gavin Randolph and #18 Daniel Kaye both Frosh playing out wide. That is it only 4 Subs were used.

Injured / Out:  Defender #2 Hank Nelson, Central Midfielder #12 Ben Powers. Winger #8 Brendan Barry and Central Midfielder #17 Andrew Juarez are two good players that have not played since the season began.

Frosh from 2021 Missing from 2022 Roster: #11 Jonah Roberts(this kid had potential and wheels)and #16 Aiden Pape(who scored a great back post Goal in the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2021 and is now not playing). Both #17 Nathan Pilson and #18 Ivan Watkins did not play much but still another 2 Frosh brought in that are now off the roster.

-I thought Norwich looked good the first 5 minutes of the Game with 2 solid goal scoring opportunities. A nice left footed cross from Norwich #10 Amerle Nemeye found the wide open head of Norwich danger man #8 Joseph Thongsythavong who banged it off the crossbar. Still Thongsythavong cleverly found his way in between Midd #19 Lund and #13 Madden to catch them both ball watching but not his best effort off the noggin. Still you can see why he is a load to handle. The other possible opportunity came about because Midd's  #13 Madden misjudged the speed of Norwich #18 Mamadi Jiana as he got beat down the flank but the chance petered out. Madden replacing O'Brien Centrally is interesting because O'Brien looked pretty comfortable there in 2021 except for his slip in the NCAA Elite 8 that allowed Amherst #9 to score the lone Goal of the match. Madden has wheels and a long throw but I thought O'Brien a good header of the ball.
-Midd's Chae was switching fields nicely all game to the weak side winger and if he can do that consistently it will give Midd numbers in attack on the weak side.
-Midd's Goal was off a long throw by Lund, McFarlane checked to the ball but misjudged it and the ball bounced over everyone and into the mixer where Madden showed his competitiveness and went for the ball hard and nicely finished it with his own little flick.
-The quick speedy winger #9 Hannam had a disaster of a back pass in midfield that led to Norwich's Goal and his sacking. Hannam just lost focus for a split second as he back passed it right to the dangerous Norwich #8 Thongsythavong who then proceeded to somehow beat two Midd defenders who were closing in on him #15 McFarlane and #19 Lund. Neither Lund or McFarlane wanted to tackle so Thongsythavong drove himself right between the two and burnt them both. He then found a wide open #10 Nemeye who had only O'Brien to beat in a foot race and was in alone on Grady. Grady guessed the kid Nemeye was all right footed (he guessed right) and got big and had a fine kick save that unluckily deflected right back off the Norwich #10 and into net. 1-1 50'.
-For Norwich I obviously liked #8 and #10 but also #5 Dante Mancini who was holding showed he is a worker bee for that team. RB #27 Sam Stowell played well and is a classy player and CB #24 Elias Gabrielsson also did well. #16 Kam Jorgenson while a decent player can easily be distracted and card baited as he needs to mature before the backline can get to where it needs to for this team to win the GNAC.
-Lastly, if McFarlane is going to check to every long throw to flick than Norwich had to either double him or just front him(they did neither) or put a man right up in the throwers grill to bother the accuracy of the thing.

-Saint-Louis a nice Goal to finish the Game off but College Soccer Observer is correct that Norwich will be a real tough out especially in the GNAC.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 16, 2022, 09:56:28 PM
Two Predicts

Hamilton at Midd- Have not seen Hamilton yet but they return a lot of young guys from 2021 with plenty of potential. #27 Peplowski and #10 Margaronis are two of the young guys that lead the way with 2 Goals each in Hamilton's 3-0 start allowing only 1 Goal(a PK) in 3 Games. #9 Hawthorn can finish with his head and feet but especially the "noggin". #7 Rouhana is a crafty player and just looking at the stats they are basically using the same lineup they finished with last season minus Matt Jordan, Dils, Wetzel etc up front. #4 Gnosh, #11 Kantrowitz, #20 O'Dowd and #21 Ehrenfreund all were starting by the end of 2021 with Peplowski and Margaronis so all these guys have experience. Looks like #1 Ben Ziegler has regained the starting spot after an injury last year and is a solid GK. That is the good news BUT now the bad news is that Hamilton has only defeated Middlebury ONCE since coming back into Nescac way back in 2011. Hamilton beat Midd in a Nescac Tourney Game on a neutral field in 2016 but are 1-11-0 in their last 12 Games against Midd and 0-5 at Midd in that timespan. Those are just horrible numbers BUT / EH / SO does Hamilton have the guts to go beat Midd on their field? Not yet....2-1 Midd

Bates at Williams- Have not seen Bates yet either but am looking forward to seeing them in person tomorrow in Williamstown. They are 3-1(0-1) with the loss coming to rival Bowdoin last weekend. They have been using a big 6'3 Frosh in net #00 Nico Hessel who is an NMH product. I expect Williams Frosh #4 David Armini who played with Hessel at NMH to give Williams a good scout but either way Williams really needs to test this kid in net. Keep those shots DOWN as I am sure he will catch everything else. Bates has a danger man up top in Senior Captaion #24 Alec Szwarcewicz who had 5 Goals last season and is on his way to improving on that number with 2 already in 4 Games. #11 Gara Grady and #6 Boardo will be key to keeping him off the scoresheet. #11 Tife Agunloye is another big time threat that I remember from last season. Senior Captain #3 Alex Kovacs has been their CB since he was a Frosh and is a good player as he puts out a lot of fires in the back. Captain / Senior#6 Jacob Iwowo is probably holding and Senior / Captain #8 Max McKersie at CB. Bates is using a mix of veterans and Frosh in the starting lineup so we will see what they bring tomorrow. Williams really needs to use the width of their field better than they have to start the year and really try to whip crosses into the mixer for #13 Felitto and Co. to finish. He is at his best finishing crosses from the wings. Bates has a big advantage as this is their only Game of the weekend while Williams plays Tufts on Sunday so Bates can throw the kitchen sink at them. I think Bates gives Williams a solid effort but Williams will wear them out late and take it...Williams 2-1

Sorry I ran out of time...Got to remember to do predictions on a Thursday...

Brandeis at Wes- Junior Captain #5 Evan O'Brien got his head to a nice set piece from #10 Lucas Ruehlemann to finish off Tufts 1-0 at Home on Wednesday. That is a big Win for the program and I believe it continues thru this weekend v Brandeis. Brandeis will probably sit deep and counter but Wes will need to be able to break down teams that sit in on them so this could be a good test. Wes 3-1

Tufts at Amherst- This is not your older brother's Tufts. They just do not have a dominant goal scorer that can Win them Games like a Joe Braun or a Zach Lane. They do have a very organized defense, are still very athletic at most positions and have a phenomenal GK but I do not see where the Goals are coming from yet? Amherst is usually not the Game where your team is going to find your goal scoring magic. Tufts will make Amherst work for it but I think in the end Amherst takes it. 1-0 Amherst

Trin at Colby I have not seen Trinity yet but if Colby overlooks them they could be in for a real surprise. 2-0 Colby

Bowdoin at Conn I have not seen Bowdoin but I know they will be sitting conservatively in this one. Conn will have to break them down with 10 behind the ball and it will not be easy but it will be done. Jaran with a brace 2-0 Conn



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 17, 2022, 06:22:42 PM
NESCAC  is wide open this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 17, 2022, 07:33:46 PM
Amherst 2 Tufts 3

This one didn't feel quite as intense as the game against Middlebury, but there was still a lot riding on it. Tufts had a couple of things go their way, which is always welcome and Amherst hit the crossbar in the final minute.  On the balance of play, a draw felt right to me, but the Jumbos took their chances and will enjoy the moment.

My final night in Amherst, it's onto Boston tomorrow for my final in attendance game, against Babson on Tuesday. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2022, 02:31:48 PM
Screamer from Tufts #29 to give the Jumbos a 2-1 halftime lead at Cole Field. Just tuned in, saw the opener for Williams was a rare Lauta mistake where he was beaten to a high ball, before the visitors equalized shortly thereafter. The Ephs failed to clear a few times prior to the go-ahead goal but you can't legislate for a rocket like that, the Williams 'keeper had no chance. You would have to fancy Tufts from here but still a good game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on September 18, 2022, 02:36:40 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 18, 2022, 02:31:48 PM
The Williams 'keeper had no chance.

I don't know about that.  He was clearly caught flat footed.  He may or may have been able to get to it, but think his effort looked real suspect.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2022, 02:40:28 PM
Props to Dezotell.  All kidding aside, he is under tremendous pressure (comparatively speaking for D3).  Two frosh have scored the two Tufts goals today, and he listened to me and started Shin.  Again, kidding, but Dezotell has shown a strong willingness to mix up his line-ups, sit vets, play frosh, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on September 18, 2022, 02:49:44 PM
Whenever I watch NESCAC sports I'm always perplexed at the quality of facilities.   These soccer fields are indistinguishable from high school fields. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2022, 02:51:12 PM
If Tufts can close this one out what a response to the tight Wesleyan loss...the Western Mass NESCAC double...and probably jumps ahead of Conn, Amherst, Midd rankings-wise.  And then what to do with Wesleyan...and Bowdoin...and Hamilton.  I'm not ready bump any of the latter to the top, but might have to slot Wesleyan above Midd (and maybe Conn?) at this juncture.  Hard to believe that NESCAC may be even stronger than last year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2022, 02:57:14 PM
Quote from: stlawus on September 18, 2022, 02:49:44 PM
Whenever I watch NESCAC sports I'm always perplexed at the quality of facilities.   These soccer fields are indistinguishable from high school fields.

And then there's the $5K dogs roaming around back and forth behind the goals and on the sidelines.  Just some understated NESCAC charm.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2022, 02:57:55 PM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 18, 2022, 02:36:40 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 18, 2022, 02:31:48 PM
The Williams 'keeper had no chance.

I don't know about that.  He was clearly caught flat footed.  He may or may not have been able to get to it, but think his effort looked real suspect.

SC.

From my subjective POV, it was pacy and hit the far corner – even accounting for the surprise factor of shooting from 25+ yards I don't think he is getting there even if he was perfectly set. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the attacker, although the Ephs D didn't seem to do much to close him down.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2022, 03:00:44 PM
2-2, Lauta beaten to another high ball. He is a brilliant goalie but hasn't been his best day today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2022, 03:03:32 PM
I have to admit that I didn't trust the hype on Ian Daly from prior years, so I paid closer attention when I watched Tufts-Conn live and in subsequent games...and he might be the best player in the country.  Really, really good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2022, 03:27:06 PM
So, uh...no overtime?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2022, 03:31:13 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 18, 2022, 03:27:06 PM
So, uh...no overtime?

LOL.  You've been out of the country for too long!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 18, 2022, 03:35:08 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 18, 2022, 03:31:13 PM
LOL.  You've been out of the country for too long!

Guess I missed that one. Admittedly I have not kept up with rule changes/etc. but I am not a fan of sudden death OT so that's fine with me. Good game overall, Tufts probably just edged it and would have won if not for the goalkeeping errors but these days happen and I am sure Lauta will learn from it.

* As an aside, passport expired right before COVID and I have not replaced, but I am hoping to hop across the pond next year some time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CC United on September 18, 2022, 03:55:25 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 18, 2022, 02:57:14 PM
Quote from: stlawus on September 18, 2022, 02:49:44 PM
Whenever I watch NESCAC sports I'm always perplexed at the quality of facilities.   These soccer fields are indistinguishable from high school fields.

And then there's the $5K dogs roaming around back and forth behind the goals and on the sidelines.  Just some understated NESCAC charm.

I have a different take having watched portions of several NESCAC games this year.  It's still early in the season, but I think the overall quality of the NESCAC teams is down this year.  Last year when Tufts or Connecticut College played you knew you were watching something special.  I just haven't seen the quality on the pitch this year. Granted, I haven't seen Wesleyan, that would be a great story line.  Go Cards!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 18, 2022, 04:19:10 PM
Like I have being saying there is a lot more parity in NESCAC this year, the strong teams are weaker and some of, maybe most of the weak teams gotten better.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 18, 2022, 05:39:07 PM
Not sure the top group is weaker.  I know Tufts had significant losses but Tufts still has a ton of talent, Conn has basically their whole national title team back, and I think Amherst and Midd are pretty loaded as well.  We'll see if Wesleyan, Bowdoin...and Hamilton...can keep up their great results so far.  I also expected more from Colby.  Bates and Trinity appear to be headed to the cellar.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 19, 2022, 08:33:35 AM
A Couple Quick Hitters of the Weekend

"Guts and a Little Luck"-I had questioned whether Hamilton had the guts to go up to Middlebury and find a Win. They had not Won at Midd since returning to Nescac in 2011. Hamilton is also still a young team, so it was an unlikely undertaking. The Game was well played as both teams were trying to play a bit of futbol. I really like Hamilton's Central midfield of #21 Luke Ehrenfreund, #27 Luke Peplowski and holder Sophomore Captain #10 Pandelis Margaronis. Ehrenfreund found the net on an absolute first class strike off a set piece just outside the box that Midd GK #33 Ryan Grady had no chance on. Hamilton Won the Game off a shot that Ryan Grady would catch 999/1000 times. Unfortunately, this was that one shot that went thru his hands and gave Hamilton the 3 pts. Hamilton's GK #1 Ben Ziegler made some fine saves throughout the Game to keep Hamilton in it but had to leave in the 80th minute after a major collision and hit to the head. Hopefully he will be all good and back playing. Ehrenfreund's Set Piece: https://twitter.com/HamCollSports/status/1571617728607264769
Grady was pissed at himself after the Game but in one of the Weekend's Classier moments Grady's fellow Midd GK brethren gave him a big group hug as if to say do not worry about it you will get after it the next game. That is what Sport is all about. In one of the Weekend's less classier moments Midd's #23 Saint-Louis got tackled hard by a Hamilton player with a foul called on Midd after the play. Saint-Louis frustrated by the tackle then stuck his heel out purposely to trip the Hamilton player that tackled him. The ref caught it and booked him. He is WAY TO GOOD of a player for those type of shenanigans and it also showed maybe how easy it is to frustrate him and take him out of a Game for Midd's next opponents.

"I'm guessing Williams #13 Will Felitto is sleeping right now, so don't wake him"- The kid was man of the weekend as he worked his ass off. He had 3 Goals, 1 Assist, 8 Shots and 5 SOG in a 4-0 Win over Bates and a 2-2 Draw with Tufts this past Weekend. That does not include him winning EVERY SINGLE air ball (in which there were plenty) that was played to him. I have to admit as much as I HATE Williams style of play, I LOVE how effective it is in creating goal scoring chances. They created a number of dangerous chances off of Direct Long Balls deep into Tufts end, then pressed like hell to win the ball back. %'s tell you that you will eventually force your opponent into giveaways with such an aggressive press and overloading of one side of the ball. Credit to Tufts HC Dezotell and staff as Tufts was the first team, I have seen that understood tactically that to beat this style you must quickly switch the field (#3 Daly, #5 Clivio, had some nice switches) to your weakside wingback / winger who will be wide open with acres of space because Williams is overloading the strong side of the field where the ball is. Once Tufts successfully switched fields, they had space to attack on the weak side and created many chances of their own. However, I would have liked to see Tufts move up the field even faster after the switch. This is easier said than done but if this is how Williams is going to play it than all week in practice you work on switching fields and attacking quickly from the weak side.

"Diffley growing on me"- No it is not a fungus or moss, it is Williams GK #30 Ben Diffley. The 6'5 190lb Williams GK I have been impressed with this season. He has a great command of his box and catches most everything in the air. He is vocal and organizes the guys when needed plus just has a beautiful kicking motion as he can drive the ball as good as any GK in the league. I would be curious his distance as a Football kicker.

"Jumped the Gun on Tufts"- They still are a real quality side with D1ish athleticism all over the field. They are very organized and while it was challenging, they were at least trying to play some futbol at times during the game. They have one of the best CB's in the league in #5 Max Clivio as he is an absolute beast back there. The Felitto v Clivio matchup was entertaining all Game. #2 Liam Gerken is playing Centrally now, and he showed well. The kid has heart and tons of skill, and you can tell he has been working on his game. Tufts Frosh #29 Daniel Yanez (Jersey kid / Pingry no less) beauty of a Goal is here https://youtu.be/mJiVqnH_2AI?t=165 . Frosh #19 Mateo Bargagna showed well with a nice Goal and some aggressive and courageous play up top. So, Tufts has some young talent that looks hungry and while it might take a few more weeks for this team to gel in the end they are going to be right in the mixer for an NCAA run.   

"NCAA Champs in any Sport are circled on every Opposing Team's Calendar"- Conn has failed to score a Goal in 180 minutes of Nescac Soccer. Bowdoin defeated Conn 1-0 in New London this past weekend dropping the 2021 NCAA Champs to 2-1-1 overall but 0-1-1 in the league. Bowdoin played as I expected very organized and congested the middle of the field but also showed some danger on the counter with their attacking 4. The beginning of the Game Conn was using #14 Djerdjaj up top with #25 Yeonas behind him and then they would interchange. #13 Scoffone and #17 Creus out wide with #8 Jaran linking and #28 Pinyochon holding. Djerdjaj had a real good look early on an open volley that he just missed high but had Conn scored that Goal early it would have changed the complexion of the Game. Conn has so much talent on this roster, so I would not panic yet, but they need to learn (as Tufts did) that they will be seeing every opposing team's best effort. #24 Kelesoglu saw some action so that is good news and must mean he is getting closer to getting back on the field for 90. With Trinity on the schedule at Home on Tuesday afternoon, I fully expect Conn to not take them lightly but come out focused and like gangbusters and take care of business on their field to turn this ship around.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 19, 2022, 11:29:05 AM
Great stuff per usual, Mr.Right.

Your recall for details, names, numbers is next level and I can't think of anyone who describes strategies, adjustments, and counter-strategies with such precision and flair.  And I really appreciate that you devote equal time and a generally fair assessment of all the teams you mention (even Amherst).  You're not a one-trick pony in terms of just promoting your team nor do you go and on about how incredible your team is.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2022, 07:32:13 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 19, 2022, 11:29:05 AM
Great stuff per usual, Mr.Right.

Your recall for details, names, numbers is next level, and I can't think of anyone who describes strategies, adjustments, and counterstrategies with such precision and flair.  And I really appreciate that you devote equal time and a generally fair assessment of all the teams you mention (even Amherst).  You're not a one-trick pony in terms of just promoting your team nor do you go and on about how incredible your team is.

Thanks, and right back at you as your stuff keeps me updated on what is going on around the country. I will stick up for the people that promote their teams though as that is the only way we can get some others writing. If they are a little biased it is to be expected but at least it adds to the conversation nationally.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 21, 2022, 07:51:33 AM
That's all good, but I don't want to see anything TOO complimentary about Amherst.  We can't have standards slipping on that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 21, 2022, 09:02:49 AM
Conn v Trinity 3-0 Final:

Conn Starters:
GK #00 Sam Maidenberg, LB #3 Sam Boehm, LCB #26 Jack Lavorel, RCB #5 Marco Cerezo, RB #15 Jorge Mendo. Central Midfield Holding was #28 Oliver Pinyochon, with #14 Augie Djerdjaj and #25 Steve Yeonas playing behind the striker #9 Gavin Vanden Berg. Out Wide were #10 Alex Robles and #11 Luke Cibelli.

Conn Bench:
14 different players including the backup GK #1 Peter Silvester were used throughout the Game. A mix of veterans like #6 Horvath Diano at LB and Viotto at RB, #13 Scoffone, #17 Creus and #19 Oury Diane out wide, #18 Marvel played Centrally along with #23 Brendan Clare who did a good job holding. #24 Kelesoglu got another 45 minutes under his belt so he should be close to being fully healthy. #7 Dylan Zane looked dangerous up top. Then a mix of some young guys #12 Nate Pilson out wide, #32 Aidan Keith at RB and #35 Maurice Pigola Centrally.

Conn DNP:
#8 Rye Jaran, #21 Roman Dutkewych, #30 Bruce Doyle.

Goals:

Conn 1-0 "Unselfishness, Sweet Passing and a Left Footed Bomb from 8 yards out"
#9 Gavin Vanden Berg(3) 13'-
This Goal was started by #11 Luke Cibelli driving up the field with the ball at his feet. At about midfield he switches it and hits a nice ball in the stride of his industrious Captain #25 Steve Yeonas. Yeonas then drives all the way to the top of the box where a couple Trinity players step up to tackle him. Yeonas, head up and alert the whole way slips a cagey little pass to #10 Alex Robles at the top of the box. Robles then unselfishly one times a pass to his left-footed striker #9 Gavin Vanden Berg who drills the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Conn 2-0 "Did my angry Baker just make that call?"
#14 Augie Djerdjaj(2) 63'-
PK after handball in box.

Ref Lou Labbadia has been reffing for a long time in D1, D2 and D3. Not sure he does D1 Games anymore (at least probably no middles) but when he gets mad, he can sometimes become unglued. When I was younger it always reminded me of like the local baker in the big funny white hat, sweating with flour and flippin 'out in the back about bread or whatnot. Very entertaining and a decent ref.

Conn 3-0 "Sensational Thru Ball, Rip and Save, Captain follows Up"
#25 Yeonas(3) 70'-
This Goal was set up beautifully by a sweet thru ball from #17 Jake Creus. It was the exact same thru ball that he gave Djerdjaj in the 2021 NCAA Elite 8 at Tufts to give Conn a 4-2 lead. This thru ball went to #35 Maurice Pigola who ripped it on Goal but the The Trinity GK #1 Bernardo Simoes made a nice save to keep it out. However, the attentive veteran Yeonas followed up the shot weak side and gave Conn a lead it was not going to relinquish.

Thoughts:

I thought Trinity showed some battle especially in the 1st Half with CB #2 Matt Moran and #6 James Donaldson leading the way. They did not generate too many dangerous scoring chances throughout the Game but in the 1st Half they were getting "some sniffs" just the final ball or shot was not there. They look much more organized defensively than in years past so they will hang around in some games this season. The players are well aware it has been 5 years since Trinity has won a Nescac Game (2017 v Wes) and 6 years since they have Won a Nescac Road Game (2016 at Bowdoin-remember it like yesterday a 3-2 OT thriller that got Trinity into their last Nescac Tournament). However, they will probably need another recruiting class or two before they can really compete with everyone in the league.

Conn was a bit sluggish in the 1st Half and sloppy with the ball in their defensive end but were still trying to play some nice futbol.  2nd Half was much different as Trinity was starting to push numbers forward to "find one", Conn was pingin' it all over the field on some beautiful counters and plain build up play out of the back breaking the press. #11 Luke Cibelli really impressed in Central Midfield as he was working hard and linking well with Djerdjaj and Yeonas and sprung the striker #9 Vanden Berg a couple times. I think Yeonas and Djerdjaj both look fit, healthy and in top form. My concern from a distance is a bit of slack on the leadership front from a couple of their veterans. My hunch is that LoBo ran a tight ship and not much would get past him but LoBo "is not walking thru that door again". Tshuma while not a Captain brought an excellent attitude to the field like Yeonas and Djerdjaj, etc. That attitude is what needs to be replicated every day and they need all their veterans to really step up and help get this team gelling. There is so much talent on this roster that playing time is an almost impossible task for the HC and everyone, as they say in the UK, "needs done their bit". Whether that "bit" be large or small all the players (not just some) have to accept the role they have and take the responsibility for themselves to improve on it. Look at the 2021 Captain they had #15 Aiden Scales as a perfect example of a selfless teammate. He did not play that much but gave what time and energy he had all to the team concept. Conn now has only 3 Games in the next 2 weeks before a brutal finish. They really need to take this time and use it to rejuvenate and refresh a bit IMO.


Randoms:

"Props to Amherst Football Player Jack Betts '24: The King of Division III NIL at least right now"

If you read the Amherst Student Interview and Nescac Interview you can see why Coaches love to coach and it is because of kids like this. Good Kid. Plus, he is the first kid to be interviewed on the Friday Feature who when asked Dogs or Cats? answered Cats. I would answer Both. Dogs and Cats together are hilarious IMO but I am glad even if it had to take a Football Player to admit that yes Men can like Cats as well as Dogs.

https://nescac.com/news/2022/9/11/nescac-news-nescac-friday-feature-jack-betts-amherst-football.aspx

https://www.amherststudent.com/article/jack-betts-24e-the-king-of-division-iii-nil/

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 23, 2022, 12:23:05 PM
Week 3 Predictions:

This Weekend should give us a clearer picture of the league with 8 teams on a back-to-back and Trin and Tufts with only 1 Game, Conn is off. Trinity and Tufts do not have to worry about a Sunday Game so they can go full throttle on Saturday. The 8 teams on a back-to-back will also give us a clearer picture of everyone's depth.

Tufts at Hamilton- Tufts 3-1-2 (1-1-2), Hamilton 5-0 (2-0).

Hamilton's Central Midfield lead the way in scoring for them. #27 Luke Peplowski got the GW'er midweek in the 89th minute to defeat SUNY POLY in the 89th minute 1-0. Hamilton had 12 corners in the Game so if that is not enough practice, I am not sure what is. Peplowski leads the team with 3G, 1A and 2 GW'ers. Sophomore Captain #10 Pandelis Margaronis who has been holding and working tirelessly has 3G and 2 GW'ers and #21 Luke Ehrenfreund who has been playing centrally and wide has 1G, 3A and is the spark plug that Hamilton needs in attack. The Back 4 has been playing well with LB #11 Tommy Kantrowitz, LCB #8 Julian Jacobs, RCB #4 Sebastian Ghosh and RB #20 Luke O'Dowd.  Not sure who will be in net as #1 Ben Ziegler did not play midweek after leaving the Midd Game in the 80th minute as #0 Kai Haesslein started and got the shutout, but the stats say his end was pretty quiet. Bench player #5 Spencer Goldberg picked up 2 Yellow's in the midweek match and will have to sit out this Game.

Tufts is led by their indefatigable RB #3 Ian Daly with 5G, 2A, 8 SOG and 2 GW'ers. He just does everything and is extremely valuable to what this team is doing. Frosh #29 Daniel Yanez apparently had another 25 yard bomb midweek against Salem State which makes that 2 Games in a row. Can he make it 3 Games or is a defender going to "step"? His Bio lists the "Turkey Club" as meal of choice and I fully second that. Love the Turkey Club. Yanez has 2G, 1A while #12 Mikey Brady has 2G as well. CB #5 Max Clivio got a Goal midweek off a header from a corner, and this is where Hamilton needs to make sure defensively, they are fully focused on set pieces. Tufts has a hungry group of youngsters in attack (and on defense for that matter) that are pushing the veterans like #10 Zach Siegelstein and #11 Sean Traynor as both are still looking for their first Goals of the year.

This game represents a long end to what seems like a continuous Nescac Away match for Tufts. A midweek trip to Wes last week, a doubleheader weekend to Western Ma against Amherst and Williams this past weekend and now finally this five-hour bus ride to Clinton, NY. Tufts is 4-1-2 in its last 7 Games against Hamilton with Hamilton's last Win in the series coming 7 years ago in 2015 at Home. Tufts 2-1


Midd at Bowdoin- Midd 3-1-1 (0-1-1), Bowdoin 5-0 (2-0)   

FYI- Midd's #7 Eujin Chae earned the fifth spot on the morning's ESPN SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays with this Goal https://twitter.com/i/status/1572587490267271175. Midd is led in scoring by LB #19 Casey Lund with 2G, 2A, Central Midfielder #11 Tyler Payne 2G, 1A, Holder #7 Eujin Chae 1G, 2A and striker #23 Jordan Saint-Louis with 2G and 9 SOG. Payne looks to have gotten stronger in the off season and that has helped his game, but I am surprised #30 Shane Farrell has been so quiet to start the year. I think Chae, Payne and Farrell need to outplay Bowdoin Centrally to Win this Game. Looks like #17 Andrew Juarez is getting fit and back in the rotation and Captain #10 Liam Sloan has also been seeing solid minutes in midfield. Key matchup will be #23 Saint-Louis against Bowdoin CB #3 Dylan Reid. Who wins that battle could determine who wins the Game.

I freely admit I did not glance at Bowdoin's roster before picking them to finish 9th/11 in my Nescac Pre-Season picks. They have SIX 5th year players that have been around the program since 2018. CB #3 Dylan Reid who has logged over 4,000 minutes in his Bowdoin career, CM #5 Minseo Bae who at 5'7 150 is an absolute "buzzing bee" on the field, CM #10 Harry Cooper who had a "hatty" in the first Game and has since disappeared. That has been the story of his career as he dominates one Game and then disappears for the next few, but I will say when his "Left Peg" his "ON" it can be peril for the opponent. Striker #21 Charlie Ward has 14 Goals in 40 Career GP plus 3G, 2A this season. #14 Hayden Weatherall and #2 Nate Kelsey are also back for a 5th year, so this team has plenty of experience. #11 Ronaldo Cabral leads the team in scoring with 5G, 3A and 12 SOG and against Conn he was playing wide left so he will be going against Midd's RB #6 Evan O'Brien. Cabral might be too quick for O'Brien on the flank so Midd will need to give him help.

Looks like Bowdoin is going to be ripping trees out left and right for this new project: https://athletics.bowdoin.edu/news/2022/9/22/general-bowdoin-announces-plans-for-pickard-field-athletic-complex-improvements.aspx
I say for every tree that is removed another one should be planted as this is going to ruin such a nice dense area. Moving On....This matchup has been one of the tightest in Nescac History. For example, in the last 16 Games the teams are 5-5-6 against each other. However, the one anomaly is that Midd has not WON a Game in Brunswick since the Bowdoin Assistant Coach Andrew Banadda was starting for Midd in 2008. I think that it ends this weekend. Midd 2-1


Amherst at Bates- Amherst 4-1-1 (0-1-1), Bates 3-2 (0-2)

Amherst stats minus the ridiculous 10-0 Win v Thomas (I can just picture the effort Thomas was giving from say the 60th minute on) has striker #28 Flynn Hayton-Ruffner with 2G, 2A and 7 SOG and #23 Ada Okorogheye with 2G and 9 SOG. The big CB #33 Simon Kalinauskas has 1G, 2A and is dangerous on set pieces. The winger #7 Niall Murphy adds 2 Goals while the wingback #11 Jonny Novak has 1G and 2A. Amherst has 58 Corners in 6 Games which is an average of 10/game.

Bates has been idle all week after the 4-0 trouncing they received at Williams last Saturday. 1st Half Bates was not focused and ready to play although I know their warmup was solid before the game. Just not ready for Williams press and they spotted them 3 Goals. 2nd Half Bates looked much more focused and more competitive. This is their "Cats Carnival Weekend" so they might have a decent crowd for the Game. Amherst under Serpone has never not Won this Game. Amherst is 15-0-0 in the last 15 Games against Bates. The last Draw in this series that Bates earned came in 2005 and the last Win Bates grabbed in 2004. I remember the 2004 game like yesterday. I was just out of college living in Brighton and found out that the Bates at Amherst Game was to be played at a Neutral site (do not remember why) Middlesex School in Concord, MÃ. I drove out from Brighton to Concord and met my father who was scouting Amherst. Bates best team in decades was this 2004 team as they were IMO a first wknd NCAA team, but they ended up getting upset in the Nescac Quarters that year and overlooked in the Pool C bids. They had a 1st team all striker Terence O'Connell who led the team in Goals and scored on that day as well. Amherst had a good team with two dangerous strikers Mike Wohl and Joey Gannon, two stereotypical Amherst players who really busted hard. Moving ON.Amherst 3-1


Williams at Colby- Williams 2-0-3 (1-0-0), Colby 2-1-3 (0-1-1)

I have spoken at length about Williams and the playing style of blasting the ball deep into their opponent's end, pressing like hell to force giveaways and then pouncing on the ball for a decent scoring chance. It was very effective last weekend at Home as #13 Will Felitto leads the team with 3G,1A 7SOG and about 100 airballs won. CB #6 Nick Boardman "Boardo" has 1G,3A from the back and the Frosh striker #2 Connor Huleatt has 2G, 1A. The problem with the style IMO is it bypasses the two skilled Central Midfielders #8 Felipe Gonzalez and #12 Cole Morriello and leaves them a bit less involved in the game offensively then I would like to see it, but you cannot argue with the results so far.

Colby at 2-1-3 has been a bit of a disappointment but it is still very early, as this team tries to find its winning form. If Williams continues like it has been playing, then the Colby back 4 should be expecting heavy pressure. Colby has some great attacking players as the four guys that lead the team in scoring are their most dangerous guys in attack. #22 Ethan Franco 3G,2A and 10SOG. #21 Josh Rubin 3G,1A. #25 Mario Simoes 3G 8SOG and #9 Ethan Fabricant with 2G,1A. If those four plus #7 Sam Wilson and the skilled and speedy winger #11 Justin Lauer take it to Williams quickly on the counter, they will be successful. However, if they take their time and wait for Williams to get back defensively and in their shape, it will be tough sledding offensively for Colby. My hunch is this Game could get ugly, in the air and direct real fast, but Colby's field is so inviting to play futbol on the players might want to "knock it a bit". 1-1


Wesleyan at Trinity- Wesleyan 5-0 (2-0), Trinity 0-2-2 (0-2-1)


Wesleyan has been sitting idle since an 8-2 thrashing of Clark on Monday. #20 Kyle Burbage padded his personal stats as he now has 4G,1A 7SOG. Wide player #35 Philip Cubeddu has 1G,4A. The target man up top with the soft feet #9 Dane Harmaty has 2G,2A and I love how he checks to the ball hard and then lays it off with a nice soft touch or can go himself. Central Midfielder #6 Soren Tollis has 2G,2A and last time I saw Wesleyan he came off the bench for #8 Rubenstein who is has yet to get going on the scoresheet. Looks like the CB from last season with #26 Chris Porte is getting himself healthy and back on the field as he and #5 Evan O'Brien are two excellent CB's. #17 Miles Lambke also has played very well this season at CB for Wes. Personally, I think Wesleyan's roster is very strong with a solid amount of depth for this weekend's back-to-back games.

Trinity looked much more organized defensively midweek at Conn, and I expect that to keep them in more games this year than in years past. Their problem is offensively as they have only scored 3 Goals in 4 Games (2 Goals have come from their backline #2 Matt Moran and #6 James Donaldson). They had some sniffs against Conn but not too many dangerous chances. #13 Nick Bellak and #9 Peter Bronson are two very skilled young players that this team needs on the field and both have only played in 2 Games so not sure if they are injured or what? GK #1 Bernardo Simoes has been solid in net so far.

This could be a trap game for Wes with a trip up to Hamilton on the slate for Sunday you would hope they are not overlooking Trinity. This game will stay tight all the way thru especially on Trinity's Home field, but Wes will sneak out of town with a victory after a late goal after 75 minutes. 1-0 Wes
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 24, 2022, 04:50:08 PM
Bates 2 Amherst 3

Watching games on a phone is clearly nowhere near as good as viewing live and when you couple that with windy conditions at Bates and not particularly adept commentary, there is no need for this game to be remembered for anything other than the Mammoths' first conference win for the season.

1-1 at half-time felt fair, but in the early part of the second half, Amherst started to keep the ball higher up the pitch and the Bobcats suddenly found things more challenging.  Definitely not a game for the ages, but the team marches onto Colby tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on September 24, 2022, 05:49:28 PM
Are NESCAC observers ready to take Hamilton seriously after their 1-0
win over Tufts?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 24, 2022, 06:15:18 PM
I don't think we have any choice.  I think Tufts thought a red card for a foul behind and I guess a last man ruling around the 29th minute of the 1st half was way too harsh, but I didn't realize Hamilton also picked up a red with 23 minutes left in the game and the score still 0-0.  So Hamilton scored 10v10.  I watched this match here and there and most of the last 15 minutes.  My biggest takeaway is just how good Daly for Tufts is.  He's their right back and at least the last 15 minutes he was basically in a forward wing position.  The Hamilton announcer must have said Daly's name 100 times during the game (and that might be conservative).  But yes, huge, huge validation win for Hamilton.  Let's see if they can pull off the weekend double tomorrow with undefeated and hot Wesleyan coming to town.  NESCAC appears (right now) to have at least seven (and depending on Williams and/or Colby) could have more NCAA teams.  They won't get seven or eight, but they'll get five at minimum and maybe six.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 24, 2022, 06:34:17 PM
Addendum on Hamilton....that last game of the season AT Oneonta St might end up being really important.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 25, 2022, 04:20:28 PM
Colby 2 Amherst 2

Colby led 2-0 until 14 to go and had taken their chances, defended quite well, although in the first half in particular, the Mammoths' entries into the box, were not as dangerous as they might have been.  The Colby keeper made some excellent saves also. Amherst had actually played a lot better than yesterday I thought but seemed likely to not having anything to show for it.  Once Amherst got it back to 2-1 however, they pushed harder, equalised with 8 to go and in the end, Colby hung on and the Topsy Turvy NESCAC season continues.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on September 25, 2022, 05:32:23 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 25, 2022, 04:20:28 PM
Colby 2 Amherst 2

Colby led 2-0 until 14 to go and had taken their chances, defended quite well, although in the first half in particular, the Mammoths' entries into the box, were not as dangerous as they might have been.  The Colby keeper made some excellent saves also. Amherst had actually played a lot better than yesterday I thought but seemed likely to not having anything to show for it.  Once Amherst got it back to 2-1 however, they pushed harder, equalised with 8 to go and in the end, Colby hung on and the Topsy Turvy NESCAC season continues.

The Colby keeper did well in general, but his play on Amherst's first goal struck a nerve with me.  A lot of coaches recruit a 6'4" keeper thinking they will be able to handle crosses. They may even have seen them do well with lofted balls, but none of that really correlates to commanding your box on a whipped in corner kick.  Amherst's cross was basically on top of him in the six yard box.  While there was traffic there, Colby's GK needed to get a touch on it.  It's not easy and it's largely a lost art, but games are won and lost on those kinds of corners.  Maybe I'm just getting old since I also would like to see more GKs catch the ball.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on September 25, 2022, 05:54:56 PM
Preach, Kuiper, preach.

I'm very much on record as an old head GK coach/player that decries the move towards slapping/punching everything now. Simple Coach (I think) is in the same boat. There are times when it is just comical. Catch the damn ball. That's the point of the position.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on September 25, 2022, 06:12:38 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on September 25, 2022, 05:54:56 PM
Preach, Kuiper, preach.

I'm very much on record as an old head GK coach/player that decries the move towards slapping/punching everything now. Simple Coach (I think) is in the same boat. There are times when it is just comical. Catch the damn ball. That's the point of the position.

I've taught SimplePlayer#2 to catch everything when he can get two hands on it.  No matter what is doing.  Diving.  Corners.  Doesn't matter.  Now his problem is that he makes it look easy.  Coaches don't notice him because he doesn't have to make saves on rebounds, make glamorous one handed punches in the box, or cover up glaring mistakes by making an "incredible" save.  Bizarre world we live in.

For the record, I've watched the 6'4" Colby Keeper in one of the games last week.  I was not impressed other than the fact that he was ginormous.  Same with the Amherst Keeper.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 25, 2022, 07:12:59 PM
I am sure you will tell me otherwise SC, but my view would be is that he isn't being put under the sort of pressure where a punch is the best response.  In the games I have seen here I have generally thought that compared to Australia and certainly the UK, college keepers at least, get a relatively comfortable ride.  None of this means that the first impulse should be to punch, but like every decision any player on the field has to make, making the right one more often is what contrasts players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on September 25, 2022, 08:23:39 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 25, 2022, 07:12:59 PM
I am sure you will tell me otherwise SC, but my view would be is that he isn't being put under the sort of pressure where a punch is the best response.  In the games I have seen here I have generally thought that compared to Australia and certainly the UK, college keepers at least, get a relatively comfortable ride.  None of this means that the first impulse should be to punch, but like every decision any player on the field has to make, making the right one more often is what contrasts players.

You said it there @EnmoreCat, "...where a punch is the best response."  I think most keepers use a punch even when it is not the best response.  I think it leads to all sorts of complications because I would take it a step further and say .... those that I do see punching the ball, aren't particularly good at it.

SimplePlayer#2 does punch the ball, but his instinct is to navigate the traffic in the box, then catch it.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 26, 2022, 06:03:04 AM
Weekend Quick Hitters:

Team of the Wknd- Hamilton. While I am sure they were disappointed for giving Wes CB #5 Evan O'Brien a free header off a set piece in the 88th minute they still were 2 minutes away from a 6 Point Weekend. I knew coming into the season this team was young but talented enough to compete in Nescac this year. I just did not think it would come together so fast. Hamilton not only got 4 pts this weekend they did it playing the most attractive futbol in the league. They dominated Tufts in possession of the ball and with the windy conditions smartly kept the ball on the ground all game. Tufts let them possess up to about midfield and would then pounce but Hamilton kept moving the ball nicely even in Tufts defensive 3rd. Yes, Tufts got an early RC but Hamilton had been controlling play with the wind at their backs before the Tufts RC as they were really playing unselfishly. They used the same starting lineup in both games this weekend. A solid GK in #1 Ben Ziegler, young underrated back 4 of LB #11 Thomas Kantrowitz, LCB #8 Julian Jacobs, RCB #4 Sebastian Ghosh and at RB #20 Luke O'Dowd. Central Midfield is legit with Captain and holder #10 Pandelis Margaronis, linking is #27 Luke Peplowski and attacking is #21 Luke Ehrenfreund. Wide left is the speedy Captain #22 Sam Webber, Wide Right is #7 Jude Rouhana and up top is #9 Charles Hawthorn.

I said it last year, but #27 Luke Peplowski was a Frosh you could build around. Now he is becoming one of Nescac's Top 5 Players in the League. Hamilton has brought in 2 straight legitimate recruiting classes, and it is starting to show on the field. They are a bit undersized in Central Midfield compared to the rest of the league, but they make up for it in skill, IQ and heart. Peplowski's GW'er v Tufts happened when #10 Margaronis drew a double team from Tufts #16 Taylor Feinberg about 25 yards away from Goal. The mistake was that Feinberg stepped and left his mark Peplowski wide open at the top of the box where Margaronis slipped him a nice ball thru the double team and Peplowski sent a rocket to the upper-right corner to beat Tufts GK #1 Lauta. Easily GOAL OF THE WKND and I would love to show a highlight but cannot find one.

Bowdoin- I finally got a chance to see Bowdoin play this weekend and came away impressed. Against Midd they were knocking the ball around pretty well 1st Half and then found the equalizer on a great ball from Frosh #32 Felipe Rueda Duran and a fantastic finish from another Frosh #35 Tyler Huck. Highlight here: https://youtu.be/VhMklezrIKQ. As I mentioned on Friday Bowdoin has a lot of veterans back with most importantly CB #3 Dylan Reid and holder #8 Julian Juantorena BUT they brought in a small but talented Frosh Class that looked hungry on Saturday. #35 Tyler Huck is a wide player with serious skill and speed and was causing Midd LB #19 Casey Lund problems on the day and is a legit Frosh. #32 Felipe Rueda Duran worked his ass off up top and out wide with his skill and pressing. He will score some Goals for them but not sure why he did not play v Williams and lastly, I liked #30 Mateo Pacelli another Frosh who has quickness and IQ with the ball at his feet. All 3 are Frosh and all from the West Coast. They deserved at least a Point v Williams but came away with nothing after allowing Williams an early 2nd Half Goal off a long throw. Still at 5-1-1 (2-1-1) and with only 2 Games (Thomas and Husson) in the next 12 Days they should have plenty of time to rest and get some injured guys back before the stretch run.

Randoms:

I love the Nescac Friday Feature and figured I would share it again. Jaida Hodge-Adams is a Women's Volleyball player at Bowdoin. If you read the interview, she has a lot going for her but IMO her best quality is her innate capacity for intellectual curiosity. This is right up my wheelhouse and so important for personal growth.
https://nescac.com/news/2022/9/11/field-hockey-nescac-friday-feature-jaida-hodge-adams-bowdoin-volleyball.aspx

Quote of the Wknd:
The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 26, 2022, 08:49:13 AM
Thoughts on a weekend following Middlebury in Maine.
Saturday vs Bowdoin (1-1)
This seemed a fair result, although there were shouts of offside from Midd on the Bowdoin goal.  Midd still missing Hank Nelson (injured vs Amherst) as well as Brendan Barry and Andrew Juarez.  Bowdoin has pace and used the wide areas well, and Midd allowed them space on the wings.  Backline did well for Midd and Grady had his best game of the year, with several excellent saves and dealing well with the numerous crosses launched his way. 
Sunday vs Bates (3-0)
Coming out party for freshman Alem Hadzic, who started up top and was a threat all day long.  With all due respect to the interim coach at Bates, he does not seem to have control of his team.  They seemed more interested in yelling at the officials than playing soccer.  Center back Iwowo got a foolish caution when he was screaming the F bomb at the referee and AR from 50 yards away.  Several other cautions for Bates on late challenges that revealed their frustration.  As far as the game, Midd totally dominated, with Bates reduced to launching crosses into the penalty area from distance.  Grady had no official saves, but cleanly caught the balls that came his way.  Midd was able to attack down the flanks, with some good close range passing involving Saint-Louis, Hadzic, Kyle Nilsson, and Tyler Payne.  Midd now prepares for a trip to Wesleyan next Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 29, 2022, 11:28:50 AM
It seems kind of crazy that nearly half way through the year Midd, Tufts, Amherst and Conn, all considered legit national title contenders pre-season, are stuck behind four other NESCAC teams in the league standings.  A testament to how incredibly deep the league has become.  Also, perhaps eliminating OT, leading to more teams being able to eek out ties in games where they might be outmatched, creates more random variance in results?  Just a theory.  As of now, eight NESCAC teams are serious contenders for NCAA bids.  Not all will make it, but all would probably be threats to win at least a few games in the tourney if they did ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on September 29, 2022, 11:32:57 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 29, 2022, 11:28:50 AM
It seems kind of crazy that nearly half way through the year Midd, Tufts, Amherst and Conn, all considered legit national title contenders pre-season, are stuck behind four other NESCAC teams in the league standings.  A testament to how incredibly deep the league has become.  Also, perhaps eliminating OT, leading to more teams being able to eek out ties in games where they might be outmatched, creates more random variance in results?  Just a theory.  As of now, eight NESCAC teams are serious contenders for NCAA bids.  Not all will make it, but all would probably be threats to win at least a few games in the tourney if they did ...

This. I think we are seeing this more. If you get to the 70th minute tied up against a superior opponent, it's a lot easier to shell up for 20 minutes than 40. I wasn't a fan of this rule change and I'm really not a fan seeing a lot of games where I think a superior team would have punched through given more time as a team sitting deep physically and mentally wore out or had more time to make a mistake.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 29, 2022, 12:07:26 PM
Quote from: jknezek on September 29, 2022, 11:32:57 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 29, 2022, 11:28:50 AM
It seems kind of crazy that nearly half way through the year Midd, Tufts, Amherst and Conn, all considered legit national title contenders pre-season, are stuck behind four other NESCAC teams in the league standings.  A testament to how incredibly deep the league has become.  Also, perhaps eliminating OT, leading to more teams being able to eek out ties in games where they might be outmatched, creates more random variance in results?  Just a theory.  As of now, eight NESCAC teams are serious contenders for NCAA bids.  Not all will make it, but all would probably be threats to win at least a few games in the tourney if they did ...



This. I think we are seeing this more. If you get to the 70th minute tied up against a superior opponent, it's a lot easier to shell up for 20 minutes than 40. I wasn't a fan of this rule change and I'm really not a fan seeing a lot of games where I think a superior team would have punched through given more time as a team sitting deep physically and mentally wore out or had more time to make a mistake.
Any idea of the percentage of OT games in the past that resulted in an outright win?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on September 29, 2022, 12:25:05 PM
Quote from: camosfan on September 29, 2022, 12:07:26 PM
Quote from: jknezek on September 29, 2022, 11:32:57 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 29, 2022, 11:28:50 AM
It seems kind of crazy that nearly half way through the year Midd, Tufts, Amherst and Conn, all considered legit national title contenders pre-season, are stuck behind four other NESCAC teams in the league standings.  A testament to how incredibly deep the league has become.  Also, perhaps eliminating OT, leading to more teams being able to eek out ties in games where they might be outmatched, creates more random variance in results?  Just a theory.  As of now, eight NESCAC teams are serious contenders for NCAA bids.  Not all will make it, but all would probably be threats to win at least a few games in the tourney if they did ...



This. I think we are seeing this more. If you get to the 70th minute tied up against a superior opponent, it's a lot easier to shell up for 20 minutes than 40. I wasn't a fan of this rule change and I'm really not a fan seeing a lot of games where I think a superior team would have punched through given more time as a team sitting deep physically and mentally wore out or had more time to make a mistake.
Any idea of the percentage of OT games in the past that resulted in an outright win?

sadly no. and I'm way too lazy to try and figure it out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 29, 2022, 01:00:58 PM
2022 Season thru 9/25 8 games that were ties and would have gone to OT under old rules.  It is also possible teams pushed more for a winner late on knowing there was no OT as an option.
2021 Season:  7 games went to OT, 4 ended up with a winner
2019 Season:  24 games went to OT, 13 ended up with a winner

Outliers from 2019: 
Middlebury had 10 overtime games in 2019, only 2 ended with a winner (Midd over Conn regular season and Tufts over Midd regular season).  This includes 1st round NESCAC Tourn and 2nd round NCAA as well as non-conf.
Bowdoin had ties with Hamilton, Bates, Midd, Wesleyan, and losses to Colby and Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 29, 2022, 01:21:18 PM
The NESCAC (and UAA) are notorious for serially having an outsized number of draws...which makes sense for strong conferences with a ton of depth.  I don't think the current NESCAC "chaos" has anything to do with OT or no OT.  The conference really does seem to have 8 very good teams, and a 9th (Colby) could probably get a win over any of them on the day.

I'm not gonna do this research either, but anecdotally at least inferior teams frequently have won in OT...so there's possibly a dynamic there, especially in tournament play, where the psychological edge shifts to the underdog.  That pattern, to the degree there really is any, might now be very different with non-golden goal rules for OT, but a team that can hang in for 90 minutes and be level feels pretty jacked up and confident about getting a result and maybe a win.  CSO also makes a good point...teams may be trying much harder to get a winning goal or to draw level in the final 5 minutes than they normally might.

I like the new rule.  OT with no golden goal would be my second choice.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 29, 2022, 01:25:58 PM
Quote from: camosfan on September 29, 2022, 12:07:26 PM
Quote from: jknezek on September 29, 2022, 11:32:57 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 29, 2022, 11:28:50 AM
It seems kind of crazy that nearly half way through the year Midd, Tufts, Amherst and Conn, all considered legit national title contenders pre-season, are stuck behind four other NESCAC teams in the league standings.  A testament to how incredibly deep the league has become.  Also, perhaps eliminating OT, leading to more teams being able to eek out ties in games where they might be outmatched, creates more random variance in results?  Just a theory.  As of now, eight NESCAC teams are serious contenders for NCAA bids.  Not all will make it, but all would probably be threats to win at least a few games in the tourney if they did ...



This. I think we are seeing this more. If you get to the 70th minute tied up against a superior opponent, it's a lot easier to shell up for 20 minutes than 40. I wasn't a fan of this rule change and I'm really not a fan seeing a lot of games where I think a superior team would have punched through given more time as a team sitting deep physically and mentally wore out or had more time to make a mistake.
Any idea of the percentage of OT games in the past that resulted in an outright win?

Not quite what you asked, but the percentage of "upsets" in regular time versus in OT would also be very interesting. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on September 29, 2022, 01:47:22 PM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 25, 2022, 06:12:38 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on September 25, 2022, 05:54:56 PM
Preach, Kuiper, preach.

I'm very much on record as an old head GK coach/player that decries the move towards slapping/punching everything now. Simple Coach (I think) is in the same boat. There are times when it is just comical. Catch the damn ball. That's the point of the position.

I've taught SimplePlayer#2 to catch everything when he can get two hands on it.  No matter what is doing.  Diving.  Corners.  Doesn't matter.  Now his problem is that he makes it look easy.  Coaches don't notice him because he doesn't have to make saves on rebounds, make glamorous one handed punches in the box, or cover up glaring mistakes by making an "incredible" save.  Bizarre world we live in.

For the record, I've watched the 6'4" Colby Keeper in one of the games last week.  I was not impressed other than the fact that he was ginormous.  Same with the Amherst Keeper.

SC.

In the Pomona-Pitzer 4-3 win over Redlands on Wed 9/28, at least three of the goals were because of the GK failures to properly handle the ball.  In one, the PP GK (a freshman, to be fair) went out for a cross and tried to do a basket catch in the air, rather than catch it with his hands, and it bounced off his chest to an onrushing striker who hit it home.  In another play, the Redlands senior keeper let a ball go through his hands (it happens, but still).  In the second half, the second PP keeper (possibly brought in because of the freshman's error in the first half), made a good save on a dive to his left, but he had to either hold the ball or push it well clear or even out for a corner (that is another lost art - the ability to stop the ball with one arm and use the other to push it far wide or to push with two hands in a coordinated way).  He basically did neither, which I suspect is an incorrect decision that he was technically strong enough to hold without the push.  He instead left the ball a few feet away from him and while he was still on the ground, the striker scored.  Even on PP's third goal, the Redlands keeper won't be blamed for a player being left wide open at the top of the six for a header on the cross, but the path from the GK to that player was also wide open and the GK's decision to stay on his line made that shot so much easier for the PP shooter.

And lest you think this is because D3 GKs just aren't as good as GKs in higher divisions, I saw a keeper for D1 Holy Cross playing yesterday v. Colgate who was even worse.  He made a play early in the game on a relatively simple ball in the air where he dropped the ball.  To an untrained eye it kind of looked like he patted it down, which GKs do sometimes, but I said to myself, that keeper has problems with his hands.  Sure enough, he gave up a goal in the second half where he tried to catch the ball on a free kick and didn't get it cleanly.  As he was trying to adjust his hands around it better when his arms were on the way down, he lost control and the ball went into the net.

@SimpleCoach - I totally can sympathize with you on coaches not noticing a keeper like your son who catches the ball and who holds the ball on a shot to the ground, which is extremely valuable and increasingly rare.  Just like coaches have trouble seeing how a GK who talks prevents shots that require dramatic saves, they tend to think a ball caught should have been caught and a ball not caught must have been too hard to catch.  Sometimes that's true, but a lot of time it really isn't.  The GKs who catch the ball not only have better hands and have been taught over years and years of practice to go for the catch, but they are better in positioning, focus, timing of their jump, and their run up to put them in the right spot to catch the ball.  Moreover, the worries about ball security after the catch (one of the arguments for the parry or punch) are less because they have developed better hand strength over the years.  In other words, many GKs punch in a scenario where they aren't being challenged not just because that's what they are coached to do, but because they (and probably their coaches) don't trust their hands.  It should be a red flag for coaches until they investigate more.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on September 29, 2022, 01:59:40 PM
I mean... Not to take this too far down a rabbit hole, but...


The guy that is likely going to start for the MNT against Wales was Internet-famous for one of the most egregious howlers you'll ever see while playing for D1 Fairfield. As has been well-documented, Turner didn't really start playing until high school, and likely had never seen the type of weird sky ball that he confronted just due to overall reps to that point. When you spend your childhood playing the position, getting specialized training, going to camps and playing 100s of games... Not that you've seen everything, but you're less likely to panic when dealing with an outlier like that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec4TNK2laeg&feature=emb_logo

Circling back to Kuiper's last paragraph... I say this all to say, training matters. If you don't have a goalie trainer attached to your club, you have coaches that are risk averse, and all they want is for the keeper to get the ball away from their net. They don't care about fundamentals. And it shows in certain keepers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2022, 09:02:47 AM
I am not sure what to make of the new rule. I still remember the days when the Sport of Soccer in this country would run away from anything that produced more Draws. This then confirms what I had already known. That the Sport has grown to a popular enough level in this country that now it need not run away from anything. Just 30 years ago it was still a niche sport in the US with no MLS or EPL Saturday mornings on the "telly". No athlete role models in the Sport existed for US kids unless you searched it out yourself. So, I was kind of surprised when I saw this rule change. I do like that teams are done after 90 minutes and if you cannot Win a Game in that amount of time then you probably do not deserve to Win the Game anyway. Middlebury having 10 OT Games in 2019 is ridonkulous and who knows maybe led to an extra injury or two. You can bet it wore the team down as they were moving thru their season and especially at the end of the year and for what? 2 extra Wins in 10 Games. So, like some of you guys I do not know what to make of it but more importantly what does the NCAA Committee do with all these Draws?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 30, 2022, 10:04:07 AM
Ties are not always bad, first rule of the game is not to lose, a point on the road is to be cherished.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MediumTime on September 30, 2022, 01:12:34 PM
Hello all,

New user on the D3 Boards but not new to the platform or the league. I've enjoyed reading the commentary so much over the last few seasons that I'm finally deciding to join the conversation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on September 30, 2022, 01:38:04 PM
Quote from: MediumTime on September 30, 2022, 01:12:34 PM
Hello all,

New user on the D3 Boards but not new to the platform or the league. I've enjoyed reading the commentary so much over the last few seasons that I'm finally deciding to join the conversation.

Hot Dog!  Welcome!  The more the merrier.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 30, 2022, 01:39:16 PM
Quote from: MediumTime on September 30, 2022, 01:12:34 PM
Hello all,

New user on the D3 Boards but not new to the platform or the league. I've enjoyed reading the commentary so much over the last few seasons that I'm finally deciding to join the conversation.

Relatively new myself but welcome, and enjoy the journey!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on September 30, 2022, 02:35:28 PM
Quote from: MediumTime on September 30, 2022, 01:12:34 PM
Hello all,

New user on the D3 Boards but not new to the platform or the league. I've enjoyed reading the commentary so much over the last few seasons that I'm finally deciding to join the conversation.

Welcome!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on September 30, 2022, 08:42:12 PM
Quote from: MediumTime on September 30, 2022, 01:12:34 PM
Hello all,

New user on the D3 Boards but not new to the platform or the league. I've enjoyed reading the commentary so much over the last few seasons that I'm finally deciding to join the conversation.


welcome MediumTime....


It is always bad luck to predict before an Amherst / Williams Men's Soccer Game but we have 5 important Games tomorrow. Why important? Well...

Midd (4-1-2) at Wes (6-0-0-1)- Midd is sitting at 4-1-2 but three of those Wins are non-conference and the other is Bates who will not be ranked at the end of the year. They will need to find ranked Wins somewhere and this Game would be a good start.

Colby (2-1-5) at Tufts (3-2-3)-  Colby has a brutal schedule to finish with 5 of their last 7 on the Road including a trip to Hamilton and then Conn at Home. Both of these teams are desperate for a Win so hopefully they both go for it.

Amherst (5-1-2)at Williams (3-0-4)- Amherst has not lost on Cole Field since 2006 which means Serpone has never lost at Williams. There have been plenty of tight Draws but no L on Cole.  Key matchups include Amherst #24 Okorogheye v Williams Frosh RB #17 Sam Gibson and Williams striker #13 Felitto v Amherst Central defenders #33 Simon Kalinauskas and #22 Ben Clark Eden. I am just really looking forward to the Game.

Hamilton (6-0-1) at Conn (3-1-2)- Conn's #24 Kelesoglu will be out for this Game and Conn seems to have other injuries as well with the most important being #8 Rye Jaran. Hamilton needs to just keep playing like they are now and stay nice and loose. They have nothing to lose in this Game so I would not be surprised to see them go for it. Conn I would expect an early press as they need to make something happen in the first 20 minutes.

Trinity (0-3-3) at Bates (3-4) The loser of this Game is in big trouble.


Big fan of the Friday Feature, Big fan...Today it is Williams CB #11 Eamon Gara Grady.  He has been a steady presence on that backline all season and will need to keep his head on a swivel  tomorrow if Williams is to Win. Good kid. https://nescac.com/news/2022/9/27/nescac-news-nescac-friday-feature-eamon-gara-grady-williams-mens-soccer.aspx



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 01, 2022, 04:29:21 PM
Middlebury 1 Wesleyan 0.  Well taken goal by Shane Farrell with a volley from the top of the penalty area into the lower corner for the only goal of the match.  Not quite on the same level as his game winner vs Williams last year in OT in the final regular season match, but still a class goal.  Very physical, chippy game with multiple yellow cards.  Tyler Payne from Midd left the game in the 2nd minute after getting crunched on an aerial challenge.  William O'Brien left with an injury midway through the second half, and Kenan Ulku-Steiner did a great job stepping in for him, with Casey Lund moving to right back and Ulku-Steiner going to left back.  Wesleyan had a number of chances, but the man of the match was undoubtedly Middlebury keeper Ryan Grady, who posted his 24th career clean sheet.  He had 11 saves, several of them spectacular.  The one in the 57th minute was perhaps the best. Matthew Rubenstein megged a defender and unleashed a curling shot that was destined for the far corner, but Grady fully extended to his left and palmed it away.  Midd earns a valuable 3 points and a ranked win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC_Soccer_Fan on October 02, 2022, 06:58:41 PM
Amherst 0 - Williams 0

For Williams:

The Good: They contained Amherst to a few mediocre efforts, save a couple of magic dribbling moments from what looked to be a limping #23 Okorogheye. Defensively, the Ephs have looked solid all year and haven't allowed much in the way of legitimate SOG. GK #30 Diffley had little to do as has seemed to be the case throughout the season. As an old coach of mine used to say, "you can't lose if you don't concede."

The Bad: Once again, the Ephs struggled to find the back of the net. After scoring 10 goals over their first 5 games, Coach Siebert's men have only mustered 1 in the last three. Though still undefeated, 5 ties (3 of which ended 0-0) will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of a team hoping to improve from a historically bad 8th in 2021

The Ugly: #13 Felitto went down late in the first half holding what looked to be his knee and had to be helped off the field. He didn't return to the game. If out for any length of time, he will be missed sorely by Williams, who often seems to create chances by kicking it long and letting their re-converted striker get a knockdown. A Felitto-less Williams will test their coaching staff and players' ability to earn some wins in a challenging rest-of-season schedule.

For Amherst:

The Good: Though they won't be happy to admit it, a tie against a ranked Williams side (especially after going down to 10 men early in the second half) is a solid result. Even while under pressure for much of the game, Amherst still managed to create chances that, on a different day, could have won them a NESCAC-trademarked smash and grab victory. Serpone's system still creates chaos, even when his squad isn't as talented as in years past. GK #1 White also had probably his best game of the conference season so far which should bode well going forward for the Mammoths.

The Bad: Compared to years past, Serpone's team looked toothless. Their once dynamic game plan around a host of decorated goal-scorers has been reduced to a similar tactic to Williams: kick it long to your best player and see what happens. Another week without a statement win will have Amherst feeling out uncomfortable territory. Nothing is guaranteed this year for a historically strong squad.

The Ugly: Amherst is getting themselves in more trouble than their opponents this year. Without a stout defense and lethal offense, their intense fouling and sideline antics seemed to unsettle themselves instead of Williams. Though the Ephs failed to convert on their many set pieces, Amherst cannot count on such a streak continuing. They need to find their mojo again- sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BigSoccerFan on October 03, 2022, 09:52:57 AM
Hmmm Williams is looking pretty decent...  it is early but  there is a hat out there somewhere.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 03, 2022, 11:09:59 AM
Noted!

Tying Amherst is a good result,  as is beating Bowdoin.

W&L is beginning to approach last year's form, though, after a weak start.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 04, 2022, 06:11:39 PM
Unbelievably sad and tragic news on the South Shore of Massachusetts.  Scott Greenwood, two-time national title GK at Tufts (2014 and 2016) passed away a few days ago.  Sincerest condolesences to his family, friends, and all those affiliated with Tufts and the Tufts men's soccer program.  Scott was an incredible GK and huge key in putting Tufts soccer where it is today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 04, 2022, 07:40:10 PM
This is incredibly sad sad news.
Young man who accomplished so very much and had so  much more left to do.

The parents and loved ones will not know anything but sorrow in the days ahead, but as the time goes by I know they will appreciate that their son was a legend and Icon of Tufts and D3soccer. Also, the boys at Williams will no doubt attest to, when a special person/player like Scott goes, he has Brothers he played with and who will live from his legacy who will be linked to him and his family forever.

Truly will never be forgotten.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 05, 2022, 09:53:58 AM
Quote from: Saint of Old on October 04, 2022, 07:40:10 PM
This is incredibly sad sad news.
Young man who accomplished so very much and had so  much more left to do.

The parents and loved ones will not know anything but sorrow in the days ahead, but as the time goes by I know they will appreciate that their son was a legend and Icon of Tufts and D3soccer. Also, the boys at Williams will no doubt attest to, when a special person/player like Scott goes, he has Brothers he played with and who will live from his legacy who will be linked to him and his family forever.

Truly will never be forgotten.
This is terrible news.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.  RIP
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 06, 2022, 10:48:42 AM
As a retired coach I have been attending and watching a bunch of NESCAC games, I will post a mid season summary later today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 06, 2022, 11:40:00 AM
welcome coach! big NESCAC weekend coming up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 06, 2022, 01:09:40 PM
NESCAC 2022 Mid-Season Report

Season Overview (through Saturday Oct 1)
It's obvious that the best word to describe this season so far is parity. Certainly the rule change eliminating overtime has caused a significant increase in the number of ties.  The rate of ties this season is 50% versus 25% in 2021 regular season and 22% in 2019 regular season.  The ratio of close games has also significantly increased.  So far this season, only 3 games out of 26 (12%) have been decided by more than 1 goal (and zero games that did not include either Trinity or Bates).  In 2021 that ratio was 35% including two 2-0 games featuring the conference regular season champs (Conn) versus the conference tournament champs (Tufts).

The number of goals has actually been very consistent this season versus the prior two seasons, despite losing talented scorers like Giamatti and Lind from Amherst, Braun and Aroh from Tufts, Wood from Hamilton and Gass from Williams. 

The teams continue to reload at Center back with relative newcombers like Clivio at Tufts taking over for Paoletta, Ghosh at Hamilton taking over for Eckels and, Ten Cate at Amherst taking the reigns from Johnson and Gitler.

Also the goalies remain outstanding, maybe the strongest position in the NESCAC, with most returning and improving like Devanny at Wesleyan, Grady at Middlebury, Maidenberg at Conn and Lauta at Tufts.

The scarcity in the league is that player who can break down these well organized, athletic defenses with strong technical abilities.  Sure some like Franco from Colby, Okorogheye from Amherst, Saint Louis from Middlebury, Yoenas, Djerdjaj and Creus from Conn, Huck from Bowdoin, Rohana from Hamilton and Siglestein and Traynor from Tufts still exist and are proven producers but many have been unsuccessful matching their historical production.

The league remains strong at producing aerial attacks from the striker spot.  Look no further than Fellito, leading conference goal scorer, from Williams as well as Hayton-Ruffner from Amherst and Ward from Bowdoin.

I do think one thing worth noting has been the overall improvement over the years in technical ability, especially in the midfield.  This improvement has allowed teams to play through the midfield and change the point of attack to create attacking opportunities for the outside players.  Conn College and Tufts have won the last three national championships with that approach and no one is doing it currently any better than Hamilton with Margaronis and Peplowski and Wesleyan with Rubinstein and Clarke. Conn with Jaran and Djerdjaj are also sticking with what has made them successful.

It does not surprise me that the two weakest teams so far – Trinity and Bates – each with new coaches – have employed a 4-2-2 system versus the much more common 4-3-3 system used in the NESCAC.  Most of these players have grown up within an American youth system that emphasizes a 4-3-3 system that encourages play through the midfield, playing to a target striker and getting the ball wide to attacking, creative players.  The 4-2-2 system encourages a more direct approach where possession is frequently sacrificed and the space out wide is not utilized when the weakside, outside midfielder tucks in to help defend.  Also a 4-2-2 system really requires two exceptional strikers with target/hold up potential as well as "run in behind" potential. These unicorn players are hard to find at all levels of American soccer, including the NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 06, 2022, 01:15:24 PM
NESCAC Mid-Season Review (part2)

Teams Overview

Amherst   

Overall:  Playing a 4-3-3 that emphasizes very tough play (lead league in fouls) to create corners and long throws.  They continue to execute this strategy masterfully and results with likely improve.  Their long throw capability and massive size, with seven players over 6'3" gives them an advantage in this aerial approach.  Only NESCAC sides Tufts and Conn have knocked them out of the NCAAs in the last two years.

Players:  23 Okorogheye is probably the most dangerous player in the league in a 1v1 situation with technical ability and speed. He does not see the ball as much as other stars in the league because of the approach and although 7 Murphy has been a good QB in the middle, they miss Giamatti (transfer to Maryand) and Cubeddo (injury?) who were their scorer and playmaker from last year.  28 Hayton-Ruffner provides a nice target and 9 Sung is dangerous moving forward and can create for himself. He has adjusted well to a new role this year. 3 Ten Cate and 33 Kalinauskas are next in a long line of rugged centerbacks and lead the league with 6 yellows.

Substitution strategy:  More than most, they stick to their guns with only 15 players who see 25+min in conference play
Summary: Its ugly but it has proven to work...for now. You don't lose a 30+ career scorer and future pro and not miss a beat.

Bates

Overall:  One of two teams with rookie coaches going with a 4-2-2 although unlike Trinity they have a strong athletic striker to fight the strong CBc needed in a direct approach. It shows that they have a young rookie coach who might lack the needed respect of his players.  They are fighting with Amherst for the league lead in yellows and fouls but do not have Amherst's strength to fight off the set pieces.  They argue with the officials an awful lot and even picked up a yellow and a red after a win
.
Players:  11 Agunloye is dangerous if they can win the ball in the depleted middle and get it to him wide.  He has the change-the-game ability. 24 Szwarcewicz is a traditional target/hold up striker who can also finish. 6 Iwowo is an intimidating force in the middle but is always outmanned 2v3 so has trouble building through the midfield.  Center back (like many in the NESCAC) is a strength with vets 8 McKersie and 3 Kovacs who have been multiple year contributors in similar positions and showing more confidence to carry the ball.  They have pretty skilled and athletic outside backs especially 2 Niehenke who can overlap and create in the final third, vital to a 4-2-2

Substitution strategy:  They stick with their guns and play a pretty vet-focused 14 field players over 25+min in conference play.

Summary: Need to show more discipline in many ways and get some game changing plays from the flank to have more success.

Bowdoin

Overall: A veteran team built like many in the league with a 4-3-3 formation and very strong in the back, up the middle and at striker.  They are a strong team in the air with 5 field players over 6'3".  They like to use their target striker to get it wide to attacking players. They do not generate a lot of shots or possess through the midfield but are super stingy giving up shots.

Players:  21 Ward is a prototypical target striker in the Haaland mold. This year versus years past he is getting it out wide to a dangerous duo of attacking players 35 Huck and 11 Cabal, who has been active on the score sheet in conference.  Huck has my vote for impactful rookie as he gives them a new dimension they have lacked in past with game changing 1v1 capabilities. 8 Juantorena is an imposing presence in the middle, wins everything in the air and distributes nicely when they have possession. 14 Steinberg is also capable of being a QB in the middle.  3 Reid is typical star veteran CB, anchoring the defense for 5 years. 

Substitution strategy:  They stick with their vets as only 15 field players see 25+minutes
Summary: They are a veteran team and its showing with minimal mistakes.  Do they have some new dynamics on the outside to create more against the steller defenses in the NESCAC?

Colby

Overall:  They play in a 4-3-3 formation and try desperately to get the ball to their best player, 22 Franco, a dangerous, heady player who works back for the ball or gets it out wide. His dynamic play has allowed them to be competitive in front of a maturing defense and goaltender

Players: In addition to Franco, 9 Fabricant and 7 Wilson form one of the best front threes in the league despite only decent output.  5 Traore, 8 Sullivan and 10 Lemire form a good three some in the middle but tend to be under a lot of pressure and lack the high end possession of some of the other stronger midfield groups. Their leading scorer from last year 21 Rubin has played limited minutes in a different role (injury).  They are susceptible in the aerial game in the back as Center backs are not as physical as some other groups.  Amherst in particular put them under a lot of pressure in this phase. 25 Simoes provides a dynamic boost off the bench. Also I like how left footed 20 Wood gets up the field as an overlapping outside back.

Substitution strategy:  They go a little deeper than some of the other veteran teams with 16 field players seeing 25+ min in conference play

Summary:  Franco is the real difference maker that can carry a team but this year he is on every teams scout after a fantastic inaugural season. Their defensive stats are decent but they give up too many opportunities.

Connecticut College
Overall:  They play in a 4-3-3 formation and while they lack size across the board, they make up for it with the best set of technical players in the league.  In addition, they play the most sophisticated tactical game with a focus on patience, possession and in tense desire to change the point of attack. I am not sure why the results have not been there this season with a loaded roster but every team brings the energy against the defending national champs.

Players:  14 Djerdjaj and 25 Yeonas are the best duo in the conference and are a threat everywhere on the field with or without the ball. 10 Jaran is off to another good start after being one of the most impactful first year players a season ago.  He is the engine at CDM that allows them to move the ball out of the back through the midfield. 21 Dutkewych and 5 Cerezo are solid distributors in the back and have filled in well for injured starter 24 Kelesoglu but are a bit susceptible to the aerial attacks of teams like Amherst and Williams.  I like the technical capabilities of leftback 6 Horvath Diano who gets into the offensive flow frequently.  GK Maidenberg is a great shot stopper but struggles a bit in distribution and has lost some starts to backup.

Substitution strategys:  Frankly, it has been a bit erratic.  I am not sure if its injuries or other issues but a lot of players are on the roster and a good many have seen time at one time or another.  I expected certain players who made big contributions last season like 17 Creus (tied for 2021 team lead in goals in limited role), 10 Robles, 13 Scoffone and 6 Horvath Diano to grow into larger roles but they have appeared to stagnate.  15 field players have gotten the core minutes (25+ in conference play)

Summary:  The Camels need to match every one's energy level for the rest of the season to get out of this funk.  The screaming on the sidelines from the coaching staff seems to imply the effort is not there but they still have high end talent all over the field. Get healthy and make a run.

Hamilton
Overall: Off to a great start implementing a system that emphasizes possession, playing through the midfield, and changing the point of attack.  Sophomore starters are maturing nicely and this squad will be challenging for a top NESCAC position this year and probably beyond.

Players: 10 Margaronis and 27 Peplowski are the engines in the middle.  They bring strong technical skills and high IQ to implement a possession-oriented system and most importantly, they have made the game changing plays when given the opportunity. Four 1-goal victories puts them atop the league and near top of the country.  4 Ghosh has matured in only his second year to a top tier, ball control-oriented CB.  He initiates the offense through patient possession and crafty distribution. He is much more comfortable on the ball and decision making versus his rookie season. They still need to defend the high fliers like Amherst and Williams who bring great size. They have no contributors over 6'3".  9 Hawthorne, target striker, and 7 Rouhana, attacking wide player, help capitalize on the possession.

Substitution strategy:  More than any in the league, they go with their starters.  Only 13 field players average over 25+min in conference play.

Summary:  Copying Tufts and Conn is a good strategy, getting players that fit the mold is even better.  No longer considered underdogs.  Lets see how they handle the back half of the season but an NCAA birth looks all but assured.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 06, 2022, 01:20:37 PM
NESCAC Mid-Season Review (part 3)

Middlebury
Overall:  They bring great size and intensity to every contest and they are stingy in terms of giving up chances and goals. They are actually quite versatile.  They have the size and speed to play direct but also the talent in central midfield and outside to possess and get the ball to the flanks, either to wingers or overlapping defenders especially on the left side.

Players:  The left side attacking is dangerous with 23 St Louis, a dangerous attacking 1v1 player that is a game changer and 19 Lund, probably the best attacking wingback not named Daly in the NESCAC. 7 has emerged as their QB in the middle after a limited role as a rookie as he comes deep to receive the ball and build possession.  11 Payne has been active after a limited role last year.   They probably have the best and most experienced center back combo with 15 MacFarlane, who we have watched as a starter for 5 years and 13 Madden, a UNH transfer.  Teams will have limited success attacking this group through the middle. GK Grady is well know nationally and lives up to his reputation with size and instincts.

Substitution strategy:  They focus on their core, like other top teams, with only 13 field players averaging over 25+minutes per game in conference play. I am surprised that 12 Powers, a strong central player, has not seen his role grow after showing promise as a first and second year player.

Summary: After a trip to the final 8 last season, only to lose to bitter rival Amherst, in a game they outplayed the Mammoths, they will be looking to break through this year and take advantage of that stingy defense.  You have to go back to 2017 since they have lost a game by more than one goal.  They need their "game changers" to step up and make it happen to finish strong.

Trinity
Overall: The growing pains continue with a new coach, a new system and players in new positions.  Attempting a 4-2-2, more direct style but seem to lack the striker talent and overlapping outside backs to take advantage of this system.  They just do not attack the width with any regularity.

Players:  Like many NESCAC teams, the heart and sole is 4 year centerback starter 2 Moran who is a good defender and an aerial threat. 6 Donaldson has the game changing potential as well at the QB potential in the middle but is always over matched in the middle, lacking a partner with similar skill set. Where is 23 Bronson (injured?)  Top returning playmakers, 7 Traynor, who shows 1v1 game changing abilities, and 20 Sarieh who shows possession and finishing potential, have had limited roles (injuries?).  15 Kaldor and 4 Merlin, who showed promise as attacking outside backs are now in different roles.  14 Mangiafico a former starter at CB, now an attacking outside back. GK Simoes, a bit undersized, has continued his strong play but under fire.

Substitution strategy:  In addition to the 4-2-2, this strategy has been a head scratcher. After returning most of impact players from 2021 squad, 20 field players have seen over 25+ min of time in conference play.  Injuries? Lack of confidence? Or just focused on future generations?

Summary: If the focus continues on a direct approach, an entirely new system with many in new positions, and mass, hockey-like, substitution patterns it will be a long time before they pick up their first NESCAC win and gain respectability.

Tufts

Overall: They say dynasties do not rebuild, they reload.  While Tufts exhibits depth as most positions and have outplayed many opponents, they are having trouble finding the net.  They play a fantastic 4-3-3 possession-oriented approach generally with strong midfielders, most are new comers to the role and at times have played more direct and have not created as many chances as they have in the past, particularly on the flanks.  They do look to get their overlapping backs into the flow probably better than anyone in the league.

Players:  5 Clivio and GK Lauta man an impressive defensive core but have given up more goals than in the past.  3 Daly remains the engine, an attacking right back that they look to spring frequently and it works.  Like 19 Lund at Middlebury, he is their leading scorer.  Returning forwards 11 Traynor, 10 Sigelstein and 23 Feigen are creating chances but need to convert more frequently for Tufts to reach potential.  2 Gerkin has filled in nicely as QB in the middle after the lost of multiple all league players.  Newcomer 29 Yanez has dynamic, game changing potential in center midfield. I am surprised 23 Welsh has played limited minutes as a 5th year contributor, is he injured or has he been outplayed by newcomer 16 Feinberg.

Substitution strategy: Depth has been one of Tufts calling cards and you see it with significant contributions from relative newcomers like 2 Gerkin and 29 Yanez.  They do go solidly with their core as only 14 field players average more than 25+ min per game in conference but another 4 average more than 15.

Summary:  Tufts will need to ramp up their offensive production over the next couple weeks to solidify a spot at the top of the league.  If they do, they are always dangerous because of great goaltending, great defense and a team with potential to possess for long stretches.  This year is no different although a lot of experience has been lost especially in the midfield.

Wesleyan

Overall:  it is no surprise to see the early success of this skill-based team.  Last year as the 5th team in the NESCAC, they were left off the NCAA ballot to many's surprise.  Their 4-3-3 system of technically strong players is designed to work the ball through the talented and maturing midfield.  They have produced chances and converted including 16 goals over a 4 game stretch including 4 against conference foe Colby.

Players:  They have spread the scoring out across a number of players.  While no one player commands the attention, 20 Burbage, 9 Harmaty, 10 Ruehlemann,and 27 Burd all are comfortable checking back to receive the ball at their feet and make quick decisions in the final third to either attack or make quick combo plays in a similar fashion to Conn.  8 Rubenstein is the QB and has taken on an increased role over his 4 years.  He can both attack and create.  He is parterned well with 11 Clarke who had a big role last season and 4 Hartfeld who looked solid last season as a first year role player but now showing more confidence. GK Devanny is very strong.

Substitution strategy:  They are more expansive in their player pool than some as 16 field players play more than 25+ minutes including newcomers like solid defender 24 Geballe.

Summary:  Can they continue their strong run to the top of the league and represent the NESCAC with a deep run in the tournament?  The program has never been past the sweet 16.  Maintaining execution is key because they will not win ugly like a lot of teams.

Williams
Overview:  While playing the less common 4-2-2, the have the athleticism up front to make it work.  They play a more direct style to try to create deep throws and corners to take advantage of their strength in the box.  This approach has had limited success in getting offensive results as they do not generate a lot of chances or goals from the run of play but that has been offset by a very organized defensive approach.  They have had 2 scoreless ties with Amherst and Colby where they generated only 6 total shots on goal, mostly through the air.

Players:  The strategy to let 13 Felitto dominate an aerial focused game can get results.  He is very athletic and judges the ball well with position versatility. He can also get behind the D. 7 Song is also a threat as is 6 Boardman, two skilled players who are dangerous when facing the defender and attacking the goal.  They do use the width in this formation by getting their 2 outside backs 29 Zhang, a left footer and a newcomer, and 17 Gibson, also a freshman who brings forward skills.  Its critical in a 4-2-2 format to get skilled outside backs up the field to take advantage of the width and Williams does a good job of it. CB 11 Gara Grady has increased his role significantly, is really strong in the air and defends well.

Substitution strategy: They go deep into their bench frequently with 18 players contributing 25+ minutes in conference play.
Overall:  Like some others, their defensive prowess is keeping them in games but will need to increase the offensive production as their schedule gets tougher over the latter half.


Highlight game of the season
While its hard not to choose two NCAA Elite 8 revenge games from the first half of the season, I will go with Wesleyan over Colby 4-3.  This game featured a "coming out party" for Wesleyan's offense as they generated an unreal 15 shots on net but needed 2 goals in the last 15 minutes to prevail.  On offensive explosion, a rarity in the NESCAC. First time they have scored 4 goals in a conference game since 2017

Games/Dates to watch in the 2nd Half
I will go with two late seasons contests since it will be likely make or break for several teams.  The date will be Tuesday October 25th when the conference seeds will all be on the line.

Williams visits Middlebury – It may not be a high scoring contest with defensive strength on defensive strength.  Can St Louis make a game breaking play? Or will Filetto jump to the stars to convert a header into the game winner?

Wesleyan visits Conn College – since I live in this area, I will be at this game to watch former regular season champ against current regular season champ(?) in probably the finest display of technical soccer that the conference has to offer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 06, 2022, 02:50:50 PM
Painstaking analysis, really interesting & appreciated.  Kalinauskas has just 5 yellow cards however, but I do like the, "rugged" description, not sure you can be any other way in NESCAC in that position, it's a battle every game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 06, 2022, 04:09:38 PM
That was an intense read and extremely helpful for a guy like me not following NESCAC that closely.

Curious, when you say 4-2-2... Do you mean 442? Or am I missing something.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 06, 2022, 04:47:27 PM
Now you're just messing with us.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 06, 2022, 04:48:49 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 06, 2022, 04:09:38 PM
That was an intense read and extremely helpful for a guy like me not following NESCAC that closely.

Curious, when you say 4-2-2... Do you mean 442? Or am I missing something.


AH! yes. I need an editor .....4-4-2.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 07, 2022, 04:20:34 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 06, 2022, 01:09:40 PM
NESCAC 2022 Mid-Season Report

Season Overview (through Saturday Oct 1)
It's obvious that the best word to describe this season so far is parity. Certainly the rule change eliminating overtime has caused a significant increase in the number of ties.  The rate of ties this season is 50% versus 25% in 2021 regular season and 22% in 2019 regular season.  The ratio of close games has also significantly increased.  So far this season, only 3 games out of 26 (12%) have been decided by more than 1 goal (and zero games that did not include either Trinity or Bates).  In 2021 that ratio was 35% including two 2-0 games featuring the conference regular season champs (Conn) versus the conference tournament champs (Tufts).

The number of goals has actually been very consistent this season versus the prior two seasons, despite losing talented scorers like Giamatti and Lind from Amherst, Braun and Aroh from Tufts, Wood from Hamilton and Gass from Williams. 

The teams continue to reload at Center back with relative newcombers like Clivio at Tufts taking over for Paoletta, Ghosh at Hamilton taking over for Eckels and, Ten Cate at Amherst taking the reigns from Johnson and Gitler.

Also the goalies remain outstanding, maybe the strongest position in the NESCAC, with most returning and improving like Devanny at Wesleyan, Grady at Middlebury, Maidenberg at Conn and Lauta at Tufts.

The scarcity in the league is that player who can break down these well organized, athletic defenses with strong technical abilities.  Sure some like Franco from Colby, Okorogheye from Amherst, Saint Louis from Middlebury, Yoenas, Djerdjaj and Creus from Conn, Huck from Bowdoin, Rohana from Hamilton and Siglestein and Traynor from Tufts still exist and are proven producers but many have been unsuccessful matching their historical production.

The league remains strong at producing aerial attacks from the striker spot.  Look no further than Fellito, leading conference goal scorer, from Williams as well as Hayton-Ruffner from Amherst and Ward from Bowdoin.

I do think one thing worth noting has been the overall improvement over the years in technical ability, especially in the midfield.  This improvement has allowed teams to play through the midfield and change the point of attack to create attacking opportunities for the outside players.  Conn College and Tufts have won the last three national championships with that approach and no one is doing it currently any better than Hamilton with Margaronis and Peplowski and Wesleyan with Rubinstein and Clarke. Conn with Jaran and Djerdjaj are also sticking with what has made them successful.

It does not surprise me that the two weakest teams so far – Trinity and Bates – each with new coaches – have employed a 4-2-2 system versus the much more common 4-3-3 system used in the NESCAC.  Most of these players have grown up within an American youth system that emphasizes a 4-3-3 system that encourages play through the midfield, playing to a target striker and getting the ball wide to attacking, creative players.  The 4-2-2 system encourages a more direct approach where possession is frequently sacrificed and the space out wide is not utilized when the weakside, outside midfielder tucks in to help defend.  Also a 4-2-2 system really requires two exceptional strikers with target/hold up potential as well as "run in behind" potential. These unicorn players are hard to find at all levels of American soccer, including the NESCAC.

Great commentary that resonates with games I have watched live and on video. As a fan, it is helpful to see detailed analysis of the teams that goes beyond the top 3 or 4 teams most people focus on.  I know from sideline chatter many people come here for commentary and analysis even if they don't post, so thank you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 08, 2022, 09:20:33 AM
Three very interesting games today Wesleyan v Amherst, after a strong start Wesleyan has lost the last two games.

Conn College v Williams, Williams is not giving anything away and Conn seems uncertain of themselves, I am predicting a draw.

Colby v Middlebury another draw!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 08, 2022, 09:52:38 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 08, 2022, 09:20:33 AM
Conn College v Williams, Williams is not giving anything away and Conn seems uncertain of themselves, I am predicting a draw.
Not according to your weekly pool submission ;-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 08, 2022, 09:55:04 AM
updated analysis :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 08, 2022, 01:09:41 PM
Bowdoin beat Trinity 1-0, but given that Bowdoin had a man advantage for most of the second half and only managed to score their lone goal in the 88th minute, it was a lot more challenging than it probably should have been for Bowdoin.  Trinity's Simoes was definitely the MVP for them, with an especially good reaction save over his head on a point blank shot in the second half.  Still, a win is a win and Bowdoin is 8-1-1 and 2-1-1 in NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat_Fan on October 08, 2022, 04:00:14 PM
Proud of the Bates Bobcats getting a point on the road against Hamilton. Way to believe in yourselves and keep competing. Not much rest another away game tomorrow but the bus ride should be fun.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 08, 2022, 05:51:37 PM
Yeah I could about the last 30 minutes of the Game and it was not pretty, bowdoin was not executing well, couldn't connect basic passes, and also were playing very conservative against a not good Trinity team down a man. They got the result they needed to keep themselves on course for a home playoff game and possible at large though.

Otherwise chaos still seems to be the order of the year with Amherst dropping Wes and Bates getting a draw at Hamilton. Haven't watched much and don't really know what to think of most of these teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 08, 2022, 07:28:33 PM
Amherst 2 Wesleyan 0

A few weeks ago, Wesleyan were on fire, including early in the season, a meritorious win against Tufts, so on that basis, this loomed as a tough fixture for the Mammoths.  However, in recent games it seems the Cardinals have lost form, whereas Amherst is starting to roll and today's result did mean six games undefeated, with today's representing an all important conference win.

Amherst scored early and it did take Wesleyan a while to get going.  Once they did, there was some tidy play on transition, but no one to quite pull the strings for the final pass, which of course was fine by the Mammoths supporters.  Most would be familiar with the aerial threat Amherst poses and in this regard, up until the second goal, the Cardinals keeper had done a really good job, catching balls (that one was for you Simple Coach) under considerable pressure.  However, the one moment he didn't get it right, led to the second Amherst goal.  On balance, the 2-0 scoreline at half-time might have been a little flattering, but only a little.

Second half, Amherst pushed hard and on another day, could easily have taken it out to 3 or 4 to nil, but didn't, which of course gave the Cardinals a possible lifeline out.  Ultimately, whilst they did push, in the end, that also created space behind them, which the Mammoths tried to exploit, but to no avail. 

There's a ten day break for the Mammoths after tomorrow's game against Bowdoin, so there's absolutely no reason to leave anything at all on the field.  The Polar Bears have beaten Conn and drawn with Middlebury and like Amherst, have only the one loss, so will have every reason to go in confident.  Bowdoin has been very good at keeping clean sheets and Amherst has been pretty good at getting goals, so an interesting afternoon beckons (or early morning if you happen to live in Sydney).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 09, 2022, 09:42:14 AM
Important matchups today:
Conn @ Mid

Bow @ Amh

Wes v Bates this should give us a feel of where Wesleyan is headed.








Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 09, 2022, 05:00:18 PM
Midd 1 Conn 0.
Midd took an early lead with Chae curled in a ball from the left touchline that eluded everyone and dropped in the net.  Red card to Conn #21 Dutkewych for an unnecessary off the ball charge against Midd's Daniel Kaye in the 44th minute.  Midd had numberous chances to add to the lead on the counter, but they did not convert any.  Grady with a key kick save in the first half and a good reaction save late to preserve the win.  Big 6 point weekend for Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bobcat_Fan on October 09, 2022, 05:20:36 PM
Wesleyan 4 - 4 Bates

Bates Bobcat Fan Here.

Really happy that the boys were able to battle back after being down 3 goals at the half!  They really kept on competing and were able to get another point on the road against a good Wesleyan team.  Unfortunately, had to pretty much monitor the live stats, on the website, since the live stream of the game did not seem to be working.  The game ended as a 4 - 4 draw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 09, 2022, 05:26:09 PM
Quote from: Bobcat_Fan on October 09, 2022, 05:20:36 PM
Wesleyan 4 - 4 Bates

Bates Bobcat Fan Here.

Really happy that the boys were able to battle back after being down 3 goals at the half!  They really kept on competing and were able to get another point on the road against a good Wesleyan team.  Unfortunately, had to pretty much monitor the live stats, on the website, since the live stream of the game did not seem to be working.  The game ended as a 4 - 4 draw.

Credit to Coach Noah Riskin.  He took over the Bates job at the very last minute and has done well keeping the boys motivated and fighting to the end.  Today's kind of turnaround is a true test for a coach and the belief he has instilled in his players (plus the motivation and adjustments he can make at halftime).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 09, 2022, 06:15:19 PM
Amherst 0 Bowdoin 0

Both teams had periods of dominance and would be frustrated at not scoring.  You always remember what happens right at the end of games and the Mammoths could have iced it. A longish break now for Amherst, which probably comes at a good time and gives the camp a chance to recharge for the end of season onslaught.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3Coach on October 09, 2022, 06:16:02 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 09, 2022, 05:26:09 PM
Quote from: Bobcat_Fan on October 09, 2022, 05:20:36 PM
Wesleyan 4 - 4 Bates

Bates Bobcat Fan Here.

Really happy that the boys were able to battle back after being down 3 goals at the half!  They really kept on competing and were able to get another point on the road against a good Wesleyan team.  Unfortunately, had to pretty much monitor the live stats, on the website, since the live stream of the game did not seem to be working.  The game ended as a 4 - 4 draw.

Credit to Coach Noah Riskin.  He took over the Bates job at the very last minute and has done well keeping the boys motivated and fighting to the end.  Today's kind of turnaround is a true test for a coach and the belief he has instilled in his players (plus the motivation and adjustments he can make at halftime).

I'll show my bias,, but not many teams could be down 0-3 at the half on the Sunday of a doubleheader away weekend at the #1 and #2 teams in the standings and pull out a 4-4 result after a Saturday 2-2 result in the final minute.  Interim tag should've been removed YESTERDAY. 

Proud former coach however the season turns out for the 'cats. 

Amazing year in the NESCAC. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 09, 2022, 06:52:18 PM
Quote from: D3Coach on October 09, 2022, 06:16:02 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 09, 2022, 05:26:09 PM
Quote from: Bobcat_Fan on October 09, 2022, 05:20:36 PM
Wesleyan 4 - 4 Bates

Bates Bobcat Fan Here.

Really happy that the boys were able to battle back after being down 3 goals at the half!  They really kept on competing and were able to get another point on the road against a good Wesleyan team.  Unfortunately, had to pretty much monitor the live stats, on the website, since the live stream of the game did not seem to be working.  The game ended as a 4 - 4 draw.

Credit to Coach Noah Riskin.  He took over the Bates job at the very last minute and has done well keeping the boys motivated and fighting to the end.  Today's kind of turnaround is a true test for a coach and the belief he has instilled in his players (plus the motivation and adjustments he can make at halftime).

I'll show my bias,, but not many teams could be down 0-3 at the half on the Sunday of a doubleheader away weekend at the #1 and #2 teams in the standings and pull out a 4-4 result after a Saturday 2-2 result in the final minute.  Interim tag should've been removed YESTERDAY. 

Proud former coach however the season turns out for the 'cats. 

Amazing year in the NESCAC.






Coach - love your thoughts on 4-4-2 line up...most teams in league, college and pros have gone to systems which create more natural triangles and angles through out the field versus a more vertical formation. Hard for me to see how 2 central midfielders can be successful but I would ove your thoughts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3Coach on October 09, 2022, 08:23:52 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 09, 2022, 06:52:18 PM
Quote from: D3Coach on October 09, 2022, 06:16:02 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 09, 2022, 05:26:09 PM
Quote from: Bobcat_Fan on October 09, 2022, 05:20:36 PM
Wesleyan 4 - 4 Bates

Bates Bobcat Fan Here.

Really happy that the boys were able to battle back after being down 3 goals at the half!  They really kept on competing and were able to get another point on the road against a good Wesleyan team.  Unfortunately, had to pretty much monitor the live stats, on the website, since the live stream of the game did not seem to be working.  The game ended as a 4 - 4 draw.

Credit to Coach Noah Riskin.  He took over the Bates job at the very last minute and has done well keeping the boys motivated and fighting to the end.  Today's kind of turnaround is a true test for a coach and the belief he has instilled in his players (plus the motivation and adjustments he can make at halftime).

I'll show my bias,, but not many teams could be down 0-3 at the half on the Sunday of a doubleheader away weekend at the #1 and #2 teams in the standings and pull out a 4-4 result after a Saturday 2-2 result in the final minute.  Interim tag should've been removed YESTERDAY. 

Proud former coach however the season turns out for the 'cats. 

Amazing year in the NESCAC.






Coach - love your thoughts on 4-4-2 line up...most teams in league, college and pros have gone to systems which create more natural triangles and angles through out the field versus a more vertical formation. Hard for me to see how 2 central midfielders can be successful but I would ove your thoughts.

Could chat for hours and maybe some day we'll get the pleasure, but I would say:  "we don't get them for very long or with very much continuity."

Injuries per condensed schedule, nescac rules etc... notwithstanding these primarily top academic schools get a lot of the top athletes.  However good the depth of soccer talent increases year after year, these pretty darn good coaches understand simple tactics can possibly win more on game day.  Defensively I think those banks of 4 stagger much more to create some often robust defenses, but NESCAC has been so open (league-wise) that it seems more coaches are playing some swashbuckling stuff.  Get back in numbers get forward in numbers.  4-4-2 creates an easy enough "level up" style of play that can be easily substituted into especially in the 7, 11, 9, 10 and 8.  And if it's as simple as matchups on the wing then I'd include the 2 and 3.  Anyways, my two cents having loved it. 

The team I had prior to bates was pretty dominant in a lesser conference out of a strict 4-1-4-1 that morphed into a 3-3-4.  We also had the ball a lot. 

The nescac has been a mostly dominated by 2 or 3 teams for 5 or 6 years so rest of teams trying to get results in that climate.  See Colby's 8th seeded championship. Notwithstanding, those tufts and Amherst teams were silly athletic and big and there was a "this is the game" trickle down.  Conn bucked that.  Wesleyans re-rise has bucked that.  But Williams, Hamilton and Midd's seasons thus far speak to simple tactics and pressing to take nothing away from rosters and coaching staffs alike that are incredible.  Midd's playmakers are their offense and Coach Elias can set up a team to defend the Alamo if he so chose. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 09, 2022, 09:47:36 PM
there's no "best formation".... also saying a team plays a single formation is almost always some degree of a lie, two teams can "play a 4-3-3" with very different positioning, and as D3Coach shows you frequently want to describe your offensive and defensive formations separately, and you probably also want to describe them differently depending on the phase of play (for example teams "playing a 4-3-3" when forced to defend deep will end up in a 4-5-1 in most cases).

Personally I love a 4-4-2 though. You can press or sit selectively, and there are lots of good offensive rotations you can do naturally. You can put a winger as one of your strikers and it gets easy to create overloads and attack on the wing. You can put a creative player as one of your strikers who will drop between the lines and help you in build up (giving you effectively 3 mids in possesion, but in a less predictable way). You can put two strikers up there and just force the other team to reckon with your direct-ness, which usually forces a midfielder back to help cover or opens up space on the wing for you to attack. Probably most importantly, having two strikers creates a big threat of getting behind the defense which is key in such high-octane games, and opens up a lot of space for you to do more on the ground once you have that threat. You can also play an 8/10 as a wide midfielder who will tuck into the midfield offensively, and play an offensive fullback to overlap that side and give width.

Quote from: D3Coach on October 09, 2022, 08:23:52 PM
Could chat for hours

yeah uhhhh again what he said is how I feel
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Coach Jeff on October 09, 2022, 10:38:50 PM
The surprise for me this year is how undisciplined Conn College appears after being crowned National Champs last year.  It seems as if they have forgotten what took them to the top last year.  Hopefully they can right the ship before it is to late for them. 

Hamilton looks good with Middlebury ready to take over first place. 

There is a log jam with 3-8.  Tough schedules with the back to back weekend games.  Not easy for any team.  It will have them ready for the NCAA 22 tournament though
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: upthepanthers on October 10, 2022, 08:49:26 AM
Quick question, do Conn get an automatic bid to the tourney since they won last year? A regular bid for them looking unlikely after the performances this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Coach Jeff on October 10, 2022, 09:03:57 AM
Pervious winners must earn a spot every year.  Just like all teams
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 10, 2022, 09:21:10 AM
So I was around in the latter 90s and locked horns with Williams/Messiah/Wheaton when SLU was on the come up.
I respected those teams so very much then and still do because I realize that when you win you have a big BULLS-Eye on your back and every single team that plays you is going to bring it.
Everyone wants to knock off the king, people will not take a trip to your home lightly and when you go on the road you will have more of the student body present to see a game against the National champions.
Teams like the ones I mentioned before along with Texas/Amherst more recently have built up and developed calluses on their feet to deal with this extra  10% teams throw at them.
If you dont do this as a champion a title defense is almost impossible.  It is almost impossible even when you are ready for every teams strongest punch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 10, 2022, 09:30:03 AM
Quote from: upthepanthers on October 10, 2022, 08:49:26 AM
Quick question, do Conn get an automatic bid to the tourney since they won last year? A regular bid for them looking unlikely after the performances this weekend.

I think it is premature to think they wont make it, they are likely to finish in the top 8 of NESCAC making the Nescac tournament, winning two games in the NESCAC tournament will almost guarantee them  an invite to NCAA.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Coach Jeff on October 10, 2022, 10:58:05 AM
Quote from: Saint of Old on October 10, 2022, 09:21:10 AM
So I was around in the latter 90s and locked horns with Williams/Messiah/Wheaton when SLU was on the come up.
I respected those teams so very much then and still do because I realize that when you win you have a big BULLS-Eye on your back and every single team that plays you is going to bring it.
Everyone wants to knock off the king, people will not take a trip to your home lightly and when you go on the road you will have more of the student body present to see a game against the National champions.
Teams like the ones I mentioned before along with Texas/Amherst more recently have built up and developed calluses on their feet to deal with this extra  10% teams throw at them.
If you dont do this as a champion a title defense is almost impossible.  It is almost impossible even when you are ready for every teams strongest punch.

Totally agree with Saint of Old.  It is very hard to repeat and continue to take other teams best shots..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4231CenterBack on October 11, 2022, 02:49:21 PM
I realize its early, but assuming neither is able to get the automatic bid from winning the NESCAC tourney...which of these recent national champs is most likely to miss out on on the NCAA tourney? 

They both have quality win possibilities ahead:

Tufts 2-2-3 NESCAC, 4-2-4 overall

10/12/2022    at Clark       
10/15/2022    at Bates    
10/16/2022    at UMaine Farmington    
10/22/2022    Middlebury    
10/25/2022    Bowdoin    

Conn College 2-3-1 NESCAC, 5-3-2

10/12/2022    Babson College        
10/15/2022    at Colby    
10/19/2022    at Amherst       
10/22/2022    Bates    
10/25/2022    Wesleyan

How many bids will the NESCAC get this year?  Right now it looks like Colby, Bates, and Trinity are the only sides without a reasonable hope.




Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 11, 2022, 03:18:03 PM
Top 8 teams play in NESCAC tournament starting 10/29, the four semifinalist plus one will end up in the tournament. BTW what you think of Amherst chances?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4231CenterBack on October 11, 2022, 03:31:22 PM
So you are predicting just 4 at-large bids this year?  A little lighter than normal?  Or is the NESCAC typically a 5 bid league?  I guess your semi-finalists + 1 prediction makes sense this year since there are no true powerhouses to be upset this year in the conference.

The fatalist in me figures Amherst will bludgeon their way to the NCAA tournament somehow  :(.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 12, 2022, 03:44:35 AM
Quote from: 4231CenterBack on October 11, 2022, 03:31:22 PM
So you are predicting just 4 at-large bids this year?  A little lighter than normal?  Or is the NESCAC typically a 5 bid league?  I guess your semi-finalists + 1 prediction makes sense this year since there are no true powerhouses to be upset this year in the conference.

The fatalist in me figures Amherst will bludgeon their way to the NCAA tournament somehow  :(.

Bludgeon: a thick stick with a heavy end, used as a weapon.

I know there's not much Amherst love in these halls and that's fine, I get it.  Other than being keen on doing well against NESCAC rivals, I don't have any particular teams I don't like, but my family has been adopted by the Mammoths and I gotta say, it suits us just fine.

I have no idea how many times you have played against/seen the Mammoths 4231 and I am sure it's more than me, but what I can say is that having just spent a few weeks there, watching games, training and re-watching games (things are quiet in Amherst) I can tell you that it thrills me that you and others are happy to underestimate the skill this team brings, I am quite confident no coaches do and there have been enough that Simple Coach has interviewed who understand exactly what they bring to the table.  I am not aware of any mandated D3 curriculum and equally I don't think asterisks appear against teams that progress/win a national tournament with something appearing in brackets saying, "didn't play the game the way some D3 Boards aesthetes would like".  The transition can be quite devastating when the team is on and isn't the game about getting in the opposition box? Getting behind most D3 defences isn't easy, but it might be just a little less hard than trying to play through a low block.   

Does the ball go in the air? Yes it does, but definitely not all the time and again, I am quite happy for teams to prepare for Amherst on that basis as they are setting up for failure.  Do players tackle, are they aggressive? Yes, winning the ball is part of the game.  In any event, I am yet to see a NESCAC team that didn't give as good as it got, perhaps they are able to fly under the radar.  I can't vouch for all decisions made about who goes and doesn't go to the tournament, but what I can say is that given that most in here agree that D3 isn't preparing its players for a career in the game, surely it's about making the most of the four years you have to impact, knowing that every year will be different and you might only get one decent chance.   

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 12, 2022, 07:49:51 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 12, 2022, 03:44:35 AM
Quote from: 4231CenterBack on October 11, 2022, 03:31:22 PM
So you are predicting just 4 at-large bids this year?  A little lighter than normal?  Or is the NESCAC typically a 5 bid league?  I guess your semi-finalists + 1 prediction makes sense this year since there are no true powerhouses to be upset this year in the conference.

The fatalist in me figures Amherst will bludgeon their way to the NCAA tournament somehow  :(.

Bludgeon: a thick stick with a heavy end, used as a weapon.

I know there's not much Amherst love in these halls and that's fine, I get it.  Other than being keen on doing well against NESCAC rivals, I don't have any particular teams I don't like, but my family has been adopted by the Mammoths and I gotta say, it suits us just fine.

I have no idea how many times you have played against/seen the Mammoths 4231 and I am sure it's more than me, but what I can say is that having just spent a few weeks there, watching games, training and re-watching games (things are quiet in Amherst) I can tell you that it thrills me that you and others are happy to underestimate the skill this team brings, I am quite confident no coaches do and there have been enough that Simple Coach has interviewed who understand exactly what they bring to the table.  I am not aware of any mandated D3 curriculum and equally I don't think asterisks appear against teams that progress/win a national tournament with something appearing in brackets saying, "didn't play the game the way some D3 Boards aesthetes would like".  The transition can be quite devastating when the team is on and isn't the game about getting in the opposition box? Getting behind most D3 defences isn't easy, but it might be just a little less hard than trying to play through a low block.   

Does the ball go in the air? Yes it does, but definitely not all the time and again, I am quite happy for teams to prepare for Amherst on that basis as they are setting up for failure.  Do players tackle, are they aggressive? Yes, winning the ball is part of the game.  In any event, I am yet to see a NESCAC team that didn't give as good as it got, perhaps they are able to fly under the radar.  I can't vouch for all decisions made about who goes and doesn't go to the tournament, but what I can say is that given that most in here agree that D3 isn't preparing its players for a career in the game, surely it's about making the most of the four years you have to impact, knowing that every year will be different and you might only get one decent chance.   

Love the instant passion you've developed for your new school! And I hope your son is enjoying his new home, both academically and athletically.  And i have a soft spot you personally as I lived in Oz for a time many years back :-)

But 4231CB must have hit a nerve. I don't think you'll find any "D3 board aesthetes" who feel Amherst victories should include an asterisks because they don't play the "right way". And nobody has ever said their style isn't effective, and all will likely agree it gives them a great chance at winning the ultimate prize.

I know players in the NESCAC. My son has played for and against many players in the NESCAC though HS and club. I know they're excellent players and will vouch for their skills and talents. So what I say next is not on behalf of the "Board aesthetes", but rather just a personal opinion. I find Amherst unwatchable and in fact, don't really enjoy watching any NESCAC game. Plus Serpone's sideline antics are boorish and tiresome. All this doesn't take away from the fact that I have Amherst ranked #8 in my last poll. I'm actually rooting for them because of your presence on this board, just as I also root for other teams that have strong board representation like W&L, Denison, Messiah, North Park, Hopkins, Scranton (where is NEPAFAN?), etc.

Do you have a preference between Union or League? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 12, 2022, 08:43:05 AM
In my opinion there is no NESCAC team that gets Tufts as ready to play as Amherst and although Tufts has beaten them in the last 3 games ,I sense they generate the most fear. It is hard to hate a team as a parent knowing the effort the parents and players on the other side have put in to make it to this level. A lot of players in NESCAC played together or against each other in highschool, club or in summer league lots of strong bonds.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4231CenterBack on October 12, 2022, 08:45:23 AM
Sorry E-Cat.  I probably should have gone without the  :( emoji.  I actually think D3 is a more interesting place because Amherst and Justin Serpone exist. They are fun to root against and hope your favorite team never has to play them.

I first saw Amherst play in 2012ish against Williams @ Amherst.  It was unlike anything I had ever seen.  The naked utility of Serpone's system was alternately impressive and shocking.  The 70 yard balls to 6-5 attackers was really something!  The non-stop sprinting of a particular CM was also notable. The 50/50 challenges were cringe inducing. Williams somehow won the match but emerged bloody and broken. 

Really the only part of the show that I don't enjoy, and seems unnecessary, is the endless chirping at the officials and the other team.  It seems to whip the players up to the point that the play does cross the line into dangerous.  By all accounts Serpone is a gentlemen and a scholar so this never added up for me.  That said, I've only seen Amherst play in NCAA matches and at Tufts so maybe emotions ran higher than normal!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: pittsfieldpete on October 12, 2022, 10:18:49 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 12, 2022, 03:44:35 AM
Quote from: 4231CenterBack on October 11, 2022, 03:31:22 PM
So you are predicting just 4 at-large bids this year?  A little lighter than normal?  Or is the NESCAC typically a 5 bid league?  I guess your semi-finalists + 1 prediction makes sense this year since there are no true powerhouses to be upset this year in the conference.

The fatalist in me figures Amherst will bludgeon their way to the NCAA tournament somehow  :(.

Bludgeon: a thick stick with a heavy end, used as a weapon.

I know there's not much Amherst love in these halls and that's fine, I get it.  Other than being keen on doing well against NESCAC rivals, I don't have any particular teams I don't like, but my family has been adopted by the Mammoths and I gotta say, it suits us just fine.

I have no idea how many times you have played against/seen the Mammoths 4231 and I am sure it's more than me, but what I can say is that having just spent a few weeks there, watching games, training and re-watching games (things are quiet in Amherst) I can tell you that it thrills me that you and others are happy to underestimate the skill this team brings, I am quite confident no coaches do and there have been enough that Simple Coach has interviewed who understand exactly what they bring to the table.  I am not aware of any mandated D3 curriculum and equally I don't think asterisks appear against teams that progress/win a national tournament with something appearing in brackets saying, "didn't play the game the way some D3 Boards aesthetes would like".  The transition can be quite devastating when the team is on and isn't the game about getting in the opposition box? Getting behind most D3 defences isn't easy, but it might be just a little less hard than trying to play through a low block.   

Does the ball go in the air? Yes it does, but definitely not all the time and again, I am quite happy for teams to prepare for Amherst on that basis as they are setting up for failure.  Do players tackle, are they aggressive? Yes, winning the ball is part of the game.  In any event, I am yet to see a NESCAC team that didn't give as good as it got, perhaps they are able to fly under the radar.  I can't vouch for all decisions made about who goes and doesn't go to the tournament, but what I can say is that given that most in here agree that D3 isn't preparing its players for a career in the game, surely it's about making the most of the four years you have to impact, knowing that every year will be different and you might only get one decent chance.   

I think Amherst is certainly the most physical team in the league.  That being said, I think other teams are catching up. I managed to catch the Williams-Amherst game a couple of weeks back and they Ephs weren't afraid to mix it up. Boardman was very tough on the backline and Gutierrez wasn't far behind in terms of putting in tough tackles. Not sure it makes for the prettiest games but definitely a change from years past.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 12, 2022, 11:29:36 AM
Massey has most of the NESCAC teams with a SOS of 2,3,4,8 or not far behind.  Bowdoin is an exception coming in at 55.  Since they all play each other, is this due to the Polar Bears weak OOC schedule or is their NESCAC front loaded with the low end NESCACs?  Conn College is 22.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 12, 2022, 11:52:26 AM
I agree Coach Serpone is a gentleman and a scholar (er, HOW many master's degrees does he have?). I think the words I would use to describe him are "intense" and "overachiever". I am certainly not an insider but my son was in fairly serious recruiting talks with Amherst,  so I got to see a bit of Coach S.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 12, 2022, 01:01:13 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 12, 2022, 11:29:36 AM
Massey has most of the NESCAC teams with a SOS of 2,3,4,8 or not far behind.  Bowdoin is an exception coming in at 55.  Since they all play each other, is this due to the Polar Bears weak OOC schedule or is their NESCAC front loaded with the low end NESCACs?  Conn College is 22.

Bowdoin's non conference schedule (with Massey Rankings of opponents)
Husson 212
Thomas 280
Maine Maritime 329
Southern Maine 274
U of New England 366

Middlebury non conference schedule
Mount Saint Mary's 206
Norwich 74
Framingham St 124
Eastern Nazarene 241
WPI 63

Amherst non conference
Mt. St. Vincent 200
Thomas 280
Manhattanville 133
Babson 10
WPI 63
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 12, 2022, 01:15:05 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 12, 2022, 01:01:13 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 12, 2022, 11:29:36 AM
Massey has most of the NESCAC teams with a SOS of 2,3,4,8 or not far behind.  Bowdoin is an exception coming in at 55.  Since they all play each other, is this due to the Polar Bears weak OOC schedule or is their NESCAC front loaded with the low end NESCACs?  Conn College is 22.

Bowdoin's non conference schedule (with Massey Rankings of opponents)
Husson 212
Thomas 280
Maine Maritime 329
Southern Maine 274
U of New England 366

Middlebury non conference schedule
Mount Saint Mary's 206
Norwich 74
Framingham St 124
Eastern Nazarene 241
WPI 63

Amherst non conference
Mt. St. Vincent 200
Thomas 280
Manhattanville 133
Babson 10
WPI 63
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 12, 2022, 01:01:13 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 12, 2022, 11:29:36 AM
Massey has most of the NESCAC teams with a SOS of 2,3,4,8 or not far behind.  Bowdoin is an exception coming in at 55.  Since they all play each other, is this due to the Polar Bears weak OOC schedule or is their NESCAC front loaded with the low end NESCACs?  Conn College is 22.

Bowdoin's non conference schedule (with Massey Rankings of opponents)
Husson 212
Thomas 280
Maine Maritime 329
Southern Maine 274
U of New England 366

Middlebury non conference schedule
Mount Saint Mary's 206
Norwich 74
Framingham St 124
Eastern Nazarene 241
WPI 63

Amherst non conference
Mt. St. Vincent 200
Thomas 280
Manhattanville 133
Babson 10
WPI 63
So are all the game scheduled factored in on the SOS on day one of the season and change according to the success of the team or do they only enter into the calculations once they have been played? In other words, for Midd, they play E Nazarene today.  Once played, their SOS will go down.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 12, 2022, 02:47:05 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 12, 2022, 01:15:05 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 12, 2022, 01:01:13 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 12, 2022, 11:29:36 AM
Massey has most of the NESCAC teams with a SOS of 2,3,4,8 or not far behind.  Bowdoin is an exception coming in at 55.  Since they all play each other, is this due to the Polar Bears weak OOC schedule or is their NESCAC front loaded with the low end NESCACs?  Conn College is 22.

Bowdoin's non conference schedule (with Massey Rankings of opponents)
Husson 212
Thomas 280
Maine Maritime 329
Southern Maine 274
U of New England 366

Middlebury non conference schedule
Mount Saint Mary's 206
Norwich 74
Framingham St 124
Eastern Nazarene 241
WPI 63

Amherst non conference
Mt. St. Vincent 200
Thomas 280
Manhattanville 133
Babson 10
WPI 63
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 12, 2022, 01:01:13 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 12, 2022, 11:29:36 AM
Massey has most of the NESCAC teams with a SOS of 2,3,4,8 or not far behind.  Bowdoin is an exception coming in at 55.  Since they all play each other, is this due to the Polar Bears weak OOC schedule or is their NESCAC front loaded with the low end NESCACs?  Conn College is 22.

Bowdoin's non conference schedule (with Massey Rankings of opponents)
Husson 212
Thomas 280
Maine Maritime 329
Southern Maine 274
U of New England 366

Middlebury non conference schedule
Mount Saint Mary's 206
Norwich 74
Framingham St 124
Eastern Nazarene 241
WPI 63

Amherst non conference
Mt. St. Vincent 200
Thomas 280
Manhattanville 133
Babson 10
WPI 63
So are all the game scheduled factored in on the SOS on day one of the season and change according to the success of the team or do they only enter into the calculations once they have been played? In other words, for Midd, they play E Nazarene today.  Once played, their SOS will go down.

Yes, Massey updates automatically each day and adjusts strength of schedule and other factors based on daily results.  It is a neat website that shows win probability when you click on an individual team's upcoming games as well as expected score.  It doesn't estimate ties so the likelihood of a tie is the difference between the win probability of each team (Team A is 50%, Team B is 30% so tie is 20% likely).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 12, 2022, 03:20:39 PM
It should also be noted that Massey includes some sort of historical power rating adjustment that carries over from year to year.  So his SOS numbers will be pretty accurate and are useful for eyeballing but they won't match the actual numbers that are released with the regional rankings
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 13, 2022, 08:49:59 AM
Quote from: 4231CenterBack on October 11, 2022, 03:31:22 pm
So you are predicting just 4 at-large bids this year?  A little lighter than normal?  Or is the NESCAC typically a 5 bid league?  I guess your semi-finalists + 1 prediction makes sense this year since there are no true powerhouses to be upset this year in the conference.

The fatalist in me figures Amherst will bludgeon their way to the NCAA tournament somehow  :(.

Bludgeon: a thick stick with a heavy end, used as a weapon.

I know there's not much Amherst love in these halls and that's fine, I get it.  Other than being keen on doing well against NESCAC rivals, I don't have any particular teams I don't like, but my family has been adopted by the Mammoths and I gotta say, it suits us just fine.

I have no idea how many times you have played against/seen the Mammoths 4231 and I am sure it's more than me, but what I can say is that having just spent a few weeks there, watching games, training and re-watching games (things are quiet in Amherst) I can tell you that it thrills me that you and others are happy to underestimate the skill this team brings, I am quite confident no coaches do and there have been enough that Simple Coach has interviewed who understand exactly what they bring to the table.  I am not aware of any mandated D3 curriculum and equally I don't think asterisks appear against teams that progress/win a national tournament with something appearing in brackets saying, "didn't play the game the way some D3 Boards aesthetes would like".  The transition can be quite devastating when the team is on and isn't the game about getting in the opposition box? Getting behind most D3 defences isn't easy, but it might be just a little less hard than trying to play through a low block.   

Does the ball go in the air? Yes it does, but definitely not all the time and again, I am quite happy for teams to prepare for Amherst on that basis as they are setting up for failure.  Do players tackle, are they aggressive? Yes, winning the ball is part of the game.  In any event, I am yet to see a NESCAC team that didn't give as good as it got, perhaps they are able to fly under the radar.  I can't vouch for all decisions made about who goes and doesn't go to the tournament, but what I can say is that given that most in here agree that D3 isn't preparing its players for a career in the game, surely it's about making the most of the four years you have to impact, knowing that every year will be different and you might only get one decent chance.   

Love the instant passion you've developed for your new school! And I hope your son is enjoying his new home, both academically and athletically.  And i have a soft spot you personally as I lived in Oz for a time many years back :-)

But 4231CB must have hit a nerve. I don't think you'll find any "D3 board aesthetes" who feel Amherst victories should include an asterisks because they don't play the "right way". And nobody has ever said their style isn't effective, and all will likely agree it gives them a great chance at winning the ultimate prize.

I know players in the NESCAC. My son has played for and against many players in the NESCAC though HS and club. I know they're excellent players and will vouch for their skills and talents. So what I say next is not on behalf of the "Board aesthetes", but rather just a personal opinion. I find Amherst unwatchable and in fact, don't really enjoy watching any NESCAC game. Plus Serpone's sideline antics are boorish and tiresome. All this doesn't take away from the fact that I have Amherst ranked #8 in my last poll. I'm actually rooting for them because of your presence on this board, just as I also root for other teams that have strong board representation like W&L, Denison, Messiah, North Park, Hopkins, Scranton (where is NEPAFAN?), etc.

Do you have a preference between Union or League?

_______________________________________

A belated comment regarding the Amherst/Serpone discussion.  And for the record, I haven't posted for several years but I used to post as "true north".  However, when I attempted to re-register, I couldn't get a new password to align with my old handle.  So now I'm "northman".

At any rate, I had fun traveling with my younger son during the recruiting process in 2007.  One of our stops was Amherst, where Serpone was preparing to coach his very first season.  He emphasized that he was endeavoring to recruit D1 talent to a D3 program.  It was a little bit of a turnoff for my son and me at the time.  My son ultimately chose Bowdoin and had a great overall experience there.  He started for the team that beat Amherst and Middlebury in the NCAA playoffs on their way to the 2010 Final Four in San Antonio.

From the outset, Serpone did an effective job of recruiting talented and often big athletes.  From my perspective, they have pretty much always played below their talent level but have had great success with a physical, direct (and often aerial) game.  The results over the years speak for themselves.

Although Serpone can be a bit of a rooster and is a showman on the sideline, I think he's generally been liked and respected by his own athletes as well as athletes from opposing teams.  I still have a fond memory of my son (he was an outside back) taking a throw-in in front of the Amherst bench...and Serpone calling him by name and complementing him for a defensive play he had just made.  He's a classy guy in that respect.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2022, 09:53:34 AM
Welcome back True North!  Now if only we can find out if Ommadawn is OK and get him back in the mix.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2022, 01:20:54 PM
Some random NESCAC notes...

The NESCAC tournament is going to be off the hook.  Hopkins made the SEC football analogy, but here...and hopefully some are old enough to get the comparison...I'm reminded of the ACC bball tournament which was and still is a major event, led to the Big East tournament being a big event, etc.  I remember one year (1974) when NC State was #1 in the country and Maryland #2 and they had an epic ACC Final where the David Thompson (greatest college player I've ever seen other than maybe Alcindor/Jabbar) led Wolfpack won in OT to earn the one and only ACC NCAA berth (when there were no at large bids and went on the win the NCAA title over UCLA and Bill Walton in John Wooden's next to last season).  Anyway, we're almost certain to have quarterfinal matchups where the #1, #2, and #3 seeds play the #8, #7, and #6 seeds in toss-up or near toss-up affairs.  Indeed, it is VERY possible where we could have a couple of quarterfinals where the lower seed actually is the favorite.

Credit to @Enmorecat for dealing so well with all the chatter about Amherst.  Virtually everyone here acknowledges that Amherst is one of the top five programs in D3 with a rich tradition and a perhaps unmatched streak of NCAA Sweet 16 appearances (or better).  Most of us know that Amherst has very skilled soccer players as well, which I think contributes to some of the frustration about style of play.  I don't know how much you knew about how folks view Amherst before you joined the Mammoths family.  But in addition to style of play and physicality, the most consistent observation/complaint for over a decade has been the sideline antics of Serpone and by extension the players.  I wasn't sold on the degree of the latter for several years and frequently defended Amherst, but over time the evidence (from many sources) was just undeniable.  Anyway, you could go back 10-12 years here and find similar noise and critiques, and as far as I can tell Serpone and the Amherst family seem unbothered and perhaps even embrace the villain role.  Great school, great D3 soccer program, and a coach whose results put him at the very top of his profession regardless of what anyone says.

As for Serpone's serial accumulation of masters degrees I'm not sure what that's about.  At a minimum, it's odd.  How many masters programs does Bay Path have?  How rigorous can online masters programs be if you can earn several inside of a year? Reading the titles, are they more like weekend seminar certificate programs?  At any rate, I'm not sure 'scholar' is the word here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 13, 2022, 02:02:47 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 13, 2022, 01:20:54 PM
Some random NESCAC notes...

The NESCAC tournament is going to be off the hook.  Hopkins made the SEC football analogy, but here...and hopefully some are old enough to get the comparison...I'm reminded of the ACC bball tournament which was and still is a major event, led to the Big East tournament being a big event, etc.  I remember one year (1974) when NC State was #1 in the country and Maryland #2 and they had an epic ACC Final where the David Thompson (greatest college player I've ever seen other than maybe Alcindor/Jabbar) led Wolfpack won in OT to earn the one and only ACC NCAA berth (when there were no at large bids and went on the win the NCAA title over UCLA and Bill Walton in John Wooden's next to last season).  Anyway, we're almost certain to have quarterfinal matchups where the #1, #2, and #3 seeds play the #8, #7, and #6 seeds in toss-up or near toss-up affairs.  Indeed, it is VERY possible where we could have a couple of quarterfinals where the lower seed actually is the favorite.

Credit to @Enmorecat for dealing so well with all the chatter about Amherst.  Virtually everyone here acknowledges that Amherst is one of the top five programs in D3 with a rich tradition and a perhaps unmatched streak of NCAA Sweet 16 appearances (or better).  Most of us know that Amherst has very skilled soccer players as well, which I think contributes to some of the frustration about style of play.  I don't know how much you knew about how folks view Amherst before you joined the Mammoths family.  But in addition to style of play and physicality, the most consistent observation/complaint for over a decade has been the sideline antics of Serpone and by extension the players.  I wasn't sold on the degree of the latter for several years and frequently defended Amherst, but over time the evidence (from many sources) was just undeniable.  Anyway, you could go back 10-12 years here and find similar noise and critiques, and as far as I can tell Serpone and the Amherst family seem unbothered and perhaps even embrace the villain role.  Great school, great D3 soccer program, and a coach whose results put him at the very top of his profession regardless of what anyone says.

As for Serpone's serial accumulation of masters degrees I'm not sure what that's about.  At a minimum, it's odd.  How many masters programs does Bay Path have?  How rigorous can online masters programs be if you can earn several inside of a year? Reading the titles, are they more like weekend seminar certificate programs?  At any rate, I'm not sure 'scholar' is the word here.

Regarding Amherst and Serpone, I recall at the end of last season, Simple Coach showed videos of Amherst players wrapping their arms around an opponent in the box while defending a corner.  SC said it had to be a "coached" tactic.  I am wondering if SC or anybody is still seeing this strategy by Amherst this season?  I am also wondering if officials have been clued into watching for it?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 13, 2022, 02:04:37 PM
Had a conversation with my son, who is a junior, about playing Amherst at Amherst.  This is something he has now done 3 times in 3 seasons (2019 regular season and NESCAC tournament, and 2021 NCAA tournament).  I said something about how hopefully all his future games against Amherst would be at home.  His response"  "I love playing them here.  The atmosphere gets me so focused and ready to play."  I think it is possbile both to dislike Amherst for how they play and go about their business and at the same time respect the rivalry and enjoy the high level competition that it brings. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 13, 2022, 02:08:17 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 13, 2022, 02:04:37 PM
Had a conversation with my son, who is a junior, about playing Amherst at Amherst.  This is something he has now done 3 times in 3 seasons (2019 regular season and NESCAC tournament, and 2021 NCAA tournament).  I said something about how hopefully all his future games against Amherst would be at home.  His response"  "I love playing them here.  The atmosphere gets me so focused and ready to play."  I think it is possbile both to dislike Amherst for how they play and go about their business and at the same time respect the rivalry and enjoy the high level competition that it brings.

Yup.  This.

I don't win often at Amherst, but when I do, I drink Dos Equis.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 13, 2022, 02:17:54 PM
Speaking of Dos Equis and Amherst, I recall hearing from my son and some of his Bowdoin teammates that a few Amherst players received mild suspensions for imbibing following their Final Four loss to Stevens in Greensboro in 2008...  :)  My son had this on good authority because one of his club teammates was a starting center back for Amherst...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3Coach on October 13, 2022, 02:34:36 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 13, 2022, 02:08:17 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 13, 2022, 02:04:37 PM
Had a conversation with my son, who is a junior, about playing Amherst at Amherst.  This is something he has now done 3 times in 3 seasons (2019 regular season and NESCAC tournament, and 2021 NCAA tournament).  I said something about how hopefully all his future games against Amherst would be at home.  His response"  "I love playing them here.  The atmosphere gets me so focused and ready to play."  I think it is possbile both to dislike Amherst for how they play and go about their business and at the same time respect the rivalry and enjoy the high level competition that it brings.

Yup.  This.

I don't win often at Amherst, but when I do, I drink Dos Equis.

Having coached against them in close games, all losses and every loss bitter... nothing but respect for the serial winning Serpone and Amherst have had in the toughest D3 conference in the country with a bullseye on their backs every game.  It's intense yea, but I marvel at it.  Only thing that matters to him is the respect his players have in themselves, their teammates and the opponent they give their best shot to.  All the other stuff that's been said or written is probably by design/he and they simply don't care.  Rarified air. 

Switching gears, if there's never been a better time to face tufts in recent memory (fool's gold, that statement), it'll be of intrigue to this former Bobcat if Bates can kick on from points vs Hamilton and Wes on the road to 3pts v Tufts at home.  Id expect that field to be torrid and the tussle come down to capitalizing on tough bounces.

Absolute crazy depth in the league this season per where Tufts, Amherst, Conn currently sit. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 13, 2022, 04:57:43 PM
I will say this for NESCAC but it may be useful in other conferences also, start getting familiar with the various tiebreakers!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2022, 10:17:01 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 06, 2022, 01:20:37 PM
NESCAC Mid-Season Review (part 3)

Middlebury


Highlight game of the season
While its hard not to choose two NCAA Elite 8 revenge games from the first half of the season, I will go with Wesleyan over Colby 4-3.  This game featured a "coming out party" for Wesleyan's offense as they generated an unreal 15 shots on net but needed 2 goals in the last 15 minutes to prevail.  On offensive explosion, a rarity in the NESCAC. First time they have scored 4 goals in a conference game since 2017


You cannot let homophobic tropes go and just let them sit out there. I'll clean it up no worries. I haven't been on here, but the air quotes are a shot at me and obviously this is a quick hit and old stereotype for Wesleyan that is just not relevant these days. Cheap stuff especially since I have been open with who I am, but we have no idea who this person is. I personally could care less to speculate. You have to condemn this stuff as minor as it is. Homophobia, antisemitism and flat out "white trash" racism are all on the rise and you have to call it out when seen.

https://tripod.domains.trincoll.edu/news/heinous-anti-semitic-act-at-trinity-college%ef%bf%bc/

https://www.iberkshires.com/story/69683/Extremist-Graffiti-Found-on-Williams-College-Monument.html

OK done with that. Next topic I want to discuss is
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 13, 2022, 10:24:23 PM
 ???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2022, 10:41:41 PM
Quote from: D3Coach on October 09, 2022, 08:23:52 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 09, 2022, 06:52:18 PM
Quote from: D3Coach on October 09, 2022, 06:16:02 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 09, 2022, 05:26:09 PM
Quote from: Bobcat_Fan on October 09, 2022, 05:20:36 PM


Could chat for hours and maybe someday we'll get the pleasure, but I would say:  "we don't get them for very long or with very much continuity."



THIS.....Are you saying you are stuck with what you recruited? Actually, you are stuck with it, but no one can change? improve? learn? This is like why bother at all...Why even bother to try and play futbol? So, take the easy way out and BLAST and PRESS because these kids are too conditioned to play a certain way... Why wake up in the morning?  This just feels like a cop out to go the easy route. .Easy Wins, no one learns anything, blast and press, press and blast, but the HC can at least avoid getting fired. BTW I agree with your whole assessment I am not picking on you but agreeing with you in an a-hole kind of way because that is exactly what has been happening for the last 5-10 years.

Next....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 13, 2022, 10:52:29 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 04, 2022, 06:11:39 PM
Unbelievably sad and tragic news on the South Shore of Massachusetts.  Scott Greenwood, two-time national title GK at Tufts (2014 and 2016) passed away a few days ago.  Sincerest condolesences to his family, friends, and all those affiliated with Tufts and the Tufts men's soccer program.  Scott was an incredible GK and huge key in putting Tufts soccer where it is today.


Jesus I just saw this...I am sorry I was reading from front to back so I would have posted about this first. This is just tragic and my condolences to his whole family including Tufts Men's Soccer. I liked him as a GK because he was a tough kid and not afraid to make saves. He was a quintessential shot stopper as a GK and ranked in my Top3 GK of the 2010-2020 decade.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 13, 2022, 10:59:25 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 13, 2022, 10:17:01 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 06, 2022, 01:20:37 PM
NESCAC Mid-Season Review (part 3)

Middlebury


Highlight game of the season
While its hard not to choose two NCAA Elite 8 revenge games from the first half of the season, I will go with Wesleyan over Colby 4-3.  This game featured a "coming out party" for Wesleyan's offense as they generated an unreal 15 shots on net but needed 2 goals in the last 15 minutes to prevail.  On offensive explosion, a rarity in the NESCAC. First time they have scored 4 goals in a conference game since 2017


You cannot let homophobic tropes go and just let them sit out there. I'll clean it up no worries. I haven't been on here, but the air quotes are a shot at me and obviously this is a quick hit and old stereotype for Wesleyan that is just not relevant these days. Cheap stuff especially since I have been open with who I am, but we have no idea who this person is. I personally could care less to speculate. You have to condemn this stuff as minor as it is. Homophobia, antisemitism and flat out "white trash" racism are all on the rise and you have to call it out when seen.

https://tripod.domains.trincoll.edu/news/heinous-anti-semitic-act-at-trinity-college%ef%bf%bc/

https://www.iberkshires.com/story/69683/Extremist-Graffiti-Found-on-Williams-College-Monument.html

OK done with that. Next topic I want to discuss is




I wrote this and i offer my apologies.  I never intended it to be construed in an offensive manner.  No excuses. Just an apology.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 13, 2022, 11:20:55 PM
ok, but coming out party is not a homophobic term and is often used in sports journalism without issue

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/08/sports/tennis/us-open-russia-ukraine.html

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2022, 03:24:18 AM
There is both covert and overt homophobia, racism and antisemitism. It was just a good moment to educate and all. Thats it really. You do not agree and that is fine.

I say the poster knew what he was doing especially with the Wesleyan reference.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 14, 2022, 03:35:15 AM
I do not need or want apologies. I am a big boy. Just asking for people to respect each other. Just some education on these issues and then pass it on in ur own world.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 14, 2022, 07:46:18 AM
Some responses:

Paul Newman:  How much did we "know" about Amherst prior?  We watched a fair bit of video and knew that the style might be a little different and appreciated the players were highly motivated, but to be fair, we knew in general anywhere in D3 was likely to be a change compared to the D1 environment.  D1 play is more structured and that's no surprise given the amount of time the coaches get to spend with their players.  Spring at WVU was intense. 

College Soccer Observer: I hope to get to watch a Middlebury game at South Street Field, I love the intensity of the match up.  The game I saw at Hitch was a great way to not just get introduced to the rivalry, but also to what is required to be successful in NESCAC.

D3 Coach: Yep, I have seen close up the respect that Coach Serpone is accorded by players, past & present and the broader Amherst community.  It's a real thing that has been earnt and as best I can tell, a strong factor in the programme's success.

EJay: I may have suffered some very minor nerve damage, but also, I do feel like it's a one way street at times and that if praise/respect is given, it tends to be in a back-handed, begrudging way.  On the more positive side, my son loves it there and regularly playing, along with the quality academics, makes it a tremendous experience.  Glad to hear you are rooting for them, along with a number of teams.  I do think it's the great thing about these boards, getting to hear and learn about different schools and how they are faring.  I feel like I know a lot more about D3 than I ever knew about D1 and that's due to everyone that contributes in here.

I'm from Perth, so the western side of the country and Australian Rules Football was more my thing.  I used to be quite passionate about it, but when my son's game times started to clash, it dropped off.  The team, Geelong, actually, won the equivalent of the Super Bowl in Australia this year, which under other circumstances, would have been celebrated for weeks on end.  Now, Amherst and Crystal Palace absorb my emotional energy.  So the rugby codes aren't quite me, but I watch occasionally.

4231Centreback: It was probably the use of "bludgeon" that sent me over the metaphorical edge.  We're all good. 

Pittsfield Pete: The yellow card count for Amherst is evidence enough that there is a physical edge to the game, but I am yet to see any NESCAC team back down from the challenge either.  My son cops his fair share of attention, but sometimes being 6ft 5 almost means that it has to be grievous bodily harm on him before a free kick can be called (but I reckon the parents of most central defenders would feel the same).

No Amherst game this weekend and I am suffering withdrawal symptoms.  Next week is Conn, really looking forward to it. 






Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 14, 2022, 07:59:14 AM
Did you say Pert,is that where we have the Gabba? :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 14, 2022, 08:02:00 AM
That's in Brisbane.  In Perth we used to have the WACA.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 14, 2022, 08:18:03 AM
OK! living in US too long forgot my cricket.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 14, 2022, 09:11:34 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 14, 2022, 03:24:18 AM
There is both covert and overt homophobia, racism and antisemitism. It was just a good moment to educate and all. Thats it really. You do not agree and that is fine.

I say the poster knew what he was doing especially with the Wesleyan reference.



I just joined the Board a couple weeks ago for some good old fashioned discussion on d3 soccer.  I am just an old retired coach who gave a lot to the soccer community and now i miss it.  I appreciate PA classics showing you that it is a common reference in sports media.

  I have no idea how you can draw the conclusion that what i said was intentional.  Please take my apology as sincere.  I have learned that you can offend others by actions and words even if non intentional and certainly not "covert". 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 14, 2022, 09:31:28 AM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 14, 2022, 09:11:34 AM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 14, 2022, 03:24:18 AM
There is both covert and overt homophobia, racism and antisemitism. It was just a good moment to educate and all. Thats it really. You do not agree and that is fine.

I say the poster knew what he was doing especially with the Wesleyan reference.



I just joined the Board a couple weeks ago for some good old fashioned discussion on d3 soccer.  I am just an old retired coach who gave a lot to the soccer community and now i miss it.  I appreciate PA classics showing you that it is a common reference in sports media.

  I have no idea how you can draw the conclusion that what i said was intentional.  Please take my apology as sincere.  I have learned that you can offend others by actions and words even if non intentional and certainly not "covert".


I always associated "coming out party" with debutante balls (those balls are a whole other discussion), but what do I know?  <shrug>. 

Welcome to the boards Coach - it'll be good to have your thoughts on the game. I encourage you to participate in our Weekly Pool - https://forms.gle/35Ss7yoHQFdy4BFJ9
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 14, 2022, 09:53:38 AM
@EnmoreCat...I understand your point about begrudging respect.  The flip side of this lament is that it is virtually impossible to say anything negative about Amherst without also acknowledging what a great program/school it is.  I also have begrudging respect for a handful of other programs, and other programs that are all quite varied...Messiah, Tufts, Calvin, OWU.  What do all these programs have in common?  They WIN.  And whatever the particulars are with each that someone like me can find irritating, the common denominator for all of them is that they win...and I'm not naive to the fact that dreaded rivals causing heartbreak, often repeatedly, is what 95% of the antipathy is about for me and probably many others.  In short, lol, I'd love Amherst a little more if they lost a little more!

As an aside, I wonder if you could share some of what seems like a very interesting and unusual story....Perth to WVU to Amherst.  I'm guessing that combo of places has never happened before.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on October 14, 2022, 01:38:17 PM
It's hard for those outside NESCAC to grasp the depth of feeling -- that heady mix of respect, irritation, anger, and, in some cases, humiliation-inflected "little-brotherness" -- that many folks associated with other NESCAC schools have toward the Amherst men's soccer program. The chief source of all that, of course, is Amherst's perennial success. But I'm glad that people brought up the word "bludgeoned," because there are other sources of people's feelings about Amherst men's soccer, and one of primary ones is pretty neatly captured in data. Have you ever looked at the conference's historic data set on fouls per game? In all but one year since NESCAC men's soccer achieved its current 11-team form in 2011, Amherst has finished first in NESCAC in fouls committed per game, sometimes by a breathtakingly wide margin (the exception was 2018, when Amherst finished just behind Middlebury in fouls per game). Let that sink in. The players turned over completely in those 12 years. The officials changed. Even the NCAA's rules and officiating "points of emphasis" changed. Even the average size of Amherst's roster changed, despite stereotypes to the contrary. But that one symptom remained constant. I've never seen any program-specific long-term historical trend like it at any level of the sport. There are generations of opposing players, coaches, parents, fans, and other observers who have witnessed (or felt) that disparity and emerged with permanently altered feelings about the experience and the factors that might have led to it. It's easy to see why former players find themselves using words like "bludgeoned," hyperbolic or not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 14, 2022, 01:59:01 PM
(Not to pile on, but KUDOS to Viking for bringing that back up. I knew absolutely nothing about the national D3 soccer scene when I first started lurking on this board 10 or so years ago before joining up about 6 years ago. The sentiment around Amherst was pretty well established, and as I started following and watching, their reputation as playing bully-ball was well-earned.

Quote from: Viking on October 14, 2022, 01:38:17 PM
It's hard for those outside NESCAC to grasp the depth of feeling -- that heady mix of respect, irritation, anger, and, in some cases, humiliation-inflected "little-brotherness" -- that many folks associated with other NESCAC schools have toward the Amherst men's soccer program. The chief source of all that, of course, is Amherst's perennial success. But I'm glad that people brought up the word "bludgeoned," because there are other sources of people's feelings about Amherst men's soccer, and one of primary ones is pretty neatly captured in data. Have you ever looked at the conference's historic data set on fouls per game? In all but one year since NESCAC men's soccer achieved its current 11-team form in 2011, Amherst has finished first in NESCAC in fouls committed per game, sometimes by a breathtakingly wide margin (the exception was 2018, when Amherst finished just behind Middlebury in fouls per game). Let that sink in. The players turned over completely in those 12 years. The officials changed. Even the NCAA's rules and officiating "points of emphasis" changed. Even the average size of Amherst's roster changed, despite stereotypes to the contrary. But that one symptom remained constant. I've never seen any program-specific long-term historical trend like it at any level of the sport. There are generations of opposing players, coaches, parents, fans, and other observers who have witnessed (or felt) that disparity and emerged with permanently altered feelings about the experience and the factors that might have led to it. It's easy to see why former players find themselves using words like "bludgeoned," hyperbolic or not.

Have some karma.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 14, 2022, 05:25:40 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 14, 2022, 01:59:01 PM
(Not to pile on, but KUDOS to Viking for bringing that back up. I knew absolutely nothing about the national D3 soccer scene when I first started lurking on this board 10 or so years ago before joining up about 6 years ago. The sentiment around Amherst was pretty well established, and as I started following and watching, their reputation as playing bully-ball was well-earned.

I think there has been a slight shift away from that, but just looking at one season or even a couple of years of perspective really does ignore the well-established histoyr of the progr
Quote from: Viking on October 14, 2022, 01:38:17 PM
It's hard for those outside NESCAC to grasp the depth of feeling -- that heady mix of respect, irritation, anger, and, in some cases, humiliation-inflected "little-brotherness" -- that many folks associated with other NESCAC schools have toward the Amherst men's soccer program. The chief source of all that, of course, is Amherst's perennial success. But I'm glad that people brought up the word "bludgeoned," because there are other sources of people's feelings about Amherst men's soccer, and one of primary ones is pretty neatly captured in data. Have you ever looked at the conference's historic data set on fouls per game? In all but one year since NESCAC men's soccer achieved its current 11-team form in 2011, Amherst has finished first in NESCAC in fouls committed per game, sometimes by a breathtakingly wide margin (the exception was 2018, when Amherst finished just behind Middlebury in fouls per game). Let that sink in. The players turned over completely in those 12 years. The officials changed. Even the NCAA's rules and officiating "points of emphasis" changed. Even the average size of Amherst's roster changed, despite stereotypes to the contrary. But that one symptom remained constant. I've never seen any program-specific long-term historical trend like it at any level of the sport. There are generations of opposing players, coaches, parents, fans, and other observers who have witnessed (or felt) that disparity and emerged with permanently altered feelings about the experience and the factors that might have led to it. It's easy to see why former players find themselves using words like "bludgeoned," hyperbolic or not.

Have some karma.



The real interesting thing about Amherst is that they play this style over the last couple years despite having a generational talent at the D3 level in Giamatti.  I think he literally averaged 5 shots per game last year, well in excess of any other single player.

My personal opinion is that this style will not be as effective as the overall skill and tactical capabilities of the players continue to improve, as it has over the last several years.  I am a fan of what Conn has done and they won it all.  Also Wesleyan and Hamilton play a possession oriented style.  The rest of the season will be a great test.

But don't get me wrong, Amherst will continue to bludgeon many, especially on their home pitch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 15, 2022, 01:11:21 PM
Was excited to tune into Bowdoin this weekend with a big home game against a surprising Hamilton team I haven't watched at all. Long story short, Bowdoin look quite good, like a legit top 4 NESCAC side, and Hamilton look like what Hamilton look maybe slightly better than a normal Hamilton team but nothing like the top team in the conference.

First 25-30

Bowdoin basically didn't engage Hamilton with their defensive line outside their own half for the first 25-30 minutes. They did a mix of quick countering and pressing bodies forward quickly when they won the ball alternating with slow possession, and we're pretty successful in both areas. Hamilton was able to swing the ball around well but rarely get it into the box, and when they did there was never anything close to enough space to get a shot off.

Bowdoin had the first big chance of the game on the counter, with Ward playing I believe Bae running off the back shoulder of the last defender. At the top of the 18 under pressure from a defender on one side and the goalie in front of him, missed the net wide left.

Second big chance of the game should have been a goal. Bowdoin attacked down the right in possesiin and the winger beat a man or two, 1-2d with a midfielder to get to the byline and beat one more, and sent in a low cross. Runner at the front post showed great awareness and composure to pay the ball back with the outside of his food to ward who was completely unmarked just inside and right of the PK spot. He should have scored but hit the outside of the post.

Bowdoin finally took the lead in simple fashion. Corner, with a great back post header from Juantorena who is very dangerous in the air.

Last 15-20 of the half

Game changed as the subs started to come in. Bowdoin was a bit more aggressive on defense and Hamilton had a bit more space to work in. They created their best and only real good chance of the half on a nice possession play, starting on the left side and showing good technique, strength and awareness to break through the bowdoin midfield and switch the ball to the right back isolated 1v1 with Bowdoin's LB or LM. He beat him clean to the inside and looked to be in alone on Bowdoin GK Webber but a Bowdoin player came out of nowhere and recovered to make a tackle before a shot could be taken.

After about 5-10 minutes Bowdoin subs seemed to settle (I suspect many were on the younger/inexperienced side). Game was more open generally with both teams able to get the ball into semi dangerous areas but never quite find a way through. On balance bowdoin having the better of the play still.

With I think about 5 minutes left bowdoin creates a nice counter but the final run and ball don't quite line up and the defender barely beats Matt Braver to the ball a couple yards outside the 18 sprinting towards his own goal. Problem is that his GK has come out and wants to clear the ball. All of a sudden there's a 3 man mess, the ball bounces out away from the goal but Braver is closest to it with the Hamilton GK second closest. Braver has good composure to not whack to ball off the goal immediately, and as the goalie back off to get back in the box (a mistake) he rolls it into the net.

On the whole

Bowdoin clearly the better team, probably by 1.5 goals maybe 2. Should be interesting to see how the teams come out in the second. This would be a huge result for Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 15, 2022, 01:22:47 PM
Hamilton with 5 minutes of pressure after half but can't break free, and bowdoin responds with 5-10 minutes of pressure if their own. Charlie Ward can't quite finish a breakaway when the ball gets a little away from him but after a couple more minutes of balls into the box and pressure, a second ball turns into a low cross that somehow squeaks into the corner (I suspect an own goal or scuffed shot).

3-0 Bowdoin, looking like a statement game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: upthepanthers on October 15, 2022, 01:24:31 PM
Four goals in 7 minutes for Middlebury, quite the offensive showing from #17 Andrew Juarez
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 15, 2022, 01:38:50 PM
Bowdoin apparently saved all their offense from the Trinity game for this one, scored a deserved 4th. Freshman Mateo Pacelli doing the tough work on the setup, he has been bright all game. Bowdoin doesn't have any spectacular attackers but they have at least 4 very good AM/wingers.

Shortly after the goal, Hamilton player with a great strike from outside the box that Webber's fingertips turn onto the crossbar. Great save. Bowdoin has put in its reserves now trying to get its starters a bit of rest given the score line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 15, 2022, 03:18:09 PM
After yesterday's daylong deluge and heavy winds, today was warmer, gentler, and partly sunny in Brunswick.  hiyasoccer did a nice job of summarizing the play-by-play.  My view from 30,000 feet was that Hamilton did a nice job of possession and buildup during the first 15-20 minutes, but weren't much of a threat once they got near the box.  Bowdoin looked more threatening on the counterattack.  Once Bowdoin scored their first, Hamilton seemed to become more tentative in their play.  They became very open in the back during the second half and a number of Bowdoin balls rolled right through the 6 yard box without being cleared.  Naturally, Bowdoin converted a couple of those to make it 4-0. 

Having not seen Hamilton play previously, my first guess would be that they might be accustomed to having the majority of possession and not having their back line and keeper under much pressure.  Bowdoin increased the pressure during the latter part of the first half and first part of the second half...and Hamilton appeared to crack.  Plus, no matter how young and athletic you are, a 6.5+ hour bus ride on stormy Friday isn't going to help your overall physical preparation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 15, 2022, 03:55:45 PM
Conn drops to Colby.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 15, 2022, 05:03:55 PM
Tufts can't get a goal against Bates and draw. 2 wins in 8 for jumbos, 2 wins in 7 from Conn. That certainly wasn't what I was expecting.

No letup for tufts, who have Midd and Bowdoin remaining. Conn have Amherst Bates and Wesleyan, a bit better. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 15, 2022, 08:18:06 PM
Middlebury 6 Trinity 0

A very strange game.  Trinity came out with a plan to sit deep, clog the passing lanes, and then break quickly.  Midd was out of sorts for the whole first half, and Trinity had a couple of solid chances.  The second half was insane.  As @SimpleCoach has been preaching, not enough keepers are good at catching the ball.  Just 1:25 into the second half, Kyle Nilsson put a shot on frame that the keeper failed to catch, and the resulting rebound was put away by a hustling Alem Hadzic.  Midd made it 2-0 less than a minute later on an Andrew Juarez blast from 25 yards.  Juarez got a second less than two minutes later.  Luke Madden headed in a corner kick from Eujin Chae for Midd's 4th within 7 minutes.  Hadzic got his brace in the 64th minute before Brendan Barry closed out the scoring with a header in the 79th minute.  Middlebury is starting to find an offensive rythym and the defense is holding up well despite the injuries.  Currently Hank Nelson (out since 9/10 vs Amherst), Will O'Brien (injured 10/1 vs Wesleyan), and Casey Lund (injured during the week), all of whom have started at outside back this year are all out. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2022, 12:31:04 PM
Wesleyan's Senior Day Game against Williams was played in front of a nice crowd on a perfect sunny day. Wes was in a 3-5-2 to start the Game against a Williams side who were in their usual tight and pinched 4-4-2 that at times can morph into a 4-2-2-2 in which the Game could be played in a narrow hallway.

Wes Starters:   

GK #0 Liam Devanny, LCB #26 Chris Porte, CB #5 Evan O'Brien and RCB #3 Max Hofstetter. Centrally Wes had #6 Soren Tollis holding with #8 Matthew Rubinstein and #10 Lucas Ruehlemann. Wide Right #21 Chris Textor and Wide Left #12 Zach Wheeler had the flanks to themselves up and down with #20 Kyle Burbage and #9 Dane Harmaty up top. 

Williams Starters:

GK #30 Ben Diffley, Back 4 was LB #29 Daniel Zhang, LCB #11 Eamon Gara Grady, RCB #6 Nick Boardman and RB #17 Sam Gibson. #8 Felipe Gutierrez and #12 Cole Morriello were Central with #23 Dan Rayhill on the right and #19 Henry Osborn left. Up top #7 Nathan Song and #3 Brady Foehl.


1st Half:
Wesleyan controlled most of the play 1st Half. They were possessing nicely all Half and were at least trying to move the ball forward with pace and purpose running and passing in attack. Trying as much as you can to constantly put the opponent on their back foot a perfect system for Wesleyan's midfield with smaller quicker players. Also, they were switching the field nicely using the width of the field with #12 Wheeler, #21 Texter and especially #35 Phillip Cubeddu running freely up and down the flanks. The wingers worked hard as they had to defend as well. Centrally, #26 Porte looks to be getting back in the lineup from injury with #5 O'Brien in the back. Wes got some crosses in and had a few good looks, but Williams was organized defensively and jammed up the box to snuff out the Wes final pass or shot. Williams sat a little more compact and deeper than they usually do at Home which meant they also backed off the press a bit. Williams GK Diffley made a couple nice saves on the day and his defense forced Wes into rushing that final pass and shot. Williams back 4 has been playing well of late with all four showing hustle and battle. #6 Boardman wins everything in the air and The Frosh #17 Gibson at RB continues his good play.

2nd Half:
Williams picked up the pace after halftime and showed much better energy and purpose in attack. They threatened some but nothing really dangerous until the goal. I mean 1 SOG all Game is not going to cut it. Without #13 Will Felitto up top they are missing a huge target. However, I still say they need more crosses from the wing and not in the air but get it to the goal line and then pull back with a worm burner or some nice low "stingers" that players just need to get a foot to or volley. For Wes they were not as clean with the ball this half, but they still had some looks with both Porte and Tollis missing a couple sitters on the 6. Porte was funny as Williams #24 Mohamed Keussom schooled him a bit 1v1 on a random counter that died before any SOG. After the play, Porte seemed to get a quick glance at who burned him because about a minute later Keussom had the ball at his feet in a tight spot near "the touch" and Porte came in with a clean but hard slide tackle welcoming the Frosh to his field.



Goals:
Both Goals were legit:

Williams Goal --An old school Williams counter off of a Wes chance on Goal. Wes misplayed the ball and Williams #24 Keussom broke out with the ball and released #22 Jake Saudek who was breaking downfield. Saudek takes one looooong touch but does well with a faked shot and then a great ball (worm burner) across the box to the Frosh #32 Henry Kirkman who was wide open. Now in this situation, with any Frosh who has not played many minutes, you have absolutely no idea what could happen next. It could be calmly buried, slowly rushed and miss hit, hit right at the goalie or absolutely blasted 40 yards over the goal. Kirkman calmly buried. It was not as easy as I made it sound because Wes GK #0 Devanny and another defender were closing hard.

Wes Goal--As the official Wes box score said #35 dribbles through several players and centers to #10. Umm Cubeddu he BLEW by several players then played another worm burner hard across the box with a teammate's dummy not affecting Ruehlemann who calmly buried it. Great goal as both players are so dangerous for Wes in attack. Ruehlemann understands how to put smiles on people's faces...Look at all those teeth. https://images.sidearmdev.com/resize?url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/athletics.wesleyan.edu/images/2022/10/15/Lucas_Ruehlemann_1RtbK.jpg&width=942&height=&type=jpeg&gravity=&quality=80






Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 16, 2022, 12:52:23 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 14, 2022, 01:38:17 PM
It's hard for those outside NESCAC to grasp the depth of feeling -- that heady mix of respect, irritation, anger, and, in some cases, humiliation-inflected "little-brotherness" -- that many folks associated with other NESCAC schools have toward the Amherst men's soccer program. The chief source of all that, of course, is Amherst's perennial success. But I'm glad that people brought up the word "bludgeoned," because there are other sources of people's feelings about Amherst men's soccer, and one of primary ones is pretty neatly captured in data. Have you ever looked at the conference's historic data set on fouls per game? In all but one year since NESCAC men's soccer achieved its current 11-team form in 2011, Amherst has finished first in NESCAC in fouls committed per game, sometimes by a breathtakingly wide margin (the exception was 2018, when Amherst finished just behind Middlebury in fouls per game). Let that sink in. The players turned over completely in those 12 years. The officials changed. Even the NCAA's rules and officiating "points of emphasis" changed. Even the average size of Amherst's roster changed, despite stereotypes to the contrary. But that one symptom remained constant. I've never seen any program-specific long-term historical trend like it at any level of the sport. There are generations of opposing players, coaches, parents, fans, and other observers who have witnessed (or felt) that disparity and emerged with permanently altered feelings about the experience and the factors that might have led to it. It's easy to see why former players find themselves using words like "bludgeoned," hyperbolic or not.

This is really well done.  Made me stop what I was doing and think about this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 17, 2022, 12:02:07 PM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 15, 2022, 03:55:45 PM
Conn drops to Colby.

SC.
I did watch this game and was highly entertained. Game got stretched late and it was up and down. I will try to do a recap tonight. Conn actually looked pretty good driving up the field but Colby was well organized in their defensive end. Conn had some really good looks to level and maybe find a winner but nothing. Still Conn played really well for spurts in this game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 17, 2022, 01:10:49 PM
Oct. 19   Colby v Bowdoin   3:00 PM   
   Hamilton v Williams       3:00 PM   
   Connecticut College v Amherst 3:30 PM


My friends, this Wednesday's schedule in NESCAC, please adjust your individual schedules accordingly!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 18, 2022, 11:57:00 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 17, 2022, 01:10:49 PM
Oct. 19   Colby v Bowdoin   3:00 PM   
   Hamilton v Williams       3:00 PM   
   Connecticut College v Amherst 3:30 PM


My friends, this Wednesday's schedule in NESCAC, please adjust your individual schedules accordingly!
Any predictions for Conn/Amherst?  Amherst should be extra motivated--if that is even possible--in rematch of 2021 tournament final.  They have had 10 days to prepare and will have bludgeons and cudgels ready.  Conn has been off this year, but also unlucky.  They remain a highly skilled team with a strong roster.  Massey has Conn as a big underdog, but if they are going to right the ship this is a great time and place to start.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 18, 2022, 12:08:35 PM
I have lots of respect and admiration for both teams, last two meetings were ties in 90 minutes, I think the same will happen here. Conn has scored only 5 goals in NESCAC this year, however they have given up only 5, think all three games will be tied!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 18, 2022, 12:50:00 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 18, 2022, 12:08:35 PM
I have lots of respect and admiration for both teams, last two meetings were ties in 90 minutes, I think the same will happen here. Conn has scored only 5 goals in NESCAC this year, however they have given up only 5, think all three games will be tied!





If the game were on Conn's turf field I would go with Conn but since the game is at Amherst I do not see how they have the size to compete against the 20+ corner and throws that will come in the box.  I bet Amherst has not cut the grass this week. They will make it a mosh pit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 18, 2022, 01:12:17 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 18, 2022, 12:50:00 PM
If the game were on Conn's turf field I would go with Conn but since the game is at Amherst I do not see how they have the size to compete against the 20+ corner and throws that will come in the box.  I bet Amherst has not cut the grass this week. They will make it a mosh pit.

Conn College seems to have switched GKs in mid-season from Maidenberg to Silvester.  Not sure if that is injury or performance-related, but I recall Coach Burk implying on an interview before the season with Simple Coach that the GK position was not as settled as one might think based on the starter from the championship team returning.  If it was performance-related, one thing Silvester seems to bring over Maidenberg is a couple inches more in size and, from what I can tell from the few games I have seen him, a general inclination to come off his line and challenge for balls in the air.  Both could be helpful with those balls into the box.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 18, 2022, 01:23:01 PM
I noticed the keeper switch as well, I know Madienberg ,so maybe a bit biased, he played with my son in club before college and on summer teams, Sylvester has sharper reflexes but overall I don't think he is better.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 18, 2022, 03:15:21 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 18, 2022, 01:23:01 PM
I noticed the keeper switch as well, I know Madienberg ,so maybe a bit biased, he played with my son in club before college and on summer teams, Sylvester has sharper reflexes but overall I don't he is better.
Quote from: Kuiper on October 18, 2022, 01:12:17 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 18, 2022, 12:50:00 PM
If the game were on Conn's turf field I would go with Conn but since the game is at Amherst I do not see how they have the size to compete against the 20+ corner and throws that will come in the box.  I bet Amherst has not cut the grass this week. They will make it a mosh pit.

Conn College seems to have switched GKs in mid-season from Maidenberg to Silvester.  Not sure if that is injury or performance-related, but I recall Coach Burk implying on an interview before the season with Simple Coach that the GK position was not as settled as one might think based on the starter from the championship team returning.  If it was performance-related, one thing Silvester seems to bring over Maidenberg is a couple inches more in size and, from what I can tell from the few games I have seen him, a general inclination to come off his line and challenge for balls in the air.  Both could be helpful with those balls into the box.

Silvester was not good in the air against Middlebury, as the only goal of the game was scored on a cross/shot that he misjudged and did not get a touch on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 18, 2022, 03:36:50 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 18, 2022, 03:15:21 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 18, 2022, 01:23:01 PM
I noticed the keeper switch as well, I know Madienberg ,so maybe a bit biased, he played with my son in club before college and on summer teams, Sylvester has sharper reflexes but overall I don't he is better.
Quote from: Kuiper on October 18, 2022, 01:12:17 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 18, 2022, 12:50:00 PM
If the game were on Conn's turf field I would go with Conn but since the game is at Amherst I do not see how they have the size to compete against the 20+ corner and throws that will come in the box.  I bet Amherst has not cut the grass this week. They will make it a mosh pit.

Conn College seems to have switched GKs in mid-season from Maidenberg to Silvester.  Not sure if that is injury or performance-related, but I recall Coach Burk implying on an interview before the season with Simple Coach that the GK position was not as settled as one might think based on the starter from the championship team returning.  If it was performance-related, one thing Silvester seems to bring over Maidenberg is a couple inches more in size and, from what I can tell from the few games I have seen him, a general inclination to come off his line and challenge for balls in the air.  Both could be helpful with those balls into the box.

Silvester was not good in the air against Middlebury, as the only goal of the game was scored on a cross/shot that he misjudged and did not get a touch on.

I missed that.  As I said, I really haven't seen him enough to judge his ability, but I did notice his size and willingness to come off his line in the few times I have seen him.  Sometimes, that willingness can be a bad thing if it's not accompanied by good timing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 18, 2022, 03:49:20 PM
A bit of NESCAC trivia that not everyone may be aware of.  I believe I read somewhere last year that Bowdoin's CM Julian Juantorena is related to the legendary Alberto Juantorena...who won 800M and 400M gold at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.  Julian may not be as fast as his relative, but he's had a very solid season thus far...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 18, 2022, 04:01:40 PM
That came across my mind each time his name is mentioned in a game, because I have never heard of another.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on October 18, 2022, 06:09:40 PM
Quote from: northman on October 18, 2022, 03:49:20 PM
A bit of NESCAC trivia that not everyone may be aware of.  I believe I read somewhere last year that Bowdoin's CM Julian Juantorena is related to the legendary Alberto Juantorena...who won 800M and 400M gold at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.  Julian may not be as fast as his relative, but he's had a very solid season thus far...
Thank you for this interesting fact. As a former runner and big track fan, I momentarily wondered about this—but, only momentarily. I didn't bother to do any research on it.

I still have a copy of Track & Field News from September 1976. On the cover is a photo of the Cuban at the finish of the 800, hands raised in triumph. The headline, "Juantorena / Two-torena." I think at that time he was the only person to do that particular double in the Olympics, and I cannot recall anyone doing it since either. A bull of of man, he was—stronger than anyone else in either event.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 18, 2022, 08:54:43 PM
Middlebury got tied by WPI 0-0!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 18, 2022, 09:53:59 PM
That is two hours of my life I will not get back.  Ball was bouncing all over the place on the turf and field is shorter and narrower than Midd's.  Thankfully, their new turf is much nicer.  Midd dominated in terms of shots (20-11, with 9 on frame vs 2) but could not find a way through.  Midd still missing Nelson, O'Brien, Lund in the back and started Powers at right back.  Credit to WPI for grinding out a result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2022, 02:42:14 AM
4 teams have a Game in hand, and this is that Game:

Hamilton at Williams
Conn at Amherst

Also, a CBB Game and Colby's Season in balance:

Colby at Bowdoin
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2022, 02:59:14 AM
Colby gutted out a 1-0 revenge Win over 2021 National Champ Conn College who had ended Colby's season in the Nescac Semi's last year. They did it on a Senior Day recognizing a weighty 12 SENIORS most of whom came back for that 5th year / xtra semester and really gave a lot to this program. They have accomplished plenty including winning the 2018 Nescac Championship but are on the brink now fighting for their playoff lives. The 3 pts Colby got from the Conn game got Colby back in the hunt. Question is now how do they finish it off? It has been a roller coaster season with an unprecedented 7 straight Draws. That is eye opening stuff. All those late leads given up and now I think they might need all 6 pts in these last two games to be safe. Let's see what they got left in the tank.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2022, 03:11:52 AM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 18, 2022, 01:12:17 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 18, 2022, 12:50:00 PM
If the game were on Conn's turf field I would go with Conn but since the game is at Amherst I do not see how they have the size to compete against the 20+ corner and throws that will come in the box.  I bet Amherst has not cut the grass this week. They will make it a mosh pit.

Conn College seems to have switched GKs in mid-season from Maidenberg to Silvester.  Not sure if that is injury or performance-related, but I recall Coach Burk implying on an interview before the season with Simple Coach that the GK position was not as settled as one might think based on the starter from the championship team returning.  If it was performance-related, one thing Silvester seems to bring over Maidenberg is a couple inches more in size and, from what I can tell from the few games I have seen him, a general inclination to come off his line and challenge for balls in the air.  Both could be helpful with those balls into the box.


Not sure which is the better GK, but Conn likes to use the GK as their 12th man. That was the risk / reward last year with #00 Maidenberg as the keeper / sweeper. They like their GK to have real good touch and use their feet like Man City. #1 Silvester does not have the same quickness and feet as Maidenberg
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 19, 2022, 03:27:06 AM
Love how Bowdoin has the highlights with the recap. Little effort goes a long way. 4-0 Win over Hamilton.

https://youtu.be/VnjKe06s4lY
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Soccer2022 on October 19, 2022, 02:06:46 PM
Noticed the GK switch as well and was very surprised given Maidenberg delivered the tin last year and I think he played every game.  Maybe the best feet of any GK in Nescac.  Perhaps a bit undersize at 6ft for today's coaches who like BIG keepers, but seems to make up for it with athleticism and positioning.  Watched him go up and get or swat away ball after ball against Tufts in the Elite 8 and Amherst in the finals.  Not sure what motivated the switch but seems like CC misses the leadership and the level of competitiveness he brings. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 19, 2022, 02:24:14 PM
Big GKs... Such a silly filter for a goalie.

I used to have the shortest player on my team put their back up against the tallest. Then I'd ask the shortest to put his/her arms up as high as they could while still flat-footed.

Invariably, the arms stretched at least to the neck, but most of the times the hands were above the head. Then I'd walk them over to the goal and have them touch the bottom of the goalpost, and stretch up with the opposite hand to touch the post above. It's almost always about the same as the players actual height.

So, as a goalie, you don't even need to have a crazy high vertical leap to get up and above even the tallest players on the field.

And not to keep beating this drum, but this is what is so frustrating when goalies don't catch lofted balls into the box. A properly trained and motivated goalie beats the opposition to a ball in the air every time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 19, 2022, 03:36:11 PM
Game underway on a cow pasture in Amherst!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 19, 2022, 03:39:59 PM
I'll always remain baffled at how many NESCAC schools have such subpar facilities given their financial resources.  It's not just in soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 19, 2022, 03:43:07 PM
I mean... I've seen some stuff, man... At least the surface is level and not full of potholes and other nonsense. (Talking Amherst, to be clear.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 19, 2022, 03:49:49 PM
Jeez. Amherst a bit lucky not to see a straight on that tackle. Why do that?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 19, 2022, 04:04:07 PM
thoughts on that penalty?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 19, 2022, 04:06:37 PM
Extremely soft, IMO. FWD did a nice job of selling it, but the guy just laid his leg on the ground and the Amherst player allowed that to "trip" him up.

Not something I'd be absolutely livid about, but certainly one the ref could've waved off.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 19, 2022, 04:14:28 PM
don't think it was legit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 19, 2022, 04:26:44 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 19, 2022, 04:06:37 PM
Extremely soft, IMO. FWD did a nice job of selling it, but the guy just laid his leg on the ground and the Amherst player allowed that to "trip" him up.

Not something I'd be absolutely livid about, but certainly one the ref could've waved off.

I would not have called that.  Looks almost like he lost his footing when he tried to cut the ball on the defender.  Real soft.

Will also say, and I get they are at home.  The amount of shirt grabbing they get away with, and with a linesman right there in one instance, is ridiculous.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 19, 2022, 04:30:43 PM
So, that's the first significant chunk of time I've been able to watch Amherst and/or Conn this year.

* - Amherst, despite a kind of dodgy PK call, deserves that 1-0 lead. They absolutely should be up at least 2-0 but their speedy striker missed what really was kind of a sitter of a breakaway. Those that saw will know what I mean. He did well to get past his defender and maybe just had too much time to think about it. They do seem to foul unnecessarily at times. And a lot of stuff is going uncalled. Also felt like if the ref was giving the Camels a yellow for one of those fouls, at least a couple more could've come out on the Mammoths. Really, the only spots where the Camels were "dangerous" were off of set pieces given up on (IMO) silly fouls. But they press like it's do-or-die and make it very difficult for the opposition.

* - Conn Co... Just, not sure what their plan is after they reach the half-field stripe. They are trying to play possession out of the back and it's almost like they collectively sigh after breaking the press and kind of take their foot off the petal? I dunno, just seemed to lack the type of decisive ball movement I loved from them last year. Not getting the midfield linkage and consistent attacking you need against a high-press team.

Won't be able to catch the 2nd half, but would be shocked if this turns out other than a Mammoth win.

=-=-==

Meanwhile, Bowdoin draws an almost comical PK when the Colby keeper pretty much bear hugs the forward on a misplayed ball past the CB, leaving him one v. one.

1-0 getting deep into the 2nd half. I don't have a feel for that one, so no idea how that one will end.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 19, 2022, 05:23:14 PM
That Conn College goal was a classic illustration of why height does not mean a GK is good with balls in the air.  Not sure why the Amherst GK couldn't hold onto the ball.  My guess is @Hopkins92 will have a Simple Coach-like reaction to that one being why his prediction of a Mammoth win didn't come true
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 19, 2022, 06:22:20 PM
Amherst had two or three near misses in the first half, which were goalkeeper errors. Sly a bit shaky, anyone noticed?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 19, 2022, 07:19:52 PM
This is what I posted in my notes....

-  Seriously, Amherst got lucky.  Playing pulls down Conn#14 when he is on the break.  Make the case that it should have been a red, instead it's a yellow.
-  And on that same play, Keeper comes out on the cross from the free kick... drops it and Conn puts it in the back of the net for the goal. 
-  Amherst 1, Conn 1.
-  This gives me an aneurism seeing this.  He is 6 foot ginormous and can't hold on to the ball, which tells me he didn't have good control of it EVEN if he was knocked, which I am wondering if he was since they really didn't protest or go nuts on it.  This to me is elementary.  It's a decision he made to catch it.  So he should have caught it.  If he decided the traffic was too much so he decided to punch the ball, then punch it to the moon.  He either made the right decision, but failed to execute.  Or made the wrong decision, and cost the team the goal.  Either way it's all on him.   Give me a smart, athletic 6 foot keeper over one who is 6 foot ginormous but can't catch, or doesn't have a mind for the game.
-  So, tweaked by this I am done watching.

I mean, I don't think either goalkeeper is particularly good.  The Amherst Keeper is not the first time I noticed his poor hands, and the Conn Keeper just really doesn't look comfortable with the game.  He is fine with the shot, but as the game develops he looks a bit confused.  Not sure if that's the right word, but he doesn't look like he understands whats going on.  The distribution  with his hands is downright awful.

There, I think I need a sedative right now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 19, 2022, 07:39:36 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 19, 2022, 05:23:14 PM
That Conn College goal was a classic illustration of why height does not mean a GK is good with balls in the air.  Not sure why the Amherst GK couldn't hold onto the ball.  My guess is @Hopkins92 will have a Simple Coach-like reaction to that one being why his prediction of a Mammoth win didn't come true

I think Simple Coach had a sufficient Simple Coach-like reaction.

:D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sir.MixALotz on October 19, 2022, 08:18:51 PM
So an Amherst player pulls down a Conn attacker....hmmm...

Quote from: Mr.Right on October 16, 2022, 12:52:23 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 14, 2022, 01:38:17 PM
It's hard for those outside NESCAC to grasp the depth of feeling -- that heady mix of respect, irritation, anger, and, in some cases, humiliation-inflected "little-brotherness" -- that many folks associated with other NESCAC schools have toward the Amherst men's soccer program. The chief source of all that, of course, is Amherst's perennial success. But I'm glad that people brought up the word "bludgeoned," because there are other sources of people's feelings about Amherst men's soccer, and one of primary ones is pretty neatly captured in data. Have you ever looked at the conference's historic data set on fouls per game? In all but one year since NESCAC men's soccer achieved its current 11-team form in 2011, Amherst has finished first in NESCAC in fouls committed per game, sometimes by a breathtakingly wide margin (the exception was 2018, when Amherst finished just behind Middlebury in fouls per game). Let that sink in. The players turned over completely in those 12 years. The officials changed. Even the NCAA's rules and officiating "points of emphasis" changed. Even the average size of Amherst's roster changed, despite stereotypes to the contrary. But that one symptom remained constant. I've never seen any program-specific long-term historical trend like it at any level of the sport. There are generations of opposing players, coaches, parents, fans, and other observers who have witnessed (or felt) that disparity and emerged with permanently altered feelings about the experience and the factors that might have led to it. It's easy to see why former players find themselves using words like "bludgeoned," hyperbolic or not.

This is really well done.  Made me stop what I was doing and think about this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sir.MixALotz on October 19, 2022, 08:22:56 PM
Amherst 6 yellow cards....to 1 for Conn...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 19, 2022, 09:40:43 PM
6 yellow cards in a game!?!?!? I'm not even mad, I'm just impressed. NESCAC refs do not produce yellows very easily most of the time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 19, 2022, 11:03:53 PM
Disappointing result for the Mammoths supporters, but fair play to Conn, when the chance came, they took it.  On (my) balance I thought Amherst had enough chances to win, but equally could have said that for many games this season, the solace is that the undefeated record remains intact, but doing the business in 90 moves teams up the rankings.

I acknowledge the yellow card count, but equally, am very surprised there weren't more Conn players in the notebook also. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 20, 2022, 09:38:23 AM
By the way, when I was making my way into the stands last Saturday for the Bowdoin v Hamilton game, I saw former Bowdoin assistant coach Mike Healy (a retired attorney and a big contributor to youth soccer in Maine) sitting with Justin Serpone.  Serpone was undoubtedly there to scout both teams, but especially Hamilton in advance of their upcoming matchup.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 20, 2022, 11:47:40 AM
Quote from: northman on October 20, 2022, 09:38:23 AM
By the way, when I was making my way into the stands last Saturday for the Bowdoin v Hamilton game, I saw former Bowdoin assistant coach Mike Healy (a retired attorney and a big contributor to youth soccer in Maine) sitting with Justin Serpone.  Serpone was undoubtedly there to scout both teams, but especially Hamilton in advance of their upcoming matchup.




I am not a fan of how Serpone coaches or his tactics but I give him this.....he works hard.  I have seen him at several games in person scouting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on October 20, 2022, 12:05:57 PM
Quote from: northman on October 20, 2022, 09:38:23 AM
By the way, when I was making my way into the stands last Saturday for the Bowdoin v Hamilton game, I saw former Bowdoin assistant coach Mike Healy (a retired attorney and a big contributor to youth soccer in Maine) sitting with Justin Serpone.  Serpone was undoubtedly there to scout both teams, but especially Hamilton in advance of their upcoming matchup.

Serpone left before the game was over. Actually, it was over at the half, but that's not my point. ;) I'm assuming Serpone left to go watch Conn at Colby in advance of the match-up yesterday. Thanks for pointing out the gentleman he was sitting with--I saw their greeting and figured he was a former colleague of sorts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 20, 2022, 12:36:52 PM
Mike Healy, who is approaching 80, is a native Mainer who became a varsity soccer and lacrosse player at Brown in the early 60s.  He was both the assistant club coach and assistant college coach to two successive Irishmen here in Maine...first Brian Ainsough and then Fran O'Leary.  My younger son played for both of those coaches at the club level, and then O'Leary at Bowdoin.  O'Leary is now head coach at Mass, and one of my son's Bowdoin teammates...D3 All American Ben Brewster...is Fran's assistant coach.  Mike Healy has done a lot over several decades to support youth soccer in Maine...from coaching to fundraising to (frankly) being O'Leary's primary recruiter.  The sport could use more people like Mike Healy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 21, 2022, 09:35:27 AM
Quote from: Sir.MixALotz on October 19, 2022, 08:22:56 PM
Amherst 6 yellow cards....to 1 for Conn...

Amherst leads the nation in fouls committed per game - 16.08 (and T16 in Yellows cards at 35).  Pfieffer is only two spots behind them, and "only" have 14.64.

But man, 16.08 fouls is one every 5.5 minutes.  Talk about disrupting the flow of the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 21, 2022, 12:11:49 PM
Quote from: northman on October 20, 2022, 12:36:52 PM
Mike Healy, who is approaching 80, is a native Mainer who became a varsity soccer and lacrosse player at Brown in the early 60s.  He was both the assistant club coach and assistant college coach to two successive Irishmen here in Maine...first Brian Ainsough and then Fran O'Leary.  My younger son played for both of those coaches at the club level, and then O'Leary at Bowdoin.  O'Leary is now head coach at Mass, and one of my son's Bowdoin teammates...D3 All American Ben Brewster...is Fran's assistant coach.  Mike Healy has done a lot over several decades to support youth soccer in Maine...from coaching to fundraising to (frankly) being O'Leary's primary recruiter.  The sport could use more people like Mike Healy.

Second this.  Coach Mike regularly attends games and based on his comments also watches a lot of practices.  Lovely man with a lot of knowledge and great insight.  He usually has a walking stick and enjoys chatting with fans.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 21, 2022, 09:23:21 PM
Wes at Bowdoin- Bowdoin is playing some of its most consistent soccer in a long time. Bowdoin are in the driver's seat for winning the league and hosting rights. I have no shame in admitting I picked this team to finish 9th/11 and I could not have been more wrong. They have more dangerous attacking players than years past to go along with that stingy defense. Bowdoin sits 10-1-2 and their GK #1 Michael Webber and his defense have 6 straight shutouts. He and the defense have not given up a Goal since Sept 25th v Williams and only 4 Goals allowed all year.. Most important is that Bowdoin unlike other teams have seemed to avoid the injury bug. Wes looked good 1st Half v Williams, tailed off after Halftime and then found a Goal to tie the game up. This has been a tight matchup in years past. I would not expect the floodgates to be opening here in this game. Both teams need this Game for different reasons. Bowdoin to Win the title and Wes needs a solid ranked Win. Wes needs to find the first Goal and then keep looking for the 2nd so as to not allow Bowdoin back into the Game. Bowdoin scores first I think they Win this Game 1-0 Bowdoin

Amherst at Hamilton-Hamilton is 8-1-4 but 0-1-3 in their last 4. Hamilton has been missing BOTH CB's with #4 Sebastian Ghosh and #8 Julian Jacobs I am guessing are injured. Horrible time to be facing Amherst without my two starting CB"S. Hamilton was not the deepest team to begin with and cannot afford injuries like this especially with Amherst rolling into town. Amherst is 7-1-5 but 5 pts behind Hamilton for 3rd with a Game in hand Wednesday against Trinity.  You can bet Amherst will be pressing Hamilton's inexperienced backline hard to start the Game. Hamilton needs to be ready to go from the hop. I learned my lesson picking against Hamilton at Home v Tufts but missing 2 CB's for me is the difference. Amherst 3-2

Bates at Conn- I thought Conn looked good 2nd Half at Amherst and while not generating as many scoring chances as they would have liked played some decent futbol. NMH Frosh #35 Maurice Pigola showed a bull in midfield with the ball at his feet and played well with the starters. He looks a good replacement for the injured #8 Rye Jaran. While Conn is 6-4-3 they are 5-2-1 at Home with a key Win over Babson. Conn has had all kinds of problems finishing but have looked good recently from 18 to 18 and if they can finish, they should dispatch a frisky Bates team. Bates is still hanging on by a thread but will need to Win its final 2 Games and get some help. They have nothing to lose which could put the pressure right onto Conn's back. Conn 3-1

Williams at Trinity- Trin is officially eliminated at 1-9-3 (0-7-1) so this will be a spoiler roll for them to finish out the season. They are also still looking for their first Nescac Win in over 5 years so that might motivate them but usually Trinity does not take to the spoiler role well and in the past have not finished up well. Williams is 4-1-8 but only 3 pts ahead of 9th Place so they need a Win here badly. A Win would get Williams to 14pts and safely in the Nescac Playoffs. #8 Gutierrez or #12 Morriello will get the Winner for the Ephs. Williams 2-1

Midd at Tufts- Game of the Wknd as Midd is trying to Win the league for the first time since 2008. Tufts is fighting for its playoff lives and frankly its season. They are 6-2-5 (2-2-4) and are 2-0-3 at Home. They have only given up 2 Goals in the last 6 Games while scoring 14 so that is real good news even if it was against UMFarmington, Trinity, Clark and Bates. I have not seen Midd play in a few weeks, so I am really looking forward to this Game to see how they are rounding into form before the Playoffs. This Game is going to be a fun battle with a lot on the line for both teams. 1-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 22, 2022, 02:19:18 PM
Not the prettiest Bowdoin win but they get it done. First half was pretty tight and even but the game opened up once for each team. Bowdoin had a small edge for the first 10 minutes of the second faded and Wesleyan was the better team in the run of play for the rest of the half. They did a great job of pressing Bowdoin, forcing turnovers and pinning them in. But Bowdoin defense had a solid game, and on the occasions where Wesleyan were able to get the ball into dangerous areas they didn't have the composure and quality to put a half chance on goal or turn a decent situation into a good situation.

With about 10 minutes left Juantorena received a pass deep in midfield with his body open and immediately send Tyler Huck away with a perfect ball. Wesleyan keeper caught in no man's land and shuck had a really nice volleyed finish to the far bottom corner.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 22, 2022, 03:07:12 PM
I just returned from the Bowdoin v Wesleyan game as well.  What an absolutely gorgeous autumn day!  I think hiyasoccer summarized the game fairly aptly.  The only nuance that I would add was...that from my perspective...Bowdoin was generally calm in ceding possession to Wesleyan for long periods of the first half.  To me it looked like they were setting up to counterattack.  Given Wesleyan's overall purported skill level, I was a little surprised that they seemed to play a lot of long balls out of the back. 

In the second half, I thought that Bowdoin asserted themselves more and were higher quality in possession than Wesleyan.  I remember looking up at the scoreboard early in the second half and noting that Bowdoin was outshooting Wesleyan 5-2 at that point.  And you're right, the winning goal was a beauty...from Juantorena's well placed ball over the top to Huck's calm finish.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 22, 2022, 05:28:50 PM
Hamilton 0 Amherst 4

First things first and I am not sure if it's the first time in conference, D3 or even college soccer full stop, but today, one of the assistants required a flag change.  Very happy for anyone to nominate seeing something similar, but in the 40 plus years I have been involved in the game, that's a new one for me.  There was no advice on the name of the substitute flag or the fate of the replaced one.  It might be something for Simple Coach and Paul Newman to check out with the media guy.

I noticed on the livestream, one Hamilton player on crutches and it sounds like injuries have come at the wrong time for them.  Certainly the team we saw today really couldn't be the same one that beat all of Midd, Tufts and Conn, all outstanding results.  But of course, it's the team the Mammoths played today, so for the Amhaters, don't panic, it may not mean as much as it might have meant in September.

Nevertheless, it was a dominant display by Amherst and the one thing that was better about today was that when the team enjoyed dominance, they actually scored.  Certainly the scoreline was more than fair.   The Hamilton keeper made one outstanding save in the first half, which meant at half time they were still in the game at just 1-0 down, but really it was hanging in.

The second half saw more of the same from the Mammoths and in the end, it was a pretty convincing win.  A fifth clean sheet out of six is a joy for the father of a central defender also.  The team hasn't been playing badly, but as we know draws aren't always easy to draw satisfaction from (even though I don't mind them if my team has been struggling) and this year, doing the business in 90 is what it's all about and hopefully a solid platform for what lies ahead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 22, 2022, 05:38:16 PM
Amhaters is very funny.

I can only speak for myself, I don't "hate" any D3 school (anymore), and definitely not NESCAC teams...

It's nothing personal to call them on being the highest fouling team in the nation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 22, 2022, 06:19:51 PM
Tufts with a huge win over Middlebury.  They were on the outside looking in for the first regional rankings.  This win should probably get them in the next regional ranking with an opportunity against Bowdoin next week to further bolster their resume
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 22, 2022, 06:24:13 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 22, 2022, 05:38:16 PM
Amhaters is very funny.

I can only speak for myself, I don't "hate" any D3 school (anymore), and definitely not NESCAC teams...

It's nothing personal to call them on being the highest fouling team in the nation.

Just me being sensitive Hopkins92! And the term embraces a multitude of negative sentiment types.

I just wanna know what was wrong with the flag, that's the real story coming out of this game...

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 22, 2022, 08:53:21 PM
Since I can't give karma points, I hereby nominate @enmorecat as the Nicest Soccer Parent on the D3 boards. I love reading your posts, @enmorecat!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 22, 2022, 09:28:26 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 22, 2022, 05:38:16 PM
Amhaters is very funny.

I can only speak for myself, I don't "hate" any D3 school (anymore), and definitely not NESCAC teams...

It's nothing personal to call them on being the highest fouling team in the nation.

Amherst padding the stats.  17 fouls today in a 4-0 win. Must have been tactical fouls to keep the clean sheet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 22, 2022, 11:50:53 PM
Averaging 16.08 per game Ejay, think we're on pace.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 22, 2022, 11:54:25 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on October 22, 2022, 08:53:21 PM
Since I can't give karma points, I hereby nominate @enmorecat as the Nicest Soccer Parent on the D3 boards. I love reading your posts, @enmorecat!

That sort of talk might get you in trouble in here Another Mom, but rest assured I was blushing when I read it, as it was very kind. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on October 23, 2022, 03:04:22 PM
So has Bowdoin won the conference regular season, or does Middlebury win if both are tied after the last game on Tuesday?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 23, 2022, 03:59:05 PM
Quote from: nescacfan94 on October 23, 2022, 03:04:22 PM
So has Bowdoin won the conference regular season, or does Middlebury win if both are tied after the last game on Tuesday?

I believe Bowdoin has it locked up because even if Bowdoin and Midd end at 20 points the tie breaker goes to record against top 4 teams where Bowdoin has the edge based on their win against Hamilton.

Not sure how the other seeds end up, but it seems unfair to be the top seed and be "rewarded" by facing Conn.  Conn likely gets a higher position but in some scenarios could end up at 8th seed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 23, 2022, 04:14:35 PM
Yes, the reality is that the top 8 NESCAC teams are all of a reasonably high quality within a narrow range.  More so than any season I can remember, the NESCAC tourney is likely to be an absolute crapshoot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 23, 2022, 07:08:38 PM
Curious if anyone that has watched Hamilton more has thoughts on them? They've now lost 4-0 twice in 8 days with a 0-0 draw against Williams sandwiched in the middle. But before this weekend they were Midd's only loss and had generally all solid, consistent, competitive results. I think if the Bowdoin and Amherst results were 1 or 2 goal games I wouldn't be so confused and would just say "this is your standard 3-6 NESCAC team" but those teams don't usually have weeks like this. They have 3 draws and 2 losses in their last 5 NESCAC games and couldn't be going into the tournament much colder.

Trying to find an example to tie to, it kind of reminds me of Wes or Conn from before their switched up the schedule (and not counting the years where Conn has been very good). Both would frequently start hot with easier schedules and tail off hard towards the end of the season. But almost always they would show up for the tournament ready to play and have been responsible for some of the more surprising first round upsets in recent history. I would love to see a Hamilton vs. Tufts 4 vs. 5 matchup.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 23, 2022, 08:08:25 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on October 23, 2022, 07:08:38 PM
Curious if anyone that has watched Hamilton more has thoughts on them? They've now lost 4-0 twice in 8 days with a 0-0 draw against Williams sandwiched in the middle. But before this weekend they were Midd's only loss and had generally all solid, consistent, competitive results. I think if the Bowdoin and Amherst results were 1 or 2 goal games I wouldn't be so confused and would just say "this is your standard 3-6 NESCAC team" but those teams don't usually have weeks like this. They have 3 draws and 2 losses in their last 5 NESCAC games and couldn't be going into the tournament much colder.

Trying to find an example to tie to, it kind of reminds me of Wes or Conn from before their switched up the schedule (and not counting the years where Conn has been very good). Both would frequently start hot with easier schedules and tail off hard towards the end of the season. But almost always they would show up for the tournament ready to play and have been responsible for some of the more surprising first round upsets in recent history. I would love to see a Hamilton vs. Tufts 4 vs. 5 matchup.

I had the same thought.  The draw with Williams was fine but 8-0 between the other two doesn't seem good.  And now a very draining, huge game with Oneonta that may have consequences for both followed just 3 days later with what no doubt will be a very tough quarterfinal against a team that badly needs the quarterfinal win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 24, 2022, 12:34:44 PM
Injuries are a huge part of what is happening to Hamilton, but their result vs Middlebury for example was very much against the run of play.  Midd was up 1-0 at the half and should have had more.  One of the backs making an inopportune run forward and not recovering in time led to the free kick that tied the game at 1-1, and their game winner was a complete fluke that the GK gets 999 times out of a thousand.  Credit to them for the result on the day, but I think Hamilton is not deep enough yet to withstand the full rigors of a NESCAC season if they don't have the first choice 11 available.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 01:42:06 PM
The results this week really made the muddy waters of the NESAC a lot clearer.  The top 25 is difficult this week.  It is going to be a great NESCAC conference tournament with 5 different teams with a shot at the AQ from the NASCAC.  Great games to come.  A draw won't move you on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 24, 2022, 05:16:33 PM
Quote from: northman on October 23, 2022, 04:14:35 PM
Yes, the reality is that the top 8 NESCAC teams are all of a reasonably high quality within a narrow range.  More so than any season I can remember, the NESCAC tourney is likely to be an absolute crapshoot.

Yes, and we all know that winning the NESCAC tourney (or losing your first game therein) has no bearing on what happens in the NCAA tourney for the NESCAC teams that make it...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 24, 2022, 05:43:01 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 24, 2022, 05:16:33 PM
Quote from: northman on October 23, 2022, 04:14:35 PM
Yes, the reality is that the top 8 NESCAC teams are all of a reasonably high quality within a narrow range.  More so than any season I can remember, the NESCAC tourney is likely to be an absolute crapshoot.

Yes, and we all know that winning the NESCAC tourney (or losing your first game therein) has no bearing on what happens in the NCAA tourney for the NESCAC teams that make it...

And I've seen arguments on this board that if you're pretty clearly in the NCAA tourney, it's arguably better for the team in question to NOT advance deep into the NESCAC tournament due to fatigue/injury concerns.

Not as if it's an argument in favor of tanking (I don't think that's in the NESCAC collective bloodstream).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 06:02:23 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 24, 2022, 05:43:01 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 24, 2022, 05:16:33 PM
Quote from: northman on October 23, 2022, 04:14:35 PM
Yes, the reality is that the top 8 NESCAC teams are all of a reasonably high quality within a narrow range.  More so than any season I can remember, the NESCAC tourney is likely to be an absolute crapshoot.

Yes, and we all know that winning the NESCAC tourney (or losing your first game therein) has no bearing on what happens in the NCAA tourney for the NESCAC teams that make it...
IMO they seem to have a lot of parity and similar playing styles. 
And I've seen arguments on this board that if you're pretty clearly in the NCAA tourney, it's arguably better for the team in question to NOT advance deep into the NESCAC tournament due to fatigue/injury concerns.

Not as if it's an argument in favor of tanking (I don't think that's in the NESCAC collective bloodstream).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 24, 2022, 06:58:03 PM
One caveat this year is that some of the usual suspects may NEED that NESCAC quarterfinal win to get a bid.  A couple of times, including the first title year of 2014, Tufts really had to sweat out whether they'd get a bid after a quarterfinal loss.  And teams like Conn, Wesleyan, Williams, and Hamilton may need to get to the NESCAC final.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 07:12:59 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 24, 2022, 06:58:03 PM
One caveat this year is that some of the usual suspects may NEED that NESCAC quarterfinal win to get a bid.  A couple of times, including the first title year of 2014, Tufts really had to sweat out whether they'd get a bid after a quarterfinal loss.  And teams like Conn, Wesleyan, Williams, and Hamilton may need to get to the NESCAC final.

I definitely agree with you PN
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCAC_Soccer_Fan on October 24, 2022, 08:00:11 PM
Anyone know the tiebreak rules for NESCAC seeding? Wouldn't surprise me to see the likes of Bowdoin and Middlebury tied on points and am curious on how it all shakes out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 24, 2022, 08:01:31 PM
go to NESCAC site.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 24, 2022, 08:57:26 PM
I ran the scenarios in my head and I am pretty sure Bowdoin has already clinched the #1 seed on record against top 4 (regardless of literal top 4) but if people know better feel free to fact check me on that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 24, 2022, 09:42:33 PM
Quote from: Coach Jeff on October 24, 2022, 07:12:59 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 24, 2022, 06:58:03 PM
One caveat this year is that some of the usual suspects may NEED that NESCAC quarterfinal win to get a bid.  A couple of times, including the first title year of 2014, Tufts really had to sweat out whether they'd get a bid after a quarterfinal loss.  And teams like Conn, Wesleyan, Williams, and Hamilton may need to get to the NESCAC final.

I definitely agree with you PN

Absolutely. There have been a few times in the last 8 or so years where the NESCAC frontrunners clearly didn't need a QF win on any level to get a hosting slot.

This is not one of those years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 25, 2022, 05:58:56 AM
The 3 Games I watched over the wknd-

Wes at Bowdoin- Bowdoin gives up its first Goal in seven Games but defeats Wes 2-1 on a fantastic finish by the Frosh #35 Tyler Huck. Highlights of the two Bowdoin Goals are here.... https://youtu.be/NW7St1VO4Dk  . Bowdoin celebrated 10 Seniors on Senior Day, but it was Wesleyan who scored first on a nice finish by the Frosh #24 Will Geballe. Only 2 minutes later Wesleyan gave up an inexcusable equalizer. Bowdoin's #11 Ronaldo Cabral scored from outside the box on a shot that Wes GK #0 Liam Devanny got screened on with a dummy header. Wes outplayed Bowdoin in the 2nd half but did not get many dangerous chances out of it. When Wes #10 Ruehlemann got moved centrally in the 2nd Half he had about three straight beautiful thru balls to release different teammate's in on goal and none could find a shot on target. Bowdoin GK #1 Webber, LB #7 Brown, LCB #6 Selig, RCB #3 Reid and RB #13 Steinberg plus #8 Juantorena holding did a really solid job defensively for a full 90 jamming Wes up once it hit the final 3rd. This Game has a real chance of getting replayed as #1 v #8 on Saturday.

Midd at Tufts- This Game was a tale of two halves. I thought the first 20-25 minutes were evenly matched with Midd really playing some good futbol the final 20 minutes of the 1st Half. 2nd Half was controlled by Tufts. Tufts #8 Woovin Shin was the first substitute of the Game only about 12 minutes in and immediately hit a set piece crack that beat the Midd wall and GK #33 Ryan Grady. The Goal helped Shin win Nescac POW and Tufts made it stand up. This Game was about 18 to 18 play with two of the very best GK's in the league matching save for save when the chances did happen to come. Both GK's Grady for Midd and #1 Lauta for Tufts played fantastic especially in the north goal with a blinding October sun starting to set. Both showed courage and toughness, and both made a couple great saves.

Bates at Conn- Conn celebrated 8 Senior's on their Senior Day by defeating Bates 4-1 on Freeman Field. I thought Bates hung tough first half and #24 Szwarcewicz hit a nice set piece to get Bates within a Goal early in the 2nd Half, but it was not enough as again Conn played well. They had #14 Djerdjaj up top getting the first Goal off a nice corner won by #35 Pigoda and hit by #6 Horvath Diano. Conn had #25 Yeonas and #35 Pigoda Centrally in midfield 1st half with #28 Pinyochon holding. Pigoda then moved to RB in the 2nd Half. #24 Kelesoglu and #5 Cerezo played well at CB and Conn just had too much depth for Bates even with the injuries they do have. Still, if Colby defeats Bates, then Conn will need at least a Point against a desperate Wesleyan side on Tuesday or their season could come crashing to an end in less than 24 hours.

Opportunities:
Endicott Men's Soccer taking on the big boys of the ACC. Outshot 30-1 but I am sure they were running hard and even got a Goal out of it.

https://youtu.be/5b_DJ9H6TEg

Randoms:

Nescac Friday Feature--Big fan of the Friday Feature. Big Fan.  Riley Nichols , Trinity Field hockey as she shows brains and heart.

https://nescac.com/news/2022/9/27/nescac-friday-feature-riley-nichols-trinity-field-hockey.aspx
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 25, 2022, 12:37:33 PM
Once they start the NESCAC tourney, if tied after 90, they must first go to 2 10 minute OTs with NO golden goal.  Then a shootout if still tied.  If you win in the OT does the NCAA still consider it a tie for their rankings?  Also, would a shootout win or loss go as a tie as far as the NCAA is concerned?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oacalum on October 25, 2022, 12:53:31 PM
A win or a loss in OT count as a win or loss. A win in a shootout is viewed as just a tiebreaker, and any team that ends with a shootout counts as a tie.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 01:58:30 PM
Likely standing after today:
Bowdoin
Middlebury
Amherst
Hamilton
Tufts
Williams
Conn Col
Wesleyan
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2022, 02:09:07 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 01:58:30 PM
Likely standing after today:
Bowdoin
Middlebury
Amherst
Hamilton
Tufts
Williams
Conn Col
Wesleyan

If Williams beats Midd today (possible) and Amherst beats Trinity tomorrow (likely), then Midd, Amherst and Williams end in a three way tie at 17 points and Hamilton slips to 5th seed in the playoffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2022, 02:10:57 PM
Curious which game today NESCAC folks view as the most compelling (aside from personal interest in a particular team).

2:30 -- Williams @ Midd

3:00 -- Wesleyan @ Conn Coll

3:00 -- Bates @ Colby

6:00 -- Bowdoin @ Tufts

I'm picking Wes @ Conn...Wesleyan imo needs two wins or at the very least to go 1-0-1 in the next two (and then maybe at least a PK loss after) to keep any Pool C hopes alive and Conn may need at least a draw just to make the NESCAC tourney before even worrying about a Pool C.  Fortunately or unfortunately, Conn won't have the benefit of knowing exactly what they need (nod to other thread!!!) since Colby is playing at the same time (but the Camels have to go for the win here both to make the conf tourney and to keep alive their own Pool C hopes).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 02:17:17 PM
Conn v Wesleyan is a big game for both teams .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 25, 2022, 02:46:37 PM
I agree with you on the relative importance of Conn v Wesleyan.  The other games, although interesting in their own right, are not as impactful.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 25, 2022, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 02:17:17 PM
Conn v Wesleyan is a big game for both teams .

Conn's 2022 season may be coming down to the wire here.  Down 2-1 with about 15 minutes to go.

Incidentally, anyone know why Wesleyan's normal keeper Liam Devanney did not start this game?  Maybe it was mentioned in the broadcast, but I missed most of the game.  His backup, Mathis Blanc, is a good GK from a Northern California MLS next club, but he's a freshman who has played 34 minutes all season.  Pretty big game to get your first start of your college career.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2022, 03:48:11 PM
I wonder what happened to the 3:00 start.  Thx for the alert.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2022, 03:59:08 PM
Wow.  So everything shifts to Colby.....and Bates.  Colby needs all 3 points, right?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 25, 2022, 03:59:46 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 25, 2022, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 02:17:17 PM
Conn v Wesleyan is a big game for both teams .

Conn's 2022 season may be coming down to the wire here.  Down 2-1 with about 15 minutes to go.

Incidentally, anyone know why Wesleyan's normal keeper Liam Devanney did not start this game?  Maybe it was mentioned in the broadcast, but I missed most of the game.  His backup, Mathis Blanc, is a good GK from a Northern California MLS next club, but he's a freshman who has played 34 minutes all season.  Pretty big game to get your first start of your college career.

King is dead...Long live the King.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2022, 04:01:17 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 25, 2022, 03:59:08 PM
Wow.  So everything shifts to Colby.....and Bates.  Colby needs all 3 points, right?
Did I hear right--the announcer said both teams make the playoffs??  I thought Conn would be eliminated if Colby wins??
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 25, 2022, 04:04:26 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2022, 04:01:17 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 25, 2022, 03:59:08 PM
Wow.  So everything shifts to Colby.....and Bates.  Colby needs all 3 points, right?

Did I hear right--the announcer said both teams make the playoffs??  I thought Conn would be eliminated if Colby wins??

"Rumors of the King's demise have been greatly exxagerated" - Conn College
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 25, 2022, 04:09:26 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 25, 2022, 03:48:11 PM
I wonder what happened to the 3:00 start.  Thx for the alert.

I find that the posted start time for a LOT of D3 games is just a mere suggestion. I've learned at least in the Centennial that I need to check in at least 15 minutes before the posted start time to be safe.

I mean, it's not a huge deal with most of the streaming because as long as you tune in while play is still going on, you can just scroll back. But, still... Kind of an annoying fly in the ointment.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2022, 04:11:48 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2022, 04:01:17 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 25, 2022, 03:59:08 PM
Wow.  So everything shifts to Colby.....and Bates.  Colby needs all 3 points, right?
Did I hear right--the announcer said both teams make the playoffs??  I thought Conn would be eliminated if Colby wins??

Well, nine teams can't make it.  And Bates may pull through for Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2022, 04:12:59 PM
Oneonta was up 2-0 at half and Hamilton comes out and scores right away in first minute of 2nd half.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 04:20:08 PM
Williams up by  1-0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 25, 2022, 04:31:47 PM
Colby REALLY pressing the issue... At least 2 balls cleared off the line by Bates in the last 5 minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 25, 2022, 04:39:07 PM
Big goal for Bates (and Conn College)!  Classic long throw and pray for chaos in the box
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 25, 2022, 04:43:30 PM
I hope the Colby defender is OK, he got absolutely drilled in the head on that goal. Wonder what the ref/AR were discussing. Goalie got bumped a lot, but probably not enough to wave off the goal. Ball seemed to still be in the field of play before the Bates player got his head on it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 25, 2022, 04:48:17 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 25, 2022, 04:43:30 PM
I hope the Colby defender is OK, he got absolutely drilled in the head on that goal. Wonder what the ref/AR were discussing. Goalie got bumped a lot, but probably not enough to wave off the goal. Ball seemed to still be in the field of play before the Bates player got his head on it.

The announcer didn't realize that Colby subbed up their keeper for a taller keeper with 11 minutes to go.  I guess he either has a bigger foot or he can better deal with these crosses. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 25, 2022, 04:54:38 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 25, 2022, 04:48:17 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 25, 2022, 04:43:30 PM
I hope the Colby defender is OK, he got absolutely drilled in the head on that goal. Wonder what the ref/AR were discussing. Goalie got bumped a lot, but probably not enough to wave off the goal. Ball seemed to still be in the field of play before the Bates player got his head on it.

The announcer didn't realize that Colby subbed up their keeper for a taller keeper with 11 minutes to go.  I guess he either has a bigger foot or he can better deal with these crosses.

He punted a ball 20 yards past the half way stripe (easily), so I assume the former.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 25, 2022, 04:57:43 PM
So for teams on equal points, how do placings get determined, is it results against each other, then goal difference, something else, or the D3 Boards ranking?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 05:02:05 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 25, 2022, 04:57:43 PM
So for teams on equal points, how do placings get determined, is it results against each other, then goal difference, something else, or the D3 Boards ranking?

Looks like :
Bow
Williams
Mid
Amherst
Hamilton
Wes
Tufts
Conn
This assumes Amherst wins tomorrow
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 25, 2022, 05:02:20 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 25, 2022, 04:57:43 PM
So for teams on equal points, how do placings get determined, is it results against each other, then goal difference, something else, or the D3 Boards ranking?

https://nescac.com/tournaments/?id=469#:~:text=Championship%20Stories&text=The%20top%20eight%20teams%20in,Sunday%2C%20November%206%2C%20respectively

Looks like H2H is the first, then it gets into league winning percentage and a whole bunch of other steps... #9 is a coin flip. :D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2022, 05:08:38 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 05:02:05 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 25, 2022, 04:57:43 PM
So for teams on equal points, how do placings get determined, is it results against each other, then goal difference, something else, or the D3 Boards ranking?

Looks like :
Bow
Williams
Mid
Amherst
Hamilton
Wes
Tufts
Conn
This assumes Amherst wins tomorrow

If Tufts wins tonight, they move ahead of Wes, behind Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 05:11:55 PM
Yes, but a tie would be better, I would rather go to William than to Middlebury! ;)

Although a win against Bowdoin almost guarantees an NCAA bid!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 25, 2022, 07:19:02 PM
Pace in Bowdoin vs. Tufts is obscenely high, especially for a midweek game. Up and down and up and down.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2022, 07:46:15 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on October 25, 2022, 07:19:02 PM
Pace in Bowdoin vs. Tufts is obscenely high, especially for a midweek game. Up and down and up and down.
Especially for a game that doesn't mean a lot to either team, since playoff seedlings largely set.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 25, 2022, 07:51:28 PM
I'd say the game means a good deal for Tufts considering they aren't regionally ranked yet.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 25, 2022, 08:31:57 PM
These Tufts commentators are not quite neutral are they?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 08:53:05 PM
I think they are students, not sure but that is my impression.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2022, 09:00:32 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 08:53:05 PM
I think they are students, not sure but that is my impression.

Strong effort tonight by both teams.  Fun game to watch.  Amazing save by Webber.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 25, 2022, 09:09:35 PM
How does the PCT get calculated?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 25, 2022, 09:10:46 PM
I just worked it out!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 09:12:03 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2022, 09:00:32 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 08:53:05 PM
I think they are students, not sure but that is my impression.

Strong effort tonight by both teams.  Fun game to watch.  Amazing save by Webber.

Good high energy game, good luck Saturday against Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2022, 09:24:30 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 09:12:03 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2022, 09:00:32 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 08:53:05 PM
I think they are students, not sure but that is my impression.

Strong effort tonight by both teams.  Fun game to watch.  Amazing save by Webber.

Good high energy game, good luck Saturday against Conn.

You got your wish—good luck against Williams.  Hope we meet again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 25, 2022, 09:29:17 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 08:53:05 PM
I think they are students, not sure but that is my impression.

I can't remember if it was Tufts or Amherst (maybe both?), but I distinctly remember one of my first streaming of d3 soccer being a NESCAC game and being amused by the student (very obviously) commentators. Who did a pretty good job of being objective until about the 20 minute to end came and they kind of lost all objectivity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 25, 2022, 09:34:03 PM
Even though most Tufts games I watch I am cheering for the other team, I prefer those announcers to the more professional NESN ones who just don't really know much about soccer and don't have as much background on the teams usually.

The funniest but worst was the old Bates announcers who were students that did not take it seriously at all and would just chat it up about whatever, who they knew on the teams, what the weather was like, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2022, 09:37:11 PM
I was impressed with both Bowdoin and Tufts in what looked like a pretty steady rain.  Very fast paced with a lot of good midfield play up and down but not many great chances.  Bowdoin reminds me a little of Chicago....very comfortable defending for good stretches with some good counter-attacking although probably not quite the offensive explosiveness as Chicago.  Tufts just competes like crazy and they're also pretty good.  Both will be tough to knock out of the tournament if Tufts ends up making it.

Bowdoin, Amherst, and Midd look like locks, although Midd may have to sweat a bit if they lose the quarterfinal...closing on a 0-2-1 run and with another loss the record is looking very similar to Wesleyan and Hamilton.

So assuming those three in, I think they'll get at least two more and maybe three.  Hamilton is in deep trouble...a ranked loss today on top of recent tough results and headed to Amherst. 

Wesleyan saved their season today, at least without the AQ.  They probably need one more win, and Tufts probably needs another win.  I'm guessing Williams needs as least two wins but maybe I just can't adjust to their bizarre record.  And I'm assuming Conn Coll at minimum needs to get to conf final.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 25, 2022, 10:52:36 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on October 25, 2022, 09:34:03 PM

The funniest but worst was the old Bates announcers who were students that did not take it seriously at all and would just chat it up about whatever, who they knew on the teams, what the weather was like, etc.

I'm a big fan of student announcers!  Haverford has a pretty funny duo.  I'm sure there are more out there around the country   ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 25, 2022, 11:55:42 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on October 25, 2022, 09:34:03 PM
I prefer those announcers to the more professional NESN ones who just don't really know much about soccer and don't have as much background on the teams usually.

This. It's just really jarring at times.

Ball gets spanked off the post.

[NESCAC Profesh Announcer] OHH!! Right off the crossbar!![/announcer]

Like... Dude. C'mon man.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 26, 2022, 03:45:57 AM
I think Amherst and Bowdoin are in, Midd and Wesleyan on the bubble with a loss and in with a win, and Williams, Hamilton and Tufts are all probably win and in, lose and out, with Tufts maybe needing two wins depending on how things shake out.  If Williams, Hamilton and Wesleyan all win in round one could Nescac get six teams?   Those three, plus Amherst, Bowdoin, Midd - seems plausible.  Midd though is likely the odd man out in that scenario ending with losses v Williams and Wesleyan, who would be the teams it would be up against on the bubble.  I certainly don't think Midd, with only one ranked win so far, can be considered likely to make it without a win Saturday.  Midd-Wes and Tufts-Williams could well end up as effectively elimination games for the tourney.  So really heading into Saturday I think only Amherst and Bowdoin can feel entirely safe, with Nescac getting 2-4 more bids potentially.  If Conn wins the title or Tufts wins twice (both very plausible of course) that really shakes up the outlook. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on October 26, 2022, 09:23:35 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 26, 2022, 03:45:57 AM
I think Amherst and Bowdoin are in, Midd and Wesleyan on the bubble with a loss and in with a win, and Williams, Hamilton and Tufts are all probably win and in, lose and out, with Tufts maybe needing two wins depending on how things shake out.  If Williams, Hamilton and Wesleyan all win in round one could Nescac get six teams?   Those three, plus Amherst, Bowdoin, Midd - seems plausible.  Midd though is likely the odd man out in that scenario ending with losses v Williams and Wesleyan, who would be the teams it would be up against on the bubble.  I certainly don't think Midd, with only one ranked win so far, can be considered likely to make it without a win Saturday.  Midd-Wes and Tufts-Williams could well end up as effectively elimination games for the tourney.  So really heading into Saturday I think only Amherst and Bowdoin can feel entirely safe, with Nescac getting 2-4 more bids potentially.  If Conn wins the title or Tufts wins twice (both very plausible of course) that really shakes up the outlook.

Are the seedings set as being discussed even after an Amhurst win?  For instance, is it possible that once Amherst, Midd and Williams have the same point total the seeding may change with Amherst jumping in to 2nd or 3d?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 26, 2022, 09:36:42 AM
Quote from: SlideTackle on October 26, 2022, 09:23:35 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 26, 2022, 03:45:57 AM
I think Amherst and Bowdoin are in, Midd and Wesleyan on the bubble with a loss and in with a win, and Williams, Hamilton and Tufts are all probably win and in, lose and out, with Tufts maybe needing two wins depending on how things shake out.  If Williams, Hamilton and Wesleyan all win in round one could Nescac get six teams?   Those three, plus Amherst, Bowdoin, Midd - seems plausible.  Midd though is likely the odd man out in that scenario ending with losses v Williams and Wesleyan, who would be the teams it would be up against on the bubble.  I certainly don't think Midd, with only one ranked win so far, can be considered likely to make it without a win Saturday.  Midd-Wes and Tufts-Williams could well end up as effectively elimination games for the tourney.  So really heading into Saturday I think only Amherst and Bowdoin can feel entirely safe, with Nescac getting 2-4 more bids potentially.  If Conn wins the title or Tufts wins twice (both very plausible of course) that really shakes up the outlook.

Are the seedings set as being discussed even after an Amhurst win?  For instance, is it possible that once Amherst, Midd and Williams have the same point total the seeding may change with Amherst jumping in to 2nd or 3d?

If Amherst wins today and move to 17 points it is fourth, Bow, Will, Mid, Amh.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on October 26, 2022, 10:43:03 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 26, 2022, 09:36:42 AM
Quote from: SlideTackle on October 26, 2022, 09:23:35 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 26, 2022, 03:45:57 AM
I think Amherst and Bowdoin are in, Midd and Wesleyan on the bubble with a loss and in with a win, and Williams, Hamilton and Tufts are all probably win and in, lose and out, with Tufts maybe needing two wins depending on how things shake out.  If Williams, Hamilton and Wesleyan all win in round one could Nescac get six teams?   Those three, plus Amherst, Bowdoin, Midd - seems plausible.  Midd though is likely the odd man out in that scenario ending with losses v Williams and Wesleyan, who would be the teams it would be up against on the bubble.  I certainly don't think Midd, with only one ranked win so far, can be considered likely to make it without a win Saturday.  Midd-Wes and Tufts-Williams could well end up as effectively elimination games for the tourney.  So really heading into Saturday I think only Amherst and Bowdoin can feel entirely safe, with Nescac getting 2-4 more bids potentially.  If Conn wins the title or Tufts wins twice (both very plausible of course) that really shakes up the outlook.

Are the seedings set as being discussed even after an Amhurst win?  For instance, is it possible that once Amherst, Midd and Williams have the same point total the seeding may change with Amherst jumping in to 2nd or 3d?

If Amherst wins today and move to 17 points it is fourth, Bow, Will, Mid, Amh.

Thank you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 26, 2022, 12:58:05 PM
This will likely change over the next two weeks as teams move into and fall out of the regional rankings, but here are the current RvRs for the 8 NESCACs, keeping in mind that Tufts and Conn were not ranked last week so games against them not included.  I suspect Tufts will move in but don't know if that is to replace J&W who will be light on ranked wins (and needs WPI to stay ranked for one ranked win).  Conn also could win two games and move in but then another team would have to drop out since there are only seven slots.  I definitely could have made an error or two below also.

Bowdoin -- 2-1-2

Williams -- 2-0-5

Midd -- 1-2-3

Amherst -- 4-0-3

Hamilton -- 1-3-2

Wesleyan -- 0-4-2

Tufts -- 2-2-3

Conn -- 2-4-2

Hamilton and Wesleyan are the most desperate for Tufts and/or Conn to get ranked.  Bowdoin and Midd also would pick up an additional win if Tufts and Conn were ranked.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 26, 2022, 01:03:29 PM
I will say this for Serpone.  He is a master at scheduling and the whole bid resume deal and racking up ranked games and wins.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 26, 2022, 02:42:54 PM
Nicely done, PaulNewman.  What an absolute cluster for the committee to figure out - a product, largely, of no OTs leading to SO many ties.  Wesleyan very clearly needs a win in NESCAC round 1 to make the tourney, hard to see them getting in with (potentially) zero wins vs. ranked teams ... how will the committee view the Ephs' crazy FIVE ties vs. ranked opponents?  I have no idea ....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 26, 2022, 03:08:11 PM
Region 1 Week 2 Rankings

1. Amherst
2. Bowdoin
3. Middlebury
4. Hamilton
5. Tufts
6. Conn College
7. Williams
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 26, 2022, 03:41:12 PM
Quote from: paclassic89 on October 26, 2022, 03:08:11 PM
Region 1 Week 2 Rankings

1. Amherst
2. Bowdoin
3. Middlebury
4. Hamilton
5. Tufts
6. Conn College
7. Williams

And there ya go.  Seven out of seven NESCACs and even Wesleyan should be happy because now the Cardinals for next week will have two ranked wins to add to their resume.  Of course, will they hold for another week, or will Wesleyan getting back in bump out of the very teams they need to stay in!  Still seems crazy to me so I can't imagine how confusing this all is for new folks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 26, 2022, 03:50:53 PM
Couldn't figure out why Williams had only 1 ranked win, and then realized yesterday's results of course weren't included in this week's ranking.  So Conn will pick up another loss, Williams will gain a win, Wesleyan will get the Conn win to get up to two ranked wins, and Bowdoin and Tufts will each pick up a draw.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: emeyerow on October 26, 2022, 04:17:18 PM
Would Hamilton also pick up 2 wins (against Tufts and Conn College)? If so, I would think Hamilton's RvR would be 3-1-2 and not 1-2-2.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 26, 2022, 04:31:04 PM
Quote from: emeyerow on October 26, 2022, 04:17:18 PM
Would Hamilton also pick up 2 wins (against Tufts and Conn College)? If so, I would think Hamilton's RvR would be 3-1-2 and not 1-2-2.

Yes, but not until next week's rankings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 26, 2022, 05:45:17 PM
I think in part at least, you can look at the ladder placing inside the conference as a decent guide to the rankings.  Actually winning conference games should be a good sign, but the nature of this year's NESCAC being so even, plus the lack of OT, has clearly complicated the process.  Irrespective, I would think that 4th of 5th in it is more likely to be equivalent to a higher spot in most other conferences.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 26, 2022, 05:51:30 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 26, 2022, 05:45:17 PM
I think in part at least, you can look at the ladder placing inside the conference as a decent guide to the rankings.  Actually winning conference games should be a good sign, but the nature of this year's NESCAC being so even, plus the lack of OT, has clearly complicated the process.  Irrespective, I would think that 4th of 5th in it is more likely to be equivalent to a higher spot in most other conferences.

Excellent use of the word.  Lose my cookies when I see people use the most used non-existent word in the the English language.... IRREGARDLESS.

I never do this... but karma for you!

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 26, 2022, 08:04:38 PM
Thanks SC, a special shout out to the University of Western Australia.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 26, 2022, 09:04:15 PM
Trinity 1 Amherst 4 (although a fifth Mammoths goal appeared to be scored right on the buzzer, but I was watching on a small screen about as far away from Hartford as you can get).

I thought the Bantams tried pretty hard and at times made Amherst look a little sloppy in what was an important game to get the home final on the weekend.  Given a number of substitutions on both sides in the second half, I am not sure how much I would read into the result other than hoping no one on either side finished with an injury.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on October 26, 2022, 09:38:37 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 26, 2022, 09:36:42 AM
Quote from: SlideTackle on October 26, 2022, 09:23:35 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 26, 2022, 03:45:57 AM
I think Amherst and Bowdoin are in, Midd and Wesleyan on the bubble with a loss and in with a win, and Williams, Hamilton and Tufts are all probably win and in, lose and out, with Tufts maybe needing two wins depending on how things shake out.  If Williams, Hamilton and Wesleyan all win in round one could Nescac get six teams?   Those three, plus Amherst, Bowdoin, Midd - seems plausible.  Midd though is likely the odd man out in that scenario ending with losses v Williams and Wesleyan, who would be the teams it would be up against on the bubble.  I certainly don't think Midd, with only one ranked win so far, can be considered likely to make it without a win Saturday.  Midd-Wes and Tufts-Williams could well end up as effectively elimination games for the tourney.  So really heading into Saturday I think only Amherst and Bowdoin can feel entirely safe, with Nescac getting 2-4 more bids potentially.  If Conn wins the title or Tufts wins twice (both very plausible of course) that really shakes up the outlook.

Are the seedings set as being discussed even after an Amhurst win?  For instance, is it possible that once Amherst, Midd and Williams have the same point total the seeding may change with Amherst jumping in to 2nd or 3d?

If Amherst wins today and move to 17 points it is fourth, Bow, Will, Mid, Amh.

The NESCAC standings say Bow, Will, Amh and Mid after tonight's game.  Not sure if that's final, but it has Amherst at 3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 26, 2022, 10:04:20 PM
Amherst website reports it's Wesleyan on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 26, 2022, 10:12:08 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 26, 2022, 10:04:20 PM
Amherst website reports it's Wesleyan on Saturday.

NCAA play-in game for Wesleyan?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 26, 2022, 11:17:08 PM
2022 NESCAC Men's Soccer Standings
SCHOOL   PTS   NESCAC   PCT   OVERALL   PCT   STREAK
Bowdoin
Bowdoin
21   6-1-3   .750   11-1-3   .833   T1
Williams
Williams
17   4-1-5   .650   6-1-8   .667   W2
Amherst
Amherst
17   4-1-5   .650   9-1-5   .767   W2
Middlebury
Middlebury
17   5-3-2   .600   9-3-3   .700   L2
Hamilton
Hamilton
16   4-2-4   .600   8-3-4   .667   L2
Wesleyan
Wesleyan
15   4-3-3   .550   8-4-3   .633   W1
Tufts
Tufts
14   3-2-5   .550   7-2-6   .667   T1
Conn. College
Conn. College
11   3-5-2   .400   7-5-3   .567   L1
Bates
Bates
9   2-5-3   .350   6-5-4   .533   W1
Colby
Colby
8   1-4-5   .350   4-4-7   .500   L2
Trinity
Trinity
1   0-9-1   .050   1-11-3   .167   L3
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 27, 2022, 06:40:45 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 26, 2022, 08:04:38 PM
Thanks SC, a special shout out to the University of Western Australia.

Ah yes, the famous UWA Ragin' Wallabies.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 27, 2022, 09:19:56 AM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 26, 2022, 05:51:30 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 26, 2022, 05:45:17 PM
I think in part at least, you can look at the ladder placing inside the conference as a decent guide to the rankings.  Actually winning conference games should be a good sign, but the nature of this year's NESCAC being so even, plus the lack of OT, has clearly complicated the process.  Irrespective, I would think that 4th of 5th in it is more likely to be equivalent to a higher spot in most other conferences.

Excellent use of the word.  Lose my cookies when I see people use the most used non-existent word in the the English language.... IRREGARDLESS.

I never do this... but karma for you!

SC.

Is irregardless a word?
Yes. It may not be a word that you like, or a word that you would use in a term paper, but irregardless certainly is a word. It has been in use for well over 200 years, employed by a large number of people across a wide geographic range and with a consistent meaning. That is why we, and well-nigh every other dictionary of modern English, define this word. Remember that a definition is not an endorsement of a word's use.
- Merriam-Webster

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irregardless
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 27, 2022, 09:24:48 AM
Quote from: Ejay on October 27, 2022, 09:19:56 AM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 26, 2022, 05:51:30 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 26, 2022, 05:45:17 PM
I think in part at least, you can look at the ladder placing inside the conference as a decent guide to the rankings.  Actually winning conference games should be a good sign, but the nature of this year's NESCAC being so even, plus the lack of OT, has clearly complicated the process.  Irrespective, I would think that 4th of 5th in it is more likely to be equivalent to a higher spot in most other conferences.

Excellent use of the word.  Lose my cookies when I see people use the most used non-existent word in the the English language.... IRREGARDLESS.

I never do this... but karma for you!

SC.

Is irregardless a word?
Yes. It may not be a word that you like, or a word that you would use in a term paper, but irregardless certainly is a word. It has been in use for well over 200 years, employed by a large number of people across a wide geographic range and with a consistent meaning. That is why we, and well-nigh every other dictionary of modern English, define this word. Remember that a definition is not an endorsement of a word's use.
- Merriam-Webster

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irregardless


Ejay.... SMITE for you!

To me, I always see it as a double negative.  Like you are making something regard-ful.... not regard-less.

I should've have anticipated this....

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 27, 2022, 09:59:35 AM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 27, 2022, 09:24:48 AM
Quote from: Ejay on October 27, 2022, 09:19:56 AM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 26, 2022, 05:51:30 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 26, 2022, 05:45:17 PM
I think in part at least, you can look at the ladder placing inside the conference as a decent guide to the rankings.  Actually winning conference games should be a good sign, but the nature of this year's NESCAC being so even, plus the lack of OT, has clearly complicated the process.  Irrespective, I would think that 4th of 5th in it is more likely to be equivalent to a higher spot in most other conferences.

Excellent use of the word.  Lose my cookies when I see people use the most used non-existent word in the the English language.... IRREGARDLESS.

I never do this... but karma for you!

SC.

Is irregardless a word?
Yes. It may not be a word that you like, or a word that you would use in a term paper, but irregardless certainly is a word. It has been in use for well over 200 years, employed by a large number of people across a wide geographic range and with a consistent meaning. That is why we, and well-nigh every other dictionary of modern English, define this word. Remember that a definition is not an endorsement of a word's use.
- Merriam-Webster

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irregardless


Ejay.... SMITE for you!

To me, I always see it as a double negative.  Like you are making something regard-ful.... not regard-less.

I should've have anticipated this....

SC.

I can't not disagree with you about that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2022, 12:37:58 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 25, 2022, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 02:17:17 PM
Conn v Wesleyan is a big game for both teams .

Conn's 2022 season may be coming down to the wire here.  Down 2-1 with about 15 minutes to go.

Incidentally, anyone know why Wesleyan's normal keeper Liam Devanney did not start this game?  Maybe it was mentioned in the broadcast, but I missed most of the game.  His backup, Mathis Blanc, is a good GK from a Northern California MLS next club, but he's a freshman who has played 34 minutes all season.  Pretty big game to get your first start of your college career.


I think he got sacked after the Bowdoin Game. He is a Captain and a Senior. You are exactly correct about the Frosh #1 Mathis Blanc. 1st Half I think he was a little nervous (all Frosh are somewhat nervvy in 1st Games, just shows more in Goal being on an island of sorts) and did not particularly impress me but DAMN 2nd Half this kid looked like a top of the league GK with composure and confidence. Making veteran decisions and some fine saves.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 27, 2022, 02:20:50 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 27, 2022, 12:37:58 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 25, 2022, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 02:17:17 PM
Conn v Wesleyan is a big game for both teams .

Conn's 2022 season may be coming down to the wire here.  Down 2-1 with about 15 minutes to go.

Incidentally, anyone know why Wesleyan's normal keeper Liam Devanney did not start this game?  Maybe it was mentioned in the broadcast, but I missed most of the game.  His backup, Mathis Blanc, is a good GK from a Northern California MLS next club, but he's a freshman who has played 34 minutes all season.  Pretty big game to get your first start of your college career.


I think he got sacked after the Bowdoin Game. He is a Captain and a Senior. You are exactly correct about the Frosh #1 Mathis Blanc. 1st Half I think he was a little nervous (all Frosh are somewhat nervvy in 1st Games, just shows more in Goal being on an island of sorts) and did not particularly impress me but DAMN 2nd Half this kid looked like a top of the league GK with composure and confidence. Making veteran decisions and some fine saves.

Thanks Mr. Right.  I didn't see the Bowdoin game.  Kind of harsh to be benched for a 2-1 loss as a senior captain.  Still, there's also a danger of not playing your backup almost at all and then going into the next season with the kid wondering all year what it would be like to play meaningful minutes in a regular season college game.  Nerves are a big issue at GK, obviously, and they typically affect decision-making, which is where most goals are scored, so regardless of why Blanc played, this will likely give him confidence going forward.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 27, 2022, 04:08:35 PM
Just because one can never talk about NESCAC enough....there is a good chance the originally predicted "four horsemen of the NESCAC" with be the four NESCAC semifinalists.  I'll be mildly surprised if it doesn't happen. 

Which of the four do I have the least confidence in?  Maybe Middlebury.

If Jaran ends up being back for Conn that would give the Camels a major shot in the arm.


So weird to earn the #1 seed and the #8 seed is the defending national champ.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 27, 2022, 05:47:28 PM
For those of us who may not recall...who were the "original four horsemen"?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 27, 2022, 06:02:29 PM
Bowdoin looks very good, but we have entered the knockout stage, and anything can happen.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 27, 2022, 06:37:50 PM
Quote from: northman on October 27, 2022, 05:47:28 PM
For those of us who may not recall...who were the "original four horsemen"?

I think some dudes from Notre Dame...in like the 1930s or 40s...Knute Rockne, maybe, lol.

And if you meant NESCAC....Conn, Amherst, Tufts, Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 27, 2022, 07:00:18 PM
By the way, one of my friends grew up in Auburn, MA and played football for the local high school.  I remember him telling me that their coach was one of the four horsemen...not Rockne, obviously...but still kinda cool.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mr.Right on October 27, 2022, 08:07:57 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 27, 2022, 02:20:50 PM
Quote from: Mr.Right on October 27, 2022, 12:37:58 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 25, 2022, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2022, 02:17:17 PM
Conn v Wesleyan is a big game for both teams .

Conn's 2022 season may be coming down to the wire here.  Down 2-1 with about 15 minutes to go.

Incidentally, anyone know why Wesleyan's normal keeper Liam Devanney did not start this game?  Maybe it was mentioned in the broadcast, but I missed most of the game.  His backup, Mathis Blanc, is a good GK from a Northern California MLS next club, but he's a freshman who has played 34 minutes all season.  Pretty big game to get your first start of your college career.


I think he got sacked after the Bowdoin Game. He is a Captain and a Senior. You are exactly correct about the Frosh #1 Mathis Blanc. 1st Half I think he was a little nervous (all Frosh are somewhat nervvy in 1st Games, just shows more in Goal being on an island of sorts) and did not particularly impress me but DAMN 2nd Half this kid looked like a top of the league GK with composure and confidence. Making veteran decisions and some fine saves.

Thanks Mr. Right.  I didn't see the Bowdoin game.  Kind of harsh to be benched for a 2-1 loss as a senior captain.  Still, there's also a danger of not playing your backup almost at all and then going into the next season with the kid wondering all year what it would be like to play meaningful minutes in a regular season college game.  Nerves are a big issue at GK, obviously, and they typically affect decision-making, which is where most goals are scored, so regardless of why Blanc played, this will likely give him confidence going forward.

I doubt it was just 1 Game as these things tend to build over a couple games. Still a tough decision for any HC in any Sport when you are dealing with a Captain. In the end you have to do what you think is best for your team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 27, 2022, 08:38:11 PM
On the playing all conference games at the same time theme, kinda sucks not being able to stagger the games as a viewer, which appears to be the case for the quarterfinals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 27, 2022, 09:11:56 PM
PN you're giving a lot of weight on how good Conn is to them being champs last year... I'm not sure I agree. College soccer is a high turnover sport and teams can change quickly. They're probably better than your average 8th place NESCAC team by a good degree, but they're still a team that's lost half its conference games. Maybe they've been unlucky and underperformed and we should expect better results going forward but I think that still benchmarks them as a 4-6 team. Tufts I think is a bit different, they've only lost twice but haven't been able to get W's. I think NESCAC quarters will be more open this year than normal, but Bowdoin I think has clearly earned the #1 spot and favorite, below that's I think it's pretty mish moshy from Williams to Tufts, but I personally am almost worried about the polar bears against the next three teams, who I think deserve their spots there. Williams and Amherst and coming into form at the best possible time, and Midd is just good and has been for most of the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 27, 2022, 09:23:36 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on October 27, 2022, 09:11:56 PM
PN you're giving a lot of weight on how good Conn is to them being champs last year... I'm not sure I agree. College soccer is a high turnover sport and teams can change quickly. They're probably better than your average 8th place NESCAC team by a good degree, but they're still a team that's lost half its conference games. Maybe they've been unlucky and underperformed and we should expect better results going forward but I think that still benchmarks them as a 4-6 team. Tufts I think is a bit different, they've only lost twice but haven't been able to get W's. I think NESCAC quarters will be more open this year than normal, but Bowdoin I think has clearly earned the #1 spot and favorite, below that's I think it's pretty mish moshy from Williams to Tufts, but I personally am almost worried about the polar bears against the next three teams, who I think deserve their spots there. Williams and Amherst and coming into form at the best possible time, and Midd is just good and has been for most of the season.

Yeah, not sure what you're disagreeing about.  Bowdoin has totally earned the #1 seed and has been the best team.  I'm pulling for them actually.  They have their NCAA spot wrapped so they don't have to win this game.

As for Conn, obviously they have not been the same team, even though they returned nearly everyone.  Jaran is a wild card.  But beyond that Conn hasn't lost a game by more than a goal.  They beat Williams and Babson.  They drew with Tufts and Amherst.  And the Camels imo must win this game or their season is over.  They are not short on talent. I don't see Djerdjai and Yeonas going out without a max effort.  Also think they will play well on Bowdoin's nice field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 27, 2022, 09:38:39 PM
Ah I interpreted you saying you'd be "mildly surprised if the four horsemen of the NESCAC aren't the semifinalists" (paraphrasing) as you thinking Conn is likely to beat Bowdoin.

Yeah it's clearly a must win game for Conn, and Bowdoin I expect to show up as well - I'd be shocked if they were looking ahead to NCAA's rather than focusing on winning NESCACs. Not how they operate.

Conn certainly has some solid results and talent, but the talent has been inconsistent and they have as many or more bad results than good. If it was that easy to just show up, put it all together, and put in the effort, Conn would have already done it. Not that easy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 27, 2022, 10:05:56 PM
That's fair. I am picking Conn to prevail. When you say bad results, not sure which ones you mean. Draw with Wheaton? Loss to Colby? They in general were playing pretty good teams.

It's actually  interesting to look back at Bowdoin's win earlier in New London.  I watched most of that game and that was Bowdoin's coming out party before any of us had any idea about the season they were gonna have.  Iirc, Bowdoin scored pretty late in that game a little bit against run of play which I know doesn't mean much given Bowdoin's style.

Anyway,  I guess this is what I think...very tight game again that Conn advances out of IF Jaran available.  Otherwise,  I'll go with Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 27, 2022, 10:18:29 PM
Here's an interesting question....all 4 games at the same time...which one will folks watch or at least have as his/her feature screen with others on additional devices...or will most flip back and forth?

Conn-Bowdoin is the most compelling to me while saying the other three are definitely compelling and I won't be really surprised by any of the outcome scenarios.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 28, 2022, 08:49:35 AM
Williams has been playing well despite some pretty severe injury issues of its own.  It sounded like Felitto's injury early in the season was season-ending, just from how it was described, which if true is a shame because he was really playing at a very high level and was a huge loss for the Ephs.  Another important starter, Felipe Gutierrez, has missed the last two games, Daniel Zhang also seems to be injured, and Jamie Holland, who had not seen the pitch for a few weeks, saw just a few minutes of action vs. Middlebury.  Perhaps the Ephs get 1-2 guys back for the post-season?  Brady Foehl missed a big chunk of the season as well, but obviously came up big vs. Middlebury.  Unsurprisingly, Siebert has relied on his own first group of recruits quite heavily in the vets' absence, as two first years started and three more saw action (two of them significant action) off the bench in the Midd game. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TrueGrit on October 28, 2022, 12:30:00 PM
Williams with solid D and  Boardman having another  great season  Unfortunately with the injuries they've had and him back on D they are very weak in the midfield. Freshman are freshmen. They play the perimeter, a lot of long balls, have no real play making in the middle of the field and have scored very few goals as of late.  Word is they have some playmakers on the reserve team including a Sullivan recruit from England but have not heard much more.  And 8 ties? Boring.   D3 needs to go back to OT.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 28, 2022, 12:40:50 PM
Quote from: TrueGrit on October 28, 2022, 12:30:00 PM
Williams with solid D and  Boardman having another  great season  Unfortunately with the injuries they've had and him back on D they are very weak in the midfield. Freshman are freshmen. They play the perimeter, a lot of long balls, have no real play making in the middle of the field and have scored very few goals as of late.  Word is they have some playmakers on the reserve team including a Sullivan recruit from England but have not heard much more.  And 8 ties? Boring.   D3 needs to go back to OT.


I think these games will have OT and PK shootout.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 28, 2022, 02:01:11 PM
I believe that's correct.  I just checked the online tournament manual.  Here are the instructions to announcers:

Please read the statement below if game is tied at the end of regulation (before the start of overtime):

Fans, this season the NCAA adopted a new overtime format for postseason contests. Overtime will consist of two 10-minute overtime periods, which will be played to completion, regardless of the score.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 28, 2022, 03:26:54 PM
Yes, overtime is used for all conference and NCAA tournament games that are tied at the end of regulation.  The full 20 minutes (two 10 minute periods) will be played in all cases regardless of goals scored (i.e., no "golden goal" or "sudden death/victory").
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 28, 2022, 04:52:51 PM
I don't mind the no regular season OT thing that much, but I dislike the no golden goal pretty strongly. There are few feelings like the sudden elation when you realize your team has scored the winner and it's all over, everyone sprints out onto the field and piles on the scooter, and celebrate. Plus, all else equal ending games sooner is probably better, these tournaments are already a grind fest.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 28, 2022, 05:00:31 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on October 28, 2022, 04:52:51 PM
I don't mind the no regular season OT thing that much, but I dislike the no golden goal pretty strongly. There are few feelings like the sudden elation when you realize your team has scored the winner and it's all over, everyone sprints out onto the field and piles on the scooter, and celebrate. Plus, all else equal ending games sooner is probably better, these tournaments are already a grind fest.

LOL...how do you like when the other team scores, they're elated, and your season is done?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: oacalum on October 28, 2022, 05:05:32 PM
This is a situation where the good far outweighs the bad. Few things are better than scoring a game winner in golden goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 28, 2022, 05:14:52 PM
I'm a glass half-full person...unfortunately.

I wouldn't mind golden goal in the regular season, but not much more brutal than a fluky goal against the run of play and the season's over.  Put it this way.  If my team wins playing out the OTs I'm still gonna be really happy.  Ecstacy feels a little greedy...and kind of random.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 28, 2022, 06:27:24 PM
There's no right answer here, but I'm on board with oacalum's perspective. Collapsing on the field after giving up an OT winner hurts for a couple minutes more than a loss at the end of a game does, but it fades to the same feeling pretty quick. Celebrating and screaming your head off after an OT winner for your team sticks with you, like the adrenaline rush leaves an imprint in your memory.

Another thing - you let OT play out and the other team scores an equalizer, you end up in penalties, which are just like a dumb way to decide a game. We were 3-0 in PK shootouts in my career but they are a bad way to pick a winner.

I was 2-2 lifetime on playoff OT golden goals btw, I've experienced both sides of the coin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 28, 2022, 07:04:23 PM
Quote from: hiyasoccer on October 28, 2022, 06:27:24 PM
There's no right answer here, but I'm on board with oacalum's perspective. Collapsing on the field after giving up an OT winner hurts for a couple minutes more than a loss at the end of a game does, but it fades to the same feeling pretty quick. Celebrating and screaming your head off after an OT winner for your team sticks with you, like the adrenaline rush leaves an imprint in your memory.

Another thing - you let OT play out and the other team scores an equalizer, you end up in penalties, which are just like a dumb way to decide a game. We were 3-0 in PK shootouts in my career but they are a bad way to pick a winner.

I was 2-2 lifetime on playoff OT golden goals btw, I've experienced both sides of the coin.

Yep, I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority.  I also don't like roller coasters, bungee-jumping, or basically anything thrill-seeking. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 28, 2022, 07:16:28 PM
The bottom line is that the rules committee, whose voting members are coaches and administrators, did not want sudden death. Two reasons were lack of familiarity with it for teams due to not playing regular season OT and they did not want teams to be at the mercy of a coin flip in terms of wind, sun, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on October 29, 2022, 12:36:07 PM
PN I'm with you on coasters... not my jam. College soccer observers point on it being different to add golden goal after nobody has played OT all year makes sense to me, though still not my favorite.

Quick predictions, in decreasing order of confidence:

Bowdoin 2-1 Conn
Amherst 1-0 Wes
Midd 2-0 Hamilton
Williams 1-1 Tufts
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 29, 2022, 01:25:52 PM
Bowdoin missed a PK! Conn tend to gamble with fouls, lucky so far!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2022, 01:34:07 PM
Conn is just a mess right now.  No Jaran.  Djerdjaj sits until 10 min left in half.  Really poor giveways in bad spots where you can see the pass is gonna be cut out before it even happens.  Bowdoin should have scored in the first 12 minutes. After that Conn had some good play and got into the Bowdoin end a lot but they don't seem to have anyone up top who is really dangerous.  All that said, if Conn can sneak a goal their entire energy may change.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 29, 2022, 01:55:27 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 29, 2022, 01:34:07 PM
Conn is just a mess right now.  No Jaran.  Djerdjaj sits until 10 min left in half.  Really poor giveways in bad spots where you can see the pass is gonna be cut out before it even happens.  Bowdoin should have scored in the first 12 minutes. After that Conn had some good play and got into the Bowdoin end a lot but they don't seem to have anyone up top who is really dangerous.  All that said, if Conn can sneak a goal their entire energy may change.

Mess or not, Conn up 1-0 early in the second on a Yeonas goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 29, 2022, 02:32:27 PM
Williams ties it up with 10 secs left!  :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 29, 2022, 02:35:50 PM
Quote from: paclassic89 on October 29, 2022, 02:32:27 PM
Williams ties it up with 10 secs left!  :o

On a penalty called by the linesman for an off the ball foul... Don't see that every day. Time to see what Tufts are made of and how they respond
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 29, 2022, 03:27:36 PM
Williams wins it in the 6th round of penalties. Just not a great game from either team and has kind of typified what the NESCAC has looked like this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 29, 2022, 06:08:09 PM
Amherst 1 Wesleyan 0

A first half where Amherst dominated the play, but the Cardinals seemed mostly comfortable in handling that, but without looking dangerous in their own right.  I thought Wesleyan started the second half a little better and were pushing the Mammoths back, but then on a very fast counterattack, Amherst suddenly found a lot of space and scored.  Wesleyan did open up a bit and created some chances, but couldn't convert what was probably 1-2 something slightly better than half chances.  With two minutes to go Amherst missed a reasonably straightforward one, but I think that result might have flattered the Mammoths in what for the most part was a tense affair.  And because I know some people care, fouls on the day were 9 each, way below Amherst's typical gold medal pace and the Cardinals got three yellows.

Middlebury next, on neutral ground, albeit where Google Maps tells me it's much much closer to Amherst.  It's a shame that there isn't a home crowd for either side, because I really enjoyed the atmosphere at the game I attended in mid-September, but I am sure it will be a classic and certainly a game that would be worthy of one very late in the Tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 29, 2022, 06:18:27 PM
I think I finally got my answer on Conn's Jaran today.  He's wearing a major contraption on his right leg so he appears done for this year.  I think he has another year left.  Weird, because he was out, then played limited minutes, then started, back to reduced minutes, and finally never returned at all, so still a little unclear if he's had two injuries with the second being far more serious.  Also not sure what is up wth Djerdjaj......also injured or tough love from Burk?  He he didn't start either half and really did not feature much in the match.  It's been said many times, but that Yeonas kid is a baller.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 29, 2022, 06:50:09 PM
Enmore Cat:  Will you be able to attend this one?  Looking forward to a great matchup.  Middlebury jumped on top early against Hamilton.  Jordan Saint-Louis took a hard shot that was saved, but Tyler Payne scored on the rebound.  Middlebury had chances to put the game away, but could not do so until 4 minutes remaining.  Gavin Randolph led a 2 v 1 and slotted a perfect ball for Alem Hadzic who calmly finished to make it 2-0.  Fairly comfortable win for Middlebury in a game where they were not threatened extensively.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 29, 2022, 07:19:02 PM
Sadly not CSO, presume you will be, but I will tune in @ Sunday 4.30am Sydney time for it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 29, 2022, 07:57:27 PM
All the best to your son.  Let's hope for a great game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 29, 2022, 08:10:19 PM
Which of the top 8 from NESCAC are done as far as Pool C is concerned?  Wesleyan, Tufts, Hamilton???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on October 29, 2022, 08:17:11 PM
Hamilton chose the wrong time of the year to take a dip. Boysnhad a great season though, and there may still be hope but dropping that 2-1 out of conference game to Oneonta might have been a bridge 2 far.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 29, 2022, 10:34:06 PM
My guess is Bowdoin, Amherst, Midd, and Williams are all in.  That doesn't leave many bids for other Nescac teams.  Wesleyan and Hamilton are likely out.  Conn probably needs the AQ to get in but one more win maybe puts them on the bubble.  Tufts is squarely on the bubble.  The Amherst and Midd wins will help.  They need Conn to lose so they stay ahead of them.  If so I'd guess they have a decent shot of just squeezing in. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2022, 09:25:04 AM
I know statistically insignificant but still interesting that after all the talk about OT or not OT and golden goals that the first two big OT games of the year did not produce a goal or a goal that would have been a golden goal under prior rules.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2022, 11:08:17 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 29, 2022, 10:34:06 PM
My guess is Bowdoin, Amherst, Midd, and Williams are all in.  That doesn't leave many bids for other Nescac teams.  Wesleyan and Hamilton are likely out.  Conn probably needs the AQ to get in but one more win maybe puts them on the bubble.  Tufts is squarely on the bubble.  The Amherst and Midd wins will help.  They need Conn to lose so they stay ahead of them.  If so I'd guess they have a decent shot of just squeezing in.

Amherst, Bowdoin, and Midd are in.  I think Wesleyan is out unless there is some major unconscious sentiment to do a make up from last year. 

It's extremely tight between Williams and Tufts.  Very similar, weird records, both have two ranked wins, and they tied each other TWICE.  Williams can seal a bid with a win over Conn.  Tufts could still get a bid. If Conn wins that gets the Camels up to three ranked wins but Conn probably does need the AQ unless NESCAC gets six bids.

Hamilton amazingly I believe is still alive unless how they finished the season matters (and I don't know if that matters to the cmte or not).  Hamilton does have three ranked wins and the overall record is roughly similar to all of the above.  I could see Hamilton edging out one (or two) of the above.

Anyway, expect at least five bids and six would not be shocking.  Seven would be shocking.

There are a host of teams that could be competing with NESCACs for a couple of spots....Lynchburg, Cortland, CNU or MW, CMU, CWRU, JCU, OWU, NYU, even Wash U (if they win their last two), SLU, Vassar, Catholic, Alvernia, St Olaf, UW-P....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 30, 2022, 11:36:45 AM
PaulNewman fair point re Tufts and Williams.  They do seem as even as two teams can be right down to their aggregate records v Bowdoin, Conn, Amherst, Midd, Babson and of course each other.  Does the fact that Williams advanced via PK, and also finished higher in regular season league standings, serve as a sort of tiebreaker or is it totally meaningless?  I don't see the argument for Tufts over Williams given that everything else is dead-even.  Hopefully if Williams fails to best Conn both squeeze in ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2022, 11:44:04 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 30, 2022, 11:36:45 AM
PaulNewman fair point re Tufts and Williams.  They do seem as even as two teams can be right down to their aggregate records v Bowdoin, Conn, Amherst, Midd, Babson and of course each other.  Does the fact that Williams advanced via PK, and also finished higher in regular season league standings, serve as a sort of tiebreaker or is it totally meaningless?  I don't see the argument for Tufts over Williams given that everything else is dead-even.  Hopefully if Williams fails to best Conn both squeeze in ...

I doubt advancing in PKs means anything. but continuing to play probably helps.  I would guess both get bids.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 30, 2022, 03:02:27 PM
Am I correct that there will not be any NCAA regional rankings this week and the next we'll hear from the NCAA will be when they post the bids
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 30, 2022, 03:19:59 PM
According to the pre-championship manual there will be regional rankings next week.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 01, 2022, 10:51:59 AM
I am sure that Bowdoin would prefer to be playing this weekend for the NESCAC championship at home, but they still are in an enviable position.   The decision on last Saturday did not involve a loss. They are a lock to make the NCAA tournament and host.  Other NESCAC teams that make it will likely have to travel because of the number of non wins they have.  Perhaps Williams, if they pickup two outright wins on the way to the NESCAC championship, would have a chance to host, but it is unlikely any other team will host.  Bowdoin also gets to rest up, heal up and avoid any other players being subjected to injury.  They should be primed to enter the NCAAs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 01, 2022, 11:03:57 AM
Maineman I would think that Amherst would host for SURE with at least one more win, and might host even without one.  I think that Middlebury would also be well-positioned to host with two more wins. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on November 01, 2022, 11:32:39 AM
Quote from: maineman on November 01, 2022, 10:51:59 AM
I am sure that Bowdoin would prefer to be playing this weekend for the NESCAC championship at home, but they still are in an enviable position.   The decision on last Saturday did not involve a loss. They are a lock to make the NCAA tournament and host.  Other NESCAC teams that make it will likely have to travel because of the number of non wins they have.  Perhaps Williams, if they pickup two outright wins on the way to the NESCAC championship, would have a chance to host, but it is unlikely any other team will host.  Bowdoin also gets to rest up, heal up and avoid any other players being subjected to injury.  They should be primed to enter the NCAAs.

As I'm sure many on here know/remember, losing in the NESCAC quarterfinals or being eliminated on PKs has been part of the journey to a National Championship or runner-up finish for Tufts and Amherst numerous times over the past 8 years.

2021:  Amherst  -  elim. on PK's in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Finalist (lost final on PKs)
2018:  Tufts  -  elim. on PK's in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Champions
2016:  Tufts  -  def. in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Champions
2015:  Amherst  -  def. in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Champions
2014:  Tufts  -  def. in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Champions

Bowdoin is right where they want to be!!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on November 01, 2022, 01:22:38 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 30, 2022, 03:02:27 PM
Am I correct that there will not be any NCAA regional rankings this week and the next we'll hear from the NCAA will be when they post the bids

The NCAA will release their third weekly regional rankings tomorrow (Wed., Nov. 2). 

Next week they do their fourth and final regional rankings and at-large tournament selections.  Here's the timeline:

This information and more can be found on D3soccer.com following either of these links:
AQ's, Pool B and Pool C? What does it all mean? (https://d3soccer.com/columns/christan-shirk/2022/AQs-PoolB-PoolC-explained)
2022 NCAA Tournament - About (https://d3soccer.com/ncaatournament/2022/2022-about)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on November 01, 2022, 06:32:23 PM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on November 01, 2022, 11:32:39 AM
Quote from: maineman on November 01, 2022, 10:51:59 AM
I am sure that Bowdoin would prefer to be playing this weekend for the NESCAC championship at home, but they still are in an enviable position.   The decision on last Saturday did not involve a loss. They are a lock to make the NCAA tournament and host.  Other NESCAC teams that make it will likely have to travel because of the number of non wins they have.  Perhaps Williams, if they pickup two outright wins on the way to the NESCAC championship, would have a chance to host, but it is unlikely any other team will host.  Bowdoin also gets to rest up, heal up and avoid any other players being subjected to injury.  They should be primed to enter the NCAAs.

As I'm sure many on here know/remember, losing in the NESCAC quarterfinals or being eliminated on PKs has been part of the journey to a National Championship or runner-up finish for Tufts and Amherst numerous times over the past 8 years.

2021:  Amherst  -  elim. on PK's in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Finalist (lost final on PKs)
2018:  Tufts  -  elim. on PK's in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Champions
2016:  Tufts  -  def. in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Champions
2015:  Amherst  -  def. in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Champions
2014:  Tufts  -  def. in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Champions

Bowdoin is right where they want to be!!!!

Appreciate your optimism, Flying Weasel!  Last weekend was a tough loss, but Bowdoin battled back to tie after being down 1-0 and showed a lot of resiliency.  I recall last year hearing that Conn's #1 was a PK specialist and he showed it Saturday.

It was pointed out to me that teams on the bubble who didn't advance Saturday should root for Amherst to win the NESCAC, because they already locked up a bid and having someone else (e.g., Conn) get the AQ lessens the chances of the bubble teams getting bids.  Presumably that doesn't apply to Bowdoin, but I guess some of the "Amhaters" will be forced to cheer for Amherst this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on November 01, 2022, 07:14:27 PM
Middlebury probably has a bid locked up as well so you can root for them  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 01, 2022, 07:30:20 PM
May need some professional help if we start getting Ammirers in here...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 02, 2022, 09:46:56 AM
Quote from: Flying Weasel on November 01, 2022, 11:32:39 AM
Quote from: maineman on November 01, 2022, 10:51:59 AM
I am sure that Bowdoin would prefer to be playing this weekend for the NESCAC championship at home, but they still are in an enviable position.   The decision on last Saturday did not involve a loss. They are a lock to make the NCAA tournament and host.  Other NESCAC teams that make it will likely have to travel because of the number of non wins they have.  Perhaps Williams, if they pickup two outright wins on the way to the NESCAC championship, would have a chance to host, but it is unlikely any other team will host.  Bowdoin also gets to rest up, heal up and avoid any other players being subjected to injury.  They should be primed to enter the NCAAs.

As I'm sure many on here know/remember, losing in the NESCAC quarterfinals or being eliminated on PKs has been part of the journey to a National Championship or runner-up finish for Tufts and Amherst numerous times over the past 8 years.

2021:  Amherst  -  elim. on PK's in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Finalist (lost final on PKs)
2018:  Tufts  -  elim. on PK's in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Champions
2016:  Tufts  -  def. in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Champions
2015:  Amherst  -  def. in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Champions
2014:  Tufts  -  def. in NESCAC quarterfinals --> National Champions

Bowdoin is right where they want to be!!!!

I come to think that, the week's rest you get from not playing in the semi/finals of NESCAC is a great boost.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 02, 2022, 10:51:04 AM
I don't disagree with the idea that teams benefit from not playing two more taxing matches before the playoffs, but Conn was in the NESCAC final in 2021 and won the NCAAs.  Tufts won the NESCAC final in 2019 and won the NCAAs.  Chicago made the final 4 last year and they do not have a tournament.  UAA plays regular season games the weekend that most other conferences have their finals. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 02, 2022, 03:56:07 PM
Why doesn't the NESCAC conference get more teams in the NCAA tournament?

I think it is certainly well known regarding the NESCAC dominance of the recent NCAA tournament. Three straight National Championships with Tufts in 2018 and 2019 and Conn College in 2021.  However, peeling back the onion and you will see even more dominance.

Since 2018, the NESCAC record in the NCAA tournament is an astounding 37-8-6.  However if you dig even deeper, if you exclude the six games that the NESCAC teams played each other (2018 Tufts Amherst Sweet 16 game, the 2019 Regional Final game between Conn and Tufts, the 2021 Regional Final between Tufts and Conn, the 2021 Regional Final between Amherst and Middlebury and the 2021 National Championship between Amherst and Conn) the record in the last three years against non conference foes is 32-3-4 and all 3 of those losses were in 2018.  In the past two years, a NESCAC team has not lost a single game to a non conference foe. In 2019 Middlebury tied Renssalaer but did not advance on PKs.

However during this period of time, was the NESCAC adequately rewarded with NCAA bids?

If you look at two other "power" conferences which frequently get multiple bids, I would argue that they have not been adequately rewarded.  During these three years, the NESCAC has had a total of 14 bids or a three year average of 4.67 bids per year.  In a conference of 11 teams this represents 42% of its conference.

The Centennial conference, during that same span, had a total of 12 bids for a 3 year average of 4.0 or 40% of their 10 team conference.  For that great level of invites, the Centennial Conference produced a 8-10-5 record and lost all four of its head-to-head games against the NESCAC teams.

The UAA conference during this three-year span was awarded 11 bids for a 3 year average of 3.67.  In an 8 team conference, this represents 46% of their conference.  During this span they went a respectable 15-10-4, thanks to Chicago's impressive record of 8-3 and 7-7-4 record for the others. During this time, the UAA lost both of its head to head matches with NESCAC teams.

I am not sure I can come up with a good explanation for the success of the Centennial conference in attaining bids.  In 2021, when they received 5 bids (50% of their conference) they had a fair amount of parity in the top 5 so a fair amount of opportunity for regional wins as the teams swapped beating each other.

I do think that the UAA has a distinct advantage over the other power conferences in that they are spread across several regions allowing them the opportunity to get more regional teams ranked and improve their chances of "regional wins".  Their 8 teams are spread across 5 different regions giving them a much better opportunity for most, if not all, of their normal conference games to achieve regional wins.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 02, 2022, 04:26:10 PM
Rankings are out, Amherst, Midd, Bowdoin, Tufts, Williams, Hamilton, Western Conn (coming in hot with a 19-0-1 record!).  Tough break for Williams being ranked behind Tufts.  So, Amherst, Midd and Bowdoin are surely in, and I have to think at least Amherst and Midd have hosting duties locked up.  I think Williams is surely in with another win.  If they lose, they have to hope Conn loses in the title game, or they are probably on the outside looking in.  Tufts I think is probably in too no matter what happens, because it does seem like NESCAC should be a five-bid league this year.  Hamilton and Wesleyan are seemingly out. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 02, 2022, 04:35:35 PM
I don't have the time to go back and look, but I would say the CC should get no more than 4 bids each year. I talked about it last year... A good case that none of Hopkins, Gettysburg or Swat deserved their bids in 2021.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2022, 06:23:59 PM
Maybe not supposed to ask this, but.... this seems like an odd time of year for Mr.Right to exit the stage.  He had not been as active as usual this season, but still....this is his time of the year.

Also missing blooter442 and Ommadawn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 02, 2022, 06:56:48 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 02, 2022, 06:23:59 PM
Maybe not supposed to ask this, but.... this seems like an odd time of year for Mr.Right to exit the stage.  He had not been as active as usual this season, but still....this is his time of the year.

Also missing blooter442 and Ommadawn.

I was trying to hunt down one of my posts and kind of went down memory lane today... And, yes, there a few folks I haven't seen around much including D4_Pace which is one of my all time favorite handles on here. I think D4 said he's been super busy lately.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on November 03, 2022, 12:55:29 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 02, 2022, 06:56:48 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 02, 2022, 06:23:59 PM
Maybe not supposed to ask this, but.... this seems like an odd time of year for Mr.Right to exit the stage.  He had not been as active as usual this season, but still....this is his time of the year.

Also missing blooter442 and Ommadawn.

I was trying to hunt down one of my posts and kind of went down memory lane today... And, yes, there a few folks I haven't seen around much including D4_Pace which is one of my all time favorite handles on here. I think D4 said he's been super busy lately.

I know I've seem some posts from Mr. Right, but definitely not as many as in years past. I think one of blooter's posts in the last 4-5 months said something about being busy with a new job, or something like that. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2022, 01:00:31 PM
Quote from: OldNed on November 03, 2022, 12:55:29 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 02, 2022, 06:56:48 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 02, 2022, 06:23:59 PM
Maybe not supposed to ask this, but.... this seems like an odd time of year for Mr.Right to exit the stage.  He had not been as active as usual this season, but still....this is his time of the year.

Also missing blooter442 and Ommadawn.

I was trying to hunt down one of my posts and kind of went down memory lane today... And, yes, there a few folks I haven't seen around much including D4_Pace which is one of my all time favorite handles on here. I think D4 said he's been super busy lately.

I know I've seem some posts from Mr. Right, but definitely not as many as in years past. I think one of blooter's posts in the last 4-5 months said something about being busy with a new job, or something like that.

His account is no longer active...or at least it wasn't as of yesterday.  Hence, Guest under his name and no hyperlink.

D4 is in last year of med school and I'm sure also super-busy for residency interview season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on November 03, 2022, 01:13:23 PM
Does anybody have thoughts on Hamilton?

8-4-4 record
.593 SOS
3-4-1 RvR

But they are winless (0-5-2) in their last 7 games with 5 losses and 2 ties. Doesn't scream at-large bid to me. Wouldn't be shocked for the NESCAC to get another bid but IMO this team is not deserving of an at-large.

Thoughts from those who have watched this region more closely? 

On another note, is there any chance that Conn College actually jumps in and takes Hamilton's spot? Would they have a crack at an at-large?

7-5-4
.602 SOS
2-3-4 RvR with Williams up next

Still not feeling it unless they beat Williams and even then it might be difficult for them. Time will tell!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2022, 01:20:37 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on November 03, 2022, 01:13:23 PM
Does anybody have thoughts on Hamilton?

8-4-4 record
.593 SOS
3-4-1 RvR

But they are winless (0-5-2) in their last 7 games with 5 losses and 2 ties. Doesn't scream at-large bid to me. Wouldn't be shocked for the NESCAC to get another bid but IMO this team is not deserving of an at-large.

Thoughts from those who have watched this region more closely? 

On another note, is there any chance that Conn College actually jumps in and takes Hamilton's spot? Would they have a crack at an at-large?

7-5-4
.602 SOS
2-3-4 RvR with Williams up next

Still not feeling it unless they beat Williams and even then it might be difficult for them. Time will tell!

I'll be mildly surprised if Hamilton gets a bid but only mildly.  It seems like they shouldn't even be close because of what you noted, but I haven't read anything that says the cmte considers how teams finish the season. And the RvR stands out as does a very good SoS.

And yes, I think Conn enters the convo again if they beat Williams and (going by what you posted) gets to RvR of 3-3-4.  But I still think it's a bridge too far unless they "lose" the final in pks and get a tie instead of another loss.  But if they get to the final, they might as well just win it.  And speaking of uneven teams with talent, Conn is that...but unfortunately it does not appear they will be getting Rye Jaran back who is a difference-maker for the Camels.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on November 03, 2022, 01:28:07 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2022, 01:20:37 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on November 03, 2022, 01:13:23 PM
Does anybody have thoughts on Hamilton?

8-4-4 record
.593 SOS
3-4-1 RvR

But they are winless (0-5-2) in their last 7 games with 5 losses and 2 ties. Doesn't scream at-large bid to me. Wouldn't be shocked for the NESCAC to get another bid but IMO this team is not deserving of an at-large.

Thoughts from those who have watched this region more closely? 

On another note, is there any chance that Conn College actually jumps in and takes Hamilton's spot? Would they have a crack at an at-large?

7-5-4
.602 SOS
2-3-4 RvR with Williams up next

Still not feeling it unless they beat Williams and even then it might be difficult for them. Time will tell!

I'll be mildly surprised if Hamilton gets a bid but only mildly.  It seems like they shouldn't even be close because of what you noted, but I haven't read anything that says the cmte considers how teams finish the season. And the RvR stands out as does a very good SoS.

And yes, I think Conn enters the convo again if they beat Williams and (going by what you posted) gets to RvR of 3-3-4.  But I still think it's a bridge too far unless they "lose" the final in pks and get a tie instead of another loss.  But if they get to the final, they might as well just win it.  And speaking of uneven teams with talent, Conn is that...but unfortunately it does not appear they will be getting Rye Jaran back who is a difference-maker for the Camels.

Sounds like we are on the same page PN!

While it's not part of the "criteria", I'm not sure how the committee could justify putting a team in the NCAA's who hasn't won in a month. Literally the Hamilton has not won a game in a full month. While there have been many arguments in the past about a team not making conference playoffs but still potentially getting a bid--this is even more extreme IMO.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 03, 2022, 01:54:22 PM
Quote from: OldNed on November 03, 2022, 12:55:29 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 02, 2022, 06:56:48 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 02, 2022, 06:23:59 PM
Maybe not supposed to ask this, but.... this seems like an odd time of year for Mr.Right to exit the stage.  He had not been as active as usual this season, but still....this is his time of the year.

Also missing blooter442 and Ommadawn.

I was trying to hunt down one of my posts and kind of went down memory lane today... And, yes, there a few folks I haven't seen around much including D4_Pace which is one of my all time favorite handles on here. I think D4 said he's been super busy lately.

I know I've seem some posts from Mr. Right, but definitely not as many as in years past. I think one of blooter's posts in the last 4-5 months said something about being busy with a new job, or something like that.
There is a Mr. Right that is active over on the USCHO hockey site.  I have no idea if it is the same person.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2022, 02:03:00 PM
A nakedly gratuitous post for our Aussie friend.  Just kidding.

I remember thinking when Amherst was 5-1-3 and then 7-1-5 that they were having a down year (for them)...and now here we are....Amherst is 10-1-5 and probably set to host for as long as they are in the tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 03, 2022, 02:48:14 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2022, 02:03:00 PM
A nakedly gratuitous post for our Aussie friend.  Just kidding.

I remember thinking when Amherst was 5-1-3 and then 7-1-5 that they were having a down year (for them)...and now here we are....Amherst is 10-1-5 and probably set to host for as long as they are in the tournament.

I am getting concerned about this very minor wave of Ammirers, but am confident it isn't a real thing.

Yes, PN, the actual season has been pretty good given the calibre of player that graduated from what was a super successful team.  I rely on news from some distance, but it's clear the group are in a good space and ready for what will hopefully be a two game weekend.  I am looking forward to another Midd epic.  I watched some of the season highlights yesterday and when the Mammoths find their rhythm, they really are a force. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: emeyerow on November 03, 2022, 07:38:43 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on November 03, 2022, 01:28:07 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2022, 01:20:37 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on November 03, 2022, 01:13:23 PM
Does anybody have thoughts on Hamilton?

8-4-4 record
.593 SOS
3-4-1 RvR

But they are winless (0-5-2) in their last 7 games with 5 losses and 2 ties. Doesn't scream at-large bid to me. Wouldn't be shocked for the NESCAC to get another bid but IMO this team is not deserving of an at-large.

Thoughts from those who have watched this region more closely? 

On another note, is there any chance that Conn College actually jumps in and takes Hamilton's spot? Would they have a crack at an at-large?

7-5-4
.602 SOS
2-3-4 RvR with Williams up next

Still not feeling it unless they beat Williams and even then it might be difficult for them. Time will tell!

I'll be mildly surprised if Hamilton gets a bid but only mildly.  It seems like they shouldn't even be close because of what you noted, but I haven't read anything that says the cmte considers how teams finish the season. And the RvR stands out as does a very good SoS.

And yes, I think Conn enters the convo again if they beat Williams and (going by what you posted) gets to RvR of 3-3-4.  But I still think it's a bridge too far unless they "lose" the final in pks and get a tie instead of another loss.  But if they get to the final, they might as well just win it.  And speaking of uneven teams with talent, Conn is that...but unfortunately it does not appear they will be getting Rye Jaran back who is a difference-maker for the Camels.

Sounds like we are on the same page PN!

While it's not part of the "criteria", I'm not sure how the committee could justify putting a team in the NCAA's who hasn't won in a month. Literally the Hamilton has not won a game in a full month. While there have been many arguments in the past about a team not making conference playoffs but still potentially getting a bid--this is even more extreme IMO.

Full disclosure: my son plays for Hamilton so I am not entirely objective, but I have seen every game live or streamed. They started 8-0-1 and ended the season 0-4-3 (not 0-5-2) and all of the losses were to ranked teams (Amherst, Bowdoin, SUNY Oneonta and Middlebury) with a draw at Williams. They had injuries to a couple of CBs that disrupted their style of play.

I think an 8-4-4 team with 3 wins against ranked teams deserves an at large bid if the NESCAC gets 5 spots. I think the whole resume should be considered and not just how the team ended the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint of Old on November 03, 2022, 07:53:01 PM
I agree with you... unfortunately, the way teams finish is a big deal.
I would  love for Hamilton to get a hid, they have been working hard in a very tough conference for atleast a decade and a half and should get credit for a great year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on November 03, 2022, 08:46:50 PM
Quote from: emeyerow on November 03, 2022, 07:38:43 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on November 03, 2022, 01:28:07 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2022, 01:20:37 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on November 03, 2022, 01:13:23 PM
Does anybody have thoughts on Hamilton?

8-4-4 record
.593 SOS
3-4-1 RvR

But they are winless (0-5-2) in their last 7 games with 5 losses and 2 ties. Doesn't scream at-large bid to me. Wouldn't be shocked for the NESCAC to get another bid but IMO this team is not deserving of an at-large.

Thoughts from those who have watched this region more closely? 

On another note, is there any chance that Conn College actually jumps in and takes Hamilton's spot? Would they have a crack at an at-large?

7-5-4
.602 SOS
2-3-4 RvR with Williams up next

Still not feeling it unless they beat Williams and even then it might be difficult for them. Time will tell!

I'll be mildly surprised if Hamilton gets a bid but only mildly.  It seems like they shouldn't even be close because of what you noted, but I haven't read anything that says the cmte considers how teams finish the season. And the RvR stands out as does a very good SoS.

And yes, I think Conn enters the convo again if they beat Williams and (going by what you posted) gets to RvR of 3-3-4.  But I still think it's a bridge too far unless they "lose" the final in pks and get a tie instead of another loss.  But if they get to the final, they might as well just win it.  And speaking of uneven teams with talent, Conn is that...but unfortunately it does not appear they will be getting Rye Jaran back who is a difference-maker for the Camels.

Sounds like we are on the same page PN!

While it's not part of the "criteria", I'm not sure how the committee could justify putting a team in the NCAA's who hasn't won in a month. Literally the Hamilton has not won a game in a full month. While there have been many arguments in the past about a team not making conference playoffs but still potentially getting a bid--this is even more extreme IMO.

Full disclosure: my son plays for Hamilton so I am not entirely objective, but I have seen every game live or streamed. They started 8-0-1 and ended the season 0-4-3 (not 0-5-2) and all of the losses were to ranked teams (Amherst, Bowdoin, SUNY Oneonta and Middlebury) with a draw at Williams. They had injuries to a couple of CBs that disrupted their style of play.

I think an 8-4-4 team with 3 wins against ranked teams deserves an at large bid if the NESCAC gets 5 spots. I think the whole resume should be considered and not just how the team ended the season.

Not a Hamilton fan, but I really enjoyed seeing their hot start and overall strong season.  So much of my NESCAC experience has been about PN's "four horsemen", it was fun to see another team do well in a very competitive conference.

The d3 soccer tournament rules seem unfair generally and their application to the NESCAC seems especially unfair, as noted by coach analytics.  March Madness allocates fewer than half their invitations to AQs, while D3 soccer allocates 2/3 of bids to AQs.  I had assumed NESCAC teams like Wesleyan last year were being greedy hoping for a bid, but the record shows the NESCAC teams perform exceptionally well and much better than the other two top conferences.  We should be asking why the NESCAC doesn't more often get 6 bids.

Hamilton has a very talented and young roster.  Small consolation if they don't get a bid, but they will be a tough opponent for every team next year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: futbolfan on November 04, 2022, 11:38:28 AM
I have a question on selection criteria for Pool C teams. Since Tufts has a higher NCAA regional ranking then Hamilton, does that mean Tufts would get in before Hamilton? Hamilton beat them head-to-head so not sure how that factors in, or is that already taken into consideration in the regional ranking?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on November 04, 2022, 11:55:07 AM
Quote from: futbolfan on November 04, 2022, 11:38:28 AM
I have a question on selection criteria for Pool C teams. Since Tufts has a higher NCAA regional ranking then Hamilton, does that mean Tufts would get in before Hamilton? Hamilton beat them head-to-head so not sure how that factors in, or is that already taken into consideration in the regional ranking?

Head to Head Results are one of the primary criteria that is already accounted for in the Regional Rankings. But yes, when it comes time to select Pool C bids, Tufts would be discussed, and would have to be selected, before a team below them in the same Regional Rankings can be discussed/selected.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2022, 11:59:55 AM
And given that Tufts and Hamilton have been idle since last weekend (and thus since the most recent RR) it would be highly unlikely for Hamilton to jump Tufts in the final ranking (published after the selections are made). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: futbolfan on November 04, 2022, 12:22:00 PM
Based on that, seems like Hamilton's only path then might be 1) NESCAC take 5 teams (assuming here they don't take 6)  2) Williams loses in regulation to Conn and falls behind Hamilton in final regional ranking, 3) Conn doesn't win NESCAC final.  Thoughts please.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 04, 2022, 12:30:00 PM
I think there is an outside chance that NESCAC/Region 1 gets 6 bids since historically strong conferences like UAA and Centennial do not have as much strength.  NESCAC got 6 bids in 2018 when the filed was smaller.

As to why Hamilton is below Tufts despite head to head win and Williams, I think their record against regional ranked teams is 2-4-1 where as Tufts is 2-1-5 and Williams is 1-0-6.  In addition Tufts 2 wins are #1 and #3 whereas Hamilton's are #3 and #5.  Also their win loss record is not as strong. Loss against Oneonta was a killer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2022, 02:12:41 PM
I worried for weeks outloud that Hamilton scheduling Oneonta (at Oneonta no less) the last game of the regular season, after the grueling end of season NESCAC stretch was a mistake.

That said, I do think it's very possible NESCAC gets six, and actually predicting that esp if Conn wins the AQ.  Regarding the importance (or not) of late season collapses it seems very possible that maybe that could come into play in cases of virtual ties (e.g. Tufts vs Hamilton and Tufts finished stronger).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 04, 2022, 03:47:53 PM
Williams actually has two wins versus regionally ranked teams (Midd and Bowdoin) plus a tie vs. the top-ranked team in region two, I would think those results are looked upon highly.  But the Ephs definitely need to advance on Saturday to feel safe ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 04, 2022, 04:54:18 PM
Bad news is that young Bucket's high school soccer team lost in the state semi's this week on an OT golden goal. Silver lining is that it frees us up to make the journey down Rt. 7 for tomorrow's match.

Go Panthers!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 04, 2022, 04:57:00 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on November 04, 2022, 03:47:53 PM
Williams actually has two wins versus regionally ranked teams (Midd and Bowdoin) plus a tie vs. the top-ranked team in region two, I would think those results are looked upon highly.  But the Ephs definitely need to advance on Saturday to feel safe ...





Who knows what happens over the course of the weekend with conf tournaments but I think the 4 and 5 seeds in Region 1 are in pretty good shape.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MNBob on November 04, 2022, 05:00:29 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 04, 2022, 04:54:18 PM
Bad news is that young Bucket's high school soccer team lost in the state semi's this week on an OT golden goal. Silver lining is that it frees us up to make the journey down Rt. 7 for tomorrow's match.
Go Panthers!
I feel ya... My son is a 2022 graduate playing his first year of D3 soccer but his high school team was in the MN State Championship game today. They were up 2-1 with less than 2 minutes in regulation when they gave up the tying goal. Then in golden goal OT they were pressuing in the final third when the opponent started a break out which ended with a perfect pass to a wide open forward who was all alone in front of the goal. Keeper makes an outstanding kick save but the rebound directs straight out in front of him, hits the foot of a defender who was charging full speed to get back into the play and deflects back into the net for an own goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dustin_Patrón on November 04, 2022, 07:23:38 PM
I've been a silent reader of this thread for a few years now and recently decided to join the conversation. I generally pay closest attention to PN's "four horsemen" in Amherst, Conn, Midd, and Tufts though I've enjoyed watching the league open up a bit this year.

Truly missing Mr. Right's frequent insights and game predictions. I'm sure there are others out there like me that are eagerly awaiting his return.. whether or not we vocalize it on the thread. Surely my small feet cannot adequately fill the enormous boots Mr. Right has left unattended, but I still wanted to post some predictions for tomorrow as I feel someone needs to get the post-season predication ball rolling.

Williams may steal a goal on a set piece/long throw, however, I don't think they have the offensive fire power to put more than one past Conn's back line. Conn College switches the ball more than any other team in the conference and I think this will hurt Williams as they seem to shift their entire team to one side of the field in order to defend the ball. I think Conn's experience from last post-season will come into play.
(Conn 2 Williams 1)

Midd v Amherst is one of the best rivalries in recent years. The two have very different styles of play but one thing they both share is their high level of physicality. I think the winner of this semi-final will go on to take the crown on Sunday. Amherst will play as Amherst does, avoiding any and all dangerous play in the back. Their back line is physical, yes, but lacks some pace and 1v1 defending ability. I think Midd's wingers will capitalize on this weakness.
(Midd 1 Amherst 0)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 04, 2022, 07:37:33 PM
Just wanna clarify given continued references to 'my' four horsemen....absolutely did not and do want to diss Bowdoin or Williams in any way (or any other NESCACs).

I think Bowdoin is totally legit and I should have included the Polar Bears in another thread when I referenced Midd and Amherst as legit challengers in a matchup with Messiah.

As for the predictions above, that is very consistent with what I would predict...my one caveat is that if Midd and Amherst play TWO more times, Midd would much prefer to win the second one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 04, 2022, 07:54:32 PM
Quote from: Dustin_Patrón on November 04, 2022, 07:23:38 PM
I've been a silent reader of this thread for a few years now and recently decided to join the conversation. I generally pay closest attention to PN's "four horsemen" in Amherst, Conn, Midd, and Tufts though I've enjoyed watching the league open up a bit this year.

Truly missing Mr. Right's frequent insights and game predictions. I'm sure there are others out there like me that are eagerly awaiting his return.. whether or not we vocalize it on the thread. Surely my small feet cannot adequately fill the enormous boots Mr. Right has left unattended, but I still wanted to post some predictions for tomorrow as I feel someone needs to get the post-season predication ball rolling.

Williams may steal a goal on a set piece/long throw, however, I don't think they have the offensive fire power to put more than one past Conn's back line. Conn College switches the ball more than any other team in the conference and I think this will hurt Williams as they seem to shift their entire team to one side of the field in order to defend the ball. I think Conn's experience from last post-season will come into play.
(Conn 2 Williams 1)

Midd v Amherst is one of the best rivalries in recent years. The two have very different styles of play but one thing they both share is their high level of physicality. I think the winner of this semi-final will go on to take the crown on Sunday. Amherst will play as Amherst does, avoiding any and all dangerous play in the back. Their back line is physical, yes, but lacks some pace and 1v1 defending ability. I think Midd's wingers will capitalize on this weakness.
(Midd 1 Amherst 0)

I know I'm not a NESCAC guy, but... Welcome!!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 04, 2022, 08:57:04 PM
I tipped 2-0 to Amherst in the tipping competition, but given that the last ten games have been either 1-0 or 1-1, my forecast appears statistically out of kilter and clearly incorporates an optimistic bias.  Two evenly matched teams, both with genuine X factor up front, it could be whoever gets the one moment right, may well be sufficient to determine it.

I went for Conn, 3-0 I think and that's with no disrespect to the Ephs.  Having watched the Mammoths/Cams game, albeit on a screen, I came away with respect for them.  Also, they beat Babson 3-0 and whilst I have no idea of how that game went, I still have the view that Babson was the best team I saw live.  I like the way they played and if Conn was able to get that result, whilst some of their others may be have been not up to that level, I suspect if they get it right, they are going to be very difficult to get past.

I won't be able to watch game 1, but will be up at 4.30am in downtown Enmore, potentially waking neighbours, either with delight or profanity (or maybe both).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: hiyasoccer on November 05, 2022, 08:11:52 AM
After being a deserved Bowdoin winner away from predicting every score exactly last weekend, I'm feeling pretty good about my prophetic abilities that definitely have nothing to do with luck. I'll go Williams 1-1 Conn and Amherst 2-1 Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on November 05, 2022, 09:10:54 AM
I too miss Mr. Right and hope he returns.

Williams always plays hard and they are home but I predict Conn will win 1-0. Their roster is too strong and I am betting last week's result was a wake up call. PN has been noting the absence of Jaran but from what I've seen the last couple of years Yenoas is probably their most dangerous player. Augie didn't play much last week and when he was on the field he seemed limited by injury, which is too bad. When healthy he is among my favorite players in the conference to watch given his combination of size, ball skills and soccer smarts.

Amherst/Midd is harder to pick. Both great squads and their coaches will have them more than ready. Easy to predict a super physical game with lots of fouls and yellows. I think Midd has the edge with GK Grady. Midd 1-0

Unrelated, I saw Maryland beat Northwestern in the Big 10 tournament last night. Former POY German didn't play and hasn't seen active in a few weeks. Although I hated seeing him as an opponent, I was rooting for him in D1. Their season isn't over so hopefully he gets more chances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 05, 2022, 09:39:34 AM
It is very difficult to beat a team twice at home in the same season,so I am giving Williams the edge in this game, Mid will struggle at Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 05, 2022, 10:41:45 AM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on November 05, 2022, 09:10:54 AM
I too miss Mr. Right and hope he returns.

Williams always plays hard and they are home but I predict Conn will win 1-0. Their roster is too strong and I am betting last week's result was a wake up call. PN has been noting the absence of Jaran but from what I've seen the last couple of years Yenoas is probably their most dangerous player. Augie didn't play much last week and when he was on the field he seemed limited by injury, which is too bad. When healthy he is among my favorite players in the conference to watch given his combination of size, ball skills and soccer smarts.

Amherst/Midd is harder to pick. Both great squads and their coaches will have them more than ready. Easy to predict a super physical game with lots of fouls and yellows. I think Midd has the edge with GK Grady. Midd 1-0

Unrelated, I saw Maryland beat Northwestern in the Big 10 tournament last night. Former POY German didn't play and hasn't seen active in a few weeks. Although I hated seeing him as an opponent, I was rooting for him in D1. Their season isn't over so hopefully he gets more chances.

I agree that Yeonas is probably Conn's best player (and maybe the best player pound for pound in the league...the ultimate gamer and it's almost impossible to take the ball off him).  He may be the most dangerous Camel too.  My point with Jaran is that he adds a dimension with his creative passing and free kick skills that Conn needs.  And you mentioned Augie who apparently is hobbled.  Imo, Conn needs all three to make a deep run.

I'm a Conn fan but I'd hate to see them knock out another NESCAC with a better chance in the NCAA tourney IF they don't have a chance to make a real run.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 05, 2022, 11:11:42 AM
Seems like Augie not on the field?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on November 05, 2022, 11:46:51 AM
With all the talk about commentators, this one in the Conn College - Williams game is quite irritating.  He's clearly not a student, so I'm assuming he's a professional, but it's like he's not watching the game or he watches and then looks down while he's talking and misses everything happening when he stops watching.  He'll make a call about the GK making a great save to tip the ball over the bar and continue praising the GK while the GK is setting up for the goal kick, indicating he either didn't get the touch or the ref didn't see it.  I get that these guys don't have spotters and can miss things that viewers can easily see (like a deflection for a CK early in the game or a ref call that he is surprised is a foul), but it's just embarrassing if they don't watch the play the whole way through.  After all, the ref's signal should alert you what the call is immediately.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 05, 2022, 12:03:01 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on November 05, 2022, 11:46:51 AM
With all the talk about commentators, this one in the Conn College - Williams game is quite irritating.  He's clearly not a student, so I'm assuming he's a professional, but it's like he's not watching the game or he watches and then looks down while he's talking and misses everything happening when he stops watching.  He'll make a call about the GK making a great save to tip the ball over the bar and continue praising the GK while the GK is setting up for the goal kick, indicating he either didn't get the touch or the ref didn't see it.  I get that these guys don't have spotters and can miss things that viewers can easily see (like a deflection for a CK early in the game or a ref call that he is surprised is a foul), but it's just embarrassing if they don't watch the play the whole way through.  After all, the ref's signal should alert you what the call is immediately.

Quite a few of these guys do not have a good knowledge of the game!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Fitz@615 on November 05, 2022, 01:08:21 PM
Watching Conn College v Williams. Are the fans there just not knowledgable. CC kid grabs jersey from behind and then pushes Williams player down. Foul called and crowd immediately yells at the ref and then when yellow given, they are even more vehement in there disagreement. Seriously, I mean a clear foul and yellow. I get pulling for your team, but that was ridiculous from the CC fans.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Maine Soccer Fan on November 05, 2022, 01:10:03 PM
"The winger drives baseline and dishes off a centering pass."

That's the stuff I find mildly annoying.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Fitz@615 on November 05, 2022, 01:29:29 PM
Anouncer..."I've never played soccer before". Now. that is news to the viewers
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 05, 2022, 02:44:22 PM
So—what's the deal with NESCAC teams this year? Are they all just massively skilled defensively? Or, have they just forgotten that you're supposed to put the ball into the net? Or, is it something else? Not making fun of them; this is an honest question. I've seen several of their games earlier in the season, and except for Williams before their striker went down I can't remember seeing any goals. Seems like the scoreboard is broken n their tournament this year ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on November 05, 2022, 02:49:39 PM
As for Williams, how do figure out the significance of 10 draws? Ten!? That can't all be a result of no OT. Indeed they played two OTs today and still failed to score even one goal...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on November 05, 2022, 03:22:10 PM
Beat me to it Falconer, was about to say Williams has to be in the danger zone after today.  SOS and RvR notwithstanding, it just seems wrong to reward a team with a bid that has more losses/draws than wins.  All this talk about the NESCAC getting 5 or 6 bids, I would not be shocked to see only 3 this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on November 05, 2022, 03:25:35 PM
Middlebury just tied it up.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 05, 2022, 04:28:52 PM
"Knuckleball" and "tipped into the zone." Much like me doing basketball commentary in college because they needed a warm body, soccer is not this guy's forte.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 05, 2022, 04:29:45 PM
"Kalinoceans" was a new way to hear no.33's name pronounced...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 05, 2022, 04:52:50 PM
Elmore Cat. Congrats to your son. Well played match. Hopefully we do it again in a few weeks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blue_jays on November 05, 2022, 05:15:07 PM
Quote from: stlawus on November 05, 2022, 03:22:10 PM
Beat me to it Falconer, was about to say Williams has to be in the danger zone after today.  SOS and RvR notwithstanding, it just seems wrong to reward a team with a bid that has more losses/draws than wins.  All this talk about the NESCAC getting 5 or 6 bids, I would not be shocked to see only 3 this year.

If you only win 6 out of 17 games, that should put you firmly on the bubble. That's just nutty.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: futbolfan on November 05, 2022, 05:33:27 PM
Will Williams stay ahead of Hamilton in weekly rankings? 6-1-10 is slightly higher % than 8-4-4 assuming wins are 2 points in the calculation. Maybe NCAA should consider giving 2.5 or 3 for a win in this ranking system.  Regardless under the current system does Williams stay ahead of Ham?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: JEFFFAN on November 05, 2022, 05:46:55 PM
Relatively new to the soccer boards but at this level doesn't it make sense to have another form of overtime during the regular season?   Williams with TEN ties!  Amherst with FIVE ties?   Has to be a different way to decide these games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 05, 2022, 06:54:29 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on November 05, 2022, 04:52:50 PM
Elmore Cat. Congrats to your son. Well played match. Hopefully we do it again in a few weeks.

Thanks CSO, that Brady kid in goal for Panthers made some good saves.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 05, 2022, 07:23:53 PM
Middlebury 1 Amherst 2

I do appreciate that not everyone gets excited about Conference finals and that it's all about the Tournament, but I also think it's helpful to take good form into the business end of the season, plus winning games is fun.  The first half today was all about the  Mammoths and even an Amhater or two (I won't get carried away) might have been impressed with some of the play.  Bottom line, I thought Amherst was good value for the 1-0 half time lead against a Midd team that would have been unhappy with their first half.  In the game I saw live between the two, Midd's midfield dominated for significant stretches, that's not how the first half was today.

The one thing any seasoned, or in my case, less seasoned but learning rapidly, NESCAC follower, is that Midd wasn't going to be as passive after half time.  For the Ammirers it was frustrating, as some very good early Panther hustle led to a corner.  Now, there is something about left-footed players, but I can only imagine how much fun it must be to watch Jordan St Louis practice and as he went over to take the corner, I was thinking, watch out for the in-swing.  Sadly, it appeared there was a breakdown in my ability to transmit mind messages to the Mammoths defence, firstly across the Pacific Ocean and then across continental USA and a rather sloppy goal was conceded,  albeit, what was off a delicious delivery.

That really was the greenlight for Midd to start to take over and it was Amherst's turn to go into their shell (did Mammoths ever have shells?).  Whilst Midd didn't create lots of chances, they sure had more of the ball.  It took a while, but eventually the Mammoths got back into it and whilst a tense affair, it felt like extra time was inevitable as neither team could quite get something better than a half chance to work with.

I felt myself agreeing with Paul Newman when Amherst got what was eventually the winner.  It would have been a classic way to finish the game, but of course, the rule change meant that the Panthers had a chance to claw it back.  In any event, a nice assist for son of EnmoreCat and because of the delayed kick off, it meant that my exclamation of joy didn't wake up as many people it might have had the earlier game finished earlier.  Midd pressed hard as you would expect and late in the game there was a shout for a handball.  Unlike a few moments in the game which I rewound to review, I was quite happy that the referee got that right and moved on. 

In terms of the overall balance of play, my purple lensed view thought Amherst did enough to deserve the win and more play like the first half will be welcome for whatever comes next.  For Midd, the stats show that losing a Conference final need not mean much for the Tournament and I am sure they will be back stronger.  Their best soccer is pretty good.  Conn tomorrow won't be easy and I suspect the commentator wasn't aware that they actually won the Tournament last year, because he kept describing their win against Williams as a "Cinderella" story.  I would expect another tough NESCAC affair, sadly it will happen without me watching live, a 4.00am Monday kick off is about the worst possible time for me, but I will get to watch the replay later.

Finally, the other stats, Amherst's foul count of 18 was a bit above average, but of course, included overtime.  The Panthers managed 14, but I couldn't tell you what their average is.  They did manage two yellows to the Mammoths' one, which probably runs counter to the accepted script.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 05, 2022, 08:00:54 PM
I'm finally tuning back into this forum, as it took me a full week to recover from Bowdoin's triple losses last Saturday...in men's soccer, women's soccer, and field hockey.  Albeit both of the soccer losses were in PKs...which I have always detested, whichever end of the "result" my team comes out on...

At any rate, I very much enjoy EnmoreCat's commentary.  He's knowledgeable, passionate, and willing to withstand the continuous stream of jabs (most of them deserved) that are hurled Amherst's way.  I tuned into the last 15-20 regulation minutes of the Amherst v Midd match, and didn't see a whole lot going on.  Then I was primarily watching the Brown women's "make up" soccer match vs. Springfield College when Amherst scored what was the ultimate winning goal.  Based on the stat sheet, which isn't always reliable, it does appear Amherst had the edge in play.

I was also delighted to learn that a friend of mine, who historically is not a huge sports fan, is now a big fan of Amherst because her nephew is their leading scorer!  On top of that, it appears he scored the opening goal in today's match.  This is further evidence of how the beautiful game can come to infect so many around the globe.

It'll be interesting to see what the NCAA selection committee decides the NESCAC deserves come Monday evening.  Over and out
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 05, 2022, 08:07:36 PM
Quote from: Fitz@615 on November 05, 2022, 01:29:29 PM
Anouncer..."I've never played soccer before". Now. that is news to the viewers
The announcer indicated there were two possible hand balls during the game.  Did anyone see them and care to comment?"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 06, 2022, 12:10:12 PM
Ah hockey, the announcer has clarified his lens. Makes sense, given the use of "centering pass" lol.

2 minutes later: "Ball rolls to the zone."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on November 06, 2022, 12:13:49 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 06, 2022, 12:10:12 PM
Ah hockey, the announcer has clarified his lens. Makes sense, given the use of "centering pass" lol.

2 minutes later: "Ball rolls to the zone."

Is "feathers it up" also a hockey phrase?  I've never heard that before in connection with any sport
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2022, 01:38:57 PM
It's not enough for Amherst to clean aomeone out every 3 minutes...they then complain profusely with thespian level histrionics if a foul is called....which often is not called because the refs get tired of calling them.

If the ref continues to not call these blatant fouls someone or more than one are going to get seriously injured.

Just brutal to watch.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 06, 2022, 02:08:34 PM
PN--I concur with your thoughts on the style that Amherst plays.  I will say, however, that having seen Conn play in person multiple times, a number of their players are willing and able to embellish or even simulate contact in order to get foul calls.  Truly a nightmare matchup from a refereeing standpoint.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2022, 02:14:32 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on November 06, 2022, 02:08:34 PM
PN--I concur with your thoughts on the style that Amherst plays.  I will say, however, that having seen Conn play in person multiple times, a number of their players are willing and able to embellish or even simulate contact in order to get foul calls.  Truly a nightmare matchup from a refereeing standpoint.

Maybe...but that's not what I observed today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 06, 2022, 02:19:14 PM
Fair enough.  Have seen enough of both of those teams, so not watching today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 06, 2022, 02:21:07 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on November 06, 2022, 02:08:34 PM
PN--I concur with your thoughts on the style that Amherst plays.  I will say, however, that having seen Conn play in person multiple times, a number of their players are willing and able to embellish or even simulate contact in order to get foul calls.  Truly a nightmare matchup from a refereeing standpoint.

Amherst gonna Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2022, 02:27:01 PM
And another one just now.  Kid got crushed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 06, 2022, 02:31:19 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on November 06, 2022, 12:13:49 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on November 06, 2022, 12:10:12 PM
Ah hockey, the announcer has clarified his lens. Makes sense, given the use of "centering pass" lol.

2 minutes later: "Ball rolls to the zone."

Is "feathers it up" also a hockey phrase?  I've never heard that before in connection with any sport

Yes... It's usually in reference to a wristed pass (taking a little bit off of a pass is what it's usually meant to convey.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Fitz@615 on November 06, 2022, 02:35:06 PM
Yesterday, he called the player taking the PK "the kicker". Horrible to watch
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2022, 02:44:45 PM
I will concede that there is a element of Amherst just being physically dominant but I don't think it's just that.

They do recruit for size and physical dominance.

Before Sung (who scored the GW, ironically Amherst's shortest player on the field off a header no less) came back in, Amherst on the field was 6'6 GK, 6'8, 6'5, 6'3, 6'3, 6'3, 6'2, 6'1. 6'1, 6'1, 5'10....and not at all atypical for the Mammoths over the years.

For a coach who was a 5'7 GK at Drew.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2022, 02:47:59 PM
Credit to Conn....gave themselves a chance.  Remember they were a very winnable Colby game against Bates from not even getting the 8th seed.  I wonder if a defending national champ has ever been a 8th seed (or whatever is lowest seed for any particular conference).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 06, 2022, 06:17:13 PM
Conn 1 Amherst 2

I didn't see the first half, the 4.00am Monday wake up was too much, but did see the second half and also OT.  Conn are a good team and you can see in patches why they have enjoyed success.  The game felt similar to the regular season game a few weeks back, which was a slog.  Plus, the second lot of 110 minutes in 24 hours is a challenge, but both teams coped with it.  I am glad they get a rest however.

On the balance of what I saw, an Amherst win seemed about fair and it's hard to argue with the display of the intestinal fortitude required to come back from 1-0 down, given how few goals there seem to have been across the conference this season.

It's the Mammoths first NESCAC title since 2016 and when you consider some of the personnel that have been with the program in the interim, it represents a serious achievement and a testimony to Coach Serpone's efforts and skilful management of the group.  The Tournament is a whole new season, but confidence deserves to be high.

Finally, I was a little nervous after the Midd game that something had happened on the misdemeanor side, but felt happy for the Amhaters to see a 22-12 and 4-2 go the Mammoths' way. 


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: futbolfan on November 06, 2022, 10:45:34 PM
4, 5, or 6 teams for NESCAC? I'm guessing 5. Does Williams rank ahead of Hamilton?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 07, 2022, 07:44:42 AM
Quote from: Fitz@615 on November 06, 2022, 02:35:06 PM
Yesterday, he called the player taking the PK "the kicker". Horrible to watch

what about all those "unforced errors"?

not knowing what the AR flag signal means.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 07, 2022, 07:55:48 AM
Quote from: futbolfan on November 06, 2022, 10:45:34 PM
4, 5, or 6 teams for NESCAC? I'm guessing 5. Does Williams rank ahead of Hamilton?

Yes, yes they do stay ahead of Hamilton.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 07, 2022, 08:27:29 AM
Crazy fact of the day which I had forgotten: since 2003, Messiah has 9 titles, Nescac teams have 7, and the rest of D3 have only one collectively.  Messiah, insanely, has never lost in its 11 total title game appearances (1 shoot out victory).  No non-Nescac team has appeared in the title game since 2018.  I'm guessing that latter streak ends this year ... but who knows!

As for the tourney I expect Amherst, Midd, Bowdoin, Tufts and Williams to make it, in that order.  Williams I imagine is right on the bubble. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 07, 2022, 09:19:43 AM
By all accounts Hamilton remains at the very edge of the bubble.  Conn losing certainly helped them.  But Western Conn failing to win its league tourney may have hurt them.  I think, ultimately, NESCAC gets 5 with Hamilton one of the very last left out, but certainly not inconceivable that they make it in. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on November 07, 2022, 01:17:55 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on November 07, 2022, 09:19:43 AM
By all accounts Hamilton remains at the very edge of the bubble.  Conn losing certainly helped them.  But Western Conn failing to win its league tourney may have hurt them.  I think, ultimately, NESCAC gets 5 with Hamilton one of the very last left out, but certainly not inconceivable that they make it in.

Hamilton on paper should be an easy at-large bid, but when you look at the body of work from start to finish, it's staggering the drop off they have had over the last month of the season. Are they deserving? I'd say no chance. But would I be shocked to see them get an at-large? Not at all.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 07, 2022, 02:10:52 PM
As expected five Nescac teams in, no Hamilton.  Also no Western Conn, they can't be thrilled.

Amherst, Bowdoin and Tufts together in a Nescac-heavy bracket.  Midd and Williams in other brackets.  Very tough draw for Williams, NYU and if they survive that, Messiah.  Amherst had a pretty clear draw as you'd expect for a top seed. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on November 08, 2022, 03:34:04 PM
The last time Bowdoin hosted a tournament game, it was Middlebury in the Elite 8 in 2010, and I'm pretty sure I was in the crowd storming the field (the Polar Bears are my de facto second team).

(Those of a Panthers persuasion should look away)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VehlY0URGKc

Looks like it was recorded with a potato, but I can clearly remember watching that game. Bowdoin had most of the ball, Middlebury scored just after the break, Bowdoin knocked at the door the entire second half, hitting the woodwork and being foiled by a goalkeeper (actually) named Tim Cahill, whose hair was excoriated quite a bit throughout the day. He stood on his head, though, and looked like shutting out Bowdoin for the third game of the season (lost regular season 2-0 and lost at home in a NESCAC final shootout), but the Polar Bears equalized with around 10 left and the momentum completely swung, and there was only going to be one winner at that point. In fact, the winner was a rebound off of a free kick given with about 10 seconds left in the first OT, finished with 1 second on the clock — the sheer desire to win the second ball after the initial service makes the goal, which itself was the result of Bowdoin hitting the woodwork. One of the best tournament games I've seen. Will try to get there this weekend for at least one game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 08, 2022, 07:24:05 PM
Great recollection, Blooter!  I was at that game as a parent of a junior starting at left back for Bowdoin.  I was standing with some other parents on the upper tier of the stands near the announcers...and I was pacing the entire time because of my nervousness and energy.  Bowdoin had "lost" the NESCAC tournament final in PKs to the same Middlebury team on the same field two weeks previously, and I remember being chagrined but also somewhat impressed that Middlebury broke out into a team song upon clinching the NESCAC title.

Fast forward two weeks.  Bowdoin had the edge in play, but had to score a late equalizer to force OT.  The stands and sidelines of the field were absolutely packed.  The first OT (back in the era of golden goal) was relatively evenly played, and then with seconds remaining, Bowdoin earned a free kick deep in Middlebury's end.  Forward Eddie Jones took the kick, it was headed out by a field player or punched out by the keeper, headed back in by a Bowdoin player, and then freshman (that's what they called them back then) forward Zack Dansseart volleyed the ball into the back of the net as the horn sounded.

The entire place erupted and the fans stormed the field.  I remember embracing my son and his teammates and everyone repeatedly saying "we're going to Texas!".  Bowdoin president and huge sports fan Barry Mills said it was the single most exciting sporting moment he had ever experienced.  And, with all admitted bias, it was indeed one of the most exciting sporting moments I'd experienced...even as a long time Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Liverpool fan.  I guess it's but one example of the magic that can happen in D3 soccer.



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 08, 2022, 08:29:09 PM
Quote from: northman on November 08, 2022, 07:24:05 PM
Great recollection, Blooter!  I was at that game as a parent of a junior starting at left back for Bowdoin.  I was standing with some other parents on the upper tier of the stands near the announcers...and I was pacing the entire time because of my nervousness and energy.  Bowdoin had "lost" the NESCAC tournament final in PKs to the same Middlebury team on the same field two weeks previously, and I remember being chagrined but also somewhat impressed that Middlebury broke out into a team song upon clinching the NESCAC title.

Fast forward two weeks.  Bowdoin had the edge in play, but had to score a late equalizer to force OT.  The stands and sidelines of the field were absolutely packed.  The first OT (back in the era of golden goal) was relatively evenly played, and then with seconds remaining, Bowdoin earned a free kick deep in Middlebury's end.  Forward Eddie Jones took the kick, it was headed out by a field player or punched out by the keeper, headed back in by a Bowdoin player, and then freshman (that's what they called them back then) forward Zack Dansseart volleyed the ball into the back of the net as the horn sounded.

The entire place erupted and the fans stormed the field.  I remember embracing my son and his teammates and everyone repeatedly saying "we're going to Texas!".  Bowdoin president and huge sports fan Barry Mills said it was the single most exciting sporting moment he had ever experienced.  And, with all admitted bias, it was indeed one of the most exciting sporting moments I'd experienced...even as a long time Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Liverpool fan.  I guess it's but one example of the magic that can happen in D3 soccer.

That's beautiful.  And there's something in it that explains what draws me back every year.  It allows me to keep an attachment with all those similar kinds of moments that happen in all our kids' lives (not necessarily to compete with the level of ecstacy in your example) but in the moment something really profound happens.  I'm a diehard Celtics and UK bball fan (like cry after they lose and after they win too) but none of what I experienced as a rabid fan ever came close to the peak moments I've had with my children.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Coach Jeff on November 08, 2022, 08:52:27 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 08, 2022, 08:29:09 PM
Quote from: northman on November 08, 2022, 07:24:05 PM
Great recollection, Blooter!  I was at that game as a parent of a junior starting at left back for Bowdoin.  I was standing with some other parents on the upper tier of the stands near the announcers...and I was pacing the entire time because of my nervousness and energy.  Bowdoin had "lost" the NESCAC tournament final in PKs to the same Middlebury team on the same field two weeks previously, and I remember being chagrined but also somewhat impressed that Middlebury broke out into a team song upon clinching the NESCAC title.

Fast forward two weeks.  Bowdoin had the edge in play, but had to score a late equalizer to force OT.  The stands and sidelines of the field were absolutely packed.  The first OT (back in the era of golden goal) was relatively evenly played, and then with seconds remaining, Bowdoin earned a free kick deep in Middlebury's end.  Forward Eddie Jones took the kick, it was headed out by a field player or punched out by the keeper, headed back in by a Bowdoin player, and then freshman (that's what they called them back then) forward Zack Dansseart volleyed the ball into the back of the net as the horn sounded.

The entire place erupted and the fans stormed the field.  I remember embracing my son and his teammates and everyone repeatedly saying "we're going to Texas!".  Bowdoin president and huge sports fan Barry Mills said it was the single most exciting sporting moment he had ever experienced.  And, with all admitted bias, it was indeed one of the most exciting sporting moments I'd experienced...even as a long time Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Liverpool fan.  I guess it's but one example of the magic that can happen in D3 soccer.

That's beautiful.  And there's something in it that explains what draws me back every year.  It allows me to keep an attachment with all those similar kinds of moments that happen in all our kids' lives (not necessarily to compete with the level of ecstacy in your example) but in the moment something really profound happens.  I'm a diehard Celtics and UK bball fan (like cry after they lose and after they win too) but none of what I experienced as a rabid fan ever came close to the peak moments I've had with my children.

Well said PN I agree totally with those moments that you share with your children can never be replaced....not sure about your B-Ball favorites though... :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 08, 2022, 09:14:43 PM
I completely agree...you simply can't match the emotionality you experience when your own kids are triumphing and failing in their various athletic endeavors...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on November 09, 2022, 11:15:13 AM
Quote from: northman on November 08, 2022, 09:14:43 PM
I completely agree...you simply can't match the emotionality you experience when your own kids are triumphing and failing in their various athletic endeavors...
Blooter and Northman (True North), that must have been an amazing game!  The goal was so typical of the NESCAC—lots of players in a scrum in the box fighting to see who wants it more.

Agree about how special it is to watch your kid and their team play hard, compete, have success but also sometimes not.  I am always touched by parents of former players who attend games from time to time.  They remind us of how precious these experiences are.

I hope you make it to Pickard field this weekend.  Looks like the rain will stop Saturday morning.  Bowdoin was last in the tournament in 2017, before the current fifth year seniors joined the team.  Everyone is beyond excited to be in the dance and hosting.  Hopefully many more special moments are ahead!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 09, 2022, 02:25:43 PM
Yes, it'll be great to see a game or two on a genuine grass field.  Hopefully the rain won't be so heavy that it creates a quagmire...

And it will be interesting to see what the Babson team looks like.  They've had a pretty solid season thus far and should be very competitive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on November 09, 2022, 05:15:01 PM
NESCAC announced its conference awards today:

Player of the Year: Dylan Reid, Bowdoin
Rookie of the Year: Tyler Huck, Bowdoin
Coach of the Year: Scott Wiercinski, Bowdoin

All-NESCAC First Team

G - Michael Webber, Bowdoin, Sr
D - Nick Boardman, Williams, Sr
D - Ian Daly, Tufts, Sr
D - Dylan Reid, Bowdoin, Sr
M - Julian Juantorena, Bowdoin, Sr
M - Pandelis Margaronis, Hamilton, So
M - Steve Yeonas, Conn. College, Sr
F - Tife Agunloye, Bates, So
F - Augie Djerdjaj, Conn. College, Sr
F - Will Felitto, Williams, Sr
F - Ada Okorogheye, Amherst, Jr

All-NESCAC Second Team

G - Ben Diffley, Williams, Jr.
D - Ben Clark-Eden, Amherst, So
D - Sebastian Ghosh, Hamilton, So
D - Michael McFarlane, Middlebury, Sr
D - Evan O'Brien, Wesleyan, Jr.
M - Phillip Cubeddu, Wesleyan, Sr
M - Luke Peplowski, Hamilton, So
M - Alex Shahmirzadi, Amherst, Sr
M - Laurens ten Cate, Amherst, So
F - Fynn Hayton-Ruffner, Amherst, So
F - Jordan Saint-Louis, Middlebury, Jr
F - Alec Szwarcewicz, Bates, Sr

Before the chorus of quibbles starts, let's pause to celebrate one of the rarest phenomena in college sport: postseason awards that acknowledge great defensive play. Shout out to the voters for giving the conference player of the year award to a deserving center back. Reid is a beast. NESCAC does that more than most conferences (Tufts' Coleman was the last one, and that was only five years ago). But it goes deeper than that. Sure, they do the usual silly thing by putting forward four forwards on the first team, but then they almost make up for it by giving two of the first-time middie slots to 6s! Amazing. Margaronis and Juantorena are great, and like most CDMs, they seldom get the love they deserve. I'm also happy to see acknowledgment of one defender (Ghosh) and another former defender (Felitto) whose seasons were cut short by devastating injuries.

The sophomores above are a super group. If I'd been given a ballot, I'd have Clark-Eden on the first team; dude was impeccable every time I watched. You could put together a team with the Amherst and Hamilton sophomores that could win multiple NCAA championships. I wish we could have seen Hamilton's sophs unleashed in the NCAA tournament, where they'd be less hamstrung than they are by the style of play in NESCAC.

Congrats to all and good luck in the tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 09, 2022, 05:35:53 PM
I agree Viking, more power to the people who help stop the goals, it's much easier to win with a clean sheet.  I was pleased to see the strong Amherst representation, presumably selected in part to do the respective team's enforcing work.  I really haven't seen enough of the players to know the proper standouts, which I think does reflect the team focus to D3, which I love. 

All I would say is that I  simultaneously loved and feared Jordan St Louis and I wish he was graduating!  He was easily the smoothest mover I saw during my time there, Mammoths aside.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 09, 2022, 06:00:47 PM
The Williams coach did an excellent job this in his first year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 09, 2022, 07:18:32 PM
For the sake of accuracy, this was technically the Williams coach's second year.  He served as interim head coach last year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on November 09, 2022, 07:30:43 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 09, 2022, 05:15:01 PM
NESCAC announced its conference awards today:

Before the chorus of quibbles starts, let's pause to celebrate one of the rarest phenomena in college sport: postseason awards that acknowledge great defensive play. Shout out to the voters for giving the conference player of the year award to a deserving center back. Reid is a beast. NESCAC does that more than most conferences (Tufts' Coleman was the last one, and that was only five years ago). But it goes deeper than that. Sure, they do the usual silly thing by putting forward four forwards on the first team, but then they almost make up for it by giving two of the first-time middie slots to 6s! Amazing. Margaronis and Juantorena are great, and like most CDMs, they seldom get the love they deserve. I'm also happy to see acknowledgment of one defender (Ghosh) and another former defender (Felitto) whose seasons were cut short by devastating injuries.

The sophomores above are a super group. If I'd been given a ballot, I'd have Clark-Eden on the first team; dude was impeccable every time I watched. You could put together a team with the Amherst and Hamilton sophomores that could win multiple NCAA championships. I wish we could have seen Hamilton's sophs unleashed in the NCAA tournament, where they'd be less hamstrung than they are by the style of play in NESCAC.

Congrats to all and good luck in the tournament.

Great comments Viking, all around.  As a Bowdoin parent I am proud and thrilled that the team did so well.  I have watched Reid up close for three years and as someone said on the boards weeks ago, he is the guy coaches game plan around.  Really smart, always in position, fast and strong in the air.  I attribute the award going to a defender to the value of defense in the conference and the voting being done by coaches.

Hamilton and Amherst both have very strong sophomore classes.  Hamilton has three sophomore players on the list plus Luke Ehrenfreund, who didn't make the list but was very good.  Amherst is said to be in a transition year and yet still had five players named, three of whom are sophomores.  Speaking of defense, Shahmirzadi, always a ferocious defender, took the role of Bryce Johnson on throw-ins and seems able to hit the box from anywhere on the offensive side of the field.

Agunloye of Bates, also a sophomore, is very strong and fast, hard to knock off the ball.  Cebeddu of Wesleyan has amazing ball skills--best in the conference, i think.

The Bates coach took over shortly before the season started and did a great job.  In October, they tied Hamilton, Wesleyan and Tufts and defeated Colby on the last day of the season, when they were playing a spoiler role.

Lots of seniors on the list so there will be many opportunities for recognition opening up next year.

Good luck to everyone in the tournament!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 09, 2022, 08:08:11 PM
Per an earlier comment I made, Yankeesoccerdad, the wild card will be how many of those "seniors" come back for a fifth year of eligibility next year...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 09, 2022, 08:25:46 PM
I am not a fan at all of giving two players all conference who barely played in half their conference games - Fellito -4.5 and Ghous 5.5. Although I do like both players a lot.

Sort of reminds me last year when they give POY to Augie Djerdrain who missed 30% of the season when you had players like Giamatti and Aroh (more points as a CDM). Giamatti had a down year but still was by far the best player in the league.

as they say in the NFL, the most important ability is availability.

also surprised a Wesleyan defender made the team when they gave up a lot of conference goals in a season of stingy defenses.

Most of the other selections seem right on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 09, 2022, 09:24:57 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on November 09, 2022, 08:25:46 PM
I am not a fan at all of giving two players all conference who barely played in half their conference games - Fellito -4.5 and Ghous 5.5. Although I do like both players a lot.

Sort of reminds me last year when they give POY to Augie Djerdrain who missed 30% of the season when you had players like Giamatti and Aroh (more points as a CDM). Giamatti had a down year but still was by far the best player in the league.

as they say in the NFL, the most important ability is availability.

also surprised a Wesleyan defender made the team when they gave up a lot of conference goals in a season of stingy defenses.

Most of the other selections seem right on.

What you make of Conn having the deepest bench, had two all-conference players and not making the playoffs deservingly?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on November 09, 2022, 09:54:58 PM
Quote from: northman on November 09, 2022, 08:08:11 PM
Per an earlier comment I made, Yankeesoccerdad, the wild card will be how many of those "seniors" come back for a fifth year of eligibility next year...

Yes, fair point.  Schools have been inconsistent in how they tag players, with some adjusting for students who took a covid gap year or semester and others not.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 10, 2022, 10:00:21 AM
The reality with the all conference selections is that once you make the teams as an underclassman you're going to make it again the following years. Half of these players are basically pencilled in to these teams before the year begins. Conn having the "deepest bench," two all conference players, and not making the tourney means the season is ultimately a failure. The same would have been true for Tufts or Amherst if they failed to make the tourney.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 10, 2022, 11:53:21 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 10, 2022, 10:00:21 AM
The reality with the all conference selections is that once you make the teams as an underclassman you're going to make it again the following years.

Not necessarily. Exhibit A: Ryan Grady.

Anyone else surprised by his omission?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2022, 11:57:22 AM
Quote from: Bucket on November 10, 2022, 11:53:21 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 10, 2022, 10:00:21 AM
The reality with the all conference selections is that once you make the teams as an underclassman you're going to make it again the following years.

Not necessarily. Exhibit A: Ryan Grady.

Anyone else surprised by his omission?

No Lauta from Tufts either.  Weren't Grady and Lauta considered #1 and #2 in NESCAC before the season?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 10, 2022, 12:04:01 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 10, 2022, 11:57:22 AM
Quote from: Bucket on November 10, 2022, 11:53:21 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 10, 2022, 10:00:21 AM
The reality with the all conference selections is that once you make the teams as an underclassman you're going to make it again the following years.

Not necessarily. Exhibit A: Ryan Grady.

Anyone else surprised by his omission?

No Lauta from Tufts either.  Weren't Grady and Lauta considered #1 and #2 in NESCAC before the season?

Yes.

And last year Grady was not only first team all NESCAC but also First Team All American and National Goalkeeper of the Year as a sophomore.

His statistics were better last year, and I'm not saying he deserved first team All NESCAC this season (though he'd be my choice if I was starting a team and had my choice of NESCAC keepers). Just pointing out that accolades from previous seasons don't always translate to future inclusion as the prior poster suggested.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2022, 12:07:14 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 10, 2022, 12:04:01 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 10, 2022, 11:57:22 AM
Quote from: Bucket on November 10, 2022, 11:53:21 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 10, 2022, 10:00:21 AM
The reality with the all conference selections is that once you make the teams as an underclassman you're going to make it again the following years.

Not necessarily. Exhibit A: Ryan Grady.

Anyone else surprised by his omission?

No Lauta from Tufts either.  Weren't Grady and Lauta considered #1 and #2 in NESCAC before the season?

Yes.

And last year Grady was not only first team all NESCAC but also First Team All American and National Goalkeeper of the Year as a sophomore.

His statistics were better last year, and I'm not saying he deserved first team All NESCAC this season (though he'd be my choice if I was starting a team and had my choice of NESCAC keepers). Just pointing out that accolades from previous seasons don't always translate to future inclusion as the prior poster suggested.

Yes, most of us are very aware of his credentials/accolades.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2022, 01:24:13 PM
The anxiety of the tourney approaching leads to out of left field questions like these...

If a team has to fly to play at Amherst, where do they fly into?  Hartford, Logan, Albany?

And same for Bowdoin?  Logan or Portland?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 10, 2022, 01:34:39 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 10, 2022, 01:24:13 PM
The anxiety of the tourney approaching leads to out of left field questions like these...

If a team has to fly to play at Amherst, where do they fly into?  Hartford, Logan, Albany?

And same for Bowdoin?  Logan or Portland?

Definitely Portland for Bowdoin. And probably Hartford (over Albany) for Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dustin_Patrón on November 10, 2022, 01:58:39 PM
Definitely Hartford... Bradley Int'l (Hartford) is actually 20 mins north of Hartford in Windsor Locks and thus, 20 minutes closer to Amherst.. Probably a 45 minute drive up rt 91 to get to Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dustin_Patrón on November 10, 2022, 02:14:23 PM
Quick question for someone who knows Messiah better than me... Assuming Williams gets past NYU, what are the chances they can give Messiah a good game? I see that Messiah posted a number of blowouts this season but also had a couple closer games including their 2-1 edging of NYU and their early season tie with U Lynchburg.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Coach Jeff on November 10, 2022, 02:46:40 PM
Quote from: Dustin_Patrón on November 10, 2022, 02:14:23 PM
Quick question for someone who knows Messiah better than me... Assuming Williams gets past NYU, what are the chances they can give Messiah a good game? I see that Messiah posted a number of blowouts this season but also had a couple closer games including their 2-1 edging of NYU and their early season tie with U Lynchburg.

I can't speak if Williams will give Messiah a game because I am not sure how they play with 10 draws this season. Did they park the bus or just couldn't score?  Messiah did have a couple close games.  LVC parked the bus the entire game because they needed a point to still be alive in the MAC playoff picture.  The NYU game was the toughest game of the season for them, they outshot NYU 8-2 (on goal) and the Lynchburg game was a draw that looking at the entire season, Messiah did not play their best game that day. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 10, 2022, 02:54:04 PM
I mean, I'm not even sure you can say they had a bad day against Lynchburg. Pretty similar to NYU, in that it was relatively close, holding at 1-1 for a good chunk until MM (edit - sure to be All American Matt MacDonald) scored with under 5 minutes to play. Lynchburg got a free kick, smacked it into the box and it pinged around to an open player who knotted it at 2-2 with under 30 seconds left.

From those that watched, it was a pretty unlucky result and the stat line sure seems to bear that out.

Keeping in mind, Lynchburg is a tournament team. Not like they tied a poo poo platter.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2022, 03:12:07 PM
Both should be able to give Messiah a game.

For all the flogging of Williams, they've lost once.  As Hopkins put it so well....one loss with a schedule that definitely was not a poo poo platter.  Williams I highly doubt will be intimidated and I'm sure they're motivated to perform.

NYU knows they can play with Messiah.  The coach and the players have now seen them twice in two years.  NYU also needs to rebound from a terrible NCAA tournament last year.  They needed an 89th minute goal just to draw level with St Joe's and eventually won in the 100th minute. The next day they got hammered by Conn Coll (who themselves had barely survived in PKs vs Salem St the day before). Conn won 3-0 with shots 24-4 and corners 8-0. 

I would guess Williams can keep the game close but not sure they can score more than 1 goal and it's hard to imagine the Falcons not getting at least two.  Imo NYU is more vulnerable to a blowout but also maybe more likely to actually win because NYU could score 2-3 goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 10, 2022, 03:58:22 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 10, 2022, 12:07:14 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 10, 2022, 12:04:01 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 10, 2022, 11:57:22 AM
Quote from: Bucket on November 10, 2022, 11:53:21 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 10, 2022, 10:00:21 AM
The reality with the all conference selections is that once you make the teams as an underclassman you're going to make it again the following years.

Not necessarily. Exhibit A: Ryan Grady.

Anyone else surprised by his omission?

No Lauta from Tufts either.  Weren't Grady and Lauta considered #1 and #2 in NESCAC before the season?

Yes.

And last year Grady was not only first team all NESCAC but also First Team All American and National Goalkeeper of the Year as a sophomore.

His statistics were better last year, and I'm not saying he deserved first team All NESCAC this season (though he'd be my choice if I was starting a team and had my choice of NESCAC keepers). Just pointing out that accolades from previous seasons don't always translate to future inclusion as the prior poster suggested.

Yes, most of us are very aware of his credentials/accolades.

The biggest factor to consider for Grady this year is that the only starter from last year who played in front of him on the backline for every game is Michael McFarlane.  Last year's starter at right back, Hank Nelson, got injured in the Amherst game in early September and has only recently returned.  William O'Brien, one of the center backs from last year, had his spot taken over by Luke Madden, transfer from New Hampshire.  O'Brien stepped in for Nelson, and then he got hurt as well.  Casey Lund has played both outside back spots, and he has also missed significant time.  Kenan Ulku-Steiner started the first game of last season, but got his nose broken and suffered a concussion in the first half of the 2021 opener.  He missed more than a month and then tore his meniscus when he returned to training.  Ulku-Steiner has started the majority of the season at left back.    It has taken some time for all the parts to gel, Grady included.  One of the other things to consider is that in the past, Middlebury had a reputation for playing a more defensive style.  As a matter of fact, some of the early evaluations of Grady as a freshman were that he was part of a team with an ultra defensive set up.  Over the last two years, Middlebury has evolved to become a team that possesses the ball more and gets more players forward.  As a result, they have given up a few goals on counters that they would not have given up a couple of years ago.  If you look at individual performances, Grady has had some outstanding games (1-0 win at Wesleyan when they were riding high where he made 4 big time saves, 5 saves vs Conn in a 1-0 win, 7 saves vs Amherst in a 2-1 OT loss last weekend, including one on a breakaway and two point blank saves late in the second half).

The other thing to keep in mind is how hard it is for keepers to maintain their spots.  Both Devanny for Wesleyan and Maidenburg for Conn found themselves on the bench as the season went on.  In the bigger picture, I have no problem with Webber and Diffley being recognized.  They both have outstanding statistics and have had great seasons.  But as Bucket said, if I have to pick 1 NESCAC keeper to win a big game, I am picking Grady.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Maine Soccer Fan on November 10, 2022, 05:54:18 PM
Quote from: Dustin_Patrón on November 10, 2022, 02:14:23 PM
Quick question for someone who knows Messiah better than me... Assuming Williams gets past NYU, what are the chances they can give Messiah a good game? I see that Messiah posted a number of blowouts this season but also had a couple closer games including their 2-1 edging of NYU and their early season tie with U Lynchburg.

While Williams' defense is very impressive, statistically its really no better than Messiah's. Though what is really problematic for Williams is that they don't score goals - they've actually been shutout in 1/3 of their games this season.

I'm sure Williams will put up a spirited game and all, but what I would be interested to see is how they set up defensively and if that set up can transition to creating chances. In particular, would they be pressing Messiah high and shrinking the field or not engaging until midfield. Against CT College last weekend, they did the later and were pretty effective with it.




Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 10, 2022, 06:28:47 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on November 10, 2022, 05:54:18 PM
Quote from: Dustin_Patrón on November 10, 2022, 02:14:23 PM
Quick question for someone who knows Messiah better than me... Assuming Williams gets past NYU, what are the chances they can give Messiah a good game? I see that Messiah posted a number of blowouts this season but also had a couple closer games including their 2-1 edging of NYU and their early season tie with U Lynchburg.

While Williams' defense is very impressive, statistically its really no better than Messiah's. Though what is really problematic for Williams is that they don't score goals - they've actually been shutout in 1/3 of their games this season.

I'm sure Williams will put up a spirited game and all, but what I would be interested to see is how they set up defensively and if that set up can transition to creating chances. In particular, would they be pressing Messiah high and shrinking the field or not engaging until midfield. Against CT College last weekend, they did the later and were pretty effective with it.

This is different from regular season, if they can take Messiah to PK shoot out you never know!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2022, 07:47:56 PM
D4, relative to everything you've read on the board about NESCAC do you think they will overperform or underperform?  Feels like more than a few believe NESCAC may be in a down year.  I'm not objective because I used to think that for several years and got burned every single time.

The bottom line is since 2014.....

NESCAC 6     Messiah 1


AND THE FIELD.........0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 10, 2022, 08:07:14 PM
I tend to agree that the NESCAC is down compared to the past. I don't think any of the grand have the elite players that graduated last year. But I still NESCAC teams are best prepared for the style of play that take place during the tourney. If you offered me the field vs the NESCAC I think this year I would take the field. That being said if Williams were to beat Messiah 1-0 I would not be surprised at all.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 10, 2022, 08:22:03 PM
I would not want to have an undefeated team in the knockout phase of a competition, this is not the time to second guess personnel and plans. Which tend to happen when an undefeated team falls behind now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 4samuy on November 10, 2022, 08:56:26 PM
I agree with you as it relates to the knockout stage. IMO it's a whole different ballgame.

You did get me thinking about the undefeated teams heading into the tournament.

Stevens
Messiah
Chicago
North central

I was curious as to which teams were at least a goal down at any point in the regular season.  Only one team never trailed through out the entire regular season and that was Stevens.

Doesn't mean much at this point, but it got me curious.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Maine Soccer Fan on November 10, 2022, 09:24:59 PM
Going into a single-elimination tournament undefeated can be tough but that team has shown it knows how to win. That's valuable. Still there are much greater psychological burdens to carry when entering this phase of the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 10, 2022, 10:01:28 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on November 10, 2022, 05:54:18 PM
Quote from: Dustin_Patrón on November 10, 2022, 02:14:23 PM
Quick question for someone who knows Messiah better than me... Assuming Williams gets past NYU, what are the chances they can give Messiah a good game? I see that Messiah posted a number of blowouts this season but also had a couple closer games including their 2-1 edging of NYU and their early season tie with U Lynchburg.

While Williams' defense is very impressive, statistically its really no better than Messiah's. Though what is really problematic for Williams is that they don't score goals - they've actually been shutout in 1/3 of their games this season.

I'm sure Williams will put up a spirited game and all, but what I would be interested to see is how they set up defensively and if that set up can transition to creating chances. In particular, would they be pressing Messiah high and shrinking the field or not engaging until midfield. Against CT College last weekend, they did the later and were pretty effective with it.




Maybe if they cut the grass on their field they could create an environment that is more suitable to skilled players, possession and ultimately goals.  They had the field in poor condition for the NESCAC tournament which is a disgrace.  Literally right next to it was a well maintained womens field...looked like a golf course with a lighter green fairway, next to a darker green rough.

It's like they are trying to be another Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Le ‘CAC on November 15, 2022, 07:52:50 PM
Hi friends! Wishing the very best of luck to Amherst, Bowdoin and Williams in their continued NCAA Tournament successes.

Quick trivia question as we patiently wait for the weekend games:

Which former NESCAC coaches have gone on to win a pro trophy?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on November 15, 2022, 09:00:35 PM
Quote from: Le 'CAC on November 15, 2022, 07:52:50 PM
Hi friends! Wishing the very best of luck to Amherst, Bowdoin and Williams in their continued NCAA Tournament successes.

Quick trivia question as we patiently wait for the weekend games:

Which former NESCAC coaches have gone on to win a pro trophy?

Stewart Flaherty of Bates (and later Dartmouth) just won a trophy recently as a coach with the Michigan Stars in NISA, a third division pro league.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 19, 2022, 06:33:15 PM
Kind of amazing that no one has posted on the NESCAC thread since Nov. 15.  Is this a conference that's turning into a yawner, and/or being taken for granted?

At any rate, there seem to be some interesting story lines in between the U Chicago, Kenyon, Stevens, Johns Hopkins, etc. story lines.  Williams advancing all the way to the elite eight with a record number of ties (draws) but only one loss.  Amherst losing at home to Mary Washington in a game in which they were overwhelmingly favored.  Bowdoin, who seems to be some people's "stealth", "dark horse", etc. team that doesn't get a whole lot of attention...but took care of business in a 3-1 win over SUNY Oneonta while losing NESCAC POY Dylan Reid and ROY Tyler Huck after 24 minutes.

Only 2 NESCAC teams in the final 8.  Are there any interesting stories here?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on November 19, 2022, 06:39:20 PM
Quote from: northman on November 19, 2022, 06:33:15 PM
Kind of amazing that no one has posted on the NESCAC thread since Nov. 15.  Is this a conference that's turning into a yawner, and/or being taken for granted?

I think the "Big Dance" thread has basically taken the place of all the regional threads on game days/weekends.  There were plenty of posts there about both all of the games involving NESCAC teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 19, 2022, 06:57:29 PM
Quote from: northman on November 19, 2022, 06:33:15 PM
Kind of amazing that no one has posted on the NESCAC thread since Nov. 15.  Is this a conference that's turning into a yawner, and/or being taken for granted?

At any rate, there seem to be some interesting story lines in between the U Chicago, Kenyon, Stevens, Johns Hopkins, etc. story lines.  Williams advancing all the way to the elite eight with a record number of ties (draws) but only one loss.  Amherst losing at home to Mary Washington in a game in which they were overwhelmingly favored.  Bowdoin, who seems to be some people's "stealth", "dark horse", etc. team that doesn't get a whole lot of attention...but took care of business in a 3-1 win over SUNY Oneonta while losing NESCAC POY Dylan Reid and ROY Tyler Huck after 24 minutes.

Only 2 NESCAC teams in the final 8.  Are there any interesting stories here?

You sound a little ticked off...like you think NESCAC has been ignored and disrespected with a particular disregard of Bowdoin. 

Posting about NESCAC and NESCAC teams have dominated the board all season, including since Nov 15.

Bowdoin has been considered a lead national contender for weeks...even if stealthily...maybe a few days off the radar for the NESCAC semis week/weekend but otherwise pretty prominent.

What happened with Reid and Huck?  Are they playing tomorrow?

BTW, which other conference-specific threads have you noticed bursting at the seams?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 19, 2022, 07:10:03 PM
No...I'm not ticked off.  Just attempting to stimulate a little NESCAC discussion.  But if everyone thinks it's being adequately covered on other threads, then I am fine!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 19, 2022, 07:15:18 PM
And I wish I knew the story on Huck and Reid.  Huck was injured when he scored Bowdoin's second goal while colliding with Oneonta's keeper.  And then...seemingly at the very same time...Reid was hobbling while being helped off the field.  It appears they were both injured in the very same minute while on opposite ends of the field.  They'll certainly both be missed tomorrow.  I was impressed with MWU's skill on the ball, composure, and lightning quick counterattacks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 19, 2022, 07:15:45 PM
Quote from: northman on November 19, 2022, 07:10:03 PM
No...I'm not ticked off.  Just attempting to stimulate a little NESCAC discussion.  But if everyone thinks it's being adequately covered on other threads, then I am fine!

You have great insights....tell us some interesting observations about Williams and Bowdoin as the remaining teams.  And what about Reid and Huck?

Just saw you posted about Reid and Huck haha.

So they are definitely out?  That is freakish bad luck.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 19, 2022, 07:28:10 PM
Well, I can't pretend to have much insight on the entire NESCAC.  I saw the very end of the regular season game between Bowdoin and Williams in Brunswick.  Through my undoubtedly cloudy lens, it seemed that Bowdoin had the edge in play that day...but Williams had the edge where it counted...on the score sheet.

If I look at their body of work on the stat sheet, Williams looks like they have a much more solid (perhaps almost impenetrable) defense than they've received credit for.  Interestingly, Bowdoin and Williams finished first and second among the NESCAC teams in goals allowed throughout the season (including league and non-league games)...and perhaps that tells us something.

And at the risk of beating the proverbial dead horse...surviving the gauntlet of 10 regular season NESCAC games does indeed prepare teams for the rigors and ups and downs of the NCAA tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 20, 2022, 12:19:50 PM
Quote from: northman on November 19, 2022, 07:28:10 PM
Well, I can't pretend to have much insight on the entire NESCAC.  I saw the very end of the regular season game between Bowdoin and Williams in Brunswick.  Through my undoubtedly cloudy lens, it seemed that Bowdoin had the edge in play that day...but Williams had the edge where it counted...on the score sheet.

If I look at their body of work on the stat sheet, Williams looks like they have a much more solid (perhaps almost impenetrable) defense than they've received credit for.  Interestingly, Bowdoin and Williams finished first and second among the NESCAC teams in goals allowed throughout the season (including league and non-league games)...and perhaps that tells us something.

And at the risk of beating the proverbial dead horse...surviving the gauntlet of 10 regular season NESCAC games does indeed prepare teams for the rigors and ups and downs of the NCAA tournament.


I agree that the schedule these NESCAC teams play really prepares them for the tournament, especially the back to backs.  Also Mary Washington played a good schedule as well so not a surprise that they are where they are.

I will definitely be rooting for Bowdoin and Williams to move on.  I am so happy that Amherst is out.  I root for all the NESCAC teams besides them because these are the teams I see most often.  However, I just cannot stand the antics of Amherst and their bench.  Leading the league in fouls and yellows for the better part of a decade.  It really cost them yesterday when Ten Cate took his 2nd yellow. just dumb in that spot when they were in control of the situation. Very undisciplined.  Even if they won, he would have missed todays game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 20, 2022, 06:55:33 PM
During this tournament the NESCAC teams have not dominated quite as much as the last two when they literally did not lost a single game to a non NESCAC team.

However, this tournament shows the incredible depth of the league.  Just in the last 3 tournaments you have had 4 different teams in the Final 4.  Even more impressive is that in the past two tournaments you have had 6 different teams make an Elite 8.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescacfan94 on November 20, 2022, 08:35:10 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on November 20, 2022, 06:55:33 PM
However, this tournament shows the incredible depth of the league.  Just in the last 3 tournaments you have had 4 different teams in the Final 4.  Even more impressive is that in the past two tournaments you have had 6 different teams make an Elite 8.

This post wins the Internet for the day.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on December 08, 2022, 11:15:43 AM
Recruiting Question - I assume most NESCAC schools are done with the bulk of their 2023 recruiting correct?  Most schools ask they commit Early Decision?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on December 08, 2022, 12:08:35 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on December 08, 2022, 11:15:43 AM
Recruiting Question - I assume most NESCAC schools are done with the bulk of their 2023 recruiting correct?  Most schools ask they commit Early Decision?
In my experience, typically schools like to have their incoming class set by the end of summer at the latest with an oral understanding that the applicants will apply early decision after the coach has run the file through the admissions office for a pre-read and soft commitment to admit.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on December 08, 2022, 01:13:48 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on December 08, 2022, 11:15:43 AM
Recruiting Question - I assume most NESCAC schools are done with the bulk of their 2023 recruiting correct?  Most schools ask they commit Early Decision?

I think you can safely say that *all* the NESCACs want a player to ED in exchange for coach support.  Most offers are made in July/August (after prereads) or at least they were 2 years ago when my son went through the process.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: smoova on December 12, 2022, 11:12:56 AM
Quote from: Another Mom on December 08, 2022, 01:13:48 PM
I think you can safely say that *all* the NESCACs want a player to ED in exchange for coach support.  Most offers are made in July/August (after prereads) or at least they were 2 years ago when my son went through the process.

I've got a quick question regarding NESCAC coach support for soccer recruits, since I have a kiddo (keeper) about to enter the recruiting process.  My older son is playing lacrosse at Midd.  In a normal (non-COVID) year, the lacrosse coaches at the NESCACs he talked to (Midd, Williams, Wes, Bowdoin) had enough juice/support for 8-10 recruits depending on how they spread it around (e.g. 1-2 slots, 6-8 tips, etc).  Since soccer rosters are roughly half the size of lacrosse rosters, I was under the impression that NEXCAC soccer coaches are typically able to offer meaningful support to 4-5 recruits per year.  Is this accurate?  Thanks
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on December 12, 2022, 12:04:55 PM
It depends on the coach/program. When Bates had a new coach, he brought in something like 17 recruits. 4-5 is probably right. Precovid the Middlebury coach said he had 6 spots to offer. You (as you know) can ask the coach directly. Coach Elias also said he could offer 50 prereads.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: smoova on December 12, 2022, 01:03:04 PM
Excellent - thank you very much!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on December 13, 2022, 07:57:33 AM
Most schools don't have a hard cap on the number of players they can support. Each recruit is given an evaluation based on their academics and ranked as either an A, B, C candidate. My understanding is A is someone who would be considered a good bet to get into the school on their own without athletic support and teams can take an unlimited number of these players. B are strong candidates for the school and will have no issues with athletic support. NESCAC soccer programs get somewhere in the 5-6 of these per year but there really isn't a firm cap and it depends on bit on the performance of other players in the class and some other variables. C's are students who would not get in without athletics and are determined on an athletic department wide basis. Have to get approval from the AD and some years teams won't get any and others that may get 1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hillcountryview on December 28, 2022, 04:45:22 PM
When
Quote from: Another Mom on December 08, 2022, 01:13:48 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on December 08, 2022, 11:15:43 AM
Recruiting Question - I assume most NESCAC schools are done with the bulk of their 2023 recruiting correct?  Most schools ask they commit Early Decision?

I think you can safely say that *all* the NESCACs want a player to ED in exchange for coach support.  Most offers are made in July/August (after prereads) or at least they were 2 years ago when my son went through the process.

If offers are usually made in July/August, when and what should a recruit have ready for prereads? Specifically, do they need to have the college's required essays ready submit for a preread?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on December 29, 2022, 06:46:51 AM
No, no essays!! The coach will tell you well in advance. But you will need an unofficial transcript,  SAT/ACT score(s), some schools want a one page resume (the coach will give you a template).

Coaches will want to see the transcript  and board scores themselves before the preread so they can know the player is in range for acceptance. In other words, they aren't going to offer a preread to a kid who has no chance of passing, that would be a waste of a preread spot, and coaches do not have unlimited prereads.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: 1970s NESCAC Player on December 29, 2022, 04:26:47 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on December 29, 2022, 06:46:51 AM
No, no essays!! The coach will tell you well in advance. But you will need an unofficial transcript,  SAT/ACT score(s), some schools want a one page resume (the coach will give you a template).

Coaches will want to see the transcript  and board scores themselves before the preread so they can know the player is in range for acceptance. In other words, they aren't going to offer a preread to a kid who has no chance of passing, that would be a waste of a preread spot, and coaches do not have unlimited prereads.

Use and number of pre-reads may vary widely from school to school in NESCAC, although I agree that no essays would be required for a pre-read.  In addition to items listed above by Another Mom, it may be necessary to provide the academic profile for the prospect's HS, so that the college can understand the level/difficulty of courses appearing on the transcript.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on December 29, 2022, 07:55:37 PM
Yes, that's right, I forgot the school profile.

The essays are only done for the school you apply to (if coach support, then ED).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hillcountryview on December 31, 2022, 12:41:56 AM
Super helpful!! Thank you.
Title: 2023 recruits
Post by: Viking on January 01, 2023, 08:54:03 PM
ED1 notification dates have come and gone and a new year is here, so maybe it's time to share the first -- and thus half-baked, incomplete, and semi-reliable -- version of a 2023 NESCAC recruits list. It's assembled from the expected public sources, which means you should trust it as much as you'd trust anything posted at this time in the cycle on social media. I can't stress "incomplete" enough, and I wouldn't put much faith in listed positions. Info about some programs and certain types of recruits (especially international and transfer students) is harder to come by than others, and thus it's no surprise that certain programs are underrepresented at this early stage, as usual. Please add/correct!

Amherst
Lucas Liu F Davis Legacy SC/Davis HS - CA

Bates
Beckham Alderucci M Connecticut FC/Newington HS - CT
Isaiah Brown FC Westchester - NY
Andrew Goddard D Connecticut FC/Choate Rosemary Hall - CT
Luc Parr Beachside SC/Wooster S - CT
Oliver Schiff Stein M Manhattan SC/Laguardia HS - NY

Bowdoin
Jack Banks M Seacoast United/Brunswick HS - ME
Johnny Delionado F Weston FC/Belen Jesuit HS - FL
William Fowler M Cedar Stars/Columbia Secondary S - NY
Luke Peltz D South Kent S - NY/CT

Colby
Joseph Beshel M New England Surf/Belmont Hill S - MA
Lleyton Bristow F Shattuck-St. Mary's S - MN
Gus Confalone G SYC/St. John's College HS - DC
Myles Culley M Seacoast United/Waynflete S - ME
Drew Davis M Lower Merion SC/Lower Merion HS - PA
Nick Donnelly D RNY FC - NY
Andrew Kirwan D Penn Fusion SA/Haverford S - PA
Luke Pentikis M South Kent S - NJ/CT
Jacob Sams D Tampa Bay United SC/Berkeley Preparatory S - FL

Conn
Charlie Emery D Bethesda SC/Gonzaga College HS - DC
Max Haberman M Albion SC/Francis Parker S - CA
Nicholas Kempe G Pennington S - NJ
Gavin Mpiana F/M Penn Fusion SA/Hill S - PA
Anish Reid D AC Connecticut/Hotchkiss S - CT
Liam Rorke M Steel United/Tabor A - NH
Casey Shea G TSF/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ

Hamilton
Patrick Ferrare M Parsippany SC/Montville HS - NJ
Adam Molusis D Connecticut FC/Glastonbury HS - CT
Peter Montesano Scheibe G FC Stars/Lawrence A - MA
Albert Van Ness D Westchester Flames/Bronxville HS - NY

Middlebury
Owen Davis D Albion SC/La Jolla HS - CA
Colin Dugan F FSA FC/Avon Old Farms S - CT
Jay Hoke RNY FC/Manlius Pebble Hill HS - NY
Hugo Horwitz D TSF/Academy Glen Rock HS - NJ
Ari Klayman D PDA/Staten Island Technical HS - NY
Harper Nicholl F/M Blau Weiss Gottschee/UN International S - NY
Will Sawin M South Kent S - CT (a 2022.5 "Feb"?)

Trinity
Sam Singer American S in London - UK

Tufts
Bijan Akhtarzandi-Das M Arlington SA/Washington International S - DC
Ben Brown M Boston Bolts/Concord-Carlisle HS - MA
Demis Calkap M PDA/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Xavier Canfin M FC Westchester - NY
Ethan Jett M Rise SC/Kinkaid S - TX
Zackary Salfi F Real Colorado/East HS - CO
Zach Ubamadu G Chattanooga Red Wolves/Baylor HS - TN

Wesleyan
Zach Feldman D STA/Livingston HS - NJ
Joshwin Jennings M TSF/Delbarton S - NJ
Yousuf Saeed M Rise SC/Episcopal HS - TX
Colin Tsay D STA/Delbarton S - NJ

Williams
Kellan Grace M Beachside SC/Weston HS - CT
Griffin Labonski D Beachside SC/Staples HS - CT
Leon Ma M PDA/Pingry S - NJ
Spencer Mix F FSA FC/Loomis Chafee S - CT
Atticus Ross D Seacoast United SC/Phillips Exeter A - NH
Jeff Stauffer F/M Seacoast United SC - MA
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jfreddys on January 02, 2023, 04:31:08 PM
Thank you, Viking.   

Looking at the list, should I be surprised/not surprised to see only to see 3 CA players (and 2 from the same club/MLS team) represented?

I realize the obvious with distance, potential costs, etc. but with so many high academic DIII programs in the NESCAC (and with the reputation as the top conference in DIII), is there much recruiting that goes on out West?   Or does there even need to be?




Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on January 02, 2023, 06:04:16 PM
Quote from: jfreddys on January 02, 2023, 04:31:08 PM
Thank you, Viking.   

Looking at the list, should I be surprised/not surprised to see only to see 3 CA players (and 2 from the same club/MLS team) represented?

I realize the obvious with distance, potential costs, etc. but with so many high academic DIII programs in the NESCAC (and with the reputation as the top conference in DIII), is there much recruiting that goes on out West?   Or does there even need to be?

Viking (and others) have better perspective on the NESCAC picture more specifically, but I can assure you that NESCAC schools and others in the same academic caliber are definitely recruiting players in California.  Every NESCAC school except Trinity and Connecticut College had at least 1 California player on the roster this past season and Conn College's Reuben Burk has been at both Surf Cup in San Diego in July and the MLS Next showcase in Indio in December and Conn College had two players from Washington on this year's roster and has one player incoming from CA for next year according to Viking's list.

I think there's always a bit of a hurdle to get a CA player to go to school across the country, but my guess is that we're still seeing some of the tail-end effects of the pandemic in terms of player opportunities and preferences about how far away they go for school. California games were shut down longer than many other parts of the country and east coast HCs were limited (whether by budget or by pandemic concerns) in their ability to get out to the west coast to recruit face-to-face.  That affected some of these kids sophomore and possibly part of junior year.  Even last summer, when ID camps were back in full swing, pandemic concerns were still a factor with some east coast schools not holding ID camps and others limiting camps to one day and not providing accommodations for overnight stays.  That may have led some players to prefer looking closer to home for schools.

This has all eased up over the last year.  One data point is that the Occidental ID camp, which is the biggest ID camp in Los Angeles for D3-interested players (although it also attracts D1/D2 interested players/coaches).  For the first time since before the pandemic, the camp this weekend will have coaches from the east coast (Swarthmore and Bowdoin).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jfreddys on January 02, 2023, 07:02:21 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on January 02, 2023, 06:04:16 PM
Quote from: jfreddys on January 02, 2023, 04:31:08 PM
Thank you, Viking.   

Looking at the list, should I be surprised/not surprised to see only to see 3 CA players (and 2 from the same club/MLS team) represented?

I realize the obvious with distance, potential costs, etc. but with so many high academic DIII programs in the NESCAC (and with the reputation as the top conference in DIII), is there much recruiting that goes on out West?   Or does there even need to be?

Viking (and others) have better perspective on the NESCAC picture more specifically, but I can assure you that NESCAC schools and others in the same academic caliber are definitely recruiting players in California.  Every NESCAC school except Trinity and Connecticut College had at least 1 California player on the roster this past season and Conn College's Reuben Burk has been at both Surf Cup in San Diego in July and the MLS Next showcase in Indio in December and Conn College had two players from Washington on this year's roster and has one player incoming from CA for next year according to Viking's list.

I think there's always a bit of a hurdle to get a CA player to go to school across the country, but my guess is that we're still seeing some of the tail-end effects of the pandemic in terms of player opportunities and preferences about how far away they go for school. California games were shut down longer than many other parts of the country and east coast HCs were limited (whether by budget or by pandemic concerns) in their ability to get out to the west coast to recruit face-to-face.  That affected some of these kids sophomore and possibly part of junior year.  Even last summer, when ID camps were back in full swing, pandemic concerns were still a factor with some east coast schools not holding ID camps and others limiting camps to one day and not providing accommodations for overnight stays.  That may have led some players to prefer looking closer to home for schools.

This has all eased up over the last year.  One data point is that the Occidental ID camp, which is the biggest ID camp in Los Angeles for D3-interested players (although it also attracts D1/D2 interested players/coaches).  For the first time since before the pandemic, the camp this weekend will have coaches from the east coast (Swarthmore and Bowdoin).

Thank you.   That is some great insight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on January 02, 2023, 07:45:12 PM
Does no one want to go to Trinity?  And of all the players from Jersey.... I am shaking my head...

SC
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on January 02, 2023, 08:01:44 PM
Quote from: jfreddys on January 02, 2023, 04:31:08 PM
Thank you, Viking.   

Looking at the list, should I be surprised/not surprised to see only to see 3 CA players (and 2 from the same club/MLS team) represented?

I realize the obvious with distance, potential costs, etc. but with so many high academic DIII programs in the NESCAC (and with the reputation as the top conference in DIII), is there much recruiting that goes on out West?   Or does there even need to be?
There is a fair amount of year to year geographic variety that just reflects the randomness of the recruiting/application process.  The Bowdoin fall '22 team had 4/6 first years from the west coast (and zero from the northeast), while 3/4 of the players identified as incoming Bowdoin players above are from the northeast.  I think all the NESCAC coaches cast a wide net and the schools are sufficiently well known that they get interest from around the country (and outside the country). 
Title: Re: 2023 recruits
Post by: Newenglander on January 03, 2023, 10:19:30 AM
Quote from: Viking on January 01, 2023, 08:54:03 PM
ED1 notification dates have come and gone and a new year is here, so maybe it's time to share the first -- and thus half-baked, incomplete, and semi-reliable -- version of a 2023 NESCAC recruits list. It's assembled from the expected public sources, which means you should trust it as much as you'd trust anything posted at this time in the cycle on social media. I can't stress "incomplete" enough, and I wouldn't put much faith in listed positions. Info about some programs and certain types of recruits (especially international and transfer students) is harder to come by than others, and thus it's no surprise that certain programs are underrepresented at this early stage, as usual. Please add/correct!

Amherst
Lucas Liu F Davis Legacy SC/Davis HS - CA

Bates
Beckham Alderucci M Connecticut FC/Newington HS - CT
Isaiah Brown FC Westchester - NY
Andrew Goddard D Connecticut FC/Choate Rosemary Hall - CT
Luc Parr Beachside SC/Wooster S - CT
Oliver Schiff Stein M Manhattan SC/Laguardia HS - NY

Bowdoin
Jack Banks M Seacoast United/Brunswick HS - ME
Johnny Delionado F Weston FC/Belen Jesuit HS - FL
William Fowler M Cedar Stars/Columbia Secondary S - NY
Luke Peltz D South Kent S - NY/CT

Colby
Joseph Beshel M New England Surf/Belmont Hill S - MA
Lleyton Bristow F Shattuck-St. Mary's S - MN
Gus Confalone G SYC/St. John's College HS - DC
Myles Culley M Seacoast United/Waynflete S - ME
Drew Davis M Lower Merion SC/Lower Merion HS - PA
Nick Donnelly D RNY FC - NY
Andrew Kirwan D Penn Fusion SA/Haverford S - PA
Luke Pentikis M South Kent S - NJ/CT
Jacob Sams D Tampa Bay United SC/Berkeley Preparatory S - FL

Conn
Charlie Emery D Bethesda SC/Gonzaga College HS - DC
Max Haberman M Albion SC/Francis Parker S - CA
Nicholas Kempe G Pennington S - NJ
Gavin Mpiana F/M Penn Fusion SA/Hill S - PA
Anish Reid D AC Connecticut/Hotchkiss S - CT
Liam Rorke M Steel United/Tabor A - NH
Casey Shea G TSF/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Charlie Miles, D NYSC - NY
Noah Sides, M NYSC - NY


Hamilton
Patrick Ferrare M Parsippany SC/Montville HS - NJ
Adam Molusis D Connecticut FC/Glastonbury HS - CT
Peter Montesano Scheibe G FC Stars/Lawrence A - MA
Albert Van Ness D Westchester Flames/Bronxville HS - NY

Middlebury
Owen Davis D Albion SC/La Jolla HS - CA
Colin Dugan F FSA FC/Avon Old Farms S - CT
Jay Hoke RNY FC/Manlius Pebble Hill HS - NY
Hugo Horwitz D TSF/Academy Glen Rock HS - NJ
Ari Klayman D PDA/Staten Island Technical HS - NY
Harper Nicholl F/M Blau Weiss Gottschee/UN International S - NY
Will Sawin M South Kent S - CT (a 2022.5 "Feb"?)

Trinity
Sam Singer American S in London - UK

Tufts
Bijan Akhtarzandi-Das M Arlington SA/Washington International S - DC
Ben Brown M Boston Bolts/Concord-Carlisle HS - MA
Demis Calkap M PDA/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Xavier Canfin M FC Westchester - NY
Ethan Jett M Rise SC/Kinkaid S - TX
Zackary Salfi F Real Colorado/East HS - CO
Zach Ubamadu G Chattanooga Red Wolves/Baylor HS - TN

Wesleyan
Zach Feldman D STA/Livingston HS - NJ
Joshwin Jennings M TSF/Delbarton S - NJ
Yousuf Saeed M Rise SC/Episcopal HS - TX
Colin Tsay D STA/Delbarton S - NJ

Williams
Kellan Grace M Beachside SC/Weston HS - CT
Griffin Labonski D Beachside SC/Staples HS - CT
Leon Ma M PDA/Pingry S - NJ
Spencer Mix F FSA FC/Loomis Chafee S - CT
Atticus Ross D Seacoast United SC/Phillips Exeter A - NH
Jeff Stauffer F/M Seacoast United SC - MA

Added 2 more for Conn
Title: Re: 2023 recruits
Post by: quicksilver on January 04, 2023, 03:14:10 PM
Quote from: Viking on January 01, 2023, 08:54:03 PM
ED1 notification dates have come and gone and a new year is here, so maybe it's time to share the first -- and thus half-baked, incomplete, and semi-reliable -- version of a 2023 NESCAC recruits list. It's assembled from the expected public sources, which means you should trust it as much as you'd trust anything posted at this time in the cycle on social media. I can't stress "incomplete" enough, and I wouldn't put much faith in listed positions. Info about some programs and certain types of recruits (especially international and transfer students) is harder to come by than others, and thus it's no surprise that certain programs are underrepresented at this early stage, as usual. Please add/correct!

Amherst
Lucas Liu F Davis Legacy SC/Davis HS - CA

Bates
Beckham Alderucci M Connecticut FC/Newington HS - CT
Isaiah Brown FC Westchester - NY
Andrew Goddard D Connecticut FC/Choate Rosemary Hall - CT
Luc Parr Beachside SC/Wooster S - CT
Oliver Schiff Stein M Manhattan SC/Laguardia HS - NY

Bowdoin
Jack Banks M Seacoast United/Brunswick HS - ME
Johnny Delionado F Weston FC/Belen Jesuit HS - FL
William Fowler M Cedar Stars/Columbia Secondary S - NY
Luke Peltz D South Kent S - NY/CT

Colby
Joseph Beshel M New England Surf/Belmont Hill S - MA
Lleyton Bristow F Shattuck-St. Mary's S - MN
Gus Confalone G SYC/St. John's College HS - DC
Myles Culley M Seacoast United/Waynflete S - ME
Drew Davis M Lower Merion SC/Lower Merion HS - PA
Nick Donnelly D RNY FC - NY
Andrew Kirwan D Penn Fusion SA/Haverford S - PA
Luke Pentikis M South Kent S - NJ/CT
Jacob Sams D Tampa Bay United SC/Berkeley Preparatory S - FL

Conn
Charlie Emery D Bethesda SC/Gonzaga College HS - DC
Max Haberman M Albion SC/Francis Parker S - CA
Nicholas Kempe G Pennington S - NJ
Gavin Mpiana F/M Penn Fusion SA/Hill S - PA
Anish Reid D AC Connecticut/Hotchkiss S - CT
Liam Rorke M Steel United/Tabor A - NH
Casey Shea G TSF/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ

Hamilton
Patrick Ferrare M Parsippany SC/Montville HS - NJ
Adam Molusis D Connecticut FC/Glastonbury HS - CT
Peter Montesano Scheibe G FC Stars/Lawrence A - MA
Albert Van Ness D Westchester Flames/Bronxville HS - NY

Middlebury
Owen Davis D Albion SC/La Jolla HS - CA
Colin Dugan F FSA FC/Avon Old Farms S - CT
Jay Hoke RNY FC/Manlius Pebble Hill HS - NY
Hugo Horwitz D TSF/Academy Glen Rock HS - NJ
Ari Klayman D PDA/Staten Island Technical HS - NY
Harper Nicholl F/M Blau Weiss Gottschee/UN International S - NY
Will Sawin M South Kent S - CT (a 2022.5 "Feb"?)

Trinity
Sam Singer American S in London - UK

Tufts
Bijan Akhtarzandi-Das M Arlington SA/Washington International S - DC
Ben Brown M Boston Bolts/Concord-Carlisle HS - MA
Demis Calkap M PDA/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Xavier Canfin M FC Westchester - NY
Ethan Jett M Rise SC/Kinkaid S - TX
Zackary Salfi F Real Colorado/East HS - CO
Zach Ubamadu G Chattanooga Red Wolves/Baylor HS - TN

Wesleyan
Zach Feldman D STA/Livingston HS - NJ
Joshwin Jennings M TSF/Delbarton S - NJ
Yousuf Saeed M Rise SC/Episcopal HS - TX
Colin Tsay D STA/Delbarton S - NJ

Williams
Kellan Grace M Beachside SC/Weston HS - CT
Griffin Labonski D Beachside SC/Staples HS - CT
Leon Ma M PDA/Pingry S - NJ
Spencer Mix F FSA FC/Loomis Chafee S - CT
Atticus Ross D Seacoast United SC/Phillips Exeter A - NH
Jeff Stauffer F/M Seacoast United SC - MA

Add for Bowdoin: Kamar Burris-Khan, MF, Newton South (MA) HS

https://www.instagram.com/kamarbbk/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on January 04, 2023, 04:05:37 PM
I'm guessing Jeff Stauffer may be related to former Eph Matt Stauffer? 

https://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/2020/8/11/sports-msoc-History-Matt-Stauffer-Tribute.aspx?id=1101
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on January 16, 2023, 08:16:56 PM
Saw that the extended spring training for D3 passed - wonder if NESCAC will allow it or continue to be more restrictive.....selfishly I hope they follow suit.
Title: Re: 2023 recruits
Post by: Kuiper on February 08, 2023, 12:30:12 PM
Quote from: Viking on January 01, 2023, 08:54:03 PM
ED1 notification dates have come and gone and a new year is here, so maybe it's time to share the first -- and thus half-baked, incomplete, and semi-reliable -- version of a 2023 NESCAC recruits list. It's assembled from the expected public sources, which means you should trust it as much as you'd trust anything posted at this time in the cycle on social media. I can't stress "incomplete" enough, and I wouldn't put much faith in listed positions. Info about some programs and certain types of recruits (especially international and transfer students) is harder to come by than others, and thus it's no surprise that certain programs are underrepresented at this early stage, as usual. Please add/correct!

Amherst
Lucas Liu F Davis Legacy SC/Davis HS - CA

Bates
Beckham Alderucci M Connecticut FC/Newington HS - CT
Isaiah Brown FC Westchester - NY
Andrew Goddard D Connecticut FC/Choate Rosemary Hall - CT
Luc Parr Beachside SC/Wooster S - CT
Oliver Schiff Stein M Manhattan SC/Laguardia HS - NY

Bowdoin
Jack Banks M Seacoast United/Brunswick HS - ME
Johnny Delionado F Weston FC/Belen Jesuit HS - FL
William Fowler M Cedar Stars/Columbia Secondary S - NY
Luke Peltz D South Kent S - NY/CT

Colby
Joseph Beshel M New England Surf/Belmont Hill S - MA
Lleyton Bristow F Shattuck-St. Mary's S - MN
Gus Confalone G SYC/St. John's College HS - DC
Myles Culley M Seacoast United/Waynflete S - ME
Drew Davis M Lower Merion SC/Lower Merion HS - PA
Nick Donnelly D RNY FC - NY
Andrew Kirwan D Penn Fusion SA/Haverford S - PA
Luke Pentikis M South Kent S - NJ/CT
Jacob Sams D Tampa Bay United SC/Berkeley Preparatory S - FL

Conn
Charlie Emery D Bethesda SC/Gonzaga College HS - DC
Max Haberman M Albion SC/Francis Parker S - CA
Nicholas Kempe G Pennington S - NJ
Gavin Mpiana F/M Penn Fusion SA/Hill S - PA
Anish Reid D AC Connecticut/Hotchkiss S - CT
Liam Rorke M Steel United/Tabor A - NH
Casey Shea G TSF/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ

Hamilton
Patrick Ferrare M Parsippany SC/Montville HS - NJ
Adam Molusis D Connecticut FC/Glastonbury HS - CT
Peter Montesano Scheibe G FC Stars/Lawrence A - MA
Albert Van Ness D Westchester Flames/Bronxville HS - NY

Middlebury
Owen Davis D Albion SC/La Jolla HS - CA
Colin Dugan F FSA FC/Avon Old Farms S - CT
Jay Hoke RNY FC/Manlius Pebble Hill HS - NY
Hugo Horwitz D TSF/Academy Glen Rock HS - NJ
Ari Klayman D PDA/Staten Island Technical HS - NY
Harper Nicholl F/M Blau Weiss Gottschee/UN International S - NY
Will Sawin M South Kent S - CT (a 2022.5 "Feb"?)

Trinity
Sam Singer American S in London - UK

Tufts
Bijan Akhtarzandi-Das M Arlington SA/Washington International S - DC
Ben Brown M Boston Bolts/Concord-Carlisle HS - MA
Demis Calkap M PDA/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Xavier Canfin M FC Westchester - NY
Ethan Jett M Rise SC/Kinkaid S - TX
Zackary Salfi F Real Colorado/East HS - CO
Zach Ubamadu G Chattanooga Red Wolves/Baylor HS - TN

Wesleyan
Zach Feldman D STA/Livingston HS - NJ
Joshwin Jennings M TSF/Delbarton S - NJ
Yousuf Saeed M Rise SC/Episcopal HS - TX
Colin Tsay D STA/Delbarton S - NJ

Williams
Kellan Grace M Beachside SC/Weston HS - CT
Griffin Labonski D Beachside SC/Staples HS - CT
Leon Ma M PDA/Pingry S - NJ
Spencer Mix F FSA FC/Loomis Chafee S - CT
Atticus Ross D Seacoast United SC/Phillips Exeter A - NH
Jeff Stauffer F/M Seacoast United SC - MA

Amherst continues its tradition of ginormous GKs by securing the commitment of Lucas Searl, a 6'5" GK from Atlanta, GA and Southern Soccer Academy MLS Next
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on February 10, 2023, 10:36:36 AM
The Ephs bring a lot back from their title game run at GK, D (Boardman obviously a huge loss, but Morriello, Wang and Gara Grady all played big roles in the post-season) and MF, but the one thing they lacked last year was any kind of real finisher, and they do lose a lot of the guys responsible for shot attempts - 45 of their 96 SOG lost to graduation. 

Hopefully the Ephs will generate more offense from the frosh group of Keussom (definitely expect to see more of him next year), Vasquez, Gibson and Kirkman, all of whom seem capable of making things happen with the ball, but none of them are really strikers.  They desperately need a real finisher (or two!) from the incoming class.  Spencer Mix looks like a natural goal scorer with a great finishing touch, so maybe he can be a guy who finishes more plays for the Ephs. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Le ‘CAC on February 19, 2023, 08:49:50 PM
Will Bates ever hire?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on February 23, 2023, 10:32:17 PM
I imagine the cover story of this month's New England Soccer Journal will be of interest to NESCAC faithful, even though an article titled "Rise of the NESCAC Juggernaut:  Inside the Emergence of the Premier Division 3 Conference in the Country" with a picture of Tufts from one of its championship years on the cover might not have been the best timing considering Conn College won more recently, Williams got farther this year, Tufts had a down year by its standards, and this year a UAA team won the championship.

https://twitter.com/NESoccerJournal/status/1628801717012688898?s=20
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on February 24, 2023, 05:03:18 PM
No I think it was the perfect picture
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on February 28, 2023, 02:07:51 PM
I thought I heard the NESCAC President's were going to take a vote to see if they would adopt the new spring season training guidelines approved for D3 - anyone hear anything on that?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on March 01, 2023, 01:21:55 AM
Quote from: Kuiper on February 23, 2023, 10:32:17 PM
I imagine the cover story of this month's New England Soccer Journal will be of interest to NESCAC faithful, even though an article titled "Rise of the NESCAC Juggernaut:  Inside the Emergence of the Premier Division 3 Conference in the Country" with a picture of Tufts from one of its championship years on the cover might not have been the best timing considering Conn College won more recently, Williams got farther this year, Tufts had a down year by its standards, and this year a UAA team won the championship.

https://twitter.com/NESoccerJournal/status/1628801717012688898?s=20

I would have been surprised to see a publication from that part of the world, talking to NESCAC coaches, to have said anything else really.  None of that means that there are no other good teams/conferences, clearly Chicago proved that.  It would be hard to argue that there would be that many conferences that run deeper than NESCAC.
Title: 2023 NESCAC recruits update
Post by: Viking on March 02, 2023, 11:17:14 AM
March is here and ED2 notifications have been released, so even though there isn't much new stuff out there, maybe it's time for an updated list. Changes since the January 1 list are in red.

The usual Surgeon General's warning: This list is a crude compilation of public reports in the expected places, supplemented with info from a few forum folks. It's incomplete, semi-reliable, and shouldn't be treated like any kind of official announcement (the latter will start showing up later in the spring). Also, don't assume that any individual school having a short list below is an indicator of having fewer 2023 recruits. Among the types of recruits that tend to be more digitally quiet at this stage are international students and transfers, for example.

Speaking of transfers, I'm adding something new at the end: known outgoing transfers. In recent years, high-profile NESCAC student-athletes have been transferring to D1 schools. The departing transfers in NESCAC men's soccer haven't been as prominent or made as immediate an impact at the D1 level as the NESCAC men's lacrosse emigrants, but it's likely to continue, especially among the COVID-impacted cohorts. Lots of stuff happening at Colby, with Franco departing and intriguing recruits like Culley incoming (Culley's story is worth looking up if you haven't already).

Please share updates, corrections, etc.!

KNOWN INCOMING RECRUITS

Amherst
Lucas Liu, F, Davis Legacy SC/Davis HS - CA
Lucas Searl, G, Southern SA/Westminster S - GA

Bates
Beckham Alderucci, M, Connecticut FC/Newington HS - CT
Isaiah Brown, (?), FC Westchester – NY
Andrew Goddard, D, Connecticut FC/Choate Rosemary Hall - CT
Luc Parr, (?), Beachside SC/Wooster S - CT
Oliver Schiff Stein, M, Manhattan SC/LaGuardia HS - NY

Bowdoin
Jack Banks, M, Seacoast United/Brunswick HS - ME
Kamar Burris-Khan, M, Valeo FC/Newton South HS - MA
Johnny Delionado, F, Weston FC/Belen Jesuit HS - FL
William Fowler, M, Cedar Stars/Columbia Secondary S - NY
Luke Peltz, D, South Kent S - NY/CT

Colby
Joseph Beshel, M, New England Surf/Belmont Hill S - MA
Lleyton Bristow, F, Shattuck-St. Mary's S - MN
Gus Confalone, G, SYC/St. John's College HS - DC
Myles Culley, M, Seacoast United SC/Waynflete S - ME
Drew Davis, M, Lower Merion SC/Lower Merion HS - PA
Nick Donnelly, D, RNY FC - NY
Andrew Kirwan, D, Penn Fusion SA/Haverford S - PA
Luke Pentikis, M, South Kent S - NJ/CT
Jacob Sams, D, Tampa Bay United SC/Berkeley Preparatory S - FL

Conn
Charlie Emery, D, Bethesda SC/Gonzaga College HS - DC
Max Haberman, M, Albion SC/Francis Parker S - CA
Nicholas Kempe, G, Pennington S - NJ
Charlie Miles, D, New York SC - NY
Gavin Mpiana, F/M, Penn Fusion SA/Hill S - PA
Anish Reid, D, AC Connecticut/Hotchkiss S - CT
Liam Rorke, M, Steel United/Tabor A - NH
Casey Shea, G, TSF/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Noah Sides, M, New York SC - NY

Hamilton
Patrick Ferrare, M, Parsippany SC/Montville HS - NJ
Adam Molusis, D, Connecticut FC/Glastonbury HS - CT
Peter Montesano Scheibe, G, FC Stars/Lawrence A - MA
Albert Van Ness, D, Westchester Flames/Bronxville HS – NY
Finn Wheeler, G, Christian Brothers A Syracuse - NY

Middlebury
Owen Davis, D, Albion SC/La Jolla HS - CA
Colin Dugan, F, FSA FC/Avon Old Farms S - CT
Jay Hoke, (?), RNY FC/Manlius Pebble Hill HS - NY
Hugo Horwitz, D, TSF/Academy Glen Rock HS - NJ
Ari Klayman, D, PDA/Staten Island Technical HS - NY
Harper Nicholl, F/M, Blau Weiss Gottschee/UN International S - NY
Will Sawin, M, South Kent S - CT (a 2022.5 "Feb"?)

Trinity
Sam Singer, (?), American S in London - UK

Tufts
Bijan Akhtarzandi-Das, M, Arlington SA/Washington International S - DC
Ben Brown, M, Boston Bolts/Concord-Carlisle HS - MA
Demis Calkap, M, PDA/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Xavier Canfin, M, FC Westchester - NY
Sandy Duggal, F/M, Shattuck-St. Mary's S - NY/MN
Ethan Jett, M, Rise SC/Kinkaid S - TX
Zackary Salfi, F, Real Colorado/East HS - CO
Zach Ubamadu, G, Chattanooga Red Wolves/Baylor HS - TN

Wesleyan
Dylan Clack, M, CT Rush/Choate Rosemary Hall - Canada/CT
Zach Feldman, D, STA/Livingston HS - NJ
Joshwin Jennings, M, TSF/Delbarton S - NJ
Yousuf Saeed, M, Rise SC/Episcopal HS - TX
Colin Tsay, D, STA/Delbarton S - NJ

Williams
Andrew Coelho, M, New England Surf/Worcester A - CT
Kellan Grace, M, Beachside SC/Weston HS - CT
Griffin Labonski, D, Beachside SC/Staples HS - CT
Leon Ma, M, PDA/Pingry S - NJ
Spencer Mix, F, FSA FC/Loomis Chafee S - CT
Atticus Ross, D, Seacoast United SC/Phillips Exeter A - NH
Jeff Stauffer, F/M, Seacoast United SC - MA

KNOWN OUTGOING TRANSFERS

Colby
Ethan Franco, F, to Northeastern U (D1)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on March 03, 2023, 08:24:55 AM
I think Luta has left Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Skipper on March 03, 2023, 09:37:58 AM
now at UNH, according to social media
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LibbyMoore on March 18, 2023, 10:19:39 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on January 16, 2023, 08:16:56 PM
Saw that the extended spring training for D3 passed - wonder if NESCAC will allow it or continue to be more restrictive.....selfishly I hope they follow suit.

I hope so too! Does anyone recall when the NESCAC fall soccer schedules are generally published?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on March 21, 2023, 07:29:54 AM
Quote from: LibbyMoore on March 18, 2023, 10:19:39 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on January 16, 2023, 08:16:56 PM
Saw that the extended spring training for D3 passed - wonder if NESCAC will allow it or continue to be more restrictive.....selfishly I hope they follow suit.

I hope so too! Does anyone recall when the NESCAC fall soccer schedules are generally published?

Anybody in the know? I believe the Presidents of the NESCAC voted on this issue in Feb.  The NESCAC's did extend during COVID but had already voted to return to normal for Spring 2023 before the NCAA rule change for 2024........
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on March 30, 2023, 01:03:47 PM
Seems like Amherst, Williams and Midd will be the pre-season favorites, probably in that order.  Each lose one major contributor to graduation, but otherwise, return nearly all their key players from, obviously, very good teams.  Bowdoin, Tufts and Conn each lose a lot, but none can be counted out due to recent track record and overall depth of talent.  Those three plus Hamilton and Wesleyan are probably (heading into the off-season, a ton can change) the middle of the league, with Bates, Colby and Trinity again bringing up the rear.  So really, the outlook is quite similar to last year, other than Bowdoin probably dropping a bit due to losing by far the most impactful guys (including the POY) of the top-tier teams. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on March 30, 2023, 08:15:01 PM
I would think Amherst just based on the fact they bring back pretty much all of their scoring from last year.  There also might be some addition by subtraction in the goalkeeping department.  I think that was the weakest part of their game last season, which is unusual given the history at the position there. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on March 30, 2023, 09:30:55 PM
Do we know that all seniors are, in fact graduating and not taking their Covid year? For example, I hear McDonald is returning to Messiah.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on March 30, 2023, 10:12:22 PM
Hard to know really.  Serpone is not big on 5th year players so I would not count on any Amherst senior returning. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on April 01, 2023, 08:47:41 PM
Although my son dismissed it as, "Boomer humour", I thought the April Fool's Day joke that Amherst and Williams executed this year was quite clever.  They announced a merger between the two, creating, "Wamherst", certainly the resulting soccer team would have been a powerful one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on April 08, 2023, 11:07:15 AM
[Seems like Amherst, Williams and Midd will be the pre-season favorites, probably in that order.  Each lose one major contributor to graduation, but otherwise, return nearly all their key players from, obviously, very good teams.  Bowdoin, Tufts and Conn each lose a lot, but none can be counted out due to recent track record and overall depth of talent.  Those three plus Hamilton and Wesleyan are probably (heading into the off-season, a ton can change) the middle of the league, with Bates, Colby and Trinity again bringing up the rear.  So really, the outlook is quite similar to last year, other than Bowdoin probably dropping a bit due to losing by far the most impactful guys (including the POY) of the top-tier teams.]

It will indeed be important to learn which "seniors" are returning for their 4th year of eligibility this fall.  Bowdoin is the only team with which I have close familiarity...and although Michael Weber, Julian Juantorena, and Jack Selig are all listed as '23s...I believe they are all returning.  Although Dylan Reid will be a big loss, each of the aforementioned three are proven impact players.  You'll want to do the same analysis with the other NESCAC teams before drawing any preseason conclusions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on April 08, 2023, 04:49:45 PM
Quote from: northman on April 08, 2023, 11:07:15 AM
[Seems like Amherst, Williams and Midd will be the pre-season favorites, probably in that order.  Each lose one major contributor to graduation, but otherwise, return nearly all their key players from, obviously, very good teams.  Bowdoin, Tufts and Conn each lose a lot, but none can be counted out due to recent track record and overall depth of talent.  Those three plus Hamilton and Wesleyan are probably (heading into the off-season, a ton can change) the middle of the league, with Bates, Colby and Trinity again bringing up the rear.  So really, the outlook is quite similar to last year, other than Bowdoin probably dropping a bit due to losing by far the most impactful guys (including the POY) of the top-tier teams.]

It will indeed be important to learn which "seniors" are returning for their 4th year of eligibility this fall.  Bowdoin is the only team with which I have close familiarity...and although Michael Weber, Julian Juantorena, and Jack Selig are all listed as '23s...I believe they are all returning.  Although Dylan Reid will be a big loss, each of the aforementioned three are proven impact players.  You'll want to do the same analysis with the other NESCAC teams before drawing any preseason conclusions.

Unfortunately, Bowdoin's Michael Webber graduated early (in December 2022) and will not be returning for another season as he has signed a contract with a pro development league team. Goalie will be a big question mark for Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on April 09, 2023, 10:39:49 AM
Thanks for that update, quicksilver.  I obviously wasn't aware of that.  Yes, those will be big gloves to fill by whomever is the next keeper...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on April 09, 2023, 11:17:55 AM
Quote from: quicksilver on April 08, 2023, 04:49:45 PM
Quote from: northman on April 08, 2023, 11:07:15 AM
[Seems like Amherst, Williams and Midd will be the pre-season favorites, probably in that order.  Each lose one major contributor to graduation, but otherwise, return nearly all their key players from, obviously, very good teams.  Bowdoin, Tufts and Conn each lose a lot, but none can be counted out due to recent track record and overall depth of talent.  Those three plus Hamilton and Wesleyan are probably (heading into the off-season, a ton can change) the middle of the league, with Bates, Colby and Trinity again bringing up the rear.  So really, the outlook is quite similar to last year, other than Bowdoin probably dropping a bit due to losing by far the most impactful guys (including the POY) of the top-tier teams.]

It will indeed be important to learn which "seniors" are returning for their 4th year of eligibility this fall.  Bowdoin is the only team with which I have close familiarity...and although Michael Weber, Julian Juantorena, and Jack Selig are all listed as '23s...I believe they are all returning.  Although Dylan Reid will be a big loss, each of the aforementioned three are proven impact players.  You'll want to do the same analysis with the other NESCAC teams before drawing any preseason conclusions.

Unfortunately, Bowdoin's Michael Webber graduated early (in December 2022) and will not be returning for another season as he has signed a contract with a pro development league team. Goalie will be a big question mark for Bowdoin.

Here's the press release.  Webber signed with FC Dallas' MLS Next Pro team

https://www.fcdallas.com/northtexassc/news/north-texas-sc-signs-goalkeeper-michael-webber

One thing that I have noticed in MLS Next Pro is that while teams are happy to start 15 and 16 year-olds at many positions, they keep the young GKs playing in the Academy while they train with the pro reserve team and they sign a college grad keeper to be a starter or at least a "veteran" backup.  That reflects the fact that even top young GKs need regular playing time and the college GK can be an emergency GK for the MLS Next team.  Conn College's GK went this route as well with the NY Red Bulls and we may see more D3 GKs get that chance if they have prototypical GK size.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on April 10, 2023, 07:04:43 AM
Quote from: northman on April 08, 2023, 11:07:15 AM
[Seems like Amherst, Williams and Midd will be the pre-season favorites, probably in that order.  Each lose one major contributor to graduation, but otherwise, return nearly all their key players from, obviously, very good teams.  Bowdoin, Tufts and Conn each lose a lot, but none can be counted out due to recent track record and overall depth of talent.  Those three plus Hamilton and Wesleyan are probably (heading into the off-season, a ton can change) the middle of the league, with Bates, Colby and Trinity again bringing up the rear.  So really, the outlook is quite similar to last year, other than Bowdoin probably dropping a bit due to losing by far the most impactful guys (including the POY) of the top-tier teams.]

It will indeed be important to learn which "seniors" are returning for their 4th year of eligibility this fall.  Bowdoin is the only team with which I have close familiarity...and although Michael Weber, Julian Juantorena, and Jack Selig are all listed as '23s...I believe they are all returning.  Although Dylan Reid will be a big loss, each of the aforementioned three are proven impact players.  You'll want to do the same analysis with the other NESCAC teams before drawing any preseason conclusions.

The biggest lesson of the past season is that things are not predictable, Conn was supposed to be dominant, Williams was supposed to be an easy win for the top NESCAC teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on April 10, 2023, 09:07:58 AM
Considering that NESCAC has six of the past eight champions, plus the last three runners-up, from four different programs, and that doesn't even include powerhouse programs like Midd or Bowdoin who were in the mix deep in the tourney, it certainly makes prognostication more difficult ... in any given year, the third or fourth best NESCAC squad can end up in the national title game. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on April 11, 2023, 08:53:27 AM
I think that sums it up pretty nicely...

Having had one son who played in the Ivy League and another who played in the NESCAC, I have to say I love the competitiveness in the NESCAC across a bunch of sports.  There is so much competitive balance that upsets are common.  And it's great for athletes, fans, and family members that all the schools (with the possible exception of Hamilton) are within a reasonable day's drive of each other.
Title: Re: 2023 NESCAC recruits update
Post by: Kuiper on April 21, 2023, 12:27:11 PM
Quote from: Viking on March 02, 2023, 11:17:14 AM
March is here and ED2 notifications have been released, so even though there isn't much new stuff out there, maybe it's time for an updated list. Changes since the January 1 list are in red.

The usual Surgeon General's warning: This list is a crude compilation of public reports in the expected places, supplemented with info from a few forum folks. It's incomplete, semi-reliable, and shouldn't be treated like any kind of official announcement (the latter will start showing up later in the spring). Also, don't assume that any individual school having a short list below is an indicator of having fewer 2023 recruits. Among the types of recruits that tend to be more digitally quiet at this stage are international students and transfers, for example.

Speaking of transfers, I'm adding something new at the end: known outgoing transfers. In recent years, high-profile NESCAC student-athletes have been transferring to D1 schools. The departing transfers in NESCAC men's soccer haven't been as prominent or made as immediate an impact at the D1 level as the NESCAC men's lacrosse emigrants, but it's likely to continue, especially among the COVID-impacted cohorts. Lots of stuff happening at Colby, with Franco departing and intriguing recruits like Culley incoming (Culley's story is worth looking up if you haven't already).

Please share updates, corrections, etc.!

KNOWN INCOMING RECRUITS

Amherst
Lucas Liu, F, Davis Legacy SC/Davis HS - CA
Lucas Searl, G, Southern SA/Westminster S - GA

Bates
Beckham Alderucci, M, Connecticut FC/Newington HS - CT
Isaiah Brown, (?), FC Westchester – NY
Andrew Goddard, D, Connecticut FC/Choate Rosemary Hall - CT
Luc Parr, (?), Beachside SC/Wooster S - CT
Oliver Schiff Stein, M, Manhattan SC/LaGuardia HS - NY

Bowdoin
Jack Banks, M, Seacoast United/Brunswick HS - ME
Kamar Burris-Khan, M, Valeo FC/Newton South HS - MA
Johnny Delionado, F, Weston FC/Belen Jesuit HS - FL
William Fowler, M, Cedar Stars/Columbia Secondary S - NY
Luke Peltz, D, South Kent S - NY/CT

Colby
Joseph Beshel, M, New England Surf/Belmont Hill S - MA
Lleyton Bristow, F, Shattuck-St. Mary's S - MN
Gus Confalone, G, SYC/St. John's College HS - DC
Myles Culley, M, Seacoast United SC/Waynflete S - ME
Drew Davis, M, Lower Merion SC/Lower Merion HS - PA
Nick Donnelly, D, RNY FC - NY
Andrew Kirwan, D, Penn Fusion SA/Haverford S - PA
Luke Pentikis, M, South Kent S - NJ/CT
Jacob Sams, D, Tampa Bay United SC/Berkeley Preparatory S - FL

Conn
Charlie Emery, D, Bethesda SC/Gonzaga College HS - DC
Max Haberman, M, Albion SC/Francis Parker S - CA
Nicholas Kempe, G, Pennington S - NJ
Charlie Miles, D, New York SC - NY
Gavin Mpiana, F/M, Penn Fusion SA/Hill S - PA
Anish Reid, D, AC Connecticut/Hotchkiss S - CT
Liam Rorke, M, Steel United/Tabor A - NH
Casey Shea, G, TSF/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Noah Sides, M, New York SC - NY

Hamilton
Patrick Ferrare, M, Parsippany SC/Montville HS - NJ
Adam Molusis, D, Connecticut FC/Glastonbury HS - CT
Peter Montesano Scheibe, G, FC Stars/Lawrence A - MA
Albert Van Ness, D, Westchester Flames/Bronxville HS – NY
Finn Wheeler, G, Christian Brothers A Syracuse - NY

Middlebury
Owen Davis, D, Albion SC/La Jolla HS - CA
Colin Dugan, F, FSA FC/Avon Old Farms S - CT
Jay Hoke, (?), RNY FC/Manlius Pebble Hill HS - NY
Hugo Horwitz, D, TSF/Academy Glen Rock HS - NJ
Ari Klayman, D, PDA/Staten Island Technical HS - NY
Harper Nicholl, F/M, Blau Weiss Gottschee/UN International S - NY
Will Sawin, M, South Kent S - CT (a 2022.5 "Feb"?)

Trinity
Sam Singer, (?), American S in London - UK

Tufts
Bijan Akhtarzandi-Das, M, Arlington SA/Washington International S - DC
Ben Brown, M, Boston Bolts/Concord-Carlisle HS - MA
Demis Calkap, M, PDA/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Xavier Canfin, M, FC Westchester - NY
Sandy Duggal, F/M, Shattuck-St. Mary's S - NY/MN
Ethan Jett, M, Rise SC/Kinkaid S - TX
Zackary Salfi, F, Real Colorado/East HS - CO
Zach Ubamadu, G, Chattanooga Red Wolves/Baylor HS - TN

Wesleyan
Dylan Clack, M, CT Rush/Choate Rosemary Hall - Canada/CT
Zach Feldman, D, STA/Livingston HS - NJ
Joshwin Jennings, M, TSF/Delbarton S - NJ
Yousuf Saeed, M, Rise SC/Episcopal HS - TX
Colin Tsay, D, STA/Delbarton S - NJ

Williams
Andrew Coelho, M, New England Surf/Worcester A - CT
Kellan Grace, M, Beachside SC/Weston HS - CT
Griffin Labonski, D, Beachside SC/Staples HS - CT
Leon Ma, M, PDA/Pingry S - NJ
Spencer Mix, F, FSA FC/Loomis Chafee S - CT
Atticus Ross, D, Seacoast United SC/Phillips Exeter A - NH
Jeff Stauffer, F/M, Seacoast United SC - MA

KNOWN OUTGOING TRANSFERS

Colby
Ethan Franco, F, to Northeastern U (D1)

One more for Colby

Charles Scott, D, Colorado Rapids/Denver East
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on April 21, 2023, 04:32:23 PM
Decision Day is coming soon, so here's the second-to-last update. New stuff harvested from the usual semi-reliable sources since the last update is in red. Don't assume anything here is accurate until we start seeing official announcements via social media and rosters on the web. Many NESCAC programs will start sharing the former in early May; most programs don't post the latter until just before the season starts. Look for the last update in late June.

INCOMING RECRUITS?

Amherst
Lucas Liu, F, Davis Legacy SC/Davis HS - CA
Riley Priddy, D, Shattuck-St. Mary's - MN
Lucas Searl, G, Southern SA/Westminster S - GA

Bates
Beckham Alderucci, M, Connecticut FC/Newington HS - CT
Isaiah Brown, (?), FC Westchester - NY
Andrew Goddard, D, Connecticut FC/Choate Rosemary Hall - CT
Noah Greiff, D, Bethesda SC/Jackson-Reed HS - DC
Luc Parr, (?), Beachside SC/Wooster S - CT
Oliver Schiff Stein, M, Manhattan SC/LaGuardia HS - NY
Josef Alexander Voglmayr, D, DCSC/St. Anselm's Abbey S - DC

Bowdoin
Jack Banks, M, Seacoast United/Brunswick HS - ME
Kamar Burris-Khan, M, Valeo FC/Newton South HS - MA
Johnny Delionado, F, Weston FC/Belen Jesuit HS - FL
William Fowler, M, Cedar Stars A/Columbia Secondary S - NY
Keito Ishibashi, D/M, Bethesda SC/Walter Johnson HS - MD
Hayden Mann, M/F, Pateadores SC/St. Margaret's Episcopal S - CA
Luke Peltz, D, South Kent S - NY/CT

Colby
Joseph Beshel, M, New England Surf/Belmont Hill S - MA
Lleyton Bristow, F, Shattuck-St. Mary's S - MN
Gus Confalone, G, SYC/St. John's College HS - DC
Myles Culley, M, Seacoast United SC/Waynflete S - ME
Drew Davis, M, Lower Merion SC/Lower Merion HS - PA
Nick Donnelly, D, RNY FC - NY
Andrew Kirwan, D, Penn Fusion SA/Haverford S - PA
Colin León, M, Lower Merion SC/Germantown A - PA
Luke Pentikis, M, South Kent S - NJ/CT
Jacob Sams, D, Tampa Bay United SC/Berkeley Preparatory S - FL
Charles Scott, D, Colorado Rapids YSC/East HS - CO

Conn
Charlie Emery, D, Bethesda SC/Gonzaga College HS - DC
Max Haberman, M, Albion SC/Francis Parker S - CA
Nicholas Kempe, G, Pennington S - NJ
Charlie Miles, D, New York SC - NY
Gavin Mpiana, F/M, Penn Fusion SA/Hill S - South Africa/PA
Anish Reid, D, AC Connecticut/Hotchkiss S - CT
Liam Rorke, M, Steel United/Tabor A - NH
Casey Shea, G, TSF/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Noah Sides, M, New York SC - NY
Max Weiss, M, Inter Connecticut FC/Weston HS - CT

Hamilton
Patrick Ferrare, M, Parsippany SC/Montville HS - NJ
Adam Molusis, D, Connecticut FC/Glastonbury HS - CT
Peter Montesano Scheibe, G, FC Stars/Lawrence A - MA
Albert Van Ness, D, Westchester Flames/Bronxville HS - NY
Finn Wheeler, G, Christian Brothers A Syracuse - NY

Middlebury
Owen Davis, D, Albion SC/La Jolla HS - CA
Colin Dugan, F, FSA FC/Avon Old Farms S - CT
Jay Hoke, (?), RNY FC/Manlius Pebble Hill HS - NY
Hugo Horwitz, D, TSF/Academy Glen Rock HS - NJ
Ari Klayman, D, PDA/Staten Island Technical HS - NY
Harper Nicholl, F/M, Blau Weiss Gottschee/UN International S - NY
Will Sawin, M, South Kent S - CT (a 2022.5 "Feb"?)

Trinity
Shane Ivey, F, Cedar Stars A/Columbia Secondary S - NY
Sam Singer, (?), American S in London - UK

Tufts
Bijan Akhtarzandi-Das, M, Arlington SA/Washington International S - DC
Ben Brown, M, Boston Bolts/Concord-Carlisle HS - MA
Demis Calkap, M, PDA/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Xavier Canfin, M, FC Westchester - NY
Sandy Duggal, F/M, Shattuck-St. Mary's S - NY/MN
Brendan French, Nashville SCA/Lausanne Collegiate S - TN
Ethan Jett, M, Rise SC/Kinkaid S - TX
Zackary Salfi, F, Real Colorado/East HS - CO
Zach Ubamadu, G, Chattanooga Red Wolves/Baylor HS - TN

Wesleyan
Anthony Avallone, F, Circolo Canottieri Roma/St. Stephen's S Rome - Italy
Dylan Clack, M, CT Rush/Choate Rosemary Hall - Canada/CT
Zach Feldman, D, STA/Livingston HS - NJ
Joshwin Jennings, M, TSF/Delbarton S - NJ
Yousuf Saeed, M, Rise SC/Episcopal HS - TX
Colin Tsay, D, STA/Delbarton S - NJ
Sam Wheeler, M, CT Rush/Choate Rosemary Hall - CT

Williams
Andrew Coelho, M, New England Surf/Worcester A - CT
Kellan Grace, M, Beachside SC/Weston HS - CT
Griffin Labonski, D, Beachside SC/Staples HS - CT
Leon Ma, M, PDA/Pingry S - NJ
Spencer Mix, F, FSA FC/Loomis Chafee S - CT
Atticus Ross, D, Seacoast United SC/Phillips Exeter A - NH
Jeff Stauffer, F/M, Seacoast United SC - MA
Beck Walthers, D, Real SoCal/Getafe IMFA/Harvard-Westlake S - CA

OUTGOING TRANSFERS?

Bates
Max McKersie, D, to NYU (graduate, D3)

Colby
Ethan Franco, F, to Northeastern U (D1)

Tufts
Erik Lauta, G, to U New Hampshire (D1)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on May 05, 2023, 03:12:53 PM
Conn Recruiting Class:

https://express.adobe.com/page/qyJPcY4PK2zsg/?fbclid=PAAaYygjkzkT7WPr90L-g_p-OurXV12TLcOi0KdnouqwV2ogUc32aqNeserSo
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on May 05, 2023, 05:26:18 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on May 05, 2023, 03:12:53 PM
Conn Recruiting Class:

https://express.adobe.com/page/qyJPcY4PK2zsg/?fbclid=PAAaYygjkzkT7WPr90L-g_p-OurXV12TLcOi0KdnouqwV2ogUc32aqNeserSo

Interesting . .  .10 seems like a lot from both a soccer team perspective and an admissions influencing perspective.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on May 05, 2023, 05:37:32 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on May 05, 2023, 05:26:18 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on May 05, 2023, 03:12:53 PM
Conn Recruiting Class:

https://express.adobe.com/page/qyJPcY4PK2zsg/?fbclid=PAAaYygjkzkT7WPr90L-g_p-OurXV12TLcOi0KdnouqwV2ogUc32aqNeserSo

Interesting . .  .10 seems like a lot from both a soccer team perspective and an admissions influencing perspective.

They had 8 seniors on the roster last year (including two goalkeepers), so from that perspective, it's not that out of line assuming none have a Covid year left that they are planning to use.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on May 08, 2023, 08:35:39 AM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on May 05, 2023, 05:26:18 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on May 05, 2023, 03:12:53 PM
Conn Recruiting Class:

https://express.adobe.com/page/qyJPcY4PK2zsg/?fbclid=PAAaYygjkzkT7WPr90L-g_p-OurXV12TLcOi0KdnouqwV2ogUc32aqNeserSo

Interesting . .  .10 seems like a lot from both a soccer team perspective and an admissions influencing perspective.
I would agree but know that some of these NESCAC players have the grades and are in that band that don't need admission influence.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on May 17, 2023, 12:08:08 PM
Quote from: NESCACfan100 on May 05, 2023, 04:17:55 PM
Way too early Nescac player of the year predictions?

The recent New England Soccer Journal story about top D3 players reminded me of this question.  The list of potential candidates seems quite short if you assume (as seems reasonable) that it should be someone who has previously received all-American, all region or all-conference recognition and is returning for the fall of 2023.  The list gets even shorter if you assume it will be an offensive player (Dylan Reid's selection last year being an outlier). So the "way too early" favorites should be Okorogheye (Amherst), Saint Louis (Midd), Agunloye (Bates) and Hayton-Ruffner (Amherst).

https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/watch-list-16-division-3-mens-forwards-to-keep-an-eye-on-in-2023/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on May 17, 2023, 01:51:20 PM
There have been two GK POTYs in the last decade, so other names to watch are the nationally-elite returning keepers: Williams' Ben Diffley and Midd's Ryan Grady. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on May 18, 2023, 04:00:26 PM
Heard on the grapevine that the NESCACs are pushing the preread date to August 1 this year. I have no direct knowledge of this myself. If true it doesn't *help* with recruiting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: smoova on May 18, 2023, 06:21:53 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on May 18, 2023, 04:00:26 PM
Heard on the grapevine that the NESCACs are pushing the preread date to August 1 this year. I have no direct knowledge of this myself. If true it doesn't *help* with recruiting.

Christmas comes early for the Centennial Conference!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerpapa on May 19, 2023, 09:42:04 AM
What exactly are "prereads"
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on May 19, 2023, 09:50:58 AM
Some academically selective schools (including all the NESCACs) have a process whereby coaches get a certain number of prereads with the Admissions Office. That is, a coach can submit unofficial transcript, test scores and sometimes other material of a recruit to the Admissions Office. The AO then lets the coach know if a recruit is admissible or not (or is in a gray zone, e.g. needs a higher test score). That way the coach and recruit don't waste time if there's no chance of the player going to the school.

If a recruit passes the preread AND gets coach support,  it's as close to a guarantee of admission as you can get. At schools with sub-20% admit rates this is a valuable thing. Some D1 schools do prereads as well (academically selective ones).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerpapa on May 19, 2023, 12:30:37 PM
Thank you for the explanation of a foreign term for a Midwesterner!  How will this potential change affect recruiting? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on May 19, 2023, 01:05:55 PM
Quote from: soccerpapa on May 19, 2023, 12:30:37 PM
Thank you for the explanation of a foreign term for a Midwesterner!  How will this potential change affect recruiting?

If NESCAC has really pushed pre-reads to August 1, and other schools are still doing them as of July 1, it means schools in other conferences have a one month head start in making offers and recruiting their top players.  Theoretically, some players could commit to the process at those schools before NESCAC starts making their formal offers (indeed, a school could even set a deadline to accept before August 1).  On the other hand, offers and deadlines are more theoretical than anything since it's not like a D1 where you sign a national letter of intent.  No one actually applies before the application window opens up (typically Nov. 15 or so for early decision) and no guarantees of admission are made even if you have a positive pre-read and a commitment by the coach to use one of their slots on you.  Still, coaches who are given slots by admissions do have some leverage to get players to commit quickly before they move on to the next player on the list.

Realistically, though, I doubt that this would make a huge difference.  It might for the marginal candidate who is risk averse, but it's not like a strong candidate in contention academically and soccer-wise for top schools can't get information from the coach about where they rank before the pre-read comes back.

Incidentally, this process, or something like it, does exist in some of the academically-oriented midwestern D3s that compete for some of the same students with schools in the northeast.  Macalester, for example, does a pre-read and I think it even has the ability to do a "quick read," or something like that, in spring of junior year which presumably involves providing even less information (just the transcript as of then and maybe test scores) and is correspondingly less informative, but does offer some help to the coach and student in knowing whether they are plausible candidates.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on May 19, 2023, 03:33:48 PM
Different subject - Did Bates lift the Interim title for the Coach or is a search still ongoing?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Le ‘CAC on May 19, 2023, 10:31:26 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on May 19, 2023, 03:33:48 PM
Different subject - Did Bates lift the Interim title for the Coach or is a search still ongoing?

I would imagine they have to be hiring Noah
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on May 24, 2023, 09:33:43 AM
Bowdoin alum Michael Webber was signed by FC Dallas to a short term loan.  Great to see Michael continuing to play!

https://www.fcdallas.com/news/fc-dallas-signs-michael-webber-to-a-short-term-loan-agreement-from-north-texas-s
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Le ‘CAC on May 28, 2023, 09:29:01 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on May 24, 2023, 09:33:43 AM
Bowdoin alum Michael Webber was signed by FC Dallas to a short term loan.  Great to see Michael continuing to play!

https://www.fcdallas.com/news/fc-dallas-signs-michael-webber-to-a-short-term-loan-agreement-from-north-texas-s

Awesome news! Great job Michael!

Best 'CAC GK ever??
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on May 29, 2023, 11:05:27 AM
Best goalie ever?  Has AJ Marcucci been forgotten that quickly? (Not to take anything away from Webber's amazing accomplishment!).

Much stronger case to be made that Webber, Grady, Lauta, Diffley and Silvester were the best group of Nescac goalies ever to play as a group in one season ...

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on May 29, 2023, 12:58:06 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on May 29, 2023, 11:05:27 AM
Best goalie ever?  Has AJ Marcucci been forgotten that quickly? (Not to take anything away from Webber's amazing accomplishment!).

Much stronger case to be made that Webber, Grady, Lauta, Diffley and Silvester were the best group of Nescac goalies ever to play as a group in one season ...

If you're going to praise the NESCAC goalkeepers as a group like this, I think Coach Serpone would be correct in stating (as he did in his Simple Coach interview) that Bernie White is being overlooked.  That's especially if Silverster is part of the group - he has potential, but I doubt last year cemented his status as one of the league's greats.  And I say that not because White is now playing in Scotland (he's playing for Caledonian in the Scottish Lowlands League, which is the fifth tier of Scottish football.  He might not have been the top of the group, but he certainly had the stats and some of the saves that would put him in the top half of the conference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Johnny Eph on June 23, 2023, 07:58:42 AM
Williams Frosh sensation #12 Cole Morriello I heard was transferring to Yale. Also a couple other decent returning players have "hung up their boots" like #23 Dan Rayhill and a couple other good ones. Not sure why but could conjure up a guess or two.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on June 23, 2023, 08:07:59 AM
Huh. When my son went through recruiting he had a few offers and it came down to W&L or Williams. It seemed at the time he dodged a bullet (with the former coach) and recent info hasn't dispelled that thought. With the disclaimer that this is all speculation of course.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 23, 2023, 11:10:32 AM
Fwiw, long-time NESCAC observer and expert Mr.Right thought White as a GK was...well, not that great....and some might think Amherst benefited when Hope-Gund took over due to injury.

Of course, Mr.Right is a Williams guy, so factor that in as you will.

As for dodging a bullet turning down Williams, I hear ya, but maybe read that back a few times. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on June 23, 2023, 03:28:27 PM
No, I stand by what I said, though of course Williams is a phenomenal school. But not the only phenomenal school out there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on June 23, 2023, 03:38:14 PM
I know...tough calls but lots of good choices...

My kid got in Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford...but alas, he wanted to play soccer and Coach Brown offered him a spot when Colby wouldn't.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACfooty on June 23, 2023, 07:34:06 PM
for those of us not familiar enough with the program to read between the lines, is there something wrong at Williams (i know simple coach and others don't like their style of play, but i mean beyond that)?   School is one of the best, team ended up 2nd last year, can't knock any kid for transferring to D1 Yale.  I get the sense you knowledgeable folks on the chat are aware of something we less informed spectators are not but are reluctant to say it.  Would appreciate insight,   thx.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on June 23, 2023, 07:44:58 PM
Oh, no -- don't read too much into my posts!

My son did not like how the former coach handled the recruiting process; and that coach stepped down very suddenly.  If players, particularly talented ones, are leaving the team (not referring to the player transferring to Yale) it just raises the question why.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on June 23, 2023, 07:57:59 PM
Mr. Right had the inside baseball on all things Williams, days like today (offseason lull and speculation season) his insight would be highly valuable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3fense on June 23, 2023, 09:02:13 PM
If a student athlete leaves to go to Yale after the team makes a run to the national title game then kudos to him for being that good of a student athlete and kudos to williams for recruiting him.  I think Williams had a former player starting on Yale last year as well.  That is impressive to me.

It is a different world, good players leave teams every year (including teams that are very good).  The circumstances are often very personal.  I am not particularly in the know but I do know of several kids who have left very successful programs in the past couple years for all myriad of reasons.  It is a different world the kids have flexibility and a lot of them have had stunted college experiences where they either had their playing careers put on hold or paused and where they may now be older and thinking of different things to spend time doing or may be dealing with different life concerns.  Who knows.  It seems that at the higher level of d3 it is becoming increasingly common that coaches  come and go as well and kids are not always playing for the person that recruited them.   

I don't think it is helpful to speculate on these things and it can be harmful to the kids involved to have their names bandied about.   If there is a pattern over a number of years in a school it will play itself out but at the d1 level at least the best teams often lose multiple players every year and bring all new ones in.  I don't think that is a good model but again who knows 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on June 23, 2023, 09:23:38 PM
Whilst interning in NY over the summer, my son is playing for Downtown United, where a variety of colleges and divisions are represented, including some D1 players. I get the impression that standards aren't that different, but the intensity of the D1 experience means those players on average are a little bit better prepared, as would be expected.  I do agree that every transfer decision is different, which makes sense given that the athletic and aspirations of every player (an parent!) are different too.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on June 25, 2023, 11:47:36 AM
Downtown must have some Amherst connection. last year while playing at  MOTOWN my son played against them and at least two top players from Amherst were in the game?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on June 26, 2023, 04:41:28 AM
Quote from: camosfan on June 25, 2023, 11:47:36 AM
Downtown must have some Amherst connection. last year while playing at  MOTOWN my son played against them and at least two top players from Amherst were in the game?

One of the Amherst dads is very active at Downtown, so think it's a natural place for NY-based Mammoths to gravitate to over summer.  Unfortunately, getting lots of information about the team isn't easy (frustrating for someone as curious as me), but I know that there are standouts playing from the 2022 Bowdoin and St Lawrence teams, along with one Tufts varsity player and some young men from Fordham.  It's great for players to come to together from different environments and a worthwhile experience, even for me.  I learnt how to pronounce, "Poughkeepsie" today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on June 26, 2023, 07:49:14 AM
And you can spell it!!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Caz Bombers on June 26, 2023, 11:04:34 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on June 26, 2023, 04:41:28 AM
Quote from: camosfan on June 25, 2023, 11:47:36 AM
Downtown must have some Amherst connection. last year while playing at  MOTOWN my son played against them and at least two top players from Amherst were in the game?

One of the Amherst dads is very active at Downtown, so think it's a natural place for NY-based Mammoths to gravitate to over summer.  Unfortunately, getting lots of information about the team isn't easy (frustrating for someone as curious as me), but I know that there are standouts playing from the 2022 Bowdoin and St Lawrence teams, along with one Tufts varsity player and some young men from Fordham.  It's great for players to come to together from different environments and a worthwhile experience, even for me.  I learnt how to pronounce, "Poughkeepsie" today.

puh (or p' like in put)-KIP-see
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on June 26, 2023, 02:57:25 PM
Given that summer's here and most of the programs that announce recruits via social media have done so, maybe it's time for the final (?) update of reported incoming Class of '27 NESCAC recruits. I can't stress the word "reported" enough. Even though this stuff gets a bit more accurate with each month, I still would consider this info to be as unreliable as anything you see out there on social or at recruiting aggregation sites. There will be plenty of new names that aren't on this list that end up on final rosters, and there will be plenty of names that are on this list that won't be on final rosters.

New names added since the last update are in red.

Every year, there are a few names that, despite not being included on a school's official announcement of recruits, are reported elsewhere as being recruits at that school. Sometimes these names turn out to be recruits in the next annual cohort (maybe they're taking a PG year at a boarding school, doing a gap year, they're spring admits, or some such). Sometimes they're "preferred walk-ons" who have a good shot at making the roster but can't be guaranteed a spot. And sometimes the reports are just plain wrong. Regardless, those names are in italics and marked with a green "(?)." Best to be even more wary of those.

FWIW, I haven't seen any reports of the outgoing Williams transfers described by some posters above.

INCOMING

Amherst
Lucas Liu, F, San Juan SC/Davis HS - CA
Mohammed Nuhu, M/F, Black Rock FC/Hotchkiss S - Ghana/NY/CT
Chialuka Ohadike, F, Cedar Stars A/Saint Peter's Prep - NJ
Riley Priddy, D, Shattuck-St. Mary's - NY/MN
Lucas Searl, G, Southern SA/Westminster S - GA

Bates
Beckham Alderucci, M, Connecticut FC/Newington HS - CT
Craddock Bridge, M, Unión Balompédica Conquense/Bridgton A - OH/ME/Spain
Isaiah Brown, M/F, FC Westchester/Saint Ann's S - NY
Andrew Goddard, D, Connecticut FC/Choate Rosemary Hall - CT
Noah Greiff, D, Bethesda SC/Jackson-Reed HS - DC
Trevor Hammond, G, Vardar SC/Canton HS - MI
(?) Antonio Mesa, D, FL Clan/Colegio Nueva Granada Bogotá - Colombia
Luc Parr, F/M, Beachside SC/Wooster S - CT
Oliver Schiff Stein, M, Manhattan SC/LaGuardia HS - NY
(?) Josef Alexander Voglmayr, D, DCSC/St. Anselm's Abbey S - DC

Bowdoin
Jack Banks, M, Seacoast United/Brunswick HS - ME
Kamar Burris-Khan, M, Valeo FC/Newton South HS - MA
John Delionado, F, Weston FC/Belen Jesuit HS - FL
William Fowler, M, Cedar Stars A/Columbia Secondary S - NY
Keito Ishibashi, D/M, Bethesda SC/Walter Johnson HS - MD
(?) Hayden Mann, M/F, Pateadores SC/St. Margaret's Episcopal S - CA
Alden Mehta, M, Best FC/St. Mark's S - MA
Luke Peltz, D, South Kent S - NY/CT

Colby
Joseph Beshel, M, New England Surf/Belmont Hill S - MA
Lleyton Bristow, F, Shattuck-St. Mary's S - MN
Gus Confalone, G, SYC/St. John's College HS - DC
Myles Culley, M, Seacoast United SC/Waynflete S - ME
Drew Davis, M, Lower Merion SC/Lower Merion HS - PA
Nick Donnelly, D, RNY FC - NY
Andrew Kirwan, D, Penn Fusion SA/Haverford S - PA
Colin León, M, Lower Merion SC/Germantown A - PA
Luke Pentikis, M, South Kent S - NJ/CT
Jacob Sams, D, Tampa Bay United SC/Berkeley Preparatory S - FL
Charles Scott, D, Colorado Rapids YSC/East HS - CO

Conn
Charlie Emery, D, Bethesda SC/Gonzaga College HS - DC
Max Haberman, M, Albion SC/Francis Parker S - CA
Kevin Hwong, D, De Anza Force - CA
Nicholas Kempe, G, Pennington S - NJ
Charlie Miles, D, New York SC - NY
Gavin Mpiana, F, Penn Fusion SA/Hill S - South Africa/PA
Anish Reid, D, AC Connecticut/Hotchkiss S - CT
(?) Liam Rorke, M, Steel United/Tabor A - NH
Casey Shea, G, TSF/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Noah Sides, M, New York SC - NY
Max Weiss, M, transfer from U Mass-Amherst (D1) - CT

Hamilton
Patrick Ferrare, M, Parsippany SC/Montville HS - NJ
(?) Gaetano Fornino, M, transfer from Ithaca C (D3) - NY
Adam Molusis, D/M, Connecticut FC/Glastonbury HS - CT
Silas Rella-Neill, M, Berkshire Ajax FC (MA)/Mount Anthony Union HS - VT
Peter Montesano Scheibe, G, FC Stars/Lawrence A - MA
(?) Albert Van Ness, D, Westchester Flames/Bronxville HS - NY
Finn Wheeler, G, Invictus FC/Christian Brothers A Syracuse - NY

Middlebury
Owen Davis, D, Albion SC/La Jolla HS - CA
Colin Dugan, F, FSA FC/Avon Old Farms S - CT
Jay Hoke, M, RNY FC/Manlius Pebble Hill HS - NY
Hugo Horwitz, D, TSF/Academy Glen Rock HS - NJ
Ari Klayman, D, PDA/Staten Island Technical HS - NY
Harper Nicholl, F/M, Blau Weiss Gottschee/UN International S - NY
Malik Samms, M/F, Oakwood SC/Brunswick S - CT
Will Sawin, M, South Kent S - CT

Trinity
Shane Ivey, F, Cedar Stars A/Columbia Secondary S - NY
Jack Murphy, M, Alexandria SA/St. Stephen's and St. Agnes S - VA
Owen Myers, D, Noble & Greenough S - MA
Sam Singer, American S in London - UK

Tufts
Nikola Antic, G, transfer from Northeastern U (D1) - MA
Bijan Akhtarzandi-Das, M, SYC/Washington International S - DC
Ben Brown, M, Boston Bolts/Concord-Carlisle HS - MA
Demis Calkap, M, PDA/Northern Valley Regional HS - NJ
Xavier Canfin, F, FC Westchester - NY
Sandy Duggal, F/M, Shattuck-St. Mary's S - Singapore/MN
(?) Brendan French, Nashville SCA/Lausanne Collegiate S - TN
Ethan Jett, D, Rise SC/Kinkaid S - TX
Zackary Salfi, F, Real Colorado/East HS - CO
Zach Ubamadu, G, Chattanooga Red Wolves/Baylor HS - TN

Wesleyan
Anthony Avallone, F, Boreale Don Orione/St. Stephen's S Rome - Italy
(?) Oscar Cassidy, M/F, LA Surf SC/South Pasadena HS - CA
Dylan Clack, M, CT Rush/Choate Rosemary Hall - Canada/CT
Zach Feldman, D, STA/Livingston HS - NJ
Joshwin Jennings, M, TSF/Delbarton S - NJ
Aiden Londergan, M, Sockers FC/Barrington HS - IL
Ollie Molz, F, LA Surf SC/Polytechnic S - CA
Yousuf Saeed, M, Rise SC/Episcopal HS - TX
Colin Tsay, D, STA/Delbarton S - NJ
Sam Wheeler, M, CT Rush/Choate Rosemary Hall - CT

Williams
Andrew Coelho, M, New England Surf/Worcester A - CT
Kellan Grace, M, Beachside SC/Weston HS - CT
Griffin Labonski, D, Beachside SC/Staples HS - CT
Leon Ma, M, PDA/Pingry S - NJ
Spencer Mix, F, FSA FC/Loomis Chafee S - CT
Atticus Ross, D, Seacoast United SC/Phillips Exeter A - NH
Jeff Stauffer, F/M, Seacoast United SC - MA
Beck Walthers, D, Real SoCal/Getafe IMFA/Harvard-Westlake S - CA

REPORTED OUTGOING TRANSFERS

Bates
Max McKersie, D, to NYU (D3)

Colby
Ethan Franco, F, to Northeastern U (D1)

Tufts
Erik Lauta, G, to U New Hampshire (D1)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on June 26, 2023, 06:38:24 PM
Do most of these teams have a lot of roster turnover from last year?  Those classes seem pretty big.  Amherst having one of the smallest classes makes sense since they only lost a few.  Nuhu is an A+ tier recruit.  I could have swore I read months ago that he was going division I. Great pickup for the Mammoths.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on June 26, 2023, 07:11:50 PM
^^Ha, I came here to post the same about Mo Nuhu. My son played on the same teams (high school and Right To Dream) with him. I am deeply envious of Amherst! Mo is a phenomenal player and a great kid.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on June 27, 2023, 09:09:26 AM
Quote from: stlawus on June 26, 2023, 06:38:24 PM
Do most of these teams have a lot of roster turnover from last year?  Those classes seem pretty big.  Amherst having one of the smallest classes makes sense since they only lost a few.  Nuhu is an A+ tier recruit.  I could have swore I read months ago that he was going division I. Great pickup for the Mammoths.
I think its a bit mixed - some schools had a large number of seniors coupled with a large rising Senior class this year....may be tough to manage for one year but a head start on the rebuild?

A good chunk of these boys are juggling D1/Highly competitive D3 offers so not that shocking - Amherst has a great reputation off the pitch as well.

Some of these boys could certainly compete - I know of at least 2 NESCAC players starting or getting good time on USL2 senior team rosters (no, one is not my kid ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on July 03, 2023, 10:52:33 AM
If Johnny Eph is correct that Moriello is transferring to Yale, that would be a tough blow to Williams (and indeed the second ace defender they've lost to Yale in recent years, after Jules Oberg).  In addition to being a strong defender, his set-piece services and long throw-ins are both huge weapons.  But I do note that a few days ago Yale announced its incoming recruits and made no mention of him -- it's possible they were just listing incoming first-years, and didn't mention him as a transfer, although that would be very strange.  I couldn't find anything else online of relevance, so I guess we will see in September ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on July 04, 2023, 11:46:13 AM
Quote from: nescac1 on July 03, 2023, 10:52:33 AM
If Johnny Eph is correct that Moriello is transferring to Yale, that would be a tough blow to Williams (and indeed the second ace defender they've lost to Yale in recent years, after Jules Oberg).  In addition to being a strong defender, his set-piece services and long throw-ins are both huge weapons.  But I do note that a few days ago Yale announced its incoming recruits and made no mention of him -- it's possible they were just listing incoming first-years, and didn't mention him as a transfer, although that would be very strange.  I couldn't find anything else online of relevance, so I guess we will see in September ...

I'm not convinced he's trasnferred.  His linkedin profile is updated with this summer's activity (course work through LSE) and his education still lists him as a 2026 graduate of Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on July 05, 2023, 10:43:53 AM
Good find Ejay - Johnny Eph has been known to spread misinformation from time to time, so best to be skeptical ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on July 06, 2023, 12:28:58 PM
New England Soccer Journal has a column out with a summary of the NESCAC signings for 2023 - (minus Trinity). I may be wrong but the way the individual team summaries are written it appears to have had coaches input.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on July 06, 2023, 05:24:52 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on July 06, 2023, 12:28:58 PM
New England Soccer Journal has a column out with a summary of the NESCAC signings for 2023 - (minus Trinity). I may be wrong but the way the individual team summaries are written it appears to have had coaches input.

Yep, it does suggest cooperation from some staffs. Seeing position projections is useful. Two names jumped out from that story as being previously unreported: Wesleyan's two 2023 forwards from NW DC, Niall Fergus and Aidan Fine.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on August 14, 2023, 04:33:44 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on July 03, 2023, 10:52:33 AM
If Johnny Eph is correct that Moriello is transferring to Yale, that would be a tough blow to Williams (and indeed the second ace defender they've lost to Yale in recent years, after Jules Oberg).  In addition to being a strong defender, his set-piece services and long throw-ins are both huge weapons.  But I do note that a few days ago Yale announced its incoming recruits and made no mention of him -- it's possible they were just listing incoming first-years, and didn't mention him as a transfer, although that would be very strange.  I couldn't find anything else online of relevance, so I guess we will see in September ...

I just checked the roster and he is not on there.  Not sure he is playing at Yale, but there is nothing on him there either.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on August 25, 2023, 04:47:48 PM
I thought the only way to hear less about the Liberty League was for someone else to step up (with all due respect to the LL of course, it's a great conference) and so here I am.  Watching most of games via a stream leaves me slightly feeling less qualified to prognosticate on NESCAC, but certainly not feeling any less opinionated.

My best guess is that Tufts and Hamilton are the most likely improvers in the NESCAC standings, at the likely expense of REDACTED, REDACTED & REDACTED.  As for the Mammoths, there are a number of freshmen and sophomores I expect to impact in 2023, including REDACTED, REDACTED & REDACTED.  Some quality players have now finished with the programme and whilst not necessarily the most feted in the Amherst squad, were important glue for the team on and off the field, for those on the inside.  Of course, the nature of college soccer means that there is ongoing re-generation and the chance for players to fill the gaps created by those left behind.  I am excited at the prospect of the Juniors and Seniors stepping up.  I would encourage everyone here, but mainly coaches and players, to seriously underestimate the Mammoths in their game planning for this season.

Unofficially and in response to some of the re-alignment seen in D1, I am excited to announce that I have petitioned the NCAA to look at something similar for D3.  My proposal, once accepted, will result in D3 being comprised only of NESCAC schools, but now playing in a home & away format.  The other almost 400 former D3 schools will be transitioned into a new division, D4.  It feels like a concept whose time has arrived.

Enjoy the Fall!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on August 25, 2023, 05:51:09 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on August 25, 2023, 04:47:48 PM
I thought the only way to hear less about the Liberty League was for someone else to step up (with all due respect to the LL of course, it's a great conference) and so here I am.  Watching most of games via a stream leaves me slightly feeling less qualified to prognosticate on NESCAC, but certainly not feeling any less opinionated.

My best guess is that Tufts and Hamilton are the most likely improvers in the NESCAC standings, at the likely expense of REDACTED, REDACTED & REDACTED.  As for the Mammoths, there are a number of freshmen and sophomores I expect to impact in 2023, including REDACTED, REDACTED & REDACTED.  Some quality players have now finished with the programme and whilst not necessarily the most feted in the Amherst squad, were important glue for the team on and off the field, for those on the inside.  Of course, the nature of college soccer means that there is ongoing re-generation and the chance for players to fill the gaps created by those left behind.  I am excited at the prospect of the Juniors and Seniors stepping up.  I would encourage everyone here, but mainly coaches and players, to seriously underestimate the Mammoths in their game planning for this season.

Unofficially and in response to some of the re-alignment seen in D1, I am excited to announce that I have petitioned the NCAA to look at something similar for D3.  My proposal, once accepted, will result in D3 being comprised only of NESCAC schools, but now playing in a home & away format.  The other almost 400 former D3 schools will be transitioned into a new division, D4.  It feels like a concept whose time has arrived.

Enjoy the Fall!

LOL...and so the games begin, our Down Under friend...

I had two immediate reactions....

The brand consistency honestly is quite impressive.

How quickly can we vote?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on August 29, 2023, 01:33:14 PM
Middlebury traveled to Williamstown and came away with a 4-0 victory in a scrimmage.  Goals by first year Jay Hoke and Jr. Tyler Payne on nice free kicks.  First year Will Sawin had a side volley to make it 3-0, and Alem Hadzic finished off the scoring with a sliding tap in of a cross from the left.  Was not on site, but am relaying based on cell phone video and eyewitness reports.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on September 03, 2023, 07:26:01 PM
Rumored results out of the NESCAC first week scrimmages from my coaching contacts

Middlebury 4 - Williams - 0  (Williams in disarray with a lot of personnel losses)
Tufts 1 - Harvard 1 (tufts super bowl to play against former coach)
Conn 4 - Trinity -0 (trinity played far fewer players with a number hurt, conn players competing for PT)
Columbia 1 - Wesleyan 0 (sort or one sided for Columbia)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on September 04, 2023, 12:36:30 AM
Bowdoin 2 Colby 2 in a Friday night scrimmage. The players were not wearing numbers so it was hard to figure out who was playing goalie (2-3 for Colby and 2 for Bowdoin) or who scored although I thought that Tyler huck scored both Bowdoin goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on September 05, 2023, 09:50:28 AM
Wishing a happy Annoyingly Late NESCAC Opening Day to all those who celebrate. Patientia Vincit.

Now that all but one of the conference programs have released their 2023 rosters (looking at you, Colby), we can finally see which unconfirmed reports of newcomers are real. As usual, there are also a few names that may not have been reported here, I think, including Bernhardt at Bates, Elias at Bowdoin, Gonya at Amherst, Hauck at Hamilton, among others. Congrats especially to all walk-ons. So glad to see that walking on is still a possibility at some programs.

The bigger news, perhaps: absences on 2023 rosters. A few outgoing transfers had already been reported, such as 2022 starters Franco (from Colby to D1 Northeastern) and Lauta (from Tufts to D1 New Hampshire). What was only rumored before but now appears to be real is the retention hiccup at Williams, where at least six players who appeared in games as frosh, sophs, or juniors during the Ephs' NCAA runner-up season in 2022 are no longer listed, including two 2022 starters, Morriello and Rayhill. At Amherst, 2022 sophs and juniors Curtis, Fouché, and Raymond aren't on the 2023 roster. Hoping that none of the absences above are injury-related.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on September 05, 2023, 11:10:40 AM
I was wondering about NESCAC schools' post-Labor Day start. Does it typically help or hurt?  Are they typically fresher then their opponents (eg Emerson is playing Bates today in their third game of the season, but it will be 3 games in 5 days) or still working out the kinks?  I know that they often play scrimmages against each other and Ivy League schools (although many of the Ivies start poorly), but scrimmages typically don't fully simulate game action because coaches often rotate a lot and tend to use them to stretch out player fitness.

Obviously, the fact that NESCAC schools tend to schedule weaker early non-conference opponents might makes this issue moot, but Wheaton at Williams, Emerson home to Bates or Oswego home to Hamilton, as well as Conn at Hartford (which doesn't have an early start either), could at least be competitive.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ted Lasso on September 05, 2023, 12:21:33 PM
Feels like Christmas morning.

Looking forward to watching Midd and Amherst today. I think they have the best squads this year and are the favorites to win the 'cac. Tufts and Wes have some tough first games tomorrow so looking forward to those as well.

Going to be a fun season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 05, 2023, 01:21:18 PM
Interesting that Bowdoin is almost always an afterthought.

For some reason I thought Yeonas had another year at Conn...missing him and Augie will definitely hurt but there's still a lot of talent for the Camels.

And Ted, credit to you for not presuming that screen name would be taken.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on September 05, 2023, 02:24:15 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 05, 2023, 09:50:28 AM
Wishing a happy Annoyingly Late NESCAC Opening Day to all those who celebrate. Patientia Vincit.

Now that all but one of the conference programs have released their 2023 rosters (looking at you, Colby), we can finally see which unconfirmed reports of newcomers are real. As usual, there are also a few names that may not have been reported here, I think, including Bernhardt at Bates, Elias at Bowdoin, Gonya at Amherst, Hauck at Hamilton, among others. Congrats especially to all walk-ons. So glad to see that walking on is still a possibility at some programs.

The bigger news, perhaps: absences on 2023 rosters. A few outgoing transfers had already been reported, such as 2022 starters Franco (from Colby to D1 Northeastern) and Lauta (from Tufts to D1 New Hampshire). What was only rumored before but now appears to be real is the retention hiccup at Williams, where at least six players who appeared in games as frosh, sophs, or juniors during the Ephs' NCAA runner-up season in 2022 are no longer listed, including two 2022 starters, Morriello and Rayhill. At Amherst, 2022 sophs and juniors Curtis, Fouché, and Raymond aren't on the 2023 roster. Hoping that none of the absences above are injury-related.

Colby's 2023 roster is up now.

I should have included Trinity and Wesleyan among the programs that seem to have notable non-retention, especially the latter. At least eight Wes guys who played in 2022 as non-seniors don't seem to be on the 2023 roster, including some who started a good number of games (e.g. Clarke, Hartzfeld, Hofstetter).

I also should have mentioned that the release of 2023 rosters means that we can finally see which high school class of 2019 players are returning to play this fall as super-seniors or grad students. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm seeing:

BOWDOIN: Braver, Juantorena, Selig
COLBY: Franklin, A. O'Brien
HAMILTON: Meyerowitz, Travers
TRINITY: Moran
TUFTS: Visnick, Shin, Traynor

Some big names in there, including at least one all-conference player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 05, 2023, 04:27:52 PM
Midd:  Grady, Powers, Taylor, Charles
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 05, 2023, 05:57:27 PM
Midd up 2-0 on Mount Saint Mary's after 10.  First goal on a pk by Jordan St. Louis after he was taken down in the area.  2nd goal Gavin Randolph from St. Louis on a play that started all the way from the back.  GK Grady and the three back interchanged passes mutilple times, inviting the forwards to press, and Midd then exploited the space all the way up the left flank.  3-0 after 14.  Long throw in flicked on in the box and Luke Madden got the second header on frame up and over the keeper.

Midd in a 3-5-2. 
Grady in Goal.
Nelson (Jr), Madden (Sr), Owen Davis (Fr) in the back.
Chae (Jr), Farrell (Jr), Payne (Jr) in central midd.  Nilsson (Jr) and Will Sawin (Fr) on the wings. 
St. Louis (Sr) and Randolph (So) up front.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 05, 2023, 06:06:14 PM
4-0 Midd after 25.  Madden his second on a header off a corner from Chae.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: upthepanthers on September 05, 2023, 07:46:45 PM
11-1 final score. Given Middlebury kept creating chances with every player getting minutes looked fantastic. Was quite impressed with the ball movement, working it up the pitch and creating numerous chances. Lots of potential this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on September 05, 2023, 11:35:38 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 05, 2023, 01:21:18 PM
Interesting that Bowdoin is almost always an afterthought.

I hear you!  Last year, Mr. Right predicted Bowdoin would miss the NESCAC playoffs.  The team came in first in the NESCAC regular season and made the elite 8, finishing 6th in the nation.  I think the team would have gone even farther but for the late season injury to NESCAC POY Dylan Reid.

I just saw the opening game against UNE, a 5-1 win.  Last year's team had an exceptional first year class, and they look to build on their strong debut season.  2022 rookie of the year Tyler Huck looks a little bigger and stronger but just as nimble and creative.  Felipe Rueda Duran was on fire tonight, scoring four goals.  Overall a strong season opening effort.

Friday the Polar Bears play Bates in what should be a tougher matchup.  Bates always plays Bowdoin tough and will be looking to avenge last year's 2-1 loss to Bowdoin.

The Bowdoin athletic field renovations remain a work in progress.  Apparently heavy rains over the summer caused construction delays.  For the moment, the men and women are sharing the same grass field.  The project looks to be great once completed, but for now there isn't much room for spectators.  I heard the new turf field will be ready in a week or so.  Unclear when the grass field bleachers will be reinstalled.

PS: The Bates website shows coach Rifkind had the interim tag removed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on September 05, 2023, 11:44:12 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on September 05, 2023, 11:35:38 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 05, 2023, 01:21:18 PM
Interesting that Bowdoin is almost always an afterthought.

I hear you!  Last year, Mr. Right predicted Bowdoin would miss the NESCAC playoffs.  The team came in first in the NESCAC regular season and made the elite 8, finishing 6th in the nation.  I think the team would have gone even farther but for the late season injury to NESCAC POY Dylan Reid.

I just saw the opening game against UNE, a 5-1 win.  Last year's team had an exceptional first year class, and they look to build on their strong debut season.  2022 rookie of the year Tyler Huck looks a little bigger and stronger but just as nimble and creative.  Felipe Rueda Duran was on fire tonight, scoring four goals.  Overall a strong season opening effort.

Friday the Polar Bears play Bates in what should be a tougher matchup.  Bates always plays Bowdoin tough and will be looking to avenge last year's 2-1 loss to Bowdoin.

The Bowdoin athletic field renovations remain a work in progress.  Apparently heavy rains over the summer caused construction delays.  For the moment, the men and women are sharing the same grass field.  The project looks to be great once completed, but for now there isn't much room for spectators.  I heard the new turf field will be ready in a week or so.  Unclear when the grass field bleachers will be reinstalled.

PS: The Bates website shows coach Rifkind had the interim tag removed.

That's great news and well-deserved for Noah Riskind!  I have no idea why Bates wouldn't at least put out a press release or a congratulatory Instagram post about it though.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on September 06, 2023, 08:15:23 AM
It probably serves Bowdoin well to fly under the NESCAC radar.  I watched last night's game online.  Turns out it was the first home night game in program history.  Having followed Bowdoin since before my son's arrival in 2006, I've always been struck by Bowdoin's general lack of an attacking threat over the years.  As Yankeesoccerdad mentioned, sophomores Tyler Huck and Felipe Rueda Duran are the real deal.  And based on what I've read and seen in videos, first years Kamar Burris-Khan and Jack Banks may also add some firepower.

I think the bigger challenge is how and to what extent Bowdoin is able to fill the big shoes and gloves of Dylan Reid and Michael Webber.  As Yankeesoccerdad indicated, Bates will be the first true test.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 06, 2023, 08:24:35 AM
After all the negative commentary on Williams nice to see them post a win in the opening game.  Still too early to say if last year's issues with finishing will continue, as Williams did pick up only one goal on a high number of shot attempts. 

While obviously not great that six players are not returning, of those, only Morriello looks like a really big loss (he was key to starting the team's offense through long throw-ins and with services).  The other five guys who chose not to return played a combined total of 39 minutes in the title game, so maybe some figured it just wasn't worth it given the playing time they were receiving. I do think the coach has earned the benefit of the doubt after taking the team, which had been moribund for years, to the national title game in his first year without an interim tag.  While obviously his coaching style is not for everyone, the players who do buy n have an insane work rate, which enabled Williams to defeat, frankly, some far more offensively talented teams in the post season. 

Regarding the Midd scrimmage, while I didn't see it, Midd is obviously looking very potent this year based on the pummeling they delivered in game one.  But also, this young Williams team with only three seniors (one of whom is a back-up goalie) may take some time to come together.  Every non-goalie on the roster saw action in a tight game vs. a usually-solid Wheaton team, I believe.  Two big first years started on what is now a massive back line (so very likely that unit had yet to gel in an early-fall scrimmage), seven of the top 16 guys by minutes played in game were first years (all seven played 30 minutes or more), and the goal and both assists came from first-years.  So Siebert is clearly bringing in the kind of players he wants for his system and the future (so long as he finds some goalies next year with only senior goalies on the roster now) does seem bright, even if there are bound to be some growing pains with such a young team.  But there does seem to be plenty of underclass talent and he's proven that he can maximize the talent on hand. 

Speaking of potential fifth-year guys, Ben Diffley has another year of eligibility after this one.  Would be great if he returned to Williams, though I imagine he could / will end up in D1 if he chooses to do a fifth year. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 06, 2023, 10:35:00 AM
Quote from: northman on September 06, 2023, 08:15:23 AM
I watched last night's game online.  Turns out it was the first home night game in program history.

I wondered about that — figured those lights had to have been new. In hindsight, I remember the press coverage about the Bowdoin athletic project. I think it's great that they can host night games, even if the layout is still being somewhat ironed out. Also good that the Polar Bears will have a (soccer) turf option for the first time, I still think it's a shame that Whittier field is not passable for soccer but c'est la vie. Might try to get over to the Bates game on Friday, should be a good early-season test for both teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACfan100 on September 06, 2023, 10:58:50 AM
9/9/23

Amherst v Midd
1-1

Conn vs Tufts
1-0 Conn

Colby v Wes
2-2

Hamilton v Trinity
2-0 Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on September 06, 2023, 11:28:07 AM
Not sure if this is the right place to post but if so many teams/conferences are going PPV there should be some minimum level of production value!

Splurged the $10 to watch my son's first game for Conn through Harford's wall and not only was there limited/no audio, the feed started 25 minutes late and the camera could barely be bothered to track the action for good chunks of time.....ridiculous.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Coach Jeff on September 06, 2023, 11:55:29 AM
Totally agree.  Last year University of PAYWALL (Rochester) charged and it was a big complaint on this board as well.  Landmark conference went to pay to view as well.  The games are free but got to pay if you athlete is far from home.  The schools are not making that much money by charging to view on line...this is ridiculous  ???
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 06, 2023, 10:16:32 PM
Firstly, really good to have soccer back, irrespective of who you support, how often you post or if what you post offends my admittedly fragile sensibilities (humour attempt), it's great to be able to watch.  I'm always jealous of those who get to see games in the flesh, but am starting to do something about that in around nine hours' time.

Yeshiva 1 Amherst 5

I was fearing the worst when on Yeshiva's website it was evident that other sports' livestreams had failed already that day and whilst I agree with the sentiment about pay per view, I might have found the coins to put in the machine to watch 90 minutes of Mammoths. Fortunately, one of the dedicated Amherst Ultras was there and able to keep us updated.  When he reported we were 1-0 down, I was prepared to catastrophize to the nth degree, but fortunately Yeshiva's lead was quickly pegged back.  I did get to watch the stream later and whilst the camera didn't quite pan across, the Maccabee's goal looked well taken.  Just as an aside, it was pointed out to me the logistic issues Yeshiva face in terms of field access etc, but on a first, admittedly less than educated glance, Fairleigh Dickinson seemed like a quite soulless place.  Apologies in advance to any FD alums in here, it's the field, not the institution I am lightly railing against.

Amherst did eventually start rolling and whilst Yeshiva possibly got the ball a little easier than I suspect Coach might have liked, out of the back third, they did find it trickier to progress much beyond half way and the ball kept coming back.  Ultimately, whilst the Mammoths possibly didn't get lots of touches in the Yeshiva penalty area, they certainly made a fair few of them count.  The third goal in particular, was a delicious move, with a zinging diagonal pass leading to a very nice goal and displaying to all the world, the football (whoops, Australian reference) the Mammoths have to offer.  The fifth goal was a great moment for a senior who has had serious injury issues and who has worked very hard to get himself fit and was a reward right at the end.  Distressingly, I am yet to see box scores downloaded, so can't relay the foul count, but it looked to me like Amherst maintained the programme's lofty standards in this regard.

Freshmen classes are the lifeblood of all programmes and it appears Coach and his staff have done some excellent work (mind you, I already knew that last year after one particular signing) yet again.  I was wondering if I should have been worried that potential young players might be put off by the reputation curried in here by some, but it seems that for all the Amhate, the Ammiration has shone through.  Welcome to those young men and I hope you enjoy yourself on & off the field and in the classroom as much as my son has so far.  Already, it appears one or two will see considerable game time this year and help the programme progress. 

It seems de rigueur in some quarters to mention how conferences have gone so far, it's sufficient to note that NESCAC went 7-1-1 on Tuesday, but this weekend sees some conference play and will be a better guide as to the relativities.  Tufts/Conn and Midd/Amherst are pretty good games for any neutral.  Midd at Amherst last year was my introduction to NESCAC and was semi-intoxicating to be a part of, I hope for something similar on Saturday.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on September 07, 2023, 01:00:08 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 06, 2023, 10:16:32 PMFreshmen classes are the lifeblood of all programmes and it appears Coach and his staff have done some excellent work.

Saw that the average height of the AC freshman class was a mere 1.9 m and felt like Earth's magnetic poles had been reversed. #FragileSensibilitiesTest
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on September 08, 2023, 04:26:19 PM
NESCAC Preview

Overall, I expect another very competitive league, especially at the top, with a handful of NCAA births.  Last year was one of the most competitive from top to bottom with teams like Bates and Colby putting up some impressive results against the top teams.  Ties were abundant as OT was eliminated and the depth of the league made every game a battle, with very few multiple goal advantages.

The league is evolving to be quite a bit more technical as recent up and comers like Conn and Hamilton have instituted possession and ball movement styles which have had success and neutralized some of the athleticism of the traditional powers. 

I expect this season to go back to a more traditional, more top heavy league.  Traditional powers Amherst and Middlebury bring back strong rosters. Tufts, Bowdoin and Conn bring back a lot of key starters but also lost some very high end talent.  Bates, Colby and Williams have been hurt the most by graduation and Hamilton remains the most intriguing team in the league with their maturation.  Trinity could definitely surprise on the upside as they seemed poised for their strongest team in years.

Player of the Year Candidates
Ada Ojorogheye - Amherst
Jordan St. Louis - Middlebury
Fynn Hayton Ruffner – Amherst
Luke Peplowski - Hamilton
Julian Juantorena – Bowdoin
Max Clivio – Tufts
Ryan Grady - Middlebury

Other Top Offensive/Midfield Players
Pandelis Margaronis – Hamilton
Luke Peplowski - Hamilton
Tife Agunloye – Bates
Matt Scoffone – Conn
Jake Creus – Conn
Rye Jaron – Conn
Gavin Vanden Berg - Conn
Ignacio Cubbedu – Amherst
Sean Traynor – Tufts
Daniel Yanez – Tufts
Woovin Shin - Tufts
Mario Simoes – Colby
Tyler Huck – Bowdoin
Ronaldo Cabral – Bowdoin
Felipe Rueda Duran – Bowdoin
Adam Hadzic- Middlebury
Eujin Chae – Middlebury
Michael Traynor – Trinity
James Donaldson - Trinity
Kyle Burbage - Wesleyan
Lucas Ruelemann - Wesleyan

Other top defenders
Eamon Gara Grady – Williams
Sebastian Ghosh – Hamilton
Jack Kelesoglu – Conn
Alessandro Horvath Diano – Conn
Luke Madden – Middlebury
Matt Moran – Trinity
Ben Clark Eden - Amherst
Laurens Ten Cate – Amherst
Simon Kalinauskas - Amherst
Evan O Brien – Wesleyan

Other top GKs
Ben Diffey – Williams
Peter Silvester – Conn
Brendan McCarthy – Colby

Top Newcomers
Mohammed Nuhu - MF/F– Amherst
Xavier Canfin – F - Tufts
Chalie Miles – D – Conn
Alex Ainsworth – GK – Bowdoin
Zach Feldman – D - Wesleyan
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on September 08, 2023, 04:29:34 PM
NESCAC Preview

Middlebury

It does not seem like a big statement to say that Mid is loaded with many, many contributing players returning.  The only question that I have is whether they can rebound from the end of the year swoon which saw them go 1-4-1 in their last 6 games including a first round upset to Rowan in the NCAA tournament.  After a 6 goal second half explosion against Trinity, they managed to score in only 3 of the last 6 games.  This year's opening thrashing of Mt. Saint Marys and a 4-0 scrimmage victory over Williams is very encouraging for a bounce back.

Key losses - No team except Amherst brings back more but the loss of 4 year starter and 3 time All NESCAC center back, Mark Mc Farlane cannot be over looked.

Key returners - Where do I start? That's easy - 4 year starter and multi time all league keeper Ryan Grady locks down a solid D with former d1 player Luke Madden, who will also step into a leadership role.  There is a ton of returning production up front led by player of the year candidate Jordan St. Louis, solid finishers in Alex Muris, Alem Hadzic and one of the best play makers in the league Eujin Chae.  No player in the league is better at initiating the O and using the outside talent of St Louis than Chae.

Outlook - They will no doubt contend for the league top and have the most favorable schedule by getting to host Tufts and Amherst.  The pressure will be on this year to make up for last years disappointment and they will surprise no one after being a top the league and the country for most of the year last year.  A lot of senior leadership will want to finally get it done in their last season.  They play a nice style of using their athleticism and toughness to dominate but still can technically break down a team by using its skill on the outside to unbalance the defense.

Amherst

Like Middlebury, they are loaded with returning players with very few departures.  In addition, many are very high on the technical abilities of their recruiting class.  With an incredible string of sweet 16 appearances, I would not expect anything else besides a top 3 NESCAC finish and a solid run in the tournament.

Key losses - They will need to replace Bernie White in the net as well as multi year starters and contributors in Nico Kenary, Alex Shahmirzadi, a true playmaker, as well as underclassman Aidan Curtis who scored 8 goals in limited minutes.  Curtis is on an academic sabbatical.

Key returners - Like Mid, they are loaded with returners in almost every phase.  Defenders like Laurens Ten Cate, Simon Kalinauskas, and Ben Clark-Eden will protect any new GK with their physical prowess.  Returning former star Ignacio Cubeddu will be the maestro in the middle and get the ball to returning forwards Ada Okorogheye and Finn Hayton Ruffner.  My projection for NESCAC player of the year is Ada Okorogheye who really blossomed during their tournament run. Also, word out of central Massachussetts, is newcomer Mohammad Muhu could be a game changer with his skill set.  The smallish speedy player is not your typical Amherst player and will bring something different to their attacking third.

Outlook - While they have a slightly tougher schedule with road trips to Mid, Tufts, and Conn, teams that will benefit greatly from getting off the small, high grass pitch in Amherst.  One thing is certain, Amherst will try to bludgeon teams and use their size and strength to intimidate. They have been in the top 2 in the league in both fouls and yellow cards for the last 10 straight years and remarkably had 5 players with at least 5 yellow cards.  Only one other league player matched this level.  This lack of discipline really cost them as they took a red card late in their NCAA tournament loss when they could have had a man advantage for OT.

Tufts

While they have lost more than Mid and Amherst, Tufts is also in reload mode.  A number of younger players got considerable experience in 2022 and if they can get more production from a year older and wiser front 4, this Tufts team will compete will anyone.  First game is a good sign as all 4 front starters notched at least two points.

Key losses- In addition to 2 year starting GK Eric Lauta who transferred to D1, Tufts loses 2 time national champ and 4 year starter Ian Daly who was a tremendous 2 way player.

Key returners.  The D looks solid with returning center backs Alex Wall and 2 year starter Max Clivio and numerous players who saw time on the back line.  The midfield looks solid with emerging star Danny Yanez highlighting an experienced group.  It will be the returning playmakers on the outside Sean Traynor and Ethan Feigin who will need to step up the production as well as finding a #9 where the production was inadequate last year.

Outlook -   Can Tufts get back to their national dominance when they could both possess as well as overwhelm you with speed and strength? While still relatively young but older and wiser than in 2022 when there were 7 new starters, they have a lot of playoff experience among the seniors.  Without a dominant #9 they will need to build through the midfield and get the ball out to their wave of crafty wingers like in years past.

Connecticut College

You could argue only Bowdoin rivals Conn College in terms of what a top team lost from 2022.  Something was just not right last year as the team struggled being "the hunted" with high expectations.  How do they respond this season?  The early results are very promising as they have found the net frequently as their heavy possession style can really frustrate teams early who are overly aggressive.  No one moves the ball better horizontally and uses the width better than Conn.  They know they cannot attack the strong CBs in the league so they attack the width.

Key losses - Two huge losses in 4 year starters, multi time all NESCAC players in Steve Yeonas and Augie Djerdjaj.  These two could do it all, and they did. 21 combined goals over the last two years. In addition, defensive stalwart and 2 year starter Roman Dutkewych will be missed.

Key returners -  While the big names are gone, Conn still brings back a number of multi year contributors and will take their possession game up a notch with their technical depth.  Jake Creus, Rye Jaran (who missed 2022 with an injury), Matt Scoffone and Gavin Vanden Berg are proven producers with a lot of big game experience.  GK Peter Silvester, a PK saving star for the national championship team, returns after a solid 2022 campaign and Jack Kelesoglu and Alessandro Horvath Diana return as big time defensive contributors although Diano may move up the field.

Outlook -  They bring a very unique and refreshing style to a league known for its physicality.  They have experience but will need to see new leaders emerge across the pitch.  They have the most favorable schedule of the top teams, hosting Mid, Amherst and Tufts.  Putting the ball in the net is the hardest part of NESCAC soccer and they have proven scorers, so I like their chances.

Hamilton

After starting off last NESCAC season with 4 wins and a tie including upsets of Tufts Conn and Middlebury, Hamilton lost its way, going 0-3-3 and did not reach the NCAA tournament.  It was quite a downfall.  The season started off with a whimper as they drew SUNY Oswego in the opening week.  Which Hamilton team will we see?  Was scouting a part of the turnaround for other teams?  Or a key injury? I think this team is very promising as they return all their key personnel.

Key losses - None

Key returners - You can literally name the entire squad as key returners as many young players saw considerable time and gained valuable experience.  The headliners are definitely their midfielders Luke Peplowski, Luke Ehrenfruend and Pandelis.  They have the makings of the top midfield in the league with their possession as well as ability to score. Charles Hawthorne brings some finishing and athleticism to the #9 spot.  One of the merging superstars in the league is cool-as-a-cucumber center back, Sebastian Ghosh, whose late season injury could have been the catalyst to their demise. He does not fit the typical mold of a NESCAC center back at a slim 6 feet but he can initiate the build up through the middle that they like.

Outlook - If any of the non traditional powerhouses can break into the top tier, it's Hamilton.  A year older and a year stronger and wiser is really important in the NESCAC where traditionally upper classman and experience have ruled.  Last year was promising and the early season dud may be just a blip.  I like their chances to break into the top 4 and host a NESCAC tournament home game where no one wants to make that drive west.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on September 08, 2023, 04:31:48 PM
NESCAC Preview

Bowdoin

Similar to Conn, they lose some very high end talent especially on D, which was their calling card last season as they only lost 2 games despite scoring only 2.2 goals per game.  They were lock down on D. They do not have a strong out of conference schedule so they will need to produce in the league to get a bid for the second straight year.  This feels like a team in transition from a defensive stalwart to a team with good young attacking players.

Key losses -  They lost maybe the top two players in the league last season in GK  Michael Weber, who graduated with a 0.63 goals against average and Dylan Reid, a star center back, NESCAC player of the year and 4 year starter.  In addition, the 2 of the top 3 scorers in Harry Cooper and Charlie Ward are gone.

Key Returners - All Everything midfielder Julian Juantorena will be a NESCAC player of the year candidate and will be joined in the returning midfield by Charlton Steinberg. Jack Selig and Ben Brown return to the D which will need to step up in Reid's absence.  The most promising part of Bowdoin's team is their young attacking stars Tyler Huck and Felipe Rueda Duran (4 goals in the opener) who join top scorer Ronaldo Cabral to form some offensive fire power up in Brunswick.

Outlook -  As I mentioned, this team could transition into a more offensive oriented squad with its talent base but the name of the game in NESCAC soccer is defense.  Can they reload after losing such stalwarts?  The disappointment of losing in the final 8 after Reid went down has to sting.  Will that be motivation?  They also are planning on playing a couple home games on turf.  Maybe that is a recognition that they boys are ready to get numbers forward.



Wesleyan

Like Hamilton, they started off strong last season but could not finish strong and did not receive an NCAA bid despite a top 10 ranking at one point.  This season looks like a rough one.  Along with Williams, Bates and Colby, this team has lost many key players so they will need to find some contributors from last years bench and the new comers

Key losses - They lost key players all over the field but nowhere more acutely than the crafty midfield trio of Oliver Clark, Phillip Cubbeddu, one of the leagues top playmakers, and Mathew Rubenstein who initiated their offense very nicely last year.  There will be a new GK as 3 year starter Liam Devanny has moved on.

Key returners - No doubt, in typical NESCAC fashion, a strong CB Evan O'Brien is the heart and soul of this team and will likely be paired up with freshman Zach Feldman who has looked good in preseason.  Up front, leading scorers, Kyle Burbage and Lucas Ruehlemann return and look to build on productive seasons a year ago if they can get the midfield right.

Outlook -Wesleyan could definitely be a wildcard as they replace some key contributors and try to build off an improvement in 2022.  They lack the size and athleticism of some of the top end teams and will need to build on their success from 2022 by maintaining the ball.

Williams

Could Williams be this seasons version of Conn and struggle being the "hunted"?  Couple this scenario with the fact that they lost a ton of excellent players and saw a couple transfers and several quitters.  For a team coming off a national championship runner up, things do not seem right in Williamstown and the early scrimmage results support a concern.

Key losses -  While Jayden Reid won NESCAC player of the year, the player who had the finest overall season was Nick Boardman who carried his squad through game after game in the playoffs.  Another key loss will be super athletic, all everything, Will Fellito whose career ended prematurely in 2022 with injury. Another key loss is Nathan Song a skilled playmaker in the middle and Cole Mariello, an athletic outside player with a long dangerous throw.

Key returners - As last season, the key to Williams success will be a stout defense with returning GK Ben Diffey and star CB Eamon Gara Grady.  To bolster the scoring they will need more from Sam Gibson,  Henry Kirkman, and Dan Rayhill who have all shown signs.

Outlook -  This season could be an interesting one.  I predict they will rival the 11 ties they achieved in 2022 as the defense again looks solid but the offense is unproven and the set piece dominance from Fellito and Boardman are gone. Last year they may not have even made the NCAA tournament if not for an 89th minute questionable PK call they got in the NESCAC quarterfinals. They turned that good fortune into a magical season.

Trinity

Is this the year they can break into the NESCAC win column and even challenge for a NESCAC tournament slot?  I think the answer is yes as the bottom of the league looks weaker than 2022 and they return almost all of their contributors.  Breaking into the win column will not be easy but they did play the middle of the league and the bottom of the league tough last year.

Key losses - The only full time starter that left was 2 year starter Gabe Mangiafico

Key returners -  The core of this team, although winless in the NESCAC, has a lot of experience.  4 year starter Matt Moran is a top level NESCAC center back as is playmaker James Donaldson.  The D is bolstered by 2 year starter Dante Merlin and 2 year starting GK Bernardo Simones who often kept them in close games.  Michael Traynor is the most dangerous outside player.  The return of Quinn Ackmann in the midfield from a 2022 injury should solidify the middle.

Outlook - It's make or break year for Trinity as their top players are either seniors or Grad students. While they played some teams tough last year, they did not generate enough offense, particularly from the #9 slot where they could not even register shots let alone goals.  Their opening game win this week matched their entire season total from 2022.  Last year a new coaching staff used far too many players and played a more direct and pressing style which does not match their overall athletic disadvantage to most teams.  A team which is a year older, stronger and wiser should challenge the bottom league teams as the coach appears now to know who and what his strong group can be.

Bates

Bates saw improvement in 2022 despite a new coach and nearly made the NESCAC tournament with an end of season win versus Colby. I think 2023 will be tough to continue to make progress as they lose several key players.

Key losses - The defense stalwarts, Max McKersie and Alex Kodak, multiple year starters are gone.  In addition, key playmakers Iwowa, an athletic force, and Ciaran Bardong have also moved on.  On a team that has struggled to score, the loss of athletic and proven scorer Alex Szwarewicz will also be very difficult to replace.

Key returners -  With the loss of so many leaders and playmakers, a lot of responsibility will be on Tife Agunloye, a gifted 1v1 player and proven finisher.  The defense will rely on returning starter Seba Niehenke and some unproven faces in front of a rookie GK.  Midfield is better positioned with returning starters David Ortiz and Sebastian Iacovetti who will do their best to get it wide to Tife.

Outlook - I see Bates struggling and their opening game loss to Emerson is concerning.  A lot of veteran faces need to be replaced, especially on D and striker which is always tough in a very defensive minded league.  Tife will need to explode along with some new faces for them to improve on their 9th position.

Colby

Colby had a very similar year to Bates as they rode a lot of experienced players to a very competitive position and rivaled Williams by achieving 5 conference ties including Amherst and Tufts and a victory over Conn.  However, graduation and transfers have devastated this squad and this season looks to be a challenge.

Key losses - Up top, Colby had a dynamic duo of Ethan Franco, a top  v1 player and Ethan Fabricant, a strong, classic #9 with size and speed to battle the NESCAC best center backs,  whose goal production and creativity will be sorely missed. At midfield, Colin Sullivan and Nicholas Lemaire's work rate and playmaking will be missed. On Defense, Jared Wood and Aboubacar Traore were both multi year starters whose physical presence will be missed.

Key returners -  The list is a little sparse but veteran GK Brendan McCarthy returns along with defenders Alex Moretti and Ryan Stewart bringing some experience on the outside.  In preseason camp, Mario Simões has been a force and will be expected to fill the large shoes up front.

Outlook -  I see this young and inexperienced squad struggling with the upper echelon teams in the conference who seemed to have much stronger returning squads.  Ethan Franco and Ethan Fabricant could be game changers and their production will need to be replaced although Simões has that game changing speed and technical ability if they can get him the ball in dangerous places, particularly wide.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 08, 2023, 09:20:03 PM
Tremendous rundown Coach Analytics.  I can report a solid storm in downtown Middlebury this evening, hopefully that system has worked its way through and it's clear tomorrow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 08, 2023, 09:33:03 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 07, 2023, 01:00:08 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 06, 2023, 10:16:32 PMFreshmen classes are the lifeblood of all programmes and it appears Coach and his staff have done some excellent work.

Saw that the average height of the AC freshman class was a mere 1.9 m and felt like Earth's magnetic poles had been reversed. #FragileSensibilitiesTest

I made it 186.74 Viking, but am nervous my maths could be out. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on September 08, 2023, 11:25:23 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 08, 2023, 09:33:03 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 07, 2023, 01:00:08 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 06, 2023, 10:16:32 PMFreshmen classes are the lifeblood of all programmes and it appears Coach and his staff have done some excellent work.

Saw that the average height of the AC freshman class was a mere 1.9 m and felt like Earth's magnetic poles had been reversed. #FragileSensibilitiesTest

I made it 186.74 Viking, but am nervous my maths could be out.

I must've left out Nuhu!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 09, 2023, 10:30:00 AM
Hey, @coach analytics...

That is very impressive work.  Very few could provide that type of detailed assessment and prognostication.  At the peak of my powers (such as they were) I could have maybe done something similar with two, maybe three, NCAC teams, but certainly not eleven.

There is only one person who in recent history on the site could approximate what you did...and while thinking about that and wondering if @coach analytics was just the new screen name for our old friend, I vaguely recalled that his disappearance at least roughly paralleled his objection  to a phrase you used.  A little bit of research confirmed the chronology, and btw I had forgotten that you had provided a similarly detailed breakdown of the entire NESCAC last year as well.  I also recall thinking that he must know you and thought that he knew who you are given the personal nature of the interaction (and objection).  I didn't think there was anything there and I think I also vaguely recall wondering if he was reacting more to someone else providing such comprehensive insights into the league.  At any rate, I do know you aren't him, because even though you both have offered very detailed, well-written commentary, the actual writing styles are quite different.

Anyway, please carry on and I hope to read more of your posts going forward.  Would also btw love to see Mr.Right return but perhaps more happened "off-stage" that I am not privy to...or perhaps his accusation alone was considered prohibitive...or perhaps he simply decided he had had enough.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 09, 2023, 03:35:37 PM
Typical NESCAC Saturday...

Midd 1 Amh 1 FINAL

Tufts 0 Conn 0 HALF

Colby 0 Wes 0 65th min
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on September 09, 2023, 03:41:18 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 09, 2023, 03:35:37 PM
Typical NESCAC Saturday...

Midd 1 Amh 1 FINAL

Tufts 0 Conn 0 HALF

Colby 0 Wes 0 65th min

This Conn team, at least in this half, looks like the National Championship team.  They are good.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 09, 2023, 04:47:05 PM
Four NESCAC tilts....Four NESCAC draws...Bowdoin top of the table
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 09, 2023, 07:46:57 PM
Middlebury 1 Amherst 1

Firstly, thanks to College Soccer Observer for all the very helpful Middlebury tips.  It's a pretty town, which sounds like something the region in general, specialises in.  Nice to catch up with him and some Midd parents at the game.

As to the game, domination seemed to regularly switch in the first half,  but both defences were doing quite good jobs against quality forwards.  Did think Amherst could have been in front perhaps, a couple of very good crosses were unable to be turned in, but Midd also had one particularly good chance that went wide.

Amherst scored after 51 minutes when a nice drive from around the edge of the box looked to me like it went through a few bodies and found its way in.  15 minutes later, the Panthers pared the lead back, after one of their defenders was allowed to run way too far with the ball and by the time the defence got involved, it was too late.  The Midd player still had a bit to do after being being put into space, but finished clinically.

After that, Midd's tail was up and they pushed forward more.  The team can create space to work with and move the ball with some style.  A couple of Mammoths substitutions seemed to tip the scales back to the purples however and I suspect the Midd supporters were probably the more nervous in the last 5 or so.

The last time more than a goal decided this match up was 2012, so it was fair to expect a tight one.  Both teams look to me like top half NESCAC candidates, but it is early doors still.

Foul count:

Midd 11 Amherst 14

Other NESCAC games for perspective:

Tufts 14 Conn 9
Bates 8 Bowdoin 11
Hamilton 17 Trinity 10
Wesley 12 Colby 9
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 09, 2023, 08:58:34 PM
Always a pleasure to catch up with Enmore Cat.  I agree with his analysis of the match.  Both teams had periods of dominance, and a draw was a fair result.  Amherst dangerous as usual on second balls off of throw ins, corners, and free kicks.  Their goal came off such a play, with a well struck shot from outside the 18 that took a deflection off a defender and in.  Mohammed Nuhu is a very quick and skilled first year forward for the Mammoths, and he plays against the steretype, as he looks to be only 5'6".  Midd has some impressive first years as well:  Will Sawin started, and Harper Nicholl (whose parents are Kiwis--sorry Enmore Cat), Colin Dugan, and Jay Hoke contributed to Midd's second half revival.  Midd's 3-5-2 seems to be solid defensively while offering more in attack, so we shall see.  This was the third consecutive game between the rivals where the soccer was much more dominant than the extracurriculars, so let's hope a page has been turned in that regard.  Would not be surprised for these teams to run into each other again.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on September 09, 2023, 10:26:56 PM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 09, 2023, 03:41:18 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 09, 2023, 03:35:37 PM
Typical NESCAC Saturday...

Midd 1 Amh 1 FINAL

Tufts 0 Conn 0 HALF

Colby 0 Wes 0 65th min

This Conn team, at least in this half, looks like the National Championship team.  They are good.

SC.

great game and cracker of an equalizer.....definitely a contrast in styles
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 10, 2023, 09:05:55 AM
Fair result, Conn had the better first half, Tufts the second half. Tufts keeper had two amazing saves so the one that wen in was sort of deflating.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TrueGrit on September 10, 2023, 01:26:12 PM
Williams may be 2-0 but the program has major issues. Reports coach cut a few young men going into senior season (- in D3 ).  A 3 year starter "retired' because of this and the culture that has been created; the best freshman attempted to transfer and is sitting out the year to preserve a year of eligibility. Multiple other freshman looked to transfer. Will be interesting if this trend continues, or he just gets the players he wants and continues his success. Sort of like the Dion Sanders of D3 soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 10, 2023, 01:54:10 PM
Bowdoin 6 up on Husson. Was a 1-0 game until the 50th minute, but a pair of penalties and questionable defending in general has made it easy for the hosts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 10, 2023, 03:31:55 PM
Quote from: blooter442 on September 10, 2023, 01:54:10 PM
Bowdoin 6 up on Husson. Was a 1-0 game until the 50th minute, but a pair of penalties and questionable defending in general has made it easy for the hosts.

And he's BACK!!!
Title: NESCAC video coverage question
Post by: LibbyMoore on September 10, 2023, 05:47:58 PM
Greetings, here with likely a silly question:

I can't always watch the weekday games live, and I thought I would be able to catch a replay similar to high school games, but if so, I don't see it listed anywhere.

Do any of the schools in the conference do highlights of their own games or make a copy of the stream available on their youtube channel? Or do they try and keep the footage close to the vest so as not to make opposition scouting easier? If that's the case, I wonder if any of you have discovered a way to record if at for your own personal viewing later. Thank you!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on September 10, 2023, 07:17:27 PM
LibbyMoore, I don't know if any schools show a full replay, but I do know that most if not all of the NESCAC schools show highlights of all the goals scored.  There are likely other D3 leagues that provide the same.
Title: Re: NESCAC video coverage question
Post by: Newenglander on September 10, 2023, 08:40:02 PM
Quote from: LibbyMoore on September 10, 2023, 05:47:58 PM
Greetings, here with likely a silly question:

I can't always watch the weekday games live, and I thought I would be able to catch a replay similar to high school games, but if so, I don't see it listed anywhere.

Do any of the schools in the conference do highlights of their own games or make a copy of the stream available on their youtube channel? Or do they try and keep the footage close to the vest so as not to make opposition scouting easier? If that's the case, I wonder if any of you have discovered a way to record if at for your own personal viewing later. Thank you!
Nescac uses the same service to stream games and usually from their athletics page - some leave them up longer on demand before charging than others

For example Conn vs Tufts is still up to watch ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: pittsfieldpete on September 11, 2023, 11:16:53 AM
Quote from: TrueGrit on September 10, 2023, 01:26:12 PM
Williams may be 2-0 but the program has major issues. Reports coach cut a few young men going into senior season (- in D3 ).  A 3 year starter "retired' because of this and the culture that has been created; the best freshman attempted to transfer and is sitting out the year to preserve a year of eligibility. Multiple other freshman looked to transfer. Will be interesting if this trend continues, or he just gets the players he wants and continues his success. Sort of like the Dion Sanders of D3 soccer.

The Williams team is a bit of a mystery to me. I haven't seen them play this year because the games haven't been streamed so I can't comment on the new class.  However, one of the things that struck me about last year's team was that while their swarming defense (and Boardman's heroics) got them to the title game there were glimpses of players with a great deal of offensive technical skill. And it's precisely those players (Morriello and Rayhill, are the most obvious) who aren't around this year.  Is the plan again to make every game a slog? I heard grumblings last year about Siebert's micromanagement of everything and his players' frustration with his coaching style and game management and, (who knows?), maybe he's made adjustments this season. Obviously, 2 wins over weaker non-conference opponents doesn't tell us much. First NESCAC games are this week so maybe we'll learn something from them. Still, I just can't put my finger on what the deal is up at Cole. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ephraim_Williams1 on September 11, 2023, 02:21:23 PM
Quote from: pittsfieldpete on September 11, 2023, 11:16:53 AM
Quote from: TrueGrit on September 10, 2023, 01:26:12 PM
Williams may be 2-0 but the program has major issues. Reports coach cut a few young men going into senior season (- in D3 ).  A 3 year starter "retired' because of this and the culture that has been created; the best freshman attempted to transfer and is sitting out the year to preserve a year of eligibility. Multiple other freshman looked to transfer. Will be interesting if this trend continues, or he just gets the players he wants and continues his success. Sort of like the Dion Sanders of D3 soccer.

The Williams team is a bit of a mystery to me. I haven't seen them play this year because the games haven't been streamed so I can't comment on the new class.  However, one of the things that struck me about last year's team was that while their swarming defense (and Boardman's heroics) got them to the title game there were glimpses of players with a great deal of offensive technical skill. And it's precisely those players (Morriello and Rayhill, are the most obvious) who aren't around this year.  Is the plan again to make every game a slog? I heard grumblings last year about Siebert's micromanagement of everything and his players' frustration with his coaching style and game management and, (who knows?), maybe he's made adjustments this season. Obviously, 2 wins over weaker non-conference opponents doesn't tell us much. First NESCAC games are this week so maybe we'll learn something from them. Still, I just can't put my finger on what the deal is up at Cole.

Imagine if Williams didn't sneak into the NCAAs last year (Siebert's record would be 13-9-10 in two years without the NCAA run). 16 players remain in total from the soph through senior classes - most of the others would be gone if they weren't attending Williams as it's hard to leave a Williams degree.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on September 11, 2023, 03:58:19 PM
Bowdoin's Felipe Rueda-Duran named NESCAC player of the week, after scoring 5 goals and notching 4 assists in the first three games (against Bates and two non-conference opponents).  Felipe was a constant threat this week, achieving these results in only 130 minutes of playing time across the three games.  A strong kid who is hard to knock off the ball. 

https://athletics.bowdoin.edu/news/2023/9/11/mens-soccer-rueda-duran-earns-nescac-player-of-the-week-to-begin-season.aspx
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 11, 2023, 04:22:12 PM
It's a little weird that a bunch of anonymized users who almost never post, and when they do, it's often to bash Williams soccer and/or Siebert (dating all the way back to his hiring), have suddenly coalesced around this unified attack on Siebert.  Just seems ... interesting.  A lot of accusations flying around and you just never know who exactly has a bone to pick with a coach, and why, especially when they are anonymous. 

Look, I have zero inside knowledge of the program.  It's obviously less than ideal when so many players opt not to return.  But I mean, some attrition is normal, you never know what is going on with a particular student-athlete, and I think the guy has to get SOME credit for taking a team to the national title game in his second year, and getting past an absolute murderer's row of opponents in doing so.  If the program continues to bleed players going forward, I'd say that's for sure a real problem.  I mean, look at Gromacki at Amherst's women's hoops -- he's another intense coach with notoriously high player attrition.  But the dude gets results. 

I think, without evidence of some sort of misconduct, a run to the national title game earns a coach the benefit of the doubt for at least more than the first few weeks of the following season (let along a first few weeks in which the team actually won both its games).   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2023, 04:32:51 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on September 11, 2023, 04:22:12 PM
It's a little weird that a bunch of anonymized users who almost never post, and when they do, it's often to bash Williams soccer and/or Siebert (dating all the way back to his hiring), have suddenly coalesced around this unified attack on Siebert.  Just seems ... interesting.  A lot of accusations flying around and you just never know who exactly has a bone to pick with a coach, and why, especially when they are anonymous. 

Look, I have zero inside knowledge of the program.  It's obviously less than ideal when so many players opt not to return.  But I mean, some attrition is normal, you never know what is going on with a particular student-athlete, and I think the guy has to get SOME credit for taking a team to the national title game in his second year, and getting past an absolute murderer's row of opponents in doing so.  If the program continues to bleed players going forward, I'd say that's for sure a real problem.  I mean, look at Gromacki at Amherst's women's hoops -- he's another intense coach with notoriously high player attrition.  But the dude gets results. 

I think, without evidence of some sort of misconduct, a run to the national title game earns a coach the benefit of the doubt for at least more than the first few weeks of the following season (let along a first few weeks in which the team actually won both its games).

From a non-anonymous poster...

You make a good point, but as one person noted, in general one wouldn't think of Williams as a place that student-athletes would leave easily or hardly ever (unless it is to head to an Ivy or similar high end D1), and especially not key players, and to your point, esp at a program that just had an amazing run to the national final.

If the program is imploding, I sure wish they had completed the implosion before the Elite 8.  Still can't believe the tournament Boardman had, a senior, who even someone like me who follows pretty closely had never heard of before the tournament.  He was like a one-man wrecking crew and just looking at him I still don't know how he did it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 11, 2023, 04:48:51 PM
To be clear, as of now none of these players have actually left Williams, the school, so far as I know.  A total of two players who played significant minutes in the Final Four and who had eligibility left did not return.  That's not some sort of mass exodus as is being portrayed.  And it's also not unusual for there to be some attrition as a result of a coaching change.  I'm not in a position to give some full-throated defense as I have no idea what's going on - and for all I know the criticism is fair.  I'm just suspicious of the motives of this group of very sporadic posters (one or more of whom may well be, cough, affiliated with a notorious anti-Williams-coach troll) bashing this guy, and i would take some of the more sensational, unsubstantiated claims made by those posters with a grain of salt.  And I think it's best to wait and see how it all shakes out over the next year.  If the team implodes this season and/or bleeds players this off-season, than by all means, criticize away. 

But I mean, Williams IS 8-1-3 in its last 12 games, with wins over Midd, NYU, Ohio Northern, Kenyon, Mary Washington, and ties (PK wins) vs. Messiah, Conn and Tufts - all absolute monster programs.  So something is going right, players aren't going to exert that level of effort for a coach they all despise. 

Agree that Boardman was absolutely ridiculous in the post-season last year.  He, Gara Grady and Diffley were impenetrable up the middle and also had some opportunistic moments on an offense that didn't have a lot of juice up front.  Even that first UChicago goal game on a near-perfect, blistering long strike.  Williams defense should be strong this year as well though two first-years starting on the back line will definitely have a lot of pressure on them.  I assume both are very talented, they at least bring a lot of size. 

On an actual soccer note, I'm curious to see FY Andrew Coelho play.  His high school reel is insane, lots of absolute bombs from distance curving into the corners of the net, and apparently (would be cool to see a highlight!) he had a 30-yard strike against WNEC.  In fairly limited minutes of the bench he's leading Williams in points, shots, and shots on goal.  I imagine he will be a marked man when he gets the ball within striking range. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on September 11, 2023, 04:59:00 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 09, 2023, 10:30:00 AM
Hey, @coach analytics...

That is very impressive work.  Very few could provide that type of detailed assessment and prognostication.  At the peak of my powers (such as they were) I could have maybe done something similar with two, maybe three, NCAC teams, but certainly not eleven.

There is only one person who in recent history on the site could approximate what you did...and while thinking about that and wondering if @coach analytics was just the new screen name for our old friend, I vaguely recalled that his disappearance at least roughly paralleled his objection  to a phrase you used.  A little bit of research confirmed the chronology, and btw I had forgotten that you had provided a similarly detailed breakdown of the entire NESCAC last year as well.  I also recall thinking that he must know you and thought that he knew who you are given the personal nature of the interaction (and objection).  I didn't think there was anything there and I think I also vaguely recall wondering if he was reacting more to someone else providing such comprehensive insights into the league.  At any rate, I do know you aren't him, because even though you both have offered very detailed, well-written commentary, the actual writing styles are quite different.

Anyway, please carry on and I hope to read more of your posts going forward.  Would also btw love to see Mr.Right return but perhaps more happened "off-stage" that I am not privy to...or perhaps his accusation alone was considered prohibitive...or perhaps he simply decided he had had enough.




Paul, thanks for the compliments.  I am just an old retired club and school coach with a lot of time on my hand.  I know tons of current and former players in the NESCAC as well as some parents, club coaches and high school coaches who I use as sources.   I live closest to Trinity, Wesleyan and Amherst so I see more of their games than others and watch a lot on line as well.  It may be true that a couple current coaches call me for some scout as well (but I think its mostly to shoot the $hit)

I am just so impressed with the quality and depth of the players in the NESCAC and I expect the technical skills to continue to be better.  The D1 programs continue to take more and more international players which pushes more and more high end club players down.

Also, with the density of the competition locally, including West Conn, Babson and others, they are battle tested come tournament time. I expect this force to continue.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on September 11, 2023, 05:11:29 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on September 11, 2023, 04:59:00 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 09, 2023, 10:30:00 AM
Hey, @coach analytics...

That is very impressive work.  Very few could provide that type of detailed assessment and prognostication.  At the peak of my powers (such as they were) I could have maybe done something similar with two, maybe three, NCAC teams, but certainly not eleven.

There is only one person who in recent history on the site could approximate what you did...and while thinking about that and wondering if @coach analytics was just the new screen name for our old friend, I vaguely recalled that his disappearance at least roughly paralleled his objection  to a phrase you used.  A little bit of research confirmed the chronology, and btw I had forgotten that you had provided a similarly detailed breakdown of the entire NESCAC last year as well.  I also recall thinking that he must know you and thought that he knew who you are given the personal nature of the interaction (and objection).  I didn't think there was anything there and I think I also vaguely recall wondering if he was reacting more to someone else providing such comprehensive insights into the league.  At any rate, I do know you aren't him, because even though you both have offered very detailed, well-written commentary, the actual writing styles are quite different.

Anyway, please carry on and I hope to read more of your posts going forward.  Would also btw love to see Mr.Right return but perhaps more happened "off-stage" that I am not privy to...or perhaps his accusation alone was considered prohibitive...or perhaps he simply decided he had had enough.




Paul, thanks for the compliments.  I am just an old retired club and school coach with a lot of time on my hand.  I know tons of current and former players in the NESCAC as well as some parents, club coaches and high school coaches who I use as sources.   I live closest to Trinity, Wesleyan and Amherst so I see more of their games than others and watch a lot on line as well.  It may be true that a couple current coaches call me for some scout as well (but I think its mostly to shoot the $hit)

I am just so impressed with the quality and depth of the players in the NESCAC and I expect the technical skills to continue to be better.  The D1 programs continue to take more and more international players which pushes more and more high end club players down.

Also, with the density of the competition locally, including West Conn, Babson and others, they are battle tested come tournament time. I expect this force to continue.


Alos, I have no idea why the poster you referenced took such offense at my write up.  He assumed that my use of 'coming out party" was intended to be offensive.  After the fact, I googled the phrase and even Google said it was a phrase that had its origins with the debutante young ladies when they ha d party announcing their adulthood.

I was taken aback by being alluded to as someone who casts judgement on others choices but i certainly had no intention.  I apologized but, guess, it was not accepted by what seemed to be a fine gentleman.  Despite this uncomfortable exchange, I hope he is doing well.  His insights are missed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2023, 05:30:29 PM
Coach, agreed.  I do believe we must take persons seriously who tell us that at least for them certain language means something particular to them...but yes, being raised in NC I was well aware of especially the Southern debutante scene.  I actually don't know whether is a debutante scene outside of the South.  In any case, I actually find that scene offensive, and while I can't avoid admitting I'm probably one of the absolute worst elitists here, the Southern debutante scene, where only certain families with certain socioeconomic and educational backgrounds preferably spanning multiple generations qualify is part of what I think about with the elite academic D3s and esp the East Coast and New England ones.  Put simply, the exclusivity can cut both ways.
Another discussion for another day.

The other way I heard the phrase often referenced has been in athletics, like a new QB on a college or NFL team who "lights up the lamp" so to speak for the first time. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 11, 2023, 05:41:04 PM
One thing about Siebert and Williams is undeniable...a massive surge in hat sales  ;)

And Boardman no doubt already is making 750K for an investment firm in Manhattan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on September 11, 2023, 07:47:26 PM
Regarding the Williams situation, their magical run to last year's NCAA D3 final is undeniable.  Likewise, the astounding turnover in the roster from last season to this season is also undeniable.  I've never seen anything like it in my ~20 years of NESCAC soccer viewing.  NESCAC schools tend to give coaches the benefit of the doubt and seek longevity...and NESCAC coaches tend to do the same with players.  It generally makes no sense for the coach or the institution to want to see high levels of turnover among intelligent, dedicated student athletes...many of whom are from families paying full boat.  Just sayin'...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 11, 2023, 08:55:57 PM
Spinning that around, the fact a family is paying a pretty significant full freight also means that if it doesn't feel right for whatever reason, then it makes sense to at least contemplate change.  Our generation (I am talking us 50-60 year olds) would typically stick these kind of things out and try and make the best of it.  However, this generation/cohort is a little different.  Through my work I have a bit to do with graduates and they definitely aren't hanging around if they feel their aspirations aren't being met.  Whilst coaches may be uncertain about a player who appears in the portal/their inbox, an employer in banking likes the fact that another institution has already done the training for them.  The student-athletes are prepared to take the chance someone will feel similarly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on September 12, 2023, 08:02:32 AM
Enmorecat, your generational observation seems accurate at a high level...but when you bring it down to the individual college level, you're not seeing the same level of turnover on the other NESCAC rosters that you're current seeing at Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 12, 2023, 08:41:26 AM
From the outside the guy seems a solid coach, only two years in, maybe he is demanding more from players than they are used to?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on September 12, 2023, 10:28:30 AM
To deflect some of this roster turnover discussion away from Williams and support the point that year-to-year retention glitches are pretty common, it's worth noting that Williams probably isn't even the conference leader in 2022 to 2023 non-retention. By my (clumsy and semi-reliable) count, Wesleyan's 2023 roster is missing at least eight players who were on the 2022 roster despite being first-years, sophomores, or juniors last season, including at least three guys who started a good number of games in 2022: Oliver Clarke, Max Hofsetter, and Noah Hartzfeld. Wesleyan only has two seniors on their roster this year -- that's less than half of last year's junior class returning as seniors.

It's also unwise to assume why players with remaining NCAA eligibility don't return.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 13, 2023, 10:24:34 AM
Interesting point, Viking! 

Caught a fair bit of Hamilton-Williams yesterday.  The game was very even with very few good scoring opportunities for either team.  Most of the game was played in the midfield area and neither team had many sustained build-ups.  Hamilton had a bit more possession overall and Williams was fortunate to come away with the win thanks to an early goal set up by a long-throw in (Kirkman has assumed that role) right into the box, Gara Grady headed it right to Keussom who knocked it home, GK had no chance. 

Hamilton looked very strong defensively and in the midfield (especially Margaronis, Kantrowitz, Peplowski, all of whom are very good) winning a lot of tough balls and lots of possession in the top third, but had no really dangerous attempts on goal.  Hamilton was much bigger, more physical, and more experienced in the midfield than Williams and that showed.   Diffley was a huge presence for Williams and cleaned nearly everything up that Hamilton got close to the goal.  Rouhana had some pretty sweet moves and was the only player who seemed to make much happen offensively, I was surprised he didn't get more touches.  Scoring is clearly going to be an issue for Hamilton all year as they seemed to have little in terms of finishing players, as exhibited by only one goal scored on the season so far.   

For Williams, Gara Grady, Gutierrez, and first year Labonski were steadying presences defensively.  The midfield play was a bit too erratic and there were some bad decisions / passes that a better offensive team would have capitalized on at least once.  A zillion guys coming in and out and there, the entire roster is always fresh and runs hard, but definitely need work on cohesion and sustaining possession with a series of passes.  On the plus side, first years Ross, Stauffer, Coelho, Mix and Grace are a very talented group who bring a lot of juice when they come into the game, and they are all deservedly playing big minutes off the bench (and many of them started the second half).  They should be a very potent engine of the offense as time goes on.  Of course, that's a LOT of very young and generally small players to rely upon (definitely need those guys to muscle up a bit over time), and they got bullied by the bigger Hamilton midfielders at times.  As they play more together I suspect the attack will become more coordinated, it's still very early in their careers - that group (along with soph Keussom) will create a lot of offensive opportunities as time goes on.  In terms of finishers, not clear that Williams has solved that perpetual issue yet, no real target striker that defenses have to focus on.  Williams could really use in next year's glass a big target forward (in addition to a goalie or two). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 13, 2023, 03:52:19 PM
Tufts v Wesleyan cancelled due to weather!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SlideTackle on September 13, 2023, 07:35:59 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 12, 2023, 10:28:30 AM
To deflect some of this roster turnover discussion away from Williams and support the point that year-to-year retention glitches are pretty common, it's worth noting that Williams probably isn't even the conference leader in 2022 to 2023 non-retention. By my (clumsy and semi-reliable) count, Wesleyan's 2023 roster is missing at least eight players who were on the 2022 roster despite being first-years, sophomores, or juniors last season, including at least three guys who started a good number of games in 2022: Oliver Clarke, Max Hofsetter, and Noah Hartzfeld. Wesleyan only has two seniors on their roster this year -- that's less than half of last year's junior class returning as seniors.

It's also unwise to assume why players with remaining NCAA eligibility don't return.

One of those starters had a bad concussion and can no longer play.  Another is in the Wesleyan/Columbia enginereeing program and studying at Columbia this year,  but will be back.  The other left.  And sometimes roster players from prior years don't make the cut for whatever reason.

No idea why players left Williams.  But I bet it's not because they all preferred not to be there.  Sometimes players get cut too.  And sometimes players who leave come back.  I agree it is unwise to assume why players with elegibility don't return.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 13, 2023, 11:43:27 PM
Manhattanville 0 Amherst 3

Firstly, GoValiants Field is a really nice set up.  The bleachers are close to the field and there was no fence or rope. It would be a great place to watch at regularly.   Manhattanville started quite well and were keeping the ball, but the Mammoths' press intensified and they got pushed back.  After 9 minutes, Amherst made it 1-0 via a header off a corner. Son of EnmoreCat was the scorer, which meant for a second consecutive season he has scored against Manhattanville. Hopefully, that won't be his last.  Two of the freshmen also got goals and it's not exaggerating to say it could have been a few more.

At half time there was a pretty comprehensive rotation, which some less enlightened folk may describe as, "Amtics", but which made perfect sense as there is another NESCAC epic coming up on Saturday, at Tufts.  Plus,  it represented a great opportunity for the freshmen to get valuable game time.  The second half was more even and perhaps Manhattanville might have pushed a little harder given the relative experience advantage.  Amherst did create some useful chances also and on another night might have managed at least one more goal.  The Mammoths keeper did make one superb save at close range, thus registering this season's first clean sheet.

I know Manhattanville haven't had the best of starts, but they did draw with Stevens and without knowing much more about the Skyline Conference, I expect they will be improvers.

Foul count: Manhattanville 8 Amherst 20 - a much more elite pace.

The EnmoreCat caravan rolls onto Boston on Friday.  Looking forward to Tufts in what will undoubtedly be another monumental NESCAC occasion.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 14, 2023, 06:58:54 AM
Fantastic that you were able to see your son's goal in person!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACDad101 on September 14, 2023, 11:01:38 AM
Long time reader, first time writer. Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you, it's an absolute disgrace what's been going on in NESCAC soccer this season. I've been keeping a close eye on the competition, or should I say, the lack of competition, and it's clear as day that my son is the undisputed king of the pitch. Nobody, and I mean nobody, even comes close to his level of skill and talent.

Now, I don't want you to think for a second that I'm being biased here. No, I'm just stating the facts, being objective, you know, like I always am. My son, who, by the way, has the most points in the NESCAC, deserves to be crowned the NESCAC Player of the Year, and I'm going to tell you exactly why.

Let's start with his performance against Husson University. I mean, folks, it was a thing of beauty. A goal and not one, not two, but two assists! Who does that? Well, my son does, of course. It's almost unfair to the competition, really. They just can't keep up with him.

And let's not forget about that incredible assist against Bates. It was like watching a maestro conduct an orchestra. The precision, the finesse, it was poetry in motion. Nobody in the NESCAC can match his level of play. I'm just stating the facts here, folks.

But that's not all, not by a long shot. My son's four-goal, yes, you heard me right, four-goal performance against the University of New England was something to behold. It's almost as if the other team wasn't even on the field. He added an assist for good measure, just to remind everyone who's boss.

Honestly, they should just go ahead and award him the NESCAC Player of the Year right now. There's no competition left; it's pretty much over for everyone else. My son might just be the best player in NESCAC history, and I'm not saying that to brag, folks, I'm just telling you like it is.

So, to all the naysayers and doubters out there, take a good hard look at the stats and the performances. My son's dominance on the field speaks for itself, and it's time for the NESCAC to recognize greatness when they see it. We're not talking about opinions here; we're talking about cold, hard facts. My son is the best, and it's time everyone acknowledges it. Believe me!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on September 14, 2023, 12:04:42 PM
Quote from: NESCACDad101 on September 14, 2023, 11:01:38 AM
Long time reader, first time writer. Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you, it's an absolute disgrace what's been going on in NESCAC soccer this season. I've been keeping a close eye on the competition, or should I say, the lack of competition, and it's clear as day that my son is the undisputed king of the pitch. Nobody, and I mean nobody, even comes close to his level of skill and talent.

Now, I don't want you to think for a second that I'm being biased here. No, I'm just stating the facts, being objective, you know, like I always am. My son, who, by the way, has the most points in the NESCAC, deserves to be crowned the NESCAC Player of the Year, and I'm going to tell you exactly why.

Let's start with his performance against Husson University. I mean, folks, it was a thing of beauty. A goal and not one, not two, but two assists! Who does that? Well, my son does, of course. It's almost unfair to the competition, really. They just can't keep up with him.

And let's not forget about that incredible assist against Bates. It was like watching a maestro conduct an orchestra. The precision, the finesse, it was poetry in motion. Nobody in the NESCAC can match his level of play. I'm just stating the facts here, folks.

But that's not all, not by a long shot. My son's four-goal, yes, you heard me right, four-goal performance against the University of New England was something to behold. It's almost as if the other team wasn't even on the field. He added an assist for good measure, just to remind everyone who's boss.

Honestly, they should just go ahead and award him the NESCAC Player of the Year right now. There's no competition left; it's pretty much over for everyone else. My son might just be the best player in NESCAC history, and I'm not saying that to brag, folks, I'm just telling you like it is.

So, to all the naysayers and doubters out there, take a good hard look at the stats and the performances. My son's dominance on the field speaks for itself, and it's time for the NESCAC to recognize greatness when they see it. We're not talking about opinions here; we're talking about cold, hard facts. My son is the best, and it's time everyone acknowledges it. Believe me!

I have one question .... is this parody?  I really don't know, hence me asking.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 14, 2023, 12:14:40 PM
SC, it's just some still bitter guy like me whose son graduated 8 years ago and still hopes some clever posting will finally get his kid on an AA team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 14, 2023, 01:18:53 PM
 :) :) :)

Hard to be humble when you have a perfect kid!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 14, 2023, 01:25:12 PM
Quote from: camosfan on September 14, 2023, 01:18:53 PM
:) :) :)

Hard to be humble when you have a perfect kid!

+k @camosfan....

Frankly, it's hard to be humble when you don't have a perfect kid!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on September 14, 2023, 01:29:55 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2023, 12:14:40 PM
SC, it's just some still bitter guy like me whose son graduated 8 years ago and still hopes some clever posting will finally get his kid on an AA team.

I read this as a bitter person who has a bone to pick with the awarding of the NESCAC player of the week because the goal and assist tallies were against teams that are not the "four horsemen" of the NESCAC.

If that is the point, it can be expressed in a more mature way absent the parody casting the player in a poor light.  Most NESCAC teams start the season with out of conference games.  The first NESCAC opponent happened to be Bates.  The player had a great start to the season against the opponents his team faced.  It is a very hard thing to be a D3 student-athlete, especially in the NESCAC.  Let's show some grace and avoid silly attacks like this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on September 14, 2023, 04:21:29 PM
Agreed.  It serves no useful purpose...and frankly it's a highly immature gesture to mock a current student athlete, even if it is meant as parody.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on September 15, 2023, 01:15:22 PM
I'm sure Amherst followers and others already knew this, but I didn't realize that the former Mammoth Kofi Hope-Gund was playing GK for NYCFC II in MLS Next Pro until seeing this tweet from former Bates head coach Stewart Flaherty.  Always nice to see a DIII player able to follow his dreams to pro ball.

https://x.com/stewartflaherty/status/1702671438384095571?s=20

My general impression is that strong DIII GKs with prototypical size for a pro player have chances in MLS Next Pro.  That's because the top US GK prospects still often go play college for at least a few years to get more experience as they mature and the pre-college prospects in the MLS Academy are still a bit young and immature for MLS teams to regularly trust them with minutes in their MLS Next Pro sides.  Teams often pair an experienced 4 year college GK with inexperienced Academy-heavy defenders.  AJ Marcucci from Conn College is another example with NY Red Bulls (where he now has a contract with the top team, but still has had all of his minutes with their MLS Next Pro team, although he was on the bench for some Leagues Cup games).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 15, 2023, 01:32:14 PM
Tufts v Amherst got moved to Sunday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on September 15, 2023, 01:56:27 PM
Conn at Bowdoin now Sunday as well
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 15, 2023, 10:34:17 PM
Tufts 0 Wesleyan 3

This was volleyball, for me at least, a first game ever.  It helped that there is an Amherst connection in the Wesleyan team, but I gotta say, it was pretty good to watch.  The game moves fast and some of the things that can infuriate in soccer seemingly can't happen in this game.  Being courtside is a great way to see the game and appreciate the skill and subtlety involved. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on September 16, 2023, 02:00:24 PM
Hamilton v Middlebury delayed?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 16, 2023, 03:52:31 PM
4-1 Middlebury final. More detailed recap to follow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 16, 2023, 03:58:11 PM
Hamilton 1 Middlebury 4

One of the very few upsides of travelling without Ms EnmoreCat is that on days like today when the wind makes it less than compelling to be outside, rather than frequenting a Boston gallery/dress shop, I can tune into a Livestream. 

Given the scoreline, it may sound silly to suggest that Hamilton was the better team early, but that was the case.  They displayed some sparkling forward play early and rattled the crossbar (it could have been the post, but I didn't go back & check) and forced the Midd keeper into one fine save from distance.  Midd had been getting behind the Continentals' defence on the right, but it was from a passage of play down the left that they scored and not long afterwards added a second after a breakaway saw a calm finish.

On the play up to that stage, that was definitely a little harsh on Hamilton and that looked to be rectified after a two on two sweeping move from Hamilton made it 2-1.  That felt reasonable.  Unfortunately, whilst the Continentals did look quite dangerous in offensive transition, the flipside was that Midd looked capable of picking them off.  It was off such a move that they were awarded a free kick just outside the area, where the resulting ball across only found navy blue shirts at the far post and it was 3-1.

I didn't think the second half was quite as entertaining for the neutral at least, but Midd seemed comfortable and didn't allow the Continentals any real chance to get back into the game.  I did miss five minutes as the fire alarm went off and my first thought was that maybe an MSOC team was staying at my hotel, but fortunately it appeared no further action was required.

Midd did get a fourth, a defensive lapse from one of the white shirts saw a Midd player skip through and quite clinically chip the keeper.  On balance perhaps the scoreline was a little harsh, but Midd seemed to be able to keep them at bay after managing to just weather the initial Hamilton storm.

The EnmoreCat kiss of death appears to have worked quite well on the Continentals, hopefully it delivers a similar poison dart for the Jumbo's tomorrow. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 16, 2023, 10:51:06 PM
Middlebury 4, Hamilton 1

As Enmore Cat stated, Hamilton came out on fire.  A glancing header went just wide in the first thirty seconds.  With less than 8 gone, Peplowski ripped a shot from distance that Grady tipped over the bar at full stretch.  Hamilton then hit the post, and it seemed Midd was on the ropes.  This seemed to wake up Midd, as they attacked down the right flank.  Tyler Payne switched the ball to Eujin Chae, who passed to William O'Brien, who found Will Sawin on the left flank.  Sawing beat his defender and whipped in a cross that Shane Farrell headed home.  Midd got a second on a great counter, with Sawin finding Gavin Randolph in space on the left, and Randolph's cross was slotted in at the back post by Kyle Nilsson.  Hamilton got one back on an unforced error as Midd passed the ball directly to Hamilton, which led to a quick break and score.  Luke Madden headed in a corner kick from Jay Hoke to make it 3-1.  For much of the second half, the game was played in the middle third, with neither team threatening much for the first 20 minutes.  Hamilton increased the pressure and had several opportunities denied by Grady.  Midd added a 4th on a pass from the back that split the Continental defense up the middle, with Alem Hadzic playing Colin Duggan in behind the back line for Duggan to dink one over the keeper for the final margin. 

Hamilton's midfield was dangerous throughout the game, but they did very little with the numerous corners and free kicks they generated.  Middlebury continues to be lethal on the break.  In the final analysis, Middlebury had more quality in front of goal and from the goalkeeper, and that made the difference today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 17, 2023, 01:50:06 PM
Williams has not played any of the tougher teams on its schedule, for sure, but with all the noise about Williams, it's nice to see them at 4-0 without surrendering a goal on the season.  Of the Ephs' seven goals, only one is from an upperclass player, and three have been scored by three different first years, so the long-term future looks bright.  Just about every man on the roster continues to see action in nearly every game. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 17, 2023, 08:54:52 PM
Tufts 1 Amherst 3

Firstly, a special congratulations to some extended Amherst family in attendance today, who were visiting from Maine and just after the final whistle, heard they had just become grandparents for the first time.  Hopefully there is a Budding Mammoths freshman for 2042, the planning starts now!

Probably the best perspective on today's victory was that Amherst hadn't won at Tufts since 2012, which reminds just how successful the Jumbo's programme has been over a lengthy period, as there have been outstanding Mammoths teams over that time.

Amherst had a shaky start and Tufts were by far the better team early and unhappily, for this correspondent at least, deserved to take the lead.  A pacy run down the right hand side ended with a dangerous ball across the Mammoths' six yard line and was successfully steered in. 

A couple of Amherst substitutions helped change the game and one of the entrants advanced into the Jumbos' box and was readying to shoot and got clipped from behind.  It was just the sort of decisive run the team needed.  One of the co-captains calmly dispatched the penalty and it was game on.  I think from then on, Amherst assumed control, but Tufts also looked quite dangerous on the break, but was well held by the Mammoths' defence.

Half time, 1-1 and Amherst started the second one better and was pushing the Jumbos back.  Again, it all wasn't one way traffic and the white shirts showed more than once, some skilful movement.
They were having issues with the hard running from Amherst however and the repeated entries into their penalty area.  Off one of these moments, the ball found its way over the line and the fact that it was put against, "Team", was probably an apt way to identify it, as it was the entire group that made it happen.

The third goal was a delight, one of the freshmen was put into space down the middle with a field bisecting pass and proceeded to take the ball inside the area and clinically made it 3-1.  I was so excited I thought I might have fractured a rib, I was whooping it up that much.

Amherst did play a lower block after that, which on a warm day in Medford, did make sense and Tufts had a number of high quality shots.  Fortunately, Amherst had a keeper at the top of his game and he made a number of fine saves which ensured that it remained 3-1.

I will leave others to determine what today's result may/may not mean, but given the previous history at Bello Field (another excellent place to watch at by the way, plus they sold food and drinks! I used to live on sausage sizzles on game day in Sydney) one could be excused for fearing the worst at 1-0 down, but the Mammoths displayed some intestinal fortitude which should give them considerable confidence.

Great to meet a lot of alums today, it's clearly a game that means a lot to a lot of people, plus the 4-1 women's result was outstanding also.

Foul count: Tufts 20 Amherst 19 - I haven't checked, but that might be a NESCAC season high.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 17, 2023, 10:45:12 PM
congrats! was trying to see if I could pick you out but no success.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 17, 2023, 11:00:58 PM
Thanks Camosfan, I was being a little noisy in the bleachers in a small enclave of Mammoths Ultras.  Good luck for the rest of the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 19, 2023, 09:09:23 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 17, 2023, 08:54:52 PM
Tufts 1 Amherst 3

Firstly, a special congratulations to some extended Amherst family in attendance today, who were visiting from Maine and just after the final whistle, heard they had just become grandparents for the first time.  Hopefully there is a Budding Mammoths freshman for 2042, the planning starts now!

Probably the best perspective on today's victory was that Amherst hadn't won at Tufts since 2012, which reminds just how successful the Jumbo's programme has been over a lengthy period, as there have been outstanding Mammoths teams over that time.

Amherst had a shaky start and Tufts were by far the better team early and unhappily, for this correspondent at least, deserved to take the lead.  A pacy run down the right hand side ended with a dangerous ball across the Mammoths' six yard line and was successfully steered in. 

A couple of Amherst substitutions helped change the game and one of the entrants advanced into the Jumbos' box and was readying to shoot and got clipped from behind.  It was just the sort of decisive run the team needed.  One of the co-captains calmly dispatched the penalty and it was game on.  I think from then on, Amherst assumed control, but Tufts also looked quite dangerous on the break, but was well held by the Mammoths' defence.

Half time, 1-1 and Amherst started the second one better and was pushing the Jumbos back.  Again, it all wasn't one way traffic and the white shirts showed more than once, some skilful movement.
They were having issues with the hard running from Amherst however and the repeated entries into their penalty area. Off one of these moments, the ball found its way over the line and the fact that it was put against, "Team", was probably an apt way to identify it, as it was the entire group that made it happen.

The third goal was a delight, one of the freshmen was put into space down the middle with a field bisecting pass and proceeded to take the ball inside the area and clinically made it 3-1.  I was so excited I thought I might have fractured a rib, I was whooping it up that much.

Amherst did play a lower block after that, which on a warm day in Medford, did make sense and Tufts had a number of high quality shots.  Fortunately, Amherst had a keeper at the top of his game and he made a number of fine saves which ensured that it remained 3-1.

I will leave others to determine what today's result may/may not mean, but given the previous history at Bello Field (another excellent place to watch at by the way, plus they sold food and drinks! I used to live on sausage sizzles on game day in Sydney) one could be excused for fearing the worst at 1-0 down, but the Mammoths displayed some intestinal fortitude which should give them considerable confidence.

Great to meet a lot of alums today, it's clearly a game that means a lot to a lot of people, plus the 4-1 women's result was outstanding also.

Foul count: Tufts 20 Amherst 19 - I haven't checked, but that might be a NESCAC season high.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 19, 2023, 09:10:51 AM
the "team goal" was an own goal score by Tufts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 19, 2023, 10:30:05 AM
Thanks Camosfan, I did get it, but in the 45 plus years I have been involved in soccer, in one way or another, I had never seen that term used to describe an OG.  Not saying it's right or wrong, but it felt accurate as it had been a period of Mammoths pressure that led up to it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 19, 2023, 06:03:38 PM
Middlebury 1 Endicott 0.  Was impressed by Endicott.  I believe they will be the class of the CCC.  Totally unnecessary foul in the box by Endicott in 74th minute leads to a pk, which was converted by St. Louis.  Grady had only a couple of saves to make, but controlled his penalty area well, especially on a corner kick by Endicott in the last 30 seconds.  Midd now 4-0-1 with a NESCAC doubleheader vs Bowdoin and Bates at home this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NESCACfan100 on September 19, 2023, 09:16:38 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on September 19, 2023, 06:03:38 PM
Middlebury 1 Endicott 0.  Was impressed by Endicott.  I believe they will be the class of the CCC.  Totally unnecessary foul in the box by Endicott in 74th minute leads to a pk, which was converted by St. Louis.  Grady had only a couple of saves to make, but controlled his penalty area well, especially on a corner kick by Endicott in the last 30 seconds.  Midd now 4-0-1 with a NESCAC doubleheader vs Bowdoin and Bates at home this weekend.

Expected Midd to have a more dominate result today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 19, 2023, 10:00:04 PM
Don't read too much from a midweek game , when they have a weekend of back-to-back games. Coach has to manage the squad work load.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 19, 2023, 10:39:10 PM
Amherst 1 WPI 0

The third consecutive Amherst 1-0 win against WPI and one which meant the Mammoths are now undefeated in five.  A second game in three days did mean a shuffling of the pack, with a tricky Bates/Colby double header next weekend.

Many in here may find it difficult to believe, but Amherst was in a passing mood tonight, with long spells in possession.  The only disappointing aspect, in the first half at least, was the failure to be just that bit more clinical in the box.  Just before half time, WPI had a couple of very dangerous free kicks, but fortunately, for Amherst at least, there was no damage.  0-0 at half time.

It wasn't that long into the second half when a penetrating cross was dispatched with serious power and whilst the WPI keeper had already made a couple of fine saves and interventions, there was no stopping this one.  It felt like WPI's game changed a little after that, they were becoming more direct, which I suspect, suited the Amherst defence. Amherst was playing more on the break and did have chances, but appeared content to keep the ball and in the end professionally closed it out for a 1-0 win, representing a second clean sheet.  WPI was a hard working team and never gave up.  They had a good turnout too, for a Tuesday evening.  I did sense for the first time on my trip, some evening chill in the air, fortunately my final two games are afternoon ones at the billiards table that is Hitchcock Field.

Foul count: Amherst 16 WPI 13 - great to be back in the winners' circle after the Tufts upset from last week.  Amazingly, the box score indicated no yellow cards to either side.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on September 20, 2023, 08:23:29 AM
Quote from: NESCACfan100 on September 19, 2023, 09:16:38 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on September 19, 2023, 06:03:38 PM
Middlebury 1 Endicott 0.  Was impressed by Endicott.  I believe they will be the class of the CCC.  Totally unnecessary foul in the box by Endicott in 74th minute leads to a pk, which was converted by St. Louis.  Grady had only a couple of saves to make, but controlled his penalty area well, especially on a corner kick by Endicott in the last 30 seconds.  Midd now 4-0-1 with a NESCAC doubleheader vs Bowdoin and Bates at home this weekend.

Expected Midd to have a more dominate result today.

With the differential Midd had on corners and shots, I would have expected more than one in the back of the net.  But very few of them were on net.  EC was very talented, I agree!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on September 20, 2023, 10:18:42 AM
NESCAC Strikers

For my next topic I am going to show an analysis of the productivity of NESCAC strikers during the 2022 season.

I am sure that most of you would agree that the productivity of the #9 is vital to success but also can be quite elusive.   Even at the USMNT level, the US struggles to find that #9 that has the full skill set to make a difference on the field.

Instead of just looking at pure scoring production, I am looking at the ability to create shots, which is obviously directly related to scoring production.  Since it is so, so difficult to produce goals at the NESCAC level and easy to analyze who is having success, the limited data makes it hard to predict who is truly making a difference and putting their team in position to have a chance. 

Certainly to be in a position to create shots, one has to have three qualities.  You need to be athletic to battle the strong centerbacks in the NESCAC, maybe the strongest position in the league.  You must be technically savvy to create that special play to create space for yourself or beat a player 1v1.  An under appreciated quality that one must have is a high IQ to see the space, see how the play is developing, see where the ball is going and making the great runs.  Many, many players have one or even two of these qualities but few have all three.

In seeing NESCAC soccer over the years, there have been many elite strikers but I point out 4 that had elite shooting production (as well as scoring production) that set the standard.  Not surprising German Giamatti in 2019 set the standard with a remarkable mid 6s for shots per 90 minutes which is basically double what the most elite striker did in 2022.

As you can see from the following chart, Amherst, Bates, Conn, Hamilton and Williams saw elite productivity from their striker or striker group in conference play in 2022.  Williams will need to replace one of their strikers in 2023 and Bates will need to find a replacement as their striker graduated and they are off to a slow start.

Colby and Bowdoin had moderate performance from their graduating senior strikers but saw elite productivity from talented wing players to increase their production. Each of these two teams is seeing some new faces in the positions step up and produce. Colby's freshman #7 is producing early at an elite clip.

Tufts went with a two headed striker committee approach and had very good production in non conference but a considerable drop off in conference. Their production was boosted by a talented, deep midfield.  Tufts is off to strong start and #12 has upped his production.

Middlebury had similar approach and poor production in conference but, like Tufts, is blessed with talented outside players and midfielders to pick up the slack.

Wesleyan's strength was in their midfield and their two headed striker approach did not produce at the level needed to move into the top half of the league. Good news is that #20 has upped his production to the 3.0 level in the first four games, showing some real upside.

It is really hard to understand Trinity's approach.  At least 3 players split time in the striker spot with very poor overall results.  #19 and #20 produced at an acceptable level and #20 at an elite level in conference play in limited minutes.  However #21, logging the most minutes, produced only 1 shot in 258 conference minutes.  This level of shot production was a full 60% less than the worst of the other 17 players. It's no wonder that Trinity is having such a tough time finding the net when they cannot generate shots from the middle players.  Fortunately they saw decent production from outside players and talented attacking midfielder and #28 is showing some upside.


                           
                         Overall              Conference      
Team   Player #   Shots   Min   Shots/90      Shots   Min   Shots/90
                           
Amhert   28      35   1198   2.63                       15   571   2.36
Bates   24      34   1026   2.98                       17   668   2.29
Bowdoin   21      39   1095   3.21                        9   518   1.56
Colby   9      17   810   1.89                       12   606   1.78
Conn           9      18   505   3.21                        8   336   2.14
Hamilton   9      36   882   3.67                       18   506   3.20
Middlebury20      24   1250   1.73                        7   672   0.94
Middlebury14      16   1042   1.38                       10   579   1.55
Trinity   19      10   449   2.00                         6   205   2.63
Trinity   20      9   380   2.13                         5   137   3.28
Trinity   21      2   414   0.43                         1   258   0.35
Tufts           12      18   546   2.97                         3   225   1.20
Tufts           26      18   461   3.51                         5   296   1.52
Williams   13      15   560   2.41                         9   345   2.35
Williams   7      34   1283   2.39                       17   571   2.68
Wesleyan   20      19   834   2.05                        8   535   1.35
Wesleyan   9      17   916   1.67                        9   589   1.38
                           
                           
Giamatti 2019      119   1595   6.71               54   741   6.56
Giamatti 2021      93   1712   4.89               34   745   4.11
Cody Savonen 2017   62   1192   4.68               34   864   3.54
Greg Conrad 2015   70   1274   4.95               38   824   4.15
Adam Glazer 2014   61   1360   4.04               30   800   3.38

Sorry for the poor formatting but it does not copy well from my sheet....hopefully you get the point.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Moose on September 21, 2023, 03:01:48 PM
From the previous message Conn College has the best attacking players in the 'Cac! Creus is unstoppable and Scaffone is simply unfair to gaurd. The NESCAC is screwed once the Camels start rolling!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 21, 2023, 03:08:05 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 21, 2023, 03:01:48 PM
From the previous message Conn College has the best attacking players in the 'Cac! Creus is unstoppable and Scaffone is simply unfair to gaurd. The NESCAC is screwed once the Camels start rolling!

When 15 minutes of fame is 5 seconds.  Will probably never hear from "Moose" again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on September 21, 2023, 03:32:20 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 21, 2023, 03:08:05 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 21, 2023, 03:01:48 PM
From the previous message Conn College has the best attacking players in the 'Cac! Creus is unstoppable and Scaffone is simply unfair to gaurd. The NESCAC is screwed once the Camels start rolling!

When 15 minutes of fame is 5 seconds.  Will probably never hear from "Moose" again.

Hardly knew him...

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 23, 2023, 04:20:46 PM
Amherst 4 Bates 0

The weather gods didn't exactly smile on what was Seniors' Day at Amherst at TBTTIHF, but the result was well received. Amherst went 1-0 up about half way through the first half after some concerted pressure led to a goal.  Bates looked particularly dangerous on the break however and there were a couple of dicey moments for the Mammoths, with the keeper stepping up on at least one occasion.  Bates were awarded a penalty and to this uncultured eye, I was actually expecting it to be a free kick the other way, but what would I know?  Fortunately for Amherst, the penalty brushed the post from the outside and finished wide.  Of course, soccer is always about taking the chances on offer and not too long after that, Amherst got a second, a tidy finish from one of the seniors.  2-0 probably didn't quite feel right on balance, at half time, but 1.5-0 definitely would have.

The second half saw Amherst mostly in the ascendancy, with sufficient good chances to have been a few more goals in front.  With an eye to the Colby game tomorrow, there was some Amherst rotation (that sounds like a potential astronomical term to me) and one of the sophomores popped up with a brace in the last ten minutes and could have had a hat trick.  Two very nice finishes and in truth I think a pretty fair reflection of the game over the 90 minutes.  Had Bates converted the penalty and made it 1-1, that adrenaline shot may have made life tougher for the Mammoths, but it was a pretty controlled display from the white shirts (still my favourite Amherst kit, although the laundry staff will earn their keep cleaning them) which now sees them equal on points with Williams, at the top of the NESCAC standings, with a third clean sheet keeping this correspondent happy also.

One thing I was thinking about today was that I am yet to visit a field where the bleachers actually have a roof.  I am sure they must exist, but it is a bit of a difference to the New South Wales competition I am familiar with, where clubs must be able to provide covered seating. 

Foul count:

Amherst 11 Bates 15 so the Mammoths go down a second time this season, but were ahead 6-3 on yellow cards, partially redressing that.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on September 23, 2023, 06:48:48 PM
 Bowdoin 2—Midd 2

A tale of two halves.

Midd came out hot, scoring on a cross 90 seconds into the match. Midd looked dominant in terms of size and athleticism, and Bowdoin looked lost. 12 minutes later Bowdoin committed a foul leading to an another score off of a penalty. So Midd was up 2-0 after 15 minutes and it felt like the game could end 4-0. As the first half continued, Bowdoin's slowly steadied themselves and began to play with more confidence but the half ended 2-0.

Seven minutes into the second half, Bowdoin notched its first goal, scored by Felipe Rueda-Duran. At that point the momentum had fully swung and Midd appeared to be on their heels. Bowdoin had the better half and dominated play. Ronaldo Cabral scored the equalizer with 13 minutes to go. I am biased but it felt like had there been OT Bowdoin would have pulled out a win because they had the momentum the entire second half.

Midd is a very strong team so it was surprising they let Bowdoin back in the game and allowed them to dominate the second half.

Given how the first 15 minutes played out, it felt almost like a win for Bowdoin and the Midd fans seemed very disappointed.  Bowdoin showed a lot of grit and resilience coming back down 2-0 on the road to Midd. That grit will come in handy tomorrow as Bowdoin travels to Williams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on September 23, 2023, 07:14:55 PM
That sounds like a very accurate summary, Yankeesoccerdad.  I went to the NESCAC athletics site briefly, and noted that Midd was up 2-0 over Bowdoin in the first 15 minutes.  Being the fair weather fan I often am, I concluded that this was gonna be a bad day for Bowdoin.  Can they possibly rally to be competitive the following day vs. nationally ranked Williams?

To confirm my fears, in the same moment, i noted that the Bowdoin women were already down 0-1 vs. Midd.  When I came back to the NESCAC site, I was amazed to see that the Bowdoin men had leveled at 2-2 and the Bowdoin women had leveled at 1-1.  I watched the final 10 minutes of the men's game and it seemed pretty even...heading almost inexorably toward a draw.  Then, amazingly, the Bowdoin women scored the winning goal in the 87th minute.  What looked like a disastrous day for the Polar Bears in western Vermont turned into a pretty good day.

Ironically, back in 2010, my wife an I addended a Bowdoin vs. Midd weekend in Middlebury...when the men lost on 0-2 on two direct kicks in a game in which they outshot the Panthers.  After the game, there was a feed for all the Bowdoin athletes (including mens and women soccer and field hockey) before boarding the bus for the long trip back to Brunswick.  The field hockey team had just beat Midd on their way to a Polar Bear national title that year.  Men's soccer lost their only regular season game to Midd on their way to the NCAA Final Four.  How things change over the years.  Now the Midd field hockey team is a juggernaut that wins national championships year after year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 24, 2023, 05:32:05 PM
Concur with @Northman and @YankeeSoccerDad on their summaries of Midd vs Bowdoin.  Midd bounced back with a 3-0 win over Bates at home today.  Midd again scored early, and Bates appeared content to sit deep in a low block and hope for the occasional counter.  Midd had the overwhelming share of possession but could not add to the lead.  Bates had a dangerous free kick in the last minute of the half, but it was smothered by Grady.  The second half brought more of the same, and Tyler Payne added a goal halfway through the frame and then again inside the last 10 minutes for the final margin.  By the way, the NESCAC's out of conference record is now 26-1-1, with the only blemishes being a Bates loss and a Hamilton tie. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 24, 2023, 05:45:54 PM
Amherst 5 Colby 2

I wouldn't necessarily expect to see it mentioned in the National Perspectives thread, but at the start of play today, NESCAC had seven teams in the top twenty, at least according to Massey. I understand there may be issues with methodology etc, but a bit like the USA News college rankings, it at least serves as a baseline for discussion.

Colby was one of the super 7 inside the top 20 and have had an excellent start to the season, prior to today, yet to concede a goal.  Amherst was quick out of the blocks and it wasn't long before the purple shirts got a penalty, which was calmly converted.  Goals 2 & 3 were scored by Son of EnmoreCat.  I won't provide any details for the forward scouts other than to say that after dribbling past three Colby players, he successfully drilled two long range shots from well outside of the area. 

There was a bit of rotation after that, possibly "Amtics" to the less enlightened, but at half-time, it was 3-0 and that felt an accurate reflection. 

A fourth Amherst goal early in the second half should probably have meant game over, but Colby showed considerable spirit and kept playing.  They were awarded two penalties, which were extremely well dispatched and at least for this correspondent, suddenly triggered a rise in stress levels.  This saw a few more rotations to steady the ship and perhaps Amherst was unfortunate to not add more than one extra goal to the final tally of five.  The fifth was an outrageous finish, particularly given the poor weather at TBTTIHF.

All credit to Colby, my understanding is that their freshman class has made a strong contribution to the team's strong start to the season and I suspect they are on an upward trajectory.

It was Seniors' Day at Amherst today and so a great result for seven fine young men and their families.  This particular group has seen two national finals and a NESCAC Championship all whilst like all of the 2019 class nationally, dealing with covid (deliberately giving it the lower case treatment).  It has been a real pleasure to make their collective acquaintance and I wish them all the best for life beyond Western Massachusetts.  All are welcome in deepest, dark, Enmore.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 24, 2023, 06:43:59 PM
Congrats to your son! Certainly a moment to remember for him and his parents...

Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 24, 2023, 05:45:54 PM
Amherst 5 Colby 2

I wouldn't necessarily expect to see it mentioned in the National Perspectives thread, but at the start of play today, NESCAC had seven teams in the top twenty, at least according to Massey. I understand there may be issues with methodology etc, but a bit like the USA News college rankings, it at least serves as a baseline for discussion.

Colby was one of the super 7 inside the top 20 and have had an excellent start to the season, prior to today, yet to concede a goal.  Amherst was quick out of the blocks and it wasn't long before the purple shirts got a penalty, which was calmly converted.  Goals 2 & 3 were scored by Son of EnmoreCat.  I won't provide any details for the forward scouts other than to say that after dribbling past three Colby players, he successfully drilled two long range shots from well outside of the area. 

There was a bit of rotation after that, possibly "Amtics" to the less enlightened, but at half-time, it was 3-0 and that felt an accurate reflection. 

A fourth Amherst goal early in the second half should probably have meant game over, but Colby showed considerable spirit and kept playing.  They were awarded two penalties, which were extremely well dispatched and at least for this correspondent, suddenly triggered a rise in stress levels.  This saw a few more rotations to steady the ship and perhaps Amherst was unfortunate to not add more than one extra goal to the final tally of five.  The fifth was an outrageous finish, particularly given the poor weather at TBTTIHF.

All credit to Colby, my understanding is that their freshman class has made a strong contribution to the team's strong start to the season and I suspect they are on an upward trajectory.

It was Seniors' Day at Amherst today and so a great result for seven fine young men and their families.  This particular group has seen two national finals and a NESCAC Championship all whilst like all of the 2019 class nationally, dealing with covid (deliberately giving it the lower case treatment).  It has been a real pleasure to make their collective acquaintance and I wish them all the best for life beyond Western Massachusetts.  All are welcome in deepest, dark, Enmore.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on September 24, 2023, 06:49:08 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 24, 2023, 06:43:59 PM
Congrats to your son! Certainly a moment to remember for him and his parents...


Hear hear! How great you were there to see them in person!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on September 24, 2023, 07:26:24 PM
EnmoreCat, congrats on the win and your son's performance.  I see you dropped the foul count and of course I assumed the numbers were lopsided in favor of Amherst.  When I looked at the foul and yellow card count, Colby won on both.  I almost think the team is on its best behavior because of your tallies.  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 24, 2023, 07:37:18 PM
I was wondering if someone would notice Yankeesoccerdad! For the record, a third loss this season:

Amherst 14 Colby 24

And thanks to you, Bucket & Another Mom for the kind thoughts.  Hopefully, there are more to come.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on September 24, 2023, 08:38:09 PM
Bowdoin 2—-Williams 0

I had mixed feelings going into this game.  After an intense, physical game against Midd yesterday, how would Bowdoin respond against an opponent no player had previously beaten?  Bowdoin tends to substitute less than many other teams so perhaps they would be tired today, especially against a Williams squad that uses substitutes liberally?  And was Williams as good as Massey reports?  What about the Williams roster turnover?

The teams were lucky the field was in good condition despite the rain overnight.  Williams had a lot of fan support—students, families and local residents.  I wondered if Mr Right might be present but if he was I couldn't tell.

The first half ended 0-0 after what seemed like a fairly balanced back and forth.  Bowdoin tallied two goals in the second half, both by Tyler Huck.  Bowdoin had strong counterattacks all day, led by Huck, Cabral, Pacelli and Rueda-Duran.  GK Ainsworth was strong in goal, playing with growing confidence as the season has progressed.  He went up against two of the best keepers in the NESCAC (Grady and Diffley) this weekend and allowed the same number of goals as they did.

Williams seemed talented but young.  The team hung together well and battled throughout.  I was impressed that even after the second goal the team huddled and played hard with no internal bickering.  I asked a few Williams fans about the roster turnover but it was clear it was a non-issue to them.

Four points over the weekend was a great result given the level of competition (especially given the terrible 15 minute start against Midd).  Bowdoin seemed to learn a lot about themselves this weekend.  The season is young and there is a lot of soccer yet to be played but the boys should be rightly proud of how they played this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 24, 2023, 09:06:49 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 24, 2023, 05:45:54 PM
Amherst 5 Colby 2

I wouldn't necessarily expect to see it mentioned in the National Perspectives thread, but at the start of play today, NESCAC had seven teams in the top twenty, at least according to Massey. I understand there may be issues with methodology etc, but a bit like the USA News college rankings, it at least serves as a baseline for discussion.

Colby was one of the super 7 inside the top 20 and have had an excellent start to the season,

Re: 2023 D3 Men's Soccer National Perspective
« Reply #353 on: September 21, 2023, 11:34:26 am »

I wanted to comment on perceptions of that entity that hardly ever gets a mention...NESCAC.  In years past (think like 5-6+ years ago and earlier,) NESCAC fans often complained (and in hindsight with some good reason) that their teams were underrated in terms of polls, awards, etc.  I wonder if we're swinging a little too far in the other direction...six in the board poll with a 7th next in line in RV (Colby).  Poor Wesleyan...how come the Cardinals have been left out, which could get the number up to eight?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 24, 2023, 09:11:53 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 24, 2023, 09:06:49 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 24, 2023, 05:45:54 PM
Amherst 5 Colby 2

I wouldn't necessarily expect to see it mentioned in the National Perspectives thread, but at the start of play today, NESCAC had seven teams in the top twenty, at least according to Massey. I understand there may be issues with methodology etc, but a bit like the USA News college rankings, it at least serves as a baseline for discussion.

Colby was one of the super 7 inside the top 20 and have had an excellent start to the season,

Re: 2023 D3 Men's Soccer National Perspective
« Reply #353 on: September 21, 2023, 11:34:26 am »

I wanted to comment on perceptions of that entity that hardly ever gets a mention...NESCAC.  In years past (think like 5-6+ years ago and earlier,) NESCAC fans often complained (and in hindsight with some good reason) that their teams were underrated in terms of polls, awards, etc.  I wonder if we're swinging a little too far in the other direction...six in the board poll with a 7th next in line in RV (Colby).  Poor Wesleyan...how come the Cardinals have been left out, which could get the number up to eight?

Point very well made PN.  In my defence, I always go NESCAC first and don't tend to quickly review the other sections. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on September 25, 2023, 10:45:29 PM
Did anyone see the Conn Babson game?  Not sure I have seen that many cards recently.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 25, 2023, 11:35:56 PM
Reviewed the video, and the cards were almost all there.  Some really unnecessary fouls and cards by both sides.  Babson got 2 players sent off and Conn had 1.  Conn and Babson players headbutted/leaned on each other after a nasty tackle which led to the first two reds.  Babson player sent off later for 2nd yellow.  First was for crunching the keeper in the first half and second was for a late trip in the 2nd.  Only card I did not like was the yellow for shirt removal on the tying goal by Babson.  That is not a must in college soccer according to the rule book.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on September 26, 2023, 09:45:02 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on September 25, 2023, 11:35:56 PM
Reviewed the video, and the cards were almost all there.  Some really unnecessary fouls and cards by both sides.  Babson got 2 players sent off and Conn had 1.  Conn and Babson players headbutted/leaned on each other after a nasty tackle which led to the first two reds.  Babson player sent off later for 2nd yellow.  First was for crunching the keeper in the first half and second was for a late trip in the 2nd.  Only card I did not like was the yellow for shirt removal on the tying goal by Babson.  That is not a must in college soccer according to the rule book.




Thanks, i watch a lot of Conn games (love their style especially in the final third) and do not consider them a dirty team at all so I was surprised that a non league game go so out of hand.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 26, 2023, 10:04:37 AM
I think a wet grass field may have contributed to some of the sliding tackles.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on September 26, 2023, 10:10:19 AM
Quote from: coach analytics on September 26, 2023, 09:45:02 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on September 25, 2023, 11:35:56 PM
Reviewed the video, and the cards were almost all there.  Some really unnecessary fouls and cards by both sides.  Babson got 2 players sent off and Conn had 1.  Conn and Babson players headbutted/leaned on each other after a nasty tackle which led to the first two reds.  Babson player sent off later for 2nd yellow.  First was for crunching the keeper in the first half and second was for a late trip in the 2nd.  Only card I did not like was the yellow for shirt removal on the tying goal by Babson.  That is not a must in college soccer according to the rule book.




Thanks, i watch a lot of Conn games (love their style especially in the final third) and do not consider them a dirty team at all so I was surprised that a non league game go so out of hand.

Was at the game - things were a bit amped from the start. It was alumni weekend and Babson was riding a 12 game home win streak so they came out of the gates with a ton of energy and looking to push the physicality.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on September 26, 2023, 01:14:18 PM
So, granted, I didn't go watch every card, but I did catch the first half cards and then the first red for Babson... Meh.

I wouldn't call any of that especially dirty and the Babson wasn't a straight red, it was his second yellow. Not like he actually head butted the guy, things just got a little heated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 26, 2023, 01:16:59 PM
Conn has a talented team but fouls too much, with a good Ref they will suffer!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Moose on September 26, 2023, 01:29:13 PM
Connecticut College does not foul much against teams of similar ranking. For example against Tufts, Conn had 9 fouls compared to Tufts 14. Against Babson it was obviously in retaliation to the dirty play from the Beavers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on September 26, 2023, 01:32:57 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 01:29:13 PM
Connecticut College does not foul much against teams of similar ranking. For example against Tufts, Conn had 9 fouls compared to Tufts 14. Against Babson it was obviously in retaliation to the dirty play from the Beavers.

Welcome to the Boards Moose!

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 26, 2023, 01:51:41 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 01:29:13 PM
Connecticut College does not foul much against teams of similar ranking. For example against Tufts, Conn had 9 fouls compared to Tufts 14. Against Babson it was obviously in retaliation to the dirty play from the Beavers.

@Hopkins92 I am finding this, "mildly amusing"!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on September 26, 2023, 01:55:54 PM
Exactly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BaboNation on September 26, 2023, 02:08:50 PM
So I really, really, hate to discuss the worthiness of YCs or RCs, particularly in games involving my squad, and I'm not going to dispute any of the cards issued in the game, but here are some observations:

Gazo's 2 YCs = his entire total from last year.  I've seen nothing from him in 2 years to think of him as a dirty player.
Last year Babson had 34 YC vs. opponents 33 and 0 RC vs. opponents 1.  That does not strike me as a dirty team.
Or does that make the opponents equally dirty? 
I will say FY Yablonovskiy who got the other YC2/RC pushes the envelope with chippiness and has lost his composure at times.  I think the Babson coach needed to sit him down after the 1st YC for the remainder of the match.
Coach Anderson played at a time when the physicality of NE soccer was far, far, greater than what we see today.  That in no way excuses physical excesses.  It does nothing for me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!

Same Conn team that experienced back-to-back games last year with players red-carded off for using racial and homophobic slurs?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on September 26, 2023, 02:15:51 PM
Whoa. Spicy!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 26, 2023, 02:21:51 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!

Same Conn team that experienced back-to-back games last year with players red-carded off for using racial and homophobic slurs?

To be fair, the red card they got vs Midd last year was for an off the ball cheap shot.  The slur was dropped by the ejected player after he did the cheap shot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:27:07 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on September 26, 2023, 02:21:51 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!

Same Conn team that experienced back-to-back games last year with players red-carded off for using racial and homophobic slurs?

To be fair, the red card they got vs Midd last year was for an off the ball cheap shot.  The slur was dropped by the ejected player after he did the cheap shot.

Yes, you're correct! Such heinous behavior, I forgot the sequence of events.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on September 26, 2023, 04:42:53 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!

Same Conn team that experienced back-to-back games last year with players red-carded off for using racial and homophobic slurs?

Wow!  First I'm hearing of this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 26, 2023, 06:23:01 PM
I recall seeing the send off against Middlebury live.  I recall thinking that the Conn player sent off had made a really poor decision.  I don't recall any commentary after that game or later (until now) about allegations of racist and homphobic slurs.

Nevertheless, this is the kind of thing that often happens when a brand-new poster comes in hot with guns blazing seemingly intent on making a fool of himself.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheNescacRat on September 26, 2023, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!

Same Conn team that experienced back-to-back games last year with players red-carded off for using racial and homophobic slurs?

What do you mean back-to-back games? This didn't happen for Conn so you may be very confused.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 27, 2023, 12:16:13 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 26, 2023, 06:23:01 PM
I recall seeing the send off against Middlebury live.  I recall thinking that the Conn player sent off had made a really poor decision.  I don't recall any commentary after that game or later (until now) about allegations of racist and homphobic slurs.

Nevertheless, this is the kind of thing that often happens when a brand-new poster comes in hot with guns blazing seemingly intent on making a fool of himself.
PN:  I was there, and the comment was definitely said.  The Conn player made a remark that referenced a players ethnicity and was homophobic in nature.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Coach Jeff on September 27, 2023, 09:53:49 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on September 27, 2023, 12:16:13 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on September 26, 2023, 06:23:01 PM
I recall seeing the send off against Middlebury live.  I recall thinking that the Conn player sent off had made a really poor decision.  I don't recall any commentary after that game or later (until now) about allegations of racist and homphobic slurs.

Nevertheless, this is the kind of thing that often happens when a brand-new poster comes in hot with guns blazing seemingly intent on making a fool of himself.
PN:  I was there, and the comment was definitely said.  The Conn player made a remark that referenced a players ethnicity and was homophobic in nature.

There is no place for this type of action on the soccer field or in life.  I hope the coach and university takes this seriously 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 10:12:24 AM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 26, 2023, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!

Same Conn team that experienced back-to-back games last year with players red-carded off for using racial and homophobic slurs?

What do you mean back-to-back games? This didn't happen for Conn so you may be very confused.

I'm mistaken. It wasn't back-to-back. The infractions occurred 10 days apart, against Wheaton and Middlebury. But the red card ejections and the reasons behind them were the same.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheNescacRat on September 27, 2023, 10:25:32 AM
Quote from: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 10:12:24 AM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 26, 2023, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!

Same Conn team that experienced back-to-back games last year with players red-carded off for using racial and homophobic slurs?

What do you mean back-to-back games? This didn't happen for Conn so you may be very confused.

I'm mistaken. It wasn't back-to-back. The infractions occurred 10 days apart, against Wheaton and Middlebury. But the red card ejections and the reasons behind them were the same.

The red card against Wheaton had nothing to do with slurs used or verbal exchange. In fact, nothing happened that was deserving of a red card in the Wheaton game. The ref made a mistake and thought he was elbowing a player intentionally when running in for a last-minute free kick.

I'd love to know how you came up with that, did you just want to add on to a narrative? And to add in on the Conn v Midd game, Saint Louis referenced a Conn player's ethnicity in the verbal exchanges after the red card was given so we can go back and forth here
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 11:03:41 AM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 27, 2023, 10:25:32 AM
Quote from: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 10:12:24 AM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 26, 2023, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!

Same Conn team that experienced back-to-back games last year with players red-carded off for using racial and homophobic slurs?

What do you mean back-to-back games? This didn't happen for Conn so you may be very confused.

I'm mistaken. It wasn't back-to-back. The infractions occurred 10 days apart, against Wheaton and Middlebury. But the red card ejections and the reasons behind them were the same.

The red card against Wheaton had nothing to do with slurs used or verbal exchange. In fact, nothing happened that was deserving of a red card in the Wheaton game. The ref made a mistake and thought he was elbowing a player intentionally when running in for a last-minute free kick.

I'd love to know how you came up with that, did you just want to add on to a narrative? And to add in on the Conn v Midd game, Saint Louis referenced a Conn player's ethnicity in the verbal exchanges after the red card was given so we can go back and forth here

Was a Conn player disciplined prior to the Middlebury game for uttering homophobic slurs in a match? Yes or no? I know for a fact this was the case. Did a Conn player drop racial and ethnic slurs on a Midd player after being ejected? Yes or no? I know for a fact this occurred.

This is my response to the first-post braggadocio that Conn "is far from a dirty team" ...and will win the NESCAC on the back of "class play." And it appears others in attendance have access to these same set of facts.

Case closed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on September 27, 2023, 11:33:51 AM
Quote from: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 11:03:41 AM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 27, 2023, 10:25:32 AM
Quote from: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 10:12:24 AM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 26, 2023, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!

Same Conn team that experienced back-to-back games last year with players red-carded off for using racial and homophobic slurs?

What do you mean back-to-back games? This didn't happen for Conn so you may be very confused.

I'm mistaken. It wasn't back-to-back. The infractions occurred 10 days apart, against Wheaton and Middlebury. But the red card ejections and the reasons behind them were the same.

The red card against Wheaton had nothing to do with slurs used or verbal exchange. In fact, nothing happened that was deserving of a red card in the Wheaton game. The ref made a mistake and thought he was elbowing a player intentionally when running in for a last-minute free kick.

I'd love to know how you came up with that, did you just want to add on to a narrative? And to add in on the Conn v Midd game, Saint Louis referenced a Conn player's ethnicity in the verbal exchanges after the red card was given so we can go back and forth here

Was a Conn player disciplined prior to the Middlebury game for uttering homophobic slurs in a match? Yes or no? I know for a fact this was the case. Did a Conn player drop racial and ethnic slurs on a Midd player after being ejected? Yes or no? I know for a fact this occurred.

This is my response to the first-post braggadocio that Conn "is far from a dirty team" ...and will win the NESCAC on the back of "class play." And it appears others in attendance have access to these same set of facts.

Case closed.
I wouldn't condone the behavior described above just as much as I'd caution labelling a team after one incident a year ago with one player. If you are referring to the Wheaton game as a second example - the red card was for physical play in the box and nothing to do with language.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheNescacRat on September 27, 2023, 12:42:50 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 11:03:41 AM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 27, 2023, 10:25:32 AM
Quote from: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 10:12:24 AM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 26, 2023, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!

Same Conn team that experienced back-to-back games last year with players red-carded off for using racial and homophobic slurs?

What do you mean back-to-back games? This didn't happen for Conn so you may be very confused.

I'm mistaken. It wasn't back-to-back. The infractions occurred 10 days apart, against Wheaton and Middlebury. But the red card ejections and the reasons behind them were the same.

The red card against Wheaton had nothing to do with slurs used or verbal exchange. In fact, nothing happened that was deserving of a red card in the Wheaton game. The ref made a mistake and thought he was elbowing a player intentionally when running in for a last-minute free kick.

I'd love to know how you came up with that, did you just want to add on to a narrative? And to add in on the Conn v Midd game, Saint Louis referenced a Conn player's ethnicity in the verbal exchanges after the red card was given so we can go back and forth here

Was a Conn player disciplined prior to the Middlebury game for uttering homophobic slurs in a match? Yes or no? I know for a fact this was the case. Did a Conn player drop racial and ethnic slurs on a Midd player after being ejected? Yes or no? I know for a fact this occurred.

This is my response to the first-post braggadocio that Conn "is far from a dirty team" ...and will win the NESCAC on the back of "class play." And it appears others in attendance have access to these same set of facts.

Case closed.

No, you are incorrect about the Wheaton game, that is why I responded to you. This did not occur, and you must be confused again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 01:09:33 PM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 27, 2023, 12:42:50 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 11:03:41 AM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 27, 2023, 10:25:32 AM
Quote from: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 10:12:24 AM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 26, 2023, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!

Same Conn team that experienced back-to-back games last year with players red-carded off for using racial and homophobic slurs?

What do you mean back-to-back games? This didn't happen for Conn so you may be very confused.

I'm mistaken. It wasn't back-to-back. The infractions occurred 10 days apart, against Wheaton and Middlebury. But the red card ejections and the reasons behind them were the same.

The red card against Wheaton had nothing to do with slurs used or verbal exchange. In fact, nothing happened that was deserving of a red card in the Wheaton game. The ref made a mistake and thought he was elbowing a player intentionally when running in for a last-minute free kick.

I'd love to know how you came up with that, did you just want to add on to a narrative? And to add in on the Conn v Midd game, Saint Louis referenced a Conn player's ethnicity in the verbal exchanges after the red card was given so we can go back and forth here

Was a Conn player disciplined prior to the Middlebury game for uttering homophobic slurs in a match? Yes or no? I know for a fact this was the case. Did a Conn player drop racial and ethnic slurs on a Midd player after being ejected? Yes or no? I know for a fact this occurred.

This is my response to the first-post braggadocio that Conn "is far from a dirty team" ...and will win the NESCAC on the back of "class play." And it appears others in attendance have access to these same set of facts.

Case closed.

No, you are incorrect about the Wheaton game, that is why I responded to you. This did not occur, and you must be confused again.

Read what I wrote. I may have been mistaken about the Wheaton red card. What I'm not mistaken about is that a Conn player was disciplined for uttering homophobic slurs directed at an opponent, PRIOR to this happening again at Middlebury.

Classy, indeed.

Not confused here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheNescacRat on September 27, 2023, 01:13:09 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 01:09:33 PM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 27, 2023, 12:42:50 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 11:03:41 AM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 27, 2023, 10:25:32 AM
Quote from: Bucket on September 27, 2023, 10:12:24 AM
Quote from: TheNescacRat on September 26, 2023, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 26, 2023, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Moose on September 26, 2023, 12:44:11 PM
Connecticut College is far from a dirty team. Babson put in some disgusting tackles that have no place in the sport and Conn captain Alessandro Horvath-Diano was protecting his teammates. Connecticut College will win the NESCAC on the backs of senior leadership and class play!

Same Conn team that experienced back-to-back games last year with players red-carded off for using racial and homophobic slurs?

What do you mean back-to-back games? This didn't happen for Conn so you may be very confused.

I'm mistaken. It wasn't back-to-back. The infractions occurred 10 days apart, against Wheaton and Middlebury. But the red card ejections and the reasons behind them were the same.

The red card against Wheaton had nothing to do with slurs used or verbal exchange. In fact, nothing happened that was deserving of a red card in the Wheaton game. The ref made a mistake and thought he was elbowing a player intentionally when running in for a last-minute free kick.

I'd love to know how you came up with that, did you just want to add on to a narrative? And to add in on the Conn v Midd game, Saint Louis referenced a Conn player's ethnicity in the verbal exchanges after the red card was given so we can go back and forth here

Was a Conn player disciplined prior to the Middlebury game for uttering homophobic slurs in a match? Yes or no? I know for a fact this was the case. Did a Conn player drop racial and ethnic slurs on a Midd player after being ejected? Yes or no? I know for a fact this occurred.

This is my response to the first-post braggadocio that Conn "is far from a dirty team" ...and will win the NESCAC on the back of "class play." And it appears others in attendance have access to these same set of facts.

Case closed.

No, you are incorrect about the Wheaton game, that is why I responded to you. This did not occur, and you must be confused again.

Read what I wrote. I may have been mistaken about the Wheaton red card. What I'm not mistaken about is that a Conn player was disciplined for uttering homophobic slurs directed at an opponent, PRIOR to this happening again at Middlebury.

Classy, indeed.

Not confused here.

LOL, I've been reading everything you have said. First it was "back-to-back games" then it was "Wheaton" now it's "I may have been mistaken...but I'm definitely sure at some point a player has been disciplined prior to Midd"

You want to enlighten everyone who the opponent was? Clearly it wasn't Wheaton and Conn didn't have any other red cards, so if you are so sure then tell us.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 27, 2023, 01:31:40 PM
In 2022 Con got red cards at both Wheaton and Middlebury, what seems to be in dispute here?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 27, 2023, 06:07:13 PM
Amherst 1 Babson 2

Babson scored with what looked like a superb shot (the Livestream struggled to keep up) from outside the area with five seconds to go.  Up until that point, I would have said a draw was a fair result, but that goal definitely deserved to win a game.  Amherst had led and in the ten minutes or so after that goal, had chances to go further ahead, but all credit to the Beavers who hung in there.  All up, after what has been a very good run, the Mammoths looked a bit flat today and will need to freshen up ahead of Saturday's clash with Williams. 

Foul count: Amherst 21 Babson 16

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on September 27, 2023, 06:19:25 PM
Babson stunned amHurst's direct play (21 fouls) with a well-deserved upset at amHurst. An ugly loss .... Oh well, it was a beautiful day for being outside ....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 27, 2023, 06:20:21 PM
Coverage was good for most of the game, at about the middle of the second half problems started, logged out and then try to get back in Hudl , was asking for subscription.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on September 28, 2023, 11:34:31 AM
Amherst - Babson
Play by play was clear and impartial. Student doing the camera should study hard because camera career is not in their future. Well officiated from what I could tell from the poor camera work and sun glare.
Babson backs shutdown Okorogheye and Cubeddu. It was interesting to see Serpone moving them around to try to find the crack in the Babson back line. Serpone was all class with his post game remarks.  This Amherst team did not play with the edge i am accustomed to seeing.

Game of the week for Amherst Saturday as they host Williams. .

Tufts-Wesleyan
Only caught 2nd half.
Decent camera but you have to turn off the freshman super-fans doing the broadcast.

Teams were very even and the result seemed reflective of the battle.  Saw nothing spectacular.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 28, 2023, 11:48:14 AM
My understanding is that it was the Mammoths' first non-conference loss in the regular season, since (and apologies if this is a mistake, I only checked once), a 1-0 loss to Western New England in 2005.  I can't speak for the team or coaching staff ( they are way more articulate than me), but I would be very surprised if that didn't burn just a little bit.  It was also Amherst's first loss in 23 and I would expect that didn't feel too good either. 

I haven't gone back to check exactly what I said after the Babson game last year, but I did think they were the best team I saw in the flesh last year.  The team had clearly experienced some tumult of their own very recently, but I wasn't surprised they matched up well.

The good news for the Mammoths is that there is an immediate chance for redemption against Williams on Saturday.  I suspect a much improved performance from the Purple.

Sadly, I will get to watch on my laptop in downtown Enmore after three fun weeks here.  Thanks to everyone who has shown me kindness and friendship whilst I have been here, both Amherst and otherwise and to the people who shouted out, "Hey EnmoreCat!", you made my day!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: TheNescacRat on September 28, 2023, 12:04:39 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 28, 2023, 11:48:14 AM
My understanding is that it was the Mammoths' first non-conference loss in the regular season, since (and apologies if this is a mistake, I only checked once), a 1-0 loss to Western New England in 2005.  I can't speak for the team or coaching staff ( they are way more articulate than me), but I would be very surprised if that didn't burn just a little bit.  It was also Amherst's first loss in 23 and I would expect that didn't feel too good either. 

I haven't gone back to check exactly what I said after the Babson game last year, but I did think they were the best team I saw in the flesh last year.  The team had clearly experienced some tumult of their own very recently, but I wasn't surprised they matched up well.

The good news for the Mammoths is that there is an immediate chance for redemption against Williams on Saturday.  I suspect a much improved performance from the Purple.

Sadly, I will get to watch on my laptop in downtown Enmore after three fun weeks here.  Thanks to everyone who has shown me kindness and friendship whilst I have been here, both Amherst and otherwise and to the people who shouted out, "Hey EnmoreCat!", you made my day!

I feel sorry for Williams because Amherst will be pissed off from the loss yesterday. Amherst 2-0 or 3-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 28, 2023, 12:11:37 PM
Not sure what to say about Amherst, but I would rather play them than Conn!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 28, 2023, 12:16:47 PM
Fwiw, Williams is also coming off a home loss to Bowdoin.  Surprised to see any suggestion that Amherst is gonna roll over the Ephs...or that the Mammoths are gonna get 3 past Mr. Diffley.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 28, 2023, 12:19:33 PM
have a 0-0 , in my pool.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on September 28, 2023, 07:12:09 PM
The very divergent views of Williams are interesting.  When I saw them live last year and this year, they seemed solid but not special.  Yet they went on a crazy and unexpected tournament run last year and their stinginess on defense has continued into this year (last weekend excepted).  Will be very interesting to see how Williams and Amherst bounce back from losses.  I don't see a scenario where Williams pulls out a win.  Given the intensity of the rivalry and Serpone's competitiveness (especially following a loss), I would expect Amherst to win by at least two.  Definitely the game of the week.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on September 28, 2023, 08:02:09 PM
This is a good exchange.  I personally think the NESCAC is even less predictable this year.  I don't think there's any guarantee that a pissed Amherst travels to Williamstown and easily triumphs by 2+ goals.

I've watched most or all of Bowdoin's matches in person or online so far this season.  I would say that Conn gave them the toughest challenge, despite Bowdoin falling 0-2 down to Middlebury in the first 15 minutes last weekend.  I think any of the top 5-6 teams can beat any of the other top 5-6 teams on any given day...home or away.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on September 29, 2023, 08:23:23 AM
Quote from: northman on September 28, 2023, 08:02:09 PM
This is a good exchange.  I personally think the NESCAC is even less predictable this year.  I don't think there's any guarantee that a pissed Amherst travels to Williamstown and easily triumphs by 2+ goals.

I've watched most or all of Bowdoin's matches in person or online so far this season.  I would say that Conn gave them the toughest challenge, despite Bowdoin falling 0-2 down to Middlebury in the first 15 minutes last weekend.  I think any of the top 5-6 teams can beat any of the other top 5-6 teams on any given day...home or away.


No doubt.  The top of the NESCAC will continue to be a battle. Amherst is very very good.  Conn is very very good and Tufts is very very good.  Mid and Bowdoin seem right behind them which means nothing since every game is a battle. All 5 teams have a chance to make it to VA in December.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on September 29, 2023, 09:04:27 AM
Quote from: coach analytics on September 29, 2023, 08:23:23 AM
Quote from: northman on September 28, 2023, 08:02:09 PM
This is a good exchange.  I personally think the NESCAC is even less predictable this year.  I don't think there's any guarantee that a pissed Amherst travels to Williamstown and easily triumphs by 2+ goals.

I've watched most or all of Bowdoin's matches in person or online so far this season.  I would say that Conn gave them the toughest challenge, despite Bowdoin falling 0-2 down to Middlebury in the first 15 minutes last weekend.  I think any of the top 5-6 teams can beat any of the other top 5-6 teams on any given day...home or away.


No doubt.  The top of the NESCAC will continue to be a battle. Amherst is very very good.  Conn is very very good and Tufts is very very good.  Mid and Bowdoin seem right behind them which means nothing since every game is a battle. All 5 teams have a chance to make it to VA in December.

Coach analytics, curious how you came up with your rankings.  I agree the top teams are very close.  I wouldn't have expected you to have Conn and Tufts ahead of Midd.  Massey rating and power have the teams in slightly different order but all in the top 8.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on September 29, 2023, 05:49:58 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on September 29, 2023, 09:04:27 AM
Quote from: coach analytics on September 29, 2023, 08:23:23 AM
Quote from: northman on September 28, 2023, 08:02:09 PM
This is a good exchange.  I personally think the NESCAC is even less predictable this year.  I don't think there's any guarantee that a pissed Amherst travels to Williamstown and easily triumphs by 2+ goals.

I've watched most or all of Bowdoin's matches in person or online so far this season.  I would say that Conn gave them the toughest challenge, despite Bowdoin falling 0-2 down to Middlebury in the first 15 minutes last weekend.  I think any of the top 5-6 teams can beat any of the other top 5-6 teams on any given day...home or away.


No doubt.  The top of the NESCAC will continue to be a battle. Amherst is very very good.  Conn is very very good and Tufts is very very good.  Mid and Bowdoin seem right behind them which means nothing since every game is a battle. All 5 teams have a chance to make it to VA in December.

Coach analytics, curious how you came up with your rankings.  I agree the top teams are very close.  I wouldn't have expected you to have Conn and Tufts ahead of Midd.  Massey rating and power have the teams in slightly different order but all in the top 8.


I look at a combination of things including....record, returning players from last year, i click through on the box score to try to get a feel for the game and i try to watch as much as possible especially the goals to see how has special players that can create their own chances

While they tied, Amherst outplayed Mid by a fair amount
Tufts also out played Amherst despite the 3-1 result
Conn has been very convincing and the win over Babson looks good
Midd actually got out played by Hamilton despite the result.
Bowdoin lost a lot from last year although their league results have been solid so for.
Williams lost a lot from last year when they scored on an ot of set pieces and still struggle to score goals against solid teams...hard to see their good luck continuing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on September 29, 2023, 08:57:40 PM
I love that we all see the same exact games/teams with completely different opinions.  That is what makes this so much fun.
Title: Trinity!
Post by: Viking on September 30, 2023, 01:30:49 PM
Sending a digital flying shoulder bump to everyone in the extended Trinity College men's soccer family. I can't even pretend to understand the weight that must have been building on players, alumni, parents, coaching staff, athletics staff, and beyond as the streak lengthened. What a release. Love it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 30, 2023, 01:54:07 PM
congrats!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 30, 2023, 01:59:28 PM
Camels vs Hamilton - 2-1 after 11 minutes.  Amazing ... and looks like will be a lot more goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 30, 2023, 02:00:22 PM
Scoffone scores a beauty to send the Camels ahead!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on September 30, 2023, 02:03:47 PM
Now Camels 2 - Hamilton 2 ... after 21 minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 30, 2023, 03:51:57 PM
Did Williams win? NCAA had the score for Williams for sometime.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2023, 04:00:38 PM
Quote from: camosfan on September 30, 2023, 03:51:57 PM
Did Williams win? NCAA had the score for Williams for sometime.

Cubbedu just bent home a free kick spotting Diffley, who was anticipating a cross, off his line. Pace on the shot but it was 35+ yards out. 1-0 Mammoths 64'.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on September 30, 2023, 04:18:53 PM
Okorogheye slips while shooting/crossing from 25 yards out, it loops in the top right over Diffley. 2-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 30, 2023, 05:12:51 PM
Amherst 2 Williams 1

Not for the first time, PN was 100 % right:

"or that the Mammoths are gonna get 3 past Mr. Diffley."

It was my first proper look at Williams and given some jetlag after making it back Down Under, this result represented the second of what has been a pretty good morning (the Crystal Palace win was part one in case you need to know) and one I was able to watch whilst wide awake.

The game did get transferred from TBTTIHF to Gooding Field and I think right now and this will run counter to a popular narrative on these boards, it suits the Amherst style as they are keeping the ball, whilst at the same time, moving it quickly.  I felt Amherst dominated the first half, but equally, Williams defended resolutely and effectively.  Whilst Williams did have their moments, had the Mammoths gone in 1-0 at half-time, I am not sure there could have been too many complaints.  Amherst got the ball in the Williams box repeatedly, but were unable to get a decisive blow.

Second half started much like the first and 63 minutes in, the Amherst 10 scored what I understand in that part of the world, is described as a "banger" and which I suspect in these parts would get a similar description.  It was a free kick which I have only seen once, but it looked at that glance like the Williams keeper, might have not quite positioned himself properly and that little opening was all that was needed.  Unfortunate for him as his general handling and field kicking was pretty solid.  In the 76th minute came the icing on the cake, with one of the co-captains hitting one from distance, with the Williams keeper out of the picture.  To my purple tinted eyes, 2-0 felt pretty fair, but with Amherst content to sit deeper, the Ephs (not sure what an Eph is by the way) got what proved to be only a consolation with just over two minutes to go.  Whilst this correspondent would have been much happier with a clean sheet, the last two minutes were relatively stress free and that was that, but did of course mean that YankeeSoccerDad and Northmans' forecasts were just out, but we can forgive them for that.

Not sure if the commentator was wondering why no one was at TBTTIHF, but he/she didn't find their way to Gooding Field and with the camera work being done from the bleachers side, it did make for some audience participation that wasn't really filtered.  I recognized a few Mammoths' voices and was glad to hear the support.  I can't really confect much animosity towards Williams, despite knowing the nature of the rivalry, but know that everyone present today will feel quite different.  For the Mammoths, some redemption after the disappointing Babson result and hopefully the train is back on the track.  Conn is next, so things don't exactly get any easier and it's just a reminder of why NESCAC is the by far the most challenging conference.

Foul Count: Amherst 16 Williams 9



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Maine Soccer Fan on September 30, 2023, 05:36:10 PM
Re: Amherst @ Williams

I don't think there is a lot to say. Amherst is a strong team and finds a way to score, especially against a suspect keeper.

Williams, playing at home in front of a good crowd on a beautiful day for soccer, managed to put 2 of 5 shots on goal. They scored a consolation goal in the 88th minute but a team entering the season ranked in the top 5 only managed 5 shots. They played a bit like a Mourinho team that is happy to cede possession and absorb pressure. Except, unlike Mourinho teams, it has no idea how to counter attack or press or even pass the ball in the attacking half. I had hoped for a more interesting game.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on September 30, 2023, 06:19:20 PM
Congrats to Trinity for getting the monkey off their back!  I have always been impressed with how hard they fought in every game I have seen notwithstanding their W-L record. Last year they nearly pulled off a tie against Bowdoin despite playing a man down after a double yellow/red. Bowdoin scored in the last two minutes to pull out the win, but Trinity had an impressive game.

So, EnmoreCat, I was two minutes away from being right?  I am not surprised it took a while to break Williams down but fully expected Amherst to come out angry and effective. I was surprised to see Diffley described by Maine Soccer Fan as suspect. He is a big guy with a long record of shutouts. You don't often see bangers in the NESCAC—most goals come from scrums in the box, where size is a big advantage.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 30, 2023, 06:23:29 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on September 30, 2023, 05:36:10 PM
Re: Amherst @ Williams

I don't think there is a lot to say. Amherst is a strong team and finds a way to score, especially against a suspect keeper.

Williams, playing at home in front of a good crowd on a beautiful day for soccer, managed to put 2 of 5 shots on goal. They scored a consolation goal in the 88th minute but a team entering the season ranked in the top 5 only managed 5 shots. They played a bit like a Mourinho team that is happy to cede possession and absorb pressure. Except, unlike Mourinho teams, it has no idea how to counter attack or press or even pass the ball in the attacking half. I had hoped for a more interesting game.

MSD, the lawn must look great because apparently you missed that the game was at Amherst.  Also might be a little unfair to speak of a "suspect keeper."  Didn't watch and perhaps he had a rough game by his standards but he did keep Amherst off the board for 63 minutes and did carry Williams, along with Boardman, through a NCAA gauntlet all the way to the national final.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Maine Soccer Fan on September 30, 2023, 06:59:45 PM
Indeed, it was at Amherst. The artificial turf threw me off and I had the commentators muted! A thousand apologies.

Much to my wife's chagrin, the lawn did not get mowed.

I'd encourage you to have a look at the goals and judge for yourself how soft they were
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 30, 2023, 07:04:57 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on September 30, 2023, 06:59:45 PM
Indeed, it was at Amherst. The artificial turf threw me off and I had the commentators muted! A thousand apologies.

Much to my wife's chagrin, the lawn did not get mowed.

I'd encourage you to have a look at the goals and judge for yourself how soft they were

I'm gonna assume that the goals he yielded were atrocious, but, like I suggested, everyone can have an off day.  I think he did have 7 or 8 saves.  I mean, maybe he sucks, but he was D3soccer.com national GK of the year.

Anyway, Cubbedu scoring is good news for Amherst.  Probably the Mammoths' most dynamic player and owner of one of the most important goals in Amherst history with a walk-off "banger" in OT in a national semi against Chicago.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on September 30, 2023, 07:35:26 PM
Cubbedu , does not look as good as previous years, not playing last year may have reduced his sharpness.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on September 30, 2023, 07:52:35 PM
Quote from: camosfan on September 30, 2023, 07:35:26 PM
Cubbedu , does not look as good as previous years, not playing last year may have reduced his sharpness.

Hmmmm.....2nd in points for a top 5 team in the country...got Amherst on the board after a scoreless deadlock today on a shot from 35 yards out.

Not playing last year may not have effected him as much as recovering from an ACL or whatever it was....as we know, most players coming off a devastating season-ending injury can take two full years to be 100%...not so much from rust but from gradually increased confidence about trusting the rehabbed knee.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 30, 2023, 09:22:07 PM
So, some responses:

Yankee Soccer Dad: two minutes can be a long time in D3 Soccer!

Maine Soccer Fan: I think for the first goal, not many players in this division could firstly, identify the opportunity and secondly, successfully execute.  I would suggest the Amherst 10 should be given real credit for doing so.  Ultimately, keeper positioning has the likelihood of being a factor in most goals and we do encourage players to try and shoot where the custodian isn't.

Camos Fan: Having seen him close up, I think the Amherst 10's 2023 form has been pretty good and he is exciting to watch on the ball.  With apologies to those in here with a finance background as I am about to deliberately mangle something, but I think his "Sharp" ratio is pretty impressive and if there is still a possible gap to previous form, then he is beginning to fill that and that bodes well for what comes next.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Maine Soccer Fan on September 30, 2023, 09:56:06 PM
That was definitely a nicely struck ball but you could've driven a truck through the space the keeper vacated. Stevie Wonder would've noticed that gap.

I've seen middle schoolers lob keepers like that...but the keeper in question is usually 5' 5" and pre-pubescent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on September 30, 2023, 10:04:08 PM
I watched most of this game.  Admittedly, online spectating is not quite the same as in-person.  Amherst predictably dominated in their offensive third for most of the game.  Williams looked pretty anemic offensively.  That said, my perception was that Diffley...who otherwise played a strong and consistent game in net...simply wasn't prepared for a long strike.  As someone else said, he was out of position and late to react.  Cubeddu certainly deserves credit for taking a chance and hitting a banger from 30+ yards.

I reckon you could say that it was the result of a physical scrum between two competitive teams, but I didn't see a lot of convincing possession from either team.  I think both teams will have vulnerabilities as the season progresses.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 01, 2023, 08:23:17 AM
Game of the week coming up Tuesday, when Con visits Amherst!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 01, 2023, 10:25:34 AM
Middlebury 2 Wesleyan 0

I was expecting a bit more from Wesleyan off their tie against Tufts.  Middlebury attacked early and often, and should have been up at halftime, but an excellent goalline clearance from a Wes defender and some wasteful finishing meant it was scoreless at the half.  Midd got 2nd half goals from St. Louis and Duggan to close out the win.  First game for Midd after the loss of their midfield dynamo Shane Farrell, who is out for the season with a torn ACL suffered in the Bates game.  Midd (6-0-2, 3-0-2) now hits the road for an extended spell, with visits to Vassar on Tuesday and Colby on Saturday
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 01, 2023, 01:57:30 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 01, 2023, 08:23:17 AM
Game of the week coming up Tuesday, when Con visits Amherst!

and Tufts travels to Babson
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 01, 2023, 02:40:47 PM
Can't make it to Babson since I will be in Medford Saturday for senior's day, but will be watching both, one at 3:30 and the other at 4!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 01, 2023, 04:31:19 PM
Bowdoin 1--Wheaton 1

This couldn't have been what Bowdoin envisioned when adding Wheaton to their non-conference schedule.  Now that Bowdoin has lights and can host night-time games, they started going further afield to add teams outside Maine for non-conference games.  The game was supposed to have been played on Wheaton's grass field at 2:00 pm, but the forecast caused the game to be shifted Friday night to 8:00 pm Saturday on the Wheaton turf field.  The change didn't really help, as the game was played in a light rain/mist anyway.

The player introductions were peculiar--the Wheaton announcer described the two Bowdoin 5th year senior starters as graduate students.  Each player took a covid gap year away from school and Bowdoin doesn't have a graduate program.  It wasn't clear where the announcer got the program notes.

Wheaton go the better start, playing with more intensity and energy and scoring the first goal after 27 minutes.  Bowdoin bounced back and got the equalizer in the second half.  Bowdoin had the better second half and had about a 2:1 edge in shots, SOG and corners, but wasn't able to break the tie.

Not a great game for Bowdoin, but better to get the hiccups out of the way earlier rather than later. 

Next week is another conference double header, with senior day Saturday against Trinity (coming in hot off their conference win) and a Sunday match against Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 01, 2023, 04:51:35 PM
Sometimes in preparation teams are too focused on the next game, often at the peril of the current game: maybe coach was rotating players?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 01, 2023, 05:24:15 PM
I think the normal starters started.  I suspect that the change in schedule may have thrown Bowdoin off a bit...but I think it was mostly a matter of complacency and not coming out with the intensity level that is brought to conference games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 05:29:44 PM
Or, we could give the NEWMAC just a little credit....in a matter of days Babson knocks off mightly Amherst and Wheaton holds red-hot Bowdoin to a draw.

When the NESCAC rarely plays top level out of conference matches it's easy to keep the narrative going that they simply are too good for everyone else outside the conference.  Let's mix in Oneonta, Cortland, Rochester, Messiah, Rowan, Montclair, F&M, Hopkins, Stevens, etc, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 01, 2023, 05:38:42 PM
That's undoubtedly a valid point, PN...but there's no question that NESCAC teams get the most fired up and intense about conference games.  I've witnessed this consistently over the years.  It doesn't mean that NEWMAC teams are of any lower quality.

A little piece of history between these two teams.  My son played for Bowdoin coach (and fiery Irishman) Fran O'Leary from 2008-2011.  Before my son's time, Bowdoin played Wheaton (MA) pretty much every year...until Fran got into a dustup with Wheaton coach Matt Cushing.  Matt promptly took Bowdoin off Wheaton's schedule from that day forward.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 05:52:46 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 05:29:44 PM
Or, we could give the NEWMAC just a little credit....in a matter of days Babson knocks off mightly Amherst and Wheaton holds red-hot Bowdoin to a draw.

When the NESCAC rarely plays top level out of conference matches it's easy to keep the narrative going that they simply are too good for everyone else outside the conference.  Let's mix in Oneonta, Cortland, Rochester, Messiah, Rowan, Montclair, F&M, Hopkins, Stevens, etc, etc.

Indeed!  Test your meddle a bit more out of conference.....in the long run it benefits the conference to do so....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 06:15:44 PM
Quote from: northman on October 01, 2023, 05:38:42 PM
That's undoubtedly a valid point, PN...but there's no question that NESCAC teams get the most fired up and intense about conference games.  I've witnessed this consistently over the years.  It doesn't mean that NEWMAC teams are of any lower quality.

A little piece of history between these two teams.  My son played for Bowdoin coach (and fiery Irishman) Fran O'Leary from 2008-2011.  Before my son's time, Bowdoin played Wheaton (MA) pretty much every year...until Fran got into a dustup with Wheaton coach Matt Cushing.  Matt promptly took Bowdoin off Wheaton's schedule from that day forward.

LOL, northman.  You never miss an opportunity.  Whether Dave Matthews or Wheaton, all roads lead back to Bowdoin (and Brown).

Are you telling me Tufts or Amherst or Bowdoin wouldn't get up for Messiah?  Or Oneonta?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 01, 2023, 06:23:19 PM
I give credit to Wheaton—they deserved the tie and played with greater intensity and urgency. I thought Bowdoin looked flat relative to what they are capable of.

Favorites sometimes underestimate their opponents. If that is what happened, a lesson was learned.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 01, 2023, 07:05:07 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 06:15:44 PM
Quote from: northman on October 01, 2023, 05:38:42 PM
That's undoubtedly a valid point, PN...but there's no question that NESCAC teams get the most fired up and intense about conference games.  I've witnessed this consistently over the years.  It doesn't mean that NEWMAC teams are of any lower quality.

A little piece of history between these two teams.  My son played for Bowdoin coach (and fiery Irishman) Fran O'Leary from 2008-2011.  Before my son's time, Bowdoin played Wheaton (MA) pretty much every year...until Fran got into a dustup with Wheaton coach Matt Cushing.  Matt promptly took Bowdoin off Wheaton's schedule from that day forward.

LOL, northman.  You never miss an opportunity.  Whether Dave Matthews or Wheaton, all roads lead back to Bowdoin (and Brown).

Are you telling me Tufts or Amherst or Bowdoin wouldn't get up for Messiah?  Or Oneonta?

I enjoy your inclination to be provocative, PN!  And you're absolutely right...in my unique universe, all roads do lead back to Brown and Bowdoin.  That said, I stand by my observation that NESCAC teams do get more focused and more energized for conference games.  Not just in soccer, but across most sports.

And...don't many roads also lead back to Kenyon?  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 07:18:16 PM
Quote from: northman on October 01, 2023, 07:05:07 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 06:15:44 PM
Quote from: northman on October 01, 2023, 05:38:42 PM
That's undoubtedly a valid point, PN...but there's no question that NESCAC teams get the most fired up and intense about conference games.  I've witnessed this consistently over the years.  It doesn't mean that NEWMAC teams are of any lower quality.

A little piece of history between these two teams.  My son played for Bowdoin coach (and fiery Irishman) Fran O'Leary from 2008-2011.  Before my son's time, Bowdoin played Wheaton (MA) pretty much every year...until Fran got into a dustup with Wheaton coach Matt Cushing.  Matt promptly took Bowdoin off Wheaton's schedule from that day forward.

LOL, northman.  You never miss an opportunity.  Whether Dave Matthews or Wheaton, all roads lead back to Bowdoin (and Brown).

Are you telling me Tufts or Amherst or Bowdoin wouldn't get up for Messiah?  Or Oneonta?

I enjoy your inclination to be provocative, PN!  And you're absolutely right...in my unique universe, all roads do lead back to Brown and Bowdoin.  That said, I stand by my observation that NESCAC teams do get more focused and more energized for conference games.  Not just in soccer, but across most sports.

And...don't many roads also lead back to Kenyon?  :)

I appreciate you being good-natured, and I apologize for being so weak.  I had to work really hard on myself not to comment on the Dave Matthews one!

And, yes, absolutely, all roads do lead back to Kenyon, and over the years I have found some incredibly creative ways to work in references to both Kenyon but especially my son.  When I do a read back they aren't quite as clever as I thought.  In any case, I've tried to compensate by commentating on worlds having nothing to do with Kenyon or my kid.

And I can share that I care about all of this 10 times more than my son (who now is 30 lol), and I'd imagine that may be true for your sons as well.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 01, 2023, 07:18:28 PM
I don't think there is any less respect for a non-conference match up, but, all teams are set up on the basis that defeating a conference rival is the perpetual, "six pointer" ((which also may make a great surname) and carries more importance.  I would also think, that depending on the game, some coaches may not want to show their entire hand to an opposition, with a view to the post-season.  None of that downgrades at all, the particular results referenced.  The fact they are bring mentioned does perhaps remind they don't tend to happen all that often.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 07:25:08 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 01, 2023, 07:18:28 PM
I don't think there is any less respect for a non-conference match up, but, all teams are set up on the basis that defeating a conference rival is the perpetual, "six pointer" ((which also may make a great surname) and carries more importance.  I would also think, that depending on the game, some coaches may not want to show their entire hand to an opposition, with a view to the post-season.  None of that downgrades at all, the particular results referenced.  The fact they are bring mentioned does perhaps remind they don't tend to happen all that often.

In full disclosure, the top half of the NESCAC probably wouldn't incur a lot more losses, but if 3 or 4 out of their 6 or so non-conference games were a murderer's row like some other teams face (like a Chicago, JCU, North Park, Calvin, OWU, etc) then they certainly would drop a few more than they do now.

Btw, have you made any headway yet with the NCAA in terms of your proposal for NESCAC being its own division?  On an amusing note, our little back and forth has resulted in me no doubt having more Amherst t-shirts than you....I'm at 4 currently!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 01, 2023, 07:33:46 PM
I watched Babson beat Tufts 2019, the last time Tufts won national championship, Conn struggled against non-conference opponents the year they won. Too much should not be taken from these games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 01, 2023, 07:38:04 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 07:25:08 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 01, 2023, 07:18:28 PM
I don't think there is any less respect for a non-conference match up, but, all teams are set up on the basis that defeating a conference rival is the perpetual, "six pointer" ((which also may make a great surname) and carries more importance.  I would also think, that depending on the game, some coaches may not want to show their entire hand to an opposition, with a view to the post-season.  None of that downgrades at all, the particular results referenced.  The fact they are bring mentioned does perhaps remind they don't tend to happen all that often.

In full disclosure, the top half of the NESCAC probably wouldn't incur a lot more losses than they do now, but if 3 or 4 out of their 6 or so non-conference games were a murderer's row like some other teams face (like a Chicago, JCU, North Park, Calvin, OWU, etc) then they certainly would drop a few more than they do now.

Btw, have you made any headway yet with the NCAA in terms of your proposal for NESCAC being its own division?  On an amusing note, our little back and forth has resulted in me no doubt having more Amherst t-shirts than you....I'm at 4 currently!

The NCAA doesn't appear to be treating it seriously PN, but there was an Australian media mogul, Kerry Packer, who in the 1970s, did something similar with world cricket, essentially professionalizing the game.  I suspect the NCAA has maybe been more caught up with conference re-alignment, but rest assured, should the right media-savy benefactor come along, this idea has definite wings.

As for the Amherst merch, as recently as three weeks ago, you yet again, would have been right, but things have changed in the interim, along with the two caps, I now possess three tops, plus Ms EnmoreCat has three items and one of the Enmore siblings also has two tops (not sure if she will be a regular wearer, she is Sciences Po and Sydney University alumni) so there is a real Mammoth haze in Sydney's inner west.

And Amherst will play Montclair State soon and I would expect that will give a good idea on relativities given how strong a programme operates there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 07:38:27 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 01, 2023, 07:33:46 PM
I watched Babson beat Tufts 2019, the last time Tufts won national championship, Conn struggled against non-conference opponents the year they won. Too much should not be taken from these games.

When somebody makes too much of the games please let us know.  I haven't seen anyone suggest that Babson nipping Amherst or Bowdoin drawing has even the slightest impact on their overall prospects.  You highlighted Amherst at Conn midweek...what weight should we give it either way?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 01, 2023, 08:16:57 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 07:25:08 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 01, 2023, 07:18:28 PM
I don't think there is any less respect for a non-conference match up, but, all teams are set up on the basis that defeating a conference rival is the perpetual, "six pointer" ((which also may make a great surname) and carries more importance.  I would also think, that depending on the game, some coaches may not want to show their entire hand to an opposition, with a view to the post-season.  None of that downgrades at all, the particular results referenced.  The fact they are bring mentioned does perhaps remind they don't tend to happen all that often.

In full disclosure, the top half of the NESCAC probably wouldn't incur a lot more losses, but if 3 or 4 out of their 6 or so non-conference games were a murderer's row like some other teams face (like a Chicago, JCU, North Park, Calvin, OWU, etc) then they certainly would drop a few more than they do now.

Btw, have you made any headway yet with the NCAA in terms of your proposal for NESCAC being its own division?  On an amusing note, our little back and forth has resulted in me no doubt having more Amherst t-shirts than you....I'm at 4 currently!


There is no doubt that if the NESCAC played that kind of schedule they would lose a couple more.  However, most of the team routinely play the strongest NonNescac teams in the region...MTClair St, Babson, Emerson, Oneonta, Vassar WestConn, NYU

..They only have 5 non conference games since they have 10 conf games.  I wrote an article last year on this topic because it does, in fact,  limit flexibility since they are the larges conference.  UAA has far fewer confenence games.

In addition each NESCAC team is almost guaranteed 6+ games against regional teams.  Others across the country are at a disadvantage here.  Even the conference games against the lower regarded teams can be a battle (see Conn Trinity this year). 

In a 15 game schedule, you need a couple of cupcakes. Even with a couple of cupcakes, their SOS tends to be very very high come end of season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 01, 2023, 08:36:48 PM
There is no question that the NESCAC has a number of structural advantages that other schools simply don't have.  They are geographically compact, generally have large endowments, and can attract top D3 caliber student athletes from across the country and internationally.  It would be more surprising if they struggled on the pitch. 

I admire other programs for succeeding at the highest level without the same advantages.  U Chicago is a world class university, but doesn't provide much deference to athletic recruits.  My younger son was a recruit back in the Wiercinski days, so I have some insight.  Plus, they compete in the geographically far flung UAA.

I would guess that one of the only programs that has a unique set of built in advantages is Messiah.  When my younger son's Bowdoin team went to the Final Four in San Antonio way back in 2010, both the Messiah men's and women's team's were in the Final Four that year.  Pretty impressive!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 09:09:29 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on September 30, 2023, 09:56:06 PM
That was definitely a nicely struck ball but you could've driven a truck through the space the keeper vacated. Stevie Wonder would've noticed that gap.

I've seen middle schoolers lob keepers like that...but the keeper in question is usually 5' 5" and pre-pubescent.


Agree - terrible goals to Give up.  Out of position on both - and while we will hear folks chirp about him being named GK of the year - not even that erases the reality of giving up to bad goals.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 09:17:50 PM
Quote from: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 09:09:29 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on September 30, 2023, 09:56:06 PM
That was definitely a nicely struck ball but you could've driven a truck through the space the keeper vacated. Stevie Wonder would've noticed that gap.

I've seen middle schoolers lob keepers like that...but the keeper in question is usually 5' 5" and pre-pubescent.


Agree - terrible goals to Give up.  Out of position on both - and while we will hear folks chirp about him being named GK of the year - not even that erases the reality of giving up to bad goals.

LOL.  I don't think anyone strongly contested that he may have given up a couple of soft goals....the "chirping" was about drawing some sweeping conclusion about that big picture.  And, btw, you don't get NGKOY without some reality that can't be erased.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 09:27:33 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 09:17:50 PM
Quote from: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 09:09:29 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on September 30, 2023, 09:56:06 PM
That was definitely a nicely struck ball but you could've driven a truck through the space the keeper vacated. Stevie Wonder would've noticed that gap.

I've seen middle schoolers lob keepers like that...but the keeper in question is usually 5' 5" and pre-pubescent.


Agree - terrible goals to Give up.  Out of position on both - and while we will hear folks chirp about him being named GK of the year - not even that erases the reality of giving up to bad goals.

LOL.  I don't think anyone strongly contested that he may have given up a couple of soft goals....the "chirping" was about drawing some sweeping conclusion about that big picture.  And, btw, you don't get NGKOY without some reality that can't be erased.


Im learning that PN seems to carry himself as the truth, the light and the way of this message board.  Is there a ring that we are supposed to kiss to not have you sweep in with your arrogant, I know best,  patronizing responses?  And btw - last year was last year. and btw, the "entity" that granted that honor was a now defunct volunteer website.  Kid has talent - but lets keep it all in perspective PN. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Maine Soccer Fan on October 01, 2023, 09:32:05 PM
Quote from: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 09:27:33 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 09:17:50 PM
Quote from: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 09:09:29 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on September 30, 2023, 09:56:06 PM
That was definitely a nicely struck ball but you could've driven a truck through the space the keeper vacated. Stevie Wonder would've noticed that gap.

I've seen middle schoolers lob keepers like that...but the keeper in question is usually 5' 5" and pre-pubescent.

Agree - terrible goals to Give up.  Out of position on both - and while we will hear folks chirp about him being named GK of the year - not even that erases the reality of giving up to bad goals.

LOL.  I don't think anyone strongly contested that he may have given up a couple of soft goals....the "chirping" was about drawing some sweeping conclusion about that big picture.  And, btw, you don't get NGKOY without some reality that can't be erased.


Im learning that PN seems to carry himself as the truth, the light and the way of this message board.  Is there a ring that we are supposed to kiss to not have you sweep in with your arrogant, I know best,  patronizing responses?  And btw - last year was last year. and btw, the "entity" that granted that honor was a now defunct volunteer website.  Kid has talent - but lets keep it all in perspective PN.

You've caught on to this dynamic very quickly GI.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 09:38:23 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 01, 2023, 08:16:57 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 07:25:08 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 01, 2023, 07:18:28 PM
I don't think there is any less respect for a non-conference match up, but, all teams are set up on the basis that defeating a conference rival is the perpetual, "six pointer" ((which also may make a great surname) and carries more importance.  I would also think, that depending on the game, some coaches may not want to show their entire hand to an opposition, with a view to the post-season.  None of that downgrades at all, the particular results referenced.  The fact they are bring mentioned does perhaps remind they don't tend to happen all that often.

In full disclosure, the top half of the NESCAC probably wouldn't incur a lot more losses, but if 3 or 4 out of their 6 or so non-conference games were a murderer's row like some other teams face (like a Chicago, JCU, North Park, Calvin, OWU, etc) then they certainly would drop a few more than they do now.

Btw, have you made any headway yet with the NCAA in terms of your proposal for NESCAC being its own division?  On an amusing note, our little back and forth has resulted in me no doubt having more Amherst t-shirts than you....I'm at 4 currently!


There is no doubt that if the NESCAC played that kind of schedule they would lose a couple more.  However, most of the team routinely play the strongest NonNescac teams in the region...MTClair St, Babson, Emerson, Oneonta, Vassar WestConn, NYU

..They only have 5 non conference games since they have 10 conf games.  I wrote an article last year on this topic because it does, in fact,  limit flexibility since they are the larges conference.  UAA has far fewer confenence games.

In addition each NESCAC team is almost guaranteed 6+ games against regional teams.  Others across the country are at a disadvantage here.  Even the conference games against the lower regarded teams can be a battle (see Conn Trinity this year). 

In a 15 game schedule, you need a couple of cupcakes. Even with a couple of cupcakes, their SOS tends to be very very high come end of season.

Fair enough.  Very familiar with the argument and the unavoidability of the conference's very unique situation.  What can wear thin is the need to continue highlighting how singularly exceptional the conference and the schools that compose it are, and then in a pretty circular and self-affirming fashion cite the uniqueness as the explanation for its insularity...an insularity that reflects the exclusivity that is projected and zealously protected.  The one concession, which often is used to highlight back on NESCAC and its schools, are the nods here and there to those "NESCAC-worthy" schools out in the wild (like Swat, Haverford, Carleton, Pomona, Grinnell, W&L, etc).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 09:40:17 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 01, 2023, 09:32:05 PM
Quote from: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 09:27:33 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 09:17:50 PM
Quote from: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 09:09:29 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on September 30, 2023, 09:56:06 PM
That was definitely a nicely struck ball but you could've driven a truck through the space the keeper vacated. Stevie Wonder would've noticed that gap.

I've seen middle schoolers lob keepers like that...but the keeper in question is usually 5' 5" and pre-pubescent.

Agree - terrible goals to Give up.  Out of position on both - and while we will hear folks chirp about him being named GK of the year - not even that erases the reality of giving up to bad goals.

LOL.  I don't think anyone strongly contested that he may have given up a couple of soft goals....the "chirping" was about drawing some sweeping conclusion about that big picture.  And, btw, you don't get NGKOY without some reality that can't be erased.


Im learning that PN seems to carry himself as the truth, the light and the way of this message board.  Is there a ring that we are supposed to kiss to not have you sweep in with your arrogant, I know best,  patronizing responses?  And btw - last year was last year. and btw, the "entity" that granted that honor was a now defunct volunteer website.  Kid has talent - but lets keep it all in perspective PN.

You've caught on to this dynamic very quickly GI.


I am betting that PN is the predominate reason that this board has limited at best active posters.  Not sure who named him the ruler of this site - but emperor is missing his clothes for sure.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 09:40:45 PM
Quote from: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 09:27:33 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 09:17:50 PM
Quote from: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 09:09:29 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on September 30, 2023, 09:56:06 PM
That was definitely a nicely struck ball but you could've driven a truck through the space the keeper vacated. Stevie Wonder would've noticed that gap.

I've seen middle schoolers lob keepers like that...but the keeper in question is usually 5' 5" and pre-pubescent.


Agree - terrible goals to Give up.  Out of position on both - and while we will hear folks chirp about him being named GK of the year - not even that erases the reality of giving up to bad goals.

LOL.  I don't think anyone strongly contested that he may have given up a couple of soft goals....the "chirping" was about drawing some sweeping conclusion about that big picture.  And, btw, you don't get NGKOY without some reality that can't be erased.


Im learning that PN seems to carry himself as the truth, the light and the way of this message board.  Is there a ring that we are supposed to kiss to not have you sweep in with your arrogant, I know best,  patronizing responses?  And btw - last year was last year. and btw, the "entity" that granted that honor was a now defunct volunteer website.  Kid has talent - but lets keep it all in perspective PN.

So, would you sack him if you were the Williams coach?  What exactly got taken out of perspective?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Maine Soccer Fan on October 01, 2023, 09:49:20 PM
PN - what does the phrase "tone deaf" mean to you?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 10:11:10 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 01, 2023, 09:49:20 PM
PN - what does the phrase "tone deaf" mean to you?

MSF, if you have an observation to share or point you want to make, please do so.

Aren't you a Messiah guy?  I'm really surprised you went at a player like that with such an overreach.  Now we're here because some suggested maybe don't come to hard conclusions based on one poor outing?  Also surprised that it took a guy who's posted like 10 times ordering and insulting others to give you the courage to speak up if you have an issue.  Piggybacking on a rogue rookie is not a great look.

GenerallyInterested, that was outstanding.  Aren't you the guy who in your first post started advising a long-term poster where she should and should not be posting....and telling posters you'd had enough of W&L and Dave Matthews while talking about chicken nuggets?  And I'm the problem?  Not sure where anyone asked for any rings to be kissed?  Was it too much for you to describe what conclusions you think should have been drawn from a GK giving up 2 goals?  Let's assume they were horrific errors....what next?  Also brilliant that within a week you've conducted a fair and comprehensive assessment of the site and already have a diagnosis.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 01, 2023, 10:18:44 PM
Midseason outlook:

Amherst (7-1-1, 4-0-1 NESCAC).  The Mammoths have league games remaining at Conn, at Wesleyan, at Bowdoin, then go to Montclair State for a very interesting out of conference game, before finishing with home games vs Hamilton and Trinity. 

Middlebury (6-0-2, 3-0-2 NESCAC).  The Panthers have league games remaining at Colby, at Trinity, at Conn, host Tufts, and visit Williams.  They have non-conference games at Vassar and at Eastern Nazarene.

Tufts (6-1-2, 3-1-2 NESCAC).  The Jumbos visit Babson and host Emerson before hosting Bates and Williams in league play.  They finish with games at Middlebury and at Bowdoin.

Bowdoin (6-0-3, 2-0-2 NESCAC).  The Polar Bears host Trinity and Amherst, visit Hamilton, Colby, and Wesleyan, before finishing vs Amherst at home in a game that should have massive ramification on the top of the table.

Conn (6-0-2, 2-0-2 NESCAC).  The Camels have a five game homestand with Amherst, Williams, Coast Guard, Colby, and Middlebury, before closing on the road vs Bates and Wesleyan

Williams (5-2-1, 2-2-1 NESCAC).  The Ephs have non conference home games remaining with Keene State and Western Connecticut State.  In the league, they go to Conn, host Wesleyan, go to Tufts, and then finish at home with Trinity and Middlebury.

Colby (3-2-2, 1-2-2 NESCAC).  The Mules only have one game outside of Maine remaining.  The visit Husson, host Middlebury and Hamilton, visit Conn, host Bowdoin and Maine Maritime, and then close at Bates.

Trinity (2-4-2, 1-3-2 NESCAC).  Can the Bantams make a run at conference tournament spot?  They host Western New England and Castleton and visit Hartford out of conference, but their last 4 conference games are a brutal stretch, as they visit Bowdoin, host Middlebury, and then travel to both Williams and Amherst.

Hamilton (3-4-2, 1-4-1 NESCAC).  The Continentals have only four conference games left to make it into the NESCAC tourney, visiting Bates, Colby, and Amherst and hosting Bowdoin.  The also have non-cons against Ithaca and SUNY Oneonta. 

Wesleyan (3-2-2, 0-3-2 NESCAC).  The Cardinals better get hot in a hurry if they want to make the conference tourament.  They have out of conference games at Western Connecticut and home to Eastern Connecticut.  Their remaining league slate includes Amherst at home, Bates and Williams away, Bowdoin and Conn at home. 

Bates (2-6, 0-5 NESCAC).  The Bobcats only have two road games left, at Southern Maine and Tufts.  The host Hamilton, Wesleyan, Maine-Farmington, Conn and Colby.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 01, 2023, 10:24:50 PM
Generally interested, most of your posts are about other users. If you have a different perspective *on soccer*, by all means share it. I appreciate the generally collegial nature of the board, and would encourage you to help keep it that way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Maine Soccer Fan on October 01, 2023, 10:29:21 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 10:11:10 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 01, 2023, 09:49:20 PM
PN - what does the phrase "tone deaf" mean to you?

MSF, if you have an observation to share or point you want to make, please do so.

Aren't you a Messiah guy?  I'm really surprised you went at a player like that with such an overreach.  Now we're here because some suggested maybe don't come to hard conclusions based on one poor outing?  Also surprised that it took a guy who's posted like 10 times ordering and insulting others to give you the courage to speak up if you have an issue.  Piggybacking on a rogue rookie is not a great look.

GenerallyInterested, that was outstanding.  Aren't you the guy who in your first post started advising a long-term poster where she should and should not be posting....and telling posters you'd had enough of W&L and Dave Matthews while talking about chicken nuggets?  And I'm the problem?  Not sure where anyone asked for any rings to be kissed?  Was it too much for you to describe what conclusions you think should have been drawn from a GK giving up 2 goals?  Let's assume they were horrific errors....what next?  Also brilliant that within a week you've conducted a fair and comprehensive assessment of the site and already have a diagnosis.

One observation PN: about a year ago I decided to stop reading your posts and I enjoyed this board much, much more. Then a couple of weeks ago I made the very bad decision to begin reading your posts. Then I made the horrific choice of responding to your posts. I'm older and wiser now.

Okay, that might be more than one observation...

But really very seriously, PN. You're ruining this boards. Sorry I have to be the one to hold up the mirror.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 10:37:36 PM
MSF, rest assured that your mirror will not be the one I'm holding up.  Maybe self-reflect on your level of confidence about how right you are.  Enjoy your evening.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 10:53:19 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 10:11:10 PM
Quote from: Maine Soccer Fan on October 01, 2023, 09:49:20 PM
PN - what does the phrase "tone deaf" mean to you?

MSF, if you have an observation to share or point you want to make, please do so.

Aren't you a Messiah guy?  I'm really surprised you went at a player like that with such an overreach.  Now we're here because some suggested maybe don't come to hard conclusions based on one poor outing?  Also surprised that it took a guy who's posted like 10 times ordering and insulting others to give you the courage to speak up if you have an issue.  Piggybacking on a rogue rookie is not a great look.

GenerallyInterested, that was outstanding.  Aren't you the guy who in your first post started advising a long-term poster where she should and should not be posting....and telling posters you'd had enough of W&L and Dave Matthews while talking about chicken nuggets?  And I'm the problem?  Not sure where anyone asked for any rings to be kissed?  Was it too much for you to describe what conclusions you think should have been drawn from a GK giving up 2 goals?  Let's assume they were horrific errors....what next?  Also brilliant that within a week you've conducted a fair and comprehensive assessment of the site and already have a diagnosis.

The chicken nugget quote was sarcasm. Poking fun at the non soccer memory lane that I was hoping would stop. And thank you for your predictable , gas lighting response. It is fun to rattle you -clearly hitting close to the mark with that response. This board is dying. You are the problem.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 10:57:14 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on October 01, 2023, 10:24:50 PM
Generally interested, most of your posts are about other users. If you have a different perspective *on soccer*, by all means share it. I appreciate the generally collegial nature of the board, and would encourage you to help keep it that way.

You find PN collegial? This Board is either him doing his thing, or people like you sadly pandering to him for his favor. It's disgusting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 01, 2023, 11:06:50 PM
If the Board is that bad maybe you should find another soccer board more to your liking.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 11:43:37 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on October 01, 2023, 11:06:50 PM
If the Board is that bad maybe you should find another soccer board more to your liking.


.......as so many have based in the toxic culture that this board is. But, I think I'll stay and just troll PN.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 01, 2023, 11:47:29 PM
I enjoy the board and probably will be more amused after my player completes his athletic endeavors.

Today's athletes have chirps that would score negative Karma scores on this site.  Like it or not, it has become part of the game and this board is an extension of that game.

Why doesn't one of you start a thread focused on what you want (you can put a warning on the header ;) do not enter if you have thin skin). That is better than the negativity towards posters that were here before and will be here after. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 02, 2023, 09:25:22 AM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on October 01, 2023, 04:31:19 PM
Bowdoin 1--Wheaton 1



The player introductions were peculiar--the Wheaton announcer described the two Bowdoin 5th year senior starters as graduate students.  Each player took a covid gap year away from school and Bowdoin doesn't have a graduate program.  It wasn't clear where the announcer got the program notes.



As a PA announcer, I can answer this question: The Bowdoin roster lists players by their class year, i.e '24, as opposed to Sr. (Side note, this is quite frustrating for announcers trying to remember '26 is sophomore, while reading on the fly.) And this year, those fifth-year students have '23 listed as their year. So, it can be quite confusing. I just announced both the '23 starters and '24 starters as seniors, but I can see why the Wheaton announcer would be confused.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 02, 2023, 09:33:44 AM
By the way, Bucket is not just "a PA announcer," he is one of the best around.  Totally professional and does a great job!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rangerfan on October 02, 2023, 09:51:27 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 01, 2023, 10:18:44 PM
Midseason outlook:

Amherst (7-1-1, 4-0-1 NESCAC).  The Mammoths have league games remaining at Conn, at Wesleyan, at Bowdoin, then go to Montclair State for a very interesting out of conference game, before finishing with home games vs Hamilton and Trinity. 

Middlebury (6-0-2, 3-0-2 NESCAC).  The Panthers have league games remaining at Colby, at Trinity, at Conn, host Tufts, and visit Williams.  They have non-conference games at Vassar and at Eastern Nazarene.

Tufts (6-1-2, 3-1-2 NESCAC).  The Jumbos visit Babson and host Emerson before hosting Bates and Williams in league play.  They finish with games at Middlebury and at Bowdoin.

Bowdoin (6-0-3, 2-0-2 NESCAC).  The Polar Bears host Trinity and Amherst, visit Hamilton, Colby, and Wesleyan, before finishing vs Amherst at home in a game that should have massive ramification on the top of the table.

Conn (6-0-2, 2-0-2 NESCAC).  The Camels have a five game homestand with Amherst, Williams, Coast Guard, Colby, and Middlebury, before closing on the road vs Bates and Wesleyan

Williams (5-2-1, 2-2-1 NESCAC).  The Ephs have non conference home games remaining with Keene State and Western Connecticut State.  In the league, they go to Conn, host Wesleyan, go to Tufts, and then finish at home with Trinity and Middlebury.

Colby (3-2-2, 1-2-2 NESCAC).  The Mules only have one game outside of Maine remaining.  The visit Husson, host Middlebury and Hamilton, visit Conn, host Bowdoin and Maine Maritime, and then close at Bates.

Trinity (2-4-2, 1-3-2 NESCAC).  Can the Bantams make a run at conference tournament spot?  They host Western New England and Castleton and visit Hartford out of conference, but their last 4 conference games are a brutal stretch, as they visit Bowdoin, host Middlebury, and then travel to both Williams and Amherst.

Hamilton (3-4-2, 1-4-1 NESCAC).  The Continentals have only four conference games left to make it into the NESCAC tourney, visiting Bates, Colby, and Amherst and hosting Bowdoin.  The also have non-cons against Ithaca and SUNY Oneonta. 

Wesleyan (3-2-2, 0-3-2 NESCAC).  The Cardinals better get hot in a hurry if they want to make the conference tourament.  They have out of conference games at Western Connecticut and home to Eastern Connecticut.  Their remaining league slate includes Amherst at home, Bates and Williams away, Bowdoin and Conn at home. 

Bates (2-6, 0-5 NESCAC).  The Bobcats only have two road games left, at Southern Maine and Tufts.  The host Hamilton, Wesleyan, Maine-Farmington, Conn and Colby.

How about we move on from the useless and off-topic trolling and name calling and discuss this....

Or better yet, here's a topic. The Development Academy (and now MLS Next) has changed the youth soccer landscape to such a degree that has resulted in massive jumps in the number of quality players across scores of D3 rosters. This is not your father's Middlebury or Bowdoin, for instance, where they out-size, out-kick and out-muscle you to a win. Instead, they out-run, out-class and out-score you with large rosters full of highly skilled players that play proper football

Discuss.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 02, 2023, 10:04:34 AM
Isn't Prep schools still the dominant contributor to the roosters of the elite programs?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 02, 2023, 11:24:59 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 07:18:16 PM
Quote from: northman on October 01, 2023, 07:05:07 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 01, 2023, 06:15:44 PM
Quote from: northman on October 01, 2023, 05:38:42 PM
That's undoubtedly a valid point, PN...but there's no question that NESCAC teams get the most fired up and intense about conference games.  I've witnessed this consistently over the years.  It doesn't mean that NEWMAC teams are of any lower quality.

A little piece of history between these two teams.  My son played for Bowdoin coach (and fiery Irishman) Fran O'Leary from 2008-2011.  Before my son's time, Bowdoin played Wheaton (MA) pretty much every year...until Fran got into a dustup with Wheaton coach Matt Cushing.  Matt promptly took Bowdoin off Wheaton's schedule from that day forward.

LOL, northman.  You never miss an opportunity.  Whether Dave Matthews or Wheaton, all roads lead back to Bowdoin (and Brown).

Are you telling me Tufts or Amherst or Bowdoin wouldn't get up for Messiah?  Or Oneonta?

I enjoy your inclination to be provocative, PN!  And you're absolutely right...in my unique universe, all roads do lead back to Brown and Bowdoin.  That said, I stand by my observation that NESCAC teams do get more focused and more energized for conference games.  Not just in soccer, but across most sports.

And...don't many roads also lead back to Kenyon?  :)

I appreciate you being good-natured, and I apologize for being so weak.  I had to work really hard on myself not to comment on the Dave Matthews one!

And, yes, absolutely, all roads do lead back to Kenyon, and over the years I have found some incredibly creative ways to work in references to both Kenyon but especially my son.  When I do a read back they aren't quite as clever as I thought.  In any case, I've tried to compensate by commentating on worlds having nothing to do with Kenyon or my kid.

And I can share that I care about all of this 10 times more than my son (who now is 30 lol), and I'd imagine that may be true for your sons as well.

A few Kenyon connections to share.  I grew up in NH and, in the summer before my senior year of college I dated a lovely young woman from Worcester, MA who was heading off for her first year at Kenyon.  I visited her in Gambier as she was just arriving at school, and it was clear that the freshmen men were already swooping in on the freshmen women.

I was class of '76 in college and I have two friends my age who happened to be class of '76 at Kenyon.  One was an All American swimmer and the other a varsity basketball player.  The basketball player became a successful attorney and is now a cycling friend and neighbor of mine in Brunswick, ME.  He will actually be representing Kenyon...and wearing their official colors...at the inauguration of the new Bowdoin president within the next couple of weeks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 02, 2023, 11:44:29 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 02, 2023, 10:04:34 AM
Isn't Prep schools still the dominant contributor to the roosters of the elite programs?

I think so. Probably because prep schools recruit internationally. And prepare kids well academically. The prep school scene (at least in the Northeast) keeps shifting though! Former powerhouses like Berkshire and South Kent lost influential coaches, and maybe the school also deprioritized soccer.

On the other hand, Millbrook,  formerly TERRIBLE at soccer, now has a phenomenal African coach and is recruiting. And poof! They are crushing former rivals. And have d1-level players on the team, as well as d3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 02, 2023, 12:32:20 PM
northman, thanks for your latest.  I'm curious about why Kenyon would have representation at the Bowdoin inauguration.  Is that typical for such events? Kenyon actually has a brand new Prez as well. I graduated from Davidson in '81 and I've been a Bowdoin fan since '82 when I did a year of grad school at BC before moving to Pittsburgh to continue grad school. As I noted very recently, Bowdoin was our first real college tour with our son who did not end up applying because we were pretty sure it was just a bit out of reach. Btw, you must have fancied that young woman quite a bit to go visit all the way out in Gambier, but few things more romantic than a stroll down Middle Path with your partner.

I do appreciate you hanging in there with me.  The odd thing last night is I actually did feel bad about my post to you (the only thing I felt bad about) and so as kind of a karma thing thought I kind of deserved the bizarre little double assault I incurred which almost seemed staged. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Recon on October 02, 2023, 12:56:10 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 02, 2023, 10:04:34 AM
Isn't Prep schools still the dominant contributor to the roosters of the elite programs?

In d3?  Perhaps yes, atleast in the NESCAC. My kid attended an ID camp a few years back and I met a gentleman on the sideline that had done a statistical analysis of NESCAC recruits. His son had received an offer from a Centennial Conference school but wanted to play in the NESCAC and coaches instructed him to take an extra year at a prep school. His analysis for a period of 3 years was that 55% of NESCAC recruits were prep school kids. I didn't fact check, and I have no idea if that's the same now, and it appears rosters have more international kids. However, this phenomenon is more focused on the east coast. I don't believe UAA schools, or many other conferences, recruit from prep schools as frequently. it's not the golden ticket to elite, but clearly significant.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LibbyMoore on October 02, 2023, 01:00:09 PM
@anothermom I agree, it does seem like the prep school world provides an excellent portfolio for coaches to browse--low-hanging fruit!

Plus for those coaches who don't have their recruit class locked up by Sept 1 (many), prep schools attend many fall showcases to feature two years of recruiting classes. A recruiting assistant coach might be able to attend if needing to lay eyes on a player one more time for a current year offer and a great way to see juniors they have corresponded with. They even often play showcases on Sept Sundays, maximizing the chances of getting college coaches in person. I'm guessing the MLSNext fall opportunities are robust as well.

In New England and mid-Atlantic public school kids also playing club have to wait until November for their first showcase, so only juniors (and some sophomores) can really benefit from that unless a college is still looking hard in Nov.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on October 02, 2023, 05:30:59 PM
D3 (and arguably the rest of NCAA) soccer has improved compared to previous generations due to a deeper pool of talent.  Recruits are no longer competing against other Americans. They are competing against the world.  International players are filling roster spots which leaves less available for top American talent.  The standards of a "D1 player" have changed1 with trickle down impacts.  Coaches who see and adapt to these changes will persevere.  Those who keep going back to the same well even just three years ago will likely miss out.   


1 "He's a D1 Player"...But Is He? - NCAA D1 Men's Soccer Data Analysis (https://scottmartinmedia.com/blogs/news/hes-a-d1-player-but-is-he-ncaa-d1-mens-soccer-data-analysis)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 02, 2023, 06:09:04 PM
Like many of you (and I suspect the dozens and dozens of lurkers), I put a fair amount of time into coaching at the travel level. I had a partner in crime (coaching our respective daughters and sons together) and we would stay to watch the U17-18 games when we knew a good match was popping off. We coached together for about 10 years.

The last season we were coaching a tournament up in Germantown at the Soccerplex and a really good match up was on the books, so after our game we headed over. When I tell you these young men were playing a different game than we would see a decade earlier... It was pretty remarkable. 45 yard switches on a dime and the player receiving it isn't just trapping the ball, he's letting it bounce under his legs and flicking the ball down the line all while running full tilt.

We looked at each other and without saying it... "The game has change, man." Was all we really needed to say.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 02, 2023, 06:24:44 PM
The growth of the game in the USA is mind blowing, the difference in talent between the time I came here (1982) and now is just amazing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 03, 2023, 03:07:07 PM
Quote from: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 10:57:14 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on October 01, 2023, 10:24:50 PM
Generally interested, most of your posts are about other users. If you have a different perspective *on soccer*, by all means share it. I appreciate the generally collegial nature of the board, and would encourage you to help keep it that way.

You find PN collegial? This Board is either him doing his thing, or people like you sadly pandering to him for his favor. It's disgusting.


Been awhile. I originally had a problem with PN a/k/a Salad Dressing for a few years.  He originally hated and frequently blasted the NESCAC on this forum.  This was despite Amherst and Tufts dominating DIII soccer for a few years.  He initially brought out the worst in NESCAC posters.  Over time, PN became more objective about the NESCAC and other schools.  If you cut through the bull****, PN can have some insightful things to say. So, not to say that he cares about me, but stay away from the barbs and you can learn some stuff from him... He definitely puts time into his research.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldMCGuy on October 03, 2023, 03:23:35 PM
I agree with the improvement in talent over the years.  I played for Messiah from 1969 to 1973.  In those days, their recruiting was very sophisticated...if you had ever seen a socccer ball when you showed up at campus you were automatically on the team.  Headed to my 50th reunion this coming weekend. Haha!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 03, 2023, 03:24:47 PM
Have fun, Old Guy!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 03, 2023, 06:01:18 PM
Con beats Amherst! 3-2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 03, 2023, 06:02:23 PM
Conn - 3-2 all goals scored in the last 17 mins.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: dacac on October 03, 2023, 06:05:24 PM
Serpone looked quite riled up after the game... Sky is still blue
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BendIt007 on October 03, 2023, 06:10:47 PM
That was a crazy last 20 minutes!  Go Camels!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 03, 2023, 06:16:02 PM
Watched large chunks of this one....Conn looked better with far more possession in the 1st half and looked good when I started watching again after Amherst went up 1-0.

Credit to Conn and Reuben Burk.  Great bounceback from disappointing hangover season last year and also from losing arguably the two best field players in Conn history.

And yeah, after the game, didn't look like Serpone was delivering a Xmas card with Burk.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on October 03, 2023, 09:03:24 PM
amHurst awarded a total of 10 yellow cards in last two games, including 6 today against Conn College ... longstanding thug style of direct play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 03, 2023, 09:04:45 PM
That's a truly impressive negative karma score!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 03, 2023, 09:58:21 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 03, 2023, 03:07:07 PM
Quote from: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 10:57:14 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on October 01, 2023, 10:24:50 PM
Generally interested, most of your posts are about other users. If you have a different perspective *on soccer*, by all means share it. I appreciate the generally collegial nature of the board, and would encourage you to help keep it that way.

You find PN collegial? This Board is either him doing his thing, or people like you sadly pandering to him for his favor. It's disgusting.


Been awhile. I originally had a problem with PN a/k/a Salad Dressing for a few years.  He originally hated and frequently blasted the NESCAC on this forum.  This was despite Amherst and Tufts dominating DIII soccer for a few years.  He initially brought out the worst in NESCAC posters.  Over time, PN became more objective about the NESCAC and other schools.  If you cut through the bull****, PN can have some insightful things to say. So, not to say that he cares about me, but stay away from the barbs and you can learn some stuff from him... He definitely puts time into his research.

BF, where have you been ??!!  I guess...kinda...thanks.  Now do what you think my version of the history is, lol.

It is true that I underestimated NESCAC in the earlier years, although, tbf, NESCAC even then got by far the most attention and posts.  I never hated NESCAC.  I've gotten into little things that can be difficult to extricate oneself far too often, for sure, inside and outside the NESCAC, but you're also talking about a time when the board was like the Wild Wild West....posters using multiple screen names and all sorts of gamesmanship.

I also think the NESCAC has gotten better and better.  The conference overall has been enjoying a phase of even enhanced prominence...and a lot of that started with your Tufts group in 2014 and including your son who was a phenomenal playmaker and scored one of the legendary goals in D3 history. 

As for what you chimed in on, I'd only ask that folks go back and see where that story started, follow through to the end, and I invite you to come back and tell me where I was out of line, or where, within that thread segment, there was evidence for the wild conclusions and accusations levied.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 03, 2023, 10:17:48 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 03, 2023, 09:58:21 PM
Quote from: Brother Flounder on October 03, 2023, 03:07:07 PM
Quote from: GenerallyInterested on October 01, 2023, 10:57:14 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on October 01, 2023, 10:24:50 PM
Generally interested, most of your posts are about other users. If you have a different perspective *on soccer*, by all means share it. I appreciate the generally collegial nature of the board, and would encourage you to help keep it that way.

You find PN collegial? This Board is either him doing his thing, or people like you sadly pandering to him for his favor. It's disgusting.


Been crazy with work for last 3 years and can't watch much soccer... won't comment if I don't have the knowledge... I do lurk once in awhile....  I was giving u a compliment....I just remember in the earlier years with Mr. Right, me, etc.


Been awhile. I originally had a problem with PN a/k/a Salad Dressing for a few years.  He originally hated and frequently blasted the NESCAC on this forum.  This was despite Amherst and Tufts dominating DIII soccer for a few years.  He initially brought out the worst in NESCAC posters.  Over time, PN became more objective about the NESCAC and other schools.  If you cut through the bull****, PN can have some insightful things to say. So, not to say that he cares about me, but stay away from the barbs and you can learn some stuff from him... He definitely puts time into his research.

BF, where have you been ??!!  I guess...kinda...thanks.  Now do what you think my version of the history is, lol.

It is true that I underestimated NESCAC in the earlier years, although, tbf, NESCAC even then got by far the most attention and posts.  I never hated NESCAC.  I've gotten into little things that can be difficult to extricate oneself far too often, for sure, inside and outside the NESCAC, but you're also talking about a time when the board was like the Wild Wild West....posters using multiple screen names and all sorts of gamesmanship.

I also think the NESCAC has gotten better and better.  The conference overall has been enjoying a phase of even enhanced prominence...and a lot of that started with your Tufts group in 2014 and including your son who was a phenomenal playmaker and scored one of the legendary goals in D3 history. 

As for what you chimed in on, I'd only ask that folks go back and see where that story started, follow through to the end, and I invite you to come back and tell me where I was out of line, or where, within that thread segment, there was evidence for the wild conclusions and accusations levied.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 03, 2023, 10:30:19 PM
Been crazy with work for last 3 years and can't watch much soccer... won't comment if I don't have the knowledge... I do lurk once in awhile....  I was giving u a compliment....I just remember in the earlier years with Mr. Right, me, etc.  one thing I noticed is that people make comments when they don't know what goes on behind the scenes with players and coaches. In the end, your research has depth and people learn from u.


Thanks for the flattering comments....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 04, 2023, 02:40:12 AM
Connecticut College 3 Amherst 2

I am sure no one was sweating on my game report and sadly now being in the wrong hemisphere and at work inhibited my ability to watch properly.  Many here would say that was possibly a good thing although given how many non NESCAC (and NESCAC am sure) affiliates have opined on the result in one way or another, there is clearly a separate "entertainment" factor at play.

Firstly, congrats to Conn, whilst I haven't seen the first two goals properly, their winner was a genuinely good finish.  I am quite tired of writing about great goals by oppositions late in games and as the father of a defender, it upsets me that little bit more. 

I actually thought in watching what I could, until the Amherst pen, it felt like a 0-0 was coming.  Others will feel differently I am sure, that's fine.  The flurry after that has already been noted and there's no positive spin on the purple side other than to say getting it back to 2-2 was an achievement. 

Losing two from three in what was always going to be a challenging series of games isn't great form and whilst the greater Amherst nation will expect a response on what looms as a difficult weekend (Wesleyan and Bowdoin) it's clearly right now, not the form of a team to be discussed nationally.  The good news is that it's only early October.

Foul count: Conn 12 Amherst 19 (it is spelt with an "e" by the way)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 04, 2023, 09:12:11 AM
Was that a disallowed goal by Amherst in the first half?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 04, 2023, 10:01:47 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 04, 2023, 09:12:11 AM
Was that a disallowed goal by Amherst in the first half?

A ball was sent into the mixer - there was some debate whether the ball crossed the line or not. The call on the field was play-on/no goal but Amherst felt otherwise.

It tends to work both ways through the course of a game - I think one could debate whether the PK against Conn should have been awarded or not. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 04, 2023, 10:19:24 AM
I did not see the PK call, was switching between that game and the Tufts  v Babson, but thought the ball crossed the line in the air, so I was with Serpone there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 04, 2023, 11:02:41 AM
I would say, if you feel there are any issues with Paul Newman posts, keep reporting them to moderator. I'll check them out.

This statement should not be read as endorsement of his older posts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 04, 2023, 11:52:31 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 04, 2023, 11:02:41 AM
I would say, if you feel there are any issues with Paul Newman posts, keep reporting them to moderator. I'll check them out.

This statement should not be read as endorsement of his older posts.

Hello Pat,

Not really following your last sentence or exactly how it relates to the first paragraph.

And your first sentence suggests you have been receiving reports as you say "keep reporting..." Would love to know which posts if any were flagged...and also would encourage a full audit of my posting from 2021 to the present.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on October 04, 2023, 12:53:46 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2023, 12:32:20 PM
I'm curious about why Kenyon would have representation at the Bowdoin inauguration.  Is that typical for such events?
Yes. It's a longstanding tradition, for colleges and universities to send a representative to the inauguration of a new president at another institution. That person might be a current faculty member or administrator, or an alum who might be employed by that other school or who has some particular interest in attending the event. The rep typically dons academic regalia for the occasion and is listed in the program.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 04, 2023, 01:03:23 PM
Quote from: Falconer on October 04, 2023, 12:53:46 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2023, 12:32:20 PM
I'm curious about why Kenyon would have representation at the Bowdoin inauguration.  Is that typical for such events?
Yes. It's a longstanding tradition, for colleges and universities to send a representative to the inauguration of a new president at another institution. That person might be a current faculty member or administrator, or an alum who might be employed by that other school or who has some particular interest in attending the event. The rep typically dons academic regalia for the occasion and is listed in the program.

At risk of being blasted again for posting off (soccer) topic, I'd add that it's one of my favorite traditions for these events. I've had the privilege of representing my alma mater at two Middlebury inaugurations; and Middlebury, in kind, was generous enough to send me back to Lexington for Will Dudley's inuguration a few years ago.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 04, 2023, 01:06:40 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 04, 2023, 11:52:31 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 04, 2023, 11:02:41 AM
I would say, if you feel there are any issues with Paul Newman posts, keep reporting them to moderator. I'll check them out.

This statement should not be read as endorsement of his older posts.

Hello Pat,

Not really following your last sentence or exactly how it relates to the first paragraph.

And your first sentence suggests you have been receiving reports as you say "keep reporting..." Would love to know which posts if any were flagged...and also would encourage a full audit of my posting from 2021 to the present.

I have indeed received reports.

I know you were posting before 2021, and oddly enough, it might be exactly that which I was referring to in my last sentence.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 04, 2023, 01:16:20 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 04, 2023, 01:06:40 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 04, 2023, 11:52:31 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 04, 2023, 11:02:41 AM
I would say, if you feel there are any issues with Paul Newman posts, keep reporting them to moderator. I'll check them out.

This statement should not be read as endorsement of his older posts.

Hello Pat,

Not really following your last sentence or exactly how it relates to the first paragraph.

And your first sentence suggests you have been receiving reports as you say "keep reporting..." Would love to know which posts if any were flagged...and also would encourage a full audit of my posting from 2021 to the present.

I have indeed received reports.

I know you were posting before 2021, and oddly enough, it might be exactly that which I was referring to in my last sentence.

Very interesting...reports received from 2021 to the present?

And what conclusions did you reach on analysis?

Am I on some kind of clandestine double -secret probation?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 04, 2023, 01:42:57 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 04, 2023, 01:16:20 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 04, 2023, 01:06:40 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 04, 2023, 11:52:31 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 04, 2023, 11:02:41 AM
I would say, if you feel there are any issues with Paul Newman posts, keep reporting them to moderator. I'll check them out.

This statement should not be read as endorsement of his older posts.

Hello Pat,

Not really following your last sentence or exactly how it relates to the first paragraph.

And your first sentence suggests you have been receiving reports as you say "keep reporting..." Would love to know which posts if any were flagged...and also would encourage a full audit of my posting from 2021 to the present.

I have indeed received reports.

I know you were posting before 2021, and oddly enough, it might be exactly that which I was referring to in my last sentence.

Very interesting...reports received from 2021 to the present?

And what conclusions did you reach on analysis?

Am I on some kind of clandestine double -secret probation?

You've made a ton of assumptions, which are not particularly accurate.

Please go back to whatever it is you do.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 04, 2023, 02:58:37 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 04, 2023, 01:03:23 PM
Quote from: Falconer on October 04, 2023, 12:53:46 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 02, 2023, 12:32:20 PM
I'm curious about why Kenyon would have representation at the Bowdoin inauguration.  Is that typical for such events?
Yes. It's a longstanding tradition, for colleges and universities to send a representative to the inauguration of a new president at another institution. That person might be a current faculty member or administrator, or an alum who might be employed by that other school or who has some particular interest in attending the event. The rep typically dons academic regalia for the occasion and is listed in the program.

At risk of being blasted again for posting off (soccer) topic, I'd add that it's one of my favorite traditions for these events. I've had the privilege of representing my alma mater at two Middlebury inaugurations; and Middlebury, in kind, was generous enough to send me back to Lexington for Will Dudley's inuguration a few years ago.

Having just learned about this recently, I think it's a cool tradition!  In fact, I'm on a nonprofit board with a woman who is general counsel at Bowdoin.  She and another senior administrator are both Middlebury alums.  Her colleague drew the long straw and will be wearing the Middlebury regalia at Safa Zaki's inauguration.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Brother Flounder on October 04, 2023, 04:22:07 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 04, 2023, 01:16:20 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 04, 2023, 01:06:40 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 04, 2023, 11:52:31 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 04, 2023, 11:02:41 AM
I would say, if you feel there are any issues with Paul Newman posts, keep reporting them to moderator. I'll check them out.

This statement should not be read as endorsement of his older posts.

Hello Pat,

Not really following your last sentence or exactly how it relates to the first paragraph.

And your first sentence suggests you have been receiving reports as you say "keep reporting..." Would love to know which posts if any were flagged...and also would encourage a full audit of my posting from 2021 to the present.

I have indeed received reports.

I know you were posting before 2021, and oddly enough, it might be exactly that which I was referring to in my last sentence.

Very interesting...reports received from 2021 to the present?

And what conclusions did you reach on analysis?

Am I on some kind of clandestine double -secret probation?


While I have had some arguments with PN several years ago, I really don't believe that any kind of Double Secret Probation is warranted.... really?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 04, 2023, 04:32:45 PM
Seems like every year/season we have something weird go down on this board.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on October 04, 2023, 05:06:33 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 04, 2023, 04:32:45 PM
Seems like every year/season we have something weird go down on this board.

It is October after all. But seriously. Hey, moderator or no, if anyone has an issue with another, you got the person's email to contact that him to figure it out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 04, 2023, 05:35:43 PM
In 11 years here I don't think I've ever seen a poster called out by name with an open invitation for folks to send complaints about said name to the moderator.

And "Please go back to whatever it is you do"?  That's respectful and necessary?  Wow.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 04, 2023, 06:26:34 PM
Pretty typical of the D3sports staff on here. I'm actually surprised it took this long for it to spill over to the soccer board.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 04, 2023, 08:07:02 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 03, 2023, 09:03:24 PM
amHurst awarded a total of 10 yellow cards in last two games, including 6 today against Conn College ... longstanding thug style of direct play.
@Enmore Cat will be shocked that I am defending Amherst.  The Mammoths commit a lot of fouls.  This is by design.  They are physical, and they press.  Of the cards against them in the Conn game, most were for tactical fouls.  When Amherst faces a counter attack where they feel the do not have enough numbers behind the ball, they take a page from Pep Guardiola's coaching book and immediately foul.  These were not disgusting challenges that endangered players.  They were fairly run of the mill tactical fouls.  Neutral observers may not like it, but Amherst is willing to accept these yellows as the cost of doing business.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 04, 2023, 08:55:41 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 04, 2023, 08:07:02 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 03, 2023, 09:03:24 PM
amHurst awarded a total of 10 yellow cards in last two games, including 6 today against Conn College ... longstanding thug style of direct play.
@Enmore Cat will be shocked that I am defending Amherst.  The Mammoths commit a lot of fouls.  This is by design.  They are physical, and they press.  Of the cards against them in the Conn game, most were for tactical fouls.  When Amherst faces a counter attack where they feel the do not have enough numbers behind the ball, they take a page from Pep Guardiola's coaching book and immediately foul.  These were not disgusting challenges that endangered players.  They were fairly run of the mill tactical fouls.  Neutral observers may not like it, but Amherst is willing to accept these yellows as the cost of doing business.

This is a REALLY good point, and something you have to basically be "wise" enough to just sort of accept and not ascribe... I dunno... evil thoughts to?

Here's the thing, and why it gets so much run in NESCAC discussions... Those tactics are usually reserved for teams that don't have the talent to match up. That's why it's so jarring and his been a point of contention for so long. You are choosing to foul when you have the talent to let the game flow a bit more.

But, to your, point... That's aesthetics for many of us and when it comes to players/alums/parents it's a very low hanging fruit/easy to ignite conflagration.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 04, 2023, 09:09:17 PM
Quote from: stlawus on October 04, 2023, 06:26:34 PM
Pretty typical of the D3sports staff on here. I'm actually surprised it took this long for it to spill over to the soccer board.

Very very weird.

I keep deleting responses that might get me in trouble, so I'm just going to leave it that for now.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 04, 2023, 10:46:15 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 04, 2023, 05:35:43 PM
In 11 years here I don't think I've ever seen a poster called out by name with an open invitation for folks to send complaints about said name to the moderator.

And "Please go back to whatever it is you do"?  That's respectful and necessary?  Wow.

I received a moderator report. I came to check it out. I mentioned that anyone who has more to report should do so, and Paul Newman made a bunch of wild assumptions.

I never said anything about probation. If you guys are making assumptions, I'm not sure I can help you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on October 04, 2023, 11:00:53 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 04, 2023, 08:55:41 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 04, 2023, 08:07:02 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 03, 2023, 09:03:24 PM
amHurst awarded a total of 10 yellow cards in last two games, including 6 today against Conn College ... longstanding thug style of direct play.
@Enmore Cat will be shocked that I am defending Amherst.  The Mammoths commit a lot of fouls.  This is by design.  They are physical, and they press.  Of the cards against them in the Conn game, most were for tactical fouls.  When Amherst faces a counter attack where they feel the do not have enough numbers behind the ball, they take a page from Pep Guardiola's coaching book and immediately foul.  These were not disgusting challenges that endangered players.  They were fairly run of the mill tactical fouls.  Neutral observers may not like it, but Amherst is willing to accept these yellows as the cost of doing business.

This is a REALLY good point, and something you have to basically be "wise" enough to just sort of accept and not ascribe... I dunno... evil thoughts to?

Here's the thing, and why it gets so much run in NESCAC discussions... Those tactics are usually reserved for teams that don't have the talent to match up. That's why it's so jarring and his been a point of contention for so long. You are choosing to foul when you have the talent to let the game flow a bit more.

But, to your, point... That's aesthetics for many of us and when it comes to players/alums/parents it's a very low hanging fruit/easy to ignite conflagration.
Agree this is a very good point.  Can't speak to past discussions on here and have never watched a NESCAC game.  But like it or not tactical fouls are part of the game now, dark art or otherwise.  I don't agree it is a reflection of talent--if done properly without risk of injury it should be accepted as a good play for any team.

We know amateurs are certainly watching the pros as examples where this happens just like any sport.  Look at the tactical fouls in the NBA for example (other than Laimbeer?) For amateurs it should be understood the tactical foul is still being learned so mistakes in judgement will be made.

But I can see how frequency or other abuses can affect perception.  Perhaps there is a risk a hold up foul is no longer tactical if it appears to be egregious or even part of team strategy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 05, 2023, 02:26:20 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 04, 2023, 08:07:02 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 03, 2023, 09:03:24 PM
amHurst awarded a total of 10 yellow cards in last two games, including 6 today against Conn College ... longstanding thug style of direct play.
@Enmore Cat will be shocked that I am defending Amherst.  The Mammoths commit a lot of fouls.  This is by design.  They are physical, and they press.  Of the cards against them in the Conn game, most were for tactical fouls.  When Amherst faces a counter attack where they feel the do not have enough numbers behind the ball, they take a page from Pep Guardiola's coaching book and immediately foul.  These were not disgusting challenges that endangered players.  They were fairly run of the mill tactical fouls.  Neutral observers may not like it, but Amherst is willing to accept these yellows as the cost of doing business.

Whilst I am glad I was sitting down when I was reading this CSO and your support (I won't call it Ammiration as I know the circles you move in and don't want to damage your credibility) is of course welcome.  I hasten to add the latest update from the NCAA website does confirm Midd's foul count at 13.89/gamewhich is quite close to the Mammoths' 15.00, but of course, make no judgement on it, other than to say I think your points are well made.

Whilst it would be wonderful if D3 was played in the Corinthian spirit, the pragmatist in me says there will be times where the "dark arts" are required.  That is definitely not the same as saying injuring opposition players is okay, because it clearly isn't, but sometimes legitimate means are either unavailable or insufficient.  I challenge anyone here to look deep inside and say that if it was the final minute of the national tournament and your team is leading, but there is a potential risk of conceding a goal that you could just say, "que sera sera".  I certainly couldn't...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Falconer on October 05, 2023, 08:18:05 AM
Quote from: Freddyfud on October 04, 2023, 11:00:53 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 04, 2023, 08:55:41 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 04, 2023, 08:07:02 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 03, 2023, 09:03:24 PM
amHurst awarded a total of 10 yellow cards in last two games, including 6 today against Conn College ... longstanding thug style of direct play.
@Enmore Cat will be shocked that I am defending Amherst.  The Mammoths commit a lot of fouls.  This is by design.  They are physical, and they press.  Of the cards against them in the Conn game, most were for tactical fouls.  When Amherst faces a counter attack where they feel the do not have enough numbers behind the ball, they take a page from Pep Guardiola's coaching book and immediately foul.  These were not disgusting challenges that endangered players.  They were fairly run of the mill tactical fouls.  Neutral observers may not like it, but Amherst is willing to accept these yellows as the cost of doing business.
This is a REALLY good point, and something you have to basically be "wise" enough to just sort of accept and not ascribe... I dunno... evil thoughts to?

Here's the thing, and why it gets so much run in NESCAC discussions... Those tactics are usually reserved for teams that don't have the talent to match up. That's why it's so jarring and his been a point of contention for so long. You are choosing to foul when you have the talent to let the game flow a bit more.

But, to your, point... That's aesthetics for many of us and when it comes to players/alums/parents it's a very low hanging fruit/easy to ignite conflagration.
Agree this is a very good point.  Can't speak to past discussions on here and have never watched a NESCAC game.  But like it or not tactical fouls are part of the game now, dark art or otherwise.  I don't agree it is a reflection of talent--if done properly without risk of injury it should be accepted as a good play for any team.

We know amateurs are certainly watching the pros as examples where this happens just like any sport.  Look at the tactical fouls in the NBA for example (other than Laimbeer?) For amateurs it should be understood the tactical foul is still being learned so mistakes in judgement will be made.

But I can see how frequency or other abuses can affect perception.  Perhaps there is a risk a hold up foul is no longer tactical if it appears to be egregious or even part of team strategy.
This is very close to the complaint I used to voice after many Messiah games, but chose to put a sock in it since I was being perceived as making unduly biased comments. I wasn't.

I've never objected to deliberate fouling, as long as the officials were on top of it and issuing yellows without hesitation. It's such a common strategy against Messiah, but when the fouls aren't being called it unfairly favors their opponents. Unfairly. It's no different from calling fouls on one team and not the other. In the NBA, it was common practice to play "hack a Shaq," since he was such a miserable foul shooter. That was fine. NBA refs called the fouls, the offending team scattered them around to keep men out of foul trouble, and they actually EXPECTED the fouls to be called as part of their strategy. In soccer, it seems, coaches are hoping the fouls WON'T be called. When they aren't, it nearly always favors the Falcons' opponents. That's part of what happened in the game vs PSU two days ago, but I didn't mention it b/c I knew it would be taken as pure bellyaching. In fact, PSU received just two yellows when there should have been at least half a dozen. That might have forced them to back off a bit, re-balancing the playing field.

I remember attending the national final in Glassboro, NJ, in 2000--the Falcons' first title. The Profs were awfully good, but not as quick or fast as Messiah--and a Jersey team (obviously). They fouled intentionally from the start. When Falcon players went flying past, they grabbed them. However, those officials were not going to be played. There were two quick yellows, both fully deserved. A fan got up and yelled, "Whaddya think this is, a girls' game?" The Profs decided they had to play futbol, not football, and the rest of the way it was a terrific game, with both teams being dangerous and playing their best soccer. In the post-game interviews, Brandt was asked about those early calls. His reply: fouls are fouls. They're supposed to be called."

Exactly. I've never had a complaint against the teams that foul strategically. I'll always have a complaint against the officials that don't call them. It changes the game, unfairly, no less than choosing not to call back a goal that was offsides.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 05, 2023, 08:46:52 AM
I think there is an incentive to foul excessively in D3, because the Refs are so hesitant to issuing cards and some teams really exploit it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint_Dad on October 05, 2023, 09:17:21 AM
I agree with Hopkins92.  Amherst is so talented that they don't "need" to play as if they are the inferior team.  They can easily keep the ball moving, using their excellent midfield players rather than skipping over them much of the time, while still launching balls into the box to create opportunities.  I also agree with camosfan.  I rarely see a player get a yellow card for continuously fouling, or for what should be other yellow card infractions for that matter.  This reffing encourages rougher play, more fouling, and more kick and run play. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on October 05, 2023, 11:51:46 AM
A tactical foul is an agreement or understanding among three parties: the offending player, the receiving player and the ref.  If any party violates the agreement all bets are off and it is no longer tactical. Understand it is idealistic for three parties to consistently agree on a split second decision in the heat of battle in any circumstances.  And as I said before poor execution should be expected at an amateur level which makes the agreement even more challenging.  But when done properly it should be acknowledged for what it was and the game moves on to the next phase, with apparently one exception in the NCAA. 

By coincidence one of the NCAA points of emphasis for the current year issued 2 months ago is "Stopping a Promising Attack or SPA." * What is interesting here is the last sentence, "If the official plays the advantage for a SPA offense for which a caution would have been issued had play been stopped, the player should not be cautioned."  Not cautioning even after an advantage seems to be the opposite of what I see at other levels--perhaps FIFA is different.  If a card isn't issued due to advantage played, I can see this maybe getting out of hand.  But based on this overall point of emphasis referees should be punishing SPA defined as "player's ability to exploit speed, space and attacking options."  Maybe some referees didn't get this email.

IMO cautioning for foul accumulation is different from tactical foul/SPA.

* NCAA Soccer Points of Emphasis, 2023 Season (https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023-24PRMWSO_PointsofEmphasis.pdf)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 05, 2023, 12:06:51 PM
Quote from: Falconer on October 05, 2023, 08:18:05 AM
Quote from: Freddyfud on October 04, 2023, 11:00:53 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 04, 2023, 08:55:41 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 04, 2023, 08:07:02 PM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 03, 2023, 09:03:24 PM
amHurst awarded a total of 10 yellow cards in last two games, including 6 today against Conn College ... longstanding thug style of direct play.
@Enmore Cat will be shocked that I am defending Amherst.  The Mammoths commit a lot of fouls.  This is by design.  They are physical, and they press.  Of the cards against them in the Conn game, most were for tactical fouls.  When Amherst faces a counter attack where they feel the do not have enough numbers behind the ball, they take a page from Pep Guardiola's coaching book and immediately foul.  These were not disgusting challenges that endangered players.  They were fairly run of the mill tactical fouls.  Neutral observers may not like it, but Amherst is willing to accept these yellows as the cost of doing business.
This is a REALLY good point, and something you have to basically be "wise" enough to just sort of accept and not ascribe... I dunno... evil thoughts to?

Here's the thing, and why it gets so much run in NESCAC discussions... Those tactics are usually reserved for teams that don't have the talent to match up. That's why it's so jarring and his been a point of contention for so long. You are choosing to foul when you have the talent to let the game flow a bit more.

But, to your, point... That's aesthetics for many of us and when it comes to players/alums/parents it's a very low hanging fruit/easy to ignite conflagration.
Agree this is a very good point.  Can't speak to past discussions on here and have never watched a NESCAC game.  But like it or not tactical fouls are part of the game now, dark art or otherwise.  I don't agree it is a reflection of talent--if done properly without risk of injury it should be accepted as a good play for any team.

We know amateurs are certainly watching the pros as examples where this happens just like any sport.  Look at the tactical fouls in the NBA for example (other than Laimbeer?) For amateurs it should be understood the tactical foul is still being learned so mistakes in judgement will be made.

But I can see how frequency or other abuses can affect perception.  Perhaps there is a risk a hold up foul is no longer tactical if it appears to be egregious or even part of team strategy.
This is very close to the complaint I used to voice after many Messiah games, but chose to put a sock in it since I was being perceived as making unduly biased comments. I wasn't.

I've never objected to deliberate fouling, as long as the officials were on top of it and issuing yellows without hesitation. It's such a common strategy against Messiah, but when the fouls aren't being called it unfairly favors their opponents. Unfairly. It's no different from calling fouls on one team and not the other. In the NBA, it was common practice to play "hack a Shaq," since he was such a miserable foul shooter. That was fine. NBA refs called the fouls, the offending team scattered them around to keep men out of foul trouble, and they actually EXPECTED the fouls to be called as part of their strategy. In soccer, it seems, coaches are hoping the fouls WON'T be called. When they aren't, it nearly always favors the Falcons' opponents. That's part of what happened in the game vs PSU two days ago, but I didn't mention it b/c I knew it would be taken as pure bellyaching. In fact, PSU received just two yellows when there should have been at least half a dozen. That might have forced them to back off a bit, re-balancing the playing field.

I remember attending the national final in Glassboro, NJ, in 2000--the Falcons' first title. The Profs were awfully good, but not as quick or fast as Messiah--and a Jersey team (obviously). They fouled intentionally from the start. When Falcon players went flying past, they grabbed them. However, those officials were not going to be played. There were two quick yellows, both fully deserved. A fan got up and yelled, "Whaddya think this is, a girls' game?" The Profs decided they had to play futbol, not football, and the rest of the way it was a terrific game, with both teams being dangerous and playing their best soccer. In the post-game interviews, Brandt was asked about those early calls. His reply: fouls are fouls. They're supposed to be called."

Exactly. I've never had a complaint against the teams that foul strategically. I'll always have a complaint against the officials that don't call them. It changes the game, unfairly, no less than choosing not to call back a goal that was offsides.

Not to get too far afield, but this is very similar to being a USMNT fan when they play just about everyone* in CONCACAF. Especially this current generation/iteration of US players. And it goes quadruple when you focus in on how they "defend" Pulisic. The problem for the rest of the region is that the iteration of this team PRIOR to this squad... You could absolutely foul Pulisic constantly and disrupt the team. Now? Good luck. We have 5 or 6 other guys in the attacking third that are equally as dangerous.

* - Canada, Mexico... And sometimes Jamaica and Costa Rica... try to play us straight up, for the most part. MEX gets ugly when we are winning, but that's not tactical, it's their reaction to constantly losing to us when 20 years ago we were massive underdogs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 05, 2023, 02:14:22 PM
Quote from: Freddyfud on October 05, 2023, 11:51:46 AM
A tactical foul is an agreement or understanding among three parties: the offending player, the receiving player and the ref.  If any party violates the agreement all bets are off and it is no longer tactical. Understand it is idealistic for three parties to consistently agree on a split second decision in the heat of battle in any circumstances.  And as I said before poor execution should be expected at an amateur level which makes the agreement even more challenging.  But when done properly it should be acknowledged for what it was and the game moves on to the next phase, with apparently one exception in the NCAA. 

By coincidence one of the NCAA points of emphasis for the current year issued 2 months ago is "Stopping a Promising Attack or SPA." * What is interesting here is the last sentence, "If the official plays the advantage for a SPA offense for which a caution would have been issued had play been stopped, the player should not be cautioned."  Not cautioning even after an advantage seems to be the opposite of what I see at other levels--perhaps FIFA is different.  If a card isn't issued due to advantage played, I can see this maybe getting out of hand.  But based on this overall point of emphasis referees should be punishing SPA defined as "player's ability to exploit speed, space and attacking options."  Maybe some referees didn't get this email.

IMO cautioning for foul accumulation is different from tactical foul/SPA.

* NCAA Soccer Points of Emphasis, 2023 Season (https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023-24PRMWSO_PointsofEmphasis.pdf)

The NCAA guidance is consistent with FIFA in this regard.  If the referee allows the advantage, they are indicating that they still believe that the team has the opportunity for a promising attack.  Because the foul has not taken that away, there is no caution.  Now if the foul itself is reckless, the referee can and should still come back and give a caution when the ball goes out of play. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on October 05, 2023, 02:36:13 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 05, 2023, 02:14:22 PM
Quote from: Freddyfud on October 05, 2023, 11:51:46 AM
A tactical foul is an agreement or understanding among three parties: the offending player, the receiving player and the ref.  If any party violates the agreement all bets are off and it is no longer tactical. Understand it is idealistic for three parties to consistently agree on a split second decision in the heat of battle in any circumstances.  And as I said before poor execution should be expected at an amateur level which makes the agreement even more challenging.  But when done properly it should be acknowledged for what it was and the game moves on to the next phase, with apparently one exception in the NCAA. 

By coincidence one of the NCAA points of emphasis for the current year issued 2 months ago is "Stopping a Promising Attack or SPA." * What is interesting here is the last sentence, "If the official plays the advantage for a SPA offense for which a caution would have been issued had play been stopped, the player should not be cautioned."  Not cautioning even after an advantage seems to be the opposite of what I see at other levels--perhaps FIFA is different.  If a card isn't issued due to advantage played, I can see this maybe getting out of hand.  But based on this overall point of emphasis referees should be punishing SPA defined as "player's ability to exploit speed, space and attacking options."  Maybe some referees didn't get this email.

IMO cautioning for foul accumulation is different from tactical foul/SPA.

* NCAA Soccer Points of Emphasis, 2023 Season (https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023-24PRMWSO_PointsofEmphasis.pdf)

The NCAA guidance is consistent with FIFA in this regard.  If the referee allows the advantage, they are indicating that they still believe that the team has the opportunity for a promising attack.  Because the foul has not taken that away, there is no caution.  Now if the foul itself is reckless, the referee can and should still come back and give a caution when the ball goes out of play.
That makes sense then.  Thank you.  So advantage is the exception in all cases, except when it is reckless.  It just seems more often than not a card is shown.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 07, 2023, 01:07:36 PM
I'm sure NESCAC followers can provide more color on this game, but heck of an ending for Bowdoin.  Kind of a Manchester United Scott McTomminay game feel to it, with Bowdoin down 2-1 to Trinity with a couple of minutes to go and Bowdoin ties it up in the 89th and then wins it 22 seconds later on a PK in the 90th.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 07, 2023, 01:08:33 PM
PK call seemed incredibly soft from the streaming camera angle
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 07, 2023, 01:19:04 PM
That's as brutal as it gets for Trinity.  Not sure how they recover from that one.  In the minute just prior to Bowdoin equalizing Trinity came within inches of going up 3-1 with under 3 min left.  Then an unnecessary foul leads to free kick that results in equalizer and then Polar Bears get a PK under 30 seconds.  Miserable bus ride back to Hartford.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dustin_Patrón on October 07, 2023, 04:05:42 PM
Middlebury retains the highly coveted Colby Cup this year after a 1-0 edging of the Mules. Freshman, Colin Dugan, puts in his bid for knee slide of the season after finishing off a peach from Kyle Nilsson in the 43rd minute. Looked to be a 12-14 foot slide on the slick surface. It was sloppy out there but the Panthers seemed to like that.

Not trying to bury the guy, but I'm not sure what sport the Colby announcer thinks he's watching. Every pass is a shot and throw ins are corner kicks if they're in the opposing team's half. Great enthusiasm though.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 07, 2023, 04:53:33 PM
Chaos reigns in the NESCAC.  Amherst scores off a long throw with 22 seconds left converted by Son of @EnmoreCat to pull out a 1-1 draw at Wesleyan.  Williams and Conn split the points in New London.  Bowdoin somehow turned a 2-1 deficit with less than 2 minutes left into a 3-2 win.  First goal was a scramble off a free kick call by the AR that looked very soft.  Second goal was a pk called with 53 seconds left where it looked to me that the defender won the ball and Rueda-Duran flopped.  Trinity picked up several yellows and a red arguing the call.  Middlebury's goal at Colby was a gorgeous cross from Kyle Nilsson turned in by Colin Duggan, the first year who was now scored 3 goals in conference (tying goal vs Amherst, insurance vs Wesleyan, and game winner today).  Midd had some other good chances, but could not convert.  Best chances that did not come off was a Rabona cross from Will Sawin that just went over the head of an onrushing Panther attacker.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 07, 2023, 05:42:03 PM
Bowdoin 3—Trinity 2

Wild game as other have noted.   The game was played on the new turf field in a steady rain.  I thought Bowdoin played better in the first half but it ended 0-0.  Trinity twice had a lead in the second half and it definitely felt like they were capable of pulling it out.  I watched live so didn't have the benefit of video replay.  While I felt Bowdoin was lucky to come away with the win, I had a different take than CSO.  The 2-2 equalizer goal came off a classic NESCAC scrum.  The penalty was definitely controversial and easily could not have been called.  It certainly didn't look like a flop.  I did hear a lot of "You can't call a foul like that in the last minute!" 

Both goalkeepers had excellent games with great saves.  Rueda-Duran continuing his hot season.

Tomorrow will be interesting as Bowdoin hosts Amherst.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 07, 2023, 05:55:28 PM
I watched the entire game online.  I'm saving my in-person viewing for tomorrow's Bowdoin v Amherst game in better weather.  I will say that Trinity was very much in the game, and their two goals were well taken.  From the comfort of a computer screen, it appeared to me that the foul on Rueda Duran in the box was legitimate.  He's a great flopper, but I think it was a legitimate foul.

I certainly understand Trinity's outrage and disappointment...but drawing multiple yellows and reds on the pitch, on the bench, and on the coaching staff isn't going to accomplish a whole lot...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 07, 2023, 08:07:35 PM
Wesleyan 1 Amherst 1

Correspondent's Note: The player previously known as Son of EnmoreCat will now be referred to as EnmoreKitten (apologies CSO - you weren't to know of the behind-the-scenes re-branding discussions (neither was I!), but I do acknowledge your acknowledgement), about as aggressive a label as you could imagine for a NESCAC central defender.

I am sure some will feel differently, but games played inside athletic tracks leave me a little cold.  I completely understand the reasons for today's change and having watched EnmoreKitten play for almost four seasons here at a similar venue, I have gotten used to it, but nothing quite beats being up close, particularly at TBTTIHF.  Gripe over.

Having watched SC's illuminating interview with the Landmark Conference Commissioner, I was thinking that had they been watching, FloSports might have taken a zero off any potential NESCAC offer after what was a pretty dire first half.  There was a re-shuffling of the Amherst deck ahead of what YSD has already identified as a very big game tomorrow and I thought it was even, but not in a particularly interesting way.  Amherst possibly had the better chances but the Cardinals seemed to handle things reasonably comfortably.

Things livened up in the second half (and apologies if my chronology is out) and the Wesleyan keeper made one superb save off one of the Amherst senior's header on goal.  The Cardinals did have some chances on the back of some Amherst defensive lapses which fortunately came to nothing.  With 16 to go, Wesleyan were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area and not for the first time in recent games, Amherst spectators got to "ammire" another very well taken opposition goal.  On balance at that stage, I was hard-pressed to suggest it was anything other than an almost fair result and it was just going to be a case of whether the Mammoths would be able to claw it back (or tusk it I guess).

Whilst there were many NESCAC games last season that finished in less-than-vibrant, but hard fought draws, this season has seen more goals given up late and of course, Amherst has been on the receiving end.  As has already been documented, but I am quite happy to reiterate, with under a minute to go, a long throw from one of the seniors, found the head of EnmoreKitten, who skilfully flicked it on for one of his Junior teammates, who proceeded to gleefully dispatch it past the Wesleyan keeper.  I think I woke up our neighbours' dog with my shriek of joy in downtown Enmore (wearing my DUSC T-shirt now as it happens, whilst I type) and that was that.  I know exactly how the Cardinals players and supporters will feel as the Amherst ones have felt exactly the same in two of the last three games.

The Bowdoin/Amherst game tomorrow promises to be a cracker and certainly gives both teams a chance to re-ignite their respective seasons.  In my first psychological parry ahead of it, I would suggest that the Polar Bears start favourite and that the humble team from Western MA will need to be close to their best to get a result.

Foul Count: Wesleyan 9 Amherst 17

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 08, 2023, 09:33:14 PM
Bowdoin 0 --- Amherst 1

I think Enmore Cat is letting me go first. :)

Tough loss for the Polar Bears.  First half ended 0-0 and it seemed like we were headed for a tie, like last year.  The game felt very even to me, and I thought Bowdoin played well, especially considering the significant size disadvantage.  Unlike the last few years, Bowdoin has only one player over 6'2" and it seems half the Amherst starting XI are over that threshold.  Amherst scored the lone goal in the second half off of a shot off the post that went directly to an Amherst player who knocked it in the goal.  I was surprised to see the box score at the end of the game and the degree to which Amherst had the advantage in shots and SOG.  It certainly felt more even than those numbers suggest.

I know from talking to Amherst supporters they think the team has not been as dominant as expected this season.  The team I saw today looked strong and complete.  I think they played their normal starting squad, which hadn't be deployed the last few games, including the loss to Conn and tie to Wesleyan.

Somehow, Bowdoin won the foul count 13-10, although Amherst won the yellow card count 2-1. 

The game was low on the "antic" score, with the exception of a couple of players who did deep growls after the final whistle and flexed at the Bowdoin supporters along the sideline.

Despite the loss, Bowdoin has four games remaining and plenty of opportunity to add points and move up the standings.  Next week they travel to Hamilton.

I am hoping the teams meet again at least one more time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 09, 2023, 04:19:54 AM
Bowdoin 0 Amherst 1

Yankeesoccerdad was there, whereas I had to try and watch whilst at work so I am quite happy to defer to him on the evenness of the game and checking out the history, since 2010 only two games between the Polar Bears and the Mammoths have been decided by more than a one goal margin.  The 2023 game at Pickard Field continued the tradition of tight affairs.  Based on what I saw, I wouldn't describe it as a cagey affair, but one where both teams had opportunities.  The big moments that I saw were where Bowdoin hit the cross bar and where Amherst scored after a shot had hit the post.  It's always a game of centimetres (2.54 of those makes an inch) and of course, just that bit of good fortune.

I appreciate the kind words from YSD about the Mammoths and there is little doubt that the teams match up pretty evenly.  The Polar Bears are adept at moving the ball from defence to attack quickly and with skill and have players that are capable of doing special things.  This was their first loss for the season and I don't necessarily see too many more ahead for them and they are definitely in the top tier of NESCAC MSOC, which of course means that they are part of the national conversation.

Amherst has a break before taking on NJAC powerhouse Montclair State next Sunday.  Massey rates the Mammoths' SOS as second highest in D3 and the Red Hawks fixture is consistent with that schedule.  It's a great opportunity to get some insight into relativities.

I can't really comment on the deep growls and flexing, but what I did see at the end was a generally quite convivial atmosphere in the middle of the field at least.  There was a fair representation of Downtown United alumni on both sides today and it's a positive reflection on the programme there, that there were many players at the top end of D3 who were on display in this game.  YSD mentioned the foul count, I think it might be the Mammoths' lowest number for the season.  I will leave others to continue with the alternative narrative, which is increasingly not being supported by data.

One sour note for this correspondent at least, was the quality of the commentary.  I had to roll back the film on multiple occasions to see what were described as penalty incidents which were no more than normal tackles.  Not knowing/understanding the rules is one thing, but this particular commentator's inability to pronounce Amherst surnames was infuriating and for some of my colleagues who were also watching the coverage, embarrassing.  To help out future callers:

https://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/mens-soccer/roster

There is an ear symbol next to each players' name.  My son is quite good at saying his...

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 09, 2023, 07:48:46 AM
Watched the game in the car on my way back from Boston, and I will agree that the quality of the commentary was not what I expected. The guy seemed a hockey commentator filling in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 09, 2023, 08:22:33 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 09, 2023, 04:19:54 AM
Bowdoin 0 Amherst 1

Yankeesoccerdad was there, whereas I had to try and watch whilst at work so I am quite happy to defer to him on the evenness of the game and checking out the history, since 2010 only two games between the Polar Bears and the Mammoths have been decided by more than a one goal margin.  The 2023 game at Pickard Field continued the tradition of tight affairs.  Based on what I saw, I wouldn't describe it as a cagey affair, but one where both teams had opportunities.  The big moments that I saw were where Bowdoin hit the cross bar and where Amherst scored after a shot had hit the post.  It's always a game of centimetres (2.54 of those makes an inch) and of course, just that bit of good fortune.

I appreciate the kind words from YSD about the Mammoths and there is little doubt that the teams match up pretty evenly.  The Polar Bears are adept at moving the ball from defence to attack quickly and with skill and have players that are capable of doing special things.  This was their first loss for the season and I don't necessarily see too many more ahead for them and they are definitely in the top tier of NESCAC MSOC, which of course means that they are part of the national conversation.

Amherst has a break before taking on NJAC powerhouse Montclair State next Sunday.  Massey rates the Mammoths' SOS as second highest in D3 and the Red Hawks fixture is consistent with that schedule.  It's a great opportunity to get some insight into relativities.

I can't really comment on the deep growls and flexing, but what I did see at the end was a generally quite convivial atmosphere in the middle of the field at least.  There was a fair representation of Downtown United alumni on both sides today and it's a positive reflection on the programme there, that there were many players at the top end of D3 who were on display in this game.  YSD mentioned the foul count, I think it might be the Mammoths' lowest number for the season.  I will leave others to continue with the alternative narrative, which is increasingly not being supported by data.

One sour note for this correspondent at least, was the quality of the commentary.  I had to roll back the film on multiple occasions to see what were described as penalty incidents which were no more than normal tackles.  Not knowing/understanding the rules is one thing, but this particular commentator's inability to pronounce Amherst surnames was infuriating and for some of my colleagues who were also watching the coverage, embarrassing.  To help out future callers:

https://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/mens-soccer/roster

There is an ear symbol next to each players' name.  My son is quite good at saying his...
The Colby announcer was no better on Saturday for the Midd v Colby game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 09, 2023, 08:40:06 AM
The Babson guy that did the Tufts game last week was excellent, knew the names of the visiting players, had background information and gave history of the series etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 09, 2023, 08:50:55 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 09, 2023, 07:48:46 AM
Watched the game in the car on my way back from Boston, and I will agree that the quality of the commentary was not what I expected. The guy seemed a hockey commentator filling in.
I think there are one or two regional commentators for the NSN games but in general it is typically - the Tufts broadcasters appear to be students and may tend to overexaggerate the calls with exuberance as well...........but at least NESCAC games are free for the live events!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 09, 2023, 07:39:27 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 09, 2023, 04:19:54 AM
Bowdoin 0 Amherst 1

Yankeesoccerdad was there, whereas I had to try and watch whilst at work so I am quite happy to defer to him on the evenness of the game and checking out the history, since 2010 only two games between the Polar Bears and the Mammoths have been decided by more than a one goal margin.  The 2023 game at Pickard Field continued the tradition of tight affairs.  Based on what I saw, I wouldn't describe it as a cagey affair, but one where both teams had opportunities.  The big moments that I saw were where Bowdoin hit the cross bar and where Amherst scored after a shot had hit the post.  It's always a game of centimetres (2.54 of those makes an inch) and of course, just that bit of good fortune.

I appreciate the kind words from YSD about the Mammoths and there is little doubt that the teams match up pretty evenly.  The Polar Bears are adept at moving the ball from defence to attack quickly and with skill and have players that are capable of doing special things.  This was their first loss for the season and I don't necessarily see too many more ahead for them and they are definitely in the top tier of NESCAC MSOC, which of course means that they are part of the national conversation.

Amherst has a break before taking on NJAC powerhouse Montclair State next Sunday.  Massey rates the Mammoths' SOS as second highest in D3 and the Red Hawks fixture is consistent with that schedule.  It's a great opportunity to get some insight into relativities.

I can't really comment on the deep growls and flexing, but what I did see at the end was a generally quite convivial atmosphere in the middle of the field at least.  There was a fair representation of Downtown United alumni on both sides today and it's a positive reflection on the programme there, that there were many players at the top end of D3 who were on display in this game.  YSD mentioned the foul count, I think it might be the Mammoths' lowest number for the season.  I will leave others to continue with the alternative narrative, which is increasingly not being supported by data.

One sour note for this correspondent at least, was the quality of the commentary.  I had to roll back the film on multiple occasions to see what were described as penalty incidents which were no more than normal tackles.  Not knowing/understanding the rules is one thing, but this particular commentator's inability to pronounce Amherst surnames was infuriating and for some of my colleagues who were also watching the coverage, embarrassing.  To help out future callers:

https://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/mens-soccer/roster

There is an ear symbol next to each players' name.  My son is quite good at saying his...

I was at this match in-person...along with my wife and my son (Bowdoin '12) and his family.  It was a beautiful day for football, and my grandson of 20 months was kicking a miniature soccer ball on the fringes of the turf field.  After the match, I pointed out that he should have been subbed in for Bowdoin, and would have likely scored the elusive equalizer... :-)

At any rate, I thought it was a relatively evenly played match.  Each team had spells of dominance and possession.  Amherst definitely had the overall height advantage and continue to be very adept at putting the ball into the box from a variety of angles.  Bowdoin looked prettier in possession and have several forward players who are a menace on the ball.  A draw would have been a fair result, but Amherst's goal was well earned through their persistence.

I will say that I've heard that Wiercinski and Serpone wouldn't be inviting the other to tea any time soon, and Serpone was literally dancing on the sideline at the conclusion of the match...which probably says something on several levels...  :-)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 11, 2023, 02:40:18 PM
Middlebury wins 2-0 at Eastern Nazarene in a game that was not really that close in terms of chances created.  The field appeared to play like Midd's old turf field.  The ball was bouncing all over the place and it seemed that it was very hard for players to control the ball.  Midd heads to Connecticut for two challenges games this weekend.  Trinity is much improved, and Conn is currently undefeated. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 14, 2023, 05:18:55 PM
Williams loses to Wesleyan??  :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 14, 2023, 05:35:07 PM
Williams with a tough loss to Wesleyan and now staring down a tough 0 point weekend if they can't get a result at a resurgent Tufts team
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 14, 2023, 05:51:03 PM
Hamilton 0 Bowdoin 0

I woke up a little early for no good reason (athough the weekly shopping has now been done) and watched the final 30 minutes of this game.  I will leave it for YankeeSoccerDad to fill in the gaps with his usual erudite and dispassionate observations, but what I did see looked pretty even.  The one thing that stood out to me compared to watching the final bit of the St Thomas/Texas Lutheran game was how much faster the Continentals/Polar Bear game was.  I completely understand the difference in climate etc, but to my eyes the contrast was a sharp one and not saying it's a good or bad thing either.  Bowdoin's build up was a bit more deliberate than Hamilton's and whilst they got some dangerous balls into the box, didn't quite create a meaningful opening whilst I was watching and Hamilton were countering with genuine pace and might have been unlucky to not be awarded a handball.  I will say though and happy for CollegeSoccerObserver to offer his thoughts on this, but I am really not sure what a handball is these days. 

The commentator mentioned that the Continentals haven't conceded a goal in just over four games now and having watched this cameo, I can understand why.  They were one of the two teams I nominated (Tufts was the other) as big improvers for 2023 and I think they are on the cusp of being considered as much more serious contenders in NESCAC, which of course, just makes this conference even tougher week to week. 

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 15, 2023, 08:13:26 AM
I saw the latter part of the first half, and pretty much all of the second half.  Now...with my admitted bias as a former Polar Bear parent...the play I saw in the first half looked pretty even.  I thought Bowdoin controlled much of the possession in the second half and looked the much more dangerous team.  More often than not, Hamilton was sending long balls in hopes of making something happen.  The stats seem to bear this out...as Bowdoin had 8 SOG to Hamilton's 2 and 8 corner kicks to Hamilton's 1.  But, a draw is a draw.  You take the point and move on...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 15, 2023, 01:35:44 PM
EnmoreCat, I'm sure you are in hard-core pre-gaming mode with the massive intersectional battle just hours away, but I was curious about your post on Bowdoin vs Hamilton.  First, and I may well have missed it, I don't recall you offering detailed analysis of a non-Amherst match.  Secondly, and what I found far more interesting, was your insertion of speed of play into your analysis, which seemed less about Bowdoin vs Hamilton, and more about highlighting a point you wanted to make about NESCAC speed of play in general.  You've obviously observed in person and via video a lot of NESCAC action, so I suspect you didn't see anything in Bowdoin vs Hamilton that was unique.  You said you weren't making any judgments, and yet you still highlighted something about NESCAC in general that you must think means something or at least something to you.  Third, I was curious about your choice of TLU vs UST as your comparison standard.  Now maybe that's because you really haven't watched much other non-NESCAC action and/or because TLU vs UST for at least a few days so thoroughly consumed the attention of the D3 audience (such as it is). 

At any rate, I doubt anyone questions your observation and conclusion.  NESCAC is widely accepted by almost all of us here as the superior (and perhaps by a significant margin) conference in all of D3, and so it certainly follows and makes sense that NESCAC would have the most superior speed of play.  That said, I'm not sure watching the 20-30 minutes of a match that was mostly 8 v 10 and had so much extracurricular drama is the fairest measuring stick.  UST (who won two NCAA tourney games last year and also led Chicago at the half in the Sweet 16) and probably TLU too would win games in the NESCAC.  I don't know if they would be top half, but they could compete. I'd also be interested in your assessment of speed of play with other comparables...like Calvin vs Chicago, or Calvin vs John Carroll, or W&L vs Christopher Newport, or Johns Hopkins vs F&M, or SLU vs Vassar.  Lastly, I'd suggest that perceptions of speed of play are also often impacted by camera angle and distance akin to what speed of play looks like on video vs live.  The NESCAC video tends to be much closer to the field and at a lower angle since most NESCAC venues are not in stadium or stadium-similar settings. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 15, 2023, 02:34:52 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 15, 2023, 01:35:44 PM
EnmoreCat, I'm sure you are in hard-core pre-gaming mode with the massive intersectional battle just hours away, but I was curious about your post on Bowdoin vs Hamilton.  First, and I may well have missed it, I don't recall you offering detailed analysis of a non-Amherst match.  Secondly, and what I found far more interesting, was your insertion of speed of play into your analysis, which seemed less about Bowdoin vs Hamilton, and more about highlighting a point you wanted to make about NESCAC speed of play in general.  You've obviously observed in person and via video a lot of NESCAC action, so I suspect you didn't see anything in Bowdoin vs Hamilton that was unique.  You said you weren't making any judgments, and yet you still highlighted something about NESCAC in general that you must think means something or at least something to you.  Third, I was curious about your choice of TLU vs UST as your comparison standard.  Now maybe that's because you really haven't watched much other non-NESCAC action and/or because TLU vs UST for at least a few days so thoroughly consumed the attention of the D3 audience (such as it is). 

At any rate, I doubt anyone questions your observation and conclusion.  NESCAC is widely accepted by almost all of us here as the superior (and perhaps by a significant margin) conference in all of D3, and so it certainly follows and makes sense that NESCAC would have the most superior speed of play.  That said, I'm not sure watching the 20-30 minutes of a match that was mostly 8 v 10 and had so much extracurricular drama is the fairest measuring stick.  UST (who won two NCAA tourney games last year and also led Chicago at the half in the Sweet 16) and probably TLU too would win games in the NESCAC.  I don't know if they would be top half, but they could compete. I'd also be interested in your assessment of speed of play with other comparables...like Calvin vs Chicago, or Calvin vs John Carroll, or W&L vs Christopher Newport, or Johns Hopkins vs F&M, or SLU vs Vassar.  Lastly, I'd suggest that perceptions of speed of play are also often impacted by camera angle and distance akin to what speed of play looks like on video vs live.  The NESCAC video tends to be much closer to the field and at a lower angle since most NESCAC venues are not in stadium or stadium-similar settings.

For what it's worth, I also took note of the comments about the speed of play comparison.  Like @Paul Newman, I also thought it an odd sample to make the comparison not because of climate, but because it was 10 v. 8, which means the game can be really spaced out on a proper size field and makes it more difficult space-wise and energy-wise late in the game for either team to press. 

Speed of play is not a good or bad thing (I think @EnmoreCat conceded that; patience can be a virtue after all), but it is helpful when pressing necessitates one-touch passing and movement off the ball so that the team with the ball can unbalance the pressing team and make the press less effective.  So, I would mildly disagree with @Paul Newman that the statement really implies anything about which league is better (without disagreeing that NESCAC is better - I just wouldn't say that speed of play is necessarily the evidence of that).  Chicago was a pretty deliberate team last year, choosing their moments to bomb forward, and they won the national championship.  You can have really strong technical players -- and St. Thomas may have a few of the more technical players in D3 -- without playing "fast" so-to-speak.    Really good players can make one shift with the ball or one turn on a pass and make a pressing player look silly, leaving plenty of time to pick out a pass

Having said that, from my perspective as someone who has watched St. Thomas more times than any sane person not affiliated with the team or any of its opponents would do over the past two years, is that they have been playing slower than they did last year.  I think that's because they lack the target forward that was a fulcrum of their offense last year and that has reduced their movement off the ball around the target and, as a result, reduced one of their primary methods of going forward.  One of the problems with a possession-based team is that if they start lacking ideas for how to get forward, they either resort to individual plays like dribbling or long shots or, if their coach really emphasizes possession, they play possession for possession's sake which involves a lot of lateral and backward passes.  Indeed, you can be a possession-based team and have really fast speed of play, but not go anywhere, which is why I think the better phrase to communicate to players is "urgency" than "tempo," because urgency implies direction and goal-based speed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 15, 2023, 03:23:25 PM
Bowdoin 0 — Hamilton 0

I am impressed this game got so much attention.  Obviously I wanted a win for Bowdoin, but a tie wasn't unfair.  The box score gives the advantage to Bowdoin in shots and SOG, and I thought Bowdoin was better but I acknowledge my bias, like Northman.  Bowdoin was missing a couple of starters on defense, but there was no impact on the game as they didn't concede any goals.  The pace felt fast in live action as both teams passed well.  It felt like the typical NESCAC back and forth battle, with some skirmishes but, in a departure from NESCAC, relatively few long balls and no chippiness. 

I confess I was disappointed in the tie but Enmorecat's comment made me look at the Hamilton schedule—they haven't lost and haven't conceded any goals thus far in October.  Their midfield is very strong (as expected) and maybe this is a reversal of last year, where Hamilton started strong and faded in October when a few defenders went down?  They face Amherst next so we will learn a lot there.

I saw some Hamilton players called for a handball, in the second half but i didn't see it from my vantage point.  The ref was there and signaled play on, so it might have been incidental.  If it was a handball, that is two weekends Bowdoin benefitted from the refs.  There are a number of calls (and non-calls) that often go against Bowdoin so I take the good with the bad.

As for Bowdoin, I thought they played well but were unlucky.  The Hamilton GK is pretty athletic and had some nice saves.  Bowdoin had at least one hard shot each half that was over the bar by a small margin.  Bowdoin next plays at Colby Tuesday afternoon.  I am planning on attending as it is my son's last year and Colby is the only NESCAC campus I haven't visited.

The game also featured a couple of Downtown United alums.  I never got a T-shirt like some parents but it is always nice to see mutual respect and friendship after a hard-fought match.

A couple of non-soccer thoughts.

It was senior day for Hamilton, always a nice event.  The walk out song for Hamilton was Etta James' "At Last."  I can't believe some college-age soccer players picked that, but if they did hats off to them.  It was a role reversal with the students on the sidelines asking the over 50 crowd who the artist was.

The game featured four Lukes, two Jacks, two Julians and two Kais, not counting players who didn't enter the game.  There were many confused looks each time those names were shouted.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on October 15, 2023, 03:54:24 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 15, 2023, 01:35:44 PM
EnmoreCat, I'm sure you are in hard-core pre-gaming mode with the massive intersectional battle just hours away, but I was curious about your post on Bowdoin vs Hamilton.  First, and I may well have missed it, I don't recall you offering detailed analysis of a non-Amherst match.  Secondly, and what I found far more interesting, was your insertion of speed of play into your analysis, which seemed less about Bowdoin vs Hamilton, and more about highlighting a point you wanted to make about NESCAC speed of play in general.  You've obviously observed in person and via video a lot of NESCAC action, so I suspect you didn't see anything in Bowdoin vs Hamilton that was unique.  You said you weren't making any judgments, and yet you still highlighted something about NESCAC in general that you must think means something or at least something to you.  Third, I was curious about your choice of TLU vs UST as your comparison standard.  Now maybe that's because you really haven't watched much other non-NESCAC action and/or because TLU vs UST for at least a few days so thoroughly consumed the attention of the D3 audience (such as it is). 

At any rate, I doubt anyone questions your observation and conclusion.  NESCAC is widely accepted by almost all of us here as the superior (and perhaps by a significant margin) conference in all of D3, and so it certainly follows and makes sense that NESCAC would have the most superior speed of play.  That said, I'm not sure watching the 20-30 minutes of a match that was mostly 8 v 10 and had so much extracurricular drama is the fairest measuring stick.  UST (who won two NCAA tourney games last year and also led Chicago at the half in the Sweet 16) and probably TLU too would win games in the NESCAC.  I don't know if they would be top half, but they could compete. I'd also be interested in your assessment of speed of play with other comparables...like Calvin vs Chicago, or Calvin vs John Carroll, or W&L vs Christopher Newport, or Johns Hopkins vs F&M, or SLU vs Vassar.  Lastly, I'd suggest that perceptions of speed of play are also often impacted by camera angle and distance akin to what speed of play looks like on video vs live.  The NESCAC video tends to be much closer to the field and at a lower angle since most NESCAC venues are not in stadium or stadium-similar settings.

As to speed of play, whether it be NESCAC or not, the natural v. turf, imo, plays a big part in many games. Especially after a day or rain.  Watching the Midd v. Conn game which is a good one 1-1 right now.  I can't really judge concerning speed considering that the ball seems to be buried in tall grass. So other games where the teams lift the ball all the time. NESCAC may play very fast in many games, but would not say that with grass games like Midd v. Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 15, 2023, 05:06:22 PM
I don't think I've ever seen a yellow card be shown 2 seconds into a game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 15, 2023, 10:25:07 PM
Kuiper, you are more generous than I am.  First, while there may be semantic nuances here, speed of play consistently is used in multiple sports to denote superiority....which doesn't have to mean fast or frenetic, but athleticism and skill usually are viewed as allowing for a higher speed of play...which is consistent with terminology folks use often for high schoolers transitioning to college or college players transitioning to professional...they have to adapt to the speed of play, which may have a cognitive/mental element as well.  The tell is the climate reference that you referenced.  That by itself suggests players appearing fatigued, or not up to par in some way, or something that would explain not looking as good as you might have expected them to look given all the hype.  Of course there is the standard disclaimer, but why else reach so far (all the way to Texas) for a contrast that seems like it is out of left field? 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 15, 2023, 11:17:27 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 15, 2023, 10:25:07 PM
Kuiper, you are more generous than I am.  First, while there may be semantic nuances here, speed of play consistently is used in multiple sports to denote superiority....which doesn't have to mean fast or frenetic, but athleticism and skill usually are viewed as allowing for a higher speed of play...which is consistent with terminology folks use often for high schoolers transitioning to college or college players transitioning to professional...they have to adapt to the speed of play, which may have a cognitive/mental element as well.  The tell is the climate reference that you referenced.  That by itself suggests players appearing fatigued, or not up to par in some way, or something that would explain not looking as good as you might have expected them to look given all the hype.  Of course there is the standard disclaimer, but why else reach so far (all the way to Texas) for a contrast that seems like it is out of left field?

I referenced climate because EnmoreCat specifically mentioned "climate" in his post that you were responding to, which is what I was also reacting to in my post.  He suggested it had to do with being tired.  In soccer, "speed of play" isn't about speed of players, but of the ball leaving players feet and moving from player to player (and speed of mind/thought in making decisions about where to play the ball).  It can be necessary to speed up play because the players are faster players who close you down more quickly, but I didn't take EnmoreCat to be referring to the physical speed of the players or the superiority of the play, but rather to the choice not to press and the choice not to move the ball quickly. If he was referring to physical speed and inferior play, then he was simply mistaken.   It wasn't that St. Thomas or TLU couldn't close players down in a fast, athletic, manner or didn't have the technical skills to play the ball quickly from foot to foot.  It was that they chose to play a different style where they held on to the ball longer rather than getting rid of it quickly.  That is often because the other team isn't pressing, which is a deliberate strategy too.  When players on both sides are more technical, they are often less likely to rush at each other lest they be easily brushed aside by a simple move and then are left out of position.  LigaMX, for example, is generally known as a more technical league than MLS, which has a reputation for being more physical and athletic, but LigaMX is known as having higher speed of play in the sense that the ball leaves players' feet more quickly (which would cause a pressing team to run around in circles chasing it).  My sense is that St. Thomas' players were holding onto the ball too long (hence the slower speed of play) because they had fewer ideas of where to play the ball and less movement off the ball, but you can have slower speed of play because you are toying with the other team too.  It doesn't mean superior or inferior play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 16, 2023, 02:36:40 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 15, 2023, 01:35:44 PM
EnmoreCat, I'm sure you are in hard-core pre-gaming mode with the massive intersectional battle just hours away, but I was curious about your post on Bowdoin vs Hamilton.  First, and I may well have missed it, I don't recall you offering detailed analysis of a non-Amherst match.  Secondly, and what I found far more interesting, was your insertion of speed of play into your analysis, which seemed less about Bowdoin vs Hamilton, and more about highlighting a point you wanted to make about NESCAC speed of play in general.  You've obviously observed in person and via video a lot of NESCAC action, so I suspect you didn't see anything in Bowdoin vs Hamilton that was unique.  You said you weren't making any judgments, and yet you still highlighted something about NESCAC in general that you must think means something or at least something to you.  Third, I was curious about your choice of TLU vs UST as your comparison standard.  Now maybe that's because you really haven't watched much other non-NESCAC action and/or because TLU vs UST for at least a few days so thoroughly consumed the attention of the D3 audience (such as it is). 

At any rate, I doubt anyone questions your observation and conclusion.  NESCAC is widely accepted by almost all of us here as the superior (and perhaps by a significant margin) conference in all of D3, and so it certainly follows and makes sense that NESCAC would have the most superior speed of play.  That said, I'm not sure watching the 20-30 minutes of a match that was mostly 8 v 10 and had so much extracurricular drama is the fairest measuring stick.  UST (who won two NCAA tourney games last year and also led Chicago at the half in the Sweet 16) and probably TLU too would win games in the NESCAC.  I don't know if they would be top half, but they could compete. I'd also be interested in your assessment of speed of play with other comparables...like Calvin vs Chicago, or Calvin vs John Carroll, or W&L vs Christopher Newport, or Johns Hopkins vs F&M, or SLU vs Vassar.  Lastly, I'd suggest that perceptions of speed of play are also often impacted by camera angle and distance akin to what speed of play looks like on video vs live.  The NESCAC video tends to be much closer to the field and at a lower angle since most NESCAC venues are not in stadium or stadium-similar settings.

Sadly, PN I didn't really get to watch today and had to be content with trying to listen, but will try to catch up tonight.  You're right, it's rare I offer anything on non-Amherst games, mainly because I am asleep when most D3 games take place and on a Sunday morning I am most likely to be watching Crystal Palace play.  I did provide some observations on the Hamilton/Middlebury game which I got to watch via a stream, when I was recently visiting.  I did attend Cal Lutheran/ Redlands and Trinity/South Western back in 2018 and remember both days being pretty hot and humid.  It was probably unfair to try and compare the STU/TLU game to the Hamilton/Bowdoin one, but in my defence, I would say that when I watch Amherst, I tend to be looking at other things, like how EnmoreKitten is going and how the Mammoths are playing, rather than directly about the pace of the game.  As a neutral,  in the two games under discussion, I followed the ball.  Your points about camera positioning etc make a lot of sense, and I know from bitter experience this year and last that NESCAC teams can lose to non-conference rivals.  I work on the basis that any team in the top 50 of D3 can be successful against the absolute top tier.  It's really the beauty of D3.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 16, 2023, 07:35:04 AM
Well said Enmore!  I think after the initial lineup announcements last night they went to the website to learn the Amherst pronunciations and did better vs their opening butchering. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on October 16, 2023, 09:22:59 AM
The final week of the season and the Nescac table is tight.

Middlebury stands in 1st place while Amherst/Tufts are 1 point behind, and CC in 4th 2 points behind Midd.
Midd has two difficult games to end the season vs Tufts and Williams. Tufts with Midd/Bowdoin to end the season.

Projected final 8:
1. Amherst 23pts (6 points between Bates/Trinity)
2. Middlebury 22pts (4 pts vs Tufts/Williams)
3. Conn College 22pts (6 pts vs Bates and Wes)
4. Tufts 21pts (4 pts vs Midd/Bowdoin)
5. Bowdoin 18pts (6 points in last 3 games)
6. Williams
7. Hamilton
8. Wesleyan
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 16, 2023, 11:24:50 AM
I believe that Amherst has Hamilton and Trinity as their remaining games, not Bates and Trinity. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 16, 2023, 02:26:01 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 16, 2023, 11:24:50 AM
I believe that Amherst has Hamilton and Trinity as their remaining games, not Bates and Trinity.

100% correct CSO
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 16, 2023, 02:26:47 PM
Quote from: SKUD on October 16, 2023, 07:35:04 AM
Well said Enmore!  I think after the initial lineup announcements last night they went to the website to learn the Amherst pronunciations and did better vs their opening butchering.

I am saving it for my eventual game summary Skud, but the perfect pronunciation was noticeable!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 16, 2023, 08:24:19 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on October 16, 2023, 09:22:59 AM
The final week of the season and the Nescac table is tight.

Middlebury stands in 1st place while Amherst/Tufts are 1 point behind, and CC in 4th 2 points behind Midd.
Midd has two difficult games to end the season vs Tufts and Williams. Tufts with Midd/Bowdoin to end the season.

Projected final 8:
1. Amherst 23pts (6 points between Bates/Trinity)
2. Middlebury 22pts (4 pts vs Tufts/Williams)
3. Conn College 22pts (6 pts vs Bates and Wes)
4. Tufts 21pts (4 pts vs Midd/Bowdoin)
5. Bowdoin 18pts (6 points in last 3 games)
6. Williams
7. Hamilton
8. Wesleyan

Great first post and welcome!
Alternate reality
1) Amherst 23
2) Tufts 23
3) Conn 22
4) Midd 21

Tufts are rounding into form and Enmore cat is lucky he got them early in the year. Can't wait for a potential rematch although knowing the NESCAC the odds of the both making it to the finals of the conference tourney are about zero. So I guess we'll have to settle for a NCAA rematch a la 2018 and 2019.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 16, 2023, 08:58:02 PM
Regional ranking thoughts:

Region 1
1. Middlebury
2. Conn College
3. Amherst
4. Tufts
5. Bowdoin
6. Williams
7. W. Conn

Others: Keene St, Mass-Boston
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on October 16, 2023, 10:17:40 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 16, 2023, 08:24:19 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on October 16, 2023, 09:22:59 AM
The final week of the season and the Nescac table is tight.

Middlebury stands in 1st place while Amherst/Tufts are 1 point behind, and CC in 4th 2 points behind Midd.
Midd has two difficult games to end the season vs Tufts and Williams. Tufts with Midd/Bowdoin to end the season.

Projected final 8:
1. Amherst 23pts (6 points between Bates/Trinity)
2. Middlebury 22pts (4 pts vs Tufts/Williams)
3. Conn College 22pts (6 pts vs Bates and Wes)
4. Tufts 21pts (4 pts vs Midd/Bowdoin)
5. Bowdoin 18pts (6 points in last 3 games)
6. Williams
7. Hamilton
8. Wesleyan

Great first post and welcome!
Alternate reality
1) Amherst 23
2) Tufts 23
3) Conn 22
4) Midd 21

Tufts are rounding into form and Enmore cat is lucky he got them early in the year. Can't wait for a potential rematch although knowing the NESCAC the odds of the both making it to the finals of the conference tourney are about zero. So I guess we'll have to settle for a NCAA rematch a la 2018 and 2019.

I can see this too. Tufts has been playing great and I think Ethan Feigin is a terrific player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 17, 2023, 07:53:51 AM
By the way, I assume some of you watched the Midd v Conn game...which ended in a draw.  Was it as competitive and evenly matched as the scoreline suggests?  I'm interested in getting someone's take on the matchup and the relative strength of the teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 17, 2023, 08:07:13 AM
I was there in person.  Conn's field did the game no favors, as it had rained on Saturday and the women played prior to the men's game on Sunday.  Footing was uncertain at times and the ball was not rolling true all the time.  In the first half, both teams tried to play out of the back and through the midfield, but each team was aggressively pressing.  The result was frequent turnovers which led to most of the chances created in the first half.  First half was even.  Midd took the lead on a gorgeous free kick from Tyler Payne from 19 yards.  He got it over the wall and back down, and Silvester never even moved.  Conn was on the front foot for the next 10 minutes or so.  Their equalizer was unlucky for Midd fans, the result of a great move if you favor the Camels.  An attacker (can't remember which one), got free in the area and ripped a shot that was header for the corner.   Grady flung himslef across the goal with a full extension dive and tipped it off the post.  The rebound went to the one Conn player in position to do something about it, and he finished the chance.  Midd had a golden chance to score with about 6 minutes left off a scramble in front, but put the ball just wide.  All in all, a result that was perhaps more welcomed by the Camels than the Panthers, but not grossly unfair.  I believe both teams can make deep runs in the NCAAs, which is not that surprising given their undefeated status.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 10:03:19 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 16, 2023, 08:24:19 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on October 16, 2023, 09:22:59 AM
The final week of the season and the Nescac table is tight.

Middlebury stands in 1st place while Amherst/Tufts are 1 point behind, and CC in 4th 2 points behind Midd.
Midd has two difficult games to end the season vs Tufts and Williams. Tufts with Midd/Bowdoin to end the season.

Projected final 8:
1. Amherst 23pts (6 points between Bates/Trinity)
2. Middlebury 22pts (4 pts vs Tufts/Williams)
3. Conn College 22pts (6 pts vs Bates and Wes)
4. Tufts 21pts (4 pts vs Midd/Bowdoin)
5. Bowdoin 18pts (6 points in last 3 games)
6. Williams
7. Hamilton
8. Wesleyan

Great first post and welcome!
Alternate reality
1) Amherst 23
2) Tufts 23
3) Conn 22
4) Midd 21

Tufts are rounding into form and Enmore cat is lucky he got them early in the year. Can't wait for a potential rematch although knowing the NESCAC the odds of the both making it to the finals of the conference tourney are about zero. So I guess we'll have to settle for a NCAA rematch a la 2018 and 2019.

This post from our Tufts physician alum who scored from his right back position in a national semi in his frosh season obviously exudes a little gamesmanship.  That said, the post also reflects part of what makes Tufts such a formidable foe.  Under Shapiro and with the help of a run only matched by Messiah in modern times, Tufts built a culture so strong that it always was going to have a chance to continue thriving post-Shapiro.  You know a program is a great one when getting knocked out in the Elite 8 or Sweet 16 is considered a major disappointment.

As great as Amherst has been over the past 15 or so years -- and the Mammoths have been great by any measure -- Amherst over the past 8-10 years has played second fiddle to Tufts, even though Amherst has had multiple Final Four and national final appearances during that same span.  For the Tufts program and its players, a new year or where they may be predicted to finish in NESCAC, is pretty irrelevant to them and their overall psyche.  The Jumbos don't think they can win, or can win if they play really well, or have a 50/50 chance against a team as good or allegedly better....no, instead, they enter every game believing they should and will win.  It may not seem like that big of a deal, but that level of confidence, only enjoyed by the rarest of programs (think Messiah, Tufts, and maybe Amherst and Calvin), is a huge advantage.  Of course having really good teams also really helps, and helps make your program a destination program for attractive recruits.

I do think this is a big year for Dezotell.  He stepped into a job that in many ways was ideal and one of the very best in the country while also being impossible (in the sense of hoping to even come close to duplicating what Shapiro did).  The list of programs/coaches who have won three out out of four and four out of six national titles is short...like really, really short.

I love the Tufts at Middlebury match on our doorstep.  I ranked Midd #2 in the country this week, and I do believe that Midd believes "this is our year."  However, Midd is one of those teams I hinted at above that knows they can win and definitely believes they have as good a chance as anyone if they play up to or very close to their capability.  But the Panthers don't yet have the "we absolutely will win this game" mentality.  You get there by breaking through barriers...and this Tufts game is a chance to get a little closer to that mentality.  If Midd loses, they will still be confident and still consider themselves top tier national contenders, but they won't have the extreme confidence level of, let's say, Messiah, Tufts, and Amherst.  Tufts on the other hand could lose Saturday, and even end up 4th or 5th in NESCAC, and there will be little impact on how they fancy their chances in the NCAA tournament.

So, until proven otherwise....Tufts 2, Midd 1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 10:40:02 AM
I watched most of Midd vs Conn Coll video...and I thought the teams were very even and that the play for the most part was even.  I would slightly disagree with CSO about Midd being a bit unlucky on the Conn goal.  Grady indeed made a incredible save that very, very few GKs would have gotten a hand on, much less saved.  It was a well-struck ball ticketed for the just inside the right post.  Great save, and as CSO noted, Conn perhaps was fortunate to have a guy right there to knock it in.

What impresses about Conn and especially Coach Burk is that they do not panic.  They were down 1-0 fairly late to Amherst and prevailed 2-1.  Midd was up 1-0 and Conn managed to equalize.  Burk has Conn back to where they were 2 years ago.  I don't know how long Jaran is out (and he was out for a big portion of last season), but would definitely hurt if he isn't available for the post-season.  Conn does have multiple offensive weapons....maybe not one as outstanding as the very top offensive players in the conference but as a group they may be as good as any. 

Midd is very, very good...and solid across the board.  Obviously Midd's defense is stout, led by one of the top GKs in the country.  I do wonder if Midd is short another high level offensive threat.  Losing St Louis would be devastating....so like always injuries and avoiding major injuries will play a large role in who emerges in the the post-season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 17, 2023, 11:09:21 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 10:03:19 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 16, 2023, 08:24:19 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on October 16, 2023, 09:22:59 AM
The final week of the season and the Nescac table is tight.

Middlebury stands in 1st place while Amherst/Tufts are 1 point behind, and CC in 4th 2 points behind Midd.
Midd has two difficult games to end the season vs Tufts and Williams. Tufts with Midd/Bowdoin to end the season.

Projected final 8:
1. Amherst 23pts (6 points between Bates/Trinity)
2. Middlebury 22pts (4 pts vs Tufts/Williams)
3. Conn College 22pts (6 pts vs Bates and Wes)
4. Tufts 21pts (4 pts vs Midd/Bowdoin)
5. Bowdoin 18pts (6 points in last 3 games)
6. Williams
7. Hamilton
8. Wesleyan

Great first post and welcome!
Alternate reality
1) Amherst 23
2) Tufts 23
3) Conn 22
4) Midd 21

Tufts are rounding into form and Enmore cat is lucky he got them early in the year. Can't wait for a potential rematch although knowing the NESCAC the odds of the both making it to the finals of the conference tourney are about zero. So I guess we'll have to settle for a NCAA rematch a la 2018 and 2019.

This post from our Tufts physician alum who scored from his right back position in a national semi in his frosh season obviously exudes a little gamesmanship.  That said, the post also reflects part of what makes Tufts such a formidable foe.  Under Shapiro and with the help of a run only matched by Messiah in modern times, Tufts built a culture so strong that it always was going to have a chance to continue thriving post-Shapiro.  You know a program is a great one when getting knocked out in the Elite 8 or Sweet 16 is considered a major disappointment.

As great as Amherst has been over the past 15 or so years -- and the Mammoths have been great by any measure -- Amherst over the past 8-10 years has played second fiddle to Tufts, even though Amherst has had multiple Final Four and national final appearances during that same span.  For the Tufts program and its players, a new year or where they may be predicted to finish in NESCAC, is pretty irrelevant to them and their overall psyche.  The Jumbos don't think they can win, or can win if they play really well, or have a 50/50 chance against a team as good or allegedly better....no, instead, they enter every game believing they should and will win.  It may not seem like that big of a deal, but that level of confidence, only enjoyed by the rarest of programs (think Messiah, Tufts, and maybe Amherst and Calvin), is a huge advantage.  Of course having really good teams also really helps, and helps make your program a destination program for attractive recruits.

I do think this is a big year for Dezotell.  He stepped into a job that in many ways was ideal and one of the very best in the country while also being impossible (in the sense of hoping to even come close to duplicating what Shapiro did).  The list of programs/coaches who have won three out out of four and four out of six national titles is short...like really, really short.

I love the Tufts at Middlebury match on our doorstep.  I ranked Midd #2 in the country this week, and I do believe that Midd believes "this is our year."  However, Midd is one of those teams I hinted at above that knows they can win and definitely believes they have as good a chance as anyone if they play up to or very close to their capability.  But the Panthers don't yet have the "we absolutely will win this game" mentality.  You get there by breaking through barriers...and this Tufts game is a chance to get a little closer to that mentality.  If Midd loses, they will still be confident and still consider themselves top tier national contenders, but they won't have the extreme confidence level of, let's say, Messiah, Tufts, and Amherst.  Tufts on the other hand could lose Saturday, and even end up 4th or 5th in NESCAC, and there will be little impact on how they fancy their chances in the NCAA tournament.

So, until proven otherwise....Tufts 2, Midd 1.

Will be plenty of drama in Middlebury on Saturday. The former Middlebury great Kyle Dezotell and his Jumbos roll into Midd, playing as well as any team in the country—and hoping to give the Panthers their first loss of the season.

And not only will it be senior day for the Panthers, but also a celebration of retired Midd coaching legend Dave Saward, who will be inducted into Midd's Hall of Fame this Fall. I know the players don't care about this, but old folks like me do. And what a wild moment for Dezotell—a very touching moment seeing his former coach and mentor being honored in such a fashion, and then game face.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on October 17, 2023, 11:16:51 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 10:40:02 AM
I watched most of Midd vs Conn Coll video...and I thought the teams were very even and that the play for the most part was even.  I would slightly disagree with CSO about Midd being a bit unlucky on the Conn goal.  Grady indeed made a incredible save that very, very few GKs would have gotten a hand on, much less saved.  It was a well-struck ball ticketed for the just inside the right post.  Great save, and as CSO noted, Conn perhaps was fortunate to have a guy right there to knock it in.

What impresses about Conn and especially Coach Burk is that they do not panic.  They were down 1-0 fairly late to Amherst and prevailed 2-1.  Midd was up 1-0 and Conn managed to equalize.  Burk has Conn back to where they were 2 years ago.  I don't know how long Jaran is out (and he was out for a big portion of last season), but would definitely hurt if he isn't available for the post-season.  Conn does have multiple offensive weapons....maybe not one as outstanding as the very top offensive players in the conference but as a group they may be as good as any. 

Midd is very, very good...and solid across the board.  Obviously Midd's defense is stout, led by one of the top GKs in the country.  I do wonder if Midd is short another high level offensive threat.  Losing St Louis would be devastating....so like always injuries and avoiding major injuries will play a large role in who emerges in the the post-season.

I agree, I think it was a very even game. Both teams had good chances to score and the freekick goal from Midd was exceptional. I will say that Midd looks extremely dangerous on corner kicks so that will serve them well in postseason play. Saint Louis has the majority of the Panthers points so he will need to stay healthy.

I am very impressed with Conn too. Creus and Scoffone are two players who can create something out of nothing. Also, freshman Miles has the most minutes on the team

I think you can make a case for any of the Top 4 teams right now. It is a very even season and the Top 4 + Bowdoin all have a legitimate chance to make a deep run in NCAAs. Williams hasn't been getting the results they want, but they are always a tough team, and I can see them prevailing on the road in the nescac quarter final.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 17, 2023, 11:27:24 AM
agree with your point on Williams, if they make it to the knockout stage anything can happen, because their defense is quite sturdy.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 17, 2023, 11:32:37 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 10:40:02 AM
I watched most of Midd vs Conn Coll video...and I thought the teams were very even and that the play for the most part was even.  I would slightly disagree with CSO about Midd being a bit unlucky on the Conn goal.  Grady indeed made a incredible save that very, very few GKs would have gotten a hand on, much less saved.  It was a well-struck ball ticketed for the just inside the right post.  Great save, and as CSO noted, Conn perhaps was fortunate to have a guy right there to knock it in.

What impresses about Conn and especially Coach Burk is that they do not panic.  They were down 1-0 fairly late to Amherst and prevailed 2-1.  Midd was up 1-0 and Conn managed to equalize.  Burk has Conn back to where they were 2 years ago.  I don't know how long Jaran is out (and he was out for a big portion of last season), but would definitely hurt if he isn't available for the post-season.  Conn does have multiple offensive weapons....maybe not one as outstanding as the very top offensive players in the conference but as a group they may be as good as any. 

Midd is very, very good...and solid across the board.  Obviously Midd's defense is stout, led by one of the top GKs in the country.  I do wonder if Midd is short another high level offensive threat.  Losing St Louis would be devastating....so like always injuries and avoiding major injuries will play a large role in who emerges in the the post-season.

Terrific assessment of Conn and Midd; mirrors my view. Avoiding major injuries is, obviously, huge. The Panthers have been able to weather the loss of midfielder Farrell—such a high energy performer, and next to impossible to replace 1 for 1—to a torn ACL, largely by relying on a couple of stellar freshman contributors. But at this time of year, depth gets tested.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 11:33:21 AM
Welcome FanofNescac....and yes, I bet you're thinking of the same play I am when on first blush it looked like St Louis scored directly off a corner to put Midd back on top.  Tremendous player.  Like I hinted at, though, I'm not clear on who the other danger men are for Midd in terms of posing serious problems for high level opponents.  Amherst has several, Conn has several to a handful, Bowdoin appears to have several.  Tufts seems more like Conn in terms of having a group that is dangerous without any one or two obvious standouts.

I get the senae that a couple of draws has folks downgrading Bowdoin just a bit in comparison with the rest of the top five.  The Polar Bears have a big game with Colby that they really need to win, for confidence as much as anything but also for seeding.  That said, I would strongly resist any impulse to to view Bowdoin as outside the top contender group.  I really like the quartet of Rueda Duran, Huck, Cabral, and Juantorena.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 11:42:26 AM
Bucket, it is really unfortunate how often these athletes in the prime of their late adolescence/early adulthood tear ACLs.

You would think in 2023 we would have found ways to avoid these devastating injuries and also have progressed to surgical techniques that don't require 10-12 months of rehab time.

I'm sure we don't hear about every injury, but sure seems like these injuries happen too often to some of the most key players.  Kenyon's ceiling automatically became compressed with the loss of their dynamic center mid.  And I'm sure a number of teams are dealing with similar setbacks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerpapa on October 17, 2023, 12:41:59 PM
Being a physical therapist there are ACL prevention type strengthening/balance activity that can decrease risk of these injuries however with the compressed season time is limited and unfortunately not a focus.   

As far as the 10-12 month rehab from these injuries - surgical technique and rehab is getting better and lowering that time frame but their is a ceiling with regards to what the body needs to heal.  If there is any doubt in this statement look no further than Jerry Rice.  Came back in "record time" from ACL and immediate reinjury.....It is much worse on the womens side of the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 17, 2023, 12:54:31 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 10:03:19 AM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 16, 2023, 08:24:19 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on October 16, 2023, 09:22:59 AM
The final week of the season and the Nescac table is tight.

Middlebury stands in 1st place while Amherst/Tufts are 1 point behind, and CC in 4th 2 points behind Midd.
Midd has two difficult games to end the season vs Tufts and Williams. Tufts with Midd/Bowdoin to end the season.

Projected final 8:
1. Amherst 23pts (6 points between Bates/Trinity)
2. Middlebury 22pts (4 pts vs Tufts/Williams)
3. Conn College 22pts (6 pts vs Bates and Wes)
4. Tufts 21pts (4 pts vs Midd/Bowdoin)
5. Bowdoin 18pts (6 points in last 3 games)
6. Williams
7. Hamilton
8. Wesleyan

Great first post and welcome!
Alternate reality
1) Amherst 23
2) Tufts 23
3) Conn 22
4) Midd 21

Tufts are rounding into form and Enmore cat is lucky he got them early in the year. Can't wait for a potential rematch although knowing the NESCAC the odds of the both making it to the finals of the conference tourney are about zero. So I guess we'll have to settle for a NCAA rematch a la 2018 and 2019.

This post from our Tufts physician alum who scored from his right back position in a national semi in his frosh season obviously exudes a little gamesmanship.  That said, the post also reflects part of what makes Tufts such a formidable foe.  Under Shapiro and with the help of a run only matched by Messiah in modern times, Tufts built a culture so strong that it always was going to have a chance to continue thriving post-Shapiro.  You know a program is a great one when getting knocked out in the Elite 8 or Sweet 16 is considered a major disappointment.

As great as Amherst has been over the past 15 or so years -- and the Mammoths have been great by any measure -- Amherst over the past 8-10 years has played second fiddle to Tufts, even though Amherst has had multiple Final Four and national final appearances during that same span.  For the Tufts program and its players, a new year or where they may be predicted to finish in NESCAC, is pretty irrelevant to them and their overall psyche.  The Jumbos don't think they can win, or can win if they play really well, or have a 50/50 chance against a team as good or allegedly better....no, instead, they enter every game believing they should and will win.  It may not seem like that big of a deal, but that level of confidence, only enjoyed by the rarest of programs (think Messiah, Tufts, and maybe Amherst and Calvin), is a huge advantage.  Of course having really good teams also really helps, and helps make your program a destination program for attractive recruits.

I do think this is a big year for Dezotell.  He stepped into a job that in many ways was ideal and one of the very best in the country while also being impossible (in the sense of hoping to even come close to duplicating what Shapiro did).  The list of programs/coaches who have won three out out of four and four out of six national titles is short...like really, really short.

I love the Tufts at Middlebury match on our doorstep.  I ranked Midd #2 in the country this week, and I do believe that Midd believes "this is our year."  However, Midd is one of those teams I hinted at above that knows they can win and definitely believes they have as good a chance as anyone if they play up to or very close to their capability.  But the Panthers don't yet have the "we absolutely will win this game" mentality.  You get there by breaking through barriers...and this Tufts game is a chance to get a little closer to that mentality.  If Midd loses, they will still be confident and still consider themselves top tier national contenders, but they won't have the extreme confidence level of, let's say, Messiah, Tufts, and Amherst.  Tufts on the other hand could lose Saturday, and even end up 4th or 5th in NESCAC, and there will be little impact on how they fancy their chances in the NCAA tournament.

So, until proven otherwise....Tufts 2, Midd 1.

Unfortunately, the person referenced above has been forced to retired due to the aforementioned commitments and has chosen to pass on the legacy. All comments and opinions expressed are hereby my own and do not reflect the beliefs of the commenter formerly known as D4_Pace.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 01:07:33 PM
D4, if the above is true you are committing a very serious violation.  Thankfully, we know you are safe. 

Btw, 'retirement' is not in the Tufts alumni lexicon. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 17, 2023, 01:20:30 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 10:40:02 AM
I watched most of Midd vs Conn Coll video...and I thought the teams were very even and that the play for the most part was even.  I would slightly disagree with CSO about Midd being a bit unlucky on the Conn goal.  Grady indeed made a incredible save that very, very few GKs would have gotten a hand on, much less saved.  It was a well-struck ball ticketed for the just inside the right post.  Great save, and as CSO noted, Conn perhaps was fortunate to have a guy right there to knock it in.

What impresses about Conn and especially Coach Burk is that they do not panic.  They were down 1-0 fairly late to Amherst and prevailed 2-1.  Midd was up 1-0 and Conn managed to equalize.  Burk has Conn back to where they were 2 years ago.  I don't know how long Jaran is out (and he was out for a big portion of last season), but would definitely hurt if he isn't available for the post-season.  Conn does have multiple offensive weapons....maybe not one as outstanding as the very top offensive players in the conference but as a group they may be as good as any. 

Midd is very, very good...and solid across the board.  Obviously Midd's defense is stout, led by one of the top GKs in the country.  I do wonder if Midd is short another high level offensive threat.  Losing St Louis would be devastating....so like always injuries and avoiding major injuries will play a large role in who emerges in the the post-season.

It's definitely been a "no quit" attitude this season - they were also down 0-1 late to Tufts and equalized 45 seconds later. Down 0-1 to Trinity and managed the 2-1 win. Babson equalized in the 80th and Conn took the lead for good in the 81st.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 17, 2023, 02:24:39 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on October 17, 2023, 11:16:51 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 10:40:02 AM
I watched most of Midd vs Conn Coll video...and I thought the teams were very even and that the play for the most part was even.  I would slightly disagree with CSO about Midd being a bit unlucky on the Conn goal.  Grady indeed made a incredible save that very, very few GKs would have gotten a hand on, much less saved.  It was a well-struck ball ticketed for the just inside the right post.  Great save, and as CSO noted, Conn perhaps was fortunate to have a guy right there to knock it in.

What impresses about Conn and especially Coach Burk is that they do not panic.  They were down 1-0 fairly late to Amherst and prevailed 2-1.  Midd was up 1-0 and Conn managed to equalize.  Burk has Conn back to where they were 2 years ago.  I don't know how long Jaran is out (and he was out for a big portion of last season), but would definitely hurt if he isn't available for the post-season.  Conn does have multiple offensive weapons....maybe not one as outstanding as the very top offensive players in the conference but as a group they may be as good as any. 

Midd is very, very good...and solid across the board.  Obviously Midd's defense is stout, led by one of the top GKs in the country.  I do wonder if Midd is short another high level offensive threat.  Losing St Louis would be devastating....so like always injuries and avoiding major injuries will play a large role in who emerges in the the post-season.

I agree, I think it was a very even game. Both teams had good chances to score and the freekick goal from Midd was exceptional. I will say that Midd looks extremely dangerous on corner kicks so that will serve them well in postseason play. Saint Louis has the majority of the Panthers points so he will need to stay healthy.

I am very impressed with Conn too. Creus and Scoffone are two players who can create something out of nothing. Also, freshman Miles has the most minutes on the team

I think you can make a case for any of the Top 4 teams right now. It is a very even season and the Top 4 + Bowdoin all have a legitimate chance to make a deep run in NCAAs. Williams hasn't been getting the results they want, but they are always a tough team, and I can see them prevailing on the road in the nescac quarter final.

While not in anyway minimizing the impact of Saint Louis, he is far from a one man show up top.  Gavin Randolph, who will be going against his twin brother Luke on Saturday, has 5 goals and three assists, including goals vs Bowdoin and last Saturday vs Trinity.  Kyle Nillson has 2 goals and 6 assists, and Tyler Payne has 4 goals, including the brilliant free kick vs Conn on Sunday.  Colin Duggan has 3 goals in conference play (vs Hamilton, Wesleyan, and Colby).  First year Harper Nichol had the tying goal vs Amherst and a goal vs Trinity.  Luke Madden is a force on set pieces with 3 goals.  Will Sawin has had a great first year campaign on the left flank with his work rate and ability to get in behind defenses.  Bottom line is the Midd is definitely better when Saint Louis is healthy and in form, but they are more balanced than people think.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 17, 2023, 03:50:23 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 11:33:21 AM
Welcome FanofNescac....and yes, I bet you're thinking of the same play I am when on first blush it looked like St Louis scored directly off a corner to put Midd back on top.  Tremendous player.  Like I hinted at, though, I'm not clear on who the other danger men are for Midd in terms of posing serious problems for high level opponents.  Amherst has several, Conn has several to a handful, Bowdoin appears to have several.  Tufts seems more like Conn in terms of having a group that is dangerous without any one or two obvious standouts.

I get the senae that a couple of draws has folks downgrading Bowdoin just a bit in comparison with the rest of the top five.  The Polar Bears have a big game with Colby that they really need to win, for confidence as much as anything but also for seeding.  That said, I would strongly resist any impulse to to view Bowdoin as outside the top contender group.  I really like the quartet of Rueda Duran, Huck, Cabral, and Juantorena.

First, I'd like to thank each of you who provided your impressions from the Midd v Conn game.

And my next observation is that I think many, if not all, of us tend to be influenced by a certain degree of recency bias.  We tend to extol the virtues of teams that have performed well in the past 2-3 games, while sometimes forgetting previous performances (both strong and weak).  That said, there is definitely the phenomenon of "form" in sports.  Conn and Midd have both been in good form recently, and Amherst and Tufts appear to have recovered their form after a couple of hiccups.  Bowdoin's form has tailed off over the previous 3 games or so.

But, as we all know well, the current trends in form can change during the NESCAC tournament and/or the NCAA tournament.  Last year's Williams team is a case in point.  My guess is that at least 5 NESCAC teams will make the tournament.  From there it will be interesting to see who is trending upward when it matters most.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 04:53:00 PM
Welp...I guess Bowdoin has sent a message.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 17, 2023, 05:48:33 PM
It does seem like the NESCAC is lacking some of the star individual talent of previous years. I think overall the level of the league has consistently improved even if the level of the top teams may ebb and flow. I think case in point is last year's Williams team was a mid-tier NESCAC team that went on a run all the way to the finals. They were easily the worst of the recent NESCAC final four participants, but they got hot at the right time, played solid low scoring matches, and rode a bit of luck and good goal tending to the final four. There's no reason a similar thing can't happen this year even if there may not be one or two NESCAC teams that clearly stand above the rest of the country like some of the previously mentioned Tufts and Amherst teams. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 06:19:53 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 17, 2023, 05:48:33 PM
It does seem like the NESCAC is lacking some of the star individual talent of previous years. I think overall the level of the league has consistently improved even if the level of the top teams may ebb and flow. I think case in point is last year's Williams team was a mid-tier NESCAC team that went on a run all the way to the finals. They were easily the worst of the recent NESCAC final four participants, but they got hot at the right time, played solid low scoring matches, and rode a bit of luck and good goal tending to the final four. There's no reason a similar thing can't happen this year even if there may not be one or two NESCAC teams that clearly stand above the rest of the country like some of the previously mentioned Tufts and Amherst teams.

Agree with this...maybe a little less star power but stronger overall as a conference.  I mean, at least 4 and probably 5 NESCACs are top 10 teams nationally.  As I've said elsewhere, there are some teams that have a ceiling of very good vs outstanding.  A team that reaches the ceiling of very good with a decent draw and a bit of luck can get further than teams where the ceiling is outstanding.  Williams last year is a great example.  It's true that Tufts does not seem to have conference POY candidates but that doesn't mean they aren't a real national threat.  And there are still stars in NESCAC...Amherst has at least 2-3, Midd has Grady and Saint Louis, Bowdoin has Juantorena and Rueda Duran, etc.  Conn strikes me as similar to Tufts in terms of a having a boatload of very good players but perhaps no obvious AAs.

For whatever reason, FanofNescac made me wonder about Erik Lauta.  He started and played the full 90 for UNH in the first and third matches, and started another game and played the full 90 on October 3rd.  Otherwise, the starter has been a graduate transfer from Radford so perhaps Lauta will be the full-time starter next season.  Radford struck a cord because I think that's where F&M's recently graduated GK started out.  The guy at UNH now post-Radford is from Spain.

Before checking on the Bowdoin game today, I was going to agree with northman that NESCAC will get at least five in the  tournament.  I also was gonna say I won't be surprised if there is a sixth...although that was before seeing that Wesleyan lost to ECSU today.  I can't figure out the Wesleyan program....but losing to a good Western CT squad and a solid program in ECSU isn't going to get it done.  So Williams may be the best bet....and perhaps Hamilton has a chance if the Continentals can capture another couple of projected regionally ranked wins although that would mean getting wins or going at least 1-0-1 versus Amherst away and Oneonta.

Btw, I made an error on another network by stating that Western CT was playing back to back games versus ECSU and Williams.  Not true.  The error arose out of Wesleyan appearing on the NCAA scoreboard as Wes CT....which one could see how that might be confused with Western CT which is listed on the NCAA site as WestConn...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 17, 2023, 07:43:43 PM
Good observations, PN.  I think the NESCAC teams continue to build an impressive level of depth.  They may not have the obvious superstars of recent seasons, but many of these teams are deep.  When my son's Bowdoin team went to the Final Four in San Antonio in 2010, they had a great starting 11 and one super sub.  One of their all-NESCAC center midfielders left the semi-final game vs. Lynchburg in the first 10 minutes with a hamstring.  Bowdoin took a 1-0 lead and hung on in the 85 degree heat in early-December until the 89th minute, when Lynchburg scored the equalizer.  Lynchburg went on to win in the first OT.  Bowdoin had no depth to sustain them during the final 20 minutes of regulation or the first 10 minute OT period.

In today's world, Bowdoin has more depth and is better equipped to adapt to that kind of pressure.  I think this is true of a number of the current NESCAC teams.  I was chatting with a Conn dad during the Bowdoin v. Conn game in Brunswick.  I mentioned that Conn had a noticeably large bench.  He said they have a ton of depth, particularly due to 5th year seniors coming back after the lost Covid season.  And Conn's depth was very apparent on the field.  They'd bring in 4-5 subs at a time and really wouldn't skip a beat.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 17, 2023, 07:48:02 PM
I've mentioned it elsewhere, but I am curious to see how that 5th year dynamic plays out in terms of recruiting.  It works for teams in the short term, but one has to wonder if teams are missing out on recruits because their rosters are not able to accommodate playing time until teams are rid of 5th years. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 17, 2023, 08:12:22 PM
Should not be a big deal since all teams have that issue, sort of like when the change youth soccer age groups from school year to calendar year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 17, 2023, 08:17:47 PM
Not all teams have that issue. There's plenty of schools who have had no to very few 5th year players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 17, 2023, 11:57:58 PM
Quote from: stlawus on October 17, 2023, 08:17:47 PM
Not all teams have that issue. There's plenty of schools who have had no to very few 5th year players.

From what i have seen of the NESCAC, most players who expected to have meaningful playing time in 2020 took at least a semester off.  I think almost every team has a few fifth year seniors.  My sense is that it hasn't impacted recruiting because the effect was seen across the conference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on October 19, 2023, 09:26:29 AM
10/21/23:

Tufts @ Midd --> Game of the weekend. I want to pick Tufts because of recent form, but I don't see Middlebury receiving their first loss at home. 1-1. Goals from Traynor and Saint Louis

Trinity @ Williams --> Must win game for both teams. Williams 2-0.

Hamilton @ Amherst --> Amherst has lost enough close games this season to falter now. They beat Hamilton 4-0 last season around this same time. Amherst 3-0. Does anyone know if Margaronis for Hamilton is out for the season? Seems like he's the leader in the middle.

CC @ Bates --> CC's streak will continue. Bates will compete but won't be enough. CC 2-0

Bowdoin @ Wes --> Hard to figure out Wesleyan this season, but Bowdoin smashed Colby this week and Huck/Duran are leading the conference in goals. Bowdoin 2-1
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 19, 2023, 09:57:14 AM
Reasonable expectations!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 20, 2023, 07:03:06 AM
Montclair State 1 Amherst 2

The following is spectator colour and opinion, it is not substantive analysis and is based only on public information.  Amherst MSOC has not been involved in the preparation of this information and the contents may be contradictory to the official view of the programme.

I finally got to watch the game after really only being able to listen to it earlier in the week.  Having listened to the commentary (and acknowledgement of perfect pronunciation of EnmoreKitten's name) it sounded quite close.  The film was without commentary (but did contain a considerable amount of spectator involvement I could be quite uncharitable about) and whilst it does help knowing the result, I certainly felt a disconnect between what I listened to and what I eventually saw.  I thought Amherst looked pretty comfortable and aside from the Red Hawks' penalty, I didn't feel any anxiety other than the standard feelings when you are leading by a goal late in a game and sitting a little deeper.

According to the Mammoth Ultras there was a $6 admission fee and whilst I know D1 schools regularly charge for entrance, I would be curious to know how common it is in D3, it's the first time I have heard of it, but presumably it must happen elsewhere.  Amherst started the brighter and after sixteen minutes was 2-0 up after two silky finishes from one of the freshmen who has enjoyed a tremendous first season in the purple.  In general I thought Amherst dominated the first half and had a few wayward shots been better directed, it might have been maybe more.  Give that no one on these boards tends to talk about Montclair, I wasn't really sure what to expect from them and whilst there was one particular sharp looking transition, we didn't really get to see the best of them.  For that, I think Amherst deserves credit as the Red Hawks took time to adjust to what is a deliberately disruptive style. 

The second half was a tight affair, without either side looking especially dangerous, but when Montclair converted their penalty that opened the door for them to get back into it.  Again, whilst there were moments, it didn't feel to me like the final result was an unfair one.  It's not something I tend to typically follow, but from the box score, I noted that seven Amherst players played the full 90 minutes and that was in keeping with Coach Serpone's post-match comments that this game felt like a tournament match.  I'd concur with that, it was close and demanding, with the difference being that Amherst took their chances and created that bit more.  Whilst the Mammoths defence has let in a few more goals in 2023 than I am sure they would like, to keep the top scorer in the country to just a penalty is a real achievement.  His record for the Red Hawks is phenomenal and he has had only one game this season where he hasn't scored.  He looked a handful to me and similar to Midd's forward, could prove the difference in November in what feels to me like a pretty even D3 top tier. 

I'm not really looking forward to the 4am Sunday wake up for the Hamilton game, but it's a small price to pay for what I expect will be a pretty good match up.

Foul Count: Montclair State 16 Amherst 23 - more than usual for Amherst, but probably a reflection of the tension and pressure in the game



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 20, 2023, 07:52:05 AM
According to the Mammoth Ultras there was a $6 admission fee and whilst I know D1 schools regularly charge for entrance, I would be curious to know how common it is in D3, it's the first time I have heard of it, but presumably it must happen elsewhere.

This happens at a lot of schools!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 20, 2023, 08:24:36 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 20, 2023, 07:52:05 AM
According to the Mammoth Ultras there was a $6 admission fee and whilst I know D1 schools regularly charge for entrance, I would be curious to know how common it is in D3, it's the first time I have heard of it, but presumably it must happen elsewhere.

This happens at a lot of schools!

From what I understand, all OAC games have a fee.  Always been the case with Football and Basketball, but not it extends to all athletic events.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 20, 2023, 10:32:30 AM
I paid $5 for a game at Arcadia, though not sure if it a usual thing or a one-time thing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 20, 2023, 10:35:33 AM
Yeah, as a soccer fan first and foremost (though liking all sports), it's been nice to not have to pay admission for soccer games until playoff time.  But I keep waiting and expecting that to change.  Our family has been to Montclair State twice to see Messiah play, but I had forgotten about paying admission.  Actually, I think the second time there it rained, so we watched from the parking garage as do many MSU students (alum?) and wouldn't have paid anyway.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 20, 2023, 11:08:53 AM
I paid at; Arcadia, Widner, Rowan, Montclair, was a parent at RUC of a player, so went in free.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on October 20, 2023, 11:54:33 AM
In the Cent. Conf., no fee for soccer at any of the 10 schools.  NCAAs yes, I think it was maybe $6, but parents/family of players got in free. Might be one of the prerequisites for NCAA hosting in that you have a fence around your field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 20, 2023, 12:21:56 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 20, 2023, 07:03:06 AM
Montclair State 1 Amherst 2

The following is spectator colour and opinion, it is not substantive analysis and is based only on public information.  Amherst MSOC has not been involved in the preparation of this information and the contents may be contradictory to the official view of the programme.

I finally got to watch the game after really only being able to listen to it earlier in the week.  Having listened to the commentary (and acknowledgement of perfect pronunciation of EnmoreKitten's name) it sounded quite close.  The film was without commentary (but did contain a considerable amount of spectator involvement I could be quite uncharitable about) and whilst it does help knowing the result, I certainly felt a disconnect between what I listened to and what I eventually saw.  I thought Amherst looked pretty comfortable and aside from the Red Hawks' penalty, I didn't feel any anxiety other than the standard feelings when you are leading by a goal late in a game and sitting a little deeper.

According to the Mammoth Ultras there was a $6 admission fee and whilst I know D1 schools regularly charge for entrance, I would be curious to know how common it is in D3, it's the first time I have heard of it, but presumably it must happen elsewhere.  Amherst started the brighter and after sixteen minutes was 2-0 up after two silky finishes from one of the freshmen who has enjoyed a tremendous first season in the purple.  In general I thought Amherst dominated the first half and had a few wayward shots been better directed, it might have been maybe more.  Give that no one on these boards tends to talk about Montclair, I wasn't really sure what to expect from them and whilst there was one particular sharp looking transition, we didn't really get to see the best of them.  For that, I think Amherst deserves credit as the Red Hawks took time to adjust to what is a deliberately disruptive style. 

The second half was a tight affair, without either side looking especially dangerous, but when Montclair converted their penalty that opened the door for them to get back into it.  Again, whilst there were moments, it didn't feel to me like the final result was an unfair one.  It's not something I tend to typically follow, but from the box score, I noted that seven Amherst players played the full 90 minutes and that was in keeping with Coach Serpone's post-match comments that this game felt like a tournament match.  I'd concur with that, it was close and demanding, with the difference being that Amherst took their chances and created that bit more.  Whilst the Mammoths defence has let in a few more goals in 2023 than I am sure they would like, to keep the top scorer in the country to just a penalty is a real achievement.  His record for the Red Hawks is phenomenal and he has had only one game this season where he hasn't scored.  He looked a handful to me and similar to Midd's forward, could prove the difference in November in what feels to me like a pretty even D3 top tier. 

I'm not really looking forward to the 4am Sunday wake up for the Hamilton game, but it's a small price to pay for what I expect will be a pretty good match up.

Foul Count: Montclair State 16 Amherst 23 - more than usual for Amherst, but probably a reflection of the tension and pressure in the game

Enmore any thoughts on the great temper flare in Montclair?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Coach Jeff on October 20, 2023, 03:18:33 PM
Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on October 20, 2023, 11:54:33 AM
In the Cent. Conf., no fee for soccer at any of the 10 schools.  NCAAs yes, I think it was maybe $6, but parents/family of players got in free. Might be one of the prerequisites for NCAA hosting in that you have a fence around your field.

I have attended NCAA games that did not have fence and they still charged.  The institution set up away to have fans/family pay to be admitted to the game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 20, 2023, 06:45:19 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 20, 2023, 12:21:56 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 20, 2023, 07:03:06 AM
Montclair State 1 Amherst 2

The following is spectator colour and opinion, it is not substantive analysis and is based only on public information.  Amherst MSOC has not been involved in the preparation of this information and the contents may be contradictory to the official view of the programme.

I finally got to watch the game after really only being able to listen to it earlier in the week.  Having listened to the commentary (and acknowledgement of perfect pronunciation of EnmoreKitten's name) it sounded quite close.  The film was without commentary (but did contain a considerable amount of spectator involvement I could be quite uncharitable about) and whilst it does help knowing the result, I certainly felt a disconnect between what I listened to and what I eventually saw.  I thought Amherst looked pretty comfortable and aside from the Red Hawks' penalty, I didn't feel any anxiety other than the standard feelings when you are leading by a goal late in a game and sitting a little deeper.

According to the Mammoth Ultras there was a $6 admission fee and whilst I know D1 schools regularly charge for entrance, I would be curious to know how common it is in D3, it's the first time I have heard of it, but presumably it must happen elsewhere.  Amherst started the brighter and after sixteen minutes was 2-0 up after two silky finishes from one of the freshmen who has enjoyed a tremendous first season in the purple.  In general I thought Amherst dominated the first half and had a few wayward shots been better directed, it might have been maybe more.  Give that no one on these boards tends to talk about Montclair, I wasn't really sure what to expect from them and whilst there was one particular sharp looking transition, we didn't really get to see the best of them.  For that, I think Amherst deserves credit as the Red Hawks took time to adjust to what is a deliberately disruptive style. 

The second half was a tight affair, without either side looking especially dangerous, but when Montclair converted their penalty that opened the door for them to get back into it.  Again, whilst there were moments, it didn't feel to me like the final result was an unfair one.  It's not something I tend to typically follow, but from the box score, I noted that seven Amherst players played the full 90 minutes and that was in keeping with Coach Serpone's post-match comments that this game felt like a tournament match.  I'd concur with that, it was close and demanding, with the difference being that Amherst took their chances and created that bit more.  Whilst the Mammoths defence has let in a few more goals in 2023 than I am sure they would like, to keep the top scorer in the country to just a penalty is a real achievement.  His record for the Red Hawks is phenomenal and he has had only one game this season where he hasn't scored.  He looked a handful to me and similar to Midd's forward, could prove the difference in November in what feels to me like a pretty even D3 top tier. 

I'm not really looking forward to the 4am Sunday wake up for the Hamilton game, but it's a small price to pay for what I expect will be a pretty good match up.

Foul Count: Montclair State 16 Amherst 23 - more than usual for Amherst, but probably a reflection of the tension and pressure in the game

Enmore any thoughts on the great temper flare in Montclair?

Did something happen D4? I have no idea.  I watched the game, saw a skirmish of sorts at the end, switched off and heard nothing further.  I do know that 99% of times most games end and players & coaches shake hands and move on, but that's also not always the case and young men can sometimes not handle winning or losing as well as we would like.  Whether or not that describes this situation, I just don't know.

In other news, for those of you who are contemplating an escape from the ravages of an upcoming American winter (except Kuiper I suspect, his weather is close to perfect all year round) here's a reason to come to Enmore:

https://www.timeout.com/sydney/news/sydney-suburb-enmore-made-the-time-out-top-20-coolest-neighbourhoods-in-the-whole-world-101723

Everything that is described is less than a 50 metre walk from Maison D'Enmorecat and the non-existent Enmore Tourism Authority has declared me an unofficial ambassador.  Always happy to show around a fellow boardee...



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 20, 2023, 08:25:38 PM
From the screen, it looked like a few people probably said some mean words to each other post game.  Definitely nothing worth getting  all excited about. It does have me rooting for a potential early tourney rematch of these two. Although my money would 100% be on Amherst, as Montclair haven't demonstrated the ability to hang with top NESCAC schools when it matters most.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 20, 2023, 09:23:51 PM
Enmorecat that's pretty cool they named the neighborhood after you!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 21, 2023, 02:52:59 PM
Statement win in Vermont on senior day.

Middlebury 3, Tufts 0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 21, 2023, 02:54:11 PM
Middlebury 3 Tufts 0. Full recap later, but a comprehensive statement for Midd that keeps them top of the table. 2 goals in first 11 minutes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 21, 2023, 05:30:40 PM
Well, I sure did nail my Midd-Tufts prediction.

Looking forward to getting recaps hopefully from both sides.  Didn't see the game...but notice that shots were basically even with slight edge to Tufts fully explainable by Tufts being forced to chase the game.  But the odd stat is 13 corners for Tufts and 0 for Midd.

Regardless, huge momentum boost for Middlebury and should help with embracing a favorite role.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 21, 2023, 07:31:32 PM
Good win by the Panthers, well organized defensively but will give the edge to Conn as the NESCAC top team. Don't pay much attention to the margin of victory, people at the game will have different take! For one the third goal was a dive, that sealed the victory, no point trying to get a point in a 0-3 situation with two games coming up next week.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 21, 2023, 08:10:59 PM
Amherst 1 Hamilton 1

The following is spectator colour and opinion, it is not substantive analysis and is based only on public information.  Amherst MSOC has not been involved in the preparation of this information and the contents may be contradictory to the official view of the programme.

Having seen Hamilton a few times this season and observing what they are capable of, I could have made a case for taking a draw ahead of this game that was moved to (Dalton) Gooding Field (you would need to know something about Australian Rules Football in Western Australia in the late 1970s to get that reference, but I kinda like it) due to some quite inclement weather.  We didn't really get to see that Continentals side today and perhaps the weather did repress what I see as quite an attacking style.  Combine that with an Amherst team that seemed in control and it all seemed to be heading to what after 88 minutes, I would have described as going to be a pretty decent win.

Amherst's freshman forward got another early goal, again a tidy finish and on the first half, that seemed pretty fair.  On the occasions Hamilton did get the ball around midfield, they moved the ball skilfully and fast, but there was little in the way of end product and the Mammoths defence dealt with most things pretty calmly.  The flipside was that whilst Amherst did manage to get the ball into wider positions, deep in Hamilton's half, I didn't remember all that many dangerous incursions.

Whilst it's fair to commend Hamilton for hanging in there, a lot more has to be said about their equalizing goal.  It was a skilful, calculated hit, but I would guess that when Amherst does the post-mortem, there will be disappointment that not for the first time this season, an opposition player has been given too much space very late in a game, with disastrous consequences.  It might be unfair to say it's a problem for the Mammoths given that they have avoided similar outcomes recently against very good teams in Bowdoin and Montclair, but it's one of those things that the absolute top tier would rarely do.  If nothing else, it means the team still has something to work on.

I mentioned after the Montclair game the fact that seven Mammoths played the full 90 and today it was eight.  There are a number of significant outs currently and all will be welcomed back for what is hopefully a lengthy NESCAC tournament. 

Thanks to those who mentioned the entrance fees elsewhere, it seems like I have managed to dodge a bullet so far on that front.  Charging people to stand in the rain at (Dalton) Gooding Field today would have been a little cheeky in my view.

Foul Count: Amherst 15 Hamilton 15

   

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 21, 2023, 08:21:56 PM
Great to get your take as always, Enmore Cat.  With regard to your always jovial summary of Amherst's foul domination over the course of the season, I think the NESCAC stats for conference games validates the fact that Amherst is the undeniable leader in yellow cards...30 to 19 for second place Hamilton.  If this isn't the product of intentional tactics, I don't know what is...

https://nescac.com/stats.aspx?path=msoc&year=2023&conf=true

In the bigger picture, it's becoming clearer that there are 5 leading NESCAC teams, with Middlebury as the undeniable king at the moment.  I continue to maintain my prediction that 5 NESCAC teams will be named to the NCAA tournament, regardless of the result of the NESCAC tournament...unless a 6-8 seed team wins the tourney.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 21, 2023, 08:38:44 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 21, 2023, 07:31:32 PM
Good win by the Panthers, well organized defensively but will give the edge to Conn as the NESCAC top team. Don't pay much attention to the margin of victory, people at the game will have different take! For one the third goal was a dive, that sealed the victory, no point trying to get a point in a 0-3 situation with two games coming up next week.
Camos fan, not sure what you mean by people at the game will have a different take, but here is mine after finally drying out.

Middlebury had extensive senior recognition ceremonies before the game, and that might have contributed to them seeming less than sharp in the first minutes.  They turned the ball over off the kick, and Tufts looked energetic moving forward.  A pattern quickly emerged of Tufts trying to whip in crosses, which were blocked out for corner kicks by the Middlebury defenders.  Tufts' athletic write up had a rose colored view: "The Tufts University men's soccer team out-possessed and outshot host and third-ranked Middlebury College Saturday, but the Panthers were able to take advantage of their chances in earning a 3-0 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) victory over the Jumbos in play from from South Street Field.
The Jumbos (9-2-3, 5-2-2 NESCAC) finished with a 15-13 edge in shot attempts, while holding 56% of the possession for the game."

The above summary leaves out the fact that Tufts did not do anything significant with their 13 corners and did not force Midd GK Grady into any difficult saves.  Midd went up 1-0 when Randolph picked a defender's pocket and slid the ball across for Tyler Payne to finish.  Payne also had the spectacular free kick vs Conn last week.  Less than four minutes later, Tufts lofted a long ball that was interecepted by Luke Madden.  What followed was a great team goal  Madden exchanged passes with Owen Davis before swinging the ball to the right for Hank Nelson.  Nelson found Kyle Nilsson, who executed a give and go with St. Louis and then split the defense with a perfectly weighted pass for Randolph to finish.  I don't think the penalty kick play was a dive, but it probably should not have been given.  Nevertheless, St. Louis hammered it home to make it 3-0.  This is the first win over the Jumbos for Midd since 2010, and should significantly bolster their post season resume.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 21, 2023, 08:38:56 PM
Tufts @ Middlebury Game Notes (https://www.patreon.com/posts/tufts-middlebury-91423207?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 21, 2023, 08:43:48 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 21, 2023, 08:38:44 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 21, 2023, 07:31:32 PM
Good win by the Panthers, well organized defensively but will give the edge to Conn as the NESCAC top team. Don't pay much attention to the margin of victory, people at the game will have different take! For one the third goal was a dive, that sealed the victory, no point trying to get a point in a 0-3 situation with two games coming up next week.
The above summary leaves out the fact that Tufts did not do anything significant with their 13 corners and did not force Midd GK Grady into any difficult saves. 
Tufts corners were an exercise in futility.  Everyone back defending for Middlebury.  I kept yelling to play it short, but they kept heaving it into the middle and MBury would clear it out.  Every. Time.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 21, 2023, 08:55:16 PM
Tufts summary has to be AI-generated from the stat sheet.

Has to be.

No human is that dense.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 21, 2023, 09:05:47 PM
The penalty was a dive, even the Middlebury color commentator, who is a former Panther coach said it was not a PK. I was like 10 yards from their box. After that call ,Tufts just call it a day and get all the players some time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 21, 2023, 09:10:40 PM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 21, 2023, 08:38:56 PM
Tufts @ Middlebury Game Notes (https://www.patreon.com/posts/tufts-middlebury-91423207?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link)

"Middlebury is a better version of last years Williams."

Great line.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 21, 2023, 09:16:10 PM
Middlebury is good they do some things very well, defending and transition play. Was very impressed with Randolph.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 21, 2023, 09:23:11 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 21, 2023, 09:05:47 PM
The penalty was a dive, even the Middlebury color commentator, who is a former Panther coach . . ."

"Who is a former Panther coach..."

LOL

Describing Dave Saward this way is like saying Mike Krzyzewski is a former basketball coach.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 21, 2023, 09:27:51 PM
Do you think that was a PK? Bissouma of  Spurs dive and subsequent red card was not as obvious! ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 21, 2023, 09:36:20 PM
It was interesting to hear Coach Saward's commentary.  I hope we get more of it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on October 21, 2023, 10:10:12 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 21, 2023, 08:10:59 PM
The following is spectator colour and opinion, it is not substantive analysis and is based only on public information.  Amherst MSOC has not been involved in the preparation of this information and the contents may be contradictory to the official view of the programme. 
[set sarcasm to 'on']

Mate, not sure how it works Down Under but here in the US there is no need for disclaimers as there are very few lawyers here.  Instead we acknowledge your ability to visit your very cool top rated suburban neighborhood night spots for entertainment purposes. In the morning if you don't feel well take 500 mg of ibuprofen*

*may cause such common side effects as unstoppable diarrhea, the dry heaves, shingles and scurvy, an annoying itch between your shoulder blades you cannot possibly reach with your own hands, temporary or permanent blindness and convulsions leading to a coma. Rarely, with prolonged use, other side effects may occur such as loss of teeth, limited bladder control, paranoia about an inability to make tuition payments, loss of feeling at the extremities and festering boils.  If symptoms persist, you experience a feeling of possible spontaneous combustion or you have nightmares your student son is in a relationship with a convicted felon, please consult your doctor.

;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 21, 2023, 10:18:36 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 21, 2023, 09:27:51 PM
Do you think that was a PK? Bissouma of  Spurs dive and subsequent red card was not as obvious! ;)
It is possible for the call to be incorrect without it being a dive.  I believe the player stumbled.  Do I think it was a pk?  No.  Does that automatically mean it was a dive?  Also no
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 21, 2023, 10:28:59 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 21, 2023, 10:18:36 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 21, 2023, 09:27:51 PM
Do you think that was a PK? Bissouma of  Spurs dive and subsequent red card was not as obvious! ;)
It is possible for the call to be incorrect without it being a dive.  I believe the player stumbled.  Do I think it was a pk?  No.  Does that automatically mean it was a dive?  Also no

Absolutely....but on the other hand I'm not sure a dive versus just a blown call makes much difference to the opponent who suffers either way....unless the ref is going to give a red for a dive and I haven't seen that happen in D3 but maybe it has.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on October 21, 2023, 10:59:51 PM
Quote from: Freddyfud on October 21, 2023, 10:10:12 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 21, 2023, 08:10:59 PM
The following is spectator colour and opinion, it is not substantive analysis and is based only on public information.  Amherst MSOC has not been involved in the preparation of this information and the contents may be contradictory to the official view of the programme. 
[set sarcasm to 'on']

Mate, not sure how it works Down Under but here in the US there is no need for disclaimers as there are very few lawyers here.  Instead we acknowledge your ability to visit your very cool top rated suburban neighborhood night spots for entertainment purposes. In the morning if you don't feel well take 500 mg of ibuprofen*

*may cause such common side effects as unstoppable diarrhea, the dry heaves, shingles and scurvy, an annoying itch between your shoulder blades you cannot possibly reach with your own hands, temporary or permanent blindness and convulsions leading to a coma. Rarely, with prolonged use, other side effects may occur such as loss of teeth, limited bladder control, paranoia about an inability to make tuition payments, loss of feeling at the extremities and festering boils.  If symptoms persist, you experience a feeling of possible spontaneous combustion or you have nightmares your student son is in a relationship with a convicted felon, please consult your doctor.

;D

Very funny! Having paid almost 4 straight years of double tuition (in May down to one), I've been looking over my shoulder for a long, long time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 21, 2023, 11:03:14 PM
Quote from: Freddyfud on October 21, 2023, 10:10:12 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 21, 2023, 08:10:59 PM
The following is spectator colour and opinion, it is not substantive analysis and is based only on public information.  Amherst MSOC has not been involved in the preparation of this information and the contents may be contradictory to the official view of the programme. 
[set sarcasm to 'on']

Mate, not sure how it works Down Under but here in the US there is no need for disclaimers as there are very few lawyers here.  Instead we acknowledge your ability to visit your very cool top rated suburban neighborhood night spots for entertainment purposes. In the morning if you don't feel well take 500 mg of ibuprofen*



*may cause such common side effects as unstoppable diarrhea, the dry heaves, shingles and scurvy, an annoying itch between your shoulder blades you cannot possibly reach with your own hands, temporary or permanent blindness and convulsions leading to a coma. Rarely, with prolonged use, other side effects may occur such as loss of teeth, limited bladder control, paranoia about an inability to make tuition payments, loss of feeling at the extremities and festering boils.  If symptoms persist, you experience a feeling of possible spontaneous combustion or you have nightmares your student son is in a relationship with a convicted felon, please consult your doctor.

;D

Actually, I can offer something substantive, you're not my mate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 21, 2023, 11:35:55 PM
Quote from: northman on October 21, 2023, 08:21:56 PM
Great to get your take as always, Enmore Cat.  With regard to your always jovial summary of Amherst's foul domination over the course of the season, I think the NESCAC stats for conference games validates the fact that Amherst is the undeniable leader in yellow cards...30 to 19 for second place Hamilton.  If this isn't the product of intentional tactics, I don't know what is...

https://nescac.com/stats.aspx?path=msoc&year=2023&conf=true

In the bigger picture, it's becoming clearer that there are 5 leading NESCAC teams, with Middlebury as the undeniable king at the moment.  I continue to maintain my prediction that 5 NESCAC teams will be named to the NCAA tournament, regardless of the result of the NESCAC tournament...unless a 6-8 seed team wins the tourney.
undeniable king is strong- they did draw with the other undefeated team in the conference......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 21, 2023, 11:43:36 PM
Very interesting stat for Middlebury.  They have trailed at any point in any game for a collective total of 15 minutes and 3 seconds vs Amherst.  Other than that, they have not been behind at all this season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 22, 2023, 08:18:49 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 21, 2023, 11:03:14 PM
Actually, I can offer something substantive, you're not my mate.

Upon reading this, I spit up my morning coffee.  @EnmoreCat, please DM me your address so I can bill you for a new wireless keyboard.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 22, 2023, 02:11:00 PM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on October 22, 2023, 08:18:49 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 21, 2023, 11:03:14 PM
Actually, I can offer something substantive, you're not my mate.

Upon reading this, I spit up my morning coffee.  @EnmoreCat, please DM me your address so I can bill you for a new wireless keyboard.

SC.

SC, I was wondering why there isn't a bit more brand placement on your channel.  Surely by now the tech giants are knocking on the door of a major D3 influencer...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 22, 2023, 02:20:51 PM
Overview of the NESCAC race prior to the last match day.

Hamilton has completed league play and will face Oneonta on Tuesday.  Bates, Colby, and Trinity have been eliminated from the NESCAC tournament. 

Final slate of games:
Conn @ Wesleyan
Midd @ Williams
Colby @ Bates
Tufts @ Bowdoin
Trinity @ Amherst

Current point totals:
Midd 21
Conn 19
Amherst 18
Bowdoin 18
Tufts 17
Hamilton 12
Williams 11
Wesleyan 10
--------------
Colby 5
Trinity 5
Bates 0

Midd clinches 1st with a win.
Conn clinches 1st with a win and a loss by Midd
If Midd ties and Conn wins, they would be equal on points, wins, and win pct, and it would come down to combined record against the top 4.  If Bowdoin stays in front of Tufts, that would give an edge to the Camels, as they have a win over Amerhest and a tie vs Bowdoin, while Midd has two ties.  If Tufts beats Bowdoin, then they would each have a win and a tie over the other two top 4 teams.  Next tie breaker is combined record vs top 8, where they would also be similar.  Conn would win on the 6th tiebreaker, a win vs the 3rd place team, where Midd had a tie (this assumes that Amherst wins). 
5 teams are in contention to host a 1st round game, but only Midd has clinched hosting a game.
Hamilton, Wesleyan and Willams will not host a game in the first round.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 22, 2023, 05:14:40 PM
It is probably safe to say that Tufts and Bowdoin will play each other Tuesday and Saturday. Regular season on Tuesday and NESCAC tournament on Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 22, 2023, 06:40:39 PM
In terms of "safe", I'm guessing you mean "reasonably probable".  However, I've been around the NESCAC for 15+ years...and, especially over the last 5 years, I can say (as cliche as it sounds) that anything can happen in any game...especially in the last regular season game.  It will be interesting to see where things stand on Wednesday morning.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 22, 2023, 09:12:07 PM
Camos and Northman, I think you are right that it is very likely Bowdoin and Tufts play twice this week.  The Tufts sports information release says Tufts has a chance to finish anywhere from 2 to 5 in seeding.  The most likely outcome is that Tufts/Bowdoin on Tuesday will determine who hosts the quarterfinal game, with Tufts needing a win to host.

Bowdoin enters the last game in good shape after defeating Colby 5-1 and Wesleyan 3-0 this week.  Those were much needed wins, as the Polar Bears were stuck a bit in the doldrums for a couple of weeks, with ties against Wheaton and Hamilton, a narrow, late win against Trinity (some of you think it benefitted from a generous ref) and a tough 1-0 loss to Amherst.  Tyler Huck paced the team this week as he has done all season, scoring the first goal in each game.  His goal against Colby was especially well-timed, as Colby was the first to score.  Huck responded 90 seconds later and his equalizer opened the door to four more goals, including one from Rueda-Duran.  Whatever had been ailing the team the first two weeks of October seems to have been cured and there is optimism heading into what I expect to be back to back games against Tufts.

As an aside, I know it has been noted years ago but since it was my first time there--the Colby fields and athletic facilities are amazing!  By far the best of any NESCAC, IMO.  The men's grass field is recessed with spectators in bleachers and grass on a hill overlooking the field (similar to Midd, but it feels closer and the field is grass).  The athletics building feels like something out of the SEC, not the NESCAC.  A little out of the way, but worth the trip if you haven't been.

Since CSO offered some interesting stats (I concede that trailing for only 15 min all season is impressive), I will offer a few for Bowdoin.  Rueda-Duran and Huck now rank first and second in the conference overall leader board for goals.  Through 9 conference games, Bowdoin has conceded only 6 goals, second only to Midd, which has conceded 5.  Considering the team lost 6 of the top 10 players from last year in minutes played, including POY Dylan Reid and first team all NESCAC GK Michael Webber, the team has had a great season to date.  Sophomore GK Alex Ainsworth had some big shoes to fill with Webber's graduation and has risen to the occasion.

Of course, as November approaches we get to the most interesting part of the season and anything can happen.  According to the Massey power ratings, which are supposed to be the better measure of potential, five NESCAC teams are in the top eight in D3, with Amherst at one and Midd at two.  No doubt Tuesday will offer some surprises, but I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 22, 2023, 09:30:04 PM
Great post, YSD...and very generous to comment on Colby and its facilities.  Some of the other NESCACs get more attention especially on this board, which is understandable, but Colby is an absolutely amazing school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 22, 2023, 09:58:24 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on October 22, 2023, 09:12:07 PM
Camos and Northman, I think you are right that it is very likely Bowdoin and Tufts play twice this week.  The Tufts sports information release says Tufts has a chance to finish anywhere from 2 to 5 in seeding.  The most likely outcome is that Tufts/Bowdoin on Tuesday will determine who hosts the quarterfinal game, with Tufts needing a win to host.

Bowdoin enters the last game in good shape after defeating Colby 5-1 and Wesleyan 3-0 this week.  Those were much needed wins, as the Polar Bears were stuck a bit in the doldrums for a couple of weeks, with ties against Wheaton and Hamilton, a narrow, late win against Trinity (some of you think it benefitted from a generous ref) and a tough 1-0 loss to Amherst.  Tyler Huck paced the team this week as he has done all season, scoring the first goal in each game.  His goal against Colby was especially well-timed, as Colby was the first to score.  Huck responded 90 seconds later and his equalizer opened the door to four more goals, including one from Rueda-Duran.  Whatever had been ailing the team the first two weeks of October seems to have been cured and there is optimism heading into what I expect to be back to back games against Tufts.

As an aside, I know it has been noted years ago but since it was my first time there--the Colby fields and athletic facilities are amazing!  By far the best of any NESCAC, IMO.  The men's grass field is recessed with spectators in bleachers and grass on a hill overlooking the field (similar to Midd, but it feels closer and the field is grass).  The athletics building feels like something out of the SEC, not the NESCAC.  A little out of the way, but worth the trip if you haven't been.

Since CSO offered some interesting stats (I concede that trailing for only 15 min all season is impressive), I will offer a few for Bowdoin.  Rueda-Duran and Huck now rank first and second in the conference overall leader board for goals.  Through 9 conference games, Bowdoin has conceded only 6 goals, second only to Midd, which has conceded 5.  Considering the team lost 6 of the top 10 players from last year in minutes played, including POY Dylan Reid and first team all NESCAC GK Michael Webber, the team has had a great season to date.  Sophomore GK Alex Ainsworth had some big shoes to fill with Webber's graduation and has risen to the occasion.

Of course, as November approaches we get to the most interesting part of the season and anything can happen.  According to the Massey power ratings, which are supposed to be the better measure of potential, five NESCAC teams are in the top eight in D3, with Amherst at one and Midd at two.  No doubt Tuesday will offer some surprises, but I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks.

@YankeeSoccerDad.  I fully agree that Rueda-Duran and Huck are dangerous and capable attackers.  I think the better measure is looking at goals scored in conference play, given the disparity in each team's non-conference opponents.  In terms of conference games, Bowdoin has 16 goals, with Rueda-Duran and Huck leading the way with 4 each (half of the team total). Pacelli, Banks, and Cabral have 2 each, while Horch and Braver have one each.  Middlebury has 19 goals.  Tyler Payne has 4, while Randolph, Saint-Louis, and Duggan have 3 each, and Nicholl and Nilsson each have 2.  Madden and Farrell have 1 apiece for Midd. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 22, 2023, 10:22:17 PM
@CSO, very fair point.  I tend to look at both overall and conference only, as the numbers tend to vary especially if there is a difference in SOS.  This year the difference in SOS doesn't seem meaningful and looking at more games offers a broader perspective. 

Looking at teams and conference only, Midd has the edge in margin (GF-GA) with Amherst and Bowdoin tied for second.  Point taken--Midd has a strong and diverse offensive force.  Tyler Payne's conference numbers especially stand out.  At the risk of being controversial, I personally discount JSL's stats given his age--he is a 2017 HS grad, making him several years older than most peers and a full five years older than Huck and Rueda-Duran.  It is hard to do an apples to apples comparison.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 23, 2023, 09:02:28 AM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on October 22, 2023, 09:12:07 PM
Camos and Northman, I think you are right that it is very likely Bowdoin and Tufts play twice this week.  The Tufts sports information release says Tufts has a chance to finish anywhere from 2 to 5 in seeding.  The most likely outcome is that Tufts/Bowdoin on Tuesday will determine who hosts the quarterfinal game, with Tufts needing a win to host.

Bowdoin enters the last game in good shape after defeating Colby 5-1 and Wesleyan 3-0 this week.  Those were much needed wins, as the Polar Bears were stuck a bit in the doldrums for a couple of weeks, with ties against Wheaton and Hamilton, a narrow, late win against Trinity (some of you think it benefitted from a generous ref) and a tough 1-0 loss to Amherst.  Tyler Huck paced the team this week as he has done all season, scoring the first goal in each game.  His goal against Colby was especially well-timed, as Colby was the first to score.  Huck responded 90 seconds later and his equalizer opened the door to four more goals, including one from Rueda-Duran.  Whatever had been ailing the team the first two weeks of October seems to have been cured and there is optimism heading into what I expect to be back to back games against Tufts.

As an aside, I know it has been noted years ago but since it was my first time there--the Colby fields and athletic facilities are amazing!  By far the best of any NESCAC, IMO.  The men's grass field is recessed with spectators in bleachers and grass on a hill overlooking the field (similar to Midd, but it feels closer and the field is grass).  The athletics building feels like something out of the SEC, not the NESCAC.  A little out of the way, but worth the trip if you haven't been.

Since CSO offered some interesting stats (I concede that trailing for only 15 min all season is impressive), I will offer a few for Bowdoin.  Rueda-Duran and Huck now rank first and second in the conference overall leader board for goals.  Through 9 conference games, Bowdoin has conceded only 6 goals, second only to Midd, which has conceded 5.  Considering the team lost 6 of the top 10 players from last year in minutes played, including POY Dylan Reid and first team all NESCAC GK Michael Webber, the team has had a great season to date.  Sophomore GK Alex Ainsworth had some big shoes to fill with Webber's graduation and has risen to the occasion.

Of course, as November approaches we get to the most interesting part of the season and anything can happen.  According to the Massey power ratings, which are supposed to be the better measure of potential, five NESCAC teams are in the top eight in D3, with Amherst at one and Midd at two.  No doubt Tuesday will offer some surprises, but I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks.

YSD, you may have mentioned this in a previous post and I missed it...but are you a current Bowdoin soccer parent?  If so, welcome to the club!

Regarding Colby's athletic facilities, you and other posters may be aware of the story behind Colby's world class facilities...both athletic and academic.  Harold Alfond was the humble but cagey owner of old-line Maine shoe company Dexter Shoe.  Decades ago, he did a deal with Warren Buffet to sell Dexter Shoe to Berkshire Hathaway in a stock only deal.  The Oracle of Omaha famously said it was the worst deal he ever did.  The rest is history, as Berkshire Hathaway share prices continued to rocket into the stratosphere.  The Alfond family has been extraordinarily generous in the ensuing years in making major gifts to Colby, University of Maine, and St. Joseph's College among others.

But especially to Colby, where the Alfonds and Lunders (Alfond family members) have gifted literally hundreds of millions to support the new athletic facilities, the world class art museum and much of its contents, and other projects.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 23, 2023, 09:39:56 AM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on October 22, 2023, 10:22:17 PM
@CSO, very fair point.  I tend to look at both overall and conference only, as the numbers tend to vary especially if there is a difference in SOS.  This year the difference in SOS doesn't seem meaningful and looking at more games offers a broader perspective. 

Looking at teams and conference only, Midd has the edge in margin (GF-GA) with Amherst and Bowdoin tied for second.  Point taken--Midd has a strong and diverse offensive force.  Tyler Payne's conference numbers especially stand out.  At the risk of being controversial, I personally discount JSL's stats given his age--he is a 2017 HS grad, making him several years older than most peers and a full five years older than Huck and Rueda-Duran.  It is hard to do an apples to apples comparison.
regardless of someone's age, the 4 seasons in 5 years of eligibility remain the same so not sure why you wouldn't compare - a college career is a college career.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 23, 2023, 10:46:44 AM
My guess is that YSD is referring to an older athlete's physical and emotional maturity...which are undeniable factors. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 23, 2023, 11:11:17 AM
Don't think that is a big issue, the foreign players tend to the older, this player is from the US, guys turn to college after failed attempts to go pro. Remember an NJAC coach telling us he had guy that spent 4 years in the Israeli army before coming in. We see some of that in D1 college football, but a lot of the foreign players is soccer are similarly aged.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 24, 2023, 03:53:21 PM
At half time

Con2-1 over Wesleyan

Mid 0, Williams 0

Colby 1, Bates 0
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on October 24, 2023, 04:01:19 PM
If the Camels win and Midd ties, who wins the tiebreaker?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 24, 2023, 04:06:49 PM
Not sure, was just about to figure that out!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 24, 2023, 04:14:02 PM
Mid scores ,a penalty!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 24, 2023, 04:24:01 PM
And Wesleyan scores to tie the game up with Connecticut College 2-2
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 24, 2023, 04:26:34 PM
Midd, PKs, 49th minute, Saint Louis...it's a thing now!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on October 24, 2023, 04:28:49 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 24, 2023, 04:26:34 PM
Midd, PKs, 49th minute, Saint Louis...it's a thing now!

Stupid foul. Maybe avoidable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 24, 2023, 04:37:46 PM
Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on October 24, 2023, 04:28:49 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 24, 2023, 04:26:34 PM
Midd, PKs, 49th minute, Saint Louis...it's a thing now!

Stupid foul. Maybe avoidable.

Looked to be totally avoidable and reckless by Williams.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 24, 2023, 04:41:59 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 24, 2023, 04:14:02 PM
Mid scores ,a penalty!

Like watching Kramer v Kramer.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 24, 2023, 04:43:00 PM
Defender was lazy, he had a chance to get the ball before that foul!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 24, 2023, 04:43:39 PM
CONN 2
WES   2

78th min
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 24, 2023, 04:59:54 PM
Panthers win, finishing the season at the top of the NESCAC table and earning the #1 seed for the tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 24, 2023, 05:01:27 PM
Wesleyan comes back from 2-0 down to tie Conn College 2-2.  Wesleyan actually looked more dangerous at times in the second half.  Silvester saved Conn in the dying seconds when a free header off a corner went low and Silvester got down to preserve the tie.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 24, 2023, 05:03:07 PM
local rivalry at its best!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 24, 2023, 05:16:17 PM
So If Amherst and Bowdoin win, Midd is1, Amherst is 2, Bowdoin is 3 and Conn is 4 . . .  .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on October 24, 2023, 05:22:44 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on October 24, 2023, 05:16:17 PM
So If Amherst and Bowdoin win, Midd is1, Amherst is 2, Bowdoin is 3 and Conn is 4 . . .  .

How about if Tufts wins and will be tied in points with Conn College, does Conn College fall to 5?  Saw that Conn tied Tufts. Depending on how Amherst and Bowdoin tie or lose (think not), Tufts could end up in 2nd or 3rd??

Fun times! A lot of drama.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 24, 2023, 05:27:38 PM
Williams plays Middlebury  Saturday, that is a certainty. Amherst likely plays Wesleyan.

Con plays Hamilton ,Tufts and Bowdoin  play someplace!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 24, 2023, 05:53:03 PM
Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on October 24, 2023, 05:22:44 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on October 24, 2023, 05:16:17 PM
So If Amherst and Bowdoin win, Midd is1, Amherst is 2, Bowdoin is 3 and Conn is 4 . . .  .

How about if Tufts wins and will be tied in points with Conn College, does Conn College fall to 5?  Saw that Conn tied Tufts. Depending on how Amherst and Bowdoin tie or lose (think not), Tufts could end up in 2nd or 3rd??

Fun times! A lot of drama.

If Tufts and Amherst win, Amherst is 2, Conn is 3 and Tufts is 4 on the basis of tiebreakers.  I think.  If Tufts wins tonight they get a home game against Bowdoin Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: smoova on October 24, 2023, 06:03:31 PM
Does anyone know how Williams wound up with only two keepers (both seniors) on the roster?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 24, 2023, 06:28:11 PM
Quote from: smoova on October 24, 2023, 06:03:31 PM
Does anyone know how Williams wound up with only two keepers (both seniors) on the roster?

They had a sophomore last year - Justin Hartwig - who is no longer on the roster.  No idea what happened to him, but the attrition at Williams was discussed on the board earlier this fall (they had 30 total players on the roster last year, but have only 24 players this year).  I know they were out on the recruiting trail last spring talking with rising senior MLS Next GKs about the possibility of early playing time.  I didn't know it would be from Day 1.  It happens, though, especially when there are coaching transitions, but really it can happen anytime.  GKs get hurt or don't get playing time and lose patience (and sitting behind a strong GK like Diffley is going to make things look a little bleak for getting playing time).  Coaches who fail to manage their goalkeeper depth do so at their own peril. 

They can bridge the transition with the transfer portal, but it's not the easiest thing to get a transfer admitted to a place like Williams.  I just looked it up and there were 573 transfer applicants to Williams for the Fall of 2022 and only 17 were admitted (and 11 enrolled).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: smoova on October 24, 2023, 09:17:18 PM
^ Thanks - appreciate the comprehensive response.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 25, 2023, 05:33:13 AM
Amherst 4 Trinity 0

A scoreline that really doesn't reflect what in the first half at least, was an even game, where Trinity enjoyed periods of possession.  I felt the 2-0 lead Amherst enjoyed at half-time was flattering, but of course, no one was offering to re-set the game score.  In the second half, Coach Serpone started to rotate and I counted 25 different players eventually used.  The good news for Mammoths supporters is that within the freshman group there are players impacting now, but also some who are on the cusp of doing similar.  Three of the four goals had freshman involvement, I would suspect it's some time since that has been the case for those that wear purple.

I will offer the EnmoreCat NESCAC conference playoff guide at a later date, but did want to congratulate Middlebury on what has been a fine season, so far. 

Foul Count: Amherst 12 Trinity 13 - not consistent with the popular narrative of course

No disclaimer this time, but rest assured it still applies.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 25, 2023, 07:30:58 AM
The EnmoreCat 2023 NESCAC Conference Final Guide

I've constructed this table, which aggregates the results from only the games that the top eight teams played against each other.  It's not that much different to the final table, but the order is slightly different and gives a nuanced perspective on performance (whether it's useful or not is another thing).  It's still very tight at the top end:

Middlebury 15 points 14 goals for/5 against
Amherst 12 points 11/8
Connecticut 11 11/9
Tufts 11 8/7
Bowdoin 9 7/4
Wesleyan 6 4/10
Hamilton 5 4/14
Williams 4 3/9 (if my maths is wrong, apologies)

It takes goals to win games, but not conceding does give you a chance too and that's where Bowdoin has an edge, but of course Middlebury has both sides covered, which is probably what you would expect from a team that didn't just lead NESCAC, but has also been consistently at the top end of the rankings for the entire season.  If games only went for 88 minutes, then Amherst would have had an extra win, draw and loss, but those additional two points would still see them behind Midd and that doesn't take into account any of the other games where goals were given up late.  It is however a reminder of how fine the margin can be. 

Last year I nominated Babson as the best team I saw in the flesh on my trip and that didn't do them much good as they bowed out in the first round of the tournament, but of course they did beat the Mammoths this season.  My 2023 selection for best team I saw in the flesh is Midd, by some distance, but I am not expecting that my kiss of death will be as effective this time, but it's a no lose for me nominating them.  When I was thinking about their undefeated season so far, it did take me back to my first season of senior cricket in the early 1980s in Western Australia.  The first grade team at my club went through the home & away part of the season undefeated and were hot favourites to win the pennant.  They lost their semi-final on the first day of a two day game (a bit different to baseball) and their season was over.  Sport knows how to break hearts.

On the basis of the above table, and the full NESCAC one, Amherst is ranked second and whilst the Mammoths' best game might deserve that status, for this correspondent at least, it hasn't been seen enough this season.  It's not giving away state secrets to say that the team has probably passed a bit more this season (again against the popular narrative), with probably not quite the shock & awe that was seen on a regular basis last season.  I do think the team has regularly looked in control in many games, but did find it hard more than once to hold onto a one goal lead.  That feels like it becomes a bit more important when it's play off time and if Amherst can address that, then they will at least go deep in NESCAC.  If they don't...

I certainly wouldn't rule out any of the teams lower down the rankings finding their groove and they have all shown they are capable of getting results (more often than not at Amherst's expense).  It's a reminder of just how even NESCAC is.

Usual disclaimers apply and I am not entertaining any requests for phlegm-related keyboard damage claims. 






Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 25, 2023, 08:50:15 AM
Quote from: SKUD on October 24, 2023, 04:54:55 PM
Last year SC aggressively crusaded against Williams a team that only won about 1/2 their games.  This year he has U Chicago in top 15 in a very similar situation with one could argue a weaker schedule.

What up SC?

Thats fair.  And it got me thinking.  So I posted this below last year when someone thought the absence of Williams from my poll was because I didn't like how they played.  Which in part is true.  But -

Williams                           6      1             10             28

Chicago for their part looks like this at season end this year -

Chicago                            7   2   5   26

The difference for me between these two teams? While Chicago doesn't look like last years team, they certainly can win a game.  With Williams I never thought they would "win".

Make sense?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 25, 2023, 08:50:53 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 25, 2023, 07:30:58 AM
Usual disclaimers apply and I am not entertaining any requests for phlegm-related keyboard damage claims.

EnmoreCat.... there goes another keyboard.....

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 25, 2023, 09:22:30 AM
To further demonstrate the depth of the conference, Hamilton tied #22 Oneonta last night.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 25, 2023, 09:53:35 AM
Quote from: Newenglander on October 25, 2023, 09:22:30 AM
To further demonstrate the depth of the conference, Hamilton tied #22 Oneonta last night.....

NESCAC Non-Conference Record (54 games, Colby vs Coast Guard cancelled)  43 W, 5 L, 6 T

Some of the Maine schools really pad this record against weak instate schools, but I understand the logistics and travel involved, so kudos to Bates for scheduling Emerson and Bowdoin for playing Wheaton.  Colby did schedule Coast Guard, but the game was cancelled.  Conn went a perfect 5-0 outside of NESCAC, including a win over Babson.  Bowdoin was 4-0-1, Colby 4-0, Hamilton 3-0-2, Midd 4-0-1, Tufts 4-0-1, and Williams 5-0.  Wesleyan was the only NESCAC school to lose 2 non-conference games, to East Conn and West Conn.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 25, 2023, 09:59:53 AM
Wesleyan was the only NESCAC school to lose 2 non-conference games, to East Conn and West Conn.

Real ironic, because I find them one of the toughest teams in NESCAC, to score against.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 25, 2023, 10:19:42 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2023, 09:59:53 AM
Wesleyan was the only NESCAC school to lose 2 non-conference games, to East Conn and West Conn.

Real ironic, because I find them one of the toughest teams in NESCAC, to score against.

They are a very hard team to figure out this year.  Their results are all over the map, including ties with Amherst, Conn, and Tufts, but also Colby and Trinity.  They only have 2 league wins (Bates and Williams) but only 3 losses (Bowdoin, Hamilton, Midd).  Most unpredictable team in the league for me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 25, 2023, 11:24:22 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 25, 2023, 10:19:42 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 25, 2023, 09:59:53 AM
Wesleyan was the only NESCAC school to lose 2 non-conference games, to East Conn and West Conn.

Real ironic, because I find them one of the toughest teams in NESCAC, to score against.

They are a very hard team to figure out this year.  Their results are all over the map, including ties with Amherst, Conn, and Tufts, but also Colby and Trinity.  They only have 2 league wins (Bates and Williams) but only 3 losses (Bowdoin, Hamilton, Midd).  Most unpredictable team in the league for me.

I'm by no means an expert no Wesleyan, but I've caught bits and pieces of a couple of games and most of the second half yesterday v. Conn and my sense has been that they are one of those teams that plays out of the back, does well in the middle third, and runs out of ideas in the final third.  They have .87 goals per game and that includes a game like yesterday where they got an own goal and a PK.  That doesn't indicate bad offense because they had to get in those positions to force action by the Conn defenders, but it never felt like Wesleyan's players had the individual skills to unlock the Conn defense without getting a bit of help.  It may be that in games where they've gotten scored on early, they come out of their shell and leave themselves exposed in the back too.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2023, 11:57:33 AM
Bowdoin 0 -- Tufts 1

Tough loss for Bowdoin, who I thought played well and had several good chances but wasn't able to find the back of the net.  The Tufts goal reminded me of the goal conceded to Amherst a couple of weeks ago, where the initial attacker's shot was deflected, hit the post and bounced directly to another attacker.  A Bowdoin defender slid across the goal last night and very nearly blocked it.  As many have noted, these games are decided by the narrowest of margins.  Credit to Tufts for the road win.  Camosfan must be happy, and I appreciate him not gloating here.

The good news is that the teams play again Saturday and ultimately what will be remembered is who wins Saturday.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Shooter McGavin on October 25, 2023, 12:15:02 PM
2nd ranking predictions

Region 1
1. Conn College
2. Middlebury
3. Amherst
4. Tufts
5. Bowdoin
6. Williams
7. W. Conn

Others: Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 25, 2023, 12:16:08 PM
YSD, I also thought Bowdoin played well at least the segments I watched and while realizing the Polar Bears had to chase the game after the goal.  Definitely a good win for Tufts but I certainly couldn't say Tufts is the better team.  All these teams look pretty even. I will say that Tufts seems like one of the teams most comfortable with remaining extremely solid and waiting for counter attack opportunities.  CSO noted that Midd will be a tough out in the big tournament, which is definitely true, but also true for at least 4 other Nescacs. That's not even counting Hamilton who has shown they can be a problem too and of course Williams who made an incredible run last year.

A quick plug for Rueda Duran. What an engine that kid has. In terms of overall impact reminds me a little of Yeonas of recent Conn Coll game. Rueda Duran may be a little more of a pit bull with blinders who looks to go 1v3 more frequently than Yeonas...but still, quite a player. Imo Bowdoin needs a third scorer to help out Rueda Duran and Huck... Cabral, Juantorena, etc
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 25, 2023, 12:55:17 PM
Camosfan must be happy, and I appreciate him not gloating here. While I am happy, no reason to gloat, these teams are pretty even and it could have gone either way. In addition, I am thinking about Saturday and how difficult it will be to beat a team like yours twice.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 25, 2023, 01:27:50 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2023, 11:57:33 AM
Bowdoin 0 -- Tufts 1

Tough loss for Bowdoin, who I thought played well and had several good chances but wasn't able to find the back of the net.  The Tufts goal reminded me of the goal conceded to Amherst a couple of weeks ago, where the initial attacker's shot was deflected, hit the post and bounced directly to another attacker.  A Bowdoin defender slid across the goal last night and very nearly blocked it.  As many have noted, these games are decided by the narrowest of margins.  Credit to Tufts for the road win.  Camosfan must be happy, and I appreciate him not gloating here.

The good news is that the teams play again Saturday and ultimately what will be remembered is who wins Saturday.

I scrambled back from an event in Portland to catch the last 15 minutes of the first half, which appeared to be relatively even and to lack any drama.  I was already feeling a bit chilled at half time, and said screw it...I'll catch the second half online at home.  By the time I turned the game on, Tufts had already scored...so I can't comment on that.  I will say that Bowdoin dominated the last 30 minutes of the game and did everything except score.  Although stats don't always tell the whole story, they are fairly noticeable in this case.  Shots: Bowdoin 21(5), Tufts 8(3).  Corners: Bowdoin 10, Tufts 3.

One other thing that surprised me:  Bowdoin elected to play this game on their new turf field, which I think is Tufts' preferred surface?

I continue to say that, of all of Bowdoin's NESCAC games I saw, I was most impressed by Conn.  Admittedly, I didn't see Middlebury...and their NESCAC record speaks for itself.

What are people's predictions for the quarterfinal matchups?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 25, 2023, 01:37:25 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on October 25, 2023, 12:15:02 PM
2nd ranking predictions

Region 1
1. Conn College
2. Middlebury
3. Amherst
4. Tufts
5. Bowdoin
6. Williams
7. W. Conn

Others: Hamilton

You expect Conn to jump Middlebury after Panthers go 2-0 against Tufts and Williams and Conn goes 1-0-1 against Bates and Wesleyan?

Um, ok.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 25, 2023, 01:38:47 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on October 25, 2023, 12:15:02 PM
2nd ranking predictions

Region 1
1. Conn College
2. Middlebury
3. Amherst
4. Tufts
5. Bowdoin
6. Williams
7. W. Conn

Others: Hamilton
Reminder that these rankings will not take yesterday's games into account.  They are based on games through 10/23
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 25, 2023, 03:02:31 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 25, 2023, 01:38:47 PM
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on October 25, 2023, 12:15:02 PM
2nd ranking predictions

Region 1
1. Conn College
2. Middlebury
3. Amherst
4. Tufts
5. Bowdoin
6. Williams
7. W. Conn

Others: Hamilton
Reminder that these rankings will not take yesterday's games into account.  They are based on games through 10/23


Also, what do you mean by "jumping" the first ranking did not have an order to them, rather they were alphabetical.  Middlebury had a great year but they did not play any ranked team outside of NESCAC.  Their RvR is not nearly as impressive as Amherst or Conn... I think Mid will be third.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on October 25, 2023, 03:17:07 PM
REGION I - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - October 25, 2023

Rank

School
. Div. III .
Record
. Div. III .
SOS

 . R-v-R .
. Overall .
Record
. Prev. .
Rank
1.
Connecticut College
9-0-4
0.600
3-0-4
10-0-4
Y
2.
Amherst
9-2-3
0.645
5-2-2
9-2-3
Y
3.
Middlebury
10-0-4
0.579
2-0-3
10-0-4
Y
4.
Tufts
9-2-3
0.607
4-2-2
9-2-3
Y
5.
Bowdoin
9-1-4
0.555
1-1-3
9-1-4
Y
6.
Williams
8-4-2
0.588
1-3-1
8-4-2
Y
7.
Hamilton
6-4-4
0.593
0-4-2
6-4-4
Y
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on October 25, 2023, 03:46:39 PM
So which committee decides on NCAA selections? United Soccer Coaches or D3Soccer.com?

I am not understanding the difference between the regional rankings on both platforms. Why would Midd be #1 on USC but #3 on D3Soccer
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on October 25, 2023, 03:54:54 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on October 25, 2023, 03:46:39 PM
So which committee decides on NCAA selections? United Soccer Coaches or D3Soccer.com?

I am not understanding the difference between the regional rankings on both platforms. Why would Midd be #1 on USC but #3 on D3Soccer

Neither.  The NCAA Regional Rankings and the NCAA Tournament At-Large Selection are done by the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Committee with the help of their Regional Advisory Committees (RACs).

I suggest reading the following articles on D3soccer.com.  They are a year old so some of the dates and numbers are different for this year, but otherwise they will get you up to speed on the NCAA Regional Rankings and their role and significance.

     D3soccer.com: Coming Wednesday: the rankings that matter (https://d3soccer.com/columns/christan-shirk/2022/the-rankings-that-matter)

     D3soccer.com: 2022 NCAA Regional Rankings (https://d3soccer.com/rankings/2022/about)

The United Soccer Coaches (USC) regional polls and national ranking and the now defunct D3soccer.com Top 25 ranking are independent from the NCAA and have no bearing on the NCAA rankings or at-large tournament selections.  They are done to recognize the top teams and promote D-III soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 25, 2023, 03:58:23 PM
Non-Con Games:
Midd:  Mt. St. Mary (346), Norwich (208), Endicott (130), Eastern Nazarene (277), Vassar (68).  To be fair, Vassar and Endicott were supposed to be stronger than they turned out to be.
Conn:  Hartford (262), Salve Regina (182), Babson (44), Western New England (166), Coast Guard (152)
Amherst:  Babson (44), Montclair (12), WPI (96), Manhattanville (220), Yeshiva (271)
Tufts: Babson (44), Emerson (126), Salem (142), Maine Farmington (291), MIT (96)

Note:  Writing this after seeing the rankings.  At some point, the games have to matter.  Midd finished 4 points in front of Conn and 3 points in front of Amherst in the best conference in the country for D3 soccer.  They have not lost a game all season.  If the rankings have Conn in front this week because the Wesleyan game does not count for this week, fair enough.  But at some point, weight should be given to where teams finished in the league table.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on October 25, 2023, 04:08:12 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 25, 2023, 03:58:23 PM
Note:  Writing this after seeing the rankings.  At some point, the games have to matter.  Midd finished 4 points in front of Conn and 3 points in front of Amherst in the best conference in the country for D3 soccer.  They have not lost a game all season.  If the rankings have Conn in front this week because the Wesleyan game does not count for this week, fair enough.  But at some point, weight should be given to where teams finished in the league table.

Conference finish is NOT one of the criteria for the NCAA rankings/selections.  So, no, theoretically it is not intended to factor it, and observation of the rankings and selections for many years indicates that in practice it does not factor in.  It is a team's full body of work, not just conference play, that is used for establishing the data (D-III winning pct., results vs. ranked opponents, strength-of-schedule, overall winning pct., etc.) by which each team is considered.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 25, 2023, 04:50:00 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 25, 2023, 07:30:58 AM
The EnmoreCat 2023 NESCAC Conference Final Guide

I've constructed this table, which aggregates the results from only the games that the top eight teams played against each other.  It's not that much different to the final table, but the order is slightly different and gives a nuanced perspective on performance (whether it's useful or not is another thing).  It's still very tight at the top end:

Middlebury 15 points 14 goals for/5 against
Amherst 12 points 11/8
Connecticut 11 11/9
Tufts 11 8/7
Bowdoin 9 7/4
Wesleyan 6 4/10
Hamilton 5 4/14
Williams 4 3/9 (if my math is wrong, apologies)


@Enmorecat, I didn't check your math, but it seems right and this is very interesting.  It is a subset (top 8) of a subset (conference only) so the sample size is small.  But in some ways it is similar to how the NCAA views R v R.  What most jumped out at me is Midd's goal differential margin of 9, which is equal to the aggregate winning margin of Amherst, Conn, Tufts and Bowdoin.  I didn't go back and look at whether that was due to piling on one particular opponent, but i don't recall seeing a Midd result like that.  Obviously we know from experience anything can happen in this conference; we saw Williams go on a crazy NCAA run last year after a not so impressive regular season.

Admitting self interest, I note that Bowdoin's margin of 3 is certainly respectable.  I think the Bowdoin offense is stronger than these numbers suggest, but I hear the feedback from you, PN and CSO.  I was pleasantly surprised that Bowdoin is first in fewest goals conceded in your analysis, particularly considering the very strong year by Midd's Grady.  Alex Ainsworth has had a great year and conceding only 4 goals against this group in his first year of collegiate playing time is exceptional. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 25, 2023, 05:32:16 PM
Yeah, I continue to maintain that there is little to separate the top 5 NESCAC teams.  Middlebury is the deserved regular season leader.  They have answered the call throughout the season.  But I'm not sure they are quite like last season's U Chicago team, where their superior performance in the NCAA tournament was in little doubt.

It'll be interesting to see if there are any upsets in the NESCAC tournament quarterfinals...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on October 26, 2023, 05:44:15 PM
Just read Bates was on lockdown last night and classes cancelled today with the situation in Lewiston.  Can't imagine how awful it could have been if their game against Colby was last night instead of Tuesday.  Thinking about that entire community and hope they find this guy soon.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 26, 2023, 06:49:20 PM
Hope the students are safe.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 26, 2023, 07:27:06 PM
Thanks fellow NESCAC posters.  It is a very sad and sobering day here in Maine.  Bates College and Bowdoin College have been locked down today.  Beyond our beloved NESCAC schools, all of the local schools, libraries, and even grocery stores have been closed today throughout an ever widening radius.  My wife works for the town library in Cumberland, which is over 30 miles from the shooting sites.  All of the town facilities in Cumberland and towns beyond have been closed.

I think many of us felt like we were living in a pleasant bubble here in Maine.  By many measures, Maine is the first or second safest state in the union.  Not today.  If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.  Give your loved ones an extra hug today.  We all need support and reassurance in these moments.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deutschfan on October 26, 2023, 07:48:42 PM
God bless all of you in Maine and hopefully they will round up this lunatic before he does more damage than the catastrophic damage he has already inflicted, both physically and psychologically. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 26, 2023, 07:51:24 PM
Quote from: northman on October 26, 2023, 07:27:06 PM
Thanks fellow NESCAC posters.  It is a very sad and sobering day here in Maine.  Bates College and Bowdoin College have been locked down today.  Beyond our beloved NESCAC schools, all of the local schools, libraries, and even grocery stores have been closed today throughout an ever widening radius.  My wife works for the town library in Cumberland, which is over 30 miles from the shooting sites.  All of the town facilities in Cumberland and towns beyond have been closed.

I think many of us felt like we were living in a pleasant bubble here in Maine.  By many measures, Maine is the first or second safest state in the union.  Not today.  If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.  Give your loved ones an extra hug today.  We all need support and reassurance in these moments.
Thinking of all of you in Maine and sending support from Chicago. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 26, 2023, 08:37:16 PM
At times like this, it feels good to be part of a wider community...even if it is usually D3 soccer related (as it should be).  The potentially encouraging news is that the local news channels are reporting that the authorities believe they have found the suspect in his home in the town of Bowdoin (two towns away from Brunswick and Bowdoin College).  As you can imagine, the place is being swarmed with SWAT teams, tanks, drones and helicopters.  We're hoping that a resolution may be within sight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on October 26, 2023, 09:30:23 PM
Let's hope so, hang in there.  It was a year ago almost to the day when my sister sent me horrifying texts from my niece, a freshman at UVA locked in her dorm closet listening to police scanners as the shooter was nearby.  She is still scarred.  Three months ago it happened again at UNC Chapel Hill.  Our youth are paying a significant price.  The cover of the UNC campus newspaper the day after was powerful and says it all:

https://twitter.com/caitlyn_yaede/status/1696678904683970574 (https://twitter.com/caitlyn_yaede/status/1696678904683970574)

Sorry you are going through this.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on October 27, 2023, 01:01:27 AM
The shooter was not at the location in the town of Bowdoin and remains at-large with his whereabouts unknown. These are sad and scary times for those of us in Maine.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: blooter442 on October 27, 2023, 12:01:07 PM
Quote from: northman on October 26, 2023, 07:27:06 PM
I think many of us felt like we were living in a pleasant bubble here in Maine.  By many measures, Maine is the first or second safest state in the union.  Not today.  If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.  Give your loved ones an extra hug today.  We all need support and reassurance in these moments.

Well said, northman. While Maine is an incredibly safe place writ large, I think statistically it was a question of when (not if) it would happen. And though I think many fellow Mainers shared a similar expectation to myself, I don't think any of us anticipated that Maine would have the country's worst mass shooting of the year so far (in October) and the 10th deadliest overall since 1949. :-[
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 27, 2023, 05:55:31 PM
As an FYI, Bowdoin and Bates have rearranged some of the games scheduled for this weekend.  The Bowdoin mens soccer team will play at Tufts as scheduled tomorrow.  The Bowdoin womens soccer team...who would have been hosting Conn tomorrow...will play Conn at Tufts on Sunday.  The Bowdoin field hockey team will play at Bates on Tuesday evening, rather than tomorrow.

Maine's emergency authorities have just (finally) rescinded the shelter-in-place requirements in Androscoggin County (which includes Lewiston and Bates College) and Sagadahoc County.  This won't affect the rescheduled athletic contests.

I have a friend who is the director of admissions at Bates.  He has been on speed dial with administrators, his staff, students, and high school applicants.  I learned that the Bates community had to literally shelter in place for both Wednesday and Thursday nights.  Some people had to spend the entire time in classrooms and administrative offices...and had to have food delivered to them with protection from armed security.  This is real world stuff...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 27, 2023, 05:59:31 PM
Also, I should mention that I'm the volunteer assistant coach for the Bowdoin Nordic ski team.  Collegiate skiing is actually a D1 sport at Bowdoin, Bates, Colby, Middlebury, Williams, and St. Lawrence.

I can share that...not surprisingly...no team training has been allowed for the past two days at Bowdoin or Bates.  This certainly is NOT going to help their sharpness or game readiness going into these upcoming NESCAC playoff games...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 27, 2023, 07:47:09 PM
It's an interesting perspective Northman, but I also think all these young men have played a lot of games and whilst how this rest has resulted is horrible in the extreme, I would be surprised if missing a training or two now will dramatically impact, but of course, I could be wrong.  My best guess is that the absolute best thing for them and other Bates and Bowdoin teams playing this weekend, is to get back on the field.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on October 28, 2023, 01:08:19 AM
Robert Card, the Lewiston mass shooter, was found dead of a self-inflicted wound at 7:45  pm Friday in Lisbon, ME, very close to his last place of employment (the Maine Recycling Center). His death at least brings to an end to the public safety emergency but obviously the pain will never end for the relatives of the 18 dead victims.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 28, 2023, 08:11:28 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 27, 2023, 07:47:09 PM
It's an interesting perspective Northman, but I also think all these young men have played a lot of games and whilst how this rest has resulted is horrible in the extreme, I would be surprised if missing a training or two now will dramatically impact, but of course, I could be wrong.  My best guess is that the absolute best thing for them and other Bates and Bowdoin teams playing this weekend, is to get back on the field.

That's a nice thought, EnmoreCat, but the stress and anxiety of being in lockdown for several days and not being to get outside and train normally with your teammates has got to have a deleterious effect.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 28, 2023, 08:15:13 AM
Quote from: quicksilver on October 28, 2023, 01:08:19 AM
Robert Card, the Lewiston mass shooter, was found dead of a self-inflicted wound at 7:45  pm Friday in Lisbon, ME, very close to his last place of employment (the Maine Recycling Center). His death at least brings to an end to the public safety emergency but obviously the pain will never end for the relatives of the 18 dead victims.

Everyone in the Lewiston area and throughout the state of Maine is finally breathing their first sigh of relief.  I do some advisory work with a state agency that provides a range of funding programs to innovative early-stage companies.  One of our portfolio companies is situated right next to Maine Recycling Center...so it's spooky to realize where Robert Card spent his final moments.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 28, 2023, 09:38:28 AM
Quote from: northman on October 28, 2023, 08:11:28 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 27, 2023, 07:47:09 PM
It's an interesting perspective Northman, but I also think all these young men have played a lot of games and whilst how this rest has resulted is horrible in the extreme, I would be surprised if missing a training or two now will dramatically impact, but of course, I could be wrong.  My best guess is that the absolute best thing for them and other Bates and Bowdoin teams playing this weekend, is to get back on the field.

That's a nice thought, EnmoreCat, but the stress and anxiety of being in lockdown for several days and not being to get outside and train normally with your teammates has got to have a deleterious effect.

Agreed, northman.

I've thought about posting a couple of times about what's going on soccer-wise but the pall cast by the unimaginable/all-too-imaginable) horrific tragedy just made anything else trivial.  I imagine players/teams feel very unsettled...as you've put massive effort into your season and have a lot riding on the next game or two and yet the magnitude of the devastating mass killing is so sobering (and in some ways so defeating) that one can wonder what kind of mindset players will have individually and collectively.

So, yes, sure, it will be good for players and teams to return to their pitches, fields, arenas, etc...but I don't see any way there wouldn't be a deleterious effect.  Maybe even more important than the lost training/preparation time might be the dramatic psychological switching of gears from the mindset before the tragedy/lockdown to a mental state dominated by some combination of being hyperalert, on guard, confused, devastated, enraged, drained/fatigued, etc, etc to now trying to get back to a pre-tragedy mind-set that is impossible to fully regain inside of just a couple of days.

None of us know how the distractions, motivations, and dynamics will play out today.  Maybe Bowdoin will rally around each other and have an excellent, inspiring performance.  Maybe Tufts will be off just a little because of some unconscious (or conscious) sympathy and/or because the Jumbos don't need the game as badly as Bowdoin.

I wouldn't go as far as to say that Bowdoin isn't safe for a Pool C, but the Polar Bears are certainly less safe than the other four NESCACs in the top five....as Midd, Conn, Amherst, and Tufts are all locks.  Bowdoin would feel far more secure with at least one more ranked win, as I believe they go into today's match with a RvR of 1-2-4.

The real wild card in the NESCAC I think is Williams.  if the Ephs can get a win over Midd that would take Williams to three ranked wins (RvR now sitting at 2-4-1).  A win would also nudge the Williams overall record into a more respectable range to go along with what will be a SoS that easily exceeds .600.  A Williams win coupled with a Bowdoin loss also could vault the Ephs above the Polar Bears in the regional rankings.  If they both win then one or both might need to win a semi to feel reasonably comfortable.


Extremely high probability that five NESCACs will make the NCAA field (inclusive of the AQ).  Could there be six?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 28, 2023, 11:48:36 AM
Like you PN, i held back from commenting this week for similar reasons.  An athletic contest seems trite and trivial compared to what families who lost loved ones are going through; I didn't want to be seen as creating excuses for Bowdoin or diminishing Tufts if they won (Tufts won 1-0 on the road just a few days ago and if they win today it shouldn't have an asterisk).  Despite the challenges of this week the team has a lot of grit and resilience as they showed coming back after being down to Midd 2-0.  I can't predict any outcome but I am confident Bowdoin will play hard as they did on Tuesday.

I feel guilty getting ready to enjoy a soccer game given the tragedy this week.  But I am eager to see my son and cheer him and his teammates.  Soccer has been a wonderful family-bonding experience for us and I am grateful we get to share that again today.  I've run into a few other parents this morning and it definitely feels a little different.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 28, 2023, 12:42:40 PM
Midd looks great...up 2-0.  Williams had some possession for the first 5-6 minutes but ever since then the Panthers have been dominant and consistently in the Ephs' final third.  Trying to pay more attention to Midd's individual players...a lot of talent across the board and Payne really is a stud...nifty pass to Chae for the 2nd goal.  When a team is dominating this is probably pretty easy to say, but Midd appears to have a lot of intentionality in what they do.  Bowdoin will be very pleased by Midd's two goal lead.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 28, 2023, 02:47:01 PM
Amherst 1 Wesleyan 0

The first time for many games that Amherst had the full roster to select from and the early exchanges were positive for the Mammoths at TBTTIHF, which by the way, was looking pristine after a mow.  Eight minutes in, a well-hit corner was superbly headed in by one of the Amherst midfielders and my feeling was that that would get the ball rolling.  What it in fact did, was get the Cardinals up & running and I thought after that, for most of the remainder of the half, they just about looked the better team.  That was, until the final five minutes or so, when the Mammoths got back into the game. 

The second half was really about Wesleyan chances that weren't taken.  I counted three that were very close and in truth, it wouldn't have been unfair had they equalized, but of course, those with purple in their hearts, were happy they didn't.  Towards the end Amherst did start to close it out and eventually managed the game successfully, something which hasn't always been easy this season.  Clean sheets  also haven't been as regular as this correspondent would have liked this season, but suddenly Amherst has two in a row.  So, some definite positives out of what wasn't a vintage performance, but the good news is that this team can definitely do more.

As I write, Conn has won in OT over Hamilton, so that will be the semi-final match up in Middlebury next week.  Both teams will have revenge on their minds and I would expect it to be a pretty good encounter.  For those travelling there, I can recommend:

The Middlebury Inn for accommodation
Haymaker Bun Company for good coffee, a nice place to sit along the river and a deluxe cinnamon scroll
American Flatbread for pizza
Vermont Bookshop for books (surprisingly) - I bought, "The Secret Life of Groceries" there and whilst the title may not sound all that inspiring, it was an excellent read.  The shop itself was well-stocked, with really nice staff. 
Plus if you do go for a walk, the Congregational Church is a quite spectacular building, I thought it was magnificent and it really is a pretty town.

Foul Count: Amherst 13 Wesleyan 17 (another game against the popular narrative). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 28, 2023, 02:56:02 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 28, 2023, 12:42:40 PM
Midd looks great...up 2-0.  Williams had some possession for the first 5-6 minutes but ever since then the Panthers have been dominant and consistently in the Ephs' final third.  Trying to pay more attention to Midd's individual players...a lot of talent across the board and Payne really is a stud...nifty pass to Chae for the 2nd goal.  When a team is dominating this is probably pretty easy to say, but Midd appears to have a lot of intentionality in what they do.  Bowdoin will be very pleased by Midd's two goal lead.

I'll take partial credit for Tyler's stellar play, as he was no doubt extra fired up due to me accidentally skipping over him in the pre-game introductions.  ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 28, 2023, 11:10:47 PM
Middlebury 2 Williams 0

Unlike Tuesday's match at Williams, the Ephs came out on the front foot and applied immediate pressure.  They forced Grady into a save in the first several minutes, which was more than they did on Tuesday.  This was my first time seeing Williams in person (the Tuesday end of league season game is hard for parents who live out of town to get to).  The Ephs have couple of dangerous attackers (#13 Coehlo and #17 Gibson).  Midd struck first on a long throw in that was flicked on by Madden and headed in by Randolph, but Diffley will want that one back as the header went right through his hands after 20 minutes.  The Panthers got a second three minutes later when Chae executed a given and go with Sawin and took the ball inside the penalty area, where he hit a low shot that went between Diffley's legs.  At 2-0, Williams refused to give up and pressed for a goal to cut the deficit, but Grady made a point blank save on a blast from 12 yards near the end of the half.  In the second half, Duggan hit the post for the Panthers, and several other excellent chances were saved by Diffley or went just over the crossbar.  For the first time in a while, there were no upsets in NESCAC Tournment play, and the top four seeds will meet next weekend in Vermont, with Tufts taking on Middlebury at 11am and Amherst playing Conn in the second game.  All four teams should feel good about their chances to make the NCAAs.  Looking forward to a weekend of great soccer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 29, 2023, 09:21:24 PM
So maybe Allen Iverson was wrong about the importance of practice?

Tufts was sharp yesterday and Bowdoin wasn't.  The final score made it look closer than it was, thanks to a late free kick goal by Rueda-Duran.  Bowdoin boarded a bus to Medford late Friday shortly after emerging from two days of lockdown.  Not the best way to lead up to a game.  Tufts played very well yesterday, much better than Tuesday, and that ultimately was the deciding factor.  Tufts' passing and tactics were crisp, reminding me of the famous Tufts teams under Shapiro.  I think Tufts has been somewhat under-looked this year given the undefeated seasons by Midd and Conn and the usual strong performance by Amherst.  I expect the Midd/Tufts rematch will be closer than the game two weeks earlier.

It was a disappointing loss for Bowdoin but I am hopeful their record (ties w/ Midd and Conn, only losses to Amherst and Tufts) will be strong enough for the tournament.  PN, I saw your thoughts in the national thread and hope you are right.

Shoutout to Tufts Athletics for agreeing to host the women's quarterfinal today, which was moved from Bowdoin to a neutral site.  (The Bowdoin women's team defeated conn 1-0 and advanced to the semi-finals next weekend.)

Camosfan, nice to meet you at the game, and congrats on the win.  (And I now know the origin of camos!)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 30, 2023, 09:27:49 AM
That's a thoughtful and objective summary of the game, YSD.  I was able to watch much of the game online, in between doing a couple of other things.

I think most illustrative of the Bowdoin's lack of sharpness were two uncharacteristic defensive errors that led directly to both of Tufts' goals.  On the first one, right back Steinberg lunged in on the Tufts winger, was beaten, and then left in the dust while the winger made an easy crossing pass for a tap-in goal.  On the second, usually reliable left CB Selig passed out of the box right onto the foot of a Tufts attacker, who simply stepped through to set up another easy goal.

The boys simply weren't sharp enough and were punished by a very good team.  As an unabashed homer, I feel like they deserve a ticket to the NCAA tournament...but we'll have to wait and see what the powers that be have to say.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 30, 2023, 10:00:58 AM
Quote from: northman on October 30, 2023, 09:27:49 AM
That's a thoughtful and objective summary of the game, YSD.  I was able to watch much of the game online, in between doing a couple of other things.

I think most illustrative of the Bowdoin's lack of sharpness were two uncharacteristic defensive errors that led directly to both of Tufts' goals.  On the first one, right back Steinberg lunged in on the Tufts winger, was beaten, and then left in the dust while the winger made an easy crossing pass for a tap-in goal.  On the second, usually reliable left CB Selig passed out of the box right onto the foot of a Tufts attacker, who simply stepped through to set up another easy goal.

The boys simply weren't sharp enough and were punished by a very good team.  As an unabashed homer, I feel like they deserve a ticket to the NCAA tournament...but we'll have to wait and see what the powers that be have to say.


I will send my analysis out later about tournament prospects but my instinct is that Bowdoin is in good shape as long as most lock NCAA teams lime Monclair, Messiah, courtland, F&M etc win their conf tournaments.

Your line of win% (.6875), SOS (about .575) and RvR (1-3-3) is about the same or slightly better than Middlebury 2022 who was the fifth seed in Region 1 and got an at-large bid with a line of (.676, .61, 1-4-3).

Bowdoins out of conference games of St Thomas, Husson and U of So Maine are killing their SOS. Nice for the players to pad their stats in those games but it might cost them a bid.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2023, 10:30:50 AM
Regarding strength of schedule, it is very challenging for Bowdoin, Bates, Colby, and Midd to get quality non-conference games.  Due to the NESCAC schedule, they are looking at weekday games, and their remote locations limits the options somewhat.  They often wind up with games against GNAC or NAC teams who are in geographic proximity.  Not really feasible to expect these teams to hit the road for every non-conference game.  Bowdoin did travel to Wheaton and Midd went to Vassar for games this year.  Bates traveled to Emerson and Colby had a game at Coast Guard Academy that was canceled. As others have noted, the Massachusetts and Connecticut schools and even Hamilton have easier access to quality non conference opponents. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 30, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2023, 10:30:50 AM
Regarding strength of schedule, it is very challenging for Bowdoin, Bates, Colby, and Midd to get quality non-conference games.  Due to the NESCAC schedule, they are looking at weekday games, and their remote locations limits the options somewhat.  They often wind up with games against GNAC or NAC teams who are in geographic proximity.  Not really feasible to expect these teams to hit the road for every non-conference game.  Bowdoin did travel to Wheaton and Midd went to Vassar for games this year.  Bates traveled to Emerson and Colby had a game at Coast Guard Academy that was canceled. As others have noted, the Massachusetts and Connecticut schools and even Hamilton have easier access to quality non conference opponents.

I have no reason to doubt this, but it is interesting how different perspectives are about how far things are away from each other in the Northeast than in Region X.  The distance from Bowdoin to Boston for a weekday game is pretty modest compared to some of the distances teams in Region X travel routinely on weekdays.  I always assumed the reason some NESCAC teams schedule weaker non-conference opponents is because they believe they won't need the SoS bump given the NESCAC conference schedule.  After all, Bowdoin's SoS of .555 (as of last Wednesday) would be one of the higher numbers in Region X.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 30, 2023, 11:25:53 AM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 30, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2023, 10:30:50 AM
Regarding strength of schedule, it is very challenging for Bowdoin, Bates, Colby, and Midd to get quality non-conference games.  Due to the NESCAC schedule, they are looking at weekday games, and their remote locations limits the options somewhat.  They often wind up with games against GNAC or NAC teams who are in geographic proximity.  Not really feasible to expect these teams to hit the road for every non-conference game.  Bowdoin did travel to Wheaton and Midd went to Vassar for games this year.  Bates traveled to Emerson and Colby had a game at Coast Guard Academy that was canceled. As others have noted, the Massachusetts and Connecticut schools and even Hamilton have easier access to quality non conference opponents.

I have no reason to doubt this, but it is interesting how different perspectives are about how far things are away from each other in the Northeast than in Region X.  The distance from Bowdoin to Boston for a weekday game is pretty modest compared to some of the distances teams in Region X travel routinely on weekdays.  I always assumed the reason some NESCAC teams schedule weaker non-conference opponents is because they believe they won't need the SoS bump given the NESCAC conference schedule. After all, Bowdoin's SoS of .555 (as of last Wednesday) would be one of the higher numbers in Region X.

I'm sure I will get blasted for being elitist, but I can promise you that NESCAC schools do not think about SOS implications when scheduling mid-week out-of-conference games.

The primary considerations are—and always will be—missed class time, time away from campus, and budget.

And yes, I agree that it is ludicrous for (many) schools with billion (!)-dollar endowments to be crying about budgets, but it's a factor when trustees limit endowment draws to fund annual operating costs. At Middlebury, since the start of the pandemic, we have been dealing with 20-50 percent cuts to departmental operating budgets pegged to 2019 levels, this at a time with corresponding inflation pressures. It's a double whammy.

And while I am not privy to the athletics department budget numbers, I feel confident in stating that they have not been exempt and that travel budgets have been impacted, just like everything else.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 30, 2023, 11:27:52 AM
Also, NESCAC teams get the benefit of a conference where 8/11 teams make the playoffs, giving an extra game to boost SOS.  It really should be 6 teams. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2023, 11:29:42 AM
NESCAC has two additional factors that complicate things.  First, Middlebury VT to Waterville ME (Colby) is 250 miles as the crow flies.  In terms of travel time, it is almost 6 hours by bus due to the lack of interstates that run east-west in that part of New England.  Second, NESCAC has stringent rules in place for how much class time their athletes can miss.  NESCAC teams are limited to only 15 regular season soccer matches (they start play the Tuesday after Labor Day), and teams always have at least two doubleheader weekends to minimize midweek games.  Midd has played Bowdoin and Bates on the same weekend two years in a row, and this year traveled to Conn and Trinity the same weekend.  There is a reason that NESCAC teams do not travel much outside New England, it is has nothing to do with their self-perception of how strong the conference is.  For midweek games, the goal is to minimize overnight stays and limit missed class time.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on October 30, 2023, 11:32:07 AM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 30, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2023, 10:30:50 AM
Regarding strength of schedule, it is very challenging for Bowdoin, Bates, Colby, and Midd to get quality non-conference games.  Due to the NESCAC schedule, they are looking at weekday games, and their remote locations limits the options somewhat.  They often wind up with games against GNAC or NAC teams who are in geographic proximity.  Not really feasible to expect these teams to hit the road for every non-conference game.  Bowdoin did travel to Wheaton and Midd went to Vassar for games this year.  Bates traveled to Emerson and Colby had a game at Coast Guard Academy that was canceled. As others have noted, the Massachusetts and Connecticut schools and even Hamilton have easier access to quality non conference opponents.

I have no reason to doubt this, but it is interesting how different perspectives are about how far things are away from each other in the Northeast than in Region X.  The distance from Bowdoin to Boston for a weekday game is pretty modest compared to some of the distances teams in Region X travel routinely on weekdays.  I always assumed the reason some NESCAC teams schedule weaker non-conference opponents is because they believe they won't need the SoS bump given the NESCAC conference schedule.  After all, Bowdoin's SoS of .555 (as of last Wednesday) would be one of the higher numbers in Region X.

CSO is right, based on what I have seen and heard.  Normally schools try to schedule home and away, so even if the Maine schools and Midd were willing to travel more they need to find a dance partner or otherwise just accept playing far away non-conference road games.  SOS for the more conveniently located NESCAC schools are virtually always stronger.  It isn't about padding stats or feeling like just enough should be ok.  I suspect region X has a higher willingness to travel because it is so big, so long distance travel is a necessity.  In New England, most teams can find high quality competition at a short distance so they aren't willing to agree to a home/away series involving more extensive travel (in relative terms).  There is also a strong emphasis on academics at the NESCACs that probably also affects willingness to travel. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2023, 11:55:59 AM
Quote from: paclassic89 on October 30, 2023, 11:27:52 AM
Also, NESCAC teams get the benefit of a conference where 8/11 teams make the playoffs, giving an extra game to boost SOS.  It really should be 6 teams.

Any conference is free to design their conference tournament however they choose to do so.  For the NESCAC, being limited to 15 regular season matches, giving 8 of the 11 a tournament match does not seem to be a bad thing.  Also, the relative parity of the league means that frequently the lower seeds are capable of making a run.  This season was unusual in that the top 4 seed all won their matches.  In 2022, the 8 seed Conn got to the championship game.  In 2021, the 7 seed Colby advanced past Amherst.
In 2019, Middlebury got to the championship game as a 6 seed.  In 2018, the 6, 7, and 8 seeds all advanced and the 8 seed Colby beat the 6 seed Williams in the final.  Leagues are free to award their automatic bid however they want.  NESCAC and most others choose to do a conference tournament.  For NESCAC, I do not think it gives that much of a SOS boost, but it does give a lower seed a chance to snag the automatic bid or to get a few more quality wins that might allow them to sneak in.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 30, 2023, 12:04:35 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2023, 11:55:59 AM
Quote from: paclassic89 on October 30, 2023, 11:27:52 AM
Also, NESCAC teams get the benefit of a conference where 8/11 teams make the playoffs, giving an extra game to boost SOS.  It really should be 6 teams.

Any conference is free to design their conference tournament however they choose to do so.   Leagues are free to award their automatic bid however they want. 

Wow, thanks!  Didn't know that...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 30, 2023, 12:10:50 PM
guys - I hear you about structural advantages due to location but I would point out that Amherst drove almost 4 hours for a Sunday late afternoon game vs national power Montclair State.  Amherst is the master at making sure their out of conference schedule is world class so they can host NCAA weekends as often as possible.

Bowdoin, seems like there are some Boston-based teams in LEC that are way better alternatives.

Middlebury is a bit more challenging but why not teams like Oneonta, ST L etc.

Also, beating a team 11-1 where your starting players play 60% of the game and score 7 goals seems like a "run up the score/pad your stats" strategy to me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2023, 12:33:43 PM
If you are referencing the Mt. St. Mary's game, the prior year the score of that game was 1-0.  This was the perfect storm of Midd being much better than last year and Mt. St. Mary's being much worse.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 01:04:42 PM
Bucket, it's not the elitism, it's the double elitism...not only are we far superior to everyone else but we also demonstrate that superiority even more because of all the restrictions and barriers caused at least in part by our....yep, you guessed it, our superiority.

I do think Midd and the Maine schools have a distinct disadvantage because of geography....although I'm a little more sympathetic with the Maine group.  There's only so many Nescacs Babson can play...or Brandeis...or Wheaton MIT, etc.

I would think if Midd can travel 4 hours to Eastern Naz they could get to Plattsburgh, RPI, Union, Skidmore, and couple more Sunyacs...and yes, they played Vassar.

Obviously the Nescacs are not the only ultra serious academic schools... certainly not any more serious than Hopkins, Haverford, Swat, the other UAAs, Carleton, Macalester, W&L, and yes, Colorado Coll...

One might argue that NESCAC actually values athletics far more and has a higher percentage of athletes in the student body than some of the above.

And being an ultra serious academic school can both be a boon to recruiting and a barrier.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 30, 2023, 01:10:50 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 30, 2023, 12:10:50 PM
guys - I hear you about structural advantages due to location but I would point out that Amherst drove almost 4 hours for a Sunday late afternoon game vs national power Montclair State.  Amherst is the master at making sure their out of conference schedule is world class so they can host NCAA weekends as often as possible.

Bowdoin, seems like there are some Boston-based teams in LEC that are way better alternatives.

Middlebury is a bit more challenging but why not teams like Oneonta, ST L etc.

Also, beating a team 11-1 where your starting players play 60% of the game and score 7 goals seems like a "run up the score/pad your stats" strategy to me.

Also, it was the first game of the year, and many of those who logged significant minutes were first years (Sawin, Davis, Horowitz, Hoke, Nicholl, Dugan). I'm not so quick to fault the coaching staff for wanting to see them play significant minutes in their first collegiate game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 30, 2023, 01:18:23 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 01:04:42 PM
Bucket, it's not the elitism, it's the double elitism...not only are we far superior to everyone else but we also demonstrate that superiority even more because of all the restrictions and barriers caused at least in part by our....yep, you guessed it, our superiority.

I do think Midd and the Maine schools have a distinct disadvantage because of geography....although I'm a little more sympathetic with the Maine group.  There's only so many Nescacs Babson can play...or Brandeis...or Wheaton MIT, etc.

I would think if Midd can travel 4 hours to Eastern Naz they could get to Plattsburgh, RPI, Union, Skidmore, and couple more Sunyacs...and yes, they played Vassar.

Obviously the Nescacs are not the only ultra serious academic schools... certainly not any more serious than Hopkins, Haverford, Swat, the other UAAs, Carleton, Macalester, W&L, and yes, Colorado Coll...

One might argue that NESCAC actually values athletics far more and has a higher percentage of athletes in the student body than some of the above.

And being an ultra serious academic school can both be a boon to recruiting and a barrier.

Sigh. Predictable. Even when simply stating facts.

And never said NESCACS are the only ultra serious academic schools—thinks for name-checking my alma mater in this list, btw—but it's a conference approach. And there is no other conference—save the UAA—that has a more comprehensive membership of schools with such a commitment to academic rigor.

Speaking of my alma mater's conference, I don't think Eastern Mennonite and Bridgewater have such concerns.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 30, 2023, 02:19:34 PM
In reading the preceding comments, I'm reminded that several things can be true at the same time.  As I've mentioned, I'm a volunteer assistant coach for a NESCAC athletic program, so I have some (though not complete) insight into how things work at these schools.

First, let's establish that NESCAC schools are certainly not academically superior to, or more elite than, a number of other D3 schools.  But they do share a common set of athletics guidelines.  As has been written, they are expected to minimize midweek travel.  For the Maine schools, it would be pushing the envelope unnecessarily to try and schedule midweek games that are any appreciable distance away.

It's my speculation...and it's only speculation...that Justin Serpone may be a slight exception to the rule among NESCAC coaches.  It wouldn't surprise me if he had a little more sway with the athletics department and the dean overseeing athletics at Amherst to schedule an away game in Montclair, NJ.  But I see that as the exception...and not an indicator that all NESCACs could or should do something similar.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 30, 2023, 02:22:46 PM
Speaking of the elite:
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse's 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S.
Four division III schools, 1 NESCAC, 1 SCIAC, & 2 NEWMAC in the top 10.
Rank School State Score
1 Princeton NJ 91.6
2 MIT MA 90.4
3 Yale CT 90.3
4 Stanford CA 90.1
5 Columbia NY 89.7
6 Harvard MA 89.5
7 University of Pennsylvania PA 89.4
8 Amherst College MA 88.4
9 Claremont McKenna College CA 88
10 Babson College MA 87.9

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 30, 2023, 03:16:57 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 30, 2023, 01:10:50 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 30, 2023, 12:10:50 PM
guys - I hear you about structural advantages due to location but I would point out that Amherst drove almost 4 hours for a Sunday late afternoon game vs national power Montclair State.  Amherst is the master at making sure their out of conference schedule is world class so they can host NCAA weekends as often as possible.

Bowdoin, seems like there are some Boston-based teams in LEC that are way better alternatives.

Middlebury is a bit more challenging but why not teams like Oneonta, ST L etc.

Also, beating a team 11-1 where your starting players play 60% of the game and score 7 goals seems like a "run up the score/pad your stats" strategy to me.

Also, it was the first game of the year, and many of those who logged significant minutes were first years (Sawin, Davis, Horowitz, Hoke, Nicholl, Dugan). I'm not so quick to fault the coaching staff for wanting to see them play significant minutes in their first collegiate game.


I can see your point about the first years but Randolph, Chae, Farrell Nilsson, Payne and ST Louis (6 veteran offensive field players) all logged considerable minutes in the second half of a 5-0 halftime game. A couple of them logged 65+ total minutes.  Then there is a news article bragging about an historic 11-1 win.  I know for a fact that there was considerable discussion about this game among several coaches that I know. Not sure how you describe this other than "running up the score".

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 30, 2023, 03:38:22 PM
I defer to your superior coaching knowledge-- and I certainly have no dog in this fight! -- but in Googling for the article you mention I could only find the standard release schools put out after each game. True, it does note it was a program record for most goals scored in a game, but that sort of fact is commonly noted, and it would have been odd *not* to note it.

Also, early in the season, wouldn't Coach Elias want to see how the team as a whole was meshing? How the new players were integrating with the seasoned ones?

At W&L (the only program I'm really familiar with) the Coach keeps tinkering with the lineup, and positioning of the players, into the season.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2023, 03:45:31 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 30, 2023, 03:16:57 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 30, 2023, 01:10:50 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 30, 2023, 12:10:50 PM
guys - I hear you about structural advantages due to location but I would point out that Amherst drove almost 4 hours for a Sunday late afternoon game vs national power Montclair State.  Amherst is the master at making sure their out of conference schedule is world class so they can host NCAA weekends as often as possible.

Bowdoin, seems like there are some Boston-based teams in LEC that are way better alternatives.

Middlebury is a bit more challenging but why not teams like Oneonta, ST L etc.

Also, beating a team 11-1 where your starting players play 60% of the game and score 7 goals seems like a "run up the score/pad your stats" strategy to me.

Also, it was the first game of the year, and many of those who logged significant minutes were first years (Sawin, Davis, Horowitz, Hoke, Nicholl, Dugan). I'm not so quick to fault the coaching staff for wanting to see them play significant minutes in their first collegiate game.


I can see your point about the first years but Randolph, Chae, Farrell Nilsson, Payne and ST Louis (6 veteran offensive field players) all logged considerable minutes in the second half of a 5-0 halftime game. A couple of them logged 65+ total minutes.  Then there is a news article bragging about an historic 11-1 win.  I know for a fact that there was considerable discussion about this game among several coaches that I know. Not sure how you describe this other than "running up the score".
@Coach analytics I definitely see where you are coming from.  In the interests of accuracy, the score at halftime was 4-1, not 5-0.  Directly from the box score:  Here are the minutes for Midd's starters in descending order (Davis 77, Nilsson 71, Grady 69, Chae 64, Saint-Louis 58, Farrell 54, Randolph 53, Sawin 50, Nelson 47, Madden 45, Payne 44.  Please do keep in mind that this was the first game of the season and they had to get ready for a tough league game with Amherst.  Coach Elias subbed in 15 different players and a total of 26 guys saw time. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 30, 2023, 04:05:26 PM
thanks for the correction on halftime score
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 30, 2023, 04:40:57 PM
Quote from: Another Mom on October 30, 2023, 03:38:22 PM
I defer to your superior coaching knowledge-- and I certainly have no dog in this fight! -- but in Googling for the article you mention I could only find the standard release schools put out after each game. True, it does note it was a program record for most goals scored in a game, but that sort of fact is commonly noted, and it would have been odd *not* to note it.

Also, early in the season, wouldn't Coach Elias want to see how the team as a whole was meshing? How the new players were integrating with the seasoned ones?

At W&L (the only program I'm really familiar with) the Coach keeps tinkering with the lineup, and positioning of the players, into the season.

Exactly. Thank you.

On another note: I hope your son has enjoyed his time as a General and as a resident of Lexington. I'm both a Lex townie (faculty brat) and alum (third-generation); the school and place will always be a part of me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on October 30, 2023, 05:04:17 PM
Quote from: Bucket
/quote]

Exactly. Thank you.

On another note: I hope your son has enjoyed his time as a General and as a resident of Lexington. I'm both a Lex townie (faculty brat) and alum (third-generation); the school and place will always be a part of me.

My son has loved his time there, and I also love the school and envy your connection. It is a very special place!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on October 30, 2023, 05:55:21 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 30, 2023, 11:25:53 AM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 30, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2023, 10:30:50 AM
Regarding strength of schedule, it is very challenging for Bowdoin, Bates, Colby, and Midd to get quality non-conference games.  Due to the NESCAC schedule, they are looking at weekday games, and their remote locations limits the options somewhat.  They often wind up with games against GNAC or NAC teams who are in geographic proximity.  Not really feasible to expect these teams to hit the road for every non-conference game.  Bowdoin did travel to Wheaton and Midd went to Vassar for games this year.  Bates traveled to Emerson and Colby had a game at Coast Guard Academy that was canceled. As others have noted, the Massachusetts and Connecticut schools and even Hamilton have easier access to quality non conference opponents.

I have no reason to doubt this, but it is interesting how different perspectives are about how far things are away from each other in the Northeast than in Region X.  The distance from Bowdoin to Boston for a weekday game is pretty modest compared to some of the distances teams in Region X travel routinely on weekdays.  I always assumed the reason some NESCAC teams schedule weaker non-conference opponents is because they believe they won't need the SoS bump given the NESCAC conference schedule. After all, Bowdoin's SoS of .555 (as of last Wednesday) would be one of the higher numbers in Region X.

I'm sure I will get blasted for being elitist, but I can promise you that NESCAC schools do not think about SOS implications when scheduling mid-week out-of-conference games.

The primary considerations are—and always will be—missed class time, time away from campus, and budget.

And yes, I agree that it is ludicrous for (many) schools with billion (!)-dollar endowments to be crying about budgets, but it's a factor when trustees limit endowment draws to fund annual operating costs. At Middlebury, since the start of the pandemic, we have been dealing with 20-50 percent cuts to departmental operating budgets pegged to 2019 levels, this at a time with corresponding inflation pressures. It's a double whammy.

And while I am not privy to the athletics department budget numbers, I feel confident in stating that they have not been exempt and that travel budgets have been impacted, just like everything else.

This isn't elitist but it's flat out wrong. When I was on the staff our number one goal was to make the NCAA tournament and creating a schedule that would maximize our chance to do that was a huge consideration. The main way to do that was to make a schedule that we thought we maximized our SOS and winning percentage. Obviously we weren't going to drive 8 hours on a Tuesday, but SOS was a big factor.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2023, 07:06:55 PM
And the whole point is that is easier to do in suburban Boston than Maine or northern Vermont.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 07:39:01 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 30, 2023, 01:18:23 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 01:04:42 PM
Bucket, it's not the elitism, it's the double elitism...not only are we far superior to everyone else but we also demonstrate that superiority even more because of all the restrictions and barriers caused at least in part by our....yep, you guessed it, our superiority.

I do think Midd and the Maine schools have a distinct disadvantage because of geography....although I'm a little more sympathetic with the Maine group.  There's only so many Nescacs Babson can play...or Brandeis...or Wheaton MIT, etc.

I would think if Midd can travel 4 hours to Eastern Naz they could get to Plattsburgh, RPI, Union, Skidmore, and couple more Sunyacs...and yes, they played Vassar.

Obviously the Nescacs are not the only ultra serious academic schools... certainly not any more serious than Hopkins, Haverford, Swat, the other UAAs, Carleton, Macalester, W&L, and yes, Colorado Coll...

One might argue that NESCAC actually values athletics far more and has a higher percentage of athletes in the student body than some of the above.

And being an ultra serious academic school can both be a boon to recruiting and a barrier.

Sigh. Predictable. Even when simply stating facts.

And never said NESCACS are the only ultra serious academic schools—thinks for name-checking my alma mater in this list, btw—but it's a conference approach. And there is no other conference—save the UAA—that has a more comprehensive membership of schools with such a commitment to academic rigor.

Speaking of my alma mater's conference, I don't think Eastern Mennonite and Bridgewater have such concerns.

Bucket, can you not appreciate even a little how those of us not directly connected to NESCAC could view the repeated testaments to a very unique superiority and how we might react to seeing the reactions here to even the mildest of criticisms?  Sometimes feels like there are five GKs guarding the NESCAC net and nothing is gonna get past them.  What I was trying to say is that there is a long pattern of NESCAC followers citing the exclusivity of their schools (and conference) as a distinct point of pride while also citing that exclusivity as a justification for being different.  At least to an outsider that feels like circular affirmation that just keeps feeding itself.

Also don't get what EMU and Bridgewater have to do with W&L's non-conference choices.  Does conference affiliation mean that W&L takes academics a bit less seriously?  Or same with Hopkins, Swat, Haverford, F&M, etc in the Centennial?  Maybe you're referring to conference rules about one less week of the season, no Spring season, etc.  Are you suggesting that Midd, Amherst, Williams, Bowdoin, etc would ease the stringent parameters imposed by the conference if allowed to do so?

There were a lot of things I loved about Davidson.  What I did not like and still really don't like is the institution's constant self-promotion and readiness to tell anyone who would or will listen how incredible it is.  And of course that means the college succumbs to being acutely focused on USWNR rankings which is an issue that tends to consume many of the more elite academic institutions (and its alums/parents/students).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on October 30, 2023, 07:55:11 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 07:39:01 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 30, 2023, 01:18:23 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 01:04:42 PM
Bucket, it's not the elitism, it's the double elitism...not only are we far superior to everyone else but we also demonstrate that superiority even more because of all the restrictions and barriers caused at least in part by our....yep, you guessed it, our superiority.

I do think Midd and the Maine schools have a distinct disadvantage because of geography....although I'm a little more sympathetic with the Maine group.  There's only so many Nescacs Babson can play...or Brandeis...or Wheaton MIT, etc.

I would think if Midd can travel 4 hours to Eastern Naz they could get to Plattsburgh, RPI, Union, Skidmore, and couple more Sunyacs...and yes, they played Vassar.

Obviously the Nescacs are not the only ultra serious academic schools... certainly not any more serious than Hopkins, Haverford, Swat, the other UAAs, Carleton, Macalester, W&L, and yes, Colorado Coll...

One might argue that NESCAC actually values athletics far more and has a higher percentage of athletes in the student body than some of the above.

And being an ultra serious academic school can both be a boon to recruiting and a barrier.

Sigh. Predictable. Even when simply stating facts.

And never said NESCACS are the only ultra serious academic schools—thinks for name-checking my alma mater in this list, btw—but it's a conference approach. And there is no other conference—save the UAA—that has a more comprehensive membership of schools with such a commitment to academic rigor.

Speaking of my alma mater's conference, I don't think Eastern Mennonite and Bridgewater have such concerns.

Bucket, can you not appreciate even a little how those of us not directly connected to NESCAC could view the repeated testaments to a very unique superiority and how we might react to seeing the reactions here to even the mildest of criticisms?  Sometimes feels like there are five GKs guarding the NESCAC net and nothing is gonna get past them.  What I was trying to say is that there is a long pattern of NESCAC followers citing the exclusivity of their schools (and conference) as a distinct point of pride while also citing that exclusivity as a justification for being different.  At least to an outsider that feels like circular affirmation that just keeps feeding itself.

Also don't get what EMU and Bridgewater have to do with W&L's non-conference choices.  Does conference affiliation mean that W&L takes academics a bit less seriously?  Or same with Hopkins, Swat, Haverford, F&M, etc in the Centennial?  Maybe you're referring to conference rules about one less week of the season, no Spring season, etc.  Are you suggesting that Midd, Amherst, Williams, Bowdoin, etc would ease the stringent parameters imposed by the conference if allowed to do so?

There were a lot of things I loved about Davidson.  What I did not like and still really don't like is the institution's constant self-promotion and readiness to tell anyone who would or will listen how incredible it is.  And of course that means the college succumbs to being acutely focused on USWNR rankings which is an issue that tends to consume many of the more elite academic institutions (and its alums/parents/students).

PN, Davidson is a great school...albeit it is D1 in soccer and not a NESCAC school...  :)  That said, our older son revered an older Falmouth, Maine soccer player who played at Davidson.  He received a little bit of recruiting attention because of that local Maine connection.  My wife and I went to a trade show in Charlotte, NC when our son was in high school...and we traveled to Davidson to check out the campus.  I remember being awed by the soccer field (football pitch), which was immaculately cared for...like a putting green.  Plus, Davidson had just been to the Final Four and that banner was proudly posted at the stadium.

Perhaps the most resonant Maine connection to Davidson:  Falmouth, Maine native Brandon Barr played both soccer and basketball at little ole Falmouth (Maine) High School.  He went on to be a four year starter in basketball at Davidson alongside an obscure player named Stephen Curry.  Brandon's nickname was the White Lobster.  He and Stephen were close friends, and Brandon became Stephen's business manager.  Not a bad gig...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 08:08:50 PM
LOL, northman,  I was halfway through your first paragraph and I couldn't wait to post back "but what about the White Lobster?!!!"

And then there it was!  The White Lobster was a heck of a shooter, too.  And yes, having a best friend called Steph Curry is what's called 'a good decision.'
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 30, 2023, 08:23:48 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 07:39:01 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 30, 2023, 01:18:23 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 01:04:42 PM
Bucket, it's not the elitism, it's the double elitism...not only are we far superior to everyone else but we also demonstrate that superiority even more because of all the restrictions and barriers caused at least in part by our....yep, you guessed it, our superiority.

I do think Midd and the Maine schools have a distinct disadvantage because of geography....although I'm a little more sympathetic with the Maine group.  There's only so many Nescacs Babson can play...or Brandeis...or Wheaton MIT, etc.

I would think if Midd can travel 4 hours to Eastern Naz they could get to Plattsburgh, RPI, Union, Skidmore, and couple more Sunyacs...and yes, they played Vassar.

Obviously the Nescacs are not the only ultra serious academic schools... certainly not any more serious than Hopkins, Haverford, Swat, the other UAAs, Carleton, Macalester, W&L, and yes, Colorado Coll...

One might argue that NESCAC actually values athletics far more and has a higher percentage of athletes in the student body than some of the above.

And being an ultra serious academic school can both be a boon to recruiting and a barrier.

Sigh. Predictable. Even when simply stating facts.

And never said NESCACS are the only ultra serious academic schools—thinks for name-checking my alma mater in this list, btw—but it's a conference approach. And there is no other conference—save the UAA—that has a more comprehensive membership of schools with such a commitment to academic rigor.

Speaking of my alma mater's conference, I don't think Eastern Mennonite and Bridgewater have such concerns.

Bucket, can you not appreciate even a little how those of us not directly connected to NESCAC could view the repeated testaments to a very unique superiority and how we might react to seeing the reactions here to even the mildest of criticisms?  Sometimes feels like there are five GKs guarding the NESCAC net and nothing is gonna get past them.  What I was trying to say is that there is a long pattern of NESCAC followers citing the exclusivity of their schools (and conference) as a distinct point of pride while also citing that exclusivity as a justification for being different.  At least to an outsider that feels like circular affirmation that just keeps feeding itself.

Also don't get what EMU and Bridgewater have to do with W&L's non-conference choices.  Does conference affiliation mean that W&L takes academics a bit less seriously?  Or same with Hopkins, Swat, Haverford, F&M, etc in the Centennial?  Maybe you're referring to conference rules about one less week of the season, no Spring season, etc.  Are you suggesting that Midd, Amherst, Williams, Bowdoin, etc would ease the stringent parameters imposed by the conference if allowed to do so?

There were a lot of things I loved about Davidson.  What I did not like and still really don't like is the institution's constant self-promotion and readiness to tell anyone who would or will listen how incredible it is.  And of course that means the college succumbs to being acutely focused on USWNR rankings which is an issue that tends to consume many of the more elite academic institutions (and its alums/parents/students).



I do not know how you conclude elitism or circularity of argument.

The NCAA makes the rules, it's the same for other sports.  They consider strength of schedule to be an important criteria therefore if you want to make the tournament you should follow their objectives.

The NESCAC teams by virtue of being a larger conference with a conference tournament is almost guaranteed to have very strong strength of schedules with limited opportunities to expand it.  However, schools like Amherst, which take soccer very seriously, figured out a way to drive 4 hours on a Sunday night to get a great game on their schedule.  Chicago does it, Messiah does it.  If you do not do it, you are just making excuses.

We should not be surprised that these teams have success. Iron makes iron.  See SEC football. See ACC basketball.  Teams with the best and hardest schedule get respected, they get better and they are more prepared for 1 and done wars. See Amherst, Tufts, Conn, Messiah, Chicago.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Flying Weasel on October 30, 2023, 08:34:27 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on October 30, 2023, 05:55:21 PM
Quote from: Bucket on October 30, 2023, 11:25:53 AM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 30, 2023, 11:13:27 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2023, 10:30:50 AM
Regarding strength of schedule, it is very challenging for Bowdoin, Bates, Colby, and Midd to get quality non-conference games.  Due to the NESCAC schedule, they are looking at weekday games, and their remote locations limits the options somewhat.  They often wind up with games against GNAC or NAC teams who are in geographic proximity.  Not really feasible to expect these teams to hit the road for every non-conference game.  Bowdoin did travel to Wheaton and Midd went to Vassar for games this year.  Bates traveled to Emerson and Colby had a game at Coast Guard Academy that was canceled. As others have noted, the Massachusetts and Connecticut schools and even Hamilton have easier access to quality non conference opponents.

I have no reason to doubt this, but it is interesting how different perspectives are about how far things are away from each other in the Northeast than in Region X.  The distance from Bowdoin to Boston for a weekday game is pretty modest compared to some of the distances teams in Region X travel routinely on weekdays.  I always assumed the reason some NESCAC teams schedule weaker non-conference opponents is because they believe they won't need the SoS bump given the NESCAC conference schedule. After all, Bowdoin's SoS of .555 (as of last Wednesday) would be one of the higher numbers in Region X.

I'm sure I will get blasted for being elitist, but I can promise you that NESCAC schools do not think about SOS implications when scheduling mid-week out-of-conference games.

The primary considerations are—and always will be—missed class time, time away from campus, and budget.

And yes, I agree that it is ludicrous for (many) schools with billion (!)-dollar endowments to be crying about budgets, but it's a factor when trustees limit endowment draws to fund annual operating costs. At Middlebury, since the start of the pandemic, we have been dealing with 20-50 percent cuts to departmental operating budgets pegged to 2019 levels, this at a time with corresponding inflation pressures. It's a double whammy.

And while I am not privy to the athletics department budget numbers, I feel confident in stating that they have not been exempt and that travel budgets have been impacted, just like everything else.

This isn't elitist but it's flat out wrong. When I was on the staff our number one goal was to make the NCAA tournament and creating a schedule that would maximize our chance to do that was a huge consideration. The main way to do that was to make a schedule that we thought we maximized our SOS and winning percentage. Obviously we weren't going to drive 8 hours on a Tuesday, but SOS was a big factor.

Back before everyone figured out the SOS puzzle, it sure seemed like Justin Serpone was one step ahead on knowing how to schedule to maximize SOS while limiting risk of picking up losses.  When the home and away multipliers were still being used, Amherst scheduled more away games than homes games finding the risk-reward sweet spot as an away game against a mediocre team (very minimal risk of a loss) could help your SOS more than a home game against a good opponent (considerably higher risk, even if moderate, of a tie or loss).  I don't say that as a knock on Amherst, but just to reinforce d4_Pace's assertion that some NESCAC schools very much do consider SOS when doing their non-conference scheduling.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 09:19:53 PM
Coach, I'm not sure how your questioning of my reference to elitism links up with the rest of your post.  I basically agreed with all of it, other than to say I don't really care what these teams do.  As a fan I'd love to see some huge intersectional battles but not because of SoS or any criteria...just because there are some great games that neverget played and we never get to see.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 30, 2023, 09:38:13 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 09:19:53 PM
Coach, I'm not sure how your questioning of my reference to elitism links up with the rest of your post.  I basically agreed with all of it, other than to say I don't really care what these teams do.  As a fan I'd love to see some huge intersectional battles but not because of SoS or any criteria...just because there are some great games that neverget played and we never get to see.


My mistake....seem to recall a previous post of mine which was called out as elite and or circular....I must have thin skin...so my wife tells me. :)


One other point I would make about NESCAC and NCAA tournament success.  NESCAC teams play a lot of back to back games.  Typically 2 weekends plus their conference tournament final four.

Very few other conferences do this...However, as we know, it takes three straight back to back weekends and a lot of depth to win it all..  I am a bit surprised a lot of other conferences (UAA and Centennial in particular) have not tested this out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 09:49:22 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 30, 2023, 09:38:13 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 30, 2023, 09:19:53 PM
Coach, I'm not sure how your questioning of my reference to elitism links up with the rest of your post.  I basically agreed with all of it, other than to say I don't really care what these teams do.  As a fan I'd love to see some huge intersectional battles but not because of SoS or any criteria...just because there are some great games that neverget played and we never get to see.


My mistake....seem to recall a previous post of mine which was called out as elite and or circular....I must have thin skin...so my wife tells me. :)


One other point I would make about NESCAC and NCAA tournament success.  NESCAC teams play a lot of back to back games.  Typically 2 weekends plus their conference tournament final four.

Very few other conferences do this...However, as we know, it takes three straight back to back weekends and a lot of depth to win it all..  I am a bit surprised a lot of other conferences (UAA and Centennial in particular) have not tested this out.

Please keep posting...and more often.  You obviously know a lot about NESCAC and probably college soccer in general and you have provided some actual, real content and analysis.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 30, 2023, 09:52:43 PM
This thread, every year, never fails to entertain... and educate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on October 31, 2023, 09:40:53 PM



NESCAC Season in Review
My early seasons predictions of a very strong top 4 teams came to fruition with the top 4 teams earning more than 20 points in conference play for the first time ever since moving to 11 teams in 2011 when the NESCAC invited Hamilton to join the ranks. In addition,  Bowdoin surprised on the upside and achieved 18 points.  Six points separated 5th from 6th. The average of 20.6 points among the top 5 was also a record.  This strength at the top certainly bodes well for a solid 5 NCAA berths.

2023 will be remembered as Middlebury's breakout year after a disappointing end of year swoon last season.   An undefeated season, the top goal differential and the top goals against.  They also had the most impressive single game of the season, a 3-0 victory over Tufts at home in late October, their first victory over Tufts since 2016.  They will host this weekends NESCAC Final Four for the first time since 2015 and hope to bring home the trophy for the first time since 2010.  An opportunity to host an NCAA tournament weekend is on the line.

Coach of the year – with all of these achievements, its hard to pick anyone other than Alex Elias, who also had to overcome the injury of star midfielder Shane Farrell.

All NESCAC Goalkeepers – The accolades for Ryan Grady will certainly not stop with this pick as he will likely be considered for Player of the Year and national recognition.  Newcomer Alex Ainsworth of Bowdoin and veteran Ben Diffley from Williams round out my selections in what is always a very strong crew to choose from.

All NESCAC Defenders – I do not use stats for these selections but rather the eye test of who can shut down the opposing attackers and influence the game on set pieces both offensively and defensively.  In no particular order since it is so subjective...

Luke Madden – Middlebury
Evan O'Brien – Wesleyan
Sam Gibson – Williams
Max Clivio – Tufts
Simon Kalinauskas – Amherst
Sebastian Ghosh – Hamilton
Jack Selig – Bowdoin
Eamon Gara Grady – Williams
Marco Cerezo – Conn College


All NESCAC Midfielders – I think you have to take a combination of scoring (see my scoring assessment below) and the eye test to truly capture the essence of a midfielder.  In no particular order...

Tyler Payne – Middlebury
Ignacio Cubeddu – Amherst
Laurens ten Cate – Amherst
Ben Pensky – Tufts
Julian Juantorena – Bowdoin
Tyler Huck – Bowdoin
James Donaldson – Trinity
Luke Peplowski – Hamilton

All NESCAC Forwards – In a league where so few points separate the top 20 scorers, I used a subjective assessment of their production.  I completely discredited Penalty Kicks.  In my opinion, with a 80+% success rate at the college level, a PK award should be considered a team goal.  Most PKs are a function of a very poor defensive decision or often times a very questionable call (see Bowdoin – Trinity PK, Colby-Amherst, Middlebury – Tufts)

Since I attended about 30 games in person (mostly Trinity, Conn and Amherst) and watch many others and most of the goals on replay via NSN, I considered not only production but things like game winners as well as goals in the big games (top 8 conference teams).  You will note that this excludes a couple of top point earners who feasted on the PK stripe but did not generate much scoring in big moments from the run of play.  Here is my chart and order of my top NESCAC forwards (also some MFs sprinkled in to assess their production).

The numbers represent (1)total points excluding PKS, (2) total goals+assists in the games against the top 8 teams, and (3) Game winners

Gavin Randolph   Middlebury   F         10, 5, 0
Mikey Brady    Tufts                   F          10, 4, 1
JakeCreus      Conn            F           9, 4, 1
Sean Traynor   Tufts                   F           8, 4, 2
Kyle Nilsson   Middlebury   F           8, 4, 2
Tyler Payne   Middlebury   MF         8, 2, 1
Felipe Ruenda Duran   Bowdoin   F            9, 1, 1
Ignaccio Cubeddu   Amherst   MF         8, 1, 0
Matt Scafone   Conn            F            7, 3, 1
Ethan Feigin   Tufts             F            7, 2, 0
Declan Sung   Amherst          MF           7, 1, 1


Newcomers:  The top newcomers is a short list of three who clearly distinguished themselves from others.
Charlie Miles – Conn
Mohammed Nuhu – Amherst
Alex Ainsworth - Bowdoin


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 31, 2023, 09:56:24 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on October 31, 2023, 09:40:53 PM



NESCAC Season in Review
My early seasons predictions of a very strong top 4 teams came to fruition with the top 4 teams earning more than 20 points in conference play for the first time ever since moving to 11 teams in 2011 when the NESCAC invited Hamilton to join the ranks. In addition,  Bowdoin surprised on the upside and achieved 18 points.  Six points separated 5th from 6th. The average of 20.6 points among the top 5 was also a record.  This strength at the top certainly bodes well for a solid 5 NCAA berths.

2023 will be remembered as Middlebury's breakout year after a disappointing end of year swoon last season.   An undefeated season, the top goal differential and the top goals against.  They also had the most impressive single game of the season, a 3-0 victory over Tufts at home in late October, their first victory over Tufts since 2016.  They will host this weekends NESCAC Final Four for the first time since 2015 and hope to bring home the trophy for the first time since 2010.  An opportunity to host an NCAA tournament weekend is on the line.

Coach of the year – with all of these achievements, its hard to pick anyone other than Alex Elias, who also had to overcome the injury of star midfielder Shane Farrell.

All NESCAC Goalkeepers – The accolades for Ryan Grady will certainly not stop with this pick as he will likely be considered for Player of the Year and national recognition.  Newcomer Alex Ainsworth of Bowdoin and veteran Ben Diffley from Williams round out my selections in what is always a very strong crew to choose from.

All NESCAC Defenders – I do not use stats for these selections but rather the eye test of who can shut down the opposing attackers and influence the game on set pieces both offensively and defensively.  In no particular order since it is so subjective...

Luke Madden – Middlebury
Evan O'Brien – Wesleyan
Sam Gibson – Williams
Max Clivio – Tufts
Simon Kalinauskas – Amherst
Sebastian Ghosh – Hamilton
Jack Selig – Bowdoin
Eamon Gara Grady – Williams
Marco Cerezo – Conn College


All NESCAC Midfielders – I think you have to take a combination of scoring (see my scoring assessment below) and the eye test to truly capture the essence of a midfielder.  In no particular order...

Tyler Payne – Middlebury
Ignacio Cubeddu – Amherst
Laurens ten Cate – Amherst
Ben Pensky – Tufts
Julian Juantorena – Bowdoin
Tyler Huck – Bowdoin
James Donaldson – Trinity
Luke Peplowski – Hamilton

All NESCAC Forwards – In a league where so few points separate the top 20 scorers, I used a subjective assessment of their production.  I completely discredited Penalty Kicks.  In my opinion, with a 80+% success rate at the college level, a PK award should be considered a team goal.  Most PKs are a function of a very poor defensive decision or often times a very questionable call (see Bowdoin – Trinity PK, Colby-Amherst, Middlebury – Tufts)

Since I attended about 30 games in person (mostly Trinity, Conn and Amherst) and watch many others and most of the goals on replay via NSN, I considered not only production but things like game winners as well as goals in the big games (top 8 conference teams).  You will note that this excludes a couple of top point earners who feasted on the PK stripe but did not generate much scoring in big moments from the run of play.  Here is my chart and order of my top NESCAC forwards (also some MFs sprinkled in to assess their production).

The numbers represent (1)total points excluding PKS, (2) total goals+assists in the games against the top 8 teams, and (3) Game winners

Gavin Randolph   Middlebury   F         10, 5, 0
Mikey Brady    Tufts                   F          10, 4, 1
JakeCreus      Conn            F           9, 4, 1
Sean Traynor   Tufts                   F           8, 4, 2
Kyle Nilsson   Middlebury   F           8, 4, 2
Tyler Payne   Middlebury   MF         8, 2, 1
Felipe Ruenda Duran   Bowdoin   F            9, 1, 1
Ignaccio Cubeddu   Amherst   MF         8, 1, 0
Matt Scafone   Conn            F            7, 3, 1
Ethan Feigin   Tufts             F            7, 2, 0
Declan Sung   Amherst          MF           7, 1, 1


Newcomers:  The top newcomers is a short list of three who clearly distinguished themselves from others.
Charlie Miles – Conn
Mohammed Nuhu – Amherst
Alex Ainsworth - Bowdoin
A comprehensive write up.  I would offer a couple of additions.  William O'Brien has been a lock down defender for Middlebury.  His missing almost all of last year was a big part in Midd's defensive struggles at the tail end of last year.  As far as first years go, I would add Will Sawin from Midd, who has started 15 games and been a consistent attacking threat on the left wing.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 01, 2023, 07:29:56 AM
How can St. Louis not be named as a midfielder with all those assists ?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 01, 2023, 08:20:37 AM
Since @Camosfan raised the issue, I would like to offer a broader appreciation of Saint Louis from the perspective of someone who has watched him for three years, the majority of the time in person.  Many teams this year have approached Midd by trying to shutdown Saint Louis.  Williams man marked him in both games recently.  The result has been that Saint Louis often drops deeper into the midfield, playing as a holdup man and then laying the ball off.  Midd's 2nd goal against Tufts is an example of this. https://www.instagram.com/p/CytgSt-JUrH/  Saint Louis checks back for the ball to execute a give and go with Nilsson, who splits the defense for Randolph to score.  On Saturday against Williams, he worked hard defensively to win the ball to give to Chae, who then did a give and go with Sawin for the 2nd goal.  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy_CraUrNHE/ One of the keys to Midd's success this year is that Saint Louis is not a one man show.  The excellent play of Sawin, Nilsson, and Randolph has allowed Midd to become multidimensional on offense. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 01, 2023, 08:47:58 AM
I definitely agree that Sawin deserves to be on the newcomer list.  I also agree that Middlebury's success has been a function of many stepping up on the offensive end.

However, I do not agree at all the St Louis has had a good year.  While he definitely looks the part in terms of his athleticism and skill, he does not produce in big games.  Almost all of his production has come either in PKs converted (most of which he has had little to do with) or points against poor competition.  In the toughest conference games (outside of the great pass in Tufts game, which is very well deserved), he had a goal and two assists from the run of play.  In four of those games, Bowdoin, Amherst, Conn and Hamilton, he did not even register a shot.

I agree that he is an impact player but when comparing him to his own teammates like Randolph, Nilsson, and Payne as well as Brady, Creus, Traynor  and others who have produced in many bigger moments, he falls short in my humble opinion.  For a 24 year old with that ability, I think he underperformed this year.  The headline numbers of 8 goals and 8 assists mask the true performance.  Almost the entirely of his production (6 goals and assists in two games with a 15-1 combined result and 5 total PKs) were less impactful to their incredible season than others.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 01, 2023, 09:19:28 AM
He has served as a decoy well allowing, guys who were off the radar to blossom, teams look to shut down St. Louis, and Ada at Amherst, freeing other players. The higher out of conference productivity is natural because those teams are often not as familiar with these guys.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Christan Shirk on November 01, 2023, 04:25:58 PM
REGION I - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - November 01, 2023

Rank

School
. Div. III .
Record
. Div. III .
SOS

 . R-v-R .
. Overall .
Record
. Prev. .
Rank
1.
Connecticut College
10-0-5
0.588
4-0-4
11-0-5
1
2.
Middlebury
12-0-4
0.581
4-0-3
12-0-4
3
3.
Amherst
11-2-3
0.623
5-2-2
11-2-3
2
4.
Tufts
11-2-3
0.605
6-2-2
11-2-3
4
5.
Bowdoin
9-3-4
0.572
1-3-4
9-3-4
5
6.
Williams
8-6-2
0.609
2-5-1
8-6-2
6
7.
St. Joseph (Conn.)
13-1-3
0.519
--
13-1-3
--
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dustin_Patrón on November 01, 2023, 05:58:57 PM
Coach Analytics - appreciate your effort here.

How did the Oscar's snub DiCaprio for all those years? How did Jurgen Klinsmann leave Donovan home in 2014? How the heck are they keeping Barry Bonds out of Cooperstown. Like the rest of you, these are the questions I ask myself each night before bed. All of these snubs, though egregious, do not hold a candle to the Jordan Saint Louis snub of 2023.

Quick player comparison. Saint Louis had 8 goals and 4 assists. Tufts forward, Mikey Brady, who is sitting pretty at #2 on the list only recorded 4 goals and 2 assists. After removing non-conference stats, the two are level on goals and Saint Louis has the edge on assists, yet he doesn't even make the list.

Gents--the young man captained his team to an undefeated season. He had 8 goals and 8 assists. He averaged 72 min/game compared to Brady's 43. He went a perfect 5-5 from the penalty spot including game winner's against Williams and Endicott and two from close games with Tufts and Bowdoin. Are we really gonna sit here and let Coach A fool us into believing this nonsense? That penalties aren't goals? That Colby, Bates, Trinity and every non-nescac team spent the last 3 months gleefully handing out goals to anyone with teeth?

NESCAC Season in Review? More like NESCAC Non-Penalty Stats from 7 Games in Review.

Signing off for a while, gonna go grind my teeth.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 01, 2023, 08:30:18 PM
Quote from: Christan Shirk on November 01, 2023, 04:25:58 PM
REGION I - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - November 01, 2023

Rank

School
. Div. III .
Record
. Div. III .
SOS

 . R-v-R .
. Overall .
Record
. Prev. .
Rank
1.
Connecticut College
10-0-5
0.588
4-0-4
11-0-5
1
2.
Middlebury
12-0-4
0.581
4-0-3
12-0-4
3
3.
Amherst
11-2-3
0.623
5-2-2
11-2-3
2
4.
Tufts
11-2-3
0.605
6-2-2
11-2-3
4
5.
Bowdoin
9-3-4
0.572
1-3-4
9-3-4
5
6.
Williams
8-6-2
0.609
2-5-1
8-6-2
6
7.
St. Joseph (Conn.)
13-1-3
0.519
--
13-1-3
--


This is really interesting set of rankings and probably the closest 1-4 I can recall. I find it surprising that Conn with two fewer wins gets the nod over Midd on the back of a .07 higher  SOS. I think all 4 teams get in and ultimately whoever wins the weekend may end up with the 1 seed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 01, 2023, 08:44:52 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 01, 2023, 08:30:18 PM
Quote from: Christan Shirk on November 01, 2023, 04:25:58 PM
REGION I - NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS - November 01, 2023

Rank

School
. Div. III .
Record
. Div. III .
SOS

 . R-v-R .
. Overall .
Record
. Prev. .
Rank
1.
Connecticut College
10-0-5
0.588
4-0-4
11-0-5
1
2.
Middlebury
12-0-4
0.581
4-0-3
12-0-4
3
3.
Amherst
11-2-3
0.623
5-2-2
11-2-3
2
4.
Tufts
11-2-3
0.605
6-2-2
11-2-3
4
5.
Bowdoin
9-3-4
0.572
1-3-4
9-3-4
5
6.
Williams
8-6-2
0.609
2-5-1
8-6-2
6
7.
St. Joseph (Conn.)
13-1-3
0.519
--
13-1-3
--


This is really interesting set of rankings and probably the closest 1-4 I can recall. I find it surprising that Conn with two fewer wins gets the nod over Midd on the back of a .07 higher  SOS. I think all 4 teams get in and ultimately whoever wins the weekend may end up with the 1 seed.
Conn was 11-0-5 in all games - not sure why there is a discrepancy
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 01, 2023, 09:10:54 PM

[/quote] Conn was 11-0-5 in all games - not sure why there is a discrepancy
[/quote]

I imagine it has something to do with Hartford transitioning from D1. So since they aren't eligible for the tournament maybe that game doesn't count as part of the DIII record. Someone else would have to weigh in on the exact specifics but thats the only thing I can think of.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 02, 2023, 01:00:03 PM
Quote from: Dustin_Patrón on November 01, 2023, 05:58:57 PM
Coach Analytics - appreciate your effort here.

How did the Oscar's snub DiCaprio for all those years? How did Jurgen Klinsmann leave Donovan home in 2014? How the heck are they keeping Barry Bonds out of Cooperstown. Like the rest of you, these are the questions I ask myself each night before bed. All of these snubs, though egregious, do not hold a candle to the Jordan Saint Louis snub of 2023.

Quick player comparison. Saint Louis had 8 goals and 4 assists. Tufts forward, Mikey Brady, who is sitting pretty at #2 on the list only recorded 4 goals and 2 assists. After removing non-conference stats, the two are level on goals and Saint Louis has the edge on assists, yet he doesn't even make the list.

Gents--the young man captained his team to an undefeated season. He had 8 goals and 8 assists. He averaged 72 min/game compared to Brady's 43. He went a perfect 5-5 from the penalty spot including game winner's against Williams and Endicott and two from close games with Tufts and Bowdoin. Are we really gonna sit here and let Coach A fool us into believing this nonsense? That penalties aren't goals? That Colby, Bates, Trinity and every non-nescac team spent the last 3 months gleefully handing out goals to anyone with teeth?

NESCAC Season in Review? More like NESCAC Non-Penalty Stats from 7 Games in Review.

Signing off for a while, gonna go grind my teeth.

I appreciate your passion for your team and its captain, but I do not think all goals are created equally.  This is an all NESCAC nomination so only perfomance in conference matters.  I just so happen to think a player like Randoph was more impactful for his team and their results than JSL, who is a fine fine player and likely all NESCAC and all Region because coaches just look at stats.  I look at production that is most impactful. 6 goals and assists in early season blow outs don't mean much to me. As a very specific example, Randolphs goal and assist against Tufts to me is far superior than a converted PK on a play the STL had little to do with (in addition to a questionable call, according to your own former coach announcer).

But this is what makes sports debate...debate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 02, 2023, 02:01:30 PM
I don't see him getting that (POY), the goalkeeper would be my choice.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on November 03, 2023, 10:58:46 AM
#1 Middlebury vs. #4 Tufts –

Midd hosts the weekend after a flawless regular season. Congrats to Midd and their supporters. Midd's stellar defense and midfield allow their offensive players to play freely and creatively. You can see this in Midd's second goal vs Williams in which #14 and #6 had a great combination on the top of the box. This creativity is new for Midd (at least in the past 5 seasons). #26 Randolph is underrated and is a crafty player. He's only a sophomore and is an integral part of the team. #23 Saint Louis is having a great season despite what others have said. He is the best set-piece taker in the conference, and maybe the best dribbler. I am curious to see his leadership in difficult moments. They have yet to have a setback, and watching the games you can visibly see his frustration with his teammates when they don't give him a good pass. It's a minor detail, but important in the playoffs. The defense + Grady have been lights out so if that continues good things will happen.

Tufts goes into this game after two consecutive impressive wins vs Bowdoin. That's a great sign for Jumbos fans after the loss to Midd. It's difficult to understand Tufts playing style because they have a mix of ball-oriented players while also bruisers who are less possession oriented (this could be good). Feigin and Traynor are talented players who lead the Jumbos offensively, paired with experienced midfield and defensive players like Gerkin, Clivio, Campbell. Might be wrong, but I believe Yanez takes their set pieces and they are good. The midfield is scrappy and battles the whole game. Brady is the lone striker and is going to need to be at his best to help the Jumbos Saturday.

Prediction: This is a rematch of the 2021 NESCAC Semi-Final in which freshman Feigin scored the game-winner. I have no doubt Middlebury is the better team overall, but the better team doesn't always win. In order for the Jumbos to win, Clivio will need to have his best performance of the season. Feigin and Traynor will need to cause chaos. The Jumbos roster has tons of experienced players who have played in huge games throughout their careers. If the Jumbos can get to halftime 0-0, I like their chances. Tufts 1-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2023, 11:06:38 AM
FanofNescac, no prediction from me but I loved how you captured the Tufts playing style which for me holds for the entire Tufts run since 2014...."ball-oriented players while also bruisers who are less possession-oriented."

Helps explain why they can play pretty much straight up with top level possession teams while never being intimidated or bullied at all versus Amherst, Rowan, Montclair, etc.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 03, 2023, 11:15:30 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2023, 11:06:38 AM
FanofNescac, no prediction from me but I loved how you captured the Tufts playing style which for me holds for the entire Tufts run since 2014...."ball-oriented players while also bruisers who are less possession-oriented."

Helps explain why they can play pretty much straight up with top level possession teams while never being intimidated or bullied at all versus Amherst, Rowan, Montclair, etc.
I feel like that description holds for at least half the NESCAC ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on November 03, 2023, 11:20:23 AM
#2 Amherst vs. #3 Connecticut

Amherst comes into this game with two losses, both heartbreaking to Babson/Conn. Outside of that, they have played consistently well and go into this weekend as the defending champion. Amherst has maintained their relentlessness year after year defensively and are experts at making the opponent uncomfortable. They are anchored by Kalinauskas who leads the team in minutes played. Interesting but Clark-Eden didn't play in the regular season game, and he brings tons of energy and skill defensively. Amherst uses a mix of players in the midfield, but none are afraid to get into a tackle and press until they are exhausted (most noteworthy being Ten-Cate, but Murphy too). Up front, Ada leads the team, but freshman Nuhu has been outstanding. The most elusive player is Cubeddu, he will need to be at his best.

Conn finishes undefeated as well, but with more ties than Middlebury. A great accomplishment for the Camels and their supporters. Conn has a deep roster and Coach Burk rotates tons of players into the mix. Unclear if Kelesoglu is healthy, but he didn't appear versus Wesleyan. The backline has been fairly consistent with Cerezo and Miles. The midfield changes, but #35 Pigola works extremely hard and presses like a maniac. The 3 key players offensively from the games I've seen are #13 Scoffone, #17Creus, and #33 Spatz. Spatz scored 2 against Hamilton and Creus and Scoffone share the rest. Conn subs a lot, but #14 Mpiana has tons of skill. I know @PaulNewman is a fan of #8 Jaran, but he has not appeared in a match for several games now.

Prediction: These teams are beginning to create a rivalry if it hasn't already been created. Amherst defeated Conn last year in the NESCAC final, Conn defeated Amherst in a National Final the year before that (Both OT). This season the game ended 3-2 in Conn's favor, and I doubt Serpone has ever lost to the same team twice in one season.  I go back and forth on this matchup, but all I know is that it won't be a scoreless game. Both teams have struggled to keep clean sheets, and both are super talented offensively. The Mammoths are going to bring 100% intensity right away, and if Conn wants to win, they will need to be equally hungry, or the Mammoths will score early. I predict 1-1, Conn advances on penalties.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2023, 11:26:25 AM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 03, 2023, 11:15:30 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2023, 11:06:38 AM
FanofNescac, no prediction from me but I loved how you captured the Tufts playing style which for me holds for the entire Tufts run since 2014...."ball-oriented players while also bruisers who are less possession-oriented."

Helps explain why they can play pretty much straight up with top level possession teams while never being intimidated or bullied at all versus Amherst, Rowan, Montclair, etc.
I feel like that description holds for at least half the NESCAC ;)

Maybe but I don't think anyone else does the combo as seamlessly and effectively as Tufts ..who for me are the exemplar for that style.

Put another way...imo Tufts is the best NESCAC at dealing with and pretty much ignoring the Amherst industrial complex.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 03, 2023, 02:05:57 PM
That may be true in general...but this season I think Midd is pretty well equipped to deal with Amherst, but physically and mentally.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 03, 2023, 02:06:51 PM
Meant BOTH physically and mentally... :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 03, 2023, 02:22:35 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on November 03, 2023, 11:20:23 AM


Prediction: These teams are beginning to create a rivalry if it hasn't already been created. Amherst defeated Conn last year in the NESCAC final, Conn defeated Amherst in a National Final the year before that (Both OT). This season the game ended 3-2 in Conn's favor, and I doubt Serpone has ever lost to the same team twice in one season.  I go back and forth on this matchup, but all I know is that it won't be a scoreless game. Both teams have struggled to keep clean sheets, and both are super talented offensively. The Mammoths are going to bring 100% intensity right away, and if Conn wants to win, they will need to be equally hungry, or the Mammoths will score early. I predict 1-1, Conn advances on penalties.

I can think of a team that has beat Amherst twice in a season :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 03, 2023, 02:48:08 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2023, 11:26:25 AM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 03, 2023, 11:15:30 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2023, 11:06:38 AM
FanofNescac, no prediction from me but I loved how you captured the Tufts playing style which for me holds for the entire Tufts run since 2014...."ball-oriented players while also bruisers who are less possession-oriented."

Helps explain why they can play pretty much straight up with top level possession teams while never being intimidated or bullied at all versus Amherst, Rowan, Montclair, etc.
I feel like that description holds for at least half the NESCAC ;)

Maybe but I don't think anyone else does the combo as seamlessly and effectively as Tufts ..who for me are the exemplar for that style.

Put another way...imo Tufts is the best NESCAC at dealing with and pretty much ignoring the Amherst industrial complex.

I do think this is a very real thing, and a good example of the psychological example you always talk about. An underrated win in Tufts rise was the 3-0 win over Amherst in 2016. We'd already won a national title but it had still not beaten Amherst under shapiro and they were coming off a title of their own. At that point the rivalry could have really gone either way, but this win served as a launching point. I remember alumni who never beat Amherst coming into the locker room after the game on the verge of tears they were so happy. This game eliminated once and for all the psychological edge Amherst had built up over years.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 03, 2023, 02:54:32 PM
Obviously winning a NESCAC title is a huge accomplishment worth celebrating. But I think even more important is going to be home field advantage for the NCAA tournament. In all likelihood two of these teams are going to run into each other in a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 matchup.  Playing at Amherst is a different animal when they can running down their hill from the locker room yelling like braveheart and then play on their crappy field that slows the ball down to a crawl and helps generate the chaotic bounces they thrive on.

Middlebury's field is significantly larger than other field in the NESCAC in a way that has a material effect on the game by making it more difficult to press and generate consistent pressure. 

Conn's field is actually just an embarrassment. For a team that has had such success, tries to actually play the ball on the ground, and doesn't have a football team it makes no sense that they haven't upgraded their field. That being said the have the best crowd in the NESCAC and its the one place that generately a legitamtely intimidating atmosphere. 

I would say Tufts field is the most neutral of all the above as a new Turf field with standard dimensions, obviously playing at home and staying part of the routine is an advantage, that being said the program has arguably been more successful on the road in the tourney versus at home.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 03, 2023, 03:26:02 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 03, 2023, 02:54:32 PM
Obviously winning a NESCAC title is a huge accomplishment worth celebrating. But I think even more important is going to be home field advantage for the NCAA tournament. In all likelihood two of these teams are going to run into each other in a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 matchup.  Playing at Amherst is a different animal when they can running down their hill from the locker room yelling like braveheart and then play on their crappy field that slows the ball down to a crawl and helps generate the chaotic bounces they thrive on.

Middlebury's field is significantly larger than other field in the NESCAC in a way that has a material effect on the game by making it more difficult to press and generate consistent pressure. 

Conn's field is actually just an embarrassment. For a team that has had such success, tries to actually play the ball on the ground, and doesn't have a football team it makes no sense that they haven't upgraded their field. That being said the have the best crowd in the NESCAC and its the one place that generately a legitamtely intimidating atmosphere. 

I would say Tufts field is the most neutral of all the above as a new Turf field with standard dimensions, obviously playing at home and staying part of the routine is an advantage, that being said the program has arguably been more successful on the road in the tourney versus at home.

Nearly spit out my afternoon coffee at the description of playing at Amherst. So funny. And accurate.

So looking forward to the games this weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 03, 2023, 03:46:04 PM
I can't really offer a proper preview for Amherst's visit to Conn as I got to watch the regular season game on a livestream at work and the nature of the finish (all credit to the Camels sadly) meant I didn't really want to go back and re-watch in the sanctity of deepest dark Enmore.  It was a pretty amazing last 18 minutes after what was more of an arm wrestle earlier.  Conn is a very good team and along with all four semi-finalists, plus hopefully Bowdoin, could easily provide a team that goes very deep in November.

Firstly, a 5.30am Sydney Sunday kick off is a much more palatable time for me and given the recent history between the two teams, it's a very hard call to say definitively that one has an advantage over the other (although if I can pump some air into the Camels' tyres and have them going in over-confident, that would be fine too) and checking Massey, the forecast was 1-1, with the Mammoths' 44% win probability just shading Conn's 39%.  All the other metrics are very close, that's enough for me to say it will be tight, but perhaps with more goals than 1-1.

The one thing I am more comfortable talking about is the Mammoths' season.  I mentioned yesterday that I was in a more reflective mood this week and I have been thinking about how the purple shirts haven't exactly blown me away with their play on a regular basis like they did last season.  So, it was with some surprise that when I actually compared NESCAC points between 2022 and 2023, that I discovered a 4 point improvement on last season's 17 point total, call it a 25% improvement, if you are into such things.  That gave me pause to at least confirm that the 2023 version has been more efficient, which has been my way of thinking about them for the second half of the season at least.

This efficiency means that opposition teams are facing in 2023, a different Mammoths, how about this for a NESCAC stat:

2022: Foul outcomes: Amherst 7 (Amherst average: 16.1) Opposition 3
2023: Amherst 4 (Average: 14.7) Opposition 5 Draws 1

This runs against the prevailing narrative, but feel free to stick with alternative truths, the 2023 team is different.  None of this leads me to forecast anything other than a very tough game tomorrow and again and again with what ever may come after that.  I always read with interest how other posters view Mammoths players and in general, the observations are accurate.  What I would say is that compared to other Amherst iterations, this team might play just a bit more like the ones Coach Serpone has assembled, which rely less on a player, but more on a team, that becomes more difficult for oppositions to deal with.

As the parents of EnmoreKitten's WVU team mate regularly update on Facebook, "Let's Go!".

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 03, 2023, 03:56:46 PM
I do love my alternative truths, so heres one. When it comes to cards, this years edition is basically the Arsenal Invincibles.

Fouls and Cards
Team Stats Fouls
        Team   GP   Fo   F/G           YC   YC/G   RC   RC/G
1   Amherst   16   240   15.00   47   2.94   0   .00
2   Bates   15   159   10.60   27   1.80   2   .13
3   Trinity   15   136   9.07   26   1.73   1   .07
4   Williams   16   190   11.88   25   1.56   0   .00
5   Hamilton   16   175   10.94   25   1.56   0   .00
6   Wesleyan   16   182   11.38   23   1.44   1   .06
7   Middlebury16   209   13.06   21   1.31   0   .00
8   Tufts           16   196   12.25   20   1.25   0   .00
9   Colby   14   157   11.21   19   1.36   1   .07
10   Conn. College   16   176   11.00   12   .75   1   .06
11   Bowdoin   16   162   10.13   10   .63   0   .00
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 03, 2023, 05:18:59 PM
Cool
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on November 03, 2023, 05:24:52 PM
But the invincibles were watchable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 03, 2023, 05:45:40 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 03, 2023, 02:54:32 PM
Obviously winning a NESCAC title is a huge accomplishment worth celebrating. But I think even more important is going to be home field advantage for the NCAA tournament. In all likelihood two of these teams are going to run into each other in a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 matchup.  Playing at Amherst is a different animal when they can running down their hill from the locker room yelling like braveheart and then play on their crappy field that slows the ball down to a crawl and helps generate the chaotic bounces they thrive on.

Middlebury's field is significantly larger than other field in the NESCAC in a way that has a material effect on the game by making it more difficult to press and generate consistent pressure. 

Conn's field is actually just an embarrassment. For a team that has had such success, tries to actually play the ball on the ground, and doesn't have a football team it makes no sense that they haven't upgraded their field. That being said the have the best crowd in the NESCAC and its the one place that generately a legitamtely intimidating atmosphere. 

I would say Tufts field is the most neutral of all the above as a new Turf field with standard dimensions, obviously playing at home and staying part of the routine is an advantage, that being said the program has arguably been more successful on the road in the tourney versus at home.


I think Amherst Men will likely not host this year because their women are doing so well and this season the Women have priority.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 03, 2023, 05:49:16 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on November 03, 2023, 03:46:04 PM
I can't really offer a proper preview for Amherst's visit to Conn as I got to watch the regular season game on a livestream at work and the nature of the finish (all credit to the Camels sadly) meant I didn't really want to go back and re-watch in the sanctity of deepest dark Enmore.  It was a pretty amazing last 18 minutes after what was more of an arm wrestle earlier.  Conn is a very good team and along with all four semi-finalists, plus hopefully Bowdoin, could easily provide a team that goes very deep in November.

Firstly, a 5.30am Sydney Sunday kick off is a much more palatable time for me and given the recent history between the two teams, it's a very hard call to say definitively that one has an advantage over the other (although if I can pump some air into the Camels' tyres and have them going in over-confident, that would be fine too) and checking Massey, the forecast was 1-1, with the Mammoths' 44% win probability just shading Conn's 39%.  All the other metrics are very close, that's enough for me to say it will be tight, but perhaps with more goals than 1-1.

The one thing I am more comfortable talking about is the Mammoths' season.  I mentioned yesterday that I was in a more reflective mood this week and I have been thinking about how the purple shirts haven't exactly blown me away with their play on a regular basis like they did last season.  So, it was with some surprise that when I actually compared NESCAC points between 2022 and 2023, that I discovered a 4 point improvement on last season's 17 point total, call it a 25% improvement, if you are into such things.  That gave me pause to at least confirm that the 2023 version has been more efficient, which has been my way of thinking about them for the second half of the season at least.

This efficiency means that opposition teams are facing in 2023, a different Mammoths, how about this for a NESCAC stat:

2022: Foul outcomes: Amherst 7 (Amherst average: 16.1) Opposition 3
2023: Amherst 4 (Average: 14.7) Opposition 5 Draws 1

This runs against the prevailing narrative, but feel free to stick with alternative truths, the 2023 team is different.  None of this leads me to forecast anything other than a very tough game tomorrow and again and again with what ever may come after that.  I always read with interest how other posters view Mammoths players and in general, the observations are accurate.  What I would say is that compared to other Amherst iterations, this team might play just a bit more like the ones Coach Serpone has assembled, which rely less on a player, but more on a team, that becomes more difficult for oppositions to deal with.

As the parents of EnmoreKitten's WVU team mate regularly update on Facebook, "Let's Go!".


I think this is an excellent assessment of Amherst's season.  They play technical soccer much better than in the 2022 season.  I think a big part of it is the return of Cubbedu and the fresh Nadu, who is an absolute IMPACT player.   Dare I say they actually play better on turf than on Hitchcock field?

Their fouling and yellow cards still lead the league!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 03, 2023, 05:52:24 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on November 03, 2023, 10:58:46 AM
#1 Middlebury vs. #4 Tufts –

Midd hosts the weekend after a flawless regular season. Congrats to Midd and their supporters. Midd's stellar defense and midfield allow their offensive players to play freely and creatively. You can see this in Midd's second goal vs Williams in which #14 and #6 had a great combination on the top of the box. This creativity is new for Midd (at least in the past 5 seasons). #26 Randolph is underrated and is a crafty player. He's only a sophomore and is an integral part of the team. #23 Saint Louis is having a great season despite what others have said. He is the best set-piece taker in the conference, and maybe the best dribbler. I am curious to see his leadership in difficult moments. They have yet to have a setback, and watching the games you can visibly see his frustration with his teammates when they don't give him a good pass. It's a minor detail, but important in the playoffs. The defense + Grady have been lights out so if that continues good things will happen.

Tufts goes into this game after two consecutive impressive wins vs Bowdoin. That's a great sign for Jumbos fans after the loss to Midd. It's difficult to understand Tufts playing style because they have a mix of ball-oriented players while also bruisers who are less possession oriented (this could be good). Feigin and Traynor are talented players who lead the Jumbos offensively, paired with experienced midfield and defensive players like Gerkin, Clivio, Campbell. Might be wrong, but I believe Yanez takes their set pieces and they are good. The midfield is scrappy and battles the whole game. Brady is the lone striker and is going to need to be at his best to help the Jumbos Saturday.

Prediction: This is a rematch of the 2021 NESCAC Semi-Final in which freshman Feigin scored the game-winner. I have no doubt Middlebury is the better team overall, but the better team doesn't always win. In order for the Jumbos to win, Clivio will need to have his best performance of the season. Feigin and Traynor will need to cause chaos. The Jumbos roster has tons of experienced players who have played in huge games throughout their careers. If the Jumbos can get to halftime 0-0, I like their chances. Tufts 1-0.


Aahhh - a true NESCAC fan....this is an excellent and balanced review of both games.  Keep up the contribution.

For Mid Tufts - seems like homefield advantage versus experience (except in net) Both are talented groups across the board (incl in the nets)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 03, 2023, 08:19:32 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on November 03, 2023, 05:18:59 PM
Cool

I apologize I shouldn't have been so antagonistic. But you've brought this up all year as if it's some witch trial, when the stats largely reflect the perception.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 03, 2023, 09:10:57 PM
yeah, enmorecat, I watch this whole thing from a very distant distance, but the foul and card stats over the last decade don't lie. It started way before your son enrolled and it won't abate until someone else takes the reins.

I'm not an Amherst hater. I don't really care about the NESCAC in any real emotional way. But I've watched lots of games as a neutral and the tactics are cynical. Full stop.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 03, 2023, 09:11:04 PM
We're all good d4_Pace, I equally apologize for trying to be funny in channelling my inner John Oliver with my retort, it's not the first time here that it hasn't worked.

When I first got exposed to the boards last year, I'm comfortable saying that I found the depth of rancour felt for the programme on the confronting side, essentially because all our interaction had been super positive.  My skin is pretty thick, but I also wanted to at least offer a counter view, whilst at the same time respecting every team that makes up the rest of the 417, because in other circumstances, EnmoreKitten could have been at one of them.  Nothing at all says that Amherst has to be offered that same respect, by people here, but equally, I am happy challenging a view and equally, having my view challenged (although to be fair, I prefer being the challenger on balance).  How far this has come was evident in the latest SC/PN show, where it became clear that in some circles at least, "amhate" has entered the lexicon, although sadly not to the same degree as "ammiration", but there is still lots of time...

This brings us to the foul count.  I think others have pointed out that I don't shy away from noting the outcome, because it is observable.  The amount of information contained in the box score is impressive and like nothing we have ever seen in Sydney, but of course, does mean that some of it is subject to interpretation.  If each NESCAC team had had precisely the same non-conference schedule and those numbers were the same as what you published, then your assertion would be completely right, but stripping it back to NESCAC only, ensure that it's apples that are being compared to apples.  That shows for 2023 compared to 2022 in NESCAC regular play, the Mammoths were out-fouled by their opponents in half of the games, compared to being clearly superior (maybe not the best choice of word) in 2022. 

This is not a plea for Amherst to be given a ribbon for improvement, but I also know that it's something that doesn't fit with the prevailing narrative, which may seem the same at a macro level, but at a more nuanced micro level, clearly differs.  It's fair to say that Amherst plays on the edge, but for 2023 at least, NESCAC stats suggest it may be a little further from it. 



   

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 03, 2023, 11:13:42 PM
I'll say this Enmore. I have no love lost for Amherst as a program and particularly for Serpone. But the NESCAC soccer world is a small one particularly in NYC and Boston and it's funny how many Amherst guys I've run into over the years and shared a beer with. Maybe the kitten will be one one day too.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 03, 2023, 11:35:57 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 03, 2023, 11:13:42 PM
I'll say this Enmore. I have no love lost for Amherst as a program and particularly for Serpone. But the NESCAC soccer world is a small one particularly in NYC and Boston and it's funny how many Amherst guys I've run into over the years and shared a beer with. Maybe the kitten will be one one day too.

As someone famous once said, d4_Pace, "You never know your luck in a big city".  EnmoreKitten played at Downtown United over the summer with a cross-section of guys from various colleges and they all seemed to get on.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 04, 2023, 06:06:54 AM
That is one of the cool dimensions of NESCAC sports.  This tends to be a tight knit league, and there are friendships across schools...which translate into friendships and professional connections among alumni.  My son who went to Bowdoin has close friendships and professional connections with alumni of Williams, Colby, Amherst, Conn College, and Trinity among others.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 04, 2023, 01:15:39 PM
Was there a game this morning?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 04, 2023, 06:18:30 PM
I have been professing that the NESCAC soccer has been seeing a sea change of technical skills and players overcoming the traditional physicality......I was proven wrong today!

4 or the six goals scored in today semifinal games were scored by defenders off set pieces (or close to set pieces), one was an own goal and only one came from the run of play.  Congrats to my All NESCAC forward Traynor from Tufts and my "should have been all"NESCAC midfielder Yanez for the goal of the day as Traynor fed Yanez for a world class finish.

Are we surprised that in "the year of Middlebury" Tufts and Amherst are the last ones standing?  They have dominated NESCAC playoffs in the last 6 years despite an amazing amount of parity among the top 4.

Here are the NESCAC records for the last 6 seasons (as of today)

Middlebury 5-6-2 and zero championships
Conn College 3-5-3 and zero championships (although a National championship!)
Amherst 7-3 and a championship in 2022
Tufts 11-0-2 and 3 championships in 2017, 2019, 2021

Tufts run is impressive and tomorrow can literally run the table with wins at home in 2017, at Amherst in 2019, and at Conn in 2021....with a win tomorrow on Middlebury's home turf, they will make it a sweep.

Games overview -

Tufts 2 Middlebury 1.  In a complete reversal from a couple weeks ago when my all NESCAC forward Randolph capitalized on a Tufts error, my All NESCAC forwards Traynor and Brady pressured Middlebury into a mistake, giving my All NESCAC GK  one of his few blemishes. Gibson Campbell had an exceptional game covering the Mid dangerous outside players. Mid had some chances off set pieces but tufts D shut them down in the run of play.

Amherst 2- Conn 1 - a battle with three set piece goals.  Two goals in the first handful of minuted in a NESCAC game...oh my!  It's real tough to give Amherst a lead and let then sit back and do what they do best.  A real rough one with 20 Amherst fouls.  The ref kind of let it get out of control. Not sure I have seen so many slide tackles...some good..some dirty.  Game balls to the Enmore kitten who had one of the two  goals and was rock solid in the box...and to my favorite Mammoth, Nadu, who drew a PK and provides something that others don't in the mammoth line up.

No predictions for the final which is a rematch of the 2019 National Championship game which my guess is only a handful of current players got to experience. I will let D4P make a prediction.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 04, 2023, 06:53:04 PM
Winning all these NESCAC tournament games, this isn't the Tufts I knew.

Pretty shocking that this will be the first ever Tufts-Amherst NESCAC final
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 04, 2023, 08:05:14 PM
Connecticut College 1 Amherst 2

I have to own up to a making a mistake with the clocks, I should have remembered that VT is a different time zone, so I missed the first 15 minutes, which was of course, when all the goals were scored, but did catch up on everything at half time.  Apologies for the late debriefing, but I did have to get the grocery shopping done, where sadly, not for the first time, I got zero recognition for my long-sleeved t-shirt with a big mammoth on it.  I then caught up with Crystal Palace's 2-0 win at Burnley, but now I am ready.

On a cooler day not too far from the banks of Otter Creek, the Mammoths were in fast start mode and even if an opposition team is expecting it, it still needs to be dealt with and Conn found themselves behind 2-0 inside five minutes.  EnmoreKitten managed to sweep in the first one and then proceeded to engage in a celebration that had this correspondent smiling and wincing simultaneously.  Not that I scored many goals, but I was one for the revolving arm windmill on the rare occasion I did.   The second goal was an Amherst special and again, expecting is one thing, dealing with is another and the delivery has to be spot on.

Conn is a much too good team to just lie down and say, "goodnight nurse" and were always going to come back and it wasn't that many minutes later that they made it 2-1, with a clinically taken snapshot finish around the 6 yard box, which in many ways was darkly reminiscent of the winner they got at Freeman Field just on a month ago against Amherst.  Everything I saw after that was pretty even.  Into the second half, Conn started to push Amherst back and it's very hard not to like some of their one touch passing to move the ball forward, particularly from just outside of their penalty area.  I suspect their game is better suited to the turf as they are clean movers. 

I was getting a little nervous, but that isn't unusual and the Camels started to get free kicks closer to the Amherst box, but fortunately, the white shirted-defence was on its collective game and whilst there were some close-ish calls, most things were handled well.  Although, as only central defenders' parents can understand, they can ALWAYS be handled better.  With seven minutes left, one of the Amherst freshmen, who plays off defenders' shoulders for a living, appeared to be most likely offside, but given that Google Maps refused to even calculate a distance from downtown Enmore to South Street Field, it was clear that my positioning was nowhere near as good as the assistant referee's, who allowed play to continue.  This subsequently resulted in a penalty, which sadly for Amherst supporters, wasn't dispatched, which of course, meant that Camel spirits lifted for the time that was left.

I can imagine that the forward scout notes provided re Amherst would mention that the Mammoths concede late goals and it was certainly on my mind, and whilst the team was content to sit and absorb what Conn had left, they did get through unscathed and closed off with a very good win against very good opposition.  I am reluctant to call Amherst, "very good", but beating very good teams puts you on the path to that description.

Congratulations to Tufts.  I have seen nothing of their win against Midd, but right now, given their recent results, they could justifiably be the most confident team in the country and will not fear Amherst. 

This correspondent appreciated the commentators hat tip to probably the only watcher who was Australia-based and gives one back his way.  There was a funny exchange with some Conn supporters over the distance a Camels offside actually was, but he gave as good as he got.  Again, coming through the microphone was spectator angst about, "Number 33", probably easier to say than Kalinauskas I guess. 

Foul Count: Conn 9 Amherst 20 - there was a sense of inevitability that this might skew against Amherst after unveiling my thesis around the kinder and more gentle 2023 Mammoths and so it came to pass.  What I will say, is that this now means that against NESCAC opposition this season, that it's now even at 5 all on total fouls.  I haven't mentioned Conn's red card either... 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 04, 2023, 09:46:41 PM
Big key for tomorrows is going to be set pieces. Tufts have not been great on set pieces this year and we know that's where Amherst thrives. Tufts need to limit fouls and find ways to own their box. If they can be neutral on set pieces then they will have a chance to find a goal and steal a result.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 04, 2023, 10:21:56 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on November 04, 2023, 08:05:14 PM
Connecticut College 1 Amherst 2

I have to own up to a making a mistake with the clocks, I should have remembered that VT is a different time zone, so I missed the first 15 minutes, which was of course, when all the goals were scored, but did catch up on everything at half time.  Apologies for the late debriefing, but I did have to get the grocery shopping done, where sadly, not for the first time, I got zero recognition for my long-sleeved t-shirt with a big mammoth on it.  I then caught up with Crystal Palace's 2-0 win at Burnley, but now I am ready.

On a cooler day not too far from the banks of Otter Creek, the Mammoths were in fast start mode and even if an opposition team is expecting it, it still needs to be dealt with and Conn found themselves behind 2-0 inside five minutes.  EnmoreKitten managed to sweep in the first one and then proceeded to engage in a celebration that had this correspondent smiling and wincing simultaneously.  Not that I scored many goals, but I was one for the revolving arm windmill on the rare occasion I did.   The second goal was an Amherst special and again, expecting is one thing, dealing with is another and the delivery has to be spot on.

Conn is a much too good team to just lie down and say, "goodnight nurse" and were always going to come back and it wasn't that many minutes later that they made it 2-1, with a clinically taken snapshot finish around the 6 yard box, which in many ways was darkly reminiscent of the winner they got at Freeman Field just on a month ago against Amherst.  Everything I saw after that was pretty even.  Into the second half, Conn started to push Amherst back and it's very hard not to like some of their one touch passing to move the ball forward, particularly from just outside of their penalty area.  I suspect their game is better suited to the turf as they are clean movers. 

I was getting a little nervous, but that isn't unusual and the Camels started to get free kicks closer to the Amherst box, but fortunately, the white shirted-defence was on its collective game and whilst there were some close-ish calls, most things were handled well.  Although, as only central defenders' parents can understand, they can ALWAYS be handled better.  With seven minutes left, one of the Amherst freshmen, who plays off defenders' shoulders for a living, appeared to be most likely offside, but given that Google Maps refused to even calculate a distance from downtown Enmore to South Street Field, it was clear that my positioning was nowhere near as good as the assistant referee's, who allowed play to continue.  This subsequently resulted in a penalty, which sadly for Amherst supporters, wasn't dispatched, which of course, meant that Camel spirits lifted for the time that was left.

I can imagine that the forward scout notes provided re Amherst would mention that the Mammoths concede late goals and it was certainly on my mind, and whilst the team was content to sit and absorb what Conn had left, they did get through unscathed and closed off with a very good win against very good opposition.  I am reluctant to call Amherst, "very good", but beating very good teams puts you on the path to that description.

Congratulations to Tufts.  I have seen nothing of their win against Midd, but right now, given their recent results, they could justifiably be the most confident team in the country and will not fear Amherst. 

This correspondent appreciated the commentators hat tip to probably the only watcher who was Australia-based and gives one back his way.  There was a funny exchange with some Conn supporters over the distance a Camels offside actually was, but he gave as good as he got.  Again, coming through the microphone was spectator angst about, "Number 33", probably easier to say than Kalinauskas I guess. 

Foul Count: Conn 9 Amherst 20 - there was a sense of inevitability that this might skew against Amherst after unveiling my thesis around the kinder and more gentle 2023 Mammoths and so it came to pass.  What I will say, is that this now means that against NESCAC opposition this season, that it's now even at 5 all on total fouls.  I haven't mentioned Conn's red card either...
it's ok to mention the red card - wouldnt mind an explanation as nobody at the game live or the commentator saw what happened. I will say frustrations are likely to happen when 20 fouls are called which results in only one card shown
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 05, 2023, 07:31:16 AM
God these mornings are what you live for. Waking up at the hotel, jogging around the parking lot with your buddies, a few nerves kicking in during breakfast knowing in your few hours you're gonna see the steam coming off Serpone's shiny dome. Gonna be a good one
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 11:00:20 AM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 04, 2023, 10:21:56 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on November 04, 2023, 08:05:14 PM
Connecticut College 1 Amherst 2

I have to own up to a making a mistake with the clocks, I should have remembered that VT is a different time zone, so I missed the first 15 minutes, which was of course, when all the goals were scored, but did catch up on everything at half time.  Apologies for the late debriefing, but I did have to get the grocery shopping done, where sadly, not for the first time, I got zero recognition for my long-sleeved t-shirt with a big mammoth on it.  I then caught up with Crystal Palace's 2-0 win at Burnley, but now I am ready.

On a cooler day not too far from the banks of Otter Creek, the Mammoths were in fast start mode and even if an opposition team is expecting it, it still needs to be dealt with and Conn found themselves behind 2-0 inside five minutes.  EnmoreKitten managed to sweep in the first one and then proceeded to engage in a celebration that had this correspondent smiling and wincing simultaneously.  Not that I scored many goals, but I was one for the revolving arm windmill on the rare occasion I did.   The second goal was an Amherst special and again, expecting is one thing, dealing with is another and the delivery has to be spot on.

Conn is a much too good team to just lie down and say, "goodnight nurse" and were always going to come back and it wasn't that many minutes later that they made it 2-1, with a clinically taken snapshot finish around the 6 yard box, which in many ways was darkly reminiscent of the winner they got at Freeman Field just on a month ago against Amherst.  Everything I saw after that was pretty even.  Into the second half, Conn started to push Amherst back and it's very hard not to like some of their one touch passing to move the ball forward, particularly from just outside of their penalty area.  I suspect their game is better suited to the turf as they are clean movers. 

I was getting a little nervous, but that isn't unusual and the Camels started to get free kicks closer to the Amherst box, but fortunately, the white shirted-defence was on its collective game and whilst there were some close-ish calls, most things were handled well.  Although, as only central defenders' parents can understand, they can ALWAYS be handled better.  With seven minutes left, one of the Amherst freshmen, who plays off defenders' shoulders for a living, appeared to be most likely offside, but given that Google Maps refused to even calculate a distance from downtown Enmore to South Street Field, it was clear that my positioning was nowhere near as good as the assistant referee's, who allowed play to continue.  This subsequently resulted in a penalty, which sadly for Amherst supporters, wasn't dispatched, which of course, meant that Camel spirits lifted for the time that was left.

I can imagine that the forward scout notes provided re Amherst would mention that the Mammoths concede late goals and it was certainly on my mind, and whilst the team was content to sit and absorb what Conn had left, they did get through unscathed and closed off with a very good win against very good opposition.  I am reluctant to call Amherst, "very good", but beating very good teams puts you on the path to that description.

Congratulations to Tufts.  I have seen nothing of their win against Midd, but right now, given their recent results, they could justifiably be the most confident team in the country and will not fear Amherst. 

This correspondent appreciated the commentators hat tip to probably the only watcher who was Australia-based and gives one back his way.  There was a funny exchange with some Conn supporters over the distance a Camels offside actually was, but he gave as good as he got.  Again, coming through the microphone was spectator angst about, "Number 33", probably easier to say than Kalinauskas I guess. 

Foul Count: Conn 9 Amherst 20 - there was a sense of inevitability that this might skew against Amherst after unveiling my thesis around the kinder and more gentle 2023 Mammoths and so it came to pass.  What I will say, is that this now means that against NESCAC opposition this season, that it's now even at 5 all on total fouls.  I haven't mentioned Conn's red card either...
it's ok to mention the red card - wouldnt mind an explanation as nobody at the game live or the commentator saw what happened. I will say frustrations are likely to happen when 20 fouls are called which results in only one card shown

After a failed Conn set piece in the Mammoths' box, a fountain of expletives from Conn's #24—that got quite personal—directed at the center ref.  His response: "You've been talking this way all game, I've warned you, but I've had enough."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 05, 2023, 11:17:39 AM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 11:00:20 AM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 04, 2023, 10:21:56 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on November 04, 2023, 08:05:14 PM
Connecticut College 1 Amherst 2

I have to own up to a making a mistake with the clocks, I should have remembered that VT is a different time zone, so I missed the first 15 minutes, which was of course, when all the goals were scored, but did catch up on everything at half time.  Apologies for the late debriefing, but I did have to get the grocery shopping done, where sadly, not for the first time, I got zero recognition for my long-sleeved t-shirt with a big mammoth on it.  I then caught up with Crystal Palace's 2-0 win at Burnley, but now I am ready.

On a cooler day not too far from the banks of Otter Creek, the Mammoths were in fast start mode and even if an opposition team is expecting it, it still needs to be dealt with and Conn found themselves behind 2-0 inside five minutes.  EnmoreKitten managed to sweep in the first one and then proceeded to engage in a celebration that had this correspondent smiling and wincing simultaneously.  Not that I scored many goals, but I was one for the revolving arm windmill on the rare occasion I did.   The second goal was an Amherst special and again, expecting is one thing, dealing with is another and the delivery has to be spot on.

Conn is a much too good team to just lie down and say, "goodnight nurse" and were always going to come back and it wasn't that many minutes later that they made it 2-1, with a clinically taken snapshot finish around the 6 yard box, which in many ways was darkly reminiscent of the winner they got at Freeman Field just on a month ago against Amherst.  Everything I saw after that was pretty even.  Into the second half, Conn started to push Amherst back and it's very hard not to like some of their one touch passing to move the ball forward, particularly from just outside of their penalty area.  I suspect their game is better suited to the turf as they are clean movers. 

I was getting a little nervous, but that isn't unusual and the Camels started to get free kicks closer to the Amherst box, but fortunately, the white shirted-defence was on its collective game and whilst there were some close-ish calls, most things were handled well.  Although, as only central defenders' parents can understand, they can ALWAYS be handled better.  With seven minutes left, one of the Amherst freshmen, who plays off defenders' shoulders for a living, appeared to be most likely offside, but given that Google Maps refused to even calculate a distance from downtown Enmore to South Street Field, it was clear that my positioning was nowhere near as good as the assistant referee's, who allowed play to continue.  This subsequently resulted in a penalty, which sadly for Amherst supporters, wasn't dispatched, which of course, meant that Camel spirits lifted for the time that was left.

I can imagine that the forward scout notes provided re Amherst would mention that the Mammoths concede late goals and it was certainly on my mind, and whilst the team was content to sit and absorb what Conn had left, they did get through unscathed and closed off with a very good win against very good opposition.  I am reluctant to call Amherst, "very good", but beating very good teams puts you on the path to that description.

Congratulations to Tufts.  I have seen nothing of their win against Midd, but right now, given their recent results, they could justifiably be the most confident team in the country and will not fear Amherst. 

This correspondent appreciated the commentators hat tip to probably the only watcher who was Australia-based and gives one back his way.  There was a funny exchange with some Conn supporters over the distance a Camels offside actually was, but he gave as good as he got.  Again, coming through the microphone was spectator angst about, "Number 33", probably easier to say than Kalinauskas I guess. 

Foul Count: Conn 9 Amherst 20 - there was a sense of inevitability that this might skew against Amherst after unveiling my thesis around the kinder and more gentle 2023 Mammoths and so it came to pass.  What I will say, is that this now means that against NESCAC opposition this season, that it's now even at 5 all on total fouls.  I haven't mentioned Conn's red card either...
it's ok to mention the red card - wouldnt mind an explanation as nobody at the game live or the commentator saw what happened. I will say frustrations are likely to happen when 20 fouls are called which results in only one card shown

After a failed Conn set piece in the Mammoths' box, a fountain of expletives from Conn's #24—that got quite personal—directed at the center ref.  His response: "You've been talking this way all game, I've warned you, but I've had enough."
thanks - straight red based on the lack of cards issued is interesting choice
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on November 05, 2023, 12:06:22 PM
Not really based on #6

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023PRXSO_QuestionsInterpsVol4.pdf (https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023PRXSO_QuestionsInterpsVol4.pdf)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 05, 2023, 12:23:40 PM
Quote from: Freddyfud on November 05, 2023, 12:06:22 PM
Not really based on #6

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023PRXSO_QuestionsInterpsVol4.pdf (https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023PRXSO_QuestionsInterpsVol4.pdf)

I haven't seen this. I don't condone the behavior but I also havent observed a straight red for language once this season and I've heard plenty across the board on all sides......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 05, 2023, 02:00:26 PM
Tufts-Amherst a pretty even game with not a ton of chances for either team. Amherst get the moment of luck with an mis hit cross that goes in and then defended well from there. I think any of the four semifinalist could easily make a final four this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on November 05, 2023, 02:11:31 PM
One of the most uneventful NESCAC tournament games I've seen in quite a long.  Few antics, not many scoring chances.  Looked like fatigue might have played a bit of a role.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 03:08:39 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 05, 2023, 12:23:40 PM
Quote from: Freddyfud on November 05, 2023, 12:06:22 PM
Not really based on #6

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023PRXSO_QuestionsInterpsVol4.pdf (https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023PRXSO_QuestionsInterpsVol4.pdf)

I haven't seen this. I don't condone the behavior but I also havent observed a straight red for language once this season and I've heard plenty across the board on all sides......

Believe me, the center ref was well within the established rules for a straight red
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 05, 2023, 03:49:32 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 05, 2023, 02:00:26 PM
Tufts-Amherst a pretty even game with not a ton of chances for either team. Amherst get the moment of luck with an mis hit cross that goes in and then defended well from there. I think any of the four semifinalist could easily make a final four this year.

I'm not sure that was a mi****.  He almost had one very similar go in a few minutes before that.  Nuhu and Yanez imo were the two best players on the field.  Campbell nearly equalized by himself on a fantastic run through several Amherst defenders and I assume he put some pressure on himself feeling he should have done better job on Nuhu but very, very players would score from that angle.

I actually thought Tufts marginally outplayed Amherst...but the thing with Amherst is that you either have to have a bit of good fortune and/or outplay them significantly because of the massive advantage they always have on set pieces and defending set pieces.

Tufts imo should have been up 1-0 or even 2-0 in the first half but when you have good chances and don't break through then among even teams the edge often goes the other way.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 05, 2023, 04:42:14 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 03:08:39 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 05, 2023, 12:23:40 PM
Quote from: Freddyfud on November 05, 2023, 12:06:22 PM
Not really based on #6

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023PRXSO_QuestionsInterpsVol4.pdf (https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023PRXSO_QuestionsInterpsVol4.pdf)

I haven't seen this. I don't condone the behavior but I also havent observed a straight red for language once this season and I've heard plenty across the board on all sides......

Believe me, the center ref was well within the established rules for a straight red

Official NCAA ejection report lists the reason as Violent Behavior I  "Player (24) grabbed jersey of defender on Amherst College with two hands and threw player to the ground with force when ball was out of play."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFan4Life on November 05, 2023, 05:15:04 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on November 05, 2023, 04:42:14 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 03:08:39 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 05, 2023, 12:23:40 PM
Quote from: Freddyfud on November 05, 2023, 12:06:22 PM
Not really based on #6

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023PRXSO_QuestionsInterpsVol4.pdf (https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023PRXSO_QuestionsInterpsVol4.pdf)

I haven't seen this. I don't condone the behavior but I also havent observed a straight red for language once this season and I've heard plenty across the board on all sides......

Believe me, the center ref was well within the established rules for a straight red

Official NCAA ejection report lists the reason as Violent Behavior I  "Player (24) grabbed jersey of defender on Amherst College with two hands and threw player to the ground with force when ball was out of play."

Actually Bucket, that's not at all what happened. And no one should take you at your word on this as this is now the 3rd time that you have leveled a personal attack on a player based on incorrect or inaccurate information that you present as facts.

Newenglander is on the right track with his observation regarding the foul count and card count. The incident was not at all a reaction to "a failed Conn set piece" but rather to repeated instances of Amherst defenders grabbing, holding or bundeling up Conn players on set pieces and crosses. #24 is a dangerous threat on set pieces and in fact scored Conn's goal with a tidy finish on a set piece early in the match. And indeed #24 was a focal point for Amherst's defenders on subsequent set pieces and crosses. In fact at one point, #24 attempted to draw the referee's attention to defenders holding him (both arms wrapped around him in a bear hug). The referee basically shrugged it off (actually, his response was "don't talk to me"). From there, the physical play escalated as Amherst defenders were emboldened by the referee's refusal to call a foul or otherwise address the situation. There were numerous instances of off-the-ball contact in the match and in at least one instance an Amherst players throws an elbow and makes contact with a Conn player.

More broadly, Amherst's set-piece defending tactic of grabbing and holding attacking players has been noted and discussed by other posters in this forum. Physical play is a part of the game and not all contact is going to be called. Full credit to Amherst for getting a result in a hard-fought competitive match. The referee's responsibility is to manage the match to ensure player safety and fair competition, and he did not do that yesterday. The foul/card count speaks volumes about the way the match was managed with Amherst committing 20 fouls and 1 YC while Conn committed just 9 fouls but received 2 YC and a RC. This is particularly notable in light of the fact that no cards were issued for thrown elbows and a very high and dangerous challenge that actually does make contact with the Conn player.

My last comment on this for you Bucket: You seem very comfortable passing off some secondhand garbage that you hear from some unspecified source as if it's first hand knowledge of facts (including some very serious accusations of racism). But you know that you don't really have all the facts. And now CSO has confirmed it. My suggestion to you is that you refrain from publishing personal attacks on the character of players based on what you know is not a complete and accuracy account of the facts.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 07:15:46 PM
Quote from: SoccerFan4Life on November 05, 2023, 05:15:04 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on November 05, 2023, 04:42:14 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 03:08:39 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 05, 2023, 12:23:40 PM
Quote from: Freddyfud on November 05, 2023, 12:06:22 PM
Not really based on #6

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023PRXSO_QuestionsInterpsVol4.pdf (https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/soccer/rules/2023PRXSO_QuestionsInterpsVol4.pdf)

I haven't seen this. I don't condone the behavior but I also havent observed a straight red for language once this season and I've heard plenty across the board on all sides......

Believe me, the center ref was well within the established rules for a straight red

Official NCAA ejection report lists the reason as Violent Behavior I  "Player (24) grabbed jersey of defender on Amherst College with two hands and threw player to the ground with force when ball was out of play."

My last comment on this for you Bucket: You seem very comfortable passing off some secondhand garbage that you hear from some unspecified source as if it's first hand knowledge of facts (including some very serious accusations of racism). But you know that you don't really have all the facts. And now CSO has confirmed it. My suggestion to you is that you refrain from publishing personal attacks on the character of players based on what you know is not a complete and accuracy account of the facts.

LOL. You're clueless. "Passing off some secondhand garbage that you hear from some unspecified sources?"

Saturday, I heard it with my own ears—the expletive-laced rant by #24, and the referee's response. My own ears. Not secondhand. I have no reason to doubt my friend CSO as to what was written in the report—no one knows rules or officiating better than him—but I also know what I saw and heard. Perhaps it was a combination of the two. Whatever the official reason—personal verbal abuse, unsportsmanlike violent behavior, or a combination, the red card was well deserved.

As for what I heard last year? Again: my own ears heard the racist and homophobic slur at Midd. And my source for historical precedent/prior behavior is unimpeachable.

You can take your suggestions and disgruntlement elsewhere.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFan4Life on November 05, 2023, 07:27:30 PM
I will not take it elsewhere. I was there and I know what happened.. You are not telling the truth.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 07:30:10 PM
Quote from: SoccerFan4Life on November 05, 2023, 07:27:30 PM
I will not take it elsewhere. I was there and I know what happened.. You are not telling the truth.

Sure I am.

Further: were you close enough to hear what was said? And what continued once he left the game? (And subsequently refused to shake hands?)

Talk about a delusional sour grapes Camel fan.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFan4Life on November 05, 2023, 07:37:26 PM
I was close enough. And he did shake hands with a number on of Amherst players (incl CB agains whom he competed on those plays) at the end of the match. Again more dishonesty Bucket. It's a bad look.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 07:46:15 PM
Quote from: SoccerFan4Life on November 05, 2023, 07:37:26 PM
I was close enough. And he did shake hands with a number on of Amherst players (incl CB agains whom he competed on those plays) at the end of the match. Again more dishonesty Bucket. It's a bad look.

lol
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 07:51:55 PM
Just got back to NJ from Middlebury, was a great weekend saw 3 very good games, like the maturing of our Jumbos! ;D
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFan4Life on November 05, 2023, 08:01:59 PM
That's it..."lol"? 

Nothing to say about being wrong (dishonest) about the no hand shake accusation at the end? Just "lol"?  Par for the course Bucket. No integrity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 05, 2023, 08:02:12 PM
Quote from: SoccerFan4Life on November 05, 2023, 07:37:26 PM
I was close enough. And he did shake hands with a number on of Amherst players (incl CB agains whom he competed on those plays) at the end of the match. Again more dishonesty Bucket. It's a bad look.
After getting a red card, he should not have been anywhere near the field to shake anyone's hand.  From the NCAA rule book:

—A player, coach or other bench personnel ejected from the game must leave the venue, be out of sight and sound and is prohibited from any communication or contact, direct or indirect, with the team, coaches and/or bench personnel until the completion of the contest, including the overtime periods.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFan4Life on November 05, 2023, 08:06:55 PM
"...until the end of competition".

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 08:11:14 PM
Quote from: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 07:51:55 PM
Just got back to NJ from Middlebury, was a great weekend say 3 very good game, like the maturing of our Jumbos! ;D

Agreed. Fun three games. Unlucky result for the Jumbos today—may have been among the best games they played all season—and they are well positioned for a deep tournament run. They can be so clinical while not being thrown off stride by the physicality of Amherst.

Amherst is back to being Amherst—really tough to beat this time of year. Playing today without Cubbedu (who also missed the semifinal) and Clark-Eden makes today's win all the more impressive. Was really impressed with the sophomore CB Street, who filled in admirably for the missing co-captain. NuHu's run and goal against Tufts was jaw-dropping. Yes, there was discussion and disagreement on whether his hit was a truly stunning diagonal semi-deke up and over the keeper or an mis-hit cross, but no matter. It found the net. And what was mesmerizing was his run, beating the first defender and then splitting two more before launching the shot/cross.

As mentioned earlier this year, a team's health can be paramount come November. Amherst has had some knocks (see above) but has played through it, and Midd will have to do the same if the Panthers are to make a deep run this month. Losing Shane Farrell mid-season was a blow, but the Panthers' depth filled in nicely. William O'Brien's absence the past few games has been more acutely felt, I think. Others far smarter than I have astutely noticed that a big difference between the 2022 and 2023 Panthers squads has been O'Brien's play this year. If he's unable to go, Midd will have to find a way to replace a key component of what has made them successful this year. I have no doubt that they can (and will?), though. Sometimes a loss—especially a club's first—as painful as it may be on one's home turf in a championship environment is all that is needed to spark a resurgence.

As to the 4th team this weekend? Conn seemed utterly out of its depth—outplayed, outcoached, and outclassed against Amherst. Though highly regarded by the formula that ranks regional teams, the Camels seem like a paper tiger to me.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 08:13:01 PM
This Jack's second red this season!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFan4Life on November 05, 2023, 08:14:02 PM
Nope.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 08:18:49 PM
Are you sure fan? didn't he miss a regular season game due to suspension? or was that an accumulation of yellows?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFan4Life on November 05, 2023, 08:21:20 PM
Be careful what you write. I'm sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 08:25:18 PM
I am asking?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 05, 2023, 08:27:30 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 08:11:14 PM
Quote from: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 07:51:55 PM
Just got back to NJ from Middlebury, was a great weekend say 3 very good game, like the maturing of our Jumbos! ;D

Agreed. Fun three games. Unlucky result for the Jumbos today—may have been among the best games they played all season—and they are well positioned for a deep tournament run. They can be so clinical while not being thrown off stride by the physicality of Amherst.

Amherst is back to being Amherst—really tough to beat this time of year. Playing today without Cubbedu (who also missed the semifinal) and Clark-Eden makes today's win all the more impressive. Was really impressed with the sophomore CB Street, who filled in admirably for the missing co-captain. NuHu's run and goal against Tufts was jaw-dropping. Yes, there was discussion and disagreement on whether his hit was a truly stunning diagonal semi-deke up and over the keeper or an mis-hit cross, but no matter. It found the net. And what was mesmerizing was his run, beating the first defender and then splitting two more before launching the shot/cross.

As mentioned earlier this year, a team's health can be paramount come November. Amherst has had some knocks (see above) but has played through it, and Midd will have to do the same if the Panthers are to make a deep run this month. Losing Shane Farrell mid-season was a blow, but the Panthers' depth filled in nicely. William O'Brien's absence the past few games has been more acutely felt, I think. Others far smarter than I have astutely noticed that a big difference between the 2022 and 2023 Panthers squads has been O'Brien's play this year. If he's unable to go, Midd will have to find a way to replace a key component of what has made them successful this year. I have no doubt that they can (and will?), though. Sometimes a loss—especially a club's first—as painful as it may be on one's home turf in a championship environment is all that is needed to spark a resurgence.

As to the 4th team this weekend? Conn seemed utterly out of its depth—outplayed, outcoached, and outclassed against Amherst. Though highly regarded by the formula that ranks regional teams, the Camels seem like a paper tiger to me.

This was a fantastic post until the end.

The formula that ranks regional teams?  How about the test that is the NESCAC conference itself?  Yesterday was Conn's first loss.  They've played the same teams.  Outcoached?  What's your basis for that?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 08:27:57 PM
Quote from: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 08:18:49 PM
Are you sure fan? didn't he miss a regular season game due to suspension? or was that an accumulation of yellows?

What the Camel parent is not admitting—and is masking with his disingenuous pap—is that Kelesoglu was red carded in a game last year and was suspended for the following match.

So, two years in a row . . .
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 05, 2023, 08:29:18 PM
Conn's official stats list #24 Kelesoglu with one red and one yellow for the season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 08:34:26 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 05, 2023, 08:27:30 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 08:11:14 PM
Quote from: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 07:51:55 PM
Just got back to NJ from Middlebury, was a great weekend say 3 very good game, like the maturing of our Jumbos! ;D

Agreed. Fun three games. Unlucky result for the Jumbos today—may have been among the best games they played all season—and they are well positioned for a deep tournament run. They can be so clinical while not being thrown off stride by the physicality of Amherst.

Amherst is back to being Amherst—really tough to beat this time of year. Playing today without Cubbedu (who also missed the semifinal) and Clark-Eden makes today's win all the more impressive. Was really impressed with the sophomore CB Street, who filled in admirably for the missing co-captain. NuHu's run and goal against Tufts was jaw-dropping. Yes, there was discussion and disagreement on whether his hit was a truly stunning diagonal semi-deke up and over the keeper or an mis-hit cross, but no matter. It found the net. And what was mesmerizing was his run, beating the first defender and then splitting two more before launching the shot/cross.

As mentioned earlier this year, a team's health can be paramount come November. Amherst has had some knocks (see above) but has played through it, and Midd will have to do the same if the Panthers are to make a deep run this month. Losing Shane Farrell mid-season was a blow, but the Panthers' depth filled in nicely. William O'Brien's absence the past few games has been more acutely felt, I think. Others far smarter than I have astutely noticed that a big difference between the 2022 and 2023 Panthers squads has been O'Brien's play this year. If he's unable to go, Midd will have to find a way to replace a key component of what has made them successful this year. I have no doubt that they can (and will?), though. Sometimes a loss—especially a club's first—as painful as it may be on one's home turf in a championship environment is all that is needed to spark a resurgence.

As to the 4th team this weekend? Conn seemed utterly out of its depth—outplayed, outcoached, and outclassed against Amherst. Though highly regarded by the formula that ranks regional teams, the Camels seem like a paper tiger to me.

This was a fantastic post until the end.

The formula that ranks regional teams?  How about the test that is the NESCAC conference itself?  Yesterday was Conn's first loss.  They've played the same teams.  Outcoached?  What's your basis for that?

Yes, they finished third in the NESCAC. And I felt the 4th and 5th teams were better. NCAA formula, however, had them tops in the region. Thus my comment. As for the coaching this weekend—my first-hand observation, observing the Mammoth coaching staff constantly adjusting tactics and employing strategic substitutions, while Ruben basically did very little in-game other then complain.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 08:44:51 PM
Conn has a lot of talent, while that can be a good thing, it can also present challenges, like having the right line up, using the right subs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 05, 2023, 08:58:23 PM
Amidst all of this Amherst and Conn Coll focus it's easy to forget that the same two teams played each other in the 2021 national title game all the way down to PKs... and a fair number of players from those teams are still playing.

And of course Tufts and Amherst played in the title match just prior in 2019.

Not trying to make any particular point, but it's interesting to think about....as the tensions rise.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 09:02:26 PM
The teams are so equal it is amazing, it is not meaningful to wish for one particular opponent because on any given day any of the top 5 NESCAC can beat you.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 09:07:47 PM
Amid the hoopla of championship weekend, I'd be remiss to not call attention to this weekend's induction of Dave Saward into the Middlebury Athletics Hall of Fame. Such a well-deserved honor for one of the greats of the college game. Further, his legacy lives on with three of the top five conference teams coached by former Saward players.

Cheers to Coach Saward!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 05, 2023, 09:16:42 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 08:34:26 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 05, 2023, 08:27:30 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 08:11:14 PM
Quote from: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 07:51:55 PM
Just got back to NJ from Middlebury, was a great weekend say 3 very good game, like the maturing of our Jumbos! ;D

Agreed. Fun three games. Unlucky result for the Jumbos today—may have been among the best games they played all season—and they are well positioned for a deep tournament run. They can be so clinical while not being thrown off stride by the physicality of Amherst.

Amherst is back to being Amherst—really tough to beat this time of year. Playing today without Cubbedu (who also missed the semifinal) and Clark-Eden makes today's win all the more impressive. Was really impressed with the sophomore CB Street, who filled in admirably for the missing co-captain. NuHu's run and goal against Tufts was jaw-dropping. Yes, there was discussion and disagreement on whether his hit was a truly stunning diagonal semi-deke up and over the keeper or an mis-hit cross, but no matter. It found the net. And what was mesmerizing was his run, beating the first defender and then splitting two more before launching the shot/cross.

As mentioned earlier this year, a team's health can be paramount come November. Amherst has had some knocks (see above) but has played through it, and Midd will have to do the same if the Panthers are to make a deep run this month. Losing Shane Farrell mid-season was a blow, but the Panthers' depth filled in nicely. William O'Brien's absence the past few games has been more acutely felt, I think. Others far smarter than I have astutely noticed that a big difference between the 2022 and 2023 Panthers squads has been O'Brien's play this year. If he's unable to go, Midd will have to find a way to replace a key component of what has made them successful this year. I have no doubt that they can (and will?), though. Sometimes a loss—especially a club's first—as painful as it may be on one's home turf in a championship environment is all that is needed to spark a resurgence.

As to the 4th team this weekend? Conn seemed utterly out of its depth—outplayed, outcoached, and outclassed against Amherst. Though highly regarded by the formula that ranks regional teams, the Camels seem like a paper tiger to me.

This was a fantastic post until the end.

The formula that ranks regional teams?  How about the test that is the NESCAC conference itself?  Yesterday was Conn's first loss.  They've played the same teams.  Outcoached?  What's your basis for that?

Yes, they finished third in the NESCAC. And I felt the 4th and 5th teams were better. NCAA formula, however, had them tops in the region. Thus my comment. As for the coaching this weekend—my first-hand observation, observing the Mammoth coaching staff constantly adjusting tactics and employing strategic substitutions, while Ruben basically did very little in-game other then complain.
clear troll - the team that tied middlebury and tufts and beat Amherst in the last match where the 20 fouls actually came with 5 or 6 cards which may have kept the game in control - that Conn team?

Substitutions? You mean the 5 subs Amherst played for a total of 150 mins vs 8 for Conn- more nonsense.

As far as complaining - more rose colored glasses - Serpone was working over the room/4th official all game and Burk was pretty reserved until after the match (which I may not always be able to say)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 09:25:33 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 05, 2023, 09:16:42 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 08:34:26 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 05, 2023, 08:27:30 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 08:11:14 PM
Quote from: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 07:51:55 PM
Just got back to NJ from Middlebury, was a great weekend say 3 very good game, like the maturing of our Jumbos! ;D

Agreed. Fun three games. Unlucky result for the Jumbos today—may have been among the best games they played all season—and they are well positioned for a deep tournament run. They can be so clinical while not being thrown off stride by the physicality of Amherst.

Amherst is back to being Amherst—really tough to beat this time of year. Playing today without Cubbedu (who also missed the semifinal) and Clark-Eden makes today's win all the more impressive. Was really impressed with the sophomore CB Street, who filled in admirably for the missing co-captain. NuHu's run and goal against Tufts was jaw-dropping. Yes, there was discussion and disagreement on whether his hit was a truly stunning diagonal semi-deke up and over the keeper or an mis-hit cross, but no matter. It found the net. And what was mesmerizing was his run, beating the first defender and then splitting two more before launching the shot/cross.

As mentioned earlier this year, a team's health can be paramount come November. Amherst has had some knocks (see above) but has played through it, and Midd will have to do the same if the Panthers are to make a deep run this month. Losing Shane Farrell mid-season was a blow, but the Panthers' depth filled in nicely. William O'Brien's absence the past few games has been more acutely felt, I think. Others far smarter than I have astutely noticed that a big difference between the 2022 and 2023 Panthers squads has been O'Brien's play this year. If he's unable to go, Midd will have to find a way to replace a key component of what has made them successful this year. I have no doubt that they can (and will?), though. Sometimes a loss—especially a club's first—as painful as it may be on one's home turf in a championship environment is all that is needed to spark a resurgence.

As to the 4th team this weekend? Conn seemed utterly out of its depth—outplayed, outcoached, and outclassed against Amherst. Though highly regarded by the formula that ranks regional teams, the Camels seem like a paper tiger to me.

This was a fantastic post until the end.

The formula that ranks regional teams?  How about the test that is the NESCAC conference itself?  Yesterday was Conn's first loss.  They've played the same teams.  Outcoached?  What's your basis for that?

Yes, they finished third in the NESCAC. And I felt the 4th and 5th teams were better. NCAA formula, however, had them tops in the region. Thus my comment. As for the coaching this weekend—my first-hand observation, observing the Mammoth coaching staff constantly adjusting tactics and employing strategic substitutions, while Ruben basically did very little in-game other then complain.
clear troll - the team that tied middlebury and tufts and beat Amherst in the last match where the 20 fouls actually came with 5 or 6 cards which may have kept the game in control - that Conn team?

Substitutions? You mean the 5 subs Amherst played for a total of 150 mins vs 8 for Conn- more nonsense.

As far as complaining - more rose colored glasses - Serpone was working over the room/4th official all game and Burk was pretty reserved until after the match (which I may not always be able to say)

Yes. That Conn team finished 3rd in the conference. Facts.

Are you relying solely on a stat sheet for the sub information? Or how they were used, who was substituted and why, and how tactics were shifted.

As I said, Conn was outcoached, outplayed, and outclassed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 05, 2023, 09:44:57 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 09:25:33 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 05, 2023, 09:16:42 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 08:34:26 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 05, 2023, 08:27:30 PM
Quote from: Bucket on November 05, 2023, 08:11:14 PM
Quote from: camosfan on November 05, 2023, 07:51:55 PM
Just got back to NJ from Middlebury, was a great weekend say 3 very good game, like the maturing of our Jumbos! ;D

Agreed. Fun three games. Unlucky result for the Jumbos today—may have been among the best games they played all season—and they are well positioned for a deep tournament run. They can be so clinical while not being thrown off stride by the physicality of Amherst.

Amherst is back to being Amherst—really tough to beat this time of year. Playing today without Cubbedu (who also missed the semifinal) and Clark-Eden makes today's win all the more impressive. Was really impressed with the sophomore CB Street, who filled in admirably for the missing co-captain. NuHu's run and goal against Tufts was jaw-dropping. Yes, there was discussion and disagreement on whether his hit was a truly stunning diagonal semi-deke up and over the keeper or an mis-hit cross, but no matter. It found the net. And what was mesmerizing was his run, beating the first defender and then splitting two more before launching the shot/cross.

As mentioned earlier this year, a team's health can be paramount come November. Amherst has had some knocks (see above) but has played through it, and Midd will have to do the same if the Panthers are to make a deep run this month. Losing Shane Farrell mid-season was a blow, but the Panthers' depth filled in nicely. William O'Brien's absence the past few games has been more acutely felt, I think. Others far smarter than I have astutely noticed that a big difference between the 2022 and 2023 Panthers squads has been O'Brien's play this year. If he's unable to go, Midd will have to find a way to replace a key component of what has made them successful this year. I have no doubt that they can (and will?), though. Sometimes a loss—especially a club's first—as painful as it may be on one's home turf in a championship environment is all that is needed to spark a resurgence.

As to the 4th team this weekend? Conn seemed utterly out of its depth—outplayed, outcoached, and outclassed against Amherst. Though highly regarded by the formula that ranks regional teams, the Camels seem like a paper tiger to me.

This was a fantastic post until the end.

The formula that ranks regional teams?  How about the test that is the NESCAC conference itself?  Yesterday was Conn's first loss.  They've played the same teams.  Outcoached?  What's your basis for that?

Yes, they finished third in the NESCAC. And I felt the 4th and 5th teams were better. NCAA formula, however, had them tops in the region. Thus my comment. As for the coaching this weekend—my first-hand observation, observing the Mammoth coaching staff constantly adjusting tactics and employing strategic substitutions, while Ruben basically did very little in-game other then complain.
clear troll - the team that tied middlebury and tufts and beat Amherst in the last match where the 20 fouls actually came with 5 or 6 cards which may have kept the game in control - that Conn team?

Substitutions? You mean the 5 subs Amherst played for a total of 150 mins vs 8 for Conn- more nonsense.

As far as complaining - more rose colored glasses - Serpone was working over the room/4th official all game and Burk was pretty reserved until after the match (which I may not always be able to say)

Yes. That Conn team finished 3rd in the conference. Facts.

Are you relying solely on a stat sheet for the sub information? Or how they were used, who was substituted and why, and how tactics were shifted.

As I said, Conn was outcoached, outplayed, and outclassed.
I was at the game - not sure all the brilliant tactical/sub changes Amherst made - resting Nuhu and Adi and dropping thr 6 ft 8 player to defend the box?  Seems pretty logical. They played their game like they do every game. Didnt seem like a master class
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on November 05, 2023, 11:11:04 PM
Bucket - your dislike for the camels is obvious.. Saying that Conn placed 3rd but that they are worse than the 4th and 5th team is a statement that you may believe, but no one else stands with you.

Take some ownership over your own team. The reality is Middlebury finished 1st and lost at home in front of all the  fans. Your team wasn't ready at all, as seen in Grady's error in the first 5 minutes. You haven't won a big game in the past 5 years. 2019 (nescac final loss) 2021 loss to Tufts nescac semi final. 2021 loss to Amherst in elite 8. 2022 loss to Amherst nescac semi-final.

You are praising a team for getting 1st place in the regular season? Congrats. The Conn team that you speak against has players who have not only placed 1st in a regular season, but they won a National Title. Middlebury's loss Saturday is what everyone expected. Out of the 4 teams this weekend, midd was the biggest disappointment.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on November 05, 2023, 11:34:07 PM
(https://media.giphy.com/media/YjdSUr1flLbQof2KzI/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 05, 2023, 11:50:02 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on November 05, 2023, 11:11:04 PM
Bucket - your dislike for the camels is obvious.. Saying that Conn placed 3rd but that they are worse than the 4th and 5th team is a statement that you may believe, but no one else stands with you.

Take some ownership over your own team. The reality is Middlebury finished 1st and lost at home in front of all the  fans. Your team wasn't ready at all, as seen in Grady's error in the first 5 minutes. You haven't won a big game in the past 5 years. 2019 (nescac final loss) 2021 loss to Tufts nescac semi final. 2021 loss to Amherst in elite 8. 2022 loss to Amherst nescac semi-final.

You are praising a team for getting 1st place in the regular season? Congrats. The Conn team that you speak against has players who have not only placed 1st in a regular season, but they won a National Title. Middlebury's loss Saturday is what everyone expected. Out of the 4 teams this weekend, midd was the biggest disappointment.
Can we dial back the mutual animosity?  Credit to Tufts--they won on Saturday and Midd was not at their best.  Perhaps some of that was due to the Jumbos play on the day.  But to say that a team that has finished in the top 4 of the league table the last three seasons (4th, 4th, and 1st) has not won a big game is absurd.  How does a program make 6 NCAA tournaments in a row, including advancing to the elite 8 in 2021 without winning a big game?  Has Midd won a trophy in that span--no.  On the other hand, they did not drop to 8th place and fail to make the NCAAs last year either.  Both Midd and Conn are excellent teams. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on November 06, 2023, 01:32:39 AM
Quote from: FanofNescac on November 05, 2023, 11:11:04 PM
Take some ownership over your own team. The reality is Middlebury finished 1st and lost at home in front of all the  fans. Your team wasn't ready at all, as seen in Grady's error in the first 5 minutes. You haven't won a big game in the past 5 years. 2019 (nescac final loss) 2021 loss to Tufts nescac semi final. 2021 loss to Amherst in elite 8. 2022 loss to Amherst nescac semi-final.

Whoa, calling out a keeper that makes a mistake in a game they lost 2-1??  That is crazy. Not cool.  As a senior, he's going to have to live with that for the rest of his life thinking that losing was some how his fault. Do you realize that in his four years he has started every game (76 so far) and has only allowed 43 goals (career .56 goal against) and a .858 save percentage. Remember that is over 4 years!! Perhaps the best keeper NESCAC has seen or at least in recent history. Most likely the best keeper Middlebury every had. But for this keeper, I would speculate that Middlebury would not have a factor or competitive in 3 of his four years.

How about hundreds of chances taken by strikers who take shots that are not on frame or goes gently into the keeper hands??? What about the coach who got the tactics wrong or did not substitute the right combination of players? Or the wrong player taking a free kick or not having a player on the field who takes the best free kicks??
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 06, 2023, 03:03:54 AM
Tufts 0 Amherst 1

Another early start and even though I was tired, I did feel for both sets of players and staffs that had to reassemble for a final only 24 hours or so after both playing seriously competitive games.  Of course, it's a first world problem and NESCAC has strict rules, but it does seem a shame to me that it does distract from the final in that both teams have already gone super hard the previous day.  Anyway, given all my other high level representations have had zero impact, I will just go with the flow.

I get the impression and I know my antipodean sensitivities are unreliable from time to time, but it feels like conference tournaments are valued mainly for automatic bids etc and that there are bigger fish to fry.  I have to say that I really like frying the NESCAC fish! I think it's a big deal, but I get others may not.

I reckon the semi-finals were better games, but of course, this one was tense.  Tufts are a very good team and having seen them in action not that long ago in the flesh, I was aware of the pace and skill with which they can move the ball.  They didn't disappoint and regularly challenged Amherst, but fortunately couldn't find a way through.  It wasn't all one way of course and the Tufts keeper had to make a pretty good save off a header off a set piece in the first half, but 0-0 felt fair at half time. 

Mention has already been made of one of the sophomores stepping up for what I think must have just about been his first start for the Mammoths and the best compliment I can give is that it looked like it was anything but that.  I will only whisper it, but it's a reminder of how Coach Serpone knows his players, but Amhater and Ammirer alike, already know that. 

Amherst's freshman forward (and I will say that next year the rest of the world will learn there is more than one in that class) again showed his quality when it was needed.  There was no earthly reason why he should have been able to propel the ball towards the goal from what looked a difficult situation, but he did.  If you don't buy a ticket, you can't win the raffle and the ball found it's way to the back of the net.  Amongst the Mammoths Nation, it gets remembered forever, that's all you really need to know.

Tufts took it in their stride and it was clear by the manner in which they played, they believed there was an equalizer possible, but aside from one particularly hairy moment, where the Amherst keeper stood strong after the seas had parted, it felt under a control of sorts.  That didn't mean that a ball might not sneak through, which on the balance of play, wouldn't have been unfair, but suddenly, the Mammoths have gotten out of the habit of conceding very late goals.

Irrespective of whatever happens over the balance of November, I am really pleased for the group of Amherst Seniors who are almost at the end of their journeys, that they got the chance to win one more trophy.  I think they are a fantastic group of young men.

It's hard to judge how good the top five of NESCAC are, other than to say that we know they are all competitive and have the capacity to go deep in the Tournament.  That's not the same as saying one of them will, but they all have game styles which when up & running, are hard to breakdown.  I do include Amherst in that mix, but am reluctant to call them a very good team, just yet, but given they defeated a very good team in the final, they are moving a step closer to that billing.

Foul Count (I am looking for a sponsor for this section now, as it is attracting attention I understand): Tufts 7 Amherst 14 (not that far off the season low 11 against Bates)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 06, 2023, 05:15:47 AM
Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on November 06, 2023, 01:32:39 AM
Quote from: FanofNescac on November 05, 2023, 11:11:04 PM
Take some ownership over your own team. The reality is Middlebury finished 1st and lost at home in front of all the  fans. Your team wasn't ready at all, as seen in Grady's error in the first 5 minutes. You haven't won a big game in the past 5 years. 2019 (nescac final loss) 2021 loss to Tufts nescac semi final. 2021 loss to Amherst in elite 8. 2022 loss to Amherst nescac semi-final.

Whoa, calling out a keeper that makes a mistake in a game they lost 2-1??  That is crazy. Not cool.  As a senior, he's going to have to live with that for the rest of his life thinking that losing was some how his fault. Do you realize that in his four years he has started every game (76 so far) and has only allowed 43 goals (career .56 goal against) and a .858 save percentage. Remember that is over 4 years!! Perhaps the best keeper NESCAC has seen or at least in recent history. Most likely the best keeper Middlebury every had. But for this keeper, I would speculate that Middlebury would not have a factor or competitive in 3 of his four years.

How about hundreds of chances taken by strikers who take shots that are not on frame or goes gently into the keeper hands??? What about the coach who got the tactics wrong or did not substitute the right combination of players? Or the wrong player taking a free kick or not having a player on the field who takes the best free kicks??

It would be tough to top Middlebury GK Brian Bush's dominant season in their national championship year of 2007.  And I'm not even a Midd fan...

https://athletics.middlebury.edu/sports/msoc/schedule/2007

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 06, 2023, 10:45:53 AM
I think Enmorecats write up is a very fair assessment of what I saw.  If you have read my posts in the past, you know that I am not at all a fan of the Amherst style but I certainly admire their commitment.  They have two very talented outside players in #4 and #23 and they do almost nothing from a possession perspective (i do not think i saw one play where a defender did anything except clear it and #3 is more center back then 6) except try to get it to them in isolated spots.  It actually is far more fun to watch than the years past teams that did not even try to do that.  I think Tufts had a good plan to try to minimize these chances with tighter coverage by #4 and #19 but a very special player made a very special play and that was the difference.

I am not a believer that refs often actually significantly influence the games outcome.  There are typically 10-20 critical plays in both the final thirds that determine the outcome and refs usually are not involved in many, if any, of these plays.

However I do think the ref on Sunday allowed Amherst's style.  They repeatedly fouled Tufts #19,  to the point that it looked like it was part of a broader strategy.  Many of their fouls are blatant hugs or holds which deserve warning if not yellows.  In both the final and the semifinal, very few yellows were shown despite obvious tactical and accumulating fouls. 

Interesting to see if this style is allowed during the NCAA tournament.  In last years game against MW, it was not and it cost Amherst dearly.

If there was VAR at this level, there would have been 5-6 PKs awarded from bear hugs on set pieces in the Conn -Amherst game.  Refs need to do a better job warning players through yellows and allow the great talent of these young men determine the game.

I expect long runs in the NCAAs for the 5 NESCAC teams.  I will do a NCAA tournament preview after the brackets come out, but I think the results from this season (notably Amhersts performance on the road over Montclair St) show that the NESCAC teams have a real shot.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 06, 2023, 12:49:13 PM
Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on November 06, 2023, 01:32:39 AM
Quote from: FanofNescac on November 05, 2023, 11:11:04 PM
Take some ownership over your own team. The reality is Middlebury finished 1st and lost at home in front of all the  fans. Your team wasn't ready at all, as seen in Grady's error in the first 5 minutes. You haven't won a big game in the past 5 years. 2019 (nescac final loss) 2021 loss to Tufts nescac semi final. 2021 loss to Amherst in elite 8. 2022 loss to Amherst nescac semi-final.

Whoa, calling out a keeper that makes a mistake in a game they lost 2-1??  That is crazy. Not cool.  As a senior, he's going to have to live with that for the rest of his life thinking that losing was some how his fault. Do you realize that in his four years he has started every game (76 so far) and has only allowed 43 goals (career .56 goal against) and a .858 save percentage. Remember that is over 4 years!! Perhaps the best keeper NESCAC has seen or at least in recent history. Most likely the best keeper Middlebury every had. But for this keeper, I would speculate that Middlebury would not have a factor or competitive in 3 of his four years.

How about hundreds of chances taken by strikers who take shots that are not on frame or goes gently into the keeper hands??? What about the coach who got the tactics wrong or did not substitute the right combination of players? Or the wrong player taking a free kick or not having a player on the field who takes the best free kicks??

Of course you can call him out. He screwed up. And i'm sure in the locker room he took ownership of the mistake and the team moved on. He's played great before and gotten credit for it and its fair to acknowledge when he messes up, just like any other player.

And the hyperbole here is a bit much, best NESCAC goalie ever is a tough sell when you've got guys from the last 5 years playing professionally.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 06, 2023, 12:52:27 PM
Forewarning to one Paul Newman because this post is gonna contain some of that NESCAC Elitism he hates, but I'm really hoping to get some of the NESCAC teams spread out into different quadrants for the bracket. I think this could be one of those years where the NESCAC teams run the table and only lose to each other. I just think the level of intensity these teams are able to bring, particularly utilizing their depth on the second game of a back to back is something 90% of other DIII teams aren't accustomed too. I would way rather play a higher ranked team that dominates their conference, than having to face one of the other NESCAC teams who already have so much familiarity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2023, 01:01:31 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 06, 2023, 12:52:27 PM
Forewarning to one Paul Newman because this post is gonna contain some of that NESCAC Elitism he hates, but I'm really hoping to get some of the NESCAC teams spread out into different quadrants for the bracket. I think this could be one of those years where the NESCAC teams run the table and only lose to each other. I just think the level of intensity these teams are able to bring, particularly utilizing their depth on the second game of a back to back is something 90% of other DIII teams aren't accustomed too. I would way rather play a higher ranked team that dominates their conference, than having to face one of the other NESCAC teams who already have so much familiarity.

Lol, you can tell what teams are doing well by the surges in posting by certain posters representing certain teams.

No worries, D4...and I hope you're right that NESCACs will have to play each other...nothing like NESCAC on NESCAC crime...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: d4_Pace on November 06, 2023, 01:07:15 PM
I'm curious to see if the NESCAC tourney results will be enough to shake up the regional rankings. Who earns the hosting rights could be a significant factor.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 06, 2023, 01:21:18 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 06, 2023, 01:07:15 PM
I'm curious to see if the NESCAC tourney results will be enough to shake up the regional rankings. Who earns the hosting rights could be a significant factor.
Amherst women have hosting priority and hearing that Conn has hotel issues due to events at neighboring Coast Guard academy
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 06, 2023, 01:22:40 PM
Quote from: d4_Pace on November 06, 2023, 01:07:15 PM
I'm curious to see if the NESCAC tourney results will be enough to shake up the regional rankings. Who earns the hosting rights could be a significant factor.

As we know, though, when it comes to hosting, so many other factors go in to hosting rights, factors that could easily outweigh regional rankings.

One need look no further than the 18-0 Middlebury field hockey team (and five-time defending champion, not that that's a criteria) going on the road for its first NCAA Tournament games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 06, 2023, 01:30:38 PM
Middlebury, Conn and or Tufts will host, some games, Amherst they say won't because their women team is hosting.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 06, 2023, 02:22:20 PM
Only 4 NESCAC teams?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on November 06, 2023, 02:25:29 PM
Bowdoin's early exit was costly.  They only had 1 RR win.  Oneonta was able to pick up an extra RR win against Brockport and get a big SOS bump by playing Cortland in the SUNYAC final.  Already had a higher SOS than Bowdoin.


As I commented, they just updated the regional rankings.  Oneonta finished with a .593 SOS and 2 RR wins. Bowdoin 1 RR win and a .569 SOS. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 06, 2023, 02:50:18 PM
Feel for Bowdoin.  They certainly were not helped by the events in Lewiston.  WPI, Illinois Wesleyan, and other bid stealers may have hurt them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 08, 2023, 12:20:27 PM
All Conference Awards announced.

https://nescac.com/news/2023/11/8/2023-nescac-mens-soccer-awards-announced.aspx
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 08, 2023, 01:42:11 PM
Thanks CSO, and congratulations to your son and of course, all other players selected.  Very pleased to see four Mammoths recognised also, it's great recognition.  They have had fine seasons and are all important reasons behind the success thus far. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 08, 2023, 08:35:24 PM
Congrats to all the award winners!  I think the coaches did a pretty good job on the subjective assessments.

I am not surprised at all but the coaches continue to reward the PK takers excessively.  I really think there were other better candidates for POY then their choice (who only had 1 goal and 2 assists in conference play besides PKs). I really love this player (and think highly of JSL from Mid) and if you read my preseason report, I picked him for POY, partly off the results of a really good NCAA tournament last season. 2 big time assists in crunch time to send MW to OT. However, there were far more deserving candidates.  Grady was my prediction, but maybe his costly error in the NESCAC semis cost him. His Defensive POY was still well deserved.  Frankly, after the NESCAC championship weekend, I would have gone with Luke Madden or Nadu.  Madden has game changing ability in both boxes and scored 3 goals during the season from the run of play.  Nadu is a game changer every time he touches the ball.  He will be on every scout the next 3 years.  To show you how crazy the PK influence is, it was Nadu who made a game changing play in the semis to create a PK which was missed  (and gets zero credit for anything).


I have four big snubs to raise. 

Mikey Brady from Tufts - top 5 in scoring (without the benefits of the 12 yard charity stripe) with big time goals and assists down the stretch in must win games against Williams and Bowdoin....The coaches pick a second year winner with a total of 1 conference goal and zero wins. Really? Why have these awards if the voters don't do a little work unless you are forcing a player for each team, which is kind of lame.

Either Ainsworth (Bowdoin) or Diffey (Williams) - way better save percentage and better overall numbers than one of the choices.

Kalinauskas (Amherst)- a far more deserving candidate than his own teammate who only played in 7 league games (but made the team last year). The best ability is availability. Last year 2 players made all conference with only 5 games played, which was really bad,  and this year you have one with 7 when a very very deserving candidate is right next to him. Simon also scored a handful of goals and when your offensive strategy is built around set pieces you need to reward the buys that knock'em in!

I thought Payne was a deserving winner, maybe even over teammates named.  He had 4 conference goals with two big ones down the stretch against Conn and Tufts.  His free kick over Conn was my regular season goal of the year (slight winner over Amhersts Cubbedu goal against Williams which may have been more impressive but less important in the grand scheme)


Other interesting observations.

Bowdoin with 3 first teammers versus Tufts and Conn at 1 each? Really? Bowdoin does not make the NCAAs nor the NESCAC final weekend, loses to Tufts twice in the same week in must win games. I guess the coaches were impressed with the combined 22-1 victories over UNE, USM and St Thomas, allowing players to run up their stats but also probably costing them an NCAA at large bid with the crushing SOS.

10 international players out of 30 players named.  I, for one, really welcome this talent as it improves the overall technical quality.

A lot of domestic geographic diversity with a handful of kids from the west coast, a Floridian, MidAtlantic, traditional New England, but the geographic winner is 2 kids from Rye, NY. Suburban NY not known as a hot bed for soccer, but produced two clutch scorers with proven production in NCAA and NESCAC tournament games.

GOOD LUCK to all!


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 08, 2023, 08:54:23 PM
Quote from: coach analytics on November 08, 2023, 08:35:24 PM
Congrats to all the award winners!  I think the coaches did a pretty good job on the subjective assessments.

I am not surprised at all but the coaches continue to reward the PK takers excessively.  I really think there were other better candidates for POY then their choice (who only had 1 goal and 2 assists in conference play besides PKs). I really love this player (and think highly of JSL from Mid) and if you read my preseason report, I picked him for POY, partly off the results of a really good NCAA tournament last season. 2 big time assists in crunch time to send MW to OT. However, there were far more deserving candidates.  Grady was my prediction, but maybe his costly error in the NESCAC semis cost him. His Defensive POY was still well deserved.  Frankly, after the NESCAC championship weekend, I would have gone with Luke Madden or Nadu.  Madden has game changing ability in both boxes and scored 3 goals during the season from the run of play.  Nadu is a game changer every time he touches the ball.  He will be on every scout the next 3 years.  To show you how crazy the PK influence is, it was Nadu who made a game changing play in the semis to create a PK which was missed  (and gets zero credit for anything).


I have three big snubs to raise. 

Mikey Brady from Tufts - top 5 in scoring (without the benefits of the 12 yard charity stripe) with big time goals and assists down the stretch in must win games against Williams and Bowdoin....The coaches pick a second year winner with a total of 1 conference goal and zero wins. Really? Why have these awards if the voters don't do a little work unless you are forcing a player for each team, which is kind of lame.

Either Ainsworth (Bowdoin) or Diffey (Williams) - way better save percentage and better overall numbers than one of the choices.

Kalinauskas (Amherst)- a far more deserving candidate than his own teammate who only played in 7 league games (but made the team last year). The best ability is availability. Last year 2 players made all conference with only 5 games played, which was really bad,  and this year you have one with 7 when a very very deserving candidate is right next to him. Simon also scored a handful of goals and when your offensive strategy is built around set pieces you need to reward the buys that knock'em in!


Other interesting observations.

Bowdoin with 3 first teammers versus Tufts and Conn at 1 each? Really? Bowdoin does not make the NCAAs nor the NESCAC final weekend, loses to Tufts twice in the same week in must win games. I guess the coaches were impressed with the combined 22-1 victories over UNE, USM and St Thomas, allowing players to run up their stats but also probably costing them an NCAA at large bid with the crushing SOS.

10 international players out of 30 players named.  I, for one, really welcome this talent as it improves the overall technical quality.

A lot of domestic geographic diversity with a handful of kids from the west coast, a Floridian, MidAtlantic, traditional New England, but the geographic winner is 2 kids from Rye, NY. Suburban NY not known as a hot bed for soccer, but produced two clutch scorers with proven production in NCAA and NESCAC tournament games.

GOOD LUCK to all!
Agree on Enmore Kitten (aka Kalinauskas).  My understanding is that the voting is done at the conclusion of the regular season.  With respect to geographic diversity, Grady is from Deerfield, IL and not Deerfield, MA, so you can add a midwest element there too.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 09, 2023, 06:55:26 AM
y understanding is that the voting is done at the conclusion of the regular season.

That would seem fair to people who did not make the playoffs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 09, 2023, 07:55:30 AM
NESCAC NCAA tourney draws, most difficult to least....Middlebury, Conn (nipping at Midd's heels), then significant drop to Tufts, and another drop to Amherst.  Agree?  Disagree?

NESCAC, like the UAA, starts with the possibility of three teams making the Final Four.  No NESCAC has to face another NESCAC until a potential blockbuster Elite 8 encounter between Amherst and Midd.  The teams surely cannot get ahead of themselves, but I can.  Who would host, which could be important...Amherst or Midd?  Or Cortland? 

If three NESCACs make the Final Four they would be joined by the survivor of the Calvin/Chicago/St Olaf/North Central quad.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: flyingdutchman on November 09, 2023, 11:06:57 AM

After reviewing the NESCAC awards, I have some thoughts. Firstly, congratulations to all the players! As a parent who has watched my son play against many of these award winners, I've been highly impressed with the abundant talent that the NESCAC consistently showcases year after year. I understand the case for Ada as the NESCAC Player of the Year; however, I personally would have chosen Madden. If you observe Middlebury's gameplay, you'll notice how well-organized they are defensively and how challenging it is to break down their back line. I firmly believe Madden made significant contributions to this defense and deserved the award.

In terms of snubs, I completely agree with Coach Analytics. I am shocked that Kalinauskas did not make either team. He was the backbone of the NESCAC Champions' defense and a real threat during set pieces, with 3 goals and 3 assists in the conference from the center-back position, which speaks for itself. While I understand that having too many Middlebury players in the 1st team might not be feasible, I think you could argue that Randolph and Nilsson deserved first-team recognition. Also believe Casanova deserved 1st team.

A couple of players on the 2nd team puzzle me. Ruehlemann from Wesleyan is undoubtedly a crafty and talented forward; however, I'm uncertain if he deserves the spot over some other players, especially considering he scored only 1 goal in conference play all year against Trinity. I suspect some bias might have influenced this decision, especially since he received an award last year. I'm also confused on how two Bowdoin defenders made the 2nd team. Some defenders, such as Kalinauskas and Campbell, really stood out towards the end of the year and deserved the recognition more.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: flyingdutchman on November 10, 2023, 12:05:50 PM
I would also like to highlight some of the players that I have watched this past year that I believe deserve recognition for their performances but don't necessarily get any spotlight. I'm going to stick with the top 4 teams, as these are the teams I primarily watched this past season so I don't have enough knowledge on the rest to share my input.

Midd:
# 2 Hank Nelson: Great outside back who was consistently solid this year defensively and shut down many talented wingers
# 8 Tyler Payne: Big time goals this year including the beautiful free kick vs Conn, and against Tufts the first go around. Seems like an engine in the midfield who has to fill an additional role left by the injury of Farrell.

Conn College:
# 35 Maurice Pigola: Very calm on the ball and can pick out a pass from anywhere. Was consistently switching the field and pivoting the midfield when I watched Conn play
#6 Alessandro Horvath Diano: Great on the ball, good tackler, and a key reason Conn is so successful building out of the back

Tufts:
# 19 Mateo Bargagna: Great 1v1 defender and even better getting forward. Very confident with the ball at his feet, tight and explosive dribbler.
# 14 Liam Gerken: Never seems to get tired and does most of the dirty work for that midfield. Kept on watching him track back and win balls back consistently. Small guy but feisty and gets stuck in.   

Amherst:
#7 Niall Murphy: Does a lot of the work for the forwards, presses a lot more then Nuhu and Ada and from his work rate he was able to create many chances for the Mammoths.
# 11 Jonny Novak: Another outside back who deserves more praise and had a great NESCAC post season tournament. Watched him match up with #23 from Tufts and lock him down in the championship match.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 10, 2023, 03:58:33 PM
Quote from: flyingdutchman on November 10, 2023, 12:05:50 PM
I would also like to highlight some of the players that I have watched this past year that I believe deserve recognition for their performances but don't necessarily get any spotlight. I'm going to stick with the top 4 teams, as these are the teams I primarily watched this past season so I don't have enough knowledge on the rest to share my input.

Midd:
# 2 Hank Nelson: Great outside back who was consistently solid this year defensively and shut down many talented wingers
# 8 Tyler Payne: Big time goals this year including the beautiful free kick vs Conn, and against Tufts the first go around. Seems like an engine in the midfield who has to fill an additional role left by the injury of Farrell.

Conn College:
# 35 Maurice Pigola: Very calm on the ball and can pick out a pass from anywhere. Was consistently switching the field and pivoting the midfield when I watched Conn play
#6 Alessandro Horvath Diano: Great on the ball, good tackler, and a key reason Conn is so successful building out of the back

Tufts:
# 19 Mateo Bargagna: Great 1v1 defender and even better getting forward. Very confident with the ball at his feet, tight and explosive dribbler.
# 14 Liam Gerken: Never seems to get tired and does most of the dirty work for that midfield. Kept on watching him track back and win balls back consistently. Small guy but feisty and gets stuck in.   

Amherst:
#7 Niall Murphy: Does a lot of the work for the forwards, presses a lot more then Nuhu and Ada and from his work rate he was able to create many chances for the Mammoths.
# 11 Jonny Novak: Another outside back who deserves more praise and had a great NESCAC post season tournament. Watched him match up with #23 from Tufts and lock him down in the championship match.


This is excellent.  Two other additions to the Honorable Mention list would be Ben Pensky from Tufts.  Very strong at the 6 and scored some goals as well. Also Matt Moran - center back at Trinity, excellent in the air in both boxes, and great 1v1 defender. Since Trinity played so direct without the horse up front to win 50/50 balls, Trinity took a lot of pressure and Moran was a warrior.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 12, 2023, 06:07:09 PM
Four NESCACs in the Sweet 16  :)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 12, 2023, 07:11:04 PM
NESCAC Musings as we await Sweet 16 games next weekend:

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 12, 2023, 08:46:56 PM
Never ever been a Vegimite fan, Bucket.  I think EnmoreKitten doesn't mind it.  All my Turkish toast needs is olive oil spread, or failing that, some amalgam that looks yellow, coats easily and hopefully won't kill me some day.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 14, 2023, 11:54:33 AM
On your Hopkins bullet... Nope. That's just how they do it. The ratchet up the pace and press the pedal down when necessary, but playing catch with the two backs and biding their time is just part of their DNA.

(I'd also say that this was rather important for them to do (possess, take a little air out of the game) in the 1st half coming off of little rest and a physically and emotionally grueling game against Babson the day before. NESCAC having multiple back-to-back weekends is, IMO, a huge psychological advantage for these teams come NCAA tournament time. This might happen out west a bit, and maybe in the UAA, but most teams on the east coast don't play a game within 24 hours of a prior match. And that's not an excuse or anything, just a fact.)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 14, 2023, 12:28:46 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 14, 2023, 11:54:33 AM
On your Hopkins bullet... Nope. That's just how they do it. The ratchet up the pace and press the pedal down when necessary, but playing catch with the two backs and biding their time is just part of their DNA.

(I'd also say that this was rather important for them to do (possess, take a little air out of the game) in the 1st half coming off of little rest and a physically and emotionally grueling game against Babson the day before. NESCAC having multiple back-to-back weekends is, IMO, a huge psychological advantage for these teams come NCAA tournament time. This might happen out west a bit, and maybe in the UAA, but most teams on the east coast don't play a game within 24 hours of a prior match. And that's not an excuse or anything, just a fact.)

Got it. And this makes sense, as you explain.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LibbyMoore on November 14, 2023, 04:37:32 PM


What does that mean for this weekend, do they lose their assistant coach for a game? Has this ever happened in the tournament? :-*
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 14, 2023, 06:35:55 PM
Quote from: LibbyMoore on November 14, 2023, 04:37:32 PM

  • But I'm not going to go so easy on the Camels (continued) egregious behavior. A red card on an assistant? In the waning moments of a tied match? Talk about setting a horrendous example

What does that mean for this weekend, do they lose their assistant coach for a game? Has this ever happened in the tournament? :-*

Coach is out for 1st game. Not unprecedented
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 14, 2023, 08:51:41 PM
NESCAC Sweet 16 Preview

Amherst - Is anyone surprised that Amherst is sitting in the sweet 16 and hosting at Hitchcock Field?  I am sure the sprinklers are on and the lawn mowers are no where to be found.  They will be a tough out on their home field.  The skill of Ada and Nuhu on the outside is devastating in that they can beat players 1v1 and also create numerous corners, set pieces and long throws.  Stevens, while able to hold on for dear life for 90+ minutes, eventually faltered.  They came into the game expecting a soccer match and learned it would be more a combination of wrestling and volleyball all rolled into one.  Although I have been a constant critic of their style, you have to admire Justin Serpone's tactics in round 1 when he barely used his starters, risking a first round upset, to be able to unleash his top crew for nearly 110 minutes in round 2.

I have not seen Occidental play but I am sure they are well deserving and will put up a fight.  They traveled to Texas and came away with two impressive wins even though one was aided by an early red card on opposing keeper.   At least they are used to getting fouled hard, which will definitely occur on Saturday. They also have another impressive road victory against Redlands. Amherst has been very reliant on the set piece goal as of late except for Nuhu's heroics.  Perhaps this is a function of one of my favorite midfield maestros Cubbedu being out with injury.  The Stevens game proves you can wait a long time for this result which is why I think they are at risk.

No players in the league had more playoff experience than Ada and Cubeddu. Although both hoisted back to back league trophies, you bet they are expecting to hoist the big one.

Middlebury - As I have said in the past, I think they have the best collection of talent across the field in the league and a lot of "senior experience". They are generating a lot of legit scoring chances. Like Tufts, they used a dominant first half performance to knock of the storied Hopkins program and held on in a more competitive second half.  Their big game players, highlight by St Louis, have stepped up recently and their scoring potential is top of the group.

I have not seen Cortland play but they have an impressive resume and SOS.  They were able to advance on PKs against a very good CWRU squad where they used a PK in regulation but were unable to hold on for the win.  One thing that I would point out is that they do not have a signature road win (except possibly Brockport), losing to Rochester and tieing Rowan on the road. While this is a neutral site road and Middlebury has also not put up an impressive road victory, Middlebury is a little more familiar with the peculiarities of Hitchcock Field so will have that as an advantage.

I want to believe that talent will win out and Middlebury will sail to their first final 4 in many many years, I predict it will come down to how the referees handle Amherst style.  If the refs, like in the NESCAC tournament,  allows Amherst to clutch and grab and tactically foul, without setting the tone with yellows, it could be a long day.  Also Amherst brings in considerable more experience and home field which both help even the playing field.  Ada and Cubeddu have played in 20+ playoff (NESCAC and NCAA) games. 

However, Middlebury has the big time keeper and CB Madden has the size and strength to dominate the defensive box.  He will be needed to fight off the 30+ launches in the box that they will generate on the small and slow pitch.  The winner of this potential match up could be hoisting the trophy in VA.

Tufts - no team has come on stronger and been more impressive in the last month than Tufts, their front four have really matured and produced big goals down the stretch.  Also, Bargagna is playing aggressively, getting forward and had 3 assist over the weekend.Like Middlebury, Tufts used a dominant first half performance to beat Rochester and held on at the end when the momentum shifted.  Their GK proved the ability to come up big.  While they are still relatively young with big contributions from juniors and sophomores, they also have tons of playoff experience among their leaders.

Also, lets face it, while every team left is very, very capable, the Messiah loss was a "gift from God" as it allowed Tufts to be the top remaining seed in their group and host another weekend.

W&L is a storied program in D3 and put up impressive results in a very solid region.  They have a big time scorer up front, something not really seen this year in the NESCAC where the scoring has been much more spread out at the top teams.  It will be interesting to see how the Jumbos scheme to neutralize this level of talent. Either Colorado or Ohio Northern will be very strong challenges if Tufts does advance. 

I certainly like Tufts chances to make it to the final four since they are hosting.  Their leaders Traynor, Clivio, Brady, Campbell and Gerkin have a ton of playoff experience and Traynor has a ring and has been part of 20+ playoff games. However, we all remember the classic 2021 elite 8 match up where Conn shrugged off 2 deficits to end the three peat hope of the Jumbos at home in a wild 5-4 road victory for the Camels.

Conn College - They look like the most battle tested so far of the group with an epic OT/PK advancement over host and highly ranked F&M last weekend after needing OT and 2 PKs during OT to take down a scrappy Denison team.  While certainly a very solid if not down right spectacular team all season, Conn seems to be limping a bit right now.  I love their tactics with a high level of possession orientation but their firepower has not been there.  In their four playoff games, they have not produced many goals from the run of play, needing PKs, set pieces, which is really not their strength compared to others, or goalie mistakes (like F&M).  They seem content to play super conservatively. Perhaps the mid season injury to Jauran, one of my (and PN) favorites in one of the reasons for the lack of dangerous play in the final third.

They probably have, on paper, the toughest 3rd round game versus Montclair State who has a big time scorer in their mix and an impressive resume.  MS did lose their one NESCAC match up of the season at home to Amherst in what best can be described as a blood bath.  If Conn can get by MS, then a probable away match up at Mary Washington, last seasons NESCAC slayer, will be a tall order.  In my opinion, MW had the most impressive season of any non-NESCAC with its only loss on the road at Messiah and several other signature wins on the road, neutral and at home.

However don't forget that the core of this team, Creuss, Scaffone, Cervezo, Sylvester, and AHD have a ton of deep playoff experience and a ring to show for it.  That will mean something on the road in a dogfight as they have already proven.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Gray Fox on November 15, 2023, 02:24:15 PM
One poster elsewhere pointed out that an Amherst senior, an Oxy senior and an Oxy sophomore all played on the same high school team.
It rained for two days straight in San Antonio last week.  So a wet grass field will not be a shock to the tigers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 15, 2023, 03:33:19 PM
It is supposed to rain on Saturday!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 16, 2023, 10:30:03 AM
Big time Players

Big time players step it up in big time games.  The NESCAC is blessed with a lot of big time players.  I have looked at how the front four/top four scorers for each of the remaining teams have stepped up and produced in big time games.  I looked at the number of goals (not including the 12 yard charity stripe) and assists each player has produced in the big moments of the season - conference games, conference playoffs and NCAA games.

Middlebury has shown the most production, not surprising since they have set a program record for goals (maybe that was the motivation behind the early season blowouts where starters racked up big numbers).  My analysis also highlights that Conn has struggled a bit to produce against big time competition, although in fairness they had the toughest first weekend of NCAA games.

Here is the data (the first number is conference regular season, second number is conference and NCAA playoff production)

Middlebury
JSL 4 plus 4 = 8
Payne 4 plus 2 = 6
Randolph 6 plus 2  = 8
Nillson 6 plus 2 = 8

Tufts
Traynor- 5 plus 2 = 7
Feigin - 5 plus 1 = 6
Brady - 6 plus 1 = 7
Yanez - 2 plus 3 = 5

Amherst
Nuhu 4 plus 3 = 7
Ada 4 plus 0 = 4
Cubbedu 6 plus 0(hurt) = 6
Sung 5 plus 2 = 7

Conn
Creus 6 plus 1 =7
Scaffone 4 plus 0= 4
Spatz  3 plus 0 = 3
Pilson  3 plus 0 = 3
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on November 16, 2023, 01:13:07 PM
Interesting stat. Not sure it says anything about a clutch gene unless you take out Trinity, Colby and Bates.

Other than a Scaffone assist the bottom 3 teams listed-players did nothing vs their non conference common opponent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: coach analytics on November 16, 2023, 11:23:48 PM
Big Time Players - Part 2

The NESCAC is blessed with many big time players.  By virtue of an 8 team conference tournament which provides up to 3 games per year as well as long runs in the NCAA tournament, NESCAC players get ample opportunity to produce on the big stage.

I would like to highlight four players, who may be playing in their last year, who have unmatched playoff experience and have stepped up and produced in big moments.

Ada Okoroheye - Amherst
Ada, 2023 NESCAC player of the year, has had a remarkable career.  He has 2 NESCAC championships and has competed in a remarkable 27 playoff games where he has produced 4 goals and 4 assists.  His production probably understates his importance to the Mammoths where his break down ability on the outside creates the long throws, corners, and set piece opportunities where Amherst thrives.  His highlights are many but the late game assist last season where he beat 2 players and served up one to Aidan Curtis to force OT against a Mary Washington team in the 2022 NCAA sweet 16 round was a big time play.

Jordan St Louis - Middlebury
JSL has also been a high producers for 3 years, especially when hitting the NCAA tournament.  His 5 goals and 7 assists, (although heavily skewed toward the opening round) over 13 playoff performances is remarkable production.  As pointed out before, he also converts PKs at a high rate. His highlight passing was best seen in the 2021 first round match up where he found Shane Farrell in the box for the game winner late in the game just seconds after his GK Grady made a finger tip save to keep them alive.  This goal showed off his dribbling, composure and vision.

Jake Creus - Conn College
Creus, an All NESCAC performer and National Champion, has participated in a remarkable 16 playoff games and produced 3 goals and 3 assists despite mostly coming off the bench.  He notched the regulation goal this past weekend by taking advantage of a rebound to help his squad get to PKs and then sealed the 7th round PK.  He has probably the single greatest NESCAC individual performance.   In the 2021 NCAA quarterfinals, in just a 20 minutes span, Creus had a goal and 3 assists, including a one time banger into the upper 90 to open the second half.  This performance changed the dialogue in D3 soccer by keeping Tufts from a likely 3 peat.

Sean Traynor - Tufts
If you are counting trophies, Traynor has the title with 2 NESCAC championships and a ring for a National Championship.  He has played in a remarkable 3 NESCAC finals and a total of 19 playoff games, putting up 4 goals and 3 assists, including 2 game winners.  In addition to his game winner this weekend over Rochester, his top highlight was the game winner in the 2021 NESCAC finals where he picked the defenders pocket and went 50 yards to beat the goalie.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on November 16, 2023, 11:51:24 PM
Hahahaha!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 04, 2023, 12:25:05 PM
Amherst with its third title game loss in the last four tourneys, which has gotta burn.  Still, everyone else who didn't win a title would much rather go out in the title game, than to do so far earlier.  There are endless pages of conversation about the Amherst program's culture on the 2023 NCAA Tournament thread -- a lot of folks were rooting for Amherst to lose in the final four, fairly or unfairly.  Amherst suffers some big losses to graduation in particular Ada Okorogheye, but with Nuhu around for another three years and loads of returning talent overall they will surely continue to be in the mix.  As will whichever teams finish in the top 4-5 in NESCAC ...

Disappointing year for Williams soccer which started off badly with lots of defections from the program and bad juju reported here.  The good news is that the future COULD be very bright if that problem has resolved itself, as Williams played competitively with an incredibly young roster this year, and one of the only two seniors to play, star GK Ben Diffley, is coming back for his COVID year.  14 of Williams' 19 goals came from underclassmen (only one from a senior), as did 14 of 17 assists (again, only one from a senior).  About half of the total production was from the talented first year class.  Hopefully taking some lumps with an incredibly young squad will pay dividends next season.  The Ephs tended to beat the lesser teams on the schedule but struggled against the top four teams in the conference, and if at least a few of the young guys make a big jump they should be able to close that gap considerably ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on December 04, 2023, 12:33:53 PM
Cross posting from NCAA Tournament thread
Combining the reply to this question with several others about willingness of referees to give cards.  This is a complicated issue.
I have compiled data for the last four complete seasons https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oVIm2Bv1lgbTZqF0aZdec-2YzZJvBGK-bhBkbZr0fBU/edit?usp=sharing  This is data for all 40 of the conferences that have an automatic qualifier in division 3 men's soccer.  I have highlighted conferences based in New England in yellow (you will see why if you bear with me).  A summary of the findings:  There are seven conferences that are primarily in New England:  Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), Little East Conference (LEC), Massachusetts State Athletic Conference (MASCAC), New England Women and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) and North Atlantic Conference (NEC).

National Ranking in yellow cards per team for 2023
MASCAC 12th
LEC 15th
NESCAC 27th (and it was much lower before the NCAA tournament)
NEWMAC 33rd
NAC 38th
CCC 39th
GNAC 40th

2022 Rankings
MASCAC 33rd
NEWMAC 34th
NAC 35th
NESCAC 36th
GNAC 37th
LEC 38th
CCC 39th

2021 Rankings
LEC 23rd
NESCAC 24th
NEWMAC 29th
GNAC 31st
NAC 36th
MASCAC 38th
CCC 40th

2019 Rankings
LEC 13th
MASCAC 19th
CCC 30th
NAC 32nd
NESCAC 34th
NEWMAC 36th
GNAC 39th

The LEC and the MASCAC are the only New England Conferences to finish in the top half of the yellows per team ranking, and each did so twice.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on December 04, 2023, 12:34:30 PM
Refs and Cards Part 2

As you can see by my prior post, New England referees in general are very slow to give cards compare to the rest of the country. So why is this the case?  First, several of these conferences are assigned by the same individual (NESCAC and GNAC).  With respect to the NESCAC, the coaches get what they want.  They do not want players suspended for card accumulation, and they do not want referees who give out a lot of cards on their matches.  The coaches are very influential in picking the assignor.  NESCAC games in particular are perceived to be among the best college games in the country, and referees want to be chosen to do those games, so they adjust their behavior accordingly.  A second complicating factor is that within New England, states such as Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine do not have a broad base of highly competitive youth and amateur leagues that are crucial to referee development.  Massachusetts and Connecticut do have this, but these referees are incentivized by #1 above.  Third, while the NCAA can and does issue points of emphasis and provide referee education, the bottom line is that referees are more concerned about pleasing their regular season assignor than an organization that only assigns post-season games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerpapa on December 04, 2023, 12:51:03 PM
Coach appropriately, have a good team culture and you do not need to worry about yellow card accumulation.....

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on December 04, 2023, 12:56:19 PM
No disagreement with you there.  I am describing the way things are and trying to offer explanations.  It is definitely not my preferred state of affairs. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on December 04, 2023, 12:59:39 PM
Thanks for the insight, even a casual observation seems to point out your finding.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: JimmyPP on December 06, 2023, 04:24:10 PM
Justin Serpone....the Marv Levy of NCAA D3 Soccer! (if you're young and you don't know Coach Levy.....look it up!)

What a clown. With Amherst's talent over the years, any decent coach would have won 5 titles. Big time poser.

He's a much better waterboy than coach....he should go back to Duke or Northwestern. They could use a hype-man like him on the sidelines, especially for halftime entertainment.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on December 06, 2023, 05:19:01 PM
You really have to question Serpone's tactics now losing in 3 national finals.

2019 they got outplayed but we can let that go because that Tufts team was legit.

2021&2023 were similar themes: Amherst was exhausted. If you go back to both finals, Amherst has players who cannot walk because they have pulled muscles etc. This is directly correlated to tactics. Amherst comes out flying and tries to win the game in the first half. As seen with Conn and St. Olaf, both teams had the better of the play in the second half once Amherst got tired. 2023 W&L in the semis dominated the game in the last 20min + OT.

Also, in 2021, Wu (centerback) had to be taken off the field in OT because he pulled his hamstring, but then somehow is allowed to take the first penalty kick? That makes no sense. In fact, Amherst let 3 defenders take the first 3 pks in 2021 and lost. That's the players fault or coach? You would think Giammattei, Ada, Cubeddu would have taken a kick but no.


Impressive to win the nescac and to constantly compete for a title, but you would think there would be some better decision making in the last two finals.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on December 06, 2023, 09:45:06 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on December 06, 2023, 05:19:01 PM
You really have to question Serpone's tactics now losing in 3 national finals.

2019 they got outplayed but we can let that go because that Tufts team was legit.

2021&2023 were similar themes: Amherst was exhausted. If you go back to both finals, Amherst has players who cannot walk because they have pulled muscles etc. This is directly correlated to tactics. Amherst comes out flying and tries to win the game in the first half. As seen with Conn and St. Olaf, both teams had the better of the play in the second half once Amherst got tired. 2023 W&L in the semis dominated the game in the last 20min + OT.

Also, in 2021, Wu (centerback) had to be taken off the field in OT because he pulled his hamstring, but then somehow is allowed to take the first penalty kick? That makes no sense. In fact, Amherst let 3 defenders take the first 3 pks in 2021 and lost. That's the players fault or coach? You would think Giammattei, Ada, Cubeddu would have taken a kick but no.


Impressive to win the nescac and to constantly compete for a title, but you would think there would be some better decision making in the last two finals.
Ada missed his PK this year vs W&L so it may not always be clear cut....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on December 07, 2023, 11:31:32 AM
Quote from: JimmyPP on December 06, 2023, 04:24:10 PM
Justin Serpone....the Marv Levy of NCAA D3 Soccer! (if you're young and you don't know Coach Levy.....look it up!)


Hmmm. Definite a parallel analogy, except that they did win and that probably contributed to their subsequent success.  When teams succeed and the coach continues, they do get to attract very good talent which may be the case with Amherst. If a kid wants to play, he obviously wants to play for a team that has a shot. Plus Amherst has an excellent academic reputation.  However, how the coach uses (or over uses) the talent is the question. Definitely agree that Amherst should have have won a few more and their style may be the overwhelming factor as to why not.

Tufts is an another example.  Messiah is the best, but they have actual depth and a great reputation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on December 07, 2023, 11:43:41 AM
If you've been around teams preparing for tournament time with PK "practice," you put those kickers under as much as much stress as possible (loud music, putting the players in a tight arc closing in on the kicker, etc) and you see what guys will do.

It's such a foreign, out of normal run of play activity that sometimes offense-minded players, sometimes even guys that are clinical finishers, just aren't good at it. Defenders and, yes, even goalies are sometimes your best PK takers because they don't over think it and just have a set spot and they whack it there and jog back to their 'mates.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on February 23, 2024, 01:40:26 PM
 Hello NESCAC!  Now that the forum is back up is there any newsworthy soccer information you care to share about the conference?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on February 23, 2024, 04:41:07 PM
Quote from: maineman on February 23, 2024, 01:40:26 PMHello NESCAC!  Now that the forum is back up is there any newsworthy soccer information you care to share about the conference?

Not only NESCAC news, but Maine NESCAC news:

Noah Riskind resigned from Bates and Ben Brewster from UMass Amherst was hired as his replacement:

https://gobatesbobcats.com/news/2024/2/19/ben-brewster-named-head-mens-soccer-coach-at-bates.aspx

And just today it was announced that Colby has hired Greg Cumpstone from Wesleyan, where he was associate head coach, to be its new head coach.

https://colbyathletics.com/news/2024/2/23/Cumpstone_release.aspx

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on February 26, 2024, 05:09:54 PM
Quick Spring question - of course having to be different does anyone know the official Spring rules for NESCAC vs all of D3?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: smoova on February 26, 2024, 09:40:25 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on February 26, 2024, 05:09:54 PMQuick Spring question - of course having to be different does anyone know the official Spring rules for NESCAC vs all of D3?

I believe it is the same as lacrosse in fall 2023: 10 coach practices.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on February 27, 2024, 09:56:22 AM
Quote from: smoova on February 26, 2024, 09:40:25 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on February 26, 2024, 05:09:54 PMQuick Spring question - of course having to be different does anyone know the official Spring rules for NESCAC vs all of D3?

I believe it is the same as lacrosse in fall 2023: 10 coach practices.
10 vs 24 practices for NESCAC as well as no scrimmage.....I would love to know what percentage of players like the "focus on academics" vs the ability to train......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: smoova on February 28, 2024, 11:59:18 AM
Quote from: Newenglander on February 27, 2024, 09:56:22 AM
Quote from: smoova on February 26, 2024, 09:40:25 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on February 26, 2024, 05:09:54 PMQuick Spring question - of course having to be different does anyone know the official Spring rules for NESCAC vs all of D3?

I believe it is the same as lacrosse in fall 2023: 10 coach practices.
10 vs 24 practices for NESCAC as well as no scrimmage.....I would love to know what percentage of players like the "focus on academics" vs the ability to train......

In my limited experience, most players greatly appreciate the NESCAC model/limitations and a majority of the juniors use their off-season to do a semester abroad.
Title: Reported 2024 NESCAC commitments to date
Post by: Viking on February 28, 2024, 12:52:38 PM
Nice to have you back, d3boards. Thanks to the folks behind the scenes for all the hard work to get the boards up again. Shout out to SimpleCoach as well, who offered an alternative at d3soccer.fans while this board was down (one of the many ways he contributes to the D3 soccer community).

Here is the annual half-baked, incomplete, semi-reliable compilation of reported NESCAC Class of commitments to date. All the usual warnings apply. Information is from the usual public sources, including websites and social media posts shared by clubs, schools, college soccer news outlets, and individuals, and thus should be taken about as seriously as you'd take anything reported there. The info that's dodgiest by far is player positions; I wouldn't trust that a lick. This list will change a lot in the months to come as people share additions, new reports emerge, recruits get announced, mistakes get corrected, and the usual embarrassing miscommunications and premature announcements shake out.

Updated March 28. Additions since I last edited this list are in red.

REPORTED INCOMING NESCAC CLASS OF 2024 RECRUITS AND TRANSFERS

Amherst
Michael Cherico, F, Pateadores SC/Mater Dei HS, CA
Samuel Davis, D/M, Met Oval A/Bronx HS of Science, NY
Enoch Duodu, M, Taft S, Ghana/CT
Jacob Lahlou, F, Colorado Rapids/Kent Denver S, CO
Trey Sheppard, G, Ohio Premier SC/Olentangy Berlin HS, OH

Bates
Luca Balzano, G, Palm Beach United FC/Benjamin S, FL
Julian Gravereaux, D, New England Surf SC/Phillips A Andover, MA
Geoge Nassar, G, New England Surf SC/Newton North HS, MA
Zachary Perron, M, Lehigh Valley United/Hunterdon Central Regional HS, NJ

Liam Rorke, F, Phillips A Andover, NH/MA

Bowdoin
Arthur Dos Santos, F, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
Liam Myers, D, Chicago FC United/New Trier HS, IL
Alexander Nicholas, F/M, Bethesda SC/St. John's College HS, MD
Jonathan Perez, G, Hopkins S, CT
Adam Prince, M, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
Kyriakos Psaromatis, M/F, NEFC/Worcester A, DC/MA
Liam Rorke, F, Phillips A Andover, NH/MA

Colby
Drew Kogelmann, M, Celtic SC/State College Area HS, PA
Will Kogelmann, D/M, Celtic SC/State College Area HS, PA
Zane Matraji, M, Seacoast United SC/Phillips A Andover, MA
Alec Pentikis, F/M, Woodstock A, NJ/CT
Theo Scott, D, Colorado Rapids YSC/East HS, CO
Stefan Verbeek, M, Eagle FC/Hershey HS, PA

Conn
Dylan Hoke, D/M, Beachside SC/Staples HS, CT
Caleb Huang, F, Boston Bolts SC/Hopkinton HS, MA
Henry Lester, F, Seacoast United SC/Northfield Mount Hermon S, ME/MA
Charlie Riegel, M/D, Suffield A, CT
Thomas Rooney, D, Boston Bolts SC/Newton North HS, MA
Owen Walsh, M, United FA/St. Pius X Catholic HS, GA

Hamilton
Daniel Becker, M/F, North Shore Country Day S, IL
Ignacio Hahn, F/M, White Plains A/Woodstock A, CT
Michael Hehir, D/M, IMG A, HI/FL
Zander Laidlaw, M, Seacoast United SC/Needham HS, MA
Jonah Zaas, D, New England Surf SC/Middlesex S, NC/MA

Middlebury
Leon Brody, G, Black Rock FC/Northwood S, Canada/NY
Antonio Cosentino, D, Boston Bolts SC/Noble and Greenough S, MA
Samuel Dolan, D, Manhattan SC/Collegiate S, NY
JT Federman, D, LA Surf SC/Harvard-Westlake S, CA
Anderson Gardner, F, Spire FC/University S, OH
Keagan Harder, M, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
Charles Johnson, D, Boston Bolts SC/Rivers S, MA
Quinn Pappendick, M, Boston Bolts SC/Noble and Greenough S, MA

Trinity
Graham Buchanan, D, STA/Taft S, NJ/CT
Chris Connelly, F, Hingham HS, MA
Sam Duncanson, D, transfer from Le Moyne C (Division II→I)
Sebastian Miller, M, New England Surf SC/Bridgton A, MA/ME
Nadeem Rizk, F, Intercontinental FA of New England/Bridgton A, MA/ME
Felix Schmidt, G, transfer from NJIT (Division III)
Wangchen Sherpa, M, Cedar Stars A/Little Red S House & Elisabeth Irwin HS, NY
Dieder Wagner, D, Seacoast United SC/Phillips A Exeter, NH
Charlie Young, M/F, Choate Rosemary Hall, IL/CT

Tufts
Addison Bergin, D, AC Connecticut/Woodstock A, CT
Griffin Bone, D, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
Ellis Denby, M, Phillips A Andover, MA
Chris Glenney, D, Pennsylvania Classics AC/State College Area HS, PA
Will Nicholas, M/F, Santa Monica Surf SC/Crossroads S, CA
Thomas Yanez, M, PDA/Pingry S, NJ

Wesleyan
Sam Adiutori, G, RNY FC, NY
Gabriel Gonzales Davidian, D, Met Oval A/BASIS Independent Manhattan, NY
Patrick Gallagher, M, Taft S, England/CT
Nolan Jacobi, M, Taft S, CT
Joseph Kwon, M, Lonestar SC/Bowie HS, TX
John Senn-McNally, D, Boston Bolts SC/Northfield Mount Hermon S, MA
Davis Wilmot, M, RNY FC, NY

Williams
Alex Bethencourt Bohoyo, F, LA Surf SC/Mira Costa HS, CA
Benjamin Brown, D/F, Hotchkiss S, NY/CT
Chase Caires, D, Seacoast United SC/Chelmsford HS, MA
Ali Coleman, F, NEFC/Noble and Greenough S, MA
Kai Darrell, G, Deerfield A, NY/MA
Lorcan Mitchell, F, Intercontinental FA of New England/Loomis Chaffee S, MA
Luda Ruta, F/M, Blau Weiss Gottschee/Horace Mann S, NY


REPORTED OUTGOING TRANSFERS FOR 2024

Colby
Myles Culley, M, transfer to Davidson College (Division I)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on February 28, 2024, 01:22:24 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on February 27, 2024, 09:56:22 AM
Quote from: smoova on February 26, 2024, 09:40:25 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on February 26, 2024, 05:09:54 PMQuick Spring question - of course having to be different does anyone know the official Spring rules for NESCAC vs all of D3?

I believe it is the same as lacrosse in fall 2023: 10 coach practices.
10 vs 24 practices for NESCAC as well as no scrimmage.....I would love to know what percentage of players like the "focus on academics" vs the ability to train......

I reckon I know how the parents like the balance...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on February 28, 2024, 05:29:56 PM
Some Williams additions:

Alex Bethencourt, L.A. Surf
Chase Caires, Seacoast United
Lorcan Mitchell, Loomis Chaffee

If Duodo is anything like fellow Amherst Ghana import Nuhu, that will be scary for the league. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on February 28, 2024, 07:33:29 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on February 28, 2024, 01:22:24 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on February 27, 2024, 09:56:22 AM
Quote from: smoova on February 26, 2024, 09:40:25 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on February 26, 2024, 05:09:54 PMQuick Spring question - of course having to be different does anyone know the official Spring rules for NESCAC vs all of D3?

I believe it is the same as lacrosse in fall 2023: 10 coach practices.
10 vs 24 practices for NESCAC as well as no scrimmage.....I would love to know what percentage of players like the "focus on academics" vs the ability to train......

I reckon I know how the parents like the balance...
to be honest I may be in the minority but I wouldn't mind if they trained more - have you seen the college schedule? Plenty of downtime and some students actually thrive better in the structure......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on March 05, 2024, 04:15:06 AM
https://blakesilverman.com/blog/amherst-williams-biggest-little-game-america/

It's not soccer, but I enjoyed this piece about the Amherst/Williams football rivalry.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on March 19, 2024, 12:25:15 PM
A bit of news on an Amherst recruit:

Michael Cherico, who plays club with Pateadores ECNL and HS soccer with Mater Dei, was named California Interscholastic Federation, Southern Section Player of the Year for the Open Division.  Cherico, who scored 22 goals and had 17 assists in 25 games for Mater Dei this year, is a 6'5" striker who continues Serpone's penchant for recruiting "mammoth" guys. The Open Division is the playoff bracket that consists of the best teams from any size/division school and the Southern Section is the most populous part of California (much larger than most states). 

There are a ton of really strong players who don't play HS soccer in Southern California because of MLS Next or MLS Academies, but there are still plenty left to make this a big achievement.  A number of guys on the Open Division first team are going DI (including a Penn commit who scored 31 goals and had 12 assists and a UNC commit who had 31 goals and 6 assists), but the DIII recruit was named player of the year.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on March 28, 2024, 01:40:40 PM
Oops. Welp, I clearly haven't mastered this new board's interface yet. Rather than posting an updated list of reported 2024 NESCAC recruits, I tried to edit the previously posted list above, and ... yikes. So I'm doing what I was trying to avoid and reposting the long list with additions highlighted. Sorry.

The warnings: This list is incomplete and semi-reliable. Information is from the usual public sources, including websites and social media posts shared by clubs, schools, college soccer news outlets, and individuals, and thus should be taken about as seriously as you'd take anything reported there. Reported player positions are especially unreliable; don't trust that a lick. This list will change a lot in the weeks to come as people share additions, new reports emerge, recruits get announced, mistakes get corrected, and the usual embarrassing miscommunications and premature announcements shake out.

Additions since the last version in late February are in red.

REPORTED INCOMING NESCAC CLASS OF 2024 RECRUITS AND TRANSFERS

Amherst
Michael Cherico, F, Pateadores SC/Mater Dei HS, CA
Samuel Davis, D/M, Met Oval A/Bronx HS of Science, NY
Jacob Dinzeo, M, St. Croix SC/Hill-Murray S, MN
Enoch Duodu, M, Taft S, Ghana/CT
Jacob Lahlou, F/D, Colorado Rapids/Kent Denver S, CO
Obed Opoku, F/M, Cedar Stars A/Salisbury S, Ghana/NJ/CT
Trey Sheppard, G, Ohio Premier SC/Olentangy Berlin HS, OH

Bates
Luca Balzano, G, Palm Beach United FC/Benjamin S, FL
Julian Gravereaux, D, New England Surf SC/Phillips A Andover, MA
Andrew Jean Baptiste, F, Choate Rosemary Hall, NJ/CT
Geoge Nassar, G, New England Surf SC/Newton North HS, MA
Zachary Perron, M, Lehigh Valley United (PA)/Hunterdon Central Regional HS, NJ
Kyriakos Psaromatis, M, NEFC/Worcester A, DC/MA
Liam Rorke, M, Phillips A Andover, NH/MA
Hewitt Stevenson, M, Silicon Valley SA/Menlo-Atherton HS, CA

Bowdoin
Arthur Dos Santos, F, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
Andrew Markham, M, Lamorinda SC/Berkeley HS, CA
Liam Myers, D, Chicago FC United/New Trier HS, IL
Alexander Nicholas, F/M, Bethesda SC/St. John's College HS, MD
Jonathan Perez, G, Hopkins S, CT
Adam Prince, M, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
Liam Rorke, F, Phillips A Andover, NH/MA

Colby
Drew Kogelmann, M, Eagle FC/State College Area HS, PA
Will Kogelmann, M/D, Eagle FC/State College Area HS, PA
Zane Matraji, M, Seacoast United SC/Phillips A Andover, MA
Jasper Paez, D/M, transfer from Siena C (Division I)
Alec Pentikis, F, Cedar Stars A/Woodstock A, NJ/CT
Theo Scott, D, Colorado Rapids YSC/East HS, CO
Ryan Szczepkowski, D, HEX FC/Germantown A, PA
C.J. Supan, M/D, Pipeline SC/John Carroll S, MD
Andy Uku, M, Future SA (NJ)/Collegiate S, NY
Stefan Verbeek, M, Eagle FC/Hershey HS, PA
Jason Wallack, F/M, transfer from Monmouth U (Division I)
Elijah Weston-Capulong, M, transfer from TuftsU (not NCAA roster) after Eture FC gap year (Spain), NY

Conn
Dylan Hoke, D, Beachside SC/Staples HS, CT
Caleb Huang, F, Boston Bolts SC/Hopkinton HS, MA
Henry Lester, F/M, Seacoast United SC/Northfield Mount Hermon S, ME/MA
Marco Perugini, M, transfer from Union C (Division III)
Charlie Riegel, D, Suffield A, CT
Thomas Rooney, D, Boston Bolts SC/Newton North HS, MA
Owen Walsh, M, United FA/St. Pius X Catholic HS, GA

Hamilton
Daniel Becker, M/F, North Shore Country Day S, IL
Royce Carol, D/M, Charlotte SA/Woodlawn S, NC
Ignacio Hahn, F/M, White Plains A/Woodstock A, CT
Michael Hehir, D/M, IMG A, HI/FL
Zander Laidlaw, M, Seacoast United SC/Needham HS, MA
Troy Miller, Oakwood SC/RHAM HS, CT
Zach Tracy, M, Seacoast United SC/Hanover HS, VT
Jonah Zaas, D, New England Surf SC/Middlesex S, NC/MA

Middlebury
Eduardo Artacho, F, Manhattan SC/Browning S, NY
Leon Brody, G, Black Rock FC/Northwood S, Canada/NY
Eduardo Casanova, F, transfer from Colby C (Division III)
Antonio Cosentino, D, Boston Bolts SC/Noble and Greenough S, MA
Samuel Dolan, D, Manhattan SC/Collegiate S, NY
JT Federman, D, LA Surf SC/Harvard-Westlake S, CA
Anderson Gardner, F, Spire FC/University S, OH
Keagan Harder, M, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
Charles Johnson, D, Boston Bolts SC/Rivers S, MA
Quinn Pappendick, M, Boston Bolts SC/Noble and Greenough S, MA
Tiger Xie, G, Power FC/Upper Canada C, China/Canada (Feb?)

Trinity
Graham Buchanan, D, STA/Taft S, NJ/CT
Chris Connelly, F, Hingham HS, MA
Sam Duncanson, D, transfer from Le Moyne C (Division II→I)
Sebastian Miller, M, New England Surf SC/Bridgton A, MA/ME
Nadeem Rizk, F, Intercontinental FA of New England/Bridgton A, MA/ME
Felix Schmidt, G, transfer from NJIT (Division III)
Wangchen Sherpa, M, Cedar Stars A/Little Red S House & Elisabeth Irwin HS, NY
Collin Spiro, D, Masconomet Regional HS, MA
Dieder Wagner, D, Seacoast United SC/Phillips A Exeter, NH
Charlie Young, M/F, Choate Rosemary Hall, IL/CT

Tufts
Addison Bergin, D, AC Connecticut/Woodstock A, CT
Griffin Bone, D, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
Ellis Denby, M, Phillips A Andover, MA
Zach Garber, D, Cedar Stars A (NJ)/Jericho HS, NY
Chris Glenney, D, Pennsylvania Classics AC/State College Area HS, PA
Will Nicholas, M/F, Santa Monica Surf SC/Crossroads S, CA
Ryan Rizvi, D, Downtown United SC/Packer Collegiate I, NJ/NY
Thomas Yanez, M, PDA/Pingry S, NJ

Wesleyan
Sam Adiutori, G, RNY FC, NY
Gabriel Gonzales Davidian, D, Met Oval A/BASIS Independent Manhattan, NY
Patrick Gallagher, M, Taft S, England/CT
Alexander Hayward, G, Marin FC/Marin A, CA
Nolan Jacobi, M, Connecticut Rush/Taft S, CT
Joseph Kwon, M, Lonestar SC/Bowie HS, TX
John Senn-McNally, D, Intercontinental FA of New England/Northfield Mount Hermon S, MA
Calder Truesdale, F, Greenwich Country Day S, CT
Davis Wilmot, M, RNY FC, NY

Williams
Alex Bethencourt Bohoyo, F, LA Surf SC/Mira Costa HS, CA
Benjamin Brown, D/F, Hotchkiss S, NY/CT
Chase Caires, D, Seacoast United SC/Chelmsford HS, MA
Ali Coleman, F, NEFC/Noble and Greenough S, MA
Kai Darrell, G, Deerfield A, NY/MA
Lorcan Mitchell, F, Intercontinental FA of New England/Loomis Chaffee S, MA
Luda Ruta, F/M, Blau Weiss Gottschee/Horace Mann S, NY


REPORTED OUTGOING TRANSFERS FOR 2024

Colby
Eduardo Casanova, F, transfer to Middlebury C (Division III)
Myles Culley, M, transfer to Davidson C (Division I)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on May 18, 2024, 01:01:12 PM
Now that schedules are starting to trickle out, I thought I would cross-post the NESCAC ones from the 2024 Schedules Thread

Williams (https://ephsports.williams.edu/sports/mens-soccer/schedule)

Reasonably challenging non-conference schedule for a NESCAC school.  @Wheaton (MA), Union, @Western Connecticut State, SUNY Cortland, and @Keene State.  Every one of those teams had a winning record last year.
The Western Connecticut game is on a Sunday after playing Trinity the day before (where they will likely stay in a hotel in CT between games) and the Cortland game is on a Sunday after playing Bates the day before, so Williams is likely counting on the Bates and Trinity games not being particularly taxing.  If either or both NESCAC foes turn things around this year, that could make for difficult weekends.

Bates (https://gobatesbobcats.com/sports/mens-soccer/schedule/2024)

Bates appears to be the first NESCAC school to post their schedule.  Only non-conference game change from last year is they are playing St. Joseph's of Maine instead of Maine Maritime Academy. That's an upgrade and a potentially tough first game of the year as St. Joseph's was 12-4-3 last year, while Maine Maritime was a decent 8-7-2, but lost to Bates 9-0.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on May 22, 2024, 08:57:35 PM
Eduardo Casanova transferring from Colby to Middlebury.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on June 01, 2024, 07:24:48 PM
Interesting . . . Can't recall an intra-NESCAC soccer transfer in the last 5 years.  Has there been one? 

He is a very good player.  I thought Midd already had a strong roster, especially on offense, despite loss of JSL.  Colby has great facilities, but a new coach and presumably rebuilding?

Good pickup for Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on June 01, 2024, 07:56:39 PM
By the way, transferring to upper tier NESCACs is not an easy proposition.  My older son had some interest in transferring to Bowdoin after three years at Brown under a domineering coach.  I communicated with the AD, who said it was a nonstarter...particularly with only one year to go.

I heard through the local grapevine that a starting D1 player with a 4.0 after two years as a starter at a good quality liberal arts university would like to transfer to Bowdoin.  I'm not assigning a high level of probability to that actually happening...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on June 01, 2024, 09:29:48 PM
Quote from: northman on June 01, 2024, 07:56:39 PMBy the way, transferring to upper tier NESCACs is not an easy proposition.  My older son had some interest in transferring to Bowdoin after three years at Brown under a domineering coach.  I communicated with the AD, who said it was a nonstarter...particularly with only one year to go.

I heard through the local grapevine that a starting D1 player with a 4.0 after two years as a starter at a good quality liberal arts university would like to transfer to Bowdoin.  I'm not assigning a high level of probability to that actually happening...

Some schools require a kid to go for 2 years to eligible to transfer/graduate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on June 02, 2024, 01:32:23 PM
Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on June 01, 2024, 07:24:48 PMInteresting . . . Can't recall an intra-NESCAC soccer transfer in the last 5 years.  Has there been one? 

He is a very good player.  I thought Midd already had a strong roster, especially on offense, despite loss of JSL.  Colby has great facilities, but a new coach and presumably rebuilding?

Good pickup for Midd.
Nate Pilsen went from Midd to Conn after the 2021 season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on June 05, 2024, 11:51:12 AM
With June here and the list of 2024 reported recruits and transfers on the previous page getting cluttered with all the red-coded edits since late March, I'm posting an updated list.

Thanks to teams sharing official posts welcoming new recruits and transfers, it's significantly more accurate than earlier versions, but that doesn't mean it should be trusted any more than you'd trust any compilation that's based primarily on news media reports, internet listings, and social media posts. And that's not the only factor that should make folks cautious about trusting this type of compilation. Here's another: A staple of Division III athletics culture is the incoming student who exists in the gray zone between "officially acknowledged recruit with a (semi-)guaranteed roster spot" and "walk-on." Many of them are likely to make 2024 rosters. As we should expect, some of those students are on this list, some aren't.

Updates since this morning in red.

Please share additions and corrections!


REPORTED INCOMING NESCAC CLASS OF 2024 RECRUITS AND TRANSFERS

Amherst
Michael Cherico, F, Pateadores SC/Mater Dei HS, CA
Samuel Davis, D/M, Met Oval A/Bronx HS of Science, NY
Jacob Dinzeo, M, St. Croix SC/Hill-Murray S, MN
Enoch Duodu, M, Taft S, Ghana/CT
Jacob Lahlou, F/D, Colorado Rapids/Kent Denver S, CO
Obed Opoku, F/M, Cedar Stars A/Salisbury S, Ghana/NJ/CT
Trey Sheppard, G, Ohio Premier SC/Olentangy Berlin HS, OH

Bates
Luca Balzano, G, Palm Beach United FC/Benjamin S, FL
Benjamin Bogyo, F, Juventus A Silicon Valley/Woodside HS, CA
Julian Gravereaux, D, New England Surf SC/Phillips A Andover, MA
Andrew Jean Baptiste, F, Choate Rosemary Hall, NJ/CT
Geoge Nassar, G, New England Surf SC/Newton North HS, MA
Zachary Perron, M, Lehigh Valley United (PA)/Hunterdon Central Regional HS, NJ
Kyriakos Psaromatis, M, NEFC/Worcester A, DC/MA
Liam Rorke, M, Phillips A Andover, NH/MA
Hewitt Stevenson, M, Silicon Valley SA/Menlo-Atherton HS, CA

Bowdoin
Arthur Dos Santos, F, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
Masai Gordon, D, Bethesda SC/Landon S, MD
Andrew Markham, M, Lamorinda SC/Berkeley HS, CA
Liam Myers, D, Chicago FC United/New Trier HS, IL
Alexander Nicholas, M, Bethesda SC/St. John's College HS, MD
Jonathan Perez, G, Hopkins S, CT
Adam Prince, M, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA

Colby
Drew Kogelmann, M, Eagle FC/State College Area HS, PA
Will Kogelmann, M/D, Eagle FC/State College Area HS, PA
Zane Matraji, M, Seacoast United SC/Phillips A Andover, MA
Jasper Paez, D/M, transfer from Siena C (Division I)
Alec Pentikis, F, Cedar Stars A/Woodstock A, NJ/CT
Theo Scott, D, Colorado Rapids YSC/East HS, CO
Ryan Szczepkowski, D, HEX FC/Germantown A, PA
C.J. Supan, M/D, Pipeline SC/John Carroll S, MD
Andy Uku, M, Future SA (NJ)/Collegiate S, NY
Stefan Verbeek, M, Eagle FC/Hershey HS, PA
Jason Wallack, F/M, transfer from Monmouth U (Division I)
Elijah Weston-Capulong, M, transfer from Tufts U (not NCAA roster) after Eture FC gap year (Spain), NY

Conn
Dylan Hoke, D, Beachside SC/Staples HS, CT
Caleb Huang, F, Boston Bolts SC/Hopkinton HS, MA (not on published 2024 roster)
Henry Lester, F/M, Seacoast United SC/Northfield Mount Hermon S, ME/MA
Marco Perugini, M, transfer from Union C (Division III)
Charlie Riegel, D, Suffield A, CT
Thomas Rooney, D, Boston Bolts SC/Newton North HS, MA
Owen Walsh, M, United FA/St. Pius X Catholic HS, GA

Hamilton
Daniel Becker, M/F, North Shore Country Day S, IL
Royce Carol, D/M, Charlotte SA/Woodlawn S, NC
Ignacio Hahn, F/M, White Plains A (NY)/Woodstock A, CT
Michael Hehir, D/M, IMG A, HI/FL
Zander Laidlaw, M, Seacoast United SC/Needham HS, MA
Troy Miller, Oakwood SC/RHAM HS, CT
Zach Tracy, M, Seacoast United SC/Hanover HS, VT
Jonah Zaas, D, New England Surf SC/Middlesex S, NC/MA

Middlebury
Eduardo Artacho, F, Manhattan SC/Browning S, NY (not on published 2024 roster)
Leon Brody, G, Black Rock FC/Northwood S, Canada/NY
Eduardo Casanova, M, transfer from Colby C (Division III)
Antonio Cosentino, D, Boston Bolts SC/Noble and Greenough S, MA
Samuel Dolan, D, Manhattan SC/Collegiate S, NY
JT Federman, D, LA Surf SC/Harvard-Westlake S, CA
Anderson Gardner, F, Spire FC/University S, OH
Keagan Harder, F, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
Charles Johnson, D, Boston Bolts SC/Rivers S, MA
Quinn Pappendick, M, Boston Bolts SC/Noble and Greenough S, MA
Tiger Xie, G, Power FC/Upper Canada C, China/Canada ('27)

Trinity
Graham Buchanan, D, STA/Taft S, NJ/CT
Chris Connelly, F, Hingham HS, MA
Michael Desmond, D, transfer from Franklin & Marshall C (Division III)
Sam Duncanson, D, transfer from Le Moyne C (Division II→I)
Sebastian Miller, M, New England Surf SC/Bridgton A, MA/ME
Nadeem Rizk, F, Intercontinental FA of New England/Bridgton A, MA/ME
Felix Schmidt, G, transfer from NJIT (Division III)
Wangchen Sherpa, M, Cedar Stars A/Little Red S House & Elisabeth Irwin HS, NY
Collin Spiro, D, Masconomet Regional HS, MA
Ian Spiro, M, transfer from St. John's U (Division I)
Dieder Wagner, D, Seacoast United SC/Phillips A Exeter, NH
Charlie Young, M/F, Choate Rosemary Hall, IL/CT

Tufts
Addison Bergin, D, AC Connecticut/Woodstock A, CT
Griffin Bone, D, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
Ellis Denby, M, Phillips A Andover, MA
Zach Garber, D, Cedar Stars A (NJ)/Jericho HS, NY
Chris Glenney, D, Pennsylvania Classics AC/State College Area HS, PA
Will Nicholas, M/F, Santa Monica Surf SC/Crossroads S, CA
Ryan Rizvi, D, Downtown United SC/Packer Collegiate I, NJ/NY
Thomas Yanez, M, PDA/Pingry S, NJ

Wesleyan
Sam Adiutori, G, RNY FC, NY
Gabriel Gonzales Davidian, D, Met Oval A/BASIS Independent Manhattan, NY
Patrick Gallagher, M, Taft S, England/CT
Alexander Hayward, G, Marin FC/Marin A, CA
Nolan Jacobi, M, Connecticut Rush/Taft S, CT
Joseph Kwon, M, Lonestar SC/Bowie HS, TX
John Senn-McNally, D, Intercontinental FA of New England/Northfield Mount Hermon S, MA
Calder Truesdale, F, Greenwich Country Day S, CT
Davis Wilmot, M, RNY FC, NY

Williams
Alex Bethencourt Bohoyo, F, LA Surf SC/Mira Costa HS, CA
Benjamin Brown, D/F, Hotchkiss S, NY/CT
Chase Caires, D, Seacoast United SC/Chelmsford HS, MA
Ali Coleman, F, NEFC/Noble and Greenough S, MA
Kai Darrell, G, Deerfield A, NY/MA
Lorcan Mitchell, F, Intercontinental FA of New England/Loomis Chaffee S, MA
Luda Ruta, F/M, Blau Weiss Gottschee/Horace Mann S, NY


REPORTED OUTGOING TRANSFERS FOR 2024

Colby
Eduardo Casanova, F, transfer to Middlebury C (Division III)
Myles Culley, M, transfer to Davidson C (Division I)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on June 05, 2024, 01:36:58 PM
Note that Liam Rorke has apparently committed to both Bates and Bowdoin...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Viking on June 05, 2024, 01:56:17 PM
Quote from: northman on June 05, 2024, 01:36:58 PMNote that Liam Rorke has apparently committed to both Bates and Bowdoin...

Eek! My error, no one else's. Sorry. He's a Bates recruit; I will remove from the Bowdoin listing.

Rorke has had a pan-New England journey. He was a Conn commit at one point after his Tabor career, but then took a PG year at Phillips Academy Andover (a decision that was documented last summer in a New England Soccer Journal story, see link below) before committing to Bates.

https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/nepsac-boys-why-a-postgrad-year-at-phillips-andover-is-right-for-liam-rorke/
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: smoova on June 05, 2024, 02:36:09 PM
Quote from: Viking on June 05, 2024, 11:51:12 AMMiddlebury
Tiger Xie, G, Power FC/Upper Canada C, China/Canada (Feb?)

I believe Xie is a current Midd student who will graduate in Feb 2027 (Class of 2026.5) and is being elevated from the club team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on June 05, 2024, 05:01:03 PM
Quote from: Viking on June 05, 2024, 01:56:17 PM
Quote from: northman on June 05, 2024, 01:36:58 PMNote that Liam Rorke has apparently committed to both Bates and Bowdoin...

Eek! My error, no one else's. Sorry. He's a Bates recruit; I will remove from the Bowdoin listing.

Rorke has had a pan-New England journey. He was a Conn commit at one point after his Tabor career, but then took a PG year at Phillips Academy Andover (a decision that was documented last summer in a New England Soccer Journal story, see link below) before committing to Bates.

https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/nepsac-boys-why-a-postgrad-year-at-phillips-andover-is-right-for-liam-rorke/

No worries.  Interesting that he's trading Conn for Bates.  Conn has a more established program, but Ben Brewster...the new coach at Bates...played with my son at Bowdoin, is a great guy, and I think he has what it takes to do a great job at Bates.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on July 18, 2024, 08:51:17 PM
Former Conn College GK AJ Marcucci was loaned from the New York Red Bulls to Finnish club IF Gnistan for the remainder of the year.

https://x.com/tombogert/status/1814099019402014918

QuoteSources: New York Red Bulls GK AJ Marcucci is joining Finnish club IF Gnistan on loan for the rest of the year.

Marcucci, 24, will continue developing with gametime abroad. He has progressed thru RBNY system since being selected in 2021 MLS SuperDraft, making 54 apps for RBNY II
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on July 22, 2024, 06:21:56 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on July 18, 2024, 08:51:17 PMFormer Conn College GK AJ Marcucci was loaned from the New York Red Bulls to Finnish club IF Gnistan for the remainder of the year.

https://x.com/tombogert/status/1814099019402014918

QuoteSources: New York Red Bulls GK AJ Marcucci is joining Finnish club IF Gnistan on loan for the rest of the year.

Marcucci, 24, will continue developing with gametime abroad. He has progressed thru RBNY system since being selected in 2021 MLS SuperDraft, making 54 apps for RBNY II

I don't read Finnish, but I think they are impressed by Marcucci.  Double save on a PK in what is probably one of his first games with the team.

https://x.com/IFGnistan1924/status/1815431489774891336
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: quicksilver on July 30, 2024, 02:26:11 PM
Quote from: Viking on June 05, 2024, 11:51:12 AMWith June here and the list of 2024 reported recruits and transfers on the previous page getting cluttered with all the red-coded edits since late March, I'm posting an updated list.

Thanks to teams sharing official posts welcoming new recruits and transfers, it's significantly more accurate than earlier versions, but that doesn't mean it should be trusted any more than you'd trust any compilation that's based primarily on news media reports, internet listings, and social media posts. And that's not the only factor that should make folks cautious about trusting this type of compilation. Here's another: A staple of Division III athletics culture is the incoming student who exists in the gray zone between "officially acknowledged recruit with a (semi-)guaranteed roster spot" and "walk-on." Many of them are likely to make 2024 rosters. As we should expect, some of those students are on this list, some aren't.

Updates since this morning in red.

Please share additions and corrections!


REPORTED INCOMING NESCAC CLASS OF 2024 RECRUITS AND TRANSFERS

 . . .
Bowdoin
Arthur Dos Santos, F, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
Andrew Markham, M, Lamorinda SC/Berkeley HS, CA
Liam Myers, D, Chicago FC United/New Trier HS, IL
Alexander Nicholas, F/M, Bethesda SC/St. John's College HS, MD
Jonathan Perez, G, Hopkins S, CT
Adam Prince, M, Intercontinental FA of New England/Rivers S, MA
 . . .

One more for Bowdoin:

Masai Gordon, D, Landon School, MD
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on August 13, 2024, 06:34:50 PM
Wesleyan has posted its 2024 Roster (https://athletics.wesleyan.edu/sports/mens-soccer/roster)

Here are a few observations:

- 32 on the roster, compared with 30 last season

- Jersey numbers are always interesting me, not for the numbers themselves, but what they signify. What does it mean when a player's jersey number changes from year to year?  If the coach assigns the number, does that mean a player has been promoted/demoted if they've moved to a higher/lower number? Or does it mean players have to return their jersey every year and it means the kid outgrew the number jersey he wore last year?  If the players choose their jersey number, do they choose the number that corresponds with their desired position/status (e.g., 10), whether or not the coach agrees?  Or do they end up with a higher number because it corresponds with their favorite player (whether or not that player plays soccer)?  In a club, I've seen a fair number of kids choose 23 over the years and I wondered were they fans of Jordan or LeBron in basketball or Beckham in soccer (who reportedly chose the number because of Jordan). 

All of that is a long-winded way of saying I wonder why GK Mathis Blanc moved from jersey number "0" in 2023, which is a typical GK jersey number, to jersey number 30.  Is he a fan of Messi, who has worn #30 at various points in his career? Or perhaps, based on his name, he is French and a fan of Ligue 1, where I believe #30 historically could only be worn by a GK (and perhaps he is honoring a hero or relative).  It's possible that Josh Nadison's starts the last three games of the season indicated a change in the pecking order, but he was already #1, so it wouldn't have been necessary to change Mathis' number.  Perhaps he grew though and needed a new jersey or he is buddies with the freshman who took his old number (and is also from Northern California).  Way too much introspection for an observation that started with thinking Blanc was no longer on the roster when I didn't see him at the top and then finding him on the bottom of the roster!

- 9 freshman join the team

- They return most of their offensive contributors from last year "(which isn't saying much for a team that scored 13 goals last season), including 2nd team All-NESCAC F Lucas Ruehlemann, but they lose an important part of the defense with D Evan O'Brien not returning

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Little Giant 89 on August 14, 2024, 07:46:01 AM
Is he a hockey fan?  Traditionally a lot of hockey goalies have worn numbers in the thirties.  Maybe he's a Martin Brodeur fan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on August 18, 2024, 07:25:20 PM
Tufts has posted its 2024 Roster (https://gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/2024)

A few observations:

- 36 on the roster, compared with 33 last season

- 7 freshman.  I have to note that the bio for Freshman Will Nicholas, a recruit from Pacific Palisades, CA is hilariously incorrect in one respect.  After recounting his honors and achievements in HS soccer (all true), it adds that he "Also surfed for Santa Monica Surf."  While Will might be a surfer - the Palisades area he's listed as from looks right out onto the Pacific Ocean after all - and you can certainly surf off the beaches of Santa Monica as long as your aren't too close to the pier, "Santa Monica Surf" is a soccer club that used to be known as "Santa Monica United" before it was "assimilated" by the Borg-like entity known as Surf Soccer Nation. (https://surfsoccernation.com/)  So, while the Surf moniker might make sense in a place like Santa Monica, it now exists all over, including in Idaho, Western Iowa, and even in places close to Tufts like New England Surf and Rhode Island Surf.  I'm guessing the SID's office intern who wrote this wasn't familiar with it, but it's a whole phenomenon worthy of a Simple Coach podcast - the commercialization and private equity-influenced M&A boom in youth soccer clubs and youth sports generally!

- Several grad students using a Covid year, including 1st Team All-American D Max Clivio, 2nd team All Region F Max Brady, and regular starters M Liam Gerken, and D Gibson Campbell

- Notable departure is 3rd Team All Region F and leading scorer Sean Traynor, but otherwise most of the main cogs of the team return, including a transfer from D1 Northeastern last season, Nikola Antic.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on August 19, 2024, 11:57:41 PM
Connecticut College has posted its 2024 Roster (https://camelathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster)

A few observations:

- 37 on the roster, which is the same as last year

- 5 freshman

- A bunch of players returning for a grad year, including USC 2nd Team All-American forward Matt Scoffone, 2nd Team All-NESCAC and 3rd Team All-Region forward Jake Creus, and regular starters/contributors midfielders Brendan Clare and Rye Jaran, and defenders Sam Boehm and Alessandro Horvath Diano.

- Only notable departure, although it's a big one, is 2nd Team All-Region defender Marco Cerezco, but they have plenty of regular starters on defense who will be back, plus Peter Silvester at GK
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on August 20, 2024, 09:05:40 AM
Quote from: Kuiper on August 19, 2024, 11:57:41 PMConnecticut College has posted its 2024 Roster (https://camelathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster)

A few observations:

- 37 on the roster, which is the same as last year

- 5 freshman

- A bunch of players returning for a grad year, including USC 2nd Team All-American forward Matt Scoffone, 2nd Team All-NESCAC and 3rd Team All-Region forward Jake Creus, and regular starters/contributors midfielders Brendan Clare and Rye Jaran, and defenders Sam Boehm and Alessandro Horvath Diano.

- Only notable departure, although it's a big one, is 2nd Team All-Region defender Marco Cerezco, but they have plenty of regular starters on defense who will be back, plus Peter Silvester at GK

Pretty good transfer in Marco Perugini. Scored 6 goals for Union last year as a freshman. Highly likely a coaching change casualty.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on August 22, 2024, 10:03:53 AM
Re jersey numbers:

My son was the youngest GK his freshman year, so he got last pick of the GK jerseys.  He wound up with 33.  He decided to keep it for his entire career.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on August 22, 2024, 12:15:13 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on August 22, 2024, 10:03:53 AMRe jersey numbers:

My son was the youngest GK his freshman year, so he got last pick of the GK jerseys.  He wound up with 33.  He decided to keep it for his entire career.

I totally understand that phenomenon (and have seen it myself).  And some prominent Euro GKs have numbers like 31 now for instance.  I just haven't seen a GK move from a traditional GK number to a low number very often if at all, which makes me wonder if the coaches assign numbers and this says something about relative position.  I suspect that would be very un-Wesleyan like though, based on the little I know about the school.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on August 22, 2024, 12:54:39 PM
I saw goal tenders swap #s caused by size of jersey vs size of players
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on August 23, 2024, 01:12:09 AM
Amherst has posted its 2024 Roster (https://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/mens-soccer/roster/2024)

A few observations:

- 32 players on the roster, compared with 28 last season

- 7 freshman.  Ironically, Michael Cherico, a 6'5" forward/midfielder from Pateadores and Mater Dei in Southern California, is listed at #17, which was Shawn Rapal's number.  Cherico, who played F in HS and often played at the DM position in club, is a guy who I could see assuming the Rapal role at some point.

- A couple of players who were listed as seniors last season return for what is presumably a Covid year: regular starting GK Max Landa and regular contributing M Wyatt McCarthy
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on August 23, 2024, 03:46:10 AM
It's definitely not exaggerating to say that very good players graduated, of course, that gives opportunity for others, but it will feel that bit different.  For those with purple in their hearts it is a time to get to know new names and faces and start to appreciate what they bring to what is already a strong group.

I will be able to attend six games, starting with the El Classico encounter with Midd and get to visit a few new places, Bates and Colby, which will be pretty cool.  Sadly, I will only get two games at the billiard table that is Hitchcock Field, but will do my best to soak up the atmosphere there and enjoy what will be the Enmore Kitten's final season.     
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MediumTime on August 29, 2024, 03:13:59 AM
Does anyone have any news related to pre-season scrimmages? Traditionally, most teams would have played a friendly match over the past few days in the lead up to matchday 1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FootyFetish on August 29, 2024, 09:07:46 AM
Quote from: SKUD on August 22, 2024, 12:54:39 PMI saw goal tenders swap #s caused by size of jersey vs size of players

It seems that less and less programs are issuing GK numbers per traditional means (1 being starter, 0 backup, etc).  Especially in D3 ranks - you get what is available, or sized to you, and kids are picking more and more from a non traditional format.  This is a bit of an extension from their club teams where they wear what they pick.  There are some programs that are issuing the one, but last season, I saw "1" in goal very infrequently. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on August 29, 2024, 09:49:46 AM
Quote from: FootyFetish on August 29, 2024, 09:07:46 AM
Quote from: SKUD on August 22, 2024, 12:54:39 PMI saw goal tenders swap #s caused by size of jersey vs size of players

It seems that less and less programs are issuing GK numbers per traditional means (1 being starter, 0 backup, etc).  Especially in D3 ranks - you get what is available, or sized to you, and kids are picking more and more from a non traditional format.  This is a bit of an extension from their club teams where they wear what they pick.  There are some programs that are issuing the one, but last season, I saw "1" in goal very infrequently. 

My very anecdotal impression is that in D3 many, if not most, teams give out numbers long before players arrive on campus and a pecking order can be established because they have to adjust for sizes and the preseason is too short to do that after they arrive.  Plus, a keeper who holds over from a prior year may stick with what he got when he arrived, which was basically what was available.  Sometimes an upperclassmen moves to a traditional GK number in the offseason before the freshman arrive, but otherwise there are underclassmen at 1 or 0 who may not be the starters.  And even if a newcomer is likely to start because the starter and backup graduated, the coaches will allow the players to pick, meaning the #1 may simply be the person who responded first to the email.  What I thought was odd about the Wesleyan situation was that the keeper moved out of the traditional GK number he got when he arrived down to a non-traditional number.  As you say, however, that may simply be that players aren't as conditioned to have traditional position numbers anymore in club and that carries over to college.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on August 29, 2024, 12:47:38 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on August 29, 2024, 09:49:46 AM
Quote from: FootyFetish on August 29, 2024, 09:07:46 AM
Quote from: SKUD on August 22, 2024, 12:54:39 PMI saw goal tenders swap #s caused by size of jersey vs size of players

It seems that less and less programs are issuing GK numbers per traditional means (1 being starter, 0 backup, etc).  Especially in D3 ranks - you get what is available, or sized to you, and kids are picking more and more from a non traditional format.  This is a bit of an extension from their club teams where they wear what they pick.  There are some programs that are issuing the one, but last season, I saw "1" in goal very infrequently. 

My very anecdotal impression is that in D3 many, if not most, teams give out numbers long before players arrive on campus and a pecking order can be established because they have to adjust for sizes and the preseason is too short to do that after they arrive.  Plus, a keeper who holds over from a prior year may stick with what he got when he arrived, which was basically what was available.  Sometimes an upperclassmen moves to a traditional GK number in the offseason before the freshman arrive, but otherwise there are underclassmen at 1 or 0 who may not be the starters.  And even if a newcomer is likely to start because the starter and backup graduated, the coaches will allow the players to pick, meaning the #1 may simply be the person who responded first to the email.  What I thought was odd about the Wesleyan situation was that the keeper moved out of the traditional GK number he got when he arrived down to a non-traditional number.  As you say, however, that may simply be that players aren't as conditioned to have traditional position numbers anymore in club and that carries over to college.

Both are true. Junior year son was the starter all year and the 1.  Second year, they got new uniforms and the 1 jersey did not fit him (XLarge) so he had to go with 0 his senior year.

That being the case, many teams carry 4 keepers which means 00, 0, and 1. The fourth is usually in the 20s or beyond.  Some keepers stick with the number they were assigned freshman year throughout their careers.  Example - Anthony Pinto from Wash College, started most of junior year, all of his senior and now is a 5th year and he has been 36 the entire time.

Huge example, Tim Howard was never "1" at Everton, but "24" for his over 300 starts. Apparently, when came over from Man U, 1 was taken and he requested 24. He was fan of Deon Sanders and the Atlanta Braves. Howard was 1 in the USMNT though.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on September 03, 2024, 06:08:20 PM
Williams 3 - Wheaton (MA) 1

This was a tighter game than the final score might indicate, but first year Alex Bethencourt (from Manhattan Beach, CA and LA Surf MLS Next) came on in the second half and scored two goals in limited minutes, one on a scrambled ball that fell to him in the box and the second on a beautiful left-footed free kick that beat the Wheaton GK to the far post.  Interestingly, Bethencourt was sent running to the far post on the free kick originally, but the ref called it back because he hadn't blown his whistle yet.  At that point, a coach called from the bench for Alex to take the kick instead and he calmly put it in the net.  One instance where coaching may have made that goal, because I think the first free kick play was called by one of the players on the field since it happened so quickly.  Bethencourt played pretty well outside the goals by the way.  He was a forward in most of the games I saw him at club, but he played center mid when he came on for Williams and was decent defensively too.

Wheaton has a good team, but they were frustrated by Williams' pressing at the top and couldn't quite get untracked.  They did bother Williams' GK Ben Diffley on several occasions though.  In addition to their goal, which was scored on a great cross by Aidan Doyle that was flicked over Diffley to the far post, Diffley went out for a cross from the other side, missed it entirely and Williams was lucky that no Wheaton player was able to put it home because it rebounded back across the goal.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on September 03, 2024, 07:45:23 PM
Conn looks legit.  Some rust and dust, but overall, one of the top teams in my mind.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 04, 2024, 09:26:11 AM
Good result for the Ephs beating a 2-0 Wheaton team, which has a win over highly-ranked Montclair, on the road.  Things will only get more difficult vs. Tufts.

After suffering a lot of attrition in Siebert's first off-season, the program suffered none (other than two players out of eligibility) this year, so the roster went up from 24 to 29 players.  Siebert clearly has the kind of guys he wants to build around now.  Interesting, Siebert does not seem to have changed his philosophy of playing a very, very deep rotation.  23 non-goalies played yesterday (!!) - all played at least 14 minutes and only four played 60 plus minutes.  Of the non-GKs who didn't play, Andrew Coelho is the only big surprise, given that he was last year's points leader - so I would guess he is currently injured. The other three all played limited minutes last year. 

Subbing in so frequently, especially early in the season, builds a deep roster of experienced options, keeps guys fresh both within the game (needed for Williams' hyper-pressing style) and in the long run, and allows for a lot of tactical within-game adjustments.  The downside I imagine is guys may not always be thrilled having unpredictable minutes and also there is likely a cost in terms of continuity of play.  I assume that the rotation will be reduced a bit over time, but it's clear that Siebert trusts virtually every guy on the roster to be out there in key situations and is going to go very deep into the bench every game. 

Siebert also seems to trust his FYs right away, all but a GK played and they rewarded him with five of the Ephs' nine shots and two goals, all coming off the bench. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 05, 2024, 03:36:57 AM
Amherst 4 Suffolk 0

Sadly, a 9.00am Sydney work day kick off is sub-optimal for me, but I was able to keep an eye on proceedings.  Coach was able to rotate most of the roster through the game which of course makes the advance scout's task just that little bit trickier.

One of the freshmen scored which I am sure he will remember forever and from what I could tell, all of them appeared capable of pushing for serious minutes this Fall, which of course, is a lovely problem to have.

NESCAC starts on Saturday and Conn at home will present a quality foe and if both of last year's games are any sort of a guide, will be great viewing for the neutral watcher.

Foul Count: Amherst 10 Suffolk 7
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: flyingdutchman on September 06, 2024, 04:42:30 PM
NESCAC DAY 1 Predictions:

Bowdoin 2 - 0 Colby
Both teams faced challenges in their opening out-of-conference games. However, based on their performances, Colby seems to be in a more precarious position, especially after the losses of key players Casanova and Cully. Bowdoin, on the other hand, returns the majority of their squad and had a strong showing last season. This leads me to favor Bowdoin in this matchup.

Middlebury 2 - 1 Hamilton
Middlebury retains most of their team from last year, with the notable exception of JSL. It will be interesting to see who steps into this role and contributes to their goal-scoring efforts. I believe it will take some time and a collective effort from multiple players rather than just one individual. Given Hamilton's recent struggles against Oswego State, I don't foresee them overcoming Middlebury in this contest.

Tufts 2 - 0 Williams
While winning at Williams is always a challenge, I believe Tufts will secure a victory on the road. With the experience of a team returning 10 starters, the Jumbos should be able to control the match. I anticipate a closely contested game for most of the duration, but expect Tufts to score and then add another as Williams pushes for an equalizer.

Amherst 1 - 1 Conn
These two teams are likely to be at the top of the NESCAC standings by November. With lingering tensions from their national championship encounter, it's difficult to envision either side securing a decisive victory. A late equalizer seems likely, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Trinity 0 - 1 Bates
Trinity appears poised to face significant challenges this season, starting with this match. The loss of their best player, Donaldson, along with the graduation of several key seniors, will likely impact their performance. While Bates may not be significantly stronger, I expect them to have the upper hand in this contest, particularly on their home field in Lewiston.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on September 06, 2024, 09:43:23 PM
I just returned from watching the Bowdoin vs. Colby game.  What a new phenomenon at Bowdoin...night games under the lights.  There was a huge crowd and a lot of energy on the sidelines for an early season game.  Colby was surprisingly up 1-0 when I arrived.  I heard that someone hit a low shot under the Bowdoin keeper early in the game.  Bowdoin then equalized before the half.  Colby then regained the lead on a free kick that eluded the Bowdoin keeper...completely against the run of play of the previous 20 minutes or so.  Bowdoin equalized with about 20 minutes to go, and scored the winner with 5 minutes to go to walk off with a 3-2 win.

My quick assessment:  Colby was opportunistic in scoring their two goals.  And they were doing some weird things trying to play the ball out of the back on goal kicks.  It almost backfired on them several times.  I think they'll need to reevaluate that tactic when they're facing the iron of the NESCAC.  Bowdoin looked energetic and dangerous on the attack against a low block.  But I think their keeper Alex Ainsworth...who had a very good season as a sophomore last year...was a bit shaky and will need to solidify his game if Bowdoin are going to be competitive with the Amhersts, Tufts, Conns, and Middleburys of the world.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: YSS10278 on September 06, 2024, 09:44:56 PM
Bowdoin 3 - 2 Colby

Bowdoin win a disturbingly close match against maine rivals Colby in the opening game of the Nescac season. I say disturbingly close as last year's matchup ended 5-1 to Bowdoin and historically Bowdoin win this game.

Bowdoin went down 0-1 and 1-2 only to come back and win in a game where the overall play probably didn't justify the score.

Bowdoin had much more of the ball and had possession in the Colby half for solid chunks of the match.  Colby seemed comfortable without the ball looking to press at key moments. When in possession (especially from goal kicks), Colby seemed dead set on building out, often to a fault. Bowdoin didn't capitalize on these chances. Colby's 2 goals came off their only 2 real chances during the match. A long ball that lead to a 1 v 1 and a 26 yard free kick. Both very well taken opportunities but highly preventable from a Bowdoin perspective. Bowdoin winner came from a deep cross to back post headed in by CB.

Predictions:
Midd 3- 1 Hamilton
Hamilton will score but Midd always win this

Tufts 1 - 1 Williams
Tufts should win but Williams are difficult

Amherst 1 - 1 conn
Feel like this game often ends in a tie.

Trinity 1 - 2 bates
Bates will be upset about losing this last year.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 07, 2024, 03:20:35 AM
"Amherst 1 - 1 conn
Feel like this game often ends in a tie."

5 of the last 27 have been draws apparently...I'm ready to nibble on humble pie later on of course...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 07, 2024, 04:43:35 PM
Amherst 1 Connecticut College 0

Albeit at 4.30am Sydney time, it is great to have NESCAC soccer back.  Whilst Amherst dominated field in the first half, it wasn't quite accompanied by regular genuine danger and on balance, both teams probably had things they could be happy about at the break.  I thought Conn largely absorbed the pressure quite well, it was a case of whether the Mammoths could maintain that intensity.

Ultimately, the crispest Amherst move of the game led to a goal and on balance, that was just about deserved.  As sometimes happens when a team takes the lead, they start to drop back ever so gently and really, to my uneducated eyes, I would have liked to see the white shirts continue to push on and maybe get a second to kill the game off.  Conn did get more play around midfield and started to look a little dangerous, but were typically repelled without much trouble.  Amherst could have had a second very late in the game, which would have been nice and spared those with purple in their hearts from undue stress, but that wasn't to be.  Coach made liberal use of the freshmen and they all appear to be adjusting well to the rigours of not just college soccer, but NESCAC life.  There is a lot to look forward to from that class.

Nice to start conference with a very good win against ranked opposition.  It of course doesn't get any easier next week, away to Williams will be another big game, but equally, a great platform to consolidate a position at the top end of NESCAC.

Foul Count: Amherst 25 Conn 13
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on September 07, 2024, 05:12:16 PM
Lord Jeffs: 25 fouls and 5 yellow cards. Could have easily been more except for forbearance from home officials.Same old "direct" style.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on September 07, 2024, 05:42:39 PM
Regarding Amherst vs. Conn, I think I may have a more balanced perspective relative to the previous two posters.  I watched the end of the first half and most of the second half.  In the first half, I was impressed with Conn's team play on and off the ball.  That said, they were never much of a threat in the final third during the entirety of the game I watched.

I actually thought Amherst played a higher quality possession game than they've been known for in past years.  But they definitely relied on the individual brilliance of Nuhu to score the decider.

I'm thinking that both teams likely deserve their national rankings...but the Camels will need to find a bigger threat in attack to get to where they want to be this season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 07, 2024, 08:16:38 PM
It's exciting to see a new category of Amhate for this season, the concept of the "home" or "Amherst" referee.  I am sure that that particular whistle will attract more than its fair share of dogs.  However, in the spirit of an upcoming debate which I understand will capture the American nation's attention on Tuesday, I did some fact checking. 

I have no idea where today's referee lives, or any affiliation he may have, but I can say that if the box score recaps from last season are accurate, that he didn't referee one game last season at either Gooding or The Billiard Table That Is Hitchcock Field respectively.  For the sake of completeness, he didn't referee any Amherst women's games either, but I haven't extended that search to other sports.     
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on September 11, 2024, 11:58:56 AM
Colby hires TCNJ AD Amanda DeMartino as new Athletic Director (https://news.colby.edu/story/colby-hires-a-new-harold-alfond-director-of-athletics/)

QuoteColby has hired Amanda V. DeMartino, executive director of athletics at The College of New Jersey, as the new Harold Alfond Director of Athletics, following a national search. DeMartino, who was named Athletic Director of the Year for Division III by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics in 2022, will begin her new role at Colby on Oct. 7.

"Amanda is a proven leader with an impressive history of success," said President David A. Greene. "Colby has made important strides in athletics and recreation in recent years, and Amanda has the experience and skills to take our programs to the next level. We can't wait to welcome her to campus."

DeMartino became executive director of athletics at The College of New Jersey, a public university in Ewing Township, N.J., in 2017, where she oversaw 20 varsity programs whose successes included four individual national championships, five Final Four appearances, 147 NCAA appearances, and 65 conference regular season and tournament championships. She has also served as board chair of the New Jersey Athletic Conference and on the NCAA DIII Football Region Advisory Committee. Previously, she served as director of athletics at Raritan Valley Community College in New Jersey beginning in 2011 and as director of athletics and head women's basketball coach of Northwood University in Florida starting in 2008.

Sounds like a good resume, but given the recent soccer coaching situation at TCNJ, I wonder if DeMartino either had one foot out the door already or the problem was lack of institutional support.  Colby seems an upgrade on athletics ambition.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on September 11, 2024, 07:17:12 PM
Quote from: flyingdutchman on September 06, 2024, 04:42:30 PMNESCAC DAY 1 Predictions:

Bowdoin 2 - 0 Colby
Both teams faced challenges in their opening out-of-conference games. However, based on their performances, Colby seems to be in a more precarious position, especially after the losses of key players Casanova and Cully. Bowdoin, on the other hand, returns the majority of their squad and had a strong showing last season. This leads me to favor Bowdoin in this matchup.

Middlebury 2 - 1 Hamilton
Middlebury retains most of their team from last year, with the notable exception of JSL. It will be interesting to see who steps into this role and contributes to their goal-scoring efforts. I believe it will take some time and a collective effort from multiple players rather than just one individual. Given Hamilton's recent struggles against Oswego State, I don't foresee them overcoming Middlebury in this contest.

Tufts 2 - 0 Williams
While winning at Williams is always a challenge, I believe Tufts will secure a victory on the road. With the experience of a team returning 10 starters, the Jumbos should be able to control the match. I anticipate a closely contested game for most of the duration, but expect Tufts to score and then add another as Williams pushes for an equalizer.

Amherst 1 - 1 Conn
These two teams are likely to be at the top of the NESCAC standings by November. With lingering tensions from their national championship encounter, it's difficult to envision either side securing a decisive victory. A late equalizer seems likely, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Trinity 0 - 1 Bates
Trinity appears poised to face significant challenges this season, starting with this match. The loss of their best player, Donaldson, along with the graduation of several key seniors, will likely impact their performance. While Bates may not be significantly stronger, I expect them to have the upper hand in this contest, particularly on their home field in Lewiston.

I would include goalkeeper as a noteable exception for Midd, as this is the first season since 2018 that someone other than Grady has started a game in net.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: flyingdutchman on September 12, 2024, 08:52:47 AM
Trinity's prospects in the NESCAC look grim after the early results. A 2-0 loss to Bates and then a 5-0 loss to Wesleyan. Will they even score a goal in the NESCAC this year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sir.MixALotz on September 12, 2024, 10:42:10 AM
Trinity seems to be taking the Amherst approach this year by committing more fouls, yellow cards and general unsportsmanlike  actions...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on September 14, 2024, 01:28:26 PM
Quote from: flyingdutchman on September 12, 2024, 08:52:47 AMTrinity's prospects in the NESCAC look grim after the early results. A 2-0 loss to Bates and then a 5-0 loss to Wesleyan. Will they even score a goal in the NESCAC this year?

Trinity is currently losing 8-0 to Middlebury in the 60th minute and they are being outshot 19-0.  I think relegation might be in order if this keeps up.

FINAL:  Middlebury 9 - Trinity 0

Trinity's prospects are still grim, but they did manage one shot in the game (that was blocked), only being outshot 26-1.  Progress?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on September 14, 2024, 02:00:47 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on September 14, 2024, 01:28:26 PM
Quote from: flyingdutchman on September 12, 2024, 08:52:47 AMTrinity's prospects in the NESCAC look grim after the early results. A 2-0 loss to Bates and then a 5-0 loss to Wesleyan. Will they even score a goal in the NESCAC this year?

Trinity is currently losing 8-0 to Middlebury in the 60th minute and they are being outshot 19-0.  I think relegation might be in order if this keeps up.

I watched 20 minutes.  I was doing game notes, but decided to stop for how bad it looked.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on September 14, 2024, 02:03:01 PM
Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 14, 2024, 02:00:47 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on September 14, 2024, 01:28:26 PM
Quote from: flyingdutchman on September 12, 2024, 08:52:47 AMTrinity's prospects in the NESCAC look grim after the early results. A 2-0 loss to Bates and then a 5-0 loss to Wesleyan. Will they even score a goal in the NESCAC this year?

Trinity is currently losing 8-0 to Middlebury in the 60th minute and they are being outshot 19-0.  I think relegation might be in order if this keeps up.

I watched 20 minutes.  I was doing game notes, but decided to stop for how bad it looked.

SC.

You are a kind and generous soul.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on September 14, 2024, 02:05:53 PM
Williams 1 - Amherst 0

Big win for the Ephs.  Fair result.  Diffley saved them multiple times, but Williams' goal was a nice feed on the ground by Bethencourt past the Amherst defenders to another freshman MItchell who put it around/over a diving Perez (who I think got a piece of it). 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 14, 2024, 02:14:02 PM
Williams 1 Amherst 0

This result didn't really justify being awake at 2.00am Sydney time to watch.  Amherst started the better and had opportunities to take the lead, but didn't and that's when the beautiful game can become a lot less beautiful.  To Williams' credit they hung in and their keeper was consistently well positioned when it mattered.  That for me at least, was the story of most  of the second half also, with the Ephs taking advantage when it counted.  Williams were ultimately rewarded for hanging in and whilst Amherst did have chances, they went untaken.  I'm reluctant to read too much into one result and really now it's about being ready for what comes next.  Fortunately, I don't really feel the Williams rivalry, but a loss hurts irrespective.

I'm going back to bed and the box score isn't available, but will come back to update the foul count later. 

Update - Foul count: Williams 9 Amherst 12

Not sure if there was a separate "vicious" category available.  Happy to opine that the most cynical yellow card offence was by far the one given to the Williams player in the first half, which if it had been on the other side of the half way line, would have been a contender for a straight red card.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on September 14, 2024, 02:38:37 PM
I tuned in for most of the second half.  Entertaining game to watch as both sides looked good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on September 14, 2024, 05:43:17 PM
Down goes Liston! The lord jeffs took it on the chin today.Instant classic win for the EPHS on a specular day weather-wise in Williamstown. Once again several vicious fouls by the losers.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 17, 2024, 10:14:59 PM
WPI 0 Amherst 2

I will get my whinges out of the way first.  I definitely wasn't paying attention, but I can confirm that the NEWMAC has embraced Flosports and so I got to pay $14.99 to watch the game.  I checked WPI's endowment and Wikipedia advised a 2022 number of $589m, I hope my money gets spent wisely by the AD department there.  There was no commentator which is just a little cheeky given you are then paying for what is essentially a camera that doesn't quite follow the play 100% quickly.  Perhaps there is an enhanced offering where you pay more.  It does however, dovetail nicely into my second whinge, which was that the microphone did pick up what was incessant wailing from a select group of WPI supporters.  I get angry with referees and am quite good at venting my spleen, but in the first half at least, it was on practically every play and notwithstanding the purple bias that occupies a prominent place in my heart, they weren't always right and of course went remarkably quiet when there was a rather poor two footed tackle that went in from one of the angrier Goats. 

Onto the game, the Goats have had a very good start to the season after what was a successful 2023 also (NEWMAC champions and first round of the tournament) meaning no let up in terms of quality of opponent for the Mammoths.  Amherst hasn't lost two in a row since early 2018 and it was safe to expect there would be a reaction after a disappointing afternoon in whatever town Williams is based.  Coach made a couple of changes and whilst it wasn't a vintage display, the ball spent most of the time in the WPI half for the first 45 minutes.  I think I might have noted this after a previous game there, but it is one of the bouncier synthetic pitches going around and the Mammoths definitely looked better when it was on the desk.  0-0 at half time, with a WPI player heading it onto his own post being the closest either side came to scoring.

Early in the second half, one of the Juniors scored his first goal for the Mammoths after a goal mouth scramble in what was an exciting moment for him and an important one for the team.  On the play, it felt deserved to me and afterwards, the Mammoths started to play with more confidence and kept the ball more effectively further up the field.  WPI were of course, not taking this passively and had potentially dangerous moments, but without creating a clean opportunity, nevertheless, a 1-0 lead is a precarious one, irrespective of how comfortable things may feel.  With that in mind, with less than ten minutes to go, one of the seniors popped up with a clinical header off a corner and the game was effectively put to bed.  Mind you, this correspondent still vividly remembers a game in 1985 at Woodville Reserve in Perth where the greenshirts of University of Western Australia were leading arch rivals Perth City 2-0 with under ten minutes to go and managed to confect a 3-2 loss.  There was gnashing of teeth that evening...and so nothing is ever taken for granted.

After all that, it did finish 2-0 to Amherst and that felt like a merited scoreline.  WPI was well organized and dealt successfully with most of what the Mammoths brought and I am sure they will enjoy another strong season in NEWMAC.  However FloSports, I won't be renewing my monthly subscription to see it.

I fly out this evening and will have SOEK (Sister of Enmore Kitten) in tow for the Midd and Babson games which will be great.  If you are at either game, please come and say hello, if only to meet Australia's pre-eminent Gen Z US politics commentator (her, not me I hasten to add).  For the more literary here, I am staying overnight in Hartford on the Thursday and will get to visit the Mark Twain Museum on Friday morning.  He along with Steinbeck are easily my favourite American authors and it will be quite something to see where he lived. 

Foul Count Update: WPI 13 Amherst 13
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on September 17, 2024, 10:33:59 PM
Accurate assessment Cat.  I too noticed the whining goat from the broadcast. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on September 18, 2024, 09:02:34 AM
The Twain House is really great! You won't be disappointed if you have never gone there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on September 18, 2024, 01:02:56 PM
Midd did win the game against Endicott last night, 2-0, but they scored so late in the contest I thought they were going to have to settle for a tie.  Endicott did have a sequence in the game where they had multiple point blank shot at the net from around the box, but the goalie and defense repelled them.

This sets up a big weekend for Midd with games on Saturday and Sunday against Amherst and Wesleyan respectively.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 18, 2024, 05:33:38 PM
Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on September 18, 2024, 09:02:34 AMThe Twain House is really great! You won't be disappointed if you have never gone there.

Thanks Sierra, I will report back my findings.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MediumTime on September 20, 2024, 03:18:32 PM
We'll certainly know more after this weekend of league play... Midd has a conference double header weekend and an undefeated tilt (although it may not be that way on Sunday) against Wesleyan.

Also, an all home match weekend against easily their toughest opponent so far in Midd and another slippery match against Bates the day before will show how accurately the 4-0-1 record reflects Wesleyan's level.

Nevertheless, after what I've seen so far here's my early season review for the 'Cac

Contenders
Tufts
Midd
Bowdoin
Amherst

Pretenders
Wesleyan
Williams
Conn
Bates

Not in the conversation
Hamilton
Trinity
Colby

I'm on the fence about Williams. Their win over Amherst, number of returners, and that I like what I've seen from Siebert as a coach the last few seasons makes me want to put them in the "Contenders" category. Although their loss to Hamilton, over reliance on Diffley, and the inconsistency in synchronization that comes with rotating players (especially in a high pressing system) makes them vulnerable and a "pretender" in my view.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on September 20, 2024, 11:23:40 PM
Quote from: MediumTime on September 20, 2024, 03:18:32 PMWe'll certainly know more after this weekend of league play... Midd has a conference double header weekend and an undefeated tilt (although it may not be that way on Sunday) against Wesleyan.

Also, an all home match weekend against easily their toughest opponent so far in Midd and another slippery match against Bates the day before will show how accurately the 4-0-1 record reflects Wesleyan's level.

Nevertheless, after what I've seen so far here's my early season review for the 'Cac

Contenders
Tufts
Midd
Bowdoin
Amherst

Pretenders
Wesleyan
Williams
Conn
Bates

Not in the conversation
Hamilton
Trinity
Colby

I'm on the fence about Williams. Their win over Amherst, number of returners, and that I like what I've seen from Siebert as a coach the last few seasons makes me want to put them in the "Contenders" category. Although their loss to Hamilton, over reliance on Diffley, and the inconsistency in synchronization that comes with rotating players (especially in a high pressing system) makes them vulnerable and a "pretender" in my view.
interesting - you see Conn play Bowdoin? Tufts? Controlled the entire Bowdoin game and can argue either team could have won the Tufts tilt......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on September 21, 2024, 08:48:06 AM
Quote from: MediumTime on September 20, 2024, 03:18:32 PMWe'll certainly know more after this weekend of league play... Midd has a conference double header weekend and an undefeated tilt (although it may not be that way on Sunday) against Wesleyan.

Also, an all home match weekend against easily their toughest opponent so far in Midd and another slippery match against Bates the day before will show how accurately the 4-0-1 record reflects Wesleyan's level.

Nevertheless, after what I've seen so far here's my early season review for the 'Cac

Contenders
Tufts
Midd
Bowdoin
Amherst

Pretenders
Wesleyan
Williams
Conn
Bates

Not in the conversation
Hamilton
Trinity
Colby

I'm on the fence about Williams. Their win over Amherst, number of returners, and that I like what I've seen from Siebert as a coach the last few seasons makes me want to put them in the "Contenders" category. Although their loss to Hamilton, over reliance on Diffley, and the inconsistency in synchronization that comes with rotating players (especially in a high pressing system) makes them vulnerable and a "pretender" in my view.

Sorry.  Noted an error so just correcting....

Contenders
Tufts
Midd
Bowdoin
Amherst

Pretenders
Wesleyan
Williams
Conn
Bates

Not in the conversation
Hamilton
Colby

Relegation Zone
Trinity
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 21, 2024, 05:55:56 PM
Amherst 1 Middlebury 1

The three games I have attended between the Mammoths and Panthers have been 1-1 draws, which I guess means absolutely nothing, other than to say the teams match up quite well.  Not for the first time this season, Amherst had the better of the first half, but without the goals to show for it.  Midd scrambled very well and needed to, as the white shirts regularly found their way past the defence.  Amherst did get one around ten minutes before half time, which on balance felt deserved, but possibly not properly representative of the game.

Second half, Amherst started okay, but then maybe just went into a collective shell, which gave Midd the opportunity to start to carry the ball inside the Mammoth's half.  The Panthers were looking quite dangerous and there were close calls, punctuated by some Amherst counter attacks, but without the second goal to kill things off. 8 minutes before time, the Dark Blue shirts got the Equalizer and it did feel like it was coming. In the end, Midd almost got a winner, which would have felt undeserved, but this game has the capacity to do this.

All up, it felt like a win to Midd and a loss to Amherst, given the deflating nature of the equaliser and begrudging credit to the Panthers for hanging in there. It was great to see some impressive freshmen for Amherst today and a number are already making strong contributions.  Personally, it was fantastic to be back at the billiard table that is Hitchcock Field and just generally revel in a North East Fall.

The visit to Mark Twain House was spectacular and I can strongly recommend.

Foul Count: Amherst 14 Middlebury 6
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on September 21, 2024, 06:13:20 PM
Really glad you liked the Mark Twain House! Very cool place. Don't build them like that anymore.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on September 21, 2024, 07:08:49 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 21, 2024, 05:55:56 PMAmherst 1 Middlebury 1

The three games I have attended between the Mammoths and Panthers have been 1-1 draws, which I guess means absolutely nothing, other than to say the teams match up quite well.  Not for the first time this season, Amherst had the better of the first half, but without the goals to show for it.  Midd scrambled very well and needed to, as the white shirts regularly found their way past the defence.  Amherst did get one around ten minutes before half time, which on balance felt deserved, but possibly not properly representative of the game.

Second half, Amherst started okay, but then maybe just went into a collective shell, which gave Midd the opportunity to start to carry the ball inside the Mammoth's half.  The Panthers were looking quite dangerous and there were close calls, punctuated by some Amherst counter attacks, but without the second goal to kill things off. 8 minutes before time, the Dark Blue shirts got the Equalizer and it did feel like it was coming. In the end, Midd almost got a winner, which would have felt undeserved, but this game has the capacity to do this.

All up, it felt like a win to Midd and a loss to Amherst, given the deflating nature of the equaliser and begrudging credit to the Panthers for hanging in there. It was great to see some impressive freshmen for Amherst today and a number are already making strong contributions.  Personally, it was fantastic to be back at the billiard table that is Hitchcock Field and just generally revel in a North East Fall.

The visit to Mark Twain House was spectacular and I can strongly recommend.

Foul Count: Amherst 14 Middlebury 6

Nice recap. Reflects what I saw online.

Enjoy the rest of your visit and safe travels afterward.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 21, 2024, 07:44:29 PM
Quote from: Bucket on September 21, 2024, 07:08:49 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 21, 2024, 05:55:56 PMAmherst 1 Middlebury 1

The three games I have attended between the Mammoths and Panthers have been 1-1 draws, which I guess means absolutely nothing, other than to say the teams match up quite well.  Not for the first time this season, Amherst had the better of the first half, but without the goals to show for it.  Midd scrambled very well and needed to, as the white shirts regularly found their way past the defence.  Amherst did get one around ten minutes before half time, which on balance felt deserved, but possibly not properly representative of the game.

Second half, Amherst started okay, but then maybe just went into a collective shell, which gave Midd the opportunity to start to carry the ball inside the Mammoth's half.  The Panthers were looking quite dangerous and there were close calls, punctuated by some Amherst counter attacks, but without the second goal to kill things off. 8 minutes before time, the Dark Blue shirts got the Equalizer and it did feel like it was coming. In the end, Midd almost got a winner, which would have felt undeserved, but this game has the capacity to do this.

All up, it felt like a win to Midd and a loss to Amherst, given the deflating nature of the equaliser and begrudging credit to the Panthers for hanging in there. It was great to see some impressive freshmen for Amherst today and a number are already making strong contributions.  Personally, it was fantastic to be back at the billiard table that is Hitchcock Field and just generally revel in a North East Fall.

The visit to Mark Twain House was spectacular and I can strongly recommend.

Foul Count: Amherst 14 Middlebury 6

Nice recap. Reflects what I saw online.

Enjoy the rest of your visit and safe travels afterward.

Thanks Bucket, appreciate it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on September 22, 2024, 09:36:23 AM
I agree nice recaps Enmore.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on September 22, 2024, 09:41:29 AM
FYI, Middlebury goal scorer, Hugo, is F&M's Oscar Horwitz's little brother who is a sophomore.  Oscar did outshine his brother last night with 2 goals. Not to many times can you point to a day when brothers score goals on the same day.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PolarBearMom on September 22, 2024, 08:33:10 PM
Long time reader, first time poster. While acknowledging good games this weekend, I want to defy the emphasis on the "four horsemen" per Paul Newman and show some attention to the Bowdoin Polar Bears in anticipation of their Tuesday match against Bates.

After a rocky start against what should have been an easy opponent in UNE, the Bears have started to gel. Strong defensive showing against Conn, where the Bears showed they were comfortable playing for extensive periods in their own end. Coming into the season I was worried about defense due to the loss of some key players so was heartened to see that performance. The win against Wheaton was convincing. The Bears controlled possession most of the game. Tyler Huck has come back into full form this year to score the winning goal against a non-conference team. I don't read too much into the earlier posts about the Bobcats as they always play the Bears tough. Hopeful for a decisive win.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 22, 2024, 08:59:27 PM
Welcome aboard PolarBearMom, always nice to have NESCAC correspondents updating.  As an aside, I know it's early, but currently, Massey has the Polar Bears, Panthers, Jumbos and 🦣 in its top seven.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on September 23, 2024, 08:11:37 AM
Yes, welcome aboard PolarBearMom.  I'm a former Polar Bear dad who now lives in Brunswick and follows the team.

On paper, Bowdoin should be highly competitive in the NESCAC this year.  They did indeed lose all-NESCAC players in midfielder Juantorena and center back Jack Selig...but everyone else is back.  As you indicated, Tyler Huck is a highly intelligent and skilled player, and a difference maker.  One of the keys will be whether or not Rueda Duran gets into the scoring groove he discovered last year.  He hasn't found the net yet in five games.

The game at Bates tomorrow evening should be fun.  Bates's new coach is Ben Brewster, who played next to my son on Bowdoin's back line when they went to the Final Four back in 2010.  Ben is a great young man and has some solid coaching experience, having recently served as associate head coach at D1 UMass.

It's shaping up to be a fun and highly competitive NESCAC season.  Middlebury, Tufts, Amherst and Conn are obvious favorites.  But Bowdoin, and even Williams, will be very much in the picture for the top four in the conference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: flyingdutchman on September 23, 2024, 08:12:22 PM
Thoughts on NESCAC week..

Middlebury vs Amherst: As expected, it was a close battle between two heavyweights. Amherst looked stronger, especially playing at home on their grass field, which can be challenging for Middlebury, a team more accustomed to turf. Credit to Middlebury for securing the equalizer in a moment that must sting for Amherst and could prove decisive in the final standings. The goal came from a well-placed cross and finish, and Middlebury nearly stole the win at the end. Both teams featured freshmen, which is uncommon in such high-stakes games—Amherst had three freshmen in the starting lineup.

Tufts vs Hamilton: This game was effectively decided within the first five minutes. Tufts came out strong, scoring early, and with their defense in top form, Hamilton never really posed a threat. Tufts added some quality second-half goals to secure a convincing road win in upstate New York. Liam Gerken had a good game, and it looks like the graduate student is now finding the back of the net more consistently than in previous seasons.

Conn vs Colby: Conn might be one of the most technically proficient teams in the NESCAC. Colby struggled to get into the game, as Conn remained well-organized and difficult to break down. If Conn aims to contend for the NESCAC title, they'll need to win key matchups against the top teams. It was great to see Scoffone return to the scoresheet for the Camels.

Trinity vs Williams: This one came down to the wire, with Williams finally edging out an uninspired Trinity team. Credit to Trinity for holding out as long as they did, but it felt like the goal was inevitable. The penalty decision seemed like the right call. Trinity may struggle to score a goal all season in the NESCAC. Williams, on the other hand, is hard to gauge—they nearly earned a result against Tufts, beat Amherst, lost to Hamilton, and barely scraped by Trinity. They seem like a young team still finding consistency.

Wesleyan vs Bates and vs Middlebury: Wesleyan started the season strongly, but the tie against Bates is one they'll regret. Wesleyan looked like the better team, but they couldn't capitalize on their chances. They aim to control possession and build off that to create opportunities, which almost paid off against Middlebury on Sunday, where the game swung back and forth. Credit to Middlebury for finding a late result in a tight contest. A single point from their doubleheader weekend isn't ideal for Wesleyan's hopes of breaking into the NESCAC's elite.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on September 24, 2024, 09:03:43 PM
Just watched the end of the Bates Bowdoin game.  Bates wins 1-0 on a header with less than 2 minutes left.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 24, 2024, 10:16:57 PM
Babson 1 Amherst 1

Firstly, a chance for me and SOEK to meet Skud today, who had access to some very nice potato crisps, amongst other things on what was a quite spectacular Fall Day at Hartwell-Rogers Field.  I've had the good fortune to attend a game there back in 2022 and it continues to be a superb place to watch at. 

Coach made some positional alterations and Amherst started the better and for the first half was in the ascendancy.  Unfortunately, for those with purple in their hearts it was a frustrating one where dominance didn't translate into goals, a recurring theme in 2024 thus far.  Overall, the game corner count of 10-0 in favour of the Mammoths served as a decent guide to the overall flow of the game.

In the second half, Amherst hit the post and it did to me at least and clearly incorrectly as it turned out,  feel that we were about to take the lead. Instead, with ten minutes to go, a Babson move down the left resulted in a goal mouth scramble where the end result was a penalty. I couldn't tell from where I was sitting, whether it was warranted, so can't comment, but it was given.  The Mammoths freshman keeper saved it, but the rebound was dispatched and so the Beavers took the lead.  I can't say the lead was deserved, but the Beavers had done well to hang in there and take advantage of their opportunity when it came. 

Amherst came on strong as you would expect and with under seven minutes to go, a well hit free kick was flicked on and eventually finished to make it 1-1.  That felt like the bare minimum Amherst deserved.  There was a subsequent moment where the Mammoths could have been awarded a penalty, but the referee waved it away.  It may have been harsh to give it, but as they say, "I've seen them given".  The relief of the equaliser didn't really offset what was another disappointing result and for those with purple in their hearts, we now look to Maine this weekend as a chance to kick start the season. I would guess actual goals to be considerably lower than xG and it would be great if the former jaw could start to lift ASAP.

Babson are now apparently undefeated in eighteen regular season games dating back to 2023 and are a well-organized team that displayed some impressive quick passing in midfield.  I'd expect they will be at the pointy end of the NEWMAC.

Foul Count: Babson 13 Amherst 19
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CACDaddy on September 25, 2024, 02:45:33 PM
Bates 1 - Bowdoin 0

It was a tense rivalry game where both teams were desperately looking for 3 points. Bowdoin was pressing offensively for most of the first half, holding a 6-1 advantage in the shots column before heading in for the break. However, despite the shots advantage, the Polar Bears struggled to piece together productive possessions and didn't really threaten to score in the first 45.

The second half was much more evenly matched, although both teams struggled to piece together possessions. Bowdoin began to really threaten with ~15 minutes left. Rueda Duran hit one just barely over the bar that, had it been on target, would have been a really difficult save for the Bobcat keeper. Huck had a low driven shot with ~5 minutes on the clock that Pacelli was just out of position for; would've been a tap in. Ultimately though, Bowdoin has to put away these chances if they are going to compete for a NESCAC crown this year and, with just a minute left, Tife Agunloye, Bates' leading score lofted a desperate cross into the box that found the head of Sebastian Iacovitti to gives Bates the three points. Dropping this one hurts Bowdoin.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on September 28, 2024, 04:39:25 PM
Williams men's soccer is pretty crazy statistically through eight games (though of course the fact that only the younger two classes were recruited by the current coach makes them a bit less surprising):

Goals: 7 from FYs (all from Mitchell and Bethencourt), 3 from sophomores, 1 from a junior, zero from seniors
Assists: 6 from FYs, 2 from sophomores, zero from upperclassmen

Also, the starting lineup has accounted for only 3 out of 11 goals on the season.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 28, 2024, 06:31:00 PM
Bates 0 Amherst 1

It was Back To Bates Day today and the bleachers were full of Bobcat supporters in what really was a delightful fall day in Lewiston.  For the small contingent of Amherst Ultras the game couldn't have started much better, off a corner, the ball found its way to one of the sophomores who proceeded to hit a powerful drive from outside the area, making it 1-0.  For those with purple in their hearts, the hope was that this might be a catalyst for a Mammoths onslaught, but whilst they dominated possession, a second goal didn't eventuate.  What did however, was a period where the Bobcats looked dangerous in transition, with a few close calls on some enticing crosses.  The Bates keeper was fortunate to stay on the field after being the last man and bringing down one of the seniors when an open goal was gaping. 

Amherst started the second half better and played some of the best football I have seen whilst I have been visiting these United States.  The team kept the ball inside the Bates half with some attractive passing.  One such move led to a header that unfortunately hit the crossbar.  The Purple Shirts well and truly understand the precarious nature of 1-0 leads and the Bobcats did have one quite good chance which would have evened it up.  A one on one opportunity to make it 2-0 was spurned, but in the end it didn't matter and the Amherst Ultras could finally take a breathe.

All credit to Bates who have enjoyed a strong start to the season.  They definitely weren't easy to breakdown and looked menacing on the break.  As for the Mammoths, a win and a clean sheet are most welcome, but the game was perhaps made a little harder than it needed to be.  It is a run of four games undefeated now.

As an aside, I saw the Notre Dame/Clemson game on TV last night.  Whilst it was quite good to watch, all three goals in a 2-1 win to the Irish were on the back of mistakes.  The passing could be quite crisp and whilst the ball moves quickly, I would expect that any of the teams I saw last year in the FF in Roanoke would be competitive against them, after an adjustment.

Foul Count: Bates 9 Amherst 17
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on September 29, 2024, 10:13:24 PM
Colby 0 Amherst 1

I'm not sure I will return to Maine in my lifetime, but I am confident that the memories of the spectacular backdrop to Colby's Mark R. Serdjenian Field will not quickly pass.  The bleachers there offer a tremendous view of the field and it was a pleasure to watch.

I had already, by complete accident, had the opportunity to share breakfast with the team at the rustic Fireside Inn, where the sleep was much quieter than downtown Enmore.  I did sense a steely focus in the group and it was clear from the start that the white shirts were switched on.  The Mules attempted to play the ball out from the back, with mixed results and it did allow Amherst to take control of the game.  Just before the 20th minute, the end result from an attractive passing sequence was a careful strike from one of the seniors.  It was no more than the Mammoths deserved and now the question was whether or not a second goal could be found.  I won't drag things out, it didn't happen, despite numerous shots being taken, with some good saves by the Colby keeper.

Not for the first time this year, the lack of a second goal meant that the Blue Shirts (they are great looking shirts by the way) stayed in the game.  They did look dangerous on set pieces with some impressive deliveries and the Amherst keeper made one particularly solid save off a free kick.  The Mammoths were pushing for a second goal, which would have been wonderful for the hearts of those with purple in their hearts, but couldn't quite create the right opening.  Ultimately, it ended up being similar to the previous day against Bates, where we probably made it a little harder than we needed to.

Taking a step back, at the halfway mark in conference, Amherst is fourth and from this correspondent's perspective, still yet to produce a full game performance, which keeps the door open for a higher position in the standings, when things start to click.  Whilst the Mammoths are definitely underperforming xG, the encouraging news for this father of a central defender is that Amherst has only conceded three goals.  At the same time last year, it was seven.  It was also the first time since 2019 that Amherst has taken 6 points from this double header in what is aptly described as The Pine Tree State.

I thought Colby persevered in the face of Amherst pressure and they have a couple of players who are comfortable on the ball in midfield and capable of effective transition.  I understand it has been tough for them in conference so far, but I don't think they are far away from a result and with a bit of luck it will be at the expense of one of Amherst's close rivals.

Finally, I do need to mention the referee who was an exponent of the less-than-fine art of dramatic whistling.  To this uneducated ear it appeared to be only when Amherst committed a foul and it's possible that an itinerant Australian attendee at the game implored him to also dramatically whistle when the Mules fouled, but he resisted that temptation.

Foul Count: Colby 5 Amherst 16 (not the most fouls from a NESCAC team this weekend, the leader was 20).

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Rcjh2245 on September 29, 2024, 10:42:40 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on September 29, 2024, 10:13:24 PMColby 0 Amherst 1

I'm not sure I will return to Maine in my lifetime, but I am confident that the memories of the spectacular backdrop to Colby's Mark R. Serdjenian Field will not quickly pass.  The bleachers there offer a tremendous view of the field and it was a pleasure to watch.

I had already, by complete accident, had the opportunity to share breakfast with the team at the rustic Fireside Inn, where the sleep was much quieter than downtown Enmore.  I did sense a steely focus in the group and it was clear from the start that the white shirts were switched on.  The Mules attempted to play the ball out from the back, with mixed results and it did allow Amherst to take control of the game.  Just before the 20th minute, the end result from an attractive passing sequence was a careful strike from one of the seniors.  It was no more than the Mammoths deserved and now the question was whether or not a second goal could be found.  I won't drag things out, it didn't happen, despite numerous shots being taken, with some good saves by the Colby keeper.

Not for the first time this year, the lack of a second goal meant that the Blue Shirts (they are great looking shirts by the way) stayed in the game.  They did look dangerous on set pieces with some impressive deliveries and the Amherst keeper made one particularly solid save off a free kick.  The Mammoths were pushing for a second goal, which would have been wonderful for the hearts of those with purple in their hearts, but couldn't quite create the right opening.  Ultimately, it ended up being similar to the previous day against Bates, where we probably made it a little harder than we needed to.

Taking a step back, at the halfway mark in conference, Amherst is fourth and from this correspondent's perspective, still yet to produce a full game performance, which keeps the door open for a higher position in the standings, when things start to click.  Whilst the Mammoths are definitely underperforming xG, the encouraging news for this father of a central defender is that Amherst has only conceded three goals.  At the same time last year, it was seven.  It was also the first time since 2019 that Amherst has taken 6 points from this double header in what is aptly described as The Pine Tree State.

I thought Colby persevered in the face of Amherst pressure and they have a couple of players who are comfortable on the ball in midfield and capable of effective transition.  I understand it has been tough for them in conference so far, but I don't think they are far away from a result and with a bit of luck it will be at the expense of one of Amherst's close rivals.

Finally, I do need to mention the referee who was an exponent of the less-than-fine art of dramatic whistling.  To this uneducated ear it appeared to be only when Amherst committed a foul and it's possible that an itinerant Australian attendee at the game implored him to also dramatically whistle when the Mules fouled, but he resisted that temptation.

Foul Count: Colby 5 Amherst 16 (not the most fouls from a NESCAC team this weekend, the leader was 20).



High marks for this narrative; outcome of game secondary to your description of the day (to the neutral observer)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3Reporter on October 01, 2024, 11:09:02 PM
Longtime reader, first time poster here.

Was in attendance for the Tufts - Babson game tonight, 1-1 tie. Both teams looked really solid for most of the contest...it was nice and refreshing to see soccer played as the beautiful game it can be, rather than the ugliness of pure kick-and-run and physicality that college soccer can be sometimes.

Tufts seemed to have the upper-hand to me for most of the contest, though Babson certainly didn't appear uncomfortable at any point. In fact, in the middle 20 minutes of the second half, it seemed like Babson actually might be the team with a goal coming. With about ten minutes left, Babson found the back of the net, but it came off of a miscommunication between the Tufts CB Feinberg and GK Antic. This is not a mistake I expect to see again this season from the Tufts defense who have looked very solid this season and in this game. But here, the Babson FWD Yablonovskiy took advantage and put it away to make it 1-0.

For the next ten minutes, Tufts pushed hard for the equalizer and with about one minute left, they found the goal that seemed like was coming for most of the contest. Beautiful ball in off the corner from Gerken and I believe last touch was from Canfin to put it in the back of the net.

This Tufts team is showing grittiness that will be helpful later in the year, though they are still missing a dominant, goal-scoring striker...

Despite its six ties, expecting Babson will win the NEWMAC and make a tournament run. Expecting their limiting factor will be their lack of physicality and set-piece dominance.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 01, 2024, 11:32:14 PM
D3Reporter, you did your board name proud.  Great (and fair) description.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 01, 2024, 11:33:07 PM
::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 01, 2024, 11:35:09 PM
Quote from: D3Reporter on October 01, 2024, 11:09:02 PMLongtime reader, first time poster here.

Was in attendance for the Tufts - Babson game tonight, 1-1 tie. Both teams looked really solid for most of the contest...it was nice and refreshing to see soccer played as the beautiful game it can be, rather than the ugliness of pure kick-and-run and physicality that college soccer can be sometimes.

Tufts seemed to have the upper-hand to me for most of the contest, though Babson certainly didn't appear uncomfortable at any point. In fact, in the middle 20 minutes of the second half, it seemed like Babson actually might be the team with a goal coming. With about ten minutes left, Babson found the back of the net, but it came off of a miscommunication between the Tufts CB Feinberg and GK Antic. This is not a mistake I expect to see again this season from the Tufts defense who have looked very solid this season and in this game. But here, the Babson FWD Yablonovskiy took advantage and put it away to make it 1-0.

For the next ten minutes, Tufts pushed hard for the equalizer and with about one minute left, they found the goal that seemed like was coming for most of the contest. Beautiful ball in off the corner from Gerken and I believe last touch was from Canfin to put it in the back of the net.

This Tufts team is showing grittiness that will be helpful later in the year, though they are still missing a dominant, goal-scoring striker...

Despite its six ties, expecting Babson will win the NEWMAC and make a tournament run. Expecting their limiting factor will be their lack of physicality and set-piece dominance.

Thanks for the first-hand report.  I was going to say something about the Tufts' GK's play on that goal in my post on the National Perspectives thread, but I refrained because there was a press box post(?!) in the way of the camera on the feed and I couldn't quite see what happened.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 02, 2024, 08:47:28 AM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 01, 2024, 11:35:09 PM
Quote from: D3Reporter on October 01, 2024, 11:09:02 PMLongtime reader, first time poster here.

Was in attendance for the Tufts - Babson game tonight, 1-1 tie. Both teams looked really solid for most of the contest...it was nice and refreshing to see soccer played as the beautiful game it can be, rather than the ugliness of pure kick-and-run and physicality that college soccer can be sometimes.

Tufts seemed to have the upper-hand to me for most of the contest, though Babson certainly didn't appear uncomfortable at any point. In fact, in the middle 20 minutes of the second half, it seemed like Babson actually might be the team with a goal coming. With about ten minutes left, Babson found the back of the net, but it came off of a miscommunication between the Tufts CB Feinberg and GK Antic. This is not a mistake I expect to see again this season from the Tufts defense who have looked very solid this season and in this game. But here, the Babson FWD Yablonovskiy took advantage and put it away to make it 1-0.

For the next ten minutes, Tufts pushed hard for the equalizer and with about one minute left, they found the goal that seemed like was coming for most of the contest. Beautiful ball in off the corner from Gerken and I believe last touch was from Canfin to put it in the back of the net.

This Tufts team is showing grittiness that will be helpful later in the year, though they are still missing a dominant, goal-scoring striker...

Despite its six ties, expecting Babson will win the NEWMAC and make a tournament run. Expecting their limiting factor will be their lack of physicality and set-piece dominance.

Thanks for the first-hand report.  I was going to say something about the Tufts' GK's play on that goal in my post on the National Perspectives thread, but I refrained because there was a press box post(?!) in the way of the camera on the feed and I couldn't quite see what happened.
The camera view and the pitch of the announcer is a bit of a struggle to watch/listen at Bello.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on October 02, 2024, 09:58:56 AM
You mean when looking to the extreme left or right the pole blocks the view? Not, not uncommon.  And the voice of the Elephants might be spot on - all in the nose. I think the person does not have a diaphragm.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 02, 2024, 10:14:02 AM
I find D3s take on both goals off.

The camera is on a structure where the frame of the structure blocks
The view.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on October 02, 2024, 12:06:57 PM
Quote from: SKUD on October 02, 2024, 10:14:02 AMI find D3s take on both goals off.

The camera is on a structure where the frame of the structure blocks
The view.

Yup
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on October 02, 2024, 12:09:59 PM
(https://www.sportsfield.com/wp-content/uploads/scorers-tables-sportsfield-specialties-gallery-02.webp)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 02, 2024, 12:11:25 PM
I'm confused... We don't agree with the in-person report, because the online camera view is obstructed?

I'm missing something here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 02, 2024, 12:16:48 PM
2 separate items. 1 was explaining camera view.

Other was feeling on game and goals was very different than his account.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 02, 2024, 12:18:04 PM
Quote from: SKUD on October 02, 2024, 10:14:02 AMThe camera is on a structure where the frame of the structure blocks
The view.

Thanks.  I've seen something similar at a few other schools, although usually just blocking the extreme corners and not as far into the field as Tufts.  The camera could toggle back and forth between the left and right side of the post and still see field, so it actually obscured action on the field rather than just the run up for the corner kick.  It felt a little like the Farmers Insurance "winning view" commercial when the ball was on the left side of one goal and the right side of the other.

I've noticed a couple of schools are using technologically advanced solutions to this problem of not being able to see the angles well.  Pomona-Pitzer and UC Santa Cruz now use a drone to show overhead shots of all corner and free kicks (and P-P didn't even have the kind of extreme blind spots other schools have).  Others use a second camera behind the goal.  It may be that the FloSports contract is helping in some cases (for P-P for instance), which would help to justify the price.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3Reporter on October 02, 2024, 01:28:25 PM
Quote from: SKUD on October 02, 2024, 10:14:02 AMI find D3s take on both goals off.

The camera is on a structure where the frame of the structure blocks
The view.


Rewatched the goals on video to see how they compared to what I saw last night. Pretty unbelievable how much of the Babson goal was obscured by the post on the structure the camera is on. Seeing as that is...I can totally understand how my explanation about the miscommunication can seem like it came out of nowhere.

On the video you can see the beginning of the lead-up: Missed pass is cleared by Feinberg, which is blocked by Yablonovskiy.Then after that, the post completely blocks the rest of the play until the shot. On the field, I saw Feinberg shielding for a few seconds and visibly/audibly yelling at Antic, expecting that he would pick it up. Antic stayed on his line, though, and Yablonovskiy capitalized. Don't mean to take anything away from the Babson striker as his ability to get around Feinberg was impressive and strong, but to me, there's no doubt that goal doesn't happen if Feinberg and Antic are on the same page there.

In terms of the second goal, I think that one goes rather unobstructed. But, I view it at as a nicely placed ball to get it over the keeper onto Canfin's head, who finished at back post late in the game with almost everyone in the box.

I totally understand, though, that it's the nature of the game that several of us watching the same play can have entirely different interpretations. Would love to hear what others took away from the goals to get a different perspective.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BaboNation on October 02, 2024, 02:47:21 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 02, 2024, 12:18:04 PM
Quote from: SKUD on October 02, 2024, 10:14:02 AMThe camera is on a structure where the frame of the structure blocks
The view.

Thanks.  I've seen something similar at a few other schools, although usually just blocking the extreme corners and not as far into the field as Tufts.  The camera could toggle back and forth between the left and right side of the post and still see field, so it actually obscured action on the field rather than just the run up for the corner kick.  It felt a little like the Farmers Insurance "winning view" commercial when the ball was on the left side of one goal and the right side of the other.

I've noticed a couple of schools are using technologically advanced solutions to this problem of not being able to see the angles well.  Pomona-Pitzer and UC Santa Cruz now use a drone to show overhead shots of all corner and free kicks (and P-P didn't even have the kind of extreme blind spots other schools have).  Others use a second camera behind the goal.  It may be that the FloSports contract is helping in some cases (for P-P for instance), which would help to justify the price.

I don't know about other conferences, but as a fan of the NEWMAC the first year of the contract under FloSports has been a net negative.  I swore I wouldn't pay for the service, but my addiction got the best of me so I signed up for the special NEWMAC all-sports package.

My experience:

The "technical difficulties" have increased dramatically - exponentially really.  And you never really know whether you should wait for the "we're working on it" to be resolved or restart the feed, which if you do so you've got a commercial to suffer through.

You really need to use the app, because the browser version is extra fluky and doesn't support IOS from what their CS told me.

Not as easy as it used to be to toggle between games with multiple tabs open.  Now it's one at a time, and again, a commercial before the match.

The Customer Service is slow to respond (best to use the chat).

The ability to save Favorites is clunky.

My understanding (I could be wrong) was that all equipment (and cameramen?) would be supplied by FS, with the announcers (if any) supplied by the team(s).
I haven't seen any improvement in camera coverage/technology.

Other than that, everything is fantastic.  I know this is the trend, but pray your favorite conference doesn't get FS.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 02, 2024, 03:54:36 PM
Quote from: BaboNation on October 02, 2024, 02:47:21 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 02, 2024, 12:18:04 PM
Quote from: SKUD on October 02, 2024, 10:14:02 AMThe camera is on a structure where the frame of the structure blocks
The view.

Thanks.  I've seen something similar at a few other schools, although usually just blocking the extreme corners and not as far into the field as Tufts.  The camera could toggle back and forth between the left and right side of the post and still see field, so it actually obscured action on the field rather than just the run up for the corner kick.  It felt a little like the Farmers Insurance "winning view" commercial when the ball was on the left side of one goal and the right side of the other.

I've noticed a couple of schools are using technologically advanced solutions to this problem of not being able to see the angles well.  Pomona-Pitzer and UC Santa Cruz now use a drone to show overhead shots of all corner and free kicks (and P-P didn't even have the kind of extreme blind spots other schools have).  Others use a second camera behind the goal.  It may be that the FloSports contract is helping in some cases (for P-P for instance), which would help to justify the price.

I don't know about other conferences, but as a fan of the NEWMAC the first year of the contract under FloSports has been a net negative.  I swore I wouldn't pay for the service, but my addiction got the best of me so I signed up for the special NEWMAC all-sports package.

My experience:

The "technical difficulties" have increased dramatically - exponentially really.  And you never really know whether you should wait for the "we're working on it" to be resolved or restart the feed, which if you do so you've got a commercial to suffer through.

You really need to use the app, because the browser version is extra fluky and doesn't support IOS from what their CS told me.

Not as easy as it used to be to toggle between games with multiple tabs open.  Now it's one at a time, and again, a commercial before the match.

The Customer Service is slow to respond (best to use the chat).

The ability to save Favorites is clunky.

My understanding (I could be wrong) was that all equipment (and cameramen?) would be supplied by FS, with the announcers (if any) supplied by the team(s).
I haven't seen any improvement in camera coverage/technology.

Other than that, everything is fantastic.  I know this is the trend, but pray your favorite conference doesn't get FS.

My understanding is that Flo simply requires the SCIAC schools to upgrade to a certain level of camera quality if they weren't there already, but otherwise does nothing for the game coverage.  That's why I think a school like Pomona (which has one of the largest endowments per student in the country) may have taken the money and invested it in better tech for the viewing experience, while other schools may have pocketed the money and continue to offer the exact same picture quality and no announcer experience they had before.

I haven't seen any more technical difficulties than past years in the SCIAC (in SoCal, we probably have fewer weather-related disruptions on-site to internet than in the NEWMAC if that is one source of tech difficulties), but I have noticed what you described about the technical issues that do occasionally pop up needing to restart the feed and deal with the start-up commercial.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: smoova on October 02, 2024, 04:14:23 PM
Quote from: BaboNation on October 02, 2024, 02:47:21 PMI don't know about other conferences, but as a fan of the NEWMAC the first year of the contract under FloSports has been a net negative.  I swore I wouldn't pay for the service, but my addiction got the best of me so I signed up for the special NEWMAC all-sports package.

My experience:

The "technical difficulties" have increased dramatically - exponentially really.  And you never really know whether you should wait for the "we're working on it" to be resolved or restart the feed, which if you do so you've got a commercial to suffer through.

You really need to use the app, because the browser version is extra fluky and doesn't support IOS from what their CS told me.

Not as easy as it used to be to toggle between games with multiple tabs open.  Now it's one at a time, and again, a commercial before the match.

The Customer Service is slow to respond (best to use the chat).

The ability to save Favorites is clunky.

My understanding (I could be wrong) was that all equipment (and cameramen?) would be supplied by FS, with the announcers (if any) supplied by the team(s).
I haven't seen any improvement in camera coverage/technology.

Other than that, everything is fantastic.  I know this is the trend, but pray your favorite conference doesn't get FS.

As the parent of a 2025 committed to a NEWMAC school, this makes me queasy ...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 02, 2024, 04:51:39 PM
The question of when, if ever, Trinity would score a goal in a NESCAC game this season has been answered: 

In it's fifth NESCAC game against Conn College

HALF:  Conn College 2 - Trinity 1

UPDATE:  Conn College 3 - Trinity 2

With Trinity cutting a two goal gap in half in the 67th minute, is it possible it could even get a NESCAC win or tie, and against its in-state rival to boot?

FINAL:  Conn College 3 - Trinity 2

Trinity was not able to get a result, but Trinity did score 2, which is more than any opponent has against the Camels this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nuhusuperfan26 on October 02, 2024, 06:19:14 PM
As we come to some exciting fixtures in the league this weekend, eyes are on two players, perhaps the two most electrifying in the league. Amherst's Nuhu and Hamilton's Hawthorn are both exceptional competitors, driven to the fullest. While we have to wait yet for their direct matchup, we can witness them each in action this weekend in what are sure to be encapsulating affairs. I've seen a lot of comparisons on these boards between the two. Some favor Nuhu, some favor Hawthorn. The question on so many fans' minds this season: which one is better. All I have to say: just enjoy them while they're here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: BaboNation on October 02, 2024, 07:19:05 PM
Quote from: smoova on October 02, 2024, 04:14:23 PM
Quote from: BaboNation on October 02, 2024, 02:47:21 PMI don't know about other conferences, but as a fan of the NEWMAC the first year of the contract under FloSports has been a net negative.  I swore I wouldn't pay for the service, but my addiction got the best of me so I signed up for the special NEWMAC all-sports package.

My experience:

The "technical difficulties" have increased dramatically - exponentially really.  And you never really know whether you should wait for the "we're working on it" to be resolved or restart the feed, which if you do so you've got a commercial to suffer through.

You really need to use the app, because the browser version is extra fluky and doesn't support IOS from what their CS told me.

Not as easy as it used to be to toggle between games with multiple tabs open.  Now it's one at a time, and again, a commercial before the match.

The Customer Service is slow to respond (best to use the chat).

The ability to save Favorites is clunky.

My understanding (I could be wrong) was that all equipment (and cameramen?) would be supplied by FS, with the announcers (if any) supplied by the team(s).
I haven't seen any improvement in camera coverage/technology.

Other than that, everything is fantastic.  I know this is the trend, but pray your favorite conference doesn't get FS.

As the parent of a 2025 committed to a NEWMAC school, this makes me queasy ...

I don't want to be unduly critical.  It sounds like things are running better in other Flo conferences, so maybe it's mostly Year 1 transition pains. 

Good luck to your son or daughter!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 02, 2024, 09:10:51 PM
Quote from: nuhusuperfan26 on October 02, 2024, 06:19:14 PMAs we come to some exciting fixtures in the league this weekend, eyes are on two players, perhaps the two most electrifying in the league. Amherst's Nuhu and Hamilton's Hawthorn are both exceptional competitors, driven to the fullest. While we have to wait yet for their direct matchup, we can witness them each in action this weekend in what are sure to be encapsulating affairs. I've seen a lot of comparisons on these boards between the two. Some favor Nuhu, some favor Hawthorn. The question on so many fans' minds this season: which one is better. All I have to say: just enjoy them while they're here.

Nuhu led the NESCAC in crotch grabs directed at opposing fans last season.  Let's see if he can continue that electrifying form this season
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on October 02, 2024, 10:40:47 PM
Quote from: paclassic89 on October 02, 2024, 09:10:51 PMNuhu led the NESCAC in crotch grabs directed at opposing fans last season.  Let's see if he can continue that electrifying form this season

Yup, remember that class move along with the asst. coach after that game. Plus the sub off the bench.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nuhusuperfan26 on October 02, 2024, 10:43:50 PM
Quote from: paclassic89 on October 02, 2024, 09:10:51 PM
Quote from: nuhusuperfan26 on October 02, 2024, 06:19:14 PMAs we come to some exciting fixtures in the league this weekend, eyes are on two players, perhaps the two most electrifying in the league. Amherst's Nuhu and Hamilton's Hawthorn are both exceptional competitors, driven to the fullest. While we have to wait yet for their direct matchup, we can witness them each in action this weekend in what are sure to be encapsulating affairs. I've seen a lot of comparisons on these boards between the two. Some favor Nuhu, some favor Hawthorn. The question on so many fans' minds this season: which one is better. All I have to say: just enjoy them while they're here.

Nuhu led the NESCAC in crotch grabs directed at opposing fans last season.  Let's see if he can continue that electrifying form this season

As soon as you show greatness, the vultures start to circle, waiting for your downfall. Messi, LeBron, now Nuhu. Slander like this just adds to the legacy. Keep being great 21.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 02, 2024, 11:31:54 PM
Manhattanville 1 Amherst 7

The EnmoreCat entourage was running late, but there in time to see the first goal in what was a 17 minute hat-trick for one of the sophomores, now with his own fan club on the boards (and of course the requisite Amhaters, but that's par for the course).  That effectively closed off the game as a spectacle and Coach proceeded to rotate in a number of players who hadn't seen much game time thus far.  The pressure didn't ease off however and it ended up being 4-1 at half-time and then it was more of the same in the second half.

The Manhattanville goal was arguably the best of the night, a superb hit from around the edge of the penalty area.  Whilst the result didn't go their way, they are an attractive team to watch and if allowed to, can move the ball sweetly.  They did however find it challenging to deal with the Amherst heat, but it's not hard to see why they won the Skyline last year.  The configuration of the field makes it easily the best viewing ground I have attended.

For the 🦣, a game like this been a while coming and hopefully boosts confidence ahead of the Seniors Day game against Wesleyan on Saturday.  It was great to see the freshmen get opportunities and take them.  I'd say there will be more than a few who are going to become household NESCAC names over the next few years.  There is now a sizeable NY flavour to the roster and there was a good attendance from not just those families, but also some 2025 commits.  They would have to like the look of what they saw this evening.

Foul Count: Manhattanville 12 Amherst 17
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on October 03, 2024, 04:52:06 PM
Well since you asked...but please don't be offended.  The facts are what they are--two goals were scored.  I think it's more about the characterization with what is seemingly some confirmation bias.  Some fans see goals scored as marvels and goals allowed as mistakes from a better team.  Human nature as we all have bias.  Sometimes if you look deeper you see things differently.  Let me try to show by example: 

Quote from: D3Reporter on October 02, 2024, 01:28:25 PMRewatched the goals on video to see how they compared to what I saw last night. Pretty unbelievable how much of the Babson goal was obscured by the post on the structure the camera is on. Seeing as that is...I can totally understand how my explanation about the miscommunication can seem like it came out of nowhere.

On the video you can see the beginning of the lead-up: Missed pass is cleared by Feinberg, which is blocked by Yablonovskiy.  A Tufts throw in deep in their defensive end is immediately won by Babson players with 2 skilled one touches leading to a poor cross from the corner but followed by a poorer clearance effort straight into a Babson attacker. Then after that, the post completely blocks the rest of the play until the shot. On the field, I saw Feinberg shielding for a few seconds and visibly/audibly yelling at Antic, expecting that he would pick it up. Antic stayed on his line, though, and Yablonovskiy capitalized as the Babson attacker was applying tremendous pressure behind the ball and eventually won it and quickly maneuvered into open space for the finish. Don't mean to take anything away from the Babson striker as his ability to get around Feinberg was impressive and strong, but to me, there's no doubt that goal doesn't happen if Feinberg and Antic are on the same page there Babson doesn't regain possession deep in the Tufts end and apply pressure.

In terms of the second goal, I think that one goes rather unobstructed. But, I view it at as a nicely placed ball to get it over the keeper onto Canfin's head, who finished at back post late in the game with almost everyone in the box the last of a series of corner kicks while Tufts was desperately sending attackers forward searching for the equalizer and found an unmarked man on the back post.  Had the Babson defender on the back post elected to come off his line sooner or another defender marked the scorer, Babson would have taken 3 points.

I totally understand, though, that it's the nature of the game that several of us watching the same play can have entirely different interpretations. Would love to hear what others took away from the goals to get a different perspective.

Again I'm not trying to be a PITA or take away any enjoyment. I watched the game as an objective party and enjoyed it myself--two really good teams.  Just pointing out bias happens.  All you need to do is look around here.  From player mistakes made to poor refereeing to questionable coaching and many others, sometimes it is difficult to just give the other team credit.  Even when it is due.

Good luck to the Jumbos.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: laker4141 on October 03, 2024, 06:24:50 PM
Quote from: Freddyfud on October 03, 2024, 04:52:06 PMWell since you asked...but please don't be offended.  The facts are what they are--two goals were scored.  I think it's more about the characterization with what is seemingly some confirmation bias.  Some fans see goals scored as marvels and goals allowed as mistakes from a better team.  Human nature as we all have bias.  Sometimes if you look deeper you see things differently.  Let me try to show by example: 

Quote from: D3Reporter on October 02, 2024, 01:28:25 PMRewatched the goals on video to see how they compared to what I saw last night. Pretty unbelievable how much of the Babson goal was obscured by the post on the structure the camera is on. Seeing as that is...I can totally understand how my explanation about the miscommunication can seem like it came out of nowhere.

On the video you can see the beginning of the lead-up: Missed pass is cleared by Feinberg, which is blocked by Yablonovskiy.  A Tufts throw in deep in their defensive end is immediately won by Babson players with 2 skilled one touches leading to a poor cross from the corner but followed by a poorer clearance effort straight into a Babson attacker. Then after that, the post completely blocks the rest of the play until the shot. On the field, I saw Feinberg shielding for a few seconds and visibly/audibly yelling at Antic, expecting that he would pick it up. Antic stayed on his line, though, and Yablonovskiy capitalized as the Babson attacker was applying tremendous pressure behind the ball and eventually won it and quickly maneuvered into open space for the finish. Don't mean to take anything away from the Babson striker as his ability to get around Feinberg was impressive and strong, but to me, there's no doubt that goal doesn't happen if Feinberg and Antic are on the same page there Babson doesn't regain possession deep in the Tufts end and apply pressure.

In terms of the second goal, I think that one goes rather unobstructed. But, I view it at as a nicely placed ball to get it over the keeper onto Canfin's head, who finished at back post late in the game with almost everyone in the box the last of a series of corner kicks while Tufts was desperately sending attackers forward searching for the equalizer and found an unmarked man on the back post.  Had the Babson defender on the back post elected to come off his line sooner or another defender marked the scorer, Babson would have taken 3 points.

I totally understand, though, that it's the nature of the game that several of us watching the same play can have entirely different interpretations. Would love to hear what others took away from the goals to get a different perspective.

Again I'm not trying to be a PITA or take away any enjoyment. I watched the game as an objective party and enjoyed it myself--two really good teams.  Just pointing out bias happens.  All you need to do is look around here.  From player mistakes made to poor refereeing to questionable coaching and many others, sometimes it is difficult to just give the other team credit.  Even when it is due.

Good luck to the Jumbos.


"From player mistakes made to poor refereeing to questionable coaching and many others, sometimes it is difficult to just give the other team credit.  Even when it is due."

So very true. I'd even amend it to saying "any team credit" for most folks on here, especially on this specific thread..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 03, 2024, 11:13:15 PM
I am failing so, so badly...

I would love a thorough, nuanced discussion around bias and the various filters through which we perceive what we perceive, and even unconsciously how we simultaneously maximize and minimize certain elements of what we perceive (often in the service of a larger, conclusory take that tends to fall on the side of supporting one's team).  Earlier today I had the thought that this site is "social media for old/older folks."

I take @Freddyfud at his word that his response was well-intentioned, and I agree that his edits supported his points.  That said, by picking that post to use as an example, I hope most observers don't view the original post as highly partisan or a "poor post."  Freddy in the end only did the strike through on one sentence and three partial sentences of a lengthy post.  Both the content and tone were imo more accurate and generous than 90% of the posts on this site.  We've lost some folks over the years who could do a sustained, nuanced analysis and I would hate to see that discouraged.  And if we're gonna call out the detailed, thoughtful posts, can we also call out posts that are almost entirely antagonistic and lacking in any real content.  I'm also mindful that the person seems to be a new poster, and his (or her) initial posts have been a far cry from the young dudes who burst through the door like a bull in a china shop, seem to primarily just be trolling, and then a week later are nowhere to be found.

For me, the goals in that game were not the point nor was the outcome.  Imo that game could have ended as a draw or with either team winning 1-0 and I would have had no complaints.  There WAS a defensive miscue on the Tufts side and the Babson player made a fantastic play.  Both can be true.  I'd guess most goals can be traced back to errors...like a giveaway in the other team's final third that leads to a breakout, 12 Maradonas and Cruyffs, 5 sharp combo passes, and ends with a brilliant finish for a goal.  I did not give Tufts "more credit" for their goal (and I'm not sure the poster did either).  That was imo an extremely fortunate goal, but mostly because of the timing and one more clear probably secures the game for Babson.  But can we also compare chances during the game?  Can we say that Tufts had more very good chances and was unfortunate not to score during the precedibg 89 minutes?  And yes, Babson could have scored earlier as well.  Whether I'm a neutral (I was in this case) or a rabid Tufts supporter (I don't know if the poster is or not), is it bad form to have a take like Tufts looks like a F4 candidate and Babson looks like a very good team that could have a very good chance to get to the second weekend of the tourney?  Is it OK to think one team is better or marginally better than another team?  Don't we do that every day, whether we post about it or not?  Isn't that why we talk about rankings and (for reasons beyond me) give rankings such high importance?  If I'm wrong or way off, isn't it possible that I reached the wrong conclusion with relative honesty?  And if there are objections and legit counters, can't those who found something too biased or out and out wrong lay out their argument and share his or her detailed take in contrast?

Full disclosure...I wasn't as neutral as I claimed.  While not a regular Babson fan, I was rooting heavily for the Beavers.  I have an intense dislike for Tufts (on par with Amherst dislike), but I will never disrespect them.  I learned my lesson exactly 10 years ago.  The Jumbos have caused me so much personal pain that I will always err on the side of overestimating them, same as I have historically regarding the programs in Grantham, PA, Delaware, OH, and Grand Rapids, MI.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 03, 2024, 11:36:26 PM
Of course we also could see how the programs described it...

From Babson recap...

The Green and White opened the scoring in the 80th minute following a giveaway in the box. First-year Phillip Finch (La Jolla, Calif.) lost possession of the ball after carrying it into the box but the Tufts clearance deflected off Yablonovskiy, who then won a battle for the loose ball and took a touch around Antic before hitting the opening net.

Facing its first deficit of the season, the Jumbos finally broke through a stout Babson defense to score the equalizer in the 89th minute when Canfin got a head on Gerken's corner kick with a mass of bodies in the goal mouth for his fourth marker of the year.


More from Babson...

White made three of his four saves in the first half, which includes sliding into position to deny graduate student Mikey Brady (Washington, D.C.) in the 22nd minute before diving to his left to snare Brady's one-touch bid to open the scoring off a service from the left wing less than a minute later. Classmate Max Clivio (Kingston, Jamaica) also flicked a header just over the crossbar in the 14th minute and junior Daniel Yanez (Short Hills, N.J.) hit a 23-yard free kick just over the bar in the 70th minute.

Antic saved Beavers' graduate student James Donaldson's (Kirkland, Quebec) in the 30th minute and senior Liam Rhatigan (Holderness, N.H.) saw his back post header off a corner kick sail just off target in the 44th minute. The Tufts defense did well to block sophomore McKenzy Pierre's (West Orange, N.J.) shot out of play after a strong run into the box by Yablonovskiy in the 49th minute, while graduate student Marco Cerezo (Malaga, Spain) missed just wide of the right post in the 60th minute.

From Tufts...

The game would remain in a state of stalemate for most of the second half, until senior defender Taylor Feinberg had his clearance attempt blocked by Babson sophomore forward Alexander Yablonovskiy. Feinberg initially collected his own rebound, but the persistent Yablonovskiy pried the ball away from him on the Jumbos own goal line, dribbling towards the goal and slipping the ball by a sprawling Antic. The Beavers led 1-0 with 10 minutes to play.

The Jumbos were enraged by the Babson goal, immediately cranking up the tempo and intensity, pinning the Beavers in their own end. The Jumbos had three corner kicks in the final 10 minutes, and it would take them until their third try to score. Sophomore Xavier Canfin proved that the third time really is a charm, as he grappled with and leapt above the Beavers defense to flick a header into the top right corner of the goal. The Jumbos had their equalizer, and it could not have come at a better time, as they scored with a mere 80 seconds remaining in the match.

Every single one of those 80 seconds were played out with a frenzy, as each side scrambled to secure a winning goal, but neither would have the time to develop any meaningful chances. The match concluded with a final score of 1-1.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 03, 2024, 11:55:54 PM
So the only discrepancy I see in the team recaps is the last line of tufts.  If I recall there were 10-15 seconds in the end where a tufts player held the ball on the sideline allowing the clock to expire vs throwing it in.

So every single second was certainly not played out.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 03, 2024, 11:56:31 PM
I hate when PN says something intelligent, that makes sense and that I can learn from!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 05, 2024, 09:09:29 PM
Amherst 1 Wesleyan 0

Western Massachusetts turned on the weather for Seniors Day and the billiard table that is Hitchcock Field looked an absolute treat.  A powerful header by Enmore Kitten in the eighth minute saw the Mammoths off to a great start and there was an extended period of domination after that but sadly no second goal to potentially kill the Cardinals off. Instead, Wesleyan scrambled effectively and were able to hold the white shirts at bay.  The lead at half time felt fair, but possibly insufficient.

Whilst I am happy to say I was wrong again about a potential outcome, it wasn't due to lack of effort from Wesleyan.  Although Amherst did have a couple of gilt-edged chances, the Cardinals had more opportunities and it was the turn of the Mammoths to scramble.  It would have been hard to view a Wesleyan equaliser as unfair and there was considerable relief when the final hooter hooted (I know sounded is the more appropriate verb, but I liked the alliteration opportunity).

It was the first time I have seen Wesleyan in the flesh and they looked to me like a very even team across the field.  Their keeper made one fine save in the first half and they had some uber dangerous entries, which on another day, could have led to a goal.

For Amherst, a win and another clean sheet in conference are most welcome.  That makes two goals conceded in NESCAC so far, compared to eight goals at the same stage last year.  I did describe the team as, "efficient" last year and it's probably more so in 2024.  Having said that, those with purple in their hearts would love to see maybe a bit more of the 2023 ruthlessness in front of goals, but there is still time.

As noted, it was Seniors Day today and there was a super turn out to celebrate the occasion.  Aside from two NESCAC championships and two national championship final appearances, this group was associated with a 71pct win record, which is quite outstanding, given their participation in NESCAC.  I understand there are alternate views, however I view them as an outstanding group of young men and one that I am proud to have had the pleasure of being around.  I look forward to seeing what they do with a fine liberal arts education.

For me, this represented my final ever game at Amherst, which is sad, but of course, an inevitable part of this journey.  There is still a lot of season left, with undoubted highs & lows still likely, but I do feel quite privileged to have travelled to places I would never have likely visited and more importantly met numerous tremendous people, not just Amherst, but also from Bowdoin, Middlebury, W&L and Babson, just to name a few.  The memories will always be special.

Foul Count: Amherst 10 Wesleyan 15 (not a typo)

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 05, 2024, 11:17:24 PM
I am not an Amherst fan and Ray knows that but this is brilliant! Congrats to your son too
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 06, 2024, 08:02:11 AM
Speaking of possible bias and how bias works, I'd be curious to see how others view the Amherst goal yesterday.

Here it is as posted in the Amherst recap...

https://x.com/AmherstMammoths/status/1842637725553303705

Imo this is a great example for what @freddyfud was elaborating on.  Clean, good goal?  Climbing and using the back of the defending player to elevate and gain separation while committing a foul?  Look at the immediate reaction of the defender clearly intent on shielding the Amherst player (no doubt known as the most important Mammoth player to shield) from an opportunity and also the GK's reaction.  I'm especially interested to again hear from the GK experts since defending corners is a high volume play for GKs and defending teams. Also, should the Wesleyan GK have made a play on the ball to grab or punch out?  Or no?  If we could do a survey of 10 Wesleyan fans/players/coaches and 10 Amherst fans/players/coaches, how many for each would have a take different than their counterparts?  After completing the exercise, and after using AI to run the same play with all the players in opposing jerseys (and Wesleyan scoring off the corner), how many would change their votes?

PK calls are another area that provide a rich tapestry for bias analysis.

My take?  As someone who quite admittedly has a very different kind of purple in MY heart, I'm leaning towards a slight adjustment of that foul count from 10 to 11.  And I'll obnoxiously interject that the other purple home pitch really is a billiard table.

One other thought...and one of respect for the Mammoths industrial complex.  When Amherst goes up 1-0 that often feels like 3-0 or 4-0.  Even though just a goal from equalizing actually getting one feels like a big mountain to climb.  Would be interesting to look at how many games Amherst has lost over the past decade or so when going up 1-0.  Obviously the sample size isn't very high.  In contrast, I would guess Amherst has a pretty strong record of winning or at least gaining a draw after they go down 1-0...and of course that sample size is even less.

As a begruding observer, the battle for NESCAC and national glory is per usual going to be a dogfight.  Imo there is very little daylight between Tufts, Amherst, Midd, and Conn...and there's Williams also smirking from the weeds.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 06, 2024, 08:25:22 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 06, 2024, 08:02:11 AMSpeaking of possible bias and how bias works, I'd be curious to see how others view the Amherst goal yesterday.

Here it is as posted in the Amherst recap...

https://x.com/AmherstMammoths/status/1842637725553303705

Imo this is a great example for what @freddyfud was elaborating on.  Clean, good goal?  Climbing and using the back of the defending player to elevate and gain separation while committing a foul?  Look at the immediate reaction of the defender clearly intent on shielding the Amherst player (no doubt known as the most important Mammoth player to shield) from an opportunity and also the GK's reaction.  I'm especially interested to again hear from the GK experts since defending corners is a high volume play for GKs and defending teams. Also, should the Wesleyan GK have made a play on the ball to grab or punch out?  Or no?  If we could do a survey of 10 Wesleyan fans/players/coaches and 10 Amherst fans/players/coaches, how many for each would have a take different than their counterparts?  After completing the exercise, and after using AI to run the same play with all the players in opposing jerseys (and Wesleyan scoring off the corner), how many would change their votes?

PK calls are another area that provide a rich tapestry for bias analysis.

My take?  As someone who quite admittedly has a very different kind of purple in MY heart, I'm leaning towards a slight adjustment of that foul count from 10 to 11.  And I'll obnoxiously interject that the other purple home pitch really is a billiard table.

One other thought...and one of respect for the Mammoths industrial complex.  When Amherst goes up 1-0 that often feels like 3-0 or 4-0.  Even though just a goal from equalizing actually getting one feels like a big mountain to climb.  Would be interesting to look at how many games Amherst has lost over the past decade or so when going up 1-0.  Obviously the sample size isn't very high.  In contrast, I would guess Amherst has a pretty strong record of winning or at least gaining a draw after they go down 1-0...and of course that sample size is even less.

As a begruding observer, the battle for NESCAC and national glory is per usual going to be a dogfight.  Imo there is very little daylight between Tufts, Amherst, Midd, and Conn...and there's Williams also smirking from the weeds.



Cool
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nuhusuperfan26 on October 06, 2024, 01:05:30 PM
Mohammed Nuhu delivered another assist yesterday. We are witnessing a generational talent blossoming before us. I pity Hamilton if they are pitted against Nuhu's Amherst in the postseason. The Continentals are clearly weak, so a matchup with the greatest NESCAC player of all time will be an unwelcome sight. Nuhu continues to silence the critics.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 06, 2024, 02:44:41 PM
Hahahaha ^
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NescacUltra on October 06, 2024, 04:36:02 PM
Quote from: nuhusuperfan26 on October 06, 2024, 01:05:30 PMMohammed Nuhu delivered another assist yesterday. We are witnessing a generational talent blossoming before us. I pity Hamilton if they are pitted against Nuhu's Amherst in the postseason. The Continentals are clearly weak, so a matchup with the greatest NESCAC player of all time will be an unwelcome sight. Nuhu continues to silence the critics.

I wouldn't be too quick to write off the Continentals. 3 wins and no losses in their last 5 games. Hamilton are coming off a 6pt weekend, including a dominant 1-0 victory over Bates today in which Hamilton outshot the Bobcats 17-0.

Hamilton have a talented and experienced group. Today, the midfield duo of Margaronis and Peplowski looked different class. Don't let them get hot!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 06, 2024, 04:52:17 PM
Quote from: nuhusuperfan26 on October 06, 2024, 01:05:30 PMMohammed Nuhu delivered another assist yesterday. We are witnessing a generational talent blossoming before us. I pity Hamilton if they are pitted against Nuhu's Amherst in the postseason. The Continentals are clearly weak, so a matchup with the greatest NESCAC player of all time will be an unwelcome sight. Nuhu continues to silence the critics.
love to give Nuju credit but also like to point out he was a 2003 freshman - lots of years under the belt....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 06, 2024, 11:09:59 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 06, 2024, 08:02:11 AMSpeaking of possible bias and how bias works, I'd be curious to see how others view the Amherst goal yesterday.

Here it is as posted in the Amherst recap...

https://x.com/AmherstMammoths/status/1842637725553303705

Imo this is a great example for what @freddyfud was elaborating on.  Clean, good goal?  Climbing and using the back of the defending player to elevate and gain separation while committing a foul?  Look at the immediate reaction of the defender clearly intent on shielding the Amherst player (no doubt known as the most important Mammoth player to shield) from an opportunity and also the GK's reaction.  I'm especially interested to again hear from the GK experts since defending corners is a high volume play for GKs and defending teams. Also, should the Wesleyan GK have made a play on the ball to grab or punch out?  Or no?  If we could do a survey of 10 Wesleyan fans/players/coaches and 10 Amherst fans/players/coaches, how many for each would have a take different than their counterparts?  After completing the exercise, and after using AI to run the same play with all the players in opposing jerseys (and Wesleyan scoring off the corner), how many would change their votes?

PK calls are another area that provide a rich tapestry for bias analysis.

My take?  As someone who quite admittedly has a very different kind of purple in MY heart, I'm leaning towards a slight adjustment of that foul count from 10 to 11.  And I'll obnoxiously interject that the other purple home pitch really is a billiard table.

One other thought...and one of respect for the Mammoths industrial complex.  When Amherst goes up 1-0 that often feels like 3-0 or 4-0.  Even though just a goal from equalizing actually getting one feels like a big mountain to climb.  Would be interesting to look at how many games Amherst has lost over the past decade or so when going up 1-0.  Obviously the sample size isn't very high.  In contrast, I would guess Amherst has a pretty strong record of winning or at least gaining a draw after they go down 1-0...and of course that sample size is even less.

As a begruding observer, the battle for NESCAC and national glory is per usual going to be a dogfight.  Imo there is very little daylight between Tufts, Amherst, Midd, and Conn...and there's Williams also smirking from the weeds.


PN:  Showed this to my son, who is clearly no admirer of Amherst (or Wesleyan either, for that matter).  His take was the defender needs to be stronger, that no one on the field was asking for that call, and that there is no reaction from the Wesleyan bench.  The goalkeeper came for the ball and missed it.  This is defensive miscue that was punished.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 07, 2024, 10:28:48 AM
CSO, thx for responding. I asked my son to take a look yesterday while visiting my first and only grandchild so far. He was more down the middle. He had no disagreement with a lack of a foul call but he also would not have disputed a foul call there either. He thought the kitten did use the body of the smaller kitten to gain an advantage but not necessarily blatant enough to call an infraction.

The set piece foul call seems like the most frequently called foul in the majority of soccer matches...akin to seeing a flag in the backfield or a kickoff return in American football and 90% of the time you know the call is going against the offensive team.

I couldn't quite tell if your son thought the GK and defender shared culpability on the miscue or not. In other words, did he think the GK (especially seeing the most dangerous threat to the other side of him) could or should have made a play to grab the ball or punch it out? Also curious who is responsible for lining up the marking so that a 6'5, 210 lbs AA caliber player isn't left isolated on a 5'9, 165 lbs guy defending. Does this fall on one of the CBs or the GK or some combination therein? Of course, as I have mentioned quite a few times, the problem facing Amherst is that they usually have at least a handful of guys on the pitch 6'3 or above at any given time. So it's a pick your poison kind of deal. I didn't check but I wouldn't be surprised if Wesleyan doesn't have any field players over the 6'0 mark and certainly not more than a few.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 07, 2024, 10:39:19 AM
Just checked... Wesleyan does have  6'3 and 6'4 guys who play and several around 6'0-6'1. Not sure who was on the field at time of goal but I don't think one of the bigger Wes players was marking the kitten.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 07, 2024, 02:19:17 PM
He believes that the GK should absolutely have dealt with that ball better.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 07, 2024, 02:57:10 PM
While there hasn't been a huge break-out goal scoring game yet, Williams, which has lacked the finishing touch for years, finally seems to be moving in the right direction offensively.  Even with last year's leading scorer, Andrew Coelho, not playing this year (I assume injured), the Ephs seem to finally have some dudes who can finish plays in Lorcom Mitchell (in particular, he's scored with some impressive strikes in three of the last four games despite still playing only about half of games), Alex Bethencourt, Kellen Grace, and Spencer Mix, all of whom will be around for awhile.  The offensive stats aren't quite at elite levels yet but with a critical mass of young playmakers who will grow as a group, the future is very bright.  The Ephs also have a recruit coming in from NJ, the younger and bigger brother of a four-year Wesleyan starter, who scored 31 goals as a junior (in small-school soccer, but in NJ soccer that's still impressive).  If Coelho can return to form and the Ephs can get even more punch from next year's recruits, they may start to show some of the true offensive potency that has eluded them for years - even in the year they made it to the national title game on the strength of stingy defense. It's clear that Coach Siebert weathered a rocky bit of player retention early in his tenure and has done a stellar job with recruiting, and the team is growing deeper in talent as he brings more classes in.   

The Eph defense and defensive midfield led by Guiterrez, Labonski and Diffley is strong as always, so the question for THIS year will be, can the very young attacking bench unit, which has generated virtually all of the teams' goals, continue to grow into bigger roles as the season moves along and teams game plan against them.  Williams while still going very deep has started to tighten the rotation just a bit, which should help with continuity while still keeping guys fresh for the second half of games, when the Ephs clearly do their most damage - incredibly, 12 of the 15 Eph goals have come in the second half of play.     

On another note, that Amherst header goal certainly looked clean to me.  As others have said, when you have a skilled 6'5 guy against someone who looked around 8-9 inches shorter, it's just going to be no contest every time going up in the air. There is always going to be some physicality in the box and that wasn't a foul.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: laker4141 on October 07, 2024, 03:08:45 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 06, 2024, 08:02:11 AMSpeaking of possible bias and how bias works, I'd be curious to see how others view the Amherst goal yesterday.

Here it is as posted in the Amherst recap...

https://x.com/AmherstMammoths/status/1842637725553303705

Imo this is a great example for what @freddyfud was elaborating on.  Clean, good goal?  Climbing and using the back of the defending player to elevate and gain separation while committing a foul?  Look at the immediate reaction of the defender clearly intent on shielding the Amherst player (no doubt known as the most important Mammoth player to shield) from an opportunity and also the GK's reaction.  I'm especially interested to again hear from the GK experts since defending corners is a high volume play for GKs and defending teams. Also, should the Wesleyan GK have made a play on the ball to grab or punch out?  Or no?  If we could do a survey of 10 Wesleyan fans/players/coaches and 10 Amherst fans/players/coaches, how many for each would have a take different than their counterparts?  After completing the exercise, and after using AI to run the same play with all the players in opposing jerseys (and Wesleyan scoring off the corner), how many would change their votes?

PK calls are another area that provide a rich tapestry for bias analysis.

My take?  As someone who quite admittedly has a very different kind of purple in MY heart, I'm leaning towards a slight adjustment of that foul count from 10 to 11.  And I'll obnoxiously interject that the other purple home pitch really is a billiard table.

One other thought...and one of respect for the Mammoths industrial complex.  When Amherst goes up 1-0 that often feels like 3-0 or 4-0.  Even though just a goal from equalizing actually getting one feels like a big mountain to climb.  Would be interesting to look at how many games Amherst has lost over the past decade or so when going up 1-0.  Obviously the sample size isn't very high.  In contrast, I would guess Amherst has a pretty strong record of winning or at least gaining a draw after they go down 1-0...and of course that sample size is even less.

As a begruding observer, the battle for NESCAC and national glory is per usual going to be a dogfight.  Imo there is very little daylight between Tufts, Amherst, Midd, and Conn...and there's Williams also smirking from the weeds.


Quote from: PaulNewman on October 06, 2024, 08:02:11 AMSpeaking of possible bias and how bias works, I'd be curious to see how others view the Amherst goal yesterday.

Here it is as posted in the Amherst recap...

https://x.com/AmherstMammoths/status/1842637725553303705

Imo this is a great example for what @freddyfud was elaborating on.  Clean, good goal?  Climbing and using the back of the defending player to elevate and gain separation while committing a foul?  Look at the immediate reaction of the defender clearly intent on shielding the Amherst player (no doubt known as the most important Mammoth player to shield) from an opportunity and also the GK's reaction.  I'm especially interested to again hear from the GK experts since defending corners is a high volume play for GKs and defending teams. Also, should the Wesleyan GK have made a play on the ball to grab or punch out?  Or no?  If we could do a survey of 10 Wesleyan fans/players/coaches and 10 Amherst fans/players/coaches, how many for each would have a take different than their counterparts?  After completing the exercise, and after using AI to run the same play with all the players in opposing jerseys (and Wesleyan scoring off the corner), how many would change their votes?

PK calls are another area that provide a rich tapestry for bias analysis.

My take?  As someone who quite admittedly has a very different kind of purple in MY heart, I'm leaning towards a slight adjustment of that foul count from 10 to 11.  And I'll obnoxiously interject that the other purple home pitch really is a billiard table.

One other thought...and one of respect for the Mammoths industrial complex.  When Amherst goes up 1-0 that often feels like 3-0 or 4-0.  Even though just a goal from equalizing actually getting one feels like a big mountain to climb.  Would be interesting to look at how many games Amherst has lost over the past decade or so when going up 1-0.  Obviously the sample size isn't very high.  In contrast, I would guess Amherst has a pretty strong record of winning or at least gaining a draw after they go down 1-0...and of course that sample size is even less.

As a begruding observer, the battle for NESCAC and national glory is per usual going to be a dogfight.  Imo there is very little daylight between Tufts, Amherst, Midd, and Conn...and there's Williams also smirking from the weeds.



I just watched this film back. One of the more clean set piece goals I've seen in NESCAC play. No extension of arms to push off, clear size advantage that looks even more uneven due to the Wesleyan defender not jumping. There has been wayyyy worse stuff that has lead to goals (jersey pulls, toe stomping, etc), especially in the box, especially in the NESCAC.

Further, agreed with CSO noting the reaction (or lack there of) from Wesleyan as the goal was scored. GK had no business coming out for that, either.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 07, 2024, 03:21:42 PM
As a self-proclaimed "goalie person"... I don't think I'd say he had no business coming out. But he needed to be a lot better with his footwork and decision-making there. Either he needed to drop back on his line with the cross (as you imply), or make a quicker decision to go for the ball. Slight hesitation and indecision led to him being a fraction late.

Not an easy play, to be fair.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: laker4141 on October 07, 2024, 03:33:41 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on October 07, 2024, 03:21:42 PMAs a self-proclaimed "goalie person"... I don't think I'd say he had no business coming out. But he needed to be a lot better with his footwork and decision-making there. Either he needed to drop back on his line with the cross (as you imply), or make a quicker decision to go for the ball. Slight hesitation and indecision led to him being a fraction late.

Not an easy play, to be fair.

Certainly a tough situation, most re-serve situations are. I agree, footwork and decision making. Seems he got caught in no man's land. When the ball was initially cleared, he didn't seem to scan to see what was back post, or retreat 1 or 2 steps to be able to see what was in front of him to his left and right.

All this said, he made 3 other outstanding saves in this game to keep them afloat. Thus, the life of a goalkeeper!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 07, 2024, 04:16:01 PM
Lol...I can accept that a foul wasn't called and a majority seem to agree. Yes, those plays and worse happen throughout a game. Those plays happen often in the middle of the field when two opposing players challenge for a header and you're not quite sure which direction a foul will be called or if one will be called at all. If I saw it correctly the same defender was boxing out Simon on the initial corner 5-6 yards or more from the near post. On the second ball in by Nuhu they were in a similar spot but the second time imo Simon moved the defender about 3 yards towards the near post, riding him out, and then elevated with hands on the defender's shoulders using the defender's body to rise up and over. If the defender had jumped or tried to jump his head would have landed in Simon's chest or chin.  Maybe no foul, or not enough to call one, but imo there is no question that an advantage was gained. The point about no loud or sustained protest by Wesleyan players or staff is well-taken, but the defender and I believe the GK did react as though they were wondering where the call was.  Btw, no one has addressed who is responsible for setting up the marking in those situations. Big CBs come up for corners and set pieces constantly so there must be some discussion about how to deal with the more obvious targets. Before responding again I watched the play several more times at .25 speed which I think helps to see where the defender and offensive player were as the second ball was being served in and just how far the kid got ridden out from where they were.

If a foul HAD been called would there have been a huge outcry? Maybe for Amherst given that they seem to get quite histrionic on almost every call or non-call against them. But I'm not sure a foul call would have seemed egregious for most teams.

And I hope folks aren't interpreting my comments as suggesting I would want a foul called on my team there. I wouldn't and wouldn't care at all if others thought it was. I am perfectly happy to walk away with a win. Another aspect of being a fan...whether the other team gets a fair shake or not is not my concern. Proof of a poor call certainly wouldn't make me vote to give the game back to the opponent.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 07, 2024, 05:04:43 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on October 07, 2024, 04:16:01 PMLol...I can accept that a foul wasn't called and a majority seem to agree. Yes, those plays and worse happen throughout a game. Those plays happen often in the middle of the field when two opposing players challenge for a header and you're not quite sure which direction a foul will be called or if one will be called at all. If I saw it correctly the same defender was boxing out Simon on the initial corner 5-6 yards or more from the near post. On the second ball in by Nuhu they were in a similar spot but the second time imo Simon moved the defender about 3 yards towards the near post, riding him out, and then elevated with hands on the defender's shoulders using the defender's body to rise up and over. If the defender had jumped or tried to jump his head would have landed in Simon's chest or chin.  Maybe no foul, or not enough to call one, but imo there is no question that an advantage was gained. The point about no loud or sustained protest by Wesleyan players or staff is well-taken, but the defender and I believe the GK did react as though they were wondering where the call was.  Btw, no one has addressed who is responsible for setting up the marking in those situations. Big CBs come up for corners and set pieces constantly so there must be some discussion about how to deal with the more obvious targets. Before responding again I watched the play several more times at .25 speed which I think helps to see where the defender and offensive player were as the second ball was being served in and just how far the kid got ridden out from where they were.

If a foul HAD been called would there have been a huge outcry? Maybe for Amherst given that they seem to get quite histrionic on almost every call or non-call against them. But I'm not sure a foul call would have seemed egregious for most teams.

And I hope folks aren't interpreting my comments as suggesting I would want a foul called on my team there. I wouldn't and wouldn't care at all if others thought it was. I am perfectly happy to walk away with a win. Another aspect of being a fan...whether the other team gets a fair shake or not is not my concern. Proof of a poor call certainly wouldn't make me vote to give the game back to the opponent.

As for who should set up the defense, the GK should definitely set his players up, including setting up the posts if desired, identify matchups, decide if he needs players back as bodyguards to free him up to go after the ball, call back any offensive players to cover overloads, and identify and get players to watch late runners and back post drifters.  All while keeping one eye on the ball in case they take a quick kick or look like they may be setting up for a short corner.  This is why you see pro GKs shout and point a lot before corners.  Some of this may have been covered in video sessions before the game if the opponent has set CK plays or tendencies, in which case the GK is doing a lot of reminding people of what to look for and where to be.

The field players, however, have to call out any switches if there is movement and players get blocked off (switches aren't really that common in D3, partly because there is mostly just chaos and not organized pick plays, but that's sometimes what happens when a 5'9" guy ends up on a 6'5" guy).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 07, 2024, 06:06:53 PM
Gotta say PN, sounding quite familiar there! For NIL purposes, we prefer Enmore Kitten 😁.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on October 07, 2024, 06:20:15 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 07, 2024, 06:06:53 PMGotta say PN, sounding quite familiar there! For NIL purposes, we prefer Enmore Kitten 😁.

A generous NIL package coupled with the elite Amherst education portends great things for the feline family.

EnmoreKitten has my official vote as an AA selection.  Outstanding player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: pittsfieldpete on October 07, 2024, 09:37:55 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 07, 2024, 02:57:10 PMWhile there hasn't been a huge break-out goal scoring game yet, Williams, which has lacked the finishing touch for years, finally seems to be moving in the right direction offensively.  Even with last year's leading scorer, Andrew Coelho, not playing this year (I assume injured), the Ephs seem to finally have some dudes who can finish plays in Lorcom Mitchell (in particular, he's scored with some impressive strikes in three of the last four games despite still playing only about half of games), Alex Bethencourt, Kellen Grace, and Spencer Mix, all of whom will be around for awhile.  The offensive stats aren't quite at elite levels yet but with a critical mass of young playmakers who will grow as a group, the future is very bright.  The Ephs also have a recruit coming in from NJ, the younger and bigger brother of a four-year Wesleyan starter, who scored 31 goals as a junior (in small-school soccer, but in NJ soccer that's still impressive).  If Coelho can return to form and the Ephs can get even more punch from next year's recruits, they may start to show some of the true offensive potency that has eluded them for years - even in the year they made it to the national title game on the strength of stingy defense. It's clear that Coach Siebert weathered a rocky bit of player retention early in his tenure and has done a stellar job with recruiting, and the team is growing deeper in talent as he brings more classes in. 

The Eph defense and defensive midfield led by Guiterrez, Labonski and Diffley is strong as always, so the question for THIS year will be, can the very young attacking bench unit, which has generated virtually all of the teams' goals, continue to grow into bigger roles as the season moves along and teams game plan against them.  Williams while still going very deep has started to tighten the rotation just a bit, which should help with continuity while still keeping guys fresh for the second half of games, when the Ephs clearly do their most damage - incredibly, 12 of the 15 Eph goals have come in the second half of play.   

On another note, that Amherst header goal certainly looked clean to me.  As others have said, when you have a skilled 6'5 guy against someone who looked around 8-9 inches shorter, it's just going to be no contest every time going up in the air. There is always going to be some physicality in the box and that wasn't a foul. 

Good to see Williams getting some attention here. After two tough losses early in the season--especially a last-minute heartbreaker to Tufts--the Ephs haven't lost in their last 8 games and have posted wins over ranked teams including Bowdoin, Cortland, and, most importantly, Amherst. Back line has been very tough to break through--just two goals allowed in those 8 games. Curious if they'll be ranked by USC this week.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 12, 2024, 04:43:31 PM
Amherst 3  Emerson 0

Correspondent's Note: When referring to the "purple" in Amherst supporters' hearts, I am officially using "Mammoth Purple":

https://www.amherst.edu/news/communications/visual-identity-toolkit/colors

Many shades of purple exist, but my sole focus is on this one, unless otherwise noted.

I was suffering from jetlag, so being awake for what was a 5.30am Enmore kick off time was not at all difficult.  As noted previously, Emerson has had good results against NESCAC opposition thus far in 2024 and they came out in determined fashion in what I would describe as a stop-start game, (as was the consistency of my livestream for the entire 90 minutes sadly)  possibly not helped by what one of the Amherst Ultras described to me as quite windy conditions.  With one eye to the El Classico coming up against Tufts on Tuesday at The Billiard Table That Is Hitchcock Field, Coach did shuffle the pack.  In a first half of few chances, Amherst probably had the best just before half time, but failed to convert, so it was 0-0 and on the play, hard to argue with.

In the 52nd minute, Amherst was awarded a free kick around the edge of the area, which one of the Seniors was able to convert.  The stream by this stage was poor, so not precisely sure how it got through the wall, but it did and put the Mammoths into the lead.  Amherst started to take control and in the 76th minute, a penalty was correctly awarded, which one of the Sophomores converted quite calmly.  With just under ten minutes to go, the Lions keeper made a fine save off a corner, but not long after that, one of the Juniors clinically slotted one into the far right corner, for what I am pretty sure, was his first goal for the programme.

Emerson stuck to the task, but in the end, found it very difficult to enjoy much possession in the final third.  For those with purple in their hearts, I suspect most would be quite willing to trade one or two of today's goals for something similar on Tuesday, but an eventually comfortable win with another clean sheet (seventh in 2024) was most welcome.  Every game I have seen against Tufts has been tough and uncompromising and I expect Tuesday's fixture to be more of the same.  On form, the Jumbos have to go in as favourites, but it does present the Mammoths with a chance to make a statement. 

There were commentators this time, along with quite good camera work, so shout out to FloSports, but I am not sure whether the inconsistency of the livestream was their issue or mine.  Given the large number of viewers watching from south of the Equator, I think it's something they may need to address.  I did like the line from one of the callers when an Emerson defender cleared the ball out of Rotch Field and described it as "leaving the stadium", to which his colleague suggested that "stadium" was a reach. I am not sure whether today's game advanced the cause for a Massachusetts D3 Super League, but I am aware that Private Equity has been circling.   


Foul Count: Amherst 14 Emerson 19

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 12, 2024, 10:31:43 PM
It is not flosports it is Emerson who on occasion provides a camera crew and student commentary cs their auto-cam on a pole.

All flosports is supposed to
do for the conference is assure a very very very bare minimum standard is met. Clark, Wheaton always fall short and sometimes Emerson is good and sometimes bad.

FloSports is only a platform for delivery and has nothing to do with
the production value.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on October 13, 2024, 11:48:08 AM
As the Jumbos' broadcaster(yes, I know my voice is too high-pitched), I can say that that was an ugly win vs. Bates yesterday. If we play anywhere near that quality on Tuesday or Saturday, we will get run off the pitch. On the other hand, this team seemingly has a magic ability to pick up results, and 4 points this week guarantees them home-field advantage in the tourney. I guess all I can do is hope.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 13, 2024, 07:46:22 PM
Midd with a 2 win weekend, picking up wins over Colby (1-0) and previously unbeaten Babson (3-1).  The Colby game was a much more cagey affair, with the Mules sitting deep for long periods and absorbing pressure.  Gavin Randolph was on the receiving end of a crunching challenge from the Mules GK that sent him to the hospital overnight and will keep him out of action for the foreseeable future.  Today's game was much more open from Midd as the Panthers came out flying and took the lead on a Will Sawin goal in the 5th minute.  Babson GK Walker White stopped a pk later in the half and made some other nice saves to keep the margin at 1.  The Babos came out with a more attacking edge in the second half, registering 7 of their 10 shots and tying the game on a cross that was slotted home at the back post.  The Panthers had a number of good chances, including a Shane Farrell header that was somehow scooped off the line by White.  After laying siege to the Babson goal, the Panthers finally broke through when an Ari Klayman shot struck a defender and looped over a diving white to put Midd up 2-1 at 87:09.  Keegan Harder added the insurance goal 45 seconds later to finish off the contest.  Midd is now 10-0-2, with league contests at Tufts, at Bates, and home vs Williams to close the regular season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 14, 2024, 04:49:06 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 13, 2024, 07:46:22 PMMidd with a 2 win weekend, picking up wins over Colby (1-0) and previously unbeaten Babson (3-1).  The Colby game was a much more cagey affair, with the Mules sitting deep for long periods and absorbing pressure.  Gavin Randolph was on the receiving end of a crunching challenge from the Mules GK that sent him to the hospital overnight and will keep him out of action for the foreseeable future.  Today's game was much more open from Midd as the Panthers came out flying and took the lead on a Will Sawin goal in the 5th minute.  Babson GK Walker White stopped a pk later in the half and made some other nice saves to keep the margin at 1.  The Babos came out with a more attacking edge in the second half, registering 7 of their 10 shots and tying the game on a cross that was slotted home at the back post.  The Panthers had a number of good chances, including a Shane Farrell header that was somehow scooped off the line by White.  After laying siege to the Babson goal, the Panthers finally broke through when an Ari Klayman shot struck a defender and looped over a diving white to put Midd up 2-1 at 87:09.  Keegan Harder added the insurance goal 45 seconds later to finish off the contest.  Midd is now 10-0-2, with league contests at Tufts, at Bates, and home vs Williams to close the regular season.
d
Does anybody know what happened at the end of the Babson game?  The announcers indicated there was some sort of scuffle as the teams exchanged pleasantries after the game ended.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 14, 2024, 05:19:44 PM
Quote from: rdanie03 on October 13, 2024, 11:48:08 AMAs the Jumbos' broadcaster(yes, I know my voice is too high-pitched), I can say that that was an ugly win vs. Bates yesterday. If we play anywhere near that quality on Tuesday or Saturday, we will get run off the pitch. On the other hand, this team seemingly has a magic ability to pick up results, and 4 points this week guarantees them home-field advantage in the tourney. I guess all I can do is hope.
You are not a broadcaster you are a fan with a microphone.  If you want to be a broadcaster take some lessons from the Middlebury broadcaster.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 14, 2024, 05:41:32 PM
Rude comment.  He's a student (I'm presuming), as all D3 sports commentators should be, and Tufts does a great job.  Chirping a student volunteer is pathetic. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 14, 2024, 06:46:33 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 14, 2024, 04:49:06 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 13, 2024, 07:46:22 PMMidd with a 2 win weekend, picking up wins over Colby (1-0) and previously unbeaten Babson (3-1).  The Colby game was a much more cagey affair, with the Mules sitting deep for long periods and absorbing pressure.  Gavin Randolph was on the receiving end of a crunching challenge from the Mules GK that sent him to the hospital overnight and will keep him out of action for the foreseeable future.  Today's game was much more open from Midd as the Panthers came out flying and took the lead on a Will Sawin goal in the 5th minute.  Babson GK Walker White stopped a pk later in the half and made some other nice saves to keep the margin at 1.  The Babos came out with a more attacking edge in the second half, registering 7 of their 10 shots and tying the game on a cross that was slotted home at the back post.  The Panthers had a number of good chances, including a Shane Farrell header that was somehow scooped off the line by White.  After laying siege to the Babson goal, the Panthers finally broke through when an Ari Klayman shot struck a defender and looped over a diving white to put Midd up 2-1 at 87:09.  Keegan Harder added the insurance goal 45 seconds later to finish off the contest.  Midd is now 10-0-2, with league contests at Tufts, at Bates, and home vs Williams to close the regular season.
d
Does anybody know what happened at the end of the Babson game?  The announcers indicated there was some sort of scuffle as the teams exchanged pleasantries after the game ended.
Allegation that a Babson player made an inappropriate remark to a Midd player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middfan on October 15, 2024, 08:52:48 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 14, 2024, 06:46:33 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 14, 2024, 04:49:06 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 13, 2024, 07:46:22 PMMidd with a 2 win weekend, picking up wins over Colby (1-0) and previously unbeaten Babson (3-1).  The Colby game was a much more cagey affair, with the Mules sitting deep for long periods and absorbing pressure.  Gavin Randolph was on the receiving end of a crunching challenge from the Mules GK that sent him to the hospital overnight and will keep him out of action for the foreseeable future.  Today's game was much more open from Midd as the Panthers came out flying and took the lead on a Will Sawin goal in the 5th minute.  Babson GK Walker White stopped a pk later in the half and made some other nice saves to keep the margin at 1.  The Babos came out with a more attacking edge in the second half, registering 7 of their 10 shots and tying the game on a cross that was slotted home at the back post.  The Panthers had a number of good chances, including a Shane Farrell header that was somehow scooped off the line by White.  After laying siege to the Babson goal, the Panthers finally broke through when an Ari Klayman shot struck a defender and looped over a diving white to put Midd up 2-1 at 87:09.  Keegan Harder added the insurance goal 45 seconds later to finish off the contest.  Midd is now 10-0-2, with league contests at Tufts, at Bates, and home vs Williams to close the regular season.
d
Does anybody know what happened at the end of the Babson game?  The announcers indicated there was some sort of scuffle as the teams exchanged pleasantries after the game ended.
Allegation that a Babson player made an inappropriate remark to a Midd player.

This "altercation" seemed like a small "dust-up" after what was a very high-paced and hard fought game after what, I felt, was a game with good sportsmanship exhibited. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on October 15, 2024, 11:56:06 AM
Quote from: paclassic89 on October 14, 2024, 05:41:32 PMRude comment.  He's a student (I'm presuming), as all D3 sports commentators should be, and Tufts does a great job.  Chirping a student volunteer is pathetic. 

Agree. All sorts of commentators out there. Leb Valley's is a much older man and is a real homer who does not understand the game. In the recent past, Haverford children were doing games. Tufts is much better.

I gauge on the quality with how the commentators treat the opposition. Do they know players names or do they bring up stats/info on the opposition players? In my mind, this shows that they do their homework and really care. Sometimes they'll do brief interviews of the coaches and bring up what was discussed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 15, 2024, 12:01:44 PM
Probably deserves it's own thread... Unless you are paying for the content, leave the announcers alone. Geez.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 15, 2024, 01:24:04 PM
Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on October 15, 2024, 11:56:06 AMI gauge on the quality with how the commentators treat the opposition. Do they know players names or do they bring up stats/info on the opposition players?

Last year, commentators at my kid's school didn't even pronounce the names of their own players correctly.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on October 15, 2024, 04:48:34 PM
The quality of this NSN stream is so bad. This is one of the biggest games of the season. You can't be having this sort of tech problems. I will give them credit- their commentator is very knowledgable about both teams even if she is a homer.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on October 15, 2024, 05:28:35 PM
Absolutely brutal game to watch between Tufts and Amherst.  The ball spent more time in the air and bouncing around than it did on the ground. Awful, awful quality of soccer played given the amount of talent between the two teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jumpshot on October 15, 2024, 05:30:15 PM
Tufts crush lord jeffs 1-0 with excellent defense. lj's resort to numerous fouls in final 10 minutes in desperate attempt to score. Agree with slaws as to style of play. Well done Jumbos.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 15, 2024, 05:32:55 PM
Quote from: stlawus on October 15, 2024, 05:28:35 PMAbsolutely brutal game to watch between Tufts and Amherst.  The ball spent more time in the air and bouncing around than it did on the ground. Awful, awful quality of soccer played given the amount of talent between the two teams.
Not sure how different of a game you can play with the field the way it is......can't take it down and keep it on the carpet with grass that high
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on October 15, 2024, 05:58:21 PM
Quote from: stlawus on October 15, 2024, 05:28:35 PMAbsolutely brutal game to watch between Tufts and Amherst.  The ball spent more time in the air and bouncing around than it did on the ground. Awful, awful quality of soccer played given the amount of talent between the two teams.

I agree with Newenglander, grass was way, way too high. That was just a set up for bad soccer. It was like they were playing on a meadow or 70's shag carpet. In order to even get the ball anywhere, they had to lift it which is not a recipe for good soccer. Tufts goal was very well executed.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 15, 2024, 07:02:18 PM
Amherst 0 Tufts 1

Definitely not an optimal viewing time for me, but I was able to pay a reasonable amount of attention to it.  The games I have watched between the Mammoths and Jumbos have typically been decided by a goal and this was one of the more cagier affairs.  I would struggle to describe either team as playing in a carefree style, but for veteran NESCAC watchers, this is not unusual.

In the end, Tufts executed well when they had to and handled the Amherst pressure.  Begrudging credit to them.  For the 🦣, a deflating way to end what was an undefeated run of eight games.  It's a similar feeling to the one I felt after the away game at Conn last season and the team ended up achieving an amazing amount after that, so we won't deal in too much doom & gloom just yet, but for those with purple in their hearts, we do need to see a bit more.

Foul Count: Amherst 12 Tufts 14
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on October 15, 2024, 07:11:09 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 15, 2024, 07:02:18 PMFoul Count: Amherst 12 Tufts 14
Is this the 1st time this year the mammoths have been out-fouled?
 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Futbolguy on October 15, 2024, 07:16:54 PM
there was nothing of note postgame Midd-Babson.  Well played and generally clean game, unlike the Colby goalie throttling Gavin R which should have been a card (yellow/red) but not even a foul.  Pathetic reffing in that one.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Ejay on October 16, 2024, 07:48:10 AM
Quote from: stlawus on October 15, 2024, 05:28:35 PMAbsolutely brutal game to watch between Tufts and Amherst.  The ball spent more time in the air and bouncing around than it did on the ground. Awful, awful quality of soccer played given the amount of talent between the two teams.

It HAD to have been the grass, because otherwise...  ::)  ::)  ::)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: laker4141 on October 16, 2024, 11:14:22 AM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 15, 2024, 05:30:15 PMTufts crush lord jeffs 1-0 with excellent defense. lj's resort to numerous fouls in final 10 minutes in desperate attempt to score. Agree with slaws as to style of play. Well done Jumbos.

I am by no means an Amherst supporter, but I'm interested to hear your input on how they were "crushed" 1-0? Having watched it live, it appeared to be a rather even game.  Even based on stats in seemed this way in terms of chance creation/corners/fouls.

Also, numerous fouls in the last 10 minutes. 3 is numerous? In a NESCAC game between 2 of the top 5 teams in the country?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 16, 2024, 01:11:07 PM
Quote from: laker4141 on October 16, 2024, 11:14:22 AM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 15, 2024, 05:30:15 PMTufts crush lord jeffs 1-0 with excellent defense. lj's resort to numerous fouls in final 10 minutes in desperate attempt to score. Agree with slaws as to style of play. Well done Jumbos.

I am by no means an Amherst supporter, but I'm interested to hear your input on how they were "crushed" 1-0? Having watched it live, it appeared to be a rather even game.  Even based on stats in seemed this way in terms of chance creation/corners/fouls.

Also, numerous fouls in the last 10 minutes. 3 is numerous? In a NESCAC game between 2 of the top 5 teams in the country?

Jumpshot is a Williams guy; his write-up was tame by those standards!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on October 16, 2024, 01:49:20 PM
Quote from: laker4141 on October 16, 2024, 11:14:22 AM
Quote from: jumpshot on October 15, 2024, 05:30:15 PMTufts crush lord jeffs 1-0 with excellent defense. lj's resort to numerous fouls in final 10 minutes in desperate attempt to score. Agree with slaws as to style of play. Well done Jumbos.

I am by no means an Amherst supporter, but I'm interested to hear your input on how they were "crushed" 1-0? Having watched it live, it appeared to be a rather even game.  Even based on stats in seemed this way in terms of chance creation/corners/fouls.

Also, numerous fouls in the last 10 minutes. 3 is numerous? In a NESCAC game between 2 of the top 5 teams in the country?
Even as a jumbos fan, they were not crushed. That was a pretty even game where Tufts took more advantage than Amherst of their chances
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on October 16, 2024, 03:29:44 PM
Quote from: rdanie03 on October 15, 2024, 07:11:09 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 15, 2024, 07:02:18 PMFoul Count: Amherst 12 Tufts 14
Is this the 1st time this year the mammoths have been out-fouled?
 
One rare occurrence coinciding with another one?  Do you believe in the supernatural?  ???

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/comet-tonight-how-to-watch-supermoon-massachusetts/ (https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/comet-tonight-how-to-watch-supermoon-massachusetts/)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 17, 2024, 11:04:51 AM
It's no shock considering how dominant NESCAC has been in recent NCAA tourneys, but still pretty wild to see based on this purely statistical formula that three of the top four, and five of the top eight, teams nationally are from NESCAC:

https://stats.ncaa.org/selection_rankings/nitty_gritties/39373


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 17, 2024, 12:53:49 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 17, 2024, 11:04:51 AMIt's no shock considering how dominant NESCAC has been in recent NCAA tourneys, but still pretty wild to see based on this purely statistical formula that three of the top four, and five of the top eight, teams nationally are from NESCAC:

https://stats.ncaa.org/selection_rankings/nitty_gritties/39373




I agree that it shouldn't shock anyone to see that those are some of the top ranked teams given the NESCAC's history of success, but is it because of past results from the perspective of the formula inputs?  I could be wrong, but I don't think it's like Massey where a few years past results are included as a part of the algorithm to a declining degree. 

I suspect that because NESCAC teams simply don't schedule a lot of non-conference opponents, but they tend to beat most of them and they schedule just enough good non-conference opponents (e.g., Babson, Cortland, Oneonta), that most of their teams are pretty highly ranked early on.  Because they start conference play long before most other conferences, that means that in these first few NPI rankings, they have great SoS from playing each other and great Quality Win Bonuses because so many of their teams start in the top 50. 

For example, Hamilton is #24 in NPI despite having a record of 5-4-3, which is probably the worst record among the top 50 teams.  I think you have to go to Christopher Newport at #61 to find a team with a % record barely over .500.  Hamilton also has only 1 win in the NESCAC, but that win against Williams is huge because Williams is #6 after beating Amherst and Cortland.  Plus, Hamilton's loss against Oswego State isn't horrible since they are #79 and they have tied Bowdoin, which is #40 and Conn College, which is #8 (and has a tie against #3 Tufts, which gets them half a QWB I think) and Oneonta, which is #45.

The key is that most NESCAC teams start out winning early, with a few of them beating high NPI teams, and they quickly play each other.  Winning early matters a lot for these early rankings, and then SoS and QWB take over soon after.  It's why Adrian was #18 in the first NPI ranking on 10/6 - they were undefeated even though they had played an exclusively marshmallow-soft schedule.  They dropped to #32 in the 10/13 ranking because they tied Olivet and Albion, and beat Kalamazoo.  Not horrible results for them, but they weren't playing teams that had started winning early (or teams that had started playing teams that won early).  You can't stay high, even if you are still winning or tying, if your opponents remain low SoS teams and you get no QWB points. 

The men's soccer committee has given so much weight to QWB (more than any other sport as I recall), that it actually reinforced the strong conference advantage, at least early on.  Those advantages will lessen as teams stop winning.  So, Hamilton might not suffer too badly if it loses to Amherst, but Utica and Trinity will drag down its SoS (since they won't have the 10 wins to drop any "bad wins") and won't provide any QWB, making it more important that they qualify for the NESCAC tournament and get some more points there.

There are probably some lessons here for non-conference scheduling from a league, not just team, perspective, but I would like to see more results to get a better sense of how things shakeout.  I wonder if something like the old BIG10-ACC basketball scheduling agreements will pop up to allow leagues to ensure that their teams will have enough high SoS to schedule cupcakes the rest of their non-conference games and maximize their high NPI teams.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: eaglesoccerdad on October 17, 2024, 01:15:21 PM
a better example is Wesleyen (5-3-3) who is 18th with a tie v Williams & Babson and one win over a quality opponent in Hamilton
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 17, 2024, 01:44:51 PM
game could have gone either way, Amherst had two big misses.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: boomer on October 19, 2024, 02:06:18 PM
Tufts-Midd finishes 0-0 in Medford, probably about the right result tbh
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 19, 2024, 03:50:05 PM
Amherst 2   Hamilton 1

Compared to the midweek fixture, today's game was a much more open affair in the first half, in what was a delightful looking afternoon in Clinton.    Hamilton did look dangerous delivering the ball into the box, but their incursions were successfully dealt with.  It was similar for Amherst and in the 25th minute there was a nice chain of passes that led to the game's first goal, dispatched by one of the very hard-working seniors.  A defensive lapse not long after that saw Amherst have a great chance to make it 2-0, but the Continentals keeper did well.  The Mammoths grew in confidence and started to push the white shirts back and the half time score felt fair on balance.

At the start of the second half, Amherst had a couple of half chances, but then the game became a scrappy affair, which probably suited the Mammoths and it wasn't until the final ten minutes that the action really started.  In the 81st minute, Hamilton were awarded a penalty after what initially appeared a fairly innocuous situation suddenly becoming something more serious.  It was a tough break as the Continental threat had been well contained all day, but of course, is the potential peril associated with sitting on a 1-0 lead. 

Amherst came back hard and with just five minutes to go, a second phase ball to the far post was skilfully finished by one of the Mammoths captains and in the end 2-1 felt to be about the right result.  For those with purple in their hearts it's another occasion where they have watched the team get a goal when they needed it and of course, was most welcome.  We would also take being a little further in front to avoid that particular stress.

Foul Count: Amherst 11 Hamilton 10



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 19, 2024, 05:27:50 PM
Quote from: boomer on October 19, 2024, 02:06:18 PMTufts-Midd finishes 0-0 in Medford, probably about the right result tbh

I don't even think 1-1 would have been a fair result.  0-0 is perfect.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LibbyMoore on October 20, 2024, 05:01:41 AM
Is that Tuftshate or Middhate? Or just a bad game? Looks like the ref had a severe aversion to pens but not cards.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middfan on October 20, 2024, 07:15:38 AM
Yes, that is spot on.  This ref was not going to call any defensive fouls in the box.  At least 3 could have been fairly called.  The yellows were appropriate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 21, 2024, 09:25:56 AM
Is this crazy talk or could the NESCAC get five teams in the NCAAs?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 21, 2024, 09:28:48 AM
I think 4 or 5 is always the expectation.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 21, 2024, 09:52:49 AM
Is part of the difference no more OT?  In years past, there were fewer ties so NESCAC  play would eliminate more NESCAC teams from NCAA consideration by defeating each other.  Now the upper echelon off NESCAC is highly likely to tie each other leaving teams with far fewer losses.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: flyingdutchman on October 21, 2024, 11:13:30 AM
Based on the NPI rankings—and I know it's still early—I would expect the five top-10 teams, Tufts, Middlebury, Amherst, Williams, and Conn College, to be almost certain bids for the tournament. With Wesleyan ranked #20, Bowdoin at #34, and Hamilton at #36, it's not out of the question that we could see a potential sixth or even seventh NESCAC team make it. I understand that some conferences, like the UAA, haven't played many conference games yet, so their SOS will improve as they play each other. These are the remaining games for those three teams.

Wesleyan:
Eastern Conn St - Win
Colby - Win
Conn College - believe a tie or win will help them stay where they are but a loss will drop them.

Hamilton:
Utica - Win
Trinity - Win

Bowdoin:
Amherst - Draw/Loss
Tufts - Draw/Loss

Based on these last remaining games, Bowdoin has a chance to pick up some quality ranked results vs Amherst and Tufts that could sneak them into the tournament. However, it will be very difficult to get results away at Amherst and Tufts. Looks like Bowdoin will be playing for their season these next two games. Hamilton has two easy remaining games that will certainly help their win percentage but not SOS. Hamilton will likely need to get a result or two in the NESCAC tournament in order to get into the Big Dance. Wesleyan is in a similar position to Hamilton where I think they might need a draw or win in the NESCAC quarterfinals (likely against Midd or Amherst). A win against Conn in their final game of the season would certainly help their case and I don't think a draw would hurt them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on October 21, 2024, 05:27:14 PM
Based on the current NPI rankings, it seems like the top 5 are guarantees, with anyone else who gets an upset and gets to the 2nd weekend of the tourney likely to also snag an autobid
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 21, 2024, 05:54:54 PM
And the added bonus of the NESCAC playoffs having 8 teams in an 11 team league so those bubble NESCAC teams have extra opportunity to snag a big draw or win to push them over the edge.  The NESCAC record in the NCAA's is so strong that 5+ bids is generally fair but an 8 team NESCAC tourney has always bothered me.  It should be 6.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 21, 2024, 06:39:56 PM
^ what is it about 8 that bothers you? What are most leagues % of teams making post season?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 21, 2024, 06:58:58 PM
Centennial 10-team league.  6 make playoffs  60%
MIAC 11-team league.  6 make playoffs  55%
NJAC 10-team league.  6 make playoffs  60%
ODAC 13-team league. 8 make playoffs   62%
SCAC 12-team league. 4 make playoffs   33%
MAC conferences. 50%
Landmark. 60%

NESCAC 73%



Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 21, 2024, 07:12:07 PM
But keep in mind that NESCAC rules limit teams to 15 regular season games, where other schools can play more.  This is a way to get most teams an additional game within the conference set up.  In that context, 16 games for the top 8 teams is not unreasonable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 21, 2024, 07:21:45 PM
Just expand it to 10 teams and relegate the last place team to the NEWMAC
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: pittsfieldpete on October 21, 2024, 07:36:50 PM
On a completely different note...the announcer for the Williams-Keene State game is the most entertaining one I've heard all year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 21, 2024, 08:37:28 PM
I don't like the 6-team playoff, where the top two teams get to sit out the first round!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 22, 2024, 02:06:20 AM
I've petitioned the NCAA a few times now, without success, about giving AQ to the Sweet 16 for the top eight NESCAC teams.  They don't seem interested, but may feel differently when NESL (North East Super League) finally gets up & running.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 22, 2024, 08:57:15 AM
After last night, the NESCAC is a pretty insane 40-4-6 combined in non-league play.  Certainly a strong argument for including a sixth NESCAC team in the NCAA tourney pool if one can make a run to the NESCAC semis (I agree that five in should just about be a lock at this point).  That includes a solid league-wide 2-0-4 record against non-NESCAC top-25 teams. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on October 22, 2024, 11:27:24 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 22, 2024, 02:06:20 AMI've petitioned the NCAA a few times now, without success, about giving AQ to the Sweet 16 for the top eight NESCAC teams.  They don't seem interested, but may feel differently when NESL (North East Super League) finally gets up & running.

Shoot for the stars.  Petition the NCAA to give Amherst the NCAA title if they win the NESCAC tourney.  It's the strongest conference in D3 so if they win that they should be able to win the national title easily.  Right?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 22, 2024, 02:28:07 PM
Quote from: paclassic89 on October 22, 2024, 11:27:24 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on October 22, 2024, 02:06:20 AMI've petitioned the NCAA a few times now, without success, about giving AQ to the Sweet 16 for the top eight NESCAC teams.  They don't seem interested, but may feel differently when NESL (North East Super League) finally gets up & running.

Shoot for the stars.  Petition the NCAA to give Amherst the NCAA title if they win the NESCAC tourney.  It's the strongest conference in D3 so if they win that they should be able to win the national title easily.  Right?

Glad to see you're finally on board paclassic 😁
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: seanie67 on October 22, 2024, 11:45:29 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 22, 2024, 08:57:15 AMAfter last night, the NESCAC is a pretty insane 40-4-6 combined in non-league play.  Certainly a strong argument for including a sixth NESCAC team in the NCAA tourney pool if one can make a run to the NESCAC semis (I agree that five in should just about be a lock at this point).  That includes a solid league-wide 2-0-4 record against non-NESCAC top-25 teams. 

completely irrelevant stat as the non conference teams they played were garbageholio. SCIAC teams - example CMS knocked of St Olaf. NESCAC dominance fades this year in the tourney easy. The bottom half of Nescac is garbage.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: boomer on October 23, 2024, 08:45:35 AM
Quote from: seanie67 on October 22, 2024, 11:45:29 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 22, 2024, 08:57:15 AMAfter last night, the NESCAC is a pretty insane 40-4-6 combined in non-league play.  Certainly a strong argument for including a sixth NESCAC team in the NCAA tourney pool if one can make a run to the NESCAC semis (I agree that five in should just about be a lock at this point).  That includes a solid league-wide 2-0-4 record against non-NESCAC top-25 teams. 

completely irrelevant stat as the non conference teams they played were garbageholio. SCIAC teams - example CMS knocked of St Olaf. NESCAC dominance fades this year in the tourney easy. The bottom half of Nescac is garbage.

tell us how you really feel! lmfao
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 23, 2024, 10:10:42 AM
I know I'm a broken record on this, but NESCAC=SEC (football). I've seen "this is a down year for NESCAC" almost every year and yet their record in November is what it is.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: eaglesoccerdad on October 23, 2024, 10:19:15 AM
Out of those 50 games only 6 were against to 25 teams? I guess there are not a lot of options for playing strong programs out of conference without a long bus ride.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 23, 2024, 11:04:00 AM
Out of conference games for NESCAC Schools (latest NPI rankings in parentheses)
Amherst:  Emerson (186), Manhattanville (139), Babson (9), WPI (74), Suffolk (118) 4-0-1 (tie vs Babson)
Bates: St. Joseph's (221), U of New England (233), Emerson (186), Southern Maine (293), Maine Farmington (261) 4-1 (loss vs Emerson)
Bowdoin: U of New England (233), Husson (182), Wheaton MA (60), St. Joseph's (221), Southern Maine (293) 5-0
Colby: Thomas (100), Southern Mainer (293), Endicott (51), RPI (294), Maine Maritime (275) 5-0
Conn:  Merchant Marine (184), Salve Regina (180), Western New England (163), Coast Guard (59), Rhode Island College (109) 5-0
Hamilton: Oswego (112), SUNY Poly (186), SUNY Oneonta (57), Ithaca (171), Utica (313) 3-1-1 (tie vs Oneonta, loss vs Oswego)
Middlebury: Norwich (283), Keene State (279), Endicott (51), Bridgewater St (131), Babson (9) 5-0
Trinity:  Framingham St (370), St. John Fisher (159), Hartford (105), Western New England (163), Western Connecticut (83) 2-2 (loss to Hartford and W. New England), W Conn not yet played
Tufts:  MIT (145), Salem St. (232), Emerson (186), Babson (9), Husson (182) 3-0-1 (tie vs Babson) Husson not yet played
Wesleyan:  Western New England (163), Babson (9), Springfield (169), Western Connecticut (83), Eastern Connecticut (306) 3-0-1 (tie vs Babson, E Conn not yet played
Williams:  Wheaton (60), Union (183), Western Connecticut (83), Cortland St (31) Keene St (279) 4-0-1 (tied Western Conn)
NESCAC NPI Ranks: 
Tufts 1, Midd 3, Amherst 4, Williams 6, Conn 8, Wesleyan 20, Bowdoin 34, Hamilton 36, Colby 93, Bates 95, Trinity 266
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on October 23, 2024, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: eaglesoccerdad on October 23, 2024, 10:19:15 AMOut of those 50 games only 6 were against to 25 teams? I guess there are not a lot of options for playing strong programs out of conference without a long bus ride.
This one factor. The undsaid factor is that because NESCAC has tighter restrictions on both number of games that can be played in the regular season and when teams can start, they can't participate in some of the bigger non-conference games that happen in late August.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 23, 2024, 12:25:19 PM
Quote from: rdanie03 on October 23, 2024, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: eaglesoccerdad on October 23, 2024, 10:19:15 AMOut of those 50 games only 6 were against to 25 teams? I guess there are not a lot of options for playing strong programs out of conference without a long bus ride.
This one factor. The undsaid factor is that because NESCAC has tighter restrictions on both number of games that can be played in the regular season and when teams can start, they can't participate in some of the bigger non-conference games that happen in late August.
yes - both silly but thats a story for a different rant.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 23, 2024, 01:22:30 PM
@RDanie03 is correct with the restrictions. As has been pointed out in the past, the Maine schools will always struggle to get quality non-conference games because of their location.  When you factor in the conference NPI games, how many games against top 100 teams is optimal?  Outside of Trinity, each NESCAC team plays 9 current top 100 NPI teams in conference (Trinity gets 10).  Add in the numbers below.

Non-Conf games vs top 100 NPI teams:
Amherst 2, Bates 0. Bowdoin 1, Colby 1, Conn 1, Hamilton 1, Midd 2, Trinity 1, Tufts 1, Wesleyan 2, Williams 3.

For teams that make the NESCAC tournament, there is most likely another top 100 NPI game.  That gives most teams in the range of 11-13 out of 16 games against top 100 NPI sides.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: eaglesoccerdad on October 23, 2024, 01:47:43 PM
For fun I went through UMWs schedule. They will end up with 10 NPI100 (5 NPI50) games in reg seasson
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 23, 2024, 02:17:26 PM
In the case of the Mammoths, three of this year's non-conference opponents made the tournament last year, so we're talking good quality programmes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 23, 2024, 04:00:07 PM
The problem is that NESCAC so dominates the New England region is that there are few non-conference teams in the area in the top 25 that are even available to play within a reasonable drive -- really, this year, just Babson, Vassar, and SUNY Cortland (which is too far for most NESCAC tams), and NESCAC teams have a good number of total games against those three schools.  And schools in the middle tier of NESCAC like Wesleyan and Hamilton would probably be in the top 25 mix if they were in easier conferences and didn't have to play so many games against higher-ranked league foes. 

In the end, in the last nine tournaments, six have been won by NESCAC teams, with another four runners-up, and it's not like the top of the league is in any way down right now, so the odds of at least one NESCAC team making a deep run this year are pretty darn high.  Although the league isn't QUITE as dominant since Shapiro, who was becoming a near-lock for winning the national title even in a relatively down year for Tufts, moved on to Harvard. 

I do wonder what happened to Messiah -- their talent level was far and away the best in D3 year after year, but they've been out of contention for a few years now.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on October 23, 2024, 04:17:32 PM
Now you're dipping into "my" region and I'll just say there have been at least 2, if not 3 years in the last 5 where Messiah just got unlucky, or to be more objective, November Madness got them.

But I ultimately will agree with your general assessment. When you compare the gauntlet that is NESCAC with the MAC Commonwealth, it's not in the same universe.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on October 23, 2024, 04:30:23 PM
Ahh, fair enough regarding Messiah.  Williams had a stretch like that around 2000 when it had by far the most talent in the country (like multiple future high level pros on the same team) and could absolutely dominate teams but had some simply crazy tournament results.  I should have remembered the Messiah team that Williams got past in PKs en route to the national title game in 2022 was right there with the loaded UChicago team that won and maybe even slightly better, certainly Williams was not the better team in that contest. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: eaglesoccerdad on October 23, 2024, 04:36:36 PM
Remember these tournaments are not to determine the best team but to get a champion. You see this even in the UEFA Champions League. To say Messiah has been out of contention is a bit harsh - maybe they peaked in September. Match ups and hot teams are what matters in the tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Convict charlie on October 23, 2024, 10:47:01 PM
Quote from: nescac1 on October 23, 2024, 04:30:23 PMAhh, fair enough regarding Messiah.  Williams had a stretch like that around 2000 when it had by far the most talent in the country (like multiple future high level pros on the same team) and could absolutely dominate teams but had some simply crazy tournament results.  I should have remembered the Messiah team that Williams got past in PKs en route to the national title game in 2022 was right there with the loaded UChicago team that won and maybe even slightly better, certainly Williams was not the better team in that contest. 

York, pa was like that for a number of years even when messiah was winning numerous ncaa tournaments in a row and over a stretch. York was beating them every year in non conference matchups. They went like 70 games or something without a loss. When it came tournament time it was always a tie and lost on penalties that knocked them out. I see they're doing well again this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 26, 2024, 03:16:43 PM
Bowdoin 1 Amherst 3

Unfortunately there was no livestream until around ten minutes into the second half, which of course meant that I didn't get to see any of the goals and was relying on live stats.  Amherst scored early through one of the hard working seniors, got to 2-0 up via one of the sophomores, Bowdoin got one back and then early in the second half, the same sophomore scored again.  From what I did get to see, it looked like Bowdoin had a bit more of the play as the Mammoths were content to sit back and whilst they were effective at getting the ball to around the edge of the penalty area, they didn't threaten beyond there, aside from one or two moments.

Going back, since 2009, this is only the fourth time Amherst has won this fixture by more than a goal, in what are traditionally very tight games, so from that perspective today's result definitely represents a positive outcome and something to build on.  Away at Trinity to finish and then tournament play commences. 

Foul Count: Bowdoin 14 Amherst 13   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on October 27, 2024, 09:42:08 AM
Bowdoin's in a tough spot now after not getting a point vs. Amherst. If Bates can beat the 1-8 Mules, Bowdoin will have to go to Bello and break up the Jumbos' unbeaten season just to make the tourney.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 27, 2024, 05:44:39 PM
And then possibly return on Saturday to do that again!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 29, 2024, 05:02:55 PM
Midd with a 2-0 win over Williams to conclude a 2nd consecutive unbeaten regular season. Last regular season loss was the 2022 Williams game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on October 29, 2024, 05:26:14 PM
And SC still isn't sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 29, 2024, 05:35:17 PM
Wesleyan 3 - Conn College 1

Huge win for Wesleyan.  It's been awhile since someone has come in to New London and beaten Conn College by a score like this.  I had to go back to 2021 to find the last time someone had scored 3 goals on Conn at that was a 3-1 loss to Bowdoin in New Brunswick.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 29, 2024, 06:10:07 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on October 29, 2024, 05:35:17 PMWesleyan 3 - Conn College 1

Huge win for Wesleyan.  It's been awhile since someone has come in to New London and beaten Conn College by a score like this.  I had to go back to 2021 to find the last time someone had scored 3 goals on Conn at that was a 3-1 loss to Bowdoin in New Brunswick.
I was there - credit to Wesleyan for some clinical finishes but will say a missed mule-kick to the face late in the first half could have made an impact to the game.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 29, 2024, 06:32:08 PM
Was Conn trying to trick people? I saw Wesleyan Tufts game this year and thought they were much better team than the score suggests, but this is a shocker.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 29, 2024, 06:37:14 PM
Quote from: camosfan on October 29, 2024, 06:32:08 PMWas Conn trying to trick people? I saw Wesleyan Tufts game this year and thought they were much better team than the score suggests, but this is a shocker.
I would say just not a great game at a bad time from Conn - scoring is always a challenge but just the second loss on the season (0-1 to Amherst) and had only given up 5 goals all season before that game.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on October 30, 2024, 12:02:01 AM
Amherst 3 Trinity 0

An 11.00am Sydney kick off time is much more friendly for me, however it appears that schedulers didn't pay attention to today's Australian Q3 CPI release at 11.30am.  Consequently, my concentration levels were not really there.  I can say it looked like an even game for the first 25/30, but once Amherst scored the lift in intensity was noticeable.

It finished 3-0 and aside from the win, the next best news was a clean bill of health ahead of what will be a challenging first round NESCAC game against Connecticut College.  Whilst their position might say otherwise, I think the Camels are easily the best sixth placed conference team in the country (Massey says #17 before today's fixtures) and I know will be well & truly up for it.

For Amherst an eighth clean sheet out of 15 after what has been a most solid regular season.  Tournament play is of course different, but I do sense a steely resolve in this team and am eagerly awaiting week one.

Foul Count: Amherst 13 Trinity 6
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LibbyMoore on October 30, 2024, 03:12:08 AM
That felt like a lot of YC for any team, am I wrong?

Anyone know the D3 record for YC fin a single game—maybe the infamous Texas game last year?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2024, 09:41:54 AM
Not sure about records, but here are the national yellow cards by team through 10/28
https://stats.ncaa.org/rankings/national_ranking?academic_year=2025.0&division=3.0&ranking_period=46.0&sport_code=MSO&stat_seq=545.0
You will note that NESCAC teams in general and Amherst in particular are not anywhere near the top of this list.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 30, 2024, 09:51:24 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2024, 09:41:54 AMNot sure about records, but here are the national yellow cards by team through 10/28
https://stats.ncaa.org/rankings/national_ranking?academic_year=2025.0&division=3.0&ranking_period=46.0&sport_code=MSO&stat_seq=545.0
You will note that NESCAC teams in general and Amherst in particular are not anywhere near the top of this list.
Its an interesting stat - I also think some of it is due to the fact that for some reason it seems NESCAC officials seem extremely hesitant to issue cards in general..........
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on October 30, 2024, 12:24:55 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 30, 2024, 09:41:54 AMNot sure about records, but here are the national yellow cards by team through 10/28
https://stats.ncaa.org/rankings/national_ranking?academic_year=2025.0&division=3.0&ranking_period=46.0&sport_code=MSO&stat_seq=545.0
You will note that NESCAC teams in general and Amherst in particular are not anywhere near the top of this list.

There may be some league-specific forces at work in the card tallies.

For example, there are 3 teams from the Skyline in the top 25, 6 teams from the NJAC in the top 50, and 4 teams from the SCAC/ASC (who frequently play each other) in the top 50.  Maybe those teams/league just play a more aggressive/reckless style, but it also may be that refs who work those games (and many refs work the same schools/leagues every year) are just quicker to pull out cards.  Other leagues have very few yellows.  You have to go to #112 to find a Centennial team (McDaniel) or #181 to find a NESCAC team (Hamilton) on the list.

It's probably more noteworthy that there's only one team from the CCIW in the top 50 and it's #1 in yellows by a decent margin, suggesting it's more about Elmhurst than the league/area.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SimpleCoach on October 30, 2024, 01:07:11 PM
Quote from: SKUD on October 29, 2024, 05:26:14 PMAnd SC still isn't sure.

And in spite of that, I have them at 4th in the country.

SC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dustin_Patrón on October 30, 2024, 06:07:18 PM
Midd's Keagan Harder all but secured ROTY yesterday with his Joe Braun-esque goal against the purple team. Anyone willing to argue that?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on October 30, 2024, 10:35:55 PM
I agree. I would also say that Nuhu should be the POTY and that Nik Antic will very likely win DPOY
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middfan on October 31, 2024, 06:43:12 AM
Quote from: rdanie03 on October 30, 2024, 10:35:55 PMI agree. I would also say that Nuhu should be the POTY and that Nik Antic will very likely win DPOY

I'd suggest that Middlebury's Luke Madden is a strong contender for DPOY.  That back 3, with O'Brien and Nelson, is as solid as they get.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on October 31, 2024, 08:35:34 AM
Tufts starting back four is the best this year and this is both as a unit and individually. Number 13 from Middlebury is the only defender up there with that group.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on October 31, 2024, 09:41:36 AM

I'd suggest that Middlebury's Luke Madden is a strong contender for DPOY.  That back 3, with O'Brien and Nelson, is as solid as they get.
[/quote]

Madden has that dominant sweeper role not really seen by center-backs at this level. However, Tufts' defense has been the best in the league, and the NESCAC pretty consistently gives DPOY to the best defensive player on the best defensive team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 31, 2024, 09:48:05 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 31, 2024, 08:35:34 AMTufts starting back four is the best this year and this is both as a unit and individually. Number 13 from Middlebury is the only defender up there with that group.
And yet both teams have allowed the same amount of goals and Middlebury has allowed fewer shots.  The argument is not the quality of individual players, it is the collective efficacy of the group.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on October 31, 2024, 09:49:39 AM
Quote from: rdanie03 on October 31, 2024, 09:41:36 AMI'd suggest that Middlebury's Luke Madden is a strong contender for DPOY.  That back 3, with O'Brien and Nelson, is as solid as they get.

Madden has that dominant sweeper role not really seen by center-backs at this level. However, Tufts' defense has been the best in the league, and the NESCAC pretty consistently gives DPOY to the best defensive player on the best defensive team.
[/quote]
The defensive POY award is only 1 year old, so not sure there is a track record on this.  Last year it went to a goalkeeper.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on October 31, 2024, 09:59:22 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 31, 2024, 08:35:34 AMTufts starting back four is the best this year and this is both as a unit and individually. Number 13 from Middlebury is the only defender up there with that group.
Not sure what this is being based on? I'd say very fine margins - both defenses gave up 6 goals with pretty much the same schedules......Massey defense rankings  are identical. Amherst with 7 GA....Conn had 5 until the final game of the season...All top 5 in Massey defense rankings. Lots of good units and individuals out there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3Reporter on October 31, 2024, 10:36:16 AM
Regardless of who wins DPOY, these Midd and Tufts defenses have been phenomenal this year, tied at No. 4 nationally for GAA despite SOS. Hoping we'll see these teams clash at least once more this year.

I watch more of the Jumbos than the Panthers, so I'll add a bit more on them. One of the things that has really stood out to me about this defensive group is just how deep it is. They really have five guys that have all performed well and have gotten significant minutes in that back four. The full group is so talented that out of the additional guys, one has become a starting winger with other injuries and two more get important minutes at winger and a 8/10 role (particularly when the Jumbos are up a goal in big-time games). That doesn't even mention that they realistically have three top-tier CDMs who in my mind would each start on almost any team in the country. With the injuries they've had, this has allowed them to stay strong there.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: boomer on October 31, 2024, 10:48:34 AM
Quote from: Newenglander on October 31, 2024, 09:59:22 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 31, 2024, 08:35:34 AMTufts starting back four is the best this year and this is both as a unit and individually. Number 13 from Middlebury is the only defender up there with that group.
Not sure what this is being based on? I'd say very fine margins - both defenses gave up 6 goals with pretty much the same schedules......Massey defense rankings  are identical. Amherst with 7 GA....Conn had 5 until the final game of the season...All top 5 in Massey defense rankings. Lots of good units and individuals out there.

Yeah I agree, the initial post was a lazy one
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: boomer on October 31, 2024, 10:55:46 AM
Quote from: D3Reporter on October 31, 2024, 10:36:16 AMRegardless of who wins DPOY, these Midd and Tufts defenses have been phenomenal this year, tied at No. 4 nationally for GAA despite SOS. Hoping we'll see these teams clash at least once more this year.

I watch more of the Jumbos than the Panthers, so I'll add a bit more on them. One of the things that has really stood out to me about this defensive group is just how deep it is. They really have five guys that have all performed well and have gotten significant minutes in that back four. The full group is so talented that out of the additional guys, one has become a starting winger with other injuries and two more get important minutes at winger and a 8/10 role (particularly when the Jumbos are up a goal in big-time games). That doesn't even mention that they realistically have three top-tier CDMs who in my mind would each start on almost any team in the country. With the injuries they've had, this has allowed them to stay strong there.

That's fair, but I think all of these things are also true of Midd.  Which is why they are both in the top three lol.

Hopefully they will get to play each other again.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3Reporter on October 31, 2024, 11:00:00 AM
Quote from: boomer on October 31, 2024, 10:55:46 AM
Quote from: D3Reporter on October 31, 2024, 10:36:16 AMRegardless of who wins DPOY, these Midd and Tufts defenses have been phenomenal this year, tied at No. 4 nationally for GAA despite SOS. Hoping we'll see these teams clash at least once more this year.

I watch more of the Jumbos than the Panthers, so I'll add a bit more on them. One of the things that has really stood out to me about this defensive group is just how deep it is. They really have five guys that have all performed well and have gotten significant minutes in that back four. The full group is so talented that out of the additional guys, one has become a starting winger with other injuries and two more get important minutes at winger and a 8/10 role (particularly when the Jumbos are up a goal in big-time games). That doesn't even mention that they realistically have three top-tier CDMs who in my mind would each start on almost any team in the country. With the injuries they've had, this has allowed them to stay strong there.

That's fair, but I think all of these things are also true of Midd.  Which is why they are both in the top three lol.

Hopefully they will get to play each other again.

Yes, definitely possible. Didn't mean it as a Tufts is this, Midd is not. I just can speak more on the specifics for Tufts, so wanted to provide that context.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on October 31, 2024, 12:36:56 PM
Does anybody know the status of Gavin Randolph and Antonio Cosentino on the Midd injury list?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on October 31, 2024, 03:16:13 PM
Quote from: maineman on October 31, 2024, 12:36:56 PMDoes anybody know the status of Gavin Randolph and Antonio Cosentino on the Midd injury list?

It looked like Cosentino broke his ankle, so his season is done. And I understand that Randolph's injury requires weeks of recovery; not sure if that would allow him to be back on the pitch for the NCAA tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: flyingdutchman on October 31, 2024, 08:57:09 PM
I think the comparison is a similar one when comparing goals against, shots against, etc, between the Middlebury and Tufts backlines. A player from both teams is fully deserving of the Defensive POTY award, and I believe it will come down to Luke Madden or Max Clivio. A first team All American vs a second team All American is as close as it gets, and they are both leaders of two outstanding backlines. I believe it's one of these two, and from what I've watched, I would prefer Clivio.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: laker4141 on November 01, 2024, 10:54:57 AM
Quote from: Dustin_Patrón on October 30, 2024, 06:07:18 PMMidd's Keagan Harder all but secured ROTY yesterday with his Joe Braun-esque goal against the purple team. Anyone willing to argue that?

I'd say Lorcan Mitchell from Williams has a strong case. 6 goals, 4 in league with a couple assists. Wouldn't be surprised if it was one of these two guys. Both deserving
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Futbolguy on November 01, 2024, 10:57:32 AM
Quote from: rdanie03 on October 30, 2024, 10:35:55 PMI agree. I would also say that Nuhu should be the POTY and that Nik Antic will very likely win DPOY

Did you see Antic against Bowdoin.  Not  great goal.  But he has been solid this season
Quote from: camosfan on October 31, 2024, 08:35:34 AMTufts starting back four is the best this year and this is both as a unit and individually. Number 13 from Middlebury is the only defender up there with that group.
Dont sleep on Will O'Brien for Midd.  He is as solid as you get.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: laker4141 on November 01, 2024, 11:02:43 AM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on October 31, 2024, 09:48:05 AM
Quote from: camosfan on October 31, 2024, 08:35:34 AMTufts starting back four is the best this year and this is both as a unit and individually. Number 13 from Middlebury is the only defender up there with that group.
And yet both teams have allowed the same amount of goals and Middlebury has allowed fewer shots.  The argument is not the quality of individual players, it is the collective efficacy of the group.

Then Amherst is certainly in this conversation as well. 1 more goal conceded in league (5), conceding 30+ less shots than both Tufts/Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NescacUltra on November 01, 2024, 11:10:09 AM
Some great playoff match-ups this year! Looking forward to watching this accomplished Middlebury defensive unit against Hamilton, who have no shortage of sharp attacking players. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dustin_Patrón on November 01, 2024, 11:23:44 AM
When the defensive stats are this even, is it fair to consider offensive production?

D3Boards legend, Mr.Right, once said "offense is the best defensive"-and I tend to agree.

Madden posted 2G 2A (1G 1A in Nescac play) compared to Clivio's 0G 2A (0G 2A in Nescac play).

If Amherst (Nuhu) is running away with MVP and Midd (Harder) with ROTY, would voters give Clivio the edge so the Jumbos get some recognition in the awards?

I think both guys are deserving, just curious how the voters will go about differentiating the two.

p.s. @Mr.Right, if you're out there, we need you back. Long live the King. And no disrespect to PN who, at this point, has cemented himself as the undisputed champ and a god of the game.

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 01, 2024, 11:43:22 AM
No one is mentioning Finberg of the Jumbos, has two goals and is the other dominant CB in the team, Bargagna the RB should also pick up some award this season.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dustin_Patrón on November 01, 2024, 11:45:42 AM
**Lorcan Mitchell has an argument to make as well for ROTY. Apologies, I wasn't aware of his in-conference goal count. Looks like he'd have the edge purely from a stats pov.

Do voters care that 4 of Mitchell's 5 goal contributions came against the bottom 3 teams? Meanwhile Harder, playing on a stronger annd deeper offensive team, scored goals against better opponents including a big one to seal the game against Williams and Mitchell?

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 01, 2024, 02:02:52 PM
Mr. Tequilaman, thanks for the sort-of-backhanded-shoutout.

Mr.Right is the 🐐....a once in a generation anomaly.

Most under the radar and underappreciated poster? blooter442...and the greatest thing about him is his total absence of anger and grievance. A little surprised he hasn't been pulled in by Brandeis having a relatively strong season after a dubious start.

Another great...and partly great because he/she picked his/her spots so well...was Ommadawn.

Always nervous about who we might have lost during the pandemic.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2024, 01:11:10 PM
Wesleyan imo is absolutely dominating Williams...could easily be up 3-1 now...and yet I fully expect Williams to get through.  1-1 late in 1st OT.  Diffley standing on his head.  Wesleyan will be tough to knock out in the first weekend of NCAA tourney assuming they are in it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on November 02, 2024, 01:21:58 PM
And Williams advances on a Wesleyan GK blunder.  Good thing Wesleyan should be safe for a pool C.  Imagine your season ending on that...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2024, 01:28:04 PM
What a brutally cruel sport....no wonder so many of us are chronically miserable... and yet letting go seems pretty catastrophic as well.

Also was clueless that they would not play out both OT periods to the end.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dustin_Patrón on November 02, 2024, 02:14:04 PM
Shane Farrell with a banger half volley from no angle in the 4th minute to put Midd up 1-0. The ball rattled in the triangle for quite literally 3 seconds - never seen anything like it in a practice or game.

17 mins to go in the second half and Midd now leads 3-1. This one is a wrap.


Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: deiscanton on November 02, 2024, 02:19:08 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 02, 2024, 01:28:04 PMWhat a brutally cruel sport....no wonder so many of us are chronically miserable... and yet letting go seems pretty catastrophic as well.

Also was clueless that they would not play out both OT periods to the end.

NCAA reinstituted the sudden victory overtime rule for postseason tournament games this season.  It is Rule 7.2.1 of the 2024-2025 NCAA Soccer Rule Book.  "Sudden victory" is what used to be known as "golden goal" before FIFA got rid of the golden goal rule.  In postseason conference tournaments in the NCAA as well as the NCAA tournament, if the game is tied at the end of regulation, up to 2 sudden victory 10 minute overtime periods will be played with the first team to score winning the game.  If it is still tied at the end of the 2 sudden victory overtime periods, then we go to penalty kicks to determine who advances.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dustin_Patrón on November 02, 2024, 02:20:45 PM
Yikes 3-2. Cap tipped to Hamilton for putting up a fight.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Dustin_Patrón on November 02, 2024, 02:24:10 PM
DPOY Luke Madden nets Midd's 4th goal with 5 to go. That should do it.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2024, 02:29:02 PM
I'm gonna guess that there is not a bigger team in college soccer (ALL DIVISIONS) than Amherst.  And that's basically been the case for the past 12-15 years.  Serpone certainly knows what he's looking for...and especially in D3 just an enormous advantage.

Btw, thank goodness for the incomparable DePauw graduate, Brad Stevens.  #Banner18
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2024, 02:56:24 PM
Conn vs Amherst almost a carbon copy of Wes vs Williams.  Conn with 6-7 point blank or nearly point blank chances.  And so.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 02, 2024, 03:47:42 PM
Standard Conn postseason formula - get it to PK's and Peter Silvester is the difference maker......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: eaglesoccerdad on November 02, 2024, 04:00:32 PM
Tufts/Bowdoin in OT?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on November 02, 2024, 04:17:54 PM
Quote from: eaglesoccerdad on November 02, 2024, 04:00:32 PMTufts/Bowdoin in OT?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WJuNJzXevI
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Scot_Fan on November 02, 2024, 04:48:06 PM
Is it a real NESCAC tourney if the top seeds don't lose in pens?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on November 02, 2024, 04:57:06 PM
Upset city.

Great for Bowdoin and Conn College. Amherst and Tufts get a two week break! Pks are tough. Both gks in the Bowdoin/Tufts made some great pk saves.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 02, 2024, 05:22:16 PM
See ya'll in Vermont next weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 02, 2024, 06:47:02 PM
I was impressed by the NESCAC matches today especially in terms of level of competitiveness.  It is amazing to have 8-9 teams that good.  Three go to OT and two to PKs.  I thought Amherst looked great and Conn was good.  Niall Murphy has been a good player for Amherst since the early 1990s..really good player, and Nuhu is truly dynamic.  Tufts vs Bowdoin was fun to watch, and Bowdoin has to be pretty good earning two draws against Tufts within a week.  And even though this point is well-documented I feel compelled to comment on how outstanding the GKs in the NESCAC.  NESCAC obviously has a ton of talent but the GK talent might be the highest.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on November 02, 2024, 09:19:08 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 02, 2024, 06:47:02 PMI was impressed by the NESCAC matches today especially in terms of level of competitiveness.  It is amazing to have 8-9 teams that good.  Three go to OT and two to PKs.  I thought Amherst looked great and Conn was good.  Niall Murphy has been a good player for Amherst since the early 1990s..really good player, and Nuhu is truly dynamic.  Tufts vs Bowdoin was fun to watch, and Bowdoin has to be pretty good earning two draws against Tufts within a week.  And even though this point is well-documented I feel compelled to comment on how outstanding the GKs in the NESCAC.  NESCAC obviously has a ton of talent but the GK talent might be the highest.

Definitely agree as to the Tufts Bowdoin keepers! Lights out. Could not really tell on the Amherst game. I thought the pk takers were not good leading  to ok saves.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PolarBearMom on November 02, 2024, 09:27:57 PM
Very proud of the Polar Bears!  In 2019, 2021 and 2023 the Polar Bears season ended against Tufts at Bellow Field.  Last year was especially painful because Bowdoin was the better team the last game of the season, despite losing and then lost again a few days later at Bellow after not having practiced that week due to the tragedy in Lewiston.  The 2-2 tie on Tuesday this week gave the team confidence.  Today they played with energy and skill. Alex Ainsworth really stood out, but a true team effort.  On to Middlebury!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Camelparent on November 02, 2024, 09:53:59 PM
As a fan it's stressful, but Conn winning the past 7 pk shootouts is a testament to conns players under pressure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 02, 2024, 11:05:46 PM
Quote from: Camelparent on November 02, 2024, 09:53:59 PMAs a fan it's stressful, but Conn winning the past 7 pk shootouts is a testament to conns players under pressure.
yes - Peter Silvester makes it look easy....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 03, 2024, 01:45:57 AM
Connecticut College 1 Amherst 1 (CC progresses after penalties)

A belated update from me.  NESCAC scheduling clearly hasn't caught up with the requirements of its southern hemisphere audience and waking up at 3.30am on Sunday morning in Canberra (three hours drive south of downtown Enmore) and watching it on my phone was less than ideal.  I don't actually have that much to say, but I have read PN's comment a few times and unless I am missing a nuance or hidden meaning and also, knowing the Murphy family, I am pretty sure Niall hasn't been playing for the Mammoths since the 1990s, but perhaps it was an attempt to describe a type of player.

I said previously that Conn was easily the best sixth placed conference team in the country and the game was as typical a NESCAC tug-of-war as I have seen between two capable groups.  Both teams had chances to get beyond the single goal and I wasn't completely surprised it went to penalties.  From the perspective of those with purple in their hearts, to take the lead in the shoot out and then give it up, is of course, disappointing, but in the search for a silver lining, a week off may not be the worst thing in the world for this group, but the preference is always to play.  Aside from offering Conn begrudging congratulations, I have to say, I do like their shirts.  It's not a topic I see opined about at all in these forums (aside from me I think), but I do think they are very stylish. 

Foul Count: CC 15 Amherst 15

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MunnyTim on November 03, 2024, 09:23:55 AM
Long time reader, first time poster.  Was in person at Amherst yesterday and took in the game first-hand.  Just a handful of thoughts.

Player of the game - Silvester.  And not for the obvious reason (his two saves in the penalties).  He made two or three key saves (one or two specifically on Nuhu) in the first 20 minutes that allowed the Camels to level the field.  Surviving the first 25 minutes is always key against Amherst - with as big, physical, and high pressing they are.

Nuhu - Definitely the real deal.  The rest of the NESCAC has to deal with him for another two years.  Very nearly won it very late in regulation with a shot from just outside the box that forced Silvester into a very strong save.

While the foul count was even, I think a better indicator of the game was the yellow card count:  Amherst - 4, Camels - 1. 

PN - It DOES seem like Niall Murphy has been around since the 1990's.  The rest of the NESCAC is looking forward to him graduating and not having to face him.

EnmoreKitten - Heck of a player.  The rest of the NESCAC is also looking forward to him graduating and not manning the back line for the Mammoths.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2024, 10:04:55 AM
Quote from: MunnyTim on November 03, 2024, 09:23:55 AMLong time reader, first time poster.  Was in person at Amherst yesterday and took in the game first-hand.  Just a handful of thoughts.

Player of the game - Silvester.  And not for the obvious reason (his two saves in the penalties).  He made two or three key saves (one or two specifically on Nuhu) in the first 20 minutes that allowed the Camels to level the field.  Surviving the first 25 minutes is always key against Amherst - with as big, physical, and high pressing they are.

Nuhu - Definitely the real deal.  The rest of the NESCAC has to deal with him for another two years.  Very nearly won it very late in regulation with a shot from just outside the box that forced Silvester into a very strong save.

While the foul count was even, I think a better indicator of the game was the yellow card count:  Amherst - 4, Camels - 1. 

PN - It DOES seem like Niall Murphy has been around since the 1990's.  The rest of the NESCAC is looking forward to him graduating and not having to face him.

EnmoreKitten - Heck of a player.  The rest of the NESCAC is also looking forward to him graduating and not manning the back line for the Mammoths.

Excellent post.  Always nice when someone has some interesting observations and opinions that don't come across as very partisan.

Glad someone got the joke about Murphy.  I checked because I would have guessed he was a frosh in 2018 or 2019.  I was shocked to see Cubbedu still on the roster.  He DID start his Amherst career in 2019 and had the famous 2021 goal in the national semis against Chicago.  Tough career with injuries and I assume injuries are the reason he only played like 21 minutes in one game...and basically the same for ten Cate.  Saw some good sportsmanship from Kitten too.  I had never seen Raymond out there before.  He and Curtis are another couple of very large men.  Impressive that Serpone gets some of those guys who have not played a ton to stay committed all the way through their senior years.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MunnyTim on November 03, 2024, 10:51:58 AM
For the record, I am most certainly partisan, but work to keep that stuff out of public commentary.

That being said, as a NESCAC partisan (you can now guess for whom), I am looking forward to the day when #7 is not on the pitch for the Mammoths.  Incredibly good player.  May fly a bit below the radar, but players like him are critical to successful programs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: eaglesoccerdad on November 03, 2024, 11:05:45 AM
I agree with previous posts about #7
He stood out to me as very talented when UMW played them in 2022. I also recall thinking that as skilled as he obviously was that his behavior could be boorish at times. Maybe he has matured since then
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: eaglesoccerdad on November 03, 2024, 11:06:40 AM
I agree with previous posts about #7
He stood out to me as very talented when UMW played them in 2022. I also recall thinking that as skilled as he obviously was that his behavior could be boorish at times
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 03, 2024, 11:08:48 AM
Quote from: MunnyTim on November 03, 2024, 10:51:58 AMFor the record, I am most certainly partisan, but work to keep that stuff out of public commentary.

That being said, as a NESCAC partisan (you can now guess for whom), I am looking forward to the day when #7 is not on the pitch for the Mammoths.  Incredibly good player.  May fly a bit below the radar, but players like him are critical to successful programs.

LOL.  EVERYONE here lands on a scale from very partisan to insanely and blindingly partisan.  And wholeheartedly agree.  Players like Murphy are critical to national title runs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 03, 2024, 04:49:06 PM
I watched so many games yesterday, I am not sure which one it was, but the commentator speculated that with the OT and PK games yesterday that the NESCAC would get 7 teams into the NCAAs including Bowdoin and Wesleyan.  Is this likely to happen?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on November 03, 2024, 05:10:29 PM
Lots of moving parts.

IMO; Bowdoin needs at least another result.  Wesleyan with a loss might drop?

Who knows with the new system.

What does anyone else think?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nunezfan27 on November 03, 2024, 06:04:07 PM
Quote from: SKUD on November 03, 2024, 05:10:29 PMLots of moving parts.

IMO; Bowdoin needs at least another result.  Wesleyan with a loss might drop?

Who knows with the new system.

What does anyone else think?

I think OT or PK wins/losses are both counted as draws
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on November 03, 2024, 07:36:26 PM
Quote from: nunezfan27 on November 03, 2024, 06:04:07 PM
Quote from: SKUD on November 03, 2024, 05:10:29 PMLots of moving parts.

IMO; Bowdoin needs at least another result.  Wesleyan with a loss might drop?

Who knows with the new system.

As the commentator I can explain a little more. The new NPI rankings, which can be found here(https://stats.ncaa.org/selection_rankings/nitty_gritties/39872?utf8=%E2%9C%93&commit=Submit) will be the only factor in deciding AQs, of which there will be 22. If you assume that the top-ranked team in each conference will win the conference tourney(which obviously won't happen, and will therefore reduce the number of potential at-large bids), the cutoff is at 41, which is below the rating of every NESCAC tourney team. Hamilton, with a loss is almost certainly out, but after Bowdoin got two draws against the Jumbos and Wesleyan got points vs. Conn College and Williams this week, both are very likely to see at-large bids.

What does anyone else think?

I think OT or PK wins/losses are both counted as draws
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Mighty Igor on November 03, 2024, 08:18:54 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 03, 2024, 11:08:48 AMFor the record, I am most certainly partisan, but work to keep that stuff out of public commentary.

That being said, as a NESCAC partisan (you can now guess for whom), I am looking forward to the day when #7 is not on the pitch for the Mammoths.  Incredibly good player.  May fly a bit below the radar, but players like him are critical to successful programs.

Niall Murphy entered Amherst as a Freshman in September 2021 and became a starter in his first season with the team. It may seem like forever to some people, but he has only been gracefully tormenting NESCAC teams for four seasons. Haven't witnessed any boorishness over that period, but rather plenty of healthy and respectfully competitive relationships built with players across the conference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 03, 2024, 09:32:09 PM
Quote from: nunezfan27 on November 03, 2024, 06:04:07 PM
Quote from: SKUD on November 03, 2024, 05:10:29 PMLots of moving parts.

IMO; Bowdoin needs at least another result.  Wesleyan with a loss might drop?

Who knows with the new system.

What does anyone else think?

I think OT or PK wins/losses are both counted as draws
PK results are treated as ties.  If a team scores in OT, they get a win and the opponent gets a loss.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on November 04, 2024, 09:20:32 AM
A few notes on Williams:

Not sure if he is out for the season or potentially coming back, but the loss of Griffin Labonski, who anchors the entire center of the defense, has been keenly felt, as the team has given up a lot more clean looks and more goals per game without his physical presence in the back.  Other than Diffley, probably the player the Ephs can least afford to lose. 

Speaking of Diffley, he had what has to be a leading candidate for save of the year (especially considering the situation) against Wesleyan to help send the Ephs to OT, you can see it at 3:15 of this video, a quick one-timer at point blank range, Diffley reacted incredibly fast to a shot and did well to get a hand on it, the Wesleyan shooter was in disbelief.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHpuBEJU7f8

Conversely, feel bad for the Wesleyan GK who couldn't handle an awkward hop on the game-winning goal.

Great to see Coehlo score in that situation, even if on a bit of flukey goal, adding his long-term strike ability to the growing array of finishers available to the Ephs bodes well for both the short and long term, a lot of young strikers and attacking mids who can grow together as a group.  But I do hope the Ephs get Labonski back to help shore up what had been a lock-down defense until he went out.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: maineman on November 04, 2024, 11:47:42 AM
So it should be Midd-Bow in the early game and Will-Conn in the nightcap.  What two will advance to the final and who will rein supreme in that one?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on November 04, 2024, 01:49:18 PM
Midd v Bowodin = 2-1 Midd

Conn v Williams = 1-0 Conn

Midd v Conn = 1-1, Conn pks

Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 04, 2024, 02:51:40 PM
Do you think Conn is ready for their first NESCAC title?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on November 04, 2024, 03:03:52 PM
Nope
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 04, 2024, 11:08:52 PM
Quote from: SKUD on November 04, 2024, 03:03:52 PMNope
interesting take - all these seniors were on the national championship team.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on November 05, 2024, 08:05:31 AM
I watched them a few times this year.  Were the current seniors a big part of that team?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MunnyTim on November 05, 2024, 09:05:07 AM
For Conn, Kelesoglu was a definitely starter in '21.  Jaran, Scoffone, Creus, Horvath-Diano played key minutes and scored/assisted in the NCAA tourney run, and Silvester was the keeper for penalties.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on November 05, 2024, 11:05:16 AM
My take on the camels is that if they don't concede, they can win both the NESCAC and the natty because they are better at pens then anyone else. However, if they concede, I really doubt they have the offense to recover against a top tier team.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 05, 2024, 11:44:13 AM
Pretty safe to say that a team with a very strong recent history, the NESCAC's most recent national title, and a CURRENT NPI ranking at #7 is a decent candidate to win the conference tourney and/or the national title even if they are the 5th out of 5 NESCACs in the top 7 of NPI.

Conn also, arguably, has the best coach in NESCAC, with the caveat that most of the NESCACs are led by superb coaches, similar to most NESCACs having superb GKs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFan2025 on November 05, 2024, 01:30:50 PM
Quote from: rdanie03 on November 05, 2024, 11:05:16 AMMy take on the camels is that if they don't concede, they can win both the NESCAC and the natty because they are better at pens then anyone else. However, if they concede, I really doubt they have the offense to recover against a top tier team.

I would guess that even the camels would not want a game to come down to penalties. Tufts is a very gifted team with better keeper and steady players yet Bowdoin was able to eliminate them in the shootout.  Middlebury has gifted scorers and Williams keeper is a solid PK stopper as shown in the NCAA run two years ago.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LibbyMoore on November 06, 2024, 01:02:13 AM
 
Burke is doing a great job, but is young and...has drawbacks. A few more years will help him. Def not "the best" in this fan's opinion compared to some of the NESCAC experienced coaches. And I rarely argue here!

"Conn also, arguably, has the best coach in NESCAC, with the caveat that most of the NESCACs are led by superb coaches, similar to most NESCACs having superb GKs."
[/quote]
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2024, 10:30:12 AM
Quote from: LibbyMoore on November 06, 2024, 01:02:13 AMBurke is doing a great job, but is young and...has drawbacks. A few more years will help him. Def not "the best" in this fan's opinion compared to some of the NESCAC experienced coaches. And I rarely argue here!

"Conn also, arguably, has the best coach in NESCAC, with the caveat that most of the NESCACs are led by superb coaches, similar to most NESCACs having superb GKs."
[/quote]

It's Burk, not Burke.  His drawbacks?  Other than being young, which you already credited, what are you referencing?  Which NESCAC coaches do you definitely put ahead of him?

I like him because he is the "Brad Stevens of the NESCAC" if not the Brad Stevens for D3 at large.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 06, 2024, 10:38:22 AM
 
QuoteWhich NESCAC coaches do you definitely put ahead of him?

Why would you consider Burk better than the man at Amherst?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2024, 11:03:14 AM
Quote from: camosfan on November 06, 2024, 10:38:22 AM
QuoteWhich NESCAC coaches do you definitely put ahead of him?

Why would you consider Burk better than the man at Amherst?

Don't lose the fact that I said "arguably," and that's how I feel...that it's arguable, and also arguable for at least a few others.

I am drawn to his calm and cool and the sidelines and what he gets out of his team given the amount of talent (which is good but probably not on the level of a few others on a year in and year out basis).

Just to be mildly provocative, if Burk had been at Amherst for the past 15+ years I think he'd have more than 1 national title.  I'm still blown away that Conn won a national title.  Conn very easily could be Trinity or Colby/Bates/Hamilton.  To do what he has done at Conn imo should not be underestimated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on November 06, 2024, 11:22:13 AM
Agree with PN.

Burk has taken a small nescac school that use to be on par with Trinity, Colby, Bates, Hamilton and turned them into a possession style soccer team that can also compete with the beasts of Amherst, Tufts, Midd etc.

Every year, all the best high school soccer players who don't want the commitment of playing D1 soccer choose to play at the best academic D3 schools possible. Which would be Williams, Amherst, Midd, and Tufts.

Yet Conn is right there. 2021 National Champions and beat Tufts + Amherst in the process
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 06, 2024, 01:03:55 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on November 06, 2024, 11:22:13 AMAgree with PN.

Burk has taken a small nescac school that use to be on par with Trinity, Colby, Bates, Hamilton and turned them into a possession style soccer team that can also compete with the beasts of Amherst, Tufts, Midd etc.

Every year, all the best high school soccer players who don't want the commitment of playing D1 soccer choose to play at the best academic D3 schools possible. Which would be Williams, Amherst, Midd, and Tufts.

Yet Conn is right there. 2021 National Champions and beat Tufts + Amherst in the process

I agree - and they have maintained that level. He has a formula and is a very active/engaging recruiter. One additional thing that might be helping is that I believe Conn (albeit not at the academic level of the top NESCACs) is one of the only NESCAC schools that offers merit scholarships.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on November 06, 2024, 01:23:45 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 06, 2024, 11:03:14 AM
Quote from: camosfan on November 06, 2024, 10:38:22 AM
QuoteWhich NESCAC coaches do you definitely put ahead of him?

Why would you consider Burk better than the man at Amherst?

Don't lose the fact that I said "arguably," and that's how I feel...that it's arguable, and also arguable for at least a few others.

I am drawn to his calm and cool and the sidelines and what he gets out of his team given the amount of talent (which is good but probably not on the level of a few others on a year in and year out basis).

Just to be mildly provocative, if Burk had been at Amherst for the past 15+ years I think he'd have more than 1 national title.  I'm still blown away that Conn won a national title.  Conn very easily could be Trinity or Colby/Bates/Hamilton.  To do what he has done at Conn imo should not be underestimated.

It's interesting that you describe him as calm and cool on the sidelines.  I've only watched Burk on streams, but I recall watching him several times last season where he exploded at players and refs and you could hear it on the audio even when you couldn't see it.  He struck me as someone who was always on a slow simmer, ready to blow, rather than calm and cool, but, of course, Conn didn't have as good a season last year. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2024, 01:48:36 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on November 06, 2024, 01:23:45 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 06, 2024, 11:03:14 AM
Quote from: camosfan on November 06, 2024, 10:38:22 AM
QuoteWhich NESCAC coaches do you definitely put ahead of him?

Why would you consider Burk better than the man at Amherst?

Don't lose the fact that I said "arguably," and that's how I feel...that it's arguable, and also arguable for at least a few others.

I am drawn to his calm and cool and the sidelines and what he gets out of his team given the amount of talent (which is good but probably not on the level of a few others on a year in and year out basis).

Just to be mildly provocative, if Burk had been at Amherst for the past 15+ years I think he'd have more than 1 national title.  I'm still blown away that Conn won a national title.  Conn very easily could be Trinity or Colby/Bates/Hamilton.  To do what he has done at Conn imo should not be underestimated.

It's interesting that you describe him as calm and cool on the sidelines.  I've only watched Burk on streams, but I recall watching him several times last season where he exploded at players and refs and you could hear it on the audio even when you couldn't see it.  He struck me as someone who was always on a slow simmer, ready to blow, rather than calm and cool, but, of course, Conn didn't have as good a season last year. 

Yeah, my favorite memory is when they were 2 minutes away from going to PKs in Round 1 versus Salem State and he wasn't even looking at the field as he started writing out his PK strategy.  They won the PKs and went on to the title.  I think he was one of SC's first coach interviews....take a look and that will give you a decent window into his demeanor.  From what I've observed he doesn't come close to the loudness of Serpone or even a Dezotell.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 06, 2024, 02:07:35 PM
Btw, the comment about "not as good a season" I think kind of makes my point.  Conn has reached a place where an Elite 8 finish is not up to standards.  Or maybe you meant the season before that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on November 06, 2024, 04:06:34 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 06, 2024, 02:07:35 PMBtw, the comment about "not as good a season" I think kind of makes my point.  Conn has reached a place where an Elite 8 finish is not up to standards.  Or maybe you meant the season before that.

I meant the 2022 season, not last season.  Seemed like the pressure of getting the championship in 2021 and not making it back to the tourney in 2022 had gotten to him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 06, 2024, 04:49:04 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on November 06, 2024, 01:23:45 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 06, 2024, 11:03:14 AM
Quote from: camosfan on November 06, 2024, 10:38:22 AM
QuoteWhich NESCAC coaches do you definitely put ahead of him?

Why would you consider Burk better than the man at Amherst?

Don't lose the fact that I said "arguably," and that's how I feel...that it's arguable, and also arguable for at least a few others.

I am drawn to his calm and cool and the sidelines and what he gets out of his team given the amount of talent (which is good but probably not on the level of a few others on a year in and year out basis).

Just to be mildly provocative, if Burk had been at Amherst for the past 15+ years I think he'd have more than 1 national title.  I'm still blown away that Conn won a national title.  Conn very easily could be Trinity or Colby/Bates/Hamilton.  To do what he has done at Conn imo should not be underestimated.

It's interesting that you describe him as calm and cool on the sidelines.  I've only watched Burk on streams, but I recall watching him several times last season where he exploded at players and refs and you could hear it on the audio even when you couldn't see it.  He struck me as someone who was always on a slow simmer, ready to blow, rather than calm and cool, but, of course, Conn didn't have as good a season last year. 

ding, ding, ding
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 06, 2024, 05:18:00 PM
I have seen at least 6 Conn games over 4 seasons and I would agree about his temper, you also get the impression there is some tension between coach and players.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on November 06, 2024, 09:25:22 PM
That's very sad to hear as to temper. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: seanie67 on November 08, 2024, 02:52:00 AM
Quote from: eaglesoccerdad on October 23, 2024, 10:19:15 AMOut of those 50 games only 6 were against to 25 teams? I guess there are not a lot of options for playing strong programs out of conference without a long bus ride.

the tourney will provide where the real meat and possession of ball lays...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: boomer on November 08, 2024, 09:59:19 AM
Quote from: seanie67 on November 08, 2024, 02:52:00 AMthe tourney will provide where the real meat and possession of ball lays...

my man is out here starving for attention lmfao
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on November 08, 2024, 10:33:20 AM
Quote from: seanie67 on November 08, 2024, 02:52:00 AM
Quote from: eaglesoccerdad on October 23, 2024, 10:19:15 AMOut of those 50 games only 6 were against to 25 teams? I guess there are not a lot of options for playing strong programs out of conference without a long bus ride.

the tourney will provide where the real meat and possession of ball lays...

ayoo  :o
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 09, 2024, 05:32:21 PM
Conn V Middlebury tomorrow......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 09, 2024, 07:25:26 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 09, 2024, 05:32:21 PMConn V Middlebury tomorrow......

Should be a good one!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MunnyTim on November 09, 2024, 07:57:06 PM
Took in both games at Midd today.  Handful of thoughts.

Midd - Bowdoin:  Bowdoin could have had an early goal (inside of a minute) on a free kick from just outside the box.  A Polar Bear looked to have a free run at a header or volley but could not connect.  Beyond that, I do not recall many moments where the Polar Bears threatened.  Panthers got their first on a header, late first half and frankly were in control for the majority of the game.  Should have had a second before half but a Polar Bear defender (with a wide open net) cleared the ball off the line with a header and the Midd player fired the rebound over the goal.

Despite the stats, Middlebury was in control for the majority of the game and was not significantly threatened in the second half.

Williams - Conn: Tale of two halves.  Conn was the team in control in the first half.  Controlled the midfield and outshot the Ephs 10-1.  Diffley saved a penalty inside the final ten minutes of the half to keep the game scoreless.  Conn scored a wonderful goal late in the half to go to the break up 1-0.  Probably felt they should have had more.

Second half, the Ephs were the team in the ascendency.  Scoffone scored for the Camels in about the 70th minutes to extend the lead to 2-0.  Ephs scored off a tremendous free kick - hit the crossbar, but the Ephs headed in the rebound with three minutes to go to tighten things up.  Nervy moments for the Camels late as the Ephs had the ball in the box a handful of times attempting to equalize, but ran out of time.

Midd and Conn tomorrow at Noon.  Midd crowd was fantastic today.  And for those not at South Street field, the wind was a MAJOR factor as it blew from left to right.  The ball most definitely spent the majority of the afternoon on the right half of the field - for both games. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on November 09, 2024, 08:36:50 PM
Horrible that they play on turf with a remarkable grass field
steps away.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 09, 2024, 09:15:42 PM
Quote from: SKUD on November 09, 2024, 08:36:50 PMHorrible that they play on turf with a remarkable grass field
steps away.
yes - beautiful- why don't they use it?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: gocamels on November 10, 2024, 12:07:22 PM
Here we go for the final -- Camels have been here a few times in recent history without getting over the line. Maybe a weaker regular season and the need to win the conference tournament for a spot in the Natty has the boys extra motivated.

Not so much success on the road up at Middlebury, but on a windy Sunday, who's to say what can happen. You know what they say about double header weekends.

New to posting, long time observer, will be giving my analysis as a former player. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: gocamels on November 10, 2024, 12:29:32 PM
1-0 Conn. Great goal and well deserved as they have been the better team so far. 1st goal is always huge in a final, let's see how both sides respond
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: boomer on November 10, 2024, 12:44:32 PM

Quote from: gocamels on November 10, 2024, 12:29:32 PM1-0 Conn. Great goal and well deserved as they have been the better team so far. 1st goal is always huge in a final, let's see how both sides respond

Pretty good response from Midd
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: gocamels on November 10, 2024, 01:04:15 PM
Halftime update: terrific response from Midd after going 1-0 down. Hit the post, few massive saves from Silvester, Conn seriously on the ropes. Need to calm down at the half and start connecting some passes.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on November 10, 2024, 02:11:22 PM
Congratulations to Conn definitely not the same team I watched get beaten by Wesleyan.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: gocamels on November 10, 2024, 02:18:48 PM
Congrats to the Camels, NESCAC champions. Can't say how difficult it is to go up north to Midd and come away with a 3-1 win. History as they bring home their first NESCAC title, completing the trophy cabinet next to the NCAA title. Having lifted the NCAA, there is no better feeling than bringing home the hardware.

3-1 seems a fair result, chances both sides and a classic, physical, entertaining matchup amongst NESCAC rivals. Happy to see Conn use their possession style when it was appropriate, but also go long at times and not take as many chances. Knew what they needed to do to get a result, all credit to coach Burk and the senior leadership on the squad that now can say they have won everything available to them during their time at Conn. Go Camels
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 10, 2024, 03:00:22 PM
Congratulations to Conn, their championship success sums up what has been, at least of the three NESCAC seasons I have engaged with, by far the most even. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middfan on November 10, 2024, 04:05:57 PM
Great soccer game in Middlebury today.  Two high level teams playing with speed, skill and aggression all match. As a partisan, I'd say the score didn't mirror the game (check the stats) but it really doesn't matter.  Conn finished and Midd didn't, often from point blank. Congrats to the Camels. I believe the prospects for both teams are very strong in the tournament.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 10, 2024, 04:17:08 PM
Quote from: Middfan on November 10, 2024, 04:05:57 PMGreat soccer game in Middlebury today.  Two high level teams playing with speed, skill and aggression all match. As a partisan, I'd say the score didn't mirror the game (check the stats) but it really doesn't matter.  Conn finished and Midd didn't, often from point blank. Congrats to the Camels. I believe the prospects for both teams are very strong in the tournament.
Which stat are you referring to? Corner kicks? Middlebury had three more shots with Conn having one more shot on goal.

Middlebury did miss a sitter but both teams missed chances close to the net throughout.

Being there- Not much of an argument for either team winning besides the final score...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 10, 2024, 04:31:51 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 10, 2024, 04:17:08 PM
Quote from: Middfan on November 10, 2024, 04:05:57 PMGreat soccer game in Middlebury today.  Two high level teams playing with speed, skill and aggression all match. As a partisan, I'd say the score didn't mirror the game (check the stats) but it really doesn't matter.  Conn finished and Midd didn't, often from point blank. Congrats to the Camels. I believe the prospects for both teams are very strong in the tournament.
which stat are you referring to?

As a Conn-friendly neutral who has some admiration for their hot-head, volatile coach I'm guessing Middfan is referring mostly to 13 corners to 1.  And maybe amount of possession in the 2nd half.  Midd almost equalized (and probably should have equalized) several times in the 2nd half and then Conn went up 3-1 mostly against the run of play with a brilliant individual effort and finish by I think Spatz.  Conn did exactly what a good team needs to do against another really good team on the road and in a final.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middfan on November 10, 2024, 04:42:56 PM
I'm surprised by your prickliness, Newenglander.  I offered congratulations, complimented your team's ability to finish and suggested they'd do well in the tournament.  Perhaps, I could have bought you coffee for the ride home. My only point was that possession and chances were more even than the score.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 10, 2024, 04:53:49 PM
Congrats to Conn, I remember last year you got knocked out at the semis, we had to wait until you checked out of that one hotel in town to get your rooms for the finals!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Camelparent on November 10, 2024, 07:27:06 PM
Just wanted to say Middlebury were great host both the fans and the players showed great sportsmanship throughout
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middfan on November 11, 2024, 06:53:50 AM
Quote from: Camelparent on November 10, 2024, 07:27:06 PMJust wanted to say Middlebury were great host both the fans and the players showed great sportsmanship throughout

Great to hear!  Good luck next weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MunnyTim on November 11, 2024, 10:37:46 AM
Was in person up at Midd yesterday.  Great experience with Midd hosting - great job by the school, players, and fans.

I tend to see it in the same light as MiddFan.  Great game.  Conn had the upper hand early and the Midd keeper was forced into at least one strong save to keep the game scoreless (including one off his face after he had to come off his line to close down a Camel with a scoring chance).  After Conn scored the opener, the tide shifted in the Panthers' direction.  The goal (off a corner) was well taken.  Great delivery, great header.  Conn was fortunate to get to the half tied.

Second half, play was more balanced.  Both teams were able to generate possession and opportunities.  After Conn scored their second, play swung (again) in the direction of the Panthers.  Conn's third was definitely against the run of play, but that is what happens when a team is forced to push forward to get an equalizer.  Conn's third also happened immediately after a Panther missed a sitter (over the bar) on a rebound.  The very next trip up the field, Conn scored the third.

In the end, great game.  Conn took advantage of their chances, Midd did not.  No slight to Midd, they are really, really good.  Game could have easily been 3-1 in their favor.

It will be interesting to see how these two (and other NESCACs) are slotted in NCAA selection later today.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: NescacUltra on November 11, 2024, 03:10:42 PM
Buzzing for this Hamilton group. They have had tough luck with injuries and some tight post-season results, but this is an amazing opportunity. This team has the talent to rival any team in the country, especially with the form Luke Peplowski has been in recently.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on November 11, 2024, 03:43:40 PM
I feel really bad for Bowdoin, even as a jumbos fan. They are in their best form of the year, but being sent to San Antonio to play Trinity is no joke
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 11, 2024, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: rdanie03 on November 11, 2024, 03:43:40 PMI feel really bad for Bowdoin, even as a jumbos fan. They are in their best form of the year, but being sent to San Antonio to play Trinity is no joke
agreed - but as far as D3 soccer goes that will be as close to a D1 experience they will get with travel and facility - great experience for them win or lose.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2024, 03:55:09 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 11, 2024, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: rdanie03 on November 11, 2024, 03:43:40 PMI feel really bad for Bowdoin, even as a jumbos fan. They are in their best form of the year, but being sent to San Antonio to play Trinity is no joke
agreed - but as far as D3 soccer goes that will be as close to a D1 experience they will get with travel and facility - great experience for them win or lose.

I agree.  I think this is a fantastic spot for Bowdoin.  Get out of the New England/Northeast cauldron...and getting to visit one of the most historic non-NESCAC programs in a great city.  What's not to like?  Far better than getting stuck in Maine after a mass shooting.  Trinity is very good but are they that much better than whoever Bowdoin would have to face in a 2nd round match elsewhere?  Tremendous opportunities for both Bowdoin and Hamilton.  I think they're fortunate.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Yankeesoccerdad on November 11, 2024, 04:52:50 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 11, 2024, 03:55:09 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 11, 2024, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: rdanie03 on November 11, 2024, 03:43:40 PMI feel really bad for Bowdoin, even as a jumbos fan. They are in their best form of the year, but being sent to San Antonio to play Trinity is no joke
agreed - but as far as D3 soccer goes that will be as close to a D1 experience they will get with travel and facility - great experience for them win or lose.

I agree.  I think this is a fantastic spot for Bowdoin.  Get out of the New England/Northeast cauldron...and getting to visit one of the most historic non-NESCAC programs in a great city.  What's not to like?  Far better than getting stuck in Maine after a mass shooting.  Trinity is very good but are they that much better than whoever Bowdoin would have to face in a 2nd round match elsewhere?  Tremendous opportunities for both Bowdoin and Hamilton.  I think they're fortunate.

You are correct, PN.  Particularly after the way last season ended with a tough loss at Tufts after being on lock-down, Bowdoin is thrilled to be in the tournament.  A flight to sunny San Antonio in November beats a bus trip to Middlebury.  I realize some teams that regularly make the tournament don't see it this way, but the opportunity to be playing in the tournament is a huge win, no matter where you go or who you play against.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Middfan on November 11, 2024, 06:10:19 PM
Does anyone ever remember 8 teams getting in to the tournament from NESCAC or any other conference?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2024, 06:20:34 PM
Quote from: Middfan on November 11, 2024, 06:10:19 PMDoes anyone ever remember 8 teams getting in to the tournament from NESCAC or any other conference?

No. Never.  8 is a respectable haul for SEC, ACC, and Big 12 for March Madness.  Unprecendented in D3, I'm sure.

I have deep ambivalence about NESCAC in almost every regard, but I hope those most upset prepare themselves for the possibility that the "middling" NESCAC entries may do quite well...and will breathe in very fresh oxygen by getting away from their conference.  Bowdoin, Wesleyan, and Hamilton will definitely not be awed at all by the stage.  I would not be tempted to bet against any of them.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 11, 2024, 06:35:10 PM
I don't want to say too much, as negotiations are ongoing, but this is the NCAA's way of handling the proposed North East D3 Super League.  Offer the eight team concession for the tournament and maybe NESCAC will stay...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SoccerFan2025 on November 11, 2024, 07:06:41 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 11, 2024, 06:20:34 PM
Quote from: Middfan on November 11, 2024, 06:10:19 PMDoes anyone ever remember 8 teams getting in to the tournament from NESCAC or any other conference?

No. Never.  8 is a respectable haul for SEC, ACC, and Big 12 for March Madness.  Unprecendented in D3, I'm sure.

I have deep ambivalence about NESCAC in almost every regard, but I hope those most upset prepare themselves for the possibility that the "middling" NESCAC entries may do quite well...and will breathe in very fresh oxygen by getting away from their conference.  Bowdoin, Wesleyan, and Hamilton will definitely not be awed at all by the stage.  I would not be tempted to bet against any of them.

what would quite well be?  all eight make sweet sixteen?  Bowdoin, Wesleyan, Hamilton, and even Williams all have tough draws. Both Hamilton first games and potential second game are legit teams.  Conn College and Middlebury 2nd games also good opponents and winners of tough conferences.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2024, 07:37:09 PM
Statistically all eight in the Sweet 16 would be a surprise...but I wouldn't be shocked.  More likely that one of the top 5 NESCACs trips up while one of the other three goes on a nice run to Sweet 16 or Elite 8.  Put it this way, I'll be mildly surprised if Bowdoin, Wesleyan, and Hamilton are all out after the first weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2024, 07:39:36 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on November 11, 2024, 06:35:10 PMI don't want to say too much, as negotiations are ongoing, but this is the NCAA's way of handling the proposed North East D3 Super League.  Offer the eight team concession for the tournament and maybe NESCAC will stay...

This is actually a very interesting topic.  Deep ambivalence runs both ways.  NESCAC-World needs "The Field" because otherwise its relevance would be relegated to the less than 2.5% of the US population who reverberate around "NESCAC" at all. The vast majority of folks in the country know almost nothing about these schools, and even those that do aren't necessarily impressed.  If NESCAC seriously operated entirely separate from the NCAA and D3, the NESCAC schools would only be relevant within its own tiny, insular, exclusionary circle.  Sure, NESCACs could compete for their Country Club Championship but most of the rest population would not notice and even less would care.  Bottom line....NESCAC needs D3 more than D3 needs NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: northman on November 11, 2024, 08:06:13 PM
I agree with your take, PN.  The NESCAC is a D3 conference in every respect.  Typically...smaller private liberal arts colleges that are academically rigorous...and strike a great balance between academics and athletics.  Isn't that what the majority of D3 schools are all about?

What I have said about the NESCAC in the past, and will reiterate, is that the conference is amazingly competitive across a number of sports...and it also benefits from being in a compact geographic area (Hamilton notwithstanding).  It's easy for supporters to get to every away game if they're so inclined.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: College Soccer Observer on November 11, 2024, 08:30:32 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 11, 2024, 07:39:36 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on November 11, 2024, 06:35:10 PMI don't want to say too much, as negotiations are ongoing, but this is the NCAA's way of handling the proposed North East D3 Super League.  Offer the eight team concession for the tournament and maybe NESCAC will stay...

This is actually a very interesting topic.  Deep ambivalence runs both ways.  NESCAC-World needs "The Field" because otherwise its relevance would be relegated to the less than 2.5% of the US population who reverberate around "NESCAC" at all. The vast majority of folks in the country know almost nothing about these schools, and even those that do aren't necessarily impressed.  If NESCAC seriously operated entirely separate from the NCAA and D3, the NESCAC schools would only be relevant within its own tiny, insular, exclusionary circle.  Sure, NESCACs could compete for their Country Club Championship but most of the rest population would not notice and even less would care.  Bottom line....NESCAC needs D3 more than D3 needs NESCAC.
Unitl 1993, NESCAC schools were prohibited from participating in NCAA tournaments by their conference.  That prohibition still applies to football.  NESCAC football teams have a nine game conference season (Conn does not play football) with no out of conference play.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 11, 2024, 08:53:57 PM
Quote from: College Soccer Observer on November 11, 2024, 08:30:32 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 11, 2024, 07:39:36 PM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on November 11, 2024, 06:35:10 PMI don't want to say too much, as negotiations are ongoing, but this is the NCAA's way of handling the proposed North East D3 Super League.  Offer the eight team concession for the tournament and maybe NESCAC will stay...

This is actually a very interesting topic.  Deep ambivalence runs both ways.  NESCAC-World needs "The Field" because otherwise its relevance would be relegated to the less than 2.5% of the US population who reverberate around "NESCAC" at all. The vast majority of folks in the country know almost nothing about these schools, and even those that do aren't necessarily impressed.  If NESCAC seriously operated entirely separate from the NCAA and D3, the NESCAC schools would only be relevant within its own tiny, insular, exclusionary circle.  Sure, NESCACs could compete for their Country Club Championship but most of the rest population would not notice and even less would care.  Bottom line....NESCAC needs D3 more than D3 needs NESCAC.
Unitl 1993, NESCAC schools were prohibited from participating in NCAA tournaments by their conference.  That prohibition still applies to football.  NESCAC football teams have a nine game conference season (Conn does not play football) with no out of conference play.

Not sure if this has any relevance to why you posted the above...but to me seems like a great illustration.  I know I knew that NESCAC had football teams (absent Conn) but had never occurred to me that they only play each other.  I mean I knew that but had never registered with me as a thing. But when I think about D3 football I never think about NESCACs.  I instead (and I don't follow it at all) think about Mt Union, Wisc-Whitewater, JCU, N Central, etc.  NESCAC football and NESCAC fans may have zero complaints about the set up but I'm pretty sure the rest of football-playing D3 doesn't give it a single thought. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 11, 2024, 09:01:41 PM
I didn't say it was just NESCAC by the way...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3Navy on November 11, 2024, 09:09:18 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 11, 2024, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: rdanie03 on November 11, 2024, 03:43:40 PMI feel really bad for Bowdoin, even as a jumbos fan. They are in their best form of the year, but being sent to San Antonio to play Trinity is no joke
agreed - but as far as D3 soccer goes that will be as close to a D1 experience they will get with travel and facility - great experience for them win or lose.

We're looking forward to hosting y'all here in San Antonio.  The weather should be perfect, and the pitch is terrific.  The city is a lot of fun and Trinity is close to downtown.  Gonna be great!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 11, 2024, 09:33:27 PM
Bowdoin has players who have the capacity to surprise teams! I saw that team played badly at Bates and some good games elsewhere.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MunnyTim on November 12, 2024, 09:40:53 AM
NESCAC homer here.  But even I am not all in on the NESCAC (or any conference) getting 8 teams into the field.  As someone who has been involved with other conferences around the country (NCAC, Centennial, ODAC), 72% of one league getting in doesn't feel, in a word, fair.

Leads to the perpetual argument when selecting teams for a post-season tournament - are you trying to gather the BEST teams or the ones who are MOST DESERVING?  Sometimes, those objectives align, other times they don't.  In D1 Football at the moment, one could make the argument that the Georgia Bulldogs are probably one of the best 12 teams in the country (talent wise).  But, with their resume, are the deserving of a bid over some other teams? 

Curious to see how the conference as a whole does across the first weekend.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LibbyMoore on November 12, 2024, 10:07:30 AM
Quote from: MunnyTim on November 12, 2024, 09:40:53 AMNESCAC homer here.  But even I am not all in on the NESCAC (or any conference) getting 8 teams into the field.  As someone who has been involved with other conferences around the country (NCAC, Centennial, ODAC), 72% of one league getting in doesn't feel, in a word, fair.

Leads to the perpetual argument when selecting teams for a post-season tournament - are you trying to gather the BEST teams or the ones who are MOST DESERVING?  Sometimes, those objectives align, other times they don't.  In D1 Football at the moment, one could make the argument that the Georgia Bulldogs are probably one of the best 12 teams in the country (talent wise).  But, with their resume, are the deserving of a bid over some other teams? 

Curious to see how the conference as a whole does across the first weekend.

Agreed, it seems like a lot, hard to say what the best technique for sorting really is! Interestingly, on the women's soccer side, I think only four NESCAC teams are in. There must be lots of other teams routinely stronger and better than women's NESCAC teams for the NPI to spread it out more.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2024, 10:22:13 AM
I don't see any unfairness or major reasons for complaint, which to me is different than acknowledging some teams got better draws (at least on paper/history/aura) than others. I'd personally much prefer to be sitting where Tufts and Amherst are than where Midd and Williams are. And I'd probably slot Conn in between those four.  Even aside from the mystique argument, not sure why Messiah would be less credited for going on a long unbeaten streak and/or strong second half of the season than, say, W&L, Rowan...or even St Olaf or Hopkins who had relatively uneven early season results.  Not quite ready to make a prediction but will not be surprised at all if Midd or Williams does not survive the first weekend. I'll be shocked if either Tufts or Amherst don't advance.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on November 12, 2024, 10:45:58 AM
I'm liking Bowdoin's chances of advancing out of their pod in the first weekend. For Wesleyan, I like their draw too, but I believe this is their first appearance in the NCAA tournament. It would be a challenge to get past Babson on the road.

Bowdoin is a huge sleeper imo to get to the Elite 8. They compete with all the other nescac front runners and have players with tons of experience. Huck is a great player.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 12, 2024, 11:15:37 AM
QuoteBowdoin is a huge sleeper imo to get to the Elite 8. They compete with all the other nescac front runners and have players with tons of experience. Huck is a great player.

Huck, Steinberg and Duran are all quite capable.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on November 12, 2024, 11:16:33 AM
Quote from: LibbyMoore on November 12, 2024, 10:07:30 AM
Quote from: MunnyTim on November 12, 2024, 09:40:53 AMNESCAC homer here.  But even I am not all in on the NESCAC (or any conference) getting 8 teams into the field.  As someone who has been involved with other conferences around the country (NCAC, Centennial, ODAC), 72% of one league getting in doesn't feel, in a word, fair.

Leads to the perpetual argument when selecting teams for a post-season tournament - are you trying to gather the BEST teams or the ones who are MOST DESERVING?  Sometimes, those objectives align, other times they don't.  In D1 Football at the moment, one could make the argument that the Georgia Bulldogs are probably one of the best 12 teams in the country (talent wise).  But, with their resume, are the deserving of a bid over some other teams? 

Curious to see how the conference as a whole does across the first weekend.

Agreed, it seems like a lot, hard to say what the best technique for sorting really is! Interestingly, on the women's soccer side, I think only four NESCAC teams are in. There must be lots of other teams routinely stronger and better than women's NESCAC teams for the NPI to spread it out more.

The key is having a concentration of very good teams that play each other.  NESCAC women's soccer's strength is too concentrated though.  It has about 6 good teams (Wesleyan is the highest in the final NPI at #19), but they have 5 that are #143 or higher.  The middle can't get higher if half their games are "bad" wins or ties (let alone losses).  UAA women's soccer got 6 into this year's tournament because the lowest in the entire conference is #70 and the next lowest is #42 (which missed the cut).  Having Wash U at #1 obviously helps everyone too. 

To get closer to 8 selected like in NESCAC men's soccer, you can't have more than a couple that are low and this year only Trinity (CT) falls into that category (#274).  The next lowest is Colby at #88
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Saint_Dad on November 12, 2024, 11:25:50 AM
PN, you referred to NCAA div 1 basketball. They have 36 at large bids, to Div 3 soccer's 21 (43 AQs). Nescac was 33 percent of those bids. Div 1 basketball probably gets all of the top 60 teams in the country. Div 3 soccer let in all of the top 33. Number 34,35,37,38,40,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50 are all sitting home. The 34th ranked team is ranked higher than 31 teams in the tournament. This is of course because there are just so many AQs.
Div 1 soccer lets only 48 in, but 26 of those are at large.

I agree with Munnytim, there are many more deserving teams than a 7-6-3, or a 7-5-5 team. One that was 2-4-4 in conference. Come on, a team with 2 wins in 10 games, twice as many losses as wins, gets an at large bid?
Some of these other teams play in very good conferences and can't afford one bad game. Vassar had 3 losses and 3 ties on the season, two to top 55 opponents and one bad day against a dangerous in conference 160th ranked team. That loss dropped them from approx 20 to 40, and with a record of 12-3-3, would have missed the tourney if they didn't win their tournament in PKs. Plenty of stories like that.
Of course, there is always controversy about selection. This year its about the algorithm. Perhaps laying some rules over the algorithm is needed, along with some tweaks?
Kids want a chance to go the the NCAAs. I'm sure this year's selection has done even more to help the NESCAC conference with recruiting. Almost guaranteed a spot in the NCAAs.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 12, 2024, 12:12:59 PM
I know there is outrage over the NESCAC but not sure how this is any different than the ACC in Division 1? they had 5 teams in the tournament last year and looking closer to 8 this year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on November 12, 2024, 12:54:21 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 12, 2024, 12:12:59 PMI know there is outrage over the NESCAC but not sure how this is any different than the ACC in Division 1? they had 5 teams in the tournament last year and looking closer to 8 this year.

5 of 15 ACC teams qual. last season and they also play close to 30 games in the season. Of the 5 who qual. each team had at least 21 wins. 1/3 which plays out 3-4 max out of 11 teams in NESCAC.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 12, 2024, 01:28:25 PM
Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on November 12, 2024, 12:54:21 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 12, 2024, 12:12:59 PMI know there is outrage over the NESCAC but not sure how this is any different than the ACC in Division 1? they had 5 teams in the tournament last year and looking closer to 8 this year.

5 of 15 ACC teams qual. last season and they also play close to 30 games in the season. Of the 5 who qual. each team had at least 21 wins. 1/3 which plays out 3-4 max out of 11 teams in NESCAC.
Looking at the RPI rankings through today and most teams have 17-20 games?

I was looking at number of teams in the tournament field vs looking at number of teams in the conference. Haven't looked at all the AQ's but if they have up to 8 (possibly 10 with NC state at 32?) it could be a larger percentage of the overall tournament field than NESCAC. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jsoxbo on November 12, 2024, 01:31:31 PM
The Division 1 tournament is a total of 48 teams with the top 16 getting a first round bye, but the ACC usually sends the most teams to the NCAA as it is by-far the strongest overall conference in Division 1.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CACDaddy on November 12, 2024, 01:46:16 PM
Not sure I understand why the consistent abundance of NESCAC at large selections continues to get so much hate, especially when they perform in the tournament year-after-year. The NESCAC was won 6 of the past 10 national titles and had 3/8 elite eight teams last year. If you work out those proportions I'd argue they deserve 33% of the at-large selections. I want to watch the best teams duke it out in November, not some scrubs that make the tournament because they've never been before. I'd expect that trend to continue this year. The Bowdoin Polar Bears look lethal as of late; downing Tufts in the NESCAC quarters is no easy feat, especially in Medford. That obviously wouldn't have been possibly without the help of Oliver Bruce, the 6-1 173 lb striker specimen out of Chicago. He brings a unique aerobic endurance to the Bowdoin attack and played a crucial 9 minutes against Tufts and a critical additional minute against Middlebury. He deserves credit for Bowdoin's success this season and I anticipate that continues in the big dance.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on November 12, 2024, 02:13:32 PM
Well, you're going to be watching some "scrubs" no matter what happens with the at-large selections given the AQ situation.  I don't disagree with the opinion that Bowdoin and Hamilton are both good teams, and having watched them, they don't park the bus.  They can play straight up with the top NESCAC teams and they do.   My main issue is the way the NPI algorithm is currently set up rewards draws against top teams more than it should (in my opinion).  If this is the way it's going to be going forward, it incentivizes teams to park the bus and not play for wins against top teams. 

From the NPI weights document
"The committee increased and set the QWB multiplier to .750 in order to address ties within the soccer
formulas that are different than a majority of other sports. By increasing the multiplier to .750 it made
the value of quality ties equal to or more valuable than average/below average wins. This again
encourages teams to play quality schedules and earn wins and/or ties against good opponents in order
to earn a spot in the NCAA tournament."
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 12, 2024, 02:26:58 PM
I'm on record saying the NESCAC is the SEC of D3 soccer. (Probably broken record at this point.)

But with that said, respectfully, "I want to watch the best teams duke it out in November, not some scrubs that make the tournament because they've never been before."

Yikes, my guy, that is what gets people upset. There are a bunch of teams that finish 2nd or 3rd in their league and won the vast majority of their games, as opposed to a number of NESCAC teams that tie so much that they don't have 10 wins. And I get it, it's the best league in the land.

But saying a team that went 14-2-5 (York) would be considered "scrubs"... c'mon man.

And while I was typing, paclassic is on it. The real issue that waters down the tournament aren't the at-large, it's the AQs from some truly terrible conferences (no offense, but the glut of conferences with PSU-(fill in random PA town) and Pitt-(same thing) that go out and routinely give up double digit goals per game... I'm looking at you.)

The same thing is true in the D1 basketball. Every year we see a bunch of 14-16 seed teams from a conference you've never heard of getting blown off the court. The occasional upset or near upset is what makes the tournament special... But we all know the best 64(68) teams are not being put in those brackets every year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: CACDaddy on November 12, 2024, 02:43:52 PM
D3 XC National Meet Selection has it down. Instead of giving automatic bids to conference champions, they give an automatic bid to regional winners and select at-large teams based on regional performances, not conference ones. It consistently pits the 32 best squads against each other on the biggest stage. Not sure you can really adopt that format for soccer but it's worth thinking about for sure.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: jknezek on November 12, 2024, 02:59:35 PM
Quote from: CACDaddy on November 12, 2024, 02:43:52 PMD3 XC National Meet Selection has it down. Instead of giving automatic bids to conference champions, they give an automatic bid to regional winners and select at-large teams based on regional performances, not conference ones. It consistently pits the 32 best squads against each other on the biggest stage. Not sure you can really adopt that format for soccer but it's worth thinking about for sure.


Yeah. That works when everyone plays, or runs, against everyone. There are empirical times that tell you who the best team in the region is. In the case of soccer, York and Hamilton didn't play, have no significant common opponents, and no way to tell who is actually better. So that format is pretty much people just guessing.

We used to do regional rankings and then discuss one team from each region against the others before this season. Various regional committees focused on slightly different attributes and sometimes the national committee that did the final selection preferred one criteria over others.

NPI is at least empirical. That being said, I think the men's soccer decision makers set the dials slightly wrong. The women's dials seem a bit more reasonable to me.

I wonder if one of our friends who mimicked the NPI this season could redo the final men's list using the women's criteria and post the outcomes side by side. It would be interesting to see what less focus on QWB does to selections.

Men's Criteria:

Win%/SOS     15/85 
H/A Win/Loss   1.0/1.0
QWB        54.0
QWB Multiplier    .750
Overtime     100/0
Minimum Wins    10.0
                             

Women's Criteria:

Win%/SOS   20/80 
H/A Win/Loss    1.0/1.0
QWB     54.00
QWB Multiplier  0.500 
Overtime   100/0 
Minimum Wins   8.0
                   
Edited for formatting issues     
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 12, 2024, 03:15:53 PM
I would LOVE to see that.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 12, 2024, 04:27:49 PM
But saying a team that went 14-2-5 (York) would be considered "scrubs"... c'mon man.
Was York more deserving than Montclair? I think there was a team from Connecticut, two years ago that was undefeated, yet was not invited.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 12, 2024, 04:37:35 PM
I'm not making the argument that any of the teams that finished in the 30s are "more deserving" than anyone, including the NESCAC teams. All I'm saying is that teams that finished in the top 50 (or thereabouts) shouldn't be labeled scrubs.

And I don't want to dwell on a throwaway sentence, as I know what the OP (on this topic) was saying.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 12, 2024, 05:48:55 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 12, 2024, 02:26:58 PMI'm on record saying the NESCAC is the SEC of D3 soccer. (Probably broken record at this point.)


Yes, I think we've both said this several times.  And for the analogy to hold NESCAC NEEDS the field.  Otherwise, if Enmorecat gets his way with his New England Super League (comprised of all NESCACs, Anna Maria, Nichols, and Lyndon State), we won't be talking anymore about the SEC and world-wide superiority.  We'd instead be talking about NESCAC being the inferior little brother desperately trying to emulate its D1 first cousins, the Ivy League... with virtually no one outside of NESCAC and Ivy walls paying any attention or even knowing which schools are good from year to year.  I know the admissions rates keep going lower and lower...for Ivies and NESCACs (and other academic elites), but I am really curious about what will happen with the entire New England prep school, NESCAC, and Ivy League industrial complex over the next 20 years.  And I'm not talking primarily about athletics but the place of that industrial complex as a societal phenomenon.  The line between niche and irrelevant can get blurry.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: EnmoreCat on November 13, 2024, 02:53:18 AM
There's just one thing worse than NESCAC-hate (I'm sure that's too strong a word by the way) and that would be NESCAC-neglect...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 13, 2024, 08:25:00 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on November 13, 2024, 02:53:18 AMThere's just one thing worse than NESCAC-hate (I'm sure that's too strong a word by the way) and that would be NESCAC-neglect...

We cannot let that happen.  You must abandon and renounce your bid to de-nationalize NESCAC's arc of interest and influence.  Just imagine when the nation at large is no longer reverberating over the Bates-Colby derby. 

And that's why, today, Andrea Savage, Executive Director of NESCAC since 1991, is marching into a US District Federal Court in Burlington, VT to file a suit compelling the D1 behemoth, The Southeastern Conference (SEC), to cease and desist from plagiarizing and claiming ownership of the NESCAC's iconic motto...IT JUST MEANS MORE.

Apropos of everything, Andrea just happens to be a very proud Amherst alum who was a three-sport legend for the Mammothettes.  After a stint overseeing athletics at Yale, Ms. Savage knew there was only one choice...going back home to NESCAC...because, to borrow the SEC's secondary motto...IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW (IYKYK).

Btw, speaking of the SEC, in case you missed it, my University of Kentucky Wildcats knocked off Duke last night in Catlanta.  Took the sting out of the Celtics dropping one to the Hawks.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on November 13, 2024, 09:47:26 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 13, 2024, 08:25:00 AM
Quote from: EnmoreCat on November 13, 2024, 02:53:18 AMThere's just one thing worse than NESCAC-hate (I'm sure that's too strong a word by the way) and that would be NESCAC-neglect...

We cannot let that happen.  You must abandon and renounce your bid to de-nationalize NESCAC's arc of interest and influence.  Just imagine when the nation at large is no longer reverberating over the Bates-Colby derby. 

And that's why, today, Andrea Savage, Executive Director of NESCAC since 1991, is marching into a US District Federal Court in Burlington, VT to file a suit compelling the D1 behemoth, The Southeastern Conference (SEC), to cease and desist from plagiarizing and claiming ownership of the NESCAC's iconic motto...IT JUST MEANS MORE.

Apropos of everything, Andrea just happens to be a very proud Amherst alum who was a three-sport legend for the Mammothettes.  After a stint overseeing athletics at Yale, Ms. Savage knew there was only one choice...going back home to NESCAC...because, to borrow the SEC's secondary motto...IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW (IYKYK).

Btw, speaking of the SEC, in case you missed it, my University of Kentucky Wildcats knocked off Duke last night in Catlanta.  Took the sting out of the Celtics dropping one to the Hawks.

Savage
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: camosfan on November 13, 2024, 11:31:21 AM
don't underestimate Bates, I see a program that is about to start moving up!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ccfan123456 on November 13, 2024, 11:36:52 AM
Classic Amherst bias in all-nescac. No surprise here.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 13, 2024, 12:36:31 PM
Quote from: ccfan123456 on November 13, 2024, 11:36:52 AMClassic Amherst bias in all-nescac. No surprise here.
They are all good players but feel like the bias is more towards past award winners getting the benefit.....
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Camelparent on November 13, 2024, 05:15:05 PM
Any snubs?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: complexcoach on November 14, 2024, 11:59:58 AM
Quote from: Camelparent on November 13, 2024, 05:15:05 PMAny snubs?

Laurens Ten Cate is an obvious snub - the AMH-spiracy continues..
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: paclassic89 on November 14, 2024, 12:19:15 PM
Agreed.  It's hard to overstate the impact he's had on the Mammoth's performance this season.  Doing all the little things that don't often show up on a stat sheet.  Some may argue that you need to play more than 6 mins a season to be in consideration for an end of year award.  I disagree
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: ts33 on November 17, 2024, 03:17:56 PM
A general question for some of you all who know more about the nescac than I... what makes the nescac so elite, what makes the programs tick, what makes them just that much better than the rest?

I mean you see the numbers on paper of teams qualifying, especially with this years NPI ratings.

For those of you who watch a ton of d3 soccer what makes this conference just that much better than the rest.

This 1000% a posting based upon genuine curiosity with no nescac hate or hate towards any other program/conference. Thanks
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on November 17, 2024, 03:28:17 PM
Quote from: ts33 on November 17, 2024, 03:17:56 PMA general question for some of you all who know more about the nescac than I... what makes the nescac so elite, what makes the programs tick, what makes them just that much better than the rest?

I mean you see the numbers on paper of teams qualifying, especially with this years NPI ratings.

For those of you who watch a ton of d3 soccer what makes this conference just that much better than the rest.

This 1000% a posting based upon genuine curiosity with no nescac hate or hate towards any other program/conference. Thanks

Self sorting mostly.  NESCACs are very high quality academic institutions which in turns attracts a lot of of the top student athletes.  A lot of the top soccer players in the country play for NEPSAC boarding schools which are in the heart of NESCAC country so they can also easily recruit the best players in their backyards. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 17, 2024, 04:54:41 PM
Quote from: stlawus on November 17, 2024, 03:28:17 PM
Quote from: ts33 on November 17, 2024, 03:17:56 PMA general question for some of you all who know more about the nescac than I... what makes the nescac so elite, what makes the programs tick, what makes them just that much better than the rest?

I mean you see the numbers on paper of teams qualifying, especially with this years NPI ratings.

For those of you who watch a ton of d3 soccer what makes this conference just that much better than the rest.

This 1000% a posting based upon genuine curiosity with no nescac hate or hate towards any other program/conference. Thanks

Self sorting mostly.  NESCACs are very high quality academic institutions which in turns attracts a lot of of the top student athletes.  A lot of the top soccer players in the country play for NEPSAC boarding schools which are in the heart of NESCAC country so they can also easily recruit the best players in their backyards. 

It's not just regional recruiting at the top NE prep schools, though, that makes the NESCAC teams a draw for top talent; it's their national academic profile. Just look at Middlebury: the starting 11 features 4-5 student-athletes from New England; the majority of starters come from such places as San Francisco, Manhattan Beach, London, suburban Chicago, suburban NYC. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: gocamels on November 17, 2024, 05:14:16 PM
Weekend review after being on site in New London for two dominant Conn College wins -- this team is clicking just at the right time.

As a former player, it was hard to watch them struggle in the regular season -- lots of 0-0 ties, a big loss to Wesleyan on the final day of the regular season to finish as the 6 seed for the daunting NESCAC tournament. They look a completely different team since then.

The build up play is sharp, the defense is lock down, the forwards are taking their chances with confidence. They utterly dominated both games at home this weekend(4-1, 3-0) and move on to the sweet 16 absolutely flying high. Shame they won't be hosting at their home field, arguably the best atmosphere and home-field advantage (and the worst actual pitch) amongst the upper echelons of D3 footy.

Juniors Gavin Vanden Berg and Elliot Spatz are tearing it up at striker, both scoring in multiple games in a row, and Matt Scoffone (best player in the country) is scoring goals for FUN and creating massive chances every time he gets the ball out wide.

Max Haberman is extremely impressive in the middle of the park, and young CB's Charlie Miles and Dylan Hoke play like they've been running the NESCAC for years. Goalie Peter Silvester (best GK in the country and robbed of NESCAC 1st team by criminally overrated Ben Diffley) is the backbone of this team and is playing like his career depends on it (because it does).

Brilliant group of kids, great coaching staff that cares deeply about the program, playing the right way, and the brotherhood.

Regardless of how the rest of the tournament goes, extremely proud to be an alum of this program and to see this group of 5th years and seniors win every trophy available to them and enshrine themselves as legends.

After handling Franklin and Marshall, lets head to Mary Washington (another two-name school that will end next weekend with less wins than names).

GO CAMELS
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on November 18, 2024, 10:03:21 AM
Was anyone at the Tufts games this weekend?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins Walk-On on November 18, 2024, 10:21:54 AM
Quote from: gocamels on November 17, 2024, 05:14:16 PMAfter handling Franklin and Marshall, lets head to Mary Washington (another two-name school that will end next weekend with less wins than names).

GO CAMELS

Fewer
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: soccerpapa on November 18, 2024, 11:25:13 AM
Quote from: stlawus on November 17, 2024, 03:28:17 PM
Quote from: ts33 on November 17, 2024, 03:17:56 PMA general question for some of you all who know more about the nescac than I... what makes the nescac so elite, what makes the programs tick, what makes them just that much better than the rest?

I mean you see the numbers on paper of teams qualifying, especially with this years NPI ratings.

For those of you who watch a ton of d3 soccer what makes this conference just that much better than the rest.

This 1000% a posting based upon genuine curiosity with no nescac hate or hate towards any other program/conference. Thanks

Self sorting mostly.  NESCACs are very high quality academic institutions which in turns attracts a lot of of the top student athletes.  A lot of the top soccer players in the country play for NEPSAC boarding schools which are in the heart of NESCAC country so they can also easily recruit the best players in their backyards. 



A lot of the top soccer players in the country that can afford to attend expensive schools, have played for academy teams, can afford to travel and be seen......so yes the top soccer players in a subset of soccer players in the country. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: rdanie03 on November 18, 2024, 02:24:50 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on November 18, 2024, 10:03:21 AMWas anyone at the Tufts games this weekend?
I was on the mic. Both games were the epitome of the Dezotell Era. Dominant play but a horrid inability to find the back of the net.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Another Mom on November 18, 2024, 02:29:24 PM
^^Many teams have this problem!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on November 18, 2024, 02:32:01 PM
Quote from: rdanie03 on November 18, 2024, 02:24:50 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on November 18, 2024, 10:03:21 AMWas anyone at the Tufts games this weekend?
I was on the mic. Both games were the epitome of the Dezotell Era. Dominant play but a horrid inability to find the back of the net.

Also tough when the other team has a hot keeper.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SKUD on November 18, 2024, 02:47:48 PM
http://tuftsjumbocast.com/roster/riley-daniel
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: stlawus on November 18, 2024, 03:31:37 PM
It's likely just confirmation bias on my own part, but I'm not shocked to see these Tufts results given comments made by the coach in a SC interview a couple years ago that bothered me more than they should have.  He's seemingly boxed himself in with his recruiting tactics.  "We only recruit from MLS Next and ECNL".  Yes there are good players in those club leagues, but in a club soccer landscape that is notoriously inequitable for talent in terms of socioeconomic factors you're willingly shrinking your recruiting pool for absolutely 0 reason.  Especially since a program like Tufts likely has a very high yield rate on recruits.  Look no further than yesterday's result.  Buff State's roster is full of in state high school talent along with JuCo transfers and the odd low major d1/d2 transfer.  It's quite an eclectic mix of player backgrounds.  Does this mean these players had the academic profile to go to Tufts? Of course not, but when you're having the same finishing problems year in year out you'd think maybe a change or two in recruiting for one cycle would be worth trying. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Bucket on November 18, 2024, 03:44:42 PM
Quote from: rdanie03 on November 18, 2024, 02:24:50 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on November 18, 2024, 10:03:21 AMWas anyone at the Tufts games this weekend?
I was on the mic. Both games were the epitome of the Dezotell Era. Dominant play but a horrid inability to find the back of the net.

And Kyle was such a dynamic scorer as a player. Can't imagine how frustrating this must be for him.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 18, 2024, 04:53:47 PM
Quote from: stlawus on November 18, 2024, 03:31:37 PMIt's likely just confirmation bias on my own part, but I'm not shocked to see these Tufts results given comments made by the coach in a SC interview a couple years ago that bothered me more than they should have.  He's seemingly boxed himself in with his recruiting tactics.  "We only recruit from MLS Next and ECNL".  Yes there are good players in those club leagues, but in a club soccer landscape that is notoriously inequitable for talent in terms of socioeconomic factors you're willingly shrinking your recruiting pool for absolutely 0 reason.  Especially since a program like Tufts likely has a very high yield rate on recruits.  Look no further than yesterday's result.  Buff State's roster is full of in state high school talent along with JuCo transfers and the odd low major d1/d2 transfer.  It's quite an eclectic mix of player backgrounds.  Does this mean these players had the academic profile to go to Tufts? Of course not, but when you're having the same finishing problems year in year out you'd think maybe a change or two in recruiting for one cycle would be worth trying. 
Fair post but some of this is also the academic rigor for a school like Tufts - I'm definitely not saying there aren't students outside of MLS Next and ECNL (which I believe he said he TENDS to recruit from in terms of which events he attends) but its also about building a network and familiarity with coaches and programs that may do some of that vetting in terms of having an understanding which student athletes may be the best balance of talent and ability to make it through the admissions process. It seems like NESCAC coaches have less sway than some other schools when it comes to working with admissions.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 18, 2024, 05:05:01 PM
The Tufts angst imo is overdone.  Dezotell by recent Tufts standards has had some tough luck, but they've made the tournament, and usually as a very high seed.  He's been to an Elite 8.  They were a top 4 seed THIS year and at times were #1 or #2 in NPI.

And.....this year, Tufts is STILL undefeated.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: FanofNescac on November 18, 2024, 07:21:28 PM
I feel like the Tufts era of utter-dominance is over under Dezotell.

The best season was his first season (2021) when they were being carried by the super seniors (aroh, paoletta, daly, van brewer). Since then, they have been disappointing. They will always be able to recruit top players because of the history of success, academics, etc. The standard would be a Final 4 every four seasons and that hasn't happened.

This standard is not the case for other schools. I'm talking about athletic/academic power houses who have won multiple national titles
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 18, 2024, 07:45:39 PM
Quote from: FanofNescac on November 18, 2024, 07:21:28 PMI feel like the Tufts era of utter-dominance is over under Dezotell.

The best season was his first season (2021) when they were being carried by the super seniors (aroh, paoletta, daly, van brewer). Since then, they have been disappointing. They will always be able to recruit top players because of the history of success, academics, etc. The standard would be a Final 4 every four seasons and that hasn't happened.

This standard is not the case for other schools. I'm talking about athletic/academic power houses who have won multiple national titles

This feels understandable as a supporter but a little premature.  They've done well.  Just not Final Four every other year well.  And you never know.  What if Tufts gets to two F4s in the next three years?  They were seeded to get to the F4.  If PKs go the other way, your vibe on the Dezotell era might be very different.

Feels like the landscape has shifted....and hopefully (for most fans) we're beyond the dynasty stuff.  Tufts had the run after Messiah.  Chicago I would say flirted with becoming dynastic.  Amherst is always sitting right there, and will continue to be right there I'm sure.  But overall, seems like things have opened up.  Which is not to say there aren't at any given time 6-8 schools in the midst of a very good run (W&L, Calvin, MW, Hopkins, Williams, Conn Coll, Midd, Trinity, Kenyon, etc).  And making a F4 in recent years?  How about Centre, Wash Coll, Stevens, St Olaf
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 19, 2024, 09:35:06 AM
The bottom line is that it's unrealistic to expect getting to the Final 4 every 4 years. November Madness is incredibly fluky. There are too many ways a tournament can turn on a dime and you run into a stout, gutsy team (Buff St) that puts you in a Golden Goal/PK situation that is pretty much just a coin toss.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 20, 2024, 03:01:17 PM
Followup on the Tufts/Dezotell comments in the immediate aftermath of Tufts getting knocked out.  I am no fan of Tufts, but....

Since leaving Tufts and taking the Harvard job, Shapiro has gone 8-5-3; 9-4-4; 5-5-7; and this year 4-7-4. Lost to UVM 5-0 and Stonehill 2-1. No NCAA appearances and no Ivy titles (as yet).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Hopkins92 on November 20, 2024, 03:13:33 PM
I've learned our brains work differently. What's your take away from those results?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on November 20, 2024, 03:20:06 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 19, 2024, 09:35:06 AMThe bottom line is that it's unrealistic to expect getting to the Final 4 every 4 years. November Madness is incredibly fluky. There are too many ways a tournament can turn on a dime and you run into a stout, gutsy team (Buff St) that puts you in a Golden Goal/PK situation that is pretty much just a coin toss.

Unless you are Amherst recently??
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 20, 2024, 03:29:16 PM
Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 20, 2024, 03:13:33 PMI've learned our brains work differently. What's your take away from those results?

Mainly that there's no magic...and lots of great coaches..and sometimes things fall your way or you have a nice run for a variety of reasons, one of which may be coaching but also much more. Otherwise, just that he didn't go to Harvard and perform miracles. His best two years were the two years after he took over following an 0-14-1 campaign.

I guess my bigger point is that Dezotell has matched if not exceeded what Shapiro did in regular seasons, has gotten very high seeds for the tournament, and has had a couple of years of exiting the tournament sooner than most would expect. I remember the Elite 8 game that Conn won something like 5-4. Conn goes on to win natty. A play here or there can make the difference...
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: SierraFD3soccer on November 20, 2024, 03:48:32 PM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 20, 2024, 03:01:17 PMFollowup on the Tufts/Dezotell comments in the immediate aftermath of Tufts getting knocked out.  I am no fan of Tufts, but....

Since leaving Tufts and taking the Harvard job, Shapiro has gone 8-5-3; 9-4-4; 5-5-7; and this year 4-7-4. Lost to UVM 5-0 and Stonehill 2-1. No NCAA appearances and no Ivy titles (as yet).

Yeah, D1 v. D3 recruiting right now is totally different. Even though Harvard obviously is great in academics, it may be limited as to attracting the talented int'l players which is running D1 soccer success. Yes, Harvard does have some int'l players, but the academics may be blocking that, plus the cost of attending may be playing a factor of Shapiro replicating his Tufts success.

One of my son's teammates played substantial minutes for Shapiro at Tufts during its best years. All of his other clubmates started their journey in D1 to include 3 of them for Nat'l Champs Maryland. However, today, that has all go away with D1 (and now some D3) teams now emphasis taking older and better int'l players.

I'm guessing that Shapiro will say that this is a totally different world with little or no parallels to his time at Tufts. He may still get it together though.

Another example is Dave Brandt who led Messiah to six NCAA titles and 52 post-season wins, the most in Division III history. He moved up to Navy which had all its own challenges. He had some success, but left after 7 years for the USL.  He is now at Bucknell after coaching Hope.  His team just won the Patriot League after two rough years. https://bucknellbison.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/coaches/dave-brandt/1453 

All this saying that Shapiro can still have some success, but probably not the same.
   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: MunnyTim on November 20, 2024, 03:59:39 PM
PN, I was at the Conn-Tufts 5-4 game in 2021 and I think Jumbos fans felt that a handball on a Conn defender (while retreating on a ball that bounced high off the notoriously bouncy Bello turf) could have been called as a clear goal scoring opportunity and a red card.  Conn scored two pretty miraculous strikes from outside the box and got a headed goal from a 5' 7" attacker.  Lots of things could have gone differently, that game could have easily swung the other way, Dezotel could have a final four (or natty) on his resume, and the narrative could be vastly different.

Looking at stats in the NESCAC this year, among Midd, Amherst and Tufts, the Jumbos were the best defensive outfit among the three, but also scored the least number of goals (I think it was 37, which was 12 fewer than Midd).  Occasionally, that kind of fine margin, score just enough to win, situation can come back to bite you in a close to the vest tournament setting. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 20, 2024, 04:55:23 PM
People forget, as Mr.Right used to frequently say, when Shapiro arrived at Tufts the former coach left him a few cones and a bag of balls...and years of being a NESCAC doormat.  Tufts to that point had not been a recruiting magnet.

Also easy to forget that the 2014 title seemed to come out of nowhere. No one expected them to get to a F4...and no one predicted Tufts had a chance to beat Messiah. The Tufts win was stunning but not an obvious signal of what would occur over the next half-decade.  Tufts scored a wonder goal in the first minute, played really well, but also held on.  Messiah was better and Tufts really had to hold on in the end, but Tufts' talent was closer to Messiah's than anyone would have guessed and certainly played well enough to win on the day.

Also, is the Ivy landscape that different from NESCAC? At least inside their own conferences? Is Harvard really at such a disadvantage versus Yale, Penn, Cornell?

Don't get me wrong. Shapiro is a superb coach. He left. Dezotell is also very good.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 20, 2024, 05:27:51 PM
And all of these guys are Middlebury guys!  Not sure who has produced more higher end D3 coaches...Messiah, OWU, or Midd.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: D3Reporter on November 20, 2024, 05:42:12 PM
In terms of NESCAC vs Ivy recruiting classes, I'd agree that there's more overlap than may be perceived (with the exception of the elevated international presence for the D1 league). When you're looking at the players that end up on a lot of the NESCAC rosters, particularly the top sides, the vast majority of these guys were very close to going to Ivies.

Bringing that back into the discussion about the Dezotell era for Tufts...In agreement with the last few posts that it doesn't make sense to call these last few years underperforming squads. I think if you look back and actually watch the teams play now versus during the Shapiro era, you might find that the quality of play is actually higher now. However, as I believe rdaniel posted, what these squads have all been missing is a dominant goal scorer. They've been missing a "gusty" guy with a little bit of selfishness who knows that he's going to be the one to put the ball in the back of the net; that he's going to be the guy (when the going gets tough in the tournament against a quality, gritty Buffalo St team with a park the bus and counter-style) to put the game away. With the evolution of top D3 recruiting now versus just a few years ago, it's only fair to wonder if maybe this missing piece they've been looking for is outside of the predominantly MLS Next/ECNL pool.

Not suggesting that they should abandon the recruiting style altogether as the teams have been really good. But perhaps, when looking for this dominant forward/goal-scorer, it's worth slightly shifting resources into some more "gutsy" talent pools?
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 20, 2024, 05:43:32 PM
MunnyTim, I too remember that game which I watched live from my Lazyboy.  Iirc, in part because of the two strikes you noted, Conn had raced out to a 5-2 lead.  I can't recall if the possible PK play happened at 3-2 or 5-2, but at the time I thought that was a handball and should have been a PK.  This is interesting to me in terms of bias, because I also recall desperately hoping there would not be a call because I was heavily rooting for Conn.  I thought Tufts should have had the PK but I was not troubled in the least that one was not awarded. Indeed, I was relieved....like we dodged one there. Conn barely managed to hang on, because after building a pretty stunning 5-2 lead with about 20 minutes left Tufts came storming back to get to 5-4 and were very, very close to equalizing.  I think Burk talks about those last 20 minutes and what it was like for him as a coach in one of SC's first coach interviews after Conn won the national title.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 20, 2024, 05:53:22 PM
Quote from: D3Reporter on November 20, 2024, 05:42:12 PMIn terms of NESCAC vs Ivy recruiting classes, I'd agree that there's more overlap than may be perceived (with the exception of the elevated international presence for the D1 league). When you're looking at the players that end up on a lot of the NESCAC rosters, particularly the top sides, the vast majority of these guys were very close to going to Ivies.

Bringing that back into the discussion about the Dezotell era for Tufts...In agreement with the last few posts that it doesn't make sense to call these last few years underperforming squads. I think if you look back and actually watch the teams play now versus during the Shapiro era, you might find that the quality of play is actually higher now. However, as I believe rdaniel posted, what these squads have all been missing is a dominant goal scorer. They've been missing a "gusty" guy with a little bit of selfishness who knows that he's going to be the one to put the ball in the back of the net; that he's going to be the guy (when the going gets tough in the tournament against a quality, gritty Buffalo St team with a park the bus and counter-style) to put the game away. With the evolution of top D3 recruiting now versus just a few years ago, it's only fair to wonder if maybe this missing piece they've been looking for is outside of the predominantly MLS Next/ECNL pool.

Not suggesting that they should abandon the recruiting style altogether as the teams have been really good. But perhaps, when looking for this dominant forward/goal-scorer, it's worth slightly shifting resources into some more "gutsy" talent pools?

It's funny, even during the Shapiro years, I didn't think of Tufts as a striker haven.  They were strong in the back and always had a talented midfield with a mixture of high skill and physical dominance.  He did have Hoppenot and Santos in 2013 (I think lost to Vassar in 1st or 2nd round or maybe that was 2012) and again in 2014.  Of course their "backup" who I think scored against Wheaton in the national final, Majumder, stained my purple heart forever in the 2016 Elite 8 with a flukey tap-in in the 109th minute of double OT.  They've had a few others but none that pop off the page for me like a Lukovic or GG or the kid from Messiah that Falconer loves, or a Nathan Donovan.  In part I think that's because NESCAC is such a low scoring league because of the extremely tight defense and 0-0, 1-0, 1-1, 2-1 games.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on November 20, 2024, 06:08:58 PM
Quote from: D3Reporter on November 20, 2024, 05:42:12 PMIn terms of NESCAC vs Ivy recruiting classes, I'd agree that there's more overlap than may be perceived (with the exception of the elevated international presence for the D1 league). When you're looking at the players that end up on a lot of the NESCAC rosters, particularly the top sides, the vast majority of these guys were very close to going to Ivies.

Bringing that back into the discussion about the Dezotell era for Tufts...In agreement with the last few posts that it doesn't make sense to call these last few years underperforming squads. I think if you look back and actually watch the teams play now versus during the Shapiro era, you might find that the quality of play is actually higher now. However, as I believe rdaniel posted, what these squads have all been missing is a dominant goal scorer. They've been missing a "gusty" guy with a little bit of selfishness who knows that he's going to be the one to put the ball in the back of the net; that he's going to be the guy (when the going gets tough in the tournament against a quality, gritty Buffalo St team with a park the bus and counter-style) to put the game away. With the evolution of top D3 recruiting now versus just a few years ago, it's only fair to wonder if maybe this missing piece they've been looking for is outside of the predominantly MLS Next/ECNL pool.

Not suggesting that they should abandon the recruiting style altogether as the teams have been really good. But perhaps, when looking for this dominant forward/goal-scorer, it's worth slightly shifting resources into some more "gutsy" talent pools?

Currently, the truly exceptional MLS Next or ECNL strikers are recruited by the MLS Academies and signed to MLS Next Pro contracts (if not to contracts with USL or European academies).  The really good ones are then the ones that DI is recruiting.  Frequently, DIII is getting guys who scored in MLS Next/ECNL, but didn't fit the striker mold (too short, not fast/athletic enough etc).  Middlebury has a freshman like that who played striker in MLS Next, but Middlebury moved him back to midfield (sometimes the 6) where he can use his technical skills more and can shoot from distance, rather than put up top where most defenders will be able to outjump or outrun him.   Amherst also got a great HS scorer from Socal, who often played farther back in ECNL because he might have lacked some of the elite quickness at his size to beat the better defenders (although he could against some and did play up top some of the time).  Better fit up top for Amherst based on the way they play and he already scored 5 goals this year

You have to be more creative to find goal scorers these days - it involves some level of projection and creativity.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Freddyfud on November 20, 2024, 09:40:07 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on November 20, 2024, 06:08:58 PMCurrently, the truly exceptional MLS Next or ECNL strikers are recruited by the MLS Academies and signed to MLS Next Pro contracts (if not to contracts with USL or European academies).  The really good ones are then the ones that DI is recruiting.  Frequently, DIII is getting guys who scored in MLS Next/ECNL, but didn't fit the striker mold (too short, not fast/athletic enough etc).
Spot on from what I've seen.  Just to add this seems to be the current pathway for all players at least since MLS Next Pro formed a couple of years ago. But of course strikers are scarce. This pathway could change going forward due to the D1 roster limits being discussed in another thread or other unforeseen factors.

The boys club scene has been very dynamic in recent years.  From DA to (boys) ECNL to MLS Next and most recently MLS NEXT Pro and even USL2 expansion.  I suspect NESCAC and many other D3 coaches are already following along rather than going to the same well.  As Kuiper says the uncertainty requires a bit of projection.   
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 22, 2024, 03:28:56 PM
I know it was a topic brought up earlier but the ACC had Nine teams in the Division 1 championship in a field of 48.......
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: eaglesoccerdad on November 22, 2024, 03:36:29 PM
9 out of 15 for the ACC. All teams that made it were .500 or better in conference.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: PaulNewman on November 22, 2024, 03:54:02 PM
As my cauldron stew of admiration and resentment rages on, I can't seem to resist adding to the NESCAC mystique....

Connecticut College was the SIXTH seed for the NESCAC tournament and is the FIFTH seed for the NCAA tournament.

Massive favorite to easily dispatch the Owls tomorrow.

Conn versus UMW should be a good one!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 23, 2024, 10:04:23 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 22, 2024, 03:54:02 PMAs my cauldron stew of admiration and resentment rages on, I can't seem to resist adding to the NESCAC mystique....

Connecticut College was the SIXTH seed for the NESCAC tournament and is the FIFTH seed for the NCAA tournament.

Massive favorite to easily dispatch the Owls tomorrow.

Conn versus UMW should be a good one!

it also appears you're brewing the mystical power of the jinx in that cauldron as well ;)
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Newenglander on November 23, 2024, 05:25:16 PM
Quote from: Newenglander on November 23, 2024, 10:04:23 AM
Quote from: PaulNewman on November 22, 2024, 03:54:02 PMAs my cauldron stew of admiration and resentment rages on, I can't seem to resist adding to the NESCAC mystique....

Connecticut College was the SIXTH seed for the NESCAC tournament and is the FIFTH seed for the NCAA tournament.

Massive favorite to easily dispatch the Owls tomorrow.

Conn versus UMW should be a good one!

it also appears you're brewing the mystical power of the jinx in that cauldron as well ;)
And it almost worked!!! Tight game
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: nescac1 on December 01, 2024, 03:51:29 PM
Congrats to the three NESCAC teams in the Final Four, an incredible accomplishment for the league (as was having eight teams in the final 32).  Before the focus goes (deservedly) on the national semis, I just wanted to give a shout out to Coach Siebert for the very fast turnaround he has accomplished with the Eph program.  After dominating NESCAC from the late 1980s through 2013, with six final fours, a national title, a slew of league titles and numerous all-Americans, including multiple high-level professional players, from 2014 through 2021 Williams played in a grand total of one NCAA tourney game, which it lost.  Williams was clearly way behind Tufts and Amherst, which dominated the national landscape over the past decade, and also emerging power Conn which joined them over the past few years, and traditional rival Middlebury, which has remained consistently in the mix. 

In his first three years, with only two of his own recruiting classes, Siebert has led Williams to an improbable title game run and a tough exit in PKs from the sweet 16, and the future for the Ephs is very bright with every single goal scorer returning (presumably) next season.  For the first time in what feels like forever, the Ephs are likely to have some real offensive firepower going forward with Coehlo healthy, Mitchell and Bethencourt likely to make an even bigger impact as experienced players who are sure to see a lot more playing time, and a nice group of supporting creative offensive players in Kirkman, Grace, Mix and Keussom.  Added to the finishing mix will be JJ Ruehlemann, who capped off his 40-goal senior season with the state championship-winning goal.  Yes, it was in the smallest school division, but still very impressive in NJ high school soccer:

https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/boys-soccer/2024/11/24/waldwick-boys-soccer-wins-state-title-on-dramatic-late-goal/76479187007/

Better angle on the incredible game winning goal: https://youtu.be/8oPYIoS75uo?si=Ij_8cscLoutYnOtn

Defensively, the Ephs will lose all-leaguer Gutierrez, who was critical to the team's defensive play and also helped to move things forward.  But they will hopefully return healthy all-league center back Griff Labonski; the team's defense was never the same after he went out with an injury as he can control the middle of the action with his physical presence.  Caires, Gibson, Brown, and Ross also played big minutes as a very young group of defensive midfielders and back-line players, and that group should form another very stout Eph defense as they continue to mature together.

The big question for the Ephs will be who mans the GK position after the loss of four-year starter, all-American Ben Diffley, who played nearly every meaningful snap at goalie for Williams for what feel like forever.  He was a massive presence for the Ephs, and the only returning goalie is Kai Darrell, a big FY who did not concede a goal in only 90 minutes of play.  I assume Siebert prioritized goalie in recruiting and will be bringing someone else (perhaps two players) who can compete for minutes right away, but that is a huge question mark heading into the season for a team that otherwise looks loaded with now-veteran talent. 

Amherst, Tufts, Conn, and Midd all suffer huge losses to graduation, but all have such a strong talent pipeline that all will surely be national contenders yet again.  Hopefully Williams is ready to permanently join them as a national contender. Bowdoin is also a team to watch next year, returning two legit stars.   

Good luck to the remaining NESCAC teams - I'll pick Conn College to win it all as they seem to be on a major roll heading into the final four, but any of the four remaining teams (including W&L, who was deserving of getting past Williams even though it had to go to PKs) are easily national title worthy. 
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Sir.MixALotz on January 24, 2025, 05:16:14 PM
It appears Cumpstone is leaving Colby after only one year.
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: Kuiper on January 24, 2025, 05:33:36 PM
Quote from: Sir.MixALotz on January 24, 2025, 05:16:14 PMIt appears Cumpstone is leaving Colby after only one year.

Wow!  That's certainly unexpected considering Colby is known as a place where coaches stay.  Before Cumpstone, the school only had two men's soccer head coaches since 1976 (Mark Serdjenian, 1976-2013 and Ewan Seabrook, 2014-2023).
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: LibbyMoore on February 26, 2025, 11:12:13 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on January 24, 2025, 05:33:36 PM
Quote from: Sir.MixALotz on January 24, 2025, 05:16:14 PMIt appears Cumpstone is leaving Colby after only one year.

Wow!  That's certainly unexpected considering Colby is known as a place where coaches stay.  Before Cumpstone, the school only had two men's soccer head coaches since 1976 (Mark Serdjenian, 1976-2013 and Ewan Seabrook, 2014-2023).

He's been nonstop active in CT Rush for months, a multi-pronged statewide club program, and was just announced as their general manager. That's tough for Colby, unless they had a runer up they loved that they could still get!
Title: Re: NESCAC
Post by: OldNed on February 27, 2025, 09:51:10 AM
Quote from: LibbyMoore on February 26, 2025, 11:12:13 PM
Quote from: Kuiper on January 24, 2025, 05:33:36 PM
Quote from: Sir.MixALotz on January 24, 2025, 05:16:14 PMIt appears Cumpstone is leaving Colby after only one year.

Wow!  That's certainly unexpected considering Colby is known as a place where coaches stay.  Before Cumpstone, the school only had two men's soccer head coaches since 1976 (Mark Serdjenian, 1976-2013 and Ewan Seabrook, 2014-2023).

He's been nonstop active in CT Rush for months, a multi-pronged statewide club program, and was just announced as their general manager. That's tough for Colby, unless they had a runer up they loved that they could still get!

Interesting. Makes one wonder if there is more money for coaches on the club side vs. as a coach of a well respected D3 school. Perhaps that is oversimplifying things and there may be other factors playing into his decision, too.
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